bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Model Based on Artificial Intelligence Algorithm for Monitoring Recurrence of HCC after Hepatectomy
Authors: Sun Li-Yue , Ouyang Qing , Cen Wen-Jian , Wang Fang , Tang Wen-Ting , Shao Jian-Yong
Published: December 2021

Background

There is no satisfactory indicator for monitoring recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This retrospective study aimed to design and validate an HCC monitor recurrence (HMR) model for patients without metastasis after hepatectomy.

Methods

A training cohort was recruited from 1179 patients with HCC without metastasis after hepatectomy between February 2012 and December 2015. An HMR model was developed using an AdaBoost classifier algorithm. The factors included patient age, TNM staging, tumor size, and pre/postoperative dynamic variations of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). The diagnostic efficacy of the model was evaluated based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). The model was validated using a cohort of 695 patients.

Results

In preoperative patients with positive or negative AFP, the AUC of the validation cohort in the HMR model was .8877, which indicated better diagnostic efficacy than that of serum AFP (AUC, .7348). The HMR model predicted recurrence earlier than computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging did by 191.58 ± 165 days. In addition, the HMR model can predict the prognosis of patients with HCC after resection.

Conclusions

The HMR model established in this study is more accurate than serum AFP for monitoring recurrence after hepatectomy for HCC and can be used for real-time monitoring of the postoperative status in patients with HCC without metastasis.
Professionalization of social work in colonial India: Glancing at the history of social work in India before 1936
Authors: Mishra Abhijeet
Published: December 2021

This article discusses a brief history of ‘modern’ social work in India before 1936. I present how abstract conceptions of scientifically informed and organized social work practice were brewing in colonial India, along with attempts to assemble or organize it. I use these accounts to further present certain nuances on the modalities of imported social work knowledge that dominated social work education in India after 1936.
The Role of Time Perspectives and Impulsivity Dimensions in Coping Styles
Authors: Nowakowska Iwona
Published: December 2021

Both time perspectives and impulsivity dimensions are groups of traits that are connected to self-control abilities and might be important for coping styles. However, to date, no study has systematically investigated their utility in predicting coping styles with regard to their multidimensional nature. The current study was correlational and exploratory, aiming to discover what amount of variance in each of the three coping styles, problem-oriented, active emotion-oriented, and avoidant, is accounted for by two groups of predictors: time perspectives and impulsivity dimensions. N = 397 young adults aged 18–35 from the general population took part in the study. Results of a multiple linear regression testing both groups of predictors separately and of hierarchical regression analysis introducing the two predictor groups in subsequent steps suggested that time perspectives accounted for more variance in adaptive coping styles: problem-oriented and active emotion-oriented coping. For avoidant coping, both time perspectives and impulsivity dimensions accounted for a similar amount of variance. The results provide evidence that time perspectives should be investigated in domains related to coping (e.g., mental health issues, substance abuse, and risk-taking behaviors), for which impulsivity has been considered an important predictor. Moreover, impulsivity ought to be tested with regard to its multidimensionality.
Evolution of employee opinion in a crowdsourcing logistics company: a catastrophe-embedded RA model
Authors: Song Yi , Hu Bin , Xue Heqiang
Published: December 2021

Crowdsourcing logistics is a business model for the modern logistics industry. However, the employee behavior of crowdsourcing logistics remains unstable due to the dynamic nature of crowdsourcing logistics. With a small change in environmental factors, e.g., the delivery price, employee opinion may show frequent polarization or reversal that can lead to employee turnover. To explore the mechanism of sudden change in employee opinion and turnover, a cusp catastrophe model is embedded into the relative agreement (RA) model of opinion dynamics to form a catastrophe-embedded RA model. Text data about employee opinion of the crowdsourcing logistics company DaDa are collected for modeling and validation of the catastrophe-embedded RA model. Simulation experiments explore the impact of network structure and delivery price on employee opinion evolution and employee turnover. The catastrophe theory–embedded RA model extends the application of the RA model in the field of opinion dynamics with frequent polarization or reversal.
Electrospun hybrid nanofibrous meshes with adjustable performance for potential use in soft tissue engineering
Authors: Qi Ye , Zhai Huiyuan , Sun Yaning , Xu Hongxing , Wu Shaohua , Chen Shaojuan
Published: December 2021

Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds have gained extensive attention in the fields of soft tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this study, a series of biodegradable nanofibrous meshes were fabricated by electrospinning poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly( p-dioxanone) (PPDO) blends with various mass ratios. All the as-developed PCL/PPDO nanofibrous meshes possessed smooth and highly aligned fiber morphology. The mean fiber diameter was 521.5 ± 76.6 nm for PCL meshes and 485.8 ± 88.9 nm for PPDO meshes, and the mean fiber diameter seemed to present a decreasing tendency with the increasing of the PPDO component. For pure PCL meshes, the contact angle was about 117.5 ± 1.6°, the weight loss ratio was roughly 0.2% after 10 weeks of degradation, and the tensile strength was 41.2 ± 2.3 MPa in the longitudinal direction and 4.2 ± 0.1 MPa in the transverse direction. It was found that the surface hydrophilicity and in vitro degradation properties of PCL/PPDO meshes apparently increased, but the mechanical properties of PCL/PPDO meshes obviously decreased when more PPDO component was introduced. The biological tests showed that 4:1 PCL/PPDO nanofibrous meshes and 1:1 PCL/PPDO nanofibrous meshes could obviously promote the adhesion and proliferation of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells more than pure PCL and PPDO meshes and 1:4 PCL/PPDO meshes. The results demonstrated that it is feasible to adjust the surface hydrophilicity, degradation profile, and mechanical properties as well as biological properties of as-obtained nanofibrous meshes by blending PCL and PPDO components. This study provides meaningful reference and guidance for the design and development of PCL/PPDO hybrid nanofibrous scaffolds for soft tissue engineering research and application.
Sinonasal blue nevus: a case report and review
Authors: Lu Rui , Xiao Wei , Chen Xiong , Li Zhiyong
Published: December 2021

Blue nevus is a type of uncommon benign pigmented lesion in the skin or the mucosa of human body which is featured by pigmented dendritic melanocytes and spindled melanocytic cells. Sinonasal blue nevus is extremely rare. We reported a sinonasal blue nevus case with the background of pituitary adenoma, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension (including endoscopic and histological pictures). Further, the existing literature about blue nevus is reviewed. This paper puts a spotlight on the potential correlation between blue nevus with the endocrine system disorder and provides support for further experimental research.
Exploring occupation in recovery from bulimia nervosa: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Roberts Elysa , Skipsey Jessica
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Recovering from bulimia nervosa challenges a person to learn, revise, and do occupations that contribute to rather than detract from health. This study utilized Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to (a) explore the recovery experiences of six adult women with histories of bulimia nervosa and (b) interpret how their accounts reflected the assumptions and characteristics of occupation.

Methods

Data were collected via audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews. Data analysis within and between cases identified six superordinate themes, which included interpretation in terms of criteria of occupation.

Findings

Superordinate themes reflect (1) occupation emerged in recovering from bulimia nervosa through committed action, not doing what fueled bulimia nervosa, adopting new ways of living, prioritizing self-care, connecting with others, and creating supportive environments and (2) recovery from bulimia nervosa can be construed as an occupation.

Conclusion

This study provides insight into nuances of recovery from bulimia nervosa. Results offer novel implications distinct to an occupational therapy lens, for example, consideration of self-care beyond eating and meal preparation; modification of the home, work, and social environment; and setting goals associated with not doing versus doing. Further, the interpretative finding of recovery as occupation holds implications for the evolving philosophical considerations within occupational science and therapy.
Full-Scale Experimental Evaluation of the Flood Resiliency of Thin Concrete Overlay on Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Mateos Angel , Harvey John , Millan Miguel , Wu Rongzong , Paniagua Fabian , Paniagua Julio
Published: December 2021

The capacity to resist flooding is one of the critical challenges of pavement resiliency in locations subject to inundation. Flooding increases moisture contents, which weakens most pavement materials. Although the effect of moisture on the mechanical properties of most pavement materials is reversible, the structural damage caused by trafficking applied on the weakened pavement structure is not. The critical time for structural damage is typically after the flood and before “life-line” pavements have dried back when trucks are bringing in relief supplies and hauling out demolition. This fact, together with the increased occurrence of extreme weather events and sea level rise resulting from climate change, emphasizes the need to better understand the impacts of flooding on identified life-line pavements. This paper evaluates the flooding resiliency of thin concrete overlay on asphalt (COA) pavements by studying the effects that water saturation produces on the pavement structure. The research is based on the structural response and distresses measured in five thin COA sections that were instrumented with sensors and tested with a heavy vehicle simulator (HVS) under flooded conditions. The research shows that the flooding did not produce a noticeable change in the structural capacity of the COA, based on the structural response measured under the loading of the HVS wheel and the falling weight deflectometer, but did result in some structural damage to the asphalt base in some of the sections.
Design, control and optimization of multi-degree-of-freedom spherical induction motor
Authors: Liu Ping , Deng Tao , Su Zhenhua , Jiang Lu , Ding Zhentao
Published: December 2021

In order to meet the requirements of multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DOF) driving units for omnidirectional vehicle wheels, a multi-DOF spherical induction motor (SIM) is proposed with composite rotor through the conversion of design concept of linear induction motor (LIM), which compensates for the insufficiency of traditional multi-DOF driving scheme with structural complexity, control difficulties and poor dynamic performance. The SIM realizes two DOF driving and has the characteristics of direct output on rotor surface. Firstly, the overall design of SIM is drafted, as well as finite element model and control system are established. Subsequently, in order to optimize SIM performance, the multi-objective optimization design of composite rotor structure is proposed by adopting non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II). The results show that the reasonable design of rotor structure can effectively improve output torque and reduce fluctuation. And the proposed design idea based on theory of LIM can provide a reference for SIM design.
Fabrication and characterization of composite MoS2-TiO2 coating material
Authors: Borgaonkar Avinash V , Syed Ismail , Sonawane Shirish H
Published: December 2021

Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) is a popularly used solid lubricant in various applications due to its superior tribological behaviour. However, it possesses poor wear resistance which requires further improvement. In the present study efforts have been made to enhance the tribological properties of pure MoS2 coating film by doping TiO2 nanoparticles as a reinforcement material. The Manganese phosphating is selected as a pre-treatment method to improve the bond strength between coating and substrate. The coating is bonded with the substrate material employing sodium silicate as a binder. The effects of wt. % of TiO2 onto the mechanical properties of composite MoS2-TiO2 coating such as hardness and bond strength have been studied. In addition coating microstructure before and after experimental test was studied using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. It was also found that with increase in wt. % addition of TiO2 upto 15% into MoS2 base matrix, the hardness of coating increases proportionally. Beyond 15 wt. % addition of TiO2, the coating becomes brittle in nature. This leads to reduction in the scratch resistance.
Cortical bone grinding mechanism modeling and experimental studyfor damage minimization in craniotomy
Authors: Hu Yahui , Hu Xucai , Fan Zhenhao , Liu Zhuo , Zhang Chunqiu , Fu Weihua
Published: December 2021

Craniotomy, as a part of neurosurgery, implies a safe opening of the skull with mechanical equipment. Grinding is a traditional machining method that can accurately and efficiently remove bone tissue. Aiming at low-damage and high-efficiency bone grinding, this study analyzed the kinematic law of a single abrasive grain during the grinding process. The theoretical model of grinding force was established based on the calculation of specific energy and friction force. The grinding test platform was set up, and the full factorial experimental design was performed to link the grinding force evolution with different processing parameters. The experimental results obtained on porcine femurs validated the model predictions where the grinding force grew with feed speed and grinding depth; it exhibited a decreasing trend with rotation speed, followed by increasing one.
Teaching self-acupuncture survey report
Authors: Davy Catrina , Hughes John
Published: December 2021

Background:

People have been teaching self-acupuncture (SA) in the United Kingdom since 1977. More recently, a small body of research has been conducted on SA. However, detailed guidelines on teaching and delivery of SA have so far, to our knowledge, not been developed.

Methods:

Acupuncturists were invited to participate in an online survey about their experiences of teaching SA. Data from the survey were extracted, analysed using descriptive statistics and translated into SA teaching guidelines.

Results:

One hundred thirty-eight acupuncturists completed the survey. Nineteen percent of participants had taught SA. The most common symptoms for which acupuncturists taught SA were pain, nausea, anxiety, hot flushes, headaches/migraines and breathlessness. The six most commonly taught traditional acupuncture point locations were LI4, ST36, SP6, PC6, LR3 and TE5. No participants had received reports of adverse effects from their patients.

Conclusion:

Acupuncturists who teach SA find it to be an acceptable and safe option for patients. The presented data have important implications for guiding the practice of SA.
Dry needling increases antioxidant activity and grip force in a rat model of muscle pain
Authors: Felber Daniel Tassinari , Malheiros Rafael Tamborena , Tentardini Victor Novo , Salgueiro Andréia Caroline Fernandes , Cidral-Filho Francisco José , da Silva Morgana Duarte
Published: December 2021

Background:

Muscle pain syndromes (MPS) are one of the main causes of functional, structural and metabolic problems, being associated with tissue oxidative damage. Although dry needling is widely used in the treatment of MPS, there is little scientific evidence of its efficacy and underlying mechanisms of action.

Objectives:

To investigate the effects of different dry needling techniques on thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, locomotor and functional activity, and oxidative stress markers in a rat model of muscle pain.

Methods:

A total of 48 male Wistar rats underwent injection of the gastrocnemius muscle with control neutral saline (pH 7) and remained untreated (Saline group), or acidic saline (pH 4) and remained untreated (ASA group) or received pregabalin (PG group), deep needling (DN group), superficial needling (SN group) or twitch needling (TN group) with n = 8 rats per group. Mechanical (von Frey test) and thermal hyperalgesia (acetone test), muscle edema (assessed with a caliper), strength and muscle function (grip force evaluation), surface thermography and locomotor and exploratory activities (open field test) were evaluated. The animals were then euthanized, and the gastrocnemius muscle was excised for assessment of oxidative analyses of lipid peroxidation with thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBA-RS) and total glutathione (GSH) levels.

Results:

All treatments significantly improved muscle strength and function when compared to the AS group (p < 0.05). Pregabalin reduced locomotor and exploratory activities, while the TN intervention increased the antioxidant response (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Dry needling improved strength, functionality and locomotor activity in a rat model of muscle pain. Twitch needling induced an antioxidant effect.
Becoming Job-Ready? Narratives of Local Welfare-to-Work Programs and Client Experiences Across Differing Economic Contexts in California
Authors: Lanfranconi Lucia M. , Das Aditi , Subaran Joy , Malagon Patricia
Published: December 2021

Previous research on welfare-to-work exits has focused on individual client characteristics rather than local economic contexts. Drawing on a qualitative comparative case study design, this study enhances our understanding on how welfare-to-work organizational narratives and client experiences of becoming job-ready are shaped across two different economic contexts. In the disadvantaged economic context, a punitive welfare-to-work narrative is operational resulting in clients accepting precarious work. In the more privileged economic context, the individual responsibility narrative dominates as clients struggle to make ends meet. Our findings highlight how regional economic factors shape organizational narratives and impel clients to accept precarious low wage working conditions and unstable housing. Thus, there is a need for alternatives to welfare-to-work, such as unconditional, Universal Basic Income.
When More Is Too Much: Compound Caregiving, Barriers to Services, and Service Support for Older Families of People With Disabilities
Authors: Samuel Preethy S. , Wright Kathryn , Marsack-Topolewski Christina , DiZazzo-Miller Rosanne
Published: December 2021

Using the theoretical lens of Family Quality of Life, this study evaluated perceptions of older compound caregivers (i.e., caring for more than one family member) regarding their need for services. Quantitative analysis of cross-sectional data collected from 112 caregivers (50 years and older) demonstrated that compound caregivers faced more barriers in accessing services for their families than noncompound caregivers. Although all caregivers shared similar perceptions on the importance, opportunities, initiative, and attainment of service support for their families, compound caregivers had lower stability and satisfaction than noncompound caregivers. Findings highlight the need to develop support programs to equip older caregivers in managing their daily challenges at the individual and family level.
Exploring the Disproportionate Impact of Disasters: Social Service Providers’ Perceptions of Factors Increasing Vulnerability Among Hurricane Survivors
Authors: Choi Shinwoo , Powell Tara M. , Muller Jenna M. , Lux Emily A.
Published: December 2021

Social service providers play a vital role in addressing the physical and mental health needs of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities during and after disasters. Considering the essential role of social service providers during and after disasters, it is vital to understand the challenges their clients encounter during emergencies. Our study explored social service providers’ perceptions of the barriers socially vulnerable individuals and communities experienced after hurricanes Michael and Irma struck coastal communities in Florida in 2017–2018. Seventeen social service workers who provided direct support to survivors during and after the hurricanes participated in four focus group interviews. Providers described five factors that increased vulnerability of their clients including risk perception, socioeconomic constraints, physical and mental health challenges, language and literacy proficiency, and resource dependency.
Individual Learning Accounts: A Comparison of Implemented and Proposed Initiatives
Authors: Cummins Phyllis A. , Harrington A. Katherine , Yamashita Takashi
Published: December 2021

Access to lifelong learning opportunities has long been discussed in terms of the economic benefits conferred by access to and engagement in further education by members of the labor force, particularly within the global knowledge economy. However, equitable access to lifelong education opportunities, particularly for low-skilled adults in the labor force, has been lacking. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) identified three models for funding adult learning: (1) individual learning accounts, (2) individual savings accounts, and (3) training vouchers. The current study discusses examples of these models, either proposed or implemented, across four countries or economic blocks—France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In addition, to understand the importance of providing funding for education and training to adults with low levels literacy skills, we use data from the Program for the International Assessment for Adult Competencies (PIAAC) to compare participation in adult education and training (AET) by literacy skill levels. In all countries examined, adults with low literacy skills participated in AET at lower rates than those with middle and high levels of literacy skills. To be successful in reaching adults most in need of skill upgrading, financing models need to provide adequate funds for meaningful skill upgrades, have well-structured information sources (e.g., websites) that are easily navigated by the target population, and include policies to screen educational providers for program quality.
Healthcare Barriers Among Working-Age Persons with Disabilities in Trinidad
Authors: Parey Bephyer , Sinanan Leeann
Published: December 2021

Even though easily accessible and cost-effective healthcare is a fundamental human right, many persons with disabilities experience healthcare barriers and poor health outcomes. We explore the healthcare barriers among working-age persons with disabilities in Trinidad using a qualitative descriptive approach. Semi-structured interviews with 26 participants reveal barriers at the personal, healthcare facility, and societal levels. The findings indicate the need for a nation-wide integrated digitalized system and increased intersectoral collaborations to support adequate healthcare among persons with disabilities in Trinidad. Increased consultation with persons with disabilities and transformation of the disability discourses within the healthcare system and at the national level are also recommended as part of the humanisation of their care.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella Typhi Isolated From a Referral Hospital of Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Khadka Saroj , Shrestha Basudha , Pokhrel Anil , Khadka Sachin , Joshi Rajesh Dhoj , Banjara Megha Raj
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

The morbidity and mortality due to typhoid fever can be significantly reduced with the use of effective antibiotics. At present, fluoroquinolones, third generation cephalosporins, and azithromycin are widely used to treat typhoid fever. However, changing antibiotic susceptibility among Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi poses a particular challenge to the therapeutic management of enteric fever. The objective of this study was to assess the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Salmonella Typhi isolates.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 706 blood specimens were collected from febrile patients attending the outpatient department of Kathmandu Model Hospital during June to September, 2018. The antibiotic susceptibility testing for 11 different antibiotics (nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, cefixime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, azithromycin, cotrimoxazole, chloramphenicol, and amoxicillin) was performed by disk diffusion method. Furthermore, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and azithromycin were determined by agar dilution method. Mutation at gyrA ser83 associated with reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones was determined by PCR-RFLP.

Results:

Out of 706 blood samples, 6.94% (n = 49) were culture positive for Salmonella enterica (S. Typhi, n = 46). It was revealed that 97.8% S. Typhi isolates were susceptible to conventional first-line antibiotics (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and cotrimoxazole), 97.3% to cephalosporins and 95.7% to azithromycin. S. Typhi were either resistant or intermediately susceptible to fluoroquinolones: 97.8% to ciprofloxacin, 91.3% to ofloxacin, and 89.1% to levofloxacin. The MIC of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and azithromycin for S. Typhi ranged from 0.008 to 32, 0.03 to 16, and 2 to 8 μg/mL, respectively. Out of 46 S. Typhi isolates, 44 (95.65%) had gyrA ser83 mutation.

Conclusion:

Fluoroquinolones have poor activity against Salmonella Typhi. The trends of increasing azithromycin MIC value among S. Typhi might limit its use for the treatment of typhoid fever. Effectiveness of conventional first-line antibiotics in vitro suggests considering their clinical use after large-scale studies.
An auto-ethnographic reflection on the nature of nursing in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Allan Helen T
Published: December 2021

In this article I discuss the effects on the patient experience of isolation nursing during the CoronaVirus Disease (COVID)-19 pandemic. An unintended consequence of isolation nursing has been to distance patients from nurses and emphasise the technical side of nursing while at the same time reducing the relational or affective potential of nursing. Such distanced forms of nursing normalise the distal patient in hospital. I consider ways in which this new form of distanced nursing has unwittingly contributed to the continued commodification of nursing care in the British NHS. Autoethnography is used to describe and reflect on the illness experience, the experiences of caregivers and the sociocultural organisation of health care. The findings discuss three areas of the illness experience: intimate nursing care; communication; the ‘distanced’ patient experience.
Prejudicial reactions to the removal of Native American mascots
Authors: Jimenez Tyler , Arndt Jamie , Helm Peter J.
Published: December 2021

As Native American mascots are discontinued, research is needed to understand the impact on intergroup relations. Such discontinuations may be threatening to some and increase prejudice against Native Americans. In Study 1 ( N = 389), exposure to information about a Native American mascot removal increased punitive judgments against a Native American in a hypothetical legal scenario, particularly among those high in racial colorblindness and those residing in the implicated geographical location. Study 2 ( N = 358,644) conceptually replicated and extended these findings, using population-level implicit bias data to perform a natural quasi-experiment. Prejudice against Native Americans increased in the year following the removal of two Native American mascots: “Chief Illiniwek” and “Chief Wahoo.” However, in the case of Chief Illiniwek, the effect diminished after 6 years. Together, the studies contribute to understanding the psychological impact of Native American mascots, offering a first look at how their removal influence intergroup relations.
How parents spent time at home with their preschool-aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020
Authors: Duran Ayşe , Ömeroğlu Esra
Published: December 2021

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been seen in more than 120 countries, including Turkey, which took public health measures to reduce the spread of the novel virus. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the Turkish education system, where schools closed indefinitely on March 16, 2020, due to the pandemic. School closures immediately changed the lives of Turkish children and their parents, as children started to spend more time with their families at home during this pandemic. This article addresses how parents spent time with their children at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how their feelings changed during this time. Purposive sampling was used to select 25 parents whose children in preschool education during the spring semester of 2020. This study used qualitative methods, collecting data through a semi-structured interview form. Interviews were conducted over the telephone because of the social distancing guidelines during the pandemic. Results from the interviews show that parents engaged in several different types of activities with their children at home during the pandemic. Parents’ reflections detailed how they noticed behavioral, psychological, socialization, and school-based impacts on their children during the pandemic period. Besides, findings indicate that parents generally experienced negative feelings and effects due to the pandemic. Results are discussed in terms of the effects of the pandemic on the lives of parents and their young children.
Moral education in Taiwanese preschools: Importance, concepts and methods
Authors: Shih Yi-Huang
Published: December 2021

Early childhood is a period of rapid development and growth, and regardless of physical, psychological, and social abilities, young children at this stage have great plasticity and strong imitation ability. Childhood is a critical period for individual learning; so preschool teachers must provide young children with appropriate moral education at this time. This paper is to discuss the importance of moral education for young children in Taiwan, analyze the relevant literature, and review the teaching concepts and methods of moral education. Moral education of young children is important because the ultimate goal of early childhood education is to shape the character of young children; so its content must focus on moral education, which cultivates moral values in young children. Moral education also develops an understanding of empathy and social responsibility for young children. This paper argues that preschool teachers must (1) respect young children’s moral subjectivity; (2) understand that early childhood is a critical period in which moral behavior is shaped, and (3) organize young children’s moral teaching from the concrete to the abstract. In terms of the optimal teaching methods, this paper proposes that preschool teachers use: (1) moral storytelling, (2) instructional media, (3) picture books, (4) discussion of moral issues, (5) peer learning, (6) moral narratives, (7) modeling moral behavior, (8) incorporate young children’s life experience, and (9) invite young children’s parents to participate in moral education. This study contributes to the literature on early childhood moral education and provides an insight into the praxis of moral education for young children in Taiwan.
Production and in vitro analysis of catechin incorporated electrospun gelatin/ poly (lactic acid) microfibers for wound dressing applications
Authors: Ranjbar-Mohammadi Marziyeh , Nouri Mohammad
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, herbal materials are applied extensively in fibrous structures for application as a wound dressing. In this study, catechin (Cat) as the green tea extract with antibacterial characteristics has been loaded in gelatin (Gel)/poly (lactic acid) (PLA) fibrous structure by double-nozzle electrospinning technique. For this, PLA-Cat from one nozzle and Gel-Cat solution from another were injected, and fabricated Gel/PLA, Gel/PLA-Cat, Gel-Cat/PLA, and Gel-Cat/PLA-Cat hybrid fibers were gathered onto a rotating collector. In order to verify the application of these scaffolds in bio applications, the morphological, chemical, wettability property, and biological features of fibers were analyzed using SEM, contact angle analysis, antibacterial, and cell attachment tests. The viscosity of spinning solutions increased with the addition of Cat to them that resulted in an increase of fibers diameter. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy highlighted the presence of PLA, Gel, and Cat in the final structure. The results exhibited that the presence of Cat improved the antibacterial activity. Furthermore, cell attachment studies with L929 fibroblast cells demonstrated that incorporation of catchin increased the cell viability without any toxicity.
Metabolic analysis of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia under early nutrition therapy: An observational cohort study
Authors: Wang Li , Zhong Wen Hua , Liu Dan Yang , Shen Hai Qing , He Zhen Juan
Published: December 2021

To assess the amino acid and fatty acid metabolite patterns between infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia in different nutritional stages after birth and identify metabolic indicators of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. This was an observational cohort of preterm infants born at a gestational age ≤32 + 6 weeks and with a body weight ≤2000 g. Amino acid and carnitine profiles were measured in dried blood spots (DBSs) during the early nutrition transitional phase using tandem mass spectrometry. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia was defined as oxygen dependence at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age or 28 days after birth. Metabolomic analysis was employed to define metabolites with significant differences, map significant metabolites into pathways, and identify metabolic indicators of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We evaluated 45 neonates with and 40 without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Four amino acids and three carnitines showed differences between the groups. Three carnitines (C0, C2, and C6:1) were high in the bronchopulmonary dysplasia group mostly; conversely, all four amino acids (threonine, arginine, methionine, and glutamine (Gln)) were low in the bronchopulmonary dysplasia group. Pathway analysis of these metabolites revealed two pathways with significant changes (p < 0.05). ROC analysis showed Gln/C6:1 at total parenteral nutrition phase had both 80% sensitivity and specificity for predicting the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, with an area under the curve of 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.71–0.89). Amino acid and fatty acid metabolite profiles changed in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia after birth during the nutrition transitional period, suggesting that metabolic dysregulation may participate in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Our findings demonstrate that metabolic indicators are promising for forecasting the occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia among preterm neonates.
A two-step vibration-sound signal fusion method for weak fault feature detection in rolling bearing systems
Authors: Wu Guanchen , Yan Nengyu , Choi Kwang-nam , Jung Hoekyung , Cao Kerang
Published: December 2021

The vibration and sound signals get widely applications in fault diagnosis of rolling bearing systems, but the detection accuracy is unstable at different measuring positions. This paper puts forward a two-step vibration-sound signal fusion method, in which sound signal fusion and vibration-sound signal fusion are executed respectively. The sound signals are fused through weighting to the vibration signal to reduce the influence by measuring positions, and the phase difference is eliminated by a sliding window on the time axis. Then a second fusion between the vibration signal and sound signal is conducted after normalization and superposition, and the performance of two-step fusion is compared with the existing direct fusion. Results show that the two-step fusion provides a larger signal-to-noise ratio, and the amplitudes of characteristic frequencies are also higher. A cascaded bistable stochastic resonance system is applied in the post-processing of the fusion signal to make the signal features more clear, and it is proved that the fault detection effect has an obvious improvement after the whole process. This method provides a new approach for weak fault feature detection in vibration and sound signals, and is of great significance for the maintenance of rolling bearing systems.
Nonlinear vibration behaviors of marine rotor system coupled with floating raft-airbag-displacement restrictor under ship heaving motion
Authors: Xie Xuan , Li Ming , Wang Junwei
Published: December 2021

To study the nonlinear vibration behaviors of rotor system coupled with floating raft-airbag-displacement restrictor under ship heaving motion, the dynamic model is established considering the effect of heaving motion, its steady-state responses are numerically obtained using Runge-Kutta method and the results are surveyed by tools such as the spectrum waterfall diagram, time-domain response, frequency-domain response, axis orbit, and Poincaré map. The effects of rotating speed, ship heaving amplitude, and its frequency on the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the system are mainly studied. The results show that the responses of the rotor and raft are of obvious nonlinear behaviors such as amplitude jumping, bifurcation, and chaos due to the effects of nonlinear oil film force and ship heaving motion. With the increase of rotating speed, the motion of rotor and raft presents quasi-periodic and chaotic vibrations. Ship heaving amplitude and its frequency all have great effect on the vibration of rotor and raft; as heaving amplitude or frequency increases, the motion state of rotor and raft changes, and the amplitude of raft increases significantly. The displacement restrictor can effectively limit the vibrating displacements of the raft when ship heaving amplitude or its frequency is large.
The acute impact of baseline renal function and contrast medium volume/estimated glomerular filtration rate ratio on reduced renal function following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Beasley Matthew , Broce Mike , Mousa Albeir
Published: December 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the acute impact of baseline serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and contrast medium volume (CMV) on the incidence of reduced renal function (RRF) after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). We aimed to determine if the CMV/eGFR ratio was a predictor of RRF.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of EVAR patients in the Society for Vascular Surgery/Vascular Quality Initiative (SVS/VQI) from January 2015 to August 2020. Reduced renal function was defined as > 0.3 mg/dl (26.5 μmol/L), 50% increase from baseline, and temporary or permanent dialysis. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were conducted for serum creatinine, eGFR, contrast volume, fluid volume, and CMV/eGFR ratio. Two data sets (training and test) were developed followed by multivariate analyses.

Results

SVS/VQI data for EVAR contained 38,701 records, of which 30,539 were divided into training ( n = 18,283; 60%) and test ( n = 12,256; 40%) data sets. RRF rate for the training set was 3.6% ( n = 667) and 3.4% ( n = 420) for the test data. RRF patients included more females (29.4 vs 19.0%, p < 0.001), were older in age (75.6 + 8.4 vs 73.3 + 8.7 years), had more congestive heart failure (22.3 vs 12.2%, p < 0.001), and more COPD (42.0 vs 34.2%, p < 0.001). An ROC analysis revealed that eGRF, creatinine, contrast, intravenous fluid, and contrast medium volume (CMV)/eGFR ratio were all significantly ( p < 0.05) correlated with RRF. The eGFR and CMV/eGFR ratio had the largest area under the curve, (0.26) and (0.65), respectively, while fluid had the lowest (0.54). Negative predictive values were 93.7 (CMV/eGFR), 93.9 (creatinine), 94.2 (eGFR), 92.8 (contrast), and 92.6 (intravenous fluid). Multivariate analysis of the training data set resulted in the CMV/eGFR ratio as an independent predictor of RRF (odds ratio, OR: 1.9 with 95% CI: 1.6, 2.2, p < 0.015). For the test data, the CMV/eGFR ratio was an independent predictor of RRF (OR: 1.8, CI: 1.4 to 2.2, p < 0.001) as well as several other variables.

Conclusion

RRF after EVAR is a dreaded and potentially devastating complication. Baseline serum creatinine, eGFR, contrast medium volume, and the ratio (CMV/eGFR) were all significantly associated with RRF. The optimal cut-off value for the CMV/eGFR ratio, ≤ 2, provides an easy-to-use equation to provide a suggested contrast target based on initial renal function with caution applied for high-risk patients.
COVID-19 in pregnancy by race and ethnicity: Implications for development of a vaccination strategy
Authors: Pressman Alice , Lockhart Stephen H , Wilcox Joseph , Smits Kelly , Etzell Joan , Albeiroti Sami , DeRee Michele , Flaherty Christine , Genolaga Sheila , Goodreau Michelle , Refai Farah , Restall Alexandra , Lanner-Cusin Katarina , Azar Kristen MJ
Published: December 2021

Objective:

COVID-19 and associated morbidity and mortality has disproportionately affected minoritized populations. The epidemiology of spread of COVID-19 among pregnant women by race/ethnicity is not well described. Using data from a large healthcare system in California, we estimated prevalence and spread during pregnancy and recommend a vaccination approach based on minimizing adverse outcomes.

Methods:

Patients delivering at Sutter Health are tested (molecular) for COVID-19. These results were combined with antibody test results, using samples drawn at delivery. For each racial/ethnic group, we estimated prevalence of COVID-19, using logistic regression to adjust for known sociodemographic and comorbid risk factors. Testing for immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M provided insight into timing of infections.

Results:

Among 17,446 women delivering May–December, 460 (2.6%) tested positive (molecular). Hispanic women were at 2.6 times the odds of being actively infected as White women (odds ratio = 2.6, 95% confidence interval = 2.0–3.3). August and December were the highest risk periods for active infection (odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval = 2.1–5.7 and odds ratio = 6.1, 95% confidence interval = 3.8–9.9, compared with May, respectively). Among 4500 women delivering October–December, 425 (9.4%) had positive molecular or antibody tests, ranging from 4.0% (Asian) to 15.7% (Hispanic). Adjusting for covariables, compared with White patients, odds of infection was similar for Black and Asian patients, with Hispanic at 2.4 (1.8–3.3) times the odds.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 prevalence was higher among Hispanic women at delivery and in the last trimester than their White counterparts. Higher rates in Black patients are explained by other risk factors. Resources should be directed to increase vaccination rates among Hispanic women in early stages of pregnancy.
High bladder pressure reduces the ability to filter out interference from distractors in low perceptual load condition
Authors: Gunduz Hasan , Gunduz Turan , Ozkan Ceylan Arzu
Published: December 2021

According to the load theory of attention, an active cognitive control mechanism is needed to ensure that behaviour is controlled by target-relevant information when distractors are also perceived. Although the active cognitive control mechanism consists of working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibition components, predictions regarding the load effects of this mechanism were derived mostly from studies on working memory. We aimed to test whether these predictions are also valid for an inhibition component. The inhibitory load was manipulated physiologically by creating different bladder pressure and its effects on distractor interference were examined under low and high perceptual load conditions. The results indicated that the availability of inhibitory control resources was important for decreasing the interference of distractors in the low perceptual load condition and that the high perceptual load reduced the effects of distractors independently from the availability of inhibitory resources. The results were consistent with the predictions of load theory, and to the best of our knowledge, the study provided the first piece of evidence in terms of the load effect of inhibition component on distractor interference.
Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Chaco Chachalaca (Ortalis canicollis) Over a Year: Vocal Activity Pattern and Monitoring Recommendations
Authors: Pérez-Granados Cristian , Schuchmann Karl-L.
Published: December 2021

Chaco Chachalaca ( Ortalis canicollis) is a declining Neotropical bird, for which our current knowledge about its natural history is very limited. Here, we evaluated for first time the utility of passive acoustic monitoring, coupled with automated signal recognition software, to monitor the Chaco Chachalaca, described the vocal behavior of the species across the diel and seasonal cycle patterns, and proposed an acoustic monitoring protocol to minimize error in the estimation of the vocal activity rate. We recorded over a complete annual cycle at three sites in the Brazilian Pantanal. The species was detected on 99% of the monitoring days, proving that this technique is a reliable method for detecting the presence of the species. Chaco Chachalaca was vocally active throughout the day and night, but its diel activity pattern peaked between 0500 and 0900. The breeding season of Chaco Chachalaca in the Brazilian Pantanal, based on seasonal changes in vocal activity, seems to occur during the last months of the dry season, with a peak in vocal activity between August and October. Our results could guide future surveys aiming to detect the presence of the species, both using traditional or acoustic surveys, or to evaluate changes in population abundance using passive acoustic monitoring, for which recorders should be left in the field for a minimum period of nine days to obtain a low-error estimate of the vocal activity of the species. Our results suggest that passive acoustic monitoring might be useful, as a complementary tool to field studies, for monitoring other cracids, a family with several threatened species that are reluctant to human presence.