bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problem Solving and Formal, Nonformal, and Informal Learning of Russian Employees (Based on PIAAC Data)
Authors: Korshunov Ilya , Lubnikov Sergei , Miroshnikov Maxim , Tyunin Arkadii
Published: July 2022

Using the PIAAC data, we show how exposure to various dimensions of nonformal and informal learning relates to the problem-solving capacity in a technology-rich environment for working adults. The sample included permanent staff from various economic sectors, self-employed individuals, and casual employees doing fixed-term contracts ( n = 1248) between 16 and 65 years, 38% of participants were males. A regression analysis showed that managerial practices such as degree of autonomy, frequency of interaction with coworkers, participation in training and counseling, and handling of routine and complex in-job problems are important factors associated with problem-solving scores for the respondents at every level of educational attainment. Underdevelopment of managerial practices can be connected to the lingering transition to the market system which hinders the flexible transition of skills and training in the workplace and lowers problem-solving scores in Russia compared to OECD countries.
Un mot pour un autre ? Analyse et comparaison de huit plateformes de transcription automatique
Authors: Tancoigne Elise , Corbellini Jean Philippe , Deletraz Gaëlle , Gayraud Laure , Ollinger Sandrine , Valero Daniel
Published: July 2022

Cet article compare les fonctionnalités et résultats de huit outils de transcription automatique (Go Transcribe, Happy Scribe, Headliner, Sonix, Video Indexer, Vocalmatic, Vocapia et YouTube), pour des extraits audio de langue française. Une méthodologie innovante, fruit d’un travail interdisciplinaire, est proposée pour comparer les transcriptions. Elle repose sur un assemblage de trois approches complémentaires : (1) une approche quantitative de comparaison de textes à partir d’une métrique couramment employée, le Word Error Rate (WER), (2) une approche fine de classification et compréhension des erreurs générées par les plateformes, et enfin (3) une estimation du potentiel de gain de temps de transcription pour chacun des fichiers et des plateformes. In fine, aucune plateforme ne serait plus efficace que les autres pour l’ensemble des extraits audio mais deux outils se démarquent : Vocapia et Sonix, chacun ayant ses domaines de prédilection. Quel que soit le type de fichier ou de plateforme, un temps de réécoute et de correction reste indispensable à l’issue des traitements, pour un gain de temps final observé pouvant aller jusqu’à 75 % par rapport à une transcription manuelle. Par ailleurs, l’utilisation de ces outils en ligne peut engendrer des problèmes importants liés à la confidentialité et la sécurité des données. Pour finir, nous revenons sur l’expérience de travail interdisciplinaire qui a rendu ce projet possible.
Out from the shadows: What health leaders should do to advance the mental health and substance use health workforce
Authors: Bartram Mary , Leslie Kathleen , Atanackovic Jelena , Tulk Christine , Chamberland-Rowe Caroline , Bourgeault Ivy Lynn
Published: July 2022

The Mental Health and Substance Use Health (MHSUH) impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are proving to be significant, complex, and long-lasting. The MHSUH workforce—including psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, addiction counsellors, and peer support workers as well as psychiatrists, family physicians, and nurses—is the backbone of the response. As health leaders consider how to address long-standing and emerging health workforce challenges, there is an opportunity to move the MHSUH workforce out from the shadows through full inclusion in health workforce planning in Canada. After first examining the roots and consequences of the long-standing exclusion of the MHSUH workforce, this paper presents findings from a recent study showing how the pandemic has compounded MHSUH workforce capacity issues. Priorities for MHSUH workforce action by health leaders include closing regulation gaps, engaging the public and private sectors in coordinated planning, and accelerating data collection through a central health workforce registry.
Oleylamine functionalization of boron nitride nano-platelets for Polyamide-6 thermally conductive injection moulded composites
Authors: Bragaglia Mario , Paleari Lorenzo , Lamastra Francesca R , Russo Pietro , Fabbrocino Francesco , Nanni Francesca
Published: July 2022

Boron nitride nano-platelets have been functionalized with oleylamine using a simple method without ultrasonication. The functionalization is effective with the formation of a coordination bonds between the boron nitride nano-platelets and the oleylamine molecules. The oleylamine functionalization allows for the production of 25% by weight loaded polyamide 6 – boron nitride composites having higher mechanical properties (15% tensile strength increase) and better through-plane thermal conductivity (0.85 to 0.99 W/m·K) with respect to the untreated samples. A better particle-matrix interaction is confirmed by SEM imaging and rheological analysis. The injection moulding process determines a filler orientation which influences the thermal conductivity.
Employability of distance education graduates of a public university in Ghana
Authors: Ofosuhene Daisy
Published: July 2022

This study examines the employability of Ghanaian graduates who have completed education and business degree programmes through distance education in a public university. A descriptive research design is used, and the study is cross-sectional in nature. The sample of 643 was drawn from 19,832 graduates who had completed business and education programmes between 2014 and 2018, using the simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through a telephone-administered survey with a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics and are presented in tables and figures. The findings indicate that these distance education graduates are employable and possess many employability attributes. The results further show that there are differences in employability attributes among those graduates who studied business and those who studied education, with the business graduates having a higher mean score. The study highlights the factors that the graduates believed would have enhanced their employability. The author concludes that the university management needs to strengthen its collaboration with industrial stakeholders in the design and implementation of curricula.
Experimental investigation of the performance of the plate heat exchanger using (Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes–Al2O3/water) hybrid nanofluid
Authors: Hassaan Amr M.
Published: July 2022

Heat exchanger development is one of the issues where study continues because of its relevance in a variety of sectors. The utilization of hybrid nanofluids as a working fluid requires more investigation. The performance of plate heat exchangers (PHEs) employing hybrid nanofluid (multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)–Al2O3/water) with varying volume concentrations was investigated in an experimental investigation. The current study makes use of an Armfield PHE (HT32) with an Armfield heat exchange service unit (HT30X). In this investigation, three-volume concentrations were employed (0.5%, 1%, and 2%). A (MWCNTs/water) nanofluid with a volume concentration of 2% was prepared to compare with the hybrid nanofluid. The heated fluid (distilled water and nanofluids) has a Reynolds number of 100 to 800. By monitoring the variables, the overall heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, friction factor, mean Nusselt number, and effectiveness could be computed. Based on the concentration of nanoparticles in the base fluid, the experimental findings revealed that hybrid nanofluids had a substantial impact on the heat transfer process. With increasing volume concentration, the overall heat coefficient, Nusselt number, and effectiveness increase. The volume concentration of nanoparticles determines the increase in the overall heat coefficient from 6% to 97% compared to pure distilled water. The increase in the hybrid nanofluids volume concentration leads to an increase in the pressure drop and the friction factor. The Nusselt number and the effectiveness increase with the increase of the volume concentrations and Reynolds number. Comparing the performance of the hybrid nanofluid and monoparticles nanofluid with the same concentration ratio, an improvement in performance was seen using hybrid fluids. An empirical correlation to calculate the Nusselt number for the hybrid nanofluid (MWCNTs–Al2O3/water) with the ratio of the particles (50:50) is obtained. It is possible to discover acceptable agreement by comparing the current study to earlier publications on this subject.
Google Scholar or University Digital Libraries: A comparison of student perceptions and intention to use
Authors: Alotaibi Faiz Abdullah A , Johnson Frances , Rowley Jennifer
Published: July 2022

Google Scholar has become an important search platform for students in higher education, and, as such, can be regarded as a competitor to university libraries. Previous research has explored students’ intention to use Google Scholar (GS) and University Digital Libraries (UDLs), but there is a lack of comparative studies that explore students’ preferences between these two platforms. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the search behaviour of a select group of users, international postgraduate students and more specifically compares the factors that influence their use of Google Scholar and University Digital Libraries (UDLs). A questionnaire-based survey, based on the factors in the UTAUT model (unified theory of acceptance and use of technology) was conducted to collect data on acceptance and use of technology of GS and UDL’s respectively. Data was collected from 400 international postgraduate students studying in the United Kingdom. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to establish the contextual influencing factors, whilst structural equation modelling examined the predicted model. The results suggest some differences between the influence of various factors between the UDL dataset and the GS datasets. They suggest that social influence (SI) did not affect behavioural intention (BI) for either data set, but that for the UDL dataset, effort expectancy did not affect BI, whereas for the GS dataset facilitating conditions did not influence BI. The approach taken in this study further facilitates research into the use of search tools to progress beyond ease of use as a main driver and to explore the relationship between internal and external influences of use. Recommendations for further research are suggested and the value of the insights gained for UDLs and their provision and support for all students is discussed.
Electroacupuncture improves follicular development and metabolism and regulates the expression of adiponectin, AMPK and ACC in an obese rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Zhou Jing , Yin Ping , Zhao Qingyi , Hu Zhihai , Wang Yi , Ma Guizhi , Wu Xinyi , Lu Lu , Shi Yin
Published: July 2022

Background:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism and follicular arrest. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to be effective at improving hyperandrogenism and follicular arrest in PCOS; however, its mechanism of action remains to be deciphered.

Objective:

In this study, we investigated whether EA improved follicular development in an obese rat model of PCOS and regulated the expression of adiponectin, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC).

Methods:

EA was administered at CV3, CV4 and ST40. Changes in body weight, paraovarian fat, estrus cycle, ovarian morphology, levels of related hormones, and glucose and lipid metabolism were evaluated. In addition, protein and mRNA expression of adiponectin, AMPK and ACC was measured.

Results:

The body weight and paraovarian fat of rats in the EA group were reduced, while estrus cyclicity and ovarian morphology improved. Levels of free fatty acids, triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced in the EA group, as well as blood glucose levels. Furthermore, levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone were reduced in the EA group, while estradiol levels were increased. Protein and mRNA expression of adiponectin, AMPKα1 and liver kinase B1 (LKB1) was found to be increased in the EA group, while protein and mRNA expression of ACC were significantly reduced. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that EA improved follicular development and metabolism and regulated expression levels of adiponectin, AMPKα1, LKB1 and ACC in our obese rat model of PCOS.
Stock Market Efficiency and COVID-19 with Multiple Structural Breaks: Evidence from India
Authors: Bhatia Madhur
Published: July 2022

The objective of the study is to investigate the influence of the coronavirus pandemic (endogenous crisis) on the stock market efficiency of India during the multiple break periods. The empirical analysis is performed using conditional heteroscedasticity and a small sample robust wild bootstrap automatic variance ratio test and automatic portmanteau test on a daily stock return data of two benchmark indices, that is, NIFTY and SENSEX. The empirical results demonstrate that the stock return of two indices deviates from market efficiency during some periods of the analysis, notably during the nationwide lockdown and peak periods of coronavirus cases in India. These findings indicate that changing stock market behaviour becomes more speculative and earns abnormal profits. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of investigating the variations in the stock market efficiency of India in response to this endogenous crisis.
Authoritarian Institutions and Democratic Lessons
Authors: Yadav Vineeta
Published: July 2022

Does the experiential legacy of participating in autocratic legislatures influence how autocratic-era opposition parties and politicians want to use legislatures in a subsequent democracy? Do they learn to use legislatures to strengthen or undermine democracy? Given the frequency of institutionalized autocracies, of opposition party led post-transition governments, and importance of legislatures in democracies these are important questions. This paper addresses them by first drawing on research on authoritarian legacies, and on organizational and individual learning to identify three potential institutional lessons opposition parties and politicians could learn from their autocratic legislative experience about how to use legislatures in a subsequent democracy. It then uses data from a survey of almost 200 Egyptian politicians conducted during the 2011 elections to test which lessons parties and politicians learned by focusing on their support for protecting judicial independence from legislative interference in the future democratic regime. We find that (i) experienced opposition parties learn a democracy-strengthening institutional lesson, (ii) experienced opposition politicians learn a democracy-weakening institutional lesson, and (iii) membership in an experienced opposition party curbed the undemocratic institutional preferences of experienced politicians. Thus, authoritarian institutions leave diverse legacies among ruling and opposition parties and politicians with very different consequences for subsequent democracy.
Adaptive vibration control for constrained moving vehicle-mounted nonlinear 3D rigid-flexible manipulator system subject to actuator failures
Authors: Li Le , Cao Fangfei , Liu Jinkun
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes an active adaptive fault-tolerant control scheme for position tracking and vibration suppression of a constrained moving rigid-flexible manipulator system (RFMS) in three-dimensional (3D) space. The investigated RFMS comprises four parts: a vehicle, a rotatable base, a rigid link, and a flexible link, which is first modeled using nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) in terms of Hamilton’s principle. The system may suffer from unknown actuator faults, and the proposed control strategy can compensate for the faults without knowing the fault type and information. The displacement constraint of the vehicle can be ensured by using the barrier Lyapunov function. In the presence of unknown actuator faults and the displacement constraint, the angular position tracking of rigid link, flexible link and rotatable base, and vehicle position tracking can be realized. At the same time, the vibration of the flexible link can be effectively suppressed. The closed-loop system is proven to be asymptotically stable via employing the extended LaSalle’s invariance. Numerical simulations are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control protocol.
A case of castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer who continued treatment with enzalutamide after epileptic seizure
Authors: Demir Ozden , Demirag Guzin
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Enzalutamide is an androgen receptor inhibitor and is used in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Seizure is a rare side effect of enzalutamide. In this case, the patient had an epileptic seizure while on enzalutamide treatment. His treatment management and and use of enzalutamide afterwards is discussed.

Case report

A 78-year-old male patient who received previous treatments for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer was started on enzalutamide due to progression, and had an epileptic seizure while taking enzalutamide was presented. Different pathologies such as the use of other drugs, brain metastasis, bleeding, electrolyte, liver and kidney disorders that can cause epileptic seizures were explored and not found to be the cause in this patient. No neurological pathology was found in the patient after the seizure.

Management and Outcome

Enzalutamide and antiepileptic treatment were initiated simultaneously again in the patient whose treatment was interrupted after the seizure and no pathology was found in the brain magnetic resonance imaging. Under this dual treatment, the patient did not have seizures again.

Discussion

Although observed rarely, enzalutamide-induced epileptic seizure is a known side effect. However, a review of literature did not reveal any report on patients for whom enzalutamide and antiepileptic treatment were initiated and followed up simultaneously after seizures. This case report will contribute to the literature for patients whose treatment options have been exhausted and who may benefit significantly from continued use of enzalutamide despite having a seizure.
Anaphylaxis caused by pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
Authors: Chen Chen , Qi Jian , Wang Juandong
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF), is commonly used to prevent and/or treat neutropenia caused by tumor chemotherapy and radiotherapy with reduced clearance, increased plasma half-life, sustained biologic activity, and good safety. PEG-rhG-CSF anaphylaxis was rare.

Case report

A 55-year-old male Non-Hodgkin lymphoma patient appeared with chest tightness, increased heart rate, and decreased blood pressure after taking PEG-rhG-CSF used as a primary treatment for neutropenia caused by chemoradiotherapy. The patient’s anaphylaxis is likely due to PEG-rhG-CSF.

Management and outcome

0.9% sodium chloride 250 mL and dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection 5 mg were carried out. After close observation, the symptoms were improved. Two months later, the patient was readministered with PEG-rhG-CSF and anaphylaxis reoccurred. After the last contact with PEG-rhG-CSF, the patient was prescribed rhG-CSF for many times and did not experience any adverse reactions.

Discussion

PEGylated drugs are not free of risk and immune-mediated adverse events are of concern. PEG is a substance capable of triggering an immune response. The mechanism of PEG involved IgE-mediated anaphylaxis and non-IgE-mediated anaphylaxis, and requires further research. PEGylated drugs are not free of risk and immune-mediated adverse events are of concern.
Adverse drug reactions associated with doxorubicin and epirubicin: A descriptive analysis from VigiBase
Authors: Matesun Deborah A. , Mensah Kofi Boamah , Yamoah Peter , Bangalee Varsha , Padayachee Neelaveni
Published: July 2022

Background

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Owing to high toxicity, patients using chemotherapy drugs have a higher risk for developing adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Pharmacovigilance studies are essential in oncology to evaluate ADRs caused by anticancer drugs and improve patient safety. This study aimed to analyze serious ADRs associated with the use of doxorubicin and epirubicin reported to VigiBase.

Method

All anonymized data on suspected ADRs for doxorubicin and epirubicin as ‘serious’ and ‘suspected’ or ‘interacting’ drugs between 1968 and 30 August 2021, were extracted from VigiBase. Descriptive statistics were conducted in Microsoft Excel, and data were summarized using frequencies and percentages.

Results

A total of 35,620 serious individual case safety reports was analyzed. The majority of reports were from females (Dox = 61.41%; Epi = 86.56%), while the predominant age group was 45–64 years (Dox = 42.06%; Epi = 57.39%). Physicians were the more likely group to report serious ADRs (Dox = 50.03%; Epi = 34.11%). In general, Europe reported the highest for doxorubicin (38.08%), while Asia recorded the highest reports for epirubicin (53.28%). Oceania reported the least for both drugs (Dox = 0.45%; Epi = 0.04%), followed by Africa (Dox = 0.72%; Epi = 0.29%). Blood and lymphatic system disorders were the most reported serious category (Dox = 11053 [44.47%]; Epi = 6659 [61.84%]). The most common manifestations were febrile neutropenia (Dox = 10.52%) and bone marrow failure (Epi = 23.89%).

Conclusion

This study provides relevant global insights into serious ADRs for doxorubicin and epirubicin. This knowledge may assist in minimizing and proactively managing ADRs. It can also inform policies to improve patients’ quality of life.
Wave interaction coefficients for a cubic crystal
Authors: Domański Włodzimierz
Published: July 2022

We study wave interaction coefficients in elastic solids. They describe locally on a quadratically nonlinear level which waves interact and measure how strong the interactions are. We derive general formulas for these coefficients in an arbitrary anisotropic material expressing them in terms of the second and the third derivatives of the strain energy. To illustrate our results, we analyse the most symmetric class of cubic crystals calculating the coefficients at the zero constant states. We first investigate the geometrically nonlinear and materially linear solid and then we study the influence of material nonlinearities on the interaction coefficients. The obtained formulas are expressed in terms of elastic constants.
Constitutive modeling of three-dimensional monoatomic linear elastic multilattices
Authors: Sfyris Dimitrios , Sfyris Georgios I
Published: July 2022

While simple lattices realize only the seven holohedral crystal classes, multilattices can realize all 32 crystal classes in three dimensions. For classical linear elasticity, from the constitutive point of view, the multilattice structure necessitates dependence of the energy apart from the strain tensor on the shift vectors as well. We give a generic expression of the energy for ( n + 1) monoatomic multilattices for all 32 crystal classes. We then focus on monoatomic 2-lattices and give the appropriate expression for the energy for all 29 types. The [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] phases of quartz can be viewed as realizations of a 3-lattice; we lay down expressions for the energy for both its phases. Our framework is valid for the geometrically and materially linear regime.
Congenital Infantile Fibrosarcoma Involving Pelvic Wall and Thigh Soft Tissues and Placenta, Presenting with Coagulopathy
Authors: Naumchik Brianna , Weigel Brenda J. , Murati Michael A. , Rudzinski Erin , Paulson Vera , Lockwood Christina M. , Dolan Michelle , Flanagan Siobhan , Luquette Mark
Published: July 2022

Infantile fibrosarcoma (IF) is a well characterized pediatric malignancy marked by gene rearrangements involving members of the NTRK family. In this report, we present a case of IF that presented in the inguinal region-proximal thigh and was initially thought to be a kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) because it presented with a bleeding diathesis thought to be Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP). Subsequently, the placental examination showed a neoplasm in the perivascular-subendothelial space of stem villi, initially thought to be myofibromatosis. Ultimately, a biopsy of the thigh mass showed IF with an NTRK3-ETV6 fusion. Subsequent FISH analysis of the placenta showed an ETV6 rearrangement confirming that it was also IF. Review of the laboratory studies suggests that disseminated intravascular coagulation may have been more likely than KMP, highlighting the difficulty in making this distinction in some cases. We believe this to be the first report of an IF presenting in a soft tissue site and the placenta, and discuss the possible mechanisms that could have allowed the IF in the leg to spread to the placenta.
A Study on Safety Management Plan for Recycling of Medium-Contact Wastes via Ecotoxicity Assessment
Authors: Hong Soo-Yeon , Yoon Cheol-Woo , Yoon Young-Sam , Kang Jang-Hyun , Jeon Tae-Wan
Published: July 2022

In South Korea, hazardous characteristics of wastes to be recycled are managed through the “Environmental Impact Assessment of Recycling” system. The ecotoxicity of medium-contact recyclable wastes, that is, those in contact with soil, groundwater, surface water, etc., is managed according to this system and is determined based on whether or not they exceed an ecotoxicity value (TU) of 2.0. The ecotoxicity of wastes is tested and determined by using pretreated eluate samples according to the Official Wastes Test Standard and applying the Official Water Pollution Process Test Standard. However, no ecotoxicity management limits are stipulated for medium-contact recycling using wastes in numerous other countries. This study aims to evaluate applicability and safety of the ecotoxicity test for wastes used in medium-contact recycling and establish an efficient management plan for hazardous characteristic wastes. Target wastes for the survey were selected based on the Wastes Control Act in South Korea. Nine types of waste were selected, which are representative types of wastes to which ecotoxicity is applied. In order to secure the representativeness of the target samples, a total of 45 samples were collected by selecting 5 cases each of the 9 waste types in consideration of the type of industry and amount of waste generated. Limit exceedance was calculated for each category of hazardous substances (leaching, total content), pH, and ecotoxicity of a total of 45 samples, and was found to increase in the order of leaching 2.22% < pH 9.09% < content 31.11% < ecotoxicity 37.21%. This indicates that the limit exceedance was maximum in the ecotoxicity category. Therefore, the application of ecotoxicity limit is efficient for identifying and comprehensively managing the environmental impacts of various types of hazardous substances contained in wastes from the perspective of comprehensive toxicity.
Optimization of wear and friction behaviour of AZ91D –B4C − Gr hybrid composite under dry sliding conditions
Authors: Aatthisugan I , Murugesan R
Published: July 2022

The tribological behaviour of AZ91D magnesium alloy bottom pouring stir cast with boron carbide (B4C) and graphite (Gr) was examined. The wear and frictional properties of AZ91D magnesium alloy, AZ91D-B4C composite, and AZ91D-B4C-Gr hybrid composite were investigated individually under dry sliding circumstances. To perform the studies, the L9 orthogonal array approach was adopted to investigate the effects of various sliding distances (0.5, 1, and 2 km) and applied load (5, 10 and 20N). When compared to AZ91D magnesium alloy and AZ91D- B4C composite, the wear loss for the AZ91D- B4C-Gr hybrid composite were reduced by 52.2% and 17.76% respectively at maximum load (20N) and sliding distance (2 km). Compared to AZ91D magnesium alloy, the hybrid composite had a higher hardness. SEM analysis of worn surfaces was performed to determine the significant abrasive wear process. The critical factors affecting the wear losses were generated using analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Forging New Narratives
Authors: Ben-Meir Nirit Binyamini , Dudek Laura , Tomica  , Wilson Arthur
Published: July 2022

Visualizing information is a process of exposure. All data tells a story. The science and art of information design lies in choosing which one to tell—and how to get others to listen.
Lessons learnt from delivering the public and patient involvement forums within a younger onset dementia project
Authors: Parkes Jacqueline , O’Malley Mary , Stamou Vasileios , La Fontaine Jenny , Oyebode Jan R , Carter Janet
Published: July 2022

Including the ‘voices’ of people living with dementia in a meaningful way is pivotal in shaping local, national and international health and social dementia care research. The Alzheimer’s Society (United Kingdom) funded Angela Project (2016–19) was aimed at improving the diagnosis and post-diagnostic support for younger people living with dementia. From the outset, the Project Team ensured that the knowledge and expertise of people living with a younger onset dementia was integral to all decisions taken in respect to overall project design, implementation, and dissemination processes. This was achieved by establishing two project public and patient involvement (PPI) forums; a London PPI Forum and a Bradford-based local PPI Hub. This paper describes how the two groups were formed; the format of the meetings; and the key points learnt by the Project Team from involving people with dementia in all aspects of developing and delivering the Angela Project. Ultimately, the aim is to demonstrate to other researchers in the dementia field how the perspectives of those with a diagnosis can be included in research studies in an active and meaningful way.
Reflections on social work education during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences of faculty members and lessons moving forward
Authors: Haight Wendy L , Suleiman Johara , Flanagan Shelby K , Park Sookyoung , Soltani Laura JS , Carlson William C , Otis Jacob R , Turck Kenneth S
Published: July 2022

This focused ethnography examines the experiences of social work faculty members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted participant observations of the pivot to distance learning, research and service, and overall responses of the social work community at a Research 1, public university. This article focuses on in-depth, zoom-recorded, individual interviews with 16 social work faculty members during the first year of the pandemic with follow-up communications 1 year later ( n = 9). They characterized the pandemic as pervasive, sustained, isolating, changing, embedded within a deeply divided sociocultural context, and having a disparate impact related to faculty members’ positionality. Many described feelings of disorientation, anxiety, fear, loss, grief, fatigue, and strained relationships. Faculty members also described a strengthening of social work’s resiliency through innovative technology, embracing new opportunities to enact professional values of social and racial justice, and meaning making. They consider building on this resiliency moving forward, including in the face of future long emergencies. Their reflections on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic suggest how we may become more resilient by tending to our collective trauma, balancing the benefits of online education with psychosocial needs, and examining how social work ethics interact with academic systems.
Colour imaging system response non-uniformity correction based on inverse model and regularization method
Authors: Xie X , Sun Q , Gong J , Liao N , Song W
Published: July 2022

The nonlinear response affects the effect of imaging system response non-uniformity correction (NUC) methods. Most of the methods are effective in a certain range of responses. In this paper, a new NUC method is proposed based on the mechanism of imaging system response non-uniformities production. Optical system-related non-uniformity is described as radiation transmission non-uniformity (RTNU) and detector-related non-uniformity is described as radiation conversion non-uniformity (RCNU). The RTNU is removed by inverse operation and RCNU is removed by regularization optimization. We verify the proposed method with respect to visual effect evaluation of actual scene images and three performance metrics evaluation of statistical F ratio, F-norm roughness and chromatic aberration ellipse. The experimental results verify the effect of our method. The proposed method is effective for NUC in a larger range of responses.
Proper Protective (Voting) Equipment: How Covid-19 Safety Measures Shaped In-Person Voting Experiences During the 2020 Election
Authors: Coll Joseph
Published: July 2022

Leading up to the 2020 election, many Americans were worried about casting a ballot in-person due to the Covid-19 pandemic and supported measures to protect voters at the voting booths. Addressing these concerns, election administrators enacted multiple Covid safety measures (e.g., routinely cleaning voting booths, wearing face masks, and providing single use ballot pens). Given voters’ health concerns related to the pandemic and support for safety measures at the ballot box, the presence of Covid safety protocols may increase how safe voters feel voting in-person and evaluations of their voting experience. Using the 2020 Survey of the Performance of American Elections, this study finds that the presence of Covid safety measures increased feelings of voting safety, evaluations of poll workers, and the positivity of the voting experience, but typically not polling place evaluations; though, effects differ by Covid safety policy.
Does Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome Influence the Development and Treatment of Diabetic Foot? A Brief Narrative Review
Authors: Gouveri Evanthia , Steiropoulos Paschalis , Papanas Nikolaos
Published: July 2022

Both obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are common conditions that often coexist and share many similar risk factors. Diabetic foot is a common complication of DM, which may lead to lower-limb amputation. OSAS is considered a risk factor for type 2 DM (T2DM). There is also evidence that OSAS may be linked with the development, as well as the healing of diabetic foot. Multiple mechanisms triggered by sleep fragmentation and intermittent hypoxaemia in OSAS could contribute to the development of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). More interestingly, emerging evidence implies a favourable impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on DFU healing. Healing DFUs and minimising recurrence rates remains a challenge for health care professionals. In this context, management of OSAS might prove a useful therapeutic adjunct for DFUS. However, data is still limited and randomised controlled trials are needed to further explore this interesting potential.
Distributed filtering in sensor networks based on linear minimum mean square error criterion with limited sensing range
Authors: Shao Teng
Published: July 2022

One of the fundamental problems in sensor networks is to estimate and track the target states of interest that evolve in the sensing field. Distributed filtering is an effective tool to deal with state estimation in which each sensor only communicates information with its neighbors in sensor networks without the requirement of a fusion center. However, in the majority of the existing distributed filters, it is assumed that typically all sensors possess unlimited field of view to observe the target states. This is quite restrictive since practical sensors have limited sensing range. In this article, we consider distributed filtering based on linear minimum mean square error criterion in sensor networks with limited sensing range. To achieve the optimal filter and consensus, two types of strategies based on linear minimum mean square error criterion are proposed, that is, linear minimum mean square error filter based on measurement and linear minimum mean square error filter based on estimate, according to the difference of the neighbor sensor information received by the sensor. In linear minimum mean square error filter based on measurement, the sensor node collects measurement from its neighbors, whereas in linear minimum mean square error filter based on estimate, the sensor node collects estimate from its neighbors. The stability and computational complexity of linear minimum mean square error filter are analyzed. Numerical experimental results further verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
The Protective Effects of Apigenin Against Radiation‐Induced Intestinal Injury
Authors: Liu Danjie , Peng Renjun , Chen Zhongmin , Yu Huijie , Wang Sinian , Dong Suhe , Li Wei , Shao Wen , Dai Jing , Li Fengsheng , Jiang Qisheng , Sun Wanjun
Published: July 2022

Radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) restricts the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy in abdominal or pelvic malignancies. Also, intestinal injury is a major cause of death following exposure to high doses of radiation in nuclear accidents. No safe and effective prophylactics or therapeutics for RIII are currently available. Here, we reported that the apigenin, a natural dietary flavone, prolonged the survival in c57 mice after lethal irradiation. Apigenin pretreatment brought about accelerated restoration of crypt-villus structure, including enhanced regenerated crypts, more differentiated epithelium cells, and increased villus length. In addition, intestinal crypt cells in the apigenin-treated group exhibited more proliferation and less apoptosis. Furthermore, apigenin increased the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream target gene HO-1, and decreased oxidative stress after irradiation. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the radioprotective efficacy of apigenin. Apigenin has the potential to be used as a radioprotectant in cancer therapy and nuclear accidents.
Investigation on the effect of process parameters on mechanical and microstructural properties of AA8011 similar FSW weld joints
Authors: Chakravarthi Gurijala , Giridharan Krishan , Stalin Balasubramaniam , Padmanabhan Sambandam , Sekar Subramani , Nagaprasad Nagaraj , Jule Leta Tesfaye , Krishnaraj Ramaswamy
Published: July 2022

Friction stir welding (FSW) factors significantly impact the welding characteristics of AA 8011 and similar alloys weld joints produced by FSW. The tool pin profiles influence joint characteristics, weld quality, and joint strength. This study used three tool pin profiles to create weld connections at three different tool rotation rates and various welding speeds. Design of experiments (DOE) was utilized to execute complete full factorial experiments. The welded joints’ mechanical characteristics were examined using hardness and tensile tests at room temperature. The average maximum hardness number was 38.28 HRB with the tapered tool at 1300 rpm spindle speed and welding speed of 20 mm/min at 5 kN unvarying axial force of the whole operation. The lowest hardness value was 30 HRB using a taper threaded pin profile tool, rotating at 1200 rpm and welding at 60 mm/min. When the taper pin profile tool was used at 1500 rpm, the highest tensile strength of the weld joint was achieved, which was the closest value of the parent material. At the same welding speed of 20 mm/min, the taper threaded pin tool at 1300 rpm produces the lowest tensile strength of 84.16 MPa, made utilizing a taper threaded pin tool.
Accelerating Psychological Science With Metastudies: A Demonstration Using the Risky-Choice Framing Effect
Authors: DeKay Michael L. , Rubinchik Nataliya , Li Zhaojun , De Boeck Paul
Published: July 2022

A metastudy is a set of many tiny studies (microstudies) created from a much larger collection of possibilities. Metastudies can yield many of the benefits of time-consuming replications and meta-analyses but more efficiently and with greater attention to generalizability and the causal effects of moderators. Statistical precision and power are higher than in studies with the same total sample size but with fewer conditions and more participants per condition. In this article, we describe metastudies and their benefits, demonstrate how to conduct a metastudy using the well-known risky-choice framing effect as an example, and report on the generalizability of that effect. In three metastudies (total N = 2,338), the framing effect generalized well across most of the potential moderators tested, as was expected. Surprisingly, however, the effect was up to twice as large when the certain option was replaced with a slightly risky option; prospect theory predicts the opposite, and fuzzy-trace theory predicts no difference. Metastudies provide a relatively quick and not-so-painful way of examining an effect’s generalizability without waiting for a meta-analysis. Both individual labs and multilab networks are encouraged to shift from traditional studies to metastudies.
Situated Affectivity and Mind Shaping: Lessons from Social Psychology
Authors: Walter Sven , Stephan Achim
Published: July 2022

Proponents of situated affectivity hold that “tools for feeling” are just as characteristic of the human condition as are “tools for thinking” or tools for carpentry. An agent’s affective life, they argue, is dependent upon both physical characteristics of the agent and the agent’s reciprocal relationship to an appropriately structured natural, technological, or social environment. One important achievement has been the distinction between two fundamentally different ways in which affectivity might be intertwined with the environment: the “user-resource-model” and the “mind-invasion-model.” The twofold purpose of this paper is to complement the debate about situated affectivity in general and about “mind invasion” in particular by, firstly, connecting it to situationist research in social psychology and, secondly, broadening the perspective to not only accommodate decidedly detrimental “invasions” but also potentially beneficial forms of “mind shaping” that include the manipulation of an agent’s experiential life and behaviour through the moulding of both the agent’s environment and the agent’s body.
Hospital Outdoor Spaces as Respite Areas for Healthcare Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Iqbal Saad Arslan , Abubakar Ismaila Rimi
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has created considerable implications for healthcare staff around the globe. During the pandemic, the frontline healthcare workers experience intense anxiety, stress, burnout, and psychological breakdown, with severe implications on their mental and physical well-being. In addition to these implications, anxiety and stress can hinder their productivity and ability to perform their duties efficiently. The literature indicates that hospital gardens and contact with nature can help alleviate psychological distress among hospital staff. However, few studies investigated the role of outdoor spaces as areas for respite and work breaks in healthcare facilities during the pandemic. The present opinion paper highlights the challenges of job stress and psychological distress health workers face during the pandemic. This article also underscores the role of hospital outdoor spaces and garden facilities in coping with the challenges. While other measures to reduce stress among hospital staff and ensure their health and safety are important, hospital administrators and relevant government agencies should also emphasize the provision of gardens and open spaces in healthcare facilities. These spaces can act as potential areas for respite for hospital staff to help them cope with the stress and anxiety accumulated through working under crises.
Analgesic potential of macrodoses and microdoses of classical psychedelics in chronic pain sufferers: a population survey
Authors: Bonnelle Valerie , Smith Will J , Mason Natasha L , Cavarra Mauro , Kryskow Pamela , Kuypers Kim PC , Ramaekers Johannes G , Feilding Amanda
Published: July 2022

Although several studies and reports have shown the potential analgesic use of serotonergic psychedelics in cancer pain, phantom limb pain and cluster headache, evidence supporting their use for chronic pain is still limited. The past years have seen a considerable renewal of interest toward the therapeutic use of these compounds for mood disorders, resulting in a marked increase in the number of people turning to psychedelics in an attempt to self-medicate a health condition or improve their wellbeing. In western countries particularly, this population of users overlaps substantially with chronic pain sufferers, representing a unique opportunity to evaluate the effects these compounds have on pain and wellbeing. Here, we report results from an online survey conducted between August 2020 and July 2021 in a population of 250 chronic pain sufferers who had experience with psychedelics, either in microdoses (small sub-hallucinogenic doses), macrodoses (hallucinogenic doses), or both. Macrodoses, while less often used for analgesic purposes than microdoses, were reported to induce a higher level of pain relief than both microdoses and conventional pain medications (including opioids and cannabis). Although the effects were weaker and potentially more prone to expectation bias than with macrodoses, our results also suggested some benefits of psychedelics in microdoses for pain management. The reported analgesic effect appeared unrelated to mood improvements associated with psychedelic use, or the advocacy of psychedelic use. Taken together, our findings indicate interesting potential analgesic applications for psychedelics that warrant further clinical research.
How online health groups help you lose weight: The role of group composition and social contact
Authors: Zhou Yixin , J. H. Zhu Jonathan
Published: July 2022

Online health-specific goal challenge groups gather people with the same health concerns and provide an environment to keep on track, exchange experiences, and compete for achievements. We examine how group health status composition influences social contact, and how both group health status composition and social contact affect individual health achievement. Using longitudinal data from 2479 online health challenge group users and their corresponding group information, we found that (a) compared with individual health status, group conditions (average weight status and member affiliation) are more strongly connected with social contact; (b) different mechanisms affect whether people participate in social contact and increase their participation, and weight loss; and (c) average group condition influences individuals’ weight loss through social contact. We emphasize the effect of group composition and the social contact process in health enhancement.