bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation on mechanical, thermal behaviour and characterisation analysis of aquatic waste water hyacinth plant fibre, powder and ash reinforced polymer composite material – Dangerous aquatic threat into successive product approach
Authors: A Ajithram , Jappes J T Winowlin , M Adam khan , I Siva , C Brintha N
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanical and thermal properties of aquatic wastewater hyacinth plant natural power, ash and fibre reinforced polymer composite samples. This work is primarily concerned with creating sustainable products from this aquatic waste in a sustainable manner. Hyacinth plant fibres, powders and ash particles are used in this work as reinforcement material for composite samples, which are made by utilising the hot press compression moulding technique and epoxy matrix. In this study, new mechanical way of fibre extraction process is used to extract the fibres of the water hyacinth. Mechanical strength and thermal properties thermo gravimetric analysis, differential thermo gravimetric, thermo gravimetric peaks of hyacinth composite samples are evaluated. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques are used to characterise the hyacinth composite. A scanning electron microscope is used to examine the fractured surfaces of hyacinth composite sample samples. By using this technique, fibre clusters, fibre fractures and fibre pull-outs can be identified. Waste management and waste recycling concepts are heavily influenced by this manuscript. The zero-waste concept has been achieved through this work. According to all the findings of this study, the natural plant fibres from the water hyacinth plant and ash particles can be used as reinforcement materials in conjunction with an epoxy resin matrix for making lightweight particleboard products and other lightweight materials in general.
Reconstruction of Caudipteryx robot to identify the origin of avian flapping flight
Authors: Zhao Jing-Shan , Talori Yaser S , Song Hongwei , Lu Wen-Xiu , O’Connor Jingmai K , Li Zhi-Heng
Published: April 2022

The origin of bird and avian flight is one of the most controversial debates since the fossil of Archaeopteryx was found in Germany. With the continuous discoveries of relative fossils of dinosaurs from all over the world, scientists have reached a consensus that the ancestors of bird might be small sized non-avian theropod dinosaurs. However, the disputation focus now remains in how the dinosaur learned to fly. Via analysis of kinematics and dynamics of reconstructed Caudipteryx robot on the test rig, we discovered that the flapping motion of the forearms of feathered dinosaurs was developed as they were only able to run on the ground when it was long before it could actually fly in the sky. This study supports the inferences that the performance of powered flapping flight was evolved long before the feathered dinosaurs could fly. This is a completely natural biophysical principle that provides a vital role to comprehend the evolution of avian flight.
The influence of the preload on the nonlinear dynamic performance of the rod-fastened Jeffcott rotor system
Authors: Xu Haoliang , Yang Lihua , Xu Tengfei
Published: April 2022

For a rod-fastened Jeffcott rotor (RFJR) system, this paper establishes a nonlinear dynamic model considering contact interface, preload, unbalanced mass, nonlinear oil film force, and gives the dynamic equation of the rotor system. Then the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method is applied to study the nonlinear dynamics and bifurcation characteristics of the RFJR system. The bifurcation diagram, time-domain vibration waveform, frequency spectrum, phase trajectory, and Poincare section are applied to investigate the influence of the preload on the nonlinear dynamic performance of the rotor system. The results show that the preload affects the instability speed of the synchronous periodic solution of the RFJR system, the rotor system’s first critical speed, and the rotor system’s vibration amplitude passing the first critical speed. Whether the preload of the rotor is saturated or not has a very different effect on the vibration characteristics of the RFJR system. Assuming the fastening force of the tie rods is uneven, it will make the combined rotor have a certain initial bending deformation. At this time, the detuning rate of the tie rod will affect the rotor system’s nonlinear dynamic performance. In addition, the phase angle between the initial bending deformation and the mass eccentricity of the rotor also has a certain impact on the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the combined rotor. The results obtained in this paper will provide a reference for understanding the nonlinear dynamics of the combined rotor and further research.
Macro-texture in hydrodynamic lubrication: Effects of dimple parameter, density and distribution
Authors: Jiao Bowen , Liu Yuyang , Li Tongyang , Lu Xiqun , Ma Xuan
Published: April 2022

Surface texturing, a well-known method to increase tribo-pair tribological performance, is widely used and of great importance in industrial manufacturing. By designing reasonable surface texture on two contact surfaces, the load-carrying capacity, wear resistance, and coefficient of friction of the tribo-pairs can be significantly improved. To investigate the influence of the macro-texture, millimeter magnitude, on the tribology performance, a large number of simulation cases were carried out in this work. And the influence of texture parameters including the ellipse aspect ratio, the depth-to-diameter ratio, density, and distribution on tribology performance was studied using the hydrodynamic lubrication model which was verified through a sample experiment of piston ring and cylinder liner tribo-pairs. In addition, a Taguchi algorithm was used to find the most suitable texture parameters. The results show that the influence of density on the coefficient of friction and load-carrying capacity is of significance and 20% density is sufficient for tribology performance. Dimple size and distribution had a more significant influence on tribology performance.
Field test for micro-pressure wave reduction measurement by area optimization of windows of tunnel hoods
Authors: Okubo Hidehiko , Miyachi Tokuzo , Takashi Fukuda
Published: April 2022

The air compression of a high-speed train entering a tunnel results in micro-pressure waves (MPWs), which can cause environmental problems. To mitigate MPWs, tunnel hoods with discrete windows are installed at the tunnel entrances. By properly adjusting the window conditions, the efficiency of the tunnel hood in mitigating MPWs can be enhanced. Per Japanese convention, window conditions are optimized by changing the opening/closing pattern in the longitudinal direction (pattern optimization). The optimization pattern of the windows is fundamentally different if there is a change in the train speed, train nose length, the relative position between the train and the windows, or the train nose shape. Therefore, for extremely long tunnel hoods, the optimal state of the windows is almost impossible to detect numerically or experimentally using pattern optimization. In this study, we realized a rapid and simple optimization of the windows of the tunnel hood (i.e., area optimization) for mitigation of MPWs by field measurements. The result demonstrated that the area optimization considerably helps in mitigating the MPWs, despite the simplicity of the procedures.
An investigation into the influence of wheel–rail contact relationships on the carbody hunting stability of an electric locomotive
Authors: Li Wei , Guan Qinghua , Chi Maoru , Wen Zefeng , Sun Jianfeng
Published: April 2022

Carbody hunting stability has attracted more and more attention due to its great influence on the dynamic performance of a railway vehicle. To fully understand the correlation between the wheel–rail contact relationship and the carbody hunting stability of an electric locomotive, the wheel–rail contact geometry analysis and the multi-body dynamics simulation are carried out in this work. The focus is on the influences of track parameters (including rail profile, rail cant and track gauge) on wheel–rail contact relationships and carbody hunting stability. A group of rail profiles are obtained by interpolating between the standard CHN60 profile and the worn rail profiles. The nominal equivalent conicity, the effective equivalent conicity and the wheel–rail contact bandwidth for a wheelset lateral displacement of ±6 mm are used to evaluate the wheel–rail contact relationship, while the lateral continuous comfort index is used to evaluate the carbody hunting stability. The simulation results show that keeping the rail cant at about 1/40 and reducing the track gauge and the wear depth at the gauge corner of rail can improve the carbody hunting stability of the electric locomotive. Furthermore, the effective equivalent conicity is a good choice to establish the relationship between the wheel–rail contact geometry and the carbody hunting stability.
Uncertainty quantification of aeroelastic wings flutter using an optimized machine learning approach
Authors: Rezaei Mohsen , Shirazi Kourosh H , H Khodaparast Hamed
Published: April 2022

This study outlines the flutter characteristics of aeroelastic wings under unsteady aerodynamic loading based on an efficient support vector machine assisted k-method. First, the aeroelastic wing flutter speed and flutter frequency are obtained using k-method. Then, the uncertain input parameters distribution is modeled by probability density functions. These parameters are propagated to the aeroelastic wing equations. The Monte Carlo simulation using 12 parallel logical threads is carried out to obtain the flutter speed and the flutter frequency distribution. An optimal robust surrogate model is trained by limited numbers of input and output using support vector machine. Monte Carlo simulation is also carried out in conjunction with the machine learning based k-method computational framework for obtaining the complete probabilistic description of flutter speed and flutter frequency. The coupled support vector regression based k-method is a novel approach that is first used in the aeroelastic wings flutter. The present method is found to reduce the computational time and cost significantly without compromising the accuracy of results.
Linear parameter-varying-based transition flight control design for a tilt-rotor aircraft
Authors: Qu Shen , Zhu Guoming , Su Weihua , Shan-Min Swei Sean
Published: April 2022

This paper presents the development of novel transition flight controllers for a class of urban air mobility aircrafts configured with a fixed-wing and six distributed electric rotor assemblies. Only the two tilt-rotors are utilized for thrust vectoring during transition flight from hovering to steady-level flight, while the four lift-rotors are modulated with aerodynamic lift induced by fixed-wing to maintain stable altitude-hold. Three tractable tilt-rotor articulation profiles are proposed by taking into account of various aircraft and hardware constraints. Given a predefined nominal tilting profile, a family of linear models is obtained by linearizing the nonlinear aircraft model at multiple tilt-rotor angular positions along the tilting profile. Using tilt-rotor angular position as a scheduling parameter, a discrete-time linear parameter-varying model can be constructed, which is then used to develop a novel transition flight control architecture that integrates the adaptive model predictive control law with feedforward effect of the dynamic reference compensation. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed transition flight controllers and its robustness subject to external disturbance.
A review of MEG dynamic brain network research
Authors: Liu Lu , Ren Jiechuan , Li Zhimei , Yang Chunlan
Published: April 2022

The dynamic description of neural networks has attracted the attention of researchers for dynamic networks may carry more information compared with resting-state networks. As a non-invasive electrophysiological data with high temporal and spatial resolution, magnetoencephalogram (MEG) can provide rich information for the analysis of dynamic functional brain networks. In this review, the development of MEG brain network was summarized. Several analysis methods such as sliding window, Hidden Markov model, and time-frequency based methods used in MEG dynamic brain network studies were discussed. Finally, the current research about multi-modal brain network analysis and their applications with MEG neurophysiology, which are prospected to be one of the research directions in the future, were concluded.
Maintaining access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in a pandemic: A service evaluation of telephone-based pre-exposure prophylaxis provision
Authors: Henderson Lindsay , Gibbs Jo , Quinn Jacqueline , Ramasami Sharmini , Estcourt Claudia
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The objective was to perform a survey-based service evaluation of our telephone PrEP clinic (Tele-PrEP), which was instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic, to inform future service delivery.

Methods

We administered parallel, web-based, anonymous surveys to PrEP-users who had a Tele-PrEP appointment between 13.11.2020 and 17.12.2020 and all healthcare professionals (HCPs) conducting Tele-PrEP clinics. We used descriptive statistics to summarise demographic and qualitative data, and thematically categorised free text responses using the Framework for a Systems Approach to Healthcare Delivery.

Results

62/117 (53%) PrEP-users and 8/9 (89%) HCPs completed the surveys. Tele-PrEP was rated ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ by 61/62 (98%) PrEP-users. All HCPs felt that Tele-PrEP allowed them to assess patients safely and confidently. 10/62 (16%) PrEP-users and 1 (11%) HCP expressed a preference for face-to-face care. Using the Framework for a Systems Approach to Healthcare Delivery we identified key areas important to respondents who highlighted the rapid changes as a result of COVID-19, which required an increase in dedicated resources. HCPs valued teamwork, support/supervision and convenience in achieving quality care for the patient, who in turn, valued convenient, holistic and individualised management to meet their sexual healthcare needs.

Conclusion

Tele-PrEP is feasible and acceptable. While most respondents rated the service highly, others identified a need/preference for face-to-face appointments.
Not self-aware? Psychological antecedents and consequences of alienating from one’s actual motives, emotions, and goals
Authors: Malekzad Farhood , Jais Marius , Hernandez Gina , Kehr Hugo , Quirin Markus
Published: April 2022

Philosophers and scientists have been puzzling over the potential antecedents and consequences of self-awareness or its relative absence since time immemorial. One major reason is the difficulty of identifying individuals’ actual needs, emotions, or goals and thus making statements about their level of self-awareness. Drawing on a “duality of mind” approach, we review our research that quantified discrepancies between first-person perspective and third-person perspective assessments of motives (“needs”), emotions, and goals as indicators of relative self-awareness. Also, we expand on their proximal causes related to personality–situation interactions and their emotional and motivational consequences. We discuss similarities among the three branches of research on motives, emotions, and goals and, lastly, provide an outlook for future research.
Discrimination of centre composition in panned chocolate goods using near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Johnson Joel B
Published: April 2022

Non-destructively identifying the centre composition of panned chocolate goods may be useful in quality assurance settings. However, no studies to date have investigated this topic. In this study, near infrared spectra (1000–2500 nm) were collected from chocolate-coated peanuts and chocolate-coated sultanas ( n = 170 of each) in order to investigate the prospect of non-invasively detecting the composition of the centre. Principal component analysis confirmed that the spectra of these samples were distinct from one another. The partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model showed a high level of separation between chocolate-coated peanuts and sultanas in the training set (R2 = 0.95; RPD = 4.4). Discrimination between peanut and sultana samples from an independent test set was also possible, although with slightly less distinct separation between the sample types. A soft independent modelling by class analogy model was also able to differentiate between the two sample types, albeit with higher levels of misclassification compared to PLS-DA. Incorporating samples from different manufacturers may be useful for improving the broader applicability of the model.
Preparation of osteoinductive – Antimicrobial nanocomposite scaffolds based on poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) modified with copper – Doped bioactive glass nanoparticles
Authors: Covarrubias Cristian , Bejarano Julián , Maureira Miguel , Tapia Cecilia , Díaz Mario , Rodríguez Juan P , Palza Humberto , Lund Fernando , Von Marttens Alfredo , Caviedes Pablo , Yazdani-Pedram Mehrdad
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the preparation of porous nanocomposite scaffolds with simultaneous osteogenic – antibacterial properties by incorporating copper – doped bioactive glass nanoparticles into Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) lactide:glycolide. Bioactive glass nanoparticles were synthesized by using sol–gel technique from the SiO2 – P2O5 – CaO – Na2O – CuO system. Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) lactide:glycolide nanocomposite scaffolds with different nanoparticle contents were prepared by combined lyophilization/salt leaching. The in vitro bioactivity of the scaffolds was assessed in simulated body fluid, and cell viability and osteogenic differentiation assays were performed with stem cells. Antibacterial activity of the materials was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus. Copper – dopped bioactive glass nanoparticles particles with ∼70 nm in size and relatively crystalline structure were synthesized. Porous nanocomposite scaffolds prepared with the copper – doped nanoparticles are cytocompatible, promoted the mineralization of bone-like apatite in simulated body fluid, and stimulated the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells as judged by an increased activity the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. The antibacterial activity exhibited by the nanocomposite scaffolds was not statistically superior to that of the neat polymer scaffold. Development of greater antibacterial activity in these nanocomposites would requires further research primarily related to the synthesis of more amorphous and soluble copper – dopped bioactive glass nanoparticles.
Sources of Total Factor Productivity in South Asia
Authors: Saha Sanjoy Kumar
Published: April 2022

Using World Development data for the period of 1991–2020, this article examines the total factor productivity (TFP) measured by Malmquist productivity index (MPI) and its components’ technological progress and technical efficiency change (TEC) for five South Asian countries, namely India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. TFP growth is calculated using the MPI along with panel data of those countries. This article adds onto the existing literature by estimating the technological progress and TEC for these five South Asian countries. Further, the article also emphasises differences in the TFP growth among these countries. The study finds that TFP of all the South Asian countries are cyclical in nature, highly volatile and full of ups and downs during the whole study period. TFP is growing in standard technology-based economy (India), which is the consequence of technological progress. On the other hand, among labour-intensive economies, Sri Lanka is performing better as TFP in Sri Lanka is improving at a good rate, while Pakistan’s TFP is also growing steadily. Here, both the countries’ TFP growth is driven by positive technological change. Bangladesh is observing TFP decline as Bangladesh is the worst performer among five nations in South Asia despite the fact that technological change is still progressing. Nepal’s TFP is improving as well, but at a slower pace. Except Bangladesh, efficiency change shows progressive trend in the remaining countries.

JEL Classification: D24, F02, F62, O14
Ankle joint pressure change before and after subtalar joint arthrodesis in varus and valgus malalignment of the tibia
Authors: Hu Mu , Xu Xiangyang , Mei Jiong
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The compensation mechanism of subtalar joint in ankle with varus or valgus deformity is controversial and not well established. This biomechanical study aims to investigate how subtalar joint arthrodesis will affect the ankle joint pressure in varus and valgus malalignment of the tibia. Methods: Eight fresh-frozen human cadaver legs were tested in this study. A custom-made fixture was utilized and a total of 600N was applied to simulate weight-bearing. Intra-articular sensors (TeckScan) were inserted in the ankle joint to demonstrate the ankle joint pressure. Conditions include: Neutral, 5°, 10°, 15° and 20° varus, 5°, 10°, 15° and 20° valgus. Results: After the fusion of the subtalar joint, when the tibia is gradually inverted, the inside pressure of the ankle joint gradually increases, and the pressure on the outside of the ankle joint gradually decreases. When the tibia is gradually eversion, the pressure on the outside of the ankle joint gradually increases, and the inside of the ankle joint gradually decreases. Conclusions: After the subtalar joint is fused, the compensatory activity of the subtalar joint disappears, and the regulation of the pressure in the ankle joint will be lost. We hypothesized that the inversion compensation of the subtalar joint is more likely to occur than the eversion compensation.
The Ghent system in transition: unions’ evolving role in Sweden’s multi-pillar unemployment benefit system
Authors: Lindellee Jayeon , Berglund Tomas
Published: April 2022

This article discusses the multi-faceted and changing role played by trade unions in providing unemployment benefits in Sweden, a country using the so-called Ghent system. As an important institutional feature explaining the high rate of unionisation in the Nordics, the system has been much debated. This article provides a comprehensive account of the retrenchment of the state unemployment benefit system (UBS) and the development of occupational and private UBS pillars providing complementary protection. It also introduces an ongoing reform discussion where the social partners are proposed to govern the unemployment insurance system via collective agreements, while retaining the union-linked insurance funds. The core institutional feature of the Ghent system – voluntary membership of a union-linked insurance fund – is turning out to be highly resilient despite frequent attempts to weaken the union power stemming from it. However, the system’s role in providing unemployment protection has changed due to its development into a multi-pillar structure, meaning that its future prospects are uncertain.
Crisis corporatism 2.0? The role of social dialogue in the pandemic crisis in Europe
Authors: Meardi Guglielmo , Tassinari Arianna
Published: April 2022

The literature on corporatism sees exogenous threats as opportunities for establishing interclass alliances. This article asks if this has been the case with the COVID-19 pandemic, looking at whether social dialogue practices and functions have changed in the three largest EU countries compared with the ‘crisis corporatism’ and ‘austerity corporatism’ that accompanied the Great Financial Crisis of 2008–2009 and the eurozone crisis of 2010–2012. It concludes that continuity prevails in terms of the forms and limitations of concerted solutions, which remain country-specific. However, a crisis focused on health issues has entailed a shift in the agenda from labour costs to production issues, providing trade unions with discursive resources opening up opportunities to move from the concession bargaining of previous decades to more assertive roles.
Job retention schemes in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic – different shapes and sizes and the role of collective bargaining
Authors: Müller Torsten , Schulten Thorsten , Drahokoupil Jan
Published: April 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic all the EU Member States established some kind of job retention scheme to cushion the employment effects of the economic crisis. While all job retention schemes share this general objective, they differ considerably as regards their institutional design and underlying functional logic. The aim of this article is to analyse the relevant institutional diversity across Europe, with a particular focus on the role of collective bargaining and employee representation structures in the design and implementation of job retention schemes. Based on an analysis of key institutional features of such schemes implemented during the pandemic, the second aim of the article is to identify a set of minimum standards for ‘good job retention schemes’ that ensure efficient and socially adequate use. These criteria include the following elements: ensuring inclusiveness; ensuring a minimum allowance to prevent workers from ending up below the subsistence level when on such a scheme; measures preventing misuse and deadweight losses; and making job retention schemes support conditional on the involvement of trade unions and employee representation structures.
Spinal cord protothecosis causing paraparesis in a dog
Authors: Asiag Nimrod , Lapid Roi , Aizenberg Zahi , Baneth Gad , Nachum-Biala Yaarit , Leszkowicz-Mazuz Monica , Yasur-Landau Daniel , Chai Orit , Aroch Itamar , Shamir Merav H.
Published: April 2022

Protothecosis, an infectious disease caused by the green algae Prototheca zopfii and P. wickerhamii, occurs sporadically in domestic animals and humans. Diagnosis of CNS protothecosis is based on neurologic signs that indicate multifocal nervous system lesions and that follow a period of chronic diarrhea and weight loss, cytologic observation of algae in fecal culture or histopathology, and detection of the agent by PCR assay of infected tissues. Here, we report a case of a paraparetic dog with CNS protothecosis that was diagnosed definitively antemortem using CSF cytology, PCR, and DNA sequencing. A 4-y-old mixed-breed dog developed progressive paraparesis that followed weight loss and diarrhea. CSF analysis revealed marked eosinophilic pleocytosis. Prototheca organisms were detected by microscopic examination of the CSF, and speciated as P. zopfii by CSF PCR and DNA sequencing. Other possible causes of paraparesis were ruled out using computed tomography, serology, and CSF PCR. The dog’s condition deteriorated despite treatment, developing forebrain and central vestibular system clinical signs, and it was euthanized at the owner’s request. Postmortem examination was declined. Our findings indicate that when CNS protothecosis is suspected, antemortem diagnosis can be made using CSF analysis and a PCR assay.
Virtual Support and Intimate Partner Violence Services: A Scoping Review
Authors: Baird Stephanie L. , Tarshis Sarah , Messenger Catherine , Falla Michaeline
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This article reports on a scoping review that maps the empirical research on virtual intimate partner violence (IPV) interventions.

Method

Following the Joanna Briggs Institute’s nine-step scoping review methodology, 25 studies were selected.

Results

The majority of the studies (72%) were published in the United States, and included quantitative (56%), mixed methods (24%), and qualitative study designs (20%). The most frequent focus of the virtual interventions to support survivors of IPV included safety (52%), with other interventions focusing mainly on treatment (36%), and education and prevention (12%). Forms of interventions included interactive, internet-based (72%), smartphone apps (16%), live videoconferencing (8%), and an asynchronous chatroom (4%). Barriers and strengths of virtual IPV interventions are identified.

Discussion

From this analysis, emerging models in virtual IPV intervention are identified, as well as next steps necessary in virtual IPV practice and research. The article concludes with implications for social work practice and research.
Feasibility of Self-Guided Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for University Students During COVID-19
Authors: Young Daniel K. W. , Carlbring Per , Ng Petrus Y. N. , Chen Qi-rong J.
Published: April 2022

Objective: This study aimed to test the feasibility and efficacy of a self-guided online cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT) for university students in Hong Kong during COVID-19. Method: One group pre-post-test design with convenient sampling was adopted in this study, involving 84 university students who received a newly developed iCBT within an 8 week intervention period. The iCBT offered eight online modules for students to learn the skills of CBT at home through an online platform which was accessible any time anywhere anonymously with technical support only. Standardized assessment tools were used for outcomes assessment at the pre- and post-intervention periods. Results: Three quarters of participants completed all iCBT modules. The results of paired t-tests showed that, after completing the iCBT, participants showed reduction in anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidences to support the feasibility and efficacy of the self-guided iCBT for university students during COVID-19.
The Value of Recreation Therapy in End-of-Life Care: Case Studies From an Inpatient VA Hospice Program
Authors: Brecher David B. , Hopkins Jeanne
Published: April 2022

Providing maximum comfort and pain control can be challenging for hospice teams when treating the end-of-life patient. With the medical complexities end stage disease presents, it can be additionally pertinent to treat the patient holistically. Who are they outside of their medical condition? What is important for them to address? Is there a nonpharmacological approach that can be of benefit? With the availability of a Recreation Therapist (RT), inpatient and home hospice teams can increase comprehensive treatment to target cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains of patient care. An RT often uses nontraditional therapeutic approaches and resources to increase the hospice patient’s overall well-being, including comfort and pain control. The following case studies will highlight evidence-based modalities used by a Recreation Therapist to treat hospice patients in a Veterans Affairs facility.
How a Human-Centered Design Process Transformed the User Experience of Graft Preparation in the Operating Room
Authors: Marks Jacob A. , Zylka Kevin , Copeland D’Agostino Emilie
Published: April 2022

In this case study, the human-centered design process used by the Industrial Design and Human Factors (IDHF) team at Johnson & Johnson MedTech in developing the SPEEDTRAP™ Graft Preparation System is overviewed. This article describes three broad efforts to “Understand” needs within knee soft tissue repair procedures and potential opportunities; “Explore” possible solutions through conceptual development, prototyping, and usability testing; and “Materialize” the refinement and delivery of the SPEEDTRAP™ Graft Preparation System. The key results for each broad effort are described.
Highlighting the Diversity of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor: A Case Series
Authors: Asadbeigi Sepideh Nikki , Diaz-Perez Julio A. , Rosenberg Andrew E. , Pettus Jason R. , Kerr Darcy A. , Linos Konstantinos
Published: April 2022

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare malignant tumor that occurs mainly in the retroperitoneum of children and young adults. In its prototypical form, DSCRT displays characteristic morphology with nested primitive small round cells in a desmoplastic stroma and a distinctive immunophenotype with polyphenotypic differentiation. However, DSCRT can also exhibit a broader clinical, histologic and immunohistochemical spectrum and, therefore, cause diagnostic difficulties. Given that DSCRT is an aggressive and nearly universally fatal disease, making the correct diagnosis is critically important. Herein, we report three patients with DSRCT and unusual clinical, morphologic or immunohistochemical characteristics, in order to highlight its remarkable diversity and increase awareness of this unusual, distinctive neoplasm.
A Longitudinal Study of Relationships Between Vocational Graduates’ Career Adaptability, Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy, Vocational Identity Clarity, and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Kvasková Lucia , Hlado Petr , Palíšek Petr , Šašinka Václav , Hirschi Andreas , Ježek Stanislav , Macek Petr
Published: April 2022

Career construction theory proposes that high career adaptability leads to positive adaptation outcomes during career transition. However, the specific pathways of how this happens remain underexplored. Drawing on the career construction model of adaptation, we hypothesized that career decision-making self-efficacy mediates the link of career adaptability with vocational identity clarity and life satisfaction as two measures of adaptation outcomes. We conducted a three-wave survey with an initial sample of 3126 Czech upper-secondary vocational graduates transitioning from vocational school to the labor market. Structural equation modeling revealed that career decision-making self-efficacy fully mediated the relationship between career adaptability before graduation and vocational identity clarity 20 months later. In contrast, the mediation effect of career decision-making self-efficacy on the relationship between career adaptability and life satisfaction was not supported. Additionally, in contrast to the previous literature, career adaptability was not directly related to vocational identity clarity and life satisfaction. Nevertheless, our findings demonstrated a positive long-term association of career adaptability with adaptation outcomes within the working life domain. Practical implications and future directions are discussed.
Effect of Local Versus General Anesthesia in Breast-Conserving Surgery on Cancer Recurrence and Cost
Authors: Gu Chongshan , Wang Lize , He Yingjian , Ouyang Tao , Li Jinfeng , Wang Tianfeng , Fan Tie , Li Mi , Fan Zhaoqing
Published: April 2022

Background

The association between the type of anesthesia used and the recurrence of cancer remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the effects of local vs general anesthesia on recurrence-free survival and cost after breast-conserving surgery.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed the data of 2778 patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery followed by radiation at our center between 1999 and 2014. We analyzed the data of 994 patients with hormone receptor-positive and Her2-negative tumors who underwent breast-conserving surgery without axillary lymph node dissection under local or general anesthesia. Patients were grouped according to whether local or general anesthesia was used for the surgery.

Results

Of the 994 patients enrolled in this study, 367 received local anesthesia and 627 patients received general anesthesia. The median follow-up duration for all patients was 93 months. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves did not reveal significant differences between the recurrence-free survival of the two groups, with 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of 96.3% (95% CI, 94.3–98.3%) in the local anesthesia group and 97.3% (95% CI, 95.9–98.7%) in the general anesthesia group. The total cost of hospitalization in the local anesthesia group was significantly lower than that in the general anesthesia group ( P <.001). The difference in the cost between the two groups remained significant, irrespective of the type of hospitalization, after excluding 165 patients receiving chemotherapy during their hospitalization.

Conclusions

Our analysis indicated no association between the type of anesthesia used during breast-conserving surgery and the long-term prognosis of breast cancer. However, breast-conserving surgery under local anesthesia may be a less expensive option than that under general anesthesia.
Shape monitoring and damage identification in stiffened plates using inverse finite element method and Bayesian learning
Authors: Qiu Shumao , Wu Ziyan , Li Mengying , Yang Haifeng , Yue Feng
Published: April 2022

Stiffened plate structures are common structural forms that are widely used in various fields. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is an important tool to maintain their safe operation. The inverse finite element method (iFEM) is a state-of-the-art methodology for SHM that can precisely reconstruct full-field displacements through limited strain sensors. In this paper, we study the stiffened cantilever plate and propose a complete damage localization and quantification system based on iFEM. By solving the damage location index, we can recognize the damage locations in real time, independent of loads and load combinations. Moreover, the strain modes at strain sensors are obtained by modal tests, which can be transformed into full degrees of freedom (DOFs) mode shapes by the iFEM. The damage severities can be further determined using the Bayesian learning (BL) algorithm. In this way, the mode shapes required for damage identification are transformed into strain modes which are easier to obtain, especially for structures with rotational DOFs such as plates and shells. Considering different damage scenarios, the proposed method can detect true locations and severities of damage even with a limited number of strain sensors and under measurement noise.
Investigations of the effects of a passive bumper on the seismic response of base-isolated buildings: Experimental study and parameter optimization
Authors: Zhong Weijian , Liu Yanhui , Mercan Oya , Zhou Fulin
Published: April 2022

The horizontal displacement values experienced by the isolation layer of base-isolated buildings can exceed the allowable range and cause failures during the rare or very-rare earthquakes. Excessive horizontal displacements of the isolation layer may cause collisions between the building and retaining walls of the isolation ditch and even cause the collapse of the isolated building. This paper proposes a cost-effective, easy-to-build, passive bumper device, called Flexible Limit Protective Device (FLPD) in order to act as shock-absorbers. Through numerical simulations and experiments, the nonlinear behavior of the FLPD is investigated. Subsequently, through structural simulations, the effectiveness of using FLPDs is studied. The elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is used to optimize the design of FLPDs, and the response of structures equipped with optimized FLPDs are simulated numerically. The results indicate that proposed optimized FLPDs can effectively work as shock-absorbers for base-isolated structures. This paper can provide a guideline for the design of shock-absorbers.
Vibration reduction control by a cable actuation system for reflector antenna
Authors: Liang Wei , Geng Yide , Huang Jin , Zhang Jie
Published: April 2022

Vibration deformation of a reflector antenna under a moving load will reduce pointing performance. Current vibration suppression technology for reflector antennas, such as the application of mesh reflector antennas, the construction of large radomes, the use of antennas with high stiffness, and the improvement of the shaft servo systems, can reduce the impact of vibrations. However, the disadvantages of high-frequency transmission, high cost, increased weight, and servo bandwidth limitations, are unavoidable. A cable actuation system is proposed as a method for reducing the vibration of reflector antennas while having little influence on the original structure. In this method, the acceleration of the reflector is measured, and an unbiased minimum variance estimator of the system state is introduced to observe the vibration state of the reflector. Then using the LQR approach, drivers on the slide rail pull the cables to suppress the vibration of the reflector. Moreover, the position of the drivers on the slide rail can be adjusted depending on the moving load condition. Finally, the experimental results show that the vibration time of the reflector without control was approximately 7 s, while the vibration time of the reflector with control was reduced to approximately 1 s when the pendulum fell from the same height to excite the reflector.
A Systematic Literature Review of Health Center Efforts to Address Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Pourat Nadereh , Lu Connie , Huerta Denisse M. , Hair Brionna Y. , Hoang Hank , Sripipatana Alek
Published: April 2022

Health centers (HCs) play a crucial and integral role in addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) among vulnerable and underserved populations, yet data on SDOH assessment and subsequent actions is limited. We conducted a systematic review to understand the existing evidence of integration of SDOH into HC primary-care practices. Database searches yielded 3,516 studies, of which 41 articles met the inclusion criteria. A majority of studies showed that HCs primarily captured patient-level rather than community-level SDOH data. Studies also showed that HCs utilized SDOH in electronic health records but capabilities varied widely. A few studies indicated that HCs measured health-related outcomes of integrating SDOH data. The review highlighted that many knowledge gaps exist in the collection, use, and assessment of impact of these data on outcomes, and future research is needed to address this knowledge gap.
Feasibility of Hair Cortisol as a Biomarker of Chronic Stress in People With Dementia
Authors: Kim Eunsaem , Bolkan Cory , Crespi Erica , Madigan Jennifer
Published: April 2022

Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) are an innovative way to measure chronic stress relying on a small sample of hair. To date, there are no studies that have studied HCC as a biomarker of chronic stress in individuals with dementia. Given the vulnerability to chronic stress in people with dementia, using HCC as an objective measure of physiological stress in those with dementia has potential to enhance our understanding of this population. The goal of this exploratory, multidisciplinary, pilot study was to establish feasibility of HCC testing in people with dementia as a biomarker of chronic stress. HCC was examined over a 6-month period to assess physiological stress response during a transition to memory care. Newly admitted memory care residents ( n = 13, mean age = 82) were followed over 6 months. Residents’ hair samples and health information were collected at 3-month intervals. HCC levels significantly changed during the transition to memory care, which may reflect chronic physiological stress. Participants with frequent behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) had significantly lower HCC at baseline and exhibited a blunted cortisol reactivity at follow-up. Based on detected changes in HCC, participants likely experienced stress reactions during the transition to memory care, providing preliminary evidence that HCC may be a useful, non-invasive measure of physiological stress in this population. This approach may also be applied to understanding the significance of person-centered care environments on minimizing chronic stress for people with dementia.
A 24-year single-centre experience with Collum Femoris Preserving stem: clinical and radiological results in young and elderly population
Authors: Formica Matteo , Mosconi Lorenzo , Cavagnaro Luca , Chiarlone Francesco , Quarto Emanuele , Lontaro-Baracchini Maddalena , Zanirato Andrea
Published: April 2022

Objective:

The primary aim was to evaluate the long-term follow-up of Collum Femoris Preserving (CFP) stem, specifically focusing on stem survivorship, complications, as well as on clinical and radiological results. The secondary study objective is an age-based sub-analysis (<65 years vs. ⩾65 years) of long-term results.

Materials and methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent CFP implantation between 1997 and 2009. A total of 311 patients (342 hips) were included with a mean follow-up of 15.8 ± 2.2 (range 11–24) years. 2 age groups were analysed: Group-Y (age <65) and Group-E (age ⩾65). Group-Y included 182 hips (mean follow-up 16.3 ± 4.2 years), whereas Group-E included 160 hips (mean follow-up 15.5 ± 3.7 years). Clinical (HHS, OHS and VAS) and radiological data were obtained at final follow-up. Any complications, reoperations, prosthetic components revisions and stem revisions were analysed.

Results:

According to HSS score, 95% of patients reported excellent/good results (95.6% Group-Y vs. 94.4% Group-E) with an overall stem survival rate of 93.3% (94% Group-Y vs. 92.5% Group-E; p = 0.37). Overall, 87% of stem revisions were performed with primary stems. The rate of prosthetic components revision was 9.9 % (9.9% in Group-Y vs. 10% in Group-E; p = 1). The reoperation rate was 10.8% (11.5% in Group-Y vs. 10.0% in Group-E; p = 0.73).

Conclusions:

The CFP stem provides good clinical and radiological long-term results with low rate of complications in both young and elderly patients. No significant difference in stem revision and reoperation rates was observed between the 2 groups. Both in elderly and young patients, CFP stem allows revisions to be performed with primary stems.
Complex regional pain syndrome following vascular access creation for hemodialysis
Authors: Sathiavageesan Subrahmanian , Annamalai Ishwarya , Karki Arun , Kamalanathan Melchizedek , Annadurai Anjali , Chandrasekaran Anand
Published: April 2022

Pain and swelling of a limb following creation of arterio-venous fistula (AVF) are often attributable to vascular disorders like venous hypertension or limb ischaemia. Here we report the case of a 70-years old man who developed pain and swelling of upper limb distal to the AVF during second post-operative week due to a complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). CRPS is characterized by pain that is disproportionate to the invoking injury, autonomic dysfunction, trophic changes and functional impairment of affected limb. Hyperalgesia and allodynia are pain patterns characteristic of CRPS. CRPS has been reported rarely following AVF creation surgery. Prompt diagnosis of CRPS is important to avoid misdiagnosis of vascular disorders and for implementation of right therapeutic strategy.