bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Always communicate a message of positivity
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2021

Optimism in the face of the challenges a small private liberal arts institution can encounter characterizes the leadership at Emory & Henry College, located in the highlands of southwest Virginia. Jennifer Pearce, Vice President for Enrollment and External Affairs, considers the can‐do attitude a cornerstone of her leadership style, mirroring the approach she has seen from the college's president, John W. Wells.
Ranked set sampling in finite populations with bivariate responses: An application to an osteoporosis study
Authors: Azimian Masoud , Moradi Mohammad , Jafari Jozani Mohammad , Leslie William D.
Published: December 2021

The majority of the research on rank‐based sampling designs in finite populations has been concerned with univariate situations. In this article, we study design‐based estimation using a bivariate ranked set sampling (BIRSS) for finite populations when we have bivariate response variables. We derive the first and second‐order inclusion probabilities associated with a BIRSS design. We show that the size of a BIRSS sample is random and propose using a conditional Poisson sampling (CPS) design to rectify this problem. We then use calculated inclusion probabilities to obtain design‐based estimators of correlation coefficients between the bone mineral density (BMD) levels at the baseline and followup of a longitudinal BMD study in the province of Manitoba in Canada. We also study the problem of estimating the parameters of a regression model between the followup BMD and easy to obtain auxiliary information from the underlying population. Finally, we study the problem of classifying patients as those with or without osteoporosis using BIRSS and various CPS designs. We show that BIRSS designs are very flexible and can be used to obtain more efficient design‐based estimators in sample surveys when dealing with response variables that are hard to measure or expensive to obtain.
COVID‐19 and Resilience in Schools: Implications for Practice and Policy
Authors: Luthar Suniya S. , Pao Lisa S. , Kumar Nina L.
Published: December 2021

This is a mixed‐methods study of risk and resilience in a sample of over 14,000 students from 49 schools, assessed during the first 3 months of COVID‐19 in the United States. Over a third of students were of color and almost a third received financial aid. Participation rates were typically 90–99%. Overall, rates of clinically significant depression and anxiety were lower during distance learning in 2020 as compared to parallel rates documented during 2019, with a few exceptions. Hispanic students did not show reductions in depression rates, nor did gender non‐binary youth. Analyses of multiple risk and protective factors showed that in relation to depression, the most potent predictor was parent support, with effect sizes at least twice as high as those for any other predictor. Other robust predictors of depression included efficacy of learning online and concerns heard by school adults. In predicting to anxiety, parent support again had the largest effect sizes, followed by concerns heard at school, students’ worries about their futures, and worries about grades. In general, the absence of protective factors was more likely to be linked with high distress among youth of color than White students, and among girls and gender non‐binary students as compared to boys. At a policy level, the findings call for concerted attention to the well‐being of adults charged with caring for youth. Parents’ mental health has been increasingly threatened with the protracted stress linked with the pandemic. Thus, all avenues must be considered toward providing them with support—using feasible, community‐based interventions—as this is always the most important step in fostering children's resilience through adversity. Additionally, schools’ expectations about learning will have to be adjusted. As educators try to make up for academic losses during the pandemic, they must avoid high workloads detrimental for students’ mental health (and thus ability to learn). Finally, there must be ongoing institutional mental health support for teachers, counselors, administrators, and staff. Many of these adults have provided critical safety nets for youth since the start of the pandemic and are themselves at high risk for burnout. In conclusion, findings clearly show that if a central societal goal is to maximize resilience among youth through the continuing pandemic‐related challenges, we will have to deliberately prioritize an “upstream” approach, ensuring ongoing support for the adults who take care of them in their everyday lives.

There must be ongoing institutional mental health support for teachers, counselors, administrators, and staff. Many of these adults have provided critical safety nets for youth since the start of the pandemic and are themselves at high risk for burnout.
A Comparison of Prediction Models with Machine Learning Algorithms for Traction Characteristics in Linear Traction Induction Motors
Authors: Zeng Dihui , Ge Qiongxuan , Degano Michele
Published: December 2021

This paper compares the machine learning algorithm‐based prediction methods for the traction characteristics in linear traction induction motors operating at common working conditions, i.e. different slip and running velocity, with a symmetric or asymmetric secondary. These models provide a method for obtaining the dynamic characteristics in the motor that considers nonlinear effects. First, some analytical results for the prototype machine under different working conditions is calculated. Second, classification and feature extraction of traction characteristics results including thrust, transversal and vertical forces is made according to the different slip, running speed and lateral secondary displacement, and the results set is divided into training sets and test sets. Third, the prediction model established by different machine learning algorithms are analyzed and compared in principle. These algorithms in this paper mainly contain: artificial neural networks (ANNs), linear regression (LR), symbolic regression using GP, k‐Nearest Neighbour (kNN), random forests (RFRs). The machine learning algorithm‐based prediction methods are trained with the training set, and then the verified with the test set. Finally, this paper discusses the most optimal model for predicting traction characteristics. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Covid-19 and school closure: Examining the impact on private mid-range and low-fee private basic schools in Ghana
Authors: Juvenile Ehwi Lordina , Ehwi Richmond Juvenile
Published: December 2021

The Covid-19 lockdown implemented globally to prevent the spread of the virus has led to the closure of schools. However, insight into the impact of the lockdown on private schools and the responses it has elicited is limited, especially across the African continent. This article examines the impact of the lockdown on private basic schools in Ghana and how they responded to the closure. Following “organizational ambidexterity” and qualitative interviews with nine proprietors of private schools in Ghana, the study found that the schools’ closure had a negative impact on private basic schools in five crucial ways: disruption to teaching and learning, difficulty in retrieving unpaid teaching fees, inability to pay staff salaries and statutory payments, underutilization of existing assets, and the cost of storing unused stock. The article offers suggestions to the government to support private schools that are broadening educational access at thin profit margins.
Police Violence as Organizational Crime
Authors: Rich Sylvia
Published: December 2021

This paper argues that patterns of pervasive police violence can and should be treated as organizational crime in Canada. It uses the documented events of police violence in Val d’Or, Quebec, that emerged in 2015 to show how a similar fact pattern might fit all of the elements of organizational crime as defined in the Criminal Code. The article also suggests that this is an example where legal imagination is important, in order to shift our collective understanding of what organizational crime is and where it occurs.
Large eddy simulation of aircraft at affordable cost: a milestone in computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Goc Konrad A. , Lehmkuhl Oriol , Park George Ilhwan , Bose Sanjeeb T. , Moin Parviz
Published: December 2021

While there have been numerous applications of large eddy simulations (LES) to complex flows, their application to practical engineering configurations, such as full aircraft models, have been limited to date. Recently, however, advances in rapid, high quality mesh generation, low-dissipation numerical schemes and physics-based subgrid-scale and wall models have led to, for the first time, accurate simulations of a realistic aircraft in landing configuration (the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency Standard Model) in less than a day of turnaround time with modest resource requirements. In this paper, a systematic study of the predictive capability of LES across a range of angles of attack (including maximum lift and post-stall regimes), the robustness of the predictions to grid resolution and the incorporation of wind tunnel effects is carried out. Integrated engineering quantities of interest, such as lift, drag and pitching moment will be compared with experimental data, while sectional pressure forces will be used to corroborate the accuracy of the integrated quantities. Good agreement with experimental

$C_L$

data is obtained across the lift curve with the coefficient of lift at maximum lift,

$C_{L,max}$

, consistently being predicted to within five lift counts of the experimental value. The grid point requirements to achieve this level of accuracy are reduced compared with recent estimates (even for wall modelled LES), with the solutions showing systematic improvement upon grid refinement, with the exception of the solution at the lowest angles of attack, which will be discussed later in the text. Simulations that include the wind tunnel walls and aircraft body mounting system are able to replicate important features of the flow field noted in the experiment that are absent from free air calculations of the same geometry, namely, the onset of inboard flow separation in the post-stall regime. Turnaround times of the order of a day are made possible in part by algorithmic advances made to leverage graphical processing units. The results presented herein suggest that this combined approach (meshing, numerical algorithms, modelling, efficient computer implementation) is on the threshold of readiness for industrial use in aeronautical design.
Modification of turbulence caused by cationic surfactant wormlike micellar structures in two-dimensional turbulent flow
Authors: Fukushima Kengo , Kishi Haruki , Suzuki Hiroshi , Hidema Ruri
Published: December 2021

An experimental study is performed to investigate the effects of the extensional rheological properties of drag-reducing wormlike micellar solutions on the vortex deformation and turbulence statistics in two-dimensional (2-D) turbulent flow. A self-standing 2-D turbulent flow was used as the experimental set-up, and the flow was observed through interference pattern monitoring and particle image velocimetry. Vortex shedding and turbulence statistics in the flow were affected by the formation of wormlike micelles and were enhanced by increasing the molar ratio of the counter-ion supplier to the surfactant, ξ, or by applying extensional stresses to the solution. In the 2-D turbulent flow, extensional and shear rates were applied to the fluids around a comb of equally spaced cylinders. This induced the formation of a structure made of wormlike micelles just behind the cylinder. The flow-induced structure influenced the velocity fields around the comb and the turbulence statistics. A characteristic increase in turbulent energy was observed, which decreased slowly downstream. The results implied that the characteristic modification of the 2-D turbulent flow of the drag-reducing surfactant solution was affected by the formation and slow relaxation of the flow-induced structure. The relaxation process of the flow-induced structure made of wormlike micelles was very different from that of the polymers.
On shock-induced light-fluid-layer evolution
Authors: Liang Yu , Luo Xisheng
Published: December 2021

Shock-induced light-fluid-layer evolution is firstly investigated experimentally and theoretically. Specifically, three quasi-one-dimensional helium gas layers with different layer thicknesses are generated to study the wave patterns and interface motions. Six quasi-two-dimensional helium gas layers with diverse layer thicknesses and amplitude combinations are created to explore the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability of a light-fluid layer. Due to the multiple reflected shocks reverberating inside a light-fluid layer, the speeds of the two interfaces gradually converge, and the layer thickness saturates eventually. A general one-dimensional theory is adopted to describe the two interfaces’ motions and the layer thickness variations. It is found that, for the first interface, the end time of its phase reversal determines the influence of the reflected shocks on it. However, the reverberated shocks indeed lead to the second interface being more unstable. When the two interfaces are initially in phase, and the initial fluid layer is very thin, the two interfaces’ spike heads collide and stabilise the two interfaces. Linear and nonlinear models are successfully adopted by considering the interface-coupling effect and the reverberated shocks to predict the two interfaces’ perturbation growths in all regimes. The interfacial instability of a light-fluid layer is quantitatively compared with that of a heavy-fluid layer. It is concluded that the kind of waves reverberating inside a fluid layer significantly affects the fluid-layer evolution.
Gender bias in morphological inferences
Authors: Finley Sara , Charania Saara , Lewis Tiarra , Millward Barbara , Wang Stella
Published: December 2021

The present study explores how language learners apply gender stereotypes in learning a novel language with grammatical gender. Adult, English-speaking participants were exposed to picture–sound pairs from a miniature language. Each picture was of a matched gendered professional (e.g., male tennis player, female tennis player) with a nonsense form [CVCV-go/gu]. Participants were exposed to 32 picture–sound pairs (16 male, and 16 female, all matched) five times in a randomized order. Following training, participants were given a two-alternative forced-choice test with novel picture–word pairs. Participants were presented with a novel picture paired with two words (e.g., [befegu vs. befebo]) and were asked to choose which word most likely portrayed the meaning conveyed by the picture. These novel items contained gender-matched professions (e.g., male and female chemist), neutral items (office supplies), stereotypically female items (makeup), and stereotypically male items (tools). Participants assigned the appropriate gender to the novel professions, and assigned gender in line with the stereotyped objects at a rate significantly greater than chance (but not for neutral items). These results support the hypothesis that learning a language with a binary grammatical gender might be influenced by gender stereotypes.
Maternal vitamin D deficiency and GDM risk: evidence for the case of investing more attention in antenatal clinics
Authors: Mahendra Anvesha , Fall Caroline H. D.
Published: December 2021

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a global public health problem, and in India, it affects about 20% of pregnancies. India, despite being a tropical country with abundant sunshine has a high prevalence (80%) of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) among reproductive-aged women. Global and Indian evidence links VDD with a higher risk of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy and GDM. VDD has also been implicated in gestational hypertension, preterm birth and poorer offspring health. Global scientific consensus acknowledges the need for maternal vitamin D screening and supplementation, but knowledge gaps exist about optimal blood levels (50–100 nmol/l), and the required vitamin D dosage (400–4000 IU). Diet can provide <10% of the vitamin D requirements, food fortification can deliver limited amounts, and hence optimal antenatal supplementation is key. Prenatal calcium supplements containing 400 IU of vitamin D may be sufficient for calcium absorption and bone health, but may not provide immunomodulatory benefits, including GDM prevention. Increasing evidence calls for higher maternal vitamin D requirements (2000–4000 IU) for skeletal, metabolic and immune health benefits. Current screening and supplementation for maternal VDD in India is low. We need to invest in future studies to determine optimal maternal vitamin D requirements and formulate policies for vitamin D supplementation to prevent GDM. Improving the maternal vitamin D status is an important nutritional priority for policymakers to reduce the large economic burden of non-communicable diseases (10% of India's gross domestic product), and eventually achieve the 2030 UN sustainable development goals.
Depressive symptoms following traumatic brain injury are associated with resting-state functional connectivity
Authors: Luo Lizhu , Langley Christelle , Moreno-Lopez Laura , Kendrick Keith , Menon David K. , Stamatakis Emmanuel A. , Sahakian Barbara J.
Published: December 2021

Background

To determine whether depressive symptoms in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients were associated with altered resting-state functional connectivity (rs-fc) or voxel-based morphology in brain regions involved in emotional regulation and associated with depression.

Methods

In the present study, we examined 79 patients (57 males; age range = 17–70 years, M ± s.d. = 38 ± 16.13; BDI-II, M ± s.d. = 9.84 ± 8.67) with TBI. We used structural MRI and resting-state fMRI to examine whether there was a relationship between depression, as measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and the voxel-based morphology or functional connectivity in regions previously identified as involved in emotional regulation in patients following TBI. Patients were at least 4 months post-TBI (M ± s.d. = 15.13 ± 11.67 months) and the severity of the injury included mild to severe cases [Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), M ± s.d. = 6.87 ± 3.31].

Results

Our results showed that BDI-II scores were unrelated to voxel-based morphology in the examined regions. We found a positive association between depression scores and rs-fc between limbic regions and cognitive control regions. Conversely, there was a negative association between depression scores and rs-fc between limbic and frontal regions involved in emotion regulation.

Conclusion

These findings lead to a better understanding of the exact mechanisms that contribute to depression following TBI and better inform treatment decisions.
Divine procreation of the world in Zoroastrian Pahlavi texts
Authors: Ahmadi Amir
Published: December 2021

There are two schemes of creation in Zoroastrianism. According to one, Ohrmazd fashions the world in the manner of a skilful craftsman. According to the second, Ohrmazd gestates and gives birth to the world. This article is about the latter. The relevant Pahlavi texts are presented and discussed. The article argues that Pahlavi authors used macrocosm-microcosm correspondence theory to elaborate the doctrine from Avestan rudiments.
Opportunities to improve reporting of rapid response in health technology assessment
Authors: de Almeida Matheus O. , Montezuma Thais , de Oliveira Júnior Haliton A. , Ferri Cleusa Pinheiro
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Mini health technology assessment (HTA) reports have been used to support policy makers and health systems by providing a timely summary of scientific evidence. The objective of this meta-epidemiologic study was to evaluate the quality of reporting of mini-HTA reports published in Brazil.

Methods

An electronic search for all mini-HTA reports published between 2014 and March 2019 was conducted in the SISREBRATS and CONITEC databases. The study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent assessors. The following data were extracted: bibliographic data; research question; characteristics of the population, health technologies and outcomes assessed; eligibility criteria; information about searches and study selection; risk of bias assessment; quality of evidence assessment; synthesis of results; and recommendation about the technology evaluated. A descriptive analysis was used to summarize the information retrieved from all the included mini-HTA reports.

Results

We included 103 mini-HTA reports, the great majority of which (92.3 percent) focused on the coverage of the technologies in the healthcare system, with more than 60 percent being about drugs. Only five mini-HTA reports (4.8 percent) gave reasons for the choice of outcomes, and fifteen (14.5 percent) discriminated between primary and secondary outcomes. All mini-HTAs reported the databases searched and 99 percent of them reported using Medline. Sixty percent of the mini-HTA reported assessing the risk of bias, and 52 percent reported assessing the quality of evidence.

Conclusion

The quality of reporting of the mini-HTA reports performed in Brazil is insufficient and needs to be improved to guarantee transparency and replicability.
Availability and Characteristics of Humanitarian Health Education and Training Programs: A Web-Based Review
Authors: Bahattab Awsan A.S. , Linty Monica , Trentin Monica , Truppa Claudia , Hubloue Ives , Della Corte Francesco , Ragazzoni Luca
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Education and training programs are critical to achieve personnel capacity building and professionalization in the rapidly growing humanitarian health sector. Thus, this study aimed to describe the status of humanitarian health education and training programs world-wide.

Methods:

A web-based analysis was conducted to identify the available humanitarian health programs. The following characteristics of the training programs were described: geographical location, target audience, prerequisite, qualification, curriculum, content, length, modality of delivery, teaching and assessment methods, and tuition fee.

Results:

The search identified a total number of 142 training programs, most of them available in few countries of the global North. Only seven percent of the identified programs qualified for a master’s degree in humanitarian health. Public health was the most identified content (47.2%). Approximately one-half of the training programs (50.7%) were delivered face-to-face. Theoretical knowledge was the most common method used for teaching and assessment. The duration of the training and tuition fees were different for different programs and qualifications, while target audience, prerequisite, and curriculum design were often vaguely described or missing.

Conclusions:

The study shows a global inequality in access to humanitarian health training programs due to financial and geographical constraints. The study also reveals gaps in program contents, as well as teaching and assessment methods, all issues that could be addressed by developing cost-effective e-learning and online simulation programs. Lastly, the data from this study provide a learning tool that can be used by humanitarian health educators and training centers to further define and standardize the requirements and competencies of humanitarian health professionals.
Divine Sovereignty—Some Reflections
Authors: ZAMAN MUHAMMAD QASIM
Published: December 2021

I offer some reflections here on the set of articles gathered in this special issue on divine sovereignty and further develop some thoughts first adumbrated in a piece published in JRAS 25/3 (2015).
Power Struggles in the Implementation of Gender Equality Policies: The Politics of Resistance and Counter-resistance in Universities
Authors: Tildesley Rebecca , Lombardo Emanuela , Verge Tània
Published: December 2021

This article develops an analytical framework to study the power struggles between status quo and gender equality actors underpinning the implementation of gender equality policies. While resistance to gender equality policies in different institutions has received considerable scholarly attention, examining this struggle in light of a multifaceted concept of power that encompasses both domination and individual and collective empowerment, we argue, offers a more accurate account of the possibilities of a feminist politics of implementation. Our analytical framework also accounts for the factors that enable resistance by dominant actors and counter-resistance by gender equality actors and the informal rules that are being upheld or challenged, respectively. Applying our framework to the study of Spanish universities, we identify both the forms and types of resistance that hinder gender reform efforts in higher education institutions and the counter-action strategies that seek to drive implementation forward and achieve institutional change.
Estimation of Specific Yield for Regional Groundwater Models: Pitfalls, Ramifications, and a Promising Path Forward
Authors: Liu Gaisheng , Wilson Blake B. , Bohling Geoffrey C. , Whittemore Donald O. , Butler James J.
Published: December 2021

Specific yield (Sy) is one of the most important aquifer parameters in groundwater models with large storage changes. However, it has received limited attention from the modeling community and there are few, if any, approaches that can be widely applied for determination of Sy at the scale required for regional aquifer studies. Despite the limitations of parameter estimation methods and of direct measurements of aquifer storage properties in the field, the large uncertainty in model Sy values is typically ignored and Sy is incorrectly assumed to be a known quantity. These practices can introduce errors into model predictions of aquifer budget components, such as recharge and storage depletion. In turn, aquifer management and planning can be greatly impacted, as estimates of aquifer responses to pumping changes are highly dependent on those simulated budget components. In this work, we use a groundwater model of a portion of the High Plains aquifer in the central United States to illustrate the impacts of inappropriately large Sy values on model predictions and the related water management ramifications. Building on our recent work, we propose a data‐driven approach for determining specific yield for regional groundwater models. Results demonstrate that this new approach can improve model reliability and lead to more robust predictions of aquifer responses to management scenarios.
Availability of ultrasound imaging of a guidewire parallel to the vein during internal jugular central venous catheter placement
Authors: Wakabayashi Ryo
Published: December 2021

Ultrasound verification of the guidewire traveling along the vein parallel to it and without any changes in angle has been recommended for prevention of inadvertent arterial catheterization during central venous catheter (CVC) placement. The aim of this study was to determine the availability of this parallel guidewire imaging during internal jugular CVC placement. Fifty-six adult patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery were included. The success rate of acquiring a parallel guidewire image was assessed. Logistic regression models and generalized additive models were used to identify the factors contributing to achieve parallel guidewire imaging. Among 56 patients in whom the guidewire was correctly positioned, the parallel guidewire image was acquired in 45 (80%) patients. Body mass index (crude odds ratio: 0.74 [95% confidence interval: 0.61–0.91]; p = 0.004) and distance from the puncture site to the clavicle (crude odds ratio: 1.32 [95% confidence interval: 1.11–1.58]; p = 0.002) were associated with successful depiction. The predicted probability of successful visualization was 96% (95% confidence interval: 82–99%) when the distance from the puncture site to the clavicle was 50 mm. The distance is a reliable predictor for successful visualization, and thus it should be considered when performing internal jugular CVC placement.
Hypochromic red cells as predictors of anemia in patients undergoing hemodialysis: an observational retrospective study
Authors: Kee Youn Kyung , Jeon Hee Jung , Oh Jieun , Shin Dong Ho
Published: December 2021

The percentage of hypochromic red blood cells (%HRC) estimates the availability of iron by evaluating the degree of hemoglobinization. We investigated whether %HRC was a predictor of anemia in patients undergoing hemodialysis. We recruited 142 patients undergoing routine hemodialysis between 2017 and 2019. Delta hemoglobin level (ΔHb)1mo-baseline was calculated as the difference between the hemoglobin level at 1 month after study enrollment and that at the time of study enrollment. Development of anemia was defined as hemoglobin level ≤ 15% of baseline. The median %HRC was 3.1%. There was a significant negative correlation between (ΔHb)1mo- baseline and %HRC (r =  − 0.63, P < 0.001). The incidence of anemia was significantly higher in patients with %HRC > 3.1% than in those with %HRC ≤ 3.1%. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, %HRC was significantly related to the development of anemia (odds ratio 2.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.72–3.85, P < 0.001). The best cutoff value for %HRC to predict the development of anemia was 4.3%, with a sensitivity and specificity of 67.74 (95% CI, 54.7–79.1) and 97.50 (95% CI, 91.3– 99.7), respectively. %HRC is an independent predictor of anemia in patients undergoing hemodialysis. %HRC ≤ 4.3% is an early marker to consider changing the anemia treatment.
Effect of plant growth promotion fungi on agricultural crops
Authors: Brazhnikova Yelena , Ignatova Lyudmila , Omirbekova Anel , Mukasheva Togzhan , Kistaubayeva Aida , Savitskaya Irina , Egamberdieva Dilfuza , Usmanova Aizhamal , Batlutskaya Irina
Published: December 2021

Pot experiments with seven agricultural crops were carried out in laboratory conditions to study the effect of fungal strains on their growth and development: soybean (Glycine max), barley (Hordeum vulgare), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), rapeseed (Brassica napus), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis), sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia). Five fungal strains with biotechnologically valuable properties were used: P. bilaiae Pb14, P. bilaiae C11, T. pinophilus T14, Aspergillus sp. D1 and B. bassiana T7. Inoculation with fungal strains increased theshoot length of seedlings by 14-33%, the root length by 13-29%, the shoot dry weight by 12-31%, the root dry weight by 15-30% compared to the controls.The application of fungal strains had a stimulating effect on the photosynthetic activity of plants by increasing the content of chlorophyll in the leaves of seedlings. There was an increase in the content of chlorophyll a by 8-16%, chlorophyll b - by 9-17%.
Improvement of the method for producing confitures
Authors: Zahorulko Andreii , Zagorulko Aleksey , Liashenko Bogdan , Gordienko Irina
Published: December 2021

The method for the production of confiture has been improved, which consists in preliminary infrared processing of fruits and vegetables by drying at a temperature of 45...50 °C, followed by grinding them to 1.5...2.5 mm. Introduction of inverted syrup (to prevent sugar crystallization during storage of confitures), and subsequent boiling to a dry matter content of 60...76% at a temperature of 45...50 °C, which makes it possible to obtain confitures with high organoleptic characteristics. The obtained confiture is characterized by a high biological value and quality due to the increase of vitamins and microelements in it due to the use of fruit and berry raw materials and providing a gentle heat and mass exchange treatment at all stages of production.
Six Sigma application for quality improvement of the hot press in process
Authors: Li Xin
Published: December 2021

Six Sigma is a systematic improvement method, a management approach designed to continuously improve corporate business processes and achieve customer requirement. This paper presents a case study conducted at a cell phone manufacturing company that intended to use the DMAIC method to carry out a structured approach to Six Sigma projects with fewer defective units generated by the cell phone hot press in process. In this process, Boss cracking and torque force failure led to high scrap costs and line downtime, which ultimately affected the supply of the assembly line. To this end, the Six Sigma approach was applied starting with the problem being defined, measured, and exhaustively analyzed to determine the root cause: poor injection molding structure, metal insert not perpendicular to the hole, improperly set molding machine parameters, and core/cavity dimension variation. A series of improvement measures addressing these factors increased the quality level of the process by improving the mold design to increase venting, optimizing the product structure to add the guide chamfer, and developing a standardized molding parameter setup procedure. Methods to maintain process control were also identified and implemented. The use of several quality tools and the use of Six Sigma methods also made the process more consistent.
Particle Behavior Investigation for Different Structures of Hoppers
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Chen Qingwen
Published: December 2021

In this paper, two different kinds of hoppers were proposed. In order to investigate particle behavior in hoppers, the discrete element method (DEM) was introduced and soybeans were chosen as test material Particle behavior of four different samples were simulated under different flow rate. Results reveal that the deflection cone greatly affected the particle behavior. After adding the deflection cone in the hopper, the trajectory of particle material can be restrained and the dust diffusion can be reduced.different distances of the deflection cone showed different guiding effect on the particle movement.
Effect of niobium and austenitizing temperature on the microstructures and properties of spray-deposited AISI M3:2 high speed steel
Authors: Wang Hebin , Hong Da , Hou Longgang , Shen Li , Ou Ping , Qiu LiFang , Wang Zhigang , Zhao Hongjin
Published: December 2021

The microstructure and properties of niobium-containing AISI M3:2 high speed steels (HSSs) fabricated by spray forming and traditional casting have been investigated. The results show that fine and uniformly-distributed grains without macrosegregation appeared in the as-deposited HSSs that differ from those of as-cast HSSs. Nb mostly appears in primary MC carbides, whereas it contributes less to the formation of M6C carbides. The high stabilization of Nb-rich MC carbides can pin the grain boundaries during high-temperature austenitizing process, thus conferring a fine grains and raising the content of dissolved alloying elements. Enhanced precipitation strengthening and fine dispersion of NbC carbides throughout the matrix contribute to the high hardness and red hardness of Nb-containing HSS.
A bilevel game model for ascertaining competitive target prices for a buyer in negotiation with multiple suppliers
Authors: Kumar Akhilesh , Gupta Anjana , Mehra Aparna
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a decision-support is developed for a strategic problem of identifying target prices for the single buyer to negotiate with multiple suppliers to achieve common goal of maintaining sustained business environment. For this purpose, oligopolistic-competitive equilibrium prices of suppliers are suggested to be considered as target prices. The problem of identifying these prices is modeled as a multi-leader-single-follower bilevel programming problem involving linear constraints and bilinear objective functions. Herein, the multiple suppliers are considered leaders competing in a Nash game to maximize individual profits, and the buyer is a follower responding with demand-order allocations to minimize the total procurement-cost. Profit of each supplier is formulated on assessing respective operational cost to fulfill demand-orders by integrating aggregate-production-distribution-planning mechanism into the problem. A genetic-algorithm-based technique is designed in general for solving large-scale instances of the variant of bilevel programming problems with multiple leaders and single follower, and the same is applied to solve the modeled problem. The developed decision support is appropriately demonstrated on the data of a leading FMCG manufacturing firm, which manufactures goods through multiple sourcing.
Chronische Lymphatische Leukämie
Authors: Braitmaier Helmine
Published: December 2021

Die chronische lymphatische Leukämie (CLL) ist eine sehr heterogene Erkrankung und kann gutartig, bei einigen Patienten aber auch aggressiv verlaufen. Bei der Behandlung wird die Chemotherapie zunehmend von zielgerichteten Substanzen abgelöst, berichtete Prof. Barbara Eichhorst, Köln, auf dem 9. Sommersymposium „Lymphome & Leukämien“ 2021 der Universitätsklinik Köln. Unklar ist noch, in welcher Kombination und Reihenfolge die neueren Wirkstoffe die größte Wirkung erzielen.
CAR-T-Zellen: Praktische Aspekte der Anwendung einer innovativen Zelltherapie
Authors: Bücklein Veit , Blumenberg Viktoria , Subklewe Marion
Published: December 2021

Immer mehr Patienten mit therapierefraktären B-Zell-Neoplasien in Deutschland werden mit CAR-T-Zellen behandelt. Die Zelltherapie ermöglicht bisher ungekannte Therapieerfolge, ist jedoch auch mit einer Reihe spezifischer Nebenwirkungen assoziiert. Zusätzlich stellt sie als personalisierte Tumortherapie besondere Anforderungen an die Patientenlogistik. Im folgenden Beitrag wird erläutert, worauf in der Versorgung von CAR-T-Zell-Patienten besonders zu achten ist.
Jahrestagung 2021 der deutschsprachigen Krebsgesellschaften
Authors: Bubenzer Rainer H.
Published: December 2021

Die Jahrestagung von DGHO, OeGHO, SGMO und SGH fand dieses Jahr wenigstens als Hybridveranstaltung statt – maximal 1000 „auserwählte“ Onkologen durften live in Berlin mit dabei sein, alle anderen saßen zu Hause vor den Bildschirmen. In Pandemiezeiten wurde das Motto des diesjährigen Hybrid-Kongresses ziemlich treffend gewählt, nämlich: „Wir müssen wieder reden“, stellte Kongresspräsident Prof. Andreas Mackensen, Erlangen, bei der Auftaktpressekonferenz fest. Und da diese persönlichen Treffen lange nicht möglich waren und die Hämatologie und die Onkologie ein äußerst innovatives und dynamisches Fachgebiet der Medizin ist, ist es einfach notwendig, so Mackensen weiter, „dass wir uns wieder häufiger treffen und miteinander sprechen. Alle, die jetzt hierher gekommen sind, genießen die vielen fachlichen Diskussionen sehr, aber auch einfach den persönlichen Austausch“.
Beard and Moustache Reconstruction
Authors: Dua Kapil , Verma Vandana , Dua Aman
Published: December 2021

Beard and moustache reconstruction has gained more popularity and acceptance over the last decade. The procedure is done for the correction of facial areas with hair density deficit and also for the cosmetic enhancement of pre-existing facial hair. The surgical technique includes the harvesting of grafts from the scalp by the follicular unit excision (FUE) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT) technique and then placing them in either premade slits or by stick and place method. The advancement and refinement of procedure over the years has aided in achieving the optimal aesthetic results, with minimal side effects.
Asymmetric Synthesis of 1,2-Limonene Epoxides by Jacobsen Epoxidation
Authors: Huang Zi-Yi , Jiao Min-Ru , Gu Xiu , Zhai Zi-Ran , Li Jian-Qi , Zhang Qing-Wei
Published: December 2021

This study reported an asymmetric synthesis of 1,2-limonene epoxides. The absolute stereochemistry was controlled by a Jacobsen epoxidation of cis-1,2-limonene epoxide (with diastereomeric excess of 98%) and trans-1,2-limonene epoxide (with diastereomeric excess of 94%), which could be used as important raw materials for the preparation of related cannabinoid drugs.
Determinants of innovation and interactive learning in informal manufacturing enterprises in India
Authors: Shekar K Chandra , Joseph K J
Published: December 2021

In the context of globalization, the informal sector enterprises are also exposed to international competition; and therefore, they need to remain productive and competitive. In this regard, innovation is an obvious strategic choice at the firm level. Drawing from the data gathered through an extensive field survey in NCT-Delhi, India, this study observes that innovation activities in the informal enterprises take place mostly through non-research-and-development routes and rely more on interactive learning and learning by doing. The econometric analysis shows that formal interactions through subcontracting and membership in the industrial associations along with informal interactions with other firms, buyer–supplier interactions, and social capital are having positive and significant influence on product, process, and marketing innovation. However, this study reveals that formal interactions play a vital role in introducing marketing innovations. Further, the results show the essential role of in-house training, entrepreneurial expertise, and information communication technology usage at the firm level. Thus, the paper provides empirical evidence reiterating the importance of integrating informal manufacturing enterprises and their learning processes as the key components of the innovation system in India.
Bruise Location in Supracondylar Humerus Fractures Predicts Specific Neurovascular Injuries
Authors: Schultz Jacob D. , Rees Andrew B. , Wollenman Lucas C. , Lempert Nathaniel , Moore-Lotridge Stephanie N. , Schoenecker Jonathan G.
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

The presence of soft tissue injury in pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHFs) has been shown to be an independent predictor of any neurovascular injury. Potentially expanding this concept, the specific neurovascular structure injured around the elbow is thought to be dependent upon the direction and magnitude of fracture displacement and subsequent soft tissue injury. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the bruise location following SCHF is indicative of the anatomic location of maximal soft tissue injury and therefore is a specific prognosticator of which neurovascular structure may be injured.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of all SCHFs treated at a tertiary pediatric hospital from 2007 to 2017 collected information on bruise location, neurovascular injury patterns, and outcomes. Bruise location was classified as anterior, anterolateral, anteromedial, or posterior. Injury radiographs were reviewed by a blinded pediatric orthopaedic surgeon to neurovascular structure injured.

Results:

Of 2845 SCHFs identified, 267 (9.4%) had concomitant neurovascular injury—of which 128 (47.9%) met inclusion criteria. Among the vascular injuries, all bruising was anteromedial (28/45, 62.2%, P<0.05) or anterior (17/45, 37.8%, P>0.05). Fractures with anteromedial bruising correlated with median nerve injury (24/27, 88.9%, P<0.05), whereas fractures with anterolateral bruising correlated with radial nerve injuries (24/25, 96.0%, P<0.05). Bruising or radiographic evaluation correctly identified 60.2% and 64.1% of neurovascular injuries, respectively, whereas the combination identified 82.0% of neurovascular injuries correctly. Bruise location identified 23 neurovascular injuries not predicted by radiographic evaluation alone.

Conclusion:

Bruise location is an important physical examination finding that can be used as an adjunct to improve the diagnostic accuracy of neurovascular injury in SCHFs in conjunction with neurovascular physical examination and radiographic evaluation. SCHFs with anterior or anteromedial bruising should raise concern for vascular injury. In addition, anteromedial bruising is predictive of a median nerve injury and anterolateral bruising is predictive of radial nerve injury. This adjunct diagnostic is particularly helpful in a noncooperative child or if performed by a clinician with limited experience in diagnosing neurovascular injuries or interpreting pediatric elbow radiographs.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Unplanned Return to the Operating Room (UpROR) After Pediatric Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures
Authors: Baghdadi Soroush , Mahmoud Mahmoud A.H. , Flynn John (Jack) M. , Arkader Alexandre
Published: December 2021

Background:

Femoral fractures are the most common cause of fracture-related admissions. Unplanned return to the operating room (UpROR) is a major event and imposes a substantial burden on the family and health care system. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of complications and early UpROR during the first 6 months following treatment of femoral fractures and their risk factors.

Methods:

In an institutional review board–approved study, a retrospective review of all patients who were treated for a femoral fracture during a 10-year period at a pediatric tertiary care center was performed. Patients less than 18 years old with a diaphyseal fracture and complete records were included, and nondiaphyseal or pathologic fractures, as well as underlying metabolic or genetic disorders, were excluded. All clinic visits in the first 6 months after treatment were reviewed, and all complications and UpRORs were extracted. Patients were grouped based on their age (below 5, 5 to 11, above 11 y old) at initial treatment, and statistical tests were used to infer differences between groups.

Results:

Overall, 841 fractures in 832 patients were included, with a mean age of 5.5±4.8 years fracture, of which 72% were male. A total of 106 complications (12.6%) and 45 UpRORs (5.3%) were encountered during the study period. Patients with and without UpROR had similar demographics and injury and treatment characteristics. Loss of reduction was the most common reason for UpROR (58%), followed by implant-related complications. Flexible nails had the highest risk of UpROR among patients who were initially treated surgically (P=0.03).

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that children under the age of 5 years have a 5% risk of UpROR in the first 6 months after the fracture, mainly for repeat spica casting due to loss of reduction. Patients aged 5 years or older have an ∼6% risk of UpROR, mainly related to complications of flexible nails. The findings of this study are important when consulting families on different treatments of diaphyseal femoral fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic level III—retrospective cohort study.