bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the low- and high-velocity impact behaviour of hybrid composite materials at room and extreme temperature
Authors: Papa Ilaria , Donadio Federica , Sánchez Gálvez Vicente , Lopresto Valentina
Published: October 2021

A demand raised is how to improve the survivability of aircraft and naval structures concerning low- and high-velocity impacts. Since fundamental failure is due to mainly by fracture, a fundamental understanding of both mechanisms and mechanics of the material is crucial. It is important to understand the deformation and damage mechanisms involved in the impact to improve the design of composite structures. Several approaches have been exploited to improve the impact damage resistance of composite laminates in different conditions. Among these, the development of composite laminates stacking different fibres in the same matrix results very interestingly. This paper deals to investigate on the high and low speed impact performance of hybrid composite configurations made of glass/carbon and basalt fibres. Low-velocity impact at penetration and high speed tests at different impact velocity were carried out at the room and low temperatures to evaluate the goodness of hybridization proposed and the temperature effect on the composite performances. Among the three proposals, a hybrid basalt carbon configuration was identified as the best both at low speeds and at high impact speeds for both temperatures tested.
A multivariate modeling method for the prediction of low fetal fraction before noninvasive prenatal testing
Authors: Hu Liang , Pei Yuanyuan , Luo Xiaojin , Wen Lijuan , Xiao Hui , Liu Jinxing , Wu Liping , Li Gaochi , Wei Fengxiang
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To investigate factors associated with fetal fraction and to develop a new predictive method for low fetal fraction before noninvasive prenatal testing.

Methods:

The study was a retrospective cohort analysis based on the results of noninvasive prenatal testing, complete blood count, thyroxin test, and Down's syndrome screening during the first or second trimester in 14,043 pregnant women. Random forests algorithm was applied to predict the low fetal fraction status (fetal fraction < 4%) through individual information and laboratory records. The performance of the model was evaluated and compared to predictions using maternal weight.

Results:

Of 14,043 cases, maternal weight, red blood cell, hemoglobin, and free T3 were significantly negatively correlated with fetal fraction while gestation age, free T4, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, alpha-fetoprotein, unconjugated estriol, and β-human chorionic gonadotropin were significantly positively correlated with fetal fraction. Compared to predictions using maternal weight as an isolated parameter, the model had a higher area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic and overall accuracy.

Conclusions:

The comprehensive predictive method based on combined multiple factors was more effective than a single-factor model in low fetal fraction status prediction. This method can provide more pretest quality control for noninvasive prenatal testing.
Direct simulation of thermally and mechanically coupled particle-laden flow
Authors: Florio Laurie A
Published: October 2021

This work describes a unique technique to simulate continuously and directly coupled fluid flow and moving particles including both mechanical and thermal interactions between the flow, particles, and flow paths. The particles/flow paths are discretized within a computational fluid dynamics flow domain so that the local flow and temperature field conditions surrounding each particle or other solid body are known along with the local temperature distribution within the particle and other solids. Contact conduction between solid bodies including contact resistance, conjugate heat transfer at the fluid–solid interfaces, and even radiation exchanges between solid surfaces and between solid surfaces and the fluid are incorporated in the thermal interactions and a soft collision model simulates the solid body mechanical contact. The ability to capture these local flow and thermal effects removes reliance on correlations for fluid forces and for heat transfer coefficients/exchange and removes restrictions on the flow regime and particle size and volume fraction considered. Larger particle sizes and higher particle concentration conditions can be studied with local effects captured. The method was tested for a range of particle thermal and mechanical properties, driving pressures, and for limited radiation parameters. The results reveal important information about the basic thermal and flow phenomena that cannot be obtained in standard modeling methods and demonstrate the utility of the modeling method. The technique can be applied to examine phenomena dependent on local thermal conditions such as chemical reactions, material property variation, agglomerate formation, and phase change. The methods can also be used as a basis for machine learning algorithm development for flows with large particle counts so that more detailed phenomena can be considered compared to those provided by standard techniques with reduced computational costs compared to those with fully resolved particles in the flow.
Body Pedagogics, Transactional Identities and Human–Animal Relations
Authors: Shilling Chris
Published: October 2021

The sociology of the body developed as a reaction against Cartesian conceptions of homo clausus that haunted disciplinary thought in the late 20th century but exhibited anthropocentric tendencies in neglecting non-human animals. Building upon recent attempts to address this situation, I develop a transactional approach towards body pedagogics that explores how the shifting borders governing human–animal relations influence people’s embodied identities. Transactions between humans and (other) animals have been an historic constant across contrasting societies, but the patterning of these exchanges is framed by specific cultural body pedagogics. Focusing on the institutional means, characteristic experiences and corporeal outcomes of ‘civilising’ and ‘companionate’ human–animal body pedagogics, I explore the identity-shaping impact of these different modalities of inter-species inter-corporeality and demonstrate the sociological utility of this transactional approach.
Critical urban theory in the Anthropocene
Authors: Wakefield Stephanie
Published: October 2021

Critical urban thinkers often imagine urbanisation and the Anthropocene as inevitably being companion processes. But is planetary urbanisation the necessary telos and spatial limit of life in the Anthropocene? Is urban resilience the final form of urban responses to climate change? Will (or should) the urban (as either spatial form or process) survive the upending impacts of climate change or adaptation? Or, if the Anthropocene is a time of deep environmental and epistemological upheaval without historical precedent, might even more recently created spatial concepts of the planetary urban condition themselves soon be out of date? This article raises these questions for urban scholars via critical engagement with a proposal to retire Miami – considered climate change ‘ground zero’ in the US and doomed by rising seas – and repurpose it as fill for ‘The Islands of South Florida’: a self-sufficient territory of artificial high-rises delinked from global infrastructural networks. This vision of an ‘urbicidal Anthropocene’, the article argues, suggests that the injunction subtending planetary urbanisation work – to relentlessly question inherited spatial frameworks – has not been taken far enough. Still needed is Anthropocene critical urban theory, to consider urban forms and processes emerging via climate change and adaptation, but also how such mutations may point beyond the theoretical and spatial bounds of the contemporary urban condition itself.
Association Between Parental Divorce and Anger, Aggression, and Hostility in Adolescents: Results of a National Lebanese Study
Authors: Zakhour Maha , Haddad Chadia , Salameh Pascale , Al Hanna Layal , Sacre Hala , Hallit Rabih , Soufia Michel , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil
Published: October 2021

To evaluate the association between divorce and aggression patterns (physical and verbal aggression and hostility) in Lebanese adolescents. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1810 (90.5%) students (January–May 2019) using a proportionate random sample of participants aged 12–17 years, drawn from private schools of all Lebanese districts. Parental divorce was significantly associated with more physical and verbal aggression and anger and hostility in adolescents. Significantly higher adjusted means of physical aggression (32.53 vs. 31.32; p = .013), verbal aggression (19.00 vs. 17.73; p < .001), anger (26.10 vs. 23.43; p < .001), and hostility (29.68 vs. 26.73; p < .001) were found among adolescents whose parents are divorced. Verbal and physical aggression, anger, and hostility were more shown in adolescents whose parents were divorced compared to adolescents whose parents are non-separated. Therefore, divorced parents must be motivated to provide their children with social, economic, and psychological needs to overcome these negative behaviors.
Gas-containing renal stones: a red flag for renal infection
Authors: Zawaideh Jeries Paolo , Simonato Alchiede , Barbero Stefano , Bertolotto Michele , Cardone Gianpiero , Vota Paolo , Pavlica Piero , Derchi Lorenzo E
Published: October 2021

Background

Gas in the renal excretory system is described as a consequence of recent procedures but it can be a sign of severe conditions such as fistulas or infections; however, gas-containing renal stones are only rarely encountered.

Purpose

To describe the association of gas-containing renal stones and urinary tract infection.

Material and Methods

We performed a retrospective evaluation of the clinical and imaging findings in a series of six patients with gas-containing renal stones and compared our findings with those of patients with gas-containing renal stones reported in the literature. Urine and stone cultures were used as a diagnostic standard for urinary tract infection.

Results

Including the present series, there is a total of 21 patients with gas-containing renal stones in the literature. Based on clinical presentation, urinary tract infection could be suspected in 10 (57%) patients, while urine and/or stone cultures showed infection in 18 of 19 (95%) patients, with only one case with no bacterial growth in both (5%); in the remaining patient the information was not available.

Conclusion

Gas-containing renal stones are a rarely reported entity usually diagnosed with computed tomography. They are a radiological sign often associated with urinary tract infection that can also be encountered in patients with non-specific renal symptoms.
High prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in Spain’s Stroke Belt
Authors: Domínguez-Mayoral Ana , Sánchez-Gómez Jesús , Guerrero Patricia , Ferrer Marta , Gutiérrez Carmen , Aguilar María , Fouz-Rosón Natalia , Benítez José María , Pérez-Sánchez Soledad , Gamero-García Miguel Ángel , De Torres-Chacón Reyes , Barragán-Prieto Ana , Algaba Pilar , Ruiz-Bayo Lidia , Montaner Joan
Published: October 2021

Objective

Spain’s so-called Stroke Belt is an area with high prevalence of vascular disease. We aimed to determine the prevalence of undetected obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in southern Spain.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Virgen Macarena University Hospital Stroke Unit during 2018 to 2019. We included patients <72 hours after AIS with a neuroimaging lesion and performed sleep tests.

Results

Seventy-two patients were included. The median participant age was 72 years. Mean body mass index was 27.07 kg/m2, and 40.28% were daily alcohol drinkers. Hypertension, atrial fibrillation, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and previous stroke were detected in 63.9%, 11.1%, 15.3%, and 17.6% of patients, respectively. Polygraphy was feasible in 91.38% of patients. The prevalence of OSAHS was 84.72% (apnea–hypopnea index ≥5). Patients with moderate and severe OSAHS were more likely to be obese and to have a larger neck circumference and facial palsy. The diagnostic criteria of central sleep apnea syndrome were met in only 1.38% of patients.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of OSAHS found in the Spanish Stroke Belt justifies further investigation and development of a screening program as a strategy to identify patients with undetected OSAHS.
Driver Response Time in Cut-Off Scenarios from the Second Strategic Highway Research Program Naturalistic Database
Authors: Dinakar Swaroop , Muttart Jeffrey W. , Edewaard Darlene E. , Giannone Michael , Dickson Connor
Published: October 2021

A cut-in or cut-off scenario involves a vehicle intruding into the path of another vehicle traveling in the same direction. These lane changes can lead to potentially dangerous situations, either a sideswipe or a rear-end crash. In this study, 552 cut-in events were analyzed, including four crash and 548 near-crash events from the Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP-2) data set. Video and onboard-data-recorder data from the responding vehicle were used to analyze various factors associated with drivers’ responses. Driver response times were measured from three different event onsets, and the effects of different factors on the respective response times were measured. These factors included the behavior of the subject driver, the behavior of the intruding vehicle/principal other vehicle (POV), and different environmental and infrastructural factors. The results showed that drivers responded more slowly when the POV took longer to move laterally to the subject driver’s lane edge and faster when this time was short. Similarly, drivers responded faster to merging vehicles that started from a stop. Yet, response times were no different when the POV utilized a directional signal. These results point to a kinematic threshold involving lateral distance and lateral speed that best describes how drivers were triggered to respond. Drivers also responded faster near intersections, and at night. The results can be utilized to design crash mitigation systems in autonomous vehicles, as well as non-automated vehicles, to supplement human responses where their abilities may be lacking.
Glimpse of the Future: Simulating Life with Personally Owned Autonomous Vehicles and Their Implications on Travel Behaviors
Authors: Harb Mustapha , Malik Jai , Circella Giovanni , Walker Joan
Published: October 2021

To explore potential travel behavior shifts induced by personally owned, fully autonomous vehicles (AVs), we ran an experiment that provided personal chauffeurs to 43 households in the Sacramento region to simulate life with an AV. Like an advanced AV, the chauffeurs took over driving duties. Households were recruited from the 2018 Sacramento household travel survey sample. Sampling was stratified by weekly vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and households were selected to be diverse by demographics, modal preferences, mobility barriers, and residential location. Thirty-four households received 60 h of chauffeur service for 1 week, and nine households received 60 h per week for 2 weeks. Smartphone-based travel diaries were recorded for the chauffeur week(s), 1 week before, and 1 week after. During the chauffeur week, the overall systemwide VMT (summing across all sampled households) increased by 60%, over half of which came from “zero-occupancy vehicle” (ZOV) trips (when the chauffeur was the only occupant). The number of trips made in the system increased by 25%, with ZOV trips accounting for 85% of these additional trips. There was a shift away from transit, ridehailing, biking, and walking trips, which dropped by 70%, 55%, 38%, and 10%, respectively. Households with mobility barriers and those with less auto dependency had the greatest percent increase in VMT, whereas higher VMT households and families with children had the lowest. The results highlight how AVs can enhance mobility, but also caution against the potential detrimental effects on the transportation system and the need to regulate AVs and ZOVs.
Investigation of electromechanical impedance and residual stress relation for samples machined by hot ultrasonic-assisted turning
Authors: Sofuoğlu Mehmet A , Haydarlar Gökhan , Kuşhan Melih C , Orak Sezan , Tekkalmaz Mesut
Published: October 2021

Electromechanical impedance (EMI) method has been widely used in recent years to evaluate the condition of structures. In this method, piezoelectric sensors are added to the structure to examine material properties. The impedance/admittance signals are recorded with the aid of the impedance analyzer without any conversion. When there is any change in structures, differences occur in these signals. Thus, changes in structures can be easily determined. It is known that residual stress plays a vital role in materials in terms of crack initiation, breakage, fatigue life, etc. In contrast, the detection of residual stress is time-consuming and it requires experience. This study reveals the effect of cutting parameters on residual stress and electromechanical impedance/admittance values. Firstly, hot ultrasonic-assisted turning was performed for Ti6Al4V material. A parametric study was carried out with different cutting depth, feed rate, and cutting speed. In the second stage, residual stress values measured by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) method and impedance/admittance values measured by an impedance analyzer were compared. In this context, empirical equations with their values between stress/impedance–admittance values have been derived. In general, it has been observed that stress values are significantly associated with impedance/admittance values and the highest correlation was obtained with the reactance values.
Radial stiffness analysis of circular ring with uncertain boundary conditions: Mechanical elastic wheel as an example
Authors: Zhang Chenxi , Zhao Youqun , Feng Shilin , Xu Han , Wang Qiuwei , Deng Huifan
Published: October 2021

The paper studies the radial stiffness of mechanical elastic wheel (MEW), which is regarded as a circular ring with uncertain boundary conditions for the first time, and proposes a ring-chain model to solve the radial stiffness of the ring. Different from assuming the boundary conditions by experience or building finite element model with complex processes from previous researches, the ring-chain model coupling circular ring model and dynamics of multi-rigid body is accurate and simple to find the loaded positions of ring and make the boundary conditions clear. The results show that the ring-chain model can be solved to get the deformations and loaded positions of ring, the radial stiffness of MEW is large, and the radial displacement of MEW increases non-linearly. The results are consistent with that from finite element model under the same settings, but the time cost of ring-chain model is less. In addition, the influence factors of ring radial stiffness are also found and analyzed. The method presented in this paper can provide data for the response analyses of vehicle and references for the analysis of circular ring with uncertain boundary conditions.
Structural optimization and dynamic characteristics of the new type 3-degrees of freedom axial and radial hybrid magnetic bearing
Authors: Ling Xiao , Xiwu He , Wenjie Cheng , Ming Li
Published: October 2021

A new type of three degrees of freedom axial-radial hybrid magnetic bearing (3-DOF ARHMB) with compact structure, shorter axial length and smaller volume is proposed for the flywheel energy storage system. The axial direction adopts the permanent magnet biased thrust bearing (PMB) made of soft magnetic composite materials (SMCs). In the radial direction, the laminated structure is used to reduce the eddy current, and the Halbach array is introduced to strengthen the magnetic density of the radial air gap. Firstly, the dynamic magnetic flux distribution of the 3-DOF ARHMB is analyzed by the finite element method (FEM). Based on the equivalent magnetic circuit method, the equivalent reluctance model with comprehensive consideration of eddy current effect and magnetic leakage effect is established, and then the frequency responses are analyzed. Secondly, a constraint model coupled with structural parameters, equivalent reluctance and magnetic leakage coefficient is established, and an adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm (APSO) is used to optimize the bearing parameters. Finally, based on the equivalent reluctance model, the axial and radial force-current factor and force-displacement factor are derived, and the dynamic characteristics of bearings with different structures and materials are compared and analyzed. The results show that the new 3-DOF ARHMB made of SMCs can provide much larger and more stable magnetic force and larger bandwidth than that made of carbon steel materials, and has better dynamic characteristics under higher-frequency conditions, which can meet the industrial requirements of flywheel energy storage system.
Grindability study of hard to cut AISI D2 steel upon ultrasonic vibration-assisted dry grinding
Authors: Chaudhari Abhimanyu , Yusufzai Mohd Zaheer Khan , Vashista Meghanshu
Published: October 2021

Ultrasonic vibration-assisted dry grinding is a sustainable hybrid manufacturing technology that decreases the negative environmental impact of coolant, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves surface integrity. The present investigation analyses the mechanisms associated with ultrasonic vibration-assisted dry grinding of AISI D2 tool steel with an alumina grinding wheel. It also compares the influence of traditional dry grinding and traditional wet grinding modes with the ultrasonic vibration-assisted dry grinding mode at different ultrasonic vibration amplitudes. Ultrasonic vibration was applied to the sample in the longitudinal feed direction. Further, kinematics of the abrasive grit path during the traditional grinding and ultrasonic vibration-assisted dry grinding is presented schematically. In this research, the impacts of ultrasonic vibration amplitude as well as the depth of cut on the process yields such as ground surface topography, grinding force, specific grinding energy, force ratio, surface finish, microstructure, and hardness were investigated experimentally. Experimental results revealed that the highest decline in tangential and normal grinding forces in ultrasonic vibration-assisted dry grinding at ultrasonic vibration amplitude 10 µm and the reduction in surface roughness parameter ( Ra, Rq, and Rz) in ultrasonic vibration-assisted dry grinding was 43.23%, 42.59%, and 33.69%, respectively, in comparison to those in traditional dry grinding and 26.35%, 26.94%, and 27.48%, respectively, in comparison to those in traditional wet grinding. It was observed that ultrasonic vibration-assisted dry grinding is beneficial as the profile produced by ultrasonic vibration-assisted dry grinding has a comparatively flat tip, and profile points are shifted to the bottom of the mean line. This study is expected to assist ultrasonic vibration-assisted dry grinding of hard materials.
Association between systemic lupus erythematosus and risk of cervical atypia: A meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Yanya , Wu Xuewei , Liu Lu
Published: October 2021

Background

Previous studies showed conflicting results regarding the association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and risk of cervical atypia. Therefore, the present study aimed to make a meta-analysis to summarize results of studies regarding association between SLE and risk of cervical atypia.

Methods

We searched for articles published before March 2021 in in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Medline and Google Scholar. Odds ratios (ORs) and relative risks (RRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to create a pooled effect size and 95% CI using STATA 12.0 software.

Results

The present meta-analysis showed that SLE was significantly associated with increased risks of cervical atypia (OR/RR = 2.94, 95% CI 2.22 to 3.89, I2 = 92.1%, p < .001), cervical cancer (OR/RR = 3.13, 95% CI 2.09 to 4.70, I2 = 84.7%, p < .001), squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) (OR/RR = 5.00, 95% CI 2.58 to 9.69, I2 = 88.9%, p < .001) and low-grade SIL (OR/RR = 3.14, 95% CI 1.29 to 7.67, I2 = 63.3%, p = .018) with random effects models.

Conclusion

In summary, findings of this meta-analysis demonstrated that SLE was associated with a higher risk of cervical pre-malignant lesions and carcinoma. It may be necessary for clinicians to remind women with SLE to screen human papillomavirus infection and be vaccinated as soon as possible. However, caution is required when interpreting our findings. Further studies, especially well-designed randomized controlled clinical trials are awaited to confirm the association between SLE and cervical atypia–associated diseases.
Strategic ignorance and the legitimation of remote warfare: The Hawija bombardments
Authors: Gould Lauren , Stel Nora
Published: October 2021

How must we understand and conceptualize the rationales and repercussions of remote warfare? This article contributes to scholarship on the ontology of remote war by analysing how Dutch officials engage with responsibility for the bombardment of an Islamic State weapons factory in Hawija, Iraq in 2015 under Operation Inherent Resolve. It observes that the main feature of Dutch officials’ accounts of Hawija is their diverse claims to not knowing about civilian casualties. Official narratives shifted from denial to secrecy to strategic ignorance. Bridging work on secrecy from the field of critical security studies with work on strategic ‘unknowing’ from ignorance studies, we propose a new take on the Foucauldian notion of ‘regimes of truth’. The regimes of truth that emerge to justify shifts to remote warfare – that it is riskless, precise and caring for civilian others – rely not merely on secrecy and denial but on feigned and imposed ignorance about casualties. Whereas denial can be disproven and secrecy has an expiration date, ignorance is more elusive and open-ended and hence politically convenient in different ways. Deliberate unknowing does not just postpone investigation and accountability but fundamentally and indefinitely obstructs it and thus sustains the regimes of truth for future remote wars.
Demographic Pattern, Management, and Outcome of Intestinal Atresias Among Neonates in a Tertiary Care Indian Hospital
Authors: Tripathy Prasanta Kumar , Jena Pradeep Kumar
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

To analyze the incidence, management approach, and outcome of intestinal atresias among neonates in our hospital.

Design:

Retrospective observational study.

Settings:

Tertiary care pediatric institute located in eastern part of India.

Study period:

January 2015 to December 2019.

Results:

Intestinal atresias constituted 54% of neonatal intestinal obstruction cases ( n = 369). Out of 201 cases of intestinal atresias, only 120 patients presented during first week of life and the male to female ratio was 1.3:1. The mean (±SD) weight at presentation was 2.03 (±0.49) kg and newborns below 1.5 kg were associated with significantly higher mortality ( P =.001). Jejunoileal atresias were found to be the most common type of atresia ( n = 116, 58%) followed by duodenal atresias ( n = 67, 33%). Colonic and pyloric atresias were found in 14 (7%) and 4 cases (2%), respectively. The overall mortality in the present study was 18% ( n = 36) and septicemia was the leading cause.

Conclusion:

Intestinal atresias were the most common cause of intestinal obstruction and surgical emergency in neonates. Although, there is gradual improvement in survival in these newborns, low birth weight, late presentation, and associated comorbidities are high risk factors. Increased awareness about these congenital anomalies, early referral to tertiary care centers, and timely management can improve the outcome.
Parental Support, Learning Performance, and Socioemotional Development of Children and Teenagers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Balayar Bhoj B. , Langlais Michael R.
Published: October 2021

In spring and fall 2020, most schools across the globe closed due to the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. Online and remote learning (ORL) modalities were implemented to continue children’s education and development. Yet, the change in educational delivery increased parental responsibilities in cultivating their children. We examined the determinants related to students’ learning performance before and during the COVID-19 period in association with psychosocial behaviors (such as socialization, internalizing and externalizing behavior, and motivation) and other factors, including parents’ support received, the teaching modality, and access to digital resources. The current study included 80 parents of elementary and middle school children who completed an online survey. The results of the study indicated that more than double the normal time was spent by parents in supporting their children’s learning and development during the COVID-19 period. The factors of parental support and motivation were found the most effective contribution in the development of children’s positive emotions and learning attainment. It was indicated that academic performance, motivation to participate in learning, socialization, prosocial behavior, discipline, externalizing and internalizing behaviors decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, teachers and educators should consider bridging or creating alternative performance recovery strategies and socioemotional development interventions for children and young adults.
Risk of Severe Bleeding With Extended Rivaroxaban to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism in Acute Medically Ill Patients With Bronchiectasis
Authors: Lipardi Concetta , Elliott C. Gregory , Sugarmann Chiara L. , Haskell Lloyd , Spyropoulos Alex C. , Raskob Gary E. , Xu Jianfeng , Lu Wentao , Marsigliano Jessica , Spiro Theodore , Yuan Zhong , Wu Shujian , Barnathan Elliot S.
Published: October 2021

Background: Bronchiectasis is a chronic inflammation of the bronchi with recurrent infections and hemoptysis. The MAGELLAN study compared oral rivaroxaban, 10 mg once daily (QD), for 35 ± 4 days with subcutaneous enoxaparin 40 mg QD for 10 ± 4 days followed by placebo for 25 ± 4 days to prevent venous thromboembolism in patients hospitalized with an acute medical illness. MAGELLAN included a subset of patients with bronchiectasis. In a post hoc analysis, we evaluated the incidence and severity of pulmonary bleeding in patients with bronchiectasis who were hospitalized for an acute medical illness. This analysis included MAGELLAN patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis at baseline. Patients were evaluated by treatment group for International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis major bleeding, non-major clinically relevant (NMCR) bleeding, and the composite of the 2 (ie, clinically relevant bleeding). Results: Medically ill patients with bronchiectasis were randomized to rivaroxaban (n = 60) or enoxaparin/placebo (n = 61). There were 2 fatal pulmonary bleeds and 1 fatal gastrointestinal bleed in the rivaroxaban arm and no fatal or major bleeding in the enoxaparin/placebo arm. The incidence of major bleeding was 5% in the rivaroxaban arm. One NMCR bleed occurred in the rivaroxaban arm and 2 NMCR bleeds occurred in the enoxaparin/placebo arm. The incidence of clinically relevant bleeding was 6.7% versus 3.3% in the rivaroxaban and enoxaparin/placebo groups, respectively (relative risk = 2.06 [95% confidence interval: 0.351-12.046]). Conclusion: In-patients hospitalized with bronchiectasis and an acute medical illness, clinically relevant bleeding, including fatal pulmonary hemorrhage, occurs more frequently with extended rivaroxaban thromboprophylaxis than with enoxaparin followed by placebo.
Natural Observation of Alcohol Price and Promotions at Bars: Implications for Alcohol Misuse Prevention
Authors: Cox Melissa J. , Moskwiak Meredith , Chaney Beth H. , Garrigues Madison
Published: October 2021

Alcohol misuse among young adults remains a primary public health concern given the wide range of short- and long-term physical, social, and societal consequences of the behavior. On-premise drinking establishments, which allow alcohol consumption on site (i.e., bars), are frequent locations for young adult alcohol use. Risks for alcohol misuse within the bar setting are key factors to identify for prevention. Notably, alcohol price and promotions are associated with alcohol consumption among young adults. This study sought to develop and pilot test an observational protocol to assess the alcohol environment at on-premise drinking establishments. Following qualitative exploration of salient risk factors in these settings through focus groups with young adults, an observational tool was adapted and tested in a feasibility study. The refined tool was then pilot tested with two independent data collectors conducting natural observation at 13 establishments in the downtown nightlife district of a small, southeastern city. High interrater reliability was noted. Descriptive summary statistics of bar characteristics demonstrate low alcohol prices with variability across types of alcohol (e.g., beer, wine, and liquor), greater numbers of alcohol promotions inside rather than outside the building, and higher rates of manual versus electronic age verification procedures. Observational assessment of alcohol price and marketing at on-premise drinking establishments as described in this study is needed to inform prevention policy and programs to reduce harms associated with young adult alcohol misuse.
Acute hemodynamic changes during far infrared treatment of the arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Hansen Emilie K , Lindhard Kristine , Hansen Ditte
Published: October 2021

Background:

The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis (HD) treatment and preservation of a stable vascular access is crucial. Long term Far Infrared Radiation (FIR) has been found to increase access flow together with an enhanced maturation and patency of the AVF. The acute effects of FIR on access flow have been sparsely described and the results are contradictory, perhaps due to differences in measurement conditions and other factors of importance for access flow.

Methods:

Twenty patients in HD with an AVF were included. Each patient was randomized to receive either FIR (FIR group) or no FIR (control group). The acute changes in access flow were investigated in both groups on the second dialysis day of the week and during the first 1.5 h of the dialysis session. Concomitant changes in hemodynamic parameters of importance for access flow were also explored.

Results:

There was no significant change in access flow in the FIR group compared with the control group (median (Interquartile Range)) (−10 (−413.8; 21.3) ml/min vs −17.5 (−83.8; 76.3) ml/min, p = 0.58). There was no significant difference in any of the hemodynamic parameters between the FIR and the control group; cardiac output (−0.7 (−1.2; −0.2) l/min vs −0.4 (−0.9; 0.1) l/min, p = 0.58), cardiac index (−0.3 (−0.5; −0.1)) l/min/m2 vs −0.3 (−0.4; 0) l/min/m2, p = 0.68), mean arterial pressure (5.5 (−1.8; 8.4) mmHg vs 1.5 (−3; 6.3) mmHg, p = 0.35) and total peripheral resistance (2 (1.8; 3.4) mmHg × min/l vs 1 (−0.3; 3.1) mmHg × min/l, p = 0.12).

Conclusion:

In this trial, with a highly standardized set-up, one session of FIR did not result in any acute changes in access flow. This was not due to differences in the hemodynamic parameters between the groups.
Intravascular Large B Cell Lymphoma of the Breast: A Rare Entity
Authors: Prabhakaran Nitya , Sheikh Hassan , Zhang Xinmin , Sheikh-Fayyaz Silvat
Published: October 2021

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare and high-grade disease of neoplastic lymphoid cells within the vascular lumina of small- to medium-sized vessels. The disease carries a grim prognosis despite robust treatment protocols. We discuss the case of a 58-year-old female who presented with mammographic screening abnormality which led to more investigations and ultimately to this diagnosis. The patient had no prior history of a lymphoma or in situ and invasive carcinoma of the breast. To our knowledge, IVLBCL of the breast is a very rare and an unusual location for this type of a lymphoma and so far, only five reported cases. Through our case report, we not only discuss the case but also review literature on this rare entity.
The courage to teach with compassion: Enriching classroom designs and practices to foster responsiveness to suffering
Authors: Worline Monica C , Dutton Jane E
Published: October 2021

Recognizing the prevalence of suffering among management teachers and students, we raise the importance of compassion as central to the practice of management teaching. To aid in understanding how suffering and compassion arise in management teaching, we call upon a theoretical view of their rhizomatic structure, which conveys the widespread, complex, and largely unspoken spreading of suffering and corresponding need for compassion in the work of management teaching. To meet this suffering with compassion, we propose two clusters of practices central to teaching that lend themselves to helping management teachers see possibilities for more skillfully intertwining suffering and compassion. The first focuses on how management teachers can design the context for teaching in ways that make compassion more likely, focusing specifically on roles and networks. The second draws upon Honneth’s recognitional infrastructure to focus on how teachers can approach the relational practice of teaching with emphasis on enriching human recognition of suffering. We conclude with a caution about overly simplistic approaches and overly individualized views of compassion in the work of management teaching. We call for systemic approaches to action that will enrich our imaginations as we approach management teaching and its role in our collective responsiveness to suffering.
Exploring the linkage between tourism, governance quality, and poverty reduction in Latin America
Authors: Dossou Toyo Amègnonna Marcel , Ndomandji Kambaye Emmanuelle , Bekun Festus Victor , Eoulam Abalou Omar
Published: October 2021

It has been of great concern for policymakers and government officials to increase the economic trajectory of living standards. Tourism development over the years is outlined in the extant literature as an alternative pathway to sustainable development. However, there has been no consensus on the combined impact of institutional quality and key macroeconomic indicators and how they moderate tourism development and eradicate poverty. Thus, there is a need to eradicate extreme poverty and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the end of 2030 to remain focused on areas for policymakers and researchers. To achieve this goal, this study examines the moderating effect of governance quality on the relationship between tourism and poverty alleviation using a panel of 15 Latin American countries over the period 2003–2015 using fixed effect (FE) as an estimation technique. For soundness of analysis, we applied the Panel Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE) model estimation, the two-system generalized method of moment (GMM) model estimation in this study. Our findings show that governance quality contributes to poverty reduction, while tourism development exacerbates poverty. Interestingly, the results reveal that tourism and governance quality have complementary impacts in alleviating poverty. Further, policy prescriptions are outlined in the concluding section.
The making and unmaking of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: On the mismatch between illness and disease. Results from an Italian study
Authors: Cardano Mario , Rossero Eleonora
Published: October 2021

The diagnostic process in contemporary medical practice is increasingly technical, specialised and relying on population-based ranges of biological normalcy. Disease is defined according to a hierarchy of evidence that privileges specialist knowledge and marginalises subjective experiences of illness. Medical and individual definitions of the situation can conflict in two ways: (i) a diagnosis is made in the absence of symptoms, (ii) individual suffering does not constitute ‘real’ disease if it is not validated by scientific evidence. This article investigates how the discrepancy between specialist and embodied knowledge is experienced and tentatively solved by patients’ self-narratives. Starting from the analysis of 22 in-depth interviews with people affected by autoimmune diseases, we focus on the subgroup affected by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Applying the most-different-systems design, we confront two flesh-and-blood ideal-types of illness narratives characterised by a mismatch between illness and disease. Their diagnostic trajectories are outlined and discussed as poles of a continuum of experiences resulting from different configurations of medical evidence of disease and subjective evidence of illness.
Formative Usability of the Kidneytime Online Live Donor Kidney Transplant Education Tool Among Transplant Candidates
Authors: Keller Maria M. , Dolph Beth , Cavuoto Lora , Ranahan Molly , Feeley Thomas H. , Kayler Liise K.
Published: October 2021

Background

Web-based education may be a powerful tool to support transplant candidates’ learning and communication about live donor kidney transplantation. Few educational interventions are web-based and have education sharing for living donor transplant as a primary goal.

Methods

Through user-centered design and iterative usability testing, we developed a web platform, called KidneyTIME, to support an educational intervention for adult transplant candidates. KidneyTIME delivers animated videos to improve candidate knowledge, motivation, and self-efficacy to pursue living donor transplantation and to promote outreach through video sharing. The animated-video educational content was previously produced by the researchers. We conducted a formative usability evaluation of the KidneyTIME web platform to enable users to find, view, and share the previously produced videos. A total of 30 kidney transplant candidates were involved in 4 rounds of testing at one transplant center, with amendments made after each round.

Results

Transplant candidates were predominantly White non-Hispanic; 47% had incomes <$30 000 and >43% had vision or motor impairment. Readability, navigation, and failure to find videos were the main usability issues identified. Substantial improvements were found in the usability of most functions after implementing certain features, such as enlarging text and buttons, enhancing contrast, and simplifying presentation. Participants reported that the intervention was user friendly and easy to navigate.

Conclusion

Considering feedback from a wide spectrum of users has improved the usability of KidneyTIME. A salient concern for End stage kidney disease populations is ensuring online accessibility despite vision and motor impairments.
A Chain Mediation Model of Perceived Stress, Neuroticism, and Psychological Inflexibility on Depressive Symptoms of Chinese New Fathers
Authors: Li Danian , Cui Ying , Liu Yujie , Zheng Yanting , Zeng Yingchun , Cheng Andy S. K.
Published: October 2021

There is a growing concern about mental health issues in new fathers, such as postpartum depression (PPD). Factors associated with PPD in men include personality traits and perceived stress. This study examined a set of hypothesized paths using perceived stress, neuroticism, and psychological inflexibility to predict depressive symptoms. A total of 189 participants took part. The mean age of these first-time fathers was 36.12 years (SD = 2.39). Perceived stress, neuroticism, and psychological inflexibility positively predicted new fathers’ depressive symptoms ( B = 0.13, 0.37, and 0.31, respectively). These predictors explained 48% (R2 = 0.48) of the variance in the measured outcome of depressive symptoms in these new Chinese fathers. The total standardized direct effects of the three variables on depressive symptoms were 0.47 (95% CI [0.38, 0.53]). In conclusion, this study provides novel information about the chain mediating role played by neuroticism and psychological inflexibility in the relationship between perceived stress and PPD. Perceived stress significantly predicted neuroticism and psychological inflexibility, which in turn significantly predicted depressive symptoms in new Chinese fathers. The relationship between perceived stress and depressive symptoms was also mediated by each of psychological inflexibility or neuroticism alone.
Fatigue life prediction and influencing factors analysis of mesh flexible spoke non-pneumatic tire
Authors: Fu Hongxun , Chen Xiaoxia , Zhao Qiang , Xiao Zhen , Liang Xuemeng
Published: October 2021

A mesh flexible spoke non-pneumatic tire is designed to avoid tire burst and other hidden dangers in the traditional pneumatic tires, and improve driving safety. The purpose of this study is to explore the fatigue performance and fatigue life prediction method of the non-pneumatic tire and analyze the influence of structural parameters on the fatigue life of non-pneumatic tire. Based on the crack propagation method of energy release rate by J-integral, the fatigue life of the meshed flexible spoke non-pneumatic tire is predicted. Using numerical simulation method, the influence of key structural parameters, such as the curvature, unit angle and thickness of the lateral spoke and the tread thickness, on tire fatigue life is studied. The results show that the fatigue life prediction method proposed can be used to predict the fatigue life of flexible spoke non-pneumatic tire, and the fatigue life of non-pneumatic tire with flexible spoke can be improved by selecting appropriate structural parameters, which could provide some reference for the structural optimization design of the fatigue performance of the non-pneumatic tire.
Generating individual intrinsic reward for cooperative multiagent reinforcement learning
Authors: Wu Haolin , Li Hui , Zhang Jianwei , Wang Zhuang , Zhang Jianeng
Published: October 2021

Multiagent reinforcement learning holds considerable promise to deal with cooperative multiagent tasks. Unfortunately, the only global reward shared by all agents in the cooperative tasks may lead to the lazy agent problem. To cope with such a problem, we propose a generating individual intrinsic reward algorithm, which introduces an intrinsic reward encoder to generate an individual intrinsic reward for each agent and utilizes the hypernetworks as the decoder to help to estimate the individual action values of the decomposition methods based on the generated individual intrinsic reward. Experimental results in the StarCraft II micromanagement benchmark prove that the proposed algorithm can increase learning efficiency and improve policy performance.
The Fairness Argument Against Catholic Integralism
Authors: Vallier Kevin
Published: October 2021

Political philosophers are overwhelmingly liberal: freedom and equality are the fundamental political values. Yet, in much of the world, people adopt religious anti-liberalisms. States must bring people into harmony with the cosmic moral order, not protect their autonomy. In this essay, I argue against Catholic integralism, the most intellectually sophisticated and long-standing Christian anti-liberalism. Most people believe that we should treat peoples of all race, nationalities, and creeds as equals. But Catholic integralism treats people unequally according to their creed because it coercively privileges one creed above all others—its own. So integralism treats its citizens unfairly.