bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear vibration analysis of forced response for rubbing problems using the automatic differential frame
Authors: Liu Tianyuan , Sun Lei , Xie Yonghui
Published: September 2021

The multi-harmonic balance method is widely applied to obtain the forced responses of nonlinear systems undergoing rubbing problems. Despite large-scale time savings compared with the time marching method, it suffers from the complicated derivations of the Jacobian matrix. To solve this problem, this paper focuses on applying the automatic differentiation frame to the multi-harmonic balance method to implement the nonlinear vibration analysis of systems subjected to the rub phenomena. By establishing computational graph and utilizing the automatic differentiation process, tedious works such as the derivations of the complicated analytical expressions of the Jacobian matrix are avoided, which guarantees the efficiency and applicability of the presented method. A single-degree-of-freedom system with nonlinear force in the form of cubic is used to verify the accuracy of the method, and numerical analysis results reveal that the method is accurate enough compared with the time marching method. Furthermore, for the purpose of application, the responses of two common friction models, which are of great concern in some practical engineering fields, including a two-degree-of-freedom system containing a friction damper and a rotor disk system with circumferential rubbing, are obtained utilizing the presented approach. The influences of several model parameters on their responses are investigated as well. Numerical investigations demonstrate that the automatic differential solution framework developed in this research for solving nonlinear vibration equations has high accuracy and eliminates the need for a complicated partial derivative analytical formula derivation.
Planning of refracted starlight observation based on observability analysis
Authors: Wu Chengzhen , An Xueying , Wang Dingjie , Zhang Hongbo
Published: September 2021

In traditional observation schemes of stellar refraction navigation, the accuracy was limited due to unreasonable observation directions. In order to ameliorate this situation, a method of refracted starlight observation based on observability analysis is proposed. The function of this method is optimally generating an observation attitude sequence according to standard trajectories of spacecraft so that the selection of a refracted starlight observation sequence can be realized. Specifically, the improvement of Fisher information matrix calculation enables this method to be qualified for the navigation problem with unsteady measurement quantities as well as the non-fully observability which is defined as the capability of estimating the system state through measurements in finite time. Here, we construct a quantitative relationship between refracted starlight measurements and system observability by means of Fisher information index ( FII). Next, the observation scheme is retrieved by searching the maximum value of the optimized variable, which includes the ( FII). Finally, we resort to the extended Kalman filter to accomplish typical trajectory navigation simulations of the observation scheme. The results indicate that our method brings more accuracy than traditional ones in estimation of position and velocity of the optimal observation scheme.
Effects of Shenfu injection on myocardial adenosine receptors in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion postconditioning
Authors: Wang Jie , Wang Xiaohuan , Wan Weiping , Guo Yuanying , Cui Yanfang , Liu Wenbo , Guo Fangming
Published: September 2021

Objective

Shenfu injection (SFI) has been reported to have a protection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury. However, the changes of adenosine receptors in MI/R postconditioning when pretreated with SFI are unclear.

Methods

Forty-five rats were randomly divided into sham group (sham), MI/R postconditioning group (MI/R-post), low-dose SFI group (1 mL/kg), middle-dose SFI group (2.5 mL/kg), and high-dose SFI group (5 mL/kg). In SFI groups, SFI was intravenously injected before reperfusion, and rats were treated with ischemic postconditioning after ischemia for 30 min. After 24 h of reperfusion, the levels of Ca2+ and cAMP in blood platelets were analyzed. Myocardial infarct volume and myocardial pathology were observed. The levels of adenosine receptor subtypes A1, A2b, and A3 in myocardium were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The oxidative stress–related indicators were also observed.

Results

Compared with the MI/R-post group, SFI ameliorated the MI/R injury by decreasing the myocardial infarct area, oxidative stress, and concentration of Ca2+ and cAMP ( p < 0.01). Pretreatment with SFI enhanced the expression of adenosine receptors A1 and A2b in a dose manner compared with the MI/R-post group. In contrast, the levels of adenosine receptor A3 were increased after MI/R postconditioning compared with the sham group, and its expression continued to increase with the increase of SFI. Furthermore, the oxidative stress reduced with the concentrations of SFI.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that pretreatment with SFI might regulate the expression of adenosine receptors to improve the MI/R postconditioning.
Are autoimmune diseases autoinflammatory: Is it time to change the paradigm?
Authors: Albert Daniel
Published: September 2021

The paradigm that autoimmune diseases are abberations in the adaptive immune system is over 50 years old, but recent data suggest a multitude of abnormalities in the innate immune system in lupus and other autoimmune diseases. This viewpoint elaborates the reasons that I think it is time to reexamine this paradigm and shift our research focus to the innate immune system in lupus and other prototypic autoimmune diseases.
Revisiting performance metrics for prediction with rare outcomes
Authors: Adhikari Samrachana , Normand Sharon-Lise , Bloom Jordan , Shahian David , Rose Sherri
Published: September 2021

Machine learning algorithms are increasingly used in the clinical literature, claiming advantages over logistic regression. However, they are generally designed to maximize the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. While area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and other measures of accuracy are commonly reported for evaluating binary prediction problems, these metrics can be misleading. We aim to give clinical and machine learning researchers a realistic medical example of the dangers of relying on a single measure of discriminatory performance to evaluate binary prediction questions. Prediction of medical complications after surgery is a frequent but challenging task because many post-surgery outcomes are rare. We predicted post-surgery mortality among patients in a clinical registry who received at least one aortic valve replacement. Estimation incorporated multiple evaluation metrics and algorithms typically regarded as performing well with rare outcomes, as well as an ensemble and a new extension of the lasso for multiple unordered treatments. Results demonstrated high accuracy for all algorithms with moderate measures of cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. False positive rates were [Formula: see text]1%, however, true positive rates were [Formula: see text]7%, even when paired with a 100% positive predictive value, and graphical representations of calibration were poor. Similar results were seen in simulations, with the addition of high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ([Formula: see text]90%) accompanying low true positive rates. Clinical studies should not primarily report only area under the receiver operating characteristic curve or accuracy.
Breastfeeding During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dadhich JP , Bidla Nupur
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a serious challenge to the lactating women to practice optimal infant and young child feeding. Although international and national agencies developed appropriate evidence-based guidelines early in the pandemic, availability of this information to the mothers and their caregivers needs to be enhanced. This becomes important in view of apprehension about the risk of a decline in breastfeeding practices during the pandemic due to various factors. Any decrease in the breastfeeding rates may lead to increased childhood morbidity, mortality, and malnutrition. This article provides a glimpse of available evidence-based guidelines on breastfeeding by Covid-19 positive mothers and attempts by the baby food industry to exploit the situation by promoting their products. The article also deals with infection prevention and control measures to be observed by the mother while caring and breastfeeding her baby and other action required to protect breastfeeding from commercial influence.
Reconciling Institutional Logics Within First Nations Forestry-Based Social Enterprises
Authors: Persaud Anthony W. , Nelson Harry W. , Satterfield Terre
Published: September 2021

The institutional frameworks that Indigenous groups put in place to govern economic processes within their communities are critical to the advancement of their diverse cultural-ecological, social, and economic development goals. Through the lens of institutional logics, this article examines the ways in which First Nations community sawmill enterprises in British Columbia, Canada, navigate the sectoral demands brought by a productivist paradigm of forestry. We find that First Nations community sawmill enterprises represent spaces of both logical tension and innovation where conflicts that arise between dominant “commercial” logics and culturally legitimate “Indigenous” logics can be reconciled. Through this analysis, this article offers an empirical example of the emergence of Indigenous institutional frameworks, as well as a contribution to the growing body of literature that addresses the ways in which hybrid organizations can and do navigate and overcome conflicting institutional logics.
Mitral Regurgitation in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Richter Ellen W. , Shehata Islam M. , Elsayed-Awad Hamdy M. , Klopman Matthew A. , Bhandary Sujatha P.
Published: September 2021

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is one of the most frequently encountered types of valvular heart disease in the United States. Patients with significant MR (moderate-to-severe or severe) undergoing noncardiac surgery have an increased risk of perioperative cardiovascular complications. MR can arise from a diverse array of causes that fall into 2 broad categories: primary (diseases intrinsic to the valvular apparatus) and secondary (diseases that disrupt normal valve function via effects on the left ventricle or mitral annulus). This article highlights key guideline updates from the American College of Cardiologists (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) that inform decision-making for the anesthesiologist caring for a patient with MR undergoing noncardiac surgery. The pathophysiology and natural history of acute and chronic MR, staging of chronic primary and secondary MR, and considerations for timing of valvular corrective surgery are reviewed. These topics are then applied to a discussion of anesthetic management, including preoperative risk evaluation, anesthetic selection, hemodynamic goals, and intraoperative monitoring of the noncardiac surgical patient with MR.
On the use of a trilinear traction-separation law to represent stitch failure in stitched sandwich composites
Authors: Drake Daniel A , Sullivan Rani W , Clay Stephen
Published: September 2021

Modern aircraft employ the use of lightweight engineering materials such as sandwich composites to increase the flexural rigidity of their structural components. These sandwich composites are limited by their low interfacial strength between the outer facesheets and internal core, which can result in facesheet-core debonding at relatively low out-of-plane loads. In this study, sandwich composites that are reinforced with through-the-thickness stitching are considered. Stitched sandwich composite specimens, fabricated from 110 kg/m3 perforated foam core with cross-ply carbon/epoxy facesheets, were manufactured with different combinations of stitch densities (0.0016–0.01 stitches/mm2) and linear thread densities (400–1200 Denier) of through-the-thickness reinforcement. Single cantilevered beam (SCB) tests were performed to characterize the facesheet-core debonding within the stitched sandwich composites. Unique fracture morphologies were observed that exhibit dependency on stitch processing parameters. A discrete cohesive zone modeling approach is used to simulate the separation of the facesheet from the core. Three-dimensional finite element analysis reveals crack curvature near the stitching. Good agreement between predicted and experimental measurements were obtained.
Vector-Borne Diseases and Associated Factors in the Rural Communities of Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nigusie Adane , Gizaw Zemichael , Gebrehiwot Mulat , Destaw Bikes
Published: September 2021

Background:

Human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses, and bacteria that are transmitted by vectors are called vector-borne diseases. Vector-borne diseases usually affect the poorest populations, particularly where there is a lack of access to adequate housing, safe drinking water, and sanitation. This community-based cross-sectional study was, conducted to assess the prevalence of self-reported vector-borne diseases and associated factors in the rural communities of northwest Ethiopia.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study design with structured observation was conducted among 1191 randomly selected rural households in northwest Ethiopia from April to June 2017. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire; and observation checklist. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with the prevalence of self-reported vector-borne diseases on the basis of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-values <.05.

Results:

In the current study, 216 (18.1%) of the rural households reported one or more vector-borne diseases. Scabies (9.5%) were the most reported vector-borne disease followed by Malaria (6.9%). The prevalence of self-reported vector-borne diseases was statistically associated with the head of the family (mother) (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.02-0.72), regular cleaning of the living environment (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.36-0.74), poor cleanness of the living rooms (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.03-3.03), and moderate cleanness of the floor (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.06-2.52).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of self-reported vector-borne diseases was high in the rural communities of northwest Ethiopia. The low prevalence was associated with family head; regular cleaning of living environment and cleanness of the floor. Designing and strengthening an intervention strategy for environmental sanitation, regular cleaning of living house, and keeping personal hygiene shall be considered.
Is Hybrid Telehealth Model the Next Step for Private Healthcare in India?
Authors: Raj Westwood Anjali
Published: September 2021

Irrespective of geography, the implementation of telehealth has been one of the biggest changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Post the pandemic, telehealth will continue to be part of mainstream health service delivery but in a different format. This commentary investigates the hybrid model of telehealth in India. A hybrid model can help India provide accessible and affordable healthcare to a wider part of its population and support the already growing medical tourism industry. The challenges to this revolve around digital education for patients and providers, integration of technology into existing care pathways, infrastructural investment and in creating seamless systems. It is a scalable and profitable model that must be seriously considered in the post pandemic world.
Use of Health Services Among People Living Alone in Finland
Authors: Solin Pia CM , Pasanen Tytti P , Mankinen Katariina AJ , Martelin Tuija P , Tamminen Nina M
Published: September 2021

Although health issues are more common in people living alone than in those living with someone, research on the service use of people living alone has focused on older age groups. Based on large Finnish cross-sectional health survey (FinHealth 2017, n = 4686), we examined the difference in the use and assessment of health services between those living alone and those living with someone, and whether some sub-groups within those living alone use or perceive the use of health care services differently to those living with someone. The adjusted proportions, based on logistic regression models controlling for demographic variables and perceived health and mental health, showed that those living alone had seen a doctor in the past year less often (65.5%) than those not living alone (71.9%). People living alone had also less often had a health examination in the past 5 years (72.4%) than those not living alone (79.2%), and this proportion was particularly low within people living alone with high levels of depressive symptoms (59.0%) compared to lower levels (75.0%). Conclusively, among people living alone, those who suffer from depressive symptoms might be a potential group that does not receive the same levels of preventive care than others.
Torque capacity of the multilayer interference fit based on a friction coefficient prediction model
Authors: Ning Ke , Wang Jianmei , Xiang Dan , Hou Dingbang
Published: September 2021

This paper proposes the theoretical model of a multilayer interference fit and gives out the relational expression between radial interference and friction coefficient. Taking the typical wind turbine's shrink disk of a three-layer interference fit structure as an example, special experimental equipment is developed to test the torque capacity. Based on experimental results and the theoretical model, the mathematical expressions of radial interference and assembly stroke for friction coefficient are obtained by polynomial fitting, and the prediction model of friction coefficient is established. The three-dimensional finite element model of a shrink disk is constructed by applying the friction coefficient prediction model. With the mathematical expressions of radial interference and assembly stroke for the torque capacity, the rules of main dimension parameters and torque capacity are analyzed. The maximum relative error between experiment and simulation is 8.2%, which shows the feasibility of finite element simulation. The results of our study have certain guidance for the prediction of friction coefficient and the manufacture of the multilayer interference fit.
An analysis method of pressure characteristic for cylindrical intershaft gas film seal considering centrifugal expansion, rotor misalignment, and precession
Authors: Hou Guoqiang , Su Hua , Huang Yuhui , Chen Congcong
Published: September 2021

To improve the weaknesses of large leakage and wear of dual-rotor intershaft labyrinth seal in aero-engines, the cylindrical gas film seal of metal rubber with a compliant feature is proposed to substitute this conventional seal. According to the dual-rotor operating condition, an analysis method of gas film pressure is presented considering the complex condition of rotor tilt, centrifugal expansion effect, and rotor circular precession. The characteristics of gas film pressure distribution are computed and comparisons are conducted in a complex operating state that the tilt rotor is in forward/backward circular precession under a homodromous/counter-rotating condition with/without the influence of centrifugal expansion. Besides, the formation mechanism of the gas film pressure caused by rotor rotational direction and circular precession direction is revealed. Also, the influence of rotor speed and seal ring speed on gas film pressure is analyzed when the rotor is tilted. The results indicate that for the dual-rotor cylindrical gas film seal with high rotating speed, the rotor tilt and centrifugal expansion effect have significant influence on the gas film pressure distribution, and the rotors’ rotational direction as well as rotor circular precession direction determines the maximum gas film pressure distribution area. The maximum pressure under a homodromous condition with backward precession is the highest; the maximum pressure under a homodromous condition with forward precession is the lowest. The former is 1.33% and 1.68% higher than the latter, respectively, with/without consideration of centrifugal expansion. The study method, which is generally suitable for the cylindrical gas film seal with single-rotor/dual-rotor, lays the foundation of performance analysis under complex operating conditions.
Long-term safety and efficacy of dimethyl fumarate for up to 13 years in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: Final ENDORSE study results
Authors: Gold Ralf , Arnold Douglas L , Bar-Or Amit , Fox Robert J , Kappos Ludwig , Mokliatchouk Oksana , Jiang Xiaotong , Lyons Jennifer , Kapadia Shivani , Miller Catherine
Published: September 2021

Background:

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) demonstrated favorable benefit–risk in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients in phase-III DEFINE and CONFIRM trials, and ENDORSE extension.

Objective:

The main aim of this study is assessing DMF safety/efficacy up to 13 years in ENDORSE.

Methods:

Randomized patients received DMF 240 mg twice daily or placebo (PBO; Years 0–2), then DMF (Years 3–10; continuous DMF/DMF or PBO/DMF); maximum follow-up (combined studies), 13 years.

Results:

By January 2020, 1736 patients enrolled/dosed in ENDORSE (median follow-up 8.76 years (ENDORSE range: 0.04–10.98) in DEFINE/CONFIRM and ENDORSE); 52% treated in ENDORSE for ⩾6 years. Overall, 551 (32%) patients experienced serious adverse events (mostly multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse or fall; one progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy); 243 (14%) discontinued treatment due to adverse events (4% gastrointestinal (GI) disorders). Rare opportunistic infections, malignancies, and serious herpes zoster occurred, irrespective of lymphocyte count. For DMF/DMF ( n = 501), overall annualized relapse rate (ARR) remained low (0.143 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.120–0.169)), while for PBO/DMF ( n = 249), ARR decreased after initiating DMF and remained low throughout (ARR 0–2 years, 0.330 (95% CI, 0.266–0.408); overall ARR (ENDORSE, 0.151 (95% CI, 0.118–0.194)). Over 10 years, 72% DMF/DMF and 73% PBO/DMF had no 24-week confirmed disability worsening.

Conclusion:

Sustained DMF safety/efficacy was observed in patients followed up to 13 years, supporting DMF’s positive benefit/risk profile for long-term RRMS treatment.
Real-world executive functioning for autistic children in school and home settings
Authors: Tschida Jessica E , Yerys Benjamin E
Published: September 2021

Executive function challenges are commonly reported in the home setting for children with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (hereafter, autism), but little is known about these challenges in the school setting. A total of 337 youth (autism, N = 241 and typically developing, N = 96) were assessed using Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function ratings from home and school settings. Within each setting, we examined differences in specific executive function skills between diagnostic groups. Then, we examined if the autism group showed similar peak executive function impairments, associations with age, and relationships with adaptive behavior across settings. Finally, we examined inter-rater reliability. Autism and typically developing groups differed on all Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function scales in both settings. The Shift scale was the peak impairment in the autism group in both settings. There was also an effect of age on executive function impairment in both settings, and executive function ratings in both settings significantly predicted individual adaptive behavior domains. Inter-rater correlations for autistic participants were similar to inter-rater reliability correlations from the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function standardization sample. This study shows that autistic children experience similar but not identical real-world executive function challenges across school and home settings and that supports may vary by setting.

Lay abstract

Executive functioning skills are important for children to be able to control thoughts, emotions, and actions, and for their ability to adapt to different settings. Previous studies have found that autistic children have difficulty with executive functioning, but most of these studies took place in the home setting. Executive functioning skills in autistic children have not yet been fully examined in the school setting. This is a knowledge gap that needs to be addressed because the school setting is potentially one of the most demanding in terms of executive functioning and is a setting where executive function interventions are already being used for autistic children. In order to learn more about executive functioning for autistic children in the school setting, this study compared ratings of executive function from autistic children’s caregivers and school professionals. The study found that autistic children experience similar but not identical executive function challenges across school and home settings and that supports may differ in each setting. Having information about differences in executive functioning challenges and supports for autistic children across settings can help lead to development of supports that are tailored to each setting.
Resilience is a feminist issue: A response to Angela McRobbie’s Feminism and the Politics of Resilience in the context of Britain during the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Hamad Hannah
Published: September 2021

This article responds to Angela McRobbie’s latest book Feminism and the Politics of Resilience: Essays on Gender, Media and the End of Welfare (2020) which is a characteristically feminist, state-of-the-nation account of intersections of gender, media and culture in neoliberal Britain. It first situates the book in the context of McRobbie’s larger body of work in the field of feminist media and cultural studies, before then going on to address some of the issues that arise from essays themselves, thinking in particular about the notion of ‘resilience’ in relation to our year (and counting) spent living through the Covid-19 pandemic, and how some of the issues McRobbie deals with have taken on new levels of urgency in the context of the coronavirus crisis. The principal focus of my response is McRobbie’s interrogation of the extent to which and the ways in which working class women (especially those of colour) have been deleteriously impacted by the logic of neoliberalism that continues to operate under the ideologically disingenuous banner of ‘resilience.’
Severe equestrian injuries: A seven-year review of admissions to a UK major trauma centre
Authors: Gharooni Aref-Ali , Anwar Fahim , Ramdeep Romann , Mee Harry
Published: September 2021

Background

Equestrian sports are regaining popularity in the United Kingdom. Due to horses’ considerable weight and speed, serious injuries can occur. Riding style and equipment differ between North America and the United Kingdom with previous studies focusing on the former.

Objective

This study aims to assess the pattern of horse-related injury admissions to a major trauma centre in the United Kingdom.

Methods

A retrospective study of our hospital’s trauma registry between years 2012 and 2020 was performed. Cases included those admitted for severe horse-related injuries (irrespective of age/sex) with Injury Severity Score (ISS) of ≥ 4. Demographics, injury characteristics (ISS, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), injury region and operations), hospital stay and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) on discharge were extracted. Four groups were formed based on mechanism of injury: fall from horse, fall and horse landing on top (FL group), kicked, and fall and kicked (FK group). Comparisons in injury and outcomes were analysed between these groups.

Results

301 (2.8%) eligible cases were identified from 10,911 cases. 70.8% were female with mean (± SD) age of 42.7 (± 16.5) years. Most common mechanism of injury was fall (72.8%) then kicked (14.6%) with groups FL and FK forming < 10% each. No significant difference was found between the groups initial GCS, ISS, total or ICU length of stay and GOS ( p > 0.05). Most common regions of injury were orthopaedic (41.9%), spinal (26.2%), thoracic (20.1%) and head injuries (19.3%). 75% had good recovery on GOS though there were 3 fatalities relating to severe traumatic brain injury.

Conclusion

Orthopaedic limb injuries form the majority of horse-related injuries which contrasts the 1970s where head injury prevailed which is likely due to the widespread use of better head protection. Consideration should be given to enhanced limb safety equipment to prevent injury.
Accuracy of injury coding in a trauma registry
Authors: Isles Siobhan , McBride Paul , Sawyer Matt , Campbell Alaina , Speed Gordon , O’Leary Katrina , Evans Melisa , Rider Sonya , Gabbe Belinda
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Abbreviated Injury Scale has significant advantages over administrative coding systems for trauma analytics as it was developed specifically for injury, provides greater depth of characterisation of injury and has an integrated severity measure. It is used by trauma registries globally as it allows benchmarking between registries and is used to drive quality improvement. However, the consistency of scoring between individuals is not well understood. An audit was undertaken in six tertiary trauma centres in New Zealand to determine variation between AIS coders.

Methods

Each of six sites was audited by two experienced auditors. A random selection of case was identified in ISS categories 13–24, 25–44 and 45+. The case notes were pulled, and the auditors independently audited the notes,and then compared their results for a consensus result. The consensus result was then compared with the original coders.

Results

111 cases were audited. Coding concordance was found in 31% of cases. Of the 69% of cases where discordant coding was observed, the discordance was attributed to incorrect coding (49%), missed injuries (43%) and other reasons (7%). Head and chest body regions were associated with the greatest number, and largest differences in coding scores. The overall mean difference across all cases was an ISS score of 1.

Conclusions

The overall accuracy of data held in the New Zealand Trauma Registry (NZTR) is suitable for quality improvement and benchmarking purposes, but more work is needed to improve the accuracy of individual cases, particularly those with head/neck and chest injury. Standardised tools to ensure the accuracy of data in a trauma registry is a gap which needs to be addressed to maintain confidence in a contemporary trauma system.
Effects of the interval geometric deviation and crowning parameters on the automotive differential dynamics
Authors: Lafi Wassim , Djemal Fathi , Akrout Ali , Walha Lassaad , Haddar Mohamed
Published: September 2021

A differential mechanism is an essential component in the majority of automotive applications. Its vitality stems from the fact that it allows a wheel-drive vehicle to take a curve safely. On the other hand, it can ratchet up the vibration in the wheel-drive vehicle due to the excessive gear tooth deflection from applied torque. Some gear tooth modifications can increase or decrease the level of vibration in the mechanism. So far, very little attention has been paid to the effects of the uncertain geometric deviation of the tooth profile and uncertain crowning parameters on the dynamic performance of the mechanism. This study aims to investigate the impacts of these uncertain parameters on the gear systems’ dynamic performance. To this end, the nonlinear interval model of the differential mechanism is proposed. The mesh stiffness for straight bevel gear is modelled through the potential energy method and slice theory, while bearing stiffness elements are calculated at each time step. A refined computational algorithm is proposed to deal with any gear system with multiple interval variables. The scanning method is used as a reference method in this paper. The main outcomes of this study are that the crowning design can slightly reduce the vibration in the mechanism, and the profile errors can increase its vibration level excessively. Besides, the results derived from the refined algorithm show similarities to those determined by the scanning method, and the study shows that the refined algorithm can handle any gear system with uncertain static or time-varying parameters.
Tensile and flexural properties of Tampico fibres and E-glass fibre composites reinforced with epoxy resin
Authors: Narendiranath Babu T , Rajkumar E , George George , Jobai Jefferson , Rama Prabha D
Published: September 2021

The focus of our study was to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties, namely tensile and bending strength of natural fibre composites. Natural fibre composites are composites consisting of fibres made from plants and animals. The natural fibre chosen for this study was Tampico fibre. The moulds were made according to ASTM D638 and D790 standards for both tensile and bending specimens. The first set of composites were arranged in three different orientations namely uniaxial, biaxial and criss-cross. The moulds were prepared using the hand-lay-up technique. These fibres were combined with Epoxy LY-556 pitch and Hardener HY-951 in a specific proportion to make the composite. The second set of composites included an additional variant in the form of biaxial E-glass fibres of 270GSM density, to compare the differences in the mechanical strength. The X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were performed on the specimen to understand the lattice structure and prevalent bonds formed within the composites.
Effect of microstructural constituents and morphological characteristics on low cycle fatigue behaviour of inter-critically annealed 20MnMoNi55 steel
Authors: Basu Parichay , Acharyya Sanjib K , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: September 2021

The effect of varying microstructural parameters on the cyclic behaviour of dual-phase steels was studied on the basis of experimental and micromechanical finite-element simulated results. The initial bainitic morphology of as-received 20MnMoNi55 steel was transformed into ferrite and martensite through proper inter-critical heat treatment procedures. Strain-controlled low cycle fatigue tests were conducted at room temperature with different strain amplitudes at a specific strain rate of 10−3/s. The cyclic stress–strain curve, obtained through joining the peak stresses of hysteresis loops corresponding to different strain amplitude, shows an increase in strain hardening with an increase in volume fraction of martensite. Whereas the rate of cyclic softening, considering the decrease in stress amplitude with respect to elapsed cycles, increases with increasing strain amplitude. Inclusive of all affecting microstructural parameters, an original microstructure-based representative volume element associated with a crystal plasticity-based material model was adopted for conducting micromechanical finite-element simulation. In addition to several parameters associated with a crystal plasticity model, consideration of initial geometrically necessary dislocation density in constituent phases resulted in the accurate prediction of a hysteresis loop at low strain amplitude as compared with the experimental results. A variation of stress triaxiality built up in ferrite matrix with martensite fraction along with deformation inhomogeneity between ferrite and martensite was also observed through a strain partitioning phenomenon obtained from finite-element simulated results.
“We are not the people they think we are”: First-generation undocumented immigrant belonging and legal consciousness in the wake of deferred action for parents of Americans
Authors: Solórzano Lizette G
Published: September 2021

On 20 November 2014, President Barack Obama introduced Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) as a temporary relief for undocumented immigrant parents raising citizen children in the United States. DAPA’s implementation stalled indefinitely following a court-issued injunction in 2015, subsequent legal contestation, and a Supreme Court decision in 2016 upholding the original injunction. I purport that both DAPA and its failure to implement constitute sites from within which to critically examine the legal consciousness and sense of belonging of undocumented participants. By bridging scholarship on legal consciousness and belonging, this article examines how Latino first-generation undocumented immigrants from Los Angeles, who considered DAPA, understand their unlawful presence and assert belonging in the United States (US). This article draws on participant observation in Los Angeles, California, including four DAPA legal information forums and 24 in-depth interviews following DAPA’s court injunction with undocumented parents who intended to apply to DAPA. Data reveal a legal consciousness imbued with normative and value-based notions of substantive citizenship including parenthood, law-abidingness, and contribution. In light of DAPA’s failure, participants draw on these narratives to counter-assert their belonging and deservingness of DAPA. Ultimately, this case draws attention to how undocumented, first-generation immigrant legal consciousness is more complex than previously ascertained, and how DAPA shapes immigrants’ claims to a lawful presence.
Parametric estimation of non-crossing quantile functions
Authors: Sottile Gianluca , Frumento Paolo
Published: September 2021

Quantile regression (QR) has gained popularity during the last decades, and is now considered a standard method by applied statisticians and practitioners in various fields. In this work, we applied QR to investigate climate change by analysing historical temperatures in the Arctic Circle. This approach proved very flexible and allowed to investigate the tails of the distribution, that correspond to extreme events. The presence of quantile crossing, however, prevented using the fitted model for prediction and extrapolation. In search of a possible solution, we first considered a different version of QR, in which the QR coefficients were described by parametric functions. This alleviated the crossing problem, but did not eliminate it completely. Finally, we exploited the imposed parametric structure to formulate a constrained optimization algorithm that enforced monotonicity. The proposed example showed how the relatively unexplored field of parametric quantile functions could offer new solutions to the long-standing problem of quantile crossing. Our approach is particularly convenient in situations, like the analysis of time series, in which the fitted model may be used to predict extreme quantiles or to perform extrapolation. The described estimator has been implemented in the R package qrcm.
Usefulness and acceptability of an animation to raise awareness to grief experienced by carers of individuals with dementia
Authors: Scher Clara , Crawley Sophie , Cooper Claudia , Sampson Elizabeth L , Moore Kirsten J
Published: September 2021

Aim

Many carers of individuals with dementia experience high levels of grief before and after the death of the person with dementia. This study aimed to determine the usefulness, acceptability, and relevance of an animation developed to raise awareness to grief experienced by carers of people with dementia.

Methods

This research had a cross-sectional survey design. We contacted carers of people with dementia over the phone or email. Participants evaluated the animation through an online or paper-based survey. We used descriptive statistics and analysed qualitative data using thematic analysis. We required a sample of 40 carers to adequately power the study with a target of 75% of carers finding the animation useful, acceptable, and relevant.

Results

31/78 carers approached evaluated the animation. Ninety-four percent of participants found the animation relevant to their situation, meeting our target. However, we fell short of this target for usefulness (68%) and acceptability (73%). The qualitative responses suggested that participants felt the animation could help improve the understanding of grief among carers, family, friends, and healthcare professionals. Carers also shared that the animation would be most useful for carers of newly diagnosed people with dementia.

Conclusion

Most carers of people with dementia in this study reported that the animation was useful, acceptable, and relevant. Dissemination of the resource may be useful for the majority of carers, with the caveat that a few carers may find it distressing and need to be referred for further support.
Pandemic Acceleration: Covid-19 and the emergency digitalization of European education
Authors: Cone Lucas , Brøgger Katja , Berghmans Mieke , Decuypere Mathias , Förschler Annina , Grimaldi Emiliano , Hartong Sigrid , Hillman Thomas , Ideland Malin , Landri Paolo , van de Oudeweetering Karmijn , Player-Koro Catarina , Bergviken Rensfeldt Annika , Rönnberg Linda , Taglietti Danilo , Vanermen Lanze
Published: September 2021

With schools and universities closing across Europe, the Covid-19 lockdown left actors in the field of education battling with the unprecedented challenge of finding a meaningful way to keep the wheels of education turning online. The sudden need for digital solutions across the field of education resulted in the emergence of a variety of digital networks and collaborative online platforms. In this joint article from scholars around Europe, we explore the Covid-19 lockdowns of physical education across the European region, and the different processes of emergency digitalization that followed in their wake. Spanning perspectives from Italy, Germany, Belgium, and the Nordic countries, the article’s five cases provide a glimpse of how these processes have at the same time accelerated and consolidated the involvement of various commercial and non-commercial actors in public education infrastructures. By gathering documentation, registering dynamics, and making intimations of the crisis as it unfolded, the aim of the joint paper is to provide an opportunity for considering the implications of these accelerations and consolidations for the heterogeneous futures of European education.
Effect of Emotional Intelligence and Critical Thinking Disposition on Resilience of the Student in Transition to Higher Education Phase
Authors: Sk Sahanowas , Halder Santoshi
Published: September 2021

Resilience is of utmost importance for first-year undergraduate students to persist and flourish throughout the course of their studies. The researchers explored the comparative and simultaneous effect of two factors, i.e., emotional intelligence (EI) and critical thinking (CT) disposition in predicting the resilience of first-year undergraduate students. A total of 490 participants from the state of West Bengal (eastern part of India) filled out a self-report questionnaire comprising the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, a profile for emotional competency, and CT disposition assessment (EMI). Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis reported that resilience was positively correlated with EI and CT disposition. Further, both EI and CT disposition had unique as well as shared contributions in explaining resilience and the outcome was in favor of EI being the stronger predictor. The study suggests that college authorities and counselors should undertake efficacious support initiatives to foster resilience in students.
Theta Burst Magnetic Stimulation Improves Parkinson’s-Related Cognitive Impairment: A Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: He Weijia , Wang Jia-Chi , Tsai Po-Yi
Published: September 2021

Background. Evidence remains mixed as to the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Objective. In this study, we examined the short- and long-term effects of patterned rTMS. Methods. We randomly assigned 35 patients with PD with MCI to two groups. One group received intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS; n = 20), and the other received its sham counterpart (n = 15). The stimulations were applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for 10 consecutive weekdays. Measurements based on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were conducted at three time points: at baseline, immediately after the last intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Each patient received a 99mTc-TRODAT-1 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain scan at baseline. Results. The iTBS group exhibited significantly greater improvement than the sham group did in total RBANS and MoCA scores ( p < .001 for both) immediately after intervention and at the 3-month follow-up. Radiotracer uptake in the bilateral basal ganglion in baseline SPECT was positively correlated with response to iTBS conditioning with respect to improvements in MoCA scores ( p = .021). Conclusion. This randomised controlled trial provides evidence that a consecutive iTBS protocol can achieve a persistent and wide-ranging therapeutic effect in patients with PD with MCI.
Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Prior Ipsilateral Hip Fusion: A Surgical Technique
Authors: Encinas-Ullán Carlos A. , Gómez-Cardero Primitivo , Rodríguez-Merchán E. Carlos
Published: September 2021

Background:

In patients with severe osteoarthritis of the knee with prior ipsilateral hip fusion who require total knee arthroplasty (TKA), a controversial issue is whether to first convert the hip fusion to a total hip arthroplasty (THA) or to perform TKA without reconstruction of the hip. Also, immobility of the ipsilateral, fused hip adds significant technical challenge because the usual positioning of the leg requires modification in order to gain access needed for the TKA.

Technique:

In such cases, we position the patient with the knee suspended, similar to how we perform knee arthroscopy. In our experience, the ipsilateral knee has significant deformity and is best addressed with a constrained, hinged TKA.

Results:

In 3 patients with severe knee osteoarthritis with prior ipsilateral hip fusion—a 72-year-old man and a 79-year-old woman with hip arthrodesis due to posttraumatic arthritis and an 81-year-old woman with hip arthrodesis due to congenital dislocation of the hip—rotating-hinge knee prostheses were implanted due to severe knee instability. All 3 patients had satisfactory results, without complications, after follow-up of 1 to 5 years.

Conclusions:

We obtained satisfactory results in the short and medium term without previously converting the hip arthrodesis to THA by positioning patients with the knee suspended, in a way similar to when knee arthroscopy is performed, and implanting rotating hinge TKAs due to severe preoperative knee instability.