bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommendations for Statistical Reporting in Cardiovascular Medicine: A Special Report From the American Heart Association
Authors: Althouse Andrew D. , Below Jennifer E. , Claggett Brian L. , Cox Nancy J. , de Lemos James A. , Deo Rahul C. , Duval Sue , Hachamovitch Rory , Kaul Sanjay , Keith Scott W. , Secemsky Eric , Teixeira-Pinto Armando , Roger Veronique L. ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Scientific Publishing Committee Statistics Task Force
Published: May 2021

Statistical analyses are a crucial component of the biomedical research process and are necessary to draw inferences from biomedical research data. The application of sound statistical methodology is a prerequisite for publication in the American Heart Association (AHA) journal portfolio. The objective of this document is to summarize key aspects of statistical reporting that might be most relevant to the authors, reviewers, and readership of AHA journals. The AHA Scientific Publication Committee convened a task force to inventory existing statistical standards for publication in biomedical journals and to identify approaches suitable for the AHA journal portfolio. The experts on the task force were selected by the AHA Scientific Publication Committee, who identified 12 key topics that serve as the section headers for this document. For each topic, the members of the writing group identified relevant references and evaluated them as a resource to make the standards summarized herein. Each section was independently reviewed by an expert reviewer who was not part of the task force. Expert reviewers were also permitted to comment on other sections if they chose. Differences of opinion were adjudicated by consensus. The standards presented in this report are intended to serve as a guide for high-quality reporting of statistical analyses methods and results.
De 德 in the Zuozhuan《左傳》
Authors: Pines Yuri
Published: May 2021

This article surveys the usages of the term de 德 in the Zuozhuan《左傳》. It demonstrates the term’s hermeneutical richness: de could refer to charismatic power, to political potency, to proper decorum, to mildness and kindness in domestic or interstate affairs, to individual morality, and so forth. Behind this richness, though, we may discern a clear predominance of political usages of de and paucity of references to de as personal moral virtue. Notably, Zuozhuan never refers to de in the context of moral self-cultivation. The article discusses the reasons for this peculiarity.
Revision of the Patagonian stiletto fly genus Pachyrrhiza Philippi (Therevidae: Agapophytinae)
Authors: IRWIN MICHAEL E. , WINTERTON SHAUN L.
Published: May 2021

In South America, the stiletto fly subfamily Agapophytinae (Diptera: Therevidae) occurs predominantly in the Patagonian region where it is represented by four genera: Pachyrrhiza Philippi, Melanothereva Malloch, Entesia Oldroyd and Sigalopella Irwin & Winterton. Here we revise the genus Pachyrrhiza with an additional four new species described and figured.
Erebonyx catacumbae, n. gen. et sp.: a blind, troglobitic cricket from Brazil (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Phalangopsidae)
Authors: DE MELLO FRANCISCO DE A. G. , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: May 2021

Erebonyx catacumbae, new genus and species of a troglobitic phalangopsid cricket are described from Brazil. Few specimens were collected from a limestone cave located in the municipality of Campo Formoso, northern State of Bahia, in a semi-arid zone characterized by the Caatinga vegetation. A brief discussion on troglomorphisms is provided, as well as some ecological remarks and potential threats for this species.
A new planthopper species in the genus Omolicna (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Derbidae) from the Reserva Privada el Silencio de Los Angeles Cloud Forest in Costa Rica
Authors: ECHAVARRIA MARCO A. ZUMBADO , BARRANTES EDWIN A. BARRANTES , BARTLETT CHARLES R. , HELMICK ERICKA E. , BAHDER BRIAN W.
Published: May 2021

Recent survey work on palms in Costa Rica has resulted in the discovery of several new species of Derbidae, especially in the Cenchreini. During a recent expedition, specimens collected by light trapping at the Hotel Villa Blanca (cloud forest) were determined to be a novel species of Omolicna Fennah. Sequence data was generated for the novel taxon for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S loci. Pairwise analyses and phylogenetic analyses support placement of the novel taxon in Omolicna.
Forecast of low clouds over a snow surface in the Arctic using WRF model
Authors: Hagman M. , Svensson G. , Angevine W.M.
Published: May 2021

The Swedish Armed Forces configuration of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) has problems in forecasting low clouds in stably stratified conditions when the ground is covered by snow. Reforecasts for January and February 2018, together with observations from Sodankylä in northern Finland, are analyzed to find the cause. The investigation is done iteratively between the Single Column Model (SCM), applied at Sodankylä, and the full 3D version. Our experiments show that the forecast error arises due to inadequate initialization of Stratocumulus (Sc) clouds in WRF using the ECMWF global model, Integrated Forecast System (IFS). By including bulk liquid water and bulk ice water content, from IFS in the initial profile, the downwelling long wave radiation increases and prevents the near surface temperature from dropping abnormally. This, in turn, prevents artificial clouds from forming at the first model level. When no clouds are present in the IFS initial profile, the Sc clouds can be initialized using information from the observed vertical profiles. Generally, initialization of Sc clouds in WRF improves the forecast substantially.
Airway Management in Substernal Goiter Surgery
Authors: Tasche Kendall K. , Dorneden Ashley M. , Swift William M. , Boyd Nathan H. , Shonka David C. , Pagedar Nitin A.
Published: May 2021

Objective(s):

To review the experience of 3 hospitals with airway management during surgery for substernal goiter and identify preoperative factors that predict the need for advanced airway management techniques.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review between 2009 and 2017 of patients with substernal goiter treated surgically at 1 of 3 hospitals was performed.

Results:

Of the 179 patients included in the study, 114 (63.7%) were female, the mean age was 55.1 years (range 20-87). Direct laryngoscopy or videolaryngoscopy was successful in 162 patients (90.5%), with fiberoptic intubation used for the remaining 17 patients. Thirty-one patients (17.4%) required >1 intubation attempt; these patients had larger thyroids (201.3 g, 95% CI 155.3-247.2 g) than those intubated with 1 attempt (144.7 g, 95% CI 127.4-161.9 g, P = .009). Those who required >1 attempt had higher BMI (38.3, 95% CI 34.0-42.6 vs. 32.9, 95% CI 31.5-34.3, P = .02). Mallampati score was found to be a predictor of >1 attempt, though tracheal compression and tracheal shift were not found to be predictors of >1 attempt, nor was the lowest thyroid extent. BMI was the only independent factor on multivariable logistic regression of needing >1 attempt (odds ratio 1.056, 95% CI 1.011-1.103, P  = .015).

Conclusions:

The majority of patients undergoing surgery for substernal goiter can be intubated routinely without the need for fiberoptic intubation. Thyroid-specific factors such as lowest thyroid extent and mass effect of the gland on the trachea do not appear to be associated with difficult intubation, whereas classic patient factors associated with difficulty intubation are.

Level of evidence:

VI
The Clinical Value of Periventricular White Matter Hyperintensity on MRI in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Lee Jung Woo , Kim Deoksu , Lee Seokhwan , Choi Sung-Won , Kong Soo-Keun , Hwangbo Lee , Lee Jae Il , Oh Se-Joon
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

To assess the clinical value of periventricular white matter hyperintensity (PWMH) found on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Methods:

In this prospective study, 115 patients who were diagnosed with SSNHL aged between 55 and 75 years were analyzed. All subjects underwent brain MRI and were divided into a PWMH and control groups, depending on the presence of PWMH on MRI. PWMH was subdivided into 3 groups according to severity. Pure-tone average results and hearing gain were compared between the 2 groups before treatment and 2 months after treatment. Hearing improvement was assessed using Sigel’s criteria.

Results:

A total of 106 patients (43 in the PWMH group and 63 in the control group) finally completed the 2-month follow-up. Average hearing gain in the PWMH group was significantly higher than in the control group (34.8 ± 20.3 and 25.9 ± 20.3, respectively, P = .029). PWMH score 1 showed significantly better hearing levels and hearing gain compared to PWMH score 3 and the control group. Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age, better initial hearing level, and the presence of PVWM score 1 were associated with good recovery.

Conclusions:

The presence of PWMH score 1 on brain MRI in patients with SSNHL was associated with better treatment response and was a good prognostic factor in a multivariate analysis while the hearing recovery in more severe PWMH (scores 2, 3) was not different from the control group.
Implications of Brexit for Skilled Migration from India to the UK
Authors: Chanda Rupa , Betai Neha Vinod
Published: May 2021

In June 2016, the United Kingdom took the world by surprise with the results of its referendum on whether to remain in the European Union (EU). With a 52% majority, the country decided to leave the bloc in which it had been a member since 1973. With this outcome began the long process of Brexit negotiations between UK and the EU. The UK officially ceased to be an EU member on 31 January 2020, with a transition period up to the end of 2020. The decision to leave the EU came on the back of rising bitterness among people. Membership in the EU was seen as expensive and not beneficial to the country. One of the major campaigning points of the leave camp was the issue of immigration. Given that free movement of people is an important part of being in the EU, the party argued that leaving the EU would help the country take back control of its borders. Immigration in the UK has been on the rise since the early 2000s. It shot up further with the accession of the eight East European economies into the EU. Figure 1 shows how, leading up to Brexit, immigration from the EU to the UK was constantly increasing.

JEL Codes: F00, F30, F22, F23
Selenium in wastewater can be adsorbed by modified natural zeolite and reused in vegetable growth
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Li Xinyuan , Jin Zihao , Tumrani Sadam Hussain , Ji Xiaodong
Published: May 2021

Modified natural zeolites (MNZ) are widely used in pollutant removal, but how to address these MNZ that have adsorbed pollutants must be considered. Selenium is an essential trace element for metabolism and is also a water pollutant. Selenium is adsorbed in the water by MNZ in this study first. Then the Brassica chinensis L. was planted in the soil which contains the MNZ loaded with selenium (MNZ-Se) to explore selenium uptake. MNZ-Se release tests in water and soil were also considered. The results showed the following: (1) The maximum adsorption capacity of MNZ for selenium is 46.90 mg/g. (2) Water release experiments of MNZ-Se showed that regardless of how the pH of the aqueous solution changes, the trend of the release of selenium from MNZ-Se in aqueous solution is not affected and first decreases before stabilizing. (3) Soil release experiments of MNZ-Se showed that the selenium content in the soil increased and reached the concentration in the standard of selenium-rich soil. Addition amount and soil pH value will affect the release ratio. The release ratio of MNZ-Se in the water was higher than that in the soil. (4) With an increase in the soil MNZ-Se content, the selenium content in the soil and B. c increases. Above all, MZN can be a good medium for water pollutant removal and soil improvement.
The use of saliva steroids (cortisol and DHEA-s) as biomarkers of changing stress levels in people with dementia and their caregivers: A pilot study
Authors: Theorell Tores , Engström Gabriella , Hallinder Helena , Lennartsson Anna-Karin , Kowalski Jan , Emami Azita
Published: May 2021

The rationale was to explore the efficacy/sensitivity of using morning and evening cortisol levels as biomarkers for stress reduction in persons with dementia (PWDs) and their family caregivers (FCGs) participating in a music intervention program. Thirty-two PWD and their FGC were recruited to an 8-week, home-based music intervention program. Daily home-based collection of saliva samples took place at bedtime and upon awakening. Cortisol was analyzed in the morning and evening saliva samples and DHEA-s in the morning samples. Trends over 40 workdays (15–40 observations per subject) were assessed using linear regression analysis. Twenty-three PWD (72% of invited, 16 men and 7 women, age 69–93) and 24 caregivers (75%, 8 men and 16 women, age 37–90) completed the intervention for at least 6 weeks and were included in the analysis. One-fourth of the PWD and FCG had decreasing evening cortisol, accompanied by decreasing morning cortisol levels. In one-fourth of the participants the ratio between cortisol and DHEA-S in the morning samples was improved, indicating improved balance between energy mobilization and regeneration. Several participants showed no significant endocrine change. There was a statistically significant (two-sided test) correlation within the PWD-caregiver dyads in evening cortisol trend and a statistically significant decrease (two-sided test) in the morning-evening cortisol slope for the FCG group. Reduction in stress, as measured by evening cortisol, was observed in a substantial number of the participants. Recording endocrine stress is helpful for the unbiased assessment of the intervention.
The structured modeling framework of anaerobic digestion in Modelica: development of ADMLib package
Authors: Abdalah Mariela
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the development of ADMLib, a new high-productivity and efficient Modelica package to model and simulate anaerobic digestion systems inside the structured modeling framework. Library components were organized into subpackages to encompass growth kinetics, non-biochemical reaction kinetics, acid-base, heat transfer, and inhibition processes, as well as the characteristics of substances and gas phase. A validation of the dynamic behavior response was performed where the implemented functions were used to simulate different bibliographic models. A brief performance analysis was carried out, in order to evaluate the component-based approach of ADMLib against the traditional differential algebraic equation (DAE) systems. The implementation testing demonstrated that the developed package was reliable, usable, and performant.
Impoverished Single Mother Households and Violent Delinquency: Bonding, Negative, and Bridging Social Capital
Authors: De Coster Stacy , Heimer Karen , Sanchagrin Kenneth
Published: May 2021

This paper develops an economic and social capital model linking single mothering in poverty to adolescent violence. Our model focuses on bonding social capital within parent-child relationships, negative social capital in delinquent peer groups, and bridging social capital residing in youths’ friendship networks. Our research is the first to consider that the family experiences of adolescents’ peers affect adolescent violence. We test hypotheses using the Add Health, finding that peer networks are a source of bridging social capital through which collective parenting helps explain youth violence as well as the links between family structural (dis)advantages and youth violence.
CEOs’ Regulatory Focus and Risk-Taking When Firms Perform Below and Above the Bar
Authors: Mount Matthew P. , Baer Markus
Published: May 2021

Both upper echelons theory and the behavioral theory of the firm (BTOF) have made important contributions to our understanding of the drivers of managerial risk-taking. Yet, how the individual- and organizational-level mechanisms espoused by these theories act in concert to determine risk-taking is not well understood. In this paper, we draw on regulatory focus theory as a fulcrum to bridge these two levels of analyses and integrate insights from both theoretical traditions. Consistent with the BTOF, we argue that promotion-focused CEOs engage in increased (decreased) risk-taking under conditions of performance below (above) aspirations. In contrast to the predictions of the BTOF, however, we predict that prevention-focused CEOs engage in increased (decreased) risk-taking under conditions of performance above (below) aspirations. We find support for these arguments in a large sample of CEOs from publicly listed U.S. firms and discuss the implications of our findings for both theory and practice.
Review of Ecological Approach Factors Affecting Physical Activity among Older People
Authors: Noh Wonjung , Kim Ka Young
Published: May 2021

This review aimed to investigate factors affecting physical activity among older people at the individual, social, and environmental levels based on an ecological approach. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Korean databases to identify all relevant studies that examined physical activity of older people using an ecological approach. Individual factors included socio-demographic characteristics, physical function components, and subjective health perceptions. Social factors included intimate relationships and social support. Environmental factors included physical living conditions, movement-related components, and policies and programs that affect the environment. This review analyzed the factors affecting physical activity of older people in three levels based on the ecological approach. This result provides a basis for managing, preventing, and promoting physical activity in older people based on an ecological approach and highlights the importance of environmental factors for improving physical activity among older people when applying foundational data for health prevention and management.
Prediction of Hearing Preservation in Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery According to Tumor Size and Anatomic Extension
Authors: Bozhkov Yavor , Shawarba Julia , Feulner Julian , Winter Fabian , Rampp Stefan , Hoppe Ullrich , Doerfler Arnd , Iro Heinrich , Buchfelder Michael , Roessler Karl
Published: May 2021

Objective

Vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery is feasible for various tumor sizes that are inappropriate for wait and scan or radiosurgery. The predictive value of 2 grading systems was investigated for postoperative hearing preservation (HP) in a large series.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Setting

Neurosurgical patient database of the University of Erlangen was queried between 2014 and 2017.

Methods

Retrospective single‐center analysis on 138 VSs operated on via a retrosigmoidal approach. The mean tumor size was 20.4 mm (SD, 7.6 mm) with fundal infiltration in 67.4%. The overall resection rate was 93.5%. Tumors were classified preoperatively by the 3‐tier Erlangen grading system depending on size or the anatomically based 4‐tier Koos grading system.

Results

Preoperative hearing preservation was found in 70.3% of patients and was significantly correlated to tumor size (P =. 001). For Erlangen grading, a mean postoperative serviceable hearing preservation rate of 32% was achieved: 83.3% for tumors <12 mm, 30.3% for tumors between 12 and 25 mm, and 5.3% for tumors >25 mm. In contrast, according to Koos grading, postoperative serviceable hearing preservation was 100% for grade 1 tumors (meatal), 35.6% for grade 2 (cisternal), 23.1% for grade 3 (brainstem contact), and 21.7% for grade 4 (brainstem compression). Of the total cohort, 86% had normal or nearly normal postoperative facial function (House‐Brackmann grades 1 and 2).

Conclusion

Surgery on small VSs can achieve excellent hearing preservation. Different grading has a significant influence on and correlates with postoperative hearing preservation. Tumor size seems more important than anatomic relationship.
Closing camps
Authors: Weima Yolanda , Minca Claudio
Published: May 2021

Refugee camp geographies vary greatly; however, the most fleeting informal camps and decades-old institutional settlements have in common that they are meant to be temporary. While research on camps has been attentive to their spatialities, relatively little work has focused on closures. However, we consider the permanent possibility of closure as a constitutive element of life-in-the-camp. Closures, then, must be situated within the exclusionary landscapes in which states manage migrants custody, protection and displacement. We accordingly present camp closures as manifestations of sovereign power and the study of camp afterlives as key to critical understandings of camp geographies.
Time for change: Corporate conventions, space–time and uneven development
Authors: Fuller Crispian
Published: May 2021

The corporation remains a critical agent in the production of geographically uneven development. Furthermore, time is critical to the practices and deliberations taking place within corporations, yet it has been underappreciated within prominent economic geographical analyses. This article argues for the examination of the ‘black box’ of the corporation, as a site producing uneven development, and through which the temporalities of decision-making and deliberation are critical. Combined with the temporal insights of Harvey’s ‘social’ and ‘experiential’ space–times, conventions theory is utilised to elucidate the importance of the corporate deliberations and practices that come to produce uneven development. A conventions approach importantly provides a framework in which to examine the role of both conventionalised behaviours and how conventions are used in heterogeneous experiential space–time deliberations and decision-making and how this is interwoven with social spaces–times. Such an approach is critical in conceptualising the corporation as a deliberative social and experiential space–time series of sites and through which it is reified as a temporary instantiation.
Childhood during the Holodomor 1932–1933 in Ukraine (in the South of Ukraine)
Authors: Kuzovova Natalia
Published: May 2021

The article examines how the Great Famine 1932–1933 in Ukraine (Holodomor), which took more than 3.8 million (according to other estimates—6–8 million) innocent lives, affected the lives of children, adolescents, and youth. Ukrainian families were forced to choose survival strategies in extreme conditions. These strategies rarely considered the interests of children who lost financial support as their parents were arrested, exiled, or dead. As a result, children became homeless or even fell victim to cannibalism. Nevertheless, most of the children received parental care and support as parents made every effort to keep the family together.
Parents and Best Friends Perceived Reaction to Participant Deviance and Self-Reported Delinquency: Moderation by Sex and Mediation by Youth Attitude Toward Deviance in Mid- to Late Adolescence
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: May 2021

The current study set out to determine whether youth perceptions of parental and best friends’ likely reactions to their involvement in deviant behavior influenced their own attitude toward deviance (AD) and propensity for future delinquency. It also asked whether the effect was conditional on participant sex. Relationships between time-ordered measures of youth perceptions of mother, father, and best friends’ likely reactions to participant deviance, the youth’s own AD, and the youth’s level of participation in subsequent delinquency were tested in a sample of 3,880 adolescents (mean age = 15.33 years at the start of the study, 50.6% male). A moderated mediation path analysis revealed that perceived acceptance of participant deviance by the individual’s best friends predicted a rise in participant positive attitudes toward deviance, which, in turn, led to a rise in future delinquency. There was no effect, however, for mother or father perceived attitudes toward participant deviance. These results further revealed that the effect was moderated by sex and only significant in boys. From these results, it can be surmised that best friends’ perceived reactions to deviance may have an indirect effect on future delinquency of male youth by shaping and influencing the youth’s own AD.
A specialized picker with lower pick-up height for recovering pruning residues in orchards
Authors: Li Hui , Yang Xin , Yang Aiqian , Yang Shengnan , Zhang Yinan , Liu Junfeng
Published: May 2021

Most farmers use mulch machine to directly shred the branch pruning residues in orchards, which may cause the spread of diseases and pests to healthy branches. It is a good solution to use a machine to recover pruning residues and then transport them to a safe area for secondary utilization. However, effective collection of these residues still faces many technical challenges. In particular, the pruning residues in young orchards have the characteristics of many branches without secondary branches and close to the ground, it is difficult to collect. In this article, a specialized picker with lower pick-up height is proposed, which is more suitable for collecting pruning residues in young orchards. Firstly, an experiment platform for collecting branches is built. It is found that the pick-up height has a larger effect on the success rate than other factors. Secondly, an optimization platform with a user interface is also developed in Matlab, and the mono-factor analysis method is used to optimize the variable parameters of the mathematical model of spring-finger picker. Then, a set of non-inferior solution parameters is obtained. Finally, a picker on the square herbage baler is selected as an experimental prototype, and a core component Cam track is redesigned and fabricated according to the optimization results. Additionally, comparative tests are conducted between the original picker and the improved picker. The results show the latter is more than 30% higher than the former, even achieves 93.8% of success rate. This article can provide a theoretical basis for designing the branches pick-up device and the design method can also be widely used in other mechanisms of agricultural machines.
Study on wall-slip effect of magnetorheological fluid and its influencing factors
Authors: Wu Rongyu , Tang Hongjian , Fu Yunshan , Zheng Jinan , Lin Honglei , Huang Hui , Chen Shumei
Published: May 2021

The wall-slip effect is observed in areas with magnetorheological fluids (MRFs). A slip layer is formed, which reduces the friction between the solid particles and working surface that causes relative movement of the particles. This leads to errors in the measurement of rheological parameters and an inaccurate braking torque model. Thus, here, a rheometer with a sandpaper on the rotor is used to change the working surface roughness to analyze the wall-slip effect of the MRFs. Based on the experimental results, the influence patterns of wall-slip effect on fluid viscosity and yield stress are obtained. Furthermore, a MRF model is established that considers wall-slip effect, which is different from the conventional models. The model is employed to establish a magnetorheological (MR) braking torque model. To verify the braking torque model, a prototype was manufactured, and its mechanical properties were tested. When compared with a smooth rotor, the braking torque of MR brakes with rectangular grooves is increased. This confirms the existence of the wall-slip effect and shows that the wall-slip effect of MRF can be effectively suppressed by incorporating grooves on the rotor surface.
Correction factor of lumped parameter model for linearly tapered piezoelectric cantilever
Authors: Ismail Mai R , Omar Farag K , Ajaj Rafic , Ghodsi Mojtaba
Published: May 2021

Distributed parameter model (DPM) gives an accurate representation of the vibration response of piezoelectric cantilevers. Nevertheless, lumped parameter model (LPM) has been widely used because of its simple mathematical representation. However, researchers developed a correction factor for LPM because of its inaccurate power output prediction of the piezoelectric harvesters. The developed correction factors were limited to the rectangular and exponentially tapered piezoelectric beams because the DPM of other shaped beams are rather complicated to derive. This paper presents a correction factor for linearly tapered piezoelectric cantilever beam using a finite element model (FEM) approach. Validation of the developed FEM is accomplished using two analytical models from literature of rectangular and exponentially tapered shapes with tip mass. Results show an excellent agreement between the FEM and the related DPM. The FEM of a linearly tapered piezoelectric cantilever is then built and the error of using the uncorrected LPM for different tapered ratios is investigated. Correction factors of different taper ratios subjected to various tip masses are developed. Comparisons between the corrected LPM and the FEM verify the estimation of the correction factor. Results show that FEM approach can be used to enhance the accuracy of LPM of piezoelectric cantilever harvesters.
Ultra-low frequency broadband gap optimization of 1D periodic structure with dual power-law acoustic black holes
Authors: Sheng Hui , He Meng-Xin , Lyu Xiao-Fei , Ding Qian
Published: May 2021

The acoustic black hole (ABH) structure has gradually become a research hotspot in recent years due to its ascendant capacity of vibration attenuation and energy accumulation. To further improve the performance of vibration and noise reduction, the ultra-low frequency broadband gap of a one-dimensional structure embedded ABHs with power-law material properties is investigated in this paper. Based on the Euler-Bernoulli theory, the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM) is used to establish the dynamic model of the dual power-law ABH (DP-ABH) beam. The band structure results obtained by TMM and the finite element method are compared with each other to verify the ultra-low broadband gap of the structure. Comparison with the traditional ABH show that the ultra-low frequency performance of the DP-ABH is due to the enhanced local resonator properties with reduction of dual power-law local stiffness. Parameter analysis served as a guide for optimization is carried out and a method of combining NSGA-II and TMM is applied to optimize the ABH section with full parameters, to consider a trade-off between lower bandgaps and higher stiffness. The investigation shows that the ultra-low broadband gaps of the periodic DP-ABHs structure, which meets adequate stiffness requirements, can be designed by optimized configuration.
Further Thoughts on Natural Theology, Metaphysics, and Analogy
Authors: Duby Steven J.
Published: May 2021

In this article, I respond to each of the three authors who have engaged my book God in Himself. Regarding Gray Sutanto’s response, I offer comments on his effort to integrate Schleiermacher and Calvin on the human “feeling of dependence” and the sensus divinitatis and to draw upon the insights of Bonaventure to frame our natural knowledge of God. Regarding Scott Swain’s response, I seek to build on his thoughts about the necessary use of metaphysical concepts by considering some additional biblical material and by clarifying the way in which metaphysical concepts might be treated as developments of ordinary, common human knowledge of reality. Finally, regarding Dolf te Velde’s response, I seek to clarify further why I think Scotus and Aquinas may not be too far apart on the nature of theological predication and why I think Aquinas’ view of analogy and divine simplicity is still sufficient for confirming the veracity of Christian speech about God.
Increased Levels of Platelets and Endothelial-Derived Microparticles in Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation During Rivaroxaban Therapy
Authors: Lenart-Migdalska Aleksandra , Drabik Leszek , Kaźnica-Wiatr Magdalena , Tomkiewicz-Pająk Lidia , Podolec Piotr , Olszowska Maria
Published: May 2021

It is known that atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with the procoagulant state. Several studies have reported an increase of circulating microparticles in AF, which may be linked to a hypercoagulable state, atrial thrombosis and thromboembolism. We evaluated in our study alterations in both platelet (PMP, CD42b) and endothelial-derived (EMP, CD144) microparticle levels on anticoagulant therapy with rivaroxaban in nonvalvular AF. After administration of rivaroxaban, PMP levels were increased (median, [IQR] 35.7 [28.8-47.3] vs. 48.4 [30.9-82.8] cells/µL; P = 0.012), along with an increase in EMP levels (14.6 [10.0-18.6] vs. 18.3 [12.9-37.1] cells/µL, P < 0.001). In the multivariable regression analysis, the independent predictor of post-dose change in PMPs was statin therapy (HR −0.43; 95% CI −0.75,−0.10, P = 0.011). The post-dose change in EMPs was also predicted by statin therapy (HR −0.34; 95% CI −0.69, −0.01, P = 0.046). This study showed an increase in both EMPs and PMPs at the peak plasma concentration of rivaroxaban. Statins have promising potential in the prevention of rivaroxaban-related PMP and EMP release. The pro-thrombotic role of PMPs and EMPs during rivaroxaban therapy requires further study.
Coupling of regional geophysics and local soil-structure models in the EQSIM fault-to-structure earthquake simulation framework
Authors: McCallen David , Tang Houjun , Wu Suiwen , Eckert Eric , Huang Junfei , Petersson N Anders
Published: May 2021

Accurate understanding and quantification of the risk to critical infrastructure posed by future large earthquakes continues to be a very challenging problem. Earthquake phenomena are quite complex and traditional approaches to predicting ground motions for future earthquake events have historically been empirically based whereby measured ground motion data from historical earthquakes are homogenized into a common data set and the ground motions for future postulated earthquakes are probabilistically derived based on the historical observations. This procedure has recognized significant limitations, principally due to the fact that earthquake ground motions tend to be dictated by the particular earthquake fault rupture and geologic conditions at a given site and are thus very site-specific. Historical earthquakes recorded at different locations are often only marginally representative. There has been strong and increasing interest in utilizing large-scale, physics-based regional simulations to advance the ability to accurately predict ground motions and associated infrastructure response. However, the computational requirements for simulations at frequencies of engineering interest have proven a major barrier to employing regional scale simulations. In a U.S. Department of Energy Exascale Computing Initiative project, the EQSIM application development is underway to create a framework for fault-to-structure simulations. This framework is being prepared to exploit emerging exascale platforms in order to overcome computational limitations. This article presents the essential methodology and computational workflow employed in EQSIM to couple regional-scale geophysics models with local soil-structure models to achieve a fully integrated, complete fault-to-structure simulation framework. The computational workflow, accuracy and performance of the coupling methodology are illustrated through example fault-to-structure simulations.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy in Critically Ill Patients in Amman, Jordan
Authors: Emleek Eman Mahmoud Qasim , Khalil Amani Anwar
Published: May 2021

Background:

The disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is under-recognized in critically ill patients. The International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH; DIC) provides a useful scoring system for accurate DIC identification. The study investigated the period prevalence of ISTH DIC from 2015 to 2017 in critically ill patients.

Methods:

In this multi-center, retrospective observational study, we included all patients identified with a DIC code or medically diagnosed with DIC during all admissions. Based on ISTH DIC scores ≥ 5, patients were classified with overt DIC.

Results:

A total of 220 patients were included in this study. The period prevalence of DIC was 4.45%. The point prevalence of DIC has increased from 3.49% to 5.58% from 2015 to 2017 (27.7% female; median age 61.6 years). Based on the ISTH-Overt DIC criteria, 45.2% of the sample had sepsis. Overt DIC patients had significantly lower baseline hemoglobin (HB; t = 2.137, df = 193, p = 0.034), platelet count ( t = 3.591, df = 193, p < 0.001) and elevated serum creatinine level ( M = 2.1, SD = 1.5, t = 2.203, df = 193, p = 0.029) compared to non–Overt DIC. There was a statistically significant elevation in FDPs among Overt DIC compared to non–Overt DIC (χ2 = 30.381, df = 1, p < 0.001). Overt DIC patients had significantly prolonged PT ( U = 2,298, z = 5.7, p < 0.001), PTT ( U = 2,334, z = 2.0, p = 0.045) and INR ( U = 2,541, z = 5.1, p < 0.001) compared to those with non–Overt DIC.

Conclusion:

The ISTH overt-DIC score can be used in critically ill patients regardless of the underlying disease. Efforts are required to predict and identify overt DIC using a valid scoring system on admission and follow-up of adult patients admitted to ICU.
Body image profiles and exercise behaviours in early motherhood. A latent profile analysis
Authors: Raspovic Anita M , Hart Laura M , Zali Yager , Prichard Ivanka
Published: May 2021

Early motherhood may impact body image, and its relationship to exercise, potentially affecting mother and infant wellbeing. This study examined whether duration of weekly exercise differed according to body image profile (BIP) based on relative levels of body dissatisfaction and body appreciation. Survey data from 262 women, 0–5 years postpartum, were analysed. Latent profile analysis identified “average”, “dissatisfied” and “appreciative” BIPs. Significantly lower exercise was found in the dissatisfied compared to the appreciative BIP ( p  = 0 .005), with marginally lower exercise in the dissatisfied compared to the average BIP ( p  = 0.029 with adjusted α  = 0.02). This research has implications for designing targeted interventions supporting postpartum wellbeing.
Parental separation and offspring morbidity in adulthood: a descriptive study of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966
Authors: Varis Heidi , Hagnäs Maria , Mikkola Ilona , Nordström Tanja , Puukka Katri , Taanila Anja , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka
Published: May 2021

Aims: Rates of parental separation have increased dramatically in recent decades. We evaluated the association of individuals’ childhood family structure with their somatic health over 46 years of follow-up. Methods: Data were drawn from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort, an ongoing project in which 12,058 participants born in 1966 have been followed from their 24th gestational week. Based on information supplied at age 14 years, family structure was categorised as ‘single-parent family’ and ‘two-parent family’. The anthropometric information, data from blood samples and medical history were collected from postal questionnaires and clinical examinations routinely performed at the ages of 31 and 46 years. Results: The study population comprised a total of 10,895 individuals; 85% ( n=9253) were offspring of two-parent families and 15% ( n=1642) of single-parent families. Type 2 diabetes ( P=0.032) or prediabetes ( P=0.007), psychoactive drug problems ( P<0.001) and sexually transmitted diseases ( P<0.001) were more common in the single-parent family group than in the participants from two-parent families. In addition, among men back diseases ( P=0.002), and among women hypertension ( P=0.003) and ovary infection ( P=0.024) were more frequent in individuals affected by parental death than in those from two-parent families. Conclusions: Our results indicate the association of childhood family structure with offspring morbidity during 46 years’ follow-up. The lifetime morbidity was observed to be higher among offspring from a single-parent family compared to two-parent family offspring. Public and scientific concern about the consequences of parental separation on the offspring’ health exist, therefore support from healthcare professionals and society is warranted.
Container port throughput analysis and active management using control theory
Authors: Ngoc Cuong Truong , Xu Xiao , Kim Hwan-Seong , Nguyen Duy Anh , You Sam-Sang
Published: May 2021

This paper deals with three-dimensional (3D) model of competitive Lotka-Volterra equation to investigate nonlinear dynamics and control strategy of container terminal throughput and capacity. Dynamical behaviors are intensely explored by using eigenvalue evaluation, bifurcation analysis, and time-series data. The dynamical analysis is to show the stability with bifurcation of the competition and collaboration of multiple container terminals in the maritime transportation. Based on the chaotic analysis, the sliding mode control theory has been utilized for optimization of port operations under disruptions. Extensive numerical simulations have been conducted to validate the efficacy and reliability of the presented control algorithms. Particularly, the closed-loop system has been assessed through chaotic suppression and synchronization strategies for port management. Finally, the presented fundamental techniques can be utilized to provide managerial insights and solutions on efficient seaport operations that allow more timely and cost-effective decision making for port authorities in such a highly competitive environment.
Serum albumin is a predictor of respiratory hospitalization in patients with bronchiectasis
Authors: Ju Sunmi , Jeong Jong Hwan , Heo Manbong , Heo I Re , Kim Tae Hoon , Kim Ho Cheol , Yoo Jung-Wan , Cho Yu Ji , Jeong Yi Yeong , Lee Jong Deog , Lee Seung Jun
Published: May 2021

We evaluated serum albumin as an index for predicting respiratory hospitalization in patients with bronchiectasis. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 177 patients with bronchiectasis, categorized them into low and normal albumin groups, and compared their clinical characteristics. The prediction of respiratory hospitalization by factors such as serum albumin level, bronchiectasis severity index (BSI), and FACED score (an acronym derived from five variables of forced expiratory volume in 1 s; FEV1, age, chronic colonization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, extent of bronchiectasis, and dyspnea) was assessed. There were 15 and 162 patients categorized in the low and normal albumin groups, respectively. The low albumin group had lower body mass index and forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and higher age, frequency of previous respiratory hospitalization, percentage of Pseudomonas colonization, number of affected lobes, BSI and FACED scores, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level, than the normal albumin group. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of serum albumin level and BSI and FACED scores for predicting respiratory hospitalization were 0.732 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.647–0.816), 0.873 (95% CI, 0.817–0.928), and 0.708 (95% CI, 0.618–0.799), respectively. Albumin level, CRP, modified Medical Research Council score, and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (and other organisms) colonization were independent risk factors for respiratory hospitalization. Low serum albumin level was associated with worse clinical condition, higher severity scores, and respiratory hospitalization in patients with bronchiectasis.
Radiological urban threat due to special protective actions from security forces
Authors: Castro Mariana SC , Reis André Luiz Q , Stenders Ricardo M , Alves Isabela Santos , Amorim Jose Carlos C , Silva Ademir Xavier da , Andrade Edson R
Published: May 2021

The neutralization of suspicious objects by a conventional explosion in public places seems to be an option often considered by security forces. A radiological dispersive device (RDD) uses a radioactive material coupled to an amount of conventional explosive in order to contaminate an area. Extremist groups may take advantage of such protocol by leaving the radioactive material in public places to provoke suspicion, thus leading to the neutralization by an explosion, which in turn creates a RDD event. This work aims to discuss the influence of such a protocol in the radiological threat by means of computational simulation. The total maximum effective dose equivalent (TEDE Max), the Pasquill–Gifford atmospheric stability classes (PG classes), and the potentially affected population size were evaluated. The results consider two radionuclides Cs-137 and Sr-90. The findings allow us to infer that TEDE Max and surface contamination are strongly dependent on the PG classes. In addition, the affected population size depends on the plume size, which seems to be independent of the radionuclide, but not of the PG classes. Therefore, PG classes play a key role in the radiological threat. The findings may be of value to support decisions when facing an event.
Global Surgery Hackathons: A Case Study From Pakistan
Authors: Butt Waqaas A. , Shariff Amir , Khan Sadaf , Mian Asad I.
Published: May 2021

Background. Hackathons aim to solve problems in a selected field by bringing together people from multiple domains and combining their expertise. Global surgery is an emerging field with a huge burden of disease and massive implications for bettering health care. In this study, we describe the first Global Surgery Hackathon held in Pakistan and analyze the impacts of the hack and post-hack incubation. Methods. This research study used data collected from a Hackathon held at the Aga Khan University (AKU) in Karachi, Pakistan, and progress from the post-hack incubation teams. Data were collected from applications, from sign-in attendance, via evaluation forms, and milestone tracking of the incubation teams. A list of factors such as sectors addressed by winning projects and grants received was made. Results. The evaluations provided by the participants were positive, with mean scores of 4.00 (SD = .78) out of 5 on a Likert scale. Pitches made (n = 69, 68%) by the 109 participants were sorted into 5 categories: workplace, access, quality, safety, and design. Fifteen teams were formed, out of which 5 were accepted for incubation. All teams had a minimum viable product at the one-year mark. Conclusion. Hackathons are a reliable way to come up with effective solutions for targeted problems in various areas of health care and using the methodology of a Hackathon, a pool of low-cost, innovative solutions can be generated. These solutions can definitely impact health outcomes, especially for the field of global surgery. Further statistics should be collected to affirm the incubated solutions’ impact.
‘What Was Your First Experience of a Videogame?’: The Fantasmatic Structure of Videogame Memory
Authors: Nicoll Benjamin
Published: May 2021

Videogame memories are not simply mental records of what happened in the past; they are also texts to be interpreted. Taking a psychoanalytic approach, this article conducts a textual analysis of 115 recorded acts of videogame memory from Checkpoints, a podcast that ran from 2015 to 2018. Analysing subjects’ responses to the question ‘what was your first experience of a videogame?’, it argues that what is absent from videogame memory – what cannot be remembered – has unconscious significance. What cannot be remembered gives rise to the fantasmatic structure of videogame memory. By mapping this fantasmatic structure across memories of the first videogame experience, authority figures, separation and individuation, and childhood fears and phobias, the article argues for the necessity of a psychoanalytic approach to videogame memory. Psychoanalysis pays close attention to the subjective dimension of our recollections – in this case, that which speaks beyond the historical content of videogame memory.