bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
11. Play and Vulnerability in Scotland during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Le Bigre Nicolas
Published: June 2023

This chapter examines pandemic play through the lens of vulnerability, within the contexts of the disciplines of ethnology and folklore. Considering play through vulnerability hints at the reasons why we play, how we play, and how changes in play and wider societal contexts go hand in hand. The selected examples of play highlight several themes that can be gathered under a broader category of vulnerability, including a fear of the ephemerality of community, apprehension at physical vulnerability to the virus, distress caused by societal pressures to come together, intergenerational differences and difficulties, lack of technological adeptness, loss of physical contact, fear of an unknowable future, and externally imposed limitations. It examines pandemic play in the widest sense within overlapping Scottish contexts, considering play amongst communities, children, families, and adults, and even in the contexts of ethnography and ethnographers.
Introduction
Authors: Beresin Anna , Bishop Julia
Published: June 2023

How has the pandemic shaped play, both as a frame for interaction and as an emergent theme during play activity? Central to the book is the exploration of isolation among children, youth and adults during the phases of quarantine in 2020-2021. The authors are researchers and practitioners in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Ireland, Japan, Scotland, Serbia, Sudan, South Korea, the United States and Wales. Cultures studied include families in different social classes and different speech communities. The chapters are introduced through their sections: Landscapes, Portraits, and Shifting Frames.
An Improved Coupled Data Assimilation System with a CGCM Using Multi-Time-Scale High-Efficiency EnOI-Like Filtering
Authors: Lu Lv , Zhang Shaoqing , Jiang Yingjing , Yu Xiaolin , Li Mingkui , Chen Yuhu , Chang Ping , Danabasoglu Gokhan , Liu Zhengyu , Zhu Chenyu , Lin Xiaopei , Wu Lixin
Published: June 2023

Coupled data assimilation (CDA), which combines coupled models and observations from multiple Earth system domains, plays a critical role in climate studies by producing a four-dimensional estimation of Earth system states. Traditional ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) CDA algorithms, while convenient to implement in multiple DA components in a coupled system, are, however, expensive and lack sufficient representativeness for low-frequency background flows. Here, a multi-time-scale high-efficiency approximate filter with ensemble optimal interpolation (MSHea-EnOI) scheme has been implemented with a global fully coupled model. It consists of stationary, low-frequency, and high-frequency filters constructed from the time series of a single-model solution with improved representativeness for low-frequency background error statistics and enhanced computational efficiency. The MSHea-EnOI is evaluated in a biased twin experiment framework with synthetic “observations” produced by another coupled model, and a three-decade coupled reanalysis experiment with real observations. Results show that with increased representativeness on multiscale background flows, while computationally costing only a small fraction of ensemble-based CDA, the MSHea-EnOI shows the potential to improve CDA quality with synthetic observations. The coupled reanalysis experiment with real observations also shows reasonable fittings to observations and comparable results to other reanalysis products using different DA schemes. While reconstructing a close-to-rapid Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, the coupled reanalysis reproduces most of the atmosphere and ocean reanalysis signals such as the Hadley circulation and upper ocean heat content. The MSHea-EnOI could have good application potential in ensemble-based DA systems in terms of its multiscale property and computational efficiency.
Understanding the Impact of Trauma Admissions to Nonsurgical Services
Authors: Kim Jennie S. , Schellenberg Morgan , Navarette Sixta , Demetriades Demetrios
Published: June 2023

Background

The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT) delineates trauma center standards, one of which limits the number of injured patients admitted to nonsurgical services. Performance improvement review of nonsurgical admissions (NSAs), particularly those with Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 9, is required.

Objective

To examine trauma patients with NSA for appropriateness of admission and any potential clinical effect as a result of NSA.

Methods

All trauma patients presenting to our ACS COT-verified level 1 trauma center in Southern California (05/2021-04/2022) were retrospectively screened. Nonsurgical admissions with ISS > 9 were included without exclusions. Appropriateness and clinical impact of NSA were assessed by the Trauma Medical Director (TMD) and Associate TMD.

Results

Forty patients met study criteria, with a mean age of 54 years (range 5 d-99 y). The mean ISS was 19 (range 10-30). Nonsurgical admissions most commonly sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI) (n = 27, 68%) after ground level falls (GLF) (n = 32, 80%). All NSAs were evaluated by ≥1 surgical service, commonly neurosurgery (n = 33, 83%) and trauma surgery (n = 13, 33%). Sixteen patients (40%) died, 75% (n = 12) of which were secondary to catastrophic TBI. Upon detailed review, all NSAs were deemed appropriate and without potential clinical impact.

Conclusions

All NSAs in this study were appropriate admissions without clinical effect from lack of surgical admission. Nonsurgical admissions were typically elderly patients with head injuries after GLF. With the anticipated increase in geriatric trauma due to our aging population, NSA with surgical consultation may be an important way to manage trauma admissions without compromising care of injured patients.
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation of tributary varicose veins using a slim-type radial fiber
Authors: Utoh Junichi , Tsukamoto Yoshiharu
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study presents the efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation of tributary varicose veins using a slim-type radial 2-ring fiber.

Methods

One thousand consecutive patients who underwent endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of incompetent saphenous veins were included. The tributary varicose veins were punctured with a 16G venule needle and ablated with a 1470 nm laser system and a slim-type radial 2-ring fiber with a diameter of 1.27 mm. The EVLA was performed with a power of 5W and linear endovenous energy density of around 30 J/cm.

Results

Percutaneous varicose ablation was safely performed in 939 legs with an average of 5.9 times punctures per leg. No skin burn or nerve injury was observed after varicose ablation. Ultrasonography revealed complete occlusion of the treated veins 1 month after EVLA.

Conclusions

This study suggests that percutaneous varicose ablation with a slim-type radial 2-ring fiber is a safe and effective alternative to cover the weak point of ambulatory phlebectomy.
Survivorship After Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation Plus Concurrent Cartilage Procedure in Patients With Poor Cartilage Status: A Comparative Study
Authors: Lee Jongjin , Bin Seong-Il , Kim Jong-Min , Lee Bum-Sik , Jeon Taehyeon , Bae Kinam , Kim Donghyok
Published: June 2023

Background:

The effect of a concurrent cartilage procedure in lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) in patients with bipolar cartilage lesions (high-grade lesions on both the femoral and the tibial side) is not well studied. An objective evaluation of graft status after MAT and a concurrent cartilage procedure has not been reported.

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of concurrent cartilage procedures and lateral MAT on objective and clinical outcomes, including survival, in patients with bipolar cartilage lesions.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 149 patients with high-grade (International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society grade 3 or 4) cartilage lesions were enrolled and assigned to 1 of 3 groups based on the cartilage procedure and cartilage status at the time of MAT. Femoral cartilage procedures (microfracture, n = 18; osteochondral autograft transfer, n = 13) and lateral MAT were performed in 31 patients with bipolar cartilage lesions (cartilage procedure group). Another 70 patients with bipolar lesions underwent only lateral MAT without cartilage procedure (bipolar lesion group). The remaining 48 patients, who had high-grade lesions only on the tibial side and underwent lateral MAT without a cartilage procedure, were selected as a control group (unipolar lesion group). Anatomic survival was objectively assessed by follow-up magnetic resonance imaging and second-look arthroscopy. Clinical survivorship was determined with a Lysholm score <65 or need for additional surgery, such as revision MAT.

Results:

The mean Lysholm score improved from 67.2 ± 15.9 preoperatively to 86.7 ± 11.1 with a mean follow-up of 78.0 ± 51.2 months ( P < .001). The postoperative scores were not significantly different between the 3 groups. The estimated 5-year anatomic survival rate in the cartilage procedure group (86.7%) was higher than that in the bipolar lesion group (65.0%; P = .043) but comparable with that in the unipolar lesion group (90.2%; P = .572). The estimated 5-year clinical survival rates were not significantly different between the groups ( P = .187).

Conclusion:

A concurrent femoral cartilage procedure improved the anatomic survival rate in patients with bipolar chondral lesions who underwent lateral MAT. This finding suggests that the cartilage procedure is an effective treatment choice and may improve the status of an allograft after lateral MAT for patients with bipolar cartilage lesions.
Spiritual Formation in Theological Education: A Multi-case Exploration on Seminaries and Student Development
Authors: Wang David C. , Reed Angela , Greggo Stephen , Bowersox Lauren , Drennan Amy , Strawn Brad , King Pamela E. , Porter Steve L. , Hill Peter C.
Published: June 2023

In recent decades, theological schools have demonstrated increased interest in educational models that not only transmit knowledge and skill to students, but also prepare them to have the character and virtue dispositions needed to successfully navigate the moral challenges that await them in future ministry settings. This shift is reflected in the most recent 2020 accreditation standards of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), which highlight the importance of “personal and spiritual formation” as a key facet to seminary programs. Research conducted by the ATS (2018) into how seminaries understood the terms “personal and spiritual formation” revealed that over 40% of seminaries do not have a formal or working institutional definition of personal and spiritual formation. While this finding may be understandable given the complexities of terms and definitions in light of diverse Christian spiritual traditions, it also highlights an area of crucial need given the centrality of spiritual formation to the mission of theological education. Accordingly, the aim of this present paper is to support work in this area and to stimulate a larger discussion into the topic of spiritual formation within the seminary context by articulating and putting forth four different institutional perspectives on the topic (from Fuller Theological Seminary, George Truett Theological Seminary, Talbot School of Theology, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School).
Role-overload and self-esteem affecting work engagement among school teachers
Authors: Pathardikar Avinash D , Srivastava Abhinav , Seth Priyam , Sahu Sangeeta
Published: June 2023

The present study attempts to address the issue of role-overload among Indian school teachers. Indian school teachers are overloaded; they need to perform many non-academic assignments, resulting in disengagement from their work. Data was collected from 630 school teachers working in the central part of the Indian subcontinent. The study considers the Job-Demand and Resource model to predict work engagement. We have taken role-overload as job demand and self-esteem as the job resource to predict work engagement. The model is confirmed through structural equation modeling. Findings indicate that role-overload affects work engagement negatively. Self-esteem influences work engagement positively and mediates between role-overload and work engagement.
A significant study on radioactive cross fluid model with melting boundary near stagnation region
Authors: Manzur Mehwish , Rahman Masood ur , Khan Mair , Salahuddin Taimoor , Taj Moeen
Published: June 2023

The current research endows the mathematical modeling for the stagnation point flow along with melting nonlinear radiative heat transfer for cross fluid. It has many applications such as synthesis of polymer solutions, plastic manufacturing, food processing, preparation of synthesis, adhesives, etc. A radially stretching sheet has started the flow keeping the assumption of rotational symmetry. Transformation approach is adopted to attain the nonlinear ordinary differential equations based on standard conservation laws of mass, linear momentum and also energy. Numerical solutions of the governing problem are computed via the shooting technique. Characteristics of the parameters appearing in modeling like the melting parameter, power–law index, local Weissenberg number, nonlinear radiation parameter, temperature ratio parameter and Prandtl number are comprehensively analyzed through graphical behavior. In addition, comparative analysis is presented for the cases when the value of free stream velocity overtops the stretching velocity and vice versa. Results are authenticated by taking special cases and excellent compatibility is achieved with the existing literature. The detailed analysis anticipates that the boundary layer structures could be strengthened by growing the melting parameter. Elevation in Weissenberg number caused velocity along with temperature profiles to demonstrate for [Formula: see text]. Further, the temperature behaves oppositely analogous to development in nonlinear radiation parameter besides the temperature ratio parameter.
Relationship between nurses’ ethical ideology, professional values, and clinical accountability
Authors: Hussein Azza Hassan Mohamed , Abou Hashish Ebtsam Aly
Published: June 2023

Background

Nurses are challenged with many situations that require them to solve ethical dilemmas and make moral decisions based on professional values and a sense of accountability and responsibility. To support their decisions, it is important to know how they perceive and relate their ethical ideology, professional values, and clinical accountability in their workplace.

Purpose

The study’s aim was twofold: to investigate the ethical ideology and perceived importance of professional values and accountability among nurses. Further, explore the relationship between each of ethical ideology and professional values with nurses’ work accountability.

Methods

A correlational study was conducted in an Egyptian hospital. All nurses were invited to participate = 192, and 150 nurses (78.3%) completed the study questionnaires. The Ethical Position Questionnaire, the Professional Values Scale, and the Clinical Vignettes Assessment for Clinical Accountability were proven to be reliable study measures.

Ethical considerations

Ethics Committee approval, written informed consent, data privacy and confidentiality, and participants’ right to voluntary participation and withdrawal were maintained.

Results

Nurses showed good ethical ideology (75 ± 6.2) and are more idealistic while maintaining professional values (108 ± 10.8). Most nurses believed they were accountable for documenting errors, completing incident reports, and calling physicians to discuss or manage the situations. Ethical ideology and the idealism subscale were positively correlated with overall nurses’ professional values (r = 0.321, p < 0.004, r =0.464, p 0.000), respectively. On the other hand, work accountability showed a partial correlation in some areas with ethical ideology and professional values.

Discussion

Professional values and nurses' accountability appear to be influenced by ethical positions and ideology.

Conclusion

Healthcare organizations should provide a supportive work environment to help nurses develop self-awareness, and knowledge of their ethical ideologies, which improve professional values and clinical accountability in their practice. Ethical ideology and professional values should be emphasized more in nursing curricula.
Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Neonates Exposed to Maternal COVID-19 Infection in a Tertiary Care Centre—A Cohort Study (NeOCoM Study)
Authors: Anitha Murugesan , Premkumar Segaran , Sathya Jagannathan , Manikumar Solaiappan , Narayanan Ethirajan
Published: June 2023

Background

COVID-19 infection during pregnancy was reported to cause adverse outcomes. Such knowledge stands low quality evidence due to lack of internal controls and inferential statistics.

Objectives

To assess impact of COVID-19 in pregnancy on fetal and neonatal outcomes.

Study Design

Prospective analytical cohort study (July 2020 to March 2021).

Setting

Level III NICU of teaching hospital in India.

Participants

COVID positive mothers (exposed = 239) each matched with 2 women delivered consecutively by same mode without COVID (unexposed = 478) and enrolled at admission during delivery.

Procedure

Maternal demographic, comorbidities, and obstetric characteristics; fetal growth, pregnancy complications, and neonatal details of 242 and 482 neonates born to exposed and unexposed mothers respectively were analyzed. Infants were followed until neonatal period.

Outcomes

Incidence of prematurity was primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were incidence of abortions, IUD, stillbirth, neonatal mortality, neonatal resuscitation at birth, SFD, NICU admission, neonatal morbidities, length of hospitalization, in-hospital mortality, infant positivity rate for SARS COV-2.

Results

Incidence of prematurity was not significantly different between mothers with and without COVID-19 infection [42(17.3%) vs 94(19.3%), IRR (95%CI) 1.04(0.83,1.31), P = .833]. Neonatal mortality, adverse fetal outcomes, PROM, fetal distress, SGA, neonatal resuscitation, NICU admission did not differ significantly between groups. Gestational hypertension was associated with COVID-19 infection [14(5.9%) vs 11(2.3%), (p=0.014)]. Infant swab positivity was 7%. Swab positivity and neonatal symptoms were associated significantly (10/17(58.8%) vs 7/17(41.1%), P = .0001).

Conclusion

Asymptomatic COVID-19 infection during pregnancy does not increase adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes. COVID positive neonates become symptomatic and hence need monitoring in health-care facility.
Effect of Recorded Chants of the “OM” Mantra as an Interventional Music Therapy on Reducing Stress in Newborns Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study
Authors: Singh Shailendra Kumar , Patra Saikat , Chetan Chinmay , Gupta Girish
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are under tremendous stress. The “OM” sound is known to have a calming effect on adults. The effect of administering chants of “OM” to newborns is unknown.

Objectives

Primary Objective To evaluate the effect of the “OM” sound on vital parameters in newborns admitted to the NICU. Secondary Objectives To observe the duration of the effect of the “OM” sound on vital parameters after the music therapy and to observe its effect at various gestational ages.

Methods

Prospective observational study was carried out over 4 months. 57 newborns enrolled were administered music therapy by playing recorded chants of “OM” mantra (MTOM). Vitals were recorded before, during, and after MTOM.

Results

The heart rate (HR) before and with MTOM was 142 ± 7 and 130 ± 11 bpm ( p = .001). The decrease in HR persisted even after 1 h of stoppage of MTOM ( p = .001). A significant decrease in HR was observed in all gestations ( p = .001). There was no significant difference in respiratory rate (RR) and SpO2 before and with MTOM.

Conclusion

MTOM significantly reduces HR in newborns of all gestational ages, and its effect persists for at least 1 h after stopping MTOM.
On robust stability of second order plus interval time delay plants using Fractional-Order Proportional Integral Derivative controllers
Authors: Malik Muhammad Zeeshan , Asadi Marzieh , Rezaei Hossein
Published: June 2023

The robust stability assessment of the second order plus interval time delay (SOPITD) plant controlled by Fractional-Order Proportional Integral Derivative (FOPID) controllers is the focus of this research. A simple graphical procedure for analyzing the robust stability of the interval system is presented based on the zero exclusion condition and the value set concept. The incorporation of an auxiliary function, derived through a judicious application of fundamental geometric principles intrinsic to convex polygons, serves to significantly alleviate the complexity and facilitate the application of the robust stability analysis approach, thereby affording a more streamlined and efficient means of designing robust control systems. Moreover, the computational burden for the robust stability analysis is also reduced by novel bounds. Moreover, a novel robust performance checking function is provided to improve the performance system. Three illustrative examples are then given to support the findings and show their applicability.
Skidding characteristics of urban rail vehicle axle-box bearings considering surface waviness on races
Authors: Yu Yaoxiang , Guo Liang , Chen Zaigang , Liu Yuqing , Gao Hongli , Zhang Guoli
Published: June 2023

As one of the core transmission components, axle-box bearings have been widely applied in urban rail vehicles and played a crucial role in their safe and stable operation. No matter in the starting and stopping stage or stable operation stage of the vehicle, the skidding phenomenon in axle-box bearings exists and impacts their own dynamic characteristics. Furthermore, as one of the main shape errors of the bearing surface, waviness may cause fluctuations for skidding characteristics of axle-box bearings. This study investigates the skidding dynamic analysis of axle-box bearings, taking into account race surface waviness. Firstly, a dynamics model for double-row cylindrical roller bearings is established, considering the cage flexibility and friction forces between different components. Then, this model is coupled with a three-dimension vehicle–track model, allowing for more precise dynamic simulation of axle-box bearings under actual running conditions. Furthermore, an excitation related to race surface waviness is added to the coupling model through time-varying displacement and contact stiffness. At last, the influence of race surface waviness on skidding characteristics of axle-box bearings is analyzed. The effectiveness of the proposed model is validated through theoretical analysis and field tests. Simulation results demonstrate that race surface waviness can impact the cage and roller slip ratio of axle-box bearings. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the skidding dynamic analysis of axle-box bearings, highlighting the importance of considering race surface waviness in designing and maintaining axle-box bearings.
Synergistic effect of ultrasound and citric acid treatment on functional, structural and storage properties of hog plum (Spondias mombin L) bagasse
Authors: Oladunjoye Adebola O , Olawuyi Ishola K , Afolabi Taofeek A
Published: June 2023

A novel approach in promoting the valorisation of fruit waste as potential bio-ingredients in food applications is gaining research attention in recent times. In the present study, hog plum bagasse (HPB) treated with citric acid alone (0.12 dm3, 99.0% purity) and in synergistic treatment with ultrasound (40 KHz, 400 W, 0.348 W/cm3, 60 min, 80 °C). Treated samples were evaluated for proximate and lignocellulose composition, functional, bioactive, structural, morphology and microbial properties, while the untreated samples served as control. HPB showed varied proximate values with treatment effect. Notably, a significant reduction (42.06%) was observed in fibre content. A similar reduction was observed in the hemicellulose and lignin fraction but improved the yield of the cellulose component. Furthermore, treatment increased bulk density (0.120–0.131 g/cm3), water absorption capacity (5.60–6.35 g/g), swelling power (8.85–9.94 g/g) and solubility index (1.01–2.32%) but reduced oil absorption capacity (7.50–4.15 g/g). All colour parameters were reduced with treatment, while the total phenolic compound and antioxidant capacity of treated bagasse improved by 24.70% and 45.37%. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy alterations were observed in the absorption spectra with treatment, while scanning electron microscopestructure in treated samples showed cavity formation. Also, the microbial population was reduced to a non-detectable level after treatment. Ultrasound-assisted treatment of HPB holds a valorisation potential for its food application by relevant agro-based industries.
The effective crack extension and its implications on the single cantilever beam test for sandwich composites
Authors: Massabò Roberta
Published: June 2023

The response of Single Cantilever Beam sandwich specimens may be analyzed effectively through one-dimensional theories accounting for the actual deformation of the core and its effects on fracture parameters and compliance. The model of a beam on an elastic Winkler foundation describes the detaching facesheet as an Euler–Bernoulli beam resting, in the bonded region, on an elastic foundation which generates oscillating deflections with characteristic length [Formula: see text]. Modified beam theory (MBT) describes the debonded part of the face sheet as a cantilever beam, built-in at the debond tip, with an effective length which is longer than the actual detached length, by a quantity [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] the two models predict the same energy release rate and similar load-point displacements. Effective crack extension and characteristic length depend on the thicknesses and elastic constants of facesheets and core and may be derived through experimental measurements of the specimen compliance at various increments of crack growth, as prescribed by experimental protocols. In the theoretical analyses, [Formula: see text] is typically assumed, either by directly using formulas proposed for other specimens or by calibrating their parameters to case specific finite element results. In this paper, we investigate the applicability of such formulas to a wide selection of sandwich composites for naval and aeronautical applications having thicknesses or materials other than those used for the original fitting; we then highlight their limitations and effects on the design of experimental protocols for material characterization. The applicability of a recent isotropic-elasticity based formula for [Formula: see text] is then verified using extensive data from the literature and novel finite element (FE) results for typical sandwich composites. Finally, a novel elasticity solution for the load-point displacement of a layer on a half plane is derived which supports the test data reduction procedure for [Formula: see text].
Predicting streaming audiences for a channel’s on-demand TV shows: Discerning the influences of choice architecture, consumer agency, and content attributes
Authors: Thurman Neil , Klatt Antonia , Raj Hritik , Taneja Harsh
Published: June 2023

Contemporary corporate discourse asserts that viewers have a high degree of control over what they watch on video-on-demand (VOD) platforms, echoing early academic assumptions about online users’ autonomy. Such beliefs are now being interrogated, an endeavour this study continues by analysing data on the consumption and characteristics of television programmes viewed on a channel’s VOD service and – for comparison – via its linear broadcast. Crucially, our analysis incorporates characteristics – like programmes’ prominence on the channel’s VOD interface – that represent how platforms seek to steer users’ attention. Our analysis also incorporates other programme characteristics, like genre – which serves as a proxy for the deliberate viewing choices users make. Our results lend empirical weight to ideas about the limits of online users’ agency. This study is also of relevance to television scholars and executives who are interested in the specific predictors of television programmes’ success, both on VOD platforms and on linear television.
The memefication of Squid Game and mimicry of Asian images
Authors: Yoon Sunny
Published: June 2023

The memefication of Squid Game demonstrates the cultural dynamics of media reception in changing media environments. The dissemination of memes facilitates public participation and democratic use of media, however memes also aggravate cultural prejudice and contribute to the segregation of social groups. This study investigates ideological influences involved in spreading Squid Game memes. Squid Game and associated memes demonstrate the ambivalence of cultural dynamics at the global level and identity issues involved in consuming media and pop culture. Theories of postcolonialism and critical discourse analysis are applied to examine media production and distribution of Korean media, and its influence on the reproduction cultural prejudice in changing media environments. Online memes provide the particular impetus underlying contestations between cultural diversity and ideological conservation in our changing media environment.
Investigation of modelling approaches to study the structural performance of 3D printed plain wall under uniform axial compression
Authors: Paudel Satish
Published: June 2023

This study reports an experimental and numerical examination performed on a 3D printed (3DP) wall subjected to vertical axial compression. A detailed investigation of material property and full-scale testing of the 3DP plain wall was performed to explore the structural performance of the 3D printed wall. To obtain the mechanical properties of mortar, test prisms obtained by printing mortar as layers resulted in undesirable failure modes. Hence, this study proposes a unique methodology to obtain the mechanical property of mortar with an assumption of mortar material as isotropic. However, to consider the effect of the interface within the printed layers, interface strength tests in terms of normal and shear strength were performed. Likewise, the behavior of 3DP wall being anisotropic, a unique analysis concept was adopted in a current study comprising of modelling the printed layers as in actual thickness and cross-section and providing material property obtained from an assumption of mortar material as isotropic. Moreover, orthotropic material properties of the printed material were provided to FE models via testing of the 3D printed specimens parallel and normal to the interface. The full-scale test specimen was modeled as layers in a numerical tool and results from the test and simulation were compared in terms of load-displacement behavior, distribution of strain on the wall surface, and damage pattern of the wall. Moreover, recommendation on the selection of the suitable material model and contact algorithm is provided in the current study for simulating the behavior of 3DP structures.
Multi-objective optimization of school building envelope for two distinct geometric designs in southern Brazil
Authors: Maciel Thalita dos Santos , Cruz Alexandre Santana , Torres Mauricio Carvalho Ayres , Cunha Eduardo Grala da
Published: June 2023

The standard Brazilian school projects (EMEIs) were created for the Proinfância [Pro-Childhood] program to respond to the growing national demand for public schools. Unfortunately, the project disregards the Brazilian local climate, leading to an inadequate architectural design, especially in terms of energy performance. Within this context, this research aimed to assess the impact of a new geometric design and envelope proposal on the energy performance of a Brazilian school building. The study object is a standard project (EMEI) of the Proinfância program located in Pelotas, Brazil. Two distinct multi-objective optimizations were performed based on EnergyPlus coupled with the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2 (SPEA2), in which the objective functions were defined to minimize heating and cooling Energy Use Intensity (EUI) for different geometric designs (Base and Linear models). The design variables considered were window-to-wall ratio (WWR); thermal insulation thickness for walls and floor; solar absorptance values for walls and roof; and solar orientation. A total of 74.520 simulations were carried out, and the results indicated that the new geometric design combined with bioclimatic envelope strategies was capable of reducing 52% of the Energy Use Intensity when compared to the standard school project.
Mechanical behavior and slag corrosion resistance of ZrSiO4/SiC reinforced MgO-C refractories
Authors: Zandi Mohsen , Manafi Sahebali , Limooei Mohammad Bagher
Published: June 2023

This investigation proposes a novel solution to enhance the thermal shock and slag corrosion resistance of low-carbon MgO-C refractories by integrating yttria-stabilized zirconium silicate (YSZS) and silicon carbide (SiC) powders in them. The results of this study revealed that incorporating YSZS and SiC particles in low-carbon MgO-C refractories improved the overall qualities of the refractories synergistically and increased the thermal shock resistance (TSR) from 11 cycles (for MgO) to 18 and 15 cycles, respectively, owing to their lower coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) compared to magnesite. The addition of YSZS caused the cold compressive strength (CCR) of the MgO-C refractories to increase from 450 to 480 kg/cm2. The mechanical properties of the refractories were elevated as a result of fracture toughness enhancement and crack propagation within and between grains on the fracture surface. CaZrO3, Mg2SiO4, and MgSiO3 phases developed in the grain boundaries and served as corrosion-resistant materials, thereby resulting in reduced porosity and pore closure. Additionally, the TSR of the reinforced bricks was significantly improved due to their low CTE as compared to MgO, while slag resistance enhancement was caused by the formation of the CaZrO3, Mg2SiO4, and MgSiO3 phases.
Emerging ethical challenges in researching vulnerable groups during the COVID-19
Authors: Pelek Deniz , Bortun Vladimir , Østergaard-Nielsen Eva
Published: June 2023

This paper discusses the lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on research ethics in social sciences by focusing on the concept of vulnerability. We unpack the current conceptualisations of vulnerability and their limitations and argue for the need to reconceptualise vulnerability as multidimensional, consisting of both universal and contextual dimensions, as well as their dynamic interplay. Multidimensional vulnerability is inspired by and relevant to social science research during the pandemic but can also be useful in other contexts such as climate change or conflict. The paper puts forwards several considerations about how this revised concept of vulnerability may be useful when evaluating ethical dimensions of social science research.
Resilience-enhancing interventions for family caregivers: A systematic review
Authors: Chi Nai-Ching , Han Soojeong , Lin Shih-Yin , Fu Ying-Kai , Zhu Zilin , Nakad Lynn , Demiris George
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To synthesize interventions designed to enhance resilience in family caregivers (FCs).

Methods

Electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus, were searched using index and keyword methods for articles published before January 2020. The review process followed the PRISMA review guidelines. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

Results

Six studies (seven articles) were included in this review. Quantitative evidence supports the benefits of psychoeducation, mindfulness-based intervention, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based intervention but not expressive writing in improving in FCs’ resilience. Four of the six included studies were randomized controlled trials. All included studies only met 40% to 60% of the MMAT criteria, indicating low to moderate levels of study quality.

Conclusion

This review showed emerging evidence that psychoeducation, mindfulness-based intervention, and CBT-based intervention may improve caregiver resilience. However, it remains unclear which intervention and what dosage is the most effective in promoting FCs’ resilience. Due to the small number of relevant studies and a low-to-moderate level of overall study quality, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to strengthen the current limited evidence base for FC resilience interventions.
Contribution of immune cells to cancer-related neuropathic pain: An updated review
Authors: Ma He , Pan Zhenxiang , Lai Bingjie , Li Mingyue , Wang Jingping
Published: June 2023

Given that the incidence of cancer is dramatically increasing nowadays, cancer-related neuropathic pain including tumor-related and therapy-related pain gradually attracts more attention from researchers, which basically behaves as a metabolic-neuro-immune disorder with worse clinical outcomes and prognosis. Among various mechanisms of neuropathic pain, the common underlying one is the activation of inflammatory responses around the injured or affected nerve(s). Innate and adaptive immune reactions following nerve injury together contribute to the regulation of pain. On the other hand, the tumor immune microenvironment involving immune cells, as exemplified by lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells, inflammatory mediators as well as tumor metastasis have added additional characteristics for studying the initiation and maintenance of cancer-related neuropathic pain. Of interest, these immune cells in tumor microenvironment exert potent functions in promoting neuropathic pain through different signaling pathways. To this end, this review mainly focuses on the contribution of different types of immune cells to cancer-related neuropathic pain, aims to provide a comprehensive summary of how these immune cells derived from the certain tumor microenvironment participate in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Furthermore, the clarification of roles of various immune cells in different tumor immune microenvironments associated with certain cancers under neuropathic pain states constitutes innovative biology that takes the pain field in a different direction, and thereby provides more opportunities for novel approaches for the prevention and treatment of cancer-related neuropathic pain.
Oil Theft and Violence in Mexico
Authors: Franco-Vivanco Edgar , Martinez-Alvarez Cesar B. , Martínez Ivan Flores
Published: June 2023

Around the world, non-state armed actors have been linked to the illegal extraction of energy resources. This research note explores the case of Mexico. Anecdotal evidence suggests that criminal groups have been gaining control of energy infrastructure across the country. At the same time, oil tapping has been directly associated with criminal violence. Yet, there has not been a systematic effort to causally identify the relationship between illegal extraction and criminal violence. In this research note, we use the exogenous variation in international oil prices—as a measure of potential profits—to assess the effect of access to energy infrastructure on criminal-related violence. Our results show that increases in oil prices are associated with higher levels of homicide rates in municipalities with pipelines and in neighboring municipalities. Specifically, a standard price increase during this period is associated with approximately 20% more homicides per year in municipalities with gasoline pipelines. A locality-level analysis suggests a non-linear distance effect. Finally, we also explore criminal fragmentation as the mechanism connecting access to resources and violence. We find that access to pipelines is associated with higher presence of organized crime groups, but not necessarily with more fragmentation.
Student perspectives on the integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare services
Authors: Ahmad Muna N , Abdallah Saja A , Abbasi Saddam A , Abdallah Atiyeh M
Published: June 2023

Background

Healthcare workers are often overworked, underfunded, and face many challenges. Integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare service provision can tackle these challenges by relieving burdens on healthcare workers. Since healthcare students are our future healthcare workers, we assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives of current healthcare students at Qatar University on the implementation of artificial intelligence into healthcare services.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of QU-Health Cluster students via an online survey over a three-week period in November 2021. Chi-squared tests and gamma coefficients were used to compare differences between categorical variables.

Results

One hundred and ninety-three QU-Health students responded. Most participants had a positive attitude towards artificial intelligence, finding it useful and reliable. The most popular perceived advantage of artificial intelligence was its ability to speed up work processes. Around 40% expressed concern about a threat to job security from artificial intelligence, and a majority believed that artificial intelligence cannot provide sympathetic care (57.9%). Participants who felt that artificial intelligence can better make diagnoses than humans also agreed that artificial intelligence could replace their job (p  =  0.005). Male students had more knowledge (p  =  0.005) and received more training (p  =  0.005) about healthcare artificial intelligence. Participants cited a lack of expert mentorship as a barrier to obtaining knowledge about artificial intelligence, followed by lack of dedicated courses and funding.

Conclusions

More resources are required for students to develop a good understanding about artificial intelligence. Education needs to be supported by expert mentorship. Further work is needed on how best to integrate artificial intelligence teaching into university curricula.
Risk Factors for Graft Failure After Meniscal Allograft Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kunze Kyle N. , Davie Ryann A. , Ramkumar Prem Narayan , Chahla Jorge , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Williams Riley J.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Graft failure after meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) may necessitate revision surgery or conversion to arthroplasty. A comprehensive understanding of the risk factors for failure after MAT of the knee may facilitate more informed shared decision-making discussions before surgery and help determine whether MAT should be performed based on patient risk.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors associated with graft failure after MAT of the knee.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The PubMed, OVID/Medline, and Cochrane databases were queried in October 2021. Data pertaining to study characteristics and risk factors associated with failure after MAT were recorded. DerSimonian-Laird binary random-effects models were constructed to quantitatively evaluate the association between risk factors and MAT graft failure by generating effect estimates in the form of odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs. Qualitative analysis was performed to describe risk factors that were variably reported.

Results:

In total, 17 studies including 2184 patients were included. The overall pooled prevalence of failure at the latest follow-up was 17.8% (range, 3.3%-81.0%). In 10 studies reporting 5-year failure rates, the pooled prevalence of failure was 10.9% (range, 4.7%-23%). In 4 studies reporting 10-year failure rates, the pooled prevalence was 22.7% (range, 8.1%-55.0%). A total of 39 risk factors were identified, although raw data presented in a manner amenable to meta-analysis only allowed for 3 to be explored quantitatively. There was strong evidence to support that an International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society grade >3a (OR, 5.32; 95% CI, 2.75-10.31; P < .001) was a significant risk factor for failure after MAT. There was no statistically significant evidence to incontrovertibly support that patient sex (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 0.83-5.64; P = .12) or MAT laterality (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.38-3.28; P = .85) was associated with increased risk of failure after MAT.

Conclusion:

Based on the studies reviewed, there was strong evidence to suggest that degree of cartilage damage at the time of MAT is associated with graft failure; however, the evidence was inconclusive on whether laterality or patient sex is associated with graft failure.
Accounting for Cisnormativity: Understanding Transgender and Non-Binary Young People’s Strategies to Resist and Reduce Inequality in Healthcare
Authors: Lampe Nik M.
Published: June 2023

Using in-depth interviews with transgender and non-binary (TGNB) young adults in the Southeastern US, I examine TGNB young people’s healthcare experiences and strategies for resisting and reducing inequality in healthcare settings. My analysis draws on sociological conceptualizations of accountability structures in TGNB healthcare and specifically the conceptualization of cisnormative accountability. In this article, I demonstrate how TGNB patients are held accountable to the institutional and interpersonal maintenance of (a) cisnormativity and (b) the medical model of transgender identity in US healthcare systems. Such instances of cisnormative accountability, regardless of cisgender people’s intentions, contribute to the reproduction of gender inequality among TGNB communities. Further, I explain how TGNB young patients engage in strategies to resist and reduce inequality in healthcare through (a) avoidance of health services and (b) selective disclosure of TGNB identities. I draw out implications for understanding TGNB young people’s strategies to minimize inequality in healthcare, and the consequences cisnormative accountability has for the reproduction of gender inequality.
Implementation science in plain language: The use of nonjargon terms to facilitate collaboration
Authors: Dorsey Shannon , Johnson Clara , Soi Caroline , Meza Rosemary D. , Whetten Kathryn , Mbwayo Anne
Published: June 2023

Background

Interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement are key ingredients in implementation science research. However, effective and efficient collaboration can be limited by the complexity of implementation science terms. In this article, we argue that the development and use of plain language implementation science terms is an essential step to facilitate collaboration and engagement.

Method

We present an example of plain language development to portray the process and the potential benefits plain language can have on implementation science research. Implementation scientists and intervention experts codeveloped plain language implementation terms as a part of an implementation-effectiveness trial in western Kenya and in preparation for a stakeholder collaborative design meeting.

Results

The developed plain language terms facilitated wider stakeholder understanding and integration of implementation science findings that could inform the design of a stakeholder-led implementation coaching program.

Conclusions

We encourage the use of the plain language terms presented in this article, further translation, and additional development of other plain language terms for implementation science constructs.