bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of an Exposure-Based Mobile App on Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: McLean Carmen , Davis C Adrian , Miller Madeleine , Ruzek Josef , Neri Eric
Published: October 2022

Background

Barriers to accessing in-person care can prevent veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from receiving trauma-focused treatments such as exposure therapy. Mobile apps may help to address unmet need for services by offering tools for users to self-manage PTSD symptoms. Renew is a mobile mental health app that focuses on exposure therapy and incorporates a social support function designed to promote user engagement.

Objective

We examined the preliminary efficacy of Renew with and without support from a research staff member compared with waitlist among 93 veterans with clinically significant PTSD symptoms. We also examined the impact of study staff support on participant engagement with the app.

Methods

In a pilot randomized controlled trial, we compared Renew with and without support from a research staff member (active use condition) with waitlist (delayed use condition) over 6 weeks. Participants were recruited through online advertisements. The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) was used to measure PTSD symptoms at pre, post, and 6-week follow-up. Usage data were collected to assess engagement with Renew.

Results

Results indicated a small effect size (d=–0.39) favoring those in the active use conditions relative to the delayed use condition, but the between-group difference was not significant (P=.29). There were no differences on indices of app engagement between the 2 active use conditions. Exploratory analyses found that the number of support persons users added to the app, but not the number of support messages received, was positively correlated with app engagement.

Conclusions

Findings suggest Renew may hold promise as a self-management tool to reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans. Involving friends and family in mobile mental health apps may help bolster engagement with no additional cost to public health systems.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04155736; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04155736
A Web-Based Self-management App for Living Well With Dementia: User-Centered Development Study
Authors: Lee Abigail Rebecca , Csipke Emese , Yates Lauren , Moniz-Cook Esme , McDermott Orii , Taylor Steven , Stephens Michael , Kelleher Daniel , Orrell Martin
Published: October 2022

Background

Self-management, autonomy, and quality of life are key constructs in enabling people to live well with dementia. This population often becomes isolated following diagnosis, but it is important for them to feel encouraged to maintain their daily activities and stay socially active. Promoting Independence in Dementia (PRIDE) fosters social inclusion and greater dementia self-management through an interactive handbook.

Objective

This study aimed to develop a paper-based PRIDE manual on a web-based platform.

Methods

Two overarching stages were used to create the web-based version of PRIDE. The first was Preliminary Development, which encompassed tendering, preliminary development work, consultations, beta version of the website, user testing and consultation on beta version, and production of the final web-based prototype. The second stage was Development of the Final PRIDE App, which included 2 sprints and further user testing.

Results

Through a lengthy development process, modifications were made to app areas such as the log-in process, content layout, and aesthetic appearance. Feedback from the target population was incorporated into the process to achieve a dementia-friendly product. The finished PRIDE app has defined areas for reading dementia-related topics, creating activity plans, and logging these completed activities.

Conclusions

The PRIDE app has evolved from its initial prototype into a more dementia-friendly and usable program that is suitable for further testing. The finished version will be tested in a reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance study, with its potential reach, effectiveness, and adoption explored. Feedback gathered during the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance study will lead to any further developments in the app to increase its applicability to the target audience and usability.
Workload, Usability, and Engagement with a Mobile App Supporting Video Observation of Methadone Take-Home Dosing: Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Idrisov Bulat , Hallgren Kevin A , Michaels Alyssa , Soth Sean , Darnton James , Grekin Paul , Woolworth Steve , Saxon Andrew J , Tsui Judith I
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Methadone, a cornerstone of opioid use disorder treatments for many decades, is an essential tool for combatting the opioid epidemic. However, requirements for observing methadone dosing in person through direct observed therapy (DOT) impose significant barriers for many patients. Digital technology can facilitate remote DOT, which could reduce barriers to methadone treatment. Currently, there are limited data on the usability of such technology among patients and counselors in methadone treatment settings.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to assess the workload, usability, and engagement of a video-based DOT mobile app for patients with opioid use disorder receiving methadone treatment. The secondary objective was to assess the workload, usability, and engagement of the provider-facing app portal used by counselors.

METHODS

Patients (n=12) and counselors (n=3) who previously tried video DOT for methadone through a smartphone app in an opioid treatment program participated in usability testing sessions. Participants completed essential tasks for video DOT, then provided ratings of workload (NASA Task Load Index), usability (modified System Usability Scale), and engagement (modified Engagement Scale) with the core features of the video DOT program

RESULTS

Patients and counselors reported low mental, physical, and temporal demands, successful performance, low effort, and low frustration associated with activities. Patients reported high usability (mean 85, SD 9.5) and engagement (mean 3.8, SD 1.1); counselors reported moderate usability (mean 43.3, SD 17.7) and engagement (mean 2.81, SD 0.63).

CONCLUSIONS

A mobile health app that facilitates video-based DOT for methadone required a low workload for patients and counselors and was highly usable for patients in an opioid treatment program; however, there are opportunities to improve usability and engagement for the counselor-facing portal.
Exploring Twitter chatter to assess sentiments, beliefs, and attitudes regarding cannabis use in Thailand. (Preprint)
Authors: Lamy Francois , Meemon Natthani
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

The consumption and cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes has been recently authorized in Thailand. Although the number of cannabis users appears to have increased in the past five years, little is known about how Thais perceive cannabis and what are the cannabis products available in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE

This research aimed to explore Twitter chatter to provide new insights regarding the content of cannabis-related tweets with a particular emphasis on attitudes, health-related benefits and harms that Thais linked to cannabis as well as the type of cannabis products advertised on Twitter.

METHODS

Cannabis-related tweets in the Thai Language were collected between January 01, 2022 and April 30, 2022, using tweepy Python library to query the Twitter API. Tweets were manually coded to evaluate the attitude, health-effects and type of products advertised in a sample of 20,000 cannabis-related tweets through a qualitative content analysis achieved by four Thai native speaker coders. Tweets coded as positive and negative as well as tweets advertising cannabis or cannabis products were further analyzed through open coding.

RESULTS

441,155 tweets were collected based on 83 search terms. 72.6% of collected tweets from the 20,000 random sample were coded as relevant to the study. 54.6% of relevant tweets were advertising cannabis products, 29.8% were personal communications, and 15.6% were related to news or media content. Among the tweets coded as personal communications, 79.1% were coded as neutral, 14.3% as positive, and 6.6% as negative. Only 3.2% of the negative tweets expressed a negative or harmful experience against 13.5% of positive tweets. Among tweets coded as advertising cannabis or cannabis products for sale, 94.4% advertised cannabis flower, 2.4% and 1.8% were advertising cannabis edibles and concentrates respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the majority of personal communication tweets were coded as neutral, tweets coded as positive are more likely to contain depictions of positive effects linked to cannabis products usage. Our analysis also reveals that a large portion of cannabis-related tweets in Thai language are advertising cannabis products for sale. Among these tweets, potent hybrid strains, cannabis concentrates and cannabis edibles with high THC content were advertised. Consumption of this type of cannabis products increase the risk of harmful side-effects, especially in a population with limited knowledge about these products that have recently emerged in Thailand. Our findings call for increasing public awareness of the possible adverse consequences linked to these emerging cannabis products and for a constant active monitoring of cannabis usage to detect potential harmful products.
Artificial Intelligence–Based Co-Facilitator (AICF) for Detecting and Monitoring Group Cohesion Outcomes in Web-Based Cancer Support Groups: Single-Arm Trial Study (Preprint)
Authors: Leung Yvonne W , Wouterloot Elise , Adikari Achini , Hong Jinny , Asokan Veenaajaa , Duan Lauren , Lam Claire , Kim Carlina , Chan Kai P , De Silva Daswin , Trachtenberg Lianne , Rennie Heather , Wong Jiahui , Esplen Mary Jane
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Commonly offered as supportive care, therapist-led online support groups (OSGs) are a cost-effective way to provide support to individuals affected by cancer. One important indicator of a successful OSG session is group cohesion; however, monitoring group cohesion can be challenging due to the lack of nonverbal cues and in-person interactions in text-based OSGs. The Artificial Intelligence–based Co-Facilitator (AICF) was designed to contextually identify therapeutic outcomes from conversations and produce real-time analytics.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a method to train and evaluate AICF’s capacity to monitor group cohesion.

METHODS

AICF used a text classification approach to extract the mentions of group cohesion within conversations. A sample of data was annotated by human scorers, which was used as the training data to build the classification model. The annotations were further supported by finding contextually similar group cohesion expressions using word embedding models as well. AICF performance was also compared against the natural language processing software Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC).

RESULTS

AICF was trained on 80,000 messages obtained from Cancer Chat Canada. We tested AICF on 34,048 messages. Human experts scored 6797 (20%) of the messages to evaluate the ability of AICF to classify group cohesion. Results showed that machine learning algorithms combined with human input could detect group cohesion, a clinically meaningful indicator of effective OSGs. After retraining with human input, AICF reached an F1-score of 0.82. AICF performed slightly better at identifying group cohesion compared to LIWC.

CONCLUSIONS

AICF has the potential to assist therapists by detecting discord in the group amenable to real-time intervention. Overall, AICF presents a unique opportunity to strengthen patient-centered care in web-based settings by attending to individual needs.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.2196/21453
Discrimination, Harassment, and Bias in Medicine: A Twitter Study (Preprint)
Authors: Godishala Shreya , Rosser Alexandra A , Jung Sarah
Published: October 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

No abstract/not applicable
Feasibility and Acceptability of a US National Telemedicine Curriculum for Medical Students and Residents: Multi-institutional Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bajra Rika , Frazier Winfred , Graves Lisa , Jacobson Katherine , Rodriguez Andres , Theobald Mary , Lin Steven
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine use increased as a response to health care delivery changes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, lack of standardized curricular content creates gaps and inconsistencies in effectively integrating telemedicine training at both the undergraduate medical education and graduate medical education levels.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a web-based national telemedicine curriculum developed by the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine for medical students and family medicine (FM) residents. Based on the Association of American Medical Colleges telehealth competencies, the asynchronous curriculum featured 5 self-paced modules; covered topics include evidence-based telehealth uses, best practices in communication and remote physical examinations, technology requirements and documentation, access and equity in telehealth delivery, and the promise and potential perils of emerging technologies.

METHODS

A total of 17 medical schools and 17 FM residency programs implemented the curriculum between September 1 and December 31, 2021. Participating sites represented 25 states in all 4 US census regions with balanced urban, suburban, and rural settings. A total of 1203 learners, including 844 (70%) medical students and 359 (30%) FM residents, participated. Outcomes were measured through self-reported 5-point Likert scale responses.

RESULTS

A total of 92% (1101/1203) of learners completed the entire curriculum. Across the modules, 78% (SD 3%) of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they gained new knowledge, skills, or attitudes that will help them in their training or career; 87% (SD 4%) reported that the information presented was at the right level for them; 80% (SD 2%) reported that the structure of the modules was effective; and 78% (SD 3%) agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied. Overall experience using the national telemedicine curriculum did not differ significantly between medical students and FM residents on binary analysis. No consistent statistically significant relationships were found between participants’ responses and their institution’s geographic region, setting, or previous experience with a telemedicine curriculum.

CONCLUSIONS

Both undergraduate medical education and graduate medical education learners, represented by diverse geographic regions and institutions, indicated that the curriculum was broadly acceptable and effective.
Conceptualizing and Measuring Social Media Use in Health and Well-being Studies: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Bekalu Mesfin Awoke , Sato Taisuke , Viswanath K
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Despite an increasing number of studies revealing both the benefits and harms of social media use on well-being, there is heterogeneity and a lack of consensus on how social media use is conceptualized, defined, and measured. Additionally, little is known whether existing literature focuses on ill-being or well-being outcomes and whether studies use theories.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this review was to examine (1) how social media use has been conceptualized and measured, (2) what health and well-being outcomes have been focused on, and (3) whether studies used theories.

METHODS

Studies were located through a comprehensive search strategy involving 4 steps. First, keyword searches were conducted on 6 major databases: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, ProQuest, and Annual Reviews. Second, a search was conducted on Google Scholar using the same sets of search terms, and the first 100 results were examined. Third, the reference sections of reviews identified in the first 2 rounds of searches were examined, and finally, the reference lists of the final set of papers included in the review were searched. Through a multistage screening, papers that met our inclusion criteria were analyzed.

RESULTS

The review included a total of 233 papers published between 2007 and 2020 in 51 different countries. While 66 (28%) of the studies investigated the effects of the problematic use or addiction of social media on health and well-being, 167 (72%) studied the effects of social media use as a “normal” behavior. Most of the studies used measures assessing the time users spend using social media. Most of the studies that examined the effects of problematic social media use or addiction used addiction scales. Most studies examined the association of social media use with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and loneliness. While there are a considerable number of studies investigating physical health outcomes such as self-rated health, sleep, and sitting time or lack of physical activity, relatively a small number of studies examined social, psychological, and emotional well-being. Most of the studies 183 (79%) did not use any theory.

CONCLUSIONS

Most studies conceptualized social media use as a “normal” behavior and mostly used time-spent measures, whereas a considerable number of studies conceptualized social media use as an addiction and used various addiction measures. The studies disproportionately focused on investigating the associations of social media use with negative health and well-being outcomes. The findings suggest the need for going beyond time spent to more sophisticated measurement approaches that consider the multiplicity of activities that users perform on social media platforms and the need for more theory-based studies on the association of social media use with not only negative well-being or “ill-being” but also with positive health and well-being outcomes.
Environmental Awareness and Attitude towards Environmental Sustainability among Students of Federal College of Education, Obudu, cross River State-Nigeria
Authors: Ndomah Bernadette Nengu , Oduntan Ademola S.
Published: October 2022

The study is titled Environmental Awareness and Attitude towards Environmental Sustainability among students of FCE Obudu, Cross River State - Nigeria. The following research questions were formulated to guide the study: What is the level of environmental awareness towards environmental sustainability among students of FCE Obudu? What is the attitude of students of FCE Obudu towards environmental sustainability? Descriptive survey research design was employed and a questionnaire titled Environmental Awareness and Attitudes Towards Environmental Sustainability Questionnaire (EAATESQ) was used to obtain information from 100 respondents who were randomly sampled from the study population. The data obtained were analysed using simple mean and standard deviation. Findings from the study revealed above average level of environmental awareness among students of FCE Obudu by a mean score of 2.95 and standard deviation of 0.06and, below average/poor attitude towards environmental sustainability among students of FCE Obuduas indicated by a mean score of 2.45 and a standard deviation of 0.35.
Enhancing Language of Instructions by Using the Language Supportive Teaching and Textbooks Materials in Secondary Schools in Temeke District
Authors: Josep Josephine , Osaki Kalafunja
Published: October 2022

Various arguments and solutions are proposed in the current discourse on weak English language proficiency in Tanzania. Most authors agree that the standard of reading, writing, speaking of the language is low. Proposed solutions vary. One solution proposed has been to support student language proficiency in form 1 by running a language supportive program. Language Supportive Teaching and Textbooks [LSTT] is one among the recent programs designed and practiced in some schools in Dodoma, Morogoro and Lindi regions of Tanzania. The program with materials available for further experimentation since 2016. This study investigated the enhancement of the proficiency in the language of instructions by using tried LSTT materials to improve English language proficiency among Form 1 students in Temeke district in Dar es Salaam. The study employed action research design; using a quantitative approach to administer a vocabulary and comprehension pre and post –tests, and qualitative research approach aimed at understanding the views of teachers and students through interviews and observation of learning in classrooms. The study was guided by Constructivism Theory (Vygotsky, 1978) focusing on learning by seeing and scaffolding by following teachers and peers, and Bilingual theory of Common Underlying Proficiency model (Cummins, 1980’s). Two public secondary schools were involved in the study, which included a sample size of 160 participants among whom 154 were students, four English teachers and two Head teachers. The researcher selected students from two streams in two schools hence one stream termed as a “treated group” and other group used to compare the results of pre- and post-test. Purposive sampling used to select four teachers. After running eight lessons, the findings revealed that through LSTT materials both teachers and students benefited as classroom interaction improved. Teachers were able to present the lesson well through LSTT approaches and pedagogy, which promoted students participation through exercises and better understanding, as well as improved speaking and reading. Those who were oriented through LSTT material had a higher score in the posttest, which was significant. After the researcher had been teaching through the LSTT materials most of the students in the trial gained confidence and more interest to learn through English language. Their scores in vocabulary and comprehensive test also improved significantly.
Postoperative outcomes and anesthesia type in total knee arthroplasty in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Habchi Karam M , Tangel Virginia E , Weinberg Roniel Y , White Robert S , Kelleher Deirdre C
Published: October 2022

Aim:
We investigated the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), 30/90-day readmission rates and perioperative complications (postoperative cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, infectious or intraoperative complications) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.
Materials & methods:
We analyzed records of patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty using State Inpatient Databases. Demographics, comorbidities, 30/90-day readmission rates and complications were compared by OSA status. For NY, USA we analyzed outcomes by anesthetic type (regional vs general).
Results:
OSA patients were mostly male, had more comorbidities and had increased 30/90-day readmission rates. There were no differences in complications. In NY, there were no differences in outcomes by anesthetic type.
Conclusion:
OSA was associated with increased 30/90-day readmission rates. Within NY, anesthetic type was not associated with any outcomes.
De la intimidad a la ciudadanía: socialización sexual de jóvenes en León, Guanajuato
Authors: García-Alcaraz Janet Gabriela , Flores-Palacios María de Fátima
Published: October 2022

Objetivo: analizar los efectos de la socialización sexual de jóvenes de León, Guanajuato, en el ejercicio y la construcción de la ciudadanía íntima a partir del género y la juventud. Metodología: se entrevistaron 10 mujeres y 10 hombres de entre 18 y 24 años. La información se sistematizó mediante codificación temática. Resultados: la reproducción de concepciones hegemónicas en la socialización se expresa material, simbólica e intersubjetivamente en el desconocimiento del cuerpo propio, la falta de acceso a servicios de salud, la poca o nula educación sexual integral, la violencia y las dificultades para experimentar placer, situaciones que vulneran sobre todo a las mujeres. Valor: se aborda el ejercicio de la ciudadanía íntima desde una perspectiva feminista. Conclusiones: la ciudadanía íntima problematiza los límites entre lo público y lo privado y sitúa las sexualidades en un marco de derechos para alcanzar la igualdad y mitigar la vulnerabilidad en la juventud.
Acceso abierto al patrimonio informacional en Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales de Instituciones de Educación Superior: propuesta conceptual y análisis de normatividades
Authors: Palma Peña Juan Miguel
Published: October 2022

Actualmente, las sociedades tienen a su disposición información como nunca antes la tuvieron, así como nunca como ahora tuvieron tanta necesidad de acceso abierto al patrimonio informacional de las instituciones para beneficiarse informativa, educativa y científicamente. El objetivo de esta investigación es estudiar por qué las publicaciones académicas en Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales (HyCS) desarrolladas en Instituciones de Educación Superior Públicas (IESP) son patrimonio informacional, así como justificar por qué dichas manifestaciones pueden estar en acceso abierto. La metodología para esta investigación es teórica, y se implementan los niveles de investigación descriptivo, clasificatorio, explicativo y predictivo en función de describir y analizar conceptualmente el objeto de estudio y sus funciones para inducir la comprensión del tema. El presente documento se estructura en los siguientes apartados: primero, se presenta un entramado teórico sobre el patrimonio para fundamentar la propuesta conceptual del patrimonio informacional; segundo, se estudian los elementos teóricos del acceso abierto; y tercero, se presenta el análisis de contenido y los resultados del estudio de las normatividades del acceso abierto en Latinoamérica; por último, se presentan las conclusiones. Una conclusión general consiste en que el acceso abierto al patrimonio informacional en HyCS de IESP requiere pasar de ser realizado por buenas intenciones a implementarse con normatividades, dado que es una acción útil que beneficia a las sociedades al compartir los bienes de información derivados de la ciencia y la cultura para alcanzar objetivos a escala global.
Universal Coronavirus Testing to Control the Pandemic: Ethical Issues and Dilemmas
Authors: Gopinathan Anusha , Naik Shweta Sagar , Maheswary D. , Ravi Sujith , Leela K.V.
Published: October 2022

Every country had to make several difficult decisions in the initial phase of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to allocate resources for COVID testing. Decisions on who should be tested for COVID-19 testing are extremely vital for pandemic preparedness. In this article, we highlight the need for prioritization of testing resources including direct-to-consumer testing methods, ethical dilemmas involved in obligatory testing, and testing of refugees and immigrants.
Functional Testing on A software Model For Creating A Stable Cryptocurrency Using Fiat Currency For Global Electronic Commerce
Authors: Kibet Alex , Karume Simon , Masese Nelson
Published: October 2022

Abstract: Software testing is part of a set of activities that ensure high-quality software. It primarily aims at revealing defects that have been inserted into software at various stages of its development. In functional testing, test requirements are derived from software specifications. This paper proposes a functional testing/ evaluation that was performed using the functional specification provided during a Model for Creating a Stable Cryptocurrency Using Fiat Currency for Global Electronic Commerce design and verifies the model against the functional requirements. The functional approach of model effectiveness was used to establish model functions first, and then to build criterion measures to assess how well the objectives were met. The functional requirements of the evaluation model were then transformed into test cases. Furthermore, the test case reports were presented as final findings.
A Review on Behaviour of Concrete by Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate with Waste Plastic
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Choudhary Anil Kumar
Published: October 2022

Abstract: The utilization of fluctuated states of plastic has been brought up lately because of the increment in industrialization and different human exercises. greatest plastic waste is disposed of and requires a major dump area for capacity. either significantly, the light biodegradability of plastics represents a genuine peril to the delayed consequence of ecological security. varied techniques have been followed to deposit plastics in and work to break the negative impact of plastics on the climate. just, fluctuated kinds of plastics have been coordinated into cement to break the danger of plastics to the around the human being. The main motive of this review is to explore the experimental behaviour of concrete holding plastics that were utilized as partial replacements for coarse aggregates.
Neural network prediction of web-crushing strength of i-shaped reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Tamov Murat M. , Rudenko Olga V. , Usanov Sergey V.
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Under the combined action of shear force and bending moment web-shear cracking takes place in the thin webs of reinforced concrete beams. The strength of the concrete struts between the cracks depends on the size of the web, concrete strength, parameters of the transverse and longitudinal reinforcement, and the shear span-to-depth ratio. Plane stress constitutive models for reinforced concrete are difficult to implement. For this reason, building codes employ empirical formulas for web-crushing strength which were obtained from the analysis of the existing experimental data. Using machine learning tools — artificial neural networks (ANN) — can serve as a solution that allows to take into account the impact of structural and loading parameters more accurately. The analyzed experimental base included the test results of 77 beams. The input layer of the ANN consisted of 7 independent variables, the output — of 1 dependent, and both linear and nonlinear functions were considered as activation functions.

Materials and methods. The article studies I-shaped concrete beams with basalt fiber reinforced polymer and steel transverse reinforcement tested by authors. To ensure the statistical significance of independent variables in all indicators, the database of other authors was also considered. Neural networks were developed using STATISTICA software package. In the first stage, the input and output variables were normalized. The accuracy of the ANN model prediction was compared with the accuracy of regression models. In the last stage, the calculations were performed without normalizing the variables.

Results. Artificial neural networks prediction has high accuracy. The relative error of prediction was 28.6 % for the regression method and 10.9 % for the ANN. For calculations without preliminary normalization relative error of prediction was 6.6 %.

Conclusions. The results of research and other similar studies suggest ANN to be a promising tool for solving intractable problems of structural engineering.
A parametric study of concrete runway pavement layers depression under impact load
Authors: AlAraza Hayder Abbas Ashour , Mahmud Kharun
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Airport runway pavement is always subjected to considerable impact loads as a result of aircraft landing heavily on the concrete surface. As a result, runway pavements must have adequate strength and durability capability to avoid damage caused by a hard impact, such as surface deflection downward or penetration, because repair works are inconvenient within the operating conditions of the airport and increase the service life cost of the pavement structure. 3DFE research is carried out to identify some beneficial elements in influencing the concrete and base layers deformation of the runway pavement.

Materials and methods. The research developed 3D finite element model from the previews study by using the Explicit Dynamics model using the Ansys workbench. The concrete characteristics such as slab thickness, concrete density, modulus of elasticity, flexural tensile strength, and compressive strength of the runway pavement are tested, while the impactor weight and velocity are chosen and investigated too.

Results. The results included the effect of 4–7 different values for each factor. The depression of the concrete and base layers is presented.

Conclusions. The main conclusion that can be drawn from this work is that flexural tensile strength, compressive strength, and slab thickness have a significant effect on the concrete depression of the runway pavement as well as the impactor weight and velocity.
Hydraulic studies of pressure pipes made of various materials
Authors: Abdulameer Layth Saeed , Orlov Vladimir A. , Dzhumagulova Nazira T.
Published: October 2022

Introduction. To solve the problem of water shortage for irrigation in the city of Kerbala (Iraq), for the first time, a decision was made to use treated wastewater from urban wastewater treatment plants. Transportation of water from treatment facilities to irrigated lands is carried out through a pipeline in a pressure mode. The article compares the results of simulation modeling of WaterCAD V8i at various flow rates in a pressurized water supply system with the results of laboratory studies for three types of pipe materials (100 mm diameter steel pipe with polymer coating, 100 mm diameter polyethylene pipe and 100 mm diameter steel pipe with cement-sand coated (diameter 90 mm)). The purpose of the work is to verify the results obtained in the WaterCAD V8i program by conducting experiments for various types of pipes.

Materials and methods. During the experiment, the characteristics of the flow were studied.

Results. Comparison of the experimental results with the results obtained using the WaterCad V8i simulation model showed that the hydraulic parameters (pressure loss, friction coefficient) are close in values, but the WaterCad V8i program recorded higher values for pipes (steel pipe with a diameter of 100 mm with a polymer coating and a polyethylene pipe with a diameter of 100 mm). The high convergence of the results for a number of hydraulic parameters can be noted.

Conclusions. The results of the work carried out by comparing the experimental data with the calculated ones obtained using the WaterCAD V8i program allow us to conclude that it can be widely used in practice to determine the hydraulic performance of pipelines.
Automation algorithms for water bodies characteristics calculation on the example of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain
Authors: Bednaruk Sergey E. , Mastryukova Alina V. , Chukanov Vitaliy V.
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Organization and implementation of a special spring release, carried out annually in the interests of the agriculture and fisheries of the Lower Volga, is the most important and complex problem of the Volga-Kama cascade management. The way to increase the efficiency of solving this problem is to use of mathematical models for calculating the movement of water along the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain. However, the currently functioning mathematical hydrodynamic models of the Lower Volga do not provide enough accuracy and speed. It is planned to create an algorithm for modeling the movement of water masses, combining the use of nomograms of dynamic volumes and a tank model. The characteristics of water bodies and streams that form the water system of the Lower Volga should be obtained at the first stage.

Materials and methods. The materials for the work were a raster digital elevation model with 30 m resolution, obtained from Earth remote sensing data. Algorithms for determining the position and boundaries of water bodies and calculating their characteristics are implemented in the Fortran programming language.

Results. The description of algorithms of smoothing the digital elevation model, searching for local minima, and determining the boundaries of floodplain reservoirs developed to prepare information structures using in the created mathematical model of a water system with a developed network of floodplain streams and lakes is given on the example of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain. The results of testing the developed algorithms are shown.

Conclusions. The results of the algorithms for searching for local minima on the digital elevation model and determining the position and boundaries of floodplain reservoirs make it possible to calculate the characteristics of water bodies, building a model graph, and developing a data storage system at the next stages of work.
Critical Synthesis Toward Transformative Collaboration: A Dialectical Analysis of Functionalist and Critical Paradigms
Authors: Kim Jangmin , Lee Junghee
Published: October 2022

Social workers are required to become effective boundary spanners to address complex social problems with community-based and cross-system collaboration. However, substantial tensions exist in the literature about how to build successful collaboration, stemming from the massive use of the two competing paradigms: functionalist and critical paradigms. Using a dialectical analysis, this article attempted to uncover and synthesize paradoxical understandings of the major elements of successful collaboration. Significant contradictions between the two contrasting paradigms are identified at the multidimensional levels, including (1) member capacity for developing objective/consensus knowledge vs. subjective/dissensus knowledge, (2) unity vs. diversity in membership, (3) centralized vs. decentralized network governance, and (4) stable/standardized vs. flexible/responsive coordination. The results suggest that there is no consensual approach to developing transformative collaboration that promotes members’ critical capacity, equal relations, democratic governance, and empowering coordination. Social workers should identify and utilize inherent contradictions as a catalyst for developing and maintaining transformative collaboration by considering its dynamic process, context, and interconnection with other systems.
If Not Now, When? A Call to End Social Work’s Tolerance of White Supremacy in the Academy
Authors: Garcia Antonio , Barnhart Sheila , Pope Natalie , Showalter Kathryn , Ouanesisouk Trinadad Alma
Published: October 2022

Despite ethical responsibilities to dismantle systems of oppression, White supremacy ideologies and practices are still inundated in social work academe to the detriment of Black, Indigenous, Latino, and Persons of Color (BILPOC) communities and faculty dedicated to teaching the next generation of critical scholars, activists, and clinicians. Four themes are introduced to exemplify how the academy remains overpowered by the need to sustain the status quo of White power. In the first theme, social work’s long-standing history of omitting BILPOC experiences in curricula is discussed. The second theme characterizes social work’s legacy of omission via inaction to address unjust governmental practices at the U.S. Southern border, thereby perpetuating the cycle of White power. Cementing these positions, we shift the discussion to the inherent pressures within the academy that prizes productivity above all else, perpetuating the culture of White supremacy. In turn, spaces to engage in creative thinking and teaching to dismantle systems of oppressions are limited. Lastly, we discuss the increasing pressure to produce “eurocentric” rigorous scientific knowledge takes precedence at a time when we must place equity and fairness on equal footing. For each of these four themes, we offer suggestions for how to create spaces for racial reconciliation, healing, and equality.
Reconsidering Intersectionality: Falsity, Negativity, and Radical Racial Pragmatism in Social Work Praxis
Authors: Gregory Joshua
Published: October 2022

The present historical juncture, characterized by overuse of the word “intersectionality” and underappreciation for its historical evolution and intention, warrants not only clarification of intersectionality as a concept, but thoroughgoing reconsideration of its contemporary utility and limitations. This is precisely the task undertaken in this article. Upon close scrutiny, extant theories of intersectionality fall upon a continuum ranging from falsity to negativity, the former indicating misrepresentation of identity through reliance on categories, the latter suggesting deconstruction to the point of making translation into practice difficult or impossible. Neither theoretical extreme of this continuum, nor any point in between, advances the intended mission of racial justice without also creating new problems or inflicting collateral social damage. This necessitates a theoretical and practical push beyond intersectionality toward a new project of radical racial pragmatism in social work praxis. Radical racial pragmatism offers a platform from which to begin a campaign for racial justice that avoids the obstacles of falsity and negativity by adhering to a program centering upon provisional racial relationality, epistemological and moral pluralism, and participatory, interracial democracy. The liberatory and transformative aspiration that guides but ultimately eludes intersectional theorization is thus restored by radical racial pragmatism in social work praxis.
Resisting Recovery Rhetoric: A Critical Discourse Analysis and Counter Perspectives from People With Substance Use Issues in Rural Ontario
Authors: McNeil Sandra
Published: October 2022

The recovery concept informs research, policies, and practices related to mental health and substance use in Canada, which has consequences for people with substance use issues in rural areas. Although recovery is espoused as a personal journey with no “right” approach, dominant representations of recovery permeate public and private minds to (re)produce an ideal presumably urban-centered recovery, which may stigmatize people in rural communities. This qualitative, exploratory study draws on Foucauldian and intersectionality principles to examine power relations embedded in recovery discourse. A critical discourse analysis (CDA) using van Dijk’s Sociocognitive Approach (SCA) is applied to 40 semi-structured interviews with people who experience substance use issues in rural Ontario. Findings indicate that although dominant assumptions of substance use recovery are reinforced by people with lived experience in rural spaces, they are also rejected and resisted in ways that expose oppression, counter dominance, and promote more equitable alternatives.
Exploring entanglement resource in Si quantum dot systems with operational quasiprobability approach
Authors: Ryu Junghee , Ryu Hoon
Published: October 2022

We characterize the quantum entanglement of the realistic two-qubit signals that are sensitive to charge noises. Our working example is the time response generated from a silicon double quantum dot (DQD) platform, where a single-qubit rotation and a two-qubit controlled-NOT operation are conducted sequentially in time to generate arbitrary entangled states. In order to characterize the entanglement of two-qubit states, we employ the marginal operational quasiprobability (OQ) approach that allows negative values of the probability function if a given state is entangled. While the charge noise, which is omnipresent in semiconductor devices, severely affects logic operations implemented in the DQD platform, causing huge degradation in fidelity of unitary operations as well as resulting two-qubit states, the pattern in the OQ-driven entanglement strength turns out to be quite invariant, indicating that the resource of quantum entanglement is not significantly broken though the physical system is exposed to noise-driven fluctuations in exchange interaction between quantum dots.
Quantum variational learning for quantum error-correcting codes
Authors: Cao Chenfeng , Zhang Chao , Wu Zipeng , Grassl Markus , Zeng Bei
Published: October 2022

Quantum error correction is believed to be a necessity for large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computation. In the past two decades, various constructions of quantum error-correcting codes (QECCs) have been developed, leading to many good code families. However, the majority of these codes are not suitable for near-term quantum devices. Here we present VarQEC, a noise-resilient variational quantum algorithm to search for quantum codes with a hardware-efficient encoding circuit. The cost functions are inspired by the most general and fundamental requirements of a QECC, the Knill-Laflamme conditions. Given the target noise channel (or the target code parameters) and the hardware connectivity graph, we optimize a shallow variational quantum circuit to prepare the basis states of an eligible code. In principle, VarQEC can find quantum codes for any error model, whether additive or non-additive, degenerate or non-degenerate, pure or impure. We have verified its effectiveness by (re)discovering some symmetric and asymmetric codes, e.g., ((n,2n−6,3))2 for n from 7 to 14. We also found new ((6,2,3))2 and ((7,2,3))2 codes that are not equivalent to any stabilizer code, and extensive numerical evidence with VarQEC suggests that a ((7,3,3))2 code does not exist. Furthermore, we found many new channel-adaptive codes for error models involving nearest-neighbor correlated errors. Our work sheds new light on the understanding of QECC in general, which may also help to enhance near-term device performance with channel-adaptive error-correcting codes.
A case of methamphetamine intoxication in an adolescent
Authors: Kim Jin Hee , Jung Jae Yun , Park Joong Wan , Lee Eui Jun , Lee Ha Ni , Jue Jie Hee
Published: October 2022

With the age of exposure to illegal substances decreasing and abuse of drugs such as methamphetamine increasing, substance abuse is no longer limited to adults. We report a Korean case of a 17-year-old girl with acute methamphetamine poisoning. The girl visited the emergency department for vomiting and loss of consciousness, with needle marks found on both arms. QT prolongation was confirmed on the initial electrocardiogram, so that we suspected drug addiction and proceeded with toxicologic tests. A lethal dose of methamphetamine was confirmed. We discontinued QT prolonging drugs, and closely monitored the girl in the pediatric emergency intensive care unit until the QT prolongation was resolved. This case highlights the recognition of pediatric methamphetamine poisoning in emergency departments.