bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Evaluation of the Dynamic Left Turn Intersection
Authors: Hummer Joseph E. , Milazzo Joseph S. , Galloway Jason , Spencer David , Topp Andrew , Chapman Jeremy R.
Published: September 2022

Dual left turn lanes are typically operated with protected left turn signals, which means extra delay during non-peak hours compared to permissive operation. To reduce this delay, the authors designed, installed, and tested a “dynamic left turn intersection” (DLTi), which is a new way to operate dual left turn lanes. With DLTi, the both lanes are operated with protected phasing during the peak hours when higher capacity is needed, and only the leftmost left turn lane remains open for protected-permissive operation during off-peak hours. The test showed substantial delay savings, the crash experience has been minimal, and the public comments received have been predominantly negative but not overwhelming. Around 85 percent of left-turning motorists complied when the rightmost left turn lane was closed. The team believes that the DLTi test has been a success, and that agencies should begin searching for other suitable locations for DLTi installation.
Strained Masculinity and Mass Shootings: Toward A Theoretically Integrated Approach to Assessing the Gender Gap in Mass Violence
Authors: Morgan Skyler , Allison Kayla , Klein Brent R.
Published: September 2022

Recent work by Allison and Klein examining violence and homicide introduced the concept of strained masculinity, a theoretical integration of general strain theory and hegemonic masculinity. Using qualitative data collection ( n = 63), the current study considers strained masculinity themes in the context of mass shootings and the gender gap. Findings demonstrated support for the prevalence of Allison and Klein’s themes in mass shootings. The men who committed mass shootings in our sample responded to challenges to their masculinity (62%), pursued hegemonic masculinity through “sport” (33%), and pursued hegemonic masculinity through controlling space (27%). In addition, qualitative analysis revealed overlaps in strained masculinity themes for mass shooting cases, demonstrating the complexity of this type of violence. There were six outlier cases identified that did not display strained masculinity, rather the perpetrators in these cases suffered from psychological or emotional troubles before opening fire. Overall, findings indicate that the integration of traditional criminology theories and gender theories is warranted.
Homicidal Ideation in a Sample of Capital Murderers: Prevalence, Morbidity, and Associations With Homicide Offending
Authors: Burgason Kyle , Caudill Jon , DeLisi Matt , Trulson Chad R.
Published: September 2022

Homicidal ideation is an important, but understudied construct in criminological research. Unfortunately, previous investigations into homicidal ideation are limited by reliance on small convenience samples, larger correctional samples with limited access to the most serious and violent criminal offenders, and single-item measures of the central construct. The current study improves and extends existing research by examining the link between three unique measures of homicidal ideation spanning its frequency, chronicity, and severity on murder and attempted murder among an enriched sample of death-sentenced prisoners in California. Many individuals in these data have extensive criminal careers and multiple homicide offenses. Homicidal ideation frequency and severity were significantly associated with both murder and attempted murder convictions, homicidal chronicity had null effects. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Microplastic Presence in the Mangrove Crab Ucides occidentalis (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) (Ortmann, 1897) Derived From Local Markets in Tumbes, Peru
Authors: Aguirre-Sanchez Angelica , Purca Sara , Indacochea Aldo G.
Published: September 2022

In northern Peru, the mangrove crab Ucides occidentalis is of great importance due to its ecological, economic, and social role. In this study, we reported for the first time the presence of microplastics in the gills and digestive tract of the mangrove crab U. occidentalis derived from local markets in Tumbes. Microplastics were identified in 100% of the crabs analyzed with a total of 921 items, 475 items (52.57%) found in the gills, and 446 (48.43%) found in the digestive tract. The size range was established in 2 to 250 µm, 250 to 500 µm, 500 to 1 mm, and 1 to 5 mm, microplastics with sizes between 2 and 250 µm were the most common with 53.79% in the digestive tract and 90% in the gills. A total of six different types of microplastic were recorded; The highest percentages for each tissue were fibers (59.64%–61.05%) and films (19.28%−36.63%), with clear fibers being the most prevalent microplastic type in both tissues. Microplastics with less than 250 µm size were found 90% in the gills and 53.79% in the crab digestive tract. Although the present study is a baseline for rapid identification of microplastics in mangrove crab, we suggested that these findings provided more information on the state of contamination as well as food security alert for local markets.
Cost Analysis of Surgical and Medical Uterine Evacuation Methods for First-Trimester Abortion Used in Public Hospitals in Mexico
Authors: Sanchez-Morales Jorge Eduardo , Rodriguez-Contreras Jose Luis , Ruiz-Lara Leslie , Ochoa-Torres Beatriz , Zaragoza Mara , Padilla-Zuniga Karen
Published: September 2022

Background:

Data on abortion procedures costs are scarce in low- and middle-income countries. In Mexico, the only known study was conducted more than a decade ago, with data from years before the abortion legislation. This study estimated the costs, from the health system’s perspective, of surgical and medical abortion methods commonly used by women who undergo first-trimester abortion in Mexico.

Methods:

Data were collected on staff time, salaries, medications, consumables, equipment, imaging, and lab studies, at 5 public general hospitals. A bottom-up micro-costing approach was used.

Results:

Surgical abortion costs were US$201 for manual vacuum aspiration and US$298 for sharp curettage. The cost of medical abortion with misoprostol was US$85. The use of cervical ripening increases the costs by up to 18%. Staff comprised up to 72% of total costs in surgical abortions. Hospitalization was the area where most of the spending occurred, due to the staff and post-surgical surveillance required.

Conclusions:

Our estimates reflect the costs of “real-life” implementation and highlight the impact on costs of the overuse of resources not routinely recommended by clinical guidelines, such as cervical ripening for surgical abortion. This information will help decision-makers to generate policies that contribute to more efficient use of resources.
Metabolic and Anthropometric Parameters of Persons at Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Before and After 3 Months of Consuming Insoluble Dietary Fiber
Authors: Khalangot Mykola D , Gurianov Vitaly G , Zakharchenko Tamara F , Pysarenko Yurii M , Kravchenko Victor I
Published: September 2022

Background:

Observational studies have shown that insoluble fiber (IF) can be effective in preventing type 2 diabetes (T2D), but there is a lack of experimental data on the effect of short-term consumption of IF on metabolic parameters. We tried to investigate whether there was an improvement in glycemia and body composition in individuals at risk for T2D after 3 months of IF consumption.

Methods:

This “Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Prevention Ukraine (T2DPUA)” study describes participants with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) as determined by ADA criteria. The study involved 30 people, including 21 women (70%). Daily, 15 g of IF derived from wheat was used. T2DPUA did not have a placebo group and the intervention lasted 3 months. Evaluation of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2h plasma glucose (2hPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerols, uric acid, and γ-glutamyl transferase was performed. The baseline and 3-monthly anthropometric examinations included measurements of weight, waist and hip circumference. Fat mass was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Paired samples t-test or Wilcoxon test were used.

Result:

A decrease of FPG ( P = .042), HbA1c ( P < .001), 2hPG ( P = .005), weight ( P < .001), body mass index ( P < .001), the proportion of body fat ( P = .006), and the absolute amount of fat ( P < .001), increases in systolic ( P < .001) and diastolic ( P = .008) blood pressure was shown. The number of people with hypertension did not change. The absolute amount of body fat decreased by almost 5% and tolerance to the standard glucose load improved by 15%. The dynamics of other metabolic parameters were not revealed.

Conclusion and Recommendation:

Data about improvement of glycemia and body composition over a short period of using IF by individuals with IFG are new and deserve larger studies.
Seizures and Irreversible Cardiogenic Shock Following Propranolol Poisoning: Report of 2 Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Sharifpour Ali , Sadeghi Mahdieh , Zakariaei Zakaria , Soleymani Mostafa
Published: September 2022

Propranolol, a β-blocker (BB), is one of the drugs that can be misused for suicide. The clinical manifestations of overdose can range from asymptomatic to neurological symptoms such as seizures and loss of consciousness, cardiac shock, and even death. Herein, we describe 2 cases that were referred to our hospital’s emergency department in northern Iran: The first case was a 37-year-old woman who suffered from a decreased level of consciousness, bradycardia, and hypotension after ingesting 4 g of propranolol tablets. In the second case, a 32-year-old woman was admitted with complete cardiac arrest and a suspected history of ingesting 4.8 g of propranolol pills a few hours before admission. Therefore, the time interval between pill intake and treatment initiation seems to be one of the most important factors in prognosis, in addition to the number and dosage of pills ingested.
Better-connected boards and their influence on corporate social responsibility: Evidence from U.S. restaurant industry
Authors: Vaughan Yue , Koh Yoon
Published: September 2022

Many studies on the impact of boards of directors on corporate social responsibility have focused on the human capital of board members (i.e., structures and characteristics). However, the relational capital of board members (i.e., board interlock centrality) has yet to be fully explored. This study examines the extent to which board members are connected in their networks (i.e., board interlock centrality) on corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance in the restaurant industry. It also recognizes the moderating role of board effectiveness on the relationship between board centrality and CSR performance. On the basis of organization legitimacy theory and resource dependence theory, this study found that high-centrality boards increase positive CSR performance. The effect is more substantial when a firm has more standing board committees. The theories view firms as components of the larger social environment, and their performance depends on their ability to procure crucial resources from other firms through mutual exchange. No significant link was found between negative CSR performance and the moderating effect of board committees.
Collusive behaviour, risk and performance of tourism firms
Authors: Trinh Vu Quang , Seetaram Neelu , Duong Kiet Tuan , Vo Xuan Vinh
Published: September 2022

This paper aims to enrich social network and managerial powers theories by examining the effects of board-CEO friendship ties in tourism firms. Specifically, we focus on the association between the board-CEO social network ties (e.g. serving external boards together or sharing memberships at social organisations) and performance and risk-taking behaviour among tourism firms. The findings show that friendship ties between CEO and board members result in higher risk-taking, lower profitability and market values. In addition, professional ties (i.e. current and past employment) significantly impact tourism firms’ outcomes, whereas non-professional ties (i.e. education and other social organisations) do not. The findings prevail after controlling for the Covid-19 pandemic. However, friendship ties lead to better information sharing, resulting in more effective decision-making by board members.
Postcyberpunk dystopian cityscape and emotion artificial intelligence: A spatio-cognitive analysis of posthuman representation in Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Authors: Elyamany Nashwa
Published: September 2022

Within visual culture, postcyberpunk films are best approached as places of Otherness whereby human identity and agency are downplayed and posthumans are magnified in highly technopolic societies marked with scientific determinism. Postcyberpunk treats the posthuman enclave as a heterotopic site, oscillating between utopian and dystopian spaces, potentially and optimistically, creating a space for humanity to be reassessed and renegotiated. Against this backdrop, the current research endeavor proposes a Spatio-Cognitive Model of Posthuman Representation focusing attention on heterotopic ‘spaces’ and ‘bodies’ in hyperconnected environments. While the model owes a substantial debt to Foucault’s writings on heterotopia and the utopian body, in tilting the focus of enquiry, this paper is informed by the tenets of polyrhythmia, hypermimesis, spatial repertoires, semiotic assemblages and cognitive embodiment as insightful interventions. Blade Runner 2049 is taken as a fertile case study grounded in paradoxes and ambiguities around the contradiction between humans and replicants, artificial intelligence and super-large enterprises. The hybridity pertinent to the postcyberpunk film genre and the inner and outer topographies of posthuman representation proved to be insightful investigative vantage points of multimodal inquiry for the socio-political and technocratic implications they underlie. With technology seamlessly integrated into social spaces and posthuman bodies, Blade Runner 2049 is arguably structured as an emotional journey composed of multiple heterotopias (spatial layers, ruptures and bifurcations expressed through socio-political capitalist projections). The article adamantly argues for new philosophical perspectives and praxis in redefinition of the social relationship between human and posthuman.
Moving model experimental analysis of the slipstream produced by a simplistic square-back high-speed train
Authors: Zou Simin , He Xuhui , Wang Hanfeng
Published: September 2022

High-speed trains (HSTs) are being buffeted by accelerating running speed, and with that comes the aerodynamic issues. The slipstream is related to the train aerodynamic characteristics and of importance to the safety of surrounding people and structures. In this study, the ensemble-averaged and instantaneous characteristics of the slipstream of a simplistic high-speed train model with a square-back were experimentally investigated using a novel moving model rig. The present investigation indicates that the double-line substructure causes obvious asymmetry in the slipstream even at locations apart from the bridge surface with a large distance. The square-back of the HST attenuates its slipstream significantly relative to that with a streamlined tail. Besides, the decaying rate of the slipstream is higher in the wake of a square-back HST. The presents results suggest that the trailing vortices downstream of the square-back HST are substantially suppressed.
Experimental and numerical studies on the hot spot stress calculation method for welded CHS X-joints stiffened by internal ring stiffeners
Authors: Chen Yu , Zhou Feng , Wang Wei , Xia Xuecheng , Ying Tianyi , Yue Guiping
Published: September 2022

Ring stiffeners are usually used to enhance the strengths of welded hollow section joints, which may change the magnitude and distribution of hot spot stress around intersections related to the fatigue life of the joints. Up to date, there is no relevant research on the hot spot stress and its calculation method for welded CHS X-joints with internal ring stiffeners in combined load cases, causing a lack of confidence in the fatigue design process. Experimental tests including two types of load cases are firstly carried out to provide a reference for the finite element (FE) modeling. FE analysis is conducted to investigate the influence of internal ring stiffeners on hot spot stress, covering a variety of numbers, thicknesses and spacing of internal ring stiffeners. The hot spot stress calculation method is developed. A fatigue test is subsequently conducted. It is shown that the hot spot stress near the intersection region of the ring stiffeners and tubes is relatively large in addition to those at the crowns and saddles. The locations of interest include both traditional locations and intersection locations of ring stiffener contours and tube contours. Setting ring stiffeners can averagely reduce the hot spot stress ranges by 23.6% in chord and 27.8% in brace, respectively. The extended hot spot stress calculation method is verified for the fatigue design of welded CHS X-joints with ring stiffeners. In the subsequent fatigue test, fatigue failure is found at the intersection locations. A dynamic effect is also observed which is related to the change in load eccentricity. The fatigue strength curve specified in CIDECT design guide No.8 could also be applicable to predict the fatigue life of the welded CHS X-joint with ring stiffeners.
Strategic organization in the digital age: Rethinking the concept of technology
Authors: Faraj Samer , Leonardi Paul M
Published: September 2022

Digital technologies, enabled by data, algorithms, and artificial intelligence, are creating new competitive opportunities. But how does one strategize when the technologies core to organizational action is constantly changing? We suggest that for strategy scholars to answer this question, they will need to rethink the concept of technology. We begin by discussing the conceptual treatment of technology in studies of strategy and strategizing, and, in so doing, we highlight the ways in which current conceptualizations of technology are problematic for theorizing about the role of technology in the digital age. We then advance a relational perspective on technology that overcomes many of these problems. We illustrate the potential utility of this perspective for theories of strategic organization by using it to reconceptualize the boundaries of the firm, the process of innovation, and the process of organizational knowing.
Enhanced flame retardancy level of a cotton fabric treated by an ammonium pentaborate doped silica-KH570 sol
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Wang Zhenhua , Zhou Songtao , You Fei , Li Dan , Zhou Chang , Yu Pan  , Wang Junqi
Published: September 2022

Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), γ- (methacryloyloxy) propyltrimethoxysilane (KH570) and ammonium pentaborate (AP, NH4B5O8) were used as a precursor, silane coupling agent and flame retardant additive to prepare a series of single (SiO2), composite (SiO2-KH570) and doped (SiO2-KH570-AP) sols via sol-gel processes. The sols were post finished to cotton fabrics through dipping-curing methods. Results show that as-prepared sol-gel systems are successfully deposited on cotton fabrics. SiO2-KH570-AP@COT shows the highest initial pyrolysis temperatures (296.4°C), char residue rate (31.5%), LOI (24.0%) and ΔLOI/Δm (4.75%/g), the most beneficial after-flame time (14.1 s) and after-glow time (0.0 s), the most complete char residue (30.0 cm), the second highest maximum pyrolysis temperature (356.6°C) and an effective synergistic effectiveness parameter (>1.0). Its flame retardancy is mainly promoted by both individually positive and jointly synergistic actions of silica sol (strong physical barrier and structural support effects in enhancing thermal stability and providing char frame), KH570 (strong coupling effect in combining components and reinforcing interface properties between components and cotton fibers) and AP (release of water molecules for cooling burning zone, diluting and isolating oxygen and gaseous products and promoting char formation). The flame-retardant treatment deteriorated the tensile strength of cotton fabrics.
Impact of repeated radiative heat exposure on protective performance of firefighter’s protective clothing
Authors: Rathour Rochak , Das Apurba , Alagirusamy Ramasamy
Published: September 2022

Firefighters rely heavily on their firefighter’s protective clothing (FPC) for their safety. The effectiveness of an appropriately engineered turnout suit decreases over time when repeatedly exposed to radiative heat and flame. A measure of durability is the radiative protective performance (RPP) rating, which is influenced by properties like thickness, surface area, and areal density (mass per unit area) of outer shell fabric in multilayered ensembles. Four independent variables were considered: fabric material, pick density, exposure cycles and heat flux intensity. In addition to RPP, changes in the thickness, shrinkage, and mass loss was also tracked. An evaluation of properties was conducted at the end of each cycle to determine the effects of the heat flux (21, 42 and 63 kW/m2), number of exposure cycles (from one to five) and effects of each attribute. Two types of fabrics were used in this study, one made with meta aramid (Nomex® IIIA) yarns in both warp and weft (type-A fabric), and the other made with Nomex® IIIA (warp) and para aramid (Kevlar®) (weft) (type-B fabric). Type-A fabrics displayed a greater degree of differentiation in their properties than type-B fabrics. With the same exposure conditions, the thickness, shrinkage, mass loss and RPP gradually increased. A regression analysis conclusively established that pick density significantly affects the performance of the outer-shell fabric used in FPCs. Textile designers may find the results useful for creating more thermo-stable and durable turnout suits in the future.
Interfacial, tensile and bending properties of a novel wide-angle woven fabric/EPDM composite
Authors: Zhang Zhuhui , Wang Xiaoxu , Lu Jian , Qian Kun , Zhang Jinqiu , Zhang Diantang
Published: September 2022

Off-axis woven flexible composites have attracted attention because of its excellent deformability. However, the current traditional method is to cut orthogonal woven fabrics into the diagonal lines, in which the central axis of above-mentioned diagonal fabrics is consistent with the length of synchronous belt. Obviously, this technique is inefficient and costly. This paper presents the interfacial, tensile and bending properties of a novel wide-angle woven fabric/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites. 60°/120° wide-angle fabrics are prepared by an improved rapier loom. For comparisons, 0°/90° orthogonal fabrics are also braided. Then these two kinds of the fabric/EPDM composites are fabricated by a hot pressing mechanism. Subsequently, the interface, tensile and bending tests are carried out. The mechanical behaviors and failure mode are analyzed. The results show that the tensile strength and modulus of 60°/120° wide-angle fabric/EPDM composites are 11.11 MPa and 61.43 MPa, which are 22% (9.14 MPa) and 65% (37.04 MPa) higher than those of 0°/90° orthogonal fabric/EPDM composites, respectively. Moreover, the bending strength (5.86 MPa) of 0°/90° orthogonal fabric/EPDM composites is similar to that (6.62 MPa) of 60°/120° wide-angle fabric/EPDM composites, whereas the bending modulus (206.31 MPa) of the former is 30% lower than that (293.83 MPa) of the later ones.
Prediction of polyester conductive filter media life on flat and pilot filtration test rigs under flyash aerosol pre-charge
Authors: Dutta Sudev , Mukhopadhyay Arunangshu , Choudhary AK , Reddy CC
Published: September 2022

One of the vital aspects considering the commercial benefit for any gaseous filtration industry is the life cycle of filter material. A filter media providing consistent filtration for a long period of time is desirable for its prolonged life. In view of this; the present study is undertaken for experimental characterization of three different polyester conductive filter materials viz. PTFE coated media, stainless steel fibre blended with PET media, and stainless steel fibre scrim media by predicting their ageing behavior. The materials were investigated on two different laboratory based test rigs viz. flat based and pilot filter unit under two levels of dust densities (50 g/m3 and 150 g/m3) using fly ash aerosol. The aerosol was charged through a pre-charger at three levels viz. 4 kV, 8 kV and 12 kV. The outcome revealed an enhanced ageing performance at higher level of aerosol charge in case of both the test rigs for all the materials. However, the relative performance of the flat media test rig has been found to be better under all operating conditions. The ageing behavior of PTFE coated materials has been found to be the best among all the investigated materials in both test rigs due to its better surface characteristics as a result of coating.
Selective Immune Modulating Activities of Viscum album and Its Components; A Possibility of Therapeutics on Skin Rash Induced by EGFR Inhibitors
Authors: Choi Hye Jin , Park So-Jung , Choi You Na , Kim Soo-Dam , Kwag Eun-Bin , Song Si-Yeon , Park Ji Hye , Kim Jin Kyu , Seo Changon , Choi Jeong June , Yoo Hwa-Seung
Published: September 2022

Viscum album var. coloratum (Kom.) Ohwi is a traditional herbal medicine used in East Asia to treat hypertension, skeletal muscle disorders, and cancer. The inhibitory effects of Viscum album (VA) extract on chemokines and its therapeutic potential in erlotinib-induced skin rash were investigated in this study. ELISA was used to measure the levels of chemokines, MCP-1 and RANTES, which are thought to be mediators of erlotinib-induced skin rash in RAW264.7 cells. Western blot analysis was used to look into the activation of signaling pathways like AKT, MAPK, and EGF. In order to investigate the active compounds in VA extract, solvent fractionation and preparative HPLC were performed sequentially. VA extract significantly reduced the production of TNF-α, MCP-1, and RANTES but not IL-1. Furthermore, macrophage transmigration was inhibited without causing cell toxicity. VA extract had no effect on the phosphorylation of EGF receptors stimulated by EGF or suppressed by erlotinib in both A549, a non-small cell lung cancer cells, and Hacat, a human skin keratinocyte. The isolated viscumneoside III and viscumneoside V from VA extract significantly suppressed the expression of MCP-1, according to activity guided fractionation with organic solvent fractionation and preparative HPLC. These findings suggest that VA extract and its active compounds, viscumneoside III and viscumneoside V, regulate MCP-1 production and may have the potential to suppress erlotinib-induced skin toxicity by modulating macrophage activity without neutralizing anti-cancer efficacy.
The expression and function of growth hormone secretagogue receptor in immune cells: A current perspective
Authors: Noh Ji Yeon , Herrera Matthew , Patil Bhimanagouda S , Tan Xiao-Di , Wright Gus A , Sun Yuxiang
Published: September 2022

The orexigenic hormone ghrelin and its receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), have been extensively studied in the last two decades, revealing that ghrelin signaling has important implications in health and disease. Metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, are often accompanied by low-grade chronic inflammation, that has been coined as “meta-inflammation.” Immune cells are key cellular mediators of meta-inflammation, controlling both initiation and resolution of inflammation. Immune cells exhibit dynamic changes in cellular characteristics and functional output in response to the stimuli/insults from their surrounding microenvironment. Emerging evidence shows that ghrelin has an important effect on inflammation, in addition to its well-known effects on metabolism. However, the cellular/molecular mechanism of ghrelin signaling in immunity is largely unknown because the knowledge in regard to the expression and function of GHS-R in immune cells is currently sparse. In this review, we have accumulated the recent findings related to the expression and functions of GHS-R in various immune cells under different physiological and pathological states. This review aims to inspire further investigation of the immunological roles of ghrelin signaling and advance the therapeutic applications of ghrelin signaling in meta-inflammation.
Ultraviolet protection factor evaluation of comfort oriented two-yarn fleece fabrics
Authors: Sohaib Anas Muhammad , Abbas Adeel , Azam Zeeshan , Tariq Zeeshan , Gul Zarnab , Sarwar Muhammad Ehtisham
Published: September 2022

Knitted fleece fabrics with superior comfort characteristics are chiefly focused in winter wear. Thermal characteristics are an area of interest in selecting fleece clothing. However, environmental hazards also need to be focused. Fleece clothing is worn in cold areas having higher ultraviolet rays exposures. Hence the clothing should have the capability of combating environmental challenges. The study focuses on engineering variable fleece structures with different materials. Cotton, nylon, and polypropylene fleece patterns have been knitted using fleece 1:1, 3:1, and 2:2 patterns. The designs vary by tuck and miss stitch configurations in the fleece course. Comfort characteristics were determined through air permeability, moisture management, and thermal resistance tests. Performance criteria were evaluated in terms of pilling resistance and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) investigation. Structures and materials owing better comfort characteristics with satisfactory UPF have been predicted as safe clothing in UV affected zones, that is, fleece 3:1 possessed the optimum comfort characteristics and UPF simultaneously; however, the mechanical performance was better for 2:1 and 1:1 fleece fabric due to less amount of miss stitch floating yarns.
Factors Influencing Patient Preference for Anesthesia in Ambulatory Hand Surgery
Authors: Model Zina , Benavent Kyra A. , Zhang Dafang , Blazar Philip E. , Earp Brandon E.
Published: September 2022

Background:

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence preoperative patient preferences toward anesthesia in patients in a hand and upper extremity clinic.

Methods:

A survey was administered to consecutive patients in a hand and upper extremity orthopedic clinic at an urban tertiary academic institution. The survey addressed presenting clinical complaint, anesthesia preference for minor soft tissue hand and wrist procedures, factors influencing anesthesia preference, and patient history of anesthesia and surgical treatment. The primary outcome measure was anesthesia preference: local-only or local with sedation.

Results:

Surveys were completed by 219 patients over a 1-month period with a mean patient age of 55 years. Most patients presented with a hand/wrist complaint (56%). One hundred fifty-two patients (71%) preferred local anesthesia with sedation and 61 patients (29%) preferred local-only anesthesia. Patients who preferred local-only anesthesia reported being more likely to be influenced by surgeon preference and cost, and also were more likely to have had prior experience with local-only anesthesia. In contrast, patients who preferred local anesthesia with sedation were more likely to be concerned about pain or were nervous about surgery. Prior surgical experience did not influence preference for anesthesia.

Conclusion:

Patient preferences for local-only anesthesia versus local anesthesia with sedation for ambulatory hand surgery are mixed, with most patients preferring sedation. Understanding patient preferences for anesthesia can better inform preoperative discussions and shared decision-making in anesthesia choice.
Traumatic Finger Amputations: Epidemiology and Mechanism of Injury, 2010-2019
Authors: Renfro Kayleigh N. , Eckhoff Michael D. , Trevizo Gilberto A. Gonzalez , Dunn John C.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Traumatic finger amputations are a common and well-known hand injury, yet there are few studies addressing long-term epidemiologic data and associated mechanisms of injury. This paper aims to use a large national database to identify the relationship of patient demographics and mechanism of injury in finger amputations.

Methods:

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for finger amputations in the United States from 2010 to 2019. Patient demographic information was collected and analyzed by gender, race, age, and further statistical analysis was performed to determine correlations with consumer products.

Results:

Finger amputations accounted for an estimated 234,304 emergency department visits from 2010 to 2019. Most of the patients were male (79%) and identified as white (46.2%). The most commonly implicated products overall were power saws and related power tools, followed by doors and then lawn mowers. A bimodal age incidence was observed with the highest incidence rates occurring in children ages 0 to 4, followed by a second peak incidence rate in the adults ages 65 to 74. The most common mechanisms of injury were found to differ in patients less than 19 and those 20 and over.

Conclusion:

Traumatic finger amputations have a bimodal incidence with changing epidemiology and mechanism of injury with age. The first peak occurs from ages 0 to 4, involves predominantly doors, and has a male to female ratio of 1.30. The second peak occurs from ages 65 to 74, involves mostly power saws, and has a male to female ratio of 6.68.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic, Level IV
Research on the S-shaped time-rounding series feedrate scheduling based on NURBS curve
Authors: Wu Jichun , Xu Ke , Ren Guangan , Fan Dapeng
Published: September 2022

The inconsistency between continuous feedrate scheduling and discrete interpolation of Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) curves as toolpath interpolation affects the interpolation accuracy and motion smoothness of computer numerical control (CNC) machining. The S-shaped series feedrate scheduling method of the NURBS curve is presented to meet the consistency between feedrate scheduling and interpolation, and the needs of the motor to receive accurate discrete pulses to avoid chatter. The acceleration and deceleration margin factor models are respectively established in the acceleration and deceleration stages to compensate for the velocity loss in the discrete process, so that the feedrate scheduling can be accurately reached in each acceleration and deceleration stage. Based on this, 17 kinds of acceleration and deceleration situations are summarized according to the comparison of displacement, start and end velocity, and the number of interpolation cycles. The butterfly three-segment trajectories are selected for simulation in Matlab. The experimental platform is built based on the Codesys platform programing, and the series feedrate scheduling of the proposed method for a NURBS toolpath is carried out. Both simulations and experiments have verified the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Impact of secondary flow on the single-phase flow in spiral microchannels: An experimental study
Authors: Kong Lingjian , Liu Guangzhe
Published: September 2022

Spiral microchannels have a wide range of applications, such as microscale cooling, fluid mixing and particle sorting, in micro-fluidic devices. The flow characteristics of spiral microchannels play an important role in the design and operation of these devices. An experimental study of the laminar flow characteristics in spiral microchannels is conducted for different Reynolds numbers from 51 to 985. Microchannels have rectangular cross sections and follow Archimedean spiral pathways with different spiral and cross-section parameters. The results show that the pressure drop of the spiral microchannel increases with increasing spiral diameter and aspect ratio, but decreases with spiral pitch and hydrodynamic diameter. In addition, the effect of the spiral and cross-section parameters on pressure drop is evident at the high Reynolds number. Under the influence of additional friction caused by the secondary flow, the friction factor of the spiral microchannel is higher than that of the straight channel, and its value increases with the increase in curvature of the microchannel. The correlation of the Poiseuille number in the spiral microchannel is established on the basis of the experimental results, and 95.3% of the experimental data fall within the error band of ±18%.
Laughter as Collateral Damage in the Trials of William Hone
Authors: Komisaruk Adam
Published: September 2022

The radical London satirist William Hone was tried in 1817 on three separate charges of blasphemous libel. His three acquittals are generally attributed to the courtroom laughter he provoked, as well as to the careful distinction he drew between the secular “object” of his attacks (the government ministers) and the sacred “subject” in which he couched them (the Anglican liturgy). By its nature, however, laughter never hits its target without inflicting collateral damage. Late in life, Hone not only confessed his impiety but confronted its ontological implications: that laughter destabilizes the “subject” in a way not susceptible to adjudication.
International student mobility and labour market outcomes: The role of personality dimensions
Authors: Sadeghi Talieh , Wiers-Jenssen Jannecke , Thørrisen Mikkel Magnus
Published: September 2022

International student mobility (ISM) is often perceived to enhance career prospects. Surprisingly, the role of personality traits in explaining why students go abroad and relationships between ISM and labour market outcomes have received scant scholarly attention. Based on survey data from Norwegian graduates, we found that degree and credit mobility graduates were significantly more extraverted and open than non-mobile peers and that degree mobiles were more agreeable than both credit and non-mobiles. Furthermore, results revealed that whereas degree mobility is related to both wage and Occupational self-efficiacy (OSE), this was not the case for credit mobility. However, personality did affect the associations between degree mobility and labour market outcomes. In sum, our study suggests that the distinction between degree and credit mobility is important when considering the labour market outcomes of ISM and that personality does play a role in the links between degree mobility and labour market outcomes.
Loopholes in developing English communicative competence: A comparative case study of Pakistan and China
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Larik Abdul Razaque , Bukhari Syed Gulzar Ali Shah
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the challenges faced by Pakistani and Chinese English language instructors in developing communicative competence among senior high school students, and highlights the fundamental loopholes. Employing a thematic analysis within a qualitative comparative case study, the findings reveal learners’ substandard prior knowledge as the biggest loophole in both Pakistan and China, which causes instructors to overuse local languages. There exists misalignment in curriculum, instruction, and assessment; consequently, the instructional practices are drastically examination-oriented producing rote-learners, and significantly hamper the development of communicative competence. Pakistani syllabi appear to be outdated. There is unavailability of modern linguistic resources in Pakistan while the Chinese instructors evade using them despite their availability. Chinese teacher-student interaction and Pakistani parental involvement are bleak. Findings suggest that respective governments should pay attention to their junior high school systems for developing students’ prerequisite knowledge and implement leaner-centered instruction. Pakistani senior high school syllabi should be modified.
Victimhood and the transnationalization of Croatian memory politics
Authors: Winland Daphne
Published: September 2022

The biblical entreaty zakhor – Hebrew for ‘remember’ – has been central to the efforts of diaspora Jewish scholars, religious leaders, politicians and others to suture the suffering past to the present. The imperative to not only remember but also commemorate histories of suffering is ubiquitous among conflict-generated diasporas as well. For diaspora Croats, victim-centred themes regularly surface in identity narratives, focusing on memories of trauma and suffering after the establishment of the Socialist Federation of Yugoslavia in 1945. While the manipulation of victimhood narratives and the rehabilitation of controversial histories by Croatian political elites have been examined extensively, the persistence of memories focused on suffering among diaspora Croats has received less scholarly attention. In this article, I ask why, 30 years after the end of the Homeland War and the establishment of the Croatian state, do victimhood narratives continue to resonate for diaspora Croats particularly from the Herzegovinian region of the former Yugoslavia who arrived in Canada between 1945 and 1990. What role do memory activists in Canada originating mainly from Herzegovina play in lubricating and mobilizing memories that reinforce victimhood? Finally, how does the desire for validation and legitimacy beyond diaspora communities factor into commemorations and initiatives focused on collective suffering? The focus here is on research conducted between 2019 and 2020 in Toronto when diaspora commemorations and the memory narratives that have sustained them came under increased critical scrutiny, challenging the veracity of Croatian victimhood claims.
Identification of an endogenous retroviral signature to predict anti-PD1 response in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma: an integrated analysis of three clinical trials
Authors: Zhou Jian-Guo , Zeng Yu , Wang Haitao , Jin Su-Han , Wang Yun-Jia , He Sisi , Frey Benjamin , Fietkau Rainer , Hecht Markus , Ma Hu , Zhang Wenchuan , Gaipl Udo S.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Endogenous retrovirus (ERV) elements are genomic footprints of ancestral retroviral infections within the human genome. Previous studies have demonstrated that dysregulated ERV transcription level is associated with immune cell infiltration in cancers, but the association between ERV expression and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade response is currently unraveled for solid cancers, such as advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Methods:

ERV mRNA profiles were obtained from three clinical trials of ccRCC where the patients were treated with anti-PD-1 (CM-009, CM-010, CM-025, and TCGA-KIRC data). Patients treated with nivolumab were divided into training and test cohort, while the TCGA-KIRC cohort was used as an external validation. Univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used to establish the signature. Immune cell infiltration analysis and gene set enrichment analysis were performed to explore potential biological mechanisms.

Results:

An ERV signature was established based on nine ERV expression patterns. In the training cohort, the median overall survival in the low- and high-risk group was 45.2 and 19.6 months [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.49, 0.32–0.75, p < 0.001], respectively. The results were confirmed in the test (HR = 0.41, 0.20–0.83, p = 0.013), and in the TCGA-KIRC cohort (HR = 0.55, 0.34–0.90, p = 0.017). Moreover, in the CM-025 cohort, the low-risk group that received nivolumab had a more favorable survival compared with those that received the mTOR inhibitor everolimus, while no significant differences were observed in the high-risk group. CD8+ T cells were enriched in the low-risk group, while immune suppressive pathways were suppressed.

Conclusion:

The newly identified ERV signature is not only a prognostic, but also a predictive biomarker for advanced ccRCC patients who received anti-PD-1 therapy, which can guide personalized treatment in cancer patients in the future.
An update on treatment of penile cancer
Authors: Chadha Juskaran , Chahoud Jad , Spiess Philippe E.
Published: September 2022

Penile cancer is a rare malignancy, particularly in industrialized nations. In the United States, rates are approximately less than 1 per 100,000 men per year with just over 2000 new cases per year. However, there is significantly increased prevalence in developing nations, with limited treatment expertise and reduced access to care, further driving an unmet clinical need. The most noteworthy risk factor for penile cancer is the association with human papillomavirus infection, which may be present in up to 50% of all penile carcinomas. In addition to local primary tumor approaches, multimodality treatment strategies are vital to patients with clinical regional nodal disease, locally advanced disease. Presence and degree of lymph node involvement remains the most important prognostic factor and patients may benefit from multiple treatment strategies. Interim analysis data from the first randomized clinical trial is expected to yield results in mid/late 2024–early 2025. These treatment approaches include neoadjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant therapy, including chemotherapy and radiation. Systemic therapy for distant recurrent or metastatic disease is primarily a platinum-based chemotherapy, however with poor overall response. As poor outcomes remain high, particularly in indigent populations, there remains an unmet need for these patients, particularly for high level randomized trials and novel therapeutics. In this review, we will highlight treatment updates for penile cancer. In addition to standard of care, we will review novel lines of therapies including immunotherapies and targeted therapies as well as sequencing approaches.
The effectiveness of a physiatrist-led acute hospital based postoperative hip fracture inpatient rehabilitation program: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Chen Jing , Bok Chek Wai , Ren Yi Ping , Xu Hongyun , Chiong Yi
Published: September 2022

Background

Postoperative hip fracture rehabilitation in Singapore has historically been carried out in both acute and community hospitals (CH). An increasing majority of patients with hip fractures now receive inpatient rehabilitation in CH, and it is often believed that Acute hospital (AH) - based rehabilitation may be less cost-effective than their CH counterparts. Objective: This retrospective study aims to review the effectiveness of an AH-based hip fracture postoperative rehabilitation program.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed the database of postoperative hip fracture patients who underwent a physiatrist-led AH-based inpatient rehabilitation from Jan 2010 to Dec 2016. The primary outcomes were the functional improvement assessed by functional independence measure (FIM) and FIM efficiency. The secondary outcome included the length of stay (LOS), successful discharge to home rate, mortality rate, and complication rate.

Results

A total of 293 cases were included in the study. After participation in the inpatient rehabilitation program, the mean total FIM increased from 83.9 ± 12.7 (mean ± SD) to 93.9 ± 16.2 ( p < .001). The motor FIM increased from 47.1 ± 10.9 to 56.1 ± 10.1 ( p < .001). 269 (91.8%) patients were successfully discharged home. Inpatient mortality was 0.3% (1/293). The complications rate during inpatient rehabilitation was 16.0% with urinary tract infection being the most frequent complication (10.2%). The median LOS for inpatient rehabilitation was 19 days (15, 28).

Conclusions

After completing a physiatrist-led postoperative hip fracture inpatient rehabilitation program in an acute hospital, patients demonstrated significant functional improvement ( p < .0001). The inpatient rehabilitation program has a high discharge home rate and low in-hospital mortality.