bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P537: Abnormal Serum Potassium is Associated With Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Cueto Jenilee C , Stefanescu Andrei R , O'Connell Samantha , He Hua , Chen Jing , Grams Morgan , Anderson Amanda H , He Jiang , Mills Katherine T
Published: March 2023

Introduction:
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to the general population. The role that abnormal serum potassium plays in the risk of CVD in patients with CKD is unclear. Our objective is to examine the association of hypokalemia and hyperkalemia with risk for cardiovascular events in patients with CKD.

Methods:
Data from 3,939 patients from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study, a multicenter cohort study of patients with CKD, were used. Cumulative average serum potassium collected annually prior to CVD events was calculated. Hypokalemia (<3.5 mmol/L) and hypokalemia (>5.0 mmol/L) were compared to normokalemia (3.5 - 5.0 mmol/L). Composite CVD was defined as congestive heart failure (CHF), stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and atrial fibrillation (afib). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) and were adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, study site, body mass index, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, history of diabetes, hypercholesteremia, and CVD, baseline use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, use of diuretics, use of other antihypertensive medication, and baseline eGFR.

Results:
Participants had a median age of 59.0 years and were 55% male, 42% Non-Hispanic White, and 42% Non-Hispanic Black. The prevalence of hypokalemia and hyperkalemia was 2.5% and 6.4%, respectively. Median follow-up was 9.2 years for composite CVD. Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are both significantly associated with composite CVD, CHF, MI, and afib when compared to normokalemia (Table).

Conclusions:
We found significant associations between abnormal serum potassium and CVD in patients with CKD. Interventions to maintain normokalemia in patients with CKD could potentially reduce the risk of CVD in this high-risk population.
Abstract P579: Predictors of Cardiogenic Shock Among Patients With Alcohol Abuse Undergoing SAVR in the United States
Authors: Dhillon Balkiranjit Kaur , Sombans Shaheen , Ramphul Kamleshun , Verma Renuka , Rehman Osama A , Sanikommu Sailaja , Ramphul Yogeshwaree , Arti Fnu , Mejias Stephanie G , Lohana Petras , Kumar Nomesh
Published: March 2023

Introduction:
While alcohol is a modifiable cause of cardiac complications, its use is on the rise. We sought to understand the predictors of cardiogenic shock (CS) among patients with a history of alcohol abuse undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Hypothesis:
We assessed the hypothesis that patients with alcohol abuse undergoing SAVR have various predictors of CS during hospitalization.

Method:
We retrospectively analyzed cases of SAVR among those with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse from the 2019 National Inpatient Sample. Logistic models helped find the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of CS.

Results:
In total, 1980 patients with alcohol abuse underwent SAVR, and 10.9% (215 cases) reported an episode of CS. Blacks (aOR 2.553, CI 1.354-4.814, p=0.004) and races other than White, Black, or Hispanic (aOR 3.136, CI 1.29-7.62, p=0.012) showed higher odds of CS compared to Whites. While Medicare covered the highest proportion of CS patients (39.5%), Medicaid beneficiaries were least likely to develop CS (aOR 0.241, CI 0.132 -0.442, p<0.01) compared to those on Medicare. Our study also found that patients with anemia (aOR 10.317, CI 5.234-20.334, p<0.01), acute kidney injury (aOR 3.921, CI 2.54-6.052, p<0.01), and cirrhosis (aOR 4.587, CI 2.719-7.736, p<0.01), had higher odds of reporting CS. However, those with underlying obesity (aOR 0.237, CI 0.126-0.447, p<0.01), diabetes mellitus (aOR 0.344, CI 0.197-0.602, p<0.01), and hypertension (aOR 0.436, CI 0.264-0.721, p<0.01) were less likely to do so. Unfortunately, 25 patients with CS (11.6%) did not survive their hospitalization (aOR 13.771, 95% CI 5.526-34.317, p<0.01).

Conclusion:
In our analysis, we found that anemia, acute kidney injury, cirrhosis, Black race, and Races other than Black, White or Hispanic are possibly linked to a higher incidence of CS, while obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and being a Medicaid beneficiary are associated with a lower incidence of CS. Further studies and changes in protocols may help identify them early and improve outcomes.
Abstract P580: Cannabis Use Among Young Females of Ages 15 to 35 Admitted for Heart Failure in the United States
Authors: Dhillon Balkiranjit Kaur , Sombans Shaheen , Ramphul Kamleshun , Verma Renuka , Rehman Osama A , Mejias Stephanie G , Ramphul Yogeshwaree , Sanikommu Sailaja , Arti Fnu , Lohana Petras , Kumar Nomesh
Published: March 2023

Introduction:
Cannabis legalization in many states has led to an increase in the substance’s usage among the younger population, prompting patients, physicians, and policy-makers to seek more information. This study uses the 2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to compare patient characteristics, comorbidities, and the presence of certain cardiac arrhythmias among young females admitted with heart failure and using cannabis compared to those not using cannabis.

Hypothesis:
We assessed the hypothesis that cannabis use among young females aged 15-35 with heart failure is linked to an increased baseline cardiovascular risk and a higher chance of cardiac events during hospitalization for heart failure.

Method:
Females of ages 15 to 35 with a principal diagnosis of heart failure were pooled from the 2019 NIS. The usage of cannabis was also identified using recommendations from past studies. Different patient characteristics were compared via Chi-Square tests, and the presence and risk of cardiac arrhythmias were also studied via logistic models.

Results:
Among 7780 cases of heart failure identified in women between the ages of 15 to 35, 425 (5.5%) were cannabis users. The study showed that a larger proportion of cannabis users were racially classified as Blacks (67.5%) and Medicaid was the predominant insurer (57.6%). They also had a higher prevalence of smoking (74.1% vs. 35.2%, p<0.01), hypertension (27.1% vs. 22.0%, p=0.014), and peripheral vascular disease (4.7% vs 2.0%, p<0.01). However, non-users had a higher prevalence of obesity (29.4% vs. 40.9%, p<0.01), diabetes mellitus (21.2% vs. 31.7%, p<0.01), hyperlipidemia (11.8% vs. 16.2%, p=0.016), chronic pulmonary disease (16.5% vs. 23.8%, p<0.01), arthropathies (4.7% vs. 11.5%, p<0.01), and hypothyroidism (5.9% vs. 10.4%, p<0.01). More cannabis users reported ventricular tachycardia (9.4% vs 5.5%, aOR 1.887, 95% confidence interval 1.272-2.798, p=0.002)) and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (4.7% vs. 2.1%, aOR 1.926, 95% confidence interval 1.089-3.438, p=0.027) during their hospitalization. On the contrary, the length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was shorter for cannabis users compared to non-users (mean stay of 5.07 days vs. 5.86 days).

Conclusion:
While young female cannabis users with heart failure had a shorter hospitalization, they were more prone to report arrhythmic events such as ventricular tachycardia and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. Although differences in baseline cardiovascular risk associations were noted among this population, further clinical and laboratory studies are encouraged to help understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind such differences.
Abstract P604: Acceptability of a Newly Developed Southern Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet Among Heart Failure Patients in the South: A Sensory Evaluation
Authors: Trivedi-Kapoor Rupal , Hardy Kip , Bacha Michael , Cox Ginnefer O , Tackett Randall L , Young Henry N , Sattler Elisabeth L
Published: March 2023

Introduction:
Despite known benefits of the DASH diet on cardiometabolic outcomes, adherence rates have been low among heart failure (HF) patients in the Southern US.

Objective:
To 1) use sensory evaluation methods to assess the acceptability of a newly developed Southern DASH diet among HF patients in the South, and 2) assess its associations with participants’ demographic and health characteristics.

Methods:
Through collaborative efforts with dietetics and culinary experts, and by using qualitative data on dietary preferences among HF patients in the South, we developed a new 14-day Southern DASH diet meal plan. Each day of the meal plan met NHLBI standards for DASH diet serving sizes based on 2000 kcals/day and limited sodium to 2300 mg/day. The study assessed acceptability of 4 days’ worth of breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners. Using a 9-point hedonic scale, participants rated the overall liking (OL), appearance, flavor, texture, and preparation intent (PI) for each recipe. Demographic and health characteristics were obtained by survey. We conducted Kruskal-Wallis tests with a Bonferroni adjustment to assess acceptability differences between Southern DASH diet days. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to assess relationships between acceptability and participants’ characteristics.

Results:
Sample size calculations were met (n = 35 participants enrolled). The mean (SD) age was 67.2 (9.5) years, 37.1% were female, and 14.3% African American. Using industry standards (OL ≥7), 3 out the 4 evaluated days were highly accepted. Day 3’s OL, flavor, texture, and PI, and Day 4’s ratings for flavor were rated significantly higher than those for Day 2 (Table 1). Day 3’s OL rating was significantly higher among those who received nutrition education for managing HF than those who did not (
U
= 213.0, p-value = 0.009). No significant differences were determined between OL and race.

Conclusions:
A newly developed Southern DASH diet was largely accepted among HF patients in the South and supports targeted HF management efforts.
Abstract P640: Evaluating Feasibility and Acceptability of “My HeartHELP” Mobile Application for Promoting Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors
Authors: Choo Jina , Noh Songwhi , Shin Yura
Published: March 2023

Introduction:
Few health-promoting mobile applications (apps) have automated feedback text messages for individual behavioral outcomes achieved with self-monitoring of multiple lifestyle behaviors. One such app is “My HeartHELP” that was developed for general adult population to promote heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors. This app targets six heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as physical activity, non-sedentary behaviors, healthy eating behaviors, non-smoking, no alcohol binge drinking, and self-assessment of body weight. It was designed with three essential technologies: 1) text messaging the users for information on cardiovascular health, 2) self-monitoring of six lifestyle behaviors, and 3) automated and personalized feedback text messaging to users for behavioral outcomes obtained from self-monitoring.

Objective:
We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the “My HeartHELP” app.

Methods:
The participants were 30 community residents, who had at least one criterion of metabolic syndrome. To evaluate the feasibility, we assessed the completion of participants’ self-monitoring of their lifestyle behaviors by requesting them to use the app every day for four weeks. To evaluate the acceptability, we assessed behavioral changes and satisfaction of the participants using self-administered questionnaires before and after four weeks of using the app, and by conducting one session of a focus group interview after four weeks.

Results:
The mean age of participants was 41.1 years. During four weeks, they accessed the app on average 1.8 times per day, and 95% of the participants adhered to more than 75% of “completion of daily self-monitoring of each lifestyle behavior.” These data met the criterion of more than 70% of the participants who adhered. Participants reported improved behavioral changes in moderate-intensity physical activity (p = .020), non-sedentary behavior (p = .003), fruit and vegetable intakes (p = .001), no sugar-sweetened beverage intake (p = .005), and less fast-food intake (p = .018). On a five-point Likert scale, participants reported the following mean scores, i.e., 4.0 for easiness, 3.6 for health benefits, 3.9 for convenience, and 3.8 for recommendation to others. Data obtained from the focus group interview reflected that automated and personalized feedback text messages motivated the participants to promote their healthy lifestyles, and they suggested modifying the app interface for entering food intakes.

Conclusions:
The study results showed that “My HeartHELP” is a feasible and acceptable mobile app to promote self-monitoring and motivation for heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Abstract P669: Inflammatory Markers and Calcification of Coronary Arteries, Aorta and Cardiac Valves in Older Adults: Findings From the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Avula Vennela , Mok Yejin , Ejiri Kentaro , Van't Hof Jeremy , Whelton Seamus P , Hoogeveen Ron C , Ballantyne Christie M , Budoff Matthew , Blaha Michael J , Matsushita Kunihiro
Published: March 2023

Background:
Inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. However, inflammatory biomarkers have been found to have a weak association with coronary artery calcium (CAC), a representative measure of subclinical atherosclerosis. Moreover, the existing evidence does not sufficiently explore extra coronary calcium (ECC) in this context.

Aim:
To characterize the association of two inflammatory markers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and galectin-3, with CAC and ECC in a community-based cohort.

Methods:
Cardiac CT was performed among 1,934 ARIC participants (age 53-74 years) without coronary heart disease at visit 7 (2018-19). We examined the associations of hs-CRP and galectin-3 measured in middle age at visit 4 (1996-98) by quartile with the presence of CAC and ECC (Agatston score >0 vs. 0) using multivariable logistic regression.

Results:
Higher hs-CRP was associated with calcifications in the ascending aorta, aortic valve ring, mitral valve and right coronary artery in the unadjusted model (Table). These associations were mostly attenuated after adjusting for potential confounders, but the associations with ascending aorta and right coronary artery calcifications remained significant (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.45 [95% CI = 1.02-2.07]) and (1.55 [1.12-2.16]) for the highest vs. lowest quartiles, respectively). Galectin-3 was also independently associated with right coronary artery calcification after adjusting for potential confounders (aOR 1.48 [1.02 - 2.01]) for the highest vs. lowest quartiles). These associations were generally consistent in demographic subgroups.

Conclusions:
Both hs-CRP and galectin-3 were associated with calcification of some but not all vascular beds tested, suggesting potentially unique atherosclerotic pathophysiology across different vascular beds. Robust associations of inflammatory markers with right coronary artery calcification deserve further investigation.
Multidelay Arterial Spin Labeling Versus Computed Tomography Perfusion in Penumbra Volume of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yan Chuming , Yu Fan , Zhang Yingjie , Zhang Miao , Li Jingkai , Wang Zixin , Lu Jie , Ma Qingfeng
Published: March 2023

Background:

Multidelay arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a novel perfusion method of ASL, with arterial transit time (ATT) calculated by multiple postlabeling delays to correct cerebral blood flow (CBF). We verify the accuracy of multidelay ASL in evaluating the ischemic penumbra and perfusion levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke, compared with computed tomography perfusion (CTP).

Methods:

Patients with acute ischemic stroke with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion received baseline CTP, multidelay ASL, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in succession. Multidelay ASL image was processed to reconstruct ATT, CBF without ATT correction, and CBF corrected by ATT. The consistency of hypoperfusion and ischemic penumbra volume calculated by CTP and multidelay ASL were quantified by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in 2-way mixed effects, absolute agreement, and single measure. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the difference in penumbra volume between CTP, corrected ASL, and uncorrected ASL.

Results:

Thirty patients were included. Hypoperfusion volume based on multidelay ASL with different thresholds were 117.95 (87.77–151.49) mL for corrected relative CBF<40%, 130.29 (85.99–249.37) mL for CBF corrected by ATT<20 mL·100g
-1
·min
-1
, no statistical difference (
P
>0.05) compared with the volume of CTP, and consistency was almost excellent (ICC, 0.91) and substantial consistent (ICC, 0.727). The volumes of ischemic penumbra were 91.00 (42.68–125.27) mL for corrected relative CBF<40%-DWI, 108.94 (62.03–150.86) mL for CBF corrected by ATT<20 mL·100 g
-1
·min
-1
-DWI, which showed no statistical difference compared with the penumbra volume of CTP (
P
>0.05). The consistency was excellent (ICC, 0.822) and moderate (ICC, 0.501), respectively. The volume of uncorrected relative CBF <40%-DWI was 209.57 (123.21–292.45) mL, statistically larger than corrected relative CBF <40%-DWI (
P
<0.001) and CTP (
P
<0.001). The volume of uncorrected CBF<20 mL·100g
-1
·min
-1
-DWI was 186.23 (86.56–298.22) mL, statistically larger than CBF corrected by ATT<20 mL·100g
-1
·min
-1
-DWI (
P
<0.001) and CTP(
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

The volume of ischemic penumbra determined by CBF/DWI mismatch based on multidelay ASL is consistent with CTP. The penumbra volume calculated by CBF adjusted by ATT is more accurate.
“Nourishment of the Soul” – Music, Medicine, and Food in Ottoman Culture
Authors: Haug Judith I.
Published: March 2023

The phrase “music is the nourishment of the soul” reflects a century-old complex of musical, medical, and astrological thinking; integrated notions of celestial and terrestrial harmony, humoral medicine and ethos theory that reach back to Ancient Greece. Adopted into Islamicate philosophy, those theories were combined with a modal system that amplified them. The present paper traces them in various Ottoman texts with the aim of understanding how concepts of music theory, astrology, medicine, and food interacted. A crucial question is whether music theory sources can be brought into a relationship with descriptions of musical (therapy) practices in hospitals.
Maunaṃ Sammatilakṣaṇam? The Eligibility of Women for Vedic Study in Dvaita Vedānta
Authors: Rao Anusha S
Published: March 2023

The traditional schools of Vedānta agree that women do not have the eligibility for Vedic study and ritual performance. However, commentators of Vedānta traditions must contend with references to women who are seers and learners in the Vedas. Madhva (1238–1317), the founder of Dvaita Vedānta, lays down a special category of superior (uttama) women who possess the eligibility for Vedic study. But does this category include human women, or is it limited to divine beings? This paper traces the history of shifts in the doctrine of eligibility as envisioned in the writings of major Mādhva thinkers in commentarial literature, arguing that commentators from the sixteenth century attempted to close down an earlier openness and ambiguity in the doctrine, thereby excluding human women from a special category, that would, in theory, allow them access to the Vedas.
Synopsis of the species of Cheilolejeunea (Marchantiophyta, Lejeuneaceae) in the Pacific dominion and Páramo province of tropical America
Authors: GIL-NOVOA JORGE ENRIQUE , PINHEIRO COSTA DENISE
Published: March 2023

Cheilolejeunea is the third largest genus of the family Lejeuneaceae (Marchantiophyta) comprising approximately 130 species described globally; approximately 55 have been recorded for the Neotropics. We present here a synopsis of 31 species and four varieties of Cheilolejeunea that occur in the Pacific dominion and Páramo province of tropical America, representing 56% of the Neotropical diversity and ca. 19% of the global diversity of the genus. Most taxa (30 species and four varieties) occur in the Pacific dominion, with Cheilolejeunea schiavoneana being endemic to this dominion; Cheilolejeunea erostrata is endemic to the Páramo province, that registers 10 species and one variety. The highest diversity (26 taxa) is in the Magdalena province. In terms of ecology, Cheilolejeunea is most speciose in the lower montane rainforest (700–2400 m), with 77% of taxa (27) occurring in this ecosystem. We consider Cheilolejeunea erostrata to be Critically Endangered (CR-B1a). The synopsis of the genus includes descriptions of the species, notes on their distributions and habitats, illustrations, and an identification key.
Four new species of Aspidistra (Asparagaceae) from southern China
Authors: LIN CHUN-RUI , XU WEI-BIN , HUANG YU-SONG , WANG BING-MOU , LIU YAN
Published: March 2023

Four new species of Aspidistra (Asparagaceae), namely A. shiwandashanensis, A. ovatianthera, A. yunbiaoi and A. xiaoyunii, all local China endemics, are described and illustrated. The first three species are from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the last one is from Guangdong Province. The morphology, ecology, phenology, distribution, pollen morphology and the photo are provided for all the mentioned taxa.
Synoptic Revision of the exindusiate species of Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae) from Central Africa (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi) with description of Dryopteris schizopaleata sp. nov. from Rwanda
Authors: FISCHER EBERHARD , LOBIN WOLFRAM
Published: March 2023

A synopsis of the exindusiate species of Dryopteris occurring in the area of the Flore d’Afrique Centrale (D.R.Congo, Rwanda, Burundi) is provided. Three species occur in the area. Dryopteris schizopaleata sp. nov., a new species from Rwanda, is described here. It differs from all other Dryopteris species occurring in the area in the stipe scales that are broadly ovate, with a fimbriate apex, divided into long uniseriate, irregular fissures and without glands. D. manniana is recorded for D.R.Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. D. ruwenzoriensis occurs in the Ruwenzori mountains in Eastern D.R.Congo and Western Uganda, and the Virunga Volcanoes in Eastern D.R.Congo and Rwanda. A key to the three species is provided.
Embracing Cracks; Deepening Community: A Riff on Stephanie Spellers, The Church Cracked Open
Authors: Perkinson James W.
Published: March 2023

Stephanie Spellers’ The Church Cracked Open (riffing on the upstart woman of Mark 14) offers sharp reprise and generous invitation to Christians (especially Episcopalians) to embrace a multi-faceted break with a past rife with compromise and championing of White Supremacy, Colonialism, and Imperialism. Her critique is sharp; her visioning prescient, her discussion at once detailed and accessible. This review from a position of continuous “rupturing” experienced by a white male educator/activist/poet, living and working in inner city Detroit for more than 35 years, finds both direction and encouragement from her counsel and would only stir into the mix what is already implicit in the book: in an age of climate change, the need to learn deeply from indigenous wisdom about land-return and land-wisdom. As Spellers intones—may the church be cracked open and poured forth like oil! And even more may we become like cracked seed of John 12!
“Wot ‘Bout Me?”: Punk, Africa, and theorizing International Relations
Authors: Dunn Kevin C
Published: March 2023

This essay offers a narrative history, though certainly not definitive, of punk in South Africa. Rather than an ethnographic study or a history of popular culture, the essay places this narrative firmly within the academic fields of Political Science, International Relations, and International Political Economy. The story of punk in South Africa also illustrates the tensions and contradictions within the multiple, complex circuits and processes in play in formal and informal realms of everyday life that are central to, but often ignored, by the field of International Relations. The narrative of punk in South Africa is offered as a corrective to the disciplines’ Western-centrism and places people at the centre of scholarly analysis.
The torsional rigidity of an orthotropic bar of unidirectional composite laminate part I: Theoretical solution
Authors: Tsai Cho Liang , Wang Chih Hsing , Hwang Sun Fa , Chen Wei Tong , Cheng Chin Yi
Published: March 2023

In 1934, Timoshenko derived and published the torsional rigidity of a rectangular bar of isotropic material by using the membrane analogy. The rigidity depends on the bar’s shear modulus, width and thickness. In 1950, Lekhnitskii followed Timoshenko’s process to derive the torsional rigidity for an orthotropic bar of unidirectional composite laminate, where the rigidity depends on the laminate’s width, the thickness and the shear moduli. In 1990, Tsai, Daniel and Yaniv solved the same case, deriving a quasi-exact solution of torsional rigidity. In the same year, Tsai and Daniel verified their result through multiple experiments. All these rigidities become different when the definitions of thickness and width are swapped. However, they remain identical numerically, lacking mathematic proof for nearly a century. In 2022, Tsai et al. resolved Timoshenko’s case by considering all the conditions and energy minimization criterion. By a completely different approach, the torsional rigidity was derived in a completely different form from that of Timoshenko but numerically identical. Moreover, the solution satisfies the rule of swapping, which makes perfect sense physically. This work applies Tsai’s process to Lekhnitskii’s case. A general solution is derived that satisfies the rule of swapping involving the swapping of shear moduli.
Road guardrail beam made of natural stem (Stipa tenacissima L.) eco-composite: Impact energy absorption improvement by stems and pre-tensioning
Authors: Helaili Sofiene , Bettaieb Sirine , Tarhouni Radhoine
Published: March 2023

Reducing accidents, deaths, and serious injuries is an objective to be achieved by every health and road authority. To avoid road leaving, rigid barriers or stretched cables are used at the edges of the roads. These structures are based on metallic materials. This paper presents an innovative structure based on a composite reinforced with natural esparto stems as road barriers absorbing shock energy. The structure is lightened and reinforced by tensioned cables to ensure the prestressing of the whole. Prestressing is a technique widely used in civil engineering but rarely in composites. To develop new crash beam barriers based on Epoxy/Alfa10% material, Charpy tests were conducted to determine the absorbed energy per section of material per weight. Knowing the energy to be absorbed, the section and weight of the barrier can be designed. In this paper, physical tests were conducted on solid, solid-compressed, perforated, and perforated-cable-reinforced specimens according to the ASTM E23-18 standard. The results show that the compression prestressing improves the Epoxy impact energy absorption by 37.22%. The Epoxy/Alfa10% composite compression prestressing improves the absorbed energy by 67.7%. The Epoxy/Alfa10% compressed, perforated, and reinforced by cables composites gives a better result than the raw Epoxy material, with a minimum improvement of 22.69% with respect to the ratio Resilience value of Charpy V-notch specimen (KCV)/weight. Reinforcement of holed samples with cables gives the best energy absorption results on all experimental tests for both materials with a value of 8.83 J. Finite element models calibrated on Aluminum to be predictive are developed for the four types of specimens.
The Design Communication Assessment Scale (DCAS): Assessing and Adjusting the Effectiveness of Product Design Communications
Authors: Sample Kevin L. , Hulland John , Sevilla Julio , Labrecque Lauren I.
Published: March 2023

This research integrates marketing literature, design theory, interviews with world-renowned designers, and established scale development procedures to develop a reliable and valid instrument that measures the effectiveness of design communication (i.e., the information about product designs conveyed through the product, packaging, or advertisements) via consumer evaluations. The theoretical underpinnings and face validity engaged in the development of the Design Communication Assessment Scale (DCAS) progresses the field's understanding as to what constitutes the seven evaluative dimensions of design (form, function, solidity, usefulness, style, eco-consciousness, and uniqueness). Practically, DCAS's versatility provides managers with the ability to gauge consumer evaluations of design communications while enabling better communications with designers. In addition, the authors validate a shortened form of the DCAS for resource-constrained firms. Support for DCAS’s generalizability is provided across laboratory and field studies in which ecological validity is established. Together, these studies demonstrate that using DCAS leads to improved performance across a wide array of metrics, including click-through rates, email signups, and retail sales for a diverse set of products.
Exploring Gender Differences in Adult Siblings’ Recollections on Perinatal Loss
Authors: Bornemisza Agnes Y. , Javor Rebeka , Erdos Marta B.
Published: March 2023

This study is an exploration on potential gender differences in sibling grief over perinatal loss. 30 adult siblings’ recollections were analysed to identify possible differences along the instrumental-intuitive continuum. A statistical analysis (ANOVA) on word frequencies indicated that the intensity of the emotional experiences did not differ between men and women, as there were not any significant differences in the function words reflecting such contents. Women referred to third persons, the delivery process, and the act of naming their deceased siblings more frequently. A subsequent qualitative context analysis revealed that these third persons were mainly family members and hospital staff. Men were more specific in their recollections, mentioning exact names and other types of data related to the loss while women focused more on the emotional significance of the experience. Our results may contribute to the development of personalized interventions for families struggling with disenfranchised grief.
Do Virtues Influence Well-Being: The Role of Perceived Stress
Authors: Kaya Cahit
Published: March 2023

The positive results of life satisfaction among university students have been well studied in the literature. However, the forecasters of the phenomenon have not been thoroughly investigated. In the current study, multiple models were tested to investigate the mediating role of perceived stress in the relationships between virtues and life satisfaction to fill this gap. When testing the model, the effect of demographic variables was controlled. Data were collected through an online survey from a sample of 235 undergraduates. The participants responded to measures of character strengths, perceived stress, and life satisfaction. The findings reveal that perceived stress partially mediates the relationship between leadership, wisdom and life satisfaction controlling for age and gender. The leadership skills of students can be improved, and age and gender should be considered when studying life satisfaction.
How do preschool teachers perceive students’ development in difficult times? A photovoice study
Authors: Kiling Indra Y. , Boeky Daniela L. A. , Rihi Tugu Putri A. , Bunga Beatriks N. , Andriana Elga
Published: March 2023

Young children’s development is a crucial period determining their adult outcomes. Through adversities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, preschool teachers play an essential role in nurturing children’s development. This study has the objective to explore preschool teachers’ perceptions of their students’ development throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 12 Teachers living in West Timor, Indonesia, were involved in the photovoice process. The qualitative data analysis resulted in three overarching themes: cooperation between teachers and parents, alternative stimulations of child development, and uncomprehensive child development. More support on options and alternatives for facilitating young children’s remote learning is needed to maintain a stable and comprehensive development process in this pandemic.
Analysis of crystallization during polypropylene melt-blown fiber formation
Authors: Chen Mingjing , Sun Xiaoxia , Wang Xinhou
Published: March 2023

Melt-blown nonwovens with randomly distributed micron fibers are widely used because of their excellent properties such as high porosity and high filtration efficiency. It is necessary to study the crystallization behavior of the polymer during the melt-blowing process because crystallization affects the formation and properties of the melt-blown fibers. In this study, the nonisothermal crystallization under high-speed cooling conditions and the isothermal crystallization on the collector in the melt-blowing process were investigated. The thermal history of polypropylene during the melt-blowing process was restored by flash differential scanning calorimetry tests. The results showed that the polymer hardly crystallized during the high-speed cooling process from the spinneret to the collector in the case of considering the temperature. The air pressure promoted the crystallinity of melt-blown fibers. The shear effect of the airflow field was considered the main factor affecting the crystallization of melt-blown fibers. The results were beneficial to the establishment of the melt-blowing micro-theoretical model and the control of the final performance of the melt-blown fibers.
Burkholderia cepacia infection associated with sickle cell disease: An uncommon entity
Authors: Singh Pratima , Patro Shubhransu , Deep Akash , Mohapatra Sangram Keshari
Published: March 2023

Burkholderia, a multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, is an uncommon cause of infection mostly in immunocompromised patients with a clinical profile very similar to tuberculosis. The most common conditions associated with this organism are cystic fibrosis and chronic granulomatous diseases. Bacteremia with it occurs in patients who are chronically ill and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We are reporting here a case of perisplenic intra-abdominal abscess caused by Burkholderia cepacia in a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD).
Value of Opening the Middle Meatus in Patients With Nasal Airway Obstruction
Authors: Wei Hongzheng , Wan Lianqi , Zhang Yuan , Li Yanru , Xu Wen , Li Yunchuan , Han Demin
Published: March 2023

Objectives

While surgeries to correct the anatomical malformations that cause nasal airway obstruction (NAO) are generally successful, the outcomes of such procedures are often unsatisfactory. The aim of the present study was to assess the value of opening the middle meatus in patients with NAO.

Methods

Thirty-four patients with nasal obstruction due to nasal septal deviation were included in this study. After randomization, the middle meatus was either opened or not opened during septoplasty. The patients were evaluated through pre- and postoperative rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores of subjective symptoms along with responses to the 20-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20) were obtained before surgery and three months after surgery.

Results

The VAS scores and SNOT-20 responses improved significantly in both groups after surgery. The effective treatment rate based on the nasal congestion score (NCS) was 64.7% in the single group (septoplasty alone) and 100% in the combined group (septoplasty in conjunction with opening the middle meatus), and the difference was statistically significant ( P = .018). In both groups, surgery significantly improved nasal flow, resistance, minimal cross-sectional area, cross-sectional area 6 cm (CA6) from the anterior nostril and nasal volume. Nasal volume and CA6 after surgery were statistically different between the 2 groups ( P = .004 and .019, respectively).

Conclusions

Opening the middle meatus may further improve the subjective perception of patency on the basis of septoplasty.
Analyzing caste in media production cultures: A case study from South India
Authors: Komalam Deepti
Published: March 2023

This paper sifts through the affective connotations and methodological issues that crop up during conversations about caste with dominant caste (savarna) women working in the Malayalam language film industry in Kerala, India, in the context of a heightened focus on gender in the post #MeToo era. Drawing on arguments from critical whiteness and critical race theories, it argues that caste ought to be viewed not just as an ontological entity but as an epistemological framework which shapes how knowledge about the world and selves are produced and transferred. It also explores the methodological challenges in broaching the topic of caste with women occupying powerful social locations and how in failing to explore caste in seemingly gender-focused studies, the researcher contributes to an epistemology of ignorance, rendering invisible a crucial power differential.
Exploring Linkages Between Mother–Child and Sibling Relationship Quality and Prosocial Behavior Between School-Aged and Adolescent Siblings
Authors: Piotrowski Caroline C.
Published: March 2023

The present study investigated the degree to which the quality of sibling relationships interacted with the quality of mother–child relationships to concurrently predict prosocial behavior between school-aged siblings while taking age spacing into account. Forty-five families with two school-aged siblings were recruited from the community. Prosocial behavior was coded from unstructured laboratory observation of sibling interaction. Both children reported on the quality of their sibling relationships; the quality of mother–child relationships was assessed by coding laboratory observation of mother–child interaction, conducted separately with each sibling. A compensatory pattern was found; higher warmth between widely spaced siblings was associated with greater sibling prosocial behavior when maternal positivity was low, and also when maternal negativity was high. These compensatory patterns did not occur for siblings closer in age. Findings suggested that sibling dynamics and relational roles play an important function in children’s prosocial development. Results were discussed within family systems frameworks.
Nutritional literacy levels of university academic and administrative staff: A cross-sectional study from Turkey
Authors: Demirer Büşra , Yardımcı Hülya
Published: March 2023

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional literacy levels of university academic and administrative staff.

Methods

Data were collected with a questionnaire including sociodemographic variables, some eating habits, and the Nutritional Literacy Assessment Tool of Adults. A total of 413 individuals, 211 women (51.1%) and 202 men (48.9%), aged 23–64 (mean: 37.41 ± 10.04 years), were included in the study. The data obtained were evaluated with the SPSS 25.0 statistical package program.

Results

It was found that the nutritional literacy level of 18.15% of the participants is at the borderline, 81.85 are sufficient. Women's nutrition literacy scores are significantly higher than men's ( p = 0.034). A significant relationship was found between nutritional literacy, socioeconomic status, and some eating habits ( p < 0.05). The average daily water consumption of individuals with sufficient nutritional literacy is statistically significantly higher than those with borderline nutritional literacy ( p < 0.001). It was determined that individuals with borderline nutritional literacy skipped meals more frequently ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study suggests that nutritional literacy may be effective in developing healthy eating behaviors. The study's results can guide the determination of methods that will improve nutritional literacy and increase awareness in the future.
Islamic information credibility scale development : Factors and indicators validation using fuzzy Delphi technique
Authors: Ab Kadir Kairulanuar , Sahari @ Ashaari Noraidah , Ramli Ratna Zuarni , Salim Juhana
Published: March 2023

Social media platforms do not usually demonstrate responsibilities for published content. In recent years, an increasing number of individuals are now serving as sources of information that sparks public concern as it is considered to have lack of online quality control mechanisms. These mechanisms include the credentials of authors and information editorial teams. This paper aims to identify and develop an Islamic information credibility scale to examine the reliability of Islamic postings on social media, by acquiring the experts’ views and agreement on the elements in the proposed model by leveraging the Fuzzy Delphi process. A total of 15 experts from academic and related stakeholders participated in the verification of items through the questionnaire instrument's 7-point linguistic scale by purposive sampling. Outcome of the study indicate that the appropriate criteria to evaluate the credibility of Islamic information on social media incline on the top four indicators, which are of the source of writing, accuracy, authority and authenticity of information. The result demonstrates the importance for referring to the source and content of information i.e., Quran and authentic hadith in the process to evaluate authentic Islamic information posting on social media, as opposed to the influence of the social environment. This study's value lies in its contribution to the conceptualization and development of new Islamic information credibility scale through the screening and selection process of Fuzzy Delphi method approach. In future research, this scale should be explored to test new media credibility, as an emerging and promising approach to identifying and evaluating Islamic new media credibility.
Measurement and Real-Time Recognition of Driver Trust in Conditionally Automated Vehicles: Using Multimodal Feature Fusions Network
Authors: Yi Binlin , Cao Haotian , Song Xiaolin , Wang Jianqiang , Guo Wenfeng , Huang Zhi
Published: March 2023

Trust calibration is essential to prevent misuse and disuse of automated vehicles (AVs). Accurate measurement and real-time identification of driver trust is an important prerequisite for achieving trust calibration. Currently, in conditionally automated driving, most researchers utilize self-reported ratings as the ground truth to evaluate driver trust and explore objective trust indicators. However, inconsistencies between the subjective rating and objective behaviors were reported, indicating that trust measurements cannot rely solely on self-reported ratings. To fill this research gap, a method of subjective and objective combination was proposed to measure and identify driver trust in AVs. Thirty-four drivers were involved in a sequence of takeover events. Monitoring ratio and subjective trusting ratings were collected, and combined to measure driver trust levels (i.e., higher and lower trust). Compared with the subjective measurement, the hybrid measurement can more reliably evaluate driver trust in AVs. More importantly, we established a real-time driver trust recognition model for AVs using label smoothing-based convolutional neural network and long short-term memory network fusing multimodal physiological signals (i.e., galvanic skin response and electrocardiogram) and interactive experiences (i.e., takeover-related lead time, takeover frequencies and system usage time). Four common models were developed to compare with the proposed model: Gaussian naive Bayes, support vector machine, convolutional neural network, and long short-term memory network. The comparison results suggest that the performance of our model outperforms others with an F1-score of 75.3% and an area under curve value of 0.812. These findings could have implications for the development of trust monitoring systems in conditionally automated driving.
Instrumentation to Measure On-Road Cyclist Noise Exposure: Considerations for Study Design with Smartphones and Sound Level Meters
Authors: Albitar Maria , Bigazzi Alexander
Published: March 2023

Cyclist noise exposure has implications for health, comfort, and safety. Methods used for in situ measurement of on-road noise levels for cyclists vary, and the effects of key study design factors have not been investigated. To enable reliable research into cyclist noise exposure, this study aims to determine the accuracy of smartphone noise measurements in comparison with a sound level meter (SLM) reference instrument, and how noise levels are affected by travel speed, air speed, sensor placement, and use of a windscreen. Field data were collected with paired instruments in a typical urban cycling scenario, and comparisons made varying one design factor at a time (smartphone versus SLM, with versus without windscreen, handlebar versus shoulder placement, etc.). Results show that smartphones can generate reliable measurements (compared with SLM) of high-resolution (1-s) cyclist exposure for C-weighted noise, but not A-weighted noise. Sensor placement and windscreen have small effects on noise readings, but air speed and travel speed greatly affect measured noise levels. Future studies measuring on-road noise must consider the effects of wind- and bicycle-generated noise to ensure internal validity. Studies should also consider both study objectives and instrumentation when selecting a noise measure (frequency weighting). Research is needed into bicycle noise generation and perception of traffic noise by cyclists to enhance the reliability of future studies.
Evaluation of Surface Skimmer Flow Rates and Size Selection
Authors: Sharpe Collin , Perez Michael A. , Donald Wesley N.
Published: March 2023

A floating surface skimmer is a device used to dewater a sediment basin as it fills. The skimmer floats on the surface, draining the least turbid water as sediment falls out of suspension. An adjustable orifice on the skimmer regulates the filling and draining rate of the basin. After significant runoff events, skimmers slowly drain the basin over several days to maximize settling, while draining less turbid water from the top of the water column. Manufacturers have published data for products that customers can use to decide on the skimmer type, size, and orifice opening, but these design parameters tend to be very rough estimates with numerous assumptions. This study details a methodology for testing skimmers, including the materials, data collection process, and data analysis approach required to obtain the most accurate skimmer flow rate data. Testing was performed on a 15.2 cm (6.0 in.) post-construction stormwater skimmer prototype provided by J.W. Faircloth & Son, Inc., in an approximately 30 m3 (1000 ft3) evaluation tank. This skimmer used an adjustable sluice gate to control flow rate and had two barrel lengths. Six sluice gate opening sizes were tested three times for both barrel lengths, resulting in 36 tests performed. Experiments revealed that the skimmer had a capacity ranging from 0.03 m3/s (0.5 ft3/s) with a 2.54 cm (1.0 in.) opening and a capacity of 0.071 to 0.085 m3/s (2.5–3.0 ft3/s) with an opening of 15.2 cm (6.0 in.). Experimental results were then used to create a user-interactive skimmer sizing tool to provide more accurate information on sediment basin storage and drawdown times based on skimmer selection.