bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Challenges in Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections: Insights from Coagulase Typing, Toxin Genes, and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns
Authors: Zamani Samira , Dadashi Masoud , Bahonar Sara , Haghighi Mehrdad , Kakavandi Sareh , Hashemi Ali , Nasiri Mohammad Javad , Hajikhani Bahareh , Goudarzi Mehdi
Published: December 2023

Background. The incidence of complications and mortality associated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bloodstream infections has been increasing significantly, particularly in developing countries where control strategies against this virulent pathogen and its resistance to antibacterial agents are insufficient. The aim of this study was to investigate coagulase typing, the prevalence of toxin genes, and the antibiotic resistance profile of S. aureus isolated from bloodstream infections. Methods. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined by the disk diffusion method. The prevalence of toxin genes was determined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Genetic variability of isolates was determined using multiplex PCR based on coagulase gene polymorphism. Results. Out of 120 strains, 55 (46%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 65 (54%) were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). All isolates were susceptible to linezolid and teicoplanin but showed varying levels of resistance to other antibiotics. The highest resistance was observed for ampicillin (92.5%), gentamicin (69.2%), and amikacin (68.3%). Multidrug resistance was observed in all isolates. PCR analysis revealed a higher prevalence of toxin genes in MRSA (tst: 38%, pvl: 29.1%, eta: 10%, and etb: 4.1%) than that in MSSA. According to the coa typing, the most prevalent types were coa III (29.2%), coa II (26.7%), and coa VI (10%). Conclusion. The presence of genetic variability and widespread multidrug resistance in our hospitals emphasizes the circulation of various coa types. Therefore, it is crucial to implement antimicrobial stewardship and infection control measures to prevent and control the spread of these strains.
Neurofilament and Brain Atrophy and Their Association with Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Bhan Alok , Jacobsen Cecilie , Dalen Ingvild , Alves Guido , Bergsland Niels , Myhr Kjell-Morten , Zetterberg Henrik , Zivadinov Robert , Farbu Elisabeth
Published: December 2023

Introduction. Cognitive impairment is an important contributor to disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Disconnection of neuronal circuits due to axonal injury is probably an important underlying mechanism for this disability. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a neuron-specific constituent of axons and has gained increasing attention as a biomarker of axonal injury. Objective. To assess the association between NfL in serum (sNfL) and cerebrospinal fluid (cNfL) and cognitive function over 10 years and compare these associations with volumetric brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. Methods. Newly diagnosed MS patients were followed prospectively with baseline NfL and MRI as well as with clinical and cognitive assessments for up to 10 years. Results. Forty-one patients were included. Baseline sNfL correlated negatively with symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) at baseline (r=−0.45, p=0.005), year 5 (r=−0.41, p=0.017), and at year 10 (r=−0.52, p=0.008). Baseline cNfL correlated with baseline SDMT (r=−0.34, p=0.030) and SDMT at year 10 (r=−0.44, p=0.037). Baseline volumes of whole brain (r=0.476, p=0.002), gray matter (r=0.467, p=0.002), T1 (r=−0.627, p<0.001), and T2 lesion volumes (r=−0.475, p=0.002) correlated significantly with baseline SDMT. Longitudinal analyses showed that both MRI volumes and EDSS were associated with the rate of SDMT decline, whereas sNfL and cNfL were not. Conclusion. NfL levels measured in serum and cerebrospinal fluid were both associated with cognitive functioning in MS patients over a 10-year period from diagnosis. However, MRI volumes correlated strongly in addition to the rate of cognitive decline.
Influence of Inclination Angle at the Chimney Inlet on the Power Generation in Solar Chimney Power Plants through 3D CFD Model
Authors: Kaplan Mahmut
Published: December 2023

The sun is an abundantly available and clean renewable energy source. Therefore, solar energy offers significant potential for mitigating climate change and reducing emissions from burning fossil fuels in the future. Solar chimney power plants (SCPPs) have a technical capability for meeting the massive sustainable power production. Basic parts of SCPP system are the chimney, turbine, and collector. The geometric dimensions of the components are the crucial factors for improving the solar chimney efficiency. The goal of this work is to analyse the influences of the inclination angle (θ) at chimney inlet on performance characteristics of the system by employing RNG k−ε turbulence model coupled with discrete ordinate (DO) solar ray tracing method via ANSYS Fluent CFD software. The model is built by taking into consideration geometric parameters of Manzanares plant and verified with its measurements. The innovative chimney entrance configurations are produced by altering the chimney entrance slope (θ=50°–80°) with the geometrical dimensions of the chimney, collector, and fillet keeping constant. The computational results display that the new chimney configurations improve the maximum velocity, system power output, and turbine pressure drop. The peak velocity of 18.1 m/s is gained for the configuration with θ=80° compared to that of 14.3 m/s obtained for the base model having θ=45° at 1000 W/m2. Besides, this configuration enhances power output to 61.5 kW with a rise of 24.5% compared to the base model with a power output of 49.1 kW at 1000 W/m2.
Strain Prediction of Grain in Solid Rocket Motor under the Pressure Curing Molding Technology
Authors: Zhang Kaining , Wang Chunguang , Li Qun , Guo Zhenyu
Published: December 2023

The residual strain generated in grains during the propellant manufacturing process can significantly impact the safety and stability of solid rocket motors. Pressure curing molding technology has been employed as an effective approach to mitigate residual strain. This research paper focuses on deriving a strain prediction function for grains based on continuum mechanics, taking into account the influence of pressure curing molding technology. The accuracy of the prediction function is verified through finite element analysis. The results show that the proposed function accurately predicts strain distribution at critical positions within the grains. And the effects of curing pressure and the elastic modulus of the case on residual strain are analysed. Specifically, for a given material of case, an optimal curing pressure is identified that minimizes residual strain in the grains. Moreover, it is observed that materials with lower hoop elastic modulus, such as composites, tend to require lower optimal curing pressures. The outcomes of this study provide valuable guidance for grain shape design and the selection of optimal curing pressure.
Efficacy of High-Voltage Pulsed Radiofrequency in Zoster-Associated Pain: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Song Yinghao , Yu Ziheng , Guan Jingjing , Wu Haisheng , Zhang Jinglang , Qiaoling Liu , Yuan Min , Cheng Xinzhi , Ling Bingyu
Published: December 2023

Background. Zoster-associated pain (ZAP) is often refractory to conventional treatments and can seriously affect patients’ physical and mental health. High-voltage pulsed radio frequency (H-PRF) is a new method for treating ZAP with pulse voltages above 60 V or even up to 100 V. The purpose of this paper was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of H-PRF in the management of ZAP. Methods. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched from their inception to June 2022 to identify controlled trials which evaluated the effectiveness of H-PRF compared with standard PRF and sham operations. The primary outcome was pain scores at different treatment times. The secondary outcomes included SF-36 scores, rescue analgesic dose, and side effects. Results. We reviewed 6 randomized controlled trials involving 428 patients. There was no significant difference between the H-PRF and standard PRF pain scores at 1 week after surgery and the sham operation group at 1 month. At 1, 3, and 6 months, the H-PRF group had better pain score than the standard PRF group, and at 3 months, the pain score was better than the sham operation group. The H-PRF group showed improvement in the SF-36 score, and there were no significant complications in the H-PRF group. Conclusions. H-PRF is an effective and safe treatment method that has better effects in relieving pain and improving the quality of life and physical and mental health. Although H-PRF provides pain relief rates comparable to those of the control group in the early stages, it remains the preferred and alternative treatment for relieving herpes zoster-related pain.
Clomiphene Citrate a First Step to Improve Idiopathic Male Infertility: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Huijben M. Manou , Lock M. T. W. T. Tycho , de Kemp V. F. Vincent , de Kort L. M. O. Laetitia , van Breda H. M. K. Jetske
Published: December 2023

Background. Infertility in men is a common and worldwide problem with limited registered treatment options and licensed therapies. Clomiphene citrate (CC) is an empirical off-label therapy. CC is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that may improve testicular function, including sperm quality, by stimulating steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the efficacy of CC as therapy for male infertility. Objectives. To assess the improvement of CC on sperm parameters, pregnancy, hypogonadism, and measurement of safety. Methods. In this retrospective study, 52 men treated with CC for idiopathic nonobstructive infertility were analyzed. Data of sperm parameters, pregnancy rate, hormonal values, side effects, improvement in hypogonadal symptoms, and potential predictors of treatment response were collected. Results. A total of 52 infertile men underwent CC treatment. An increase in sperm concentration was observed in 19 patients (37%). An upgrade in sperm concentration classification according to the WHO criteria was noted in 21% of the patients receiving CC therapy. Additionally, 15% of initially ineligible patients for intrauterine insemination became eligible during CC. In total, 33% of couples achieved pregnancy, either spontaneously or with assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Low-normal follicle-stimulating hormone and larger testis volume before CC treatment were predictors for better semen concentration during treatment. The retrieval rate was 75% for azoospermic patients who underwent testicular sperm extraction or percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration, enough for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. With CC, testosterone levels increased and hypogonadal symptoms improved. Mild side effects were reported by 8% of patients. Conclusion. The results of this study contribute to the existing evidence that CC is a safe and noninvasive therapy for idiopathic infertile males. It could be considered as a step-up therapy before initiating more invasive ART procedures.
Energy Sharing of Multiple Virtual Power Plants Based on a Peer Aggregation Model
Authors: Li Sheng , Huang Yujie
Published: December 2023

With the increasing number of virtual power plants (VPP) participating in market transactions, the joint operation and energy sharing mode of multiple virtual power plants (multi-VPP) has attracted attention. A peer aggregation model for the multi-VPP energy sharing is proposed based on sharing price. At the VPP autonomous optimization level, each VPP operator formulates an autonomous optimization strategy based on the price incentives and the internal resource parameters and adopts a robust optimization method to improve the strategy’s robustness. At the overall level, a sharing level index is introduced to formulate the sharing price mechanism and an overall sharing strategy is proposed. The case simulation results show that compared with the independent operation of each VPP, participating in energy sharing can effectively promote the overall consumption of renewable energy and the overall operating cost is reduced by 18%. The introduction of the sharing level index into the sharing price can effectively improve the rationality of the formulated sharing price, and the net electricity load fluctuation has a greater impact on the system cost than the thermal load fluctuation.
Beyond Words: An Intelligent Human‐Machine Dialogue System with Multimodal Generation and Emotional Comprehension
Authors: Zhao Yaru , Cheng Bo , Huang Yakun , Wan Zhiguo
Published: December 2023

Intelligent service robots have become an indispensable aspect of modern‐day society, playing a crucial role in various domains ranging from healthcare to hospitality. Among these robotic systems, human‐machine dialogue systems are particularly noteworthy as they deliver both auditory and visual services to users, effectively bridging the communication gap between humans and machines. Despite their utility, the majority of existing approaches to these systems primarily concentrate on augmenting the logical coherence of the system’s responses, inadvertently neglecting the significance of user emotions in shaping a comprehensive communication experience. To tackle this shortcoming, we propose the development of an innovative human‐machine dialogue system that is both intelligent and emotionally sensitive, employing multimodal generation techniques. This system is architecturally comprised of three components: (1) data collection and processing, responsible for gathering and preparing relevant information, (2) a dialogue engine, which generates contextually appropriate responses, and (3) an interaction module, responsible for facilitating the communication interface between users and the system. To validate our proposed approach, we have constructed a prototype system and conducted an evaluation of the performance of the core dialogue engine by utilizing an open dataset. The results of our study indicate that our system demonstrates a remarkable level of multimodal generation response, ultimately offering a more human‐like dialogue experience.
Hypoglycaemia after Initiation of CFTR Modulator Therapy in a Cystic Fibrosis Patient without Diabetes
Authors: Yskout Marie , Vliebergh Joke , Bor Hakan , Dupont Lieven , Lorent Natalie , Van Bleyenbergh Pascal , Gillard Pieter , Van der Schueren Bart , Mertens Ann , Mathieu Chantal , Vangoitsenhoven Roman
Published: December 2023

Introduction. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies improve respiratory function and glycaemic control in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The direct effect of CFTR modulator therapies on pancreatic function in patients without preexisting diabetes remains unclear. Case Presentation. An 18-year-old female with CF caused by F508del/F508del mutation, who had no diabetes, developed postprandial hypoglycaemias 6 months after initiation of elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor combination therapy (ETI). Symptoms were persisted after brief discontinuation of ETI, but her symptoms and time-in-hypoglycaemia had improved remarkably by avoiding high glycaemic index-foods. Discussion. This case of hypoglycaemia associated with CFTR modulator therapy in a patient without preexisting diabetes suggests that CFTR modulator therapy has the potential to directly affect glucose homeostasis. There might be an improvement in insulin secretion as well as a reduction in systemic insulin resistance. Conclusion. Treatment of CF patients without diabetes with CFTR modulator therapies can cause recurrent hypoglycaemic episodes which resolve with dietary measures.
Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 alleviates the neurotoxicity caused by acrylamide in zebrafish
Authors: Vajagathali M. , Hannah E. , Abirami K. , Tharanya M. , Jackson J.G. , Karthik R. , Aaron S.G. , Shanmugaraja M.
Published: December 2023

Neurotoxicity is caused by damage to the brain tissue by neurotoxic agents present in the environment and artificial substances produced by human beings. Acrylamide (ACR) is one such chemical substance that causes neurotoxicity, affecting the brain cells. This neurotoxicity causes damage to the sensory and metabolic functions. The current research investigates the favourable effect of probiotic EcN (Escherichia coli Nissle 1917) on ACR-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish. The protective role of EcN against ACR induced toxicity was assessed based on behaviour, biochemical, and gene expression analysis. Initially, the colonisation period of EcN in the zebrafish gut was determined and EcN was given orally to the zebrafish only once prior to the ACR treatment. Very interestingly, this dosage was able to ameliorate the adverse effects of ACR significantly in the brain cells. Quantification of oxidative stress and neuronal cell death clearly vindicate the efficiency of probiotic EcN in reversing the damages caused by ACR. EcN is being explored largely in recent days for its therapeutic applications. This study strongly supports the view that EcN can be developed as a supplement to the patients diagnosed with neuronal cell toxicity.
A common edible insect (Antheraea assamensis) protein hydrolysate regulates LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammation by modulating the TLR4/NF- κ β Signaling Pathway
Authors: Sahu R.K. , Borthakur S. , Saikia M. , Sarkar S. , Ahmed R.S. , Dasgupta D. , Dhakal R. , Mech S. , Manna P. , Dutta P. , Kalita J.
Published: December 2023

Dietary intake of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory-rich foods is a growing approach for fighting inflammation and its associated disorders. Edible insects are gaining popularity as a food source; however, their therapeutic properties, anti-inflammatory activity and their mechanism of action remain largely unexplored. Herein, we evaluate the effectiveness of Antheraea assamensis pupae hydrolysates against oxidative stress and inflammation. The proteins isolated from the pupae were digested with pepsin or pancreatin, or pepsin + pancreatin and passed through a 30 kDa molecular cut-off membrane. The low molecular weight protein hydrolysates were characterised using RP-HPLC, HRMS, XRD, and FTIR-ATR. Hydrolysate from pepsin + pancreatin digestion showed significantly higher DPPH (77.13±2.57%), superoxide (72.08±1.15%) and hydroxyl (56.32±0.90%) radical scavenging activity in a cell-free system. Further, it reduced intercellular ROS production and suppressed the lipopolysaccharide-induced protein expression of TLR4, p-IKKβ, p-NF-, IL-1β, and COX2 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, it inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, including IL-6, IL-1β, and MIP-2. These findings suggest that A. assamensis pupae hydrolysates can be a potential source of bioactive peptides for managing oxidative stress and inflammation.
The Most Hysterical Psychoanalyst
Authors: Webster Jamieson
Published: December 2023

This paper is an investigation into the prominence of hysteria in Lacan’s work and the enduring significance of the diagnosis for contemporary practice. Beginning with Lacan’s theory of neurosis, the importance of language, and symbolic functions, we will begin to understand why the hysterical symptom is the symptomatic structure par excellence. Lacan lauds hysteria as the neurosis in direct dialogue with a given historical moment, teaching the psychoanalyst where we are in the unfolding struggle between neurosis and civilization. He returned to the case of Dora throughout his twenty-eight years of teaching to refine his work. He even saw psychoanalysis as the progressive “hystericization” of the patient and depicted himself as an hysteric walking around on a stage, not knowing what he was saying, while attempting to teach the psychoanalysts. Lacan’s reading of Dora seems to mark important shifts in his own life, from his beginning to write as a psychoanalyst, to being thrown out of the IPA, to struggling with his own school and the ensuing political eruptions in France in 1968. By tracking his elaboration of Dora we can witness the evolution of Lacan’s work and how he uniquely positions the analyst in the transference.
Anxiety, Desire, and the Object a: Lacan on Lucia Tower’s “Countertransference”
Authors: Wilson Mitchell
Published: December 2023

Lacan’s seminars are a treasure trove of innovative psychoanalytic explorations. In Seminar X, Anxiety, he takes up this Freudian theme and explores a number of interrelated ideas: castration, the difference between the sexes, two different forms of acting out, and what he terms his only original theoretical contribution: the object a and its “various incidences.” The object a is described here in detail, especially in relation to Lacan’s argument that analysts who are women have a freer relationship to their desire and the countertransferences it spawns than do men. Lacan discussed Lucia Tower’s classic paper, “Countertransference,” in light of these notions. This essay is a close reading of Lacan’s close reading of Tower, whose account, he says, must be approached in all its “innocence and freshness.”
A quasi-Bayesian Approach to Small Area Estimation Using Spatial Models
Authors: Li Jiacheng , Datta Gauri S.
Published: December 2023

The empirical best linear unbiased prediction (EBLUP) method has been the dominant model-based approach in small area estimation. As an alternative to this frequentist method, the observed best prediction (OBP) method, also frequentist, was proposed by Jiang et al.[ 11 ] where the parameters of the model are estimated by minimizing an objective function which is implied by the total mean squared prediction error. In a recent article, Datta et al.[ 6 ] followed a general Bayesian approach, proposed recently by Bissiri et al.[ 2 ], to develop a quasi-Bayesian method by appropriately calibrating the objective function for the OBP method for the Fay-Herriot model. In a different article, Chung and Datta[ 4 ] demonstrated that in the absence of covariates with good predictive power the small area estimates from the standard Fay-Herriot model can be improved by using spatially dependent random effects. In this article, we develop a quasi-Bayesian small area estimation method using several spatial alternatives to the independent Fay-Herriot random effects model. Evaluation of the proposed method based on an application to estimation of four-person family median incomes for the U.S. states shows its usefulness. Limited but related simulation studies for the median incomes application reinforce our conclusion.

AMS Subject Classification: 62F15, 62D99
Early Clinical Evaluation of Coronary Artery Lesions in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Shu Zhongyu , Deng Fang , Yang Shuxinying
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze the early clinical features of coronary artery lesion (CAL) in Kawasaki disease (KD), evaluate systemic inflammation indicators, and enhance early recognition of CAL in the acute phase of KD. A total of 314 children with KD were divided into those with CAL (CAL group) and without CAL (NCAL group) using echocardiographic results, and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. For KD patients, male, children aged 3 to 9 years, and those with fever longer than 6 days before intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) use were more likely to have CAL. There were significant differences in sex, age, and fever time ( P < .05). Moreover, some laboratory indicator test results revealed there was a significant difference between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the CAL ( P < .05). This study has certain guiding significance for early clinical evaluation.
A numerical and experimental identification of crystallinity gradients in carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites obtained by laser assisted filament winding
Authors: El Bayssari Anna Maria , Péron Mael , Barasinski Anaïs , Jacquemin Frédéric , Daghia Federica , Guillon Damien
Published: December 2023

The presence of temperature and crystallinity gradients in carbon fiber–reinforced PolyEtherEtherKetone (PEEK) composite laminates, produced via laser-assisted tape placement, is investigated in this paper. The manufacturing process takes place with high deposition speed and using localized laser source for heating, therefore enhancing the formation of temperature and crystallinity gradients through the laminate thickness. A previously validated thermal model coupled with a non-isothermal crystallinity model and a fusion model are used to simulate the temperature and crystallinity distributions through the laminate thickness. The results from the model are correlated with Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) tests and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) tests since a crystallinity gradient is difficult to monitor experimentally. The simulated gradients suggested the presence of an amorphous layer between two consecutive plies and an increase in the crystallinity through the material’s thickness. This observation is correlated with the behavior reported for the semi-crystalline laminates during the DMA test, where the modulus drops abruptly during the glass transition, a typical behavior for an amorphous material.
Factors Associated With Foot Self-Care in Patients With Diabetes-Related High-Risk Feet: A Cross-Sectional Design
Authors: Ababneh Anas , Moosa Sameh , Aljarrah Qusai , Alsoufi Yazan , Abu Qamar Ma’en Zaid , Saleh Mohamad , Jarrah Samiha , Younes Nidal A.
Published: December 2023

Foot self-care has been commonly studied among people with diabetes. Previous research on foot self-care among those with diabetes-related high-risk feet is almost unavailable or very limited. The current study aims to fill this gap and provide a contemporary unprecedented analysis of this area of specialization. To assess the levels of, and factors associated with foot self-care among people with diabetes-related high-risk feet. A multi-center cross-sectional study from Jordan assessed the foot self-care of 107 participants with diabetes-related high-risk feet. Multiple socio-demographic, physiological, and psychosocial factors were collected, and the Arabic version of the diabetes foot self-care behavior scale was used to estimate the foot self-care of the study population. A multiple linear regression model was employed to identify factors associated with foot self-care. The mean score of foot self-care was 25.4 ± 7.1 (35 is the highest) indicating ~73% of adherence to foot self-care. Factors associated with higher foot self-care were being treated at the King Abdullah University Hospital (β = .30, P < .01) and reporting higher scores of patients’ interpretations about neuropathy physical causes of foot ulcers (β = “.22,” P = .02). People with diabetes-related high-risk feet reported a relatively adequate foot self-care practice. However, clinicians are still required to enhance foot self-care among this population. Health promotion programs may benefit from engaging people in understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes-related foot ulcers to improve foot self-care practices.
Ultrasound-Based Radiomics for the Classification of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis in Children
Authors: Chen Jie , Wen Zeying , Yang Xiaoqing , Jia Jie , Zhang Xiaodong , Pian Linping , Zhao Ping
Published: December 2023

Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is one of the most common kidney diseases in children. The current diagnosis and classification of HSPN depend on pathological biopsy, which is seriously limited by its invasive and high-risk nature. The aim of the study was to explore the potential of radiomics model for evaluating the histopathological classification of HSPN based on the ultrasound (US) images. A total of 440 patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis proved by biopsy were analyzed retrospectively. They were grouped according to two histopathological categories: those without glomerular crescent formation (ISKDC grades I-II) and those with glomerular crescent formation (ISKDC grades III-V). The patients were randomly assigned to either a training cohort ( n = 308) or a validation cohort ( n = 132) with a ratio of 7:3. The sonologist manually drew the regions of interest (ROI) on the ultrasound images of the right kidney including the cortex and medulla. Then, the ultrasound radiomics features were extracted using the Pyradiomics package. The dimensions of radiomics features were reduced by Spearman correlation coefficients and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method. Finally, three radiomics models using k-nearest neighbor (KNN), logistic regression (LR), and support vector machine (SVM) were established, respectively. The predictive performance of such classifiers was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. 105 radiomics features were extracted from derived US images of each patient and 14 features were ultimately selected for the machine learning analysis. Three machine learning models including k-nearest neighbor (KNN), logistic regression (LR), and support vector machine (SVM) were established for HSPN classification. Of the three classifiers, the SVM classifier performed the best in the validation cohort [area under the curve (AUC) =0.870 (95% CI, 0.795–0.944), sensitivity = 0.706, specificity = 0.950]. The US-based radiomics had good predictive value for HSPN classification, which can be served as a noninvasive tool to evaluate the severity of renal pathology and crescentic formation in children with HSPN.
Telbivudine-induced rhabdomyolysis in a patient undergoing haemodialysis: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Wu Keping , Xu Xiaochang , Huang Leidan , Zhu Enyi , Dong Yejing , Zhang Zhijuan , Yan Xiuhong , Zhang Yimin
Published: December 2023

Herein, we describe a case of acute rhabdomyolysis in a man in his early 50s undergoing haemodialysis and receiving the antiviral drug, telbivudine, for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Following diagnosis by electromyography (EMG), magnetic resonance image (MRI) scans and laboratory data (i.e., elevated serum creatinine kinase (CK) and myoglobin) telbivudine was discontinued and the patient was treated with methylprednisolone. While his CK and myoglobin levels decreased rapidly, his muscle weakness and pain improved slowly. Learning points include: patients undergoing haemodialysis and concomitantly receiving antiviral treatment for HBV, should have their serum levels of CK and myoglobin monitored regularly; treatment with corticosteroids maybe required; relief from rhabdomyolysis-induced muscle weakness and pain may be slow due to nerve fibre damage.
Overcoming the dualism between “society and space”, with and beyond Bourdieu
Authors: Ripoll Fabrice
Published: December 2023

Pierre Bourdieu is one of the most important social scientists of the twentieth century. However, the intersections between his work and geography largely remain to be investigated. This paper explores the place of spatiality in Bourdieu’s models of the social world. It first offers a critical analysis of the ternary model elaborated in his article entitled “Site-Effects,” in which “physical space” is theoretically central (a model that Bourdieu later seemed to retreat from). It then builds upon another triad, developed in “The Three States of Cultural Capital,” to submit a model in which the three “states” can be extended to the social world at large and correspond to three modes of “crystallizationc” of social relations, which all have a spatial dimension. The generalization of the triad leads to a consistent theorization of the intrinsic spatial dimension of the social world, thus overcoming the misleading dualism between society and space.
A cross-scale method for predicting equivalent elastic constants of needled C/SiC composite considering manufacturing defects
Authors: Wang Junlong , Yang Rui , Qu Linfeng , Li Hailin , Sun Shiyong
Published: December 2023

For the ceramic matrix composites, manufacturing defects are the key issues that make their elastic constants difficult to predict. A method is proposed to predict equivalent elastic constants of needled C/SiC composite. This method consisted of multiscale model construction and cross-scale analysis. In the model construction, two types of manufacturing defects, pore and fiber deflection, were analyzed and characterized in two scale models. In the cross-scale analysis, theoretical prediction method was used to link the microscopic and mesoscopic scales. The periodic boundary condition method was used to link the mesoscopic and macroscopic scales. The comparison between the predicted results and the experimental data showed that the method considering manufacturing defects was in great agreement with experiment. By discussing the effects of different manufacturing defects on the elastic constants of needled C/SiC composite, it was demonstrated that manufacturing defects in needled C/SiC composite played an important role in dispersion of material properties. Reducing the number of manufacturing defects by optimizing the relevant process parameters can improve the dispersion of material properties.
The Impact of Training Based on the Pender Health Promotion Model on Self-Efficacy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jalali Amir , Ziapour Arash , Ezzati Ebrahim , Kazemi Shahrokh , Kazeminia Mohsen
Published: December 2023

Objective

The concept of self-efficacy is a determining factor in many behaviours related to health promotion and health education. Several pilot studies have been conducted in different parts of the world on different populations regarding the impact of training based on the Pender Health Promotion Model on self-efficacy, yielding conflicting results. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted with the aim of evaluating and summarizing the results of studies on the impact of training based on the Pender Health Promotion Model on self-efficacy.

Data Source

MagIran, SID, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science (WoS), Scopus and Google Scholar.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Original scientific research articles; Interventional studies; Studies investigating the effects of education based on the Pender Health Promotion Model on self-efficacy; Studies irrelevant to the objective; Cross-sectional studies; case reports; and papers presented in conferences; letters to the editor; systematic and meta-analysis studies.

Data Extraction

Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of the 18 included studies using a pre-prepared checklist for the systematic review and meta-analysis process.

Data Synthesis

We conducted meta-analyses and reported the characteristics, outcomes, and risk of bias of studies.

Methods

The present study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines until December 2022. The quality assessment of the included articles for meta-analysis was performed using the JBI checklist. Heterogeneity of the studies was calculated using the I 2 statistics, and Egger's regression intercept was used to assess publication bias.

Results

In the initial search, 13,943 studies were found, and after excluding studies irrelevant to the research objective, a total of 18 articles were included in the meta-analysis. These articles represented a sample size of 1015 individuals in the intervention group and 999 individuals in the control group. The combined results of the studies showed a significant increase in self-efficacy in the intervention group when compared to the control group (1.788 ± .267; CI: 95%, P < .001). With an increase in the year of study and the quality assessment score of the articles, the effect of the intervention decreased ( P < .001).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicated that training based on the Pender Health Promotion Model significantly increased self-efficacy. Therefore, it seems that training based on this model can have positive effects on individuals' self-efficacy.
A cascade fuzzy adaptive based interaction torque control of a pneumatically actuated forearm rehabilitation robot under disturbance effects
Authors: Dağdelen Mustafa , Sarigeçili Mehmet İlteriş , Özbek Necdet Sinan
Published: December 2023

In this study, an intelligent adaptive interaction torque control for a pneumatically actuated forearm rehabilitation robot has been proposed. The main objective is to provide a haptic environment that ensures stable interaction torque fields at changing levels. To achieve this goal, a cascade fuzzy adaptive controller, that is specifically tailored to handle varying levels of interaction torque and ensure stability throughout the rehabilitation process, has been designed. To improve the efficiency of the controller, non-linear friction torque identification of the pneumatic actuator based on changing operating conditions has been conducted. Parallel to this, a user motion intention detection algorithm has been designed to provide compliant, safe and suitable human-robot interactions. The disturbance cases have been considered to make the system robust to unknown conditions. Stability analysis has been performed, specifically focusing on the boundary-input boundary-output (BIBO) stability conditions. In order to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed cascade fuzzy adaptive algorithm, a cascade PID algorithm has also been meticulously designed for comparison. Numerous experimental validation tests involving a healthy user were conducted in a Hardware-in-the-Loop environment, focusing on torque trajectory tracking performance. The proposed control technique exhibited improved convergence dynamics compared to the cascade PID algorithm, yielding mean absolute error levels of 0.0218 Nm and 0.099 Nm for target interaction torque under disturbance-free and disturbed conditions, respectively.
A function method for static load-sharing analysis of multiple-branch power-split gearing system
Authors: Du Jinfu , Mao Hong
Published: December 2023

A function method was proposed for the static load-sharing analysis of the power-split gearing system. Taking a two-stage three-branch star gearing system used in a certain type of aircraft engine as the object, based on the deformation compatibility condition that considers the torsional deformation of the dual star gear shaft, the function that describes the changing rule of the load-sharing coefficient was established, which could calculate the load-sharing coefficient without the truncation error. Through analysing the load-sharing susceptibility to gear eccentricity errors with the traditional graphic and function method, respectively, the correctness and advantages of the proposed method were verified. Finally, considering the randomness of eccentricity errors in gear manufacturing and installation, the load-sharing coefficient function matrix was established to analyse the load-sharing characteristics when the errors were generated randomly. The result shows that the function method can avoid possible truncation errors in the load-sharing coefficient calculation and make the static load-sharing analysis more efficient; the randomness of the error value has a greater influence on the load-sharing than the randomness of the error direction; the randomness of the error direction may affect the susceptibility of the load-sharing to installation errors, which should be considered in the analysis of load-sharing susceptibility to the error with a fixed direction.
Diffusion bonding of the C/SiC ceramic matrix composite
Authors: Patel Manish , Singh Vajinder , Prasad VV Bhanu
Published: December 2023

C/SiC composites are one of the high temperature materials that have extensive applications. Diffusion bonding appeared to be the potential technique for joining the C/SiC composite. A detailed microstructural study was carried out for the diffusion bonding of the C/SiC composite. The sequence of the reaction layer was found to be Ti5Si3/Ti5Si3 + TiC/TiC after bonding at 1350°C using a vacuum hot press. After the diffusion bonding at 1500°C, the reaction layer sequence was changed to TiSi2/Ti3SiC2 + TiSi2/Ti3SiC2 + TiSi2 + TiC. The apparent shear strength of diffusion bonded C/SiC was higher for the sample bonded at 1350°C than at 1500°C.
Prognostic Accuracy of Common Mortality Prognostic Scales in Very Old Patients with Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Authors: Batista Rafael , Pereira Marta , Vaz Deise Catamo , Buque Helena , Nzwalo Hipolito , Marreiros Ana
Published: December 2023

Background

Spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH) is the most severe form of all stroke types. Stratification of SICH severity is important for group comparisons and treatment decisions. The existing prognostic scores for clinical prediction in SICH have not been specifically validated in the very old (≥75 years). Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of different SICH vital prognostic scores in the very old.

Purpose

To compare the short-term accuracy of three vital prognostic scores: Functional Outcome in Patients with Primary Intracerebral Haemorrhage (FUNC), Modified Emergency Department Intracerebral Haemorrhage (mEDICH) and the Intracerebral Haemorrhage Score (‘ICH score’) in patients aged 75 or older.

Methods

Comparison of the discriminative performance of three SICH prognostic scores in a consecutive case series of patients ≥75 years. The prognostic discrimination was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Additionally, a binary logistic regression was conducted to determine independent prognostic factors associated with mortality.

Results

The case-fatality was 40.6%. The AUROC and Younden index for the three scores was as it follows: ‘ICH score’ 0.882 and 0.648; mEDICH 0.867 and 0.571; FUNC 0.802 and 0.519. The main independent risk factors of death were presence of intraventricular extension (OR = 4.000,95% CI= 1.933–8.276), INR value (OR = 2.173, 95% CI = 1.146–4.117), haemorrhage volume (OR = 1.881, 95% CI = 1.029–3.440) and GCS (OR = 0.119, 95% CI = 0.060–0.236) for mEDICH. Haemorrhage volume (OR = 3.020, 95% CI = 1.806–5.050) and GCS (OR = 0.043, 95% CI = 0.013–0.151) for FUNC. Haemorrhage volume (OR = 4.950, 95% CI = 2.249–10.897) and intraventricular haemorrhage (OR = 3.811, 95% CI = 1.833–7.924) for ‘ICH score’.

Conclusion

The three scores (‘ICH score’, FUNC and mEDICH) showed an excellent capability of discriminating the group of elderly patients at risk of short-term death. Age per se may not be crucial for accurate discrimination of death in the group of elderly. Instead, the inclusion of available physiological markers of fragility would be more scientifically meaningful than age.
Fatalistic and Optimistic Coping Strategies Predict Depression in Arab Muslim Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Al Sharji Amal , Alaloul Fawwaz , Al Yazeedi Basma , Alharrasi Maryam
Published: December 2023

Background:

Depression is one of the common psychological problems in patients on hemodialysis. We aimed to identify the predictors associated with depressive symptoms among patients on hemodialysis from a population under-represented in research and minoritized in countries like the United States.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of patients in Oman. Data were analyzed using linear multiple regression.

Results:

A total of 157 patients on hemodialysis participated in the study, with 40.5% reporting different levels of depressive symptoms. Higher stress levels (β = .643; p < .01) and higher perceived effectiveness of the fatalistic coping style (β = .144; p < .05) were significant predictors of depressive symptoms. Patients with a higher optimistic coping style (β = −.182; p < .01) had lower levels of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion:

Arab Muslim hemodialysis patients have significant levels of depressive symptoms. Identifying predictors of depressive symptoms may help identify those at risk and provide culturally appropriate interventions.
Semi-active fuzzy control of a powerpack with magneto-rheological dampers at full operating conditions
Authors: Song Shizhe , Hua Chunrong , Huang Yan , Cai Dingzhong , Dong Dawei , Yan Bing
Published: December 2023

Powerpacks are commonly used as the power source in diesel multiple units (DMUs) due to their flexibility and economy. In order to enhance the ride comfort of DMUs at full operating conditions, it is a great challenge to design a multiple objectives semi-active control system to reduce the transmission force to the DMU, vibration intensity at start-stop conditions, and structural vibration in stable operating conditions. A fuzzy semi-active control system incorporating magneto-rheological (MR) dampers and vibration isolators with small stiffness coefficients is designed. Firstly, a rigid-flexible coupling powerpack model is established to reflect the rigid body and structural vibration characteristics. Next, an MR damper’s dynamic behavior at full operating conditions is investigated experimentally, direct and inverse models are established using a genetic algorithm backpropagation (GA-BP) neural network. Then, a variable universe hybrid fuzzy controller is designed for the multiple objectives requirements, including quick response during low-frequency start-stop conditions and effective suppression of structural vibration during high-frequency stable operating conditions. Finally, the vibration isolation performance of the powerpack is verified by simulation and experiments, demonstrating the effectiveness of the semi-active control system with MR dampers and the variable universe hybrid fuzzy controller at full operating conditions.
Active suspension H∞/generalized H2 static output feedback control
Authors: Shi Zhuqing , Cao Ruili , Zhang Shishuo , Guo Jie , Yu Shuyou , Chen Hong
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes an approach of H ∞/generalized H2 ( GH2) static output feedback control for vehicle active suspension. To address the conflicting performance requirements in active suspension, the H ∞ norm is minimized to optimize the ride comfort performance, while the GH2 norm is designed to meet time-domain hard constraints, including suspension stroke, road-holding performance, and actuator saturation. As not all states of active suspension are measurable in practice, the static output feedback control is designed using suspension stroke and sprung mass velocity as feedback signals. An invertible matrix condition is introduced in the static output feedback control design, which transforms the control problem into a convex optimization problem that can be solved using linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) experiments are conducted on both bump and random road responses for active and passive suspension of a 2-degree-of-freedom quarter vehicle. The proposed active suspension H ∞/ GH2 static output feedback controller is compared with H ∞ state feedback controller and the existing controller solved by LMIs and genetic algorithms (GAs), demonstrating that the proposed strategy achieves better ride comfort performance under various road conditions while satisfying all time-domain hard constraints.
Animal roles in organizations: A framework for exploring organizational human–animal relations
Authors: Kandel India J , Dlouhy Katja , Schmitt Antje
Published: December 2023

Despite the growing body of research on human–animal studies in various disciplines, attempts to systematically include animals in organization studies have been limited. In this article, we build on organizational role theory and propose a typology of five roles of animals in human organizations (i.e., animals as commodities, clients, co-workers, companions, and acquaintances) as a framework for analyzing organizational human–animal relations. The identified roles emerge as distinct categories that illuminate the varying degrees of agency afforded to animals in certain organizational settings and the extent to which human work is focused on animals. Lastly, we outline how advancing scholarly perspectives on animals in organizations requires going beyond anthropocentric and anthropomorphic perspectives and suggest various avenues for future research.