bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power and precariousness in the expert hierarchies of the US hydrocarbon industry
Authors: Field Sean
Published: August 2021

Drawing on ethnographic research in Houston, Texas, I explore how oil and gas experts negotiate social power and precariousness within the US hydrocarbon sector. In an industry long associated with corporate power, the careers of experts are precariously balanced on rising and falling hydrocarbon prices. This makes the social power these experts wield as fluid as the commodities they are premised on. I show that informal social networks solidified by industry associations can buffer this precariousness by opening new employment opportunities and allowing them to maintain their connection to elite industry circles through periods of unemployment and uncertainty. For many working in the industry, precariousness defines the US hydrocarbon sector as much as the wealth that it is known to generate. Precariousness, I argue, is not just experienced by specific groups of people but rather is a general characteristic of capitalism that touches all but a select few.
Dissemination of information in the COVID-19 era in university libraries in Nigeria
Authors: Omeluzor Saturday U. , Nwaomah Angela Ewhonne , Molokwu Ugochi Esther , Sambo Atanda Saliu
Published: August 2021

In Nigeria, the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) was reported on 27 February 2020 and as at date, there are about 13,000 confirmed cases across Nigeria. The spread of COVID-19 forced the lockdown of libraries. This study investigated the dissemination of information in meeting the information needs of library patrons during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown of university libraries in Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey design, a sample population of 178 librarians from federal, state and private universities in Nigeria was questioned. The findings show that libraries disseminated information on personal hygiene to their patrons (hand-washing, cleanliness and the use of hand sanitizers) and sensitized the general public to COVID-19 by using posters and flyers. The findings also reveal that libraries disseminated information and links to e-resources to support patrons’ ongoing research. Moreover, It was revealed in the findings that lack of coordination, strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and none subscription for data for librarians to work from home were challenges.
Advocacy of the Sustainable Development Goals in Jordanian academic libraries
Authors: Hamad Faten , Al-Fadel Maha
Published: August 2021

In view of the increased importance of the Sustainable Development Goals and the limited number of public libraries in Jordan, it is important to investigate the role and practices of academic libraries in promoting knowledge and skills to support the Sustainable Development Goals in Jordan. It is also important to explore the challenges that might hinder the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals. The results of this study support the fact that academic libraries can significantly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals ( M = 3.53) by providing access to relevant and up-to-date information ( M = 4.16) and giving training on information literacy ( M = 4.03). Access to information contributes to the quality of life of society ( M = 4.41). This article provides insights for academic librarians and decision-makers into disseminating measures for promoting knowledge and skills related to the Sustainable Development Goals among students and the public community in Jordan. The study recommends some relevant strategies, such as the collaboration of academic libraries with governmental and health institutions to support the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals in Jordan.
Case Study of Drone Delivery Reliability for Time-Sensitive Medical Supplies With Stochastic Demand and Meteorological Conditions
Authors: Glick Travis B. , Figliozzi Miguel A. , Unnikrishnan Avinash
Published: August 2021

Drones are increasingly being utilized to deliver medical supplies, and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend. Drones arrive quickly by taking more direct paths and avoiding ground-based obstructions. However, drones are not completely reliable and may also experience failures and delays. For consumer products, delivery delays are an inconvenience, but for some medical supplies, delays may be fatal. This research focused on the drone reliability of one particular type of supply and event: automatic defibrillators for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. A modeling framework was developed to analyze drone delivery reliability with stochastic demands and meteorological conditions. Using probability distributions based on real data from Portland, OR, this research quantified the failure rates as a function of drone range and meteorological conditions that included temperature, precipitation, and wind. Tradeoffs among drone reliability, fleet size, population size, and meteorological conditions were analyzed.
Miller Fisher Syndrome Triggered by Infections: A Review of the Literature and a Case Report
Authors: Spyromitrou-Xioufi Panagiota , Ntoulios Georgios , Ladomenou Fani , Niotakis Georgios , Tritou Ioanna , Vlachaki Georgia
Published: August 2021

Aim:

We reported a case of Miller Fisher syndrome following a breakthrough varicella zoster virus infection in an otherwise healthy 6-year-old male. The objective of this review was to summarize the infectious etiologic agents known to trigger Miller Fisher syndrome.

Methods:

Review of the literature on infections associated with Miller Fisher syndrome.

Results:

We identified 762 studies after duplicates were removed. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened. Finally, 37 studies were included in qualitative synthesis after citations and reference list were checked. The age range of cases reported was 0-78 years, and male sex was predominant in studies where these parameters were reported. The most common causative agent was Campylobacter jejuni followed by Haemophilus influenzae.

Conclusions:

Our review highlights the importance of recognizing the infections triggering Miller Fisher syndrome. We also present a unique case of Miller Fisher syndrome associated with breakthrough varicella zoster virus infection. Preventive policies may consider population immunization for certain causative agents.
The Negative Impact of Group Psychological Abuse on Life Satisfaction and Well-being
Authors: Saldaña Omar , Wu-Salmeron Oscar , Antelo Emma , Rodríguez-Carballeira Álvaro
Published: August 2021

In the context of the adverse effects of psychological abuse, this study examined satisfaction with life, psychological well-being, and social well-being in survivors of social groups that are high-demand, manipulative, totalitarian, or abusive toward their members. We specifically tested the mediating role between group psychological abuse and current well-being of psychological stress suffered after leaving the group. An online questionnaire was administered to 636 Spanish-speaking former members of different groups, 377 victims of group psychological abuse and 259 nonvictims. Participants reporting group psychological abuse showed significantly lower levels of life satisfaction, psychological well-being, and social well-being compared to nonvictims. Greater differences in well-being between victims and nonvictims were related to positive relationships with others ( d = .85), self-acceptance ( d = .51), social integration ( d = .44), and social acceptance ( d = .41). Victims’ life satisfaction and well-being were positively correlated with the time that has passed since leaving the group, but nonsignificant effects were found regarding the type of the group (i.e., religious vs. nonreligious), the age at which they joined the group (i.e., born into or raised in the group vs. during adulthood), the length of group membership, and the method of leaving (i.e., personal reflection, counseled, or expelled). Moderate associations were found between group psychological abuse, psychological stress, and well-being measures, and results demonstrated that psychological stress mediated the impact of group psychological abuse on life satisfaction and well-being. Understanding the negative impact of group psychological abuse on well-being is important to promote survivors’ optimal functioning during their integration process into the out-group society.
Longitudinal Links Between Self-Esteem and the Importance of Self-Direction Values During Adolescence
Authors: Daniel Ella , Weisman Maya Benish , Knafo-Noam Ariel , Bardi Anat
Published: August 2021

Self-direction values (e.g., independence, curiosity) are among the most important values to people worldwide. However, it is not clear what encourages their development. We propose that self-esteem may be associated with the development of self-direction values because feelings of self-worth provide the confidence needed for independent pursuit. As both independence and self-esteem develop during adolescence, we examined longitudinal associations between self-direction values and self-esteem in adolescents. Study 1 ( NT1 = 527, 55.6% girls, Mage = 16.24, SD = .71, NT2 = 198) included two annual waves of data collection. Study 2 ( Noverall = 486, 55.6% girls, initial Mage = 13.76, SD = .51, NT1 = 418, NT2 = 420, NT3 = 426, NT4 = 387) included four annual waves. In the studies, a cross-lagged panel model and a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model showed that adolescents who feel worthy are more likely to experience an increase in the importance of values of independent thoughts and actions relative to other values. Partial support was found for the opposite direction of association. The results were replicated across longitudinal studies of varying duration and across measures. We discuss the results in light of theories of self-esteem, values, and specifically the development of self-direction values.
Migrant Entrepreneurship Enablers: From Chance Encounters to Community Development
Authors: Berntsen Lisa , de Lange Tesseltje , Kalaš Ivana , Hanoeman Romy
Published: August 2021

This article explores the underexamined role of personal enablers in migrant entrepreneurship. Drawing on timeline interviews, the study relays the importance of entrepreneur enablers in migrants’ business endeavours over time, ranging from coincidental and ephemeral encounters to the development of supportive communities. In the absence of accessible business support structures, the role of chance in migrants’ entrepreneurial trajectories increases, leading migrants to become self-employed, often against the grain of their own expectations or those of their inner circle of contacts or the wider society. The timeline interviews are a helpful method to capture how particular people, in conjunction with broader societal and smaller personal developments, influence entrepreneurial choices and progression over time. The study adds a dynamic and agentic perspective to migrant entrepreneurship literature underlining the importance of personal enablers to support migrant entrepreneurial developments over time.
Route outlining of humanoid robot on flat surface using MFO aided artificial potential field approach
Authors: Kashyap Abhishek Kumar , Parhi Dayal R , Kumar Priyadarshi Biplab
Published: August 2021

Humanoid robots, with their overall resemblance to a human body, is modeled for flawless interaction with human-made tools or the environment. In this study, navigation of humanoid robot using hybrid Artificial potential field (APF) and Moth flame optimization (MFO) approach have been performed. The hybrid approach provides the final turning angle (FTA), which is optimum to avoid collision with the hindrances. APF utilizes a negative potential field and a positive potential field to find the location of obstacles and target, respectively. The navigation starts towards the target; when the robot interacts with the obstacle, APF provides an intermediate angle (IA). The IA, along with the position of the obstacle, is fed into MFO as an input. This technique provides the FTA (optimum) to avoid collisions and guide a robot to the target. It is implemented in a single humanoid system and a multi-humanoid system. The presence of multiple humanoids can create the chance of inter-collision. It is dismissed by employing a dining philosopher controller to the proposed technique. Simulations and experiments are accomplished on simulated and real humanoid NAO. The coherency in the behavior of the results evaluated by the simulations and real-time experiments demonstrates the efficiency of the proposed AI technique. Comparisons are performed with a previously used method to validate the robustness of the technique.
Optimization on hysteresis dynamic model of metal rubber material based on dry friction damping term
Authors: Fu Hailong , Tao Yiwen , Wang Yue , Zou Longqing , Mao Yiqi
Published: August 2021

As one kind of porous elastic metal material, metal rubber is used in vibration isolation widely due to its better damping characteristic. During loading and unloading, the elastoplastic deformation and damping characteristics of this material are usually described by constructing its dynamic model. Although traditional models can describe the hysteresis performance, the accurate parameter identification of material structure under different preparation conductions is limited due to its complex expression or equivalent math form. In this paper, a dynamic hysteresis model is optimized through adding a dry friction damping term based on the micro-element analysis theory and analysis method of material mesoscopic structure. The relation among the manufacture technic, size of metal wire and vibration parameters were established, which accurately describes hysteresis characteristic of metal rubber by dry friction when the metal wires are in the state of slipping contact. The result is verified by the harmonic vibration experiment that the model has good adaptability and convenience, especially can improve the accuracy and convenience of parameter identification on the forming materials of metal rubber.
Soft-ANN based correlation for air-water two-phase flow pressure drop estimation in a vertical mini-channel
Authors: Manuel Barroso-Maldonado Juan , Manuel Riesco-Ávila José , Martín Picón-Núñez , Manuel Belman-Flores Juan
Published: August 2021

In this paper, an Artificial Neural Network soft matrix correlation to estimate the pressure drop of air-water two-phase flow is developed. The applicability of the model is extended by using dimensionless physical numbers as inputs (Air-Reynolds number, Water-Reynolds number, and the ratio of Air Inertial Forces to Water Inertial Forces), so the model can be implemented for vertical pipes with the proper combination of diameter-velocity-density-viscosity allowing estimations of dimensional numbers within the range of: Air-Reynolds numbers (430–6100), Water-Reynolds number (2400–7200), and Air-Water-Inertial forces ratio (1.6–1834), including the diameter range from 3 to 28 mm. Experimental measurements of frictional pressure drop of water-air mixtures are determined at different conditions. A search of the most suitable density, viscosity, and friction models was conducted and used in the model. The performance of the proposed ANN correlation is compared against published expressions showing good approximation to experimental data; results indicate that the most used correlations are within a mean relative error ( mre) of 23.9–30.7%, while the proposed ANN has a mre = 0.9%. Two additional features are discussed: i) the applicability and generality of the ANN using untrained data, ii) the applicability in laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow regimen. To take the approach beyond a robust performance mapping, the methodology to translate the ANN into a programmable equation is presented.
Development of vehicle body-in-white section optimization framework for crash performance by introducing a combined collapse capacity criterion
Authors: Ahmadi Alireza , Babaei Mohammad Javad , Jadidahari Ali , Homayounfard Milad , Ghovvati Sadegh , Farahani Fahimeh , Shahi Vahid Jandaghi
Published: August 2021

Enhancing the stiffness and crash characteristics of the vehicle body structure is among the most important concerns of auto manufacturers. Typically, enhancing these attributes leads to an increase in the vehicle’s mass, and as a result, a suitable optimization scheme is needed. In crash scenarios, collapsing of a section causes the load path to lose its load-carrying capability and degrades the crash safety of the vehicle. As a result, the sections should be designed accordingly, so that their collapse capacities be as high as possible. Although there are some research works that deal with the analysis and optimization of thin-walled members for stiffness or crash objectives, utilization of optimization methods for the design of vehicle sections against collapsing is still absent in the literature. In this regard, the present paper proposes an optimization framework that takes into account the collapse capacity and stiffness of the sections and optimizes their weight. Analytic formulations are derived to calculate the collapse capacity of sections under pure axial force and bending moment. The formulations are verified via finite element (FE) simulations. It is shown that the average absolute difference between the formulation results and explicit FE solver is less than 12%. Considering the highly nonlinear nature of the problem, this is a reasonably accurate approximation. Moreover, a combined collapse capacity criterion (CCCC), as a handy design guide for engineers, is also proposed for the first time to take into account the combination of axial and bending load cases. It is based on the FE analyses of numerous automotive sections in different load cases. To facilitate the optimization process, a new software interface named “JSec Design” is developed and introduced that is much faster than existing FE-based optimizers. Finally, as a case study, an automotive A-pillar section is designed under a combination of axial force and bending moment.
Enhancing the robustness of the convolutional neural networks for traffic sign detection
Authors: Khosravian Amir , Amirkhani Abdollah , Masih-Tehrani Masoud
Published: August 2021

The detection of traffic signs in clean and noise-free images has been investigated by numerous researchers; however, very few of these works have focused on noisy environments. While in the real world, for different reasons (e.g. the speed and acceleration of a vehicle and the roughness around it), the input images of the convolutional neural networks (CNNs) could be extremely noisy. Contrary to other research works, in this paper, we investigate the robustness of the deep learning models against the synthetically modeled noises in the detection of small objects. To this end, the state-of-the-art architectures of Faster-RCNN Resnet101, R-FCN Resnet101, and Faster-RCNN Inception Resnet V2 are trained by means of the Tsinghua-Tencent 100K database, and the performances of the trained models on noisy data are evaluated. After verifying the robustness of these models, different training scenarios (1 – Modeling various climatic conditions, 2 – Style randomization, and 3 – Augmix augmentation) are used to enhance the model robustness. The findings indicate that these scenarios result in up to 13.09%, 12%, and 13.61% gains in the mentioned three networks by means of the mPC metric. They also result in 11.74%, 8.89%, and 7.27% gains in the rPC metric, demonstrating that improvement in robustness does not lead to performance drop on the clean data.
Model predictive tracking control of uncertain moving structures with nonaffine saturated actuation: Rotating control force
Authors: Yaqubi Sadeq , Homaeinezhad Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2021

This article presents a novel scheme for model-based control of multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) systems considering input nonaffinity, nonlinear dynamical effects, and bounded modeling uncertainty. Commonly, model-based control of a nonaffine system is conducted based on an equivalent pseudo-affine expression. However, validity of this approximation necessitates boundedness of inputs and states. Furthermore, existence of truncation errors is inevitable when obtaining the pseudo-affine model. Therefore, robustness to bounded uncertainty should be ensured even in cases where the original system is deterministic. To address the expressed issues, in this study the boundedness assumptions are incorporated in a constrained robust model predictive control (MPC) algorithm. The corresponding MPC scheme is based on construction of cost according to predicted sliding functions over a finite prediction horizon. It should be noted that for the considered class of uncertain nonlinear nonaffine system, obtaining the perquisite robust stability and feasibility conditions is non-trivial. To attain the aforementioned qualities, it is proposed that sliding functions can be expressed as the sum of input-based terms (using pseudo-affine approximation of input gains based on Taylor expansion) and dynamical variation terms. Subsequently, robust stability is ensured by constructing a Lyapunov-based terminal cost. Constraints satisfaction conditions are determined based on calculation of the corresponding feasible region. Numerical simulations for a nonlinear nonaffine mechanical system indicate efficiency of the presented control model. Comparisons with other applicable schemes highlight significant features of the presented algorithm and the attained improvements regarding stability and control feasibility are discussed.
How does energy investment affect the energy utilization-growth-tourism nexus? Evidence from E7 Countries
Authors: Gyamfi Bright Akwasi , Bein Murad A , Adedoyin Festus Fatai , Bekun Festus Victor
Published: August 2021

Tourism is an important driver of economic growth for several countries in the world. However, the rise in tourism activities has raised concerns regarding emissions resulting from tourist activities such as transportation as well as the consequent effect on the quality of the environment. Hence, this study examines the impact of tourism and other factors such as investments, energy utilization and economic growth on carbondioxide (CO2) emission in the emerging industrialized seven countries namely (China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia and Turkey) for the period 2000 to 2018. The study uses the Pool Mean Group Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PMG-ARDL), ordinal least square (OLS), dynamic ordinals least square (DOLS) and fully modified least square (FMOLS) estimators as well as Dumitrescu and Hurlin Causality Test. Long run regression estimates reveal that a increase in tourism activities lower carbondioxide emissions in the E7 countries which can be traced to the adoption of environmentally friendly tourism. Furthermore, investment in energy and economic growth, the majority of the regression results point that both factors lower carbondioxide emissions in the emerging seven (E7) countries while energy consumption is a driver of CO2 emissions in the E7 countries. The study suggests that the implementation of environmentally friendly tourism be sustained to continually improve the quality of the natural environment in the blocs. Similarly, strict regulations of economic activities in line with the protection of the environment are advised while the use of renewable energy is needed to reduce emissions in the E7 countries.
The oughtness of existence: Living and suffering by what we ought
Authors: Meier Joachim
Published: August 2021

Rooted in the fact–value dichotomy of the modern scientific outlook, psychology tends to render “ought” as distinguishable from and additional to “is.” The purpose of this article, however, is to disclose an “oughtness” at the center of human existence by which human beings inevitably live and suffer. In the first part, psychology’s neglect of oughtness is tracked down through significant albeit different theoretical strands. Second, through a threefold argument entailing (a) the other, (b) language, and (c) the self, it is revealed how people’s concrete lived lives as well as the very formation of a subject are incomprehensible without the oughtness of existence. Finally, the relation between suffering and oughtness is spelled out. Due to the oughtness of existence, guilt and inadequacy enter into the human life.
Adjusting for selection bias due to missing data in electronic health records-based research
Authors: Peskoe Sarah B , Arterburn David , Coleman Karen J , Herrinton Lisa J , Daniels Michael J , Haneuse Sebastien
Published: August 2021

While electronic health records data provide unique opportunities for research, numerous methodological issues must be considered. Among these, selection bias due to incomplete/missing data has received far less attention than other issues. Unfortunately, standard missing data approaches (e.g. inverse-probability weighting and multiple imputation) generally fail to acknowledge the complex interplay of heterogeneous decisions made by patients, providers, and health systems that govern whether specific data elements in the electronic health records are observed. This, in turn, renders the missing-at-random assumption difficult to believe in standard approaches. In the clinical literature, the collection of decisions that gives rise to the observed data is referred to as the data provenance. Building on a recently-proposed framework for modularizing the data provenance, we develop a general and scalable framework for estimation and inference with respect to regression models based on inverse-probability weighting that allows for a hierarchy of missingness mechanisms to better align with the complex nature of electronic health records data. We show that the proposed estimator is consistent and asymptotically Normal, derive the form of the asymptotic variance, and propose two consistent estimators. Simulations show that naïve application of standard methods may yield biased point estimates, that the proposed estimators have good small-sample properties, and that researchers may have to contend with a bias-variance trade-off as they consider how to handle missing data. The proposed methods are motivated by an on-going, electronic health records-based study of bariatric surgery.
Can scientists use simple infographics to convince? Effects of the “flatten the curve” charts on perceptions of and behavioral intentions toward social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Li Nan , Molder Amanda L.
Published: August 2021

Infographics of modest complexity are commonly used to convey knowledge to non-experts. However, little is known regarding how the use of infographics may convince the public and lead to massive behavioral changes in response to an acute cause. In March 2020, scientists and journalists revamped a scholarly published graph into the “flatten the curve” (FTC) mantra that defined the United States’ initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined how Americans’ awareness of the flatten the curve charts relates to their perceived effectiveness of social distancing measures, perceived controllability of the pandemic, and behavioral intentions toward social distancing measures. Implications on visual communication of science are discussed.
Book review: John Chambers and Diane Brady. Connecting the Dots: Lessons for Leadership in a Start-up World
Authors: Arora Ajay
Published: August 2021

John Chambers and Diane Brady. Connecting the Dots: Lessons for Leadership in a Start-up World, Harper Collins Publishers, 2018, 320 pp.
IndiaFirst Life Insurance: Planning Next-Level Growth by Corporate Entrepreneurship
Authors: Ghura Amarpreet Singh , Abhishek
Published: August 2021

IndiaFirst Life Insurance (IFLI) became the 23rd entrant in India’s life insurance industry by launching its operations in November 2009 (IndiaFirst Life Insurance, 2015). IFLI went on to break-even within 6 years of its inception by declaring maiden profits in FY 2015–2016 (IndiaFirst Life Insurance, 2015). The company stated its vision as—‘To become a Life Insurance and Pension business leader that provides significant value to all its stakeholders enabling a true customer delight’ (IndiaFirst Life Insurance, 2015). In order to implement its vision, IFLI worked its human resource policies and processes around the ‘Employees First’ approach (IndiaFirst Life Insurance, 2015). These processes had helped IFLI to become the fastest-growing company in the life insurance sector, and it was ranked 12th amongst the private insurers in terms of market ranking in individual annual premium equivalent for FY 2016–2017 ( Times of India, 2017). The company aimed to become a top 10 life insurance provider in the next few years in India in terms of retail premium business ( Times of India, 2017).
Detection of pseudorabies virus antibody in swine serum and oral fluid specimens using a recombinant gE glycoprotein dual-matrix indirect ELISA
Authors: Cheng Ting-Yu , Magtoto Ronaldo , Henao-Díaz Alexandra , Poonsuk Korakrit , Buckley Alexandra , Van Geelen Albert , Lager Kelly , Zimmerman Jeffrey , Giménez-Lirola Luis
Published: August 2021

Pseudorabies (Aujeszky disease) virus (PRV) was eliminated from domestic swine in many countries using glycoprotein E (gE)-deleted vaccines and serum antibody gE ELISAs, but PRV continues to circulate in some regions and in most feral swine populations in the world. We created a dual-matrix (serum and oral fluid) indirect IgG gE ELISA (iELISA) and evaluated its performance using samples from 4 groups of 10 pigs each: negative control (NC), vaccination (MLV), PRV inoculation (PRV), and vaccination followed by challenge (MLV-PRV). All serum and oral fluid samples collected before PRV challenge and all NC samples throughout the study were negative for gE antibodies by commercial blocking ELISA (bELISA) and our iELISA. Nasal swab samples from 9 of 10 animals in the PRV group were gB quantitative PRC (qPCR) positive at 2 days post-inoculation (dpi). The oral fluid iELISA detected a significant S/P response in the PRV ( p = 0.03) and MLV-PRV ( p = 0.01) groups by 6 dpi. ROC analyses of serum bELISA ( n = 428), serum iELISA ( n = 426), and oral fluid iELISA ( n = 247) showed no significant differences in performance ( p > 0.05). Our data support the concept of PRV surveillance based on oral fluid samples tested by an indirect gE ELISA.
Internet Recruitment of a Diverse Population of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Nurses in a Study of Substance Use and Minority Stress
Authors: Avery-Desmarais Shannon L. , McCurry Mary K. , Sethares Kristen A. , Batchelder Abigail , Stover Caitlin
Published: August 2021

Introduction

There is a lack of lesbian, bisexual and gay (LGB)-focused nursing research, in part, because the population is traditionally difficult to access. This article explores the effectiveness, benefits, and limitations of online recruitment of a distinct population of LGB-identified nurses in a study of substance use and minority stress.

Methodology

A sample of nurses who self-identified as LGB were recruited for an online survey using organic Facebook outreach. A $5 Amazon gift card was offered as an incentive. Facebook insights data and demographic data were analyzed.

Results

Within 96 hours, 394 participants had completed the 101-question online survey. The majority ( n = 269, 68.6%) reported accessing the survey through Facebook. Email ( n = 79, 20.2%) and word of mouth ( n = 44, 11.2%) also contributed to recruitment.

Discussion

The effectiveness of this Facebook recruitment protocol speaks to the importance of social media, survey incentives, and the “power of visibility” in recruitment of this population.
Patterns of Health Services Use Before Age 1 in Children Later Diagnosed With ADHD
Authors: Engelhard Matthew , Berchuck Samuel , Garg Jyotsna , Rusincovitch Shelley , Dawson Geraldine , Kollins Scott
Published: August 2021

Background: Children with ADHD have 2 to 3 times increased health care utilization and annual costs once diagnosed, but little is known about utilization patterns early in life, prior to diagnosis. Quantifying early health services use among children later diagnosed with ADHD could help us understand the early life impact of the disorder and uncover health care utilization patterns associated with higher ADHD risk. Methods: Electronic health record (EHR) data from the Duke University Health System (DUHS) was analyzed for patients born October 1, 2006–October 1, 2016. Those with at least two well-child visits before age 1 were grouped as ADHD or not ADHD based on retrospective billing codes. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for hospital admissions, procedures, emergency department (ED) visits, and outpatient clinic encounters before age 1 were compared between groups via logistic regression controlling for sex, race, and ethnicity. Results: ADHD diagnoses were identified in 1,315 (4.4%) of 29,929 patients meeting criteria. Before age 1, individuals with ADHD had 60% increased odds of hospital admission, 58% increased odds of visiting the emergency department, and 41% increased odds of procedures ( p < .0001), including 4.7-fold increased odds of blood transfusion ( p < .0001). They also had more outpatient clinic visits (μ = 14.7 vs. μ = 12.5, p < .0001), including 52% increased odds of visiting a medical specialist, 38% increased odds of visiting a surgical specialist, 70% increased odds of visiting a neonatologist, and 71% increased odds of visiting an ophthalmologist ( p < .0001 for all AORs). In addition, individuals with ADHD had 6-fold increased odds of visits related to child abuse and neglect ( p = .0010). Conclusions: Children later diagnosed with ADHD were more likely to be admitted to the hospital, visit the ED, and visit specific medical and surgical services before age 1. Future work will identify patterns of health interactions unique to ADHD to stratify ADHD risk.
Dengue fever in a multiple sclerosis patient taking Ocrelizumab
Authors: Guerra Tommaso , Bollo Luca , Trojano Maria , Iaffaldano Pietro
Published: August 2021

Dengue fever (DF) is an endemic infectious disease in tropical and subtropical regions. Ocrelizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 antigen on B cells, which is approved for the treatment of both relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). We describe the favorable clinical outcome of DF in an RRMS patient treated with Ocrelizumab, who neither presented hemorrhagic or systemic shock symptoms nor reported neurological worsening.
A Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled efficacy and safety study of ADS-5102 (Amantadine) extended-release capsules in people with multiple sclerosis and walking impairment
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey A , Cameron Michelle H , Goldman Myla D , Goodman Andrew D , Miller Aaron E , Rollins Anne , Llorens Lily , Patni Rajiv , Elfont Robert , Johnson Reed
Published: August 2021

Background:

ADS-5102, a delayed-release, extended-release (DR/ER) amantadine, improved walking speed in MS in a Phase 2 trial.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to present primary results of a Phase 3, double-blind, ADS-5102 trial (INROADS) for walking speed.

Methods:

Adult participants with MS and walking impairment, not currently using amantadine or dalfampridine, underwent 4-week placebo run-in before randomization 1:1:1 to placebo, 137 or 274 mg/day ADS-5102 for 12 weeks. Primary outcome was the proportion of responders (20% increase in Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) speed) for 274 mg ADS-5102 versus placebo at end of double-blind (Study Week 16). Additional measures included Timed Up and Go (TUG), 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), and 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12).

Results:

In total, 558 participants were randomized and received double-blind treatment. Significantly more participants responded with 274 mg ADS-5102 (21.1%) versus placebo (11.3%). Mean T25FW speed also significantly improved (0.19 ft/s) versus placebo (0.07 ft/s). Other measures were not significant using prespecified hierarchical testing procedure. Adverse events led to discontinuation for 3.8% (placebo), 6.4% (137 mg ADS-5102), and 20.5% (274 mg ADS-5102).

Conclusion:

INROADS met its primary endpoint, showing a significantly greater proportion of participants with meaningful improvement in walking speed for 274 mg ADS-5102 versus placebo. Numeric dose response was seen for some secondary efficacy outcomes and adverse events.
Time to diagnosis in multiple sclerosis: Epidemiological data from the German Multiple Sclerosis Registry
Authors: Blaschke Stefan J , Ellenberger David , Flachenecker Peter , Hellwig Kerstin , Paul Friedemann , Pöhlau Dieter , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Rommer Paulus S , Rueger Maria A , Zettl Uwe K , Stahmann Alexander , Warnke Clemens
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To investigate the time to diagnosis in multiple sclerosis (MS) in Germany.

Methods:

Analysis of real-world registry data from the German Multiple Sclerosis Registry (GMSR) and performing a primary analysis in patients where month-specific registration of the dates of onset and diagnosis was available.

Results:

As of January 2020, data of a total of 28,658 patients with MS were extracted from the GMSR, with 9836 patients included in the primary analysis. The mean time to diagnosis was shorter following the introduction of the first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based McDonald criteria in 2001. This effect was most pronounced in younger adults below the age of 40 years with relapsing onset multiple sclerosis (ROMS), with a decrease from 1.9 years in 2010 to 0.9 years in 2020, while unchanged in patients aged 40–50 years (1.4 years in 2010 and 1.3 years in 2020). In the limited number of paediatric onset MS patients, the time to diagnosis was longer and did not change (2.9 years).

Conclusion:

The current sensitive MRI-based diagnostic criteria have likely contributed to an earlier diagnosis of MS in Germany in younger adults aged 18–39 years with ROMS. Whether this translated to earlier initiation of disease-modifying treatment or had a beneficial effect on patient outcomes remains to be demonstrated.
Investigation of the effect of B4C amount and sintering temperature on the thermal properties of the material in Al 1070–B4C composites
Authors: Pehlivanlı Zühtü Onur , Pul Muharrem
Published: August 2021

Today, the usage area of metal matrix and ceramic reinforced composites is increasing and researches in this field are increasing. However, majority of the studies conducted are constituted of studies on investigation of mechanical features of composites. One of the reasons why composite materials are preferred is because these materials have improved thermal property. With this experimental study, it is aimed to contribute to the literature in the area of investigating features of thermal properties. In this study, composite materials were produced at 500 °C, 550 °C and 600 °C sintering temperatures by adding 4%, 8% and 16% B4C to Al 1070 quality aluminium by powder metallurgy technique. Firstly, the microstructures of the composites were investigated. Then, experiments were conducted to determine the specific heat of composite materials at different ambient temperatures together with thermal conductivity measurements. With the data obtained from the experiments, finite-element modelling was done and the thermal properties of the composite structure were optimised. In the microstructure studies, it was determined that with the increase in the B4C reinforcement ratio, the reinforcement agglomeration and porosity in the composite structure were found. As a result of the thermal experiments, it was observed that the thermal conductivity values of the composites were inversely proportional to the amount of B4C reinforcement and as the reinforcement ratio increased, the thermal conductivity values decreased. Besides, it was determined that the sintering temperature has an effect on the thermal conductivity value and that it increases the thermal conductivity of the composites with increasing sintering temperature. The highest heat conduction coefficient was obtained at 4% B4C reinforcement ratio and 600 °C sintering temperature. It was observed that the finite-element models prepared to determine the heat conduction coefficient effectively were consistent with the experimental results.
“La racaille,” a performed figure in French contemporary youth
Authors: Clair Isabelle
Published: August 2021

In France, la racaille is a stereotyped figure of a young (usually identified as Arab or Black) man who lives in a suburban cité (social housing estate) . I have repeatedly met la racaille during my ethnographic studies on heterosexual romantic relationships among 15- to 20-year-old youngsters from three different social backgrounds—working class in cités (2002–2005), working class in villages (2008–2011), and bourgeoisie in Paris (2016–2020). I encountered it in the form of a performed figure—object of speech, clothing choices, gestures, movements, and ways of speaking. This presence reveals a collective fascination in which various negative judgments are mixed with shared admiration for its high social visibility. Stylish and powerful, la racaille is fascinating, at any rate because it embodies an exaggerated masculinity that is untroubled and unquestionable.
Impact of low reactivity fuel type on low load combustion, emissions, and cyclic variations of diesel-ignited dual fuel combustion
Authors: Jha Prabhat R , Partridge Kendyl R , Krishnan Sundar R , Srinivasan Kalyan K
Published: August 2021

In this study, cyclic variations in dual fuel combustion with diesel ignition of three different low reactivity fuels (methane, propane, and gasoline) are examined under identical operating conditions. Experiments were performed on a single cylinder research engine (SCRE) at a low load of 3.3 bar brake mean effective pressure (BMEP). The start of injection (SOI) of diesel was varied from 280 to 330 absolute crank angle degrees (CAD). Engine speed, rail pressure, and boost pressure were held constant at 1500 rpm, 500 bar, and 1.5 bar, respectively. The energy substituted by the low reactivity fuel was fixed at 80% of the total energy input. It was found that diesel-methane (DM) and diesel-propane (DP) combustion were affected by diesel mixing to a greater extent than diesel-gasoline (DG) combustion due to the higher reactivity of gasoline. The magnitude of low temperature heat release was greatest for DG combustion followed by DM and DP combustion for all SOIs. The ignition delay for DG combustion was the shortest, followed by DM and DP combustion. DM and DP combustion exhibited more cyclic variations than DG combustion. Cyclic variations decreased for DM and DP combustion when SOI was advanced; however, DG combustion cyclic variations remained essentially constant for all SOIs. Earlier SOIs (280, 290, 300, and 310 CAD) for DM and (280, 290, and 300 CAD) for DP combustion indicated some prior-cycle effects on the combustion and IMEP (i.e. some level of determinism).
Limits of compression ratio in spark-ignition combustion with methanol
Authors: Wouters Christian , Burkardt Patrick , Pischinger Stefan
Published: August 2021

A shift toward a circular and [Formula: see text]-neutral world is required, in which rapid defossilization and lower emissions are realized. A promising alternative fuel that has gained traction is methanol, thanks to its favorable and clean-burning fuel properties as well as its ability to be produced in a carbon-neutral process. Especially methanol’s high knock resistance and its combustion stability offer the opportunity to operate an engine at both a high compression ratio and a high excess air dilution. Although methanol has been investigated in series-production engines for passenger car applications, there is a lack of investigations on a dedicated engine that can operate at methanol’s knock limit. In this paper, methanol’s knock limitation is experimentally assessed by applying high compression ratios to a direct injection spark-ignition single-cylinder research engine. To that end, four compression ratios were investigated: 10.8, 15.0, 17.7, and 20.6. With compression ratios of 15.0 and 17.7, the lean-limit was increased to excess air ratios of 2.0 and 2.1, respectively, compared to 1.7 at a compression ratio of 10.8. For the highest compression ratio of 20.6, the maximum lean burn limit was increased to an excess air ratio of 1.9 due to achieving the maximum cylinder pressure limit. Despite the minor increase in lean-limit, a maximum indicated efficiency of 48.7% was achieved with the highest compression ratio of 20.6. However, even at this high compression ratio, methanol did not show a knock limitation. The investigations in this work provide profound knowledge for future engine investigations with methanol.
Identification of newly formed toxic chemicals in E-cigarette aerosols with Orbitrap mass spectrometry and implications on E-cigarette control
Authors: Yan Beizhan , Zagorevski Dimitri , Ilievski Vesna , Kleiman Norman J , Re Diane B , Navas-Acien Ana , Hilpert Markus
Published: August 2021

The increasing use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) is of concern due to multiple emerging adverse health effects. Most analyses of the harmful chemicals of ENDS have targeted metals or carbonyls generated by thermal decomposition of carrier liquids such as propylene glycol. However, new complex compounds not routinely identified and with unknown health consequences could be formed. ENDS aerosol samples were collected by the direct aerosol droplet deposition method. Untargeted analysis was performed using Orbitrap mass spectrometry with high mass accuracy. We identified more than 30 “features” in the aerosol characterized by pairs of the mass-to-charge ratio “ m/ z” of the compound and the retention time. We identified several compounds containing nicotine and propylene glycol (NIC-PG), whose abundance relative to nicotine increased along with vaping power used. On the basis of the prediction by the Environmental Protection Agency Toxicity Estimation Software Tool, these compounds exert developmental toxicity. In addition, a nitrogen-containing compound, likely tributylamine (a known lung irritant), was identified based on the molecular weight. This compound has not been previously identified in ENDS e-liquids and aerosols. ENDS produce not only small toxic compounds such as aldehydes, but also large complex toxic compounds such as NIC-PG. Predicted development toxicity for NIC-PG is concerning for fetal development in pregnant women who use ENDS, children exposed to secondhand or thirdhand ENDS aerosols, and teenage ENDS users whose brains are still developing. The strong positive association between NIC-PG levels and ENDS power output supports regulating high-powered ENDS.
Gender and Justification in Political Scandal
Authors: Stilwell Ashley , Utych Stephen
Published: August 2021

Scandals are an unfortunate, but important, part of the political world. We examine how citizen perceptions of politicians involved in scandals are conditional upon two important factors: the politician’s gender and their decision to provide a justification for the scandal. Using experimental evidence, we find that justification of a scandal increases perceptions of competence for politicians, regardless of gender, but only increases perceptions of likability for women. We find, additionally, that the effect of gender is conditional on political ideology: liberals generally feel more positive toward a woman involved in a scandal, while no difference emerges for conservatives.