bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cannabis use is associated with low plasma endocannabinoid Anandamide in individuals with psychosis
Authors: Bassir Nia Anahita , Gibson Claire L , Spriggs Sharron A , Jankowski Samantha E , DeFrancisco Daniel , Swift Amy , Perkel Charles , Galynker Igor , Honrao Chandrashekhar , Makriyannis Alexandros , Hurd Yasmin L
Published: January 2023

Background:

Cannabis use suppresses the endocannabinoid system in healthy individuals. However, the association between cannabis use with the endocannabinoid system is understudied in individuals with psychosis despite the high rate of cannabis use in these individuals.

Methods:

We enrolled 83 individuals who were admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit with psychotic presentations, and measured their plasma levels of main endocannabinoids, Anandamide (AEA) and 2-Acylglycerol (2-AG), and endocannabinoid related compounds, Palmitoylethanolamine, and N-oleoylethanolamine. Cannabis use was assessed with urine toxicology and frequency of cannabis use was assessed using self-reported questionnaires. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used to assess the severity of psychotic symptoms.

Results:

Overall, we had 38 individuals in cannabis positive group (CN+) and 45 individuals in cannabis negative group (CN−). Compared to CN−, CN+ group had lower plasma levels of AEA, which remained significant after controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and use of other drugs.

Conclusion:

Cannabis use is associated with low plasma AEA levels in individuals with psychosis, which is in the same line with reported suppressive effects of cannabis on the endocannabinoid system in healthy individuals. Further studies are needed to investigate the clinical significance of this finding.
Repositioning Game for Ambulance Services
Authors: Rudramoorthi T , Amit R. K.
Published: January 2023

In emergency medical services, ambulances are the first line of response, and the location of ambulances is one of the critical factors that influence the response time and, in turn, the coverage that is used as a metric to quantify the performance of an ambulance network. In this paper, we contribute to the literature of the dynamic repositioning of ambulances using compliance tables to improve coverage. We use a centrality measure, the Shapley value—a solution concept from coalitional game theory that measures the importance of a node in a network—to develop a compliance table for ambulance repositioning. Since the problem of computing the Shapley value often comes under the complexity class of [Formula: see text], we propose a compact representation of the ambulance repositioning problem called the repositioning game. The repositioning game includes the unavailability of ambulances and the variability in travel times. We show that the Shapley value of the repositioning game can be computed in polynomial [Formula: see text] time. Using the ambulance demand data of Chennai, India, we conduct discrete event simulation, and the simulation results indicate that the Shapley-value-based compliance table provides higher coverage than the criticality-based compliance table and the compliance table developed using the maximum expected covering location problem (MEXCRP) model when the ambulance network is constrained.
Effect of Motion Cues on Highway Driving Performance in Simulated Driving
Authors: Wang Xuesong , Ye Xinchen , Hurwitz David , Wang Xiaomeng , Schost Christian , Noyce David
Published: January 2023

The motion system is a major component of a driving simulator. It provides motion cues in various directions with different degrees of freedom (DOF). Different DOF could influence response variables widely used in highway design safety evaluation conducted in simulators. Few studies, though, have comprehensively explored the effect of driving simulator motion cues on driving performance. The high-fidelity Tongji University Driving Simulator (TUDS) was used to separately compare five dependent variables: speed, speed change, lane deviation, longitudinal acceleration, and lateral acceleration. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to examine the difference for each variable using 8-DOF and fixed-base motion system configurations for nine types of combined highway alignments. A subjective assessment of participants’ driving experience was conducted, and the chi-square test for each term was used to compare the difference in motion system fidelity and adverse reactions between the two configurations. Results show that: (1) speed and lateral acceleration are more likely to be significantly affected by motion cues than speed change, lane deviation, and longitudinal acceleration; (2) the horizontal curve with up-grade is the type of combined alignment where speed and lateral acceleration are mostly affected; (3) characteristics of the five variables in different combined alignments vary between the two simulators; (4) the 8-DOF motion system provides better perceived motion fidelity than the fixed-base system does, and the 8-DOF simulator causes less discomfort and tiredness in simulator sickness; and (5) the presence of motion cues is suggested for highways with complex combined curves when focusing on speed and lateral acceleration.
Mini-review of inventory data for the dewatering and drying of sewage sludge
Authors: Chang Huimin , Zhao Yan , Xu Ankun , Damgaard Anders , Christensen Thomas H
Published: January 2023

Technological comparison and system modelling of sewage sludge treatment are important in terms of sustainable development and climate change mitigation. Dewatering and drying are important processes for reducing volume for transportation and often a requirement for further sludge treatment. Inventory data on mass transfers and material and energy consumptions are therefore crucial in improving and understanding sludge management systems. Reviewing the scientific literature (2003–2021) revealed 55 and 21 datasets on dewatering and drying of sewage sludge, respectively. The scarcity of data did not allow for identifying detailed relationships between inputs and outputs for the technologies, but the reviewed data can serve as the first port of call when planning sludge management. The average total solid (TS) content obtained was statistically different for mechanical dewatering (MDW), deep dewatering, bio-drying (BDR) and thermal drying (TDR). Loss of volatile solids (VS) during dewatering is barely described, but a substantial VS loss was observed for TDR (8%) and BDR (27%). The use of chemical agents in MDW showed typical values of 5–15 g kg−1 TS. The use of energy is low for MDW (average of 0.12 and 0.26 kWh kg−1 TS for raw and digested sludges, respectively) but substantially higher for TDR (average of 3.8 kWh kg−1 TS). The justified inventory data for sludge dewatering and drying provide essential support to system modelling and technological comparison in future studies, but additional data from full-scale plants on energy consumption and the composition of removed water are strongly requested to improve the inventory.
Exploring how waste management is being approached in green building rating systems: A case study
Authors: Jorge-Ortiz Andrea , Braulio-Gonzalo Marta , Bovea María D
Published: January 2023

Green building rating systems (GBRS) propose sets of indicators to measure the level of sustainability of buildings, and include waste as one of the categories to be assessed. Yet, both the number of indicators and their aim, as well as the waste fraction they refer to, vary greatly from one system to another. This study identifies the waste-related indicators included in 10 global GBRS. They are classified on the basis of different criteria (waste fraction assessed, stages of the life cycle of the building, waste hierarchy and stages that make up the waste management system) so as to make it possible to subsequently analyse the importance given to each indicator through the specific weightings of each GBRS. Finally, the indicators are implemented in the case study of a building located in Colombia, in order to quantify the current level of sustainability achieved in the waste category of each system and to propose improvement actions that allow this score to be improved. In this way, it is shown that proper waste management can increase the level of sustainability of a building.
The Validity of WISC-V Profiles of Strengths and Weaknesses
Authors: de Jong Peter F.
Published: January 2023

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition (WISC-V; Wechsler, 2014 ) provides a general intelligence score, representing g, and five index scores, reflecting underlying broad factors. Within person differences between the overall performance across subtests and index scores, denoted as index difference scores, are often used to examine profiles of strengths and weaknesses. In this study, the validity of such profiles was examined for the Dutch WISC-V. In line with previous studies, broad factors explained little variance in index scores. A simulation study showed that variation in index difference scores also reflected little broad factor variance. The simulation study further revealed that, as a consequence, a significant discrepancy between an index score and overall performance was accompanied in only 40%–74% of the cases by a discrepancy on the underlying broad factor. Overall, these results provide little support for the validity and thereby clinical use of WISC-V profiles.
Effects of semiquinone-rich surface on the behaviors of vascular cells
Authors: Wang Zhixing , Liu Peng , Ye Peng , Dai Sheng , Liu LuYing , Yang Ping
Published: January 2023

Dopamine has been widely used for surface modification of cardiovascular medical devices as it forms films on most substrates that provide functional groups for surface chemical modification. However, under oxidative stress, the phenolic hydroxyl group on dopamine can undergo reversible transformation into phenol-semiquinone-quinone, which can cause cytotoxicity and immunotoxicity. In this study, we measured the effects of semiquinone on the behavior of vascular wall cells and inflammatory cells under oxidative stress via ultraviolet irradiation with a hydrogen peroxide diluent. Na2S2O3 was used as a stabilizer to obtain a semiquinone-rich poly-dopamine film, then phenol-semiquinone-quinone ratio on its surface was evaluated at three irradiation-oxidation time points. We found that the poly-dopamine film with ultraviolet irradiation in hydrogen peroxide solution for 15 min had the highest semiquinone occupancy of 19.18%. In the experimental group irradiated for 15 min, endothelial cells were cultured statically for 3 days and the number of surface adherent endothelial cells in the group with added semiquinone stabilizer was reduced to 73% of that in the group without stabilizer, indicating that semiquinone rich surface inhibits adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells; Smooth muscle cells were cultured statically for 3 days, and the number of adherent smooth muscle on surfaces without stabilizer was reduced to 75% of that on surfaces with stabilizer added, indicating that semiquinone rich surfaces promote smooth muscle proliferation. These results demonstrate that semiquinone can adversely affect the repair effect after implantation of cardiovascular materials. Therefore, our study provides a reference for the application and optimization of dopamine in cardiovascular implant materials.
Gang Membership Among Adolescents from Distinct Racial and Ethnic Backgrounds: The Roles of Neighborhood Conditions and Victimization
Authors: Mendez Lucybel , Kerig Patricia K.
Published: January 2023

Adolescent gang participation has been noted as a major public health concern. Therefore, researchers have placed a growing emphasis on identifying processes that propel adolescents toward gang membership. Previous studies have highlighted as relevant risk factors victimization experiences as well as neighborhood conditions, which reflect sociopolitical and socioeconomic disparities and precipitate social disorganization. However, research to date has not considered potential dynamic interrelations among these risk factors, which are suggested by an integrated trauma-informed developmental-ecological perspective. Additionally, given that minoritized youth are disproportionately represented in gangs and differentially exposed to many of the risk factors for gang membership, it is important to examine whether gang membership pathways are similar or distinct across racial and ethnic groups. In order to address these gaps, the present study examined longitudinal self-report data, including neighborhood conditions (Baseline), direct and witnessed victimization (12-month follow-up), and gang membership versus nonmembership (24-month follow-up) gathered from 1,284 adolescents identified as serious offenders (22% non-Hispanic White, 36% Latinx, and 43% African American) who participated in the Pathways to Desistance Study. Findings from structural equation modeling showed that pathways toward gang membership were similar across racial and ethnic groups. Results further demonstrated that neighborhood conditions increased the likelihood of adolescent gang participation through direct and witnessed victimization. These findings highlight the value of examining gang membership from an integrated trauma-informed developmental-ecological frameworks. Further, these findings emphasize the need for prevention and intervention initiatives at different levels of the social ecology.
Contract Work, a Blessing in Disguise? An Application of the Tenets of the Dual Labour Market Theory
Authors: Amankwah Majoreen Osafroadu
Published: January 2023

This study aims at investigating the good and bad of contract employment and examines whether there have been changes in the working conditions over time. Specifically, the study explored why people accept contract work and the peculiar emotional challenges they experience due to their employment status. A qualitative research design was employed with data collected through interviews with 34 employees from six financial institutions in Ghana. Thematic analysis revealed that individuals’ reasons for accepting contract work were either for socioeconomic convenience, affective or job-related factors. The emotional challenges experienced by these contract workers were either psychological or social. Another finding that emerged pertained to intrinsic and extrinsic protective factors for the experience of these emotional challenges. These findings imply that although contract workers are more vulnerable and may experience a variety of emotional challenges compared to permanent workers, some of these contract workers consider their jobs a blessing rather than a curse.
Postsecondary Policy Environments in Citizen Legislatures
Authors: Johnson David R.
Published: January 2023

Legislative professionalism is central to the politico-institutional context of postsecondary policy adoption in state governments. The core argument in existing research is that as legislative professionalism increases, structural capacity for decision-making increases. Evidence for this argument is mixed, exclusively quantitative, and assumes a bureaucratic logic. The goal of this study is to deepen understanding of legislative professionalism by examining how policy stakeholders perceive the postsecondary policy environment in a “citizen legislature.” The study draws on 26 in-depth interviews with higher education stakeholders in Nevada. The findings contribute empirically to the literature by demonstrating that legislative professionalism can be understood in terms of the meanings assigned distinctive legislative environments. The results also make a conceptual contribution to this literature by showing how loose coupling in interorganizational relations and bounded rationality shape the policy environment—in ways that yield benefits for some institutions and disadvantages for others.
Social Mediators of the Association Between Depression and Falls Among Older Adults
Authors: Lohman Matthew C. , Fallahi Afsaneh , Mishio Bawa Eric , Wei Jingkai , Merchant Anwar T.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To investigate the role of social factors in the association between depression and falls among older adults.

Methods

The sample included data from 3443 older adults from three waves of the Health and Retirement Study (2010–2014). A Lifestyle Questionnaire was used to measure social engagement, social network contact, and neighborhood social context. Mediating effects of social factors were estimated through causal mediation analysis. Results: Poorer social engagement and network contact were associated with greater likelihood of falls, while poorer neighborhood context was associated with greater likelihood of fall injuries. Social engagement mediated a significant portion of the effect of depression on falls (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.06), and neighborhood context mediated a portion of the effect of depression on fall injuries (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.07). Discussion: The direct and indirect impacts of social factors suggest that considering them may help improve existing fall prevention approaches.
Community-Based Initiatives and Public Services Delivery in a Fragile Context: The Case of Yemen
Authors: Elayah Moosa , Al-Sameai Nesmah , Khodr Hiba , Gamar Samah
Published: January 2023

The collapse of public services in Yemen due to a protracted crisis raging since 2015 has compelled some local citizen-based coalitions to initiate community-based service delivery. This preliminary study identifies Community-Based Initiatives (CBIs) as non-state actors supplying basic services ordinarily provided by governmental institutions. It offers an overview of Yemen’s humanitarian crisis while focusing on public services provision pre- and mid-conflict and highlights the role of CBIs as a response to its breakdown within a severely fragile context. As this work considers CBI a societal constituent and not simply a temporary phenomenon, it discusses the general trends of Civil Society. This article fills the gap in the literature and compares the Western perspective and application of CBIs in Yemen aiming at developing a more specific and contextual conception. The analysis lays the foundation for much needed future studies on the role of informal organizations in service provision in developing countries of the Global South.
Performance evaluation of spot cooled vibration assisted turning for Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Gamidi Kartheek , Krishna Pasam Vamsi
Published: January 2023

In the present work, a hybrid modular machining technology was designed for machining of Ti6Al4V alloy. Ultrasonic machining was integrated with vortex tube based spot cooling system with CO2 gas as working fluid for achieving the cumulative advantage of both, which is termed as Spot Cooled Vibration Assisted Turning (SCVAT). Its performance is evaluated and compared with Conventional turning, Vibration Assisted Turning and Vortex tube based spot cooling under constant machining conditions. The vibration and cooling parameters were also kept constant wherever applicable. The results showed a significant reduction in cutting temperature (30.98%), surface roughness (65.97%), and tool wear (75.03%); however, cutting forces are increased slightly compared to dry cutting. Compressive surface residual stresses were generated on the machined surface in SCVAT.
Modeling and experimental study on deformation prediction of thin-walled turbine blades during investment casting process
Authors: Zhou Leyao , Wang Donghong , Cui Jiayu , Zhao Daiyin , Liu Shumei , Shuai Sansan , Yin Yajun , Shu Da
Published: January 2023

Due to variable cross-sections and a thin-walled structure, gas turbine blades have stringent dimensional, and geometrical tolerance requirements. Single-crystal hollow blades are manufactured using the following investment casting processes: ceramic core preparation, wax injection, ceramic coating, wax removal, metal casting, and finishing. The main causes of the final casting deformation are wax pattern deformation, core deflection, and metal solidification warpage. This paper proposes a numerical simulation method to predict the deformation of the wax pattern, core deflection, and the directional solidification (DS) process of large single-crystal blades. Additionally, it investigates the displacement field and the influence of casting process parameters on dimensional accuracy. Three groups of DS process parameters were selected for experiments, and the deformation prediction was in agreement with the experimental results. The selected blade section deformation is the smallest when the pouring temperature is 1530°C and the withdrawal rate is 5 mm/min. The proposed finite element model is efficient to predict the deformation in all the investment casting processes, providing geometric guidance for the control of the dimensional accuracy of the turbine blade.
Estimation of state parameters and road adhesion coefficients for distributed drive electric vehicles based on a strong tracking SCKF
Authors: Rongyun Zhang , Bin Zhang , Peicheng Shi , Linfeng Zhao , Yongle Feng , Yaming Liu
Published: January 2023

To address the difficulties in accurately measuring driving state parameters and the road adhesion coefficient, in this paper, the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) was selected as the automotive in-wheel motor, and the distributed drive electric vehicle (DDEV) simulation model was built based on CarSim and MATLAB/Simulink software. PMSM speed estimation by Adaptive Sliding Mode Observer (ASMO) was used as input information for subsequent studies of state parameters and road adhesion coefficient estimation. Next, this paper established a nonlinear three-degrees-of-freedom whole-vehicle dynamics reference model based on the Dugoff tire model. We derived a suboptimal fading factor using strong tracking theory (STT) and introduced it into the square root of the prediction error covariance of the square-root cubature Kalman filter (SCKF) algorithm. A strong tracking square-root cubature Kalman filter (ST-SCKF) observer was constructed. Improved algorithm estimation accuracy and the ability to cope with sudden changes in operating conditions improve the estimation accuracy of the DDEV driving state parameters and road adhesion coefficient. Finally, a joint CarSim and MATLAB/Simulink simulation and experiments on real vehicles were carried out. The results show that, compared to the traditional CKF (cubature Kalman filter, CKF) and SCKF algorithms, the ST-SCKF algorithm is able to estimate vehicle state parameters and road adhesion coefficients more accurately while maintaining good estimation accuracy for docked road conditions with sudden changes in the road adhesion coefficient.
Nonlinear model predictive control of a DISI turbocharged engine with virtual engine co-simulation and real-time experimental validation
Authors: Koli Rohit , Egan Daniel , Zhu Qilun , Prucka Robert
Published: January 2023

An increasing number of control actuators are being added to internal combustion engines to reduce fuel consumption and meet with emission standards. This research utilizes Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) to manage a spark ignition engine equipped with a turbocharger, low pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), and Variable Valve Timing (VVT). This paper focuses on discussing the experimental setup and validation of the proposed NMPC strategy, while an overview of the control-oriented engine model and NMPC formulation is provided. The proposed NMPC-based engine control was implemented into a rapid prototype control system and successfully deployed during dynamometer tests. With a minimum amount of calibration effort, the NMPC exhibits sophisticated transient actuator control, which would otherwise require many calibration maps to achieve. A detailed discussion of these transient maneuvers is provided and reveals that these control actions indeed optimize the control objective function without violation of combustion and hardware capacity constraints.
Energy absorption characteristic and crashworthiness optimization design of VRB-VCS structures under manufacturing constraints
Authors: Luo Gan , Duan Libin , Xu Wei , Liu Xing , Du Zhanpeng , Zhu Maotao
Published: January 2023

After fully understanding the limitations of traditional variable rolled blank (VRB) and variable cross-sectional (VCS) double-hat shaped beam structures on the energy absorption ability and collision safety optimal design, we propose a variable rolled blank and variable cross-sectional (VRB-VCS) double-hat shaped beam structure with piecewise exponential function. Firstly, the thickness distribution function and the mathematical model of constraint conditions are derived under the constraints of manufacturing rollability. The corresponding finite element (FE) model of the VRB-VCS structure is validated by the dropping hammer impact axial crush experiments, which can predict the crushing process with high fidelity. Secondly, the parametric researches of the energy absorption characteristic of VRB-VCS structure are carried out based on the FE model. The reasonable range of each parameter is obtained by analyzing the influence of the thickness distribution and other key cross-sectional parameters on the energy absorption characteristic and deformation mode of VRB-VCS structure. Finally, the Pareto frontier solutions of the linear and piecewise exponential function VRB-VCS structures are obtained by the multi-objective optimization of the corresponding structures. In comparison to VCS, VRB and linear VRB-VCS structures, the proposed VRB-VCS structure has a higher energy absorption capacity and greater crashworthiness.
Model predictive control allocation based on adaptive sliding mode control strategy for enhancing the lateral stability of four-wheel-drive electric vehicles
Authors: Ao Di , Wong Pak Kin , Huang Wei
Published: January 2023

A novel hierarchical direct yaw moment controller is designed to enhance the lateral stability of the four-wheel-drive electric vehicle. The adaptive sliding mode control (ASMC) technique in the upper-layer controller is employed to compute an additional yaw moment. The lower-layer controller distributes this yaw moment into each independent wheel by utilizing model predictive control allocation (MPCA). The proposed MPCA aims to mitigate the performance deterioration induced by in-wheel motor dynamics and optimize the power consumption stemming from the additional yaw moment. Co-simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test is conducted to verify the performance of the proposed controller. Validation results show that the proposed hierarchical ASMC-MPCA controller outperforms the sliding mode control MPCA (SMC-MPCA) and the integrated nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) with the lowest root-mean-square errors [Formula: see text] of yaw rate, sideslip angle, lateral deviation, and lowest power consumption. Additionally, the chattering phenomenon in SMC-MPCA can be suppressed effectively by adaptively estimating the parameter uncertainties. The proposed ASMC-MPCA controller also consumes less computational resources than the NMPC and SMC-MPCA, which indicates that the ASMC-MPCA is more suitable for an automotive onboard controller. The comparison between hierarchical and integrated controller frameworks also shows that the hierarchical framework is more suitable for production vehicles under non-powerful vehicle control units.
Study on angle-only relative navigation for unmanned aerial vehicle formation in GPS-denied environment
Authors: Zheng Zixuan , Wang Sha , Gong Baichun , Su Erlong , Huang Hefei
Published: January 2023

To satisfy the autonomous relative navigation demand of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) formation in a GPS-denied environment, an angle-only relative navigation algorithm is proposed. First, the relative states in 3-dimension space are decoupled into relative motion along the horizontal plane and altitude by applying the relative azimuth between the north-east-down global frame and the body-fixed horizontal frame belonging to UAVs. Second, a relative dynamic and measurement model considering the measurement deviation of sensors are established. This solves the problem of colored noise in a majority of sensors used in practical engineering. Third, a consensus constraint model of relative states is established by introducing a geometric constraint among formation members. Additionally, a consensus-extended Kalman filter is designed. Finally, the angle-only relative navigation method is validated using standard Monte Carlo simulations. The simulation results show that all the states of the system are observable when the observability criterion is satisfied. The relative position accuracy achieved using gyros with a drift rate of 50°/h, accelerometers with 1 mg deviation, and optical cameras with 1° Gaussian white noise is within 10 m (3σ). Additionally, the method proposed in this study can be used to estimate the sensor measurement deviations effectively. Furthermore, it can be potentially applied to improve the absolute navigation accuracy of UAVs.
Study of thyroid dysfunction in people living with HIV in Nepalese population undergoing antiretroviral therapy: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sah Uday K , Ansari Mehraj , Sah Anil K , Chaudhary Priyanka , Gupta Saurav , Kumar Pawan , Sah Jay P
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common endocrine disorders in people living with HIV (PLHIV). The abnormality in thyroid function has been linked with the adverse effects of prolonged antiretroviral therapy (ART) in PLHIV, but its prevalence remains obscure. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of impaired thyroid function and its relationship to ART duration in Nepalese people living with HIV.

Methods

This cross-sectional clinical laboratory based study was conducted at SRL Diagnostics Nepal, Pvt. Ltd. from October 2021 to May 2022. Two hundred and three HIV-seropositive patients enrolled at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Kathmandu, Nepal were examined for their thyroid function test (TFT) by analyzing the serum T3, T4, and TSH concentrations using a fully automated COBAS e411 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics, USA) based on the electrochemiluminescence assay (ECLIA).

Results

Out of 203 PLHIV, 22 (10.83%) had a thyroid disorder, with subclinical hypothyroidism ( n = 16, 72.73%) being the most common, followed by subclinical hyperthyroidism ( n = 3, 13.63%). Thyroid dysfunction had no significant correlation with HIV/ART duration ( p = 0.304) and sex ( p = 0.419), whereas, the risk of thyroid dysfunction was induced with the rise in the age of the PLHIV ( p = 0.002, ϕ = 0.274). There were no significant differences in the mean serum T3, T4 and TSH values among different sexes and the HIV/ART duration, however a significant difference in the mean values of TSH (F (3, 199) = 3.231, p = 0.023) and T3 (F (3, 199) = 4.587, p = 0.004) among the different age-groups were shown. The mean T3 values also indicated a gradual decrease with increasing age.

Conclusion

The study revealed subclinical hypothyroidism as the prevailing thyroid disorder associated with PLHIV. The risk of thyroid dysfunction in PLHIV was neither gender specific nor being attributed by the ART duration in Nepalese population; however, elderly PLHIV were highly susceptible to the risk of thyroid disorder.
Thermoelectric nonlinear vibration and buckling analysis of the smart porous core sandwich plate (SPCSP) resting on the elastic foundation
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Harsha Suraj P
Published: January 2023

This paper analyses the vibration and buckling responses analysis of the smart porous core sandwich plate (SPCSP) resting on the elastic foundation under thermoelectric and thermomechanical loading. The plate is a constraint with conventional and unconventional boundary conditions. The thermo-mechanical properties of the plate are graded through the thickness direction with the sigmoid and exponential laws. The sandwich plate considered geometrical nonlinearity and assumed quadratic electric potential function across the thickness direction. The Hamilton principle derives the formulation with the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) displacement field. A nine-node quadratic element-based higher-order finite element method with seven degrees of freedom (DOFs) is used to convert the governing equation into a set of algebraic forms and solve it computationally (using MATLAB) with a modified Newton-Raphson scheme. Buckling and vibration responses are analysed under varying plate parameters like material exponent N, thickness ratio (a/h), porous exponent with different porosity dispersion, conventional and unconventional conditions, applied electric voltage V and temperature change [Formula: see text]. It is found that the presence of the Pasternak parameter gives additional stability to structures and overcomes the instability due to porosity. Also, the proposed work is not only precise but also simple in predicting the vibration and buckling response of smart sandwich porous plates under thermo-electric mechanical loading.
Design and experimental research of stepped bypass magnetorheological damper
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Zhu JieHong , Song Yunyun , Li Yan
Published: January 2023

In order to meet the damper performance requirements of heavy vehicles, a stepped-bypass magnetorheological damper is proposed. The mathematical model of damping force is deduced, and its mechanical properties are numerically simulated. Then the damper is manufactured, and the mechanical properties of the stepped bypass magnetorheological damper are experimentally studied. The simulation are consistent with the experimental results. The damper is optimized by orthogonal optimization design test. Finally, it is concluded that the maximum output damping force of the stepped bypass magnetorheological damper is about 4500 N, and the adjustable coefficient K is about 5.4. After optimization, the damping force of the stepped bypass magnetorheological damper is increased by at least 5.3%, and the adjustable coefficient K is at least 1.37 times that before optimization, which is 13% wider than that before optimization.
Self-sensing and self-healing smart fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite embedded with CNT film
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Liu Qiang , Li Ran , Lomov Stepan V , Abaimov Sergey G , Xiong Ke , Zhang Hanqi , Chen Changhao , Wu Qi
Published: January 2023

Impacts can degrade the strength of composite structures; thus, impact damages should be monitored and repaired. In this study, a novel composite consisting of carbon nanotube film and glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic was thermoformed. The fabricated smart composite demonstrated self-sensing and self-healing capabilities for damage caused by low-energy impacts. Elastic deformation of the composite caused by a 0.5-J impact was monitored from the immediate change in resistance of approximately 0.25 Ω. Internal damage such as tears and debonding was detected in real time by monitoring the permanent resistance variation of approximately 0.4 Ω using a Wheatstone bridge with a 3-J impact on the smart composite. This difference occurs because a 3-J impact discontinues the conductive path of the carbon nanotubes and changes the total resistance of the smart composite. The internal damage caused by a 3-J impact was repaired through the Joule heat effect when 0.7 MPa and 55 V were applied to heat the composite to 330°C. A three-point bending test demonstrated that the self-healing efficiency of the smart composite reached 87% in terms of flexural strength.
Effect of graphene nano-sheets on the elastic and piezoelectric coefficients of unidirectional PZT-7A/polyimide hybrid composites
Authors: Keramati Yasin , Ansari Reza , Hassanzadeh-Aghdam Mohammad Kazem
Published: January 2023

This research investigates the effect of adding graphene nano-sheets (GNSs) on the elastic and piezoelectric responses of PZT-7A piezoelectric fiber/polyimide hybrid composites. The constructional feature of this hybrid composite is such that unidirectional PZT-7A fibers are embedded into the GNS-filled polyimide material. A nested micromechanical modeling strategy based on the Mori-Tanaka scheme is developed to predict the effective properties of PZT-7A/GNS/polyimide hybrid composites. Parametric studies are performed in order to examine the influences of volume fraction, agglomeration and rolling-up of GNSs, and PZT-7A volume fraction on the piezoelectric hybrid composite coefficients. The results indicate that the elastic and piezoelectric properties of PZT-7A/polyimide composites can be improved by the uniform dispersion of GNSs. However, it is observed that the formation of GNS agglomeration into the polyimide matrix has a serious negative effect on the equivalent properties of piezoelectric hybrid composites. The present predictions are also compared with other results reported in the literature. It is believed that the modeling approach and outcomes of this research may help to design these kinds of novel and highly promising piezoelectric hybrid composites.
HIV Diagnosis as Both Biographical Disruption and Biographical Reinforcement: Experiences of HIV Diagnoses Among Recently Diagnosed People Living With HIV
Authors: Wells Nathanael , Murphy Dean , Ellard Jeanne , Philpot Steven P. , Prestage Garrett ,   on behalf of the RISE Study Team
Published: January 2023

Despite the potential for HIV treatments to transform the health needs of people living with HIV, receiving a positive HIV diagnosis can be a difficult experience and feelings of shock, distress and concerns for the future are commonly reported. Drawing on Michael Bury’s conceptualisation of ‘biographical disruption’, we utilised semi-structured interviews to explore experiences of HIV diagnoses among 34 people diagnosed with HIV between 2016 and 2020 and living in Australia. Interviews were conducted between January 2018 and August 2021. Despite significant advances in biomedical HIV treatments and prevention, participants commonly experienced HIV diagnosis as emotionally challenging. For those with limited HIV awareness, HIV was commonly understood as a likely fatal condition. For some participants, receiving a positive diagnosis also engendered a degree of uncertainty as to their anticipated life trajectory, particularly its impact on future sexual and romantic relationships, options for starting a family and migration opportunities. For some gay and bisexual male participants, receiving a positive diagnosis almost confirmed a life trajectory that they had worked to avoid and their own sometimes-negative attitudes toward people living with HIV were internalised, making adjusting to diagnosis more complex. While all participants reported challenges in adjusting to an HIV diagnosis, some ultimately came to experience living with HIV as bringing about unexpected and welcome changes to their lives. Our findings highlight the complex and intersecting medical, social and emotional needs of people living with HIV when receiving and adjusting to a positive HIV diagnosis.
Stability analysis for a tripled system of fractional pantograph differential equations with nonlocal conditions
Authors: Hammad Hasanen A , Rashwan Rashwan A , Nafea Ahmed , Samei Mohammad Esmael , Noeiaghdam Samad
Published: January 2023

The goal of this article is to obtain the existence and uniqueness of a tripled fixed point to the underlying tripled system of fractional pantograph differential equations. We also used degree theory with non-local boundary conditions to derive relevant results supporting the existence of at least one solution to our proposed system. Furthermore, some stability analysis such as Ulam–Hyers and generalized Ulam–Hyers are established. Finally, an illustrative example is presented to support and enhance our analysis.
A Review of Intimate Partner Violence Interventions Relevant to Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Weeks Lori E. , Stilwell Christie , Rothfus Melissa , Weeks Alyssa J. , Macdonald Marilyn , Jackson Lois A. , Dupuis-Blanchard Suzanne , Carson Andrea , Moody Elaine , Helpard Heather , Daclan Anika
Published: January 2023

Women have experienced increased rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) since the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and at the same time requirements for physical distancing and/or remote delivery of services have created challenges in accessing services. We synthesized research evidence from 4 systematic reviews and 20 individual studies to address how IPV interventions can be adapted within the context of the pandemic. As many interventions have been delivered via various technologies, access to technology is of particular importance during the pandemic. Our results can inform the provision of services during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic including how to support women who have little access to in-person services.
The Ongoing Development of Strength-Based Approaches to People Who Hold Systemically Marginalized Identities
Authors: Silverman David M. , Rosario R. Josiah , Hernandez Ivan A. , Destin Mesmin
Published: January 2023

Academic Abstract

Personality and social psychology have historically viewed individuals’ systemically marginalized identities (e.g., as people of color, as coming from a lower-income background) as barriers to their success. Such a deficit-based perspective limits psychological science by overlooking the broader experiences, value, perspectives, and strengths that individuals who face systemic marginalization often bring to their societies. The current article aims to support future research in incorporating a strength-based lens through tracing psychology’s journey away from an emphasis on deficits among people who contend with systemic marginalization and toward three distinct strength-based approaches: the universal strengths, difference-as-strength, and identity-specific strengths approaches. Through distinguishing between each approach, we advance scholarship that aims to understand systemically marginalized identities with corresponding implications for addressing inequality. Strength-based approaches guide the field to recognize the imposed limitations of deficit-based ideologies and advance opportunities to engage in research that effectively understands and values systemically marginalized people.

Public Abstract

Inequalities, including those between people from higher- and lower-income backgrounds, are present across society. From schools to workplaces, hospitals to courtrooms, people who come from backgrounds that are marginalized by society often face more negative outcomes than people from more privileged backgrounds. While such inequalities are often blamed on a lack of hard work or other issues within marginalized people themselves, scientific research increasingly demonstrates that this is not the case. Rather, studies consistently find that people’s identities as coming from groups that face marginalization in society often serve as a valuable source of unique strengths, not deficiencies, that can help them succeed. Our article reviews these studies to examine how future research in psychology may gain a broader understanding of people who contend with marginalization. In doing so, we outline opportunities for psychological research to effectively support efforts to address persistent inequalities.
Alternative technique for the injection of fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) intravitreal implant (Iluvien®) in case of leakage of its injector
Authors: Diago Teresa , Fau Silvia G. , Roca Jaime Moya
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To show an alternative surgical technique for the introduction of the intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (Iluvien®) into the vitreous cavity using a 23-gauge (G) trocar if it is retained during its implantation in the subconjunctival space.

Methods

We describe the surgical procedure performed to solve the complication: The FAc implant was extracted from the subconjunctival space using flat retinal forceps. A 23-G trocar was inserted 3,5 mm to the limbus. The same flat retinal forceps were used to take the FAc implant and introduce it into the vitreous cavity using a 23-G trocar.

Results

The patient's best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (Snellen) improved from 20/200 to 20/63 and the central macular thickness (CMT) was reduced from 610 microns (µm) to 215 µm after one week of the FAc implantation. He remained stable after 3 months of follow-up, with a BCVA of 20/63 and a CMT of 191 µm. His intraocular pressure (IOP) remained stable and the integrity of the implant was checked by indirect ophthalmoscopy.

Conclusion

The introduction of the intravitreal FAc implant using a 23-gauge trocar constitutes a valid alternative if it is retained during its implantation in the subconjunctival space. The functionality of the implant remained intact in our patient.
The Potential of Ameliorating COVID-19 and Sequelae From Andrographis paniculata via Bioinformatics
Authors: Nguyen Hien Thi , Do Van Mai , Phan Thanh Thuy , Nguyen Huynh Dung Tam
Published: January 2023

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is alarmingly escalating and raises challenges in finding efficient compounds for treatment. Repurposing phytochemicals in herbs is an ideal and economical approach for screening potential herbal components against COVID-19. Andrographis paniculata, also known as Chuan Xin Lian, has traditionally been used as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herb for centuries and has recently been classified as a promising herbal remedy for adjuvant therapy in treating respiratory diseases. This study aimed to screen Chuan Xin Lian’s bioactive components and elicit the potential pharmacological mechanisms and plausible pathways for treating COVID-19 using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking. The results found terpenoid (andrographolide) and flavonoid (luteolin, quercetin, kaempferol, and wogonin) derivatives had remarkable potential against COVID-19 and sequelae owing to their high degrees in the component-target-pathway network and strong binding capacities in docking scores. In addition, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway might be the most vital molecular pathway in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and long-term sequelae whereby therapeutic strategies can intervene.
Temporal multimodality and performativity: Exploring politics of time in the discursive, communicative constitution of organization
Authors: Plotnikof Mie , Mumby Dennis K
Published: January 2023

This paper discusses the critical role of time in the discursive, communicative constitution of organization under neo-liberal capitalism and its normalization of uncertainty and change. Building on a review of extant time notions in studies of organizational discourse and communicative constitution of organization, we propose a critical approach to temporality inspired by feminist time notions, namely spacetimemattering and politics of time. In doing this, we develop a multimodal and performative concept of temporality that facilitates a double attention to the multiple communication modes of time and their performative powers in organizing work life. We explore the value of this conception of temporality through an empirical illustration, showing how multiple temporalities entangle, differentiate, and compete, and how one time construct may domesticate and devalue other times without, however, eliminating those, thus enabling ongoing, precarious struggles over organizing work practices and subjectivities. The paper expands the scope of temporality studies in organizations, nurturing critical theorizing of and insights into the multimodal performativity and politics of time at work in neo-liberal capitalism.