bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEH-DoSv6: A defendable security model against IPv6 extension headers denial of service attack
Authors: Naagas Marlon A. , Malicdem Alvin R. , Palaoag Thelma D.
Published: October 2020

With the rapid depletion of IPv4 protocol in these recent years, the IETF introduced IPv6 as a solution to address the exhaustion, however, as a new protocol exists, new characteristics have been introduced and new threats have been discovered. Extension Headers are the new characteristics of IPv6 that have an emerging and re-emerging security threats that is needed to be taken into consideration during the full migration to the IPv6 network. This study revealed that up to this moment, the popular vendors are still vulnerable and doesn’t have any default protection to deal with extension headers’ Denial of Service Attack (DoS). Also, this study leads to the development of new security model which creates a new solution to address the emerging threats of IPv6 extension headers’ Denial of Service Attack. Moreover, the results of this study show that our proposed security model is more effective in terms of neutralizing the unwanted traffic causing evasion attack by filtering, rate-limiting and discarding the malformed packets of prohibited extension headers’ payload versus the traditional router protection.
Development of patch stack antenna for CP-SAR sensor
Authors: Purnomo Muhammad Fauzan Edy , Kusumasari Vita , Ambarwati Rusmi , Kusmaryanto Sigit , Pramono Sholeh Hadi , Kurniawan Dwi Fadila , Kitagawa Akio
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we obtain the basic configuration of the left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) array two patches stack triangular truncated microstrip antenna. This construction use the basic corporate feed microstrip-line with modified lossless T-junction power divider on radiating patch for circularly polarized-synthetic aperture radar (CP-SAR) sensor embedded on airspace with compact, small, and simple configuration. The design of Circular Polarization (CP) is realized by truncating the whole three tips and adjusting the parameters of antenna at the resonant frequency, f=5.2 GHz. The results of characteristic performance and S-parameter for the LHCP array two patches stack antenna at the resonant frequency show successively about 7.24 dBic of gain, 1.99 dB of axial ratio (Ar), and -11.43 dB of S-parameter. Moreover, the impedance bandwidth and the 3 dB-Ar bandwidth of this antenna are around 560 MHz (10.77%) and 50 MHz (0.96%), respectively.
Temperature monitoring using polymer optical fiber with integration to the internet of things
Authors: Haroon Hazura , Idris Siti Khadijah , Zain Anis Suhaila Mohd , Razak Hanim Abdul , Salehuddin Fauziyah
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a polymer optical fiber (POF) is applied for temperature measuring of water solution using a light source of 650nm. The aim is to analyse the impact of temperature variations on the output of POF sensor device in terms of output power and sensitivity. From the study, the POF sensor shows a linear trend when the temperature is increased from 30°C to 80°C with the sensitivity of the polymer optical fiber for output power to the temperature are 0.00973 dBm/°C or 0.14797 nW/°C, for optical characterization and 0.0011 V/°C for electrical characterization. The integration of the Internet of Things to the system helps the user to monitor the temperature of various spaces anywhere at any time. The sensed values are controlled by Arduino Uno R3 and then sent to Blynk to provide wireless monitoring by the user.
Linear discriminate analysis and k-nearest neighbor based diagnostic analytic of harmonic source identification
Authors: Jopri Mohd Hatta , Abdullah Abdul Rahim , Manap Mustafa , Shah M. Badril Nor , Sutikno Tole , Too Jingwei
Published: October 2020

The diagnostic analytic of harmonic source is crucial research due to identify and diagnose the harmonic source in the power system. This paper presents a comparison of machine learning (ML) algorithm known as linear discriminate analysis (LDA) and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) in identifying and diagnosing the harmonic sources. Voltage and current features that estimated from time-frequency representation (TFR) of S-transform analysis are used as the input for ML. Several unique cases of harmonic source location are considered, whereas harmonic voltage (HV) and harmonic current (HC) source type-load are used in the diagnosing process. To identify the best ML, each ML algorithm is executed 10 times due to prevent any overfitting result and the performance criteria are measured consist of the accuracy, precision, geometric mean, specificity, sensitivity, and F measure are calculated.
Peak power shaving in hybrid power supplied 5G base station
Authors: Woon Lee Jia , Ramasamy Gobbi , Thiagarajah Siva Priya
Published: October 2020

The Information and Communication Technology sector consumes approximately 3% of the world’s electrical energy due to the exploding demand for internet service. The most energy-intensive part of cellular communications is the base station, which there are about four million of them deployed globally. As Fifth Generation (5G) wireless networks are introduced, the number of base stations will be growing in parallel with the data traffic which in turn will increase the energy consumption of  the base station to cater for the growing capacity. The high-power consumption and dynamic traffic demand overburden the base station and consequently reduce energy efficiency. In this paper, an energy-efficient hybrid power supply system for a 5G macro base station is proposed. It is analysed that with the solar energy working in conjunction with the conventional supply from the grid, the reduction of poor power quality is observed as the fluctuation of the demand is greatly decreased. The proposed model showed a reduction in the average grid power by 14.9%. Furthermore, the power supply showed peak power shaving of 5kW; thus, reducing the reliance on the grid as well as increased the energy-efficient of this hybrid power supply system.
Improving cross-docking operations for consumer goods sector using metaheuristics
Authors: Montoya Rodrigo Andrés Gómez- , Cano Jose Alejandro , Campo Emiro Antonio , Salazar Fernando
Published: October 2020

This paper aims to model a consumer goods cross-docking problem, which is solved using metaheuristics to minimize makespan and determine the capacity in terms of inbound and outbound docks. The consumer-goods cross-docking problem is represented through inbound and outbound docks, customer orders (products to be delivered to customers), and metaheuristics as a solution method. Simulated annealing (SA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are implemented to solve the cross-docking problem. Based on the results of statistical analysis, it was identified that the two-way interaction effect between inbound and outbound docks, outbound docks and items, and items and metaheuristics are the most statistically significant on the response variable. The best solution provides the minimum makespan of 973.42 minutes considering nine inbound docks and twelve outbound docks. However, this study detected that the combination of six inbound docks and nine outbound docks represents the most efficient solution for a cross-docking design since it reduces the requirement of docks by 28.6% and increases the makespan by only 4.2% when compared to the best solution, representing a favorable trade-off for the cross-docking platform design.
Diabetics blood glucose control based on GA-FOPID technique
Authors: Jasim Wesam M. , Al Mashhadany Yousif I.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, an optimized Fractional Order Proportional, Integral, Derivative based Genetic Algorithm GA-FOPID optimization technique is proposed for glucose level normalization of diabetic patients. The insulin pump with diabetic patient system used in the simulation is the Bergman minimal model, which is used to simulate the overall system. The main purpose is to obtain the optimal controller parameters that regulate the system smoothly to the desired level using GA optimization to find the FOPID parameters. The next step is to obtain the FOPID controller parameters and the traditional PID controller parameters normally. Then, the simulation output results of using the proposed GA-FOPID controller was compared with that of using the normal FOPID and the traditional PID controllers. The comparison shows that all the three controllers can regulate the glucose level but the use of GA-FOPID controller was outperform the use of the other two controllers in terms of speed of normalization and the overshoot value.
Advanced exponential sliding mode control for microgrid at autonomous and grid-connected modes
Authors: Elnady A. , AlShabi Mohammad
Published: October 2020

This paper introduces a novel control scheme for the operation of multilevel inverters forming a microgrid. The core of the suggested control scheme is an advanced (power-rate) exponential sliding mode controller. This developed controller is robust toward any variation of the system’s parameters and loads in addition to its fast and accurate performance. The presented control scheme provides advantageous characteristics to the microgrid operation in an autonomous mode (microgrid mode) and grid-connected mode. In the microgrid mode, the voltages and frequency are stable at any variable balanced and unbalanced load. In the grid-connected mode, an effective procedure for connecting the microgrid to the main grid is proposed to guarantee a seamless and fast transition to the grid-connected mode. The performance of the presented control scheme along with its proposed controller is validated by comparing its results to another linear and non-linear controllers for the same microgrid loading conditions.
Escaping the Ellipsis of Diversity: Insider Activists’ Use of Implementation Resources to Influence Organization Policy
Authors: Buchter Lisa
Published: October 2020

Researchers have explored in depth how social movement actors strive to pass laws to change organizations exogenously or to demand that they make commitments or policy changes. But ensuring that organizations implement such commitments or policies is challenging. Insider activists may be influential for implementation processes, and I explore how they can increase that influence. I contend that insider activists influence such processes by offering their organizations implementation resources, such as free and ready-to-use content and model programs that reflect changes the activists want to see. To develop this argument, I explore how, starting in the mid-2000s, LGBT activists developed resources to ensure that diversity policies were increasingly relevant for sexual minorities in France. Many diversity policies at the time expressed commitment to “gender, disability, age . . .” Activists contended that nothing was done for the minorities who were not named—those left in the ellipsis (. . .) of diversity. Using web archives and interviews, I show that LGBT rights activists increased their influence on French organizations by developing implementation resources that corporations could readily use to flesh out their diversity commitments and implement diversity programs to promote the inclusion of LGBT employees. I demonstrate how insider activists used these implementation resources to denounce organizations’ superficial commitments or employees’ homophobic practices, thereby compelling organizations to change.
Model Selection and Average Proportion Explained Variance in Exploratory Factor Analysis
Authors: Raykov Tenko , Calvocoressi Lisa
Published: October 2020

A procedure for evaluating the average R-squared index for a given set of observed variables in an exploratory factor analysis model is discussed. The method can be used as an effective aid in the process of model choice with respect to the number of factors underlying the interrelationships among studied measures. The approach is developed within the framework of exploratory structural equation modeling and is readily applicable with popular statistical software. The outlined procedure is illustrated using a numerical example.
A Simple Model to Determine the Efficient Duration of Exams
Authors: Ellis Jules L.
Published: October 2020

This study develops a theoretical model for the costs of an exam as a function of its duration. Two kind of costs are distinguished: (1) the costs of measurement errors and (2) the costs of the measurement. Both costs are expressed in time of the student. Based on a classical test theory model, enriched with assumptions on the context, the costs of the exam can be expressed as a function of various parameters, including the duration of the exam. It is shown that these costs can be minimized in time. Applied in a real example with reliability .80, the outcome is that the optimal exam time would be much shorter and would have reliability .675. The consequences of the model are investigated and discussed. One of the consequences is that optimal exam duration depends on the study load of the course, all other things being equal. It is argued that it is worthwhile to investigate empirically how much time students spend on preparing for resits. Six variants of the model are distinguished, which differ in their weights of the errors and in the way grades affect how much time students study for the resit.
Selecting an Automated Parenteral Nutrition Compounder Device at a Tertiary Care Institute in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Joosub Imraan , Emara Zohair , Eltantawi Mohamed , Alzeiby Talal , Khateery Osama , Khalil Sahar
Published: October 2020

Background: With advances in hospital automation, selecting an automated compounding device (ACD) for compounding parenteral nutrition (PN) may be challenging. A well-designed comparative review that considers safety and technical standards could assist in the selection process. United States Pharmacopeia chapter <797> and The American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) has provided guidance on the safety and accuracy of ACDs. Objective: Utilizing a checklist of technical and performance specifications investigators sought to assess the adequacy of compounders available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Method: Investigators compared the NutriMiX KS-240 and the Exactamix EM 2400. A literature review of practice standards, safety, technical, and performance specifications was conducted. These were developed into a checklist of 46 technical and performance specifications. Investigators evaluated each ACD using the checklist. Results: It was found that 43 (93.48%) of the technical and performance specifications, required by the hospital, were met by the NutriMix KS-240, while 39 (84.78%) were met by Exactamix EM 2400. Conclusion: This review found that although ACDs comply with the majority of standards and specifications, software integration with the hospital information system may be a limiting factor in selecting an ACD. The investigators concluded that the NutriMiX KS- 240 matches the technical and performance specifications for automated compounders required by our institution.
Mortality in the USA, the UK and Other Western Countries, 1989–2015: What Is Wrong With the US?
Authors: Pritchard Colin , Porter Sam , Rosenorn-Lanng Emily , Williams Richard
Published: October 2020

This population-based study compares U.S. effectiveness with 20 Other Western Countries (OWC) in reducing mortality 1989–1991 and 2013–2015 and, responding to criticisms of Britain’s National Health Service, directly compares U.S. with U.K. child (0–4), adult (55–74), and 24 global mortality categories. World Health Organization Age-Standardized Death Rates (ASDR) data are used to compare American and OWC mortality over the period, juxtaposed against national average percentages of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Expenditure on Health (%GDPEH) drawn from World Bank data. America’s average %GDPEH was highest at 13.53% and Britain’s the lowest at 7.68%. Every OWC had significantly greater ASDR reductions than America. Current U.S. child and adult mortality rates are 46% and 19% higher than Britain’s. Of 24 global diagnostic mortalities, America had 16 higher rates than Britain, notably for Circulatory Disease (24%), Endocrine Disorders (70%), External Deaths (53%), Genitourinary (44%), Infectious Disease (65%), and Perinatal Deaths (34%). Conversely, U.S. rates were lower than Britain’s for Neoplasms (11%), Respiratory (12%), and Digestive Disorder Deaths (11%). However, had America matched the United Kingdom’s ASDR, there would have been 488,453 fewer U.S. deaths. In view of American %GDPHE and their mortality rates, which were significantly higher than those of the OWC, these results suggests that the U.S. health care system is the least efficient in the Western world.
Lived experiences of Indian Youth amid COVID-19 crisis: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Suhail Alina , Iqbal Naved , Smith Jonathan
Published: October 2020

Background:

COVID-19 and the resultant lockdowns have caused a global discomposure. Out of a plethora of ramifications of this unusual state, mental health problems are becoming a serious concern. Considering the peculiarity of the situation, encapsulation of the lived experiences of people affected by COVID-19 may lead us towards a better understanding and control of the situation.

Aim:

The aim of the present study was to get an in-depth analysis of the lived experiences of Indian youth amid COVID-19 crisis and its impact on their mental health.

Method:

Ten college going students were telephonically interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule to elicit participants’ experiences with COVID-19 and the impact it has posed on their mental health. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Results:

The analysis revealed three master themes: (1) ‘Impact on mental health’, (2) ‘Positive experiences’ and (3) ‘Ways of coping amid the crisis’.

Conclusion:

The study draws attention to the mental health concerns of Indian youth amid the current crisis. The findings also highlight the positive outcomes of the crisis as well as the different ways of coping adopted by young individuals in India.
Being Obotunde Ijimere and M. Lovori: Mapping Ulli Beier’s intercultural hoaxes from Nigeria to Papua New Guinea
Authors: Long Maebh
Published: October 2020

Ulli Beier was a hugely influential figure in Nigerian and Papua New Guinean literature from the 1950s to the 1970s. He founded and edited numerous literary magazines, including Black Orpheus and Kovave, fostered unappreciated talent, and provided publication opportunities when few were available. The story of his dedication to nascent literary scenes in Africa and the Pacific is, however, marred by appropriation, as Beier wrote fraud into the literature of both countries. Writing under various Nigerian and Niuginian names, Beier conducted a series of literary hoaxes whose racial and cultural deceptions smuggle a white author into Indigenous literary histories, and exemplify the permissibility that even anticolonial white men granted themselves. In this article I explore Beier’s main racial alter egos – Obotunde Ijimere and M. Lovori – with an emphasis on his position as a lecturer and magazine editor at the University of Papua New Guinea.
Improvement of mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite composites reinforced with i-Al64Cu23Fe13 quasicrystal
Authors: Castañeda-Vía José , Landauro Carlos V , Quispe-Marcatoma Justiniano , Champi Ana , Montalvo Fred , Delgado Leyla , Tay Lidia Yileng , Moya Marie-José , Guillén Ronald , Rumiche Francisco , Peña-Rodríguez Victor
Published: October 2020

Mechanical behavior of hydroxyapatite-based composites (HAp) was studied as a function of the reinforcement concentration of the quasicrystalline (QC) Al64Cu23Fe13 alloy. The synthesis of the HAp matrix was carried out by sol-gel method, while the synthesis of the QC was performed by an arc furnace with a subsequent thermal treatment. The composites were made by powder metallurgy and cold compacted to form test pieces that were sintered with a constant flow of argon. The materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy. The study of mechanical strength was carried through compression tests. The biocompatibility of the composites was tested using an in-vitro cytotoxicity assay. The mechanical resistance of HAp/QC composites increased with the concentration of quasicrystalline reinforcement. Young’s modulus and compressive strength increased in 43% and 21%, respectively, with a 10 wt% QC reinforcement, which demonstrates an hybrid behaviour of the composite due to the inclusion of reinforcing particles in the pores of the matrix. This composite did not show cytotoxicity at any of the QC concentrations. A fabrication route is proposed as a fast, easy and high efficiency alternative for applications in the biomedical industry because of its high scalability potential.
Nonuniformity in Periodontal Ligament: Mechanics and Matrix Composition
Authors: Connizzo B.K. , Sun L. , Lacin N. , Gendelman A. , Solomonov I. , Sagi I. , Grodzinsky A.J. , Naveh G.R.S.
Published: October 2020

The periodontal ligament (PDL) plays a critical role in providing immediate response to abrupt high loads during mastication while also facilitating slow remodeling of the alveolar bone. The PDL exceptional functionality is permitted by the unique nonuniform structure of the tissue. Two distinct areas that are critical to PDL function were previously identified: the furcation and the dense collar. Despite their hypothesized functions in tooth movement and maintenance, these 2 regions have not yet been compared within the context of their native environment. Therefore, the objective of this study is to elucidate the extracellular matrix (ECM) structure, composition, and biomechanical function of the furcation and the collar regions while maintaining the 3-dimensional (3D) structure in the murine PDL. We identify significant difference between the collar and furcation regions in both structure and mechanical properties. Specifically, we observed unique longitudinal structures in the dense collar that correlate with type VI collagen and LOX, both of which are associated with increased type I collagen density and tissue stiffness and are therefore proposed to function as scaffolds for tooth stabilization. We also found that the collar region is stiffer than the furcation region and therefore suggest that the dense collar acts as a suspense structure of the tooth within the bone during physiological loading. The furcation region of the PDL contained more proteins associated with reduced stiffness and higher tissue remodeling, as well as a dual mechanical behavior, suggesting a critical function in loads transfer and remodeling of the alveolar bone. In summary, this work unravels the nonuniform nature of the PDL within the 3D structural context and establishes understanding of regional PDL function, which opens new avenues for future studies of remodeling, regeneration, and disease.
Trimers Conjugated to Fibrin Hydrogels Promote Salivary Gland Function
Authors: Dos Santos H.T. , Nam K. , Brown C.T. , Dean S.M. , Lewis S. , Pfeifer C.S. , Lei P. , Petris M.J. , Andreadis S.T. , Baker O.J.
Published: October 2020

New strategies for tissue engineering have great potential for restoring and revitalizing impaired tissues and organs, including the use of smart hydrogels that can be modified to enhance organization and functionality of the salivary glands. For instance, monomers of laminin-111 peptides chemically conjugated to fibrin hydrogel (L1pM-FH) promote cell cluster formation in vitro and salivary gland regeneration in vivo when compared with fibrin hydrogel (FH) alone; however, L1pM-FH produce only weak expression of acinar differentiation markers in vivo (e.g., aquaporin-5 and transmembrane protein 16). Since previous studies demonstrated that a greater impact can be achieved when trimeric forms were used as compared with monomeric or dimeric forms, we investigated the extent to which trimers of laminin-111 chemically conjugated to FH (L1pT-FH) can increase the expression of acinar differentiation markers and elevate saliva secretion. In vitro studies using Par-C10 acinar cells demonstrated that when compared with L1pM-FH, L1pT-FH induced similar levels of acinar-like cell clustering, polarization, lumen formation, and calcium signaling. To assess the performance of the trimeric complex in vivo, we compared the ability of L1pM-FH and L1pT-FH to increase acinar differentiation markers and restore saliva flow rate in a salivary gland wound model of C57BL/6 mice. Our results show that L1pT-FH applied to wounded mice significantly improved the expression of the acinar differentiation markers and saliva secretion when compared with the monomeric form. Together, these positive effects of L1pT-FH warrant its future testing in additional models of hyposalivation with the ultimate goal of applying this technology in humans.
‘There’s an App for That!’ Writing Technology Reviews for Academic Journals
Authors: Kohnke Lucas , Moorhouse Benjamin Luke
Published: October 2020

Technology reviews are becoming an increasingly common genre within English language teaching and learning journals. This is due to the proliferation of technologies and their affordance in language learning. Although journals provide editorial guidelines for how to write technology reviews, they can be quite general. This short article offers some practical considerations and ideas, and includes published technology review as an example in the online appendix, showing the rhetorical moves for writing technology reviews in the field of English language teaching and learning.
From Protests to Policies: Actors, Spaces and Processes
Authors: Bhattacharya Niloshree , Thakur Manish
Published: October 2020

This paper addresses a rather understudied aspect of the ways through which protests get translated into policies by focussing on the actors, spaces and processes. It further identifies key actors in the policy making formulation process, which we call ‘policy intermediaries’. It discusses the emergence of ‘policy intermediaries’ in relation to the history of social movements in post-colonial India. It situates the policy making processes in the country and the role of ‘policy intermediaries’ therein, in the overall context of changing configurations of relationships amongst the state, non-governmental organisations, think tanks and the emergent transnational networks and discourses. By implication, it maps out some of the attributes of middle class activism with illustrations from select social movements in India. The paper explores the multiple spaces in which ‘policy intermediaries’ function, the diverse roles they play and the networks in which they are wilfully or otherwise enmeshed.
The Foundations of Distributive Justice: A Morphogenetic Analysis of Gomberg and Fraser
Authors: Morrison Andrew
Published: October 2020

This article applies Margaret Archer’s morphogenetic analytical dualism framework to critically compare the sociological foundations underpinning the work of two key American political philosophers: Paul Gomberg and Nancy Fraser. First, I focus upon Gomberg’s ideas for reforms to the division of labour and their impact upon race relations in the USA. I argue that, while Gomberg offers a radical egalitarian vision, it is flawed by its weak understanding of the relationships between structure and agency and between culture and economy. Following this, I consider Fraser’s theory of two-dimensional participatory justice premised upon distributive and recognition justice. I argue that, due to a more sociologically nuanced approach, her theory avoids the conflationism and epiphenomenalism that Gomberg lapses into. I conclude by noting that these conceptual issues have pertinence beyond these two authors and have implications for theories of distributive justice more generally.
Geographic Hotspots for Low Birthweight: An Analysis of Counties With Persistently High Rates
Authors: Brown Clare C. , Moore Jennifer E. , Felix Holly C. , Stewart Mary K. , Tilford John M.
Published: October 2020

This study evaluated persistency in county-level rates of low birthweight outcomes to identify “hotspot counties” and their associated area-level characteristics. Administrative data from the National Center for Health Statistics Birth Data Files, years 2011 to 2016 were used to calculate annual county-level rates of low birthweight. Counties ranking in the worst quintile (Q5) for ≥3 years with a neighboring county in the worst quintile were identified as hotspot counties. Multivariate logistic regression was used to associate county-level characteristics with hotspot designation. Adverse birth outcomes were persistent in poor performing counties, with 52% of counties in Q5 for low birthweight in 2011 remaining in Q5 in 2016. The rate of low birthweight among low birthweight hotspot counties (n = 495) was 1.6 times the rate of low birthweight among non-hotspot counties (9.3% vs 5.8%). The rate of very low birthweight among very low birthweight hotspot counties (n = 387) was twice as high compared to non-hotspot counties (1.8% vs 0.9%). A one standard deviation (6.5%) increase in the percentage of adults with at least a high school degree decreased the probability of low birthweight hotspot designation by 1.7 percentage points ( P = .006). A one standard deviation (20%) increase in the percentage of the population that was of minority race/ethnicity increased hotspot designation for low birthweight by 5.7 percentage points ( P < .001). Given the association between low birthweight and chronic conditions, hotspot counties should be a focus for policy makers in order to improve health equity across the life course.
Perspectives of Parents With Type 1 Diabetes: Role of Children in Self-Management and Support
Authors: Krall Jodi , Helgeson Vicki S. , Tracy Eunjin Lee , Campbell MaryJane S. , Korytkowski Mary , Berg Cynthia A.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine parents’ perceptions of the role children play in their type 1 diabetes (T1DM) care. Family members are a resource to support T1DM self-management, but how children are involved in their parents’ diabetes has not been well explored.

Methods

Parents with T1DM (n = 85) and a subset of their romantic partners (n = 55) participated in interviews during which they described their children’s knowledge of and involvement in diabetes care. Interviews were transcribed, responses coded/tallied, and themes identified.

Results

All parents reported that children knew of their diabetes, which they learned about progressively from a young age. Most parents reported children to be accepting and understanding of the ways that diabetes affected their family experiences (eg, pause to treat low blood glucose). When asked about specific support, parents rated “making parent feel better about diabetes” as the most frequently occurring behavior. Some parents felt that children, particularly younger ones, occasionally detracted from T1DM management, but this was usually expected and considered transient. Regardless of child age, many parents did not want diabetes to burden children and limited their involvement. Both parents with T1DM and partners requested resources to enhance child awareness and preparedness to support diabetes. Respondents, particularly partners, were also interested in learning how to communicate better as a family and share perspectives on how diabetes affects individual family members.

Conclusions

Diabetes care and education specialists should consider developmentally and relationally appropriate ways to engage children of parents with T1DM in education and self-management.
The effectiveness of intravenous ketamine in adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder presenting with prominent anxiety: Results from the Canadian Rapid Treatment Center of Excellence
Authors: McIntyre Roger S , Rodrigues Nelson B , Lipsitz Orly , Nasri Flora , Gill Hartej , Lui Leanna MW , Subramaniapillai Mehala , Kratiuk Kevin , Teopiz Kayla , Ho Roger , Lee Yena , Mansur Rodrigo B , Rosenblat Joshua D
Published: October 2020

Background:

Individuals meeting criteria for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) are differentially affected by high levels of anxiety symptoms.

Aims:

There is a need to identify the efficacy of novel rapid-onset treatments in adults with mood disorders and comorbid anxious-distress.

Methods:

This study included patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BD) who were receiving intravenous (IV) ketamine treatment at a community-based clinic.Anxious-distress was proxied using items from the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Self Report 16-item (QIDS-SR16) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD7) scales. The difference in QIDS-SR16 total score, QIDS-SR16 suicidal ideation (SI) item and GAD7 score were analyzed between groups.

Results:

A total of 209 adults with MDD ( n = 177) and BD ( n = 26) were included in this analysis. From this sample, 94 patients (mean = 45 ± 13.9 years) met the criteria for anxious-distress. Individuals meeting the criteria for anxious-distress exhibited a significantly greater reduction in QIDS-SR16 total score following four infusions ( p = 0.02) when compared with patients not meeting the anxious-distress criteria. Both anxious-distressed and low-anxiety patients exhibited a significant reduction in SI ( p < 0.0001) following four infusions.Finally, there was a significantly greater reduction in anxiety symptoms in the anxious-distress group compared with the non–anxious distress group following three ( p = 0.02) and four infusions ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Patients with TRD and prominent anxiety receiving IV ketamine exhibited a significant reduction in depressive, SI and anxiety symptoms.
Indirect effects of preference for intense music on mental health through positive and negative affect
Authors: Monteiro Renan P , Coelho Gabriel Lins de Holanda , Vilar Roosevelt , Andrade Wilker Sherman Barcelos , Pimentel Carlos Eduardo
Published: October 2020

Previous studies explored the relations between preference for intense music (i.e., alternative, heavy metal, punk, and rock) and mental health. However, the results so far are inconclusive and do not assess if a preference for intense music directly or indirectly predicts mental health. To address this issue, the present research assessed the mediational role of positive and negative affect on the relation between preference for intense music and mental health. We hypothesized that preference for intense music predicts positive and negative affect, which, in turn, contributes to lower levels of mental health (i.e., stress, depression, and anxiety). Participants were 268 individuals ( Mage = 26.6; SDage = 8.30; 63.4% women). Supporting our hypothesis, preference for intense music directly predicted positive and negative affect, and indirectly mental health. Most of these relations remained significant even after controlling for important confounding effects, such as age, gender, and neuroticism. Alternative models were examined, but the hypothesized model presented a better fit. Overall, our research indicates that intense music plays an important role in people’s affects and mental health.
Experimental Investigation of the Modal Response of a Rail Span during and after Wheel Passage
Authors: Kaynardag Korkut , Battaglia Giuseppe , Yang Chi , Salamone Salvatore
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the vibrations of a rail span (rail section between two consecutive sleepers) during and after the passage of a rail car’s wheel as well as under impact hammer excitation. In literature, the dynamic response of railway tracks under moving loads has been studied extensively. Many of these studies focus on the responses in relation to displacement/force-time histories and wave propagation parameters. These responses are investigated for the time instants when rail car wheels transverse over the rail spans of interest. In this context, an investigation of responses in relation to modal parameters during and after moving loads might provide additional information. Such information can be used to examine how the loading and additional masses induced by the moving wheels affect the dynamic responses. To this end, field tests were carried out at Transportation Technology Center Inc. (TTCI) facility in Colorado, U.S. First, to find the flexural modes of a rail span under no loading, data was collected from three accelerometers placed on the span under vertical impact hammer excitation. Next, the accelerometers were placed underneath the rail span, and data was collected while a rail car traveled over the span. The signal segments corresponding to during and after a wheel passage were analyzed for the identification of modal parameters. The comparison of the results demonstrated that the frequencies of the rail span increased as the loading induced by the wheel increased.
Urine and serum glycosaminoglycan levels in the diagnosis of urological diseases and conditions: A narrative review of the literature
Authors: Ustundağ Yasemin , Huysal Kağan , Guzelsoy Muhammet , Genim Canan Erdem , Yavuz Ayca
Published: October 2020

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are sulfated, negatively charged polysaccharides produced in almost every cell of the human body. As GAGs are extracellularly localized, the changes in body fluids such as blood and urine may reflect pathological changes in the urinary system as observed in other pathologies. In this review, we determined the potential of urinary and/or serum GAG levels as a marker for kidney and urothelial system diseases. We performed a search in the PubMed, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect databases until September 30, 2019. A number of studies reported changes in the urinary and/or plasma GAG levels or composition in urological diseases and conditions, such as renal cell carcinoma, kidney stone, bladder carcinoma, and overactive bladder. GAGs were found to have a predictive biomarker potential that could be limited by generalizability concerns.
Return to normal operations: COVID-19 mitigation strategies for workplaces
Authors: Parker Justine , Boles Corey , Egnot Natalie , Sundermann Alexander , Fleeger Alan
Published: October 2020

As spikes and resurgences of COVID-19 cases continue to increase in different geographical regions across the United States, more and more companies are left with numerous questions about reopening or restarting their operations. The current pandemic in the United States poses unique challenges unlike any other for businesses and employers as they begin to reopen. Businesses and employers are forced to ensure that they are not only in compliance with federal guidances but also with state and local guidances. In addition to the complex and ever evolving guidances, we are still learning about and adapting best practices during these reopening phases. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to stay up-to-date not only with the released guidances but also with the latest understanding and information about SARS-CoV-2. As part of reopening, it is crucial for businesses to have comprehensive reopening plans prior to restart of operation. These plans must be clear, concise, and flexible enough to include updated guidances and information. In this publication, we describe reopening frameworks, considerations, and strategies that can be used as a starting point for businesses to further optimize and tailor to their unique operations.
Cortical Volume and Thickness in Youth Several Years After Concussion
Authors: Zivanovic Nikola , Virani Shane , Rajaram Alysha A. , Lebel Catherine , Yeates Keith Owen , Brooks Brian L.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The long-term effects of pediatric concussion on brain morphometry remain poorly delineated. This study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate cortical volume and thickness in youth several years after concussion.

Methods:

Participants aged 8-19 years old with a history of concussion (n = 37) or orthopedic injury (n = 20) underwent MRI, rated their postconcussion symptoms, and completed cognitive testing on average 2.6 years (SD = 1.6) after injury. FreeSurfer was used to obtain cortical volume and thickness measurements as well as determine any significant correlations between brain morphometry, postconcussion symptoms (parent and self-report), and cognitive functioning.

Results:

No significant group differences were found for either cortical volume or thickness. Youth with a history of concussion had higher postconcussion symptom scores (both parent and self-report Postconcussion Symptom Inventory) than the orthopedic injury group, but symptom ratings did not significantly correlate with cortical volume or thickness. Across both groups, faster reaction time on a computerized neurocognitive test battery (CNS Vital Signs) was associated with a thinner cortex in the left pars triangularis of the inferior frontal gyrus and the left caudal anterior cingulate. Better verbal memory was associated with a thinner cortex in the left rostral middle frontal gyrus.

Conclusion:

Findings do not support differences in cortical volume or thickness approximately 2.5 years postconcussion in youth, suggesting either long-term cortical recovery or no cortical differences as a result of injury. Further research using a longitudinal study design and larger samples is needed.
Concussion Alters Dynamic Pupillary Light Responses in Children
Authors: Hsu Jerry , Stec Magdalena , Ranaivo Hantamalala Ralay , Srdanovic Nina , Kurup Sudhi P.
Published: October 2020

Aim:

To investigate the impact of concussion on pupillary function in children by examining pupillometric parameters and assessing for differences in children reporting photosensitivity.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review was performed of pediatric patients referred for visual symptoms after concussion from 2017 to 2018 seen in a single academic outpatient clinic. Pupillometry data of 92 patients were included. Outcomes were compared to normative pediatric data from the same institution by 2-sample t tests. The association between photosensitivity and each outcome was assessed by use of linear mixed models with photosensitivity as a fixed effect and random patient effect.

Results:

Outcomes of 181 eyes in 92 concussion patients were averaged by patient and compared to normative values in scotopic conditions. Concussion patients had an average age of 13.8 ± 2.64 years. Average constriction velocity ( P = .0008), maximum constriction velocity ( P = .0012), and average dilation velocity ( P = .0034) were faster in concussion patients, whereas 75% recovery times ( P = .0027) was increased. Photosensitivity did not significantly affect measured pupillary responses.

Conclusion:

Dynamic pupillary responses may be increased in pediatric concussion. Pupillometry may provide insight into the complex pathophysiological changes underlying pediatric concussion.
3D printable Sodium alginate-Matrigel (SA-MA) hydrogel facilitated ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) neuron differentiation
Authors: Li Yang , Cao Xia , Deng Wenwen , Yu Qingtong , Sun Congyong , Ma Ping , Shao Fengxia , Yusif Mukhtar Mohammed , Ge Zhumei , Wang Kaili , Li Ran , Yu Jiangnan , Xu Ximing
Published: October 2020

Ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) are typical adult stem cells obtained from the cranial neural crest. They have the potential to differentiate into various cell types, such as osseous cells, neurons and glial cells. Three-dimensional (3 D) printing is a novel method to construct biological structures by rapid prototyping. Previously, our group reported on the stemness and multi-lineage differentiation potential of EMSCs on gels. However, the exploration of EMSCs in 3 D printing and then evaluation of the growth and neuronal differentiation of EMSCs on extruded 3 D printable hybrid hydrogels has not been reported. Therefore, the current study explored the novel hybrid Sodium alginate-Matrigel (SA-MA) hydrogel extruded 3 D printing to design an in vitro scaffold to promote the differentiation and growth of EMSCs. In addition, the physical properties of the hydrogel were characterized and its drug-releasing property determined. Notably, the results showed that the construct exhibited a sustain-released effect of growth factor BDNF in accordance with the Higuchi equation. Moreover, the cell survival rate on the 3 D printed scaffold was 88.22 ± 1.13% with higher neuronal differentiation efficiency compared with 2 D culture. Thus, SA-MA’s ability to enhanced EMSCs neuronal differentiation offers a new biomaterial for neurons regeneration in the treatment of spinal cord injury.
Cross–cultural Validity of the Reactive–Proactive Aggression Questionnaire Among Adults Across Five Countries
Authors: Dinić Bojana M. , Raine Adrian , Vujić Aleksandar , van Dongen Josanne D. M.
Published: October 2020

This study aims to test psychometric properties and factor invariance of the Reactive–Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) for adults across five countries: Serbia ( N = 409), Mauritius ( N = 400), the United States ( N = 389), the Netherlands ( N = 372), and China ( N = 325). The results supported the two–factor structure across country samples, with a marginal model fit in Mauritius. Results also supported the congruent factor structure of Reactive Aggression scale across countries, while the Proactive Aggression scale can be considered as equal across samples from Serbia, the United States, and China, but not from Mauritius and the Netherland. Among items from the Proactive Aggression scale, those referring to open aggression aimed at obtaining social status and dominance, frightening or harming others, obtained the highest loadings across all samples and could be considered as the good representatives of adult proactive aggression. This is the first study in which cross-cultural validation of the RPQ among adults has been tested and results suggested that there are some cultural differences in expression of proactive aggression.