bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical methods for solving the equivalent inclusion equation in semi-analytical models
Authors: Yan Zhiqiang , Zhang Mengqi , Jiang Shulan
Published: March 2021

Equivalent inclusion method is the basis for semi-analytical models in tackling inhomogeneity problems. Equivalent eigenstrains are obtained by solving the consistency equation system of the equivalent inclusion method and then stress disturbances caused by inhomogeneities are determined. The equivalent inclusion method equation system can only be solved numerically, but the current fixed-point iteration method may not be able to achieve deep convergence when the Young's modulus of inhomogeneity is lower than that of the matrix material. The most significant innovation of this paper is to reveal the non-convergence mechanism of the current method. Considering the limitation, the Jacobian-free Newton Krylov algorithm is selected to solve the equivalent inclusion method equation. Results indicate that the new algorithm has significant advantages of computing accuracy and efficiency compared with the classic method.
Fellow travelers or Trojan horses? Similarities across pro-Russian parties’ electorates in Europe
Authors: Snegovaya Maria
Published: March 2021

Scholarship analyzing Russia’s influence in Europe has focused primarily on the supply-side of this relationship, especially on the links between the Kremlin and specific parties. Surprisingly few studies have focused on the demand-side. My paper fills in this gap. First, I compile a dataset of pro-Russian parties in the European Union and show that Russia-sympathizers are found across different (left and right) party families. Second, I demonstrate that supporters of these parties across different party families show stronger Eurosceptic attitudes than the electorates of mainstream parties. This finding explains the endorsement of narratives and policies indirectly favorable to the Kremlin by political actors whose electorates harbor Eurosceptic sympathies. It also sheds some light on the opportunistic rather than ideological nature of Russia’s influence operations in the European Union, which exploit opportunities presented in respective regions. In other words, these parties are the Kremlin’s fellow travelers.
Youth and parent report of sleep-based interventions and utilization of technology resources in the treatment of pediatric mood disorders
Authors: Leffler Jarrod M , Zelic Kate J , Kruser Amelia F , Lange Hadley J
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

Mood disorders in youth are associated with social and academic impairment, and difficulties within the family system. Engagement in sleep hygiene, and family- and technology-based treatment models can address these impairments. The current study evaluates changes in functioning for youth who participated in a family-based partial hospitalization program (PHP) for mood disorders. Child and parent views of the importance and application of sleep hygiene and utilization of technology-based interventions were also evaluated.

Methods:

474 youth diagnosed with a primary mood disorder and their caregivers participated in a family-based PHP that addressed the role of sleep hygiene, technology use for symptom management, and components of evidence-based treatments in ameliorating mood disorders. Participants were evaluated 1-, 3-, and 6-month following treatment.

Results:

Participants demonstrated improved functioning in social, home, and school domains. The majority of participants and parents found the sleep hygiene content and application important or very important as a component of treatment. Parents were significantly more likely than youth to be interested in using technology to access after care resources.

Conclusions:

Findings revealed significantly less impairment in functioning at follow-up. Parents and youth reported interest in sleep hygiene strategies as part of a comprehensive treatment for mood disorders as well as the use of technology-based resources to assist with treatment. Limitations include sample demographics and follow-up sample size.
Mapping, assessing and promoting multiple psychological senses of community (MPSOC) through clinical pathways for treating substance use problems
Authors: Bahl Nina Kavita Heggen , Landheim Anne Signe , Nafstad Hilde Eileen , Blakar Rolv Mikkel , Brodahl Morten A.
Published: March 2021

Aim:

The recent nationally implemented clinical pathways for the treatment of substance use problems in Norway require mapping and assessing of patients’ needs, challenges, and resources. However, there is a lack of tools for systematically mapping and assessing patients’ social situations and social networks as part of the national guidelines. The aim of this article is to present a tool developed to map and assess the patient’s social situation, and to propose approaches for promoting multiple psychological senses of community (MPSOC) through clinical pathways for treating substance use problems.

Methods:

The proposed tool and approaches are developed based on findings in a previous in-depth collaborative study of MPSOC and recovery among people with substance use problems who received help and services from Norwegian municipalities.

Findings:

The findings suggest that multiple communities (geographical, relational and ideal) and senses of communities (within and outside treatment) simultaneously can influence individual recovery processes from problematic substance use in both positive as well as negative ways. As such, these community dimensions are of central importance to include in mapping and assessing of patients’ social situations, as well as in the promotion of MPSOC through clinical pathways.

Conclusions:

The suggested tool and approaches can increase the likelihood of achieving key aims of the national clinical pathways. Most important, mapping, assessing and promoting MPSOC through clinical pathways may promote long-term recovery processes and positive recovery capital for persons with substance use problems.
Effect of HVOF spraying parameters on fracture, erosion and thermal properties of Fe alloy-based coating materials
Authors: Sharma Ratnesh Kumar , Das Randip Kumar , Kumar Shiv Ranjan
Published: March 2021

Fe-based coating (Fe50Mo5C15Si10Cr10Ti10) was deposited on 316L stainless steel substrate by high-velocity oxy-fuel spraying coating process. High-velocity oxy-fuel spraying process parameters such as oxygen flow rate and spray distance were varied to investigate their effect on mechanical, wear and thermal properties. The prepared coatings were characterized in terms of mechanical properties such as micro-hardness and fracture toughness, thermal properties and erosion wear properties. X-ray diffraction analysis showed presence of hardened phase Fe2Ti and Fe-Cr. Results of this study indicated that increase in oxygen flow rate from 200 to 250 slpm improved the fracture toughness and micro-hardness by 33% and 6.7%, respectively. On the other hand, increase in spray distance decreased the fracture toughness and micro-hardness by 27.2% and 6.7%, respectively. The wear rate was increased with the increase in oxygen flow rate and decreased with the increase in spray distance. The erosion wear rate was more dependent on fracture toughness as compared to micro-hardness.
Cross-bordering journalism: How intermediaries of change drive the adoption of new practices
Authors: Heft Annett , Baack Stefan
Published: March 2021

This article examines the adoption of cross-border collaboration practices by introducing the concept of ‘intermediaries of change’: individual journalists who drive the adoption and gradual normalisation of pioneering cross-border practices. We ask how they implement cross-border practices, integrate them into existing working routines, and how this influences their working conditions using a case study on Europe’s Far Right, a network of seven newspapers that investigated far-right parties ahead of the European Parliament election 2019. We found that the network expanded journalists’ research capacity and entails a ‘domino effect’ since journalists gain experience and establish cross-national ties, which enable them to better establish follow-up collaborations. While this might help to normalize cross-border practices, organisational structures and contexts of transnational journalism shape the degree of participation by different network members. Moreover, we found that cross-border collaborations might foster precarious working conditions and competition.
Repetition, adaptation, institutionalization—How the narratives of political communities change
Authors: Hase Johanna
Published: March 2021

At times when migration and diversity are politically salient and controversially discussed, the rhetoric of staying ‘as we are’ is widespread. But how do ‘we’ actually change and how would ‘we’ know when it happens? Based on the premise that political communities are the products of narratives of peoplehood, this paper explores how such narratives evolve over time. It conceptualizes different modes of balancing narrative continuity and change. These modes – repetition, adaptation, and institutionalization – are illustrated with reference to evolving German narratives of peoplehood centring around (not) being a country of immigration. The paper argues that all modes lead to some degree of change in narratives of peoplehood. Against the backdrop of different understandings of the core of a narrative, it further discusses when such changes fundamentally affect who ‘we’ are. Overall, the paper invites scholars, policymakers, and citizens to think critically about the essential aspects of their political communities’ narratives and to be aware of the stories that ‘we’ are told and that ‘we’ tell ourselves.
PM2.5 inducing myocardial fibrosis mediated by Ang II/ERK1/2/TGF-β1 signaling pathway in mice model
Authors: Zang Xiwen , Zhao Jun , Lu Chengzhi
Published: March 2021

Objects:

To discuss the influence of PM2.5 on myocardial fibrosis and related mechanism.

Methods:

PM2.5 particles were prepared into different concentrations of solution to drip into the mice’s trachea twice each week. The mice were divided into five groups, Blank control group (C group), NS control group (J group), high dose group (G group, 10 mg/kg), medium dose group (Z group, 5 mg/kg), and 1ow dose group (D group, 2.5 mg/kg). After 6 weeks, the myocardial fibrosis was observed by HE and Masson staining. The expression of Ang II, ERK1/2, and TGF-β1 was examined by Western Blotting (WB) and Real time PCR (RT-PCR).

Results:

The higher dose PM2.5 was administrated, the worse the myocardial fibrosis was in PM2.5 groups. The expression of Ang II, ERK1/2, and TGF-β1 was increased in higher dose groups in protein and mRNA level.

Conclusion:

1. PM2.5 induced the cardiac fibrosis. 2. PM2.5 dripped into trachea in mice model activated the expression of Ang II, ERK1/2, and TGF-β1. The activation of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) was suggested to participate in the cardiac fibrosis induced by PM2.5.
Association between angiotensin converting enzyme gene polymorphism and essential hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Mingyu , Yi Jian , Tang Wenwen
Published: March 2021

Background:

The current meta-analytic study explored the relation between ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D), and the risk of EH by reviewing relevant trials so as to determine the association between Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism and essential hypertension (EH) susceptibility.

Methods:

Relevant studies published before May 2019 were collected from the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CNKI, VANFUN, and VIP databases.

Results:

Fifty-seven studies involving a total of 32,862 patients were included. These studies found that ACE gene D allele was associated with higher EH susceptibility in allelic model, homozygote model, dominant model, and regressive model, and that Asian population with ACE gene D allele showed a higher EH susceptibility in all these models. Moreover, ACE gene D allele was found closely related to a higher EH susceptibility in the subgroups of HWE, NO HWE, Caucasian population, and Mixed population, with the majority being males in allelic model, homozygote model, and regressive model and the majority being females in allelic model.

Conclusion:

ACE gene D allele is associated with an overall higher EH susceptibility, which is confirmed in the subgroup analysis of Asian population, HWE, NO HWE, Caucasian population, and Mixed population.
“When we talk about intimate partner violence we talk in an adult way” – Social workers’ descriptions of intimate partner violence between teenagers
Authors: Tagesson Emmy Högström , Gallo Carina
Published: March 2021

This article examines how seven social workers within the Swedish social services describe intimate partner violence between teenagers (IPV-BT). The article adds to the literature by examining IPV-BT outside a U.S. context, where most studies have been conducted. Based on semistructured qualitative interviews, the authors analyze descriptions of IPV-BT in relation to Charles Tilly’s notion of category making through transfer, encounter, negotiation, and imposition. They also analyze how the social workers’ descriptions of IPV-BT relate to the intersection between age and gender. The results show that the social workers mostly described IPV-BT by referring to encounters with teenagers and by transferring knowledge and theoretical definitions from their specialized working areas, primarily intimate partner violence between adults (IPV-BA) and troubled youth. More rarely, the social workers based their definitions of IPV-BT upon negotiating dialogues with teenagers. Also, those who worked in teams specialized on IPV had the mandate to impose their definitions of IPV-BT to other professionals and teenagers. When taking age and gender hierarchies in consideration, the results show IPV-BT risks being subordinate IPV-BA on a theoretical level, a practical level and in terms of treatment quality. The study suggests that social work with IPV-BT needs to be sensitive to the double subordinations of the teenage girl and of the teenagers who do not follow gender expectations.
The conceit of activism in the illiberal university
Authors: Macfarlane Bruce
Published: March 2021

The popular image of activism in the university involves students and academics campaigning for social justice and resisting the neo-liberalisation of the university. Yet activism has been subtly corporatised through the migration of corporate social responsibility from the private sector into the university, a trend that may be illustrated by reference to the growing influence of research ‘grand challenges’ (GCs). Attracting both government and philanthro-capitalist funding, GCs adopt a socio-political stance based on justice globalism and represent a responsibilisation of academic research interests. Compliance with the rhetoric of GCs and the virtues of inter-disciplinarity have become an article of faith for academics compelled to meet the expectations of research-intensive universities in chasing the prestige and resources associated with large grant capture. The responsibilisation of the efforts of researchers, via GCs, erodes academic ownership of the research agenda and weakens the purpose of the university as an independent think tank: the essence of the Humboldtian ideal. The conceit of corporate activism is that in seeking to solve the world’s problems, the university will inevitably create new ones. Instead, as Flexner argued, it is only by preserving the independence and positive ‘irresponsibility’ of researchers that universities can best serve the world.
Asymmetric Opportunities After an Unsuccessful Sports Career
Authors: Grossmann Martin
Published: March 2021

Contestants enter a risky contest when pursuing a sports career or choose a secure outside option. If contestants enter this contest but their sports career fails, they may have asymmetric career opportunities outside of sport. Greater opportunities reduce the risk of entering this contest. However, contestants’ incentives to exert effort decrease. Two types of equilibria exist if the initial pool of contestants is large. Either only types with high opportunities or only types with low opportunities enter the sports contest. If the initial pool of contestants is low, both types of contestants participate in the contest.
Inhibitory Effects of Digoxin and Digitoxin on Cell Growth in Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Line SKOV-3
Authors: Chou Jou-Chun , Li Jie-Hau , Chen Chih-Chieh , Chen Chien-Wei , Lin Ho , Wang Paulus S.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Cardiac glycosides (CGs) possess a chemical structure similar to steroids, and are inhibitors of the sodium potassium pump. An anti-tumor effect of CGs in breast and prostate cancers has been reported, but the effect of CGs on ovarian cancer is still unclear.

Aims:

In this study, the effects of CGs on proliferation, cytotoxicity and cell cycle of ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV-3) have been investigated.

Procedure:

The cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were detected by MTT assay and LDH activity assay, respectively. CGs, at concentrations higher than IC50, decreased cell proliferation and showed increased cytotoxicity toward SKOV-3 cells. The colony-formation ability was reduced after treatment with digoxin and digitoxin for 10 days. Furthermore, we explored the effect of digoxin and digitoxin on the distribution of cell cycle by flow cytometry.

Results:

Results revealed that both digoxin and digitoxin led to cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase with 24 or 48 hours, but the arrest of G0/G1 phase was not observed at 72 hours. We evaluated the percentage of hypodiploid cell population as an index of the cellular fragments through flow cytometry. The data indicated that cellular fragments were significantly increased by treating with digitoxin at the concentrations of IC50 and 10−6 M for 72 hours.

Conclusion:

Taken together, these data suggest that CGs decreased cell proliferation and increased cytotoxicity through cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. CGs have anti-tumor effect in SKOV-3 cells and might be a potential therapeutic drug for ovarian cancer. Since this study is a preliminary investigation of CGs on SKOV-3 cells, more experiments might be performed in the future. Furthermore, more ovarian cancer cell lines might also be employed in the future studies to confirm the effect of CGs in ovarian cancer.
Loudness Dependence of Auditory-evoked Potentials, a Marker of Central Serotonergic Activity, is Affected by Fasting and Selective Uptake of Food
Authors: Bamberg Christoph , Flasbeck Vera , Juckel Georg , Brüne Martin
Published: March 2021

Serotonin is an important neuromodulator involved in many physiological processes including mood and satiety. In the brain, serotonin is manufactured from tryptophan, as serotonin itself cannot cross the blood–brain barrier. Previous research has shown that blood-tryptophan levels increase upon ingestion of carbohydrates and decrease upon protein consumption. How this translates into serotonin availability is as yet under-researched. Therefore, we examined the effect of fasting versus consuming carbohydrates or protein on central serotonergic activity using a repeated-measures crossover design in a sample of 37 healthy men. The loudness dependence of auditory-evoked potentials (LDAEP) serves as a noninvasive method to study central serotonergic activity. Blood-glucose levels and mood changes were also monitored before and after the nutritional intervention. The intervention had a significant nutrition-specific effect on LDAEP and blood-glucose levels. A significant difference emerged between the fasting condition and satiety, with LDAEP being lower during satiety, irrespective of the type of food. Thus, this indicator of serotonergic activity increased after food consumption, which was further related to mood improvement. Moreover, the LDAEP differed between the 2 measurements only for the carbohydrate testing day, suggesting that LDAEP can be selectively modulated by the type of nutrition consumed. Our data further indicate a high intraindividual stability of LDAEP, as the electrophysiological signals were very similar in the fasting condition across the 2 testing days. Together, these findings demonstrate that the LDAEP can serve as a biological marker for central serotonergic activity, while at the same time being sensitive to nutritional changes.
An Overview of Telehealth in Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Windsor Eric N. , Sharma Abhinav K. , Gkiatas Ioannis , Elbuluk Ameer M. , Sculco Peter K. , Vigdorchik Jonathan M.
Published: March 2021

With the increase in technological advances over the years, telehealth services in orthopedic surgery have gained in popularity, yet adoption among surgeons has been slow. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, orthopedic surgery practices nationwide have accelerated adaptation to telemedicine. Telehealth can be effectively applied to total joint arthroplasty, with the ability to perform preoperative consultations, postoperative follow-up, and telerehabilitation in a virtual, remote manner with similar outcomes to in-person visits. New technologies that have emerged, such as virtual goniometers, wearable sensors, and app-based patient questionnaires, have improved clinicians’ ability to conduct telehealth visits. Benefits of using telehealth include high patient satisfaction, cost-savings, increased access to care, and more efficiency. Notably, some challenges still exist, including widespread accessibility and adaptation of new technologies, inability to conduct an in-person orthopedic physical examination, and regulatory barriers, such as insurance reimbursement, increased medicolegal risk, and privacy and confidentiality concerns. Despite these hurdles, telehealth is here to stay and can be successfully incorporated in any total joint arthroplasty practice with the appropriate adjustments.
The Role of Telehealth in Sideline Management of Sports-Related Injuries
Authors: Subramanyam Venkat , Day Molly A. , Kinderknecht James J.
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the ability of the sports medicine physician to be present to participate in in-person sideline evaluation of the injured athlete. The purpose of this review is to assess existing literature regarding the utilization of telehealth for sideline evaluation and management of the injured athlete, as well as to identify further areas of research. With the rapid incorporation of telehealth visits, the utilization and capabilities of telemedicine continue to expand. A number of evidence-based resources are available to support medical providers to develop and utilize video evaluation for the sideline evaluation of sports-related injuries. Future research, including the development of validated, modified examination techniques and technologies, will allow for improved interactive physical examinations, which may be better utilized for sideline evaluation.
Perspective of Attending Physicians on the Use of Telemedicine in an Outpatient Arthroplasty Setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kolin David A. , Carroll Kaitlin M. , Plancher Kevin , Cushner Fred
Published: March 2021

Background: During the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, physicians had to improvise and adapt new ways to provide care to patients. Purposes: The purpose of this study was to assess physicians’ sentiments regarding telemedicine and its use in orthopedic practices. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of attending orthopedic physicians, the majority of whom integrated telemedicine into their practices from March to October 2020. A survey was sent to 517 physicians who had registered for an orthopedics conference. The survey included questions pertaining to various factors regarding telemedicine and each physician’s practice. Results: Of the 517 physicians who received the survey, 328 responded, for a 63.4% response rate. Of the 328 respondents, 84.1% did not use telemedicine in their practice prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even during the pandemic, the physicians most commonly responded that less than 5% of their practice was conducted by telemedicine (n = 103, 31.4%). The second most common response was that more than 20% of visits were done via telemedicine (n = 72, 22.0%); 43.0% of physicians noted that they would not use telemedicine technology in their practice after the pandemic, but 59.1% of physicians would be willing to do annual visits by telemedicine. Ability to examine the patient (2.0 ± 1.0) was rated worse, overall, than either the experience using the technology (3.2 ± 1.0) or the capacity to communicate with the patient (3.6 ± 1.0). Conclusions: Our survey of orthopedic surgeons demonstrates that while the use of telemedicine technology was minimal prior to the pandemic, its use was widely adopted during the pandemic. Nearly half of physicians said that they will continue to use telemedicine.
Diltiazem Does Not Prevent Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Thoracoscopic Lobectomy
Authors: Lederer Madeline R. , Deemer Alexa , Liongson Franzes A. , Roma Nicholas , Lee Charles T. , Stoltzfus Jill C. , Burfeind William R.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Thoracoscopic lobectomy is associated with lower rates of adverse events compared to thoracotomy. Despite this, postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurs in at least 10% of patients. Our objective is to determine if prophylaxis with diltiazem significantly reduced POAF events.

Methods

Patients without prior history of atrial fibrillation who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy from 2007 to 2016 at one institution were analyzed in a retrospective cohort study utilizing a prospective database. Patients treated from 2007 to 2012 received no prophylaxis. Patients treated after 2012 received diltiazem postoperatively. All patients were monitored with continuous telemetry postoperatively. Multivariate direct logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors of POAF. We report adjusted odds ratios and accompanying 95% confidence intervals, with P < 0.05 denoting statistical significance.

Results

The final regression model included 416 patients (52 with POAF, 364 without). In univariate analysis, the variables of body mass index and history of congestive heart failure, diabetes, or hypertension, and prophylaxis status did not meet inclusion criteria. Age, gender, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, and vascular disease were included. Only ages 65 to 74 ( P = 0.03) and ≥75 ( P = 0.02), compared to <65, were statistically significant predictors of POAF. Adjusted odds ratios of ages 65 to 74 and ≥75 were 2.88 and 2.62, respectively.

Conclusions

Diltiazem prophylaxis did not significantly reduce POAF incidence following thoracoscopic lobectomy. Further study is warranted since POAF remains an unwanted source of morbidity and cost for lobectomy patients.
Harnessing Technology for Research During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Diary Study Protocol
Authors: Saltzman L. Y. , Terzis L. D. , Hansel T. C. , Blakey J. M. , Logan D. , Bordnick P. S.
Published: March 2021

Project Title:

Psychosocial Reactions to a Global Pandemic: A Diary Study During COVID-19.

Design:

The study uses a mixed methods design that includes both a cross-sectional quantitative survey and qualitative diary entries submitted online eight times by student participants.

Context of Study:

The study timeline spans the full shutdown, phase 1 reopening, and phase 2 reopening of New Orleans Louisiana.

Objectives:

The study has three primary objectives: (1) To better understand the experiences of Social Work Students during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) To explore risk and protective factors that influences Social Work Students’ ability to cope with stressors and changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic; and (3) to track changes over time in coping among Social Work Students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study Population:

Current Master of Social Work (MSW) Students enrolled at Tulane University during the COVID-19 Pandemic will be invited to participate in this study.
Dynamic response of CRTS I double-block ballastless track under three-dimensional temperature and falling-shaft impact loadings
Authors: Zeng Zhiping , Ye Mengxuan , Liu Fushan , Shuaibu Abdulmumin Ahmed , Wang Weidong , Meng Xiaobai
Published: March 2021

The CRTS I double-block ballastless track under the coupling effect of temperature and falling-shaft impact is more adaptable to actual operation. However, domestic and foreign research has only focused on either temperature or train loadings. In this study, the finite-element method was used to analyze the dynamic response of the double-block ballastless track structure. The results suggests that the displacement and acceleration characteristics of the ballastless track structure under different working conditions change significantly than no temperature gradient. Moreover, the vibration responses at the different working conditions under the impact excitation of a dropping wheelset show that. The findings of this study revealed that temperature has significant impact on falling-shaft which cannot be ignored, consequently it, paper provides referential information for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the CRTS I double-block ballastless track structure under with large temperature difference.
Development of energy flow models to predict sound fields for sound absorbing structures in medium-to-high frequency ranges
Authors: Kim Tae-Gyoung , Hong Suk-Yoon , Song Jee-Hun , Kwon Hyun-Wung
Published: March 2021

Energy flow analysis (EFA) model for the treatment of sound absorbing structures is developed to predict sound fields of engineering systems in medium-to-high frequency ranges. Thus far, EFA for acoustic models has been developed only for low damping media, such as air and water. A new energy flow governing equation is derived in this study by identifying a relationship between energy density gradient and intensity and acoustic energy dissipation for sound absorbing materials. With the developed EFA model, dispersive wave, and loss factors are identified using complex acoustic properties, and they are investigated to make ensure that they reflect the properties of sound absorbing materials. By solving the governing equation, acoustic energy density, and intensity distributions in sound absorbing materials are obtained, and noise analyses are performed for sound absorbing structures. They are compared with those obtained via a conventional method and experimental result for the verification, in which we confirmed that both results agreed well. Furthermore, various sound absorbing structures are analyzed using the developed EFA model to predict sound fields in medium-to-high frequency ranges. It is demonstrated that the developed EFA model is useful for medium-to-high frequency ranges.
Learning and detecting abnormal speed of marine robots
Authors: Cho Sungjin , Zhang Fumin , Edwards Catherine R
Published: March 2021

This article presents anomaly detection algorithms for marine robots based on their trajectories under the influence of unknown ocean flow. A learning algorithm identifies the flow field and estimates the through-water speed of a marine robot. By comparing the through-water speed with a nominal speed range, the algorithm is able to detect anomalies causing unusual speed changes. The identified ocean flow field is used to eliminate false alarms, where an abnormal trajectory may be caused by unexpected flow. The convergence of the algorithms is justified through the theory of adaptive control. The proposed strategy is robust to speed constraints and inaccurate flow modeling. Experimental results are collected on an indoor testbed formed by the Georgia Tech Miniature Autonomous Blimp and Georgia Tech Wind Measuring Robot, while simulation study is performed for ocean flow field. Data collected in both studies confirm the effectiveness of the algorithms in identifying the through-water speed and the detection of speed anomalies while avoiding false alarms.
The spatial imaginaries of international volunteer teachers: Contrapuntal and disconnected geographies
Authors: Henry Jacob
Published: March 2021

Scholars argue that international volunteering must not be framed as altruism or charity; rather, it should invoke themes from decolonial justice theorizing. Volunteers who have benefited from colonial-imperial structural advantages should understand their labor as a kind of reparation for ongoing structural dispossession. I argue that spatial imaginaries are central to this project. Volunteers can better situate themselves with decolonial intentionality if they adopt what Edward Said called contrapuntal theories of geography. The volunteer orientation phase is the best time to instill this spatial imaginary. This study analyzes how volunteers theorize “home” and “away” as they become teachers in Namibia. Drawing from a “netnographic” discourse analysis of their public blogs, I find that volunteers are likely to subscribe to a geographical imaginary of atomized and disconnected spaces, lacking the conceptual tools needed to grapple with decolonial justice and to implement dues-paying volunteering in their classrooms.
Altering the rehabilitation environment to improve stroke survivor activity: A Phase II trial
Authors: Janssen Heidi , Ada Louise , Middleton Sandy , Pollack Michael , Nilsson Michael , Churilov Leonid , Blennerhassett Jannette , Faux Steven , New Peter , McCluskey Annie , Spratt Neil J , Bernhardt Julie ,   on behalf of the AREISSA Trial group
Published: March 2021

Background

Environmental enrichment involves organization of the environment and provision of equipment to facilitate engagement in physical, cognitive, and social activities. In animals with stroke, it promotes brain plasticity and recovery.

Aims

To assess the feasibility and safety of a patient-driven model of environmental enrichment incorporating access to communal and individual environmental enrichment.

Methods

A nonrandomized cluster trial with blinded measurement involving people with stroke ( n = 193) in four rehabilitation units was carried out. Feasibility was operationalized as activity 10 days after admission to rehabilitation and availability of environmental enrichment. Safety was measured as falls and serious adverse events. Benefit was measured as clinical outcomes at three months, by an assessor blinded to group.

Results

The experimental group ( n = 91) spent 7% (95% CI −14 to 0) less time inactive, 9% (95% CI 0–19) more time physically, and 6% (95% CI 2–10) more time socially active than the control group ( n = 102). Communal environmental enrichment was available 100% of the time, but individual environmental enrichment was rarely within reach (24%) or sight (39%). There were no between-group differences in serious adverse events or falls at discharge or three months or in clinical outcomes at three months.

Conclusions

This patient-driven model of environmental enrichment was feasible and safe. However, the very modest increase in activity by people with stroke, and the lack of benefit in clinical outcomes three months after stroke do not provide justification for an efficacy trial.
Pufendorf and Leibniz on duties of esteem in diplomatic relations
Authors: Blank Andreas
Published: March 2021

The striving for self-worth is recognized as a driving force in international relations; but if self-worth is understood as a function of status in a power hierarchy, this striving often is a source of anxiety and conflict over status. The quasi-international relations within the early modern German Empire have prompted seventeenth-century natural law theorists such as Samuel Pufendorf and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz to reflect about this problem. In his De statu imperii Germanici (1667), Pufendorf regards the power differences and dependencies between the Reichsstände to be an expression of the deficits of constitutional structure of the Empire—a structure that, in his view, causes internal division because it leads to distorted practices of esteem between the estates. Against Pufendorf, Leibniz argues De jure suprematus ac legationis (1671) that political actors such as the German princes who are not Electors could fulfill functions under the law of nations such as forming confederations and peace keeping. Incoherently, however, Leibniz excludes less powerful estates such as the Imperial cities and the Hanseatic cities from the ensuing duties of esteem. This shortcoming, in turn, is arguably remedied in Pufendorf’s later considerations concerning duties of esteem in diplomatic relations.
Élaboration et évaluation de l’utilité, de l’utilisabilité et de l’acceptabilité de ressources éducatives produites en réponse à la crise de la COVID-19
Authors: Tessier Nicolas , O’Callaghan Nathalie , Fernandez Da Rocha Puleoto Carmella , Jourdan Didier
Published: March 2021

L’éducation est l’un des principaux déterminants de la santé. Or, la crise sanitaire a conduit à ce que 90% de la population étudiante mondiale, soit 1,57 milliard d’enfants et de jeunes dans 190 pays, soient privés d’école. Les conséquences de la fermeture des écoles sur les apprentissages et la santé sont bien établies. L’impact du confinement sur la santé des enfants et des jeunes est plus marqué que celui sur d’autres groupes d’âge car l’interaction entre pairs est un aspect essentiel du développement. De plus, les conséquences de la fermeture des écoles sont d’autant plus importantes que les élèves sont plus vulnérables socialement. Le dispositif de promotion de la santé « Réussir, être bien, être ensemble » est une démarche de co-contruction d’outils pédagogiques en éducation à la santé qui prend en compte la diversité culturelle, s’appuie sur les pratiques existantes, les partage et les enrichit des apports de la recherche (processus de conception continuée dans l’usage). Il a été activé pour élaborer avec les acteurs, et dans un temps très court, un ensemble d’outils à destination des écoles primaires en vue de s’assurer de la continuité pédagogique pendant la crise. L’évaluation de ces outils auprès des professionnels en activité et en formation (n = 50) montre qu’ils ont une bonne utilisabilité en référence aux pratiques de classe existantes (score de 8,2 sur 10) et aux besoins des élèves (score de 8 sur 10), une utilité pour le développement de compétences et de connaissances en éducation à la santé (score de 8,4 sur 10), une acceptabilité par rapport aux approches pédagogiques, aux supports contextualisés et à leur mise en œuvre (score de 8,3 sur 10). Cette étude montre que la promotion de la santé comme approche est susceptible d’offrir un cadre pour l’élaboration d’outils d’intervention adaptés en période de crise sanitaire.
Differential timing of autumn migration between sex groups in adult European honey buzzards Pernis apivorus
Authors: Cento Michele , Malpassuti Vittoria , Dell’Omo Giacomo , Agostini Nicolantonio
Published: March 2021

The European honey buzzard Pernis apivorus is a summer visitor in Europe, wintering mostly in West-central Africa. Previous studies concerning timing of autumn migration in relation to sex groups provided contrasting results. In particular, a field survey made in southern Sweden did not report differences in timing, while a satellite study via GPS tracking on six adults, three males, and three females, revealed that the latter departed earlier. The aim of this 4-year study is to further investigate the timing of autumn migration in this species carrying out observations at the Strait of Messina, a bottleneck located along the Central Mediterranean flyway, between August 10th and September 30th 2016–2019. Adult European honey buzzards concentrated the passage between late August early September, with females passing on average 5 days earlier than males. It is suggested that a different role of sexes concerning exhibition of territorial displays during the late breeding season, would explain differences between sex groups in timing of both moult and autumn migration.
The Postmortem Interpretation of Cardiac Genetic Variants of Unknown Significance in Sudden Death in the Young: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Fadel Saleh , Walker Alfredo E.
Published: March 2021

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in adolescents and young adults is a major traumatic event for families and communities. In these cases, it is not uncommon to have a negative autopsy with structurally and histologically normal heart. Such SCD cases are generally attributed to channelopathies, which include long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Our understanding of the causes for SCDs has changed significantly with the advancements in molecular and genetic studies, where many mutations are now known to be associated with certain channelopathies. Postmortem analysis provides great value in informing decision-making with regard to screening tests and prophylactic measures that should be taken to prevent sudden death in first degree relatives of the decedent. As this is a rapidly advancing field, our ability to identify genetic mutations has surpassed our ability to interpret them. This led to a unique challenge in genetic testing called variants of unknown significance (VUS). VUSs present a diagnostic dilemma and uncertainty for clinicians and patients with regard to next steps. Caution should be exercised when interpreting VUSs since misinterpretation can result in mismanagement of patients and their families. A case of a young adult man with drowning as his proximate cause of death is presented in circumstances where cardiac genetic testing was indicated and undertaken. Eight VUSs in genes implicated in inheritable cardiac dysfunction were identified and the interpretation of VUSs in this scenario is discussed.
Thermal Effects on DNA Degradation in Blood and Seminal Stains: Forensic View
Authors: Abdel Hady Randa H. , Thabet Hayam Z. , Ebrahem Noha Esmael , Yassa Heba A.
Published: March 2021

Forensic investigations using DNA analysis have been grown rapidly. Samples retrieved from crime scene may be exposed to different conditions before proceeding. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different grades of temperature and burn on DNA extraction and typing.

Methods:

Seven mL of blood and four mL of semen were collected from each volunteer. Effects of temperature grades (100 °C, 50 °C, 37 °C, 4 °C, −20 °C, and burn) on blood and seminal stain were tested.

Results:

Bloodstains exposed to temperature grades 100 °C, 50 °C, 37 °C, 4 °C, and −20 °C can be identified using preliminary test while burnt blood stain cannot. Seminal stains exposed to temperature grades 37 °C, 4 °C, and −20 °C can be identified by Florence test while those exposed to 100 °C, 50 °C, and burn cannot. Blood and seminal stains exposed to temperature grades 100 °C, 50 °C, and burn show marked reduction in DNA concentration while maximum DNA conc could be recovered from stains exposed to temperature grade temperature. Both blood and seminal DNA was affected only in case of burn without significant difference between THO1 and Amelogenin primers.

Conclusion:

High environmental temperature affect the quantity of extracted DNA from different stains but less effect on the quality of extracted DNA. Burn affects both preliminary test, DNA quantity, and quality in stains.
Exploring Environmental Volunteers’ Perceptions of Health to Design a Health-Related Impact Measurement Tool
Authors: Seymour Valentine , Wood Mike
Published: March 2021

This article aims to explore the use of the user-centered design (UCD) method, mental model approach, of those who engage in environmental volunteering to work toward the development of a health-related impact measurement tool. It reports a case study which explores the use of one UCD method, a mental model approach. This is an understudied area of research that would be considerably valuable for practitioners in the voluntary sector who wish to create their own health-related impact measurement tool. Focus group interviews are used to explore how volunteers perceive the term health, their conceptual understandings, terminology used, and the attributes to measure it. This study is reported from the perspective of U.K. environmental charity, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). Findings from this article can be used by other voluntary organizations and charities to help shape their own health-related impact measurement tool and the ways in which these tools can be tailored to suit their individual needs.
Evaluation on the Meteorological Service for Mitigating the Severe Impacts of Typhoon Rammasun
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Cui Bingwei , Batchelor William D. , Zhang Chengyi
Published: March 2021

This study takes the meteorological service of super typhoon Rammasun as an example, and proposes a multi-dimensional quantitative assessment method for meteorological service. Rammasun was the strongest typhoon that landed in China from 1949 to 2019. It hit the coastal areas of China three times, with a rare landing intensity in history. Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan and other provinces have suffered disasters of varying degrees, with a total affected population of 12.084 million and a direct economic loss of 44.89 billion CNY. During this period, the total investment in meteorological services was approximately 1.213 billion CNY, and the economic benefits of disaster prevention and mitigation in the four disaster-stricken provinces were worth 16.1 billion CNY. According to the cost-benefit analysis of economics, the input-output ratio for disaster prevention and mitigation in Typhoon Rammasun was 1:13.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in a Patient With Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: Case Report and Review of Related Literature
Authors: Sarmiento Robert Joseph C. , Diestro Jose Danilo B. , Antonio Athena Kate D. , Prado Mario B. , Adiao Karen Joy B. , Dioquino-Maligaso Carissa Paz
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a severe but treatable disease that presents with symptoms similar to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

Case Report:

We describe a 28-year old female who initially presented with headaches, behavioral changes, anxiety, lip tremors, and rigidity of extremities. She was prescribed with olanzapine and later manifested with neuroleptic malignant syndrome symptoms such as decrease in sensorium, muscle rigidity, hyperthermia and tachycardia. Further investigation showed presence of bilateral ovarian teratoma and anti-NMDAR antibodies in her serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Symptoms resolved after intravenous high-dose methylprednisolone, bilateral oophoro-cystectomy, and intravenous immunoglobulin administration. Overlapping pathological mechanisms of anti- NMDAR encephalitis and NMS were discussed. Ten patients with anti- NMDAR encephalitis and NMS were noted in a review of literature. Prognosis was favorable and intervention ranged from supportive to methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin administration, plasma exchange and teratoma resection.

Conclusion:

Anti- NMDAR encephalitis patients are at risk for NMS due to antipsychotic intolerance and other interrelated pathophysiological mechanisms. The overlap between the signs and symptoms of anti-NMDAR encephalitis and NMS poses a diagnostic dilemma and warrants a careful investigation and management.