bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation, Characterization and Properties of some Acrylic Base Latex: A Review
Authors: Kumar Satish , Shayoraj Shayoraj , Devi Neeru , Dubey Santosh Kumar , Kumar Ashwani , Kumar Suresh , Gulati Kapil
Published: November 2021

Acrylic polymer latex has versatile role in many academic and industrial applications like paint, adhesives, textile, paper industry, concrete, surface coating, synthetic rubber and many ones. Acrylic base polymer latex can be prepared by various polymerization methods like Batch emulsion, Seeded emulsion, Situ miniemulsion, Atom transfer radical, Free radical copolymerization, Pickering miniemulsion, Semi-continuous seeded emulsion, dispersion copolymerization, aqueous suspension polymerization etc. in different solvents i.e. 1,1,2-trichloroethane, water, deionized water, 1,4-dioxane, chloroform, tetra hydro furan, toluene, benzene, nitric acid and so on. Acrylic latexes possessed various properties such as increased particle size which resist centrifugal nature and reduce viscosity of heavy oil, layered coating on steel improve lustre along with flexibility, tensile strength and thermal stability too. Acrylic latexes increase silicon intensity in silicon nanoparticles by controlling pH of emulsion during polymerization and also super paramagnetic behaviour of Fe2O3 nanocomposites latex controlled by pH. In this connection, many researchers have synthesized various acrylic base polymer latex or its composites, investigate its utility in different forms for different purposes to improve properties as required. In this review our main emphasis is to investigate the synthesis, characterisation and application of various acrylate polymer latexes.
Design, Synthesis and Gelation of Low Molecular Weight Organo-Gelators Derived from Oleic Acid via Amidation
Authors: Joshi Narendra S. , Waghulde Govinda P. , Gupta Gaurav R. , Phalak Raju P.
Published: November 2021

In recent decades, gels have been widely considered for various medicinal purposes and, in particular, wound healing applications. In this regard, amides of oleic acids and 9, 10-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid are synthesized and characterized with the help of modern analytical tools. Among the mentioned amide frameworks, N-(2-aminoethyl)-oleamide exhibits high order of gelation not only with different organic solvents such as n-hexane and DMSO but also with different edible oils such as sesame oil, mustard oil, coconut oil and citriodora oil. Here, we briefly discuss the optimization of gelation conditions for the synthesized amides as organo-gelator, in addition to that the minimum gelation concentration and gelation temperature have also been studied.
What factors drive polyethylene wear in total knee arthroplasty?
Authors: Currier John H. , Currier Barbara H. , Abdel Matthew P. , Berry Daniel J. , Titus Alexander J. , Van Citters Douglas W.
Published: November 2021

Aims

Wear of the polyethylene (PE) tibial insert of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) increases the risk of revision surgery with a significant cost burden on the healthcare system. This study quantifies wear performance of tibial inserts in a large and diverse series of retrieved TKAs to evaluate the effect of factors related to the patient, knee design, and bearing material on tibial insert wear performance.

Methods

An institutional review board-approved retrieval archive was surveyed for modular PE tibial inserts over a range of in vivo duration (mean 58 months (0 to 290)). Five knee designs, totalling 1,585 devices, were studied. Insert wear was estimated from measured thickness change using a previously published method. Linear regression statistical analyses were used to test association of 12 patient and implant design variables with calculated wear rate.

Results

Five patient-specific variables and seven implant-specific variables were evaluated for significant association with lower insert wear rate. Six were significant when controlling for other factors: greater patient age, female sex, shorter duration in vivo, polished tray, highly cross-linked PE (HXLPE), and constrained knee design.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that knee wear rate increased with duration in vivo. Older patients and females had significantly lower wear rates. Polished modular tibial tray surfaces, HXLPE, and constrained TKA designs were device design factors associated with significantly reduced wear rate. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(11):1695–1701.
Resection of the proximal femur during one-stage revision for infected hip arthroplasty
Authors: Abdelaziz Hussein , Schröder Michael , Shum Tien Calvin , Ibrahim Kahled , Gehrke Thorsten , Salber Jochen , Citak Mustafa
Published: November 2021

Aims

One-stage revision hip arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has several advantages; however, resection of the proximal femur might be necessary to achieve higher success rates. We investigated the risk factors for resection and re-revisions, and assessed complications and subsequent re-revisions.

Methods

In this single-centre, case-control study, 57 patients who underwent one-stage revision arthroplasty for PJI of the hip and required resection of the proximal femur between 2009 and 2018 were identified. The control group consisted of 57 patients undergoing one-stage revision without bony resection. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify any correlation with resection and the risk factors for re-revisions. Rates of all-causes re-revision, reinfection, and instability were compared between groups.

Results

Patients who required resection of the proximal femur were found to have a higher all-cause re-revision rate (29.8% vs 10.5%; p = 0.018), largely due to reinfection (15.8% vs 0%; p = 0.003), and dislocation (8.8% vs 10.5%; p = 0.762), and showed higher rate of in-hospital wound haematoma requiring aspiration or evacuation (p = 0.013), and wound revision (p = 0.008). The use of of dual mobility components/constrained liner in the resection group was higher than that of controls (94.7% vs 36.8%; p < 0.001). The presence and removal of additional metal hardware (odds ratio (OR) = 7.2), a sinus tract (OR 4), ten years’ time interval between primary implantation and index infection (OR 3.3), and previous hip revision (OR 1.4) increased the risk of proximal femoral resection. A sinus tract (OR 9.2) and postoperative dislocation (OR 281.4) were associated with increased risk of subsequent re-revisions.

Conclusion

Proximal femoral resection during one-stage revision hip arthroplasty for PJI may be required to reduce the risk of of recurrent or further infection. Patients with additional metalware needing removal or transcortical sinus tracts and chronic osteomyelitis are particularly at higher risk of needing proximal femoral excision. However, radical resection is associated with higher surgical complications and increased re-revision rates. The use of constrained acetabular liners and dual mobility components maintained an acceptable dislocation rate. These results, including identified risk factors, may aid in preoperative planning, patient consultation and consent, and intraoperative decision-making. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(11):1678–1685.
Two Dimensional Modeling of Basaltic Rocks Intrusion Based on The Local Magnetic Anomalies Data in Jatilawang District Banyumas Regency
Authors: Sehah Sehah , Raharjo Sukmaji Anom , Prabowo Urip Nurwijayanto
Published: November 2021

Two dimensional modeling to basaltic rocks intrusion in Pekuncen and Karanglewas Villages Jatilawang District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java based on the local magnetic anomalies data has been carried out in March – June 2020. The amount of magnetic data obtained from the acquisition in the field was 239 data stretching in position of 109.107222° – 109.134944°E and 7.561361° – 7.577306°S, with the local magnetic anomalies values ranging of -2,961.11 – 1,516.31 nT. To model anomalous sources in the subsurface in two dimensions, then the local magnetic anomalies data is transformed into pseudogravity anomalies data, so that anomalous value can be obtained as -27.815 – 41.087 mGal. Based on the pseudogravity anomalous map, the basaltic rock intrusion is interpreted to be located in the eastern part of the research area, so modeling of anomalous sources is conducted in this area. The results of 2D-modeling to local magnetic anomalies data indicate the presence of anomalous object interpreted as basaltic rock intrusion with magnetic susceptibility contrast value of 0.0223 cgs, located at depth of 52.61 – 505.97 m and a lateral length of 1777.94 m. This rock intrudes sediment rock from the Halang Formation and is connected to other basaltic rock near the surface with magnetic susceptibility contrast value of 0.0165 cgs, located at depth of 1.94 – 80.90 m and lateral length of 751.83 m. The results of lithological interpretation are in accordance with the geological information of the research area.
Hubungan Sifat Optik terhadap Performa Kinerja Sel Surya DSSC Transparan Berbahan Dye DN-F01 sebagai Sensitizer
Authors: Supriyanto Agus , Ramelan Ari Handono , Bin Ahmad Mohd Khairul , Ramadhani Febrina , Saputri Diani Galih
Published: November 2021

Dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is the third generation of solar cells that currently developing by researchers to get the best performance. The selection of dye as a component of DSSC has a big influence in the light absorption process. In this study, DN-F01 organic dye was used as a sensitizer with various concentrations. The optical properties test was carried out on the DN-F01 dye solution by UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Shimadzu UV-1800) and the DSSC fabricated performance was tested by portable solar simulator (ORIEL Sol1A). From the results, the DN-F01 absorbance has ability to absorb light in the 300-500 nm wavelength range. The greatest efficiency value in this research is 2.44% obtained from the sample was immersed with the largest concentration of dye DN-F01 which has the smallest band gap energy of 2.38 eV.
Identifikasi Karakteristik Reservoar Berdasarkan Data Akuistik Impedan dan Log Neutron Porositas Studi Kasus: Lapangan Boonsville, USA
Authors: Sastrawan Febrian Dedi , Rahman Irsan Ar , Rahmania Rahmania , Arisalwadi Meidi
Published: November 2021

Penelitian ini berjudul Identifikasi Karakteristik Reservoar Berdasarkan Data Akuistik Impedan Dan Log Neutron Porositas Studi Kasus: Lapangan Boonsville, USA. Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh perlunya menemukan lokasi prospek hidrokarbon dalam upaya menjaga ketahanan energi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini antara lain untuk mendapatkan nilai cutoff AI clean sand stone pada formasi Caddo dan Vineyard berdasarkan hasil crossplot log AI, density, dan gamma ray dan untuk menentukan lokasi/zona yang di prediksi mengandung hidrokarbon pada formasi Caddo dan Vineyard berdasarkan hasil analisis inversi AI, porositas, dan analisis kualitatif data log. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode seismik inversi impedansi akustik (AI). Metode seismik inversi AI digunakan untuk mendapatkan parameter fisis batuan yaitu impedansi akustik sehingga persebaran zona reservoar tempat tersimpannya cadangan hidrokarbon dapat diprediksi. Hasil sebaran AI pada volume seismik dapat digunakan untuk memprediksi sebaran porositas. Prediksi sebaran porositas pada volume seismik didapat dari hasil regresi linier antara nilai AI dengan data log porositas pada sumur B Yates 18 D. Hasil penelitian didapatkan nilai cutoff AI clean sand stone pada formasi Caddo sebesar 38000 - 55500 (ft/s) (gr/cc) dan pada formasi Vineyard sebesar 33000 - 37500 (ft/s) (gr/cc). Pada Top Caddo memiliki 4 zona yang diprediksi mengandung gas dengan reservoar berupa clean sand stone. Pada Top Vineyard ditemukan 3 zona yang diprediksi juga mengandung gas dengan reservoar berupa shaly sand.
A Study of Anti-Radiation Weaving Fabric with Plasma Corona Treatment
Authors: Putra Valentinus Galih Vidia , Irwan Irwan , Purnama Ichsan , Mohamad Juliany Ningsih , Yusuf Yusril
Published: November 2021

In this research, Carbon black particles were applied on the woven fabric by the knife coating technique and pretreatment using plasma corona discharge to build-up conductive cotton-polyester (CVC 50%) fabric electromagnetic shielding material. This paper describes the making of anti-radiation weaving fabric using plasma technology. The anti-radiation patch was developed by first modifying the textile fabric's surface using atmospheric pressure plasma technology using tip-cylinder electrode configuration. The plasma corona discharge was generated using high voltage electricity with asymmetrical electrodes (tip and cylinder). The treated weaving fabric using plasma was then coated with carbon black ink. This research indicates that an anti-radiation weaving fabric was successfully shielded electromagnetic radiation from an electronic device.
Vertical to Horizontal Spectral Ratio (VHSR) Response of Seismic Wave Propagation in a Homogeneous Elastic – Poroelastic Medium Using The Spectral Finite Element Method
Authors: Saroji Sudarmaji , Nurcahya Budi Eka , Sugiantoro Nivan Ramadhan
Published: November 2021

Numerical modeling of 2D seismic wave propagation using spectral finite element method to estimate the response of seismic waves passing through the poroelastic medium from a hydrocarbon reservoir has been carried out. A hybrid simple model of the elastic - poroelastic - elastic with a mesoscopic scale element size of about 50cm was created. Seismic waves which was in the form of the ricker function are generated on the first elastic medium, propagated into the poroelastic medium and then transmitted to the second elastic medium. Pororoelastic medium is bearing hydrocarbon fluid in the form of gas, oil or water. Vertical and horizontal component of velocity seismograms are recorded on all mediums. Seismograms which are recorded in the poroelastic and second elastic medium show the existence of slow P compressional waves following fast P compressional waves that do not appear on the seismogram of the first elastic medium. The slow P wave is generated when the fast P wave enters the interface of the elastic - poroelastic boundary, propagated in the poroelastic medium and is transmited to the second elastic medium. The curves of Vertical to horizontal spectrum ratio (VHSR) which are observed from seismograms recorded in the poroelastic and the second elastic medium show that the peak of VHSR values at low frequency correlated with the fluid of poroelastic reservoir. The highest VHSR value at the low frequency which is recorded on the seismogram is above the 2.5 Hz frequency for reservoirs containing gas and oil in the second elastic medium, while for the medium containing water is the highest VHSR value is below the 2.5 Hz frequency.
Kajian Geofisika dan Geokimia Mangan di Desa Oetalus Kabupaten TTU
Authors: Seran Regina , Edi Eduardus
Published: November 2021

Bijih mangan merupakan bahan galian yang banyak terdapat di kabupaten TTU. Proses penambangan mangan di desa Oetalus-TTU hingga saat ini masih dilakukan secara tradisional oleh masyarakat tanpa mengetahui pola penyebaran bijih mangan. Harga jual mangan pun tergolong rendah karena tidak ada informasi kepada masyarakat mengenai kualitas mangan yang ada di TTU. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini dilakukan untuk identifikasi penyebaran mangan di lokasi penelitian desa Oetalus secara geolistrik dan melakukan karakterisasi secara geokimia untuk mengetahui karakteristik mineral mangan. Metode yang digunakan untuk identifikasi penyebaran mangan adalah metode geolistrik tahanan jenis konfigurasi schlumberger. Metode ini dilakukan dengan cara menginduksikan arus listrik ke bumi melalui 2 buah elektroda arus, kemudian diukur beda potensial maka akan diperoleh harga tahanan jenis semu berdasarkan susunan elektroda. Nilai tahanan jenis semu yang terukur dipengaruhi oleh adanya perbedaan nilai tahanan jenis setiap lapisan batuan bawah permukaan. Alat yang digunakan untuk pengambilan data geolistrik adalah 1 set resistivitymeter OYO MCOHM-EL model 2119. Metode karakterisasi secara geokimia menggunakan XRF untuk mengetahui komposisi unsur dan XRD untuk mengetahui jenis mineral mangan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diperoleh kisaran nilai tahanan jenis mangan di Oetalus yaitu 9-30 Ωm dengan kedalaman lapisan diduga antara 1-20 meter. Analisis menggunakan XRF diperoleh komposisi unsur mangan sebesar 94,2 %. Kadar mangan di oetalus ini sangat potensial dan ekonomis untuk ditambang, karena kadar rata-rata ekonomis bijih mangan adalah 45%. Analisis menggunakan XRD diperoleh jenis mineral mangan di Oetalus adalah pyrolusite (MnO2).
Spatially displaced and superposed Bessel beams for transparent material laser microprocessing
Authors: Nacius Ernestas , Gotovski Pavel , Ulčinas Orestas , Orlov Sergej , Urbas Antanas , Jukna Vytautas
Published: November 2021

Invariant Bessel–Gauss beams have attracted great interest for transparent material microprocessing applications. The small central peak and elongated focal region of the zeroth-order Bessel–Gauss beam provide advantages in laser micromachining. However, many transparent material processing applications need asymmetric beams to induce directional cracking. Therefore, in this work, we investigate analytically, numerically, and experimentally a beam that was generated by spatially displaced axicon halves, which induces noncylindrical symmetry in the beam phase profile. Analytical solutions were found and verified experimentally. High power and quality beams were generated by writing a needed phase alteration of the beam with a geometric phase element. These beams were able to demonstrate applicability to micromachine processing of transparent material.
Simulating the Bose–Hubbard model with a one-dimensional cavity optomechanical system
Authors: Wang Da-Wei , Chao Shi-Lei , Zhao Cheng-Song , Yang Zhen , Zhou Ling
Published: November 2021

We propose a scheme to simulate a one-dimensional Bose–Hubbard model with a coupled cavity optomechanical system. By eliminating the cavity field under the condition of large detuning, an effective Bose–Hubbard model can be achieved. By adiabatically adjusting the classical pumping, we show that the effective Hamiltonian can fully explain transitions from the Mott-insulating phase to the superfluid phase. In addition, we show that the system allows the quantum state transfer after including the dissipation of the oscillators.
Lamb–Dicke localization of cold atoms in Ferris wheel optical dipole potential
Authors: Lembessis V. E. , Lyras A. , Aldossary O. M.
Published: November 2021

We investigate the possibility of strong localization, of the Lamb–Dicke type, for cold atoms trapped by a far off-resonant Ferris wheel optical dipole potential. This optical dipole potential light field is created when a light field generated by the superposition of two similar co-propagating Laguerre–Gaussian beams, with opposite winding numbers, interacts with a two-level atom. We show that strong confinement of atoms in such a light field is possible when the light field is tightly focused, for low values of the winding number and relatively high values of power. We show that a combination of a Ferris wheel with an ordinary axial Gaussian optical lattice provides 3D cylindrically symmetric optical lattices in which the Lamb–Dicke limit can be reached for typically used experimental parameter values.
High performance FIR thermometry on the basis of the redshift of CTB by dual-wavelength alternative excitation in Eu3+:YVO4
Authors: Peng Lixin , Zhou Yuan , Qin Feng , Li LeiPeng , Zhang ZhiGuo
Published: November 2021

Compared with the forbidden 4f transition of rare earth ions, the strong absorption of the charge transfer band (CTB) enabled fluorescence thermometry to have high luminescence efficiency. Based on the temperature induced redshift of CTB, a high performance fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) thermometry performed by dual-wavelength alternative excitation was studied. By way of the rising and falling edges of CTB in

E

u

3

+

doped

Y
V
O

4

, monochrome sensitivity as a function of excitation wavelength was studied in the range of 303–783 K. The excitation wavelength with the highest positive monochrome sensitivity was determined, as well as that with the negative one. The optimum FIR temperature sensing strategy is proposed, and the theoretical highest relative sensitivity (

S

r

) is calculated to be 1.86%

K

−
1

, with the lowest uncertainty (

Δ
T

) of 0.1 K at 783 K.
Terahertz pulse generation by multi-color laser fields with linear versus circular polarization
Authors: Stathopulos Alexandre , Skupin Stefan , Bergé Luc
Published: November 2021

We study the influence of the polarization state of multi-color femtosecond laser pulses ionizing air or noble gases on the emitted terahertz radiation. A local-current model and plane wave evaluations predict a cross-over in the THz energy yields with increasing number of pump harmonics, for which circular laser polarization is more efficient for a few harmonics, and linear polarization is favorable for more than six pump colors. Comprehensive 3D numerical simulations of gas jet experiments confirm this property for singly and multiply ionized gases. Rotation of the THz polarization ellipse in the case of circular laser polarization is explained by phase shifts that may alter the phase angle between the harmonics.
Unfiltered holography: optimizing high diffraction orders without optical filtering for compact holographic displays
Authors: Gopakumar Manu , Kim Jonghyun , Choi Suyeon , Peng Yifan , Wetzstein Gordon
Published: November 2021

Computer-generated holography suffers from high diffraction orders (HDOs) created from pixelated spatial light modulators, which must be optically filtered using bulky optics. Here, we develop an algorithmic framework for optimizing HDOs without optical filtering to enable compact holographic displays. We devise a wave propagation model of HDOs and use it to optimize phase patterns, which allows HDOs to contribute to forming the image instead of creating artifacts. The proposed method significantly outperforms previous algorithms in an unfiltered holographic display prototype.
Nonlinear visuoauditory integration in the mouse superior colliculus
Authors: Ito Shinya , Si Yufei , Litke Alan M. , Feldheim David A.
Published: November 2021

Sensory information from different modalities is processed in parallel, and then integrated in associative brain areas to improve object identification and the interpretation of sensory experiences. The Superior Colliculus (SC) is a midbrain structure that plays a critical role in integrating visual, auditory, and somatosensory input to assess saliency and promote action. Although the response properties of the individual SC neurons to visuoauditory stimuli have been characterized, little is known about the spatial and temporal dynamics of the integration at the population level. Here we recorded the response properties of SC neurons to spatially restricted visual and auditory stimuli using large-scale electrophysiology. We then created a general, population-level model that explains the spatial, temporal, and intensity requirements of stimuli needed for sensory integration. We found that the mouse SC contains topographically organized visual and auditory neurons that exhibit nonlinear multisensory integration. We show that nonlinear integration depends on properties of auditory but not visual stimuli. We also find that a heuristically derived nonlinear modulation function reveals conditions required for sensory integration that are consistent with previously proposed models of sensory integration such as spatial matching and the principle of inverse effectiveness.
Two oppositely-charged sf3b1 mutations cause defective development, impaired immune response, and aberrant selection of intronic branch sites in Drosophila
Authors: Zhang Bei , Ding Zhan , Li Liang , Xie Ling-Kun , Fan Yu-Jie , Xu Yong-Zhen
Published: November 2021

SF3B1 mutations occur in many cancers, and the highly conserved His662 residue is one of the hotspot mutation sites. To address effects on splicing and development, we constructed strains carrying point mutations at the corresponding residue His698 in Drosophila using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique. Two mutations, H698D and H698R, were selected due to their frequent presence in patients and notable opposite charges. Both the sf3b1-H698D and–H698R mutant flies exhibit developmental defects, including less egg-laying, decreased hatching rates, delayed morphogenesis and shorter lifespans. Interestingly, the H698D mutant has decreased resistance to fungal infection, while the H698R mutant shows impaired climbing ability. Consistent with these phenotypes, further analysis of RNA-seq data finds altered expression of immune response genes and changed alternative splicing of muscle and neural-related genes in the two mutants, respectively. Expression of Mef2-RB, an isoform of Mef2 gene that was downregulated due to splicing changes caused by H698R, partly rescues the climbing defects of the sf3b1-H698R mutant. Lariat sequencing reveals that the two sf3b1-H698 mutations cause aberrant selection of multiple intronic branch sites, with the H698R mutant using far upstream branch sites in the changed alternative splicing events. This study provides in vivo evidence from Drosophila that elucidates how these SF3B1 hotspot mutations alter splicing and their consequences in development and in the immune system.
Opioid prescribing among new users for non-cancer pain in the USA, Canada, UK, and Taiwan: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Jani Meghna , Girard Nadyne , Bates David W. , Buckeridge David L. , Sheppard Therese , Li Jack , Iqbal Usman , Vik Shelly , Weaver Colin , Seidel Judy , Dixon William G. , Tamblyn Robyn
Published: November 2021

Background

The opioid epidemic in North America has been driven by an increase in the use and potency of prescription opioids, with ensuing excessive opioid-related deaths. Internationally, there are lower rates of opioid-related mortality, possibly because of differences in prescribing and health system policies. Our aim was to compare opioid prescribing rates in patients without cancer, across 5 centers in 4 countries. In addition, we evaluated differences in the type, strength, and starting dose of medication and whether these characteristics changed over time.

Methods and findings

We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study of adults who are new users of opioids without prior cancer. Electronic health records and administrative health records from Boston (United States), Quebec and Alberta (Canada), United Kingdom, and Taiwan were used to identify patients between 2006 and 2015. Standard dosages in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) were calculated according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Age- and sex-standardized opioid prescribing rates were calculated for each jurisdiction. Of the 2,542,890 patients included, 44,690 were from Boston (US), 1,420,136 Alberta, 26,871 Quebec (Canada), 1,012,939 UK, and 38,254 Taiwan. The highest standardized opioid prescribing rates in 2014 were observed in Alberta at 66/1,000 persons compared to 52, 51, and 18/1,000 in the UK, US, and Quebec, respectively. The median MME/day (IQR) at initiation was highest in Boston at 38 (20 to 45); followed by Quebec, 27 (18 to 43); Alberta, 23 (9 to 38); UK, 12 (7 to 20); and Taiwan, 8 (4 to 11). Oxycodone was the first prescribed opioid in 65% of patients in the US cohort compared to 14% in Quebec, 4% in Alberta, 0.1% in the UK, and none in Taiwan. One of the limitations was that data were not available from all centers for the entirety of the 10-year period.

Conclusions

In this study, we observed substantial differences in opioid prescribing practices for non-cancer pain between jurisdictions. The preference to start patients on higher MME/day and more potent opioids in North America may be a contributing cause to the opioid epidemic.
Nudge strategies for behavior-based prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases: A scoping review and ethical assessment
Authors: Vande Velde Fiona , Overgaard Hans J. , Bastien Sheri
Published: November 2021

Background

Nudging, a strategy that uses subtle stimuli to direct people’s behavior, has recently been included as an effective and low-cost behavior change strategy in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC), targeting behavior-based prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The present scoping review aims to provide a timely overview of how nudge interventions have been applied within this field. In addition, the review proposes a framework for the ethical consideration of nudges for NTD prevention and control, or more broadly global health promotion.

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed in several databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase (Ovid), Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, ERIC and Econ.Lit (EBSCO), as well as registered trials and reviews in CENTRAL and PROSPERO to identify ongoing or unpublished studies. Additionally, studies were included through a handpicked search on websites of governmental nudge units and global health or development organizations.

Results

This scoping review identified 33 relevant studies, with only two studies targeting NTDs in particular, resulting in a total of 67 nudge strategies. Most nudges targeted handwashing behavior and were focused on general health practices rather than targeting a specific disease. The most common nudge strategies were those targeting decision assistance, such as facilitating commitment and reminder actions. The majority of nudges were of moderate to high ethical standards, with the highest standards being those that had the most immediate and significant health benefits, and those implemented by agents in a trust relationship with the target audience.

Conclusion

Three key recommendations should inform research investigating nudge strategies in global health promotion in general. Firstly, future efforts should investigate the different opportunities that nudges present for targeting NTDs in particular, rather than relying solely on integrated health promotion approaches. Secondly, to apply robust study designs including rigorous process and impact evaluation which allow for a better understanding of ‘what works’ and ‘how it works’. Finally, to consider the ethical implications of implementing nudge strategies, specifically in LMIC.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in underserved communities of North Carolina
Authors: Doherty Irene A. , Pilkington William , Brown Laurin , Billings Victoria , Hoffler Undi , Paulin Lisa , Kimbro K. Sean , Baker Brittany , Zhang Tianduo , Locklear Tracie , Robinson Seronda , Kumar Deepak
Published: November 2021

Background

In the United States, underserved communities including Blacks and Latinx are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, describe attitudes related to vaccination, and identify correlates among historically marginalized populations across 9 counties in North Carolina.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey distributed at free COVID-19 testing events in underserved rural and urban communities from August 27 –December 15, 2020. Vaccine hesitancy was defined as the response of “no” or “don’t know/not sure” to whether the participant would get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it became available.

Results

The sample comprised 948 participants including 27.7% Whites, 59.6% Blacks, 12.7% Latinx, and 63% female. 32% earned <$20K annually, 60% owned a computer and ~80% had internet access at home. The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 68.9% including 62.7%, 74%, and 59.5% among Whites, Blacks, and Latinx, respectively. Between September and December, the largest decline in vaccine hesitancy occurred among Whites (27.5 percentage points), followed by Latinx (17.6) and only 12.0 points among Blacks. 51.2% of respondents reported vaccine safety concerns, 23.7% wanted others to get vaccinated first, and 63.1% would trust health care providers about the COVID-19 vaccine. Factors associated with hesitancy in multivariable logistic regression included being female (OR = 1.90 95%CI [1.36, 2.64]), being Black (OR = 1.68 1.16, 2.45]), calendar month (OR = 0.76 [0.63, 0.92]), safety concerns (OR = 4.28 [3.06, 5.97]), and government distrust (OR = 3.57 [2.26, 5.63]).

Conclusions

This study engaged the community to directly reach underserved minority populations at highest risk of COVID-19 that permitted assessment of vaccine hesitancy (which was much higher than national estimates), driven in part by distrust, and safety concerns.
Numerical uncertainty in analytical pipelines lead to impactful variability in brain networks
Authors: Kiar Gregory , Chatelain Yohan , de Oliveira Castro Pablo , Petit Eric , Rokem Ariel , Varoquaux Gaël , Misic Bratislav , Evans Alan C. , Glatard Tristan
Published: November 2021

The analysis of brain-imaging data requires complex processing pipelines to support findings on brain function or pathologies. Recent work has shown that variability in analytical decisions, small amounts of noise, or computational environments can lead to substantial differences in the results, endangering the trust in conclusions. We explored the instability of results by instrumenting a structural connectome estimation pipeline with Monte Carlo Arithmetic to introduce random noise throughout. We evaluated the reliability of the connectomes, the robustness of their features, and the eventual impact on analysis. The stability of results was found to range from perfectly stable (i.e. all digits of data significant) to highly unstable (i.e. 0 − 1 significant digits). This paper highlights the potential of leveraging induced variance in estimates of brain connectivity to reduce the bias in networks without compromising reliability, alongside increasing the robustness and potential upper-bound of their applications in the classification of individual differences. We demonstrate that stability evaluations are necessary for understanding error inherent to brain imaging experiments, and how numerical analysis can be applied to typical analytical workflows both in brain imaging and other domains of computational sciences, as the techniques used were data and context agnostic and globally relevant. Overall, while the extreme variability in results due to analytical instabilities could severely hamper our understanding of brain organization, it also affords us the opportunity to increase the robustness of findings.
High salt diet impairs dermal tissue remodeling in a mouse model of IMQ induced dermatitis
Authors: Pajtók Csenge , Veres-Székely Apor , Agócs Róbert , Szebeni Beáta , Dobosy Péter , Németh István , Veréb Zoltán , Kemény Lajos , Szabó Attila J. , Vannay Ádám , Tulassay Tivadar , Pap Domonkos
Published: November 2021

Recent animal studies, as well as quantitative sodium MRI observations on humans demonstrated that remarkable amounts of sodium can be stored in the skin. It is also known that excess sodium in the tissues leads to inflammation in various organs, but its role in dermal pathophysiology has not been elucidated. Therefore, our aim was to study the effect of dietary salt loading on inflammatory process and related extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in the skin. To investigate the effect of high salt consumption on inflammation and ECM production in the skin mice were kept on normal (NSD) or high salt (HSD) diet and then dermatitis was induced with imiquimod (IMQ) treatment. The effect of high salt concentration on dermal fibroblasts (DF) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was also investigated in vitro. The HSD resulted in increased sodium content in the skin of mice. Inflammatory cytokine Il17 expression was elevated in the skin of HSD mice. Expression of anti-inflammatory Il10 and Il13 decreased in the skin of HSD or HSD IMQ mice. The fibroblast marker Acta2 and ECM component Fn and Col1a1 decreased in HSD IMQ mice. Expression of ECM remodeling related Pdgfb and activation phosphorylated (p)-SMAD2/3 was lower in HSD IMQ mice. In PBMCs, production of IL10, IL13 and PDGFB was reduced due to high salt loading. In cultured DFs high salt concentration resulted in decreased cell motility and ECM production, as well. Our results demonstrate that high dietary salt intake is associated with increased dermal pro-inflammatory status. Interestingly, although inflammation induces the synthesis of ECM in most organs, the expression of ECM decreased in the inflamed skin of mice on high salt diet. Our data suggest that salt intake may alter the process of skin remodeling.
Return to work of transgender people: A systematic review through the blender of occupational health
Authors: Van de Cauter Joy , Van Schoorisse Hanna , Van de Velde Dominique , Motmans Joz , Braeckman Lutgart
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives

Return to work (RTW) or work resumption after a work absence due to psychosocial or medical reasons benefits the well-being of a person, including transgender people, and is nowadays a major research domain. The objective is to examine, through an occupational lens, the literature reporting objective RTW outcomes and experiences in transgender people to (a) synthesize what is known about return to work (full-time, part-time, or self-employed) and (b) describe which gaps persist.

Methods & sample

Several databases and the gray literature were explored systematically. Studies between November 1, 2006 and March 1, 2021 revealing RTW quantitative and qualitative data of adult transgender people were eligible. This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019128395) on April 30, 2019.

Results

Among the 14,592 articles initially identified, 97 fulfilled the inclusion criteria which resulted in 20 being analyzed. Objective RTW outcomes, such as number of RTW attempts, time to RTW or number of sick days, were lacking; thus, other relevant work outcomes were reported. Compared to the general population, lower employment rates and more economic distress were observed, with trans women in particular saying that their work situation had deteriorated. Research on positive RTW experiences was highlighted by the importance of disclosure, the support from especially managers and coworkers who acted as mediators, personal coping, and a transition plan along with work accommodations. Negative work experiences, such as demotion, lay-offs, and discrimination were often prominent together with a lack of knowledge of trans issues among all stakeholders, including occupational health professionals.

Conclusion & recommendations

Few studies have explored employment characteristics and experiences of transgender people (TP). RTW is a dynamic process along with transition in itself, which should be tailored through supportive policies, education, a transition plan and work accommodations with the help of external experts. Future studies should include more occupational information and report RTW outcomes to enhance our knowledge about the guidance of TP and to make way for interventional studies.
A randomized community trial to advance digital epidemiological and mHealth citizen scientist compliance: A smart platform study
Authors: Katapally Tarun Reddy , Hammami Nour , Chu Luan Manh
Published: November 2021

Background

This study aims to understand how participants’ compliance and response rates to both traditional validated surveys and ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) vary across 4 cohorts who participated in the same mHealth study and received the same surveys and EMAs on their smartphones, however with cohort-specific time-triggers that differed across the 4 cohorts.

Methods

As part of the Smart Platform, adult citizen scientists residing in Regina and Saskatoon, Canada, were randomly assigned to 4 cohorts in 2018. Citizen Scientists provided a complex series of subjective and objective data during 8 consecutive days using a custom-built smartphone application. All citizen scientists responded to both validated surveys and EMAs that captured physical activity. However, using Smart Platform, we varied the burden of responding to validated surveys and EMAs across cohorts by using different time-triggered push notifications. Participants in Cohort 1 (n = 10) received the full baseline 209-item validated survey on day 1 of the study; whereas participants in cohorts 2 (n = 26), 3 (n = 10), and 4 (n = 25) received the same survey in varied multiple sections over a period of 4 days. We used weighted One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests and weighted, linear regression models to assess for differences in compliance rate across the cohort groups controlling for age, gender, and household income.

Results

Compliance to EMAs that captured prospective physical activity varied across cohorts 1 to 4: 50.0% (95% Confidence Interval [C.I.] = 31.4, 68.6), 63.0% (95% C.I. = 50.7, 75.2), 37.5% (95% C.I. = 18.9, 56.1), and 61.2% (95% C.I. = 47.4, 75.0), respectively. The highest completion rate of physical activity validated surveys was observed in Cohort 4 (mean = 97.9%, 95% C.I. = 95.5, 100.0). This was also true after controlling for age, gender, and household income. The regression analyses showed that citizen scientists in Cohorts 2, 3, and 4 had significantly higher compliance with completing the physical activity validated surveys relative to citizen scientists in cohort group 1 who completed the full survey on the first day.

Conclusions & significances

The findings show that maximizing the compliance rates of research participants for digital epidemiological and mHealth studies requires a balance between rigour of data collection, minimization of survey burden, and adjustment of time- and user-triggered notifications based on citizen or patient input.
Motivation, Symbolic Meaning, and Social Impact
Authors: Essig Linda
Published: November 2021

This essay expands on the defining characteristics of the arts and culture sector by considering not only the product but also the producer, the artist—the individuals or teams of creative people who make art—and their mirror and sometimes unwitting collaborator, the audience. Concepts of symbolic meaning, identity, arts economies, and impact evaluation are illustrated by both existing literature and case study examples.
Being an Entrepreneurial Artist
Authors: Essig Linda
Published: November 2021

As in sports, business, and other sectors, the star artists, the top 1%, have disproportionately influenced the public expectations for what 'a successful artist' means. But it isn’t necessary to retell the stories of the 1% of arts entrepreneurs. This essay looks instead at the quotidian artist and, unlike the art historian, at what they do and why, not what they make.
Formação Continuada de Professores no Uso de Tecnologias Digitais / Continuous Teacher Training in The Use of Digital Technologies
Authors: Santos Camila Santos dos , Tigre Maria Antonieta Pereira
Published: November 2021

Resumo:O presente trabalho, busca analisar qual(is) formação(ões) os professores têm atualmente na área das tecnologias digitais e como integram ferramentas digitais às práticas pedagógicas. Os objetivos da pesquisa são: identificar nas produções literárias possíveis etapas de uma formação continuada; investigar nos questionários obtidos com a pesquisa de campo quais os motivos que impedem a formação continuada e descrever o perfil dos professores, além de analisar as informações colhidas no questionário. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo de campo com professores da educação básica de Vitória da Conquista – BA. Como uma pesquisa do tipo exploratória, houve levantamento bibliográfico, entrevistas e exemplos que estimulam a compreensão do assunto. Pode-se concluir que ainda é presente a desqualificação dos docentes quanto ao uso das tecnologias educacionais e que estes carecem de formação continuada, sendo algo preocupante levando em conta o momento atual, onde há imersão total das tecnologias na prática docente.  Palavras – chave: Formação Continuada; Novas Metodologias. Tecnologias Digitais.   Abstract: This paper seeks to analyze what training(s) teachers currently have in the area of digital technologies and how they integrate digital tools into pedgogical practices. The research objectives are: to identify possible stages of continuing education in literary productions; investigate, in the questionnaires obtained from the field research, which are the reasons that prevent continuing education and describe the profile of teachers, in addition to analyzing the information collected in the questionnaire. For this, a field study was carried out with basic education teachers from Vitória da Conquista – BA. As exploratory research, there was a bibliographic survey, interviews and examples that stimulate the understanding of the subject. It can be concluded that the disqualification of teachers regarding the use of educational technologies is still present and that they lack continuing education, which is a concern considering the current moment, where there is total immersion of technologies in teaching practice.  Keywords: Continuing Education; New Methodologies. Digital Technologies.
Perfil Metacognitivo de Estudantes Universitários e suas Estratégias de Autorregulação de Aprendizagem / Metacognitive Profile of University Students and its Learning Self-Regulation Strategies
Authors: Vieira Maria do Socorro Tavares Cavalcante , Sousa Geida Maria Cavalcanti de , Nascimento junior José Roberto Andrade do
Published: November 2021

Resumo: A autorregulação apresenta-se como um conceito extenso e vem sendo utilizado nos mais diferentes contextos e áreas de conhecimento. O estudo buscou averiguar a associação de atitudes de estudo e a utilização de estratégias de aprendizagem autorregulada por licenciandos dos cursos de Química e de Física. A amostra de 66 estudantes do Campus Petrolina do IF SertãoPE, foi analisado se o gênero e o curso podem ser associados à utilização de estratégias de aprendizado autorregulado. A pesquisa utilizou-se de questionários de escala nominal para descrição de atitudes de estudo autorreguladas e perfil socioeconômico dos voluntários. A análise dos dados ocorreu através de um software estatístico, com uso de testes descritivos e inferenciais. Os resultados apontaram correlações significativas entre memória e planejamento, controle e conhecimento processual, indicando associação linear entre as variáveis, significando que os estudantes demonstraram que fazem associação entre atitudes de estudo e a utilização de aprendizado autorregulado. Abstract: Self-regulation is an extensive concept and has been used in different contexts and areas of knowledge. The study sought to investigate the association of study attitudes and the use of self-regulated learning strategies by undergraduates of Chemistry and Physics courses. The sample of 66 students from the Petrolina Campus of the IFSertãoPE was analyzed if gender and course could be associated with the use of self-regulated learning strategies. The research used nominal scale questionnaires to describe self-regulated study attitudes and socioeconomic profile of the volunteers. Data analysis was performed using statistical software, using descriptive and inferential tests. The results showed significant correlations between memory and planning, control and procedural knowledge, indicating a linear association between the variables, meaning that students demonstrated an association between study attitudes and the use of self-regulated learning. Keywords: Self-regulation; metacognition; learning.