bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative determination of the femoral offset templating error in total hip arthroplasty using a new geometric model
Authors: Liechti Emanuel F. , Attinger Marc C. , Hecker Andreas , Kuonen Kim , Michel Andrea , Klenke Frank M.
Published: October 2022

Aims

Traditionally, total hip arthroplasty (THA) templating has been performed on anteroposterior (AP) pelvis radiographs. Recently, additional AP hip radiographs have been recommended for accurate measurement of the femoral offset (FO). To verify this claim, this study aimed to establish quantitative data of the measurement error of the FO in relation to leg position and X-ray source position using a newly developed geometric model and clinical data.

Methods

We analyzed the FOs measured on AP hip and pelvis radiographs in a prospective consecutive series of 55 patients undergoing unilateral primary THA for hip osteoarthritis. To determine sample size, a power analysis was performed. Patients’ position and X-ray beam setting followed a standardized protocol to achieve reproducible projections. All images were calibrated with the KingMark calibration system. In addition, a geometric model was created to evaluate both the effects of leg position (rotation and abduction/adduction) and the effects of X-ray source position on FO measurement.

Results

The mean FOs measured on AP hip and pelvis radiographs were 38.0 mm (SD 6.4) and 36.6 mm (SD 6.3) (p < 0.001), respectively. Radiological view had a smaller effect on FO measurement than inaccurate leg positioning. The model showed a non-linear relationship between projected FO and femoral neck orientation; at 30° external neck rotation (with reference to the detector plane), a true FO of 40 mm was underestimated by up to 20% (7.8 mm). With a neutral to mild external neck rotation (≤ 15°), the underestimation was less than 7% (2.7 mm). The effect of abduction and adduction was negligible.

Conclusion

For routine THA templating, an AP pelvis radiograph remains the gold standard. Only patients with femoral neck malrotation > 15° on the AP pelvis view, e.g. due to external rotation contracture, should receive further imaging. Options include an additional AP hip view with elevation of the entire affected hip to align the femoral neck more parallel to the detector, or a CT scan in more severe cases. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):795–803.
Self-supervised next view prediction for limited-angle optical projection tomography
Authors: Zhang Hao , Liu BinBing , Fei Peng
Published: October 2022

Optical projection tomography captures 2-D projections of rotating biological samples and computationally reconstructs 3-D structures from these projections, where hundreds of views with an angular range of π radian is desired for a reliable reconstruction. Limited-angle tomography tries to recover the structures of the sample using fewer angles of projections. However, the result is far from satisfactory due to the missing of wedge information. Here we introduce a novel view prediction technique, which is able to extending the angular range of captured views for the limited-angle tomography. Following a self-supervised technique that learns the relationship between the captured limited-angle views, unseen views can be computationally synthesized without any prior label data required. Combined with an optical tomography system, the proposed approach can robustly generate new projections of unknown biological samples and extends the angles of the projections from the original 60° to nearly 180°, thereby yielding high-quality 3-D reconstructions of samples even with highly incomplete measurement.
Theoretical calculation and experimental research for structural stability and electronic properties induced by certain cluster defects in ADP crystal
Authors: Sui Tingting , Li Junling , Wan Chubin , Xu Mingxia , Sun Xun , Ju Xin
Published: October 2022

Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (NH4H2PO4, ADP) is an excellent nonlinear optical crystal and has had wide application. It was the same type of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4, KDP) with a similar crystal structure. The difference in structure and properties of ADP crystal in the presence of defects, especially cluster defects, was one of the important issues of concern in the research. In this work, first-principles calculation, coupled with HSE06 functional and the van der Waals-Wannier function method, was applied to investigate the structural stability and electronic properties induced by oxygen vacancy cluster defects and FeP2-+VO2+ cluster defects. And some spectra experiments, such as Raman spectroscopy, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, were also applied to investigate the detailed influence for ADP crystal doped with different Fe3+ concentration, which was grown with the “point-seed” rapid growth method. Combined with the theoretical results and the spectra tests, it confirmed that the structural changes in ADP crystal caused by oxygen vacancy cluster defect and FeP2-+VO2+ cluster defect were smaller than that in KDP crystal, mainly due to the restriction of hydrogen bonds and NH4+ group. With the increase of defect concentration, the microstructure stress could also damage the crystal structure due to the microscopic stress induced by Fe3+. The defect states moved towards right from 1.1 eV to 6.6 eV with the concentration of oxygen vacancy increasing. Similarly, the defect state composed of Fe 3d and O 2p states induced by FeP2- defect also moved to the conduction band minimum. The absorption peaks around 220-350 nm induced by FeP2- defect and FeP2-+VO2+ cluster defect were along the xy plane. It provided a good suggestion based on the calculation that it was very important to minimize defects or control cluster defect concentration during crystal growth.
Minimization of the response time of a 20 W deep-ultraviolet light at 266 nm during intermittent operation
Authors: Orii Yosuke , Kohno Kenta , Tanaka Hiroki , Yoshimura Masashi , Mori Yusuke , Nishimae Junichi , Shibuya Kimihiko
Published: October 2022

We demonstrated stable intermittent operation of a 266-nm picosecond pulsed light source with an average power of 20 W. The 266-nm beam, which had a maximum average power of 35.5 W, was generated by frequency conversion of a 1064-nm laser with an LiB3O5 crystal and a CsLiB6O10 (CLBO) crystal. The 1064-nm laser had a repetition rate of 600 kHz and an average power of 130 W and was capable of intermittent operation with an acousto-optic modulator in the fundamental laser section. By investigating the crystal temperature rise caused by the 266-nm light absorption in the CLBO crystal, we found that the crystal temperature rise caused by nonlinear absorption must be suppressed to achieve stable intermittent operation. The countermeasures allowed stable-intermittent operation at an average power of 20 W to be achieved, with a response time of 1.1 s for the 10%–90% rise conditions and a stability of 2%p-p for the average power fluctuation from 2 to 120 s. These results show that deep-ultraviolet picosecond pulses with an average power of 20 W can be used for industrial applications that require stable intermittent operation.
Barriers to effective hypertension management in rural Bihar, India: A cross-sectional, linked supply- and demand-side study
Authors: Peters Michael A. , Alonge Olakunle , Edward Anbrasi , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne , Kaur Japneet , Kumar Navneet , Rao Krishna D.
Published: October 2022

Effective management of hypertension in low- and middle-income settings is a persistent public health challenge. This study examined supply- and demand-side barriers to receiving quality care and achieving effective hypertension management in rural Bihar, India. A state-representative household survey collected information from adults over 30 years of age on characteristics of the hypertension screening, diagnosis, and management services they received. A linked provider assessment determined the percent of providers who provided quality hypertension care (i.e., had a functioning BP measurement device, measured a patient’s BP, could correctly diagnose hypertension, had at least one first-line antihypertension medication, and could prescribe correctly based on standard guidelines). Patients were linked with their provider to determine the quality-adjusted coverage of hypertension management and logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine characteristics associated with receiving quality care. A total of 14,386 patients and 390 providers were studied. Nearly a quarter (22.5%) of adults had never had their BP measured before and 8.1% of adults reported a previous hypertension diagnosis. Less than one third (31.0%) of all interviewed providers demonstrated ability to provide quality hypertension care, and quality varied between provider types (14.8% of private homeopathic, 25.2% of informal, 40.0% of private modern medicine, and 60.0% of public providers gave quality care). While 95.8% of diagnosed individuals received some treatment, only 10.9% of patients received care from quality local providers. Nearly 45% of individuals with hypertension received care from non-local providers. Individuals from the general caste with comorbidities living in villages with more high-quality providers were most likely to receive quality care from a local provider. Whereas the coverage of services for individuals diagnosed with hypertension is high, the quality of these services is suboptimal for economically and socially vulnerable populations, which limits effective management and control of hypertension in rural Bihar. Efforts should be targeted towards providers to initiate quality treatment upon diagnosis, including correct prescription of antihypertensives.
Pattern and correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviours of pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria: Findings from Ibadan pregnancy cohort study
Authors: Adeoye Ikeola A.
Published: October 2022

Globally, physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for premature death. Pregnancy is associated with reduced physical activity because of physiological and anatomical changes and socio-cultural barriers. Even though physical activity provides many benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity and reduced cardiometabolic risk, it is not emphasized among pregnant women in Nigeria. This study described the pattern of physical activity and sedentary behaviours of pregnant women from the Ibadan Pregnancy Cohort Study in Ibadan, Nigeria. The Ibadan Pregnancy Cohort Study (IbPCS) is a prospective cohort study investigating the associations between maternal obesity, lifestyle factors on glycaemia control, gestational weight gain, pregnancy and postpartum outcomes among pregnant women in Ibadan. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) was used to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Sedentary time was estimated from the time spent watching television, sitting at work and the computer. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to investigate associations at a 5% level of statistical significance. None of the pregnant women met the WHO recommendation of 150mins of moderate-intensity activity per week. The average time spent engaged in moderate-intensity activity was 26.3 ± 22.9 mins. The mean daily sedentary time was 6.5 ± 4.2 hours. High parity para ≥ 4: [AOR 0.57 95% CI: (0.36–0.89) p = 0.014] and being employed [AOR 0.23 95% CI: (0.15–0.33) p <0.001] reduced the odds of having inadequate physical activity. Correlates of sedentary behavior after adjusting for confounders were high parity: para 1–3 AOR 0.73, 95% CI: (0.58–0.91) p = 0.004], tertiary education: AOR 2.39 95% CI: (1.16–4.91) p = 0.018] and earning a higher income: AOR 1.40: 95% CI: (1.11–1.78) p = 0.005]. Pregnant women’s physical activity and sedentary behaviours are emerging public health issues, especially in Nigeria. The level of physical activity was inadequate among pregnant women, while the sedentary time was high. There is a need to implement programmes that promote physical activity and discourage sedentary behaviour among pregnant women in Nigeria.
Proteomics coupled with in vitro model to study the early crosstalk occurring between newly excysted juveniles of Fasciola hepatica and host intestinal cells
Authors: Becerro-Recio David , Serrat Judit , López-García Marta , Sotillo Javier , Simón Fernando , González-Miguel Javier , Siles-Lucas Mar
Published: October 2022

Fasciolosis caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica is a zoonotic neglected disease affecting animals and humans worldwide. Infection occurs upon ingestion of aquatic plants or water contaminated with metacercariae. These release the newly excysted juveniles (FhNEJ) in the host duodenum, where they establish contact with the epithelium and cross the intestinal barrier to reach the peritoneum within 2–3 h after infection. Juveniles crawl up the peritoneum towards the liver, and migrate through the hepatic tissue before reaching their definitive location inside the major biliary ducts, where they mature into adult worms. Fasciolosis is treated with triclabendazole, although resistant isolates of the parasite are increasingly being reported. This, together with the limited efficacy of the assayed vaccines against this infection, poses fasciolosis as a veterinary and human health problem of growing concern. In this context, the study of early host-parasite interactions is of paramount importance for the definition of new targets for the treatment and prevention of fasciolosis. Here, we develop a new in vitro model that replicates the first interaction between FhNEJ and mouse primary small intestinal epithelial cells (MPSIEC). FhNEJ and MPSIEC were co-incubated for 3 h and protein extracts (tegument and soma of FhNEJ and membrane and cytosol of MPSIEC) were subjected to quantitative SWATH-MS proteomics and compared to respective controls (MPSIEC and FhNEJ left alone for 3h in culture medium) to evaluate protein expression changes in both the parasite and the host. Results show that the interaction between FhNEJ and MPSIEC triggers a rapid protein expression change of FhNEJ in response to the host epithelial barrier, including cathepsins L3 and L4 and several immunoregulatory proteins. Regarding MPSIEC, stimulation with FhNEJ results in alterations in the protein profile related to immunomodulation and cell-cell interactions, together with a drastic reduction in the expression of proteins linked with ribosome function. The molecules identified in this model of early host-parasite interactions could help define new tools against fasciolosis.
Practical behavioural solutions to COVID-19: Changing the role of behavioural science in crises
Authors: Tanis Charlotte C. , Nauta Floor H. , Boersma Meier J. , Van der Steenhoven Maya V. , Borsboom Denny , Blanken Tessa F.
Published: October 2022

For a very long time in the COVID-19 crisis, behavioural change leading to physical distancing behaviour was the only tool at our disposal to mitigate virus spread. In this large-scale naturalistic experimental study we show how we can use behavioural science to find ways to promote the desired physical distancing behaviour. During seven days in a supermarket we implemented different behavioural interventions: (i) rewarding customers for keeping distance; (i) providing signage to guide customers; and (iii) altering shopping cart regulations. We asked customers to wear a tag that measured distances to other tags using ultra-wide band at 1Hz. In totalN= 4, 232 customers participated in the study. We compared the number of contacts (< 1.5 m, corresponding to Dutch regulations) between customers using state-of-the-art contact network analyses. We found that rewarding customers and providing signage increased physical distancing, whereas shopping cart regulations did not impact physical distancing. Rewarding customers moreover reduced the duration of remaining contacts between customers. These results demonstrate the feasibility to conduct large-scale behavioural experiments that can provide guidelines for policy. While the COVID-19 crisis unequivocally demonstrates the importance of behaviour and behavioural change, behaviour is integral to many crises, like the trading of mortgages in the financial crisis or the consuming of goods in the climate crisis. We argue that by acknowledging the role of behaviour in crises, and redefining this role in terms of the desired behaviour and necessary behavioural change, behavioural science can open up new solutions to crises and inform policy. We believe that we should start taking advantage of these opportunities.
Using ISARIC 4C mortality score to predict dynamic changes in mortality risk in COVID-19 patients during hospital admission
Authors: Crocker-Buque Tim , Myles Jonathan , Brentnall Adam , Gabe Rhian , Duffy Stephen , Williams Sophie , Tiberi Simon
Published: October 2022

As SARS-CoV-2 infections continue to cause hospital admissions around the world, there is a continued need to accurately assess those at highest risk of death to guide resource use and clinical management. The ISARIC 4C mortality score provides mortality risk prediction at admission to hospital based on demographic and physiological parameters. Here we evaluate dynamic use of the 4C score at different points following admission. Score components were extracted for 6,373 patients admitted to Barts Health NHS Trust hospitals between 1stAugust 2020 and 19thJuly 2021 and total score calculated every 48 hours for 28 days. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) statistics were used to evaluate discrimination of the score at admission and subsequent inpatient days. Patients who were still in hospital at day 6 were more likely to die if they had a higher score at day 6 than others also still in hospital who had the same score at admission. Discrimination of dynamic scoring in those still in hospital was superior with the area under the curve 0.71 (95% CI 0.69–0.74) at admission and 0.82 (0.80–0.85) by day 8. Clinically useful changes in the dynamic parts of the score are unlikely to be associated with subject-level measurements. Dynamic use of the ISARIC 4C score is likely to provide accurate and timely information on mortality risk during a patient’s hospital admission.
Relationship of spirituality, health engagement, health belief and attitudes toward acceptance and willingness to pay for a COVID-19 vaccine
Authors: Handayani Sri , Rias Yohanes Andy , Kurniasari Maria Dyah , Agustin Ratna , Rosyad Yafi Sabila , Shih Ya Wen , Chang Ching Wen , Tsai Hsiu Ting
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To explore the wider determinant factor of citizens’ spirituality, health engagement, health belief model, and attitudes towards vaccines toward acceptance and willingness to pay for a Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional online investigation with convenience sampling was utilized to recruit 1423 citizens from 18 districts across Indonesia between December 14, 2020 and January 17, 2021. Descriptive statistics, One-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, Independent t-tests, and multiple linear regression were examined.

Results

Spirituality, health engagement and attitude toward vaccines, as well as health beliefs constructs (all scores of perceived benefits and barriers) were significant key factors of acceptance of vaccines. Interestingly, the spirituality, attitude toward vaccine, and health beliefs constructs including perceived susceptibility, and benefits indicated a significantly higher willingness.

Conclusions

Results demonstrated the utility of spirituality, health engagement, health belief model, and attitudes towards vaccines in understanding acceptance and willingness to pay for a vaccine. Specifically, a key obstacle to the acceptance of and willingness to pay COVID-19 vaccination included a high score of the perceived barrier construct. Moreover, the acceptance of and willingness to pay could be impaired by worries about the side-effects of a COVID-19 vaccination.
Risk factors, ethnicity and dementia: A UK Biobank prospective cohort study of White, South Asian and Black participants
Authors: Mukadam Naaheed , Marston Louise , Lewis Gemma , Livingston Gill
Published: October 2022

Background

Our knowledge of the effect of potentially modifiable risks factors on people developing dementia is mostly from European origin populations. We aimed to explore if these risk factors had similar effects in United Kingdom (UK) White, South Asian and Black UK Biobank participants recruited from 2006–2010 and followed up until 2020.

Methods

We reviewed the literature to 25.09.2020 for meta-analyses identifying potentially modifiable risk factors preceding dementia diagnosis by ≥10 years. We calculated prevalence of each identified risk factor and association with dementia for participants aged ≥55 at registration in UK Biobank. We calculated hazard ratios using Cox regression for each risk factor, stratified by ethnic group, and tested for differences using interaction effects between each risk factor and ethnicity.

Findings

We included education, hearing loss, hypertension, obesity, excess alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, smoking, high total cholesterol, depression, diabetes, social isolation, and air pollution as risks. Out of 294,162 participants, there were 287,806 White, 3590 South Asian and 2766 Black people, followed up for up to 14.8 years, with a total follow-up time of 3,392,095 years. During follow-up, 5,972 people (2.03%) developed dementia. Risk of dementia was higher in Black participants than White participants (HR for dementia compared to White participants as reference 1.43, 95% CI 1.16–1.77, p = 0.001) but South Asians had a similar risk. Association between each risk factor and dementia was similar in each ethnic group with no evidence to support any differences.

Interpretation

We find that Black participants were more likely to develop dementia than White participants, but South Asians were not. Identified risk factors in White European origin participants had a similar effect in Black and South Asian origin participants. Volunteers in UK Biobank are not representative of the population and interaction effects were underpowered so further work is needed.
Common breastfeeding problems experienced by lactating mothers during the first six months in Kinshasa
Authors: Babakazo Pélagie , Bosonkie Marc , Mafuta Eric , Mvuama Nono , Mapatano Mala-Ali
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Breastfeeding has numerous advantages for infant, mother and society. However, many mothers discontinue breastfeeding due to problems they encounter. This study aimed to identify problems commonly experienced by breastfeeding mothers during the first six months in Kinshasa.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was carried out in Kinshasa from October 2012 to July 2013. A total of 422 mother-infant couples were recruited shortly after being discharged from twelve maternity facilities in Kinshasa and followed-up for six months. Interviews were conducted at the mother’s house during the first week after birth, and thereafter at monthly intervals for six months. Data included mother’s sociodemographic characteristics, the breastfeeding problems she experienced and information on child’s feeding. Incidences of breastfeeding problems encountered during different periods were calculated as well as their confidence intervals.

Results

Cracked or sore nipples, insufficient production of milk and breast engorgement were the most commonly experienced problems by lactating mothers. The problems occurred mainly during the first week (17.1%; CI95% 13.7–21.1) and the rest of the first month (16.2%; CI95% 12.8–20.3).

Conclusions

The first month after birth presents the most risk for the occurrence of breastfeeding problems. Mothers should be supported as soon as possible after delivery, to improve their breastfeeding performance and to be informed on how to maintain breast milk supply.
A questionnaire study on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of fluid replacement and urination among Chinese elite athletes
Authors: Song Ge , Yan Yi , Zhao Haotian , Chen Junying , Deng Yimin , Zhu Wenge , Sun Lingyu , Ma Guansheng
Published: October 2022

Objective

To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Chinese elite athletes about fluid replacement and urination.

Methods

A cross-section study was carried out among Chinese national and national youth teams from March to April 2020, using a pretested questionnaire. The 42-questions questionnaire was designed to assess the KAP regarding fluid replacement and urination. The questionnaire included knowledge of fluid replacement (KFR), attitudes of fluid replacement (AFR), knowledge of urination (KU), and attitudes of urination (AU), which were awarded 20 scoring points. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation analysis, Multiple linear stepwise regression and Chi-square test were performed.

Results

A total of 779 valid questionnaires were collected and the effective rate is 98.4%. We finally conducted an assessment of 646 questionnaires of elite athletes. The mean score for KFR, AFR, KU, and AU was 2.8±1.3, 2.3±0.6, 3.0±1.5, and 2.1±0.8, respectively, with higher scores indicating positive hydration knowledge and attitudes. KFR and AFR scores of winter sports athletes were higher than those of summer sports athletes(P<0.05). Athletes who had lower athletic grades and training years had a worse KFR(P<0.05). Only 31.0% athletes knew that rehydration should be carried out before, during, and after training, which was scarcer among women, lower-athletic grades athletes, or athletes with lower training years (P<0.05). Male athletes had a worse KU but a better AU than female athletes(P<0.05). And athletes who were international-class athletic grades had the highest KU scores(P<0.05). The athletic grades and sport events were the main factors influencing the total scores of knowledge and attitudes (P<0.05, 95% CI -0.789–-0.168,95% CI 0.025–1.040). Most of athletes tend to get hydration knowledge from internet. In practices, thirst is the main reason for rehydration (77.9%). The percentages of athletes with normal urine color (42.0%), frequency (75.0%,) and volume (20.0%) were low.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that Chinese elite athletes did not have sufficient KAP on fluid replacement and urination, more marked in the individuals who were summer sport events, the lower athletic grades and in lower training years. It is recommended that education should be provided in the early stages of professional training for athletes.
Indo-European cereal terminology suggests a Northwest Pontic homeland for the core Indo-European languages
Authors: Kroonen Guus , Jakob Anthony , Palmér Axel I. , van Sluis Paulus , Wigman Andrew
Published: October 2022

Questions on the timing and the center of the Indo-European language dispersal are central to debates on the formation of the European and Asian linguistic landscapes and are deeply intertwined with questions on the archaeology and population history of these continents. Recent palaeogenomic studies support scenarios in which the core Indo-European languages spread with the expansion of Early Bronze Age Yamnaya herders that originally inhabited the East European steppes. Questions on the Yamnaya and Pre-Yamnaya locations of the language community that ultimately gave rise to the Indo-European language family are heavily dependent on linguistic reconstruction of the subsistence of Proto-Indo-European speakers. A central question, therefore, is how important the role of agriculture was among the speakers of this protolanguage. In this study, we perform a qualitative etymological analysis of all previously postulated Proto-Indo-European terminology related to cereal cultivation and cereal processing. On the basis of the evolution of the subsistence strategies of consecutive stages of the protolanguage, we find that one or perhaps two cereal terms can be reconstructed for the basal Indo-European stage, also known as Indo-Anatolian, but that core Indo-European, here also including Tocharian, acquired a more elaborate set of terms. Thus, we linguistically document an important economic shift from a mostly non-agricultural to a mixed agro-pastoral economy between the basal and core Indo-European speech communities. It follows that the early, eastern Yamnaya of the Don-Volga steppe, with its lack of evidence for agricultural practices, does not offer a perfect archaeological proxy for the core Indo-European language community and that this stage of the language family more likely reflects a mixed subsistence as proposed for western Yamnaya groups around or to the west of the Dnieper River.
Many foliar endophytic fungi of Quercus gambelii are capable of psychrotolerant saprotrophic growth
Authors: Weatherhead Emily , Davis Emily Lorine , Koide Roger T.
Published: October 2022

Many endophytic fungi have the potential to function as saprotrophs when living host tissues senesce and enter the litter pool. The consumption of plant litter by fungi obviously requires moisture but, in the arid, western USA, the native range ofQuercus gambeliiNutt., most of the precipitation occurs during the coldest months of the year. Therefore, we hypothesized that the endophytic fungi ofQ.gambeliihave the potential to function as psychrotolerant saprotrophs, which we defined in this study as an organism capable of significant growth on leaf litter at 5°C. We further hypothesized that a tradeoff exists between growth of endophytic fungi at 5°C and at 17°C such that fungal isolates are either cold- or warm-temperature specialists. Consistent with our first hypothesis, we found that 36 of our 40 isolates consumed leaf litter at 5°C, but there was a surprisingly high degree of variability among isolates in this ability, even among isolates of a given species. Contrary to our second hypothesis, there was no tradeoff between saprotrophic growth at 5°C and saprotrophic growth at 17°C. Indeed, the isolates that grew poorly as saprotrophs at 5°C were generally those that grew poorly as saprotrophs at 17°C. By virtue of being endophytic, endophytic fungi have priority in litter over decomposer fungi that colonize plant tissues only after they enter the litter pool. Moreover, by virtue of being psychrotolerant, some endophytic fungi may function as saprotrophs during the cold months of the year when moisture is temporarily available. Therefore, we suggest that some endophytic fungi ofQ.gambeliicould play significant ecosystem roles in litter decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue in relation to temporomandibular disorders—A SWEREG-TMD nationwide case-control study
Authors: Salinas Fredricson Adrian , Naimi-Akbar Aron , Adami Johanna , Lund Bodil , Rosén Annika , Hedenberg-Magnusson Britt , Fredriksson Lars , Krüger Weiner Carina
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are comprised by a heterogenous group of diagnoses with multifaceted and complex etiologies. Although diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (MSD) have been reported as risk factors for developing TMD, no nationwide population-based registry studies have been conducted to investigate this possible link. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between MSD and TMD in a population-based sample using Swedish registry data, and to further investigate the difference in such association between patients diagnosed with TMD in a hospital setting and patients surgically treated for the condition.

Materials and methods

Population based case-control study using Swedish nationwide registry data. Data was collected between 1998 and 2016 from 33 315 incident cases and 333 122 controls aged ≥18, matched for sex, age, and living area. Cases were stratified into non-surgical (NS), surgically treated once (ST1) and surgically treated twice or more (ST2). Information on MSD exposure (ICD-10 M00-M99) was collected between 1964 and 2016. Odds ratios were calculated using conditional logistic regression, adjusted for country of birth, educational level, living area, and mental health comorbidity.

Results

A significant association between MSD and the development of TMD was found for all diagnostic categories: arthropathies (OR 2.0, CI 1.9–2.0); systemic connective tissue disorders (OR 2.3, CI 2.1–2.4); dorsopathies (OR 2.2, CI 2.1–2.2); soft tissue disorders (OR 2.2, CI 2.2–2.3); osteopathies and chondropathies (OR 1.7, CI 1.6–1.8); and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (OR 1.9, CI 1.8–2.1). The associations were generally much stronger for TMD requiring surgical treatment. The diagnostic group with the strongest association was inflammatory polyarthropathies, M05-M14 (OR 11.7, CI 8.6–15.9), which was seen in the ST2 group.

Conclusions

Patients with MSD diagnoses have a higher probability of being diagnosed with TMD, in comparison to individuals without MSD. This association is even stronger for TMD that requires surgery. The results are in line with earlier findings, but present new population-based evidence of a possible causal relationship between MSD and TMD, even after adjusting for known confounders. Both dentists and physicians should be aware of this association and be wary of early signs of painful TMD among patients with MSD, to make early referral and timely conservative treatment possible.
An assessment of the quality of antenatal care and pregnancy outcomes in a tertiary hospital in Ghana
Authors: Amponsah-Tabi Seth , Dassah Edward T. , Asubonteng Gerald O. , Ankobea Frank , Annan John J. K. , Senu Ebenezer , Opoku Stephen , Opoku Ebenezer , Opare-Addo Henry S.
Published: October 2022

Background

Antenatal care (ANC) is imperative to decreasing adverse pregnancy outcomes and their related maternal mortality. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, increases in ANC coverage have not correlated well with improved maternal and fetal outcomes suggesting the quality of ANC received could be the missing link. This study assessed ANC quality and its effect on adverse pregnancy outcomes among women who delivered at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among women who delivered at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital within the study period. Women were selected through systematic sampling and interviewed using a pretested structured questionnaire as well as review of their medical records. Data were collected on their sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics, care provided during ANC and delivery outcomes. Categorical variables were compared using the χ2 test. Factors associated with quality of ANC and adverse pregnancy outcomes were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression to generate crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and GraphPad Prism. P-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

950 women were recruited into the study with mean age of 30.39±5.57 years. Less than one-tenth (7.6%) of the women received good quality ANC, 63.4% had average quality ANC, and 29.0% received poor quality ANC. Increasing educational level and initiating ANC in the first trimester [aOR 0.2; 95%CI 0.08–0.68; p<0.001] increased the odds of receiving good quality ANC while being unemployed decreased the odds of receiving good quality ANC [aOR 0.3; 95% CI 0.12–0.65; p = 0.003]. Receiving poor and average quality of ANC were significantly associated with increased likelihood of developing anaemia during pregnancy, preeclampsia with severe features or delivering a low birth weight baby.

Conclusion

Most women did not receive good quality ANC. High quality ANC should be provided while the women are encouraged to comply with the recommendations during ANC.
Bringing adult learning principles to university–policy engagement training involving students and policy professionals
Authors: Williamson Reuben , Stevenson Olivia
Published: October 2022

Within the knowledge exchange literature, there is growing recognition of the role that students have in contributing to knowledge exchange through university-based programmes. To add to this growing, but embryonic, knowledge base, this paper brings together reflections of policy engagement facilitators delivering an optional, online policy training course at UCL (University College London) and the University of Manchester, UK. Known as the Policy Boot Camp, it involved fifty policy professionals, from the civil service, think tanks, local government and the third sector, and three hundred students from undergraduate and master’s degree courses. We reflect on how we drew on the principles of andragogy to create our knowledge exchange programme, so that it was problem-focused, student-led, and interactive and collaborative in nature. We discuss if an intervention such as this can be a route to support more collaborative and fluid policymaking processes. Although our conclusions from this small-scale programme are tentative, we sketch out directions for future research that could contribute to evidencing the potential benefits of courses such as this.
The Algorithm and Computer Code for Predicting Detonation Wave Parameters of Aluminized Explosives
Authors: Quang Sang Dam , Trung Dr. Toan Nguyen , Trung Dr. Huu Hoang
Published: October 2022

In this work, the algorithm and computer code, named DETO, used to calculate the detonation wave parameters (i.e., the velocity of detonation and the detonation pressure) of aluminized explosives, based on the chemical equilibrium theory of detonation products, the hydrodynamic theory of detonation process, and the Becker - Kistiakowsky - Wilson (BKW) equation of state. The aluminum (Al) content reacting with detonation products on the detonation wavefront can be changed according to the user's assumptions. Compared to experimental data for several aluminized explosive types, the results calculated by DETO have the same, even higher accuracy than those calculated by other computer codes previously published. Specifically, the mean absolute deviation from experimental data is about 2% for the velocity of detonation (VOD) and about 8% for the pressure on the detonation wavefront. In addition, the study also confirmed that about 50% of Al powders participate in the reaction on the detonation wavefront.
Tool Wear and its Effect on Residual Tensile Strength in Drilling of Quartz Cyanate Ester Polymeric Composite
Authors: Ramalingam T. , Kishore Nath N , Selvaraj N , Veera Sai Vikranth Reddy A
Published: October 2022

Quartz-Fibre-Reinforced cyanate ester Plastics (QFRP) has superior performance in terms of mechanical, electromagnetic properties and are being widely used in military applications. Drilling is the general machining process for making hole to join the composite part to another sub-assembly. This study presents an influence of optimized drilling parameters on carbide tool wear and its impact on hole characteristics in QFRP composite. The aim is to achieve the optimum use of drill during the drilling process from application perspective without compromising the quality. In addition, the effect of tool wear and its impact on residual tensile strength of quartz composite are studied. The dominant wear mechanism observed is flank wear caused by the abrasive nature of the quartz fibre. The tool wear and delamination factor after drilling 200 holes are 186 µm and 1.40 respectively. The residual strength is affected by the tool wear due to relatively poor interlaminar property between fiber and resin in this quartz composite. The residual strength of quartz specimen drilled with the tool after drilling 200 holes is 14 % lower than the property of specimen drilled with fresh drill. The highlight of the present work is a combined analysis of wear in the tool, delamination induced and residual strength of quartz specimen. The results of this study strengthen the understanding of the drilling process of quartz polymeric composite material in aerospace applications.
Performance Evaluation of Triple band Microstrip Antenna using Hybrid SRRs on Fractal Ground Plane
Authors: Setia Varun , Sharma Kamalesh Kumar , Koul Shiban Kishan
Published: October 2022

A single-band monopole antenna, transformed into a triple-band antenna for S-band and C-band applications is reported in this paper. This transformation is done with the help of two different hybrid SRR unit cells, which are embedded on the truncated ground plane of the antenna. These hybrid SRR unit cells are created by combining square split ring and circular split ring into two different configurations. Simulated results are in coherence with the measured results and analysis is provided to evaluate the efficacy of the design. This analysis can be used to estimate the usefulness of metamaterial unit cells in generating multiple frequency bands. The operating frequency bands measured are 2.72-2.83GHz, 3.54-4.35 GHz, and 4.72-5 GHz respectively. These bands are being used in the mid-band frequency range of 5G communication in many countries. The developed antenna is miniaturized to the size of 0.19λ0 ×0.25λ0 (λ0 is the free space wavelength at 2.72 GHz). Two objectives i.e., miniaturization and multi-banding are fulfilled in a single design. The introduction of different hybrid SRR unit cells at defective ground plane causes multi-banding and resonance of a unit cell at a lower frequency leads to an increase in the effective electrical length of the antenna without increasing its physical size. The metamaterial characteristic of the unit cells is also verified in the article.
A Novel Design Approach for Low Speed Recovery of High Performance Fighter Aircraft
Authors: Jebakumar S K , Pashilkar Abhay A , Sundararajan N
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a novel design approach for low-speed recovery of a high-performance fighter aircraft is presented. It is shown that the phugoid mode has an important bearing on the problem of low-speed departure. Based on the analysis of the phugoid mode trajectories, a novel low-speed protection algorithm is presented in this paper. The proposed low speed recovery is achieved in three phases. The first phase consists of detecting the incipient departure followed in the second phase by the application of suitable recovery controls and finally the third phase ends with the transfer of controls to the pilot. The design of the first and the third phase consist of choosing the correct trigger conditions which ensures safe recovery of the aircraft in all conditions. The proposed Automatic low speed recovery is triggered when the aircraft trajectory crosses a fixed boundary in the region spanned by the dynamic pressure and its rate of decrease. It is observed that this boundary is approximately a straight line, implying that it is equivalent to a forward prediction in time to indicate when the aircraft will reach the lowest controllable airspeed. This Automatic Low Speed Recovery with Forward Prediction (ALSR-FP) algorithm is found to be simpler than other existing design methods and effective in preventing low speed departure for a variety of pilot inputs that result in the aircraft losing airspeed leading to stall. In the second phase control inputs are chosen to align the velocity vector to the direction of local gravity. The recovery phase is considered complete after the aircraft reaches the dynamic pressure which is approximately 10 % higher than the minimum dynamic pressure for control. Performance of the ALSR-FP is demonstrated using the high-performance fighter aircraft ADMIRE model which has a delta wing configuration, canards and multiple redundant controls. It is also shown that the proposed algorithm can be easily implemented on board for any other fighter and civil aircraft.
Investigation of Hazardous Materials in Firecrackers using LIBS Coupled with a Chemometric Method and FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Dubey Darpan , Kumar Rohit , Gupta Vikas , Tarai Akash Kumar , Gundawar Manoj Kumar , Rai Awadhesh Kumar
Published: October 2022

This article reports the detection and quantification of toxic constituents in firecrackers using LIBS coupled with PCA and FTIR. Spectral signatures of lethal elements along with other elements and electronic bands of Cyanide, AlO, BaO, and CaO are seen in their LIBS spectra which confirms the presence of inorganic and organic compound in the fireworks. The concentration of each constituent/element is determined using the CF-LIBS method and results are compared with ICP-OES results. The concentration of Al is in adequate amount except S4 (b). Li and Ba are present in all samples with maximum amount in S4 (b) and S3 respectively. Molecular stretching of SO4-, C4 H8 - , CuCl- , CO3 - , and NO3 - are observed in the FTIR spectra of the samples. The combined results of LIBS and FTIR recommends the presence of BaNO3 , LiCO3 , SrCO3 , Al-chip, and charcoal in the firecrackers. To discriminate various firecrackers, PCA of the LIBS data is performed. The results show that S3 and S4 (b) are more harmful as they contain higher concentration the compounds of Al, Ba, Li, Sr i.e BaNO3 , LiCO3 , SrCO3 , (Cu3 As2 O3 Cu(C2 H3 O2 )2 ).
A Defected Ground Structure Based Compact Circular Patch Antenna Design for mm Wave Application
Authors: Raj Saurabh , Mishra Piyush  Kumar , Tripathi Shivesh , Tripathi Vijay Shanker
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a novel defected ground structure-based slotted circular patch antenna for mm-Wave application. A circular patch antenna with a compact size of 10 mm×8 mm×0.75 mm is fabricated in the lab. The designed antenna has a 2 GHz impedance bandwidth that covers the frequency range of 42GHz to 44GHz. It achieves a directional radiation pattern for millimeter-wave applications and has a maximum realized gain of 6 dBi at the operating frequency of 42.65 GHz. Defected ground structure (DGS) is loaded on the bottom of the dielectric substrate, which improves the gain and reduces the surface wave propagation. The proposed antenna has achieved circular polarization which makes it suitable for the mm-Wave application.
Metodología para el mantenimiento predictivo de transformadores de distribución basada en aprendizaje automático
Authors: Alvarez Quiñones Laura Isabel , Lozano Moncada Carlos Arturo , Bravo Montenegro Diego Alberto
Published: October 2022

Contexto: En este artículo describimos una metodología que se ha establecido para programar el mantenimiento predictivo de transformadores de distribución en el Departamento del Cauca (Colombia) mediante aprendizaje automático.
Método: La metodología propuesta se basa en un modelo predictivo de clasificación que encuentra el número mínimo de transformadores de distribución propensos a fallar. Para verificar esto, el modelo fue implementado y probado con datos reales en el Departamento del Cauca (Colombia).
Resultados: Es posible lograr una solución efectiva para programar el mantenimiento predictivo de los transformadores de distribución mediante el uso de aprendizaje automático.
Conclusiones: El modelo propuesto es una herramienta eficaz para los problemas de programación del mantenimiento preventivo de los transformadores de distribución.