bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Nonlinear Dynamics and Trends in Precipitation by Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) and Fractal Approach in Benin Republic (West Africa)
Authors: Agbazo Médard Noukpo , N’Gobi Gabin Koto , Alamou Eric , Kounouhewa Basile , Afouda Abel
Published: January 2021

Climate dynamics and trends have significant environmental and socioeconomic impacts; however, in the Benin Republic, they are generally studied with diverse statistical methods ignoring the nonstationarity, nonlinearity, and self‐similarity characteristics contained in precipitation time series. This can lead to erroneous conclusions and an unclear understanding of climatic dynamics. Based on daily precipitation data observed in the six synoptic stations of Benin Republic, in the period from 1951 to 2010, we have proposed (i) determining the local trends of precipitations, (ii) investigating precipitation nonlinear dynamics, and (iii) assessing climatic shift in the study period by Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) and Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA) method. To overcome the detrending issue in the standard MFDFA method, the EEMD algorithm is embedded into the MFDFA. The study period is subdivided into three subperiods: 1951–1970, 1971–1990, and 1991–2010. Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) are obtained according to the climatic region in which the stations are located. Results show that precipitation variation is significantly governed by the five first IMFs, in which oscillation periods vary from 1 to 25 days. The trend curves decrease at all the synoptic stations, and their slope values vary accordingly to the subperiods. Referring to the values of the multifractal spectrum parameters, α0, and the width of the spectrum w, consistent changes are observed regardless of the subperiods and the concerned stations. The spatial and temporal variability of precipitation indicates that the multifractal properties are good indicators for assessing changes in precipitation dynamics, and the changes in their features could be explained by the global change than by the local climate variation (climatic zones). Despite the observed differences in multifractal spectra properties from the three subperiods, it is not possible to verify the subdivision of 1951–2010 in three subperiods as it is done by previous studies in West Africa. Our findings can be used in the validation of global and regional climate models since a valid model should explain empirically detected scaling properties in observed data.
Component Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of CO2 Extract of Portulaca oleracea, Growing in the Territory of Kazakhstan
Authors: Tleubayeva Meruyert I. , Datkhayev Ubaidilla M. , Alimzhanova Mereke , Ishmuratova Margarita Yu , Korotetskaya Nadezhda V. , Abdullabekova Raisa M. , Flisyuk Elena V. , Gemejiyeva Nadezhda G.
Published: January 2021

In the medicine of many countries, the use of herbal healing agents included a significant contribution to improving human health and well-being. Many antibiotics have been widely used to treat infectious diseases caused by various pathogenic bacteria. However, increased multidrug resistance has led to increased severity of diseases caused by bacterial pathogens. Bacteria remain the main causative agents of diseases that cause human death, even in the present day. This cause prompted scientists to investigate alternative new molecules against bacterial strains. The significant interest for the study is Portulaca oleracea L. (family Portulacaceae), a widespread annual plant used in folk medicine. Thus, the production and study of CO2 extract of Portulaca oleracea is an actual problem. Methods. Raw materials were collected from Almaty and Zhambyl regions (Southeast and South Kazakhstan) in phase flowering. Portulaca oleracea herb’s CO2 extract was obtained by subcritical carbon dioxide extraction (installation of carbon dioxide flow-through extraction- 5L). The Wiley 7th edition and NIST’02 library were used to identify the mass spectra obtained. The antimicrobial activity study was conducted by the micromethod of serial dilution and disco-diffuse method. Standard test strains of microorganisms were used: Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538-P, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739. Results. The use of carbon dioxide extraction (further CO2 extract) is a promising direction of obtaining total medicinal substances containing biologically active substances, from fractions of volatile esters of various composition and functional purpose until a fraction of fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. In the current study, we obtained CO2 extract at subcritical conditions from aboveground organs of Portulaca oleracea and investigated the component composition for the first time. From 41 to 66 components were identified in the composition of Portulaca oleracea‘s CO2 extract. Studies of antimicrobial activity showed that CO2 extract of Portulaca oleracea had the expressed effect against clinically significant microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans. Conclusions. This study showed that CO2 extract of Portulaca oleracea’s raw material contained biological active compounds exhibiting a significant antimicrobial effect.
T-S Fuzzy Control of Uncertain Fractional-Order Systems with Time Delay
Authors: Hao Yilin , Zhang Xiulan
Published: January 2021

In this article, the adaptive control of uncertain fractional-order time-delay systems (FOTDSs) with external disturbances is discussed. A Takagi-Sugenu (T-S) fuzzy model with if-then rules is adopted to characterize the dynamic equation of the FOTDS. Besides, a fuzzy adaptive method is proposed to stabilize the model. By utilizing the Lyapunov functions, a robust controller is constructed to stabilize the FOTDS. Due to the uncertainty of system parameters, some fractional-order adaptation laws are designed to update these parameters. At the same time, some if-then rules with linear structure based on the fuzzy T-S adaption concept are established. The designed method not only guarantees that the state of closed-loop system asymptotically converges to origin but also keeps the signal in the FOTDS bounded. Finally, the applicability of the control method is proved by simulation examples.
Time Scale of Chloride‐Induced Corrosion on Circular Section RC Linked Accelerated Test to Natural Corrosion
Authors: Zhang Yue , Lan Fangyan , Zhou Mi , Wang Ke
Published: January 2021

The time scale in accelerated decay is essential for studying the durability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures exposed to the chloride corrosion environment. An accelerated corrosion test (ACT) was carried out on RC specimens were conducted under different chloride concentrations and applied voltages, with the information of steel measured. A novel prediction model of the complete corrosion process is proposed to evaluate the time correlation between accelerated decay and natural corrosion. The corrosion process of RC is divided into two stages: corrosion initial stage and corrosion stage of reinforcement. For the first stage, the coefficient of circular section members is presented. For the second stage, the accelerated factor of the test for the natural environment is proposed based on the Arrhenius‐type and Faraday’s law. It is calculated by making regressions among some values of parameters, while moving to natural corrosion are extrapolating. The accelerating effect of applied voltages increases in the low‐chloride environment, which is better than that in the high‐chloride environment. This study provides calibration of the time scale for laboratory tests to analyze the performance of RC structures after corrosion.
Improved Loss Function for Image Classification
Authors: Wen Chenrui , Yang Xinhao , Zhang Ke , Zhang Jiahui
Published: January 2021

An improved loss function free of sampling procedures is proposed to improve the ill‐performed classification by sample shortage. Adjustable parameters are used to expand the loss scope, minimize the weight of easily classified samples, and further substitute the sampling function, which are added to the cross‐entropy loss and the SoftMax loss. Experiment results indicate that improvements in all classification performance of our loss function are shown in various network architectures and on different datasets. To summarize, compared with traditional loss functions, our improved version not only elevates classification performance but also lowers the difficulty of network training.
Automatic Selection and Parameter Configuration of Big Data Software Core Components Based on Retention Pattern
Authors: Xu Ping
Published: January 2021

This paper conducts an in-depth analysis and research on the automatic selection and parameter configuration of the core components of Big Data software by using the retention model and the automatic selection of Big Data components by establishing a standardized requirement index and using the decision tree model to solve the problem of component selection in Big Data application development. By establishing standardized demand indicators and based on the retention model, a data transmission intermediate platform for bidirectional data detection is proposed based on the three demands of user input: storage, computation, and analysis, as well as the problem of undetectable packet loss in data transmission of existing IoT  and Web service platforms. The data communication module of the data transmission intermediate platform enables mutual monitoring and detection of data interaction between IoT  smart terminals and cloud platforms. The retention mode is built separately to realize the automatic selection of Big Data components. In this paper, we start from several mainstream distributed storage systems and use Cassandra as an example for experiments and tests. We use the multiple regression fitting method to build a corresponding performance model for hardware parameters, take user requirements as input, and use the performance model to configure system hardware parameters; by studying its system principle, architecture, features, and application scenarios, we build a software parameter configuration knowledge base to guide the software. This solves the difficult problem of selecting, deploying, and configuring parameters for Big Data applications.
Towards Time-Sensitive and Verifiable Data Aggregation for Mobile Crowdsensing
Authors: Zhang Tao , Song Xiongfei , Zheng Lele , Han Yani , Zhang Kai , Li Qi
Published: January 2021

Mobile crowdsensing systems use the extraction of valuable information from the data aggregation results of large-scale IoT devices to provide users with personalized services. Mobile crowdsensing combined with edge computing can improve service response speed, security, and reliability. However, previous research on data aggregation paid little attention to data verifiability and time sensitivity. In addition, existing edge-assisted data aggregation schemes do not support access control of large-scale devices. In this study, we propose a time-sensitive and verifiable data aggregation scheme (TSVA-CP-ABE) supporting access control for edge-assisted mobile crowdsensing. Specifically, in our scheme, we use attribute-based encryption for access control, where edge nodes can help IoT devices to calculate keys. Moreover, IoT devices can verify outsourced computing, and edge nodes can verify and filter aggregated data. Finally, the security of the proposed scheme is theoretically proved. The experimental results illustrate that our scheme outperforms traditional ones in both effectiveness and scalability under time-sensitive constraints.
Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia with Concomitant Extensive Chronic Graft versus Host Disease after Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Successfully Treated with Oral Venetoclax
Authors: Teoh Ching Soon , Goh Ai Sim
Published: January 2021

A middle-aged gentleman who was diagnosed with high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), Rai stage IV, Binet C with del(17p) and del(13q) underwent allogeneic haematopoeitic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) identical sister. The patient developed extensive skin, oral, and liver chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) required tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and prednisolone. At seventh month after allo-HSCT, the patient presented with systemic symptoms, right cervical lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, marked pancytopaenia, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Bone marrow study, immunophenotyping (IP), chromosome analysis, and PET-CT scan confirmed relapsed CLL with no evidence of Richter’s transformation or posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Withdrawal of immunosuppressant (IS) worsened cutaneous and liver GVHD. Chemotherapy was not a suitable treatment option in view of immunodeficiency. The patient underwent extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) therapy eventually for extensive chronic GVHD, and the IS were gradually tapered to the minimal effective dose. The relapsed CLL was treated successfully with oral venetoclax accessible via a compassionate drug program. This case highlights challenges in managing relapsed CLL and loss of graft-versus-leukaemia (GVL) effect despite extensive chronic GVHD. Venetoclax is an effective and well-tolerated oral novel agent for relapsed CLL after allo-HSCT.
The Protective Effect of Cx43 Protein-Mediated Phosphocreatine on Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wang Chen-xi , Guo Jun-jun , Di An-jie , Zhu Yu , Han Wei-min , Cheng An-ran , Li Cheng , Si Rui-chan , Lan Tian-shu , Zhang Ran , Liu Hong-li , Yan Guo-liang
Published: January 2021

Objectives. To verify the protective effect of phosphocreatine on myocardium in an ischemic model and the possible mechanism of action. Methods. The model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) was established by the ligation balloon method. 30 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups, n = 10 in each group. Sham operation group: the coronary artery was not blocked and observed for 120 minutes. The ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group was given ischemia for 30 minutes and ischemia reperfusion for 90 minutes. Phosphocreatine (PCr) group: after 30 minutes of ischemia, the rats were intraperitoneally injected with PCr (200 mg/kg) for 90 minutes. The animal groups of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion model in vitro were the same as those in vivo. The heart was removed by thoracotomy and washed immediately in H-K buffer solution. Then, the heart was installed on the Langendorff instrument. The concentration of PCr perfusion fluid in the PCr group was 10 mmol/L. The changes in coronary blood flow in isolated myocardium were recorded. The heart rate and electrocardiogram were recorded by RM6240BT. At the end of the experiment, myocardial pathological sections and Cx43 immunofluorescence staining were made, and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) in myocardial tissue were detected. Results. Phosphocreatinine treatment improved the myocardial ischemia model, performance in electrocardiogram (ECG) changes (ST segment apparent), and histological changes (decrease in necrotic myocardial cells, inflammatory cell infiltration, and a reduction in myocardial edema). At the same time, MDA decreased, while coronary blood flow and Cx43 expression significantly improved. Conclusions. Phosphocreatine can improve the electrocardiogram and restore histologic changes in ischemic myocardium and coronary blood flow. The postulated mechanism is by inhibiting the generation of free oxygen radicals and restoring the expression of Cx43 protein.
Comparative Evaluation of the Treatment of COVID-19 with Multicriteria Decision-Making Techniques
Authors: Yildirim Figen Sarigul , Sayan Murat , Sanlidag Tamer , Uzun Berna , Ozsahin Dilber Uzun , Ozsahin Ilker
Published: January 2021

Objectives. The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in December 2019. Until now, many drugs and methods have been used in the treatment of the disease. However, no effective treatment option has been found and only case-based successes have been achieved so far. This study aims to evaluate COVID-19 treatment options using multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. Methods. In this study, we evaluated the available COVID-19 treatment options by MCDM techniques, namely, fuzzy PROMETHEE and VIKOR. These techniques are based on the evaluation and comparison of complex and multiple criteria to evaluate the most appropriate alternative. We evaluated current treatment options including favipiravir (FPV), lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, interleukin-1 blocker, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and plasma exchange. The criteria used for the analysis include side effects, method of administration of the drug, cost, turnover of plasma, level of fever, age, pregnancy, and kidney function. Results. The results showed that plasma exchange was the most preferred alternative, followed by FPV and IVIG, while hydroxychloroquine was the least favorable one. New alternatives could be considered once they are available, and weights could be assigned based on the opinions of the decision-makers (physicians/clinicians). The treatment methods that we evaluated with MCDM methods will be beneficial for both healthcare users and to rapidly end the global pandemic. The proposed method is applicable for analyzing the alternatives to the selection problem with quantitative and qualitative data. In addition, it allows the decision-maker to define the problem simply under uncertainty. Conclusions. Fuzzy PROMETHEE and VIKOR techniques are applied in aiding decision-makers in choosing the right treatment technique for the management of COVID-19.
A Survey of Clinical Evidence Evaluation Systems for Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Zhang Wei , Deng Hongyong
Published: January 2021

Objectives. We investigated the cognition and application of the “Evaluation System of Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Evidence” among populations with disparate backgrounds. Methods. We performed an online survey using a self-designed questionnaire. Results. Of 307 returned questionnaires, 284 were noted to be valid, and the effective recovery rate was 92.5%. Our analyses showed that the respondents demonstrated a better understanding of clinical evidence-based evaluation systems and that they used these occasionally. For both the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) evidence evaluation systems, the respondents generally showed poor overall understanding, rendering the systems impractical. Among the respondents who were exposed to the existing evidence evaluation system for TCM. More than 70% of the respondents remarked that it was difficult to obtain high-quality evidence using any existing methods to evaluate TCM clinical evidence, that there was a lack of clear evaluation criteria, and that it was difficult to grasp the evaluation process. Conclusions. The evaluation systems of TCM clinical evidence have gained a certain degree of recognition among practitioners, who show a great willingness to use it, but practical applications are limited. In addition, it is also expected that an evaluation system would be more in line with the clinical characteristics of TCM.
Relative Position Model Predictive Control of Double Cube Test-Masses Drag-Free Satellite with Extended Sliding Mode Observer
Authors: Wang Enyou , Zhang Jinxiu , Li Huayi , Liu Ming
Published: January 2021

The drag-free satellites, being space-borne ultrahigh precise measurement platforms, have played irreplaceable roles in a great number of space science missions such as navigation, earth science, fundamental physics, and astrophysics. Most of these missions have to be performed based on the satellites placed with double cube test-masses, which makes the satellite layout and control strategy be more complex. This paper investigates the orbit keeping control problem of a class of low Earth orbit drag-free satellites with double cube test masses. A disturbance observer-based composite control method is proposed, which consists of an extended sliding mode observer and the tube-based robust model predictive control approach. In this design, the observer is proposed to estimate the relative position and velocity of the satellite and the external space disturbance force. A tube-based robust model predictive control scheme is then developed to stabilize the satellite orbit control systems in the presence of actuator saturation, state constraints, and additive stochastic noises. Finally, a simulation example is presented to demonstrate the efficacy and superiority of the proposed orbit control method.
Possible role of traditional systems of medicine to manage covid-19: A review
Authors: Singh Preet Amol , Bajwa Neha , Baldi Ashish
Published: January 2021

The covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the global healthcare system and the economy. At present, no specific antiviral vaccine is available to combat this contagious virus. Traditional medicine has a long history of playing a significant role in managing several infectious diseases. In this context, scientists around the globe are also exploring various traditional medical interventions to prevent the covid-19 pandemic. In the present work, we summarize available scientific data advocating the use of traditional medicine for preventing covid-19. A robust literature review was conducted using scientific platforms such as Science Direct, National Center for Biotechnology Information (ncbi), Pubmed, Google Scholar, and online database like The Plant List (The Plant List 2013) version 1.1. Special emphasis was given to potential natural antiviral, immuno-modulator plants, and traditional medicines to highlight their possible roles in reducing the disease burden. Immuno-modulator such as Withania somnifera and other natural compounds especially glycyrrhizin, kaempferol, ginsenoside, and lycorine can be leading candidates against sars-CoV-2. Besides the need for rigorous scientific validation of potential herbs and related formulations, their use can be beneficial for the preventive as well as symptomatic treatment of covid-19 infected patients. This work provides a run-through of the experimental therapeutics, preventive and treatment options for covid-19.
English Writing Instruction in Chinese Students’ Experience: A Survey Study
Authors: Jiang Lianjiang , Yu Shulin , Zhou Nan , Xu Yiqin
Published: January 2021

While there is no lack of studies on the major approaches to L2 writing instruction (i.e., the product-, process-, and genre-oriented approaches), it remains unclear whether and how these theory-based approaches have been translated into students’ experiences of L2 writing pedagogy. This study examined students’ experiences of L2 writing instructional approaches in the Chinese EFL context. A sample of 1,190 students from 39 Chinese universities participated in the study and they were surveyed about the English writing instruction they received in universities. Results show that the process-oriented approach was most experienced by the students, followed by the genre- and product-oriented approaches. Results of latent profile analyses revealed four distinct profiles of writing pedagogy in students’ experiences: the indistinctive pattern, the product-dominant pattern, the process/genre-dominant pattern, and the synthetic pattern. These patterns indicate that writing instructions in the Chinese university-based English programs have yet to meet the demand for students’ L2 writing development. This study contributes to our knowledge of how L2 writing instructional approaches have been experienced by students of various demographic backgrounds and to how writing curricula and pedagogies can be further improved.
Language Teaching during a Pandemic: A Case Study of Zoom Use by a Secondary ESL Teacher in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Anisa
Published: January 2021

This article reports a case study of an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher in Hong Kong who conducted lessons via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study focused on the factors influencing her technology integration in synchronous online teaching mode. Using data from classroom recordings, stimulated-recall and semi-structured interviews, this study uncovered how Zoom functioned as a substitute for face-to-face lessons. The findings revealed that although there were fewer interactions between the teacher and her students, teaching in synchronous online mode provided the teacher with opportunities to utilize certain online features to augment methods of checking student understanding. The study identified the teacher’s pedagogical beliefs, the context and professional development as factors that influenced the level of technology integration in her Zoom classes. The study concludes that embracing process-oriented pedagogies may be necessary for a higher level of technology integration among ESL teachers who have adequate professional development opportunities and school support.
Effect of volumetric shrinkage of restorative materials on tooth structure: A finite element analysis
Authors: Nayak Ankit , Jain Prashant K , Kankar Pavan K , Jain Niharika
Published: January 2021

Post-treatment coronal hermetic seal of the root canal opening prevents the food or saliva which assist to achieve successful endodontic treatment. Gutta-percha is filled in the inner canal, that is, from cervical third to apical third. Gutta-percha does not provide the hermetic seal because it does not bound with dentine walls. Various new restorative materials have been developed in the last 6–7 decade but drawback related to the polymerization shrinkage of the composite resin remains a clinical problem. In general, dental composites having volumetric shrinkage of the material depends on its formulation and curing conditions. In this article, the effect of this polymerization shrinkage on the tooth structure has been studied.
Diabetes Identity: A Mechanism of Social Change
Authors: Walker Heather R. , Litchman Michelle L.
Published: January 2021

Historically, diabetes identity has been examined at the individual level as it relates to clinical outcomes and self-management practices. Yet, identity is not experienced as an individually isolated phenomenon. The purpose of this study is twofold: (a) examine the social meaning of diabetes identity and (b) formulate a theoretical model of diabetes identity through a sociopolitical lens. Adults living with diabetes engaged in a diabetes online community ( N = 20) participated in a 60-minute semi-structured interview focused on social diabetes experiences and diabetes identity. Seven themes emerged related to illness, individuation, and culture, resulting in a novel theoretical model of diabetes identity: willingness to identify, tales of the un-sick, legends of the responsible, a tradition of change-making, sense of sameness, mystification of difference, and diabetes as a unifying social category. Our study extends previous literature focused on self-management practices and compliance, resulting in a theoretical model of diabetes identity centered around social change.
Validating Psychometric Properties of a Revised Patient Version of the Combined Assessment of Psychiatric Environments (CAPE)
Authors: Barnes Todd , Phillips Kathryn E. , Bautista Cynthia
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND:

Measuring patient experience is an essential challenge in the inpatient behavioral health population.

AIM:

This initiative analyzed the psychometric properties of a revised version of the patient Combined Assessment of Psychiatric Environments (p-CAPE-R) survey.

METHODS:

The p-CAPE was revised to encompass the interdisciplinary treatment team and implemented on five inpatient psychiatric units at an academic medical center. A psychometric analysis was performed on the p-CAPE-R.

RESULTS:

Analysis of factor loadings with a large sample ( n = 786) revealed a more coherent item structure under the “staff competency and engagement” and “treatment effectiveness” domains than presented in the original instrument development research.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the p-CAPE-R reflects a more useful and psychometrically sound instrument than the original p-CAPE, further analysis and revision to reflect the entire interdisciplinary team is warranted.
A Critical Evaluation of Dyslexia Information on the Internet
Authors: Worthy Jo , Daly-Lesch Anne , Tily Susan , Godfrey Vickie , Salmerón Cori
Published: January 2021

The internet is a common source of information for parents, educators, and the general public. However, researchers who analyze the quality of internet sources have found they often contain inaccurate and misleading information. Here, we present an analysis of dyslexia on the internet. Employing disability studies in education (DSE), disability critical race studies (DisCrit), and Bakhtin’s construct of ideological becoming, we examined the credibility of sources, the quality of information, and the discourse in which the information is presented. We found the majority of webpages do not meet basic source credibility criteria, much of the content contradicts or is unsupported by research, and most pages convey information in an authoritative discourse, making it seem irreproachable. Building on the findings, we offer criteria for evaluating dyslexia information and suggestions for research and practice. We focus on the need for less divisive, more collaborative dialogue, along with research among stakeholders with multiple perspectives.
The Pre-dilatation of vessels: A simple method to recruit small caliber veins for creating distal fistulas
Authors: Napoli Marcello , Zito Anna , Lefons Maria Luisa , Ria Paolo , Ferramosca Emiliana , Martella Vilma , Caterina Carbonara Maria , Sozzo Efisio , De Pascalis Antonio
Published: January 2021

Maturation failure remains a major clinical problem of distal arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Early failure (EF) is associated with the small size of the veins. For about 10 years we have used in more than 1000 fistulas, the Vessels Pre-Dilatation (VPD) to increase the recruitment of small veins for creating distal AVFs. The purpose of this study is to highlight if the VPD can reduce the incidence of EF or failure to mature (FTM) in AVFs created with small veins. Data of all the consecutive patients directly admitted to our Department for their first distal AVF from January to December 2019 were collected. The patients were divided in two groups, one with a vein diameter after the tourniquet ⩽2.0 mm (G1) and one >2 mm (G2). Both in G1 then in G2 the vessels had undergone VPD. Immediate failure (IF), EF, FTM, delayed or arrested maturation rate (DAM), unassisted AVFs and matured AFVs were evaluated. The patients recruited totalled 104, 37 in G1, and 67 in G2. The two groups were homogeneous in age, incidence of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, peripheral vasculopathy, and race. Female were more numerous in G1 (51% vs 12%, p < 0.001). In G1 and G2 occurred respectively 3 IF versus zero ( p < 0.05), 10 EF (29%) versus 6 (9%) ( p < 0.05), 6 DAM (16%) versus 6 (9%), 21 unassisted AVFs (57%) versus 57 (85%) ( p < 0.01). Dividing the patients into groups of unassisted and assisted AVFs, female and low vein diameter are more represented in the assisted group. There were 32 matured AVFs (86%) in G1 and 65 (97%) in G2. In order to increase the incidence of the distal AVF, the PDV allows to include small veins. However, more patients require further interventions to achieve maturation of the fistula.
Outcomes of tunneled cuffed hemodialysis catheters: An experience from a tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Yaqub Sonia , Abdul Razzaque Muhammad Raheel , Aftab Azib , Siddiqui Nadeem Ahmed
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Tunneled cuffed catheters (TCC) are generally used as a temporary means to provide hemodialysis (HD) until permanent arteriovenous access is established. However, certain complications are associated with use of TCCs such as infections, catheter malfunction/malposition or venous stenosis. Limited data is available on outcomes and long term complications associated with TCCs in our country. The aim of this study was to study the outcomes of TCCs and associated long term complications during the course of its usage.

Methods:

We retrospectively studied case records of patients who had TCCs placed for HD at our institution, from January 2016 to June 2018.

Results:

A total of 116 TCCs were placed during the study period. The mean age of the population was 57.09 years; 58.6% were males. The right internal jugular vein (52.6%) was the most common site of TCC insertion followed by the left internal jugular vein (29.3%). Functioning TCCs were successfully removed in almost two-thirds of cases (65.7%) once their permanent access was mature. Development of catheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI) was seen in 22 patients (19.8%) requiring catheter removal in 14 (12.6%) patients. Mechanical complications leading to catheter removal were seen in seven patients (6.3%). The median catheter duration was 62.5 days ranging from 1 to 343 days.

Conclusion:

TCCs, though associated with complications particularly CRBSI, are a viable option for short- to intermediate-term use for HD till the maturation of permanent arteriovenous access in a limited-resource setting.
An unavoidable convenience: How post-millennials engage with the news that finds them on social and mobile media
Authors: Oeldorf-Hirsch Anne , Srinivasan Preeti
Published: January 2021

The growing reliance on social media via mobile devices is changing how individuals obtain, engage with, and learn from news content. Based on the cognitive mediation model of learning from the news, this study qualitatively explores this three-step process of news exposure, engagement, and knowledge via digital media. Focus group discussions with post-Millennials ( N = 60) and thematic analysis of the results reveal several tensions. Participants see social media as imperfect but unavoidably convenient ways to get news, and they find the personalised news content available to be both a benefit and a drawback. They show a general hesitation to engage publicly with news content, opting mostly to passively observe others’ discussions on social media. Finally, they feel that social media give them a sense of awareness of current events, but do not prompt deeper learning about news topics.
A beautiful and devilish thing: children’s picture books and the 1914 Christmas Truce
Authors: Baguley Margaret , Kerby Martin
Published: January 2021

For over half a century, the ‘imagining’ of the Great War in the UK has been framed by the existence of two Western Fronts, one literary and the other historical. The authors and illustrators of children’s picture books, whose work has traditionally reflected a society’s values and pre-occupations, have remained remarkably faithful to the literary construct of the war as a futile and meaningless conflict that destroyed a generation. This article analyses four children’s picture books dealing with the Christmas Truce of 1914, which has become an historical touchstone for adherents of the literary imagining. Using methods grounded in Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), visual grammar and art theory, the authors explore how text and image combine to create moving and insightful morality tales that use the particularities of an historical event to communicate a vision of humanity rather than a work of historical scholarship.
Flexible Work Arrangements: A Human Resource Development Tool to Reduce Turnover
Authors: Bontrager Marvin , Clinton M. Suzanne , Tyner Lee
Published: January 2021

The Problem.

An increasing number of organizations are experiencing concerns from employees regarding work-life balance. Organizations that have chosen to implement formal flexible work arrangements (FWAs) have experienced reluctance from their employees to participate. COVID-19 has forced the hand further toward FWAs, and created additional work life balance concerns.

The Solution.

FWAs present an opportunity for organizations to address work-life balance concerns, especially amid the black swan event of COVID-19. Implementing FWAs provides opportunity for organizations to reduce turnover and facilitate employee development through work life balance programs.

The Stakeholders.

The informal processes of FWAs should receive due attention by HRD practitioners and scholars alike.
Comparative Cross-National Analyses of Domestic Violence: Insights from South Asia
Authors: Bhardwaj Ntasha , Miller Jody
Published: January 2021

Domestic violence is a global phenomenon impacting countless lives. However, most research on the topic is anchored in the Global North. Using South Asia as a case study, we encourage further development of intersectional, comparative research. Such work brings us closer to understanding shared and divergent causes, patterns, and impacts of domestic violence within and across societies. The tendency to treat South Asia monolithically erases nuanced understandings of domestic violence and reduces South Asian women to victims. Our context-specific explorations highlight how marriage, religion and global processes reveal theoretically meaningful variations in women’s experiences of domestic violence.
Reinventing health promotion for healthy default beverage laws in the face of COVID-19
Authors: McGurk Meghan D. , Pirkle Catherine M. , Beckelman Toby , Lee Jessica , Inoue Katherine , Yang Alyssa , Hansen-Smith Heidi , Sentell Tetine
Published: January 2021

Shortly after a healthy default beverage (HDB) law took effect in Hawai‘i, requiring restaurants that serve children’s meals to offer healthy beverages with the meals, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Efforts to contain the virus resulted in changes to restaurants’ operations and disrupted HDB implementation efforts. Economic repercussions from containment efforts have exacerbated food insecurity, limited access to healthy foods, and created obstacles to chronic disease management. Promoting healthy default options is critical at a time when engaging in healthy behaviors is difficult, but important, to both prevent and manage chronic disease and decrease COVID-19 risk. This commentary discusses COVID-19’s impact on restaurant operations and healthy eating, and the resulting challenges and opportunities for this promising health promotion intervention.
The role of intimate partner violence victimization during pregnancy on maternal postpartum depression in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Ashenafi Wondimye , Mengistie Bezatu , Egata Gudina , Berhane Yemane
Published: January 2021

Background:

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy is a strong predictor of maternal postpartum depression. In Ethiopia, evidence on the association of intimate partner violence during pregnancy with postpartum depression is very limited. To design appropriate intervention, it is thus important to understand how postpartum depression varies as a function of the type and severity of intimate partner violence victimization during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to explore the association of different types of intimate partner violence during pregnancy and its severity with postpartum depression in Eastern Ethiopia.

Method:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to October 2018. The study included a sample of 3015 postpartum women residing in Eastern Ethiopia. The cutoff point for postpartum depression was defined as ⩾13 points according to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The prevalence ratio with 95% confidence intervals was calculated, and the association between the main predictor (i.e. intimate partner violence during pregnancy) and the outcome variable (postpartum depression) was determined using log binomial regression model.

Results:

16.3% (95% confidence interval: 14.9–17.7) of women experienced postpartum depression. After controlling potential confounding factors, the prevalence of postpartum depression among women exposed to severe physical intimate partner violence during pregnancy was 1.98 times higher as compared to those not exposed to physical intimate partner violence during pregnancy (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.98; 95% confidence interval: 1.53–2.54). Exposure to psychological intimate partner violence during pregnancy was found to increase the prevalence of postpartum depression by 1.79 as compared to non-exposure to psychological intimate partner violence during pregnancy (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.79; 95% confidence interval: 1.48–2.18).

Conclusion:

The study provides evidence that psychological and severe physical intimate partner violence during pregnancy were significantly associated with maternal postpartum depression. Screening of pregnant women for intimate partner violence and providing them the necessary support can minimize the risk to postpartum depression.
Can Social Media Participation Enhance LGBTQ+ Youth Well-Being? Development of the Social Media Benefits Scale
Authors: Craig Shelley L. , Eaton Andrew D. , McInroy Lauren B. , Leung Vivian W. Y. , Krishnan Sreedevi
Published: January 2021

Social media sites offer critical opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other sexual and/or gender minority (LGBTQ+) youth to enhance well-being through exploring their identities, accessing resources, and connecting with peers. Yet extant measures of youth social media use disproportionately focus on the detrimental impacts of online participation, such as overuse and cyberbullying. This study developed a Social Media Benefits Scale (SMBS) through an online survey with a diverse sample ( n = 6,178) of LGBTQ+ youth aged 14–29. Over three-quarters of the sample endorsed non-monosexual and/or and gender fluid identities (e.g., gender non-conforming, non-binary, pansexual, bisexual). Participants specified their five most used social media sites and then indicated whether they derived any of 17 beneficial items (e.g., feeling connected, gaining information) with the potential to enhance well-being from each site. An exploratory factor analysis determined the scale’s factor structure. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Sheffe post hoc tests examined age group differences. A four-factor solution emerged that measures participants’ use of social media for: (1) emotional support and development, (2) general educational purposes, (3) entertainment, and (4) acquiring LGBTQ+-specific information. Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (χ2 = 40,828, p < .0005) and the scale had an alpha of .889. There were age group differences for all four factors ( F = 3.79–75.88, p < .05). Younger adolescents were generally more likely to use social media for beneficial factors than older youth. This article discusses the scale’s development, exploratory properties, and implications for research and professional practice.
Radical Self-Representation in a Hostile Setting: Discursive Strategies of the Russian Lesbian Feminist Movement
Authors: Mikhaylova Oxana R. , Gradoselskaya Galina V.
Published: January 2021

Today, internet provides opportunities for solidarization and collective action to initiative groups of social movements, including those of high degree of radicalism. For radical groups, language continues to be a crucial instrument through which social movements influence public attitudes. In this article, we analyze discursive strategies that the radical social movement (RSM) of Russian lesbian feminism uses to shape its image among the out-group and in-group publics. To identify the strategies of RSM self-representation, we employ semi-structured interviewing, qualitative content analysis, discourse analysis, and semantic network visualization. We find that, in a hostile anti-LGBT legal and discursive environment, self-representation of lesbian feminists is mostly linked to issues of aggression, violence, and systemic social, political, and legal constraints, unlike in the United States; it is also based on separation from the wider society and dehumanization of bearers of patriarchal views.
Toward a Self-Adaptive Cyberdefense Framework in Organization
Authors: Huang Kuan-Jui , Chiang Kuo-Huie
Published: January 2021

Organizations suffer more than ever from the inability to securely manage the information system, despite their myriad efforts. By introducing a real cyberattack of a bank, this research analyzes the characteristics of modern cyberattacks and simulates the dynamic propagation that makes them difficult to manage. It develops a self-adaptive framework that through simulation, distinctly improves cyberdefense efficiency. The results illustrate the discrepancies of the previous studies and validate the use of a time-based self-adaptive model for cybersecurity management. The results further show the significance of human and organizational learning effects and a coordination mechanism in obtaining a highly dependable cyberdefense setting. This study also provides an illuminating analysis for humans to position themselves in the collaborations with increasingly intelligent agents in the future.
Post-Partum Skin-to-Skin Care and Infant Safety: Results of a State-Wide Hospital Survey
Authors: Tyrala Eileen , Goodstein Michael H. , Batra Erich , Kelly Barbara , Bannon Judy , Bell Ted
Published: January 2021

Objectives. Survey current experience with Skin to Skin care (SSC) in Pennsylvania Maternity Centers. Study Design. The nursing director of each Maternity Center in PA (n = 95) was sent an on-line confidential survey querying SSC practices. Responses were compared by delivery size, location, and nature of affiliation. Statistics analyzed by chi-square and student t-test. Results. Of these 64/95 MCs (67%) responded. All allowed SSC after vaginal deliveries, 55% after C-section, 73% mother’s room. Monitoring included delivery room nurse (94%) with support from other providers (61%), family members (37%), and electronic monitoring (5%). If SSC occurred in mother’s room all reported family education on safe practices. 40% were aware of adverse SSC events, including falls and suffocation. About 80% educated staff about infant safety during SSC. Conclusions. Gaps in education and supervision during SSC were identified. Additional education and standardization of best practices are needed to reduce risks from falls and suffocation during SSC.
Remote Evaluation of a Wireless Ultrasound Probe
Authors: Merton Daniel A. , Nair Shobana , Gaev Jonathan A.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To determine whether an evaluation of a wireless ultrasound transducer could be completed remotely.

Materials and Methods:

Video conferencing was used for communication between a sonographer and a minimally trained operator to allow evaluation of a flat linear array transducer that communicated via Wi-Fi with a smartphone and the probe vendor’s software. A tissue-mimicking phantom was used for quantitative testing, while scanning human models allowed qualitative assessments. Video conferencing using a tablet camera directed at the smartphone screen or transducer allowed the sonographer to view images, and guide the operator on probe positioning, and image optimization techniques.

Results:

All tests were completed during three 60-minute video conferences. Assessments of models were more challenging than tests using the phantom. The glare from ambient lighting sometimes made it difficult to view the smartphone screen. A connectivity limitation, which has since been resolved, prevented simultaneous use of video conferencing and the transducer software on the smartphone.

Conclusion:

This study confirmed that an evaluation of a wireless ultrasound transducer can be successfully performed remotely.