bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Program Director Perspective: Perceptions of PGY5 Residents’ Operative Self-Efficacy and Entrustment
Authors: Jensen Rachel M. , Kearse LaDonna E. , Anand Ananya , Dent Daniel L. , Korndorffer James R.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

A 2020 survey of post-graduate year 5 (PGY5) general surgery residents linked to the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) revealed significant deficits in self-efficacy (SE), or personal judgment of one’s ability to complete a task, for 10 commonly performed operations. Identifying whether this deficit is similarly perceived by program directors (PDs) has not been well established. We hypothesized that PDs would perceive higher levels of operative SE compared to PGY5s.

Methods

A survey was distributed through the Association of Program Directors in Surgery listserv; PDs were queried about their PGY5 residents’ ability to perform the same 10 operations independently and their accuracy of patient assessments and operative plans for components of several core entrustable professional activities (EPAs). Results of this survey were compared to PGY5 residents’ perception of their SE and entrustment based on the 2020 post-ABSITE survey. Chi-squared tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

108 responses were received, representing ∼32% (108/342) of general surgery programs. Perceptions from PDs of PGY5 residents’ operative SE were highly concordant with resident perceptions; no significant differences were observed for 9 of 10 procedures. Both PGY5 residents and PDs perceived adequate levels of entrustment; no significant differences were observed for 6 of 8 EPA components.

Conclusions

These findings show concordance between PDs and PGY5 residents in their perceptions of operative SE and entrustment. Though both groups perceive adequate levels of entrustment, PDs corroborate the previously described operative SE deficit, illustrating the importance of improved preparation for independent practice.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Offers Clinical Benefits to Diabetic Patients With Stable Chronic Total Occlusion
Authors: Yan Yunfeng , Yuan Fei , Liu Xinmin , Luo Taiyang , Feng Xu , Yao Jing , Zhang Mingduo , Gu Feifei , Song Guangyuan , Lyu Shuzheng
Published: February 2023

Whether percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion (CTO-PCI) in diabetic patients offers more benefits compared with initial medical therapy (CTO-MT) is unclear. In this study, diabetic patients with one CTO (clinical manifestations: stable angina or silent ischemia) were enrolled. Consecutively, enrolled patients ( n = 1605) were assigned to different groups: CTO-PCI (1044 [65.0%]) and initial CTO-MT (561 [35%]). After a median follow-up of 44 months, CTO-PCI tended to be superior to initial CTO-MT in major adverse cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard-ratio [aHR]: .81, 95% conference-interval: .65–1.02) and significantly superior in cardiac death (aHR: .58 [.39–.87]) and all-cause death (aHR: .678[.473–.970]). Such superiority mainly attributed to a successful CTO-PCI. CTO-PCI tended to be performed in patients with younger age, good collaterals, left anterior descending branch CTO, and right coronary artery CTO. While, those with left circumflex CTO and severe clinical/angiographic situations were more likely to be assigned to initial CTO-MT. However, none of these variables influenced the benefits of CTO-PCI. Thus, we concluded that for diabetic patients with stable CTO, CTO-PCI (mainly successful CTO-PCI) offered patients survival benefits over initial CTO-MT. These benefits were consistent regardless of clinical/angiographic characteristics.
Comparison of Second-Generation Cryoballoon Ablation and Quantitative Radiofrequency Ablation Guided by Ablation Index for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Yan Qin-Dan , Gong Ke-Zeng , Chen Xue-Hai , Chen Jian-Hua , Xu Zhe , Wang Wei-Wei , Zhang Fei-Long
Published: February 2023

We compared the efficacy and complication rates of quantitative radiofrequency ablation guided by ablation index (RFCA-AI) with those of second-generation cryoballoon ablation (CBA-2). Consecutive patients (n = 230) with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing a first ablation CBA-2 (92 patients) or RFCA-AI (138 patients) procedure were enrolled in this study. The late recurrence rate in the CBA-2 group was higher than that in the RFCA-AI group ( P = .012). Subgroup analysis showed the same result in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) ( P = .039), but no difference was found in patients with persistent AF ( P = .21). The average operation duration in the CBA-2 group (85 [75-99.5] minutes) was shorter than that in the RFCA-AI group (100 [84.5-120] minutes) ( P < .0001), but the average exposure time (17.36(13.87-22.49) vs 5.49(4.00-8.24) minutes) in the CBA-2 group and X-ray dose (223.25(149.15-336.95) vs 109.15(80.75-168.7) mGym) were significantly longer than those in RFCA-AI group ( P < .0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that left atrial diameter (LAD), early recurrence, and methods of ablation (cryoballoon ablation) were independent risk factors for late recurrence after AF ablation. Early recurrence of AF and LAD were independent risk factors for predicting late recurrence after AF ablation.
Adolescent Substance Use Outcomes in Response to Social Consequences of Use: The Role of Empathy
Authors: Winters Drew E. , Massey Suena H. , Sakai Joseph T.
Published: February 2023

Evidence suggests empathy deficits have a temporal relationship with substance use severity by late adolescence theorized to decrease use via recognition of social consequences. However, this has yet to be tested empirically along with differences in cognitive and affective empathy. Adolescents admitted to substance use treatment ( n = 3382) were followed through treatment and 12 months after treatment. Variable trajectories were fit using growth curve models; and cross-lagged effects of cognitive and affective empathy (interpersonal reactivity index) on response to social consequences of use were tested along with how response to social consequences affected the mean trajectory of substance use. Results indicate higher cognitive empathy predicted greater response to social consequences of use and response to these consequences at the end of treatment predicted a steeper decrease in substance use. This evidence highlights the importance of cognitive empathy for responding to social consequences of use for motivating less adolescent substance use.
Introducing the Jihadi Plots in Europe Dataset (JPED)
Authors: Nesser Petter
Published: February 2023

The article introduces a new dataset on terrorist attack activity by jihadis in Western Europe. The dataset was built over nearly two decades at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment. It records not only attacks that were launched, but also plots that were foiled by counterterrorism. The rationale behind the dataset is that analyses based on launched attacks may misrepresent the scale and nature of terrorism. The article shows that if we were to measure the jihadi threat to Europe by attacks only we would miss out on 58.2% of the total attack activity. We also show that while attack data signify a trend towards small attacks by individuals, these data hide the fact that terror networks persist in plotting big attacks that get foiled. We discuss how analyses based on attacks only may distort comparative analyses of different types of terrorists across countries, as well as causal analyses of terrorism drivers. By including foiled plots we gain a fuller picture of terrorism. The Jihadi Plots in Europe Dataset allows the gauging of different aspects of the threat from Al-Qaida and Islamic State in Europe. The dataset documents when and where terror plots occur, whether or not they result in attacks, and different types of information about perpetrators and how they operate. The Dataset offers a reliable overview of jihadi terrorism in Europe for research and policy.
Changing Funerals and Their Effects on Bereavement Grief in Japan
Authors: Kondo-Arita Megumi , Becker Carl B.
Published: February 2023

Bereavement is an extremely personal feeling, but Japanese society tends to disapprove of displays of negative personal emotion or weakness. For ages, mourning rituals like funerals provided an exception where social permission was given to sharing grief and seeking support. However, the form and significance of Japanese funerals have changed rapidly over the past generation, and especially since the advent of COVID-19 restrictions on assembly and travel. This paper overviews the trajectory of changes and continuities in mourning rituals in Japan, looking at their psychological and social impacts. It goes on to summarize recent Japanese research showing that appropriate funerals are not merely of psychological and social benefit, but may have an important role in reducing or supporting grief that might otherwise require medical and social work intervention.
Plant-based model for the visual evaluation of electroporated area after irreversible electroporation and its comparison to in-vivo animal data
Authors: Lindelauf Kim. H. K. , Thomas Athul , Baragona Marco , Jouni Ali , Nolte Teresa , Pedersoli Federico , Pfeffer Joachim , Baumann Martin , Maessen Ralph. T. H. , Ritter Andreas
Published: February 2023

Electroporation (EP) is widely used in medicine, such as cancer treatment, in form of electrochemotherapy or irreversible electroporation (IRE). For EP device testing, living cells or tissue inside a living organism (including animals) are needed. Plant-based models seem to be a promising alternative to substitute animal models in research. The aim of this study is to find a suitable plant-based model for visual evaluation of IRE, and to compare the geometry of electroporated areas with in-vivo animal data.

For this purpose, a variety of fruit and vegetables were selected and visually evaluated after 0/1/2/4/6/8/12/16/24 h post-EP. Apple and potato were found to be suitable models as they enabled a visual evaluation of the electroporated area. For these models, the size of the electroporated area was determined after 0/1/2/4/6/8/12/16/24 h. For apples, a well-defined electroporated area was visual within two hours, while in potatoes it reached a plateau after eight hours only. The electroporated area of apple, which showed the fastest visual results was then compared to a retrospectively evaluated swine liver IRE dataset which had been obtained for similar conditions. The electroporated area of the apple and swine liver both showed a spherical geometry of comparable size. For all experiments, the standard protocol for human liver IRE was followed. To conclude, potato and apple were found to be suitable plant-based models for the visual evaluation of electroporated area after irreversible EP, with apple being the best choice for fast visual results. Given the comparable range, the size of the electroporated area of the apple may be promising as a quantitative predictor in animal tissue. Even if plant-based models cannot completely replace animal experiments, they can be used in the early stages of EP device development and testing, decreasing animal experiments to the necessary minimum.
The birth of cool: Heat and air-conditioning in the history of Wuhan, 1950–2020
Authors: Courtney Chris
Published: February 2023

This article examines the impact of air-conditioning on the history of Wuhan, a Chinese city famed for the oppressive heat of its summers. It draws upon oral history testimony, ethnographic research, and written sources, to argue that air-conditioning has played an important yet underappreciated role in changing local culture, social interactions, and the urban environment. It begins by describing how citizens of Wuhan coped with heat in the Maoist era (1949–1976), examining official heatstroke prevention techniques alongside the everyday practices of local citizens, including the use of bamboo beds and air-raid shelters. It then examines the dialectical relationship between socio-economic and technological change that occurred following the introduction of air-conditioning. This new technology, which required people to close their doors on their neighbours, arrived at the same time that older forms of communal living were becoming untenable. Finally, this article examines the role that air-conditioning has played in creating and alleviating the urban heat island problem, a process of localised climate change that makes cities hotter than their hinterlands. It concludes by exploring how locals feel about urban heating, a problem that seems intractable in Wuhan, as it is throughout much of urban Asia.
Double-trouble: A rare case of co-infection with melioidosis and leptospirosis from Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunasena JB , De Silva ST
Published: February 2023

Melioidosis and leptospirosis are two emerging tropical infections that share somewhat similar clinical manifestations but require different methods of management. A 59-year-old farmer presented to a tertiary care hospital with an acute febrile illness associated with arthralgia, myalgia and jaundice, complicated by oliguric acute kidney injury and pulmonary haemorrhage. Treatment was initiated for complicated leptospirosis but with poor response. Blood culture was positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei and microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for leptospirosis was positive at the highest titres of 1:2560, confirming a co-infection of leptospirosis and melioidosis. The patient made a complete recovery with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), intermittent haemodialysis and intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Similar environmental conditions harbour melioidosis and leptospirosis, making co-infection a very real possibility. Co-infection should be suspected in patients from endemic areas with water and soil exposure. Using two antibiotics to cover both pathogens effectively is prudent. IV penicillin with IV ceftazidime is one such effective combination.
Robust relative orbit synchronization for spacecraft cluster: A distributed learning sliding mode control approach
Authors: Jia Qingxian , Gao Junnan , Zhang Chengxi , Zheng Zhong
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the issue of robust relative orbit synchronization control for spacecraft cluster subjects to space perturbation. First, the relative orbit dynamics of the leader-follower spacecraft cluster is established. Combined with P-type learning algorithm and sliding mode control (SMC) strategy, a novel distributed learning SMC (LSMC) strategy with the consensus algorithm is explored such that all the follower spacecrafts converge to the target relative position and their velocities tend to the leader spacecraft. The distributed P-type learning algorithm is used to update and compensate space perturbation for all the follower spacecrafts. The proposed LSMC approach has the potential to achieve higher control accuracy than the traditional SMC one while it has the lower computation burden than the distributed adaptive SMC one. The stability analysis of the proposed distributed LSMC strategy is provided in detail. Finally, a numerical example is simulated to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed distributed LSMC-based relative orbit synchronization control for spacecraft cluster.
Frequency domain cascade consensus and disturbance rejection control of multi-agent systems
Authors: Ahmed Zahoor
Published: February 2023

This work describes a cascade consensus control problem of multi-agent systems (MASs) under disturbances in frequency domain (FD). An internal model control–based scheme, a kind of FD scheme is utilized to address the network of agents. Each agent of the network consists of two loops control configuration. Inner-loop control is responsible for single-agent control and eliminates the effects of internal disturbances. Whereas the outer-loop controller works as multi-agent control and eliminates the effects of external disturbances. For both loops, robust quasi-[Formula: see text] controller is derived for disturbance rejection and resilient consensus of all agents. This scheme is novel in the sense that it can eliminate the impacts of disturbances on the MAS without the restriction of the number of nodes. An analytical scheme is utilized for the tuning of the designed controller to track the consensus performance of the network. Numerical examples are given to describe the validity of the proposed algorithm.
A note from the editors of teaching public administration
Authors: of TPA The Editors
Published: February 2023

The start of a new year, or in TPA’s case a new volume (41) is always a moment to pause and reflect.
Editorial Synthesis for 2 in 2023: A Collaboration Between IARR’s Two Journals: Recognizing the Need for Greater Inclusivity in Relationship Science
Authors: Curran Melissa A. , Randall Ashley K.
Published: February 2023

The idea for this special issue came from the current Editors of the Journal for Social and Personal Relationships and Personal Relationships, who wanted to forge a collaboration between the International Association for Relationship Research’s two journals. This collaboration came at a time when issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion were being brought to light in science, broadly defined. Stemming from such discussions, for this special issue, the Editors asked 10 sets of authors to apply an intersectional lens – grounded in Crenshaw’s (1989, 1991) definition of intersectionality and drawing from questions posed by Cole (2009) – to their systematic review of literature from the past 20 years (1992–2022) and to answer these three questions: (1) from whose vantage point is the research being conducted, (2) what types of questions are valued, and (3) who is included in the research versus who is being left out/whose voices are missing. Manuscripts in the special issue include these topics: (a) affectionate communication, health, and relationships, (b) romantic relationship maintenance behaviors, (c) relationship maintenance among military couples, (d) relational sacrifices, (e) LGBTQ-inclusive research, (f) stress, support, and coping for romantic couples, (g) daily stress and romantic relationship quality, (h) infidelity, (i) relationship dissolution, and (j) the longitudinal study of romantic close relationships. Across the reviews, authors noted many of the same patterns; most studies included samples from the U.S., wherein participants identified as White, heterosexual, and female; however, military samples were dominated by men. The methods employed were largely quantitative, cross-sectional, and/or with data coming from surveys. Observations during the review process included the role of positionality as well as greater knowledge gained about the critical framework of intersectionality, specifically acknowledging that elements of diversity in sampling methods are not an application of intersectionality; rather, intersectionality places central focus on (a) how multiply marginalized social identities have been historically oppressed and (b) how systems of power, oppression, and privilege construct, reproduce, and sustain those multiply marginalized social identities. Recommendations for future relationship science are presented, specifically in how our fields can benefit from learning from the lens of intersectionality.
Validation of the Child Observation Record Advantage 1.5 Assessment Tool for Preschool Children: A Multilevel Bifactor Modeling Approach
Authors: Akaeze Hope O. , Wu Jamie Heng-Chieh , Lawrence Frank R. , Weber Everett P.
Published: February 2023

This paper reports an investigation into the psychometric properties of the COR-Advantage1.5 (COR-Adv1.5) assessment tool, a criterion-referenced observation-based instrument designed to assess the developmental abilities of children from birth through kindergarten. Using data from 8534 children participating in a state-funded preschool program for disadvantaged 4-year-olds, we employed a multilevel bifactor model to show that CORAdv1.5 has some potential as an unbiased assessment tool for tracking developmental progress in pre-kindergarten children, under a bifactor model parameterization, with fewer dimensions than were proposed by the test developer, HighScope. Examination of factor adequacy indices revealed that, despite the multidimensional structure, CORAdv1.5 items overwhelmingly reflect variance due to the general factors at the child and classroom levels. Evidence for multilevel reliability, response process validity, predictive validity, longitudinal measurement invariance, and generalizability of the items are also reported. The findings of this study have important implications for the use of COR-Adv1.5.
Between Ideological Loyalty and Political Adaptation: The “Agrarian Question” in the Development of Bulgarian Social Democracy, 1891–1912
Authors: Stefanov Kristian
Published: February 2023

At the end of the nineteenth century, European social democracy found acceptance among some circles of the Bulgarian intelligentsia. However, the social base of this new ideology, including industrialization and urbanization, was almost missing. This contradiction confronted the young party with the challenge of adapting to local social reality, not only leading it to a chain of internal ideological dilemmas questioning its social democratic identity, but also stimulating various political interactions with the public environment, culminating in a change of national politics. The present article lays out the problem of social democracy’s political adaptation by focusing first on the “Agrarian Question” debates among the party elite through investigation of the public discussions in the congresses, newspapers, and letters, and second, on political practice in the field of electoral politics through analyses of electoral statistics and mobilization discourses. The article’s main conclusions are that (1) dialectics between the intensive transfer of modern ideas and the complex process of their adaptation to national conditions is one of the “moving contradictions” of Bulgarian social democracy’s development in the Balkan peripheral context, (2) the Bulgarian Workers’ Social Democratic Party’s (BWSDP) experience confirms the more general tendency in Second International social democracy of a strong interdependence between electoral politics and ideological debates, and (3) the efforts for political mobilization of the petty peasants and artisans through Marxist language led to its evolution into a socialist-populist discourse that stimulated massification of political participation and encouraged but also opposed the early Agrarian movement.
The Interior of the Movement for Black Lives: “A New Political Generation”
Authors: destine Shaneda
Published: February 2023

Limited sociological literature exists on the interior of local organizations’ intersectional politics in the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL). To address this gap in the literature, I conducted 48 interviews in Baltimore and College Park, Maryland; Atlanta, Georgia; Knoxville, Tennessee; and the District of Colombia from 2016 to 2019, to identify the experiences of Black women and queer people in local organizations connected to the M4BL—leaders, organizers, and protestors. I utilized Ruth Milkman’s articulation of “a new political generation” and Ashleigh K. McKinzie and Patricia L. Richards’s “context-driven intersectionality” to theoretically ground a structural intersectional analysis. The themes emerging from these interviews identify local organizations as places where women and queer people contend with patriarchy, homophobia, and classism. This research provides a nuanced discussion of the struggle to build a global working-class movement in local anti-racist organizations, thereby outlining the schism between theory and action. Implications for future research are discussed.
Researching higher education leadership and management in Arab countries: A systematic review
Authors: Hammad Waheed , El Zaatari Wafaa , Al-Abri Khalaf
Published: February 2023

The present study aims to review higher education leadership and management (HELM) research in the Arab region. The study employed systematic review methods to analyze 77 articles published in educational leadership and management journals, higher education journals, and journals indexed in the Scopus database between 2000 and 2020. The analysis focused on identifying the main features and trends found in the articles including the development of publication volume over time, geographical distribution, types of studies, research topics, and research methods. Quantitative methods were used to analyze the data. The features identified echoed those reported for the broader educational leadership and management literature in Arab societies such as the relatively small size of the knowledge base, uneven geographical distribution, the predominance of empirical, quantitative studies, and high emphasis on leadership as a research topic. The findings are discussed in the light of relevant literature, and recommendations are provided to improve future HELM research in the region.
Application of Box Behnken experimental design to analyze the influence mechanism of process parameters on mechanical properties of high-performance thermoplastic composites
Authors: Sudheendra K , Vinodhini Jennifer , Govindaraju M , Bhowmik Shantanu
Published: February 2023

Composite processing relies heavily on process parameters, which are the key factors that determine the quality of the finished product. In this investigation, carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced polyetherketone (PEK) thermoplastic composites are fabricated through film-fiber stacking and consolidation process. In this method, carbon fabric and polymer film are alternately stacked, and the stacks are then consolidated via compression molding to create a laminate. The mechanical properties of CF/PEK composites are studied in relation to crucial process parameters such as molding temperature, molding pressure, and holding time. To identify the optimal process parameters for CF/PEK fabrication, the tensile and interlaminar shear strengths of these composites were evaluated. Non-linear quadratic equations employing Box-Behnken Design in Response Surface Methodology and validation trials were used to model these features. To obtain the optimal mechanical properties of fabricated composites, the combination of factor ranges was discovered by overlaying contour plots within the practical constraints. The ideal process parameters for achieving maximum mechanical qualities were determined to be around molding temperature of 400°C, a holding period of 60 min, and a molding pressure of 10 bar.
Optimal shape selection of pseudo-rigid-body model compliant centrifugal clutch manufactured by thermoplastics using TOPSIS approach
Authors: Pon Azhagiri , Subramanian K , Gopal P , Palanikumar K
Published: February 2023

This paper discusses and analyses a compliant centrifugal clutch with different materials. Compliant centrifugal clutch specimens required for investigation are prepared by an injection moulding process. Experiments are conducted based on the experiments designed as per Taguchi’s Design of Experiment (DoE); an L27 Orthogonal Array (OA) is formulated and a multi-response optimisation approach Technique of Order Preference Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is adopted for optimising torque carrying capacity, wear rate and, contact temperature. Experiments are conducted for three different polymer materials viz., polypropylene (PP), Delrin (DE) and polyurethane (PU) with three different profiles, circular (CR), elliptical (EL) and square fillet (SF), along with varying rotating speeds. The outcome shows that by changing the clutch material and flexure profiles, a substantial variation in torque carrying capacity, wear rate and contact temperature is observed.
Delivery of Comprehensive Medication Management and Other Clinical Services via Telehealth by Pharmacy Type
Authors: Green Gabrielle , Barragan Noel C. , Abraham Jessica , Chen Steven , Kuo Tony
Published: February 2023

Background: The recent coronavirus pandemic accelerated the need to deliver pharmacy-related services remotely. Objective: To describe experiences with providing comprehensive medication management (CMM) and other clinical services via telehealth by pharmacy type, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online survey of pharmacists, representing 27 pharmacies, was conducted to capture telehealth usage in three pharmacy types: independently owned, integrated into a clinical setting, and retail chain. A sub-analysis was performed to assess if providing CMM services via telehealth helped, resulted in no change, or worsened the care of different patient groups (e.g., those with diabetes, were low-income, aged 65+ years). Results: During the pandemic, telehealth usage among independently owned pharmacies and those integrated into a clinical setting increased, but no change occurred among retail chain pharmacies. This usage increase in the first two pharmacy types occurred despite limited investments in connectivity-related resources to support telehealth services. Pharmacists from both independently owned pharmacies (63%) and those integrated into a clinical setting (89%) reported CMM via telehealth reached patients they would not otherwise have been able to reach during the pandemic. Most pharmacists/pharmacies found telehealth to be a feasible and acceptable method of delivering CMM. Conclusion: Pharmacists and pharmacies are now experienced with and have interest in continuing CMM via telehealth, even as the pandemic recedes. However, investments in telecommunications resources, training support, technical assistance, and continued telehealth reimbursement from health plans are needed to sustain this service delivery model.
Synchronous and fault-tolerance control for dual-motor steer-by-wire system of commercial vehicle
Authors: Shi Guobiao , Qiao Pengfei , Sang Donggang , Wang Shuai , Song Minghao
Published: February 2023

In order to meet the high safety requirement of high-level automatic steering mechanism for commercial vehicle, a kind of steer-by-wire (SBW) system with redundant motors is studied in this paper, and the structure principle and control strategy of the system are studied. Commercial vehicles have the characteristics of large steering resistance moment, which is accompanied by impact and vibration during steering, so the synchronous control of dual motors is the key and difficult problem. Based on the circulating ball steering gear for commercial vehicle, dual-motor synchronous control architecture is designed and the dual-motor global-fast-terminal-sliding-mode (nonsingular-GFTSM) synchronous control is formulated. Compared with the sliding-mode control, the simulation results show that the dual-motor actuator based on nonsingular-GFTSM can better realize the synchronous operation in angle, speed and torque. In addition, a real-time motor fault-diagnosis method based on sliding mode observer and a fault-tolerant control strategy based on smooth switching system are designed, which can achieve fast fault-isolation and smooth torque switching in case of actuator failure in dual-motor system. A Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test bench is built to further verify the effectiveness of the synchronous and fault-tolerance control strategy for dual motors.
Relapsing donovanosis rhyming with unexplained decline in CD4 count in a person living with HIV/AIDS: Long-term follow up and therapeutic outcome
Authors: Sinha Surabhi , Sardana Kabir , Agarwal Aastha , Ahuja Arvind
Published: February 2023

Donovanosis is a chronic genital ulcerative disease caused by the intracellular Gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella granulomatis, reported more frequently in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). Here we present a case of relapsing donovanosis in a PLHA on second line antiretroviral therapy who had episodes of transient unexplained decrease in CD4 counts associated with rapid growth of the lesion and non-responsiveness to treatment followed by clinical resolution coinciding with recovery of the CD4 count.
Kaempferol inhibits airway inflammation induced by allergic asthma through NOX4-Mediated autophagy
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Yu Zhenyu , Li Wei
Published: February 2023

Background

Kaempferol has important medicinal value in the treatment of asthma. However, its mechanism of action has not been fully understood and needs to be explored and studied.

Methods

A binding activity of kaempferol with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) was analyzed by molecular docking. Human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were treated with different concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 μg/mL) of kaempferol to select its suitable concentration. In the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced BEAS-2B, cells were treated with 20 μg/mL kaempferol or 20 μM GLX35132 (a NOX4 inhibitor) to analyze its effects on NOX4-mediated autophagy. In the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice, 20 mg/kg kaempferol or 3.8 mg/kg GLX351322 administration was performed to analyze the therapeutic effects of kaempferol on NOX4-mediated autophagy. An autophagy activator, rapamycin, was used to confirm the mechanism of kaempferol in treatment of allergic asthma.

Results

A good binding of kaempferol to NOX4 (score = −9.2 kcal/mol) was found. In the TGF-β1-induced BEAS-2B, the NOX4 expression was decreased with kaempferol dose increase. The secretions of IL-25 and IL-33, and the NOX4-mediated autophagy were significantly decreased by kaempferol treatment in the TGF-β1-induced BEAS-2B. In the OVA-challenged mice, kaempferol treatment improved airway inflammation and remodeling through suppressing NOX4-mediated autophagy. The rapamycin treatment clearly hampered the therapeutic effects of kaempferol in the TGF-β1-induced cells and OVA-induced mice.

Conclusions

This study identifies kaempferol binds NOX4 to perform its functions in the treatment of allergic asthma, providing an effective therapeutic strategy in the further treatment of asthma.
Development of a quantitative method to evaluate the printability parameters of water-based ink using visible and near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Bai Yongli , Huang Xinguo , Peng Nan , Zhang Shanshan , Zhong Yunfei
Published: February 2023

Water-based inks are widely used in green packaging and printing. The printability parameters of water-based inks, such as viscosity (alcohol concentration (AC)) and color (toning additive concentration (toning yellow concentration/toning red concentration, TYC/TRC)), can only be controlled manually in many printing companies. The printability parameters of water-based inks with different additives were analyzed using spectral preprocessing, variable selection, and model-building methods with visible and near infrared (vis-NIR) spectral data (380∼980 nm). Model performance was compared using the root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSEC) and the coefficient of determination (R2). The results of the experiment indicate that the viscosity of the water-based inks can be quantitatively predicted using the principal component analysis and back propagation neural network model (PCA-BPNN) combined with Savitzky-Golay (SG) smoothing in the spectral subrange, which is superior to the PLS regression model. The R2c and r2p of the PCA-BPNN model were up to 0.998 and 0.993, and the RMSEC and RMSEP values obtained were 0.21 and 0.34. Similarly, the concentration of toning yellow and toning red can be quantitively predicted using the PCA-BPNN model combined with SG smoothing in the 617∼726 nm spectral range, which is better than iPLS regression model. These results indicate that the use of vis-NIR spectroscopy and chemometrics is a promising strategy, reliable for predicting the printability parameters of water-based inks, and provides the technical basis for subsequent implementation of online inspection.
Comparison of Efficacy of Short-Term Versus Conventional Antibiotic Regimen in Treatment of Neonatal Pyogenic Meningitis
Authors: Mehta Khushboo , Bhatt Shwetal , Parmar Niyati Takhatsinh
Published: February 2023

Objective

Conventional regimen for treating neonatal pyogenic meningitis is parenteral antibiotics for 21 days. We compared efficacy of short-term antibiotic of 14 days to this conventional regimen.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted in tertiary care hospital over 11 months. Neonates having birth-weight more than 1.5 kg with pyogenic meningitis were enrolled, and allotted into 2 groups: group A was given antibiotics for 14 days and group B for 21 days. They were monitored during hospital stay, and compared on follow-up on day 28. Primary outcome measure was treatment failure in the form of recurrence of sepsis/meningitis and faltering in growth or developmental milestones.

Results

The treatment success rate in both groups was 100%, no patient had recurrence. Mean growth in head circumference on day 28 was 1.8 (±0.56) cm in group A and 1.62 (±0.56) cm in group B, P = .15. Mean weight gain was 540 (±230) gm in group A and 470 (±180) gm in group B, P = .13. Mean length gain was 2.51 (±0.95) cm in group A and 2.33 (±0.64) cm in group B, P = .32. On day 28, all patients of group A and B had achieved social smile ( P = 1.0), 34 from group A and 38 from group B achieved gaze fixation ( P = .37), 21 from group A and 18 from group B could hold head steady ( P = 1.0). None developed any sequalae or abnormal otoacoustic emissions.

Conclusion

Short course of antibiotics for neonatal pyogenic meningitis was as effective as the conventional regimen in neonates with cerebrospinal fluid clearance and clinical improvement by day 7.
Grand Challenges and the MBA
Authors: Shantz Amanda , Sayer Melissa , Byrne Janice , Dempsey-Brench Kiera
Published: February 2023

Humanity is facing multiple grand challenges, compelling a myriad of diverse actors to interact, coordinate, and collaborate like never before. Business schools have a role to play in equipping future leaders to tackle them and we posit that to do so, leaders must be able to take multiple perspectives into consideration and look to the future while being morally aware. We carry out an in-depth audit of how MBA programs currently fare in this regard. We find that despite the urgency and salience of these transnational and intractable issues, little attention is paid to preparing MBA students to address grand challenges. We identify three barriers that may prevent educators from facilitating student acquisition of these competencies and conclude by proposing potential models of MBA programs for grand challenges.
Can a Predetermined Grid and Multidisciplinary Consultation Improve the Description of Cleft lip with or Without Cleft Palate?
Authors: Vaillant Claudine Le , Bruand Mariette , Corre Pierre
Published: February 2023

Objective

Evaluate the two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound (US) grid and multidisciplinary consultation (maxillofacial surgeon-sonographer) during prenatal US imaging to improve the sensitivity of prenatal description for cleft lip (CL) with or without alveolar cleft (CLA) or +/- cleft palate (CLP).

Design

Retrospective study of children with CL/P in a tertiary children's Hospital.

Setting

Single-center cohort study conducted in a tertiary pediatric Hospital.

Patients/Participants

Fifty-nine cases of prenatally diagnosed CL +/-CA or CP between January 2009 and December 2017 were analyzed.

Main Outcome Measures

The correlation was analyzed between prenatal US and postnatal data with regard to eight 2D US criteria (upper lip, alveolar ridge, median maxillary bud, homolateral nostril subsidence, deviated nasal septum, hard palate, tongue movement, nasal cushion flux) in order to propose them in a grid, as well as the presence of the maxillofacial surgeon during the US examination.

Results

Among the 38 cases included, the results were considered satisfied for 87%. Sixty five percent of the US criteria were described when the final diagnosis was correct (5.2 criteria) versus (vs) 45% (3.6 criteria); [OR = 2.28; IC95% (1.10-4.75) P = .022 < 0.05]. This study also highlighted a more in-depth description when the maxillofacial surgeon was present with 68% of 2D US criteria fulfilled (5.4 criteria) vs 47.5% (3.8) when the sonographer was alone [OR = 2.32; IC95% (1.34-4.06) P < .001].

Conclusion

This US grid with eight criteria has considerably contributed to a more precise prenatal description. In addition, the systematic multidisciplinary consultation seemed to optimize it and lead to better prenatal information on pathology and postnatal surgical techniques.
School Refusal in Adolescence: Personality Traits and Their Influence on Treatment Outcome
Authors: de Groot Christina M. C. E. , Heyne David , Boon Albert E.
Published: February 2023

There has been little attention to personality in research on school refusal (SR). This study examined personality traits among 41 adolescents receiving cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) during participation in a School Refusal Program in the Netherlands. Traits were examined via clinical scales and 2-point code types derived from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–Adolescent. The influence of personality traits on treatment outcome was examined at post-treatment and 1-year follow-up. At pretreatment, eight of the 10 clinical scales were disproportionately skewed toward the “high to very high” range relative to a norm group. Social introversion and depressive symptomatology were significantly increased relative to the norm group, and nearly one-half of the adolescents were characterized by code type 2-3/3-2 (depression/hysteria) or 2-0/0-2 (depression/social introversion). Adolescents characterized by a 2-0/0-2 code type were almost twice as likely (odds ratio = 1.78) to be treatment responders at post-treatment. There was no relation between personality traits and treatment outcome at follow-up. The small sample size limits generalization of the study’s findings. If the results are replicated, personality traits may provide useful indications for personalizing treatment when employing interventions recommended in CBT manuals for SR.
Safety Assessment of Apple-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Johnson Wilbur , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Gill Lillian J. , Heldreth Bart
Published: February 2023

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 26 apple-derived ingredients, which reportedly function mostly as skin conditioning agents in cosmetic products. Because apple-derived ingredients may be obtained from different apple cultivars, the composition of ingredients derived from different cultivars should be similar to that of ingredients reviewed in this safety assessment. Additionally, industry should continue to use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities that could be present in botanical ingredients. The Panel reviewed the available data to determine the safety of these ingredients and concluded that 21 of these ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentrations described in this safety assessment. However, the Panel also determined that the available data are insufficient to determine the safety of Pyrus Malus (Apple) Root Extract, Pyrus Malus (or Malus Domestica) (Apple) Stem Extract, Malus Domestica (Apple) Callus Extract, and Malus Domestica (Apple) Oil.
Racial Differences in C-Reactive Protein, Depression Symptoms, and Social Relationships in Older Adults: A Moderated Network Analysis
Authors: Lee Chiyoung , Min Se Hee
Published: February 2023

Introduction

We introduce moderated network analysis as an integrative approach to assess the moderation effects of race on the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and depression symptoms in older adults. This study further explores how the observed relationships differ adjusting for social relationships.

Methods

This secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (2010–2011) includes 2,880 older adults. We used different depression symptom domains (depressed affect, low positive affect, somatic symptoms, and interpersonal problems) from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. Social relationships were assessed with measures of social integration, social support, and social strain. The moderated networks were constructed using the R-package mgm. The racial moderator was coded as White/African American racial groups.

Results

In the moderated networks of CRP and depression symptoms, CRP–“interpersonal problems” edge was present only among African Americans. CRP–“somatic symptoms” edge was present in both racial groups with equal edge weights. After adjusting for social relationships, the aforementioned patterns remained the same, but the edge weights were attenuated. We additionally observed CRP–social strain and social integration–“depressed affect” edges only in African Americans.

Discussion

Race may moderate the relationship between the CRP and depression symptoms in older adults and social relationships might be important covariates to consider while analyzing them. This study as an initiation point; future network investigations would benefit from leveraging more contemporary cohorts of older adults, gaining a large sample size with diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds, and important covariates. Several important methodological issues of the current study are addressed.
Utilization of Ambulance Services and Associated Factors during Pregnancy and Labor Among Lactating Mothers in Buno Bedele Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Wirtu Rebuma , Yeshanew Solomon , Geda Abdi
Published: February 2023

In Ethiopia, the use of ambulance services for urgent obstetric care improved institutional delivery and reduced maternal mortality. However, poor infrastructure, delayed response from dispatchers, and other socioeconomic factors influence service utilization. The present study assessed the utilization of ambulance services and associated factors during pregnancy and labor among lactating mothers in the Buno Bedele administrative zone of Southwest Ethiopia. Community-based cross-sectional study design with a sample of 792 lactating mothers was carried out. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaire, and focus group discussions (FGD). Among the 792 study participants, 618 (78%) had antenatal care (ANC) follow up and 705 (89%) were aware of information on the availability of free ambulance services. Eighty one percent study participants requested for ambulance services, and 576 (79%) utilized during their pregnancy and delivery periods. Awareness of free ambulance service (AOR = 3, 95% CI [1.4, 7.1], P = .006), maternal formal education (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI [1.46, 9.8], P = .006) and ANC follow up (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI [8.9, 23.3], P = .001) were identified factors responsible for enhanced ambulance services utilization in the study area. The finding of the present study revealed that pregnant women had a higher tendency to use ambulance services during their obstetric emergency. However, poor communication and road infrastructure, as well as delayed dispatcher response hampered better service utilization.