bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Mandatory Lane‐Changing Location Planning for CAV Based on Cell Transmission Model
Authors: Gao Gao , Huang Zhengfeng , Ji Wei , Zheng Pengjun
Published: March 2024

If dedicate a lane to connected autonomous vehicle (CAV) on a multilane road, the traffic congestion and safety risks remain a major problem but in a different style. Random and disorderly mandatory lane‐changing behaviour before approaching the next ramp or intersection would have a disturbing effect on the following vehicles of the traffic flow. This paper mainly establishes the optimal mandatory lane‐changing location matching model for each target vehicle in the dedicated CAV lane environment. The aim is to minimizing the total travel time, which could take the disturbing effect into account. This model nests the cell transmission model (CTM) to describe vehicle running. The constraints include the relation between target CAV lane‐changing cell and the corresponding behaviour start time, the updating of the flow, and occupancy for varied cells. We use the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm to solve the problem. Through the case study of a basic two‐lane road scenario in Ningbo, we acquire the convergence results based on the ACO algorithm. Our optimal lane‐changing location matching scheme can save 5.9% total travel time when compared to the near‐end location lane‐changing scheme. We test our model by increasing the total number of upstream input vehicles with 4%, 11%, 15%, and the mandatory lane‐changing vehicles with 60%, 200%, respectively. The testing results prove that out optimization method could deal with varied road traffic flow situations. Specifically, when the traffics and mandatory lane‐changing vehicles increase, our method could perform better.
Combined Serum Albumin and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Predict All-Cause Death in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Zhang Hua , Qiu Shaodong , Chen Fei , Wang Xiaojun
Published: March 2024

Objective. To explore the feasibility of serum albumin (Alb) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in predicting all-cause death (ACD) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). Methods. Patients with SCAD were divided into 4 groups according to their Alb and LVEF levels: Group A: Alb ≤4 g/dL and LVEF > 50%; Group B: Alb ≤4 g/dL and LVEF ≤50%; Group C: Alb >4 g/dL and LVEF ≤50%; Group D: Alb >4 g/dL and LVEF >50%. The K–M curve and log-rank test were used to compare ACD among the four groups over three years. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the efficacy of predicting ACD among the combination of Alb and LVEF and either Alb or LVEF alone. Cox regression analysis identified the influencing factors of ACD in patients with SCAD and detected the correlation between Alb and LVEF. Results. ACD occurred in 18 (8.9%) of 203 patients with SCAD, with an average follow-up of 26.53 ± 14.34 months. In the Kaplan‒Meier analysis, the risk of ACD in the four groups ranged from high to low: Group B (17.6%) > Group A (26.7%) > Group D (0.9%) > Group C (0%, P<0.001). The ROC curve showed that the combination of Alb and LVEF (AUC = 0.888) had better predictive value for ACD than either Alb (AUC = 0.879) or LVEF alone (AUC = 0.651), P<0.001. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Alb ≤4 g/dL predicted ACD events after adjusting for baseline (HR: 12.16, 95% CI: 1.57 to 94.41; P=0.017) and treatment (HR: 19.36, 95% CI: 2.53–147.78, P=0.004). Alb was positively correlated with LVEF (r = 0.22, P=0.002). Conclusions. Alb combined with LVEF is more effective than a single index in predicting ACD in SCAD and could be used as a new model to judge the prognosis of SCAD.
Estrategias didácticas para la enseñanza de la anatomía humana en la Universidad Austral de Chile
Authors: Urdaneta José Ramón , Bucarey Sandra , Tiznado Maetzner Gonzalo , Cabezas Oyarzun Ximena
Published: March 2024

La presente revisión narrativa propone caracterizar las estrategias didácticas actualmente utilizadas en el Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología de la Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh), para la enseñanza de la Anatomía Humana en los estudiantes de las carreras de Enfermería, Kinesiología, Medicina, Obstetricia y Puericultura, Odontología y Terapia Ocupacional de su Facultad de Medicina. Se listan las diversas estrategias didácticas implementadas y se explica la manera en que se han venido aplicando en esta institución a fin de perfeccionar la enseñanza anatómica, considerando los retos y desafíos que demandan las generaciones actuales de estudiantes y la dinámica del mundo contemporáneo.

Palabras clave: anatomía humana, enseñanza, estrategias didácticas.
La cirugía del corazón: pasado, presente y futuro
Authors: Zalaquett Sepúlveda Ricardo
Published: March 2024

Toda especialidad médica, y en especial las quirúrgicas, necesitan, de alguna manera, vislumbrar el futuro que puedan ofrecer a los miembros más jóvenes de la especialidad y eventuales interesados en esta, de manera de asegurarles las mejores posibilidades de desarrollo profesional y personal, para, a su vez, poder reclutar a los mejores. Empero, para imaginar y forjar el futuro, es necesario vivir y enfrentar el presente. Pero, todo presente se asienta en un pasado, que es necesario conocer y meditar. Y de esto trata este artículo especial: pasado, presente y futuro de la cirugía de corazón, desde la particular visión de su autor.
La revolución de la ciencia de datos y la inteligencia artificial en la medicina moderna
Authors: Cataldo Cornejo Alejandro , Rey Pablo , Sauré Antoine
Published: March 2024

La medicina moderna está experimentando una transformación sin precedentes gracias a los avances en Ciencia de Datos (CD) y la Inteligencia Artificial (IA). Uno de los aspectos más interesantes de la aplicación de la CD y la IA en medicina es su capacidad para mejorar la precisión en el diagnóstico de enfermedades.
The Anti-Social Triad of Grievance Politics: An Integrated Model of Reactionism, Ressentiment, and Collective Narcissism
Authors: Capelos Tereza , Salmela Mikko , Sullivan Gavin B. , Chrona Stavroula
Published: March 2024

In this article, we undertake a comprehensive examination of reactionism, ressentiment, and collective narcissism, collectively termed as the “ anti-social triad of grievance politics.” Although these constructs are conceptually distinct, they are psycholoically intricately linked. Reactionism denotes a backward-facing political orientation, ressentiment signifies a chronic and embittered emotional mechanism, and collective narcissism reflects a precarious and wounded psychological state. Together, they constitute a potent blend of anti-social sentiments within grievance politics, yet their interconnectedness is overlooked when they are studied in isolation. Our study pioneers in establishing original connections between reactionism, ressentiment, and collective narcissism, providing empirical evidence of their coexistence and interactions. We introduce a novel scale to measure reactionism and explore its associations with existing measures of ressentiment and collective narcissism, as well as their associations with values, authoritarianism, and populism. By elucidating the tight interplay among these phenomena, we offer valuable insights into their implications for responses to social change and the essence of democracy.
Rib Fractures and Frailty in Geriatric Trauma Patients
Authors: Brown Joan H. , LaRosa Samantha K. , Moore Katherine G. , Perea Lindsey L.
Published: March 2024

As rib fractures are a common injury in the geriatric trauma population and can result in increased morbidity and mortality, we sought to understand predicting outcomes in this population. We hypothesized that frail geriatric rib fracture patients would have worse outcomes than their non-frail counterparts. This single-center retrospective study includes patients from July 2019 to June 2022 who were ≥65 years-old, had ≥ 2 rib fractures, and a documented Clinical Frailty Scale score. Univariate analysis was conducted comparing frail vs non-frail, and ≤3 rib fractures vs >3 rib fractures. Multivariate logistic regressions for risk of mortality and of frailty were performed. We found higher mortality in patients with >3 rib fractures on univariate analysis; however, this did not hold true on multivariate analysis. Frail patients were less likely discharged home and had a lower functional status at discharge. Further investigation is needed to effectively improve outcomes for geriatric trauma patients with rib fractures.
Children With Chronic Health Conditions and Social Needs: Investigating Outcomes to Drive Health System Improvements
Authors: McKenna Kevin J. , Fiori Kevin P. , Chambers Earle C.
Published: March 2024

Children with chronic health conditions (CHCs) are a high-resource population, and further data are needed to identify associations between CHC diagnoses and social needs to optimize health outcomes. In this cross-sectional study of 19 779 pediatric patients screened for social needs in an urban health system, we used logistic regression to evaluate CHC diagnoses and social need. Our independent variables were CHC diagnoses. Our dependent variable was the presence of social need. In the study, 2247 of 11 071 (20%) children with CHCs identified need. Children with CHCs were more likely to have a social need than children without CHCs (adjusted odds ratio: 1.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.44-1.68). Children with autism/developmental delay were most likely to have a social need. Children with autism/developmental delay, anxiety/depression, and asthma were most likely to report specific social needs. Health systems should screen for these families’ needs to improve health outcomes.
Repression, Interests and Outgroup Attitudes: A Survey Experiment in Post-Coup Myanmar
Authors: Chew Isabel , Jap Jangai
Published: March 2024

Can outgroup attitudes improve in a repressive context? Existing literature highlights how shared victimization generated under repression facilitates recategorization of identity boundaries, thereby ameliorating exclusionary attitudes. We propose an alternative pathway through which outgroup attitudes can improve. We argue that individuals update their outgroup attitudes when they perceive outgroups as contributing to a shared goal. Rather than being an identity-based response, we suggest that this cognitive process involves instrumental considerations. We evaluate this theory using a web-based survey experiment carried out in post-coup Myanmar and examine attitudes toward the Rohingya, a severely marginalized group. We find that trust and support for Rohingya citizenship rights improve when the Rohingya people are framed as contributing to the pursuit of a shared goal. We also find that this is driven primarily by individuals who have more at stake in the overthrow of the coup regime compared to those with less at stake.
Fabrication of ionic liquid modified carbon nanotubes-reinforced phenolic foam, structure-property relationships
Authors: Ravindran Lakshmipriya , Sethu Lakshmi MB , Thahakoya Rahim , Nancy Parvathy , Francis Bincy , Sreekala MS
Published: March 2024

Phenol-formaldehyde foams are lightweight polymer composites that are prepared by foaming the resin. The major goal is to reduce the weight of the composite significantly while increasing thermal stability and sorption behaviour.This paper gives information about the characteristics of the reinforced PF foams with (CNT/CNT-IL) by FT-IR spectrum, SEM images, and investigations on the thermal properties by TGA/DSC analysis. BET was used as a tool for porosity analysis and oil sorption of the foams is also investigated. According to the TGA data, adding nano-silica and CNT/CNT-IL to PF foams improves thermal stability. The sorption experiments for unmodified and modified foams with nano-silica, and CNT/CNT-IL reveal that increasing the nanofiller content results in higher sorption capacities.
A novel dynamic parameter identification method for the multi-degrees-of-freedom series direct drive manipulator
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Songlin , Xie Cheng
Published: March 2024

Accurate dynamic parameters are essential for precise control of model-based manipulators. Due to the direct connection between the joint axis and the motor rotor of the direct drive manipulator, using additional joints would increase the disturbance of the system, leading to substantial trajectory tracking errors, which could potentially harm the manipulator if the tracking error exceeds the limited position of joints, and it also curtails the comprehensive parameter excitation and affects the identification accuracy. Restricting joint movement to a narrow area can prevent this injury, but it also curtails the comprehensive parameter excitation and affects the identification accuracy. To address these challenges, this paper presents a novel method for identifying dynamic parameters of multiple degree-of-freedom (DOF) series direct drive manipulators. Specifically, an open-loop gravity torque compensation strategy with spatial geometric characteristics is introduced to ensure secure operation during manipulator identification processes. Meanwhile, an improved model reference adaptive identification (MRAI) method is presented to estimate the nominal inertia quickly and accurately. Finally, a disturbance observer (DOB) based on minimum model perturbation bound is proposed to compensate for significant variations in model disturbances, enabling stable and precise tracking of planned exciting trajectories. This proves advantageous for fully exciting dynamic parameters and improving identification accuracy. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the tracking error of each joint’s exciting trajectory is within 0.07 radians, and the maximum absolute error of identifying dynamic parameters is 0.099169409, which verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Mean square exponential stability with l2−l∞ gain of discrete-time switched-Markovian jump systems
Authors: Hou Linlin , Cui Shanshan , Zhang Yulu , Sun Haibin , Wang Ruihua
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the problem of mean square exponential stability with [Formula: see text] gain is studied for the discrete-time switched-Markovian jump systems, which are composed of a deterministic switched system and a Markovian jump system. The mode-dependent average dwell time method is adopted to design the switching signal for the deterministic switched system, and the Markovian jump property is presented by the Markov chain, which is dependent on the designed mode-dependent average dwell time switching signal. The multiple discontinuous Lyapunov function is constructed to guarantee the mean square exponential stability and [Formula: see text] performance. Furthermore, a novel inequality is established to show the relationship between multiple discontinuous Lyapunov functions and disturbances to derive the [Formula: see text] performance. Finally, two numerical examples and a circuit system are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Distributed state estimation–based secondary control of island microgrid under false data injection attacks
Authors: Yang Fan , Gong Xiaoxiao , Shao Yinlong , Li Dongdong , Zhang Mingzhe , Zhao Jian
Published: March 2024

This paper develops a distributed secondary control strategy for direct current (DC) microgrid based on the distributed state estimation under false data injection (FDI) attacks. FDI attacks occurring on sensors, communication links, and control channels are fully considered, and a distributed state estimation–based secondary control is designed to filter out the effects of attack signals introduced in the secondary control. The secondary control is designed based on a consistent Kalman filtering algorithm, which is able to improve the accuracy by introducing corrections to the current predicted values from the previous moment of the neighbors. In addition, the consistency gain matrix is transformed into consistency coefficients to improve the correction speed. The filtered secondary control signal is fed into the primary control for voltage recovery and precise power distribution. A rigorous proof based on Lyapunov’s technique shows that the method guarantees the convergence of global voltage regulation under FDI attacks. Simulation results show that the proposed method can achieve voltage recovery and accurate power distribution when the DC microgrid is subjected to FDI attacks.
Sharing the Spotlight: The Benefits of Having a Celebrity Competitor
Authors: Curran Kevin , Lee Eric Y. , Pfarrer Michael D. , Graffin Scott D.
Published: March 2024

Drawing from media routines and narrative theory research, we theorize that benefits spill over to competitors who are cognitively linked to a celebrity via media narratives. Specifically, we argue that actors with direct competitive relationships with a celebrity will receive increased media attention and emotive media content, as well as increased performance. Due to the nature of these narratives, we further argue that this effect continues into periods after the direct relationship has ended. We test our hypotheses using a novel, eight-year data set from the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Our findings support our theoretical arguments, providing evidence on how celebrities benefit others in ways that other social evaluation assets—namely, high reputation and high status—do not.
A framework for interpreting the relationship between risk-taking and self-control in adolescence
Authors: França Thiago F. A. , Pompeia Sabine
Published: March 2024

Adolescent risky behaviors are often interpreted as products of self-control failures stemming from a developmental mismatch between reward processing and cognitive control systems. However, adolescents – much like adults – may also engage in risky behaviors because of conscious and deliberate (even if objectively poor) decisions. It is not easy to distinguish between these two scenarios because when people fail in self-control they actually do things they want to do. We build on philosopher Harry Frankfurt’s classical work on free will to provide a framework for determining when and why a given risky behavior stems from a failure of self-control. This framework enables the proposal of clear and reasonable criteria that can be used to clarify the relationship between adolescent risk-taking and self-control.
A Cognitive Approach to Maladaptive Daydreaming
Authors: Shanbhag Trusha , Pothiyil Dan Isaac
Published: March 2024

Background of the study:

Maladaptive daydreaming (MDD) is a mental activity that develops from unconscious material but differs from normal daydreaming in terms of experience, content, quantity, control, distress, and interference with everyday living. Dreaming often involves fantasizing about an idealized self, which includes motifs of companionship, romance, and compensatory scripts like power, escape, and rescue. The MDD is understood as a form of unusual imagination that is vivid and addictive but impedes academic and occupational responsibilities. Individuals report narratives that feature their idealized selves or characters, which are conflicting but rewarding, thus resulting in repetitive episodes of MDD.

Materials and method:

The present study explored the phenomenon of MDD and evaluated the clinical effectiveness of a single case intervention study of a 24-year-old male with MDD. The patient was assessed using the MDD Scale (MDS-16). The data were collected at baseline and treatment termination. The intervention for the patient was conducted in four phases: building coping skills, behavior modification, cognitive restructuring, and relapse prevention.

Results:

The data analysis showed a decrease in scores between baseline (66) and treatment termination (32), below the cut-off of 40, indicating a significant reduction in the symptoms.

Conclusion:

MDD is associated with emotional and functional distress. A tailor-made cognitive approach to the intervention effectively reduced the symptoms of MDD.
Drivers and Barriers to Public Transport Usage: Insights from Psychographic Profiles Using Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Vallée Jan , Ecke Lisa , Barthelmes Lukas , Vortisch Peter
Published: March 2024

To achieve climate goals in the transport sector, many countries are trying to promote the use of public transport. However, to implement effective policies, one must understand the motivations of people who use or do not use public transport today. In this study, we examine the psychographic profiles using latent class analysis to identify the reasons why people use or do not use public transport and link these profiles to reported travel behavior. For the latent class analysis, we use selected psychological items of the German Mobility Panel (MOP), a national household travel survey, that capture attitudes toward public transport. The results highlight four classes that differ based on their psychological profiles: PT-Averse, Privacy Aware Environmentalists, Pragmatists, and PT-Lovers. The results further show that Privacy Aware Environmentalists and PT-Lovers, who have a strong personal norm, frequently use public transport and environmentally friendly transport modes. Thus, the personal norm is a driver of public transport use. The lack of privacy, which the Privacy Aware Environmentalists complain about in public transport, is not a barrier to public transport use.
Evaluation of Alternative Approaches to Restore the Rheology of Recycled Asphalt Binders
Authors: Fried Andrew , Boz Ilker , Preciado Jaime , Gulzar Saqib , Underwood Benjamin Shane , Castorena Cassie , Habbouche Jhony
Published: March 2024

This study evaluates the ability of softer virgin binders, recycling agents (RAs), and extenders to restore the rheology of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binders to that of control binders. Control binders are those binders that would be specified for use with virgin mixtures. Two procedures for RA dosage selection are examined: 1) dose to restore the intended high-temperature grade; and 2) dose to restore the intended low-temperature grade. A broad range of point parameters and rheological parameters that measure the balance of relaxation and stiffness characteristics are examined at two long-term age levels. The results of recycled binder blends are compared with the control virgin binders statistically. Using softer virgin binders generally resulted in blended binder performance-graded properties that were similar to or better than the control. However, these softer binder systems often exhibited other rheological properties that were inferior to the control. The rheological characteristics of the RA blends varied with the RA type and dosage. Blends with dosages that restored the intended high-temperature grade generally yielded the most favorable comparisons to the control binders. RAs derived from triglycerides and fatty acids and from tall oils generally yield more favorable rheological characteristics than those derived from aromatic extracts. In addition, a vacuum gas oil extender achieved similar blend rheological characteristics to RAs but extenders containing re-refined engine oil bottoms generally yielded a poor balance of stiffness and relaxation characteristics. Rheological balance parameters are generally weakly correlated, suggesting they provide unique insight into the rheological behavior of binders.
Demand-Responsive Transit Service With Soft Time Windows Considering Real-Time Disruptions Based on Bounded Rationality
Authors: Wang Hongfei , Guan Hongzhi , Qin Huanmei , Guo Jun
Published: March 2024

Demand-responsive transit (DRT) with smartphone-based applications is emerging as a flexible and sustainable mobility service, transforming urban transportation. Nevertheless, to satisfy the real-time and inconsistent demand, it is becoming increasingly important to capture the decision-making psychology of order cancellations. In this study, a two-phase optimization framework is presented in response to real-time disruptions, including order cancellations and the insertion of new real-time passengers. In contrast to random real-time demand, this paper is more concerned about the impacts of the feedback information on order cancellations. Bounded rationality is incorporated into the model to discuss the decision-making process of cancellation behaviors. With regard to the soft window, a compensation strategy is proposed to promote the profit while encouraging passengers for a long-term use. Additionally, solution algorithm based on variable neighborhood search (VNS) and rolling horizon is constructed to approach the Pareto solutions set. To testify the validity of the proposed algorithm, small-scale experiments in simplified Sioux Falls network are investigated for multiple runs. Meanwhile, a real-world case study in Beijing is explored to evaluate the system performance considering real-time disruptions. The results indicate that the dynamic DRT service can substantially improve the system profit but increase the penalty cost. The profit presents a significant improvement to 940 (renminbi) RMB as a result of the insert of real-time passengers. This study, therefore, not only provides a deeper insight into the analysis of passenger cancellation behavior but also contributes to construct a more flexible DRT service.
Analytical Explanation for the Effects of Working from Home on Optimal Environmental Road Pricing
Authors: Güven Gökhan
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on weekly commuting activities through the promotion of remote work, especially from home. This “new normal” has the potential to alleviate the congestion and transportation externalities associated with commuting. In the literature, optimal first-best road pricing has been identified as a complementary strategy for reducing traffic congestion. However, the relationship between optimal road charges and work-from-home (WFH) arrangements is typically considered only with respect to the direct environmental and time costs borne by road users. The indirect effects of WFH on other road users, such as reduced vehicular emissions, time lost in traffic, fuel consumption, and wear-and-tear costs per mile, are often overlooked. This study developed a simple analytical model to analyze the impact of WFH on optimal environmental road pricing, taking into consideration its positive effects on other road users. The results showed that the potential reduction in road charges associated with WFH arrangements was due not only to the direct time and environmental costs imposed on others while in traffic, but also to the corresponding decreases in environmental damage and wear-and-tear costs for other road users resulting from alleviated congestion and traffic density. This study demonstrated that WFH can serve as a policy tool to reduce road congestion and charges, benefiting not only individuals who choose to work remotely but also other road users at the same time. In addition, promoting WFH policies may improve environmental quality and reduce travel time for both remote workers and the wider community.
Urban–Rural Disparities in the Association Between Home- and Community-Based Service Utilization and Levels of Disability Among Chinese Older Adults With Disabilities
Authors: Wang Zixia , Huang Zishuo , Zhang Rujia , Wang Xiaoyi , Yang Qingren , Ye Jun , Zhang Xinxin , Xu Tingke , Huang Yunyun , Wang Shanshan , Tang Lei , Chen Chun , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: March 2024

Home- and community-based services (HCBS) are optimal ways to deal with disability problems among older adults. This study aims to analyze urban–rural disparities in the relationship between HCBS utilization and levels of disability among Chinese older adults with disabilities, so as to meet the long-term care needs of them. In applying the Andersen Behavioral Model, bivariate analysis and multivariate regression models were employed using data from 843 older adults with disabilities from the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS). After adjusting covariates, disability levels among Chinese older adults with disabilities were significantly correlated with HCBS utilization in urban areas but not in rural areas. The urban–rural disparities may be due to the low utilization of HCBS in rural areas (only 11.2%) among older adults with disabilities compared with their urban counterparts (22.7%).
Robust model predictive dynamics control for electric tracked vehicle combined with disturbance observer
Authors: Hou Xuzhao , Ma Yue , Xiang Changle
Published: March 2024

Advanced motion controllers have the potential to make automated or remotely operated vehicles less dependent on human operation. Among the different control strategies, model predictive control (MPC) has proven to have good performance in constrained systems. In this study, a combination of disturbance observer and robust model predictive control is proposed as a dynamics controller for tracked vehicles. Two different robust MPC approaches, nominal robust MPC and Tube-MPC, are compared. The latter has the potential to achieve offline computation based only on pre-planned reference states, which makes it possible to achieve real-time control with small sampling intervals. The effect of the reduced sampling interval on the state tracking accuracy is also investigated. The simulation results indicate that the nominal robust MPC has a significant advantage over the Tube-MPC when the control constraints become active and with the same sampling interval. Two model predictive controllers are evaluated on an electric tracked mobile robot. Compared to the nominal robust MPC with a sampling interval of 0.1 s, the Tube-MPC with a sampling interval of 0.03 s reduces vehicle velocity and yaw rate tracking errors by 3.8% and 9.6%, respectively.
Multi-objective optimization design of rear seat for a passenger car based on GARS and NSGA-III
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Jiang Hengliang , Long Jiangqi
Published: March 2024

A collaborative multi-objective optimization design is conducted for the rear seat of a passenger car. This study introduces a combined optimization strategy that integrates both the multi-objective optimization problem and multi-criteria decision-making approaches. Firstly, a finite element model of the rear seat luggage compartment crash is established, and its accuracy is validated. Secondly, the thickness and material type of the primary stress components of the backrest framework for the rear seat are considered as design variables. The safety test point displacement, material cost, and weight are defined as the optimization objectives, while regulatory standards are taken as constraints to construct a multi-objective optimization problem. Once more, the Pareto frontier solution sets are achieved by constructing the genetic aggregation response surface surrogate model combined with the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-III optimization algorithm through experimental design. Finally, the Pareto frontier solution sets are ranked to determine the best compromise solution using the multi-criteria decision-making method, which involves the optimal combination weight and the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution based on the Kullback-Leibler distance. The safety performance, lightweight, and cost-effectiveness of the optimized rear car seat are improved. Specifically, the displacement of the headrest skeleton and backrest skeleton is reduced by 5.96% and 4.47% respectively, the material cost is decreased by 7.1%, and the weight is reduced by 5.54%.
In/exclusion in fashion discourse: Are we in or out?
Authors: Pilyarchuk Kateryna
Published: March 2024

This article analyzes the conceptual framing of inclusion and exclusion in fashion discourse, discussing how women are denied or restricted the access to the bounded space of fashion based on a part of their identity, be it their race, religion, disability, gender identification, body weight, or social class. It relies on the data corpus is 1061 Vogue articles, collected between July 2019 and June 2020 and analyzed qualitatively. The current study complements ample research on the container metaphor in political discourse and aims to open a debate on the role of this metaphorical model in a so far largely overlooked discourse of fashion. Drawing on the Conceptual Metaphor Theory and Critical Discursive Psychology, I demonstrate how the container metaphor pinpoints the repertoire of inclusivity, problematizes the dichotomous relationship between the center and periphery of the fashion industry, and normalizes roles of insiders and outsiders in fashion.
Transplantation and Noninvasive Longitudinal In Vivo Imaging of Parathyroid Cells: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Bränström Robert , van Krieken Pim P. , Fröbom Robin , Juhlin C. Christofer , Shabo Ivan , Leibiger Barbara , Leibiger Ingo B. , Berggren Per-Olof , Aspinwall Craig A.
Published: March 2024

The parathyroid cell is a vital regulator of extracellular calcium levels, operating through the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Despite its importance, the regulation of PTH secretion remains complex and not fully understood, representing a unique interplay between extracellular and intracellular calcium, and hormone secretion. One significant challenge in parathyroid research has been the difficulty in maintaining cells ex vivo for in-depth cellular investigations. To address this issue, we introduce a novel platform for parathyroid cell transplantation and noninvasive in vivo imaging using the anterior chamber of the eye as a transplantation site. We found that parathyroid adenoma tissue transplanted into the mouse eye engrafted onto the iris, became vascularized, and retained cellular composition. Transplanted animals exhibited elevated PTH levels, indicating a functional graft. With in vivo confocal microscopy, we were able to repetitively monitor parathyroid graft morphology and vascularization. In summary, there is a pressing need for new methods to study complex cellular processes in parathyroid cells. Our study provides a novel approach for noninvasive in vivo investigations that can be applied to understand parathyroid physiology and pathology under physiological and pathological conditions. This innovative strategy can deepen our knowledge on parathyroid function and disease.
“Externalizing the Internalized:” Exploring Externalizing Conversations in Narrative Therapy with Adolescents and Young Adults in the Indian Context
Authors: Jagatdeb Soumya , Mishra Sanjana , Bajpai Thwisha , Sen Shelja
Published: March 2024

People who seek therapy often view the problems they are experiencing as reflections of something internal, which could lead to a sense of helplessness over the problem, ideas of blame, and negative self-worth. Narrative therapy is a respectful, non-blaming approach to therapy that centers people as the experts in their own lives and views problems as separate from people. Externalizing conversations are a facet of narrative therapy that seek to separate individuals from these “internalized” understandings or ideas of a problem, place the problem in the social context, and construct preferred stories that align with their values and skills to re-author problem stories. The problem stories people bring into therapy may often focus on perceived failures, weaknesses, or feeling overwhelmed with the problem. Externalizing conversations can play a role in deconstructing these narratives and therefore challenge the negative perceptions of self and identity associated with the problem.

The stories presented in this article by three narrative practitioners working in the Indian context revolve around their therapeutic work with three young people, with a focus on the use of externalizing conversations to de-pathologize LGBTQIA+ identities, work with experiences of violence and abuse without retraumatization, and deconstruct the diagnosis of ADHD. Here, externalizing conversations serve as a framework to deconstruct ideas of internalized blame, shame, and guilt for young people with different problems, ages, and socio-cultural contexts. Weaving these distinct stories together and reflecting on the use of externalizing conversations in the therapeutic context, this article seeks to explore and discuss dominant ideas about problem stories and therapeutic intervention and create paths to reauthored stories with a focus on individual agency and social justice.
From Ecosystems to Advicescapes: Business, Development and Advice in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
Authors: Lewis David , Bowers Rebecca , Heslop Luke , Tawfic Simon
Published: March 2024

The provision of entrepreneurship advice is a growing feature of private sector development in South Asia but has so far received little attention from researchers. The article explores the theme of business advice in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, drawing on recent ethnographic fieldwork among advice seekers to explore the significance of low-income households of business advice within the unfolding processes of both marketization and state support. It offers a theoretical innovation in the concept of ‘advicescape’, supported by ethnographic materials conveying local-level perspectives and experiences of business advice users. Despite the growth of a complex business support ecosystem in each country, the article finds that many such people are falling through the cracks, in that they face problems accessing advice, find its quality variable and instead rely heavily on informal advice. It ends with reflections on the now dominant business-and-development approach, including a brief observation on improving the inclusivity and effectiveness of entrepreneurship advice.
Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Takayasu’s Arteritis: 10 Years Retrospective Study at Tertiary Centre in South India
Authors: Devi Kallur Sailaja , Shah Anisha Satish , Tarakeswari Surapaneni , Manokanth Madapu , Usha G.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Takayasu’s arteritis (TA) is a rare medical disorder of probable immune aetiology which complicates pregnancy. It affects younger women predominantly and may have a significant impact on maternal and foetal health.

Aim:

To study the maternal and perinatal outcomes among pregnant women with TA, attending a dedicated obstetric hospital in South India.

Method:

It is a retrospective observational study done at Fernandez Hospital, Hyderabad, with 10,000 births per annum. All women with TA-complicating pregnancies who were birthed from 2005 to 2022 were included. American College of Rheumatology criteria were used for the diagnosis of TA. The primary outcome of interest was to analyse the type of TA, maternal and foetal outcomes in pregnant women with TA. The secondary outcome of interest was to compare foetal outcomes between pregnancies managed at Fernandez Hospital (group A) versus previous pregnancies managed elsewhere (group B).

Results:

During the study period, there were 119,053 births of which 38 women had TA, with a total of 92 pregnancies, of which 59 pregnancies were in group A and 33 pregnancies in group B. Type 4 was the commonest seen in 44% of women. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were seen in 67.7% of women. The live birth rate was 84%, miscarriages were 10% and 5% of women had stillbirths. Caesarean section rate was 59.3%. There was one maternal mortality.

Conclusions:

TA should be considered in young women with secondary hypertension. Maternal and foetal outcomes are good with appropriate diagnosis, treatment and management of complications.
Prevalence and Clinical Associations of Anti-C1q Antibodies in Paediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Indian Children
Authors: Vettiyil George , Anu Punnen K.  , Prakash John Jude , Jayaseelan Visalakshi , Kumar Sathish
Published: March 2024

Background:

Paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) is a heterogeneous, chronic autoimmune disease characterised by multi-system inflammation and the production of antibodies-directed self-antigens. Anti-C1q has been associated with SLE as well as other connective tissue diseases. They have been considered as a marker for disease activity and the presence of nephritis.

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence of anti-C1q antibodies in the paediatric SLE and to determine clinical associations of elevated anti-C1q antibody levels, especially with lupus nephritis.

Methods:

All consecutive children with SLE on treatment with immunosuppressive drugs attending our clinic were recruited. After obtaining informed consent, blood samples were tested for anti-C1q antibodies by a commercially available ELISA kit. The prevalence of anti-C1q and its association with lupus nephritis were determined.

Results:

Out of a total 150 children with SLE, anti-C1q positivity was present in 95 children (64%), at a cut-off value of 20 U/mL. Children with proteinuria, low C3, low C4 and anti-dsDNA positivity had significantly more anti-C1q antibody positivity. Children with lupus nephritis were significantly more likely to have anti-C1q antibody positivity than children without renal involvement (74% vs. 51%, p = .02). Among the children with lupus nephritis, children with active renal disease were more likely to have anti-C1q positivity than in children with quiescent disease (88% vs. 53%, p = .002). Anti-C1q antibodies had a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 54% at a cut-off value of 22 U/L for renal disease in pSLE.

Conclusion:

In our study, children with lupus nephritis were significantly associated with elevated anti-C1q antibodies, and children with active renal disease had higher anti-C1q positivity than those with quiescent disease. Anti-C1q levels showed significant associations with low C3, low C4 and anti-dsDNA positivity. Anti-C1q levels did not show significant associations with clinical features of SLE like malar rash, arthritis and CNS involvement. Anti-C1q antibody titres were found to have a positive correlation with renal disease and hence could be used as an adjunctive biomarker in monitoring the disease activity in children with lupus nephritis.
Estimation of Urinary C-terminal Telopeptide of Type II Collagen and its Correlation with Radiological Grading, Pain, and Function in Patients with Primary Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Authors: Nongmaithem Romi Singh , Lisham Ranjankumar Singh , Jotin Yengkhom , Shahin Kannamthodi Erumbanottil , Obit Jerang
Published: March 2024

Objective:

To estimate the level of urinary C-terminal telopeptide of type II collagen (uCTX-II) as a biomarker of cartilage turnover and to determine its correlation with radiological grading, pain, and functions of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2017 and August 2019 on 102 patients suffering from knee OA. Detailed demographic data were collected. uCTX-II level was measured for each patient. Radiological grading, pain and functional assessments were performed using Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading, visual analogue scale (VAS), and Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).

Results:

The mean age of 62.3 (6.4) years and most patients (n = 56, 54.9%) were 61–70 years old. Females constituted 80.4% (n = 82). Among the occupations, housewives were more affected (55.9%, n = 57). Out of 102 patients, 32 (31.4%) had VAS pain 4, 25 (24.5%) had 5 and 45 (44.1%) had 6; 9 (8.8%) had K-L score 1, 51 (50%) had 2, 41 (40.2%) had 3 and 1 (1%) had 4; 35(34.3%) had WOMAC score <30, 59 (57.8%) had 30–40, and 8 (7.8%) had >40; 55 ( 53.9%) had uCTX-II level <50 ng/mmole, 25 (24.5%) had between 50 and 200 ng/mmole and 22 (21.6%) had >200 ng/mmole. There was a positive correlation between uCTX-II and WOMAC ( P = .006) and VAS ( P = .042).

Conclusion:

The present study findings highlighted that higher levels of uCTX-II were associated with higher levels of pain and greater difficulty with daily activities (measured by WOMAC disability score). This suggests that uCTX-II could be a useful biomarker for monitoring cartilage turnover in patients with knee OA and its relationship with pain and functional abilities.
Skin Changes in Lupus Erythematosus: A Concise Review Lupus Erythematosus and Skin-demystifying the Features
Authors: Gupta Smriti , Kumaran Muthu Sendhil
Published: March 2024

Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterised by the formation of various autoantibodies, leading to the involvement of numerous organ systems like the nervous system, renal system, and cutaneous involvement. Cutaneous involvement is the second most common manifestation after musculoskeletal involvement and can range from minor involvement to severe disabling sequelae. The type of skin manifestation can sometimes predict the underlying systemic involvement, as most patients of acute lupus erythematosus have concomitant systemic involvement in contrast to limited chronic cutaneous LE, which has a low incidence of systemic involvement. The cutaneous manifestations have been included in the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) and American College of Rheumatology criteria for ease in diagnosing lupus erythematosus patients. Herein, we present a review of various cutaneous manifestations seen in association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and their specific management, which can ease the early diagnosis of the patients and triage the patients that will need close follow-up for systemic involvement.
Book review: Erich Schwartzel, Red Carpet: Hollywood, China and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy
Authors: Singh Gunjan
Published: March 2024

Erich Schwartzel, Red Carpet: Hollywood, China and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy (New York: Penguin Press, 2022), pp. 400, ₹1350 (Hardcover), ISBN-13: 978-1984878991.
Development of a Risk Score to Predict Short-term Smoking Relapse Following an Inpatient Smoking Cessation Intervention
Authors: Shin Hwang Sik , Park Yoon Hyung , Lee Sung Soo , Cho Yong Jin , Kwon Jun Tack , Chang Youngs , Lee Mee-Ri , Hwangbo Young
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting smoking relapse and to develop predictive models among Korean national 5-day smoking cessation program participants. The subjects were 518 smokers and follow-up was continued for 6 months after discharge. A predictive logistic model and risk score were developed from the multivariate logistic models and compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve [AUC]). The smoking relapse rate within 6 months after program participation was 38.4%. The AUCs of the logistic regression model and risk score model were similar (odds ratio [OR] = 0.69; 0.69, respectively) in the development data set, and those of the risk score model were similar between the development and validation data sets (OR = 0.68). The risk score used by the six risk factors could predict smoking relapse among participants who attended a 5-day inpatient smoking cessation program.
Traditional and Social Media Usage Associated With COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Sapporo, Japan
Authors: Sunohara Satoshi , Asakura Toshiaki R. , Kimura Takashi , Saijo Masayuki , Tamakoshi Akiko
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to determine the relationship between specific information source usage and uptake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. We analyzed 3348 participants aged 20 to 65 years who were not diagnosed with COVID-19 in a case-control study in Sapporo, Japan. The most prevalent information source on COVID-19 was television (TV; 87.8%), followed by online news sites (74.3%), newspapers (38.7%), websites of public institutions (30.9%), and families (29.7%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the adjusted odds ratios of incompletion of second vaccinations for users of TV and newspaper to gather COVID-19 information were 0.31 and 0.32, respectively, whereas those for users of books, commercial video sites, Facebook, and “personal blog or bulletin board system” were 3.34, 2.22, 2.36, and 4.81, respectively. Social media use among older or male participants was associated with lower vaccine uptake.