bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nesting habits of the Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus (Linnaeus, 1766) in the agricultural landscape of Tindivanam, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: M. Pandian
Published: May 2022

This paper pertains to the nesting habits of Ploceus philippinus (Linnaeus, 1766) with specific reference to the agricultural landscape of Tindivanam Taluk, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu during the breeding period between April and October 2021. A total of 11,386 nests (wad stage-840, ring stage-478, helmet stage-3,980, egg-chamber closed stage-2,865, completed nests-2,028, abnormal nests-938, and damaged nests-257) and 12,600 birds were observed on 832 nest-supporting plants. Nest-supporting plants belonged to 27 species, 26 genera, and 17 families. The three principal nest-supporting palm species—Borassus flabellifer, Cocos nucifera, and Phoenix sylvestris—represented 85.21% of the total nest-supporting plants. The number of nests (including all the stages) per colony varied from 1 to 109 and 70.16% nests were oriented towards the east. Abnormal nests constituted 8.24% of the recorded nests with 17 variations and 90.12% helmet stage nests contained plastering of clay on the inner walls. Nest predation by House Crow, Large-billed Crow, Asian Koel, Black Drongo, & Rufous Treepie and killing of adult Baya Weaver by Shikra were recorded.
Nectar robbing by sunbirds on the flowers of Morinda pubescens J.E. Smith (Rubiaceae)
Authors: A.J. Solomon Raju  , S. Sravan Kumar  , G. Nagaraju  , C. Venkateswara Reddy  , Tebese Peter Raliengoane  , L. Kala Grace  , K. Punny  , K. Prathyusha  , P. Srikanth
Published: May 2022

Morinda pubescens is a dry season blooming tree species.  The flowers are hermaphroditic distylous, fragrant and nectariferous. Thrips use floral buds for breeding and flowers for food. Sunbirds, Nectarinia asiatica and N. zeylonica pick up thrips from the flowers by probing the flowers legitimately and collect nectar illegitimately by making a puncture/slit at the base of the corolla tube from outside. The illegitimate nectar robbing by sunbirds on the flowers of M. pubescens relates to primary robbing.  The study indicates that M. pubescens flowers are an important source of thrips as insect food and nectar as instant drink for sunbirds during dry season in the deciduous forest ecosystem.
The Remnant Lipoprotein Hypothesis of Diabetes-Associated Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Bornfeldt Karin E.
Published: May 2022

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Research based on human-first or bedside-to-bench approaches has provided new insights into likely mechanisms behind this increased risk. Although both forms of diabetes are associated with hyperglycemia, it is becoming increasingly clear that altered lipoprotein metabolism also plays a critical role in predicting CVD risk in people with diabetes. This review examines recent findings indicating that increased levels of circulating remnant lipoproteins could be a missing link between diabetes and CVD. Although CVD risk associated with diabetes is clearly multifactorial in nature, these findings suggest that we should increase efforts in evaluating whether remnant lipoproteins or the proteins that govern their metabolism are biomarkers of incident CVD in people living with diabetes and whether reducing remnant lipoproteins will prevent the increased CVD risk associated with diabetes.
Vanilla cardinalis (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae), a new red-lipped species from southern Vietnam
Authors: AVERYANOV LEONID V. , NURALIEV MAXIM S. , THAI TRAN HUY , MAISAK TATIANA V. , POPOV EUGENE S. , LYSKOV DMITRY F. , KUZNETSOV ANDREY N. , KUZNETSOVA SVETLANA P.
Published: May 2022

A new species, Vanilla cardinalis (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae) discovered in southern Vietnam (Phu Yen Province, Song Hinh District) is described and illustrated. Data on ecology, phenology, distribution, and estimated IUCN Red List conservation status of the new species are provided. Differences of V. cardinalis from its morphologically similar congeners are briefly discussed. Additionally, a checklist of the genus Vanilla and the morphologically similar Miguelia in Vietnam is presented.
Systematic placement of Elsholtzia griffithii (Nepetoideae, Lamiaceae), a new record from China
Authors: SUN ZENG-PENG , ZHAO YUE , BONGCHEEWIN BHANUBONB , KIM SANGTAE , GUO GUANG , FUNAMOTO TSUNEO , WANG HUAN-CHONG , XIANG CHUN-LEI
Published: May 2022

Elsholtzia griffithii, the first record in Guangxi Province, China, is described and illustrated in detail. We provided the most updated phylogeny of Elsholtzia based on two nuclear ribosomal DNA regions (ITS, ETS) to resolve the phylogenetic placement of this species. Our study reveals that E. griffithii is most closely related to E. cyprianii but differs from it by having linear bracts ≥ 4 mm and distinctively longer than flowers (vs. bracts ≤ 3 mm in E. cyprianii) and calyx teeth unequal, two anterior lobes shorter than three posterior lobes (vs. five lobes equal in length). In addition, monophyly of Elsholtzia was strongly supported and three clades were recognized, whereas all sections and series were not recovered as monophyletic, indicating that reclassification is needed at higher taxonomic levels.
Molecular Phylogeny of Ethiopian Artemisia (Asteraceae) Species Based on Nuclear External Transcribed Spacer (ETS) and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS)
Authors: YIFRU MISTIRE , STEDJE BRITA , WONDIMU TIGIST , BEKELE TAMRAT , DEMISSEW SEBSEBE
Published: May 2022

There are four species of Artemisia known in Ethiopia, namely A. schimperi (endemic), A. abyssinica, A. afra and A. absinthium (syn. A. rehan). All these species occurred naturally except A. absinthium, which usually grows in private gardens. The main objective of this study was to reconstruct the molecular phylogeny to determine phylogenetic positions of Ethiopian Artemisia species using the external and internal transcribed spacers (ETS, ITS). A total of 57 sequences (nine new and 48 retrieved from GenBank) were used in maximum parsimony (MP) and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses. The Ethiopian Artemisia species were recovered in three clades corresponding to subgenera (Artemisia, Absinthium and Pacifica). The sequences of Ethiopian A. absinthium (previously known as A. rehan) grouped with A. judaica and are distantly related to the European A. absinthium. Artemisia abyssinica and A. schimperi have affinities to A. subg. Pacifica with adaptations to a relatively cool and dry subalpine tropical climate.
A new species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) endemic to Serra das Confusões expands the range of the genus to Piauí, Brazil
Authors: PACIFICO RICARDO , ALMEDA FRANK
Published: May 2022

Microlicia piauiensis is described as a new species from Serra das Confusões, a mountainous region located in a transition zone between the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) and the Caatinga (deciduous bushland in semi-arid areas) domains. Microlicia piauiensis can be recognized by its branchlets, leaves and hypanthia that are glandular-punctate and covered with gland-tipped trichomes, leaves on short petioles, revolute leaf margins, oblong calyx lobes, magenta petals that are yellow at the base, and isomorphic stamens with small but discernible appendages at the ventral base of the pedoconnectives. Microlicia piauiensis has a distribution that is more than 400 kms distant from all areas of endemism previously identified for the tribe Lavoisiereae. It is the first species of Melastomataceae reported as endemic to Piauí. Photos of living and dried specimens are provided, as well as a distribution map, and morphological comparisons with putative relatives. A conservation status of Endangered is suggested for M. piauiensis.
Nomenclatural and taxonomic novelties in Garcinia (Clusiaceae) from Amazonian forest
Authors: MOUZINHO THIAGO , SOARES MARIA DE LOURDES , NUNES CABRAL FERNANDA , CARDOSO MARINHO LUCAS
Published: May 2022

The binomial Rheedia spruceana Engl. has been considered a synonym of Garcinia gardneriana (Planch. & Triana) Zappi. When analyzing the type collections of both names, we detected the need to restored R. spruceana with a new combination in Garcinia. This new combination is herein proposed. We also clarify the inadvertent lectotype selection for R. spruceana, previous interpretations of the type specimens, and describe the new species Garcinia fluviatilis Mouzinho & L. Marinho.
The African species Riccia okahandjana S.W. Arnell (Ricciaceae, Marchantiophyta), a new record for India
Authors: SURESH N. , CARGILL D.C.
Published: May 2022

Riccia okahandjana previously assumed to be an African endemic, is reported for the first time on the sub-continent of India. A morphological description and images of Riccia okahandjana are provided to facilitate identification.
Revalidation and redescription of Sarcocheilichthys sciistius (Abbott, 1901) (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the northern China
Authors: LI XUEJIAN , SUN ZHIXIAN , TANG WENQIAO , ZHAO YAHUI
Published: May 2022

Sarcocheilichthys sciistius was originally described by Abbott in 1901. It was considered as a synonym of S. nigripinnis by later researchers. However, some recent studies suggested that S. nigripinnis from the Haihe River Basin and Yellow River Basin were different to S. nigripinnis distributed in southern China, and that these populations show a closer relationship with the Heilongjiang (Amur) River endemic species—S. czerskii and S. soldatovi. In this study, we examined one hundred and twenty-five specimens from nine sites of six river basins. Based on morphological and molecular systematic studies, we confirmed S. sciistius is a valid species, and S. czerskii, S. soldatovi were synonyms of S. sciistius. Sarcocheilichthys sciistius can be distinguished from S. nigripinnis by having more lateral-line scales (40–42 vs. 38–40), shorter lower lip and different pectoral and pelvic fins color. The phylogenetic trees reconstructed by Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood based on the Cyt b gene also support S. sciistius as a distinct species.
Affective Polarization of a Protest and a Counterprotest: Million MAGA March v. Million Moron March
Authors: Shahin Saif
Published: May 2022

Protest movements around the world have become increasingly likely to incite counterprotests that adopt an opposing stance. This study examines how a protest and a counterprotest interact with and shape each other as digitally networked connective action. My empirical focus is the so-called Million MAGA March—in which supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump protested the “stealing” of the November 2020 election by his rival, Joe Biden—and a counterprotest that erupted simultaneously. Drawing on a computational mixed-methods approach to examine two corpora of tweets featuring hashtags used by protesters and counterprotesters, respectively, the study identifies three mutually reinforcing dimensions of protest–counterprotest interaction: affective repertoires, discursive strategies, and network structures. It argues that “affective polarization”—or negative partisanship driven by hostility toward an outgroup—offers a useful conceptual means of understanding the significance of affect and collective identity in digital social movements, especially protest–counterprotest interactions. In doing so, the study also addresses concerns that “big data” methods are insensitive to the role of identity and expressive communication in social movements. Finally, the study demonstrates how online and offline political action are mutually constitutive aspects of contemporary contentious politics.
Hand value optimization of printable interlining technique design on woolen fabric via orthogonal analysis
Authors: Zhang Qian , Kan Chi-Wai , Zhou Hong-lei
Published: May 2022

Traditional fusible interlining utilizes an adhesive on the fabric surface to improve garment hand despite the cost. Recent research led to the development of printable interlining that bypasses the fusion process. Printable interlining prints the adhesive directly onto the garment parts at a suitable density, achieving the support and control equivalent to a fusion process only at a fraction of the cost. However, hurdles for applications exist in that the efficiency of the printing technique calls for improvement. One governing key performance factor, the hand value has not been evaluated. In this work, we used an efficient interlining printing technique on woolen fabrics of various weights, and optimized the hand value performance through modulation of manufacturing effective factors, including squeegee frequency, screen mesh, and agent viscosity, using an orthogonal testing strategy. The results showed that for lightweight woolen fabrics screen mesh was an important factor for hand value performance; for light and medium weight woolen fabrics, the squeegee frequency had significant impact on hand value performance; for medium and heavyweight fabrics agent viscosity was an influential factor. We also explored possible correlations between primary hand value parameters that may simplify research and manufacturing processes by reducing the number of primary hand values measured. The results revealed significant correlations between any combination of primary hand values, with stronger correlations as the fabric weight increased. These results may have implications in hand value-oriented garment manufacturing of printable interlinings to woolen fabrics.
Insecure attachment styles as predictors of posttraumatic growth in a South African student sample
Authors: Schuitmaker Nicole , Basson Pieter , Kruger Gert
Published: May 2022

South Africa, as a developing country, is characterized by high levels of crime, partner violence, and other traumatic experiences. Exposure to these traumas may lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder or, conversely, post-traumatic growth. Citizens in developing African countries appear to be at risk for the development of insecure attachment styles due to the cumulative effects of socio-economic risk factors. The prevalence of many possible traumatic experiences along with the risk of more insecure attachments set the stage for investigating the impact of insecure attachment on post-traumatic growth. The aim of this study was thus to determine whether two insecure attachment styles, namely anxious and avoidant attachment, were significant predictors of post-traumatic growth. The sample consisted of 233 undergraduate students from a South African university who had experienced a traumatic event. Participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 33 years ( M = 21 years) and were from various ethnic backgrounds (81.5% Black African, 7.7% White, 9% Coloured, and 3.9% Asian/Indian). Two self-report measures were administered via an online survey to assess attachment styles and post-traumatic growth. Results showed that an anxious attachment style was a significant negative predictor of post-traumatic growth. Furthermore, individuals with an avoidant attachment style were significantly less likely to experience post-traumatic growth through relating to others, than along the other domains of post-traumatic growth. The findings contribute by highlighting the importance of considering how insecure attachment styles may impact post-traumatic growth, as this could inform the treatment of trauma victims.
Assessment and comparison of image quality between two real-time sequences for dynamic MRI of distal joints at 3.0 Tesla
Authors: Garetier Marc , Rousset Jean , Makki Karim , Brochard Sylvain , Rousseau François , Ben Salem Douraïed , Borotikar Bhushan
Published: May 2022

Background

Real-time sequences allow functional evaluation of various joint structures during a continuous motion and help understand the pathomechanics of underlying musculoskeletal diseases.

Purpose

To assess and compare the image quality of the two most frequently used real-time sequences for joint dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), acquired during finger and ankle joint motion.

Material and Methods

A real-time dynamic acquisition protocol, including radiofrequency (RF)-spoiled and balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequences, optimized for temporal resolution with similar spatial resolution, was performed using a 3.0-T MRI scanner on 10 fingers and 12 ankles from healthy individuals during active motion. Image quality criteria were evaluated on each time frame and compared between these two sequences. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were determined and compared from regions of interest placed on cortical bone, tendon, fat, and muscle. Visualization of anatomical structures and overall image quality appreciation were rated by two radiologists using a 0–10 grading scale.

Results

Mean CNR was significantly higher with bSSFP sequence compared to RF-spoiled sequence. The grading score was in the range of 5–9.3 and was significantly higher with RF-spoiled sequence for bone and joint evaluation and overall image appreciation on the two joints. The standard deviation for SNR, CNR, and grading score during motion was smaller with RF-spoiled sequence for both the joints. The inter-reader reliability was excellent (>0.75) for evaluating anatomical structures in both sequences.

Conclusion

A RF-spoiled real-time sequence is recommended for the in vivo clinical evaluation of distal joints on a 3.0-T MRI scanner.
Recommendations for Improving Canadian Radiology Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Authors: Cusson Tasha , Lebel Kiana , Spalluto Lucy , Hillier Tracey , Darras Kathryn , Yong-Hing Charlotte
Published: May 2022

Improving equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within Canadian radiology is critical for optimal patient care and to reduce health disparities. Although there are increasing national EDI initiatives, there is a paucity of resources available to assist radiology departments as the culture of EDI evolves and faculty and institutions are expected to incorporate EDI in their practice. We present practical recommendations for radiology departments, radiology training programs, and individual radiologists wishing or mandated to improve EDI in the workplace. Actionable strategies for creating an environment that promotes EDI, attracting and supporting diverse trainees, and for how individual radiologists can be allies are presented. These EDI strategies are imperative to provide the best patient care and to strengthen the future of Canadian radiology.
Posttraumatic Stress and Perceived Interpersonal Provocation in Adolescents
Authors: Saunderson Jonathan Marshall , Stickley Andrew , Sturidsson Knut , Koposov Roman , Sukhodolsky Denis G. , Ruchkin Vladislav
Published: May 2022

Objective: To examine the impact of posttraumatic stress on the choice of responses to and attribution of intentionality in peer provocation in adolescent boys and girls. Methods: A sample of 2678 adolescents from Northern Russia, aged 13–17 years (59.3% female; 95.7% ethnic Russian) completed self-reports on posttraumatic stress and rated hypothetical peer provocation scenarios that teenagers can encounter in their daily lives. Results: Adolescents with clinically significant levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms ( n=184 (6.8%)) reported a different pattern of reactions to peer provocation as compared to all other adolescents. Boys and girls with high levels of posttraumatic symptoms reported that they would be less likely to discuss conflict situations and more likely to react with physical aggression. Compared to their male counterparts, girls with high levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms were more likely to endorse hostile intentions, avoid provocations, and were less likely to endorse verbally aggressive responses. In provocation scenarios that involved physical aggression, girls with high levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms were less likely to endorse verbal aggressive responses and more likely to endorse physically aggressive responses than girls without clinically significant levels of posttraumatic symptoms. Girls with high levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms were also more likely to avoid socially aggressive situations than non-traumatized girls, whereas boys had an opposite pattern. Conclusions: High levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms may play a significant role in the endorsement of aggressive reactions in conflicts with peers and patterns of reactions may be gender-specific. A history of posttraumatic stress should be carefully evaluated in children and adolescents seeking treatment for aggressive behavior.
Revisiting the Co-Occurrence of Intimate Partner Violence and Child Maltreatment
Authors: Tullberg Erika , Vaughon Wendy
Published: May 2022

Child welfare (CW) agencies are charged with ensuring children’s safety; when children live with families impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV), this task can be complex. To better understand how U.S. CW agencies identify and make decisions about child maltreatment (CM) in the presence of IPV, this mixed-methods study used national data ( N = 248,654) to investigate whether IPV was more likely to be documented as co-occurring with certain types of CM. This study also explored the intersection of IPV and CM using 19 semi-structured interviews with child welfare stakeholders to gain insight into the mechanisms underpinning reporting processes. Multinomial logistical regression showed that after controlling for other risk factors, children living in a household with IPV were more likely to be determined to be physically abused and emotionally maltreated than neglected, and less likely to be determined to be sexually abused than neglected, compared with children who did not live in a household with IPV. Those children were also more likely to be determined to be emotionally maltreated than physically abused, and less likely to be determined to be sexually abused than physically abused, compared with children who did not live in a household with IPV (all results, p < .0001). Qualitative results revealed IPV and children’s exposure to IPV may be categorized as different types of CM by CW agencies and staff, and that this categorization can vary by agency and staff level. Participants also described challenges to addressing IPV within CW systems. Findings suggest national CW data may obscure when IPV and CM co-occur versus when a given type of CM is serving as a proxy for the presence of or children’s exposure to IPV, presenting challenges to interpreting child welfare data. Recommendations are presented to improve CW data accuracy and ensure the safety of children and families impacted by IPV.
Daily dynamics of grandiose narcissism: distribution, stability, and trait relations of admiration and rivalry states and state contingencies
Authors: Mota S , Mielke I , Kroencke L , Geukes K , Nestler S , Back MD
Published: May 2022

On the basis of the Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Concept and recent theories on narcissistic pursuit of status, we provide a differentiated analysis of individual differences in the within-person dynamics of grandiose narcissism. In two daily diary studies (Sample 1: 56 days; Sample 2: 82 days; total participants: N = 198; total observations: N = 12,404), we investigated the degree, stability, and trait correlates of individual differences in average narcissism-relevant states (perceived status success, perceived admiration and rejection, positive and negative affect, and assertive and hostile behavior) as well as individual differences in within-person contingencies between these states. The results indicated substantial and stable between-person differences in averaged states that were related to their corresponding narcissism trait self-reports. State contingencies showed substantial strength, significant interindividual differences, and stability across the 56 and 82 days, respectively. We only found weak support for associations between state contingencies and trait narcissism self-reports. These findings support a differentiated approach to the conceptualization and assessment of grandiose state narcissism and call for even more comprehensive and fine-grained investigations.
The holy family: Neoliberalism and neoconservatism in the current far-right: Interview with Melinda Cooper
Authors: Della Torre Bruna , Cooper Melinda
Published: May 2022

Interview with Melinda Cooper about her 2017 book Family Values: Between Neoliberalism and the New Social Conservatism. The interview addresses neoliberal gender politics, Cooper’s critique of the separation between politics of “distribution” and “recognition,” contemporary politics in America and the question of reproductive labor.
Why Female Employees Do Not Earn More under a Female Manager: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: van Hek Margriet , Lippe Tanja van der
Published: May 2022

Previous studies found contradictory results on whether women benefit in terms of earnings from having a female manager. This mixed-method study draws on survey data from the Netherlands to determine whether female employees have higher wages if they work under a female manager and combines these with data from interviews with Dutch female managers to interpret and contextualize its findings. The survey data show that having a female manager does not affect the wages of female (or male) employees in the Netherlands. The interviews revealed different ways in which managers can improve outcomes for female employees and suggest several reasons as to why some female managers experience a lack of motivation to enhance female employees’ earnings. This detailed focus on mechanisms that underlie female managers position to act as ‘cogs in the machine’ emphasizes the importance of incorporating context and looking at outcomes other than earnings in future research.
Sealing mechanism of large size and large deformation rubber cylinder for pipeline intelligent plugging robot under multiple factors
Authors: Tang Yang , Wang Yuan , Sun Peng , Liu Xiang
Published: May 2022

Large-volume rubber cylinder is a core component of pipeline intelligent plugging robot (PIPR). It is used for plug pipe section during pipeline rerouting, maintenance, and repair operations to prevent large-area leakage of pipeline oil and gas. This paper studies the sealing mechanism of large size and large deformation rubber cylinder of the PIPR under the influence of different rubber materials, axial length, radial length and inclined angle. Based on large deformation characteristics of rubber material, the theoretical mechanics of rubber cylinder were deduced and analyzed. Constitutive test of rubber material was carried out, and constitutive relationship parameters of rubber material were obtained. The finite element simulation model of rubber cylinder sealing mechanism analysis is established, and the influence of various system parameters and working conditions on the model is considered. In addition, visible indoor tests were established to verify the simulation model. It showed that stress concentrated on the apex and shoulder inside the rubber cylinder directly affected the deformation damage of rubber cylinder. After comparing the analysis result of the sealing effect of rubber cylinder under various parameters, it is concluded that the optimal rubber cylinder structure is 180 mm in axial length, 55 mm in radial thickness, 28° inclination angle, and hardness of rubber material is 85HA. This study provides a reference for the optimization design of rubber cylinder of PIPR. It has important engineering significance for the successful implementation of the plugging operation.
And It’ll Come Back Real Baby Fine: Black Women’s Experiences With Hair Loss and Regrowth After Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Wilson Kanetha B.
Published: May 2022

In this study, I use a modified grounded theory, intersectional approach to understand the wellness-illness experience for black women experiencing breast cancer. I use interviews from 38 breast cancer survivors from Nashville, Durham-Chapel Hill, and Atlanta conducted between 2014 and 2015 to explore variations in perceptions of hair loss and regrowth. Universally, hair loss from chemotherapy treatments is a stressful experience, which cause women to question their health and femininity. Hair loss is a crisis in which women feel less beautiful and more sick. Interesting patterns steeped in race and beauty emerged from women’s narratives as they experienced hair regrowth. Black women’s stories of hair loss associated with chemotherapy are influenced by values associated racialized ideologies about beauty. Good, baby fine, soft and thick, loosely curled, straight, wavy, and beautiful are just some of the words many women chose to describe their chemically altered hair. The dialogue around hair regrowth and texture is problematic given Eurocentric standards of feminine beauty, notions that coincide the long ties between chemicals and hair straightening in the black community.
“What other choices might I have made?”: Sexual Minority Men, the PrEP Cascade and the Shifting Subjective Dimensions of HIV Risk
Authors: Gaspar Mark , Wells Alex , Hull Mark , Tan Darrell H. S. , Lachowsky Nathan , Grace Daniel
Published: May 2022

The PrEP Cascade is a dominant framework for investigating barriers to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an HIV prevention tool. We interviewed 37 PrEP users and 8 non-PrEP users in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada, about their decision-making through the Cascade. Participants were HIV-negative gay, bisexual, and queer men (GBQM). The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. PrEP decision-making was based on pragmatic considerations (logistics, costs, and systemic barriers), biomedical considerations (efficacy, side-effects, and sexually transmitted infections), and subjective considerations (identity, politics, and changing sexual preferences). Affective attachments to established versions of “safer sex” (condoms and serosorting) made some GBQM less likely to try PrEP. Some GBQM expressed increased social expectations to use PrEP, have condomless sex, and serodifferent sex. These findings support offering PrEP at no-cost, offering individualized counseling and community-based opportunities to discuss PrEP use and changing sexual practices, and improving communication on the manageability of PrEP side-effects.
Joint time-frequency distribution of rolling bearings with multiple faults on outer raceway based on asymptotic model
Authors: Li Yunlong , Li Zhinong , Tao Junyong , Tian Danyang , He Deqiang
Published: May 2022

At present, the majority of the research on dynamic model of rolling bearings with multiple faults is conducted on the assumption that the displacement deviation between raceway and rolling element changes instantaneously. However, the deviation should vary gradually. As a result, an asymptotic model of rolling bearings with multiple faults on outer raceway is established, considering the interaction of multiple faults. Synchroextracting transformation method is employed to describe the joint time-frequency distribution of the faulty rolling bearings. The discrepancies between the asymptotic model and the traditional model are contrasted and analyzed via simulation modeling. Simultaneously, the effects of fault number and fault interval on the joint time-frequency distribution are investigated. Finally, experiments are performed to verify the rationality of the established model. Simulation results demonstrate that the joint time-frequency distribution derived by the asymptotic model includes not only the fault characteristic frequency but also the rotating frequency. The central frequency increases in a multiple of the fault characteristic frequency as the fault number increase, as does its energy amplitude. Only when multiple faults are uniformly distributed among the interval range of rolling elements, the energy amplitude of the central frequency can reach the maximum. The energy amplitude of the rotating frequency scarcely changes as the fault interval and fault number vary.
Plasma Kynurenine: A Promising Marker for the Assessment of Renal Functions
Authors: Brekdar Fatimah , Khayat Muhammed Imad , Zrieki Afraa
Published: May 2022

Background:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide issue due to the high prevalence and the serious complications, including death. Kidney functions are routinely evaluated by measuring creatinine levels, which are influenced by many factors (age, sex, diet, race, and body mass). Kynurenine is the first stable metabolite in the kynurenine pathway, which is activated in the course of CKD. Kynurenine levels in plasma can be correlated to kidney functions in CKD patients. We investigated the relationship between kynurenine levels and kidney functions indicators, and the influence of some variables (sex, age, and preexisting hypertension or diabetes) on its levels in CKD patients.

Material And Methods:

The study included 66 CKD patients in stages 3 to 5 seen at Tishreen University Hospital, and 22 subjects served as control. Kynurenine levels were measured by using a kynurenine ELISA kit (IDK® immundiagnostik).

Results:

Kynurenine levels were significantly increased with the increase in CKD stage ( P < .001), and were correlated with eGFR ( r = −.631, P < .001), creatinine levels ( r = −.464, P < .001), and urea levels ( r = .528, P < .001). Kynurenine plasma levels were not influenced by age, sex, diabetes, and hypertension in CKD patients.

Conclusion:

Kynurenine is a promising marker for estimating kidney functions, and its relation with kidney functions is not affected by age, sex, and presence of hypertension or diabetes in CKD patients.
Illness perceptions in childhood cancer survivor and caregivers’ dyads
Authors: Kern de Castro Elisa , Benicio Beltrão Gabriella , Armiliato Maria Júlia , Peloso Franciele , Gregianin Lauro José
Published: May 2022

Surviving childhood cancer is a difficult experience for children and their caregivers, it can produce long-term emotional distress. Illness perceptions refer to the way people understand the different aspects related to illness from their individual and collective experiences. Objective: to compare the illness perceptions of adolescent childhood cancer survivors and their caregivers and examine the relationship between illness perception of childhood cancer survivors, their caregivers, and sociodemographic, illness, and treatment variables. Forty-three survivor-caregiver dyads (the mean age of a survivor 17.05 years old; the mean age of caregivers 47.53 years old) participated in the study and answered the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ) and Demographics data. Results: Results showed significant differences in the illness perceptions of survivors and caregivers. Caregivers presented more negative cognitive perceptions than survivors (t = −6.701, p < 0.001), especially in the identity dimension (t = −4.327, p < 0.001), and more negative emotional perceptions than survivors (t = −4.132, p < 0.001), both in concern (t = −3.695, p < 0.001) and emotional representation (t = −3.466, p < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between survivors' and caregivers' illness perceptions and sociodemographic illness variables. Conclusion: These findings showed that even though dyads went through cancer together, survivors’ and caregivers' perceptions of childhood cancer are different, indicating the need to better understand how children growing up with a chronic disease develop such illness perceptions and their experience.
Robust fault diagnosis of rolling bearing via phase space reconstruction of intrinsic mode functions and neural network under various operating conditions
Authors: Yuan Rui , Lv Yong , Lu Zhiwen , Li Si , Li Hewenxuan
Published: May 2022

Rolling bearings are important components in mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering. The practical working conditions of rolling bearings are complex; hence, fault diagnosis of rolling bearings under various operating conditions is very challenging. This paper proposes a novel approach to fault diagnosis of rotary machinery using phase space reconstruction (PSR) of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and neural network under various operating conditions. Complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) is employed to decompose vibration signal of rotary component into IMFs denoting high-to-low instantaneous frequencies adaptively. PSR constructs one-dimensional IMFs to high-dimensional IMFs, which helps reveal the underlying nonlinear geometric topology via the reconstructed inherent and hidden dynamical characteristics of the one-dimensional vibration signal. To explore intrinsic dynamical properties, interquartile range (IQR) of Euclidean distance (ED) values of high-dimensional IMFs are extracted as condition indicators and used as input of back propagation (BP) neural network to fulfill fault identification of rolling bearings. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed approach have been validated by theoretical derivations, numerical simulations and experimental data. The results show that the proposed approach is promising in fault diagnosis of rotary machinery under various operating conditions.
Tunnel lining water leakage image Segmentation based on improved BlendMask
Authors: Geng Peng , Jia Mengye , Ren Xiaoxia
Published: May 2022

Water leakage of tunnel is a common disease in all kinds of existing tunnels. Automatic, timely, and accurate detection of water leakages is of great significance to the safe operation and maintenance for all kinds of tunnels. Due to the complicated background of tunnel surfaces, it is difficult for traditional tunnel defect detection algorithms to detect such defects quickly and accurately. To address these problems, this article presents an improved BlendMask image segmentation model with top-down and bottom-up architecture which accurately extract tunnel’s water leakage area from tunnel lining images. The proposed method is validated by an experimental study, and the results are compared with those obtained by the tunnel defect segmentation methods including Mask R-CNN and DeepCrack and other deep learning methods including CondInst, SoloV2, fully convolutional network and UNet. The Recall, Precision, F1-score, Dice and mean intersection over union (mIoU) for the proposed method are superior than those by the other methods above with respect to on test images. The subjective analysis on predicted results by different methods also shows the presented method can perform well.
Measuring Grief in the Context of Traumatic Loss: A Systematic Review of Assessment Instruments
Authors: Ennis Naomi , Bottomley Jamison , Sawyer Jessica , Moreland Angela D. , Rheingold Alyssa A.
Published: May 2022

Following traumatic loss, defined as the death of a loved one due to unexpected or violent circumstances, adults may experience a myriad of grief-related problems. Given the addition of Prolonged Grief Disorders into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, Text-Revision and influx of unexpected deaths due to the global Coronavirus pandemic, there is heightened interest in the measurement of grief-related processes. We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify measures of grief used in studies of adults who experienced traumatic loss. Searches yielded 164 studies that used 31 unique measures of grief-related constructs. The most commonly used instrument was the Inventory of Complicated Grief-Revised. Half of the measures assessed constructs beyond diagnosable pathological grief responses. Given the wide variation and adaptations of measures reviewed, we recommend greater testing and uniformity of measurement across the field. Future research is needed to adapt and/or design measures to evaluate new criteria for Prolonged Grief Disorder.
Efficacy of bortezomib in reduction of systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index score: A meta-analysis
Authors: He Huan , Luo Man , Xiong Jin-He
Published: May 2022

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by the production of auto-antibodies against nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens, which can affect multiple organs. To date, no meta-analysis has reported the efficacy of bortezomib in SLE. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of bortezomib in patients with SLE.

Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese BioMedical databases for articles published before 18 August 2021 to identify all studies relevant to SLE. The following were our inclusion criteria: (1) written in all languages, (2) bortezomib administration in patients with SLE and, (3) a clear description of SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores. Following were the exclusion criteria: (1) duplicate publications (the most recent article was included for analysis)and, (2) animal experiments, case reports, meeting reports, and reviews. The pooled data were analysed using a fixed- or random-effects model, depending on heterogeneity (determined using the I2 index).

Results: Three articles that described 29 patients were included in this study. The forest plot showed a positive association between bortezomib therapy and SLE based on analysis of SLEDAI scores, with an odds ratio of 11.30 (95% confidence interval 7.03–15.56, p < .00001).

Conclusion: Bortezomib treatment can reduce the SLEDAI scores in patients with SLE, which suggests the usefulness of this therapeutic approach for SLE.
The World Future Day Method: A 24-hour Round-The-World Global Discussion
Authors: Berardo Mara Di
Published: May 2022

The World Future Day is a 24-h round-the-world global conversation about the futures and represents a new kind of futures method. Launched for the first time by the Millennium Project in 2014, it is an open large-scale global participatory discussion among self-selected future-oriented people from around the world. The work introduces the main characteristics of the WFD method, the protocol of analysis, first considerations about its strengths and weaknesses, and the main results of the 2021 application on March 1. The results are reported in form of suggestions and solutions aggregated in clusters and macro-clusters related to some of the global challenges facing humanity and set a common agenda for further discussion.
More on the penetration of spherical-nosed rigid projectiles into metallic targets
Authors: Vayig Yaniv , Rosenberg Zvi , Ornai David
Published: May 2022

This work deals with several issues related to the deep penetration of spherically nosed rigid projectiles impacting metallic targets at normal incidence. The most important issues in these processes are the constant resisting stress acting on the projectile beyond the initial entrance phase, the extent of the entrance phase, and the onset of cavitation at impact velocities higher than a certain threshold velocity. In this work, we derive a new relation for the target’s resisting stress in terms of its bulk and shear moduli and we also use a simplified analysis to account for the effect of the entrance phase on the depth of penetration for spherically nosed rigid projectiles. In addition, we highlight the role of cavitation in this process through numerical simulations for targets having very different densities.
Beyond the rural–urban aporia
Authors: Ortega Arnisson Andre
Published: May 2022

In a more interconnected world, how do we come to grip with interrelationships and connectivities that cut across long-held spatial categories, such as the rural and the urban? Amidst the uneven emphasis on urban theorization, there must be ways of theorizing the relationalities from vantage points beyond the ‘urban’. Gillen et al.'s article is a well-written piece that provides an important contribution to efforts that aim to theorize beyond the rural–urban divide. For this commentary, I discuss its theoretical gains and potential for analysis. However, I also express my hesitation towards the use of an umbrella term (‘ruralization’) that is anchored upon a problematic rural–urban binary. Perhaps a way to move forward is to take on a postcolonial suggestion that pushes for what Leitner and Sheppard call a theoretical ‘ecosystem of possibilities’, which encourages more theoretical conceptualizations from diverse voices, while drawing from various contextual realities and multiple ‘constitutive outsides’ beyond the ‘rural’ or ‘urban’.
Accuracy and reliability of a wireless vital signs monitor for hospitalized patients in a low-resource setting
Authors: Nantume Assumpta , Kiwanuka Noah , Muyinda Asad , Cauvel Teresa , Shah Sona
Published: May 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of neoGuard in comparison to a conventional bedside monitor on patients in a low-resource clinical setting.

Design

This was a single-arm methods comparison study involving the use of a wearable vital signs monitor (neoGuardTM) versus a conventional bedside monitor (Edan iM8).

Setting

The study was conducted at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, a tertiary care hospital situated in Eastern Uganda.

Participants

Thirty patients (10 male, 20 female) were enrolled from the adult recovery ward at JRRH. Participants were eligible for the study if they were at least 18 years of age, had 2 sets of normal vital sign measurements obtained 1 h apart, and were able and willing to provide informed consent.

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary outcome measures were (i) bias (mean deviation) and (ii) limits of agreement [95% CI]. Bland-Altman plots were generated to illustrate the level of agreement between the neoGuardTM technology and the Edan iM8 monitor.

Results

Bland-Altman analysis was performed for 24 participants; datasets from six participants were excluded due to missing or invalid measurements. Findings showed a moderate level of agreement for measurement of SpO2, PR, and RR, with >80% of subject means falling within the predefined acceptability limits. However, there was also notable variation in accuracy between subjects, with large standard deviations observed for measurement of all four parameters. While the level of agreement for measurement of temperature was low, this is partly explained by limitations in the comparison method.
A Profit Allocation Mechanism for Customer-to-Manufacturer Platform in e-Commercial Business
Authors: Dai Bo , Li Fenfen , Liu Yunchong
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the customer to manufacturer (C2M) platform in e-commercial business which connects the customers and the manufacturers is studied. The platform is organized in a centralized collaboration framework where an e-commercial company and multiple manufacturers form a collaborative alliance to satisfy the product orders of multiple customers and maximize a total profit of the alliance. The key issue of the C2M platform is to seek a fair allocation of the profit among the manufacturers. A profit allocation mechanism is proposed for the platform that can assure the stability of the alliance and the sustainability of the platform. The mechanism is based on core allocation and considers each manufacturer’s contribution in fulfilling orders. The effectiveness of the mechanism is evaluated by numerical experiments on 60 instances generated from real data of Alibaba. The experiment results display that the participation of more manufacturers in the C2M platform is profitable. The proposed mechanism can create a profit allocation that keeps in the core in 31 of 60 instances and produce a feasible profit allocation in other 29 instances, which is more reasonable than the current mechanism of C2M platform and easier applied in practice.