bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of information literacy, attitude towards research and research competence of library and information science undergraduates in Nigerian universities
Authors: Makinde Olayinka Babayemi , Hamzat Saheed Abiola , Koiki-Owoyele Adeyinka
Published: April 2023

The study assessed the information literacy (IL), attitude towards research and research competence of Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduates in South-West Nigeria universities. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A two-stage sampling technique was employed for the study to get a final sample of 401. Questionnaire and focus group discussion (FGD) were the instruments for the study. Out of 401 copies of the questionnaire, 392 were found usable, which constituted a 97% return rate. The data gathered were analysed with the aid of the SPSS by the use of frequency, percentage and correlation. Thematic analysis was conducted on the qualitative data (FGD). The study found that the LIS undergraduates had poor IL, a mixed display of attitude towards research, and an acceptable level of research competence. Further, there was a significant relationship between IL and research competence of LIS undergraduates. The study recommends training on the acquisition of IL skills at the earlier levels of the LIS degree to help with research motivation and comprehension.
Intraoperative mydriasis in left ventricular assist device patients. Do eyes never lie?
Authors: Samara Evangelia , Falara Areti , Leontiadis Evangelos , Antoniou Theofani
Published: April 2023

We report two cases of transient intraoperative mydriasis in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients with no profound underlining neurological pathology. Both cases concern females on LVAD for more than 30 months, due to dilated cardiomyopathy, as a bridge to transplant. A possible pathophysiology mechanism is suggested. As LVAD patients’ life expectancy increases, more and more physiological alterations due to laminar flow will be revealed and must be taken into consideration for the better care of this patient group.
‘I have to like it’: Working-class awareness among workers at a Bata shoe factory
Authors: Nedbálková Kateřina
Published: April 2023

The working class has been interpreted within various disciplines and conceptual frameworks, some pointing to the gap between the depiction of the working class as a potentially active social force in the neoliberal deregulated global market and its portrayal as a suffering class of the marginal and excluded. In this text, I move behind this dichotomy to explore the everyday experiences of working-class men and women. Based on ethnographic research at the Bata shoe factory in the Czech Republic, I examine the meanings factory workers attach to their working classness. I investigate their sense of place in society in general. I argue that class matters in the workers’ perceptions of the self. On the one hand, the workers adopt the awareness of subalternity in relation to the educational and further the labor field that ranks them among the lowest positions. On the other hand, they take individual pride in their endurance of the hard work that shoemaking is believed to be. The committed work and emphasis on collectivity turn the microorganism of the factory into a place of mutual discipline, where the praised collectivity functions also as a tool for enhancing work effectivity, also in the interest of the management. By pointing to the concrete dimensions in which they balance the feelings of pride and shame, belonging, and symbolic displacement, I contribute to the sociological understanding of contemporary working classness.
Tipping the Scales Toward Death: Why Some Aggravators Weigh More Than Others
Authors: West Matthew P. , Yelderman Logan A.
Published: April 2023

At the sentencing phase of modern capital trials, the jury endorses and weighs aggravators against mitigators to determine the appropriate sentence. We present a “dual process” theory of capital sentencing decisions that might explain how and why certain aggravators “tip the scales” toward a death sentence. Sentencing standards provide a rational framework for deciding whether a defendant should live or die, but within this framework there is room for moral intuition, specifically in the weighing of aggravators and mitigators. Certain aggravators might trigger moral intuition and emotion, and, in turn, justify a death sentence when there is substantial mitigation. We conduct a case study of cases that resulted in a death sentence in Nevada, 1976–2016. Aggravators like sexual assault, a child victim, and multiple murders were more likely to be endorsed in cases where there were more, or an equal number of, mitigators and aggravators. We highlight particularly illustrative cases.
Disparities in Radiologist Fee-For-Service Payments by Gender in Canada
Authors: McKee Hayley , Walsh Cynthia , Modares Mana , Yap Wan Wan , Gorelik Natalia , Brown Maura , Yong-Hing Charlotte J , Hanneman Kate
Published: April 2023

Objective: To examine differences in fee-for-service (FFS) payments to men and women radiologists in Canada and evaluate potential contributors. Methods: Publicly available FFS radiology billing data was analyzed from British Columbia (BC), Ontario (ON), Prince-Edward Island (PEI) and Nova Scotia (NS) between 2017 and 2021. Data was analyzed by gender on a per-province and national level. Variables evaluated included year, province, procedure billings, and days worked (BC and ON only). The gender pay gap was expressed as the difference in mean billing payments between men and women divided by mean payments to men. Results: Data points from 8478 radiologist years were included (2474 [29%] women and 6004 [71%] men). The unadjusted difference in annual FFS billings between men and women was $126,657. Overall, payments to women were 81% of payments to men with a 19% gender pay gap. The difference in billings between men and women did not change significantly between 2017 and 2021 (range in gender pay gap, 17–21%) but did vary by province (highest gap NS). Compared to men, women worked fewer days per year (weighted mean 218 ± 29 vs 236 ± 25 days/year, P < .001, 8% difference). Conclusion: In an analysis of fee-for-service payments to radiologists in 4 Canadian provinces between 2017 and 2021, payments to women were 81% of payments to men with a 19% gender pay gap. Payments were lower to women across all years evaluated. Women worked 8% fewer days per year on average than men, which did not fully account for the difference in FFS billing payments between men and women. Summary Statement: In an analysis of fee-for-service payments to Canadian radiologists between 2017 and 2021, payments to women were 81% of payments to men with a 19% gender pay gap which is not fully accounted for by time spent working.
Self-tuning vibration reduction study of magnetic fluid rolling-ball damper based on PSO-FUZZY-PID
Authors: Yang Wenrong , Zhang Dalei , Zhang Yumeng , Sun Changxing , Hou Lizheng , Wei Dejie
Published: April 2023

For towering structures under complex time-varying excitation, the tuned magnetic fluid rolling-ball dampers (TMFRBD) cannot achieve self-tuning damping. In this paper, considering the operating characteristics of the TMFRBD, a damper self-tuning control algorithm, namely particle swarm optimization (PSO)-FUZZY-PID, is proposed for real-time adjustment of the intrinsic frequency of TMFRBD, which can greatly improve the damping effect, namely self-tuning magnetic fluid rolling-ball dampers (STMFRBD). Firstly, the equivalent dynamics model of the damping system is established, deriving the structural dynamic amplitude response as a function of the excitation frequency to structural frequency ratio. Different frequency tracking schemes of the damper are compared and analyzed. Then magnetic field simulations and magnetic fluid magnetic property measurements are performed for the dampers, respectively. Secondly, the self-tuning PSO-FUZZY-PID control algorithm is designed to improve the damping performance of STMFRBD under time-varying excitation by optimizing factors of the FUZZY-PID controller with PSO. To confirm the effectiveness of the damper self-tuning control algorithm, the frequency tracking of dampers with different control algorithms under time-varying excitation is compared. The results show that the damper’s frequency can be tuned quickly and accurately tracking excitation frequency by PSO-FUZZY-PID. Finally, the simulation and experimental results of STMFRBD and passive mass damper (PMD) under different loads are analyzed, and the structural amplitude response is analyzed using the Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT). In addition, the damping of STMFBD and TMFBD under different loads is compared. The results show that STMFRBD has better vibration-damping performance than PMD and TMFRBD.
Stages of palaeoenvironmental evolution, climate and sea level change of the Niger Delta, east Equatorial Atlantic: Novelty from elemental tracers, sedimentary facies and pollen records
Authors: Adojoh Onema C , Marret Fabienne , Duller Robert , Osterloff Peter L , Oboh-Ikuenobe Francisca E , Saylor Beverly Z
Published: April 2023

This study used the comparative analysis of 3 gravity cores (GCs) obtained from the shallow offshore at ~40 m water depth to reconstruct the morphological evolution of the delta (East Equatorial Atlantic). The focus of this study is on the interpretation of elemental tracers and their justification between these tracers and microfossil data to understand the impact of climate-sea level controls on the evolution of the Niger Delta during the Late Quaternary. Key elemental tracers comprising Ti, Zr, Fe and S were explored to strengthen this concept. High Ti/Zr ratio values down-hole indicate fluvial transport of terrestrial components to the marine setting (20–11.7 ka), whereas high values of Fe/S ratio up-hole provide an extent of inherent marine shale of the Niger Delta (11.7–6.5 ka). In addition, the integrated multiple proxy (mangrove and hinterland pollen, planktonic foraminifera and sedimentary facies) with elemental tracer ratios provided robust and coherent information for delineating the late glacial (MIS2) prograding and interglacial (MIS1) retrograding deltaic transition, respectively. The overall trends of the two elemental tracer ratios (Lower and Mid-upper depths of the GCs) provide a new distinction on the depositional patterns (prograding and retrograding delta) to determine the proximal/upper (clay, silt and very fine sand) and distal offshore/lower shorefaces (coarse-medium sand), and gross palaeoenvironments based on planktonic foraminifera records. These sequential records provide a new clue as evidence of the morphological evolutionary stages (delta plain, delta front and prodelta) of the Niger Delta landscape, gross palaeoenvironments, and vegetation dynamics (pollen data) during two distinct time-bound intervals (20–6.5 ka), which potentially delineate the climate and sea level regime of the coastal offshore.
Active Learning in Language Development
Authors: Foushee Ruthe , Srinivasan Mahesh , Xu Fei
Published: April 2023

Recent evidence suggests that children play an active role in their own learning in many domains, yet the study of language development typically casts children as passive recipients of adult guidance. We argue that this approach overlooks language learning as a fruitful domain in which to explore children’s active, self-directed learning. Specifically, children seize language-learning opportunities and actively select the linguistic information they want to receive, thereby enhancing their own learning. We suggest that reframing the child as an active language learner generates novel explanations for key phenomena in language development, and generates complex, ecologically valid test contexts for researchers interested in rational accounts of learning.
A Romantic-Partner Model of Mental Health
Authors: South Susan C.
Published: April 2023

Romantic relationships are ubiquitous among adolescents and adults the world over. More than 90% of adults in the United States will marry at some point, and cohabitation is increasingly common among unmarried adults. Intimate relationships are arguably the main way that we fulfill our fundamental need for connection. In the United States and many other countries, for individuals in a committed monogamous romantic relationship, the relationship itself becomes one of the key contexts for mental health. The association between relationship distress and various forms of psychopathology is as strong as many other well-known predictors of mental illness. In this article, I discuss how relationships that become unsatisfying, distressed, or conflicted are a precursor to the experience of mental illness. I also discuss how the romantic relationship may trigger a diathesis for psychopathology. That diathesis may be biological (e.g., genetic) or psychological (e.g., cognitive, emotional).
Motivated Egalitarianism
Authors: Kay Aaron C. , Ponce de Leon Rebecca , Ho Arnold K. , Kteily Nour S.
Published: April 2023

Much research has examined the link between (anti-)egalitarian ideology and motivated social cognition. However, this research is typically framed around anti-egalitarianism, with the other end of this ideological pole, egalitarianism, often ignored altogether or treated as merely the absence of anti-egalitarian-motivated cognition. We integrate long-standing ideas from social dominance theory with contemporary models of motivated social cognition and a recent wave of empirical findings to argue that egalitarian ideology also drives social cognition in meaningful ways. We discuss why pursuing this avenue of research is important and outline several unanswered questions for future research.
Rhubarb Anthraquinones Ameliorates Inflammatory Lung Injury by Enhancing Alveolar Epithelium Tight Junction Proteins through RhoA/ROCK1 Signalling
Authors: Liu Guiyuan , Bai Yinliang , Leng Guangxian , Ma Hanwei , Kong Yin , Guo Liuqing , Wu Fahong , Wei Fengxian , Pang Yi , Zhang Youcheng
Published: April 2023

Background:

Leakage of the alveolar epithelial barrier can lead to pulmonary oedema, leading to organ dysfunction.

Objectives:

Combination anthraquinone (CA) and free anthraquinone (FA) were extracted from Rhubarb, and the prevention and therapeutic effects of Rhubarb anthraquinones (RA) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury were investigated.

Materials and Methods:

The CA and FA were extracted from Rhubarb by water solvent extraction and ethanol solvent extraction. The extracted RA content was determined using spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A mouse model of inflammatory lung injury was established by LPS induction to study the mechanism of RA activity. Inflammatory factors were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Changes in alveolar epithelial leakage were assessed using a permeability assay. Changes in lung injury were evaluated by histopathological and ultrastructural observations. Tight junction (TJ) markers and Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) pathway-related proteins were measured using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. As an agonist of RhoA/Rock signalling, U46619 was used to further verify whether RA acts through this pathway.

Results:

RA could inhibit pulmonary inflammation by decreasing the level of inflammatory factors. The alveolar epithelial permeability was reduced, and the pathological injury of the lung tissue was alleviated after administration with RA. Furthermore, the expression of TJ proteins was up regulated and RhoA/ROCK1 signalling was inhibited in the presence of RA. The effects of RA on TJ proteins were partially reversed by U46619.

Conclusion:

RA effectively protects mice against inflammatory lung injury by enhancing alveolar epithelial TJ via RhoA/ROCK1 signalling.
Simple and fast quantification of cannabinoids in animal feeds by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Xu Xin , Murphy Lisa A.
Published: April 2023

There is growing interest in using hemp materials as animal feed ingredients, which may raise safety concerns because of the potential transfer of active cannabinoids to the resultant products of animal origin. Hence, the detection and identification of cannabinoids in feeds would be useful. We developed a simple, fast, and sensitive method for simultaneous quantification of 4 major cannabinoids in animal feeds by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We used a simple solvent extraction and dilution approach to extract cannabinoids from the feed matrix. We validated the method in 2 types of cattle feeds with acceptable intra-day and inter-day accuracy (87.5–116%) and precision (< 15%). The limit of detection was 0.05 µg/g, and the limit of quantification was 0.1 µg/g. Furthermore, the method was able to identify and quantify cannabinoids in cattle feeds mixed with hempseed cake as well as in several different hempseed materials, demonstrating its potential in veterinary laboratory applications.
Self-healing performance of a microcapsule-based structure reinforced with pre-strained shape memory alloy wires: 3-D FEM/XFEM modeling
Authors: Taheri-Boroujeni Mohsen , Ashrafi Mohammad Javad
Published: April 2023

Combination of microcapsules and shape memory alloys (SMAs) is one of the promising self-healing mechanisms. Although there are several parameters which affect the performance of such structures, limited studies are performed on this combined healing mechanism. In this work, we study the performance of such a composite structure using a 3-D finite element and extended finite element model consisting of matrix, glass microcapsule, healing agent, and Ni-Ti SMA wire. After examining the results, the effect of shape memory alloy wires on increasing the maximum fracture stress was observed. Moreover, the effect of radius of shape memory alloy wires, initial crack location, thickness ratio and volume fraction of microcapsules, and interface strength on ultimate fracture stress are investigated. Also, as a key parameter in self-healing performance, the crack opening distance decreased from 5 to 0.008 μm using 0.5% volume fraction of shape memory wires without pre-strain. In the case that the wires have a pre-strain of 1%, this value reaches almost zero and a compressive stress is induced between fracture surfaces which can enhance the healing process and adherence of healing agent.
Trauma-Informed Care: The Professional Development Needs of Early Childhood Special Education Teachers
Authors: Chudzik Mia , Corr Catherine , Fisher Kim Wolowiec
Published: April 2023

It has been well documented that experiencing trauma impacts all aspects of child development. Young children experience trauma at high rates, and children with disabilities are at an increased risk of experiencing trauma. One way to mitigate the effects of trauma is through the implementation of trauma-informed care, which requires a well-trained workforce. Yet, to date, minimal research has been conducted about the professional development needs of early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers related to trauma. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand ECSE teachers’ professional development needs related to trauma and trauma-informed care. Eighteen ECSE teachers participated in interviews. Results indicate that while ECSE teachers are familiar with the basics of trauma-informed care, more training is needed, specifically in the areas of working with families, implementing trauma-informed classroom strategies, and supporting children with disabilities who have experienced trauma.
Madame Justice Will Save Our Democracy: Gender Bias and Perceptions of the High Court in Transitional Regimes
Authors: Shortell Christopher , Valdini Melody E.
Published: April 2023

While existing literature has established that women leaders are stereotyped as more likely to uphold the norms of democracy, the power of this effect in the non-democratic context is not established. We address this gap and argue that the context of regime transition cultivates a unique dynamic in which the stereotypes associated with women justices become especially valuable to both citizens and the state. However, we argue that this perception of women contributing to the health of democracy is not constant across all citizens equally; instead, those people with high levels of hostile bias against women are more likely to view women as the potential saviors of the democracy. To test our theories, we offer original survey data from Thailand and Poland, two countries in the midst of regime transition. We find evidence that suggests that the impact of women justices on assessments of democratic health is indeed dependent on hostile bias in Thailand, but that the relationship is not found in Poland. Our results suggest that bias can sometimes operate in unexpected ways, and that scholars should consider multiple measures of different types of bias when investigating its effects on behavior.
A homogenization method for natural frequencies and damping analysis of composite pyramidal lattice truss sandwich structures based on representative volume elements
Authors: Guan Chengyu , Tang Zi-Jia , Zhao Fei , Yang Zhiyong , Li Huimin
Published: April 2023

A homogenization method for the vibration analysis of periodic sandwich panels is presented. Periodic boundary conditions are applied to a representative volume element (RVE) of the structures. The complex responses of the RVE under eight sinusoidal excitations are calculated and the complex stiffness matrix of the sandwich panels is obtained by the direct-solution steady-state dynamic analysis (DSDA) using the finite element method (FEM) in the frequency domain. Based on equivalent single-layer (ESL) theory and finite element-modal strain energy (FE-MSE) method, the natural frequencies, the mode shapes and the loss factors of the structures are obtained by shell models. The effectiveness of the homogenization method is validated by using pyramidal lattice truss sandwich panels made of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). The results obtained by the homogenization method are compared with those obtained by experiments and solid models. The effects of the number of cells and damping layers are discussed.
Dietary Diversity and Haemoglobin Level Associated With Under Nutrition Among Pregnant Women at Sidama Hawassa, Ethiopia: Facility Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alemu Tsegaye , Yakob Tigist , Solomon Tarekegn
Published: April 2023

Background:

Under nutrition among pregnant women is common public health problem in developing countries including Ethiopia. It leads to poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite its consequences there is shortage of research evidence to support intervention in this regard in the southern part of the country. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the determinates of under nutrition among pregnant women visiting antenatal care clinics at selected health facilities in Hawassa town.

Methods:

Health facility based cross-sectional study was employed among 454 systematically selected study participants. Data were collected by using structured and pre-tested questionnaires with face to face interview. Data were entered into Epi info and then exported to SPSS version 26 statistical software for analysis. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics; bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression.

Result:

The over all of prevalence of under nutrition among pregnant women was 27.6% [95% CI (22.6, 30.8)]. In multivariate logistic regression model, lowest wealth quintile [AOR = 3.3, 95% CI (1.7, 7.0)], women with dietary diversity [AOR = 2.0, 95% CI (1.3, 4.0)], presence of anemia [AOR = 10.7, 95% CI (5.8,19.8)], lower pregnant women education level [AOR = 3.3, 95% CI (1.4, 7.9)], lower partner education level [AOR = 3.1, 95% CI (1.1, 8.5)], not ate flush/meat food [AOR = 2.8, 95% CI (1.7, 4.8)], and not ate other fruits [AOR = 1.8, 95% CI (1.1, 2.8)] had significant association with under nutrition.

Conclusion:

In this health facility based study, the burden of under nutrition was high. Lowest wealth quintiles, low dietary diversity scores, being anemic and low education of the pregnant women and her partner were associated with under nutrition. Therefore, counseling for dietary diversity during antenatal care, health promotion and education for pregnant women and empowering women on income generation activities are a key intervention to tackle under nutrition.
Homo responsabilis as an extension of the neoliberal hidden curriculum: The triple responsibilization of responsible management education
Authors: Fougère Martin , Solitander Nikodemus
Published: April 2023

In the responsible turn in business school education and management learning, the responsibility approach is proposed as a possible panacea against a hidden curriculum which leads to damaging business practice. The explicit promise of responsible management learning and education is that homo oeconomicus can be re-formed in the image of a responsible business subject, what we here call ‘ homo responsabilis’. We explore how a business school curriculum centred on responsibility affects key subject positions such as consumer, employee, manager, entrepreneur, investor and leader. In three responsible management learning and education illustrations at our business school, we observe three layers of responsibilization of the individual: responsibilization for self-enhancement, responsibilization for economic prosperity and responsibilization for social and environmental sustainability. We find that these three layers of responsibilization impact business school subjects in several problematic ways: excessive moral burdening of consumers, overburdening of self-managing employees and fantasmatic gripping of prospective entrepreneurs. Our contribution to critical studies of responsible management learning and education is twofold: (1) we show how explicit responsible management learning and education curricula tend to extend the neoliberal HC, and (2) we complement studies calling for re-politicizing responsible management learning and education by suggesting transformative learning ways to generate explicitly ethico-political imaginations that can help in resisting individual responsibilization in business school education.
Silences on the edge of dreams
Authors: Sutton Julie
Published: April 2023

While Cage’s 4’33 opens an audience’s ears to how much we silence sounds, we also miss much of what silences convey. It seems Cage’s piece could be entirely about listening. Silence is where we listen from. In what ways can we consider silence in music therapy work? The article revisits PhD research examining the detailed occurrence and management of silences during free improvised musical duets and silences in everyday conversation. This research made use of both musical microanalysis and conversation analysis, identifying similarities and also important differences between verbal and musical exchanges. These findings are still relevant today and provide a solid base from which to consider music therapy improvisatory silences. Applied music and psychoanalytic theory are included, as a way to view and review music psychotherapy work in the area of silence, with two clinical vignettes illustrating the application of these theoretical threads. It is shown that fundamental to an appreciation of silence in therapeutic work is the acknowledgement of a deep, layered listening presence.
The marble cake of social services in Italy and Spain: Policy capacity, social investment, and the national recovery and resilience plans
Authors: Lippi Andrea , Terlizzi Andrea
Published: April 2023

This article analyses the potential implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for the infrastructure of social services in Italy and Spain. Drawing from the policy capacity framework and focusing on childcare and elderly care, we investigate how the National Recovery and Resilience Plans are likely to impact the core functions of the social investment approach. Through document analysis, the article shows that, whereas the infrastructure of the social service system remains characterised by a ‘marble cake’ type of institutional arrangement combining national and subnational responsibilities, attempts have been made by the central governments to steer the social investment policy capacity at the organisational and systemic levels. We argue that the pandemic represents a window of opportunity to rethink the overall system of intergovernmental relations in the field of social services.
Acuity-based rotational patient-to-physician assignment in an emergency department using electronic health records in triage
Authors: Cildoz Marta , Ibarra Amaia , Mallor Fermin
Published: April 2023

Emergency department (ED) operational metrics generated by a new acuity-based rotational patient-to-physician assignment (ARPA) algorithm are compared with those obtained with a simple rotational patient assignment (SRPA) system aimed only at an equitable patient distribution. The new ARPA method theoretically guarantees that no two physicians’ assigned patient loads can differ by more than one, either partially (by acuity levels) or in total; whereas SRPA guarantees only the latter. The performance of the ARPA method was assessed in practice in the ED of the main public hospital (Hospital Compound of Navarra) in the region of Navarre in Spain. This ED attends over 140 000 patients every year. Data analysis was conducted on 9,063 ED patients in the SRPA cohort, and 8,892 ED patients in the ARPA cohort. The metrics of interest are related both to patient access to healthcare and physician workload distribution: patient length of stay; arrival-to-provider time; ratio of patients exceeding the APT target threshold; and range of assigned patients across physicians by priority levels. The transition from SRPA to ARPA is associated with improvements in all ED operational metrics. This research demonstrates that ARPA is a simple and useful strategy for redesigning front-end ED processes.
Digital exhaust and mobile communication scholarship: Pursuing the Ling connection
Authors: Bjelland Johannes , Canright Geoffrey , Engø-Monsen Kenth , Nag Wenche
Published: April 2023

Rich Ling was among the first media scholars to recognize the vast scientific potential of behavioral data stemming from mobile and Internet use. His engagement with such data, that is, digital exhaust, extends back to the early 2000s, when he was a researcher with an international mobile network provider. Open-minded and with a strong curiosity drive, Ling joined forces with the company’s data scientists. This started an interdisciplinary dialogue that over the years has generated social insights that otherwise would have been hard to obtain. Yet, such collaborations are still rare. This article argues that the future of mobile communication scholarship lies in pursuing this strand in Ling’s legacy. Cross-fertilization of ideas between the social sciences and data analytics is likely to generate knowledge of high societal relevance. The article accounts for the history of such collaborations with special attention to Ling’s engagement, and points to opportunities for the coming decades.
Deep learning enables nonlinear Lamb waves for precise location of fatigue crack
Authors: Xu Haiming , Liu Lishuai , Xu Jichao , Xiang Yanxun , Xuan Fu-Zhen
Published: April 2023

Localization of fatigue cracks imposes immense significance to ensure the health of the engineering structures and prevent further catastrophic accidents. The nonlinear ultrasonic waves, especially the nonlinear Lamb waves, have been increasingly studied and employed for identifying micro-damages that are usually invisible to traditional linear ultrasonic waves. However, it remains a challenge to locate the fatigue cracks using nonlinear Lamb waves owing to the enormous difficulties in decoding location information from acoustic nonlinearity. Motivated by this, this work presents a data-driven method for precise location of fatigue crack using nonlinear Lamb waves. A 1D-Attention-convolutional neural network is developed to correlate the fatigue crack location with the wavelet coefficients at the second harmonic frequency of Lamb wave signals. The introduction of the Attention layer enables the models to pay more attention to the desired nonlinear features which dominates locating the fatigue crack. In particular, a convenient dataset creation scheme guided by the relative value label is proposed to generate sufficient data commonly required for deep learning approach. In addition, a lightweight single-excite-multiple-receive signal acquisition method is adopted instead of full-matrix capture method used in the traditional research, which highly improves detection efficiency. Numerical simulation and experimental validation manifest that the trained network can be used to establish the complex mapping between the nonlinear ultrasonic signals and the fatigue crack location features, so as to locate barely visible fatigue cracks. Our work provides a promising and practical way to facilitate nonlinear Lamb waves to accurately locate fatigue cracks in large-scale plate-like structures.
Drive-by infrastructure monitoring: a workflow for rigorous deformation analysis of mobile laser scanning data
Authors: Kalenjuk Slaven , Lienhart Werner
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a practical and efficient workflow for deformation monitoring of transport infrastructure. We propose using commercially available mobile laser scanning (MLS) systems to scan civil infrastructure while driving by in a car or rail vehicle. Our processing pipeline corrects for MLS-specific systematic deviations and models deformations from point clouds of two epochs. Following the concept of rigorous deformation analysis, we statistically test the deformations for significance. The required point cloud uncertainty may be obtained in two ways. First option is empirically by multiple passes and, secondly, by prediction with a learned stochastic model. We apply the method to three retaining structures and evaluate results based on ground truth geodetic surveys. The deviations did not exceed 10 mm, even for complex object surfaces or when traveling at 80 km/h. We demonstrate that the method is capable of revealing displacements in the centimeter range without relying on any installations on the structure. The approach shows great potential as a novel, efficient tool for detecting and quantifying defective structures in a road and railway network.
Choice of Arm Use in Stroke Survivors is Largely Driven by the Energetic Cost of the Movement
Authors: Nguyen Hien , Phan Thanh , Shadmehr Reza , Lee Sang Wook
Published: April 2023

Background

The decision of which arm to use to achieve a goal depends on energetic costs and performance abilities of each arm. Following a stroke, there is a reduction in the use of the more-impaired arm. Is it because the energetic costs of the more-impaired arm are increased, or because its use dictates a lower chance of success?

Objective

We sought to elucidate the impact of energetic cost and task success on the arm choice of stroke survivors.

Methods

Thirteen chronic stroke survivors and thirteen neurologically-intact subjects participated in an experiment where they reached towards visual targets in a virtual-reality environment. Energetic cost of reaching with their less-used arm (nondominant/more-impaired) was adjusted by amplifying the range of motion, while task accuracy requirement was independently modulated by changing target size.

Results

Reducing the energic cost of reaching increased the use of the less-used arms in both groups, but by a greater amount in the stroke survivors. In contrast, lowering task accuracy requirement altered arm choice similarly in the two groups. The time spent in decision-making (reaction time) reflected different impacts of energetic cost and task success on the arm choice of the two groups. Conversely, velocity changes were similar between the groups.

Conclusions

The impact of energetic cost on arm choice of stroke survivors is greater than neurologically-intact subjects. Thus, the reduction in the use of the impaired arm following stroke may be primarily due to a subjective increase in the effort it takes to use that arm.
Impact behavior of nylon kernmantle ropes for high-altitude fall protection
Authors: Hu Zhongxian , He Guifang , Zhang Xuming , Huang Tao , Li Hongxia , Zhang Yuhai , Xie Dan , Song Xiuzhuang , Ning Xin , Ning Fanggang
Published: April 2023

Aiming at the problem that the existing rope falling device can only detect the impact force and cannot synchronously detect the impact displacement, this paper introduces a large-range high-precision displacement sensor and constructs a rope impact force-displacement detection device. Taking the nylon kernmantle rope for high-altitude fall protection commonly used in aerial work and rock climbing as the research object, the impact response behavior of the rope when drop mass is dropped once and repeatedly is systematically studied, and the impact force and impact displacement are discussed. Further, the evolution of the elastic modulus of the rope is discussed and this could provide theoretical support for the design of the impact-resistant rope structure and the rope impact protection.
Effect of probiotic administration in inflammatory responses of thermal burns
Authors: Masoumi Sanaz , Mahdavi-Roshan Marjan , Majidiniya Ardalan , Ghaffari Mohammad Ebrahim , Pirdastan Sepideh , Hajian Abbas , Mobayen Mohammadreza
Published: April 2023

Objectives & Introduction

It is possible to damage the natural intestinal barrier following severe burn injuries. Oral probiotics' positive effects on the innate immune system or intestinal epithelial layer are proven. This research aimed to evaluate the role of probiotics on plasma inflammatory changes and bacterial colonization in the burned wound after high-grade thermal trauma.

Methods

This double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted on 80 patients with a total body surface area of 20–70%. Patients were allocated to two groups based on four blocks randomization model. Intervention and control groups received daily LactoCare and placebo capsules for 14 consecutive days. Obtaining demographic data, burn and gastrointestinal symptoms were registered by filling out a questionnaire. Additionally, measuring plasma levels of highly sensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP), IgA, absolute neutrophilic, and lymphocytic count were performed cumulatively four times prior to and after the intervention.

Results

Considering eligible data, following the study period analysis showed significant mitigation of inflammatory status in probiotic receivers. The hs-CRP reduced following probiotic (21.38 ± 44.45) consumption compared with placebo (−36.36 ± 79.03) intake ( p < 0.001). Also, the plasma level of IgA significantly decreased in the intervention group (0.88 ± 0.65) than in the control group (0.79 ± 0.18) ( p < 0.001). Wound cultures showed no significant difference between groups, although the incidence rate of bacterial colonization was slightly lower after using probiotics ( p = 0.159). Regarding wound healing, data illustrated that probiotics could accelerate wound healing after 14 days of regular consumption ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Probiotics have advantages for the mitigation of inflammation and wound healing following severe thermal burn injuries. Trends toward Improvement Immune system by increasing IgA level and lymphocytic count and possible Reduction of wound area with exogenous probiotic administration in patients with burns suggest that further investigation in larger sample size is necessary to corroborate our initial, promising findings.
Design and analysis of a multi-configuration wheel-leg hybrid drive robot machine
Authors: Hou Feng , Yuan Jiwei , Li Kunpeng , Wang Zhouyi
Published: April 2023

The use of robots to perform tasks in extreme environments instead of humans has gradually become important. For wider applications, robots should be able to adapt to complex environments, such as typical height/width-restricted motion spaces, raised obstacles, and ravines. The structure is the foundation of robot to move and perform tasks. In this study, a variable-attitude robot mechanism is designed and analyzed. With the link leg drive and Mecanum wheel drive, the robot has various configurations and omnidirectional motion capabilities. First, the design and analysis of the wheel drive system are performed, and the mapping relationship between the velocity of the robot and the velocity of the Mecanum wheel is clarified. Second, kinematics of the linkage drive system is analyzed, including the motion space, trajectory characteristics, and the effect of variable axle spacing on the robot motion performance. Subsequently, a simulation is used to verify the rationality of the three motion modes of the robot: walking, wheel drive, and hybrid drive. Finally, a motion simulation of several typical configuration changes in the robot is observed, and the feasibility of the robot mechanism to adapt to a complex environment is verified. This study contributes to the development and application of special advanced robots.
Results of arthroscopic cancellous bone grafting for treatment of scaphoid nonunion in comparison with open cancellous bone grafting
Authors: Gvozdenovic Robert , Kongensgaard Trine Broenden
Published: April 2023

This study primarily aimed to report the outcome of the arthroscopic cancellous bone grafting technique for treating scaphoid nonunion. The secondary aim was to compare the bone union rate and time, and the ability to correct the angulation of the scaphoid, between arthroscopically treated patients ( n = 27), and patients treated with open cancellous bone grafting ( n = 27). Nine surgeons (two in the arthroscopic and seven in the open group) with Level III experience operated on the patients. The pain score, grip strength and Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score improved significantly after the arthroscopic treatment ( p = 0.0001). Arthroscopic cancellous bone grafting achieved union in 25 out of 27 patients. A retrospective comparison with open cancellous bone grafting showed four nonunions. Arthroscopically treated patients healed 5.4 weeks faster compared with the open group ( p = 0.033). Patients treated with open grafting had a higher risk of failure (odds ratio = 2.17), although this was not found significant ( p = 0.39). The open method corrected the angulation deformity better (dorsal cortical angle correction of 4°) than the arthroscopic method (dorsal cortical angle correction of 1°), but this was not statistically significant neither within the groups ( p = 0.55, p = 0.87) nor postoperatively between the groups ( p = 0.98). The height-to-length ratio was not different before and after the surgery for the arthroscopic group ( p = 0.44) and the open group ( p = 0.27), or postoperatively between the groups ( p = 0.44).

Level of evidence: III
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Clostridioides difficile infection and utilization of fecal microbiota transplantation
Authors: Bachour Salam P. , Dalal Rahul , Allegretti Jessica R.
Published: April 2023

Previous research has demonstrated that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) gains cell entry through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, which is abundantly found throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, resulting in a wide array of GI manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). By gaining entry into the intestinal epithelial and stromal cells, SARS-CoV-2 has been observed to cause intestinal inflammation and gut dysbiosis. Alterations in gut microbiota are known to be involved in the pathophysiology of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). During the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of CDI were similar to historical data despite the increased use of antibiotics. This may be due to increased emphasis on hygiene and protective equipment and reduced C. difficile testing as diarrhea was presumed to be COVID-19 related. Studies also demonstrated additional risk factors for CDI in COVID-19 patients, including length of hospitalization and new abdominal pain during admission. Although not associated with increased mortality, CDI was associated with increased length of hospital stay among patients admitted with COVID-19. Due to fecal viral shedding and concern of oral–fecal transmission of SARS-CoV-2, increased safety regulations were introduced to fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) leading to reduced rates of this procedure during the COVID-19 pandemic. FMT for recurrent CDI during the COVID-19 pandemic remained highly effective without any reports of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. In addition, limited data show that FMT may be effective in treating COVID-19 and restoring healthy gut microbiota. The goal of this article is to review the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on hospital-acquired CDI and the utilization of FMT.
A salvage procedure: Radial head excision in children and adolescents—short-to-midterm outcomes and overview of the literature
Authors: Kruppa Christiane , Brinkemper Alexis , Cibura Jana , Königshausen Matthias , Cibura Charlotte , Schildhauer Thomas A. , Dudda Marcel
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

Purpose of the study was to report the outcomes after radial head excision in children and adolescents in addition with a review of the current literature.

Methods:

We report a series of five children and adolescents, who had undergone a post-traumatic radial head excision. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of elbow/wrist range of motion, stability, deformity and discomforts or restrictions at two follow-up points. Radiographic changes were evaluated.

Results:

Patient’s age at time of the radial head excision averaged 14.6 (13–16) years. Mean time from the injury to the radial head excision was 3.6 (0–9) years. Follow-up I averaged 4.4 (1–8) years and follow-up II 8.5 (7–10) years. At follow-up I, patients showed an average elbow range of motion of 0-10-120° Ext/Flex and 90-0-80° Pro/Sup. Two patients reported discomfort or pain at the elbow. Four (80%) patients had a symptomatic wrist with pain or crepitation at the distal radio ulnar joint. In three (60%) of them, an ulna plus at the wrist was present. Two patients required ulna shortening and autograft stabilization of the interosseous membrane. At final follow-up, all patients reported full functioning with daily activities. Restrictions were present with sport activities.

Conclusion:

Functional results at the elbow joint might be improved and pain syndromes lessen due to the radial head excision. Problems at the wrist are likely secondary to the procedure. A critical analysis of other options should be performed ahead of the procedure and a careless application should be avoided by all means.

Level of evidence:

IV
Recurrent or unusual infections in children – when to worry about inborn errors of immunity
Authors: Reilly Liam , Emonts Marieke
Published: April 2023

Recurrent infections are a common presenting feature in paediatrics and, while most times considered part of normal growing up, they are also a classical hallmark of inborn errors of immunity (IEI). We aimed to outline the value of currently used signs for IEI and the influence of the changing epidemiology of infectious diseases due to implementation of new vaccines and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the assessment of children with recurrent infections. Warning signs for IEI have been developed, but the supporting evidence for their effectiveness is limited, and immune dysregulation is more commonly recognised as a feature for IEI, making reliable identification of children who should be screened for IEI on clinical grounds difficult. In addition, the epidemiology of infectious diseases is changing due to restrictions related to Covid-19 as well as immunisations, which may change the threshold to screen children for IEI. Treatments for IEI are evolving and are often more effective and less complicated when started early. Screening for IEI can be initiated by the non-immunologist and should be considered early to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.