bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal associations between sibling relationship quality and child adjustment after divorce
Authors: van Dijk Rianne , van der Valk Inge E. , Buist Kirsten L. , Branje Susan , Deković Maja 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the interplay between the parent–child and sibling relationships in their associations with child adjustment after divorce, in order to understand the postdivorce impact of the sibling relationship more thoroughly.BackgroundThe sibling relationship is unique in its lifetime duration and frequent interactions, and is associated with child adjustment in intact families. Research on the sibling relationship in divorced families is warranted, as it is one of the few stable factors in children's lives shortly after divorce.MethodTo examine direct and moderating effects of the sibling relationship, data from N = 117 children (Mage = 12.85) of 65 families and their recently divorced parents (60 mothers, 45 fathers) were used. Longitudinal associations of sibling support, sibling conflict, parent–child relationship quality, and their interactions with child adjustment were estimated with generalized estimating equations.ResultsThe sibling relationship was related to children's (relative change in) externalizing problems and self‐esteem over time, but not to internalizing problems. Especially high sibling support was found beneficial and buffered the adversity of sibling conflict regarding children's self‐esteem. There was no substantial evidence that siblings moderated parent–child relationship quality.ConclusionsIn the context of divorce and adequate parent–child relationship quality, the sibling relationship seems to be complementary rather than compensatory to that of parents. Given the role of siblings in externalizing behaviors and self‐esteem, potential benefits of targeting the sibling relationship in (preventive) interventions aimed at divorced families should be explored.
Oral and parenteral anti‐neuropathic agents for the management of pain and discomfort in irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lambarth Andrew , Zarate‐Lopez Natalia , Fayaz Alan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent and economically burdensome condition; and pain is often the most unpleasant, disruptive, and difficult‐to‐treat symptom. Visceral hypersensitivity is a common feature driving pain in IBS, suggesting that neuropathic mechanisms may be implicated. We conducted a systematic review of available evidence to examine the role of anti‐neuropathic medicines in the management of pain in IBS.MethodsWe systematically searched scientific repositories for trials investigating conventional oral, and/or parenteral, pharmaceutical antineuropathic treatments in patients with IBS. We summarized key participant characteristics, outcomes related to pain (primary outcome), and selected secondary outcomes.Key resultsWe included 13 studies (n = 629 participants): six investigated amitriptyline, three duloxetine, three pregabalin, and one gabapentin. There was considerable methodological and statistical heterogeneity, so we performed a narrative synthesis and limited meta‐analysis. Amitriptyline was most extensively studied, though only in diarrhea‐predominant patients. In individual trials, amitriptyline, pregabalin and gabapentin generally appeared beneficial for pain outcomes. While duloxetine studies tended to report improvements in pain, all were un‐controlled trials with high risk of bias. Meta‐analysis of three studies (n = 278) yielded a pooled relative‐risk of 0.50 (95%CI 0.38–0.66) for not improving with anti‐neuropathic agent vs control. We did not identify any eligible studies investigating the role of parenteral anti‐neuropathics.Conclusions and inferencesAnti‐neuropathic analgesics may improve pain in IBS, and deserve further, high‐quality investigation, potentially considering parenteral administration and agents with minimal gastrointestinal motility effects. Investigation of amitriptyline’s efficacy in non‐diarrhea‐predominant subtypes is currently lacking, and we recommend particular caution for its use in IBS‐C.
Genetic support of carbapenemases: a One Health systematic review and meta‐analysis of current trends in Africa
Authors: Ragheb Suzan Mohammed , Govinden Usha , Osei Sekyere John 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health threat globally. Carbapenems are β‐lactam antibiotics used as last‐resort agents for treating antibiotic‐resistant infections. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) play an important role in the dissemination and expression of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), including the mobilization of ARGs within and between species. The presence of MGEs around carbapenem‐hydrolyzing enzymes, called carbapenemases, in bacterial isolates in Africa is concerning. The association between MGEs and carbapenemases is described herein. Specific plasmid replicons, integrons, transposons, and insertion sequences were found flanking specific and different carbapenemases across the same and different clones and species isolated from humans, animals, and the environment. Notably, similar genetic contexts have been reported in non‐African countries, supporting the importance of MGEs in driving the intra‐ and interclonal and species transmission of carbapenemases in Africa and globally. Technical and budgetary limitations remain challenges for epidemiological analysis of carbapenemases in Africa, as studies undertaken with whole‐genome sequencing remained relatively few. Characterization of MGEs in antibiotic‐resistant infections can deepen our understanding of carbapenemase epidemiology and facilitate the control of AMR in Africa. Investment in genomic epidemiology will facilitate faster clinical interventions and containment of outbreaks.
Design and validation of a chart‐based measure of the limits of spatial contrast sensitivity
Authors: Adhikari Prakash , Carter Drew D , Feigl Beatrix , Zele Andrew J 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPurposeCurrent chart‐based tests of spatial contrast sensitivity (SCS) with fixed or narrow frequency ranges (≤18 cycles/°) cannot characterise the limits of spatial contrast vision. Here we present the design and validation of a chart‐based measure of the spatial contrast envelope.MethodsFollowing the principles of the standard visual acuity (Bailey‐Lovie) and contrast sensitivity (Pelli‐Robson) charts, a combined spatial‐contrast and visual acuity chart was designed using a language‐independent triangular symbol for a four‐alternative forced‐choice procedure plus chart rotation. Symbol frequencies ranged between 0.38 and 60 cycles/° spaced along 10 radial axes (0.55%–100% contrast). The chart was validated with reference to the Bailey‐Lovie and Pelli‐Robson charts; its reliability and sensitivity to changes in illumination, simulated cataract and blur was evaluated in healthy adults.ResultsThe photopic SCS function could be measured in 5.5 ± 0.5 min; thresholding around the spatial contrast resolution limit reduced completion times to ~2 min. There was good agreement with high‐contrast visual acuity (difference = 0.08 ± 0.02 logMAR) and contrast‐sensitivity at 1.5 cycles/° (0.13 ± 0.06 logCS). Test‐retest reliability was excellent at all spatial frequencies (ICC = 0.99). Mesopic illumination or simulated cataract caused a generalised SCS loss; myopic blur reduced high‐frequency sensitivity. Spatial contrast sensitivity was independent of radial axis orientation (cardinal or oblique).ConclusionsThe chart provides a time‐efficient, reliable and inexpensive measure of SCS with applications in research and clinic for detecting subtle deficits in early stages of ocular and neurological conditions that often manifest at higher frequencies. It is sensitive to vision changes occurring in dim lighting and with simulated cataract and blur. The chart is available open‐access for self‐printing; contrast variation in print can be controlled through user calibration and/or establishing normative SCS functions using the theoretical values.
Morphology of Herniated Disc as a Predictor for Outcomes of Posterior Percutaneous Full‐endoscopic Cervical Discectomy in Treating Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy
Authors: Liu Yi , Tang Guo‐ke , Wang Wei‐heng , Shi Chang‐gui , Wang Shuang , Yu Lei , Yu Jiang‐ming , Ye Xiao‐jian 
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveTo quantitively characterize the morphology of cervical disc herniation (CDH) causing cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) and investigate whether the morphological features of CDH are associated with clinical outcomes in CSR patients treated by posterior percutaneous full‐endoscopic cervical discectomy (PPECD).MethodsThis is a single‐center retrospective study. Eighty‐seven PPECD‐treated patients meeting the inclusion criteria were included between May 2017 and May 2019. Based on preoperative T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we designed and measured six morphological parameters of CDH for all patients to reflect its relative position to cervical spinal cord and protruding degree: DC‐SC distance from the center of disc (DC) and the center of spinal cord (SC); DC‐DP distance from the center of cervical disc (DC) to the peak of herniation (DP); internal diameter of the disc; axial length of CDH; central angle of CDH formed by central axes of CDH and spinal cord; the modified index of CDH. We recorded general information, neck disability index (NDI) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) scores of neck and arm of all patients preoperatively and postoperatively at 1‐year follow‐up. The association of preoperative general variables and morphological parameters with clinical outcomes were explored by utilizing logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.ResultsThe preoperative neck‐VAS, arm‐VAS, and NDI were significantly decreased after PPECD and remained at a low value at follow‐up. In regards to the morphological parameters of CDH, the mean value of DC‐SC distance, DC‐DP distance, internal diameter of the disc, axial length of CDH, central angle of CDH, and modified index of CDH were 1.61 ± 0.30 cm, 1.66 ± 0.32cm, 1.04 ± 0.21 cm, 0.63 ± 0.19cm, 39.38° ± 11.94°, and 0.39 ± 0.24, respectively. For patients grouped by difference in the recovery rate of NDI and arm‐VAS (excellent improved group, EI; and limited improved group, LI), there were no differences in the age, gender, surgical segments, and morphological parameters, except for the central angle of CDH. According to binary logistic regression analysis, only the preoperative central angle of CDH was significantly associated with postoperative NDI recovery (odds ratio: 0.873; 95% confidence interval: 0.819–0.931, P = 0.002). ROC analysis showed the optimal cut‐off value of the central angle of CDH for predicting the postoperative improvement of functional outcomes is 33.788°.ConclusionPreoperative morphology of CDH is related to the outcomes of CSR patients after PPECD. Patients with a large central angle of CDH (>33.788°) have more likelihood of ameliorating neurological symptoms of CSR. There is the potential to select the central angle of CDH as a predictor for outcomes of PPECD in treating CSR.
Confusions and responses of managerial public health nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan
Authors: Honda Chikako , Sumikawa Yuka , Yoshioka‐Maeda Kyoko , Iwasaki‐Motegi Riho , Yamamoto‐ Mitani Noriko 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the experiences of public health nurses (PHNs) in Japan during the first wave of COVID‐19.Design and sampleTwelve PHNs in charge of responding to COVID‐19 in X‐city within Tokyo metropolis in Japan participated in this case study.MeasurementsData were collected through self‐administered questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews on PHNs’ experiences from January 2020 to May 2020.ResultsInitially, only infectious disease control division (IDCD) PHNs experienced confusion due to the rapidly increased workload. Managerial PHNs attempted to explain the need for a dispatch system for the IDCD, using available statistical data from other managerial members, within one's maximum understanding of this unprecedented situation. Without having a clear and forward‐looking understanding regarding the purpose and reasons for dispatching, some dispatched PHNs had concerns and frustrations; they did not view the COVID‐19 pandemic as a disaster. In the never‐ending, exhausting work, PHNs managed to modify the provision of conventional services to residents.ConclusionsDespite experiencing confusion, PHNs worked to continuously provide community services, re‐considering the meaning of public health nursing. Prioritizing the work and shifting tasks to other professionals at an early stage of the pandemic may prevent organizational dysfunction.
Risk of large for gestational age births at early, full and late term in relation to pre‐pregnancy body mass index: Mediation by gestational diabetes status
Authors: Kondracki Anthony J. , Valente Matthew J. , Ibrahimou Boubakari , Bursac Zoran 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundMaternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is strongly associated with infant birthweight and the risk differs in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes (GDM).ObjectivesTo examine the risk of large for gestational age (LGA) (≥97th percentile) singleton births at early term, full term and late term in relation to maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI status mediated through GDM.MethodsWe analysed data from the 2018 U.S. National Vital Statistics Natality File restricted to singleton term births (N = 3,229,783). In counterfactual models for causal inference, we estimated the total effect (TE), natural direct effect (NDE) and natural indirect effect (NIE) for the association of pre‐pregnancy BMI with subcategories of LGA births at early, full and late term mediated through GDM, using log‐binomial regression and adjusting for race/ethnicity, age, education, parity and infant sex. Proportion mediated was calculated on the risk difference scale and potential unmeasured confounders were assessed using the E‐value.ResultsOverall, 6.4% of women had GDM, and there were 3.6% LGA singleton term births. The highest prevalence of GDM was among pre‐gestational overweight/obesity that also had the highest rates of LGA births at term. The TE estimates for the risk of LGA births were the strongest across women with higher pre‐pregnancy BMI compared to women with normal pre‐pregnancy BMI. The NDE estimates were higher than the NIE estimates for overweight/obese BMI status. The proportion mediated, which answers the causal question to what extent the total effect of the association between pre‐pregnancy BMI and LGA births is accounted for through GDM, was the highest (up to 16%) for early term births.ConclusionsTerm singleton births make up the largest proportion in a cohort of newborns. While the percentage mediated through GDM was relatively small, health risks arising from pre‐pregnancy overweight, and obesity can be substantial to both mothers and their offspring.
Digitalization and Social Innovation in Rural Areas: A Case Study from Indonesia*
Authors: Fahmi Fikri Zul , Arifianto Anandhika 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis paper aims to identify how rural digitalization influences social innovation in the context of the Global South. Using qualitative research methods, we examine two cases of digitalization in rural areas in Indonesia, which represent differing types of digital technologies and economic activities. Our findings show that the use of digital technologies in livelihood strategies stimulates new social and institutional practices in rural areas. As digital technologies that are adopted differ in both cases, the complexity of adoption and the digital literacy and skills required also vary. Such a complexity generates challenges and hardships for the community, but at the same time, it provides room for expedited learning and urges them to fight the challenges collectively. This nurtures reflexivity between agents and stimulates the legitimation of new practices regarding the adoption of digital technologies and their ability to solve social problems. Cultural values clearly play an essential role in this process. Openness and courage to change facilitate agents to build legitimacy, whereas strong cultural values tend to maintain existing practices in a community.
A novel clinical method to measure skin staining reveals activation of skin damage pathways by cigarette smoke
Authors: Dalrymple Annette , McEwan Michael , Brandt Marianne , Bielfeldt Stephan , Bean Emma‐Jayne , Moga Alain , Coburn Steven , Hardie George 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term use of cigarettes can result in localised staining and aging of smokers’ skin. The use of tobacco heating products (THPs) and electronic cigarettes (ECs) has grown on a global scale; however, the long‐term effect of these products’ aerosols on consumers’ skin is unknown. This pilot clinical study aimed to determine whether THP or EC aerosol exposure results in skin staining or activation of biomarkers associated with oxidative stress.Materials and methodsEight areas were identified on the backs of 10 subjects. Two areas were used for air control, and two areas exposed to 32‐puffs of cigarette smoke (CS), THP or EC aerosols, which were delivered to the skin using a 3‐cm diameter exposure chamber and smoke engine. Skin colour was measured using a Chromameter. Squalene (SQ), SQ monohydroperoxide (SQOOH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in sebum samples by mass spectrometry and catalase colorimetry.ResultsCS exposure significantly increased skin staining, SQOOH and MDA levels and SQOOH/SQ ratio. THP and EC values were significantly lower than CS; EC values being comparable to air control. THP values were comparable to EC and air control at all endpoints, apart from skin staining. SQ and catalase levels did not change with exposure.ConclusionsCS stained skin and activated pathways known to be associated with skin damage. THPs and ECs produced significantly lower values, suggesting they could offer hygiene and cosmetic benefits for consumers who switch exclusively from smoking cigarettes. Further studies are required to assess longer‐term effects of ECs and THPs on skin function.
Evaluating apheresis platelets at reduced dose as a contingency measure for extreme shortages
Authors: Smethurst Peter A. , McAndrew Margaret , Proffitt Susan , Procter Simon , Davies Jane , New Helen V. , Stanworth Simon J. , Doughty Heidi , Cardigan Rebecca 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID19 pandemic highlights the need for contingency planning in the event of blood shortages. To increase platelet supply, we assessed the operational impact and effect on platelet quality of splitting units prior to storage.Study design and methodsUsing production figures, we modeled the impact on unit numbers, platelet counts, and volumes of splitting only apheresis double donations into three units (yielding ⅔ doses), or all standard dose units in half. To assess quality, eight pools of three ABO/Rh‐matched apheresis (Trima Accel) double donations in plasma were split to ⅔ and ½ volumes in both Terumo and Fresenius storage bags. These were irradiated and subject to maximal permitted periods of nonagitation (3 × 8 h) before comparing platelet quality markers (including pH, CD62P expression) to Day 9 of storage.ResultsSplitting all double donations into three predicted inventory expansion of 23% overall whereas halving all standard dose units clearly doubles stock. In our study, ⅔ and ½ doses contained 153 ± 15 × 109 (~138 ml) and 113 ± 11 × 109 (~102 ml) platelets respectively. Following storage, higher pH was observed in ⅔ than in ½ doses and in Terumo compared to Fresenius bags. The higher pH was reflected in better quality markers, including lower CD62P expression. Despite the differences, on Day 8 (of pH monitoring at expiry) all ⅔ doses and most ½ doses were ≥pH 6.4.ConclusionA strategy to split apheresis platelets in plasma to lower doses is feasible, maintains acceptable platelet quality, and should be considered by blood services in response to extreme shortages.
Progressive Damage Simulation of Thick Viscoelastic Laminate With Homogenization Technique
Authors: Noh Jae H. , Whitcomb John D. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
For a thick viscoelastic laminate, modeling of individual lamina and cracks is impractical because it requires huge computational expense. In our previous study, homogenization techniques for undamaged viscoelastic sublaminates were developed. We have also developed a technique for the progressive damage analysis of viscoelastic laminates with transverse matrix cracks. Homogenization at the lamina level was used to account for damage. The method is based on a numerical proof that the variation of the stress state of a viscoelastic laminate depends on the instantaneous crack density not on the time-history of cracking. Combining these two methods, we developed a very efficient multi-level homogenization technique for progressive damage analysis of a thick viscoelastic laminate with cracks. This method is very efficient and accurate.
Fuzzy Torque Distribution Control for a Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Won Jong-Seob , Langari Reza 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
A fuzzy torque distribution controller for energy management (and emission control) of a parallel-hybrid electric vehicle is proposed. The proposed controller is implemented in terms of a hierarchical architecture which incorporates the mode of operation of the vehicle as well as empirical knowledge of energy flow in each mode. Moreover, the rule set for each mode of operation of the vehicle is designed in view of an overall energy management strategy that ranges from maximal emphasis on battery charge sustenance to complete reliance on the electrical power source. The proposed control system is evaluated via computational simulations under the FTP75 urban drive cycle. Simulation results reveal that the proposed fuzzy torque distribution strategy is effective over the entire operating range of the vehicle in terms of performance, fuel economy as well as emissions.
Selection of Optimal Machining Parameters Using a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Krishnamurthy K. , Yan Lei 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Selection of optimal machining parameters is a difficult process due to the large number of variables and their complex interdependencies. In this study, a genetic algorithm-based method is presented to determine the optimal machining parameters for machining pockets using multi-pass end milling operations. The number of passes, axial and radial depths of cut, and feed rate are determined to minimize a cost function that is based on the cutting force. Results are presented for two different tool paths using a mechanistic model for predicting the cutting force.
Lateral Control of Automated Vehicles: On Degraded Mode Control Problems
Authors: Suryanarayanan Shashikanth , Tomizuka Masayoshi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Lane-keeping operation in automated vehicles used in the PATH* program, is performed with the help of two lateral error measuring sensors mounted on the front and rear bumpers of the vehicles. Prom a fault management perspective, it is natural to investigate the problem of lateral control with just one of these sensors. This paper documents the analysis, design and experimental testing of lateral controllers based on information from either one of these two sensors. In addition, this paper includes a discussion on the problem of lateral control with the help of information from just the rear sensor from a pedagogical perspective. This problem presents an application of control of a non-minimum phase system and leads to counterintuitive results.