bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Statewide Safety Performance Functions for Commercial Trucks Transporting Hazardous Materials on Interstate Rural Roads in Wyoming
Authors: Gaweesh Sherif M. , Ahmed Irfan U. , Ahmed Mohamed M. , Wulff Shaun S.
Published: July 2022

Truck crashes in Wyoming are considered a major issue. Nearly 26% of crashes on rural interstate roads involve hazardous materials (HAZMAT) trucks. Wyoming has a high rate of activities related to the energy industry, as it is considered among the top energy producing states in the U.S.A., and mainly relies on the trucking industry for transportation. A crash involving a HAZMAT shipment might have a catastrophic impact because of the nature of the HAZMAT shipment. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the traffic safety performance of HAZMAT trucks, so suitable countermeasures can be identified to reduce the frequency and severity of these crashes. This study aims to develop safety performance functions (SPFs) for crashes involving HAZMAT utilizing traditional negative binomial (NB) models, as well as variations of the NB model, namely, NB-1 and NB-P. The results indicate that HAZMAT truck crashes are associated with vehicle miles traveled, truck percentage, horizontal and vertical characteristics of road geometry, pavement type, and speed limit. The findings from this study show that the NB-P models outperformed the traditional NB models based on likelihood ratio tests, information criteria, and prediction measures. Relevant insights are made on traditional countermeasures, such as road geometry, warning signs, slippery road surface warnings, and climbing lanes, as well as non-traditional countermeasures including updating variable speed limit (VSL) algorithms, adding variable message signs, and integrating roadway geometry information into connected vehicle applications in Wyoming. These could be considered to assist stakeholders and emergency management agencies in better decision making toward safer operations of HAZMAT trucks.
LRFD Approach for Load Rating U.S. Army-Owned Bridges That Require Engineering Judgment
Authors: McCluskey Monica A. , Muller Joshua W.
Published: July 2022

As part of their 2020 Biennial Inspection Program, the U.S. Army is conducting a load rating effort for its bridges located at military installations throughout the United States. To date, 201 structures at 26 army bases are being evaluated for both civilian and military vehicles. Seventy-two of these structures are reinforced concrete bridges with unknown reinforcement which must therefore be rated using engineering judgment. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) Manual for Bridge Evaluation provides guidance for these structures when the live loads are civilian vehicles. For army-owned bridges, however, an allowable military load classification must also be determined. A procedure called “correlation classification” is currently used to determine the proper military load classification for a particular bridge. The current procedure, however, is based on the allowable stress method. To allow the use of load resistance factor design (LRFD), a new correlation equation and methodology using LRFD principles was developed. The methodology, however, requires the load rater to incorporate knowledge about the bridge into the load rating process. For older bridges with lighter design vehicles, and low the average daily traffic bridges, the correlation concept was also used to determine if a posting was required for state legal and emergency vehicles. This exercise demonstrated that the current correlation equation can be successfully modified to incorporate LRFD principles and applied to determine the military load classification for reinforced concrete structures that require engineering judgment. The application of the new correlation equation is illustrated with two examples: a reinforced concrete beam bridge and a box culvert.
Preventative effects of antioxidants on changes in sebocytes, outer root sheath cells, and Cutibacterium acnes-pretreated mice by particulate matter: No significant difference among antioxidants
Authors: Kwack Mi Hee , Ha Dae-Lyong , Lee Weon Ju
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Particulate matter (PM) is an air pollutant that can damage human skin; antioxidants have shown some efficacy in alleviating PM-induced skin inflammation. We investigated the antioxidant effects of punicalagin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and resveratrol on PM-induced changes in cultured human sebocytes, outer root sheath (ORS) cells, and Cutibacterium acnes-pretreated mice.

Methods

Sebocytes and ORS cells were cultured with 100 μg/mL PM10 and 5 μM punicalagin, 1 μM EGCG, or 1 μM resveratrol for 24 h. In C. acnes-pretreated mice, inflammatory nodules were treated with 100 μg/mL PM10 and 5 μM punicalagin, 1 μM EGCG, or 1 μM resveratrol. Cell viability was measured using an MTT assay. Antioxidant effects were analyzed according to RNA expression, using real-time PCR, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and sebum measurements.

Results

Antioxidants inhibited the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinase, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and NF-kB as well as the production of ROS induced by PM10 in cultured sebocytes and ORS cells. The preventative effects of punicalagin and EGCG on biomarker expression in cultured sebocytes and ORS cells were slightly greater than those of resveratrol, though the difference was not significant. In C. acnes-pretreated mice, the antioxidants inhibited inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase expression as well as sebum production.

Conclusions

Antioxidants effectively reduced the expression of inflammatory biomarkers and sebum production in cultured sebocytes, ORS cells, and C. acnes-pretreated mice.
A Coach-Delivered Dating Violence Prevention Program: Coach Perspectives on Implementation
Authors: Fields Alana D. , Fenn Mikaela , Ripper Lisa , Hill Ashley , Mulbah Paul , Kass Nicolás Matheo , Miller Elizabeth
Published: July 2022

Coaching Boys into Men (CBIM), an evidence-based violence prevention program, utilizes the coach-athlete relationship to deliver information about healthy, respectful relationships to adolescent boys involved in athletics. Although CBIM has demonstrated effectiveness in clinical research trials, its implementation outside of an effectiveness study has not been explored. The purpose of this current study was to explore facilitators and barriers of effective implementation in community settings using experiences from one regional implementation in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Head coaches who implemented CBIM from 2017-2018 seasons ( n = 35) were contacted and 22 (63%) agreed to participate. Coaches were asked how they delivered CBIM to their team, what aided the process, barriers to facilitation, and their overall thoughts on CBIM implementation. Interviews were structured to uncover specific information regarding implementation while also providing time and space for coaches to voice their suggestions and opinions. Interviews were coded using descriptive content analysis. Key facilitators to implementation were involvement of violence prevention advocates, athletic directors, assistant coaches, and players and having flexibility to integrate current events to emphasize topics covered in CBIM. Observed improvements in bystander intervention behaviors and better attitudes towards women and girls among athletes were key motivators for coaches to continue the program. Main barriers were inconsistencies in time available to discuss topics with players and need to refresh curriculum content over multiple seasons. Coaches identified components necessary for broader and sustained implementation of this evidence-based violence prevention intervention in community settings. Coaches’ confidence in delivering program content can be bolstered with appropriate strategies in place to address barriers. As coaches witness positive impacts among their athletes, these successes contribute to coaches recognizing their role in transforming sports into a platform for community-wide violence prevention.
Patterned person-situation fit in daily life: Examining magnitudes, stabilities, and correlates of trait-situation and state-situation fit
Authors: Rauthmann John F. , Sherman Ryne A.
Published: July 2022

Person-situation fit can be operationalized as within-person associations between profiles of personality traits and situation characteristics ( trait-situation fit) as well as personality states and situation characteristics ( state-situation fit). We provide an initial examination of basic properties (magnitudes, individual differences, reliabilities, intercorrelations), short-term stability (across weeks), and nomological correlates of overall and distinctive profile-level person-situation fits. In a real-life, multi-method multi-occasion design ( N = 204–209), we obtained data on participants’ traits (self- and informant-reported) as well as, at four time-points from their everyday lives, on situation characteristics (self- and coder-reported) and states (self-reported). Profile scores ( q-correlations) were computed across 35 cognate items between the CAQ (traits), RSQ (situations), and RBQ (states). Our descriptive and exploratory findings indicated that trait-situation and state-situation fits were sizable (overall more so than distinctive forms), and that there were substantial individual differences, which were only modestly stable during a short period and had some plausible nomological correlates (i.e., lower depression and neuroticism, but higher psychological well-being and happiness) that were driven mainly by normativity. Most findings replicated across measurement sources (self- vs. other-reports). Person-situation fit concepts, once further corroborated, could further personality-psychological research.
Learning From the Diverse Perspectives and Voice of Newcomers: A Contingency Model
Authors: Zhan Mengqi Monica
Published: July 2022

New organizational members can be an essential source to work teams. Yet, it is unclear whether teams can leverage newcomers’ distinct backgrounds, knowledge, and expertise through communicative processes to improve team effectiveness. This study develops and tests a theoretical account of the efficacy of newcomer communicative behavior for boosting team effectiveness. In doing so, this study specified the circumstances in which a positive relationship between the two is likely to occur. Results ( N =160 teams) showed that newcomer voices’ positive influence on post-entry team performance was contingent upon individual-, team-, and organization-level boundary conditions, including age dissimilarity, team adaptability, and competitive intensity.
Virtually Enhancing Public Engagement During the Pandemic: Measuring the Impact of Virtual Reality Powered Immersive Videos on Corporate Social Responsibility Communication
Authors: Cheng Yang , Wang Yuan , Zhao Wen , Zhang Kaijie , Cai Xinyi , Jiang Hua
Published: July 2022

Many companies have applied virtual reality (VR), a new and popular technology, to their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. This study examines how 360-degree VR-powered videos might further enhance consumers’ engagement in CSR activities and facilitate business outcomes during a crisis setting. The researchers conducted an online survey study, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with 1422 representative U.S. residents and applied the structural equation modeling for data analysis. Results indicated that the four categories of gratifications-sought (i.e., being there, enhancement, interaction, and fun) on 360-degree VR-powered videos could all positively influence CSR engagement; in contrast, CSR skepticism would reduce such engagement online. Corporate social responsibility engagement further improved the organization-public relationships (OPRs) and ultimately influenced consumers’ word-of-mouth toward the company. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings were discussed.
Development of solid polymer electrolytes based on poly (ethylene oxide) complexed with 2-trifluoromethyl-4, 5-dicyanoimidazole lithium salt and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquid for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Polu Anji Reddy , Singh Pramod K , Siva kumar P , Joshi Girish M , Ramesh T , Noor IM , Madkhli Aysh Y , Kakroo Sunanda
Published: July 2022

Ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte films based on polymer poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) complexed with 2-trifluoromethyl-4, 5-dicyanoimidazole lithium salt and ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide are synthesized using anhydrous acetonitrile as solvent. Prepared electrolyte films are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), complex impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry techniques. Incorporation of IL into the PEO20-LiTDI polymer electrolyte changes different physicochemical properties of these materials. By characterizations, particularly XRD, DSC and ionic conductivity studies, the synthesized SPEs showed decreased crystallinity, melting points and increased ionic conductivity by the introduction of ionic liquid. The 40 wt% of IL doped polymer electrolyte showed an ionic conductivity of the order of 1.78 × 10−4 S/cm at 60°C with better thermal stability. The optimum conducting composition showed very good electrochemical stability window at ambient temperature. These results suggested that the IL-doped polymer electrolyte would be a potential separator in Li-ion batteries.
The association between dietary patterns and a doctor diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus: the Adventist Health Study-2
Authors: Oh Jisoo , Oda Keiji , Brash Marissa , Beeson W. Lawrence , Sabaté Joan , Fraser Gary E , Knutsen Synnove F
Published: July 2022

Objective

The aim of our study was to assess the association between a diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and dietary pattern as well as demographic factors among subjects in the Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2) cohort.

Methods

Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to assess the association between prevalence of self-reported SLE and dietary patterns (vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian and non-vegetarian). Potential confounding variables included were age, gender, race, education, and smoking history among 77,795 AHS-2 participants.

Results

There was a dose-response association between the prevalence of SLE with vegetarian diets, ordered by content of animal meats. The stricter vegetarians had 25% lower odds of reporting that they were currently being treated for SLE (OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.56, 1.02) with intermediate levels for the pesco-vegetarians who eat fish (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.57, 1.36), compared to non-vegetarians. As expected, there were also significant associations between the prevalence of SLE with sex, race, age, and smoking. Significantly fewer men were diagnosed with SLE compared to women (OR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.22). Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks were significantly more likely to report a diagnosis of SLE (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.29, 2.21). A significantly lower proportion of 30–39 year olds (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29, 0.90) reported a diagnosis of SLE when compared to those 60 or older. Also, ever smokers were more likely to report prevalent SLE than those who had never smoked (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.27, 2.31).

Conclusion

We found that vegetarians had lower odds of doctor-diagnosed SLE with an increasing trend in prevalence from stricter vegetarians to pesco-vegetarians to non-vegetarians. We also note that the association with other demographic factors in AHS-2 was similar to that found in other studies. Future studies may focus on assessing the incidence and severity of the disease among vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Multispecies Families: Pets, Community, and Social Action
Authors: Dolby Nadine
Published: July 2022

In this essay, I reflect on what I learned about human–animal relationships, families, and community through volunteering at an animal shelter, and how I translated these insights into founding a nonprofit community organization, Animal Advocates of Greater Lafayette (AAGL). I first discuss the increasing research and scholarship in the social work field that examines the role of pets in human lives. I describe my methodological frame, drawing on the fields of autoethnography and personal narrative in qualitative research. I then relate both animal and human stories from the field (in this case, an animal shelter), and tell the story of the founding and current activities of AAGL. In conclusion, I suggest that AAGL, as a community organization, models how to rethink families through a multispecies lens.
Incidence of Lateral Prominence Pain Following Open Medial Displacement Calcaneal Osteotomy and the Efficacy of Crushplasty as a Preventive Technique
Authors: Kim Jaeyoung , Kim Chul-Ho , Day Jonathan , Seilern und Aspang Jesse , Rajan Lavan , Kumar Prashanth
Published: July 2022

Background:

There has been concern about lateral prominence pain at the osteotomy site following medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO). However, no study has investigated this complication. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of lateral prominence pain following MDCO and examine the efficacy of crushplasty as a surgical technique to minimize this complication.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study in which 137 patients (148 feet) who underwent MDCO were divided into 2 groups by whether they had concurrent crushplasty at the time of MDCO (crushplasty [n = 81] vs noncrushplasty group [n = 67]). Crushplasty was performed by flattening the bony step-off using a rongeur and bone impactor. Lateral prominence pain was defined as pain or irritating symptoms over the osteotomy site that persisted over 12 months after MDCO. The overall incidence of lateral prominence pain after MDCO and within each group was investigated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influence of possible risk factors on the development of postoperative lateral prominence pain.

Results:

The overall incidence of lateral prominence pain was 9.5% (14 of 148): 3.4% (3 of 87) in the crushplasty group, and 18% (11 of 61) in the noncrushplasty group, and χ2 analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between crushplasty and lateral prominence pain ( P < .05). A relationship between the amount of medial displacement and the development of lateral prominence pain was observed in the noncrushplasty group (OR = 5.31, 95% CI 2.35-16.4, P < .05), but this was not observed in the crushplasty group ( P = .641). The amount of medial displacement was an independent risk factor for the development of lateral prominence pain (OR = 2.72, 95% CI 1.54-4.79, P < .05), and concurrent crushplasty had a negative relationship with lateral prominence pain development (OR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.03-0.57, P < .05).

Conclusion:

This study revealed that lateral prominence pain is a significant complication of MDCO, especially in the setting of a larger displacement. The crushplasty following MDCO may minimize this complication, particularly when a greater degree of hindfoot correction is attempted.
Including Student Input as a Critical Component of Functional Behavior Assessment
Authors: Johnson Holly N. , Carpenter Megan E.
Published: July 2022

The primary purpose of conducting a structured interview as part of a functional behavior assessment (FBA) is to assist teams in generating a hypothesis about the reason for a student’s problem behavior based on specific information. Although the use of an interview can be beneficial in identifying the function of a student’s behavior, it often only includes information provided by teachers, support staff, and family members and overlooks the student’s involvement. In this article, we discuss some of the barriers educators may encounter during the structured interview process and describe in detail possible solutions and adaptations educators can use to assist in planning and successfully conducting a student-involved structured interview as part of the FBA process.
Unusual deformation patterns in a second-gradient cylindrical lattice shell: Numerical experiments
Authors: Ciallella Alessandro , Steigmann David J
Published: July 2022

Numerical experiments reveal unusual deformation patterns in a cylindrical lattice shell, modeled as a curved two-dimensional second-gradient elastic surface.
Approximate Lamb waves in a composite plate reinforced by two families of fibres
Authors: Milosavljević Dragan , Radakovic Aleksandar , Cukanovic Dragan
Published: July 2022

Here, we examine Lamb waves, propagating parallel to plate surfaces, reinforced by two families of strong straight fibres. Since fibres are much stronger than the matrix, anisotropic properties are highly emphasized. Coordinate-free constitutive relations give a possibility to consider fibres embedded in such materials as extensible or inextensible. When constraints of inextensibility are imposed on fibres, the so-called constrained fibre-reinforced material may be obtained from materials with extensible fibres in a limiting process. Often used to represent such materials is an epoxy resin carbon fibres composite whose material constants, for materials reinforced by one family of fibres, are determined with ultrasound methods. In the plate, reinforced by two families of fibres, of finite thickness, examined here, waves propagate as dispersive either as bending waves or extensional waves. The plate made of the described materials shows some interesting dynamic properties in the propagation of elastic waves. We apply the perturbation method, in particular the matched composite expansion, to examine plane wave propagation. Some interesting results of dynamic behaviour when a material has strong anisotropy will be displayed.
Analysis of Daily Sleep Diary Measures From Multilayer Extended-Release Methylphenidate (PRC-063) Studies in Children and Adults With ADHD
Authors: Cataldo Marc , Donnelly Graeme , Cutler Andrew J. , Childress Ann , Mikl Jaromir , Bhaskar Sailaja , Waxmonsky James
Published: July 2022

Objective:

To compare the effect of a once-daily extended-release methylphenidate formulation (PRC-063) versus placebo on sleep, measured via daily electronic diary in two clinical trials in pediatric (6–12 years) and adult (≥18 years) patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Method:

A diary was completed by adult patients or parents/caregivers of pediatric patients during two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled laboratory classroom studies. Following dose optimization of PRC-063, patients were randomized to 1 week of double-blind treatment with PRC-063 or placebo before attending a full-day laboratory classroom session.

Results:

In the studies, 148 pediatric patients and 239 adult patients were randomized to either PRC-063 or placebo. When compared with the diaries of placebo patients, the sleep diaries in both pediatric and adult patients showed no statistical difference in total sleep time, efficiency, or latency.

Conclusion:

PRC-063 did not impact subjective measures of sleep versus placebo in pediatric and adult patients with ADHD.
Impact of disease-modifying therapies on evolving tissue damage in iron rim multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Eisele Philipp , Wittayer Matthias , Weber Claudia E , Platten Michael , Schirmer Lucas , Gass Achim
Published: July 2022

We investigated the impact of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) on the evolving tissue damage in iron rim multiple sclerosis lesions using a novel post-processing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach, the T1/T2 ratio. In this study, on baseline and 1-year follow-up, T1/T2 ratios of iron rim lesions (IRLs) in patients starting DMT (dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, ocrelizumab) did not statistically differ compared to patients without DMT. At the second follow-up, T1/T2 ratios were significantly lower in IRLs in patients without DMT ( p = 0.002), suggesting that DMTs have a beneficial delayed effect on lesion evolution and tissue matrix damage in IRLs.
Optical characterization of stratified-premixed natural gas direct-injection combustion regimes
Authors: Rochussen Jeremy , Knight Matthew , Clark Gibson , Kirchen Patrick
Published: July 2022

Gaseous fuels for heavy-duty internal combustion engines provide inherent advantages for reducing CO2, particulate matter (PM), and NOX emissions. Pilot-ignited direct-injected NG (PIDING) combustion uses a small pilot injection of diesel to ignite a late-cycle main direct injection of NG, resulting in significant reduction of unburned CH4 emissions relative to port-injected NG. Previous works have identified NG premixing as a critical parameter establishing indicated efficiency and emissions performance. To this end, a recent experimental investigation using a metal engine identified six general regimes of PIDING heat release and emissions behavior arising from variation of NG stratification through control of relative injection timing (RIT) of the NG with respect to the pilot diesel. The objective of the current work is to provide comprehensive description of in-cylinder fuel mixing of direct injected gaseous fuel and its impacts on combustion and pollutant formation processes for stratified PIDING combustion. In-cylinder imaging of OH*-chemiluminescence (OH*-CL) and PM (700 nm), and measurement of local concentration of fuel is considered for 11 different [Formula: see text], representing 5 regimes of stratified PIDING combustion (performed with [Formula: see text] MPa and [Formula: see text]). The magnitude and cyclic variability of premixed fuel concentration near the bowl wall provides direct experimental validation of thermodynamic metrics ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) that describe the fuel-air mixture state of all 5 regimes of PIDING combustion. The local fuel concentration develops non-monotonically and is a function of RIT. High indicated efficiency and low CH4 emissions previously observed for stratified-premixed PIDING combustion in previous (non-optical) investigations are due to: (i) very rapid reaction zone growth ([Formula: see text] m/s) and (ii) more distributed early reaction zones when overlapping pilot and NG injections cause partial pilot quenching. These results connect and extend the findings of previous investigations and guide the future strategic implementation of NG stratification for improved combustion and emissions performance.
Exploring differences of corporate social responsibility perceptions and expectations between eastern and western countries: Emerging patterns and managerial implications
Authors: Minoja Mario , Kocollari Ulpiana , Cavicchioli Maddalena
Published: July 2022

Cross-cultural differences and their effects on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) perceptions and expectations may be a source of risks and opportunities for managers of multinational or international companies. Moving from this assumption, this paper focuses on the relatively underdeveloped topic of CSR in Eastern European, post- Communist countries, with the aim to compare how CSR is perceived and affect consumers’ behaviours in Albania (EU candidate only in March 2020) compared to Germany and Italy. Through an empirical study of CSR perceptions of Albanian master degree students in comparison with their German and Italian colleagues, we found, first, that Albanian students share with their Western counterparts a perception of firm duties encompassing the economic, legal, environmental, and voluntariness dimensions; second, that for Albanian students a firm behaves in a socially responsible manner to the extent it acts responsibly toward the environment and achieves economic success; third, that they have stronger expectations in terms of CSR and more positive attitudes toward responsible buying than Western European students. Overall, our study suggests that cultural differences affect CSR perceptions and expectations, which, in turn, influence the purchasing behaviours. Thus, from a cross-cultural management perspective, managers need to be aware of these differences, assess their potential impact on stakeholders’ behaviours and attitudes toward a firm, identify risks and opportunities, and finally decide their strategic responses.
Acoustic versus aerodynamic installation effects on a generic propeller-driven flying architecture
Authors: Roger Michel , Acevedo-Giraldo Daniel , Jacob Marc C
Published: July 2022

The present work addresses the combined aerodynamic and acoustic installation effects observed as a subsonic propeller is partly crossing the near-wake of a wing. Only the tonal noise at multiples of the blade passing frequency is considered. The aerodynamic effect is the onset of additional sound sources caused by blade-wake interaction, compared to the case of the isolated propeller. The acoustic effect is the scattering by the wing. The work is aimed at demonstrating the ability of analytical models to estimate separately these effects, which is of primary interest for the preliminary design steps of a system. A basic experiment carried out in an anechoic, open-jet facility, is described, for validation purposes. The far-field sound measurements are compared to the predictions and some key outcomes are presented. In particular, the model provides guidelines to avoid configurations of excessive noise.
Evaluation of sky spectra and sky models in daylighting simulations
Authors: Inanici M , Abboushi B , Safranek S
Published: July 2022

Sky models in daylight simulations represent the luminance variation across the sky-dome for different locations, dates, times and weather conditions, but skies are typically modelled as colourless. Recent studies explore techniques for incorporating the spectral content of daylighting in simulations. This paper provides an evaluation of the existing spectral sky models in lighting simulation software. The comparisons are made between the available mathematical sky models and naturally occurring skies that were recorded using high dynamic range photography and spectrophotometric measurements. The results show that recently developed sky models present progress compared to colourless sky models, but further research is needed to accurately simulate daylight spectra.
Merit and ressentiment: How to tackle the tyranny of merit
Authors: Mijs Jonathan J. B.
Published: July 2022

My contribution to this special issue engages with Michael Sandel’s The Tyranny of Meritocracy and its significance to the academic conversation about meritocracy and its discontents. Specifically, I highlight Sandel’s diagnosis of the rise of populism and his proposed remedy for the ‘tyranny of merit’. First, building on Menno ter Braak’s writings on the rise of fascism, I explore the sources of ressentiment in contemporary societies as stemming not from disillusionment with meritocracy but from the broken promise of liberalism and democracy more generally. Second, I consider Sandel’s proposals to reform elite university admissions and to ‘recognize work’, explore their wider applicability, and reflect on their limitations to meaningfully change how success and failure is socially experienced and morally understood.
Job Satisfaction or Employee Engagement: Regardless of Which Comes First, Supportive Leadership Improves Them Both
Authors: Prentice Stephen B.
Published: July 2022

Problem

While the debate continues over which comes first, employee engagement or job satisfaction, there is no debate regarding the high positive correlation that exists between them, nor their impact on organizational performance and productivity, company reputation, customer satisfaction, and turnover intention. Yet, HRD and HRM practitioners have been remise in advancing current and relevant leadership theories resulting in deficiencies in leadership theory, training, and practice.

Solution

Considering the importance of employee engagement and job satisfaction to the success and reputation of an organization, it is incumbent upon HRD and HRM practitioners to collaboratively research and evaluate current and relevant leadership theories, and based on the findings, develop strategies and interventions for improving leadership training.

Stakeholders

Companies, corporations, learning institutions, and organizations of any nature would benefit from this knowledge as they develop training and educational interventions purposed to improve employees’ work engagement and job satisfaction.
Home Gardening Resurgence During COVID: Motivations and Perceived Benefits of Participating in Grow This!
Authors: McCartney Kristin , Wood Gina , Gabbert Kerry , Warner Megan , Tompkins Nancy O’Hara
Published: July 2022

Gardening is associated with a wide array of health benefits. We describe the dissemination of a low-cost social media–based campaign (Grow This!), an intervention intended to reach novice gardeners and which combined elements of old (seeds) and new (Facebook) technology. Grow This! was implemented before (2018, 2019) and during (2020) the COVID pandemic, providing an interesting framework for understanding participants’ motivations for gardening. Pre- and post-surveys assessed a variety of topics, including participants’ motivations for participating in Grow This!, how they planned to participate, previous gardening experience, the main benefits attributed to participation, and intentions to garden in the future. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis were used to analyze the survey data. More than 25,000 people participated in Grow This! over the 3 years, with the majority (77%) participating as a family. Participation in the project spiked during COVID. Primary motivations for participating in Grow This! pre-COVID were education, enjoyment, family engagement, and self-sufficiency; during COVID, motivations remained the same, but shifted in rank. Just over a third of participants were novice gardeners. Participants attributed numerous benefits to their participation, including stress reduction/relaxation, more outdoor time, reduced grocery bills, and eating more fruits and vegetables than normal. A total of 83% of respondents reported being highly likely to have a garden in the future. Home gardening as an intervention is ripe for dissemination, particularly in the aftermath of COVID. Public health professionals can benefit from this understanding of people’s motivations to garden and the perceived benefits associated with gardening.
Geometrical Changes of the Aorta as Predictors for Thromboembolic Events After EVAR With the Anaconda Stent-Graft
Authors: Simmering Jaimy A. , de Vries Mattijs , Haalboom Marieke , Reijnen Michel M. P. J. , Slump Cornelis H. , Geelkerken Robert H.
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

Thromboembolic events (TE), including limb graft occlusion (LGO) and distal limb embolization (DLE), are common complications after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The aim of this study was to find predictors for TE in patients treated with the Anaconda stent-graft for infrarenal aneurysms.

Materials and Methods:

Geometrical and anatomical variables were retrospectively analyzed in a consecutive Anaconda cohort. Pre- and postoperative CT scans were used to derive geometrical parameters length, curvature, torsion, and tortuosity index (TI) from the center lumen lines (CLLs). Limb characteristics, pre-to-post EVAR and mid-term-follow-up changes in the parameters were evaluated for their predictive value for TE.

Results:

Eighty-four patients (mean age 74±8.3 years, 74 men) were enrolled. The risk of TE was lowered with pre-to-post implant decreasing TI (steps of 0.05: OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.01-1.66, p=0.04), pre-to-post implant decreasing mean curvature (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.16, p=0.03), and a larger degree of circumferential common iliac artery (CIA) calcification (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-1.00, p=0.03). The only LGO predictor was the caudal relocation of maximal curvature after EVAR (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.01, p=0.04). Preventors of DLE were CIA diameter (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76-0.99, p=0.04), circumferential CIA calcification (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-1.00, p=0.03), mean and maximal curvature of the preoperative aortoiliac trajectory (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79-0.94, p<0.01 and OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-1.00, p=0.03, respectively) and pre-to-postoperative decrease in mean curvature (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02-1.21, p=0.02). Midterm TE predictors were length (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.89-1.01, p=0.08) and torsion maximum location (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.99-1.01, p=0.10).

Conclusion:

The present study confirms that treatment of infrarenal AAA with an Anaconda stent-graft is related to a relatively high TE rate which decreases with a pre-to-postoperative reduction in curvature and TI, and a larger degree of circumferential CIA calcification. In other words, more aortoiliac straightening and more circumferential CIA calcification may prevent TE development after EVAR with this stent-graft.
Subintimal Crossing of Chronic Total Occlusions in Peripheral Arteries With a Dual Guidewire Balloon Catheter: The PRAESTO Study
Authors: Del Giudice Costantino , Gandini Roberto
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of antegrade fenestration re-entry (AFR) using a dual guidewire angioplasty balloon for chronic total occlusion (CTO) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Material and methods:

This is a retrospective score matching analysis study comparing a study cohort composed of PAD patients with CTO treated with AFR subintimal recanalization using a dual guidewire angioplasty balloon and a matched control group, selected on baseline cardiovascular risk factor and lesions characteristics, treated with a conventional subintimal recanalization. Procedure outcomes include procedural success, successful subintimal re-entry, need for distal puncture, procedural time, fluoroscopy time, and dose area product. Clinical variables, including primary patency, freedom from amputation, freedom from re-interventions, and freedom from death, were used to compare the study groups.

Results:

Thirty patients in the study group were compared with 60 patients in the matched control group (mean age, male). A significant higher subintimal re-entry success (100% vs 76.7% in control group, p=0.004) and lower need of distal tibial punction (0 vs 14 [23.3%] patients in control group, p=0.004) were observed in the study group. A surgical conversion to bypass was needed in 5 patients in the control group. Shorter procedural and fluoroscopy time were observed in the study group (41.1±10.8 minutes vs 146.6±62. and 16.7±3.5 minutes vs 34.3±14.2 minutes in control group respectively, p<0.001 and p<0.001). Lower DAP were observed in the study group (914.1±309.9 µGym² vs 2026.5±845.7 µGym² in control group p<0.001). No significant difference were observed in terms of primary patency, mortality, amputation, and freedom from re-intervention.

Conclusion:

AFR using the Presto dual guidewire balloon is a step forward for crossing CTO which allows a simplified and quick treatment of BTK and ATK lesions compared with conventional approaches without increase of procedural risk and maintaining good clinical outcomes.
Outcomes of Zone 1 Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair With Fenestrated Surgeon-Modified Stent-Graft for Aortic Arch Pathologies
Authors: Li Xiaoye , Zhang Lei , Song Chao , Zhang Hao , Xia Shibo , Zhu Longtu , Guo Wenying , Li Haiyan , Jing Zaiping , Lu Qingsheng
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of zone 1 thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with fenestrated surgeon-modified stent-graft (SMSG) for aortic arch pathologies.

Methods:

Between March 2016 and November 2020, 34 consecutive patients underwent zone 1 TEVAR with fenestrated SMSG for aortic arch pathologies. Outcomes included technical success, perioperative, and follow-up morbidity and mortality.

Results:

During the study period, 34 patients were treated with zone 1 TEVAR with fenestrated SMSG. Twenty-four (70.6%) patients presented with type B aortic dissections, 9 (26.5%) patients presented with aneurysms (7 located on the lesser curvature side of aortic arch), 1 (2.9%) patient presented with type Ia endoleak after previous TEVAR owing to traumatic aortic dissection. The proximal landing zone for all patients were in zone 1, and all supra-aortic trunks were reconstructed, except for one left subclavian artery. Technical success was achieved in all cases. The 30-day estimated survival (±SE) was 90.9% ± 5.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 77.0%–97.0%]. The 30-day estimated freedom from reintervention (±SE) was 87.9% ± 5.7% (95% CI: 73.4%–95.3%). At a median follow-up of 48 months (range, 12–68 months), 2 patients died, including 1 aortic-related death and 1 non-aortic-related death. One patient had reintervention 13 months after the operation owing to type Ia endoleak. All supra-aortic trunks were patent. The estimated survival (±SE) during follow-up was 85.1% ± 6.2% (95% CI: 69.9%–93.6%). One (2.7%) patient had stroke. The estimated freedom from reintervention (±SE) during follow-up was 84.2% ± 6.5% (95% CI: 69.9%–93.5%).

Conclusions:

Zone 1 TEVAR with fenestrated SMSG is an alternate option for treatment of aortic arch pathologies in experienced centers.
Reliability and Validity of a Teacher Impressions Scale to Assess Social Play of Swedish Children in Inclusive Preschools
Authors: Sedem Mina , Siljehag Eva , Allodi Mara Westling , Odom Samuel L.
Published: July 2022

Play and peer interactions are crucial for children’s socioemotional development and growth. However, children with special needs, disabilities, and developmental delays may not participate in play with peers as much as typically developing children. Reliable and valid assessment information of children’s social behavior is necessary to design programs that support the socioemotional development of young children with and without special needs. The Teacher Impression Scale (TIS) is a behavioral rating scale based on systematic observations of children’s social behaviors in play. The study aimed to examine the internal structure evidence and the reliability of the Swedish version of the TIS. A sample of 46 preschool teachers used the TIS to rate the social behavior of 92 children. Teachers observed children with special education needs (SEN) and typically developing children (TD) during a 2-week time to assess the children’s social interactions in different play situations. The results showed that the Swedish version of the TIS, the TIS-S, is reliable and can help teachers to identify the need of support for children in play and social interaction in inclusive preschool environments. Furthermore, the instrument could also be useful for identifying special educational strategies aimed at strengthening the social interaction between children.
Hand and Wrist Injuries Associated With Application of Physical Restraints: A Systematic Review
Authors: Khan Shawn , Mosa Adam , Clayton Adam , McCabe Steven
Published: July 2022

While handcuffs and zip ties are common methods of physical restraint used by law enforcement, they have been noted to damage soft tissue and bony structures of the hand and wrist. This paper seeks to characterize the safety of physical restraints by summarizing its effects on hand and wrist function and disability. Relevant studies were gathered through an independent double selection and extraction process using 3 electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CINAHL) from database inception to June 19, 2020. A total of 16 studies involving 807 participants were included. Lesion to the superficial branch of the radial nerve was the most commonly reported injury noted in 82% (42/55) of hands examined. A total of 6% (5/77) of examined hands had bony injury, including 3 radial styloid fractures and 2 scaphoid fractures. Both studies on zip ties noted presence of handcuff neuropathy, with 1 case report documenting severe rapidly progressing ischemic monomelic neuropathy. Overall, the use of handcuffs and zip ties is associated with entrapment neuropathies and bony injury to the hand and wrist. Further studies of higher quality evidence are necessary to understand the effects of physical restraint on hand function and disability.
Payments for research participation: Don’t tax the Guinea pig
Authors: Rand Leah Z , Kesselheim Aaron S
Published: July 2022

Under current US statute, payments to research participants are taxable income. This means that even though institutional review boards and researchers agree to specific payment amounts to account for the burden of research, participants are paid less than anticipated, and participants’ net payment will vary depending on their home state. Unlike other entities in the research enterprise, who receive incentivizing tax exemptions and credits, research participation is tax dis-incentivized. In addition, incentives and rewards for other socially valuable activities are not taxed. Given these differences and the restrictions on research payments, it is unfair to tax participants on their payments and the statue should be revised.
Accelerated forgetting in healthy older samples: Implications for methodology, future ageing studies, and early identification of risk of dementia
Authors: McGibbon Terence , Jansari Ashok , Demirjian Jessica , Nemes Ana , Opre Adrian
Published: July 2022

Accelerated long-term forgetting (ALF) has been reported in healthy older individuals, and is a possible early marker for risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The Verbal Associative Learning and Memory Test (VALMT) addresses methodological weaknesses in existing clinical tests and has detected ALF in epilepsy within an hour. We used VALMT to investigate learning and forgetting in healthy Older participants. Older (60–69 years) and Younger (19–31 years) participants were compared. Using VALMT, unrelated word pairs were learnt to criterion, then cued-recall tested at delays of 5, 30, and 55 min. Unique pairs were tested at each delay. Subjective memory complaints data was gathered, and the Wechsler Memory Scale Logical Memory test (WMS-LM; a standard clinical measure) was administered. VALMT identified a significant difference in delayed recall between Younger and Older groups by 55 min ( d = 1.32). While “fast-learning” Older participants scored similarly to Younger participants, “slow-learning” Older participants were impaired at all delays. Forgetting rates suggested degradation of memory starts during early synaptic consolidation rather than later system-level consolidation. Increased subjective memory complaints were associated with reduced VALMT scores. By contrast, WMS-LM failed to identify significant differences between any groups, and did not correlate with memory complaints. We conclude that VALMT may be better able than WMS-LM to identify subtle impairments in healthy older adults within a single clinical visit, and VALMT results better reflect subjective experience. Older slow-learners forget faster and report more subjective memory complaints, which may indicate a group at risk of developing AD.