bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the elastic modulus of unidirectional over-braided multilayer composites
Authors: Liu Donghang , Su Jiazhi , Chen Ping , Wang Lin , Qiu Chunliang , Yu Yanyan , Yu Jianyong , Yan Jianhua
Published: March 2022

Unidirectional over-braiding was developed based on two-dimensional over-braiding. Unidirectional over-braided multilayer composites have excellent mechanical properties and broad application prospects. It is necessary to estimate accurately the elastic modulus of unidirectional over-braided multilayer composites. In this study, the representative unit cell geometry model of unidirectional over-braided multilayer composites was established. As the braid angle increased from the first to the last layer, two model analytical methods were proposed to predict the elastic modulus of unidirectional over-braided multilayer composites. The prediction results of the two methods had good correlation with the experimental results. The smaller the increment of the braid angle from the first to the last layer, the smaller the difference between the results of the two methods. As a result of the increase in undulation amplitude, the longitudinal modulus of two-dimensional over-braided multilayer composites showed a decrease (7.94%) in comparison to the unidirectional over-braided multilayer composites. In over-braided multilayer composites, the outer layer compacted the inner layer due to the braid tension. In unidirectional over-braided multilayer composites, the interaction between layers could be ignored. In two-dimensional over-braided multilayer composites, the inner layer was obviously compacted by the outer layer. However, as the amplitude and length of the undulation repeat unit of the braided yarn were not affected by the compaction, the reduction in the longitudinal modulus of two-dimensional over-braided multilayer composites caused by compaction was very slight.
Multi-objective H2/H∞ saturated non-PDC static output feedback control for path tracking of autonomous vehicle
Authors: Kennouche Amine , Saifia Dounia , Chadli Mohammed , Labiod Salim
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a new fuzzy output feedback control design for autonomous vehicle steering under actuator saturation, unavailability of the sideslip angle measurement, unknown road curvature, and lateral wind force. To take into account the actuator constraint, the saturation effect is transformed into dead-zone nonlinearity. A static output controller based on non-compensation parallel distributed technic and a Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) model of vehicle lateral dynamics is proposed to consider the unavailability of some vehicle states. To avoid the problem of imposing bounds on membership functions time derivatives resulting from the use of the fuzzy Lyapunov approach, a proper integral structure based on the non-quadratic Lyapunov approach is investigated. The mixed [Formula: see text] stabilization conditions of the augmented closed-loop system are expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, the robustness and the advantages of the proposed approaches are demonstrated through different tests.
Adapting a School-Based Motivational Interviewing Mentoring Program for Use in India
Authors: Hart Mackenzie J. , Sable Rahul , Gupta Arundhuti , Boddu Jean , McQuillin Samuel D.
Published: March 2022

We report on the process of planning, adapting, and implementing a brief, instrumental, school-based mentoring curriculum originally developed in the United States, in three cities in India. India has the world’s largest population of young adults aged 10-24 years, a developmental period associated with heightened psychosocial stressors and the onset of mental health issues, as well as a dire shortage of mental health professionals. Moving services that are typically provided by highly skilled professionals to individuals with fewer credentials or less formal training (e.g., from psychologists to mentors) can increase access to adolescent mental health services. Yet, transferring programs internationally is accompanied by unique barriers including cultural differences, and should be guided by an established framework. In this paper, we discuss the formation of a research-practice partnership designed to generate applied knowledge through emic cultural perspectives. We describe each stage of the program adaptation process within the Cultural Adaptation Framework ( Fendt-Newlin et al., 2020 ), including our decisions to strategically adjust, remove, or retain content from the original mentoring intervention. Although program delivery was prematurely discontinued due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we provide a brief synopsis of lessons learned through the international partnership.
Expanding Gifted Identification to Capture Academically Advanced, Low-Income, or Other Disadvantaged Students: The Case of Arkansas
Authors: Tran Bich Thi Ngoc , Wai Jonathan , McKenzie Sarah , Mills Jonathan , Seaton Dustin
Published: March 2022

We examined the state of Arkansas, empirically testing how focusing on high-achieving students using state tests might expand the pool of gifted identified students. From a broader sample of 173,133 students, we compared the degree to which students who were academically talented in the top 5% on third-grade state literacy and math assessments were identified as gifted in Arkansas. Across five independent cohorts, we replicated the finding that roughly 30% of the students in the top 5% on both third-grade literacy and math were not identified as gifted. Logistic regression ( N = 3992) indicated that high-achieving students participating in the federal Free/Reduced Lunch program were 50% less likely to be identified. These findings suggest that using state math and literacy assessments as universal screening tools could improve gifted identification of high-achieving students, many from low-income or other disadvantaged backgrounds.
Coupling with COVID: The Role of Dyadic Coping in Relationship Satisfaction and Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Leonard Michelle T. , Giraud Charles , Abraham Christen
Published: March 2022

Models of dyadic coping suggest that facing a stressful situation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, with one’s partner to meet their needs is associated with positive outcomes. This study explored dyadic coping and its association with relationship satisfaction and distress in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected online from 564 participants. Participants completed measures of dyadic coping, relationship satisfaction, COVID anxiety, and OCD, and asked to describe their experience in an open-ended question. Results showed that experiences were quite polarized. Significant gender differences and differences for couples with/without children were noted for distress and relationship satisfaction. There was a significant interaction between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction for women when predicting COVID OCD; however, post-hoc analysis showed that this interaction was only significant for women with children. The potential exponential burden that female couple members may face during COVID-19 as well as implications for intervention, are discussed.
Superior vena caval approach for resecting intracardially extended Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Yamamoto Yusuke , Harada Daiki , Yamashita Kentaro , Noma Mio , Yoshimura Yukihiro
Published: March 2022

Intracardiac extension of Ewing sarcoma is extremely rare. Herein, we report the case of a pediatric patient with mediastinal Ewing sarcoma which extended to right atrium via the azygos vein. Surgical resection was performed through longitudinal incision on anterior surface of the superior vena cava under cardiopulmonary bypass. Resection was feasible because the tumor was sufficiently elastic and non-adherent to the inner surface of the heart. The patient was received chemotherapy and proton beam radiation postoperatively and is doing well with no tumor recurrence for 5 years after surgery.
Complementary feeding practices and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in rural Haramaya district, Eastern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ebroshe Mahdi , Oljira Lemessa , Mengiste Bezatu , Adem Hassen Abdi , Alemu Addisu , Fekadu Gelana
Published: March 2022

Background: The age of children up to 59 months is a critical period for children's growth and development and the age when optimal complementary feeding is crucial. Aim: To assess optimal complementary feeding practices and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in rural Haramaya district, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24 was used for the analyses. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted at p-value < 0.05 and an Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Results: The percentage of mothers that practiced optimal complementary feeding practices was 53.5% (95% CI: 49.2%, 57.6%). Average monthly income of the family, $37.5 to $75 (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.98), institutional delivery (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.46), postnatal care follow-up (AOR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.67, 3.82), having an awareness about IYCF (AOR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.85, 5.02), less than 30 min foot-walking to reach health facility (AOR = 2.61,95% CI: 1.65, 4.09), separate child's feeding plate (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.64), and attendance of Infant and Young Child Feeding demonstration (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.33, 3.07) were significantly associated with optimal complementary feeding practices. Conclusion: The magnitude of optimal complementary feeding practices was below the minimum recommended level for the growth and development of children in the study area. Lack of access to and underutilization of maternal and child healthcare services were significant risk factors for suboptimal complementary feeding practices. Maternal and child health services would be essential to mitigate suboptimal feeding practices for children aged 6–23 months.
Thymic Dysfunction and Atrophy in COVID-19 Disease Complicated by Inflammation, Malnutrition and Cachexia
Authors: Chiang Kate Chander , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Gupta Ajay
Published: March 2022

Background: The current COVID-19 pandemic has put millions of people, especially children at risk of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) by pushing them into poverty and disrupting the global food supply chain. The thymus is severely affected by nutritional deficiencies and is known as a barometer of malnutrition. Aim: The present commentary provides a novel perspective on the role of malnutrition-induced thymic dysfunction, involution and atrophy on the risk and severity of disease in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A review of pertinent indexed literature including studies examining the effects of malnutrition on the thymus and immune dysfunction in COVID-19. Results: Protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies of zinc, iron and vitamin A are known to promote thymic dysfunction and thymocyte loss in children. Malnutrition- and infection-induced thymic atrophy and immune dysfunction may increase the risk of first, progression of COVID-19 disease to more severe forms including development of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C); second, slow the recovery from COVID-19 disease; and third, increase the risk of other infections. Furthermore, malnourished children may be at increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection due to socioeconomic conditions that promote viral transmission amongst contacts and create barriers to vaccination. Conclusion: National governments and international organizations including WHO, World Food Program, and UNICEF should institute measures to ensure provision of food and micronutrients for children at risk in order to limit the health impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
How Fair is Gender-Fair Language? Insights from Gender Ratio Estimations in French
Authors: Xiao Hualin , Strickland Brent , Peperkamp Sharon
Published: March 2022

Heated societal debates in various countries concern the use of gender-fair language, meant to replace the generic use of grammatically masculine forms. Advocates and opponents of gender-fair language disagree on – among other things – the question of whether masculine forms leave women underrepresented in people's minds. We investigated the influence of linguistic form on the mental representations of gender in French. Participants read a short text about a professional gathering and estimated the percentages of men and women present at the gathering. Results showed higher estimates of the percentage of women in response to two gender-fair forms relative to the masculine form. Comparisons with normed data on people's perception of real-world gender ratios additionally showed that the gender-fair forms removed or reduced a male bias for neutral- and female-stereotyped professions, respectively, yet induced a female bias for male-stereotyped professions. Thus, gender-fair language increases the prominence of women in the mind, but has varying effects on consistency, i.e., the match with default perceptions of real-world gender ratios.
The mobile and carceral logics of Haifa Port
Authors: Plonski Sharri
Published: March 2022

This article investigates Haifa Port’s carceral and mobile geographies by examining how Israel is being re-made, rebranded, and harnessed as ‘safe and secure space’ for the transits of global capital. The article contends with ports as key protagonists of empire, situated in an enduring and ongoing history of colonial routes and route-making that are raced and moving with/through the transits of colonised bodies and commodities. Haifa Port – and Israel itself – are examined as nodes in a matrix of global colonial-capitalist relations, moulded to an essential geographic rationale, in which everything moves and must continue circulating. Yet, in exploring the specific dense and durable materialities of Haifa Port – and the racial logics of the settler colonial state – the article also works to understand that which becomes contained and fixed in particular sites, spaces, bodies, and lives. This also helps point to whom and what sits outside them – vulnerable and threatening to Israel’s participation in global economic circuits and orders.
Prophylactic dexmedetomidine use did not decrease the incidence of delirium in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A meta-analysis
Authors: Li Wen , Liu Huiyu , Yang Chuanhua
Published: March 2022

Objective

The benefits of prophylactic dexmedetomidine use in patients undergoing cardiac surgery remain controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the short-term clinical outcomes of dexmedetomidine use versus non-dexmedetomidine use.

Methods

Systematic searches using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were carried out for English articles published from inception to 23 September 2021. This was followed by a meta-analysis investigating delirium, the length of delirium, mortality, bradycardia, hypotension, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, and the duration of mechanical ventilation.

Results

Ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) totaling 2550 patients were included. In the dexmedetomidine group incidence of delirium was 13.5%, compared with 16.1% in the control group. The risk ratio (RR) for the comparison was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.47 – 1.00; p = .052). In addition, there were no differences in mortality (RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.27 – 1.14; p = .109), the incidence of bradycardia (RR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.91 – 1.57; p = .201), the incidence of hypotension (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.57 – 1.44; p = .674), and the length of delirium mean difference (MD, −0.99; 95% CI, −2.20 to 0.21; p = .106). However, prophylactic dexmedetomidine use significantly reduced the duration of mechanical ventilation (MD, −2.03; 95% CI, −3.35 to −0.70; p = .003), length of ICU stay (MD, −3.17; 95% CI, −5.10 to −1.24; p = .001), and length of hospital stay (MD, −1.76; 95% CI, −2.88 to −0.66; p = .002).

Conclusions

Prophylactic dexmedetomidine use did not decrease the incidence of delirium in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but significantly reduced the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, and length of hospital stay.
Recovery and patient satisfaction following radiofrequency ablation and concomitant foam sclerotherapy of varicose veins with and without compression: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial
Authors: Pihlaja Toni , Mella Minna , Ohtonen Pasi , Romsi Pekka , Pokela Matti
Published: March 2022

Background

The benefits of postoperative compression are not well established following radiofrequency ablation of the truncal vein and concomitant foam sclerotherapy.

Methods

A total of 104 patients were randomized: Postoperatively, 54 patients received no compression and 50 patients received class II thigh-high compression. The primary outcome for this study was the difference between means on postoperative pain scores over the first 10 days follow-up measured on a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 to 100 mm (prespecified delta 10 mm).

Results

The difference between means in no compression and compression group on postoperative pain scores over the 10 days follow-up was 2.1 mm (95% confidence interval −5.1–9.3 mm; p = 0.28) indicating non-inferiority. Patients in the no compression group were more satisfied with the visual appearance of the treated leg at 1 month ( p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Over the first 10 postoperative days, no compression was non-inferior to compression on pain scores.
A guide to developing a rural digital hub
Authors: Price Liz , Deville Jane , Ashmore Fiona
Published: March 2022

This paper outlines the development of a Rural Digital Hub Guide. Digital hubs comprise one of a range of solutions that policymakers can implement in rural regions to promote digital engagement among communities and businesses. The guide was developed as part of an Interreg VB North Sea Europe Programme which focussed on testing innovative solutions to the Urban-rural digital divide by improving digital skills, services and infrastructure. This paper explains how the Rural Digital Hub Guide was researched and developed, the creation of a typology of digital hubs and the key steps that policymakers need to consider when establishing a digital hub in their region.
Inland wetlands in Africa: A review of their typologies and ecosystem services
Authors: Mandishona Emmah , Knight Jasper
Published: March 2022

Wetlands, as one of the most productive natural ecosystems globally, have important roles in Earth system functioning through supporting biodiversity, storing carbon, recharging groundwater and removing pollutants. They are also critical locations for providing ecosystem and environmental services and thus supporting human livelihoods, especially in Africa where inland wetlands are extensively used for agriculture and as water sources. Despite this, the Ramsar Convention classifications do not wholly describe the physical nature and properties of African inland wetlands, or the varied and interconnected ways in which different ecosystem and environmental services are manifested in them. This review critically discusses the different types and definitions of inland wetlands in Africa with particular reference to dambos, based on wetland geomorphological, hydrological and ecological properties, and then considers the entangled nature of their ecosystem services and the benefits provided to local communities. Considering these services in a more integrated way – and not as a tick-box exercise as per the Ramsar Convention – allows for a better understanding of human–environment relations in wetlands, with implications for wetland sustainability and more effective management practices.
Closing the Curriculum Gap by Updating Content Standards and Guidelines for Teaching Monetary Policy
Authors: Ihrig Jane , Wolla Scott
Published: March 2022

The topic of the Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) implementation of monetary policy has a significant presence in economics teaching resources. Over the past decade or so, the Fed has purposefully shifted the way it implements monetary policy, introducing a new methodology with new policy tools. Unfortunately, many teaching materials are out of date with the Fed’s current ample-reserves regime and classroom teachers are often guided to teach old content. This guidance often comes from the Voluntary National Content Standards (VNCS) in Economics and the Advanced Placement (AP) Course and Exam Description that are sadly outdated. The VNCS influences the treatment of economics content in K-12 curriculum and textbooks, and the AP course framework determines the content taught in thousands of high school classrooms every year. As such, revising these influential documents is instrumental for closing the curriculum gap. We provide recommendations for how these materials can be updated.
Evaluating Efforts to Address Campus Sexual Violence: Developing a Data Ecosystem
Authors: McMahon Sarah , Cusano Julia , Buttner Catherine , Snyder Simone , Ast Roxanna S. , Camerer Kerry
Published: March 2022

Sexual violence is well documented as a major problem on college campuses, and the delivery of service and programs at institutions of higher education (IHE) has proliferated over recent years. However, the implementation of these efforts has often outpaced the field’s work in developing evaluation models. Many institutions depend on campus climate surveys for data to inform their efforts, yet there are multiple data points that can be accessed to provide a more holistic picture of efforts to address sexual violence on campus. The data ecosystem framework provided by Driver-Linn & Svenson (2017) offers a comprehensive approach for assessing efforts to address campus sexual violence (CSV), but implementation models are needed that connect evaluation and practice, take local context into account, and lead to changes on campus. This paper presents a case study from a multisite university to describe the process of implementing a “data ecosystem” to assess the institutions' efforts to effectively address CSV, and how the data was used by practitioners and administrators. The collaborative, utilization-driven model has provided valuable data to inform the delivery of services and programs across the university yet has limitations and requires a wide range of resources to sustain.
Response Times and Subjective Complexity of Food Choices: A Web-Based Experiment Across 3 Countries
Authors: Atzori Rossella , Pellegrini Andrea , Lombardi Ginevra V. , Scarpa Riccardo
Published: March 2022

Accurate collection of response times is one of the main advantages of web-administered stated choice experiments and it can be thought of as a behavioral indicator of cognitive effort. We use data from a food choice experiment administered across three countries and estimate a panel Mixed Multinomial Logit Model to obtain individual-specific utility weights. These are used to construct two utility-based measures of contextual choice complexity, which are combined with subjective measures of cognitive resources as well as indicators of opt-out selection. We first develop and then test hypothesized effects of complexity at the level of single choice task and choice sequence on response times. By using a log-linear random effects model with choice task response-time as dependent variable, we isolate these effects from other background variables. Results suggest that as our measures of complexity increase, so do response times and such effects are robust across the three countries. We argue that these results broadly support the validity of web-based choice surveys to measure food preference. We suggest that computers can help improve survey design by implementing algorithms to improve the overall efficiency of choice tasks design, for example, by using adaptive design algorithms that control cognitive challenges in accordance with the respondent’s predicted ability to tackle cognitive effort.
Diagnosis and Management of Furcation Lesions in Dogs – A Review
Authors: Zacher Amalia , Marretta Sandra Manfra
Published: March 2022

The furcation is the anatomic area where the roots divide on a multirooted tooth. Periodontal disease causing alveolar bone loss can lead to furcation lesions of various stages. Once furcation involvement has occurred, the area can be more difficult to clean or treat due to the complex anatomy and morphology of furcations. Teeth with short root trunks, longer tooth roots, and roots with wide furcation entrance areas/degrees of separation and wide root divergence are considered better candidates for long term maintenance. Dog teeth possess many of these advantageous anatomic features compared to human teeth. Treatment options for teeth with furcation lesions include: closed debridement, open debridement, furcation plasty, tunneling, partial tooth or root resection, root separation (hemisection or trisection), regenerative therapies, or exodontia. There are many factors to consider in determining treatment options. The favorable and unfavorable characteristics for maintenance of teeth with furcation lesions are summarized. Home care and ongoing professional care are important aspects of periodontal disease control for any patient. Studies of systemic and local antibiotic therapies in human patients have not demonstrated reduction of furcation stages, and probiotic effects at furcation sites have not been specifically examined. Human review studies show that most molar teeth once deemed “hopeless” due to stage 3 furcation lesions can be maintained for at least 5 to 15 years with supportive periodontal therapy. Similar long term studies in dogs are needed to improve the evidence-based management of canine patients with furcation lesions.
Homo moralis goes to the voting booth: Coordination and information aggregation
Authors: Alger Ingela , Laslier Jean-François
Published: March 2022

This paper revisits two classical problems in the theory of voting—viz. the divided majority problem and the strategic revelation of information—in the light of evolutionarily founded partial Kantian morality. It is shown that, compared to electorates consisting of purely self-interested voters, such Kantian morality helps voters solve coordination problems and improves the information aggregation properties of equilibria, even for modest levels of morality.
Principle design and control of a brake-by-wire actuator featuring magnetorheological clutch
Authors: Duan Shun-Chang , Sun Jun , ‘Frank’ Bai Xian-Xu , Hung Nguyen Quoc , Si Zhi-Yuan , Li Wei-Han , Liu Yang
Published: March 2022

Electro-mechanical brake (EMB), driven by a motor to push the brake pads to clamp the brake disk for braking, is considered as the future of vehicle braking system, because of its simple structure and controllable braking force. However, EMB must face the problem of motor blocking when it works in a long-time continuous braking condition. When the motor is blocking, the current in the coil windings is large enough to burn the motor down, leading to the failure of EMB, which is a great threat to driving safety. To solve the problem, a new brake-by-wire actuator featuring magnetorheological (MR) clutch (MRC) – an EMB combining with an MRC, i.e., BBW-MRC, is presented in this paper. Specifically, the BBW-MRC is composed of a driving motor, an MRC, a planetary gear reducer, a ball screw, brake pads, and a brake disk. The motor output is transmitted to the MRC through the reducer, and it is controlled in real-time, continuously, and as expected by the MRC via controlling its applied current. The ball screw is driven by the MRC and pushes the brake pads to clamp the brake disk to realize braking in time. The small-scaled BBW-MRC system and the corresponding test bench are developed, and a hierarchical control strategy applied to the BBW-MRC system is designed. Based on the test bench, a series of tests are carried out on the BBW-MRC system, including the stability test of the BBW-MRC system under a long-time braking condition, the braking force response test of the BBW-MRC, and the braking force tracking test. Research results show that: (1) the BBW-MRC system has a quick and accurate performance to track desired braking forces; (2) under long-time braking conditions, the braking force keeps stable and the surface temperature of the motor has a normal change; and (3) the braking force response time has a 53.5% improvement over the EMB that driven by the motor directly.
Effect of exponential heat source on parabolic flow of three different non-Newtonian fluids
Authors: Samrat SP , Gangadharaiah YH , Ashwinkumar GP , Sandeep N
Published: March 2022

This study examined the flow and thermal transfer feature of MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) Casson, Carreau, and Williamson fluid movements over a parabolic extending region with exponential heat generation effect. The mathematical model is transformed into Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) by utilizing appropriate similarity variables and resolved using bvp5c Matlab package. The influence of applicable limits on transfer facts is illustrated via plots and tabular values. The current study outcomes reveal the comparisons of flow, thermal profiles, wall friction, and local Nusselt number of these (Casson, Carreau, and Williamson) different non-Newtonian liquids. Casson fluid shows more excellent thermal conductivity when compared to Carreau and Williamson fluids and observed that the drive and thermal gradient of three non-Newtonian fluids are not uniform. Also, the magnetic force tends to condense the stream and thermal transport rate of these three fluids. The rate of thermal transport is amplified by growing the magnitude of Prandtl and exponential parameters.
Robust adaptive attitude control of flexible spacecraft using a sliding mode disturbance observer
Authors: Javaid Umair , Zhen Ziyang , Xue Yixuan , Ijaz Salman
Published: March 2022

A composite control scheme based on a disturbance observer is presented in this paper to deal with the attitude control problem of flexible spacecraft. Specifically, a sliding mode disturbance observer (SMDO) is developed to attenuate the unmodeled system dynamics, parameter uncertainties, and multiple external disturbances. The key feature of this approach is to relax the assumption imposed on disturbance to be constant or changing at a slow rate, which is a typical assumption in this class of problems involving a disturbance observer. Then, an exclusive adaptive integral sliding mode controller is combined with the SMDO to get the improved closed-loop control performance of the system. The underlying benefit of the proposed control scheme is improved robustness against time-dependent external disturbances and system model uncertainties. The stability analysis of the closed-loop system is provided using Lyapunov’s stability theory. Simulation results are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme, especially in comparison with existing results.
Human-robot-robot cooperative control using positioning robot and 1-DOF traction device for robot-assisted fracture reduction system
Authors: Kim Woo Young , Joung Sanghyun , Park Hyung , Park Jong-Oh , Ko Seong Young
Published: March 2022

While performing musculoskeletal long bone fracture reduction surgery, assistant surgeons can often suffer from physical fatigue as they provide resistance against the tension from surrounding muscles pulling on the patient’s broken bones. These days, robotic systems are being actively developed to mitigate this physical workload by realigning and holding these fractured bones for surgeons. This has led to one consortium proposing the development of a robot-assisted fracture reduction system consisting of a 6-DOF positioning robot along with a 1-DOF traction device. With the introduction of the 1-DOF traction device, the positioning robot does not have to fight these contraction forces so can be compact improving its maneuverability and overall convenience; however, considering surgeon-robot interactions, this approach adds the requirement of controlling two different types of robots simultaneously. As such, an advanced cooperative control methodology is required to control the proposed bone fracture reduction robot system. In this paper, a human-robot-robot cooperative control (HRRCC) scheme is proposed for collaboration between the surgeon, the positioning robot, and the traction device. First, the mathematical background of this HRRCC scheme is provided. Next, we describe a series of experiments that show how the proposed scheme facilitates a reduction in the load placed on the positioning robot from strong muscular contraction forces making it possible to conduct fracture reduction procedures more safely despite the muscular forces.
Exploring remedies for defective artificial intelligence aids in clinical decision-making in post-Brexit England and Wales
Authors: Smith Helen , Fotheringham Kit
Published: March 2022

Artificially intelligent systems (AISs) are in development to aid the clinicians and patients of the United Kingdom’s National Health Service. We assess the statutory requirements for product liability claims against producers of defective AISs in clinical use and set out the criteria for bringing a successful claim against a producer to the courts of England and Wales. We argue that the mismatch between product liability and safety regulation leaves patients, and consumers more generally, without an adequate remedy for the consequences of AIS defects. We also discuss the intertwinement of the consumer Protection Act 1987 and the Medical Devices Regulations 2002. Recent developments such as United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union and the updated Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021 are discussed. In addition, we offer novel discussion regarding the tort of ‘breach of statutory duty’ as provided for by the Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021.
Determine the Symptom Intensities, Performance and Hopelessness Levels of Advanced Lung Cancer Patients for the Palliative Care Approach
Authors: Dogan Esra , Ozcelik Hanife
Published: March 2022

This research was conducted descriptively to determine the symptom intensities, performance and hopelessness levels of advanced lung cancer patients for the palliative care approach. The research sample consisted of 130 patients with advanced lung cancer, who were selected from 600 lung cancer populations in thoracic surgery and intensive care, outpatient chemotherapy, oncology in a university hospital in Turkey. Ethics Committee permission and the patients’ written consent was obtained. Study data were collected face to face between January 2020 and July 2020 using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, Karnofsky Performance and Beck Hopelessness Scale. The mean age of the patients was 62.68 ± 8.867, 72.3% were males, and 89.2% were not currently working. The most common symptom in the patients was found to be fatigue 5.46 ± 2.12, worsening in general health and well-being 5.69 ± 1.87, loss of appetite 5.40 ± 2.59, and total symptom score 47.17 ± 19.03. Feelings and expectations about the future 1.40 ± 1.66, loss of motivation 3.43 ± 2.41, hope 2.05 ± 1.75, and total score of hopelessness 7.41 ± 6.01. There was a positive correlation between the patients’ hopelessness level and their symptom burden, and a negative correlation was found with Karnofsky performance ( P < .05). A significant difference was found between the patients’ age, months since diagnosis, gender, education and employment status, stage of the disease, presence of metastases and analgesic use, and hopelessness scores ( P < .05). It was determined that the symptom burden of patients with advanced lung cancer increased and as their Karnofsky performance decreased, their hopelessness level further increased. Hopelessness scores are affected by the socio-demographic and disease variables of the patients.
A Single Stage Composite Cleft Septorhinoplasty for Correction of the Mature Unilateral Cleft Nose Deformity - The Gujrat Technique
Authors: Othman Diaa , Gorman Mark , Abbas Khan Muhammad Adil , Ma Yangmyung , Bhatti Dujanah Siddique , Rafiq Sadia , Shami Hussan Berkhez , Lye George , McBride Michael , Riaz Muhammad
Published: March 2022

Objective

To evaluate the results of a single stage composite cleft septorhinoplasty procedure (“The Gujrat Technique”) to correct the exaggerated cleft nose deformity after completion of nasal growth in an adult patient cohort.

Methods

Adult patients with a residual unilateral cleft nasal deformity were deemed eligible for the proposed “Gujrat Technique”. Over a 10-year period (2007–2017), 96 adult patients underwent this composite cleft septorhinoplasty as a single stage operation. Post-operative nasal symmetry evaluation was undertaken using the validated computer program ‘SymNose’. Functional outcome and patient satisfaction were assessed using Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale and Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaires respectively. Various statistical analysis methods were used to validate the obtained results.

Results

Due to poor compliance with follow-up, post-operative assessments were undertaken in only 32 patients. The single group study design using the non-parametric matching pairs Wilcoxon Sign test (p < 0.001) showed overall good to excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes and higher scores of the digital SymNose grading system. There was a significant improvement in ROE scores (from 26.4 ± 2.9 to 85.9 ± 4.7, p < 0.001). There were no major complications or revisions needed in our series.

Conclusion

The individual components of "The Gujrat Technique" are not novel but their combination in this adult unilateral cleft rhinoplasty cohort has demonstrated a high patient satisfaction with its aesthetic appeal and functional versatility. In the background of limited resources and unpredictable patient follow up, the simplicity, reproducibility and cost effectiveness of this technique make it a practical reconstructive option.
The Systemic Model of Social Disorganization and Homicide and Suicide Trajectories in South Korean Community Areas: Testing the Stream Analogy of Lethal Violence
Authors: Cho Sujung , Harper Shannon B.
Published: March 2022

The stream analogy of lethal violence (SALV) argues that homicide and suicide are similarly driven by frustration and aggression. SALV research has examined forces of production (i.e., lethal violence rate [LVR]) and forces of direction (i.e., suicide-homicide ratio [SHR]). The current study applies 6 foundational social disorganization theory (i.e., the systemic model) structural predictors and 3 unique social controls to help explain the LVR and SHR. Using data from 229 South Korean community areas, the study tracked lethal violence for 6 years for each area, yielding 1,374 observations for analysis. Findings reveal mixed support for the systemic model. Urban area was negatively associated with the SHR’s initial level, but positively associated with increased SHR rates of change. Variations in the residential instability and divorce rates had positive effects on only the initial LVR level. Children’s nursery facilities fully mediated the link between structural characteristics and increased SHR rates of change.
Metastatic Pleomorphic Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast to the Hypothalamus Presenting as a Primary Pituitary Lesion Presenting 17 Years Later-Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Aisner Seena C. , Sharer Leroy , Liu James K. , Baisre de Leon Ada , Heller Debra S
Published: March 2022

Carcinomas metastatic to the brain are common, however, metastatic disease to the hypothalamic- pituitary region is uncommon and account for less than 3.6% of all resected malignant pituitary tumors. Most metastatic disease in that region derives from a lung or breast primary, with both ductal and lobular carcinoma reported. We report what we believe is the first case of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma metastatic to the hypothalamus. This case is also reaffirms that late metastasis from breast cancer should be considered in the differential diagnosis. It is important for the clinician to consider the clinical history of breast cancer, even when remote, in the differential diagnosis.
Does corporate social responsibility affect the institutional ownership of firms in the hospitality and tourism industry?
Authors: Lyssimachou Danielle , Bilinski Pawel
Published: March 2022

As hospitality and tourism (H&T) businesses mature, they often seek institutional equity financing to support their growth. Capital intensive H&T firms, such as cruise operators, casinos and large restaurant and hotel chains, continuously rely on institutional capital to fund their operations. This study examines which corporate social responsibility dimensions affect H&T firms’ ability to attract institutional equity capital providers. We document that firms with better social and governance performance have higher institutional ownership, particularly by investors focused on long-term growth and value creation, such as dedicated institutional investors, domestic investors and blockholders. Community and environmental performance do not increase institutional holdings.
The effects of flipped classroom approach in EFL teaching: Can we strategically use the flipped method to acquire communicative competence?
Authors: Li Shuangling , He Jing , Tao Yuan , Liu Xia
Published: March 2022

This study investigates the effects of the flipped classroom approach on five aspects of written communicative competence of learners of English as a foreign language (EFL): lexis, syntax, cohesion, pragmatics, and discourse. It experimented on two groups of Chinese undergraduates in a regular college English course, using a flipped learning approach on one group and a traditional lecture approach on the other. The results from a pre-test and post-test revealed that the flipped approach had differential effects on the aforementioned five sub-competencies. More specifically, the flipped group’s overall performance was better than the control group in the post-test, indicating an overall positive role of the flipped approach on EFL learners’ development of communicative competence. However, significant group differences were found only on the learners’ lexical, cohesive, and pragmatic competencies, and not on their syntactical or discourse competencies. These findings thus provide further insights on how the flipped method might be strategically used to facilitate the learners’ language development.
Preservation of earthen relic sites against salt damages by using a sand layer
Authors: Chang Bin , Wen He , Yu Chuck W , Luo Xilian , Gu Zhaolin
Published: March 2022

Salt damage is one of the main problems facing the preservation of earthen sites in heritage museums. The use of salt-inhibiting materials on the surface of earthen sites to prevent damages could cause secondary damage. A method of placing a sand layer as a water and salt barrier was introduced and evaluated based on the law of unsaturated soil water and salt transport. The method involves placing a sand layer on the lower layer of the earthen site to inhibit the migration of water and salt from the deep soil to the surface of the earthen site. Experiments and numerical simulations were conducted to study the long-term effect and efficiency of water and salt barrier of sand layers with different particle sizes. The results show that the sand layer could successfully block the continuous upwards transport of water. The salt was shown to stagnate at the boundary between the bottom of the sand layer and the experimental soil. According to the simulation results, the water and salt barrier effect of the sand layer is proportional to the particle size of the sand layer. The sand layer with particle sizes much larger than the experimental soil has a durable water and salt barrier effect. These results are important for understanding the mechanism of salt damage to earthen sites and for the sustainable preservation of relics against salt damage in a soil environment.
The characteristics, management and outcomes of high- and low-grade renal injuries in paediatric trauma patients at a major trauma centre
Authors: Bird Ruth , De Los Reyes Thomas , Beno Suzanne , Siddiqui Asad
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Children, given anatomical variations, are at increased risk of renal injury following trauma. The management of paediatric renal injuries has, similar to other solid organ injuries, largely shifted towards conservative management; however, hemodynamically unstable patients may still warrant surgical exploration or interventional techniques. The aim of this study is to describe the local incidence, demographics, morbidity and outcomes associated with high- and low-grade renal injury in a paediatric major trauma population.

Method

This was a 5-year retrospective review of trauma registry data and chart analysis of all paediatric renal injuries from major trauma at a North American level 1 paediatric trauma centre between January 2016–31 December 2020. Data was analysed using SPSS v27 with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results

Of 1334 major trauma patients, 45 suffered a kidney injury (20 high-grade and 25 low-grade injuries), of which 93.3% underwent conservative management with no difference in outcomes between groups. 80% of patients had concurrent injuries (a quarter requiring surgery for these), with a trend towards higher rates of chest injuries in high-grade renal injury patients ( p = 0.08). Bicycle injuries were statistically more likely to cause high-grade renal injury ( p = 0.02). Angiography was utilized infrequently (3/45 patients, 6.6%), and no patients underwent embolization in our study population. Overall mortality (4.4%) and length of stay were unaffected by grade of injury.

Conclusion

Paediatric renal injury is an uncommon injury in major trauma patients (3.4%). Most cases can be managed conservatively regardless of the grade of injury. Renal injury patients are likely to have concurrent injuries, often requiring surgery. Further studies are needed to measure the success and utilization of interventional radiology techniques for management in children.