bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust sideslip angle observer of commercial vehicles based on cornering stiffness estimation using neural network
Authors: Zhou Chenyu , Yu Liangyao , Li Yong , Song Jian
Published: January 2022

Accurate estimation of sideslip angle is essential for vehicle stability control. For commercial vehicles, the estimation of sideslip angle is challenging due to severe load transfer and tire nonlinearity. This paper presents a robust sideslip angle observer of commercial vehicles based on identification of tire cornering stiffness. Since tire cornering stiffness of commercial vehicles is greatly affected by tire force and road adhesion coefficient, it cannot be treated as a constant. To estimate the cornering stiffness in real time, the neural network model constructed by Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation (LMBP) algorithm is employed. LMBP is a fast convergent supervised learning algorithm, which combines the steepest descent method and gauss-newton method, and is widely used in system parameter estimation. LMBP does not rely on the mathematical model of the actual system when building the neural network. Therefore, when the mathematical model is difficult to establish, LMBP can play a very good role. Considering the complexity of tire modeling, this study adopted LMBP algorithm to estimate tire cornering stiffness, which have simplified the tire model and improved the estimation accuracy. Combined with neural network, A time-varying Kalman filter (TVKF) is designed to observe the sideslip angle of commercial vehicles. To validate the feasibility of the proposed estimation algorithm, multiple driving maneuvers under different road surface friction have been carried out. The test results show that the proposed method has better accuracy than the existing algorithm, and it’s robust over a wide range of driving conditions.
Aerodynamic instabilities modeling under asymmetric boundary in a centrifugal compressor for turbocharger
Authors: Hu Chenxing , Li Xue , Zheng Siyu
Published: January 2022

The increasing demand for compression systems with high pressure ratio and wide safety margin has set new prerequisites for designers to meet the industrial needs without increasing the manufacturing costs excessively. In this work, the turbulent stability of the vaneless diffuser of the centrifugal compressor was analyzed. Unsteady Reynolds-averaged numerical simulations of the isolated diffuser and full annular diffuser with or without circumferential asymmetric boundary conditions downstream were performed. And a continuous adjoint approach was adopted, which is rarely applied in the stability analysis of compressor flow. Then, the origin of instability under different inflow and outflow conditions was sought with a sensitivity analysis. The prediction of the growth rate reveals that the flow near the shroud dominates the global stability of the diffuser. When connected with an impeller in the upstream direction, the most unstable region is localized at the backflow regions near the outlet. The wave number, however, is altered under the impact of the jet-wake flow. When connected to a circumferential asymmetric condition, the structural sensitivity of the vaneless diffuser with a radius ratio of 1.53 indicates that the interaction between the inlet reverse flow and outlet backflow is responsible for the occurrence of stall. The most unstable regions are localized at the region 90°–135° away from the volute tongue. The present work mainly contributes to the instabilities identification with novel sensitivity methods under asymmetric boundary conditions.
Incel Activity on Social Media Linked to Local Mating Ecology
Authors: Brooks Robert C. , Russo-Batterham Daniel , Blake Khandis R.
Published: January 2022

Young men with few prospects of attracting a mate have historically threatened the internal peace and stability of societies. In some contemporary societies, such involuntary celibate—or incel—men promote much online misogyny and perpetrate real-world violence. We tested the prediction that online incel activity arises via local real-world mating-market forces that affect relationship formation. From a database of 4 billion Twitter posts (2012–2018), we geolocated 321 million tweets to 582 commuting zones in the continental United States, of which 3,649 tweets used words peculiar to incels and 3,745 were about incels. We show that such tweets arise disproportionately within places where mating competition among men is likely to be high because of male-biased sex ratios, few single women, high income inequality, and small gender gaps in income. Our results suggest a role for social media in monitoring and mitigating factors that lead young men toward antisocial behavior in real-world societies.
Labour market protection across space and time: A revised typology and a taxonomy of countries’ trajectories of change
Authors: Ferragina Emanuele , Filetti Federico Danilo
Published: January 2022

We measure and interpret the evolution of labour market protection across 21 high-income countries over three decades, employing as conceptual foundations the ‘regime varieties’ and ‘trajectories of change’ developed by Esping-Andersen, Estevez-Abe, Hall and Soskice, and Thelen. We measure labour market protection considering four institutional dimensions – employment protection, unemployment protection, income maintenance and activation – and the evolution of the workforce composition. This measurement accounts for the joint evolution of labour market institutions, their complementarities and their relation to outcomes, and mitigate the unrealistic Average Production Worker assumption. We handle the multi-dimensional nature of labour market protection with Principal Component Analysis and capture the characteristics of countries’ trajectories of change with a composite score. We contribute to the literature in three ways. (1) We portray a revised typology that accounts for processes of change between 1990 and 2015, and that clusters regime varieties on the basis of coordination and solidarity levels, that is, Central/Northern European, Southern European, liberal. (2) We illustrate that, despite a persistent gap, a large majority of Coordinated Market Economies experiencing a decline in the level of labour market protection became more similar to Liberal Market Economies. (3) We develop a fivefold taxonomy of countries’ trajectories of change (liberalization, dualization, flexibility, de-dualization and higher protection), showing that these trajectories are not always path-dependent and consistent with regime varieties previously developed in the literature.
Mapping mental models of science communication: How academics in Germany, Austria and Switzerland understand and practice science communication
Authors: Kessler Sabrina Heike , Schäfer Mike S. , Johann David , Rauhut Heiko
Published: January 2022

The mental models that individual scholars have of science communication – how it works, what it is supposed to achieve and so on – shape the way these academics actually communicate to the public. But these mental models, and their prevalence among scholars, have rarely been analysed. Drawing on a large-scale, representative web survey of academics at universities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland ( n = 15,778) from 2020, we identify three mental models that are prevalent among scholars, and that correspond to conceptual models found in science communication theory: ‘Public Understanding of Science’, ‘Public Engagement with Science’ and ‘Strategic Science Communication’. The results suggest that the ‘Strategic Science Communication’ model is particularly prevalent among academics in precarious employment and female scholars. Extrinsically motivated academics, that is, those under pressure to win grants, also seem to use science communication more strategically. The ‘Public Engagement’ model is prevalent among older and female scholars, while ‘Public Understanding’ is particularly prevalent among scholars who find their work especially meaningful. Findings also reveal that academics’ mental models largely align with the way they practice science communication.
Evaluation of a human urine barbiturate test to screen for pentobarbital euthanasia of dogs and cats
Authors: Stern Adam W. , Muralidhar Manavi , Cole Cynthia
Published: January 2022

Pentobarbital is used commonly to euthanize animals. Occasionally during a death investigation, it is necessary to determine whether a cat or dog was euthanized via pentobarbital overdose. Screening for the detection of barbiturates including pentobarbital can be performed using commercial immunochromatographic tests. We used a commercial immunochromatographic test for barbiturates in humans to screen for barbiturates in urine collected postmortem from 20 dogs and 20 cats to determine whether they had been euthanized with pentobarbital. Additionally, we analyzed the urine for pentobarbital using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry as a confirmatory test. Screening and confirmation testing revealed 100% agreement between the tests and with the euthanasia status of each animal. Our results support the use of the immunochromatographic test for the screening of urine collected postmortem to assess for the presence of barbiturates, specifically pentobarbital, used for euthanasia.
Mine or ours? Unintended framing effects in dictator games
Authors: Bergh Andreas , Wichardt Philipp C
Published: January 2022

This paper reports results from a classroom dictator game comparing the effects of three different sets of standard instructions. The results show that seemingly small and typically unreported differences in standard instructions induce different perceptions regarding entitlement and ownership of the money to be distributed, and that these perceptions influence behaviour. Less is given when the task is described as a task of generosity and more when the task is a task of distribution (average 35 % vs. 52 %). The results can contribute to explaining the large variation in dictator game giving reported in the literature and show that even small and unreported differences in instructions change how the game is perceived.

JEL codes: C70; C91; D63
Finally, an FDA Approval for an Immunization Against COVID-19: Hope on the Horizon
Authors: Powell Jason , Piszczatoski Christopher R.
Published: January 2022

Objective

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection known as severe respiratory acute syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The purpose of this manuscript is to review information leading to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

Data Sources

A literature search was conducted of PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov (August 2018—October 2021) to identify trials related to the FDA approval of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

Study selection and data extraction

Trials included are those the FDA deemed significant and accurate enough to be included in the FDA approval process. Information not recognized by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nor FDA is omitted to not add to further confusion and misinformation.

Data synthesis

In persons 16 years or older without evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, a total of 77 COVID-19 cases (0.39%) in the vaccine group from 7 days onward after the second dose vs 833 (4.1%) in the placebo group (Vaccine efficacy 91.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 88.8-93.1). According the CDC definition of severe infection, there were no severe infections in the vaccine group 7 days and onward after the second dose, compared to 31 (0.15%) in the placebo group (Vaccine efficacy 100%; 95% CI: 87.6-100.0). Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Reduction of infection by SARS-COV-2 is a top priority in protecting the health of all people and the official approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination may improve this goal.

Conclusions

Data available show a high efficacy rate of preventing SARS -CoV-2 with relatively low rates of ADE after full vaccination with Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
Questionnaire Measures of Empathy in Children: A Scoping Review
Authors: Neary Philippa
Published: January 2022

Children’s unique developmental and contextual needs make it challenging to measure empathy validly and reliably. This scoping review is the first to collate currently available information about self-report, other-report, and performance-based questionnaire measures of empathy for children aged up to 11 years. Following the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR; Tricco et al., 2018), a literature search using PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified 24 relevant measures of empathy in children, with publication years spanning 1958 to 2019. Questionnaires could broadly be classified into four groups, according to the extent to which they were developed with children’s developmental needs and contexts in mind, and were based on contemporary theory and research findings. There was a distinction between performance-based measures, which elicited children’s empathy-related responses to novel content and therefore assessed situational state empathy, and self- and other-report measures, which rated children’s general empathic tendencies and thus assessed dispositional trait empathy. Results highlighted the importance of researchers having clarity on their definition of empathy and choosing measures consistent with this, and the merit of utilizing a multimodal assessment approach.
Dynamic responses and control of geared transmission system based on multibody modeling methodology
Authors: Yao ZhaoYuan , Wang JunGuo , Zhao YongXiang
Published: January 2022

In this study, an innovative modeling approach is put forward to research the effect of eccentricity on the nonlinear dynamical behaviors of geared-bearing system. This refined model contains the rigid body of the rotor-bearing system and separated gear teeth which are considered as individual bodies elastically attached to the gear hub with revolute joints. The internal and external excitations of the proposed model include torsional joint stiffness, roll bearing forces, friction between gear pair, gear eccentricity, and so on. The systematic procedure for the calculation of torsional joint stiffness, bearing forces and friction coefficient considering elastohydrodynamic is also conducted. After that, the influence of eccentricity on nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the geared transmission system is analyzed. To avoid the system moving in the unstable motion state, a dry friction damper controller is designed to control the nonlinear behaviors simulated on the basis of above model. The linear feedback and periodic excitation non-feedback control strategies are, respectively, selected to design the actuator. It is indicated that undesirable behaviors of the geared transmission system can be avoided effectively by applying the proposed control method.
Patients’ Perceptions of Integrated Care Among Medicare Beneficiaries by Level of Need for Health Services
Authors: Song Nancy , Frean Molly , Covington Christian T. , Tietschert Maike , Ling Emilia , Bahadurzada Hassina , Kerrissey Michaela , Friedberg Mark , Singer Sara J.
Published: January 2022

Requirements for integrating care across providers, settings, and over time increase with patients’ needs. Health care providers’ ability to offer care that patients experience as integrated may vary among patients with different levels of need. We explore the variation in patients’ perceptions of integrated care among Medicare beneficiaries based on the beneficiary’s level of need using ordinary least square regression for each of four high-need groups: beneficiaries (a) with complex chronic conditions, (b) with frailties, (c) below 65 with disability, and (d) with any (of the first three) high needs. We control for beneficiary demographics and other factors affecting integrated care, and we conduct sensitivity analyses controlling for multiple individual chronic conditions. We find significant positive associations with level of need for provider support for self-directed care and medication and home health management. Controlling for multiple individual chronic conditions reduces effect sizes and number of significant relationships.
A Mission-Based Argument for Private K-12 Student Press
Authors: Salkin Erica R.
Published: January 2022

Although the First Amendment does not guarantee student press within public schools, it does help affirm the value of such opportunities to student communities. Private schools do not enjoy such constitutional support, but may have a more powerful tool closer to home: their own school mission statements. This study coded nearly 500 private K-12 school mission statements to determine whether the priorities identified by these programs align with the documented benefits of student journalism and found a strong connection between both.
The Feasibility of a Novel Recruitment Protocol for Collecting Survivor Data via Disclosure Recipient Referrals
Authors: Ullman Sarah E. , Waterman Emily A. , Edwards Katie M. , Marshall Jania , Dardis Christina M. , Rodriguez Lindsey M. , Dworkin Emily R.
Published: January 2022

The current arricle describes a novel recruitment protocol for collecting data from sexual assault and intimate partner violence survivors referred to research studies by individuals to whom they had previously disclosed. Challenges in both recruiting participants and interpreting data are described. Only 35.8% of cases had usable data for both survivors and disclosure recipients, suggesting that this referral method had limited success in recruiting matched pairs. Suggestions for modifications to improve the protocol for future research are offered. Potential advantages and drawbacks of various methods for recruiting dyads are described in order to facilitate future research on survivors’ disclosure processes, social reactions, and the influence of social reactions on survivor recovery.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on new starts to oral oncology medications in the US
Authors: Neilson Lynn , Kohli Monal , Munshi Kiraat D , K Peasah Samuel , Henderson Rochelle , Passero Vida , Good Chester B
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare delivery. Although others have documented the impact on new cancer diagnoses, trends in new starts for oncology drugs are less clear. We examined changes in new users of oral oncology medications in the US following COVID-19 stay-at-home orders in 2020 compared to prior years.

Methods

We examined prescription data for members enrolled with a national pharmacy benefits manager in the US from January 1-October 31 of 2018, 2019, and/or 2020. This is a retrospective, observational study comparing new users per 100,000 members per month for all oral oncology drugs, and separately for breast, lung, and prostate cancer, leukemia, and melanoma oral drugs. We performed a difference-in-differences analysis for change in new users from pre-period (prior to pandemic-induced disruption, January-March), to post-period (following pandemic-induced disruption, April-October), between 2020 and 2019, and 2020 and 2018.

Results

New oral oncology drug users per 100,000 members per month declined by an additional 11.3% in the 2020 post-period compared to 2019 ( p = 0.048). New oral breast cancer drug starts declined by an additional 14.0% in the 2020 post-period compared to 2019 ( p = 0.040). Similar but non-significant trends were found between 2020 and 2018. No significant differences were found between post-period monthly new starts of leukemia, melanoma, lung or prostate cancer disease-specific oral medications.

Conclusions

Long-term implications of delays in cancer treatment initiation are unclear, although there is concern that patient outcomes may be negatively impacted.
ExaAM: Metal additive manufacturing simulation at the fidelity of the microstructure
Authors: Turner John A , Belak James , Barton Nathan , Bement Matthew , Carlson Neil , Carson Robert , DeWitt Stephen , Fattebert Jean-Luc , Hodge Neil , Jibben Zechariah , King Wayne , Levine Lyle , Newman Christopher , Plotkowski Alex , Radhakrishnan Balasubramaniam , Reeve Samuel Temple , Rolchigo Matthew , Sabau Adrian , Slattery Stuart , Stump Benjamin
Published: January 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, of metals is transforming the fabrication of components, in part by dramatically expanding the design space, allowing optimization of shape and topology. However, although the physical processes involved in AM are similar to those of welding, a field with decades of experimental, modeling, simulation, and characterization experience, qualification of AM parts remains a challenge. The availability of exascale computational systems, particularly when combined with data-driven approaches such as machine learning, enables topology and shape optimization as well as accelerated qualification by providing process-aware, locally accurate microstructure and mechanical property models. We describe the physics components comprising the Exascale Additive Manufacturing simulation environment and report progress using highly resolved melt pool simulations to inform part-scale finite element thermomechanics simulations, drive microstructure evolution, and determine constitutive mechanical property relationships based on those microstructures using polycrystal plasticity. We report on implementation of these components for exascale computing architectures, as well as the multi-stage simulation workflow that provides a unique high-fidelity model of process–structure–property relationships for AM parts. In addition, we discuss verification and validation through collaboration with efforts such as AM-Bench, a set of benchmark test problems under development by a team led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
An Evaluation Framework of a Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Equity Research
Authors: Ellington Roni , Barajas Clara B. , Drahota Amy , Meghea Cristian , Uphold Heatherlun , Scott Jamil B. , Lewis E. Yvonne , Furr-Holden C. Debra
Published: January 2022

Over the last few decades, there has been an increase in the number of large federally funded transdisciplinary programs and initiatives. Scholars have identified a need to develop frameworks, methodologies, and tools to evaluate the effectiveness of these large collaborative initiatives, providing precise ways to understand and assess the operations, community and academic partner collaboration, scientific and community research dissemination, and cost-effectiveness. Unfortunately, there has been limited research on methodologies and frameworks that can be used to evaluate large initiatives. This study presents a framework for evaluating the Flint Center for Health Equity Solutions (FCHES), a National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)-funded Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center (TCC) for health disparities research. This report presents a summary of the FCHES evaluation framework and evaluation questions as well as findings from the Year-2 evaluation of the Center and lessons learned.
Using L2 interactional-pragmatic resources in CMC: A case of Japanese orthography and emoji
Authors: Maa Joy , Taguchi Naoko
Published: January 2022

Increasingly prevalent use of technologies such as instant messaging and online chat has transformed our traditional ways of learning and teaching pragmatics. This study presents an example of such transformation by demonstrating how computer-mediated communication (CMC) may be employed as a tool to provide second language (L2) learners opportunities to use interactional resources specific to the context of CMC, namely unique orthography and emoji. For the study, we introduced four university-level learners of Japanese to a language exchange messaging application and recorded their online text-based chat interactions with native Japanese speakers over a period of 12 weeks. We followed up the chat data with weekly stimulated verbal recalls (SVR) to investigate L2 learners’ intentions and perceptions surrounding their own and others’ use of unique orthography and emoji (48 SVR sessions total; average 30 minutes per session). Coding and thematic analysis of the chat data revealed learners’ agentive use of orthography and emoji as resources for communication. In addition, the SVR data revealed a variety of personal and interpersonal reasons behind their use, including learners’ concerns over self-presentation, interpersonal relationships, identity, and discourse management. The findings not only demonstrate how CMC can afford learners a unique environment for experimenting with a range of context-appropriate interactional resources to convey pragmatic meaning, but also shed light on the various, sometimes competing, considerations and complex processes underlying learners’ pragmatic choices in CMC.
Damaged cable identification in cable-stayed bridge from bridge deck strain measurements using support vector machine
Authors: Ren Jianying , Zhang Bing , Zhu Xinqun , Li Shaohua
Published: January 2022

A new two-step approach is developed for damaged cable identification in a cable-stayed bridge from deck bending strain responses using Support Vector Machine. A Damaged Cable Identification Machine (DCIM) based on support vector classification is constructed to determine the damaged cable and a Damage Severity Identification Machine (DSIM) based on support vector regression is built to estimate the damage severity. A field cable-stayed bridge with a long-term monitoring system is used to verify the proposed method. The three-dimensional Finite Element Model (FEM) of the cable-stayed bridge is established using ANSYS, and the model is validated using the field testing results, such as the mode shape, natural frequencies and its bending strain responses of the bridge under a moving vehicle. Then the validated FEM is used to simulate the bending strain responses of the longitude deck near the cable anchors when the vehicle is passing over the bridge. Different damage scenarios are simulated for each cable with various severities. Based on damage indexes vector, the training datasets and testing datasets are acquired, including single damaged cable scenarios and double damaged cable scenarios. Eventually, DCIM is trained using Support Vector Classification Machine and DSIM is trained using Support Vector Regression Machine. The testing datasets are input in DCIM and DSIM to check their accuracy and generalization capability. Different noise levels including 5%, 10%, and 20% are considered to study their anti-noise capability. The results show that DCIM and DSIM both have good generalization capability and anti-noise capability.
The effect of oxygen supply and oxygen distribution on single-head tunnel with different altitudes under mixed ventilation
Authors: Li Zijun , Wang Junjian , Zhao Shuqi , Xu Yu
Published: January 2022

Hypoxia plays a major role in limiting the construction of the high-altitude mine. Understanding the effect and the distribution of diffused oxygen supply at different altitudes is the premise for the design of a mine with oxygen supply system and the full utilization of oxygen resources. For the optimal design of an oxygen supply mode and ventilation system, a multi-component fluid model of the diffused oxygen supply of a single-head tunnel was developed. This study reveals the variation law of the average oxygen mass fraction at different altitudes. The relationship between the distance from the heading face and the oxygen mass fraction at each altitude was fitted. The results show that the distribution of oxygen mass fraction in a single head tunnel at different altitudes presents a similar trend of increasing first and then decline. In addition, the change of the average oxygen mass fraction with the increase of altitude is not linear, and the dispersion loss is larger in high-altitude areas. The largest oxygen enrichment area is distributed at the altitudes of 4000–4500 m. This study provides theoretical support for improving the hypoxic environment of high-altitude metal mines excavation work.
Science to practice: Does gamification enhance intrinsic motivation?
Authors: Jones Matthew , Blanton Jedediah E , Williams Rachel E
Published: January 2022

Self-determination theory (SDT) has empirical support in understanding and enhancing motivation in a variety of contexts, including education settings. Niemac and Ryan have highlighted that using SDT in course design can lead to stronger fulfilment of an internal locus of causality regarding course work. One course design method anchored in SDT is gameful learning—structuring tasks that support intrinsic motivation, primarily increasing autonomy over learning. A gamified classroom (GC) may offer more assignments and points than minimally necessary for students to earn a passing mark, allowing students choice in which projects to pursue. Further research is needed to examine the degree to which students’ motivations differ between a GC and a non-gamified classroom (NGC). The purpose of the current study was to determine if students in a GC were more intrinsically motivated than students in NGC. Students were enrolled in an undergraduate kinesiology course using a GC design ( n = 24) or NGC design ( n = 26) and completed an online survey – derived from the intrinsic motivation inventory and the test anxiety questionnaire—at the beginning and end of the semester. In the GC, students started with zero points, and were offered multiple assignments with scaffolded difficulty to reach their desired grade. The NGC used a traditional 100% grade range, with only required assignments and exams, and students lost points for inadequate or inaccurate responses. Following analyses, it was revealed that students in the GC had higher perceptions of autonomy and competence than students in the NGC. Where these differences exist over time, along with differences in other subscales, will be discussed further. Educators seeking to enhance student motivation and engagement may therefore look to gamification as an appropriate methodology.
A two-step computer vision-based framework for bolt loosening detection and its implementation on a smartphone application
Authors: Qi Yanzhi , Li Peizhen , Xiong Bing , Wang Shuyin , Yuan Cheng , Kong Qingzhao
Published: January 2022

Bolt loosening detection is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process for field engineers. This paper develops a two-step computer vision-based framework to quickly identify bolt loosening angle from field images captured by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In step one, a total of 1200 image samples of bolted structures were used to train faster region based convolutional neural network (Faster R-CNN) for bolt detection from UAV captured images. In step two, computer vision-based technologies, including Gaussian filter, perspective transform, and Hough transform (HT), were performed to quantify bolt loosening angle. The developed framework was then integrated into web server and an iOS application (app) was designed to enable fast data communication between field workplace (UAV captured images) and web server (bolt loosening angle quantification), so that field engineers can quickly view the inspection results on their phone screens. The proposed framework and designed smartphone app greatly help field engineers to improve the accuracy and efficiency for onsite inspection and maintenance of bolted structures.
Arterial Embolization of Polycystic Kidneys for Heterotopic Transplantation
Authors: Del Tatto Benjamin , Gogeneata Ioan , Ohana Mickael , Thaveau Fabien , Caillard Sophie , Chakfe Nabil , Lejay Anne , Georg Yannick
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of polycystic kidney embolization, performed to reduce kidney volume before heterotopic kidney transplantation, as this technique could be an alternative to pretransplant nephrectomy.

Materials and Methods:

All patients who underwent pretransplant embolization of polycystic kidneys were included in a prospective register from June 2014 to February 2020. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scan with volumetric reconstruction (OsiriX, Bernex, Switzerland) before embolization and were then followed up at 3 and 6 months after embolization. Primary outcome was percentage of kidney volume reduction. Secondary outcomes were 30 day mortality and morbidity.

Results:

Thirty-one embolizations performed on 29 patients (medium age = 55.6; 62.1% male) were included between June 2014 and February 2020. All patients were under dialysis before embolization (9 peritoneal dialysis and 20 hemodialysis). Technical success was observed in 96.8% of cases. Mean procedural time was 65 minutes (range = 35–106 minutes) and mean length of in-hospital stay was 3.8 days (range = 3–6 days). A volume reduction allowing a kidney transplant was obtained for 28 patients (96.5%). The mean volume reduction was 39.9% (range = 6.01–68.2). The main observed complication was postembolization pain in 10 cases (32.2%). One patient needed complementary nephrectomy due to insufficient volume reduction. Twenty-three patients (79.3%) received renal transplant during follow-up with a mean delay of 19.5 month (range = 4–54).

Conclusion:

Polycystic kidney embolization is an effective and safe minimally invasive technique. It can be proposed as the first-choice technique for kidney transplant recipients as an alternative to pretransplantation nephrectomy.
Advancing inclusive research with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities through a sensory-dialogical approach
Authors: Gjermestad Anita , Skarsaune Synne N , Bartlett Ruth L
Published: January 2022

People with profound and multiple learning disabilities are often excluded from the processes of knowledge production and face barriers to inclusion in research due to cognitive and communicative challenges. Inclusive research—even when intending to be inclusive—tends to operate within criteria that exclude people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. The aim of this article is to provide a state-of-the-art review of the topic of inclusive research involving people with profound disabilities and thereby challenge traditional assumptions of inclusive research. The review presents themes that will inform a discussion on how to challenge the criteria in ways that make it possible to understand inclusive research for people who communicate in unconventional ways. We argue that a fruitful way of rethinking inclusive research is by applying a sensory-dialogical approach that privileges the dialogical and sensory foundations of the research. We suggest this might be a way to understand inclusive research that regards the person’s communicative and cognitive distinctiveness.
Development of a questionnaire to identify persons with a family history of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Zuurbier Charlotte CM , Greving Jacoba P , Rinkel Gabriel JE , Ruigrok Ynte M
Published: January 2022

Background:

Preventive screening for intracranial aneurysms is effective in persons with a positive family history of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), but for many relatives of aSAH patients, it can be difficult to assess whether their relative had an aSAH or another type of stroke.

Aim:

We aimed to develop a family history questionnaire for people in the population who believe they have a first-degree relative who had a stroke and to assess its accuracy to identify relatives of aSAH patients.

Methods:

A questionnaire to distinguish between aSAH and other stroke types (ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage) was developed by a team of clinicians and consumers. The level of agreement between the questionnaire outcome and medical diagnosis was pilot tested in 30 previously admitted aSAH patients. Next, the sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire were assessed in 91 first-degree relatives (siblings/children) of previously admitted stroke patients.

Results:

All 30 aSAH patients were identified by the questionnaire in the pilot study; 29 of 30 first-degree relatives of aSAH patients were correctly identified. The questionnaire had a sensitivity of 97% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 83–100%) and a specificity of 93% (95% CI = 84–98%) when tested in the first-degree relatives of stroke patients.

Conclusion:

Our questionnaire can help persons to discriminate an aSAH from other types of stroke in their affected relative. This family history questionnaire is developed in the Netherlands but could also be used in other countries after validation.
Vascular risk factors and stroke risk across the life span: A population-representative study of half a million people
Authors: Joundi Raed A , Patten Scott B , Williams Jeanne VA , Smith Eric E
Published: January 2022

Background:

The incidence of stroke in developed countries is increasing selectively in young individuals, but whether this is secondary to traditional vascular risk factors is unknown.

Methods:

We used the Canadian Community Health Survey from 2000 to 2016 to create a large population-representative cohort of individuals over the age of 30 and free from prior stroke. All analyses were stratified by age decile. We linked with administrative databases to determine emergency department visits or hospitalizations for acute stroke until December 2017. We calculated time trends in risk factor prevalence (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking) using meta-regression. We used Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate the association between vascular risk factors and stroke risk, adjusted for demographic, co-morbid, and social variables. We used competing risk regression to account for deaths and calculated population-attributable fractions. In a sensitivity analysis, we excluded those with prior heart disease or cancer.

Results:

We included 492,400 people in the analysis with 8865 stroke events over a median follow-up time of 8.3 years. Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity increased over time while smoking decreased. Associations of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity with stroke risk were progressively stronger at younger age (adjusted hazard ratio for diabetes was 4.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.95–10.28 at age 30–39, vs 1.21, 95% CI = 0.93–1.57 at age 80+), although the obesity association was attenuated with adjustment. Smoking was associated with higher risk of stroke without a gradient across age deciles, although had the greatest population-attributable fraction at younger age. The hazard ratio for stroke with multiple concurrent risk factors was much higher at younger age (adjusted hazard ratio for 3–4 risk factors was 8.60, 95% CI = 2.97–24.9 at age 30–39 vs 1.61, 95% CI = 0.88–2.97 at age 80+) and results were consistent when accounting for the competing risk of death and excluding those with prior heart disease or cancer.

Conclusions:

Diabetes and hypertension were associated with progressively elevated relative risk of stroke in younger individuals and prevalence was increasing over time. The association of obesity with stroke was not significant after adjustment for other factors. Smoking had the greatest prevalence and population-attributable fraction for stroke at younger age. Our findings assist in understanding the relationship between vascular risk factors and stroke across the life span and planning public health measures to lower stroke incidence in the young.
Efficacy of tacrolimus as long-term immunotherapy for neuronal surface antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis
Authors: Liu Chenchen , Ji Suqiong , Gao Huajie , Bi Zhuajin , Zhang Qin , Shang Ke , Cao Jie , Bu Bitao
Published: January 2022

Aims:

We aimed to verify the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus as long-term immunotherapy for the treatment of neuronal surface antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis (AE) during the first attack.

Methods:

In this retrospective observational cohort study, patients with neuronal surface antibody-mediated AE who experienced the first attack were enrolled. We compared the outcomes of 17 patients who received tacrolimus with those of 47 patients treated without tacrolimus. Patients were assessed at onset and 3, 6, and 12 months, as well as at the last follow-up, by using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and the Clinical Assessment Scale in Autoimmune Encephalitis (CASE). The efficacy of tacrolimus was also compared in a subgroup of patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.

Results:

Among all patients with neuronal surface antibody-mediated AE, those receiving tacrolimus had lower median mRS scores [1 (IQR = 0–1) versus 2 (IQR = 1–3) in controls, p = 0.001)], CASE scores [2 (IQR = 1–3) versus 3 (IQR = 2–7), p = 0.006], and more favorable mRS scores (94.1% versus 68.1%, p = 0.03) at the 3-month follow-up. No difference was found at the last follow-up. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of relapse and adverse events between the two groups (11.8% versus 14.9%, p = 0.75). In the subgroup of patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, patients treated with tacrolimus had a lower median mRS score at the 3-month follow-up [1 (IQR = 0–2) versus 2 (IQR = 1–3), p = 0.03]; however, no difference in the outcome was detected at the last follow-up.

Conclusion:

Tacrolimus can be used as long-term immunotherapy in patients with neuronal surface antibody-mediated AE during the first attack. Treatment with tacrolimus appears to accelerate the clinical improvement of neuronal surface antibody-mediated AE.
Lipid ratios and obesity indices are effective predictors of metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Kałużna Małgorzata , Czlapka-Matyasik Magdalena , Kompf Pola , Moczko Jerzy , Wachowiak-Ochmańska Katarzyna , Janicki Adam , Samarzewska Karolina , Ruchała Marek , Ziemnicka Katarzyna
Published: January 2022

Background:

Insulin resistance (IR) is common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Metabolic syndrome (MS) involves IR, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, and visceral fat accumulation. Therefore, fatness indices and blood lipid ratios can be considered as screening markers for MS. Our study aimed to evaluate the predictive potential of selected indirect metabolic risk parameters to identify MS in PCOS.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study involved 596 women aged 18–40 years, including 404 PCOS patients diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria and 192 eumenorrheic controls (CON). Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken, and blood samples were collected to assess glucose metabolism, lipid parameters, and selected hormone levels. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and triglycerides-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) were calculated. MS was assessed using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI) criteria.

Results:

MS prevalence was significantly higher in PCOS versus CON. Patients with both MS and PCOS had more unfavorable anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic profiles versus those with neither MS nor PCOS and versus CON with MS. LAP, TG/HDL-C, VAI, and WHtR were the best markers and strongest indicators of MS in PCOS, and their cut-off values could be useful for early MS detection. MS risk in PCOS increased with elevated levels of these markers and was the highest when TG/HDL-C was used.

Conclusions:

LAP, TG/HDL-C, VAI, and WHtR are representative markers for MS assessment in PCOS. Their predictive power makes them excellent screening tools for internists and enables acquiring accurate diagnoses using fewer MS markers.
Leveraging value-based care principles in developing eHealth systems: A teaching case
Authors: Mohd Fadhil Noor Fadzlina , Teoh SayYen , Wickramasinghe Nilmini
Published: January 2022

Recently, many countries, including developing countries, have struggled to manage rising healthcare costs and challenges around decreasing quality of care. Previous studies suggest that electronic health systems could significantly improve the quality of care and facilitate better access to care. However, there is still a lack of studies providing sufficient evidence around how this can be achieved. This case study examines how a hospital uses its electronic health (eHealth) systems to offer better access, quality, and value by leveraging the principles of value-based care for its patients. This case study provides critical insights for healthcare stakeholders, public hospitals, especially in developing countries, healthcare providers and policymakers and proffers an approach to leverage the principles of value-based care when developing eHealth systems to offer better overall health and well-being services to their patients.
Symptom cluster analysis of long COVID-19 in patients discharged from the Temporary COVID-19 Hospital in Mexico City
Authors: Wong-Chew Rosa María , Rodríguez Cabrera Edwin Xchel , Rodríguez Valdez Carlos Alberto , Lomelin-Gascon Julieta , Morales-Juárez Linda , de la Cerda Mariana Lizbeth Rodríguez , Villa-Romero Antonio Rafael , Arce Fernández Stephanie , Serratos Fernandez Mariana , Bello Héctor Herrera , Castañeda Lidia Moreno , Avendaño Mónica Arboleya , Hernández-Cruz Jesús Abraham , Álvarez Martínez Nelson , Fernanda Contreras Liza , Rafael González de la Cerda Luis , Juárez Flores Arturo , Martínez-Juarez Luis Alberto , Álvarez-Hernández Diego-Abelardo , Gallardo-Rincón Héctor , Fajardo Dolci German , Tapia-Conyer Roberto , Valdez-Vázquez Rafael Ricardo
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Several reports have emerged describing the long-term consequences of COVID-19 and its effects on multiple systems.

Methods:

As further research is needed, we conducted a longitudinal observational study to report the prevalence and associated risk factors of the long-term health consequences of COVID-19 by symptom clusters in patients discharged from the Temporary COVID-19 Hospital (TCH) in Mexico City. Self-reported clinical symptom data were collected via telephone calls over 90 days post-discharge. Among 4670 patients, we identified 45 symptoms across eight symptom clusters (neurological; mood disorders; systemic; respiratory; musculoskeletal; ear, nose, and throat; dermatological; and gastrointestinal).

Results:

We observed that the neurological, dermatological, and mood disorder symptom clusters persisted in >30% of patients at 90 days post-discharge. Although most symptoms decreased in frequency between day 30 and 90, alopecia and the dermatological symptom cluster significantly increased ( p < 0.00001). Women were more prone than men to develop long-term symptoms, and invasive mechanical ventilation also increased the frequency of symptoms at 30 days post-discharge.

Conclusion:

Overall, we observed that symptoms often persisted regardless of disease severity. We hope these findings will help promote public health strategies that ensure equity in the access to solutions focused on the long-term consequences of COVID-19.