Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Service Learning Collaborations: A Formula for Reciprocity

Service learning offers opportunities for both educational institutions and the community. To demonstrate the possibilities this pedagogy can offer, this article discusses a service learning experience partnering students with a hospice agency. Using mixed methodology, impact on students, patients, and staff are examined. Results indicate that students improved their attitudes toward the elderly, and death and dying; they also believed the experience caused personal and professional growth. Interviews with patients highlighted the importance of relationships and recognition, and staff identified benefits to students, patients, and the hospice agency. The conclusion is made that service learning is best perceived in a light of reciprocity and that this method of engagement offers opportunities for educators and practitioners. Finally, some tips are given for practitioners interested in developing such collaborations.
Invariant closure proposals for the interface tracking in two-phase turbulent flows

The present work focuses on the formulation of new modelling approaches to ensemble-averaged equations describing multiphase flows, based on the symmetries admitted by these equations. Particular attention will be given to the proper treatment of the unclosed terms in the equation for the interface tracking which represent the influence of unresolved part of the surface. Modelling of those terms is crucial in flows with heat and mass transfer. In the work, two approaches to track the interface will be considered: the level-set function and sharp-step indicator function method. The differences between the two approaches in terms of turbulence-interface interactions modelling will be outlined.
Anderson-Gruneisen parameter under high temperature in (Fe,Mn,Co,Mg)2SiO4

The Anderson–Grüneisen parameter (δ) is of considerable importance to Earth scientists because it sets limitations on the thermo-elastic properties of the lower mantle and core. However, there are several formulations on the Grüneisen parameter, which are in frequent use and predict varying dependence of d as a function of temperature. In this paper, the expressions for thermal expansion, thermal expansion coefficients and bulk modulus are obtained considering the anharmonic dependence on temperature and are applied to study these constants to (Fe,Mn,Co,Mg)2SiO4. Using the derived expressions, we have shown that different parameters on which the Anderson-Grüneisen parameter (δ) depends are temperature dependent, but above all the Anderson-Grüneisen parameter (δ) is independent of temperature. The results obtained have been found to be comparable to experimental data.
Effect of polysaccharides of the Euphoria longan (Lour.) Steud on inflammatory response induced by focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Abstract Stroke induces cerebral lesions through the combined action of multiple mechanisms, the inflammatory response on the damage of cerebral tissues after ischemia has become a focus. The Euphoria longan (Lour.) Steud is a fruit and traditional Chinese medicine, with the function of anti-inflammatory and immune regulation. In the present experiments, we investigate the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of polysaccharides of the E. longan (Lour.) Steud on inflammatory responses induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. Compared with model group, polysaccharides of the E. longan (Lour.) Steud could obviously reduce the neurological function score, the brain water content, the infract volume, the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, the tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) level. Polysaccharides of the E. longan (Lour.) Steud have a protective effect on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, which may be related to decreasing inflammatory response mediated by MPO, TNF-α and IL-1β in the brain.
T2‐weighted cardiac MR assessment of the myocardial area‐at‐risk and salvage area in acute reperfused myocardial infarction: Comparison of state‐of‐the‐art dark blood and bright blood T2‐weighted sequences

To compare different state‐of‐the‐art T2‐weighted (T2w) imaging sequences combined with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) for myocardial salvage area (MSA) assessment by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). T2w imaging has been used to assess the myocardial area at risk (AAR) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, but its clinical application is challenging due to technical and physical limitations.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Acute lung injury in children : from viral infection and mechanical ventilation to inflammation and apoptosis

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Community-based participatory research to improve preconception health among Northern Plains American Indian adolescent women.

BACKGROUND Sacred Beginnings is a community-based participatory research project that examines the effectiveness of a culturally appropriate preconception health educational intervention developed by tribal community members and elders. The primary goal is to increase knowledge of preconception health and its benefits among adolescent females and tribal communities. Preconception health is an area of considerable concern among American Indians (AIs) in the Northern Plains region, as there are high rates of birth, infant mortality, unintended pregnancy, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases in this area. We examined the effectiveness of implementing this intervention during a residential summer program for AI high school students. MATERIALS AND METHODS The educational intervention consisted of 15 preconception health education sessions and was piloted during a summer high school residential academic program. The intervention (N = 39) and non-intervention (N = 38) groups were comprised of incoming AI female freshmen representing comparable demographics. A pre- and post-intervention survey was administered to both groups. RESULTS Results indicated a significant difference in Time 2 (T2; post-intervention) scores, with the intervention group scoring higher than the non-intervention group in overall preconception health knowledge and obesity knowledge. In terms of intra-group score analysis between Time 1 (T1; pre-intervention) and T2, there were significant changes within the intervention group in knowledge of obesity and diabetes. Knowledge changes in smoking were approaching significance. Within the non-intervention group, there was a significant change from T1 to T2 in scores for diabetes knowledge only. DISCUSSION The key finding was that the intervention group had higher overall preconception health knowledge at T2 compared to the non-intervention group. Intervention participants demonstrated an understanding of how preconception behaviors may affect birth outcomes and maternal health. Another key finding was that, among participants in the intervention group, the change in knowledge regarding smoking beliefs between T1 and T2 were approaching significance. Because smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor for poor birth outcomes, this finding emphasizes that future curriculum modification should address the effects of smoking, and the benefits of smoking cessation, prior to or during pregnancy. Study limitations such as small sample size, high baseline health knowledge, the need to add traditional knowledge variables, and shortened implementation timeframe reveal key areas for improvement. Possible future intervention modifications include expanding on areas that reached or approached significance, implementing the intervention over a longer period of time, identifying ways to translate traditional knowledge into quantifiable survey measures, and implementing the intervention with high-risk, reservation-based populations of AI youth.
Analysis of the aerodynamic force in an eye-stabilized flapping flyer

Experimental methods and related theories to evaluate the lift force for a flyer are established, but one can traditionally acquire only the magnitude of that lift. We here proffer an analysis based on kinematic theory and experimental visualization of the flow to complete a treatment of the aerodynamic force affecting a hovering flyer that generates a lift force approximately equal to its weight, and remains nearly stationary in midair; the center and direction of the aerodynamic force are accordingly determined with some assumptions made. The principal condition to resolve the problem is the stabilization of the vision of a flyer, which is inspired by a hovering passerine that experiences a substantial upward swing during downstroke periods while its eye remains stabilized. Viewing the aerodynamic force with a bird's eye, we find that the center and direction of this aerodynamic force vary continuously with respect to the lift force. Our results provide practical guidance for engineers to enhance the visual stability of surveillance cameras incorporated in micro aerial vehicles.
Study of flexible fin and compliant joint stiffness on propulsive performance: theory and experiments

The caudal fin is a major source of thrust generation in fish locomotion. Along with the fin stiffness, the stiffness of the joint connecting the fish body to the tail plays a major role in the generation of thrust. This paper investigates the combined effect of fin and joint flexibility on propulsive performance using theoretical and experimental studies. For this study, fluid–structure interaction of the fin has been modeled using the 2D unsteady panel method coupled with nonlinear Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. The compliant joint has been modeled as a torsional spring at the leading edge of the fin. A comparison of self-propelled speed and efficiency with parameters such as heaving and pitching amplitude, oscillation frequency, flexibility of the fin and the compliant joint is reported. The model also predicts the optimized stiffnesses of the compliant joint and the fin for maximum efficiency. Experiments have been carried out to determine the effect of fin and joint stiffness on propulsive performance. Digital image correlation has been used to measure the deformation of the fins and the measured deformation is coupled with the hydrodynamic model to predict the performance. The predicted theoretical performance behavior closely matches the experimental values.
Effect of caudal fin flexibility on the propulsive efficiency of a fish-like swimmer

A computational model is used to examine the effect of caudal fin flexibility on the propulsive efficiency of a self-propelled swimmer. The computational model couples a penalization method based Navier–Stokes solver with a simple model of flow induced deformation and self-propelled motion at an intermediate Reynolds number of about 1000. The results indicate that a significant increase in efficiency is possible by careful choice of caudal fin rigidity. The flow-physics underlying this observation is explained through the use of a simple hydrodynamic force model and guidelines for bioinspired designs of flexible fin propulsors are proposed.
Back to basics: Estimating energy requirements for adult hospital patients

Predictive equations are a quick and non-invasive way to estimate a patient's energy requirements, and can be a useful tool when used appropriately. However, as with any tool, the skill and experience of the user will affect the quality of the result. This paper looks at the origins and limitations of some of the more commonly used equations. Considerations in their use and interpretation, such as the use of injury and activity factors, adjusting weight and non-protein calories, are also discussed.
MRI contrast agents: Basic chemistry and safety

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents are pharmaceuticals used widely in MRI examinations. Gadolinium‐based MRI contrast agents (GBCAs) are by far the most commonly used. To date, nine GBCAs have been commercialized for clinical use, primarily indicated in the central nervous system, vasculature, and whole body. GBCAs primarily lower the T1 in vivo to create higher signal in T1‐weighted MRI scans where GBCAs are concentrated. GBCAs are unique among pharmaceuticals, being water proton relaxation catalysts whose effectiveness is characterized by a rate constant known as relaxivity. The relaxivity of each GBCAs depends on a variety of factors that are discussed in terms of both the existing agents and future molecular imaging agents under study by current researchers. Current GBCAs can be divided into four different structural types (macrocyclic, linear, ionic, and nonionic) based on the chemistry of the chelating ligands whose primary purpose is to protect the body from dissociation of the relatively toxic Gd3+ ion from the ligand. This article discusses how the chemical structure influences inherent and in vivo stability toward dissociation, and how it affects important formulation properties. Although GBCAs have a lower rate of serious adverse events than iodinated contrast agents, they still present some risk. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:1060–1071. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Commentary on ‘Inhaled corticosteroids versus sodium cromoglycate in children and adults with asthma’

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Guevara JP, Ducharme FM, Keren R, Nihtianova S, Zorc J. Inhaled corticosteroids versus sodium cromoglycate in children and adults with asthma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2, Art. No.: CD003558. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003558. pub2. Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics of underwater legged locomotion: modeling and experiments on an octopus-inspired robot

This paper studies underwater legged locomotion (ULL) by means of a robotic octopus-inspired prototype and its associated model. Two different types of propulsive actions are embedded into the robot model: reaction forces due to leg contact with the ground and hydrodynamic forces such as the drag arising from the sculling motion of the legs. Dynamic parameters of the model are estimated by means of evolutionary techniques and subsequently the model is exploited to highlight some distinctive features of ULL. Specifically, the separation between the center of buoyancy (CoB)/center of mass and density affect the stability and speed of the robot, whereas the sculling movements contribute to propelling the robot even when its legs are detached from the ground. The relevance of these effects is demonstrated through robotic experiments and model simulations; moreover, by slightly changing the position of the CoB in the presence of the same feed-forward activation, a number of different behaviors (i.e. forward and backward locomotion at different speeds) are achieved.
Plasma electrolyte concentrations in dogs receiving diuretic therapy for cardiac failure

Treatment of clinical cases of heart failure in dogs, using frusemide, was associated with statistically significant reductions in plasma concentrations of potassium, magnesium, sodium and chloride, compared with healthy controls and untreated dogs with dysrhythmias. The reductions in sodium and chloride seem too slight to be clinically significant but those in magnesium and potassium could potentially have harmful effects, including the induction of cardiac dysrhythmias. Indeed, diuretic-treated dogs with ventricular ectopic beats in their electrocardiograms had significantly lower plasma potassium concentrations than other dogs undergoing diuretic treatment. As potassium and magnesium are predominantly intracellular cations, the falls in plasma concentration may well be associated with substantial deficits within cells, including those of the myocardium.
Effects of leading-edge tubercles on wing flutter speeds

The dynamic aeroelastic effects on wings modified with bio-inspired leading-edge (LE) tubercles are examined in this study. We adopt a state-space aeroelastic model via the coupling of unsteady vortex-lattice method and a composite beam to evaluate stability margins as a result of LE tubercles on a generic wing. The unsteady aerodynamics and spanwise mass variations due to LE tubercles have counteracting effects on stability margins with the former having dominant influence. When coupled, flutter speed is observed to be 5% higher, and this is accompanied by close to 6% decrease in reduced frequencies as an indication of lower structural stiffness requirements for wings with LE tubercles. Both tubercle amplitude and wavelength have similar influences over the change in flutter speeds, and such modifications to the LE would have minimal effect on stability margins when concentrated inboard of the wing. Lastly, when used in sweptback wings, LE tubercles are observed to have smaller impacts on stability margins as the sweep angle is increased.
Design and energetic evaluation of a prosthetic knee joint actuator with a lockable parallel spring

There are disadvantages to existing damping knee prostheses which cause an asymmetric gait and higher metabolic cost during level walking compared to non-amputees. Most existing active knee prostheses which could benefit the amputees use a significant amount of energy and require a considerable motor. In this work, a novel semi-active actuator with a lockable parallel spring for a prosthetic knee joint has been developed and tested. This actuator is able to provide an approximation of the behavior of a healthy knee during most of the gait cycle of level walking. This actuator is expanded with a series-elastic actuator to mimic the full gait cycle and enable its use in other functional tasks like stair climbing and sit-to-stance. The proposed novel actuator reduces the energy consumption for the same trajectory with respect to a compliant or directly-driven prosthetic active knee joint and improves the approximation of healthy knee behavior during level walking compared to passive or variable damping knee prostheses.
Chitosan finishing nonwoven textiles loaded with silver and iodide for antibacterial wound dressing applications

Polyethylene terephtalate (PET) and Polypropylene (PP) textiles are widely used in biomedical application such as wound dressings and implants. The aim of this work was to develop an antibacterial chitosan (CHT) coating activated by silver or by iodine. Chitosan was immobilized onto PET and PP supports using citric acid (CTR) as a crosslinking agent through a pad-dry-cure textile finishing process. Interestingly, depending on the CHT/CTR molar ratio, two different systems were obtained: rich in cationic ammonium groups when the CTR concentration was 1%w/v, and rich in anionic carboxylate groups when the CTR concentration was 10%w/v. As a consequence, such samples could be selectively loaded with iodine and silver nitrate, respectively. Both types of coatings were analyzed using SEM and FTIR, their sorption capacities were evaluated toward iodide/iodate anions (I−/IO3−) and the silver cations (Ag+) were evaluated using elemental analysis. Finally, in vitro evaluations were carried out to evaluate the cytocompatibility on the epithelial cell line. The silver loaded textile reported a stronger antibacterial effect against E.coli (5 log10 reduction) than toward S. aureus (3 log10) while the antibacterial effect of the iodide loaded textiles was limited to 1 log10 to 2 log10 on both strains.
Prone positioning improves oxygenation in adult burn patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND Prone positioning (PP) improves oxygenation and may provide a benefit in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This approach adds significant challenges to patients in intensive care by limiting access to the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube and vascular access. PP also significantly complicates burn care by making skin protection and wound care more difficult. We hypothesize that PP improves oxygenation and can be performed safely in burn patients with ARDS. METHODS PP was implemented in a burn intensive care unit for 18 patients with severe refractory ARDS. The characteristics of these patients were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the impact of PP on Pao2:FiO2 ratio (PFR) during the first 48 hours of therapy. Each patient was considered his or her own control before initiation of PP, and trends in PFR were evaluated with one-way analysis of variance. Secondary measures of complications and mortality were also evaluated. RESULTS Mean PFR before PP was 87 (±38) with a mean sequential organ failure assessment score of 11 (±4). PFR improved during 48 hours in 12 of 14 survivors (p < 0.05). Mean PFR was 133 (±77) immediately after PP, 165 (±118) at 6 hours, 170 (±115) at 12 hours, 214 (±126) at 24 hours, 236 (±137) at 36 hours, and 210 (±97) at 48 hours. At each measured time interval except the last, PFR significantly improved. There were no unintended extubations. Facial pressure ulcers developed in four patients (22%). Overall, 14 survived 48 hours (78%), 12 survived 28 days (67%), and six survived to hospital discharge (33%). CONCLUSIONS PP improves oxygenation in burn patients with severe ARDS and was safely implemented in a burn intensive care unit. Mortality in this population remains high, warranting investigation into additional complementary rescue therapies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, level IV.
Aged care residents in the emergency department: the experiences of relatives.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of relatives who had a family member in an aged care facility subsequently transferred to an emergency department. BACKGROUND The provision of timely and relevant patient information is vital for assessment and management of older patients presenting to the emergency department from aged care facilities. Older people are commonly accompanied by relatives who are an important resource for emergency department staff, providing medical information and assisting with treatment decisions. Investigating the experiences of relatives may provide key information to enable improvements in the delivery of emergency department care. DESIGN This study used a descriptive qualitative design. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 24 relatives of residents who were transferred from an aged care facility to an emergency department in Victoria, Australia in the previous three years. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse the transcripts. RESULTS Relatives reflected on four main themes following their emergency department visit: The need for clear communication; The role of relatives in emergency department care; How older people are perceived in the health care system and an Ability to provide specialised care. CONCLUSIONS Many people link their emergency department experience to the quality of communication with emergency department staff, and participants in this study felt satisfied with their visit when they were included in discussions about treatment, and their role was recognised by staff members. In contrast, participants were dissatisfied with the care provided to their family member when staff members failed to communicate with them, or recognise their role in the care of the family member. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The findings of this study emphasise the importance of effective communication between emergency department staff and family members, in relation to treatment and end-of-life care.