bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Characteristics of Lightweight Aggregate Self‐Compacting Concrete by Impact Resonance Method
Authors: Li Ning , Zhang Sisi , Long Guangcheng , Jin Zuquan , Yu Yong , Zhang Xiaoying , Xiong Chuansheng , Li He
Published: March 2021

Understanding the dynamic behavior of Lightweight Aggregate Self‐Compacting Concrete (LWASCC) is of importance to the safety of concrete structures serving in dynamic loading conditions. In this study, the fundamental dynamic properties of LWASCC with three types of LWA were investigated by the impact resonance method. Results show that the dynamic elastic and shear modulus generally decrease with the increase of LWA volume fraction, whereas three types of LWA exert limited influence on dynamic Poisson’s ratio. The dynamic elastic and shear modulus show good linear dependence upon compressive strength. The inclusion of three types of LWA significantly increases the damping ratio, indicating significantly enhanced damping capacity of LWASCC under dynamic loading conditions. The damping ratio of LWASCC is improved by 2.0%, 4.4%, and 2.9% when adding 1% (by volume) expanded clay, rubber, and expanded polystyrene, respectively. The compressive strength and dynamic performances of LWASCC are highly influenced by the intrinsic properties (elastic modulus, damping capacity, wettability, etc.) and geometrical characteristics (size, surface roughness, etc.) of LWA, as well as the LWA‐matrix bonding capacity.
Study on Hygroscopic Swelling and Dehumidification Cracking Characteristics of Expansive Soil under Acid Rain and Cyclic Drying‐Wetting
Authors: Chang Jin , Xiao Jie , Jiang Jian-Qing , Zhang Rui , Kuang Xi-Long , Lei Ming , Yang He-Ping
Published: March 2021

In this study, to reveal the swelling and cracking characteristics of expansive soil subjected to cyclic drying‐wetting of acid rain, the effects of acid rain and cyclic drying‐wetting on the swelling deformation of expansive soil were studied by using the load‐free swelling rate test. Afterward, a high‐definition digital camera was used to capture the crack development images of the sample during the dehumidification process under cyclic drying‐wetting of acid rain. Furthermore, the changes of the microstructure and mineral composition of the expansive soil after cyclic drying‐wetting of acid rain were analyzed by using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) tests. Finally, the effect mechanisms of acid rain and cyclic drying‐wetting on the swelling deformation and crack development of the expansive soil were discussed. The results indicate that acid rain has a positive effect on the swelling deformation and crack development of the expansive soil. The effect is greater with a stronger acidity of rainfall. Moreover, the combined action of acid rain and cyclic drying‐wetting can promote the swelling deformation and crack development of the sample more notably. The swelling rate of the sample increased most significantly during the first two‐time cyclic drying‐wetting. The measured swelling rates at pH = 3 and 5 are 23.7% and 20.6%, respectively, which are higher than the swelling rates of 19.0% at pH = 7. The humidity of samples is 17–18% after the first‐time drying‐wetting cycle. The crack area ratios (Mf) of the samples with pH values of 5 and 3 are, respectively, increased by 11.0% and 69.1%; the average crack width of the sample increases by 32.3% and 93.3%, respectively, compared with pH values of 7. After the fourth‐time drying‐wetting cycle, Mf and the average crack width of the samples under the rainwater environment of three pH values increase greatly, but the difference of Mf among them became unapparent. In addition, the microscopic test results show that acid rain can corrode the binding materials (e.g., SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, MgO, and CaO) in the expansive soil. The erosion of the binding minerals weakens the structural connection strength, resulting in continuous increases in both size and number of microvoids. Under the superimposed influence of cyclic drying‐wetting, the above changes are even more dramatic. Macroscopically, the swelling deformation of expansive soil increases and the cracks develop rapidly.
The Relationship between Spiritual Well-Being and Resilience in Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: RahimZahedi Mohammadhossein , Torabizadeh Camellia , Najafi Kalyani Majid , Moayedi Seyed Alireza
Published: March 2021

Psoriasis skin disease affects the patients’ health and quality of life to a great extent. Given the chronic nature of the disease, identifying the factors affecting adaptation to the disease can provide guidelines required for helping these patients deal with their problems. This study was conducted with the purpose of investigating the relationship between spiritual well-being and resilience in patients suffering from psoriasis. The present study is a descriptive-analytical work conducted in the largest city in the south of Iran in 2019. 150 patients diagnosed with psoriasis completed Ellison and Paloutzian’s Spiritual Well-Being Scale and Connor and Davidson’s Resiliency Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS v. 20, descriptive (frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson, regression, and t-test). The significance level was set at 0.05. The obtained mean scores were 54.84 ± 13.25 for resilience and 73.22 ± 11.13 for spiritual health. Spiritual health predicted 43% of the variance of resilience, and all resilience-related factors had a significant positive relationship with spiritual well-being-related factors (P>0.05). An analysis of the relationship between demographic variables on the one hand and resilience and spiritual well-being on the other indicated that an increase in the patients’ academic status, duration of the disease, and age correlated with an increase in their resilience and spiritual well-being. Also, male patients and married patients were found to possess higher levels of resilience and spiritual well-being. According to the findings of the present study, spiritual well-being correlates with resilience in patients with psoriasis. Considering the chronic nature of the disease, it is recommended that more attention be paid to promoting spiritual health in the care plans of these patients.
A Numerical Approach to Study Ablation of Large Bolides: Application to Chelyabinsk
Authors: Trigo-Rodríguez Josep M. , Dergham Joan , Gritsevich Maria , Lyytinen Esko , Silber Elizabeth A. , Williams Iwan P.
Published: March 2021

In this study, we investigate the ablation properties of bolides capable of producing meteorites. The casual dashcam recordings from many locations of the Chelyabinsk superbolide associated with the atmospheric entry of an 18 m in diameter near-Earth object (NEO) have provided an excellent opportunity to reconstruct its atmospheric trajectory, deceleration, and heliocentric orbit. In this study, we focus on the study of the ablation properties of the Chelyabinsk bolide on the basis of its deceleration and fragmentation. We explore whether meteoroids exhibiting abrupt fragmentation can be studied by analyzing segments of the trajectory that do not include a disruption episode. We apply that approach to the lower part of the trajectory of the Chelyabinsk bolide to demonstrate that the obtained parameters are consistent. To do that, we implemented a numerical (Runge–Kutta) method appropriate for deriving the ablation properties of bolides based on observations. The method was successfully tested with the cases previously published in the literature. Our model yields fits that agree with observations reasonably well. It also produces a good fit to the main observed characteristics of Chelyabinsk superbolide and provides its averaged ablation coefficient σ = 0.034 s2 km−2. Our study also explores the main implications for impact hazard, concluding that tens of meters in diameter NEOs encountering the Earth in grazing trajectories and exhibiting low geocentric velocities are penetrating deeper into the atmosphere than previously thought and, as such, are capable of producing meteorites and even damage on the ground.
Walk the Talk: The Transforming Journey of Facility‐Based Death Review Committee from Stillbirths to Neonates
Authors: Khader Yousef S. , Al-Sheyab Nihaya A. , Shattnawi Khulood K. , Alyahya Mohammad S. , Batieha Anwar
Published: March 2021

Background. Facility‐based death review committee (DRC) of neonatal deaths and stillbirths can encourage stakeholders to enhance the quality of care during the antenatal period and labour to improve birth outcomes. To understand the benefits and impact of the DRCs, this study was aimed at exploring the DRC members’ perception about the role and benefits of the newly developed facility‐based DRCs in five pilot hospitals in Jordan, to assess women empowerment, decision‐making process, power dynamics, culture and genderism as contributing factors for deaths, and impact of COVID‐19 lockdown on births. Methods. A descriptive study of a qualitative design—using focus group discussions—was conducted after one year of establishing DRCs in 5 pilot large hospitals. The number of participants in each focus group ranged from 8 to10, and the total number of participants was 45 HCPs (nurses and doctors). Questions were consecutively asked in each focus group. The moderator asked the main questions from the guide and then used probing as needed. A second researcher observed the conversation and took field notes. Results. Overall, there was an agreement among the majority of DRC members across all hospitals that the DRC was successful in identifying the exact cause of neonatal deaths and stillbirths as well as associated modifiable factors. There was also a consensus that the DRC contributed to an improvement in health services provided for pregnant women and newborns as well as protecting human rights and enabling women to be more interdependent in taking decisions related to family planning. Moreover, the DRC agreed that a proportion of the neonatal deaths and stillbirths occurring in the hospitals could have been prevented if adequate antenatal care was provided and some traditional harmful practices were avoided. Conclusions. Facility‐based neonatal death review audit is practical and can be used to identify exact causes of maternal and neonatal deaths and is a valuable tool for hospital quality indicators. It can also change the perception and practice of health care providers, which may be reflected in improving the quality of provided healthcare services.
Downregulation of RIPK4 Expression Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Ovarian Cancer through IL-6
Authors: Yi Huan , Su Yan-zhao , Lin Rong , Zheng Xiang-qin , Pan Diling , Lin Dan-mei , Gao Xiang , Zhang Rong
Published: March 2021

RIPK4 has been implicated in multiple cancer types, but its role in ovarian cancer (OC) has not been clearly elucidated. Our data from Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, RT-PCR, and immunohistochemical analysis showed that RIPK4 was expressed at higher levels in OC tissues and cells than in normal ovarian tissues and cells. Increased RIPK4 expression in OC markedly correlated with a worse overall survival than lower RIPK4 expression levels (hazard rate (HR) 1.5 (1.45–1.87);

P
=
0.001

). In functional experiments, RIPK4 downregulation significantly inhibited metastatic behaviours in OC cells. Subsequently, based on data from 593 OC patients in the TCGA database, gene set enrichment analysis revealed that RIPK4 was involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in OC. At the molecular level, silencing RIPK4 significantly downregulated vimentin, N-cadherin, and Twist expression but induced an increase in the protein level of E-cadherin and inhibited the IL-6 and STAT3 levels. Moreover, IL-6 levels were significantly decreased in RIPK4-silenced OC cells (

P
<
0.05

). The addition of IL-6 to OC cells rescued the suppressive effect of RIPK4 knockdown on EMT. Thus, our data illustrate that downregulation of RIPK4 expression can restrain EMT in OC by inhibiting IL-6. This finding may provide a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for improving the poor prognoses of OC patients.
The Diagnosis Is in the Smear: A Case and Review of Spur Cell Anemia in Cirrhosis
Authors: Raffa Gabriella A. , Byrnes Diana M. , Byrnes John J.
Published: March 2021

The etiology of anemia in liver cirrhosis is multifactorial; one less recognized cause is hemolytic anemia due to spur cells, known as spur cell anemia. We present the case of a 57-year-old woman with alcoholic cirrhosis who presented with symptomatic macrocytic anemia with a hemoglobin level of 7.4 g/dL and signs of decompensated liver disease. Notably, she had no signs of overt bleeding. Further workup was consistent with hemolysis, with peripheral smear demonstrating spur cells. The patient was treated with both steroids and IVIG, although she eventually expired. The characteristic morphology of spur cells is due to alteration of the lipid composition of the erythrocyte membrane, changing its shape and leading to splenic sequestration and destruction. Characteristic of this disorder is an increased ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid on the membrane, as well as low levels of apolipoproteins and low- and high-density lipoproteins. The presence of spur cells is an indicator of poor prognosis and high risk of mortality. Currently, the only definitive cure is liver transplantation. There is a paucity of literature on the prevalence of this phenomenon and even less about treatment. This case highlights the importance of recognition of spur cell anemia as a cause of anemia in cirrhosis as well as the importance of the peripheral smear in the diagnostic workup. Early recognition can lead to avoidance of unnecessary procedures. Further research is needed to elucidate the true prevalence of spur cell anemia and examine further treatment options.
Do Women Require Less Permanent Pacemaker After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation? A Meta‐Analysis and Meta‐Regression
Authors: Ravaux Justine M. , Di Mauro Michele , Vernooy Kevin , Van’t Hof Arnoud W. , Veenstra Leo , Kats Suzanne , Maessen Jos G. , Lorusso Roberto
Published: March 2021

Background

Limited clinical evidence and literature are available about the potential impact of sex on permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationship between sexes and atrioventricular conduction disturbances requiring PPI after TAVI.

Methods and Results

Data were obtained from 46 studies from PubMed reporting information about the impact of patient sex on PPI after TAVI. Total proportions with 95% Cls were reported. Funnel plot and Egger test were used for estimation of publication bias. The primary end point was 30‐day or in‐hospital PPI after TAVI, with odds ratios and 95% CIs extracted. A total of 70 313 patients were included, with a cumulative proportion of 51.5% of women (35 691 patients; 95% CI, 50.2–52.7). The proportion of women undergoing TAVI dropped significantly over time (
P
<0.0001). The cumulative PPI rate was 15.6% (95% CI, 13.3–18.3). The cumulative rate of PPI in women was 14.9% (95% CI, 12.6–17.6), lower than in men (16.6%; 95% CI, 14.2–19.4). The risk for post‐TAVI PPI was lower in women (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84–0.96 [
P
=0.0022]). By meta‐regression analysis, age (
P
=0.874) and ventricular function (
P
=0.302) were not significantly associated with PPI among the sexes. Balloon‐expandable TAVI significantly decrease the advantage of women for PPI, approaching the same rate as in men (
P
=0.0061).

Conclusions

Female sex is associated with a reduced rate of PPI after TAVI, without influence of age or ventricular function. Balloon‐expandable devices attenuate this advantage in favor of women. Additional investigations are warranted to elucidate sex‐based differences in developing conduction disturbances after TAVI.
Audience in Historical Jesus Research
Authors: Walzer Arthur E.
Published: March 2021

Scholars writing within the historical Jesus research paradigm often write different books on the same topic: heavy tomes for other scholars and shorter books on the same subject for lay readers. While the scholarly works have been reviewed by other scholars, the books for lay readers have not. This article analyzes works on the historical Jesus for lay readers authored by N.T. Wright and John Dominic Crossan, comparing the popular works to the scholarly ones. The analyses show that in Wright’s case the ontological norms of historical Jesus research are consistently compromised in his work for a lay audience (Simply Jesus). In Crossan’s case, the voice of the dispassionate scholar yields to the passionate denunciator in his popular Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography.
Applying Humanitarian Law: A Review of the Legal Status of the Turkey–Kurdistan Workers’ Party (pkk) Conflict
Authors: Nejbir Deniz Arbet
Published: March 2021

This article assesses the applicability of the criteria for non-international armed conflict to the situation in South-Eastern Turkey. It demonstrates that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (also known as the pkk), as a party to the conflict, fulfils the three main criteria laid down in conventional international humanitarian law and developed by indicative factors in international jurisprudence for assessing the existence of a non-international armed conflict in the context of Common Article 3 to the 1949 Geneva Conventions: being an organised armed group, having the ability to engage in ‘protracted violence’, and complying with law of armed conflict. It establishes that the pkk qualifies as an organised armed group under responsible command and has the operational ability, structure and capacity to carry out ‘protracted violence’, to respect fundamental humanitarian norms of international humanitarian law and to control territory. The article also ascertains that Turkey is clearly bound by the provisions of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, including Common Article 3, and customary international humanitarian law. Accordingly, it concludes that the conflict between the pkk and the Turkish security forces qualifies as a non-international armed conflict within the meaning of both Common Article 3 and customary international humanitarian law.
ReVisioning Sexuality: Relational Joy and Embodied Flourishing
Authors: Ott Kate , Carter Lorien
Published: March 2021

Sexuality and relationships are a major aspect of teen development. Youth Ministry programs that embrace relational joy and embodied flourishing promote healthy, holistic sexuality for the teens they serve. Yet, many youth ministry programs treat sexuality as a risk (or sin) to be reduced or about which to remain completely silent. Sexuality is part of our created goodness that youth need help to understand and embrace. Faith leaders can influence how teens understand their sexuality and relationships, either as a positive dimension of joy and flourishing or as an inhibitor to health and thriving. In addition to this theological conversation, this article describes increased risks to adolescents who experience high levels of disapproval from families and faith leaders with regards to their sexuality and suggests specific ways to integrate healthy and holistic approaches to faith-based sexuality education that cultivates joy and flourishing related to teen sexuality and relationships.
Understanding the characteristics of professional development programs for teachers’ health and wellbeing: Implications for research and practice
Authors: Corbett Lucy , Phongsavan Philayrath , Peralta Louisa R , Bauman Adrian
Published: March 2021

Professional development (PD) provides an opportunity to promote the psychological, social, and physical health tools teachers require to maintain teacher wellbeing. Despite their potential, little is known about PD programs targeting the health and wellbeing of Australian teachers. This study aimed to summarize the characteristics of Australian PD programs targeted at teacher wellbeing, identify gaps in existing PD and make recommendations for future research and practice. Three search strategies, (1) search engine results, (2) a manual search of known Australian education websites, and (3) requests for information from Australian education organizations, were combined to ensure a comprehensive inventory of PD programs was compiled. This study found 63 PD programs promoting health and wellbeing that currently exist for Australian teachers. Of these, only three provided evidence of their evaluation indicating programs are advertised and implemented without evidence of their effectiveness. Future PD should be evaluated with findings of the evaluations reported publicly so evidence-based programs promoting teacher’s health and wellbeing can be recommended and implemented.
Musculoskeletal Education: An Assessment of the Value of the American Academy of Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Boot Camp Course in Improving Clinical Confidence of Pediatricians Managing Common Musculoskeletal Conditions
Authors: Crenshaw Megan L. , Piazza Brian R. , Otsuka Norman Y. , Schwend Richard M. , Alexander Niccole , Hennrikus William
Published: March 2021

In 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Orthopaedics established an annual Musculoskeletal (MSK) Boot Camp course to fill the gaps in MSK knowledge, performance, and outcomes for pediatricians and primary care doctors. A standardized one-day curriculum of key MSK topics was developed including short lectures, hands-on workshops, debates, live webinars, and Q&A sessions. A survey was created to evaluate attendee confidence related to diagnosing 20 common MSK conditions in children and adolescents at the beginning and end of the course. Confidence in diagnosing the conditions was gauged using a 6-point Likert-type scale. A two-sample t test was used to compare overall confidence score pre- and post-seminar. In addition, each subtopic was analyzed. The average pre-seminar confidence score was 3.92 versus 4.86 post-seminar. All categories demonstrated a statistically increased confidence score post-seminar ( P < .0001). Live MSK continuing education for pediatricians is effective in improving confidence in clinical practice.
Development of research on social work practice in mainland China: Context, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Wu Shiyou , Wang Miao , Perron Brian E , Huang Jin , Li Juliann , Zhou Xiaochun , Zhu Yuhong , He Xuesong , Wen Jun , Ma Fengzhi
Published: March 2021

Research on social work practice is essential for developing an indigenized base of knowledge. In China, while social work education has grown rapidly, much of what is taught – and many social work priorities in research and practice – is influenced by rapidly changing national government policies. This policy environment creates both opportunities and challenges to building an infrastructure to support research on social work practice. This article reviews the context and challenges related to developing research on social work practice in mainland China, and the important role for social work education to support this development.
Clapping in Time With Feedback Relates Pervasively With Other Rhythmic Skills of Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Bonacina Silvia , Krizman Jennifer , White-Schwoch Travis , Nicol Trent , Kraus Nina
Published: March 2021

Rhythmic expertise is a multidimensional skill set with clusters of distinct rhythmic abilities. For example, the ability to clap in time with feedback relates extensively to distinct beat- and pattern-based rhythmic skills in school-age children. In this study we aimed to determine whether clapping in time would relate to both beat- and pattern- based rhythmic tasks among adolescents and young adults. We assessed our participants on seven tasks: two beat-based tasks (Metronome and Tempo adaptation), two pattern-based tasks (Reproducing rhythmic patterns and Remembering rhythmic patterns), a self-paced drumming task, a task of drumming to a music beat, and a clapping in time task. We found that clapping in time correlated with all other rhythmic tasks, even though some were not mutually related to one another. These results provide insight into the taxonomy of rhythmic skills and support the practice of clapping in time with feedback as a means of developing broad spectrum rhythmic abilities.
The Impact of Classroom Chatter Noise on Comprehension: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lamotte Anne-Sophie , Essadek Aziz , Shadili Gérard , Perez Jean-Michel , Raft Julien
Published: March 2021

Communication through discussion and conversations is fundamental to human life; but when such discourse escapes the control of a teacher in the classroom, it becomes little more than chatter. This noise challenges teaching methods and the teaching stance with students. Yet, its impact on comprehension has rarely been studied. The aim of this literature review was to examine the research on the impact of classroom noise generated by chatter on students’ comprehension performance. We adopted the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metanalysis) guidelines to examine this literature. This review covered a 10-year period (papers written between 2009 and 2019), with nine experimental studies selected from the 2,954 papers screened. In 89% of these nine studies, there were significant comprehension differences on all tests, revealed when comprehension took place in a noisy environment due to chatter. This review indicated an essential need for a field survey to better understand the impact of chatter on comprehension. Other studies are recommended to highlight any correlation between measured chatter and student comprehension in a real classroom environment.
Introduction of paediatric laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Scotland: a national review of incidence, outcomes and training implications
Authors: Sekaran P , Ross AR , Rooney A , Duthie G , Clarke M , Munro FD , Sabharwal AJ
Published: March 2021

Background

We present a national data series to determine the incidence, outcomes and training opportunities for laparoscopic cholecystectomy among children <16yrs in Scotland as performed by paediatric surgeons.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed reviewing laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed at the three children’s hospitals in Scotland. Using the National Records Scotland Database mid-year population estimates; age and sex specific annual incidence rates of laparoscopic cholecystectomy were calculated between 1998-2015. Trends in the observed case mix were tested using univariate linear regression and students t-test.

Results

Between 1998–2015; 141 paediatric laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed. The annual rate of cholecystectomy increased from 0.10/100,000 to 0.88/100,000 (p = 0.069). Sex specific incidences were identified; 0.00–0.90/100,000 (p = 0.098) in girls and 0.20–0.86/100,000 in boys (p = 0.28). Cholecystectomy was more frequent in girls (63%; p = 0.04). No major complications, defined as common bile duct injury or mortality were identified. Overall; 75% of cases were performed by consultants (n = 17 consultants, median = 5 cases, p < 0.05) and 25% by trainees.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that despite a low national case load (8 laparoscopic cholecystectomies per year) paediatric surgeons have been able to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy safely without major morbidity.
Electromagnetic performance of three-dimensional woven spacer microstrip antenna with various conductive fibers in extreme temperatures
Authors: Wuzhou Li , Kun Zhang , Liangang Zheng , Fujun Xu
Published: March 2021

Due to its excellent light-weight, mechanical, and electromagnetic performance, the three-dimensional woven spacer microstrip antenna (3DWS-MA) has become a promising communication device to be applied in aerospace or high-speed vehicles. To explore the electromagnetic performance of 3DWS-MA in extreme environments, microstrip antennas based on three-dimensional woven glass fiber/epoxy spacer composites (3DWSC) with different conductive yarn (copper wire, nickel-coated carbon yarn and carbon nanotube yarn) were manufactured and tested at various temperatures (from –196°C to 150°C). The results showed that the 3DWSC exhibited superb dielectric properties ([Formula: see text]) with a low volume density of 0.5 g[Formula: see text]cm−3, rendering good electromagnetic performance of the prepared antenna (S11 value of –23 dB and gain of 7 dB). When the temperature increased from –196°C to 150°C, the dielectric constant of 3DWSC increased from 1.57 to 1.67, resulting in the decrease of resonance frequency of 3DWS-MAs (maximum offset is 60 MHz). In addition, the resistance changing ratios of the conductive fibers also reached 105% with the temperature increase, resulting in degradations of S11 values (maximum 17 dB). Furthermore, among the three types of 3DWS-MAs, the 3DWS-MA (carbon nanotube yarn) exhibited the most stable S11 value at low temperatures (from –196°C to 0°C), while the 3DWS-MA (copper) showed low return loss and stable resonance frequency at high temperatures (from 20°C to 150°C).
Instruments for Detecting Moral Distress in Clinical Nurses: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tian Xu , Jin Yanfei , Chen Hui , Jiménez-Herrera María F.
Published: March 2021

Moral distress (MD) has become a seriously negative problem experienced by healthcare professionals, especially clinical nurses. Early and accurate detection of MD by the validated and reliable instrument is critically important to further develop an effective intervention strategy. We performed the current systematic review to comprehensively summarize the evidence of instruments for the detection of MD in clinical nurses. The research design was a systematic literature review. We assigned 2 investigators to independently search potential studies in PubMed, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from their inception to June 2020. We used data extraction table extracting essential information, and the modified critical appraisal tool evaluating the reliability and validity of eligible instruments. Finally, we qualitatively summarized results of all included instruments. No ethical approval was required because this systematic review was performed based on published studies. We included 16 eligible studies covering 10 original and 6 revised or modified instruments for the final analysis. The overall quality of all instruments was moderate because test-retest reliability was inadequately examined in most instruments. Of 16 instruments, MDS-revised (MDS-R) was broadly validated and employed in different working or cultural settings. Meanwhile, it also extensively expands to specifically detect MD. Moreover, other instruments including moral distress risk scale (MDSR) and moral distress thermometer (MDT) should be further validated and utilized because it covered the gap missed by most instruments. Although several instruments have been made available for clinical nurses, some of them have inadequate psychometric properties test, especially test-retest reliability evaluation. Meanwhile, most of them have not be validated and employed in other working or cultural settings. We therefore suggested further studies to validate the psychometric properties of existing instruments and then employed instruments with high reliability and validity to detect MD in clinical nurses.
Shadow Committees: On “Drug User Voice,” Representation, and Mobilization in a Norwegian Drug Policy Reform
Authors: Bartoszko Aleksandra
Published: March 2021

Until recently, Norway remained immovable on its conservative policy that illegal drug use is a crime. In 2018, the Health Minister appointed an inquiry commission to design a less restrictive drug policy, which included two “drug user representatives.” But the Minister’s choices for these posts met massive dissatisfaction from some drug users who contended that the representatives “are not real drug users” and do not “speak for” nor “act on the behalf” of their experiences and opinions. They mobilized to establish an alternative organization, the Shadow Committee, to propose a drug policy reform shaped by “the user voices” and “not polluted by political compromises.” Yet, while performing a labor of difference, this committee, too, became caught in conflicting landscapes of representation with some members contesting strategic solidarity. Based on this case, and an ethnographic fieldwork among the protesters, this article investigates the concept of representation as understood, contested and applied by “drug users.” Exploring how they relate to “user voices” and question the authenticity of some of “user representatives,” I highlight how changing political landscapes affect understandings of representation and shape political, individual and collective forms of involvement. I draw on Pitkin’s political philosophy and apply the classical categorization of political representation to suggest reconsidering the governing assumptions regarding “user representatives” that increasingly inform drug and treatment policies in Norway. I ask if the concept of representation itself may be a barrier to meaningful involvement.
A Mental Health Literacy Approach to Supporting First-Generation Community College Student Mental Health: The REDFLAGS Model
Authors: Kalkbrenner Michael T. , Flinn Ryan E. , Sullivan Danielle K. , Esquivel Arteaga Luis E.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

First-generation community college students face unique risks for mental health distress, which can place them at risk for attrition and a myriad of other negative consequences. The aim of the present quantitative investigation was to test the utility of the REDFLAGS model, a mental health literacy based tool for supporting mental wellness, with a national sample of first-generation community college students.

Method:

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), logistic regression analysis, and a factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) were computed to test the utility of the REDFLAGS model as a tool for promoting first-generation community college students’ mental health.

Results:

The CFA demonstrated that the dimensionality of the REDFLAGS model was estimated adequately with first-generation community college students. First-generation community college students’ recognition of the REDFLAGS as warning signs for mental distress emerged as a significant positive predictor of making a peer-to-peer referral to the counseling center. The factorial ANOVA revealed that first-generation community college students who were members of a Greek Organization were more likely to identify the REDFLAGS as warning signs for mental distress.

Contributions:

Previous investigators established multiple strategies for supporting the mental health needs of either first-generation or community college students. First-generation community college student mental health, however, has received little attention. This study demonstrates the utility of the REDFLAGS model with first-generation community college students. Considering the dearth of literature on first-generation community college student mental health, the REDFLAGS model offers novel implications for promoting the mental health needs of first-generation students enrolled in community colleges.
Do renewable energy sources improve clean environmental-economic growth? Empirical investigation from South Asian economies
Authors: Anser Muhammad Khalid , Shabbir Malik Shahzad , Tabash Mosab I , Shah Syed Haider Ali , Ahmad Munir , Peng Michael Yao-Ping , Lopez Lydia Bares
Published: March 2021

This study investigates the causal relationship between renewable energy sources and clean environmental economic growth among South Asian economies. This study comprises the panel data sets for eight (8) South Asian countries, and data start from 2003 to 2017. This study implies a Hausman test to identify which particular tests are more suitable and selected a fixed effect test and granger causality test for effective analysis perspective. Moreover, this study further relies on the panel vector error correction model (PVECM) test to suggest for long-run relationship existence among variables. Furthermore, the evaluation of the panel and the dynamic ordinary least squares regression shows that the production of renewable energy has compelled an effect on economic growth. While other sources of energy for instance, hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar, have valuable and considerable influence on the economic growth of South Asian economies. The results reveal with these remarks the existence of positive associations among productions of renewable energies, energy dependence, and gross domestic product per capita. The obtained results reveal that renewable energy sources show a momentous effect on the economic growth of South Asian economies.
Modeling and analysis of hydrogen storage wind and gas complementary power generation system
Authors: Li Zheng , Hou Shaodong , Cao Xin , Qin Yan , Wang Pengju , Che Shuai , Sun Hexu
Published: March 2021

In view of the uncertainty and volatility of wind power generation and the inability to provide stable and continuous power, this paper proposes a hydrogen storage wind-gas complementary power generation system, using Matlab/Simulink to simulate and model wind generators and gas turbines. Considering the economy and power supply reliability of the wind-gas complementary power generation system, and taking the economic and environmental cost of the system as the objective function, the capacity optimization model of the wind-gas complementary power generation system is established. The brain storming algorithm (BSO) is used to solve the optimization problem, and the BSO algorithm is used to optimize the BP neural network, which improves the accuracy of the BP neural network for load forecasting. Finally, a simulation is carried out with load data in a certain area, and the simulation verification verifies that BSO-BP can improve the accuracy of load forecasting and reduce the error of load forecasting. Multi-objective optimization of system economic cost and environmental cost through BSO algorithm can make the system cost reach the most reasonable level. Through the analysis of the calculation examples, it is verified that gas-fired power generation can effectively alleviate the volatility of wind power generation, showing the role and advantages of energy complementary power generation. Therefore, the wind-gas complementary system can effectively increase energy utilization and reduce wind curtailment.
Toward a critical race analysis of the COVID-19 crisis in US carceral institutions
Authors: Farr Paddy
Published: March 2021

People in carceral institutions are at increased risk for COVID-19 infection. Applying critical race theory to the problem of COVID-19 provides tools to analyze the risk of infection and evaluate the public health response within the imprisoned, jailed, and detained population. On the surface, this is due to factors related to a lack of hygiene products, an inability to physically distance, a low quality and inaccessible health care, and poor health. However, at root, the increased risk for infection is directly linked to the legacy of slavery and colonization within the history of US prisons, jails, and detention centers. As a solution to the crisis of COVID-19 and prevention of future pandemics within prisons, jails and detention centers, a critical race orientation provides reason and direction for mass decarceration and racial justice.
Opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in the medical field: current application, emerging problems, and problem-solving strategies
Authors: Jiang Lushun , Wu Zhe , Xu Xiaolan , Zhan Yaqiong , Jin Xuehang , Wang Li , Qiu Yunqing
Published: March 2021

Recent advancements in the field of artificial intelligence have demonstrated success in a variety of clinical tasks secondary to the development and application of big data, supercomputing, sensor networks, brain science, and other technologies. However, no projects can yet be used on a large scale in real clinical practice because of the lack of standardized processes, lack of ethical and legal supervision, and other issues. We analyzed the existing problems in the field of artificial intelligence and herein propose possible solutions. We call for the establishment of a process framework to ensure the safety and orderly development of artificial intelligence in the medical industry. This will facilitate the design and implementation of artificial intelligence products, promote better management via regulatory authorities, and ensure that reliable and safe artificial intelligence products are selected for application.
Optimizing tissue clearing and imaging methods for human brain tissue
Authors: Kim Min Sun , Ahn Jang Ho , Mo Ji Eun , Song Ha Young , Cheon Deokhyeon , Yoo Seong Ho , Choi Hyung Jin
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To identify optimum sample conditions for human brains, we compared the clearing efficiency, antibody staining efficiency, and artifacts between fresh and cadaver samples.

Methods

Fresh and cadaver samples were cleared using X-CLARITY™. Clearing efficiency and artifact levels were calculated using ImageJ, and antibody staining efficiency was evaluated after confocal microscopy imaging. Three staining methods were compared: 4-day staining (4DS), 11-day staining (11DS), and 4-day staining with a commercial kit (4DS-C). The optimum staining method was then selected by evaluating staining time, depth, method complexity, contamination, and cost.

Results

Fresh samples outperformed cadaver samples in terms of the time and quality of clearing, artifacts, and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining efficiency, but had a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining efficiency that was similar to that of cadaver samples. The penetration depth and DAPI staining improved in fresh samples as the incubation period lengthened. 4DS-C was the best method, with the deepest penetration. Human brain images containing blood vessels, cell nuclei, and astrocytes were visualized three-dimensionally. The chemical dye staining depth reached 800 µm and immunostaining depth exceeded 200 µm in 4 days.

Conclusions

We present optimized sample preparation and staining protocols for the visualization of three-dimensional macrostructure in the human brain.
Association between serum visfatin levels and psoriasis and their correlation with disease severity: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zou Qian , Si Jiawei , Guo Yatao , Yu Jiayu , Shi Huijuan
Published: March 2021

Objective

To determine the association between serum visfatin levels and psoriasis and to evaluate the correlation between serum visfatin levels and the severity of psoriasis.

Methods

The electronic databases PubMed®, Embase® and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles published from inception to 1 May 2020. Data were extracted and then standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for pooled estimates.

Results

A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included (448 patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 377 controls). This meta-analysis demonstrated that patients with psoriasis had significantly higher levels of visfatin than the controls (SMD = 0.90, 95% CI 0.52, 1.28). Subgroup analyses showed that differences in serum visfatin levels between the patient group and the control group were associated with ethnicity, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and body mass index. Additionally, a meta-analysis of correlations showed that visfatin levels in patients with psoriasis were positively correlated with PASI ( r = 0.51, 95% CI 0.14, 0.75).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis showed that serum visfatin levels in patients with psoriasis were significantly higher than those in the controls and a positive correlation between serum visfatin levels and psoriasis severity was observed.
Divergent Thinking Influences the Perception of Ambiguous Visual Illusions
Authors: Blake Annabel , Palmisano Stephen
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the relationships between personality and creativity in the perception of two different ambiguous visual illusions. Previous research has suggested that Industriousness and Openness/Intellect (as measured by the Big Five Aspects Scale) are both associated with individual differences in perceptual switching rates for binocular rivalry stimuli. Here, we examined whether these relationships generalise to the Necker Cube and the Spinning Dancer illusions. In the experimental phase of this study, participants viewed these ambiguous figures under both static and dynamic, as well as free-view and fixation, conditions. As predicted, perceptual switching rates were higher: (a) for the static Necker Cube than the Spinning Dancer, and (b) in free-view compared with fixation conditions. In the second phase of the study, personality type and divergent thinking were measured using the Big Five Aspects Scale and the Alternate Uses Task, respectively. Higher creativity/divergent thinking (as measured by the Alternate Uses Task) was found to predict greater switching rates for the static Necker Cube (but not the Spinning Dancer) under both free-view and fixation conditions. These findings suggest that there are differences in the perceptual processing of creative individuals.
Improvement of Strength and Volume-Change Properties of Expansive Clays with Geopolymer Treatment
Authors: Samuel Rinu , Puppala Anand J. , Banerjee Aritra , Huang Oscar , Radovic Miladin , Chakraborty Sayantan
Published: March 2021

Expansive soils are conventionally treated with chemical stabilizers manufactured by energy-intensive processes that significantly contribute to carbon dioxide emissions globally. Geopolymers, which are synthesized from industrial byproducts rich in aluminosilicates, are a viable alternative to conventional treatments, as they are eco-friendly and sustainable. In this study, a metakaolin-based geopolymer was synthesized, and its effects on the strength and volume-change behavior of two native expansive soils from Texas, with a plasticity index over 20 were investigated. This paper elaborates on the geopolymerization process, synthesis of the metakaolin-based geopolymer, specimen preparation, and geopolymer treatment of soils. Comprehensive material testing revealed two clays with a plasticity index over 20. They were each treated with three dosages of the metakaolin-based geopolymer and cured in 100% relative humidity for three different curing periods. The efficiency of geopolymer treatment was determined by testing the control and geopolymer-treated soils for unconfined compressive strength (UCS), one-dimensional swell, and linear shrinkage. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) imaging was performed on the synthesized geopolymer, as well as on the control and geopolymer-treated soils, to detect microstructural changes caused by geopolymerization. A significant increase in UCS and reduction in swelling and shrinkage were observed for both geopolymer-treated soils, within a curing period of only 7 days. The FESEM imaging provided new insights on the structure of geopolymers and evidence of geopolymer formation in treated soils. In conclusion, the metakaolin-based geopolymer has strong potential as a lower-carbon-footprint alternative to conventional stabilizers for expansive soils.