bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Tinnitus Handicap and Depression and Anxiety Scores
Authors: Molnár András , Mavrogeni Panayiota , Tamás László , Maihoub Stefani
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to analyse the correlation between depression, anxiety, and tinnitus handicap in patients with primary tinnitus.

Methods

A total of 102 patients (41 men, 61 women; mean age ± SD: 56.8 ± 11.6 years) were examined. They completed the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Symptom-Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Correlations were analysed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s tests. Logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

The demographic data suggested a slight female predominance. The THI questionnaires indicated a worsening handicap in 73.5% of the patients, of which the ‘mild’ category was the most frequent, followed by severe handicaps. According to BDI, 69.6% of individuals fell in the normal category, with mild cases being the most frequent. Of the two psychiatric symptoms, depression (BDI) and tinnitus were strongly correlated (rho= 0.579, P < .0001*). The correlation was also significant according to the SCL-90-R depression questions (rho= 0.523, P < .0001*). Upon comparing the depressive scores and the THI subscores (i.e., functional, emotional, and catastrophic), each showed a significant correlation, with the strongest correlation with functional and emotional scores. The correlation with anxiety was slightly weaker (rho= 0.480, P < .0001*) but also significant. According to the Kaplan–Meier curves and logistic regression, the appearance of depressive symptoms did not significantly influence the appearance of a worsening handicap [ P = .428; OR: 1.124 (95% CI: 0.842–1.501)]. However, a worsening handicap significantly influenced the appearance of depressive symptoms [ P < .0001*; OR: 1.35 (95% CI: 1.34–4.86)], indicating that tinnitus has a more expressed effect on the appearance of depressive symptoms than reversed.

Conclusions

The correlation between tinnitus handicap and psychiatric comorbidities indicates the importance of psychological factors in tinnitus management. Tinnitus handicap has a more profound effect on depression scores. To avoid the occurrence of comorbidities, tinnitus handicaps must be reduced.
Pursuing a target with one's eyes helps judge its velocity
Authors: de la Malla Cristina , Smeets Jeroen B. J. , Brenner Eli
Published: November 2022

When intercepting moving targets, people perform slightly better if they follow their natural tendency to pursue the target with their eyes. Is this because the velocity is judged more precisely when pursuing the target? To find out, we compared how well people could determine which of two sequentially presented moving bars was moving faster. There was always also a static bar on the screen. People judged the moving bar's velocity about 10% more precisely when pursuing it than when fixating the static bar.
Quest for Regional Hegemony: The Politics of Ontological Insecurity in the Saudi–Iran Rivalry
Authors: Adısönmez Umut Can , Onursal Recep , Öztığ Laçin İdil
Published: November 2022

The rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia has been unfolding over a long period, influencing the politics and conflicts in the Middle East. The dynamics, content, and form of the rivalry have changed dramatically following the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Sectarianism is frequently seen as the constitutive element of the conflict between the two countries. This paper brings a new light into the literature on the nature of the evolving Saudi–Iran rivalry. Specifically, it explains Saudi Arabia’s ideational balancing and threat perception against Iran by highlighting the ontological security narratives under which the Saudi–Iran rivalry evolves. In doing so, it draws on the fatwas (i.e., religious opinions), issued by Saudi scholars, as an empirical object of investigation, and explores how they constitute and reconstitute Saudi Arabia’s ontological security narratives. In this way, this work critically explains the ontological security regime in Saudi Arabia and the nature of the political struggle and antagonism between the two countries.
PM2.5 activated NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β release in MH-S cells by facilitating autophagy via activating Wnt5a
Authors: Yuan Guanli , Liu Yinfeng , Wang Zheng , Wang Xiaotong , Han Zhuoxiao , Yan Xixin , Meng Aihong
Published: November 2022

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)-induced pulmonary inflammation is an important issue worldwide. NLRP3 inflammasome activation has been found to be involved in pulmonary inflammation development. However, whether PM2.5 induces pulmonary inflammation by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome has not yet been fully elucidated. This study researched whether PM2.5 induces the NLRP3 inflammasomes activation to trigger pulmonary inflammation.

Mice and MH-S cells were exposed to PM2.5, BOX5, and Rapamycin. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed on the lung tissues of mice. M1 macrophage marker CD80 expression in the lung tissues of mice and LC3B expression in MH-S cells was detected by immunofluorescence. IL-1β level in the lavage fluid and MH-S cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein expression was detected by Western blot. Autophagy assay in MH-S cells was performed by LC3B-GFP punctae experiment.PM2.5 exposure induced the lung injury of mice and increased NLRP3, P62, Wnt5a, LC3BII/I, and CD80 expression and IL-1β release in the lung tissues. PM2.5 treatment increased NLRP3, pro-caspase-1, cleaved caspase-1, Pro-IL-1β, Pro-IL-18, P62, LC3BII/I, and Wnt5a expression, IL-1β release, and LC3B-GFP punctae in MH-S cells. However, BOX5 treatment counteracted this effect of PM2.5 on lung tissues of mice and MH-S cells. Rapamycin reversed the effect of BOX5 on PM2.5-induced lung tissues of mice and MH-S cells.PM2.5 activated the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β release in MH-S cells by facilitating the autophagy via activating Wnt5a. The findings of this study provided a new clue for the treatment of pulmonary inflammation caused by PM2.5.
Childhood Socioeconomic Position, Adulthood Employment Trajectories, and Later Life Functional Limitations in Chile
Authors: Cabib Ignacio , Valencia Rocío , Olea-Durán Bastián
Published: November 2022

Relying on a life course perspective, we explored the association between childhood socioeconomic position (SEP), adulthood employment trajectories, and their interactions, with different domains of functional limitations among older people in Chile. We used data from a face-to-face, comprehensive and representative life history survey of older people ( N = 802), and weighted bivariate, multivariate, and longitudinal quantitative methods. As a way to address potential problems of reverse causality, we adjust multivariate analyses by lifetime health indicators. Our results show that low childhood SEP and non-standard adulthood employment trajectories characterized by part-time work negatively affect later life functional limitations. The increased risk among people with low childhood SEP is higher if they follow a “part-time employment trajectory” in adulthood. In the conclusion, we emphasize that analyzing life course determinants of functional limitations serves to inform and help design strategies to reduce dependency in later life and promote healthy aging.
Persistent Seroma After Abdominoplasty in a Massive Weight-Loss Patient
Authors: Zoma Melody N. , Jackson Robert F. , Burden Mary , Lo Emily , Lowery Chris
Published: November 2022

Furosemide (Lasix) is a common diuretic used for the treatment of postoperative edema. However, caution is advised in post-bariatric patients as many are known to be deficient in albumin, which is a necessary component for Furosemide to bind allowing the adherence of interstitial fluid leading to the excretion of water. This case report discusses identifying such nutritional deficiency and switching to a less common alternative, with proven benefits in the reduction of seroma formation and tissue edema. It is important to plan accordingly in these post-bariatric patients by obtaining preoperative lab values and encouraging preoperative protein intake of 60 g/day at minimum. If patients present with persistent postoperative seroma accumulation, serial albumin levels are helpful to identify the need for using alternative diuretic medications. An example is the use of Torsemide (Demadex); a synonymous loop diuretic with a higher bioavailability and a longer half-life compared with Furosemide. This adjustment was key in resolving our patient’s persistent seroma and accompanying symptoms.
The Nexus of Violent Victimization, Mental Health, and Employment: Findings From a Sample of Post-Incarcerated Individuals
Authors: Liu Lin , Lazazzara Gabriella , Meldrum Ryan Charles
Published: November 2022

The goals of this study were to assess the prevalence of victimization among people who are transitioning from prison to the community, and to examine the nexus of violent victimization during reentry, mental health, and weekly work hours. The participants ( n = 724; average age = 29.09 years) were interviewed before release, and in the 3rd, 9th, and 15th months into reentry. Longitudinal data about their mental health, work hours, family environment, and victimization were collected. We drew on Agnew’s general strain theory and employed multilevel longitudinal modeling to examine how victimization affected respondents’ work hours via mental health. Findings revealed that greater exposure to violent victimization deteriorated mental health among respondents. Furthermore, an indirect effect between victimization and reduced work capacity operating through poor mental health was observed at the between-person level. These results underscored the alarmingly high prevalence of victimization among reentering individuals and that maintaining stable employment, a critical step of reintegration after imprisonment, is difficult for reentering individuals when they become a victim of violence and suffer mental health deterioration. Implications for addressing victimization among people transitioning out of prison are discussed.
A novel H∞ observer for sensor fault diagnosis of vehicle electronic stability control system with disturbance and input delay
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Zhang Haotian , Han Jie , Liu Chenyu
Published: November 2022

This paper mainly focuses on the sensor fault diagnosis method based on H∞ observer in vehicle electronic stability control (ESC) system with disturbance and input delay. Firstly, the four-wheel steering vehicle model is established. Secondly, the system state and sensor fault are reconstructed into new system variables by a special matrix transformation method, based on which a new H∞ observer is developed to estimate system state and sensor fault signals. Then, based on Lyapunov method and linear matrix inequality (LMI) theory, the conditions for asymptotic stability and H∞ performance of the estimation error system are proved. Finally, Carsim and Matlab/Simulink co-simulation are used to show the effectiveness of the method.
‘If you’re going to do something that’s new and different in an area that hasn’t been looked at much before, you probably need to start with something not too complex’: An interview with Mick Short
Authors: McIntyre Dan
Published: November 2022

Mick Short is Professor Emeritus of English Language and Literature at Lancaster University, UK. He studied English at the University of Lancaster from 1965, just one year after the university first opened, to 1968. He returned to teach at Lancaster in 1972, retiring in 2012. As an undergraduate he was taught by the early stylistician and poet Anne Cluysenaar, 1 who was instrumental in setting him on track for an academic career in stylistics. In 1979 he, Katie Wales, Ron Carter and others founded the Poetics and Linguistics Association. Then, in 1992 he became the first editor of Language and Literature. In this interview, he explains how he came to be interested in stylistics, as well as how his academic career began. He discusses what it was like to teach and research stylistics in its early days, the influence of structuralism on stylistics, the beginnings of discourse and pragmatic stylistics and the importance of corpus tools for moving stylistics forwards. He also sets out some concerns about current stylistics and how these concerns might be met in future.
Laser-assisted micro/nano-porous patterning with blowing agent on the surface of polyimide
Authors: Han ChangSoon , Zahid Muhammad Aleem , Lee Byungwoo , Oh Jaeyong , Kim Youngkuk , Shin Bo Sung , Yi Junsin
Published: November 2022

Porous polymer films have been investigated for various applications. The conventional method forms microporous structures throughout a film. This paper presents a new process for forming micro/nano-porous patterns on a polyimide membrane surface using a laser and a blowing agent only in selected areas. A blowing agent was mixed in a polyimide, and the mixture was then irradiated with a laser to instantaneously heat it to the decomposition temperature of the blowing agent. Subsequently, micro/nano-porous patterns were created only in regions irradiated with the laser owing to the explosion of the blowing agent. The micro/nano-porous patterns were fabricated using 355-nm ultraviolet pulse laser processing. The pores of the porous structures were closed or open, depending on the quantity of blowing agent, laser fluence, and pulse overlap ratio. The experimental results showed that the pore density, pore size, and processing time could be adjusted. In addition, porous patterning was formed selectively and locally. Recently, micro-/nano porous patterned films have been widely used as absorbents, support cells, and sensors in industrial fields and they have considerable application potential in various fields.
Caregiving Challenges and Coping Strategies of Family Caregivers for Relatives Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder in Ethiopia
Authors: Hailegabriel Kidist , Berhanu Zena
Published: November 2022

In Ethiopia, like any other developing country, family caregivers take on most responsibilities to support those with mental health needs. This study explored the psychosocial and spiritual experience of family caregivers for their relatives diagnosed with bipolar disorder. An exploratory study using qualitative methods was employed. Twenty-four family caregivers of persons diagnosed with bipolar disorder participated in the study. The data collection methods were in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of the study revealed that the family caregivers faced different psychosocial and spiritual crises and challenges while they used varying coping mechanisms ranging from accepting the phenomenon to performing religious/spiritual practices. While caregivers use their own strategies to deal with challenges, this study highlights implication on how the contribution of governmental and nongovernmental organizations to support those caregivers can be maximized.
Damage detection in noisy environments based on EMI and Lamb waves: A comparative study
Authors: Campeiro Leandro Melo , Budoya Danilo Ecidir , Baptista Fabricio Guimarães
Published: November 2022

Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems have shown the potential to detect damage in various types of structures, thus increasing safety and reducing maintenance costs. Among the damage detection methods are those that use small piezoelectric transducers attached to the monitored structure, such as the electromechanical impedance (EMI) and Lamb waves methods. Although both methods have shown to be effective in detecting structural damage, external disturbances such as noise can alter the signals from piezoelectric sensors in real applications and prejudice the correct diagnosis of the monitored structure. Therefore, this paper presents a comparative analysis of the performance of EMI and Lamb waves methods in noisy environments, which is a condition commonly found in real structures. The obtained results add value to the SHM field by allowing to know the tradeoff in choosing the appropriate method regarding the detection, quantification, and location of structural damage under noise conditions. Experimental tests were performed on aluminum structures to assess the effectiveness of both techniques to detect, quantify, and locate structural damage under noise of different intensities. The experimental results show that each technique has different characteristics in terms of effectiveness in detecting, quantifying, and locating damage under noise effects.
Gender Gaps in Policy Responsiveness
Authors: Kopkin Nolan , Roberts Andrew
Published: November 2022

Gender gaps have been documented in numerous areas of American politics, but one area that has not yet been fully explored is responsiveness, the link between citizen preferences and public policies. Equal responsiveness to the preferences of citizens is a central aspect of democratic representation. This article extends work on income gaps in responsiveness to gender gaps. Specifically, it considers whether women’s preferences are less likely than men’s preferences to be adopted as policy in the US. It uses data on preferences and policy adoptions from 1981 to 2002 created by Gilens. The main finding is a large gender gap in responsiveness. The gap is similar in size to the one between rich and poor, it is particularly large in policies related to the use of force, and it did not narrow over the two decades studied. These results show that inequalities beyond social class deserve significant attention in the study of democratic responsiveness and that aspects of bias against women in politics remain underexplored.
Relationships Between Stigma and Intimate Partner Violence Among Female Sex Workers Living With HIV: Social and Economic Exclusion
Authors: Rock Amelia , McNaughton Reyes H. Luz , Go Vivian , Maman Suzanne , Perez Martha , Donastorg Yeycy , Kerrigan Deanna , Barrington Clare
Published: November 2022

Violence against female sex workers (FSWs) perpetrated by their intimate (i.e., non-commercial) partners, particularly against FSWs living with HIV, is understudied. Stigma can deplete the economic resources, social relationships, and mental well-being of stigmatized people, which may increase their intimate partner violence (IPV) risk. We quantitatively assessed relationships between HIV stigma and sex work stigma and IPV victimization among FSWs living with HIV in the Dominican Republic ( n = 266). Enacted HIV stigma, in the form of job loss, and anticipated HIV stigma, in the form of fear of exclusion by family, were associated with increased IPV risk. Potential association mechanisms, including increased economic vulnerability and social isolation, and programmatic responses are discussed.
Cigarette Use among Parents with Children in the Home: A Comparison of Civilian Parents and Parents with a Military Connection
Authors: McDaniel Justin T. , McDermott Robert J. , Henson Harvey , Brown Daniel , Albright David L. , Kreckman Virginia , Lockhart Elijah , Bains Ramanjot
Published: November 2022

We tested the null hypothesis of equal likelihood of cigarette use among parents with a military connection and parents without a military connection, and independently compared risk factors for cigarette use. We obtained National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from 2015 to 2019 survey waves. We delimited analysis to 2-parent households who reported children aged <18 years living with them. After a 2:1 nonparametric age matching procedure, our sample included 1106 civilian parents and 553 parents with a military connection. Using the NHIS survey-design weights, we estimated a design-based F statistic for differences in cigarette use by military connection status. We also estimated population-stratified, survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models to determine risk factors for parent cigarette use. Whereas 6.87% parents with a military connection used cigarettes, 16.64% of age-matched civilian parents reported cigarette use. This difference was significant even after adjustment for covariates (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.32, 0.74). Recommendations for programing and policy are provided.
Global perspective on the permanent or transitory nature of shocks to tourist arrivals: Evidence from new unit root tests with structural breaks and factors
Authors: Payne James E , Lee Junsoo
Published: November 2022

This study extends the literature on the permanent or transitory nature of shocks to per capita tourist arrivals along several dimensions. First, the study evaluates the nature of shocks to per capita tourist arrivals for a global panel of 129 countries. Second, unlike previous studies, we jointly estimate structural changes that represent either abrupt breaks or as a Fourier approximation of smooth breaks along with introducing a factor structure to test for the presence of unit roots in per capita tourist arrivals. Third, contrary to previous studies, our results show that rejection of the null hypothesis of a unit root in per capita tourist arrivals is quite limited compared to other unit root tests that fail to account for cross-correlations. Policy implications of the findings are also discussed.
An evaluation of telephone versus videoconference consults for pre-treatment medication history taking by cancer pharmacists
Authors: Ryan Marissa , Ward Elizabeth C , Burns Clare L , Carrington Christine , Cuff Katharine , Mackinnon Mhairi , Snoswell Centaine L
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The primary aim was to compare the successful completion rates of pre-treatment medication history consults conducted by pharmacists with patients either via an unscheduled telephone consult (current standard care) or a scheduled videoconference consult model. Secondary aims were to examine pharmacist perceptions of the telephone and videoconference consults and explore patient (+/− support person) perceptions of videoconference consults.

Method

Completion data were collected and compared for the two modalities. In addition, pharmacists commented on any positive/negative factors impacting all consults. For the final 35 participants completing a videoconference consult, patients, support people, and pharmacists involved, completed a survey exploring perceptions and satisfaction.

Results

A significantly higher completion rate ( p < 0.0001) was found for the videoconferencing model, with 94% (76 of 81) completed successfully compared to 72% (76 of 105) of the unscheduled telephone consults. Pharmacists reported multiple factors impacting the success of the telephone consults including scheduling issues and patient factors. Survey responses revealed that 100% of patients/support people and 82% of pharmacists reported satisfaction with videoconference consults. Surveyed participants noted some technical issues, however, the ‘ability to show/view medication containers and/or labels’ and ‘convenience of scheduled time’ were benefits of the videoconference model.

Discussion

Results indicate that pre-treatment medication history consults should be offered via videoconference to maximise success.
Cancer care and management during COVID-19: A comparison of in-person, video and telephone consultations
Authors: Banbury Annie , Smith Anthony C , Taylor Monica L , Der Vartanian Carolyn , Ng Kawai , Vitangcol Kathryn , Haydon Helen M , Thomas Emma E , Caffery Liam J
Published: November 2022

In Australia, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the exponential growth in the delivery of telehealth services. Medicare data indicates that the majority of telehealth consultations have used the telephone, despite the known benefits of using video. The aim of this study was to understand the perceived quality and effectiveness of in-person, telephone and videoconsultations for cancer care. Data was collected via online surveys with consumers ( n = 1162) and health professionals ( n = 59), followed by semi-structured interviews with telehealth experienced health professionals ( n = 22) and consumers ( n = 18). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and significance was tested using the chi-square test. A framework analysis and thematic analysis were used for qualitative data. Results indicate telehealth is suitable for use across the cancer care pathway. However, consumers and health professionals perceived videoconsultations facilitated visual communication and improved patients’ quality of care. The telephone was appropriate for short transactional consultations such as repeat prescriptions. Consumers were rarely given the choice of consultation modality. The choice of modality depended on a range of factors such as the type of consultation and stage of cancer care. Hybrid models of care utilising in-person, video and telephone should be developed and requires further guidance to promote the adoption of telehealth in cancer care.
Long-term weight loss in a 24-month primary care-anchored telehealth lifestyle coaching program: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Christensen Jeanette R , Hesseldal Laura , Olesen Thomas B , Olsen Michael H , Jakobsen Pernille R , Laursen Ditte H , Lauridsen Jørgen T , Nielsen Jesper B , Søndergaard Jens , Brandt Carl J
Published: November 2022

Long-term weight loss can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes for people living with obesity and reduce complications for patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether a telehealth lifestyle-coaching program (Liva) leads to long-term (24 months) weight loss compared to usual care. In a randomized controlled trial, n = 340 participants living with obesity with or without type 2 diabetes were enrolled and randomized via an automated computer algorithm to an intervention group ( n = 200) or to a control group ( n = 140). The telehealth lifestyle-coaching program comprised of an initial one-hour face-to-face motivational interview followed by asynchronous telehealth coaching. The behavioural change techniques used were enabled by individual live monitoring. The primary outcome was a change in body weight from baseline to 24 months. Data were assessed for n = 136 participants (40%), n = 81 from the intervention group and n = 55 from the control group, who completed the 24-month follow-up. After 24 months mean body weight and body mass index were reduced significantly for completers in both groups, but almost twice as much was registered for those in the intervention group which was not significant between groups −4.4 (CI −6.1; −2.8) kg versus −2.5 (CI −3.9; −1.1) kg, P = 0.101. Haemoglobin A1c was significantly reduced in the intervention group −3.1 (CI −5.0; −1.2) mmol/mol, but not in the control group −0.2 (CI −2.4; −2.0) mmol/mol without a significant between group difference ( P = 0.223). Low completion was partly due to coronavirus disease 2019. Telehealth lifestyle coaching improve long-term weight loss (> 24 months) for obese people with and without type 2 diabetes compared to usual care.
Feasibility and Cost Analysis of Ambulatory Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Naiem Ahmed A. , Doonan R.J. , Guigui Andre , Obrand Daniel I. , Bayne Jason P. , MacKenzie Kent S. , Steinmetz Oren K. , Girsowicz Elie , Gill Heather L.
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

We sought to compare the costs of ambulatory endovascular aneurysm repair (a-EVAR) and inpatient EVAR (i-EVAR) at up to 1-year of follow-up.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing elective EVAR between April 2016 and December 2018 at two academic centers. Patients planned for a-EVAR were compared with i-EVAR. Costs at 30 days and 1 year were extracted. These included operating room (OR) use, bed occupancy, laboratory and imaging, emergency department (ED) visits, readmissions, and reinterventions. Baseline characteristics were compared. Multiple regression model was used to identify predictors of increased EVAR costs. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare cost differences at 30 days and 1 year via an intention-to-treat analysis. Bonferroni post hoc test compared between-group differences. A p value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

One hundred seventy patients were included. Most underwent percutaneous EVAR (>94%) under spinal anesthesia (>84%). Ambulatory endovascular aneurysm repair was successful in 84% (84/100). Ambulatory endovascular aneurysm repair patients (76±8 years) were younger than i-EVAR (78±9 years). They also had a smaller mean aneurysm diameter (56±6 mm) compared with i-EVAR (59±6 mm). Emergency department visits, readmissions, and reinterventions were similar up to 1 year (all p=NS). Ambulatory endovascular aneurysm repair costs showed a non-statistically significant reduction in total costs at 30 days and 1 year by 27% and 21%, respectively. Patients younger than 85 years and males had a 30-day cost reduction by 34% (p=0.027) and 33% (p=0.035), respectively with a-EVAR.

Conclusions:

Same-day discharge is feasible and successful in selected patients. Patients younger than 85 years and males have a short-term cost benefit with EVAR done in the ambulatory setting without increased complications or reinterventions.

Clinical Impact

This study shows the overall safety of ambulatory EVAR with proper patient selection. These patient had similar post-intervention complications to inpatients. Same day discharge also resulted in short-term reduction in costs in male patients and patients younger than 85 years.
Ply-stacking effects on mechanical properties of Kevlar-29/banana woven mats reinforced epoxy hybrid composites
Authors: Muralidharan M , Sathishkumar TP , Rajini N , Navaneethakrishan P , Ismail Sikiru Oluwarotimi , Senthilkumar K , Siengchin Suchart , Mohammad Faruq , Al-Lohedan Hamad A
Published: November 2022

Development of new hybrid laminated composites of Kevlar-29 (K-29)/banana fiber ( Musa acuminata) mats to meet future demand for fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites has been investigated. The different ply-stacking sequenced Kevlar (K)/natural (N) banana reinforced epoxy polymeric hybrid composite samples were designated as KN1, KN2, KN3, KN4, KN5 and KN6, in addition to NN7 and KK8 for single or non-hybrid FRP (control) composite samples. The ply-stacking effects on mechanical properties of all the laminated composite were investigated. The maximum tensile, flexural, impact and interlaminar shear strengths (ILSS) were obtained with sample KN4, because of the stacking of its Kevlar and natural banana mats, which was K2/N4/K2 of 8 layers and different from other stacking sequences. The percentage improvements on tensile strength of sample KN4 when compared with other hybrid composite samples KN1, KN2, KN3, KN5 and KN6 were 6.3, 4.4, 3.6, 13.1 and 11.3%, respectively. While, same optimum sample KN4 recorded highest flexural strength among hybrid samples with percentage improvements of 122.19, 70.97, 31.03 and 83.68% when compared with other hybrid samples KN2, KN3, KN5 and KN6, respectively. Similar trend of results was obtained for their tensile and flexural moduli. But, both hybrid composite samples KN3 and KN4 recorded higher impact strengths of 3.0 and 2.8 J, respectively, when compared with other hybrid counterparts. The tensile and flexural strengths of sample KN4 were 147.48 and 223.69 MPa, respectively. The tensile properties of various theoretical model were compared with experimental values.
Machine learning based outcome prediction of large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation prior to thrombectomy in patients with wake-up stroke
Authors: Feyen Ludger , Blockhaus Christian , Katoh Marcus , Haage Patrick , Schaub Christina , Rohde Stefan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Outcome prediction of large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation in patients with wake-up stroke is important to identify patients that will benefit from thrombectomy. Currently, mismatch concepts that require MRI or CT-Perfusion (CTP) are recommended to identify these patients. We evaluated machine learning algorithms in their ability to discriminate between patients with favorable (defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2) and unfavorable (mRS 3–6) outcome and between patients with poor (mRS5–6) and non-poor (mRS 0–4) outcome.

Methods

Data of 8395 patients that were treated between 2018 and 2020 from the nationwide registry of the German Society for Neuroradiology was retrospectively analyzed. Five models were trained with clinical variables and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). The model with the highest accuracy was validated with a test dataset with known stroke onset and with a test dataset that consisted only of wake-up strokes.

Results

2419 patients showed poor and 3310 patients showed favorable outcome. The best performing Random Forest model achieved a sensitivity of 0.65, a specificity of 0.81 and an AUC of 0.79 on the test dataset of patients with wake-up stroke in the classification analysis between favorable and unfavorable outcome and a sensitivity of 0.42, a specificity of 0.83 and an AUC of 0.72 in the classification analysis between poor and non-poor outcome.

Conclusion

Machine learning algorithms have the potential to aid in the decision making for thrombectomy in patients with wake-up stroke especially in hospitals, where emergency CTP or MRI imaging is not available.
Dynamic simulation of aircraft electro-impulse de-icing using bond-based peridynamics
Authors: Zhang Feng , Hou Xinting , Ji Pihua , Han Cheng , Cheng Lei , Liu Xiaoxiao
Published: November 2022

Electro-impulse de-icing is a lightweight type of mechanical de-icing system that consumes little energy, provides high reliability, and offers wide application prospects. In this study, the bond-based peridynamics theory was used to simulate the dynamic damage process and evolution law of aircraft electro-impulse de-icing. The ice layer was simplified as a brittle material that satisfies the linear elastic constitutive relation. A numerical analysis model of the ice layer, aircraft skin substrate, and their interface was established to simulate the dynamic responses under a high strain rate. Considering the anisotropy of ice adhesion on the substrate, the interfacial bonds were described as shear bonds and tensile bonds, and the critical elongations of the two were derived. The tensile and shear capacities of the ice on the substrate were then simulated using these critical elongations, and the peeling rates of single ice particles and interfacial ice layers were taken as indexes describing the efficacy of electro-impulse de-icing. The process of electro-impulse de-icing was then analyzed for an aluminum substrate with two adjacent clamped edges. Finally, the results of the peridynamic simulation were compared with those of existing experiments and finite element models to verify the effectiveness of the peridynamic approach.
Menstrual abnormality, maternal illiteracy, and household factors as main predictors of anemia among adolescent girls in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Endale Fitsum , Woldeyohannes Demelash , Belayneh Fanuel , Tamene Aiggan , Habte Aklilu , Gizachew Addisalem , Sulamo Dawit , Yirga Demessie Yohannes , Yohannes Janet , Mekonen Tadesse , Akiso Denebo
Published: November 2022

Background:

Adolescent girls are more likely to develop anemia as a result of physical and physiological changes that place a greater strain on their nutritional needs. Primary studies, on the other hand, may not be sufficient to provide a complete picture of anemia in adolescent girls and its major risk factors.

Objective:

The study aimed to describe the pooled prevalence of adolescent girls’ anemia and the factors that contribute.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review of observational studies using the databases CINAHL (EBSCO), PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the articles, and studies of fair to good quality were included. We pooled anemia prevalence among adolescents and odds ratio estimates for risk factors. Subgroup analysis employing sample size and study setup was computed to determine the source of heterogeneity, and the I2 test was used to identify the existence or absence of substantial heterogeneity during subgroup analysis. The pooled prevalence of adolescent girls’ anemia was calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis model.

Results:

The overall pooled prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls in Ethiopia was 23.03% (95% confidence interval: 17.07, 28.98). Low dietary diversity (odds ratio: 1.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.05, 2.32), illiterate mothers (odds ratio: 1.45; 95% confidence interval: 1.13, 1.86), household size greater than five (odds ratio: 1.65; 95% confidence interval: 1.14, 2.38), food-insecure households (odds ratio: 1.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.21, 1.82), and menstrual blood flow more than 5 days (odds ratio: 6.21; 95% confidence interval: 1.67, 23.12) were the identified factors associated with anemia among adolescent girls.

Conclusion:

The pooled prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls in Ethiopia was moderately high. Therefore, to combat the burden of anemia among adolescent girls offering nutritional education is crucial. Iron supplementation is also recommended for adolescent females who have a menstrual cycle that lasts longer than 5 days.
Efficient reliability computation of consecutive-k-out-of-n: F systems with shared components
Authors: Yin Juan , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy , Cui Lirong
Published: November 2022

Consecutive- k systems have been studied extensively in reliability engineering. Linear and circular consecutive- k-out-of- n: F systems with shared component(s) have been studied recently by Lin et al. and Yin and Cui . They considered two adjacent subsystems overlapping with one (multiple) shared component(s), respectively, and obtained system reliability formulas by summing the reliability values for all disjoint cases. As their method is computationally intensive, it would be of interest to develop a simpler and more efficient method for the computation of the reliability function of such systems instead of requiring to list all disjoint cases. In this work, by employing the finite Markov chain imbedding approach, we develop unified formulas as products of matrices for evaluating system reliabilities by redefining the state space of the Markov chain. The results developed here decrease the complexity in the computation of system reliability. Furthermore, the new method is also employed to obtain reliability formulas for Markov-dependent cases. A case study of communication systems is finally presented and some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the developed model and the corresponding results.
Journalistic narratives amid the US and Chinese media expansion in Africa: What it means to tell an African journalistic story
Authors: Gondwe Gregory
Published: November 2022

With the Joe Biden–Kamala Harris administration working toward the resetting of policies and strategies toward Africa and China, the question of whether African journalists will be accorded a chance to tell an African narrative amid the trilateral relationship has become more apparent. The influence exerted by China in African poses questions of whether China is “constructively” reporting Africa and whether journalists do see themselves as telling an African story. This study interrogates the role of African journalistic paradigms within a broader framework of what it means to constructively report Africa. It argues that despite the overwhelming challenges, the African media can tell its narrative if, (a). it seriously interrogates its journalism education system, (b). focus on in-depth reporting as opposed to efficiency and convenience, and (c). value its epistemologies and localize its content.
Assessing the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in siponimod-treated patients: a nonrandomized controlled clinical trial (AMA-VACC)
Authors: Ziemssen Tjalf , Groth Marie , Rauser Benedict , Bopp Tobias
Published: November 2022

Background:

Systematic data are lacking on the immune response toward SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in SPMS patients on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).

Objective:

The AMA-VACC clinical trial was designed to characterize immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in siponimod-treated SPMS patients.

Design:

AMA-VACC is an ongoing three-cohort, multicenter, open-label, prospective clinical study.

Methods:

The study included patients at risk for SPMS or patients with SPMS diagnosis. Patients received SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine as part of their clinical routine during ongoing siponimod treatment (cohort 1), during siponimod treatment interruption (cohort 2), or while on dimethyl fumarate, glatiramer acetate, beta-interferons, teriflunomide, or no current therapy (cohort 3). SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses were measured 1 week and 1 month after the second dose of vaccination.

Results:

In total, 17 patients, 4 patients, and 20 patients were recruited into cohorts 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The primary endpoint of seroconversion for SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies at week 1 was reached by 52.9%, 75.0%, and 90.0% of patients in cohorts 1, 2, and 3, respectively. For 64.7% of patients in cohort 1, all patients in cohort 2, and 95% of patients in cohort 3, seroconversion was observed at either week 1 or month 1 or both time points. After 1 week, 71.4% of cohort 1, 75.0% of cohort 2, and 85.0% of cohort 3 were positive for either SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies or SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cells or both. After 1 month, the rates were 56.3%, 100.0%, and 95.0%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The study shows that the majority of siponimod patients mount humoral and cellular immune response under continuous siponimod treatment. The data do not sufficiently support interruption of treatment for the purpose of vaccination.

Registration:

EU Clinical Trials Register: EudraCT 2020-005752-38 ( www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu ); ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04792567 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov ).
Happy Winners, Sore Partisans? Political Trust, Partisanship, and the Populist Assault on Electoral Integrity in Mexico
Authors: Monsiváis-Carrillo Alejandro
Published: November 2022

Winning elections usually make partisan voters more politically satisfied and confident. However, if they voted for a president that actively undermines the legitimacy of democratic institutions, they will be compelled to accommodate their views and update their judgment on a selective basis. They will support the regime's performance and yet distrust the institutions denounced by the government. This claim is tested using data from a representative survey conducted in Mexico. In this country, the president is a populist leader who consistently denounces all constraints on the executive. In particular, the president frequently undermines the institutions safeguarding free and fair elections. The analysis reveals that the gap in political trust reflects the opposite reactions from partisan winners and losers to the executive's antagonizing behavior. Voters supporting the winning party are more satisfied with democracy. However, they are less likely to trust the integrity of elections than the partisan losers.
Testing the Impact of Masking Identity in News Accounts on Perceptions of Organizations and Risks
Authors: Spence Patric R. , Lachlan Kenneth A. , Kaufmann Renee
Published: November 2022

The blurring of faces and masking of voices are common news production techniques, typically to conceal the identity of individuals providing information. However, little is known about the impact of these masking techniques on audience perceptions, especially in the context of organizational wrongdoing and public risk. Drawing from Exemplification Theory, the current study examined the effect of blurring and voice masking on risk perceptions, opinions of a culpable organization, and desire for additional information about the risk. Risk perceptions were greater when masking cues were applied, as were behavioral intention to avoid the risk in focus. These cues did not impact the perceptions of how widespread similar risks are, nor did they effect respondents’ perceptions of the organization responsible. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, along with the need for future research examining the use of and effects of identity masking on audience perceptions.
Situating Mark Fisher’s spatiality?
Authors: Mould Oli
Published: November 2022

The work of the late Mark Fisher, one of the revered British cultural critics of the past 20 years, is implicitly spatial, yet remains largely absent from geographical scholarship. Callum Sutherland's paper provides a timely and long-overdue corrective to this disciplinary lacuna. This short response aims to build on Sutherland's exposition by bringing the work of the Situationists International into its orbit, as well as musing about how we can think Fisher – via Sutherland – ethically, given how urgent the need is for a more actualised post-capitalist politics.
A meta-analysis on burden of postpartum depression and its predictors among lactating women in East African countries from 1998 up to 2018
Authors: Negesse Ayenew , Hune Yidersail , Temesgen Habtamu , Getaneh Temesgen , Bekalu Amare
Published: November 2022

Objective:

Postpartum depression is a common mental illness that affects lactating women. This not only makes daily activities difficult for them, but it also affects child’s future lives. There is little evidence of about postpartum depression and its factors in East African countries, which piqued the authors’ interest in conducting a study on this matter for future decision- and policy-making.

Methods:

The protocol for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was followed. To identify published articles, all major databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, WHOLIS, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and reference lists were used. In addition, shelves, author contact, Google and Google Scholar were also used to identify unpublished studies. Joanna Briggs Institute—Meta-Analysis of Statistical Assessment and Review Instrument was used for critical appraisal of studies. STATA software version 14 was used for the analysis. The random-effect model was used to estimate postpartum depression with 95% confidence interval, while subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to identify potential sources of heterogeneity and associated factors, respectively. Furthermore, Egger’s test and trim-and-fill analysis were used to check for publication bias.

Results:

Postpartum depression was found in 24% of lactating women in East African countries (95% confidence interval: 17.79–30.20). Postpartum depression was associated with being married (odds ratio = 2; 95% confidence interval: 1.05–3.81), domestic violence (odds ratio = 6.34; 95% confidence interval: 4:11–9.78), a lack of support (odds ratio = 6.59; 95% confidence interval: 1.98–21.89), and a lack of empowerment (odds ratio = 2.79; 95% confidence interval: 1.12–6.92).

Conclusion:

In East Africa, the prevalence of postpartum depression among lactating women is high and rising, as per global postpartum depression estimates. Therefore, the primary focus should be on women’s domestic violence prevention mechanisms. Existing national policies and development agendas must prioritize strategies for women’s support and empowerment. Future research into the relationship between marriage and postpartum depression is required.