bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacteriological and pathological investigations on the preputial glands of one-year-old C57BL/6NCrl mice maintained in individually ventilated cages
Authors: Di Caro Gianfranco , Minoli Lucia , Ferrario Marzia , Marsella Gerardo , Milite Gianpaolo , Crippa Luca , Martino Piera Anna , Paltrinieri Saverio , Scanziani Eugenio , Recordati Camilla
Published: December 2021

Spontaneous infections of the preputial glands represent overlooked health problems in mice that could raise welfare concerns and potentially confound scientific experiments. Agents involved in preputial gland infections have rarely been investigated, with opportunistic pathogens of laboratory animals usually detected in inflamed preputial glands. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of bacterial infection in the preputial glands and the relationship between haematological and pathological changes and infection status. We analysed 40 preputial glands from 20 one-year-old C57BL/6NCrl male mice by using bacteriology, haematology and pathology. Bacteria were isolated from 16/20 (80%) mice, for a total of 32/40 (80%) examined preputial glands. Enterobacter cloacae, Pasteurella spp., Klebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were identified in 35%, 17.5%, 15% and 12.5% of the examined glands, respectively. Preputial gland inflammation was identified in 29/40 (72.5%) glands and was classified as chronic interstitial adenitis in 27 cases and suppurative adenitis in the remaining two glands. No haematological changes were found in mice with infected glands. Histologically, the presence of intralesional bacteria, intraluminal necrotic material, intraluminal keratin accumulation, interstitial inflammatory cell infiltrate and granulocytes (intraluminal and/or interstitial), along with total inflammatory score and total histopathological score, were significantly increased in infected glands and correlated with the bacterial load. Most severe inflammatory changes were identified after S. aureus infection, while ductal hyperkeratosis was significantly increased in glands infected with Klebsiella spp. In conclusion, preputial gland infection was a common event in one-year-old C57BL/6NCrl mice, and bacterial load correlated with pathological findings, while systemic effects were not highlighted by haematology.
Relationships Between University Students’ Gender and Physical Activity (PA) and Their Exercise Self-Schemas, Processing of PA-Related Information, and PA Decision-Making
Authors: Park In Kyoung , Kim Youngho
Published: December 2021

In the current study, we investigated the effects of gender and regular physical activity (PA) on PA decision-making and speed of information processing. We enrolled 110 university students ( Mage = 20.91, SD =2.28 years) in an experiment involving two tasks and a questionnaire. One of the two tasks assessed how much participants agreed with presented PA words and phrases and the other task predicted behavior and responses to future situations. We collected and measured the participants’ choices and the time they took to make them. The questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), consisted of exercise self-schema and PA questions. We conducted a 2 (gender: male or female) ×2 (regular PA or not) multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and found statistically significant differences between variables as a function of participants’ gender (λ = .66, p < .001) and regular PA engagement (λ = .51, p < .001). In a regression analysis, we also found gender differences [males showed relationships between agreement with PA information and information processing speed for decisions on future behavior ( R 2 = .31, F = 12.50); females showed relationships between their exercise self-schema ( R 2 = .26, F = 18.18) and regular PA such that, in the non-regular PA group, exercise self-schema was related to reaction time in making decisions on future behavior ( R 2 = .29, F = 11.23), and in the regular PA group, agreement with PA information was related to reaction time for PA-related words, and agreement with non-PA information ( R 2 = .29, F = 8.91)]. These results highlight the need to consider participant characteristics when designing exercise interventions, and we present supplementary data regarding exercise self-schemas, decision-making, and the speed of processing PA information.
Intention Toward Dietary Diversity Among Adult People Living With HIV in Public Hospitals in Southwest Ethiopia Using Theory of Planned Behavior. A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Tekelehaimanot Aderajew Nigusse , Belachew Tefera , Gudina Esayas Kebede , Getnet Masrie , Amdisa Demuma , Dadi Lelisa Sena
Published: December 2021

Dietary diversity is a crucial element of an inclusive care for people living with HIV (PLWHIV), particularly in resource-limited countries where undernutrition, poor intention, and poor attitude toward diversified diets are the common challenges. The aim of this study was to assess the Intention toward dietary diversity behavior among adult PLWHIV in Jimma zone public hospitals, South West Ethiopia. A hospital-based survey was carried out in 5 public institutions among sampled 403 adult PLWHIV. Data were entered into EpiData, and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Relationships among variables were assessed using correlation coefficients. The multivariable linear regression model was fitted to assess predictors of behavioral inclination toward dietary diversity at P-value ≤ .05. The quantitative data was supplemented by qualitative data, which was collected through key informant interviews and analyzed thematically. The significant predictors of intention to use dietary diversity were attitude (β = .196, P < .01) and subjective norm (β = .390, P < .01) of adult PLWHIV. The constructs of theory of planned behavior (TPB) independently explained the variance in inclination toward dietary diversity by 25.7%. All the intermediate, proximal, and distal components of TPB explained the final model with 32.2% of variance in the intention to use dietary diversity. The qualitative findings indicated that delivery of HIV care requires a drive for livelihood development and economic improvement, creating a sense of responsibility for sustainable HIV care by creating behavioral change at the individual level. Conclusion: Dietary inadequacy was strongly correlated with being in the sociodemographic groups that are at heightened risk of adverse clinical outcomes. It is worthwhile to investigate behavioral intention as a potential determinant of the clinical outcomes rather than choose symptomatic treatment of malnutrition. Conclusion: Dietary inadequacy was strongly correlated with being in the sociodemographic groups that are at heightened risk of adverse clinical outcomes. It is worthwhile to investigate behavioral intention as a potential determinant of the clinical outcomes rather than choose symptomatic treatment of malnutrition.
Intersectional Discrimination Attributions and Health Outcomes Among American Older Adults: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Lu Peiyi , Kong Dexia , Shelley Mack , Davitt Joan K.
Published: December 2021

Guided by an intersectionality framework, this study examined intersectional discrimination attributions and their associations with health outcomes. Older respondents (aged ≥50) from the Health and Retirement Study in 2014-2015 were included ( N = 6286). Their reasons for discrimination (age, gender, sexual orientation, race, national origin, religion, financial status, weight, physical appearance, disability, and others) were examined. Latent class analysis examined the subgroup profiles. Six classes were identified: class 1 (54.52% of the sample) had no/minimal discrimination; Class 2 (21.89%) experienced primarily ageism; class 3 (8.81%) reported discrimination based on age/gender/national origin/race; class 4 (7.99%) attributed discrimination to financial/other reasons; class 5 (5.87%) experienced discrimination based on age/weight/physical appearance/disability; and class 6 (0.92%) perceived high discrimination. Intersectional discrimination was associated with poorer self-rated health and higher depressive symptoms compared to the no/minimal discrimination group. Multiple marginalized identities co-occur and contribute to discrimination. An intersectional approach is recommended to understand discrimination in later life.
Nappies, books and wrinkles: How children, qualifications and age affect female underemployment in Australia
Authors: Kler Parvinder , Potia Azhar Hussain , Shankar Sriram
Published: December 2021

This study examines the determinants of underemployment among part-time employed Australian females, accounting for the interaction of their age, educational qualifications and offspring presence. Females who are young, tertiary educated and without offspring are likeliest to be underemployed, and in general the presence of children lowers the probability of underemployment for those aged below 35, but this impact ameliorates significantly for those aged 35 and above. Policies to address female underemployment need to account for the fact that there is no representative ‘average female worker’, so as to ensure requisite policies better target those most at risk of underemployment. This finding holds for those working either minimum or maximum hours within the part-time spectrum, where greater uniformity of underemployment is found. Age of offspring affects the likelihood of underemployment with younger offspring reducing the incidence of a mismatch between preferred and actual hours, while the opposite holds for older offspring.
Objective findings in patients with multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Zhu Yanhan , He Xiaoming , Hu Mei , Mao Chun , Liu Zheng , Yang Xu , Yang Jing , Chang Liying
Published: December 2021

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (MC-BPPV).

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 927 patients with BPPV who were admitted to our hospital between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019. The clinical data of all patients were collected. The Dix-Hallpike, straight head-hanging, and supine Roll tests were performed in all patients. The nystagmus was recorded using videonystagmography. The clinical characteristics of patients with MC-BPPV and single canal BPPV (SC-BPPV) was analyzed and compared.

Results

Among 927 patients included, 49 (5.29%) patients had MC-BPPV, 878 (94.71%) patients had SC-BPPV. There were significant differences in the male to female ratio (1:3.90 vs 1:1.81, P < .05), mean age (62.47±12.51 vs 59.04±13.72, P < .05), as well as the ratio of cupulolithiasis to canalithiasis (1:1.45 vs 1:4.78, P < .01) between patients with MC-BPPV and SC-BPPV. The frequency of involvement of PC, HC, and AC were involved for 66 (67.35%), 23 (23.47%), and 9 (9.18%) times, respectively, in patients with MC-BPPV, which were involved in 581 (66.17%), 281 (32.0%), and 16 (1.82%) patients, respectively, in patients with SC-BPPV. No significant difference was found in the frequency of involvement of PC and HC between patients with MC-BPPV and SC-BPPV, while there was significant difference in the frequency of AC involvement between 2 groups ( P < .01). Ipsilateral PC-HC-BPPV (n = 18) and bilateral PC-BPPV (n=19) were the most common among patients with MC-BPPV. Twenty-six (53.06%) patients had ipsilateral MC-BPPV, 23 (46.94%) had bilateral MC-BPPV. Of the 26 patients with ipsilateral MC-BPPV, 7 patients combined with unilateral peripheral vestibular disorder.

Conclusion

Patients with MC-BPPV had a significantly older mean age at disease onset and a higher proportion of females compared with patients with SC-BPPV. Cupulolithiasis was more common in MC-BPPV. AC involvement was also much more common in MC-BPPV than in SC-BPPV.
Good, Bad, and Ugly Leadership Patterns: Implications for Followers’ Work-Related and Context-Free Outcomes
Authors: Hancock Amanda J. , Gellatly Ian R. , Walsh Megan. M. , Arnold Kara A. , Connelly Catherine E.
Published: December 2021

This research responds to calls for a more integrative approach to leadership theory by identifying subpopulations of followers who share a common set of perceptions with respect to their leader's behaviors. Six commonly researched styles were investigated: abusive supervision, transformational leadership (TFL), contingent reward (CR), passive and active management-by-exception (MBE-P and MBE-A, respectively), and laissez faire/avoidant (LF/A). Study hypotheses were tested with data from four independent samples of working adults, three from followers ( N = 855) and a validation sample of leaders ( N = 505). Using latent profile analysis, three pattern cohorts emerged across all four samples. One subpopulation of followers exhibited a constructive pattern with higher scores on TFL and CR relative to other styles. Two cohorts exhibited destructive patterns, one where the passive styles of MBE-A, MBE- P and LF/A were high relative to the other styles (passive) and one where the passive styles co-occurred with abusive supervision (passive-abusive). Drawing on conservation of resources theory, we confirmed differential associations with work-related (i.e., burnout, vigor, perceived organizational support and affective organizational commitment) and context-free (i.e., physical health and psychological well-being) outcomes. The passive-abusive pattern was devastating for physical health, yet passiveness without abuse was damaging for psychological well-being. Interestingly, we find a clear demarcation between passiveness as “benign neglect” and passiveness as an intentional and deliberate form of leadership aimed at disrupting or undermining followers—hence, the two faces of passiveness: “bad” and “ugly.” We discuss the novel insights offered by a pattern (person)-oriented analytical strategy and the broader theoretical and practical implications for leadership research.
What Shapes Attitudes Toward Homosexuality among European Muslims? The Role of Religiosity and Destination Hostility
Authors: Röder Antje , Spierings Niels
Published: December 2021

Muslim migrants and their descendants in Western Europe have consistently been shown to hold more negative attitudes toward homosexuality, the more religious they are. In this article, we go beyond this mono-dimensional view of religiosity and develop a theoretical framework that combines (a) the role of different dimensions of religiosity in anchoring cultural attitudes and (b) the potential impact of destination hostility and discrimination on the retention of cultural attitudes toward homosexuality among Muslim migrants in Western Europe. For the analysis, we use eight rounds of the European Social Survey, enriched with country-level data. Findings indicate that Muslim migrants’ mosque attendance, as a dimension of religiosity, has the negative effect that was expected. Particularly, Muslims who grew up in Western Europe are negative about homosexuality if they attended mosque regularly, whereas among first-generation Muslim migrants, origin-country norms are a strong predictor of attitudes toward homosexuality. In addition, we find that perceived group discrimination drives the maintenance of negative attitudes toward homosexuality, especially among mosque attendees. These results imply that the development of more liberal attitudes among European Muslims is held back by a combination of socialization in conservative religious communities and hostility from host-country populations.
Availability, healthiness, and price of packaged and unpackaged foods in India: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Dunford Elizabeth K , Farrand Clare , Huffman Mark D , Raj Thout Sudhir , Shahid Maria , Ni Mhurchu Cliona , Neal Bruce , Johnson Claire
Published: December 2021

Background: Vulnerable populations are the most prone to diet-related disease. The availability, healthiness, and price of foods have established associations with diet-related disease in communities. However, data describing this in India are sparse, particularly in urban slums and rural areas. Aim: To quantify and compare availability, healthiness, and price of packaged and unpackaged foods and beverages in India, and to identify opportunities to improve diets and health of vulnerable populations. Methods: Nutrition data and price were collected on foods and beverages available at 44 stores in urban, urban slum, and rural areas in four states in India between May and August 2018. Healthiness was assessed using the Australasian Health Star Rating system and product retail prices were examined. Comparisons in the findings were made across state, community area type, and adherence to current and draft Indian food labeling regulations. Results: Packaged foods and beverages ( n = 1443, 89%) were more prevalent than unpackaged ( n = 172, 11%). Unpackaged products were healthier than packaged (mean Health Star Rating = 3.5 vs 2.0; p < 0.001) and lower in price (median price per 100 g/ml: 13.42 Indian rupees vs 25.70 Indian rupees; p < 0.001), a pattern observed across most community area types and states. 96% of packaged products were compliant with current Indian labeling regulations but only 23% were compliant with proposed labeling regulations. Conclusions: Unpackaged products were on average much healthier and lower in price than packaged foods and beverages. Food policies that support greater availability, accessibility and consumption of unpackaged foods, while limiting consumption of packaged foods, have enormous potential for sustaining the health of the Indian population.
Reliability of resting metabolic rate between and within day measurements using the Vyntus CPX system and comparison against predictive formulas
Authors: Iraki J. , Paulsen G. , Garthe I. , Slater G. , Areta J.L.
Published: December 2021

Background: To detect longitudinal changes of resting metabolic rate (RMR) resulting from the effects of energetic stress, reliable RMR measurements are crucial. The Vyntus CPX is a new automated indirect calorimetry system for which RMR reliability has not been determined. Additionally, its agreement with common predictive RMR formulas is unknown. Aim: To determine the within and between-day reliability of RMR measurements using the Vyntus CPX system and its agreement with predictive RMR formulas. Methods: Young (31  ±  7 years) healthy participants (n = 26, 12 females, 14 males) completed three measurements of RMR, two consecutive measures on the same day, one the day before/after, all under standardised conditions. Reliability was assessed with pairwise comparisons of between-day at the same time (BDST), within day consecutive measurements (WDCM) and between-day different time (BDDT), for parameters of reliability (mean change (MC), intraclass correlation (ICC) and typical error of measurement (TEM)). Measured RMR values (kcal/day) were compared against predictive values of 4 common formulas. Results: Parameters of reliability (mean, (95% confidence interval)) were: -BDST: MC, 0.2(-2.3—2.7)% (p = 0.67); ICC, 0.92(0.84—0.97); TEM, 4.5(3.5—6.2)%. -WDCM: MC, −2.5(-6.2—1.3)% (p = 0.21); ICC, 0.88(0.74—0.88); TEM, 7.0(5.4—9.8)%. -BDDT: MC, −1.5(-4.8—1.9)% (p = 0.57); ICC, 0.90(0.76—0.95); TEM, 6.1(4.8—8.5)%. RMRratios (measured/predicted) were: 1.04  ±  0.14 (Nelson, p = 0.13), 1.03  ±  0.10 (Mifflin, p = 0.21), 0.98  ±  0.09 (Harris-benedict, p = 0.30), 0.95  ±  0.11 (Cunningham1980, p = 0.01), 1.00  ±  0.12 (Cunningham1991, p = 0.90) and 0.96  ±  0.13 (DXA, p = 0.03). Conclusions: The Vyntus CPX is reliable and measured RMR values agreed with four predictive formulas but are lower than Cunningham1980 and DXA RMR estimates for this population.
Walking meditation versus balance training for improving balance abilities among older adults with history of fall: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Phoobangkerdphol Chalida , Limampai Patchara , Dasri Sirinuch , Kuptniratsaikul Vilai
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate improvement in balance abilities compared between walking meditation and balance training among older adults with history of fall.

Interventions

Walking meditation or mindfulness meditation whilst standing and moving ( n = 35) or balance training ( n = 33) 20–30 min/day, 5–7 days/week for 24 weeks was performed at home.

Main outcomes

The primary outcomes were dynamic balance abilities as assessed by Timed Up and Go test (TUGT), and static balance as assessed by Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Single Leg Stance Test (SLST). The secondary outcomes were quality of life as measured by the EuroQOL 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L), and mental health as evaluated by the Thai Geriatric Mental Health Assessment Tool-15 (TGMHA-15). All outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 9 months. Self-reported compliance, adverse events, and patient satisfaction were recorded at 6 and 9 months.

Results

The mean age was 69 years (range: 60–85). No significant difference was observed between groups for the 3 primary outcome measures. The mean difference (95% confidence interval) between groups was −0.48 (-1.40, 0.44) for TUGT, −1.11 (-3.66, 1.45) for FRT, and 0.82 (-5.03, 6.67) for SLST. The EQ-5D-5L and TGMHA-15 also showed no significant difference between groups. Most participants were in good compliance with the exercise protocol (48.3–68.0%), and no serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Our results showed walking meditation to be comparable to balance training for improving balance abilities in older adults with history of fall. Walking meditation may be considered an alternative treatment for improving balance abilities in this patient population.
Not the final diagnosis: from Addison’s disease to POEMS syndrome: a case report and literature review
Authors: Xie Xiaoxi , Li Rao , Lu Yongxia , Li Xuan , Kuang Pu , Wang Chunhui , Tong Nanwei , Lü Qingguo
Published: December 2021

We report the case of a 47-year-old male patient with pigmentation of the head, face and hands, who was initially diagnosed as having primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease). Laboratory testing, imaging and physical examination revealed subclinical hypothyroidism, high circulating prolactin and oestradiol concentrations, gynaecomastia, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly and weakness of both lower limbs. These findings led us to consider whether a single or multiple diseases were present in this patient. Indeed, Addison’s disease can represent one aspect of a wider systemic disease. Therefore, we performed further examinations, and found high serum M protein (5.1%) and vascular endothelial growth factor [1005.30 pg/mL (normal range 0 to 142 pg/mL)] concentrations. As a consequence, we diagnosed polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome. Consequently, when a single disease cannot fully explain the multiple symptoms and signs of one patient, clinicians should consider the possibility of the presence of a wider syndrome and undertake more detailed diagnostic testing.
Right costophrenic angle abscess due to Salmonella Dublin infection in combination with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dong Nanxi , Wang Fujun , Li Yuekao , Ma Hongfang , Xing Na , Ding Haixia
Published: December 2021

The main manifestations of type 2 diabetes mellitus are excessive drinking, polyphagia, polyuria and wasting or weight loss in a short period of time, but it is rare to have persistent fever of unknown origin as the main manifestation. This case report describes a 68-year-old male patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus presenting with unexplained fever with persistent exacerbation and a cystic lesion in the right costophrenic horn on abdominal computed tomography (CT). A cytoculture examination of the puncture fluid suggested that the infection was due to Salmonella Dublin. The patient was treated with drainage of the abscess in the right costophrenic angle area, which then healed successfully. These findings suggest that Salmonella Dublin infection should be considered when a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus presents with an unexplained persistent fever. At the same time, CT-guided abscess puncture can be performed to improve the patient's symptoms, aid diagnosis and improve the quality of life.
Exploring historic changes in musical communication: Deconstructing emotional cues in preludes by Bach and Chopin
Authors: Anderson Cameron J. , Schutz Michael
Published: December 2021

A growing body of research analyzing musical scores suggests mode’s relationship with other expressive cues has changed over time. However, to the best of our knowledge, the perceptual implications of these changes have not been formally assessed. Here, we explore how compositional choices of 17th- and 19th-century composers (J. S. Bach and F. Chopin, respectively) differentially affect emotional communication. This novel exploration builds on our team’s previous techniques using commonality analysis to decompose intercorrelated cues in unaltered excerpts of influential compositions. In doing so, we offer an important naturalistic complement to traditional experimental work—often involving tightly controlled stimuli constructed to avoid the intercorrelations inherent to naturalistic music. Our data indicate intriguing changes in cues’ effects between Bach and Chopin, consistent with score-based research suggesting mode’s “meaning” changed across historical eras. For example, mode’s unique effect accounts for the most variance in valence ratings of Chopin’s preludes, whereas its shared use with attack rate plays a more prominent role in Bach’s. We discuss the implications of these findings as part of our field’s ongoing effort to understand the complexity of musical communication—addressing issues only visible when moving beyond stimuli created for scientific, rather than artistic, goals.
From crisis to the everyday: Shouldn't we all be writing economies?
Authors: Narayan Priti , Rosenman Emily
Published: December 2021

This commentary explores the politics of writing about the economy in a culture, society, and discipline that tends to prioritize masculinist (and white) theories and definitions of economy over embodied experiences of people living their everyday lives. Inspired by Timothy Mitchell's problematization of the economy as an object of analysis, we press further on the seemingly singular unit of “the” economy and who is allowed to define it as such. We are animated by questions of who is considered an expert on the economy and how, or by whom, crises in the economy are recognized. Drawing from our own writing experiences during the pandemic and from social movements we research, we argue for alternate ways of thinking about experiences of and expertise on the economy. In reckoning with how social movements speak to power in a bid to transform economies, we consider the role of economic geography in the economy of writing and knowledge production surrounding “the economy” itself. We make the case for a more public economic geography grounded in the social and economic embeddedness of knowledge production, the material consequences of who gets to define what is economically “important,” and the potential for this expertise to be located anywhere.
Legalization of Medical Cannabis and Site of Death: Evidence From National Vital Statistics Mortality Data
Authors: Bhagianadh Divya , Arora Kanika
Published: December 2021

We examined whether Medical Marijuana Legislation (MML) was associated with site of death. Using state-level data (1992–2018) from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS), we employed difference-in-differences method to compare changes in death rate among older adults at four sites—nursing home (NH), hospital, home, hospice/other—over time in states with and without MML. Heterogeneity analyses were conducted by timing of MML adoption, and by decedent characteristics. Results show a negative association between MML implementation and NH deaths. Among early adopters (states with weakly regulated programs) and decedents with musculoskeletal disorders, there was a positive association between MML implementation and hospital deaths, whereas among late adopters (states with “medicalized” programs), there was a positive association between MML implementation and hospice deaths. Decline in NH deaths may reflect increased likelihood of transfers due to threat of Federal enforcement, penalties for poor outcomes, and liability concerns. Future studies should examine these associations further.
Predicting Students’ Achievement in a Hybrid Environment Through Self-Regulated Learning, Log Data, and Course Engagement: A Data Mining Approach
Authors: Ali Amira D. , Hanna Wael K.
Published: December 2021

With the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, many universities adopted a hybrid learning model as a substitute for a traditional one. Predicting students’ performance in hybrid environments is a complex task because it depends on extracting and analyzing different types of data: log data, self-reports, and face-to-face interactions. Students must develop Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) strategies to monitor their learning in hybrid contexts. This study aimed to predict the achievement of 82 undergraduates enrolled in a hybrid English for Business Communication course using data mining techniques. While clustering techniques were used to understand SRL patterns through classifying students with similar SRL data into clusters, classification algorithms were utilized to predict students' achievement by integrating the log files and course engagement factors. Clustering results showed that the group with high SRL achieved higher grades than the groups with medium SRL and low SRL. Classification results revealed that log data and engagement activities successfully predicted students’ academic performance with more than 88% accuracy. Therefore, this study contributes to the literature of SRL and hybrid classrooms by interpreting the predictive power of log data, self-reports, and face-to-face engagement to predict students’ achievement, a relatively unexplored area. This study recommended practical implications to promote students’ SRL and achievement in hybrid environments.
Parametric Urban Design Thinking: Shared Patterns in Design by Algorithm and Design by Drawing
Authors: Çalışkan Olgu , Barut Yavuz Baver , Ongun Gökhan
Published: December 2021

The paper suggests a focused examination of the processes of drafting-based design and parametric design in urbanism. It discusses how spatial design’s settled cognition would differ by using algorithmic systems through the altered relationships between the basic operations in design. To reveal the commonalities and distinctions between the two design methods, the authors present the detailed documentation of the workshop series, which experimented with both techniques within similar design contexts. By the design analysis, the idea of “parametric thinking” is revisited in the specific context of urban design.
Intensive Care Unit Sedation Practices at a Large, Tertiary Academic Center
Authors: Hofer Mikaela M. , Wieruszewski Patrick M. , Nei Scott D. , Mara Kristin , Smischney Nathan J.
Published: December 2021

Background

Sedatives are frequently administered in an ICU and are often dependent on patient population and ICU type. These differences may affect patient-centered outcomes.

Objective

Our primary objective was to identify differences in sedation practice among three different ICU types at an academic medical center.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of adult patients (≥18 years) requiring a continuous sedative for ≥6 h and admitted to a medical ICU, surgical ICU, and medical/surgical ICU at a single academic medical center in Rochester Minnesota from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2020. We extracted baseline characteristics; sedative type, dose, and duration; concomitant therapies; and patient outcomes. Summary statistics are presented.

Results

A total of 2154 patients met our study criteria (1010 from medical ICU, 539 from surgical ICU, 605 from medical/surgical ICU). Propofol was the most frequently used sedative in all ICU settings (74.1% in medical ICU, 53.8% in surgical ICU, 68.9% in medical/surgical ICU, and 67.5% in all ICUs). The mortality rate was highest in the medical/surgical ICU (40.2% in medical ICU, 26.0% in surgical ICU, 40.7% in medical/surgical ICU, and 36.8% in all ICUs). 90.7% of all patients required mechanical ventilation (92.9% in medical ICU, 88.5% in surgical ICU, and 89.1% in medical/surgical ICU). Overall, patients spent more time in light sedation than deep sedation, 75% versus 10.3%, during their ICU admission. Patients in the medical ICU spent a greater proportion of time positive for delirium than the other ICU settings (35.7% in medical ICU, 9.8% in surgical ICU, and 20% in medical/surgical ICU). Similar amounts of opioids (morphine milligram equivalents) were used during the continuous sedative infusion between the three settings.

Conclusions

We observed that patients in the medical ICU spent more time deeply sedated with multiple agents which was associated with a higher proportion of delirium.
Unbundling the approach to teaching in online Australian higher education
Authors: Gilmore Dawn , Nguyen Chinh
Published: December 2021

This paper illustrates how unbundling has progressed from university-controlled approaches to incorporating partnership organisations into the delivery of university functions, specifically teaching. In this paper, we limit the scope of unbundling to the management of online teachers using three Australian case studies. In the first section, we review the literature for reasons that support unbundling the teaching approach, the effectiveness of this approach, and criticisms posed. Then we use aspects of the literature to present an unbundled teaching hierarchy. We use three examples from the hierarchy in the context of three Australian case studies that are illustrative of how online teachers are managed in Australian higher education. As discussed in this paper, the opportunities and challenges associated with unbundling university teaching have implications for the quality of the student experience, teacher experience, and cost effectiveness for institutions.
Neobladder creation is still a conduit to peritoneal dialysis – Successful use of peritoneal dialysis after invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Cosmatos Alexandre , McCormick Brendan , Brown Pierre Antoine
Published: December 2021

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is as safe and more cost-effective than haemodialysis (HD). It also allows patients to undergo renal replacement therapy (RRT) from home. However, PD remains underutilised in many parts of the world. This is true in part because of many perceived relative contraindications to PD, including a history of prior major abdominal surgery. Prior major abdominal surgery is a concern for standard bedside or surgical catheter placement since these patients are at risk of having adhesions, which can complicate catheter placement. However, with laparoscopic advancements, prior major abdominal surgery is no longer even a relative contraindication to PD for skilled and experienced surgeons. We report the case of a male in his 70s with a history of cystoprostatectomy which was curative for a muscle invasive bladder carcinoma 5 years prior to his RRT. The patient had longstanding chronic kidney disease which worsened gradually. After receiving RRT education, the patient favoured PD. The catheter was placed despite the surgeon noting abdominal adhesions and the patient successfully underwent 12 months of PD which had a positive impact on his quality of life. He transferred to HD after contracting a complex PD-associated peritonitis. Thus, new research should be conducted to better understand the real impact of prior abdominal surgeries as a contraindication to PD, especially in centres where the surgeons have experience with advanced laparoscopy.
Comparative studies of the constitutive models for tungsten heavy alloy (95W-3.5Ni-1.5Fe) at high strain rates
Authors: Lai Xiuwen , Wang Zhanjiang , Qin Na
Published: December 2021

The plastic behaviors’ description of a tungsten heavy alloy (95W-3.5Ni-1.5Fe) at temperatures of 298–773 K and strain rates of 0.001–11,000 s−1 is systematically studied based on four constitutive models, that is, Zerilli-Armstrong model, modified Zerilli-Armstrong model, Mechanical Threshold Stress model, and modified Mechanical Threshold Stress model. The quasi-static compression experiments using an electronic universal testing machine and the dynamic compression experiments using a split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus are employed to obtain the true stress–strain curves at a total of three temperatures (298 K, 573 K, and 773 K) and a wide range of strain rates (0.001–11,000 s−1). The parameters of the four constitutive models are obtained by the above fundamental experimental data and Grey Wolf Optimizer. The correlation coefficient and average absolute relative error are used to evaluate the predicted performance of these models. Modified Mechanical Threshold Stress model is found to have the highest predicted performance in describing the flow stress of the 95W-3.5Ni-1.5Fe alloy. Eventually, two compression experiments whose loading conditions are not in the fundamental experiments are conducted to validate the four models.
Influences of key parameters on flow features in the curved ducts with equal area
Authors: Sun Xiao-lin , Ma Shan
Published: December 2021

Curved ducts are widely used in aircraft engines to improve some capability of aero-engines. Complex internal flow characteristics would be induced by the curvature in such components. In this study, the influence of parameters, including the arc angle α, the curvature radius R i, and the height H, on the local accelerating and transonic flow in the curved ducts with equal area were studied numerically and theoretically under different nozzle pressure ratios (NPRs). The range of the Re number based on the height of the duct and the velocity at the inlet was [Formula: see text] ∼ [Formula: see text]. The shear stress transport κ-ω turbulent model was proved by the test data to suitably simulate the flow field in curved ducts because it could accurately predict the flow separations under adverse pressure gradients. The uncertainty of the pressure scan value to obtain the test data was ±0.05%. Numerical results showed that the effect of α on the flow characteristics of the curved ducts is little. The maximum Ma number in the curved section reduces with the increase of R i, and that grows with the increase of H. The range of the maximum Ma number was 1.20∼1.80. The critical NPRs, which decided the special flow features, were found in the curved ducts. The critical NPR rises with the increase of R i; however, the effect of H on the critical NPR is irregular due to the flow separations located near the lower wall induced by the large adverse pressure gradient. The theoretical results based on the small perturbation theory of transonic flow in the polar coordinate system proved that the distribution of sonic line was just dependent on the inner diameter R1, the outer diameter R2, and the arc angle θmax of the curved section. The critical mass flow and the critical NPR2 are only related to R1 and R2.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of dissimilar friction stir welds of AA2014 and AA7075
Authors: Kumar Raj , Upadhyay Vikas , Sharma Chaitanya
Published: December 2021

This work investigates the effect of process parameters on microstructure, mechanical properties, and fracture behavior of friction stir welded high-strength aluminum alloys AA2014-T6 and AA7075-T6. Optical micrograph, tensile property, and hardness profile of each weld were determined for analysis, and the tensile fracture surfaces were studied by scanning electron microscope. Welds microstructure were heterogeneous and displayed structures comprising of both base metals and the onion rings were seen in all welds except for the lowest heat input weld. Grains in the weld nugget zone were more refined on the retreating side than the other side. Asymmetric hardness profile had a distinct softened zone on each side whose location and softening extent varied with the processing parameters. Welding speed had a more significant effect on tensile strength than rotary speed and, drastically decreased the same. Faster welding speed formed microscopic defects and changed the appearance of fractured surfaces from flat to zigzag. The welds underwent ductile and mixed-mode tensile failure on the advancing side. Attainment of optimum combination of process parameters is imperative to yield defect-free stronger dissimilar welds
A review on performance of nanofluids in various heat pipe solar collector
Authors: Jayanthi N. , Venkatesh M. , Suresh Kumar R. , Sekar S.
Published: December 2021

Energy from the Sun brings as Solar energy which is abundantly available and utilized for various applications. Owing to the increase in energy demand, having a limit of non-renewable energy sources, more interest is given to Solar energy. One of the most fundamental applications of using Solar energy is a Solar collector. The efficiency of the Solar collector depends upon the fluids used in the Solar collector and thermal performance also can be enhanced by using heat pipes in the Solar collector. Compared to flat plate solar collectors, the major disadvantage of heat loss can be rectified in heat pipe solar collectors. Still, to improve the performance of heat pipe solar collectors, nanofluids can be used instead of base fluids to improve thermal performance. In this review paper, the application of nanofluid in Solar collectors results in the percentage of improvement in heat transfer by nanofluid at optimum condition is discussed. This paper reviewed widely the recent development and upcoming research that can be done to enhance the working of heat pipe Solar collectors using nanofluids.
A Personal Model of Trumpery: Linguistic Deception Detection in a Real-World High-Stakes Setting
Authors: Van Der Zee Sophie , Poppe Ronald , Havrileck Alice , Baillon Aurélien
Published: December 2021

Language use differs between truthful and deceptive statements, but not all differences are consistent across people and contexts, complicating the identification of deceit in individuals. By relying on fact-checked tweets, we showed in three studies (Study 1: 469 tweets; Study 2: 484 tweets; Study 3: 24 models) how well personalized linguistic deception detection performs by developing the first deception model tailored to an individual: the 45th U.S. president. First, we found substantial linguistic differences between factually correct and factually incorrect tweets. We developed a quantitative model and achieved 73% overall accuracy. Second, we tested out-of-sample prediction and achieved 74% overall accuracy. Third, we compared our personalized model with linguistic models previously reported in the literature. Our model outperformed existing models by 5 percentage points, demonstrating the added value of personalized linguistic analysis in real-world settings. Our results indicate that factually incorrect tweets by the U.S. president are not random mistakes of the sender.
Numerical simulations and analysis of the turbulent flow field in a practical gas turbine engine combustor
Authors: Hasti Veeraraghava R , Kundu Prithwish , Som Sibendu , Gore Jay P
Published: December 2021

The turbulent flow field in a practical gas turbine combustor is very complex because of the interactions between various flows resulting from components like multiple types of swirlers, dilution holes, and liner effusion cooling holes. Numerical simulations of flows in such complex combustor configurations are challenging. The challenges result from (a) the complexities of the interfaces between multiple three-dimensional shear layers, (b) the need for proper treatment of a large number of tiny effusion holes with multiple angles, and (c) the requirements for fast turnaround times in support of engineering design optimization. Both the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes simulation (RANS) and the large eddy simulation (LES) for the practical combustor geometry are considered. An autonomous meshing using the cut-cell Cartesian method and adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) is demonstrated for the first time to simulate the flow in a practical combustor geometry. The numerical studies include a set of computations of flows under a prescribed pressure drop across the passage of interest and another set of computations with all passages open with a specified total flow rate at the plenum inlet and the pressure at the exit. For both sets, the results of the RANS and the LES flow computations agree with each other and with the corresponding measurements. The results from the high-resolution LES simulations are utilized to gain fundamental insights into the complex turbulent flow field by examining the profiles of the velocity, the vorticity, and the turbulent kinetic energy. The dynamics of the turbulent structures are well captured in the results of the LES simulations.
Meta-analysis of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 serial intervals and the impact of parameter uncertainty on the coronavirus disease 2019 reproduction number
Authors: Challen Robert , Brooks-Pollock Ellen , Tsaneva-Atanasova Krasimira , Danon Leon
Published: December 2021

The serial interval of an infectious disease, commonly interpreted as the time between the onset of symptoms in sequentially infected individuals within a chain of transmission, is a key epidemiological quantity involved in estimating the reproduction number. The serial interval is closely related to other key quantities, including the incubation period, the generation interval (the time between sequential infections), and time delays between infection and the observations associated with monitoring an outbreak such as confirmed cases, hospital admissions, and deaths. Estimates of these quantities are often based on small data sets from early contact tracing and are subject to considerable uncertainty, which is especially true for early coronavirus disease 2019 data. In this paper, we estimate these key quantities in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 for the UK, including a meta-analysis of early estimates of the serial interval. We estimate distributions for the serial interval with a mean of 5.9 (95% CI 5.2; 6.7) and SD 4.1 (95% CI 3.8; 4.7) days (empirical distribution), the generation interval with a mean of 4.9 (95% CI 4.2; 5.5) and SD 2.0 (95% CI 0.5; 3.2) days (fitted gamma distribution), and the incubation period with a mean 5.2 (95% CI 4.9; 5.5) and SD 5.5 (95% CI 5.1; 5.9) days (fitted log-normal distribution). We quantify the impact of the uncertainty surrounding the serial interval, generation interval, incubation period, and time delays, on the subsequent estimation of the reproduction number, when pragmatic and more formal approaches are taken. These estimates place empirical bounds on the estimates of most relevant model parameters and are expected to contribute to modeling coronavirus disease 2019 transmission.