bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of convective overshooting on the thermal structure over the Tibetan Plateau in summer based on TRMM, COSMIC, radiosonde and reanalysis data
Authors: Sun Nan , Fu Yunfei , Zhong Lei , Zhao Chun , Li Rui
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we examine convective overshooting and its effects on the thermal structure of the troposphere and lower stratosphere in the Tibetan Plateau in summer by matching the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) with Integrated Global Radiosonde Archive (IGRA), Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC), European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts 5th Reanalysis (ERA-5), the Japanese Meteorological Association 55-year reanalysis (JRA-55) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Versions2 (MERRA-2). It was found that convective overshooting mainly occurs in the central and eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau, and its frequency varies from 0.01 × 10−4to 0.91 × 10−4. The convective overshooting warms the low middle tropopause and cools the tropopause nearby significantly, which can also makes air get wetter. The tropopause of the convective overshooting is substantially lower than the mean tropopause. Statistical results calculated from the five datasets are generally consistent; however, each dataset has its own strengths and weaknesses. The high spatiotemporal resolution temperature profiles from ERA-5 along with the high vertical resolution temperature profiles from COSMIC can be combined to accurately study convective overshooting in the Tibetan Plateau.
Asymmetry in Subseasonal Surface Air Temperature Forecast Error with Respect to Soil Moisture Initialization
Authors: Koster Randal D. , DeAngelis Anthony M. , Schubert Siegfried D. , Molod Andrea M.
Published: July 2021

Soil moisture (W) helps control evapotranspiration (ET), and ET variations can in turn have a distinct impact on 2-m air temperature (T2M), given that increases in evaporative cooling encourage reduced temperatures. Soil moisture is accordingly linked to T2M, and realistic soil moisture initialization has, in previous studies, been shown to improve the skill of subseasonal T2M forecasts. The relationship between soil moisture and evapotranspiration, however, is distinctly nonlinear, with ET tending to increase with soil moisture in drier conditions and to be insensitive to soil moisture variations in wetter conditions. Here, through an extensive analysis of subseasonal forecasts produced with a state-of-the-art seasonal forecast system, this nonlinearity is shown to imprint itself on T2M forecast error in the conterminous United States in two unique ways: (i) the T2M forecast bias (relative to independent observations) induced by a negative precipitation bias tends to be larger for dry initializations, and (ii) on average, the unbiased root-mean-square error (ubRMSE) tends to be larger for dry initializations. Such findings can aid in the identification of forecasts of opportunity; taken a step further, they suggest a pathway for improving bias correction and uncertainty estimation in subseasonal T2M forecasts by conditioning each on initial soil moisture state.
Cold Season Performance of the NU-WRF Regional Climate Model in the Great Lakes Region
Authors: Notaro Michael , Zhong Yafang , Xue Pengfei , Peters-Lidard Christa , Cruz Carlos , Kemp Eric , Kristovich David , Kulie Mark , Wang Junming , Huang Chenfu , Vavrus Stephen J.
Published: July 2021

As Earth’s largest collection of fresh water, the Laurentian Great Lakes have enormous ecological and socio-economic value. Their basin has become a regional hotspot of climatic and limnological change, potentially threatening its vital natural resources. Consequentially, there is a need to assess the current state of climate models regarding their performance across the Great Lakes region and develop the next generation of high-resolution regional climate models to address complex limnological processes and lake-atmosphere interactions. In response to this need, the current paper focuses on the generation and analysis of a 20-member ensemble of 3-km National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-Unified Weather Research and Forecasting (NU-WRF) simulations for the 2014-2015 cold season. The study aims to identify the model’s strengths and weaknesses; optimal configuration for the region; and the impacts of different physics parameterizations, coupling to a 1D lake model, time-variant lake-surface temperatures, and spectral nudging. Several key biases are identified in the cold-season simulations for the Great Lakes region, including an atmospheric cold bias that is amplified by coupling to a 1D lake model but diminished by applying the Community Atmosphere Model radiation scheme and Morrison microphysics scheme; an excess precipitation bias; anomalously early initiation of fall lake turnover and subsequent cold lake bias; excessive and overly persistent lake ice cover; and insufficient evaporation over Lakes Superior and Huron. The research team is currently addressing these key limitations by coupling NU-WRF to a 3D lake model in support of the next generation of regional climate models for the critical Great Lakes Basin.
Networks, Property, and the Division of Labor
Authors: Erikson Emily , Shirado Hirokazu
Published: July 2021

We use a simulation-based method to consider the effect of different network structures on the propensity for economic producers to develop a complementary division of labor. We use a graph-coloring game, in which nodes are given incentives to find a color that does not match their nearest neighbors, to represent the interdependent coordination problems inherent to the division of labor. We find that a decentralized development of a division of labor is difficult, particularly when too many specializations are chosen. Counterintuitively, a division of labor is more likely to evolve when the ability of agents to specialize is more constrained. The ability to store property also facilitates the development of a division of labor.
Interdisciplinary Bridging Response Teams in the COVID-19 outbreak aid provision in China
Authors: Yu Zhihong , Duan Wenjie , Jiang Lirui , Yuan Zhen , Kong Yansi , Wang Jingying
Published: July 2021

This essay provides a brief introduction of a social-worker-led interdisciplinary work model and its operating process which is inspired by the well-known Holistic Model of Spirituality. The Interdisciplinary Bridging Response Team(IBRTs) model was applied to communities, centralized isolation sites, and shelter hospitals in Wuhan. A survey of 316 clients after 53 days of service revealed that the mental and physical health of most clients improved. Moreover, compared to the early days of the pandemic, most clients’ social relationships were strengthened. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF scores show that this service was more effective for uninfected rather than infected people.
Natural Resources and Violent Conflicts: Water and Energy in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Pradhan Ramakrushna
Published: July 2021

Water since 1991 has been at the centre of competition and controversy among the downstream countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan) and the upstream countries (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan). In recent years, increasing competition for water at an alarming rate only added to an already uneasy tension. While the downstream countries require more water for their agriculture and domestic needs, the impoverished upstream countries are attempting resource nationalism to accrue benefits using the precious waters. In the context of this milieu, this article attempts to examine the connection between resourcefulness and interstate and intrastate conflict in Central Asia and particularly in Kyrgyzstan.
Biodegradable films from fishing industry waste: Technological properties and hygroscopic behavior
Authors: Pereira Glauce Vasconcelos da Silva , Pereira Gleice Vasconcelos da Silva , Neves Eleda Maria Paixão Xavier , Oliveira Luã caldas de , Pena Rosinelson da Silva , Calado Verônica , Lourenço Lúcia de Fátima Henriques
Published: July 2021

The objective was to evaluate the effect of glycerol on functional properties and sorption behavior of films elaborated with myofibrillar proteins of fish. Analyses of solubility, water vapor permeability (WVP), tensile strength (TS), elongation, and moisture sorption isotherms were performed. Films with lower glycerol concentrations (5, 10, and 15%) showed lower (p ≤ 0.05) permeability when compared to films with 30 and 40%. The increase in the glycerol concentration decreased the TS and increased the elongation of the lyophilized myofibrillary protein films (p ≤ 0.05). Glycerol significantly affected the solubility properties, with an increase of 95.96%. In the sorption process, the films presented curves types II and III, in which high concentrations of glycerol increased their water content. The sorption hysteresis decreased when the concentration of glycerol increased up to its disappearance in films with 40% glycerol. The GAB model was adequate to represent the sorption process of biodegradable films in the relative humidity range of 10–85% under the studied conditions. Films based on fish myofibrillar proteins in the presence of glycerol increase the water's binding capacity to mono and multilayers, and depending on the packaged food, like fresh produce, can preserve the moisture in the food, prolonging its shelf-life.
Focus Attracts Attachment
Authors: Carlson Katy , Potter David
Published: July 2021

There is growing evidence that pitch accents as well as prosodic boundaries can affect syntactic attachment. But is this an effect of their perceptual salience (the Salience Hypothesis), or is it because accents mark the position of focus (the Focus Attraction Hypothesis)? A pair of auditory comprehension experiments shows that focus position, as indicated by preceding wh-questions instead of by pitch accents, affects attachment by drawing the ambiguous phrase to the focus. This supports the Focus Attraction Hypothesis (or a pragmatic version of salience) for both these results and previous results of accents on attachment. These experiments show that information structure, as indicated with prosody or other means, influences sentence interpretation, and suggests a view on which modifiers are drawn to the most important information in a sentence.
Driving license regranting in DUI subjects: Road accident variables and predictive factors of substance use disorder
Authors: Beccegato Elena , Ruggeri Angelo , Montisci Massimo , Terranova Claudio
Published: July 2021

A comparative case study (2017–2020) was conducted to identify demographic, social, medico-legal, and toxicological variables associated with non-fatal accidents in driving under the influence (DUI) subjects. A second aim was to identify the factors predictive of substance use disorders among subjects. Drivers charged with alcohol DUI (blood alcohol concentration (BAC) > 0.5) and/or psychoactive substance DUI were included; cases included those involved in an accident while intoxicated, and the comparison group included DUI offenders negative for road accident involvement. Significance was determined by chi-square and Mann–Whitney tests. To prevent confounding effects, a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Our sample encompassed 882 subjects (381 in the case group and 501 in the comparison group). Parameters such as psychoactive substances and BAC at the time of the road crash/DUI and the day of the week, when subjects were involved in the road accident or found DUI, resulted in significant differences ( p < 0.01) between groups. The model’s independent variables of BAC > 1.5 g/L ( p = 0.013), BAC > 2.5 g/L ( p < 0.001), and concurrent alcohol and psychoactive substance use ( p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for an accident. Smoking >20 cigarettes/day was an independent risk factor for unfitness to drive ( p < 0.01). Unfitness to drive was based primarily on ethyl glucuronide levels >30 pg/mg. Our results suggest a detailed assessment of DUI subjects with variables associated with accidents (BAC > 1.5 g/L and concurrent intake of psychoactive substances). Hair analysis, including ethylglucuronide (EtG) concentration, should be always performed. Based on our results, nicotine use should be investigated in cases of driving license regranting.
“I Wanted Diversity, But Not So Much”: Middle-Class White Parents, School Choice, and the Persistence of Anti-Black Stereotypes
Authors: Evans Shani Adia
Published: July 2021

This interview study examines the school choices of white middle class parents who live in a large Northeastern city. Interviewees identify as progressive urbanites and express an appreciation for racial diversity. Simultaneously, interviewees draw on anti-Black stereotypes when evaluating school options and avoiding majority Black schools. While previous studies suggest that diversity-seeking whites are well intentioned and inadvertently reproduce racism through school choice, my analysis allows for greater consideration of white parents’ investment in the reproduction of white racial dominance.
COVID-19: Fear and Anxiety among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia. A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mohsin Syed Fareed , Agwan Muhammad Atif , Shaikh Sameer , Alsuwaydani Ziyad Ahmad , AlSuwaydani Saleh Ahmad
Published: July 2021

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is an extremely contagious respiratory disease. It poses a serious threat to healthcare workers which may cause substantial degree of psychological distress. This study aimed to evaluate the level of fear and anxiety among healthcare workers. A cross sectional study was designed to collect data from healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia using an online questionnaire. A non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to collect the data from 1st August to 10th August 2020 with the exclusion of non-healthcare worker and general public. A 5-point Likert scale was used to evaluate the level of fear and anxiety. The data was analyzed by using Spss version 23 .The descriptive data were represented as frequencies and percentage. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to control the confounding factors and assess the relationship between variables. Data analyzed 737 participants revealed that 10.7%, 73.5%, and 15.7% of HCWs had a mild, moderate, and severe degree of fear and anxiety respectively. The multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that gender and specialty of the participants were significantly associated with moderate and severe anxiety level. This study demonstrates that two-third of the healthcare workers had a moderate risk of fear and anxiety. However, females participants found to have elevated fear and anxiety level. Social distancing has a major impact on social well-being therefore its important to address social support through a policy. Further studies are needed to explore the mental health condition of healthcare workers in order to develop evidence based strategies.
The Political Theory of Data: Institutions, Algorithms, & Formats in Racial Redlining
Authors: Koopman Colin
Published: July 2021

Despite widespread recognition of an emergent politics of data in our midst, we strikingly lack a political theory of data. We readily acknowledge the presence of data across our political lives, but we often do not know how to conceptualize the politics of all those data points—the forms of power they constitute and the kinds of political subjects they implicate. Recent work in numerous academic disciplines is evidence of the first steps toward a political theory of data. This article maps some limits of this emergent literature with an eye to enriching its theoretical range. The literature on data politics, both within political theory and elsewhere, has thus far focused almost exclusively on the algorithm. This article locates a further dimension of data politics in the work of formatting technology or, more simply, formats. Formats are simultaneously conceptual and technical in the ways they define what can even count as data, and by extension who can count as data and how they can count. A focus on formats is of theoretical value because it provides a bridge between work on the conceptual contours of categories and the technology-centric literature on algorithms that tends to ignore the more conceptual dimensions of data technology. The political insight enabled by format theory is shown in the context of an extended interrogation of the politics of racialized redlining.
Open to Contact? Increased State Openness Can Lead to Greater Interest in Contact With Diverse Groups
Authors: Hotchin Victoria , West Keon
Published: July 2021

Contact is a reliable method of prejudice reduction. However, individuals higher in prejudice are less interested in contact with diverse groups. This research investigates a novel method of encouraging interest in contact, particularly for those lower in the personality trait of Openness/Intellect, who tend to be higher in prejudice. Although long-term traits are relatively stable, momentary personality states show considerable within-person variation, and can be manipulated. In two experimental studies (total N = 687), we tested whether inducing higher state Openness would affect interest in contact. In Study 1, those lower in trait Openness/Intellect showed a positive indirect effect of condition on two outcome measures, via greater state Openness. In a larger sample with lower trait Openness/Intellect (Study 2), the indirect effect on the first outcome was replicated, regardless of disposition. The findings suggest that experiencing open states more frequently could encourage contact and lead to eventual reductions in prejudice.
Planning for the Unknown: Local Government Strategies from the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Season in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Afonso Whitney
Published: July 2021

This article outlines how counties and municipalities in North Carolina prepared their fiscal year 2020–21 budgets amid the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to an April 2020 survey, 92 percent of jurisdictions reported anticipating a general-fund shortfall for FY 2021, and over 20 percent expected shortfalls exceeding 10 percent of their general funds. Over three-quarters of jurisdictions reported not budgeting for any new positions, and over half instituted hiring freezes. This research presents important insights into how counties and municipalities prepared for the recession and highlights the differences and similarities of those strategies.
Civilizing swamps in California: Formations of race, nature, and property in the nineteenth century U.S. West
Authors: Dillon Lindsey
Published: July 2021

This paper examines the production of settler ecologies through nineteenth century swamp reclamation projects in California. It focuses on the transformation of inland swamps into agricultural land and San Francisco salt marshes and tidelands into urban real estate. I argue that swamp reclamation was both an economic and a racial project. Swamp reclamation sought to transform perceived wastelands into productive property. Swamp reclamation was also a racial project, in at least three ways. First, it aimed to transform colonial environments for the health of the white settler body. Second, draining swamps and making solid land depended on a racialized labor force. Third, swamp reclamation was accelerated through government subsidies that largely benefitted white settlers at the same time the state of California disenfranchised Black, Chinese, and Indigenous residents and supported racial immigration policies. These formations of race, nature, and property were established by law and political economy, and undergirded by settler epistemologies of space and nature. By studying the discourses and practices of swamp reclamation in nineteenth century California, this paper contributes to scholarship on the production of settler ecologies under conditions of racial capitalism.
Design of multirotor aerial vehicles: A taxonomy based on input allocation
Authors: Hamandi Mahmoud , Usai Federico , Sablé Quentin , Staub Nicolas , Tognon Marco , Franchi Antonio
Published: July 2021

This paper reviews the effect of multirotor aerial vehicle designs on their abilities in terms of tasks and system properties. We propose a general taxonomy to characterize and describe multirotor aerial vehicles and their designs, which we apply exhaustively on the vast literature available. Thanks to the systematic characterization of the designs, we exhibit groups of designs having the same abilities in terms of achievable tasks and system properties. In particular, we organize the literature review based on the number of atomic actuation units and we discuss global properties arising from their choice and spatial distribution in the mechanical designs. Finally, we provide a discussion on the common traits of the designs found in the literature and the main open and future problems.
Empirical Assessment and Modeling of Traffic-induced Air Pollution
Authors: Lu Zhongyang , Chow Andy H. F. , Leung Jacky , Kwok Haydn , Cheung Sammy
Published: July 2021

Congestion and traffic-induced air pollution are associated with population growth and economic development. Compared with congestion, there are relatively few studies on modeling and assessment of traffic-induced pollution. This paper presents an empirical assessment and analysis of traffic-induced air pollution with real-world data collected from the Hong Kong Strategic Road Network. The study employed historical data of traffic flows, speeds, and emission of air pollutants collated by the Hong Kong Transport Department and Environmental Protection Department. This paper first reveals the correlation between traffic flows, speeds, and corresponding induced pollutants including nitrogen oxides (NO2, NOX) and carbon monoxide (CO). To gain further statistical insight, a regression analysis was conducted on the flow–speed–emission relationship at three air quality monitoring stations, which revealed the significance of various factors on this relationship. This study contributes to green transport management and urban sustainability.
An Examination of How DUI-Child Endangerment Laws Are Used in Court
Authors: Romano Eduardo , Kelley-Baker Tara , Taylor Eileen P.
Published: July 2021

Each year, about 200 children aged 14 years old (y/o) or less die and another 4,000 are physically injured while being driven by an adult that has been drinking (aged 21 y/o or more). Concerned by this phenomenon, there are a growing number of States implementing Driving Under the Influence – Child Endangerment (DUI-CE) laws to prevent adults from driving under the influence with children. These laws however, have failed to reduce the rates of DUI-CE injuries and fatalities. It has been hypothesized that such a failure occurs, at least in part, because these laws are being pled-down in courts, this study examines this hypothesis. We analyzed DUI-CE related court information collected by court monitors available in the Court Monitoring Database (CMD) provided by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Despite investigating data that included only DUI offenders who were driving with at least one child passenger at the time of the arrest, only 10% of those charged with a DUI felony and 11% of those charged with a misdemeanor were also found guilty of a DUI-CE violation. These findings support the hypothesis that DUI-CE offenses are being pled down in court and probably contribute to the ineffectiveness of DUI-CE laws. Unfortunately, data limitations preclude any decisive conclusions. Future research should focus on increasing our understanding of the DUI-CE problem and understanding why DUI-CE laws are not working toward the goal of deterring and punishing those who endanger the lives of children.
Fatigue Tolerance of Aged Asphalt Binders Modified with Softeners
Authors: García Mainieri Javier J. , Singhvi Punit , Ozer Hasan , Sharma Brajendra K. , Al-Qadi Imad L.
Published: July 2021

Fatigue cracking caused by repeated heavy traffic loading is a critical distress in asphalt concrete pavements and is significantly affected by the selected binder. In recent years, the growing use of recycled asphalt materials has increased the need for the production of softer asphalt binder. Various modifiers/additives are marketed to adjust the grade and/or enhance the binder performance at high and low temperatures. The modifiers are expected to alter the rheological and chemical characteristics of binders and, therefore, their performance. In this study, the damage characteristics of modified and unmodified binders, at standard long-term and extended aging conditions, were tested using the linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test. Current data-interpretation methods for LAS measurements (including AASHTO TP 101-12, T 391-20, and recent literature) showed inconsistent results for modified binders. An alternative method to interpret LAS results was developed in this study. The method considers the data until peak shear-stress is reached because complex stress states and failure patterns are observed in the specimens after that point. The proposed parameter (Δ| G*|peak τ) quantifies the reduction in complex shear modulus measured at the peak shear-stress. The parameter successfully captures the effect of aging and modification of binders.
Virtual Risk Assessment for the Deployment of Autonomous Shuttles
Authors: Weissensteiner Patrick , Stettinger Georg , Tieber Karin , Rehrl Karl
Published: July 2021

In recent years, trials of autonomous shuttle vehicles have been conducted worldwide. Currently, there exists no generalized process model for deployment and continuous operation of shuttles. Shuttle suppliers use their own developed procedures, making it difficult for the relevant stakeholders (e.g., public authorities) to assess the risk of potential shuttle deployment. The Digibus® Austria flagship project, among other goals, develops an approach for the virtual risk assessment of identified critical spots along proposed shuttle paths. Embedded into the deployment process, this serves as a significant body of evidence for safety assurance in shuttle deployment. Conducted simulation studies optimizing the shuttle’s trajectory for concrete maneuvers, along with derived requirements for the associated virtual environment, are part of the first noteworthy outcomes. Concretely, the developed virtual environment is integrated in the framework used for virtual validation. The framework is then used for a detailed evaluation of a right-turn maneuver, analyzing possible shuttle trajectories. Considerable differences in sensor coverage at the shuttle’s stopping point can be shown. Conclusively, by utilizing the shuttle’s restricted operational domain, the proposed virtual risk assessment is considered the first step toward a general procedure for the safety assurance of automated vehicles.
Effectiveness of Training Sample and Features for Random Forest on Road Extraction from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Point Cloud
Authors: Biçici Serkan , Zeybek Mustafa
Published: July 2021

The accuracy of random forest (RF) classification depends on several inputs. In this study, two primary inputs—training sample and features—are evaluated for road classification from an unmanned aerial vehicle-based point cloud. Training sample selection is a challenging step since the machine learning stage of the RF classification depends greatly on it. That is, an imbalanced training sample might dramatically decrease classification accuracy. Various criteria are defined to generate different types of training samples to evaluate the effectiveness of the training sample. There are several point features that can be used in RF classification under different circumstances. More features might increase the classification accuracy, however, in that case, the processing time is also increased. Point features such as RGB (red/green/blue), surface normals, curvature, omnivariance, planarity, linearity, surface variance, anisotropy, verticality, and ground/non-ground class are investigated in this study. Different training samples and sets of features are used in the RF to extract the road surface. The experiment is conducted on a local road without a raised curb located on a relatively steep hill. The accuracy assessment is conducted by comparing the model classification results with the manually extracted road surface point cloud. It is found that the accuracy increases up to around 4%–13%, and 95% overall accuracy was obtained when using convenient training samples and features.
I Should Learn to Feel Secure but I Don’t Because I Feel Insecure: The Relationship between Qualitative Job Insecurity and Work-Related Learning in the Public Sector
Authors: De Cuyper Nele , Smet Kelly , De Witte Hans
Published: July 2021

Employees who feel insecure about their job participate less in work-related learning. This is paradoxical given that work-related learning is advanced as a way to prepare for upcoming change. This may induce a cycle in which job insecurity leads to gradual more insecurity and less participation in work-related learning, yet this has not yet been probed in much detail. We study this cycle. In doing so, we account for different forms work-related learning, both formal and informal, and we focus upon felt insecurity about how the job might look like in the future, coined qualitative job insecurity: this has particular resonance in the public sector. Hypotheses were tested using a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model among 922 Flemish public sector employees Employees who experience higher qualitative job insecurity participate less in formal work-related learning and participation in formal learning decreases feelings of job insecurity. This aligns with the idea of cycles.
Developing an Innovative System of Open and Flexible, Patient-Family-Centered, Virtual Visiting in ICU During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Collaboration of Staff, Patients, Families, and Technology Companies
Authors: Thomas Kathleen A. S. , O’Brien Bernadine F. , Fryday Agatha T. , Robinson Ellen C. , Hales Marissa J. L. , Karipidis Sofia , Chadwick Aaron , Fleming Kimberley J. , Davey-Quinn Alan P.
Published: July 2021

Few challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic strike at the very core of our humanity as the inability of family to sit at the bedside of their loved ones when battling for their lives in the ICU. Virtual visiting is one tool to help deal with this challenge. When introducing virtual visiting into our ICU, we identified 5 criteria for a sustainable system that aligned with patient-family-centered care: virtual visiting needed to (1) simulate open and flexible visiting; (2) be able to accommodate differences in family size, dynamics, and cultural practices; (3) utilize a video conferencing platform that is private and secure; (4) be easy to use and not require special teams to facilitate meetings; and (5) not increase the workload of ICU staff. There is a growing body of literature demonstrating a global movement toward virtual visiting in ICU, however there are no publications that describe a system which meet all 5 of our criteria. Importantly, there are no papers describing systems of virtual visiting which mimic open and flexible family presence at the bedside. We were unable to find any off-the-shelf video conferencing platforms that met all our criteria. To come up with a solution, a multidisciplinary team of ICU staff partnered with healthcare technology adoption consultants and two technology companies to develop an innovative system called HowRU. HowRU uses the video conferencing platform Webex with the integration of some newly designed software that automates many of the laborious and complex processes. HowRU is a cloud based, supported, and simplified system that closely simulates open and flexible visiting while ensuring patient and family privacy, dignity, and security. We have demonstrated the transferability of HowRU by implanting it into a second ICU. HowRU is now commercially available internationally. We hope HowRU will improve patient-family-centered care in ICU.
Antibiotic Use and Associated Risk Factors for Antibiotic Prescribing in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Martin Alysa J. , Shulder Stephanie , Dobrzynski David , Quartuccio Katelyn , Pillinger Kelly E.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Literature suggests that antibiotic prescribing in COVID-19 patients is high. Currently, there are insufficient data on what drives antibiotic prescribing practices throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective:

This study sought to determine antibiotic use rates and identify risk factors for antibiotic prescribing in hospitalized patients. It was the first study to assess risk factors for receiving more than 1 course of antibiotics.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, multi-center, observational study. Patients admitted from March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020, and treated for COVID-19 were included. The primary endpoint was the rate of antibiotic use during hospitalization. Secondary endpoints included risk factors associated with antibiotic use, risk factors associated with receiving more than 1 antibiotic course, and rate of microbiologically confirmed infections.

Results:

A total of 208 encounters (198 patients) were included in the final analysis. Eighty-three percent of patients received at least 1 course of antibiotics, despite low rates of microbiologically confirmed infection (12%). Almost one-third of patients (30%) received more than 1 course of antibiotics. Risk factors identified for both antibiotic prescribing and receiving more than 1 course of antibiotics included increased hospital length of stay (median 12 days), intensive care unit admission, and the necessity for mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion and Relevance:

There were high rates of antibiotic prescribing with low rates of microbiologically confirmed bacterial co-infection. Many patients received more than 1 course of antibiotics during hospitalization. This study highlights the importance and demand for appropriate antibiotic stewardship practices in COVID-19 patients.
Enhanced crystallization behaviors and dielectric performance of poly(vinylidene fluoride) film induced by polyamide-1
Authors: Yuan Dandan , Yang Rundi , Xu Yuanting , Cai Xufu
Published: July 2021

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based composites attract tremendous attention as dielectric materials. However, their development has been limited due to the raised problem in the in-homogeneous polymer composites. In this work, a novel PVDF-based film incorporated with polyamide-1, containing the highest density of dipole among all polyamides, was prepared to improve the crystallization behaviors and dielectric properties. The results showed that the optimal concentration of polyamide-1 in PVDF was 6 wt.%. The crystallization rate of PVDF was improved in the presence of polyamide-1. Interestingly, the polyamide-1 was conductive to the formation of β form crystal of PVDF, which exhibited great electric performance. The dielectric constant of PVDF increased sharply and loss tangent still kept at a low level of 0.03@100 Hz when the concentration of polyamide-1 was 6 wt.%. This work may provide a new direction to design dielectric materials for PVDF blends.
Influence of copper addition on corrosion properties and hardness of Al–Cu/Al two-layered-structure composites
Authors: Rajasekhar Kotikala , Babu V Suresh , Davidson MJ , Raghavendra G
Published: July 2021

An experimental investigation has been observed on hardness, sintered density and corrosion behaviour of two-layered structured Al-xCu/Al sample through powder metallurgical route under hot compaction condition. The samples were prepared with different percentages of Cu content (x: 5 wt. %, 10 wt. % and 15 wt. %) in the aluminium matrix with a constant pressure of 400 MPa with different hot-pressed temperatures (500 °C, 550 °C and 600 °C) at a dwelling time of 3 h. The developed two-layered samples microstructure was analysed using the optical and scanning electron microscope. The highest value of micro-hardness (100.6 HV) was obtained at interface region of 15% of copper at 550 °C. The corrosion rate of Al-Cu/Al two-layered samples at the interface were analyzed through the potentiodynamic polarization test and found that with addition of copper content the susceptibility of corrosion increases. The Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) test was conducted to know the equivalent circuit model, which provides a minimum chi-square value and that circuit model taken as best-fit circuit model. From the EIS results, it was found that 10 wt. %Cu sample circuit provides minimum chi-square value.
A new quick-stop device to study the chip formation mechanism in metal cutting: Computational and experimental investigation
Authors: Mhamdi Mohamed Baccar , Rajhi Wajdi , Boujelbene Mohamed , Salem Sahbi Ben , Ezeddini Sonia , Amara Mouldi Ben
Published: July 2021

Understanding the chip formation mechanisms during machining is an important factor to facilitate the choice of cutting tools and machining parameters. Despite the appearance of new sophisticated methods and advanced equipment, the technique so called quick-Stop Test (QST) remains efficient, less costly, and easier to apply in the investigation of chip formation in cutting process. In present paper a new Quick-Stop Device QSD is designed, numerically simulated, implemented, and tested. The reformed QST technique uses a QSD device which operates on the modified Charpy pendulum. Accordingly, design of new QSD is presented and deeply described, and 2D FE modeling of the new QST, including the application of the appropriate boundary conditions, has been carried out. Moreover, chip formation and morphology for different cutting conditions have been effectively simulated. Subsequently, quick stop cutting operations including metal cutting tests of high alloyed tool steel (AISI D2) using fabricated new QSD are performed. Preliminary results of quick-stop experiment from current investigation prove the effectiveness of the new designed QSD in matter of rigidity, safety, and absence of vibration, while providing a fast set up time and allowing extremely short workpiece-cutting tool separation time and guarantee the generation of chip with its root. The photomicrographs of chip root samples gathered from hard metal cutting experiments including various cutting speeds machining conditions, enables clear observation of segmented chip formation mechanisms, thereby, highly promising the new designed QSD for the purpose of investigation of the different cutting parameters influencing the chip formation and morphology.
Biomechanical evaluation of an intramedullary clavicle screw in simple oblique and butterfly wedge fractures
Authors: Kunkle Bryce F , DesJardins John D , Campbell Joel R , Eichinger Josef K , Kissenberth Michael J , Shaw Kenneth A , Tokish John M , Parada Stephen A
Published: July 2021

This biomechanical study evaluates the performance of a solid titanium-alloy intra-medullary ( IM) clavicular screw in torsion and cantilever bending in cadaveric clavicle specimens with simulated simple oblique and butterfly wedge midshaft fractures. Thirty-two fresh-frozen male clavicles were sorted into six experimental groups: Torsion Control, Torsion Simple Oblique Fracture, Torsion Butterfly Wedge Fracture, Bending Control, Bending Simple Oblique Fracture, and Bending Butterfly Wedge Fracture. The experimental groups were controlled for density, length, diameter, and laterality. All other samples were osteotomy-induced and implanted with a single 90 mm × 3 mm clavicle screw. All groups were tested to physiologically relevant cutoff points in torsion or bending. There were no statistically significant differences in the performance of the oblique and butterfly wedge fracture models for any torsion or bend testing measures, including maximum torsional resistance ( p = 0.66), torsional stiffness ( p = 0.51), maximum bending moment ( p = 0.43), or bending stiffness ( p = 0.73). Torsional testing of samples in the direction of thread tightening tended to be stronger than samples tested in loosening, with all groups either approaching or achieving statistical significance. There were no significant differences between the simple oblique or the butterfly-wedge fracture groups for any of the tested parameters, suggesting that there is no difference in the gross biomechanical properties of the bone-implant construct when the IM clavicle screw is used in either a simple midshaft fracture pattern or a more complex butterfly wedge fracture pattern.
In vitro resorbability and granular characteristics of 3D-printed hydroxyapatite granules versus allograft, xenograft, and alloplast for alveolar cleft surgery applications
Authors: Taecha-apaikun Kongkrit , Pisek Poonsak , Suwanprateeb Jintamai , Thammarakcharoen Faungchat , Arayatrakoollikit Uthaiwan , Angwarawong Thidarat , Kongsomboon Supaporn , Pisek Araya
Published: July 2021

Three-dimensionally printed hydroxyapatite (3DP HA) was investigated in regards to its functional properties supporting bone regeneration and tooth movement in alveolar cleft applications. Commercially available bovine xenograft (BXG), biphasic calcium phosphate alloplast (BCP), and two types of freeze-dried bone allograft granules (FDBA and FDBA-CMC) were employed as control samples. Degradability was studied by submerging the samples in pH 7.4 buffered solution at 37°C for 28 days and determining subsequent weight loss percentage. The wicking property and granular agglomeration were evaluated by putting the granules in contact with deionized water, blood, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Both of FDBA and FDBA-CMC showed the greatest weight loss at 28 days followed by 3DP HA. In contrast, 3DP HA showed significantly greater wicking ability than other samples for all liquid types. FDBA-CMC exhibited the greatest granular agglomeration for all liquid types followed by 3DP HA. 3DP HA was found to be a favorable candidate for bone grafting in alveolar cleft treatment.
Avoiding misclassification of thrombotic primary antiphospholipid syndrome as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): What are the best-performing SLE classification criteria?
Authors: Signorelli Flavio , Balbi Gustavo Guimarães Moreira , Bonfá Eloisa , Borba Eduardo F , Andrade Danieli Castro de Oliveira
Published: July 2021

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome (PAPS) overlap clinical and immunological features. Therefore, misclassification of PAPS patients as SLE is a concern. The ACR/EULAR 2019 SLE classification has never been studied in PAPS.

Objective

To verify if the ACR/EULAR 2019 SLE classification can correctly classify a PAPS patient as not having SLE and compare its performance with the SLICC 2012 SLE classification. Methods: One-hundred thrombotic PAPS patients who fulfilled the Sidney criteria were consecutively screened and those who attended the inclusion criteria were submitted to ACR/EULAR 2019 and SLICC 2012 classifications.

Results

Sixty-seven PAPS patients were included in this study. The majority was female (89.6%) with median age at study inclusion of 45 years (35–53) and median PAPS disease duration of 13 years (8–19). PAPS correct classification was observed more often with ACR/EULAR 2019 than SLICC 2021 criteria (94.0% vs. 64.2%; p < 0.001). The 4 misclassified patients in ACR/EULAR 2019 were also misclassified in SLICC 2012. The comparison of misclassified patients to those correctly not classified as SLE resulted, for both criteria, in higher frequencies of hematological domain [ACR/EULAR 2019 (100% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.010) and SLICC 2012 (95.8% vs. 11.6%, p < 0.001)]. Further analysis of hematological manifestations revealed that for the ACR/EULAR 2019 leukopenia (100% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.004) and for the SLICC 2012 leukopenia/lymphopenia (91.7% vs. 7%, p < 0.001) were more frequent in misclassified group. Proteinuria (20.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.004) and low complement (45.8% vs. 20.9%, p = 0.033) were also more often observed in the incorrectly SLICC 2012 classified patients.

Conclusion

ACR/EULAR 2019 had high accuracy for distinguishing PAPS from SLE, whereas the SLICC 2012 incorrectly classified more than one third of the PAPS patients as having SLE.
Taxifolin Protects Dental Pulp Stem Cells under Hypoxia and Inflammation Conditions
Authors: Fu Xiaohui , Feng Yimiao , Shao Bingyi , Zhang Yanzhen
Published: July 2021

Background:

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a unique source for future clinical application in dentistry such as periodontology or endodontics. However, DPSCs are prone to apoptosis under abnormal conditions. Taxifolin is a natural flavonoid and possesses many pharmacological activities including anti-hypoxic and anti-inflammatory. We aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of taxifolin protects DPSC under hypoxia and inflammatory conditions.

Methods:

DPSCs from human dental pulp tissue was purchased from Lonza (cat. no. PT-5025. Basel, Switzerland)) and identified by DPSC’s biomarkers. DPSC differentiation in vitro following the manufacturers’ instructions. ARS staining and Oil red staining verify the efficiency of differentiation in vitro after 2 weeks. The changes of various genes and proteins were identified by Q-PCR and western-blot, respectively. Cell viability was determined by the CCK-8 method, while apoptosis was determined by Annexin V/PI staining.

Results:

DPSC differentiation in vitro shows that hypoxia and TNF-α synergistically inhibit the survival and osteogenesis of DPSCs. A final concentration of 10 μM Taxifolin can significantly reduce the apoptosis of DPSCs under inflammation and hypoxia conditions. Taxifolin substantially increases carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9) expression but not HIF1a, and inhibitions of CA9 expression nullify the protective role of taxifolin under hypoxia and inflammatory condition.

Conclusion:

Taxifolin significantly increased the expression of CA9 when it inhibits DPSC apoptosis and taxifolin synergistically to protect DPSCs against apoptosis with CA9 under hypoxia and inflammatory conditions. Taxifolin can be used as a potential drug for clinical treatment of DPSC-related diseases.
‘To unlock the secret places of Man’s Mind’. Thomas Willis (1621–1675)
Authors: Hunting Penelope
Published: July 2021

Thomas Willis was born four hundred years ago on 27 January 1621 in Wiltshire. He has been dubbed ‘the father of neurology’ and is remembered for the Circle of Willis at the base of the brain. Young Thomas was educated at Oxford as a schoolboy and undergraduate. From 1646 he practised medicine and studied chemistry; he joined the Oxford Experimental Philosophical Club, and was Sedleian Professor of Natural Philosophy from 1660. He established a prosperous medical practice at The Angel on Oxford High Street, and achieved international acclaim for Cerebri anatome (1664). Lured to London in 1667, Willis lived in style but attended the sick poor on Sundays and worshipped twice daily at St Martin-in-the-Fields.
Reconstruction of Congenital Arhinia With Stereolithographic Modeling: Case Correlate and Literature Review
Authors: Harrison Lucas M. , Anderson Spencer R. , Spiller Kelly E. , Pak Kaitlynne Y. , Schmidt Steven P. , Mancho Salim N.
Published: July 2021

Complete congenital arhinia is a rare defect of embryogenesis leading to the absence of the external nose and airway. We report our novel multistaged reconstructive approach and literature review. Nasal methyl methacrylate prosthesis was created from a stereolithographic model for use as a temporary prosthesis and tissue expander. Lefort 1 with cannulization was utilized for midface advancement and airway formation. External framework was reconstructed with bilateral conchal bowl cartilage and rib osteocartilagenous grafts. Patient was pleased with the aesthetics and had safe decannulation with the ability to breathe through the nose and airway.