bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does City Size Affect International Migrants and Native-Born Workers Differently? Exploring Inequalities in Unemployment and Occupations Across Spanish Cities
Authors: Muñoz-Comet Jacobo , Fernández-Monge Fernando
Published: June 2022

The 20th century witnessed populations increasingly concentrated in cities, and this global pattern has persisted into the 21st century. A principal reason for the urban concentration lies in the greater employment advantages offered by bigger metropolises. While this relationship is well documented, few studies have examined whether these benefits differ according to urban dwellers’ birth country. This article analyzes to what extent the migrant–native gap in unemployment and occupational attainment varies according to municipality or city size and, if so, whether that change in inequality is explained by differences in the sociodemographic composition of foreign and native-born populations in big metropolises. Using data from the Spanish General Social Survey, results show that absolute migrant–native labor inequality does vary across city sizes, although in different ways. In larger cities, gross inequality with respect to unemployment seems to be disappearing, whereas in the same places, gross inequality in access to unskilled occupations grows progressively. Controlling for individual, family, and context-related factors explains changes across cities in the unemployment gap, but not in occupational attainment. In other words, big cities do not equalize the risk of unemployment between foreign-born workers and the native-born population but do have a negative impact on equality when it comes to avoiding the occupational ladder's bottom rung. This finding suggests that many international migrants may move to big cities attracted by employment chances, but, in this urban “land of opportunities,” they are more dependent on unskilled jobs and fall into a “trap of precariousness.”
Use of electronic resources in research and learning in a health sciences library in Ghana: An analysis of awareness and perception of users
Authors: Ankamah Samuel , Gyesi Kwesi , Amponsah Vivian
Published: June 2022

University libraries play a critical role by facilitating the use of their electronic resources and facilities available for students’ learning and research activities. Health and medical students and professionals are expected to use the electronic resources provided for their academic and research work. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the acceptance and utilization of electronic resources in research and learning among users of the College of Health Sciences Library of the University of Ghana. The study employed a survey research design along with a quantitative approach to collect data from 128 respondents. A questionnaire was used for data collection, and it was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22 (SPSS) software. The study found that a majority of the respondents were aware of the electronic resources provided by the library, and they used various types of e-resources such as Google, Wikipedia, ScienceDirect and PubMed electronic sources. Moreover, the study found that the computer literacy skills of users have a positive relationship with the awareness of e-resources. Furthermore, there is no significant relationship between gender and the perceived usefulness of the use of e-resources. Last but not the least, the high cost of personal internet data and low internet bandwidth were challenges encountered by most of the respondents when accessing e-resources. The study made the following recommendations, among others, regular training on the use of e-resources, and libraries must collaborate effectively with lecturers to create awareness in the lecture hall and also some of the e-resources should be part of teaching instruction.
An intravascular perspective on hyper-acute neutrophil, T-cell and platelet responses: Similarities between human and experimental stroke
Authors: Stoll Guido , Schuhmann Michael K , Nieswandt Bernhard , Kollikowski Alexander M , Pham Mirko
Published: June 2022

In stroke patients, local sampling of pial blood within the occluded vasculature before recanalization by mechanical thrombectomy emerged as powerful tool enabling insights into ultra-early stroke pathophysiology. Thereby, a strong intravascular inflammatory response hallmarked by hyper-acute neutrophil recruitment, altered lymphocyte composition and platelet activation could be observed. These human findings mirror experimental stroke. Here, neutrophil and T-cell activation are driven by platelets involving engagement of platelet glycoprotein receptor (GP)Ib, GPVI and CD84 as well as α-granule release orchestrating infarct progression. Thus, targeting of early intravascular inflammation may evolve as a new therapeutic strategy to augment the effects of recanalization.
Association of renal surface nodularity with arterial hypertension compared to normotensive patients
Authors: Ding Jiule , Zhou Jun , Wang Kaixiang , Jiang Zhenxing , Xing Wei
Published: June 2022

Background

Renal surface nodularity (RSN) is a subclinical biomarker of renal injury and may be associated with arterial hypertension.

Purpose

To explore the association of RSN with arterial hypertension compared to normotensive patients.

Material and Methods

A total of 205 inpatients with or without high blood pressure (HBP vs. control group) who underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans were included. Their clinical characteristics included age, sex, HBP course, HBP grade, history of diabetes mellitus (DM), and renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]). The HBP group included HBP/+DM and HBP/–DM based on the presence or absence of DM. The CT-based RSN grade was scored from 0 to 2 by two radiologists, respectively, where RSN grade 0 indicated smooth renal surface, grade 1 was mild RSN, and grade 2 was marked RSN.

Results

The inter-rater agreement on RSN was good (Kappa = 0.76). The age-specific rate of RSN grade 1–2 was bigger in the HBP group than in the control group (42.86% [40%–49.22%] vs. 2.18% [0.00%–22.5%]; P = 0.005). RSN grade was associated with HBP course ( P < 0.02). The rates of RSN grade 1–2 and of RSN grade 2 were bigger in the HBP/+DM group than those in the HBP/–DM group (48.84% vs. 37.84%, and 18.61% vs. 1.35%, respectively; all P = 0.001). Neither HBP course nor HBP grade correlated with rate of RSN grade ( P > 0.05). The eGFR was similar among the RSN grades in HBP or between the HBP and control groups ( P > 0.05).

Conclusion

RSN was associated with HBP compared to normotensive patients.
Comparison of library studies programs in Croatia and the USA
Authors: Davis Angela R. , Diaz Stephanie A. , Hall Russell A. , Zakarija Margita Mirčeta , Urem Irena
Published: June 2022

This study describes and compares the minimum educational requirements of library and information science programs offered in Croatia and the USA. The article adds to previous research in comparative education and comparative librarianship. The findings show notable differences and similarities between the two countries. The library and information science educational path in Croatia is more structured, requiring a Bachelor’s degree in addition to a Master’s, as well as postgraduate licensure. The USA typically only offers graduate degree programs in the field. Library and information science programs in both countries are generally flexible and highly customizable. Both countries require several foundational courses in librarianship, however, Croatian programs place greater emphasis on technology and collection management curricula. In contrast, library and information science programs in the USA require more managerial coursework and offer students increased flexibility in terms of course choice. This article may assist library school educators in evaluating their programs to address current and future professional needs.
Developing a Cost-Effective Assessment Method for Noise Impacts at Non-Towered Airports: A Case Study at Purdue University
Authors: Yang Chuyang , Mott John H
Published: June 2022

Aircraft noise is considered as one of the environmental impacts that most adversely affects airport development. Aircraft noise estimation tools such as the Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) are widely used by airports to mitigate local concerns for airport development. Aircraft operations and fleet mix information play important roles in aircraft performance modeling for noise prediction. However, such information is difficult to obtain at almost 85% of the 3,348 National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) airports, which lack full-time air traffic control facilities and personnel. Given the increasing percentage of equipped automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) aircraft in the U.S. national airspace, this paper presents a cost-effective noise estimation approach for non-towered general aviation (GA) airports. Instead of deploying physical sound meters or relying on the local air traffic control facilities, the authors collected aircraft positional data and fleet mix information based on ADS-B broadcasts. Advanced aircraft performance model parameters are constructed using four-dimensional aircraft position and a kinematic point-mass model. Aircraft-specific noise levels are interpolated based on the EUROCONTROL Aircraft Noise and Performance (ANP) database. To obtain the final noise level, two adjustments are applied to the interpolated noise values. The test results show the proposed approach can help non-towered airports predict the noise impact on any selected locations near the airport cost-effectively. Recommendations and opportunities for future investigation are also included.
New Equity Inputs to Prioritize Bikeshare Infrastructure Allocation: Learning From the COVID-19 Period
Authors: Davidson Joshua H. , Nam Stephanie J. , Karam Shriya , Koroma Fatima K. , Kim Ellie M. , Ryerson Megan S.
Published: June 2022

From “pop-up” road closures to decreased transit frequencies, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the overall supply of transport options. Even in the absence of a change in bikeshare supply, the pandemic provides a “natural experiment” under which we can assess changes in bikeshare use across diverse communities in response to transportation system changes. The pandemic offers a unique moment to particularly measure changes in use for low socioeconomic status (SES) populations as historically limited deployments of bikeshare in low-income neighborhoods limit evaluation of key metrics for this population. For low SES users to realize greater accessibility through bikeshare, they may need to take relatively longer trips, given the sparse nature of the network in low-income areas and the existing inequitable geography of opportunities in urban environments in the United States. As such, we measure the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on average daily bikeshare trip durations in Philadelphia, PA—the major city with the highest poverty rate in the United States. Through an interrupted time series approach, we find that the effect of the pandemic on trip duration for all bikeshare users is substantial (approximately 7–12 min increase), positive, and similar across diverse geographic areas. Importantly, these findings are persistent and statistically significant even when fitting models only on data from predominantly low SES areas of Philadelphia. This change pattern suggests first that low SES users exhibit roughly equal propensity as the general population to take longer trips, and second that bikeshare can provide a resilient, equitable travel mode.
Comparison of Ballast Drainage Improvement Between Track Lifting and Shoulder Cleaning Based on CFD Simulations
Authors: Gong Yufeng , Qian Yu , Chen Xiaobin
Published: June 2022

Railroad track performance largely depends on ballast drainage conditions. Over the years, different ballast maintenance methods have been developed and applied in the field, aiming to restore ballast drainage capability. But the benefits from different maintenance methods have not been well quantified and compared. This study investigates and compares the benefits of the two popular ballast drainage maintenance methods used in North America, shoulder cleaning and track lifting, through numerical simulations based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Different fouling conditions are simulated with permeabilities quantified from the field-collected fouled ballast samples to ensure that the numerical models are representative. Because the unit cost of shoulder cleaning and track lifting varies and depends on the specific application conditions, the normalized drainage health index (NDHI) and the normalized drainage restoration ratio (NDRR) are introduced to make fair comparisons and provide unbiased parameters for practitioners to use in the future. Preliminary results from this study indicate shoulder cleaning provides better ballast drainage improvement than track lifting if the unit costs per ballast volume of shoulder cleaning and track lifting are identical.
Prognostic association between NLRP3 inflammasome expression level and operable pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zheng Lina , Liu Hailiang
Published: June 2022

Background

The NLRP3 inflammasome is significantly associated with tumor development and metastasis in various malignancies. However, the significance of the NLRP3 inflammasome in pancreatic adenocarcinoma has not been fully determined. Therefore, we try to evaluate the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and analyzed its prognostic significance.

Methods

This cohort study enrolled 98 patients with primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma who received curative surgery. The NLRP3 inflammasome expression levels in cancer tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry, and compared with that of adjacent normal tissues. The association between NLRP3 inflammasome expression levels and baseline clinicopathological characteristics were also analyzed. Moreover, the correlation between NLRP3 inflammasome expression levels and survival was analyzed by log-rank test, and the survival curve was made by the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.

Results

Expression of each NLRP3 inflammasome component in cancer tissue was higher than that in the adjacent normal tissues (all P < 0.05), including NLRP3, IL-1β, ASC, and Caspase-1. All four components of the NLRP3 inflammasome were closely associated with clinical stage and lymph node status (all P < 0.05). The Kaplan–Meier log rank test showed that the high expression level of the NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly related to poor overall survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients.

Conclusions

NLRP3 inflammasome expression was upregulated in cancer tissue and closely associated with the prognosis of operable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Evaluating program planning using an equity framework
Authors: Shah Neil , Tiwari Rahul , Brar Gurpreet
Published: June 2022

To plan for an expansion of healthcare services in newly developed neighbourhoods, a planning initiative was conducted to better understand the needs of the population. Ensuring equity of care was identified as a priority for this initiative. To evaluate how closely the planning adhered to the principles of health equity, we applied Ontario Health's Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Anti-Racism Framework to determine which areas of action were successfully addressed, and which areas of action require further focus. The framework contains 11 components, each delineating a key area of action. Using this framework helped identify areas where the principles of equity were well addressed, as well as pointing to additional areas where further efforts are required. Healthcare organizations must take a leadership role in advancing health equity by planning, delivering, improving, and advocating for the services and systematic changes that will allow its local community members to realize their highest attainable standard of health. Using such a framework can help develop strategic approaches to advancing equity.
The Influence of Breastfeeding Promotion Programs on Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chipojola Roselyn , Khwepeya Madalitso , Gondwe Kaboni Whitney , Rias Yohanes Andy , Huda Mega Hasanul
Published: June 2022

Background:

The benefits of breastfeeding in promoting child survival are well recognized. As one of the nutritional interventions for children, exclusive breastfeeding protects babies from various diseases that contribute to infant morbidity and mortality. However, no systematic review and meta-analysis has examined the influence of breastfeeding promotion programs on exclusive breastfeeding rates in sub-Saharan Africa.

Research Aim:

We examined the influence of breastfeeding promotion programs on exclusive breastfeeding rates at < 1 month, and at 1–5 months of breastfeeding in sub-Saharan countries including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Uganda, South Africa, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analyses study of randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies was conducted by searching in electronic databases and articles’ reference lists. Two investigators independently evaluated and extracted the data. A total of 131 studies were identified using five databases. Of the 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for systematic review, seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. We used a random-effects model to pool studies together and performed a subgroup analysis.

Results:

Breastfeeding promotion programs resulted in significantly higher exclusive breastfeeding rates at < 1 month ( OR = 1.60, 95% CI [1.36,1.86]). However, there was no significant effect observed for exclusive breastfeeding at 1–5 months. Combined interventions were more effective in improving exclusive breastfeeding rates than individual counseling or home-based counseling alone.

Conclusion:

Breastfeeding promotion programs in sub-Saharan Africa are effective in increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates at 6 months after birth.
Bridge or Barrier? The Impact of Network Capital on the Receipt of Long-Term Care Services in Germany
Authors: Baum Ariane
Published: June 2022

Objectives

In Germany, roughly 8.3 million people are in need of care, but only one-third of them receive state care benefits. The study investigates whether the individual network of a care-seeking person, as well as its resources, interact with health status on the likelihood of accessing formal care services.

Methods

German data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) from 2015 were used in several Firth logistic regressions with interaction terms.

Results

Health limitations are a significant predictor for the probability of receiving formal care benefits. As moderating factors, caregivers from the immediate family as well as caregivers with lower levels of education tend to contribute to an increase in this probability.

Discussion

Findings are based on a limited data set and indicate the importance of further research in this area to examine the mechanisms of access to formal care more precisely.
The literary function of Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum 49 in Hannah’s story: Hannah and the people as inverted mirror images
Authors: Hirschi Vincent
Published: June 2022

This article argues that Pseudo-Philo carefully crafted the sequence of events and the speeches in Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum (L.A.B.) 49 so as to create connections with Hannah’s story. Through this, the reader is invited to compare the various reactions of the people with those of Hannah, so that Hannah’s role as an exemplar for the people is highlighted. The two stories follow a similar trajectory of disappointments and encouragements but show a marked contrast in protagonists’ attitudes and relationships to God. Faced with similar trials, Hannah succeeds where the people fail. The article also shows that the elements of L.A.B.’s version of Hannah’s story that are not found in the biblical text are nonetheless inspired by hints present in it, showing that Pseudo-Philo grounded his retelling of the story in a close reading of the text.
Flexible assembly research for cylindrical interference fit with form error in shaft-hole structures
Authors: Hu Chenxuan , Yu Haidong , Xia Zikang , Gu Bin
Published: June 2022

The interference fit has been widely used for torque transmission and assembly stability in the modern machinery industry. The form error of cylindrical feature is propagated during the interference fit of shaft-hole assembly, which causes the translation and rotation of following structures. Therefore, the overall precision variation is difficult to be predicted. In this paper, an error computational model of interference fit stage is proposed to represent the form error propagation of cylindrical features in the shaft-hole assembly. The characteristic parameter of form error is obtained by the minimum zone cylinder method and integrated into the small displacement torsor. The deformation behavior of interference fit with form error is described as a weakening propagation of error. An interference fit error propagation coefficient is introduced to quantify the phenomenon of weakening propagation of error, which depends on particular fit conditions such as materials, sizes, and interference range of parts. The error computational model for interference fit with form feature is deduced by using the Jacobian-Torsor theory. The characteristic of deformation flexibility in the interference fit is well considered comparing to the simple rigidity analysis in the traditional Jacobian-Torsor model. An error analysis of a shaft-hole structure deciding the symmetry and sensibility performance in the servo valve is conducted to verify the applicability. The cylindrical feature error and deformation during the interference fit are included. The results show that the new error model may represent characteristics of interference fit error propagation with form feature and has a higher reliability than the traditional error models.
Numerical research on springback law of tension-compression yield asymmetry sheet in multi-point forming
Authors: Li Ming , Liu Chunguo , Li Xin
Published: June 2022

Springback of SUS430/AA1050/TA1 (SAT) laminated sheet in multi-point forming (MPF) is difficult to predict due to its complex microstructure. In this work, the polycrystalline texture and crystal structure of the three materials were measured firstly by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM) considering twinning and slip was used to predict the anisotropy and tension-compression yield asymmetry (TCYA) of the materials. The data obtained by virtual simulation are validated and used to calibrate the phenomenological yield criteria. In the springback prediction model, the three materials were modeled using the layered modeling method. The anisotropic yield criteria were implemented into finite element software ABAQUS via a user-defined material subroutine VUMAT to fully consider the anisotropy of the SAT laminated sheet. The comparison between the forming experiment and simulation results shows that the model can predict the springback accurately. Finally, the effect of plastic deformation, strain path, and TA1 layer thickness on springback were discussed.
Efficient hierarchical robust adaptive control of mode transition for parallel hybrid electric vehicles
Authors: Ding Jingang , Jiao Xiaohong
Published: June 2022

A fast and smooth mode transition process for parallel hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) can improve vehicle drivability. At the same time, system uncertainty resulting from friction, gearbox, parameter perturbation, production deviations, and external disturbance of the mode transition process makes control design challenges. In this regard, this paper introduces a novel efficient hierarchical robust adaptive mode transition control strategy to achieve an accurate and fast engagement of the clutch of a parallel HEV during mode transition in the case of uncertain system parameters and unmeasurable actual clutch torque in this paper. At the upper level of the controller, a robust adaptive sliding mode control (RASMC) is proposed to calculate the clutch transmitted required torque based on the current states of the electric motor (EM) and engine, and the control parameters are optimized via the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm by compromising the vehicle jerk and the clutch slipping energy loss. Moreover, a fuzzy controller is designed to calculate the expected clutch engaging speed by employing the deviation of the desired and actual clutch torques, and the actual clutch torque is not a measured value but an estimate obtained by a proportional-integral (PI) observer. At the lower level, an adaptive finite-time control (AFTC) scheme is developed to overcome the gear backlash, parameter perturbation, and external disturbance during the clutch position tracking process. The effectiveness and advantage of the proposed control strategy are verified by both MATLAB/Simulink simulations and the hardware-in-loop (HIL) test.
Effect of ceramic particle reinforcement type and process parameters on abrasive water jet processing of aluminum metal matrix composites fabricated by stir casting and hot rolling
Authors: Bilgin Musa
Published: June 2022

In the present study, three AA6061 composites reinforced with 8% SiC, B4C, and Al2O3 were produced using the stir casting method. The composite specimens were molded in the thickness of 20 mm, and then the thicknesses of the samples were reduced to 7 mm by employing a hot rolling process at 450 °C. The effect of abrasive water jet cutting parameters such as nozzle speed (NS) and stand-off distance (SOD) on the kerf taper angle (KTA) and surface roughness (SR) were studied. The experiments were conducted based on the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array and the experimental results were analyzed by using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The test results revealed that the most effective cutting variable on the KTA and SR was the type of reinforcement ceramic particle. The lowest KTA and the best SR values were recorded in the cutting of the Al2O3-reinforced composite specimen. The influence of the ceramic particle reinforcements on the SR and KTA was 60.6% and 65.1%, respectively. The effect ratio of the SOD, the second most effective process variable, to the SR is 28.1%, while the effect ratio to the KTA is 22.0%. Predictive models were developed for the KTA ( R2 = 93.29%) and SR ( R2 = 91.84) by the regression analysis. A close correlation with the ratio of 95.43% was achieved between the KTA and SR.
Adaptive high-order sliding mode control for proton exchange membrane fuel cell air-feed system based on high-gain observer
Authors: Li Hongjuan , Ma Bingxin , Wang Yongfu
Published: June 2022

The proficient control algorithms for the air-feed system of proton exchange membrane fuel cell can significantly improve the output net power and prevent the polymeric membranes deterioration. To this end, a novel adaptive high-order sliding mode (HOSM) control method for air feed system is proposed in this paper. There are several meaningful contributions. Firstly, in order to reduce the number of redundant sensors and overall cost, the high-gain observer is implemented to estimate unmeasured tracking error derivatives. Secondly, without the priori knowledge of accurate dynamic model and parameters, the proposed adaptive HOSM controller ensures a real sliding mode established in finite time and a continuous control input signal to the motor. Thirdly, based on the estimated tracking error derivatives, the developed adaptive schemes guarantee the control gain would not be overestimated without the information about the bounds of the uncertainties/perturbations, which significantly suppresses the formidable chattering caused by high frequency switching of the control signal. Finally, the robustness and effectiveness of the adaptive HOSM controller are indicated by numerical simulations and hardware-in-loop experiments.
Debating the legal recognition of gender identity in parliamentary discourse: Human rights and queer politics
Authors: Michos Ioannis , Figgou Lia , Baka Aphrodite
Published: June 2022

This study documented the rhetorical constructions of ‘human rights’ in political discourse and the potential implications of their invocation as a frame for LGBTQI+ claims. The minutes of the VI Greek Parliamentary session on a bill related to the legal recognition of gender identity, conducted in 2017, were analyzed. Analysis utilized the concepts of Rhetorical and Critical Discursive Social Psychology, indicating that human rights are flexibly used in arguments oriented to the expansion, the limitation, or the opposition to self-defined gender identity. Varied representations of human rights’ content and boundaries and different constructions of agency concerning their enactment are identified. Although representations of human rights as universal are oriented to the inclusion of LGBTQI+ community, other liberal arguments obscure anti-LGBTQI+ social actors’ accountability. Human rights are also depicted as threatening Westernizing tools. The rhetorical functions of these constructions and their potential implications for queer claims and politics are discussed.
Differential impact of disease activity and damage on health-related quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Riaz Muhammad M , Shen Liang , Lateef Aisha , Cho Jiacai
Published: June 2022

Background

To study the association between disease activity, disease-related organ damage and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Asian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We prospectively recruited adult SLE patients from a single tertiary center and followed them three-monthly. We recorded the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) at each visit. SLICC-ACR damage index (SDI) and HRQoL (Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36)) were recorded annually. We evaluated the association between SLEDAI-2K and SDI with SF-36 physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component scores using linear mixed effect models.

Results

We studied 198 patients, comprising Chinese, Malays and Indians. The mean (SD) age at enrollment was 47.1 (12.5) years. The baseline median (IQR) SLEDAI-2k was 2 (0–4). While the mean PCS improved significantly in the second and third year, MCS was unchanged. In the multivariable mixed model analysis, SDI, but not SLEDAI-2k, was significantly associated with poorer PCS (estimate of coefficient (SE) −0.81 (0.29), p < .01). Conversely, SLEDAI-2k, but not SDI, was negatively associated with MCS (estimate of coefficient (SE) −0.36 (0.17), p = .04).

Conclusion

In this cohort of multi-ethnic Asian SLE patients, disease activity is associated with poorer mental, but not physical, HRQoL; whereas disease-related damage is associated with poorer physical, but not mental HRQoL. Our findings suggest a need to differentially approach the impaired HRQoL in SLE patients at different phases of disease; possibly by treating disease activity in patients with impaired mental HRQoL and addressing disease-related damage in patients with impaired physical functioning.
Improved pregnancy outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus: A retrospective study of pregnancies from a single centre in Denmark from 2010–2020 compared with the period 1990–2010
Authors: Gohr Mette , Jakobsen Iris Marie , Helmig Rikke Bek , Stengaard-Pedersen Kristian , Laurberg Trine Bay , Troldborg Anne
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Over the past decades new international guidelines recommend that pregnant Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are monitored closely in a multi-professional team throughout pregnancy. The importance of low disease activity before pregnancy and continued treatment during pregnancy has been established. However, there is still a high risk of adverse pregnancy outcome (APO). The APO in a Danish SLE cohort was evaluated and compared with the results in a previous study cohort from the same centre and referral area.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used the local patient registry to identify pregnancies in SLE patients followed at the Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, from January 2010 to October 2020. In total, 66 pregnancies were registered in 41 women. Data were compared with a previous retrospective study (1990–2010) from the same hospital.

Results

Adverse pregnancy outcome occurred in 65% of pregnancies. Forty-seven pregnancies resulted in a live birth, while 15 ended in miscarriages. Compared to the 1990–2010 cohort, a numerical reduction in preterm deliveries (7.58% vs. 17.9%) and emergent caesarean (6.1% vs. 15.5%) was observed, although not reaching statistical significance ( p = .07 in both cases). Further, a higher average birth weight (3045 g vs. 2870 g) as well as a higher number of pregnancies and live births per year were observed. Gestational hypertension was significantly reduced from 23.8% to 13.6% ( p = .05). Significantly more patients were treated with prednisolone (66.7% vs 35.7%, p = .0002), hydroxychloroquine (6% vs. 73.4%, p < .0001) and acetylsalicylic acid (39.3% vs. 73.1%, p = .0001) in 2010–2020 compared to the 1990–2010.

Conclusion

We observed significant improvements in the frequency of some APOs in the recent 2010–2020 cohort compared with the previous cohort followed from 1990 to 2010. However, even though a specialized multi-professional team closely follows SLE patients through their pregnancies, pregnancy in SLE still carries a high risk of APO.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work: A Functional-Identity Perspective
Authors: Selenko Eva , Bankins Sarah , Shoss Mindy , Warburton Joel , Restubog Simon Lloyd D.
Published: June 2022

The impact of the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) on workers’ experiences remains underexamined. Although AI-enhanced processes can benefit workers (e.g., by assisting with exhausting or dangerous tasks), they can also elicit psychological harm (e.g., by causing job loss or degrading work quality). Given AI’s uniqueness among other technologies, resulting from its expanding capabilities and capacity for autonomous learning, we propose a functional-identity framework to examine AI’s effects on people’s work-related self-understandings and the social environment at work. We argue that the conditions for AI to either enhance or threaten workers’ sense of identity derived from their work depends on how the technology is functionally deployed (by complementing tasks, replacing tasks, and/or generating new tasks) and how it affects the social fabric of work. Also, how AI is implemented and the broader social-validation context play a role. We conclude by outlining future research directions and potential application of the proposed framework to organizational practice.
Mapping Local Level Climate Vulnerability
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Bappaditya , Danda Anurag A.
Published: June 2022

The Sundarbans poses a unique challenge to policy makers. With rising sea level, large part of the area will be inundated and hence a climate adaption strategy needs to be in place. While there is a significant discussion regarding medium- and long-term strategies, preventing or mitigating such local level disasters need micro level data with minimum lag. In this article, we show how using satellite imagery can achieve both. With real-time data availability, one can map various villages, monitor their economic activities (primarily agriculture) and create a vulnerability mapping. While this article only highlights an extremely localised shock, such vulnerability mapping for the entire area will be an extremely useful tool for policy makers. We use Landsat images 2007–18 and perform clustering to map local area vulnerability in Mousuni island Sundarbans.
Serum protein electrophoresis in 26 dogs with chronic hepatitis
Authors: Gori Eleonora , Pierini Alessio , Tulone Fiorenza , Abramo Francesca , Marchetti Veronica
Published: June 2022

Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) shows the distribution of protein fractions, helping clinicians to characterize some pathologic processes. Information is lacking in the literature about SPE alterations in dogs with chronic hepatitis (CH). Our aim was to describe SPE alterations in canine CH, to compare SPE results to histologic scores, and to study SPE trends during follow-up. We reviewed retrospectively case data from dogs with a histologic diagnosis of CH. Only cases with SPE, CBC, and serum chemistry results available were included. Dogs were divided into subgroups based on histologic necroinflammatory activity (A) and fibrosis (F) scores (groups A0-1 and A>1; groups F<2 and F≥2). We included 26 dogs; 15 had follow-up SPE. The most common SPE alterations at admission were hypoalbuminemia ( n = 16), increases in α1-globulins ( n = 11), γ-globulins ( n = 11), α2-globulins ( n = 8), β2-globulins ( n = 7), and β1-globulins ( n = 6), and decreased albumin:globulin (A:G) ratios ( n = 20). Four of 11 dogs had β-γ bridging. Groups with higher A and F scores had higher β2-globulins. Eleven of 15 dogs with a post-treatment SPE had a decrease in γ-globulins and increase in A:G ratio compared to their T0, although there was no statistically significant difference. Although further studies are warranted, SPE may be useful for monitoring canine CH.
Neuropathologic changes associated with systemic bacterial infection in 28 dogs
Authors: Elbert Jessica A. , Rissi Daniel R.
Published: June 2022

Although systemic bacterial infection (SBI) is a common cause of sepsis and death in dogs, the neuropathology of canine SBI has been poorly characterized. Here we describe the neuropathologic features of SBI in a retrospective series of 28 dogs. The mean age of affected dogs was 5.5 y, and there was no sex or breed predisposition. Gross lesions in the brain were reported in 13 cases (46%) and consisted mainly of leptomeningeal hemorrhages in 10 of these cases (77%). Associated extraneural lesions included suppurative mitral valve endocarditis (12 cases; 43%) and pneumonia (10 cases; 36%). The main neurohistologic findings were neutrophilic (suppurative) and/or fibrinous meningoencephalitis with hemorrhage, vasculitis, thrombosis, and neuronal necrosis. Intralesional bacteria were observed in neutrophils or macrophages in 10 cases (77%). The putative primary site of infection was determined in 16 cases (57%) and consisted of pneumonia (6 cases; 38%), pyelonephritis (4 cases; 25%), and skin lesions (3 cases; 19%). Bacterial culture of fresh or frozen tissue samples yielded bacterial growth in 26 cases (93%), including Streptococcus canis (6 cases; 23%), Escherichia coli (4 cases; 15%), and Staphylococcus intermedius (3 cases; 12%).
Alveolar echinococcosis in a dog in Missouri, USA
Authors: Kuroki Keiichi , Morishima Yasuyuki , Dorr Lindsay , Cook Cristi R.
Published: June 2022

A 10-y-old, castrated male Boxer dog that was born and had lived in Missouri without any travel history to other states, except for a few trips to Kansas, was presented with a distended abdomen and declined health. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a large hepatic mass, and the dog was euthanized. A postmortem examination revealed that the left liver lobes were largely replaced by a white-to-tan multilobular mass with a cobblestone surface. The lesion also involved the diaphragm. Histologically, hepatic architecture was effaced by large areas of necrosis with numerous, ≤0.2-cm, cystic structures that stained positively with periodic acid–Schiff stain and contained calcareous corpuscles. Gross and microscopic hepatic lesions were compatible with alveolar echinococcosis (AE) caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. PCR examination confirmed E. multilocularis, and results from genotyping were consistent with the E4 haplotype. To our knowledge, this is only the second canine AE case and the third pet dog that has been confirmed to be infected by E. multilocularis in the contiguous United States. E. multilocularis is a serious health risk for both pet dogs and humans.
Listeriosis with viral coinfections in 8 gray foxes, 8 wild turkeys, and 2 young cervids in the southeastern United States
Authors: Weyna Alisia A. W. , Niedringhaus Kevin D. , Kunkel Melanie R. , Fenton Heather M. A. , Keel M. Kevin , Webb Amy H. , Bahnson Charlie , Radisic Rebecca , Munk Brandon , Sánchez Susan , Nemeth Nicole M.
Published: June 2022

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause disease in many species, including humans, livestock, and wildlife. Increased interactions via shared habitats may promote pathogen transmission among these groups. Our objectives were to evaluate the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study diagnostic data to characterize and compare L. monocytogenes–induced lesions and comorbidities in gray foxes and wild turkeys, and to describe cases of listeriosis in 2 cervids. From 1991–2020, 8 gray foxes, 8 wild turkeys, a neonatal elk, and a white-tailed deer fawn from several eastern states in the United States were diagnosed with listeriosis. All 8 foxes had hepatitis and/or hepatic necrosis with intralesional gram-positive bacilli, and concurrent canine distemper virus (CDV) infection; 2 of the foxes had been vaccinated recently for CDV. L. monocytogenes was cultured from the liver (6 of 8) or lung (2 of 8) of foxes. Lesions in wild turkeys included hepatocellular necrosis (3 of 8), heterophilic hepatitis (1 of 8), heterophilic granulomas (1 of 8), intrasinusoidal gram-positive bacilli without hepatic lesions (1 of 8), granulomatous dermatitis (1 of 8), and/or granulomatous myocarditis (2 of 8). Lymphoproliferative disease viral DNA was detected in 5 of 6 turkeys tested; reticuloendotheliosis viral DNA was detected in 2 of 3 turkeys tested. Both cervids had systemic listeriosis, with L. monocytogenes isolated from liver. Immunohistochemistry for Listeria spp. on select cases revealed immunolabeling in affected organs. Listeriosis was thus established as a cause of morbidity and mortality in 3 wildlife species, which often suffered from concurrent infections and likely immunosuppression.
A Technology-Enhanced Physical Activity Intervention: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Shin Chanam , Oh Kyeung Mi , Lee Moonju , An Kyungeh , Sim Jeongha
Published: June 2022

Using a single-group, pre-posttest design, we evaluated feasibility and acceptability of a technology-enhanced physical activity intervention in 43 midlife (aged 35–64) first-generation Korean American adults who were physically inactive. The intervention consisted of bi-weekly education sessions for 4 weeks, monthly small group walks for the following 8 weeks, and weekly reminder text messages during the entire intervention period. A 100% retention rate, 93% adherence, and 88.4% satisfaction supported the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Paired t-tests revealed the intervention was successful and effective as demonstrating a significant increase in self-efficacy and moderate physical activity and improved cardiometabolic health. This easy and motivation enhancing intervention has a wide potential applicability for other ethnic groups. Further intervention research is suggested in a large sample, multisite, for a longer-term with a randomized controlled trial design, which may lead us to narrow the gap in physical activity engagement and cardiometabolic health disparities.
Determination of the Fear of COVID-19 and the Quality of Life of Patients With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implants During the Pandemic
Authors: Akbaba Arzu , Erünal Merve , Ozdamar Hatice , Mert Hatice , Dursun Hüseyin , Kaya Dayimi
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to determine the fear of COVID-19 and the quality of life of patients with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) during the pandemic. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 132 TAVI patients. Data were collected using a patient information form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D). The mean FCV-19S score of the patients was 17.37 ± 6.12. The mean EQ-5D index score was 0.56 ± 0.37 and the mean VAS score was 65.5 ± 11.5. As per the dimensions of the EQ-5D index, 75% of the patients had mobility problems. According to the logistic regression analysis results, mobility was the most affected parameter, as demonstrated by the worsening in symptoms during the pandemic (odds ratio: 7.370, 95% CI [2.183, 24.881]). The patients with TAVI had a moderate level of fear associated with COVID-19, and the pandemic negatively affected their quality of life.
Speech Telepractice and Treatment Intensity in a Cantonese-Speaking Case with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Following Late Diagnosis and Management of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction
Authors: Pereira Valerie J. , So Janet Y.T. , Tsang Joy M.K. , Choi Wing S. , Tong Michael C.F. , Lee Kathy Y.S.
Published: June 2022

This case report explores clinical treatment efficacy in a Cantonese-speaking child with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome where diagnosis and management of velopharyngeal dysfunction can be considered late. All treatment sessions were undertaken via telepractice during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. A hybrid of specialized cleft palate speech treatment techniques and traditional treatment approaches in Speech Sound Disorders were utilized. Treatment intensity components including dose, dose form, session duration, and total intervention duration were documented.
Teacher–Student Relationships: The Lived Experiences of Four K–12 Music Educators
Authors: Hutton Jennifer C.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore four K–12 public school music educators’ lived experiences with teacher–student relationships. Research questions were the following: (a) How do music educators describe teacher–student relationships in their classrooms? (b) What strategies do music educators use to encourage positive, caring relationships with their students? and (c) What benefits and challenges exist for educators in relationship-focused classrooms? Participant selection was purposive; all participants were known to prioritize teacher–student relationships in their teaching. Interview data, coded in multiple phases, revealed six themes that influenced teacher–student relationships: structure; time; family and community connections; choice, voice, and ownership; authenticity; and enthusiasm. The essence of participants’ experiences involved moments of caring connection facilitated by awareness, empathy, and attention to individuals. Implications for music teacher educators include the intentional design of curriculum and instruction, approaches to classroom interactions, and focus on students’ experiences.