bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A direct analytical predetermination of PMSG based WPS steady-state values under different operating conditions
Authors: Vijayapriya Ramachandran , Raja Pitchaimuthu , Selvan Manickavasagam Parvathy
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a direct analytical method to predetermine the steady-state values of a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) based wind power system (WPS) at each stage of power flow. A generalized structured is developed with two independent equivalent circuits, that is, PMSG and grid side. To effectively determine the converters performance numerals despite grid disturbances, steady-state model is structured with positive sequence components of grid voltage. The advantage of the proposed model is that the methods evade the requirements of d-q modeling and a dedicated controller to evaluate the system performance. Using the proposed steady-state model, the entire WPS components ratings is predicted evading time domain simulation with complicated controller design. Also, the simple controller design is proposed to aid in optimal power flow supplement with FRT requirements under all possible system operating conditions. Ultimately, validation of predetermined values with the simulated PSCAD/EMTDC response including the proposed controller is investigated.
Adaptive wind data normalization to improve the performance of forecasting models
Authors: Patil Deepali , Wadhvani Rajesh , Shukla Sanyam , Gupta Muktesh
Published: April 2022

Wind speed forecasting, a time series problem, plays a vital role in estimating annual wind energy production in wind farms. Calculation of wind energy helps to maintain stability between electricity production and consumption. Deep learning models are used for predicting time series data. However, as wind speed is non-stationary and irregular, pre-processing of these data is necessary to get accurate results. In this paper, static normalization techniques like min–max, z-score, and adaptive normalization are used for pre-processing wind datasets, and further, their forecasting results are compared. Adaptive normalization increases the learning rate and gives better forecasting results than static normalization. The RMSE value was reduced by 9.18% for the NREL dataset when adaptive normalization was used instead of z-score normalization and by 23.58% for the Weather dataset. The datasets used are taken from National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Kaggle’s Dataset.
Sexual Assault, Psychological Distress, and Protective Factors in a Community Sample of Black, Latinx, and White Lesbian and Bisexual Women
Authors: López Gabriela , Yeater Elizabeth A. , Veldhuis Cindy B. , Venner Kamilla L. , Verney Steven P. , Hughes Tonda L.
Published: April 2022

Intersectionality and minority stress frameworks were used to guide examination and comparisons of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms) and protective factors (religiosity, spirituality, social support) among 673 Black, Latinx, and White lesbian and bisexual women with and without histories of sexual assault. Participants were from Wave 3 of the 21-year longitudinal Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women (CHLEW) study. More than one-third (38%) of participants reported having experienced adolescent or adult sexual assault (i.e., rape or another form of sexual assault) since age 14. Confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and multivariate analyses of covariance were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that levels of religiosity/spirituality and psychological distress varied by race/ethnicity and by sexual identity (i.e., Black lesbian, Black bisexual, Latinx lesbian, Latinx bisexual, White lesbian, White bisexual). Black lesbian women reported the highest level of religiosity/spirituality whereas White lesbian women reported the lowest level. White bisexual women reported the highest level of psychological distress whereas White lesbian women reported the lowest level. We found no significant differences in reports of sexual assault or in social support (i.e., significant other, family, friend, and total social support). However, White lesbian women had higher friend, significant other, and total social support relative to the other five groups of women with minoritized/marginalized sexual identities. Future work should examine whether religiosity, spirituality, and social support serve as protective factors that can be incorporated into mental health treatment for lesbian and bisexual who have experienced sexual assault to reduce psychological distress.
Introduction - The Prevention of Sexual Violence in Sport: A Real Game Changer
Authors: Kaufman Keith L. , Lee David S. , Milroy Jeffrey J. , Raj Anita
Published: April 2022

This Special Issue focuses on the prevention of sexual violence in sport. It begins with an examination of the role of theory in the prevention of sport related sexual violence, identifies critical gaps in the literature, features a number of cutting-edge sexual violence prevention studies, and provides a practically oriented investigation that demonstrates the importance of incorporating a socioecological framework and policy structures in the prevention of sexual violence in sport. This Special Issue was designed to encourage greater development and study of empirically based approaches to prevent sexual violence in sport in response to the paucity of available strategies to enhance athlete safety and well-being.
Promises and Pitfalls of Dyads in the National Diabetes Prevention Program: Lifestyle Coach Perspectives
Authors: Baucom Katherine J.W. , Bauman Tali , Nemirovsky Yanina , Gutierrez Chavez Manuel , Aguirre Monique C. , Ramos Carmen , Asnaani Anu , Gutner Cassidy A. , Ritchie Natalie D. , Shah Megha , Clark Lauren
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To describe Lifestyle Coach perceptions of dyads (i.e., family members and/or friends) in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP).

Design

Qualitative evaluation of cross-sectional survey responses.

Setting

Online.

Participants

Lifestyle Coaches (n=253) with experience teaching at least one in-person year-long NDPP cohort at a CDC-recognized organization.

Measures

Survey included items on background and experience with dyadic approach, as well as open-ended items on the benefits and challenges observed when working with dyads in the NDPP.

Analysis

Lifestyle Coach background and experience were analyzed descriptively in SPSS. Open-ended responses were content coded in ATLAS.ti using qualitative description, and then grouped into categories.

Results

Most Lifestyle Coaches (n=210; 83.0%) reported experience delivering the NDPP to dyads. Benefits of a dyadic approach included having a partner in lifestyle change, superior outcomes and increased engagement, and positive “ripple effects.” Challenges included difficult relationship dynamics, differences between dyad members, negative “ripple effects,” and logistics.

Conclusion

Lifestyle Coaches described a number of benefits, as well as some challenges, with a dyadic approach to the NDPP. Given the concordance between close others in lifestyle and other risk factors for type 2 diabetes, utilizing a dyadic approach in the NDPP has the potential to increase engagement, improve outcomes, and extend the reach of the program.
Effects of gripper location and blank geometry on the thermoforming of a carbon-fiber woven-fabric/polyphenylene sulfide composite sheet
Authors: Atalay Osman , Ozturk Fahrettin
Published: April 2022

The effects of gripper location and blank geometry on the thermoforming of a pre-consolidated carbon-fiber woven-fabric/polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) thermoplastic composite sheet (deformed into a U-beam geometry) are investigated both experimentally and numerically. The thermoforming experiments and simulations are performed at constant tool (160oC) and sheet (315oC) temperatures by using four thermoplastic composite blanks, which are different in geometry and inserted into the blank holder using gripping springs. Thermocouples are inserted on the composite sheet and forming molds in order to monitor the temperature variations during thermoforming. Thermoforming process is simulated in Ls-Dyna; the composite sheet is modeled using the Anisotropic Hyperelastic Material Model (MAT_249). An optimum punch speed and a spring constant are initially determined through numerical simulations. Afterward, the numerical thermoforming processes of four different blanks are implemented separately. Results reveal that the simulations show good agreements with the experiments in terms of defects formation and the maximum shear angles between the fiber directions on the final thermoformed U-beam geometry. When the blank is attached with eight springs from the lugs to the blank holder, the deformation and distortion of the net edge of the sheet are avoided, resulting in significant reductions in the extent of defect formation.
Trump’s Charisma
Authors: Light Ivan
Published: April 2022

Max Weber insisted that followers grant charismatic authority, but he did not address the cultural prerequisites that enable leaders to acquire it from them. Prophecy is the royal road. When a prophetic tradition has taught people to expect saviors in times of crisis, believers are primed to award charismatic authority to someone who resembles their expectation. The case of Donald Trump illustrates the importance of prophecy on the bestowal of charismatic authority. Within the Republican Party, two distinct prophetic traditions validated Trump’s salvific mission, thus enabling him to acquire power of command. Adhering to Biblical prophecy, conservative Protestants identified Donald Trump as God’s agent in preparation for the return of Jesus Christ. Also within the Republican Party, adhering to developmental economics, secular conservatives identified Donald Trump as a heroic entrepreneur whose vigor would restore America’s greatness. Because of Trump’s striking resemblance to Batman, the comic superhero’s many fans also had prior ideational access to Trump’s salvific mission. In the United States, the messianic prophecy of a tough-guy entrepreneur can derive from sacred culture, academic culture, popular culture, or from all three. The confluence produced a voter bloc primed to award charismatic authority to Trump.
A Review of Push-Dose Vasopressors in the Peri-operative and Critical Care Setting
Authors: McPherson Kaitlyn L , Kovacic Scherrer Nicole L , Hays William B , Greco Alexandra R , Garavaglia Jeffrey M
Published: April 2022

During hospitalization, the risk of hypotension and associated sequelae remain important considerations for patient outcomes. The use of push-dose vasopressors (PDP) outside of the operating room has increased in recent years to combat the negative effects of hypotension. This narrative review evaluates the utility of PDP in its traditional perioperative setting as well as in areas of increasing use such as the emergency department and intensive care unit. Articles evaluating PDP highlight successful increases in blood pressure with all agents but differ in rates of adverse events and most lack direct comparison of PDP agents in regard to safety and efficacy. Agents utilized as PDP, including epinephrine, phenylephrine, norepinephrine, vasopressin, and ephedrine vary in mechanism of action, onset of action, and duration of action. These variations in pharmacology along with published literature may lead to differences in the preferred PDP for various clinical scenarios. Many adverse events associated with PDP have been due to dosing errors highlighting the importance of education surrounding the use of these agents. Additional research is necessary to further elucidate the risks and benefits of PDP in clinical practice, and to determine which PDP is truly preferred. Careful consideration should be given when determining the appropriateness of this administration method of vasopressors in various clinical scenarios.
The Use of Hydrocortisone, Ascorbic Acid and Thiamine in Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock – A Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Kunkun , Yin Ling , Song Yang , Zhang Mengqi , Lu Yun , Wang Shan
Published: April 2022

Background: Sepsis and septic shock are associated with enormous mortality and health care burden. Since the study of Marik et al suggested mortality benefit, there has been great interest in evaluating the role of hydrocortisone, ascorbic acid and thiamine (HAT therapy) in sepsis and septic shock. Purpose: The objective of this article is to review current literature of using HAT therapy in sepsis and septic shock, and discuss the findings in hospital mortality, change in 72 hr SOFA score, other outcomes, and the study limitations. Research Design: Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane) were screened using predefined search terms ascorbic acid, vitamin C, thiamine, vitamin B1, hydrocortisone, sepsis, septic shock. Study Sample: Data extracted from eligible studies include authors, publication year, sample size, study design, intervention, outcome measures and study results. Each study was reviewed critically. Results: Among 11 studies included in this literature review, 3 studies reported HAT therapy was associated with mortality benefit, 1 reported hospital mortality was significantly higher in HAT group and the rest of studies didn’t reach statistical significance in mortality analysis. Significant improvement of secondary outcomes, although not consistently, were reported. Conclusions: In conclusion, HAT therapy has demonstrated a good safety profile and potential benefits in management of sepsis and septic shock. Further research is required to confirm these findings.
The Impact of Education and Insurance Status on Past-Year Dental Visits Among Older Mexican Adults: Results From the 2001 and 2012 Mexican Health and Aging Study
Authors: Archuleta Jennifer , Beltrán-Sánchez Hiram
Published: April 2022

Objective: This study assessed past-year dental visits among older Mexican adults from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS). MHAS is a nationally representative cohort study of adults 50 years and older from Mexico. Methods: Baseline data from 2001 were compared with 2012 data. Binary logistic regression identified significant predictors of past-year dental visits. Decomposition techniques examined factors that contributed to changes in dental visits between 2001 and 2012. Results: Education and insurance status were positively associated with past-year dental visits, while decomposition results showed that population composition (more adults receiving insurance and higher education over time) contributed to the increased prevalence of dental visits between 2001 and 2012. Discussion: Education and insurance are critical factors that govern access to oral healthcare. After the provision of universal dental coverage by Mexico’s Seguro Popular in 2003, our results may reflect promising effects of such programs, which can inform future policies in Mexico and other settings.
Linear interpolation algorithm of machining tool path with curvature smoothing
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhang Liqiang , Liu Gang
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a novel corner smoothing local method for computer numerical control machine. Under normal circumstances, most tool path is made up of hundreds or thousands of tiny straight segments called G01. Then, local smoothing is achieved by interpolation through splines or curves that are well-known to us. In this study, a new technique for corner smoothing is realized directly under kinematic limits and geometric constraints. Instead of utilizing the familiar local corner smoothing that are acquainted with the academic research of predecessors and accumulated experience in practice, employing this novel algorithm accurately gains smoother cornering trajectory, acceleration, and stabilized velocity such that delivers an optimal motion. Experimental validation explicitly demonstrates effectiveness of reducing cycle time and interpolate precisely for micro-line trajectory in machining.
Forming analysis and process study for a 6082 aluminum alloy automobile control arm in the process of forging
Authors: Wang Daoyong , Chai Mu , Tian Ying
Published: April 2022

To reduce the weight of vehicles and save on fuel consumption, the forming analysis and process study for a 6082 aluminum alloy automobile control arm were conducted, and the results are reported here. First, the parameters of the constitutive equation of the 6082 aluminum alloy are determined, and the forming process and the dies of the stretch rolling, bending, and die-forging are proposed and discussed according to the given contours of the control arm. Then, the control arm is simulated by means of Deform-3D, the experiment results of the automobile control arm are compared with the simulation results, and the tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the test bars obtained from the control arm can meet the mechanical performance requirements based on the tensile test rig. Finally, the relationship of the die load, die wear, workpiece damage, and workpiece equivalent stress with different processing parameters are analyzed, and the effects of different solid solution times on the strength of control arm are discussed. The results show that when the friction coefficient is 0.3, the die temperature is 250°C, the forging velocity is 230 mm/s, the strain rate is 1s−1 and the solid solution time is 30 min, the die load, die wear, workpiece damage, workpiece equivalent stress, and the mechanical strength are then in a good state. The results of this research provide a reliable basis and analysis method for the forging of aluminum alloy automobile control arms.
High-altitude airship propulsion system optimal design and experiment based on energy balance
Authors: Dongchen Wang , Bifeng Song , Jun Jiao , Haifeng Wang
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes a propulsion optimization method with the surrogate modeling technique based on the coupling relationship between the propulsion and energy subsystem to achieve high-altitude airship weight reduction and figure out key factors. Propeller and motor surrogate models were constructed based on an inhouse fluid-structure solver and validated by the wind tunnel experiment. Solar intensity variation, solar cell distribution, and energy balance were modeled for the calculation of energy system weight. By minimizing the total weight of propulsion end energy subsystem as the goal and energy balance as the constraint, an optimization architecture was built. And a typical high-altitude airship is optimized as an example. Propulsion design variables were analyzed to figure out the influence on the airship’s overall performance. The results show that introducing energy balance into propulsion system optimal design can effectively reduce the total weight of the propulsion and energy system.
Experimental and theoretical investigations of unbalance flexible rotor in active magnetic bearings considering backup bearings contacts
Authors: Ebrahimi Reza
Published: April 2022

This paper describes the experimental verification of an unbalance flexible rotor model in active magnetic bearings. The dynamic modeling takes into account the gyroscopic moments of the disk, geometric coupling of the magnetic actuators, and contact forces of the backup bearings. The Rung–Kutta method is used to integrate the equations of motion. The nonlinear dynamic response is analyzed using bifurcation plots, disc center trajectories, Fast Fourier Transforms, Poincaré maps, and maximum Lyapunov exponent. The analysis is carried out for different values of rotating speed and unbalance eccentricity. In the unbalance test, a concentrated mass of 5 gr is attached in three radial position of the disk. The numerical simulations and experiments prove that a variety of nonlinear dynamical phenomena such as period -3, -4, -8, periodic, quasi-periodic, and chaotic motions occur in the system. The results indicate that the response of the rotor returns back to a regular motion by increasing the rotational speed. Also, by increasing the unbalance eccentricity, the first irregular motion initiates at much higher rotational speeds. Therefore, sufficient attention should be paid to these factors in design of a flexible rotor system equipped with both active magnetic bearings and backup bearings in order to ensure system reliability.
From fallacies to semi-fake news: Improving the identification of misinformation triggers across digital media
Authors: Musi Elena , Reed Chris
Published: April 2022

This study tackles the fake news phenomenon during the pandemic from a critical thinking perspective. It addresses the lack of systematic criteria by which to fact-check the grey area of misinformation. As a preliminary step, drawing from fallacy theory, we define what type of fake news convey misinformation. Through a data data driven approach, we then identify 10 fallacious strategies which flag misinformation and we provide a deterministic analysis method by which to recognize them. An annotation study of over 220 news articles about COVID-19 fact-checked by Snopes shows that (i) the strategies work as indicators of misinformation (ii) they are related to digital media affordances (iii) and they can be used as the backbone of more informative fact-checkers’ ratings. The results of this study are meant to help citizens to become their own fact-checkers through critical thinking and digital activism.
Thinking in opposites: The psychologies of Carl Gustav Jung and George Kelly
Authors: Jones Raya A.
Published: April 2022

The psychologies independently founded by Jung and by Kelly exemplify traditional approaches to personality and the self. Both assume a primacy of the private world and posit “opposites” as a fundamental feature of the personality structure, though they differ in their conceptions of this structure and the level of analysis at which opposites matter. The main dimensions for the present comparison of their theories include: the mode of thought of primary interest; the focal aspect of psychological functioning; the locus of functional dichotomies; the conception of the driving dynamic; processes of intrapersonal change; the necessity of theorising the unconscious; and the relation of the psychological to the social.
Targeting p-AKT/mTOR/MAP kinase signaling, NLRP3 inflammasome and apoptosis by fluvastatin with or without taxifolin mitigates gonadal dysfunction induced by bisphenol-A in male rats
Authors: Kabel Ahmed M , Salama Samir A , Borg Hany M , Ali Dina A , Abd Elmaaboud Maaly A
Published: April 2022

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical substance that is widely used in industry for manufacturing of plastic bottles and resins. Recent reports found that BPA may mimic the effects of estrogen to a great manner that might disrupt the normal hormonal balance in the human body. Fluvastatin is an agent used for treatment of hypercholesterolemia that was proven to possess promising antioxidant ant anti-inflammatory properties. Taxifolin is a polyphenolic compound with potential antioxidant and antiestrogenic effects. The present study investigated the prospect of fluvastatin with or without taxifolin to mitigate testicular dysfunction elicited by BPA in rats. In a model of BPA-induced testicular toxicity, the hormonal profile was assessed and the testicular tissues were examined by biochemical analysis, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Fluvastatin with or without taxifolin improved the body weight gain, hormonal profile, testicular weight and functions, sperm characteristics, the antioxidant status, and the anti-inflammatory mechanisms together with enhancement of autophagy and suppression of the proapoptotic events induced by BPA in the testicular tissues. In addition, fluvastatin with or without taxifolin significantly mitigated the histopathological and the immunohistochemical changes induced by BPA in the testicular tissues. These desirable effects were more pronounced with fluvastatin/taxifolin combination relative to the use of each of these agents alone. In tandem, fluvastatin/taxifolin combination might counteract the pathogenic events induced by BPA in the testicular tissues which may be considered as a novel strategy for amelioration of these disorders.
Replacing Needle Injection by a Novel Waterjet Technology Grants Improved Muscle Cell Delivery in Target Tissues
Authors: Geng Ruizhi , Knoll Jasmin , Harland Niklas , Amend Bastian , Enderle Markus D. , Linzenbold Walter , Abruzzese Tanja , Kalbe Claudia , Kemter Elisabeth , Wolf Eckhard , Schenk Martin , Stenzl Arnulf , Aicher Wilhelm K.
Published: April 2022

Current regimen to treat patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence often seems not to yield satisfactory improvement or may come with severe side effects. To overcome these hurdles, preclinical studies and clinical feasibility studies explored the potential of cell therapies successfully and raised high hopes for better outcome. However, other studies were rather disappointing. We therefore developed a novel cell injection technology to deliver viable cells in the urethral sphincter complex by waterjet instead of using injection needles. We hypothesized that the risk of tissue injury and loss of cells could be reduced by a needle-free injection technology. Muscle-derived cells were obtained from young male piglets and characterized. Upon expansion and fluorescent labeling, cells were injected into cadaveric tissue samples by either waterjet or injection needle. In other experiments, labeled cells were injected by waterjet in the urethra of living pigs and incubated for up to 7 days of follow-up. The analyses documented that the cells injected by waterjet in vitro were viable and proliferated well. Upon injection in live animals, cells appeared undamaged, showed defined cellular somata with distinct nuclei, and contained intact chromosomal DNA. Most importantly, by in vivo waterjet injections, a significantly wider cell distribution was observed when compared with needle injections ( P < .05, n ≥ 12 samples). The success rates of waterjet cell application in living animals were significantly higher (≥95%, n = 24) when compared with needle injections, and the injection depth of cells in the urethra could be adapted to the need by adjusting waterjet pressures. We conclude that the novel waterjet technology injects viable muscle cells in tissues at distinct and predetermined depth depending on the injection pressure employed. After waterjet injection, loss of cells by full penetration or injury of the tissue targeted was reduced significantly in comparison with our previous studies employing needle injections.
Archiving as embodied research and security practice
Authors: Chukwuma Kodili Henry
Published: April 2022

This article explores the importance of embodiment in (research on) archival practices on state counter-terrorism policy in Nigeria. In doing so, the article seeks to contribute to the ongoing discussion around methodology and methods in critical security studies and other related fields in international relations by focusing on (researchers’) bodies as sites of knowledge production and intervention. Building on three empirical themes of fragmentation, labelling and gatekeeping that emerged from fieldwork in Abuja, Nigeria, I demonstrate how embodiment operates in active research contexts in the production – and problematization – of in/security. To do this, I draw inspiration from ideas around state archival practice; embodiment in critical security studies, especially as discussed in feminist and postcolonial work; and in/security theory to scaffold my broader methodological approach. A focus on embodiment, the article argues, marks the researcher’s body – and research – as integral to the development of theories and findings about security. At the same time, exploring the ways in which the (researcher’s) body is (re)produced in relation to identity and subjectivity encourages greater reflexivity in our research practice and fieldwork, as we are continually reminded that our work and our words are grounded in the standpoints that we occupy. The article concludes by identifying some useful strategies from my fieldwork for grappling with the challenges and tensions that emerge from bodily encounters in (security) research process.
A novel herpesvirus detected in 3 species of chelonians
Authors: Winter John M. , Wellehan James F. X. , Apakupakul Kathleen , Palmer Jamie , Brenn-White Maris , Standorf Kali , Berry Kristin H. , Childress April L. , Koplos Peter , Garner Michael M. , Deem Sharon L.
Published: April 2022

Herpesviruses are found in free-living and captive chelonian populations, often in association with morbidity and mortality. To date, all known chelonian herpesviruses fall within the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. We detected a novel herpesvirus in 3 species of chelonians: a captive leopard tortoise ( Stigmochelys pardalis) in western TX, USA; a steppe tortoise ( Testudo [ Agrionemys] horsfieldii) found near Fort Irwin, CA, USA; and 2 free-living, three-toed box turtles ( Terrapene mexicana triunguis) found in Forest Park, St. Louis, MO. The leopard tortoise was coinfected with the tortoise intranuclear coccidian and had clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease. The steppe tortoise had mucopurulent nasal discharge and lethargy. One of the three-toed box turtles had no clinical signs; the other was found dead with signs of trauma after being observed with blepharedema, tympanic membrane swelling, cervical edema, and other clinical signs several weeks prior to death. Generally, the branching order of the turtle herpesviruses mirrors the divergence patterns of their hosts, consistent with codivergence. Based on phylogenetic analysis, this novel herpesvirus clusters with a clade of viruses that infect emydid hosts and is likely of box turtle origin. Therefore, we suggest the name terrapene alphaherpesvirus 3 (TerAHV3) for the novel virus. This virus also has the ability to host-jump to tortoises, and previously documented herpesviral morbidity tends to be more common in aberrant hosts. The relationship between clinical signs and infection with TerAHV3 in these animals is unclear, and further investigation is merited.
Multidisciplinary Health Care Professionals’ Perceptions About Pediatric End of Life Discussions: A Cross-Sectional Survey and Needs Analysis
Authors: Georgadarellis Alexandria G. , Chu Tzu-Chun , Mason Katherine E.
Published: April 2022

Background

Pediatric end of life (EOL) care involves complex coordination of providers from multiple disciplines. Many of these providers’ experiences have not been completely described.

Aim

This study aims to explicate the alignment and divergence of health care professionals’ perceptions of the training, timelines, comfort, and effectiveness of pediatric EOL discussions as well as identify methods to improve medical education training.

Design

A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Analyses included Fisher’s exact and post-hoc tests for all pairwise comparisons.

Setting/participants

A total of 160 of 508 eligible participants at a single academic Department of Pediatrics completed the survey (response rate 31%). Participants included attending physicians, fellows, residents, mid-level providers, nurses, and social workers.

Results

Sixty percent thought EOL discussions occurred late and 70% thought discussions should occur earlier. Attending physicians were more likely to think discussions occurred late and should occur earlier ( P <.01). Residents and fellows were more likely to think participating in and leading discussions was stressful ( P <.02 and P <.01, respectively). Respondents that were female, younger than forty years old, had been in their provider role less than five years, or were residents and fellows were more likely to agree that these discussions led to changes in plan of patient care ( P <.05).

Conclusions

The majority of multidisciplinary pediatric health care professionals believe pediatric EOL discussions are stressful, occur too late, and should occur earlier. Future efforts in medical education should prioritize curriculum development focusing on workshops and simulations.
Analyzing free vibration of a beam-type liquid micro-pump with free boundary approach
Authors: Hatami Hamed , Bagheri Ahmad , Ansari Reza
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this article is the comprehensive analysis of free vibration of beam-type liquid micro-pump with a free boundary approach. Besides the liquid loading on the micro-beam, the kinematic compatibility between liquid and micro-beam is modeled according to the free boundaries. Galerkin and separation of variables methods are employed to solve these equations. Based on the nonlinear nature of the equations, the Newmark method is applied to obtain the normal frequencies, mode shapes, and the fluid oscillation of the coupled system. The aim of this model is to achieve the exact results for the small oscillations of micro-beam in the liquid container. Comparing the free and fixed boundary method reveals that for small oscillation of Euler–Bernoulli micro-beam, there is a slight deviation on the natural frequency, which can be negligible.
The “Price You Pay” and the “Badge of Honor”: Journalists, Gender, and Harassment
Authors: Miller Kaitlin C.
Published: April 2022

This article utilizes theoretical concepts of sensemaking and affective events theory to analyze and interpret what type of harassment events journalists experience from readers, viewers, and strangers, and their subsequent emotional responses. Findings indicated journalists experience three forms of harassment at work from those external to the newsroom, and that women not only receive more sexual harassment than men, but they experience more overall harassment, from viewers, readers, and strangers. When examining affective reactions, men say they experience emotions of anger when harassed. Women, however, noted emotions of anger when experiencing sexual harassment, and emotions of fear when experiencing incivility and disruptive harassment and personally attacking harassment.
Outcomes of upper arm axillary artery and brachial artery arteriovenous grafts
Authors: Fermawi Sarah Ali , Fadia Rueshil , Chong Chyi Chyi , Berman Scott , Rybin Denis , Siracuse Jeffrey J , Zhou Wei , Tan Tze-Woei
Published: April 2022

Background:

We compared the outcomes of upper arm arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) in a large, prospectively collected data set to determine if there are clinically significant differences in axillary artery-based and brachial artery-based AVGs.

Methods:

Patients who received upper arm AVGs within the Society of Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) dataset were identified. The primary outcome measures were primary and secondary patency loss at 12-month follow-up. Other outcomes included were wound infection, steal syndrome, and arm swelling at 6-month follow-up. The log-rank test was used to evaluate patency loss using Kaplan–Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine adjusted association between inflow artery (brachial artery vs axillary artery) and outcomes, adjusting for configuration (straight vs looped).

Results:

Among 3637 upper extremity AVGs in the VQI (2010-2017), there were 510 upper arm brachial artery AVGs and 394 upper arm axillary artery AVGs. Patients with axillary artery AVGs were more likely to be female (72% vs 56%, p < 0.001) and underwent general anesthesia (61% vs 57%, p < 0.05). In univariable analysis, the 12-month primary patency (54% vs 63%, p = 0.03) and secondary patency (81% vs 89%, p = 0.007) were lower for axillary artery AVGs than upper arm brachial artery AVGs. In multivariable analysis, although wound infection and arm swelling were similar at 6-month follow up, axillary artery AVGs were more likely to have steal syndrome (adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) = 2.6, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.2,5.6, p = 0.017). In addition, axillary artery AVGs were associated with higher rates of 12-month primary patency loss (aHR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.2, p = 0.002) and 12-month secondary patency loss (aHR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.3–3.3, p = 0.005).

Conclusions:

From this observational study analyzing the outcomes of upper extremity hemodialysis access, axillary artery AVGs were associated with significantly lower patency rates and higher risk of steal syndrome than brachial artery AVGs.
Applied Machine Learning Toward Drug Discovery Enhancement: Leishmaniases as a Case Study
Authors: Harigua-Souiai Emna , Oualha Rafeh , Souiai Oussama , Abdeljaoued-Tej Ines , Guizani Ikram
Published: April 2022

Drug discovery (DD) research is a complex field with a high attrition rate. Machine learning (ML) approaches combined to chemoinformatics are of valuable input to this field. We, herein, focused on implementing multiple ML algorithms that shall learn from different molecular fingerprints (FPs) of 65 057 molecules that have been identified as active or inactive against Leishmania major promastigotes. We sought to build a classifier able to predict whether a given molecule has the potential of being anti-leishmanial or not. Using the RDkit library, we calculated 5 molecular FPs of the molecules. Then, we implemented 4 ML algorithms that we trained and tested for their ability to classify the molecules into active/inactive classes based on their chemical structure, encoded by the molecular FPs. Best performers were random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM), while atom-pair and topology torsion FPs were the best embedding functions. Both models were further assessed on different stratification levels of the dataset and showed stable performances. At last, we used them to predict the potential of molecules within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs collection to present anti- Leishmania effects. We ranked these drugs according to their anti-Leishmanial probability and obtained in total seven anti- Leishmania agents, previously described in the literature, within the top 10 of each model. This validates the robustness of the approach, the algorithms, and FPs choices as well as the importance of the dataset size and content. We further engaged these molecules into reverse docking experiments on 3D crystal structures of seven well-studied Leishmania drug targets and could predict the molecular targets for 4 drugs. The results bring novel insights into anti-Leishmania compounds.
In Silico Identification and Characterization of a Hypothetical Protein From Rhodobacter capsulatus Revealing S-Adenosylmethionine-Dependent Methyltransferase Activity
Authors: Mondol Spencer Mark , Das Depro , Priom Durdana Mahin , Rahman M Shaminur , Islam M Rafiul , Rahaman Md Mizanur
Published: April 2022

Rhodobacter capsulatus is a purple non-sulfur bacteria widely used as a model organism to study bacterial photosynthesis. It exhibits extensive metabolic activities and demonstrates other distinctive characteristics such as pleomorphism and nitrogen-fixing capability. It can act as a gene transfer agent (GTA). The commercial importance relies on producing polyester polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), extracellular nucleic acids, and commercially critical single-cell proteins. These diverse features make the organism an exciting and environmentally and industrially important one to study. This study was aimed to characterize, model, and annotate the function of a hypothetical protein (Accession no. CAA71016.1) of R capsulatus through computational analysis. The urf7 gene encodes the protein. The tertiary structure was predicted through MODELLER and energy minimization and refinement by YASARA Energy Minimization Server and GalaxyRefine tools. Analysis of sequence similarity, evolutionary relationship, and exploration of domain, family, and superfamily inferred that the protein has S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferase activity. This was further verified by active site prediction by CASTp server and molecular docking analysis through Autodock Vina tool and PatchDock server of the predicted tertiary structure of the protein with its ligands (SAM and SAH). Normally, as a part of the gene product of photosynthetic gene cluster (PGC), the established roles of SAM-dependent methyltransferases are bacteriochlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis. But the STRING database unveiled its association with NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I). The assembly and regulation of this Complex I is mediated by the gene products of the nuo operon. As a part of this operon, the urf7 gene encodes SAM-dependent methyltransferase. As a consequence of these findings, it is reasonable to propose that the hypothetical protein of interest in this study is a SAM-dependent methyltransferase associated with bacterial NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase assembly. Due to conservation of Complex I from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, R capsulatus can be a model organism of study to understand the common disorders which are linked to the dysfunctions of complex I.
COVID 19 and the Opioid Epidemic: An Analysis of Clinical Outcomes During COVID 19
Authors: Ezie Chiemeka , Badolato Ryan , Rockas Mary , Nafiz Rayek , Sands Brian , Wolkin Adam , Farahmand Pantea
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives:

Here we aimed to characterize clinical outcomes in those receiving treatment at a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) methadone maintenance treatment program (MMT) during the COVID 19 pandemic in which SAMSHA regulations for MMTs were changed to provide a greater number of methadone allotments and decreased clinic-visit frequency.

Methods:

We report results of a single-site, pre-post cohort study of urine drug screen data 3 months before and after an increase in allotments of take-home medication from the methadone clinic. One hundred twenty-nine patients met inclusion criteria for this study. The study was reviewed by the NYHHS IRB committee and granted final approval by the Research and Development Committee.

Results:

The sample was predominately male, average age 66years and average years in most recent treatment is 4.1 years. No statistical significance was found between period 1 and period 2 in the positive test detection for nonprescribed opiates, methadone and illicit substances ( P > .05), number of new medical illnesses or overdoses. We controlled for participant age, substance use disorder diagnosis, psychiatric disorder diagnosis, and number of years in treatment.

Discussion/Conclusions:

The results of the study illustrate the relative safety of the changes made at this particular MMT during the pandemic. Additionally, there was continued adherence to methadone treatment with minimal change in illicit substance use during period 1 and period 2.

Scientific Significance:

To these authors’ knowledge this paper is one of the first to examine clinical outcomes in those with opioid addiction prescribed methadone from MMTs during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Changes in blood lipids in patients with chronic hepatitis B after 48 weeks of tenofovir alafenamide treatment: A prospective real-world clinical study
Authors: Zhang Yeqiong , Li Zhipeng , Luo Qiumin , Xu Wenxiong , Wang Lu , Zhu Shu , Peng Liang , Xie Chan
Published: April 2022

Background

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is a new anti-hepatitis B virus nucleotide analogue that can cause dyslipidaemia in AIDS patients, but the effect of TAF on blood lipids in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of TAF on blood lipid levels in patients with CHB.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-one CHB patients were recruited as TAF group, including 69 treatment-naïve patients and 52 patients with nucleoside/nucleotide analogue experience before TAF treatment. All patients were followed up regularly for 48 weeks. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels and the incidence of dyslipidaemia before and after TAF treatment were compared.

Results

After 48 weeks of TAF treatment, the levels of TC, TGs and LDL-C in TAF group were significantly higher than those in control group. In TAF group, the TC and TG levels were significantly higher than that at baseline. Baseline TC and TGs levels had a significant effect on the incidence of abnormal TC and TG levels after 48 weeks treatment. The LDL-C decreased slightly but not significantly. The proportion of patients with TC abnormalities increased from 20.7% at baseline to 26.3% at week 48, LDL-C abnormalities decreased from 50.4% to 42.5% and TG abnormalities increased from 14.2% to 22.5%. There were no significant differences compared with control group, as well as compared with baseline.

Conclusions

Tenofovir alafenamide treatment mainly affects the TC and TG level in patients with CHB but has little effect on LDL-C.
Respectable outness: Examining the coming-out narratives of Latin American Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual YouTube celebrity vloggers
Authors: Garcia-Rabines Diego , Fernandez-Fernandez Emilia , Rozas-Urrunaga Lucila
Published: April 2022

Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual YouTube celebrities have come to the limelight of popular media culture. This article explores how 10 of the most popular and influential YouTubers from three Latin American countries (Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico) have come to occupy lesbian, gay, and bisexual subject positions in their coming out vlogs. We argue that through the entwinement of YouTube’s political economy of celebrity and performances of respectability, these vloggers were able to turn their coming-outs into a form of emotional labor that positions them as exemplary models of queer success within the neoliberal economy and cultural regime.
Numerical optimizing noise damping performances of Helmholtz resonators with a rigid baffle implemented at neck in presence of a grazing flow
Authors: Wu Weiwei , Guan Yiheng
Published: April 2022

As an applicable noise attenuator, Helmholtz resonator is mainly used to dampen acoustic noise at low- and medium-frequency ranges. It is typically implemented in combustion-engines and gas turbines to dampen thermoacoustic instabilities. However, it has a narrow effective frequency range and does not work effectively at off-design conditions. In this work, we consider a modified structured Helmholtz resonator (HR) at its neck by applying a rigid baffle in order to maximize its’ noise damping effect and to broaden its frequency bands. The resonator is attached to a cylindrical duct/pipe in presence of a mean flow (grazing flow), aiming to simulate the practical engines flow configuration. For this, a two-dimensional frequency domain numerical model is developed by using COMSOL V5.3. The numerical simulations are carried out by solving the linearized Navier–Stokes equation in frequency domain with low computational cost and time. In order to obtain an optimum design in terms of the maximum noise damping performances, 10 new different configurations/designs are proposed. The effects of 1) the single baffle attached to the upstream or downstream sidewall of the neck ends, that is, Design A, B, C, and D or double baffles, that is, Design E, F, G, and H), 2) the baffle implementation location, 3) the length of the rigid baffle, and 4) the grazing flow low Mach number are evaluated and compared. It is found that Design C is associated with improved TL by 50% and decreased resonant frequency by 20% comparing with the conventional HR. The present preliminary study shows that Design C is the better design. Further experimental and optimization researches are needed to sheds light on the optimum design of a Helmholtz resonator with neck structure being modified, as there is a low Mach number grazing flow.