bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partnering for Grand Challenges: A Review of Organizational Design Considerations in Public–Private Collaborations
Authors: George Gerard , Fewer Thomas J. , Lazzarini Sergio , McGahan Anita M. , Puranam Phanish
Published: January 2023

We conduct a theory-guided review of the literatures on public–private partnerships and grand challenges (GCs). We adopt an organization design approach to review and identify constructs in public–private collaborations (PPCs) that address societal challenges. Our review identifies the complexities of organizing to tackle GCs, highlights the plurality of organizational forms in PPCs, and explores organizational design considerations in these partnerships. Given the elevated role of private actors in these collaborations, our review provides a new understanding of how they can shape a private-public interface that is robust to the scale and scope of global problems. This leads to a rich research agenda on when, why, and how public and private collaborations matter, and their implications for addressing societal challenges.
Frequency of visual impairment in autistic children of autism school of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Amin Nida , Tariq Muhammad , Arshad Memoona , Cheema Mohsin Ali
Published: January 2023

Autism is a condition in which abnormal development of the brain takes place, manifesting in the first 3 years of life. Visual impairment is one of the major factors of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and measurement of visual impairment is necessary for proper management of the disorder. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of visual impairment associated with ASD in Lahore Pakistan. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A convenient and purposive sample of 127 students enrolled in various autism schools of Lahore was enrolled. Written informed consent of teacher’s autistic children was taken. Children having diseases like cerebral palsy, other developmental disorders, and/or serious cognitive disability were excluded from this study. Participant’s undergone ocular assessment including visual acuity, ocular motility examination, refraction, and fundoscopy. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-20 and Pearson’s chi-square analysis was conducted to determine the associations of refractive error and squint with ASD. A total of 127 participants were included in this study, of which 77 (60.6%) were male and 50 (39.4%) were female. More than 60% were emmetropes (having no refractive errors), 19 (15%) were having myopes, 15 (11.8%) were hypermetropic, and 9 (7.1%) were Astigmatic, while 20 were diagnosed with a squint. The major cause of visual impairment in autistic children was refractive errors 33.8% and squint 15.7%. A high frequency of visual impairment was present in autistic children in Lahore autistic schools. As vision is a basic right so we have to pay attention also toward autistic children, in that way every child should have screened for factors that are responsible for visual impairments, Identifying refractive errors in these children early and providing appropriate corrective lenses may help optimize their visual functioning and impact their activities of daily life positively.
Feasibility of measuring eye–hand coordination in children with developmental delay using Sanet Vision Integrator
Authors: Saha Ranindita , Bhushan Karthik , Satgunam PremNandhini
Published: January 2023

Eye–hand coordination is a visuomotor task that enables one to look, localize, and touch objects. Eye–hand coordination is known to be poor in children with developmental delay. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of measuring eye–hand coordination task in children with developmental delay using Sanet Vision Integrator (SVI), a commercially available device. Children (age: 3–16 years) with developmental delay and their age-similar typically developing peers were enrolled. White circles (5.5°) on a black background were presented on the SVI touch screen monitor. Participants popped these circles by touching it. Reaction time, accuracy, and an overall performance score were computed. Participants could perform the task from 4 years of age and with visual acuity 20/400 (6/120) or better. This resulted in 85% (17/20) of children with developmental delay and 95% (19/20) of typically developing children completing the task. Children with developmental delay were significantly ( p < .001) less accurate (56%) and took longer (2.63 s) to complete the task when compared with their peers (accuracy = 93%, reaction time = 1.46 s). The overall performance score of children with developmental delay was also lower than their peers by a factor of 3.3. Eye–hand coordination performance can be measured and quantified with SVI. The quantification of speed and accuracy is possible and a unitary measure combining speed-accuracy can be computed. The task can be performed both by typically developing children and by children with developmental delay. Thus, it is feasible to measure eye–hand coordination using SVI. Such quantification will be useful for children undergoing interdisciplinary therapies for their medical conditions.
The Utility of Risk Scores in Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Erdoğan Sevinç B , Bastopcu Murat , Usca Mehmet Kağan , Çakmak Arif Yasin , Sargın Murat , Aka Serap
Published: January 2023

Background

The use of a venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the postcardiotomy shock setting (PC-ECMO) can be life-saving. Risk stratification for patients under PC-ECMO is currently challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the discriminatory ability of the different available risk scores for mortality in PC-ECMO patients.

Methods

Patients aged >18 years undergoing coronary artery bypass, valve surgery, or a combination of these procedures and implanted an ECMO for postcardiotomy shock between January 2017 and June 2022 in a single ELSO registered center were retrospectively included. The STS, Euroscore II, SAVE, modified SAVE, APACHE II, and VIS scores were compared for their discriminatory ability concerning weaning and 30-day survival.

Results

During the study period, 7342 patients underwent coronary bypass or valve surgery, of whom 109 patients with PC-ECMO were included in the analysis. The Euroscore II and STS scores were not associated significantly with 30-day mortality, whereas the SAVE, the modified SAVE, APACHE II, and VIS scores significantly predicted 30-day mortality. The SAVE and the modified SAVE scores showed moderate discrimination ability with AUCs of 0.672 and 0.695, while the APACHE and VIS scores had a satisfactory discriminatory ability with AUCs of 0.727 and 0.844, respectively.

Conclusion

Currently used risk scores for PC-ECMO patients do not provide satisfactory predictions for weaning and survival. VIS at the 24th hour can be a valuable parameter for risk analysis and prospective studies can investigate novel PC-ECMO risk scoring systems.
Transition to Kindergarten for Children with Disabilities: Parent and Kindergarten Teacher Perceptions and Experiences
Authors: Sands Michelle M. , Meadan Hedda
Published: January 2023

The transition to kindergarten (TTK) occurs at a stage in a child’s development when it can have a direct impact on later school success. For children with disabilities, TTK may be especially challenging, and U.S. federal policy provides limited guidance and mandates related to use of practices to support children with disabilities and their familes. The purpose of this study was to explore parents’ and kindergarten general education teachers’ perceptions and experiences related to the TTK from an inclusive preschool for children with disabilities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six parents and seven kindergarten teachers. Themes identified high-intensity transition practices as especially helpful during the transition process, and limited communication and collaboration, late teacher assignment, and ecological differences in preschool and kindergarten as challenging. Parents described the importance of sharing their prior experiences with new team members, and kindergarten teachers emphasized a desire to be included in the transition process.
Impaired damping of cerebral blood flow velocity pulsatility is associated with the number of perivascular spaces as measured with 7T MRI
Authors: van den Kerkhof Marieke , van der Thiel Merel M , van Oostenbrugge Robert J , Postma Alida A , Kroon Abraham A , Backes Walter H , Jansen Jacobus FA
Published: January 2023

Arterial walls stiffen with age, cardiovascular risk factors, and various vascular diseases, which may lead to less damping of the arterial blood flow pulse, subsequent microvascular damage, and enlarged perivascular spaces (PVS). However, the exact interplay between these processes is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relation between blood flow velocity pulsatility in the small lenticulostriate arteries and their supplying middle cerebral artery and the respective damping factor (DF), with the number of MRI-visible PVS in elderly subjects. Blood flow velocity waveforms were obtained in 45 subjects (median age [range]: 64 [48–81] years, 47% male) using 7T MRI. PVS were scored in the basal ganglia (BG) and centrum semiovale (CSO). Spearman correlation analyses were used to determine associations of the blood flow pulsatility and the DF, with PVS score, adjusted for age and sex. We found a significant association between a lower DF and a higher number of PVS in the BG ( rs = −0.352, P = 0.021), but not in the CSO. This finding supports the supposed pathophysiological mechanism in which excessive kinetic energy deposition leads to damage of small perforating arteries and contributes to the enlargement of PVS at the level of the BG, but possible other pathways might also be of influence.
Dynamic cerebral autoregulation measured by diffuse correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Favilla Christopher G , Mullen Michael T , Kahn Farhan , Rasheed Izad-Yar Daniel , Messe Steven R , Parthasarathy Ashwin B , Yodh Arjun G
Published: January 2023

Dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) can be derived from spontaneous oscillations in arterial blood pressure (ABP) and cerebral blood flow (CBF). Transcranial Doppler (TCD) measures CBF-velocity and is commonly used to assess dCA. Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) is a promising optical technique for non-invasive CBF monitoring, so here we aimed to validate DCS as a tool for quantifying dCA. In 33 healthy adults and 17 acute ischemic stroke patients, resting-state hemodynamic were monitored simultaneously with high-speed (20 Hz) DCS and TCD. dCA parameters were calcaulated by a transfer function analysis using a Fourier decomposition of ABP and CBF (or CBF-velocity). Strong correlation was found between DCS and TCD measured gain (magnitude of regulation) in healthy volunteers (r = 0.73, p < 0.001) and stroke patients (r = 0.76, p = 0.003). DCS-gain retained strong test-retest reliability in both groups (ICC 0.87 and 0.82, respectively). DCS and TCD-derived phase (latency of regulation) did not significantly correlate in healthy volunteers (r = 0.12, p = 0.50) but moderately correlated in stroke patients (r = 0.65, p = 0.006). DCS-derived phase was reproducible in both groups (ICC 0.88 and 0.90, respectively). High-frequency DCS is a promising non-invasive bedside technique that can be leveraged to quantify dCA from resting-state data, but the discrepancy between TCD and DCS-derived phase requires further investigation.
On Indigenous Refusal against Externally-Imposed Frameworks in Historic Palestine
Authors: Domínguez de Olazábal Itxaso
Published: January 2023

The article attempts to empirically identify how the concept of Indigenous refusal helps us understand growing Palestinian political discourse and practices. It aims to develop Critical Indigenous Studies’ potentialities  vis à vis the study of historic Palestine. The article puts a particular emphasis on new visions of Palestinian resistance that take aim at the different ways the Global North has tried to impose specific models and narratives on the Palestinian cause through liberal politics of recognition. Those spatio-political arrangements are enmeshed in the so-called ‘Oslo paradigm’ but also concern the portrayal of Israel as a liberal multicultural society, as well as the neoliberal dynamics that continuously shape the different fragments of the Palestinian people. In this regard, Indigenous Palestinian refusal also presents an international dimension that has progressively led to the articulation of anti-racist, anti-imperialist, and anti-capitalist imaginaries that would contribute to shaping radical Palestinian – and transnational – futures.
Design, fabrication, and testing of heat conduction apparatuses at a low cost
Authors: Faisal Safaa H.
Published: January 2023

This article presents the design, fabrication, and testing of three heat conduction apparatuses needed for engineering students. These devices are the axial heat transfer apparatus (AHTA), radial heat transfer apparatus (RHTA), and fin heat transfer apparatus (FHTA). These three devices allow students to undertake experiments in conduction heat transfer. The laboratory staff, with the help of third- and fourth-year classes, took this effective step to carry out experiments related to the heat transfer course. The use of surplus materials and locally available low-cost new instruments make them suitable for performing successful laboratory experiments at an affordable cost. The total cost of the three devices is 750 US$. Currently, the devices are in service and show excellent performance. The devices and experiments demonstrated in this work are simple and easy to create. Their design and fabrication are based on tools that are readily available in an engineering department. The experiments achieve important aspects in the study of heat transfer, which enhances students’ understanding of the conduction mechanism in solids.
Exploration of Some Key Issues in Developing and Applying Crash–Conflict Models for Signalized Intersections
Authors: Rajeswaran Thanushan , Persaud Bhagwant , Anarkooli Alireza Jafari
Published: January 2023

The evaluation process for some roads safety strategies, especially innovative ones, may be challenging, as prior information may be non-existent. This challenge could be addressed with the use of surrogate measures, such as traffic conflicts. Statistical models relating crashes to conflicts are fundamental to this application. The aim of the paper’s research was to investigate some key issues related to the development and application of crash–conflict models. Among the issues addressed are the model specification, the very definition of conflicts, model transferability, and application of the models for estimating crash modification factors (CMFs). Issues are addressed with a case study in which traffic conflicts identified from both time to collision and post encroachment time are generated from the microsimulation of four-legged signalized intersections. These conflicts, in addition to the speed of conflicting vehicles, are used to explore the improved statistical relationships between the frequency of crashes and surrogate measures. Transferability of the models to another jurisdiction is also investigated. The results indicate that the inclusion of the speed variable along with conflicts provides stronger relationships than those with conflicts as a standalone variable. In particular, the results confirm the viability of estimating CMFs with the improved models. The transferability investigation results indicate that it is reasonable to apply the models to the other jurisdiction with caution. Importantly, where such an application is valid, a key conclusion is that calibration of the models would not be necessary to estimate CMFs and apply them to estimate the potential safety impact of a contemplated treatment.
Early Friction and Texture Evolution After an Asphalt Overlay
Authors: Goenaga Boris , Underwood B. Shane , Castorena Cassie , Rogers Paul
Published: January 2023

Recent studies have shown that friction and, more notably, macrotexture reduce markedly when pavements are newly overlaid. However, past studies have not identified whether these effects are temporary and, if so, how long they may last. These effects must be quantified to inform strategies for best monitoring and managing friction and the surface characteristics of a pavement network. This paper uses a group of sites that received a surface overlay at some point between the end of 2019 and the end of 2021. At each site, friction and texture were measured sequentially after construction in the center of the lane (CL) and in the right-wheel path (RWP). These observations were used to evaluate the early friction and texture evolution after an asphalt overlay. First, seasonal effects were evaluated using the CL measurements, presumed to be unaffected by traffic, which indicated friction is affected by seasonality, whereas texture is not. A friction seasonal effect model was calibrated and then used to remove the seasonal variation from the RWP observations. The results showed that friction initially increases after an overlay but then, after reaching a maximum, starts to decrease. The average traffic volume needed to reach the point of maximum friction was 15.5 million repetitions. Four parameters, computed from the texture profile, were used to represent macrotexture. The macrotexture was found to generally increase after overlay construction, but in some sites the magnitude and number of peaks decayed with time.
Design Method of Worn Rail Grinding Profile for the Curve Section
Authors: Lin Fengtao , Chen Wu , Pang Huafei , Tan Rongkai , Weng Taotao , Fang Qin , Jia Zhe , Zhang Zihao , Qian Xin
Published: January 2023

The grinding profile directly affects the wheel–rail contact relationship, so it is necessary to study the design method of rail grinding profiles for the curve section. Based on the Frechet distance method, the selection method of representative profile for worn rails was established. Based on the non-uniform rational B-spline theory, the description model of the rail profile was constructed. The reduction of rail grinding material removed and improvement of wheel–rail contact geometry were taken as the optimization objectives, and the multi-objective function of the grinding profile of the outer rail in the transition curve and circular curve section was established. The optimized design results show that compared with the measured grinding profile in the field, the rail grinding amount is reduced by 80.1% and 11.3% by using grinding profiles designed for the transition curve section and the circular curve section, respectively, and the distribution of wheel–rail contact points is more uniform. The dynamic indexes under different velocities and different radii are significantly reduced, and the curve passing performance is improved. The area of wheel–rail contact spot changes uniformly with the lateral displacement of the wheelset, and the maximum von Mises stress is improved obviously. The wear index and surface fatigue index decreased significantly. The optimized grinding profile can effectively extend the maintenance cycle and service life of the curved rail.
Collapse of corroded pipes under external pressure considering corrosion asymmetry, non-uniformity, and initial ovality
Authors: Yan Sunting , Tang Ping , Chen Yonggui , Shen Xiaoli
Published: January 2023

This paper presents an analytical investigation of elastic collapse of corroded pipes considering the corrosion asymmetry, non-uniformity and initial ovality and one novelty is that corrosion asymmetry effect is considered by introducing a misalignment parameter accounting for co-existing internal corrosion and external corrosion. Governing differential equations are derived including the effect of corrosion asymmetry, initial ovality and membrane extensibility. By perturbative techniques, the interaction between corrosion asymmetry and initial ovality is extensively discussed by explicitly calculating the critical initial ovality governing the mode shape changes during initial deformation and collapse deformation phase. One novelty is the introduction of mode shape [Formula: see text] and mode shape 8 characterized by the sign of sum of displacements of two points independent of rigid-body motion. The theoretical solution is agreeing well with the FEA results. Furthermore, for general non-uniform corrosion, unconditionally convergent power series solutions are formulated by Lyapunov artificial small parameter method. By using Holder’s inequality, an explicit estimation method of the needed truncation number is presented for good computation accuracy by a minimization process over Holder’s exponent thus enabling early truncation of the series properly in advance. An improved estimation method is proposed by coupling with Rayleigh quotient techniques and the domain interval partition approach is introduced to accelerate convergence by thoroughly discussing the special uniformly corroded case by mathematical arguments. As a novelty, this paper illustrates why this improvement might be not evident when corrosion is rather narrow theoretically. Finally by using Chebyshev polynomials and the mathematical algebraic ring structure (generated by polynomial and trigonometric functions) closed under addition, multiplication and integration operations, some calculations for rings with corrosion profile in a non-polynomial mode are presented. This paper is intending to enhance the understanding of the effect of corrosion defect on collapse of pipes under external pressure in offshore industry.
Few-shot transfer learning method based on meta-learning and graph convolution network for machinery fault diagnosis
Authors: Wang Huaqing , Tong Xingwei , Wang Pengxin , Xu Zhitao , Song Liuyang
Published: January 2023

Due to the lack of fault signals and the variability of working conditions in engineering practice, there is still a gap between the conventional deep learning fault diagnosis models and the practical application. Aiming at the problem of few-shot fault diagnosis in variable conditions, we propose a novel few-shot transfer learning method based on meta-learning and graph convolutional network for machinery fault diagnosis. The 2D convolution module is used to extract latent features. Then the extracted features and their labels are combined as the nodes, and the similarity between the nodes is used as the connection relationship between the nodes, so as to realize the construction of the graph sample. Subsequently, graph samples are input into the graph convolutional network to evaluate the similarity and complete the classification of faults. Crucially, the idea of metric-based meta-learning is integrated into the graph convolutional network to set tasks and extraction methods. Finally, the analysis and comparison of the diagnostic accuracy under different sample capacity and transfer conditions were demonstrated. The results show that the method can achieve 97.25% diagnostic accuracy with only a few samples in the scene of variable working conditions.
Variable node higher-order XFEM for fracture modeling in orthotropic material
Authors: Dwivedi Kishan , Pathak Himanshu , Kumar Sachin
Published: January 2023

A novel computational approach presented in this work to improve the accuracy and efficiency of fracture modeling in an orthotropic material medium. Extended finite element method (XFEM) with higher-order enrichment functions was employed at the different scale mesh topology. The approach combined variable node element concepts for different scale mesh connections and higher-order XFEM for accuracy and completeness of discontinuity domain. The proposed computational methodology was employed with in-house developed MATLAB code. Further, stochastic fracture studies were discussed for reliability of the cracked structures. Few numerical examples with multiple geometrical discontinuities were simulated to check the computational efficiency and accuracy.
Fabrication and characterization of woven and comingled nonwoven sheet polypropylene hybrid composite by recycling and alkali-treated jute waste fibers
Authors: Nag Mukesh Kumar , Kumar Parmanand
Published: January 2023

Natural fiber reinforced hybrid composite materials, with their enhanced characteristics, represent the future of our advanced material search. Natural fibers are the substitute for synthetics because their less manufacturing cost, bio-degradable, easy availability, durability, resistance to environmental degradation, etc., makes them popular nowadays. This paper presents how jute fibers are recycled from various jute waste sources. After recycling, jute fibers are used to fabricate the hybrid composites. Two forms of recycled jute sheets are used to fabricate the composites that is, woven sheets and nonwoven comingled (jute and polypropylene) sheets. The NaOH treatment was performed on recycled jute sheets with different concentrations (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%). The hybrid composites are made using three distinct fiber-polypropylene weight fraction ratios (50/50, 40/60, and 30/70), as well as five different stacking sequences. Mechanical parameters such as tensile strength, elongation (%), flexural strength, impact strength, and water absorption were evaluated. Among the five fabricated combinations, it is found that the combination of (40/60), (JJJ), with 2% NaOH treated fibers composite gives the maximum tensile and flexural strength, and the combination of (30/70) (CCC) with 2% NaOH treated fiber composites exhibits the maximum Impact strength. The combination of (50/50), and (CCC) with 2% NaOH treated fiber composite gives the maximum Elongation %, and the combination of (50/50), (JJJ), and 0% NaOH treatment yields the maximum water absorption. A relationship between fabric loading, tensile modulus, and flexural modulus and other relationship between chemical treatment and water absorption% has been established for JJJ laminated sheet which shows almost best properties among them. These assessments make them most valuable for a variety of sectors, including car, aircraft, marine, and building construction.
Analyses for simulation-based solution of fluid-structure interaction in percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Wang Yao , Fu Zhuang , Fei Jian
Published: January 2023

Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis is of great significance for the clinical practice of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this study the finite element method (FEM) model of Y-shaped coronary artery is established and the solution methodology of FSI analysis is presented in detail, and then the FSI analyses are performed to get quantities of interest by analyzing the three main effect factors of PCI, thereby to get preferred intervention pattern. The formula to calculate the coefficient of fluctuation δ, is proposed and employed to characterize the oscillation properties of the guide wire (GW) structure. A total of 48 different working condition cases have been simulated numerically using the established method, and a comprehensive analysis on the comparison of variables with different effect factors has been presented. It has been shown that the oscillation phenomena of blood flow force and displacement are found; and, for vascular stenosis, the phenomenon of recirculation is also found for all of the cases at the bifurcation owing to the existence of plaque. For initial observations, the main branch (MB) entry means seems to be one good means, which can be used for initial detection of vascular stenosis or obstruction. For vascular stenosis, three comparisons are made and discussed, and the variation laws can be used to give application guidance. In addition, a trial test has also been performed to indirectly verify the reliability of the simulation results. This work can provide insights useful for the control and setting of catheter/GW operation in PCI, especially for surgical assisted robot.
A scoping review on recent trends in wearable sensors to analyze gait in people with stroke: From sensor placement to validation against gold-standard equipment
Authors: Mathunny Jaison Jacob , Karthik Varshini , Devaraj Ashokkumar , Jacob James
Published: January 2023

The purpose of the review is to evaluate wearable sensor placement, their impact and validation of wearable sensors on analyzing gait, primarily the postural instability in people with stroke. Databases, namely PubMed, Cochrane, SpringerLink, and IEEE Xplore were searched to identify related articles published since January 2005. The authors have selected the articles by considering patient characteristics, intervention details, and outcome measurements by following the priorly set inclusion and exclusion criteria. From a total of 1077 articles, 142 were included in this study and classified into functional fields, namely postural stability (PS) assessments, physical activity monitoring (PA), gait pattern classification (GPC), and foot drop correction (FDC). The review covers the types of wearable sensors, their placement, and their performance in terms of reliability and validity. When employing a single wearable sensor, the pelvis and foot were the most used locations for detecting gait asymmetry and kinetic parameters, respectively. Multiple Inertial Measurement Units placed at different body parts were effectively used to estimate postural stability and gait pattern. This review article has compared results of placement of sensors at different locations helping researchers and clinicians to identify the best possible placement for sensors to measure specific kinematic and kinetic parameters in persons with stroke.
Behind the mask: An introduction to the fiction of Anne-Claire Decorvet
Authors: Flower John
Published: January 2023

Recognized in Switzerland by numerous prizes, Anne-Claire Decorvet's fiction has yet to make its mark abroad. With the exception of her biographical novel, Un lieu sans raison, inspired by the life of Marguerite Sirvins, it is set predominantly in and around Geneva, explores family and social instability, insanity and psychiatric care in the twentieth century. This article explores some of the distinctive and characteristic features of her writing with a view towards introducing her work to new readers.
Modified harmonic balance method for forced nonlinear vibration of beam on an elastic foundation
Authors: Rahman MD Saifur , Trishna Tabassum Akter
Published: January 2023

A modified harmonic balance method has been presented and adopted for the nonlinear vibration problem of beams on an elastic foundation. By this method, a nonlinear algebraic equation along with a set of linear algebraic equations are required to be solved, which reduces computation effort. The results determined by the present method are compared with the corresponding results obtained by the existing method. Besides, the effect of various parameters on nonlinear vibrational behavior is examined.
Finite-time control for systems with multiple disturbances based on adaptive disturbance observer
Authors: Zhang Huifeng , Wei Xinjiang , Li Xinqing , Hu Xin , Han Jian
Published: January 2023

For a type of nonlinear systems with multiple disturbances, finite-time stability is researched in this paper. The disturbances include unknown frequency disturbance and unknown bounded disturbances. The unknown frequency disturbances are transformed into the model with unknown vectors by Sylvester matrix transformation, which is estimated by designing an adaptive disturbance observer. Then, a finite-time anti-disturbance controller is constructed to keep the system globally stable in finite time. Finally, the validity of the finite-time anti-disturbance controller is proved by simulations, including a numerical example and a satellite attitude control system.
Combined 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine regimens for adults with systemic lupus erythematosus: Does the sequence of pneumococcal vaccination affect immunogenicity responses? A single-center cohort study in Brazil
Authors: Rezende Rodrigo Poubel Vieira de , Oliveira-Santos Marise , Andrade Luís Eduardo Coelho , Klumb Evandro Mendes
Published: January 2023

Objective

A combination of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is currently recommended for adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, data on the immunogenicity elicited by sequential pneumococcal vaccination in this patient population are scarce. In this study, we compared short-term antibody responses to both PCV13/PPSV23 (≥8-week interval) and PPSV23/PCV13 (≥12-month interval) vaccination strategies in pneumococcal vaccine-naive adults with SLE.

Methods

This longitudinal, open-label, quasi-randomized study was performed in a single-center cohort of adults (18 years or older) with SLE. In both vaccination groups, blood samples were collected immediately before administering the first dose of the pneumococcal vaccine (timepoint T0), 4–6 weeks after the priming dose (T1), and 4–6 weeks after the booster dose (T2). We focused on the 12 shared serotypes between PCV13 and PPSV23, and compared the following immunogenicity outcomes between the groups at T2: anti-pneumococcal antibody geometric mean concentration (ApAb GMC), fold increase in ApAb levels (FI-ApAb), overall seroprotection rate, and overall seroconversion rate. The protective level for each pneumococcal serotype was set at 1.3 μg/mL. We used the multi-analyte immunodetection method to determine serum levels of ApAbs.

Results

Thirty-four patients with SLE were screened between April 2019 and January 2020, and 16 of them (mean age: 39.4 years, 87.5% female, and 100% on immunosuppressants) had evaluable immunogenicity results at T2. The median time elapsed between the pneumococcal vaccinations was 56 days in the PCV13/PPSV23 group (n = 11 patients) and 16 months in the PPSV23/PCV13 group (n = 5 patients). Priming with PCV13 (PCV13/PPSV23 group), as opposed to PPSV23 (PPSV23/PCV13 group), yielded significantly better results regarding FI-ApAb, overall seroconversion rate, and overall seroprotection rate 4–6 weeks after each pneumococcal vaccination. A trend toward augmented ApAb GMC in the patients who received the PCV13/PPSV23 sequence was also observed. No relevant safety issues were identified with sequential pneumococcal vaccination.

Conclusion

The PCV13-priming PPSV23-boost strategy in adults with SLE induced greater antibody responses for most immunogenicity outcomes than those elicited by the PPSV23/PCV13 strategy.
Embedding digital economy: Fictitious triple movement in the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act
Authors: Mazur Joanna , Włoch Renata
Published: January 2023

In this article, we show how the European Union styles itself as the sole political actor able to effectively protect its citizens from the threats engendered by new technologies while balancing the relations between digital markets and the member states through ground-breaking regulations. To this end, we trace manifestations of this approach within the proposed Artificial Intelligence Act. We argue that the Act, while evoking the value of fundamental rights protection, does not support genuine emancipation of citizens in the digital world, as it hands over the issue of protection to expert bodies and institutions. The European Union's unique approach to regulation of the digital economy does not reflect the triple movement postulated in Nancy Fraser's critique of Karl Polanyi's double movement as it does not include solutions that would allow the societal actors to enforce their rights concerning artificial intelligence. Thus, the Act serves mostly as a tool to build the European Union's political position.
Leaf-based species classification of hybrid cherry tomato plants by using hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Li Songhao , Wu Huilin , Zhao Jing , Liu Yu , Li Yunpeng , Liu Houcheng , Zhang Yiting , Lan Yubin , Zhang Xinglong , Liu Yutao , Long Yongbing
Published: January 2023

Approaches based on near infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) technology combined with machine learning have been developed to classify the leaves of hybrid cherry tomatoes and then identify the species of hybrid cherry tomato plants. The near infrared (NIR) hyperspectral images of 400 cherry tomato leaves (100 per species) were collected in the wavelength range of 900–1700 nm. Machine learning algorithms such as linear discriminant analysis (LDA), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) were employed to construct leaf classification models with the hyperspectral data preprocessed by Savitzky-Golay (SG) smoothing filter, first derivative (first Der) and standard normal variate (SNV). Principle of Component Analysis (PCA) was also used to reduce the data dimension and extract spectral features. It is revealed that the LDA model reaches the highest classification accuracy among the three machine learning algorithms and SNV can lead to higher improvement in model accuracy than other preprocessing methods of SG smoothing and first Der. Analysis based on PCA spectral feature extraction demonstrates that differences occur in internal material content in the leaves of cherry tomato plants with different species, which renders the models being able to distinguish between the species. Another important work was performed to reveal the different effects of the mesophyll and vein regions (VR) on the accuracy of the leaf classification model. It is demonstrated that the classification accuracy is improved by a value of 0.033 or 0.042 when mesophyll substitutes vein or whole leaf as regions of interest (ROI) to extract reflectance spectra for modeling. As a result, the accuracy of the training and test set respectively reached a high value of 0.998 and 0.973 for the LDA classification model combined with the SNV preprocessing method. The results propose that the use of mesophyll region (MR) as ROI can improve the performance of the leaf classification model, which provides a new strategy for efficient and non-destructive classification of different hybrid cherry tomato plants.
Fabrication of chitosan/polycaprolactone/Myrtus communis L. extract nanofibrous mats with enhanced antibacterial activities
Authors: Modiri-Delshad Tayebeh , Ramazani Ali , Khoobi Mehdi , Akbari Javar Hamid , Akbari Tayebeh , Amin Mohsen
Published: January 2023

Development of novel antimicrobial phytochemical-bearing nanofibrous mats could be considered as a promising strategy to overcome against antibiotic resistance in wound healing. In this work, the electrospinning process was used to successfully create novel antimicrobial nanofiber mats made of a blend of electrospun chitosan/polycaprolactone (CS/PCL) loaded with M. communis leaf extract (MCLE) (15 and 30 wt.%). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, water contact angle (WCA) testing, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and mechanical properties testing were applied to evaluate physicochemical properties of the nanofiber mats. The FESEM images showed uniform, bead-free, and smooth nanofiber mats with good compatibility between MCLE and polymers. Image J software was used to calculate the average diameters of nanofibrous mats, and the average diameter increased significantly as the extract concentration increased. The existence of MCLE in the nanofibrous mats was verified by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and XRD analysis. The tensile strength of the nanofiber mats was satisfactory (6.31–12.47 MPa). The incorporation of MCLE in CS/PCL nanofibers enhanced the scaffold’s hydrophilicity, as evidenced by a reduction in contact angle. Significant reduction up to 0.5 log of both Escherichia ( E.) coli and Staphylococcus aureus count was observed upon exposure to CS/PCL nanofibers. The MCLE (15 and 30 wt.%)-incorporated CS/PCL nanofibers demonstrated a significant reduction of bacterial count up to 0.8 log for both bacteria. The results demonstrated that manufactured nanofibers could be considered as a promising dressing in wound dressing.
Governing the work-related risks of AI: implications for the German government and trade unions
Authors: Hassel Anke , Özkiziltan Didem
Published: January 2023

This article discusses the risks that artificial intelligence (AI) poses for work. It classifies risks into two types, direct and indirect. Direct risks are AI-induced forms of discrimination, surveillance and information asymmetries at work. Indirect risks are enhanced workplace automation and the increasing ‘fissurisation’ of work. Direct and indirect risks are illustrated using the example of the transport and logistics sector. We discuss policy responses to both types of risk in the context of the German economy and argue that the policy solutions need to differ according to the type of risk. Direct risks can be addressed by European and national regulation against discrimination, surveillance and information asymmetries. As for indirect risks, the first step is to monitor the risks so as to gain an understanding of sector-specific transformations and establish relevant expertise and competence. This way of addressing AI-induced risks at work will help to improve the prospects of decent work, fair remuneration and adequate social protection for all.
Does Hope Reverberate Between Generations?
Authors: Redlich-Amirav Dorit , Larsen Denise , Taylor Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

Intergenerational transmission refers to the transmission of stories, traits, abilities, ideas, behaviors, and various outcomes from parents to their children. To date, there has been little research on the intergenerational transmission of positive behavior, traits, and actions. To determine whether hope may be transmitted from one generation to the next, a qualitative study was performed, using narrative inquiry and thematic analysis. Over 4 months, four mothers of children with mental illness were engaged in repeated conversations about stories of hope related to their past and how they envisioned hope in their children. Findings indicated that hope could be transmitted to the next generation, either explicitly (verbally) or implicitly (i.e., expressed through actions involving one’s children). We conclude that also positive patterns may be transmitted both explicitly and implicitly from one generation to the next. Transmitting hope between generations played a significant role in the mothers’ experiences of hope.
Ethical Consequences of Technological Mediation on Parental Decision-Making Experiences in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Friedrich Annie B.
Published: January 2023

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a morally charged space in which parents may be confronted with difficult decisions about the treatment of their newborns, decisions often complicated and created by the increasing use of technologies. This paper adopts a postphenomenological approach to explore the ethical consequences of technological mediation on parental treatment decision-making in the NICU. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children who received invasive technological support in the NICU to better understand how they made treatment decisions or decisions about specific interventions during their child’s hospitalization. The findings suggest that technological mediation—or the various ways in which humans can interact with their world via technologies—contributes to experiences of ambiguity, ambivalence, and alienation in parental decision-making. The ambiguity of invasive NICU technologies can create uncertainty in a decision, which can then lead to internal ambivalence about which decision to make. Ultimately, this ambiguity and ambivalence may lead to alienation from one’s child, as parents are disconnected physically and emotionally from the decision and thus their child. Articulating the effects of technological mediation on parental decision-making is a key step in addressing decisional conflict in neonatal intensive care settings and better supporting parents in their decision-making roles.
End-Of-Life Care for Patients With End-Stage Heart Failure, Comparisons of International Guidelines
Authors: Rivera Frederick Berro , Choi Sarang , Carado Genquen Philip , Adizas Arcel V. , Bantayan Nathan Ross B. , Loyola Gerard Jude P. , Cha Sung Whoy , Aparece John Paul , Rocha Anlene Jane B. , Placino Siena , Ansay Marie Francesca M. , Mangubat Gerard Francis E. , Mahilum Mer Lorraine P. , Al-Abcha Abdullah , Suleman Natasha , Shah Nishant , Suboc Tisha Marie B. , Volgman Annabelle Santos
Published: January 2023

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic, debilitating condition associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burden. Patients with end-stage HF (ESHF) who are not a candidate for advanced therapies will continue to progress despite standard medical therapy. Thus, the focus of care shifts from prolonging life to controlling symptoms and improving quality of life through palliative care ( PC). Because the condition and prognosis of HF patients evolve and can rapidly deteriorate, it is imperative to begin the discussion on end-of-life (EOL) issues early during HF management. These include the completion of an advance directive, do-not-resuscitate orders, and policies on device therapy and discontinuation as part of advance care planning (ACP). ESHF patients who do not have indications for advanced therapies or those who wish not to have a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or heart transplant (HT) often experience high symptom burden despite adequate medical management. The proper identification and assessment of symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, nausea, depression, and anxiety are essential to the management of ESHF and may be underdiagnosed and undertreated. Psychological support and spiritual care are also crucial to improving the quality of life during EOL. Caregivers of ESHF patients must also be provided supportive care to prevent compassion fatigue and improve resilience in patient care. In this narrative review, we compare the international guidelines and provide an overview of end-of-life and palliative care for patients with ESHF.