bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giant Pheochromocytoma Diagnosis Confounded by Amphetamine Use
Authors: Amin Shreya , Gilbert Matthew , Barrett Kaitlyn
Published: January 2023

Objective. Diagnosis of giant pheochromocytoma is difficult; patients often lack the classic triad and presence of gross biochemical positivity. At times, presence of sympathetic stimulant drugs can further complicate the clinical picture. Here, we present a case of giant “functional” pheochromocytoma with a history of amphetamine use. Case Description. 37-year-old female presented with a 1-day history of abdominal pain. CT abdomen identified a 12.5 cm heterogeneously enhancing left adrenal mass. Plasma/urine catecholamine and metanephrine levels were markedly elevated with evidence of elevated serum/urine cortisol. However, the patient’s subsequent urine toxicology was found to be positive for amphetamines, which she later admitted to using, 1 week prior to admission. Repeat biochemical workup after 1 week drug washout period showed improvement in both catecholamine and cortisol levels. Given the high degree of suspicion for PCC, an open laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed with histology confirming SDHB gene mutation positive giant pheochromocytoma. Discussion. Diagnosis of PCC in a patient with a history of amphetamine abuse remains an enigma, to which addition of it being a giant PCC that are rare and typically silent further confounds the clinical picture as seen in this case. Conclusion. PCC could be termed a “chameleon” tumor given its varied clinical presentations and lack of standardized biochemical and radiological data (giant, pheochromocytoma, and amphetamine).
A Rare Case of Prurigo Pigmentosa in a Danish Sibling Couple
Authors: Danielsen Maria , Pallesen Kristine , Riber-Hansen Rikke , Bregnhøj Anne
Published: January 2023

Prurigo pigmentosa (PP) is probably underdiagnosed due to lack of awareness. Previously, it was assumed that PP primarily affected Japanese females; however, more cases are reported worldwide, and the pathogenesis is still not completely understood. In this case report, we present two healthy Danish siblings, who developed PP approximately 2 weeks after starting a ketogenic diet, suggesting that both increased levels of ketone bodies in the blood together with a genetic predisposition might play a role in the development of PP.
Pulmonary Artery Intimal Sarcoma in a Patient with Lynch Syndrome: Response to an Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor
Authors: Mounai Yue , Yoshida Taichi , Ito Shogo , Fukuda Koji , Shimazu Kazuhiro , Taguchi Daiki , Shinozaki Hanae , Takagi Daichi , Imai Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Minamiya Yoshihiro , Nanjyo Hiroshi , Shibata Hiroyuki
Published: January 2023

Intimal sarcoma is an extremely rare mesenchymal tumor arising in the great vessels. To date, intimal sarcoma has not been reported in patients with Lynch syndrome (LS), even though this syndrome lacks DNA mismatch repair ability genetically and is prone to various malignancies. This patient was diagnosed with LS by the Revised Amsterdam Criteria II, and she suffered from intimal sarcoma in the left pulmonary artery. She had a germline missense variant of PMS2 (c.1399G>A, pV467I) which is classified as a variant of unknown significance. In her intimal sarcoma, PMS2 expression was decreased. Additionally, it exhibited microsatellite instability and a high tumor mutational burden (69 mutations/Mb) which are features of mismatch repair deficiency, although PMS2 (c.1399G>A, pV467I) missense is a variant of unknown significance. The metastatic lesions of intimal sarcoma in this patient responded heterogeneously to pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Cytotoxic agents and radiation were also effective for some metastatic lesions, but some lesions, including her liver metastases, were resistant. The hypermutable nature of the LS genotype might acquire resistance to an immune checkpoint inhibitor and other cytotoxic agents such as occurred with her liver metastases.
Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus Oxytocin and Incubation of Heroin Seeking
Authors: Carter Jordan S. , Wood Samuel K. , Kearns Angela M. , Hopkins Jordan L. , Reichel Carmela M.
Published: January 2023

Introduction: There are numerous pharmacologic treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD), but none that directly target the underlying addictive effects of opioids. Oxytocin, a peptide hormone produced in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, has been investigated as a potential therapeutic for OUD. Promising preclinical and clinical results have been reported, but the brain region(s) and mechanism(s) by which oxytocin impacts reward processes remain undetermined. Methods: Here, we assess peripherally administered oxytocin’s impacts on cued reinstatement of heroin seeking following forced abstinence and its effects on neuronal activation in the PVN and key projection regions. We also examine how designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drug (DREADD)-mediated activation or inhibition of oxytocinergic PVN neurons alters cued heroin seeking and social interaction. Results: As predicted, peripheral oxytocin administration successfully decreased cued heroin seeking on days 1 and 30 of abstinence. Oxytocin administration also led to increased neuronal activity within the PVN and the central amygdala (CeA). Activation of oxytocinergic PVN neurons with an excitatory (Gq) DREADD did not impact cued reinstatement or social interaction. In contrast, suppression with an inhibitory (Gi) DREADD reduced heroin seeking on abstinence day 30 and decreased time spent interacting with a novel conspecific. Discussion: These findings reinforce oxytocin’s therapeutic potential for OUD, the basis for which may be driven in part by increased PVN-CeA circuit activity. Our results also suggest that oxytocin has distinct signaling and/or other mechanisms of action to produce these effects, as inhibition, but not activation, of oxytocinergic PVN neurons did not recapitulate the suppression in heroin seeking.
diversidade dos estudos sobre quadrinhos
Authors: Santos Roberto Elísio dos
Published: January 2023

Resenha do livro Comics Studies: a guidebook.
Mapeando a morfologia urbana: aplicações do método Local Climate Zones (LCZ) em diferentes escalas do projeto
Authors: Ferreira Luciana Schwandner , Ferretto Diego , Duarte Denise Helena Silva
Published: January 2023

Este artigo visa demonstrar o potencial do método de mapeamento Local Climate Zones (LCZ) aplicado a duas pesquisas urbanas com objetivos e escalas distintas. Originalmente desenvolvido para estudos de clima urbano, o método é aqui explorado em sua aplicação original e em estudos de alterações da cobertura vegetal urbana em uma Região Metropolitana e em estudos de morfologia e estrutura urbana de uma cidade média. Os resultados demonstram a adequação do método a pesquisas com diferentes enfoques e escalas de análise, e, por utilizar dados gratuitos e softwares livres, apresenta-se como uma possibilidade a pesquisadores e gestores urbanos que desejem conhecer e monitorar as características morfológicas, incorporando-as efetivamente aos instrumentos de tomada de decisão e de gestão.
Reduction in Junctophilin 2 Expression in Cardiac Nodal Tissue Results in Intracellular Calcium-Driven Increase in Nodal Cell Automaticity
Authors: Landstrom Andrew P. , Yang Qixin , Sun Bo , Perelli Robin M. , Bidzimou Minu-Tshyeto , Zhang Zhushan , Aguilar-Sanchez Yuriana , Alsina Katherina M. , Cao Shuyi , Reynolds Julia O. , Word Tarah A. , van der Sangen Niels M.R. , Wells Quinn , Kannankeril Prince J. , Ludwig Andreas , Kim Jeffrey J. , Wehrens Xander H.T.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Spontaneously depolarizing nodal cells comprise the pacemaker of the heart. Intracellular calcium (Ca
2+
) plays a critical role in mediating nodal cell automaticity and understanding this so-called Ca
2+
clock is critical to understanding nodal arrhythmias. We previously demonstrated a role for Jph2 (junctophilin 2) in regulating Ca
2+
-signaling through inhibition of RyR2 (ryanodine receptor 2) Ca
2+
leak in cardiac myocytes; however, its role in pacemaker function and nodal arrhythmias remains unknown. We sought to determine whether nodal Jph2 expression silencing causes increased sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodal cell automaticity due to aberrant RyR2 Ca
2+
leak.

Methods:

A tamoxifen-inducible, nodal tissue-specific, knockdown mouse of Jph2 was achieved using a Cre-recombinase-triggered short RNA hairpin directed against Jph2 (Hcn4:shJph2). In vivo cardiac rhythm was monitored by surface ECG, implantable cardiac telemetry, and intracardiac electrophysiology studies. Intracellular Ca
2+
imaging was performed using confocal-based line scans of isolated nodal cells loaded with fluorescent Ca
2+
reporter Cal-520. Whole cell patch clamp was conducted on isolated nodal cells to determine action potential kinetics and sodium-calcium exchanger function.

Results:

Hcn4:shJph2 mice demonstrated a 40% reduction in nodal Jph2 expression, resting sinus tachycardia, and impaired heart rate response to pharmacologic stress. In vivo intracardiac electrophysiology studies and ex vivo optical mapping demonstrated accelerated junctional rhythm originating from the atrioventricular node. Hcn4:shJph2 nodal cells demonstrated increased and irregular Ca
2+
transient generation with increased Ca
2+
spark frequency and Ca
2+
leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This was associated with increased nodal cell AP firing rate, faster diastolic repolarization rate, and reduced sodium-calcium exchanger activity during repolarized states compared to control. Phenome-wide association studies of the
JPH2
locus identified an association with sinoatrial nodal disease and atrioventricular nodal block.

Conclusions:

Nodal-specific Jph2 knockdown causes increased nodal automaticity through increased Ca
2+
leak from intracellular stores. Dysregulated intracellular Ca
2+
underlies nodal arrhythmogenesis in this mouse model.
Experiential Challenges of and Opportunities for Applying Immersive Technologies with Storytelling
Authors: Kukshinov Eugene
Published: January 2023

This paper discusses boundaries of immersive technologies applied for storytelling by exploring the experiential differences between sensory/technological and mental/narrative immersions as distinct cognitive states. While storytelling, as a reproduction of narratives, can be immersive in itself, the way immersive technologies are afforded by users can be better described in terms of the sense of presence. Understanding differences between immersions is necessary because sensory and mental immersions can contradict each other as they rely on different sides of cognition to gain experiences. Their differentiation can help to better incorporate storytelling with immersive technologies or virtual simulations, as well as to study its effects (e.g., in terms of empathy) and factors that contribute to it.
IMPROVER: The New Probabilistic Postprocessing System at the Met Office
Authors: Roberts Nigel , Ayliffe Benjamin , Evans Gavin , Moseley Stephen , Rust Fiona , Sandford Caroline , Trzeciak Tomasz , Abernethy Paul , Beard Laurence , Crosswaite Neil , Fitzpatrick Ben , Flowerdew Jonathan , Gale Tom , Holly Leigh , Hopkinson Aaron , Hurst Katharine , Jackson Simon , Jones Caroline , Mylne Ken , Sampson Christopher , Sharpe Michael , Wright Bruce , Backhouse Simon , Baker Mark , Brierley Daniel , Booton Anna , Bysouth Clare , Coulson Robert , Coultas Sean , Crocker Ric , Harbord Roger , Howard Kathryn , Hughes Teresa , Mittermaier Marion , Petch Jon , Pillinger Tim , Smart Victoria , Smith Eleanor , Worsfold Mark
Published: January 2023

The Met Office in the United Kingdom has developed a completely new probabilistic postprocessing system called IMPROVER to operate on outputs from its operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) forecasts and precipitation nowcasts. The aim is to improve weather forecast information to the public and other stakeholders while better exploiting the current and future generations of underpinning kilometer-scale NWP ensembles. We wish to provide seamless forecasts from nowcasting to medium range, provide consistency between gridded and site-specific forecasts, and be able to verify every stage of the processing. The software is written in a modern modular framework that is easy to maintain, develop, and share. IMPROVER allows forecast information to be provided with greater spatial and temporal detail and a faster update frequency than previous postprocessing. Independent probabilistic processing chains are constructed for each meteorological variable consisting of a series of processing stages that operate on predefined grids and blend outputs from several NWP inputs to give a frequently updated, probabilistic forecast solution. Probabilistic information is produced as standard, with the option of extracting a most likely or yes–no outcome if required. Verification can be performed at all stages, although it is only currently switched on for the most significant stages when run in real time. IMPROVER has been producing real-time output since March 2021 and became operational in spring 2022.
Projecting Future Energy Production from Operating Wind Farms in North America. Part II: Statistical Downscaling
Authors: Coburn Jacob , Pryor Sara C.
Published: January 2023

Capacity factors (CFs) derived from daily expected power at 22 operating wind farms in different regions of North America are used as predictands to train statistical downscaling algorithms using output from ERA5. The statistical downscaling models are then used to make CF projections for a suite of CMIP6 Earth System Models (ESMs). Downscaling is performed using a hybrid statistical approach that employs synoptic types derived using k-means clustering applied to sea level pressure fields with variance corrections applied as a function of the pressure gradient intensity. ESMs exhibit marked variability in terms of the skill with which the frequency of synoptic types and pressure gradients are reproduced relative to ERA5, and that differential skill is used to infer differential credibility in the associated CF projections. Projections of median annual mean CF [P50(CF)] in each 20-yr period from 1980 to 2099 show evidence of declines at most wind farms except in parts of the southern Great Plains, although the magnitude of the changes is strongly dependent on the ESM. For example, P50(CF) in 2080–99 deviate from those in 1980–99 by from −3.1 to +0.2 percentage points in the Northeast. The largest-magnitude declines in P50(CF) ranging from −3.9 to −2 percentage points are projected for the southern West Coast. CF trends exhibit marked seasonality and are strongly linked to changes in the relative intensity of future synoptic patterns, with much less impact from shifts in the occurrence of synoptic types over time. Internal climate modes continue to play a significant role in inducing interannual variability in wind power production, even under high radiative forcing scenarios.

Significance Statement

We describe how future climate changes may affect wind resources and wind power generation. Near-term changes in projected wind power electricity generation potential at operating wind farms over North America are small, but by the end of the current century electricity production is projected to decrease in many areas but may increase in parts of the southern Great Plains. The amount of change in projected wind power production is a strong function of the Earth system model that is downscaled and also depends on the continued presence of internally forced climate variability. An additional dependence on the amount of greenhouse gas–induced global warming indicates the transition of the energy sector to low-carbon sources may assist in maintaining the abundant U.S. wind resource.
Does the Expert-based Collective Advising Mechanism Promote Educational Equity? Experience from China
Authors: Xu LiuJie , Chen Ling , Chen Yiran
Published: January 2023

The Expert-based Collective Advising Mechanism (ECAM) was embedded in the open online tutoring project to provide free tutoring for rural students and to help them improve their academic performance, and thus, to solve education inequity. Taking urban and rural students in Tongzhou District of Beijing as the objects, this study gathered data on the tutoring frequency, the durations students received tutoring, the number of teachers who tutored the same student, and the students’ academic performance. The tutoring behavior and academic performance of rural and urban students were compared. The results showed that the ECAM could improve students’ academic performance. Rural and urban students who received tutoring got the same degree of performance appreciation. Finally, gender, school type, and tutoring duration predicted academic performance positively.
Trade–Finance Nexus: The Centrality of the Quality of Institutions in Sub-Saharan African Leading Economies
Authors: Fagbemi Fisayo , Fajingbesi Adeyemi , Nzeribe Geraldine Ejiaka
Published: January 2023

The study examines the interaction effect of trade and institutional quality on financial sector development in 20 leading economies in sub-Saharan Africa selected based on 2018 GDP per capita ranking (top 20 richest economies by GDP per capita released by the IMF) over the period 2005–2020. Using system-generalised method of moments estimation, the results indicate that the effect of the interaction term of trade and regulatory quality on financial development is positive and significant. Further findings show unidirectional causality running from the interaction term to financial development, implying that the likelihood of trade enhancing financial development depends on the soundness of the regulatory framework. It is confirmed that the magnitude and direction of the effect of trade on financial development are sensitive to the quality of institutions. Therefore, the poor quality of regulations on business activities and financial services could undermine the salutary impact of trade on financial development. It is suggested that creating a conducive regulatory environment to improve the level of financial development is crucial for mitigating the potential impact of the weak institutional quality risks. This remains a significant prerequisite for having a competitive business environment, thereby stimulating the role of trade in the process of financial development.
Ex-Ante Evaluation of India’s Trade Alliance with Indo-Pacific Region: A General Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: Srivastava Archana , Mathur Somesh Kumar , De Prabir
Published: January 2023

The study attempts to analyse the economy-wide impact of Indo-Pacific alliance between India and rest of the 45 participating members using computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. We introduce four simulation scenarios in the general equilibrium model. The first scenario is the one in which India bilaterally liberalises trade in terms of both tariffs liberalisation alone and then removal of tariffs and reduction of non-tariff barriers together with all the countries of Indo-Pacific region. The second scenario is when India bilaterally liberalises trade with all the Asian countries of the Indo-Pacific region. The third scenario is when India bilaterally liberalises trade with all the countries of the Indo-Pacific region but excludes China from the region because of the current geopolitical reasons. The fourth scenario is the one when free trade is considered among all the countries in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific alliance seems to go beyond strategic alliance with the 46 Indo-Pacific participating countries, wherein the members gain due to potential movement of capital and welfare and economic gains because of tariff and non-tariff liberalisation among the member countries. The article suggests the road map for maximum welfare gains for India, keeping strategic and economic engagements with other member countries and sub-regions.

JEL Code: F15
Missed Antimicrobial Stewardship Opportunities for Hospitalized Patients with Urinary Tract Infections Receiving Ceftriaxone
Authors: Wells Drew A. , Cleveland Kerry O. , Jacobs Anna , Patterson Shanise , Mason Darius
Published: January 2023

Background:

Ceftriaxone is a commonly utilized antibiotic for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI) despite the limited literature supporting its use. Opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship (ASP), including IV-to-PO conversions and de-escalation of therapy, are often missed in the hospital setting.

Objective:

The study reported here describes the utilization of ceftriaxone in patients admitted to the hospital and treated for UTIs in a large health system, focusing on opportunities for IV-to-PO conversion of antibiotic therapy.

Methods:

This was a multi-center, retrospective, descriptive study conducted in a large health system. Patients admitted from January 2019 to July 2019 were included for analysis if they were 18 years or older at admission, diagnosed with acute cystitis, acute pyelonephritis, or unspecified UTI, and received two or more doses of ceftriaxone. The primary outcome was to evaluate the percentage of patients who were eligible for conversion from IV ceftriaxone to oral antibiotics while admitted to the hospital based on the defined criteria for automatic pharmacist conversion in the health system. Percentage of urine cultures with susceptibility to cefazolin, the duration of antibiotic therapy in the hospital, and an evaluation of oral antibiotics prescribed at discharge were also recorded.

Results:

A total of 300 patients were included; 88% met the pre-specified criteria for IV-to-PO conversion, but only 12% were converted from IV-to-PO antibiotics during hospitalization. Approximately 65% of patients remained on IV ceftriaxone until discharge, at which time they were converted to a PO antibiotic, most commonly fluoroquinolones followed by third-generation cephalosporins.

Conclusion:

Patients admitted to the hospital and receiving treatment with ceftriaxone for UTI were infrequently converted to oral therapy prior to discharge despite meeting criteria for automatic pharmacist IV-to-PO conversion. Findings highlight opportunities to contribute to antimicrobial stewardship initiatives across the health system and the importance of tracking and reporting results to frontline providers.
A systematic review of qualitative social work articles: Exploring embodiment from 2000 to 2019
Authors: Gardner Erin , Pyles Loretta , Mensinga Jo , DeJong Zuverink Laurie , Fizzell Craig
Published: January 2023

Scholars have increased their interest in the body as it relates to social inequality and health. The purpose of this review was to understand social work’s engagement with and adoption of embodiment. The authors identified peer-reviewed articles to answer research questions about the number of publications, journals, countries and topic areas. There were 89 articles published over a 20-year period with the highest number in medical journals and the most prolific region, the United Kingdom. Major topic areas included gender, ageing and disability. The authors discuss findings and silences in the data and offer suggestions for the field going forward.
The Double-Edged Sword of Foreign Direct Investment on Domestic Terrorism
Authors: Biglaiser Glen , Hunter Lance Y , McGauvran Ronald J
Published: January 2023

This paper studies the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) on domestic terrorism. Using a cross-national, time-series analysis of 114 countries from 1991–2017, and employing structural equation modeling to test a number of mediating factors, we find that the impact of FDI on domestic terrorism depends on the host state’s level of economic development. For host countries at higher-income levels, FDI boosts economic development and global integration promoting prosperity, increasing counterterrorism resources, and reducing the economic grievances that foster terrorism. Conversely, for lower-income host countries, increased FDI fuels higher domestic terrorism, as it intensifies clashes between traditional and modern elements within society, raises economic discrimination, heightens perceptions of economic insecurity, and subsequently leads to grievances directed against the state. Our results indicate a curvilinear relationship between FDI inflows and domestic terrorism, suggesting that FDI produces a double-edged sword between promoting economic development and increasing domestic terrorism in host states.
Factors Associated With Poor Health Outcomes Among Vietnamese Americans After Hurricane Harvey, Houston, Texas, 2018-2019
Authors: Pham NhuNgoc K. , Do Mai , Diep Jannette
Published: January 2023

Objective:

Immigrants typically experience poor health outcomes after disasters but are often excluded in disaster studies. We assessed physical and mental health outcomes among Houston-area Vietnamese American residents after Hurricane Harvey and hurricane-related characteristics associated with poor health outcomes.

Methods:

We conducted in-person structured surveys among 120 Vietnamese Americans from November 2018 through February 2019. We used the physical and mental component scores of the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey to assess health outcomes. We used descriptive statistics for health outcomes and hurricane-related effects and examined the associations between hurricane-related characteristics and health outcomes.

Results:

Overall mean (95% CI) physical and mental component scores were 39.8 (29.7-49.9) and 32.6 (27.6-37.6), respectively. The odds of poor physical health poststorm were significantly higher among participants reporting ≥5 versus <5 depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 3.04; 95% CI, 1.11-8.29; P = .03) and significantly lower among participants with versus without health insurance (OR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09-0.71; P = .01). The odds of experiencing poor mental health more than a year after the hurricane were significantly higher among those sustaining versus not sustaining a serious injury/illness because of the hurricane (OR = 3.34; 95% CI, 1.12-9.94; P = .03) and among those who were married/partnered versus not married/partnered (OR = 4.16; 95% CI, 1.32-13.07; P = .02). Receiving versus not receiving free health care services after the hurricane and having high versus low levels of acculturation protected against poor mental health ( P < .05 for both).

Conclusions:

Our findings highlight the inequalities of postdisaster health outcomes in this immigrant population and emphasize the need for improved disaster recovery programs that account for these factors.
Unsteady three-dimensional nodal stagnation point flow of polymer-based ternary-hybrid nanofluid past a stretching surface with suction and heat source
Authors: Mahmood Zafar , Khan Umar
Published: January 2023

As a result of the many real-world applications that may be derived from understanding stagnation point flow in designing, such as the coolant of nuclear reactors, there has been a great deal of interest in the topic. Consequently, the purpose of this research was to offer a numerical analysis of an unstable three-dimensional (3D) nodal stagnation point flow of polymer-based [Formula: see text] ternary nanofluid past a stretching surface with mass suction and heat source effects. In order to simplify the underlying partial differential equations, an appropriate similarity transformation is applied to them. This simplifies the ordinary differential equations. The shooting with the Runge-Kutta approach is used by the MATHEMATICA software to do the numerical calculation. Suction, stretching, unsteadiness, heat source, and nanoparticle volume fractions are other elements that play a role in regulating the flow and heat transfer as well as drag force profiles and how they affect the problem. The amount of heat transferred, and the friction coefficient increased in both directions when the suction parameter values were raised. In a ternary-hybrid nanofluid, the overall heat transfer rate decreases as the value of the heat source increases. Variations in the nanoparticles’ volume fraction parameter cause an intensification in skin friction in both directions. Expanding the unstable and nanoparticles volume fraction parameters also reduces the Nusselt number. Furthermore, the heat transfer presentation of ternary-hybrid nanofluid has superior to the hybrid nanofluid and the normal nanofluid for the suction parameter. When the results of the current research were compared to those of a study that had already been done and published, they were found to be in good agreement.
Preparation of polyacrylamide-poly(methyl methacrylate) emulsion for enhancing the adhesion of polyester/cotton yarn
Authors: Bai Hua , Wu Hailiang , Shen Yanqin , Yang Yuxue , Yao Yijun
Published: January 2023

Polyacrylamide-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer emulsion was synthesized by prepolymerization of methyl methacrylate, and then copolymerization with acrylamide. The final yield of polyacrylamide-poly(methyl methacrylate) emulsion can be up to 93.69%, and its molecular weight was 11.2 × 104 Da, as well as the characteristic peaks of the ester group (–COO) of methyl methacrylate and amide group (–NH2) of acrylamide appeared on its structure. The component content of acrylamide and methyl methacrylate from polyacrylamide-poly(methyl methacrylate) can be effectively controlled by adjusting the prepolymerization conversion of methyl methacrylate. The polyacrylamide-poly(methyl methacrylate) emulsion exhibited spherical morphology, and its particle size was 50–130 nm. Moreover, the correlation between particle size and the film-forming property of the polyacrylamide-poly(methyl methacrylate) emulsion was studied. It was concluded that when the particle size was small, the aggregation ability among molecules was strong, and endowed polyacrylamide-poly(methyl methacrylate) emulsion film with more action during the stretching process, making it able to withstand the larger tensile opposite force. Interestingly, the polyacrylamide-poly(methyl methacrylate) emulsion can reinforce the adhesion of polyester/cotton yarn. These benefit from the strong hydrogen bond between polyacrylamide and cotton yarn and poly(methyl methacrylate) had a similar ester structure to polyester fibers. This work solves the problems of difficult copolymerization between acrylamide and acrylate, it provides a new way to develop acrylamide-based copolymer adhesive.
Iconic buildings in the making of city identity: The role of aspirational identity artefacts
Authors: Zamparini Alessandra , Gualtieri Gastone , Lurati Francesco
Published: January 2023

Iconic buildings are important meaning generators in cities. This study explores the role that iconic buildings in-the-making have in the discursive construction of city identity in public debate. Through the examination of the Locarno PalaCinema case (Switzerland), our study proposes that iconic buildings – during their planning – can serve as aspirational identity artefacts: objects that are mobilised in discourse to inform productive idealisations of city identity by powerful urban actors. Findings identify the mechanisms through which the aspirational artefact and city identity interact in discourse, showing that iconic building projects orient city identity claims, while at the same time city identity meanings taken from collective memory, present understandings and future aspirations are used by actors to infuse the evolving project with meaning. This study aims to contribute to debates in urban planning and city identity by discussing the identity anticipation role of the planning of iconic buildings and how they can be a productive ground to reflect, re-orient and re-claim the unique features of a city’s identity while aspiring to achieve a different future.
Say Yes! COVID Test: A Health Communication Campaign to Encourage Use of Rapid, At-Home Antigen Testing in Underserved and Historically Marginalized Communities
Authors: Singler Lindsay , Uhlenbrauck Gina , Corbie-Smith Giselle , Richmond Al , Hattem Amy , Linney Kristen , Cohen-Wolkowiez Michael
Published: January 2023

This paper describes a robust health communication campaign that supported Say Yes! COVID Test, the first National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored initiative promoting community-wide, at-home, rapid antigen testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome—coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary goals of the health communication campaign were to promote awareness of the program among local residents, facilitate test kit distribution, and encourage frequent test kit use. To plan and implement the campaign, the team applied principles of social marketing. The populations of focus were adult residents of selected communities in North Carolina (Greenville, Pitt County) and Tennessee (Chattanooga, Hamilton County), with an emphasis on underserved and historically marginalized populations. Following an accelerated planning phase, the campaign included digital, out-of-home, television, and radio advertising, in addition to public relations and organic social media. Collectively, this campaign coupled with our grassroots community engagement efforts facilitated the distribution of 66 035 test kits across both communities, or more than 1.6 million at-home tests. Facebook ads were the most successful in driving online test kit orders (7.9% conversion rate in Pitt County; 8.1% conversion rate in Chattanooga), although employing a variety of marketing channels enabled reach across multiple subpopulations. Market research data indicated high program awareness but low uptake in testing. Lessons learned from campaign planning and implementation can inform future public health initiatives, including selecting the appropriate marketing mix to facilitate awareness, and collaborating with community partners and local health departments to ensure successful program execution.
Constant flow rate micropumping using closed-loop control of magnetically actuated nanofluid
Authors: Doğanay Serkan , Çetin Levent , Ezan Mehmet Akif , Turgut Alpaslan
Published: January 2023

In this study, a magnetic actuator is controlled to obtain a constant flow rate micropumping by a magnetic nanofluid flow inside a semicircular-shaped microchannel with a constant square cross-section. A closed-loop control strategy is developed to achieve adequate control by utilizing a model based on experimental data. A novel digital image processing–based real-time velocity estimation algorithm is proposed as feedback information in the closed-loop control system. This paper aims to evaluate the success of the proposed real-time velocity estimation algorithm. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm can supply the fluid velocity inside the microchannel with a maximum deviation of less than 4% in the current micropumping system. Three different controllers—that is, proportional (P), proportional–integral (PI), and proportional–integral–derivative (PID)—are also implemented to test the influence of the control logic used in the closed-loop control strategy. Compared with the previous study, the implementation of a closed-loop control strategy in the present work provided a constant flow rate pumping. The findings reveal that the PID controller can maintain a constant flow rate with transient time values around 186, 94, and 60 seconds for reference values of 100, 200, and 300 µm/s, respectively. In addition, the PID controller could supply a constant flow rate within the microchannel 51% longer than the PI controller.
Robust sliding mode controller for frequency regulation in a microgrid
Authors: Prasad Sheetla
Published: January 2023

The distribution of power at minimum frequency deviation is a primary objective in an isolated microgrid due to variation in inertia and uncertainties in distributed generations. Thus, in this study, a centralized robust sliding mode controller is proposed to achieve minimum frequency deviation with optimal power distribution among distributed generations in an isolated microgrid. The microgrid model is developed for small signal analysis purpose using the electric vehicle charging model dynamics, the wind energy model dynamics and the run-of-river hydro model dynamics. The proposed controller parameters are optimized using linear matrix inequality (LMI), and its asymptotic convergence law is verified via Lyapunov’s stability theorem. The effective reduction in frequency deviations, time characteristics and chattering in control signals is achieved using the proposed controller. Furthermore, robustness nature of the proposed controller conforms against random plant outage sequence, random load and wind uncertainty. In addition, the performance of proposed controller is compared with existing state proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller and traditional sliding mode control (SMC) even in presence of random plant outage sequence, load and wind speed uncertainties. The proposed controller is capable of regulating power share scenario intelligently according to load disturbance, plant uncertainties and also reducing time characteristics, oscillations and chattering phenomena in control effort within a short duration. As a result, the responses of proposed controller are compared with existing controllers in terms of improved closed-loop dynamics and its effectiveness. The performance of the proposed controller is demonstrated using MATLAB© simulations platform.
Consensus of multi-agent systems with state-dependent intermittent communication
Authors: Sun Jian , Guo Chen , Shan Qihe , Liu Lei
Published: January 2023

This paper deals with the consensus control problem for a class of multi-agent systems with state-dependent intermittent communication. The main contribution is that a novel state-dependent intermittent scheme is proposed, where whether the control protocols are implemented on the agents or not is related to system dynamics. In this communication scheme, by dividing the nonnegative real region into three subregions, the work time and the rest time are dependent on the pre-given subregions and a function value describing the error state. Based on this, a novel state-dependent intermittent control protocol can be designed and the sufficient conditions for the overall consensus can further be obtained. Compared to the existing time-dependent intermittent communication schemes, the proposed state-dependent one can tolerate more rest time. Finally, two simulation examples are developed to illustrate our results.
Observer-based fixed-time fuzzy tracking control for stochastic nonstrict nonlinear systems with hysteresis nonlinearity
Authors: Ju Hanzheng , Tao Fazhan , Wang Nan , Fu Zhumu , Ma Haoxiang
Published: January 2023

In this paper, a new adaptive fuzzy fixed-time control strategy is proposed for stochastic nonstrict nonlinear systems with Bouc–Wen type of hysteresis input and unmeasured state variables. The Bouc–Wen model is recognized as one of the most intractable mechanical hysteresis models. The established state observer is used to assess unmeasurable states, and the fuzzy logic systems are utilized to approximate the uncertain nonlinear functions in the system. Based on the state observer and backstepping method, a fixed-time controller is recursively designed to ensure that all closed-loop signals of the system are bounded and the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of the origin within a fixed-time. Finally, the effectiveness of the control strategy is verified by two simulation examples.
Projective synchronization for a new class of chaotic/hyperchaotic systems with and without parametric uncertainty
Authors: Yadav Nisha , Pallav  , Handa Himesh
Published: January 2023

The term “chaotic system” refers to a kind of dynamical system that is characterized by its extreme sensitivity to its initial conditions. The ability of such dynamical systems to maintain synchronization is one of the extremely crucial features of these systems. There is an increasing fascination in chaotic systems with real-state variables, and they are being discovered as well as explored in greater depth in a variety of areas of nonlinear science. In this manuscript, a mixture of active nonlinear control scheme as well as adaptive control scheme has been recommended to investigate the full-order and reduced-order projective synchronization for a unique class of chaotic and hyperchaotic systems with as well as without uncertain parameters. Active nonlinear control technique is an effective method, which has been extensively used to synchronize two chaotic systems in master–slave configuration when parameters of the systems under consideration are fully known in advance. However, in practical scenarios, system parameters are not exactly known in advance. This often occurs due to the factors such as limitations associated with the experimental conditions, mutual interference among system components or due to the influence of external environmental factors. Therefore, in such cases, the designer has to go for the adaptive control technique to develop the adaptation control laws for unknown system parameters. Adaptive active nonlinear controller and parameter adaptation laws have been introduced here using Lyapunov stability criteria to confirm that the error dynamics of the synchronizing chaotic systems become asymptotic stable. Furthermore, numerical simulations on Lorenz hyperchaotic fourth-order system and Pehlivan chaotic third-order system are shown to demonstrate that the proposed synchronization scheme is working effectively.
Mindful eating: A conceptual critical review of the literature, measurement and intervention development
Authors: Mantzios Michail
Published: January 2023

Background: Defining mindful eating and discussing all it entails has proven to be abstract, open-ended and biased to the interpretation of the researchers and authors in the field. Despite some consensus, different interpretations have led to different psychometric tools and practices not descriptive of mindful eating, contributing towards a replication crisis. Aim/Method: This narrative review will draw on the most appropriate definition of mindful eating in the framework of traditional secular mindfulness literature and discuss how mindful eating psychometrics and practices are unsuitable for precise research. Results/Discussion: A proposal and directive of separation between eating behaviours and decision-making in mindful eating as a way of developing evidence-based practices and psychometric tools are proposed for both clinical and non-clinical use.
The effect of branched-chain amino acid supplementation on cancer treatment
Authors: Lee Kassidy , Blanton Cynthia
Published: January 2023

Background: Anticancer therapies are associated with significant adverse side effects and few treatments that alleviate symptoms exist. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have been investigated as an intervention for reducing anticancer therapy side effects, although a review of the literature results has yet to be published. Aim: The current review summarizes evidence surrounding this topic and suggests both support and caution in using BCAAs as a treatment for patients receiving anticancer therapies. Methods: In this review, two literature searches were completed. Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Cochrane databases were searched using the terms “branched-chain amino acids and cancer” and “BCAA and cancer.” Results: Two bodies of evidence emerged: One supporting beneficial effects and the other showing adverse outcomes of BCAA supplementation in patients with cancer. Evidence of benefit was a decrease in malnourishment and unintentional weight loss during and after chemotherapy. Potential harms included the idea cancer cells may utilize BCAAs as a source of energy for growth. Conclusions: Supplementation of BCAAs in individuals with cancer should be implemented cautiously. Those who are severely malnourished due to anticancer therapy may benefit the most. BCAA supplementation may also be provided once cancer has been destroyed from the individual's body to aid with recovery.
Influence of social media on the uptake of emerging musicians and entertainment events
Authors: Nwagwu Williams E , Akintoye Ayobola
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine how emerging musicians use social media to achieve exposure of their music and entertainment events. The Parasocial Engagement Model and the multiple case research design guided the study. A sample of 20 emerging musicians was selected from Ibadan and Lagos in Nigeria through snowballing. An initial questionnaire schedule was used to collect data about the respondents’ backgrounds while an interview guide was used to collect data about the role and use of social media. Contact between the researcher and the musicians was created using video call approaches. The musicians are motivated to use social media to express themselves, connect with other musicians, and expand their audiences. Social media platforms allow audiences to be more expressive because they do not involve face-to-face interactions, but rather the disclosure and organization of information. Viral social media challenges, remaking of popular and trending songs, and other video contents related to various fields of interest are ways emerging musicians use social media to form impressions and reduce ambiguity about their personalities. Collaboration with social media influencer accounts and social media magazines has also been identified as a social media usage strategy.
Going Green Post COVID-19: Employer Perspectives on Skills Needs
Authors: Strachan Sarah , Greig Alison , Jones Aled
Published: January 2023

Achieving a just transition to a low carbon economy and society, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, is arguably one of the greatest policy challenges facing governments. It is also of deep concern to businesses, employees and the organisations that represent them. Much of the focus, particularly at policy level, has been on the potential of this transition to create new jobs especially through the growth of renewable energy and clean technology. In this paper, we argue that this focus on ‘green jobs', and in particular new green jobs, grossly underestimates the skills needs of a future workforce able to deliver a transition to a more sustainable low-carbon economy. The focus of this study is to gain an understanding of what skills are required to support the transition beyond these sectors. It critically reports on the results of a series of in-depth interviews with senior managers in key organisations within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, UK. It sheds a light on the significant employment transitions taking place in organisations who are not specifically focused on delivering ‘green’ products or services. It finds widespread acknowledgement of the importance of a green recovery, albeit predicated by economic growth. The key skills needs reported, at all levels were likely to be ‘soft’ transferrable skills rather than ‘hard’ technical skills. COVID-19 was recognised as both a disrupter and as a catalyst for a green transition.