bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of outcome prediction of the respiratory ECMO survival prediction score and the predicting death for severe ARDS on VV-ECMO score for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Majithia-Beet Gavin , Naemi Roozbeh , Issitt Richard
Published: July 2022

Background

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy for respiratory failure is an increasingly popular modality of support. Patient selection is an important aspect of outcome success. This review assesses the efficacy of the popular prognostic tools Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction Score (RESP) and Predicting Death for Severe ARDS on VV-ECMO score (PRESERVE) for ECMO patient selection.

Methods

A literature search was performed. Six publications were found to match the specified selection criteria. These publications were assessed and compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve statistical method to ascertain the discriminatory ability of the models to predict treatment outcome.

Results

Six articles were included in this review from 306 screened, of which all were retrospective cohort studies. Data was generated over a period of 3–9 years from 13 referring hospitals. Studies consisted of 467 male and 221 female (30 unknown) participants in total with a high heterogeneity. The PRESERVE prognostic model was found to have a higher AUROC score than the RESP model, however both models were found to be sub-optimal in their discriminatory ability. A high chance of bias was seen across all included studies.

Conclusion

It was the findings of this review, indicated by analysis using the AUROC measures, that the prognostic model PRESERVE performed better than RESP for predicting post ECMO therapy outcomes, for patients presenting with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome within their respective validated time frames, i.e., RESP at Intensive care unit (ICU) discharge and PRESERVE at 6 months post ICU discharge. However, It was recognized that comparator groups were small thereby introducing bias into the study. Further prospective, randomized studies would be necessary to effectively assess the utility of these predictive survival scores.
Research on Differential Pricing and Train Operation Decisions for Railway Cargo Transportation Under Competitive Conditions
Authors: Zeng Jin , Zhang Xiaoqing , Jin Kehuai
Published: July 2022

Railway freight operations aim not only to market themselves aggressively to capture the market in a competitive environment but also to achieve refined management. The operational decisions chosen by carriers can have a significant impact on the revenue across freight services. Nowadays, various forms of transported products, train make-up, and schedules are developed from the perspective of production convenience, with less consideration of shippers’ needs for the time utility, frequency, and tariffs of transportation services. This paper investigates a joint optimization approach to railroad operation planning that combines meeting the transport demand preferences of different shippers in a competitive environment. Considering the heterogeneity of shippers’ transportation demands and the competitive environment with freight trucking, a new bi-level programming model is proposed that incorporates pricing decisions and operational planning policies, such as car blocking, train routing, and make-up. An exact solution for this model is developed by adding valid inequalities to the mixed-integer formula and the experiment is conducted with data from bulk coal cargo transportation of the S Railway Bureau Group Corp. A simple transportation network is presented, and the calculation results of the pricing decisions that maximize the profit in each operation decision in this network are reported.
The Role of Walkability, Socio-Economic and Parental Cognitive Characteristics in Long Walking Journeys to School
Authors: Fallah Zavareh Mohsen , Barati Mehdi , Mamdoohi AmirReza , Abraham Michael
Published: July 2022

Previous research has identified the socio-economic, built environment, and psychological barriers to children walking to school. Long journeys, however, have been identified as a crucial constraint reducing the likelihood of walking to school. Determining a threshold to distinguish between long and short journeys, the present study sought to examine whether the contribution of the factors reducing walking to school differs between short and long journeys. Questionnaires were distributed among 7 to 12-year-old children in a neighborhood of Tehran ( n = 272) to be completed by parents. In addition, instead of walkability at the neighborhood level that considers walkability within a radial buffer from home or destination, we measured walkability along the school routes. ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve analysis found a threshold of 12.5 min to differentiate between long and short journeys. Walking journeys longer or shorter than the threshold were classified to be long or short, respectively. We developed two separate models, one to estimate walking for all (including long and short) journeys; and the other for only long journeys. Compared with all journeys, long walking journeys were explained by more built-environment variables. Parental attitudes toward walking were also significant in long walking journeys. However, analysis of interaction effects between walking time to school and the study variables confirmed that among all variables examined, the contribution of only environmental factors of crosswalks, walkways, and physically permeable frontages was significantly different between long and short walking journeys. Policy implications of the findings have been discussed.
Short-Term Safety Performance Functions for Freeways Including High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes
Authors: Fu Jingwan , Abdel-Aty Mohamed , Mahmoud Nada , Wu Yina
Published: July 2022

Short-term safety performance functions (SPFs) were proposed to achieve accurate and dynamic crash frequency predictions and bridge the gap between annual crash frequency prediction and real-time crash likelihood prediction. The proposed short-term SPFs consider the temporal variation in crashes and traffic characteristics. This study contributes to the literature by developing short-term SPFs at hourly aggregation levels for freeways that include high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes using loop detector data from Arizona State, U.S. Variables that capture the short-term traffic turbulence were prepared and considered in the developed SPFs. Further, this study investigated the factors contributing to crash frequency using three different ways to represent the hourly traffic: annual average hourly traffic, annual average weekday hourly traffic (AAWDHT), and annual average weekday peak hour traffic (AAWDPT). The results indicated that the traffic volume variable was found to be significant in all the developed models. Further, the variables that represent the speed and occupancy differences between HOV lanes and general-purpose lanes were positively associated with crash frequency. This study proposed a series of variables that reflect the short-term traffic turbulence. The models comparison results showed an improvement in [Formula: see text] from 2.4% to 12.8% when including the proposed variables. Further, the results indicated that the Poisson-lognormal approach outperformed the basic negative binomial model in both AAWDHT, and AAWDPT models. Further, the AAWDPT model was found to have the best performance in relation to Akaike information criterion and [Formula: see text].
Identifying Risks in the Cruise Supply Chain: An Empirical Study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhou Jingen , (Peggy) Chen Shu-Ling , (Wendy) Shi Wenming
Published: July 2022

The increased frequency and severe consequences of risks in the cruise industry have attracted increasing attention from both academics and practitioners, especially after the 2012 ‘Costa Concordia’ disaster and the 2020 coronavirus outbreak on the ‘Diamond Princess’. Although the literature on risk studies associated with the cruise industry and supply-chain risk management is growing, the extant literature lacks a study to view risks in the cruise industry associated with the supply chain. This paper addresses this gap by reviewing the literature on risks related to the cruise industry and general supply-chain risks to create a framework of cruise supply-chain risks. Then, semi-structured interviews were conducted to validate the identified risks and explore potential undiscovered risks. A novel risk typology of the cruise supply chain was then built based on the literature review and the empirical study. This includes macro risks, safety, security, and health risks, information risks, and supply risks. This framework can be applied for the purpose of systematically identifying the risks and their impacts on the cruise supply chain. This paper contributes to the development of a comprehensive cruise supply-chain risk classification with a detailed explanation of each risk in the cruise supply chain, which can be used by stakeholders in the cruise industry to identify and measure the impact of each risk. Additionally, this paper provides avenues for future research by scholars interested in assessing and managing cruise supply-chain risks.
Hispanic Caregivers of the Money Follows the Person Program in Connecticut: Satisfaction, Familism, and Burden
Authors: López-Anuarbe Mónika , Shugrue Noreen , Baker Kristin , Robison Julie
Published: July 2022

Hispanic caregivers provide more assistance than the U.S. average, but underutilize support services and report low levels of program satisfaction. A possible exception is the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program. Using an ordered logit statistical approach, we studied program satisfaction of all Hispanic caregivers assisting Connecticut MFP participants from 2014 to 2019, examining the effects of caregiver familism, burden, and personal characteristics including self-reported health and perceived financial situation. Healthier caregivers with positive perceptions of MFP’s usefulness and lower subjective burden reported higher program satisfaction. In ordered logits for separate blocks, familism elements (finding caregiving worthwhile, feeling well-supported as a caregiver, and having a good relationship with the care recipient) were statistically significant and associated with higher satisfaction. Our exclusive focus on Hispanic caregivers highlights the role of familism in satisfaction, and demonstrates that programs with a supportive caregiver component can supplement familism ties and overcome barriers to service usage.
Developing a Comprehensive Understanding of Older Person Abuse in Canadian Immigrant Communities: An Integrative Review
Authors: Mehdi Fahmida , Dahlke Sherry , Hunter Kathleen F.
Published: July 2022

Older immigrants represent 28% of the Canadian population who are over the age of 60. World-wide 1 in 6 older persons experiences abuse. Due to population aging, attention must be paid to the abuse and victimization of older immigrant persons, and the concept of elder abuse. The purpose of this integrative review was to understand elder abuse from the perspective of older immigrants, who came to Canada in their 60s or older as dependents of families or sponsors. Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) method of review resulted in six articles that met the inclusion criteria. Results revealed three themes: conceptualization of abuse, post-immigration stressors and cultural factors, and barriers to access support and protection. The perpetrators were often close family members including intimate partners, spouses, children, children-in-laws and grandchildren. Contextual factors that influenced abuse included: power imbalance, change in social status from head of the families to legal and financial dependents due to immigration, culture, ethnicity, gender role expectations and language barrier. More research is needed to understand the diverse older immigrants experiences of elder abuse.
Maternal Pyelonephritis as a Potential Cause of Perinatal Periventricular Venous Infarction in Term-Born Children
Authors: Ilves Norman , Laugesaar Rael , Rull Kristiina , Metsvaht Tuuli , Lintrop Mare , Laan Maris , Loorits Dagmar , Kool Pille , Ilves Pilvi
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The study was designed to assess the prevalence of pregnancy and delivery associated risk factors in children suffering from neonatal or presumed periventricular venous infarction. Methods: Antenatal records and pregnancy outcome data were retrospectively assessed in children with presumed periventricular venous infarction (n = 43, born ≥36 gestational weeks) or neonatal periventricular venous infarction (n = 86, born <36 gestational weeks) and compared to a matched control group (n = 2168, ≥36 gestational weeks) from a prospective study. Results: Children with presumed periventricular venous infarction had significantly more maternal bacterial infections compared to the control group (47% vs 20%, respectively, P < .001), whereas no difference was found compared to the neonatal periventricular venous infarction group (49%, P = .80). Mothers with bacterial infection in the presumed periventricular venous infarction group had significantly more often pyelonephritis compared to the control group (50% vs 3.4%, respectively, P < .001). Conclusions: Our data show an increased risk for developing periventricular venous infarction in the case of maternal bacterial infections, especially between gestational weeks 21 and 31.
Temperature-controlled friction stir welds of age-hardenable aluminum alloys characterized by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy
Authors: Hunt Johnathon Bryce , Pearl David , Hovanski Yuri , Dryzek Ewa , Dymek Stanisław , Hamilton Carter
Published: July 2022

Friction stir welds were manufactured from aluminum alloy 2024-T3 and 7075-T6 workpieces under temperature control. Three control conditions, high-temperature, low-temperature and uncontrolled, were selected for each alloy based on the precipitation/dissolution temperatures of their strengthening phases, and the welds were characterized through positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and mechanical testing. For 2024, positron lifetimes and numerical simulation of the temperature profiles demonstrated that the S phase dissolution temperature was not achieved for any of the control conditions and hardness recovery upon cooling did not occur; however, for the low-temperature control (410°C), the S phase precipitated adjacent to the weld zone with the least extent of overaging, yielding the highest tensile strength of the three conditions. For 7075, dissolution of the η phase did not occur for the low-temperature (390°C) and the high-temperature (430°C) control conditions, and the low-temperature control produced the highest tensile strength due to the lesser degree of overaging of the strengthening phase. The uncontrolled condition for 7075, however, did achieve temperatures capable of dissolving the η phase, but due to the slow natural aging kinetics of 7075, a hardness recovery was not observed within the timeframe of this investigation.
Pressure control based on reinforcement learning strategy of the pneumatic relays for an electric-pneumatic braking system
Authors: Shan Tianshi , Li Liang , Wu Xiuheng , Cheng Shuo
Published: July 2022

In the electric-pneumatic braking system (EPBS), fast and accurate brake pressure regulation is critical to vehicle braking safety and is the basis for active safety functions. However, the lack of signal feedback, limited actuator response accuracy, and extremely strong model stiffness and nonlinearity pose problems for high-precision brake pressure regulation. To solve these problems, this article proposes a Q-learning-based control algorithm to regulate actuator instructions. First, the nonlinearity of the system and complicated actuator operating process is settled by a simplified mathematical model. Then, a decoupled pressure observing method is proposed to solve the observation problem caused by the coupling of mechanical and fluid motion. Finally, this paper proposes the idea of using an optimization method to solve the control problem caused by the response speed of the actuator, a Q-learning algorithm is used to settle the solenoid switching action to minimize response time and steady-state error. Both simulation and practical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the dependability of the model and effectiveness of the control method.
The obstacle avoidance assistance control of multi-axle distributed heavy vehicles
Authors: Wang Weichen , Li Junqiu , Sun Fengchun
Published: July 2022

Based on the artificial potential field theory, a hierarchical obstacle avoidance assisted driving framework is proposed in this paper, in order to solve the obstacle avoidance assisted driving problem of distributed heavy vehicles. Initially, a desired lateral position potential field (DLPPF) that reflects the driver’s driving intention is applied based on the constant turn rate and velocity (CTRV) model. And a real-time obstacle avoidance path can be obtained and further updated through a comprehensive consideration of the safety of obstacle avoidance and the obstacle repulsion potential field (ORPF). In addition, a differential drive assistance steering (DDAS) on the heavy vehicle steering bridge has been adopted to realize avoiding obstacles, and additional yaw moment to the vehicle’s non-steering axle has been utilized to ensure the maneuverability and stability of vehicle. Aiming to solve the lower layer control problem, a variable weight controller based on model predictive control (MPC) is designed to coordinate path tracking performance and dynamics control. Finally, through simulations and comparisons, the effectiveness of the obstacle avoidance strategy is verified.
Modeling of hydro-pneumatic suspension system with fractional order terms and simulation analysis of road friendliness
Authors: Lv Kun , Wang Jingyue , Cheng Haiyang , Wang Haotian , Wang Junnian
Published: July 2022

To establish the hydro-pneumatic suspension model more accurately and better analyze the influence of heavy vehicle hydro-pneumatic suspension system on road friendliness, the fractional order theory is applied to modeling, and the mathematical model and dynamics model of dual-chamber hydro-pneumatic suspension with fractional order are established by using Matlab/Simulink, and the fractional order differential term of the suspension system is calculated according to the improved Oustaloup filter. The effect of fractional order on suspension stiffness, damping and output forces is also investigated. The optimal fractional order is determined to be 0.9 for the design of a combined suspension performance index function. The vibration law of increasing amplitude and error of fractional-order is obtained through simulation, and the model with fractional-order is described more accurately. A sliding film variable structure controller was established for control. The simulation results were analyzed by means of theoretical road damage factors and dynamic load factors. The results show that the suspension system model with fractional order terms can effectively reduce the dynamic tire load and improve the suspension smoothness and road friendliness.
Optimization of hydroxyapatite powder mixed electric discharge machining process to improve modified surface features of 316L stainless steel
Authors: Danish Mohd , Al-Amin Md , Abdul-Rani Ahmad Majdi , Rubaiee Saeed , Ahmed Anas , Zohura Fatema Tuj , Ahmed Rasel , Yildirim Mehmet B
Published: July 2022

Traditional methods for producing 316L steel with a desired roughness and a uniform thin coating for sufficient bioactivity and long-term durability are highly difficult and require post-processing. Electric discharge machining (EDM) is a nontraditional process that can accomplish both machining and coating the surface concurrently. This study provides a thorough examination of the impacts of EDM process parameters on the machining responses, which are significantly necessary for processing 316L steel to reach its full potential. The nano-hydroxyapatite particles added EDM method is used to improve the machining and the surface responses. EDM process parametric optimization is conducted using Taguchi's design to achieve the lowest surface roughness of 2.04 µm and a recast layer thickness of 6.11 µm. As a machinability metric, the greatest material erosion rate (MER) of 20.64 mg/min is achieved. Current intensity, discharge period and hydroxyapatite amount are identified to be important predictors for MER, surface roughness and recast layer thickness. Scanning electron microscope with the energy dispersive X-ray spectrums and atomic force microscopic images validate the machined surface morphology, elemental compositions and surface topography. Errors of the confirmatory tests are less than 10%, showing that the projected solution sets by the grey wolf optimizer are highly accurate. The study shows a thin recast layer with both nano and micro-surface roughness formation, which have a great importance in biomedical applications.
Dynamics of slip phenomenon in micropolar nanofluid flowing over a stretchable disk with Arrhenius activation energy
Authors: Nawaz M , Imran M , Rauf A , Shehzad S A
Published: July 2022

An incompressible, laminar, and electrically conducting micropolar nanofluid flowing above a stretchable disk is examined. The surface is located in the plane [Formula: see text] and the axi-symmetric flow occupies its space in the region [Formula: see text]. The activation energy is considered in concentration equation of the flow model. The uniform temperature and nanofluid volume fraction are assumed at the surface. The approach of similarity transformations is utilized to normalize the governing flow equations. The resulting system is then solved using Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg (RKF-45) solver to obtain the graphical and numerical results of various dimensionless physical variables. It is scrutinized that the porosity parameter is important in the reduction of radial velocity. The microrotation curves are enhanced magnitude wise due to enhancement in the vortex viscosity parameter. It is also perceived that the concentration field is enhanced against the increasing activation energy parameter. Temperature is augmented by increasing the thermophoresis and Brownian movement parameters while the heat transport rate is reduced by the larger thermophoresis and Brownian movement parameters. Concentration field is reduced by the larger Brownian movement parameter while enhanced against the higher thermophoresis parameter.
Design and optimization of nine degrees of freedom suspension model for hyperloop pods
Authors: Madhan Pratik , Gaikwad Shantanu , Panigrahi Brajesh
Published: July 2022

The concept of Hyperloop systems is proposed to cater the needs of high-speed transportation of goods and passengers. This technology comprises low-pressure tubes, pods and terminals. The pods travel inside the low-pressure tubes at very high speed between the terminals. One of the crucial aspects of this technology is the design of suspension systems for pod stability. It has been accentuated that a wheel-based suspension system is a superior option for subsonic speed travel with the minimum achievable technology and leaving higher performance for future developments. Therefore, a nine DOF wheel-based suspension model is proposed for Hyperloop pods in the present work. The design of the proposed suspension model is developed considering the high acceleration and normal and emergency braking events in Hyperloop systems. The objective of the proposed design is to minimize pod displacements due to various possible excitations. Equation of motion for the model is firstly derived, and the responses for the various excitations are obtained using a Simulink model and Newmark β method. Subsequently, the design parameters of the proposed model are optimized using the Simulink optimization tool. The response of the pod with the proposed suspension model is compared with the responses of existing suspension models to ensure better pod stability. Finally, acceleration and braking events in the Hyperloop environment are considered with the load transfer mechanism. Subsequently, a parametric study on the response of the Hyperloop pods with a proposed suspension model with optimized parameters is performed considering normal and emergency braking events.
Investigation on a new type of latching mechanism on the satellite-rocket docking system and locking dynamic analysis
Authors: Lin Qing , Zhang Ming , Ren Jie , Hua Qiuqin
Published: July 2022

To meet the in-orbit maintenance requirements of malfunctioning satellites and maintenance satellites rigid connections, a new type of latching mechanism based on satellite-rocket docking ring is proposed, which has light weight, good structural stiffness, simple motion and locking mechanism, simple control logic, high reliability and large range of docking ring size adaptation. A multi-body dynamic model of the docking ring latch mechanism, malfunctioning satellite and maintenance satellite were established, the maximum locking force and maximum friction of the latch mechanism and the maximum stress of the latching joint and crank of the direct force component were analyzed, and the change of locking force and friction under the three typical in-orbit maneuvering conditions were studied. The results show that: the maximum locking force and maximum friction of the latch mechanism on the docking ring is 1300N and 320N, respectively, stable locking force and friction are 300N and 80N, respectively, the maximum stress occurs on connecting rod which is 865 MPa; In-orbit maneuvering has little effect on the locking force and friction of the docking ring latch mechanism, and the docking ring latch mechanism can always lock the malfunctioning satellite steadily and reliably.
The hemodynamic effect of eccentricity in visceral branched aneurysms with multilayer stents
Authors: Wang Guanshi , Li Zhongyou , Chen Chong , Yan Fei , Wei Junru , Zhang Zhuo , Chen Yu
Published: July 2022

It is preliminarily acknowledged that multilayer stent (MS) is a promising alternative technology in the treatment of visceral branched aneurysms, but hemodynamic consequences of eccentricity in such aneurysms with MS are less examined. In this work, we performed a time-dependent simulation of branched aneurysms of various eccentricities with different stent layers, and thrombosis-related parameters, such as time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillating shear index (OSI), and relative residence time (RRT), were also analyzed. Our results revealed that MS can generally restore laminar flow inside the stent, and allow proper perfusion to vital organs while also fostering a relatively secluded hemodynamic environment for thrombosis formation. Particularly, a flow in the aneurysm sac communicating between the main artery and side branch forms at early systole. However, MS fails to completely eliminate detrimental flow impingement after peak systole, which may hinder aneurysm recovery, especially in the cases of eccentric aneurysms. Therefore, saccular aneurysms should be treated with more caution than fusiform aneurysms. And further therapeutic attempts to keep both perfusion in the proximal region of the aneurysm and isolation in the distal region of the aneurysm should be considered.
Automated evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis from hand radiographs using Machine Learning and deep learning techniques
Authors: Ahalya R K , Umapathy Snekhalatha , Krishnan Palani Thanaraj , Joseph Raj Alex Noel
Published: July 2022

The aim and objectives of the study are as follows: (i) to implement automated patch-based classification of hand X-ray images using modified pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) models; (ii) to develop a customized CNN model for automated feature extraction and classification of hand X-ray images and to compare the performance of customized CNN models with non-linear and linear kernels; (iii) to construct the hand crafted feature fusion (SIFT+ Customized CNN features) and categorize the normal and RA using Machine Learning classifiers. The model was trained on 75 images (10,000 patches) of hand radiographs and tested using 25 images (500 patches) that were not included in the training set. The accuracy of the modified pre-trained model GoogLeNet was 89% and the proposed custom model three achieved an accuracy of 95%. The sensitivity and specificity of GoogLeNet were 84% and 90% respectively. The custom model three attained the sensitivity and specificity as 95% and 94% respectively. Furthermore, when compared to the features extracted (SIFT + CNN) from the customized models, the custom3 model outperformed well for the classification of RA compared to ML classifiers. Thus a custom CNN-based computer-aided diagnostic tool can be used as an effective method for the detection of RA.
Numerical simulation of snowdrift on an air-supported membrane structure and response analysis under snow loads
Authors: Yanli He , Xiaolin Yan , Xiongyan Li
Published: July 2022

The air supported membrane structure is a typical nonlinear flexible long-span space structure, the wind-induced drift and the resulting accumulation and distribution of snow particles on the structure may be the primary design concern among all loads in heavy-snowfall region. Thus, an accurate prediction of snow distribution on membrane surface is vital to structural design. A numerical simulation method is used to estimate snowdrift in this paper. Based on Euler-Euler method in multi-phase flow theory, this numerical model adopted Mixture model and combined with the snow deposition and erosion model, the snowdrift on an air-supported membrane coal shed is simulated, the distribution factor for roof snow load is given under different wind speed and different directions to estimate the worst load case, snow load on the air-supported membrane structure is significantly affected by snowdrift which causes significant non-uniform snow load. Furthermore, the response analysis of the air-supported membrane structure under snow load is studied, for comparison, uniform snow load case, non-uniform snow load case, and simulated snow load case under 0° wind direction are all considered. The results show that non-uniform snow load caused by snow drifting is more dangerous and should be considered.
Estimation of blast-induced peak particle velocity using ensemble machine learning algorithms: A case study
Authors: Ragam Prashanth , Komalla Ashoka Reddy , Kanne Nikhitha
Published: July 2022

Over recent decades, ambiguous ground vibration induced by blasting operation can cause extensive damage to structures, lives and fields in and around mine premises. As a consequence, it is indispensable to measure the ambiguous ground vibration intensity levels for assessing and reduce their perilous impact. In this investigation, estimation and evaluation of blast-induced ground vibration in terms of peak particle velocity (PPV) through the ensemble machine learning intelligent algorithms were carried out. One hundred and 21 experimental and blasting events were monitored to collect the real-time field data in Mine-A, India. The collected data was randomly split into training and testing to generate models. Eight input parameters include number of holes, burden, spacing, hole diameter, hole depth, top stemming, maximum explosive charge per delay and the distance were selected for development of ensemble machine learning algorithms. An eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and random forest (RF) ensemble model, Decision Tree were developed to assess the PPV levels. In addition to that, four empirical predictor models proposed by the US Bureau of Mines, Langefors–Kihlstrom, Central Mining Research Institute, and Bureau of Indian Standards were applied to derive a relation between PPV and its influencing parameters. The accuracy and efficiency of developed models can be determined by performance evaluation metrics chosen as the coefficient of determination (R2), and root mean square error (RMSE). Among all models, yielded results evidence that the Decision Tree ensemble model with the R2 of 0.9549, and RMSE of 0.0444 was more precise optimum model to assess the PPV. Besides, a sensitivity analysis method was applied in this current study to know the role of the input parameters in estimating PPV. The determined results inferred that burden, number of holes and top stemming are more influenced parameters on the intensity of PPV levels.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Self-Efficacy Among Young Adult Filipino American Women
Authors: Nagtalon-Ramos Jamille , Ayres Cynthia , Faught Brooke
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

Little is known about Filipino American women’s (FAW) sexual and reproductive health (SRH). The purpose of this study was to examine the SRH knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy among young adult FAW.

Method:

This was a qualitative, descriptive interpretive design. Four focus group interviews and one individual interview were conducted. Purposive sampling was used for this study. Inclusion criteria were female, Filipino American, between the ages 18 and 24 years old, and be able to understand and speak English.

Results:

Twelve participants ( n = 12) were recruited. Three themes emerged from this study: (a) sources of SRH information; (b) influence of cultural values, religion, and intergenerational factors; and (c) facilitators of and barriers to women’s health services.

Discussion:

Themes emerged from the content analysis identifying SRH disparities within the Filipino American community, which may inform future interventions and research on this topic.
A simple implementation of localizing gradient damage model in Abaqus
Authors: Zhang Yi , Xu Yanjie , Wang Yihe , Poh Leong Hien
Published: July 2022

With the localizing gradient enhancement, a damage model for quasi-brittle materials is able to achieve regularized softening responses, with localized damage profiles corresponding to the development of macroscopic cracks, to resolve the numerical spurious effects induced by the conventional gradient enhancement. The typical implementation strategy for a gradient enhanced model is to solve the system of governing equations simultaneously. Focusing on the finite element (FE) package Abaqus, a user element subroutine is required to define the finite elements with additional degrees of freedom for the nonlocal field. Moreover, with user elements, additional effort is required to visualize the numerical results. To an inexperienced engineer/researcher, these requirements can be challenging. In this paper, a simple implementation of the localizing gradient damage model is elaborated. By utilizing the in-built coupled thermo-mechanical elements in Abaqus, the user only needs to define the material constitutive laws, as well as the sensitivity terms with respect to the field variables. Post-processing of results can be done directly in Abaqus. The applicability and ease of implementation are demonstrated via several examples, including those that utilize the Abaqus features of element deletion, contact between surfaces, as well as the incorporation of cohesive elements. Sample files can be downloaded from https://github.com/leonghien/Localizing-Gradient-Damage-with-UMAT-UMATHT
Strength reduction of foam-core sandwich structures with core mismatches
Authors: Rome Jacob I , Goyal Vinay K , Patel Dhruv N
Published: July 2022

Discontinuities in foam-core composite sandwich panels are challenging to assess, in part due to shortcomings in the fundamental understanding of failure processes occurring in the foam. Extensive testing and analysis are frequently required to overcome this lack of understanding when evaluating large-scale structures. This integrated experimental and analytical study investigates the effect of core thickness mismatches on the load carrying capabilities of composite sandwich structures. These mismatches are commonly found in large composite components in aerospace, marine, automotive and other industries and can cause major reductions in sandwich shear strength. Mismatches result from joints between separate pieces of foam core within the sandwich, becoming potential failure initiation sites. Quantifying the reduction in shear strength is difficult due to the complex interaction between the facesheets, butt-joints and core. Sandwich structures containing butt joints are investigated through a research effort that included fabrication, testing, analysis, and nondestructive evaluations. The strength reduction of sandwich beams due to the presence of butt joints is quantified via three-point bend (3PTB) testing for various types of mismatches such as height and thickness of the butt joint. Key mechanical properties of the foam and the lamina are measured through testing and incorporated into analytical models. A stress area approach is proposed as a failure criterion, as test results show this to be promising in predicting the strength reductions measured in the 3PTB testing and the failure initiation site.
Association Between Interorganizational Collaboration in Opioid Response and Treatment Capacity for Opioid Use Disorder in Counties of Five States: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Swann William L , DiNardi Michael , Schreiber Terri L
Published: July 2022

Background:

Local governments on the front lines of the opioid epidemic often collaborate across organizations to achieve a more comprehensive opioid response. Collaboration is especially important in rural communities, which can lack capacity for addressing health crises, yet little is known about how local collaboration in opioid response relates to key outputs like treatment capacity.

Purpose:

This cross-sectional study examined the association between local governments’ interorganizational collaboration activity and agonist treatment capacity for opioid use disorder (OUD), and whether this association was stronger for rural than for metropolitan communities.

Methods:

Data on the location of facilities providing buprenorphine and methadone were merged with a 2019 survey of all 358 counties in 5 states (CO, NC, OH, PA, and WA) that inquired about their collaboration activity for opioid response. Regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of a collaboration activity index and its constituent items on the capacity to provide buprenorphine or methadone in a county and whether this differed by urbanicity.

Results:

A response rate of 47.8% yielded an analytic sample of n = 171 counties, including 77 metropolitan, 50 micropolitan, and 44 rural counties. Controlling for covariates, a 1-unit increase in the collaboration activity index was associated with 0.155 (95% CI = 0.005, 0.304) more methadone facilities, ie, opioid treatment programs (OTPs), per 100 000 population. An interaction model indicated this association was stronger for rural (average marginal effect = 0.354, 95% CI = 0.110, 0.599) than for non-rural counties. Separate models revealed intergovernmental data and information sharing, formal agreements, and organizational reforms were driving the above associations. Collaboration activity did not vary with the capacity to provide buprenorphine at non-OTP facilities. Spatial models used to account for spatial dependence occurring with OUD treatment capacity showed similar results.

Conclusion:

Rural communities may be able to leverage collaborations in opioid response to expand treatment capacity through OTPs.
Changes in prognosis of the Danish multiple sclerosis population over time
Authors: Magyari Melinda , Joensen Hanna , Kopp Tine Iskov , Pontieri Luigi , Koch-Henriksen Nils
Published: July 2022

Background:

The course of multiple sclerosis (MS) appears to be milder in recent decades.

Objective:

To investigate how time from onset to disability milestones and how demographic and clinical characteristics have changed through subsequent onset cohorts of patients with MS.

Methods:

In the nationwide Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, we have registered all 13,562 Danish patients with onset of MS or clinically isolated syndrome from 1996 through 2020. For the analyses of prognosis, we used all cases with relapsing onset ( N = 11,669). After stratification into 5-year onset cohorts, we computed the hazard ratios for disability endpoints for all cohorts having at least 10 years of follow-up and the oldest 1996–2000 onset cohort as reference.

Results:

Patients in more recent MS onset cohorts have a shorter diagnostic delay and more of them start disease-modifying treatment within 1 year since diagnosis. The prognosis was better for later onset cohorts. For the 2001–2005 cohort, the hazard ratio for confirmed Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 4 was 0.85 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.76–0.95) and for confirmed EDSS 6: 0.76 (95% CI, 0.65–0.88). For the more recent 2006–2010 cohort, the corresponding hazard ratios were 0.70 (95% CI, 0.62–0.79) and 0.60 (95% CI, 0.50–0.71).

Conclusion:

We observed a considerable improvement of the prognosis in recent onset cohorts of relapsing-onset MS.
Conducting member checking within a qualitative case study on health-related behaviours in a large European city: Appraising interpretations and co-constructing findings
Authors: de Loyola González-Salgado Ignacio , Rivera-Navarro Jesús , Gutiérrez-Sastre Marta , Conde Paloma , Franco Manuel
Published: July 2022

Although member checking is a well-established strategy for appraising credibility, there is a lack of research reporting procedures and outcomes when using this strategy. In recent years, scholars have implemented new member checking strategies along with several epistemological stances. In this work, researchers conducted member checking in three neighbourhoods with different socioeconomic status in Madrid, Spain. Attendance at member checking meetings was lower than expected. Member checking meetings were conducted in public halls within each neighbourhood and lasted approximately 2 hours. During the first hour, researchers introduced the aim of the meetings and shared summarized research findings with attendees using a slideshow. During the second hour, attendees had the opportunity to comment on any aspect of the research. Researchers used grounded theory coding strategies and a constructivist approach informed the analysis of the transcribed member checking meetings. One core category emerged, and it was named ‘Co-constructing findings and side effects of the interaction between researchers and participants in member checking’. Member checking attendees contributed to co-constructing findings by means of underscore and disagreement. It is possible that these meetings might have caused side effects such as unintended comparisons between neighbourhoods and negative health-related behaviours. Attendees wondered how the findings could improve their neighbourhoods. The meetings allowed interaction between participants and researchers and resulted in appraising and co-constructing qualitative research findings. More research is needed to advance knowledge about member checking.
Place identity and authenticity in minority language revitalisation: Scottish Gaelic in Glasgow
Authors: Nance Claire Louise , Moran Dominic
Published: July 2022

Aims and objectives:

This paper first aims to examine how young Gaelic-English bilinguals in immersion education produce aspects of Gaelic phonology. We second consider the extent to which they acquire aspects of a traditional dialect. Third, we investigate how young new speakers outside of a traditional community negotiate place identity and authenticity.

Methodology:

Our methodology first consists of quantitative acoustic and auditory phonetic analysis of word list production data, accompanied by mixed effects regression. Second, we employ qualitative analysis of interview data from the same participants.

Data and analysis:

Data are presented from 22 speakers aged 13–14 in Gaelic Medium Education in Glasgow and 15 speakers aged 13–14 in GME on the Isle of Lewis. For comparison with a traditional dialect, we also include three speakers from Lewis aged 65–80. Our quantitative analysis considers 3,605 tokens in total and the qualitative analysis considers interview data with all speakers.

Conclusions:

Our findings show that young speakers reproduce traditional aspects of Gaelic phonology, though generally to a lesser extent that older speakers. Young new speakers in Glasgow recognise that they do not speak a traditional dialect of the language. They are beginning to create a new authenticity associated with belonging to Glasgow, which represents a new acquisition setting.

Originality:

This study is the first to explore acquisition of dialect and phonology among young new speakers of Gaelic. We explore perceptions of dialect and the implications of not coming from a traditional Gaelic-speaking area for the first time in young people.

Implications:

Revitalisation settings can lead to successful language acquisition but may also contribute to dialect levelling. However, institutional support structures can lead to increased confidence and new place identities emerging in young speakers.
Fundamental frequency range in the bilingual repertoire of traditional and new Welsh speakers
Authors: Morris Jonathan
Published: July 2022

Aims:

This research aims to examine cross-linguistic interaction and intra-linguistic variation in the Welsh and English of bilingual speakers in two areas of north Wales. Specifically, I present an analysis of fundamental frequency range (FFR) and examine both cross-linguistic and intra-linguistic differences in speech production between bilinguals from Welsh-speaking and English-speaking homes.

Design:

Data were collected from Welsh–English bilinguals aged 16–18 in the areas surrounding the Welsh-dominant town of Caernarfon (Gwynedd) and the English-dominant town of Mold (Flintshire). The sample was equally stratified by speaker gender and home language.

Data:

The data were elicited from a reading passage task and were analysed acoustically. Measures of level and span were taken. Data were analysed using conditional inference trees and random forests.

Findings:

The results of the analysis of FFR in Caernarfon and Mold revealed no significant differences between English and Welsh. In Mold, gender was the only significant predictor of FFR across all measures. In Caernarfon, home-language differences in level were found in female speakers’ data only, and gender differences in span were found in the speech of those from English-speaking homes.

Originality:

The study contributes to previous studies of traditional and new speakers in minority-language contexts by examining both languages in the speakers’ repertoires. Specifically, it is the first study to examine the regional and home-language variation in FFR of bilingual speakers.

Implications:

The results highlight (1) the importance of community-specific patterns in minority-language contexts and (2) the way in which linguistic background might interact with other social factors in situations of long-term language contact. The results imply that a more holistic approach to examinations of variation in such contexts will be fruitful.