bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Archimedes’ principle with surface tension effects in undergraduate fluid mechanics
Authors: Naylor David , Tsai Scott S.H.
Published: November 2021

The general physics of how objects float is only partly covered in most undergraduate fluid mechanics courses. Although Archimedes’ principle is a standard topic in fluid statics, the role of surface tension in floating is rarely discussed in detail. For example, very few undergraduate textbooks, if any, mention that the total buoyancy force on a floating object includes the weight of the fluid displaced by the meniscus. This leaves engineering students without an understanding of a wide range of phenomena that occur at a low Bond number (the ratio of buoyancy to interfacial tension forces), such as how heavier-than-water objects can float at a gas-liquid interface. This article makes a case for teaching a more unified version of Archimedes’ principle, which combines the effects of surface tension and hydrostatic pressure in calculating the total buoyancy on floating objects. Sample problems at the undergraduate level and two classroom demonstrations are described that reinforce the basic science concepts.
Outcomes of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in a Community Health System
Authors: Schaffer Patrick , Chowdhury Raad , Jordan Kim , DeWitt Jordan , Elliott John , Schroeder Kevin
Published: November 2021

Objective

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is commonly used in critically ill, hemodynamically unstable patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). This procedure is resource intensive with reported high in-hospital mortality. We evaluated mortality with CRRT in our healthcare system and markers associated with decreased survival.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study collected data on patients 18 years or older, without prior history of end stage kidney disease (ESKD), who received CRRT in the intensive care units at one of three hospitals in our health system in Columbus, OH from July 1, 2016 to July 1, 2019. Data included demographics, presenting diagnosis, comorbidities, laboratory markers, and patient disposition. In-hospital mortality rates and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated. We then compared information between two groups (patients who died during hospitalization and survivors) using univariate comparisons and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

In-hospital mortality was 56.8% (95%CI: 53.4–60.1) among patients who received CRRT. Mean SOFA scores did not differ between survival and mortality groups. The odds for in-patient mortality were increased for patients age ≥60 (OR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.23-2.44), first bilirubin >2 mg/dL (OR = 1.73, 95%CI: 1.12-2.69), first creatinine < 2 mg/dL (OR = 1.57, 95%CI: 1.04–2.37), first lactate > 2 mmol/L (OR = 2.08, 95%CI: 1.43-3.04). The odds for in-patient mortality were decreased for patients with cardiogenic shock (OR = .32, 95%CI: .17-.58) and hemorrhagic shock (OR = .29, 95%CI: .13-.63).

Conclusions

We report in-hospital mortality rates of 56.8% with CRRT. Unlike prior studies, higher mean SOFA scores were not predictive of higher in-hospital mortality in patients utilizing CRRT.
Impact of Underlying Congestive Heart Failure on In-Hospital Outcomes in Patients with Septic Shock
Authors: Vindhyal Mohinder R. , Lu Liuqiang (Kelsey) , Ranka Sagar , Acharya Prakash , Shah Zubair , Gupta Kamal
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Septic shock (SS) manifests with profound circulatory and cellular metabolism abnormalities and has a high in-hospital mortality (25%-50%). Congestive heart failure (CHF) patients have underlying circulatory dysfunction and compromised cardiac reserve that may place them at increased risk if they develop sepsis. Outcomes in patients with CHF who are admitted with SS have not been well studied. Materials and Method: Retrospective cross sectional secondary analysis of the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) for 2016 and 2017. ICD-10 codes were used to identify patients with SS during hospitalization, and then the cohort was dichotomized into those with and without an underlying diagnosis of CHF. Results: Propensity match analyses were performed to evaluate in-hospital mortality and clinical cardiovascular outcomes in the 2 groups. Cardiogenic shock patients were excluded from the study. A total of 578,629 patients with hospitalization for SS were identified, of whom 19.1% had a coexisting diagnosis of CHF. After propensity matching, 81,699 individuals were included in the comparative groups of SS with CHF and SS with no CHF. In-hospital mortality (35.28% vs 32.50%, P < .001), incidence of ischemic stroke (2.71% vs 2.53%, P = .0032), and acute kidney injury (69.9% vs 63.9%, P = .001) were significantly higher in patients with SS and CHF when compared to those with SS and no CHF. Conclusions: This study identified CHF as a strong adverse prognosticator for inpatient mortality and several major adverse clinical outcomes. Study findings suggest the need for further investigation into these findings’ mechanisms to improve outcomes in patients with SS and underlying CHF.
Exploring Caregivers’ Clothing Choices for Individuals With Severe Alzheimer's Disease: An Application of the Theories of Self-Complexity and Choosing for Others
Authors: Chang Hyo Jung (Julie) , Shin Su-Jeong Hwang , Hodges Nancy
Published: November 2021

The number of older Americans as well as those living with Alzheimer's is rapidly growing. Alzheimer's dementia is a disease that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. The role of caregivers is important, as they are the individuals who assist those with Alzheimer's in completing not just medical tasks, but fundamental activities of daily living, such as selecting garments to wear and getting dressed. The purpose of this study was to understand how caregivers make such choices. Interviews with twelve caregivers of individuals with severe stage Alzheimer's were conducted in nursing homes in the United States. Four themes emerged: The Role of Proxy, Routine Selections, Gift-Giving for Loved Ones, and Triangular Relationships. In all cases, the recipient's preferences were important to caregivers’ choices. Further research on the outcomes of making choices for others is needed.
Experimental study on two-body and three-body abrasive wear behaviour of jute-natural rubber flexible green composite
Authors: Mahesh Vishwas , Mahesh Vinyas , Joladarashi Sharnappa , Kulkarni Satyabodh M
Published: November 2021

The use of laboratory testing has become more significant to assess abrasion resistance in flexible reinforcement of armour and car structural components. In this study, compliant composite with constituents as woven jute fabric and natural rubber encapsulated in an NR-based B stage cured prepreg were tested for wear due to abrasion under two- and three-body conditions. Flexible composites are fabricated in three different configurations namely Jute/Rubber/Jute, Jute/Rubber/Rubber/Jute and Jute/Rubber/Jute/Rubber/Jute. The present study makes use of abrasive paper with a grit size of 60 and silica sand with size 250 μm as the abrasive medium for two- and three-body abrasion tests, respectively, and the specific rate of wear is calculated. Though the wear trend of the composites follows a similar pattern in the case of two- and three-body wear, the mechanisms governing the wear are found to be different. The morphology of the worn surface is studied with the aid of a scanning electron microscope.
Dynamic modeling and damping performance improvement of two stage ISD suspension system
Authors: Li Fanjie , Li Xiaopeng , Shang Dongyang , Wang Zhenghao
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the dynamics of the vehicle suspension system under the random excitation and the periodic excitation are investigated. To improve the damping performance of the vehicle suspension system, a two stage ISD suspension with “Inerter-Spring-Damper” in each stage is proposed based on electromechanical similarity theory. A vehicle dynamic model with two stage ISD suspension is established in this paper. The dynamic equation is solved by the Runge-Kutta method and the dynamic response of the whole vehicle system is obtained. Taking the traditional suspension as the comparison object, the dynamic characteristics of the system under random excitation and periodic excitation are studied in the time domain, and the suppression effect of the suspension designed in this paper on the resonance peak is verified in the frequency domain. The influence of the inertia coefficient on the damping performance of the vehicle suspension system is analyzed. The effects of excitation amplitude and vehicle speed on ride comfort improvement of vehicle system with two stage ISD suspension are discussed respectively. The results show that, the resonance peak values of body acceleration, dynamic travel of rear suspension and rear tire dynamic load frequency response are reduced by 59.1%, 21.6%, and 60.3% respectively. With the increase of excitation amplitude in the range of 0.02–0.04 m, the ride comfort improvement of two stage ISD suspension system is always more than 61%. With the increase of vehicle speed in the range of 10–25m/s, the performance improvement rate of two stage ISD suspension system can reach more than 34.1%.
Near infrared spectroscopic and aquaphotomic evaluation of the efficiency of solar dehydration processes in pineapple slices
Authors: Cattaneo Tiziana MP , Cutini Maurizio , Cammerata Alessandro , Stellari Annamaria , Marinoni Laura , Bisaglia Carlo , Brambilla Massimo
Published: November 2021

Parallel transformation tests on pineapple slices using two micro drying plants (M1 and M2) operating with solar energy were carried out. Method M1 consisted of an active fan at the top, whose ventilation rate depended on the internal temperature. Method M2 had a continuously working fan at the bottom. The dehydration performance of these two micro-plants was compared by collecting spectra from pineapple slices in reflectance mode (900–1600 nm) at three different times: (0) process start, (1) during the process [48 h] and (2) process end [56 h]. Simultaneously, dry matter, titratable acidity (SH°), pH and aw (water activity) were measured. For these parameters, significant differences ( p < 0.05) were detected between the fresh (t = 0) and the dried product (t = 56). Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic analysis was carried out according to previously published methods. Spectral data in the wavelength region from 1300 to 1550 nm underwent statistical processing to perform aquaphotomics evaluation and chemometric analysis using PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and LDA (Linear Discriminant Analysis). The aquagrams highlighted differences among fresh, half-dried and dried slices where water molecules were highly organized between the water matrix coordinates C1 to C3 at t = 0 and C2 to C6 for the other evaluated times. The PCA could explain about 98% of the total variance in the PC1–PC3 scores plot. And the additional LDA classified the NIR spectra with an accuracy of 100, 98 and 83% for t = 0, t = 56-M1 and t = 56-M2, respectively. Such preliminary results suggest the applicability of Aquaphotomics and chemometrics for the continuous monitoring of fruit drying processes using an adequate NIR probe. Further experiments are already in progress.
Heat impact control in flash pasteurization by estimation of applied pasteurization units using near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Sürmeli Barış Gün , Weishaupt Imke , Schwarzer Knut , Moriz Natalia , Schneider Jan
Published: November 2021

Pasteurization is a crucial processing method in the food industry to ensure the safety of consumables. A major part of contemporary pasteurization processes involves using flash pasteurizer systems, where liquids are pumped through a pipe system to heat them for a predefined time. Accurately monitoring the amount of heat treatment applied to a product is challenging. This monitoring helps ensure that the correct heat impact (expressed in pasteurization units) is applied, which is commonly calculated as a product of time and temperature, taking achievability of the inactivation of the microorganisms into account. The state-of-the-art method involves a calculation of the applied pasteurization units using a one-point temperature measurement and the holding time for this temperature. Concerns about accuracy lead to high safety margins, reducing the quality of the pasteurized product. In this study, the applied pasteurization level was estimated using regression models trained with NIR spectroscopy data collected while pasteurizing fruit juices of different types and brands. Several conventional regression models were trained in combination with different preprocessing methods, including a novel prediction outlier detection method. Generalized juice models trained with the concatenated data of all types of juices demonstrated cross-validated scores of RMSECV ∼2.78 ± 0.09 and r2 0.96 ± 0.01, while separate juice models displayed averaged cross-validated scores of RMSECV ∼1.56 ± 0.04 and r2 0.98 ± 0.01. Thus, the model accuracy ±10–30 % is well within the standard safety margins.
Virtual Internationalization to Support Comprehensive Internationalization in Higher Education
Authors: Bruhn-Zass Elisa
Published: November 2021

The study develops and presents a concept of Virtual Internationalization (VI) in higher education, which refers to internationalization implemented using information and communications technology (ICT). VI is contextualized with the inclusiveness of international experiences and with external challenges to internationalization (posed, for example, by the Covid-19 pandemic). Conceived as an institution-spanning concept, VI is developed from the ACE-CIGE model of Comprehensive Internationalization. It is inferred from actual practice based on a content analysis of conference abstracts from relevant fields, employing coding and computer-assisted text analysis (CATA). Based on the findings, the VI concept includes strategies and articulated institutional commitment as a transversal category and online and distance education (ODE) as an additional category in contrast to the concept of Comprehensive Internationalization. This research furthermore considers two dimensions of VI: one that is directly internationalization-related and the other concerned with broader aims of the combination of the virtual and the international. It concludes with a perspective on a “new normal” of hybrid internationalization in higher education.
Seeing it clearly: How to use graphics to guide collaborative consultation in pregnancy
Authors: Keightley Philip , DiBella Ilona , Sved Williams Anne
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study aims to examine the use of decision aids which may improve shared decision making through an exploration of risk apprehension and modes of collaborative communication.

Conclusions

Decision aids such as graphics have a key role in facilitating shared treatment decision making, perhaps particularly in perinatal mental health care. They are most useful within a trusting, two-way conversation.
Covering Nasometer Microphones with Plastic Wrap for Infection Control Increases Retest Variability of Nasalance Scores
Authors: Bressmann Tim
Published: November 2021

The Nasometer is a popular instrument for the acoustic assessment of nasality. In light of the currently ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, clinicians may have wondered about the infection control procedures for the Nasometer. The current research investigated whether nasalance scores are affected if the Nasometer 6450 microphone casings are covered with a material such as rolled polyvinyl chloride household wrap. For the experiment, pre-recorded sound files from two speakers were played back through a set of small loudspeakers. Nasalance scores from two baselines and three wrap cover conditions were compared. While there was no statistically significant condition effect in a repeated-measures analysis of variance, the within-condition cumulative differences in nasalance scores were 2 for the initial baseline, 42 for wrap cover 1, 24 for wrap cover 2, 78 for wrap cover 3, and 8 for the final baseline. Mean differences between the wrap cover and the baseline conditions were 8.2 to 15.3 times larger, and cumulative differences were 8.3 to 16.6 times larger than between the two baselines. Based on the higher cumulative and mean differences observed, clinicians should not cover Nasometer microphones with household wrap as this increases variability of nasalance scores. Since there is evidence that the COVID-19 virus can survive for some time on metal surfaces, clinicians should be mindful of the fact that the Nasometer microphone housings can only be cleaned superficially and should be handled with gloves to minimize any possible risk of touch transfer of pathogens to the next speaker or the clinician.
A Close Examination of the 2016 Dallas and Baton Rouge Police Killers: Identifying Potential Risk Factors and Influences for Copycat Violence
Authors: Lankford Adam
Published: November 2021

Two of the worst targeted attacks on American police officers in recent history occurred within eleven days of each other. Although it seems clear their proximity was not merely attributable to chance, the connection between these incidents, and the implications for understanding copycat violence, have never been fully explored. This study analyzes the perpetrators of these attacks from a “thresholds of violence” perspective, which suggests the first actor in a sequence is more likely to be disturbed and violence prone, while subsequent actors are typically less disturbed but more socially influenced. Results suggest the thresholds model has both merits and limits. The first attacker did have more psychological problems and violence in his past, and the second did seem more influenced by violent role models. However, there were also many similarities between them, and both attacked due to a combination of internal and external factors. If this study's findings are generalizable, higher risks of becoming a copycat offender may exist for individuals who have (1) personal similarities with previous attackers, (2) a history of psychological problems, (3) a history of interest in violent actors, and (4) recent escalation in their online behavior. Recommendations are offered for future research, offender profiling, and violence prevention.
Biallelic Mutations in Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 53 (USP53) Causing Progressive Intrahepatic Cholestasis. Report of a Case With Review of Literature
Authors: Vij Mukul , Sankaranarayanan Srinivas
Published: November 2021

Whole-exome sequencing studies have recently identified novel genes implicated in normal- or low-GGT pediatric cholestasis including ubiquitin-specific peptidase 53 ( USP53). We identified novel biallelic mutations in the USP53 gene in a 7-month-old infant with pruritus and progressive intrahepatic cholestasis. His liver biopsy showed portal and perivenular fibrosis with bland bilirubinostasis. His parents were asymptomatic heterozygous for the same mutation. He is currently on vitamin supplements and cholestyramine and his family has also been counseled for liver transplantation. Our report confirms that patients with biallelic mutation in USP53 develop cholestatic liver disease.
Cytokine profile in tear and aqueous humor of primary open-angle patients as a prognostic factor for trabeculectomy outcome
Authors: Burgos-Blasco Barbara , Vidal-Villegas Beatriz , Saenz-Frances Federico , Fernandez-Vigo Jose I , Andres-Guerrero Vanessa , Espino Laura , Garcia-Feijoo Julian , Martinez-de-la-Casa Jose M
Published: November 2021

Objective

To evaluate the cytokine profile in tear and aqueous humor in primary open-angle glaucoma before trabeculectomy and correlate preoperative cytokine levels with the surgical outcome.

Methods

Prospective study. Twenty-nine patients with primary open-angle glaucoma undergoing primary trabeculectomy were included. Levels of 27 cytokines were measured in tear an aqueous humor using the Bio-Plex Pro Human Cytokine 27-Plex Immunoassay kit (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA, USA).

Results

29 patients who underwent trabeculectomy were included and their first-year follow-up visits were recorded. Mean age was 76.0 ± 7.0 years (range 56–84), mean intraocular pressure was 18.2 ± 3.6 mmHg and mean number of topical medications was 2.3 ± 0.9. At the one-year visit, 5 patients were classified as surgical failure. In aqueous humor, preoperative cytokine levels of regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) were significantly higher in those patients with surgical failure at one year. IL-8 in tear and interferon gamma-induced protein (IP-10) in aqueous humor correlated positively with one-year IOP reduction. No statistically significant correlations were found with changes in visual field mean defect or global peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (all, p >0.05).

Conclusions

Preoperative RANTES levels in aqueous humor as well as other cytokines could serve as useful biomarkers for trabeculectomy outcome.
Beliefs Toward Smoking and COVID-19, and the Pandemic Impact on Smoking Behavior and Quit Intention: Findings from a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan
Authors: Al-Tammemi Ala’a B. , Barakat Muna , Al Tamimi Dua’a , Alhallaq Sami A. , Al Hasan Dima M. , Khasawneh Ghena M. , Naqera Khalil Abu , Jaradat Raghad M. , Farah Fadi W. , Al-Maqableh Hindya O. , Abuawad Alaa , Othman Bayan , Tarhini Zeinab , Odeh Hamza , Khatatbeh Moawiah , Akour Amal , Aljaberi Musheer A. , Kolozsvári László Róbert
Published: November 2021

Background

The relationship between smoking and coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still topical with mixed epidemiological evidence. However, the pandemic may affect people’s beliefs toward smoking as well as their smoking behavior and quit intentions. Considering high smoking rates in Jordan, our current study aimed to assess the following domains in a community-based sample from Jordan: (i) the beliefs that surround smoking/vaping and COVID-19 and (ii) the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan from March 9 to March 16, 2021, utilizing a web-based structured questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 13 items on sociodemographic, health, and smoking profiles, 14 items to assess beliefs surrounding COVID-19 and the use of combustible cigarettes (CCs), waterpipe (WP), and electronic cigarettes (ECs), and 12 items to assess the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention.

Results

Of 2424 survey respondents who participated in our study, there were 1163 never-smokers, 1044 current smokers, and 217 ex-smokers. The mean age of participants was 35.2 years (SD: 11.06). Most participants have reported anti-smoking beliefs with around 72.9% believed that WP smoking is related to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Also, 71.7% believed that smoking CC may worsen the COVID-19 clinical course, while 74.1% of respondents believed that smoking has no protective effect against COVID-19. During the pandemic, about 28.1% and 19.3% of current smokers reported increased or reduced smoking, respectively. Besides, 459 current smokers have expressed their plans/intention to quit smoking during the pandemic, of whom 27.5% (n = 126) confirmed that the driving force for their decision is a COVID-19-related reason, such as self-protection (n = 123) and protection of family members (n = 121) which were the most cited reasons. Also, around 63 participants have successfully ceased smoking during the pandemic. However, only 22 of them reported that the main driving motivation of their successful quit attempt was the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Most participants’ beliefs and attitudes were against smoking during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the double-edged effect of the pandemic on smoking habits should be carefully considered, and reliable anti-smoking measures should be strengthened and sustained in the country.
Persons living with HIV who do not smoke cigarettes: A comparison of ex-smokers and never smokers
Authors: Shuter Jonathan , Hosgood H. Dean , Nardin Shaundell , Weinberger Andrea H.
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims

Approximately half of persons living with HIV (PLWH) in the US smoke cigarettes. Large surveys show that 16.9%–37.3% of PLWH are never smokers compared to 57.5% of US adults. Similar proportions of PLWH and general population adults describe themselves as ex-smokers (20.3% vs 21.9% respectively). Little research has been done to characterize PLWH non-smokers. In this study, we compared a group of well characterized PLWH ex-smokers (i.e., no cigarettes for at least 5 years) to PLWH never smokers with the aim of developing a clearer understanding of the characteristics of these groups and the differences between them.

Design

Cross-sectional interview study employing audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI).

Setting

Comprehensive HIV care center in New York City.

Participants

In 2018–2019, we recruited a sample of PLWH never smokers (N = 54) and long-term ex-smokers (no cigarettes for at least 5 years, N = 36). Non-smoking status of participants was verified by exhaled carbon monoxide.

Measurements

We collected a range of sociodemographic, historical, clinical, and psychobehavioral data pertaining to tobacco use.

Results

Compared to never smokers, ex-smokers were older, more likely to have heterosexually acquired HIV and less likely to have same-sex-acquired infection, more likely to have parents and/or siblings who smoked, more likely to have current smoker/s in their households, and more likely to have ever used marijuana, cocaine, and/or heroin.

Conclusions

We describe important demographic and sociobehavioral differences between PLWH never smokers and ex-smokers that may be useful in crafting an effective response to the cigarette smoking epidemic in US PLWH.
Pseudovascular Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity: A Diagnostic Pitfall About a Case
Authors: Derqaoui Sabrine , Elouazzani Hafsa , Boujida Ismail , Sayad Zahra , Zouaidia Fouad , Cherradi Nadia
Published: November 2021

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common mucosal malignancy of the head and neck. Adenoid pseudo-angiosarcomatous SCC is a rare variant occurring commonly in the skin of the head and neck. However, involvement of oral cavity is extremely rare, with only few case reports in the English literature. Morphologically, the tumor shows marked acantholysis, with anastomozing channels mimicking vascular neoplasms. This variant represents a diagnostic challenge for pathologists, and immunohistochemical analysis remains essential for an accurate diagnosis. Herein, we describe the case of a pseudovascular SCC of the oral cavity in a 67 years old man with a brief revue of the literature to raise awareness on this rare variant; presenting diagnostic difficulties.
Apixaban Discontinuation for Invasive Or major Surgical procedures (ADIOS): A prospective cohort study
Authors: Merli Geno J , Kraft Walter K , Eraso Luis H , Galanis Taki , Thomson Lynda J , Ouma Geoffrey O , Viscusi Eugene , Gong Jerald Z , Lam Edwin
Published: November 2021

Background: Apixaban pharmacokinetic properties and some clinical reports suggest cessation 48 hours prior to surgery is safe, but this has not been demonstrated in a naturalistic setting. We sought to measure the residual apixaban exposure in patients who had apixaban held as part of standard of care perioperative management. Methods: This was a prospective, observational study of patients in whom apixaban plasma concentration and anti-Xa activity were measured while at steady state apixaban dosing and again immediately prior to surgery. Clinical management of cessation and resumption of apixaban was at the discretion of the treating physician. Results: Paired blood samples were provided by 111 patients. Ninety-four percent (104/111) of patients had measured apixaban concentrations of ⩽ 30 ng/mL. Only one patient had a value > 50 ng/mL. The median time between the self-reported last dose and presurgery blood sampling was 76 hours (range 32–158) for those who achieved concentrations ⩽ 30 ng/mL and 59 hours (range 49–86) for those > 30 ng/mL. Measured anti-Xa activity correlated well with apixaban exposure. Clinically significant nonmajor bleeding was reported in one patient at 1 week postsurgery. There was one venous thromboembolic event and one stroke in the perioperative period. Conclusion: In a naturalistic setting with a heterogeneous patient population, apixaban discontinuation for at least 48 hours before a procedure resulted in a clinically insignificant degree of anticoagulation prior to a surgical procedure. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02935751
The UK COVID-19 contact tracing app as both an emerging technology and public health intervention: The need to consider promissory discourses
Authors: Samuel Gabrielle , Sims Rosie
Published: November 2021

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) COVID-19 contact tracing app was announced to the British public on 12th April 2020. The UK government endorsed the app as a public health intervention that would improve public health, protect the NHS and ‘save lives’. On 5th May 2020 the technology was released for trial on the Isle of Wight. However, the trial was halted in June 2020, reportedly due to technological issues. The app was later remodelled and launched to the public in September 2020. The rapid development, trial and discontinuation of the app over a short period of a few months meant that the mobilisation and effect of the discourses associated with the app could be traced relatively easily. In this paper we aimed to explore how these discourses were constructed in the media, and their effect on actors – in particular, those who developed and those who trialled the app. Promissory discourses were prevalent, the trajectory of which aligned with theories developed in the sociology of expectations. We describe this trajectory, and then interpret its implications in terms of infectious disease public health practices and responsibilities.
Identification of hydrodynamic coefficients of AUV in the presence of measurement biases
Authors: Dinç Mustafa , Hajiyev Chingiz
Published: November 2021

This paper mainly presents the parameter identification method developed from a Least Square Estimation (LSE) algorithm to estimate hydrodynamic coefficients of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) in the presence of measurement biases. LSE based parameter determination method is developed to obtain unbiased estimated values of hydrodynamic coefficients of AUV from biased Inertial Navigation System (INS) measurements. The proposed parameter identification method consists of two phases: in the first phase, high precision INS and its auxiliary instrument including compass, pressure depth sensor, and Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) are designed as Integrated Navigational System coupled with Complementary Kalman Filter (CKF) to determine hydrodynamic coefficients of AUV by removing the INS measurement biases; in the second phase, LSE based parameter identification method is applied to the model in the first phase for obtaining unbiased estimated values of hydrodynamic coefficients of AUV. In this paper, a method for identifying the yaw and sway motion dynamic parameters of an AUV is given. Various maneuvering scenarios are verified to assess the parameter identification method employed. The simulation results indicate that using the CKF based Integrated Navigation System together with unbiased measurement conversion could produce better results for estimating the hydrodynamic coefficients of AUV.
The role of British Schools Overseas in promoting and upholding British values: using transmission context in policy analysis
Authors: Pearce Sarah
Published: November 2021

With their central position in society as facilitators of information, schools and teachers play a key role in the articulation and embedding of government-driven policy targeted at school-age children; under the British government, this key role extends beyond the borders, to British Schools Overseas. In the last decade, this has been especially prevalent in the dissemination of anti-terrorism rhetoric and policy, created to prevent the radicalisation of students; most recently, this has involved the inclusion of ‘fundamental British values’ (FBV) in policy and curriculum. Using the work of Basil Bernstein and, in particular, the model of transmission context which sits within his theories on pedagogic discourse, this paper analyses the discourse embedded in multiple FBV policies. Through a focus on classification and framing of the discourses embedded in the policies, this paper highlights the transmission of power in these policies, with a focus on language used to convey this power; and conveys an understanding of the positioning, role and ‘responsibilisation’ of British schools, located outside of the United Kingdom, as central to FBV education as well as the solution to terrorism in Britain.
Characteristics that Define an Exceptional International School According to Stakeholder Perspectives. A Thai Case Study
Authors: Fahey Matthew , van Rensburg Henriette , Ganguly Rahul
Published: November 2021

Research in international schools has lagged behind the growth of such schools (Lee et al, 2012). This paper offers support to international school leaders by identifying the ten most important characteristics of international schools as reported by three significant stakeholder groups (administrators/teachers, parents and students) in one case study international school. An initial phase utilised a Delphi framework whereby interviews led to the identification of 68 separate items, ranging from school ethos to teachers’ credentials, which formed the basis of a follow-up questionnaire which was implemented following piloting. It was found that for 46 of the 68 items the three stakeholder groups were not statistically independent, sharing a common perspective on these items’ relative importance. Similarly, four items appeared in all three stakeholder groups’ top ten, while six items appeared in two out of three stakeholder groups’ top ten.
New Data on Variously Directed Dose-Response Relationships and the Combined Action Types for Different Outcomes of in Vitro Nanoparticle Cytotoxicity
Authors: Panov Vladimir , Bushueva Tatiana , Minigalieva Ilzira , Naumova Anna , Shur Vladimir , Shishkina Ekaterina , Sutunkova Marina , Gurviсh Vladimir , Privalova Larisa , Katsnelson Boris
Published: November 2021

Spherical selenium-oxide and copper-oxide nanoparticles (SeO-NP with mean diameter 51 ± 14 nm and CuO-NP with mean diameter 21 ± 4 nm) were found to be cytotoxic for human fibroblast-like cells in vitro, as judged by decreased ATP-dependent luminescence. Compared with SeO-NP, CuO-NP produced a somewhat stronger effect of this kind. Along with cell hypertrophy developing in response to certain doses of SeO-NP and CuO-NP, our experiment also revealed doses causing a decrease in cell and cell-nucleus sizes. We observed both monotonic and different variants of nonmonotonic dose-response relationship. For the latter, we have succeeded in constructing adequate mathematical expressions based on the generalized hormesis paradigm that we had considered previously in respect of CdS-NP and PbS-NP cytotoxicity for cardiomyocites. It was demonstrated as well that combined toxicity of SeO-NP and CuO-NP is of different types depending on the outcome.
Influence of Concentration and Temperature on Stability of Imipenem Focused on Solutions for Extended Infusion
Authors: Sornsuvit Chuleegone , Wientong Purida , Uitrakul Suriyon , Okonogi Siriporn , Katip Wasan
Published: November 2021

Background

Imipenem remains active against most Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. This study aimed to evaluate chemical stability of imipenem in 2 commonly used concentrations when stored in 3 various temperatures.

Methods

Imipenem injection powder was used to prepare 5 mL and 10 mg/mL of imipenem in .9% sodium chloride solution. Prepared solutions in PVC bags were stored at 25°C, 30°C, and 40°C. The solutions were investigated over 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 hours using HPLC analysis. The association between drug stability, temperature, and concentration was determined.

Results

The 5 mg/mL solutions of brand A and B imipenem mL were stable for 6 hours at 25°C, 30°C, and 40°C, respectively. For 10 mg/mL, the solution of brand A was stable for 3 hours and brand B was stable for 6 hours at 25°C. Also, brand A and B imipenem solutions at the concentration of 10 mg/mL were stable for less than 1 hour at 30°C and 40°C.

Conclusion

The stability of imipenem injection solution was affected by temperature and concentration. Increasing in temperature and drug concentration resulted in decreased stability of imipenem. Suitable temperature and drug concentration should be concerned when this drug is given by extended infusion.
Principle-Based Concept Analysis Methodology Using a Phased Approach With Quality Criteria
Authors: Smith Stephanie , Mörelius Evalotte
Published: November 2021

The study aimed to provide a detailed description of a process to conduct a phased principle-based concept analysis and to introduce quality criteria assessment for a phased principle-based concept analysis. Concept analysis explores how a concept is described, used and measured in the literature. This conceptual understanding is important to guide translational research to direct the development of evidence-based practice. The principle-based concept analysis is one approach of concept analysis used in published work, but the literature is lacking in articles clearly describing how to conduct it in practice. This article provides a methodology utilising a phased approach and by advancing on previous work; this approach includes a combination of a systematic search, quality criteria and qualitative analysis with principle-based concept analysis. Quality criteria for a phased principle-based concept analysis is introduced to critically assess articles against the four principles: epistemology, pragmatic, linguistic and logical. These improvements to the methodology promote transparency, rigour and replicability. This comprehensive systematic approach will aid future phased principle-based concept analyses and enable future comparisons of concept development, advancement and related concepts to improve the evidence base.
Analysis of Timoshenko beam with Koch snowflake cross-section and variable properties in different boundary conditions using finite element method
Authors: Talebi Rostami Hossein , Fallah Najafabadi Maryam , Ganji Davood Domiri
Published: November 2021

This study analyzed a Timoshenko beam with Koch snowflake cross-section in different boundary conditions and for variable properties. The equation of motion was solved by the finite element method and verified by Solidworks simulation in a way that the maximum error was about 2.9% for natural frequencies. Displacement and natural frequency for each case presented and compared to other cases. Significant research achievements illustrate that if we change the Koch snowflake cross-section of the beam from the first iteration to the second, the area and moment of inertia will increase, and we have a 5.2% rise in the first natural frequency. Similarly, by changing the cross-section from the second iteration to the third, a 10.2% growth is observed. Also, the hollow cross-section is considered, which can enlarge the natural frequency by about 26.37% compared to a solid one. Moreover, all the clamped-clamped, hinged-hinged, clamped-free, and free-free boundary conditions have the highest natural frequency for the Timoshenko beam with the third iteration of the Koch snowflake cross-section in solid mode. Finally, examining important physical parameters demonstrates that variable density from a minimum value to the standard value along the beam increases the natural frequencies, while variable elastic modulus decreases it.
Associations of self-reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with indicators of economic instability and stress – 16 states, 2017
Authors: Carlson Susan A , Wheaton Anne G , Liu Yong , Moore Latetia V , Eke Paul I , Croft Janet B , Greenlund Kurt J , Thomas Craig W
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To examine the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease status and indicators of economic instability and stress to better understand the magnitude of these issues in persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methods

Analyzed 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 16 states that administered the ‘Social Determinants of Health’ module, which included economic instability and stress measures ( N = 101,461). Associations between self-reported doctor-diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease status and each measure were examined using multinomial logistic models.

Results

Adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were more likely ( p < 0.001) than adults without to report not having enough money at month end (21.0% vs. 7.9%) or just enough money (44.9% vs. 37.2%); being unable to pay mortgage, rent, or utility bills (19.2% vs. 8.8%); and that often or sometimes food did not last or could not afford to eat balanced meals (37.9% vs. 20.6%), as well as stress all or most of the time (27.3% vs. 11.6%). Associations were attenuated although remained significant after adjustments for sociodemographic and health characteristics.

Discussion

Financial, housing, and food insecurity and frequent stress were more prevalent in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease than without. Findings highlight the importance of including strategies to address challenges related to economic instability and stress in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management programs.
Dismissing “Don’t Know” Responses to Perceived Risk Survey Items Threatens the Validity of Theoretical and Empirical Behavior-Change Research
Authors: Waters Erika A. , Kiviniemi Marc T. , Hay Jennifer L. , Orom Heather
Published: November 2021

Since the middle of the 20th century, perceptions of risk have been critical to understanding engagement in volitional behavior change. However, theoretical and empirical risk perception research seldom considers the possibility that risk perceptions do not simply exist: They must be formed. Thus, some people may not have formulated a perception of risk for a hazard at the time a researcher asks them, or they may not be confident in the extent to which their perception matches reality. We describe a decade-long research program that investigates the possibility that some people may genuinely not know their risk of even well-publicized hazards. We demonstrate that indications of not knowing (i.e., “don’t know” responses) are prevalent in the U.S. population, are systematically more likely to occur among marginalized sociodemographic groups, and are associated with less engagement in protective health behaviors. “Don’t know” responses are likely indications of genuinely limited knowledge and therefore may indicate populations in need of targeted intervention. This body of research suggests that not allowing participants to indicate their uncertainty may threaten the validity and generalizability of behavior-change research. We provide concrete recommendations for scientists to allow participants to express uncertainty and to analyze the resulting data.
Framing the area: An efficient approach for avoiding visual interference and optimising visual search in adolescents
Authors: Bouhassoun Sabrina , Gerlach Christian , Borst Grégoire , Poirel Nicolas
Published: November 2021

Attentional resources are limited, and resistance to interference plays a critical role during cognitive tasks and learning. Previous studies have shown that participants find it difficult to avoid being distracted by global visual information when processing local details. In this study, we investigated an innovative approach for enhancing the processing of local visual details by middle-school adolescents. Two groups completed a classic global/local visual search task in which a predefined target could appear at the global or local level, either with or without a frame. The results from the no-frame display group provided a direct replication in adolescents of previous findings in adults, with increasing number of interferent stimuli presented in the display adversely affecting detection of local targets. In addition, by varying the numbers of distractors inside and outside the frame, we showed that distractors only interfered with the processing of local information inside the frame, while the deleterious impact of increases in distracting information was prevented when the distractors were outside the frame. These findings suggest that when a frame delimits an attentional area, the influence of an increasing number of distractors present outside the frame is eliminated. We assume that application of a frame allows for efficient delimitation of attention deployment to a restricted topographical visual area in adolescents. These results evidence that processing of local details can be improved without modifying the structure of the stimuli, and provide promising clues for optimising attentional resources during time-absorbing visual searches. Applicable implications in the educational field are discussed.
Vortex flow aerodynamics behind a symmetric airfoil at low angles of attack and Reynolds numbers
Authors: Kurtulus D. Funda
Published: November 2021

The low Reynolds number aerodynamics is important to investigate for micro air vehicle applications. The current paper covers numerical simulations to present the downstream development of the wake patterns and detailed analysis of the vortices generated at the downstream of NACA 0012 airfoil around the critical angle of attack where the instantaneous vortex patterns are oscillatory and differ from the mean vortex pattern for low Reynolds numbers ranging from 1000 to 4000. The instantaneous and mean aerodynamic forces, pressure and skin friction coefficients, and vorticity values are compared in addition to the path of the vortex centers, their longitudinal and lateral spacings, Kármán spacing ratios, and distortion ratios at the wake of the airfoil in regard to the different Reynolds numbers investigated. The streamwise and crosswise velocities of the vortex cores and relative velocities at different transverse locations are also discussed and presented in detail. The correlations between different non-dimensional numbers (St, Re, Ro) are obtained at these low Reynolds numbers investigated.
Distal biceps repair through a single incision with the use of a knotless cortical button device: Mid-term results
Authors: Assiotis Angelos , French Jonathan , Edwards Gray , McCann Philip A , Chalk Naomi , Amirfeyz Rouin
Published: November 2021

Background

Distal biceps rupture presents with an increasing incidence and evidence suggests that although a surgical repair is not mandatory, it results in superior functional outcomes when compared to non-operative management. As implant technology has advanced, several devices have been utilised and studied in managing this pathology. We present our single-centre experience with the use of the ToggleLoc Ziploop reattachment device, a knotless cortical button implant, using a single-incision technique.

Methods

Retrospective series of 70 consecutive distal biceps tendon repairs, at a mean follow-up of 45.6 months after surgery, using a standardised single implant, single-incision technique, and post-operative rehabilitation programme.

Results

There was one (1.4%) re-rupture in our patient cohort. The range of motion was complete in all patients except for one patient who had symptomatic heterotopic ossification, causing limitation in pronation. Complications were minor with the commonest being transient neuropraxia of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm. The mean Oxford elbow score was 46.9 out of 48, and the patient global impression of change scale was 7 out of 7 in 77% of cases.

Conclusion

Our data support this technique and implant combination when dealing with acute and chronic distal biceps tendon rupture.