bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for inguinal hernia repair among US adults
Authors: Cowan B. , Kvale M. , Yin J. , Patel S. , Jorgenson E. , Mostaedi R. , Choquet H.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To investigate demographic, clinical, and behavioral risk factors for undergoing inguinal hernia repair within a large and ethnically diverse cohort.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case–control study from 2007 to 2020 on 302,532 US individuals from a large, integrated healthcare delivery system with electronic health records, who participated in a survey of determinants of health. Participants without diagnosis or procedure record of an inguinal hernia at enrollment were included. We then assessed whether demographic (age, sex, race/ethnicity), clinical, and behavioral factors (obesity status, alcohol use, cigarette smoking and physical activity) were predictors of undergoing inguinal hernia repair using survival analyses. Risk factors showing statistical significance (P < 0.05) in the univariate models were added to a multivariate model.

Results

We identified 7314 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair over the study period, with a higher incidence in men (6.31%) compared to women (0.53%). In a multivariate model, a higher incidence of inguinal hernia repair was associated with non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity, older age, male sex (aHR = 13.55 [95% confidence interval 12.70–14.50]), and more vigorous physical activity (aHR = 1.24 [0.045]), and alcohol drinker status (aHR = 1.05 [1.00–1.11]); while African-American (aHR = 0.69 [0.59–0.79]), Hispanic/Latino (aHR = 0.84 [0.75–0.91]), and Asian (aHR = 0.35 [0.31–0.39]) race/ethnicity, obesity (aHR = 0.33 [0.31–0.36]) and overweight (aHR = 0.71 [0.67–0.75]) were associated with a lower incidence. The use of cigarette was significantly associated with a higher incidence of inguinal hernia repair in women (aHR 1.23 [1.09–1.40]), but not in men (aHR 0.96 [0.91–1.02]).

Conclusion

Inguinal hernia repair is positively associated with non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity, older age, male sex, increased physical activity, alcohol consumption and tobacco use (only in women); while negatively associated with obesity and overweight status. Findings from this large and ethnically diverse study may support future prediction tools to identify patients at high risk of this surgery.
Symmetric-conjugate splitting methods for linear unitary problems
Authors: Bernier J. , Blanes S. , Casas F. , Escorihuela-Tomàs A.
Published: November 2023

We analyze the preservation properties of a family of reversible splitting methods when they are applied to the numerical time integration of linear differential equations defined in the unitary group. The schemes involve complex coefficients and are conjugated to unitary transformations for sufficiently small values of the time step-size. New and efficient methods up to order six are constructed and tested on the linear Schrödinger equation.
Winter Wheat Crop Models Improve Growth Simulation by Including Phenological Response to Water-Deficit Stress
Authors: Mankin Kyle R. , Edmunds Debora A. , McMaster Gregory S. , Fox Fred , Wagner Larry E. , Green Timothy R.
Published: November 2023

Crop models can provide insights into the impacts of climate and management on crop growth and yield, but most currently are limited by overly simplistic assumptions about phenological development and response to water stress. We assessed winter wheat growth and yield performance of three crop models with lineage to the EPIC crop submodel. SWAT adopted the EPIC approach with few modifications, WEPS added new biomass accumulation, partitioning, and canopy approaches linked to key phenological development stages, and UPGM added to WEPS a detailed phenology component simulating responses to water-deficit stress. The models were evaluated with default parameters and compared to experimental data for winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from two sites and a range of water-stress conditions for yield, aboveground biomass, biomass partitioning, canopy height, harvest index, and leaf area index. All models simulated yield very well (index of agreement [d] ≥ 0.93), but differences in model performance were increasingly evident for biomass (d = 0.91 [WEPS] to 0.86 [SWAT]), final canopy height (d = 0.68 [UPGM] to 0.44 [SWAT]), and harvest index (d = 0.61 [WEPS] to 0.43 [SWAT]). Errors in biomass simulation were most evident in the grain-filling period late in the growing season. Both WEPS and UPGM exhibited improved simulation of biomass and other response variables by including more explicit simulation of phenological response to water stress. The consistent improvement in winter wheat growth and yield simulation achieved with detailed phenology simulation provides an incentive to develop and test detailed phenology simulation components for other crops: currently 11 crops are simulated in UPGM, although the phenological parameters are uncalibrated. Better modeling linkages of water-stressed phenological development with other physiological processes will be critical to inform crop production where water stress and irrigation limitation are concerns.
Design and Implementation of an Automated Classroom Analytics System: Stakeholder Engagement and Mapping
Authors: Baran Evrim , AlZoubi Dana , Morales Anasilvia Salazar
Published: November 2023

Computational analysis methods and machine learning techniques introduce innovative ways to capture classroom interactions and display data on analytics dashboards. Automated classroom analytics employ advanced data analysis, providing educators with comprehensive insights into student participation, engagement, and behavioral trends within classroom settings. Through the provision of context-sensitive feedback, automated classroom analytics systems can be integrated into the evidence-based pedagogical decision-making and reflective practice processes of faculty members in higher education institutions. This paper presents TEACHActive, an automated classroom analytics system, by detailing its design and implementation. It outlines the processes of stakeholder engagement and mapping, elucidates the benefits and obstacles associated with a comprehensive classroom analytics system design, and concludes by discussing significant implications. These implications propose user-centric design approaches for higher education researchers and practitioners to consider.
Hemodynamic predictors of negative false lumen remodeling after frozen elephant trunk for acute aortic dissection
Authors: Takei Yusuke , Miyazaki Shohei , Suzuki Kohei , Saito Shunsuke , Oogaki Hayato , Muraoka Yuki , Ogasawara Takeshi , Tezuka Masahiro , Shibasaki Ikuko , Fukuda Hirotsugu
Published: November 2023

Objective

We evaluated the blood flow within the downstream aortic false lumen after frozen elephant trunk repair for acute aortic dissection and identified hemodynamic predictors of false lumen expansion and negative false lumen remodeling using four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

Thirty-one patients (Stanford type A, n = 28; Stanford type B, n = 3) with patent false lumen who underwent frozen elephant trunk procedures for acute aortic dissection were included in this observational study. Each patient underwent computed tomography during the follow-up period and four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging within 3 postoperative months. The false lumen volumetric expansion rate was calculated using computed tomography data. The direction and the rate of flow in the lower descending aortic false lumen were analyzed. Negative false lumen remodeling was defined as a volumetric increase of > 10% from the baseline volume.

Results

Negative false lumen remodeling had developed in 6 of the 31 patients during the observation period. Most of the false lumen flows were biphasic during systole. The range between peak and nadir flow rates was associated with the false lumen volumetric expansion rate (β coefficient = 6.77; p < 0.01, R2 = 0.43).

Conclusions

The range between peak and nadir flow rates may serve as a hemodynamic predictor of negative false lumen remodeling, enabling further treatment for patients at risk of expansion in the downstream aorta.
A model to predict delivery time following induction of labor at term with a dinoprostone vaginal insert: a retrospective study
Authors: Huang Fenghua , Chen Huijun , Wu Xuechun , Li Jiafu , Guo Juanjuan , Zhang Xiaoqin , Qiao Yuan
Published: November 2023

Background

Dinoprostone vaginal insert is the most common pharmacological method for induction of labor (IOL); however, studies on assessing the time to vaginal delivery (DT) following dinoprostone administration are limited.

Aims

We sought to identify the primary factors influencing DT in women from central China, at or beyond term, who underwent IOL with dinoprostone vaginal inserts.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed the data of 1562 women at 37 weeks 0 days to 41 weeks 6 days of gestation who underwent dinoprostone-induced labor between January 1st, 2019, and December 31st, 2021. The outcomes of interest were vaginal or cesarean delivery and factors influencing DT, including maternal complications and neonatal characteristics.

Results

Among the enrolled women, 71% (1109/1562) delivered vaginally, with median DT of 740.50 min (interquartile range 443.25 to 1264.50 min). Of the remaining 29% (453/1562), who delivered by cesarean section, 11.9% (54/453) were multiparous. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that multiparity, advanced maternal age, fetal macrosomia, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and daytime insertion of dinoprostone were the factors that significantly influenced DT. Time to vaginal delivery increased with advanced maternal age and fetal macrosomia and decreased with multiparity, PROM, and daytime insertion of dinoprostone. A mathematical model was developed to integrate these factors for predicting DT: Y = 804.478 − 125.284 × multiparity + 765.637 × advanced maternal age + 411.511 × fetal macrosomia-593.358 × daytime insertion of dinoprostone − 125.284 × PROM.

Conclusions

Our findings may help obstetricians estimate the DT before placing a dinoprostone insert, which may improve patient management in busy maternity wards and minimize potential risks.
Influence of the Cellular Ultrastructure and Enzyme Activity of the Leaf Sheath on Spontaneous Defoliation in Sugarcane
Authors: Hu Xin , Wang Tiantian , Liu Shaochun , Guo Jiawen , Dao Jingmei , Gao Xinxin , Li Rudan , Liu Gaoyuan
Published: November 2023

Spontaneous defoliation improves the harvesting efficiency and yield of sugarcane. Here, we investigated the ultrastructural changes and pectinase and cellulase activity in the third, fifth, and seventh leaf sheaths in four sugarcane varieties with varying spontaneous defoliation performance during maturation. At the early and middle stages of spontaneous defoliation, the cells in the abscission zones of the third, fifth, and seventh leaf sheaths were degrading. At the late stage, no complete organelles and hollow or broken spots in the cell walls were observed in the abscission zone cells of defoliation-prone varieties, while complete organelles and intact cell walls were present in the abscission zone cells at the same leaf positions in defoliation-resistant varieties. From the early to late stages, defoliation-prone varieties had higher pectinase activity in the abscission zones of the fifth and seventh leaf sheaths. At the early stage of defoliation, defoliation-prone varieties had significantly higher cellulase activity in the abscission zones of the third, fifth, and seventh leaf sheaths. Correlation analysis showed that the spontaneous defoliation rate was significantly positively correlated with pectinase activity in the leaf sheaths. In conclusion, the spontaneous defoliation of sugarcane was closely related to changes in cell morphology and pectinase activites in leaf sheaths.
Focal therapy in intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer
Authors: Huebner Nicolai A. , Korn Stephan , Rajwa Pawel , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: November 2023

Focal therapy is a treatment option for clinically localized prostate cancer, finding increased use in recent years. It is generally associated with very good functional outcome regarding pad-free continence and preservation of erections. Oncologic outcomes are controversial, especially depending on the ideal endpoint. Both the presence of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCA) on biopsy and the absence of any whole-gland or systemic treatment as “failure-free survival” (FFS) have been used. While salvage whole-gland and systemic therapy is rare, a substantial number of patients will have csPCA on follow-up biopsies after focal therapy, either in-field or out of field. Generally, patients selected for focal therapy are considered intermediate-risk, although some patients with high-risk features have been included into focal therapy studies. With the data currently available focal therapy presents a good treatment option for patients with feasible intermediate-risk prostate cancer, interested in functional outcome, after proper counseling on the higher recurrence rate, and the need for surveillance biopsies during follow-up.
The Neuroimmune System and the Cerebellum
Authors: Gruol Donna L.
Published: November 2023

The recognition that there is an innate immune system of the brain, referred to as the neuroimmune system, that preforms many functions comparable to that of the peripheral immune system is a relatively new concept and much is yet to be learned. The main cellular components of the neuroimmune system are the glial cells of the brain, primarily microglia and astrocytes. These cell types preform many functions through secretion of signaling factors initially known as immune factors but referred to as neuroimmune factors when produced by cells of the brain. The immune functions of glial cells play critical roles in the healthy brain to maintain homeostasis that is essential for normal brain function, to establish cytoarchitecture of the brain during development, and, in pathological conditions, to minimize the detrimental effects of disease and injury and promote repair of brain structure and function. However, dysregulation of this system can occur resulting in actions that exacerbate or perpetuate the detrimental effects of disease or injury. The neuroimmune system extends throughout all brain regions, but attention to the cerebellar system has lagged that of other brain regions and information is limited on this topic. This article is meant to provide a brief introduction to the cellular and molecular components of the brain immune system, its functions, and what is known about its role in the cerebellum. The majority of this information comes from studies of animal models and pathological conditions, where upregulation of the system facilitates investigation of its actions.
Consumers’ perceptions of food fraud in selected Southeast Asian countries: a cross sectional study
Authors: Soon-Sinclair Jan Mei , Ha Thanh Mai , Vanany Iwan , Limon Mark Raguindin , Sirichokchatchawan Wandee , Abdul Wahab Ikarastika Rahayu , Hamdan Ruhil Hayati , Jamaludin Mohd Hafiz
Published: November 2023

Southeast Asia is projected to be the fourth largest economy in 2050, where agriculture and food are key sectors contributing to the regional’s GDP. However, ensuring food safety and traceability remains a challenge in the region and this offers ripe opportunity for fraudsters to take advantage of the system. This study aims to provide an overview of consumers’ concern about food fraud in selected countries in Southeast Asia. A cross-sectional online survey was implemented in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, yielding 1393 valid responses. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was conducted first to reduce the large dataset containing nominal variables. After that, ordered logistic regression was performed to predict food fraud concern, with independent variables being dimensions derived from MCA, total knowledge and experience, and demographic characteristics. We found that respondents from Vietnam and Malaysia were significantly more worried about food fraud compared to other countries. Concerns about food fraud were influenced by increased demand for food fraud control, perceived risks of different types of food fraud, information sources from media and personal networks, information sources from credible organisations, and self-experience of food fraud. Practical and policy recommendations for the region were suggested. This is the first empirical study on consumers’ concern about food fraud in Southeast Asia. The study embodies the UK Global Food Security and UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 2 ethos of providing the growing global population with access to safe food.
A Data Quality Multidimensional Model for Social Media Analysis
Authors: Aramburu María José , Berlanga Rafael , Lanza-Cruz Indira
Published: November 2023

Social media platforms have become a new source of useful information for companies. Ensuring the business value of social media first requires an analysis of the quality of the relevant data and then the development of practical business intelligence solutions. This paper aims at building high-quality datasets for social business intelligence (SoBI). The proposed method offers an integrated and dynamic approach to identify the relevant quality metrics for each analysis domain. This method employs a novel multidimensional data model for the construction of cubes with impact measures for various quality metrics. In this model, quality metrics and indicators are organized in two main axes. The first one concerns the kind of facts to be extracted, namely: posts, users, and topics. The second axis refers to the quality perspectives to be assessed, namely: credibility, reputation, usefulness, and completeness. Additionally, quality cubes include a user-role dimension so that quality metrics can be evaluated in terms of the user business roles. To demonstrate the usefulness of this approach, the authors have applied their method to two separate domains: automotive business and natural disasters management. Results show that the trade-off between quantity and quality for social media data is focused on a small percentage of relevant users. Thus, data filtering can be easily performed by simply ranking the posts according to the quality metrics identified with the proposed method. As far as the authors know, this is the first approach that integrates both the extraction of analytical facts and the assessment of social media data quality in the same framework.
Pilot plant evaluation of membrane distillation for desalination of high-salinity brines
Authors: Adham Samer , Minier-Matar Joel , Hussain Altaf
Published: November 2023

Membrane distillation (MD) is a hybrid thermal-membrane desalination process that can use either low-grade waste heat and/or solar energy with hydrophobic membranes to desalinate high-salinity brines and produce high quality distillate. A research consortium was launched to investigate the application of the MD process, at lab and pilot scale, for desalination of concentrated brines. Bench scale results showed the presence of antiscalants in the concentrated brines minimized the scale precipitation potential and offered stable membrane permeability performance. Various MD technologies were screened, and two suitable technologies were selected for field-testing. Pilot unit A was based on multi-effect vacuum showed a stable flux of 6.2 LMH with excellent salt rejection (> 99.9%) from the concentrated brine discharged from thermal desalination plant in Qatar. That pilot unit was also field tested on hypersaline groundwater in Texas (USA) to generate fresh water for reservoir fracking in unconventional oil production operations. The MD unit was coupled with humidification/dehumidification (HDH) unit to achieve zero liquid discharge (ZLD) for inland applications. The MD unit was operated at 40% recovery producing distillate of < 20 mg/L total dissolved solids (TDS) and observed a stable flux of 5 LMH. Key challenges that are critical for large-scale deployment of MD technology were identified at the end of the field-testing program. Finally, a review of active MD technologies was conducted to highlight recent promising developments for full-scale applications.
Fungi associated with the ambrosia beetle Xyleborus perforans (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) on drought-stressed Pinus in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Mahony Zali I , Scarlett Kelly , Carnegie Angus J , Trollip Conrad , Laurence Matthew , Guest David I
Published: November 2023

Ambrosia beetles have co-evolved symbiotic relationships with an array of fungal partners. Mutualistic fungal partners are often highly successful in vertical transmission between beetle generations. These persisting relationships can alter beetle behaviour, resulting in the opportunity to occupy new ecological niches and to spread geographically. In Australia, ambrosia beetles are not currently considered a significant pest in commercial Pinus plantations, where the bark beetle Ips grandicollis is known as the primary invader of stressed trees. However, in 2019, ambrosia beetles Xyleborus perforans and X. bispinatus, co-occurring with I. grandicollis, were found to have colonised a large proportion of drought-stressed trees in commercial Pinus plantations in north-east New South Wales. In this study, X. perforans (the most prevalent of two Xyleborus spp.) was collected from infested dead and dying trees in two NSW Pinus plantations. Fungal isolates of suspected Pinus pathogens were recovered from beetle mycangia and exoskeletons as well as ambrosia beetle galleries. Morphological examination and multilocus sequence analysis identified five fungi associated with X. perforans: Fusarium parceramosum, Fusarium aff. solani, Ophiostoma ips, Raffaelea deltoideospora and Sporothrix pseudoabietina. For Australia, this is the first report of F. parceramosum, as well as the first records of O. ips, R. deltoideospora and S. pseudoabietina being vectored by Xyleborus. Pathogenicity tests were performed on seedlings of three Pinus spp., with O. ips producing significantly longer lesions than the other fungi. This study demonstrates the potential for seemingly harmless ambrosia beetles to vector plant pathogens in Australian forests, providing a mode of disease transmission that should be considered in plantation management and forest biosecurity.
The alkynyl-containing compounds from mushrooms and their biological activities
Authors: Qi Ji-shuang , Duan Yingce , Li Zhao-chen , Gao Jin-ming , Qi Jianzhao , Liu Chengwei
Published: November 2023

Mushrooms have been utilized by humans for thousands of years due to their medicinal and nutritional properties. They are a crucial natural source of bioactive secondary metabolites, and recent advancements have led to the isolation of several alkynyl-containing compounds with potential medicinal uses. Despite their relatively low abundance, naturally occurring alkynyl compounds have attracted considerable attention due to their high reactivity. Bioactivity studies have shown that alkynyl compounds exhibit significant biological and pharmacological activities, including antitumor, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, phototoxic, HIV-inhibitory, and immunosuppressive properties. This review systematically compiles 213 alkynyl-containing bioactive compounds isolated from mushrooms since 1947 and summarizes their diverse biological activities, focusing mainly on cytotoxicity and anticancer effects. This review serves as a detailed and comprehensive reference for the chemical structures and bioactivity of alkynyl-containing secondary metabolites from mushrooms. Moreover, it provides theoretical support for the development of chemical constituents containing alkynyl compounds in mushrooms based on academic research and theory.

Graphical Abstract
Review of Material Modeling and Digitalization in Industry: Barriers and Perspectives
Authors: Scotti Lucia , Basoalto Hector , Moffat James , Cogswell Daniel
Published: November 2023

Materials modeling technologies are fundamental to explore, understand, and ultimately predict materials behavior. They are essential to solve challenges posed by the need to reduce human impact on the environment. Modeling and simulation of materials behavior have been recognized over the years as fundamental as an asset in industrial R & D, guiding the decision-making process regarding the design or optimization of new products and manufacturing processes. At the same time, it reduces product cost and development time. However, highlighting the revenue brought by using such tools is not trivial, especially because they mainly affect the complex activities such as the innovation process, whose return only becomes available in the long run and it is difficult to measure. This means that the materials modeling field is often overlooked in an industry setting, where it is not integrated in the company workflow. In some cases, modeling provides the potential to capture tacit knowledge preventing the loss of capability in an aging specialist community, that why its industrial integration is important. This paper explores the reason behind this dichotomy, presenting first what it is intended for the modeling process, and the main types used in materials application. The current industrial adoption is reviewed by outlining success stories, economic impact, business uptake, and barriers. Past and current approaches and strategies are also presented and discussed. In prospective, materials modeling plays a key role in developing material-centric industry for sustainable economy, providing physical understating (physics-based models) and fast approaches (data-driven solutions). Digitalization is the mean for the green economy and it needs to push for a more integration at the core of the business of materials modeling.
French validation of the Compensatory Eating and Behaviors in Response to Alcohol Consumption Scale (CEBRACS) in a university student sample
Authors: Ritz Ludivine , Mauny Nicolas , Leconte Pascale , Margas Nicolas
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Food and Alcohol Disturbance (FAD) is characterized by the combination of problematic alcohol use and eating disorder symptoms to offset caloric intake associated with alcohol drinking and/or to enhance intoxication. The Compensatory Eating and Behaviors in Response to Alcohol Consumption Scale (CEBRACS) is a proven tool for measuring FAD, validated in English and Italian populations but never in the French population. The present study aims at validating a French version of the CEBRACS in a representative sample of university students and to determine its validity and reliability.

Methods

2267 university students completed the CEBRACS and measures of eating disorders, alcohol consumption and exercise.

Results

An exploratory factor analysis revealed a 4-factor structure: enhancement of the effects of alcohol, dietary restraint and exercise, purging and vomiting and extreme fasting. The internal consistency for these subscales ranged from good to excellent. Correlations between the CEBRACS and eating disorders, alcohol and exercise measures revealed a good concurrent validity. No gender differences were found in the CEBRACS scores. Participants with a CEBRACS total score > 21 points were at higher risk for developing eating disorders and alcohol-related problems.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the reliability and validity of the French version of the CEBRACS. The distinct factors identified in the CEBRACS allow to distinguish between participants with different motives for engaging FAD behaviour and thus to prevent future development of eating and/or alcohol use disorders. The CEBRACS seems to be a relevant scale to capture FAD behaviors and thus to prevent negative and deleterious consequences.

Level of evidence: Level III, evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.
Do lifestyle, anthropometric and demographic factors associated with muscle strength differ in a UK and Japanese cohort? An exploratory analysis
Authors: Dennison Elaine M. , Laskou Faidra , Westbury Leo D. , Bevilacqua Gregorio , Fuggle Nicholas R. , Iidaka Toshiko , Horii Chiaki , Tanaka Sakae , Yoshimura Noriko , Cooper Cyrus
Published: November 2023

Background

Muscle weakness is associated with adverse clinical outcomes including disability and mortality. We report demographic, anthropometric and lifestyle correlates of grip strength in UK and Japanese population-based cohorts.

Aim

To report prevalence of low grip strength according to 2019 European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) and 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) thresholds and to consider correlates of grip strength in Eastern and Western populations.

Methods

UK (1572 men; 1415 women) and Japanese (519 men; 1027 women) participants were recruited from two cohorts harmonised by consensus. Muscle strength was measured by grip strength dynamometry. Potential correlates of grip strength were examined using sex-stratified linear regression; univariate correlates (p < 0.05) were included in mutually adjusted models.

Results

Mean (SD) age was 66.2 (2.8) and 65.8 (12.3) in UK and Japanese cohorts, respectively. Prevalence of low grip strength was higher in Japanese participants (EWGSOP2 5.4% versus 2.4%, AWGS 2019 9.0% versus 3.7%). In both cohorts and sexes, univariate correlates of lower grip strength were older age, shorter height, not consuming alcohol, leaving education earlier and greater comorbidity. Apart from older age and shorter height, the only factors related to lower grip strength in mutually adjusted analyses were greater comorbidity among UK participants (kg difference in grip strength (95%CI) per additional comorbidity − 0.60(− 0.98, − 0.21) among men and − 0.50(− 0.86, − 0.13) among women) and not consuming alcohol among Japanese men (− 1.33(− 2.51, − 0.15)).

Discussion

Correlates of muscle strength were similar in both cohorts.

Conclusions

A global approach to age-related muscle weakness prevention may be appropriate.
Traceability System of Sand Core in Casting Production with a Digital-Twin Core Rack
Authors: Deng Fangtian , Li Rui , Klan Steffen
Published: November 2023

In recent development of casting traceability, it has been noticed that many casting manufacturing processes that involve the use of sand cores often lack proper traceability back to the cores used in their production and the supporting production information. Most marking symbols applied to sand cores using existing marking methods not only exhibit unstable code readability but also pose critical risks to the surface quality of sand cores. In response, we developed and tested a digital-twin core rack aimed at transferring digital codes to sand cores without contact with their surfaces. By utilizing infrared sensors for real-time object detection, the core rack can transfer digital identical codes from the core-making machine to the core rack, and subsequently to the casting machine. This digital code encompasses all relevant process data of a sand core, from core making to de-coring. Moreover, the various sensors embedded in the core rack were designed to monitor air humidity, temperature, and vibration events during the transport and storage of the cores. These parameters are especially critical for maintaining the quality of inorganic sand cores. The study demonstrates the successful application of each component within this conceptual framework. Looking ahead, it is imperative to update the hardware of this concept to ensure its adaptation to the demanding conditions of an industrial environment.
Life cycle assessment of the casting process with the addition of niobium from scrap
Authors: da Silva Henrique G. , Ferreira Joao C. E. , Kelm Tamile , Ivaniski Thiago M.
Published: November 2023

Sustainability has become increasingly important, given the scenario of environmental degradation, and the industrial sector is significantly responsible for this adverse scenario. An important manufacturing process is casting, but it consumes many natural resources and generates waste, emitting pollutants and consuming much water and electricity. Thus, this work investigated the environmental impacts through life cycle assessment (LCA) arising from the gray cast iron casting process by adding niobium from scrap. Niobium improves molten material’s structure and mechanical properties, and it has been obtained from a company that separates it with a ballistic magnetic separator. A production model of 800 ingots was devised, using recycled material from a supplier and reused material from the factory itself, such as recycled sand. The processes using recycled materials resulted in lower impacts than those using new materials. Sand recycling and sand mold preparation stages have significant impact due to the presence of binders, typically used in sand molds, and transportation by vehicles powered by fossil fuels. Abiotic depletion indicates the need to transition to renewable energy sources and sustainable materials, such as developing clean energy infrastructure. Regarding global warming, there were high values for all stages of the casting process, with the highest value in the sand recycling stage. To prevent eutrophication, proper waste management should be implemented, such as cleaner technologies in the smelter implementing efficient effluent treatment systems. Concerning freshwater ecotoxicity, the effluents generated should be treated to reduce the concentration of pollutants before being discarded in the aquatic environment.
An Update from the Benchmark Survey of phactMI™ Member Companies on Providing Medical Information in the Digital Space
Authors: Dupuy Sheena , Opincar Laura , Pandya Kirtida , Wnorowski Susan , Cuellar Marianne , Riggins Jennifer , Hermes-DeSantis Evelyn R.
Published: November 2023

Objective

The Pharma Collaboration for Transparent Medical Information (phactMI™) benchmarking survey of 32 pharmaceutical companies describes the use of technology by Medical Information Departments.

Methods

A survey was distributed to phactMI™ member companies in June 2022 and included 79 closed and open-ended questions. The survey’s six sections included demographics, chatbot, social media, instant messaging applications, websites, and technology.

Results

Most Medical Information Departments have implemented innovative technology since 2019 with the main driver of remaining up-to-date. A total of 94% have a Medical Information website. Of those with a Medical Information website for healthcare professionals (HCPs), 97% allow for self-authentication. Most HCP-based websites have webforms for inquiries and 1–800 numbers, while only few offer video chat, chatbot, and the ability to identify local representatives. These websites also link to clinicaltrials.gov, publications, posters, and congress materials. Only 30% have a website for patients/caregivers. Most websites are discoverable by Google™. Awareness of Medical Information Websites occurs in a variety of ways, with most using multiple strategies to reach HCPs. There is wide variation in the technology platform used for the core functions of Medical Information.

Conclusion

As technology continues to advance and omnichannel content remains a key objective, Medical Information needs to remain agile and transformative in their strategic and tactical planning and execution. Based on this benchmarking survey, the authors recommend that Medical Information Departments focus on expanding services for patients/caregivers, leverage digital innovations, expanding awareness, building efficiencies in workflow through technology, and continually improving website functionalities with innovative technologies.
A multi-time-scale wall model for large-eddy simulations and applications to non-equilibrium channel flows
Authors: Fowler Mitchell , Zaki Tamer A. , Meneveau Charles
Published: November 2023

The recent Lagrangian relaxation towards equilibrium (LaRTE) approach (Fowleret al.,J. Fluid Mech., vol. 934, 2022, A44) is a wall model for large-eddy simulations (LES) that isolates quasi-equilibrium wall-stress dynamics from non-equilibrium responses to time-varying LES inputs. Non-equilibrium physics can then be modelled separately, such as the laminar Stokes layers that form in the viscous region and generate rapid wall-stress responses to fast changes in the pressure gradient. To capture additional wall-stress contributions due to near-wall turbulent eddies, a model term motivated by the attached eddy hypothesis is proposed. The total modelled wall stress thus includes contributions from various processes operating at different time scales (i.e. the LaRTE quasi-equilibrium plus laminar and turbulent non-equilibrium wall stresses) and is called the multi-time-scale (MTS) wall model. It is applied in LES of turbulent channel flow subject to a wide range of unsteady conditions from quasi-equilibrium to non-equilibrium. Flows considered include pulsating and linearly accelerating channel flow for several forcing frequencies and acceleration rates, respectively. We also revisit the sudden spanwise pressure gradient flow (considered in Fowleret al.,J. Fluid Mech., vol. 934, 2022, A44) to review how the newly introduced model features affect this flow. Results obtained with the MTS wall model show good agreement with direct numerical simulation data over a vast range of conditions in these various non-equilibrium channel flows. To further understand the MTS model, we also describe and test the instantaneous-equilibrium limit of the MTS wall model. In this limit, good wall-stress predictions are obtained with reduced model complexity but providing less complete information about the wall-stress physics.
A new propulsion enhancement mechanism in metachronal rowing at intermediate Reynolds numbers
Authors: Lionetti Seth , Lou Zhipeng , Herrera-Amaya Adrian , Byron Margaret L. , Li Chengyu
Published: November 2023

Metachronal rowing is a biological propulsion mechanism employed by many swimming invertebrates (e.g. copepods, ctenophores, krill and shrimp). Animals that swim using this mechanism feature rows of appendages that oscillate in a coordinated wave. In this study, we used observations of a swimming ctenophore (comb jelly) to examine the hydrodynamic performance and vortex dynamics associated with metachronal rowing. We first reconstructed the beating kinematics of ctenophore appendages based on a high-speed video of a metachronally coordinated row. Following the reconstruction, two numerical models were developed and simulated using an in-house immersed-boundary-method-based computational fluid dynamics solver. The two models included the original geometry (16 appendages in a row) and a sparse geometry (8 appendages, formed by removing every other appendage along the row). We found that appendage tip vortex interactions contribute to hydrodynamic performance via a vortex-weakening mechanism. Through this mechanism, appendage tip vortices are significantly weakened during the drag-producing recovery stroke. As a result, the swimming ctenophore produces less overall drag, and its thrust-to-power ratio is significantly improved (up to 55.0 % compared with the sparse model). Our parametric study indicated that such a propulsion enhancement mechanism is less effective at higher Reynolds numbers. Simulations were also used to investigate the effects of substrate curvature on the unsteady hydrodynamics. Our results illustrated that, compared with a flat substrate, arranging appendages on a curved substrate can boost the overall thrust generation by up to 29.5 %. These findings provide new insights into the fluid dynamic principles of propulsion enhancement underlying metachronal rowing.
Ice geometry and thermal regime of Lyngmarksbræen Ice Cap, West Greenland
Authors: Gillespie Mette Kusk , Yde Jacob Clement , Andresen Marit Svarstad , Citterio Michele , Gillespie Mark Andrew Kusk
Published: November 2023

Observations remain sparse for peripheral glaciers and ice caps in Greenland. Here, we present the results of a multi-frequency radar survey of Lyngmarksbræen Ice Cap in West Greenland conducted in April 2017. Radar measurements show thick ice of up to ~120 m in subglacial valleys associated with the largest outlet glaciers, while relatively thin ice cover the upper plateau ice divides, suggesting future vulnerability to ice cap fragmentation. At the time of the radar survey, Lyngmarksbræen Ice Cap had a total volume of 0.82 ± 0.1 km3. Measurements show a 1.5–2 m thick end-of-winter snowpack, and that firn is largely absent, signifying a prolonged period of negative mass balance for most of the ice cap. The thermal regime of Lyngmarksbræen Ice Cap is investigated through analysis of scattering observed along radar profiles. Results show that the ice cap is largely below the pressure melting point, but that temperate ice exists both in deep basal pockets and in shallow zones that some places extend from ~15 m depth and to the ice base. The distribution of shallow temperate ice appears unrelated to variations in ice thickness; instead we find a strong correlation to the presence of nearby surface crevasses.
Projecting forest cover in Madagascar's protected areas to 2050 and its implications for lemur conservation
Authors: Rafanoharana Serge C. , Andrianambinina F. Ollier D. , Rasamuel H. Andry , Waeber Patrick O. , Wilmé Lucienne , Ganzhorn Jörg U.
Published: November 2023

Predicting future conservation needs can help inform conservation management but is subject to uncertainty. We measured deforestation rates during 2015–2017 for 114 protected areas in Madagascar, linked deforestation to the status of protection according to IUCN categories I–VI, used recent deforestation rates to extrapolate forest cover over 2017–2050 and linked the size of forest blocks to the projected persistence of lemur subpopulations. In the six IUCN categories for protected areas in Madagascar the median size of forest blocks is 9–37 km2 and median annual deforestation rates range from 0.02% in the single IUCN category III site to 0.19% in category II and 1.95% in category VI sites. In 2017, 40% of all forest blocks within protected areas were < 10 km2, and this is projected to increase to 45% in 2050. Apart from these small forest fragments, the modal site of forest blocks was 160–320 km2 in 2017, and this is projected to decrease to 80–160 km2 in 2050. The range of > 50% of all lemur species exclusively contains forest blocks of < 10 km2. The modal size of forest blocks > 10 km2 is predicted to remain at 120 km2 until 2050. Although uncertainty remains, these analyses provide hope that forest blocks within the protected areas of Madagascar will remain large enough to maintain lemur subpopulations for most species until 2050. This should allow sufficient time for the implementation of effective conservation measures.
Posttraumatic stress and delay discounting: a meta-analytic review
Authors: Bird Brian M. , Levitt Emily E. , Stewart Sherry H. , Wanklyn Sonya G. , Meyer Eric C. , Murphy James G. , McDevitt-Murphy Meghan E. , MacKillop James
Published: November 2023

Delay discounting—the extent to which individuals show a preference for smaller immediate rewards over larger delayed rewards—has been proposed as a transdiagnostic neurocognitive process across mental health conditions, but its examination in relation to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is comparatively recent. To assess the aggregated evidence for elevated delay discounting in relation to posttraumatic stress, we conducted a meta-analysis on existing empirical literature. Bibliographic searches identified 209 candidate articles, of which 13 articles with 14 independent effect sizes were eligible for meta-analysis, reflecting a combined sample size of N = 6897. Individual study designs included case-control (e.g. examination of differences in delay discounting between individuals with and without PTSD) and continuous association studies (e.g. relationship between posttraumatic stress symptom severity and delay discounting). In a combined analysis of all studies, the overall relationship was a small but statistically significant positive association between posttraumatic stress and delay discounting (r = .135, p < .0001). The same relationship was statistically significant for continuous association studies (r = .092, p = .027) and case-control designs (r = .179, p < .001). Evidence of publication bias was minimal. The included studies were limited in that many did not concurrently incorporate other psychiatric conditions in the analyses, leaving the specificity of the relationship to posttraumatic stress less clear. Nonetheless, these findings are broadly consistent with previous meta-analyses of delayed reward discounting in relation to other mental health conditions and provide further evidence for the transdiagnostic utility of this construct.
A rare combination: a single common pulmonary vein with polysplenia syndrome
Authors: Beyazal Meryem , Sayın Seçil , Unlu Havva Akmaz , Özdemir Şahan Yasemin
Published: November 2023

A single common pulmonary vein is a rare anomaly, mostly occurring with asplenia. We wanted to report our case because it co-exists with polysplenia and ciliary dyskinesia.

A baby girl about 2 months old with respiratory arrest was admitted to the emergency room of our hospital. She responded to pulmonary resuscitation. We ascertained from her medical history that she had been hospitalised twice because of recurrent lung infections. After the initial check and treatment, we applied imaging modalities to detect underlying problems of recurrent lung infection. Echocardiographic evaluation was suboptimal because of the widespread pulmonary infiltration. Still, we noticed a single common pulmonary vein without obstruction at the junction of the left atrium. Subsequently, a chest CT scan with contrast was performed. It revealed a single common pulmonary vein entering the left atrium with a single orifice, atrial septal defect, two lobes in both lungs, hepatic veins draining directly into the right atrium, and polysplenia. When the flow of a single common pulmonary vein goes directly to the right atrium through the defect, it may cause right heart dilatation as it did in our case. Therefore, patients may need to undergo surgery at an earlier age.
Creative destruction, human capital accumulation, and growth in a digital economy
Authors: Liao Lewei , Qin Xuezheng , Li Xiaolong , Gong Liutang
Published: November 2023

The rapid development of the digital economy has highlighted the crucial role of data in economic growth. This study investigates the impact of two types of innovation on long-term growth by incorporating data into a model of creative destruction and knowledge accumulation. Unlike traditional factors, data exhibit nonrivalry between the two research and development (R&D) sectors, thereby influencing the growth rate of economic outputs simultaneously without interference. Our findings reveal the existence of a balanced growth path (BGP) in both the decentralized economy and the social planner’s economy. In horizontal innovation, data can be transformed into digital knowledge to promote the economic growth [Cong et al. (2021)]. In addition to horizontal innovation, the utilization of data in vertical innovation also enhances the success rate of innovation, with a gradual decrease in per capita data usage on the BGP. Moreover, as agents accumulate human capital, the economy achieves higher output levels, effectively addressing consumer privacy concerns. However, along the transitional path, insufficient data provision by both R&D sectors leads to lower economic growth rates or more intense economic fluctuations, necessitating policy interventions.