bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Effects of Tactile Grating Patterns on Perceived Roughness Over Ultrasonic Friction Modulation Surfaces
Authors: Chu Shaowei , Tu Huawei
Published: January 2022

Objective

Our study aims to investigate the effects of grating patterns of perceived roughness on surfaces with ultrasonic friction modulation, and also to examine user performance of identifying different numbers of grating patterns.

Background

In designing grating-based tactile textures, the widths of low- and high-friction zones are a crucial factor for generating grating patterns that convey roughness sensation. However, few studies have explored the design space of efficient grating patterns that users can easily distinguish and identify via roughness perception.

Method

Two experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, we conducted a magnitude estimation of perceived roughness for both low- and high-friction zones, each with widths of 0.13, 0.25, 0.38, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.5, and 5.5 mm. In the second experiment, we required participants to identify 5 pattern groups with 2–6 patterns respectively.

Results

Perceived roughness fitted a linear trend for low- or high-friction zones with widths of 0.38 mm or lower. Perceived roughness followed an inverted U-shaped curve for low- or high-friction zones with widths greater than 0.5 mm but less than 2.0 mm. The peak points occurred at the widths of 0.38 mm for both low- and high-friction zones. The statistical analysis indicates that both low- and high-friction zones had similar effects on human perception of surface roughness. In addition, participants could memorize and identify up to four tactile patterns with identification accuracy rates higher than 90% and average reaction time less than 2.2 s.

Conclusions

The relation between perceived roughness and varying widths of grating patterns follows linear or inverted U-shape trends. Participants could efficiently identify 4 or fewer patterns with high accuracy (>90%) and short reaction time (<2.2 s).

Application

Our findings can contribute to tactile interface design such as tactile alphabets and target-approaching indicators.
Engaging Consumers with Environmental Sustainability Initiatives: Consumer Global–Local Identity and Global Brand Messaging
Authors: Salnikova Ekaterina , Strizhakova Yuliya , Coulter Robin A.
Published: January 2022

Environmental sustainability is a common practice of global brands, with 90% of the top 100 Interbrand global brands making statements about environmental efforts on their websites. In this research, the authors explore how a consumer’s global–local identity can affect consumer engagement with a global brand’s environmental sustainability initiative. Specifically, they examine consumer engagement in response to environmental messaging based on regulatory focus, spatial construal, and temporal construal. They theorize and find, across six experimental studies, that consumers with a strong global identity are more engaged with environmental sustainability initiatives when messaging includes frames congruent with their global identity, specifically promotion frames coupled with distant spatial frames and with proximal temporal frames. For consumers with a local identity, these regulatory and construal messaging frames do not impact consumer engagement with environmental sustainability initiatives. Consumer environmental mindset mediates the effect of global–local identity on consumer engagement with environmental sustainability initiatives when such congruent frames are used, and consumer eagerness to act provides additional process explanation for the asymmetric spatial (distant) and temporal (proximal) construal effects. The findings have significant implications for the design of global brand and environmental policy messaging, particularly for consumers with a strong global identity.
Experimental animal models for denture stomatitis: A methodological review
Authors: Moraes Gustavo S , Albach Thaís , Sugio Carolina YC , de Oliveira Fabio B , Neppelenbroek Karin H , Urban Vanessa M
Published: January 2022

Denture stomatitis is the most prevalent form of oral candidiasis and the most frequent oral lesion in removable prosthesis wearers. It is characterized by an inflammatory response of the denture-bearing mucosa, especially the palatal mucosa, and its clinical signs include chronic edema and erythema, and papillary hyperplasia. Despite having a multifactorial etiology, its main etiological agent is the infection by Candida albicans. Given its high treatment failure rates, an in vivo model of denture stomatitis should be established to test alternative treatments. The aim of this study is to review the existing denture stomatitis models and to provide an overview of the main methodological differences between them. Over the last 40 years, different animal models were developed in order to study denture stomatitis etiopathogenesis and to assess novel therapies. Many approaches, including the use of antibiotics and immunosuppressors, have to be further investigated in order to establish which protocol is more appropriate and effective for the development of an animal model of denture stomatitis.
Zebrafish larvae: A new model to study behavioural effects and metabolism of fentanyl, in comparison to a traditional mice model
Authors: Pesavento S. , Bilel S. , Murari M. , Gottardo R. , Arfè R. , Tirri M. , Panato A. , Tagliaro F. , Marti M.
Published: January 2022

In an effort to find alternatives to study in vivo the so-called New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), the present work was undertaken to investigate the use of zebrafish larvae as animal model in pharmaco-toxicology, providing behavioural and metabolism information. For this purpose, fentanyl, the progenitor of an extremely dangerous group of NPS, was administered at different doses to zebrafish larvae (1, 10, 50, 100 µM) in comparison to mice (0.1, 1, 6, 15 mg/kg), as a well-established animal model. A behavioural assay was performed at the time of the peak effect of fentanyl, showing that the results in larvae are consistent with those observed in mice. On the other hand, several morphological abnormalities (namely yolk sac edema, abnormal pericardial edema, jaw defect and spinal curvature) were found in larvae mostly at high fentanyl doses (50, 100 µM). Larva extract and mice urine were analyzed by using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry to identify the metabolic pathways of fentanyl. The main metabolites detected were norfentanyl and hydroxyfentanyl in both the tested models. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that fentanyl effects on zebrafish larvae and metabolism are similar to rodents and consequently support the hypothesis of using zebrafish larvae as a suitable rapid screening tool to investigate new drugs, and particularly NPS.
Transpharyngeal Approaches for Management of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Mayo Clinic Institution Experience
Authors: Badaoui Joseph N. , Yin Linda X. , Sauer Adam B. , Moore Eric J. , Lohse Christine M. , Price Daniel L. , Kasperbauer Jan L. , Noel Daniel B. , Olsen Kerry D. , Van Abel Kathryn M.
Published: January 2022

Objective

Investigate oncologic and functional outcomes associated with transhyoid and lateral pharyngotomy (transpharyngeal) approaches in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Single institution (tertiary care center).

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of patients with OPSCC undergoing transpharyngeal resection from 1990 to 2017 at Mayo Clinic. Oncologic outcomes, postoperative complications, objective swallowing data, and rates of tracheostomy and percutaneous gastrostomy tube dependence were recorded.

Results

Of 83 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 56 (68%) were human papillomavirus positive. Overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years following surgery were 85% and 80%, respectively. Cancer‐specific survival rates at these same time points were 90% and 88%. Following treatment, 35 of 49 patients (71%) had a Functional Oral Intake Scale score ≥5, indicating total oral intake of multiple consistencies; 79 of 82 (96%) were without tracheostomy or laryngectomy; and 71 of 81 (88%) were on a full oral diet.

Conclusion

Transpharyngeal approaches provide adequate functional and oncologic outcomes in the majority of patients with OPSCC. These results may have important implications for patients who are not candidates for, or are unwilling to undergo, nonoperative therapy or for those without access to radiation therapy.
Virtual Teaching Experience Amidst the Pandemic: A Perspective from the Middle East
Authors: Alexander Rhoda
Published: January 2022

The novel coronavirus pandemic has disrupted almost all industries across the globe. The higher education sector in the Middle East too witnessed drastic changes in the teaching and learning process. Digital education, which authorities contemplated would take years to implement, was enforced overnight in the region. However, transformation to the online mode of learning posed many obstacles. As a finance educator in the region, I narrate here my experiences with respect to the challenges faced in managing the disruption, methods adopted to engage students, and the different techniques used for online assessments & student feedback. Finally, a reflection on factors which resulted in the successful delivery of the module is also provided.

JEL Codes: A2, I21
Grading of clear cell renal cell carcinoma using diffusion MRI with a fractional order calculus model
Authors: Shi Bowen , Xue Ke , Yin Yili , Xu Qing , Shi Binbin , Wu Dongmei , Ye Jing
Published: January 2022

Background

The fractional order calculus (FROC) model has been developed to describe restrained motion of water molecules as well as microstructural heterogeneity, providing a novel tool for non-invasive tumor grading.

Purpose

To evaluate the role of the FROC model in characterizing clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) grades.

Material and Methods

A total of 59 patients diagnosed with ccRCC were included in this prospective study. The diffusion metrics derived from the mono-exponential model (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]), intra-voxel incoherent motion [IVIM] model [D, D*, f], and FROC model [Dfroc, β, μ]) were calculated and compared between low- and high-grade ccRCCs. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the diagnostic models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and DeLong test were performed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of metrics in grading ccRCC.

Results

All the metrics except D* and f exhibited statistical differences between low- and high-grade ccRCCs. ROC analysis showed individual FROC parameters, μ, Dfroc, and β, outperformed ADC and IVIM parameters in grading ccRCC. For single parameter, μ demonstrated the highest AUC value, sensitivity, and diagnostic accuracy in discriminating the two ccRCC groups while β exhibited the optimal specificity. Importantly, the combination of Dfroc, μ, and β could further improve the diagnostic performance.

Conclusion

The FROC parameters were superior to ADC and IVIM parameters in grading ccRCC, indicating the great potential of the FROC model in distinguishing low- and high-grade ccRCCs.
Preliminary Bond Testing and Splicing of Titanium Alloy Bars
Authors: Acharya Mahesh , Khadka Ruchin , Mashal Mustafa
Published: January 2022

The study of the interaction between reinforcement and concrete is important to ensure the composite action of the two materials. A high bond strength is desirable in the reinforcement–concrete interface to avoid pullout failure. The higher bond of reinforcing bars with concrete provides better performance and increases the capacity and service life of structural elements. Bond tests of smooth titanium alloy bars (TiABs) and 60 kips per square inch (ksi) (414 MPa) steel with concrete are conducted in accordance with the ASTM C234. Based on the experimental results, the bond strength of TiABs is generally found to be higher than that of the steel. The paper also presents some preliminary investigation for identifying appropriate and commercially available mechanical couplers for splicing the TiABs. Since TiABs are more expensive than normal rebars, it is necessary to limit their quantity and use in bridge piers (e.g., plastic hinge zone only). Products from a well-known producer of mechanical couplers in the United States are used in the research. A few mechanical couplers are investigated for splicing of #5 (15.9 mm diameter) and #6 (19.1 mm diameter) pseudo-threaded TiABs. Tensile testing is carried out in accordance with ASTM A1034 to address the 2017 AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) requirements and a suitable coupler was identified. The appropriate mechanical coupler was identified to be the coupler that is designed specifically for use with high-strength bars. It uses a cold swaged steel sleeve and is thicker.
“Bigamists” in Bologna, 1350–1500
Authors: Dean Trevor
Published: January 2022

Bigamy trials in medieval secular courts were rare and rarely documented. Where they do survive, they raise interesting questions about the relation between penal law and social practice, about knowledge of church laws on the legitimate forms and processes of marriage, and about gendered aspects of how this crime was perceived, prosecuted and punished. The incomparable riches of the criminal court in Bologna supply a set of nearly thirty cases in the period 1350–1500 which allow these questions to be investigated.
Patient-Reported Outcome, Return to Sport, and Revision Rates 7-9 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Results From a Cohort of 2042 Patients
Authors: Randsborg Per-Henrik , Cepeda Nicholas , Adamec Dakota , Rodeo Scott A. , Ranawat Anil , Pearle Andrew D.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Long-term patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), rates of return to sport, and revision risk after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) are not well understood.

Purpose:

To provide long-term follow-up of PROMs, return-to-sport rates, and revision rates after ACLR and to identify predictors for poor outcome.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 2042 patients were included in an institutional ACL registry (2009-2013) and longitudinally followed. PROMs were completed preoperatively and at all follow-up time points. Questions regarding return to sport and knee stability were completed at final follow-up. Predictors for poor outcome on the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were estimated in a regression model incorporating risk factors such as patient characteristics, graft choice, and concomitant injuries. Revision rates and risk of subsequent non-ACL surgeries were calculated.

Results:

Autografts were used in 76% of the patients (patellar tendon, 62%; hamstring grafts, 38%). Allografts were used in 24% of patients. The questionnaires were returned by 1045 (51.2%) patients at a mean of 7.2 years (range, 5.0-9.8 years) after surgery. Improvements in IKDC score of >30 points were sustained for all patient categories. The strongest predictor for lesser improvement in IKDC score was a cartilage lesion >2 cm2 identified during surgery. Male sex and college education completion were associated with improved IKDC scores. Meniscal lesions did not predict change) in the IKDC score. A total of 69% of patients had returned to sport after 8.1 years (range, 6.7-9.8 years). The main reason for not returning to sport was fear of reinjury. The revision rate was 7.2% after 9 years (range, 8-11 years), 13% of patients needed subsequent ipsilateral non-ACL surgery, and 6% underwent contralateral ACLR. The absence of a meniscal tear, younger age, and male sex were predictors for revision. Graft choice did not predict PROM results or revision risk.

Conclusion:

Improvements in IKDC scores were sustained 7 years after ACLR. The strongest predictor for poor outcome was a cartilage lesion >2 cm2. Patients can expect a 70% return-to-sport rate and an 87% chance of their knee feeling stable during daily and athletic activities after 8 years. Young male patients have better PROM scores but a higher risk of revision. There is a 26% chance of subsequent knee surgery within 9 years, including a revision rate of 7%, subsequent non-ACL surgery to the operated knee in 13%, and a 6% chance of contralateral ACLR.
Patients Surviving Critical COVID-19 have Impairments in Dual-task Performance Related to Post-intensive Care Syndrome
Authors: Morelli Nathan , Parry Selina M. , Steele Angela , Lusby Megan , Montgomery-Yates Ashley A. , Morris Peter E. , Mayer Kirby P.
Published: January 2022

Objective

The purpose was to examine Dual Task (DT) performance in patients surviving severe and critical COVID-19 compared to patients with chronic lung disease (CLD). Secondarily, we aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in patients surviving COVID-19.

Design

Prospective, cross-sectional, observational study.

Setting

Academic medical center within United States.

Patients

Ninety-two patients including 36 survivors of critical COVID-19 that required mechanical ventilation (critical-COVID), 20 patients recovering from COVID-19 that required supplemental oxygen with hospitalization (severe-COVID), and 36 patients with CLD serving as a control group.

Measurements and Main Results

Patients completed the TUG, DT-TUG, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) 1-month after hospital discharge. A subset of patients returned at 3-months and repeated testing to determine the minimal detectable change (MDC). Critical-COVID group (16.8 ± 7.3) performed the DT-TUG in significantly slower than CLD group (13.9 ± 4.8 s; P = .024) and Severe-COVID group (13.1 ± 5.1 s; P = .025). Within-subject difference between TUG and DT-TUG was also significantly worse in critical-COVID group (−21%) compared to CLD (−10%; P = .012), even despite CLD patients having a higher comorbid burden ( P < .003) and older age ( P < .001). TUG and DT-TUG demonstrated strong to excellent construct validity to the chair rise test, gait speed, and 6MWT for both COVID-19 groups (r = −0.84to 0.73, P < .05). One- and 3-months after hospital discharge there was a floor effect of 14% (n = 5/36) and 5.2% (n = 1/19), respectively for patients in the critical-COVID group. Ceiling effects were noted in four (11%) critical-COVID, six (30%) severe-COVID patients for the TUG and DT-TUG at 1-month.

Conclusion

The ability to maintain mobility performance in the presence of a cognitive DT is grossly impaired in patients surviving critical COVID-19. DT performance may subserve the understanding of impairments related to Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) for survivors of critical illness.
Trajectories of General Health Status and Depressive Symptoms Among Persons With Cognitive Impairment in the United States
Authors: Zang Emma , Guo Anna , Pao Christina , Lu Nancy , Wu Bei , Fried Terri R.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To identify and examine heterogeneous trajectories of general health status (GHS) and depressive symptoms (DS) among persons with cognitive impairment (PCIs). Methods: We use group-based trajectory models to study 2361 PCIs for GHS and 1927 PCIs for DS from the National Health and Aging Trends Survey 2011–2018, and apply multinomial logistic regressions to predict identified latent trajectory group memberships using individual characteristics. Results: For both GHS and DS, there were six groups of PCIs with distinct trajectories over a 7-year period. More than 40% PCIs experienced sharp declines in GHS, and 35.5% experienced persistently poor GHS. There was greater heterogeneity in DS trajectories with 55% PCIs experiencing improvement, 16.4% experiencing persistently high DS, and 30.5% experiencing deterioration. Discussion: The GHS trajectories illustrate the heavy burden of poor and declining health among PCIs. Further research is needed to understand the factors underlying stable or improving DS despite declining GHS
Are Green Policies Healthy for Stock Market? Evidence from Bombay Stock Exchange
Authors: Dahal Mahesh , Das Joy
Published: January 2022

The present study examined the impact of the green policies announced during 2014 to 2020 on securities prices of firms constituting BSE Industrial index, by employing event study methodology. The study grouped the securities and observed that the announcements of the green policies did not impact the securities in group A, B and T. Further, on observing the impact of the individual events, the study found that the events having least binding at firm level has positive impact, whereas events with mandatory binding negatively impacted the returns. At sectoral level, the entire sectors except FMCG, Energy and Consumer Durables welcomed the green policies announcement positively.
Revisiting Green Neoliberalism in India through the Lens of Market-Based Restoration and Reforestation Projects
Authors: Benabou Sarah , Harms Arne
Published: January 2022

This introduction to the special issue revisits the idea of ‘green neoliberalism’ through the lens of market-based restoration and reforestation projects in India. Addressing the strategic role of forests as ‘carbon sinks’ and ‘service providers’ in today’s neoliberal reform projects, it contributes to a renewed attention to the material production of such (un)desired natures and their variegated realities. It argues that empirical accounts of how the reorganisation of forests is imagined, how it is implemented through specific programmes, and how it gets entangled into the multi-layered histories of people and places, are critical to understand the tensions but also the openings that neoliberal restructuring at the forested frontier entails. First, the article builds on sustained critiques of ‘green neoliberalism’ to retrace changes in global environmental politics over the last 30 years, stamped by the extended reach of the market both outward —through a performative discursive shift and quantification drives— and inward, as it now aims at subjecting practices, habits and emotions to relentless rounds of improving and enhancing. Second, it considers these developments against the background of India’s forest governance since the 1990s, which saw the emergence of the judiciary as a key institution to enforce environmental laws and countertrends to democratizing forest governance. In light of empirical data collected in the special issue, it asks to what degree instruments such as compensatory afforestation or carbon forestry constitute a departure from older forestry projects, and, in fine, the heuristics of neoliberalism as a category, taking issue with the all-powerfulness of India’s State Forest Departments, the long-standing exclusion of local communities, the use of forests as capital for elite bureaucracies, but also the currency and power of the developmental state in India.
Career Calling and Task Performance: The Moderating Role of Job Demand
Authors: Vianello Michelangelo , Dalla Rosa Anna , Gerdel Sophie
Published: January 2022

The Work as a Calling Theory (WCT) predicts that career calling fosters job performance. A quantitative summary of previous work supports this prediction and shows that the relation between calling and job performance is moderate in size ( ρ = .29, K = 11, N = 2286) . Yet, the environmental conditions that modulate this relation are completely unknown. According to an interactionist perspective, we argue that calling may predict performance only when job demand is low. Results of a multisource study on salesmen and managers dyads ( N= 965) partially supported this prediction. We observed that highly demanding work environments, characterized by pressure to perform, high workload, and unachievable deadlines, suppress the positive relation between calling and self-reported performance. Job demand directly impairs performance and suppresses the positive effect of career calling. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
Role of Ketamine and Opioid Rotation in the Management of Opioid Induced Hyperalgesia in a Patient With Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Hino Christopher , Ran-Castillo Dan , Akhtari Mojtaba , Cao Huynh , Silvestre Julio
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Opioid analgesics are commonly used to manage moderate to severe cancer related pain. However long-term use of opioids has been known to lead to several unintended side effects, including opioid induced hyperalgesia (OIH) which is defined as the paradoxical increase in pain sensitization to pain stimulus following opioid exposure. Currently there are limited reports on the association between patients with cancer and OIH, and this phenomenon is rarely described in patients with leukemia or lymphoma. Here we report a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia who developed opioid induced hyperalgesia following rapid escalation of opioids.

Case report

A 36-year-old female being treated for acute promyelocytic leukemia presented with rapidly worsening acute on chronic hip pain requiring increasing opioid requriements. Given the rapid escalation of opioid dose with minimal response and physical exam findings consistent with allodynia/hyperalgesia a diagnosis of opioid induced hyperalgesia was made.

Management and outcome

Following recognition of opioid induced hyperalgesia, the patient was managed with opioid rotation and ketamine, which resulted in prompt alleviation of pain.

Discussion

Opioid induced hyperalgesia is likely an underrecognized phenomenon in patients with cancer-related pain. A high index of clinical suspicion are necessary for diagnosis and proper management of this disease entity.
Hepatitis B reactivation after oral capecitabine treatment in a rectum cancer patient with isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity
Authors: Tozlu Mukaddes , Toka Bilal , Eminler Ahmet Tarik , Karacaer Cengiz , Hacibekiroglu Ilhan , Uslan Mustafa Ihsan , Koksal Aydin Seref
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in the setting of chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Herein we present a case of HBV reactivation after oral capecitabine treatment in a patient with rectum cancer and isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity.

Case report

A 57-year-old man was consulted from the oncology clinic because of increased serum liver tests after chemotherapy. He underwent surgery for early-stage rectal cancer and received adjuvant chemotherapy with oral capecitabine. After cessation of chemotherapy, his laboratory tests revealed severe liver dysfunction. HBV markers showed positivity for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). HBV DNA level was markedly elevated.

Management and outcome

A review of medical records revealed that, before chemotherapy, the patient was positive for anti-HBc IgG but negative for HBsAg, and serum aminotransferases were within the normal limits. A diagnosis of HBV-related hepatitis due to capecitabine use was made, and the patient was put on tenofovir treatment. Six months later, HBV DNA decreased, and liver function tests were normalized.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing HBV reactivation after chemotherapy with capecitabine for rectal cancer in a patient with isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity. Our case shows that HBV reactivation may develop in a low-risk patient with a low degree of immunosuppression.
Characteristic foliations of material evolution: from remodeling to aging
Authors: Jiménez Víctor Manuel , de León Manuel , Epstein Marcelo
Published: January 2022

For any body-time manifold [Formula: see text] there exists a groupoid, called the material groupoid, encoding all the material properties of the material evolution. A smooth distribution, the material distribution, is constructed to deal with the case in which the material groupoid is not a Lie groupoid. This new tool provides a unified framework to deal with general non-uniform material evolution.
Evaluating the potential for utilising migratory locust powder (Locusta migratoria) as an alternative protein source in peanut-based ready-to-use therapeutic foods
Authors: Akande Olamide Abigael , Oluwamukomi Matthew , Osundahunsi Oluwatooyin Faramade , Ijarotimi Oluwole Steve , Mukisa Ivan Muzira
Published: January 2022

This study aimed at exploring the possibility of substituting powdered milk (PM) with migratory locust powder (MLP) as a cheap and sustainable alternative protein source in peanut-based ready-to-use therapeutic foods used in treatment of malnutrition. The migratory locust is a wide spread and underutilised high protein edible insect. Peanut-based ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) were formulated according to the MSF/UNICEF 2013 nutritional standards. Milk powder was substituted with MLP at 5–30% levels. RUTF containing 30% milk powder was used as the control. Nutritional, antioxidant and antinutrients composition of the insect-enriched RUTFs were compared with RUTF containing milk powder only and a standard. The protein content of the insect-enriched RUTFs ranged from 19.58–26.38% exceeding the MSF/UNICEF minimum standard for protein. RUTF with 10% PM and 20% MLP had the highest (p < 0.05) mineral contents. All formulations had more thiamine (vitamin B1) than the recommended level of 0.5 mg/100 g. Niacin (Vitamin B3) was the most abundant vitamin in the formulations with considerable amounts of vitamin D and E. All MLP-enriched RUTFs met the FAO 2011 standard requirements for amino acids for children aged six months to three years. Therapeutic food with 30% MLP had the highest radical scavenging ability against DPPH, and iron chelating activity. Levels of phytate and tannin were below the tolerable limits. Therefore, MLP can be used as a low-cost substitute for milk powder in producing ready-to-use therapeutic foods.
Prevalence of Pesticide Use and Occupational Exposure Among Small-Scale Farmers in Western Ethiopia
Authors: Afata Tariku Neme , Mekonen Seblework , Shekelifa Miftahe , Tucho Gudina Terefe
Published: January 2022

Objective:

This study aims to assess the prevalence of pesticide use and its occupational exposure among small-scale farmers in the Kellem Wellega Zone of western Ethiopia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design using a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 249 small-scale farmers’ households through face-to-face interviews. Statistical analysis such as descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis was applied, and a P-value <.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The prevalence of pesticide use was 87.15%. About 44.2%, 40.2%, and 43.8% of the study participants were classified as having poor knowledge, poor practice, and negative attitude toward pesticide use, respectively. Thus, small-scale farmers whose age was greater than 40 years were 7.87 times more likely to be exposed to skin irritation than those whose age was less than 20 years (AOR = 7.87; 95% CI: 1.75-35.45) and skin contact (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.15-0.91). Most farmers who were directly involved in agriculture were 2.22 times more likely to be exposed to the inhalation of pesticide chemicals than those involved in another activity (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.14-4.33). Based on educational level, small-scale farmers who have a primary school and above were 81% less likely to inhale pesticide chemicals than those who did not have formal education (AOR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.09-0.41). Furthermore, low-income small-scale farmers were 2.62 times more likely to be exposed to coughing (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.25-5.51) than high-income participants. Furthermore, farmers with good knowledge were 1.79 times more likely to be exposed to skin irritation than those with poor knowledge (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.0-3.17). Farmers with poor practice were 1.85 times more likely to show coughing symptoms than those with good practice (AOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.08-3.2), and farmers with good practice were 48% less likely to be exposed to headache than those with poor practice (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.31-0.88).

Conclusions:

This study shows that small-scale farmers were exposed to pesticides through coughing, headache, skin irritation, inhalation, and skin contact. Low level of knowledge, poor practice, job, low income, older age, and educational level.
Experimental investigation of link beams with perforated web section in eccentrically braced frames
Authors: Alçiçek Haluk E , Vatansever Cüneyt
Published: January 2022

Eccentrically braced frame (EBF) system is one of the most effective lateral loads resisting systems for steel structures. In these systems, links are designed in such a way that they yield in shear not only to provide high ductility and rigidity but also to provide a high energy dissipation capacity. In particular, as the internal forces to be considered for the design of the members outside of the links must be calculated with the amplification factor based on the yielding of the links, the magnitude of the internal forces may become so large that they may not be met by the adjacent members. Therefore, it is challenging to develop an economic design for adjacent members and connections because of the high level of design loads obtained by the amplification factor. This paper studies the effect of the perforation arrangement in the web of shear link beams in eccentrically braced frames. Both experimental and numerical investigation were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the link beam with slotted perforations in the web portion. Seven equivalent isolated link beam specimens with various slot-hole patterns were tested under quasi-static cyclic loading. The results of the study indicate that using slot-holes in the web portion reduces the link shear capacity significantly. The results also show that the failure mechanism of reduced link sections was controlled by fracture at end of the slot-holes and inelastic rotation capacities were varying between 0.025 rad and 0.065 rad depending on the slot-hole patterns.
Nutrients with Antioxidant Properties and Their Effects on Lower-Limb Ulcers: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Souza Thamiris , Monteiro Jessyca Dias Cardoso , Curioni Cintia Chaves , Cople-Rodrigues Cláudia , Citelli Marta
Published: January 2022

Chronic lower-limb ulcers (LLUs) are ulcers that fail to proceed through an orderly and timely process to produce anatomic and functional integrity. LLUs reduce the quality of life of affected individuals and are a public health problem. The treatment options include medications or surgery. Nutrition therapy is an important adjunct to improve the clinical picture and healing of LLUs. Considering that nutrients with antioxidant properties can improve the process of tissue healing, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of antioxidant nutrient supplementation in the treatment of LLUs through randomized clinical trials. This systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The guiding question was—can antioxidant nutrients help in the treatment of chronic LLUs? In total, 1184 articles were found when searching for antioxidant nutrients associated with the most common causes of LLUs. Fourteen articles were included in this review after removing duplicates, studies with topical and/or venous use of antioxidants, and articles published in other languages, except English. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, C, D, and resveratrol along with probiotics positively improved the ulcer healing. These effects were more significant when there was initially a deficiency of the respective supplemented nutrients. Therefore, correcting and maintaining an adequate nutritional status can improve ulcer healing and contribute to the clinical treatment of patients with LLUs.
“We Need to Talk About Empathy”: Dutch Humanist Chaplains’ Perspectives on Empathy's Functions, Downsides, and Limitations in Chaplaincy Care
Authors: van Dijke Jolanda , Duyndam Joachim , van Nistelrooij Inge , Bos Pien
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates the functions, downsides, and limitations of empathy in chaplaincy care. Data were collected from 20 humanist chaplains working in health care, prison, and military settings using semi-structured interviews. According to the participants, empathy is at the heart of their profession but has disadvantages as well. The analysis yields seven major functions of empathy with corresponding downsides and limitations: (1) to connect, (2) to understand, (3) to guide, (4) to acknowledge, (5) to motivate, (6) to inspire, and (7) to humanize. We argue for a need to “talk about empathy” since despite its importance and challenges, there is little professional and academic discussion about empathy in chaplaincy care. We hope that the findings of this study can function as starting points for the discussion and thus contribute to the ongoing professionalization of chaplaincy care. To that end, we propose three topics for further reflection and conversation.
Velocity planning method for position–velocity–time control based on a modified S-shaped acceleration/deceleration algorithm
Authors: Ni Hepeng , Ji Shuai , Liu Yanan , Ye Yingxin , Zhang Chengrui , Chen Jiwen
Published: January 2022

Position–velocity–time control mode has been wildly used in industrial application. And velocity planning is one of the most important factors to determine the performance of position–velocity–time motion. To generate smooth trajectory while satisfying the kinematic constraints of the devices such as the maximum velocity, acceleration, and jerk, a novel velocity planning method is proposed. Firstly, a modified S-shaped acceleration/deceleration algorithm is designed to restrict the kinematic parameters. Meanwhile, a series of rules are specified to constrain the velocity profile to simplify the velocity planning process. On this basis, the velocity planning method is proposed based on the modified acceleration/deceleration algorithm. For reasonable position–velocity–time command, the given position–velocity–time conditions can be satisfied with smooth velocity profile, where the kinematic parameters can be limited in their allowable ranges. For unreasonable position–velocity–time commands, a series of planning strategies are designed to adjust the given conditions according to the user needs, which is suitable for the real application. The comparative experiments show that the proposed method can realize the velocity planning for position–velocity–time motion with smooth trajectory while restricting the kinematic parameters. The computational load is also tested to satisfy the real-time requirement. Therefore, the proposed velocity planning method has good performance and strong practicability.
Influence of Cultural Values on Singapore School Leadership
Authors: Tan Cheng Yong
Published: January 2022

The present study examines how Singapore school leadership is influenced by different cultural values. It employed a systematic review of 72 studies on Singapore school leadership published 2000–2021. Results showed that collectivistic values engendered moral leadership responsibilities while power distance and other Asian values eventuated in the nuanced implementation of distributed leadership. Four values characterizing Singapore society also shaped school leadership. First, meritocratic principles informed how school leaders allocated educational resources and opportunities in schools. Second, future-oriented school leaders focused on preparing students for 21st-century work. Third, the emphasis on achieving systems-level coherence culminated in ecological leadership across the Singapore education system. Fourth, strategically pragmatic Singapore school leaders implemented various leadership models to address complex educational expectations and needs. The confluence of different cultural values resulted in school leaders adopting a meta-strategic leadership perspective in Singapore. The study contributes to scholarship by providing an up-to-date, comprehensive review of Singapore school leadership, encompassing different forms of leadership enacted by all levels of school leaders, that is influenced by different cultural values. It also shows that different values influencing school leadership are not necessarily congruent, thereby pointing the way forward for researchers to examine sources of tension within school leadership.
Is implicit Level-2 visual perspective-taking embodied? Spontaneous perceptual simulation of others’ perspectives is not impaired by motor restriction
Authors: Ward Eleanor , Ganis Giorgio , McDonough Katrina L , Bach Patric
Published: January 2022

Visual perspective taking may rely on the ability to mentally rotate one’s own body into that of another. Here, we test whether participants’ ability to make active body movements plays a causal role in visual perspective taking. We utilised our recent task that measures whether participants spontaneously represent another’s visual perspective in a (quasi-)perceptual format that can drive own perceptual decision making. Participants reported whether alphanumeric characters, presented in different orientations, are shown in their normal or mirror-inverted form (e.g., “R” vs. “Я”). Between trials, we manipulated whether another person was sitting either left or right of the character and whether participants’ movement was restricted with a chinrest or whether they could move freely. As in our previous research, participants spontaneously took the visual perspective of the other person, recognising rotated letters more rapidly when they appeared upright to the other person in the scene, compared with when they faced away from that person, and these effects increased with age but were (weakly) negatively related to schizotypy and not to autistic traits or social skills. Restricting participants’ ability to make active body movements did not influence these effects. The results, therefore, rule out that active physical movement plays a causal role in computing another’s visual perspective, either to create alignment between own and other’s perspective or to trigger perspective taking processes. The postural adjustments people sometimes make when making judgements from another’s perspective may instead be a bodily consequence of mentally transforming one’s actual to an imagined position in space.
For People, For Policy: Journalists’ Perceptions of Peace Journalism in East Africa
Authors: Doll Meagan E.
Published: January 2022

Compared to studies on peace-journalism content, little research examines journalists’ perceptions of peace journalism despite theoretical suggestions that individuals influence content production. To address this relative disparity, this study examines the social conditions shaping journalists’ perceptions of peace journalism using a hierarchy-of-influences perspective and data from 20 in-depth interviews with East African journalists, conducted between September 2020 and February 2021. Findings suggest that journalists generally understand peace journalism in one of two ways, each with distinct intended audiences, aims, and reporting interventions. Moreover, when examined alongside respondents’ professional situations, these perceptions tend to be stratified by varying degrees of professional precarity.
Impact of Sars-Cov-2 pandemic on hip fractures: Clinical and radiographic outcomes
Authors: García-Seisdedos Pérez-Tabernero Fernando , Calvo Santiago Gabardo , Luengo-Alonso Gonzalo , Couso Myriam Rodríguez , Calvo Emilio
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Hip fractures affecting older people are at a higher risk of complications during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The aim of this study is to provide data about proximal femoral fractures management and early outcomes during COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same period in 2019. Material and Methods: Retrospective and comparative study performed in two different periods were analyzed: from March 15, 2020, to April 30, 2020 (the first six weeks of Spain´s current confinement) and the same period in 2019. Data regarding demographics (age and sex, housing), type of fracture, surgical performance, early outcomes (at 30 days), and at 1-year follow-up were collected. A total of 146 patients were evaluated, 89 in 2019 and 57 in 2020. Results: Despite the drop ∼35.6% in hip fractures during SARS-CoV-2 period, distribution (age ( P = 0.985), sex ( P = 0.43), housing ( P = 0.61), type of fracture ( P = 0.41)) and Charlson comorbidity index ( P = 0.12) were similar to a 2019 period. Surgical performance did not worsen in spite of the tough situation and the use of personal protective equipment, improving in some radiological variables (tip-to-apex and calcar reduction). In terms of postoperative outcomes, although there is a tendency to a short-term mortality increase (from 3.4% to 5.2%, P = 0.22), there were no differences at 1-year follow-up (20.2% in 2019 and 20.4% in 2020, P=0.587). In the same line, although in both groups the patients lost functionality at 1 year, there were no significant differences ( P = 0.42). Conclusion: Even in challenging times, protocols and adequate organization ensure proper outcomes, reaching satisfying clinical and surgical outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite an increasing trend in short term mortality not seen at 1-year follow-up.
Population Flow and Epidemic Spread: Direct Impact and Spatial Spillover Effect
Authors: Zhang Chao , Chen Si , Wang Chunyang , Zhao Yi , Ao Min
Published: January 2022

Based on population migration data from Baidu and the spatial Durbin model, this paper examines the impact of population mobility on the spatial transmission of COVID-19 and provides a basis for forecasting epidemic transmission and guiding public health intervention plans from the perspectives of population mobility and geographical space. The results show that epidemic spreading displays a clear spatial pattern that includes not only spreading from Wuhan to the surrounding areas but also secondary transmission in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta regions through population flows. The epidemic degree in each area is directly affected by the number of population inflows from Wuhan and indirectly affected by the spatial spillover effect from other areas. Due to the lack of strict restrictions on population flows, the spatial spillover effect in areas outside Hubei gradually strengthened after the closure of Wuhan and exceeded the direct effect, and the intensity of population flows within Wuhan had a significant impact on the spread of the epidemic. Without considering the spatial spillover effect, the model will overestimate the impact of population inflows in Wuhan on the local epidemic and underestimate the total effect of regional patterns on epidemic transmission.