Greater Strain Research Articles

Stress in healthcare workers in Hospitals and Emergency Care Units in Sergipe public health service during COVID-19 pandemic time

The objective of this work was to assess the stress in healthcare workers (HCW) and its correlation with perception of stressors in their work environments - hospitals and emergency care units in the public health system in the state of Sergipe, Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a cross-sectional study carried out by non-probabilistic sampling with 58 HCW, using specific questionnaires and a validated scale (Job Stress Scale) about sociodemographic issues, job stress and COVID-19. Using the demand-control-support assessment model, the work performed was classified as passive, active, low strain and high strain, according work's demand and the range of decision-making freedom. Estimated correlations between each questionnaire were performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient through SPSS software, and descriptive statistics, through Excel. Most of the participants were shown to be under high psychological demand (93.10%) and found themselves with high control (89.66%). Some factors affected the HCW’s perception of social support in the workplace, these were their team’s knowledge about COVID-19, the availability of personal protective equipment, and their physical comfort while using it. HCW were involved in active work; although they were not in the worst scenario in relation to psychological stress, they were still under great psychological strain, which reinforces the need to adopt effective measures to reduce it.

The Psychosocial Impact of Compounding Humanitarian Crises Caused by War and COVID-19 Informing Future Disaster Response.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused the greatest global loss of life and economic impact due to a respiratory virus since the 1918 influenza pandemic. While health care systems around the world faced the enormous challenges of managing COVID-19 patients, health care workers in the Republic of Armenia were further tasked with caring for the surge of casualties from a concurrent, large-scale war. These compounding events put a much greater strain on the health care system, creating a complex humanitarian crisis that resulted in significant psychosocial consequences for health care workers in Armenia.

Self Awareness as a Predictor of Adolescent Behavior among Nursing Students: A School Based Study

Adolescence is “a period of great strain and stress, storm and strife’. Every individual wants to live a healthy and peaceful life. Each one must be aware of one’s strength, weakness, feelings, perceptions, thoughts, behaviours, initiation, motivations and actions particularly at specific life events. Self-awareness directs to perform any work in effective manner. Adolescents are expected to have highest level of self-awareness as it is the most important turning point in one’s life Objectives: 1) To assess the level of self-awareness among the adolescents. 2) To evaluate the social behaviour of the adolescents. 3) To find out the relationship between self-awareness on the social behaviour of the adolescents.
 Research Design: Correlation study.
 Population: Adolescents in the age group of 13-17 years both males and females Sample Size: 909.
 MaterialS: Modified self-awareness Scale and Researcher developed Adolescent social behavior scale.
 Results: Self-awareness has positive non-significant (r=0.004, p=0.91) relationship with the social behavior among adolescents.
 Conclusion: The study findings reveal that as the self awareness improves there are chances of improving the social behavior of adolescents. There are many factors contributing to social behavior such as education, socio-economic status, parental education and their occupation, friends and facilities provided for growth, motivation of adolescents and the surrounding environment and most importantly the provisions for facilitating the interactions between these factors.

Parametric Studies of the Load Transfer Platform Reinforcement Interaction with Columns.

When designing embankments on a soft ground improved with columns (rigid inclusions) and with a geosynthetically reinforced load transfer platform (LTP), the methods of determining strains in reinforcement reduce the spatial problem to a two-dimensional one, and analytical calculations are carried out for reinforcement strips in the directions along and across the embankment. In addition, the two-dimensional FEM models do not allow for a complete analysis of the behavior of the reinforcement material. The aim of this research was to analyze the work of the membrane in the 3D space modeling of the LTP reinforcement, depending on the interaction with the column, the shape of the column’s cap, the value of the Poisson’s ratio, the value of the stiffness of the elastic foundation (subgrade reaction k) modeling of the soft soil resistance between the columns and the load distribution over membranes that model the reinforcement. The membranes were modeled in the framework of the theory of large deformations using the finite element method and slender shell elements as three-dimensional objects. This modeling method allowed for the analysis of the behavior of the LTP reinforcement in various directions. The conducted analyses showed, among others, that in the absence of soil resistance between the columns, regardless of the shape of the cap (square, circle), the greatest strains are located near the edge of the cap in the diagonal direction between the columns.

Numerical modelling of geotextile tubes filled with gold mine tailings

Geotextile tubes are generally used in hydraulic and marine applications such as coastal protection and flood control. They are also used to dewater sludge from sewage treatment plants and dredged materials. Studies have been carried out to derive analytical solutions and develop empirical models as well as numerical simulations to represent the behaviour of geotextile tubes in such applications. However, there has been insufficient attention on dewatering of mining tailings. This article presents the numerical results of modelling a geotextile tube using Abaqus, a commercially available finite element software package. The mechanical behaviour of the tube was simulated while it was being filled with gold mining tailings. Back analyses of a large-scale field test as well as parametric analyses were performed to evaluate the influence of filling pressure, elastic modulus and finite element type on the stress–strain behaviour of the geotextile tube. In terms of validation, the numerical results agreed well with the analytical results and field test observations. A smaller elastic modulus causes greater strain. Comparing the results obtained using different types of finite elements, it was observed that the membrane element used to simulate the geotextile tube represented its mechanical behaviour well.

Is physical fitness related with in-game physical performance? A case study through local positioning system in professional basketball players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and external load determined by local positioning system (LPS) in a simulated basketball game. Fourteen professional male basketball players performed a lane agility drill, 20-m maximal sprint speed, countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump, and repeated sprint tests. Player movements during games (two games of 4 × 7 min) were measured using a portable WIMUPRO LPS and six ultra-wideband antennas. Distance covered, and distance covered in different speed zones, accelerations, and decelerations were recorded. The results obtained showed significant relationship between (a) distance at high decelerations (>−2.0 m s−2) and 20-m maximal sprint speed ( r = 0.669, p = 0.049); (b) 20-m maximal sprint speed and maximal speed in simulated games ( r = 0.576, p = 0.031); (c) CMJ height and sprint distance (>24.1 km h−1) covered in simulated games ( r = 0.772, p = 0.001); and (d) high decelerations and 20-m maximal sprint speed ( r = 0.669, p = 0.049) and best time in the RSA test ( r = −0.731, p = 0.039). Coaches and strength and conditioning coaches must adjust their training to optimize speed and jumping ability, as they are reflected in physical performance in-game. Players who reach higher speeds (i.e. RSAbest and 20-m sprint time) and CMJ height in field tests may be affected by greater deceleration load in specific training and competition (eccentric contraction). Since hamstring muscles suffer great strain during deceleration, they are more prone to injury, thus these players may require a specific training program to decrease performance losses and risk of injury.

Responsive and agile vaccination strategies against COVID-19 in India

Responsive and agile vaccination strategies against COVID-19 in India

SARS-CoV-2 and Cytomegalovirus Co-Infections-A Case Series of Critically Ill Patients.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has placed great strain on the most developed of health care systems, especially in the context of critical care. Although co-infections with cytomegalovirus (CMV) are frequent in the critically ill due to underlying immune suppression of multiple causes, the impact on COVID-19 patients remains unclear. Furthermore, severe COVID-19 has recently been associated with significant immune suppression, and this may in turn impact CMV reactivation, possibly contributing to clinical course. Nevertheless, multiple confounding factors in these patients will certainly challenge upcoming research. The authors present a case series of five patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the context of respiratory failure due to severe COVID-19. All patients evolved with CMV reactivation during ICU stay.

P-88: Supporting Intestinal Families in the Virtual World During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic has placed many of our services under greater strain, raising challenges to maintain monitoring protocol and continuity of care for children and families. Social distancing measures were introduced in the UK in March 2020. Virtual clinics were identified as a potential way forward to ensure patient management was at the forefront of our care. Aim: To describe our experience of supporting children and families following intestinal transplant during a global pandemic. Method All calls and emails reviewed from Nurse Led telephone advice service (March 2020 – January 2021) and key concerns identified. Discuss the need for face to face (F2F) appointments and admissions if circumstances require. Virtual clinic platforms like Accurx, Zoom and Microsoft teams were used. Results: Increased telephone calls to our nurse led telephone advice service for reassurance and families’ desire for information on shielding and safety within hospital environments. Providing information leaflets on accessing different platforms for virtual clinics has been essential to increase engagement to new systems. Initial feedback from the families was that virtual clinics/information sessions can feel overwhelming and distant. Reassuring patients and families has been essential for the MDT to acknowledge this while helping them develop new strategies to cope with the changes and challenges faced.Signposting families to support networks to manage their anxiety through practical support and providing up to date information. Enabling families to sign consent forms for transplant in collaboration with local teams. Discussion: Children and families were reassured that virtual clinics provide the same opportunities to discuss their child’s/young person’s clinical needs as well as emotional support. Involvement of MDT team members e.g. Clinical Psychologist, Dietitian in virtual clinic platforms restored confidence in families about our holistic delivery of care. Virtual clinics helped in reducing social and welfare issues for many families. Conclusion: New virtual technology has been embraced by families and many are keen to continue with a combination of virtual and F2F appointments in the future. Virtual clinics and information sessions can offer greater access and convenience to patients and their families, many of whom travel great distances to attend hospital appointments.

Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Among Medical Students and House Staff During the COVID-19 Health-Care Crisis.

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among medical trainees during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of the prevalence of depression and anxiety among medical students, residents, and fellows at a medical university hospital in New York using self-reported PHQ-9 and GAD-7 screening tools administered via an anonymized survey. The study was conducted in April 2020.ResultsThe authors received 438 responses (33.4% response rate). Nearly half (44.5%) were medical students and female (56.6%). The prevalence of positive screen for depression (45.3%) and anxiety (48.1%) was high. Many reported moderate to severe depression (17.2%) and anxiety (20.3%). Over half (57.3%) experienced significant mood changes and inability to concentrate, and 14.6% had reconsidered their choice of profession since the start of the pandemic. Those who had reconsidered their profession had higher PHQ-9 [8.1 (6.4) vs 4.4 (4.3), p < 0.0001] and GAD-7 scores [8.3 (6.1) vs 4.7 (4.6), p < 0.0001], indicating adverse mental health partly contributed to their reconsideration of choice of profession. Women were more likely to screen positive for anxiety (OR: 1.68) and medical students more likely to screen positive for anxiety (OR: 2.55) and depression (OR: 2.74).ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has placed great strain on health-care resources, including the mental health of medical trainees.

Rates and predictors of uptake of mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of 26,720 adults in the UK in lockdown

PurposeThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put a great strain on people’s mental health. A growing number of studies have shown worsening mental health measures globally during the pandemic. However, there is a lack of empirical study on how people support their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine a number of formal and informal mental health support. Further, it explored factors that might be associated with the use of different types mental health support.MethodsData from 26,720 adults in the UCL COVID-19 Social Study were analysed between 13th April 2020 and 3rd July 2020. Data were analysed using logistic and Poisson regression models.ResultsAbout 45% of people reported talking to friends or family members to support their mental health, 43% engaging in self-care activities, 20% taking medication, 9% speaking to mental health professionals, 8% talking to a GP or other health professional, and another 8% using helpline or online services. Gender, education, living status, loneliness, pre-existing mental health conditions, general depression and anxiety, coping and personality were found to be associated with the use of mental health support.ConclusionWhile the negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are inevitable, people can play an active role in managing their mental health. Understanding the patterns and predictors of various kinds of mental health support during the pandemic is crucial for future service planning and delivery through recognising potential barriers to mental health care faced by certain groups.

A REVIEW ON HEALTH ISSUES AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS: AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

Adolescence is a vital stage for both boys and girls, but it is more important for girls due to menstrual complications. So, they need special care and considerations. Adolescence is a time for growth spurts and puberty changes. Therefore, adolescence is a stage which will breed great stress and strain among parents. According to Ayurveda these changes develop during this period is known as rajo darshana or menarche, which is the product of Rasa, flows out of the body in every month, after the age of twelve years and slowly reduces by the age of fifty years. Sexual and other physical maturation that happens during puberty occurs mainly due to hormonal changes. So, this article is an effort to throw light on the role of health issues and their Ayurvedic management among adolescent girls.

Spanish ’Flu in Scotland: A Lanarkshire Case Study

The purpose of this article is to explore the impact that the 1918 influenza pandemic (otherwise known as the ‘Spanish ‘Flu’) had on the Scottish county of Lanarkshire. Despite being one of the most devastating events in modern history, to date little is known about the experience of the disease in Scotland. Structured in two parts, part one of this article will examine the human impact of the Spanish ’Flu within Lanarkshire, while part two focuses on the official responses to the pandemic from both the medical profession and local civic government. In doing so, this article will demonstrate that the Spanish ’Flu generated a high level of mortality amongst the population of Lanarkshire, placed great strain on medical services, and exposed tensions between local and central government at a time of increasing state intervention.

Public Health Strengths During the COVID-19 Response.

Public Health Strengths During the COVID-19 Response.

Viscoplastic constitutive modeling of boron steel under large strain conditions and its application in hot semi-cutting

Abstract To overcome the long process time of laser cutting and the high costs for repairing cold blanking tools of ultra-high strength hot stamping components, the hot semi-cutting process was proposed. The reliable testing and parameter identification method of the constitutive behavior under large strain conditions are essential for an accurate simulation of hot stamping and hot semi-cutting process. In the present work, a new testing and parameter identification method for the viscoplastic constitutive behavior of boron steel is proposed based on the Gleeble system, which includes a new grip design, shear specimen selection, and its relevant high-temperature and high-speed digital image correlation (DIC) technology. To obtain the stress-strain curves under large deformation, the FEM-based optimization method is also proposed to identify the hardening parameters. To cover a greater strain range, a new viscoplastic hardening model is proposed based on the dislocation density evolution under elevated temperature deformation conditions. The reliability of the proposed testing method and hardening model is verified by the analysis of uniformity of temperature and strain rate, and the comparison of predicted stress-strain curves with parameters identified from shear and tensile testing. The thermomechanical tension of the center-hole and notched specimen, and the hot semi-cutting process are carried out to verify the proposed testing method and hardening model. The results show that the shear specimen has a more uniform temperature and strain rate distribution in the deformation zone than the tensile specimen. Shear specimens can be used to test the hardening behavior under various process conditions until failure at the large strain. The insensitivity to phase transformations of shear testing is another advantage for identifying the constitutive behavior of the product phase formed during continuous cooling. The constitutive behavior of the boron steel under a large strain range can be accurately identified by using the FEM-based optimization method proposed in this paper. Besides, the mechanical response of the center-hole specimen, notched specimen, and the hot semi-cutting deformation predicted by the proposed hardening model shows accurate results.

Macroscopic Ultralight Aerogel Monoliths of Imine‐based Covalent Organic Frameworks

AbstractThe use of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in practical applications demands shaping them into macroscopic objects, which remains challenging. Herein, we report a simple three‐step method to produce COF aerogels, based on sol‐gel transition, solvent‐exchange, and supercritical CO2 drying, in which 2D imine‐based COF sheets link together to form hierarchical porous structures. The resultant COF aerogel monoliths have extremely low densities (ca. 0.02 g cm−3), high porosity (total porosity values of ca. 99 %), and mechanically behave as elastic materials under a moderate strain (&lt;25–35 %) but become plastic under greater strain. Moreover, these COF aerogels maintain the micro‐ and meso‐porosity of their constituent COFs, and show excellent absorption capacity (e.g. toluene uptake: 32 g g−1), with high removal efficiency (ca. 99 %). The same three‐step method can be used to create functional composites of these COF aerogels with nanomaterials.

Macroscopic Ultralight Aerogel Monoliths of Imine-based Covalent Organic Frameworks.

The use of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in practical applications demands shaping them into macroscopic objects, which remains challenging. Herein, we report a simple three-step method to produce COF aerogels, based on sol-gel transition, solvent-exchange, and supercritical CO2 drying, in which 2D imine-based COF sheets link together to form hierarchical porous structures. The resultant COF aerogel monoliths have extremely low densities (ca. 0.02 g cm-3 ), high porosity (total porosity values of ca. 99 %), and mechanically behave as elastic materials under a moderate strain (<25-35 %) but become plastic under greater strain. Moreover, these COF aerogels maintain the micro- and meso-porosity of their constituent COFs, and show excellent absorption capacity (e.g. toluene uptake: 32 g g-1 ), with high removal efficiency (ca. 99 %). The same three-step method can be used to create functional composites of these COF aerogels with nanomaterials.

RESEARCH OF THE INFLUENCE OF LASER BEAM PARAMETERS ON THE NEOPRENE LASER ENGRAVEMENT AND LASER CUT

The report considers the possibility of using laser technology for neoprene engraving and cutting. This modern material is a type of synthetic rubber with great strain resistance, general durability and excellent temperature insulation properties. This study uses a CO2 laser system SUNTOP ST-CC 9060 with a wavelength of 10640 nm with a goal to achieve the best engraving and cutting quality of the material and Zwick / Roell machine for testing the samples. As a result of experimental studies, power density and processing speed parameters were optimized for high – quality engraving and cutting of the neoprene.

Effect of Carbon Content on Deformation Behavior and Partitioning of Manganese in Medium-Mn Steels

The effects of carbon contents on the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of medium Mn steels, 6Mn steels with 0.06C, 0.15C, and 0.3C, were investigated in this study. With the increase of the carbon content, not only the ultimate tensile stress, but also the total elongation, was increased (from 22.44% to 40.23%). The enhancement of carbon content promoted the diffusion of C and Mn atoms from ferrite to austenite and led to an increase of C and Mn concentrations in austenite, which increased both the volume fraction (from 15.5 vol% to 39.7 vol%) and the stability of austenite; therefore, the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect was intensified and larger amount of austenite transform in a greater strain range, which could continuously provide work hardening for the steels, thus preventing necking and improving the ductility of the material.

Dam if You Do, Dam if You Don't: Politics and Floods in the Shadow of COVID-19 in Sudan.

Dam if You Do, Dam if You Don't: Politics and Floods in the Shadow of COVID-19 in Sudan.