bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coal tar waste utilization by cracking into fuel source and its separation using the fractional vacuum distillation method
Authors: Ratnaningsih W , Sukandar  , Wahyuningrum D
Published: July 2021

Coal tar is a hazardous and toxic waste, a by-product of coal gasification processes. Coal tar is a waste produced in industrial fields such as steel, power plant, and the cement industry. As a potential fuel source for its component, utilization of coal tar by catalytic cracking into fuel source and its separation using fractional vacuum distillation is conducted. Pyrolysis of low-temperature coal tar (LTCT) was carried out using catalyst activated natural zeolite by 2:10 ratio at various temperature. The middle oil (180-260°C) fraction was distilled through fractional vacuum distillation using Vigroux column fraction and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). In this study, the rate constant (k) of middle oil recovery was increased with the increase of temperature and reduced pressure. The calorific value, the density, the kinematic viscosity, the flashpoint, the pour point, and the sulfur content of the middle oil complied with diesel oil type 2 specifications. Still, it did not meet the specification for density specifications. The main components of the middle oil fraction were naphthalenes and their derivatives. The results indicated that the raw LTCT could be considerably upgraded through catalytic cracking, obtaining fuel oil fraction.
Saline water desalination with multilevel solar distillation
Authors: Wijaya D , Kusumadewi R A , Wijayanti A , Hadisoebroto R
Published: July 2021

We use freshwater to fulfil our activity, but the majority of water is classified as saline water. Saline water can be processed to become freshwater (desalination process), but the downside of using those technologies is the cost of energy that need to run the process. Using electrical power to run saline water treatment will make the process expensive, especially for coastal areas with bad energy resource and distribution. Renewable energy can become an alternative to power saline water desalination. Solar radiation is one of the renewable energies that can be used because thermal radiation from solar energy can be applied to drive desalination directly. This research aims to analyse production desalinated water volume to physical properties, water quality, and chemical removal from the desalination process. By making one set of multilevel solar still desalinator and run it using artificial saline water with concentration 15 gram/L for 3 days and 40 gram/L for 3 days, it can produce up to 509 ml freshwater by running desalinator from 09.00 to 15.00. Desalination process can remove 100% salinity, up to 99.90% of Chlorine ion. The pH of freshwater that produced quite low, the lowest pH is 5.45.
Assessment of the relationship between building density and urban heat island using Landsat images in Makassar City
Authors: Ridwan  , Rasyidi E S , Syafri  , Rahman R , Okviyani N , Jumadil  , Ma’rief A A
Published: July 2021

Increasing temperatures in urban areas provide many adverse effects, and such is the potential for fires, air pollution up to the comfort of life in the state capital, and the other problems, with the global warming which occurred in the world, such as the melting of ice on most of the north pole, unpredictable Global warming and the number of flora and fauna habitat damaged. The need for facilities and infrastructure is the main factor that triggers settlements’ development; in general, urban areas often experience densely populated settlements. Therefore, researchers feel the need to monitor the relationship between Urban Heat Island (UHI) in Makassar City. Monitoring of Urban Heat Island needed surface temperature data from Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS with a thermal band resolution of 100m, building density needed NDBI models for data building density. This study analyses the relationship between building density and urban Heat Island using Landsat Imagery Data in Makassar city. The Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS imagery provides to be used to show the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon in Makassar City. In addition to UHI analysis, Landsat 8, Oil/TIRS imagery provides building density information using the NDBI spectral transformation. The results of the two result models’ determination tests show that Urban Heat Island and Building Density have a very high relationship.
The relationship between solid medical waste knowledge with attitudes and behaviors of students in Medical Professional Education Program (P3D) Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara
Authors: Darus A R , Intan T K , Pohan P U , Supriatmo
Published: July 2021

Healthcare workers in hospitals are vulnerable to risks associated with solid medical waste, such as used unsterile needles. This study aims to explain the relationship between knowledge with attitudes and behavior of students and solid medical waste knowledge. This was a descriptive-analytic study with consecutive sampling method, conducted from June to December 2018 on students of the medical professional education program at the Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital. A questionnaire was performed to test the data validity and reliability, whereas the data was statistically analyzed using the Fisher Exact test. A total of 50 students consisting of 31 women (62%) and 19 men (38%), the majority were aged 22-23 years as many as 40 students (80%). On average, 26 students (52%) had a moderate level of knowledge, but more students had good attitudes and behaviors, that is 39 people (78%) and 33 people (66%), respectively. There is no relationship between knowledge about solid medical waste with the attitudes and behavior of students in the medical professional education program, with p-values = 0.227 (p> 0.05) and p-values = 0.217 (p> 0.05), respectively.
Waste bank system improvement for electronic waste recycling in Indonesia: a case study of Padang City
Authors: Raharjo S , Wulandari S , Fitriani S
Published: July 2021

Currently, Indonesia does not practice a formal management system for electronic waste (e-waste). The informal sector mostly conducts e-waste handling with limited concern for the environment and human health. The most challenging issue is establishing a collection system across the nation that is widely accepted by communities. Even though waste bank (WB) system does not practice e-waste collection, it may offer a solution since the system has been emerged as an accepted recycling program by Indonesian citizens. Therefore, this study discusses the WB system in collecting e-waste and proposes a model to connect with producers and/or recycling agents in Padang city. Field surveys and interviews with some key informants were conducted. E-wastes samples were identified to find the composition, recycling potency, market system in current and future management. The recycling potency of e-waste may reach 79% of total weight, while the hazardous content of 63%. WB must adopt a separate sales method to gain higher financial benefit. In order to establish a WB-based system for e-waste collection, the government must issue a national regulation on e-waste management and establish mutual cooperation between the local government, industries/producers, recycling industries, and communities.
Flood vulnerability and resilience: Exploring the factors that influence flooding in Sarawak
Authors: Abid S K , Sulaiman N , Wei C S , Nazir U
Published: July 2021

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Malaysia, resulting in chaos and disruptions to social and economic activities, damage to roads and railway tracks, vehicles, affecting the level of properties, loss of life, and rise in vulnerability. In addition to natural causes, floods are mainly attributed to continuous heavy rainfall, rapid development, unplanned urbanization, poor drainage system, and environmental degradation. This annual occurrence of floods has given a big impact on the lives of humans and other living beings. Due to the negative effects of floods, we need to pay serious attention and take alternative ways to reduce this disaster. This study aimed to investigate the vulnerability factors and understand the concept of vulnerability and resilience to manage floods in Sarawak. The researcher primarily focused on reviewing the printed and documented material of disasters in order to find the vulnerability factors. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that nature, human, and governance factors, contributed mostly to floods. The present study shows that vulnerability reduction along with emergency preparedness can reduce flood damages and fatalities. The innovative technologies must have to be considered to reduce vulnerability and build resilience for sustainable disaster risk reduction.
Research on Speed Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor for Air Compressor Based on UDE
Authors: Huang Xiuxi , Guo Hanming , Zhang Jialin , Li Rujiang , Lu Yao , Yang Peihao
Published: July 2021

This paper firstly establishes a four-dimensional index system for distribution network operation reliability. Using principal component analysis method, it extracts the main evaluation indicators from a large amount of data, and analyzes the influencing factors of the indicators according to the main evaluation indicators. According to the parallel association rules. The method establishes the relevant model, and extracts the main indicators of operational reliability and the strong correlation rules between each influencing factors, so as to obtain the main influencing factors. The artificial neural network is proposed to predict, based on historical data and real-time data. The main influencing factors are used as the input and output of the forecast, and the output is expressed by the main evaluation index, and the operational reliability index for a period of time is judged. The calculation of the proposed strategy can quickly and effectively predict the operational reliability of the distribution network.
Research on Layered Networking Protocol of Internet of Things for Power Transmission and Transformation Equipment
Authors: Bai Demeng , Ci Wenbin , Lin Ying , Wang Jian , Zheng Wenjie
Published: July 2021

The important component of transmission and transformation equipment in the power grid is whether the power grid can maintain a safe operation state depends on the safety and reliability of the transmission and transformation equipment itself. The application of Internet of things technology plays an important role in the management of transmission and transformation equipment. Therefore, in order to improve the high efficiency of transmission and transformation equipment, it is necessary to introduce and apply Internet of things technology. In order to improve the high efficiency of transmission and transformation equipment, it is necessary to introduce and apply Internet of things technology in power transmission and transformation equipment In the management of power transmission and transformation equipment, the application of Internet of things technology can promote the effective improvement of the accuracy of the monitoring results of equipment operation status to a certain extent, thus improving the operation quality of the whole power grid and promoting the construction of intelligent management system of power grid units. This paper first briefly expounds the technical meaning of Internet of things, and then analyzes the main application scenarios of layered network routing protocol in the management of transmission and transformation equipment, which provides an effective theoretical reference for the safe operation and high-quality operation of power grid.
A selection system for the position ideal of football players based on the AHP and TOPSIS methods
Authors: Anamisa D R , Kustiyahningsih Y , Yusuf M , Rochman E M S , Putro S S , Syakur M A , Bakti A S
Published: July 2021

Football is a fun, attractive, entertaining sport and provides satisfaction for the audience. However, Madura United, Indonesia, still not in good condition as the selection of the right players requires a long time. Several studies have overcome many of these problems using decision support systems. however, it has not reached good results. Therefore, this research develops a system using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods. The contribution of this research is to create a new framework by integrating AHP and TOPSIS methods with controlling iteration of consistency ratios, and automatic assessment of coaches for the right players’ selection in each position with to make comparison matrices in each criterion. So, a selection system can be supported to make a correct decision in selecting the right players for the team. The test results obtained the accuracy reached an average of 83.9% out of the four trials of the forwards, midfielders, defenders, and goalkeepers. In summary, the test results show the effectiveness of AHP and TOPSIS methods in supporting the decision to select the right football players.
Development of Web Based Information System for Branding Services
Authors: Doni A F , Mufarroha F A , Negera Y D P , Sugiarti E
Published: July 2021

Introducing a company or business in order to attract potential customers is a mandatory requirement so that the company or business has improved performance or can be more easily recognized by prospective customers, causing the company or business to sell products or services to prospective customers more easily because they are known and trusted by customers. Everything can be done easily using promotional services or professional branding services that follow the development of communication technology, in using these services companies or businesses do not need to come to the location where the service is located, the intended customers are not only local consumers and the promotional media used is not media print out. This research develops a web-based branding service information system, a system built using the Elicitation Requirement stage by distributing questionnaires and conducting interviews with system users and related parties in the development of the system, the System Requirement analysis stage based on functional and non-functional needs, system design use cases, Activity Diagrams and CDM PDM for database design, web-based implemented systems, using PHP, the coding process with Notepad ++ text editor, MySql as the database, testing using Black Box to test each system function, research results are obtained according to the stages that the system simplifies the ordering process for customers who want to use branding services, no need to come to what service location because it is done online, the media used are easily accepted by customers because it is done digitally and presented interactively for slow reach again is not only local but has expanded.
The Evaluation of Soil Chemistry Fertility in Dryland, Agroforestry, and Forest
Authors: Parjono  , Permadi M G , Witdarko Y , Kusumah R , Ekowati N Y
Published: July 2021

This study aims to evaluate the level of soil fertility with the parameters of soil fertility chemistry in the form of organic-C, Phosporous (P) available, Calium (K), Natrium (Na) available, Cation exchangeable capacity (CEC), and Base saturation (KB) soil. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative method of phenomenology by conducting quantitative land survey and laboratory analysis. Determination of status soil fertility based on technical guidelines for evaluating soil fertility at the Soil Research Center. The results showed the organic-C and P available content low in each land use, except for organic-C in forest land. The content of K in forest land and dryland agriculture is classified as high to low, whereas in agroforestry land is classified as moderate to low. Based on CEC in forest land and dryland agriculture is classified as high, whereas in agroforestry is classified as moderate. Based on KB, the condition of soils in forest land and agroforestry is classified as fertile on the surface horizon, while subsurface the fertility level is classified as infertile, while in the dryland agriculture the soil fertility is classified as moderate.
Facile preparations of superhydrophobic coatings with self-cleaning, mechanical durability, anticorrosion and easy-repairable properties
Authors: Zhan Yanlong , Yu Sirong , Amirfazli Alidad , Siddiqui Abdul Rahim , Li Wen
Published: July 2021

A facile and scalable way was developed to successfully prepare multifunctional superhydrophobic coatings (SHCs) by a one-step spraying method. The SHCs could be quickly coated on various substrates on a large scale and cured at room temperature. The as-prepared SHCs exhibited outstanding self-cleaning ability and chemical stability, and special optical properties underwater such as the silver-mirror and black-hole effects. Moreover, the SHCs had excellent anticorrosion property with a protection efficiency of 98.7% for the bare 2a12 Al alloys. Furthermore, the SHCs exhibited excellent mechanical durability and good adhesion strength to the substrate after mechanical abrasion test against 1000 grit SiC sandpaper for 1.0 m at the applied pressure of 5 kPa and scratch test. Additionally, the superhydrophobicity of SHCs could be regenerated by a simple spraying repair process after some severe abrasions, indicating a strong easy-repairable property. The present study therefore suggests that such versatile SHCs are promising for various practical applications in different fields.
Heterogenous runoff trends in peatland-dominated basins throughout the circumpolar North
Authors: Mack Mikhail , Connon Ryan , Makarieva Olga , McLaughlin James , Nesterova Nataliia , Quinton William
Published: July 2021

The hydrological implications of discontinuous permafrost thaw in peatland-dominated basins are not well understood. While there is evidence suggesting that permafrost-thaw-driven land cover change increases annual runoff and the runoff ratio in the Taiga Plains of northwestern Canada, few studies have evaluated the impact on small to medium sized basins (<105 km2) outside this ecoregion. Here, we assess runoff, runoff ratio, and precipitation trends for 34 peatland-dominated basins, of which 28 are in the discontinuous and sporadic permafrost zones and 6 in adjacent permafrost-free environments. We calculated annual and monthly trends between 1970 and 2016 using the Mann-Kendall test and found that annual runoff, runoff ratio, and precipitation increased significantly in 25%, 16%, and 13% of basins respectively, at a 5% significance level, and decreased significantly in 3%, 19%, and 9% of basins, respectively. Increased annual runoff ratios occurred exclusively in basins overlying permafrost, while increases and decreases in annual runoff and precipitation were found in both permafrost and permafrost-free basins. Increases of annual runoff and runoff ratio occurred independently of precipitation changes in only the Taiga Plains and in the Western Siberian Plain. Runoff during winter increased significantly in all ecoregions and occurred independently of the areal extent of permafrost, although the magnitude of these increases was small compared with those of April and May.
Spatial variation of fine particulate matter levels in Nairobi before and during the COVID-19 curfew: implications for environmental justice
Authors: deSouza Priyanka N , Oriama Phoebe Atsieno , Pedersen Peter P , Horstmann Sebastian , Gordillo-Dagallier Lorena , Christensen Charles N , Franck Christoph O , Ayah Richard , Kahn Ralph A , Klopp Jacqueline M , Messier Kyle P , Kinney Patrick L
Published: July 2021

The temporary decrease of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in many parts of the world due to the COVID-19 lockdown spurred discussions on urban air pollution and health. However there has been little focus on sub-Saharan Africa, as few African cities have air quality monitors and if they do, these data are often not publicly available. Spatial differentials of changes in PM2.5 concentrations as a result of COVID also remain largely unstudied. To address this gap, we use a serendipitous mobile air quality monitoring deployment of eight Sensirion SPS 30 sensors on motorbikes in the city of Nairobi starting on 16 March 2020, before a COVID-19 curfew was imposed on 25 March and continuing until 5 May 2020. We developed a random-forest model to estimate PM2.5 surfaces for the entire city of Nairobi before and during the COVID-19 curfew. The highest PM2.5 concentrations during both periods were observed in the poor neighborhoods of Kariobangi, Mathare, Umoja, and Dandora, located to the east of the city center. Changes in PM2.5 were heterogeneous over space. PM2.5 concentrations increased during the curfew in rapidly urbanizing, the lower-middle-class neighborhoods of Kahawa, Kasarani, and Ruaraka, likely because residents switched from LPG to biomass fuels due to loss of income. Our results indicate that COVID-19 and policies to address it may have exacerbated existing air pollution inequalities in the city of Nairobi. The quantitative results are preliminary, due to sampling limitations and measurement uncertainties, as the available data came exclusively from low-cost sensors. This research serves to highlight that spatial data that is essential for understanding structural inequalities reflected in uneven air pollution burdens and differential impacts of events like the COVID pandemic. With the help of carefully deployed low-cost sensors with improved spatial sampling and at least one reference-quality monitor for calibration, we can collect data that is critical for developing targeted interventions that address environmental injustice in the African context.
Recent advances and challenges in solar photovoltaic and energy storage materials: future directions in Indian perspective
Authors: Kartikay Purnendu , Mokurala Krishnaiah , Sharma Bosky , Kali Ravi , Mukurala Nagaraju , Mishra Dhananjay , Kumar Ajit , Mallick Sudhanshu , Song Junyoung , Jin Sung Hun
Published: July 2021

The exponential increase in demand for global energy intake in day-to-day life directs us to look for a green and cost-effective energy generation and storage alternative. India being a fastly developing nation with a vast population, requires the alternative energy resource to meet up the energy deficit in an eco-friendly manner and be self-reliant in energy demands. This review aims to compile and assess developments in energy materials research from Indian prospects. Therefore, this paper discusses India’s energy scenario by understanding the fundamental concepts and developments of various solar cell technologies and an overview of energy storage systems (batteries and supercapacitors), accentuating the research progress made so far along with future possibilities. This exploratory study reviews the systematic and sequential advances in all three generations of the solar cell, i.e. Si solar cell, thin-film solar cell, dye-sensitized solar cell, and perovskite solar cells. Herein, the discussion is directed at developing novel materials that are efficient, stable, and economical. Moreover, the current status of the high-performance devices for each technology is reviewed in detail. Finally, the prospects, areas of improvement, and future trends in developing cost-effective and efficient energy materials for solar cells and storage devices are highlighted.
𝐻-Space structures on spaces of metrics of positive scalar curvature
Authors: Frenck Georg
Published: July 2021

We construct and study an

H
H

-space multiplication on

R

+

(
M
)

{\mathcal {R}}^+(M)

for manifolds

M
M

which are nullcobordant in their own tangential

2
2

-type. This is applied to give a rigidity criterion for the action of the diffeomorphism group on

R

+

(
M
)

{\mathcal {R}}^+(M)

via pullback. We also compare this to other known multiplicative structures on

R

+

(
M
)

{\mathcal {R}}^+(M)

.
What Predicts the Physical Activity Intention–Behavior Gap? A Systematic Review
Authors: Rhodes Ryan E , Cox Amy , Sayar Reza
Published: July 2021

Background

Intention is theorized as the proximal determinant of behavior in many leading theories and yet intention–behavior discordance is prevalent.

Purpose

To theme and appraise the variables that have been evaluated as potential moderators of the intention–physical activity (I-PA) relationship using the capability–opportunity–motivation– behavior model as an organizational frame.

Methods

Literature searches were concluded in August 2020 using seven common databases. Eligible studies were selected from English language peer-reviewed journals and had to report an empirical test of moderation of I-PA with a third variable. Findings were grouped by the moderator variable for the main analysis, and population sample, study design, type of PA, and study quality were explored in subanalyses.

Results

The search yielded 1,197 hits, which was reduced to 129 independent studies (138 independent samples) of primarily moderate quality after screening for eligibility criteria. Moderators of the I-PA relationship were present among select variables within sociodemographic (employment status) and personality (conscientiousness) categories. Physical capability, and social and environmental opportunity did not show evidence of interacting with I-PA relations, while psychological capability had inconclusive findings. By contrast, key factors underlying reflective (intention stability, intention commitment, low goal conflict, affective attitude, anticipated regret, perceived behavioral control/self-efficacy) and automatic (identity) motivation were moderators of I-PA relations. Findings were generally invariant to study characteristics.

Conclusions

Traditional intention theories may need to better account for key I-PA moderators. Action control theories that include these moderators may identify individuals at risk for not realizing their PA intentions. Prospero # CRD42020142629.
Establishing Effectiveness of a Community-based, Physical Activity Program for Fathers and Daughters: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Morgan Philip J , Rayward Anna T , Young Myles D , Pollock Emma R , Eather Narelle , Barnes Alyce T , Kennedy Stevie-Lee , Saunders Kristen L , Drew Ryan J , Lubans David R
Published: July 2021

Background

The ‘Dads And Daughters Exercising and Empowered’ (DADEE) program significantly improved physical activity levels of fathers and their daughters in an efficacy trial. However, the effectiveness of interventions when delivered in real-world settings needs to be established.

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of the DADEE intervention when delivered in community settings by trained facilitators.

Methods

We conducted a two-arm RCT, (baseline and 3-months post-intervention assessments), in Newcastle, Australia. In 2016, 155 fathers (27–60 years) and 189 primary-school-aged daughters (4–12 years) (n = 344) were randomly allocated to the intervention (78 fathers, 95 daughters) or waitlist-control (77 fathers, 94 daughters) groups. Trained facilitators delivered the 9-week DADEE program (weekly sessions plus home-based tasks). Primary outcomes were fathers’ and daughters’ physical activity (steps/day). Secondary outcomes included screen-time, weight status, daughters’ fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency, perceived sports competence, and fathers’ parenting practices. Effects were assessed using linear mixed models.

Results

Primary outcome follow-up data were collected from 88% of fathers and 89% of daughters. Significant group-by-time differences in mean daily steps were found for fathers’ (adjusted difference = +1,638; 95% CI: 833, 2,443, d = 0.7) and daughters’ (adjusted difference = +1,023 steps/day; 95% CI: 259, 1,787; d = 0.4) physical activity. Significant effects were observed for daughters’ screen-time, FMS, and some parenting practices. No significant effects were identified for weight status, or fathers’screen-time or self-reported MVPA. Program attendance, satisfaction and fidelity were very high.

Conclusion

This study established the effectiveness of the DADEE intervention when delivered in community settings by trained facilitators. Importantly, the findings were comparable to those of the efficacy RCT delivered by the research team. To maximize public health benefits, a larger-scale dissemination of the program appears warranted.

Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12616001270404 Human Research Ethics Committee: H-2014-0330
MSCV-based retroviral plasmids expressing 3xFLAG-Sp-dCas9 for enChIP analysis
Authors: Yuno Miyuki , Nagata Shoko , Fujita Toshitsugu , Fujii Hodaka
Published: July 2021

Engineered DNA-binding molecule-mediated chromatin immunoprecipitation (enChIP) is a technology for purifying specific genomic regions to facilitate identification of their associated molecules, including proteins, RNAs, and other genomic regions. In enChIP, the target genomic region is tagged with engineered DNA-binding molecules, for example, a variant of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system consisting of a guide RNA (gRNA) and a catalytically inactive form of Cas9 (dCas9). In this study, to increase the flexibility of enChIP and expand the range of target cells, we generated murine stem cell virus (MSCV)-based retroviral plasmids for expressing dCas9. We constructed MSCV-based retroviral plasmids expressing Streptococcus pyogenes dCas9 fused to a 3xFLAG-tag (3xFLAG-Sp-dCas9) and various drug resistance genes. We showed that by using these plasmids, it is feasible to purify target genomic regions with yields comparable to those reported using other systems. These systems might give enChIP users greater flexibility in choosing optimal systems for drug selection of transduced cells.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Workers at the Frontline: A Survey of Canadian Social Workers
Authors: Ashcroft Rachelle , Sur Deepy , Greenblatt Andrea , Donahue Peter
Published: July 2021

Social workers are facing increasingly complex client needs during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Because of the social distancing requirements of the pandemic, social workers have undergone transformative changes in practice with the rapid uptake of virtual technologies. The objective of our study was to understand the experiences of social workers during the first-wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional, web-based survey, comprised of close-ended and open-ended questions. Survey participants included social workers who were the members of a provincial social work association in Ontario, Canada. With n = 2,470 participants, the response rate was close to 40 per cent. Descriptive statistics were conducted on the close-ended questions. Two open-ended questions were coded using the thematic analysis. Nine themes were identified on the impact to social worker’s employment status: increased work-load; loss of employment; redeployment to new settings; early retirement; concern for personal health and safety; social workers in private practice seeing fewer clients; personal caregiving responsibilities; limiting recent graduates’ employment potential and social workers experiencing new opportunities. There were five themes on the impact on social work practice: clients with increasing complexities; challenges with transition to virtual care; benefits with transition to virtual care; adapting in-person services and personal well-being.
Social media and (im)mobility: implications for community development
Authors: Marlowe Jay , Chubb Laura A
Published: July 2021

The contemporary forced migration contexts of conflict, climate change and contagion present new challenges and opportunities for the ways in which community development is understood, practised and imagined. The accelerating trends of refugee persecution and high-impact weather events causing disasters now sit alongside the uncertainties of closed borders and rapidly evolving geopolitics. Despite these dislocations and constraints on human mobility and immobility, the possibilities for connection remain, although unevenly. Mediated predominantly through the smartphone, social media offers new opportunities, cautions and ethical considerations for the circulation of care, intimacy and trust. These flows can now significantly inform and shape everyday lives, political action and how ‘community’ is envisaged and enacted. In the ongoing context of dislocation and separation, this paper presents a longitudinal digital ethnography that examines how people from refugee backgrounds practise transnational connection and community when physical reunion is not possible. These online spaces represent opportunities to explore the implications for community development and more broadly social work education. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of the social organization of difference and its associated domains of encounters, configurations and representations, this paper articulates the possibilities and challenges for community development and more broadly social work education and practice when opportunities for physical co-presence are highly constrained.
US Hospitalizations and 60-Day Readmission Rates Associated With Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis: Analysis of All Cause Readmissions and Encephalopathy Associated Readmissions
Authors: Hansen Michael A , Hasbun Rodrigo
Published: July 2021

Background

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is the most common cause of encephalitis hospitalizations. We sought to describe and analyze features associated with all cause readmissions and encephalopathy associated readmissions amongst HSE cases.

Methods

HSE hospitalizations and 60-day rehospitalizations were assessed in a retrospective cohort using linked hospitalizations from the Healthcare Utilization Project (HCUP) National Readmission Database (NRD) from 2010 through 2017. Risk factors for all-cause readmissions and encephalopathy associated readmissions were assessed with a weighted logistic regression model.

Results

There were 10 272 HSE cases in the US between 2010 and 2017, resulting in a national rate of 4.95 per 100 000 hospitalizations. A total of 23.7% were readmitted at least once within 60-days. Patients that were readmitted were older (mean age 62.4 vs 57.9, P < .001), had a greater number of procedures at the index hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.03, P < .001) and have a higher Charlson comorbidity score (aOR 1.11, P < .001). Among those readmitted, 465 (16.5%) had an encephalopathy related diagnosis. Over 8 years, the rate of encephalopathy associated readmissions increased from 0.12 to 0.20. Encephalopathy specific readmissions were found to be associated with greater age (mean age 65.9 vs 61.7, P = .004) and findings of cerebral edema at index hospitalization (aOR 2.16, P < .001).

Conclusions

HSE readmissions are relatively common, particularly among older and sicker individuals. However, early signs and symptoms of neurological disease at index were correlated with encephalopathic specific readmissions.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Fecal Urgency Among Patients With Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease in the Study of a Prospective Adult Research Cohort With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Dawwas Ghadeer K , Jajeh Hamzeh , Shan Mingyang , Naegeli April N , Hunter Theresa , Lewis James D
Published: July 2021

Background

In patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), this research examined the following: prevalence of fecal urgency (hereafter urgency), association of urgency with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms and fecal calprotectin, and association between well-being and urgency.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study from the Study of a Prospective Adult Research Cohort with IBD, urgency was categorized as none, mild, and moderate-severe. We examined the prevalence of urgency, association of urgency with IBD symptoms and fecal calprotectin (in a subset) using multinomial logistic regression, and association of well-being (not feeling well vs generally well) with urgency using logistic regression.

Results

Among 576 UC patients, 31.4% reported mild and 28.1% moderate-severe urgency. Among 1330 CD patients, 33.8% reported mild and 31.4% moderate-severe urgency. In UC, moderate-severe urgency was associated with: increased average bowel movements/day [odds ratio (OR) 1.23; 95% confidence interval: 1.09, 1.23], increased stool frequency relative to normal (OR, 9.95; 95% CI: 3.21, 30.87), rectal bleeding (OR, 3.36; 95% CI: 1.79, 6.34), moderate-severe abdominal pain (OR, 17.5; 95% CI: 5.38, 56.89), and calprotectin ≥ 250 μg/g (OR, 4.36; 95% CI: 1.50, 12.66). In CD, moderate-severe urgency was associated with: increased average bowel movements/day (OR, 1.23; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.34), increased stool frequency relative to normal (OR, 7.57; 95% CI: 3.30, 17.34), rectal bleeding (OR, 1.77; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.78), and moderate-severe abdominal pain (OR, 7.52; 95% CI: 4.31, 13.14). Reduced well-being was associated with moderate-severe urgency in both UC (OR, 4.20; 95% CI: 1.69, 20.40) and CD patients (OR, 2.52; 95% CI: 1.51, 4.22).

Conclusions

Urgency was common and associated with symptoms and biomarkers suggesting active IBD and reduced well-being.
Physiological Mechanisms of Variable Nutrient Accumulation Patterns Between Diapausing and Non-Diapausing Fall Webworm (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) Pupae
Authors: Zhao Lvquan , Wang Wei , Qiu Ying , Torson Alex S
Published: July 2021

Diapause is a highly advantageous strategy for winter survival for insects living in temperate environments. However, insects typically do not feed during diapause and are therefore presented with a complicated energetics problem. The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, overwinter as diapausing pupae, but adults of this species lose their ability to feed due to the degeneration of their mouthparts. Thus, the energy reserves stored before diapauses contribute to the survival rate and fitness of the adults after emergence. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that diapause-destined larvae of H. cunea reserve more energy by increasing feeding rate, feeding efficiency, or both, during the diapause preparation phase compared with non-diapause-destined larvae. We observed higher digestive efficiency, increased lipase and amylase activity, and lower protease activity in diapause-destined larvae compared to non-diapause-destined larvae. These differences in digestive physiology during diapause preparation lead to greater body size and mass, increased lipid and carbohydrate content, and lower soluble protein content in diapausing pupae, relative to non-diapause pupae – results consistent with our hypothesis. We conclude that diapause-destined fall webworm reserve more energy than non-diapause-destined individuals by increasing feeding efficiency, and that this increase in efficiency is at least partially driven by increased lipase and amylase activities in the midgut. This is in contrast to non-diapause-destined larvae, which likely reserve greater protein than diapause-destined larvae to help maintain their physiological function.
Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm: an inadvertent consequence of COVID-19—a case report
Authors: Brennan Stephen , Sulong Saadah , Barrett Matthew
Published: July 2021

Background

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVP) is an uncommon but serious mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The immediate medical complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are well recognized, but its indirect effect on patients and healthcare systems is potentially less perceivable.

Case summary

In this report, a 72-year-old man who was anxious about attending hospital during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was eventually found to have a total right coronary artery occlusion after a delayed emergency department presentation. He ultimately developed severe symptomatic heart failure and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) revealed that a large LVP with concomitant severe ischaemic mitral regurgitation had evolved from his infarct. The patient was successfully discharged home after the surgical replacement of his mitral valve and repair of his LVP.

Discussion

This case highlights a salient downstream effect of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): the delay in presentation, diagnosis, and management of common treatable conditions such as AMI. It also underscores the importance of non-invasive multimodal imaging on the timely identification of the mechanical complications of AMI. In particular, CMR can play a crucial role in the characterization and management of LVP.
A case report of a triad causing platypnoea–orthodeoxia syndrome
Authors: Fuertes-Kenneally Laura , Quiles-Granado Juan , Sánchez-Quiñones Jessica , Martínez-Martínez Juan Gabriel
Published: July 2021

Background

Platypnoea–orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a rare condition characterized by hypoxaemia and dyspnoea when changing from a recumbent to an upright position. Diagnosis requires a high clinical suspicion and is often underdiagnosed.

Case summary

We report a case of POS in a 50-year-old woman with dyspnoea and new-onset atrial fibrillation. Oxygen saturation and dyspnoea worsened as she changed from a supine to a sitting position (96 vs. 86%, respectively). Transoesophageal echocardiography demonstrated enlargement of both atria and right ventricle with reduced systolic function and a large Chiari network (CN). Colour Doppler discovered severe tricuspid regurgitation with tenting and tethering of the valve leaflets. Finally, a bubble test revealed the cause of POS to be a patent foramen ovale along with the severe tricuspid regurgitant jet moving into the left atrium and favoured by the CN. Surgical closure of the foramen ovale resulted in the resolution of symptoms.

Discussion

Platypnoea–orthodeoxia syndrome is most commonly caused by a right-to-left shunt through an anatomical defect of the interatrial septum, typically a patent foramen ovale, combined with elevated right atrium pressure. This case illustrates an uncommon cause of POS in the absence of elevated atrium pressure due to the interplay of three key elements: a patent foramen ovale, tricuspid regurgitation, and the CN. Our aim is to alert physicians to the possibility of an intracardiac shunt as the cause of unexplained and/or refractory hypoxaemia related to position changes. Early recognition of this syndrome promotes timely treatment, greatly improving patient outcomes.
When cardiac surgery comes to its limits: a case report of pericardial mesothelioma invading the myocardium
Authors: Pölzl Leo , Hirsch Jakob , Mayr Agnes , Uprimny Christian , Oberhuber Georg , Zwick Hansjörg J , Müller Ludwig , Pölzl Gerhard
Published: July 2021

Background

Primary pericardial mesothelioma (PPM) is a rare form of highly aggressive cancer. Many patients are diagnosed only at an advanced stage. Therefore, the overall survival rate is poor with a median survival of 3 months. In some rare cases, the PPM infiltrates the myocardium causing lethal myocardial dysfunction.

Case summary

A 66-year-old patient was transferred to our centre with the provisional diagnose of pericarditis of unknown origin. Using extensive cardiac imaging [echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography–CT, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, left and right heart catheterization, coronary angiography], PPM was finally diagnosed. After consultation with the oncologists, the heart team decided to resect the tumour first due to impaired haemodynamics and then initiate adjuvant chemotherapy. Intraoperatively, myocardial infiltration of the tumour became apparent, which was not detected preoperatively despite intensive imaging. Complete resection of the PPM was not possible and effective decompression of the ventricle could not be achieved. The patient died on the first postoperative day.

Discussion

Surgical therapy is indicated in many forms of cardiac tumours. However, when a tumour invades the myocardium, surgery often comes to its limits. In this case, myocardial invasion of PPM could not be detected despite extensive imaging. We therefore suggest that possible myocardial infiltration by PPM, and thus potential limitations of cardiac surgery, should be considered independently of imaging results when therapeutic options are discussed.
Socioeconomic Roots of Climate Change Denial and Uncertainty among the European Population
Authors: Lübke Christiane
Published: July 2021

Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus, in many Western countries, there appears to be a considerable share of people questioning the existence and anthropogenic cause of climate change. Climate change disbelief includes the absolute rejection of the existence of anthropogenic climate change (climate change denial) as well as a lack of sureness about the anthropogenic cause of climate change (climate change uncertainty). Although considerable research on this phenomenon has been conducted, the roots of climate change disbelief are not yet fully understood. In this article, data from Round 8 of the European Social Survey are used to study the possible socioeconomic roots of climate change disbelief at the individual, regional, and country level. Results show that climate change denial is a marginal phenomenon among European populations but that a great share of people attributes climate change equally to human influences and natural processes. Thereby, it appears that the level of climate change disbelief varies between countries, and even more so between regions within countries. Results of various three-level multilevel models show that socioeconomic factors can partly explain this variation. Individuals who feel insecure about their economic future are significantly more likely to reject the existence of anthropogenic climate change. Furthermore, climate change denial and uncertainty are more common in more rural and less prosperous regions and in countries more economically dependent on fossil fuels. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of climate change disbelief among the European population and have important implications for climate change mitigation efforts.