bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multiobjective Approach for Sector Duration Optimization in Stereotactic Radiosurgery Treatment Planning
Authors: S¸eker Oylum , Cevik Mucahit , Bodur Merve , Lee Young , Ruschin Mark
Published: December 2022

Sector duration optimization (SDO) is a problem arising in treatment planning for stereotactic radiosurgery on Gamma Knife. Given a set of isocenter locations, SDO aims to select collimator size configurations and irradiation times thereof such that target tissues receive prescribed doses in a reasonable amount of treatment time and healthy tissues nearby are spared. We present a multiobjective linear programming model for SDO to generate a diverse collection of solutions so that clinicians can select the most appropriate treatment. We develop a generic two-phase solution strategy based on the ε-constraint method for solving multiobjective optimization models, 2phasε, which aims to systematically increase the number of high-quality solutions obtained, instead of conducting a traditional uniform search. To improve solution quality further and to accelerate the procedure, we incorporate some general and problem-specific enhancements. Moreover, we propose an alternative version of 2phasε, which makes use of machine learning tools to reduce the computational effort. In our computational study on eight previously treated real test cases, a significant portion of 2phasε solutions outperformed clinical results and those from a single-objective model from the literature. In addition to significant benefits of the algorithmic enhancements, our experiments illustrate the usefulness of machine learning strategies to reduce the overall run times nearly by half while maintaining or besting the clinical practice.

History: Accepted by Paul Brooks, Area Editor for Applications in Biology, Medicine, and Healthcare.

Funding: This work was supported in part by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [Discovery Grant RGPIN-2019-05588].

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplementary Information [ https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.1252 ] or is available from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC ) at [ http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7048848 ].
Quantitative measurements of intraocular structures and microinjection bleb volumes using intraoperative optical coherence tomography
Authors: Li Jianwei D. , Raynor William , Dhalla Al-Hafeez , Viehland Christian , Trout Robert , Toth Cynthia A. , Vajzovic Lejla M. , Izatt Joseph A.
Published: December 2022

Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems provide high-resolution, real-time visualization and/or guidance of microsurgical procedures. While the use of intraoperative OCT in ophthalmology has significantly improved qualitative visualization of surgical procedures inside the eye, new surgical techniques to deliver therapeutics have highlighted the lack of quantitative information available with current-generation intraoperative systems. Indirect viewing systems used for retinal surgeries introduce distortions into the resulting OCT images, making it particularly challenging to make calibrated quantitative measurements. Using an intraoperative OCT system based in part on the Leica Enfocus surgical microscope interface, we have devised novel measurement procedures, which allowed us to build optical and mathematical models to perform validation of quantitative measurements of intraocular structures for intraoperative OCT. These procedures optimize a complete optical model of the sample arm including the OCT scanner, viewing attachments, and the patient’s eye, thus obtaining the voxel pitch throughout an OCT volume and performing quantitative measurements of the dimensions of imaged objects within the operative field. We performed initial validation by measuring objects of known size in a controlled eye phantom as well as ex vivo porcine eyes. The technique was then extended to measure other objects and structures in ex vivo porcine eyes and in vivo human eyes.
Optimization of the visibility of a tunable dual-phase x-ray grating interferometer
Authors: Organista Caori , Kagias Matias , Tang Ruizhi , Shi Zhitian , Jefimovs Konstantins , Boone Matthieu N. , Stampanoni Marco
Published: December 2022

Dual-phase x-ray grating interferometry (DP-XGI) is a recently developed imaging technique that can retrieve structural information in the sub-micro scale over areas in the millimeter range. This is performed by use of the scattering signal, which is sensitive to structures that lie below the intrinsic spatial resolution of the imaging system. A quantitative understanding of the microstructure is possible when the scattering signal is retrieved within a range of auto-correlation lengths of the features of interest. High visibility of fringes in this length range is desirable, but no straightforward framework exists for choosing design parameters of the imaging system for such optimization. The purpose of this work is to present an optimization protocol for DP-XGI based on a Fresnel propagation simulation framework which evaluates different parameters of the optical system, utilizing the mean visibility of the fringes at the detector plane as a figure of merit to optimize the DP-XGI for a conventional lab x-ray source. The performance of the numerical simulation with realistic component parameters is validated with the experimental results obtained at a lab-based setup. The results of the validation confirm the robustness of the model for the evaluation of the different components of the interferometer and its optimization at low and high energies.
Chemosensory deficits are best predictor of serologic response among individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Overdevest Jonathan B. , Irace Alexandria L. , Mazzanti Valeria , Oh Eun Jeong , Joseph Paule V. , Devanand Davangere P. , Bitan Zachary C. , Hod Eldad A. , Gudis David A. , Chiuzan Codruta
Published: December 2022

Objective

Smell and taste alteration are closely linked to infection with SARS-CoV-2 and may be associated with a more indolent disease course. Serologic response rates among individuals with mild disease remains limited. We sought to identify whether chemosensory changes associated with COVID-19 were predictive of a serologic response.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

The sample consisted of 306 adults (≥18 years old) volunteering for convalescent plasma donation following perceived COVID-19 illness from April-June 2020. Documentation of COVID-19 PCR status, clinical symptoms at time of illness, and treatment course occurred at the time of serologic analysis, where we assessed chemosensory function using patient-perceived deficits. We implemented previously validated ELISA screening to determine serologic status regarding anti-Spike immunoglobulins. Statistical analysis using stepwise logistic models were employed to identify predictive factors of serologic response.

Results

Of 306 patients undergoing serologic and chemosensory evaluation, 196 (64.1%) and 195 (63.7%) reported subjective olfactory and taste dysfunction, respectively, during the first two weeks of COVID-19 infection. In unadjusted models, the odds of developing suprathreshold IgG antibody titers were 1.98 times higher among those who reported altered smell (95% CI 1.14–3.42, p = 0.014) and 2.02 times higher among those with altered taste (95% CI 1.17–3.48, p = 0.011) compared to those with normal smell and taste. Multivariable logistic models adjusting for sex, age, race/ethnicity, symptom duration, smoking status and comorbidities index demonstrated that altered smell and taste remained significant predictors of positive anti-spike IgG response (smell OR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.05–3.44, p = 0.033; taste OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.12–3.61, p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Subjective chemosensory dysfunction, as self-reported smell or taste deficiency, is highly predictive of serologic response following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This information may be useful for patient counseling. Additional longitudinal research should be performed to better understand the onset and duration of the serologic response in these patients.
Does highlighting COVID-19 disparities reduce or increase vaccine intentions? evidence from a survey experiment in a diverse sample in New York State prior to vaccine roll-out
Authors: Fox Ashley , Choi Yongjin , Lanthorn Heather , Croke Kevin
Published: December 2022

Racial identity and political partisanship have emerged as two important social correlates of hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. To examine the relationship of these factors with respondents’ intention to vaccinate before the vaccine was available (November/December, 2020), we employed a multi-method approach: a survey experiment that randomized a vaccine-promotion message focused on racial equity in vaccine targeting, stepwise regression to identify predictors of hesitancy, and qualitative analysis of open-ended survey questions that capture how respondents reason about vaccination intentions. Experimental manipulation of a racial equity vaccine promotion message via an online survey experiment had no effect on intention-to-vaccinate in the full sample or in racial, ethnic and partisan subsamples. Descriptively, we find heightened hesitancy among non-Hispanic Black respondents (OR = 1.82, p<0.01), Hispanics (OR = 1.37, p<0.05), Trump voters (OR = 1.74, p<0.01) and non-Voters/vote Other (OR = 1.50, p<0.01) compared with non-Hispanic White respondents and Biden voters. Lower trust in institutions, individualism and alternative media use accounted for heightened hesitancy in Trump voters, but not non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics. Older age and female gender identity also persistently predicted lower vaccine intentions. Qualitatively, we find that most hesitant responders wanted to ‘wait-and-see,’ driven by generalized concerns about the speed of vaccine development, and potential vaccine side-effects, but little mention of conspiracy theories. Identity appears to be an important driver of vaccinate hesitancy that is not fully explained by underlying socioeconomic or attitudinal factors; furthermore, hesitancy was not significantly affected by racial equity messages in this setting.
Polarization and trust in the evolution of vaccine discourse on Twitter during COVID-19
Authors: Ojea Quintana Ignacio , Reimann Ritsaart , Cheong Marc , Alfano Mark , Klein Colin
Published: December 2022

Trust in vaccination is eroding, and attitudes about vaccination have become more polarized. This is an observational study of Twitter analyzing the impact that COVID-19 had on vaccine discourse. We identify the actors, the language they use, how their language changed, and what can explain this change. First, we find that authors cluster into several large, interpretable groups, and that the discourse was greatly affected by American partisan politics. Over the course of our study, both Republicans and Democrats entered the vaccine conversation in large numbers, forming coalitions with Antivaxxers and public health organizations, respectively. After the pandemic was officially declared, the interactions between these groups increased. Second, we show that the moral and non-moral language used by the various communities converged in interesting and informative ways. Finally, vector autoregression analysis indicates that differential responses to public health measures are likely part of what drove this convergence. Taken together, our results suggest that polarization around vaccination discourse in the context of COVID-19 was ultimately driven by a trust-first dynamic of political engagement.
Randomized controlled trial: Quantifying the impact of disclosing uncertainty on adherence to hypothetical health recommendations
Authors: Mendoza Hannah , D’Agostino McGowan Lucy
Published: December 2022

We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess whether disclosing elements of uncertainty in an initial public health statement will change the likelihood that participants will accept new, different advice that arises as more evidence is uncovered. Proportional odds models were fit, stratified by the baseline likelihood to agree with the final advice. 298 participants were randomized to the treatment arm and 298 in the control arm. Among participants who were more likely to agree with the final recommendation at baseline, those who were initially shown uncertainty had a 46% lower odds of being more likely to agree with the final recommendation compared to those who were not (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.27-1.03). Among participants who were less likely to agree with the final recommendation at baseline, those who were initially shown uncertainty have 1.61 times the odds of being more likely to agree with the final recommendation compared to those who were not (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.15-2.25). This has implications for public health leaders when assessing how to communicate a recommendation, suggesting communicating uncertainty influences whether someone will adhere to a future recommendation.
Development of an electronic interface for transfer of antimicrobial administration data in dairy farms
Authors: Seibt Uwe , Klötzer Peter , Rachidi Fanny , Truyen Uwe , Speck Stephanie , Starke Alexander , Waade Jil , Honscha Walther
Published: December 2022

Surveillance of antimicrobial administration in livestock production is an important factor in global policies to reduce spreading of antimicrobial resistance. In recent years, many studies have been carried out concerning the usage of antimicrobials in animal production and in some countries recording of antimicrobial quantities dispensed to famers is mandatory. On cattle farms, antimicrobial treatments are recorded for fattening calves under 8 months of age and for fattening cattle older than 8 months in Germany and treatment frequencies are then calculated. However, with the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on 01/28/2022, antimicrobial monitoring will gradually be extended to all animal species and age groups. Therefore, an effective, fast and accurate transfer of data on the use of antimicrobials, especially in the field of livestock farming, into corresponding databases is required to determine the treatment frequencies for the individual animal species or types of use. For this purpose, an electronic interface was programmed to transfer the data on antimicrobial use in dairy cattle farms from a herd management software program directly into a database. To test the practicability and effectiveness of this interface, 10 dairy cattle farms from Saxony were initially selected. Based on an in-depth analysis of the treatment frequencies of antimicrobial administration of 7 different age groups of animals after a two-year observation period, the functionality of the electronic interface could be established. The greatest potential for reduction of antimicrobials is in newborn calves, as they represent the age group with the highest treatment frequency.
THP-1 cells transduced with CD16A utilize Fcγ receptor I and III in the phagocytosis of IgG-sensitized human erythrocytes and platelets
Authors: Gil Gonzalez Lazaro , Fernandez-Marrero Yuniel , Norris Peter Alan Albert , Tawhidi Zoya , Shan Yuexin , Cruz-Leal Yoelys , Won Kevin Doyoon , Frias-Boligan Kayluz , Branch Donald R. , Lazarus Alan H.
Published: December 2022

Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) are critical effector receptors for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. On macrophages, FcγRs mediate multiple effector functions, including phagocytosis, but the individual contribution of specific FcγRs to phagocytosis has not been fully characterized. Primary human macrophage populations, such as splenic macrophages, can express FcγRI, FcγRIIA, and FcγRIIIA. However, there is currently no widely available monocyte or macrophage cell line expressing all these receptors. Common sources of monocytes for differentiation into macrophages, such as human peripheral blood monocytes and the monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1, generally lack the expression of FcγRIIIA (CD16A). Here, we utilized a lentiviral system to generate THP-1 cells stably expressing human FcγRIIIA (CD16F158). THP-1-CD16A cells treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate for 24 hours phagocytosed anti-D-opsonized human red blood cells primarily utilizing FcγRI with a lesser but significant contribution of IIIA while phagocytosis of antibody-opsonized human platelets equally utilized FcγRI and Fcγ IIIA. Despite the well-known ability of FcγRIIA to bind IgG in cell free systems, this receptor did not appear to be involved in either RBC or platelet phagocytosis. These transgenic cells may constitute a valuable tool for studying macrophage FcγR utilization and function.
Seed production system and adaptability of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cultivars in Buea, Cameroon
Authors: Nkongho Raymond Ndip , Efouba-Mbong Jill Tracy , Ndam Lawrence Monah , Ketchem Gwendoline Ashie , Etchu-Takang Ebob Glacilia , Agbor David Tavi
Published: December 2022

Okra is grown globally for its nutritional and economic benefits. Okra seeds ensure continuous production of the crop but challenges of poor production, adaptability and management may not allow the seeds to express their full potential. There are two seed production systems in Cameroon; the informal and formal. In Buea, the informal seed system is used by most farmers for seed production/utilization and farmers are reluctant to use hybrid seeds. This study aimed to assess the informal seed system of okra and evaluate the adaptability of seed produce from informal and formal systems in Buea. A survey and a field experiment were carried out. The designs for the survey and field experiment were stratified random sampling and randomized complete block design respectively. Data collection for the survey was done using questionnaires and other data collection instruments, while for the field experiment, data was collected on germination, vegetative growth parameters, incidence and severity of pests / diseases and yield. Data analysis for the survey was done using descriptive statistics, while data from the field experiment was done using a two-way ANOVA test and treatment means compared using the Tukey test at 5% probability. Results from the survey showed that women (60%) were mostly involved in seed production by mass selection from two landraces identified. Preservation of seeds was mostly done with the use of wood ash (58%) and insects were the major postharvest pest (76%). For the field experiment, at 66 DAP, Yellen recorded the highest significant number of leaves (13.417), leaf area (771.4 cm2) and the number of branches (5.64). Clemson spineless recorded the highest significant incidence (89.9%) and severity for pests / diseases while Kirikou and Landrace recorded the least incidence (0.0%) and severity. Kirikou recorded the highest significant yield (6.0 tons/ha), followed by Landrace (5.3 tons/ha). These findings reveal the performance of the landrace and provide reasons why farmers in Buea are reluctant to use hybrid okra seeds. The Landrace should certainly have adaptable genes, coupled with the autogamous nature of okra which encourages inbreeding for homozygous traits, which are dominant in expression compared to heterozygous traits.
Evaluation of factors associated with interhospital transfers to pediatric and adult tertiary level of care: A study of acute neurological disease cases
Authors: Iacob Stanca , Wang Yanzhi , Peterson Susan C. , Ivankovic Sven , Bhole Salil , Tracy Patrick T. , Elwood Patrick W.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Patient referrals to tertiary level of care neurological services are often potentially avoidable and result in inferior clinical outcomes. To decrease transfer burden, stakeholders should acquire a comprehensive perception of specialty referral process dynamics. We identified associations between patient sociodemographic data, disease category and hospital characteristics and avoidable transfers, and differentiated factors underscoring informed decision making as essential care management aspects.

Materials and methods

We completed a retrospective observational study. The inclusion criteria were pediatric and adult patients with neurological diagnosis referred to our tertiary care hospital. The primary outcome was potentially avoidable transfers, which included patients discharged after 24 hours from admission without requiring neurosurgery, neuro-intervention, or specialized diagnostic methodologies and consult in non-neurologic specialties during their hospital stay. Variables included demographics, disease category, health insurance and referring hospital characteristics.

Results

Patient referrals resulted in 1615 potentially avoidable transfers. A direct correlation between increasing referral trends and unwarranted transfers was observed for dementia, spondylosis and trauma conversely, migraine, neuro-ophthalmic disease and seizure disorders showed an increase in unwarranted transfers with decreasing referral trends. The age group over 90 years (OR, 3.71), seizure disorders (OR, 4.16), migraine (OR, 12.50) and neuro-ophthalmic disease (OR, 25.31) significantly associated with higher probability of avoidable transfers. Disparities between pediatric and adult transfer cases were identified for discrete diagnoses. Hospital teaching status but not hospital size showed significant associations with potentially avoidable transfers.

Conclusions

Neurological dysfunctions with overlapping clinical symptomatology in ageing patients have higher probability of unwarranted transfers. In pediatric patients, disease categories with complex symptomatology requiring sophisticated workup show greater likelihood of unwarranted transfers. Future transfer avoidance recommendations include implementation of measures that assist astute disorder assessment at the referring hospital such as specialized diagnostic modalities and teleconsultation. Additional moderators include after-hours specialty expertise provision and advanced directives education.
“I could hang up if the practitioner was a prat”: Australian men’s feedback on telemental healthcare during COVID-19
Authors: Seidler Zac E. , Wilson Michael J. , Oliffe John L. , Kealy David , Ogrodniczuk John S. , Walther Andreas , Rice Simon M.
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, uncertainties and management inconsistencies have been implicated in men’s rising distress levels, which in turn have somewhat normed the uptake of telemental healthcare services (i.e., phone and/or video-conference-based therapy). Given past evidence of poor engagement with telemental health among men, this mixed-methods study examined Australian men’s use of, and experiences with telemental health services relative to face-to-face care during the pandemic. A community sample of Australian-based men (N = 387; age M = 47.5 years, SD = 15.0 years) were recruited via Facebook advertising, and completed an online survey comprising quantitative items and open-response qualitative questions with the aim of better understanding men’s experiences with telemental healthcare services. In total, 62.3% (n = 241) of participants reported experience with telemental health, and regression analyses revealed those who engaged with telemental health were on average younger, more likely to be gay and university educated. Men who had used telemental health were, on average, more satisfied with their therapy experience than those who had face-to-face therapy. Among those who had telemental healthcare, marginally lower satisfaction was observed among regional/rural based relative to urban men, and those who had to wait longer than 2 months to commence therapy. Qualitative findings highlighted positive aspects of telemental healthcare including comfort with accessing therapy from familiar home environments and the convenience and accessibility of telemental health alongside competing commitments and COVID-19 restrictions. Conversely, drawbacks included technical limitations such as crosstalk impeding therapeutic progress, disconnects and audio-visual lag-times and the ’impersonal’ nature of telemental healthcare services. Findings broadly signal COVID-19 induced shifts norming of the use of virtual therapy services, with clear scope for improvement in the delivery of therapeutic practice using digital modalities, especially among help-seeking men.
"Cantos de Safo para Átis" de Natália Correia
Authors: Tavares de Faria Rui
Published: December 2022

Destaca-se na literatura greco-latina uns quantos poetas líricos que têm por musa aquela que transpôs para as suas odes e elegias os desígnios da poderosa Afrodite: Safo de Mitilene. Mas o seu legado não se esgota na Antiguidade Clássica. No âmbito da poesia portuguesa contemporânea, é objeto do nosso estudo o caso de Natália Correia, que recria em “Cantos de Safo para Átis”, integrados na obra Poemas, publicada em 1955, o reencontro amoroso do eu lírico com a sua amada Átis. No presente artigo, além da contextualização histórico-literária da figura de Safo e da reflexão sobre uma das especificidades que a sua poesia revela – o homoerotismo no feminino –, analisa-se e comenta-se o modo como a lírica da poetisa de Lesbos influencia a contemporaneidade e mostra-se como a recriação poética se opera a partir dessa herança clássica numa composição de Natália Correia.
LA PRESENCIA DE INDÍGENAS EN LA EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR: UNA ESTRATEGIA DE AFIRMACIÓN DE LAS IDENTIDADES
Authors: Backes José Licínio
Published: December 2022

En la primera década y media del siglo XXI, hubo una democratización del acceso a la educación superior, en parte, debido a las políticas de acciones afirmativas, incluyendo de forma más significativa sujetos no hegemónicos, destacando a los indígenas. El articulo tiene como objetivo mostrar de que manera los indígenas hacen del espacio de la universidad un espacio de afirmación de sus identidades. Para esto, fueron entrevistados académicos indígenas de diferentes carreras de licenciatura de una universidad, situada en Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. El análisis mostró que los indígenas en la universidad negocian, dan nuevos significados, traducen los conocimientos, interculturalizándolos para hacer de la universidad una estrategia para afirmar sus identidades.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowths and intestinal methanogen overgrowths breath testing in a real-life French cohort
Authors: Plauzolles Anne , Uras Stella , Pénaranda Guillaume , Bonnet Marion , Dukan Patrick , Retornaz Frédérique , Halfon Philippe
Published: December 2022

Background

Breath testing has become a widely used tool to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowths (SIBO) and intestinal methanogen overgrowths (IMO) in clinical settings. Due to the heterogeneity in clinical manifestations and lack of standardization among centers performing breath testing, SIBO and IMO can be easily overlooked by the clinician.

We studied the prevalence and symptoms of SIBO/IMO in French patients referred for breath testing after seeking medical advice.

Methods

Breath test data and symptoms of 331 patients were assessed for SIBO/IMO using the H2/CH4 lactulose breath test (LBT). Wilcoxon test or χ2 test were used to compare patients with SIBO/IMO to patients without SIBO/IMO. LBT positive patients (H2+, CH4+, and CH4+/H2+) were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous data or χ2 test for categorical data.

Results

Among the 186 (68.1%) patients tested positive for an overgrowth with respectively 40.3%, 47.3%, 12.4% for H2+, CH4+ and CH4+/H2+, presence of diarrhea was significantly increased in hydrogen type overgrowths (p<0.001). No significant difference according to age, gender and symptoms was associated with a positive test except for joint pain that was less prevalent among LBT positive patients (p=0.038). In 86.5% of IMOs, positivity with CH4 values ≥10ppm could be identified at baseline.

Conclusions

There are little discriminating symptoms that can help the clinician to identify patients likely to have a SIBO/IMO. However, SIBO/IMOs remain a common disorder widely underdiagnosed that need further studies to better apprehend functional bowel disorders.
The role of natural and anthropic factors in the variability of soil loss in the state of Goiás between 1985 and 2018
Authors: Rosa Lucas Espíndola , Cherem Luís Felipe Soares , Siamé Lionel
Published: December 2022

Soil loss depends on natural and anthropic factors with high spatial and temporal variability, and can be inferred by predictive models such as the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). In this sense, the objective of this work is to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution and variation of soil losses in the state of Goiás for the years 1985, 2000 and 2018, based on the application of RUSLE and using the drainage basin as a multiscale unit of analysis. The results generally show that there has beenan increase in the average loss of soils in the state between the observed years with the average in 1985 being 2.4 ton.ha-1.year-1, growing to 10.8 ton.ha-1.year-1 in 2000, and 11.56 ton.ha-1.year-1 in 2018. The hydrographic regions of Tocantins and Paraná presented the highest losses. In addition to the general control of the Cerrado conversion expansion, the state of Goiás presents two spatial soil loss patterns; one in which the control of natural factors predominates, being linked to morphogenetic aspects with a strong influence of the topographic factor; and the other being rain erosivity, spatialized in areas such as the “front” of Cuesta Caiapó, Serra Dourada and Serra dos Pireneus. When associated, these two factors define sensitive areas with the highest soil losses in the state of Goiás.
CACAT QĀFIYAH DALAM PUISI UMRU’ AL-QAIS (KAJIAN PUISI PERSPEKTIF ILMU Al-QAWĀFI)
Authors: Patah Akhmad , Ni'mah Umi Nurun
Published: December 2022

In general, the quality standard of classical Arabic poetry refers to the formulation of Al-Khalil bin Ahmad al-Farahidi, i.e Ilmu al-‘Arūd̩ wa al-Qawāfī. Even though these standards are so mainstream, in fact, some of the poetry of classical poets do not always live up to those standards, even the poetry of the great ones. This paper focuses on this, especially in terms of qāfiyah (rhymes of poetry), by taking the case of Umru' al-Qais poems as an example. The question that is then attempted to be answered is: how can a qualification be standardized when in fact, it is not fully followed by poets, even the great ones? The results of the discussion show that there are two possibilities. First, how the poets assessed the quality of poetry is different from how al-Farahidi did. Second, Al-Farahidi only took the abundant data available as what to be standardized in a theory.
Closed-Loop-Recycling von Förderketten aus Kunststoff
Authors: Sumpf Jens , Golder Markus
Published: December 2022

In Transport- und Verkettungsprozessen werden zunehmend Stetigförderer mit Ketten aus technischen Thermoplasten, vorzugsweise aus Polyoxymethylen (POM), hergestellt. Verschlissene Ketten, die sich im Schnitt ca. 2-10 Jahre im industriellen Einsatz unter verschiedensten Belastungs- und Umgebungsbedingungen befinden, werden ausgetauscht und derzeit ausschließlich im Restmüll entsorgt. Im Beitrag werden die mechanischen und tribologischen Eigenschaften von homo- und copolymerem POM bei mehrfacher Verarbeitung sowie Vermischung der Materialtypen analysiert. Auf dieser Grundlage wurde ein Rezyklat aus mehrjährig in industriellen Anwendungen gelaufenen POM-Ketten hergestellt und daraus Proben und Förderketten für weitere Untersuchungen gefertigt. Es wird gezeigt, dass die wertvollen Kunststoffe durchaus erfolgreich recycelt und wieder zu neuen Bauteilen verarbeitet werden können.

In transport and linking processes, continuous conveyors with chains made of engineering thermoplastics, preferably polyoxymethylene (POM), are increasingly being used. Worn chains, which are used in industrial applications for an average of 2-10 years under a wide variety of load and environmental conditions, are replaced and currently disposed of in the residual waste. The article analyses the mechanical and tribological properties of homo- and copolymeric POM during multiple processing and blending of the material types. Based on this, a recyclate was produced from POM conveyor chains that had been used in industrial applications for several years. Samples and chains were made from this material for further investigations. It is shown that the valuable plastics can be successfully recycled and reprocessed into new components.
Experimental verification of analytical calculation approaches and FEM material models with the aim of determining friction of thermoplastics
Authors: Dallinger Niels , Bergmann André , Golder Markus , Bensing Timo , Moneke Martin
Published: December 2022

The paper presents analytical approaches for calculating the effective contact area of the sphere-plane contact, which allow conclusions to be drawn about the coefficient of friction of thermoplastics with manageable effort. These approaches are verified experimentally utilizing friction and wear tests using the example of a steel sphere against PE-UHMW. The friction area of the sphere was varied using a self-constructed adjustment unit and a spherical wedge. With the help of parametric experiments regarding the angular position of the spherical wedge, a limiting contact angle was detected. This limiting angle allows the calculation of the deformative and adhesive friction. FE models are being developed for the simulative verification of the analytical approaches and further investigations of structures for friction reduction. These require specific material models as a basis for the representation of the stress-strain behavior in contact. The different FEM material models are calibrated and compared against each other based on experimental tests. The materials POM, PP, PMMA, and PE-UHMW were considered.
Relationship Between Preprocedural Lipid Levels and Periprocedural Myocardial Injury in Patients Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Maadani Mohsen , Sarraf Nima Sari , Alilou Sanam , Aeinfar Kamran , Sadeghipour Parham , Zahedmehr Ali , Fathollahi Mahmood Sheikh , Hashemi Ghadi Seyyed Isa , Zavarehee Abbas , Zolfaghari Maryam , Zolfaghari Reza
Published: December 2022

Background

Periprocedural myocardial injury is a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods

The authors examined the effects of preprocedural lipid levels (low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides) in 977 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

Results

Elevated cardiac troponin I level (≥5× the upper limit of normal) was used to indicate periprocedural myocardial injury. Serum lipid samples were collected 12 hours preprocedurally. Cardiac troponin I was collected 1, 6, and 12 hours postprocedurally. Correlations between preprocedural lipid levels and postprocedural cardiac troponin I were studied. Low-density lipoprotein levels were less than 70 mg/dL in 70% of patients and greater than 100 mg/dL in only 7.4% of patients; 13% had triglyceride levels greater than or equal to 150 mg/dL, and 96% had high-density lipoprotein levels less than 40 mg/dL. Patients with elevated cardiac troponin I had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction than did those with cardiac troponin I levels less than 5× the upper limit of normal (P = .01). Double-and triple-vessel disease were more common in patients with elevated cardiac troponin I (P < .002). Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses revealed no statistically significant associations between lipid levels and postprocedural cardiac troponin I elevation, possibly because such large proportions of included patients had low levels of low-density lipoprotein (70%) and a history of statin intake (86%).

Conclusion

The authors found no association between lipid profile and periprocedural myocardial injury.
Open Repair of a Complicated Late Endoleak Induced by Another Endoleak
Authors: Apaydin Anil Ziya , Ertugay Serkan , Kahraman Umit , Tuncer Osman Nuri
Published: December 2022

A 66-year-old man had an enlarging aortic aneurysm sac after an endovascular aortic replacement procedure that had been performed at another institution 4 years previously; it was without any endoleak but was complicated by the occlusion of the left limb, requiring cross-femoral bypass. Current computed tomography revealed dilatation of the proximal neck and the right common iliac artery. A type Ib endoleak was found from the distal end of the right limb of the endograft, possibly secondary to the dilatation of the artery around it; it then pressurized and caused the dilatation of the juxtarenal aorta around the proximal landing zone and induced a concomitant type Ia endoleak. The patient was operated on owing to the risk of rupture. Pelvic ischemia was a concern during decision-making. The patient underwent removal of the endograft and replacement of a bifurcated aortoiliac and femoral graft with good outcome. Midline laparotomy and a supraceliac clamping approach enable the removal of endografts with suprarenal fixation and revascularization of internal iliac arteries. Open repair offers a definitive solution for complicated endoleaks when endovascular options could be risky and ineffective.
Angio-Seal Used as a Bailout for Incomplete Hemostasis After Dual Perclose ProGlide Deployment in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Cakal Beytullah , Cakal Sinem , Karaca Oguz , Yilmaz Filiz Kizilirmak , Gunes Haci Murat , Yildirim Arzu , Ulas Ozcan Ozgur , Guler Yeliz , Boztosun Bilal
Published: December 2022

Background

The failure rate of vascular closure devices remains a significant cause of major vascular complications in contemporary transcatheter aortic valve implantation practice.

Methods

This research aimed to evaluate use of the Angio-Seal device in a bailout context in the setting of incomplete hemostasis following use of dual Perclose ProGlide devices in patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation. A total of 185 patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation with either dual Per-close ProGlide (n = 139) or a combination of dual Perclose ProGlide and Angio-Seal (n = 46) were retrospectively analyzed. The baseline, procedural characteristics, and all outcomes (defined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria) were compared.

Results

No significant differences were seen between the dual Perclose ProGlide vs dual Perclose ProGlide+Angio-Seal groups with regard to the in-hospital Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 primary end points of major vascular complications (n = 13 [9.4%] vs n = 2 [4.3%]; P = .36), minor vascular complications (n = 13 [9.4%] vs n = 8 [14.7%]; P = .14), major bleeding (n = 16 [11.5%] vs n = 2 [4.3%]; P = .25), and minor bleeding (n = 9 [6.5%] vs n = 5 [10.9%]; P = .34), with higher rates of hematoma in the dual Perclose ProGlide+Angio-Seal group (n = 4 [2.9%] vs n = 5 [10.9%]; P = .044).

Conclusion

Finding from the current study suggest that adjunctive Angio-Seal deployment may be feasible and safe, especially in patients with incomplete hemostasis following dual Perclose ProGlide use, and can be an optimal “bailout” procedure.
Energy Performance Analysis of a Multi-Story Building Using Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Authors: Gardezi Syed Shujaa Safdar , Haris Ali Syed Haris , Fayaz Raheel , Shah Huzaifa Hassan
Published: December 2022

There is an enormous rise in building construction to meet serious demands of population increase. Besides its benefits, certain negative impacts on climate change and environments are associated with the built environment due to substantial energy requirements during operational phase. The current work aims to assess the energy consumption pattern of a residential facility based upon solar path analysis using simulation technique. A multi-story conventional building has been developed in a virtual 3D parametric environment using building information modeling. The BIM model was converted into the energy model using cloud computing. The energy model, at the proposed current orientation, was analyzed using insight 360 and solar energy analysis performed accordingly. Based upon the solar path analysis, the study observed that, at the present trajectory of solar path, provision of solar panels arrangements on 106,221 ft2 Photovoltaic panel area can produce the energy of 2,163,417 kwh/year with a payback period of 0.8 years.Keyword: Building Information Modelling, Energy analysis, Energy Optimization, Architecture 2030 Challenge
University as a Living Learning Lab for Sustainable Futures
Authors: Rukspollmuang Chanita , Mongkhonvanit Pornchai , Phitthayanon Chanida , Silalai Nattiga , Nubsang Haritchaya
Published: December 2022

“Leading University Creating Innovation for Sustainable Future”, the vision of Siam University, reflects our commitment to ensure that all learners acquire necessary mindset, skills, values, and knowledge to become co-creators of a more sustainable futures. The vision has been implemented in a whole institution approach. Faculty members, staff, and students are encouraged to integrate sustainable development and SDGs in their academic, research, and engagement activities. The latest survey showed that 2,023 out of 2,152 courses (94%) provided in the academic year of 2020 had integrated SDGs in their content and class activities. In addition, our general education program has been redesigned to serve as “Living Learning Lab (LLL)” for sustainable development projects. This revised program offers many sustainability and sustainability-related courses. They are designed to be interdisciplinary in nature. Teaching-learning activities with emphasis on “living lab” as well as experiential and project-based learning are introduced through team teaching. LLL encourages faculty members and students to work as partners for sustainable development in the surrounding communities which serve as our social living labs. During Covid-19 pandemic, we have to redesign this LLL and rethink from the learnt lessons. Nevertheless, it is our belief that these practices in the “living learning lab” will foster needed sustainability competencies leading to sustainable futures.Keyword: living learning lab, learning ecosystem, sustainable development, sustainability competencies, general education
Water Management Strategies on Campus: An integrated approach
Authors: Li Pomin , Chien Herlin , Chang Pearl , Chou Shanghua , Tai Chang-Hsien
Published: December 2022

Water resource management strategies at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) are orientated towards water conservation, efficient water use and wastewater reuse. Ground water is the main water source on the university campus and the affiliated Tajen and Baoli experimental forest farms. To promote ground water collection from surface runoff water, permeable pavement, and multiple ponds have been installed. To achieve efficient water use, less efficient appliances have incrementally been replaced by more water-efficient ones. This has proven to be a feasible and effective way to achieve goals without bringing about inconveniences to campus users. Drought-tolerant trees have been planted and drip irrigation systems utilized on campus farms to save water. Our water reuse strategies aim to achieve a fully-recycling, zero emission water treatment system. Treated domestic sewage, swimming pool water and harvested rainwater are reused for flushing toilets or watering plants. Many facilities on campus, such as the Laifu Garden, Jingsi Lake, Green Park, Yingxia Lake, and Tajen Forest Farm, are more than just beautiful scenic spots; they all play major parts in the circular water ecosystem.Keyword: Water management, water conservation, water recycling, wastewater treatment
University of Babylon Performance in Setting and Infrastructure Indicator through UIGreenMetric 2017-2020. (A comparative study)
Authors: Hussein Kahtan H. , Hassoon Abbas Fadhil , Abdulhassan Aladdin , Al-Muttairi Bushra MK.K. , Tameemi Waleed A
Published: December 2022

The category of setting and infrastructure indicator (SI) is chosen in this comparative study referring to the fact file scores obtained by the University of Babylon during the last four participations into the UI Green Metric Rankings. In general, the scores indicated an escalation in the university performance of the whole six sub-indicators of the setting and infrastructure criterion (SI) from 2017-2020. These results confirmed that the university; by its leadership, staff and students, focused on upgrading and developing its infrastructure for setting a green and safe educational environment for most employees and students. That is to achieve a green campus contributing in the global efforts for achieving the UN agenda of SDGs 2015-2030. Furthermore, all practices of university performance coped with its vision, mission, and objective goals of university strategic plan from 2018-2022, which contained the commitments to set up with most of SDGs, especially related to sustainable cities or campuses. The results also showed an ascending and remarkable progress from 2017 to 2020 with an unexpected regression in 2019, which required the development of an improvement plan to address weaknesses, maintain and enhance strengths, to get good results for university in the 2020 edition of UI GreenMetric Ranking. Keyword: Green university, practices, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SI, setting and infrastructure indicator, University of Babylon.
Good Transport Practices in University of West Attica
Authors: Papantoniou P. , Kaldis P.
Published: December 2022

University of West Attica operates in three Campuses, all within the metropolitan region of Attica, indicating that the mobility characteristics of these campuses are similar to urban models and in most cases, could be used as a test area for mobility policies related to public transport, multimodality or transport restrictions. Within the Cοvid-19 period, University of West Attica made important progress in transport related issues that are very critical for the smooth operation of the campuses and the University as a whole. The key transport related good practices refer to several thematic areas including parking management, soft modes infrastructure, public transport, car related issues, road infrastructure, environment, and energy. All these key interventions have a positive impact not only for the members of the academic society of University of West Attica but also to the mobility characteristics of West and Central Attica where university campuses are located and interact with Attica residents and tourists.Keyword: University of West Attica, Campus, Urban Mobility, Transport, Parking
The new Unimore interdisciplinary teaching on transversal sustainability skills
Authors: Ghermandi Grazia , Despini Francesca
Published: December 2022

The global situation of the Covid-19 pandemic has changed several aspects of University life and management. In this context, the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore) has introduced a new course for all of its students called "Transversal Skills on Sustainability". This course consists of 13 Modules offered by the various Unimore Departments to address the issue of Sustainability at 360 degrees. Each Department offers a thematic module concerning Sustainability in its own field of study and research. The course ranges from engineering issues with renewable energy, waste, air quality, to economics and sustainable finance. In addition, the course deals with issues related to sustainability in the medical, chemical and legal fields and many others. In this first year of delivery, this teaching has proven to be highly appreciated among students. Over 950 students have enrolled in teaching for the 2020/2021 academic year. Enrolled students come from all areas of the university: there are students of engineering, geology, economics, chemistry, but also of medicine, pharmacy, and many others.Keyword: Education, Sustainability, Multidisciplinary, global approach