bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on electromagnetic characteristics of metal spheres with variable parameter defects based on COMSOL finite element method
Authors: Xiao Shungen , Li Mengwei , Song Mengmeng , Huang Naiqiu , Xiong Zicheng
Published: August 2022

In order to study the influence of defect geometric parameters (width, thickness) on the electromagnetic characteristics of the space around the defect in the process of eddy current testing of metal spheres, based on the principle of eddy current testing, a metal sphere detection model with different defect parameters was established by COMSOL software for simulation. The distribution of the magnetic field around the defect under different parameters is analyzed with the help of the butterfly diagram composed of the radial magnetic induction intensity and the axial magnetic induction intensity. The results show that: When the width of the corrosion defect is different, the butterfly diagram will change differently. When the width is small, the butterfly diagram basically does not change. When the width reaches a certain value, the butterfly diagram begins to change significantly. The intersection of the graph and the initial butterfly graph is defined as the influence node, and the width of the defect can be quantitatively analyzed according to the sequence of the influence nodes. The influence of the thickness of the corrosion defect on the magnetic field on the surface of the sphere is different under different defect widths. The larger the thickness of the corrosion defect, the greater the influence on the magnetic field near the center of the defect, and the deeper the depression of the butterfly diagram.
Mathematical modeling and computer simulation of the wheeled vibration-driven in-pipe robot motion
Authors: Korendiy Vitaliy , Kotsiumbas Oleh , Borovets Volodymyr , Gurey Volodymyr , Predko Rostyslav
Published: August 2022

The in-pipe robots are currently of significant interest, considering numerous recent publications on this subject. Such machines can use various locomotion principles: wheeled, tracked (caterpillar), walking (legged), screw-type, worm-type, snake-type, etc. In most cases, such robots are equipped with an active drive system transmitting the torque from a motor shaft to the corresponding locomotion mechanism (wheels, tracks, etc.). The present paper is devoted to the wheeled in-pipe robot that doesn’t need a complex transmission. In such a case, the idea of implementing the vibratory locomotion system driven by an internal unbalanced mass is proposed. The corresponding kinematic diagram of the wheeled vibration-driven in-pipe robot is developed, and the differential equations describing the robot motion are deduced. In order to carry out the virtual experimental investigations, the robot’s simulation model is designed in the SolidWorks software. The major scientific novelty of the present research consists in developing the theoretical foundation for designing and practical implementation of the in-pipe robots driven by the inertial vibration exciters and equipped with the unidirectionally rotating wheels and overrunning clutches. The results of numerical modeling and computer simulation of the robot motion substantiate the possibilities and expediency of implementing the proposed vibration-driven locomotion principles while creating novel designs of the in-pipe robots.
Constraint following control for unmanned combat platforms based on robot formation systems
Authors: Zhu Song Bai , Yang Guo Lai
Published: August 2022

With advances in robotics and communications engineering, robots are replacing humans in a variety of jobs. In military applications, the control problem of the robot formation, a major part of unmanned combat platforms, has also become a focus of research. This paper proposes constrained following control to solve the problem of collision avoidance, following and reaching in robot formation systems. First, the state space equations of robot formations are established based on the U-K theory. Second, the collision avoidance following constraint of the system is transformed into an approximate following constraint, and the constrained following error is established. The arrival constraint is added to provide the destination of the formation. Third, the adaptive robust controller is proposed to solve the potential complex uncertainty interference of systems. Uniformly bounded and uniformly ultimately bounded of the constraint following error are guaranteed. Finally, the effectiveness of the controller is verified by simulation experiments.
Numerical analysis of projectile-based low overload launch model
Authors: He Zhiyi , Yang Guolai
Published: August 2022

In modern war, the special ammunition launched by mortars contains photoelectric components, which can’t bear high overload, so low overload launching is required. This paper creatively conceives the integrated structure of projectile and inverted high-pressure chamber without changing the mortar tube’s original structure design. The flow field in the bore is modeled and simulated by using classical interior ballistics and FLUENT, and the difference between the chamber pressure of the inverted high-pressure chamber structure and the traditional structure are analyzed. The simulation results show that the initial motion law of the projectile launched by the inverted high-pressure chamber structure is different from that launched by the original structure. Chamber pressure has two peaks, the peak value decreases by 25 %, the velocity increases by 5 %, and the displacement increases by 60 %.
Computational model for the nonlinear dynamic response of MEMS-based micromirror
Authors: Ertugrul Ishak , Ersoy Sezgin , Ragulskis Minvydas
Published: August 2022

In this study, it is aimed to perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of micromirror based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and to examine the nonlinear and dynamic responses of this system. Micromirror devices are indispensable, especially for optical systems and form the basis of them. In this work, dynamic and nonlinear responses of micromirror with 4 symmetric arms and one reflective surface were investigated. During the design and modeling, it is assumed that the upper and lower layers of the reflective surface have equal tensile and compressive stresses. The analysis of the system was obtained by applying a force of up to 30 GPa Prestressed on the reflective surface. The design and FEA of the micromirror system were made with the Comsol Multiphysics program. The nonlinear response of the analysis was carried out with the MATLAB program. This model, which has the most basic design of micromirror structures used in optical systems, is thought to be a source for a good examination of the nonlinear dynamic model and for understanding more complex structures.
Dynamics analysis and structural synthesis of wind energy production device with closed loop conveyor
Authors: Beresnevich Vitaly , Cerpinska Marina , Viba Janis , Irbe Martins
Published: August 2022

This paper deals with a dual design device for wind energy production, in which the movement of the blade consists of several stages, that is, two stages of rotation about two fixed axes and two stages of the blades straight translation movement. The proposed design offers a closed-shaped flattened conveyor equipped with several identical flat-shaped blades. The blades are mounted on a conveyor belt and have an opportunity to move together with the belt in one straight line direction. Therefore, air flow kinetic energy is transformed into translation motion of flat blades. The conveyor system has a built-in energy generator. To analyse blade interaction with air flow, a superposition principle is applied, in which the fast chaotic motion of air particles (Brownian motion) is separated from the slow flow motion with the given average velocity. On the base of such separation, a differential equation of motion for the entire conveyor system with one degree of freedom is obtained. Dynamics of the system due to the action of air flow is simulated with computer program Mathcad. Optimization of system parameters is performed, using a generated power as criterion. In addition, motion control at changeable airflow is optimized by selecting the blade orientation and corresponding adjustment of generator.
AISI H13 Sıcak İş Takım Çeliğinin İşlenmesinde Kesme Kuvvetinin Deneysel, Nümerik ve İstatistiksel Olarak İncelenmesi
Authors: AKGÜN Mahir
Published: August 2022

Bu çalışmada, seramik kesici takımlar ile AISI H13 sıcak iş takım çeliğinin tornalanmasında kesme parametrelerinin kesme kuvveti üzerindeki etkileri araştırılmıştır. Tornalama deneyleri, üç farklı kesme hızında (120, 180 ve 240 m dak-1), üç farklı ilerleme miktarında (0.12, 0.15 ve 0.18 mm dev-1) ve üç farklı talaş derinliğinde (0.6, 1 ve 1.4 mm) kuru kesme şartlarında CNC torna tezgahında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Aynı zamanda, tornalama simülasyonları da sonlu elemanlar analizine (FEA) dayalı olarak Third Wave AdvantEdge yazılımı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Deneysel ve nümerik analizler ile elde edilen kesme kuvveti verileri, Taguchi methodu, Anova ve regresyon analizleri kullanılarak istatistiksel olarak analiz edilmiştir. Analiz sonuçları her iki yöntem ile elde edilen esas kesme kuvveti (Fc) değerleri üzerinde sırasıyla %80.97 ve %80.32 katkı oranları ile en etkin parametrenin talaş derinliği olduğunu göstermektedir. Dahası, tornalama simülasyonlarında ve deneysel olarak elde edilen esas kesme kuvveti (Fc) değerleri arasında ortalama %9'lik bir fark elde edilmiştir ve her iki yöntem ile elde edilen Fc değerleri için optimum parametre grubu A3B1C1 (kesme hızı = 240 m dak-1, ilerleme miktarı = 0.12 mm dev-1 ve talaş derinliği = 0.6 mm)’dir.
Düşük Sıcaklığa Tolerant Hibrit Biber Çeşit Adaylarının Kök Mimarileri
Authors: ÖZGEN Rüveyda , BALKAYA Ahmet
Published: August 2022

Düşük sıcaklık stresine dayanıklılık yönünden bitki türleri arasında genotipik düzeyde farklılıklar bulunmaktadır. Son yıllarda düşük sıcaklığa tolerant yeni çeşitler geliştirilmektedir. Bu çalışmada, hibrit çeşit ıslahı ile düşük sıcaklığa tolerant olarak geliştirilen 28 F1 hibrit dolmalık biber çeşit adayının kök yapıları ve köklenme düzeylerinin karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Hibrit dolmalık biber çeşit adaylarının hem serada ve hem de açıkta birçok kök parametresi yönünden, kontrol çeşide (Benino F1) göre daha iyi bir köklenme yapısına sahip olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca biber genotiplerinin kök mimarileri yönünden fenotipik çeşitliliğin oldukça yüksek olduğu belirlenmiştir. Çalışmada; ortalama toplam kök uzunluğu, 764.48 cm (HD-6) ile 1120.40 cm (HD-16), kök yüzey alanı 619.47 cm2 (HD-9) ile 963.14 cm2 (HD-26), kök çapı 2.50 (HD-3) ile 4.98 mm (HD27) ve kök hacmi ise 47.77 cm3 (HD-3) ile 147.54 cm3 (HD-27) arasında değişim göstermiştir. Tüm kök parametreleri birlikte değerlendirildiğinde; toplam kök uzunluğu yönünden HD-16, kök çapı ve kök hacmi değerleri yönünden HD-27, kök yüzey alanı yönünden HD-26 ve kök kuru ağırlığı yönünden ise HD-22 genotipinin ümit var oldukları saptanmıştır.
Surface Sterilization Optimization in Seeds of Şalak Apricot Variety (Prunus armeniaca L. cv. Şalak)
Authors: KEMEÇ HÜRKAN Yasemin , AKI Cüneyt
Published: August 2022

This research was carried out with the aim of improving the surface sterilization optimization technique in seeds which in vivo and in vitro growth of Şalak apricot cultivar. For seed sterilization, the effects of 0%, 10%, 15%, 20% NaOCl and 10, 15, 20 minutes exposure times were investigated. Seeds were kept in 70% ethanol for 40 seconds for pre-sterilization. The results of the study were evaluated as the rates of germinated seed (%) and contaminated seed (%). It was concluded that 20% NaOCl+15 minutes application for seed sterilization would be sufficient for surface sterilization with 12% contamination.
Prioritization and identification of vulnerable sub-watersheds using morphometric analysis and an integrated AHP-VIKOR method
Authors: Topno Amit Raj , Job Mintu , Rusia Dinesh Kumar , Kumar Vibhanshu , Bharti Birendra , Singh Samuel David
Published: August 2022

This study used satellite imagery datasets to extract various morphometric parameters in a geospatial environment to prioritize problematic areas in the Rarhu watershed of Ranchi district, Jharkhand, India. Two decision-making methods, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and VIKOR (VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje), were integrated to prioritize different sub-watersheds. The Rarhu watershed has an area of 630 km2 with an elevation ranging from 210 to 824 m. The NASA Digital Elevation Model (NASADEM) was used to extract drainage networks which were verified from Survey of India (SOI) toposheets. To prioritize 21 sub-watersheds using a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method, 11 morphometric parameters were selected from linear, areal, and relief parameters. The VIKOR method prioritized sub-watersheds using AHP criteria weights, which are classified into four priority levels ranging from very high to low. In addition, performing sensitivity analysis validated the robustness of the decision-making model. As per the analysis, Rarhu watershed was found to have an elongated shape and a highest 6th order stream with a dendritic pattern of streams. It is estimated that watershed degradation is around 36.17% in the study area, with very high priority needs for soil and water conservation measures. Using the results of the study, policymakers, watershed planners, watershed development programme, and soil and water conservation programme projects can identify vulnerable sub-watersheds that require urgent adaptation of soil and water management control measures.
relação entre as geotags e a visitação em áreas naturais:
Authors: De Meira Albach Valéria , Cardozo Moreira Jasmine , Baptista Leandro , Faria dos Santos Emerson
Published: August 2022

Esta abordagem parte de observação da movimentação de pessoas buscando espaços ao ar livre para recreação na pandemia da covid-19, em 2020, e suas postagens em redes sociais acompanhadas de geotags. O objetivo geral do artigo foi considerar o uso de geotags na visitação de áreas naturais protegidas durante a pandemia. Os objetivos específicos englobaram identificar a utilização das geotags em redes sociais nos estudos de turismo e as postagens no Instagram com a geotag “Pedra Grande, Ponta Grossa-Pr”, realizadas entre 2016 e 2020. O objeto de estudo está localizado no distrito de Itaiacoca, Ponta Grossa-PR, vizinho ao Parque Nacional dos Campos Gerais. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório e qualitativo partindo da observação assistemática para realizar revisão bibliográfica sistemática sobre geotags e turismo. Utiliza-se dos bancos de dados científicos Scopus e Web of Science, além de pesquisa no Instagram. Foram encontradas 758 menções da geotag com aumento expressivo em 2020. Ao realizar-se uma verificação mensal referente ao ano de 2020, percebeu-se a concentração de postagens entre julho e setembro, período que houve divulgação massiva. No entanto, moradores da comunidade denunciaram mau comportamento dos visitantes. Não é possível afirmar que o interesse pela Pedra Grande se deu por causa da pandemia, mas que as postagens geo-etiquetadas contribuíram para a visibilidade do local. Constata-se que as geotags em redes sociais são bons indicadores para se caracterizar a movimentação turística, podendo subsidiar ações de planejamento turístico com dados confiáveis e de baixo custo.
Questions on surgical treatment of neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Mustafin R. N.
Published: August 2022

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a hereditary tumor syndrome caused by a mutation in tumor suppressor gene NF1. The disease occurs with a frequency of 1:3000 of the population. Typical manifestations of NF1 are multiple cutaneous, subcutaneous and plexiform neurofibromas, which cause serious cosmetic defects in the appearance of patients. Since an effective method for the treatment of NF1 has not yet been introduced into clinical practice, which makes it possible to completely get rid of multiple neoplasms, surgical removal or the use of photodestruction methods remains the method of choice for the treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous neurofibromas. However, plexiform neurofibromas infiltratively grow into the surrounding tissues, so their complete excision is often impossible. Therefore, surgical excision is indicated for localized forms of plexiform neurofibromas and in emergency situations when they are located near vital structures or in the presence of a mass effect. Moreover, excision of cutaneous and subcutaneous neurofibromas may initiate formation and growth of new tumors. This is due to the degranulation of mast cells in response to tumor damage, since the pathology of the immune system plays an important role in the development of neurofibromas. In order to avoid dissemination of tumors, it is also important to adhere to the principles of antiblastic surgery. Therefore, the most promising is the complex treatment of NF1 with the combined use of a classical approach, surgical laser, ketotifen, and an inhibitor of mitogen-activated kinase. This method can be recommended for the treatment of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, as well as sporadic neoplasms, the resistance of which is caused by a somatic mutation in the NF1 gene. The goal of NF1 treatment is to improve the quality of life of the patient as a whole and reduce pain using an integrated multidisciplinary approach.
Cancer-associated genodermatoses
Authors: Belysheva T. S. , Nasedkina T. V. , Semenova V. V. , Kozlova V. M. , Sharapova E. V. , Mikhailova S. N. , Valiev T. T. , Varfolomeeva S. R.
Published: August 2022

Genodermatoses are a heterogeneous group of hereditary diseases that are characterized by predominantly skin lesions. To date, there are more than 200 genetically determined skin diseases, representing about 35 % of all hereditary syndromes. In some cases, skin lesions may be the only manifestation of the disease, but still more often, they occur in combination with disorders of other organ systems. In many cases, genodermatoses are associated with an increased risk of malignancy which makes early detection of hereditary syndromic pathology especially important for cancer prevention.This review provides a brief description of the dermatological manifestations as well as other phenotypic features of a number of genodermatoses, their genetic nature, and the strategy of management.
SMARCA4-associated malignant rhabdoid tumors: case report and literature review
Authors: Andreeva N. A. , Lyudovskikh E. I. , Konovalov D. M. , Teleshova M. V. , Mitrofanova A. M. , Kurnikova M. A. , Yasko L. A. , Druy A. E. , Goroshkova M. Yu. , Shamanskaya T. V. , Kachanov D. Yu.
Published: August 2022

Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is a rare malignant neoplasm of childhood, characterized by an aggressive course and an extremely unfavorable prognosis. The frequency of MRT outside the central nervous system (extracranial MRT) is 0.02–0.03 per 100,000 children. In most cases, MRT is based on an inactivating mutations of the tumor suppressor gene SMARCB1, which leads to the absence of expression of the SMARCB1 ((INI1/hSNF5/BAF47) protein in tumor cells. Aberrations of the SMARCA4 gene, which is an extremely rare molecular event, have been described among the MRTs expressing SMARCB1 (INI1). Few case reports have been described in the international literature.This article contains a description of a clinical case of a patient diagnosed with soft tissue MRT with SMARCA4 gene alteration. The distinctive features of the presented case are the congenital nature of the tumor, atypical localization, and extremely aggressive clinical course of the disease. On the example of the described clinical case, diagnostics of SMARCA4-associated MRT are presented, as well as the place of molecular methods in diagnosis verification. In addition, it is highlighted that the detection of somatic changes in the SMARCB1 and SMARCA4 genes requires additional investigation of their germinal status to exclude or confirm the rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome.
Comparison of a Daily Smartphone App and Retrospective Questionnaire Measures of Adherence to Nicotine Replacement Therapy Among Pregnant Women: Observational Study
Authors: Emery Joanne , Huang Yue , Naughton Felix , Cooper Sue , McDaid Lisa , Dickinson Anne , Clark Miranda , Kinahan-Goodwin Darren , Thomson Ross , Phillips Lucy , Lewis Sarah , Coleman Tim
Published: August 2022

Background

Few studies have investigated how to best measure adherence to smoking cessation medications, but continuous usage measures are recommended.

Objective

In this first study of its kind, we compared methods for measuring adherence to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) among pregnant women, investigating the completeness and validity of data collected from daily assessments using a smartphone app versus data collected from retrospective questionnaires.

Methods

Women aged ≥16 years who were daily smokers and <25 weeks pregnant were offered smoking-cessation counseling and encouraged to use NRT. For 28 days after setting a quit date (QD), women were asked to report NRT use daily to a smartphone app and to questionnaires administered in person or remotely at 7 and 28 days. For both data collection methods, we provided up to £25 (~US $30) as compensation for the time taken providing research data. Data completeness and NRT use reported to the app and in questionnaires were compared. For each method, we also correlated mean daily nicotine doses reported within 7 days of the QD with Day 7 saliva cotinine concentrations.

Results

Of the 438 women assessed for eligibility, 40 participated and 35 accepted NRT. More participants (31/35) submitted NRT usage data to the app by Day 28 (median 25, IQR 11 days) than completed the Day 28 questionnaire (24/35) or either of the two questionnaires (27/35). Data submitted to the app showed a lower reported duration of NRT use compared to that indicated in the questionnaire (median for app 24 days, IQR 10.25; median for questionnaire 28 days, IQR 4.75; P=.007), and there appeared to be specific cases of overreporting to the questionnaire. Mean daily nicotine doses between the QD and Day 7 were lower when calculated using app data (median for app 40 mg, IQR 52.1; median for questionnaire 40 mg, IQR 63.1; P=.001), and some large outliers were evident for the questionnaire. Mean daily nicotine doses, adjusted for cigarettes smoked, were not associated with cotinine concentrations for either method (app rs=0.184, P=.55; questionnaire rs=0.031, P=.92), but the small sample size meant that the analysis was likely underpowered.

Conclusions

Daily assessment of NRT use via a smartphone app facilitated more complete data (a higher response rate) than questionnaires, and reporting rates over 28 days were encouraging among pregnant women. App data had better face validity; retrospective questionnaires appeared to overestimate NRT use for some participants.
Effects of a WeChat-Based Life Review Program for Patients With Digestive System Cancer: 3-Arm Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zheng Meihua , Zhang Xiaoling , Xiao Huimin
Published: August 2022

Background

Patients with digestive system cancer often experience psychospiritual distress. Life review is an evidence-based psychological intervention for patients with cancer, but the effects of digital life review programs are unclear, especially for patients with digestive system cancer.

Objective

We examined the effects of a WeChat-based life review program on the psychospiritual well-being of patients with digestive system cancer.

Methods

This study was a 3-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. Eligible patients with digestive system cancer were recruited from a university hospital in Fujian, China. They were randomized to a life review group and 2 control groups. All participants received routine care, and the life review group also received the 4-week WeChat-based life review program. Control group 1 also received a 4-week program of friendly visiting. Anxiety, depression, hope, and self-transcendence were measured at baseline and 2 days, 1 month, and 6 months after the intervention.

Results

A total of 150 participants were randomly allocated to the WeChat-based life review group (n=50), control group 1 (n=50), or control group 2 (n=50). The overall dropout rate was 10% (15/150), and 92% (46/50) of participants in the the life review group completed the intervention. Significant interaction effects for time and group membership were found for anxiety (P<.001), depression (P<.001), hope (P<.001), and self-transcendence (P<.001) at all follow-up time points. For anxiety and depression, the scores did not differ significantly between the life review group and control group 1 on day 2 (P=.80 for anxiety, P=.51 for depression), but the scores were significantly lower in the life review group at month 1 and month 6 (P=.02 for anxiety at both months 1 and 6; P=.003 and P<.001 for depression at months 1 and 6, respectively). Significant increases in hope and self-transcendence were revealed in the life review group compared to control group participants at all follow-up sessions.

Conclusions

The WeChat-based life review program was effective in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms and in improving the level of hope and self-transcendence among patients with digestive system cancer. Though friendly visiting can also help to relieve anxiety, its effects are short-term.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IOR-17011998; https://tinyurl.com/5acycpd4
Web-Based Risk Prediction Tool for an Individual's Risk of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections Using Machine Learning Algorithms: Development and External Validation Study
Authors: Xu Xianglong , Yu Zhen , Ge Zongyuan , Chow Eric P F , Bao Yining , Ong Jason J , Li Wei , Wu Jinrong , Fairley Christopher K , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2022

Background

HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major global public health concerns. Over 1 million curable STIs occur every day among people aged 15 years to 49 years worldwide. Insufficient testing or screening substantially impedes the elimination of HIV and STI transmission.

Objective

The aim of our study was to develop an HIV and STI risk prediction tool using machine learning algorithms.

Methods

We used clinic consultations that tested for HIV and STIs at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between March 2, 2015, and December 31, 2018, as the development data set (training and testing data set). We also used 2 external validation data sets, including data from 2019 as external “validation data 1” and data from January 2020 and January 2021 as external “validation data 2.” We developed 34 machine learning models to assess the risk of acquiring HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. We created an online tool to generate an individual’s risk of HIV or an STI.

Results

The important predictors for HIV and STI risk were gender, age, men who reported having sex with men, number of casual sexual partners, and condom use. Our machine learning–based risk prediction tool, named MySTIRisk, performed at an acceptable or excellent level on testing data sets (area under the curve [AUC] for HIV=0.78; AUC for syphilis=0.84; AUC for gonorrhea=0.78; AUC for chlamydia=0.70) and had stable performance on both external validation data from 2019 (AUC for HIV=0.79; AUC for syphilis=0.85; AUC for gonorrhea=0.81; AUC for chlamydia=0.69) and data from 2020-2021 (AUC for HIV=0.71; AUC for syphilis=0.84; AUC for gonorrhea=0.79; AUC for chlamydia=0.69).

Conclusions

Our web-based risk prediction tool could accurately predict the risk of HIV and STIs for clinic attendees using simple self-reported questions. MySTIRisk could serve as an HIV and STI screening tool on clinic websites or digital health platforms to encourage individuals at risk of HIV or an STI to be tested or start HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. The public can use this tool to assess their risk and then decide if they would attend a clinic for testing. Clinicians or public health workers can use this tool to identify high-risk individuals for further interventions.
The Impacts of Social Media Use and Online Racial Discrimination on Asian American Mental Health: Cross-sectional Survey in the United States During COVID-19
Authors: Layug Alyan , Krishnamurthy Samiksha , McKenzie Rachel , Feng Bo
Published: August 2022

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased social media usage has led to worsened mental health outcomes for many people. Moreover, due to the sociopolitical climate during the pandemic, the prevalence of online racial discrimination has contributed to worsening psychological well-being. With increases in anti-Asian hate, Asian and Asian American social media users may experience the negative effects of online racial discrimination in addition to the reduced psychological well-being resulting from exposure to online COVID-19 content.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19–related social media use and exposure to online racial discrimination during the pandemic on the mental health outcomes (ie, anxiety, depression, and secondary traumatic stress [STS]) of Asian Americans compared with those of non-Asian Americans. In addition, this study explores the mediating role of negative affect and the moderating role of racial/ethnic identification.

Methods

An online survey was conducted through Amazon Mechanical Turk and a university-wide research portal from March 3 to March 15, 2021. A total of 1147 participants took the survey. Participants’ social media usage related to COVID-19 and exposure to 2 online forms of racial discrimination (individual and vicarious), mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and STS), racial/ethnic identification, negative affect, and demographics were assessed.

Results

Our results showed that COVID-19–related social media use, individual discrimination, and vicarious discrimination were predictors of negative mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and STS). Asian Americans reported higher vicarious discrimination than Latinx and White Americans, but Asian Americans’ mental health outcomes did not differ substantially from those of the other racial/ethnic groups. Racial/ethnic identification moderated the relationship between both types of discrimination and STS, and negative affect served as a mediator between both types of discrimination and all 3 mental health outcomes.

Conclusions

These results suggest that social media exposure continues to have a dire effect on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study helps to contextualize the rise of anti-Asian American hate and its impact on mental health outcomes in the United States.
FiRst EpisodE Digital Monitoring (FREEDoM): A Qualitative Study to Inform the Development of a Novel mHealth Intervention for People with Early Psychosis (Preprint)
Authors: Stefancic Ana , Rogers R. Tyler , Styke Sarah , Xu Xiaoyan , Buchsbaum Richard , Nossel Ilana , Cabassa Leopoldo J. , Stroup T. Scott , Kimhy David
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have been used extensively in psychosis research. In contrast, their integration into clinical care has been sparse, despite substantial increase in the availability of smartphone-based apps targeting mental health care. One potential reason is that few of these apps have been developed with input from stakeholders (e.g., clinicians), the primary users of data from such applications, making their integration into routine clinical care challenging.

OBJECTIVE

This qualitative study sought clinicians’ input to inform the adaptation of FREEDoM, an app-based mHealth intervention designed to enhance treatment of patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP).

METHODS

The FREEDoM app was developed to enhance the quality, quantity, and timeliness of clinical and functional data available to clinicians and patients in order to enhance their therapeutic relationship and increase shared decision-making. Following the app’s initial development, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 FEP treatment providers at three sites to elicit input on the app. We then conducted summary template and matrix analysis to systematically categorize suggested adaptations using dimension of the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based interventions (FRAME) and documented the rationale for adopting/rejecting suggestions.

RESULTS

The clinicians provided 31 suggestions (18 adopted, 13 rejected). Suggestions to add/refine content were most common (e.g., adding questions within the app). Adaptations to context were most often related to plans for implementing the intervention, how reported data were displayed to clinicians, and with whom reports were shared. Reasons for suggestions primarily included factors related to clients’ health narratives/priorities (e.g., symptom’s functional impact vs. their frequency/severity), providers’ clinical judgment (e.g., need for clinically relevant information), and organizations’ mission/culture. Reasons for rejecting suggestions included need for resources beyond intervention scope, concerns regarding dilution of the intervention core components, and increasing patient burden.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes the development of the FREEDoM app, an innovative stakeholder-informed intervention designed to enhance treatment for individuals with FEP. Our study illustrates a pragmatic application of the FRAME and provides methods and tools for rapid analysis to track adaptations and related decision-making processes, potentially contributing to its acceptance and use in clinical care.

CLINICALTRIAL

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT04248517, registered Jan. 30, 2020
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04248517?term=using+mhealth&draw=2&rank=4
The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions on Exercise Among People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Interview Study (Preprint)
Authors: Palmer Louise C. , Neal Whitney N. , Motl Robert W. , Backus Deborah
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

During spring and summer 2020, states implemented COVID-19 pandemic restrictions resulting in the closure of rehabilitation facilities and with them some of the clinical trials taking place. One such trial is the “STEP for MS” comparative effectiveness multiple sclerosis (MS) exercise trial. While one study arm was implemented via telerehabilitation, the comparative arm took place in rehabilitation facilities nationwide, subsequently closed during this timeframe. The experience of STEP for MS participants provides insights about the impact of lockdown restrictions on exercise by mode of exercise delivery (telerehabilitation versus conventional facility-based).

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to identify the impact of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on exercise behavior among STEP for MS study participants actively engaged in the intervention at the time of the restrictions.

METHODS

The authors conducted semi-structured phone and video interviews with a convenience sample of eight participants representing both arms of the exercise trial. We applied reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) to identify, analyze, and interpret common themes in the data.

RESULTS

We identified seven main themes and two different narratives describing the exercise experience during lockdown restrictions. While the telerehabilitation participants continued exercising without interruption, facility-based participants experienced a range of barriers that impeded their ability to exercise. In particular, the loss of perceived social support gained from exercising in a facility with exercise coaches and other people with MS eroded both accountability and motivation to exercise. Aerobic exercises via walking were most impacted with participants pointing to the need for at-home treadmills.

CONCLUSIONS

The unprecedented disruption of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in spring and summer 2020 impacted the ability of facility-based STEP for MS exercise trial participants to exercise. In contrast, participants in the telerehabilitation-delivered exercise arm continued exercising without interruption and reported positive impacts of the intervention during this time. Telerehabilitation exercise programs hold promise for overcoming barriers to exercise for people with MS during an endemic COVID-19 era.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.1016/j.cct.2019.04.013
On the mixed multifractal formalism for vector-valued measures
Authors: Selmi Bilel , Ben Mabrouk Anouar
Published: August 2022

The multifractal formalism for vector-valued measures holds when-ever the existence of corresponding Gibbs-like measures, supported on the singularities sets holds. We tried through this article to improve a result developed by Menceur et al. in [29] and to suggest a new sufficient condition for a valid mixed multifractal formalism for vector-valued measures. We describe a necessary condition of validity for the formalism which is very close to the sufficient one.
Una aproximación al principio quid pro quo como fundamento y límite de las inmunidades de jurisdicción de las organizaciones internacionales
Authors: Ramos-Fuentes Gloria , Masbernat Patricio
Published: August 2022

The authors present a review of the traditional theories that try to answer the phenomenon of the immunity of jurisdiction of international organizations from the need to adequately resolve the case of the conflicts of these organizations with private third parties, a problem that has been highlighted by important specialists and by some judgments of national and international courts, those that have tried to solve it by means of a series of technical elements that orient to a new perspective on the foundations of these immunities. These foundations, however, do not yet have total uniformity. The main objective of this article is to outline an articulation of these technical elements by developing the quid pro quo principle, as a criterion that explains the basis and limits of jurisdictional immunities granted by States to international organizations, which is shown relevant in cases such as the conflicts of said organizations with private third parties. The authors propose, in this way, a certain update of the theories related to immunity regimes, not a complete review of them.
Impact of Financial Inclusion on Women Empowerment: A Case Study of Ranchi District
Authors: Chaudhary Dr. Amar Kumar , Kumari Rinki
Published: August 2022

Abstract: Women play a crucial part in shaping not just the home but also the society as a whole and her influence in its evolution is undeniable. In today’s world, the participation of both men and women is the sine qua non to have sustainable economic development. This paper’s main goal is to examine the current state of women’s engagement in banking and financial operations. The study also discusses how financial inclusion leads to women’s empowerment in society. 150 rural women from Ranchi District were recruited for the study, and 13 questionnaires were created to assess their knowledge of various financial schemes, subsidies, and services offered by the Government of India. SPSS software was used to check the accuracy and significance of the study. The study’s findings show that women have a high level of interest in financial and banking services, financial inclusion has low but positive impact on women empowerment and there is a long way to go, illiteracy, reliance, and lack of awareness among women remain barriers to empower them.
Study on the Behaviour of Nano Concrete Columns Wrapped with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer under Axial Load
Authors: R Deenadhayalan , G Lavanya
Published: August 2022

Abstract: An emerging field in materials science and engineering called nano science and technology is providing the framework for the creation of new technological materials. Numerous scientific and technical fields make use of nanotechnology. Concrete constructed from materials with nanoscale particle sizes is a unique type of concrete. A nanoscale has a range of 1 to 100 nanometers. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter. Fiber reinforced polymers have shown to be an effective substitute for modernizing and repairing damaged infrastructures. The failure trend may be caused by modifications to faulty design and construction practices. Glass fiber reinforced polymer wraps or laminates have shown to be a more effective solution for infrastructure applications. This study examined conventional columns, nano concrete columns, and nano concrete columns encased in glass fiber reinforced polymer under axial loads. In this study, three different kinds of concrete columns were utilized to evaluate the strength of concrete when various concentrations of nanosilica were applied. This experiment uses glass fiber reinforced polymer as its wrapping material.
Experimental Studies on Ternary Blended Concrete using GGBS and Calcined Clay
Authors: P Kishanthini , G Lavanya
Published: August 2022

Abstract: Concrete is the most widely used and versatile building material in all kinds of civil engineering structures.A little more than 5% of global CO2 emissions are attributable to cement, the primary component of concrete.Concrete is strengthened using suitable alternative materials to make it more environmentally friendly.Making the concrete industry sustainable is essential in the current climate in order to reduce its detrimental environmental effects.When choosing raw materials for construction, environmentally friendly products must be employed.The concrete industry is constantly looking for supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs) to address the problem of solid waste disposal.Cement can be substituted with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), a solid waste made by the iron and steel industry. Cement alternatives can also be made from other resources, such as calcined clay, which is commonly found in oil sand tailings.This study's objective is to experimentally investigate the effects of GGBS in structural concrete by partially substituting calcined clay for cement (5, 10, and 15 percent) and cement for the remaining cement volume.Numerous tests, such as compressive,tensile,and flexural tests,will be used
Hyperbaric oxygen for COVID-19 patients with severe hypoxia prior to vaccine availability
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Health - Greenwich Hospital, Jansen Deepa , Dickstein Daniel R ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Health - Greenwich Hospital, Erazo Kasandra ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Health - Greenwich Hospital, Stacom Ellen ,   Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen and Wound Care, Yale New Haven Health - Greenwich Hospital, Lee David C ,   Department of Emergency Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine,   Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Wainwright Sandra K ,   Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yale New Haven Health - Greenwich Hospital
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Few treatments have demonstrated mortality benefits among hospitalized hypoxic COVID-19 patients. We evaluated the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy as a therapeutic intervention among hospitalized patients with a high oxygen requirement prior to vaccine approval. Methods: We extracted data on patients with COVID-19 hypoxia who required oxygen supplementation ranging from a 6L nasal cannula up to a high-flow nasal cannula at 100% FiO2 at 60L/minute with a 100% non-rebreather mask at 15 L/minute and were eligible for off-label HBO2 therapy from October 2020 to February 2021. We followed the Monitored Emergency use of Unregistered and Investigational Interventions or (MEURI) in conjunction with the consistent re-evaluation of the protocol using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) tool [1]. We compared patient characteristics and used Fisher’s exact test and a survival analysis to assess the primary endpoint of inpatient death. Results: HBO2 therapy was offered to 36 patients, of which 24 received treatment and 12 did not receive treatment. Patients who did not receive treatment were significantly older (p < 0.01) and had worse baseline hypoxia (p = 0.06). Three of the 24 (13%) patients who received treatment died compared to six of 12 (50%) patients who did not receive treatment (RR ratio: 0.25, p = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.83). In the survival analysis, there was a statistically significant reduction in inpatient mortality in the treatment group (HR: 0.19, p = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.05-0.74). However, after adjusting for age and baseline hypoxia, there was no difference in inpatient mortality (hazard ratio: 0.48, p = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.08-2.86). Conclusions: The survival benefit of HBO2 therapy observed in our unadjusted analysis suggests that there may be therapeutic benefits of HBO2 in treating COVID-19 hypoxia as an adjunct to standard care.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat lingering COVID-19 symptoms
Authors:   Hyperbaric Medicine Inc. Fort Walton Beach, Florida U.S, Zant Albert E , Figueroa Xavier A ,   Unaffiliated, Seattle, Washington U.S, Paulson Christopher P ,   Magnolia Medical Clinic, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Wright James K ,   Olympic Medical Center, Port Angeles, Washington
Published: August 2022

Background: SARs-Cov-2 infections can produce prolonged illness and significant disability. Patients recovering from COVID-19 can have persistent symptoms leading to long-term morbidity. Methods: Six patients with long-lasting (> 30 days) COVID-19 symptoms were treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy. All patients were assessed for symptoms using the ImPACT questionnaire, a muscle and joint pain scale, and a modified Borg dyspnea scale. Patients were assessed before, during and after HBO2 treatments. Results: All patients saw improvements in the measured symptoms to levels that were the same as pre-infection levels (five of six patients) or had significant improvement in symptoms (one patient). Conclusions: The results suggest that HBO2 helped to improve symptom scores, reduce the length of time of symptoms, and improved the quality of life. More detailed and randomized studies are needed to confirm the results in this report.