bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Of Ink and Clay: Tattooed Mummified Human Remains and Female Figurines from Deir el-Medina
Authors: Austin Anne , Arnette Marie-Lys
Published: October 2022

This article offers the first publication of the mummified remains of two tattooed women in conjunction with three unpublished figurines with tattoo motifs from Deir el-Medina. Several recurrent motifs are shared between these women and the figurines, including the use of Bes-images, Nilotic elements, and points at the neck. These themes also appear in previously published tattooed figurines, so-called cosmetic spoons, and paintings. In some cases, the figurines and the women even share the same location of the tattoos on their body, suggesting that the combined location and tattoo motifs are integral to their function and/or meaning. Through linking tattooing on human remains with figurines, our work evaluates when we can interpret markings on figurines as tattooing while also exploring potential explanations for the tattoo motifs. To do so, we connect these new examples with texts and material culture that would have been accessible to the people of Deir el-Medina.
Automatic Pavement Crack Identification Based on an Improved C-Mask Region-Based Convolutional Neural Network Model
Authors: Xiao Liyang , Li Wei , Deng Nanyi , Yuan Bo , Bi Yubing , Cui Yiqun , Cui Xin
Published: October 2022

A pavement crack identification method based on an improved C-mask region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN) model is proposed to solve problems whereby existing crack recognition algorithms exhibit low accuracy and cannot perform detection and segmentation tasks simultaneously. The crack dataset that was collected in this study included three categories: transverse cracks, longitudinal cracks, and alligator cracks. The model integrates the detection task and the segmentation task into one model, and segments the crack pixels in the generated detection box while achieving target positioning. Firstly, based on the mask R-CNN model, the improved C-mask R-CNN method is designed, which improves the quality of the region proposal box by combining the detectors that are cascaded with different intersections over union thresholds, and achieves accurate crack location under high-threshold detection. Secondly, the ratio of the anchor in the model is adjusted, and a series of optimization parameters and experimental comparisons are carried out for the improved model to realize the segmentation of the crack pixels in the generated detection box during the crack location. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified, and finally, an evaluation method for cracks is proposed. Furthermore, the calculation of the crack geometric parameters is completed. The experimental results demonstrate that the mean average precision (mAP) of the C-mask R-CNN model detection part reached 95.4%, and the mAP of the segmentation part reached 93.5%. Moreover, the proposed model is convenient for researchers to deploy and implement.
The Tribals and the National Uprising of 1857 in Rajputana States
Authors: Vashishtha V. K.
Published: October 2022

The scholars have paid scant attention to the role of the Bhil and the Mina tribes of southern Rajputana States of Mewar, Banswara and Partapgarh in the 1857 national war of independence. These tribals were dissatisfied with the settlement of British paramountcy in the Rajputana States in 1818 as it was responsible for depriving them of their right to collect rakhwali (protection tax) from the neighbouring States, restraining their movements by stationing the Mewar Bhil Corps and the Kota Contingent in tribal regions, creating a fissure in their society by recruiting a section of tribals as soldiers in these Political Corps and, above all, penalising them as criminals for witch swinging and witch murdering in contravention of their community resolution. Disgruntled with the series of these innovations the Bhil chiefs, such as those of Pahara Bhomat in Mewar Hill Tracts, Onkar Rawat of Mowree Khera and Dalla Rawat of Sodulpur in Banswara State, and the Minas of Uncha village (in Jahazpur district of Mewar State) on the border of Deoli cantonment, revolted to end the British rule under the spell of the 1857 rebellion of the native sepoys of the British regiments at Neemuch, Nasirabad and Mhow cantonments. These tribal uprisings spread, far and wide, in Banswara, Partapgarh and Mewar Hill Tracts in southern Rajputana on the spur of Rawat Kesri Singh of Salumbar, a powerful Sisodia Rajput jagirdar of Mewar State, the Vilayati mercenaries (Makranis and Arabs) and Maratha General Tantia Tope who campaigned with his rabble force throughout Rajputana States between June 1858 and April 1859 for seeking support of people to overthrow the British government and also for punishing those Rajput rulers who had sided with it and surrendered to it the rebel leaders. Of course, the British government suppressed the tribal rebellions with the support of the Rajput rulers of Mewar, Partapgarh and Dungarpur States, but the prolongation of the 1857 tribal rebellions in southern Rajputana even after the restoration of British power in the imperial city of Delhi (September 1857) and in Lucknow (March 1858) confirmed the contention of the eminent historian V. D. Savarkar that the 1857 rebellion was the Indian War of Independence. Thus, the tribals have left a legacy of their valour and patriotic fervour during the 1857 national war of independence in Princely Rajputana.
COVID-19 diversity: A case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children masquerading as juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sobh Ali , Madiha abdalla  , Abdelrahman Ashraf M , Mosa Doaa Mosad
Published: October 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may present with some systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) manifestations intermingled with Kawasaki disease features. These emerging presentations were dubbed under the umbrella term ‘multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)’. A one and half-year-old girl, admitted to Mansoura University Children’s Hospital (MUCH) with fever, bad general condition, vomiting, widespread maculopapular, vasculitic rash, hands and feet oedema, oral ulceration, arthralgia and lymphadenopathy. Moreover, bicytopenia, positive antinuclear, anti–double-stranded DNA antibodies and low C3 qualified her as a case of juvenile SLE. Despite the child received the initial therapy of immunosuppressive medication, her general condition deteriorated with fever persistence and rash exacerbation. At that time, the skin of her hands and feet started to peel. Thus, an expanded study for other alternatives was obligatory; SARS-CoV-2 infection testing revealed positive IgG serology, and retesting for lupus autoantibodies turned negative. HRCT chest showed bilateral basal consolidation with ground-glass appearance. Furthermore, Echo exhibited coronary artery dilation with thrombus inside. This evolution raised the concern for COVID-related MIS-C syndrome. This report provides a model of COVID-19 heterogeneity with protean immune-related manifestations. This case has a unique presentation that necessities its description, in order to provide a nidus for future studies in this new entity.
The Association between Intergenerational Support and Self-Rated Health among Chinese Older Adults: Do Resilience and Gender Matter?
Authors: Liu Sizhe , Zhang Wei , Zhang Keqing , Wu Bei
Published: October 2022

This study aims to examine the association between intergenerational support and self-rated health (SRH) levels using data collected from Chinese older adults residing in Honolulu, United States ( N = 329). We also investigated the mediating role of resilience and the moderating role of gender in the association. We found that receiving emotional support was significantly and positively associated with better SRH for the whole sample. The positive effect of receiving emotional support on health was significant among older women only. In contrast, the beneficial effect of providing economic support on health was significant among older men only. We found that resilience significantly mediated the positive effect of received emotional support on SRH, and this effect was found for the whole sample and among older women. However, resilience did not mediate the positive effect of the economic support provided on SRH among older men.
Effect of Medicaid Expansion on Health Insurance for Low-Income Nursing Home Aides
Authors: Xu Lili , Sharma Hari
Published: October 2022

We examine how the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion affected the insurance coverage and the sources of coverage among low-income nursing home aides using the 2010–2019 American Community Survey data. Insurance coverage for low-income nursing home aides increased from about 60% to nearly 90% in expansion states but rose to only about 80% in nonexpansion states. Using a difference-in-differences regression design, we find that Medicaid expansion was associated with a 5.1 percentage-point increase in overall insurance coverage. Expansion states had a 12.2 percentage-point gain in Medicaid that was partially offset by a 6.4 percentage-point reduction in private insurance coverage. Our results show that ACA Medicaid expansion increased insurance coverage for low-income nursing home aides; however, there was substantial crowd-out of private insurance coverage in this population. Policymakers should consider expanding Medicaid while incentivizing affordable private health insurance options for low-income nursing home aides to improve insurance coverage.
Covering sports, when there’s no sports: COVID, market orientation, paywalls and the Athletic
Authors: Ferrucci Patrick
Published: October 2022

This study incorporates in-depth interviews with 43 journalists from the digitally native, venture-capital-backed sports journalism organization the Athletic. Through the lens of gatekeeping and utilizing the concept of market orientation, findings illustrate how having a somewhat strong market orientation could positively impact gatekeeping processes. Data illustrated that, during the pandemic, journalists at the Athletic collaborated more and included more diversity in content. This positive result, which led to a subscription increase, is primarily due organization-level influences on gatekeeping. This study concludes with analysis on how these findings can affect journalism in general and sports journalism specifically now and after COVID-19.
The Kenya “high-octane” devolution politics: Comparing predictors of governors and senators coverage in national press
Authors: Ireri Kioko , Ochieng Jimmy
Published: October 2022

This research content analyzes 2,794 news articles in four leading newspapers to compare variables that predicted the coverage of Kenya governors and senators between 2013 and 2017—within the theoretical perspectives of coverage based on “news values” and “mirror of political reality.” Findings show the strongest predictors for governors’ coverage are commenting on devolution and corruption topics, while senators’ visibility is determined by criticizing national government—all under “mirror of political reality” reporting.
In-hospital Outcomes of Patients with Septic Shock and Underlying Chronic Atrial Fibrillation: A Propensity Matched Analysis from A National Dataset
Authors: Vindhyal Mohinder R. , Vasudeva Rhythm , Pothuru Suveenkrishna , James Kallail K. , Choi Won , Ablah Elizabeth , Hockstad Eric , Shah Zubair , Gupta Kamal
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias among hospitalized patients. Among patients admitted with septic shock (SS), the new occurrence of atrial fibrillation has been associated with an increase in intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay and in-hospital mortality. This is partially related to further reduction in cardiac output and thus worsening organ perfusion due to atrial fibrillation. However, there is a paucity of research on the outcomes of patients who have underlying chronic AF (UCAF) and then develop SS. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with UCAF admitted with SS compared to patients with SS without UCAF.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of the 2016 and 2017 Nationwide Readmission Database. ICD-10 codes were used to identify patients with SS, and these patients were stratified into those with and without UCAF. Propensity matching analyses were performed to compare clinical outcomes and in-hospital mortality between the two groups.

Results

A total of 353,422 patients with hospitalization for SS were identified, 5.8% (n = 20,772) of whom had UCAF. After 2:1 propensity matching, 20,719 patients were identified as having SS with UCAF, and 41,438 patients were identified as having SS without UCAF. Patients with SS and UCAF had a higher incidence of ischemic stroke [2.5% versus 2.2%, p = 0.012], length of stay [11.5 days versus 10.9 days, p < 0.001], mean total charges [$154,094 versus $144,037, p < 0.001] compared to those with SS without UCAF. In-hospital mortality was high in both groups, but was slightly higher among those with SS and UCAF than those with SS and no UCAF [34.4% versus 34.1%, p = 0.049].

Conclusions

This study identified UCAF as an adverse prognosticator for clinical outcomes. Patients with SS and UCAF need to be identified as a higher risk category of SS who will require more intensive management.
Surface characteristics and in vitro biocompatibility of surface-modified titanium foils as a regenerative barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration
Authors: An Hyun-Wook , Lee Jaesik , Park Jin-Woo
Published: October 2022

This study evaluated surface characteristics and biocompatibility of surface-modified thin titanium (Ti) foils as a regenerative barrier membrane for future application in guided bone regeneration (GBR) surgery to augment atrophic alveolar bone. Anodic oxidation and post-heat treatment were performed to prepare various Ti foil samples. Then, the in vitro soft and hard tissue compatibility of the samples was evaluated by examining the cell responses using primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and MG63 human osteoblast-like cells. Investigated Ti foil samples showed marked differences in physicochemical surface properties. Additional 400°C heat treatment applied to the anodized Ti surface led to formation of an anatase titanium dioxide structure and well-organized nanoscale protrusions, and significantly increased surface wettability. Anodization and heat treatment enhanced the growth of HGFs and MG63 cells in Ti foil samples. Additional heat treatment for 10 and 30 min further significantly improved the response of HGFs including spreading and proliferation, and upregulated the mRNA expression of cell adhesion- and maturation-related genes as well as the osteoblast differentiation of MG63 cells. Ti foil sample with thin oxide coating obtained by a 30 min heat treatment exhibited poor clinical plasticity as a regenerative barrier membrane, which showed complete coating failure in the bending test. Our results indicate that anatase Ti oxide coating of a specific film thickness with nanoscale surface protrusion morphology and hydrophilic characteristics obtained by anodization and post-heat treatment would be an effective approach as a biocompatible Ti regenerative membrane for inducing better regeneration of both gingival tissue and bone.
The Role of Dimensions of Emotion Dysregulation Following Exposure to Maltreatment and Adult Victimization
Authors: Walker Hannah E. , Thomsen Kari N. , Jamison Lacy E. , Wamser-Nanney Rachel , Howell Kathryn H.
Published: October 2022

Child maltreatment is related to a host of negative consequences, including difficulties with emotion regulation (ER), posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and greater risk for revictimization. Yet, the literature has largely focused on sexual revictimization, while relations between maltreatment and other adult victimization types (e.g., intimate partner violence [IPV]) are less clear. Further, associations between emotion dysregulation and both child and adult trauma exposure have been identified, but aspects of dysregulation (i.e., nonacceptance of emotional responses, difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior, impulsivity, lack of emotional awareness, limited access to ER strategies, and lack of emotional clarity) have received less attention. This study aimed to: (1) investigate the associations between maltreatment and adult victimization and the six ER dimensions while accounting for PTSS, and (2) determine whether there are indirect effects between maltreatment and adult victimization through each ER component. Seven hundred and forty-four undergraduates from two universities participated in the study ( Mage = 21.48, SD = 4.12; 80.9% women; 56.2% white). Maltreatment and PTSS were directly linked with adult victimization ( B = 0.14, B = 0.01, respectively). PTSS was inversely associated with each ER aspect ( Bs = 0.02–0.10). Unexpectedly, neither maltreatment nor adult victimization was related to the ER dimensions, and no indirect effects were observed between maltreatment and adult victimization through emotion dysregulation. These findings suggest that specific components of emotion dysregulation may not be tied to trauma exposure outside of PTSS. Further, it may be that the ER dimensions are not differentially related to increased risk for adult victimization.
Developmental Sequela for Sexual Homicide: Testing an Integrated Multi-Theoretical Model
Authors: Chopin Julien , DeLisi Matt , Beauregard Eric
Published: October 2022

Research focusing on the role of adverse childhood experience (ACE) of individuals involved in sexual homicide (SH) is scarce. Theoretical models of SH have postulated a connection between these adverse experiences and the development of internal risk factors. However, such assumptions have never been empirically tested. Therefore, the current research aims to identify how ACEs affect the development of personality disorders and problematic behaviors during adolescence, which constitute internal risk factors for the commission of SH. The sample comes from a database including 613 individuals involved in sexual crimes in Canada among which 60 committed a SH. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify personality disorders and problematic behaviors during adolescence associated with the presence of ACEs. Next, path analysis was used to identify the direct and indirect relationships between ACEs, internal risk factors, and the commission of SH. Results showed that individuals who experienced ACEs were more likely to develop internal risk factors involved in the commission of SH. Moreover, findings suggest that the impact of these adverse experiences will differ, depending on whether the child has been victim of violence or if he/she has witnessed it.
Topic Modeling as a Tool to Analyze Child Abuse from the Corpus of English Newspapers in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Fasih , Khan Asim
Published: October 2022

Child maltreatment is a global issue deeply rooted in cultural, economic, and social practices. The present study investigates the representation of child abuse in the mainstream newspapers of Pakistan (i.e., Dawn and The News) from 2013 to 2020. This specific time frame is that these cases increased during these years. The data regarding the child abuse cases were accessed from the LexisNexis database. A computational technique of topic modeling (Latent Dirichlet Allocations) was applied to discover the hidden topics from the filtered data. The study underpinned Computational Grounded Theory as a theoretical frame for this study. The results reveal topics related to awareness of child abuse, the types of child abuse, and the law and procedural matters specific to child abuse cases in Pakistan. The study brings possible implications that child protection laws are to be improved to overcome the menace of child abuse in Pakistan.
4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate Dosing Strategies: A Retrospective Evaluation
Authors: Reachi Breyanna , Negrelli Jenna , Rapier Marie , Hickman Abby
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Determine indication specific 4-Factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4FPCC) dosing strategies within a hospital system and subsequent effectiveness. Background: 4FPCC is FDA approved for reversal of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) for acute major bleeding or need for urgent surgery/invasive procedure. Since its approval, off label use has expanded to include direct oral anticoagulant reversal and perioperative hemostasis. Optimal dosing strategies remain controversial, and recent studies have evaluated fixed-dose regimens with lower doses than those recommended in product labeling. Methods/Materials: Retrospective cohort with manual chart review for patients who received 4FPCC spanning 2 years. Primary outcome was to characterize dosing. Secondary outcomes were INR normalization, hemostatic efficacy, in-hospital mortality, and renal function change. Results: Of the 300 patients evaluated, 80% received 4FPCC for anticoagulant reversal, with 66% of those for VKA and 34% for DOAC. The remaining 20% received 4FPCC for a non-reversal indication. Of the patients requiring anticoagulation reversal, 25% received doses lower than recommended and 6% received higher. 71% of patients received 4FPCC for life-threatening bleed, and 45% of them had intracranial hemorrhage. Higher mortality with higher than recommended doses was the only statistically significant secondary outcome ( P = .018). Conclusion: We found that lower doses than recommended were used in a significant number of patients. The higher than recommended doses group constituted a small proportion of patients and the higher mortality was attributed to patient acuity on presentation. Additional studies evaluating dosing approach are required to determine lowest effective dosing for various indications.
Tolerance analysis by static analogy: numerical and experimental results
Authors: Polini Wilma , Walter Michael S. J. , Corrado Andrea , Maul Sebastian
Published: October 2022

Industrial requirements to design high quality products in shorter and shorter times impose the use of numerical models to estimate the geometrical deviations of these products, which are assemblies, starting from the geometrical deviations of their components. Numerical models may support this estimation activity, thus reducing the time to market and the design costs.

The free-body model is an interesting numerical method to translate the tolerance chain into a static problem solved by algebraic or graphical procedures by using the free-body diagrams of force analysis. This work presents a free-body model that is able to deal with dimensional and geometrical tolerances that involve translations of the features to which the tolerances are applied. Moreover, it validates the free-body model for tolerance analysis of rigid parts by defining and solving a case study through numerical and experimental activities. The present work uses a case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the free-body model by underlining that the experimental results obtained are very close to those from the numerical model.
Combined effect of recess shape and fluid film thickness on the performance characteristics of hydrostatic guideways
Authors: Patnana Niranjan , Nelson N Rino
Published: October 2022

Hydrostatic guideways, meant for linear motion are used in high-precision machine tools, to reduce vibration and improve the damping characteristics. The hydrostatic pad in the guideway is provided with a recess, to facilitate the formation of fluid film for supporting the load acting on it. The objective of this work is to study the influence of recess shape in the hydrostatic pad, on the load-bearing capacity and static pressure inside the recess. A numerical model of the hydrostatic pad with recess is analyzed to obtain the pressure distribution of fluid in the recess under operating conditions. Among the various recess shapes analyzed, the newly proposed full rounded rectangular recess is observed to have better load carrying capacity and recess pressure. A comparative analysis has been performed on various recess shapes, having a constant ratio of recess area to fluid film area. Further, the influence of constant flow resistance restrictors using a capillary compensator is included, to study the bearing capability. The static pressure developed in the recess for supporting the externally applied load is determined by making the inlet pressure to the restrictor and the fluid film thickness as constant. The other performance characteristics including variation in mass flow rate and stiffness of the fluid are also studied. Later, the influence of fluid film thickness on the performance characteristic is investigated. The recess shape having better performance characteristics in terms of load bearing capacity, static pressure, mass flow rate, and stiffness is proposed.
Inter-chamber leakage flow through the transition contacts in epitrochoid generated star and ring hydrostatic units
Authors: Pradhan Asisha Ranjan , Sahoo Vineet
Published: October 2022

The current study examines the impact of tooth clearance on the flow performance at the location of transition contact of the internal positive displacement trochoidal gear pump. The aim is to enhance the volumetric efficiency, which is caused by internal leakage due to tooth clearance. Two clearance models, that is, form closed and interference (forced closed) models of the pump help to elucidate the leakage phenomenon through which optimal volumetric efficiency can be achieved. Finite element investigation comprises the static structural analysis followed by 3D CFD analysis carried out for the study. The CFD model includes the contact deformations of external trochoidal gear due to the application of maximum pressure, which increases the inter-chamber leakage. Fluid velocity and pressure inside the pump have been predicated to understand the flow dynamics inside the pump. The simulation results were matched to theoretical values, and this shows a very excellent match. The volumetric efficiency of 89% with less than 1 gm/s of leakage has been achieved at a speed of 2500 rpm. Moreover, the simulation results show an increase in discharge flow with the interference model. Further, an empirical relation is established between volumetric efficiency, fluid density, and rotor speed using partial least square regression analysis.
Spark range data reduction using a Gauss collocation method
Authors: Burchett Bradley T
Published: October 2022

A new method is proposed for reducing spark range data using a Gauss pseudospectral collocation. Existing methods use numerical integration to propagate the differential equation model and its sensitivities forward in time. Here, a collocation method is used to transcribe the differential equations into algebraic ones that are easily solved. Realizing that the auxiliary equations used to find model sensitivities are linear, a second transcription renders a set of linear algebraic equations that solve exactly for the needed sensitivities without iteration. Thus, measurement sensitivities with respect to initial conditions and aerodynamic parameters are easily found through solution of a set of linear algebraic equations. The method is demonstrated on a set of actual data from the M898 155-mm projectile. For models using fixed-plane coordinates, and only the 10 most influential aerodynamic coefficients, the new method produces results that rival established commercial codes in accuracy.
Feeling Good Is Feeling Better
Authors: Prati Alberto , Senik Claudia
Published: October 2022

Can people remember their past happiness? We analyzed data from four longitudinal surveys from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany spanning from the 1970s until the present, in which more than 60,000 adults were asked questions about their current and past life satisfaction. We uncovered systematic biases in recalled happiness: On average, people tended to overstate the improvement in their well-being over time and to understate their past happiness. But this aggregate figure hides a deep asymmetry: Whereas happy people recall the evolution of their life to be better than it was, unhappy ones tend to exaggerate their life’s negative evolution. It thus seems that feeling happy today implies feeling better than yesterday. This recall structure has implications for motivated memory and learning and could explain why happy people are more optimistic, perceive risks to be lower, and are more open to new experiences.
Exceptional Abilities in Autism: Theories and Open Questions
Authors: Uddin Lucina Q.
Published: October 2022

The vast majority of research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) focuses on characterizing and addressing the social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior that constitute the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. Yet a small but significant portion of individuals diagnosed with ASD exhibit exceptional cognitive abilities in one or more domains. These twice-exceptional individuals often have unique skills that potentially enable them to make significant contributions to the workforce, but at the same time face unique challenges during the transition to independent living because of a lack of services and broad public misperceptions regarding their condition. Here I review the current literature on cognitive divergence in ASD, focusing on cognitive theories, neural substrates, and clinical and societal implications.
Valuing the individual – evaluating the Dignity Care Intervention
Authors: Söderman Annika , Werkander Harstäde Carina , Hälleberg Nyman Maria , Blomberg Karin
Published: October 2022

Background

Palliative care needs in older persons can endanger their dignity. To provide dignity-conserving care to older persons, the Swedish Dignity Care Intervention (DCI-SWE) can be used. The DCI-SWE is built on Chochinov’s dignity model and the original version, developed and tested in UK and Scotland.

Aim

To describe older persons’ and their relatives’ experiences of dignity and dignity-conserving care when using the DCI-SWE in municipal health care.

Research design

A mixed method study with convergent parallel design.

Participants and research context

The DCI-SWE was used and evaluated in a Swedish municipality health care context. Older persons’ ( n=17) dignity-related distress and quality of life were assessed after the intervention. Interviews with older persons ( n=10) and their relatives ( n=8) were analysed using thematic analysis.

Ethical considerations

The study followed the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the Regional Ethical Review Board in Uppsala, Sweden (Reg No. 2014/312) and the National Swedish Ethical Review Authority (Reg. No. Ö 10-2019). Informed consent was collected from older persons and their relatives.

Findings

The older persons’ dignity-related distress did not significantly change over time ( p = 0.44) neither was their overall quality of life ( p = .64). Only psychological quality of life was decreased significantly ( p = 0.01). The older persons and their relatives emphasized the importance of valuing the individual.

Conclusions

The DCI-SWE provides a forum to talk about dignity issues, but relevant competence, continuity and resources are needed. Psychological care actions and health care professionals’ communication skills training are important. To fully evaluate, the DCI-SWE a larger sample and validated instruments are necessary.
Index of Cashless Transaction
Authors: Datta Sancharita , Roy Malabika
Published: October 2022

The promotion of cashless transaction is a policy priority for the Indian economy. The government of India has adopted various policy measures to promote financial services and cashless transaction starting with the ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana’ (PMJDY) in 2014 and controversial measure of demonetisation in November 2016. While the importance of cashless transaction is widely recognised, a proper yardstick is required to measure the extent and effectiveness of the policies for promoting the cashless transaction in an economy, which is absent. In the present article, we attempt to fill the gap by adopting the multidimensional index developed by UNDP for this purpose. This article constructs three alternative indices of the cashless transaction from 2012 to 2018 by aggregating different components of the cashless transaction. It also analyses the effectiveness of policies to promote cashless transaction separately on the trend of the overall cashless transaction of the economy and also on the different components of cashless transaction. It has been found that while demonetisation and post-demonetisation policies had a temporary effect on the overall value of the cashless transaction there is an increase in volume of the cashless transaction after the adaptation of PMJDY.

JEL: E42, G18, G21
Occupational Exposures and Health Risks of Benzene, Toluene, and Xylenes (BTX) in Automobile Repair Industry in Beijing City, China
Authors: Hao Pengpeng , Ren Dongmei , Yang Ling , Liu Zhimin , Du Huifang
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the occupational health risks of benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX) exposure in the automobile repair industry in Beijing city in China. The concentrations of BTX were monitored at 140 operating positions of 51 randomly selected automobile repair enterprises in 2018. Samples analysis showed that all monitoring concentrations were not higher than the occupational exposure limits. The long-term exposure concentration ranges of benzene, toluene, and xylenes were 0.1 to 0.3, 0.1 to 49.7, and 0.2 to 49.5 mg/m3, respectively. The short-term exposure concentration ranges of benzene, toluene, and xylenes were 0.1 to 0.3, 0.1 to 98.7, and 0.2 to 100.0 mg/m3, respectively. But assessment results revealed unneglectable occupational health risks, especially the combined health risks of BTX exposure. Thereafter, effective control and improvement measures were put forward, including strengthening the management of the production, sale, and use of vehicle paints and coatings; improving ventilation; and implementing hierarchical management measures for occupational health risks.
Mastery learning and deliberate practice: Do simulationists need clarification?
Authors: Clapper Timothy C.
Published: October 2022

Background

When the concepts of mastery learning and deliberate practice are applied in accordance with their intended meaning, they can be used to create robust learning opportunities that can ensure that more learners achieve and maintain higher standards of competency. With the rapid expansion of healthcare simulation over the past 10–15 years, these concepts are not always described accurately in the literature, leaving those considering the use of these practices vulnerable to inaccurate interpretation and application.

Aim

The purpose of this article is to provide a much-needed clarification of mastery learning and deliberate practice for those conducting simulation-based education. This clarification includes defining background information on these two important concepts and suggestions for application.

Conclusion

An accurate understanding of mastery learning and deliberate practice can ensure that going forward, we properly design interventions, systems, and research protocols that can inform us about what works best for our learners.
Hematologic Malignancies Patients Face High Symptom Burden and Are Lately Referred to Palliative Consultation: Analysis of a Single Center Experience
Authors: Ebert Raissa P. C. , Magnus Mariana M. , Toro Pedro , Manoel Fabiana G. , Costa Fernando F. , Olalla Saad Sara T. , de Melo Campos Paula
Published: October 2022

Although hematologic neoplasms have been on the vanguard of cancer therapies that led to notable advances in therapeutic efficacy, many patients face significant symptom burden, which make them eligible for early palliative care (PC) integration. However, previous reports demonstrated that hematological malignancies receive more aggressive care at the end-of-life and are less likely to receive care from specialist palliative services compared to solid tumors. Our aim was to characterize symptom burden, performance status and clinical characteristics of a cohort of hematologic malignancies patients referred to PC outpatient consultation, according to their diagnosis. Fifty-nine hematological malignancies patients referred to PC  consultation between January 2018 and September 2021 were included. Clinical and laboratory data were evaluated retrospectively by medical charts analysis. Patients exhibited high ESAS and reduced PPS scores at the time of PC referral. Acute leukemia and multiple myeloma patients had the highest symptom burden scores; in spite of this, median time from the first PC consultation until death was only 3 and 4 months, respectively. In conclusion, we identified that hematologic neoplasms patients are highly symptomatic and are frequently referred to PC in end stages of their disease.
Likelihood Ratios: An Important Concept for Palliative Physicians to Understand
Authors: Davis Mellar P. , Soni Karan , Strobel Spencer
Published: October 2022

Palliative care has several tools and questionnaires which are commonly used for patient-related outcomes and prognosis. As an example, the Surprise Question (I would or would not be surprised that this person would have died in a year) has been used as a screen for palliative care referral but also used as a prognostic tool. Diagnostic tests, prognostic tools, and tools for gauging outcomes have certain sensitivity and specificity in predicting a diagnosis or outcome. Clinicians often use positive and negative predictive values in judging the merits of a diagnostic tool or questionnaire. However positive and negative predictive values are highly dependent on the prevalence of disease or outcome in a population and thus are not portable across studies. Likelihood ratios are both portable across populations but also provide the strength of the diagnostic or predictive measure of a test or questionnaire. In this article, we review the value and limitations of likelihood ratios and illustrate the value of using likelihood ratios using 3 studies centered on the Surprise Question published in 2022.
Cultivating Gratitude in Bereaved Families: Understanding the Impact of the Bereavement Workshop on the Families of Deceased Patients in the Pediatric Palliative Care Program
Authors: Cuervo-Suarez María Isabel , Molina-Gómez Karen , Bolaños-López Jhon Edwar , Pereira Luisa Fernanda , Devia Angela María , Nieto Natalia Duque , Correa Isabel , Álvarez Saa Tatiana , García-Quintero Ximena
Published: October 2022

Background

Grief in parents has been described as a very intense long-lasting experience, characterized by deep sadness, and social isolation, therefore, the recommendation of scientific societies in pediatrics is to provide bereavement care to parents and relatives of deceased children who have previously been cared for by health professionals.

Objetive

A bereavement workshop for parents is proposed as an intervention strategy, providing accompaniment to the families of deceased patients who received pediatric palliative care (PPC).

Methods

This is a descriptive, qualitative, and exploratory study. Two focal group sessions were performed in 2019 with 23 families who were formal caregivers of pediatric patients in the Programa de Cuidando de ti (Program “Taking Care of You”), Cali, Colombia. These sessions, guided by the pediatric palliative care group. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

60 families received the personalized letter of condolences with invitation to the workshop, 23 families attended the workshop. From the gratitude activity, families made 49 thank you cards, the following categories were highlighted: Communication, Hope, compassion, acceptance, humanization, learning, gratitude, active listening, coping strategies, regards, faith and humanization.

Conclusion

Strategies that favor adequate emotional management of the grieving process should be promoted. This study reflects the perceptions of parents attending a bereavement workshop. It highlights the gratitude, feelings and reflections of the family members during the health process and the death of the child while receiving accompaniment by a pediatric palliative care team.
Topology optimization combined with a genetic algorithm to design structured materials for underwater broadband acoustic absorption
Authors: Li Zhaoyu , Ke Yibo , Wu Guanghua , Tao Meng
Published: October 2022

This paper applies topology optimization in combination with a genetic algorithm to design a coating structure for sound absorption in underwater applications. The coating is designed with a high broadband acoustic absorption of 0.94 ranging from 1 to 10 kHz by optimizing the cavity topology and the dimensions of the embedded steel scatterers. This study demonstrates the application process of the topology optimization with a genetic algorithm method and the optimization results of the optimization process stages. The absorption mechanism of the topology design is analyzed. The effects of different cavity compositions, steel scatterers, design ideas, material parameters, and acoustic incident angles on the sound absorption coefficients are investigated. These acoustic structures and the method provide more ideas for the design of coating structures for underwater sound absorption.
Anesthetic Management of a Large Right Ventricular Mass due to Idiopathic Hypereosinophilic Syndrome in a Patient Undergoing Cardiac Surgery, a Case Report
Authors: Scorsese Giacomo , Hake Austin , Christophides Alexa , Poppers Jeremy , Zabirowicz Eric
Published: October 2022

Cardiovascular complications of hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) constitute a significant source of morbidity and mortality, with heart involvement found in approximately 40%–80% of patients. In patients with right heart failure due to an intracardiac mass, induction of general anesthesia poses numerous challenges. The effects of positive pressure ventilation on right ventricular (RV) physiology can quickly lead to precipitous cardiovascular collapse, which increases the importance of maintaining adequate negative pressure ventilation strategies. Current strategies involve awake femoro-femoral cannulation with partial vs full flow femoro-femoral cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), but both methods increase the risk of intraoperative blood loss due to systemic heparinization prior to sternotomy. In this case report, the authors describe an approach to anesthetizing a patient with severe right ventricular heart failure due to an intracardiac mass due to idiopathic HES. This approach involves femoral cannulation prior to induction of general anesthesia, airway topicalization, inhalational induction with fiberoptic intubation, and sternotomy with aortic/bicaval cannulation before paralysis.
Digital transformation of droplet/aerosol infection risk assessment realized on “Fugaku” for the fight against COVID-19
Authors: Ando Kazuto , Bale Rahul , Li ChungGang , Matsuoka Satoshi , Onishi Keiji , Tsubokura Makoto
Published: October 2022

The fastest supercomputer in 2020, Fugaku, has not only achieved digital transformation of epidemiology in allowing end-to-end, detailed quantitative modeling of COVID-19 transmissions for the first time but also transformed the behavior of the entire Japanese public through its detailed analysis of transmission risks in multitudes of societal situations entailing heavy risks. A novel aerosol simulation methodology was synthesized out of a combination of a new CFD methods meeting industrial demands in the solver, CUBE (Jansson et al., 2019), which not only allowed the simulations to scale massively with high resolution required for micrometer virus-containing aerosol particles but also enabled extremely rapid time-to-solution due to its ability to generate the digital twins representing multitudes of societal situations in a matter of minutes, attaining true overall application high performance; such simulations have been running for the past 1.5°years on Fugaku, cumulatively consuming top supercomputer-class resources and the communicated by the media as well as becoming the basis for official public policies.
Language models for the prediction of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors
Authors: Blanchard Andrew E , Gounley John , Bhowmik Debsindhu , Chandra Shekar Mayanka , Lyngaas Isaac , Gao Shang , Yin Junqi , Tsaris Aristeidis , Wang Feiyi , Glaser Jens
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for computational tools to automate and accelerate drug design for novel protein targets. We leverage deep learning language models to generate and score drug candidates based on predicted protein binding affinity. We pre-trained a deep learning language model (BERT) on ∼9.6 billion molecules and achieved peak performance of 603 petaflops in mixed precision. Our work reduces pre-training time from days to hours, compared to previous efforts with this architecture, while also increasing the dataset size by nearly an order of magnitude. For scoring, we fine-tuned the language model using an assembled set of thousands of protein targets with binding affinity data and searched for inhibitors of specific protein targets, SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and PLpro. We utilized a genetic algorithm approach for finding optimal candidates using the generation and scoring capabilities of the language model. Our generalizable models accelerate the identification of inhibitors for emerging therapeutic targets.
Global challenges with providing vascular access care during COVID era
Authors: Ramani Karthik , Vachharajani Tushar J , Lerma Edgar , Agarwal Anil K
Published: October 2022

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected health care systems and dialysis access care in the US and across the globe. Beyond the initial challenges posed by the pandemic and despite the actions taken by health care leaders/organizations/professional societies such as the “Maintaining Lifelines for ESKD Patients” joint statement, there continues to be delays in providing timely care and performing elective and emergent dialysis access procedures worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the global challenges associated with providing dialysis vascular access care across the international vascular access community during the pandemic.

Methods:

The American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (ASDIN) conducted an online survey in 2021, that was administered to an expert panel of dialysis vascular access specialists and global leaders spanning across the international community. The respondents who are members of ASDIN, Association of Vascular Access and InTerventionAl Renal physicians (AVATAR), Asia Pacific Society of Dialysis Access (APSDA), Peruvian Vascular Access Society (APDAV), and Australia/New Zealand Society of Interventional Nephrology (ANZSIN) reported their experiences in the care of dialysis vascular access, practice patterns, and challenges faced during the COVID pandemic.

Results:

Of the 53 individual surveys sent, 16 were opened and 11 (69%) responses were received from across the world and from different practice settings. The survey revealed the continued challenges facing the international community, the stark disparities in care delivery, supply chain disruption and logistical, regulatory, and financial issues that the global community continues to face in the ongoing pandemic.

Conclusions:

The COVID19 pandemic is far from over, and the challenges and barriers to providing dialysis access care seen on the initial ASDIN survey in the US seem to extend across the globe. We describe those results and discuss options, opportunities, and innovative tools to provide dialysis and access care during these trying times.