bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Adaptation to Adversity: A Latent Profile Analysis of Youth Engagement With Resilience-Enabling Cultural Resources and Mental Health Outcomes in a Stressed Canadian and South African Community
Authors: Theron Linda , Rothmann Sebastiaan , Höltge Jan , Ungar Michael
Published: March 2022

Using person-centered latent profile analyses, this article reports two distinct sub-groups—nominal versus robust cultural allegiance—that characterize how a sample of 14- to 24-year-olds from stressed environments in South Africa ( n = 576, nfemales = 314, nmales = 257) and Canada ( n =V481; nfemales = 270, nmales = 211) engage with four cultural resources (spirituality, religiosity, family tradition, and community tradition). It considers how nominal versus robust cultural allegiance is associated with youths’ self-reported symptoms of depression and conduct disorder, age-group, and gender. In doing so, the article addresses pre-existing resilience studies’ general inattention to patterns of differential adaptation in how specific groups of youth adjust to adversity, and the role of cultural resources in youth mental health. The results draw attention to the importance of understanding resilience in sociocultural context and urge mental health practitioners and other resilience champions to be circumspect in their work with at-risk youth about which cultural resources they leverage for which mental health outcomes.
Attachment and Social Support in Latinx Young Adults: Investigating the Moderating Role of familismo
Authors: Abate Anna , Bailey Cassandra , Venta Amanda
Published: March 2022

Social support is essential for maintaining physical and psychological health. Attachment security is important for seeking and using social support, and several studies provide evidence for attachment-based differences in perceptions of social support, with individuals with secure attachment describing greater social support. However, perceived social support may vary depending on culture and cultural values, and, thus, the link between attachment style and social support may be culturally moderated. Therefore, using a sample of 560 Latinx young adults, the current study examined whether the cultural value of familismo moderated the relation between attachment and social support. The results indicate that familismo moderated the relation such that the effect of attachment on social support appears to be larger among those with lower levels of familismo. Exploratory analyses revealed that this pattern also exists in a sample of non-Latinx young adults but only when examining paternal attachment. Further, exploratory analyses also uncovered relations between familismo and attachment with the mental health of Latinx young adults such that familismo moderated the relation between paternal attachment and depression. These findings highlight the role familismo and cultural values may play in the relation between attachment and social support or mental health outcomes.
Examining the Impact of Mental Health, Substance Use, and Co-Occurring Disorders on Juvenile Court Outcomes
Authors: Walker D’Andre , Infante Arynn A. , Knight Deja
Published: March 2022

Objectives: This study isolates the effects of mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders on three distinct dispositional outcomes: incarceration (i.e., jail/detention), non-incarcerative residential placement (i.e., treatment facility), and community sanctions (i.e., fines/restitution or probation). Methods: Using a sample of juvenile offenders from the Pathways to Desistance study (N = 617), a series of logistic regression models were estimated to test the joint and independent effects of mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders on the likelihood of detention versus non-incarcerative sanctions. A series of multinomial logistic regression models were estimated to assess whether these disorders increase the likelihood of out-of-home placement (i.e., non-incarcerative residential placement and incarceration) relative to community sanctions. Results: While having any disorder was associated with out-of-home placement, youth with substance use disorders had the greatest likelihood of receiving an out-of-home placement, including detention. Youth with co-occurring disorders were more likely to receive a non-incarcerative residential placement, whereas mental health disorders did not demonstrate a significant effect on adjudication. Conclusions: Youth with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders are treated differently in juvenile court. Using a composite disorder measure and/or not considering various sanction types could mask the effects of such disorders on court outcomes.
COVID-19 Vaccination in those with mental health difficulties: A guide to assist decision-making in England, Scotland, and Wales
Authors: Ross Callum , Brown Penelope , Brown Christian , Chopra Arun , Adshead Gwen , Tracy Derek , Towers Kevin , McKay Colin , Black Isra , Forsberg Lisa
Published: March 2022

There is currently no specific guidance addressing vaccine hesitancy in those with mental health difficulties in the United Kingdom. This is particularly problematic when one considers that individuals with serious mental illnesses are at greater risk of infection and have poorer health outcomes for a range of reasons. There are also many individual and system level barriers to vaccination in this group. When an affected adult lacks the capacity to make a decision for themselves, it often falls to healthcare professionals to make a decision on that person's behalf and in their best interests. This article explores this matter with regard to the law in practice in the English and Welsh, and Scottish, jurisdictions and consider this with relevance to the safest approach that doctors and other healthcare professionals should take in working with patients for whom mental disorder may impact on decision-making capacity. The article focuses on psychiatric inpatients, including those who are detained involuntarily, to consider whether, and in what circumstances, COVID-19 vaccination should be given to individuals who cannot or do not consent.
Structural Equation Model of Factors Related to Death Anxiety for Chinese Patients with Cancer
Authors: Yang Hong , Wang Zhanying , Yu Wenhua , Gu Youhui , Shao Jinxing , Zhang Yaru , Hou Xiaoting , Kang Dongqin , Lu Yuhan
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to develop a model that specifies the predictive effects of factors on death anxiety among Chinese patients with cancer using structural equation modeling. Using convenience sampling, data were collected from 353 cancer patients. Self-administered questionnaires included Social Support Rating Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Connor Davidson Resilience Scale, Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale, and socio-demographic factors. The results showed that social support, self-esteem, and resilience significantly impacted death anxiety. The final model fitted the data acceptably (χ2 = 37.319, df =31, p = 0.201). Social support mediated death anxiety through self-esteem and resilience. Resilience mediated the buffer effect of self-esteem on death anxiety as an intermediary factor. Findings suggest the need for further studies to explore effective interventions to provide social support and improve self-esteem and resilience among patients with cancer to alleviate death anxiety.
Is extrathoracic metastasis screening necessary for clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer?
Authors: Iijima Yoshihito , Ishikawa Masahito , Iwai Shun , Motono Nozomu , Yamagishi Shigeki , Koizumi Kiyoshi , Uramoto Hidetaka
Published: March 2022

Background:

Detecting distant metastases when staging lung cancer is critical to avoid unnecessary surgery and provide appropriate multidisciplinary treatment. However, it is controversial as to whether staging studies should be performed routinely for patients with early-stage lung cancer who have no evidence of distant metastasis. Thus, this study aimed to examine the need for extrathoracic metastasis screening in patients with clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer, understand the association between extrathoracic metastasis and other clinical features, and evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of imaging screening for preoperative extrathoracic metastasis in patients with early-stage lung cancer.

Methods:

From 2010 to 2019, 510 patients diagnosed with clinical T1N0 lung cancer, excluding contralateral lung metastases, pleural dissemination, malignant pleural effusion, and malignant pericardial effusion, were treated for primary lung cancer. Patients were divided into two groups, and their clinicopathological characteristics were investigated.

Results:

Five patients (1.0%) had extrathoracic metastases. The histological types were adenocarcinoma in three of the cases, and squamous cell carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in the other two cases. The T factor was T1b in one case and T1c in four cases. Four patients had solid tumors and one had a solid predominant tumor with an average tumor diameter of 23.0 ± 2.9 mm. The size of solid tumors with extrathoracic metastases was larger than their counterparts.

Conclusion:

When evaluating stage IA non-small cell lung cancer with a solid component diameter < 22 mm, or clinical T1mi-1bN0 in computed tomography evaluation, screening for preoperative extrathoracic metastasis may be omitted.
Application of chitosan in the form of textile: production and sourcing
Authors: Luo Xue , Yao Mei Yu , Li Li
Published: March 2022

Chitosan material has multiple functions that attract attention from the textile industry, while textile structures make the biocompatible, osteo-conductive and resorbable material promising in a wide range of applications. When the material becomes fibers, the resulting length, strength, fineness and softness would grant the material functions such as structure capacity and a layering system. However, the expected win-win situation is not seen in reality. Special properties of the chitosan material may burden its way of application. In addition, market recognition of chitosan, differences between chitosan, chitin and seaweed fibers, differences in antibacterial post-treatment, testing standards of chitosan, antimicrobial and antibacterial treatment in downstream production and fuzzy concepts of users are also concerns and challenges related to chitosan. Gaps and misunderstandings between the supplier, manufacturer, consumer and researchers are clarified. Testing standards are compared by their purpose, mechanism and scope, while in this article, more attention is given to the application side. Existing forms of semi or final textile chitosan products, fabrication process and evaluation methods are reviewed and discussed for their feasibility towards application. In the end, a product development process flow is given marking concerns in each step of production to guide production and sourcing.
Association Among Work Characteristics, Role Transition, and Job Burnout in Nurse Practitioners in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yi Ju , Lin Kuan Pin
Published: March 2022

Workplace burnout is common among nurse practitioners (NPs) and often occurs during role transition from a registered nurse to an NP. This study aimed to explore the predictors of job burnout in nurse practitioners (NPs). A quantitative cross-sectional design was conducted on 361 convenience sample of NPs from four hospitals in central Taiwan. Data on the demographic and working characteristics (hospital grade, years of experience as an RN and NP, practice setting, working shifts, working hours, average number of patients take care, salary, and performance bonus), Chinese version of the Nurse Practitioner Role Transition Scale, and Occupational Burnout Inventory were used. The enrolled NPs showed medium-level role transition scores (mean = 65.73, SD = 9.59), and the prevalence of personal burnout, client-related burnout, and over-commitment was 51.2%, 19.4%, and 49.9%, respectively. Role transition, hospital grade, practice setting, working hours, and number of patients take care were significant predictors of personal burnout, client-related burnout, and over-commitment after adjusting for cofounding variables, possibly explaining 52.8%, 42.1%, and 36.3% of variance, respectively. Hospital administrators should provide necessary assistance to help NPs transition to new role and ensure a positive work environment and reasonable workload so as to prevent the impact of job burnout on NPs.
Study on the coupling migration law of airflow-respiratory dust of an 8-m high fully-mechanized mining face
Authors: Chen Fang , Mo Jinming , Ma Wei
Published: March 2022

8-m super-high fully mechanized mining face has been successfully applied in China, which has brought many difficulties to dust control. The main reason is that the mining height increases and the dust distribution and evolution law are quite different. Targeting the 12,513 fully-mechanized mining face in Bulianta Coal Mine of China in this paper. The spatial evolution of airflow-respiratory dust of an 8-m high fully-mechanized mining face is analyzed using numerical simulation and underground measurement methods. The results reveal that the numerical and measured results are consistent. At the working range from 15 m in front of the shearer to 30 m behind it, the wind speed increases with an average rise of 70% on the coal cutting side. The airflow diffusion at the working face is primarily longitudinal and partly transverse. Along the airflow direction, the respiratory dust concentration in the pedestrian space first increases and decreases, followed by a marginal increase and gradual decrease，and the dust concentration increased with the increase of height, the migration distance of dust particles was directly proportional to time, and the smaller dust particles were prone to transverse diffusion. In the range of 20–30 m from the downwind side of the shearer, the transverse diffusion of coal cutting dust and the dust produced by support coal falling show conversion, leading to the increase of dust concentration. Under the same dust production intensity, compared with ordinary mining height, with the increase of mining height, the influence range of dust diffusion is wider, the floating duration is longer, and the space dust concentration will be reduced, and the support coal falling dust is the main dust pollution source in pedestrian space. The results reveal that the numerical and measured results are consistent, and obtained the relationship of spatial evolutions of respiratory dust
Death doulas as supportive companions in end-of-life care: A scoping review
Authors: Yoong Si Qi , Goh Hongli Sam , Zhang Hui
Published: March 2022

Background:

Death doulas have gained greater attention recently by offering psychosocial, spiritual and other non-clinical support for patients with time-limiting diseases, including their families, with the potential to complement existing end-of-life care services. However, their roles, scope of practice and care impact remain poorly understood.

Aim:

To describe existing knowledge on death doulas regarding their roles, care impact, training and regulation.

Design:

This scoping review utilised Levac et al.’s framework and textual narrative synthesis to summarise the findings.

Data sources:

PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles from inception to 20 May 2021. Empirical studies, narrative reports, unpublished theses and studies in English were included.

Results:

Thirteen articles were included. Death doulas take on diverse roles in end-of-life care. Their roles include providing psychosocial, spiritual, practical support, companionship and resource navigation. The positive impacts of engaging a death doula include continuous presence, holistic service and flexible payment regime. The negative aspects include role inconsistencies and confusion among healthcare professionals and the public.

Conclusions:

Death doulas can augment existing end-of-life care services by providing holistic and personalised care services at home or hospital settings. Their roles are still evolving and remain mostly unregulated, with little evidence about their impact. There is a need for more rigorous studies to explore healthcare professionals’ views about this role and examine the clinical outcomes among dying persons and their families.
Trapped in a double cage: How patients’ partners experience the diagnosis of advanced cancer in times of the COVID-19 pandemic: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Opsomer Sophie , Joossens Sofie , De Lepeleire Jan , Pype Peter , Lauwerier Emelien
Published: March 2022

Background:

When confronting a partner’s diagnosis of advanced cancer, family caregivers are often protected against severe psychological illness by their mental resilience. However, the current COVID-19 pandemic endangers this resilience through the daily threat of contagion exposure, viral transmission, isolation, and fear of death.

Aim:

To examine the experiences of partners caring for a person with advanced cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Setting:

Twelve partners (all under the age of 65) of persons newly diagnosed with advanced cancer immediately before or during the pandemic were interviewed. An interpretative phenomenological approach was used in analyzing the data.

Findings:

Partners experience the COVID-19 pandemic as “living in a double cage.” Due to pandemic mandates and restrictions, the pace of their lives slows. However, COVID-19 does not slow the progression of the cancer, nor does it allow for an escape from the cancer. The pandemic has a significant impact on several elements of resilience. Nevertheless, the participants succeed in adapting and coping in a balanced and creative way despite the new challenges imposed by the pandemic.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 pandemic challenges one’s resilience, a process that, under normal circumstances, may evolve while caring for a partner diagnosed with advanced cancer. Although most partners seem to cope adaptively with both advanced cancer and COVID-19, healthcare professionals should be aware of the risk of exhaustion. Furthermore, it can be presupposed that threatened, contextual factors that may support resilience should be preserved to increase the chances for a resilient outcome.
Effects of Conceptual Titles on the Aesthetic Appreciation of Artistic Photographs
Authors: Durán-Barraza Gabriela , Ghadiyaram Deepti , Peterson Mary A.
Published: March 2022

Conceptual information is central to the field of artistic photography. Nonetheless, there are very few studies on the matter. Therefore, we investigated whether artist's conceptual titles affected viewers’ interest in artistic photographs. Experiment 1 showed that adding artist's conceptual titles increased both the rated liking of and interest in the photographs, whereas adding a descriptive title had no effect. For Experiment 2 participants judged the pairing of photographs with artist-generated conceptual titles as more appropriate than plausible or random pairings, supporting the view that artist's conceptual titles are an essential part of the artwork. In Experiment 3, interest was assessed by asking participants to place adjustable-size frames anywhere on the photographs. Participants selected more interest areas on photographs accompanied by conceptual titles than on those unaccompanied by titles. These findings support the hypothesis that conceptual information provided by the artist's titles increases interest and liking in photographs.
Cytokine Adsorption in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients, a Case-Control Study
Authors: Abdullayev Ruslan , Gul Fethi , Bilgili Beliz , Seven Seda , Cinel Ismail
Published: March 2022

Aim: New coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become an international emergency. As many of the intensive care unit (ICU) patients with the disease also present multiple organ failure, blood purification techniques might be a good choice in their treatment. In this study we aimed to investigate the role of cytokine removal in COVID-19 patients managed in ICUs. Methods: For this case-control study we have investigated the role of the cytokine removal by means of two resin membranes (HA330 and Mediasorb) in COVID-19 patients managed in ICUs. Particularly, we investigated the overtime variation in clinical severity scores, laboratory variables, and effects on hospital and ICU stay and mortality. Results: Seventy-two patients have been evaluated, of which half constituted Cytokine Filtration (CF) Group, and other half the Case-Control (CC) Group. Mortality was 55.6% and 50% in CF and CC groups, respectively. In the CF Group, there was decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen levels measured at the end of cytokine adsorption; lymphocyte count and ratio were increased, whereas neutrophile ratio was decreased. There were no differences between the groups regarding other laboratory variables, SOFA scores and vasopressor uses. Conclusions: We have demonstrated decrease in CRP, fibrinogen and increase in lymphocyte count in the patients having cytokine adsorption, but there was no clinical reflection of these benefits, and no decrease in mortality as well. Even though there is physio-pathologic rationale to use cytokine adsorption techniques for immunomodulation in critically ill COVID-19 patients, it is early to make strong suggestions about their benefits.
In vivo and in vitro performances of chitosan-coated Mg–Zn–Zr–Gd–Ca alloys as bone biodegradable materials in rat models
Authors: Zheng Qiuxia , Wang Zhanhui , Sun Zongbin , Wen Jiuba , Duan Tinghe , Zhang Bingbing
Published: March 2022

Mg alloys have attracted significant attention as promising biomedical materials, specifically as fixation materials for promoting fracture healing. However, their unsatisfactory corrosion resistances hinder further clinical applications and thus require attention. This study aims to determine the performance of novel chitosan-coated Mg–1Zn–0.3Zr–2Gd–1Ca alloy and its ability to promote the healing of osteoporotic fractures. Moreover, its corrosion resistance and biocompatibility were assessed. Performance degradations of the samples were measured via electrochemical tests, weight loss test and morphological analysis, and the uncoated and chitosan-coated fixations were compared based on their effects on biocompatibility via the cytotoxicity test, X-rays, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. The effect of bone growth and healing was investigated via immunohistochemical test. Results of the electrochemical tests indicated that compared with the bare body, chitosan-coated Mg–Zn–Ca–Zr–Gd alloys improved by one order of magnitude. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and weight loss test demonstrated that the corrosion resistance of the chitosan-coated Mg alloy is better than that of the uncoated alloy. In addition, cytotoxicity analysis indicated that the viability and morphology of the chitosan-coated alloy groups were superior to the uncoated groups in vitro. During in vivo analysis, chitosan-coated and uncoated Mg–1Zn–0.3Zr–2Gd–1Ca alloys were implanted into ovariectomized SD female rats with osteoporotic fractures for 1, 2, and 3 weeks. No displacement and shedding were observed through X-rays, and pathological analyses proved that the material was not harmful for liver and kidney tissues. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the chitosan-coated Mg–Zn–Ca–Zr–Gd alloy material contributed to the healing of osteoporotic fractures in the SD rat models. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the chitosan-coated Mg–Zn–Ca–Zr–Gd alloys have improved corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Moreover, the alloy was found to accelerate the healing of osteoporotic fractures in SD rat models. Therefore, it has significant potential as a fixation material for osteoporotic fractures.
A Comparison of Ultrasound Imaging Texture Analyses During the Early Postpartum With the Mode of Delivery
Authors: Lee Hyun Kyoung , Joo Eunwook , Kim Seongbeen , Cho Iseop , Lee Kyong-No , Kim Hyeon Ji , Kim Bohyoung , Park Jee Yoon
Published: March 2022

Background:

Breastfeeding is beneficial to infants. However, cesarean section is reported to be a risk factor for unsuccessful breastfeeding.

Research Aims:

(1) To extract discriminating data from texture analysis of breast ultrasound images in the immediate postpartum period; and (2) to compare the analysis results according to delivery mode.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, prospective non-experimental design with a questionnaire and observational components was used. Participants ( N = 30) were women who delivered neonates at a center from September 2020 to December 2020. The participants underwent ultrasound examination of bilateral breasts 7–14 days after delivery. Ultrasound images were collected for texture analysis. A questionnaire about breastfeeding patterns was given to the participants on the day of the ultrasound examination.

Results:

No significant differences were found in texture analysis between the breasts of participants who had undergone Cesarean section and vaginal deliveries. The mean volume of total human milk produced in 1 day was significantly greater in the vaginal delivery group than in the cesarean section group ( M = 350.87 ml, SD = 183.83 vs. M = 186.20 ml, SD = 184.02; p = .017). The pain score due to breast engorgement measured subjectively by participants was significantly lower in the vaginal delivery group than in the cesarean section group ( M = 2.8, SD = 0.86 vs. M = 3.4, SD = 0.63; p = .047).

Conclusion:

Texture analysis of breast ultrasound images did not demonstrate difference between the cesarean section and vaginal delivery groups in the immediate postpartum period; nevertheless, cesarean section was independently associated with less successful breastfeeding.
Crisis leadership: Leading schools in a global pandemic
Authors: Schechter Chen , Da’as Rima’a , Qadach Mowafaq
Published: March 2022

The global Covid-19 outbreak has disrupted schooling worldwide. Remote and limited face-to-face school management during the pandemic brought to bear the numerous challenges facing schools and principals throughout the crisis, which, in turn, gave rise to changes in their leadership practices and roles. The professional literature needs conceptual and empirical frameworks concerning the challenges facing principals, their role perceptions, and their behaviors when coping with a health crisis such as the coronavirus pandemic. This paper draws on extant literature about school leadership during diverse crisis situations to advise principals facing the current pandemic. Eight guidelines for pandemic leadership are discussed, as well as practical and research implications.
Area-based approaches and urban recovery in the Pacific: lessons from Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
Authors: Keen Meg , Sanderson David , Osborne Kira , Deo Roshika , Faith Janet , Ride Anouk
Published: March 2022

Flooding events are set to worsen in rapidly urbanising Pacific Islands.(1) Most Pacific Island cities and towns are in low-lying areas vulnerable to more severe tropical cyclones and rising sea levels. Approaches to disaster response and recovery need to improve. This article uses four principles drawn from area-based approaches (ABAs) – people-centred responses, adaptive processes, multi-sector collaboration and reflective practice – to review urban disaster recovery efforts in Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Information was gathered through key informant interviews and a literature review. The research found positive examples of collaboration, locally tailored social protection mechanisms and community leadership. It also found challenges, including bypassed community structures and traditional adaptation techniques, duplication of efforts and weak coordination. The article concludes with a call to localise ABA approaches further, to strengthen people-centred disaster recovery and locally owned resilience.
Investigating different types of fluids in pulsating heat pipes for improving heat transfer in an air-cooled heat exchanger
Authors: Alizadeh Araz , Movahedi Parsa , Mirzahosseini Seyyedalireza , Ekhtiari Solmaz
Published: March 2022

Air-cooled heat exchangers are utilized in various industries to cool process fluids. To have a better heat transfer, fins are used in the structure of exchangers. In this study, a set of experiments were performed to investigate the improvement in the amount of heat transfer in an air-cooled heat exchanger. For this purpose, a real case study was conducted on air-coolers in a natural gas compressor station; afterward, the finned tubes were replaced by pulsating heat pipes (PHPs), and a different type of fluid was applied to the pulsating heat pipes. The laboratory system was set up to measure the overall heat transfer coefficient under two conditions involving either finned tubes or a PHP with R134, R22, and filled acetone fluids. Finally, the results were verified by the theory method. The results showed that all the three fluid agents (R134, R22, and Acetone) with natural convection of 9.94 m/s, an inlet fluid velocity of 5.54 m/s, and an average feed velocity were able to enhance the heat transfer coefficient by 10, 13, and 11%, respectively. In addition, compared with finned tubes, R134, R22, and Acetone improved the natural convection heat transfer coefficient by 22.2, 18.6, and 21.7%, respectively.
Modeling the degradation of polyamide-12 by biocompatible fuels using artificial neural networks
Authors: Yazdani Hamid , Samiei Saeid , Nasab Hossein Akbari , Afshar Delaram , Mousavi Nayereh Sadat
Published: March 2022

In the first stage of this work, the degradation temperature of polyamide-12 was investigated using biocompatible fuels as a reference with different temperatures by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) test. Those fuels were containing 20% and 85% ethanol as well as ethanol-free. In the second stage, the multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network and radial basis function neural network (RBF) were designed to predict the degradation temperature of polyamide-12. Fuel temperature, ethanol percentage, and the time of placing samples in the fuel were selected as input and polymer degradation temperature was defined as network output. The results obtained from the modeling were compared with the results obtained from the test TGA. The results obtained from neural networks MLP and RBF showed slight differences with the experimental results that can be used as an efficient and low-cost tool to predict the degradation temperature of polymers.
The Navy and Newport News: A Case Study of a Monopoly-Monopsony Duet
Authors: Ress David
Published: March 2022

The U.S. Navy and Newport News Shipbuilding have between them created an unusual – probably unique – monopoly-monopsony duet, in this case for construction and refueling of nuclear aircraft carriers. Monopoly-monopsony dynamics captured a modest amount of theoretical attention, beginning with Francis Y. Edgeworth in the late 19th century. These analyses generally agreed such markets required a kind of collaboration between buyer and seller unlike the usual dynamic of competitive or monopoly-multiple customer markets. This conclusion is tested and confirmed through a story of the history of the formation of the Navy-Newport News monopoly-monopsony duet.
Grasim and Aditya Birla Nuvo Amalgamation
Authors: Mohanty Pitabas , Mishra Supriti
Published: March 2022

Aditya Birla Group (ABG) announced the merger of Grasim Industries Limited (Grasim) and Aditya Birla Nuvo (ABN), two diversified conglomerates of the business group, in August 2016. ABG also announced the demerger of Aditya Birla Financial Services (ABFS), a 100% subsidiary of ABN, after the merger between Grasim and ABN. First, the stock market did not like the merger as it found it too complicated and the stock prices of both the companies fell drastically during intra-day trade. Holding companies trade at a discount to their net assets values in India and the stock market did not like two holding companies of ABG to merge with each other. Second, some analysts also argued that the merger enriched the shareholders of Grasim at the cost of ABN. The management of ABG was, however, convinced of the merits of the merger. It argued that the surplus cash of Grasim could be used to fund the growth opportunities in ABFS. It also argued that the value unlocking would happen after the demerger of ABFS. The case allows the students to analyse a complicated merger proposal. It also allows to measure the possible synergies from the merger and advise the shareholders on the right course of action.
Globalization Versus Slowbalization: A Perspective on the Indian Economy
Authors: Gupta Shikha , Kumar Nand
Published: March 2022

The crisis and ensuing recession have led the global leaders to focus inwards. While the trend had taken off with countries having to face rising inequality and a focus towards self-development, there is little evidence besides newspaper articles to support this hypothesis from the Indian perspective. The results, using dynamic hierarchical factor model analysis, over a subset of 21 economies which account for 66% of India’s trade, reveal that India’s globalization has been withering away over time. Using time-varying parameter regression estimation on the domestic and factors loading, it is observed that the portion of growth explained by domestic factors is increasing over time and that of foreign factors is degrading. The study provides evidence of slowbalization in Indian economy. As the government looks forward to an era of self-reliance and Make in India, the results hold significance for the future growth trajectory of the Indian economy.
Explaining the Invisibility of Asbestos-Related Diseases in the Taiwan Workers’ Compensation System
Authors: Cheng Yawen , Huang Yi-Ling , Lee Lukas Jyuhn-Hsiarn
Published: March 2022

Occupational asbestos exposure was prevalent in Taiwan, but asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) have rarely been recognized. We conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews with 16 patients with ARDs. All of them had worked in industries known for high asbestos exposure. However, only three patients had filed workers’ compensation (WC) claims, and of them, only two patients were approved. Reasons for the low compensation rate of ARDs could be divided into institutional barriers related to the flaws of the WC system and non-institutional barriers related to the knowledge status, causal interpretation, and social situations of individual workers. The Labor Occupational Accident Insurance and Protection Act passed in April 2021 has responded to the under-compensation of occupational diseases. However, the new act's effects toward improving the recognition of ARDs remain questionable. Our findings indicated that additional efforts are needed to remove non-institutional barriers hindering workers’ ability to ensure their compensation rights.
The Impact of the European Green Deal on EU Environmental Policy
Authors: Paleari Susanna
Published: March 2022

The European Green Deal is the cornerstone of a comprehensive strategic package (European Green Deal Strategic Framework, EGDSF) which aims at transforming the EU into a climate-neutral and competitive economy by 2050. The present paper analyses the EGDSF policy design and investigates how it will affect EU environmental policy. It highlights that environmental policy areas are not characterized by the same level of ambition and are not equally equipped in terms of legislative initiatives (setting regulatory and economic instruments) to deliver on that ambition. When considering both these aspects, the policy areas of climate and energy (including GHG emissions from transport) emerge as the driving force of the EGDSF. Instead, in the biodiversity policy area, there is an evident mismatch between environmental objectives and legislative initiatives, which, in the long term, could jeopardize the achievement of all the key EGD goals, given their indivisibility.
Bereavement in the Aftermath of Suicide, Overdose, and Sudden-Natural Death: Evaluating a New Measure of Needs
Authors: Bottomley Jamison S. , Smigelsky Melissa A.
Published: March 2022

Bereavement has been associated with a number of adverse outcomes, including mortality, particularly among those who experience the sudden loss of a close other. With rising rates of sudden death in the United States, fueled by an alarming increase in fatal overdose deaths, identifying bereavement-related needs among the sudden-death bereaved is essential. The present study investigated the factor structure, internal reliability, and validity of the Sudden Bereavement Needs Inventory (SBNI) in a sample of sudden loss survivors (i.e., fatal overdose, suicide, and sudden-natural loss; N = 403). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a six-factor structure, with items reflecting pragmatic, informational, spiritual, relational, meaning, and emotional needs. SBNI factors showed adequate internal consistency, with significant associations between SBNI scores, loss characteristics, and mental health outcomes (e.g., prolonged grief symptoms, meaning-making, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms, and anxiety), supporting the scale’s validity and highlighting the potential applicability of the instrument in both research and clinical contexts. Future research should examine test–retest reliability of the SBNI, particularly through the lens of understanding whether and how bereavement needs change over time.
Assessment of Risk Factors for Drug Resistance of Dual Anti Platelet Therapy After PCI
Authors: Zhang Lijie , Lv Ying , Dong Jianyu , Wang Nana , Zhan Zhan , Zhao Yuan , Jiang Shanshan
Published: March 2022

Since aspirin and clopidogrel are the widely and conventionally used drugs to treat acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), it is important to explore potential risk factors of their resistance. The platelet aggregation rate with arachidonic acid (AA, PAg-AA%) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP, PAg-ADP%) of 219 PCI patients were measured after standard treatment for 24 h. The disease history and laboratory data (before PCI) were obtained. We found 101 (46.12%) patients to be aspirin-resistant, and PAg-ADP% was the most prominent risk factor of aspirin resistance. Clopidogrel resistance was present in 157 of 219 patients. Patients in the clopidogrel-resistant group carried more CYP2C19*3 or *2, which was associated with higher clopidogrel resistance in this group (69.11%, 47/68) than in the control group (64.29%, 36/56). Platelet count (109/L) and hemoglobin (g/L) were the prominent risk factors of clopidogrel resistance. Among the 219 patients, 98 showed dual antiplatelet drug resistance, for which platelet count (109/L) and monocyte count (g/L) were the risk factors. Aspirin resistance was found to usually accompany clopidogrel resistance.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Gun Violence Across Census Tracts in NYC
Authors: Kim Dae-Young
Published: March 2022

This study explores the impact of COVID-19 on gun violence in NYC and its interactive effects with neighborhood factors at the census tract level. Random effects negative binomial models are used to analyze monthly data from January 2017 to March 2021. There was a significant increase in gun violence during the pandemic. In addition, poverty, economic inequality, African Americans, Hispanics, residential mobility, and total population were significantly associated with increases in gun violence. However, there were no significant interaction effects between the pandemic and neighborhood characteristics. This study concludes with a discussion of study limitations and implications.
Health Literacy, Numeracy, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Accordance Among Hypertensive Adults
Authors: Lou Sophia P. , Han Dingfen , Kuczmarski Marie F. , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B. , Crews Deidra C.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Health literacy (HL) and health numeracy (HN), the ability to interpret and act on quantitative health information, are important for hypertension self-management such as limiting sodium intake. We examined associations of HL, HN, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet accordance.

Participants:

Among 1,073 hypertensive adults enrolled in a Baltimore, Maryland–based cohort study, we performed a cross-sectional analysis. Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) measured HL and Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) numeracy score measured HN.

Method:

DASH accordance was based on nine key nutrients. Linear regression models estimated associations of HL and HN with DASH total and sodium score, inclusive of dietary supplement data.

Results:

In our sample, 39% of participants were male, 66% were Black, 40.2% lived in poverty, and 29.5% reported food insecurity. Fully, 32.5% had limited HL and 14.5% had limited HN. Mean DASH score overall was 2 (range = 0–7.5); only 6.9% were DASH accordant (score ≥4.5). In age and sex adjusted models, higher REALM was associated with a higher DASH score in the overall sample; the relationship of HN with DASH was statistically significant among White but not Black participants. Educational attainment appeared to explain both findings. There were no significant associations between HL or HN and DASH sodium scores.

Conclusion:

Differences in educational attainment explained the relation of higher HL and greater accordance to the DASH diet in a population of hypertensive adults. Understanding these factors is vital to reducing disparities in hypertension and its sequelae.
Success of iOCT in surgical management of ERM peeling
Authors: Lorusso Massimo , Micelli Ferrari Luisa , Gisotti Eleni Nikolopoulou , Zito Roberta , Bordinone Marco Antonio , Anna Ferretta , Micelli Ferrari Tommaso
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Epiretinal membranes (ERM) are a disorder leading to progressive vision loss and metamorphopsia. The ERM is treated through a pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) with membrane peeling. The aim of this study was to define the success of intraoperative optical coherence tomography ( iOCT) in ERM surgery to standard surgical visualization techniques and enhance our current approach to clinical practice.

Methods

This study included 56 eyes of 54 patients who underwent surgical intervention for management of idiopathic ERM. Patients were recruited between February 2018 and March 2020 at “Francesco Miulli” Hospital ophthalmology department in Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy.

Results

in 28 eyes, ERM peeling was performed without staining and without iOCT; 25% of these eyes peeling ERM (n   =   7) was performed easily, while 75% of eyes peeling ERM (n   =   21) was not possible without staining and was necessary staining with Brillant Blu G. In 28 eyes ERM peeling were performed with iOCT; in 92.5% of these eyes (n   =   26) ERM peeling was easily done without staining, while in 7.5% of this group of eyes (n   =   2) ERM peeling was not possible without staining.

Conclusions

Our study shows how iOCT has successfully assisted the surgeon to complete peeling in most of the cases treated without the use of a chromovitrectomy dye; in flat ERM was more difficult and iOCT failed to visualize the inner limiting membrane (ILM).
Endophthalmitis secondary to donor to host infection in posterior lamellar keratoplasties: A systematic review
Authors: Maticorena-Quevedo Jesus , Anduaga-Beramendi Alexander , Beas Renato , Canahuire-Cairo José , Berrospi Rubén D , Tello Alejandro
Published: March 2022

Donor to host transmission of infectious agents is a well-recognized entity, more commonly related to Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK) than to Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK), that involves complications ranging from interface keratitis to endophthalmitis. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify the published articles until December 2020 reporting cases of endophthalmitis secondary to corneal graft contamination in posterior lamellar keratoplasties (DSAEK and DMEK) along with donor characteristics, microbiological profile, treatment and outcomes. Each identified article was assessed to meet donor to host infection criteria, defined as a post-procedural infection in which the same microbiological agent was identified in both the donor corneoscleral rim or preservation medium and receptor ocular tissue. From 23 research articles, eight reports of endophthalmitis in nine patients following DSAEK or DMEK secondary to donor to host infection fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The majority were male and the median age was 72.0 (45.0–81.0) years old. Indications of surgery were primarily pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and Fuchs dystrophy. A fungal pathogen was identified in eight of nine patients. All the cases underwent surgical management with lenticule removal or endothelial plaque aspiration. The final corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in all cases was 20/200 or better. Endophthalmitis after an EK procedure is a rare complication whose outcome depends on the aggressive and precocious treatment. Identification of early signs of interface keratitis and lenticule removal seems mandatory in patients undergoing DSAEK or DMEK to prevent further involvement of the globe.
Correlation between global prevalence of vision impairment and depressive disorders
Authors: Abdolalizadeh Parya , Ghasemi Falavarjani Khalil
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To assess the correlation of the worldwide prevalence of visual impairment and depressive disorders.

Methods

This is an ecologic study on Global Burden of Disease 2019 data. Global and national prevalence numbers and rates of vision impairment (VI) and depressive disorders were obtained from database. The human development index (HDI) and socio-demographic index (SDI) were derived from international open databases. Main outcome measures were the correlation of the VI and depressive disorders in total and different age, sex, and socioeconomic subgroups.

Results

In 2019, the worldwide prevalence of total VI and total depressive disorders were 9.6% (95% Uncertainty Interval (UI): 8.0–11.3) and 3.8% (95% UI: 3.4-4.2), respectively. The prevalence rates of total VI (r = 0.38, P < 0.001) as well as cataract (r = 0.43, P < 0.001), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (r = 0.32, P < 0.001), refractive disorders (r = 0.19, P < 0.001) and near vision loss (r = 0.33, P < 0.001) correlated, positively, with dysthymia. In addition, the prevalence rates of glaucoma (r for total depressive disorders = 0.37, P < 0.001 and r for major depressive disorders (MDD) = 0.38, P < 0.001) and AMD (r for total depressive disorders = 0.37, P < 0.001 and r for MDD = 0.28, P < 0.001) had a positive correlation with MDD and total depressive disorders. The correlations remained significant in sociodemographic subgroups.

Conclusion

There was a significant correlation between national prevalence rates of VI and ocular disabilities with depressive disorders, worldwide.