bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scorched Earth: Employers’ Breached Trust in Refugees’ Labor Market Integration
Authors: Wehrle Katja , Kira Mari , Klehe Ute-Christine , Hertel Guido
Published: November 2023

Employment is critical for refugees’ positive integration into a receiving country. Enabling employment requires cross-sector collaborations, that is, employers collaborating with different stakeholders such as refugees, local employees, other employers, unofficial/official supporters, and authorities. A vital element of cross-sector collaborations is trust, yet the complexity of cross-sector collaborations may challenge the formation and maintenance of trust. Following a theory elaboration approach, this qualitative study with 37 employers and 27 support workers in Germany explores how employers’ experiences in cross-sector collaborations on refugees’ labor market integration affect their trust in other stakeholders in this cross-sector space. Specifically, we explored employers’ perceptions of trust breaches, and how these perceptions affect their further engagement in cross-sector collaborations on refugee integration. Based on our findings, we propose a process model that describes how unmet collaboration expectations and negative assessments of collaborators’ attitudes and behaviors lead to perceived trust breaches which, in turn, lead to employers’ hesitancy to hire refugees and/or to engage in cross-sector collaborations. In doing so, we extend existing theory on trust within organizations to the cross-sector context of refugee integration, uncovering context-specific meanings to trustworthiness dimensions and illustrating how breaches of different trustworthiness dimensions can interact. Moreover, we show how social policies, resources, and trustors’ perceived vulnerability in collaborations shape their risk perceptions. This study highlights the central role of trust for refugee integration and illustrates how missing goals and process clarity endanger sustainable collaborations.
Virtual Schooling and Pediatric Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Leith Thomas B. , Forer Reni , Rappaport Leah , Malas Nasuh , McCaffery Harlan , Sturza Julie , Kullgren Kristin , Otto Alana K. , Monroe Kimberly
Published: November 2023

In this single-site, retrospective, descriptive chart review and survey, we investigated changes in pediatric behavioral health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the relationship between virtual schooling and hospitalized children’s mental health. Subjects included patients aged 6 and 18 years during the 2015 to 2019 and 2020 to 2021 school years who received inpatient mental health care. Parents of patients admitted in 2020 to 2021 were surveyed regarding their child’s schooling. We additionally described and compared subjects using descriptive data, including proxies for illness severity, and assessed how these outcomes changed during the pandemic and correlated with school modality. During the pandemic, the distribution of diagnoses changed, and some markers of severity increased. Patients in exclusively virtual school had higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders and tic disorders, and lower rates of eating and disruptive behavior disorders, than patients with recent in-person school. Further study is needed regarding the impact of virtual schooling on pediatric mental health.
Arterial Stiffness and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurements in Children With Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: Leventoğlu Emre , Büyükkaragöz Bahar , Sunar Yayla Emine Nur , Esmeray Şenol Pelin , Bakkaloğlu Sevcan A.
Published: November 2023

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease which may cause endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. In this study, we evaluated patients with FMF in terms of arterial stiffness indicators and investigated whether there was any difference according to colchicine response. This is a single-center, prospective, case-control study conducted on pediatric patients with FMF. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: patients on colchicine monotherapy (group 1) and patients who used anti-interleukin-1 (IL-1) plus colchicine (group 2). Patient age, mutations in the MEFV gene, overall duration of treatments, and general characteristics of symptoms were recorded. Laboratory values in an attack-free period were noted. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured in all patients. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, nocturnal hypertension, and PWV were higher in group 2. Arterial stiffness develops due to subclinical inflammation in patients with FMF. It is more pronounced in colchicine-resistant patients.
From Mosque to Media: How Saudi Arabia Implements Its Soft Power Strategy in Pakistan
Authors: Karim Ejaz
Published: November 2023

This article examines the various soft power strategies implemented by Saudi Arabia in Pakistan, with a particular focus on the role of religious and media institutions. Through financing the construction of mosques and religious schools, the Saudi government has been able to exert significant influence over the religious landscape in Pakistan. In addition, Saudi Arabia has also invested heavily in Pakistani media, through the establishment of news channels and funding for local media outlets. By cultivating these cultural and religious ties, Saudi Arabia has been able to gain a foothold in Pakistan and increase its soft power in the region. However, these efforts have not been without criticism, with many Pakistanis expressing concern about the potential negative impact of Saudi Arabian influence on their society. This article highlights the complex interplay between soft power and cultural imperialism in the modern world.
Chambal Ravines: A Unique Kind of Topography
Authors: Jain Yashita
Published: November 2023

Ravines of Chambal, which runs across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, is a unique landform for India. This region of Chambal serves as the most complex topography of the country as it continues to suffer from excessive soil erosion and reduced agriculture productivity. This paper will seek to answer questions regarding the formation of ravines, the soil morphology, and the unique variations that can be witnessed in different regions of ravine-hit areas. This paper will also address how ravines pose a serious socio-economic threat to populations nearby and what can be successful measures to reclaim these lands to make them economically viable. The paper tries to culminate the discussion by mentioning a few policy areas, which need to be strengthened so that the ravines of Chambal become a land of high geo-touristic value.
Inequality and Caste-Based Crime in India
Authors: Kabiraj Pintu
Published: November 2023

Using data from the National Crime Records Bureau and National Sample Survey data, this paper uses a spatial regression technique to examine the effect of intercaste inequality on caste-based violence in India. Our results show that when the socioeconomic gap between the upper and lower castes decreases, upper caste violence against the lower castes increases. This result is interpreted as the upper castes reacting to changes in threat perception caused by changes in the relative positions of these two groups.
Validity Frame–enabled model-based engineering processes
Authors: Van Acker Bert , De Meulenaere Paul , Vangheluwe Hans , Denil Joachim
Published: November 2023

Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) focuses on using models to support the design, optimization, simulation, and ultimately deployment of complex cyber-physical systems (CPSs). These models enable reasoning about and predicting the behavior of the (realized) real-world system in silico. The value of using such (predictive) model depends on its validity against its real-world counterpart. As such, the validity context of a model is critical to ensure correct model use. Reasoning on validity is only possible if the validity of the model was captured explicitly at design time. In previous work, the validity frame (VF) was presented as a way to explicitly capture a model’s validity; however, no guidance on the integration process within MBSE processes was given. Within this article, we present the creation and evolution of the model and its VFs to ensure model validity consistency and completeness. This evolution results in a set of interrelated models and VFs. By capturing these relations, we create a lightweight frame-enabled library of model variants. We show our contribution using an F1/10 vehicle simulation test bench.
Non-native Accents among School Beginners and Teacher Expectations for Future Student Achievements
Authors: Lorenz Georg , Kogan Irena , Gentrup Sarah , Kristen Cornelia
Published: November 2023

Based on sociological, economic, and social-psychological theories of discrimination and bias, this study addresses non-native accents among ethnic minority students as they begin school and explores effects of such accents on their teachers’ achievement expectations. Using a unique data set of first graders in Germany, the analysis reveals that a non-native accent is relevant to teachers’ expectations net of student skills, abilities, and other background variables. Associations are stronger in the language domain than in mathematics, indicating that teachers perceive accent-free speech as a language-learning requirement. However, residual influences of non-native accents on teacher expectations also exist in the math domain and persist even after prolonged periods of teacher-student interaction. Mechanisms of statistical discrimination and stereotype-based discrimination can partially explain these effects. However, the overall pattern of results suggests a stigmatization of non-native accents, potentially resulting from the activation of negative associations related to foreignness and disfluency.
Truth and Loyalty
Authors: Sleat Matt
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the relationship between truth and loyalty as it pertains to epistemic issues within contemporary Western politics. One now familiar concern is how an increasing number of people determine their beliefs according to what demonstrating loyalty to their group requires instead of the facts of an independent and objective reality, as a proper concern for truthfulness demands. Whereas “they” base their beliefs on what is required to demonstrate loyalty to their group, “our” beliefs are justified by facts and evidence. Such contrasts pit loyalty and truth as necessarily antagonistic. This paper gives us further reason for thinking that putting loyalty against truthfulness at some very general or conceptual level is deeply misguided. More significantly, it seeks to show that the more helpful contrast to make is between those who are loyal to identities that value truthfulness in such a way that there are no other parts of that identity which are not revisable if they come into conflict with truth, and those who are loyal to identities that subordinate truth to other ends or goals. Acknowledging this allows us to better appreciate various aspects of how the relationship between truth and loyalty is playing out in contemporary politics. Chief among these is how our own commitment to truthfulness is itself embedded in a particular identity, an identity that we not only often fail to acknowledge as such but which necessitates us thinking harder about the ways in which it might itself sustain the dynamics of conflict and contestation, antagonizing those who do not share it and driving them farther away from the truthfulness we extol.
Comparison of one-year outcomes and quality of life between endovenous microwave ablation and high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein
Authors: Huang Wei , Zeng Wei , Lin Xue-qing , Zhang Li-Feng , Wei Hai-jun , He Chun-shui
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of endovenous microwave ablation (EMA) and high ligation and strippingn (HLS) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in the treatment of varicose veins.

Methods

We included 182 patients in each EMA and HLS groups. Follow-up outcomes included AVVQ, VCSS, chronic venous insufficiency questionnaire-14 (CIVIQ14) score, clinical recurrence rate of varicose vein treatment, and patient satisfaction during the 1-year follow-up period.

Results

At the 1-year follow-up, no significant difference was found in the clinical recurrence rate of varicose veins between the EMA and HLS groups ( p = .75). The duration of the operation and the length of hospital stay for patients in the EMA group was shorter than that for the HLS group ( p < .01). The Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ), Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) score, and ecchymosis were lower for patients who underwent EMA surgery ( p < .01).

Conclusion

Our research results confirm that EMA improves patients’ quality of life with lower limb varicose veins, with EMA showing higher patient satisfaction.
Trajectory generation and tracking control for aggressive tail-sitter flights
Authors: Lu Guozheng , Cai Yixi , Chen Nan , Kong Fanze , Ren Yunfan , Zhang Fu
Published: November 2023

We address the theoretical and practical problems related to the trajectory generation and tracking control of tail-sitter UAVs. Theoretically, we focus on the differential flatness property with full exploitation of actual UAV aerodynamic models, which lays a foundation for generating dynamically feasible trajectory and achieving high-performance tracking control. We have found that a tail-sitter is differentially flat with accurate (not simplified) aerodynamic models within the entire flight envelope, by specifying coordinate flight condition and choosing the vehicle position as the flat output. This fundamental property allows us to fully exploit the high-fidelity aerodynamic models in the trajectory planning and tracking control to achieve accurate tail-sitter flights. Particularly, an optimization-based trajectory planner for tail-sitters is proposed to design high-quality, smooth trajectories with consideration of kinodynamic constraints, singularity-free constraints, and actuator saturation. The planned trajectory of flat output is transformed into state trajectory in real time with optional consideration of wind in environments. To track the state trajectory, a global, singularity-free, and minimally parameterized on-manifold MPC is developed, which fully leverages the accurate aerodynamic model to achieve high-accuracy trajectory tracking within the whole flight envelope. The proposed algorithms are implemented on our quadrotor tail-sitter prototype, “Hong Hu,” and their effectiveness are demonstrated through extensive real-world experiments in both indoor and outdoor field tests, including agile SE(3) flight through consecutive narrow windows requiring specific attitude and with speed up to 10 m/s, typical tail-sitter maneuvers (transition, level flight, and loiter) with speed up to 20 m/s, and extremely aggressive aerobatic maneuvers (Wingover, Loop, Vertical Eight, and Cuban Eight) with acceleration up to 2.5  g. The video demonstration is available at https://youtu.be/2x_bLbVuyrk .
The impact of a competitor’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy on firm risk-taking
Authors: Choi Yohan , Barden Jeffrey , Arthurs Jonathan , Cho Sam Yul
Published: November 2023

Using a difference-in-differences method, this study examines the effect of a competitor’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy on a firm’s risk-taking. The contingent nature of a competitor’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which protects the competitor from creditors’ demands during financial reorganization, may increase uncertainty in the industry. Consequently, the study tests the hypothesis that other firms in the industry respond to a competitor’s bankruptcy by decreasing risky investments in research and development (R&D), capital expenditures and acquisitions. To validate and extend this hypothesis, the study also hypothesizes that a firm’s strong financial standing—low leverage and good performance—and the firm’s diversification reduce the negative effect of the competitor’s bankruptcy on firm risk-taking. Findings from a study of US public firms suggest that, after controlling for industry conditions, firms indeed reduce their risk-taking when a competitor declares bankruptcy and that lower firm leverage, stronger firm performance, and greater firm diversification mitigate this effect. Together, these findings shed light on the literatures on bankruptcy and firm risk-taking.

JEL Classification: L22, M10, D81, D25
Health risk assessment of exposure to benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene in shoe industry-related workplaces
Authors: Abouee-Mehrizi Amirreza , Soltanpour Zahra , Mohammadian Yousef , Sokouti Akbar , Barzegar Sajjad
Published: November 2023

Benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) are prevalent pollutants in shoe industry-related workplaces. The aim of this study was to assess exposure to BTEX and their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks in shoe-industry-related workplaces. This study was carried out at different shoe manufactures, small shoe workshop units, shoe markets, and shoe stores in Tabriz, Iran in 2021. Personal inhalation exposure to BTEX was measured using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1501 method. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks due to inhalation exposure to BTEX were estimated by United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) method based on Mont Carlo simulation. Results showed that the concentrations of benzene and toluene were higher than the threshold limit value (TLV) in both gluing and non-gluing units of shoe manufactures. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) due to exposure to benzene and ethyl benzene was considerable in all shoe industry-related workplaces. Also, the hazard index (HI) as a non-carcinogenic index was higher than standard levels in all shoe industry-related workplaces. Therefore, shoe industry-related workers are at cancer and non-cancer risks due to exposure to BTEX. Prevention measures need to be implemented to reduce the concentration of BTEX in shoe industry-related workplaces.
Social Welfare Policy in Post-Transition Chile: Social Democratic or Neoliberal?
Authors: Posner Paul W.
Published: November 2023

Chile’s massive 2019 protests indicate a pronounced discrepancy between the country’s alleged establishment of social democracy and the public’s perception of pervasive inequity. To understand this discrepancy, this analysis evaluates the extent to which Chilean social welfare policy conforms to social democratic norms of promoting solidarity, equity, and universalism. Analysis of poverty reduction, pension, health care, and education policy demonstrates that Chile’s center-left governments succeeded in mitigating some of the more extreme elements of the social welfare policies inherited from the Pinochet regime. However, they failed to reverse their underlying logic, which reinforces stratification and inequity and undermines incentives for the cultivation of solidarity among the working and middle classes. As a result, social welfare policy in Chile continues to resemble the neoliberal welfare regime implemented by the Pinochet dictatorship while the establishment of a social democratic welfare regime remains an aspiration for present and future leftist governments to realize.
Evaluation of 3D-Printed Dog Teeth for Pre-clinical Training of Endodontic Therapy in Veterinary Dentistry
Authors: Carvalho Vanessa Graciela , Casara Bordim Nicole Bernart , Fantoni Denise Tabacchi , Villamizar-Martinez Lenin A.
Published: November 2023

Artificial teeth in dental training have become a valuable tool for students to gain hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment. This training method allows students to practice various dental procedures and develop their skills without putting patients at risk. Artificial teeth can be used to simulate dental conditions, allowing students to gain experience in dealing with various situations and techniques. Although previous studies in human dentistry have demonstrated the feasibility of using 3D-printed teeth for teaching endodontic procedures such as root canal therapy, similar research has yet to be conducted in the veterinary field. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of creating 3D-printed teeth from an adult dog skull and validate their use as an alternative training tool for root canal therapy in this species. For this, cone beam computed tomography images from a medium-sized dog skull were used to replicate its teeth using a digital 3D printing system. Then, artificial mandibular first molar teeth and a 24-question survey were sent to specialized veterinary dentistry practitioners in Brazil to assess their perception of the model's characteristics during endodontic treatment. In conclusion, it was feasible to create 3D-printed models of dog teeth with high accuracy for the endodontic system. Despite the differences in the properties of the two materials between natural and artificial teeth, it was possible to use the artificial tooth as a training device for conventional endodontic treatment in dogs. The reliability level for the survey was reported as good, displaying a reliability coefficient above 0.86.
Improving transportability of randomized controlled trial inference using robust prediction methods
Authors: Elliott Michael R , Carroll Orlagh , Grieve Richard , Carpenter James
Published: November 2023

Randomized trials have been the gold standard for assessing causal effects since their introduction by Fisher in the 1920s, since they can eliminate both observed and unobserved confounding. Estimates of causal effects at the population level from randomized controlled trials can still be biased if there are both effect modification and systematic differences between the trial sample and the ultimate population of inference with respect to these modifiers. Recent advances in the survey statistics literature to improve inference in nonprobability samples by using information from probability samples can provide an avenue for improving population causal inference in randomized controlled trials when relevant probability samples of the patient population are available. We review some recent work in “transporting” causal effect estimates from trials to populations, focusing on the setting where there is a “benchmark” or population-representative sample along with the RCT sample. We then propose estimators using either inverse probability weighting (IPWT) or prediction that can accommodate unequal probability of selection in the “benchmark” or population, and use Bayesian additive regression trees for both inverse probability of treatment weighting and prediction estimation that do not require specification of functional form or interaction. We also consider how the assumption of ignorability may be assessed from observed data and propose a sensitivity analysis under the failure of this assumption. We compare our proposed approach with existing methods in simulation and apply these alternative approaches to a study of pulmonary artery catheterization in critically ill patients. We also suggest next steps for future work.
Dolley and James Madison through the lens of medicine, sickness, and health
Authors: Abrams Jeanne
Published: November 2023

The political lives of our founding fathers and mothers have been examined in great detail by many historians, but their experiences with medicine, health, and disease have generally received only cursory attention from most biographers. Yet focusing a lens on their often dramatic encounters with epidemics, disease, and medical treatments of their time lends them a corporeal presence that is absent from most historical accounts and serves to humanize them as flesh and blood individuals. James and Dolley Madison serve as prime examples of American icons who both dealt frequently with health challenges in the trajectory of their daily lives. This essay reflects the “health biographies” of James and Dolley Madison, which opens a revealing window into eighteenth century society and medicine, demonstrating graphically that even the elite, who had access to the best of contemporary medicine and physicians, were far from immune to debilitating illness.
International Students as Sources of Income? Moving Beyond the Neoliberal Framing of Internationalization
Authors: Weber Tijmen , van Mol Christof , Wolbers Maarten H. J.
Published: November 2023

This paper focuses on international student mobility and the funding of higher education. We theorize that relying on international students for funding is stronger for institutions in developed English-speaking countries because they more often adopt marketization practices. Compared to Northern and Southern European countries, we find that they had the largest decrease in public funding and largest increase in private funding. The relative number of international students has also increased for English-speaking countries, but not for other country groupings. Furthermore, we found associations between public/private funding and international student enrollments, but these patterns were not uniform. These results show that a decrease in public funding and a reliance on international students as a source of income is not equally important everywhere. This opens new avenues for research on the marketization of higher education, including the role that differences between cultures and types of governments play in shaping international student mobility.
Factors Shaping the Implementation of Strategies to Prevent Acute Kidney Injury: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Carpenter-Song Elizabeth , Stabler Meagan E. , Aschbrenner Kelly , Zubkoff Lisa , Cox Kevin C. , Matheny Michael E. , Brown Jeremiah R.
Published: November 2023

Reducing the prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important patient safety objective set forth by the National Quality Forum. Despite international guidelines to prevent AKI, there continues to be an inconsistent uptake of these interventions by cardiac teams across practice settings. The IMPROVE-AKI study was designed to test the effectiveness and implementation of AKI preventive strategies delivered through team-based coaching activities. Qualitative methods were used to identify factors that shaped sites’ implementation of AKI prevention strategies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff in a range of roles within the cardiac catheterization laboratories, including nurses, laboratory managers, and interventional cardiologists ( N = 50) at multiple time points over the course of the study. Interview transcripts were qualitatively coded, and aggregated code reports were reviewed to construct main themes through memoing. In this paper, we report insights from semi-structured interviews regarding workflow, organizational culture, and leadership factors that impacted implementation of AKI prevention strategies.
Unveiling the Influencers: An Exploration of Factors Determining Advance Directive Completion Among Community-Dwelling Adults
Authors: Young Yuchi , Perre Taylor , Shayya Ashley , Barnes Virgile , O’Grady Thomas
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Advance directives (AdvDirs) align end-of-life care with personal values, averting unnecessary treatments. This study explores factors influencing AdvDir completion.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study with community-dwelling adults (n = 166) age range 18-93, using a survey to gather sociodemographics, beliefs, and AdvDir experiences. Multivariate logistic regression quantifies associations between selected covariates and AdvDir completion.

Results

We found that 36% of respondents had completed AdvDirs. The majority were comfortable discussing death (77%) and end-of-life care (84%) and recognized the importance of AdvDirs (79%). Age, education level, self-perceived health status, exposure to end-of-life planning, and the preference to limit treatment in potential future Alzheimer’s scenarios significantly influenced AdvDir completion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study highlights: (1) The need for age-specific, personalized AdvDir education initiatives, and (2) The necessity of intensified AdvDir awareness efforts, particularly for individuals favoring unlimited treatment in Alzheimer’s or dementia scenarios.
Integrated adaptive iterative learning control based on inter-trial iteration and real-time correction for nonlinear systems with external morphologically-similar disturbances
Authors: Yang Lu , Chen Chunjun , He Zhiying , Deng Ji
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes an adaptive iterative learning control (ILC) scheme for nonlinear systems with iteration-varying trial lengths under external morphologically-similar disturbances, utilising inter-trial iteration and real-time correction. To attenuate external quasi-periodic disturbances and non-repetitive uncertainties, and further achieve better tracking performance along iteration and time axes, the proposed scheme combines the iteration-to-iteration proportional-type (P-type) ILC with the within-iteration P-type scheme. The tracking error with dead zone property and zero filling treatment is constructed. In addition, as opposed to the existing two-dimensional (2D) ILC works, the integrated framework is formed through the connection of adaptive weights, which are calculated by the adaptive weight determination method based on the ideology of the Kalman filter. The convergence of the algorithm is proved based on the contraction mapping principle. Compared with the traditional ILC schemes, illustrative and applicational simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and the superiority of the proposed framework.
Low order speed harmonic suppression in FOC-PMSM based on the closed-loop transfer mechanism of injected voltage
Authors: Wu Zhaoqian , Lin Fuqing , Liang Qin , Zhang Shaohui , Liang Jinglun
Published: November 2023

In the field oriented control (FOC) permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) servo system, torque ripple impairs motor performance. Harmonic injection methods can suppress torque ripple by injecting additional voltage harmonic to offset the existing speed harmonic. However, since FOC is a closed-loop motion control strategy, the transfer path from injected voltage harmonic to speed harmonic is affected by FOC, especially in very low frequency. Due to the influence of FOC on the transfer function, the relation between the injected voltage harmonic and speed harmonic varies with operating conditions and motor control parameters. It causes the existing harmonic injection methods ineffective to suppress low order speed harmonics. To solve the problem, in this paper, the closed-loop transfer mechanism of injected voltage harmonics is analyzed and the closed-loop transfer function is derived. Based on the derived closed-loop transfer function, a low order speed harmonic suppression method is proposed. With the derived transfer function, the proposed method can adapt to the variations of the relation between low order injected voltage harmonic and speed harmonic under different operation conditions. Finally, the accuracy of the derived closed-loop transfer function and the effectiveness of the proposed low order speed harmonic suppression method are evaluated by experiment.
Cricket and colonialism: Towards a political theory of sport
Authors: Sorger Andreas-Johann
Published: November 2023

The goal of this paper is to reconceptualise the relationship between politics and sporting practice with the aim of gesturing towards broad themes that a political theory of sport could explore. Many philosophical theories of sport, including the dominant mutualist view, are internalist: they suggest that there is some distinctive logic internal to sports that must feature in the best explanation of our sporting practices. Yet, in attempting to articulate this distinctive internal logic, mutualists quarantine sport from its wider context to understand sporting practice on its own terms. This methodological decision, I argue, invites the unwarranted assumption that sporting practice and politics constitute two separate domains bearing little to no relation to one another. Consequently, mutualism provides us with an impoverished understanding of sporting practice – especially in colonial contexts. Against this view, I use CLR James' writings to show how the internal norms and rules of cricket simultaneously perpetuate an oppressive social structure and articulate the beginnings of an emancipatory political project. This, in turn, has the potential to connect debates within the philosophy of sport to questions around resistance and oppression.
An unsupervised transfer learning approach for rolling bearing fault diagnosis based on dual pseudo-label screening
Authors: Huo Chunran , Xu Weiyang , Jiang Quansheng , Shen Yehu , Zhu Qixin , Zhang Qingkui
Published: November 2023

Deep transfer learning is an effective method for unsupervised fault diagnosis of rolling bearings. In some works, the pseudo-label of target domain prediction is used to improve the ability of target domain prediction in transfer learning. However, its validity depends on the quality of pseudo-label generated by the network itself, which is easy to cause the misclassification of the samples. Aiming to this, a dual sample screening (DSS) method based on the information of predicted label changes is proposed in the article, and it is applied to the fault diagnosis of rolling bearings with variable working conditions. DSS combines pre-screening and real-time screening and uses the continuous output of prediction label change information in the training process to improve the network training. It owes to eliminating part of the target domain samples with prediction errors in the stage of network training with pseudo-label. The proposed method improves the stability of the pseudo-label involved in the training and alleviates the negative effects caused by the pseudo-label. The experimental results on Paderborn University dataset show that, compare with the deep transfer learning fault diagnosis method based on pseudo-label cross-entropy, the average diagnostic accuracy of the six transfer tasks using DSS is increased by 5.97%, which effectively improves the fault diagnosis accuracy of rolling bearings.
Hierarchical verification and validation in a forward model-driven structural health monitoring strategy
Authors: Wilson James , Manson Graeme , Gardner Paul , Barthorpe Robert J
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a demonstrative application of a forward model-driven approach to structural health monitoring (SHM), incorporating hierarchical validation methods. A key tenet of the approach is that an SHM system can be constructed that is capable of diagnosing damage at the full system level, without full system damage-state data having been used in its development; achieving this would be highly impactful as the system-level damage state data is generally not feasible to acquire (previous SHM methods such as data-driven SHM have been hindered by their dependence on these data). This is achieved by carrying out validation activities on the damage model at the subassembly level of the structure. The particular focus of the present paper is on damage detection and assessment, although the approach offers a natural basis for extension to other damage identification activities such as damage location and prognosis. The present study focuses on two of the key elements of the model-driven approach: validation of the predictive substructure models and their application in the assembled model. The ideas discussed are demonstrated in a case study based on a laboratory-scale truss bridge structure.
La Valentine disease: An outbreak of exanthematic typhus in Marseille, France, in 1810
Authors: Gautret Philippe
Published: November 2023

Background:

Exanthematic typhus was highly frequent in the early 19th century among military troops and prisoners and at hospitals.

Methods:

Based on old reports, we describe an outbreak in a village, in Southern France, in 1810.

Results:

Twenty-eight cases were identified, over a period of 10 days following the death of the index case, in a soldier. Symptoms included notably persistent constant fever, myalgia and headaches, gastro-intestinal symptoms, prostration and stupor. Three patients suffered delirium and nine died (31.0%). Overall, symptoms persisted for 13–14 days. A total of 16 cases were secondary to contacts with the index case, and 10 cases were in house-hold contacts of secondary cases. Five familial clusters were described.

Conclusion:

This data suggest that exanthematic typhus outbreaks among civilian populations also occurred outside the context of hospitals, in link with introduction of the disease by prisoners or soldiers.
Extracellular matrix metalloproteinases inducer gene polymorphism and reduced serum matrix metalloprotease-2 activity in preeclampsia patients
Authors: Amakye Daniel , Gyan Priscilla O , Santa Sheila , Aryee Nii Ayite , Adu-Bonsaffoh Kwame , Quaye Osbourne , Tagoe Emmanuel Ayitey
Published: November 2023

Preeclampsia increases the risk of pregnancy-related complications, nevertheless a successful spiral vessel remodeling, and trophoblast invasion reduces disorders of pregnancy. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) clears the path for trophoblast invasion, and activation of MMP-2 largely depends on extracellular matrix metalloproteinases inducer (EMMPRIN) protein. This study aimed to investigate EMMPRIN gene polymorphism and MMP-2 activity in preeclampsia patients. Archival whole blood and serum samples of 74 preeclampsia and 66 normotensive pregnant women age-matched were used in this case–control study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood samples and EMMPRIN gene amplified with specific primers following fragments sequence mutation analysis. Serum MMP-2 activity was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and socio-demographic data of participants retrieved from the database. Age of preeclampsia patients (32.78 ± 6.39) years and body mass index (BMI) (33.09 ± 7.27) kg/m2 compared with the normotensive counterparts (32.33 ± 5.56) years and (32.33 ± 5.56) kg/m2,respectively, were not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). Serum matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) activity was significantly reduced in preeclampsia group (16.34 ± 7.07) compared with the normotensives (25.63 ± 4.56) ( P < 0.001), and rs424243T/G variant (55.6%) was overrepresented among the cases compared with the normotensives (16.7%). The single-nucleotide polymorphism T/G was found to be associated with preeclampsia (odds ratio [OR] = 7.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.95–14.75; P < 0.0001). Decreased activity of MMP-2 and rs424243T/G SNP of EMMPRIN gene was reported in preeclampsia. These preliminary data warrant a further investigation into the relationship between EMMPRIN gene polymorphism and MMP-2 activity in preeclampsia.
Culturally Targeted Video Intervention to Increase PrEP Use Intentions Among Latinx Sexual Minority Men: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Matos Lisvel A. , Lujan Ramon A.
Published: November 2023

Background: Latinx sexual minority men experience the greatest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden in the United States. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the most effective HIV prevention tool available, however, PrEP uptake remains low among this group. Methods: This two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial study aimed to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of delivering an online culturally targeted video intervention that aims to increase PrEP uptake intentions among Latinx sexual minority men. The intervention group received a culturally targeted video that contained the same PrEP information as the control group and incorporated positive aspects of Latinx masculinity (i.e., caballerismo). Participants were recruited through Amazon's MTurk crowd-sourcing platform. A total of twenty-five participants met the study inclusion criteria ( N = 25). Results: The control group had a higher mean PrEP intentions score ( M: 3.3, 95% CI: 2.7–3.9) when compared with the intervention group. A moderate, negative, linear correlation was observed between machismo and PrEP intention scores ( r = −.34). In contrast, a small, positive correlation was found between caballerismo and PrEP intentions ( r = .19). Conclusions: While the culturally targeted video intervention did not increase PrEP use intentions, the study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing cultural factors such as Latin masculinity.
Developing Patient-Refined Messaging for Follow-Up Colonoscopy After Abnormal Fecal Testing in Hispanic Communities: Key Learnings from Virtual Boot Camp Translation
Authors: Thompson Jamie H. , Rivelli Jennifer S. , Escaron Anne L. , Garcia Joanna , Ruiz Esmeralda , Torres-Ozadali Evelyn , Gautom Priyanka , Richardson Dawn M. , Thibault Annie , Coronado Gloria D.
Published: November 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death in the US. Screening by fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a strategy to lower CRC rates. Unfortunately, only half of patients with an abnormal FIT result complete the follow-up colonoscopy, an essential component of screening. We used virtual Boot Camp Translation (BCT), to elicit input from partners to develop messaging/materials to motivate patients to complete a follow-up colonoscopy. Participants were Hispanic, ages 50 to 75 years, and Spanish-speaking. All materials were developed in English and Spanish. The first meeting included expert presentations that addressed colorectal health. The two follow-up sessions obtained feedback on messaging/materials developed based on themes from the first meeting. Ten participants attended the first meeting and eight attended the follow-up sessions. The two key barriers to follow-up colonoscopy after abnormal FIT noted by participants were (a) lack of colonoscopy awareness and (b) fear of the colonoscopy procedure. We learned that participants valued simple messaging to increase knowledge and alleviate concerns, patient-friendly outreach materials, and increased access to health information. Using virtual BCT, we included participant feedback to design culturally relevant health messages to promote follow-up colonoscopy after abnormal fecal testing among Hispanic patients served by community clinics.
Enhancing solar façade thermal performance with PCM spheres: A CFD investigation
Authors: Berville Charles , Bode Florin , Croitoru Cristiana , Calota Razvan , Nastase Ilinca
Published: November 2023

To improve building energy efficiency and address thermal storage challenges during periods without a heat source, such as cloudy weather or night-time, a range of solutions is required. Innovative technologies and sustainable practices are essential for combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions. This study primarily focuses on Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems, specifically those using Phase Change Materials (PCMs), to increase energy efficiency for Transpired Solar Collectors used in buildings applications. During the last 30 years Transpired Solar Collectors (TSC) have been extensively investigated. However, a primary concern still exists regarding thermal storage when the heat source is unavailable, such as during periods of cloudy weather or at night. Thus, a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system coupled with the TSC is a potential solution. In this study we are investigating using numerical simulation the arrangement of encapsulation for TES, integrating phase change materials (PCM) in spherical elements when compared with plate encapsulation elements. The model reproduces a part of a real scale thermal energy storage inserted in a Double Skin TSC. The model consists of a Plexiglas duct in which four different arrangements for the spherical encapsulated PCM were studied. For each of the arrangements the heat transfer between the TES elements and the air passing through the collector was analyzed. The primary finding of the study indicates that the hexagonal arrangement offers better passive airflow control, thus enhancing the heat transfer up to 12.3% compared to the rectangular arrangements
Prognostic value of recanalization attempts in endovascular therapy for M2 segment middle cerebral artery occlusions
Authors: Winkelmeier Laurens , Heitkamp Christian , Faizy Tobias D , Broocks Gabriel , Kniep Helge , Meyer Lukas , Bester Maxim , Brekenfeld Caspar , Schell Maximilian , Hanning Uta , Thomalla Götz , Fiehler Jens , Flottmann Fabian
Published: November 2023

Background:

There is growing evidence suggesting efficacy of endovascular therapy for M2 occlusions of the middle cerebral artery. More than one recanalization attempt is often required to achieve successful reperfusion in M2 occlusions, associated with general concerns about the safety of multiple maneuvers in these medium vessel occlusions.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the number of recanalization attempts and functional outcomes in M2 occlusions in comparison with large vessel occlusions (LVO).

Methods:

Retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients who underwent endovascular therapy for primary M2 occlusions. Patients were enrolled in the German Stroke Registry at 1 of 25 comprehensive stroke centers between 2015 and 2021. The study cohort was subdivided into patients with unsuccessful reperfusion (mTICI 0–2a) and successful reperfusion (mTICI 2b–3) at first, second, third, fourth, or ⩾fifth recanalization attempt. Primary outcome was 90-day functional independence defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2. Safety outcome was the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Internal carotid artery or M1 occlusions were defined as LVO and served as comparison group.

Results:

A total of 1078 patients with M2 occlusion were included. Successful reperfusion was observed in 87.1% and 90-day functional independence in 51.9%. The rate of functional independence decreased gradually with increasing number of recanalization attempts ( p < 0.001). In both M2 occlusions and LVO, successful reperfusion within three attempts was associated with greater odds of functional independence, while success at ⩾fourth attempt was not. Patients with ⩾4 attempts exhibited higher rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in M2 occlusions (6.5% vs 2.7%, p = 0.02) and LVO (7.2% vs 3.5%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

This study suggests a clinical benefit of successful reperfusion within three recanalization attempts in endovascular therapy for M2 occlusions, which was similar in LVO. Our findings reduce concerns about the risk–benefit ratio of multiple attempts in M2 medium vessel occlusions.

Data access statement:

The data that support the findings of this study are available on reasonable request after approval of the German Stroke Registry (GSR) steering committee.

Clinical Trial Registration Information:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03356392
Do not dismiss interstitial lung abnormalities
Authors: Koh Kenneth HH , Tan Min-On , Chuah Tyng Yu
Published: November 2023

Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) are incidental findings on computed tomography (CT) scans in patients not suspected to have underlying interstitial lung disease (ILD). We report a case of a patient with ILAs who was subsequently diagnosed with lung cancer. We highlight the importance of following up on ILAs. We discuss about risk stratification, evaluation and uncertainties associated with ILAs. During evaluation, our patient tested positive for anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (anti-MDA5). Anti-MDA5 is a myositis-specific antibody (MSA) associated with dermatomyositis (DM). Anti-MDA5 DM is a heterogeneous condition. We highlight the known clinical phenotypes of anti-MDA5 DM. As we discover more about anti-MDA5, we highlight the importance of interpreting a laboratory result in the appropriate clinical context before a diagnosis and treatment decision is made.