bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on current carrying capacity calculation model for dynamic capacity increase of carbon fiber reinforced composite core conductor
Authors: Feng Bo , Zhang Wei , Liao Yongli , Xia Xiaofei , Zhang Hourong
Published: June 2024

With the “dual-carbon” as the goal of the new power system construction gradually in-depth, transmission lines must have energy-saving capacity for the direction of development. A new type of large-capacity overhead transmission conductor is the carbon fiber reinforced composite core (CFCC) conductor. The conductor has high capacity, low loss, high-temperature resistance, low high-temperature sag, and other characteristics. It is one of the key technologies and equipment applied to the transformation of old overhead transmission lines to enhance its capacity. At the same time, it can also realize the dynamic transmission capacity regulation of the overhead line. The application of the prospect is very promising. The accurate assessment and calculation model for the conductor’s allowable current carrying capacity is the key core technical problem of the overhead transmission line dynamic capacity increase capability. The paper establishes a maximum allowable current capacity calculation model for carbon fiber-reinforced composite core conductors based on Morgan’s formula. The results of the load flow calculation are compared with the actual load flow test results to verify the calculation model, and the maximum error is 3.59%, which proves the reliability of the calculation model. On this basis, the influence of external environmental factors (ambient temperature, sunlight intensity, wind speed, and direction) on the maximum allowable current capacity of the conductor is discussed. The correlation coefficient of the model is analyzed.
Discussion on energy saving control method of core electric power building facilities under low-carbon drive
Authors: Gao Meijing , Liang Yanqun , Wang Tingting
Published: June 2024

Energy saving in the power field is a necessary technical link to complete the 3060 index in China. This paper extends the scope of building energy saving and the technical direction of power energy saving and focuses on the auxiliary energy consumption during the operation of the power system. Taking the substation of the key point of electric energy as an example, its auxiliary energy consumption belongs to the category of line loss. Therefore, reducing the auxiliary energy consumption of the substation is a strong support for reducing the line loss of the main network. In this paper, the boundary of power-dependent energy consumption is defined first and the evaluation method is given. Secondly, the measures to reduce the dependent energy consumption are given based on the variable data in the north of Huzhou City. Finally, the paper combines the data and carries out simulation verification, and the results show that the carbon emission of operation and maintenance can be reduced by up to 2.6% compared with the traditional strategy.
New lower background and higher rate technique for anti-neutrino detection using Tungsten 183 Isotope
Authors: Novak J. , Solomey N. , Hartsock B. , Doty B. , Folkerts J.
Published: June 2024

Low energy anti-neutrinos detected from reactors or other
sources have typically used the conversion of an anti-neutrino on
Hydrogen, producing a positron and a free neutron. This neutron is
subsequently captured on a secondary element with a large neutron
capture cross-section such as gadolinium or cadmium. With most
neutron captures on gadolinium, it is possible to get two or three
delayed gamma signals of known energy to occur. Modern experiments
can make measurements with timing on the order of 25 ns. Fast
electronics like these allow for the possibility of accessing the
very fast signals from the nuclear de-excitation of a heavy nucleus
following the prompt positron signal, rather than relying on
traditional IBD techniques. We have found an isotope of tungsten,
 183W that produces tantalum in the ground state at 2.094 MeV
or the first excited state at 2.167 MeV. The excited state of
 183Ta* emits a signature secondary gamma pulse of 73 keV
with a 106 ns half-life. This offers a new delayed coincidence
technique that can be used to identify anti-neutrinos with lower
background noise. This allows for less shielding than required for
modern inverse beta decay detectors.
Characterization of shark skin properties and biomimetic replication
Authors: R R Baeten Stan , Kochovski Ana , Jovanova Jovana , Sakes Aimée
Published: June 2024

This review explores the present knowledge of the unique properties of shark skin and possible applications of its functionalities, including drag reduction and swimming efficiency. Tooth-like denticles, with varied morphologies, sizes, and densities across the shark’s body, significantly influence the flow and interaction of fluids. Examining dermal denticle morphology, this study unveils the functional properties of real shark skin, including mechanical properties such as stiffness, stress–strain characteristics, and denticle density’s impact on tensile properties. The adaptive capabilities of the Mako shark scales, especially in high-speed swimming, are explored, emphasizing their passive flow-actuated dynamic micro-roughness. This research contains an overview of various studies on real shark skin, categorizing them into skin properties, morphology, and hydrodynamics. The paper extends exploration into industrial applications, detailing fabrication techniques and potential uses in vessels, aircraft, and water pipes for friction reduction. Three manufacturing approaches, bio-replicated forming, direct fabrication, and indirect manufacturing, are examined, with 3D printing and photoconfiguration technology emerging as promising alternatives. Investigations into the mechanical properties of shark skin fabrics reveal the impact of denticle size on tensile strength, stress, and strain. Beyond drag reduction, the study highlights the shark skin’s role in enhancing thrust and lift during locomotion. The paper identifies future research directions, emphasizing live shark testing and developing synthetic skin with the help of 3D printing incorporating the bristling effect.
The influence of multi-scale tough liquid fiber toughening agent on the mechanical properties of oil well cement-based composite materials
Authors: Meng Qingshan
Published: June 2024

Cementing is a key process in drilling engineering, and the cement sheath in cementing can sometime have problems such as significant brittleness, low toughness, and low resistance to impact damage, especially in perforation and fracturing environments where the cement sheath is more susceptible to damage. In response to the above issues, three types of inorganic carbon fibers, including 1 mm carbon fiber, 2 mm carbon fiber, and nanocarbon fiber, were studied indoors to investigate the influence of their ratios on the mechanical properties of cement paste. The optimal mixture of 1 mm carbon fiber, 2 mm carbon fiber, and nanocarbon fiber in a ratio of 3:2:1 was selected, and a multi-scale liquid fiber toughening agent BS-54 was obtained through special liquefaction process treatment. The liquid fiber toughening agent BS-54 has good water dispersibility and can evenly disperse in the slurry water, effectively improving the dispersion and addition of multi-scale fibers in cement slurry. The cement slurry prepared with multi-scale dispersed liquid fiber toughening agent has good rheological properties, water loss, and thickening properties. The addition of multi-scale dispersed liquid fiber toughening agent to cement slurry significantly increases the tensile strength, impact strength, and compressive strength of cement paste, effectively reduces the elastic modulus of cement paste, improves the strength of cement paste, and achieves toughening effect. Microscopic analysis shows that the active nanoparticles dispersed by multi-scale dispersed liquid fiber toughening agents can interweave between gaps, and the dense cross-linked structure formed by their multi-scale micro nano structure improves the toughness and strength of cement slurry. Moreover, the multi-scale dispersed liquid fiber toughening agent cement slurry ensures that the cement stone sample has good integrity under external impact, which is conducive to improving the impact resistance of the cement stone.
Relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties of V-N microalloyed high strength ship plate steel
Authors: Li Boyong , Li Guanglong , Zhang Dazheng , Yan Ling , Zhang Peng , Liu Pengcheng , Xiao Jiuhan , Qi Xiangyu , Wang Xiaohang , Liu Jinyi
Published: June 2024

V-N microalloying treatment is an important way to improve the service performance of non-quenched and tempered ship plate steel. Herein, the influence of V(C, N) on the evolution of microstructure and improvement of mechanical properties was studied. In addition, the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties of V-N microalloyed high strength ship plate steel was revealed. The results showed that the composite addition of V and N not only formed a fine dispersed precipitated phase, but more importantly, significantly refined the ferrite/pearlite microstructure, promoted the formation of intragranular acicular ferrite, increased the proportion of high angle grain boundaries, and decreased the kernel average misorientation value. The optimization of microstructure brought about by V-N microalloying achieved synchronous improvement of strength and cryogenic toughness. The impact energy of V-N microalloying ship plate steel increased from 97 J of V-N-free ship plate steel to 239 J at −40 °C, and the impact fracture mode changed from brittle quasi-cleavage fracture to microvoid coalescence fracture with a large number of equiaxial dimples.
Structural computational analysis of conventional and self-designed rover wheel architectures for extraterrestrial roving application
Authors: Vishnoi Mohit , Srivastava Siddharth , T G Mamatha , Kukshal Vikas
Published: June 2024

The technical advancements in robotics have closely been followed by developments in aerospace excavation robots. This research elucidates self-designed shape memory alloy wheels for their use in Lunar Excavations, which attributes to the new era of space exploration robots. The wheel design proves to be of paramount importance as crucial operations such as mobility, steering, and traction control build upon wheel design. A comparison has been made between Aluminium alloy, Structural Steel, and Shape Memory alloy (Nitinol) wheels for both conventional and self-designed wheel architectures. Wheel architecture tests and their results are articulated with the aid of simulation. The significant performance parameters, primarily Total Deformation, Equivalent Stress, and Shear stress-induced, were analyzed, which articulates the performance of the wheel at the time of landing. It was observed that for both wheel designs: self-designed and conventional, the maximum total deformation was 0.011154 mm and 1.3573 mm, respectively, when Aluminium alloy was chosen as the base material. For Steel and Nitinol, the self-designed wheel structure proved to perform better than the conventional wheel design with lower values of total deformation (0.0041129 mm and 0.010968 mm, respectively).
Research on tracking and synchronization control of dual hydraulic cylinders based on improved active disturbance rejection control
Authors: Xiao Yun , Sun Chungeng , Lian Chaojie
Published: June 2024

To ensure the stability of vertical mold casting machine casting, and improve the quality of casting, for which the electro-hydraulic servo system of the traditional active disturbance rejection control(ADRC) of the nonlinear function is not smooth, a new type of nonlinear function is used. For the ADRC controller, there are too many adjustment parameters and complex engineering tuning, The snake optimization(SO) algorithm is used to adaptively tune the controller parameters, and the error can also be reduced. The simulation results show that compared with the PID controller and the traditional ADRC controller, the ADRC controller based on the Ifal function and SO has a certain jitter suppression effect as well as good tracking and synchronization performance, which can effectively improve the tracking and synchronization accuracy of the dual hydraulic cylinders of the electro-hydraulic servo system.
Examining the effect of urbanization on various land cover classes and environmental quality using remote sensing and GIS methods
Authors: Pokhariya Hemant Singh , Jain Khushi , Jain Prashuk
Published: June 2024

It is vital for public awareness and decision-makers to investigate the impact caused by changes in urban land use and land cover on ecosystem service values (ESVs) in order to promote sustainable urban development, protect the environment, protect public health, and ensure communities’ long-term well-being. Changes in ecosystem services brought on by changes in land use and cover (LULC) are a crucial early indicator and warning sign of ecological shifts. Using remote sensing and GIS tools, this study examined the shifting dynamics of ESVs in the Haridwar district in Uttarakhand state, India. The evaluation of land use land cover (LULC) changes was carried out by analyzing satellite images of the research region from 2001 to 2021. In addition, we examined changes in ecosystem services according to the study area’s LULC classifications. Using a random forest machine learning classifier, satellite images were classified into five categories of land cover: water bodies, forests, built-up areas, agricultural land, and bare land. The findings showed that from 2001 to 2021, forest cover and water bodies fell by 15.35% and 41.50%, respectively, while urban area and agricultural area rose by 69.24% and 12.31%, respectively. Due to increased urbanization and degradation of water bodies and forest areas, ESV fell from 103.19 USD ha −1 year −1 in 2001 to 70.53 USD ha −1 year −1 in 2021. The combination of LULC with the value of ecosystem services may improve our knowledge of several difficulties in an urban ecosystem. As a result, we advocate for the incorporation of LULC and ESVs as a tool that might be useful to urban planners and land managers in the future for sustainable development of natural resources.
Almost everywhere convergence of Bochner–Riesz means for the twisted Laplacian
Authors: Jeong Eunhee , Lee Sanghyuk , Ryu Jaehyeon
Published: June 2024

Let

L

\mathcal L

denote the twisted Laplacian in

C

d

\mathbb {C}^d

. We study almost everywhere convergence of the Bochner–Riesz mean

S

t

δ

(

L

)
f

S^\delta _{t}(\mathcal L) f

of

f
∈

L
p

(

C

d

)

f\in L^p(\mathbb C^d)

as

t
→
∞

t\to \infty

, which is an expansion of

f
f

in the special Hermite functions. For

2
≤
p
≤
∞

2\le p\le \infty

, we obtain the sharp range of the summability indices

δ
\delta

for which the convergence of

S

t

δ

(

L

)
f

S^\delta _{t}(\mathcal L) f

holds for all

f
∈

L
p

(

C

d

)

f\in L^p(\mathbb {C}^d)

.
Relational Justice
Authors: Dagan Hanoch , Dorfman Avihay
Published: June 2024

This chapter develops a conception of interpersonal justice that duly addresses the fundamental circumstances of private law. The justice of private law must not merely safeguard people’s independence but also attend to private law’s responsibility for facilitating human interactions lest it ends up jeopardizing the significance of people’s mutual relationships in the pursuit of their self-determination. Likewise, the justice of private law should not be content with vindicating formal equality. Instead, it should ensure that the relationships it oversees (and, at times, even constructs) are interactions between substantively equal individuals. To enable the interacting parties to treat one another as both self-determining and substantively equal persons, private law must take into account people’s circumstances as well as constitutive choices that pertain to their ground projects (as opposed to their mere preferences).
Public Nuisance
Authors: Dagan Hanoch , Dorfman Avihay
Published: June 2024

This chapter offers a reconstruction of the poorly understood tort of public nuisance. Contrary to the view that the underlying rights protected by this tort contrast with private rights, it argues that these rights are private rights like any other right in the law of torts since they protect private persons, taken severally. And yet, these private rights are also distinctively public in the sense that they protect the interests of private persons to use and enjoy the public space. Public nuisance, then, poses ex post liability for undermining these interests but, above all, constructs a liberal public space. Private law thus extends beyond the private sphere to capture entitlements and responsibilities that do not arise from or attach to ownership of land. This account refines the potentially significant role of the public nuisance tort by addressing the urgent threat posed by climate change.
Good Faith and Related Doctrines
Authors: Dagan Hanoch , Dorfman Avihay
Published: June 2024

This chapter shows that contract doctrines on performance and remedies point to a concern with relational justice. The sequential nature typical of contract performance implies that contractual parties are particularly vulnerable to each other’s opportunism, and relational justice requires contract law to respond to this heightened, contract-specific type of vulnerability. If law is to facilitate contracting (as it should, given contract’s service to self-determination) and also ensure substantive equality, it must solidify a cooperative conception of contract performance that goes beyond the mandatory floor of relational justice. At the core of the web of doctrines analyzed in this chapter is the duty of good faith and fair dealing, which sets the contractual rules of the game. The substantial performance doctrine in service contracts and the principle against forfeiture in applying the condition/promise distinction can likewise be interpreted as belonging to this cooperative framework, as can the burden to mitigate and the choice of the expectation interest as the default measure of recovery. All these doctrines, to some extent, require the contractual parties to assist one another.
The Tort of Discrimination
Authors: Dagan Hanoch , Dorfman Avihay
Published: June 2024

Prohibitions on private discrimination in the workplace or in housing are typically justified by reference to our public commitments to equal opportunity and social integration as citizens in a democracy. This public law perspective often assumes that duties of anti-discrimination are (and perhaps must be) imposed solely by statutes. Relational justice, however, provides the normative resources to treat instances of private discrimination as a private wrong, namely, a tort. This chapter argues that private law’s endogenous commitments imply that people granted normative legal power over others—such as private proprietors, employers, commercial providers, and landlords—must be prevented from exerting it in defiance of others’ right to be treated as equals. Other things being equal, any attempt to do so by the holders of such power must count as an instance of overreach and as a legally cognizable injury to the person of the plaintiff regardless of whether the state or market competition generates generous work opportunities and creates integrative forums. In this general tort of private discrimination, disparate treatment and disparate impact could both amount to wrongful discrimination, as could many instances of impermissible inequity now falling through many statutory cracks.
The Promise of Private Law
Authors: Dagan Hanoch , Dorfman Avihay
Published: June 2024

In summarizing this book’s findings, this brief final chapter shows that, while theoretically innovative, relational justice theory is more loyal to the actual workings of private law than its major rivals. It also demonstrates that private law can, and to a significant extent already does, transcend the common law mold and use a variety of other procedural and institutional mechanisms. Finally, by articulating the currently implicit normative commitment of private law to reciprocal respect for self-determination and substantive equality, relational justice theory offers internal resources for critique and reform that can push private law (both within and without the state) toward the fulfillment of its great humanist promise.
Reading Texts and Traditions
Authors: Rodrigues Valerian
Published: June 2024

Ambedkar’s writings are informed by a philosophical perspective that human understanding and value realm are deeply marked by the frameworks of understanding and dispositions constituting a habitat. Our knowledge of social reality, our approach to the past, texts, and traditions, and even conception of the self are premised on such consciousness. Such consciousness may be trapped in valorizing certain issues and strivings, partisan viewpoints, and even prejudices. It may be complicit in epistemic erasures, ethical appropriations, and ascription of differences. It may even goad us to submission and servility on one hand and domination and claims of superiority on the other. However, our capacities as humans can subject such consciousness to revaluation and reorientation. Such appraisals may be facilitated by the contestations in which frameworks of understanding are caught or competing frameworks found in a habitat.
Being Human
Authors: Rodrigues Valerian
Published: June 2024

Ambedkar’s epistemic stance, accounts of caste and untouchability, and responses to the challenges they throw up are premised on an idea of the human. Human beings are endowed with reason and moral sensibility and entitled to a unique dignity and respect, despite the condition in which they find themselves, or their prevailing understanding or ethical disposition. While through reason they can fathom the whole universe, through love they can attune themselves to all beings. Their conscience can act as their sentinel to process the right from the wrong. Sociality is the indispensable condition for the fullest development of human. However, such a striving, befitting the human, can be pursued only through self-agency and self-help, and cannot be directed from outside. While upholding the significance of religion, Ambedkar did not subscribe to beliefs in God or soul and considered human perfectibility as a this-worldly concern.
Equality as the Core of Justice
Authors: Rodrigues Valerian
Published: June 2024

Ambedkar argues that despite the differences in which human beings are caught, the measure of equal value is the only appropriate yardstick for treating them. The principle of equal value, however, may result in differential outcomes. Mandating equality of outcomes is not merely an affront to freedom, but to initiative as such. Therefore, the only fair measure of equal value is ‘initial equality’ as it is in consonance with desert for effort, and freedom. Initial equality and differential outcomes may call for a variegated range of preferential considerations. Every accomplishment cannot be rewarded or rewarded in equal measure given the demands of the common good. Democracy is an essential requirement to resolve competing demands and fair distribution. Ambedkar inveighed against Brahmanism for assigning human beings to a ranked order of inequality by birth, throwing to the wind the principle of equal value.
Depicting deterministic variables within directed acyclic graphs: an aid for identifying and interpreting causal effects involving derived variables and compositional data
Authors: Berrie Laurie , Arnold Kellyn F , Tomova Georgia D , Gilthorpe Mark S , Tennant Peter W G
Published: June 2024

Deterministic variables are variables that are functionally determined by one or more parent variables. They commonly arise when a variable has been functionally created from one or more parent variables, as with derived variables, and in compositional data, where the “whole” variable is determined from its “parts.” This article introduces how deterministic variables may be depicted within directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to help with identifying and interpreting causal effects involving derived variables and/or compositional data. We propose a 2-step approach in which all variables are initially considered, and a choice is made as to whether to focus on the deterministic variable or its determining parents. Depicting deterministic variables within DAGs brings several benefits. It is easier to identify and avoid misinterpreting tautological associations, that is, self-fulfilling associations between deterministic variables and their parents, or between sibling variables with shared parents. In compositional data, it is easier to understand the consequences of conditioning on the “whole” variable and to correctly identify total and relative causal effects. For derived variables, it encourages greater consideration of the target estimand and greater scrutiny of the consistency and exchangeability assumptions. DAGs with deterministic variables are a useful aid for planning and interpreting analyses involving derived variables and/or compositional data.
Patient Practices, Perceptions, and Barriers to Self-measurement of Blood Pressure in a Rural Health System
Authors: Parmar Sunny , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne , Singh Gurmukteshwar , Foti Kathryn , Himmelfarb Cheryl , Chang Alexander Richard , Bucaloiu Ion Dan
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Self-measurement of blood pressure (SMBP) is endorsed by current guidelines for diagnosing and managing hypertension (HTN). We surveyed individuals in a rural healthcare system on practices and attitudes related to SMBP that could guide future practice.

METHODS

Survey questions were sent via an online patient portal to a random sample of 56,275 patients with either BP > 140/90 mm Hg or cardiovascular care in the system. Questions addressed home blood pressure (BP) monitor ownership, use, willingness to purchase, desire to share data with providers, perceptions of patient education, and patient-centeredness of care. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine patient characteristics associated with SMBP behaviors.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 12%, and 8.4% completed all questions. Most respondents, 60.9%, owned a BP monitor, while 51.5% reported checking their BP at home the month prior. Among device owners, 45.1% reported receiving instructions on SMBP technique, frequency, and reading interpretation. Only 29.2% reported sharing readings with providers in the last 6 months, whereas 57.9% said they would be willing to do so regularly. Older age, female sex, and higher income were associated with a higher likelihood of device ownership. Younger age, lower income, and Medicaid insurance were associated with a greater willingness to share SMBP results with providers regularly.

CONCLUSIONS

While a significant proportion of respondents performed SMBP regularly, many reported insufficient education on SMBP, and few shared their home BP readings with providers. Patient-centered interventions and telemedicine-based care are opportunities that emerged in our survey that could enhance future HTN care.
Placental apoptosis increased by hypoxia inducible factor-1 stabilization is counteracted by leptin
Authors: de Dios Nataly , Riedel Rodrigo , Schanton Malena , Balestrini Paula , Pérez Luciano , Pérez-Pérez Antonio , Etcheverry Tomás , Casale Roberto , Farina Mariana , Sánchez-Margalet Víctor , Maymó Julieta , Varone Cecilia
Published: June 2024

During pregnancy, apoptosis is a physiological event critical in the remodeling and aging of the placenta. Increasing evidence has pointed toward the relevance of hypoxia as modulator of trophoblast cell death. Previous reports have shown that leptin, a placental cytokine, promotes cell survival in both cell culture and placental explant models. The aim of this work is to establish the role of leptin in apoptosis under hypoxic condition in trophoblast cells. In this study, we evaluated the effect of cobalt chloride, a hypoxia mimicking agent that stabilizes the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha, on Swan-71 and human placental explants. Hypoxia chamber was also used to generate 2% oxygen. Apoptosis was determined by the presence of apoptotic nucleus, fragmentation of DNA and Caspase-3 and PARP-1 cleavage. The pro-apoptotic proteins BAX, BID, BAD, and BAK and the anti-apoptotic effectors BCL-2, B-cell lymphoma-extra-large, and myeloid cell leukemia-1 were also analyzed. We found that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha stabilization increased the appearance of apoptotic nucleus, fragmentation of DNA, and Caspase-3 and PARP-1 cleavage. Hypoxia mimicking conditions enhanced the expression of pro-apoptotic effectors BAX, BID, BAD, and BAK. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha stabilization also downregulated the level of BCL-2, B-cell lymphoma-extra-large, and myeloid cell leukemia-1. All these apoptotic parameters changes were reversed with leptin treatment. Moreover, we showed that leptin action on apoptosis modulation involves PI3K and MAPK signaling pathways. Obtained data demonstrate that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha stabilization induces apoptosis in human placenta and leptin counteracts this effect, reinforcing its role as a survival cytokine.
Measurement properties and interpretability of the Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD) measure
Authors: Pattinson Rachael , Trialonis-Suthakharan Nirohshah , Pickles Tim , Austin Jennifer , FitzGerald Allison , Augustin Matthias , Bundy Christine
Published: June 2024

Background

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are crucial in assessing the impact of dermatological conditions on people’s lives, but the existing dermatology-specific PROMs are not recommended for use, according to COSMIN. We developed the Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD) measure in partnership with patients. It has strong evidence of content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, acceptability and feasibility.

Objectives

To test the remaining measurement properties of the PRIDD and establish the interpretability of scores against the COSMIN criteria, using classic and modern psychometric methods.

Methods

A global longitudinal study consisting of two online surveys administered 2–4 weeks apart was carried out. Adults (≥ 18 years of age) living with a dermatological condition were recruited via the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations’ (GlobalSkin) membership network. Participants completed PRIDD, a demographics questionnaire and other related measures, including the Dermatology Life Quality Index. We tested the criterion validity, construct validity and responsiveness (Spearman’s ρ, independent-samples t-tests and Anova); test–retest reliability [interclass correlation coefficient (ICC)]; measurement error [smallest detectable change or limits of agreement (LoA), distribution-based minimally important change (MIC)]; floor and ceiling effects (number of minimum and maximum scores and person–item location distribution maps), score bandings (κ coefficient of agreement) and the anchor-based MIC of the PRIDD.

Results

In total, 504 people with 35 dermatological conditions from 38 countries participated. Criterion validity (ρ = 0.79), construct validity (76% hypotheses met), test–retest validity (ICC = 0.93) and measurement error (LoA = 1.3 < MIC = 4.14) were sufficient. Floor and ceiling effects were in the acceptable range (< 15%). Score bandings were determined (κ = 0.47); however, the anchor-based MIC could not be calculated owing to an insufficient anchor.

Conclusions

PRIDD is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate the impact of dermatological disease on people’s lives in research and clinical practice. It is the first dermatology-specific PROM to meet the COSMIN criteria. These results support the value of developing and validating PROMs with a patient-centred approach and using classic and modern psychometric methods. Further testing of responsiveness and MIC, cross-cultural translation, linguistic validation and global data collection are planned.
Publications in the BJD: the impact of being read (and cited)
Authors: McGrath John A
Published: June 2024

The BJD prides itself on the quality and breadth of its content. Our current publications span the Journal’s key domains of translational research, clinical trials, epidemiology, global health, evidence-based dermatology, and outcomes and qualitative research, with the editorial aim of publishing the best clinically relevant science, advances in dermatology and items of clinical or practical value and interest to dermatologists and other colleagues working in related disciplines.
From Spiritual Climate to Social Workers’ Job Performance: A Serial Mediation Model of Organisational Commitment and Work Engagement
Authors: Jiang Chaoxin , Zhou Leyi , Jiang Shan
Published: June 2024

The significance of the spiritual climate in enhancing job performance is acknowledged, yet there exists a notable lack of empirical understanding regarding mechanisms, particularly in the social work profession. This study aims to address this gap by examining the serial mediation effect of organisational commitment and work engagement in delineating the relationship between spiritual climate and job performance. A sample of 1,023 social workers from H City, China, was procured using a multistage cluster random sampling approach. The results of the serial mediation analyses show a direct positive effect of spiritual climate on job performance (b = 0.130, p < 0.001) and significant indirect effects through organisational commitment (b = 0.640, p < 0.001) and work engagement (b = 0.516, p < 0.001), underscoring the crucial roles these variables play in mediating spiritual climate’s influence on job performance. Findings reveal a sequential mediating pathway from organisational commitment to work engagement, operating between spiritual climate and job performance. This research clarifies the complex mechanisms linking spiritual climate and job performance, augmenting the limited empirical knowledge within the social work profession. Additionally, it offers practical implications for meeting social workers’ spiritual needs at work.
When annuloplasty is not enough: a case report of ventricular arrhythmias stepwise abolition after mitral valve re-repair
Authors: Azzola Guicciardi Nicolò , Ascione Guido , Alfieri Ottavio , Maisano Francesco , De Bonis Michele
Published: June 2024

Background

Some patients affected by mitral valve (MV) prolapse (MVP) are at higher risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), but the underlying pathogenesis, as well as the effects of surgery on VA, remain not fully understood. Mitral valve repair, however, represents a privileged point of view to deepen the understanding of arrhythmogenesis in this context. Hence, we report an interesting case of MV re-repair.

Case summary

A 52-year-old man was referred to our institution for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to P2 prolapse in the context of myxomatous MV degeneration. Pre-operative imaging showed systolic mitral annular disjunction, left ventricular (LV) wall curling, Pickelhaube’s sign, and a prolapsing tricuspid valve (TV) with only mild regurgitation. Twenty-four-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) Holter revealed a significant burden of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), most of them originating from anterior papillary muscle (APM), posterior papillary muscle (PPM), and mitral annulus (MA). Quadrangular resection of P2 and mitral annuloplasty were performed. One year later, relapse of severe MR due to a residual P2M1 prolapse occurred. Twenty-four-hour ECG Holter showed no PVCs from PPM and MA, while those from APM persisted. A central edge-to-edge repair was effectively used to fix the residual prolapse. After 1 year from REDO surgery, a third ECG Holter confirmed the absence of any remaining LV PVCs, but still few ectopic beats originating from TV were recorded.

Discussion

Here, we report a case of VA resolution after specific, anatomical triggers addressing surgical gestures. Our experience confirms that MV surgery may have a role in MVP patients’ arrhythmias correction.
Vaccination Policy, Delayed Care and Health Expenditures
Authors: Aslim Erkmen G , Fu Wei , Liu Chia-Lun , Tekin Erdal
Published: June 2024

This paper evaluates the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on the individual propensity to delay or skip medical care. Our research design exploits the arguably exogenous variation in age-specific vaccine eligibility rollout across states and over time as an instrument for individual vaccination status. We find that receiving a COVID-19 vaccine reduces the likelihood of delaying care for any medical condition by 37%. Furthermore, our analysis reveals that children are significantly less likely to delay or skip healthcare as a result of their parents becoming vaccine eligible, indicating the presence of a positive health spillover within households that extends beyond protection against infection. Our analysis also shows that vaccination reduces concerns about contracting or spreading COVID-19, leading to increased mobility and potentially reducing delays or avoidance in seeking healthcare. Additionally, we find that vaccination notably increased access to elective care and surgeries, but had no significant impact on emergency department admissions, mental health cases or other medical conditions. Our results highlight the important role that vaccines play in, not only protecting against coronavirus, but also safeguarding against the worsening of health due to delayed or foregone medical care. The decline in delayed or foregone care caused by vaccination is particularly strong among minorities and those with a low socioeconomic background, revealing an important role that vaccination efforts can play in narrowing inequities in health and healthcare. In supplementary analysis, we use novel data on debit and credit card spending to demonstrate that increased vaccine uptake has a positive, albeit statistically insignificant, effect on consumer healthcare spending in the short run. Taken together, our findings imply that advancements in vaccine development coupled with a regulatory process that accelerates the availability of vaccines to the public in a safe manner can have the additional benefit of tackling unmet healthcare needs during a public health crisis.
Role of gender in short- and long-term outcomes after surgery for type A aortic dissection: analysis of a multicentre European registry
Authors: Onorati Francesco , Francica Alessandra , Demal Till , Nappi Francesco , Peterss Sven , Buech Joscha , Fiore Antonio , Folliguet Thierry , Perrotti Andrea , Hervé Amélie , Conradi Lenard , Dell’Aquila Angelo M , Rukosujew Andreas , Pinto Angel G , Lega Javier Rodriguez , Pol Marek , Rocek Jan , Kacer Petr , Wisniewski Konrad , Mazzaro Enzo , Vendramin Igor , Piani Daniela , Ferrante Luisa , Rinaldi Mauro , Quintana Eduard , Pruna-Guillen Robert , Gerelli Sebastien , Acharya Metesh , Mariscalco Giovanni , Field Mark , Kuduvalli Manoj , Pettinari Matteo , Rosato Stefano , D’Errigo Paola , Jormalainen Mikko , Mustonen Caius , Mäkikallio Timo , Di Perna Dario , Juvonen Tatu , Gatti Giuseppe , Luciani Giovanni Battista , Biancari Fausto
Published: June 2024

OBJECTIVES

Gender difference in the outcome after type A aortic dissection (TAAD) surgery remains an issue of ongoing debate. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of gender on the short- and long-term outcome after surgery for TAAD.

METHODS

A multicentre European registry retrospectively included all consecutive TAAD surgery patients between 2005 and 2021 from 18 hospitals across 8 European countries. Early and late mortality, and cumulative incidence of aortic reoperation were compared between genders.

RESULTS

A total of 3902 patients underwent TAAD surgery, with 1185 (30.4%) being females. After propensity score matching, 766 pairs of males and females were compared. No statistical differences were detected in the early postoperative outcome between genders. Ten-year survival was comparable between genders (47.8% vs 47.1%; log-rank test, P = 0.679), as well as cumulative incidences of distal or proximal aortic reoperations. Ten-year relative survival compared to country-, year-, age- and sex-matched general population was higher among males (0.65) compared to females (0.58). The time-period subanalysis revealed advancements in surgical techniques in both genders over the years. However, an increase in stroke was observed over time for both populations, particularly among females.

CONCLUSIONS

The past 16 years have witnessed marked advancements in surgical techniques for TAAD in both males and females, achieving comparable early and late mortality rates. Despite these findings, late relative survival was still in favour of males.
Methodological and practical guidance for designing and conducting online qualitative surveys in public health
Authors: Thomas Samantha L , Pitt Hannah , McCarthy Simone , Arnot Grace , Hennessy Marita
Published: June 2024

Online qualitative surveys—those surveys that prioritise qualitative questions and interpretivist values—have rich potential for researchers, particularly in new or emerging areas of public health. However, there is limited discussion about the practical development and methodological implications of such surveys, particularly for public health researchers. This poses challenges for researchers, funders, ethics committees, and peer reviewers in assessing the rigour and robustness of such research, and in deciding the appropriateness of the method for answering different research questions. Drawing and extending on the work of other researchers, as well as our own experiences of conducting online qualitative surveys with young people and adults, we describe the processes associated with developing and implementing online qualitative surveys and writing up online qualitative survey data. We provide practical examples and lessons learned about question development, the importance of rigorous piloting strategies, use of novel techniques to prompt detailed responses from participants, and decisions that are made about data preparation and interpretation. We consider reviewer comments, and some ethical considerations of this type of qualitative research for both participants and researchers. We provide a range of practical strategies to improve trustworthiness in decision-making and data interpretation—including the importance of using theory. Rigorous online qualitative surveys that are grounded in qualitative interpretivist values offer a range of unique benefits for public health researchers, knowledge users, and research participants.
A systematic scoping review and content analysis of organizational health literacy responsiveness assessment tools
Authors: Chu Teresa Cheng-Chieh , Kelly Rebecca K , Hu Yih-Jin , Elmer Shandell , Nash Rosie
Published: June 2024

The characteristics of health literate organizations have been variously described in recognition that it is important for organizations to respond to the diversity of people’s health literacy strengths and challenges. A systematic scoping review was conducted to identify, assess and classify international self-assessment tools aimed at measuring the capability of organizations to embody health literate characteristics. Following the JBI Scoping Manual, a search was conducted in six databases and identified 2693 articles. After screening, 16 studies published between 2007 and 2023 across eight countries were eligible for inclusion. Results were summarized and a finite list of items from existing tools was generated. Content analysis was performed to classify these items. Whilst most assessment tools in the included studies were healthcare-focused, other settings included schools and government departments. The 16 assessment tools included a total of 661 items, and 647 items were retained that met the definition of health literacy responsiveness. Items were classified into six domains (communication; navigation of resources; culture; policies and practice; involvement or engagement and workforce development), with high agreement between two researchers (91.5%). The 647 items were reviewed to exclude items that were too contextually specific, focused solely on service users, were too broad or had suitable alternatives; 210 items were finally retained. This research is two-fold: provides a synthesis of existing organizational health literacy responsiveness assessment tools across settings; and provides a list of items, which will be essential to developing context specific assessment tools through Delphi methods in the future.
Physical preconditioning on biventricular temporary mechanical circulatory support while awaiting heart transplantation
Authors: Stegmann Anna , Yeter Ruhi , Knosalla Christoph , Lanmüller Pia
Published: June 2024

Temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) is increasingly used in patients with cardiogenic shock as a bridge to further treatment. We present the case of a 52-year-old female patient with biventricular heart failure who was bridged to heart transplantation employing biventricular tMCS through a non-femoral access. The ‘groin-free’ tMCS concept facilitates pre-habilitation while awaiting heart transplantation.
Results of a Nationally Representative Seroprevalence Survey of Chikungunya Virus in Bangladesh
Authors: Allen Sam W , Ribeiro Dos Santos Gabriel , Paul Kishor K , Paul Repon , Rahman Mohammad Ziaur , Alam Mohammad Shafiul , Rahman Mahmudur , Al-Amin Hasan Mohammad , Vanhomwegen Jessica , Weaver Scott C , Smull Taylor , Lee Kyu Han , Gurley Emily S , Salje Henrik
Published: June 2024

There is an increasing global burden from chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Bangladesh reported a major epidemic in 2017, but it was unclear whether there had been prior widespread transmission. We conducted a nationally representative seroprevalence survey in 70 randomly selected communities immediately before the epidemic. We found that 69 of 2938 sampled individuals (2.4%) were seropositive to CHIKV. Seropositivity to dengue virus (adjusted odds ratio, 3.13 [95% confidence interval, 1.86–5.27]), male sex (0.59 [.36–.99]), and community presence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (1.80 [1.05–3.0]7) were significantly associated with CHIKV seropositivity. Using a spatial prediction model, we estimated that across the country, 4.99 (95% confidence interval, 4.89–5.08) million people had been previously infected. These findings highlight high population susceptibility before the major outbreak and that previous outbreaks must have been spatially isolated.
Judicialization and Public Support for Compliance with International Commitments
Authors: Cohen Harlan , Powers Ryan
Published: June 2024

What effect does judicializing international commitments have on incentives to comply with international law? We study this question using experiments embedded in a survey of the American public. We find that non-compliance signals from an international court work precisely as theories of non-compliance anticipate, raising perceptions of legal obligation and support for returning to compliance relative to non-compliance signals from foreign state parties (i.e., the “victims” in a given dispute). At the same time, we find that signals from courts are no more (and no less) effective in generating public support for returning to compliance than identical non-compliance signals sent by international organizations or domestic political elites. These results suggest that courts are not uniquely positioned to shape the politics of compliance and that the often-rancorous debates over institutional design may be just as much about conflicts over institutional control as they are about conflicts over institutional forms or labels.