cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Structured Development Techniques to Specify the User-System Interface

The Human Factors Engineering products from the systems requirements phase of system development were transformed into techniques consistent with structured software development techniques. These techniques supported definition of the mission functions with the context diagram, the task list was compatible with the event list, and high level functional flow diagrams are consistent with the structured data flow diagrams. In addition, the sequenced task analysis procedures used provided a structured diagraming methodology in state transition diagrams. This technique provided a method for defining MMI requirements in software engineering terminology.
Peace Research as an International Learning Process: A New Meta-Paradigm

If peace is to be defined as an antithesis to peacelessness and structural violence, it follows that peace research must be pluralistic in its value orientation and in its paradigms, since each human group has the right to define what peace means to it and to choose its specific way to fight against peacelessness. Therefore, peace research must not remain universalistic and global-oriented. It must rather start with the values, problems, and strategies on the local (grass-roots) level and try to relate them, pointing out their interdependence and complementarity. Various paradigms developed or yet to be found must be combined so as to enable peace research to play this catalytic role. The present study analyzes various paradigms, from the grass-roots conscientization paradigm to the preferential modeling paradigm on the global level. The paradigms must be selected and related to each other according to a metaparadigm: a guiding principle according to which peace research organizes its paradigms. This principle should emphasize the fact that peace research is collective research, transdisciplinary and transacademic, linking values, theories, and actions on the local, national, regional, and international levels.
Encoding Hydrogel Mechanics via Network Cross-Linking Structure

The effects of mechanical cues on cell behaviors in 3D remain difficult to characterize as the ability to tune hydrogel mechanics often requires changes in the polymer density, potentially altering the material’s biochemical and physical characteristics. Additionally, with most PEG diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels, forming materials with compressive moduli less than ∼10 kPa has been virtually impossible. Here, we present a new method of controlling the mechanical properties of PEGDA hydrogels independent of polymer chain density through the incorporation of additional vinyl group moieties that interfere with the cross-linking of the network. This modification can tune hydrogel mechanics in a concentration dependent manner from <1 to 17 kPa, a more physiologically relevant range than previously possible with PEG-based hydrogels, without altering the hydrogel’s degradation and permeability. Across this range of mechanical properties, endothelial cells (ECs) encapsulated within MMP-2/MMP-9 degradable hydrogels w...
Saturated proportional derivative control of a single-link flexible-joint manipulator

This paper considers the control of a single-link flexible-joint robot manipulator subject to actuator saturation. Alternative controllers are proposed and compared to one found in literature. In particular, a controller with proportional and derivative components is guaranteed to provide a total torque less than a chosen value, thereby disallowing actuator saturation. It is shown that an equilibrium point of the closed-loop system is asymptotically stable. Additionally, it is shown that the controllers are robust to modelling errors. Finally, this paper presents simulation results demonstrating the performance of the proposed control architecture.
204 ANEMIA CLINIC: IMPROVING ANEMIA MANAGEMENT FOR CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE INITIATION OF RENAL REPLACEMENT

The treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients just prior to requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) is suboptimal. In addition to early referral to a nephrologist for patients with CKD, early referral to a dedicated clinic such as the anemia clinic (AC) may improve anemia management prior to the initiation of RRT and overall survival of the patient while receiving RRT. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the achieved hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels for patients enrolled in the AC who subsequently progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and required RRT. Of 141 patients referred to the AC for anemia management, 38 patients progressed to ESRD during the initial 15 months the clinic was open. Of these 38 patients, only 15 had been seen in the AC 6 or more times (approximately once a month) while ongoing erythropoietin analog therapy. The average length of therapy was nearly 9 months (35.7 ± 13.9 weeks). These patients were prevalently African American (73%) females (80%). The average age was 57.2 ± 15.6 years old and the average CrCl at the time of enrollment into the AC was 12.4 ± 4.5 mL/min. Initial Hgb and Hct levels were 8.6 ± 3.1 g/dL and 25.9 ± 9.2%, respectively. During the period of anemia management while enrolled in the AC, the average Hgb and Hct levels increased to 10.9 ± 0.2 g/dL (p
The Need of Establishing a Third-party Participation Rule in Arbitration

The complexity of the social context results in the actual role of a third party in arbitration other than the parties of arbitration agreement. There are also different views on whether this third party participation rule should be established. The practice, the legal nature and the value orientation of arbitration have determined the necessity, rationality and inevitability of a third party participation rule in the arbitral activities. The third party participation rule in arbitration must be constituted from participation mode and time, the third partys right and limitation,etc.
Epidemiological Analysis and Monitoring System Evaluation of AFP Cases in Shijiazhuang City during 2005-2010

[Objective]To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of acute flaccid paralysis(AFP) and its monitoring results so as to guide the maintenance of the poliomyelitis free status in Shijiazhuang City. [Methods]All the monitoring data of AFP reported in Shijiazhuang from 2005 to 2010 were collected and analyzed by descriptive epidemiology. [Results]A total of 280 local AFP cases of children under 15 years old were reported in Shijiazhuang from 2005 to 2010 with annual average incidence of 2.60/ 100 000.No wild strain of poliovirus or poliomyelitis case were found.The monitoring system's sensitivity,timeliness and integrity of AFP surveillance system exceed the relevant requirements of Ministry of Health. [Conclusion]The Surveillance System of AFP in Shijiazhuang have met the requirements of WHO and Ministry of Health of China.The status of poliomyelitis free has been maintained.
Desertification of the peritoneum by thin-film evaporation during laparoscopy.

Objective To assess the effects of gas flow during insufflation on peritoneal fluid and peritoneal tissue regarding transient thermal behavior and thin-film evaporation. The effects of laparoscopic gas on peritoneal cell desiccation and peritoneal fluid thin-film evaporation were analyzed. Methods Measurment of tissue and peritoneal fluid and analysis of gas flow dynamics during laparoscopy. Results High-velocity gas interface conditions during laparoscopic gas insufflation result in peritoneal surface temperature and decreases up to 20 degrees C/second due to rapid thin-film evaporation of the peritoneal fluid. Evaporation of the thin film of peritoneal fluid extends quickly to the peritoneal cell membrane, causing peritoneal cell desiccation, internal cytoplasmic stress, and disruption of the cell membrane, resulting in loss of peritoneal surface continuity and integrity. Changing the gas conditions to 35 degrees C and 95% humidity maintains normal peritoneal fluid thin-film characteristics, cellular integrity, and prevents evaporative losses. Conclusions Cold, dry gas and the characteristics of the laparoscopic gas delivery apparatus cause local peritoneal damaging alterations by high-velocity gas flow with extremely dry gas, creating extreme arid surface conditions, rapid evaporative and hydrological changes, tissue desiccation, and peritoneal fluid alterations that contribute to the process of desertification and thin-film evaporation. Peritoneal desertification is preventable by preconditioning the gas to 35 degrees C and 95% humidity.
Improved myocardial protection with nifedipine and potassium-based cardioplegia.

Thirty dogs were studied acutely on cardiopulmonary bypass in four groups. Hearts in Groups IC (standard cardioplegia, n = 5) and 2C (n = 10) were subjected to periods of global ischemia of 1 and 2 hours, respectively. Both groups received 300 cc boluses of hypothermic (4° C), potassium-based cardioplegic solution infused via an 18 gauge needle proximal to the aortic cross-clamp, at every 30 minute interval of ischemia. Groups ICN (standard cardioplegia plus nifedipine, n = 5) and 2CN (n = 10) were treated similarly, except that nifedipine (5 μg/kg) was added to each 300 cc bolus of cardioplegic solution. The addition of nifedipine in Groups ICN and 2CN resulted in statistically significant reduction in myocardial water content (p
Consumers’ Perception of Corporate Sustainable Activities: An Analysis of the German and the Spanish Consumer

This study focuses on the consumer’s perceived corporate sustainable activities in a cross-national comparison, contrasting German (n = 486) and Spanish (n = 503) consumers. We find German respondents to perceive a higher corporate sustainable behavior and better provided sustainable communication, ascertaining the highest perception among males between 18 and 25 years in Germany. Among the Spanish respondents, males were identified to exhibit the highest perception, whereas age proved to be not an influencing factor. Demonstrating different perception levels between the analyzed countries, our results indicate a better corporate sustainability level in Germany. Findings aim to help especially multinational companies to improve their information system, segment their customer base and define their marketing strategy.
Disability, Sympathy, and Encounter in Wordsworth’s Lyrical Ballads (1798)

Stanback explores Wordsworth’s conception of disability in the context of this signature work, focusing on ‘Simon Lee’, ‘The Thorn’, and ‘The Idiot Boy’. Stanback traces through the poems a theoretical stance akin to contemporary approaches to disability as a source of potential enrichment for individual and community. The poems also intuitively advance what Tobin Siebers terms ‘disability aesthetics’, a system in which ‘disability does not express defect, degeneration, or deviancy’, but rather ‘acquires aesthetic value because it represents […] a critical resource for thinking about what a human being is.’ Although Simon Lee, Martha Ray, and Johnny Foy’s impairments vary in type and etiology, Wordsworth’s poems expose and critique the social and cultural practices that underpin their shared marginalisation. The poems assert the dignity and rich communicative capacity of the impaired, underscoring their human, aesthetic, and communal value.
Propranolol Versus Digoxin in the Neonate for Supraventricular Tachycardia (from the Pediatric Health Information System).

Conflicting data exist for the appropriate management of a neonate with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). We sought to assess postnatal prescribing trends for neonates with SVT and to evaluate if there were therapy-specific mortality and resource utilization benefits. Nationally distributed data from 44 pediatric hospitals in the 2004 to 2015 Pediatric Health Information System database were used to identify patients admitted at ≤2 days of age with structurally normal hearts and treated with an antiarrhythmic medication. Outcome variables were mortality, cost, and length of stay (LOS). Multivariable models and propensity score matching were used. There were 2,657 neonates identified with a median gestational age of 37 weeks (interquartile range 34 to 39). Digoxin and propranolol were most commonly prescribed; digoxin use steadily decreased to 23% of antiarrhythmic medication administrations over the study period, whereas propranolol increased to 77%. Multivariable comparisons revealed that the odds of mortality for neonates on propranolol were 0.32 times those on digoxin (95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.59; p
Incentive contract design for food retailers to reduce food deserts in the US

In the US, obesity affects over 37% of the adult population and over 16% of the child and adolescent population. Although not-for-profit agencies cannot directly control what a person eats, they can influence the supply side of the obesity epidemic by incentivizing food retailers to open stores in regions of the US where food deserts exist. An incentive contract design dependent upon performance and resulting health benefit is presented for food retailers to reduce food deserts in the US. A principal-agent framework is used to capture the competing interests and moral hazard from the contracting mechanism. Optimization models are developed to determine the most effective and equitable resource allocations from the initiative given a target reduction in obesity rate or a set budget, while determining the optimal subsidy these agencies should offer to food retailers to incentivize operation in certain counties. These subsidies are designed to create financially viable conditions for food retailers to offer high quality, healthy food alternatives. The impact of retailer location on obesity is based on estimates of marginal effect on obesity rate. Given an example initiative in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding counties, the overall county-wide obesity rate would decrease by 1.17% with a fixed budget of $400M. Sensitivity analysis on the reduction in obesity is performed for varying total budget amounts. This incentive contract design strategy is a positive step toward ensuring that the underserved US population has better access to healthy foods while helping solve the obesity epidemic.
Academic Performance of Texas Public Schools and Its Relationship with Students' Physical Fitness and Socioeconomic Status

This study investigated the relationship between public schools' academic performance in Texas and their students' physical fitness and socioeconomic status SES at school-district level. Spearman rank correlations showed that the correlation between body mass index fitness BMI HFZ and academic performance was stronger than cardiovascular fitness CV HFZ. SES was strongly associated with academic performance. Three-way ANOVA analyses revealed significant main effects of gender, SES, and BMI HFZ on Reading tests passing rate while only SES was significant for Math tests passing rate. Higher BMI fitness was associated with higher level of academic performance for school girls than boys except for those in low SES level. Geographically Weighted Regression GWR analyses identified important and spatially varied relationships between physical fitness variables, SES, and academic performance across Texas, suggesting the need for regional and locally-targeted policies to address place-specific critical factors for improving schools' academic performance.
Integrating Ethical Considerations in Multicultural Curriculum and Training: Expanding the Classroom to the Community

This chapter provides a review of the literature on multicultural curriculum development, including the ethics of intersection and culturally responsive practices. We argue that the integration of the fourth (multicultural) and fifth (social justice) forces in mental health must be the epicenter of our training paradigms. Despite our best efforts to ensure that training programs continue to evolve to solidify an academic environment that reflects the environmental and contextual changes in society, many programs are unable to mirror their educational efforts with the ever-evolving demographic changes. As we continue to situate our training programs and students in ways that reflect the needs of ethnocultural communities, our desire to separate the personal from the political will no longer be an acceptable approach to training. The continued challenges in bridging much needed gaps in these areas are further discussed in this chapter and specific training models are presented.
Deformation thermometry based on quartz c-axis fabrics and recrystallization microstructures: A review

Abstract For quartz-rich tectonites two types of deformation thermometer are currently commonly employed: 1) The quartz c -axis fabric opening-angle thermometer that provides an estimate of deformation temperatures when fabrics were ‘locked in’ during dislocation creep and dynamic recrystallization. 2) The quartz recrystallization thermometer that indicates a range of likely deformation temperatures based on observed microstructures and inferred mechanisms of dynamic recrystallization. A critically important caveat in applying both thermometers is the assumption that deformation temperature is the primary controlling factor in recrystallization mechanisms and fabric development. However, fabric opening-angles and recrystallization mechanisms are also sensitive to other variables such as strain rate and water weakening. In this paper the development of these thermometers is reviewed, and their potential sensitivities to competing factors such as temperature, strain rate, water weakening and (in the case of opening-angles) 3D strain type are discussed. Examples of the application of these potential thermometers to naturally deformed quartz-rich rocks are given, and case studies of correlations between deformation temperatures estimated by these thermometers and temperatures of synkinematic metamorphism determined by petrology-based thermobarometers are highlighted. In the review, attention is focused on problems associated with applying these thermometers to natural deformation, and examples of such problems are discussed.
Droplet array for screening acute behaviour response to chemicals in Caenorhabditis elegans

Caenorhabditis elegans is an excellent model organism for studying chemosensation as a significant part of its nervous system and genome are devoted to the detection of chemical cues. Studies of decision-making, learning, mating behaviour, and intraspecies communication require measuring the acute behavioural response to chemical stimulation. Such assays require precise and repeatable chemical delivery and are often arduous when performed manually. Microfluidic platforms have been developed for chemosensation studies in C. elegans. However, these platforms lack temporal resolution in chemical delivery necessary for screening acute behaviour and cannot selectively recover animals, a necessary feature for genetic screens. Here we present a droplet array for screening acute behavioural responses of C. elegans to chemical stimulation. Using droplets enables isolating the worms and controlling the chemical environment. The chamber design of the static array allows continuous monitoring of animal behaviour. By combining a gradient of confinement and flow restriction features, we demonstrate selective and sequential trapping of multiple droplets as well as their release on demand. These functions enable repeated capture of animals, monitoring of their behaviour upon chemical stimulation and subsequent release. To demonstrate the ability to screen multiple conditions, we measured worm thrashing activity in response to different concentrations of tetramisole. To illustrate the ability to capture acute behavioural responses, we monitored the behavioural response of male to pheromone stimulation. Due to the versatility of the chamber operation and its ultra-low volume uses of reagents, we envision this platform to be highly suited to combinatorial screening and drug discovery.
Sustainable transportation attitudes and health behavior change: evaluation of a brief stage-targeted video intervention

Promoting physical activity and sustainable transportation is essential in the face of rising health care costs, obesity rates, and other public health threats resulting from lack of physical activity. Targeted communications can encourage distinct population segments to adopt active and sustainable transportation modes. Our work is designed to promote the health, social, and environmental benefits of sustainable/active transportation (ST) using the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM), which has been successfully applied to a range of health, and more recently, sustainability behaviors. Earlier, measurement development confirmed both the structure of ST pros and cons and efficacy measures as well as the relationship between these constructs and ST stages of change, replicating results found for many other behaviors. The present paper discusses a brief pre-post video pilot intervention study designed for precontemplators and contemplators (N = 604) that was well received, effective in moving respondents towards increased readiness for ST behavior change, and improving some ST attitudes, significantly reducing the cons of ST. This research program shows that a brief stage-targeted behavior change video can increase readiness and reduce the cons for healthy transportation choices.
Civil Society Engagement with Communities: Tradition, Authority and Transitional Justice in Rural African Communities

This chapter discusses engagement between civil society and African communities in pursuit of transitional justice, focusing on the role of civil society in leading and supporting community-based processes. Civil society organisations and transitional justice practitioners have increasingly focused on community-based processes in recent years, both as complements and as alternatives to national processes. While national processes tend to garner more headlines, community initiatives may better reflect the agency of survivors and more effectively unravel the complexities of local power dynamics that lie at the root of conflict. The engagement of civil society organisations with communities is shaped by local culture and power dynamics. The impact of local power dynamics depends on the ability of civil society to engage constructively and thoughtfully with communities and their leadership. This chapter calls attention to two complementary dynamics that shape civil society engagement in rural African communities: the density of local authority structures, and the turn to ideas of ‘tradition’ and associated canons of practice. These features are illustrated through three case studies, including the Fambul Tok process in Sierra Leone, the work of the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative in Uganda and the Peace Building Network of Zimbabwe. Finally, the chapter draws out a few preliminary lessons for civil society leaders regarding the importance of ‘due diligence’ in choosing local authority interlocutors and the necessity of interrogating ideas of ‘tradition’ that may shape community-based transitional justice processes.
Visible-light and thermal driven double hydrophosphination of terminal alkynes using a commercially available iron compound

A commercially available iron compound, [CpFe(CO)2]2 (1) (Cp = η5-C5H5), is an efficient catalyst for the double hydrophosphination of terminal aryl alkynes with diphenylphosphine under visible light irradiation or thermal conditions with a reduction of reaction times of up to two orders of magnitude for some substrates over literature reports. The 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane products generated in these reactions are readily isolated in high yields.
Clinical Impact of Depression in Cirrhosis

Depression is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric illness. It is prevalent in most chronic medical conditions and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Depression is especially common in patients with cirrhosis. In this review, we discuss the prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis, clinical impact, and treatment of depression in cirrhosis. We describe various screening tests important for diagnosis, the interaction of depression with hepatic encephalopathy, and its significant impact on medication adherence, mortality, and caregiver burden. These findings highlight the importance of appropriate screening, diagnosis, and treatment of depression in patients with cirrhosis.
Equation of state of iron under core conditions of large rocky exoplanets

The recent discovery of thousands of planets outside our Solar System raises fundamental questions about the variety of planetary types and their corresponding interior structures and dynamics. To better understand these objects, there is a strong need to constrain material properties at the extreme pressures found within planetary interiors1,2. Here we used high-powered lasers at the National Ignition Facility to ramp compress iron over nanosecond timescales to 1.4 TPa (14 million atmospheres)—a pressure four times higher than for previous static compression data. A Lagrangian sound-speed analysis was used to determine pressure, density and sound speed along a continuous isentropic compression path. Our peak pressures are comparable to those predicted at the centre of a terrestrial-type exoplanet of three to four Earth masses 3 , representing the first absolute equation of state measurements for iron at such conditions. These results provide an experiment-based mass–radius relationship for a hypothetical pure iron planet that can be used to evaluate plausible compositional space for large, rocky exoplanets. Iron has been ramp compressed to the pressures it would experience in the core of a 3–4 Earth-mass terrestrial exoplanet, providing experimental constraints on the mass–radius relationship for a hypothetical pure iron planet.
Altenhilfe trifft auf smarte Technik

Fur die Integration von Assistenztechnologien in Pflege und Betreuung ist es wichtig, dass sich Systeme unauffallig in das Wohnumfeld einfugen und abhangig vom jeweiligen Unterstutzungsbedarf modular einsetzbar sind. Smarte Technik muss zuverlassig und gleichzeitig leicht bedienbar sein. Pflegebedurftige und Mitarbeitende sollten nur die Informationen erhalten, die sie fur die unmittelbare Nutzung benotigen. Ethische und rechtliche Aspekte sind eingehend zu berucksichtigen.
Emerging Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Application in Risk Management

There has been compelling signs of the great potential of building further synergy with academics, researchers, and industry practitioners from the areas of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) managing risk events. This paper provides an introduction to risk management and how M&S has permeated the risk management process. The trend has been to harness the advantages of M&S tools and techniques in terms of efficiency and effectiveness in managing risks. However, the more important contribution of M&s may be in how it provides a way for specialists in various disciplines or industries interact to manage risks that require multi-disciplinary approach. This becomes possible due to the capabilities of many M&S tools and techniques to be used to recognize the various objectives in risk management scenarios, as well as the need for multiple and noncommensurate performance parameters.
Role of the expert witness in sleep-related violence trials.

Argument that physicians called upon for expert testimony in court have an ethical duty to educate the jury by offering opinions based upon published, clinically based evidence and peer-reviewed medical literature. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Health Effects of Low-Level Radiation

What is radiation, and how dangerous is it? Radiation consists of subatomic particles that shoot through space at enormous speeds like 100,000 miles per second. They easily penetrate deep inside the human body where they can strike and damage biological cells, and thereby cause cancer or genetic defects in later generations.
Enabling the Federal Rules

This Article, written for a symposium concerning the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Shady Grove Orthopedic Associates v. Allstate Insurance Co., presents a hypothetical alternative concurring opinion in the case. Although agreeing with Shady Grove's ultimate result, this concurrence takes a different approach from that of the actual concurring opinion authored by Justice Stevens. Offering a more comprehensive historical background to develop a clarified analytical framework, this Article proposes a unifying approach consistent with the Court's prior decisions that would better serve the purposes underlying the Rules Enabling Act by examining Federal Rules for compliance with the Act at only one point in time: the time of the Rule's promulgation.
Forest Communities of the Midwestern United States

The deciduous forests of eastern North America have become excessively fragmented as a result of increased human activity during the past four centuries. Originally deciduous forest extended as an almost unbroken blanket across eastern North America from just north of the Great Lakes and the Gaspe Peninsula south to the gulf coast, including eastern Texas and all but the southern third of Florida (Braun 1950). The western boundary was indistinct, with a mixture of upland prairies and forests extending along rivers in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. These western woodlands became more open, with a dramatic decrease in canopy cover forming open-woodland communities and savannas, before giving way to prairie (Taft Chapter 2, this volume). The upland prairie patches extended eastward on drier sites throughout Illinois, Indiana and Ohio (Robertson et al., Chapter 3, this volume).
Integration of Biochemical and Mechanical Signals at the Nuclear Periphery: Impacts on Skin Development and Disease

During skin development and keratinocyte differentiation, the nucleus undergoes characteristic changes in shape, size, and transcriptional output. Many of these changes are regulated by the interface between the nuclear interior and the inner nuclear membrane, a region called the nuclear lamina. The nuclear lamina is composed of a meshwork of the nuclear lamins, which interact with integral inner nuclear membrane proteins, and the associated chromatin. Studies in the last decade have revealed a view of the nuclear lamina as a hub for biochemical and mechanical inputs. In this chapter, we will discuss how the structure and organization of the nucleus allows biochemical and mechanical signals to regulate gene expression, genome integrity, cell and tissue level mechanics, and disease in the context of skin homeostasis and regeneration.
Car pride and its behavioral implications: an exploration in Shanghai

Beyond their functional purpose, cars are often considered a status symbol. There may exist a certain level of pride associated with owning and using cars, particularly in regions where motorization is rapidly growing. However, there is little empirical evidence in terms of how car pride is related to different behavioral aspects, such as car ownership and use, especially in the context of developing countries. This paper presents an exploration of car pride and its association with car-related behavior. In this work, car pride is defined as the self-conscious emotion derived from the appraisal of owning and using cars as a positive self-representation. It pertains to both the symbolic and affective functions of the car. Using survey data (n = 1389) from Shanghai, China, we empirically measure car pride as a latent variable based on five Likert-scale statements and test the association of car pride with car use, vehicle preferences, and car ownership. Based on two structural equation models, we show that: (1) car pride is positively correlated with car use; (2) car pride correlates significantly with owning newer, more expensive, and luxury cars, and Shanghai’s more expensive local car licenses; (3) car owners in general have higher car pride than non-owners; and (4) car pride is largely independent of one’s socio-economic characteristics. Although the analysis focuses on Shanghai, the findings of the positive correlation between car pride and behavior are consistent with prior studies in developed countries. These findings highlight the importance of car pride regarding multiple behavioral aspects of car ownership and use and its potential impact on mobility management.
Retrogression-Reaging Behavior in Aluminum AA6013-T6 Sheet

The kinetics of retrogression in a high-strength aluminum AA6013-T6 (Al-Mg-Cu-Si) sheet are investigated to determine retrogression heat treatments that allow subsequent reaging to approximately peak-aged hardness and strength. The goal is to combine retrogression with simultaneous warm forming of AA6013-T6 sheet. This new approach is termed retrogression forming. Differential scanning calorimetry is used to measure the activation energy of retrogression in AA6013-T6, which was determined to be 160 ± 30 kJ/mol. Heat treating experiments determine the change in hardness during retrogression as a function of time for temperatures ranging from 230 to 250 °C. The concept of temperature-compensated time is used to predict retrogression times and temperatures that allow for the recovery of nearly peak-aged strength through a subsequent reaging treatment. Different reaging heat treatments are investigated for recovering the hardness lost during retrogression.
Trip Patterns and Revenue of Shared E-Scooters in Louisville, Kentucky

Data on shared e-scooters in Louisville, Kentucky are analyzed. The data includes check out times, trip duration, and trip distance. Patterns in usage are evaluated and suggest that e-scooters are probably not being used for commute trips, but potentially could be for short commutes. Daily weather data is linked to daily count data to analyze how average temperature, wind speed, precipitation and snow affects usage. Higher average temperatures are not associated with more trips but do lead to longer and faster trips. Rain and snow reduce usage while higher winds slightly reduce trip distances. An estimate of current revenue from the existing system is about $500/day.
Proficiency Based Planner for Safe Path Planning and Applications in Surgical Training

Instrument navigation is a fundamental task in laparoscopic surgical training. To assist a trainee in this task, suggested path needs to be collision free and should maintain sufficient distance, or clearance from the obstacle so that the possibility of collision is minimized. Clearance highly depends on the ability of a trainee to perform the task. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm for suggesting a path for a navigation task, that considers Proficiency Level of the trainee and provides a path according to how well a trainee can perform. The suggested approach is based on Probabilistic Roadmap Planners (PRM) and focuses on certain configuration spaces where most planners may fail to find a path while guaranteeing path’s clearance. The new method provides a way to compensate for clearance constraints in regions wherever such compensation is necessary. Finally, the simulation in a surgical trainer demonstrates the effectiveness of the method.
Operando Characterization of Iron Phthalocyanine Deactivation during Oxygen Reduction Reaction Using Electrochemical Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Electrochemical tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EC-TERS) has been implemented to investigate the structure and activity of iron(II) phthalocyanine (FePc)—a model catalyst for the oxygen reduction ...
Effects of Occupational Exposure to Chemicals on Neurobehavioral Functioning

Approximately 50,000 chemicals and 2 million mixtures are currently in use in the United States and more than 1,000 additional chemicals are developed each year (EPA, 1976). Large populations are unwittingly exposed to these agents when they either utilize commerical solvents or the agents are inadvertently released into the environment. Workers involved in chemical production or use frequently are exposed to much higher concentrations than those found in the environment (Landrigan, Kreiss, Xinteras, Feldman, and Heath, 1980). It is estimated that as many as 20 million workers are exposed to chemicals that have the potential to affect the nervous system (Tilson and Mitchell, 1984).
Two-Photon Interactions in Cavity QED

Non-linear Jaynes-Cummings models, in particular two-photon interactions between one or two modes of the electromagnetic field and few-level atoms or molecules, are of great interest to the understanding of quantum electrodynamics, with many applications in spectroscopy and problems of biology. Experimentally, theories of quantum electrodynamics can be tested by allowing single atoms of a beam to be present in a high-Q cavity, and allowing interaction with radiation in the cavity. We present here a formalism by deriving a two-photon interaction Hamiltonian exactly without approximations and apply the formalism to study several two-photon processes in high-Q cavities.
Continuous Technological Improvement Using Systems Engineering Principles to Achieve Sustainability: An Investigation Into Related Literature

The design of a continuous plan would benefit society, as seen in systems engineering. To understand complex systems and to uphold the principles of stability, systems engineering has shown that it is a discipline of great importance. The principle of continuous technological improvement has augmented this idea, as the quality improvement of the design to meet inherent objectives would be the focus. This study aims to present the necessity of continuous technological improvement through systems engineering principles for socioeconomic and community-oriented growth. Thus, the context that would tackle global concerns and facilitate humanity's growth toward knowledge would be the application of technology. The context at hand, the design of systems thinking, and the overall approach taken to promote deeper perspectives has been illustrated in various literature. Healthcare, chemical production and organizational development are various fields of distinction that have shown evidence from the investigation into related literature. To streamline quality, as well as to maintain high quantities of production, all employed systems engineering have focused on technological improvements. In the field of industrial engineering, for a stable industry in which the system operates, this line of thinking is crucial.
Higher Comorbidities and Early Death is Characteristic of Hospitalized African-American Patients with COVID-19

ABSTRACT Background African-Americans/Blacks have suffered higher morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 than all other racial groups. This study aims to identify the causes of this health disparity, determine prognostic indicators, and assess efficacy of treatment interventions. Method We performed a retrospective cohort study of clinical features and laboratory data of COVID-19 patients admitted over a five-week period at the height of the pandemic in the United States. This study was performed at an urban academic medical center in New York City, declared a COVID-only facility, serving a majority Black population Result Of the 1,070 consecutive patients who tested positive for COVID-19, 496 critically ill patients were hospitalized and included in the study. 88% of patients were Black; and a majority (53%) were 61-80 years old with a mean body mass index in the “obese” range. 97% had one or more comorbidities. Hypertension was the most common (84%) pre-existing condition followed by diabetes mellitus (57%) and chronic kidney disease (24%). Patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease who received hemodialysis were found to have significantly lower mortality, then those who did not receive it, suggesting benefit from hemodialysis (11%, OR, 0.35, CI, 0.17 - 0.69 P=0.001). Age >60 years and coronary artery disease were independent predictors of mortality in multivariate analysis. Cox Proportional Hazards modeling for time to death demonstrated a significantly high ratio for COPD/Asthma, and favorable effects on outcomes for pre-admission ACE inhibitors and ARBs. CRP (180, 283 mg/L), LDH (551, 638 U/L), glucose (182, 163 mg/dL), procalcitonin (1.03, 1.68 ng/mL), and neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio (8.5, 10.0) were predictive of mortality on admission and at 48-96 hrs. Of the 496 inpatients, 48% died, one third of patients died within the first three days of admission. 54/488 patients received invasive mechanical ventilation, of which 87% died and of the remaining patients, 32% died. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 patients in our predominantly Black neighborhood had higher mortality, likely due to higher prevalence of comorbidities. Early dialysis and pre-admission intake of ACE inhibitors/ARBs improved patient outcomes. Early escalation of care based on comorbidities and key laboratory indicators is critical for improving outcomes in African-American patients.
Effects of Physical Activity on Children's Motor Skill Development: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective This systematic review synthesized current randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining casual evidence regarding the effects of traditional and exergaming-based physical activity (PA) interventions on motor skill development in typically developed children (i.e., those aged 6-12 years). Methods We adhered to the PRISMA-P statement and searched electronic databases (Medline, PsycInfo, Web of Science, PubMed, ERIC, Scopus, and SportDiscus) from inception through July 2020. We screened for peer reviewed RCTs published in English between 2000 and 2020 examining the effect of PA on motor skill development in healthy children. Results A total of 25 RCTs were included, 20 (80%) of which reported significant improvements in children's motor skill performance. Specifically, 18 studies examined traditional PA interventions and 7 studies examined exergaming-based PA interventions, 83% and 71% of which observed statistically significant improvements in children's motor skill development, respectively. Conclusions Findings support the causal evidence regarding the effects of PA on motor skill development in children. Notable limitations of this review included heterogeneity of measurement protocols and assessment tools used to test children's motor skills across studies, a wide range of PA intervention dose across studies, and the lack of power analyses and long-term follow-up assessments in individual studies to discern appropriate sample sizes and long-term effectiveness, respectively. To further strengthen the evidence in this emerging field, we advocate for future RCTs to employ a priori power analyses, long-term follow-up measurements, and more exergaming-based interventions to allow for comparisons with traditional PA interventions, to explore the dose response and moderating relationships between PA and motor skill development in childhood, and to utilize homogenous assessment instruments to allow for more rigorous, quantitative syntheses.
The Forest of Unintended Consequences: Anthropogenic Actions Trigger the Rise and Fall of Black Cherry

The twentieth century confluence of clear-cutting, deer overabundance, and rising nitrogen deposition favored dominance by the shadeintolerant, unpalatable, and nitrogen-demanding black cherry (Prunus serotina) throughout the Allegheny Plateau of the eastern United States. The abundance of this species conferred unique and valuable ecological and economic benefits that shaped regional biodiversity and societies. Sustaining these values is increasingly difficult because black cherry, seemingly inexplicably, has experienced diminished establishment, growth, and survival in the twenty-first century. In the present article, we chronicle the change and assess underlying drivers through a literature review and new analyses. We found negative plant–soil microbial feedback loops and lowered nitrogen deposition are biologically, temporally, and geographically consistent with observed declines. The evidence suggests that black cherry dynamics are the unintended consequence of actions and policies ostensibly unconnected to forests. We suggest that these shifts are a bellwether of impending changes to forests, economies, and ownership patterns regionally and beyond.
3300-V SiC MOSFET Short-Circuit Reliability and Protection

This paper investigates the short-circuit (SC) capability of the 3.3-kV 5-A silicon carbide (SiC) metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) from GeneSiC (Generation-1, engineering sample). The SC withstand time (SCWT) of the tested 3.3-kV device could not reach the benchmark of 10-μs at a 2.2-kV bus voltage and 18-V gate voltage. A three-step ultra-fast SC protection method is introduced and validated. It can detect a SC fault and reduce the saturation current within 80 ns, then softly turn off the device within 2 μs. Using this protection method, the SC energy can be reduced by around 32%. Additionally, a noise immunity test showed this protection would not be falsely triggered at the device’s rated current. Medium-voltage (MV) SiC MOSFET based power conversion systems could utilize this method to enhance their SC capabilities without incurring efficiency losses.
Novel therapeutic targets for steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the Western hemisphere and is growing as an indication for liver transplantation. There are currently no approved therapies for NAFLD, especially its aggressive phenotype non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, there has been an explosion of information related to NASH that provides detailed data on the molecular pathogenesis of NASH and its progression to cirrhosis. The current review summarizes the pathophysiological rationale for the selection of specific targets for the treatment of NASH and provides an overview of the current strategies being used for the treatment of NASH and the pathophysiological rationale for the use of these strategies. Specifically, those targets that are being studied in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are also mentioned.
Mechanical Deboning of Poultry and Fish

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that the process of mechanical deboning of fish and poultry meat has received increasing attention during the past 30 years. Mechanical deboning of fish began in Japan in the late 1940s. Mechanical deboning basically involves grinding the meat and bone together and forcing the meat through a fine screen or slotted surface of a mechanical deboner. The shearing action of the mechanical deboning process causes considerable cellular disruption. The mechanical deboning of poultry or fish affects the proximate composition. The mechanical separation process, as with hand separation techniques, may leave small amounts of powdered bone. If mechanically deboned poultry and fish are to replace hand-deboned sources in various products, the protein quality must be maintained. During the mechanical deboning process, lipid components from the bone marrow are incorporated into the mechanically separated product. Consumer groups have expressed concern over the possible inclusion of bone fragments in mechanically deboned poultry meat. The mechanical deboning process releases substantial quantities of hemoglobin from the bone marrow, which is subsequently extruded with the mechanically deboned poultry. The mechanical deboning process has been found to affect storage stability. Color abnormalities (brown, green, and gray) are known to be a problem in mechanically deboned poultry and fish. Processing conditions during deboning and modifications thereafter influence the textural characteristics of mechanically deboned fish and poultry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the production of mechanically deboned poultry meat, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates fish and fishery products.
Keeping additivity of the null ideal small

We shall snow that various statements are consistent with additivity of the null ideal equal to RI; for example, "all branchless trees of size NI are special", (S) conjecture and "there are only five cofinal types of directed posets of size Nl".