bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnic‐racial socialization in the context of the achievement gap discourse
Authors: Kuchirko Yana , Nayfeld Irena
Published: December 2021

Messages about race and ethnicity are embedded in everyday settings and interactions. Research on ethnic‐racial socialization (ERS) commonly centers on relationships between youth and their teachers, parents, and peers as contexts of socialization. We propose another context for ERS: Discourse. We suggest that messages about race and ethnicity are part of larger, uncontested and unacknowledged Discourses—with an uppercase D—which refer to semiotic processes occurring at multiple layers of cultural, ideological, and social contexts. We zero in on the achievement gap discourse (AGD), a prevailing, uncontested and unacknowledged discourse that is rooted in U.S. racial hierarchies. We suggest that messages about ethnicity and race are conveyed to students and teachers through four avenues relevant to the AGD (1) Benchmarks and standards for student learning; (2) Curriculum and pedagogy; (3) Language around educational performance, and (4) Spaces of learning. We conclude with future directions that examine the relation between the AGD and ERS.
Risk factors and disease severity in Australian infants aged under 6 months hospitalised with influenza 2011–2019
Authors: McRae Jocelynne E , Blyth Christopher C , Cheng Allen C , Quinn Helen E , Wood Nicholas J , Macartney Kristine K ,   Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance (PAEDS) and Influenza Complications Alert Network (FluCAN) Investigators
Published: December 2021

Aim

Infants aged <6 months are vulnerable to severe influenza disease and no vaccine is approved for use in this age group. We aimed to describe the epidemiology, risk factors associated with severe outcomes and management of influenza in Australian infants aged <6 months.

Methods

Incident cases aged <6 months of laboratory‐confirmed influenza were captured through two national active prospective sentinel hospital‐based surveillance systems in Australia from 2011 to 2019, inclusive. Demographic and clinical features, disease risk factors and outcomes (intensive care unit (ICU) admission and length of stay) and oseltamivir use were analysed. The proportion of infant influenza hospitalisations and nosocomial cases among all hospitalisations were also reported.

Results

Of 680 hospitalised infants aged <6 months, 57.9% were male and 14.5% were Indigenous Australian. Median age was 2.6 months, 19.2% were born premature and 19.0% had a comorbidity, excluding prematurity. Overall, 77.9% had influenza A. Nosocomial cases accounted for 7.8%. ICU admission occurred in 14.7% and oseltamivir was prescribed for 18.8%. Factors associated with ICU admission included age <1 month (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.47–10.60), comorbidity (aOR 7.69, 95% CI: 4.04–14.64) and prematurity (aOR 2.60, 95% CI: 1.40–4.81). The proportion of infants with influenza among all infant hospitalisations ranged 1.0–2.6% in the 2019 influenza season.

Conclusion

Infants aged <6 months, and particularly neonates, experience serious disease from influenza. This data underpins the need for preventative strategies such as maternal immunisation and continued investigation into the possibility of safe and efficacious vaccination prior to 6 months of age.
Effect of Mulberry Leaf powder on reproductive performance, serum indexes and milk amino acid composition in lactating sows
Authors: Yang Can , Tang XiaoWu , Duan YangYang , Tang JiaoYu , Tang QingHai , Yang Hai , Bin DongMei , Liu Jian
Published: December 2021

Experiment was conducted to study the effects of Mulberry Leaf (ML) powder on reproductive performance, serum and milk amino acid composition in sows. Fifty sows (D 85 at gestation) with parity 3 or 4 were randomly divided into 5 groups: C, M100, M200, M300 and M400, receiving 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 g ML powder per sow per day. Blood and milk of sows at Days 1 and 21 of lactation were collected. Results showed that average daily feed intake (ADFI) during lactation was higher in groups supplemented ML compared with control group (p < 0.01). Litter weight gain during lactation was higher in M400 than in groups M200 and C (p < 0.05), with no significant difference compared with M100 and M300. Serum glucose concentration in groups M400 and M300 was higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.01). Serum HDL‐C concentration in group M400 was significantly greater than those in groups M100 and M200 (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between group M400 and groups M300, control. Milk amino acid concentrations such as isoleucine, leucine, lysine and valine were all lower in group M400 than in control (p < 0.01). Serum methionine (Met) concentration was higher in M300 than in other groups (p < 0.01). Milk Met concentration in group C was higher than those of the sows in the group M400, with no significant difference compared with groups M100, M200 and M300 (p < 0.05). Serum Lys and Met concentrations were lower in M400 than in control group (p < 0.05). In summary, our results have revealed the ML supplementation at a high dose such as 300 g/day during later gestation and lactation showed benefit in regulating lipid and amino acid metabolism in sows and then improved growth performance of their offspring.
A national census of forensic in‐patients with intellectual disability and five‐year follow‐up
Authors: Walker Helen , Mann Helen , Pitcairn Jamie , Thomson Lindsay
Published: December 2021

A national census was undertaken for the first time to establish number of patients with ID in secure forensic in‐patient services in Scotland and identify their treatment needs. All forensic mental health units were identified and contacted with a request to contribute. Response rate was 100%. Initial results in 2013 revealed 89 patients with ID, 83 male and six female. This group contributes to 17% of the overall forensic in patient population (n = 522). A higher proportion are from the North of Scotland. Key characteristics include an average age of 22 at first admission, history of violent offending, drug and alcohol abuse and self‐harm. Patients with ID in high secure services had significantly higher risk and total Historical Clinical Risk‐20 scores than those in a lower level. A range of significant health needs were identified enabling clinicians to build a profile of the population. A variety of medical, psychological and occupational interventions were utilised. Delivery seemed consistent across services, although poor recording made accurate assessment difficult. Nine percent were re‐admitted to a higher level of security within a 5‐year period (2013–2018). Repeated annual census findings revealed a slight decline in in‐patient numbers over a 5‐year period, although the proportion of ID patients (17%) remains constant. Data for 2018 indicate 85 people with ID, from a total in‐patient population of 490; female population increased to 10 (12%). Forty one (46%) patients either moved to a lower level of security or were discharged to community within a 5‐year period, indicating treatment success. This census provides unique evidence highlighting modest numbers of patients with ID, the majority of whom are cared for in low secure services. The populations' needs are considerable, but it is unclear if individual needs are being addressed. This requires further exploration, as does efficacy of interventions, in order to address the burden of psychological morbidity.
RETRACTED: A critical review on the mimetic theory of René Girard: Politics, religion, and violence
Authors: Imran Muzzamel Hussain , Zhai Zhihong
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to introduce the mimetic theory of René Girard to explore the connection between culture and religious violence to deal with some critical problems in international affairs. It challenges the narrow conceptualization of the issue of religion and violence as an issue of religious violence. As often as the issue of religion and violence is structured in such a manner, allegedly to pick religion seriously without considering politics or culture seriously. The conception is limited because, as an idea, religion is always contested, negotiated, and developed socially, culturally, or politically. It is a biased interpretation of a world actuality, which under certain conditions grounds violence. Furthermore, this narrow definition of religion suits what critical scholars describe as a problem‐solving strategy to theory. This study demonstrates mimetic theory challenges and reconfigures the conventional interpretation of the issue of religious violence and critically analyse the causes of the hidden, exposed violence as well as the scapegoat mechanism that functions in both domestic cultures as well as in international affairs, maintaining political and cultural order of any society.
Urgent issues and prospects at the intersection of culture, memory, and witness interviews: Exploring the challenges for research and practice
Authors: Hope Lorraine , Anakwah Nkansah , Antfolk Jan , Brubacher Sonja P. , Flowe Heather , Gabbert Fiona , Giebels Ellen , Kanja Wangu , Korkman Julia , Kyo Akira , Naka Makiko , Otgaar Henry , Powell Martine B. , Selim Hedayat , Skrifvars Jenny , Sorkpah Isaac Kwasi , Sowatey Emmanuel A. , Steele Linda C. , Stevens Laura , Sumampouw Nathanael E. J. , Taylor Paul J. , Trevino‐Rangel Javier , van Veldhuizen Tanja , Wang Jianqin , Wells Simon ,   Anonymous
Published: December 2021

The pursuit of justice increasingly relies on productive interactions between witnesses and investigators from diverse cultural backgrounds during investigative interviews. To date, the role of cultural context has largely been ignored by researchers in the field of investigative interviewing, despite repeated requests from practitioners and policymakers for evidence‐based guidance for the conduct of interviews with people from different cultures. Through examining cultural differences in human memory and communication and considering specific contextual challenges for investigative interviewing through the lens of culture, this review and associated commentaries highlight the scope for considering culture and human diversity in research on, and the practice of, investigative interviewing with victims, witnesses, and other sources. Across 11 commentaries, contributors highlight the importance of considering the role of culture in different investigative interviewing practices (e.g., rapport building, questioning techniques) and contexts (e.g., gender‐based violence, asylum seeking, child abuse), address common areas of cultural mismatch between interviewer–interviewee expectations, and identify critical future routes for research. We call for an increased focus in the investigative interviewing literature on the nature and needs of our global community and encourage constructive and collaborative discussion between researchers and practitioners from around the world to better identify specific challenges and work together towards evidence‐based solutions.
Complex diagnostics of ordinary chondrites Markovka, Polujamki, Sayh al Uhaymir 001, Dhofar 020, and Jiddat al Harasis 055 by X‐ray techniques and Mössbauer spectroscopy
Authors: Guda Liubov V. , Kravtsova Antonina N. , Kubrin Stanislav P. , Guda Alexander A. , Mazuritskiy Mikhail I. , Tereshchenko Andrei A. , Popov Yuri V. , Soldatov Alexander V.
Published: December 2021

Micro X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Mössbauer and X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopies have been used to study the element and phase composition, and Fe and Ni oxidation states in ordinary chondrites. The meteorites have been initially classified as Markovka (H4 type), Polujamki (H4 type), Sayh al Uhaymir (SaU) 001 (L5 type), Dhofar (Dho) 020 (H4/5 type), and Jiddat al Harasis (JaH) 055 (L4‐5 type). We have applied a set of spectroscopic methods to characterize and quantify the differences between samples. While the concentration of Fe in the meteorites is in agreement with the qualitative assignment of their types (L or H) made upon discovery, we observed extremely low Mg/Si and Al/Si values compared to the data published by Palme et al. (2014). Phase content of the meteorites has been studied by means of XRD, as well as by SEM and EDX. Mössbauer spectroscopy of Fe‐containing phases has determined that Fe ions are present mainly in olivine and pyroxene phases in all studied samples. Goethite, hematite, and troilite phases were found in Markovka, Polujamki, and Sayh al Uhaymir 001, respectively. Markovka and Polujamki samples contained the largest concentration of Fe‐Ni‐Co metal grains. Fe and Ni K‐XANES spectra were analyzed to estimate metal oxidation state in the chondrites and compared with the Mössbauer data. The multispectral data acquired in the present work are of importance for further understanding of meteoritic processes.
Episodic incidence of Harrodian instability and the Kaleckian growth model: A Markov‐switching approach
Authors: Hartley Brian
Published: December 2021

To assess the conditional stability properties of the Kaleckian growth framework in the medium‐run, I investigate behavioral corridors where investment will be unresponsive to departures of actual from desired utilization rates—thus providing for the episodic incidence of Harrodian instability. I empirically assess this relationship using two‐state Markov‐Switching Structural Vector Auto‐Regression fit on non‐residential fixed investment and the rate of capacity utilization for the United States. To directly assess the relevance of a behavioral corridor for the cyclical dynamics of the endogenous variables, the probabilities governing the transition between hidden states are modelled as a time‐varying function of gap between realized utilization rates and their long‐run average. Results suggest the response of investment to structural utilization shocks is highly regime‐dependent and predominantly occurs during business cycle downturns.
Intranuclear inclusions in skin biopsies are not limited to neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease but can also be seen in oculopharyngodistal myopathy
Authors: Ogasawara Masashi , Eura Nobuyuki , Nagaoka Utako , Sato Tatsuro , Arahata Hajime , Hayashi Tomohiro , Okamoto Tomoko , Takahashi Yuji , Mori‐Yoshimura Madoka , Oya Yasushi , Nakamura Akinori , Shimazaki Rui , Sano Terunori , Kumutpongpanich Theerawat , Minami Narihiro , Hayashi Shinichiro , Noguchi Satoru , Iida Aritoshi , Takao Masaki , Nishino Ichizo
Published: December 2021

Aims

Oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM) is caused by the expansion of CGG repeats in NOTCH2NLC (OPDM_NOTCH2NLC) GIPC1 (OPDM_GIPC1), or LRP12 (OPDM_LRP12). Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is clinically distinct from OPDM but is also caused by the expansion of CGG repeats in NOTCH2NLC, which may be an indicator of intranuclear inclusion in skin biopsy. We investigated the presence of intranuclear inclusions in skin biopsies from patients with OPDM and muscle diseases with a similar pathology to evaluate whether they will have similar diagnostic findings on skin biopsy.

Methods

We analysed the frequency of p62‐positive intranuclear inclusions in sweat gland cells, adipocytes and fibroblasts in skin biopsy samples from patients with OPDM (OPDM_NOTCH2NLC [n = 2], OPDM_GIPC1 [n = 6] and OPDM_LRP12 [n = 3]), NIID (n = 1), OPMD (n = 1), IBM (n = 4) and GNE myopathy (n = 2).

Results

The p62‐postive intranuclear inclusions were observed in all three cell types in both patients with OPDM_NOTCH2NLC and a patient with NIID, in at least one cell type in all six patients with OPDM_GIPC1, and all in three cell types in one of the three patients with OPDM_LRP12. These findings were not observed in patients with OPMD, IBM or GNE myopathy.

Conclusion

Intranuclear inclusions in skin biopsy samples are not specific to NIID and are found in all three types of genetically confirmed OPDM, suggesting that the underlying mechanism of OPDM may be similar to NIID, regardless of causative genes.
Does fine scale spatiotemporal variation in seed rain translate into plant population structure?
Authors: Gratzer Georg , Pesendorfer Mario B. , Sachser Frederik , Wachtveitl Laura , Nopp‐Mayr Ursula , Szwagrzyk Jerzy , Canham Charles D.
Published: December 2021

In mast‐seeding species, strong annual variation in seed production is assumed to drive seed fate and ultimately plant recruitment. However, the effects of temporal variation in seed crops on spatial patterns of seed rain and recruitment are poorly understood, in part because of limited data on fine‐scale spatial variation of seed deposition. To investigate how mast‐seeding affects spatial variation in seed rain, we analysed a 15‐year data set on seed rain and population dynamics in a montane old‐growth forest (2 plots with 81 seed traps per ha), dominated by European beech Fagus sylvatica and, to a lesser degree, Norway spruce Picea abies and European silver fir Abies alba. Using geostatistical methods and point process modelling, we modeled 1) the relationship between annual seed crop and spatial heterogeneity of seed rain, 2) the temporal stability of seed rain hotspots and 3) the spatial relation of seed rain and recruitment into the population. The results illustrate the interaction between temporal and spatial variation in seed production and its consequences for population dynamics of mast‐seeding trees. The signature of annual variation in seed rain fades with seedling mortality over time in all three focal species. For beech, the cumulative probability of seed arrival over the whole study period drives spatial seedling and sapling dispersion patterns – mediated by light competition with older trees; seedling density was most strongly reduced by sapling density, while saplings were most frequently found in areas of low adult density. Such decoupling of spatial processes across life history stages, combined with spatial heterogeneity may play a larger role in driving stand‐level spatial dynamics than previously assumed.
Quality of care plans in long‐term care facilities for the older persons—How well is information from RAI assessments utilised in care planning?
Authors: Kuha Suvi , Niemelä Katriina , Vähäkangas Pia , Noro Anja , Lotvonen Sinikka , Kanste Outi
Published: December 2021

Background

In Finland, care plans at long‐term care facilities (LTCF) for the older persons should be based on information from Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) assessments and the principles of structured data. Hence, managers are responsible for ensuring that the RAI system is used to a satisfactory extent, the provided information is used in care planning, and that staff members are competent at composing high‐quality care plans.

Aim

To explore the congruence between first‐line managers’ assessments of the extent to which care plans include RAI information and separately observed RAI‐related contents of care plans.

Methods

The study was based on a descriptive, cross‐sectional survey of first‐line managers (n = 15) from three LTCF organisations and a randomly selected sample of care plans (n = 45) from two LTCF organisations in Finland. Manager responses and analysis of care plans were reviewed at a general level. The data were gathered in 2019 and analysed using statistical methods and content analysis.

Results

First‐line managers’ assessments of the extent to which their units’ care plans included RAI information did not match the observed care plan contents. The care plan analysis revealed that managers significantly overestimated the extent to which care plans included RAI‐related content.

Conclusion

Managers at LTCF organisations need more training to be able to sufficiently support their staff in using RAI information to draft high‐quality care plans.

Implication for practice

Care plans must include a higher level of information related to RAI assessments. To develop competencies in drafting high‐quality care plans, training related to RAI information utilisation on all aspects of the care plan should be emphasised and training should be provided to first‐line managers and more broadly across the nursing staff.
The use of autorefractors using the image‐size principle in determining on‐axis and off‐axis refraction. Part 1: Analysis of optical principles of autorefractors
Authors: Campbell Charles E , Suheimat Marwan , Zacharovas Stanislovas , Atchison David A
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To study the optical principles and properties of autorefractors that use the image‐size principle in which the size of the reimaged retinal image determines refraction.

Methods

The retinal illumination and reimaging of the retinal image were described, as were variations in the basic system. Imaging was determined for systems in which the light source is either diverging or converging as it passes into the eye. Equations were determined to describe the dependence of refraction on the heights and angles of incoming and outgoing beams, and refraction error was determined when eye position was not correct.

Results

The fundamental refraction equation is where DE is refraction, h1 is the beam height entering the eye, and θ and α are the angles of the incoming and outgoing beams, respectively. The negative sign outside the brackets applies if the beam focuses before entering the eye, while the positive sign applies if the beam focuses after entering the eye. When light is diverging as it reaches the anterior eye, hyperopia produces greater retinal image sizes than myopia. The opposite is the case when light is converging as it reaches the anterior eye. The effect of incorrect ocular longitudinal position on the measured refraction was determined; this produced errors identical to those for vertex errors with ophthalmic lenses.

Conclusion

For image‐size principle autorefractors, simple equations describe the dependence of measured refraction on the height and angle of the instrument beam as it enters the eye and the angle of the light, reflected back from the retina, after it exits the eye. Further work will investigate the validity of such instruments for determining peripheral refraction.
The use of autorefractors using the image‐size principle in determining on‐axis and off‐axis refraction. Part 2: Theoretical study of peripheral refraction with the Grand Seiko AutoRef/Keratometer WAM‐5500
Authors: Atchison David A , Suheimat Marwan , Zacharovas Stanislovas , Campbell Charles E
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To determine, through simulations, the likely validity of Grand‐Seiko autorefractors with annular targets in peripheral refraction.

Methods

Using a physical model eye, the distance inside the eye to which the Grand Seiko AutoRef/Keratometer WAM‐5500 beam was converging and the effective size of its outer diameter at the cornea were determined. Grand‐Seiko refraction was calculated from Rx = (θ + α)/h1, where θ is the angle of the ingoing radiation beam, h1 is the height of the beam at the anterior cornea and α is the angle of the beam emerging from the eye following reflection at the retina. Two eye models were used: a Navarro schematic eye and a Navarro schematic eye with a contact lens having a highly positive aspheric front surface.

Results

The instrument beam was determined to be converging towards the eye to a distance of 24.4 mm behind the corneal vertex, with a 2.46 mm effective size outer diameter of the beam at the anterior cornea. The Grand‐Seiko refractions provided accurate estimates of peripheral refraction for the model eyes. The results were closer to Zernike refractions than to Zernike paraxial refraction. Spherical aberration influenced refraction by up to 0.5 D, and peripheral coma had limited influence.

Conclusion

Grand‐Seiko autorefractors in current use, and having a circular annulus with an ingoing effective outer diameter at the front of the eye of about 2.4 mm, are likely to give valid peripheral refractions.
Acquired cutis laxa type II (Marshall syndrome) in a 3‐month‐old boy
Authors: Sindhuja Tekumalla , Arunachalam Narayanan , Gupta Vishal , Agarwal Shipra , Gomathy Sethuraman
Published: December 2021

Acquired cutis laxa type II (Marshall syndrome) is a post‐inflammatory elastolysis occurring in infancy and childhood. It is challenging to treat with very few effective treatment options available. Herein, we describe the case of a 3‐month‐old boy with acquired cutis laxa type II secondary to a neutrophilic dermatosis. Early treatment of the initial inflammatory phase is essential to reduce the permanent sequelae.
The NBA Isn’t What It Used to Be: Racialized Nostalgia for ‘90s Basketball
Authors: Karakaya Yagmur , Manning Alex
Published: December 2021

Soon after the Covid19 pandemic hit, sports were halted, resulting in a natural hiatus ripe for collective memory practices. For basketball culture, this remembrance predominantly took the form of nostalgia, mostly for the 1990s and the Michael Jordan era through ESPN’s series The Last Dance; when professional men’s basketball is considered to have been better. In this paper, we ask what this perceptional superiority signifies. We find that the nostalgic story of ‘90s NBA, told by fans and media pundits, has three characteristics. First, the game was tougher, competitive, not amicable, less globalized, hence, more masculine. Second, team loyalty mattered more in the past and hence players stayed with a sole team, as they tried to defeat worthy rivals. Third, the sport was apolitical. We argue that this sporting nostalgia, which intersects with dominant ideas about masculinity, competition, celebrity, and American society’s “apolitical” relationship to sport, is used as a cultural corrective to police the actions of current Black NBA players on and off the court. Through the juxtaposition of lead characters of Michael Jordan and Lebron James, nostalgia is used as a racialized symbolic boundary marker to reinforce and produce the “right” professional Black athlete deserving of public adoration.
Prediction intervals for all of M future observations based on linear random effects models
Authors: Menssen Max , Schaarschmidt Frank
Published: December 2021

In many pharmaceutical and biomedical applications such as assay validation, assessment of historical control data, or the detection of anti‐drug antibodies, the calculation and interpretation of prediction intervals (PI) is of interest. The present study provides two novel methods for the calculation of prediction intervals based on linear random effects models and restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimation. Unlike other REML‐based PI found in the literature, both intervals reflect the uncertainty related with the estimation of the prediction variance. The first PI is based on Satterthwaite approximation. For the other PI, a bootstrap calibration approach that we will callquantile‐calibrationwas used. Due to the calibration process this PI can be easily computed for more than one future observation and based on balanced and unbalanced data as well. In order to compare the coverage probabilities of the proposed PI with those of four intervals found in the literature, Monte Carlo simulations were run for two relatively complex random effects models and a broad range of parameter settings. The quantile‐calibrated PI was implemented in the statistical software R and is available in the predint package.
Acquired platelet storage container leaks and contamination with environmental bacteria: A preventable cause of bacterial sepsis
Authors: Gammon Richard R. , Reik Rita A. , Stern Marc , Vassallo Ralph R. , Waxman Dan A. , Young Pampee P. , Benjamin Richard J.
Published: December 2021

Background

Apheresis platelets (AP) may be contaminated by environmental bacteria via container defects acquired during processing, transport, storage, or transfusion, as highlighted by a recent series of septic reactions related to Acinetobacter spp. and other bacterial strains.

Study design and methods

The frequency and nature of acquired container defect reports to one manufacturer were evaluated from January 2019 to July 2020. The published incidence of contamination and sepsis due to environmental bacteria with culture screened AP in the United States was reviewed for the period of 2010–2019.

Results

Review of a manufacturers' records showed 23 US reports of leaks involving 24 containers attributed to postmanufacturing damage, at a rate of 44 per million distributed storage containers. Analysis of returned containers showed evidence of scratches, impressions, and/or piercings. Literature review of US hemovigilance data revealed that environmental bacteria comprised 7% of confirmed positive primary bacterial culture screens, were responsible for 14%–16% of reported septic, and 8 of 28 (29%) fatal reactions with bacterial‐culture screened AP. Sepsis cases have been reported with culture screened, point‐of‐issue (POI) tested, or pathogen‐reduced AP.

Discussion

Environmental contamination of AP is rare but can cause sepsis. Container damage provides a pathway for contamination after culture screening, POI bacteria testing, or pathogen reduction. Blood collectors and transfusion services should have procedures to ensure proper inspection, handling, storage, and transport of AP to avoid damage and should enhance efforts to detect defects prior to release and to eliminate bacteria from all contacting surfaces to minimize the risk of contamination.
FRESH STATE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT FOAMED CONCRETE INCORPORATING ALKALI TREATED BANANA FIBRE
Authors: Nensok Mohammed Hassan , Mydin Md Azree Othuman , Awang Hanizam
Published: December 2021

For a Lightweight Foamed Concrete (LFC) to efficiently function as an energy-saving building material, its self-weight (density) should be reduced. However, the problem associated with a reduced density is a decline in strength. To improve the mechanical properties of LFC, this research attempts to integrate banana fibre into LFC composite with a focus on fresh and harden state properties. An Ultra-Lightweight Foamed Concrete (ULFC) with a density of 600 kg/m3 was produced with the inclusion of treated and untreated banana fibres. The volume fractions of banana fibre added into LFC were 0.00% (control specimen), 0.25%, 0.35%, 0.45% and 0.55%. In addition, an optimised batch mix of ULFC reinforced with 0.35% untreated banana fibre was produced. The batches were tested for rheological, physical, and mechanical properties. Findings reveal that the workability of ULFC composites decrease with increase in fibre addition. The compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths of the alkali-treated composites were higher than the untreated banana fibre composite. SEM micrograph reveals that defibrillation of bundle fibrils due to cleaning the surface amorphous hemicellulose, lignin and pectin of the alkali-treated fibre, leads to rough surfaces and increase surface area resulting in better interfacial adhesion of the fibre with cement matrix.
SPEED SENSORLESS CONTROL FOR PMSM DRIVES USING EXTENDED KALMAN FILTER
Authors: Nordin Mohamad Ikhwan , Mat Lazi Jurifa , Talib Md Hairul Nizam , Ibrahim Zulkifilie
Published: December 2021

In this paper, Sensorless Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) using Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is presented. The previous PMSM drive uses a sensor to measure the motor’s speed. Then the idea is to replace the sensor by using sensorless drives based on the observer. For the conventional observer, it’s only good for low current and low-speed applications. Moreover, it is hard to detect the phase voltage due to the non-existence of neutral wire. Therefore, this project proposes sensorless control using an EKF. This method provides an optional estimation algorithm for the non-linear system that can produce a fast and accurate estimation of state variables. The accurate estimation will reduce the noise and ripple of the system. Additionally, the EKF do not require the information of mechanical parameters and the initial position of the rotor, making the construction is easy and simple. In this paper, the fundamental of the EKF algorithm is explained and the simulation results for different speeds and loads are presented. The noise reduction test is also conducted to measure the flux current with and without the filter. The simulation study is achieved using MATLAB/Simulink to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results of the simulation show that the sensorless PMSM drives using EKF have lower overshoot and faster rise time during start-up conditions and have lower undershoot during the loaded condition. It also can be concluded that the proposed sensorless PMSM drive using EKF has good speed control accuracy and can reduce the current noise.
EPILLOW: A FABRIC-BASED PRESSURE SENSOR ARRAY FOR TETRAPLEGIC PATIENT CALL DETECTION SYSTEM
Authors: Mohamad Alias Normazlianita , Abd Razak Zakiran , Janjori Munirah , Ahmad Mohd Yazed , Engkasan Julia Patrick , Hamzaid Nur Azah
Published: December 2021

Call bell systems play an essential role in patient and nurse interaction in hospitals and at homes. However, many hospitalized patients, especially patients with tetraplegia, cannot press a call bell button for assistance due to hand weakness or paralysis from the neck down. This problem has motivated developing a fabric-based multi-array pressure sensor as a call bell garment, named ePillow, that works by detecting the pressure pattern on a pillow surface where the patient is lying down. In this study, off-the-shelf materials were utilized to form: i) a fabric-based multi-array pressure sensor system, ii) an acquisition circuit along with an interface, and iii) a signal processing algorithm to acquire and interpret the sensor data. To ensure the functionality of the proposed ePillow, a color-coded mesh plot was developed to visualize the sensor data. The reliability of the system was tested with two individuals. The pressure profile of the proposed ePillow shows a comparable profile to that of the commercialized pressure sensor. Findings from this case study have demonstrated the ability to map the force on the surface of the pillow and subsequently the location of the force applied with 71% accuracy and 70% sensitivity.
Prediction of Board Level Pad Cratering Strength With the Predefined Failure Criteria From Joint Level Testing
Authors: Zhang Qiming , Lee S. W. Ricky
Published: December 2021

Conventional reliability tests for the evaluation of pad cratering resistance are mainly classified into two categories: the board level test and the joint level test. The board-level test is to imitate the loading conditions during normal operation. However, this type of test is expensive and not flexible. The joint level test is used extensively in the industry because it has the advantages of lower cost, higher throughput, and more quantitative results. It also allows the elimination of confounding factors such as PCB and component stiffness. Therefore, it is always desirable to predict the board level performance by a joint level test. In order to achieve this objective, the correlation between the joint level and the board-level tests must be fully understood. Nevertheless, a precise correlation between the two types of tests for pad cratering evaluation is yet to be defined. This study investigates the pad cratering failure mode for the correlation of critical failure factors between joint and board level tests. An intermediate critical failure factor could be taken as a failure criterion in board-level testing for failure detection. For verifying the validity of such a failure criterion, an experimental study should be performed. The 4-point bending test is chosen as the board-level test for critical failure factor validation. In addition, an innovative pin shear test method is developed as the joint level test for failure factor detection. Both test methods are assessed by a series of parametric studies with an optimized process to ensure the accuracy of the results. From the results of the experimental study and simulation, the critical failure factor correlation is established between the board level 4-point bending and the joint level pin shear test. Using finite element analysis (FEA), the critical failure strain is identified from the pin shear test model and will be employed as the board level failure criterion. Subsequently, the obtained failure criterion is verified by a 4-point bending model. As a result, this indirect correlation method can predict the board level failure with various geometric parameters.
Numerical and Parametric Investigation of the Effect of Heat Spreading on Boiling of a Dielectric Liquid for Immersion Cooling of Electronics
Authors: Tong Wei , Ganjali Alireza , Ghaffari Omidreza , Sayed Chady al , Fréchette Luc , Sylvestre Julien
Published: December 2021

In a two-phase immersion cooling system, boiling on the spreader surface has been experimentally found to be nonuniform, and it is highly related to the surface temperature and the heat transfer coefficient. An experimentally obtained temperature-dependent boiling heat transfer coefficient has been applied to a numerical model to investigate the spreader's cooling performance. It is found that the surface temperature distribution becomes less uniform with higher input power. But it is more uniform when the thickness is increased. By defining the characteristic temperatures that represent different boiling regimes on the surface, the fraction of the surface area that has reached the critical heat flux has been numerically calculated, showing that increasing the thickness from 1 mm to 6 mm decreases the critical heat flux reached area by 23% at saturation liquid temperatures. Therefore, on the thicker spreader, more of the surface is utilized for nucleate boiling while localized hot regions that lead to surface dry-out are avoided. At a base temperature of 90 °C, the optimal thickness is found to be 4 mm, beyond which no significant improvement in heat removal can be obtained. Lower coolant temperatures can further increase the heat removal; it is reduced from an 18% improvement in the input power for the 1 mm case to only 3% in the 6 mm case for a coolant temperature drop of 24 °C. Therefore, a tradeoff exists between the cost of maintaining the low liquid temperature and the increased heat removal capacity.
Magnetic Field Effects on Backward-Facing Step Flow of Ferrofluids
Authors: Yang Wenming , Fang Boshi , Liu Beiying
Published: December 2021

Backward-facing step (BFS) flow is a benchmark case study in fluid mechanics. Its control by means of electromagnetic actuation has attracted great interest in recent years. This paper focuses on the effects of a uniform stationary magnetic field on the laminar ferrofluid BFS flows for the Reynolds number range 0.1≤Re≤400 and different expansion ratios. The coupled ferrohydrodynamic equations, including the microscopically derived magnetization equation, for a two-dimensional domain are solved numerically by an openfoam solver after validation and a test of accuracy. The application of a magnetic field causes the corner vortices in the concave corner behind the step to be retracted compared with their positions in the absence of a magnetic field. The maximum percentage of the normalized decrease in length of these eddies reaches 41.23% in our simulations. For small Reynolds numbers (<10), the flow separation points on the convex corner are lowered in the presence of a magnetic field. Furthermore, the dimensionless total pressure drop between the channel inlet and outlet decreases almost linearly with Reynolds number Re, but the drop is greater when a magnetic field is applied. On the whole, the normalized recirculation length of the corner vortex increases nonlinearly with increasing magnetic Reynolds number Rem and Brownian Péclet number Pe, but it tends to constant values in the limits Rem≪1 and Rem≫1.
Tool Wear Behavior in μ-Turning of Nimonic 90 Under Vegetable Oil-Based Cutting Fluid
Authors: Airao Jay , Kishore Hreetabh , Nirala Chandrakant K.
Published: December 2021

The characteristics such as high hardness and shear modulus, low thermal conductivity, strain hardening of Nickel-based superalloys lead to high machining forces and temperature, poor surface quality and integrity, rapid tool wear, etc. The present article investigates the tool wear mechanism of the tungsten carbide (WC) tool in μ-turning of Nimonic 90 under dry, wet, and vegetable oil-based cutting fluid (VCF). Canola oil is used as vegetable oil. Three different combinations of cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut are considered for analysis. The tool wear is characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Machining with VCF shows an approximate reduction of flank wear width in the range of 12–52% compared to dry and wet conditions. The main wear mechanisms observed on the tool flank and rake face are abrasion, built-up edge adhesion, and edge chipping. The VCF considerably reduces the adhesion and abrasion and, hence, increases tool life. The chips produced in dry conditions are found fractured and uneven, whereas, it had an uneven lamella structure in wet conditions. The VCF found reducing the plastic deformation in each cutting condition, as a result, producing fine lamella structured chips.
Challenges to Engaging Older Adults in a Group-Based Walking Intervention: Lessons From the Residents in Action Trial
Authors: Olson Jenny L. , Papathomas Anthony , Kritz Marlene , Ntoumanis Nikos , Quested Eleanor , Thøgersen-Ntoumani Cecilie
Published: December 2021

This qualitative research explored older adults’ perceptions of participating in group-based walking programs set in independent-living retirement village contexts. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a subset of participants from the Residents in Action Trial. Data were analyzed through a combination of deductive and inductive thematic analysis. Findings were interpreted from a social identity perspective. Five themes were identified: (a) varying levels of social cohesion in retirement villages; (b) degree of shared identity between residents; (c) health, mobility, and preferred pace; (d) devotion to spouse; and (e) busy lives. When designing group-based walking interventions in retirement villages, it is important to consider community-level social cohesion and degree of relatedness between village residents. When attempting to build a sense of shared identity and relatedness between group members, researchers and policy makers should consider differing backgrounds, capabilities, schedules, and interests of participants.
Effects of Hypopressive Exercise on Posterior Back Chain Kinematics and Pulmonary Function in Professional Female Basketball Players
Authors: Teijido Sonia L. , Rial Rebullido Tamara , Gómez-Tomás Cinta , Alonso-Aubin Diego A. , Chulvi-Medrano Iván
Published: December 2021

Context:Hypopressive exercise (HE) has been used as an alternative lumbo-pelvic injury prevention program and claimed to be a means of respiratory and flexibility improvement. However, the possible effects of HE on athletic populations and physical performance remain unclear.Objective:Examine the effects of a HE program on posterior back chain kinematics, thoracic mobility, pulmonary function, and lower lumbar pain in female basketball players over an 8-week training period.Design:Prospective (1) baseline, (2) midpoint (4 wk), and (3) after 8 weeks.Setting:Sports field.Participants:A total of 17 professional female basketball players (mean age 20.7 y, SD: 3.50; body mass index, 21.71, SD: 1.69).Intervention:Participants performed 8 HE weekly sessions of 30 minutes.Main Outcome Measures:Back chain kinematics was assessed with the sit and reach and finger to floor test, and back pain was assessed through numerical rating scale. Respiratory parameters were assessed by spirometry and through thoracic mobility.Results:The analysis of variance revealed significant differences between the 3 measurement periods for thoracic mobility (P > .01); forced expiratory volume in the first second (P < .05) while no statistical differences were found for the rest of spirometry outcomes. Significant differences were also revealed between baseline and after the intervention for the sit and reach test (P > .01), peak expiratory flow (P = .01), and forced expiratory volume in the first 25 seconds (P = .04). Also, significant differences between weeks were found in levels of lumbar pain (P = .003) and the finger to floor test (P = .002).Conclusions:These preliminary findings suggest that a HE program can improve posterior back chain and chest wall kinematics as well as lower lumbar pain levels. However, no gains seem to be observed for the majority of pulmonary variables except for peak expiratory flow and forced expiratory volume in the first seconds.
Kinetic and Kinematic Effects of Asymmetrical Loading of the Lower Limb During High-Speed Running
Authors: Acker Katrin S. , Eberle Tim V.M. , Oranchuk Dustin J. , Diewald Shelley N. , Uthoff Aaron M. , Korfist Chris , Cronin John B.
Published: December 2021

Context: Light lower-limb wearable resistance has little effect on running biomechanics. However, asymmetrical wearable resistance may potentially alter the kinetics and kinematics of high speed, enabling greater loading or unloading of an injured or rehabilitative lower limb. Design: A cross-sectional study design was used to quantify the influence of asymmetric calf loading on the kinematics and kinetics during 90% maximum sprinting velocity. Methods: Following a familiarization session, 12 (male = 7 and female = 5) physically active volunteers ran at 90% of maximal velocity. In random order, participants ran with zero (0) wearable resistance and with loads of 300 g (L300) and 600 g (L600) fixed to one shank. A nonmotorized treadmill quantified vertical and horizontal kinetics and step kinematics. The kinetics and kinematics of the loaded (L0, L300, and L600) and unloaded (UL; UL0, UL300, and UL600) limbs were compared. Results: Vertical step ground reaction force of the loaded limb tended to increase between unloaded and 300 and 600 conditions (effect size [ES] = 0.48 to 0.76, all P ≤ .12), while the horizontal step force of the UL tended to decrease (ES = 0.54 to 1.32, all P ≤ .09) with greater external loading. Step length increased in the UL in 0 versus 300 and 600 conditions (ES = 0.60 to 0.70, all P ≤ .06). Step frequency decreased in the ULs in unloaded versus 300 and 600 conditions (ES = 0.73 to 1.10, all P ≤ .03). Mean step velocity tended to be greater in the ULs than the 300 and 600 conditions (ES = 0.52 to 1.01, all P ≤ .10). Only 4 of 16 variables were significantly different between the 300 and 600 conditions. Conclusions: Asymmetrical shank resistance could be used during high-speed running to reduce or increase the kinetic loading of an injured/rehabilitative limb during return to play protocols. Asymmetrical wearable resistance could also be used to alter step kinematics in runners with known asymmetries. Finally, meaningful alterations in high-speed running biomechanics can be achieved with only 300 g of shank loading.
Sequence Conservation, Domain Architectures, and Phylogenetic Distribution of the HD-GYP Type c-di-GMP Phosphodiesterases
Authors: Galperin Michael Y. , Chou Shan-Ho
Published: December 2021

The HD-GYP domain, named after two of its conserved sequence motifs, was first described in 1999 as a specialized version of the widespread HD phosphohydrolase domain that had additional highly conserved amino acid residues. Domain associations of HD-GYP indicated its involvement in bacterial signal transduction and distribution patterns of this domain suggested that it could serve as a hydrolase of the bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP, in addition to or instead of the EAL domain.