bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of long working hours and subsequent psychological and physical responses: JNIOSH cohort study
Authors: Ochiai Yuko , Takahashi Masaya , Matsuo Tomoaki , Sasaki Takeshi , Sato Yuki , Fukasawa Kenji , Araki Tsuyoshi , Otsuka Yasumasa
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the prospective association among objectively measured average working hours (AWHs), frequency of long working hours (FLWHs; defined as ≥205 working hours/month (≥45 hours/week)) for 6 months, and workers’ self-reported psychological and physical health.

Methods

The study included 15 143 workers from 5 Japanese companies. We collected monthly attendance records over 6 months before distributing a questionnaire survey on psychological/physical stress responses and work-related demographics. We then evaluated the associations of those attendance records with psychological/physical measures using analysis of covariance adjusted for sex, age, employment, job type, working conditions, work site and experience of emergency state due to COVID-19.

Results

Irritability, anxiety and depression were significantly greater at ≥180 hours (≥45 hours/week), and fatigue and lack of vigour were greater at ≥205 hours than those of the normal working-hour group (140–180 hours/month [35–45 hours/week]). Psychological indices increased significantly with FLWH, with ≥3 times for irritability, depression and fatigue; ≥2 times for lack of vigour; and ≥1 time for anxiety when compared with no long working hours. No significant associations were observed between AWH or FLWH and physical stress responses.

Conclusions

Longer AWH was associated with higher levels of psychological stress responses. The effects of FLWH in the past 6 months varied among the psychological stress responses and did not occur for physical complaints. Under circumstances requiring long hours, workers’ mental health should be protected through minimising the frequency of long work hours.
Osimertinib-induced radiation recall pneumonitis
Authors: Kuriakose Jyothsna , Sundararaj Jenifer Jeba , Celine Thangarathi , Isaac Barney , Mane Manisha , Singh Ashish , Sasidharan Balukrishna
Published: April 2023

Radiation recall pneumonitis (RRP) is a type of radiation induced lung injury that develops in a previously irradiated lung field and is triggered by administration of chemotherapeutic or immunomodulating agents. To our knowledge there is only one report of Osimertinib induced RRP. The predominant symptoms include dyspnea and cough which usually resolve after stopping the inciting agent and with glucocorticoids. We describe a 52-year-old lady with lung cancer who developed Osimertinib induced RRP. She had significant dyspnoea and cough despite stopping Osimertinib and treatment with corticosteroids. She was referred to specialist palliative care team for alleviation of symptoms. Her symptoms responded well with non-pharmacological measures and pharmacological agents including opioids and mirtazapine. This is the first report on the effect of supportive care interventions on symptom relief in Osimertinib induced RRP.
Refined Composite Multiscale Phase Rényi Dispersion Entropy for Complexity Measure
Authors: Tong Yu-Han , Ling Guang , Guan Zhi-Hong , Fan Qingju , Wan Li
Published: April 2023

Assessing the complexity of signals or dynamical systems is important in disease diagnosis, mechanical system defect, astronomy analysis, and many other fields. Although entropy measures as complexity estimators have greatly improved, the majority of these measures are quite sensitive to specified parameters and are impacted by short data lengths. This paper proposes a novel entropy algorithm to enhance the existing complexity assessment methods based on classical dispersion entropy (DE) and Rényi entropy (RE) by introducing refined composite multiscale coarse-grained treatment and phase transformation. The proposed refined composite multiscale phase Rényi dispersion entropy (PRRCMDE) addresses the flaws of various existing entropy approaches while still incorporating their merits. Several simulated signals from logistic mapping, AR model, MIX process, and additive WGN periodic signals are adopted to examine the performance of PRRCMDE from multiple perspectives. It demonstrates that the efficacy of the suggested algorithm can be increased by modifying the DE and RE parameters to a reasonable range. As a real-world application, the bearings’ varied fault types and levels can also be recognized clearly.
Dynamic Behavior and Double-Parameter Self-Adaptive Stability Control of a Gear Transmission System
Authors: Sheng Dongping , Lu Fengxia
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a new nonlinear transverse-torsional coupled model for single-stage gear transmission system, by taking transmission error, time-varying meshing stiffness, backlash, bearing clearances and the self-adaptive double-parameter control module into account. The nonlinear differential governing equation of system motion is derived and solved by applying variable step-size Runge–Kutta numerical integration method. The system’s nonlinear dynamic characteristics and stability are investigated systematically by a bifurcation diagram of the Poincaré map and parameter stability region. Firstly, the velocity bifurcation diagrams have shown that, under the same damping ratio and backlash and with the increase of control parameter [Formula: see text], the route to chaos in the subcritical velocity region is first experienced from crisis to periodic doubling, and to crisis again, but the route that reverts to periodic motion in the super-critical velocity region is not affected. Additionally, the backlash is found to be the key parameter to affect the route to chaos as well. With the increase of the backlash, the crisis becomes the unique route to chaos in sub-critical region no matter what the [Formula: see text] is, but the increase of [Formula: see text] could change the route that reverts to periodic motion from 3T-periodic attractor to 2T-periodic attractor. Secondly, with the increase of the control parameter [Formula: see text], the system starts to enter the chaotic motion and exit the chaos state at different critical points and through different routes. Besides, the unstable region could shrink dramatically and the route to crisis is suppressed as well with the increase of damping ratio. Thirdly, the motion stability region analysis established in full range of double-parameter and velocity provides a mathematical reference model and is stored in control module, which could be utilized to make the control module seek a nearest parameter set automatically that could make the motion stable again in the quickest way under unstable working condition. Finally, according to global motion stability diagram, the forbidden zones that cannot make the system motion stable by adjusting single control parameter are revealed, which has remarkable guiding value during the practical operation especially under the manual adjusting working condition.
Periodicity Analysis of the Logistic Map Over Ring ℤ3n
Authors: Lu Xiaoxiong , Xie Eric Yong , Li Chengqing
Published: April 2023

Periodicity analysis of sequences generated by a deterministic system is a long-standing challenge in both theoretical research and engineering applications. To overcome the inevitable degradation of the logistic map on a finite-precision circuit, its numerical domain is commonly converted from a real number field to a ring or a finite field. This paper studies the period of sequences generated by iterating the logistic map over ring [Formula: see text] from the perspective of its associated functional network, where every number in the ring is considered as a node, and the existing mapping relation between any two nodes is regarded as a directed edge. The complete explicit form of the period of the sequences starting from any initial value is given theoretically and verified experimentally. Moreover, conditions on the control parameter and initial value are derived, ensuring the corresponding sequences to achieve the maximum period over the ring. The results can be used as ground truth for dynamical analysis and cryptographical applications of the logistic map over various domains.
Investigation of Dielectric and Energy Storage Performance of (1-x)BaTiO3-xBi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3 Ceramic for Possible MLCC Application
Authors: Sahoo Subhashree , Badapanda Tanmaya , Hota Archana , Rout Sanjeeb Kumar
Published: April 2023

The dielectric and energy-storage performance of (1-x)BaTiO3(BT)-xBi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3(BZN) [0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15] materials are presented in this manuscript for potential multilayer ceramic capacitor application. The solid-state reaction method is adapted for the preparation of the ceramics. X-ray diffraction patterns of the ceramics reveal the formation of pure perovskite pseudo-cubic structure with space group P m −3 m. Temperature and frequency-dependent dielectric behavior are analyzed to understand the change in dielectric performance with the rise in BZN concentration. The degree of diffuseness in the phase transition has been analyzed by using the modified Curie-Weiss Law. The temperature Coefficient of Capacitance (TCC) has been calculated to analyze the thermal stability of the material. The P-E hysteresis loop measurement has been carried out at different applied fields and found that 0.15 mol% of BT-BZN can withstand maximum electric field exposure without undergoing any electrical breakdown. The energy storage efficiency is calculated for all the compositions and maximum efficiency is obtained for x = 0.15. The frequency-dependent P-E hysteresis is carried out and frequency stability of polarization is obtained for 0.85BT-0.15 BZN ceramic.
Genetic Testing Enables the Diagnosis of Familial Hypercholesterolemia Underdiagnosed by Clinical Criteria: Analysis of Japanese Early-Onset Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Miyama Hiroshi , Katsumata Yoshinori , Momoi Mizuki , Ichihara Genki , Fujisawa Taishi , Endo Jin , Kawakami Takashi , Kataoka Masaharu , Yuasa Shinsuke , Sano Motoaki , Sato Kazuki , Fukuda Keiichi
Published: April 2023

Definitive diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is paramount for the risk management of patients and their relatives. The present study aimed to investigate the frequency of gene variants contributing to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) metabolism and their clinical relevance in patients with early-onset coronary artery disease (EOCAD). Among 63 consecutive patients with EOCAD (men <55 years or women <65 years) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 2013 to 2019 at Keio University Hospital, 52 consented to participate in this retrospective study. Targeted sequencing of LDLR, PCSK9, APOB, and LDLRAP1 was performed. Of the 52 patients enrolled (42 men; mean age: 50 ± 6 years), one (LDLR, c.1221_1222delCGinsT) harbored a pathogenic mutation, and one (APOB, c.10591A>G) harbored variants of uncertain significance. Both the patients harboring the variants were male, showing no history of diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease, no family history of EOCAD, and no physical findings of FH (i.e., tendon xanthomas or Achilles tendon thickening). Patients harboring the LDLR variant had three-vessel disease, were on a statin prescription at baseline, and had stable LDL-C levels; however, the case showed a poor response to the intensification of medication after PCI. Approximately 3.8% of patients with EOCAD harbored variants of gene related to LDL-C metabolism; there were no notable indicators in the patients’ background or clinical course to diagnose FH. Given the difficulty in diagnosing FH based on clinical manifestations and family history, genetic testing could enable the identification of hidden risk factors and provide early warnings to their relatives.
lncRNA PDCD4-AS1 Promotes the Progression of Glioma by Regulating miR-30b-3p/METTL7B Signaling
Authors: Li Zuowei , Song Yelin , Zhang Jimei
Published: April 2023

Background. Gliomas are the most common and most malignant primary tumors of the adult central nervous system, but their etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. This study was aimed at investigating the expression and function of lncRNA PDCD4-AS1 in glioma and elucidating the mechanism by which PDCD4-AS1 regulates the biological features of glioma. Method. The expression of PDCD4-AS1 was determined by bioinformatic analysis and qRT-PCR assay. PDCD4-AS1 was knocked down in glioma cells using siRNA transfection. The functional analysis of cells was conducted using CCK-8 proliferation, cell migration, and invasion assays, as well as cell cycle analysis. An in vivo tumorigenesis assay was performed to investigate the role of PDCD4-AS1 knockdown in glioma tumor growth. We performed bioinformatic analysis, RNA pull-down, and luciferase reporter assays to investigate the downstream targets of PDCD4-AS1. A rescue experiment was then performed to confirm the regulating mechanism. Results. PDCD4-AS1 was found to be significantly upregulated in glioma patients’ tumor tissues and cell lines. The silencing of PDCD4-AS1 inhibited glioma cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and induced cell cycle arrest. In vivo experiments showed that silencing PDCD4-AS1 inhibited glioma tumor growth. An investigation of the underlying mechanism suggested that PDCD4-AS1 positively regulated METTL7B expression by sponging miR-30b-3. Both the knockdown of miR-30b-3p and the overexpression of METTL7B could, respectively, reverse the malignant phenotype of cells affected by silencing PDCD4-AS1. Conclusion. These results demonstrate that PDCD4-AS1 exerted an oncogenic role by regulating the miR-30b-3p/METTL7B axis.
Effect of Stocking Density on Culture Efficiency and Physiological Indicators of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) under Recirculating Water Conditions in Land-Based Round Ponds
Authors: Si Nan , Jie Baifei , Cheng Guangping , Ma Yanqun , Dong Lanfang , Gu Changhui , Cheng Man , Wei Yunyong , Yu Kai
Published: April 2023

To identify the optimal stocking rate of Micropterus salmoides culture in a land-based round pond recirculating aquaculture system, five stocking densities were tested, i.e., D1–D5 with 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 fish/m2, respectively. The water temperature of the experimental pond was 20.0–26.5°C. The effects of stocking density on culture productivity and physiological indexes of M. salmoides (initial body weight 50.83 ± 7.28 g) were examined. The D1 and D5 treatments exhibited significantly improved growth performance. The population weight gain in the D5 treatment was the highest, which increased by 63.73%, 52.82%, 60.93%, and 45.08%, compared with groups D1–D4 (

P
<
0.05

, each), and the feed conversion ratio was the lowest, which was decreased by 5.65%, 12.03%, 26.42%, and 21.48% compared with groups D1–D4. The levels of crude protein, essential amino acids, and total free amino acids in muscle tissue of group D3 were higher than those in the other groups. Stocking density did not differ significantly on muscle fatty acid composition

P
>
0.05

, each). The activities of serum AKP and LZM and liver SOD, AKP, and LZM in group D5 were significantly higher than those in the other groups. Thus, 100 fish/m2 was the optimal stocking density of M. salmoides at a size stage of 50.83∼130.13 g in the circulating water of land-based round ponds.
The Postoperative Recovery Course of Skeletal Muscle Mass in Older Esophageal Cancer Patients
Authors: Harada Tsuyoshi , Tsuji Tetsuya , Tatematsu Noriatsu , Ueno Junya , Koishihara Yu , Konishi Nobuko , Yanagisawa Takumi , Hijikata Nanako , Ishikawa Aiko , Fujita Takeo
Published: April 2023

Purpose. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is an important biomarker for health in older cancer patients. However, there is limited information on the recovery course of SMM after esophagectomy in older patients. This study aimed to investigate the recovery course of SMM after esophagectomy and the predictors in older cancer patients. Methods. We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study. Esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy were included. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was calculated using computed tomography images. The loss of SMI at 4 and 12 months after surgery was calculated as [(preoperative − postoperative SMI) ÷ preoperative SMI] × 100%. Nonrecovery was defined as an SMI loss of ≥2% at 12 months after surgery, considering physiological loss with aging. One-way analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results. A total of 105 older (≥70 years) and 156 nonolder (<70 years) patients were analyzed. Older patients had a significantly larger loss of SMI 4 months (mean: 5.7% vs. 3.1%;

p
=
0.021

) and 12 months (mean: 1.0% vs. −1.4%;

p
=
0.040

) after surgery than nonolder patients. In older patients, the number of patients with nonrecovery of SMI at 12 months after surgery was 55 (52%). In older patients, significant predictors for the nonrecovery of SMI were preoperative sarcopenia (adjusted OR: 0.297;

p
=
0.012

), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (adjusted OR: 0.248;

p
=
0.015

), and loss of SMI 4 months after surgery (per 1%; adjusted OR: 1.076;

p
=
0.018

). Conclusions. It is suggested that older esophageal cancer patients have a larger unmet need for long-term postoperative loss of SMM than nonolder patients. Continuous outpatient rehabilitation, including exercise and nutritional therapy after discharge, which targets improvement in SMM at 4 months, may improve SMI at 12 months after surgery in older esophageal cancer patients.
The perception of bee and wasp fauna (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) by the inhabitants of Mangdi Valley, central Bhutan
Authors: Kinley Tenzin
Published: April 2023

This paper explores the perception, knowledge, and attitude of the inhabitants of Mangdi Valley in Trongsa District concerning bees and wasps (Hymenoptera). Prevailing conservation threats to these ecologically important insects were determined. Data were collected from June to September 2018 by means of open-ended interviews from 32 randomly selected individuals. Responses to questions regarding their perceptions were analyzed and comparisons were made among a variety of demographic groups distinguished by age group, gender, and education status. The results showed that the people were aware of 5–10 species of common bees and wasps, mostly found in the agriculture and forested areas. The main threats faced by these insects are developmental activities followed by hunting and consumption.
Measuring Progress: The Ottoman Revival of Systematist Music Theory, c.1900
Authors: Olley Jacob
Published: April 2023

This article traces the historical and intellectual origins of modern Turkish music theory in the late Ottoman period. It examines debates about music theory in the Ottoman Turkish press during the 1880s and 1890s, focusing particularly on the earliest publications of Raʾūf Yektā (1288–1353/1871–1935). The article shows how the modern Turkish theory of pitch was created by Yektā and his collaborators through the rediscovery of Arabic and Persian treatises associated with the Systematist school of mathematical music theory, which flourished between the seventh/thirteenth and ninth/fifteenth centuries. It argues that this project to bring Ottoman music into the modern “age of progress” was shaped by the ideals of both scientific positivism and Islamic modernism.
An Analytic Model for the Clear-Sky Longwave Feedback
Authors: Koll Daniel D. B. , Jeevanjee Nadir , Lutsko Nicholas J.
Published: April 2023

Climate models and observations robustly agree that Earth’s clear-sky longwave feedback has a value of about −2 W m−2 K−1, suggesting that this feedback can be estimated from first principles. In this study, we derive an analytic model for Earth’s clear-sky longwave feedback. Our approach uses a novel spectral decomposition that splits the feedback into four components: a surface Planck feedback and three atmospheric feedbacks from CO2, H2O, and the H2O continuum. We obtain analytic expressions for each of these terms, and the model can also be framed in terms of Simpson’s law and deviations therefrom. We validate the model by comparing it against line-by-line radiative transfer calculations across a wide range of climates. Additionally, the model qualitatively matches the spatial feedback maps of a comprehensive climate model. For present-day Earth, our analysis shows that the clear-sky longwave feedback is dominated by the surface in the global mean and in the dry subtropics; meanwhile, atmospheric feedbacks from CO2 and H2O become important in the inner tropics. Together, these results show that a spectral view of Earth’s clear-sky longwave feedback elucidates not only its global-mean magnitude, but also its spatial pattern and its state dependence across past and future climates.

Significance Statement

The climate feedback determines how much our planet warms due to changes in radiative forcing. For more than 50 years scientists have been predicting this feedback using complex numerical models. Except for cloud effects the numerical models largely agree, lending confidence to global warming predictions, but nobody has yet derived the feedback from simpler considerations. We show that Earth’s clear-sky longwave feedback can be estimated using only pen and paper. Our results confirm that numerical climate models get the right number for the right reasons, and allow us to explain regional and state variations of Earth’s climate feedback. These variations are difficult to understand solely from numerical models but are crucial for past and future climates.
Southern Annular Mode: A New Factor Impacts the East African Short Rains after the Early 1990s
Authors: Mbigi Dickson , Xiao Ziniu
Published: April 2023

It is well known that the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are closely related to rainfall variability over East Africa. This study found that the preceding August–October (ASO) Southern Annular Mode (SAM) can influence East African rainfall from October to December [i.e., East African short rains (EASR)], with a strong and significant relationship during the period of 1992–2019 than 1971–91. This is likely a result of the changes in SAM variations. It is further revealed that, during 1992–2019, the ASO SAM, via air–sea interactions, can excite meridional dipole sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) and warm SSTA over the southern Indian and Atlantic Oceans, respectively. In contrast, during 1971–91, the SAM induces warm SSTA over the southern Indian Ocean. Further analysis indicated that these ASO SAM-related SSTA patterns persist through the following October–December and exert a contrasting influence on the EASR. Based on the possible mechanism, the enhanced influence of SAM on EASR appears to be achieved through significant meridional circulation in the Indian Ocean basin, with anomalous sinking motion in the extratropics and the rising motion in the tropical Maritime Continent (MC) region. Correspondingly, strong convection is enhanced over the MC, altering zonal vertical circulation. This process results in anomalous westerlies in the tropical Indian Ocean, which reduces the atmospheric moisture, weakens convection, and suppresses rainfall over the central-western Indian Ocean, including the study region. Further analysis suggests that the prediction skill of the EASR related to the SAM, ENSO, and IOD was enhanced during 1992–2019.

Significance Statement

Several studies have investigated the influence of tropical climate anomalies, such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the Indian Ocean dipole, on the rainfall variability over East Africa. The region continues to be plagued by numerous climate-related disasters, including flooding and drought, and the associated varying impacts have been detrimental. As such, there is a need to understand further the factors and associated physical processes that cause such events and improve forecasting accuracy. This research emphasizes the role of the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), finding a strengthened lagged relationship with East African rainfall in recent decades. This implies that changes in the SAM should be considered in understanding present and future rainfall variability in the region.
Observed Interannual Relationship between ITCZ Position and Tropical Cyclone Frequency
Authors: Liao Xiaoqing , Holloway Christopher E. , Feng Xiangbo , Liu Chunlei , Lyu Xinyu , Xue Yufeng , Bao Ruijuan , Li Jiandong , Qiao Fangli
Published: April 2023

There are no well-accepted mechanisms that can explain the annual frequency of tropical cyclones (TCs) both globally and in individual ocean basins. Recent studies using idealized models showed that the climatological frequency of TC genesis (TCG) is proportional to the Coriolis parameter associated with the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) position. In this study, we investigate the effect of the ITCZ position on TCG on the interannual time scale using observations over 1979–2020. Our results show that the TCG frequency is significantly correlated with the ITCZ position in the North Atlantic (NA) and western North Pacific (WNP), with more TCG events in years when the ITCZ is farther poleward. The ITCZ–TCG relationship in NA is dominated by TCG events in the tropics (0°–20°N), while the relationship in WNP is due to TCs formed in the east sector (140°E–180°). We further confirmed that ENSO has little effect on the ITCZ–TCG relationship despite the fact that it can affect the ITCZ position and TCG frequency separately. In NA and WNP, a poleward shift of ITCZ is significantly associated with large-scale environment changes favoring TCG in the main development region (MDR). However, the basinwide TCG frequency has a weak relationship with the ITCZ in other ocean basins. We showed that a poleward ITCZ in the eastern North Pacific and South Pacific favors TCG on the poleward flank of the MDR, while it suppresses TCG on the equatorward flank, leading to insignificant change in the basinwide TCG frequency. In the south Indian Ocean, the ITCZ position has weak effect on TCG frequency due to the mixed influences of environmental conditions.
‘Class and “Race”. . . the two antinomic poles of a permanent dialectic’: Racialization, racism and resistance in Japan
Authors: Baber Zaheer
Published: April 2023

Despite the pervasive social constructivist turn, regardless of some exceptions, discussions of race, racialization and racism continue to focus on the relatively essentialist White/non-White binary. In this article, I move from the White/non-White binary to consider the dynamics and practices of racialization, racism and racial conflicts in Japan where there are no phenotypical distinctions between the dominant and the main racialized minority groups – the Burakumin, the Ainu, the Okinawans, the Zainichi Koreans and the Chinese. The main argument made in this article is that in Japan, class and power inequalities generated by colonialism, the division of labour, adoption and the deployment of the dominant Western 19th-century discourse of ‘scientific racism’ contributed to ‘racial formations’, ‘racial projects’ and the construction of the racialized boundaries that fuelled and continue to compete over material and non-material resources. A historical sociology of the permanent dialectic between class and race in Japan is offered in this article.
Magnetic field induced alignment of graphene nanoplatelets in epoxy resin to develop model nanocomposite
Authors: Tiwari Anupam , Panda Saroja Kanta
Published: April 2023

In this work, a mathematical model is developed to optimize the alignment parameters of Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP) and Fe3O4-GNP applying a weak DC magnetic field (0.05 T), considering rotation, translation, migration, and slackening mechanisms of the nanoparticle in the epoxy. The characteristic magnetic, viscosity and hydrodynamic parameters required by the mathematic model are determined experimentally by synthesizing the magnetite ferric oxide (Fe3O4) and attaching them to GNP to increase its magnetic susceptibility. A highly aligned Fe3O4-GNP nanocomposite is fabricated at 0.05 T magnetic field and 40 Pa-s dynamic viscosity of epoxy, as evident from the optical image analysis. The mass magnetic susceptibility for the nanoparticles are determined at different magnetic field. Time needed for the alignment process at 0.05 T and viscosity range 10–50 Pa-s are compared among the rotation, chaining, migration and the slackening phenomena. The procedure demonstrated to prepare fully cured nanocomposite with aligned Fe3O4-GNP can be used in advanced structures.
Green fluorescent unsaturated polyester/graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots nanocomposites: Preparation and study of UV-resistance, mechanical and viscoelastic properties
Authors: Madhi Abbas
Published: April 2023

The present study has been conducted to investigate the protective effect of graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (CNQDs) against high energetic and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays in addition to strengthening impact of CNQDs over mechanical and viscoelastic properties of unsaturated polyester (UP). To achieve this purpose, CNQDs were synthesized using citric acid and extra urea via microwave-assisted method. Afterwards, several percentages of CNQDs (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 wt%) were added to UP and after curing process, UP/CNQDs nanocomposites were obtained with different percentages. By certain microscopic and spectroscopic tests, correctness of CNQDs formation and various features of UP/CNQDs nanocomposites were examined. Adding CNQDs to the matrix of polyester resin allowed creation of nanocomposites with fluorescence emission ability, also blockage of UV rays by the strengthened samples. Strengthening UP by CNQDs resulted in growth of thermal stability, improvement of tensile strength, 10%–15% increase in flexibility, and progress in viscoelastic characteristics including storage modulus, Tg and cross-linking density.
The effect of smart campus on the low infection rate in the post-pandemic era
Authors: Sui Changpeng , Xie Yeying
Published: April 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought much attention to contactless services. Therefore, strengthening the construction of artificial intelligence in universities and improving the level of campus intelligent construction could reduce the infection rate of COVID-19 to a certain extent. The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has posed severe challenges to university governance and campus safety; however, it has also created a good opportunity to promote the construction of smart campuses. Based on the questionnaire survey method, this paper uses the structural equation model as the methodology to verify whether smart campuses of colleges and universities could achieve a low infection rate in the post-pandemic era. The study findings were: (1) A great correlation was observed between the construction of smart campuses and the realization of the low infection possibility of the campus. The more effective the university's smart campus is, the more likely it is to achieve its low infection rate target; (2) The core intermediary transmission mechanism of the management using smart campuses is informatization. Symmetry improves information processing efficiency to reduce security risks; (3) Although smart campuses in colleges and universities in the post-pandemic era could achieve a low infection rate to a certain extent, still deficiencies exist encouraging further development. Thus, the construction of smart campuses should be promoted by raising awareness, setting up a special management department, and improving information utilization.
Mundanity, fascination and threat: Interrogating responses to publicly engaged research in toilet, trans and disability studies amid a ‘culture war’
Authors: Slater Tig
Published: April 2023

Toilets are political spaces: inadequate toilet access means limited access to wider space and community. Between 2015 and 2018 I led a series of interdisciplinary research projects collectively known as Around the Toilet ( http://aroundthetoilet.com ), which centred the experiences of trans, queer and disabled people to explore what makes a safe and accessible toilet space. The research sought to consolidate commitments to feminist, queer, trans and disability politics. In this article, I interrogate the repercussions of doing work at these political intersections by focusing not so much on the research findings themselves, but on the ways in which the project has been responded to within a context which is anti-expert, anti-‘woke’ and one of perceived scarcity. I reflect on my experiences as a trans person, leading a public-facing research project which centres trans lives, within a context of increasing trans hostility. I will show how Around the Toilet has at once been understood as too mundane (a waste of taxpayers’ money; a humorous thing to be researching); a fascination (a good journalistic ‘hook’; focus on particular aspects of the work, whilst ignoring others); and a threat to social order. I argue that – during a time where ‘impact’ is valued and academics are expected to be ‘public-facing’ – universities need to recognise harms that can come from this, and resource the labour that it takes to mitigate these harms (if the risk is deemed worth taking). I also outline ways in which universities and those with varying degrees of institutional power can help to make the academy a more sustainable place to work for those targeted in current culture wars.
Young Black Fathers’ Perceptions of Fatherhood: A Family Systems Account
Authors: Ncayiyane Zimbini , Nel Lindi
Published: April 2023

Within the historical context of South Africa, fathers are largely considered the breadwinner, an ideology linked to financial affordability. The breadwinner title may be a masculine boost for some but denotes a sense of disempowerment for those without financial muscle. This is especially true for young black South African fathers who are still confronting socio-historical challenges including continued high levels of unemployment. This qualitative study sought to explore how young black fathers perceive and understand fatherhood based on their individual experiences and given their socio-historical and cultural challenges. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Eight participants were selected through non-probability purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data with the foundation of a family systems theoretical framework. Findings indicated that the perception of fatherhood is constructed through (a) financial insecurity, (b) (un)expectancy and psychological distress, (c) shared responsibility, (d) cultural dynamics and (e) a renewed sense of self meaning. The study has added value in ensuring that the voices of young black fathers are captured through their lived experiences. The findings suggest that much investment is still required to understand the different angles and dynamics of young black fathers in South Africa.
Factors Related to Fatigue and Physical Function in COPD: A Secondary Analysis Using National Survey Data
Authors: Clark Lindsey A. , Klinedinst N. Jennifer , Zhu Shijun , Seong Hohyun , Reed Robert , Renn Cynthia , Corazzini Kirsten N.
Published: April 2023

Fatigue in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is debilitating and associated with considerable morbidity. The aim of this study is to present a model based on the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms of physiologic, psychologic, and situational factors with COPD-related fatigue and the relationship with physical functioning. This study used data collected from Wave 2 (2010-2011) of the National Social, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). A total of 518 adults with self-reported COPD were included in this study. Path analysis was used for hypothesis testing. Depression was the only psychologic factor found to have a direct relation to both fatigue (β = 0.158, p < .001) and physical function (β = −0.131, p = .001). Factors related to physical function included fatigue, depression, sleep, loneliness, and pain. Additionally, fatigue was indirectly associated with physical function via depression (β = −0.064, p = .012). These findings suggest avenues for future research on predictors of COPD-related fatigue in relation to physical functioning.
Quantification and prospective evaluation of serum NfL and GFAP as blood-derived biomarkers of outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Ferrari Federica , Rossi Daniela , Ricciardi Alessandra , Morasso Carlo , Brambilla Liliana , Albasini Sara , Vanna Renzo , Fassio Chiara , Begenisic Tatjana , Loi Marianna , Bossi Daniela , Zaliani Alberto , Alberici Elisa , Lisi Claudio , Morotti Andrea , Cavallini Anna , Mazzacane Federico , Nardone Antonio , Corsi Fabio , Truffi Marta
Published: April 2023

Identification of reliable and accessible biomarkers to characterize ischemic stroke patients’ prognosis remains a clinical challenge. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are markers of brain injury, detectable in blood by high-sensitive technologies. Our aim was to measure serum NfL and GFAP after stroke, and to evaluate their correlation with functional outcome and the scores in rehabilitation scales at 3-month follow-up. Stroke patients were prospectively enrolled in a longitudinal observational study within 24 hours from symptom onset (D1) and monitored after 7 (D7), 30 ± 3 (M1) and 90 ± 5 (M3) days. At each time-point serum NfL and GFAP levels were measured by Single Molecule Array and correlated with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin scale (mRS), Trunk Control Test (TCT), Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores. Serum NfL and GFAP showed different temporal profiles: NfL increased after stroke with a peak value at D7; GFAP showed an earlier peak at D1. NfL and GFAP concentrations correlated with clinical/rehabilitation outcomes both longitudinally and prospectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that NfL-D7 and GFAP-D1 were independent predictors of 3-month NIHSS, TCT, FAC and FIM scores, with NfL being the biomarker with the best predictive performance.
Point/counterpoint: Cerebrovascular resistance is a flawed concept
Authors: Ince Jonathan , Minhas Jatinder S , Panerai Ronney B
Published: April 2023

The relationship between cerebral blood flow and blood pressure is a critical part of investigation of cerebral autoregulation. Conventionally, cerebrovascular resistance (CVR) has been used to describe this relationship, but the underlying principles used for this method is flawed in real-world application for several reasons. Despite this, the use of CVR remains entrenched within current literature. This ‘Point/Counterpoint’ review provides a summary of the flaws in using CVR and explains the benefits of calculating the more accurate critical closing pressure (CrCP) and resistance-area product (RAP) parameters, with support of real-world data.
Carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency caused by SLC25A20 gene heterozygous variants in twins: a case report
Authors: Zhang Liya , Hu Ying , Xie Min , Zhang Yuxin , Cen Kuankuan , Chen Lili , Cui Yingbo , Li Haibo , Wang Donge
Published: April 2023

The current case report describes the clinical, biochemical and genetic characteristics of carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency (CACTD) in infant male and female twins that presented with symptoms shortly after elective caesarean delivery. The clinical manifestations were neonatal hypoglycaemia, arrhythmia and sudden death. The age of onset was 1.5 days and the age of the death was 1.5–3.5 days. Dried blood filter paper analysis was used for the detection of acylcarnitine. Peripheral venous blood and skin samples were used for next-generation sequencing. The twins and their parents underwent gene analysis and whole exome sequencing analyses of the solute carrier family 25 member 20 ( SLC25A20; also known as carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase) gene. Both infants carried compound heterozygous variants of the SLC25A20 gene: variant M1:c.706_707insT:p.R236L fs*12 and variant M2:c.689C>G:p.P230R. The M1 variant was paternal and had not been previously reported regarding CACTD. The M2 variant was maternal. CACTD has severe clinical manifestations and a poor prognosis, which is manifested as hypoketotic hypoglycaemia, hyperammonaemia, liver function damage and elevated creatine kinase.
Quality of life and tomography indices in patients with keratoconus
Authors: Al Bdour Muawyah , AlRyalat Saif Aldeen , Salameh Razan , Alomari Laith , Riyalat Ahmad , Fakhouri Zaid , Al-Abdallat Laith , Naser Kamal , Alshrouf Mohammad A. , Al-Amer Ahmad
Published: April 2023

Objective

Keratoconus is a corneal ectasia that leads to thinning and steepening of the corneal surface. We aimed to assess the relationship between quality of life and corneal tomography indices, irrespective of visual acuity.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study using a translated and validated Keratoconus Outcomes Research Questionnaire (KORQ) in Arabic language. We screened patients with keratoconus using the Belin/Ambrósio D-Index. We included the best-seeing eye in each patient with keratoconus, with a best corrected visual acuity better than 0.5. We collected variables including KORQ scores, flattest meridian keratometry, steepest meridian keratometry, mean keratometry front, maximum simulated keratometry, astigmatism front, Q value front, and thickness at the thinnest location. We performed linear regression analysis to identify predictors of the visual function score and symptom score.

Results

Sixty-nine patients were included in this study, 43 (62.3%) male and 26 (37.7%) female patients, with a mean age 34.0 ± 11.50 years. The only predictor for visual function score was sex (β = 11.64, 95% confidence interval: 3.50–19.78). None of the topographic indices were related to quality of life.

Conclusion

In this study, quality of life in patients with keratoconus was not related to specific tomography indices and might be related to visual acuity itself.
Applying Data Mining Methods to Explore Animal-Vehicle Crashes
Authors: Rahman M. Ashifur , Das Subasish , Codjoe Julius , Mitran Elisabeta , Sun Xiaoduan , Abedi Kwabena , Hossain Md Mahmud
Published: April 2023

Animal-vehicle crashes (AVCs) are a significant issue in Louisiana that requires attention. Data on AVCs that occurred from 2015 to 2020 were obtained from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), including 14,349 crashes with major injury (KA), minor injury (BC), and no injury (O) severity groups. Aiming to find the collective association of attributes from AVC data, which are categorical in nature, this study utilized two data mining methods: multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and association rule mining (ARM). Five hierarchical clusters that were generated from the BC and O AVC datasets were particularly significant. Among several other findings, MCA revealed that BC and O AVCs are more concentrated on parish roads during the spring season, while O AVCs in the fall and winter tend to occur on highways with speed limits of 50 mph or higher. ARM revealed that moderate-speed parish roads are frequently associated with KA and BC AVCs, particularly in residential areas and during the spring season, and they often involve young drivers. The findings of this study can be particularly beneficial by considering the spatiotemporal factors associated with animal concentration and movement to develop targeted interventions and mitigation strategies.
Feedback control of the mechanical spindle thermal error based on thermal simulation with bearing heat sources analysis
Authors: Lei Mohan , Gao Feng , Li Yan , Xia Ping , Zhao Liang , Yang Jun
Published: April 2023

The thermal error stability (STE) of the spindle seriously affects the machining accuracy of a machine tool, however existing empirical heating model-based active cooling strategies mainly focus on suppressing the spindle’s overall thermal deformation and cannot effectively stabilize the thermal error. This study regards the “active cooling-spindle” system as a feedback control system and employs a data-driven thermal error model to provide feedback. Thus, the spindle thermal error can be stabilized for a long time owing to the homeostasis of the feedback control system under disturbance. A mechanical spindle with an external cooling scheme is taken as the study object. Bearings are the primary heat sources of the mechanical spindle; thus, the angular contact ball-bearing heat generation is precisely modeled based on local heat sources analysis of bearing components, elastohydrodynamic lubrication, and micro-contact theory. Thermal simulation of the spindle under varying-coolant temperature cooling is conducted to pre-validate the thermal error suppression and variation trend influencing effect, and obtain the Reference Input of Thermal Error (RITE) for the feedback control under different work conditions. Subsequently, a spindle thermal error feedback control system is developed, including computation, cooling, and real-time monitoring modules with inter-communication. Finally, the thermal error feedback control strategy is applied on the mechanical spindle, and experimental comparisons with constant coolant temperature cooling show that the thermal equilibrium time is advanced by 61.46%, 59.16%, 40.51%, and 58.08%. The thermal error variation range (TEVR) after the preheating stage is reduced to1.92, 1.52, 1.91, and 1.69 μm, respectively. The significant reduction in TEVR validated the effectiveness of the proposed strategy for spindle thermal error stabilization.
The Use of Chemical Coupling Agents in Glass Reinforced Polyolefins
Authors: Cameron R. , Constable R.C.
Published: April 2023

European demand for glass filled reinforced polyolefins continues to show significant growth rates. The main drive behind this is material replacement within the automotive and household appliance markets. In particular the automotive industry is turning towards glass filled polypropylene components both to reduce weight and increase recyclability.

One route by which the performance of glass filled composites can be improved is by incorporating chemical coupling agents. In this paper the property enhancement achievable with POLYBOND 3002, supplied by BP Chemicals, is described. In addition development work with glass filled polymer alloys is presented.
The Analysis of Filled Polyphthalamide Composites after Hydrolytic Cleavage
Authors: Chaplin R.P. , Haken J.K. , Wei W.M.
Published: April 2023

The analysis of high performance polymers, because of their very properties of thermal stability and insolubility, will always be a difficult task. This analysis is even further complicated by the presence of fillers and other reinforcing materials. This paper describes a relatively simple procedure of preliminary hydrolytic fusion followed by chemical work-up and gas chromatography that enables the analysis of these materials to be successfully achieved. This success was shown by the analysis of a series of filled polyphthalamide samples.
Chemical Exposure Tests on Perfluoroalkoxy Sheet
Authors: Van Tilburg V.S.M. , Stirling C.D. , Miller N.A.
Published: April 2023

Welded and unwelded panels of perfluoroalkoxy sheet have been exposed to 70% nitric acid, 98% sulphuric acid and 50% sodium hydroxide in such a manner that the panels were subjected to both total immersion and vapour phase conditions. Tensile and flexural test pieces were subjected to total immersion at the same time. Exposure periods were for three months at 40°C and for 28 days at 80°C. Deliberately strained specimens were totally immersed in 98% sulphuric acid and 50% sodium hydroxide for 28 days at 80°C.

After exposure, the panels were examined visually and under a scanning microscope (SEM) for any signs of chemical attack or cracking. The tensile and flexural test pieces were tested after exposure to determine whether there had been any adverse effects on properties.