bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the effect of car’s roll motion on the aerodynamic characteristics of high-speed car
Authors: Huang TaiMing , Yuan Yao , Pan Hao , Wang Wei , Meng Yingying , Guan Chenglin
Published: October 2021

The main purpose of this study is to study the aerodynamic mechanism of periodic roll motion of car body and provide engineering reference for car design and safety evaluation. A simplified roll motion model is established based on a real car model. The two-wheel centerline of the left-wheel symmetrical section is considered as the roll axis, and the overset mesh method was used to model the sinusoidal roll motion of the car. According to the experimental data, the frequency and maximum roll angle were set to be 10 Hz and 2.2°, respectively. A transient numerical solver based on the detached-eddy simulation method is employed. The accuracy of the numerical method is validated by means of the wind tunnel test. Due to the asymmetry of the movement, the aerodynamic change of the roll motion was obvious. It is found that the roll motion is closely related to the aerodynamic characteristics of the car. Because of the hysteresis effect, the phase of aerodynamic force on the car shifts and the most dangerous position of the car is obtained. In addition, the aerodynamic differences of the car parts are found, and the wake is analyzed in detail.
Trajectory planning with mid-air collision avoidance for quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Jiang Yuhang , Hu Shiqiang , Damaren Christopher J
Published: October 2021

Flight collision between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in mid-air poses a potential risk to flight safety in low-altitude airspace. This article transforms the problem of collision avoidance between quadrotor UAVs into a trajectory-planning problem using optimal control algorithms, therefore achieving both robustness and efficiency. Specifically, the pseudospectral method is introduced to solve the raised optimal control problem, while the generated optimal trajectory is precisely followed by a feedback controller. It is worth noting that the contributions of this article also include the introduction of the normalized relative coordinate, so that UAVs can obtain collision-free trajectories more conveniently in real time. The collision-free trajectories for a classical scenario of collision avoidance between two UAVs are given in the simulation part by both solving the optimal control problem and querying the prior results. The scalability of the proposed method is also verified in the simulation part by solving a collision avoidance problem among multiple UAVs.
A prelude to wearable technology for the measurement and restoration of core body temperature and heart rate in athletes suffering from hypothermia
Authors: Shakeel Choudhary Sobhan , Hassan Umer , Ilyas Fatema , Zariwala Munira Muhammadi , Ilyas Salman Muhammad , Khan Saad Jawaid
Published: October 2021

An individual who is in good physical health tends to exhibit an internal core temperature of 37°C and a heart rate of 60–100 beats per minute. Increase in the temperature of the surrounding environment can serve as the basis for the onset of the condition of Hypothermia. Hypothermia acts as one of the most significant barriers being faced by winter athletes and starts initially with an increase in the heart and breathing rate. However, if the condition persists it can lead to reduction in the heart and breathing rate and ultimately results in cardiac failure. Although, jackets are commercially available, they tend to operate manually and furthermore, do not serve the primary purpose of counteracting the condition of hypothermia, particularly experienced by athletes taking part in winter sports. The objective of this study is to design a heating jacket that enables effective counteraction of the condition of Hypothermia. It enables precise measurement of the of core body temperature with the aid of a pyroelectric sensor. Along with this, a pulse rate sensor for detecting the accurate heart rate has been incorporated on the index finger. Five heating pads would get activated to attain optimal temperature, in case the core body temperature of <37°C is detected. If the condition of hypothermia advances to the moderate stage, two additional heating pads will get activated and provide extra warmth to attain normal heart rate along with core body temperature. Overall, this wearable technology serves as a definitive solution to counteract the condition of hypothermia only when the internal parameters exhibit that you actually have it. The results of the study exhibited that this prototype can be utilized for detecting and treating the condition of Hypothermia.
Battlefield acupuncture appears to be an effective therapy for pain management
Authors: Kim Hyaehwan , Markert Ronald , Burtson Kathryn
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

The Department of Defense has been training primary care providers in battlefield acupuncture (BFA), a subtype of auricular acupuncture, as an adjunct therapy for pain management.

Methods:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of BFA for pain management in an outpatient Internal Medicine clinic staffed by resident physicians. The target population for this single-center prospective cohort study were military beneficiaries at a medical treatment facility located at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Participants who met inclusion criteria were treated with BFA in addition to routine standard care for pain (n = 69). The control group was composed of participants who received routine standard care only without BFA (n = 27). Pain was assessed by a self-reported pain scale (0–10) at the time of encounter, immediately after BFA (for the intervention group), then at 24 and 48 h afterwards.

Results:

Mean pain for the intervention group decreased from 5.45 before BFA to 3.29 immediately following BFA to 2.21 at 24 h and to 2.10 at 48 h (p < 0.001). Thus, at all three post-treatment time points, mean decrease in pain surpassed a two-point reduction, deemed to be a clinically important difference. The BFA group had a greater reduction in pain compared to the no intervention group at 24 h (3.14 vs 0.59, p < 0.001) and at 48 h (3.26 vs 0.96, p < 0.001). Four intervention group participants (6%) reported an adverse reaction (three with pain at the insertion site) or complication (one with superficial infection).

Conclusion:

BFA provided by Internal Medicine residents appears to be a safe and effective adjunct therapy for pain management in an outpatient setting, but requires further validation by randomized controlled trials.
Indian Tourism Industry and COVID-19: A Sustainable Recovery Framework in a Post-Pandemic Era
Authors: Pandey Kshitija , Mahadevan Kala , Joshi Sujata
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted the global business environment and has resulted in significantly challenging multiple industries across the business spectrum. One of the industries facing severe adverse consequences is the travel and tourism industry. This study aims to assess and assimilate the overall impact posed by this pandemic to the Indian tourism industry and propose a sustainable recovery framework that would provide a guideline to all the Indian tourism industry stakeholders to forge the way forward in the post-pandemic era. The study adopts a narrative literature review-based approach to arrive at a sustainable recovery framework based on the analysis and evaluation of the literature on the proposed topic. The study finds that the Indian tourism industry has been significantly impacted by the ongoing pandemic and has altered the functioning of all the stakeholders in the industry.
Design and multi-objective optimization of magnetorheological damper considering vehicle riding comfort and operation stability
Authors: Deng Zhaoxue , Wei Xinxin , Li Xingquan , Zhao Shuen , Zhu Sunke
Published: October 2021

Mostly, magnetorheological (MR) dampers were optimized based on individual performance, without considering the influence of structure parameters change on vehicle performance. Therefore, a multi-objective optimization scheme of MR damper based on vehicle dynamics model was proposed. The finite element method was used to analyze magnetic flux density distribution in tapered damping channel under different structure parameters. Furthermore, the damping force expression of the tapered flow mode MR damper was derived, and the damping force was introduced into the vehicle dynamics model. In order to improve the ride comfort and operation stability of the vehicle, a collaborative optimization platform combining magnetic circuit finite element analysis and vehicle dynamics model was established. Based on this platform, the optimal design variables were determined by comfort and stability sensitivity analysis. The time domain optimization objective and frequency domain optimization objective are proposed simultaneously to overcome the lack of time domain optimization objective. The results show that compared with the time domain optimization and the initial design, the suspension dynamic deflection, tire dynamic load and vehicle body vertical acceleration are decreased after the time-frequency optimization. At the same time, in the frequency domain, the amplitude of vibration acceleration in each working condition is significantly reduced.
Men, Capital and Hegemony: Male-Male Axis of Mappila Muslim Masculinities
Authors: Kasim Muhammadali P.
Published: October 2021

This article explores how different forms of capital act in configuring power relations among differently positioned Mappila Muslim men. As such forms of capital as education and family status are influential in these relations, I consider ulama (religious scholars) and umara (community leaders) masculinities as analytical categories. While the former opens up access to non-hegemonic men to a rather hegemonic position upon accumulating religious knowledge, the latter restricts ascendancy to men from high-status families. Nevertheless, emergence of new elite men from non-hegemonic locations in the contemporary context of their upward social mobility challenges their hegemony, urging them to embody new forms of capital valued in the changing contexts.
Modal analysis and dynamic shimmy behavior of vehicle–road system
Authors: Wei Heng , Lu Jianwei , Shi Lei , Lu Hangyu , Ye Shengyong
Published: October 2021

To analyze the influence of the road roughness excitation on vehicle shimmy, a 12 degrees-of-freedom dynamic model of vehicle–road system is developed. The Hopf bifurcation theory is used to study the system stability. On this basis, the natural frequency and modal properties of the vehicle system are elaborated. It can be found that the roll mode plays a crucial role in the vehicle stability. Then, the dynamic shimmy behavior exposed to the sinusoidal and random road roughness excitations is investigated with the help of the modal analysis and the largest Lyapunov exponent. Furthermore, the numerical results are verified through the measurement results, and the influence of the front wheel track on vehicle shimmy is also examined. The results show that the decrease of the front wheel track is an effective way to attenuate vehicle shimmy for different road roughness excitations.
ADHD and ODD Dimensions: Time Varying Prediction of Internalizing Problems from Childhood to Adolescence
Authors: So Felix K. , Chavira Denise , Lee Steve S.
Published: October 2021

Objective

Although childhood ADHD is a risk factor for internalizing problems, it consists of separable inattention and hyperactivity dimensions that differentially predict outcomes. Oppositional defiant disorder also consists of separable dimensions (i.e., irritable, oppositional), co-occurs with ADHD, and predicts internalizing outcomes. To discern independent associations with internalizing problems, dimensions must be considered simultaneously.

Methods

Controlling for age, sex, and race, we tested inattention, hyperactivity, irritability, and oppositionality as time-varying predictors of 6 to 7-year prospective change in parent- and teacher-rated internalizing problems in 230 ethnically- diverse (50% Caucasian) 5 to 10 year old youth ( M = 7.4 years, 68% male) with ( n = 120) and without ADHD ( n = 110).

Results

Escalating inattention and irritability, but not hyperactivity and oppositionality, uniquely predicted internalizing problems.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that inattention and irritability are unique risk factors for later internalizing problems. These dimensions may catalyze internalizing problems across development and constitute important intervention targets.
Optical coherence tomography angiography analysis of aneurismal type 1 neovascularization in a cohort of white patients
Authors: Montero Hernández Javier , Remolí Sargues Lidia , Monferrer Adsuara Clara , Castro Navarro Verónica , Navarro Palop Catalina , Cervera Taulet Enrique
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

To evaluate the detection rate of aneurysmal type 1 neovascularization (AT1) in Caucasian patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to describe OCTA characteristics of AT1 in a cohort of white patients.

Methods:

We conducted an observational retrospective study in 44 eyes of 43 patients with AT1. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including fundus imaging, indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography, and OCTA. Branching vascular network (BVN) and polyp detection rates by OCTA were evaluated. Furthermore, we described BVN and polyp morphologies on en face OCTA and flow of polyps on B-scan OCTA.

Results:

En face OCTA revealed BVN in 84.09% of cases and polypoidal lesions in 86.36% of cases. B-scan OCTA showed BVN and polyps in 95.45% and 93.18% of the patients, respectively. “Trunk” BVNs (51.35%) and “ring” polyps (47.37%) were the most frequent morphologies observed in our cohort, and “patchy hyperflow” (80.49%) signal was the most common visualized in our patients. Regarding OCT parameters, CT under polyps was higher in patients with positive detection of polyps on B-scan OCTA.

Conclusion:

OCTA is a possible diagnosis tool in Caucasian patients with AT1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study performed in Caucasian patients regarding OCTA diagnostic abilities and features.
A 10-min novel technique for involutional entropion: Mini-incisional continuous ligation everting sutures
Authors: Choi Yong M , Kim Namju
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To introduce a novel technique of mini-incisional continuous ligation everting sutures for correction of involutional entropion and report the surgical outcome.

Methods

A retrospective case series. Eighty-five eyelids of 77 patients who underwent correction of involutional lower lid entropion using mini-incisional continuous ligation everting sutures were included in this study. The medical records of patients with at least 24 months of follow-up after surgery were reviewed. We collected information on demographic and clinical characteristics, including sex, age at surgery, duration of follow-up, horizontal lid laxity, surgical outcomes, and complications. Main outcome measures were success of surgery, recurrence rate, time to recurrence, and risk factors for recurrence.

Results

The median (interquartile range) age at the time of surgery was 72.0 (65.5–78.0) years and the median (interquartile range) follow-up duration was 24.0 (24.0–42.5) months. Thirty-seven eyelids (43.5%) showed horizontal eyelid laxity on a lid distraction test The surgical outcome was successful in the majority of patients (94.1%) with a recurrence rate of 5.9% in the 2 years after surgery. Only female sex was significantly correlated with recurrence of entropion (odds ratio 9.466, 95% confidence interval 1.022 to 87.670, P  =  0.048).

Conclusion

This novel technique is a promising surgical modality for correction of lower lid involutional entropion because of its ease of application, simplicity, compatibility with anticoagulants, and low recurrence rate.
The effects of using spacer grafts on lower-eyelid retraction surgery in patients with facial nerve palsy
Authors: Kim Mi Jin , Choi Yong Min , Kim Namju , Choung Ho-Kyung , Khwarg Sang In
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of the concomitant use of spacer grafts in lateral tarsal strip surgery in patients with facial nerve palsy-related lower-eyelid retraction.

Methods

Patients who underwent lateral tarsal strip surgery to correct facial nerve palsy-related lower-eyelid retraction were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative decreases in marginal reflex distance-2 values at 1, 2 and 6 months were measured along with the effects of spacer grafts.

Results

Forty-five patients (28 males) were included (mean age: 59.56 years). Mean preoperative marginal reflex distance-2 was 6.87 ± 1.34 mm. Twenty patients underwent lateral tarsal strip surgery only (lateral tarsal strip-only); 25 patients underwent lateral tarsal strip surgery using spacer grafts (lateral tarsal strip + graft). Median (interquartile range) follow-up duration was 12.0 (6.0–23.0) months. Retraction was significantly improved and maintained at 1, 2 and 6 months postoperatively in all patients (mean marginal reflex distance-2: 3.78 ± 1.06 mm, 4.30 ± 1.23 mm and 4.72 ± 1.11 mm, respectively). Surgical outcomes were significantly better in the lateral tarsal strip + graft than in the lateral tarsal strip-only group (Δmarginal reflex distance-2: 3.92 vs. 2.05 mm at 1 month, p < 0.001; 3.38 vs. 1.61 mm at 2 months, p = 0.001; 2.88 vs. 1.69 at 6 months, p = 0.042). Subgroup analyses by spacer graft type revealed no significant differences.

Conclusion

The concomitant use of spacer material in lateral tarsal strip surgery yielded better surgical outcomes than lateral tarsal strip surgery alone. The use of spacer grafts should be considered for correcting severe facial nerve palsy-related lower-eyelid retraction.
Macular dual retinitis with Herpes simplex and Cytomegalovirus following periocular corticosteroid in a patient of Pemphigus Vulgaris
Authors: Samanta Ramanuj , Puthalath Athul S. , Sood Gitanjli , Singh Ramandeep , Dogra Mohit
Published: October 2021

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis may occur in non-HIV individuals following systemic immunosuppressive treatment or periocular corticosteroid administration. However, simultaneous multiple viral retinitis is rare in HIV-negative individuals. We report a case of dual viral retinitis in a non-HIV female on systemic immunosuppressive for pemphigus vulgaris who was administered a periocular corticosteroid injection.

Method

A 32-year-old female on double immunosuppressive therapy (prednisolone and cyclophosphamide) for pemphigus vulgaris, presented with gradual painless diminution of vision in the right eye for one month. She was initially diagnosed to have possible autoimmune neuroretinitis by the referring ophthalmologist and received a single injection of posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide for the same. Her vision however deteriorated further and she received an intravitreal ganciclovir injection with a revised diagnosis of CMV retinitis. Due to suboptimal response she was referred to us. Aqueous Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed dual positivity for CMV and Herpes simplex virus. She was successfully managed with intravitreal ganciclovir injections, systemic acyclovir and tapering of systemic immunosuppressive drugs.

Result

The retinitis lesions resolved gradually leaving behind a pale optic disc and foveal atrophy at 12 weeks follow-up.

Conclusion

Infective etiology must be ruled out in immunosuppressed patients before considering periocular corticosteroids. Dual viral involvement, although rare, may cause fulminant retinitis in predisposed individuals. High index of suspicion and PCR from ocular fluids should be performed at the earliest in patients with atypical or poorly responding retinitis lesions.
The effect of patient positioning on the accuracy and reliability of assessment of knee range of motion over a telemedicine platform
Authors: Ho Sean Wei Loong , Tan Kelvin Guoping , Neoh Eng Chuan , Wong Jiayen , Roslan Atiq Syazwani , Huang Shirong , Tan Tong Leng
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Diagnostic accuracy is one of the key considerations of telemedicine usage in orthopedic surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal patient positioning to achieve accurate and reliable visual estimation of the knee joint range of motion over a digital platform for telemedicine.

Methods

A single volunteer was recruited to perform a total of 120 discrete and random knee range of motion angles in three patient positions: sitting, standing and supine. The patient image was broadcast over a digital platform to six raters. The raters recorded their visual estimation of each discrete knee flexion angle independently. After each discrete knee flexion angle, a physical goniometer was used to obtain the actual flexion angle of the knee.

Results

A total of 120 discrete measurements (40 measurements in the sitting, standing, and supine positions each) were recorded by each of the six raters. The supine position resulted in the highest intraclass correlation of 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.98, 0.99). All three patient positions achieved low absolute difference between the goniometer and the raters with 5.6 degrees (95% limits of agreement: −21.0, 9.8) in sitting, 2.7 degrees (95% limits of agreement: −10.1, 15.4), and 1.2 degrees (95% limits of agreement: −9.8, 12.3) in the supine position. The supine position had the highest accuracy and reliability.

Discussion

Visual estimation of the knee joint range of motion over telemedicine is clinically accurate and reliable. Patients should be assessed in a supine position to obtain the highest accuracy and reliability for visual estimation of the knee joint range of motion during telemedicine.
Changing public opinion about gender activates group threat and opposition to feminist social movements among men
Authors: Rivera-Rodriguez Adrian , Larsen Greg , Dasgupta Nilanjana
Published: October 2021

Two studies examined whether men’s perception of the declining value of traditional masculinity activates social status, realistic, and symbolic threat, and in turn motivates opposition to feminist social movements. In Study 1, men’s perception that their ingroup is losing value across several social spheres was associated with social status and realistic threat, both of which were associated with opposition to feminist movements. Study 2, an experiment, presented men with public opinion data showing a 30-year decline in the degree to which Americans value traditional masculinity or no decline. Information about the declining value of masculinity activated status threat, which motivated less support for feminist movements. Among men who highly identified as masculine, this same information reduced support for feminist movements through symbolic threat. In sum, perceived decline in the social value of traditional masculinity creates status anxiety about the ingroup’s future and motivates compensatory reactions against gender equality.
An online home for the homeless: A content analysis of the subreddit r/homeless
Authors: Bhandari Aparajita , Sun Billie
Published: October 2021

There is currently a little observational work exploring homeless peoples’ digital networking behaviors, with previous research relying on limited self-report data. This study fills this gap through a qualitative thematic analysis of the public subreddit r/homeless. We analyzed the 30 most commented posts on the subreddit from each month of 2019, examining a total of 360 posts. We find that r/homeless contributions primarily center around (a) commentary on social issues, (b) communication of needs and concerns, (c) offering of care and support, and (d) online community management and engagement, suggesting that homeless individuals not only leverage the r/homeless subreddit to gain support and information, but to generate discourse around larger societal issues. Evidence of both bridging and bonding ties was present on the subreddit, with bonding ties being especially valued and sought after by homeless users, contributing to the growing literature on the relationship between social capital, social media, and homelessness.
Experimental and numerical study of the longitudinal and transverse residual stresses distribution in the constrained groove pressing process of pure copper sheets
Authors: Tavajjohi MH , Honarpisheh M
Published: October 2021

In this research, the residual stresses distribution resulting from one of the severe plastic deformation methods called Constrained Groove Pressing in pure copper sheets has been studied experimentally and numerically. For this purpose, after the initial preparation of each sample, the mentioned process is applied to the samples up to three passes. After each pass, the residual stresses in these samples in both directions of their length and width have been measured experimentally. To measure the residual stresses in these samples, the contour method, which is a relatively new, effective, and accurate method in providing a two-dimensional residual stress map, has been used. The results indicate that the residual stresses on the surfaces of the samples are compressive and by moving towards the central layers of them, these stresses are converted into tensile residual stresses. The distribution of residual stresses along the length and width of the samples is reported to be relatively uniform. In another part of this research, numerical simulation of the Constrained Groove Pressing process in ABAQUS finite element software is discussed. In this simulation, Johnson–Cook model is used as a constitutive model. The average error of residual stress distribution between the simulation and contour method was about 18% which shown a good agreement.
Feature town development for inclusive urban development? The case of the Jadeware Feature Town in Yangzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Yunpeng
Published: October 2021

This article examines the current wave of feature town development in China, a key pillar of China’s new type urbanization strategy. It is based on a case study of a feature town in Yangzhou, which is being developed within Wantou Township, with a focus on tourism nominally connected with the jadeware industry through public–private partnership (PPP). The article first demonstrates how the local government took advantage of inflated institutional incentives and pursued speculative construction and commodification of places. Although PPP introduced new dynamics to project financing and operation, this Jadeware Feature Town project, integral to urban-centric socio-spatial transformations of Wantou, marginalized existing inhabitants, sustained a land-based accumulation and reproduced an urban bias. The experience of the Jadeware Feature Town deviates from the national urbanization strategy’s emphasis on inclusion and equity and raises concerns over whether feature town development, or PPPs, can offer an alternative to exploitative, exclusionary land-based urbanization.
“It is the beautiful things that let us live”: How engaging in creative activities outside of standardized interventions helps family members of persons with Dementia
Authors: Hutmacher Fabian , Schouwink Klara
Published: October 2021

Creative activities can have profound positive effects on family members of persons with dementia. Typically, these effects have been studied in the context of standardized arts-based interventions. However, family members of persons with dementia may also engage in creative activities outside of standardized interventions. As these kinds of creative activities have not been investigated so far, the present study tried to fill this gap based on seven semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The participants reported a wide range of activities that included, but were not limited to, prototypical creative activities such as making music and writing. Crucially, the positive effects extended beyond the experience of engaging in the activities themselves and also included significant changes in cognitions, emotions and behaviour that helped the participants to make meaning of the challenges and difficulties that are associated with the dementia diagnosis of a loved one.
Robust command filtered control for course tracking of ships under actuator dynamics with input magnitude and rate saturation
Authors: Yao Qijia
Published: October 2021

This article investigates the course tracking of ships subject to parametric uncertainties and environmental disturbances. Particularly, the actuator dynamics with input magnitude and rate saturation is also considered. When including the actuator dynamics, the ship course tracking system becomes a mismatching system, which brings a great difficulty to the control design. A novel robust command filtered control strategy is presented by incorporating a disturbance observer and an auxiliary anti-saturation system into the command filtered backstepping control architecture. The disturbance observer is designed to compensate for the mismatched lumped disturbance. The auxiliary anti-saturation system is introduced to tackle the effects of input magnitude and rate saturation. It is strictly proved that all the closed-loop error signals under the proposed controller are uniformly ultimately bounded and the course angle tracking error can converge to the adjustable small region around the origin. Moreover, the proposed controller is computationally simple and has the strong robustness against uncertainties and disturbances. The effectiveness and advantages of the proposed control strategy are verified through simulations and comparisons.
Postdigital education in a biotech future
Authors: Jandrić Petar , Hayes Sarah
Published: October 2021

This paper explores a possible future of postdigital education in 2050 using the means of social science fiction. The first part of the paper introduces the shift from 20th century primacy of physics to 21st century primacy of biology with an accent to new postdigital–biodigital reconfigurations and challenges in and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The second part of the paper presents a fictional speech at the graduation ceremony of a fictional military academy in a fictional East Asian country in 2050. This fictional world is marked by global warfare and militarization, and addressed graduates are the first generation of artificially evolved graduates in human history. The third part of the paper interprets the fictional narrative, contextualizes it into educational challenges of today, and argues for a dialogical, humanistic conception of new postdigital education in a biotech future.
Identifying Implementation Drivers for Teen Sexual Health Education Curricula
Authors: Glinski Aleena , Cox Jenny , Lahti Michel F.
Published: October 2021

This article focuses on examining the implementation of evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programming in a select school district. Results are presented based on the following implementation drivers: (1) actions taken by leadership to make decisions, provide guidance, and support how the school site and community-based organizations are functioning in support of implementation; (2) actions taken to ensure competent staff delivery of the curricula; and (3) actions taken to create and sustain a hospitable context in order to implement the interventions at the school site. The need for adolescent sexual health education is evident in this geographic location where Hispanic or Latino teens consistently have higher birth rates among race and ethnicities that are routinely reported. For 2018, when this project started, those rates were 40 births per 1,000 females aged 15 to 19 years. For 2018, the birth rates for African Americans was 31 and for Whites was 17 per 1,000 females aged 15 to 19 years. The project goals were to reduce teen birth rates by (1) providing evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention curricula to youth aged 11 to 19 years over the course of the 5-year project period, (2) training school staff and community members in the curricula, and (3) generating community support of youth access to reproductive health care and education. Despite a funding interruption to implementation of the project and the impact of COVD-19, educational programming was provided to 9,616 youth. The article details the key implementation strategies and solutions so that other practitioners can consider application of these implementation drivers in their own adolescent health education programming.
Caught In-Between: Diversifying Tamil Women’s Voices From the Sri Lankan Civil War
Authors: Michael V. Michelle
Published: October 2021

This is an autoethnographic invitation to make space for different standpoints of women caught in war. This multi-genre project reflects on the standpoint of the author’s family as a female-led, female-only household in the capital of Sri Lanka amid the civil war. Grounded on the concept of ethnicity without groups and feminist standpoint theory, this piece adds to the often-homogenized voices of Tamil women. Using integrated crystallization to challenge the dichotomy of art and science, this layered piece weaves together storytelling and theory-based critique to open conversations about wholesome representation. The stories reveal the multichrome nature of ethnicities that often get painted as monochromes. The analyses highlight the intersectionality of women’s position and sound the alarm for possible marginalization within the marginalized through a unidimensional expression. The author invites more voices to diversify the standpoints of women caught in the Sri Lankan civil war and contribute to a more comprehensive reality of their experiences.
Influence of Modulation Factor on Treatment Plan Quality and Irradiation Time in Hippocampus-Sparing Whole-Brain Radiotherapy Using Tomotherapy
Authors: Ishibashi Akihiko , Kurosaki Hiromasa , Miura Kosei , Utsumi Nobuko , Sakurai Hideyuki
Published: October 2021

Objectives: Hippocampus-sparing whole-brain radiotherapy (HS-WBRT) using tomotherapy is known to provide a better dose distribution than volumetric-modulated arc therapy but requires an extended irradiation time. The present study aimed to investigate whether irradiation time can be shortened by reducing the modulation factor (MF) without losing the target dose distribution. Methods: Using six tilted computed tomography images in the head area, the planning target volume (PTV) and hippocampal doses, and the irradiation time was investigated with a jaw width of 1 cm, a pitch of 0.200, and the MF changed from 3.0 to 2.6, 2.2, 1.8, and 1.4. Results: No significant changes in the PTV or hippocampus were found with MF in the range from 3.0 to 1.8, but marked deterioration was found with that of 1.4. The irradiation time showed a linear relationship with the MF within the range from 3.0 to 1.8, with 1334, 1158, 986, and 817 s at modulation factors of 3.0, 2.6, 2.2, and 1.8, respectively. However, when the MF was 1.4, the irradiation time was 808 s. Conclusions: When HS-WBRT is performed with a tilted body position and a jaw width of 1 cm, with a MF of 1.8, a favorable balance between dose parameters and irradiation time is achieved, whereas with a MF of 1.4, the quality of the radiotherapy plan deteriorates, and the irradiation time is approximately the same as that with a MF of 1.8.
Effect of Programmed Death-Ligand 1 in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts on Advanced Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Zhendong , Wang Jinxin , Chen Chun , Sun Peng , Yu Yafeng
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to explore the effect of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) on advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). The expression of PD-L1 in advanced LSCC tumor tissues was observed in 83 patients with LSCC by immunofluorescence microscopy and compared with that in normal laryngeal mucosa. The CAFs of LSCC and normal fibroblasts (NFs) were isolated, cultured, purified, and examined by fluorescence. The expression of PD-L1 in purified CAFs and NFs was measured by flow cytometry. The expression of PD-L1 in CAFs was downregulated through small interferring RNA (siRNA) transfection. The proliferation and migration capacities of CAFs were observed using proliferation and scratch tests, respectively. The proliferation of HEP-2 cells and T cells was measured after cocultured with CAFs. The secretion of interleukins IL-2 and IL-10 was detected using enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). PD-L1 was expressed in 62 of 83 cases of the advanced LSCC tumor tissues. Also, CAFs expressed more PD-L1 compared with NFs. The proliferation and migration capacities of CAFs were significantly lower after transfection with PD-L1-siRNA. The proliferation rate of HEP-2 cells cocultured with CAFs decreased in PD-L1-siRNA-transfected cells. However, the proliferation rate of T cells increased in transfected cells. The ELISA results showed that the secretion of IL-2 increased and that of IL-10 decreased in PD-L1-siRNA-transfected cells. The expression of PD-L1 in CAFs of advanced LSCC was higher than that in NFs. The downregulation of PD-L1 reduced the proliferation and migration of CAFs and HEP-2 cells but enhanced the proliferation and pro-inflammatory function of T cells in the coculture experiment.
Combining contrast-enhanced ultrasound and blood cell analysis to improve diagnostic accuracy of plasma cell mastitis
Authors: Zheng Yan , Wang Lin , Han Xiu , Shen Lin , Ling Chen , Qian Zhongping , Zhu Lin , Dong Fenglin , Han Qingzhen
Published: October 2021

Plasma cell mastitis is a benign suppurative disease of the breast, lack of specific clinical manifestations, which is easy to be misdiagnosed and mistreated, often confused with mastitis, breast cancer (BC), and other diseases. Thus, we aimed to establish a combined model of promoting diagnostic accuracy of plasma cell mastitis by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) patterns and routine blood cell analysis. Eighty-eight plasma cell mastitis, 91 breast cancer, and 152 other benign breast diseases’ patients grouped according to pathological diagnosis underwent CEUS and blood cell analysis examination; 100 healthy female donors were involved. All the plasma cell mastitis and breast cancer patients presented hyperenhancement of CEUS breast lesions compared with others. The majority of plasma cell mastitis (65/88) showed perfusion defect of CEUS patterns with smooth edge (56/65) and multiple lesions (49/65); in contrast, fewer breast cancer patients (30/91) displayed perfusion defect. White blood cell count (WBC), neutrophils, and neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio of blood cell analysis in plasma cell mastitis patients increased significantly compared with other patients ( P < 0.0001). Combining perfusion defect of CEUS patterns and WBC yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.831, higher than single 0.720 and 0.774, respectively. The cut-off value of WBC (7.28 × 109/L) helped remaining 65.2% (15/23) atypical cases to be correctly diagnosed as plasma cell mastitis, not misdiagnosed as breast cancer. In conclusion, CEUS presented a clear perfusion defect pattern of plasma cell mastitis lesion for the first time. A precise WBC by routine blood cell analysis test can assist CEUS examination in the differential diagnosis of plasma cell mastitis and breast cancer. It is a promised combination for laboratory diagnostic of PCM.
Mycotic Pulmonary Aneurysm Managed With Covered Stent
Authors: Alquichire-Luna Camilo A. , García-Bohórquez Diego F. , Hernández-Vargas Juan C. , García-Bohórquez Jhoel A. , Fajardo-Rivero Javier E.
Published: October 2021

Mycotic aneurysms are vascular dilations caused by fungal or bacterial infections. The involvement of the pulmonary artery or its branches is extremely rare with only a few cases reported in the literature posing a diagnostic challenge. We present the case of a young adult patient with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing chemotherapy, who presented with febrile neutropenia, recurrent bacteremia due to Pseudomona Aeruginosa and Klebsiella Pneumonie and hemoptysis. The management was unconventional, opting for the placement of a covered endovascular stent, being the first successful case with this reported technique. Rapid detection of this pathology and individualization in the management of each patient is essential because of high risk of mortality due to sepsis and rupture of the aneurysm.
Unveiling the boost in the sandwich priming technique
Authors: Fernández-López María , Davis Colin J , Perea Manuel , Marcet Ana , Gómez Pablo
Published: October 2021

The masked priming technique (which compares #####-house-HOUSE vs. #####-fight-HOUSE) is the gold-standard tool to examine the initial moments of word processing. Lupker and Davis showed that adding a pre-prime identical to the target produced greater priming effects in the sandwich technique (which compares #####-HOUSE-house-HOUSE vs #####-HOUSE-fight-HOUSE). While there is consensus that the sandwich technique magnifies the size of priming effects relative to the standard procedure, the mechanisms underlying this boost are not well understood (i.e., does it reflect quantitative or qualitative changes?). To fully characterise the sandwich technique, we compared the sandwich and standard techniques by examining the response times (RTs) and their distributional features (delta plots; conditional-accuracy functions), comparing identity versus unrelated primes. The results showed that the locus of the boost in the sandwich technique was two-fold: faster responses in the identity condition (via a shift in the RT distributions) and slower responses in the unrelated condition. We discuss the theoretical and methodological implications of these findings.
Leading through complexity in early childhood education and care
Authors: Gibbs Leanne
Published: October 2021

Effective leadership influences the process quality of early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs and therefore the academic, health and socio-emotional outcomes for children. Yet, the cultivation of leadership is impacted by the complex nature of ECEC environments and the persistent challenges therein. Complex workforce issues, inadequate preparation for positional leadership roles and few opportunities for professional development for emerging leaders challenge the growth of effective leadership and the development of sustainable leadership for the ECEC profession. This commentary gives an insight into the challenges of leadership within ECEC and leader supply and suggests leadership emergence and enactment is potentially cultivated by broadening theoretical and pragmatic propositions. Complexity leadership theory within complex adaptive systems is presented as a framework for leadership cultivation within ECEC and opportunities for leadership development are highlighted.
Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma in a young African female
Authors: Sadiq Abid M , Mjemmas Minael G , Sadiq Adnan M , Nkya Gilbert Z
Published: October 2021

Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma is a rare primary malignant liver cancer. The pathogenesis is unclear; however, the risk factors may be similar to that of conventional hepatocellular carcinoma. We present an 18-year-old female who was admitted due to generalized tonic–clonic convulsions. On examination, we palpated a large non-tender mass in the right upper quadrant. An abdominal computed tomography identified it as hepatocellular carcinoma, and spindle-shaped cells were seen on histopathology. She was counseled on her prognosis but opted for local herbal medications rather than chemotherapy, but unfortunately passed away. We present a rare subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma in a young female which is commonly seen in males above the age of 50 years, and despite its grade and stage, overall survival is poor.
Study on the inhibitory effect of ulinastatin on caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis in acinar cells of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Lu Chengxiang , Guo Xueling , Wang Pingping , Qiu Ting , Zhan Linghui
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Pyroptosis, a special kind of cell death, is generally believed to aggravate the inflammatory response. It has been found that the acinar cell pyroptosis exits in the course of pancreatitis. Ulinastatin has the function of inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing the inflammatory reaction, which suggests that ulinastatin has potential inhibitory effect on pyroptosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of ulinastatin on caspase-1-dependent acinar cell pyroptosis in acute pancreatitis.

Methods

Acute pancreatitis model was established by intraperitoneal injection of L-arginine. Rats in ulinastatin group were injected with ulinastatin intravenously after successful modeling. The pancreatic tissues of rats were subjected to pathological examination and detection of cleaved-caspase-1, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18. Serum samples were also collected for measurement of IL-1β, IL-18, amylase, and lipase.

Results

Slight pathological damage of pancreas was observed in the pancreatitis and the ulinastatin group. Compared with the blank control group ( p < .05), the protein levels of cleaved-caspase-1, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 were significantly increased in pancreatitis group but decreased in ulinastatin group ( p < .05). The positive reaction of caspase-1 in pancreatitis group was significantly higher than that in the blank control group ( p < .05). After administration of ulinastatin, the positive reaction of caspase-1 was significantly lower than that in pancreatitis group ( p < .05). As for the levels of serum IL-1β and IL-18, they were significantly higher in pancreatitis group than those in the blank control group ( p < .05). Administration of ulinastatin significantly decreased the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 ( p < .05). And the serum amylase and lipase levels elevated in pancreatitis group, while significantly inhibited by ulinastatin ( p < .05).

Conclusions

The results showed that the onset of acute pancreatitis was accompanied by obvious acinar cell pyroptosis. Ulinastatin could inhibit caspase-1-dependent acinar cell pyroptosis in acute pancreatitis.
Distress Due to Nonpathological Vaginal Discharge: A New Face of Dhat Syndrome in Females
Authors: Tripathi Adarsh , Roy Deblina , Kar Sujita Kumar
Published: October 2021

Female Dhat syndrome (FDS) is not yet an established clinical entity, but nonpathological vaginal discharge has been discussed in the scientific literature for quite a long time. Various studies have reported the existence of the phenomenon of nonpathological vaginal discharge. All the existing literature on Dhat syndrome was reviewed. Studies have reported that nonpathological vaginal discharge has a high prevalence among the rural and urban populations of Indian women (around 30%). The symptom of vaginal discharge has been an area of concern for a sizable proportion of women in the community, and anxiety related to this has been a frequent reason to seek medical attention. The ideas associated with vaginal discharge are similar to Dhat syndrome in males. The variations of associated symptomatology, course of illness, and somatization of the complaint make it challenging to diagnose and treat. The diagnostic criterion needs careful evaluation; management needs an appropriate multidisciplinary approach by various health team members, including psychological interventions and adjunct pharmacotherapy in effectively managing the FDS. Dhat syndrome in females has similar phenomenology to that in males. Unfortunately, this is under-researched and hence, underdiagnosed.