bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valuation Issues, Auditor Fraud, and PCAOB Confirmation: Findings From an Analysis of Lawsuits Against Large Public Accounting Firms
Authors: Everard Andrea , St. Pierre Kent
Published: December 2021

In this article, we bridge the gap between academia and practice by analyzing and presenting the results of allegations in more than 200 lawsuits against the largest public accounting firms. Our findings are critical as the lawsuits damage the firms’ reputations, the credibility of the profession in general, and may result in large monetary losses and loss of clients. We find three key results not found in previous legal research. First, we find that Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) issues, especially those focused on valuation, dominate Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) issues in the allegations. Second, fraud allegations against the auditors themselves are a significant problem, although often ignored in the fraud literature. Third, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) reports on the accounting firms provide an unintended source of information for third parties in future legal allegations against those same firms.
Editorial Work and the Peer Review Economy of STS Journals
Authors: Kaltenbrunner Wolfgang , Birch Kean , Amuchastegui Maria
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we analyze the role of science and technology studies (STS) journal editors in organizing and maintaining the peer review economy. We specifically conceptualize peer review as a gift economy running on perpetually renewed experiences of mutual indebtedness among members of an intellectual community. While the peer review system is conventionally presented as self-regulating, we draw attention to its vulnerabilities and to the essential curating function of editors. Aside from inherent complexities, there are various shifts in the broader political–economic and sociotechnical organization of scholarly publishing that have recently made it more difficult for editors to organize robust cycles of gift exchange. This includes the increasing importance of journal metrics and associated changes in authorship practices; the growth and differentiation of the STS journal landscape; and changes in publishing funding models and the structure of the publishing market through which interactions among authors, editors, and reviewers are reconfigured. To maintain a functioning peer review economy in the face of numerous pressures, editors must balance contradictory imperatives: the need to triage intellectual production and rely on established cycles of gift exchange for efficiency, and the need to expand cycles of gift exchange to ensure the sustainability and diversity of the peer review economy.
Older Americans’ Perceptions of the Federal Government’s Pandemic Response: Voices From the COVID-19 Coping Study
Authors: Gallo Haley B. , Kobayashi Lindsay C. , Finlay Jessica M.
Published: December 2021

There is limited understanding of how older adults evaluated the federal government’s COVID-19 response, despite their increased health risks during the pandemic and their important role in politics. We conducted qualitative thematic analysis on a nationally representative subsample of respondents aged 55+ from the COVID-19 Coping Study ( N = 500) who were asked: “How do you feel about federal government responses to and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic?” Analyses identified largely negative opinions about the federal government and former President Trump’s leadership, though some were neutral or positive. Participants expressed concerns that the federal government was undermining science, and that sending mixed messages about personal protective equipment and masks was dangerous. Perspectives were divergent and reflective of the country’s polarization surrounding COVID-19 policies. Results can inform efforts to build unity between political parties and identify strategies that governments can use to better respond to future public health crises.
Resourcefulness Intervention Efficacy for Parent Caregivers of Technology-Dependent Children: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Toly Valerie Boebel , Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Yu Jiao , Sattar Abdus , Rusincovitch Bethany , Musil Carol M.
Published: December 2021

Parent caregivers of children who require lifesaving technology (e.g., mechanical ventilation, feeding tubes) must maintain a high level of vigilance 24/7. A two-arm randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of a resourcefulness intervention on parents’ mental/physical health and family functioning at four time points over six months. Participants ( n = 93) cared for their technology-dependent children <18 years at home. The intervention arm received teaching on social (help-seeking), personal (self-help) resourcefulness skills; access to the intervention video and skill application video-vignettes; four weeks of skills reinforcement using daily logs; four weekly phone contacts; and booster sessions at two- and four-month postenrollment. The attention control arm received phone contact at identical time points plus the current standard of care. Statistically significant improvement was noted; fewer depressive cognitions and improved physical health for the intervention participants than attention control participants over time after controlling for covariates. The findings support the resourcefulness intervention efficacy.
The Blunting of Occam’s Razor: Omnicompetent Reductionism Distorting Conceptions of Giftedness
Authors: Ambrose Don
Published: December 2021

Theoretical and practical work in gifted education has been dominated by mechanistic precision in measurements designed to select students for gifted programs and guide them through their development. Too much faith in mechanistic precision can become a form of dogmatism that obscures very important, less-measurable dimensions of human ability. This interdisciplinary analysis explores this form of dogmatism while illustrating some ways in which it misaligns gifted education with turbulent, complex 21st-century trends and issues.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of treatment modalities for anterior accessory saphenous vein insufficiency
Authors: Alozai Tamana , Huizing Eline , Schreve Michiel A. , Mooij Michael C. , van Vlijmen Clarissa J. , Wisselink Willem , Ünlü Çağdaş
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate and compare the outcomes of the available treatment modalities for anterior accessory saphenous vein (AASV) incompetence.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies reporting the outcomes of patients who were treated for primary AASV incompetence were included. The methodologic quality of the articles was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). A random-effects model was used to estimate anatomic success, defined as AASV occlusion. The secondary outcomes were pain during and after treatment, venous clinical severity score, quality of life, esthetic result, time to return to daily activities, and complications.

Results

The search identified 860 articles, of which 16 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 609 AASVs were reported. The included studies were of poor or moderate quality according to MINORS score. The pooled anatomic success rates were 91.8% after endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation (EVLA, RFA, 11 studies), 93.6% after cyanoacrylate closure (3 studies), and 79.8% after sclerotherapy (2 studies). The non-pooled anatomic success rate was 97.9% after phlebectomy and 82% after CHIVA. Paresthesia was seen after EVLA in 0.7% of patients (6 studies). Phlebitis was seen in 2.6% of patients after RFA (2 studies), 27% after sclerotherapy (1 study), and 12% after the phlebectomy (1 study). Deep venous thrombosis and skin burn did not occur.

Conclusion

Treatment of AASV incompetence is safe and effective. Despite limited evidence, occlusion of the AASV can be achieved with endovenous thermal ablation and cyanoacrylate. There does not appear to be a benefit of EVLA compared to RFA regarding treatment efficacy. Phlebectomy shows promising results if the saphenofemoral junction is competent. Lower results are seen after sclerotherapy and CHIVA. However, studies with sufficient sample sizes of solely treatment of AASV incompetence are needed to draw firm conclusions.
Artisanal refining of crude oil in the Niger Delta: A challenge to clean-up and remediation in Ogoniland
Authors: Onuh Paul A. , Omenma Tochukwu J. , Onyishi Chinedu J. , Udeogu Celestine U. , Nkalu Nelson C. , Iwuoha Victor O.
Published: December 2021

While the activities of multinational oil corporations contribute significantly to oil pollution and environmental degradation in most oil-producing countries, the extent to which illegal artisanal refineries contribute to the environmental problems in Niger Delta remains unclear. Extant literature attributes this to the expanding activities of the artisans as well as the use of crude technology in illegal oil refining. Given the widespread nature of the artisanal oil-refining economy in the Niger Delta region, we assess its contribution to the growing environmental pollution in the region. By artisanal oil refining, we mean small-scale crude oil processing or subsistent distillation of petroleum that is often outside the boundaries of the state law. This study links the continual failure of the clean-up programme in the Niger Delta to the booming artisanal crude oil-refining economy in the region. Using predominantly qualitative methods of data collection and content analysis, we adopted the enterprise value chain analysis to underscore the underlying local economic interests and external economic opportunities that sustain oil bunkering, oil theft and petro-piracy. We conclude that these illegal refining processes significantly undermine the Ogoniland clean-up project and make the remediation programme unsustainable in Nigeria.
Computer-assisted mitotic count using a deep learning–based algorithm improves interobserver reproducibility and accuracy
Authors: Bertram Christof A. , Aubreville Marc , Donovan Taryn A. , Bartel Alexander , Wilm Frauke , Marzahl Christian , Assenmacher Charles-Antoine , Becker Kathrin , Bennett Mark , Corner Sarah , Cossic Brieuc , Denk Daniela , Dettwiler Martina , Gonzalez Beatriz Garcia , Gurtner Corinne , Haverkamp Ann-Kathrin , Heier Annabelle , Lehmbecker Annika , Merz Sophie , Noland Erica L. , Plog Stephanie , Schmidt Anja , Sebastian Franziska , Sledge Dodd G. , Smedley Rebecca C. , Tecilla Marco , Thaiwong Tuddow , Fuchs-Baumgartinger Andrea , Meuten Donald J. , Breininger Katharina , Kiupel Matti , Maier Andreas , Klopfleisch Robert
Published: December 2021

The mitotic count (MC) is an important histological parameter for prognostication of malignant neoplasms. However, it has inter- and intraobserver discrepancies due to difficulties in selecting the region of interest (MC-ROI) and in identifying or classifying mitotic figures (MFs). Recent progress in the field of artificial intelligence has allowed the development of high-performance algorithms that may improve standardization of the MC. As algorithmic predictions are not flawless, computer-assisted review by pathologists may ensure reliability. In the present study, we compared partial (MC-ROI preselection) and full (additional visualization of MF candidates and display of algorithmic confidence values) computer-assisted MC analysis to the routine (unaided) MC analysis by 23 pathologists for whole-slide images of 50 canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (ccMCTs). Algorithmic predictions aimed to assist pathologists in detecting mitotic hotspot locations, reducing omission of MFs, and improving classification against imposters. The interobserver consistency for the MC significantly increased with computer assistance (interobserver correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.92) compared to the unaided approach (ICC = 0.70). Classification into prognostic stratifications had a higher accuracy with computer assistance. The algorithmically preselected hotspot MC-ROIs had a consistently higher MCs than the manually selected MC-ROIs. Compared to a ground truth (developed with immunohistochemistry for phosphohistone H3), pathologist performance in detecting individual MF was augmented when using computer assistance (F1-score of 0.68 increased to 0.79) with a reduction in false negatives by 38%. The results of this study demonstrate that computer assistance may lead to more reproducible and accurate MCs in ccMCTs.
Visual Attention and Cognitive Archaeology: An Eye-Tracking Study of Palaeolithic Stone Tools
Authors: Silva-Gago María , Ioannidou Flora , Fedato Annapaola , Hodgson Timothy , Bruner Emiliano
Published: December 2021

The study of lithic technology can provide information on human cultural evolution. This article aims to analyse visual behaviour associated with the exploration of ancient stone artefacts and how this relates to perceptual mechanisms in humans. In Experiment 1, we used eye tracking to record patterns of eye fixations while participants viewed images of stone tools, including examples of worked pebbles and handaxes. The results showed that the focus of gaze was directed more towards the upper regions of worked pebbles and on the basal areas for handaxes. Knapped surfaces also attracted more fixation than natural cortex for both tool types. Fixation distribution was different to that predicted by models that calculate visual salience. Experiment 2 was an online study using a mouse-click attention tracking technique and included images of unworked pebbles and ‘mixed’ images combining the handaxe's outline with the pebble's unworked texture. The pattern of clicks corresponded to that revealed using eye tracking and there were differences between tools and other images. Overall, the findings suggest that visual exploration is directed towards functional aspects of tools. Studies of visual attention and exploration can supply useful information to inform understanding of human cognitive evolution and tool use.
Managing gender diversity and board dynamics: The role of male chairpersons of large listed firms
Authors: Fitzsimmons Terrence W , Callan Victor J
Published: December 2021

To better understand the links between gender diversity and board dynamics, 45 male chairs of large Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) firms were interviewed to identify the impacts of the appointment of women on board functioning. Chairs held very positive perceptions about the influence of women board members, including improved dynamics around reflexivity, communication and debate which assisted chairs to promote a sense of shared group membership and cohesion. Every chair consciously worked to ensure that board member gender was not made a salient attribute or social category. Irrespective of gender, chairs encouraged board members to judge themselves as fulfilling specific components of the board skills matrix, while also identifying as a social category of highly qualified professionals rather than as unique individuals or factions categorised by gender difference or business track records. A preliminary social-psychological framework is proposed to guide future research and to promote improved boardroom practices.

JEL classification: D23, D74, G41
Pediatric urology research in 2020: A bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most cited articles
Authors: Ghidini Filippo , Castagnetti Marco
Published: December 2021

Background:

Pediatric Urology deals with genitourinary diseases. Present study aimed to collect the top-cited article in Pediatric Urology in order to define the most debated and studied topics.

Methods:

The journals reported in “Urology & Nephrology” category of the 2019 edition of Journal Citation Reports, together with the most relevant journals of “Transplantation,” “Pediatrics,” and “Surgery” categories, were browsed. The articles of interest in Pediatric Urology with more than 50 citations were collected. A bibliometric analysis was performed to collect the top 100 cited articles.

Results:

The top-cited articles were published in 27 journals (23%), with a median impact factor of 2.676 (IQR 1.981–5.642). Seventeen of them (63%) belonged to “Urology and Nephrology” category. The median number of citations was 82 (IQR 64–113). The most productive journal, with 23 articles, was “The Journal of Urology.” Forty-eight top-cited articles were Guidelines or Reviews of the literature and only four papers were randomized controlled trials. The most relevant topic was “congenital anomalies” with 18 articles. As to minimally invasive surgery, eight studies were identified. All of them dealt with robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Two articles reported the current evidence about transitional care.

Conclusions:

The top-cited articles were dispersed among journals of different areas. Current scientific literature deal with congenital anomalies, more specifically with obstructive uropathies and hypospadias. In the last decade, one of the most relevant innovation in pediatric urology was the introduction of robotic surgery. Transitional care has become a timely topic.
An insight into predominance of pulmonary complications on right side in supracostal percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Anand Ajay
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To analyse pulmonary complications following supracostal percutaneous nephrolithotomy especially after right sided supracostal punctures, both in initial and relook PCNL.

Material and methods:

From February 2016 till date, 90 patients underwent PCNL in Government Medical College, Jammu through supracostal puncture – 53 on right side and 37 on left side. All supracostal punctures were made about 7–8.5 cm from midline. Tract dilatation was done using metal dilators and calculi were fragmented using pneumatic lithotripsy. Patients with supracostal superior calyceal punctures were evaluated for chest complications intraoperatively by fluoroscopy, X-ray chest on evening of postoperative day 0 and repeated thereafter on third and seventh postoperative days.

Results:

Stone configuration included complete staghorn in 16, partial staghorn in 23, multiple stones in 16 and pelvic stone in 35 cases. Age range of patients was 07–76 years. There was 14.4% (13 out of 90) incidence of early or delayed chest complications – 20.8% (11 out of 53) on right side and 5.4% (2 out of 37) on left side.

Conclusion:

Pulmonary complications in supracostal punctures; especially on right side should not be underestimated. There are always chances of delayed hydrothorax after supracostal puncture. A chest X-ray should be repeated after 1 week in patients with supracostal PCNL punctures.
Remote Delivery of the Chronic Pain Self-management Program Using Self-directed Materials and Small-group Telephone Support: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sheth Khushboo , Ritter Philip L. , Lorig Kate , Steinman Lesley , FallCreek Stephanie
Published: December 2021

A remote (telephone and tool kit) chronic pain program was studied using the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework. This 6-week pilot took place in underserved communities in Cleveland, Ohio. We determined reach by the diversity of the population, nearly 50% Black and mostly low income. Effectiveness over 7 weeks was shown with validated instruments (depression, pain, sleep, quality of life, self-rated health, and self-efficacy). Changes in pain, depression, and self-efficacy were significant. ( p < .01). Remote implementation was accomplished by sending participants a box of materials (book, exercise and relaxation CDs, a self-test, and tip sheets). Participants also participated in peer-facilitated, weekly, scripted telephone calls. Maintenance was demonstrated as the study site has offered nine additional programs with more plan. In addition, 60 additional organizations are now offering the program. This proof-of-concept study offers an alternate to in-person chronic pain self-management program delivery.
Degradation of refractory organic matter in the effluent from a semi-aerobic aged refuse biofilter-treated landfill leachate by a nano-Fe3O4 enhanced ozonation process
Authors: Huang Yuyu
Published: December 2021

In this study, the transformation and degradation mechanisms of refractory organic matter in biologically treated leachate from a semi-aerobic aged refuse biofilter (SAARB) in a nano-Fe3O4 enhanced ozonation process (nFe3O4-O3) were investigated in batch experiments. A continuous experiment then confirmed the effectiveness of the process for SAARB effluent treatment. In a batch experiment, the effects of influencing factors, including nFe3O4 dosage, O3 dosage and initial pH on the treatment performance of nFe3O4-O3 process, were comprehensively investigated. The results showed that when the nFe3O4 dosage = 6 g L−1, O3 dosage = 0.15 L minute−1 and initial pH = 7, the total organic carbon, absorbance at 254 nm and colour number removal efficiencies were 40.58%, 62.55% and 89.80%, respectively. In addition, most of the humic- and fulvic-like substances in the SAARB effluent were removed, and the condensation degree, aromaticity and humification degree of the organics were substantially reduced. The morphology and elemental valence state analysis showed that the nFe3O4 in the process was relatively stable and could form an nFe3O4-organic complex. Therefore, the probability of organics reacting with hydroxyl radical increased and the oxidation efficiency was enhanced. In the continuous experiment, both the O3 dosage and hydraulic retention time (HRT) were the key influencing factors. The treatment efficiency of the nFe3O4-O3 process was enhanced at a higher O3 dosage and longer HRT. The electrical energy consumption of the continuous nFe3O3-O3 process was calculated to be 17.72 kW h m−3 in SAARB effluent treatment. This study proved the feasibility of biologically treated landfill leachate treatment by the nFe3O3-O3 process.
From urban waste to urban farmers: Can we close the agriculture loop within the city bounds?
Authors: Carvalho Machado Rafael , Kindl Da Cunha Sieglinde
Published: December 2021

As urbanisation intensifies in Brazilian cities, life quality in urban centres becomes a challenge for policymakers, and transitioning urban systems to sustainability is required. Circular economy concepts may contribute to face them, especially those owing to municipal solid waste (MSW) management. Curitiba, a Brazilian municipality known for its innovative initiatives towards sustainability. Despite a long tradition in recycling inert waste, MSW system struggles to promote composting even considering a decade in force national law. Decentralised composting through the Urban Agriculture Program (UAP) is the city’s strategy to tackle this struggle. This strategy faces difficulties as, even if urban agriculture facilities seem to be a promising context, closing the agricultural loop within the city bounds was not possible in the 24 urban farmers communities trained in composting techniques. The literature has shown difficulties in government experiments to promote practices in the long run and several experiences in Brazil are already described. This study reveals cultural barriers that influence adoption of domestic composting, by following a secondary data review on past experiences with interviewing and observing participatively urban farms communities. From the fieldwork, cultural perspectives from four different relevant actor roles in the UAP were elaborated and conflicts between them revealed cultural barriers hindering composting practices adoption. Recommendations based on these barriers argue for bottom-up approaches for transition experiments and recognising the sense material and technical support makes to practitioners.
Experimental study on the washing characteristics of fly ash from municipal solid waste incineration
Authors: Yan Mi , Jiang Jiahao , Zheng Rendong , Yu Caimeng , Zhou Zhihao , Hantoko Dwi
Published: December 2021

The disposal of fly ash with high salt content has become an important bottleneck for the further application of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI). In this study, the soluble salt content and composition of fly ash from different MSWI were analysed. The composition of fly ash was affected by incinerator type and flue gas cleaning system, especially the type of deacidification solvent. The soluble salt content in fly ash from MSW grate incinerator can be over 35.16%. Most of the soluble salt was calcium salt and chloride salt. The effect of washing parameters including liquid/solid (L/S) ratio and washing time on salt removal from fly ash were studied. Raw fly ash contained high chlorine (Cl) with the maximum of 19.83% and it can be significantly reduced by washing. Double-washing and secondary-washing had better performance than single-washing on salt removal. The secondary-washing did not only save water, but also reduced the energy cost during evaporation for crystallising soluble salt. Based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA), L/S ratio was the most principal factor for salt and Cl removal of fly ash by washing.
Canadian Undergraduates’ Perspectives on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD): A Quantitative Study
Authors: Hawrelak Erin , Harper Lori , Reddon John R. , Powell Russell A.
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives: In 2016, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) became legal in Canada for those suffering a grievous and untreatable medical condition. Currently, it is not available to minors or to those with an untreatable mental illness, although it is likely the scope of MAiD will be widened to include persons with severe and untreatable mental illnesses. However, little is known about the factors predicting acceptance or rejection of MAiD for persons with either a grievous medical condition or an untreatable mental illness. Methods: A survey was administered to 438 undergraduate students to examine factors associated with their acceptance or rejection of MAiD. The survey included four different scenarios: a young or old person with an untreatable medical condition, and a young or old person with an untreatable mental illness. Demographic questions (age, sex, religion, etc), personality measures, and an attitude towards euthanasia scale were also administered, as well as questions assessing participants’ general understanding of MAiD and their life experiences with death and suicide. Results/Conclusion: Overall, most of the Canadian undergraduate participants accepted MAiD for both terminally ill and mentally ill patients; however, different variables, such as age, religion, and ethnicity, predicted the acceptance or rejection of MAiD for each scenario.
Assessment of Safety of Remdesivir in Covid – 19 Patients with Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) < 30 ml/min per 1.73 m^2
Authors: Wang Shan , Huynh Christy , Islam Shahidul , Malone Brian , Masani Naveed , Joseph D’Andrea
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Safety of remdesivir in patients with renal impairment is unknown. Incidence of liver injury secondary to remdesivir is also unknown. The objective of this study is to assess the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and to trend the liver enzymes during remdesivir treatment and change in eGFR from baseline to end of treatment as well as 48 h post completion of remdesivir therapy.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review study including adult patients admitted with COVID-19 receiving remdesivir with a baseline eGFR < 30 ml/min per 1.73 m^2 from December 2020 to May 2021. The primary outcome was to assess the incidence of AKI and hepatic injury. The secondary outcome was to assess the efficacy of remdesivir defined by change in oxygen requirement.

Results

Seventy-one patients were included in the study. Patients experienced an improvement in eGFR from baseline (T0) to end of remdesivir treatment (T1), as well as 48 h after the end of the treatment (T2) ( + 30.3% and + 30.6% respectively, P < .0001). Creatinine reduced from baseline (T0) to T1 and T2 (-20.9% and −20.5% respectively, P < .0001). Creatinine clearance improved from baseline to T1 and T2 ( + 26.6% and + 26.2% respectively, p < .0001). Elevation of aminotransferase (AST) was observed at T1 ( + 2.5%, P  =  .727), however, AST reduction was seen at T2 (-15.8%, P  =  .021). Elevation in alanine transaminase (ALT) was observed at T1 and T2 ( + 25% and + 12%, P  =  .004 and P  =  .137 respectively). Both direct and total bilirubin remained stable and were not significantly changed from baseline.

Conclusion

Our study showed that remdesivir use in renally-impaired patients with eGFR < 30 ml/min is safe. Remdesivir may be considered as a therapeutic option in this population with COVID-19 infection.
The Continuing Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Well-Being and Mental Health of ICU Healthcare Workers in Turkey: A Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Later-Phase Study
Authors: Duru Huseyin
Published: December 2021

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on physical well-being and mental health of ICU healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods

A total of 51 ICU HCWs working at a tertiary care hospital were included in this cross-sectional study conducted before (January 2019-January 2020) and during (January 2021-April 2021) COVID-19 pandemic. Data on sociodemographic and work-related characteristics, COVID 19 history and current mental health issues via Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40), Suicidal Ideation Scale (SIS) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were recorded.

Results

Overall, 62.7% of participants were nurses, heavy workload (working ≥200 h/month) was reported by 76.5% of participants and previous history of COVID-19 was confirmed by 62.7%. Current mental health issues involved poor sleep quality in majority (96.1%) of participants, anxiety (51.0%), depression (51.0%) in at least half of them and a moderate degree of emotional exhaustion Heavy workload was associated with more remarkable decrease in sleep duration (median change: −0.5 vs. −1.0 h/day, P = .020), Vit B12 (median change: 60[−48-293] vs. −65[−371-262] pg/mL, P < .001) and Vit D (median change: −1.6[−13.1-20] vs. −9.7[−39.7-21.8] ng/mL, P = .004) during pandemic, while working hours per month were also significantly higher in those with versus without anxiety (264[150-390] vs. 240[150-264] h, P = .003) and with versus without depression (264[150-390] vs. 240[150-264] h, P = .037).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate high prevalence of mental health issues including anxiety and depression as well as poor sleep quality and emotional burnout among ICU HCWs, particularly those with heavy workload.
Individual and Collective Positive Health Behaviors and Academic Achievement Among U.S. High School Students, Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2017
Authors: Hawkins Georgianne Tiu , Lee Seung Hee , Michael Shannon L. , Merlo Caitlin L. , Lee Sarah M. , King Brian A. , Rasberry Catherine N. , Underwood J. M.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

We examined associations between academic grades and positive health behaviors, individually and collectively, among U.S. high school students.

Design

Cross-sectional study design.

Setting:

Data were from the 2017 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Response rates were 75% for schools, 81% for students, and 60% overall (n = 14,765 students).

Subjects

Youth in grades 9th–12th.

Measures

We focused on youth behaviors that can prevent or delay the onset of chronic health conditions. Seven dietary, 3 physical activity, 2 sedentary screen time, and 4 tobacco product use behaviors were assessed. Variables were dichotomized (0/1) to indicate that a score was given to the positive health behavior response (e.g.,, did not smoke cigarettes = 1). A composite score was created by summing each positive health behavior response among 16 total health behaviors.

Analysis

Multivariable logistic regression analyses for each individual health behavior, and a multivariable negative binomial regression for the composite score, were conducted with self-reported academic grades, controlling for sex, grade in school, race/ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI) categories.

Results

Controlling for covariates, students who reported mostly A’s had 2.0 ( P < .001) more positive health behaviors; students who reported mostly B’s had 1.3 ( P < .001) more positive health behaviors; and students who reported mostly C’s had .78 ( P < .001) more positive health behaviors, compared to students who reported mostly D’s/F’s.

Conclusions

Higher academic grades are associated with more positive individual and cumulative health behaviors among high school students. Understanding these relationships can help inform efforts to create a healthy and supportive school environment and strive for health equity.
Electromagnetic interference shielding study in microwave and NIR regions by highly efficient Ag/ZnS and polyaniline-Ag/ZnS particles
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Shakir HM Fayzan , Rehan Zulfiqar Ahmad
Published: December 2021

The chemical oxidative polymerization and co-precipitation methods were employed for the preparations of polyaniline (PANI) and silver-doped zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles to be used for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. PVC-based composite films were fabricated by the incorporation of Ag/ZnS and PANI-Ag/ZnS nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were first analyzed by X-ray diffraction and zetasizer for their crystal structure and particle size. Prepared nanocomposite films were then analyzed for various properties like electrical conductivity, transmission in the near-infrared region (700 nm to 2500 nm), and EMI shielding efficiency in the microwave region (0.1 GHz to 20 GHz). These parameters were characterized by DC Conductivity, NIR spectroscopy, and vector network analyzer. It was found that with the addition of the concentration of nanoparticles, both values of conductivity and shielding efficiency improved. The highest attenuation value in 0.1 to 20 GHz reached 52.5 dB in 0.1 to 20 GHz frequency for 20 wt% PANI-Ag/ZnS and < 0.5% transmission was evaluated in the NIR region.
Azithromycin and Septic Shock Outcomes
Authors: Johnson Joseph M. , Yost Raymond J. , Pangrazzi Mark H. , Golden Katri A. , Soubani Ayman O. , Wahby Krista A.
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Although there is evidence describing the immunomodulatory effects of macrolide antibiotics, there is little literature exploring the clinical effects these properties may have and their impact on measurable outcomes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if empiric antimicrobial regimens containing azithromycin shorten time to shock resolution. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in adults with septic shock admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) of 3 university-affiliated, urban teaching hospitals between June 2012 and June 2016. Eligible patients with septic shock required treatment with norepinephrine as the first-line vasopressor for a minimum of 4 hours and received at least 48 hours of antimicrobial treatment from the time of shock onset. Propensity scores were utilized to match patients who received azithromycin to those who did not. Results: A total of 3116 patients met initial inclusion criteria. After propensity score matching, 258 patients were included, with 124 and 134 patients in the azithromycin and control groups, respectively. Median shock duration was similar in patients treated with or without azithromycin (45.6 hr vs 59.7 hr, P = .44). In-hospital mortality was also similar (37.9% vs 38.1%, P = .979). There were no significant differences in mechanical ventilation duration, ICU length of stay (LOS), or hospital LOS. Conclusions: In patients admitted to the ICU with septic shock, empiric azithromycin did not have a significant effect on shock duration, mechanical ventilation duration, ICU LOS, hospital LOS, or in-hospital mortality.
The influence of creativity on the entrepreneurial intention of university female graduates: An SEM approach
Authors: Osmani Mohamad , El-Haddadeh Ramzi , Hindi Nitham M , Weerakkody Vishanth
Published: December 2021

Entrepreneurial activities have been vital to economic growth as a feasible career option for many university graduates. Nonetheless, it has been recognised that the lowest intentions to undertake entrepreneurial activity are among female graduates. While entrepreneurship is claimed to be a reflection of creative activity from which individuals generate value, graduates’ creativity can be a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship, with innovative concepts, products and services. This study examines the role of creativity skills in the entrepreneurial intentions of female university students attending business programs. Built on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the survey results collected from 303 female business graduates identified the positive influence of creativity on entrepreneurial intentions. Recognising the need to embed creative skills and activities in the university curriculum is fundamental to encouraging entrepreneurial aspirations among female graduates.
A comparative study of Gaussian process regression with other three machine learning approaches in the performance prediction of centrifugal pump
Authors: Zhao Xutao , Zhang Desheng , Zhang Renhui , Xu Bin
Published: December 2021

Accurate prediction of performance indices using impeller parameters is of great importance for the initial and optimal design of centrifugal pump. In this study, a kernel-based non-parametric machine learning method named with Gaussian process regression (GPR) was proposed, with the purpose of predicting the performance of centrifugal pump with less effort based on available impeller parameters. Nine impeller parameters were defined as model inputs, and the pump performance indices, that is, the head and efficiency, were determined as model outputs. The applicability of three widely used nonlinear kernel functions of GPR including squared exponential (SE), rational quadratic (RQ) and Matern5/2 was investigated, and it was found by comparing with the experimental data that the SE kernel function is more suitable to capture the relationship between impeller parameters and performance indices because of the highest R square and the lowest values of max absolute relative error (MARE), mean absolute proportional error (MAPE), and root mean square error (RMSE). In addition, the results predicted by GPR with SE kernel function were compared with the results given by other three machine learning models. The comparison shows that the GPR with SE kernel function is more accurate and robust than other models in centrifugal pump performance prediction, and its prediction errors and uncertainties are both acceptable in terms of engineering applications. The GPR method is less costly in the performance prediction of centrifugal pump with sufficient accuracy, which can be further used to effectively assist the design and manufacture of centrifugal pump and to speed up the optimization design process of impeller coupled with stochastic optimization methods.
Extended state observer based fractional order controller design for integer high order systems
Authors: Mansouri Rachid , Bettayeb Maamar , Al-Saggaf Ubaid M , Alsaggaf Abdulrahman U , Moinuddin Muhammad
Published: December 2021

In this paper, based on the extended state observer (ESO) and on a fractional order controller (FOC), composed of an integer order PID cascaded with a fractional order filter (FOF), a new control scheme for an n th order integer plant is proposed. The ESO is used to estimate and cancel the unknown internal dynamics and the external disturbance. Afterwards, an FOC is designed to resolve the set-point tracking problem. An analytical and systematic method is proposed to design the FOC. This method is based on the Internal Model Control (IMC) and the Bode’s Ideal Transfer Function (BITF). Therefore, the proposed control structure improves the robustness and performance of the traditional linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC), especially for the open-loop gain variation. In addition, since the system be controlled is an n th order, a general form of the BITF is also proposed. Numerical simulations on a nonlinear model and experimental results on a cart-pendulum system design illustrate the effectiveness of the suggested ESO-PID-FOF scheme for the disturbance rejection, the set-point tracking and robustness. A comparison with the results obtained using the standard LADRC is also presented.
Rear boot swing door closing effort: Calculations, objective and subjective evaluations in an LCV model
Authors: Altinisik Armagan , Bolova Emre
Published: December 2021

The prediction model for the energy contributors is studied to define the effect of door components. The model is validated by experimental measurements on produced vehicles. The correlation of the control results and the evaluation methods among the representative customers, appraisers and senior experts are performed and compared by objective energy measurements. The subjective evaluation aims to clarify real customer expectations in door closing process and carry it to new product development phase. This will also improve the competency of appraisers in final assembly approval zones. The energy contributors for boot swing door is numerically calculated and validated by experimental measurements in easy and hard-closing doors. Subjective evaluations in 45 vehicles with different closing energies were performed by three different groups as representative customers, appraisers, and senior experts. The results were evaluated by statistical tools. The major energy contributors were found as air binding, seal resistance and check strap both in the calculations and in the experiments. The results demonstrated good correlation between numerical model and objective measurements. Besides, the subjective evaluations showed parallel trends with objective energy measurements. The variation in customer evaluations is more than appraisers and experts. Customers are severer in the evaluations of hard-closing doors and more sensitive in 10° door closing angle. This is a unique study for rear boot swing door closing effort in an LCV model. The study contains both definitions of factors, components that contributes in door closing energy and subjective evaluations to correlate the closing behaviors of representative customers, appraisers, and senior experts. The output of the study would be used to improve the vehicle control plan (VCP) and design standards in new model development phase.
Research on real-time control strategy of multi-power flow of dual-mode power-split hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Liu Hui , Li Xunming , Han Lijin , Wang Weida , Xiang Changle
Published: December 2021

With the continuous development of hybrid vehicle control technology, great progress has been made in the research of multi-power flow collaborative control. Due to the internal delay link of each power component, the role of energy storage element, and the limitation of electric power in the whole system, the inevitable delay characteristic of state transfer is caused. Therefore, the speed of multi-power flow control torque coordinated response of hybrid vehicles needs to be improved. The dual-mode power-split hybrid electric vehicle (DMPS-HEV) overall structure and working modes are analyzed, by adopting the combination of theory and experiment method. In order to solve the problem that the power components of dual-mode power-split hybrid electric vehicle cannot follow the optimal control command of the upper energy management strategy quickly due to the engine response delay, thus affecting the control effect of the upper energy management strategy. The research on torque coordination control strategy is carried out, the reference model of electromechanical composite drive is established, and the model reference adaptive coordination control strategy based on Lyapunov stability theory is proposed. The results show that the proposed model reference adaptive torque coordinated control strategy significantly improves the effect of engine response delay on the optimization effect of energy management strategy, and can achieve the control effect of the optimal control strategy of 93.58%. The test platform of the dual-mode power-split hybrid electric vehicle was built. The control system was built based on the rapid control prototype, and the data acquisition system was built based on the NI data acquisition module. The coordinated control strategy of the dual-mode power-split hybrid electric vehicle power system proposed in this paper was verified through the bench test to significantly improve the vehicle fuel economy and the real-time performance of the control strategy, which has a good practical value
Cooperative effects of control parameters on the dynamic responses of vehicle powertrain during start-up process
Authors: Wang Dongyang , Hu Minghui , Qin Datong
Published: December 2021

The degradation of the frictional characteristics of a wet clutch, with repeated engagements throughout its full life, alters the dynamic responses of the powertrain, which weakens the effect of the control system with a fixed control law. To solve this problem, cooperative effects of control parameters on the dynamic responses of the vehicle start-up process throughout the full life cycle of the wet clutch were studied. First, the degradation law of the wet clutch frictional characteristics was obtained with a test rig, and the life cycle of wet clutch was divided into three stages, based on statistical data from the automobile factory. Then, the powertrain model of start-up process was developed and verified with a test. Finally, the cooperative effects of the hydraulic-pressure rising rate and the initial relative speed on the dynamic responses of the vehicle powertrain at the three stages of the clutch life were studied. The results revealed that the control parameters have different influences on the dynamic responses of the vehicle start-up at the different stages of wet clutch service life. To obtain good start-up performance, different optimal combinations of controllable parameters should be adopted at different stages of the wet-clutch service life.
A driving-cycle predictive control approach for energy consumption optimization of hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Liu Bingjiao , Shi Qin , He Zejia , Wei Yujiang , Qiu Duoyang , He Lin
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes an adaptive control strategy of fuel consumption optimization for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The strategy combines a moving-horizon-based nonlinear autoregressive (NAR) algorithm, a backpropagation (BP) neural network algorithm, and an equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) method to reduce energy consumption. The moving-horizon-based NAR algorithm is applied to predict the short future driving cycle. The BP neural network algorithm is employed to recognize the driving cycle types, which provides the basis for the adaptive ECMS. Based on the abovementioned approach, the power split of the fuel and electric system is determined in advance, and the optimal control of energy efficiency is achieved. A driving experiment platform is established, taking a synthetic driving cycle composed of several standard driving cycles as the target cycle, and the control strategy is tested by the driver’s real operation. The results indicate that, compared with the basic ECMS, the A-ECMS with moving-horizon-based driving cycle prediction and recognition has better SOC (state of charge) retention and reduces the fuel consumption of the engine by 3.31%, the equivalent fuel consumption of the electric system by 0.9 L/100 km and the total energy consumption by 1 L/100 km. Adaptive ECMS based on driving cycle prediction and recognition is an effective method for the energy management of HEVs.