bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Funerals: Experiences of Participants in the 2020 Dying2Learn Massive Open Online Course
Authors: Rawlings Deb , Miller-Lewis Lauren , Tieman Jennifer
Published: February 2022

A Massive-Open-Online-Course (MOOC) on death and dying (Dying2Learn) was offered in 2020, designed to build conversations about death as a natural part of life. In week 1, the content focused on how today’s society engages with death through the language we use, humour, public mourning and funerals. This study investigated 2020 MOOC participants’ responses to an online activity reflecting on funerals and memorials during the time of COVID-19. From this activity, n = 204 responses were analysed qualitatively. Themes included the positives and negatives of virtual funeral attendance (e.g. opportunity to have a way to participate when travel barriers existed, versus a sense of impersonal voyeurism); and the challenges related to the inability to physically comfort the bereaved due to physical distancing requirements. Comments made as part of this MOOC activity provide a unique insight into the community’s experience of funeral changes necessitated by COVID-19, with important implications for the grieving process.
Study on color representation model and computer simulation of colored spun fabrics based on image translation model
Authors: Yuan Li , Huo Da , Gu Qian , Xiong Ying , Wang Danshu
Published: February 2022

To improve the design and development efficiency of colored spun products, this paper puts forward a computer simulation scheme based on an image translation model, focusing on the ‘fancy’ coloration characteristics of colored spun fabrics. First, the Pix2PixHD image translation model was used to train and extract the fabric color texture information of colored spun fabrics, so as to construct a color texture characterization model; meanwhile, the texture fusion and color filling algorithm was constructed for the blending process of two-component dyed fibers, so as to realize the computer simulation of the two-component colored spun fabric ‘fancy’ color effect. On this basis, a texture and coloration characteristic evaluation index for colored spun fabric was established, which was applied to the quantitative analysis of computer simulation results for the first time. Meanwhile, the difference significance test was performed on the quantitative analysis results. It turned out that the computer simulation scheme established in this paper can effectively simulate the various ‘fancy’ color effects. Compared with the existing algorithms, it not only has obvious advantages in visual subjective feeling, but also has a notable improvement in objective and quantitative analysis data. The texture similarity and color similarity are increased by 5.78% and 19.17%, respectively, the peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity index measure are increased by 15.72 db and 0.168, respectively. Therefore, the computer simulation scheme has ideal realistic and generalization characteristics.
Validity and Reliability of Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Jang Jong-Sik , Jeon Ju-Yeong , Kim Hyub , Kim Geon-Woo
Published: February 2022

Purpose: This study was conducted to verify the validity and reliability of the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) for children with cerebral palsy by verifying the construct validity, difficulty, suitability, and cultural differences using Rasch analysis. Methods: From May 1, 2015, to February 27, 2020, 105 children with cerebral palsy aged 6 months–95 months (7 years and 11 months old) from Hospital Y located in Korea were included. In WeeFIM, 18 items were divided into 3 areas: Self-care 8 items, Motor 5 items, and Cognition 5 items. Analysis and separation reliability were analyzed. Results: In the Self-care area, the Grooming item and in the Motor area, the Transfer (Tub, Shower) item were judged as inappropriate items, and the order of difficulty was arranged without excluding the unsuitable items. In Self-acre, the most difficult item was Bathing, the easiest items were Eating and Bladder management, and the separation reliability was .87, the most difficult item in Motor was Stair, and the easiest item was Locomotion, and the separation reliability was .99. In Cognition, the most difficult item was Problem Solving, the easiest item was Communication, and the separation reliability was .95. Conclusion: The reliability and validity of WeeFIM was verified for children with cerebral palsy by applying Rasch Analysis. In future research, it is thought that additional research should be conducted by dividing the children by age and type so that they can be generalized.
Asking about the Worst First: An Examination of Contextual Effects in Factorial Vignettes
Authors: Pedneault Amelie , Willits Dale W.
Published: February 2022

Contextual effects refer to the process by which responses given to survey questions can be affected by question order. Generally, contextual effects harm data measurement validity by introducing bias and increasing measurement error; the risk is that responses to a survey’s later questions are partly affected not only by the substance of the question but also by the preceding questions. Two opposite effects are possible: a carryover effect refers to the assimilation of later questions into those previously asked, and a backfire effect refers to the contrasting of earlier and later questions. In the case where a stereotype is activated in earlier questions of a survey, the previous literature suggests a carryover effect is more likely. The present study tests whether this is also the case in factorial vignette research by examining the influence of first presenting a vignette that corresponds more closely to a stereotypical view of sexual abuse. Results indicate a backfire effect, pointing to the distinctively different way in which vignette scenarios activate stereotypes compared to general survey questions. The results also highlight the need for researchers to control for contextual ordering effects when modeling factorial vignette data.
Moltmann for Clinicians: Hope in Suffering and the Way of Liberation
Authors: Jones Paul C.
Published: February 2022

This article will attempt to offer contributions from the systematic theologian, Jürgen Moltmann, to practicing clinicians of psychotherapy and counseling. It will begin by introducing Moltmann and three of his major theological themes of hope, pathos, and liberation. For Moltmann, hope is linked to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The presence of God in the person of Jesus represents God’s divine pathos or willingness to be vulnerably affected by human suffering. Liberation is then found in the suffering way of Jesus Christ. Next, the article will discuss how each of these three theological themes can be integrated with the work of psychotherapy as well as how Moltmann’s theology provides a critique of contemporary models of psychotherapy that attempt only to reduce or eliminate suffering. Finally, an example is used to draw out the implications of the critique as well as offer applications for clinical integrative practice.
Unions in society, unions in the state: New forms of irregular workers’ movements beyond the factory in South Korea
Authors: Lee Cheol-Sung , Yoo Hyung-Geun
Published: February 2022

In this study, the authors explore the ways that new forms of labor politics emerge in civil society in the era of flexible labor markets and fragmented workplaces (through outsourcing and subcontracting). First, a theoretical framework is developed that accounts for the formation processes of three modes of irregular, non-standard labor politics: politics of influence, politics of substitution, and politics of occupation. Each of these delineates positional politics of issue-specific threats and alliance, unions’ functional replacement of local civic governance, and unions’ takeover of the state’s institutional space. Then, using unique qualitative field interviews of labor activists and union leaders, a comparative case study is conducted to examine three instances of non-standard workers’ struggles against their employers in South Korean labor politics in the 2000s and the 2010s: the Hyundai Motors Irregular Workers’ Union, the Hope Union, and the Youth Community Union. The study highlights grassroots-based community activism and the institutionalized civil-society space within the state as newly arising forms of labor politics, and discusses their implications in relation to the state, civil society, and partisan politics.
High Riding Jugular Bulb Protruding Into Tympanic Cavity: Longitudinal Radiologic Study in a Deaf Child
Authors: Ueda Keishi , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Michida Tetsuhiko , Shinohara Shogo , Naito Yasushi
Published: February 2022

Background

High riding jugular bulb (HRJB) develops after 2 years and is rare at younger ages. High riding jugular bulb sometimes protrudes into the tympanic cavity, which can cause hemorrhagic complications during otologic surgery. 

Case Presentation

We describe a congenitally deaf child with bilateral inner ear malformations and a right-sided HRJB on CT at 9 months. This child had undergone left cochlear implantation (CI) at 19 months, and right CI was planned at 6 years. However, we decided not to perform the right CI because preoperative CT images revealed that the right jugular bulb (JB) was enlarged and protruded into the tympanic cavity, completely covering the round window (RW). 

Conclusion

This is the first pediatric case in which a longitudinal CT scan proves that HRJB develops and protrudes over time. These findings suggest that the earlier the HRJB forms, the larger it may grow. We must keep in mind the possibility of the enlargement and protrusion of HRJB.
Windows Towards the West: Exploring the Emergence of Popular Magazines in Yugoslavia in the 1960s and Early 1970s
Authors: Majstorović Dunja
Published: February 2022

The 1960s were a golden age for Vjesnik, the largest publishing house in Yugoslavia, which invested in market research to launch new, successful issues, largely modeled on Western magazines. This paper explores the factors that enabled their emergence and argues they were the product of significant changes occurring in Yugoslav society in the 1960s. Building on the literature on press theory, the development of tourism and consumerism, and Western cultural influences in Yugoslavia, the changes are identified as the following: opening towards the West and changes in work time that enabled the rise of tourism and consumerism; a more liberal media policy, and the implementation of self-management that enabled different sources of media funding and the professionalization of journalism. The main goal is to examine how these changes spurred the development of Vjesnik in view of the launch and characteristics of its successful magazines in the 1960s and early 1970s.
Learning collective free music improvisation as a socio-communicative endeavor: Preservice teachers’ journey in a teacher preparation course in Singapore
Authors: Ng Hoon Hong
Published: February 2022

In this exploratory case study, I examined how preservice music teachers (PMTs) developed collective free music improvisation (CFMI) competencies in a teacher training program in Singapore. Nine PMTs participated in the 6-week course, where they acquired CFMI skills following a curriculum derived from improvisation and free improvisation literature. Data obtained through video recordings of course proceedings, field notes, interviews, and surveys were analyzed through the constant comparative method of analysis. Findings revealed PMTs’ learning processes as a 3-part journey based on recurring behavioral traits in each segment. Over weeks of performances, PMTs transitioned from a conservative behavioral state to an increasingly volatile one that challenged socio-musical boundaries, finally establishing unique group identities at the end of their journey. Based on their learning experiences, I provide suggestions to scaffold CFMI training.
Totally implantable venous access ports: A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing subclavian and internal jugular vein punctures
Authors: Zhou Ya , Lan Yanqiu , Zhang Qiang , Song Jifang , He Juan , Peng Na , Peng Xingqiao , Yang Xinxin
Published: February 2022

Background

Totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is a completely closed intravenous infusion system that stays in the human body for a long time. It is used for the infusion of strong irritating or hyperosmotic drugs, nutritional support treatment, blood transfusion and blood specimen collection, and other purposes. There are two common ways of TIVAP: internal jugular vein implantation and subclavian vein implantation. However, the postoperative complications of the two implantation methods are quite different, and there is no recommended implantation method in the relevant guidelines. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the difference in complications of the two implantation methods, and choose the better implantation method.

Methods

Computer search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library database was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the establishment of the database to October 2021. Two researchers independently screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies. RevMan5.4 software was used for meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 1086 patients in five studies were finally included. The results of meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the incidence of infection (RR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.43–1.48, p = .47), catheter blockage (RR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.15–3.46, p = .68), port squeeze (RR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.14–8.02, p = .95), catheter-related thrombosis (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.22–3.38, p = 0.83), catheter displacement (RR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.22–1.12, p = .09), extravasation (RR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.01–2.15, p = .15), and catheter rupture (RR = 3.77, 95% CI: 0.16–89.76, p = .41) between the two implantation paths.

Conclusions

There is little difference in the complication rate of TIVAP between internal jugular vein insertion and subclavian vein insertion. Due to the small number of included studies, there are certain limitations, and more studies need to be included for analysis in the future.
Refinement of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores predict left atrial thrombus or spontaneous echo contrast in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Cao Miaomiao , Guo Huihui , Zhao Xiao , Li Xiyang , Sun Chaofeng
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the risk factors of left atrial thrombus (LAT)/spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

This retrospective study analysed the data from consecutive patients with nonvalvular AF that underwent transoesophageal echocardiography. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of LAT/SEC. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was undertaken compare the new scales with CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores.

Results

A total of 558 patients with AF were included in the study. LAT/SEC was detected in 137 (24.6%) patients. The independent risk factors of LAT/SEC beyond CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc scores included non-paroxysmal AF and left atrial diameter >37.5 mm. These two variables were added into the CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc score to build new scales. Areas under the curve for the new scales based on CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were significantly higher than the CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc score both in the overall study cohort and in patients at a high risk of thromboembolism.

Conclusions

Non-paroxysmal AF and increased left atrial diameter beyond the CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc score were independent risk factors of LAT/SEC and may help to improve the current risk stratification, especially for patients with nonvalvular AF at a high risk of thromboembolism.
Results of the First Large-Scale Survey of Transportation Network Companies Use in the Bay Area
Authors: Bradley Mark , Greene Elizabeth , Sana Bhargava , Cooper Drew , Castiglione Joe , Israel Shimon , Coy Christopher
Published: February 2022

Transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft have grown tremendously over the last decade, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area. Nonetheless, relatively little publicly available data exist about the users of these services, their travel behaviors, volume of use, the times and locations of TNC trips, and how TNC services are affecting transportation system performance overall. This paper describes the methods and descriptive results of the first large-scale smartphone-based TNC user survey conducted in the California Bay Area in the fall 2018 and spring of 2019.
Mechanistic–Empirical Model for Cracking Prediction in Unbonded Concrete Overlays on Concrete Pavements
Authors: Khazanovich Lev , Vandenbossche Julie , Salles de Salles Lucio , Burnham Tom
Published: February 2022

Unbonded concrete overlays (UBOL) are a preferred rehabilitation solution for distressed concrete pavements because the remaining pavement can be used as a strong support layer while an interlayer between the UBOL and the existing pavement mitigates potential distress reflections. Nevertheless, UBOL, as other types of jointed concrete pavements, experiences fatigue cracking as a major distress because of critical stress inflicted by traffic and environmental loading. Therefore, for proper UBOL performance, a cracking model that considers the specific UBOL characteristics is necessary. The AASHTO Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design (AASHTO M-E) cracking model, although the most advanced model for UBOL design currently available, still presents significant limitations. The model considers only transverse cracking, ignoring longitudinal cracking which has been reported by Departments of Transportation. Additionally, UBOL unique design features such as the effect of temperature variation throughout the existing concrete slab thickness and different interlayer properties are overlooked, resulting in crack predictions with unreliable trends. To address these issues, this paper proposes a modified UBOL cracking model. The proposed model was developed with a new approach for stress analysis and damage calculation considering different positions in the UBOL as well as modifications of the temperature data processing, and built-in curl analysis. The model was calibrated and validated using Long-Term Pavement Performance UBOL sections, and two sensitivity analysis are presented with a modified reliability analysis.
Linking Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Nutrition Outcomes: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Macheka Lesley , Mudiwa Tatenda , Chopera Prosper , Nyamwanza Admire , Jacobs Peter
Published: February 2022

Background:

The relationship between climate adaptation strategies and nutrition security is poorly understood and often unclear. Although several adaptation strategies have been implemented to mitigate the impact of climate change, there is still a lack of conclusive evidence or studies on the interrelationships between adopted climate change adaptation strategies and nutrition outcomes.

Objective:

This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework that links climate change, adaptation strategies and nutrition and to show the indicators that can be used to assess the impact of climate adaptation strategies on nutrition.

Methodology:

The proposed conceptual framework was developed through a literature review.

Results:

A generic conceptual framework that could be used to assess the impact of adopted climate change adaptation strategies on nutrition outcomes was developed. The framework consists of 5 key elements: agro-food system, context characteristics, adaptation strategies, climatic shocks and stress, and system output. The principles used in designing the conceptual framework include systems approach, contingency theory, and system output.

Conclusion:

The developed framework offers a channel to evaluate adopted climate change adaptation strategies and their impact on nutrition outcomes. Such a conceptual framework can also be used in selecting and identifying more suitable climate adaptation strategies given specific contextual environments.
Preparation and characterization of injectable gelatin/alginate/chondroitin sulfate/α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate composite paste for bone repair application
Authors: Chamansara Alireza , Behnamghader Aliasghar , Zamanian Ali
Published: February 2022

In this study, a group of injectable composite pastes with a novel formulation consisting of two inorganic components: α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate (α-CSH, P/L = 1.8–2.1 g/ml) and calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA, P/L = 0.1 g/ml) nanoparticles; and three biopolymers: gelatin (2, 4 wt. %), alginate (1, 1.5 wt. %), and chondroitin sulfate (0.5 wt. %) were carefully prepared and thoroughly characterized with commensurate characterizations. The composite sample composed of gelatin (2 wt. %), alginate (1.5 wt. %), chondroitin sulfate (0.5 wt. %), and also CDHA nanoparticles and α-CSH with P/L ratios of 0.1 and 2.1 g/ml, respectively, exhibited optimal properties in terms of injectability, anti-washout performance, and rheological characteristics. After 14 days of immersion of the chosen sample in the simulated body fluid medium, a dense layer of apatite was formed on the surface of the composite paste. The cellular in vitro tests, such as 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay (MTT), alkaline phosphatase assay, 4ʹ,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, and cellular attachment, revealed the desirable response of MG-63 cells to the composite paste. The chondroitin sulfate significantly improved the injectability, anti-washout performance, and cellular response of the samples. Considering the promising features of the composite paste prepared in this research work, it could be considered as an alternative injectable bioactive material for bone repair applications.

[Formula: see text]
A flexible method for geometric design of axial compressor blades
Authors: Yang Jiong , Hu Bifu , Tao Yuan , Li Jixing
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes a method for the geometric design of axial compressor blades. First, a novel approach for creating 2D blade sections is proposed, where each 2D blade section is obtained by imposing the defined thickness distribution along the camber line. The camber line of each 2D blade section is defined by specifying the angle change of each point on the camber line. In order to make this method applicable to a wider range of blade section design, the camber line of each section can be designed in several (usually 2 or 3) segments. It takes into account the change rule of blade section along the flow channel, which is the most concerned in the aerodynamic design, rather than the specific curve form of blade section. Then, the 2D blade sections are mapped to the corresponding arbitrary rotational flow surface. Finally, the 3D blade model is generated by lofting the blade sections in the flow surfaces. Some typical examples are presented. It shows that this method has good applicability and flexibility to realize the geometric design of multiple types of blades.
Modelling, analysis and experimental study of the prop-rotor of vertical/short-take-off and landing aircraft
Authors: Yang Xiao , Wang Xiangyang , Zhu Jihong , Yan Wenhui
Published: February 2022

The main objective of this work is to characterise the prop-rotor of V/STOL (Vertical/short-take-off and landing) aircraft in various operating conditions, especially in transition flight. To this end, a BET (Blade element theory) based analytic model/tool with a low computational cost has been built to predict the aerodynamic performance of the prop-rotor. This BET-based model can predict prop-rotor thrust, torque, normal force, and yaw moment as well as their corresponding 1P load (once-per-revolution load on the single blade) regarding oblique flow. This model is verified and shows good consistency with the wind tunnel experimental data and CFD simulation results. Furthermore, by using this BET model/tool, the effects of axial advance ratio, tilt angle and collective pitch angle on these component loads on the prop-rotor are explored. Moreover, the effects of these variables on the vibratory amplitudes of the 1P load on the single blade and 3P harmonic loads on the prop-rotor due to inclined flow are presented as well.
NIR spectroscopy – What a wonderful world!
Authors: Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: February 2022

This review article for the Karl Norris Award Special Issue consists of four parts. First, the unique history of NIR spectroscopy is described briefly. Then, I discuss the main topic, “what a wonderful world – uniqueness and versatility of NIR spectroscopy.” Next, I introduce our NIR studies for the last 35 years – When did serendipity work in our minds? – a long way of NIR research in the Ozaki group. The investigations on spectral analysis, applications of NIR spectroscopy to physical chemistry, those to life science and NIR imaging studies are reported. Finally, the perspective of NIR spectroscopy is discussed briefly. Through this review, I emphasize on the importance of serendipity in the research.
Reporting preprints in the media during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: van Schalkwyk François , Dudek Jonathan
Published: February 2022

Preprints have gained prominence in the dissemination of scientific findings. This development has been reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to require the rapid dissemination of new scientific information. However, since preprints usually have not undergone peer review, they lack the rigour of other scientific publications such as journal articles. This presents a challenge for the news media tasked with keeping the public informed about the latest scientific developments in the context of great uncertainty during a global pandemic. This research note investigates the reporting of scientific information from preprints in 80 news articles identified in news articles related to COVID-19 published in four South African online media outlets. Our results show that despite the publication of guidelines for reporting on preprints in the media, there is still a way to go regarding the judicious use of scientific information from preprints by the news media.
Poverty or Racism?: Determinants of Disproportionality and Disparity for African American/Black Children in Child Welfare
Authors: Briggs Harold E. , Huggins-Hoyt Kimberly Y. , Teasley Martell L. , Hopps June Gary
Published: February 2022

For decades, the incessantly tethered over-involvement of African American/Black (AA/BL) families with the U.S. Child Welfare System (CWS) has been uniquely troubling. Child welfare researchers have asserted “poverty” over “racism” as the root determinant of the historical disproportionate overrepresentation of AA/BL children in CWS. This commentary explores the extent this assertion holds once an apples-to-apples comparison of poor AA/BL and WH children in the CWS is examined. Using 2018 and 2019 National Child Abuse and Neglect Data Systems (NCANDS) Child File data, rates of disproportionality and disparity for AA/BL and White (WH) children receiving public assistance (PA) (2018: N = 333,640; 2019: N = 321,273) were computed at two CW decision points [disposition of maltreatment investigation and subsequent services administered]. Among these poor children, AA/BL were found to be disproportionately overrepresented and WH children underrepresented compared to their proportion of the U.S. child population at each decision point. AA/BL children were also found to be three times more likely to have their maltreatment substantiated and subsequently be placed in foster care compared to their WH counterparts. The issues of racial disproportionality and disparities still exists when comparing poor AA/BL to poor WH children, which suggests “racism” is operational at decision points in the U.S. CWS and should not be minimized or omitted as a consequential determinant.
Trends in Incidence and Mortality of Esophageal Cancer in Huai’an District, a High-Risk Area in Northern Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Wang Shaokang , Pan Da , Chen Zitong , Song Guang , Han Renqiang , Sun Guiju , Su Ming
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to provide a clear comparable figure of the trends in incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer (EC) in Huai’an District, Huai’an City, Jiangsu Province, China, a high-risk area for EC.

Methods

The data for age- and sex-specific incidence rates between 1998 and 2016, the mortality rates in 1990-2016 and the number of EC patients were obtained from Huai’an District Cancer Registry. Crude rates, Age-standardized rates (ASRs) by world standard population and truncated age-standardized rates of EC incidence and mortality were calculated. The joinpoint regression analysis was used to calculate the annual percent changes (APC), average annual percent changes (AAPC), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Overall, 20,892 new EC cases and 20,806 EC deaths were registered in Huai’an District. ASR of EC incidence from 1998 to 2016 and mortality from 1990 to 2016 were 73.32/100,000 and 60.03/100,000, respectively. The ASR illustrated that the incidence of EC had significant downward trends in total, male and female (AAPC = −4.65, −4.90, and −5.51, respectively, p <.01). The age-specific incidence and mortality rates of EC increased dramatically in people over the age of 40, and peaked in people between the ages 70-74. In the subdivisions of Huai’an District, geographical diversities in the crude incidence and mortality rates of EC were found.

Conclusion

In summary, the incidence and mortality rates of EC showed downward trends in Huai’an District. However, the burden of EC still remained serious in this high-risk area. Cost-effective methods of intervention and health education should be enhanced for improving EC prevention.
Early Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Community Pharmacies—CRIFAFARMA Study
Authors: Valdivieso María González , Orozco-Beltrán Domingo , López-Pineda Adriana , Gil-Guillén Vicente Francisco , Quesada José A. , Carratalá-Munuera Concepción , Nouni-García Rauf
Published: February 2022

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia to appear in clinical practice. People with AF have 5 times the risk of stroke compared to the general population.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of AF in people over the age of 50 without known AF, who presented to a community pharmacy to check their cardiovascular risk factors, to identify risk factors associated with AF, and to assess the risk of stroke in people who screened positive for AF.

Methods:

A multicenter observational descriptive study of a screening program took place from May to December 2016. A blood pressure monitor (Microlife Watch BP Home) was used to screen for AF, and the CHA2DS2-VASc questionnaire was used to assess stroke risk.

Results:

The study included 452 adults over the age of 50. The CRIFAFARMA study detected a prevalence of AF of 9.1%. Risk factors for AF were: age of 75 years or older ( P = .024), lack of physical activity ( P = .043), diabetes ( P < .001), dyslipidemia ( P = .003), and history of cardiovascular disease ( P = .003). Diabetes (OR 2.79, P = .005) and dyslipidemia (OR 2.16, P = .031) had a combined explanatory capacity in the multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for age. 85% were at high risk of stroke according to the CHA2DS2-VASc scale.

Conclusions:

AF was detected in more than 9% of the included population. Factors associated with AF were advanced age, lack of physical activity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and history of cardiovascular disease, with diabetes and dyslipidemia standing out as the factors with independent explanatory capacity.
Nonlocal vibration of functionally graded nanoplates using a layerwise theory
Authors: Belarbi Mohamed-Ouejdi , Li Li , Ahmed Houari Mohammed Sid , Garg Aman , Chalak Hanuman Devidas , Dimitri Rossana , Tornabene Francesco
Published: February 2022

This work studies the size-dependent free vibration response of functionally graded (FG) nanoplates using a layerwise theory. The proposed model supposes not only a higher-order displacement field for the core but also the first-order displacement field for the two face sheets, thereby maintaining an interlaminar displacement continuity among layers. Unlike the conventional layerwise models, the number of variables is kept fixed and does not increase for an increased number of layers. This is a very important feature compared to conventional layerwise models and facilitates significantly the engineering analyses. The material properties of the FG nanoplate are graded continuously through the thickness direction in accordance with a power-law function. The Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory is here adopted to relax the continuum axiom required in classical continuum mechanics and hence hopeful to capture the small size effects of naturally discrete nanoplates. The equations of motion of the problem are obtained via a classical Hamilton’s principle. The present layerwise model is implemented with a computationally efficient C0- continuous isoparametric serendipity elements and applied to solve a large-scale discrete numerical problem. The robustness and reliability of the developed finite element model are demonstrated by a comparative evaluation of results against predictions from literature. The comparative studies show that the proposed finite element model is: (a) free of shear locking, (b) accurate with a fast rate convergence for both thin and thick FG nanoplates, and (c) excellent in terms of numerical stability. Moreover, a detailed parametric analysis checks for the sensitivity of the vibration response of FG nanoplates to the aspect ratio, length-to-thickness ratio, nonlocal parameter, boundary conditions, power-law index, and modes shapes. Referential results are also reported, for the first time, for natural frequencies of FGM nanoplates which will serve as benchmarks for further computational investigations.
Intergroup Contact and Prejudice Reduction: Prospects and Challenges in Changing Youth Attitudes
Authors: Tropp Linda R. , White Fiona , Rucinski Christina L. , Tredoux Colin
Published: February 2022

Intergroup contact has long been lauded as a key intervention to reduce prejudice and improve intergroup attitudes among youth. In this review, we summarize classic perspectives and new developments in the intergroup contact literature, highlighting both prospects and challenges associated with achieving desired youth outcomes through contact. First, we review literature showing how positive intergroup outcomes can be facilitated through cultivating optimal conditions for contact, as well as by attending to youth’s emotional responses to contact. We then discuss how desired contact outcomes may be inhibited by limited understanding of ways in which contact strategies may affect youth across developmental stages, as well as by limited focus on societal inequalities and intergroup conflict, which require examination of outcomes beyond prejudice reduction. We also review growing bodies of research on indirect contact strategies—such as extended contact, vicarious contact, and online contact—showing many options that can be used to promote positive relations among youth from diverse backgrounds, beyond the contact literature’s traditional focus on face-to-face interaction. We conclude this review by acknowledging how understanding both prospects and challenges associated with implementing contact strategies can enhance our capacity to prepare youth to embrace group differences and build more inclusive societies.
Site Visit Standards Revisited: A Framework for Implementation
Authors: Kenney Rachael R. , Haverhals Leah M. , Stryczek Krysttel C. , Fehling Kelty B. , Ball Sherry L.
Published: February 2022

Site visits are common in evaluation plans but there is a dearth of guidance about how to conduct them. This paper revisits site visit standards published by Michael Patton in 2017 and proposes a framework for evaluative site visits. We retrospectively examined documents from a series of site visits for examples of Patton's standards. Through this process, we identified additional standards and organized them into four categories and fourteen standards that can guide evaluation site visits: team competencies and knowledge (interpersonal competence, cultural humility, evaluation competence, methodological competence, subject matter knowledge, site specific knowledge), planning and coordination (project design, resources, data management), engagement (team engagement, sponsor engagement, site engagement), and confounding factors (neutrality, credibility). In the paper, we provide definitions and examples from the case of meeting, and missing, the standards. We encourage others to apply the framework in their contexts and continue the discussion around evaluative site visits.
Does Police Use of Twitter Align With and Enhance Community Policing Objectives? An Analysis of the New York City Police Department’s Twitter Activity
Authors: Thomas Amanda L. , Hatten David N. , Connealy Nathan T.
Published: February 2022

Prior research has examined how social media has been integrated into law enforcement operations; however, this research has not fully explored the potential for this technology to function as an effective community policing strategy. Through the creation of a uniquely large dataset constructed with individual “tweets,” the current study analyzed Twitter use by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 2016. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research identified linkages between social media and community policing, the level of adherence to community policing objectives, the potential for heterogeneity in usage across different NYPD patrol boroughs, and the degree of public engagement. Our findings suggest Twitter is inimitably positioned to contribute to each aspect of community policing, although its effectiveness varied across dimension typology. Second, heterogeneity was also observed across patrol boroughs, indicating both the objectives and application of social media varies within the agency. Lastly, engagement metrics reveal a few notable trends concerning police-community relations.
Salvage of infected autogenous arteriovenous fistulas, is it possible?
Authors: Attia Mahmoud I , Atta Eslam M , Elheneidy Mohamed A , Sallam Emad M
Published: February 2022

Background:

Infection in autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) is a critical situation in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) that can lead to life threatening rupture or septicemia. To date, no standard guidelines regarding the surgical repair of the infected AVFs is available.

Aim:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the surgical repair in the infected autogenous AVFs.

Methods:

This prospective study involved 64 ESRD patients who presented with infected autogenous AVFs. Repair of the infected autogenous AVFs was done in 50 cases, while ligation was needed in the other 14 cases. Aneurysmorrhaphy was done in the 26 cases of puncture site infection over venous aneurysms. In 20 cases of AVFs with anastomotic disruption, higher recreation in a proximal clean field (AVF loop anastomosis) was performed, while abscess drainage was done in the remaining four cases presented with non-communicating abscess over the vein. The 14 cases of ligated AVFs included 9 cases of infected ruptured AVFs with active bleeding and 4 cases with non-reconstructable puncture site infection.

Results:

After 1 year of follow up, 41 cases (82%) of the repaired AVFs ( n = 50) remained patent and functioning as re-infection occurred in 9 cases. Six tunneled permanent catheters were implanted in the 14 cases with ligated AVFs, while the remaining 8 cases had new AVFs established (7 cases of them retained patent AVFs during the follow up period).

Conclusion:

Surgical repair of the infected AVFs is an effective procedure that achieves many goals, such as saving patients’ lives, maintaining the patency of the native fistula, and avoidance of creation of new AVFs in another site with exhaustion the available veins.
Retrieving Good-Quality Salmonella Genomes From the GenBank Database Using a Python Tool, SalmoDEST
Authors: Cherchame Emeline , Ilango Guy , Cadel-Six Sabrina
Published: February 2022

With the advent of next-generation whole-genome sequencing (WGS), the need for good-quality and well-characterised Salmonella genomes has increased over the past years. Good-quality complete genomes are often required for assembly reference mapping or phylogenetic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Complete genomes or contigs from specific sources or serovars are also searched for clustering analysis or source attribution studies. Therefore, new bioinformatics tools are needed for the extraction of good-quality and well-characterised genomes from public databases. Here, we developed SalmoDEST, an open-source Python tool capable of extracting Salmonella genomes with a coverage higher than 50x and genome length over 4Mb from the GenBank database in the form of complete genomes or contigs, with verification of the serovar to which they belong and identification of the corresponding multi locus sequence type (MLST) profile. To validate the ability to SalmoDEST to screen for and retrieve genomes of good quality, we compared our results for S. Typhi complete genome with those available in the literature and extracted Salmonella genomes from bovine sources strains isolated worldwide. Finally, we provide in this study a list of 239 complete genomes for 123 serovars of Salmonella of high quality. SalmoDEST is a handy and easy-to-use open-source tool to extract complete genomes or contigs that can be routinely used in public health, food safety and research laboratories. SalmoDEST (SALMOnella Download gEnome Serotype sT) is available at https://github.com/I-Guy/SalmoDEST .
Cigarette Prices and Smoking Experimentation in Sierra Leone: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Boachie Micheal Kofi , Immurana Mustapha , Agyemang John Kwaku , Ross Hana
Published: February 2022

This study examines the effect of cigarette prices on the likelihood of experimental smoking among adolescents in Sierra Leone. The study links data from the 2017 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) to price data covering 2008–2017 obtained from the World Health Organization (WHO). After employing duration analysis techniques, we find that increases in cigarette prices are associated with a lower probability of smoking experimentation, with an estimated price elasticity of −1.63 (CI: −.24 to −3.02). Other factors affecting an adolescent’s decision to experiment with smoking are parental and friends’ smoking status, gender, exposure to tobacco advertising, and income. We conclude that higher prices, through excise taxation, are important tools for controlling smoking uptake among the youth of Sierra Leone.
Biomarkers and Prevalence of Cardiometabolic Syndrome Among People Living With HIV/AIDS, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Woldu Minyahil , Minzi Omary , Shibeshi Workineh , Shewaamare Aster , Engidawork Ephrem
Published: February 2022

Background:

While the fast extension of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has resulted in significant increases in life expectancy, disorders such as cardiometabolic syndrome (CMetS), which have received less attention, are becoming a major concern in HIV/AIDS patients (PLWHA).

Objectives:

The purpose of this research was to identify biomarkers and determine the prevalence of CMetS in PLWHA using the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) tools.

Methods:

Between January 2019 and February 2021, a hospital-based study of HIV-infected patients (n = 288) was conducted. The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. To control the effect of confounders, independent variables with a P-value of <.20 in the bivariate logistic regression were incorporated into multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was defined as a 95% confidence interval and a P-value of less than .05.

Results:

The risk of CMetS increased twofold as age increased each year ( P = .009), 1.2 times as the age at which cART began increased ( P = .015), and 6 times with 1 or more co-morbidities ( P = .028), according to the NCEP tool. Furthermore, significant NCEP-CMetS correlations were produced by a rise in diastolic blood pressure ( P < .001) and cART duration ( P = .006). Male gender was 99.9% less likely to be related to CMetS using the IDF tool, and the risk of CMetS increased fourfold with each unit increase in waist circumference ( P < .001). Triglycerides and blood type “A” have been found to have substantial relationships with CMetS using both techniques.

Conclusion:

According to the study, CMetS was found to be common in PLWHA. Age, time on cART, age when cART started, gender, co-morbidities, waist circumference, and diastolic blood pressure were all revealed to be significant predictors of CMetS. Triglycerides and blood type “A” were the only biomarkers found to be significant with CMetS using both the NCEP and IDF tools.
Sand as a friction coefficient improver on asphalt ice layers
Authors: Hurtado Mayen Abel , Farfán Cabrera Leonardo I , Garza Montes-de-Oca Nelson F. , Gallardo Hernández Ezequiel A , Moreno Ríos Marisa
Published: February 2022

After the formation of black ice on asphalt roads at temperatures close to 0 °C and below, the probability of car accidents is higher enough to be considered as a danger. So, it is important to understand the friction mechanisms between the ice and rubber-like material for improving tyres technology and safety procedures of driving on icy roads. This work aims to study the increase of friction coefficient on ice layers made onto the top of an asphalt section by adding sand with two different grain sizes as a friction coefficient improver using a pendulum skid tester in the laboratory. The test results show the lowest friction coefficients in the presence of ice. However, by adding sand on the asphalt ice layer, the friction coefficients are recovered showing some differences by testing the two different grain sizes.
Intelligent Fault Diagnosis of Bearings based on Convolutional Neural Network using Infrared Thermography
Authors: Sharma Kunal , Goyal Deepam , Kanda Rajesh
Published: February 2022

Bearings, as a key part of rotating machinery, are prone to failure due to fatigue and aging resulting from their long-term and high-load operation. To ensure stability of the mechanical equipment, monitoring bearing health is helpful to guarantee smooth operation of machinery and increasing machinery availability. This article puts forward an intelligent non-invasive thermal images-based fault diagnostic approach to periodically monitor condition of the rolling contact bearings in respect of their deterioration due to defects on the inner race, outer race and balls/rollers. Thermal images of four bearing conditions, including one healthy and three faulty states, have been considered followed by a performance classification based comparative analysis using Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The CNN consists of many tools under its cap but for this work, the AlexNet architecture is used which has proved to be more effective than SVM. The experimental findings reveal that non-contact infrared thermography has enormous potential for automatically identifying problems and detecting early warning, regardless of speed, resulting in negligible shutdowns of the system due to bearing failure.