bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Experimental Study and Mathematical Modeling of Vibration Transfer in Pistachio Trees Using an Inertia-Type Trunk Shaker and Field-Adapted Wireless Sensors
Authors: Ma Ruijun , Homayouni Taymaz , Toudeshki Arash , Ehsani Reza , Zhang Xiaohua
Published: February 2022

Trunk shakers are the most widely used mechanical harvesting machines for harvesting nut trees, including pistachio in California. Improvement of these machines requires a better understanding of the shaking dynamics of the existing trunk shakers during harvest. In this study, the effects of four different shaking patterns on three sizes of pistachio trees of different ages, shapes, and sizes were investigated under field conditions. The vibration acceleration of the real pistachio tree was measured using a wireless network of 3-axis accelerometers installed on the shaker head and different parts of the trees during the shaking harvest. Changes in acceleration and the effect of tree morphology on the magnitude of acceleration in each pattern are presented and discussed. A new location index λ, which is based on the distance of the sensor from the shaking point and diameter of the branch at each sensor location, is introduced. This study focused on mathematical modeling of the variation and distribution of the acceleration throughout the tree canopy. The sensor location index, relative force ratio (RFR), and relative kinetic energy ratio (RKER) were defined to better understand the energy damping in each part of the tree. The results showed that the relationship between the acceleration peaks and the sensor location index could be expressed by a third-degree polynomial function with an acceptable coefficient of determination. Under different shaking patterns, similar changes in the RFR of the tree at different locations and for different trees were observed. This finding indicates that the vibration force is significantly damped as the distance from the shaker clamps increases. However, the RKER values at the same shaking pattern result in different effects at different points on the branches according to tree morphology.
Hippocrates Was Right: Now What? Water As a Part of Healthy Aging
Authors: Johnson Evan C.
Published: February 2022

Background: Aging is defined as the progressive organism change leading to debility, disease, and death [1]. We know that as we age, our risk increases for diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and chronic kidney disease, and many of our homeostatic processes change as well, such as cell signaling, metabolism, and proteostasis [2]. The data clearly show that water intake decreases with aging, especially after age 60 years [3]. However, the question becomes “Do we drink less because we age, or do we age because we drink less?” (Fig. 1). Summary: There are data to support both directions of this hypothesis. One example supporting that water intake decreases due to aging is that in older adults, the thirst response to hyperosmotic and hypovolemic stimuli is blunted in comparison to younger adults [4]. However, we are increasingly gathering data to also support that low water intake can be a contributor to both disease and altered cellular processes, potentially accelerating aging related dysfunction. For example, in older adults, low water intake has been shown to be associated with working memory [5], blood glucose regulation [6], incidence of stroke [7], and falls [8] (i.e., dementia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mobility). Additionally, processes such as metabolism [9], cell signaling [10], and muscle damage following exercise [11] have also been linked to hydration. Key messages are that it is clear that water intake changes as we age, primarily due to changes in thirst. However, what is our duty as hydrationists is to begin to evaluate both directions of the aging, dysfunction, and water intake relationship (Fig. 1). Just as we have begun to realize the influence as water as a nutrient, we can hopefully demonstrate how a simple intervention like drinking to recommendations can be a part of healthy aging for all.
What Characterizes Fluid Intake Patterns across the World?
Authors: Morin Clémentine , Gandy Joan , Moreno Luis A. , Kavouras Stavros A. , Martinez Homero , Salas-Salvado Jordi , Bottin Jeanne
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Total fluid intake and the type of fluids consumed have been reported by many studies [1-3] and have shown that while an individual may be drinking sufficiently, in terms of volume, to meet or exceed recommendations on fluid intake, there may be a wide variety of combinations of fluids within that total volume [4-6]. Moreover, considering only volume and fluid types may limit the interpretation of the data [7]. In a novel approach, we propose to analyze and understand fluid intake patterns as opposed to only fluid volume or types. The primary aim of this study was to identify patterns of fluid intake in children and adolescents from 6 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay, China, and Indonesia. The secondary aim was to characterize those fluid intake patterns. Methods: A validated 7-day fluid specific record (Liq.In7 record) [8] was used to collect primary data on fluid intake amongst children and adolescents (10–17 years; N = 1,781). To identify relatively distinct clusters of subjects based on 8 fluid types (water, milk and its derivatives, hot beverages, sugar-sweetened beverages [SSB], 100% fruit juices, artificial/nonnutritive sweetened beverages, alcoholic beverages, and other beverages), a cluster analysis (partitioning around k-medoids algorithm) was used. Clusters were then characterized according to their socio-demographic and lifestyle indicators. Results: The 6 clusters identified (Fig. 1) were low drinkers – SSB (n = 523), low drinkers – water and milk (n = 615), medium mixed drinkers (n = 914), high drinkers – SSB (n = 513), high drinkers – water (n = 352), and very high drinkers – water (n = 264). Country of residence was the dominant characteristic, followed by socioeconomic level, in all 6 patterns. Conclusion: Fluid intake patterns among children are primarily driven by water and SSB. In addition to country, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors determined the characteristics of each cluster. Therefore, interventions aiming to encourage healthier fluid intake behavior need to target and be tailored to a particular subpopulation.
Recent Findings on the Psychology of Hydration Habits
Authors: Papies Esther , Rodger Amy , Claassen Maria Almudena , Lomann Marleen
Published: February 2022

Introduction: This synthesis addresses the psychology of habits in hydration behavior, and presents recent insights about water drinking habits. Habits play a key role in most health behavior, and they allow us to act automatically and without much deliberation or effort. Habits also play a key role in hydration behavior, and are among the strongest predictors of the consumption of water, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), hot beverages, and alcoholic drinks. Methods: We synthesized novel findings from recent in-depth qualitative interviews, a qualitative survey, and a quantitative survey on the role of habits in the consumption of water and sugar-sweetened beverages. Results: Qualitative data show that water drinking is not a simple behavior, and reward plays an important role in water drinking. Participants described numerous barriers to drinking water, including forgetting, lack of access, perceived effort, and others. In addition, our analyses show that water drinking habits are unlikely to emerge or be maintained unless consumers expect experiencing reward from drinking water, for example, because of its taste, cognitive, or physical consequences. Our quantitative study of the effect of the UK pandemic lockdown on drinking behavior points to the effects of reward in drinking habits as well. Situations that typically afford the consumption of SSBs and water outside of the home (e.g., eating out, socializing, parties for SSBs, gym, office, and travel for water) were less frequent during lockdown. Nevertheless, overall consumption of SSBs, but not water, increased in this period, especially among strongly habitual SSB consumers. This was driven by SSB consumption at home, suggesting that participants established new, rewarding consumption habits when their typical consumption situations had disappeared. Conclusion: These findings suggest that experiencing reward from consumption is essential in hydration habits, which may further inform applications to increase healthy hydration.
Refractive Surgery for Older Children and Adults with Accommodative Esotropia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ferreira André , Marta Ana , Baptista Pedro Manuel , Caiado Filipa , Abreu Ana Carolina , Maia Sofia , Miranda Vasco , Pinto Maria Céu , Parreira Ricardo , Menéres Pedro
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Accommodative esotropia (AET) is characterized by an esodeviation of the eyes due to uncorrected hyperopia, deficient fusional divergence, or high accommodative convergence. Decreasing hyperopia would reduce accommodative convergence and strabismus. We sought to review the existing evidence regarding the outcomes of refractive surgery in patients with AET. Methods: A four-database search (Pubmed, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus) was performed from inception to March 2021 using the following MeSH terms: (“Refractive Surgical Procedures” OR “Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ” OR “Photorefractive Keratectomy” OR “Lens Implantation, Intraocular”) AND (“Esotropia” OR “Accommodative Esotropia” OR “Refractive Esotropia” OR “Accommodative Strabismus”). No meta-analysis was performed due to studies’ heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-eight studies including 22 case series enrolling 378 patients and 6 case reports enrolling 8 patients were selected among 185 original abstracts. In the case series, a total of 378 patients (726 eyes) were recruited with an age range of 8–52 years. All studies reported mean follow-up periods of at least 12 months. Photorefractive keratectomy was performed in 7 studies, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis in 9 studies, laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratectomy was reported in 1 study, and 3 studies implanted intraocular lenses, including iris-fixated and collamer. Considering the adult patients with a preoperative corrected esodeviation ≤10 prism diopters (PD) (n = 129), all but 5 (3.9%) presented orthophoria or ≤10PD after refractive surgery. All children but 4 (4.5%) ended up with an esodeviation ≤10PD after surgery with those exceptions being in the range of 11–15PD. Six case reports were included in this review, comprising a total of 8 patients (16 eyes) with an age range of 7–34 years and a follow-up range of 4–48 months. Six case reports were included in this review, comprising a total of 8 patients (16 eyes) with an age range of 7–34 years and a follow-up range of 4–48 months. Conclusion: Evidence produced so far points out that refractive surgery may be an alternative for spectacle correction for adults with AET ≤10PD. There is not enough evidence to recommend its use for patients under 18 years of age. The safety and predictability of these procedures for this purpose remains unclear as the selection criteria used for these patients are much different than the usual indications and there are no studies with long-term follow-up.
Порівняльна оцінка ендовенозних та гемодинамічних методів корекції хронічної венозної недостатності
Authors: Дзюбановський І. Я. , Антонюк-Кисіль В. М. , Кучерук Є. Ф. , Левчук Р. Д. , Аль Джехані Н. А. , Продан Р. Д.
Published: February 2022

Мета роботи: оцінка ефективності термооблітеруючих та гемодинамічних методів лікування хронічної венозної недостатності в умовах “офісної хірургії” та “хірургії одного дня”.

Матеріали і методи. Проведено порівняльний аналіз результатів хірургічного лікування первинного хронічного захворювання вен нижніх кінцівок у 297 пацієнтів. Основну групу склали 201 пацієнт, прооперовані методом CHIVA за принципами “офісної хірургії”. Контрольну групу склали 96 пацієнтів прооперованих методом ендовенозної лазерної коагуляції за принципами “хірургії одного дня”. Розподіл хворих здійснювали за класифікацією СЕАР 2020. Встановлення зони ураження варикозним процесом проводили за схемою “number of zones to be treated”, згідно з якою кожна кінцівка була розділена на 32 ділянки. Клінічну оцінку проявів захворювання до та після перенесеного операційного втручання встановлювали за допомогою шкал (VCSS, VDS, VSS).

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Метод CHIVA дає змогу зберегти анатомічний стовбур великої підшкірної вени для оптимального функціонування венозної системи нижньої кінцівки; забезпечує малотравматичність, безпечність та короткотривалість операційного втручання, що відповідає принципам “офісної хірургії”. Відмінний косметичний результат на рівні з ендолюмінальними методиками (РЧА та ЕВЛО), при цьому економічна вигода значно вища.

Окрім цього, можливе збереження стовбура великої підшкірної вени для використання як автошунта при хірургічній корекції серцево-судинної патології. Відсутність необхідності в загальному знеболенні та використанні знеболювання опіоїдних середників, що не обмежує ранню рухову активність та сприяє швидкому виписуванню.
Хірургічна корекція рівня адипокінів та греліну в щурів із метаболічним синдромом
Authors: Дзюбановський І. Я. , Продан А. М. , Мельник Н. А.
Published: February 2022

Мета роботи: дослідити рівень адипокінів та греліну в організмі піддослідних тварин із модельованим метаболічним синдромом після проведеної хірургічної корекції різними типами баріатричних втручань.

Матеріали і методи. Дослідження проведено на 40 білих щурах-самцях лінії Wistar масою 200–250 г (вік 9–10 тижнів), яких утримували в стандартних умовах віварію. Щурів основної групи (n=56) утримували на дієті з високим вмістом жиру (понад 60 % енергії від жирів) впродовж 16 тижнів. Після цього їх розділили на групи за типом операційного втручання: слівгастректомія, шунтування шлунка за Ру, лігування лівої шлункової артерії. В післяопераційний період (14 днів та 1 місць) оцінено концент­рацію адипонектину, лептину та греліну.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Хірургічне лікування ожиріння знижує рівень греліну та лептину та підвищує рівень адипонектину у всіх дослідних групах тварин із змодельованим метаболічним синдромом. Однак у групі щурів, яким проводили лігування лівої шлункової артерії, операційне втручання, нормалізація рівня адипокінів (лептину та адипонектину) та рівня греліну було найкращим та статистично достовірним відносно метаболічного синдрому групи як на 14-ту добу, так і через 1 місяць після операційного втручання за всіма порівнювальними показниками (р<0,05).
Структурні зміни внутрішніх органів на фоні змодельованого гострого поширеного перитоніту
Authors: Ковальчук А. А. , Дацко Т. В. , Дзюбановський І. Я. , Дживак В. Г.
Published: February 2022

Мета роботи: вивчення морфологічних та гістохімічних змін внутрішніх органів у піддослідних тварин на третю добу змодельованого експериментального гострого поширеного перитоніту.

Матеріали і методи. В експерименті було використано статевозрілі нелінійні щури-самки масою 180–220 грам. Гострий поширений перитоніт був змодельований шляхом інтраперитонеального введення 1 мл 30 % калової суспензії на 100 г маси тіла щура. Тварин виводили з експерименту на третю добу шляхом декапітації під тіопенталовим наркозом. З метою подальшого проведення патоморфологічного та гістохімічного дослідження були забрані часточки печінки, очеревини, нирки та легені. Гістологічні препарати забарвлені гематоксилін-еозином. Фотодокументація зображення з гістологічних препаратів проводилась за допомогою  виводу на монітор комп’ютера за допомогою мікроскопа  Nicon eclipse C та цифрової відеокамери (Digital Camera SCMOS) за допомогою програмного забезпечення ToupWiew при різних збільшеннях.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. У легенях виявлено збільшення кровонаповнення судин дрібного калібру без проявів периваскулярного набряку. Дослідження на виявлення бактерій, яке проводили за методом Гімзи та за Грамом–Вейгертом, встановило наявність поодиноких грампозитивних бактерій переважно в просвітах судин та в стромі поряд із запальними інфільт­ратами, про що свідчать кольорові включення. Гістологічне дослідження нирок встановило незначне кровонаповнення кіркової і мозкової речовини. Гістологічне дослідження печінки на третю добу експериментального перитоніту встановило значне розширення та повнокрів’я центральних вен, із компресією центролобулярних гепатоцитів, достатньо помірне розширення синусоїдів із незначною кількістю еритроцитів та макрофагів їх у просвітах. Реакція очеревини на третю добу після моделювання розлитого перитоніту проявлялася наростанням запальної гіперемії, набряку, який поширювався на м’язову тканину.

Змодельований гострий поширений перитоніт характеризувався не лише запаленням листків очеревини, а й імунною реакцією інших органів.
Novel
CALM3
Variant Causing Calmodulinopathy With Variable Expressivity in a 4-Generation Family
Authors: Kato Koichi , Isbell Holly M. , Fressart Véronique , Denjoy Isabelle , Debbiche Amal , Itoh Hideki , Poinsot Jacques , George Alfred L. , Coulombe Alain , Shea Madeline A. , Guicheney Pascale
Published: February 2022

Background:

CaM (calmodulin), encoded by 3 separate genes (
CALM1
,
CALM2
, and
CALM3
), is a multifunctional Ca
2+
-binding protein involved in many signal transduction events including ion channel regulation. CaM variants may present with early-onset long QT syndrome (LQTS), catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, or sudden cardiac death. Most reported variants occurred de novo. We identified a novel
CALM3
variant, p.Asn138Lys (N138K), in a 4-generation family segregating with LQTS. The aim of this study was to elucidate its pathogenicity and to compare it with that of p.D130G-CaM—a variant associated with a severe LQTS phenotype.

Methods:

We performed whole exome sequencing for a large, 4-generation family affected by LQTS. To assess the effect of the detected
CALM3
variant, the intrinsic Ca
2+
-binding affinity was measured by stoichiometric Ca
2+
titrations and equilibrium titrations. L-type Ca
2+
and slow delayed rectifier potassium currents (I
CaL
and I
Ks
) were recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp. Cav1.2 and Kv7.1 membrane expression were determined by optical fluorescence assays.

Results:

We identified 14 p.N138K-CaM carriers in a family where 2 sudden deaths occurred in children. Several members were only mildly affected compared with CaM-LQTS patients to date described in literature. The intrinsic Ca
2+
-binding affinity of the CaM C-terminal domain was 10-fold lower for p.N138K-CaM compared with wild-type-CaM. I
CaL
inactivation was slowed in cells expressing p.N138K-CaM but less than in p.D130G-CaM cells. Unexpectedly, a larger I
Ks
current density was observed in cells expressing p.N138K-CaM, but not for p.D130G-CaM, compared with wild-type-CaM.

Conclusions:

The p.N138K
CALM3
variant impairs Ca
2+
-binding affinity of CaM and I
CaL
inactivation but potentiates I
Ks
. The variably expressed phenotype of this variant compared with previously published de novo LQTS-CaM variants is likely explained by a milder impairment of I
CaL
inactivation combined with I
Ks
augmentation.
Six new species of Eugenia (Myrtaceae) from Amazonian Brazil
Authors: DUARTE DE SOUZA MARIA ANÁLIA , SOBRAL MARCOS , AMORIM GABRIELA
Published: February 2022

Eugenia canumana, E. humaitana, E. jutai, E. multilocellata and E. seislagoana, from the Brazilian state of Amazonas, and E. xinguana, from the Brazilian states of Maranhão and Pará, are proposed as new species. Eugenia canumana is morphologically related to E. laevis, but differs by its twigs with cataphylls and glabrous flowers; E. humaitana is close to E. cribrata, but has glabrous flowers with sepals in two unequal pairs; E. jutai is close to E. campina, but has dull-colored blades with midvein adaxially impressed and longer pedicels and bracteoles; E. multilocellata is related to E. agathopoda, but has pilose flowers and multilocellate anthers; E. seislagoana is related to E. illepida, but has blades with midvein adaxially raised and smaller flowers with sepals fused at its basal portion, and E. xinguana is related to E. stictopetala, but has blades with midvein adaxially raised and larger flowers. All six species are assigned to section Umbellatae.
Descriptions of six new species of slender-bodied chewing lice of the Resartor-group (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Brueelia-complex)
Authors: GUSTAFSSON DANIEL R. , ZOU FASHENG , BUSH SARAH E.
Published: February 2022

Six new species of chewing lice in the Resartor-group (Brueelia-complex) are described and illustrated. They are: Aratricerca cerata n. sp. ex Zosterops capensis Sundevall, 1850; Aratricerca macki n. sp. ex Melidectes princeps Mayr & Gilliard, 1951 and Ptiloprora perstriata perstriata (de Vis, 1898); Aratricerca madagascariensis n. sp. ex Randia pseudozosterops Delacour & Berlioz, 1931; Turdinirmoides janigai n. sp. ex Prunella collaris nipalensis (Blyth, 1843) and P. collaris fennelli Deignan, 1964; Turdinirmoides rozsai n. sp. ex Carpodacus subhimachala (Hodgson, 1836); and Timalinirmus curvus n. sp. ex Yuhina castaniceps plumbeiceps (Godwin-Austen, 1877). A key to the species of Aratricerca, Turdinirmoides and Timalinirmus is provided.
A review of Horniolus Weise (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from the Indian region, including descriptions of two new species
Authors: POORANI J.
Published: February 2022

Species of the genus Horniolus Weise (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from the Indian region are reviewed and two new species, Horniolus darjeelingensis sp. n. and Horniolus wiolettae sp. n. are described and illustrated from West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, respectively. Platynaspis nepalensis Canepari, 1997, described from Nepal, is transferred to Horniolus (comb. n.). An updated checklist of the species known from this region is provided.
Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Barsine Walker, 1854 from Xizang, China with description of a new species (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)
Authors: XU YONG-QIANG , VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , ZHU LI-JUAN , DA WA , WANG MIN , FAN XIAO-LING , HUANG SI-YAO
Published: February 2022

New information of the genus Barsine Walker, 1854 from Xizang Autonomous Prefecture, China is provided. A new species related to Barsine defecta Walker, 1854, B. gratissima (de Joannis, 1930), B. germana (Rothschild, 1913) and B. kirata Volynkin & N. Singh, 2020 is described from Chayu County of Southeastern Xizang: Barsine mahakala S.-Y. Huang & Volynkin sp. n. Barsine germana (Rothschild, 1913) and B. atypicobarsine N. Singh, Kirti & Joshi, 2016 are newly recorded from China, with the female of the latter described and illustrated for the first time. Adults and genitalia of the aforementioned taxa are illustrated.
A Comparison between the Kuroshio Extension and Pineapple Express Atmospheric Rivers Affecting the West Coast of North America
Authors: Wang Shuyu , Ma Xiaohui , Xu Guangzhi , Zhou Shenghui , Chang Ping , Wu Lixin
Published: February 2022

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) originating near the Kuroshio Extension and the Hawaiian Islands and making landfall onto the west coast of North America in the North Pacific in the boreal winter season (October–March) are detected and tracked using ERA5 reanalysis (2000–19), and are classified as Kuroshio Extension (KE) and Pineapple Express (PE) ARs, respectively. Compared with KE ARs, PE ARs are longer and wider with higher intensity and shorter duration. Although the total occurrence of PE ARs is lower, the occurrence of extreme ARs is substantially higher than KE ARs. PE (KE) ARs are oriented more meridionally (zonally) with more equatorward (poleward) landfalling positions and associated precipitation. The genesis, development, and decay of KE and PE ARs and their relationships with extratropical cyclones (ECs) are investigated. Along- and cross-section analyses show that PE ARs are associated with stronger, deeper low pressure systems with closer tropical connections. Compared with KE ARs, PE ARs originate from well-developed ECs with stronger southward intrusion of cold fronts, forming closer to the ECs’ centers along the sharp temperature/pressure gradient zone. They are accompanied by enhanced and deeper vertical motion and stronger low-level wind. The intensity difference between KE and PE ARs is largely determined by the orientation and the strengths of temperature/pressure gradients of associated ECs rather than the intensity of associated ECs themselves. Furthermore, the evolution of ARs and ECs is not always synchronized, suggesting complicated AR and EC interactions that require further investigations.
Optimal Meridional Positions of the Tibetan Plateau for Intensifying the Asian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Wang Junbin , Yang Song , Li Zhenning , Lu Mengmeng , Wang Ziqian , Wu Guoxiong
Published: February 2022

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) exerts significant influences on Earth’s climate, and it is commonly accepted that the plateau enhances the intensity of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM). However, since the TP is located in the subtropics and its climate responses consist of both tropical and extratropical characteristics, a natural question to ask is how the TP would affect the ASM if it were shifted to different latitudes. A series of experiments with a state-of-the-art Earth system model demonstrates that the current location of the TP is not optimal for intensifying the ASM. When the TP is moved southward, the tropical South Asian monsoon (SAM) intensifies, associated with strengthened thermally driven atmospheric circulation, while the subtropical East Asian monsoon (EAM) weakens. When the TP is located in higher-than-current latitudes, on the other hand, the SAM weakens and the EAM intensifies. In particular, when the TP shifts northward by 8° of latitude, the Asian continent witnesses the heaviest summer monsoon rainfall. Changes in the meridional location of the plateau cause substantial differences in atmospheric circulation and water vapor transport, and thus in monsoon rainfall.

Significance Statement

The existence of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) enhances the Asian summer monsoon; however, the optimal positions of the TP for affecting the monsoon and its various components are unknown. This study shows that the different TP locations exert different influences on the monsoon. When the TP is shifted southward, the South Asian monsoon intensifies while the East and Southeast Asian monsoons weaken. When the TP is shifted northward, the South Asian monsoon weakens constantly while the East and Southeast Asian monsoons strengthen before they become weaker when the plateau is shifted by 12° of latitude. Much of the Asian continent would witness the heaviest monsoon rainfall when the TP is shifted northward by 8° of latitude.
Book review: A S Bhasin, Nehru Tibet and China
Authors: Nambiar Vijay
Published: February 2022

A S Bhasin, Nehru Tibet and China (Penguin Viking India, 2021), pp. 403, ₹699, ISBN 9780670094134.
Effects of corruption and unaccountability on responses of frontline health workers to COVID-19 in Nigeria: Lessons and considerations for the social work profession
Authors: Agwu Prince , Orjiakor Charles T , Odii Aloysius , Onwujekwe Obinna
Published: February 2022

COVID-19 stretched health systems, exacerbated by concerns about those that are corrupt and lack equity. Twelve (12) health workers and 12 hospital social workers across Nigeria were purposively sampled and virtually interviewed to explore unaccountability and corruption effects on COVID-19 responses. Findings show that corruption and unaccountability negatively affected responses of frontline health workers to the pandemic. Lack of social care and justice services for patients and health workers across health facilities in Nigeria worsened the negative effects. Effectively mainstreaming social care and justice services into Nigeria’s healthcare led by well-trained social workers will improve the health sector via anticorruption.
Hearing Like a Musician: Integrating Sensory Perception of Self into a Social Theory of Self-Reflexivity
Authors: Maslen Sarah
Published: February 2022

In Mead’s philosophy, we develop and present ourselves in anticipation of an audience, taking the role of other to “see” ourselves as we will be seen. But what we see when we take the position of other is not in fact what the other sees of ourselves. It is only the visible side of our experience that the other can grasp, leaving hidden our interior experiences. This article speaks to this conundrum left by Mead’s writing, presenting the training of musicians as a strategic site for showing why we need to go beyond Mead in social psychology, adding what Merleau-Ponty shows us of how we work on the invisible side of our experience. This research examines how classical music teachers work with students to deliberately transform their inner experience of their sound to align their self-perception with how others perceive them.
The Shift of the Center of Gravity of the Church from the West to the Majority World
Authors: Yung Hwa
Published: February 2022

Almost everywhere throughout the Majority World (MW), that is Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Christianity used to be called the ‘white-man's religion’. But that is the case no more—the church has exploded all over the MW. In this paper I would like to look at this shift in Christianity worldwide, and what implications it has for the global church, and especially for us in Asia. My purpose here is not to highlight the weaknesses of the Western church and to glorify the growth of the churches in the MW. Rather my hope is that this will help us have a clearer understanding of the challenges before us so that we can labor more fruitfully for the advance of the gospel in the Asian context. In the process I will also raise questions which hopefully will help point the way forward.
Introduction to radical knowledge management: Making knowledge management sustainable
Authors: Barnes Stephanie
Published: February 2022

This paper introduces the concept of Radical Knowledge Management (Radical KM) and explains why taking this approach to knowledge within our organisations is necessary. Radical Knowledge Management helps us adapt to constant change and the chaos of the world we live and work in by making us as individuals and our organisations more sustainable. The paper also outlines a case study of an organisation that implemented these ideas and provides an approach for how an organisation can implement it for themselves.
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody seropositivity in young adults aged up to 35 years: kidney histopathological findings and patient outcomes
Authors: Jiang Shimin , Zhuo Li , Zou Guming , Gao Hongmei , Li Wenge
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the clinical features, pathological renal findings, and outcomes in young adults with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) seropositivity.

Methods

Adults aged ≤35 years, with ANCA seropositivity, who underwent renal biopsy and received treatment comprising a combination of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide between January 2004 and May 2018, were retrospectively enrolled.

Results

Thirteen patients with ANCA seropositivity were included, all of whom presented with kidney disease at diagnosis: 10 (76.9%) with ANCA-associated pauci-immune glomerulonephritis, one with ANCA-associated crescentic glomerulonephritis with immune complex deposition, one with immunoglobulin A nephropathy, and one with membranous nephropathy. The median serum creatinine level was 183.2 μmol/l (range, 55.0–1024.0 μmol/l). Respiratory symptoms (9/13 [69.2%]) and nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms (5/13 [38.5%]) were the most common extrarenal manifestations. Remission was achieved in 10 (91%) of 11 ANCA-associated nephritis cases, and median interval from diagnosis to relapse was 30 months (range, 9–63 months). Cumulative relapse-free survival rates at 1 and 5 years were 100% and 88.9%, respectively. Overall, 1-year and 5-year renal survival rates were 80.8% and 58.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

Renal histopathology varied in young adults with ANCA seropositivity. Although relapse rates in this young adult population were generally low, long-term renal survival rates remain unsatisfactory.
Clinical validation of a single-tube PCR and reverse dot blot assay for detection of common α-thalassaemia and β-thalassaemia in Chinese
Authors: Liang Hong-Feng , Li Lie-Jun , Yang Hui , Zheng Xiang-Bin , Lu Min , Ge Yi-Yuan , Lin Fen , Xie Long-Xu , Yang Li-Ye
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate a novel reverse dot blot assay for the simultaneous detection six types of common α-thalassaemia alleles (three deletional and three common non-deletional mutations) and 19 types of common β-thalassaemia alleles in a Chinese population.

Methods

Genomic DNA samples were collected from three hospitals in southern China. The novel thalassaemia gene assay involved one multiplex polymerase chain reaction amplification system and one round of hybridization. Each of the clinically validated DNA samples was re-tested using the new multiplex polymerase chain reaction/reverse dot blot assay II (M-PCR/RDB II) assay in a double-blind manner.

Results

A total of 1060 unrelated study participants, including 829 patients with thalassaemia and 231 healthy control subjects, were analysed. The whole PCR and RDB procedures were completed in 260 min. All the samples, including heterozygous thalassaemia, homozygous thalassaemia and compound heterozygous thalassaemia, were correctly genotyped, yielding 100% concordance with the reference assays. HKαα/--SEA and HKαα/−α4.2, which were not included in the detection panel, yielded a contradictory result with this new assay.

Conclusion

The novel M-PCR/RDB II assay was simple, rapid and accurate, suggesting that it could be used for the genetic screening and clinical diagnosis of common α-thalassaemia and β-thalassaemia variants in Chinese populations.
Age Disparities in End of Life Symptom Management Among Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Tal Ori , Ben Shem Erez , Peled Ofri , Elyashiv Osnat , Levy Tally
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate the symptoms of women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) during their last admission before death and analyze invasive palliative management administered in relation to symptom control and survival.

Materials & Methods

A retrospective review of Israeli patients with EOC, primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) and tubal cancer, admitted to our department prior to death between 2008–2018. Basic palliative treatment was defined as administration of IV fluids, analgesics, oxygen, antiemetics, antibiotics and/or blood transfusions. Procedures regarded as invasive included: peritoneal or pleural fluid drainage; placement of an indwelling catheter, administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), chemotherapy and ventilation.

Results

82 patients were included. Most suffered from weakness and fatigue, gastrointestinal complaints, pain and shortness of breath. 34 patients (41.5%) required only basic palliative treatment to alleviate their symptoms; however, in 48 patients (58.5%) invasive interventions were needed. Patients treated with invasive procedures were younger at death by almost 9 years (mean age of 65.73 ± 9.5 vs. 74.78 ± 9.8; p = 0.001). There were significantly more women with platinum sensitive disease in the invasive interventions group compared to the basic palliative care (60.42% vs. 32.35%; p = 0.012). No survival difference was found between the groups from diagnosis to death, relapse to death, last chemotherapy to death and last admission to death.

Conclusions

EOC patients suffer from high disease burden and multiple symptoms before death. We found that physicians tend to use more invasive care in dying younger patients. However, this aggressive treatment does not prolong survival. Futile treatments influencing quality of life should be avoided.
Predicting Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Do Socioeconomic Factors Matter?
Authors: Bakkeli Nan Zou
Published: February 2022

Background and purpose:

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed considerable challenges to people’s mental health, and the prevalence of anxiety and depression increased substantially during the pandemic. Early detection of potential depression is crucial for timely preventive interventions; therefore, there is a need for depression prediction.

Data and methods:

This study was based on survey data collected from 5001 Norwegians (3001 in 2020 and 2000 in 2021). Machine learning models were used to predict depression risk and to select models with the best performance for each pandemic phase. Probability thresholds were chosen based on cost-sensitive analysis, and measures such as accuracy (ACC) and the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the models’ performance.

Results:

The study found that decision tree models and regularised regressions had the best performance in both 2020 and 2021. For the 2020 predictions, the highest accuracies were obtained using gradient boosting machines (ACC = 0.72, AUC = 0.74) and random forest algorithm (ACC = 0.71, AUC = 0.75). For the 2021 predictions, the random forest (ACC = 0.76, AUC = 0.78) and elastic net regularisation (ACC = 0.76, AUC = 0.78) exhibited the best performances. Highly ranked predictors of depression that remained stable over time were self-perceived exposure risks, income, compliance with nonpharmaceutical interventions, frequency of being outdoors, contact with family and friends and work–life conflict. While epidemiological factors (having COVID symptoms or having close contact with the infected) influenced the level of psychological distress to a larger extent in the relatively early stage of pandemic, the importance of socioeconomic factors (gender, age, household type and employment status) increased substantially in the later stage.

Conclusion:

Machine learning models consisting of demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural and epidemiological features can be used for fast ‘first-hand’ screening to diagnose mental health problems. The models may be helpful for stakeholders and healthcare providers to provide early diagnosis and intervention, as well as to provide insight into forecasting which social groups are more vulnerable to mental illness in which social settings.
An analytical framework of the kinematic geometry for general point-contact gears from contact path
Authors: Tan Rulong , Zhang Weiqing , Guo Xiaodong , Chen Bingkui , Shu Ruizhi
Published: February 2022

Based on the idea that the relative curvature relationships along total contact path will better reflect the contact characteristics of gears, this study attempts to develop an analytical framework for the kinematic geometry of point-contact gears from the contact paths. First, a general method for obtaining the contact path of a gear from a pinion is proposed. Second, a normal curvature and geodesic torsion calculation method in the contact path direction is developed. Then, based on the linearly dependent condition of the tangent vectors of the two contact paths, two relative normal curvature analysis methods are proposed by applying the fundamental form theory. Finally, a sample case is presented to show the application and complete the verification of the kinematic geometry methods. The sample case agrees with the analytical model.
Convective heat transfer in MHD Cu-TiO2-H2O cross nanofluid flow over three diverse surfaces
Authors: Ashwinkumar G P , Girinath Reddy M , Sandeep N
Published: February 2022

Computational analysis on the flow of hybrid nanofluid along three diverse flow surfaces with magnetized force accomplished numerically. A comparative study was performed for [Formula: see text] hybridized nanoliquid streams along cone, wedge, and plate surfaces. The flow governing equations are embedded with various physical factors: nonlinear radiation, magnetic force, and uneven heat rise/fall. The implication of these biological factors on velocity and thermal distributions, wall friction, and the thermal transfer rate are interpreted via plots and tables. For numerical computation, we implemented the R-K method with a shooting scheme by means of the Matlab package. Results reveal that the implication of embedded factors on hybrid nanofluid flow along cone surfaces is more substantial than flow along wedge and plate surfaces. Also, the utilization of copper and titanium oxide nanoparticles elevates the thermal enactment of the base liquid water to a greater extent. Wall temperature factor and thermal Grashof number effectively amplify the nanofluid thermal transport rate.
Critical care nurses’ moral sensitivity during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Qualitative perspectives
Authors: Aghakhani Nader , Habibzadeh Hossein , Mohammadi Farshad
Published: February 2022

Background

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is one of the areas in which moral issues are of great significance, especially with respect to the nursing profession, because CPR requires quick decision-making and prompt action and is associated with special complications due to the patients’ unconsciousness. In such circumstances, nurses’ ability in terms of moral sensitivity can be determinative in the success of the procedure. Identifying the components of moral sensitivity in nurses in this context can promote moral awareness and improve moral performance.

Objective

This study was conducted to explore and identify the experiences of critical care nurses about moral sensitivity components in CPR.

Research design and methods

This study was implemented with a qualitative approach. Data were collected via 22 in-depth semi-structured interviews held with 20 eligible participants with maximum variation. The data were then analyzed using the grounded theory approach.

Participants and research context

In total, thirteen clinical nurses, three head nurses, two educational supervisors, and two faculty members from different universities of Iran were interviewed.

Ethical considerations

This study was conducted with the ethical approval (IR.UMSU.REC.1399.337) of the Ethics Committee of Urmia University of Medical Sciences.

Findings

Four themes and 12 sub-themes were extracted from the analysis of the data, including “Consciously and compassionate attention to resuscitate the patient,” “Awareness of families’ anxiety,” “Understanding the teamwork and interactive guidance of the CPR process,” and “Compulsory violation of moral principles.”

Discussion

It is anticipated that this discussion will prompt further debate, raise awareness and help clarify the dimensions of moral sensitivity in unconscious patients especially during CPR, so that it can be more clearly named and defended as a moral authority in CPR.

Conclusion

identifying the components of moral sensitivity in nurses, facilitates their encounter with moral issues and can improve their moral performance and encourage right decisions.
A vulnerable journey towards professional empathy and moral courage
Authors: Heggestad Anne Kari Tolo , Konow-Lund Anne-Sophie , Christiansen Bjørg , Nortvedt Per
Published: February 2022

Background: Empathy and moral courage are important virtues in nursing and nursing ethics. Hence, it is of great importance that nursing students and nurses develop their ability to empathize and their willingness to demonstrate moral courage. Research aim: The aim of this article is to explore third-year undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions and experiences in developing empathy and moral courage. Research design: This study employed a longitudinal qualitative design based on individual interviews. Participants and research context: Seven undergraduate nursing students were interviewed during or immediately following their final clinical placement. Ethical considerations: The Norwegian Social Science Data Services (NSD) approved the study. Participants were informed that their participation was voluntary and were assured confidentiality. They were informed that they could withdraw from the study at any time, without providing reasons. Findings: Affective empathy seemed to be strong among third-year undergraduate nursing students. However, they tried to handle the situations in a ‘professional’ way, and to balance their emotions. At the same time, they expressed how difficult it can be to show moral courage when confronted with poor patient care. In addition, they spoke about a lack of role models during clinical practice and supervision. Conclusions: Undergraduate nursing students are in a vulnerable position throughout their journey to become professional and to develop empathy and moral courage. The professional socialisation and forming of professional empathy and moral courage among nursing students, may be seen as a complex interaction of formal and hidden curriculum, where role models play an important role. We argue that the main theme ‘Vulnerable students – a journey towards professional empathy and moral courage’ may cover the longitudinal project as a whole. This vulnerability is something both teachers and supervisors should be aware of when following up with students in their clinical placements.
Correlation of design parameters of lattice structure for highly tunable passive vibration isolator
Authors: Azmi Muhamad Syafwan , Ismail Rainah , Putra Azma
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to correlate the influence of multiple size-based design parameters of lattice structure, namely, the unit cell (UC) and strut diameter (SD) through the static and dynamics analyses for passive vibration isolation application. The lattice structures were prepared by utilizing the fused deposition modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing (AM). The samples were designed to retain lattice structure’s unique advantages while also conserving material consumption to fulfill the energy and cost demand. Through the static test, the crush behavior, failure mechanism, and mechanical properties were determined. The stiffness of lattice structure exhibited an increasing relationship with the unit cell and strut diameter where smaller unit cell and bigger strut diameter produced higher strength, and with that, higher load can be sustained. Through the dynamic vibration transmissibility test, it was found that the dynamic vibration results follow closely the trend in the static analysis. Lattice structure with larger unit cell and smaller strut diameter showed larger effective isolation region due to lower natural frequency value. The trade-off limit between stiffness for a lower natural frequency of the proposed design parameters was determined from the two parts analyses. The results suggest that most lattice isolators from the pool of design parameter combinations in this study have sufficient strength to withstand the predefined mass load and provide the most region for vibration isolation. The two proposed design parameters can later be used for a major or minor tuning of lattice isolators for other specific applications.