bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of progress on high nitrogen austenitic stainless-steel research
Authors: Li Shuai , Zhang Chengsong , Lu Jiping , Chen Ruiduo , Chen Dazhi , Cui Guodong
Published: January 2022

High nitrogen austenitic stainless steels are commonly used in wide range of applications because of their excellent properties, attracting super attention over the past decades. Compared with other metal materials, high nitrogen austenitic stainless steel increases the nitrogen content
under the premise that the structure is austenite, giving it excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Based on relevant documents from the past ten years, this article summarizes and compares three preparation methods for high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels, namely:
powder nitriding, melt nitriding and bulk nitriding. They can be divided into six categories according to other differences as explained by the latest research progress on strengthening and toughening mechanism for high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels: composite structure strengthening,
fine grain strengthening, precipitation strengthening and strain strengthening. This article also reviews the research progress on excellent properties of high nitrogen stainless steel, including strength, hardness and corrosion resistance. It further describes the emerging nickel-free high
nitrogen austenitic stainless steels and its biocompatibility. Welding applications of high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels are also described from three aspects: friction stir welding, arc welding and brass solder. Finally, this article puts forward the development direction of high
nitrogen austenitic stainless steels in the future.
Recent Changes in Average Recurrence Interval Precipitation Extremes in the Mid-Atlantic United States
Authors: DeGaetano Arthur T. , Tran Harrison
Published: January 2022

Increases in the frequency of extreme rainfall occurrence have emerged as one of the more consistent climate trends in recent decades, particularly in the eastern United States. Such changes challenge the veracity of the conventional assumption of stationarity that has been applied in the published extreme rainfall analyses that are the foundation for engineering design assessments and resiliency planning. Using partial-duration series with varying record lengths, temporal changes in daily and hourly rainfall extremes corresponding to average annual recurrence probabilities ranging from 50% (i.e., the 2-yr storm) to 1% (i.e., the 100-yr storm) are evaluated. From 2000 through 2019, extreme rainfall amounts across a range of durations and recurrence probabilities have increased at 75% of the long-term precipitation observation stations in the mid-Atlantic region. At approximately one-quarter of the stations, increases in extreme rainfall have exceeded 5% from 2000 through 2019, with some stations experiencing increases in excess of 10% for both daily and hourly durations. At over 40% of the stations, the rainfall extremes based on the 1950–99 partial-duration series show a significant (p> 0.90) change in the 100-yr ARI relative to the 1950–2019 period. Collectively, the results indicate that, given recent trends in extreme rainfall, routine updates of extreme rainfall analyses are warranted on 20-yr intervals.

Significance Statement

Engineering design standards for drainage systems, dams, and other infrastructure rely on analyses of precipitation extremes. Often such structures are designed on the basis of the probability of exceeding a specified rainfall rate in a given year. The frequency of extreme rainfall events has increased in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States in recent decades, leading us to evaluate how these changes have affected these exceedance probabilities. From 2000 through 2019, there has been a consistent increase of generally 2.5%–5.0% in design rainfall amounts. The increase is similar across a range of rainfall durations from 1 h to 20 days and also annual exceedance probabilities ranging from 50% to 1% (i.e., from the “2-yr storm” to the “100-yr storm”). The work highlights the need to routinely update the climatological extreme-value analyses used in engineering design, with the results suggesting that a 20-yr cycle might be an appropriate update frequency.
The Effect of Wind Stress on Seasonal Sea-Level Change on the Northwestern European Shelf
Authors: Hermans Tim H. J. , Katsman Caroline A. , Camargo Carolina M. L. , Garner Gregory G. , Kopp Robert E. , Slangen Aimée B. A.
Published: January 2022

Projections of relative sea level change (RSLC) are commonly reported at an annual mean basis. The seasonality of RSLC is often not considered, even though it may modulate the impacts of annual mean RSLC. Here, we study seasonal differences in twenty-first-century ocean dynamic sea level change (DSLC; 2081–2100 minus 1995–2014) on the Northwestern European Shelf (NWES) and their drivers, using an ensemble of 33 CMIP6 models complemented with experiments performed with a regional ocean model. For the high-end emissions scenario SSP5–8.5, we find substantial seasonal differences in ensemble mean DSLC, especially in the southeastern North Sea. For example, at Esbjerg (Denmark), winter mean DSLC is on average 8.4 cm higher than summer mean DSLC. Along all coasts on the NWES, DSLC is higher in winter and spring than in summer and autumn. For the low-end emissions scenario SSP1–2.6, these seasonal differences are smaller. Our experiments indicate that the changes in winter and summer sea level anomalies are mainly driven by regional changes in wind stress anomalies, which are generally southwesterly and east-northeasterly over the NWES, respectively. In spring and autumn, regional wind stress changes play a smaller role. We also show that CMIP6 models not resolving currents through the English Channel cannot accurately simulate the effect of seasonal wind stress changes on the NWES. Our results imply that using projections of annual mean RSLC may underestimate the projected changes in extreme coastal sea levels in spring and winter. Additionally, changes in the seasonal sea level cycle may affect groundwater dynamics and the inundation characteristics of intertidal ecosystems.
The Multigrid Beta Function Approach for Modeling of Background Error Covariance in the Real-Time Mesoscale Analysis (RTMA)
Authors: Purser R. James , Rancic Miodrag , Pondeca Manuel S. F. V. De
Published: January 2022

We describe a method for the efficient generation of the covariance operators of a variational data assimilation scheme, which is suited to implementation on a massively parallel computer. The elementary components of this scheme are what we call “beta filters,” since they are based on the same spatial profiles possessed by the symmetric beta distributions of probability theory. These approximately Gaussian (bell-shaped) polynomials blend smoothly to zero at the ends of finite intervals, which makes them better suited to parallelization than the present quasi-Gaussian “recursive filters” used in operations at NCEP. These basic elements are further combined at a hierarchy of different spatial scales into an overall multigrid structure formulated to preserve the necessary self-adjoint attribute possessed by any valid covariance operator. This paper describes the underlying idea of the beta filter and discusses how generalized Helmholtz operators can be enlisted to weight the elementary contributions additively in such a way that the covariance operators may exhibit realistic negative sidelobes, which are not easily obtained through the recursive filter paradigm. The main focus of the paper is on the basic logistics of the multigrid structure by which more general covariance forms are synthesized from the basic quasi-Gaussian elements. We describe several ideas on how best to organize computation, which led us to a generalization of this structure that made it practical so that it can efficiently perform with any rectangular arrangement of processing elements. Some simple idealized examples of the applications of these ideas are given.
Using a Cost-Effective Approach to Increase Background Ensemble Member Size within the GSI-Based EnVar System for Improved Radar Analyses and Forecasts of Convective Systems
Authors: Gasperoni Nicholas A. , Wang Xuguang , Wang Yongming
Published: January 2022

A valid time shifting (VTS) method is explored for the GSI-based ensemble variational (EnVar) system modified to directly assimilate radar reflectivity at convective scales. VTS is a cost-efficient method to increase ensemble size by including subensembles before and after the central analysis time. Additionally, VTS addresses common time and phase model error uncertainties within the ensemble. VTS is examined here for assimilating radar reflectivity in a continuous hourly analysis system for a case study of 1–2 May 2019. The VTS implementation is compared against a 36-member control experiment (ENS-36), to increase ensemble size (3 × 36 VTS), and as a cost-savings method (3 × 12 VTS), with time-shifting intervals τ between 15 and 120 min. The 3 × 36 VTS experiments increased the ensemble spread, with largest subjective benefits in early cycle analyses during convective development. The 3 × 12 VTS experiments captured analysis with similar accuracy as ENS-36 by the third hourly analysis. Control forecasts launched from hourly EnVar analyses show significant skill increases in 1-h precipitation over ENS-36 out to hour 12 for 3 × 36 VTS experiments, subjectively attributable to more accurate placement of the convective line. For 3 × 12 VTS, experiments with τ ≥ 60 min met and exceeded the skill of ENS-36 out to forecast hour 15, with VTS-3 × 12τ90 maximizing skill. Sensitivity results demonstrate preference to τ = 30–60 min for 3 × 36 VTS and 60–120 min for 3 × 12 VTS. The best 3 × 36 VTS experiments add a computational cost of 45%–67%, compared to the near tripling of costs when directly increasing ensemble size, while best 3 × 12 VTS experiments save about 24%–41% costs over ENS-36.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this work is to study a valid time shifting method to improve the prediction of severe convective storm systems over the continental United States. This method improves ensemble-based radar reflectivity analyses by including ensemble member information at times before and after the analysis time, thereby increasing the ensemble size at just a fractional added computational cost. The results show the method can boost the accuracy of high-resolution convection prediction out to at least 12 h. This case study motivates future systematic testing in a real-time setting and potential implementation to enhance the U.S. operational ensemble-based convection-allowing forecast model and data assimilation system.
How Correctional Officers Experience Inmates Suicidal Behavior? – Qualitative Research and Development of The Model of a House
Authors: Lavrič Meta , Zadravec Šedivy Nuša , Poštuvan Vita
Published: January 2022

As first responders in prisons, correctional officers are more exposed to suicides than the general population. The aim of the study was to explore how they experience the suicidal behavior of inmates and how they cope with potential psychological consequences of these experiences. We conducted interviews with 11 male correctional officers working in 12-h shifts, and analysed the data using a grounded theory approach. Results were conceptualised in The Model of a House, which consists of five parts representing different aspects of the experience. The model provides an overall understanding of how correctional officers experience the suicidal behavior of inmates.
Expanding PrEP Services for Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Persons Through Health Department Programs: Key Processes and Outcomes From Project PrIDE, 2015-2019
Authors: Mulatu Mesfin S. , Carter Jarvis W. , Flores Stephen A. , Benton Shaliondel , Galindo Carla A. , Johnson Wayne D. , Wilkes Aisha L. , Prather Cynthia
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) Implementation, Data to Care, and Evaluation (PrIDE) was a demonstration project implemented by 12 state and local health departments during 2015-2019 to expand PrEP services for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender persons at risk for HIV infection. We describe findings from the cross-jurisdictional evaluation of the project.

Methods:

We analyzed work plans, annual progress reports, and aggregate quantitative program data submitted by funded health departments (n = 12) to identify key activities implemented and summarize key project outcomes.

Results:

PrIDE jurisdictions implemented multiple health equity–focused activities to expand PrEP services to priority populations, including building program capacity, conducting knowledge and awareness campaigns, providing PrEP support services, and addressing barriers to PrEP use. Overall, PrIDE jurisdictions identified 44 813 persons with PrEP indications. Of these, 74.8% (n = 33 500) were referred and 33.1% (n = 14 821) were linked to PrEP providers, and 25.3% (n = 11 356) were prescribed PrEP. Most persons prescribed PrEP were MSM or transgender persons (87.9%) and persons from racial and ethnic minority groups (65.6%). However, among persons with PrEP indications, non-Hispanic Black/African American persons (14.9% of 18 782) were less likely than non-Hispanic White persons (31.0% of 11 633) to be prescribed PrEP ( z = −33.57; P < .001).

Conclusions:

PrIDE jurisdictions successfully expanded PrEP services for MSM, transgender persons, and racial and ethnic minority groups by implementing health equity–focused activities that addressed barriers to PrEP services. However, PrEP prescription was generally low, with significant disparities by demographic characteristics. Additional targeted interventions are needed to expand PrEP services, achieve equity in PrEP use, and contribute to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.
The relevance of false-twist addition on ring spun yarns by means of rotary threaded surfaces
Authors: Xu Duo , Gao Chong , Fan Hang , Yang Wangwang , Fang Jian , Liu Keshuai , Xu Weilin
Published: January 2022

A novel concept of producing false-twist yarns by cyclical stress fluctuation was developed. The forming principle was introduced to analyze the formation process of false twists on rotary threaded contact surfaces. Geometric analysis indicates that cyclical stress variations produce extra rotations (false twists) on fiber strands in the yarn formation area, causing twist redistribution and fiber arrangement remodeling with the appearance of local fiber reversion. Theoretical analysis reveals that more false twists are produced when the spun yarn is in contact with surfaces of high traverse speeds. Then, a motion simulation model using different traverse speeds of the threaded contact surface was established to compare the yarn internal stress variation, verifying the false-twist efficiency at different traverse speeds. Finally, a systematic comparison was conducted between the yarns spun at different traverse speeds. It was shown that the yarn properties improved with higher traverse speeds of the threaded contact surface, achieving less hairiness, high yarn strength, and low residual torque.
Local Governance Platforms: Roles and Relations of City Governments, Citizens, and Businesses
Authors: Sahamies Kaisu , Haveri Arto , Anttiroiko Ari-Veikko
Published: January 2022

This article analyses the dynamics of local platform governance with special regard to the roles and relations of city governments, citizens, and local businesses. We approach the subject through five Finnish platforms in which city governments are actively involved. This multiple case study shows that city governments tend to adopt a facilitative and enabling role on the platforms. They seek to create value by utilizing skills, knowledge, and resources of local communities in different kinds of co-creation processes. Local platform governance brings added value to innovation and urban vitality by utilizing multiple roles of citizens, businesses, and other local stakeholders.
Social Mobility of Puerto Ricans
Authors: Kantrowitz Nathan
Published: January 2022

Upward mobility is possible to an immigrant group if the institutions of the host society are open to social change and the immigrants’ culture encourages social mobility. The Author tests his assumption by analyzing the Census statistics of 1950 and 1960 for the New York metropolis concerning Puerto Ricans. The conclusion is that in New York between 1950 and 1960 the children of Puerto Rican migrants, at least, were upwardly mobile: they attained some high school education, certain white collar jobs, and, to a lesser extent, higher income. Puerto Rican parents, however, are stil poor, and so are their childen. But if the experience of the decade studied can be a basis for prediction, the possibility of achieving a social class distribution similar to that of other groups in the city is very real for the Puerto Rican migrants in their own remaining life spans and those of their children.

The article examines one metropolitan area. Its finding corroborate those discussed by John J. Macisco, Jr. regarding mobility patterns of the Pueto Ricans in the total United States mainland.
Southern Europeans in Australia: Problems of Assimilation
Authors: Price Charles
Published: January 2022

The search for a clearer definition of the concept and the social implications of immigrants’ integration is constantly renewed.

Price extends his analysis to a number of different variables affecting and measuring integration or assimilation, including: urban concentration, the role of the ethnic community, intermarriages, political involvement, the important function of the churches, and intergenerational conflict. The experience of America is often compared with that of Australia. Although non-British ethnic groups make up only 20 percent of the Australia population, a one type melting pot seems impossible. Rather, the Author observes that some groupings are emerging according to religious affiliation. Nobody, however, can predict the exact period of time needed for total integration and the process will probably cover several generations.
Three Generations of Italians in New York City: Their Religious Acculturation
Authors: Russo Nicholas John
Published: January 2022

Renewed awareness in ethnic groups as well identified, persisting and active participants in the political and social life of American society imposes a new task on the social scientists to define better and more cogently measure the implications of pluralism and integration. This article by Russo—presenting the findings of his doctoral dissertation: The Religious Acculturation of the Italians in New York City—evidences the fast disappearance of the cultural identity of an immigrant group in relation to their rural religious tradition and behavior. At the same time, it notes the survival of social identity. In the light of this evidence, we can ask ourselves if ethnic religious institutions might have led the immigrants to religious forms more in keeping with their new environment and how the acculturation described should be evaluated. Above all, we are forced to search for those variables which maintain the ethnic groups’ identity even in the third generation.

In this way, the process of the inclusion into American society of different ethnic and religious groups may reveal some clues for the more complex test of inclusion of different racial groups.
Japanese Emigration and Assimilation in Brazil
Authors: Hastings Donald
Published: January 2022

This study evaluates the degree of assimilation of Japanese immigrants in Brazil and relies on sociological and demographic data emerged in previous research. The increase of interethnic marriages, adoption of the Portuguese language, and change in religious affiliation indicate a beginning of cultural and structural integration. The Brazilian goal, however, of a culturally and racially homogeneous nation can not be achieved in the immediate future: the agricultural frontier settlements of Japanese ethnic groups are still separate from the mainstream of Brazilian life. But isolation and homogeneity both appear disfunctional for a sound integration, which demands the acceptance of the ethnic factor and participation in the larger society.
A systematic review of current trends in pharmacologic management after stent placement in nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions
Authors: Veyg Daniel , Alam Mustafa , Yelkin Henry , Dovlatyan Ruben , DiBenedetto Laura , Ting Windsor
Published: January 2022

Objective

Stenting of the iliac vein is increasingly recognized as a treatment for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). However, the pharmacologic management after stent placement is unclear. This review was conducted to illustrate recent trends in anticoagulation and antiplatelet regimens following stent placement for nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVL).

Methods

The MEDLINE database was searched using the term “iliac vein stent.” Retrieval of articles was limited to studies conducted on humans and published in English between 2010 and 2020. Studies were included that described iliac vein stent placement. Studies were excluded that contained fewer than 25 patients, performed procedures other than stent placement, did not specify the postoperative anticoagulant used, or treated lesions of thrombotic origin.

Results

12 articles were included in this review, yielding a total of 2782 patients with a male-to-female ratio of 0.77. The predominant CEAP classification encountered was C3. The most common stent used in the included studies was the Wallstent (9/12), and the most common pharmacologic regimen was 3 months of clopidogrel (6/12). Warfarin, aspirin, cilostazol, and rivaroxaban were among other agents used. Primary stent patency ranged from 63.1 to 98.3%. There was no apparent correlation between pharmacologic agent used and stent patency or subjective patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Multiple different approaches are being taken to pharmacologically manage patients following stent placement for NIVL. There is no consensus on which agent is best, nor is there a formal algorithmic approach for making this decision. Additionally, the findings in this study call into question whether anticoagulation following stenting for NIVL is necessary at all, given the similar outcomes among the different agents utilized. This review underscores the potential value of undertaking a multi-institutional prospective study to determine what is the best pharmacologic therapy following venous stent placement for NIVL.
The Electronic Health Record as the Primary Data Source in a Pragmatic Trial: A Case Study
Authors: Russell Louise B. , Huang Qian , Lin Yuqing , Norton Laurie A. , Zhu Jingsan , Iannotte L. G. , Asch David A. , Mehta Shivan J. , Tanna Monique S. , Troxel Andrea B. , Volpp Kevin G. , Goldberg Lee R.
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Pragmatic clinical trials test interventions in patients representative of real-world medical practice and reduce data collection costs by using data recorded in the electronic health record (EHR) during usual care. We describe our experience using the EHR to measure the primary outcome of a pragmatic trial, hospital readmissions, and important clinical covariates. Methods. The trial enrolled patients recently discharged from the hospital for treatment of heart failure to test whether automated daily monitoring integrated into the EHR could reduce readmissions. The study team used data from the EHR and several data systems that drew on the EHR, supplemented by the hospital admissions files of three states. Results. Almost three-quarters of enrollees’ readmissions over the 12-mo trial period were captured by the EHRs of the study hospitals. State data, which took 7 mo to more than 2 y from first contact to receipt of first data, provided the remaining one-quarter. Considerable expertise was required to resolve differences between the 2 data sources. Common covariates used in trial analyses, such as weight and body mass index during the index hospital stay, were available for >97% of enrollees from the EHR. Ejection fraction, obtained from echocardiograms, was available for only 47.6% of enrollees within the 6-mo window that would likely be expected in a traditional trial. Discussion. In this trial, patient characteristics and outcomes were collected from existing EHR systems, but, as usual for EHRs, they could not be standardized for date or method of measurement and required substantial time and expertise to collect and curate. Hospital admissions, the primary trial outcome, required additional effort to locate and use supplementary sources of data.

Highlights

Electronic health records are not a single system but a series of overlapping and legacy systems that require time and expertise to use efficiently. Commonly measured patient characteristics such as weight and body mass index are relatively easy to locate for most trial enrollees but less common characteristics, like ejection fraction, are not. Acquiring essential supplementary data—in this trial, state data on hospital admission—can be a lengthy and difficult process.
Climate Fiction, Climate Theory: Decolonising Imaginations of Global Futures
Authors: Death Carl
Published: January 2022

The international politics of climate change invokes the imagination of various potential global futures, ranging from techno-optimist visions of ecological modernisation to apocalyptic nightmares of climate chaos. This article argues that most dominant framings of the future in climate policy imaginaries tend to be depoliticised and linear visions of universal, homogenous time, with little spatio-temporal or ecological plurality. This article aims to convince IR scholars of climate politics that Africanfuturist climate fiction novels can contribute to the decolonisation of climate politics through radically different socio-climatic imaginaries to those that dominate mainstream imaginations of climate futures. The Africanfuturist climate fiction novels of authors such as Nnedi Okorafor, Lauren Beukes and Doris Lessing imagine different spaces, temporalities, ecologies and politics. Reading them as climate theory, they offer the possibility of a more decolonised climate politics, in which issues of land and climate justice, loss and damage, extractive political economies and the racialised and gendered violence of capitalism are central.
Secular Improvements in Cognitive Aging: Contribution of Education, Health, and Routine Activities
Authors: Beller Johannes , Kuhlmann Beatrice G. , Sperlich Stefanie , Geyer Siegfried
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Limited evidence exists regarding the reasons for secular changes in cognitive functioning over historical time. Thus, we examined potential explanatory factors for changes in cognitive speed, a central dimension of cognitive functioning.

Methods

Population-based data of middle-aged and older adults from Germany ( N = 5443) was used with baseline participants from 2002 to 2014, comparing the time periods 2002–2014.

Results

Cognitive speed improved in middle-aged adults (40–65) and older adults (66+). In both age groups, increases were partly explained by education, employment status, volunteering status, routine activities, and physical functioning. Changes in education were more important in explaining increases in older than in middle-aged adults, whereas changes in health were more important for explaining increases in middle-aged adults.

Conclusions

Cognitive speed increased in both age groups over historical time. Education, employment, volunteering, routine activities, and health were all important in explaining these changes, but their importance differed between age groups.
Recognition and prediction of driver’s whole body posture model
Authors: Wu Jun , Liu Jian , Li Xiuyuan , Yan Lingbo , Cao Libo , Zhang Haiyang
Published: January 2022

The driver’s whole-body posture at the time of a collision is a key factor in determining the magnitude of injury to the driver. However, current researchs on driver posture models only consider the upper body posture of the driver, and the lower body area which is not perceived by sensors is not studied. This paper investigates the driver’s posture and establishes a 3D posture model of the driver’s whole body through the application of machine vision algorithms and regression model statistics. This study proposes an improved Kinect-OpenPose algorithm for identifying the 3D spatial coordinates of nine keypoints of the driver’s upper body. The posture prediction regression model of four keypoints of the lower body is established by conducting volunteer posture acquisition experiments on the developed simulated driving seat and analyzing the volunteer posture data through using the principal components of the upper body keypoints and the seat parameters. The experiments proved that the error of the regression model in this paper is minor than that of current studies, and the accuracy of the keypoint location and the keypoint connection length of the established driver whole body posture model is high, which provides implications for future studies.
‘Sorry everything’s in bags’: The accountability of selling bread at a market during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Weatherall Ann , Tennent Emma , Grattan Fiona
Published: January 2022

Societies are undergoing enormous upheavals in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. High levels of psychological distress are widespread, yet little is known about the exact impacts at the micro-level of everyday life. The present study examines the ordinary activity of buying bread to understand changes occurring early in the crisis. A dataset of over 50 social interactions at a community market stall were video-recorded, transcribed and examined in detail using multi-modal conversation analysis. With COVID-19 came an orientation to a heightened risk of disease transmission when selling food. The bread was placed in bags, a difference which was justified as a preventative measure and morally normalised by invoking a common-sense prohibition of touching produce. Having the bread out of immediate sight was a practical challenge that occasioned the expansion of turns and sequences to look for and/or confirm what was for sale, highlighting a normative organisation between seeing and buying. The analysis shows how a preventative measure related to the pandemic was adjusted to interactionally. More broadly, this research reveals the small changes to daily life that likely contribute to the overall negative impacts on health and well-being that have been reported.
How real is real enough? Participant feedback on a behavioral simulation used for information-seeking behavior research
Authors: Buhler Amy G. , Brannon Brittany , Cataldo Tara Tobin , Faniel Ixchel M. , Connaway Lynn Silipigni , Valenza Joyce Kasman , Elrod Rachael , Cyr Christopher
Published: January 2022

A challenge of studying information-seeking behavior in open web systems is the unpredictability of those systems. One solution to counteract this issue is employing a simulation to ensure experimental control. However, concerns arise over the realism of such an environment. This paper assesses the realism of a behavioral simulation used to study the evaluation behavior of 175 students from fourth grade through graduate school. We assess realism through the examination of targeted participant feedback about what would have made the simulated environment and tasks more realistic to these participants. Based on this feedback, we reflect on decisions made in designing the simulation and offer recommendations for future studies interested in incorporating behavioral simulation in their research design. We find that a thoughtfully designed simulation can elicit naturalistic behavior when the controlled environment is designed to be realistic in meaningful ways. Because the simulation does not have to perfectly match reality to elicit these behaviors, designing a simulation that is real enough is an effective method to study information-seeking behavior.
The Evolution of the Role of U.S. School Nurses in Adolescent Mental Health at the Individual, Community, and Systems Level: An Integrative Review
Authors: Hoskote Ashwini R. , Croce Emily , Johnson Karen E.
Published: January 2022

School nurses are crucial to addressing adolescent mental health, yet evidence concerning their evolving role has not been synthesized to understand interventions across levels of practice (i.e., individual, community, systems). We conducted an integrative review of school nurse roles in mental health in the U.S. related to depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. Only 18 articles were identified, published from 1970 to 2019, and primarily described school nurses practicing interventions at the individual level, yet it was unclear whether they were always evidence-based. Although mental health concerns have increased over the years, the dearth of rigorous studies made it difficult to determine the impact of school nurse interventions on student mental health outcomes and school nurses continue to feel unprepared and under supported in this area. More research is needed to establish best practices and systems to support school nursing practice in addressing mental health at all levels of practice.
Medication Changes and Diagnosis of New Chronic Illnesses in COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit Survivors
Authors: Mohammad Rima A. , Nguyen Cynthia T. , Costello Patrick G. , Poyant Janelle O. , Yan Amy Yeung Siu , Landolf Kaitlin , Kim Andy , Artman Katherine L. , Taylor Dakota C. , Kenes Michael T. , Alkhateeb Tuqa , Stollings Joanna L.
Published: January 2022

Background

Currently, there is limited literature on the impact of the COVID-19 infection on medications and medical conditions in COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. Our study is, to our knowledge, the first multicenter study to describe the prevalence of new medical conditions and medication changes at hospital discharge in COVID-19 ICU survivors.

Objective

To determine the number of medical conditions and medications at hospital admission compared to at hospital discharge in COVID-19 ICU survivors.

Methods

Retrospective multicenter observational study (7 ICUs) evaluated new medical conditions and medication changes at hospital discharge in patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to an ICU between March 1, 2020, to March 1, 2021. Patient and hospital characteristics, baseline and hospital discharge medication and medical conditions, ICU and hospital length of stay, and Charlson comorbidity index were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to describe patient characteristics and number and type of medical conditions and medications. Paired t-test was used to compare number of medical conditions and medications from hospital discharge to admission.

Results

Of the 973 COVID-19 ICU survivors, 67.4% had at least one new medical condition and 88.2% had at least one medication change. Median number of medical conditions (increased from 3 to 4, P < .0001) and medications (increased from 5 to 8, P < .0001) increased from admission to discharge. Most common new medical conditions at discharge were pulmonary disorders, venous thromboembolism, psychiatric disorders, infection, and diabetes. Most common therapeutic categories associated with medication change were cardiology, gastroenterology, pain, hematology, and endocrinology.

Conclusion and Relevance

Our study found that the number of medical conditions and medications increased from hospital admission to discharge. Our results provide additional data to help guide providers on using targeted approaches to manage medications and diseases in COVID-19 ICU survivors after hospital discharge.
Canadian monitoring program of the surface contamination with 11 antineoplastic drugs in 122 centers
Authors: Delafoy Clémence , Roussy Claudine , Hudon Anny-France , Cirtiu Ciprian Mihai , Caron Nicolas , Bussières Jean-François , Tanguay Cynthia
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs can lead to long-term adverse effects on workers’ health. Environmental monitoring is conducted once a year, as part of a Canadian monitoring program. The objective was to describe contamination with 11 antineoplastic drugs measured on surfaces.

Methods

Six standardized sites in oncology pharmacy and six in outpatient clinic were sampled in each hospital. Samples were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (non-platinum drugs) and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (platinum-based drugs). The limits of detection (in ng/cm2) were: 0.0006 for cyclophosphamide; 0.001 for docetaxel; 0.04 for 5-fluorouracil; 0.0004 for gemcitabine; 0.0007 for irinotecan; 0.0009 for methotrexate; 0.004 for paclitaxel, 0.009 for vinorelbine, 0.02 for doxorubicine, 0.0037 for etoposide and 0.004 for the platinum. Sub-analyses were done with a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test

Results

122 Canadian hospitals participated. Cyclophosphamide (451/1412, 32% of positive samples, 90th percentile of concentration 0.0160 ng/cm2) and gemcitabine (320/1412, 23%, 0.0036 ng/cm2) were most frequently measured on surfaces. The surfaces most frequently contaminated with at least one drug were the front grille inside the biological safety cabinet (97/121, 80%) and the armrest of patient treatment chair (92/118, 78%).The distribution of cyclophosphamide concentration was higher for centers that prepared ≥ 5000 antineoplastic drug preparations/year (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

This monitoring program allowed centers to benchmark their contamination with pragmatic contamination thresholds derived from the Canadian 90th percentiles. Problematic areas need corrective measures such as decontamination. The program helps to increase the workers’ awareness.
Does fear mediate the neuroticism-psychopathology link for adults living through the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Lee Sherman A. , Jobe Mary C.
Published: January 2022

Background

COVID-19 has globally increased psychological distress. Although research has shown a clear link between neuroticism and psychopathology, pandemic fears—manifesting as fear of death and coronavirus anxiety, have not been examined as mediating factors for explaining this connection during the pandemic.

Methods

Therefore, to fill this void in the literature, this study examined 259 U.S. MTurk adult workers in May 2020 using an online questionnaire. The study used the Patient Health Questionnaire, the 8-item Big Five Inventory neuroticism subscale, a single-item fear of death measure, and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale as well as collected demographic information to perform correlational and meditation analyses.

Results

The results showed that both coronavirus anxiety and fear of death partially mediated the relationship between neuroticism and symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety. The results also found that those high in trait neuroticism who were fearful of death or had coronavirus anxiety showed heightened levels of depression and general anxiety.

Conclusion

This study’s findings were consistent with previous research and current work on pandemic-related distress. In addition, the results of these findings can help bring to light the connectedness of these psychopathological constructs with fears surrounding the pandemic—which can be useful to both researchers and mental health professionals alike.
Non-equiatomic W10Mo27Cr21Ti22Al20 high-entropy alloy produced by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering: Phase evolution and mechanical properties
Authors: Naser-Zoshki Hamed , Kiani-Rashid Ali-Reza , Vahdati-Khaki Jalil
Published: January 2022

In this work, non-equiatomic W10Mo27Cr21Ti22Al20 refractory high-entropy alloy (RHEA) was produced using mechanical alloying followed by spark plasma sintering. The phase formation, microstructure, and compressive mechanical properties of the alloy were studied. During mechanical alloying, a Body-centered cubic (BCC) solid solution phase with a particle size of less than 1 µm was obtained after 18 h ball milling. The microstructure of the sintered sample exhibits three distinct phases consisting of two solid solution phases BCC1 and BCC2 as well as fine TiCxOy precipitates distributed in them. The volume fractions of each phase were about 79%, 8%, and 13%, respectively. The sintered W10Mo27Cr21Ti22Al20 showed yield strengths of 2465, 1506, 405, and 290 MPa at room temperature 600, 1000, and 1200°C, respectively, which are about twice that of the same refractory high-entropy alloy produced by vacuum arc melting. At 1000 and 1200°C, the strength after yielding gradually increased to 970 and 718 MPa at a compressive strain of 60%. The studied refractory high-entropy alloy can have good potential in high-temperature applications due to its high specific strength at elevated temperatures compared to conventional Ni-based superalloys and most as-reported refractory high-entropy alloys.
The COVID-19 experience of orthodontists in the UK
Authors: Sabbagh Yana , Lewis Benjamin RK , Chadwick Stephen M , Abu Alhaija Elham S
Published: January 2022

Objective:

To understand and compare the perceived impact and ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthodontic clinical services in the UK.

Design:

Descriptive cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

Online electronic questionnaire.

Participants:

Members of the British Orthodontic Society (BOS).

Methods:

Electronic questionnaires were circulated between March and June 2021. The UK survey was distributed via emails from the BOS, Orthodontic Managed Clinical Networks and WhatsApp groups.

Results:

A total of 560 unique responses were received. There were more respondents who were aged over 50 years (52%) then respondents who were aged below 50 years (48%) with the median age range being 50–54 years (20%). The main causes of disruption to clinical practice were felt to be national restrictions (85%), increased cross-infection measures (84%), social distancing (80%) and professional guidance (80%). Respondents felt more negatively in their opinions regarding dentistry’s preparedness for the pandemic (5%) and how dentistry coped in the crisis (35%), when compared to orthodontic services specifically (8% and 58%, respectively). The respondents were not confident about the potential beneficial effects of a vaccination programme on orthodontic clinical service provision (21%). Telephone consultations (84%) and video consultations (61%) were the main adaptations used by the respondents during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

Respondents felt that COVID-19 will have long-term societal, clinical and professional implications. The majority of our respondents supported the vaccination and weekly testing of the orthodontic team. Respondents felt that during the pandemic there had been a deterioration in care provision and were not optimistic about a vaccination programme restoring services to pre-pandemic levels of activity. During the pandemic, patients in active orthodontic treatment have been prioritised but at the expense of new and review patients, and as services recover respondents were concerned about the difficulty of arranging dental extractions.
Bow shape modification through multi-objective hydrodynamic optimization: Methodology comparison between CAD-based FreeForm Deformation and Mesh-based Radial Basis Function approach
Authors: Ghadimi Parviz , Nazemian Amin
Published: January 2022

Marine industrial engineering face crucial challenges because of environmental footprint of vehicles, global recession, construction, and operation cost. Meanwhile, Shape optimization is the key feature to improve ship efficiency and ascertain better design. Accordingly, the present paper proposes an automated optimization framework for ship hullform modification to reduce total resistance at two cruise and sprint speeds. The case study is a bow shape of a wave-piercing bow trimaran hull. To this end, a multi-objective hydrodynamic problem needs to be solved. A combined optimization strategy using CFD hullform optimization is presented using the software tools STAR-CCM+ and SHERPA algorithm as optimizer. Furthermore, a comparison is made between CAD-based and Mesh-based parametrization techniques. Comparison between geometry regeneration methods is performed to present a practical and efficient parametrization tool. Design variables are control points of FreeForm Deformation (FFD) for CAD-based method and Radial Basis Function (RBF) for Mesh-based method. The optimization results show a 4.77% and 2.47% reduction in the total resistance at cruise and sprint speed, respectively.
Structural performance assessment considering both observed and latent environmental and operational conditions: A Gaussian process and probability principal component analysis method
Authors: Zhu Yi-Chen , Xiong Wen , Song Xiao-Dong
Published: January 2022

Structural faults like damage and degradations will cause changes in structure response data. Performance assessment can be conducted by investigating such changes. In real implementations however, structural responses are affected by environmental and operational variations (EOVs) as well. Such variation should be well captured by the assessment model when detecting structural changes. It should be noted that not all EOVs can be measured by the monitoring system. When both observed and latent EOVs have significant effects on the monitored structural responses, these two effects should be considered properly. Furthermore, uncertainties can be significant for the monitoring data since loads and EOVs cannot be directly controlled under working conditions. To address these problems, this work proposes a performance assessment method considering both observed and latent EOVs. A Gaussian process is used to model the functional behaviour between structural response and observed EOVs whilst principal component analysis is used to eliminate the effect of latent EOVs. These two methods are combined using a Bayesian formulation and the effect of both observed and latent EOVs are modelled. The associated model parameters are inferred through probability density functions to account for the uncertainties. A synthetic data example is presented to validate the proposed method. It is also applied to the monitoring data of a long-span cable-stayed bridge with different damage scenarios considered, illustrating its capability of real implementations in structural health monitoring.
Understanding Graduate Student Parents: Influence of Parental Status, Gender, and Major on Graduate Students’ Motivation, Stress, and Satisfaction
Authors: Yoo Hyeon Jean , Marshall David T.
Published: January 2022

Graduate student parents are a unique subpopulation in higher education that accounts for a large proportion of graduate students. While student parents struggle to balance multiple roles, female students in STEM fields may face more significant barriers in balancing family and academic responsibilities compared to male graduate student parents or female students in non-STEM fields. Despite the urgent need to support this special population, little attention has been paid to how parental status, major, and gender affect graduate students. In this quantitative study of 545 graduate students, we examined the influence of parental status, major, and gender on motivation, stress, and satisfaction. A series of factorial ANOVAs found significant differences in motivation and mental health between graduate student parents and non-parents. Our findings highlight the importance of providing adequate resources to graduate students according to their status.