bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An annotated checklist of halacarid mites (Acari, Halacaridae) from India
Authors: CHATTERJEE TAPAS
Published: May 2022

A compilation of halacarid mite species (Halacaridae) from India has been carried out based on published records. Indian halacarid records were mostly found among algal habitats, some are also reported associated with pneumatophores and halophytes. Copidognathus is the most dominant genus with 19 species reported from the Indian coast. Reports of halacarid mites from Indian interstitial habitats are mostly doubtful and needs verification. Acarochelopodia delamarei, Copidognathus fabricii, Scaptognathus hallezi, Simognathus minutus should be excluded from Indian record. The real diversity and distribution of Indian halacarid fauna is far from being complete and future investigations may reveal further new taxa.
Chironomids are commensals of the larvae and pupae of Blephariceridae and Simuliidae from the North Caucasus (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae)
Authors: MAKARCHENKO EUGENYI A. , SEMENCHENKO ALEXANDER A. , PALATOV DMITRY M.
Published: May 2022

Illustrated morphological descriptions of chironomid larvae from subfamily Orthocladiinae Cardiocladius sp. 1, which as commensals live between ventral suckers of Blephariceridae larvae, as well as larvae and pupae of Eukiefferiella claripennis group inhabited of Simuliidae pupal cocoons, are given. DNA barcodes of these chironomid species and sequences of their hosts, three species of Liponeura Loew (Blephariceridae) and one species of Simulium aff. variegatum (Simuliidae), are provided.
A new species of the flat bug genus Aneurus from Japan (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Aradidae)
Authors: SHIMAMOTO SHUSUKE , ISHIKAWA TADASHI
Published: May 2022

A new aneurine flat bug species, Aneurus (Aneurodes) taterasanus sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Aradidae), is described from western and southwestern Japan, as the fifth species of the subgenus Aneurodes Heiss, 1998, and the first record of the subgenus from the country. The structure of the phallus of this new species with the endosoma everted and inflated is documented in detail for the first time in the subfamily Aneurinae. A key to species of the subgenus Aneurodes and another one to species of the genera Aneurus Curtis, 1825 and Paraneurus Jacobs, 1986 occurring in Japan are provided.
Correlation of Tumor Response Between Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Rojas Maria A. , Cataneo Jose , Gagnon-Konamna Marianne , Borsuk Daniel J. , Jarzabek Angela J. , Marecik Slawomir J. , Park John J. , Kochar Kunal
Published: May 2022

Background

The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer recommends a pelvic MRI to assess the response to neoadjuvant therapy for advanced rectal cancers. However, there is no single restaging modality that can identify all patients with complete tumor response. At our institution, we perform both a pelvic MRI and a flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) after neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgical resection.

Objective

The objective is to elucidate the correlation of tumor response between FS and MRI in patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.

Design

Single institution from 2010 to 2019. Retrospective cohort study comparing local tumor response on FS to MRI utilizing final pathology as the gold standard for comparison.

Patients

Patients with confirmed locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma (stage II or III) who underwent neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgical intervention and underwent flexible endoscopy and a standardized rectal cancer protocol MRI to evaluate tumor response.

Results

A total of 48 patients were evaluated. Seven (14%) patients had a complete pathological response. MRI adequately reported 1 (14%), while FS found 4 (57.14%) out of the 7 complete responders. Nevertheless, this did not reach statistical significance ( P = .06). On logistic regression analysis, flexible sigmoidoscopy had a 5.5 higher likelihood to report an accurate complete response (OR 5.5, 95% CI: 1.02-29.64; P = .047).

Conclusions

Flexible sigmoidoscopy should be used in conjunction with MRI in the work up of patients who have received neoadjuvant therapy for advanced rectal cancer prior to surgical resection.
Varieties of Ambiguity: How do Voters Evaluate Ambiguous Policy Statements?
Authors: Nasr Mohamed
Published: May 2022

Scholars voice increasing interest in strategic ambiguity—a strategy whereby parties intentionally conceal their positions on divisive issues. Scholars contend that strategic ambiguity can help European parties broaden their electoral appeals. Although they identify several tactics and styles of position-blurring, the observational literature has yet failed to capture different variants of ambiguous rhetoric, let alone evaluate their effect on the vote. In this article, I rely on cross-country survey experiments that utilize representative samples of around 22,000 respondents from 14 European countries to evaluate the effect of four varieties of ambiguity: vagueness, ambivalence, flip-flopping, and negative messaging. I investigate the impact of ambiguous rhetoric vis-a-vis the context of competition facing the party. The findings reveal that the consequences of ambiguity vary by the actual form it takes and the context of competition facing the party. First, among the varieties, vague and ambivalent variants were superior to negative messaging or flip-flopping. Second, ambiguity helped the party in the absence of popular policy offers in the party system, while it backfired when competitors explicitly agreed with the voter. The findings imply that ambiguity is generally a useful strategy, but its benefits do not extend to rhetorical tactics that harm the party’s valence image.
Robust chaos suppression of uncertain unified chaotic systems based on chattering-free sliding mode control
Authors: Lin Chih-Hsueh , Ho Chia-Wei , Hu Guo-Hsin , Sreeramaneni Baswanth , Yan Jun-Juh
Published: May 2022

For continuous sliding mode control (SMC) in the unified chaotic systems subjected to matched/unmatched uncertainties, a novel chattering-free SMC design is proposed. First, an augmented state is introduced such that it becomes possible to develop a continuous controller to eliminate the undesired chattering which often appears in the typical SMC. Then by using this chattering-free controller, the chaos behavior in unified chaotic systems with matched uncertainties can be completely suppressed. As for the unmatched uncertainties, every state of controlled systems can be driven and limited to a predictable bound, which is not addressed in the literature. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed chattering-free controller is verified by the numerical simulations.
Under the Umbrella: Nuclear Crises, Extended Deterrence, and Public Opinion
Authors: Allison David M. , Herzog Stephen , Ko Jiyoung
Published: May 2022

How robust is public support for extended nuclear deterrence in patron and client states? Recent studies have improved scholarly understanding of US public opinion about nuclear weapon use against non-nuclear adversaries. Yet, there is limited knowledge of public attitudes regarding retaliation for nuclear strikes against US allies. We develop a theoretical typology of nuclear crises and investigate this phenomenon with a novel survey experiment ( n = 6,623). Americans, Japanese, and South Koreans viewed realistic emergency alert messages about a most-likely case for nuclear retaliation: a North Korean missile attack on a US ally protected by the nuclear umbrella. Support for nuclear retaliation is low in all three countries, with important cross-national differences. Favorability increases with North Korean nuclear first-use, but it remains limited nonetheless. Surprisingly, US “tripwire” troop casualties do not increase Americans’ demands for nuclear retaliation. These findings have important implications for the study of nuclear crises and practice of extended deterrence.
Stakeholders’ Problematisation of Drug Consumption Rooms: A Case Study of the Policy Initiative in Helsinki
Authors: Unlu Ali , Tammi Tuukka , Hakkarainen Pekka
Published: May 2022

Drug consumption rooms are one of the harm reduction interventions to handle complex social problems. The Helsinki city initiative puts drug consumption room (DCR) on a government agenda in Finland, which has also triggered a broader discussion. This study presents how stakeholders problematise and what solutions they propose for DCRs. The research is based on in-depth interviews of 23 stakeholders and the theoretical perspective of Bacchi’s approach – ‘What’s the problem represented to be?’ (WPR).

The results show that while stakeholders’ solutions resemble each other on the core DCR functions, the variations are found mainly in the introduction of extended services, policy development strategy, types of drug allowance in DCRs, and drug testing options. Stigmatisation of PWUDs still leads the harm reduction services to be considered from a moral framework. Stakeholders tend to take their positions according to strategic considerations related to electoral politics, expedience and the symbolic role of policies.
Investigating the Differential Effects of Early Child Care and Education in Reducing Gender and Racial Academic Achievement Gaps From Kindergarten to 8th Grade
Authors: Dong Nianbo , Curenton Stephanie M. , Bulus Metin , Ibekwe-Okafor Nneka
Published: May 2022

We used the generalized propensity score method to estimate the differential effects of five Early Child Care and Education (ECCE) experiences (Prekindergarten, Head Start, Center-based Child Care, Home-based Child Care, and Parental Care) in reducing math and reading achievement gaps between boys versus girls, Latinx versus Whites, and Blacks versus Whites. Findings revealed differential effects of ECCE in reducing gender and racial achievement gaps. However, results indicated that significant gender and racial gaps still exist despite ECCE experiences and that these gaps widen throughout the elementary and middle school years.
Angioleiomyoma of the Epiglottis Mimicking Epiglottic Hemangioma: Clinical Experience and Literature Review
Authors: Bao Yang-Yang , Shi Xiao-Jie , Dai Li-Bo , Guo Yu , Yao Hong-Tian , Zhou Shui-Hong
Published: May 2022

We describe a case of laryngeal angioleiomyoma, discuss its characteristic features and management, and provide a review of the literature, to improve clinical diagnosis and treatment. We report the oldest patient with a laryngeal angioleiomyoma to date and analyze the clinicopathological features reported in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, a total of 36 cases have been described in the English and Chinese medical literature (including our case). The male-to-female ratio was 5:1 and the mean age was 53.89 years. The most common laryngeal site was the supraglottic region (23 cases; 63.89%), followed by the subglottic region (8 cases; 22.22%), and glottis (5 cases; 13.89%). The most common and serious intra- and postoperative complication was massive bleeding. Angioleiomyoma is a benign tumor that rarely occurs in the larynx. Biopsy of this lesion should not be performed; complete surgical resection is the best treatment. Recurrence and malignant transformation are extremely rare.
Employees’ Emotional and Behavioral Reactions to Corporate Social Irresponsibility
Authors: Hericher Corentin , Bridoux Flore
Published: May 2022

While the body of literature on employees’ reactions to their employer's corporate social responsibility (CSR) has grown rapidly over the last decade, little is known regarding employees’ reactions to corporate social irresponsibility (CSiR). Applying deonance theory, we conceptualize CSiR as a moral judgment that a specific action of the organization is intentional, violates a moral standard, and causes harm. Using a multimethod, multisample design (two experiments and one field study), we provide evidence that moral emotions—specifically anger, sympathy, and, to some extent, guilt—are important mechanisms explaining employees’ reactions to CSiR toward other stakeholders, which can take the form of punishing, as often discussed in organization-centric research, as well as the form of compensating the victim of the CSiR, a behavior rarely studied in the management literature. Regarding the role of pride, a well-studied emotion in the micro-CSR literature, in explaining employees’ responses to CSiR, we obtain mixed results. In addition to contributing to the micro-CSR field, we contribute to deonance theory by extending its scope to sympathy and guilt and to the literature on CSiR by offering a conceptualization and a measure of CSiR grounded in deonance theory.
Development of pediatric multidisciplinary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation simulations: A novel educational program to enhance team communication and emergency preparedness
Authors: Nater Melissa , Nelson-McMillan Kristen , Elzein Chawki , Boone Alison , Urbas Cynthia
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a high risk, low-volume technology. Infrequency of this technology and associated complications may translate to unfamiliarity of identification and management of potentially life-threatening events, which may require knowledge and procedural skills to be performed quickly. Providers involved in managing ECMO must be able to promptly identify and initiate management for such events, particularly when surgical colleagues are not readily available.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary ECMO simulation program was implemented in a tertiary children’s hospital. Over 18 months, a prospective, observational study was conducted evaluating simulations involving circuit and patient emergencies, teamwork and communication behaviors and technical skills. An on-line survey was sent to participants following sessions to evaluate post-simulation confidence, lessons learned and potential barriers to implementation of necessary skills and behaviors.

Results:

Ten simulation sessions occurred during implementation. Mean participants per session was 7 (range: 5-11). Eight Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit attendings, four Advance Practice Nurses, 54 pediatric intensive care unit registered nurses, and 55 pediatric respiratory therapists attended. Tasks with highest self-reported increase in confidence were related to (1) diagnosis (tension pneumothorax, oxygenator failure, and ventricular tachycardia), (2) fluid administration and (3) early and efficient mobilization for ECPR, with less reported confidence increase with technical skills More than 90% of participants provided a task or behavior they would implement if a specific emergency was encountered in real-life following simulation training. Real-life application occurred following simulations with participants reporting direct impact of training on their ability to perform the skill efficiently and correctly.

Conclusions:

Implementation of ECMO multidisciplinary simulations provides structured opportunities for the team to learn and practice ECMO skills together in scenarios they may encounter without surgical presence. Ensuring competency of providers through implementation of such a program may improve patient safety through enhanced team communication, knowledge, and hands-on experience.
Types of Social Media Use and Digital Stress in Early Adolescence
Authors: Winstone Lizzy , Mars Becky , Haworth Claire M. A. , Kidger Judi
Published: May 2022

Evidence on how different types of social media use contribute to digital stress in early adolescence is lacking. In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 13–14-year-olds. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded and thematically analysed. Themes were generated based on digital stressors specific to passive social media use (time-wasting and digital guilt, and exposure to harmful content); private social media communication (expectations of availability and unsolicited contact by strangers); and social media broadcasting (expectations of perfection and sexualisation, fear of negative evaluation and risks to privacy). Several digital stressors appeared pervasive in everyday social media use. Bolstering social and emotional resources offline and encouraging effective implementation of privacy settings may improve resilience against several sources of digital stress.
Differential malondialdehyde (MDA) detection in plasma samples of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD): A potential biomarker
Authors: Alvarez-Mon Miguel A , Ortega Miguel A , García-Montero Cielo , Fraile-Martinez Oscar , Lahera Guillermo , Monserrat Jorge , Gomez-Lahoz Ana M , Molero Patricio , Gutierrez-Rojas Luis , Rodriguez-Jimenez Roberto , Quintero Javier , Alvarez-Mon Melchor
Published: May 2022

Objective

To measure plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress (OS), in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared with healthy control (HC) subjects in order to determine if it is a possible biomarker of depression.

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study enrolled patients with MDD and HC subjects. The plasma levels of MDA were measured using a commercially-available colorimetric assay.

Results

A total of 30 patients with MDD and 20 HC subjects with similar sex, age and body mass index distribution were enrolled in the study. Patients with MDD had significantly higher plasma levels of MDA than the HC subjects. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for plasma MDA levels in patients with MDD demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.9767.

Conclusion

The findings of this current study provide further evidence of the role pathophysiological relevance of OS and MDA in MDD. This study provides the basis for the use of MDA as a biomarker for MDD.
Long-term follow-up of a patient undergoing interatrial shunt device implantation for treatment of heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Dujka Libor , Neužil Petr , Reddy Vivek , Mates Martin , Mráz Tomáš , Weichet Jiří , Komtebedde Jan , Málek Filip
Published: May 2022

We herein present a case study of a patient with heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction and severe symptoms who underwent interatrial shunt device implantation and follow-up at a tertiary care heart failure clinic. The interatrial shunt device implantation was successful. No adverse events occurred, and the device prevented hospitalization for heart failure during long-term follow-up.
Interlaminar shear strength of hybrid fiber reinforced polymer bars: Based on proposed and existing test methods
Authors: Gao Danying , Zhang Yu , Wen Fangzheng , Tang Jiyu , Fang Dong , Pang Yuyang , Yan Yongming
Published: May 2022

In this study, a new test method, namely, the direct shear method was proposed to obtain the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of hybrid fiber reinforced polymer (HFRP) bars, which combined the advantages of standard methods in ASTM-D4475 and ASTM-D3914. The test device matched with this new method was also developed. Meanwhile, to verify the validity of this method, a total of 165 specimens were prepared to test the ILSS of carbon/glass-HFRP bars based on the proposed and other two existing standard methods, respectively. Additionally, the effects of the volume fraction and distribution pattern of carbon fiber, and the volume fraction of resin on the ILSS of carbon/glass-HFRP bars were systematically studied. The results show that the ILSS of carbon/glass-HFRP bars slowly decreases with the increase in the volume fraction of carbon fiber, and the ILSS of carbon/glass-HFRP bars with the dispersed distribution of carbon fiber is averagely 14.7% higher than that of specimens with the centralized arrangement of carbon fiber. The ILSS of carbon/glass-HFRP bars first rises and then reduces with the increase in the volume fraction of resin until it is nearly 40%.
Prediction of laminate delamination from strength failure of interlaminar matrix-layer
Authors: Zhou Junchen , Huang Zheng-Ming , Xu Wu
Published: May 2022

Prediction of laminate delamination can be achieved by assessing strength failure of an interlaminar matrix-layer inserted in between the laminae, but the thus obtained matrix-layer stresses are generally out of expectation. In this paper, two MCs (modification coefficients) determined from the loads for measuring Modes I and II interlaminar fracture toughnesses are utilized to refresh the normal and shear stresses of matrix-layer, so that the matrix-layer would fail before a laminate failure. This method proves appropriate to simulate delamination induced by different loads. Once the modified stresses of a matrix-layer element fulfill a strength failure condition, it is deleted and the two adjacent lamina elements are delaminated from each other. The delamination behavior and its influence on the ultimate load sustainability of the laminate are investigated. Good correlation between predicted and measured results under different loading modes confirms the efficiency of this work.
Ultrasonic lubrication assisted milling of CFRP: Elimination of fiber pull-out
Authors: Amirnia Mahan , Akbari Javad , Lotfi Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Conventional machining of advanced materials is commonly faced with some difficulties like low surface quality, delamination, and fiber pull-out. Therefore, a variety of approaches are represented to improve this process. In this study, different cooling and lubricating methods (dry, water, oil, and MQL) plus ultrasonic vibration are applied to analyze the milling of carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite. The aim is the reduction of surface roughness and the area of fiber pull-out. As a result, it was seen that water and oil method decreased the area of fiber pull-out, while they increased the surface roughness, due to the generation of chemical reaction with workpiece material. The best result was achieved when the MQL method was coupled with ultrasonic vibration where the surface roughness was reduced up to 55% compared to the conventional milling with other lubricating methods. The positive effect of ultrasonic vibration on surface roughness was more than fiber pull-out area. Therefore, if only the elimination of fiber pull-out is desired, the MQL method is the best method, but if the surface roughness is also the target, then the combined method of MQL with ultrasonic vibration is the best method.
Navigating intimate trans citizenship while incarcerated in Australia and the United States
Authors: Brömdal Annette , Halliwell Sherree , Sanders Tait , Clark Kirsty A , Gildersleeve Jessica , Mullens Amy B , Phillips Tania M , Debattista Joseph , du Plessis Carol , Daken Kirstie , Hughto Jaclyn M W
Published: May 2022

Trans women incarcerated throughout the world have been described as “vulnerable populations” due to significant victimization, mistreatment, lack of gender-affirming care, and human rights violations, which confers greater risk of trauma, self-harm, and suicide compared with the general incarcerated population. Most incarceration settings around the world are segregated by the person's sex characteristics (i.e., male or female) and governed by strong cis and gender normative paradigms. This analysis seeks to better understand and appreciate how the “instructions” and the “authorities” that regulate trans women's corporeal representation, housing options and sense of self-determination implicate and affect their agency and actions in handling intimacies related to their personal life. Drawing upon lived incarcerated experiences of 24 trans women in Australia and the United States, and employing Ken Plummer's notion of intimate citizenship, this analysis explores how trans women navigate choices and ways “to do” gender, identities, bodies, emotions, desires and relationships while incarcerated in men's prisons and governed by cis and gender normative paradigms. This critical analysis contributes to understanding how incarcerated trans women through grit, resilience, and ingenuity still navigate ways to embody, express and enact their intimate citizenship in innovative and unique ways.
Interrater Reliability of Motor Optimality Score of General Movement Assessment
Authors: Mohanty Tanochni , Saini Lokesh , Doreswamy Murthy Srinivasa , Kavitha Raja
Published: May 2022

Objective:

The Prechtl’s general movement assessment (GMA) has been established as the most valid tool in early detection of cerebral palsy. GMA is based on a global gestalt perception and it involves the individual’s judgement for assessment. Interobserver variability can affect the results and has cascading effects on the child’s prognosis. The objective of the present study is to establish interobserver agreement between a novice rater and an expert.

Study Design:

Video recordings of 50 infants (corrected gestational age 29 weeks to post term age 20 weeks) were assessed by the 2 raters. Raters used an interactive process to interpret terms used in GMA and technical aspects of recording as a preliminary study. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Kappa statistics were utilized to assess the reliability.

Results:

Interobserver agreement in the assessment of the total “motor optimality score” was excellent between both the raters, as ICC was 0.96. Good-to-high interobserver reliability was found in the assessment of “fidgety movements” (Cohen’s kappa 0.727).

Conclusion:

Interobserver reliability between a novice rater and an expert was excellent for total motor optimality score in all age groups (preterm, writhing, and fidgety).
Making Conversation Analysis Accessible: A Conceptual Guide for Health Services Researchers
Authors: Tietbohl Caroline K. , White Anne E. C.
Published: May 2022

The quality of healthcare communication can impact both experiences and outcomes. We highlight aspects of communication that can be systematically examined using Conversation Analysis (CA) and provide guidance about how researchers can incorporate CA into healthcare studies. CA is a qualitative method for studying naturally occurring communication by analyzing recurrent, systematic practices of verbal and nonverbal behavior. CA involves examining audio- or video-recorded conversations and their transcriptions to identify practices speakers use to communicate and interpret behavior. We explain what distinguishes CA from other methods that study communication and highlight three accessible CA approaches that researchers can use in their research design, analysis, or implementation of communication interventions. Specifically, these approaches focus on how talk is produced (specific words, framing, and syntax), by whom, and when it occurs in the conversation. These approaches can be leveraged to generate hypotheses and to identify patterns of behavior that inform empirically driven communication interventions.
How, Why, and When is the Average Age of Employees Related to Climate for Innovation? The Role of Age Diversity, Focus on Opportunities, and Work Engagement
Authors: Rudolph Cort W. , Zacher Hannes
Published: May 2022

Folk wisdom suggests that “you cannot teach an old dog new tricks.” Accordingly, as the average age of the workforce increases, there is a potential concern based on negative stereotypes that organizations will become less innovative. Drawing from lifespan development theories and theorizing on innovation, we explore this concern by testing, at the organization level of analysis, whether the average age of employees is indirectly related to climate for innovation through employees’ aggregate focus on opportunities (i.e., a negative indirect effect) and work engagement (i.e., a positive indirect effect). Moreover, we proposed that organizational age diversity is a protective resource that moderates these relationships, such that they are weaker in organizations with high as compared to low age diversity. Organization-level data were collected from teaching and non-teaching staff in n = 133 schools across two time points separated by 4 years (Time 1 n = 3712 respondents; Time 2 n = 5183 respondents). Results suggest that the average age of employees within schools was negatively related to employees’ aggregate focus on opportunities which, in turn, positively predicted climate for innovation above and beyond the positive effect of work engagement. Moreover, the negative indirect effect of average age on climate for innovation through aggregate focus on opportunities was weaker for organizations with high age diversity. Overall, these findings contribute to a better understanding of relationships between age and age-related characteristics and climate for innovation at the organization level, and challenge common misunderstandings regarding the role of age in the workplace.
Rotational Thromboelastometry Values After On-Pump Cardiac Surgery – A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gauger Maria S. , Kaufmann Philip , Kamber Firmin , Quitt Jonas , Berdajs Denis , Bolliger Daniel , Mauermann Eckhard
Published: May 2022

Background

Viscoelastic coagulation monitoring is recommended for coagulation management after cardiac surgery, but optimum target values are poorly defined.

Aims

To determine “to-be-expected” values in rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) after heparin reversal, to correlate ROTEM parameters with fibrinogen levels and platelet count, and to estimate the effect of hemoglobin levels on these measurements.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 571 consecutive adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass from 12/2018 to 08/2020. ROTEM and conventional laboratory measurements were performed 5 to 10 minutes after protamine administration.

Results

Clotting times in EXTEM, INTEM, and FIBTEM were significantly prolonged (72.6%, 96.1%, and 31.8% above reference ranges, respectively). Clot firmness parameters in EXTEM and INTEM were relevantly reduced (7.9% to 14.4% and 9.1% to 32.3% below the reference ranges, respectively). There was an excellent linear correlation of FIBTEM amplitude after 10 min (A10) and of maximal clot firmness (MCF) with fibrinogen concentrations (r = .81 and .80). Areas under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) for identifying hypofibrinogenemia <1.5 g/L were between .80 and .87. No effect of hematocrit was observed. We also found a linear correlation of EXTEM, INTEM, and EXTEM-FIBTEM at both A10 and MCF with platelet counts (.32 to .68). The AUROCs for identifying thrombocytopenia (<100,000/μL) were .79 to .84, and were greater for A10 than for MCF measurements ( P=.074, .001, and <.001, respectively).

Conclusions

“To-be-expected” ROTEM values after CPB are different from the published reference ranges. ROTEM parameters might allow for reliable estimation of fibrinogen level and platelet count without being influenced by hematocrit.
Research on hydrodynamics of foundation structure of offshore wind turbine under typhoon-wave-current coupling
Authors: Wang Shuo , Ke Shi-tang , Zhao Yong-fa , Yun Yi-wen , Zhang Wei , Yang Jie , Ren Hehe
Published: May 2022

Offshore wind turbine is facing with extremely complicated climatic environment. The accurate prediction of wave movement caused by strong typhoons and its action on foundation of wind turbine are crucial. To disclose hydrodynamic characteristics of foundation structure of wind turbine under typhoon-wave-current coupling effect on the sea, a 10 MW super-large offshore wind turbine in Wailuo Wind Farm, Guangdong was chosen as a research object and a real-time meso-scale WRF-SWAN-FVCOM (W-S-F) coupling simulation platform was constructed by using Model Coupling Toolkit The spatial-temporal evolution of typhoon-wave-current in the offshore wind farm was simulated when a super typhoon “Rammasun” passed through. Next, the hydrodynamic load distribution characteristics of single pile foundation of wind turbine were analyzed by combining the meso-micro scale nested method. Extreme load model of foundation piles under different wave phases was proposed. Results demonstrated that the constructed W-S-F platform increased the simulation precision of typhoon path by 42.51% than single WRF model. The horizontal wave force of the foundation pile reached the negative and positive peaks at phases T0 and T4 under typhoon-wave-current coupling, and it presented symmetric distribution circumferentially around the 180° angle of wave attack. The phase T4 was the most adverse phase for the strength design of single pile foundation of offshore wind turbine. At the bottom of foundation, the maximum shear reached the 7.68 × 106 magnitude and the maximum bending moment reached the 5.2 × 108 magnitude.
Nonlinear vibration of an orthotropic moving membrane
Authors: Shao Mingyue , Qing Jiajuan , Wang Jing , Wu Jimei , Xue Zhicheng
Published: May 2022

This paper addresses the dynamic behaviours of an orthotropic moving membrane. Considering the material properties of the membrane, a mathematical model is developed via the von Karman’s large deflection theory. The dynamic behaviours are demonstrated by numerical analysis based on the Runge–Kutta fourth-order method. These numerical examples provide important insights into the impacts of the velocity, aspect ratio and orthotropic coefficient on the nonlinear dynamics of the orthotropic membrane.
Reconsidering the drivers of country-specific recommendations: The Commission's ideological preferences on wage policies
Authors: Cova Joshua
Published: May 2022

As part of the European Semester, the European Commission issues country-specific recommendations for all member states. I contribute to the literature on this political instrument, by considering the determinants of recommendations calling for greater wage moderation and enhanced cost competitiveness. For the most part, research on European economic governance has either understood the European Commission as a politicized and ‘ideological’ institution or as a de-politicized, technocratic actor. My analysis shows that the European Commission's ideological preferences on labour markets and wage bargaining institutions are more convincing predictors than explanations based on economic indicators. By testing a series of multilevel models, I find that irrespective of developments in competitiveness, countries with stronger social actors are more likely to be recipients of country-specific recommendations calling for wage restraint.
Heterogeneous structural responses recovery based on multi-modal deep learning
Authors: Du Bowen , Wu Liyu , Sun Leilei , Xu Fei , Li Linchao
Published: May 2022

For structural health monitoring, a complete dataset is important for further analysis such as modal identification and risk early warning. Unfortunately, the missing data normally exist in current database due to sensor failures, transmission system interruption, and hardware malfunctions. Currently, most of the studies just deleted the dataset containing missing data or using mean values as imputation which could wrongly reflect the characteristics changes of the structure. The present study therefore develops a heterogeneous structural response recovery method based on multi-modal fusion auto-encoder which can consider temporal correlations and spatial correlations and correlations between heterogeneous structural responses simultaneously. Moreover, a parallel optimization method is proposed to optimize the parameters of the deep fusion networks. A dataset containing about 3 months and two input attributes is collected from a bridge and utilized for training and testing the proposed method and some benchmark methods. Statistical scores including root mean square error (RSME), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean relative error (MRE) are applied to evaluate the performance of the implemented models, respectively. Results show that the proposed method achieve the best imputation performance under different missing scenarios. Furthermore, the proposed method can achieve better performance when the missing rate is high. The results suggest that the consideration between heterogeneous structural responses is critical for missing data recovery.
Provision of pulmonary rehabilitation in Latin America 18 months after the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of the Latin American Thoracic Association
Authors: Benavides-Cordoba Vicente , Barros-Poblete Marisol , Vieira Rodolfo P , Mazzucco Guillermo , Fregonezi Guilherme , Torres-Castro Rodrigo
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly altered the provision of rehabilitation services, especially pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Our objective was to assess the provision of PR services in Latin America 18 months after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.

Methods

A cross-sectional study that included professionals dedicated to PR in centres in Latin America was applied. Responses to an online questionnaire were collected from May to September 2021. The following data were included for the analysis: demographic data, evaluation strategies, program structure, PR intervention in post-COVID-19 patients, and perception of strategies therapies for the care of post-COVID-19 patients. The questionnaire was distributed in Spanish and Portuguese languages.

Results

Responses were received from 196 PR centres. Exercise tolerance was predominantly measured with the six-minute walk test. Less than 50% of the institutions evaluate quality of life, physical qualities, symptoms, and lung function. Most of the programmes have physiotherapists (90.8%), as well as pulmonologists (60%), and psychologists (35%), among other professionals.

Conclusion

PR services in Latin America have adapted in their way to the requirements of the pandemic, and most continued to provide face-to-face services. It was identified that the application of the programs is heterogeneous both in evaluations and interventions.
Assessing the tensile properties of interlayer hybrid thermoset-thermoplastic composites
Authors: Goodarz Mostafa , Behzadnia Amir , Dastan Tohid
Published: May 2022

Though fiber reinforced thermoset composites exhibit excellent rigidity and strength while being lightweight, they suffer from low toughness and brittle failure, which is unfavorable. On the other hand, fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites are good energy absorbers, damage resistant and recyclable; however, these materials exhibits insufficient rigidity. As a solution, the interlayer hybridization of glass fiber reinforced thermoset (GTS) and glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic (GTP) composites is proposed. This study aims at investigating the tensile properties of interlayer hybrid thermoset-thermoplastic composites. In this regard, two non-hybrid and two hybrid composite samples (GTS2-GTP and GTS4-GTP) were fabricated using common fabrication techniques: hand lay-up and hot compression molding. Both hybrid composite samples were fabricated in such a manner that GTP was sandwiched between two GTS plates. Based on the tensile test results, the failure strain of GTS sample was improved due to the interlayer hybridization with GTP. Non-hybrid composite samples exhibited one load drop in their tensile stress-strain behavior, while interlayer hybrid composites showed two load drops, which resulted in toughness increment. Moreover, hybrid thermoset-thermoplastic composites outperformed non-hybrid composites in terms of post-impact tensile properties.
Assessing Impairments in Visuomotor Adaptation After Stroke
Authors: Moore Robert T. , Piitz Mark A. , Singh Nishita , Dukelow Sean P. , Cluff Tyler
Published: May 2022

Background:

Motor impairment in the arms is common after stroke and many individuals participate in therapy to improve function. It is assumed that individuals with stroke can adapt and improve their movements using feedback that arises from movement or is provided by a therapist. Here we investigated visuomotor adaptation in individuals with sub-acute and chronic stroke.

Objective:

We examined the impact of the stroke-affected arm (dominant or non-dominant), time post-stroke, and relationships with clinical measures of motor impairment and functional independence.

Methods:

Participants performed reaching movements with their arm supported in a robotic exoskeleton. We rotated the relationship between the motion of the participant’s hand and a feedback cursor displayed in their workspace. Outcome measures included the amount that participants adapted their arm movements and the number of trials they required to adapt.

Results:

Participants with stroke (n = 36) adapted less and required more trials to adapt than controls (n = 29). Stroke affecting the dominant arm impaired the amount of adaptation more than stroke affecting the non-dominant arm. Overall, 53% of participants with stroke were impaired in one or more measures of visuomotor adaptation. Initial adaptation was weakly correlated with time post-stroke, and the amount of adaptation correlated moderately with clinical measures of motor impairment and functional independence.

Conclusion:

Our findings reveal impairments in visuomotor adaptation that are associated with motor impairment and function after stroke. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the relationship between adaptation and recovery attained in a therapy setting.
Leicester Cough Questionnaire validation and clinically important thresholds for change in refractory or unexplained chronic cough
Authors: Nguyen Allison Martin , Schelfhout Jonathan , Muccino David , Bacci Elizabeth D. , La Rosa Carmen , Vernon Margaret , Birring Surinder S.
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

The Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), a cough-specific quality-of-life measure, evaluates the impact of cough across physical, psychological, and social domains in patients with chronic cough (CC). This study assessed the psychometric properties of the LCQ.

Methods:

Data from a phase IIb, randomized controlled trial of the P2X3-receptor antagonist gefapixant were analyzed (NCT02612610). Subjective [Cough Severity Diary, cough severity visual analogue scale, and patient global impression of change (PGIC)] and objective (awake and 24-h cough frequency) data were used to validate the LCQ for use in patients with refractory or unexplained CC (RCC and UCC, respectively). Psychometric analyses included confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency and test–retest reliability, validity, responsiveness, and estimated within-patient thresholds for clinically meaningful change.

Results:

Model-fit values for the proposed three-factor LCQ domains and most individual items were acceptable. Analyses suggest that a mean improvement ranging from 1.3 to 2.3 points for the LCQ total and ⩾0.8, ⩾0.9, and ⩾0.8 points for physical, psychological, and social domain scores, respectively, had the best sensitivity and/or specificity for predicting patient ratings of improvement on the PGIC.

Conclusions:

The LCQ is a valid and reliable measure to evaluate cough-specific quality of life and is a fit-for-purpose measure for use in patients with RCC or UCC. Although a single threshold for defining clinically meaningful change depends on the context of use, the results can help guide both treatment decisions and drug development. Therefore, clinicians may consider a ⩾1.3-point increase in the LCQ total score as clinically meaningful.
Investigation of the convergent validity and reliability of unit position differences of Catapult S5 GPS units in field conditions
Authors: Akyildiz Zeki , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Şentürk Deniz , Gürol Barış , Yildiz Mehmet , Ocak Yücel , Günay Mehmet
Published: May 2022

This research aimed to examine the validity and reliability of GPS units located in different positions. Nine recreational soccer players (age: 23.18 ± 2.21 years; height: 176 ± 7.65 cm; and body mass: 71.13 ± 4.67 kg) participated voluntarily in the current study. Athletes were tested through the team sports simulation cycle (TSSC) protocol. This protocol consisted of a total of 1200 m. Each lap consisted of a distance of 150 m, and the athletes were asked to perform eight laps. Two GPS units (OptimEye S5; Catapult Innovations, Scoresby, Victoria) were used for each athlete during the TSSC protocol. The first unit was positioned in the scapula location, and the other GPS unit was positioned in the center of mass (COM) location, and simultaneous data were recorded. A paired-samples t-test was used to determine the difference between the meter values measured in the field and the devices. The main finding of this research was that the player load parameters, which are derived from the accelerometer in GPS units, changes with the player’s position (total player load scapula − total player Load COM p≤ 0.001, Cohen’ d−2.449). There was no statistical difference between the other parameters (total distance covered, max velocity, deceleration max and acceleration max) examined in the study. CV% and SWC values showing the reliability of total distance covered scapula (CV% = 1.41; SWC = 0.28), total distance covered COM (CV% = 3.64; SWC = 0.73), total player load scapula (CV% = 2.29; SWC = 0.46), total player load COM (CV% = 1.83; SWC = 0.37), deceleration max scapula (CV% = 3.51; SWC = 0.70), deceleration max COM (CV% = 2.78; SWC = 0.56), Acceleration max scapula (CV% = 3.85; SWC = 0.77), and acceleration max COM (CV% = 2.74; SWC = 0.55) were within acceptable limits (CV% 5). The reliability of GPS units in different locations was investigated by CV% SWC analysis. It was found that all values in the scapula and COM locations were measured validly and reliably, but the total player load measurements were statistically different in the scapula and COM.
Use of linked patient data to assess the effect of Long-COVID on system-wide healthcare utilisation
Authors: Murch Ben J , Hollier Sarah E , Kenward Charlie , Wood Richard M
Published: May 2022

Background: Within the relatively early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, there had been an awareness of the potential longer-term effects of infection (so called Long-COVID) but little was known of the ongoing demands such patients may place on healthcare services. Objective: To investigate whether COVID-19 illness is associated with increased post-acute healthcare utilisation. Method: Using linked data from primary care, secondary care, mental health and community services, activity volumes were compared across the 3 months preceding and proceeding COVID-19 diagnoses for 7,791 individuals, with a distinction made between whether or not patients were hospitalised for treatment. Differences were assessed against those of a control group containing individuals who had not received a COVID-19 diagnosis. All data were sourced from the authors’ healthcare system in South West England. Results: For hospitalised COVID-19 cases, a statistically significant increase in non-elective admissions was identified for males and females <65 years. For non-hospitalised cases, statistically significant increases were identified in GP Doctor and Nurse attendances and GP prescriptions (males and females, all ages); Emergency Department attendances (females <65 years); Mental Health contacts (males and females ≥65 years); and Outpatient consultations (males ≥65 years). Conclusion: There is evidence of an association between positive COVID-19 diagnosis and increased post-acute activity within particular healthcare settings. Linked patient-level data provides information that can be useful to understand ongoing healthcare needs resulting from Long-COVID, and support the configuration of Long-COVID pathways of care.