bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normalized Hurricane Damage in the United States: 1900–2022
Authors: Muller Joanne , Mooney Kaylee , Bowen Steven G. , Klotzbach Philip J. , Martin Tynisha , Philp Tom J. , Dhruvkumar Bhatt , Dixon Richard S. , Girimurugan Senthil B.
Published: November 2024

Since 1900, landfalling hurricanes have been the costliest of all weather-related disasters to afflict the contiguous United States. To provide a present-day (2022) reevaluation of this risk, this study employs an improved normalization approach to better understand potential economic event losses in the context of contemporary societal conditions. The updated methodology identifies impacted coastal counties using the newly available radius of maximum winds at landfall. Hurricane Katrina is the most expensive hurricane since 1900, with a likely 2022 normalized cost of $234 billion. Combined losses from the 50 most expensive hurricane events are ∼ $2.9 trillion in normalized economic losses. The study also explores some “analog storms” where comparisons can be made between two historic storms with similar landfall locations. For example, category 5 Andrew (1992) has lower 2022 normalized losses than category 4 Great Miami (1926), at $125 billion versus $178 billion, most likely due to the significantly different radius of maximum wind size (10 vs 20 n mi; 1 n mi = 1.852 km). As with previous studies, we conclude that increases in inflation, coastal population, regional wealth, and higher replacement costs remain the primary drivers of observed increases in hurricane-related damage. These upsurges are especially impactful for some coastal regions along the U.S. Gulf and Southeast Coasts that have seen exceptionally high rates of population/housing growth in comparison to countrywide growth. Exposure growth trends are likely to continue in the future and, independent of any influence of climate change on tropical cyclone behavior, are expected to result in greater hurricane-related damage costs than have been previously observed.
Fragmentation in Collisions of Snow with Graupel/Hail: New Formulation from Field Observations
Authors: Gautam Martanda , Waman Deepak , Patade Sachin , Deshmukh Akash , Phillips Vaughan , Jackowicz-Korczynski Marcin , Paul Freddy Pazhambilly , Smith Paul , Bansemer Aaron
Published: November 2024

Secondary ice production (SIP) has been attributed to the generation of most ice particles observed in precipitating clouds with cloud tops warmer than −36°C, from various aircraft- and ground-based field observations across the globe. One of the known SIP mechanisms is fragmentation during collisions among ice particles. It has been studied with our theoretical formulation, which has been applied in microphysical schemes of atmospheric models in a few studies. These have predicted an extensive impact on cloud glaciation and radiative properties. However, there has been a lack of experimental field studies, especially involving naturally falling snowflakes, to better understand this particular mechanism of SIP. This study reports the first field measurements with modern technology for fragmentation during collisions between naturally falling snowflakes and graupel/hail particles. This was observed with an innovatively designed portable chamber that was deployed outdoors in northern Sweden. Applying the observations from this field-based study, we optimized the existing formulation for predicting numbers of fragments from collisions of snow with graupel/hail. The observations show the average numbers of fragments per collision for dendritic (3–12 mm) and nondendritic (1–3 mm) snow were about 12 and 1, respectively. This represents a boost of predicted fragment numbers relative to our original formulation published in 2017. The updated formulation for breakup in ice–ice collisions can be implemented in the microphysical schemes of atmospheric models.
Gravity Wave–Induced Instability of the Stratospheric Polar Vortex Edge
Authors: Coy Lawrence , Newman Paul A. , Putman William M. , Pawson Steven , Alexander M. Joan
Published: November 2024

We report on a previously undocumented process capable of mixing the Northern Hemisphere (NH) winter Ertel potential vorticity (EPV)—instabilities introduced along the stratospheric polar vortex edge by breaking gravity waves (GWs). As horizontal resolution has increased, global-scale atmospheric models and data assimilation systems (DASs) are now able to capture some aspects of GW generation, propagation, and dissipation, as well as mesoscale EPV disturbances. This work examines resolved GWs, their breaking, and their interaction with the stratospheric polar vortex as seen in the NASA Global Modeling and Assimilation Office DAS during the 2021–22 NH winter. This analysis shows that tropospheric-generated GWs, breaking in the stratosphere over a substantial area, created a significant disruption of the polar vortex EPV, in turn triggering baroclinic instabilities near the edge of the polar vortex. The instabilities take the form of mesoscale vortices propagating on the edge of the stratospheric polar vortex. This work reveals two new features in the EPV analysis: high and low fluctuations at the smallest model scale created by resolved GW breaking and high values associated with mesoscale vortices along the edge of the polar vortex.

Significance Statement

The Northern Hemisphere (NH) winter stratospheric polar vortex is typically disturbed by global-scale waves that displace, distort, and weaken the vortex; however, as the resolution of global models has increased, the role played by smaller-scale waves in disturbing the stratospheric vortex can now be evaluated. As one example, the NH winter of 2022 had unusually weak global-scale waves along with strong smaller-scale waves generated by flow over mountains, providing an ideal case for evaluating the effects brought about by the smaller-scale waves. Our examination of the 2022 NH winter reveals that the waves generated by flow over mountains, located under the stratospheric vortex, propagated up to the middle stratosphere where they broke down, interfering significantly with the vortex flow. This distortion of the vortex flow created an unstable region that led to the formation of “mesoscale vortices,” relatively small eddies on the edge of the polar vortex, that then propagated coherently around the stratospheric vortex. The importance of these small-scale wave-generated, mesoscale vortices may lie in their potential to mix trace gases across the stratospheric vortex boundary.
Interannual Variability of the South Equatorial Current in the Southeast Indian Ocean Associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation
Authors: Mao Xingpeng , Zheng Shaojun , Feng Ming , Liang Peng , Xie Lingling , Yang Lina , Yan Li
Published: November 2024

Interannual variability of the South Equatorial Current (SEC) in the southeast Indian Ocean is investigated using Archiving, Validation, and Interpretation of Satellite Oceanographic Data (AVISO) and Global Ocean Reanalysis and Simulations (GLORYS) data from January 1993 to December 2022 and a 1.5-layer reduced-gravity model. Interannual variability of the SEC averaged over the upper 200 m in the southeast Indian Ocean is influenced by El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The SEC has a significant positive correlation with the Niño-3.4 index and lags the Niño-3.4 index by 12–15 months, with the SEC weakening significantly during the decaying years of El Niño events and vice versa for La Niña events. Mechanistic studies suggest that during the developing years of El Niño events, the northward sea level anomaly (SLA) pressure gradient between the negative SLA off Sumatra–Java coast and the positive SLA of SEC region (90°–115°E, 9°–13°S) strengthens the SEC under geostrophic equilibrium. During the decaying years of El Niño events, the negative SLA in the tropical western Pacific Ocean propagates through the Maritime Continent to the SEC region. The SLA pressure gradient between the Sumatra–Java coast and the SEC region reverses to southward. This induces an eastward geostrophic current anomaly under geostrophic equilibrium, significantly weakening the SEC. The converse holds for La Niña events. Local wind in the southeast Indian Ocean has a suppressive effect on the SLA propagated to this area. The results of the 1.5-layer reduced-gravity model verify these phenomena, and the westward-propagating SLA from the Maritime Continent induced by the Pacific wind plays a dominant role in the SLA variation in the SEC region from model experiment. This study can improve the understanding of the effects of ENSO processes on ocean circulation in the southeast Indian Ocean.
Sea Level Variations in Shelf Waters off the Coast of British Columbia: From Subsynoptic to Interannual Time Scales
Authors: Lu Youyu , Zhai Li , Hu Xianmin , Horwitz Rachel , Paquin Jean-Philippe , Hannah Charles , Crawford William
Published: November 2024

Sea level variations beyond monthly time scales in the northeast Pacific are analyzed using simulation results of a high-resolution regional model, tide gauge and altimeter observations, and surface winds. Along a zonal section extending westward from the Tofino tide gauge on Vancouver Island, sea level variations are mostly accounted for by steric height. On the shelf, the sea level variations are dominated by salinity in the lower half of the water column, with the seasonal maxima occurring in winter caused by the wind-driven downwelling. In the deep ocean, the variations are dominated by temperature in the upper layer up to 50–60-m depth, with a maximum in the summer. In between, the sea levels show a minimum seasonal amplitude over the continental slope because this is the inflection point between the out-of-the-phase variations on the shelf and in the deep ocean. The deseasonalized anomalies of the halosteric and thermosteric heights at Tofino are coherent at time scales of less than 20 months. At time scales less than 5 months, both are correlated with winds over a midlatitude zone extending from the coast to offshore, and at time scale of 5–20 months, both are correlated with the winds in the same midlatitude band and with winds in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
Evaluation and Treatment of Acute Laryngeal Injury at Time of Tracheostomy for Prolonged Intubation
Authors: Kavookjian Hannah , Huang Emily Y. , Akst Lee M. , Best Simon R. , Hillel Alexander , Motz Kevin
Published: November 2024

Objectives:

The primary objective was to assess incidence and severity of acute laryngeal injury (ALgI) following intubation at time of tracheostomy using a proposed grading scale. The secondary objective was to evaluate what factors influence the rate of decannulation.

Methods:

Single institution cohort study with review of prospectively maintained database including patients from October 2021 to October 2022 who underwent tracheostomy for prolonged intubation/critical illness. Severity of ALgI was graded as mild, moderate, or severe based on intraoperative endoscopic findings (laryngeal mucosal ulceration and/or granulation tissue). Rates of tracheostomy decannulation were collected as the secondary outcome measure.

Results:

Twenty-eight patients met criteria for inclusion. About 60.7% (n = 17) patients were female. Average age was 59.0 ± 13.2 years old. Average body mass index was 32.3 ± 14.0 kg/m2. The most common endotracheal tube size was 7.5 (range = 6.0-8.0) inner diameter (ID) for men and 7.0 (range = 5.5-8.0) ID for women. Average Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was 4.8 ± 2.4. Length of intubation was 15.7 ± 6.5 days (range = 5-30). Direct laryngoscopy at the time of tracheostomy demonstrated ALgI in 92.8% (n = 26) of patients. This was graded as mild (25.0%, n = 7), moderate (42.9%, n = 12), or severe (25.0%, n = 7). Severe ALgI was correlated with a reduced rate of tracheostomy decannulation compared to no/mild/moderate ALgI (28.5% vs 81.2%, P = .04).

Conclusions:

ALgI is highly prevalent in patients undergoing tracheostomy for prolonged intubation. Severe injury is associated with reduced rates of decannulation. Direct laryngoscopy at time of tracheostomy is warranted to diagnose ALgI and guide interventions. Determining the extent of laryngeal injury is prognostic and could help tailor follow-up and management strategies.

Level of evidence:

4.
Prediction of Clinical Response to Dupilumab for CRSwNP Based on the Amsterdam Classification of Completeness of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ACCESS) Score
Authors: Pace Gian Marco , Giombi Francesco , Pirola Francesca , Cerasuolo Michele , Heffler Enrico , Paoletti Giovanni , Puggioni Francesca , Mercante Giuseppe , Spriano Giuseppe , Malvezzi Luca
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

Although the effectiveness of molecular antibodies has been established, evidence is still lacking on objective predictors of response. The aim of this study was to assess whether the extent of previous endoscopic sinus surgeries, assessed by means of the Amsterdam Classification of Completeness of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ACCESS) score, may influence clinical outcomes in refractory CRSwNP patients treated with dupilumab.

Materials and Methods:

A consecutive sample of patients treated with dupilumab for previously operated recalcitrant CRSwNP were enrolled in the study. Every patient was required to undergo a CT scan at baseline (T0), at 3 (T1), and 12 (T2) months after treatment start. ACCESS score was calculated at baseline, whilst at every timepoint patients underwent assessment of Nasal-Polyp-Score (NPS), Lund-Kennedy-Score (LKS), and had to fill in the 22-item Sinonasal-Outcome-Test (SNOT-22) and Visual-Analog-Scales (VAS) for sinonasal symptoms. Favorable outcome was considered based on EUFOREA guidelines, namely improving at least 3 of the followings: (i) NPS; (ii) SNOT-22; (iii) VAS-olfaction; and (iv) need for systemic corticosteroids.

Results:

Overall favorable outcome was achieved in 69.1% (n = 38/55) of cases at T1, while in 89.1% (n = 49/55) at T2. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between responders and non-responders at both timepoints. At T1, out of all the included variables, no statistically significant predictor of favorable outcome was observed. Conversely, at T2, ACCESS score was the only confirmed independent predictive factor of response to dupilumab treatment (OR = 0.81 [95% CI = 0.67-0.92], P = .010).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that the extent of previous endoscopic sinus surgeries may have a role in influencing clinical outcomes in patients with refractory CRSwNP undergoing treatment with dupilumab.
Labor, Management, Government, and Labor Markets: A Festschrift in Honor of Thomas A. Kochan
Authors: Batt Rosemary , Cutcher-Gershenfeld Joel , Frost Ann , MacDuffie John Paul
Published: November 2024

In September 2022, former students and colleagues of Thomas A. Kochan organized a Festschrift, a “festival of writing,” to honor his impact on Industrial Relations and related fields. The Festschrift generated more than two dozen articles and commentaries in a forthcoming book, as well as the four articles featured here in the ILR Review. These articles include “A Tale of Two Locals,” focused on contrasting responses to the 2019 GM-UAW strike; “The Need for Speed,” focused on the role of employers in immigrant work visa prioritization; “Incentives to Comply with the Minimum Wage,” comparing enforcement in the United States and the United Kingdom; and “Gendered Job Search” focused on gender differences in reservation wages and job applications. The articles highlight the roles of labor, management, and government as actors in an industrial relations system. Together these articles and the additional collection in the forthcoming book exemplify Tom Kochan’s leadership in advancing industrial relations theory, policy, and practice.
Social Isolation and Depressive Symptoms of Older Chinese Immigrants: The Mediating Effect of Activity Engagement
Authors: Li Ke , Tang Fengyan , Kwon Soonhyung , Jiang Yanping
Published: November 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the differential impacts of two forms of social isolation on depressive symptoms and investigate the mediating role of activity engagement among older Chinese immigrants. Methods: Data were from four waves of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago Study (PINE) ( N = 2,075). Social disconnectedness was measured by social network size and range, living arrangement, and marital status. Perceived isolation was measured by loneliness and lack of social support. Activity engagement was assessed by engagement with various social and cognitive activities. Results: The latent growth curve models indicated that social disconnectedness and perceived isolation were associated with a higher initial level of depressive symptoms. However, perceived isolation predicted a faster decline in depressive symptoms. Activity engagement had significant mediating effects on the relationships. Discussion: Efforts should focus on reducing social isolation and providing opportunities for activity engagement to mitigate depression among older Chinese immigrants.
From Setback to Success: A Restorative Momentum Model of Success for Students Returning From Academic Dismissal
Authors: Bledsoe Ripsimé K.
Published: November 2024

Objective:

While much research has been conducted on retention, attrition, and college completion among those who voluntarily withdraw from college, few studies have focused on involuntary withdrawal in the form of academic dismissal. Even less scholarship has examined the subsequent restoration of academic momentum for returning students. Furthermore, the lack of appropriate theoretical models directed at readmitted students with past records of academic failure has created a dilemma for institutions. Particularly, when trying to assess readmission policies and establishing programs or interventions to promote academic success and persistence to graduation. This study explores factors that influence restoration of academic momentum among students returning from academic dismissal.

Method:

Using a sequential, partial mixed methods approach, descriptive and qualitative data was collected through a survey ( N = 171) and student interviews ( N = 11) at a large, public community college.

Results:

Findings disconfirmed past research that academically dismissed students are primarily underprepared scholastically while confirming life events as a key contributor to dismissal. Results also demonstrated the importance of faculty support and active learning as well as the value of advisors as contextualized change agents in the academic restoration process. Finally, it was evident that returning students possessed motivational attributes conducive to restoring academic momentum, including a strong growth mindset, academic resilience, and high self-determination.

Contributions:

This study affords a Reconceptualized Restorative Academic Momentum Model of Success to guide and understand the academic and psychosocial experiences of students returning from academic dismissal centered on pre-college influences, classroom teaching and learning experiences, support services, and student motivational attributes.
Education, Racism, and the Pandemic: A Pedagogical-Critical Analysis for Latin America
Authors: Pons-Giralt Maikel , Ulloa-Guerra Oscar , Martínez-Sierra Ricel , del Prado Morales Mirtha , Ortega-Breña Mariana
Published: November 2024

The pandemic deepened social and educational inequality for Afro-descendants and indigenous people in Latin America and the Caribbean. A regional analytical overview with a focus on Brazil and on the social and educational challenges faced by these people and the epistemological, ontological, and pedagogical alternatives for the inclusion of racialized persons during the pandemic. The analysis points to the need for and the viabililty of exploring innovative pedagogical paths for promoting ethnic-racial inclusion and an antiracist form of education that responds to our contemporary context.

La pandemia profundiza las brechas de desigualdad social y educacional para afrodescendientes e indígenas en América Latina y Caribe. Un panorama analítico regional, con foco en Brasil, acerca de los desafíos sociales y educacionales que enfrentan afrodescendientes e indígenas identifica fundamentos y experiencias que durante la pandemia constituyen alternativas epistemológicas, ontológicas y pedagógicas para la inclusión de personas racializadas. El análisis permite corroborar que es necesario y posible explorar caminos pedagógicos innovadores en la promoción de la inclusión étnico-racial y de una educación antirracista que contesten el escenario contemporáneo.
A Petri net-based approach to robust deadlock prevention in automated manufacturing systems with unreliable resources
Authors: Du Nan , Yang Yan
Published: November 2024

This paper studies the robust deadlock control issues in automated manufacturing systems (AMSs) with unreliable resources. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize a robust prevention supervisor to guarantee that the controlled system can operate smoothly when unreliable resources work well, and to ensure that parts that do not require any failed resources in their remaining routes can continue to be processed even if unreliable resources malfunction. In this paper, Petri nets (PNs) are employed to model the considered AMSs, which allow multi-quantity and multi-type of resource acquisitions. First, to avoid the resource’s underflow, a set of resource constraints denoted as a set of inequalities are developed based on the nominal capacity of shared resources and the minimal resource requirements of processes. Control places (monitors) are derived along with their control variables so as to resolve the blocking states caused by resource failures. Second, to guarantee the system’s liveness, a monitor is designed for each considered siphon in the different subnets derived from a system net. As a result, a robust prevention supervisor is synthesized for AMSs with unreliable resources. The effectiveness and superiority of our method are elucidated by some analyses and discussions.
Politically Contaminated Clothes, Chocolates, and Charities: Distancing From Neutral Products Liked by Out-Group or In-Group Partisans
Authors: Erlandsson Arvid , Nilsson Artur , Rosander Jennifer , Persson Rebecka , Van Boven Leaf
Published: November 2024

This research demonstrates that people distance themselves not just from out-group partisans or policies but also from completely neutral and apolitical consumer products that have been “contaminated” simply by being preferred by the political out-group. Using large representative samples of Swedish adults, we investigated how aesthetic judgments of clothes (Study 1), evaluations of chocolate bars (Study 2), and allocations to charitable organizations (Study 3) were influenced by a randomly assigned association between these products and the leader or supporters of the participant’s least- or most-liked political party. Products liked by the least-liked party became less attractive in all studies; the results were mixed for products liked by the most-liked party. Study 4 found that the presence of in-group-observers increased distancing from products liked by the least-liked party, indicating that self-presentational concerns bolster political distancing. These results suggest that affective political polarization influences our lives more subtly and profoundly than previously known.
Unequal Learning Loss: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Influenced the Academic Growth of Learners at the Tails of the Achievement Distribution
Authors: Peters Scott J. , Langi Meredith , Kuhfeld Megan , Lewis Karyn
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in substantial unfinished learning for U.S. students, but to differing degrees for various subgroups. Students of color, from low-income families, or who attended high-poverty schools experienced greater unfinished learning. In this study, we examined the degree of unfinished learning for students who went into the pandemic scoring in the top or bottom 10% of achievement in math or reading. Our results show that students who scored at or below the 10th percentile grew less during the pandemic than their similarly scoring, pre-COVID peers and, as of the end of the 2021–2022 school year, had yet to rebound toward pre-COVID levels of growth or achievement. Conversely, students who scored at or above the 90th percentile largely grew at rates closer to their pre-COVID peers. These students were harmed less academically and have recovered more quickly than their peers scoring at or below the 10th percentile.
An automatized semantic analysis of two large-scale listening tests: A corpus-based study
Authors: Yufan Zhao , Aryadoust Vahid
Published: November 2024

This study examined the semantic features of the simulated mini-lectures in the listening sections of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) based on automatized semantic analysis to explore the content validity of the two tests. Two study corpora were utilized, the IELTS corpus with 56 mini-lectures (38,944 words) and the TOEFL corpus with 285 mini-lectures (207,296 words). The reference corpus comprised 59 lectures from the Michigan Corpus of Academic Spoken English (MICASE), totaling 571,354 words. The corpora were submitted to automatized semantic tagging using Wmatrix5. Three comparisons were conducted: IELTS versus TOEFL, IELTS versus MICASE lectures, and TOEFL versus MICASE lectures. The results suggest that IELTS and TOEFL mini-lectures shared 78% and 64% of the same semantic features as MICASE, respectively, supporting their relative content validity. Nevertheless, specific semantic categories, such as politics, war, and intimate and sexual relationships, were notably absent from the test corpora, even though they appeared in the academic lecture corpus. In addition, causal connectors are frequently used in both tests, while the mini-lectures of IELTS listening tests cover fewer academic discourse fields than TOEFL mini-lectures. Implications for content validity are discussed.
Developing Diverse Leaders for Diverse Churches (Part 1): A Theological and Pragmatic Argument
Authors: Rothschild Joshua F.
Published: November 2024

Part 1 of 2. This article examines the crucial role of cultivating diverse, godly leadership within American churches, particularly as the United States grows increasingly multicultural. It argues for the necessity of multiethnic church leadership, addressing objections and emphasizing the importance of reflecting a church's community diversity. The article's argument follows a Biblical and pragmatic approach to underscore the necessity and effectiveness of diverse leadership in fulfilling the Great Commission and navigating cultural shifts.
Multi-Prong Formative Evaluation of a Pediatric Clinical-Community Food Access and Nutrition Education Intervention
Authors: Hamdi Nick , Balestracci Kate , Tovar Alison , Corcoran Celeste , Watts Delma-Jean , Tobar Fatima , Samson Margaret , Amin Sarah
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To understand pediatricians’, community partners’, and food insecure parent/caregivers’ perspectives on addressing food access and nutrition education in clinical settings, and to conduct a formative evaluation of a clinical-community food access and nutrition education intervention.

Design

A mixed-methods evaluation.

Setting

Data was collected from pediatricians and parents/caregivers recruited from one urban pediatric primary care clinic, and from community partners involved in food access.

Participants

Pediatricians (n = 14), parents at risk of food insecurity (n = 7), and community partner staff (n = 8) participated in qualitative interviews.

Method

A cross-sectional survey among pediatricians assessing demographics, nutrition training, and knowledge of food access programs was administered. Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted to understand experiences with food insecurity and food access programs, and to identify content and delivery preferences for a clinical-community intervention. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the pediatrician and parent demographics and pediatrician nutrition knowledge. A hybrid deductive-inductive thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes from qualitative interviews.

Results

Few pediatricians (n = 3, 11%) reported receiving previous nutrition training, and knowledge-based food access program questions revealed significant gaps in pediatricians’ understanding of program eligibility. Thematic analyses underscore challenges in addressing food insecurity in the clinical setting, gaps in clinical-community partnerships, and barriers to participating in food access programs.

Conclusion

Findings provide recommendations for the development of clinical-community food access and nutrition education interventions.
Health Care Provider E-Cigarette-Related Advice and E-Cigarette Harm Perceptions Among Youth
Authors: Agbonlahor Osayande , Mattingly Delvon T. , Hart Joy L. , McLeish Alison C. , Walker Kandi L.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Health care providers (HCP) are uniquely positioned to advise against electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, potentially influencing youth perceptions of e-cigarette harms. However, research examining these associations is scant. We examined whether HCP e-cigarette-related advice is associated with youth e-cigarette harm perceptions.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

National Youth Tobacco Survey data (2022).

Subjects

21,254 youth aged 9-18 years.

Measures

E-cigarette harm perceptions (i.e., relative addictiveness, occasional use harm, and secondhand e-cigarette aerosol (SHA) harm) and HCP advice to abstain from using e-cigarettes (yes/no) were assessed.

Analysis

Adjusted odds ratios were estimated using multinomial logistic regression models.

Results

Among the sample, 33.9% perceived e-cigarettes as equally addictive to cigarettes, 39.9% perceived occasional e-cigarette use to cause a lot of harm, and 23.3% perceived SHA to cause a lot of harm. Youth who received HCP advice had higher odds of perceiving e-cigarettes as more addictive than cigarettes (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.35-2.00) and causing a lot of harm (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.16-1.90). Youth who received HCP advice had higher odds of perceiving SHA causing little harm (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04-1.44).

Conclusion

HCP advice was associated with youth e-cigarette harm perceptions and perceptions that SHA causes little harm. HCP e-cigarette counseling may help inform understanding of harms, which may reduce or prevent use.
Bi-directional porous beams under low-velocity impact: Made of carbon fiber reinforced PLA, fabrication with 3D printer and testing with impact equipment
Authors: Ebrahimi Shapour , Feli Saeed , Ranjbar-Roeintan Mehdi
Published: November 2024

In this article, two-dimensional functionally graded porous types [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (2D-FGP[Formula: see text] and 2D-FGP[Formula: see text]) are manufactured using a 3D printer. This is made feasible by technological advancements that have made it possible to make complicated parts that were before unattainable. The Polylactic acid reinforced with carbon fiber (PLA-CF) is fed into a 3D printer to create the beams. The low-velocity impact attributes of the beams, such as histories of contact force, impactor displacement, and absorbed energy, are extracted using drop-weight impact testing equipment. The 2D-FGP[Formula: see text] and 2D-FGP[Formula: see text] beams with varied hole diameters are tested in a variety of impactor initial energies till are broken. The significant findings indicate that the 2D-FGP[Formula: see text] distribution’s peak contact force is greater than the 2D-FGP[Formula: see text] distribution and that this trend is reversed for impact time, absorbed energy and peak impactor displacement. In both 2D-FGP[Formula: see text] and 2D-FGP[Formula: see text] scenarios, the beams break at a lower energy as the hole diameter grows. A non-linear polynomial equation that incorporates the inputs of hole diameters, impactor initial energy and hole type distribution is provided to forecast the peak contact force and absorbed energy.
Kids count: children’s contributions in Latino mixed-status family labor dynamics
Authors: Ruiz Karina
Published: November 2024

This paper analyzes mixed-status family work dynamics and identifies children’s work contributions. Most studies on work in mixed-status families in the United States leave out women’s contributions and ignore children’s contributions. This paper focuses on children’s contributions and the tasks they do to lighten mixed-status families’ overall workload. Results show children are aware of family’s work and how they redistribute and collaborate for the family unit. Children assess contributions across contexts reflecting an awareness of the socioeconomic interrelatedness of family, despite stratifying effects of legal status, demonstrating what it takes to live and work as mixed-status families in the U.S.
Synthesis of a new flame retardant and performance study of flame retardant epoxy resin
Authors: Meng Bowei , Song Miaohui , Liang Bing , Long Jiapeng
Published: November 2024

This paper aims to study a new halogen-free flame-retardant curing agent, 6,6'-(1,5-bis((4-(4-aminobenzyl)phenyl)amino)pentane-1,5-diyl)bis(dibenzo-oxaphosphinine 6-oxide) (DOPO-DMG). The DOPO-DMG was synthesized using 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO), 4,4-Diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM), and glutaric dialdehyde as raw materials in this paper. The chemical structures of DMG and DOPO-DMG were characterized by 1H NMR and FTIR. The results showed that the DOPO -DMG was successfully prepared. The thermal stability, mechanical and flame properties, as well as the morphology of the char layer in composite materials were investigated separately using TG (Thermogravimetric analysis), tensile and Charpy impact tests, LOI (Limiting Oxygen Index) and UL-94 (UL-94 HB flammability standard), and SEM (scanning electron microscope). When IFR (Intumescent Flame Retardants) was added to the EP, the LOI of the composite material improved. DOPO-DMG exhibited excellent flame-retardant properties and produced no toxic fumes when burned in case of fire. Under optimal conditions, it was found that adding DOPO-DMG with a phosphorus content of 2.01% to the epoxy resin resulted in an LOI of 28.8, UL 94 rating of V-0, tensile strength of 39.1 MPa, impact strength of 5.2 KJ/m2 respectively, and a char yield at 800°C of 25.63%.
A solution for vibration analysis of fluid-filled pipe coupled with complex support and flexible base
Authors: Gong Jingfeng , Diao Yingbo , Xuan Lingkuan , Yang Jizhuang , Li Yong
Published: November 2024

In this paper, the transfer matrix method (TMM) is developed for fluid-filled pipe vibration isolation system. The mathematical model of the support is established using the four-polo parameters method and the flexible base is used as the impedance boundary. The four-polo parameters and impedance are obtained by the finite element method (FEM). Drawing on the idea of the absorption transfer matrix method (ATMM), the support and flexible base are regarded as special branch pipe, and the overall transfer matrix of the system is established for frequency domain solution. The calculation results are compared with the results from the published literature and FEM to validate the accuracy of the method. And then the influences of support stiffness and damping on the forced vibration characteristics of the branch pipeline system are discussed, which can provide some reference for the vibration and noise control of pipe systems.
Research on control sequence of work mode switching for planetary row multi-mode hybrid powertrain system
Authors: Deng Tao , Tan Mengqi , Zhou Xin
Published: November 2024

According to the characteristics of the planetary row hybrid power system, it is an important issue for the system to adopt a reasonable working mode to realize the efficient operation of the hybrid power system in different operating conditions. Paper takes the single-row hybrid system as the research object. To address the complexity of the working model, a self-construction method using vehicle modeling is proposed. State-space equations are developed for each mode, and an objective function model integrating main and sub-mode switching rules is constructed using the DP algorithm. Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ) network clustering extracts mode-switching sequences. Urban and highway cycles (UDDS and HWFET) are chosen as global optimization parameters. The DP algorithm’s global optimization is applied, extracting sequence basis from UDDS and HWFET compound conditions. Utilizing LVQ input data, the main mode’s power demand is divided into 4 sub-mode regions, generating a switching sequence diagram. Joint simulations verify the effectiveness. ECMS control with regular mode switching yields 4.7458 L/100 km fuel consumption under UDDS & HWFET, 5.53% higher than DP optimization. WLTC conditions, with more medium and high-speed operation, consumption is 5.031 L/100 km, offering further optimization potential.
The Potential Application of Moringa oleifera Extracts as Natural Preservatives of Chicken Meat
Authors: Dubeni Zimasa Busisiwe , Buwa-Komoreng Lisa V. , Mthi Siza
Published: November 2024

Background

Chicken meat is vulnerable to contamination during processing and storage, leading to spoilage and economic losses. To find natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives, researchers are exploring plant-based options.

Purpose

This study was aimed at investigating the potential of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts to inhibit microbial growth in chicken breasts.

Materials and Methods

M. oleifera leaf extracts were added to chicken breasts at various concentrations (1%, 0.7%, 0.5%, and 0.25%). The samples were then stored at 4°C and 25°C for 4 days. The growth of aerobic plate count, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. was monitored and observed on 0, 2, and 4 days.

Results

Results showed that M. oleifera leaf extracts effectively suppressed and delayed bacterial growth. While there was no Salmonella growth in any sample, some treated samples experienced a slight increase in bacterial growth toward the end of the storage period. However, concentrations of 0.5% and 0.25% significantly reduced bacterial growth, even at higher storage temperatures of 25°C.

Conclusion

Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of M. oleifera leaf extracts as natural preservatives. They can help ensure the safety, quality, and shelf life of chicken meat by inhibiting microbial growth.
Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism Post-Oral Anticoagulation Reversal in Intracranial Hemorrhage Patients
Authors: Abdulla Aliya , Donahue Kevin R. , Hall Courtney , Culver Lauren G. , Morton Celia
Published: November 2024

Background:

Rates of in-hospital venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) population post oral anticoagulation (AC) reversal are as high as 10%. Guidelines recommend the initiation of prophylactic AC 24 to 48 hours post ICH; however, there is no guidance regarding optimal VTE prophylaxis post-reversal.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify the incidence of thromboembolism post oral AC reversal in patients presenting with ICH and describe VTE prophylaxis timing and agent selection.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, descriptive study conducted within a single health system. Patients on AC who received reversal agents 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) with or without vitamin K, andexanet alfa, and/or idarucizumab for AC-associated ICH were included. The primary endpoint was incidence of in-hospital VTE post-reversal. Secondary endpoints included AC utilization specifications, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality.

Results:

There were 118 patients (57%) who received 4F-PCC and 89 patients (43%) who received andexanet alfa for reversal post-ICH. Overall, 195 patients (94.2%) achieved hemostasis. Eight patients had incidence of VTE (3.9%), and of those, 6 patients (75%) were reinitiated on AC, all of which utilized prophylactic heparin. The median time from reversal to VTE was 55.9 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 21.2-72.4). For all patients on AC, the median time to initiation from reversal was 3.98 days (IQR = 2.5-6.01), and for those with incidence of thrombosis, the median time to AC initiation was 6.4 days (IQR = 2.6-13.1). Mortality occurred in 13 patients (6.3%).

Conclusion and Relevance:

This patient population is complex in that the need to achieve hemostasis with AC reversal must be balanced with the risk of VTE. Further studies are needed to determine the ideal timing and agent selection for VTE prophylaxis initiation post ICH reversal.
Giant Angiomyofibroblastoma With a Florid Lipomatous Component: A Report and Review of Diagnostic Considerations
Authors: Sande Christopher M , Erráez-Jaramillo Pablo José , Zhang Qingzhao , Suresh Kalpana , Hicks-Courant Katherine , Tanyi Janos L , Zhang Paul J
Published: November 2024

Angiomyofibroblastoma is a benign, usually small neoplasm typically constituted by spindle-shaped and epithelioid cells in a vascularized, myxoid-fibrous stromal background. It is most often seen in the superficial genitalia of female patients of reproductive age. However, various clinical and histologic features have been reported, including tumors in male patients, malignant transformation, extragenital sites, huge sizes, and a prominent lipomatous pattern. We report the clinical and pathologic features of one such tumor: a 23.5 cm lipomatous angiomyofibroblastoma of the vulva in a 40-year-old female patient. We also discuss important diagnostic considerations when approaching such large tumors, particularly in the setting of a biopsy specimen.
A prospective multicentre study of 82 prosthetic joint infections treated with a standardised debridement and implant retention (DAIR) protocol followed by 6 weeks of antimicrobial therapy: favourable results
Authors: Karlsen Øystein E , Snorrason Finnur , Westberg Marianne
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a much-feared complication in total joint arthroplasty. Debridement, antibiotics, irrigation and implant retention (DAIR) is often the preferred treatment in acute PJIs, but with varying results. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a high quality DAIR procedure performed according to a consistently applied surgical protocol in early postoperative and acute haematogenous PJIs in hip and knee, and secondary to study risk factors associated with failure.

Methods:

We performed a prospective multicentre study to evaluate the effect of a standardised protocol-based surgical management (DAIR) emphasising a thorough debridement, followed by 6 weeks of antimicrobial therapy. Empiric parenteral antimicrobial treatment was administered until the results of susceptibility tests were available. No suppressive antimicrobial therapy was given after the 6-week treatment-period. Primary outcome measure was infection control at the 2-year follow-up.

Results:

A total of 99 patients from 8 Norwegian hospitals were found eligible and included in the study, and 82 patients were finally analysed. 69 of 82 patients (84% [CI, 76–92%]) were successfully treated with this treatment protocol. We found a reduced success rate when patients were treated with a DAIR procedure following an infected revision arthroplasty compared with an infected primary arthroplasty (11/17 (65 %) versus 58/65 (89 %), respectively ( p = 0.02).

Conclusions:

The success rate of a standardised DAIR procedure with a 6-week antimicrobial treatment was good in PJI following primary arthroplasties. The success rate following PJI in revision arthroplasty was poor, and other treatment options should be considered.
A comprehensive evaluation tool to assess community capacity and readiness for virtual care implementation
Authors: Deason Joseph P , Adams Scott J , Khan Amal , Lovo Stacey , Mendez Ivar
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The rapid evolution and implementation of virtual care technologies for clinical use often exceeds the development of standardized implementation protocols, leading to gaps in the equitable and sustainable adoption of virtual care services, particularly in rural and remote areas. This paper introduces a comprehensive evaluation tool designed to assess community capacity and readiness for virtual care.

Methods

The development of the tool was informed by experiences from the Virtual Care and Robotics Program at the University of Saskatchewan. It involved a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach that engaged healthcare leaders, IT experts and community healthcare workers. This iterative process included defining evaluation categories, mapping evaluative domains and refining the tool into a user-friendly checklist manual.

Results

The tool identifies three key domains for assessing readiness: clinical needs, technology infrastructure and human resources/workflows. It was piloted in the remote community of Fond du Lac, Saskatchewan, where it successfully qualified the community for implementing telerobotic ultrasound services. The tool facilitated local engagement and highlighted the community's specific needs and readiness, enhancing the implementation process.

Conclusion

This evaluation tool contributes to bridging the gap between the rapid deployment of virtual care technologies and the need for comprehensive, standardized implementation protocols. It offers a structured, practical approach to assessing and enhancing community readiness for virtual care while promoting successful clinical implementation and equitable access to healthcare.
Swedish female and male general surgeons differ in personality traits
Authors: Blohm My , McGrath Aleksandra , Mukka Sebastian , Jolbäck Per
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims:

Evidence suggests that female surgeons achieve comparable or even more favorable outcomes than male surgeons. It is currently unclear what factors contribute to these potential differences. Possible explanations might be differences in personality traits, communication style, attitude, and risk-taking behavior. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine disparities in personality traits between male and female general surgeons in Sweden.

Methods:

The research was conducted as a cross-sectional study of personality traits. Between August 29, 2022, and December 15, 2023, Swedish specialists in general surgery were invited to participate in an online survey. The survey, assessed with the Big Five Inventory, collected information on self-reported surgeon gender, years in practice, employment data, and differences in personality traits.

Results:

The analysis encompassed responses from 223 Swedish general surgeons: 121 (54%) males and 102 (46%) females. In contrast to female surgeons, male surgeons were older and had longer surgical experience. A higher proportion of male surgeons were employed in rural hospitals. Higher mean scores were observed in all personality traits among female surgeons. The adjusted analysis showed significantly higher scores for conscientiousness (p < 0.001), extraversion (p < 0.001), agreeableness (p = 0.006), and neuroticism (p < 0.001); however, no such change was observed for openness.

Conclusion:

This cross-sectional study demonstrates that Swedish female and male surgeons differ in personality traits. The implications of these results could lead to a deeper understanding of the variations in surgical outcomes based on the gender of the surgeon.