bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards growing participation in new and existing communities
Authors: Dicks Ian D.
Published: June 2022

When engaging missionally with new and existing communities the focus is often placed on finding a program or project to facilitate this. Although social enterprises, community programs, and projects are important, the role of growing participation, the dynamics of social networks, and the type, quality, and depth of relationship required for engagement and deep life-sharing are essential to consider. In this article I will discuss some important aspects of growing participation that are applicable to all communities and that can lead to deep life-sharing, the sharing of the gospel, and, in time, hopefully to redemption and transformation.
Learning from Mayan Tzotzil: A commentary on Kidd and Garcia (2022)
Authors: de León Lourdes
Published: June 2022

In response to Kidd and Garcia’s survey that shows the paucity of authors and languages from the Global South in four leading journals of language acquisition, I argue that Mayan language acquisition has contributed in important ways to test theories in the field at large. I specifically outline major contributions from Mayan Tzotzil acquisition to topics of input, lexical, semantic and morphological development. Research on Mesoamerican languages is invaluable in understanding the implications of linguistic typology in language acquisition.
Radial forearm free flap and a freka-trelumina tube for management of a refractory pharyngocutaneous fistula: A case report
Authors: Bao Xiaomin , Li Jian
Published: June 2022

The management of pharyngocutaneous fistulas (PCFs) is challenging. A multidisciplinary treatment approach according to the clinical needs of a patient is essential for PCF management. Here, we describe the use of a double-layer closure technique involving a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) and a Freka-Trelumina nasojejunal tube in the reconstruction of a refractory PCF.
Cultural Friction in International Joint Ventures: Whose Cultural Distance Affects Market Reactions?
Authors: Li Chengguang
Published: June 2022

This article draws on the cultural friction perspective to study the performance implications of cultural distance (CD) in international joint ventures (IJVs). In particular, I theorize about the cultural carriers, point of contact, exchange, and mitigating mechanisms through which CD affects the interactions and relationships between the different organizations involved in IJVs. I postulate that CD between the focal firm's home country and the partner firm's home country negatively influences the focal firm's abnormal returns, while CD between the focal firm's and the IJV's home countries and CD between the partner firm's and the IJV's home countries exert a positive impact. I further propose that prior IJV experience is an important mitigating mechanism that moderates these relationships, contingent on the level of the prior experience's success. Using data for 709 IJV announcements, I find that CD between focal firm and partner firm and CD between focal firm and IJV significantly influences market reactions to IJVs, while prior experience moderates the effect of CD between the parent firms. This study helps to resolve previously inconclusive findings by documenting that CD's impact fundamentally depends on whose CD is considered and what type of experience a firm possesses.
Implications of Older Adults’ Attributions for Young Adults’ Attitudes to Aging: A Vignette Study
Authors: Fowler Craig , Bernhold Quinten
Published: June 2022

The present study was grounded in the revised communicative ecology model of successful aging (CEMSA) and examined whether brief, passing remarks made by older adults about aging influence both young adults’ aging efficacy and their expectations regarding aging. Young adult participants ( n = 322) were randomly assigned to read a single vignette. In the vignette an older adult invoked either a negative age-based reason, a non-age-based reason, or a positive age-based reason to account for behavior that could be taken to reflect age-related stereotypes pertaining to physical decline, cognitive decline, or aversion to technology. Analyzes revealed that participants who read the positive age-based accounts perceived the aging process to have been portrayed more favorably. Consequently, they reported higher levels of positive affect about aging which translated into their feeling more efficacious about managing their own aging, and into having more positive expectations regarding aging in general.
Comparison of the Effects of Laser Irradiation and Conventional Acid Etching on the Surface Characteristics and Bond Strength of Bonded Molar Tubes—an In Vitro Study
Authors: Revdekar Anisha H. , Sabane Anand , Bhosale Veera I. , Patil Amol
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

The aim of study is to determine if laser irradiated enamel may be a viable alternative to acid etching for orthodontic bonding of molar tubes.

Method:

Sixty extracted permanent molars were divided into 3 groups of 20 each. Group I was irradiated with Er:YAG laser for 15 s, group II with Er;Cr:YSGG laser for 15 s, and group III was etched with 37% phosphoric acid. Ten samples from each group were observed under scanning electron microscope and later all 60 samples were bonded with molar tubes. Molar tubes were debonded and shear bond strength was recorded. Adhesive remnant index was measured under electron microscope (2000×).

Results:

Shear bond strength with Er:YAG laser etching was significantly higher than with acid etching and Er;Cr:YSGG laser etching. Er:YAG laser etching, and Er;Cr:YSGG laser etching showed Type III etching pattern with microcracks while acid etching showed Type I etching pattern. Adhesive remnant index was significantly higher for Er:YAG laser etching as compared to conventional acid etching.

Conclusion:

Er:YAG and Er;Cr:YSGG laser etching is a viable alternative to acid etching for bonding of bondable molar tubes.
Analysis of Intrinsic Factors Leading to Aggressive Driving Behavior to Derive Safety Policy Implications for Bus Drivers
Authors: Cho Eunsol , Park Subin , Oh Cheol
Published: June 2022

Significant efforts to develop effective safety policies are essential to prevent bus traffic accidents because city buses accommodate many passengers. An in-depth analysis of causal factors that can be the intrinsic cause of aggressive driving is a first step toward preparing for effective bus safety policies. This study aims to explore traffic safety policy implications and analyze development priorities based on the aforementioned factors including the working environment, health characteristics, human characteristics, living environment, and bus route characteristics. Bus driver survey data obtained by self-reported survey instruments were used to discover factors that affect aggressive driving behavior captured by an in-vehicle data recorder. A binary logistic regression model was established using driver characteristics as independent variables and the level of aggressive driving behavior as the dependent variables. From the model, a total of nine independent variables that have a statistically significant effect on aggressive driving behavior by bus drivers were found. This study then suggested seven bus safety policy implications based on the identified influencing factors. The results of the prioritizing the policy implications show that detailed regulations related to break times for city bus drivers, improvement of company break rooms, and management measures for bus driver mental health and psychological conditions were the top three. The findings of this study would be valuable for the development of effective traffic safety policies that reflect the characteristics of the city bus industry.
Ten Years of Traffic Speed Deflectometer Research in the United States: A Review
Authors: Katicha Samer , Flintsch Gerardo , Diefenderfer Brian
Published: June 2022

This paper summarizes the research efforts into and applications of the traffic speed deflectometer (TSD) that have occurred over the last 10 years in the United States (U.S.). These are divided into three main topics which are: (1) data analysis methods including data processing, calculation of indices and structural parameters, and temperature correction; (2) evaluation efforts of TSD including repeatability and comparison with the falling weight deflectometer (FWD); and (3) applications of TSD with a focus on flexible pavement management applications, although some efforts on rigid and composite pavements are mentioned. The data analysis methods reviewed are data averaging length and reporting interval, and how deflections are calculated from the measured deflection slopes. For the calculation of indices and structural parameters the following are reviewed: deflection indices that have been proposed, the effective structural number ( SNeff), and backcalculation of layer moduli. Efforts to evaluate TSD precision (or measurement standard error) are discussed. Then, some comparisons of short-term (time frame of 1 day) and long-term (time frame of 1 year) repeatability of TSD are presented. Compared with FWD, TSD and FWD generally have good correlation, although the measurement principles of the two devices are slightly different. The focus is on network-level applications of TSD, and, more specifically, efforts to include TSD measurements in the pavement management system, especially for flexible pavements applications.
Optimization of Platoons’ Lateral Position Based on Damage Estimation
Authors: Sayeh Watheq , Al-Qadi Imad L.
Published: June 2022

Truck platooning is one of the upcoming paradigm shifts in roadway-traffic patterns. It is defined as a convoy of trucks moving with short distances between them; truck platoons will change the performance of pavements. This change could practically be realized with the emergence of connected and autonomous trucks, which can control their lateral position. In this study, optimal lateral position of truck platoons is defined. Using an efficient algorithm, pavement damage was estimated assuming a probabilistic position of trucks. Four typical pavement cross-sections were used to apply the algorithm-based optimization developed. The pavement sections varied in thickness and stiffness from thick and strong section to thin and weak. The optimization results showed that different schemes can be optimal for the same cross-section. However, most of these optimal schemes disperse the traffic throughout the lane. Compared with normally distributed truck traffic, up to 18% and 50% reduction in rutting and fatigue cracking, respectively, could be achieved when applying an optimized traffic pattern. When compared with a channelized-platoon traffic pattern, the optimized truck traffic shows prospects of reducing rutting and cracking up to 29% and 70%, respectively. Optimal traffic patterns were used to develop simple platoon factors that could be applied to the Illinois Mechanistic Design Method to incorporate truck platooning.
Factors Associated With Driving Status Among Brazilian Older Adults
Authors: Hauser Eduardo , Borgatto Adriano F. , Meneghini Vandrize , Barbosa Aline R.
Published: June 2022

This study analyzed the factors associated with driving status among older adults in Brazil. The sample consisted of 15,221 older adults (≥65 years) residing in Brazilian capitals in 2018. The following question established the participants’ driving status: “ Do you drive a car, motorcycle, and/or another vehicle?” Sociodemographic, health conditions, and health-related behaviors were derived through standard procedures. Poisson regression analysis was performed to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence interval. The prevalence of drivers was 28.83%. We found that being physically active during leisure time and higher daily recreational screen time (>3 h/day) were associated with driving status. Self-perceived negative health and being physically active by commuting showed an inverse association with driving status. The high prevalence of older drivers and the characteristics associated with driving reinforces the importance of public policy strategies for these individuals.
Seizure Semiology, Location of Lesion on Neuroimaging, and Interictal Electroencephalographic (EEG) Abnormalities in Children With Single-Lesion Neurocysticercosis—Is There a Correlation?
Authors: Srinivasan Santhiya , Saini Arushi Gahlot , Ahuja Chirag K. , Khandelwal Niranjan , Sahu Jitendra Kumar , Singhi Pratibha
Published: June 2022

Background: Single-lesion neurocysticercosis provides a model of seizure genesis secondary to an acquired lesion. We aimed to study the correlation of seizure semiology with the location of the lesion and interictal electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities in children with single-lesion neurocysticercosis. Methods: Prospective, observational study in children with single-lesion neurocysticercosis and seizures. Seizure classification was done after an interview with the parent/onlooker and the child. Localization and lateralization of the lesion were done by neuroimaging. The EEG abnormalities were classified based on their morphology and location. Results: Ninety-two children (7.9 ± 2.4 years) were included. Focal-onset seizures were the commonest (n = 54; 58.6%) seizures. Majority of the lesions were located in the frontal (n = 43; 47%) and parietal cortex (n = 34; 37%). EEG showed focal slowing (n = 15; 53.6%) and epileptiform spikes/spike-wave complexes (n = 13; 46.4%). There was a perfect agreement of clinical semiology with imaging lateralization (K = 1.0) and moderate agreement with imaging localization (K = 0.4). There was no significant agreement of clinical localization with EEG slowing (K = 0.1) or sharps (K = 0). There was moderate agreement (K = 0.6) of EEG slowing and substantial agreement (K = 0.7) of EEG sharps with clinical lateralization. Focal EEG slowing had moderate (K = 0.5) agreement with imaging lateralization. Focal sharps/spikes had substantial (K = 0.7) agreement with imaging lateralization. The positive predictive value (PPV) of seizure semiology for lateralization and localization was 100% and 68%, respectively. PVV of focal sharps for lateralization and localization was 84% and 70%, respectively. PPV of focal slowing for lateralization and localization was 77% and 65%, respectively. Conclusion: Seizure semiology in single-lesion neurocysticercosis correlates very well with lateralization but not so well with localization of lesion on neuroimaging. Focal EEG abnormalities are seen in nearly one-third of children with single-lesion neurocysticercosis. EEG often predicts the side of the lesion but has poor localizing value.
Identifying Migraine Phenotype Post Traumatic Headache (MPTH) to Guide Overall Recovery From Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Klein Susan K. , Brown Cynthia B. , Ostrowski-Delahanty Sarah , Bruckman David , Victorio M. Cristina
Published: June 2022

Objective: The primary aim of this study is to develop an easy way to identify migraine phenotype posttraumatic headache (MPTH) in children with traumatic brain injury, to treat headache in traumatic brain injury effectively, and to promote faster recovery from traumatic brain injury symptoms overall. Methods: We evaluated youth aged 7-20 years in a pediatric neurology traumatic brain injury (TBI) clinic, assigning a migraine phenotype for post-traumatic headache (MPTH) at the initial visit with the 3-item ID Migraine Screener. We stratified the sample by early (≤6 weeks) and late (>6 weeks) presenters, using days to recovery from concussion symptoms as the primary outcome variable. Results: 397 youth were assessed; 54% were female. Median age was 15.1 years (range 7.0-20.4 years), and 34% of the sample had sports-related injuries. Migraine phenotype for posttraumatic headache (MPTH) was assigned to 56.1% of those seen within 6 weeks of traumatic brain injury and 50.7% of those seen after the 6-week mark. Irrespective of whether they were early or late presenters to our clinic, patients with migraine phenotype (MPTH) took longer to recover from traumatic brain injury than those with posttraumatic headache (PTH) alone. Log rank test indicated that the survival (ie, recovery) distributions between those with migraine phenotype posttraumatic headache (MPTH) and those with posttraumatic headache (PTH) were statistically different, χ2(3) = 50.186 ( P < .001). Conclusions: Early identification of migraine phenotype posttraumatic headache (MPTH) following concussion can help guide more effective treatment of headache in traumatic brain injury and provide a road map for the trajectory of recovery from traumatic brain injury symptoms. It will also help us understand better the mechanisms that underlie conversion to persistent posttraumatic headache and chronic migraine after traumatic brain injury.
Prolonged Infant Crying: Caregiving Quality and Child Physical Abuse Risk
Authors: Crouch Julie L. , Bridgett David J. , Milner Joel S. , Cote Kreila , Lelakowska Gabriela , Davila America , McKay Erin , Savoree Shelby
Published: June 2022

Research suggests that prolonged infant crying may increase risk for child physical abuse (CPA). However, few studies have examined behavioral responses to infant crying among parents at risk for CPA. The present study sought to fill this gap by using a simulated infant to examine how mothers and fathers with varying degrees of CPA risk respond to prolonged infant crying. Specifically, a sample of 184 general population caregivers (107 mothers and 77 fathers) participated in a task that involved attempting to soothe a simulated infant that cried continuously for 30 min. The simulated infant sessions were video-recorded, and quality of caregiving behavior was coded in 5-min segments. Participants rated their negative affect (feelings of upset, distress, irritability) at the outset of the data collection session, before beginning the simulated infant task, and after the simulated infant task concluded. It was predicted that high-risk caregivers, compared to low-risk caregivers, would display lower quality caregiving, higher levels of negative affect, and that CPA risk group differences would increase over time. Gender differences were explored in relation to the aforementioned hypotheses. Over the course of the 30-min simulated infant task, the quality of caregiving behavior diminished among both high- and low-risk caregivers. As expected, high-risk caregivers, compared to low-risk caregivers, exhibited lower quality caregiving behaviors and were more likely to discontinue the simulated infant task early. In addition, high-risk, compared to low-risk, caregivers reported higher levels of negative affect throughout the data collection session, with the highest level of negative affect reported by high-risk caregivers after completing the simulated infant task. Overall, the quality of caregiving exhibited by men and women did not significantly differ. The present findings highlight the importance of early intervention designed to support caregivers’ abilities to respond effectively to prolonged infant crying.
Anti-Asian American Hate Crimes Spike During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Han Sungil , Riddell Jordan R. , Piquero Alex R.
Published: June 2022

The recent high-profile cases of hate crimes in the U.S., especially those targeting Asian Americans, have raised concerns about their risk of victimization. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, intimations—and even accusations—that the novel coronavirus is an “Asian” or “Chinese” virus have been linked to anti-Asian American hate crime, potentially leaving members of this group not only fearful of being victimized but also at risk for victimization. According to the Stop AAPI Hate Center, nearly 1900 hate crimes against Asian Americans were reported by victims, and around 69% of cases were related to verbal harassment, including being called the “Chinese Coronavirus.” Yet, most of the evidence martialed on spikes in anti-Asian American hate crime during the COVID-19 pandemic has been descriptive. Using data from four U.S. cities that have large Asian American populations (New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C.), this study finds that hate crime against Asian Americans increased considerably in 2020 compared with that of 2019. Specifically, hate crime against Asian Americans temporarily surged after March 16, 2020, when the blaming labels including “Kung flu” or “Chinese Virus” were used publicly. However, the significant spike after March 16, 2020, in anti-Asian American hate crime was not sustained over the follow-up time period available for analysis.
Contested administrative capacity in border management: China and the Greater Mekong Subregion
Authors: Plümmer Franziska
Published: June 2022

This article investigates China’s efforts to develop the administrative capacity of its border agents to effectively provide border security. It does so by contextualizing national efforts in relevant multilateral cooperation on border and immigration management. Regional frameworks such as ASEAN and Greater Mekong Subregion follow a regional border management approach that challenges Beijing’s notion of sovereign border management. However, China and the border provinces selectively engage in cross-border cooperation. These cooperation projects include training programmes for immigrants, standardizing and facilitating immigration procedures at the border, joint efforts against human trafficking and illicit border mobilities, and enhancing local cross-border relations. Against this background, this article investigates how norms – such as administrative capacity and cooperation through border liaison mechanisms – are negotiated, adapted, and practised in the different regional organizations, as well as how they are implemented locally in national immigration laws and procedures in Yunnan Province. The analysis builds on a multi-method approach including fieldwork, policy, and institutional analysis. The article finds that while Chinese local and regional security interests are closely intertwined, norm dynamics are not.
Working from Home in Urban China during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Assemblages of Work-Family Interference
Authors: Sun Li , Liu Tao , Wang Weiquan
Published: June 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of workers globally have been forced to work from home. Empirical data from Chinese cities in the Hubei province reveal work productivity decreased among many respondents working from home in 2020, primarily due to family interference with work. Such interference stems not only from the domain of daily life but also from other family members’ e-working and e-learning. Conversely, respondents’ work interferes with family; thus, interference operates bi-directionally. This article proposes an analytical framework of work-family interference along three dimensions: work-daily life, work-work, work-study, and each dimension can be understood through four distinct aspects: temporality, physicality, vocality, digitality. Remote workers encounter ‘assemblages of work-family interference’, consisting of a heterogeneous mixture of these dimensions and aspects. Furthermore, some factors (e.g., living patterns, work culture, digital infrastructure) constrain effective work-family boundary management among urban households.
Machining principle and cutter design of face gear skiving
Authors: Mo Shuai , Wang Saisai , Luo Bingrui , Liu Zhipeng , Cen Guojian , Huang Yunsheng
Published: June 2022

Current processing methods of face gear are mainly limited to gear shaping, gear hobbing, and other processes. In order to achieve high-precision and high-efficiency machining of face gear, this paper proposed the cutting technology and tool design of face gear skiving. Solving the tooth surface of the skiving cutter according to the meshing principle, and fitted by NURBS surface. Intersecting the rake and conjugate face to obtain cutting edge data, and import it into the CAD software to build the skiving cutter model, the tooth surface enveloped by the cutting edge of the skiving tool is solved according to the envelope principle. This paper proposed the machining principle and tool design method of face gear skiving and analyzed the influence of tool tooth profile error and installation error on the face gear tooth surface deviation, which provides a reference for improving the machining accuracy and efficiency of face gears and further improving the gear skiving process.
Effects of process variables on the uniformity of Al-St and Al-Mg laminated composite cups produced by hydro-mechanical deep drawing operation
Authors: Yaghoubi Saeed , Fereshteh-Saniee Faramarz
Published: June 2022

Hydro-mechanical deep drawing (HMDD) process is comparatively a new technique in sheet metal forming. The present study focuses on the use of HMDD for bimetallic components comprising aluminum and steel sheets as well as aluminum and magnesium blanks. Carrying out both experiments and numerical simulations, the effects of process parameters such as drawing depth, the fluid pressure inside the die and the process temperature were profoundly investigated. To study the effect of the process temperature on the quality of the product, the specimens were formed at both the room temperature and 200°C. Considering the maximum thickness strain and thickness variation of the specimens as measures of product quality, various results, including those obtained from the design of experiments (DOE), illustrated significant impacts of all the considered factors on the quality of the final product. The findings also showed that for the bimetallic aluminum/steel specimen, the Al/St layer sequence offered a higher quality compared with the St/Al arrangement under the same process conditions. The amount of thickness strain and thickness variation in the Al/St arrangement, compared with the St/Al sequence, were respectively improved by 27.4% and 12.6%, for the optimal value of the maximum fluid pressure (150 bar). Moreover, the thickness variation of the Al/Mg specimen was smaller than that of Al/St bimetallic cup, regardless of the drawing depth.
Trajectory planning of 3-CRU parallel robot with linear kinematics equation
Authors: Zhang Tie , Cao Yachao , Ma Guangcai
Published: June 2022

With advantages of linear kinematics equation, no singular pose, regular workspace, the best motion/force transmission performance, 3-CRU parallel robot is potential to perform better when rapid and repetitive grasping/handling in packaging and medicine industry. For this reason, this paper deals with trajectory planning of the 3-CRU parallel robot. The trajectory planning method of the 3-CRU parallel robot is proposed for the first time whose advantage is the robot can arbitrarily increase the interpolation period in the Cartesian space without a twice interpolation in the joint space. This method simplifies the interpolation process of trajectory planning, reduces the occupation of computational resources, improves the computational efficiency of the controller, and benefits the real-time online control. For the problem of residual vibration when the robot stops, the input shaping technology is adopted and time delay compensation strategy is proposed, which improves the positioning accuracy of the moving platform and ensures fixed running time. This paper lays a theoretical and practical foundation for the application of the 3-CRU parallel robot in the future.
Configuration detection and external force tuning for soft-bending actuators under position constraint
Authors: Karimpour Reza , Namdar Ghalati Mohammad Hadi , Ghafarirad Hamed
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, soft actuator development has become a big trend due to higher safety and more complex movements. One of the most interesting types of these actuators is called the “soft fiber-reinforced bending actuator,” which has been chosen for investigation in this study. The aim is to provide a codified model to investigate the static behavior and deformation of the actuator in both free and positional constrained conditions. Indeed, modeling of these actuators in the presence of external factors and constraints is significantly challenging due to distortion of conventional constant curvature assumptions applied in free motion. In this paper, hyper-elastic theories have been utilized to model the free motion behavior of a soft-bending actuator made from elastomeric materials. Then, the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory for bending deformation is used to investigate the effect of positional constraints on the actuator’s deformation. In addition, an optimization method is utilized to estimate the required internal pressure, which in turn tunes the contact force between the actuator tip and desired objects/obstacles. The experimental results are presented to validate the proposed theories in both free and constrained conditions. In this regard, first, the actuator’s behavior in free motion is properly investigated and proven valid. Then, the effects of positional constraints on the actuator and their contact force tuning are analyzed.
Corrosion studies and thermogravimetric analysis performed on activated tungsten inert gas and hot wire tungsten inert gas welded super austenitic stainless steel AISI 904L
Authors: Sunny Kora T , Korra Nanda Naik , Muthukumaran Vasudevan , Arivazhagan Baksha
Published: June 2022

Attributed to the remarkable resistance offered against various types of corrosion, AISI 904L is used for a wide range of challenging applications. In this context, this research aims to conduct an in-depth corrosion study about the base material and weldments of 10 mm thick AISI 904L plates fabricated by autogenous activated tungsten inert gas (ATIG) welding and hot wire tungsten inert gas (HWTIG) welding techniques. The pitting resistance effective number (PREN) is analyzed to evaluate pitting corrosion resistance. The Tafel plot is drawn and evaluated for the electrochemical corrosion of base metal and weldments in a 3.5% NaCl solution, while the specimens immersed in 3.5% NaCl solution at 650oC for 24 hours are evaluated for hot corrosion behavior. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is performed at 300C–9000C to study material behavior at elevated temperatures. Results indicate that the base metal, ATIG weldment, and HWTIG weldment have a PREN of 34. During Tafel plot analysis, the ATIG weldment displayed a corrosion rate of 0.02792 mm/year while the HWTIG weldment recorded 0.02091 mm/year. Corrosion rates of ATIG and HWTIG weldments during hot corrosion studies are 14.93 mm/year and 12.69 mm/year, respectively. During TGA analysis, the ATIG weldment suffered a weight loss of 12.42% while the HWTIG weldment lost only 9.68% of its weight during the process. FESEM + EDS analysis confirmed the presence of unmixed flux particles in the ATIG weldment, which could be attributed to the weldment’s poor performance. In general, this research cemented the supremacy of the HWTIG weldment over the ATIG weldment with improved corrosion resistance and thermal stability. This study also contributed to a better understanding of the corrosion behavior of AISI 904L weldments under different environments that this superior grade of stainless steel alloy may encounter during its real-life applications.
Modern pollen–vegetation relationships along an altitudinal transect in the Western Higher Himalaya, India: Palaeoclimatic and anthropogenic implications
Authors: Mishra Amit Kumar , Mohanty Ruchika Bajpai , Ghosh Ruby , Mishra Kriti , Shukla Uma Kant , Kar Ratan
Published: June 2022

Palynology is one of the most reliable tools for the reconstruction of past vegetation and climate and modern pollen analogues are important for the calibration of fossil pollen assemblages. The present study analyses the pollen–vegetation relationships along a steep altitudinal gradient (2700–3680 m), in the western Higher Himalayan region. On the basis of altitude, three vegetation zones were demarcated: Zone I (2700–3100 m) is composed of mixed-temperate forest vegetation, dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia and Rhododendron arboreum; Zone II (3100–3250 m) is marked by sub-alpine forest vegetation, characterised by R. campanulatum and R. barbatum, along with Abies spectabilis and Q. semecarpifolia; Zone III (3250–3680 m) is above the tree-line (3250 m) and represented by alpine-scrub and meadows. Thirty-five surface soil samples (twenty, seven and eight from each zone, respectively) were analysed along the altitudinal transect to decode the representation of the extant vegetation in the pollen-rain. The pollen–vegetation relationship is non-linear due to the over-representation of extra-local Pinus pollen in each zone. Nonetheless, the modern pollen assemblages show a general correlation with the local broad-leaved taxa and the herbaceous elements; with the exception of Rhododendron pollen, which is under-represented. Among the non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs), the presence of coprophilous fungal spores is compatible with the grazing activities in the area. Multivariate statistical analyses performed on the surface pollen data indicate that the dataset can efficiently distinguish the different vegetation zones across the altitudinal gradient. This work provides the modern analogues for pollen-based palaeoclimatic reconstructions for the Western-Higher Himalayan region, and would also help to decipher the inception and intensification of anthropogenic activities in the region.
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract counteract acute and chronic impact of γ-radiation on liver and spleen of rats
Authors: Azab Khaled Sh , Maarouf Rokaya E , Abdel-Rafei Mohamed K , El Bakary Nermeen M , Thabet Noura M
Published: June 2022

The exposure to ionizing radiation has become inescapably because of increased dependence on radiation to execute works in different fields and also its influences on biological systems. Thus, the current study aimed at examination of the radio-protective effect of the natural ashwagandha (Ag) against acute and chronic doses of γ-radiation on liver and spleen of rats. The impact of Ag was inspected in rats exposed to acute exposure of 8 Gy (single dose) or to chronic exposure of 8 Gy (2 Gy every other day for 4 times). The data obtained reveals significant amelioration of the redox status (MDA, GSH and ROS) in spleen and liver tissues of rats treated with Ag and exposed to the 2-different modes of γ-radiation. Besides, the changes in inflammatory responses assessed by measurements of IL-17, IL-10 and α7-nAchR are less pronounced in rats received Ag and γ-radiation compared to irradiated rats. Further, the measurements of tissues structural damage markers (MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1) pointed to benefit of Ag against γ-radiation. The histopathological investigation of spleen and liver tissues confirmed this ameliorating action of Ag counter to γ-radiation hazards. It could be suggested that Ashwagandha could exerts radio-protective influences because of its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory capabilities.
The effect of visual multimedia instructions against fake news spread: A quasi-experimental study with Nigerian students
Authors: Apuke Oberiri Destiny , Omar Bahiyah , Tunca Elif Asude , Gever Celestine Verlumun
Published: June 2022

This study examined the effect of visual multimedia instructions (guided by literacy concepts) as an intervention strategy for improving fake news knowledge, detection skills and curtailing the tendency to share fake news. We used the inoculation theory, message interpretation process (MIP) theory and cognitive theory of multimedia learning to provide a useful explanation for the interventions of literacy concept. Our study made use of 470 participants divided into two groups, comprising the control group, n  = 235 and the treatment group, n  = 235. After the experiment, we found that participants in the visual multimedia experimental group demonstrated a higher knowledge of fake news, better ability to detect fake news and shared more accurate news articles, compared to their counterparts who were instructed in a non-multimedia setting. We focused only on university students from one institution in Nigeria. Thus, we encourage future studies to extend beyond the student population.
Information disruptions and disruptive information sources in the practice of law: Obstacles in gathering information, through an Israeli lens
Authors: Solomon Yosef
Published: June 2022

Lawyers must provide their clients with competent legal services and professional representation. However, in many cases, lawyers find it difficult to attain the necessary information to resolve legal concerns under their inquiry. Disruptive sources of information and faulty information are understudied features of professional information behavior, especially in the information-rich legal profession. The current research aims to explore these complexities and promote a fuller and more realistic understanding of the information-gathering practices of legal practitioners. Israel was chosen as a case since it upholds a thriving and active legal sector. Data was collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a purposive nationwide sampling of 25 practising lawyers in Israel, covering together over thirty different fields of legal practice with a fair diversity of other personal and professional attributes. The findings portray accessibility, content, and usability disruptions in lawyers’ information practices, as well as accentuate seven troublesome information sources in their use during legal work and their distinctive aspects of disruption. This study provides important insights regarding legal professionals’ erroneous information engagement and experience and reveals some of its inherent drawbacks; hence, supporting a more rounded understanding of the role of information in professional work behavior. Hopefully, the presented concepts and insights could also benefit other service-oriented information workers.
Evaluation of the interaction between anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein family mRNA expression and autophagy gene Bcl-1 expression in Egyptian SLE patients
Authors: Khalil Noha M , Yousef Rasha N. , AlDeen Hecham Gamal , Behiry Mervat Essam , Ashmawy Ingy , Ramadan Abeer , Awadallah Eman , Ali Asmaa , Alnaggar Alshaimaa R.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Autophagy is a complex cellular process that maintains homeostasis in systemic lupus erythematosus. Abnormally high expression of Bcl-2 was observed in B and T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood in SLE patients. These may be responsible for the survival of self-reactive lymphocytes and the development of lupus, and the study aims at evaluating interaction between apoptosis and autophagy in Egyptian lupus patients.

Methods

Sixty patients with SLE were diagnosed by fulfilling the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria for SLE and sixty healthy age and sex matched control. All patients were subjected to full medical history and clinical examination. Activity was assessed using SLEDAI-2K score. Gene expression of Beclin-1, Bcl-2-L2, and Bcl-2 was measured.

Results

The study revealed that the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-2-L2 was significantly higher in SLE patients than control subjects, as well as the major apoptotic agent (Beclin-1) mRNA, p = 0.03, < 0.001 and 0.02, respectively. The apoptotic Beclin-1 mRNA was positively correlated with SLE disease severity index, r = 0.25; p = 0.0.4; therefore, our results showed that expression of the Beclin-1 was significantly higher in SLE patients than control ( p < 0.02).

Conclusion

Our results showed that expression of the Beclin 1 were significantly higher in SLE patients than control ( p < 0.02).
Disability and cognitive impairment are interdependent in primary antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Medina Gabriela , Cimé-Aké Erik , Bonilla-Vázquez Raquel , Vera-Lastra Olga , Saavedra Miguel Ángel , Cruz-Domínguez María Pilar , Jara Luis J
Published: June 2022

Background

Cognitive impairment (CI) occurs at a high frequency in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS). Its psychosocial-related factors are of interest.

Objective

We aimed to determine disability and perceived stress and their correlation with CI in PAPS.

Methods

First study phase: a longitudinal study including patients with PAPS and paired controls for cardiovascular risk factors, age, and sex, determining CI with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and then repeating the measurement 1 year later. Second study phase: a cross-sectional analytical study by quantification of disability with the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) and perceived stress with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation coefficient were used.

Results

Sixty-three patients with PAPS and 60 controls were studied. In PAPS, age (range, 48.0 ± 13.5 years), thrombotic artery events (TAE) (44.4%), and stroke/TIA (42.8%) were found. Disability was documented in the majority of WHODAS 2.0 domains and the total score for this was higher in participation and mobility, the stress level was normal, and 65.1% had CI. PAPS exhibited greater deterioration in the WHODAS 2.0 total score ( p .017) and the MoCA test ( p < .0001). Personal domains and the total WHODAS 2.0 score correlated inversely with MoCA. Life activities ( rho = –0.419) and self-care ( rho = –0.407) were those that correlated to the greatest degree. Stroke conferred risk for CI.

Conclusions

Disability in PAPS and CI are interdependent. New treatment options and neurocognitive stimulation strategies are necessary to maintain functionality and prevent further cognitive dysfunction in PAPS patients.
Budget Consolidation and Social Sector Spending: Does Fiscal Contraction Endanger Growth of Human Capital in India?
Authors: Ahmad Ishfaq , Khan N. A.
Published: June 2022

This study analysed the short- and long-term impacts of fiscal consolidation on social sector spending in Indian economy and thereby on human capital. Using autoregressive distributed lag framework, the study found that fiscal adjustments have significant potential to undermine the short- and long-run spending in human capital. A fiscal adjustment aimed at strengthening fiscal position of the Indian economy can have adverse impacts on the growth rate of income. Lower-income growth will imply increased constraint on part of the government to spend in public utilities like education and health. Similarly, a fiscal adjustment based on slashing government spending can adversely impact both short- and long-term welfare spending as these spendings are mainly financed by deficits. The policymakers while framing the design of a consolidation programme need to take extra precaution as far as the composition of these adjustments are concerned. Moreover, there is need of legislate aimed at changing the nature of welfare spending from discretionary to compulsory.
School Shootings: Learning to Look for the Right Signals
Authors: Walker Hill M. , Brown Gary
Published: June 2022

This commentary addresses the justification provided by the Michigan school superintendent for returning Ethan Crumbley, of Oxford High School, to his classroom following some red flag warnings about him from two of his teachers prior to the school shootings. It suggests warning signs and prevention strategies that could be used to reduce school violence in the future. The commentary argues that extreme behavioral events rather than the frequency of disciplinary problems are more likely harbingers of school violence tragedies.
A Novel Curriculum to Improve Medical Student Preparedness to have Advance Care Planning Discussions
Authors: Weber Danielle E. , Kadden Daniel , Herbst Lori
Published: June 2022

Background: Physicians report inadequate training in advance care planning (ACP) discussions despite the importance of these skills for practicing physicians including new residents. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel curriculum to prepare graduating medical students to have ACP discussions. Design: An ACP curriculum was implemented within a new fourth-year medical student elective with a focus on interactive educational methods and simulated experiences. Setting/Subjects: Forty-seven students received the curriculum over 3 years at a medium-sized, urban medical school. Measurements: Students were surveyed regarding attitudes and comfort related to ACP discussions and end-of-life (EOL) topics before and after the course. Additionally, students were asked about baseline experiences in the pre-course survey and perceived effectiveness of the educational methods in the post-course survey. Results: Comfort discussing EOL care decisions without supervision rose from 4% to 36% after the course with none of the students feeling they needed maximal help from a supervisor after the course compared to 51% before the course. All students agree or strongly agreed (Likert 4 or 5) that they felt prepared to discuss patient’s wishes and values in EOL care with a real patient or family after the course. Conclusions: An ACP curriculum can increase student comfort and preparedness to have these conversations as residents. Students found small group discussions and the chance for direct practice with simulated patients to be most helpful. These findings can help guide implementation of ACP curricula in medical education.
Omadacycline and Clostridioides difficile: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence
Authors: Garey Kevin W. , Rose Warren , Gunter Kyle , Serio Alisa W. , Wilcox Mark H.
Published: June 2022

Objective

The objective of this systematic review is to summarize in vitro, preclinical, and human data related to omadacycline and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI).

Data Sources

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for “omadacycline” AND (“ Clostridium difficile” OR “ C difficile” OR “ Clostridioides difficile”) for any studies published before February 15, 2022. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Events Reporting System (AERS) was searched for omadacycline (for reports including “ C. difficile” or “CDI” or “gastrointestinal infection”). The publications list publicly available at Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Web site was reviewed.

Study Selection and Data Extraction

Publications presenting primary data on omadacycline and C. difficile published in English were included.

Data Synthesis

Preclinical and clinical evidence was extracted from 14 studies. No case reports in indexed literature and no reports on FDA AERS were found. Omadacycline has potent in vitro activity against many C. difficile clinical strains and diverse ribotypes. In phase 3 studies, there were no reports of CDI in patients who received omadacycline for either community-acquired bacterial pneumonia or acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice

Omadacycline should be considered a low-risk antibiotic regarding its propensity to cause CDI.

Conclusions

Reducing the burden of CDI on patients and the health care system should be a priority. Patients with appropriate indications who are at heightened risk of CDI may be suitable candidates for omadacycline therapy. In these patients, omadacycline may be preferable to antibiotics with a high CDI risk.