bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of skim natural rubber and polypropylene blends via melt blending: A study on processability
Authors: Wijewardane DS , Senevirathna MASR , Siriwardena S , Edirisinghe DG , Sudusingha YCY
Published: May 2022

Processability of thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) blends is a vital aspect in the preparation of blends for industrial applications and is assessed using different techniques. In this study, skim natural rubber/Polypropylene (SNR/PP) blends were prepared using melt mixing and their processability was examined in terms of mixing torque development, long-term processability, moving die rheometer (MDR) torque, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), melt flow index (MFI) and morphological studies. A series of unvulcanized (UV) and dynamically vulcanized (DV) blends having 70/30, 60/40, 50/50, 40/60, and 30/70 SNR/PP compositions were prepared. Standard Lanka Rubber (SLR) and PP blends having corresponding ratios were also studied for the purpose of comparison. The study reveals that a high percentage of non-rubbers present in the SNR has positively influenced the processability of both UV and DV SNR/PP blends compared to SLR/PP blends as assessed by the mixing torque values. As suggested by the mixing torque development and long-term processability, natural rubber dominant both DV blends cannot be processed. However, they can be processed under low shear rates as shown in the MDR studies irrespective of the rubber type. Therefore, it can be inferred that these rubber dominant blends can be processed into molded products via compression molding technique. TGA studies revealed that a similar degree of protection has been offered to the blends against thermal degradation by SNR and SLR. MFI studies showed that there is no significant difference in flowability between UV SNR/PP blends and SLR/PP blends. However, for DV blends, SNR/PP blends showed a higher flowability than SLR/PP blends. In addition, increase in PP percentage in the blend enhances the flowability while dynamic vulcanization reduces the flowability irrespective of the type of rubber used in the blends. Morphological studies suggest continuous or co-continuous phase structures for UV blends and two-phase structures for DV blends where the plastic phase acts as the continuous phase.
The Timing Effect of Childhood Maltreatment in Depression: A Systematic Review and meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Muzi , Gao Tingting , Su Yingying , Zhang Yingzhe , Yang Guang , D’Arcy Carl , Meng Xiangfei
Published: May 2022

Although empirical evidence has confirmed the causal relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression, findings are inconsistent on the magnitude of the effect of age of exposure to childhood maltreatment on psychological development. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to comprehensively synthesize the literature on the relationship between exposure age of maltreatment and depression and to quantitatively compare the magnitude of effect sizes across exposure age groups. Electronic databases and grey literature up to April 6th, 2022, were searched for English-language studies. Studies were included if they: 1) provided the information on exposure age; and 2) provided statistical indicators to examine the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression. Fifty-eight articles met eligibility criteria and were included in meta-analyses. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on subtypes of maltreatment and measurements of depression. Any kind of maltreatment (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.15–0.18), physical abuse (r =0.13, 95% CI = 0.10–0.15), sexual abuse (r = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.15–0.21), emotional abuse (r = 0.17, 95% CI=0.11–0.23), and neglect (r = 0.08, 95% CI=0.06–0.11) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Significant differential effects of maltreatment in depression were found across age groups of exposure to maltreatment (Q = 34.81, p < 0.001). Age of exposure in middle childhood (6–13 years) had the highest risk of depression, followed by late childhood (12–19 years) and early childhood (0–6 years). Implications of the findings provide robust evidence to support targeting victimized children of all ages and paying closer attention to those in middle childhood to effectively reduce the risk of depression.
Incentives and Strategic Behavior of Professional Boxers
Authors: Akin Zafer , Issabayev Murat , Rizvanoghlu Islam
Published: May 2022

In professional boxing, a higher-ranked boxer chooses his opponent among challengers varying in popularity and strength. We build a three-stage model of a professional boxing fight between the chooser and a challenger to examine the strategic incentives of a chooser in sharing the purse and exerting a proper level of effort. More importantly, we endogenize the choice of the opponent and the purse to be generated. We found that an older chooser who is ready to cash in his reputation tends to choose a stronger opponent with little effort, while a young rising “star” prefers a match against weaker opponents.
“Oh Shit!” Moments: Motorcycling, “Thrownness,” and the Startle Effect
Authors: Owton Helen
Published: May 2022

Through a series of vignettes, this article offers an insight into the intense embodied and sensorial experiences of motorcycling via “sudden moments.” I reflect on the phenomenological interconnectedness of environment and the fragility of the motorcycling body–self via the exploration of “thrownness” and “sudden moments.” These intense embodied moments of “thrownness” can disrupt the feelings of pleasure and enjoyment from being “in the zone.” Surviving the threat, the body may experience a renewed positive heightened corporeal sense of “aliveness,” elation, and relief working at an intense level, with positive effects on one’s mental health.
Evaluating the Efficacy of EGFR-TKIs Combined With Radiotherapy in Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients With EGFR Mutation: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Yuxiang , Yu Wenjuan , Shi Jian , Qiu Rong , Jiang Nan , Wang Zhuofan , Yang Jie , Jia Zhongfei , Song Meng
Published: May 2022

Objective: Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have been recommended as the first-line treatment for advanced lung adenocarcinoma with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. This study retrospectively evaluated patients’ survival and related prognostic factors from single-center, real-world data. Methods: From January 2015 to December 2020, patients detected with EGFR mutation showing unresectable clinical stages III to IV advanced lung adenocarcinoma and receiving EGFR-TKIs and radiotherapy (RT) were recruited for the study. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were statistically analyzed with SPSS 22.0 software. Results: This study included 238 patients who completed their follow-up by December 30, 2020. The 1-, 2-, 3-year and median OS were 84.4%, 59.7%, 38.7%, and 30.3 months for OS, 57.0%, 28.8%, 15.7%, and 14.1 months for progression-free survival (PFS1), and 78.9%, 71.7%, 33.3%, and 25.0 months for PFS2, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that, the independent factors for OS are age, clinical stage, the sequence of TKI and CT, and the total treatment response, and total response; the independent factors for progression-free survival 1 are clinical stage and total treatment response; the independent factors for PFS2 are clinical stage, type of TKI, sequence of TKI and CT, and total treatment response. The univariate analysis also showed a significant association between RT duration ( P = 0.041) and dose ( P = 0.026) with PFS1. Conclusion: EGFR-TKIs combined with RT was tolerable and efficient for patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. OS and PFS prove CT sequential with TKIs. Better treatment response with CR + PR was associated with a longer duration of OS, PFS1, and PFS2. However, further study is required in a larger sample size to confirm the results.
Campaign-Style Paired Assistance: The Chinese Experience in Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wu Weixu , Tan Xinyu , Jiang Qinzhi
Published: May 2022

To cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese government initiated a medical resource allocation and assistance mechanism that was characterized as a large-scale and regional mutual approach. Specifically, thirty provinces delivered medical resources (e.g., medical staff, medical supplies, and living materials) to “1+16” cities severely affected by the epidemic within a small amount of time, which solved the dilemma of medical collapse and governance “downtime” in epidemic areas, thereby changing the prevalence curve of the pandemic in China. “Campaign-style” targeted assistance can be interpreted based on the Chinese dual party-government model as well as the governance model of vertical accountability and horizontal competition, drawing from previous experience of normalized “designated assistance.” Consequently, paired assistance contributes to intergovernmental situations of decreasing divisibility and increasing cooperation. This study has the potential to bring insights to other countries around the world that are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Appreciate the Little Things”: A Qualitative Survey of Men’s Coping Strategies and Mental Health Impacts During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wilson Michael J. , Seidler Zac E. , Oliffe John L. , Toogood Nicholas , Kealy David , Ogrodniczuk John S. , Walther Andreas , Rice Simon M.
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a suite of circumstances that will simultaneously affect mental health and mobilize coping strategies in response. Building on a lack of research specifically exploring men’s mental health impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study presents the results of a qualitative survey exploring men’s self-reported aspects of the pandemic giving rise to mental health challenges, alongside their diverse coping strategies applied during this time. The sample comprised 555 men from North America (age M = 38.8 years; SD = 13.5 years), who participated via an online survey with two open-ended qualitative questions assessing, respectively, the aspects of the pandemic affecting their mental health, and the strategies used to manage these challenges. Free-text responses were coded using inductive content analysis. Results pertaining to the mental health impacts of COVID-19 were categorized into two overarching themes: far-reaching ramifications of COVID-19 encompassing consequences for lifestyle, work, and functioning, alongside novel anxieties related to health risks and daily uncertainty. In addition, coping strategies reported were categorized into two broad themes: efforts to avoid, dull or distract oneself from distress, alongside adapting and doing things differently, which encompassed largely approach-oriented efforts to flexibly ameliorate distress. Results signal the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19, alongside profound flexibility and diverse enactments of resilience among men in adapting to unprecedented challenges. Findings have implications for mental health promotion that should aim to leverage men's adaptive coping to encourage opportunities for social connectedness in response to the mental health impacts of the various psychosocial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Prospective Analysis of Patient Characteristics Affecting the Outcome of Dorsal Splinting for Soft Tissue Mallet Injuries
Authors: Azad Ali , Kegel Gary , Phelps James , Marshall Astrid , Lafer Marissa P. , Rocks Madeline , Catalano Louis , Barron O. Alton , Glickel Steven
Published: May 2022

Background:

Much has been written about the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue mallet injuries. However, there has been little regarding the characteristics of this injury affecting patients’ prognosis. The purpose of this prospective study was to identify factors influencing the outcome of treatment of soft tissue mallet injuries.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with soft tissue mallet injuries were enrolled prospectively in a protocol of dorsal splinting for 6 to 12 weeks, followed by weaning over 2 weeks and then evaluated at 6, 9, and ≥12 months.

Results:

Thirty-seven patients (38 digits) completed the study. Treatment success was defined as a final extensor lag of <15° and failure as a final extensor lag of ≥15°. Those failing splint treatment were older compared with those successfully treated. Patient compliance was significantly associated with a successful outcome. Factors that did not significantly affect success included time to treatment, initial injury severity, splinting duration, sex, and ligamentous laxity. Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores >0 were not associated with treatment failure. Radiographic and clinical extension lag were statistically comparable.

Conclusions:

This study shows strong association between the success of splint treatment, younger patient age, and compliance with the treatment protocol. Despite this finding, most patients did not report any functional limitations, irrespective of the treatment success. In contrast to prior results, time to treatment and initial extensor lag did not significantly affect treatment success.
The theoretical case against offshore balancing: Realism, liberalism, and the limits of rationality in U.S. foreign policy
Authors: Fleury Eric
Published: May 2022

Certain realist critics of U.S. foreign policy put forth an alternative model of “offshore balancing” as a definitively rational alternative to what they regard as the current, and utterly disastrous, policy of “liberal hegemony.” They predict that the public will eventually recognize the hollowness of liberalism and demand a foreign policy rooted in hardnosed realism. They also promise that this rational outline will also be a positive good, maximizing national interests and moral values with no tradeoffs between them. I argue that offshore balancing packages realist arguments in an idealist framework, whereby the good is both self-evident and bound to triumph. This inhibits the actual realist task of revealing the harsh facts of politics, which inevitably interfere with preferences. Offshore balancing traps itself between its claim of inevitability, which undercuts the need for advocacy, and desirability, which pushes against its inevitability. The only way they can resolve this contradiction is with an increasingly caustic account of liberalism as so utterly wrong and immoral that its opponents earn the mark of reason and goodness by sheer virtue of their opposition. Offshore balancing subordinates its account of the world as it is to a demand of how the world must not be.
Placing Users at the Center: Evaluating Exam Room Design for Improved User Experience
Authors: Matić Zorana , Oh Yeinn , Lim Lisa , Zimring Craig
Published: May 2022

Objective:

This article proposes a method for evaluating the design affordances of primary care exam rooms from the perspectives of users using functional scenario (FS) analysis.

Goal:

This study aims to develop quantifiable criteria and spatial metrics for evaluating how exam room design supports the needs of different users. These criteria and metrics can be used in the early stages of the design process to choose between alternatives.

Background:

The primary care exam room is an essential space in healthcare, as it is the first point of contact between the healthcare provider and the patient. However, there is a lack of rigorous evaluation metrics for exam room design that supports improved user experiences and better health outcomes.

Method:

A total of nine primary care exam rooms were analyzed using FS analysis. We identified three key user groups involved in the clinical examination process—providers, patients, and care partners—and translated their needs into FSs. We developed spatial metrics for each FS to quantify the extent to which the needs were spatially supported.

Results:

We developed 11 FSs in total: three from the providers’, five from the patients’, and three from the care partners’ perspectives. The results revealed possible design strategies for improved user experiences.

Conclusions:

We quantitatively measured the affordance of primary care exam room design for multiple stakeholders. We expect that the criteria and metrics presented in this article will improve the understanding of different users’ perspectives and provide new design guidance for improved user experiences.
Design & Society: Design as a Force for Behavioral Change at Scale in Kazakhstan
Authors: Krauss Noteh
Published: May 2022

Through an examination of the relationship of politics and aesthetics this paper challenges outdated human-centered modes of design in order to offer a new framework—Design & Society—which accounts for the role that politics, ideologies, systematic relationships, context and narratives play and have played in shaping the lived reality of past, contemporary and future life. Through a deep examination of the politico-design economy of Astana (since renamed Nur-Sultan) championed by former president of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev this paper peels back the strategic layers for the creation of Astana. Relevant to designers, policy-makers, futurists, business interests, and those studying the urban environment in general as well the nation of Kazakhstan in particular, this paper unravels the layers of history, demographic pressures, and geopolitical posturing that have intentionally placed Astana as a force changing Kazakh society forever by causing behavioral change at scale. This paper outlines a three-stage process of creation: conceptualization, materialization, and realization to track the design process of Astana and its effects at large on a personal level for millions of Kazakhs. In the conceptualization stage, the paper tracks the motivators from the past, the present considerations and future goals for the design of Astana. In the materialization stage, the threads are weaved together into the architecture of the three most prominent buildings in the Kazakh Capital: The Palace of Peace and Accord, Khan Shatyr Shopping Center and Baiterek tower. In the realization stage, the impact on the individuals of Kazakhstan is considered. Through this study, the dance of Design & Society and the ever evolving impact of one onto the other is presented as a key lens for all future studies of design.
Executive attention control impairments and social anxiety symptoms in children
Authors: Reinholdt-Dunne Marie Louise , Blicher Andreas , Rinck Mike , Klein Anke
Published: May 2022

Impairments in executive attention control, such as the ability to inhibit processing task-irrelevant information, are believed to play a key role in the development and maintenance of social fear and anxiety. However, the underlying attentional mechanisms related to social anxiety are not well understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between actual and perceived executive attention control deficits and social anxiety symptoms in children. Participants included 134 school children drawn from the community between the ages of 8–13 years. Children completed the Attention Network Task (ANT) along with self-report measures of executive attention control and social anxiety. The ANT is a reaction-based task that assesses alerting, orienting, and control of executive attention. Results showed that only self-reported executive attention control was negatively associated with heightened levels of social anxiety. Also, objectively and subjectively measured executive attention control were not related to each other. Findings suggest that social anxiety may only be associated with perceived deficits and not with an actual impairment of executive attention control. Further studies are needed to examine the role of actual versus perceived deficits in childhood social anxiety.
Montage space: Borderlands, micronations, terra nullius, and the imperialism of the geographical imagination
Authors: Riding James , Dahlman Carl T.
Published: May 2022

This article extends work in human geography on thinking space relationally and topological space, arguing for a relational conceptualization of space that employs montage in small seemingly confined spaces to tell big relational stories. Empirically it explores a micronation projected onto watery western Balkan no-man's [sic] land and reveals an exploitation of Balkan history and geography that underpins perceptions of the southeast European peninsula. Liberland is a new right-libertarian unofficial country that claims a disputed tract of middle Danube riverbank in a contested riverine borderscape between Croatia and Serbia, where the fantasy geography of emptiness and terra nullius reappears in a new imperial present. The hackneyed performances that self-proclaimed micronations undertake to legitimize themselves are placed alongside a relational story of regional cultural landscape and more-than-human geographies in this fluvial political–ecological borderland in order to undermine alt-right libertarianism, Balkanism, and imperialism.
Depressive symptoms and associated factors among adults attending antiretroviral therapy clinic in Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Amha Haile , Denekew Bethlehem , Asnakew Sintayehu
Published: May 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms among adults attending anti-retroviral therapy follow up at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

Methods:

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted, and a systematic sampling technique was used to select the 266 participants. Depressive symptoms were assessed by using patient health questionnaire 9. A binary logistic regression analysis with an odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval was used to assess the strength of associations in SPSS version 20 and a p-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results:

In this study, the prevalence of depressive symptoms among HIV-positive individuals was 39.1% with 95% confidence interval (33.7%–45.3%). Multivariable analysis showed that participants who had age group > 40 (adjusted odds ratio = 5.26, 95% confidence interval (2.24–12.35)), presence of perceived stigma and discrimination (adjusted odds ratio = 7.5, 95% confidence interval = (3.77–14.9)), poor medication adherence (adjusted odds ratio = 6.05, 95% confidence interval = (2.86–12.80)), and poor social support (adjusted odds ratio = 2.53, 95% confidence interval = (1.25–5.12)) were significantly associated with depression.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of depressive symptoms in this study was found to be significantly high. Age > 40 years old, the presence of perceived stigma and discrimination, poor medication adherence, and a lack of social support were found to be associated factors of depressive symptoms. It would be better for clinicians to give special emphasis to those patients who were stigmatized, who had compliance problems, and poor social support.
Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas with multiple liver metastases successfully managed with staged resection
Authors: Ranaweera Kasun , Nandasena Malith , de Silva Upul , Jayarajah Umesh , Delwatta Shehani , de Silva Chandu , Pathirana Aloka
Published: May 2022

Due to the rarity of the disease, there are no guidelines or consensus for the management of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas with liver metastasis. We describe a patient with solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas with multiple liver metastases who was successfully managed with staged resection. A previously healthy 50-year-old female presented to the clinic with dull epigastric pain. The contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a well-defined cystic lesion at the distal body and tail of the pancreas with multiple liver deposits. A core needle liver biopsy was suspicious of a hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. A distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and a left hemi-hepatectomy were performed with a subsequent staged right posterior sectionectomy to address the inadequate future liver remnant. The final histology with immunohistochemistry revealed a pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm. The patient had satisfactory surgical and oncological outcomes with no recurrence. As these are slow growing tumours, appropriately spaced staged liver resection was feasible to allow hypertrophy of the liver remnant and physiological recovery of the patient. The discrepancy in the histology and cross-sectional imaging led to a pre-operative diagnostic dilemma, and the final diagnosis was reached after surgical resection. Thus, resectable metastatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas may be offered a primary curative radical surgery before considering other treatment modalities.
Canadian Association of Radiologists Guidance on Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Macdonald D. Blair , Hurrell Casey D. , Costa Andreu F. , McInnes Matthew D. F. , O’Malley Martin , Barrett Brendan J. , Brown Pierre Antoine , Clark Edward G. , Hadjivassiliou Anastasia , Kirkpatrick Iain Donald Craik , Rempel Jeremy , Jeon Paul , Hiremath Swapnil
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

Iodinated contrast media is one of the most frequently administered pharmaceuticals. In Canada, over 5.4 million computed tomography (CT) examinations were performed in 2019, of which 50% were contrast enhanced. Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurring after iodinated contrast administration was historically considered a common iatrogenic complication which was managed by screening patients, prophylactic strategies, and follow-up evaluation of renal function. The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) initially published guidelines on the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy in 2007, with an update in 2012. However, new developments in the field have led to the availability of safer contrast agents and changes in clinical practice, prompting a complete revision of the earlier recommendations.

Information sources:

Published literature, including clinical trials, retrospective cohort series, review articles, and case reports, along with expert opinions from radiologists and nephrologists across Canada.

Methods:

The leadership of the CAR formed a working group of radiologists and nephrologists with expertise in contrast administration and patient management related to contrast-associated AKI. We conducted a comprehensive review of the published literature to evaluate the evidence about contrast as a cause of AKI, and to inform evidence-based recommendations. Based on the available literature, the working group developed consensus recommendations.

Key Findings:

The working group developed 21 recommendations, on screening, choice of iodinated contrast media, prophylaxis, medication considerations, and post contrast administration management. The key changes from the 2012 guidelines were (1) Simplification of screening to a simple questionnaire, and not delaying emergent examinations due to a need for creatinine measurements (2) Prophylaxis considerations only for patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (3) Not recommending the routine discontinuation of any drugs to decrease risk of AKI, except metformin when eGFR is less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and (4) Not requiring routine follow up serum creatinine measurements post iodinated contrast administration.

Limitations:

We did not conduct a formal systematic review or meta-analysis. We did not evaluate our specific suggestions in the clinical environment.

Implications:

Given the importance of iodinated contrast media use in diagnosis and management, and the low risk of AKI after contrast use, these guidelines aim to streamline the processes around iodinated contrast use in most clinical settings. As newer evidence arises that may change or add to the recommendations provided, the working group will revise these guidelines.
Staff’s self-reported frequency and management difficulty of challenging behaviour among persons with intellectual disabilities in connection with web-based training
Authors: Truong Anh Thuc , Ekström-Bergström Anette , Antonsson Helena , Johansson Catrin
Published: May 2022

Providing care and support to persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) requires in-depth knowledge about ID and challenging behaviour (CB) as well as communication and interaction. Knowledge deficiencies in these areas may prevent staff from understanding their clients and their behaviours, particularly those behaviours considered to be challenging. The aim of this study was to explore staff’s perceptions about CB among clients with ID in residential settings before and after a web-based training programme using the survey instrument ‘Checklist of Challenging Behaviour’ (CCB). The CRe-DEPTH guideline has served as a guide in this study. Upon completion of the training, staff perceived a reduced frequency of CB as well as reduced management difficulty of CB among clients. As such, training should routinely be offered to all staff in residential settings, but also healthcare professionals in general responsible for caring for clients exhibiting CB to ensure, improve and reinforce the quality of care and support provided to them.
Household Vulnerability and Resilience in Tunisia: Evidence Using Fuzzy Sets and Multidimensional Approach
Authors: Nasri Khaled , Belhadj Besma
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to analyse the vulnerability to multidimensional poverty in Tunisia using a dual cut-off identification method and the fuzzy sets approach to estimate the degree of resilience for each household identified vulnerable. The results obtained allowed us to understand the sources of vulnerability in the different Tunisian regions. There is clear evidence that the number of vulnerable households grows as the degree of vulnerability increases and the size of vulnerable groups depends on the source of deprivation. Individuals with a high degree of membership are in a state of extreme vulnerability, and their abilities to cope with shock effects are low; they are exposed to the risk of experiencing poverty in the future. Preventive policies must consider their situations in order to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions.

JEL Classifications: C1, D6, I3
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases: Disruptions in Care and Self-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Fouad Ahmed M , Elotla Sally F , Elkaraly Nourhan E , Mohamed Aly E
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a challenge to the care of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the care of RMDs patients and their health and well-being. This cross-sectional study involved 120 RMDs patients at the rheumatology department at Suez Canal University Hospital in Ismailia, Egypt, in July 2020. Patients were interviewed for sociodemographic and disease-related history. Further assessments were performed using Kessler 6-items, fears of COVID-19, and COV19–impact on quality of life scales. Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus represented the majority of our sample of RMDs patients (72.5% and 19.2%, respectively). About 50% of patients reported experiencing limitations in the access to rheumatologic care, and a similar percentage had changed or discontinued their medications. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs shortage and concerns about the increased risk of COVID-19 infection due to immunosuppressive drugs were the most frequently reported reasons for nonadherence. The percentage of patients with uncontrolled disease had significantly increased from 8.3% prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to 20% during the pandemic. About 60% of patients reported a high level of psychological distress. In conclusion, the pandemic negatively influenced mental health, quality of life, adherence to medications, access to rheumatology care, and the degree of disease control of RMDs patients.
Unstacking the Russian Doll: An Integrative Interdisciplinary Analysis of Restaurant Operations
Authors: Petrova Olga , Gray Natallia , Johnston Nick , Stovall Steven
Published: May 2022

Russian Doll, an independently owned and operated small ethnic restaurant serving handcrafted Russian food, opened its doors on January 1, 2015 in a rural river town in Southeast Missouri. The owner, Ana, had mastered many of her home country’s recipes and excelled in the kitchen. Her restaurant focused on introducing American audience to Russian culinary delights and culture, featuring authentic, made-to-order fare and a neighborly atmosphere. Ana had long dreamed of her own restaurant but without prior industry experience or formal training running the business wasn’t easy. In December 2015, after 1 year of operations, Ana found herself wondering how to proceed. Was Russian Doll a feasible entrepreneurial enterprise to begin with? Could Ana’s business be saved or was it time to call it quits and shut down?
Comparative Evaluation of Color Stability of Maxillofacial Silicones Following Accelerated Aging Conditions
Authors: Nair Abha , Saratchandran Sudeep
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

This study evaluated & compared the effect of both outdoor weathering and accelerated aging conditions on the color stability of two different maxillofacial silicone elastomers.

Methods:

72 samples of two different silicones were made and divided into groups of conditioning; Dark storage, accelerated aging and outdoor weathering. Color measurements were recorded by Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage–CIE L*a*b* color system before and after conditioning using spectrophotometer. The data was analyzed by one way ANOVA for multiple Group comparisons, followed by Post hoc Scheffe’s Multiple comparison test for Group wise calculation at the 0.05 significance level.

Results:

All groups exhibited variation in color over time. The color change (∆E) of the pigmented specimens of all tested High Temperature Vulcanization—HTV & Room Temperature Vulcanization—RTV silicone elastomers were greater than the acceptable value (∆E >3.0). Within non pigmented HTV specimens, none of the tested silicone elastomers showed signiﬁcant color changes. Within non pigmented RTV specimens, all of the tested silicone elastomers showed signiﬁcant color changes ( P < .05). The HTV M511 elastomer showed better color stability compared with the RTV A-2186 material. Furthermore, accelerated aging condition was more detrimental and showed significant deterioration of the color properties of both HTV & RTV specimens.

Significance:

The results of this research will help in providing patients with maxillofacial defects in India, a prosthetic appliance that restores pleasant facial appearance with good esthetics. This will reduce trauma from head & neck cancer surgery & will help people lead a normal life in society.
Numerical analysis of two-layered isothermal calendering of viscoplastic and Newtonian fluids with different viscosity ratios
Authors: Ilyas Muhammad , Zahid Muhammad , Mushtaq Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Co-extruded multi-layer plastic sheets and polymer structures formed by calendering process or by cold rolling are widely used in the packaging industry and thin-film transistor manufacturing. The different materials are extruded from separate extruders into the single sheet die which delivers a multi-layer sheet with uniform layer thickness at die exit. This multi-layer sheet is then stretched between counter-rotating rolls to obtain final uniform multi-layer sheet. There are many factors which can influence this process. In this article, calendering a single layer Newtonian or Non-Newtonian material has been extended to analyze a two-layer calendering process for an incompressible Viscoplastic and Newtonian fluids as upper and lower layers with different viscosity ratios. To simplify the equations of motion, the lubrication approximation theory is used. The expressions of non-dimensional pressure gradient, pressure and velocity distribution of both layers are obtained analytically by using proper no slip boundary conditions and dimensionless variables. The dimensionless detachment point is approximated by Regula-Falsi (false position) method. The important engineering factors including detachment point, calendered sheet thickness, roll separation force, power input by rolls, torque on each roll, and adiabatic temperature are all computed. In addition, how the viscosity ratios and viscoplastic casson parameter affect these factors have been investigated. Moreover all established results in literature for single layer calendering Newtonian fluids are also validated at casson parameter β tending towards infinity.
Dynamics of intracellular clusters of nanoparticles
Authors: Alexandrov Dmitri V. , Korabel Nickolay , Currell Frederick , Fedotov Sergei
Published: May 2022

Background

Nanoparticles play a crucial role in nanodiagnostics, radiation therapy of cancer, and they are now widely used to effectively deliver drugs to specific sites, targeting whole organs and down to single cells, in a controlled manner. Therapeutic efficiency of nanoparticles greatly depends on their clustering distribution inside cells. Our purpose is to find the cluster density using Smoluchowski’s coagulation equation with injections.

Results

We obtain an exact cluster density of nanoparticles as the steady-state solution of Smoluchowski’s equation describing clustering due to the fusion of endosomes. We also analyze the unsteady cluster distribution and compare it with the experimental data for time evolution of gold nanoparticle clusters in living cells.

Conclusions

We show the steady cluster density is in good agreement with experimental data on gold nanoparticle distribution inside endosomes. We find that for clusters containing between 1 and 20 nanoparticles, the exact cluster density provides a better description of the existing experimental data than the well-known approximate asymptotic power-law distribution $$x^{-3/2}$$

x

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3
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2
Genome-wide characterization and identification of candidate ERF genes involved in various abiotic stress responses in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Su Ruqi , Dossou Senouwa Segla Koffi , Dossa Komivi , Zhou Rong , Liu Aili , Zhong Yanping , Fang Sheng , Zhang Xiurong , Wu Ziming , You Jun
Published: May 2022

Background

The adverse effects of climate change on crop production are constraining breeders to develop high-quality environmentally stable varieties. Hence, efforts are being made to identify key genes that could be targeted for enhancing crop tolerance to environmental stresses. ERF transcription factors play an important role in various abiotic stresses in plants. However, the roles of the ERF family in abiotic stresses tolerance are still largely unknown in sesame, the “queen” of oilseed crops.

Results

In total, 114 sesame ERF genes (SiERFs) were identified and characterized. 96.49% of the SiERFs were distributed unevenly on the 16 linkage groups of the sesame genome. The phylogenetic analysis with the Arabidopsis ERFs (AtERFs) subdivided SiERF subfamily proteins into 11 subgroups (Groups I to X; and VI-L). Genes in the same subgroup exhibited similar structure and conserved motifs. Evolutionary analysis showed that the expansion of ERF genes in sesame was mainly induced by whole-genome duplication events. Moreover, cis-acting elements analysis showed that SiERFs are mostly involved in environmental responses. Gene expression profiles analysis revealed that 59 and 26 SiERFs are highly stimulated under drought and waterlogging stress, respectively. In addition, qRT-PCR analyses indicated that most of SiERFs are also significantly up-regulated under osmotic, submerge, ABA, and ACC stresses. Among them, SiERF23 and SiERF54 were the most induced by both the abiotic stresses, suggesting their potential for targeted improvement of sesame response to multiple abiotic stresses.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the structure, classification, evolution, and abiotic stresses response of ERF genes in sesame. Moreover, it offers valuable gene resources for functional characterization towards enhancing sesame tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses.
Effects of biogenic silver and iron nanoparticles on soybean seedlings (Glycine max)
Authors: Guilger-Casagrande Mariana , Bilesky-José Natália , Sousa Bruno Teixeira , Oliveira Halley Caixeta , Fraceto Leonardo Fernandes , Lima Renata
Published: May 2022

Background

Biogenic metallic nanoparticles have been emerging as a promising alternative for the control of phytopathogens and as nanofertilizers. In this way, it is essential to investigate the possible impacts of these new nanomaterials on plants. In this study, the effects of soil contamination with biogenic silver (AgNPs) and iron (FeNPs) with known antifungal potential were investigated on morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters of soybean seedlings.

Results

The exposure of plants/seedlings to AgNPs induced the reduction of root dry weight followed by oxidative stress in this organ, however, adaptive responses such as a decrease in stomatal conductance without impacts on photosynthesis and an increase in intrinsic water use efficiency were also observed. The seedlings exposed to FeNPs had shown an increase in the levels of oxygen peroxide in the leaves not accompanied by lipid peroxidation, and an increase in the expression ofPOD2andPOD7genes, indicating a defense mechanism by root lignification.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that different metal biogenic nanoparticles cause different effects on soybean seedlings and these findings highlight the importance of investigating possible phytotoxic effects of these nanomaterials for the control of phytopathogens or as nanofertilizers.
Gender differences regarding intention to use mHealth applications in the Dutch elderly population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: van Elburg Floris Ruben Tobias , Klaver Nicky Sabine , Nieboer Anna Petra , Askari Marjan
Published: May 2022

Background

In light of the increasing demands in health care, a call has been made for the development of new strategies. One of these strategies is placing a higher emphasis on individuals, who are expected to better manage their own health and illness. mHealth applications could increase this self-management behaviour among older adults. However, it is crucial to know the intention to use mHealth of older adults before implementing these services. Even less is known regarding differences between genders on factors influencing this intention to use mHealth applications.

Objective

The aim of this study was to study the gender differences regarding the relationship between technology acceptance factors and the intention to use mHealth applications in the Dutch elderly population.

Methods

We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study using questionnaires. The participants were 65 years or older, lived independently or in a senior living facility, without cognitive impairment. Logistic regression with interaction terms was done to determine gender differences in the relationship between the intention to use mHealth applications and technology acceptance factors.

Results

While we found that half of the studied population had intention to use medical applications (50.3%) a notable difference was observed within gender groups which showed more men had intention to use medical applications rather than women (59.4% vs. 43.4% respectively). Adjusted logistic regression analysis per factor on the male and female part of the study population respectively showed that the factors Perceived usefulness (OR 21,69 and 2,39, resp.), Perceived ease of use (OR 7,21 and 2,74), Attitude toward use (OR 24,61 and 4,94), Sense of control (OR 4,12 and 2,67), Personal innovativeness (OR 2,54 and 1,58), Self-perceived effectiveness (OR 3,21 and 2,34), Service availability (OR 4,38 and 2,51) and Facilitating circumstances (OR 3,04 and 2,18) had a statistically significant influence on intention to use in both models. Logistic regression with interaction terms showed that two of the technology acceptance factors differed statistically significant in their relationship with intention to use when comparing females to males, namely Perceived usefulness (OR 0,11) and Attitude toward use (OR 0.24). Both factors were more strongly associated with intention to use for men compared to women.

Conclusion

Policymakers and interventions aiming to stimulate the uptake of mHealth applications should acknowledge gender differences. Interventions based on improving the Perceived usefulness and Attitude toward use among female users could be a means to stimulate the full potential of medical applications and improve the uptake.
Development and internal validation of a machine-learning-developed model for predicting 1-year mortality after fragility hip fracture
Authors: Kitcharanant Nitchanant , Chotiyarnwong Pojchong , Tanphiriyakun Thiraphat , Vanitcharoenkul Ekasame , Mahaisavariya Chantas , Boonyaprapa Wichian , Unnanuntana Aasis
Published: May 2022

Background

Fragility hip fracture increases morbidity and mortality in older adult patients, especially within the first year. Identification of patients at high risk of death facilitates modification of associated perioperative factors that can reduce mortality. Various machine learning algorithms have been developed and are widely used in healthcare research, particularly for mortality prediction. This study aimed to develop and internally validate 7 machine learning models to predict 1-year mortality after fragility hip fracture.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with fragility hip fractures from a single center (Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand) from July 2016 to October 2018. A total of 492 patients were enrolled. They were randomly categorized into a training group (344 cases, 70%) or a testing group (148 cases, 30%). Various machine learning techniques were used: the Gradient Boosting Classifier (GB), Random Forests Classifier (RF), Artificial Neural Network Classifier (ANN), Logistic Regression Classifier (LR), Naive Bayes Classifier (NB), Support Vector Machine Classifier (SVM), and K-Nearest Neighbors Classifier (KNN). All models were internally validated by evaluating their performance and the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

For the testing dataset, the accuracies were GB model = 0.93, RF model = 0.95, ANN model = 0.94, LR model = 0.91, NB model = 0.89, SVM model = 0.90, and KNN model = 0.90. All models achieved high AUCs that ranged between 0.81 and 0.99. The RF model also provided a negative predictive value of 0.96, a positive predictive value of 0.93, a specificity of 0.99, and a sensitivity of 0.68.

Conclusions

Our machine learning approach facilitated the successful development of an accurate model to predict 1-year mortality after fragility hip fracture. Several machine learning algorithms (eg, Gradient Boosting and Random Forest) had the potential to provide high predictive performance based on the clinical parameters of each patient. The web application is available at www.hipprediction.com. External validation in a larger group of patients or in different hospital settings is warranted to evaluate the clinical utility of this tool.

Trial registration

Thai Clinical Trials Registry (22 February 2021; reg. no. TCTR20210222003).