bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal manifestations and possible mechanisms of COVID‐19 in different periods
Authors: Zhang Meng Meng , Chen Lu Ni , Qian Jia Ming
Published: November 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, has become a pandemic worldwide. Although COVID‐19 mainly affects the respiratory system, gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations have been frequently reported in such cases, even as initial symptoms. There have been several studies on different GI manifestations in patients with mild and severe disease or in remission. In this review article we summarized different GI manifestations of COVID‐19 at various disease stages and the possible mechanisms based on published literatures, as well as the significance of GI manifestations in systemic inflammatory injury.
Effects of anti‐beta 2‐glycoprotein 1 antibodies and its association with pregnancy‐related morbidity in antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Fierro Juan J. , Velásquez Manuela , Cadavid Angela P. , de Leeuw Karina
Published: November 2021

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by venous, arterial, or small‐vessel thrombosis and/or pregnancy‐related morbidity, associated with persistent positivity of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Pregnancy‐related morbidity in APS patients is characterized by unexplained fetal deaths, premature birth of morphologically normal newborns, and/or consecutive pregnancy losses before the 10thweek of gestation. Beta 2‐glycoprotein 1 (ß2GP1) is the main antigen recognized by aPL and plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of APS. Antibodies against ß2GP1 (aß2GP1) are involved in damage‐generating mechanisms in APS due to their interaction with trophoblasts, decidua, and endothelial cells. aß2GP1 might be used as a prognostic tool for obstetric risk stratification and ß2GP1 could be a target for molecular‐targeted treatment to prevent pregnancy morbidity in APS. This review describes these aspects of aß2GP1, including effects on different cellular targets, its association with the severity of obstetric manifestations and the potential of ß2GP1‐targeted therapies for APS.
Uncomplicated oocyte donation pregnancies display an elevated CD163‐positive type 2 macrophage load in the decidua, which is associated with fetal‐maternal HLA mismatches
Authors: Tian Xuezi , Aiyer Kaveri T. S. , Kapsenberg Johanna M. , Roelen Dave L. , van der Hoorn Marie‐Louise , Eikmans Michael
Published: November 2021

Problem

The embryo of an oocyte donation (OD) pregnancy is completely allogeneic to the mother, which may challenge the maternal immune system to tolerize the fetus. Decidual macrophages are essential in maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and type 2 macrophages may exhibit immune suppressive activity. We hypothesized that the composition of decidual macrophages is different between uncomplicated OD pregnancies and non‐OD in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies, and is related to fetal‐maternal incompatibility.

Method of study

Women with uncomplicated pregnancy were enrolled: 25 singleton OD pregnancies and 17 non‐OD IVF pregnancies. The extent of immunohistochemical staining of CD14 (pan‐macrophage marker) and CD163 (type 2 macrophage marker) in both decidua basalis and parietalis was quantitated by digital image analysis. Maternal and fetal DNA was typed for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A, ‐B, C, ‐DRB1, and ‐DQB1, and fetal‐maternal HLA mismatches were calculated.

Results

OD pregnancies showed a higher percentage of CD163+ staining (P = .040) and higher CD163/CD14 ratio (P = .032) in the parietalis than non‐OD IVF. The OD group was separated into a semi‐allogeneic group (≤5 fetal maternal HLA mismatches) and a fully allogeneic group (> 5 mismatches). The HLA‐fully‐allogeneic OD group, but not the HLA‐semi‐allogeneic OD group, showed significantly elevated CD163/CD14 ratio in the parietalis compared with the non‐OD IVF group (P < .05).

Conclusions

Uncomplicated OD pregnancies display a higher CD163‐positive cell fraction in the total decidual macrophage population compared to autologous pregnancies, which may suggest that a local type 2 macrophage‐related mechanism is needed to compensate for the higher fetal‐maternal HLA mismatch load.
Impaired skin barrier and allergic sensitization in early infancy
Authors: Wärnberg Gerdin Sabina , Lie Anine , Asarnoj Anna , Borres Magnus P. , Lødrup Carlsen Karin C. , Färdig Martin , Konradsen Jon R. , Monceyron Jonassen Christine , Olsson Mägi Caroline‐Aleksi , Rehbinder Eva Maria , Rudi Knut , Skjerven Håvard Ove , Staff Anne Cathrine , Söderhäll Cilla , Tedner Sandra G. , van Hage Marianne , Vettukattil Riyas , Nordlund Björn
Published: November 2021

Background

Factors predicting allergic sensitization in the first 6 months of life are poorly understood. We aimed to determine whether eczema, dry skin, and high transepidermal water loss (TEWL) at 3 months were associated with allergic sensitization at 6 months of age and, secondarily, to establish whether these characteristics predicted sensitization from 3 to 6 months of age.

Methods

At 3 months of age, 1,994 infants from the population‐based PreventADALL birth cohort in Norway and Sweden were assessed for eczema and dry skin on the cheeks and/or extensors; impaired skin barrier function, defined as TEWL in the upper quartile (>9.4 g/m2/h), and allergen‐specific IgE levels <0.1 kUA/L, available in 830. At 6 months, we assessed allergic sensitization to any food (egg, cow's milk, peanut, wheat, soy) or inhalant (birch, timothy grass, dog, and cat) allergen by a skin prick test wheal diameter ≥2 mm larger than negative control.

Results

Any sensitization was found in 198 of the 1,994 infants (9.9%), the majority to food allergens (n = 177, 8.9%). Eczema, dry skin, and high TEWL at 3 months increased the risk of sensitization at 6 months; adjusted odds ratios 4.20 (95% CI 2.93–6.04), 2.09 (95% CI 1.51–2.90) and 3.67 (95% CI 2.58–5.22), respectively. Eczema predicted sensitization with 55.6% sensitivity and 68.1% specificity; dry skin with 65.3% sensitivity and 57.3% specificity; and high TEWL with 61.7% sensitivity and 78.1% specificity.

Conclusion

Eczema, dry skin, and high TEWL at 3 months predicted allergic sensitization at 6 months of age.
Human factors in ECLS – A keystone for safety and quality – A narrative review for ECLS providers
Authors: Swol Justyna , Brodie Daniel , Willers Anne , Zakhary Bishoy , Belezzo Joseph , Shinar Zachary , Weingart Scott D. , Haft Jonathan W. , Lorusso Roberto , Peek Giles J.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Although the technology used for extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has improved greatly in recent years, the application of these devices to the patient is quite complex and requires extensive training of team members both individually and together. Human factors is an area that addresses the activities, contexts, environments, and tools which interact with human behavior in determining overall system performance.

Hypothesis

Analyses of the cognitive behavior of ECLS teams and individual members of these teams with respect to the occurrence of human errors may identify additional opportunities to enhance safety in delivery of ECLS.

Results

The aim of this article is to support health‐care practitioners who perform ECLS, or who are starting an ECLS program, by establishing standards for the safe and efficient use of ECLS with a focus on human factor issues. Other key concepts include the importance of ECLS team leadership and management, as well as controlling the environment and the system to optimize patient care.

Conclusion

Expertise from other industries is extrapolated to improve patient safety through the application of simulation training to reduce error propagation and improve outcomes.
New‐onset celiac disease in children during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Cakir Murat , Guven Burcu , Issi Fatma , Ozkaya Esra
Published: November 2021

Aim

We aimed to analyse the influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the frequency and clinical presentation of celiac disease.

Methods

The study included the patients with celiac disease since January 2008. They were divided into 2 groups (diagnosed in pre‐pandemic [January 2008 and February 2020] [n = 148] and in pandemic period [March 2020 and June 2021] [n = 47]). Clinical and histological findings were compared between groups. Additionally, data about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection were obtained in subgroup patients (n = 22) with celiac disease diagnosed during pandemic period.

Results

The number of patients per year (12.1–37.6) and the percentage of patients who were diagnosed with celiac disease/total endoscopy were increased during the pandemic period (2.2% vs. 10%, p < 0.00001). The association of celiac disease with type 1 diabetes mellitus was significantly high in pandemic period (4% vs. 17%, p = 0.002). Frequency of moderate‐severe mucosal lesions was low in pandemic period (42.4% vs. 81.7%, p = 0.0001). Clinical and laboratory markers for the past severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection were found in 36.3% of patients diagnosed during the pandemic period.

Conclusion

It seems that the frequency of celiac disease and its association with type 1 diabetes mellitus is increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic in children.
Qualitative evaluation of a scalable early childhood parenting programme in rural Colombia
Authors: Gomez Maria Lucia , Bernal Raquel , Baker‐Henningham Helen
Published: November 2021

Background

Integrating early childhood parenting programmes into existing government services is a key strategy for reducing the loss of children's developmental potential in low‐ and middle‐income countries. There is limited evidence of participants' perceptions of these programmes, especially when implemented at scale. We integrated an intervention into an existing government programme targeting pregnant women and mothers of children up to 2 years of age and their families in rural Colombia.

Methods

As part of a cluster randomized trial, 171 government workers (facilitators) implemented the intervention. The intervention included four components: (1) structured curricula, (2) play materials, (3) nutrition and (4) training and supervision. In this qualitative evaluation of the programme, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with beneficiary mothers (n = 62), facilitators (n = 40) and supervisors (n = 8). Topic guides were developed to collect information on participants' perspectives of the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention and the enablers and barriers to implementation. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and data were analysed using the framework approach.

Results

Participants' responses indicated that the intervention was acceptable, feasible and effective. Key enablers to implementation were (1) the use of evidence‐based behaviour change techniques leading to interactive, fun and participatory sessions; (2) structured curricula with easy to use, simple activities and materials; (3) the focus on positive, supportive relationships; and (4) the perceived benefits of the programme to the beneficiary mothers, children and families, facilitators and programme supervisors. The main barriers were (1) facilitators took time to become comfortable and competent in using the new participatory methodology and (2) the logistics related to making and distributing the play materials.

Conclusion

Providing structured curricula and play materials with training and ongoing supervision to enhance an existing programme targeting mothers, families and children was reported as acceptable, feasible and effective by beneficiary mothers and programme staff.
Organ donor management goals and delayed graft function in adult kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Kothari Rishi , Tolles Juliana , Adelmann Dieter , Lewis Roger J. , Malinoski Darren J. , Niemann Claus U.
Published: November 2021

Background

Delayed graft function (DGF) after kidney transplantation is a common occurrence and correlates with poor graft and patient outcomes. Donor characteristics and care are known to impact DGF. We attempted to show the relationship between achievement of specific donor management goals (DMG) and DGF.

Methods

This is a retrospective case‐control study using data from 14 046 adult kidney donations after brain death from hospitals in 18 organ procurement organizations (OPOs) which were transplanted to adult recipients between 2012 and 2018. Data on DMG compliance and donor, recipient, and ischemia‐related factors were used to create multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

The overall rate of DGF was 29.4%. Meeting DMGs for urine output and vasopressor use were associated with decreased risk of DGF. Sensitivity analyses performed with different imputation methods, omitting recipient factors, and analyzing multiple time points yielded largely consistent results.

Conclusions

The development of DMGs continues to show promise in improving outcomes in the kidney transplant recipient population. Studies have already shown increased kidney utilization in smaller cohorts, as well as other organs, and shown decreased rates of DGF. Additional research and analysis are required to assess interactions between meeting DMGs and correlation versus causality in DMGs and DGF.
Giant vascular spiradenocylindroma of the scalp clinically mimicking a vascular tumor
Authors: Daneshbod Yahya , Kissell Jason , Kerstetter Justin
Published: November 2021

We present a giant vascular spiradenocylindroma (GVSC) with a unique presentation. The diagnosis of GVSC can be clinically and radiologically elusive. The differential diagnosis includes angiolipoma, angiosarcoma, and glomus‐tumor‐like vascular lesions. Dermatologists should consider this variant of spiradenocylindroma in any vascular‐like lesion.
Proof‐of‐concept of an information visualization classification approach based on their fine‐grained features
Authors: Vázquez‐Ingelmo Andrea , García‐Holgado Alicia , García‐Peñalvo Francisco José , Therón Roberto
Published: November 2021

The misinformation problem affects the development of the society. Misleading content and unreliable information overwhelm social networks and media. In this context, the use of data visualizations to support news and stories is increasing. The use of misleading visualizations both intentionally or accidentally influence in the audience perceptions, which usually are not visualization and domain experts. Several factors influence o accurately tag a visualization as confusing or misleading. In this paper, we present a machine learning approach to detect if an information visualization can be potentially confusing and misunderstood based on the analytic task it tries to support. This approach is supported by fine‐grained features identified through domain engineering and meta modelling on the information visualization and dashboards domain. We automatically generated visualizations from a tri‐variate dataset through the software product line paradigm and manually labelled them to obtain a training dataset. The results support the viability of the proposal as a tool to support journalists, audience and society in general, not only to detect confusing visualizations, but also to select the visualization that supports a previous defined task according to the data domain.
Analysis of the conduction mechanisms of the Ni doped apatite‐type lanthanum silicate electrolyte ceramics synthesized by the combustion method
Authors: Chen Shi , Huang ZhiLiang , Chen ChangLian , Hu Pu , Huang JiangSheng , Jiang Yuan , Lu Lu , Xia Yan
Published: November 2021

In this study, the nickel doped apatite‐type lanthanum silicate La9.33Si6‐xNixO26‐x (x = 0, .5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0) (LSNO) electrolyte powders were successfully generated by using the urea nitrate combustion method at 600°C and 6–8 min. The optimal sintering temperature was determined to be 1500°C on the basis of the linear shrinkage, relative density as a function of temperature, and microcosmic analysis. It was observed that Ni2+ successfully replaced Si4+ in [SiO4] to form the [Si(Ni)O4] tetrahedra. LSNO had a typical p63/m apatite structure of high purity. A significant change in the cell volume of the doped samples was observed, and the cell volume increased with the doped nickel content. The conductivity reached the peak value at x = 1.0 (1.21 × 10−3 S·cm−1, 700°C). Nickel doping introduced the oxygen vacancies and expanded the channels for interstitial oxygen conduction. Further, it also directly reduced the amount of interstitial oxygen in the LSO structure. This led to an enhancement in the conductivity of La9.33Si6‐xNixO26‐x, followed by a decrease on increasing the doped nickel content. The conductivity enhancement in the Ni‐doped LSO resulted from the combination of two mechanisms, namely, the oxygen vacancy defect and lattice volume enhancement mechanism.
Greening work–life balance: Connecting work, caring and the environment
Authors: Ravenswood Katherine
Published: November 2021

The emerging field of green work–life balance (growing from the work–life balance and sustainability fields) largely centres its analysis around the organisational benefits of green work–life balance policies. Consequently, it often focuses on the way in which individual behaviours can reduce the environmental footprint of the organisation. This paper argues that the gendered assumptions underpinning the research mean that the nascent field of green work–life balance has failed to theorise the way in which personal, community, environmental and organisational needs interconnect. Specifically, it has failed to address the way in which ‘care’—for people and the environment—lacks recognition because of gender norms of carework. This paper proposes a theoretical framework of green work–life balance that centres both environmental and people care. This theoretical framework can be used to inform both research and practice, including the way in which unions bargain and campaign for green clauses and just transition.
Life in the mud: Observations in aquariums and functional morphology of the hydrostatic skeleton of Chaetoderma nitidulum (Mollusca, Caudofoveata)
Authors: Naduvaeva Elizaveta , Tzetlin Alexander , Todt Christiane , Vortsepneva Elena
Published: November 2021

Caudofoveata is a clade of worm‐like mollusks that lead a burrowing lifestyle in soft marine sediments. There are only a few references to peristaltic movement in members of Caudofoveata. The movement of individuals of Chaetoderma nitidulum collected from the White Sea and set into a transparent gelatin substrate was described by direct observation. The morphology and ultrastructure of the musculature and circulatory system were described in detail using morphological methods (light and electron microscopy, and 3D reconstruction from a series of semithin sections). Based on the analysis of the movement and morphology of the body wall and body cavities, the main phases of movement were distinguished. The peristaltic movement observed in C. nitidulum is superficially similar to the peristalsis phases described for Annelida and completely coincides with the classical description of direct peristalsis.
Zooplankton body size is filtered by a thermo‐oxygenic niche at the regional scale
Authors: Walczyńska Aleksandra , Gudowska Agnieszka , Sobczyk Łukasz
Published: November 2021

Aim

There is ongoing debate regarding the extent to which body size is selected by the environment. To address this issue, we assessed how thermo‐oxygenic conditions select body size of rotifer species composing a regional species pool.

Location

Approximately 600 different water bodies in Sweden.

Taxon

Rotifers (188 species).

Methods

Data were acquired from previously published studies. For the environmental parameters, we conducted principal component analysis (PCA) to recognize the pattern among the species‐specific thermal and oxygenic preferences of rotifers of different ecology. We assigned a standard body length to each species. We performed phylogenetically correlated analyses to evaluate the relationships between body length and the parameters that were selected as PCA drivers.

Results

Thermal and oxygenic tolerance ranges, designated by the differences between the minimum and maximum of species occurrence, were grouped separately from the optima designated by the conditions referring to the highest species abundance, according to PC1 versus PC2. The parameters representing temperature and oxygen occupied opposite positions on the PC2 axis. Body size selection was driven by both temperature and oxygen, but the cues for this selection differed; species with higher thermal optima were smaller, while species with wider oxygen tolerance ranges were larger.

Main conclusion

The body sizes of rotifer species are filtered by both thermal and oxygenic conditions. Selection is driven by tolerance ranges and optima. Oxygenic conditions are as important as thermal conditions in body size selection within a species assemblage.
The association between obstructive sleep apnea and the risk of poor delivery events in women: A population‐based nested case–control study
Authors: Sun Jui‐Chiung , Lin Chia‐Ling , Wu Fei‐Ling , Chung Chi‐Hsiang , Sun Chien‐An , Chien Wu‐Chien
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To investigate the risk of poor delivery events (PDEs; premature delivery, abortion, and stillbirth) in female subjects with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

The study identified 8346 female subjects with PDEs as cases between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2015 from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005 in Taiwan. A total of 33,384 controls were also identified based on frequency matching for age and year of index date. Diagnoses of OSA and PDEs were determined according to the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision. The risk of PDEs in female subjects with OSA was estimated with conditional logistic regression analyses.

Findings

The mean age of the 41,730 female subjects was 35.53 years. The overall incidence rate of PDEs was 506.22 per 100,000 person‐years for subjects with OSA, which was significantly higher than that for the controls (501.95 per 100,000 person‐years). The risk of PDEs was higher in subjects with OSA than in controls (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] [95% CI]: 1.08–1.43), including for premature delivery (AOR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.16–1.50), and abortion (AOR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.09–1.47). OSA showed no relation to stillbirth (AOR = 1.04; 95% CI: 0.99–1.31). The findings indicate that the longer a subject has been experiencing OSA, the higher the probability of PDEs.

Conclusions

The risk of PDEs associated with OSA was found in this study. In particular, the longer a subject has OSA, the higher the likelihood of PDEs, exhibiting a dose–response effect.

Clinical relevance

To effectively promote maternal health in clinical practice, health providers need to recognize OSA as a risk factor associated with negative pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, OSA symptoms should be assessed and managed in all pregnant women to enable more comprehensive maternal care.
Impacts of Covid‐19 pandemic on consumer behavior in Turkey: A qualitative study
Authors: Güngördü Belbağ Aybegüm
Published: November 2021

The current study aims to examine consumer behavior in Turkey during the COVID‐19 pandemic and how consumers adapt to this new normal. In this regard, 78 Turkish consumers were interviewed online. Data were analyzed through grounded theory with a stimulus‐organism‐response framework and constant comparative methods. This study showed that environmental stimuli affecting consumer behavior during the pandemic are economic downturn, partial lockdown regulations, restrictions on some services, and social media messages. Organism consists of fear, boredom, and perceived risk. Consumers' behavioral responses to the pandemic are changes in purchasing of consumer goods, avoidance from physical stores, a decline in leisure activities, a decline in shopping frequency, planned vs. impulse buying, stockpiling, and prosumption. Overall, this study provides a more general framework regarding multiple aspects of the pandemic on consumer behavior.
Qualitative Methods in Special Education Research
Authors: Leko Melinda M. , Cook Bryan G. , Cook Lysandra
Published: November 2021

Qualitative research methods are used within special education research to provide insights about how and why phenomena occur. They can, however, be misunderstood and applied inappropriately. Our aim in this article is to provide an overview of qualitative methods, including their purpose, contributions to research involving students with learning disabilities, limitations, and quality indicators for methodological rigor. Additionally, we highlight common qualitative methods and data sources. We review a recent study that exemplifies the use of qualitative methods in the field. Our take‐home message is that qualitative methods can provide valuable in‐depth information about how and why phenomena occur, but they are not intended to support causal relationships or large‐scale generalizability.
Childhood overweight and obesity abatement policies in Europe
Authors: Wickramasinghe Kremlin , Chatterjee Saion , Williams Julianne , Weber Martin W. , Rito Ana Isabel , Rippin Holly , Breda João
Published: November 2021

Over the past two decades, a concerted effort to combat the rising tide of childhood overweight and obesity has taken shape. The World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity (ECHO) provides recommendations for six priority areas of action, including the promotion of healthy food consumption, promotion of physical activity, preconception and pregnancy care, early childhood diet and physical activity, healthy nutrition and physical activity for school‐aged children, and community‐based weight management. This paper provides a snapshot of policies and measures aligned to these areas of action within the WHO European Region in order to encourage other countries to make similar efforts. Examples are drawn from Portugal (sugar‐sweetened beverage tax, integrated nutrition strategy), the United Kingdom (soft drink levy, active commuting programs, urban design principles), Lithuania (prohibition of energy drinks), Norway (industry and government partnerships to promote healthier foods, nutrition education curriculum for schools), Hungary (tax subsidies to promote healthy diets), the European Union (cross‐border marketing regulations, preconception and pregnancy care), Slovenia (food marketing restrictions), Spain (marketing restrictions within educational settings), Poland (investing in sports infrastructure), Russia (increasing sports participation), Estonia (redevelopment of the physical education curriculum), Netherlands (preconception and pregnancy care), Croatia (conditions to support breastfeeding), Austria (perinatal and early childhood nutrition), Czechia (life‐course strategy), San Marino (nutrition and physical activity for school‐aged children), Ukraine (potable water for schools), Ireland and Italy (community‐based weight management approaches). Our findings suggest that a large disparity exists among the type and breadth of policies adopted by Member States, with a mix of single‐issue policy responses and more cohesive strategies. The role of data, implementation research, and ongoing surveillance of country‐level progress related to childhood overweight and obesity policies are discussed as an essential part of the iterative process of policy development. Additional work to systematically gather context‐specific information on policy development, implementation, and reach according to ECHO's six areas of action by WHO European Region countries will inform future policy paradigms within the region.
From androcentrism to ecofeminism: Gary Snyder’s Goddess worship
Authors: Qiu Yan
Published: November 2021

Hailed as the “poet laureate of Deep Ecology,” Gary Snyder frequently depicts various goddesses derived from both the Eastern culture and the Western culture in his works. The resurrection of the divine feminine imagery in his poetic and prose works reflects his consciousness of Goddess worship. This essay, from a diachronic perspective, examines Snyder’s Goddess worship and argues that his psychological journey to ecofeminism is roughly divided into three phases: androcentrism, feminism, and ecofeminism. It aims to reveal the transformative process and how it has led to Snyder’s acceptance of ecofeminism; the essay will also demonstrate the internal causality between his worship of the Goddess and his ecological consciousness. The psychological changes of Snyder’s reverence for the Goddess, in a way, mirror the historical evolution of gender relations.
Does compliance to topical corticosteroid therapy reduce the risk of development of permanent vulvar structural abnormalities in pediatric vulvar lichen sclerosus? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kherlopian Ashod , Fischer Gayle
Published: November 2021

Background

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis of the genital skin, with up to 20% of cases in the pediatric age group. Limited data exist concerning the prognosis of pediatric VLS, particularly the likelihood of permanent architectural change and whether this can be prevented by compliance with topical corticosteroid treatment (TCS).

Objective

To evaluate the extent to which compliance to TCS treatment influences the risk of developing vulvar structural abnormalities, including clitoral phimosis and diminutive or fused labia minora.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of case records of pediatric‐age females with VLS between January 31, 2004 and January 31, 2021.

Results

One hundred eighteen cases of VLS were identified, with a mean age at diagnosis of 7.25 years and a mean follow‐up period of 42.7 months. Thirty‐four girls were “partially compliant,” whereas 84 were ”compliant.” The risk ratio (RR) of developing any vulvar structural abnormality or clitoral phimosis was 5.76 (95% CI 2.96‐11.3) and 21.2 (95%CI 5.23‐85.9) times higher, respectively, in partially compliant compared with compliant subjects. The RR of a partially compliant female with pre‐pubertal onset VLS having a vulvar structural abnormality persisting beyond menarche was increased 3.54‐fold relative to compliant females (95% CI 1.75‐7.17).

Limitations

The retrospective nature of our data, lack of a control group, wide variability in follow‐up duration, and nonstandardized method of stratifying compliance.

Conclusion

Vulvar structural abnormalities are common in prepubertal onset VLS. Compliance to TCS appears to be critical in the prognosis of pediatric VLS although attitudes underpinning noncompliance to TCS treatment require further elucidation.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: November 2021

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 6 Albert Henry Ntarmah, Jiangsu University, GhanaAndualem Ufo Baza, Wolaita Sodo University, EthiopiaMarco Muscettola, Independent Researcher-Credit Risk Manager, ItalyOmer Allagabo Omer Mustafa, Sudan Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences., SudanRajeev Rana, APB Govt. P.G. College, IndiaRomeo Victor Ionescu, Dunarea de Jos University, RomaniaSebastian Schich, Organisation for Economic Coopertaion and Development (OECD), FranceY. Saidi, M’sila University, Algeria   Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Hydrogen Gas Refueling Infrastructure for Heavy-Duty Trucks: A Feasibility Analysis
Authors: Yaïci Wahiba , Longo Michela
Published: November 2021

In view of serious environmental problems occurring around the world and in particular climate change caused significantly by dangerous CO2 emissions into the biosphere in the developmental process, it has become imperative to identify alternative and cleaner sources of energy. Compressed hydrogen is being considered as a potential fuel for heavy-duty applications because it will substantially reduce toxic greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutant emissions. The cost of hydrogen will be the main element in the acceptance of compressed hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the marketplace because of its effect on the levelized cost of driving. This paper investigates the feasibility of developing a nationwide network of hydrogen refueling infrastructure with the aim to assist in a conversion of long-haul, heavy-duty (LHHD) truck fleet from diesel fuel to hydrogen. This initiative is taken in order to reduce vehicle emissions and support commitments to the climate plans reinforcing active transportation infrastructure together with new transit infrastructure and zero-emission vehicles. Two methods based on constant and variable traffics, using data about hydrogen infrastructure and ICE vehicles, were created to estimate fueling conditions for LHHD truck fleet. Furthermore, a thorough economic study was carried out on several test cases to evaluate how diverse variables affect the final selling price of hydrogen. This gave an understanding of what elements go into the pricing of hydrogen and if it can compete with diesel in the trucking market. Results revealed that the cost to purchase green hydrogen is the utmost part in the pump price of hydrogen. Due to the variety in hydrogen production, there is no defined cost, which renders estimates difficult. Moreover, it was found that the pump price of green hydrogen is on average 239% more expensive than diesel fuel. The methodology proposed and models created in this feasibility study may serve as a valuable tool for future techno-economics of hydrogen refueling stations for other types of ICE fleets or fuel cell vehicles.
Comparing the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polylactic Acid/Organosolv Lignin Biocomposites Made of Different Biomass for 3D Printing Applications
Authors: Obielodan J. O. , Delwiche M. , Clark D. , Downing C. , Huntoon D. , Wu T.
Published: November 2021

This work investigates the differences in mechanical and thermal properties of polylactic acid (PLA)/lignin biocomposites made of four different unmodified organosolv lignin materials, three of which were extracted from different woody biomass (maple, oak, and pine) in-house, and one sourced commercially. Filaments made from blends of 30 wt% and 40 wt% of the in-house lignin and the commercially sourced lignin as fillers in PLA were used to 3D-print experimental test samples using fused filament fabrication (FFF) process. Statistically significant differences were observed in the mechanical properties based on tension testing and Izod impact testing, while differences in thermal properties based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were less significant. Test samples with 30 wt% lignin had tensile strengths that were higher than those of 40 wt% lignin. Among the three in-house extracted lignin from the woody biomass resources, maple-based composites consistently yielded the highest tensile strengths while oak-based materials yielded the highest stiffness in tension testing and the most stability in impact resistance. The pine-based materials showed the most decline in strengths between 30 wt% and 40 wt% lignin loadings. The commercially obtained lignin at 30 wt% and pine-based lignin at 40 wt% yielded much higher percent elongations at failure than all other materials. This study demonstrates the influence of lignin biomass resources and their concentrations on the properties and performances of 3D printed specimens.
Effect of Carbon Particle Feeding as Radiant Absorbent for Enhanced Heat Transfer
Authors: Abedini Hamed , Ozalp Nesrin
Published: November 2021

Carbon particles can be used as catalyst in solar reactors where they serve as radiant absorbent and nucleation sites for the heterogeneous decomposition reaction. Unlike commonly used metal catalysts, carbon catalyst does not have durability problem and high cost. However, in order to achieve sustainable catalytic decomposition of feedstock over carbon catalysts at elevated temperatures, the surface area of the carbon particles must be maintained. A subsequent treatment of deactivated carbon samples with CO2 at about 1000 °C would increase the surface and would recover the original activity as catalyst. In a windowed solar reactor, carbon particles are directly exposed to the high flux irradiation providing efficient radiation heat transfer directly to the reaction site. Therefore, one of the key parameters to achieve higher conversion efficiencies in a solar reactor is the presence and transport of carbon particles. In this paper, a transient one-dimensional model is presented to describe the effect of carbon particle feeding on energy transport and temperature profile of a cavity-type solar receiver. The model was developed by dividing the receiver into several control volumes and formulating energy balance equations for gas phase, particles, and cavity walls within each control volume. Monte Carlo ray tracing method was used to determine the solar heat absorbed by particles and cavity walls, as well as the radiative exchange between particles and cavity walls. Model accuracy was verified by experimental work using a solar receiver where carbon particles were injected uniformly. Comparison of simulation results with the experimentally measured temperatures at three different locations on cavity receiver wall showed an average deviation of 3.81%. The model was then used to study the effect of carbon particle size and feeding rate on the heat transfer, temperature profile, and energy absorption of the solar receiver. Based on the simulation results, it was found that injection of carbon particles with a size bigger than 500 µm has no significant influence on heat transfer of the system. However, by reducing the particle size lower than 500 µm, temperature uniformity and energy absorption can be enhanced.
Characterization of Bond Quality for Polymeric Medical Tubing
Authors: Harms Kent D. , Yang Baozhong , Suh C. Steve
Published: November 2021

A non-contact, laser-optic based technique referred to as the Thermo-Acousto-Photonic Nondestructive Evaluation (TAP-NDE) was utilized to investigate bond integrity and localized stiffening due to an attached wire mesh on small diameter polymeric medical tubing. Interrogating ultrasonic waves were generated in the tubing by use of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Detection was achieved by use of a Fiber-Tip Interferometer (FTI) in conjunction with a continuous wave HeNe laser. The time-frequency analysis of the generated dispersive waves was performed combining the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) with the Hilbert Transform (HT) that effectively decomposed the digitized waveguide mode enabling identification of defect characteristic frequency tendencies. Three different bond defects were evaluated: tensile pull, needle puncture, and crease. These induced flaws represent possible manufacturing defects such as de-bond, potential leak sources, and geometry irregularities. The frequency tendencies were found to uniquely identify each bond defect. Frequency tendencies were also found to uniquely identify localized stiffening due to an attached wire mesh proving that this technique can unambiguously identify propagation modes from among non-propagation modes or vibrations. These findings demonstrate the utility of TAP-NDE and the EMD for characterization of small diameter polymeric medical tubing.
Vibration Delocalization of Nearly Periodic Structures Using Coupled Piezoelectric Networks
Authors: Tang J. , Wang K. W.
Published: November 2021

It is known that, when the mechanical coupling between the substructures is weak, small imperfections in a periodic structure can induce vibration localization. This will cause drastic and harmful changes in structure dynamic property. In this study, it is shown that the proposed coupled piezoelectric circuits can greatly relieve or even eliminate such vibration localization problems. Part of the structural vibration energy will be transferred into electrical energy by the piezoelectric materials, and the newly created electro-mechanical wave/energy channel due to the strong capacitive coupling between the piezoelectric circuits applied to the substructures will sustain the energy propagation throughout the structure. The effectiveness of the coupled piezoelectric circuits on reducing vibration localization is demonstrated, and qualitative analyses and design criteria are given.
Mechanical Work and Electromechanical Coupling in Ionic Polymer Bender Actuators
Authors: Newbury Kenneth , Leo Donald J. , Parrot Orion
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a coupled, electromechanical model of a Nafion-based ionic polymer transducer used in the cantilevered bender configuration. A comparison of simulated and experimental responses for a 0.2mm × 5.0mm × 17mm actuator validates both the form of the model and the empirically determined model parameters. In one of the experiments used for parameter identification, the short circuit current is found to be proportional to the induced actuator velocity, with the constant of proportionality equal to 7.5E−04 A m / s . This model differs from those presented by other researchers in that it is simple, dynamic, and is able to represent the transducer as either a sensor or as an actuator. Also presented is an assessment of the polymer actuators’ ability to perform mechanical work. The results of a series of force versus deflection experiments are outlined, and energy densities are calculated to facilitate comparison with other actuator technologies. The maximum blocked force with a 1.25V step input was 1.6mN (with a 17mm actuator), and the maximum free deflection with a 1.25V step input was 1.8mm (with a 22mm actuator). The energy densities ranged from 1.1 to 12.8 mJ/kg and 3.4E−06 to 4.0E−05 mJ/mm3 with an input range of 0.75V to 1.25V.
Vibration Testing and Analysis of Inflatable Structures Using Smart Materials
Authors: Park Gyuhae , Ruggiero Eric , Sausse Marion , Inman Daniel J.
Published: November 2021

This paper presents experimental investigations of vibration testing of an inflated, thin-film torus using smart materials. Lightweight, inflatable structures are very attractive in satelite applications. However, the lightweight, flexible, and highly-damped nature of inflated structures poses difficulties in ground vibration testing.

In this study, we show that PVDF patches and recently developed Macro-Fiber Composite actuators may be used as sensors and actuators in identifying modal parameters. Both smart materials can be integrated unobtrusively into the skin of a torus or space device forming an attractive testing arrangement. The addition of actuators and the PVDF sensors to the torus does not significantly interfere with the suspension modes of a free-free boundary condition, and both the actuators and PVDF sensors can be considered an integral part of the inflated structure. The results indicate the potential of using smart materials to measure and control the dynamic response of inflated structures.
Deployable Structural Element Based on Bennett Linkages
Authors: Chen Y. , You Z.
Published: November 2021

The Bennett linkage is a 3D over-constrained linkage consisting of four pieces with the axes of rotation neither parallel nor concurrent. In this paper, we present the result of our investigation of whether the Bennett linkage can achieve the highest expansion/packaging ratio for the purpose of using it as basic units of large foldable structures. Based on the conditions of compact folding and maximum expansion we have proved that special forms of the Bennett linkage exist which enables the mechanism to be folded to a bundle. Under certain circumstance, the said forms also allow the mechanism to be flattened (expanded) to a rhombus. Hence, effective deployable element can be created from the Bennett linkages. This work has paved the way for using such a 3-d mechanism as basic construction unit for large deployable structures.
Transient Simulation of Adaptive Structures
Authors: Herold Sven , Mayer Dirk , Hanselka Holger
Published: November 2021

An approach is utilised to design an adaptronic system by means of Rapid-Prototyping on the basis of a simulation. The modelling of the vibration behaviour of mechanical systems with actuators and sensors and additionally an adaptive controller in time domain is presented. The method includes the calculation of the dynamic behaviour of the mechanical structure with the help of FEM. The FE-model of the mechanical structure is transformed into modal space, then reduced and embedded as state-space-model in the MATLAB/Simulink-environment. A comparison of an analytical solution with the solution of reduced FE-model shows good agreement (a simple mechanical structure is used). Actuators and sensors are appliqued to the mechanical structure. Based on the resulting dynamical behaviour of the mechanical structure an adaptive control algorithm for the reduction of structural vibrations is developed. Experimental tests are performed to confirm and to update the simulations. The hardware-in-the-loop-simulations are realized with a Dspace-system. Some aspects (e.g. speed-up, precision) of this simulation method in comparison with other methods are indicated. This procedure allows the development and the evaluation of more complex adaptive mechanical structures.
Adaptive Identification of Nonlinear Hysteretic Structural Systems
Authors: Smyth Andrew W. , Kosmatopoulos Elias B. , Masri Sami F. , Chassiakos Anastassios G.
Published: November 2021

Adaptive modeling approaches have recently gained significant attention by the applied mechanics research community to perform real-time identification of nonlinear hysteretic structural systems under arbitrary dynamic excitations. Adaptive identification is critical for robust adaptive structural control and for tracking time-varying structural dynamic properties such as accumulating damage. This paper presents an overview of some of the authors’ previous work in this area, and also discusses some of the new issues being tackled with regard to this class of problems. The trade-offs between parametric based modeling and nonparametric modeling of nonlinear hysteretic dynamic system behavior are discussed. A new neural network based adaptive identification procedure is introduced. Both simulation and experimental results of the performance of the parametric and non-parametric methods are presented. A brief discussion of future directions and remaining technical challenges is presented.
An Aspect on the Definition of Smart Structures
Authors: Egawa Koichi
Published: November 2021

By illustrating tiny YAMAHA helicopters, which are automatic, non-man drive and sold more than 1100, as an example, the author tries to show the difference of the ways of research and development in US and in Japan. With other three examples, he gives a suggestion for modification of the definition of smart structures, which were given by C.A. Rogers and B.K. Wada[1–2], for fitting them to these examples. In the modification he would like to call even a machine which has only one of the functions stated in the definitions as smart machine. By this modification he expects that the concept of smart structures will spread more widely and this movement will promote the intellectualization of wide variety of machines.