bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on high frequency magnetic energy loss of Terfenol-D rods with different structures
Authors: Liu Qiang , He Xiping , Li Zhibo
Published: January 2023

For the efficient application of Terfenol-D rod, six kinds of rods were studied. Finite element software was used to simulate and calculate the hysteresis loss, eddy current loss, coil resistance, and inductance of the rods at different frequencies and currents. Three kinds of rods were manufactured, the coil resistance and inductance were measured. The results showed that the hysteresis loss, eddy current loss, and coil resistance increased, and the coil inductance decreased with the increase of frequency. As the current increased, the hysteresis and eddy current losses of the rods increased, the coil resistance and inductance remain unchanged; the hysteresis loss, eddy current loss and coil resistance of the radially slit rod were the largest, whereas that of the slit rods were larger than those of the sliced rods, the coil inductance of the slit rods was less than that of the sliced rods. The numerical calculation values of coil resistance and inductance at different frequencies and currents basically agreed with the experimental test values.
Validation and optimization of two models for the magnetic restoring forces using a multi-stable piezoelectric energy harvester
Authors: Li Haining , Liu Kefu , Deng Jian , Li Bing
Published: January 2023

This article presents a tunable multi-stable piezoelectric energy harvester. The apparatus consists of a stationary magnet and a cantilever beam whose free end is attached by an assembly of two cylindrical magnets that can be moved along the beam and a small cylindrical magnet that is fixed at the beam tip. By varying two parameters, the system can assume three stability states: tri-stable, bi-stable, and mono-stable, respectively. The developed apparatus is used to validate two models for the magnetic restoring force: the equivalent magnetic point dipole approach and the equivalent magnetic 2-point dipole approach. The study focuses on comparing the accuracy of the two models for a wide range of the tuning parameters. The restoring forces of the apparatus are determined dynamically and compared with their analytical counterparts based on each of the models. To improve the model accuracy, a model optimization is carried out by using the multi-population genetic algorithm. With the optimum models, the parametric sensitivity of each of the models is investigated. The stability state region is generated by using the optimum second model.
Design optimization and experimental evaluation of a large capacity magnetorheological damper with annular and radial fluid gaps
Authors: Abdalaziz Moustafa , Sedaghati Ramin , Vatandoost Hossein
Published: January 2023

This paper presents an optimal design of a large-capacity Magnetorheological (MR) damper suitable for off-road vehicle applications. The damper includes an MR fluid bypass valve with both annular and radial gaps to generate a large damping force and dynamic range. An analytical model of the proposed damper is formulated based on the Bingham plastic model of MR fluids. To establish a relationship between the applied current and magnetic flux density in the MR fluid active regions, an analytical magnetic circuit is formulated and further compared with a magnetic finite element model. The MR valve geometrical parameters are subsequently optimized to maximize the damper dynamic range under specific volume and magnetic field constraints. The optimized MR valve can theoretically generate off-state and on-state damping forces of 1.1 and 7.41 kN, respectively at 12.5 mm/s damper piston velocity. The proposed damper has been also designed to allow a large piston stroke of 180 mm. The proof-of-concept of the optimally designed MR damper was subsequently fabricated and experimentally characterized to investigate its performance and validate the models. The results show that the proposed MR damper is able to provide large damping forces with a high dynamic range under different excitation conditions.
Measuring Compulsivity as a Self-Reported Multidimensional Transdiagnostic Construct: Large-Scale (N = 182,000) Validation of the Cambridge–Chicago Compulsivity Trait Scale
Authors: Tiego Jeggan , Trender William , Hellyer Peter J. , Grant Jon E. , Hampshire Adam , Chamberlain Samuel R.
Published: January 2023

Compulsivity has potential transdiagnostic relevance to a range of psychiatric disorders, but it has not been well-characterized and there are few existing measures available for measuring the construct across clinical and nonclinical samples that have been validated at large population scale. We aimed to characterize the multidimensional latent structure of self-reported compulsivity in a population-based sample of British children and adults ( N = 182,145) using the Cambridge–Chicago Compulsivity Trait Scale (CHI-T). Exploratory structural equation modeling provided evidence for a correlated two-factor model consisting of (a) Perfectionism and (b) Reward Drive dimensions. Evidence was obtained for discriminant validity in relation to the big five personality dimensions and acceptable test–retest reliability. The CHI-T, here validated at extremely large scale, is suitable for use in studies seeking to understand the correlates and basis of compulsivity in clinical and nonclinical participants. We provide extensive normative data to facilitate interpretation in future studies.
Damage identification for steel-concrete composite beams through convolutional neural networks
Authors: Bilotta Antonio , Morassi Antonino , Turco Emilio
Published: January 2023

The identification of damage in the connection of steel–concrete composite beams is pursued by means of Convolutional Neural Networks. The data used for training the networks are gray level images obtained by converting a set of transmissibility functions of the beam. It is shown how simple Convolutional Neural Networks can be trained for the identification of the damage by evaluating its position and intensity. Data availability is thoroughly discussed highlighting the effects of various factors, among them the number and richness of the images used in the training phase, on the predictive capabilities of the network. In this regard, the results obtained are satisfactory as confirmed also by comparisons with data extracted from an experimental campaign. The problem of the unavoidable presence of modelling errors is also discussed and counteracted.
Plane waves in Moore–Gibson–Thompson thermoelasticity considering nonlocal elasticity effect
Authors: Das Narayan , De Soumen , Sarkar Nantu
Published: January 2023

The Moore–Gibson–Thompson (MGT) generalized thermoelasticity theory together with the Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity model is used to study the propagation of harmonic plane waves in an infinite elastic medium that conducts heat. Two sets of coupled longitudinal thermoelastic waves have been initiated. These waves are dispersive in nature and experience attenuation. In conjunction with the coupled waves, there also exists one uncoupled vertically shear–type (SV-type) wave. The SV-type wave is dispersive in nature but without any attenuation. The elastic nonlocality parameter influences all these waves. Furthermore, the SV-type wave faces critical frequency, while the coupled longitudinal waves may face critical frequencies conditionally. We also explore the problem of reflection of thermoelastic waves at a stress-free insulated and isothermal plane boundary of the medium considered here. The reflection coefficients and their respective energy ratios of the reflected waves to that of incident wave are determined analytically and numerically by considering an appropriate material. The numerical results are presented graphically to highlight the effects of various parameters of interest. Some important observations about the prediction of the MGT model in comparison to the other existing models (Lord–Shulman (LS) and the Green–Nagdhi theory of type III (GN-III) models) are highlighted.
Effect of renal function on the prognostic importance of chloride in patients with heart failure
Authors: Çetin Güvenç Rengin , Güvenç Tolga Sinan , Temizhan Ahmet , Çavuşuğlu Yüksel , Çelik Ahmet , Yılmaz Mehmet Birhan
Published: January 2023

Hypochloremia has recently gained interest as a potential marker of outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). The exact pathophysiologic mechanism linking hypochloremia to HF is unclear but is thought to be mediated by chloride-sensitive proteins and channels located in kidneys. This analysis aimed to understand whether renal dysfunction (RD) affects the association of hypochloremia with mortality in patients with HF. Using data from a nationwide registry, 438 cases with complete data on serum chloride concentration and 1-year survival were included in the analysis. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/m2 at baseline were accepted as having RD. Hypochloremia was defined as a chloride concentration <96 mEq/L at baseline. For HF patients without RD at baseline, patients with hypochloremia had a significantly higher 1-year all-cause mortality than those without hypochloremia (41.6% vs 13.0%, log-rank p < 0.001) and the association remained significant after multivariate adjustment (odds ratio (OR): 2.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25–5.21). The evidence supporting the association was very strong in this subgroup (Bayesian Factor (BF)10: 48.25, log OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 0.69–2.43). For patients with RD at baseline, there was no statistically significant difference for 1-year mortality for patients with or without hypochloremia (36.3% vs 29.7, log-rank p = 0.35) and there was no evidence to support an association between hypochloremia and mortality (BF10: 1.18, log OR :0.66, 95% CI: −0.02 to 1.35). In patients with HF, the association between low chloride concentration and mortality is limited to those without RD at baseline.
Hematological ratios in coronavirus disease 2019 patients with and without invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Fernandes Natieli Flores , Costa Isabella Ferreira , Pereira Karla Nunes , de Carvalho José Antonio Mainardi , Paniz Clóvis
Published: January 2023

Patients with the most severe form of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often require invasive ventilation. Determining the best moment to intubate a COVID-19 patient is complex decision and can result in important consequences for the patient. Therefore, markers that could aid in clinical decision-making such as hematological indices are highly useful. These markers are easy to calculate, do not generate extra costs for the laboratory, and are readily implemented in routine practice. Thus, this study aimed to investigate differences in the ratios calculated from the hemogram between patients with and without the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and a control group. This was an observational retrospective analysis of 212 patients with COVID-19 that were hospitalized between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 who were stratified as IMV (n = 129) or did not require invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) (n = 83). A control group of 198 healthy individuals was also included. From the first hemogram of each patient performed after admission, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the derived NLR (d-NLR), the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, the neutrophil-to-platelet ratio (NPR), and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were calculated. All hematological ratios exhibited significant differences between the control group and COVID-19 patients. NLR, d-NLR, SII, and NPR were higher in the IMV group than they were in the NIMV group. The hematological indices addressed in this study demonstrated high potential for use as auxiliaries in clinical decision-making regarding the need for IMV.
Monitoring the Official YouTube Channels of E-Cigarette Companies: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Donaldson Scott I. , Dormanesh Allison , Perez Cindy , Zaffer Muhammad O. , Majmundar Anuja , Unger Jennifer B. , Allem Jon-Patrick
Published: January 2023

Background

E-cigarette companies use YouTube to foster brand awareness, market their products, and interact with current and future tobacco users. However, research on the official YouTube channels of e-cigarette companies is limited. This study determined the themes of, and degree of user engagement with, videos posted to the official channels of e-cigarette companies on YouTube.

Methods

Data were collected from the official YouTube channels of seven e-cigarette companies by scraping (i.e., electronically copying) the videos. The earliest video was posted on October 10, 2013, and the most recent video was posted on April 22, 2021 ( n = 260). An inductive approach was used to identify themes in the data. User engagement with posts including number of likes, dislikes, and comments were also collected.

Results

Prevalent themes included branding ( n = 250 of 260 videos, 96%), youth use ( n = 222, 85%), and tobacco use ( n = 210, 81%), while less common themes included misleading health statements ( n = 4, 2%), personal choice ( n = 4, 2%), and antitobacco ( n = 2, 1%). Videos that contained the themes testimonial, product design features, and instructional received the highest mean number of likes. Videos that contained the themes antitobacco, cessation, and testimonial received the highest mean number of dislikes. The 260 videos in this study were collectively viewed 6,619,700 times as of May 5, 2021.

Conclusions

Videos from the official YouTube channels of seven e-cigarette companies often focused on branding and user experience but rarely mentioned cessation. While videos about cessation were rare, they received the second highest mean number of dislikes. Future research should assess the impact of exposure to e-cigarette-related content on YouTube and e-cigarette-related attitudes and behaviors.
In silico Structure Prediction, Molecular Docking, and Dynamic Simulation of Plasmodium falciparum AP2-I Transcription Factor
Authors: Oladejo David O , Oduselu Gbolahan O , Dokunmu Titilope M , Isewon Itunuoluwa , Oyelade Jelili , Okafor Esther , Iweala Emeka EJ , Adebiyi Ezekiel
Published: January 2023

Plasmodium falciparum Apicomplexan Apetala 2 Invasion ( PfAP2-I) transcription factor (TF) is a protein that regulates the expression of a subset of gene families involved in P. falciparum red blood cell (RBC) invasion. Inhibiting PfAP2-I TF with small molecules represents a potential new antimalarial therapeutic target to combat drug resistance, which this study aims to achieve. The 3D model structure of PfAP2-I was predicted ab initio using ROBETTA prediction tool and was validated using Save server 6.0 and MolProbity. Computed Atlas of Surface Topography of proteins (CASTp) 3.0 was used to predict the active sites of the PfAP2-I modeled structure. Pharmacophore modeling of the control ligand and PfAP2-I modeled structure was carried out using the Pharmit server to obtain several compounds used for molecular docking analysis. Molecular docking and postdocking studies were conducted using AutoDock vina and Discovery studio. The designed ligands’ toxicity predictions and in silico drug-likeness were performed using the SwissADME predictor and OSIRIS Property Explorer. The modeled protein structure from the ROBETTA showed a validation result of 96.827 for ERRAT, 90.2% of the amino acid residues in the most favored region for the Ramachandran plot, and MolProbity score of 1.30 in the 98th percentile. Five (5) best hit compounds from molecular docking analysis were selected based on their binding affinity (between −8.9 and −11.7 Kcal/mol) to the active site of PfAP2-I and were considered for postdocking studies. For the absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity (ADMET) properties, compound MCULE-7146940834 had the highest drug score (0.63) and drug-likeness (6.76). MCULE-7146940834 maintained a stable conformation within the flexible protein’s active site during simulation. The good, estimated binding energies, drug-likeness, drug score, and molecular dynamics simulation interaction observed for MCULE-7146940834 against PfAP2-I show that MCULE-7146940834 can be considered a lead candidate for PfAP2-I inhibition. Experimental validations should be carried out to ascertain the efficacy of these predicted best hit compounds.
Degraded Bone Microarchitecture in Women with PHPT–Significant Predictor of Fracture Probability
Authors: Oprea Theodor Eugen , Barbu Carmen Gabriela , Martin Sorina Carmen , Sarbu Anca Elena , Duta Simona Gabriela , Nistor Irina Manuela , Fica Simona
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) experience bone mineral density (BMD) loss and trabecular bone score (TBS) alteration, which current guidelines recommend assessing. Considering TBS alongside BMD for a 10-year fracture risk assessment (FRAX) may improve PHPT management.

Design:

Retrospective, cross-sectional study composed of 49 Caucasian females (62 ± 10.6 years, 27.7 ± 0.87 kg/m2) with PHPT and 132 matched control subjects (61.3 ± 10.5 years, 27.5 ± 0.49 kg/m2) evaluated in 3 years. We assessed lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) BMD, T and Z scores (GE Healthcare Lunar Osteodensitometer) and TBS (iNsight 1.8), major osteoporotic fracture (MOF), and hip FRAX.

Results:

Patients with PHPT had statistically lower mean values for lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS BMD) (0.95 ± 0.25 vs 1.01 ± 0.14 g/cm2, P = .01), LS T-scores (−2 ± 0.2 vs −1.4 ± 0.1 SD, P = .009), LS Z scores (−0.9 ± 0.19 vs −0.1 ± 0.11 SD, P = .009), femoral neck bone mineral density (FN BMD) (0.79 ± 0.02 vs 0.83 ± 0.01 g/cm2, P = .02), FN T-scores (−1.8 ± 0.13 vs −1.5 ± 0.07 SD, P = .017), FN Z scores (−0.51 ± 0.87 vs −0.1 ± 0.82 SD, P = .006), and TBS (0.95 ± 0.25 vs 1.01 ± 0.14 g/cm2, P = .01) compared with control subjects. 22.4% of patients with PHPT had degraded microarchitecture (TBS < 1.2) vs. 7.6% in control group (χ2 = 0.008). PHPT proved to be a covariate with unique contribution ( P = .031) alongside LS BMD ( P = .040) in a linear regression model [ R2 = 0.532, F(4,16) = 4.543] for TBS < 1.2. TBS adjustment elevated MOF FRAX both for PHPT (4.35  ± 0.6% vs 5.25% ± 0.73%, P < .001) and control groups (4.5  ± 0.24% vs 4.7% ± 0.26%, P < .001) compared with BMD-bases FRAX, but also increased differently between the 2 study groups (1.1-folds for PHPT patients and 1.04 for control subjects, P = .034).

Conclusion:

Compared with control, TBS-adjusted FRAX provides significantly higher MOF risk than BMD-based FRAX in PHPT women.
Safe at home: Acceptance of surveillance technology among caregivers for persons with dementia
Authors: Xu Yusi Aveva , Wang Yunwen , Kim Steffie Sofia Yeonjoo , Kim Do Own Donna , Sun Yao , McLaughlin Margaret L
Published: January 2023

The increasing incidence of dementia calls for effective and innovative approaches to alleviate societal and personal burdens. Aging in place is a sustainable paradigm which ensures the best utilization of societal resources, supports caregivers, secures normalcy, and optimizes care for persons with dementia (PwD). Home-based surveillance technology can support PwD in safely aging in place. This study examines factors associated with the adoption of home-based surveillance technologies among unpaid dementia caregivers. Through an online survey ( N = 203), we apply ordinal logistic regression to identify five variables that predict the likelihood of caregivers’ surveillance technology adoption for dementia care. The predictors are caregivers’: (1) trouble concerns about PwD, (2) online support group membership, (3) perceived social norms regarding surveillance technology use, (4) perceived usefulness of surveillance devices, and (5) depth of information and communication technologies (ICT) use. Theoretical and practical implications for dementia healthcare are discussed.
A Computational Investigation of Engine Heat Transfer with Ducted Fuel Injection
Authors: Şener Ramazan , Nilsen Christopher W , Biles Drummond E , Mueller Charles J
Published: January 2023

Ducted fuel injection (DFI) is an innovative method that curtails or prevents soot formation in direct-injection compression-ignition engines. DFI uses a simple duct, positioned outside each injector hole, facilitating the fuel/charge gas mixing before ignition. This reduces the equivalence ratio below two, in the autoignition zone, which in turn decreases soot formation. But this method also reduces fuel-conversion efficiency. This study investigates the effects of DFI on in-cylinder heat transfer. Experiments with conventional diesel combustion (CDC) and DFI were performed at four different dilution levels. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out at conditions matching those of the experiments, and the simulations were validated by the experimental data. The CFD simulations enabled to examine of in-cylinder heat release and temperature distributions. The heat transfer to the piston, head, and cylinder was investigated. The results show that DFI increased the heat transfer to the walls compared to CDC under the same conditions. This could help explain why DFI has been observed to reduce fuel-conversion efficiency by approximately 1% (absolute) relative to CDC under certain conditions. The efficiency loss typically decreases with dilution, such that DFI can improve fuel-conversion efficiencies relative to CDC at higher dilution levels.
Evaluation of the near-wall gas composition in SI-engines using fast gas sampling
Authors: Fischer Marcus , Lehrheuer Bastian , Pischinger Stefan
Published: January 2023

Future internal combustion engines using novel fuels and combustion systems have the potential to achieve ultra-high efficiency and lowest pollutant emissions to comply with future regulatory requirements. Realizing indicated efficiencies over 50% with ultra-lean low temperature combustion face new challenges. To meet this goal, hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions need to be reduced significantly further. To do this, knowledge must be gained about how the operation regime of the engine affects the HC and CO emissions. Since these emissions partly originate from areas where flame quenching occurs, an investigation of the gases near the wall is of interest. To this end a fast gas sampling method is being developed to extract and analyze the gas from the combustion chamber. The used fast gas sampling valve from Kistler enables sampling durations of less than 1 ms. Fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy and a fast mass spectroscopy allow the determination of the sample composition. The valve is positioned inside the cylinder head of a single cylinder engine between intake and exhaust valves. In order to assess the effects of engine operating conditions on the formation of HC and CO at the cylinder walls, the measurement uncertainty of the setup must be evaluated. Since the combustion process is subject to cyclic variations, the evaluation of only a few individual measurements is not meaningful. Therefore, mean values are determined from the evaluation of several measurements not performed consecutively. By examining the mean and standard deviation of these measurements for each species, one can determine a measurement error. In comparison, lean operation with RON95E10 fuel at an IMEP = 12 bar and an engine speed of n = 2000 1/min shows a significant reduction in intermediate hydrocarbon species such as acetylene and a significant increase in fuel species such as ethanol compared to stoichiometric operation.
Marcel Mauss and the magical agents of our time
Authors: Skovgaard-Smith Irene , Hirst Alison
Published: January 2023

This article revisits Marcel Mauss’s theory of magic in the context of contemporary capitalism. Mauss saw magic as the art of transforming, socially accomplished via processes of differentiation that endow specialised agents, and their symbolic acts, with an ambiguous and unstable potentiality to do the extraordinary. Applying Mauss’s conception, we argue that significant figures of late capitalism, such as leaders, consultants and entrepreneurs, are set apart and socially constituted as magical agents with supernormal powers to solve unfathomable problems, ‘create value’ and make things happen. Based on collective beliefs and expectations, they are infused with a transformative social efficacy that further entrenches dominant neoliberal values and practices. The article contributes to highlighting the continued sociological relevance of Mauss’s theory of magic and his insistence on the importance of symbolic thought and action in the constitution of the social.
Photon flow: A three-dimensional expression of the light field using volume photon mapping
Authors: Yoshizawa N , Schregle R , Komazawa K , Ootori K , Okamoto T
Published: January 2023

This paper proposes a new method to depict the light field based on the volume photon mapping algorithm. In the context of the light field simulation, a participating medium serves to deposit the photons, but does not disturb their propagation. The photons are therefore neither scattered nor absorbed in order to preserve their energy and trajectory within the environment, thus providing an unbiased luminance distribution. A visualisation of the photon distribution enables an intuitive interpretation of the light propagation that helps designers to understand the basic light field in the space. In addition to visualisation, the magnitude of the simulated physical light field can be numerically evaluated from the volume photon map distribution using, for example, cubic and scalar illuminance. This can further inform the designer on the light density distribution in the space, since the latter directly correlates with the density of the photons, and therefore the scalar illuminance. The accuracy of the proposed method was ascertained by comparing it with the original RADIANCE. Furthermore, its advantage in visualisation was demonstrated using a complex case study involving strong indirect lighting, reinforced by a comparison of the simulation and measurement in the actual space. In addition, photon mapping was found to evaluate illuminance in multiple grid points much faster than RADIANCE Classic, notably due to the complex ambient lighting from specular reflections. The implementation of the specialised volume photon mapping software is now part of the RADIANCE software and is available as a lighting research tool for the community.
Phantom array effect can be observed above 15 kHz in high speed eye movement group for high luminance warm white LED
Authors: Kang HR , Lee C-S , Lee JM , Lee K-M
Published: January 2023

A phantom array can be observed when there are saccadic eye movements across a time-modulated light source. In this study, the highest frequency limit of the phantom array effect that can be observed was investigated using an LED light source by estimating the participant’s threshold frequency for the visibility of the phantom array effect using the weighted up-down method. A high luminance, narrow slit, warm white LED, and long saccadic eye movement range were used as the experimental stimuli and conditions. The mean threshold frequency for young adults was approximately 10 kHz under the proposed experimental conditions. The phantom array effect was observed even above 15 kHz in the high threshold frequency group when we divided participants into three groups according to the threshold frequency. In addition, the high threshold frequency group showed a higher eye movement speed than the other groups.
Self-administered Meditation Application Intervention for Cancer Patients With Psychosocial Distress: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lopez Gabriel , Chaoul Alejandro , Warneke Carla L. , Christie Aimee J. , Powers-James Catherine , Liu Wenli , Narayanan Santhosshi , Delgado-Guay Marvin , Li Yisheng , Bruera Eduardo , Cohen Lorenzo
Published: January 2023

Background:

We explored the use of a novel smart phone-based application (APP) for delivery and monitoring of meditation to treat mood symptoms experienced by cancer patients

Methods:

We assessed the feasibility of using a meditation delivery and tracking APP over 2-weeks and its impact on cancer patients’ self-reported anxiety and depression. Outpatients reporting depression and/or anxiety were recruited and randomized to the APP or waitlist control group. Assessments included an expectancy scale, exit survey, mood rating before and after each meditation, and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS-FS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline and after 2-weeks. The primary aim was to assess feasibility; secondary aims included satisfaction with the APP, association between meditation frequency and length with self-reported symptoms, and change in symptom measures (symptoms, anxiety, depression, and sleep).

Results:

Our study included 35 participants (17 meditation group; 18 controls) who were primarily female (94%) with breast cancer (60%). The 61% enrollment rate and 71% adherence rate met pre-specified feasibility criteria. Most meditation group participants described the APP as “Useful” to “Very Useful” and would “Probably” or “Definitely” recommend its use. Mixed model analysis revealed a statistically significant association between meditation length (5, 10, or 15 minutes) and change in anxiety, with 15-minute sessions associated with greater reductions in anxiety. In the exit survey, more meditation group vs. control group participants reported improved focus, mood, and sleep. Study groups differed significantly by ESAS fatigue score change; the meditation group decreased a median of 1.5 pts (IQR 2.5) and the control group increased a median of 0.5 points (IQR 2). The meditation group, but not the control group, experienced statistically significant improvement in ESAS fatigue, depression, anxiety, appetite, and physical, psychological, and global distress. Change in PSQI and HADS anxiety and depression scores did not reveal any statistically significant between-group differences.

Conclusions:

This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a meditation APP for cancer patients. Meditation APP users reported improvement in several measures of symptom distress. Future studies should explore ways to enhance the APP’s usability and clinical benefit.
Developing a Systematic-Dynamic Approach to Critical Discourse Analysis: A Study Protocol in the Context of the Doctor–Patient Relationship in Western China
Authors: He Longtao , Qin Yan
Published: January 2023

Chinese scholarship conducting/attempting critical discourse analysis (CDA) on the doctor–patient relationship in China has, to date, predominantly relied on the use of analytical tools from systemic functional linguistics and pragmatics. This methodological orientation, by prioritizing the linguistic structure and functions of the textual data, does not tend to take into consideration the sociocultural contexts, complex power relations, genealogy of discourse, and practice-orientedness of discourse that CDA approaches usually touch on. This protocol article proposes a research design that constructs a systematic-dynamic CDA approach in the context of the doctor–patient relationship in western China in order to incorporate the aforementioned factors that previous Chinese scholarship has ignored. Physicians, cancer patients and their family members, and CDA methodologists are to be recruited to participate in focus groups and interviews to discuss the doctor–patient relationship from their own experience and to inform the construction of an integrated CDA approach. Qualitative context analysis will be adopted to analyze texts transcribed from interviews and focus groups, in order to generate themes and new concepts for the design of a novel systematic-dynamic CDA framework. By establishing an integrated CDA approach tailored to the doctor–patient relationship in western China, we will be able to provide empirical evidence and valuable insights to practitioners and policymakers to ease doctor–patient conflicts, which have intensified in recent years, and facilitate more harmonious relationships.
Trifluridine/tipiracil with or without bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer: results of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yoshino Takayuki , Taieb Julien , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Pfeiffer Per , Kumar Amit , Hochster Howard S.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab (FTD/TPI + BEV) has shown efficacy and tolerability in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Because randomized controlled trial (RCT) data comparing FTD/TPI + BEV with FTD/TPI are lacking, this meta-analysis evaluated outcomes with both regimens.

Data Sources and Methods:

Electronic databases, congress proceedings (past 3 years), trial registries, systematic review bibliographies, gray literature, and guidelines through June 2021 were searched for RCTs, non-RCTs, and prospective observational studies involving >20 previously treated patients with mCRC receiving FTD/TPI + BEV or FTD/TPI. Absolute and relative disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), adverse event (AE) rates, and discontinuation rates due to AEs were evaluated using fixed-effects and random-effects models. Study quality, heterogeneity, and publication bias were assessed.

Results:

In all, 29 of 875 screened publications were selected (26 studies: 5 RCTs, 11 non-RCTs, and 10 prospective observational studies). One RCT compared FTD/TPI + BEV with FTD/TPI. FTD/TPI + BEV versus FTD/TPI had a higher absolute DCR [64% (6 studies; n = 289) versus 43% (10 studies; n = 2809)], median PFS [4.2 (5 studies; n = 244) versus 2.6 (6 studies; n = 1781) months], 12-month PFS [9% (5 studies; n = 244) versus 3% (6 studies; n = 1781)], median OS [9.8 (5 studies; n = 244) versus 8.1 (6 studies; n = 1814) months], and 12-month OS [38% (5 studies; n = 244) versus 32% (6 studies; n = 1814)]. Grade ⩾3 febrile neutropenia, asthenia/fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting rates were similar (1%–7%). Grade ⩾3 neutropenia rate was higher with FTD/TPI + BEV than with FTD/TPI [43% (6 studies; n = 294) versus 29% (12 studies; n = 7139)]. Discontinuation rates due to AEs were similar [8% (5 studies; n = 244) and 7% (10 studies; n = 3724)]. Low study quality, heterogeneity, and/or publication bias were detected in certain instances.

Conclusion:

Despite fewer patients treated with the combination, this meta-analysis consistently suggested that FTD/TPI + BEV provides benefits over FTD/TPI in refractory mCRC and has similar safety, except for more frequent grade ⩾3 neutropenia.
The importance of SNOMED CT concept specificity in healthcare analytics
Authors: Roberts Luke , Lanes Sadie , Peatman Oliver , Assheton Phil
Published: January 2023

Background

Healthcare data frequently lack the specificity level needed to achieve clinical and operational objectives such as optimising bed management. Pneumonia is a disease of importance as it accounts for more bed days than any other lung disease and has a varied aetiology. The condition has a range of SNOMED CT concepts with different levels of specificity.

Objective

This study aimed to quantify the importance of the specificity of an SNOMED CT concept, against well-established predictors, for forecasting length of stay for pneumonia patients.

Method

A retrospective data analysis was conducted of pneumonia admissions to a tertiary hospital between 2011 and 2021. For inclusion, the primary diagnosis was a subtype of bacterial or viral pneumonia, as identified by SNOMED CT concepts. Three linear mixed models were constructed. Model One included known predictors of length of stay. Model Two included the predictors in Model One and SNOMED CT concepts of lower specificity. Model Three included the Model Two predictors and the concepts with higher specificity. Model performances were compared.

Results

Sex, ethnicity, deprivation rank and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (age-adjusted) were meaningful predictors of length of stay in all models. Inclusion of lower specificity SNOMED CT concepts did not significantly improve performance (ΔR2 = 0.41%, p = .058). SNOMED CT concepts with higher specificity explained more variance than each of the individual predictors (ΔR2 = 4.31%, p < .001).

Conclusion

SNOMED CT concepts with higher specificity explained more variance in length of stay than a range of well-studied predictors.

Implications

Accurate and specific clinical documentation using SNOMED CT can improve predictive modelling and the generation of actionable insights. Resources should be dedicated to optimising and assuring clinical documentation quality at the point of recording.
Evaluation of Medical Certification of Cause of Death in Tertiary Cancer Hospitals in Northern India
Authors: Anand Akash , Khanna Divya , Singh Payal , Singh Anuj , Pandey Abhishek , Budukh Atul , Pradhan Satyajit
Published: January 2023

Background

Medical certification of cause of death (MCCD) provides valuable data regarding disease burden in a community and for formulating health policy. Inaccurate MCCDs can significantly impair the precision of national health information.

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of cause of death certificates prepared at two tertiary cancer care hospitals in Northern India during the study period (May 2018 to December 2020).

Method

A retrospective observational study at two tertiary cancer care hospitals in Varanasi, India, over a period of two and a half years. Medical records and cause of death certificates of all decedents were examined. Demographic characteristics, administrative details and cause of death data were collected using the WHO recommended death certificates. Accuracy of death certification was validated by electronic medical records and errors were graded.

Results

A total of 778 deaths occurred in the two centres during the study period. Of these, only 30 (3.9%) certificates were error-free; 591 (75.9%) certificates had an inappropriate immediate cause of death; 231 (29.7%) certificates had incorrectly labelled modes of death as the immediate cause of death; and 585 (75.2%) certificates had an incorrect underlying cause of death. The majority of certificates were prepared by junior doctors and were significantly associated with higher certification errors.

Conclusion

A high rate of errors was identified in death certification at the cancer care hospitals during the study period. Inaccurate MCCDs related to cancers can potentially influence cancer statistics and thereby affect policy making for cancer control.

Implications

This study has identified the pressing need for appropriate interventions to improve quality of certification through training of doctors.
Racial Health Disparities and Black Heterogeneity in COVID-19: A Case Study of Miami Gardens
Authors: Paat Yok-Fong , Orezzoli Max C. E. , Ngan Chun-Kit , Olimpo Jeffrey T.
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic is a critical public health concern that has disproportionately affected the Black community in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the risk and protective factors faced by residents in the City of Miami Gardens during the COVID-19 pandemic, with emphases placed on racial health disparities and Black heterogeneity. Using convenience and snowball sampling, quantitative and qualitative data for this study were collected via an anonymous online questionnaire using QuestionPro. Survey links were distributed by e-mail invitations with assistance from city officials to the residents of this predominantly Black city in Florida ( n = 83). Descriptive statistics and relevant qualitative responses are presented. Furthermore, a machine learning (ML) approach was used to select the most critical variables that characterized the two racial groups (Black versus non-Black participants) based on four ML feature selectors. Study findings offered important and interesting insights. Specifically, despite the greater prevalence of adopting measures to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, Black participants were more susceptible to activities that increased their COVID-19 risk levels. In addition, their rate of infection, particularly among the Afro-Caribbean ethnic group, was reported to be higher, indicating the need to further investigate the underlying conditions and root causes (including vaccine hesitancy and refusal) that contribute to their greater health disparities.
Optical coherence tomography biomarkers as predictors of transition to chronic central serous chorioretinopathy after retinal laser photocoagulation
Authors: Huang Ying , Zheng Weiwei , Sun Zuhua , Huang Shenghai , Lin Bing
Published: January 2023

Objectives:

To explore the optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers to predict the transition to chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) after retinal laser photocoagulation.

Methods:

Patients enrolled in this study were from a 12-week clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) with threshold conventional laser (TCL) for CSC and had extended follow-up for more than 1 year. They were divided into two groups, transited to cCSC group (cCSC group) and did not transited to cCSC group (non-cCSC group) according to fundus examination at the extended follow-up. Collect the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT characteristics of patients at baseline and 12 weeks after laser treatment.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients were enrolled (42.6 ± 7.7 years old), and duration of follow-up was 178.9 ± 88.8 (57.0–312.0) weeks. Nine patients (33.3%) were assigned to cCSC group, and the other 18 patients (66.7%) were assigned to the non-cCSC group. Twelve weeks after the laser treatment, subretinal fluid (SRF) of 15 patients (83.3%) in non-cCSC group and 5 patients (55.6%) in cCSC group absorbed completely; the height of SRF had statistical difference between two groups ( p = 0.035); rough RPE was less common in cCSC group ( p = 0.030); hyper reflective mass (HRM) was more common in cCSC group ( p = 0.024); more number of hyper reflective foci (HRF) in outer segment of photoreceptor layer were detected in cCSC group ( p = 0.035). From baseline to 12 weeks after laser treatment, the number of HRF in outer segment photoreceptor layer did not change significantly in cCSC group ( p = 0.665) but decreased significantly in non-cCSC group ( p = 0.000). A total of five patients suffered binocular CSC, three of them in the non-cCSC group occurred later than the other two in the cCSC group (129.9–278.3 weeks vs 96.1–114.9 weeks after baseline).

Conclusion:

SRF, rough RPE, HRM, and number of HRF in outer segment photoreceptor layer 12 weeks after laser treatment, and change in the number of HRF in outer segment photoreceptor layer from baseline to 12 weeks after laser treatment may predict the transition to cCSC.
Screening for MAFLD: who, when and how?
Authors: Pal Shreya C. , Méndez-Sánchez Nahum
Published: January 2023

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a highly prevalent disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Currently, no universal screening methods have been standardized, even when this disease poses a major health burden. MAFLD as a spectrum of diseases can range from simple steatosis, and steatohepatitis to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Its extra-hepatic manifestations are vast and include cardiovascular diseases, extra-hepatic malignancies, cognitive and respiratory alterations. Given its extensive damage targets as well as its high prevalence, timely identification of the high-risk population presenting metabolic dysfunction should undergo universal non-invasive screening methods, which can be carried out through blood tests, easy and effective imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, score calculation and general clinical information brought together from primary patient–physician contact.
Five Things to Know About Volume Overload in Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Zheng Sijia , Auguste Bourne L.
Published: January 2023

Volume overload in peritoneal dialysis (PD) is common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. If left untreated, it can result in premature technique failure in patients receiving PD. Practitioners should be aware of common causes and formulate a stepwise approach in the management of volume overload.
Does Workplace Incivility Undermine the Potential of Job Resources? The Role of Psychological Capital
Authors: Kumar Raghavendra Prasanna , Chandrahasa Ramesh , Shashidhar R.
Published: January 2023

This study explores the relationship between psychological capital, workplace incivility, job resources, and work engagement. The moderating effect of workplace incivility and psychological capital on job resources and work engagement is investigated using multiple regression. The study’s findings are based on the survey conducted on 400 respondents from essential services. The association between job resources and work engagement is considerably moderated by workplace incivility. Psychological capital has insignificant interaction effects with job resources and workplace incivility on work engagement. This study offers various avenues for further research and alerts essential services workplace in several ways.
How an Intergenerational Book Club Can Prevent Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Plummer Jamie , Nguyen Katlyn , Everly Janet , Kiesow Abby , Leith Katherine ,   Certificate of Graduate Study in Aging, Neils-Strunjas Jean
Published: January 2023

Older adults are at higher risk for social isolation because of widowhood, loss of friends, retirement, physical limitations, geographic relocation, and caregiving demands. Behavioral interventions aimed at increasing social contact may help to maintain cognition and prevent cognitive decline. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine a novel intervention for social isolation with an intergenerational book club that had weekly in-person and virtual meetings of college students and older adults. We wanted to know whether the study was feasible and if our methods would be likely to generate meaningful results should it be expanded to a larger number of participants. We predicted that wellbeing and cognition would improve following participation in the book club. Results found that while measures of quality of life and affect were not statistically different before and after participation in a book club, scores on a measure of cognition (the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) were statistically significant between groups (intervention and control) showing greater improvement among book club participants.