bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Unsupervised Deep Feature Learning Model Based on Parallel Convolutional Autoencoder for Intelligent Fault Diagnosis of Main Reducer
Authors: Ye Qing , Liu Changhua
Published: October 2021

Traditional diagnostic framework consists of three parts: data acquisition, feature generation, and fault classification. However, manual feature extraction utilized signal processing technologies heavily depending on subjectivity and prior knowledge which affect the effectiveness and efficiency. To tackle these problems, an unsupervised deep feature learning model based on parallel convolutional autoencoder (PCAE) is proposed and applied in the stage of feature generation of diagnostic framework. Firstly, raw vibration signals are normalized and segmented into sample set by sliding window. Secondly, deep features are, respectively, extracted from reshaped form of raw sample set and spectrogram in time‐frequency domain by two parallel unsupervised feature learning branches based on convolutional autoencoder (CAE). During the training process, dropout regularization and batch normalization are utilized to prevent over fitting. Finally, extracted representative features are feed into the classification model based on deep structure of neural network (DNN) with softmax. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is evaluated in fault diagnosis of automobile main reducer. The results produced in contrastive analysis demonstrate that the diagnostic framework based on parallel unsupervised feature learning and deep structure of classification can effectively enhance the robustness and enhance the identification accuracy of operation conditions by nearly 8%.
Can the Implied Information of Options Predict the Liquidity of Stock Market? A Data-Driven Research Based on SSE 50ETF Options
Authors: Cui Hairong , Fei Jinfeng , Lu Xunfa
Published: October 2021

Liquidity reflects the quality of the market. When the market is short of liquidity, it often causes investors’ trading difficulties and stock price volatility, expanding the investment risk. As a risk management tool, options attract more informed investors to trade because of their flexible design. To explore whether the implied information based on the formation of option price can predict the liquidity of stock market, we take SSE 50ETF options from February 9, 2015, to December 31, 2020, as the research sample. Based on the idea of data-driven approach, we extract the implied information contained in option price, including implied volatility, implied volatility spread, and variance risk premium. Through the regression analysis method, we examine the ability to predict the liquidity of the stock market. The results show that implied volatility spread has the strongest ability to predict the liquidity of the stock market, and it is more significant within 270 days. Implied volatility contains the information about the short-term (120 days) liquidity of the stock market in the future. It shows that implied volatility and implied volatility spread are good indicators to predict stock market liquidity. In contrast, variance risk premium cannot predict the liquidity of stock market. The research conclusion verifies the role of option-implied information in predicting the stock market’s liquidity. By extracting the information of options price, investors and financial regulators can scientifically participate in the financial market under data guidance.
Machine Learning Based Diabetes Classification and Prediction for Healthcare Applications
Authors: Butt Umair Muneer , Letchmunan Sukumar , Ali Mubashir , Hassan Fadratul Hafinaz , Baqir Anees , Sherazi Hafiz Husnain Raza
Published: October 2021

The remarkable advancements in biotechnology and public healthcare infrastructures have led to a momentous production of critical and sensitive healthcare data. By applying intelligent data analysis techniques, many interesting patterns are identified for the early and onset detection and prevention of several fatal diseases. Diabetes mellitus is an extremely life-threatening disease because it contributes to other lethal diseases, i.e., heart, kidney, and nerve damage. In this paper, a machine learning based approach has been proposed for the classification, early-stage identification, and prediction of diabetes. Furthermore, it also presents an IoT-based hypothetical diabetes monitoring system for a healthy and affected person to monitor his blood glucose (BG) level. For diabetes classification, three different classifiers have been employed, i.e., random forest (RF), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and logistic regression (LR). For predictive analysis, we have employed long short-term memory (LSTM), moving averages (MA), and linear regression (LR). For experimental evaluation, a benchmark PIMA Indian Diabetes dataset is used. During the analysis, it is observed that MLP outperforms other classifiers with 86.08% of accuracy and LSTM improves the significant prediction with 87.26% accuracy of diabetes. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the proposed approach is also performed with existing state-of-the-art techniques, demonstrating the adaptability of the proposed approach in many public healthcare applications.
Heterogeneous HER2 Amplification—a New Clinical Category of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer?
Authors: Okines Alicia F.C. , Turner Nicholas C.
Published: October 2021

HER2 amplification heterogeneity is associated with resistance to trastuzumab emtansine in the neoadjuvant setting, emphasizing the importance of assessing whether heterogeneous HER2-positive cancers require different treatment pathways.

See related article by Metzger Filho et al., p. 2474.
Is E-Learning the Way Forward to Ensure the Provision of Accurate, Consistent and Up-To-Date Nutrition-Related Messages Across Population Groups?
Authors: Avery Amanda
Published: October 2021

Background: Every encounter a healthcare professional has with new or expecting parents offers an opportunity for addressing improved early nutrition and lifestyle. Evidence-based qualification programmes via e-learning offer valuable tools for attenuating the world’s huge double burden of both under- and overnutrition in early childhood. We evaluated use and learner satisfaction of a global e-learning programme on early nutrition and lifestyle addressing international healthcare professional. Methods: We implemented the Early Nutrition Specialist Programme (ENS) with six interactive e-learning courses on early nutrition building on more than ten years of experience with global e-learning platforms, expert knowledge and an international network in the subject field. We collected descriptive and explorative evaluation data on usage and learner satisfaction with a questionnaire and log data over three years among 4003 learners from 48 countries. Results: Results show high completion of the ENS programme, with 85.5% of learners finalizing the programme after enrollment into the first of six courses. Very good results were provided for learner satisfaction with the courses (96.7% of users), for increasing understanding of the topic (97.4%) and matching the indicated time investment (94.4%). Most predominant themes in the open text fields of user feedback questionnaires were “Increase interactivity or number of audio-visuals”, “Content suggestions or more examples” and “Technical (quality) issues or navigation problems”. Conclusions: The ENS programme evaluation shows high completion rates and level of satisfaction by learners from numerous countries. The different needs for Continuing Medical Education (CME) of healthcare professionals in diverse healthcare system settings can be met by a joint e-learning qualification programme. Further optimizations will be implemented based on user feedback. More research with a learning analytics approach may help to further identify the most effective and efficient didactic and pedagogic elements of e-learning.
Effectiveness of eHealth and mHealth Interventions to Improve Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Nutrition in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Papaspanos Nikolaos
Published: October 2021

Background: Electronic (eHealth) and mobile (mHealth) health interventions can provide a large coverage, and are promising tools to change health behavior (i.e. physical activity, sedentary behavior and healthy eating). However, the determinants of intervention effectiveness in primary prevention has not been explored yet. Therefore, the objectives of this umbrella review were to evaluate intervention effectiveness, to explore the impact of pre-defined determinants of effectiveness (i.e. theoretical foundations, behavior change techniques, social contexts or just-in-time adaptive interventions), and to provide recommendations for future research and practice in the field of primary prevention delivered via e/mHealth technology. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (reviews) published between January 1990 and May 2020. Reviews reporting on e/mHealth behavior change interventions in physical activity, sedentary behavior and/or healthy eating for healthy subjects (i.e. subjects without physical or physiological morbidities which would influence the realization of behaviors targeted by the respective interventions) were included if they also investigated respective theoretical foundations, behavior change techniques, social contexts or just-in-time adaptive interventions. Included studies were ranked concerning their method­ological quality and qualitatively synthesized. Results: The systematic search revealed 11 systematic reviews and meta-analyses of moderate quality. The majority of original research studies within the reviews found e/mHealth interventions to be effective, but the results showed a high heterogeneity concerning assessment methods and outcomes, making them difficult to compare. Whereas theoretical foundation and behavior change techniques were suggested to be potential positive determinants of effective interventions, the impact of social context remains unclear. None of the reviews included just-in-time adaptive interventions. Conclusion: Findings of this umbrella review support the use of e/mHealth to enhance physical activity and healthy eating and reduce sedentary behavior. The general lack of precise reporting and comparison of confounding variables in reviews and original research studies as well as the limited number of reviews for each health behavior constrains the generalization and interpretation of results. Further research is needed on study-level to investigate effects of versatile determinants of e/mHealth efficiency, using a theoretical foundation and additionally explore the impact of social contexts and more sophisticated approaches like just-in-time adaptive interventions. Trial registration: The protocol for this umbrella review was a priori registered with PROSPERO: CRD42020147902.
Older Adults’ Understanding of Nutrition
Authors: Medeiros de Morais Cecilia
Published: October 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to: 1) explore older patients’ knowledge, skills and behavior in relation to nutrition and 2) achieve an understanding of older patients’ experiences, understanding and attitudes towards management of nutritional needs. Design: Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using content analysis. The Readiness and Enablement Index for Health Technology (READHY) instrument was used as a framework. Setting: Two hospital units specialized in internal medicine located at two university hospitals in Copenhagen. Participants: Patients (N = 25) age 65 ≥ years and admitted to hospital for medical treatment. Findings: The informants’ knowledge, behavior and attitude towards nutrition was influenced by their experience of food as an everyday phenomenon but less so by the experience of nutrition as important for their well-being and health. Three themes were identified: 1) Food – an everyday phenomenon; 2) Habits and preferences and 3) When food becomes nutrition. Conclusion: Older, ill patients have limited knowledge about specific needs for energy and protein and the importance of nutrition for their physical functioning. They have potential resources and competencies which can positively impact and be utilized in nutritional interventions. Social interaction, the pleasurable experience of eating well-prepared food, and daily routines facilitate their nutritional intake.
Persuasion by Design? Design Theory Between Aesthetics and Rhetoric
Authors: Knape Joachim
Published: October 2021

This article deals primarily with object design from a production-theoretical perspective. It is focused on the question of the rhetorical achievement of design, i.e., its persuasiveness, which was already discussed by Buchanan and Krippendorf in 1985. To this day, the relationship between aesthetic and rhetorical calculuses in the design process is controversial in theoretical discussion. The solution to the problem: Aesthetics and rhetoric combine in the appeal structure (1) at the moment of creation of design and (2) at the moment of the user's decision for an object. In these processes, the design argument results from the combination of aestheticized gestalt and rhetorical appeal of an object.
(De)Signing Authority: The Indexical Dimension of Typography in Academic Communication
Authors: Spitzmüller Jürgen
Published: October 2021

Graphics in scientific communication are not just a means to elegantly convey, condense, or systematize “facts.” As any form of communication, they are bound to, or enregistered in, the discursive context of previous uses. Graphics, thus, do not only visualize information (in an iconic or symbolic way), they also contextualize (i.e., index) the practices, communities, and genres of particular fields and thereby serve as effective emblems of scholarly identity. This article elaborates on the indexical or emblematic dimension of academic graphic design. Drawing on sociolinguistic theory of social positioning and identification, it will be argued how graphic design is a disciplinary practice in the double sense of the word.
Effects of enalapril folic acid combined with levamlodipine on incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with essential hypertension
Authors: Gou Lianping , Tang Xiaoyan , Xue Cheng , Fang Zhiyuan
Published: October 2021

Essential hypertension (EP) is a chronic disease. Effective treatment of hypertension is one of most crucial preventions of cardiovascular (CV) and cerebrovascular (CBV) events. Enalapril folic acid combined with levamlodipine is an effective therapy to treat EP, but its effect on CV
and CBV events in hypertensive patients is unknown. This study set out to assess the effects of enalapril folic acid combined with levamlodipine on incidence of CV and CBV events in patients with EP. We randomly assigned 172 patients with EP enrolled in our hospital between April 2017 and
September 2018 to receive Levoamlodipine Maleate Dispersible Tablets alone (the control group, n = 85) or Levoamlodipine Maleate Dispersible Tablets combined with Enalapril Maleate and Folic Acid Tablets (the combination group, n = 87). All patients received basic treatment.
After 4 weeks of treatment, we recorded the clinical outcomes and adverse reactions of all patients and compared the blood pressure before and after the treatment. The CV and CBV events happening in the two groups within 3 months after the treatment were also recorded. After 4 weeks of treatment,
in contrast to the control group, the combination group had a higher marked response rate and lower moderate response rate and non-response rate (P <0.05). The two groups displayed no great disparity in complication rate (P >0.05). Before treatment, the two groups did not
differ in pulse pressure (PP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P >0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, both groups showed decreased PP, DBP, and SBP (P <0.05), with lower PP, DBP, and SBP in the combination group (P <0.05). The
main CV and CBC events happening in the two groups during the 3-month follow-up included heart failure, stroke, unstable angina pectoris, transient cerebral hemorrhage, acute coronary syndrome, and accelerated heart rate, devoid of fatality. The control group obtained 22 cases (25.88%) of
CV and CBC events, which was remarkably higher than the combination group that had 8 cases (9.20%) (P <0.05). In conclusion, the enalapril folic acid combined with levamlodipine therapy is clinically valuable since it can better control blood pressure and reduce the incidence of
CV and CBC events in patients without increasing the risk of adverse reactions.
Effect of pH on synthesis, characterization and fluorescence behavior of WO3:Eu3 nano powders
Authors: Wei Pengfei , Liang Dong , Hu Chunxiu , Zhang Xiaojuan , Ye Yuanfeng , Peng Xu , Ji Jiayan , Xiu Yirong , Gao Weixia
Published: October 2021

WO3:Eu3+ nanoparticles with different pH values were prepared by citric acid method. The structure and morphology of nano-powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The luminescence properties of the nano-powders
were tested by a fluorescence spectrometer. The results showed that the average particle size of the prepared WO3:Eu3+ nano powders were the smallest and reached 32 nm at pH = 1. Under different excitation wavelengths, the main emission peak of the sample was at 615 nm,
corresponding to the 5D0 →7F2 electron transition of Eu3+. The emission intensity of WO3:Eu3+ nanoparticles prepared at pH = 5 was the highest at 615 nm.
Lagged teleconnections of climate variables identified via complex rotated Maximum Covariance Analysis
Authors: Rieger Niclas , Corral Álvaro , Olmedo Estrella , Turiel Antonio
Published: October 2021

A proper description of ocean-atmosphere interactions is key for a correct understanding of climate evolution. The interplay among the different variables acting over the climate is complex, often leading to correlations across long spatial distances (teleconnections). In some occasions, those teleconnections occur with quite significant temporal shifts that are fundamental for the understanding of the underlying phenomena but which are poorly captured by standard methods. Applying orthogonal decomposition such as Maximum Covariance Analysis (MCA) to geophysical data sets allows to extract common dominant patterns between two different variables, but generally suffers from (i) the non-physical orthogonal constraint as well as (ii) the consideration of simple correlations, whereby temporally offset signals are not detected. Here we propose an extension, complex rotated MCA, to address both limitations. We transform our signals using the Hilbert transform and perform the orthogonal decomposition in complex space, allowing us to correctly correlate out-of-phase signals. Subsequent Varimax rotation removes the orthogonal constraints, leading to more physically meaningful modes of geophysical variability. As an example of application, we have employed this method on sea surface temperature and continental precipitation; our method successfully captures the temporal and spatial interactions between these two variables, namely for (i) the seasonal cycle, (ii) canonical ENSO, (iii) the global warming trend, (iv) the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, (v) ENSO Modoki and finally (vi) the Atlantic Meridional Mode. The complex rotated modes of MCA provide information on the regional amplitude, and under certain conditions, the regional time lag between changes on ocean temperature and land precipitation.
A Novel Compression Method of Spectral Data Matrix Based on the Low-Rank Approximation and the Fast Fourier Transform of the Singular Vectors
Authors: Dubrovkin Joseph
Published: October 2021

Storage, processing, and transfer of huge matrices are becoming challenging tasks in the process analytical technology and scientific research. Matrix compression can solve these problems successfully. We developed a novel compression method of spectral data matrix based on its low-rank approximation and the fast Fourier transform of the singular vectors. This method differs from the known ones in that it does not require restoring the low-rank approximated matrix for further Fourier processing. Therefore, the compression ratio increases. A compromise between the losses of the accuracy of the data matrix restoring and the compression ratio was achieved by selecting the processing parameters. The method was applied to multivariate chemometrics analysis of the cow milk for determining fat and protein content using two data matrices (the file sizes were 5.7 and 12.0 MB) restored from their compressed form. The corresponding compression ratios were about 52 and 114, while the loss of accuracy of the analysis was less than 1% compared with processing of the non-compressed matrix. A huge, simulated matrix, compressed from 400 MB to 1.9 MB, was successfully used for multivariate calibration and segment cross-validation. The data set simulated a large matrix of 10 000 low-noise infrared spectra, measured in the range 4000–400 cm−1 with a resolution of 0.5 cm−1. The corresponding file was compressed from 262.8 MB to 19.8 MB. The discrepancies between original and restored spectra were less than the standard deviation of the noise. The method developed in the article clearly demonstrated its potential for future applications to chemometrics-enhanced spectrometric analysis with limited options of memory size and data transfer rate. The algorithm used the standard routines of Matlab software.
Understanding Charter School Leaders’ Perceptions of Competition in Arizona
Authors: Creed Benjamin , Jabbar Huriya , Scott Michael
Published: October 2021

Purpose: School choice policies are expected to generate competition leading to improvement in school practices. However, little is known about how competition operates in public education—particularly in charter schools. This paper examines charter-school leaders’ competitive perception formation and the actions taken in response to competition. Research Methods: Using Arizona charter-school leaders’ responses to an original survey, Arizona Department of Education data, and the Common Core of Data, we examined the factors predicting the labeling of a school as a competitor. We estimated fixed effects logistic regression models which examine factors predicting the labeling of competitor schools and of top competitors. We used logistic regression models to understand charter-school leaders’ responses to competition. Findings: We find charter-school leaders in Arizona perceived at least some competition with other schools, and their perceptions vary by urbanicity. While distance between schools mattered generally for labeling a school as a competitor, distance did not factor into labeling “top competitor” schools. Student outcomes did not predict competition between schools, but student demographics were associated with labeling a school a competitor. Charter-school leaders responded to competition through changes in outreach and advertising rather than curriculum and instruction. Competitive responses were related to the respondent school’s quality and the level of perceived competition. Implications for Research and Practice: We found charter-school leaders perceive competition and respond by changing school practices. Responses typically focus on marketing activities over productive responses. The novel state-level analysis allows us to test the effects of local market conditions typically absent in the literature.
The Mobile Thriving Respite With and for the Street Community
Authors: McInerney Robert , Long Kelsey , Stough Rachel
Published: October 2021

We report on our work with the street community of Pittsburgh, specifically, a community-based action initiative we call the Mobile Thriving Respite (Institutional Review Board approval was obtained from our university). For 5 years, student advocate ethnographers from Point Park University have gathered data (e.g., long- and short-term interviews, participant-observations generating fieldnotes). The data revealed and supported the need for thriving beyond surviving homelessness. The data endorsed the creation of the mobile thriving respite. In the first part of this work, we will discuss some critical concepts regarding homelessness as a phenomenon and then argue that while surviving as enduring is necessary, there are some for whom survival is a perpetual, lethal state of being. We will discuss the theoretical foundations to the respite and offer researchers’ ethnographic accounts of the respite’s process and progress (We had to temporarily end the respite during the Covid-19 pandemic. To date, the respite has returned with “pop up” events outside at various locations). We will outline how the mobile thriving respite is a praxis as site of resistance as well as an emergent strategy, and an instantiation of communitas. We will then revisit surviving as collectively bearing witness and testifying to the lived experiences of those living outside.
Validation and optimisation of an automatic blood sampler for preclinical positron emission tomography research in domestic pigs
Authors: Nielsen Sofia Vestergaard , Dollerup Mie Ringgaard , Bærentzen Simone Larsen , Landau Anne M , Munk Ole Lajord , Alstrup Aage Kristian Olsen
Published: October 2021

In preclinical positron emission tomography animal studies, continuous blood sampling is used to measure the time course of the activity concentration in arterial blood. However, pigs have hypercoagulable blood that tends to clot inside plastic tubes. We tested several tube materials and lengths and the use of three-way connectors. We validated set-ups for automated blood sampling with and without blood recirculation that could run for 90 minutes without problematic clots and without any evidence of emboli formation during necropsy.
Changes in Sabbath-Keeping and Mental Health Over Time: Evaluation Findings From the Sabbath Living Study
Authors: Proeschold-Bell Rae Jean , Stringfield Beth , Yao Jia , Choi Jessica , Eagle David , Hybels Celia F. , Parnell Heather , Keefe Kelly , Shilling Sara
Published: October 2021

Work-related stress is experienced at a high level in the United States. Clergy are particularly likely to over-extend themselves to act on their sacred call. Sabbath-keeping may offer a practice that is beneficial for mental health, yet many Protestant clergy do not keep a regular Sabbath. We examined whether United Methodist clergy who attended informative Sabbath-keeping workshops reported changes in spiritual well-being and mental health post-workshop. Compared to baseline, at 3 and 9 months post-workshop, participants reported an increase in Sabbath-keeping. In adjusted random effects and Poisson models, compared to not changing Sabbath-keeping frequency, increasing Sabbath-keeping was related to only one outcome: greater feelings of personal accomplishment at work. Decreasing Sabbath-keeping was related to worse anxiety symptoms, lower spiritual well-being in ministry scores, and a higher probability of having less than flourishing mental health. For four outcomes, there were no significant associations with changes in Sabbath-keeping over time. Although lacking a control group, this study adds to cross-sectional Sabbath-keeping studies by correlating changes in Sabbath-keeping with changes in mental health outcomes over time.
The Role of Social Adjustment in a Collegiate Behavioral Activation Program
Authors: Felton Julia W. , Triemstra Justin D. , Reynolds Elizabeth K. , Hale Nicole , Magidson Jessica F. , Lejuez Carl W.
Published: October 2021

The transition to college is associated with significant changes in social support networks and concomitant increases in depressive symptoms. First-year students who are more socially engaged within their new academic settings may experience greater overall wellbeing. Behavioral activation (BA) is an evidence-based intervention which promotes individuals’ engagement with valued activities and has been examined as a possible primary prevention for depressive symptoms among first-year students. Yet, the important role of social adjustment, and its impact on students’ activity level, has not yet been considered. The current study is a secondary data analysis of research evaluating a BA-based intervention embedded into a first-year orientation course. The aim of the project was to evaluate the efficacy of BA on improving social adjustment and the effect of social adjustment on subsequent depressive symptoms. A diverse sample of college students ( n = 71) attending a state university in the mid-Atlantic region reported on their levels of depression, behavioral activation, and social adjustment. Students then received either BA or standard programming. Results suggest that improved engagement in valued activities at mid-intervention was associated with increases in students’ perceptions of their own social adjustment. This, in turn, predicted steeper decreases in rates of depressive symptoms post-intervention. Findings also indicate that greater social adjustment improved the efficacy of a BA-based intervention in reducing depressive symptoms, but had no impact on depressive symptoms for students receiving the standard orientation programming.
Risk of Injury Events in Patients With Visual Impairments: A Swedish Survey Study Among Hospital Social Workers
Authors: Lundälv Jörgen , Thodelius Charlotta
Published: October 2021

Introduction: People with visual impairments (those who are blind or have low vision) are exposed to risks in everyday life, especially injury risks. This study aimed to examine experiences and practical knowledge among hospital social workers in Sweden concerning meetings with patients with visual impairments who have been affected by injury events in residential environments. Methods: Swedish hospital social workers specializing in patients with visual impairments ( n=30) answered a questionnaire comprising 14 questions. Both fixed and open-ended questions were included, allowing an analysis of both comparable numeric data and subjectively perceived experiences and opinions. Results: A majority of the respondents had met patients who had been injured in the residential setting; the most common injury mechanism reported was tripping or falling on the stairs, or accidentally stumbling into furniture. The hospital social workers acknowledged that they could work more preventively in their professional role by encouraging patients to use orientation and mobility devices such as long canes, increasing collaboration with other professions, and conducting home visits to enable trustful dialogues with both patients and relatives. Discussion: According to these specialized hospital social workers, the provision of education and information to patients with visual impairments could potentially prevent future injury. However, in order to achieve this, there is a need to first enable a trustful dialogue between social workers and patients. Implications for practitioners: This study provides a better understanding of the importance of trustful dialogue between hospital social workers and patients with visual impairments, from the point of view injury prevention. It also offers a summary of the knowledge of hospital social workers about risks and injury events in residential settings for patients with visual impairments.
Mobility Tool Use Relates to Disability Affirmation among Adults with Visual Impairments
Authors: Zapata Mercedes A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Research is beginning to support the association between positive disability identity and well-being among individuals with disabilities, including those with visual impairments (i.e., blindness and low vision). To enhance practitioner understanding of how to support individuals with visual impairments, research is needed to examine how disability identity attitudes may vary based on disability characteristics in this population. Methods: Using multiple linear regression, the author examined the association between impairment-related factors and personal disability identity (PDI; i.e., disability affirmation and disability acceptance) and group disability identity (GDI) in a sample of 212 adult U.S. residents with visual impairments. Results: Results of this study indicated that participants who use a mobility tool (cane, dog guide, or both) have higher self-reported disability affirmation ( p = .001)—an identity construct related to feelings of disability pride versus shame—after controlling for age, gender, and impairment-related factors (e.g., severity indicators). The Cohen’s f 2 value for the affirmation model was .15, a medium effect size (Cohen, 1988). The regression on GDI indicated that younger participants, in general, reported higher feelings of connection to the disability community (i.e., higher GDI; p = .001); Cohen’s f 2 was .13, a small effect. The regression on disability acceptance yielded non-significant findings. Discussion: Researchers and practitioners working with adults who have visual impairments should consider the relationship between an individual’s disability affirmation and decision-making regarding mobility tool use and training . Future research should also examine hypotheses regarding the negative association between age and GDI among adults with visual impairments. Implications for practitioners: Practitioners within the field of visual impairment may benefit from a consideration of consumer disability identity, including disability affirmation and disability group affiliation.
An experience in treatment of neurologically silent clival chordoma mimicking a nasopharyngeal tumor
Authors: Lin Jung-Ting , Hsu Heng-Jui
Published: October 2021

Cranial chordoma is a rare neoplasm that is challenging to both diagnose and manage. We present our experience in treating a case of clival chordoma mimicking a nasopharyngeal mass without any signs of cranial deficits or intracranial insult. Management was comprised of endoscopic transnasal debulking surgery followed by radiotherapy. However, we failed to achieve an oncologic outcome due to the development of lethal central nervous system and respiratory infections 1 month after the surgery.
Comparison of stent related symptoms in patients taking mirabegron, solifenacin, or tamsulosin: A double blinded randomized clinical trial
Authors: Chandna Abhishek , Kumar Santosh , Parmar Kalpesh M , Sharma Aditya P , Devana Sudheer K , Mete Uttam K , Singh Shrawan K
Published: October 2021

Background:

The present study aims to assess the efficacy of mirabegron, a novel beta-3 agonist for ameliorating stent related symptoms (SRSs) as compared to tamsulosin and solifenacin.

Methods:

Total of 150 patients undergoing ureteral stent placement following ureteroscopic lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, or laparoscopic/robotic pyeloplasty were randomized in 1:1:1 fashion to receive mirabegron 50 mg (group A), solifenacin 5 mg (group B), and tamsulosin 0.4 mg (group C) OD respectively. Patients were followed at POD10 (I visit), 4 weeks (II visit) after surgery, and 2 weeks post-stent removal. Validated vernacular version of ureteric stent symptoms questionnaire (USSQ) was administered to the patients at each visit.

Results:

Out of 150 patients randomized, 123 patients (A; n = 41, B; n = 40, and C; n = 42) completed the study. The groups were comparable in terms of urinary index score of USSQ at I and II visits ( p = 0.119 and 0.076, respectively). A lower proportion of patients in group B experiencing bodily pain at II visit ( p = 0.039), however, pain scores were comparable. Significantly lower general health index scores were observed in group A at I visit and over 4 weeks ( p = 0.007). No significant differences were observed in other domains of USSQ. Age, sex, and surgical procedure undertaken did not significantly impact the scores in various USSQ domains.

Conclusion:

Mirabegron demonstrates comparable benefit in alleviating SRSs with better general health indices and may be an effective alternative for SRSs, especially when tamsulosin or solifenacin are contra-indicated or poorly tolerated.
A new era of health leadership
Authors: Smith Kevin , Bhavsar Megha
Published: October 2021

Traditional models of health leadership are characterized by top-down structures dependent on hierarchy – which emerged historically from military models. With supporting evidence, many of today’s leaders are now working hard to shift their organizations to models of empowered teams and servant leadership with the hopes of inciting a broader cultural shift. The concern is that these early signs of progress could unravel due to the many challenges now exacerbated by COVID-19 and its implications. One such example is fostering respect and civility (i.e. the pillars of empowerment and servant leadership) which is placed at risk during times of change and crisis – more so during a pandemic when command-and-control structures are deemed necessary. The evolution of modern health leadership must be implemented with plans for mitigating related risks. Ultimately, the behaviours that are tolerated during times of stress are what become the value system of any organization.
Novel Multidisciplinary Approach for Outpatient Antimicrobial Stewardship Using an Emergency Department Follow-Up Program
Authors: Bao Hongkai , Dubrovskaya Yanina , Jen Shin-Pung , Decano Arnold , Ahmed Nabeela , Pham Vinh P , Papadopoulos John , Siegfried Justin
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Outpatient antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are becoming increasingly prevalent in healthcare. Many programs have demonstrated the effectiveness of pharmacist-driven outpatient consultations or follow-up programs to ensure appropriate antimicrobial prescribing. However, there is a paucity of literature describing multidisciplinary approaches in large healthcare systems for patients discharged from the emergency department (ED). The objective of this study was to describe the feasibility and impact of a combined effort between ASP pharmacotherapy specialists and nurse practitioners (NPs) in managing an ED follow-up center. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients discharged from the ED between January 2018 and June 2019. Patients were identified for inclusion based on documentation by ASP pharmacotherapy specialists in the electronic health record for patient-specific inquiries from ED follow-up center NPs. The primary outcome of this study was to describe the number and types of interventions made by ASP pharmacotherapy specialists. Results: A total of 1088 patients were included in the study, for 1114 documented ASP calls. The urinary tract was the most common source of positive culture (79%), and third-generation cephalosporins were the most frequent antibiotic associated with calls (20%). Out of total calls, 60% lead to ASP interventions. Among total calls, the most frequent interventions were to correct drug-bug mismatches (20%), initiate new therapy (10%), and discontinue therapy (7%). Conclusion: This report describes a novel initiative that combines the efforts of ED NPs and ASP pharmacotherapy specialists in managing an ED follow-up center at a large healthcare system.
Optimization of the centrifugal slurry pump through the splitter blades position
Authors: Abdolahnejad Ehsan , Moghimi Mahdi , Derakhshan Shahram
Published: October 2021

Optimal transfer of two-phase solid-liquid flow (slurry flow) has long been a major industrial challenge. Slurry pumps are among the most common types of centrifugal pumps used to deal with this transfer issue. The approach of improving slurry pumps and consequently increasing the efficiency of a flow transmission system requires overcoming the effects of slurry flow such as the reduction in head, efficiency, and wear. This study attempts to investigate the changes in the pump head by modifying the slip factor distribution in the impeller channel. For this purpose, the effect of splitter blades on slip factor distribution to improve the pump head was investigated using numerical simulation tools and validated based on experimental test data. Next, an optimization process was used to determine the characteristics of the splitter (i.e., length, number, and environmental position of the splitter) based on a combination of experimental design methods, surface response, and genetic algorithm. The optimization results indicate that the splitters were in a relative circumferential position of 67.2% to the suction surface of the main blade. Also, the optimal number and length of splitter blades were 6 and 62.8% of the length of the main blades, respectively. Because of adding splitter blades and the reduction in the flow passage, the best efficiency point (BEP) of the slurry pump moved toward lower flow rates. The result of splitter optimization was the increase in pump head from 29.7 m to 31.7 m and the upkeep of efficiency in the initial values.
Two modified multiscale modeling approaches for determination of two-phase and hybrid nanocomposite properties
Authors: Khodadadi Ali , Golestanian Hossein , Aghadavoudi Farshid
Published: October 2021

In this paper, mechanical properties of thermoset epoxy based two-phase and hybrid nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and carbon nano diamond particles (CNPs) are determined using two different multiscale modeling approaches. The effects of resin crosslinking, interphase mechanical properties, and filler agglomeration on nanocomposite mechanical properties are investigated. First, the crosslinking between Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) resin and Diethylenetriamine (DETA) hardener is modeled considering different crosslinking forms and ratios using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Results indicate that resin elastic modulus increases with increasing the crosslinking ratio especially above 75%, but crosslinking form has an insignificant effect on resin modulus. Next, different nanofillers and their interphases are modeled using MD simulations to determine the representative volume element (RVE) and the effective fiber sizes and mechanical properties. The thickness of the interphase for each nano filler type is determined from the radial distribution function (RDF) diagram in order to determine the effective fiber volume more realistically. Then, the general Halpin-Tsai model is modified by adding an interphase volume factor and is used to determine two-phase and hybrid nanocomposite mechanical properties using effective nano filler properties. In addition, a new numerical multiscale modeling technique was developed which uses the MD-determined effective filler properties along with finite element method (FEM) to determine nanocomposite mechanical properties. Nanocomposites reinforced with aligned and randomly oriented reinforcements are modeled. Good agreement is observed between the two multiscale modeling techniques for the two-phase nanocomposite mechanical properties. Finally, the effect of filler agglomeration on nanocomposite properties is investigated. The results indicate that agglomeration decreases elastic modulus of CNT/epoxy nanocomposite. However, agglomeration does not have a significant effect on elastic modulus of CNP/epoxy nanocomposite.
Optimization of a vacuum cleaner fan suction and shaft power using Kriging surrogate model and MIGA
Authors: Almasi Soheil , Ghorani Mohammad Mahdi , Haghighi Mohammad Hadi Sotoude , Mirghavami Seyed Mohammad , Riasi Alireza
Published: October 2021

Optimization of vacuum cleaner fan components is a low-cost and time-saving solution to satisfy the increasing requirement for compact energy-efficient cleaners. In this study, surrogate-based optimization technique is used and for the first time it is focused on maximization of Airwatt parameter, which describes the fan suction power, as an objective function (Case II). Besides, the shaft power is minimized (Case I) as another optimization target in order to reduce the power consumption of the vacuum cleaner. 11 geometrical variables of 3 fan components including impeller, diffuser and return channel are selected as the optimization design variables. 80 training points are distributed in the sample space using Advanced Latin Hypercube Sampling (ALHS) technique and the outputs of sample points are calculated by means of CFD simulations. Kriging and RSA surrogate models have been fitted to the outputs of the sample space. Through coupling of constructed Kriging models and Multi-Island Genetic Algorithm (MIGA), the optimal design for each of the optimization cases is presented and evaluated using numerical simulations. A 20.22% reduction in shaft power in Case I and an improvement of 27.73% in Airwatt in Case II have been achieved as the overall results of this study. Despite achieving goals in both optimization cases, a slight decrease in Airwatt in Case I (−6.20%) and a slight increase in shaft power in Case II (+4.82%) are observed relative to primary fan. Furthermore, the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) determines the importance level of design variables and their 2-way interactions on the objective functions. It was concluded that geometrical parameters related to all of the fan components must be considered simultaneously to conduct a comprehensive optimization. The reasons of enhancement in optimal cases compared with the reference design have been further investigated by analysis of the fan internal flow field. Post-processing of the CFD results demonstrates that the applied geometrical modifications cause a more uniform flow through the flow passages of the optimal fan components.
Team Belonging: Integrating Teamwork and Diversity Training Through Emotions
Authors: Davis Alicia S. , Kafka Adrienne M. , González-Morales M. Gloria , Feitosa Jennifer
Published: October 2021

With the worldwide focus shifting toward important questions of what diversity means to society, organizations are attempting to keep up with employees’ needs to feel recognized and belong. Given that traditionally team and diversity trainings are provided separately, with different theoretical backgrounds and goals, they are often misaligned and ineffective. We review 339 empirical articles depicting a team, diversity, or emotional management training to extract themes and determine which methods are most effective. Although research has demonstrated the importance of belonging for providing positive workplace outcomes, we found that the traditional design of these trainings and lack of emotional management prevent a balance between team and diversity goals, preventing belonging. We propose an integrative training with emotional management to help teams foster optimal belonging, where members can unite together through their differences. Accordingly, our themes inform this training model that can inspire future research into more effective training.