bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability and sedimentation characteristics of water based Al2O3 and TiO2 nanofluids
Authors: Mukherjee Sayantan , Chakrabarty Shanta , Mishra Purna Chandra , Chaudhuri Paritosh
Published: October 2022

Nanofluids are regarded as promising heat transfer fluid due to their ultrafast cooling capability. However, stability analysis of nanofluids is very critical before its application in heat transfer .The present paper reports about an investigation on the stability of water-based Al2O3 and TiO2 nanofluids at ambient temperature. Nanoparticles, namely Al2O3 and TiO2 at different concentrations of 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, and 0.01 wt.% respectively were directly dispersed in water without adding any dispersant and placed in a static container to observe gravitation settling. Change of sedimentation height with respect to time was measured using the sedimentation photograph capturing method. DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) and zeta potential analysis were also executed to examine the stability of nanofluids. The results show that the visualization method, DLS and zeta potential analysis are in good correspondence to each other. Sedimentation velocity increases with an increase in nanoparticle concentration and aging. Brownian motion of nanoparticles resist the sedimentation in nanofluids. It is observed that TiO2nanofluid is more stable as compared to Al2O3 nanofluid due to its smaller particle size. Finally authors recommend smaller particle size, optimized sonication time, low nanoparticle concentration and use of surfactant to obtain better dispersion stability of nanofluids
Primary vaginal endodermal sinus tumor in infants and children: experience from a tertiary center
Authors: Yin Min , Yang Jiaxin , Wang Tao , Li Sijian , Zhang Xinyue
Published: October 2022

Background

The objective of the study was to analyze the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of primary vaginal endodermal sinus tumor (EST) in infants and children treated in a tertiary center.

Methods

Clinical data of patients with pathologically confirmed primary vaginal EST in our hospital from January 1997 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.

Results

A total of 21 patients were included in this study. The median age at diagnosis was 11 months (range, 4–44 months). The most common manifestations were abnormal vaginal bleeding, and a polypoid mass protruding from the vagina. Chemotherapy based on PEB (cisplatin, etoposide, bleomycin) regimen was given, and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels dropped to normal levels after 2 to 4 cycles of chemotherapy (median, 2 cycles). After 3 to 13 cycles of chemotherapy, with a median of 5 cycles, 20 patients achieved complete remission (95.2%). The median follow-up time was 80 months (range, 4-281months). At the time of the last follow-up, 19 cases were alive without disease, and the survival rate was 90.5%.

Conclusion

Vaginal EST is a very rare malignant germ cell tumor and is sensitive to chemotherapy. Conservative surgery combined with PEB chemotherapy is an effective way of treatment. Serum AFP and imaging examinations can monitor the treatment response and recurrence.
Estimating the risk of SARS-CoV-2 deaths using a Markov switching-volatility model combined with heavy-tailed distributions for South Africa
Authors: Mthethwa Nobuhle , Chifurira Retius , Chinhamu Knowledge
Published: October 2022

Background

SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19 virus) infection exposed the unpreparedness of African countries to health-related issues, South Africa included. Africa recorded more than 211 853 deaths as a consequence of Covid-19. When rare and deadly diseases require urgent hospitalisation strikes, governments and healthcare providers are usually caught unprepared, resulting in huge loss of lives. Usually, at the beginning of such pandemics, there is no rich data for health practitioners and academics to be able to forecast the number of patients or deaths related to the pandemic. This study aims to predict the number of deaths associated with Covid-19 infection. With the availability of the number of deaths on a daily basis, the results stemming from this study are important to inform and plan health policy.

Methods

This study uses the daily number of deaths due to Covid-19 infection. Exploratory data analysis reveals that the data exhibits non-normality, three structural breaks and volatility clustering characteristics. The Markov switching (MS)-generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH)-type model combined with heavy-tailed distributions is fitted to the returns of the data. Using available daily reported Covid-19-related deaths up until 26 August 2021, we report 10-day ahead forecasts of deaths. All forecasts are compared to the actual observed values in the forecasting period.

Results

The Anderson–Darling Goodness of fit test confirms that the fitted models are adequate for the data. The Kupiec likelihood ratio test and the root mean square error (RMSE) were used to select the robust model at different risk levels. At 95% the MS(3)-GARCH(1,1) combined with Pearson’s type IV distribution (PIVD) is the best model. This indicates that the proposed best-fitting model is reasonable and can be used for predicting the daily number of deaths due to Covid-19.

Conclusion

The MS(3)-GARCH(1,1)-PIVD model provides a reliable and accurate method for predicting the minimum number of death due to Covid-19. The accuracy of the proposed model will assist policymakers, academics and health practitioners in forecasting the volatility of future health-related deaths in which the predictability of volatility plays an integral role in health risk management.
Strain engineering and metabolic flux analysis of a probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii for metabolizing l-fucose, a mammalian mucin component
Authors: Kim Jungyeon , Cheong Yu Eun , Yu Sora , Jin Yong-Su , Kim Kyoung Heon
Published: October 2022

Background

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that exhibits antimicrobial and anti-toxin activities. Although S. boulardii has been clinically used for decades to treat gastrointestinal disorders, several studies have reported weak or no beneficial effects of S. boulardii administration in some cases. These conflicting results of S. boulardii efficacity may be due to nutrient deficiencies in the intestine that make it difficult for S. boulardii to maintain its metabolic activity.

Results

To enable S. boulardii to overcome any nutritional deficiencies in the intestine, we constructed a S. boulardii strain that could metabolize l-fucose, a major component of mucin in the gut epithelium. The fucU, fucI, fucK, and fucA from Escherichia coli and HXT4 from S. cerevisiae were overexpressed in S. boulardii. The engineered S. boulardii metabolized l-fucose and produced 1,2-propanediol under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It also produced large amounts of 1,2-propanediol under strict anaerobic conditions. An in silico genome-scale metabolic model analysis was performed to simulate the growth of S. boulardii on l-fucose, and elementary flux modes were calculated to identify critical metabolic reactions for assimilating l-fucose. As a result, we found that the engineered S. boulardii consumes l-fucose via (S)-lactaldehyde-(S)-lactate-pyruvate pathway, which is highly oxygen dependent.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in which S. cerevisiae and S. boulardii strains capable of metabolizing l-fucose have been constructed. This strategy could be used to enhance the metabolic activity of S. boulardii and other probiotic microorganisms in the gut.
Proximal junctional kyphosis is a compensation for post-operative negative C2-FH in ASD patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xin , Shu Shibin , Zhu Zezhang , Gu Qi , Liu Zhen , Qiu Yong , Bao Hongda
Published: October 2022

Background

Recent studies have found that C2-FH is close to 0 cm in both standing and sitting position for asymptomatic adults. We hypothesize that the thoracic spine may compensate with PJK when the immediate post-operative C2-FH was not ideally restored in adult spinal deformity (ASD).

Methods

The inclusion criteria were as follows: ASD patients over 45 years old; Cobb angle > 30°; with posterior spinal correction surgery; at least 2 years follow-up. C2-FH was defined as the distance between the femoral heads to the C2 vertical line. All participants were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of PJK at the last follow-up: PJK group and non-PJK group.

Results

68 ASD patients, with a minimum follow-up of 2.5 years, were included. PJK was found in 24 patients (35.3%) while the rest 44 patients remained no sagittal malalignment. Immediately post-operative C2-FH showed significant difference between PJK group and non-PJK group (p = 0.015). However, at the last follow-up, C2-FH showed no significant difference between PJK and non-PJK group and the mean value of C2-FH in both groups was approximately − 1 cm, indicating that ASD patients could develop various compensatory mechanisms to maintain sagittal global balance. The AUC was 0.84 (95%CI 0.68–0.97), indicating the well effectiveness of ROC curve and cut-off value in predicting occurrence of PJK in ASD patients. Based on the ROC curve, the optimal cut-off value of C2-FH as indicators for occurrence of PJK was − 42.3 mm.

Conclusion

Immediate postoperative negative global malalignment (C2-FH < − 42.3 mm) may predict proximal junctional kyphosis in ASD patients. The normal value of C2-FH, − 1 cm, may be the target of global sagittal compensation, and PJK is a compensatory mechanism.

Trial registration: 2021-LCYJ-DBZ-05, 2021.07, Retrospective study.
Role of TET dioxygenases in the regulation of both normal and pathological hematopoiesis
Authors: Joshi Kanak , Zhang Lei , Breslin S.J. Peter , Kini Ameet R. , Zhang Jiwang
Published: October 2022

The family of ten-eleven translocation dioxygenases (TETs) consists of TET1, TET2, and TET3. Although all TETs are expressed in hematopoietic tissues, only TET2 is commonly found to be mutated in age-related clonal hematopoiesis and hematopoietic malignancies. TET2 mutation causes abnormal epigenetic landscape changes and results in multiple stages of lineage commitment/differentiation defects as well as genetic instability in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). TET2 mutations are founder mutations (first hits) in approximately 40–50% of cases of TET2-mutant (TET2MT) hematopoietic malignancies and are later hits in the remaining cases. In both situations, TET2MT collaborates with co-occurring mutations to promote malignant transformation. In TET2MT tumor cells, TET1 and TET3 partially compensate for TET2 activity and contribute to the pathogenesis of TET2MT hematopoietic malignancies. Here we summarize the most recent research on TETs in regulating of both normal and pathogenic hematopoiesis. We review the concomitant mutations and aberrant signals in TET2MT malignancies. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms by which concomitant mutations and aberrant signals determine lineage commitment in HSPCs and the identity of hematopoietic malignancies. Finally, we discuss potential strategies to treat TET2MT hematopoietic malignancies, including reverting the methylation state of TET2 target genes and targeting the concomitant mutations and aberrant signals.
Future clinical priorities in neurodevelopmental disorders: an international perspective
Authors: Roy Ashok , Roy Meera , Shah Henal Rakesh
Published: October 2022

In this reflection we summarise the various obstacles to accessing healthcare encountered by people with neurodevelopmental disorders (intellectual disability, autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) with and without mental health problems. We outline different service models from around the world, ranging from the person centred to the institutional. Finally, we suggest ways of addressing some of the problems identified, including a model of integrated care involving intellectual disability, neurodevelopmental and mental health services that would better serve this population.
Burst of DNA Double-Strand Breaks by Dicopper(II) Complex with a p-Cresol-2,6-Bis(amide-tether-dpa) Ligand via Reductive O2-Activation
Authors: Hata Machi , Kadoya Yuki , Hitomi Yutaka , Kodera Masahito
Published: October 2022

We found bursts of DNA double-strand breaks by a dicopper(II) complex with a p-cresol-2,6-bis(amide-tether-dpa) ligand (HL) [Cu2(μ-1,1-OAc)(μ-1,3-OAc)(L)]2+ (1) via reductive O2-activa-tion with sodium ascorbate (AscNa) under air, where 26% of supercoiled plasmid DNA was converted to linear form in 1 min. The reasons for bursts of DNA double-strand breaks by 1 were clarified in comparison with a Robson type dicopper complex [Cu2(μ-OH)(bpmp)]2+ (2) and an iron complex of N4Py ligand [Fe(MeCN)(N4Py)]2+ (3). Spectroscopic, electrochemical, and kinetic studies revealed that upon reaction with AscNa, 1 is rapidly reduced to Cu(I)Cu(II) and Cu(I)Cu(I) species, which are involved in rate-limiting three electron reduction of O2 to HO• responsible for the DNA cleavage. The HO• formation was monitored by emission spectral change of terephthalic acid (TA). DNA binding abilities of 1 and 3 were examined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and electronic absorption spectral and IR spectral changes. These revealed that the rapid HO• formation and the large binding number and rigid binding to DNA are key features of 1 to enable the burst of DNA double-strand breaks.
Rethinking the Statistical Analysis of Neuromechanical Data
Authors: Wilkinson Ross D. , Mazzo Melissa R. , Feeney Daniel F.
Published: October 2022

Researchers in neuromechanics should upgrade their statistical toolbox. We propose linear mixed-effects models in place of commonly used statistical tests to better capture subject-specific baselines and treatment-associated effects that naturally occur in neuromechanics. Researchers can use this approach to handle sporadic missing data, avoid the assumption of conditional independence in observations, and successfully model complex experimental protocols.
Proposed Musculoskeletal Examination of Youth and Adolescent Baseball Players
Authors: Kindstrand Nathan Allen , McNeill Brian T. , Dickenson Scott B. , Magnusson Nick , Sum Jonathan C.
Published: October 2022

With a wide range of injuries in youth baseball, and more than 12 million amateur baseball players in the United States, a comprehensive list of tests and measures may be helpful to assess strength, mobility, and motor control throughout the kinetic chain to reduce risk of injury in this population. Many studies have looked at youth baseball players using a single test or a small number of tests to determine the prevalence of specific injuries in youth baseball, but to this author's knowledge, there is no comprehensive musculoskeletal screen published at this time specific to youth baseball. The purpose of this article is to review literature published over the last year relative to injury in youth and adolescent baseball players in an effort to update the reader on current concepts, risk factors in this population, and to provide an updated systematic screening process that may be used in reducing injury rates.
A basis for prenatal diagnosis of Haemophilia-A in Pakistani patients
Authors: Sadiq Muhammad Arif , Ahmed Suhaib , Afzal Muhammad , Tashfeen Sunila
Published: October 2022

Objective:  To screen Haemophilia-A patients for five known recurrent F8 gene variants and to analyze CA repeats in intron 13 of F8 gene in the mother and the affected child pairs.

Methods: In this descriptive cross sectional study, 80 unrelated pairs of “mother and son” affected by Haemophilia-A were recruited as subjects. After collection of samples DNA was extracted using the Chelex (Bio-Rad, USA) method. Five known F8 gene variants were screened in the mothers and the affected sons by the allele specific PCR. The amplified products were separated on 2% agarose gels.CA repeats in intron 13 of the F8 gene in the mother and the affected child pairs were analyzed by Sanger sequencing method. The CA repeat alleles were used to look for the feasibility of linkage based diagnosis of Haemophilia-A in the affected families. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0.

Results: In the 80 subject “mother and son” pairs a recurrent F8 gene variant was found in 32 pairs (40%). The most recurrent variant c.6869G>A was seen in 12 (15%). Linkage based analysis of the CA repeats in intron 13 was found to be informative in 29 (36.2%) mother-son pairs.

Conclusion: The five known Haemophilia-A disease causing variants were found in 40% of the Pakistani Haemophilia-A patients. The five recurrent F8 gene variants and the CA repeats in intron 13 of F8 gene can provide a comprehensive basis for carrying out prenatal diagnosis and carrier screening in majority of the Pakistani Haemophilia-A families.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6524

How to cite this:Sadiq MA, Ahmed S, Afzal M, Tasfeen S. A basis for prenatal diagnosis of Haemophilia-A in Pakistani patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6524

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Εφαρμογή προγραμμάτων αθλητικής ψυχαγωγίας και αναψυχής στον οργανωμένο τουρισμό
Authors: Μαυρίδης Θεολόγος
Published: October 2022

Στη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία ο σύγχρονος τουρισμός εμφανίζετε ως πολυδιάστατο γεγονός με οικονομικές κυρίως πτυχές, όπου οι συνέπειες του επηρεάζουν το περιβάλλον, την κοινωνία, την οικονομία και τις αντιλήψεις των πολιτών. Τοτρίπτυχο ήλιος-θάλασσα-άμμος κυριάρχησε για πολλές δεκαετίες σαν διαφημιστική καμπάνια από τον Ελληνικό Οργανισμό Τουρισμού. Διαχρονικά το τουριστικό μοντέλο εξελίχθηκε με άλλες μορφές, όπου σταδιακά εντάθηκαν και οι δραστηριότητες άσκησης, άθλησης και αναψυχής. Η θεωρία δεν είναι αυτοσκοπός αλλά ένας δρόμος που κατευθύνει σωστά την πράξη. Ουσιαστικά μετασχηματίστηκε το ελληνικό τουριστικό προϊόν, για να καλύψει τις ανάγκες της διεθνούς τουριστικής ζήτησης. Περισσότεροι από 31 εκατομμύρια τουρίστες επισκέφτηκαν την Ελλάδα το έτος 2019 με την οικονομική συνεισφορά τους στο Ακαθάριστο Εθνικό Προϊόν της χώρας να ξεπερνά το 10%. Η εισροή εισοδήματος για τις τοπικές κοινωνίες ήταν σε κάποιες περιοχές πάνω από 80%. Η προσέλκυση πελατών στονοργανωμένο τουρισμό είναι στενά συνδεδεμένη με ποικιλία αθλητικών δραστηριοτήτων αναψυχής. Σκοπός της έρευνας ήταν να καταγράψει και να ελέγξει τον τρόπο οργάνωσης λειτουργίας και απασχόλησης στις παρεχόμενες υπηρεσίες αθλητικής αναψυχής ξενοδοχείων πέντε αστέρων στην Ελλάδα. Η επιστημονική μελέτη οργανώθηκε σε πανελλαδική εμβέλεια και πραγματοποιήθηκε με τη συγκέντρωση δεδομένων μέσω συνέντευξης δομημένου ερωτηματολογίου. Το ερωτηματολόγιο μοιράσθηκε στο χώρο εργασίας των απασχολούμενων στα ξενοδοχεία ως ανιματέρ και απαντήθηκε από δείγμα 186 ατόμων. Υπήρχαν ερωτήσεις κλειστού και ανοικτού τύπου. Η στατιστική επεξεργασία έδειξε ότι από ένα σύνολο αθλητικών δραστηριοτήτων, τα αθλήματα ρακέτας κατέχουν υψηλή θέση ενασχόλησης από τους ταξιδιώτες, αλλά και αποτελούν διέξοδο άσκησης στον ελεύθερο χρόνο των ανιματέρ. Συμπερασματικά τα δεδομένα της έρευνας, κατέδειξαν τη χρησιμότητα των μαθημάτων και διδακτικών αντικειμένων στην εκπαιδευτική διάρκεια των σπουδών τους και το βαθμό σημαντικότητας για τους ίδιους. Όμως αν και υπάρχει ανασφάλεια για το επαγγελματικό μέλλον, η επιπλέον επιμόρφωση των ανιματέρ δεν αποτελεί τον άμεσο στόχο τους. Αντίθετα αποδεικνύεται ότι η αθλητική τους εμπειρία στατιστικά είναι σημαντική, για την επαγγελματική τουςενασχόληση στα ξενοδοχεία πέντε αστέρων. Επιπρόσθετα, αναδείχθηκαν δύο νέοι παράγοντες δραστηριοτήτων (στη θάλασσα – στο βουνό) που ερμηνεύουν νέα διδακτικά αντικείμενα (πρακτικά και θεωρητικά) με εμφανή τη χρησιμότητά τους στο τουρισμό αθλητικής αναψυχής σε ξενοδοχεία στην Ελλάδα.
A New Look at an Inscribed Ceramic Medallion with Gladiators (Equites) from the Region of Parthicopolis in the Roman Province of Macedonia
Authors: Nankov Emil
Published: October 2022

This paper reconsiders a ceramic medallion found near the village of Palat on the right bank of the Strymon River, ca. 8 km northwest of the town of Sandanski in southwest Bulgaria. The cluster of Roman settlements near the village of Palat may have belonged to the territory of Parthicopolis (mod. Sandanski), which fell under the jurisdiction of Macedonia Prima. The medallion illustrates a gladiatorial combat between two equites, who are identifiable through their pairing, clothing and weapons. Autopsy established the presence of a Greek inscription, which had so far escaped attention. The recorded names, Σωτηρίδας and Αἴας, seem to correspond to the equites depicted. Gladiatorial scenes with inscribed names are quite commonly represented on various media, including ceramic medallions, especially in the western provinces of the Roman empire. Ceramic medallions, serving a range of functions, were mass-produced in molds. The larger dimensions of our example, most probably a product of a local workshop, could be intended to be hung on a wall in the privacy of a domestic residence, although the possibility for funerary use cannot be excluded. This artifact from Palat, inspired by imagery current in the western provinces of the Roman empire, bears testimony to Roman cultural influence in the territory of Parthicopolis in the first half of the third century AD. At the same time, it offers hitherto overlooked iconographic indications that the equites’ role in the games was commemorated through the medium of ceramic medallions along the Thracian frontier, as it was in the western provinces of the Roman empire.
Re-discovered and new grave inscriptions from the necropoleis of Assos, Part I
Authors: Özhan Tolga
Published: October 2022

This article presents 16 grave inscriptions from Assos in the Troad, dating between the fifth century BC and the end of the second century BC. Thirteen of these inscriptions were discovered between 1981 and 2005 and 3 were found in the third excavation term (2006-ongoing).Two of the inscriptions discovered between 1989 and 1994 are mentioned in R. Stupperich’s excavation reports and all but two are printed in majuscules in J.Freydank’s doctoral dissertation (published 2000). None, however, have been the subject of a comprehensive evaluation. From the dialectal point of view, these inscriptions greatly contribute to the epigraphic corpus of Assos. The composition of the inscriptions that display specific features of the Lesbian dialect is unremarkable in most cases; they usually consist only of the deceased’s name in the nominative case, while in five cases a patronymic follows in the genitive. Nevertheless, two inscriptions are remarkable since they document for the first time the use of an adjective of possession in the Lesbian dialect. In addition, these inscriptions add several new names to the onomastic repertoire of Assos and Asia Minor: Eratophanes, Simmeia, Aigidaia, Phaeia, Amphereidaia/Ampheridaia, Kleotthis, Oligidas, Agasikles, Nikasis, Sphodrias, Agias, Soter, Kydrantha, Isodikos, Euandros, Sosigenes, Phileia, Zoila, Sotadas, Peristera, [..]stratidas, Anaxagoras, and Mikkylos.
Working Paper 41: Targeting unexplained wealth in British Columbia
Authors: Dornbierer Andrew
Published: October 2022

The final recommendation of the Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia (‘the Commission’) urged the government to legislate an unexplained wealth order (‘UWO’) as part of a wider approach to counter the prevalence of money laundering and proceeds of crime in the province.

This document analyses the feasibility of this recommendation. It:

briefly explains the concept of unexplained wealth and how it can be targeted through legislative instruments;

outlines the reasons for which the Commissioner proposed a UWO for British Columbia;

explains how a UK-style UWO works and assess the probability that a mechanism of this kind would successfully recover unexplained wealth in British Columbia; 

addresses the constitutional issues that may arise if a UK-style UWO was introduced, as outlined by former Supreme Court Justice, the Honourable Thomas A. Cromwell C.C., in his annexed opinion to the report;

explains other legislative options that target unexplained wealth (including those in Western Australia and Ireland) and assess their constitutional compatibility and potential effectiveness as compared to a UK-style UWO;

explores the legal rights issues that may arise if either a UK-style UWO or a traditional UWO was introduced; and

outlines the legislative safeguards that could be put in place to reduce the risk that any such mechanisms would negatively impact on established legal rights.

This document has been prepared by experts working with the Basel Institute on Governance, an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to countering corruption and other financial crimes, and the Vancouver Anti-Corruption Institute, an organisation devoted to anti-corruption efforts and legislative change.
Psycho-neuro-endocrine accompaniments of individual variants of nitrogenous metabolites exchange
Authors: Bombushkar Igor , Korda Mykhaylo , Gozhenko Anatoliy , Żukow Xawery , Popovych Igor
Published: October 2022

Background. Earlier we showed, by constructing regression models, that plasma nitrogenous metabolites (uric acid, urea, creatinine and bilirubin) are able to influence the state of the trait anxiety, autonomic and central nervous and endocrine systems. In this study of the same cohort, other methodological approaches were used. Materials and Methods. The object of observation were almost healthy volunteers: 30 females (30÷76 y) and 31 males (24÷69 y). In basal conditions determined plasma levels of nitrogenous metabolites as well as cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, triiodothyronine and calcitonin, estimated the severity of the trait and reactive anxiety, recorded the ongoing HRV and EEG. After 4 or 7 days, repeated testing was performed. Results. By the method of cluster analysis, four groups were created, the members of which differ minimally from each other in terms of the constellation of nitrogenous metabolites, but differ maximally from the members of other groups. Using the method of discriminant analysis, it was found that nitrogenous clusters differ from each other in terms of sex, age, trait anxiety, as well as 30 neuro-endocrine parameters. Conclusion. The obtained data confirm and supplement previous data on the physiological psycho-neuro-endocrine activity of plasma nitrogenous metabolites.
Implications for limiting visits to patients residing in hospital wards during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jaroń Kamila , Kobza Joanna , Grajek Mateusz
Published: October 2022

The impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare system has been devastating, as the system has had to undergo major changes, including the postponement of scheduled surgeries, the admission of patients in a state of emergency, and the use of teleportation. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic caused restrictions on visits to hospitalized patients by relatives, despite recommendations for family visits to patients in hospitals, as an important component of quality care provided. Material and methods: The study included 198 relatives of hospitalized patients in the period from March 2020 to March 2022 in the Silesian province. To achieve the research objective, a questionnaire developed entirely by the Authors, consisting of 9 questions, was used. The questionnaire concerned the assessment of restrictions on visits to hospitalized patients by relatives during the pandemic. The survey was conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. Results: The majority of relatives (91%) indicated that they were able to contact (including by phone) the patient every day during their hospital stay. At the same time, the largest number of respondents marked the answer that visiting patients during their stay in the hospital ward was prohibited (97%). In addition, 39% of respondents answered that it was "rather bad" to restrict visits to a loved one staying in the hospital during the pandemic. Conclusions: Undoubtedly, when considering the implementation of rules restricting patient visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic, relevant authorities should carefully look at and compare the potential harm of the issued decision to restrict visitation by relatives along with the risk of virus transmission. Currently, there are insufficient studies formally assessing the effects of restrictions on patient visits by relatives. However, it is clear from the authors' survey that the majority of relatives are rather negative about the implemented restrictions on patient visits.
SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION FOR MODAL AND FLUTTER ANALYSIS OF AN INFLATABLE WING
Authors: MIGLANI JITISH , ZHAO WEI , KAPANIA RAKESH K. , PANWAR SHARDUL , GUPTA RIKIN , ARIS AZWAN
Published: October 2022

The main objective of the presented work is to understand the aeroelastic characteristics of an inflatable kite. Experimental modal analyses of two test articles are conducted using system identification and signal processing. To understand the flutter behavior of inflatable wings, flutter test articles made from Nylon and Dyneema fabrics are tested first for their modal properties and then for flutter in a wind tunnel. Various experimental techniques are implemented for understanding the modal responses of these two test articles. Instruments such as a 3D-photogrammetry camera system and accelerometers are used to measure the dynamic and static responses of these test articles. Using MATLAB's System Identification Toolbox and Signal Processing Toolbox, the modal parameters are identified from measured responses, such as out-ofplane displacement and accelerations. The experimental and operational modal parameters are then used to estimate the modal responses. The Zimmerman- Weissenburger flutter margin parameter is used to predict the onset of the flutter modes from the identified modal parameters. The verified system identification technologies are leveraged to understand the aeroelastic dynamic instability of a tethered inflatable wing during a wind tunnel test.
A HIERARCHICAL DOMAIN-ADVERSARIAL AND MULTI-TASK LEARNING ALGORITHM FOR BRIDGE DAMAGE DIAGNOSIS USING A DRIVE-BY VEHICLE
Authors: LIU JINGXIAO , XU SUSU , BERGÉS MARIO , NOH HAE YOUNG
Published: October 2022

Monitoring bridge health using vibrations of drive-by vehicles has various benefits, such as no need for directly installing and maintaining sensors on the bridge. However, many of the existing drive-by monitoring approaches are based on supervised learning models that require labeled data from every bridge of interest, which is expensive and time-consuming, if not impossible, to obtain. This labeling requirement is further exacerbated by having multiple diagnostic tasks (e.g., damage detection, localization, and quantification) because they have different learning difficulties. To this end, we introduce a multi-task domain adaptation framework that transfers the damage diagnosis model learned from one bridge to a new bridge without requiring any labels from the new bridge in any of the tasks. Our framework trains a hierarchical neural network model in an adversarial way to extract task-shared and task-specific features that are informative to multiple diagnostic tasks and invariant across multiple bridges. We evaluate our framework on experimental laboratory data collected from 2 bridges and 3 vehicles. We achieve accuracies of 95% for damage detection, 93% for localization, and up to 72% for quantification, which are ~2 times improvements from a baseline method.
Adapting standard care to support self-management for a patient with lymphoedema and neurological co-morbidities: a case report
Authors: Murray Sarah
Published: October 2022

This case report discusses the role of a practitioner managing a patient with secondary lymphoedema as part of a self-management regime. The patient was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and lumbar spinal stenosis. The focus is on compression therapy, which is used as part of complete decongestive therapy to reduce and control lymphoedema. The case report illustrates how a patient-centred plan can help people with lymphoedema and co-morbidities to achieve their personal goals. The evidence behind treatment decisions is considered, and modifications made to the care plan to accommodate the needs of the individual are described. The teaching and rehabilitation role of the practitioner is explored, including strategies used to support patients with long-term conditions. This report also identifies a lack of research-based evidence supporting the management of oedema as a symptom of multiple sclerosis. Further research is needed to inform clinical guidelines which would promote the management of secondary lymphoedema.
The All-Ireland Guidelines for the diagnosis, assessment and management of lymphoedema
Authors: Rankin Jane , Morris Kay , Reilly Aoife
Published: October 2022

The last decade has produced a plethora of lymphoedema-based research. As such, a new All-Ireland Guideline for lymphoedema diagnosis, assessment and management was required to replace the 2008 CREST Guideline. A research team was commissioned to work with healthcare staff and service users following international research standards practice. An evidence–based clinical practice guideline was developed to aid clinicians in the diagnosis, assessment, and management of lymphoedema. Recommendations were formulated based on the evidence available to answer each clinical question and were assigned a grade based on the strength of the evidence. In the absence of sufficient evidence and in an effort to maximise clinical applicability, recommendations were also based on expert opinion, which was gathered via guideline member consensus.

The recommendations from the guideline, which aim to provide healthcare professionals with clear, evidence-based guidance on the diagnosis, assessment and management of patients with all types of lymphoedema, should be communicated at all levels regarding responsibility for implementation in clinical care and service development. Audit should be a core component of the implementation. A budget impact analysis should be completed to determine additional costs required to fully implement the guideline.
The use of leg elevation in the treatment of chronic peripheral oedema
Authors: Chadwick Sara Elizabeth
Published: October 2022

Chronic peripheral oedema is a common long-term condition, with conflicting evidence on how it is best managed. It is crucial to establish the cause of the oedema to decide on the most appropriate intervention for its management. If the oedema is not managed, it can lead to unwanted complications for the service user. The District Nurse (DN) is pivotal in the management of patients with long-term conditions, both directly and indirectly. It is important that a multi-disciplinary approach is used, although nurses are now more autonomous due to advances in practice. The present study focuses on leg elevation as a form of intervention in the treatment of chronic peripheral oedema. As with any intervention, there are some risks with leg elevation that must be considered. This should be disseminated and monitored effectively.
PhD: what is it and where to start? Personal reflections of a doctoral researcher
Authors: Cooper-Stanton Garry
Published: October 2022

A PhD starts with a passion in a subject area, which may occur through reading literature, or professional or personal experience. This journey is one that is taken over years, with multiple steps to support the person to grow and develop their own knowledge within research. The intention for any PhD is to produce original research. This should add to the existing evidence base through the production of a thesis, and subsequent article publications. The experience can be beneficial and rewarding but needs planning to ensure there are supportive strategies, funding, time, resources, and motivation.
Cholesterol: how to measure and how to treat
Authors: Pottle Alison
Published: October 2022

Raised lipid levels are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Alison Pottle provides an overview of how these are measured and the lifestyle measures and medications that can be used to reduce risk in these patients

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in England and Wales. Raised lipid levels are a significant risk factor for CVD. Lipids are a heterogeneous group of substances which include cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins. The link between increased lipid levels and atherosclerosis was first established in the early 1900s. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the critical role of low density lipoproteins and other cholesterol-rich apolipoprotein-B containing lipoproteins in atherosclerotic plaque formation and the subsequent risk of CVD events. There is now clear indication that the lower the achieved LDL levels, the lower the risk of CVD. Multiple interventions including changes in lifestyle together with the use of lipid-lowering therapies may be required to achieve desired lipid levels, and practice nurses can play a key role in this. This article will discuss how cholesterol levels are measured and the treatment strategies now available.
How to relate progestogen-only pill guidance to clinical practice
Authors: Nicol Claire
Published: October 2022

A new guideline for the use of progestogen-only pills has been published. Claire Nicol explains how this relates to clinical practice

The Clinical Effectiveness Unit (CEU) of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) regularly updates and develops national UK clinical guidelines relating to contraception. The updated FSRH progestogen-only pills (POPs) guideline was published in August 2022 and gives an overview of all POPs available in the UK. This article will highlight what is new or important in the guideline and how to relate the recommendations to clinical practice.
Administering medications in general practice: what do non-prescribers need to know?
Authors: Brindley Allison
Published: October 2022

Administering medicines in general practice is often complicated for non-prescribers. Allison Brindley looks at the legal and professional boundaries around this complex topic

Misunderstandings and uncertainty around the professional responsibilities and legal requirements for non-prescribing general practice nurses (GPNs) when administering medications in general practice is an ongoing issue. This article reflects on practices of the past and the influences and drivers for GPN practice, helping to explain why this remains such a difficult concept. The legal and professional boundaries are explored and summarised into understandable and relatable terms, encouraging non-prescribing GPNs to make safe and considered decisions regarding the supply and administration of medicines. The dynamics of being employed by GPs can create tension for nurses in terms of meeting the expectations of the employer while working within professional boundaries. After reading this article, GPNs should feel empowered to question prescribing practices in their place of work.
How general practice can improve patient health with parkrun
Authors: Winter George
Published: October 2022

parkrun is a charity that offers popular, free, timed 5 km runs for adults. George Winter explores the rise of ‘parkrun practices’ and the benefits of getting involved
Swine Manure: A Geochemical Perspective
Authors: Fonstad Terry A.
Published: October 2022

Highlights

Geochemistry of swine manure has not been previously characterized as a point source for groundwater contamination.

Earthen manure storages contain a solution composed of mainly ammonium and bicarbonate.

Earthen manure storages have a low redox potential resulting in ammonium as the main form of nitrogen.

Abstract. This study characterized the solution chemistry of seven swine manure storages in Saskatchewan, Canada. Manure storages are considered a point source for potential contaminant transport studies and modeling. A variety of earthen manure storages at hog production facilities in Saskatchewan were sampled, including two earthen manure storages servicing farrow to finish operations, two servicing farrows to wean operations, and three servicing finishing operations. In terms of manure seepage, the species of most common concern is nitrogen. Ammonium nitrogen is one of the most abundant ions studied in the earthen manure storage effluent. Potassium and sodium may be cations of concern as they will likely compete with ammonium for soil exchange sites, which will affect ammonium’s attenuation. Bicarbonate and chloride are the most abundant anions (bicarbonate >> chloride). High bicarbonate concentrations will likely affect the precipitation of carbonaceous minerals and may affect solution pH within seepage plumes. Earthen manure storages contain a solution composed of, as a percentage of total molal concentration, 36% ammonium, 36% bicarbonate, 8% potassium, 6% chloride, 5% sodium plus sulfate, calcium, magnesium, and other nutrients. The solution also contains approximately 6,000 mg/L organic carbon and 9,000 mg/L inorganic carbon and has a near neutral pH. As a result, the solution has low redox (Eh), resulting in nitrogen remaining in the ammonium-N form. Keywords: Geochemistry, Nutrient content, Swine manure.
Status of Spray Penetration and Deposition in Dense Field Crop Canopies
Authors: Womac Alvin R. , Ozkan Erdal , Zhu Heping , Kochendorfer John , Jeon Hongyoung
Published: October 2022

Highlights

Crop production practices, spray drift control, and sprayer productivity affect spray penetration into dense crop canopies.

Question is raised whether airflows near foliar surfaces or within the canopy can assist spray penetration under windy conditions.

Current structural descriptions of canopies do not accommodate droplet trajectories to improve spray application.

New nozzle tip designs, sensors, and air-assisted spraying need tuning to improve spray penetration and deposition.

Abstract. The objective of this study was to review representative publications for improved knowledge of spraying dense field crop canopies to augment the current understanding of the interaction between target foliage characteristics, spray practices, and the environment. Emphasis was placed on measured deep-canopy spray deposits made by full-scale sprayers and studies of airflow within and around crop canopies. Airflow could act as a spray droplet carrier and/or indicator of the internal canopy structure that restricts droplet penetration. High variation in natural airflows was noted in several studies. Crop canopy descriptions for spray studies were generally limited to overall canopy/row dimensions, descriptions of individual plant structures, leaf shapes, and leaf area index. Few studies evaluated the internal canopy “openness” with characteristic shape and size of internal volumes that would accommodate spray droplet trajectories. There have been significant increases in available spray tip designs with multiple orifices, discharge configurations, and droplet sizes that offered the applicator many choices. Advanced sprayer technologies ranging from nozzle control to sensor navigation are available, provided that suitable algorithms can be developed in a timely manner that pertain to a wide variety of spray and crop conditions. The air-assist technique provides a dynamic alternative to traditional over-the-top sprays for increasing spray penetration and deposit, advocating that the specifics of air discharge, spray droplet sizes, and canopy structure can be integrated. The complexity of the spraying process needs an extensive collaborative effort of many stakeholders to develop solutions for sprays to penetrate foliage that is subject to diseases and pests. Keywords: Air-assisted sprayer, Airflow, Boom sprayer, Canopy openness, Droplet trajectory, Foliar canopy, Foliar density, Row crops, Spray blockage, Spray coverage, Spray deposit, Spray nozzles.
The Effects of Multiple Parameters on Initial Apparent Viscosity and Rheological Behavior in a Liquid-Phase Paddy Field
Authors: Sun Lunqing , Pan Yuxuan , Wang Yongwei , Xiao Keling , Wang Jun , Zhao Yiyang , Liao Yangxuan
Published: October 2022

Highlights

Soil rheological properties in the liquid phase under various clay contents, moisture contents, and settling times were investigated.

A numerical model of the initial apparent viscosity was established and verified.

The change in soil rheological behavior at different rotating speeds was analyzed.

Abstract. It is particularly important to study the rheological properties and rheological behavior of liquid-phase paddy soil to improve the working efficiency of power machinery in paddy fields. In this research, a rotational rheometer was used to record the shear stress, shear rate, and apparent viscosity of the soil during the test. Additionally, a numerical model was established to explore the effects of soil clay content, moisture content, and settling time on soil rheological properties. Through single factor analysis, the contribution rate of each factor to the change in the initial apparent soil viscosity was ranked as follows: moisture content (X2) > soil clay content (X1) > settling time (X3). Subsequently, the variations in shear stress and apparent viscosity at different shear rates were explored. The changing trend of soil rheological behavior was mainly related to soil texture, in which silty loam was thixotropic and clay loam was gelatinous. The prediction models for the initial apparent viscosity were validated, and the results showed great agreement. The research evaluated and predicted the rheological behavior of liquid-phase paddy field soil and provides a reference for the design, development, and use of paddy field power machinery. Keywords: Apparent viscosity, Clay content, Moisture content, Rheology, Settling time, Shear stress.
Hexagonal-boron nitride/graphene van der Waals heterostructure-based wavelength-selective infrared absorbers using plasmonic metasurfaces for multi-spectral infrared photodetectors
Authors: Ogawa Shinpei , Fukushima Shoichiro , Shimatani Masaaki
Published: October 2022

Graphene has promising applications for novel optoelectronic devices. However, graphene-based photodetectors have two major drawbacks that need attention. The first is how to preserve graphene’s original high carrier mobility, and the second is how to enhance graphene’s absorption to improve its performance. Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)/graphene van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure-based plasmonic metasurfaces (PMs) are proposed for wavelength-selective infrared (IR) photodetectors. hBN preserves graphene’s high carrier mobility, and PMs enhance graphene’s absorption. Numerical calculations demonstrate sufficient wavelength-selective absorption in the broadband IR wavelength range. Such optical properties are realized by coupling the localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of PMs and propagating SPR of graphene. The proposed vdW heterostructure-based PMs could be used for high-performance multi-spectral IR photodetectors.