bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanding the Application of Soil Moisture Monitoring Systems through Regression-Based Transformation
Authors: Crow Wade T. , Reichle Rolf H. , Dong Jianzhi
Published: August 2021

Relative to other geophysical variables, soil moisture (SM) estimates derived from land surface models (LSMs) and land data assimilation systems (LDAS) are difficult to transfer between platforms and applications. This difficulty stems from the highly model-dependent nature of LSM SM estimates and differences in the vertical support of discretized SM values. As a result, operational SM estimates generated by one LSM (or LDAS) cannot generally be directly applied to a hydrologic monitoring or forecast system designed around a second LSM. This lack of transferability is particularly problematic for LDAS applications, where the time, expertise, and computational resources required to generate an operational LDAS analysis cannot be practically duplicated for every LSM-specific application. Here, we develop a set of simple regression tools for translating SM estimates between LSMs and multiple LDAS analyses. Results demonstrate that simple multivariate linear regression—utilizing independent variables based on multilayer and temporally lagged SM estimates—can significantly improve upon baseline transformation approaches using direct percentile matching. The proposed regression approaches are effective for both the LSM-to-LSM and LDAS-to-LDAS transformation of multilayer SM percentiles. Application of this approach will expand the utility of existing, high-quality (but LSM-specific) operational sources of SM information like the NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive Level-4 Soil Moisture product.
Evaluation of Current Pressure Ulcer Staging
Authors: Stefanopoulos Stavros , Qiu Qiong , Alshaibani Khalid , Bauer Karen , Ahmed Ayman , Nazzal Munier , Osman Mohamed F.
Published: August 2021

Background

We sought to assess health professionals’ satisfaction with the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel staging system (NPUAP).

Methods

A paper survey assessing the satisfaction with the NPUAP was distributed to participants of a national wound care meeting. A total of 88 surveys were completed. Results were tabulated using SPSS.

Results

The survey response rate was 50%. Nearly all respondents (95.0%) used NPAUP for documentation. 75.3% indicated that a better staging system was needed. When participants were asked to evaluate their current staging system, 63.5% stated that the system does not adequately reflect patient’s clinical condition, 61.6% felt that the current staging system was not easily reproducible, 58.0% believed that the current staging system was generally easy-to-use, and 43.9% indicated that it is unable to suggest management recommendations. When asked about an ideal classification system, the respondents proposed incorporating tissue necrosis (97.6%), depth of tissue involvement (96.3%), discharge documentation (92.5%), presence of osteomyelitis (90%), local infection (88.8%), and systemic infection (80.0%). Overall, 67.0% of the participants wanted to use a classification system that would reflect the progress of injury healing and could be used to indicate the need for intervention.

Discussion

Health care workers caring for pressure injury patients indicated dissatisfaction with the NPAUP.
Response of Laryngopharyngeal Symptoms to Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication in Patients with Refractory Proven Gastroesophageal Reflux
Authors: Snow Grace E. , Dbouk Mohamad , Akst Lee M. , Ihde Glenn , Zarnegar Rasa , Janu Peter , Murray Michael , Eskarous Hany , Sohagia Amit , Dhar Shumon I. , Irene Canto Marcia
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms may not respond to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) if they have an alternative laryngeal diagnosis or high-volume reflux. Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) or TIF with concomitant hiatal hernia repair (cTIF) are effective in decreasing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) but are not well studied in patients with LPR symptoms. This prospective multicenter study assessed the patient-reported and clinical outcomes after TIF/cTIF in patients with LPR symptoms and proven GERD.

Methods:

Patients with refractory LPR symptoms (reflux symptom index [RSI] > 13) and with erosive esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and/or pathologic acid reflux by distal esophageal pH testing were evaluated before and after a minimum of 6 months after TIF/cTIF. The primary outcome was normalization of RSI. Secondary outcomes were >50% improvement in GERD-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL), normalization of esophageal acid exposure time, discontinuation of PPI, and patient satisfaction.

Results:

Forty-nine patients had TIF (n = 26) or cTIF (n = 23) with at least 6 months follow-up. Mean pre- and post TIF/cTIF RSI were 23.6 and 5.9 (mean difference: 17.7, P < .001). Post TIF/cTIF, 90% of patients had improved GERD-HQRL score, 85% normalized RSI, 75% normalized esophageal acid exposure time, and 80% discontinued PPI. No serious procedure-related adverse events occurred. Patient satisfaction was 4% prior to TIF/cTIF and 73% after TIF/cTIF ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

In patients with objective evidence of GERD, TIF, or cTIF are safe and effective in controlling LPR symptoms as measured by normalization of RSI and improvement in patient satisfaction after TIF/cTIF.

Level of Evidence

Level 4
Cancel Culture: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Norris Pippa
Published: August 2021

In recent years, a progressive “cancel culture” in society, right-wing politicians and commentators claim, has silenced alternative perspectives, ostracized contrarians, and eviscerated robust intellectual debate, with college campuses at the vanguard of this development. These arguments can be dismissed as rhetorical dog whistles devoid of substantive meaning, myths designed to fire up the MAGA faithful, outrage progressives, and distract from urgent real-world problems. Given heated contention, however, something more fundamental may be at work. To understand this phenomenon, the opening section defines the core concept and theorizes that perceptions of this phenomenon are likely to depend upon how far individual values fit the dominant group culture. Within academia, scholars most likely to perceive “silencing” are mismatched or non-congruent cases, where they are “fish-out-of-water.” The next section describes how empirical survey evidence is used to test this prediction within the discipline of political science. Data are derived from a global survey, the World of Political Science, 2019, involving almost 2500 scholars studying or working in over 100 countries. The next section describes the results. The conclusion summarizes the key findings and considers their broader implications. Overall, the evidence confirms the “fish-out-of-water” congruence thesis. As predicted, in post-industrial societies, characterized by predominately liberal social cultures, like the US, Sweden, and UK, right-wing scholars were most likely to perceive that they faced an increasingly chilly climate. By contrast, in developing societies characterized by more traditional moral cultures, like Nigeria, it was left-wing scholars who reported that a cancel culture had worsened. This contrast is consistent with Noelle-Neumann’s spiral of silence thesis, where mainstream values in any group gradually flourish to become the predominant culture, while, due to social pressures, dissenting minority voices become muted. The ratchet effect eventually muffles contrarians. The evidence suggests that the cancel culture is not simply a rhetorical myth; scholars may be less willing to speak up to defend their moral beliefs if they believe that their views are not widely shared by colleagues or the wider society to which they belong.
Global Cities in Analog: Modernism and Intercity Relations, 1900-1940
Authors: Leon Joshua K.
Published: August 2021

This article reflects on modernism from 1900 to 1940 on globalist terms. The turn of the twentieth century was a period of rapid urbanization, pronounced intellectual foment, labor politics, and severe colonial relations. Its upheavals formed the context for modernist approaches to city building. It was also a period of unprecedented interconnectedness where modernisms coalesced under a series of transnational movements. The Werkbund, Bauhaus, and Congrés Internationaux d’Architecture Moderne (CIAM) gained international recognition, influencing the creation of whole cities. Global cities studies, the research program most responsible for conceptualizing urban networks, have oddly little to say about the modernist period that prefigured the global city. This article breaks this arbitrary barrier in global cities studies, which equate global cities with the advent of digital linkages. By doing so, it recognizes the international city as its immediate precursor, fostering remarkable political, economic, and social changes under the heading of modernism. The twenty-first century neoliberal city archetype looks politically limited by comparison, its ossified institutions in need of reinvigoration.
Comparison of Diagnostic Recommendations from Individual Physicians versus the Collective Intelligence of Multiple Physicians in Ambulatory Cases Referred for Specialist Consultation
Authors: Khoong Elaine C. , Nouri Sarah S. , Tuot Delphine S. , Nundy Shantanu , Fontil Valy , Sarkar Urmimala
Published: August 2021

Background

Studies report higher diagnostic accuracy using the collective intelligence (CI) of multiple clinicians compared with individual clinicians. However, the diagnostic process is iterative, and unexplored is the value of CI in improving clinical recommendations leading to a final diagnosis.

Methods

To compare the appropriateness of diagnostic recommendations advised by individual physicians versus the CI of physicians, we entered actual consultation requests sent by primary care physicians to specialists onto a web-based CI platform capable of collecting diagnostic recommendations (next steps for care) from multiple physicians. We solicited responses to 35 cases (12 endocrinology, 13 gynecology, 10 neurology) from ≥3 physicians of any specialty through the CI platform, which aggregated responses into a CI output. The primary outcome was the appropriateness of individual physician recommendations versus the CI output recommendations, using recommendations agreed upon by 2 specialists in the same specialty as a gold standard. The secondary outcome was the recommendations’ potential for harm.

Results

A total of 177 physicians responded. Cases had a median of 7 respondents (interquartile range: 5–10). Diagnostic recommendations in the CI output achieved higher levels of appropriateness (69%) than recommendations from individual physicians (45%; χ2 = 5.95, P = 0.015). Of the CI recommendations, 54% were potentially harmful, as compared with 41% of individuals’ recommendations (χ2 = 2.49, P = 0.11).

Limitations

Cases were from a single institution. CI was solicited using a single algorithm/platform.

Conclusions

When seeking specialist guidance, diagnostic recommendations from the CI of multiple physicians are more appropriate than recommendations from most individual physicians, measured against specialist recommendations. Although CI provides useful recommendations, some have potential for harm. Future research should explore how to use CI to improve diagnosis while limiting harm from inappropriate tests/therapies.
Assessing Interventions That Prevent Multiple Infectious Diseases: Simple Methods for Multidisease Modeling
Authors: Claypool Anneke L. , Goldhaber-Fiebert Jeremy D. , Brandeau Margaret L.
Published: August 2021

Background

Many cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) only consider outcomes for a single disease when comparing interventions that prevent or treat 1 disease (e.g., vaccination) to interventions that prevent or treat multiple diseases (e.g., vector control to prevent mosquito-borne diseases). An intervention targeted to a single disease may be preferred to a broader intervention in a single-disease model, but this conclusion might change if outcomes from the additional diseases were included. However, multidisease models are often complex and difficult to construct.

Methods

We present conditions for when multiple diseases should be considered in such a CEA. We propose methods for estimating health outcomes and costs associated with control of additional diseases using parallel single-disease models. Parallel modeling can incorporate competing mortality and coinfection from multiple diseases while maintaining model simplicity. We illustrate our approach with a CEA that compares a dengue vaccine, a chikungunya vaccine, and mosquito control via insecticide and mosquito nets, which can prevent dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.

Results

The parallel models and the multidisease model generated similar estimates of disease incidence and deaths with much less complexity. When using this method in our case study, considering only chikungunya and dengue, the preferred strategy was insecticide. A broader strategy—insecticide plus long-lasting insecticide-treated nets—was not preferred when Zika and yellow fever were included, suggesting the conclusion is robust even without the explicit inclusion of all affected diseases.

Limitations

Parallel modeling assumes independent probabilities of infection for each disease.

Conclusions

When multidisease effects are important, our parallel modeling method can be used to model multiple diseases accurately while avoiding additional complexity.
Effect of Sand Type and PVA Fiber Content on the Properties of Metakaolin Based Engineered Geopolymer Composites
Authors: AbuFarsakh Ruwa , Arce Gabriel , Hassan Marwa , Huang Oscar , Radovic Miladin , Rupnow Tyson , Mohammad Louay N. , Sukhishvili Svetlana
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the mechanical and physical properties of engineered geopolymer composites (EGCs) consisting of metakaolin (MK) based geopolymer (GP) binder, microsilica sand (MS) or river sand (RS), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber. Plain GP matrices and fiber-reinforced composites were studied. Aspects of the material composition evaluated here included binder composition, aggregate type, and fiber content. Compressive strength test results revealed that GP mortars presented greater compressive strength than pure GP binders. Moreover, the addition of PVA fibers produced an important increment in compressive strength while increases in fiber content generally enhanced compressive strength. MS composites tended to produce higher compressive strength than RS composites. While exhibiting low densities (i.e., 1.80–1.94 g/cm3), the composite materials evaluated exceeded the compressive strength of regular concrete (i.e., 30 MPa). Furthermore, the best performing composite presented a compressive strength of 57.5 MPa, thus falling in the category of high-strength concrete. The EGC-like tensile pseudo strain-hardening (PSH) behavior of MK-based GP composites was confirmed by a uniaxial tensile test with MS-composites exhibiting greater tensile strength and ductility compared with RS composites; yet, robust PSH behavior was not achieved mainly because of a lack of proper fiber dispersion. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed unreacted metakaolin particles in some areas within the geopolymer gel of both GP binders evaluated in this study, suggesting incomplete geopolymerization in the binder. Furthermore, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) microchemical analysis of a geopolymer gel encountered close agreement between the target composition of the GP binders produced and the actual chemical composition encountered in the specimens evaluated.
Impact of Transportation Network Companies on Ground Access to Airports: A Case Study in Austin, Texas
Authors: Zuniga-Garcia Natalia , Machemehl Randy B.
Published: August 2021

This study proposes using intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and open-data sources to evaluate the impact of transportation network companies (TNCs) on ground access to airports. The unexpected interruption of the TNCs services in Austin, Texas, U.S., in 2016, is used as a natural experiment to provide a before-and-after analysis of the changes in the traffic conditions of the access area to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) is implemented to determine whether the difference in speeds across periods is statistically significant, and the value of time for TNC-induced delay is estimated, using values of passengers’ willingness to pay for airport access travel time savings. Furthermore, a speed linear model is developed to assess the impact of TNC demand on ground access areas using trip information from an Austin-based TNC service. The main results suggest that airport ground access speeds were higher during the period that the TNCs were out of the city. The re-introduction of the services resulted in a speed reduction of 9% for the airport morning and 18% for the afternoon peak hours, translating to a total passenger cost of approximately $150+ (morning) and $400+ (afternoon) per hour. Furthermore, it was found that the number of TNC pick-up trips is a predictor of airport access speed and that the flight schedule can potentially be used to develop predictive speed models.
Development and Comparative Analysis of Advanced Deep Learning Techniques for Crash Prediction in Advanced Driver Support Systems
Authors: Osman Osama A , Hajij Mustafa
Published: August 2021

Motor vehicle crashes claimed 38,800 lives and caused 4.4 million injuries in 2019 alone. Studies have shown that 94% of these crashes are because of driver errors. Such a huge contribution of driver errors to crashes indicates that efforts at improving safety should be directed toward both vehicles and drivers through advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and vehicular technologies. This study investigates the potential that real-time driver behavior data collected through vehicular technologies offer to predict crashes, as the first line of defense to avoid them. Three deep learning models were developed including multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLP-NN), long-short-term memory networks (LSTMN), and convolutional neural networks (CNN) using vehicle kinematics time series data extracted from the Second Strategic Highway Research Program Naturalistic Driving Study (SHRP2 NDS) dataset. The study builds on the hypothesis that crashes are preceded by turbulences that take place over time (turbulence horizon). If these turbulences are detected promptly they can help predict and avoid crashes. Several values were tested for the turbulence horizon and the prediction horizon (how long before the crash impact it can be predicted) to identify the optimal values. The results showed that the CNN model can predict all crashes with a 100% accuracy and zero false alarms 3 s before the crash impact time when a 6-s turbulence horizon is used. This outstanding performance demonstrates the developed model is a promising tool for implementation in ADAS.
Prevalence and Correlates of Suicidal Ideation and Deliberate Self-harm in Canadian Adolescents During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Authors: Turner Brianna J. , Robillard Christina L. , Ames Megan E. , Craig Stephanie G.
Published: August 2021

Objective

In light of recent evidence that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in marked increases in depression, anxiety, substance use, and other mental health concerns among Canadian adolescents, we investigated the rates of self-harm thoughts and behaviours in this population. Specifically, this study explored: (1) the demographic and geographic distributions of suicidal ideation (SI) and deliberate self-harm (DSH), and (2) the associations of mental health and substance use with SI and DSH.

Method

A total of 809 Canadian adolescents, aged 12–18 years, completed an online survey between June 17, 2020 and July 31, 2020.

Results

44% of adolescents reported experiencing SI since the pandemic began, while 32% reported engaging in DSH. SI and DSH were more common among youth who: identified as transgender, non-binary or gender fluid; who did not reside with both parents; and who reported psychiatric concerns or frequent cannabis use.

Conclusion

Canadian adolescents appear to be experiencing higher rates of self-harm thoughts and behaviours relative to before the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important for adults who are likely to interact with distressed youth to be aware of potential warning signs that a youth is struggling with self-harm, and to refer youth to specialty mental health services where appropriate.
The Role of Implicit Theories in Motivating Donations in Response to Threat-Based Awe
Authors: Septianto Felix , Seo Yuri , Paramita Widya
Published: August 2021

The present research investigates how charitable giving in response to threat-based awe, an emotional experience that typically accompanies disaster-relief campaigns, is likely to depend on consumers’ implicit theories. Although consumers want to behave prosocially when experiencing threat-based awe, due to the presence of threats, such behavior depends on whether they believe that their donations have sufficient efficacy. Consequently, in response to threat-based awe, consumers holding an incremental (vs. entity) theory perceive greater efficacy for their donations, which subsequently increases their charitable giving. These predictions are tested across five experimental studies. The findings of this research contribute to the literature on implicit theories and the emotion of awe and offer a more nuanced approach to how different consumers may be motivated to engage in charitable giving in the context of natural disasters.
Are Survivors of Sexual Assault Blamed More Than Victims of Other Crimes?
Authors: Reich Catherine M. , Pegel Grace A. , Johnson Alixandra B.
Published: August 2021

Although victim blaming in the context of sexual assault is often emphasized, little research has compared rates of victim blaming following sexual assault relative to other forms of victimization. This research investigated whether there is a crime-specific bias toward blaming victims of sexual assault. Victim blaming was assessed via different methods from the observer perspective in vignette-based studies, as well as survivors’ accounts of social reactions they received. In Study 1, participants were asked to rate how much the survivor was to blame in three vignettes, each with a different randomized crime outcome: rape, physical assault, or theft. Study 2 assessed blame for a vignette that either ended in rape or theft, via a causal attribution statement. Study 3 asked interpersonal trauma survivors who had experienced at least two forms of victimization (i.e., sexual assault, physical assault, or theft) to report the social reactions they received following disclosure of each of these crimes. Across all three studies, victim blaming occurred following multiple forms of victimization and there was no evidence of a particular bias toward blaming survivors of sexual assault more so than other crimes. However, results of Study 3 highlight that, following sexual assault, survivors receive more silencing and stigmatizing reactions than they experienced after other crimes. Interpersonal traumas (i.e., sexual or physical assault) also resulted in more egocentric responses compared to theft. Altogether, there does not appear to be a crime-specific bias for victim blaming; however, crime-specific bias is apparent for some other, potentially understudied, social reactions. Implications of these findings highlight the value of victim blaming education and prevention efforts through trauma-informed services and outreach following victimization. Furthermore, service providers and advocates might especially seek to recognize and prevent silencing and stigmatizing reactions following sexual assault disclosures.
Physical Activity and Health Among Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander Older Adults
Authors: Lee Yeonjung J. , Braun Kathryn L. , Wu Yan Yan , Burrage Rachel , Muneoka Shelley , Browne Colette , Mokuau Noreen K. , Terada Tyran M. , Hossain Mohammad D.
Published: August 2021

Objectives: Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHPI) older adults often experience social disadvantages and poor health outcomes. Physical activity has been associated with better health in other racial groups, but limited studies have examined these associations in NHPI older adults. Methods: Using data from the 2014 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey ( n = 1,045), logistic regression models examined associations between physical activity and memory/psychological distress/self-rated health. Results: Sufficient levels of physical activity were associated with lower odds of memory problems, serious psychological distress, and poor/fair self-rated health. Unfortunately, only half of the sample reported sufficient physical activity and approximately 30% reported none. Also, 78% of the sample was estimated to be overweight/obese, and 29% had diabetes. Discussion: Culturally-appropriate interventions are recommended to increase physical activity in this population, which could also help reduce high rates of overweight/obesity and diabetes.
Simulation and experimental investigation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/aluminum composite fabrication using friction stir processing
Authors: Akbari Mostafa , Asadi Parviz
Published: August 2021

Multi-walled carbon nanotube/aluminum composites are fabricated on Al–Si cast alloy employing friction stir processing. First, the microstructure of the stir zone, as well as the effect of process parameters on the size of silicon particles, is investigated. Then, the process is numerically simulated using a thermo-mechanically coupled three-dimensional finite element method model. Material flow, as the primary reason for the dispersion of reinforcing particles, is considered in the numerical model, and proper conditions to obtain a uniform dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes are determined. Scanning electron microscope analysis is carried out to consider the particle distribution in the texture of the stir zone. The results show that the particle distribution improves significantly by changing the tool rotation direction between the friction stir processing passes. The hardness test is accomplished on the cross-section of the friction stir processed specimens, and finally, the wear test is performed to compare the wear resistance of the composites with the base alloy. The results show that the wear resistance and hardness of the produced composites are considerably enhanced compared to the base alloy.
A computational investigation on the influence of the l/d ratio and strain rate on the deformation behavior of rolled and homogeneous armor steel in the split Hopkinson pressure bar test process
Authors: Saxena Ambuj , Dwivedi Shashi Prakash , Srivastava Ashish K , Sharma Shubham , Kotkunde Nitin
Published: August 2021

The present investigation deals with the finite-element analysis of the high strain rate deformation behavior of the quenched and tempered armor-grade rolled and homogeneous armor steel. The rolled and homogeneous armor steel is extensively used in civil and military structures such as battle tanks, armament combat vehicles, combat helicopter, etc. The dynamic deformation behavior of rolled and homogeneous armor steel, that is, resistance against ballistic circumstances relates to its mechanical behavior under high strain rate conditions. In the present research work, a finite-element analysis investigation (using Abaqus finite-element analysis code) has been carried out to evaluate the influence of specimen l/d ratios and high loading strain rates on the deformation behavior and stress–strain responses of the rolled and homogeneous armor steel. Further, an attempt has also been made to check the high strain rate and specimen l/d ratio influence on the strain amplitudes of incident, reflected, and transmitted pulses. The numerical investigation has been carried out with the rolled and homogeneous armor steel specimen with l/d ratios of 1, 0.8, and 0.6. In addition, three high impact strain rates of 2130, 2907, and 3105 s−1 are considered to evaluate the stress–strain responses. The results revealed that the l/d ratio and strain rate have a significant influence on the specimen stress–strain response and the strain amplitudes of incident, reflected, and transmitted pulses. The peak stress value is increased with the increase in the l/d ratio and strain rate. The developed finite-element analysis model has predicted the stress–strain responses with <3% percentage error. The obtained finite-element analysis results have been validated with the experimental investigation with an l/d ratio of 0.6 and a strain rate of 3105 s−1 for rolled and homogeneous armor steel.
Antibacterial properties of a novel nano-silver loaded poly(styrene-co-acrylic) composites
Authors: Cao Ruge , Zhai Xuqing , Li Xueyang , Zhao Xiaoyu
Published: August 2021

To prevent microbial contamination in foods and medical tools, we prepared a novel antibacterial material nano-silver loaded poly(styrene-co-acrylic) (nAg-PSA) composites by in situ reductions. The nAg-PSA was characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The antibacterial properties of nAg-PSA against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were systematically evaluated, and the underlying mechanism was investigated. Results showed that the silver nanoparticles were successfully loaded onto PSA microspheres, highly dispersed on the surface of nAg-PSA nanoparticles. The nAg-PSA nanoparticles all showed significant antibacterial effects, among which nAg-PSA4 had maximum diameters of inhibition zones against the Gram-negative E. coli (1.18 mm) and the Gram-positive S. aureus (1.29 mm), respectively, which closely related to the size and density of silver nanoparticles covered on the surface.
The Effect of Branch Office Locations on Technical Efficiency: Evidence from the Indian Life Insurance Industry
Authors: Siddiqui Shoaib Alam
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this article is to investigate the efficiency and productivity growth of Indian life insurance industry and to assess the effect of branch office locations on efficiency. This study has analysed the efficiency and productivity performance of all the 24 life insurance companies during the period from 2016 to 2019, using slack-based measures (SBM) of data envelopment analysis. SBM super-efficiency model is used to rank the fully efficient life insurers. Malmquist index is used to assess the productivity of life insurance companies. To assess the effect of branch office geographical locations on efficiency, double bootstrap regression has been used. The findings indicate that Indian life insurance industry experienced significant fluctuations in mean technical efficiency during the study period. Almost 50% of life insurers operated efficiently in one or more years during the study period. Only 3 out of 24 life insurers were found scale efficient. Interestingly, 50% of life insurers experienced growth during our study period. Double bootstrap regression analysis indicates that semi-urban and rural branch offices have positive effect on the efficiency of the life insurers. This study is first of its kind that has assessed the effect of branch office locations on the efficiency of life insurers. The study brings to light the operating characteristics, efficiencies and productivity of the Indian life insurance companies for the period from 2016 to 2019.
Accounting and work relationships in an eighteenth-century Italian household
Authors: Rossi Gina
Published: August 2021

In elaborating on accounting and work, this study focuses on the distinctive arena of the household to uncover details regarding how relationships with paid subordinates were managed in the eighteenth century. To delve more deeply into the topic, this article focuses on the case of Silvia Rabatta, a widow in a noble family living in Friuli (Italy). Drawing on primary archival sources, this study shows that Silvia managed work relationships with her subordinates like business relationships, instrumental in nature and based on contractual agreements. However, her emotional attachment and attention to the subordinates’ wellbeing were also evident in the accounting books and correspondence of this Friulian noblewoman.
An investigation into the effect of thermal variables on the 3D printed shape memory polymer structures with different geometries
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Mohammadhadi , Ghoreishi Majid , Narooei Keivan
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the effects of thermal parameters including the deformation temperature, shape recovery temperature, and heating rate on the shape recovery of a specific rounded rectangle structure were investigated using the design of experiments. Three-point bending thermo-mechanical tests were subsequently carried out where water was used for controlling the temperature. It was found that the deformation temperature and heating rate have the most and the least effect on the shape recovery of polylactic acid (PLA) SMPs, respectively. The mathematical modeling results showed that the optimum condition of the highest shape recovery is obtained at the deformation temperature of 53.31°C, recovery temperature of 59.94°C, and heating rate of 8.05°C/min. It was also observed that the shape recovery of the specified rounded rectangle structure manufactured by the 3D printing method was enhanced from 93.03% to 98.14% by optimizing the thermal parameters. Besides, the optimum condition was applied to structures with different cell geometries and it was shown that the obtained condition was also enhanced the shape recovery of structures with diamond and honeycomb. More specifically, the shape recovery of noted structures was significantly enhanced to 98.00% and 97.71 % from 82.86% and 78.89%, respectively.
Enhanced low-frequency vibration energy harvesting with inertial amplifiers
Authors: Adhikari Sondipon , Banerjee Arnab
Published: August 2021

Piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters have demonstrated the potential for sustainable energy generation from diverse ambient sources in the context of low-powered micro-scale systems. However, challenges remain concerning harvesting more power from low-frequency input excitations and broadband random excitations. To address this, here we propose a purely mechanical approach by employing inertial amplifiers with cantilever piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters. The proposed mechanism can achieve inertial amplification amounting to orders of magnitude under certain conditions. Harmonic, as well as broadband random excitations, are considered. Two types of harvesting circuits, namely, without and with an inductor, have been employed. We explicitly demonstrate how different parameters describing the inertial amplifiers should be optimally tuned to maximise harvested power under different types of excitations and circuit configurations. It is possible to harvest five times more power at a 50% lower frequency when the ambient excitation is harmonic. Under random broadband ambient excitations, it is possible to harvest 10 times more power with optimally selected parameters.
Realization of desired damping characteristics based on an open-loop-controlled magnetorheological damper
Authors: Lu Hongwei , Zhang Zhifei , He Yansong , Li Zhi , Xie Jujiang , Deng Hang
Published: August 2021

The realization of the desired damping characteristics based on magnetorheological (MR) dampers is important for semi-active control and useful for the matching process of suspension damper. To reduce the cost of the control system and improve the output accuracy of the desired damping force, this study proposes an open-loop control method featuring an accurate inverse model of the MR damper and a tripolar current driver. The reversible sigmoid model is used to accurately and quickly calculate the desired current. Furthermore, the change characteristic of the desired current is analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, which shows that the desired current needs to change suddenly to make the actual damping force velocity curve quickly approach the desired one. To meet the demand of the desired current, a tripolar current driver controlled by an improved PI control algorithm is proposed, which is with fast response and low noise. Finally, the bench test verifies that the control system can achieve different desired damping characteristics well, and the inherent error in this process is explained through the gap between the available damping force area and the desired damping characteristic curve and the crossover phenomenon of the dynamic characteristic curves of the MR damper.
Online and Intellectual Awareness of Executive Functioning in Daily Life among Adolescents with and without ADHD
Authors: Fisher Orit , Berger Itai , Grossman Ephraim S. , Maeir Adina
Published: August 2021

Objective

Executive function deficits (EFD) are a central mechanism underlying negative outcomes in ADHD. This study examined awareness of EFD manifested in “real-time” task performance (Online Awareness) and in general self-knowledge of daily activities, outside the context of a specific task (Intellectual Awareness) among adolescents with and without ADHD.

Methods

102 adolescents with ( n = 52) and without ( n = 50) ADHD were administered Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA) and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Parents completed the BRIEF parent version. Awareness was defined using the discrepancy paradigm: performance versus estimation on WCPA for online awareness; self versus parent report on the BRIEF for intellectual awareness.

Results

Adolescents with ADHD overestimated their performance on the WCPA and underestimated their EFD on the BRIEF compared to parent’s ratings. The discrepancy scores in both types of awareness were significantly larger among ADHD than controls ( p < .005).

Conclusions

Adolescents with ADHD demonstrate significantly lower rates of online and intellectual awareness of EFD compared to controls.
Decolonizing the digital landscape: the role of technology in Indigenous language revitalization
Authors: Meighan Paul J
Published: August 2021

Due to colonization and imperialism, Indigenous languages continue to be threatened and endangered. Resources to learn Indigenous languages are often severely limited, such as a lack of trained or proficient teachers. Materials which follow external standards or Western pedagogies may not meet the needs of the local community. One common goal for Indigenous language revitalization initiatives is to promote intergenerational language transmission and use in multiple social domains, such as the home. Could the use of technology assist in Indigenous language revitalization? And what would be its role? This article, emerging from ongoing research, aims to synthesize some key takeaways on the role of digital and online technologies in Indigenous language revitalization over the past three decades since the foundation of the World Wide Web in 1989. The article highlights how Indigenous communities, content creators, scholars and visionaries have contributed to an ongoing decolonization of the digital landscape.
Screening of Glypican-6 Expression in Benign, Primary and Metastatic Colon Cancers
Authors: Al-Saraireh Yousef M , Alshammari Fatemah OFO , Youssef Ahmed MM , Al-Sarayreh Sameeh , Al-Sarayra Yahya M , Aborajooh Emad , Al-Shuneigat Jehad , Alrawashdeh Hamzeh M
Published: August 2021

Background:

The development of colon cancer has been described as a multistep process of carcinogenesis. Understanding molecular and cellular changes underlying this process is required to determine potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in colon cancers. Several molecular entities, including glypicans, are implicated in cancer development. Among these is glypican-6, which is overexpressed in a limited number of cancers. This study aims to characterise the glypican-6 expression in different types of colon cancer.

Methods:

Immunohistochemistry was used to characterise glypican-6 expression in a panel of archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded colon tissue types. These types included 39 normal colon tissues, 10 colon tubular adenomas, 60 colon adenocarcinomas without metastasis and 60 colon adenocarcinomas with metastasis. Glypican-6 expression relation to demographic and clinicopathologic features was also examined.

Results:

Glypican-6 was strongly expressed in benign, primary and metastatic colon tumours. Normal tissue samples exhibited low to undetectable levels of glypican-6. A significantly high glypican-6 expression was displayed in colon cancers with lymph node metastasis, high depth of invasion, distant metastasis, high histological grades and late stages of the disease ( P < 0.05). Importantly, a significant differential in glypican-6 expression was found between normal tissues and different types of colon cancer tissues. Moreover, the highest glypican-6 expression was more frequently found in metastatic tumours, followed by primary tumours and the least in benign tumours ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Selective expression of glypican-6 may establish a basis for potential use as a tissue biomarker or as a novel therapeutic target in treatment of colon cancer.
Volume changes of thalamus, hippocampus and cerebellum are associated with specific CSF profile in MS
Authors: Bajrami Albulena , Magliozzi Roberta , Pisani Anna I , Pizzini Francesca B , Crescenzo Francesco , Marastoni Damiano , Calabrese Massimiliano
Published: August 2021

Background:

The underlying pathogenesis of surface-in grey matter abnormalities in MS, demonstrated by both neuropathology and advanced MRI analyses, is under investigation and it might be related to CSF-mediated mechanism of inflammation and/or damage.

Objective:

To examine the link of CSF inflammatory profile with the damage of three regions early-involved in MS and bordering with CSF: thalamus, hippocampus and cerebellum.

Methods:

In this longitudinal, prospective study, we evaluated, in 109 relapsing–remitting MS patients, at diagnosis and after 2-year follow-up, the association between the baseline CSF level of 19 inflammatory mediators and the volume changes of thalamus, hippocampus, cerebellar cortex and control regions (globus pallidus, putamen).

Results:

The multivariable analysis showed that the CXCL13 and sCD163 CSF levels at baseline were independent predictors of thalamus ([Formula: see text]; p < 0.001) and hippocampus ([Formula: see text]; p < 0.001) volume change after 2-year follow-up. These molecules, plus CCL25, IFN-γ and fibrinogen, were independent predictors of the cerebellar cortex volume loss ([Formula: see text]; p < 0.001). No independent predictors of volume changes of the control regions were found.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate an association between the CSF inflammatory profile and grey matter volume loss of regions anatomically close to CSF boundaries, thus supporting the hypothesis of a surface-in GM damage in MS.
Structural and functional hippocampal alterations in Multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Zheng Fenglian , Li Yuxin , Zhuo Zhizheng , Duan Yunyun , Cao Guanmei , Tian Decai , Zhang Xinghu , Li Kuncheng , Zhou Fuqing , Huang Muhua , Li Haiqing , Li Yongmei , Zeng Chun , Zhang Ningnannan , Sun Jie , Yu Chunshui , Han Xuemei , Hallar Sven , Barkhof Frederik , Liu Yaou
Published: August 2021

Background:

Hippocampal involvement may differ between multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

Objective:

To investigate the morphometric, diffusion and functional alterations in hippocampus in MS and NMOSD and the clinical significance.

Methods:

A total of 752 participants including 236 MS, 236 NMOSD and 280 healthy controls (HC) were included in this retrospective multi-center study. The hippocampus and subfield volumes, fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and degree centrality (DC) were analyzed, and their associations with clinical variables were investigated.

Results:

The hippocampus showed significantly lower volume, FA and greater MD in MS compared to NMOSD and HC ( p < 0.05), while no abnormal ALFF or DC was identified in any group. Hippocampal subfields were affected in both diseases, though subiculum, presubiculum and fimbria showed significantly lower volume only in MS ( p < 0.05). Significant correlations between diffusion alterations, several subfield volumes and clinical variables were observed in both diseases, especially in MS ( R = −0.444 to 0.498, p < 0.05). FA and MD showed fair discriminative power between MS and HC, NMOSD and HC (AUC > 0.7).

Conclusions:

Hippocampal atrophy and diffusion abnormalities were identified in MS and NMOSD, partly explaining how clinical disability and cognitive impairment are differentially affected.
Impaired motion perception is associated with functional and structural visual pathway damage in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Ayadi Noah , Oertel Frederike C , Asseyer Susanna , Rust Rebekka , Duchow Ankelien , Kuchling Joseph , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Ruprecht Klemens , Klistorner Alexander , Brandt Alexander U , Paul Friedemann , Zimmermann Hanna G
Published: August 2021

Background:

Decreased motion perception has been suggested as a marker for visual pathway demyelination in optic neuritis (ON) and/or multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives:

To examine the influence of neuro-axonal damage on motion perception in MS and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD).

Methods:

We analysed motion perception with numbers-from-motion (NFM), visual acuity, (multifocal (mf)) VEP, optical coherence tomography in patients with MS ( n = 38, confirmatory cohort n = 43), NMOSD ( n = 13) and healthy controls ( n = 33).

Results:

NFM was lower compared with controls in MS ( B = −12.37, p < 0.001) and NMOSD ( B = −34.5, p < 0.001). NFM was lower in ON than in non-ON eyes ( B = −30.95, p = 0.041) in NMOSD, but not MS. In MS and NMOSD, lower NFM was associated with worse visual acuity ( B = −139.4, p < 0.001/ B = −77.2, p < 0.001) and low contrast letter acuity ( B = 0.99, p = 0.002/ B = 1.6, p < 0.001), thinner peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer ( B = 1.0, p < 0.001/ B = 0.92, p = 0.016) and ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer ( B = 64.8, p < 0.001/ B = 79.5, p = 0.006), but not with VEP P100 latencies. In the confirmatory MS cohort, lower NFM was associated with thinner retinal nerve fibre layer ( B = 1.351, p < 0.001) and increased mfVEP P100 latencies ( B = −1.159, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Structural neuro-axonal visual pathway damage is an important driver of motion perception impairment in MS and NMOSD.