bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elastoplastic Analysis of Shear Behavior of Multicell Shaped Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Connection Based on Unified Theory
Authors: Chen Xi , Xue Jianyang
Published: May 2023

Connection between multicell shaped concrete-filled steel tube (MCFST) columns and steel beams gives full play of strength and properties of steel tube and core concrete and has many advantages in mechanical and seismic performance. Shear behavior of the connection is crucial to damage performance of special-shaped CFST structure under seismic load. However, few studies focused on shear behavior of the MCFST connection. This study investigates elastoplastic shear behavior of the MCFST connection. Nine specimens were tested under constant axial load and lateral low cyclic loading. The test results showed that as height to thickness ratio of column section increased, the plastic status of the stresses of the flange limb steel webs was obviously different from those of the web limb steel webs, and initial shear stiffness of the panel zone increased. In order to give analytical methods for shear behavior of the MCFST connection under compressive and shear force at the material level to engineers, according to unified theory the analytical model of MCFST composite material in the panel zone is equivalent to that of concrete-filled circular steel tube of web and flange limbs considering the difference of the stresses of the steel webs and interaction between the web and flange limbs. Based on the previous research and analysis of test results, migration and evolution are carried out from analytical models for shear behavior of the MCFST connection at the material level to that at the member level. The analytical expression of initial shear stiffness of the MCFST connection is derived, and the theoretical results correlate well with the experimental results. In addition, the analytical expression of shear stiffness of the MCFST connection in plastic hardening stage is obtained. The calculation formulas are proposed to predict the shear stiffness of the MCFST connection in the elastic and plastic hardening stages by geometrical parameters, material property parameters, and stress state of the steel webs.
Analytical Steady-State Model for the Free Radical Solution Copolymerization of Acrylonitrile and Vinyl Acetate and Their Charge-Transfer Complex in a Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor
Authors: Meza-Díaz Oscar , Tapia-Picazo Juan-Carlos , Bonilla-Petriciolet Adrian , Luna-Bárcenas Gabriel , Alcalá-Sánchez Daniel , Jaime-Leal José-Enrique , Herrera-Franco Pedro-Jesús
Published: May 2023

In this study, a mathematical model of the copolymerization of AN-VA in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) was developed considering charge-transfer complexes (CTCs). CTC formation between acrylonitrile (AN) and vinyl acetate (VA) was demonstrated using UV-VIS spectrophotometry and molecular orbital theory. The rate constants and equilibrium constants of the complexes were calculated from a model of the simultaneous participation of complexes and free monomers and the molar ratio method. Furthermore, the participation of CTCs in propagation was included because of their high reactivity. All the simultaneous equations defined to analyze the reactor parameters were analytically solved, and the results of the model were in terms of operative variables such as monomer conversion, average molecular weight, and the mole fraction of monomer 2 (i.e., VA) in the polymer formed. The results of the predictions of the developed model were compared with the experimental data for validation. This prediction was also compared with the reactor model solution without considering the CTC, which showed deviations that were more significant than those of the CTC model. These results represent a quantitative way to analyze the order of magnitude of the impact of the formation of the complexes in the analyzed polymerization system.
Mathematical Optimization on Hybrid Channel Pricing Digital Products in Two-Sided Market with Network Effect
Authors: Li Wei , He Yan-peng , Ma Shu-gang
Published: May 2023

In the two-sided market where the third-party platforms connect the providers and consumers, the online platforms become the significant distribution channel of digital products; therefore, the digital product firms face the hybrid channel pricing problem in the two-sided market in which the products are launched through the platform channel and the existing direct channel. Because the network externality effect is the significant economic characteristic of digital products and services, the current work presents the models of consumers’ utility obtained by adopting digital products from the direct and platform channels, and the utility models use the network effect in the direct and platform channels as the parameters. The optimization model on pricing is derived from the utility models and solved mathematically. The closed-form solutions show that the price in the direct channel is supposed to be lower than that in the platform channel, while the prices of digital products would be affected by the network effect only when the products are distributed through the direct channel. The comparative statics analysis on the network effect illustrates that the network effect in the direct channel and the platform channel would, respectively, have the positive and negative impact on the products’ prices and the firms’ profit. The current work explores the hybrid channel pricing problem and provides insights for the digital product firms on the optimal pricing decision in the context of the emerging platform economy.
Robust Control for Stochastic Nonlinear Delay Systems with Jumps
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Bai Xingzhen
Published: May 2023

The problem of infinite horizon H∞ control for general delayed nonlinear stochastic Markov jump systems with the infinite jumping parameters is considered in this paper, in which the noise is dependent on the state, control, and external disturbance. The coupled Hamilton–Jacobi inequalities (HJIs)‐based sufficient condition is given to ensure the existence of the H∞ controller. As a corollary, infinite horizon H∞ controllers are designed for nonlinear stochastic time‐delay systems without jumps by solving a series of coupled HJIs. Besides, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a numerical example.
Florfenicol and Florfenicol Amine Quantification in Bull Serum and Seminal Plasma by a Single Validated UHPLC‐MS/MS Method
Authors: Bardhi Anisa , Romano Juan E. , Pagliuca Giampiero , Caneschi Alice , Barbarossa Andrea
Published: May 2023

Florfenicol is a broad‐spectrum antibiotic belonging to the amphenicols class that inhibits protein synthesis by binding to bacteria′s ribosomal subunits. This drug is commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infectious diseases in cattle, swine, poultry, and fish. The proposed method uses a quick protein precipitation with acetonitrile for the extraction of florfenicol and florfenicol amine in serum and seminal plasma, followed by analysis in UHPLC‐MS/MS for their simultaneous quantification. A BEH C18 reversed‐phase column was chosen for analyte separation, allowing to obtaining sharp and symmetrical peak shapes in a chromatographic run of just 3.5 min under programmed conditions. Two specific transitions were observed for each analyte, and florfenicol‐d3 was used as the internal standard. The approach was fully validated in each matrix over ranges suitable for field concentrations of florfenicol and florfenicol amine, showing good linearity during each day of testing (R2 always >0.99). Excellent accuracy and precision were demonstrated, for both analytes, by calculated bias always within ±15% and CV% always below 15% at all QC levels tested. The satisfactory outcomes obtained during recovery, matrix effect, and process efficiency investigations in serum and seminal plasma confirmed the strength of the method for the quantification of target compounds. To our knowledge, this is the first LC‐MS/MS‐validated approach for the quantification of florfenicol and florfenicol amine in serum and seminal plasma and was successfully applied for the determination of their concentration‐time profiles in bulls. This paves the way to understanding the pharmacokinetics of this antibiotic and its active metabolite in bull’s seminal plasma, which will enable the design of more appropriate treatment protocols.
Impact of Elevation Change on the Physicochemical Properties of Forest Soil in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Hailemariam Mesfin Belete , Woldu Zerihun , Asfaw Zemede , Lulekal Ermias
Published: May 2023

The assessment of the distribution of soil physicochemical properties provides basic information for our understanding of the soils to grow crops and sustain forests and grasslands. The changes in soil physicochemical properties along elevational gradients were studied in a less accessible Sida Forest, southern Ethiopia. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the distribution of soil physicochemical properties along the elevational gradients and to evaluate the fertility status of the soil. Data on soil physicochemical properties were collected from five points (four from each corner and one from the center) of the main plot. A pit of 20 cm × 20 cm was dug at a depth of 0–30 cm and a kilogram of composite soil samples was brought to the Wolkite Soil Testing Laboratory for physicochemical analysis. The results revealed that the physicochemical properties of the collected soil samples show a significant correlation with elevation changes. Sand had a significantly negative correlation and variation with elevation; it decreases as elevation increases with the rate of correlation (r = −0.44

∗
∗

,

P
≤
0.001

). However, silt had a nonsignificantly positive (r = 0.20,

P
<
0.079

) correlation to the elevation, while clay had a significantly positive correlation to elevation, and it increases as elevation increases with the rate of correlation coefficient (r = 0.40

∗
∗

,

P
≤
0.001

). Soil OC, OM, TN, CEC, and exchangeable Mg2+ had significant positive correlation to the elevation; they increase as elevation increases with the rate of correlation coefficient (r = 0.42

∗
∗

,

P
≤
0.001

), (r = 0.41

∗
∗

,

P
≤
0.001

), (r = 0.44

∗
∗

,

P
≤
0.001

), (r = 0.34

∗
∗

,

P
<
0.002

), and (r = 0.27

∗

,

P
<
0.014

), respectively. While BD, pH, EC, Av. P, exchangeable Ca2+, and exchangeable K+ had a nonsignificant negative correlation to the elevation, they decrease as elevation increases with the rate of correlation (r = −0.70

∗
∗

,

P
<
0.134

), (r = −0.20,

P
<
0.075

), (r = −0.05,

P
<
0.683

), (r = −0.04,

P
<
0.701

), (r = −0.04,

P
<
0.693

), and (r = −0.053,

P
<
0.693

), respectively. This study attempted to provide information on the impact of elevation on soil’s physicochemical properties. Given that, the soil’s physicochemical properties exhibit variation with elevation changes.
Lightweight APIT with Bat Optimization with Simulated Annealing Localization for Resource-Constrained Sensor Networks
Authors: Latha T. Swarna , Rekha K. Bhanu , Ferede Alachewn Wubie
Published: May 2023

In a wireless sensor network, information processing, and information acquisition, localization technology is the key to making it practically possible application. Approximate Point-in-Triangulation (APIT) is the most widely used localization estimation which has high accuracy in localizing the nodes and ease of deployment of nodes in the real-time environment. Though it has numerous key advantages, some of the drawbacks which make it a little setback in preference are the unevenness in the distribution of nodes. Tracking is more appropriate for mobile sensor nodes than tracking is for static sensor nodes. The two main types of localization algorithms are range-based and range-free techniques. In an indoor setting, the projected range (distance) between an anchor and an unknown node is very inaccurate. By utilizing a large number of already existing access points (APs) in the range-free localization approach, this issue can be overcome to a great extent. The utilization of multisensor data, such as magnetic, inertial, compass, gyroscope, ultrasonic, infrared, visual, and/or odometer, is stressed in recent research to further increase localization accuracy. The tracking system also makes location predictions for the future based on historical location data. To overcome this issue, the proposed localization algorithm of APIT with Bat-SA proves its efficiency. Due to its low localization error, the traditional Bat method is more accurate than APIT. The proposed Bat using the SA algorithm is found to perform better than the traditional APIT algorithm in terms of convergence of computing rate and success rate. In order to mimic the suggested APIT method, it is paired with the Bat-SA localization technique. Simulation evaluation proves the performance efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The performance metrics parameters are latency, node distribution map, positioning error map, and neighbor relationship diagram which are used to evaluate the proposed method.
Pharmacological Effects of Genistein on Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Jafari Shima , Shoghi Melika , Khazdair Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders that involve the heart or blood vessels and are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Natural products have several pharmacological activities, such as anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunoregulatory properties. This review summarizes the possible therapeutic effects of Genistein on CVD. The information from the current review study was obtained by searching for the keywords such as “Genistein”, “Cardiac dysfunction”, “hypertrophy”, and “Ischemia” “lipid profile” in different online database such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, until February 2022. The results of the studies showed that genistein intake has a promising effect on improving cardiac dysfunction, ischemia, and reperfusion of the heart, decreasing cardiac toxicity, modulating lipid profile, and lowering blood pressure. The preventive effects of genistein on experimental models of studies were shown through mechanisms such as anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. Pharmacological effects of genistein on cardiac dysfunction, cardiac toxicity, lipid profile, and hypertension indicate the possible remedy effect of this agent in the treatment of CVD.
An Overview of the Impact of Tillage and Cropping Systems on Soil Health in Agricultural Practices
Authors: Angon Prodipto Bishnu , Anjum Nafisa , Akter Mst. Masuma , KC Shreejana , Suma Rucksana Parvin , Jannat Sadia
Published: May 2023

There is currently a demand to grow more crops in less area as a result of urbanization’s reduction of agricultural land. As a result, soil fertility is gradually declining. To maintain soil fertility, various management methods are used in modern times. The conventional tillage method is a traditional tillage method that damages soil structure, but zero tillage can improve soil quality. By maintaining soil structure with no-tillage, biological processes are frequently improved and microbial biodiversity is increased. This review helps to understand the role of tillage as well as cropping systems in increasing crop production by maintaining soil fertility. For agricultural production and environmental protection to be sustained for future generations, soil quality must be maintained and improved in continuous cropping systems. The nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and microbial community are all impacted by different cropping systems and tillage methods. They also alter soil properties including structure, aeration, and water utilization. The impact of tillage and cropping system practices such as zero and conventional tillage systems, crop rotation, intercropping, cover cropping, cultivator combinations, and prairie strip techniques on soil fertility is carefully summarized in this review. The result highlights that conservational tillage is much better than conventional tillage for soil quality and different aspects of different tillage and their interaction. On the other hand, intercropping, crop rotation, cover cropping, etc., increase the crop yield more than monocropping. Different types of cropping systems are highlighted along with their advantages and disadvantages. Using zero tillage can increase crop production as well as maintain soil fertility which is highlighted in this review. In terms of cropping systems and tillage management, our main goal is to improve crop yield while minimizing harm to the soil’s health.
Neutrophil-Derived IL-6 Potentially Drives Ferroptosis Resistance in B Cells in Lupus Kidney
Authors: Wang Zechen , Shen Jiajia , Ye Kun , Zhao Jingjie , Huang Shaoang , He Siyuan , Qin Yujuan , Meng Lingzhang , Wang Jie , Song Jian
Published: May 2023

Ferroptosis resistance is vital for B cell development, especially in inflammatory diseases, yet the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, based on the scRNA-seq technique and flow cytometry, we discovered a proportion of neutrophils exhibited upregulated expression of the IL-6 and correlated with the expression of IL-6 receptor and SLC7A11 from B cells in lupus kidney. Moreover, we identified that in lupus kidney, neutrophils could provide IL-6 to facilitate ferroptosis resistance in B cells via SLC7A11, and inhibition of SLC7A11 could significantly enhance ferroptosis in B cells and could decrease B cell proliferation. This study helps understand the crosstalk between neutrophils and B cells in the kidney in the development of lupus.
Virgilian Criticism and the Intertextual Aeneid
Authors: Giusti Elena
Published: May 2023

This review article of Joseph Farrell’s 2021 monograph on Virgil’s Aeneid (Juno’s Aeneid: A Battle for Heroic Identity, Princeton and Oxford) takes the cue from Farrell’s analysis of Virgil’s intertextuality with the Homeric epics and provides a methodological re-assessment of intertextuality in Virgilian studies and Latin literature more broadly. It attempts to retrace the theoretical history and some of the main applications of Latin intertextual studies and suggests some possible ways for Latinists to engage more profoundly with deconstructive criticism and post-critique.
Relationship Between High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio With Infarct-related Artery Patency in Patients With Non-ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Özkan Can , Karayiğit Orhan
Published: May 2023

The C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) has recently emerged as a marker for poor prognosis or mortality in various patient groups. This study aimed to examine the relationship between serum CAR and infarct-related artery (IRA) patency in 700 consecutive non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients prior to percutaneous coronary intervention. The study population was separated into 2 different groups according to preprocedural IRA patency as assessed by the degree of Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow. As a result, occluded IRA was defined as TIMI grade 0-1, while patent IRA was defined as TIMI grade 2-3. High CAR (Odds Ratio: 3.153 (1.249-8.022); P < .001) was found to be an independent predictor of occluded IRA. Additionally, CAR was positively correlated with the SYNTAX score, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and platelet/lymphocyte ratio; CAR was negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction. The highest cut-off value of CAR predicting occluded IRA was found to be .18 with 68.3% sensitivity and 67.9% specificity. The area under the curve for CAR was .744 (95% CI: .706-.781) after the receiver-operating characteristic curve assessment.
From COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy to Vaccine Acceptance: Results of a Longitudinal Survey
Authors: Fisher Kimberly A. , Nguyen Ngoc , Fouayzi Hassan , Crawford Sybil , Singh Sonal , Dong May , Wittenberg Ruth , Mazor Kathleen M.
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

COVID-19 vaccines are widely available, but uptake is suboptimal. To develop strategies to increase vaccination rates, we sought to (1) characterize adults initially hesitant to be vaccinated for COVID-19 who later received the vaccine and (2) identify factors associated with their vaccination decision.

Methods:

In January 2021, we conducted an online survey of US adults via Prolific that assessed vaccination intent, COVID-19–related knowledge and attitudes, and demographic characteristics. In May 2021, we recontacted respondents to assess vaccination status and factors influencing their vaccination decision. We used χ2 statistics and t tests to examine associations between respondents’ vaccination status and their characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes. We analyzed reasons for vaccination using thematic analysis.

Results:

Of 756 initially vaccine-hesitant respondents, 529 (70.0%) completed the follow-up survey. Nearly half of those initially not sure about vaccination (47.3%, 112 of 237) were vaccinated at follow-up, while 21.2% (62 of 292) of those initially planning not to be vaccinated were vaccinated at follow-up. Of those initially not sure, higher educational attainment, greater knowledge of COVID-19, and a doctor’s recommendation were associated with vaccination. Of those initially intending not to be vaccinated, male sex, Democratic political affiliation, receipt of an influenza shot within 5 years, being more worried about COVID-19, and having greater COVID-19 knowledge were associated with increased likelihood of being vaccinated. Of 167 respondents who gave reasons for vaccination, protecting oneself and others (59.9%), practical issues (29.9%), social influences (17.4%), and vaccine safety (13.8%) were the main reasons.

Conclusion:

Providing information on the protective value of vaccination, implementing rules that make remaining unvaccinated burdensome, making vaccination easy, and providing social support may influence vaccine-hesitant adults to accept vaccination.
An examination of acculturation, ethnic identity, discrimination, and offending among U.S. Hispanic persons
Authors: Centelles Vanessa , Powers Ráchael A.
Published: May 2023

Although racial and ethnic differences in offending are well-established, the processes associated with those relationships for U.S. Hispanic persons are less known. Using a nationally representative sample of U.S. Hispanic adults, the current study contributes to the literature by focusing on three factors thought to be particularly salient for understanding offending among U.S. Hispanic persons: acculturation, ethnic identity, and discrimination. We examine the association of each of these with offending, as well as the potential interactions between them. We found that acculturation and discrimination were positively associated with violent and nonviolent offending and ethnic identity was associated with nonviolent offending. For nonviolent offending, there was a positive interaction between acculturation and discrimination, such that experiences of discrimination intensified the relationship between acculturation and nonviolent offending. Findings are discussed in relation to both individual and contextual factors that are associated with health and behavioral outcomes, including offending, for U.S. Hispanic persons.
Communication Modalities, Personality Traits, and Change in Perceived Control Over Social Life Following Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Americans
Authors: Choi Shinae L. , Hill Kyrsten C. , Parmelee Patricia A.
Published: May 2023

We examined associations between change in social contact communication modalities and change in perceived control over social life (PCOSL) following onset of the COVID-19 pandemic among older Americans and evaluated the extent to which associations were moderated by personality. Data were from the 2016 and 2020 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Multivariate ordinary least squares regression analyses were computed adjusting for baseline PCOSL, sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial factors. Multiple moderation analyses revealed that extraversion moderated the association between change in social media communication and change in PCOSL before to during COVID-19. As levels of engagement in social media communication increased, those with high extraversion experienced increases in PCOSL, whereas those with low extraversion experienced decreases in PCOSL. Findings suggest that social interventions targeting perceived control and communication modality may be useful for older adults during global health events and that personality characteristics can help to inform intervention choices.
Empowering the middle management: Incorporating data summarisation and visualisation techniques in management information systems
Authors: Gomez Ronyt , Elmalech Avshalom
Published: May 2023

Human–computer interaction (HCI) researchers and practitioners have explored how computers and software can aid users in decision-making. Accurate information is crucial in decision-making; therefore, when designing a management information system (MIS), it is necessary to understand the information needs of the end-users and to incorporate this understanding in a way which allows the users to obtain an accurate and intuitive snapshot of the data. Although most of the day-to-day decisions in various organisations are made by middle management employees (as opposed to executives and senior managers), previous literature has scarcely examined how middle management employees’ decision-making process can be improved through the use of MIS. In this study, we examine the impact of different data summarisation and visualisation layouts on different aspects of the decision-making process taking into consideration the decision-makers’ personal characteristics, and propose to include the results of this examination in the MIS design. To this end, we recruited participants from a crowdsourcing platform. Participants were required to complete a task which simulates middle management employees’ day-to-day operational decision-making scenario. To better understand the effects of participants’ personal characteristics and their visual abilities, participants were asked to answer a personality questionnaire and a questionnaire testing for visual abilities. The results indicate that when looking at the population as a single group, the effect of the data summarisation and visualisation layouts on the decision-making process cannot be discerned. However, when taking into consideration additional user characteristics, the results indicate that the data summarisation and visualisation layouts affect the decisions made.
Toward a systematic accessibility review process for English language proficiency tests for young learners
Authors: Christensen Laurene L. , Shyyan Vitaliy V. , MacMillan Fabiana
Published: May 2023

In order to make assessments as widely accessible as possible, including to young learners from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of individual needs and characteristics, some developers of standardized tests have resorted to offering accessibility tools (e.g., magnifying/zoom) and accommodations (e.g., extended response time) to test takers. These solutions have some limitations stemming from the fact that they are retroactively applied to tests. One possible avenue to meet the accessibility needs of diverse students is to proactively address accessibility in the development of test content for all learners. In this article, we report on the development and piloting of a systematic accessibility review process intended for all test content at an organization producing large-scale standardized English proficiency tests for elementary and secondary education students in the United States. We describe the theoretical and research foundations related to fairness, accessibility, and universal design that guided our development of the accessibility review process followed by the process used to develop the tool. The application of the accessibility checklist to a kindergarten English language proficiency assessment is described in detail. Finally, we share some considerations for how the accessibility checklist could be used in other assessment development contexts.
Antihypertensives in dementia: Good or bad for the brain?
Authors: Heutz Rachel AM , Weijs Ralf WJ , de Heus Rianne AA , Claassen Jurgen AHR
Published: May 2023

We discuss the current evidence for both benefit and harm of antihypertensive treatment in people with dementia. We conclude that there is a lack of evidence to support the claim that there is an increased risk of cerebral hypoperfusion with antihypertensive treatment in dementia, and that there is growing evidence which refutes this claim.
Bayesian Models with Spatial Correlation Improve the Precision of EQ-5D-5L Value Sets
Authors: Che Menglu , Xie Feng , Thomas Stephanie , Pullenayegum Eleanor
Published: May 2023

Background

Health utilities from value sets for the EQ-5D-5L are commonly used in economic evaluations. We examined whether modeling spatial correlation among health states could improve the precision of the value sets.

Methods

Using data from 7 EQ-5D-5L valuation studies, we compared the predictive precision of the published linear model, a recently proposed cross-attribute level effects (CALE) model, and 2 Bayesian models with spatial correlation. Predictive precision was quantified through the root mean squared error (RMSE) for out-of-sample predictions of state-level mean utilities on omitting individual states, as well as omitting blocks of states.

Results

In all 7 countries, on omitting single health states, Bayesian models with spatial correlation improved upon the published linear model: the RMSEs for the originally published models, 0.050, 0.051, 0.060, 0.061, 0.039, 0.050, and 0.087 for Canada, China, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and the Netherlands, respectively, could be reduced to 0.043, 0.042, 0.051, 0.054, 0.037, 0.037, and 0.085, respectively. On omitting blocks of health states, Bayesian models with spatial correlation led to smaller RMSEs in 3 countries, while the CALE model led to smaller RMSEs in the remaining 4 countries.

Discussion:

Bayesian models incorporating spatial correlation and CALE models are promising for improving the precision of value sets for the EQ-5D-5L. The differential performance of the Bayesian models on omitting single states versus blocks of states suggests that designing valuation studies to capture more health states may further improve precision. We suggest that Bayesian and CALE models be considered as candidates when creating value sets and that alternative designs be explored; this is vital as the prediction errors in value sets need to be smaller than the minimal important difference of the instrument.

Highlights

The accuracy of value sets of multi-attribute utility instruments is typically of the same order of magnitude as the instrument’s minimal important difference and would benefit from improvement. Bayesian models with spatial correlation have been shown to improve value set accuracy in isolated cases. We showed that Bayesian approaches with spatial correlation improved predictive precision in 7 EQ-5D-5L valuation studies. We recommend that Bayesian models incorporating spatial correlation be considered when creating value sets and have provided code for fitting them.
Physician ratings of physician assistant competencies and their experiences and satisfaction working with physician assistants: Results from the supervising physician survey in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Burrows Kristen , Nickell Leslie , Krueger Paul
Published: May 2023

Physician Assistants (PAs) are a relatively new addition to the Ontario healthcare system. To understand the impact of the PA role, this study investigated supervising physician satisfaction and perception of PA roles, interprofessional team integration, pandemic supports, and barriers and enablers to PA employment. A web-based survey was conducted of 118 physician supervisors of Ontario PA education program alumni. PAs were employed in a variety of community and hospital settings. In addition to patient care, PAs were involved teaching (65.6%), quality improvement (52.7%), and mentorship (40.0%). Overall, 92.9% of physicians indicated they were satisfied with their PAs. Important barriers to hiring PAs included maintaining PA salaries, billing limitations, and PA shortages. PAs have established themselves as valuable and competent members of healthcare teams. By continuing to explore the enablers and barriers to PA employment from the physician perspective, health leaders can continue to optimize and support role integration.
The Impact of day of Mailing on Web Survey Response Rate and Response Speed
Authors: Lynn Peter , Bianchi Annamaria , Gaia Alessandra
Published: May 2023

The day of the week on which sample members are invited to participate in a web survey might influence propensity to respond, or to respond promptly (within two days from the invitation). This effect could differ between sample members with different characteristics. We explore such effects using a large-scale experiment implemented on the Understanding Society Innovation Panel, in which some people received an invitation on a Monday and some on a Friday. Specifically, we test whether any effect of the invitation day is moderated by economic activity status (which may result in a different organisation of time by day of the week), previous participation in the panel, or whether the invitation was sent only by post or by post and email simultaneously. Overall, we do not find any effect of day of invitation in survey participation or in prompt participation. However, sample members who provided an email address, and, thus, were contacted by email in addition to postal letter, are less likely to participate if invited on Friday (email reminders: Sunday and Tuesday) as opposed to Monday (email reminders: Wednesday and Friday). Given that no difference between the two protocols is found for prompt response, the effect seems to be due to the day of mailing of reminders. With respect to sample members' economic activity status, those not having a job and the retired are less likely to participate when invited on a Friday; this result holds also for prompt participation, but only for retired respondents. Also, sample members who work long hours are less likely to participate when invited on a Friday; however, no effect is found for prompt response.
Relationships of individual and workplace characteristics With nurses’ moral resilience
Authors: Brewer Katherine , Ziegler Haydee , Kurdian Sarin , Nguyen Jinhee
Published: May 2023

Background

Moral resilience is the integrity and emotional strength to remain buoyant and achieve moral growth amid distressing situations. Evidence is still emerging on how to best cultivate moral resilience. Few studies have examined the predictive relationship of workplace well-being and of organizational factors with moral resilience.

Research aims

The aims are to examine associations of workplace well-being (i.e., compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress) and moral resilience, and to examine associations of workplace factors (i.e., authentic leadership and perceived congruence of organizational mission and behaviors) and moral resilience.

Research design

This study uses a cross-sectional design.

Participants and research context

Nurses practicing in a hospital in the United States were surveyed using validated instruments (N = 147). Individual factors were measured using demographics and the Professional Quality of Life Scale. Organizational factors were measured using the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire and a single item measuring organizational mission/behavior congruence. Moral resilience was measured using the Rushton Moral Resilience Scale.

Ethical considerations

The study was approved by an institutional review board.

Findings

Resilience was noted to have significant small correlations with burnout, secondary traumatic stress, compassion satisfaction, and organizational mission/behavior congruence. Burnout and secondary traumatic stress predicted less resilience, whereas compassion satisfaction and perceived congruence between organizational mission and behaviors predicted higher resilience.

Discussion

Burnout and secondary traumatic stress, increasingly experienced by nurses and other health professionals, have negative effects on moral resilience. Compassion satisfaction can increase resilience, which is especially important in nursing. Organizational practices promoting integrity and confidence can have positive effects on resilience.

Conclusions

Continued work to confront workplace well-being issues, especially burnout, is needed as a way of increasing moral resilience. Studies of organizational and work environment factors to bolster resilience are likewise needed to assist organizational leaders in devising the best strategies.
Exposure to E-Cigarette Advertising and Its Association With E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Adolescents in Two Largest Cities in Vietnam 2020
Authors: Le Thi Thanh Huong , Le Tu Hoang , Le Minh Dat , Nguyen Tien Thang
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

E-cigarette products have become more popular due to the marketing campaigns on various sources but caused adverse health impacts to users, especially adolescents and youths. This paper aims to describe the situation of exposure to e-cigarette advertisements of youth and adolescents living in two cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh in 2020 and identify the associated factors of e-cigarette marketing with e-cigarettes use in these groups.

METHODOLOGY

This was a cross-sectional study. The study participants were 1211 youth and adolescents aged 15-24 living in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City during the time of data collection (from January 2020 to September 2020). Two primary outcome variables included the ever e-cigarettes use and the intention to use e-cigarettes. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the outcome variables and e-cigarette marketing exposure.

RESULTS

The proportion of participants who ever use e-cigarettes was 7.4% and a proportion of 4.8% have intention to use e-cigarettes. The most popular source of exposure to e-cigarettes advertisements was social network (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, etc.) and this source had positive association with the odds of e-cigarette smoking among youth and adolescents (OR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.59-7.14). In addition, referral marketers also contributed to making the participants more likely to smoke e-cigarettes (OR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.03-6.95). Attractive color and free sample of e-cigarettes were also found to be the motivated factors associated with smoking behaviour among youth and adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS

New policies should be considered to oppose the impact of youth-oriented e-cigarette advertisements which include regulating and restricting e-cigarette advertisements on social media, as well as through referral marketers.
Public perceptions of medical cannabis diversion: A legal and moral dilemma
Authors: Ne’eman-Haviv Vered , Rozmann Nir
Published: May 2023

The study examined public perception in Israel of the severity of medical cannabis diversion, its morality, and normativeness. The sample included 380 participants who completed a quantitative questionnaire to respond to four scenarios about diverting medical cannabis to a person with/without a license and with/without a small payment (a 2×2 design). The findings show that although the participants received advance information about the severity of medical cannabis diversion as a drug trafficking offense, they perceived the severity of the offense as moderate, and as an act that is at least moderately moral and normative. The findings are explained based on moral theories. We discuss the implications of the findings in relation to the gap between public attitudes and legal policy.
Experimental study on the combustion and soot emission of twin-spray collision at various collision angles and injection pressures under marine engine’s conditions
Authors: Xia Jin , Zhang Qiankun , Wang Jianping , He Zhuoyao , Zhou Qiyan , Zhou Dezhi , Qian Yong , Lu Xingcai
Published: May 2023

In a large-bore marine engine, the larger cylinder diameter and space correspond to more fuel injection in a limited time of each working cycle. The fuel injection of multiple injectors can achieve fast atomization and homogeneous fuel-gas mixing performance, which is liable to cause the spray collision problem, but the twin-spray collision phenomenon is rarely observed and studied. Therefore, this work aims to explore the effect of various collision angles (60°, 90°, 120°, and 150°) and injection pressures (60, 100, 140, and 180 MPa) on the combustion and soot emission of twin-spray collision process. Based on a large-bore constant volume chamber and two optical diagnostic techniques, the ignition delay time, initial ignition location, flame collision structure, and soot emission luminosity are obtained in a reactive atmosphere. The results show that near the collision point, there exists a fan-shaped flame structure. Due to the mutual entrainment from twin sprays, the ignition delay time of twin-spray collision is shorter than that of single free spray. As a result, at the constant diesel injection mass, the soot emission intensity of twin-spray collision becomes higher. With the collision angle increasing, the ignition delay time becomes shorter, and the initial ignition location gradually moves upstream, while the soot emission intensity becomes higher. The time integrated natural luminosity difference between 60 and 180 MPa gradually decreases and then reverses. Moreover, the wider collision angle also makes the ignition delay time less sensitive to the injection pressure.
Analysis of the transverse compressive behavior of cotton yarns and fabrics
Authors: El Messiry Magdi , Eltahan Eman
Published: May 2023

The inherent complexity of textile preforms and a high degree of consistency in dry fabrics and yarns present a number of modeling challenges, including uncertainty in geometrical characteristics under external loads, non-elastic deformations of fibrous media, and multiple deformation modes at the fiber and yarn scales. The prediction of the compaction reaction for different preforms is still possible thanks to the direct measurements of yarn compaction. The data are checked against compression stress-thickness curves that were produced by compacting yarns and preforms. The yarn and fabric compaction model given in this article demonstrates the final characteristics of woven preforms. The yarn compaction curve exhibits asymptotic hardening with a restricted compaction state attained at high compression stress and as the limit deformations are being approached. The yarn count, yarn fiber volume ratio, and the spinning method all affected the compression modulus. The transverse compression behaviour of yarns and fabrics was studied both analytically and experimentally. Mechanisms of fabric compressibility have been found to be reliant on both fabric and yarn specifications of warp and weft Young’s modulus. Investigations were made into the fabric’s fiber volume fraction under compression stress. When producing composite with low fiber volume fraction preforms, it may be more efficient to use more compression, according to research on the link between compressive stress and fabric volume fraction. The relationship between the compressive stress and fabric volume fraction was investigated, as well as the value of maximum compression stress.
Developing a test device to analyze heat transfer combined with radiant exposure and continuous liquid sweating through thermal protective clothing
Authors: Zhang Wenhuan , Su Yun , Li Jun
Published: May 2023

Human perspiration significantly affects heat and mass transfer in clothing systems and absorbs thermal energy on the skin, especially in radiant exposure and high-intensity work. However, few testing devices simulate human sweating for assessing heat transfer under thermal radiation exposure. Thus, a test device that could realistically simulate specific sweat rates was developed to evaluate the influence of continuous sweating on thermal protective performance (TPP). The TPP of single-layer fabrics at dry (No-sweating) and three constant sweating rates was studied based on the calibrated tester. It was indicated that the new testing apparatus effectively evaluated fabrics’ dry and wet thermal protective properties. Furthermore, compared to continuous sweating, the traditional pre-wet method may overestimate the TPP of the single-layer fabric depending on sweating rates. The continuous sweat rates played a dual role in the second-degree burn time and absorbed thermal energy, which is related to the moisture management performance of fabrics. The research provides an effective method to characterize the TPP of materials under continuous sweating/wetting, which will help optimize clothing performance and update relative standards.
Modifying Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Fear of Sleeping Alone in a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Raminfar Esther , Vidair Hilary , Bernstein Emma
Published: May 2023

This case study demonstrates the use of a modified evidence-based treatment protocol for “Maya,” a 13-year-old girl who presented with a fear of sleeping alone, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and separation anxiety disorder (SAD). The treatment, which spanned across 36 sessions, consisted of skills acquisition and exposure, with modifications made to address Maya’s ASD symptoms and cognitive limitations. Modifications for treating comorbid anxiety and ASD are described, including the use of: forced-choice list for emotions and somatic cues of anxiety, concrete props for teaching skills, and a higher level of parent involvement than typical for adolescent clients being treated for anxiety. Based on in-office observations and parental reports of at-home behavior, Maya’s avoidance of sleeping alone decreased over time, and she was able to sleep alone by the end of treatment. This case demonstrates successful treatment of fear of sleeping alone in a child with co-occurring anxiety and ASD.
JAK inhibitors for the treatment of VEXAS syndrome
Authors: Bindoli Sara , Baggio Chiara , Doria Andrea , Bertoldo Eugenia , Sfriso Paolo
Published: May 2023

Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is a novel described autoinflammatory entity for which the diagnosis is defined by somatic mutations of the UBA1 X-linked gene in hematopoietic progenitor cells. The clinical manifestations are heterogeneous since they range from autoinflammatory symptoms to the presence of underlying hematologic disorders such as myelodysplastic syndromes. Response to treatment in VEXAS is very poor and to date, the therapeutic strategies adopted are only partially effective. However, recently described cohorts of subjects with VEXAS treated with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK-I) proved that these drugs can be effective in the treatment of several manifestations related to the disease. Herein, we carried out a brief literature review that includes cohorts and single cases in which JAK-I were adopted as a promising strategy to manage VEXAS patients. Subsequently, we described our experience with JAK-I in VEXAS, illustrating the first case, to our knowledge, of a 65-year-old man who was successfully treated with the selective JAK-1 inhibitor filgotinib.