bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy transport boosters of magneto micropolar fluid flowing past a cylinder: A case of laminar combined convection
Authors: Alwawi Firas , Sulaiman Ibrahim M , Swalmeh Mohammed Z , Yaseen Nusayba
Published: June 2022

In this paper, the magnetic effect on micropolar nanofluid flowing in the case of combined convection from a horizontal circular cylinder is investigated at a constant wall temperature. Two commonly applied oxides of metal and nonmetal nanoparticles are immersed in two host liquids: carboxymethyl cellulose-water and kerosene oil. The governing system is converted into a nonlinear system via similarity transformations and then numerically solved using the Keller-box technique. In light of the nanoparticles’ and host fluid’s thermos-physical characteristics, numerical outcomes for the extent of the impact of critical related parameters on temperature, angular velocity, velocity, skin friction, and local wall temperature are obtained, analyzed, and discussed. Furthermore, a comparison with previously published numerical findings on the Newtonian fluid in certain instances was performed. The results reveal that raising the value of the combined convection parameter leads to an enhancement of the Nusselt number, skin friction, velocity, and angular velocity while causing a reduction in the patterns of the temperature profile. The use of silicon dioxide nanoparticles results in the greatest local skin friction when compared to aluminum nanoparticles.
Effect of nanoparticles as additives to the biofuels and their feasibility assessment on the engine performance and emission analysis—A review
Authors: Singh Yashvir , Pali Harveer S , Singh Nishant K , Sharma Abhishek , Singla Amneesh
Published: June 2022

Nanofluids are mostly dispersed in a base fuel to advance thermo-physical properties, creating them a noticeable prime for implementation in a variety of viable exertion such as medical engineering, transportation, biotechnology, and so on. The scientific community has been focusing on improving combustion behavior, constancy features, several engine functioning metrics, and emission features of traditional diesel engines employing nanoparticle-based fuel blends due to advances in nanotechnology. There have recently been a few research endeavors in the literature by nano-sized organic, non-metallic, metallic, and assorted particles in the conventional fuel for diesel engines. Due to the extreme multi-fold improvement in physical and chemical characteristics of customized energy, like great aspect ratio, an elevated reactive platform for combustion, improved heat and mass transport characteristics due to increased mechanical properties like enhancements in fire point, flash point, pour point, and other properties based on the type of nanoparticles, the obtained results are inspiring. Despite having all its advantages, the literature has some ambiguous and inconsistent data, and the experimental results of diverse investigators have not been comprehensive to the point where a shared agreement on this novel methodology to fuel reform can be reached. An effort was made to summarize a critical scientific paper on the combustion and consistency aspects of nanoparticle-filled fuels and their blends, and also their impacts on fuel and engine overall attributes, to pave the way for more research in this domain to maximize the prospective of nanoparticle-based fuels.
A Petri net asset management framework for railway switches and crossings
Authors: Litherland Jack , Andrews John
Published: June 2022

Switches and Crossings (S&C) are a fundamental part of any railway network, they allow trains to switch between tracks and to cross over other tracks. They consist of various electrical and mechanical components to which there is a substantial maintenance cost. Failure of an S&C unit can cause significant disruption to traffic and have large financial implications. Therefore, planning their maintenance is of critical importance to railway asset managers. This research proposes an asset management framework, which models the degradation, failure, inspection and maintenance for the S&C unit. The framework comprises nine Petri net sub-models for the S&C component availability and predicts the number of maintenance interventions in a given time period. This can be used to inform maintenance decision making, with the aim of reducing the life cycle cost of the S&C.
Micro-CT comparative evaluation of porosity and dentin adaptation of root end filling materials applied with incremental, bulk, and ultrasonic activation techniques
Authors: Celikten Berkan , Oncu Aysenur , Koohnavard Mehrdad , Ocak Mert , Orhan Kaan
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different application methods on the adaptation to dentin and porosity properties of calcium silicate based materials. This study included 72 maxillary canine teeth that had been extracted for various reasons. Following the root canal treatment, root, end resections were performed on the specimens. After the apicectomy, 3 mm deep cavities were created. All materials were mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Retrograde cavities were filled with RetroMTA [Group 1a–1c], Biodentine [Group 2a–2c] and BioAggregate [Group 3a–3c]. Placement techniques were applied for each material by using incremental, bulk technique and ultrasonic activation, respectively. The samples were scanned with the SkyScan 1272 μCT system. Porosity values were higher in bulk fill and incremental placement techniques than ultrasonic technique when using MTA and BioAggregate ( p < 0.05), but Biodentine showed no statistically significant difference ( p > 0.05) on using different placement techniques. The ultrasonic activation technique is beneficial to improve the condensation quality of MTA and BioAggregate. Biodentine showed better results regardless of different application techniques.
Simvastatin cardioprotection in cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity via the modulation of inflammasome/caspase1/interleukin1β pathway
Authors: Refaie Marwa MM , El-Hussieny Maram , Bayoumi Asmaa MA , Shehata Sayed , Welson Nermeen N , Abdelzaher Walaa Yehia
Published: June 2022

Drug-induced cardiotoxicity is a serious adverse effect that occurs during the administration of chemotherapeutic agents such as cyclophosphamide (CYC). Therefore, there is a critical need to find cardioprotective agents to keep the heart healthy. The current study aimed to investigate the protective effect of simvastatin (SIM) against CYC-induced heart damage and evaluate different mechanisms involved in mediating this effect, including the inflammasome/caspase1/interleukin1β (IL1β) pathway and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). 36 rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: a control group that received only vehicles, a CYC group that received CYC (150 mg/kg/day) i.p. on the fourth and fifth days, a CYC+SIM group that received SIM (10 mg/kg/day) orally for 5 days and CYC (150 mg/kg/day) i.p. on the fourth and fifth days, and a CYC+SIM+ Nitro- ω-L-arginine (L-NNA) group that received L-NNA (25 mg/kg/day, SIM (10 mg/kg/day) orally for 5 days and CYC (150 mg/kg/day) i.p. on the 4th and 5th days. The CYC group revealed an obvious elevation in cardiac enzymes and heart weights with toxic histopathological changes. Moreover, there was an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) levels, and up-regulation of the NLRP3inflammasome/caspase1/IL1β pathway. In addition, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), eNOS, reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly decreased. CYC-induced cardiotoxicity was most properly reversed by SIM through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic actions with the stimulation of eNOS. The co-administration of L-NNA diminished the protective effect of SIM, indicating the essential role of eNOS in mediating this effect. Therefore, SIM ameliorated CYC-induced cardiotoxicity.
Elderly Women Working in Unorganised Sector: A Glimpse
Authors: Mary V. Sofia Adaikala , Muthu R. M.
Published: June 2022

A major part of life of an elderly woman is spent in doing household work, particularly in rural sector. As they spend most of their time in doing household chores, they do excel in it, but they are less exposed to other vocational skills. To get an employment in organised sector is far reaching, and to survive in the society, the elderly women need some work or the other. It is easy and accessible for the elderly women to enrol in unorganised sector and to gain minimum wages for livelihood. The term unorganised refers to different kinds of work such as home-based occupation, self-employment, agricultural work, domestic work, working in cottage industries, small-scale industries, mills and factories. Elderly women get themselves engaged in work even during old age and face challenges to run their day-to-day activities. In unorganised sector, they experience discrimination in wages, exploitation of work, assignment of hard tasks and no privileges or consideration in their work life. Hence, this article focuses on the insights of elderly women engaged in unorganised sector.
Sleep Problems and Their Associations with Digital Screen Exposure Among 2 to 5 Years Old Children in Chandigarh, a North Indian Union Territory
Authors: Kaur Nimran , Gupta Madhu , Kiran Tanvi , Malhi Prahbhjot , Grover Sandeep
Published: June 2022

Background:

Watching television and other electronic devices can adversely affect children’s sleep. This study aims to ascertain the association of sleep problems with digital screen exposure (DSE) among 2- to 5-year-old children in Chandigarh, India.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 randomly selected families having 2- to 5-year-old children, using a validated DSE questionnaire and the standard child’s sleep habits questionnaire abbreviated, from October 2017 to March 2018. The American and Indian Academy of Pediatrics guidelines were used to define higher DSE as more than 1 h per day. The multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Macintosh, Version 26.0 (IBM Corp., New York, USA), to identify significant predictors of sleep problems.

Results:

Boys (51.5%) and girls (48.5%) were equally represented. On average, children (3.5 ± 0.9 years) slept for 10 ± 1.6 h per day. Bedtime sleep resistance (15.1% vs 11%) and sleep behavior problems (11.8% vs 5.6%) were significantly ( P < .05) higher among children with higher DSE than children having DSE of less than 1 h per day. The significant predictors of sleep problems were children living in a nuclear family (adjOR = 2.4, CI [1.1, 5.3]), watching non-educational digital media content (adjOR = 2.6, 2.36, CI [1.1, 6.2]), and absence of digital media rules at home (adjOR = 3.9, CI [1.3, 12]). In the subgroup analysis, children having higher DSE (adjOR = 2.4, CI [1.1, 4.9]) had a significantly greater probability of bedtime resistance, and those living in a nuclear family (adjOR = 1.7, CI [1.1, 2.7]) had a significantly greater probability of morning waking-up problems.

Conclusion:

Sleep problems were significantly associated with higher DSE among young children in Chandigarh, India.
Psychometric Properties of the Malay Version of Peer Pressure Scale Questionnaire-Revised
Authors: Zulkifly Muhamad Afiq , Wahab Suzaily , Azmi Amirul Danial , Awang Siti Rahmah , Mustaffa Normah , Ibrahim Norhayati , Kadir Nor Ba’yah Abdul
Published: June 2022

Background:

Adolescence is a critical period of transition from childhood to adulthood and involves changes in a child’s biological, emotional, and social aspects. An adolescent’s behavior and actions are largely impacted by peer pressure. The Peer Pressure Scale Questionnaire-Revised (PPSQ-r) is a tool for assessing the susceptibility of adolescents to peer pressure.

Aims:

This study aimed to translate and validate PPSQ-r for examining the impact of peer pressure among Malaysian adolescents.

Methods:

A forward-backward translation was executed in accordance with the established guidelines. The face validity of the questionnaire was assessed by a panel of experts from the relevant fields. 25 items of the questionnaire were tested for principal component analysis (PCA), and internal consistency was appraised via Cronbach’s α.

Results:

A total of 143 respondents among selected secondary school students were used in this study. The age range of the respondents was 13 to 18 years, with a mean age of 15 (SD = 1.316). One component was extracted via PCA, and one item was removed because of poor factor loading. 24 retained items exhibited excellent reliability with Cronbach’s α value of 0.932. The mean score for the PPSQ-r Malay version was 42.88 (SD = 16.57).

Conclusion:

PPSQ-r Malay version is reliable and valid as a peer pressure assessment tool among adolescents in Malaysia. However, the development of the norms based on the Malaysian adolescent population is recommended for risk classifications.
Cutaneous papilloma associated with a novel papillomavirus sequence in a cat
Authors: Munday John S. , Wong Anthony K. , Julian Alan F.
Published: June 2022

A 5-mm diameter mass developed on the nasal planum of a 4.5-y-old castrated male domestic shorthaired cat; the mass was raised ~2 mm above the surrounding skin. Histology revealed focal thickening of the epidermis with marked orthokeratosis. Many of the epidermal cells within the mass had prominent papillomavirus-induced changes. A diagnosis of a viral papilloma was made, and a DNA sequence from a novel papillomavirus type was amplified from the lesion. Although the sequence was most similar to other feline papillomavirus types, the low level of similarity was suggestive of a novel papillomavirus genus. There has been no recurrence of the mass or development of additional lesions in the 6 mo since the mass was removed. This is the third cutaneous papilloma reported in a cat; a putative feline papillomavirus type has not been identified previously within these lesions, to our knowledge. Our findings expand the range of lesions associated with papillomaviruses in cats and increase the number of papillomavirus types that infect cats.
FISHERMAN: A Serious Game for Executive Function Assessment of Older Adults
Authors: Wang Ping , Fang Yuan , Qi Jing-Yi , Li Hui-Jie
Published: June 2022

Executive functions (EFs) are essential for daily living activities but decline with age. Convenient assessment and timely intervention have particular significance for older adults. However, the traditional laboratory tasks of EFs are typically monotonous and inconvenient. The current study aimed to develop an interesting and convenient supplementary tool to assess EFs for older adults. According to the theory of EFs, we developed a serious game, FISHERMAN, to assess EFs. The game includes three subgames, Cautious Fisherman, Agile Fisherman, and Wise Fisherman, targeting core components of inhibition, shifting, and working memory, respectively. The current study aims to verify the reliability and validity of the game. One hundred and eight healthy older adults participated in this study and were tested through the FISHERMAN game and a battery of cognitive tests. The results show that the FISHERMAN game has high internal consistency reliability and good construct validity as well as criterion-related validity, suggesting that the game design is valid and can be used in EFs assessment for older adults. Future studies are warranted to establish the norm of the FISHERMAN game in older adults and investigate whether the FISHERMAN game can be generalized to other populations.
Polyvictimization and Psychological Outcomes Among North Korean Refugee Women
Authors: Nam Boyoung , Lee Yujin , Bright Charlotte , Negi Nalini
Published: June 2022

Korean refugee women are at risk of multiple violent victimizations throughout the migration phases. However, migration's association with mental health outcomes has received little scholarly attention. This study examined North Korean refugee women's exposure to polyvictimization—exposure to both gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV)—and explored whether polyvictimization is associated with an increased risk of psychological symptoms. Data from a snowball sample of 212 North Korean refugee women were analyzed. Polyvictimization was operationalized as No victimization (0), Only GBV (1), Only IPV (2), and Both GBV and IPV (3). The associations between polyvictimization and depression, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and alcohol use disorder were analyzed with multivariate analyses. Results demonstrated that 46.2% experienced GBV in either North Korea or intermediary countries, and 30.9% were victims of IPV from their current intimate partner in South Korea. Approximately 25% were victims of both GBV and IPV. Multivariate analyses revealed that GBV was the most critical factor for mental health outcomes. North Korean refugee women with only GBV or GBV and IPV had significantly higher depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation severity than those without violence victimization. Risk of suicide attempt was also significantly higher among those with only GBV (OR = 16.52, p = .015) or both GBV and IPV (OR = 9.96, p = .048) than those without any violence victimization. Implications for future research and interventions among North Korean refugee women are also discussed.
Sedation quality of alfaxalone associated with butorphanol, methadone or pethidine in cats injected into the supraspinatus or the quadriceps muscle
Authors: Giannettoni Giacomo , Moretti Giulia , Menchetti Laura , Pepe Arianna , Bellocchi Federica , Bufalari Antonello , Nannarone Sara
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of sedation with three different anaesthetic protocols (alfaxalone combined with butorphanol, methadone or pethidine) administered intramuscularly in cats, and to evaluate the influence of the injection site (between supraspinatus and quadriceps muscles) on the onset and quality of sedation.

Methods

A total of 151 cats were selected for this study. Cats were sedated with alfaxalone (3 mg/kg) combined with either butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg; n = 50), methadone (0.3 mg/kg; n = 53) or pethidine (5 mg/kg; n = 48). The combination was injected intramuscularly into the supraspinatus (n = 79) or quadriceps muscle (n = 72). The data included a scoring system for the quality of sedation and physiological parameters, such as heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, body temperature and occurrence of mydriasis, monitored during the first 30 mins of anaesthesia.

Results

The opioid associated with alfaxalone influenced the overall sedation score, the degree of myorelaxation, the occurrence of mydriasis and HR. The overall sedation score was poorer with butorphanol than with methadone ( P = 0.008), and butorphanol induced a lower degree of myorelaxation than methadone ( P = 0.013). The injection into the supraspinatus showed better qualitative results for sedation and a faster onset time (in about 3 mins) than that into the quadriceps ( P <0.001). HR decreased from baseline ( P <0.001) and over time ( P <0.001), mainly in cats of the butorphanol–supraspinatus and pethidine–quadriceps groups ( P = 0.004). The occurrence of mydriasis was lower after butorphanol than after methadone and pethidine ( P = 0.025), while the incidence of side effects did not differ among groups.

Conclusions and relevance

All three protocols provided a good quality of sedation and allowed performing the scheduled procedure. Moreover, the injection into the supraspinatus muscle showed superior results in all the qualitative scores of sedation and quicker onset time than that into the quadriceps muscle.
Flexible iterative generalized demodulation filtering for the fault diagnosis of rotating machinery under nonstationary conditions
Authors: Liu Dongdong , Cui Lingli , Cheng Weidong
Published: June 2022

The health monitoring and diagnosis of rotating machinery under nonstationary conditions are still challenging due to the complex modulation characteristics and the interfering noises. In this paper, a novel flexible iterative generalized demodulation filtering method is proposed for the machinery fault diagnosis. First, the Hilbert transform is applied to the vibration signals to highlight the characteristic frequencies as well as their harmonics. Second, the phase functions used for mapping the interest frequencies are designed, and no matter how the speed varies, the time-varying frequencies of different signal segments with the same physical meaning are transformed into the same constant frequencies. Then, the filters are designed based on the introduced base frequency and the characteristic coefficients, and then the modulation rotating frequency, fault characteristic frequencies, and their harmonics are filtered. Finally, the demodulated signals are reconstructed and the health conditions are determined by the demodulated spectrums. The method is evaluated by the vibration signals of faulty rolling bearings and planetary gearboxes. The results demonstrate that the method can well reveal the fault-related frequencies and that the demodulated frequency values are not subject to the speed fluctuation profiles.
Violence Against LGBTIQ+ People at Universities: The Need to Uncover a Silent Reality
Authors: Rios Oriol , Font-Palomar Marta , Flecha Ainhoa , Valls Rosa
Published: June 2022

Violence against LGBT community can manifest in different forms and exists in all spheres of society, including education. The main purpose of this article is to deepen the understanding of the state of the art about violence grounded in sexual orientation or gender identity in higher education in order to identify gaps for further research. The topic of this state-of-the-art literature review is the presence and magnitude of these forms of violence in the Spanish higher education system. For this reason, the inclusion criteria were empirical studies about the prevalence of violence against LGBTIQ+ individuals in the Spanish educational system. After analyzing the 25 articles that met the inclusion criteria, the main findings point that despite the existence of numerous international studies of the presence of violence against LGBTIQ+ people at colleges, little is known about this reality in Spain. The Spanish university system continues to remain hermetic, and violence against LGBTIQ+ people is silenced and hidden. Practice, policy and research implications of the findings are discussed in this article, highlighting the need of further research in this field. In this context, the research project Uni4Freedom, addresses this social and educational problem to contribute to the creation of safer universities for the LGBTIQ+ community and people who support them.
Going Nuclear: Federalist Society Affiliated Judicial Nominees’ Prospects and a New Era of Confirmation Politics1
Authors: Bird Christine C. , McGee Zachary A.
Published: June 2022

Significant changes to the federal judicial confirmation process have manifested over the past decade, including multiple procedural reforms in the United States Senate. We argue the “nuclear option,” the reduction of the vote-threshold required to proceed to a final confirmation vote on judicial nominees (i.e., to invoke cloture) from three-fifths to a simple majority, contributed to a renewed escalation of partisan confirmation battles on which the Federalist Society capitalized. Pundits and politicians alike show growing concern about the role of interest groups, especially those associated with the conservative legal movement, in judicial nominations. The intersection of these two sets of changes raises questions about the contemporary judicial nominations process. Utilizing a novel dataset of Federalist Society (FedSoc) affiliates drawn from event listings (1993–2020), we analyze the interactive role of FedSoc affiliation with Senate procedural changes to the judicial confirmation process. We find affiliation with the Federalist Society, after the initial nuclear option was implemented, increases the probability of a circuit court nominee’s confirmation by approximately 20%.
Pattern of Recurrence of Glioblastoma Versus Grade 4 IDH-Mutant Astrocytoma Following Chemoradiation: A Retrospective Matched-Cohort Analysis
Authors: Stewart James , Sahgal Arjun , Chan Aimee K M , Soliman Hany , Tseng Chia-Lin , Detsky Jay , Myrehaug Sten , Atenafu Eshetu G , Helmi Ali , Perry James , Keith Julia , Jane Lim-Fat Mary , Munoz David G , Zadeh Gelareh , Shultz David B , Das Sunit , Coolens Catherine , Alcaide-Leon Paula , Maralani Pejman Jabehdar
Published: June 2022

Background and Purpose: To quantitatively compare the recurrence patterns of glioblastoma (isocitrate dehydrogenase-wild type) versus grade 4 isocitrate dehydrogenase-mutant astrocytoma (wild type isocitrate dehydrogenase and mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase, respectively) following primary chemoradiation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective matched cohort of 22 wild type isocitrate dehydrogenase and 22 mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase patients were matched by sex, extent of resection, and corpus callosum involvement. The recurrent gross tumor volume was compared to the original gross tumor volume and clinical target volume contours from radiotherapy planning. Failure patterns were quantified by the incidence and volume of the recurrent gross tumor volume outside the gross tumor volume and clinical target volume, and positional differences of the recurrent gross tumor volume centroid from the gross tumor volume and clinical target volume. Results: The gross tumor volume was smaller for wild type isocitrate dehydrogenase patients compared to the mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase cohort (mean ± SD: 46.5 ± 26.0 cm3 vs 72.2 ± 45.4 cm3, P = .026). The recurrent gross tumor volume was 10.7 ± 26.9 cm3 and 46.9 ± 55.0 cm3 smaller than the gross tumor volume for the same groups ( P = .018). The recurrent gross tumor volume extended outside the gross tumor volume in 22 (100%) and 15 (68%) ( P= .009) of wild type isocitrate dehydrogenase and mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase patients, respectively; however, the volume of recurrent gross tumor volume outside the gross tumor volume was not significantly different (12.4 ± 16.1 cm3 vs 8.4 ± 14.2 cm3, P = .443). The recurrent gross tumor volume centroid was within 5.7 mm of the closest gross tumor volume edge for 21 (95%) and 22 (100%) of wild type isocitrate dehydrogenase and mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase patients, respectively. Conclusion: The recurrent gross tumor volume extended beyond the gross tumor volume less often in mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase patients possibly implying a differential response to chemoradiotherapy and suggesting isocitrate dehydrogenase status might be used to personalize radiotherapy. The results require validation in prospective randomized trials.
Public Perceptions of Opioid Use Following Orthopedic Surgery: A Survey
Authors: Alexander McIntyre James , Pagani Nicholas , Van Schuyver Paul , Puzzitiello Richard , Moverman Michael , Menendez Mariano , Kavolus Joseph
Published: June 2022

Background: The United States accounts for the majority of prescription opioids consumed worldwide. Recent literature has focused on opioid prescribing patterns among orthopedic surgeons; however, public and patient expectations about postoperative opioid use remain understudied. Purpose: We sought to explore public perceptions of opioid use after elective orthopedic surgery. Methods: We posted a 32-question survey on Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), an online platform with over 500,000 unique registered users that is a validated tool for collecting survey responses in medical research. The survey asked about attitudes regarding opioid use after elective orthopedic surgery and sociodemographic factors, as well as validated assessments of health literacy and patient engagement. Results: Of 727 respondents who completed surveys, nearly half (46%) said they would prefer nonopioid pain medication after elective orthopedic surgery, although 86% said they would expect to be prescribed opioids for 1 week to 1 month postoperatively. About half said they would expect to be prescribed extra opioid medication in case of unexpected pain following surgery, and 50% reported that they would save their pills to treat future pain. Approximately 63% said they would understand their surgeon’s opioid weaning, but over ⅓ said weaning would lead to decreased satisfaction with their surgeon. Roughly ⅔ reported that pain control after surgery would directly affect their opinion of the surgeon. Conclusions: Our survey found that some members of the general public reported expectations regarding postoperative opioid prescribing that could lead to decreased patient satisfaction. These findings suggest the need for further research on the value of preoperative patient education in pain management, on patient expectations of pain control after elective surgery, and on the use of opioids following orthopedic surgery.
A study on mechanical properties and thermal properties of UHMWPE/MWCNT composite fiber with MWCNT content and draw ratio
Authors: Eun Jong Hyun , Kim Do Hyun , Jang In Uk , Sung Sun Min , Kim Min Seong , Choi Bo Kyoung , Kang Sun Woo , Kim Min Soo , Lee Joon Seok
Published: June 2022

In this study, the mechanical properties and thermal properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) composite fiber were investigated with different weight percent of the MWCNT contents and draw ratio. To verified the thermal properties of the MWCNT/UHMWPE composite fiber, DSC and TGA analysis were performed. The addition of MWCNT and the higher draw ratio improved the thermal properties of the UHMWPE composite fiber by improving the crystallinity of the polymer. By adding 2 wt% MWCNT, UHWMPE fibers with tensile strengths of 3.85 GPa and young’s modulus of 27.43 GPa could fabricated. In comparison with the pristine UHMWPE fiber with same draw ratio conditions, there values shows increases of 21% in tensile strength and 16% in young’s modulus value. However, in the case of the specimens in which the MWCNT content of 6wt% and 10wt% was added to the UHMWPE fiber, the tensile strength and tensile modulus gradually decreased. We proved by experimentally that the mechanism of strengthening the tensile strength of UHMWPE fibers with MWCNT content of 2wt% is to block craze stretching and reduce defects inside the amorphous region by improving the crystalline region. However, the MWCNT contents is increased by 6wt% or more, the nanofillers start to agglomerate and act as impurities and stress concentration factors, thereby reducing the mechanical properties of the UHMWPE composite fiber.
RUL prediction of rolling bearings based on improved empirical wavelet transform and convolutional neural network
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Zhao Jiaojiao , Ding Guorong
Published: June 2022

Accurate prediction the remaining useful life (RUL) of rolling bearings under complex environmental conditions is crucial for prognostics and health management (PHM). In this paper, A new method for rolling bearing RUL prediction based on improved empirical wavelet transform (IEWT) and one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) is proposed to overcome the interference of noise and other disturbance signals. Firstly, in view of the problem of too many spectrum divisions in the traditional empirical wavelet transform (EWT) process, the mutual information value is used to re-determine the frequency band demarcation point in the EWT. The IEWT method is introduced to adaptively divide the original vibration signal to obtain a series of empirical mode functions (EMFs). Secondly, the effective components after IEWT decomposition are extracted by mutual information and kurtosis criteria and used to extract multi-dimensional time-frequency domain features. Finally, the 1D-CNN is constructed with the percentage of remaining life as the tracking metric to predict the RUL of the bearings. Based on two publicly available rolling bearing datasets, the model proposed in this paper have high prediction accuracy, which is better than other prediction models. Compared to other methods, its mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) are reduced.
Design and experiment of flexible clamping device for pepper plug seedlings
Authors: Shuangyan Hu , Minjuan Hu , Wenyi Zhang
Published: June 2022

At present, there are leakage and injury of pepper seedlings in the process of seedling transplantation. Based on the mechanical properties of pepper stem, a clamping mechanism with the function of crab pincers is designed using bionics principle. The clamping mechanism uses the CAM device to drive the gear and rack meshing. The control clamping gripper’s opening and closing stroke is 2–30 mm. The stroke of CAM gear is 1.94 mm, obviously save the clamping time. In order to achieve flexible clamping and reduce seedling injury, elastic silicone, rubber, and nylon materials were used as clamping materials. The finite element analysis was carried out to simulate the force in the clamping process, and the stress of the silicone gripper was found to be the minimum, and the stress range was 1.53 × 10−4–1.42 MPa. The results of clamping damage test and seedling picking migration test showed that the clamping damage rate of the silicone gripper was 3.28%. The clamping damage degree was the lowest, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis. The seedling leakage rate was 5.86%. The success rate of seedling picking was 94.14%, and the success rate of migration was 83.20%. It proved that flexible clamping device designed in this study had reliable working performance and good transplanting effect.
Design and evaluation of module configuration scheme for special machine tool of variable hyperbolic circular-arc-tooth-trace cylindrical gear
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Hou Li , Liang Shuang , You Yunxia , Liao Kui , Li Jun
Published: June 2022

In the design and evaluation process of the module configuration for the special machine tool of variable hyperbolic circular-arc-tooth-trace cylindrical gear, the similar coefficient of each module attribute is calculated by using fuzzy mathematics theory, and the closest module is retrieved, so as to obtain the module configuration design scheme set. It is difficult to judge the influence degree of different evaluation factors precisely because of the strong fuzziness of many evaluation factors. Using the improved set pair analysis theory to analyze the uncertainty and fuzziness of the evaluation factors of the machine tool module configuration scheme, fuzzy linguistic values are constructed for evaluation factors and transformed into triangular fuzzy numbers, thus the evaluation decision matrix is established. At the identity time, the entropy weight method is used to determine the factor weight to improve the objectivity of the scheme optimization. The IDO (identical different opposite) relation degree between the module configuration scheme and the most ideal scheme is established. The scheme closeness degree is introduced to sort the alternative schemes, and the comprehensive evaluation decision-making model is established to realize the optimization of the machine tool module configuration design scheme and obtain the optimal configuration design scheme.
The dynamic analysis of the rotorcraft with robotic landing gear in the landing process on uneven ground
Authors: Wu Lianquan , Liang Yongling , Li Qi
Published: June 2022

In order to avoid the hard landing on the uneven ground, several robotic landing gears of the rotorcraft are designed. In previous studies, most literature focuses on the control methods of the robotic landing gears. There has been very little research on the dynamic model of the rotorcraft with the robotic landing gears in the landing process. In this work, based on the Lagrangian formulation, the dynamic model of the rotorcraft considering different parameters in the landing process is derived, where the angle of the slope of the uneven ground and the angle of the attack of the rotorcraft are considered. Then an approach is presented to determine the bounds of the dynamic response of the rotorcraft with uncertainties parameters. The results of numerical examples show that in order to maintain the safety, the robotic landing gear of the rotorcraft would be controlled to adjust the condition of the ground, while the initial velocities are restricted to be less than certain value; the large deviations of the landing parameters would may resulted in an overload of the rotorcraft.
Merging the peer selection and peer influence effects: Can neutralization beliefs and cognitive impulsivity serve as links in the chain?
Authors: Walters Glenn D
Published: June 2022

The commonly cited connection between peer influence and peer selection effects was explored in an effort to understand whether cognitive distortion, as represented by neutralization beliefs and cognitive impulsivity, plays a role in linking the peer influence and peer selection effects to each other. Participants were 3568 children (51.3% female) enrolled in the longitudinal portion of the Gang Resistance Education and Training study. Data from five waves of Gang Resistance Education and Training were organized into a series of paths and subjected to multilevel multiple regression longitudinal analysis, where data were clustered by classroom. Two principal analyses were performed. In the first analysis, peer delinquency and participant delinquency were cross-lagged to form four prospective peer selection paths (delinquency → peer delinquency) and four prospective peer influence paths (peer delinquency → delinquency). These paths were then subjected to multilevel (complex sampling design) multiple regression analysis, controlling for age, sex, race, group status, and the most proximal prior measure of the outcome variable. Seven of the eight paths proved significant. In the second analysis, neutralization beliefs and cognitive impulsivity were included in the middle wave of the five-wave model, controlling once again for age, sex, race, group status, and the proximal autoregressive path of the outcome variable. The results of this second analysis revealed that both neutralization beliefs and cognitive impulsivity mediated the connection running from peer selection to peer influence, although neither mediated the peer influence-to-peer selection chain. The direct effects for delinquency and peer delinquency across the five waves were also significant. These findings suggest that the peer selection and influence effects are interdependent, reciprocal, and linked, in part, by cognitive distortion.
Expressing uncertainty in criminology: Applying insights from scientific communication to evidence-based policing
Authors: Giacomantonio Chris , Litmanovitz Yael , Bennell Craig , Jones Daniel J
Published: June 2022

Scholars and practitioners who develop evidence-based crime policy debate on how best to translate criminological knowledge into better criminal justice practices. These debates highlight the counterpoised problems of over-selling the contribution of scientific evidence; or, alternately, overemphasizing the limitations of science. This challenge attends any attempt to translate research findings into practice; however, and problematically, in criminology this challenge is rarely approached in a theoretically coherent fashion. This article therefore seeks to theorize uncertainty in criminology by examining insights on communicating scientific uncertainty in other fields, and applying these insights specifically to the field of Evidence-Based Policing (EBP). Taking the position that all science is inherently uncertain, we examine the following four aspects of the field: the particular uncertainties of criminology, variance in receptivity to research, the lack of evidence regarding effective communication, and the boundaries of evidence. Building on this analysis, we set out the normative challenge of how researchers should characterize and balance the implications and limits of scientific findings in the decision-making process. Looking ahead, we argue for the need to invest in an empirical project for determining meaningful strategies to express research evidence to decision-makers.
Imaging of left heart intracardiac thrombus: clinical needs, current imaging, and emerging cardiac magnetic resonance techniques
Authors: Chang Peng , Xiao Jiayu , Hu Zhehao , Kwan Alan C. , Fan Zhaoyang
Published: June 2022

Intracardiac thrombus in the left atrium and atrial appendage (LA/LAA) and left ventricle (LV) increases the risk of systemic thromboembolism and causes potentially devastating diseases such as ischemic stroke and acute ischemia in abdominal organs and lower extremities. Detecting the presence and monitoring the resolution of left heart intracardiac thrombus are of vital importance for stratifying patients and guiding treatment decisions. Currently, echocardiography is the most frequently used method for the above clinical needs, followed by computed tomography. An increasing number of studies have been performed to investigate the value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as an alternative imaging modality given its several unique strengths. This article provides an overview of the clinical relevance of the LA/LAA and LV thrombus as well as the diagnostic performance of the current imaging modalities and emerging CMR techniques.
Vedolizumab blocks α4β7 integrin-mediated T cell adhesion to MAdCAM-1 in microscopic colitis
Authors: Besendorf Laura , Müller Tanja M. , Geppert Carol-Immanuel , Schneider Ines , Mühl Laura , Atreya Imke , Vitali Francesco , Atreya Raja , Neurath Markus F. , Zundler Sebastian
Published: June 2022

Background:

In Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, the anti-α4β7 integrin antibody vedolizumab has demonstrated efficacy in phase III trials and has been successfully used under real-world conditions. Occasionally, it has also been used in other forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as microscopic colitis (MC). However, the mechanisms of vedolizumab in MC have not been studied to date. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression and functional role of gut-homing integrins and in particular α4β7 integrin in a cohort study in MC.

Methods:

We studied the expression of gut homing integrins on T cells from patients with MC and healthy controls by flow cytometry. To investigate the function of α4β7 integrin in MC and the potential of vedolizumab to block it, we used dynamic adhesion assays and transmigrations assays. Moreover, we describe two clinical cases of MC patients treated with vedolizumab.

Results:

A specific profile of gut homing markers can be found on T cells from patients with MC. α4β7 integrin functionally leads to firm adhesion to MAdCAM-1 and supports transmigration. Vedolizumab is able to block both processes. In two cases of MC, we observed reduced clinical symptoms and histologic improvement upon therapy with vedolizumab.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that α4β7 mediates gut homing of T cells also in MC and that, on single cell level, vedolizumab blocks the function of α4β7 in MC. Thus, we provide mechanistic evidence supporting vedolizumab as promising therapeutic option for MC.
A phase Ib/II study of regorafenib and paclitaxel in patients with beyond first-line advanced esophagogastric carcinoma (REPEAT)
Authors: Stroes Charlotte I , Schokker Sandor , Khurshed Mohammed , van der Woude Stephanie O , Mathôt Ron AA , Slingerland Marije , de Vos-Geelen Judith , Zucchetti Massimo , Matteo Cristina , van Dijk Erik , Ylstra Bauke , Thijssen Victor , Derks Sarah , Godefa Tesfay , Dijksterhuis Willemieke , Breimer Gerben E , van Delden Otto M , Verhoeven Rob HA , Meijer Sybren L , Bijlsma Maarten F , van Laarhoven Hanneke WM
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

Regorafenib monotherapy, a multikinase inhibitor of angiogenesis, tumor microenvironment, and tumorigenesis, showed promising results in gastric cancer. We aimed to assess the tolerability of regorafenib and paclitaxel in patients with advanced esophagogastric cancer (EGC) refractory to first-line treatment, and explore potential biomarkers.

Methods:

Patients received paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle and regorafenib (80/120/160 mg) on days 1–21 in the dose-escalation cohort, and the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) in the dose-expansion cohort. Exploratory, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared to a propensity-score matched cohort receiving standard second-/third-line systemic treatment. Paclitaxel pharmacokinetics were assessed using samples from day 1 (D1) and day 15 (D15). We performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements of galectin-1, RNA sequencing, and shallow whole-genome sequencing of metastatic tumor biopsies for biomarker analyses.

Results:

In the dose-escalation cohort ( n = 14), the MTD of regorafenib was 120 mg. In all, 34 patients were enrolled in the dose-expansion cohort. Most common toxicities (all grades; grade ⩾ 3) were fatigue (79%; 4%) and sensory neuropathy (63%; 4%). Best responses achieved were partial response (28%) and stable disease (54%). Median OS and PFS were 7.8 and 4.2 months, respectively (median follow-up: 7.8 months). OS ( p = 0.08) and PFS ( p = 0.81) were not significantly improved compared to the matched cohort. Paclitaxel concentrations were significantly increased with regorafenib (D15) compared with paclitaxel only (D1; p < 0.05); no associations were observed with toxicity or efficacy. An increase in circulating galectin-1 compared to baseline was associated with shorter OS ( p < 0.01). Enrichment of angiogenesis-related gene expression was observed in short survivors measured by RNA sequencing. Chromosome 19q13.12-q13.2 amplification was associated with shorter OS ( p = 0.02) and PFS ( p = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Treatment with regorafenib and paclitaxel is tolerable and shows promising efficacy in advanced EGC refractory to first-line treatment. Galectin-1 and chromosome 19q13.12-q13.2 amplification could serve as negative predictive biomarkers for treatment response.

Registration:

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02406170, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02406170
Communicative strategies for building public confidence in data governance: Analyzing Singapore's COVID-19 contact-tracing initiatives
Authors: Tan Gordon Kuo Siong , Lim Sun Sun
Published: June 2022

Effective social data governance rests on a bedrock of social support. Without securing trust from the populace whose information is being collected, analyzed, and deployed, policies on which such data are based will be undermined by a lack of public confidence. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digitalization and datafication by governments for the purposes of contact tracing and epidemiological investigation. However, concerns about surveillance and data privacy have stunted the adoption of such contact-tracing initiatives. This commentary analyzes Singapore's contact-tracing initiative to uncover the reasons for public resistance and efforts by the state to address them. The government's contact-tracing program encompassing its proprietary TraceTogether app and physical token initially triggered vociferous public criticisms of Big Brother style surveillance. Using a dialogic communication framework, we analyze the TraceTogether initiative to interrogate the communicative strategies that were used to overcome public resistance. We argue that these strategies reflect a top-down approach that prioritizes transactional dissemination of information, in line with Singapore's technocratic stance toward governance. We further assert that such communicative tactics represent missed opportunities to foster public confidence in social data governance through greater trust building. We propose solutions for more dialogic communicative forms that build trust, so that officials can develop a sound understanding of the public concerns, increase the level of public engagement, and incorporate public feedback into policies that govern data use.