bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing Safety Risks of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Construction
Authors: Namian Mostafa , Khalid Mohammad , Wang George , Turkan Yelda
Published: July 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have gained their prevalent recognition in construction because of their exceptional advantages. Despite the increasing use of UAVs in the industry and their remarkable benefits, there are serious potential safety risks associated that have been overlooked. Construction is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. In addition to the ordinary hazards normally present in dynamic construction workplaces, UAVs can expose workers to a wider range of never-before-seen safety risks that must be recognized and controlled. The industry is not equipped with safety measures to prevent potential accidents, because of scarce research on drone-associated hazards and risks. The aim of this research was to (1) identify the UAV-associated hazards in construction that may expose personnel and property to potential harms, and (2) study the relative impact of each hazard and the associated safety risks. In Phase I, the researchers conducted an extensive literature review and consulted with a construction UAV expert. In Phase II, the researchers obtained data from 54 construction experts validating and evaluating the identified hazards and risks. The results revealed that adopting UAVs can expose construction projects to a variety of hazards that the industry is not familiar with. “Collision with properties,”“collision with humans,” and “distraction” were identified as the top three safety risks. Moreover, the study introduces effective strategies, such as having qualified crew members, proper drone model selection, and drone maintenance, to mitigate the safety risks. Finally, a post-hoc case study was investigated and presented in this article.
Predicting International Roughness Index Based on Surface Distresses in Various Climate and Traffic Conditions Using Laser Crack Measurement System
Authors: Fakhri Mansour , Karimi Seyed Masoud , Barzegaran Jalal
Published: July 2021

Roughness is one of the most significant parameters in the evaluation of pavement performance. Surface distresses are among the main factors leading to roughness. The collection and evaluation of roughness data require the application of modern equipment such as road surface profilers. In the absence of such equipment, roughness prediction models that are based on surface distresses might provide a desirable assessment of pavement conditions. This research employs the laser crack measurement system (LCMS) to detect and measure surface distresses and roughness along 268 km of primary roads in Iran. Compared with manual survey, LCMS provides maximum detection and measurement accuracy. Based on the LCMS output, distresses with a higher correlation with the International Roughness Index (IRI) were selected as predictors in linear regression models and artificial neural networks (ANN). The models were developed for 10 m and 100 m length sections of the roads under different climate and traffic conditions. The results indicate that the performance of ANN for the 100 m sections with coefficient of determination ( R2) of 0.82 is superior to other models. The best case was that of using ANN in 100 m sections for regions with moderate climate and medium traffic levels, with a 0.94 correlation. Satisfactory results in field validation of the models demonstrated that agencies can use other methods of data collection (e.g., manual, right of way [ROW]) to assess the surface distresses and roughness condition of their roads from the developed models with minimum spending and without expensive equipment. Such estimates can be employed to make informed decisions in pavement maintenance programs at the network level.
Input Parameters for the Mechanistic-Empirical Design of Full-Depth Reclamation Projects
Authors: Beesam Vishwa V. , Torres-Machi Cristina
Published: July 2021

Cold recycling technologies such as full-depth reclamation (FDR) are sustainable and cost-effective techniques for pavement rehabilitation that reduce environmental impacts and construction costs and time. The limited information available on the material properties of FDR mixtures and their characterization in mechanistic-empirical (M-E) pavement design hinders the full deployment of FDR. Previous research has found current M-E default values to be non-representative and overly conservative, leading to an underestimation of the true performance capabilities of FDR materials. To address this gap, this paper analyzes the performance of 11 FDR sites constructed throughout Colorado, U.S., and compares their long-term performance with M-E predictions. The objective of this paper is to recommend input values for the M-E design of FDR base materials that result in reliable predictions of FDR long-term performance. The analysis includes both non-stabilized and emulsion-stabilized FDR projects. Both initial International Roughness Index (IRI) and resilient modulus were found to have a significant impact on M-E predictions and were calibrated in a two-step process. The proposed input parameters lead to a conservative design of FDR projects and result in improved IRI predictions compared with the ones derived from current design criteria. With the current design parameters, IRI predictions were, on average, overestimated by 51 in./mi, whereas the proposed input parameters make it possible to reduce this difference to 17 in./mi. Future research is needed to improve current models in M-E pavement design software to adequately model cold in-place recycled layers such as FDR.
Hybrid-Data Approach for Estimating Trip Purposes
Authors: Luo Xiaoling , Cottam Adrian , Wu Yao-Jan , Jiang Yangsheng
Published: July 2021

Trip purpose information plays a significant role in transportation systems. Existing trip purpose information is traditionally collected through human observation. This manual process requires many personnel and a large amount of resources. Because of this high cost, automated trip purpose estimation is more attractive from a data-driven perspective, as it could improve the efficiency of processes and save time. Therefore, a hybrid-data approach using taxi operations data and point-of-interest (POI) data to estimate trip purposes was developed in this research. POI data, an emerging data source, was incorporated because it provides a wealth of additional information for trip purpose estimation. POI data, an open dataset, has the added benefit of being readily accessible from online platforms. Several techniques were developed and compared to incorporate this POI data into the hybrid-data approach to achieve a high level of accuracy. To evaluate the performance of the approach, data from Chengdu, China, were used. The results show that the incorporation of POI information increases the average accuracy of trip purpose estimation by 28% compared with trip purpose estimation not using the POI data. These results indicate that the additional trip attributes provided by POI data can increase the accuracy of trip purpose estimation.
Assessment of the Use of Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Foam Concrete as a Subgrade Material for the China Railway Track System (CRTS) III Slab Ballastless Tracks
Authors: Klomranok Thanut , Su Qian
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the application and the development of foam concrete (FC) to replace the traditionally used subgraded materials (typically compacted soil or granular earth rock) in high-speed railway by using cement to sand ratio of 2:1 with a target density of 500 to 700 kg/m3 and by adding polypropylene (PP) fibers with 0.25% and 0.40% by volume to improve the properties of FC. The mechanical properties were evaluated and tested in the laboratory in accordance with ASTM standard method, including compressive strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio, and dynamic strength. In addition, the numerical model investigates the performance and analyzes the effect of applying the full cross-section PP fiber reinforced FC in slab ballastless track, under different thicknesses, on the dynamic response of the whole structure, and then compares them with that of the traditional structure. The results indicate that the strength of FC with a density of 500 to 700 kg/m3 can meet the requirements of static and dynamic loading conditions of railway earth structure. But the density of 600 to 700 kg/m3 shows good strength stability under different curing states. In addition, adding 0.25% PP fiber is an optimal volume that can significantly improve mechanical properties. The prediction of the model shows that FC at a density of 600 kg/m3 by adding PP fibers of 0.25% at a thickness of 1.5 m can reduce the stress and vibration of the track structure better than that of the traditional structure; this indicates a long-term maintainance stability of the subgrade bed.
Comparison of Long-term Radiographic Outcomes and Rate and Time for Conversion to Total Knee Arthroplasty Between Repair and Meniscectomy for Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Krivicich Laura M. , Kunze Kyle N. , Parvaresh Kevin C. , Jan Kyleen , DeVinney Annie , Vadhera Amar , LaPrade Robert F. , Chahla Jorge
Published: July 2021

Background:

Previous meta-analyses have demonstrated superior outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) compared with meniscectomy. However, these analyses have considered only short- or midterm outcomes and low-quality evidence.

Purpose:

To compare the mid- to long-term rates of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) between repair and meniscectomy for MMPRT.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid/MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were queried for articles evaluating repair and meniscectomy for MMPRT. Articles were eligible if they had a minimum mean 4-year follow-up for radiographic OA or conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and were at least level 3 evidence. Radiographic OA was assessed using Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) progression. Rates of conversion to TKA and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were also extracted. DerSimonian-Laird binary random-effects models were created to evaluate differences in radiographic OA and TKA conversion rates, with odds ratios (ORs) representing pooled estimates. Continuous random-effects models with standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used to compare postoperative IKDC scores.

Results:

Repair and meniscectomy cohorts were followed for a mean of 64.8 months and 62.5 months, respectively, for KL progression; and 82.8 months and 73.8 months, respectively, for TKA rates and IKDC scores. Overall, 59 of 144 (41%) patients undergoing surgical intervention for MMPRT demonstrated OA progression; 18 of 82 (22%) who underwent repair for MMPRT exhibited OA progression compared with 41 of 62 (66%) who underwent meniscectomy (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.03-0.83; P = .029). Overall, 30 of 143 (21%) patients converted to TKA; 9.8% (8/82) of patients who underwent repair converted to TKA (range, 47-131 months), while 36% (22/61) who underwent meniscectomy converted to TKA (range, 17.8-101 months) (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.05-0.44; P < .001). No significant differences between postoperative IKDC scores were observed (SMD, 0.51; 95% CI, -0.02 to 1.05; P = .06).

Conclusion:

Medial meniscus posterior root repair results in significantly lower rates of radiographic OA progression and conversion to TKA at >60-month follow-up. On the basis of these findings, we recommend consideration of repair of MMPRTs when degenerative changes are not severe, as it can yield improved outcomes.
Association Between Psychological Readiness and Knee Laxity and Their Predictive Value for Return to Sport in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Faleide Anne Gro Heyn , Magnussen Liv Heide , Bogen Bård Erik , Strand Torbjørn , Mo Ingunn Fleten , Vervaat Willemijn , Inderhaug Eivind
Published: July 2021

Background:

Deciding when patients are ready to return to sport (RTS) after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is challenging. The understanding of which factors affect readiness and how they may be related is limited. Therefore, despite widespread use of RTS testing, there is a lack of knowledge about which tests are informative on the ability to resume sports.

Purpose:

To examine whether there is an association between knee laxity and psychological readiness to RTS after ACLR and to evaluate the predictive value of these measures on sports resumption.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Patients aged ≥16 years engaged in physical activity/sports before injury were recruited at routine clinical assessment 9-12 months after ACLR. Exclusion criteria were concomitant ligament surgery at ACLR and/or previous ACL injury in the contralateral knee. At baseline, a project-specific activity questionnaire and the ACL–Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) scale were completed. Knee laxity was assessed by use of the Lachman test, KT-1000 arthrometer, and pivot-shift test. Two years after surgery, knee reinjuries and RTS status (the project-specific questionnaire) were registered. Associations between psychological readiness and knee laxity were evaluated with the Spearman rho test, and predictive ability of the ACL-RSI and knee laxity tests were examined using regression analyses.

Results:

Of 171 patients screened for eligibility, 132 were included in the study. There were small but significant associations between the ACL-RSI score and the Lachman test (rho = −0.18; P = .046) and KT-1000 arthrometer measurement (rho = −0.18; P = .040) but no association between the ACL-RSI and the pivot-shift test at the time of recruitment. Of the total patients, 36% returned to preinjury sport level by 2 years after surgery. Higher age, better psychological readiness, and less anterior tibial displacement (KT-1000 arthrometer measurement) were significant predictors of 2-year RTS (explained variance, 33%).

Conclusion:

Small but significant associations were found between measurements of psychological readiness and anterior tibial displacement, indicating that patients with less knee laxity after ACLR feel more ready to RTS. ACL-RSI and KT-1000 arthrometer measurements were independent predictors of 2-year RTS and should be considered in RTS assessments after ACLR.
Surface-Related High School Football Game Injuries on Pad and No-Pad Fields
Authors: Meyers Michael C.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Artificial turf fields are increasingly being installed with lighter weight infill systems that incorporate a pad underlayer, which is reported to reduce surface shock and decrease injuries. At this time, the effects of a pad underlayer on football trauma are unknown.

Hypothesis:

Athletes would not experience differences in surface-related injuries between pad and no-pad fields.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Artificial turf fields were divided into 2 groups based on a pad underlayer or no-pad system, with 58 high schools participating across 3 states over the course of 7 seasons. Outcomes of interest included injury severity, head and knee trauma, injury category, primary type of injury, injury mechanism, anatomic location of trauma, tissue type injured, and elective imaging and surgical procedures. Data underwent multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) using general linear model procedures and were expressed as injury incidence rates per 10-game season.

Results:

Of 658 varsity games, 260 games were played on fields containing pads, and 398 games were played on no-pad fields, with 795 surface-related injuries reported. MANOVA indicated significant main effects by injury severity ( F3,791 = 11.436; P < .0001), knee trauma ( F9,785 = 2.435; P = .045), injury category ( F3,791 = 3.073; P < .0001), primary type of injury ( F10,785 = 2.660; P < .0001), injury mechanism ( F13,781 = 2.053; P < .001), anatomic location ( F16,778 = 1.592; P < .001), type of tissue injured ( F4,790 = 4.485; P < .0001), and elective imaging and surgical procedures ( F4,790 = 4.248; P < .002). Post hoc analyses indicated significantly greater incidences ( P < .05) of substantial and severe injury, player-to-turf trauma, patellofemoral syndrome, neck strain, lower leg strain, and elective imaging and surgical procedures when games were played on padded turf fields. No differences in concussion rate from turf impact between pad and no-pad fields were observed.

Conclusion:

In contrast to conventional wisdom, the addition of a pad under an artificial turf surface increases injury rates when compared with nonpadded fields across most injury categories. At this time, findings do not support the current trend of installing lightweight padded infill systems at the high school level of play.
Outcomes of systemic anticoagulation with bivalirudin for Impella 5.0
Authors: Fabrizio Carly , Levito Marissa N , Rivosecchi Ryan , Bashline Michael , Slocum Brittany , Kilic Arman , Toma Catalin , Murray Holt , Ramanan Raj , Fowler Jeffrey , Hickey Gavin W , Horn Edward T
Published: July 2021

Temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) devices are used for the management of cardiogenic shock. The Impella 5.0 (Abiomed; Danvers, MA) (IMP5) is a commonly used, surgically implanted, tMCS device that requires systemic anticoagulation and purge solution to avoid pump failure. To avoid heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) from unfractionated heparin (UFH) use, our program has explored the utility of bivalirudin (BIV) for systemic anticoagulation in IMP5. This single center, retrospective study included patients supported on IMP5 with BIV based AC. The efficacy and safety end points were recovery, bridge to left ventricular assist device (LVAD), cardiac transplant (HTX), or death as well as clinically significant bleeding, incidence of Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) use for suspected pump thrombosis, stroke, and device failure. There were 31 patients included, and 26 (84%) received BIV purge solutions. The median duration of IMP5 was 6 (IQR 4–10) days. Most patients were bridged to LVAD (39%, 12); 16% (5) were bridged to HTX, 16% (5) recovered, and 29% (9) died. One patient (3%) suffered from ischemic stroke and 12% (4) patients developed clinically significant bleeding. tPA was administered to 8 (26%) patients. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that duration of IMP5 was a significant predictor of tPA use (OR 1.28; 95% Confidence Interval 1.04–1.56). There were no cases of pump failure. Our experience highlights the feasibility of utilizing BIV for routine AC use in IMP5.
Late diagnosis of ureteral injury from anterior lumbar spine interbody fusion surgery: Case report and literature review
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , de Maria Nicola , Tafuri Alessandro , Porcaro Antonio Benito , Rubilotta Emanuele , Balzarro Matteo , Lorenzo-Gomez Maria-Fernanda , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: July 2021

Background:

Anterior Lumbosacral Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is a type of back surgery with the advantages of direct access to the spinal interbody space and the potential lessening morbidity related to posterior approaches.

Purpose:

To describe a rare case of left ureteral lesion from ALIF surgery diagnosed 4 months after the procedure.

Case description:

A 37-year-old Caucasian man with a long history of painful post-traumatic spondylolisthesis and degenerative L5-S1 disc disease underwent a retroperitoneal anterior L5-S1 discectomy, insertion of an interbody tantallium cage, and placement of a pyramid titanium plate fixed with screws. Four months later, due to recurrent left lumbar pain and mild renal failure, a CT scan was performed showing left hydronephrosis with a homolateral urinoma of 17 cm in diameter. A left nephrostomy was placed and the nephrostography detected a filiform leakage at L5-S1 level in communication with the urinoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic urinoma drainage, distal left ureterectomy, and Casati-Boari flap ureterocystoneostomy with ureteral double J stent placement. The stent was held for six weeks and, 1 month later, the control ultrasound scan was negative for hydronephrosis, the creatinine level had normalized and the patient was asymptomatic.

Conclusion:

Ureteral lesion from ALIF surgery is a very rare event. Spinal surgeons should be more awareness regarding the susceptibility of ureteral injuries along with the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and management options for this kind of complication.
Occupational exposure to metal-rich particulate matter modifies the expression of repair genes in foundry workers
Authors: Panjali Zahra , Hahad Omar , Rajabi Fatemeh , Maddah Saeid , Zendehdel Rezvan
Published: July 2021

Foundry workers are exposed to numerous occupational health hazards, which may result in increased risk of cancer, respiratory disease, and other diseases. Oxidative stress is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of such diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the association between multiple occupational exposures in foundry workers and expression of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair genes as a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage. The study sample comprised 17 foundry workers and 27 matched control subjects. Expression of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1), inosine triphosphate pyrophosphate (ITPA), and MutT homolog 1 (MTH1) in peripheral blood was examined using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Air sampling to determine exposure to metal-rich particulate matter and measurement of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) were conducted according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health standard methods. Personal air sampling revealed that occupational exposure to particulate matter exceeded the threshold limit values (TLVs) in 76% of the workstations, whereas ELF-EMF exposure appeared to be lower than the TLV. ITPA was significantly upregulated in foundry workers compared with control subjects, whereas no significant difference was observed for OGG1 and MTH1. Moreover, ITPA was strongly and positively correlated with the concentration of metal-rich particulate matter in foundry workers. No significant correlation was found between ELF-EMF exposure and expression of DNA repair genes. DNA repair gene expression may be a sensitive biomarker for occupational exposures, which suggests an involvement of oxidative stress in metal-induced toxicity. Further studies are needed to determine the role of DNA repair gene expression in response to occupational/environmental hazards.
How prescribing available pharmacotherapies for alcohol use disorder can impact the healthcare system: A retrospective quality improvement study
Authors: Szelest Izabela , Harries Bruce , Motluk Lori , Harries Jeff
Published: July 2021

Alcohol use disorder is a multifactorial undertreated chronic disorder influenced by genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Numerous pharmacotherapies are available and effective but are underutilized in healthcare. The purpose of this retrospective quality improvement study is to determine the impact of education sessions on the availability and efficacy of medications (focusing on Naltrexone) to treat alcohol use disorder in the healthcare system. Control charts were implemented to monitor the system change in two comparable urban areas. Dispensing rates increased at three points after a series of presentations. The first increase from baseline was 2.47 times, the second 3.7, and the third 4.81. Coinciding with these, weekly visits to the emergency department also decreased by 35% and stabilized at a 15% reduction. It was also observed that alcohol use disorder hospital admission rates decreased by 21%, but bounced back once the education sessions ended. Combined with counselling, pharmacotherapies can be effective in combating alcohol use disorder, while potentially reducing demands on the healthcare system.
The Impact of Corticosteroids on Secondary Infection and Mortality in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ritter Lindsay A. , Britton Noel , Heil Emily L. , Teeter William A. , Murthi Sarah B. , Chow Jonathan H. , Ricotta Emily , Chertow Daniel S. , Grazioli Alison , Levine Andrea R.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Corticosteroids are part of the treatment guidelines for COVID-19 and have been shown to improve mortality. However, the impact corticosteroids have on the development of secondary infection in COVID-19 is unknown. We sought to define the rate of secondary infection in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and determine the effect of corticosteroid use on mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Study Design and Methods:

One hundred and thirty-five critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the University of Maryland Medical Center were included in this single-center retrospective analysis. Demographics, symptoms, culture data, use of COVID-19 directed therapies, and outcomes were abstracted from the medical record. The primary outcomes were secondary infection and mortality. Proportional hazards models were used to determine the time to secondary infection and the time to death.

Results:

The proportion of patients with secondary infection was 63%. The likelihood of developing secondary infection was not significantly impacted by the administration of corticosteroids (HR 1.45, CI 0.75-2.82, P = 0.28). This remained consistent in sub-analysis looking at bloodstream, respiratory, and urine infections. Secondary infection had no significant impact on the likelihood of 28-day mortality (HR 0.66, CI 0.33-1.35, P = 0.256). Corticosteroid administration significantly reduced the likelihood of 28-day mortality (HR 0.27, CI 0.10-0.72, P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Corticosteroids are an important and lifesaving pharmacotherapeutic option in critically ill patients with COVID-19, which have no impact on the likelihood of developing secondary infections.
Discourses Around Male IPV Related Systemic Biases on Reddit
Authors: Sivagurunathan Marudan , Walton David M. , Packham Tara , Booth Richard G. , MacDermid Joy C.
Published: July 2021

To date research on intimate partner violence (IPV) has focused on the experience of females. The limited studies on male IPV survivors have shown that they are less likely to disclose their IPV experiences. Systemic biases may marginalize and silence male IPV survivors.

The current study sought to explore the discourse around perceived systemic biases that may be present for male IPV survivors.

A widely used social networking site ( http://www.reddit.com/ ) was scraped for submissions relating to male IPV. Search was carried out using three keywords resulting in 917 submissions, out of which 82 met inclusion criteria. Submissions were included in final analysis if they consisted of more than half a page of data pertaining to male IPV. Thematic content analysis was utilized to analyze the data.

Responses reflect common experiences with participants identifying multiple sources of perceived systemic biases: (1) social norms, (2) legal system, (3) social services, (4) media, and (5) government.

The sources of potential support for male IPV survivors exhibit substantial pervasive biases against males as victims of IPV. Findings from current study can inform policies across multiple systems.
Validating an individual innovation competence assessment tool for university–industry collaboration
Authors: Hero Laura-Maija , Pitkäjärvi Marianne , Matinheikki-Kokko Kaija
Published: July 2021

University–industry collaboration produces networks that may be capable of innovations, such as novel products and services. The collaboration projects also need to benefit student learning, yet teachers have little clarity with regard to innovation competence development. Individual innovation competence is a set of personal characteristics, knowledge, skills and attitudes that are connected to create concretised and implemented novelties via collaboration in complex innovation processes. The paper reports on the findings from the development and validation of an individual innovation competence assessment tool. The aim is to determine which individual innovation competences are significant in university–industry collaboration and which of these competences are sensitive to educational interventions. The study used a three-phase method involving development of the questionnaire items, validation in teacher and student panels, and a pilot pre- and post-survey study. All seven domains of individual innovation competences were significant and sensitive to educational intervention (a multidisciplinary innovation project conducted with industry). The most responsive competence domains regarding change were concretisation and implementation planning skills, and project management skills. The paper concludes with application opportunities for the tool and recommendations for further research.
Accurate preparation of mesoscopic geometric characteristics of ball end milling cutter and optimization of cutting performance
Authors: Yang Shucai , Han Pei , Liu Xiao , Tong Xin
Published: July 2021

According to the difficult machinability of titanium alloy, the research shows that the surface micro-textured technology can reduce the friction force and cutting temperature in the cutter-workpiece contact area. Starting with the precise preparation of micro textures by laser processing technology, this paper takes ball-end milling cutter milling titanium alloy as the research object, studies the influence of laser processing parameters on micro-textured size parameters, and optimizes the laser processing parameters as follows: laser power P = 40 W, scanning speed V = 1700 mm/s, scanning times N = 7 times, and spot diameter D = 40 μm. The distribution of temperature field and stress field during laser processing is analyzed, and the accuracy of the influence rule of laser processing parameters on micro-textured size parameters is verified, thus realizing the purpose of accurately preparing micro textures. The interactive influence of mesoscopic geometric features on the cutting performance of ball-end milling cutter is analyzed, and the genetic algorithm is used to optimize the parameters. The results show that the main factor affecting the force-heat characteristics of the tool is the blunt edge radius, and the interaction between the blunt radius of the cutting edge and the distance from blade is obvious. The optimized mesoscopic geometric parameters are as follows: the blunt edge radius is 20 μm, and the distance from blade is 110 μm, the micro-textured diameter is 30 μm, and the micro-textured spacing is 175 μm. The research content of this paper lays a foundation for efficient cutting of titanium alloy materials.
Low frequency vibratory cleaning of paint and rust contaminants from machines parts
Authors: Essola Dieudonne , Njomoue Achille Pandong , Offole Florence , Mezoue Cyrille Adiang , Zanga Crick Nelson , Venant Kayibanda
Published: July 2021

This work investigates the effect of low frequency vibratory processing for cleaning and washing various machine components parts from rusts and old paints deposits. The experimental investigation was carried out with special prepared samples that were weighted and exposed to paints and rust contaminants. These samples were treated in universal horizontal vibration machine UVHM 4 × 10 with different combination of instrumental processing medium, process fluid, machine amplitude and frequency of oscillations. They were periodically reweighted after processing and compared to etalon with control of quantity of dust that have been removed, sample cleanliness and also other functional parameters. Statistical analysis has been used to characterize ongoing process and full factorial analysis to establish experimental parameters dependency. The result is showing the complex dependence of samples cleanliness to each processing parameters like processing time, amplitude of oscillations, frequency of oscillations, process fluid parameters, instrumental medium, etc. Between this parameters although the most important successively the amplitude of oscillations, the frequency of oscillations the processing medium and the processing fluid depending to his considered composition, the optimal processing time can be reach only by complex combination of all this parameters every of them carry an amplify coefficient. Low frequency oscillations can be used to monitor and optimize washing and cleaning operations of paints and rusts contaminations. That guarantees process automation, its effectiveness for a large industrial application.
Science, Maddá, and ‘Ilm: The language divide in scientific information available to Internet users
Authors: Zoubi Kawther , Sharon Aviv J. , Nitzany Eyal , Baram-Tsabari Ayelet
Published: July 2021

The Internet has potential to alleviate inequality in general and specifically with respect to science literacy. Nevertheless, digital divides persist in online access and use, as well as in subsequent social outcomes. Among these, the “language divide” partly determines how successful users are in their Internet use depending on their proficiency in languages, and especially in English. To examine whether the quality of online scientific information varies between languages when conducting searches from the same country, we compared online search results regarding scientific terms in English, Hebrew, and Arabic. Findings indicate that searches in English yielded overall higher quality results, compared with Hebrew and Arabic, but mostly in pedagogical aspects, rather than scientific ones. Clustering the results by language yielded better separation than clustering by scientific field, pointing to a “language divide” in access to online science content. We argue that scientific communities and institutions should mitigate this language divide.1
Predicting Financial Distress in the Indian Banking Sector: A Comparative Study Between the Logistic Regression, LDA and ANN Models
Authors: Mishra Nandita , Ashok Shruti , Tandon Deepak
Published: July 2021

Financial distress is a socially and economically significant issue that affects almost every firm across the world. Predicting financial distress in the banking industry can substantially aid in the reduction of losses and can help avoid misallocation of banks’ financial resources. Models for financial distress prediction of banks are being increasingly employed as important tools to identify early warning signals for the whole banking system. This study attempts to forecast the financial distress of commercial banks by developing a bankruptcy prediction model for banks. The sample size for the study is 75 Indian banks. Logistic, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and artificial neural network (ANN) models have been applied on the last 5 years’ (2015–2019) data of these banks. Data analysis results reveal the logistic and LDA models exhibiting similar prediction accuracy. The results of the ANN prediction model exhibit better prediction accuracy. It is expected that the results of this study will be useful for managers, depositors, regulatory bodies and shareholders to better manage their interests in the banking sector of the country.
Antecedents of Stage-wise Investment Preferences of Venture Capital and Private Equity Firms in India: An Empirical Exploration
Authors: Dugar Poonam , Basant Rakesh
Published: July 2021

This article is a maiden attempt at exploring determinants of stage-specific investment choices of Indian venture capital and private equity (VCPE) firms. Analysis of 5,782 VCPE investment deals during 1998–2016 shows that firms’ preferences to invest in various stages (early vs. late) are significantly affected by the characteristics of the VCPE firms, features of the deal, and characteristics of the investee firms. More specifically, experience and ownership (foreign vs. domestic) of VCPE firm, type of deal (syndicated or otherwise), investment size of the deal, and location and industry of the investee firm influence the stage of investment. Detailed empirical analysis shows that younger VCPE firms and those with domestic investors prefer to invest in early stages, presumably because they wish to build a reputation and also leverage their proximity with investee firms to manage high market and technological risks associated with early-stage investments. Syndication is another mechanism used to manage the risks associated with early-stage deals. Investee firms in industries that have lower investment requirements or shorter gestation periods and those located in regions with a mature entrepreneurial ecosystems are more likely to attract early-stage investments.

JEL Classification: G24, L26, D81
Improving Effectiveness of Rural Information and Communication Technology Offices: The Case of Qazvin Province in Iran
Authors: Rajabi Somayeh , Lashgarara Farhad , Chowdhury Ataharul , Rashvand Habib , Daghighi Hadi Sadegh
Published: July 2021

The information and communication technology (ICT) offices in rural areas of Iran have been developed as government provided counters under a national project in the past decades. The rural ICT offices were expected to benefit the rural people in various socio-economic dimensions such as health, social connectivity, crop diversity, agricultural productivity, occupational capability and the lifestyle in general. However, these middle range offices in Iran did not perform as expected, and thus they require an urgent restructuring to boost up their performances and to enhance their acceptability. This study investigates the effectiveness of the ICT systems and services in place in the Qazvin province of Iran with the purpose of identifying the major requirements needed to fix up the system. The focus of this study was around 10,000 people organised through rural ICT agents and their users in the rural area of Qazvin. The survey involves 138 rural ICT offices operated by 103 cooperative agents. Of them, 16 rural ICT offices were selected randomly, and 165 rural users connected with the selected offices were interviewed by the research team. Collected data have been analysed with structural equation modeling. The study shows that education, policy and management requirements deserve the highest attention, and therefore the best ways to improve the effectiveness of rural ICT offices. This study suggests that the effectiveness of rural ICT offices can be improved significantly through providing in-service education for ICT experts, arranging regular training programme for ICT office agents and using mass media to educate villagers on various aspects of ICTs.
Examining long-acting injectable antipsychotic (depot) medication in the elderly: a five-year retrospective cross-sectional study evaluating depot use in an Australian psychogeriatric service
Authors: Doolabh Urvasi , Yeap Sherlyn
Published: July 2021

Objective:

The primary aim was to examine the use of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic (depot) medication in a cohort of older patients in a community psychogeriatric service.

Method:

From 2014 to 2018, all patients who were on LAIs each year were analysed for various characteristics including their profile, type of LAI used, dose and relapse rates related to switching, ceasing and community treatment order (CTO) use.

Results:

A total of 880 patients were managed by the service with 142 recorded cases of LAI use in total over the 5 years (16.1%). Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) outnumbered first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) by 2:1, with a trend of increasing use of SGA LAIs. The most commonly used LAI was Paliperidone monthly injection (PP1M) (50.7%). Lower than usual adult chlorpromazine equivalent daily doses of LAIs were used. The relapse rate while on a LAI was 13.4%. Moreover, 54.9% of the patients on LAIs were on a CTO. Relapse rates were lower on LAIs in combination with a CTO (7.7%).

Conclusions:

LAIs, especially the SGAs, are increasingly used in our service. In combination with a CTO, LAIs are an effective treatment in reducing relapse rates in the elderly.
Family Communication, Prosocial Behavior and Emotional/Behavioral Problems in a Sample of Pakistani Adolescents
Authors: Saleem Sadia , Zahra Sayyeda T. , Subhan Sara , Mahmood Zahid
Published: July 2021

The current study aimed to determine the predictive relationship of family communication, prosocial behavior, and emotional/behavioral problems in adolescents. A sample of 273 adolescents (girls = 148; boys = 125), aged 11–18 years ( M = 14.41, SD = 1.53) were recruited through multistage sampling strategy. Family Communication Scale, Prosocial Scale, and Youth version of Child Behavior Checklist were used to measure family communication, prosocial behavior, and emotional/behavioral problems, respectively. Results indicated a significant positive association of family communication and prosocial behavior ( p < .001), and a significant negative association of family communication ( p < .001) and prosocial behavior ( p < .001) with emotional/behavioral problems. Moreover, mediation analysis revealed that prosocial behavior partially mediated the relationship between family communication and emotional/behavioral problems ( p < .002). Results are discussed in terms of the manifestation of adolescents' problems in traditional and collectivistic cultures.
Anxiety, Coping, and Stress: Counseling Parents of Children With a Rare Disease
Authors: Sherrell Renee S.
Published: July 2021

Rare diseases affect an estimated 300 million individuals worldwide, and ∼30 million Americans. One of these diseases, FOXG1 syndrome, is a severe neurological condition that causes medical complications and developmental delays. The majority of those diagnosed with the genetic condition are children, making parenting a challenging experience. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the relationship between anxiety, coping, and stress among parents of children with FOXG1 syndrome, ( N = 84). The objective was to identify how these constructs relate and contribute to one another to best treat parents who are seeking counseling services. Results indicated significant relationships between these constructs. Study implications, limitations, and areas for future research are discussed.
A Promising Approach to Preventing Gender-Based Violence and HIV Among Slum-Dwelling Youth in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Edwards Katie M. , Changilwa Peter , Waterman Emily , Bikeri Catherine , Mweru Cecelia , Khayanje Noel , Obel Patrick
Published: July 2021

Gender-based violence (GBV) and HIV are interrelated public health problems affecting numerous global communities. To date, few prevention initiatives have demonstrated reductions in GBV and HIV, and thus there is an urgency to identify effective strategies to prevent these interconnected public health crises. The purpose of the current article is to describe a gender-enhanced life skills training curriculum (GE-LSTC) currently being developed in Nairobi, Kenya. We discuss previous research relevant to the GE-LSTC; the theoretical underpinnings of the GE-LSTC; the history and context of the GE-LSTC; preliminary implementation, feasibility, and acceptability data on the GE-LSTC; and plans for further refinement and rigorous evaluation of the GE-LSTC.
Two different immune related adverse events occured at pancreas after nivolumab in an advanced RCC patient
Authors: Yilmaz Mesut , Baran Ahmet
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The foremost side effects of anti-PD-1 therapy are immune related and pancreatitis associated with nivolumab treatment has been rarely reported.

Case report

The patient was treating with subcutaneous insulin because of nivolumab induced diabetes mellitus. A patient was diagnosed metastatic renal cell carcinoma and treated with nivolumab. Diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis, which are immune-related adverse events were observed in the patient.

Management & outcome

After the diagnosis of nivolumab induced immune pancreatitis methylprednisolone 2 mg/kg per day intravenously started. After steroid treatment, the patient's complaints regressed, amylase and lipase levels began to decline.

Discussion

This case report highlights the possibility of different immune-related adverse events that can affect pancreas in all patients which were treated with ICIs.
Study on the generalized k-Hilfer–Prabhakar fractional viscoelastic–plastic model
Authors: Feng Yi-Ying , Yang Xiao-Jun , Liu Jian-Gen , Chen Zhan-Qing
Published: July 2021

The general fractional operator shows its great predominance in the construction of constitutive model owing to its agility in choosing the embedded parameters. A generalized fractional viscoelastic–plastic constitutive model with the sense of the k-Hilfer–Prabhakar ( k-H-P) fractional operator, which has the character recovering the known classical models from the proposed model, is established in this article. In order to describe the damage in the creep process, a time-varying elastic element [Formula: see text] is used in the proposed model with better representation of accelerated creep stage. According to the theory of the kinematics of deformation and the Laplace transform, the creep constitutive equation and the strain of the modified model are established and obtained. The validity and rationality of the proposed model are identified by fitting with the experimental data. Finally, the influences of the fractional derivative order [Formula: see text] and parameter k on the creep process are investigated through the sensitivity analyses with two- and three-dimensional plots.
Evaluation of iron, copper and zinc concentrations in commercial foods formulated for healthy cats
Authors: Summers Stacie , Stockman Jonathan , Larsen Jennifer A
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze iron, copper and zinc concentrations in commercial foods and compare among food formats (dry, canned, raw), foods marketed by age category (adult 1+ years and senior 7+ years) and foods intended for adult maintenance vs all life stages.

Methods

In total, 112 commercial non-therapeutic food products marketed for healthy adult and senior cats were purchased in the USA. Foods were analyzed for their proximate composition. Trace mineral concentrations were measured using inductively coupled argon plasma–optical emission spectroscopy and described on a calculated metabolizable energy basis using standard modified Atwater values.

Results

Measured iron (median 58.4 mg/1000 kcal [range 15.7–379.0]), copper (median 5.6 mg/1000 kcal [range 0.8–13.3]) and zinc (median 47.6 mg/1000 kcal [range 7.6–128.1]) concentrations were highly variable among cat foods. When all food products – regardless of their nutritional adequacy substantiation method – were compared with the Association of American Feed Control Officials regulatory minimums, 13/112 food products had a mineral deficiency, of which a majority (n = 11/13) were raw food products. Raw foods had significantly lower trace mineral concentrations compared with dry food products and, except for copper, canned food products. Cat foods marketed for senior cats had higher iron ( P = 0.019) and zinc ( P <0.0001) concentrations than foods marketed for adult cats. Foods intended for adult maintenance had higher iron ( P = 0.003) and zinc concentrations than foods intended for all life stages ( P <0.0001).

Conclusions and relevance

Iron, copper and zinc concentrations in commercial non-therapeutic foods for adult and senior cats are highly variable. A minority of foods – mainly raw food products – were deficient in these minerals. It is unknown if some foods with high trace mineral concentrations could have adverse effects as studies are needed to establish safe upper limits for dietary intake of trace minerals in healthy cats.