bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Tire–Pavement Grip Potential From Vehicle Vibrations
Authors: Levenberg Eyal
Published: February 2023

This study was motivated by the desire to provide highway managers/operators with more frequent and spatially dense information about the prevailing friction conditions in their networks. A new data-driven method was outlined for this purpose, wherein the prevailing tire–pavement grip potential is estimated from vehicle vibrations recorded during normal/regular usage of the infrastructure. The method was based on the underlying premise that transverse vehicle accelerations are related to wheel side-force oscillations, and therefore carry information related to the ride surface texture. It involved performing a short-time Fourier transform over vibration signals and analyzing the resulting spectral amplitudes. Two field experiments were carried out to validate the method. The first provided evidence of a statistical link between transverse vehicle vibrations and wheel side-force oscillations. The second tested the statistical link between skid resistance measured over a 26 km highway section and corresponding skid resistance estimations based on vehicle vibration data. Overall, transverse vehicle vibration characteristics were found to hold relevant information about the prevailing tire–pavement grip potential; the two were moderately inter-correlated. The newly proposed estimation method seems promising and potentially useful for pavement management applications, especially when considering the emergence of connected car technologies and the increased availability (and affordability) of in-vehicle Internet of Things devices.
Industrial needs v. Engineering education curricula related to maintenance, production and quality in industry 4.0: A gap analysis case study in Tunisia and Morocco
Authors: Elkosantini Sabeur , Hajri-Gabouj Sonia , Darmoul Saber , Kacem Rami BH , Ammar Achraf , Elouadi Abdelmajid , Ghrairi Zied , Moalla Nejib , Bentaha Mohand L , Sarraipa Joao
Published: February 2023

To improve the competitiveness of industry in Tunisia and Morocco, local authorities have adopted strategies to support industrial companies in modernizing their value-adding infrastructures. A sustained effort has been dedicated to encouraging industrial organizations to embrace the Industry 4.0 paradigm and technologies. Despite these continued efforts, engaging with Industry 4.0 is still difficult in countries like Tunisia and Morocco, particularly because industrial organizations struggle to find fresh graduates on the job market who are both skilled and qualified in Industry 4.0 operations. The contribution of this article is to initiate a process to better understand and assess the gap between industrial needs and academic offer with respect to Industry 4.0 skills and qualifications, considering the specificities of Tunisia and Morocco. We particularly focus on analyzing to what extent existing curricula in engineering education institutions satisfy or miss industrial needs and requirements in three core industrial business processes: maintenance, production, and quality (MPQ4.0). Therefore, a survey was conducted, from which a set of MPQ4.0 targeted skills and competencies were extracted and synthesized. Based on these skills and competencies, sample engineering education curricula are analyzed, gaps are identified, and recommendations for improvement are offered.
The effects of particle shape on inertial focusing
Authors: Li Jin-Yang , Jiang Si-Ying , Zhou Hai-Lei , Xu Du-Chang , Xu Yuan-Qing
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a 2D particle inertial focusing model by the immersed boundary–lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM), aiming to study the effects of particle shapes on their focusing state. First, as the validation, we investigated the inertial focusing of circular particles and got consistent focus positions with other previous reports. Then, the inertial focusing of the circle, rectangle, ellipse, and capsule particles were studied in detail. The results revealed that the particle shapes significantly influence the focusing positions, self-rotation, and running speed. At a given Reynolds number, the circular particle has a minimum average distance to the pipe center in the focus state, then follows the elliptical, capsular, and rectangular particles. The elliptical particle’s self-rotation cycle is in approximately the cubed relation to the long-short axis ratio. Moreover, the rectangle particle runs fastest at the same Reynolds number, followed by capsule, ellipse, and circle particles. Our study and the above results can provide a significant reference for screening or separating particles with different shapes in microfluidic devices.
A multi-objective optimization method based on NSGA-II algorithm and entropy weighted TOPSIS for fuzzy active seat suspension of articulated truck semi-trailer
Authors: Gheibollahi Hamid , Masih-Tehrani Masoud
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to optimize a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) active seat suspension applied to an articulated truck semi-trailer seat to improve ride comfort considering the energy consumption of the controller. The proposed truck model is a linear truck with 13 degree-of-freedom (DOF). Two objective functions are defined seat root mean square (RMS) acceleration related to ride comfort and controller RMS force pertaining to the energy consumption of the controller. The Pareto Front is obtained for these two objective functions using the multi-objective optimization method in MATLAB. The optimization is based on the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II), which has been proposed as a powerful decision space exploration engine based on a genetic algorithm (GA) for solving a multi-objective function problem. Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), which is simple and effective, selects a set of optimal controller parameters. In addition, considering the changes of effective parameters in the truck, including trailer load and location, tyres’ stiffness and the driver’s mass, has been investigated to provide Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis of these parameters on objective functions. Finally, using ISO 2631-1, the ride comfort and controller required force levels before and after optimization are compared. The results of this optimization indicate a significant improvement in ride comfort and controller force which has been different in various conditions of truck speed and road classes. The results have shown that the maximum amount of improvement in ride comfort is about 25% which happens on Class-C road (at the truck speed of 60 km/h), and the control force reduction peaks at around 60%, which occurs on Class-A road (at the truck speed of 60 km/h). The simulation is validated by MSC-ADAMS software.
A visual positioning method for wedge support robot based on Pruned-Ghost-YOLOv3
Authors: Wei Tao , Liu Huanlong , Tian Hao , Wang Xu
Published: February 2023

The wedge support robot is the core module of the intelligent dismantling equipment for the bolster spring and wedge of railroad wagon. In this paper, to address the problem of accurate positioning of bolster hole with abnormal geometry and large error in the complex background, a light-weight object detection model is proposed based on GhostNet and model pruning algorithm: Pruned-Ghost-YOLOv3. The proposed models and the original YOLOv3 model are trained and evaluated on the bolster hole custom dataset. The results show that the improved Pruned- Ghost-YOLOv3 model is smaller, has fewer parameters and is faster compared to the original YOLOv3 model. To meet the requirements of operational efficiency and reliability, a precise positioning algorithm based on the bounding box of the bolster hole and an indirect positioning process are proposed in this paper. The comparative experiments of bolster hole positioning and wedge support are conducted on the wedge support robot. The experimental results show that the proposed Pruned-Ghost-YOLOv3 model can meet the requirements of rapid detection and positioning of the bolster holes, and the proposed precise positioning algorithm and robot positioning process have high accuracy and reliability. The research results are successfully applied to the development of a railroad wagon wedge support robot, and it has a good reference value for the development of the intelligent positioning system of heterogeneous workpiece operation robots in the complex background of related industries.
Measurement and identification method for geometric errors of the linear axis based on laser interferometer optimal measurement parameters method
Authors: Peng Weichao , Huang Jianfeng , Long Dafeng , Zeng Decan , Xia Hong jian
Published: February 2023

For most geometric errors identification method of machine tool guide way, the homogeneous transformation matrix is usually adopted to calculate the solution of error items. It is not easy to ensure the accuracy of values of homogeneous transformation matrix (HTM) since the installation errors of instruments are inevitable during the procedure of measurement. In this paper, a novel measurement method using three non-collinear measurement paths is established to identify the six geometric errors of linear axis. Furthermore, based on sensitivity analysis, the optimal installation parameters are achieved and how each installation parameters affect the identification results is investigated. The optimal measurement parameters would be calculated to reduce the impact of incorrect values of homogeneous transformation matrix. Finally, the simulation would be conducted to analyse the sensitivity of the geometric errors with the installation errors. Experimental test results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and indicates that the method is applicable for a reduction in installation errors.
Novel shift process control strategy for two-speed clutchless automatic mechanical transmission based on segmented speed regulation
Authors: Bing Wang , Mingyao Yao , Jinglai Wu , Xianqian Hong , Nong Zhang
Published: February 2023

Battery electric vehicles (BEV) equipped with two-speed automatic mechanical transmission (AMT) have gained increasing popularity owing to advantages of a widened high-efficiency operation zone and system costs. In this study, a combined gear shift control strategy including a segmented speed regulation control and torque recovery control was developed for a two-speed AMT in BEV. The switching point of proportional integral control and sliding mode control during speed regulation process is adaptively optimized to ensure minimization of the shift time, while the maximum vehicle jerk is controlled within a defined range. The effectiveness of proposed control strategy is verified by a test bench. Results show that proposed control strategy can not only ensure the impact degree fluctuates within a predetermined range, but also achieve fast and accurate speed regulation which can reduce the speed regulation time by 17%–33%.
Investigation of tire stiffness and damping coefficients effects on automobile suspension system
Authors: Rostami Hossein Talebi , Najafabadi Maryam Fallah , Ganji Davood Domiri
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we analyzed the vibration of an automobile suspension system. The influence of tire pressure and arc angle, vehicle velocity, and road impact frequency on the tire stiffness and damping coefficient was considered in this analysis. Moreover, an experimental formula for tire damping coefficient based on automobile velocity and impact frequency was proposed. In addition, the effects of the automobile’s mass, mass moment of inertia, unsprung mass, and center of gravity on the amplitude and period of vibration were investigated. The body was considered rigid, and the tires and other unsprung-loaded accessories were particles of a four-degree-of-freedom system. The equations of motions were solved by the analytical Laplace transform method and validated using Runge-Kutta numerical method. Based on outcomes for an initial displace of the front axle, increasing the tire pressure from 0.2 to 0.8 MPa leads to a 40% increase and 70% decrease in front and rear axles, and declining tire arc angle from 50° to 30° increases the maximum displacement of the front axle by 13% and halves the period. Different excitation frequency values (5, 10, 50, and 100 Hz) were applied to the system, which produced a 31%, 8%, and 9% rise in amplitudes. We understood that the tire damping coefficient decreases on a logarithmic scale for an automobile with a speed between 1 and 25 m/s. Furthermore, alternation in mass does not affect body rotation, and the alternation of mass moment of inertia does not influence body displacement significantly.
Fast object detector with center localization confidence based on FCOS for environment perception in urban traffic scene
Authors: Chen Yue , Shi Ying , Xie Changjun , Lin Chaojun , Hu Qin , Chen Zhuo
Published: February 2023

Environment perception on urban roads is one of the most important tasks in Automatic Driving System, because object detection is necessary in identifying and localizing cars and pedestrians. However, the accuracy and inference speed are still far away from satisfying, and the problem of missed detection occurs frequently. To address the problems, this paper first uniformly scales all dimensions of depth, width, and resolution in feature extraction module, and then fuses the semantic information in bidirectional cross-scale connections, which extract more significant features and detect objects of various scales. To decrease the undetected rate of small objects, this paper further introduces an IoU-based center localization confidence, which predicts centerness and the distance between the center of predicted box and the center of the ground-truth box, so that the predicted point approaches the center of an object. The experimental results on Cityscapes show that the proposed detector brings an improvement of 6.5% Bbox mAP and reaches an inference speed of 36.6 FPS. Compared with the other widely-used detectors such as Cascade R-CNN, FCOS, and YOLOX, it has obvious advantages in both precision and real-time performance. With additional ticks, the detection precision can be further improved by 4.4%. The proposed detector can accurately and quickly identify and localize objects, which is beneficial for the safety of self-driving cars.
Rosenhan revisited: successful scientific fraud
Authors: Scull Andrew
Published: February 2023

The publication of David Rosenhan’s ‘On being sane in insane places’ in Science in 1973 played a crucial role in persuading the American Psychiatric Association to revise its diagnostic manual. The third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-III) in its turn launched a revolution in American psychiatry whose reverberations continue to this day. Rosenhan’s paper continues to be cited hundreds of times a year, and its alleged findings are seen as crucial evidence of psychiatry’s failings. Yet based on the findings of an investigative journalist, Susannah Cahalan, and on records she shared with the author, we now know that this research is a spectacularly successful case of scientific fraud.
CircKRT14 upregulates E2F3 by interacting with miR-1256 to act as an oncogenic factor in esophageal cancer
Authors: Guan Xingzhuo , Lan Tingzhu , Wang Yuanshi , Cui Yan , Duan Jinyu , Xu Hongjun
Published: February 2023

Background

A growing number of studies have focused on the regulatory role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in a variety of cancers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of circRNA Keratin 14 (circKRT14) on the progression of esophageal cancer (EC).

Methods

The levels of circKRT14, miR-1256 and E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. The circular structure of circKRT14 was confirmed by RNase R digestion assay. Cell apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected by flow cytometry and transwell assay. The protein levels of related factors were determined by western blot. The relationship between miR-1256 and circKRT14 or E2F3 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The in vivo function of circKRT14 was studied by xenograft tumor assay.

Results

CircKRT14 was significantly increased in EC tissues and cells. CircKRT14 silencing inhibited EC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted EC cell apoptosis in vitro. CircKRT1 acted as a sponge for miR-1256 in EC, and in-miR-1256 abolished the inhibitory effect of circKRT14 suppression on EC cell progression. E2F3 was a target of miR-1256 and functioned as an oncogene in EC cells. MiR-1256 curbed EC progression by downregulating E2F3. CircKRT14 could affect E2F3 expression by targeting miR-1256. CircKRT14 regulated EC progression in vivo through miR-1256/E2F3 axis.

Conclusions

These results uncovered that circKRT14 up-regulated the expression of E2F3 and promoted the malignant development of EC through sponging miR-1256.
Irigenin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by inactivating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Dan , Wang Qing , Yuan Wen , Wang Qiang
Published: February 2023

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious pulmonary inflammation disease with high mortality. Irigenin, an isoflavone from rhizomes of the Belamcanda chinensis, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic activities in several diseases. However, it is still unclear whether irigenin can exert a beneficial effect in ALI. A network pharmacology method was utilized to predict the hub targets and potential therapeutic mechanisms of irigenin against ALI. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to establish the mice model of ALI for evaluating the effects of irigenin. According to the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, we identified EGFR, HRAS, AKT1, SRC, and HSP90AA1 as the top five significant genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment assays showed that irigenin might affect inflammatory response, cytokine production, and cell death by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK ) signaling pathway. In vivo experiment results manifested that irigenin decreased pathological changes, lung Wet/Dry weight ratio, and total protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Irigenin also reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-18 (IL-18), and neutrophil infiltration. Additionally, irigenin inhibited pulmonary apoptosis in LPS-treated ALI mice. Moreover, LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and ERK was significantly abated due to the treatment of irigenin. In summary, irigenin ameliorates LPS-induced ALI by suppressing pulmonary inflammation and apoptosis via inactivation of the MAPK signaling pathway. These findings indicated the therapeutic potential of irigenin in ALI.
Cortical thickness and diffusion tensor imaging in patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, with normal structure on brain MRI
Authors: Liang Shao-Yen , Wu Yi-Ying , Chang Ni-Jung , Lai Kuo-Lung , Chen Hsian-Min , Chen Hung-Chieh , Ouyang Yen-Chieh , Chen Yi-Ming , Chai Jyh-Wen
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is associated with adverse outcomes; however, imaging abnormalities are only detectable by conventional brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in up to 50% of patients. This study investigated the variability in cortical thickness and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters among patients with NPSLE whose brain morphology appeared normal on conventional MRI.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 27 female patients with NPSLE (median age: 41.0 years, range: 22–63 years) and 34 female healthy controls (median age: 37.0 years, range: 24–55 years). None exhibited evident abnormalities on conventional MRI. Regional volumes, cortical thickness, and DTI parameters, including fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), were compared. Age-adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to detect significant NPSLE-associated differences.

Results

No significant differences in grey or white matter volume fractions were observed between the groups. However, the NPSLE group demonstrated significant cortical thinning in the right pars opercularis (2.45 vs 2.52 mm, p = 0.007), reduced FA values in the fornix (0.35 vs 0.40, p = 0.001) and left anterior limb of internal capsule (0.50 vs 0.52, p = 0.012), and increased MD in the fornix (1.71 vs 1.48, p = 0.009) and left posterior corona radiata (0.80 vs 0.76, p = 0.005) compared with those of healthy controls.

Conclusions

Cortical thickness measurements and DTI analyses can be used to detect differential variations in patients with NPSLE who exhibit an otherwise normal brain structure on conventional MRI, indicating the existence of subtle changes despite the absence of obvious macrostructural central nervous system involvement of lupus.
Lyrics and melodies: Do both affect emotions equally? A replication and extension of Ali and Peynircioğlu (2006)
Authors: Ma Yiqing , Baker David John , Vukovics Katherine M. , Davis Connor J. , Elliott Emily M.
Published: February 2023

What factors affect listeners’ perception of the emotions conveyed by music? Ali and Peynircioğlu conducted a series of experiments in which listeners rated emotional judgments of the melodies and lyrics of songs. Here, we present a pre-registered replication and extension of their study with newly adapted stimuli, including several covariates using the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index (Gold-MSI). Using a within-subjects design, we asked participants ( n = 104) to rate the emotions they perceived to be conveyed by unfamiliar happy, sad, calm, and angry songs, with and without lyrics, to model the extent to which each factor contributed to participants’ ratings. The results we obtained in our replication contradicted those of the original study, for several variables. The results of our extension, revealing a significant effect of the emotional engagement subscale of the Gold-MSI, indicate that emotion perception can and should be divorced from aspects of musical training. Taken together, the findings of our replication and extension highlight the value of replicating frequently cited studies in music psychology literature.
Associations between outpatient treatment and the use of intensive psychiatric healthcare services
Authors: Pederson Casey A , Dir Allyson L , Schwartz Katherine , Ouyang Fangqian , Monahan Patrick O , Tu Wanzhu , Wiehe Sarah E , Aalsma Matthew C
Published: February 2023

The current manuscript examines concurrent and longitudinal associations between the utilization of outpatient and intensive psychiatric services among Medicaid-enrolled youth. Using an administrative dataset of Medicaid claims from 2007 to 2017, youth were included if they were between the ages of 10–18 (M = 13.4, SD = 2.6) and had a psychiatric Medicaid claim ( N = 33,590). Psychiatric services were coded as outpatient, emergency department (ED), inpatient, or residential based on Medicaid codes. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the receipt of even one outpatient visit significantly reduced the odds of having an ED, inpatient, and residential visit within 60-, 90-, and 120-day windows. Survival analyses indicated most youth did not have any ED, inpatient, or residential visit following their first outpatient visit. For remaining youth, having an outpatient visit significantly increased the risk of having an ED, inpatient, and residential visit following their initial appointment, which may suggest these youth are being triaged to a more appropriate level of care. Classification accuracy analyses indicated a cutoff of 2 outpatient visits yielded maximum accuracy in determining youth with ED, inpatient, and residential visits. Findings highlight use of outpatient-level services in reducing risk of more intensive service utilization.
Early literacy experiences of two children during Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa: A semi- ethnographic study
Authors: Nkomo Sibhekinkosi Anna , Magxala Xoliswa Patience , Lebopa Nicholas
Published: February 2023

As the world came to grips with the coronavirus diseases (COVID-19), educational institutions and the society at large faced the challenge of figuring out how to continue with teaching and learning in such a context. Many countries, including South Africa made efforts to help contain and suppress the spread of Covid-19. In the South African education sector, about 13 million learners and 440 000 teachers were released before the end of the first school term in March 2020. In addition, 30 000 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, about 100 000 teachers were also required to end their term before the official closing date. For many young learners, the lockdown period meant that they would be at home with (a) Limited access to age appropriate, fun and explicitly educational resources to play with as many shops considered resources that could be used to develop children’s sensory skills as not essential goods (b) They had limited exposure to structured learning and play as most caregivers are not qualified ECD practitioners (c) Children could not play outside, visit playgrounds and parks, yet, freedom of movement, activity and exercise is important for every child’s development and young children learn best through play and experimenting (d) Most of their curriculum content cannot be fully taught using online platforms. Given this background, through a semi-ethnographic study, the paper documents the early literacy experiences of two 3 year old children during the Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa. In addition, analysis of parents or caregivers’ feedback about their experiences in providing assistance to the young learners during the lockdown is presented. Findings of the study show that in both research contexts, literacy practices were different, but not lesser. Challenging as it was for the caregivers to support the development of literacy, the home environment provided many opportunities for learning.
Cooperate But Divided at Heart: Analysis of an Opposition Elite Survey During Autocratization
Authors: Nok Hin Au , Ka Ming Chan , Ka Lun Ng
Published: February 2023

When opposition elites cooperate to counteract authoritarian incumbents, they often deemphasize their fissures. But behind the scenes of cooperation, will their attitudinal divisions remain? If so, on what dimensions? Though these questions have important implications for the tenacity of cooperation and future political developments, the current literature does not shed much light on them. Our research answers these questions by examining the case of Hong Kong, which has undergone widespread repression. We surveyed district councilors in an autocratization episode in which opposition elites were highly cohesive. Using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov metric, we find that opposition factions share similar economic attitudes. Yet, despite their cooperative behavior, they still hold divided attitudes on the center-periphery and democratization strategies dimensions. These findings contribute to the burgeoning literature on autocratization by highlighting the (in)congruence of opposition elites’ attitudes and behavior.
Measuring the Substantive Representation of Women Cross-Nationally: Towards a Composite Index
Authors: Rashkova Ekaterina R , Erzeel Silvia
Published: February 2023

Recent scholarship on women’s substantive representation has expanded from its initial focus on gender inequalities in parliaments and now studies (1) various group interests, (2) in different venues, (3) across different contexts and (4) using different methods and approaches. Building on these advances, we present a new comparative measure of women’s substantive representation. This ‘Substantive Representation Index’ combines eight indicators, linked to two key dimensions of women’s substantive representation, in one composite quantitative index. As such, we offer a consistent modality that allows scholars to measure women’s substantive representation systematically and comparatively across and within democratic countries and over time.
A Systematic Review of Interpersonal Violence Perpetration and Victimization Risk Examined Within Single Study Cohorts, Including in Relation to Mental Illness
Authors: Marr Carey , Webb Roger T. , Yee Natalia , Dean Kimberlie
Published: February 2023

Rates of both violent victimization and violence perpetration are known to be elevated among individuals with mental illness compared with those in the general population, though the relative risk of each outcome is less well established. In this systematic review, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Criminal Justice Abstracts were searched for articles published any time before October 2021 that reported the prevalence or incidence of both violent victimization and perpetration. We performed two searches to identify studies using samples or cohorts of (1) persons with mental illnesses and (2) persons in the general population. A total of 25 studies (9 examining persons with mental illnesses, 13 examining persons in the general population, and 3 examining both sample/cohort types) were identified and data was extracted to describe the type and size of cohort or sample, definitions and terminology (i.e., mental illness, violence victimization, violence perpetration), data source(s), observation period, prevalence/incidence of victimization, and prevalence/incidence of perpetration. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data was used to conduct a quality assessment of all included studies. Due to marked study heterogeneity, results were presented using a narrative synthesis approach. Across studies, findings were mixed, and the methodological approaches varied greatly. Broadly, the review provides evidence for (1) higher rates of victimization than perpetration for both individuals with mental illness and those in the general population and (2) higher rates of both victimization and perpetration for those with mental illness compared to those in the general population.
Childhood Maltreatment and Revictimization: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Fereidooni Fatemeh , Daniels Judith K. , Lommen Miriam J. J.
Published: February 2023

There is established evidence that childhood/adolescent victimization is associated with victimization in adulthood although the underlying mechanisms are not still clear. The current study aimed to systematically review empirical studies examining potential psychological factors linking childhood maltreatment to victimization in adulthood and the gaps in the literature. Following PRISMA protocol, 71 original studies consisting of a total sample of n = 31,633 subjects were analyzed. Symptom severity for various trauma-related disorders, dissociation, emotion dysregulation, and risky sexual behaviors emerged as potential predictors of revictimization. While these potential risk factors mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and adulthood victimization, evidence for additional factors such as social support, attachment styles, maladaptive schemas, and risk detection is very limited. Addressing these intrapersonal risk factors, found by prior studies, in interventions and preventive programs might decrease the probability of revictimization. The interactions between the identified risk factors have not been studied well yet. Hence, more research on mediating risk factors of revictimization is needed.
Self-Efficacy and Readiness to Change Among Women with Recent Gestational Diabetes Engaging in a Web-Based Lifestyle Intervention: The Balance After Baby Intervention Trial
Authors: Saxon Cara E. , Seely Ellen W. , Bertin Kaitlyn B. , Suresh Krithika , Skurnik Geraldine , Roche Andrea T. , Schultz Claire , Blair Rachel A. , Nicklas Jacinda M.
Published: February 2023

Few evidence-based programs exist to help women with a history of gestational diabetes reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In secondary analyses from a randomized clinical trial of a web-based lifestyle intervention program for postpartum women with recent gestational diabetes, we studied changes in self-efficacy for diet and physical activity and readiness to change health behaviors. Women were randomized at ∼6 weeks postpartum and completed questionnaires at 6 weeks and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Our study included 181 women (mean age 32.4 ± 5.2 years; 48% White, 19% Asian, 14% Black or African American, 17% other/mixed race; 34% Hispanic). In a linear mixed effects model, women in the intervention had significantly greater improvement in overall self-efficacy scores for physical activity compared with the control group at 24 months (difference in change scores between groups .35, 95% CI: .03 to .67, P = .03). The intervention group also demonstrated significantly greater improvement in self-efficacy scores for both physical activity subdomains, specifically “sticking to it” at 24 months and “making time” at 12 months. Participants in the intervention did not experience a significant difference in change in self-efficacy for diet or readiness to change compared with those in the control arm.
Infected popliteal pseudoaneurysm in a youth basketball player: A case report and brief review of the literature
Authors: Lavigne Alexandre , Ghali Rafik , Grimard Guy , Dubois Josée , Tapiero Bruce
Published: February 2023

Introduction

An infected popliteal pseudoaneurysm has never been described in the pediatric population. Physicians need to be aware of its presentation and management, in order to diagnose and treat this medical condition adequately.

Methods

We describe the case of a 14-year-old boy who developed myositis and cellulitis centered at the popliteal fossa after playing basketball. A treatment of intravenous cefazolin was started. 5 days later, he experienced a knee pain flare-up, which turned out to be a popliteal pyomyositis with a pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery. A saphenous vein graft bypass of the popliteal artery and an excision of the popliteal pseudoaneurysm were performed. Intravenous cefazolin was continued for 6 weeks and prophylactic acetylsalicylic acid for 6 months.

Results and conclusion

This case highlighted the importance of repeating radiologic investigations if a patient suffering from soft tissue infection has persistent pain after several days of appropriate antibiotics. A popliteal pseudoaneurysm can be diagnosed with ultrasound imaging and treated with a popliteal-popliteal bypass. Our patient needed a catheter-guided dilation of the anastomosis at the vein graft 6 months post-surgery, and then evolved favorably and went back to playing basketball 6 months post-dilation.
A rare case of bilateral isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms excluded with VBX covered stents
Authors: Ciofani Lorenzo , Massi Ilaria , Acciarri Pierfilippo
Published: February 2023

Objective

Isolated aneurysms of the internal iliac arteries (IIIAA) are a rare variant of aorto-iliac aneurysms, representing only 0.3–0.5% of intra-abdominal aneurysms. Bilateral isolated hypogastric artery aneurysms are even more rare. The rarity of IIIAA has determined the absence of a high level of evidence about its treatment.

Method

We present a case of bilateral isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms treated in two stages by positioning GORE VIABAHN VBX Balloon Expandable Endoprosthesis large, chosen for the possibility to adapt it to the anatomical diameter variations between the hypogastric artery and the posterior trunk, which was the distal landing zone chosen in both sides.

Conclusion and results

Total patency was detected 1 year after surgery in both sides. No buttock claudication, erectile dysfunction and/or signs of bowel ischaemia were referred. Preserving the hypogastric flow is an important goal in isolated hypogastric arteries aneurysms’ treatment and covered stenting surely represents a valid therapeutical choice.
An Instituting Archive for Memory Activism: The Archivo de la Memoria Trans de Argentina
Authors: Salerno Daniele
Published: February 2023

This article introduces the concept of the instituting force of activist archives. It does so by analyzing the epistemological and ontological implications of describing and arranging archival materials, and narrativizing them in curatorial work, in the case of the Archivo de la Memoria Trans de Argentina—Trans Memory Archive of Argentina. On the one hand, the archival arrangement provides trans people with a frame of recognition for trans lives and transforms individual memories into collectable and usable cultural memories for activism. On the other hand, the appropriation of the language of the family in curatorial works incorporates trans memories into the framework of Argentinian post-dictatorship transition. This allows activists to gain access to, and adapt, an entire repertoire for trans causes and activist kinship. The article supports the analytical work and the presented theoretical hypothesis by creating a dialogue between cultural memory studies and critical archival studies, for the exploration of memory activism.
A pilot study to validate AMTAS in a specialist outpatient clinic at a public restructured hospital in Singapore
Authors: Yeo Kai Hui Hazel , Chua Wei De Kenneth , Kamath Savitha Hosangadi , Lee Steven Lock Hey
Published: February 2023

Background

The prevalence of age-related hearing loss is expected to increase with the ageing population in Singapore resulting in increased demand for pure tone audiometry (PTA). One way of meeting the increased demand for PTA is the Automated Method of Testing Auditory Sensitivity (AMTAS). Nonetheless, before AMTAS may be implemented, it is important to validate its results by comparing them against those of conventional PTA for the diverse Singaporean population.

Methods

100 participants were recruited from the Otorhinolaryngology clinic at a public hospital. PTA was conducted for participants via the conventional method and AMTAS. The hearing thresholds obtained via the two methods were then compared. A feedback questionnaire on the use of AMTAS was also completed by all participants.

Results

Air and bone conduction threshold results from 80 participants were analysed. The absolute mean difference in air conduction thresholds obtained via the two methods ranged from 3.30 to 9.62 dB. The absolute mean difference in bone conduction thresholds obtained via the two methods ranged from 8.16 to 9.38 dB. Most participants indicated that the machine was easy to use. Other feedback collected indicated that the AMTAS testing environment was noisy and that testing was fast.

Conclusion

This study finds that despite differences in hearing thresholds obtained via AMTAS and manual PTA, these differences are within the acceptable 10 dB test-retest variation. Nonetheless, existing issues related to the AMTAS software and noise levels in the testing environment will need to be addressed before it can be used in the clinic.
Process-based therapy: A personalized approach to treatment
Authors: Moskow Danielle M , Ong Clarissa W , Hayes Steven C , Hofmann Stefan G
Published: February 2023

Historically, evidence-based treatment has followed the latent disease model, which emphasizes using specific protocols tied to diagnoses. Today, the field continues to move towards an individual approach with models of treatment based on change processes. Here, we describe Process-Based Therapy (PBT), a new way of thinking that is moving away from nomothetic studies of diagnosis-driven interventions toward an individual approach to treatment that recognizes the complexity of human suffering. In PBT, therapists select from a wide range of evidence-based interventions, tailoring treatment to meet a person’s needs at a given point in time. PBT is used to analyze intra-individual changes at the level of complex networks of biopsychosocial events, then gathering these into subpopulation and overall population parameters using theory and experimental analysis. PBT emphasizes tracking patient progress over time and treating symptoms based on current experiences, as well as understanding a patient’s past and predicting future experiences. Through specific analyses that aid in this process, therapists can use PBT to create a network with clients to visualize symptoms over time and areas of change.
Association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and the Eatwell Guide and changes in weight and waist circumference in post-menopausal women in the UK Women’s Cohort Study
Authors: Best Nicola , Flannery Orla
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study investigated the associations between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and the Eatwell Guide (EWG) and changes in weight and waist circumference in post-menopausal women.

Study Design

Post-hoc analysis of post-menopausal women from the UK Women’s Cohort Study.

Main outcome measures

Changes in weight, waist circumference and the risk of abdominal and general obesity.

Results

4162 post-menopausal women were selected. Higher adherence to both the EWG and the Mediterranean Diet was associated with smaller increases in waist circumference over 4 years (EWG: β −0.47, CI −0.75, −0.20 per 1 tertile increase in score), (Mediterranean Diet: β −0.29, CI −0.58, −0.01 per 1 tertile increase in score); and lower risk of abdominal obesity (EWG: OR 0.55, CI 0.43, 0.70 third versus the first tertile), (Mediterranean Diet: OR 0.60, CI 0.46, 0.76 third versus the first tertile), but was not associated with weight changes (EWG: β 0.14, CI −0.07, 0.36 per 1 tertile increase in score), (Mediterranean Diet: β 0.03, CI −0.19, 0.25 per 1 tertile increase in score) or risk of becoming overweight or obese (EWG: OR 1.09, CI 0.77, 1.52 third versus the first tertile), (Mediterranean Diet: OR 0.91, CI 0.65, 1.27 third versus the first tertile).

Conclusions

The results suggest that adherence to either the Mediterranean Diet or the EWG can help to prevent abdominal obesity in post-menopausal women.
The (In)Flexibility of Racial Discrimination: Labor Market Context and the Racial Wage Gap in the United States, 2000 to 2021
Authors: Dias Felipe A.
Published: February 2023

Does racial wage discrimination increase during economic downturns? In this article, the author tests empirically the association between economic conditions and racial wage discrimination for black, Hispanic, and Asian workers. Using data from the Current Population Survey, the author finds that the wage gap between Hispanics and whites, and between Asians and whites, increases with the job-seeker rate and unemployment rate. However, the wage gap between black and white workers increases slightly with the unemployment rate and does not change at all with the job-seeker rate. The author advances the concept of “wage discrimination flexibility” to argue that racial wage discrimination against black workers is more rigid and resistant to changes in economic environments, whereas wage discrimination against Hispanics and Asians is more flexible and responsive to economic conditions. The author discusses the implications of these findings for theories of discrimination and for policies aiming to foster equal opportunities in the labor market.
Experimental analysis and optimization of process parameters using response surface methodology of surface nanocomposites fabricated by friction stir processing
Authors: Butola Ravi , Dev Pandey Kapil , Murtaza Qasim , Walia Ravinderjit Singh , Tyagi Mohit , Srinivas Krovvidi , Chaudhary Arun Kumar
Published: February 2023

In the present research work, microhardness and ultimate tensile strength of the aluminum based metal surface nanocomposites is studied using response surface methodology. Aluminum alloy 5083 is used as a matrix material, boron carbide nanoparticles as a reinforcement and surface nanocomposites are fabricated using Friction stir processing (FSP). Central composite design (CCD) matrix is used to prepare a design of experiment with three process parameters/factors that is, Tool rotational speed, Tool traverse speed, and Number of passes, having three level each. The nanocomposite fabricated according to design of experiment are analyzed using Response surface methodology (RSM). The developed mathematical model well fitted experimental values and equations are stated by the model to predict the microhardness and ultimate tensile strength of the surface nanocomposites. The predicted value by the model and actual tested values are in close agreement. The developed model predicted that the optimum nanocomposites is to be fabricated at 1300 rpm tool rotational speed with a tool traverse speed of 30 mm/min and no of passes should be three times, in order to achieve enhance ultimate tensile strength and microhardness.
Effect of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency on Long-Term Patient-Reported Sleep-Related Impairment in Patients With Cleft Palate
Authors: Harshini Malapati Sri , Oberoi Michelle K. , Bertrand Anthony A. , Chin Patrick , Caprini Rachel M. , Chan Candace H. , Pfaff Miles J. , Wilson Libby F. , Lee Justine C.
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) surgery in patients with cleft palate increases the risk for airway obstruction acutely. However, the long-term effects of VPI surgery on airway obstruction are unknown. In this work, we prospectively evaluated patient-reported sleep-related impairment scores as a screening tool for airway obstruction in patients with cleft palate (CP).

Methods:

Patients with CP > 14 years of age from 2 institutions were prospectively administered the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems sleep-related impairment short form. Patient characteristics, medical, and surgical histories were reviewed. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to assess the contribution of independent variables to sleep-related impairment scores.

Results:

Forty-four patients (mean age 20.5 ± 4.7 years) were included. Twenty-three patients (52.3%) were diagnosed with VPI. Seventeen patients (38.6%) underwent VPI surgery, of whom 14 patients (82.4%) were treated with sphincter pharyngoplasties at a mean age of 7.7 ± 4.1 years. Multivariable linear regression models to control for variables that could influence sleep-related impairment such as body mass index (BMI) ≥25 were developed to evaluate the contribution of VPI and VPI treatment. The diagnosis of VPI (β = .52, P = .004), VPI surgery (β = .48, P = .008), and sphincter pharyngoplasty (β = .47, P = .011) were found to independently predict sleep-related impairment in each of the respective regression models.

Conclusions:

A history of VPI, any type of VPI surgery, or sphincter pharyngoplasty were separately and independently predictive of patient-reported sleep-related impairment long-term. These data suggest that longitudinal airway obstruction screening in patients with cleft palate and VPI deserves consideration.