bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Faculty Technological and Pedagogical Content Knowledge: The BiPSU Context
Authors: Bentor Claire Theresa S. , Ceblano Mae V. , Niez Roland A.
Published: January 2023

One of the components that shape the educational system is the instructor. They do several tasks at school that significantly impact students' character, value system, principles, and the character of the entire population. Because of the teacher's position in the classroom, the need for teacher professionalism, discipline, competence, commitment, and innovation is crucial for teachers to contribute to the country's educational aim of obtaining an exceptional education. Per the recommendations of the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, this study surveyed 31 faculty members in the School of Arts and Sciences department. It evaluated their competency in integrating technology into pedagogical content using Johnson's (2001) cross-sectional descriptive design. Using the updated TPACK (Technology, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge) instrument developed by Valtonen et al. (2017), the study found that liberal arts faculty understand how various technologies can be used in the classroom. They also recognized that incorporating technology into the classroom may change their teaching. A strong relationship was found between teachers' service length, pedagogical knowledge, sex, and technological knowledge. It was suggested that school administrators prioritize program and investment strategies that develop an experienced teaching workforce of high-quality individuals. It is also advised that the faculty of the School of Arts and Sciences engage in activities that optimize Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to increase their content knowledge, professional growth, and professional learning.
Digital Leadership and Teachers’ Performance: Basis for a Proposed Training Program
Authors: Dela Rosa Marivic Agbuya
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to determine the digital leadership and performance of teachers in Marikina City.  The paper utilized a descriptive research design to accomplish the investigation and validate the level of digital leadership of school administrators and the performance of teachers. The main objective of the study was to describe the nature of a situation as it exists at the time of the study and to explore the cause of a particular phenomenon. The statistical treatments of data used were weighted mean, t-test, and Pearson r correlation.   The extent of level of digital leadership as perceived by the school administrators in public secondary schools in Marikina was very knowledgeable.  The extent level on digital leadership as perceived by the teachers in public secondary schools in Marikina was very knowledgeable.    There was a slight correlation between the digital leadership and teachers’ performance.  The school administrators should encourage themselves and be motivated to pursue digital learning development that would increase their techno-leadership style.
Os efeitos dos traços sombrios de personalidade na relação entre clima competitivo e participação no orçamento
Authors: Corrêa Amanda Beatriz Nasatto , Lavarda Carlos Eduardo Facin
Published: January 2023

O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a influência da competição na participação no orçamento, moderada pelos traços sombrios de personalidade (maquiavelismo, psicopatia, narcisismo e sadismo). A pesquisa utilizou uma abordagem quantitativa, descritiva e experimental. A amostra é composta de 170 respostas válidas de acadêmicos dos cursos de administração, ciências contábeis e ciências econômicas de instituições de ensino superior públicas e privadas. Na análise dos dados, foram utilizadas estatísticas descritivas para categorizar os respondentes e técnica de Modelagem de Equações Estruturais (MEE) estimada a partir de Mínimos Quadrados Parciais (Partial Least Squares – PLS), por meio do software SmartPLS-versão 3, utilizadas para verificação das hipóteses de pesquisa. Com esses resultados, estima-se que a presença da competição afeta o comportamento dos colaboradores, e faz com que o colaborador aumente a participação no processo orçamentário. Ao avaliar o efeito da moderação da personalidade narcisista nessa relação, os indivíduos tendem a diminuir sua participação no orçamento. Já o efeito direto do maquiavelismo na participação no processo orçamentário é positivo. As relações do efeito moderador do maquiavelismo e psicopatia, e o efeito direto da psicopatia e narcisismo na participação no orçamento, não apresentaram significância estatística. No geral, conclui-se que a competição pode ser considerada antecedente da participação no orçamento, assim como o efeito moderador do narcisismo, o efeito direto do maquiavelismo e de variáveis demográficas, como gênero, faixa etária e curso. A pesquisa possibilita aos gestores aprofundar o conhecimento a cerca dos antecedentes da participação no orçamento, além de possibilitar a constatação do efeito da competição e dos traços sombrios de personalidade no ambiente organizacional.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Is Predominantly Associated With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Events in Patients With Evidence of Coronary Atherosclerosis: The Western Denmark Heart Registry
Authors: Mortensen Martin Bødtker , Dzaye Omar , Bøtker Hans Erik , Jensen Jesper Møller , Maeng Michael , Bentzon Jacob Fog , Kanstrup Helle , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Leipsic Jonathon , Blankstein Ron , Nasir Khurram , Blaha Michael J. , Nørgaard Bjarne Linde
Published: January 2023

Background:

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an important causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, a sizable proportion of middle-aged individuals with elevated LDL-C level have not developed coronary atherosclerosis as assessed by coronary artery calcification (CAC). Whether presence of CAC modifies the association of LDL-C with ASCVD risk is unknown. We evaluated the association of LDL-C with future ASCVD events in patients with and without CAC.

Methods:

The study included 23 132 consecutive symptomatic patients evaluated for coronary artery disease using coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) from the Western Denmark Heart Registry, a seminational, multicenter-based registry with longitudinal registration of patient and procedure data. We assessed the association of LDL-C level obtained before CTA with ASCVD (myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke) events occurring during follow-up stratified by CAC>0 versus CAC=0 using Cox regression models adjusted for baseline characteristics. Outcomes were identified through linkage among national registries covering all hospitals in Denmark. We replicated our results in the
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
–funded Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Results:

During a median follow-up of 4.3 years, 552 patients experienced a first ASCVD event. In the overall population, LDL-C (per 38.7 mg/dL increase) was associated with ASCVD events occurring during follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.14 [95% CI, 1.04–1.24]). When stratified by the presence or absence of baseline CAC, LDL-C was only associated with ASCVD in the 10 792/23 132 patients (47%) with CAC>0 (aHR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.06–1.31]); no association was observed among the 12 340/23 132 patients (53%) with CAC=0 (aHR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.87–1.18]). Similarly, a very high LDL-C level (
>
193 mg/dL) versus LDL-C <116 mg/dL was associated with ASCVD in patients with CAC>0 (aHR, 2.42 [95% CI, 1.59–3.67]) but not in those without CAC (aHR, 0.92 [0.48–1.79]). In patients with CAC=0, diabetes, current smoking, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were associated with future ASCVD events. The principal findings were replicated in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

LDL-C appears to be almost exclusively associated with ASCVD events over ≈5 years of follow-up in middle-aged individuals with versus without evidence of coronary atherosclerosis. This information is valuable for individualized risk assessment among middle-aged people with or without coronary atherosclerosis.
Early Antiplatelet Resumption and the Risks of Major Bleeding After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Liu Chi-Hung , Wu Yi-Ling , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Lee Tsong-Hai
Published: January 2023

Background:

The appropriate timing of resuming antithrombotic therapy after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the risks of major bleeding between early and late antiplatelet resumption in ICH survivors.

Methods:

Between 2008 and 2017, ICH patients were available in the National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with a medication possession ratio of antiplatelet treatment ≥50% before ICH and after antiplatelet resumption were screened. We excluded patients with atrial fibrillation, heart failure, under anticoagulant or hemodialysis treatment, and developed cerebrovascular events or died before antiplatelet resumption. Finally, 1584 eligible patients were divided into EARLY (≤30 days) and LATE groups (31–365 days after the index ICH) based on the timing of antiplatelet resumption. Patients were followed until the occurrence of a clinical outcome, end of 1-year follow-up, death, or until December 31, 2018. The primary outcome was recurrent ICH. The secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, major hemorrhagic events, major occlusive vascular events, and ischemic stroke. Cox proportional hazard model after matching was used for comparison between the 2 groups.

Results:

Both the EARLY and LATE groups had a similar risk of 1-year recurrent ICH (EARLY versus LATE: 3.12% versus 3.27%; adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 0.967 [95% CI, 0.522–1.791]) after matching. Both groups also had a similar risk of each secondary outcome at 1-year follow-up. Subgroup analyses disclosed early antiplatelet resumption in the patients without prior cerebrovascular disease were associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality (AHR, 0.199 [95% CI, 0.054–0.739]) and major hemorrhagic events (AHR, 0.090 [95% CI, 0.010–0.797]), while early antiplatelet resumption in the patients with chronic kidney disease were associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke (AHR, 0.065 [95% CI, 0.012–0.364]).

Conclusions:

Early resumption of antiplatelet was as safe as delayed antiplatelet resumption in ICH patients. Besides, those without prior cerebrovascular disease or with chronic kidney disease may benefit more from early antiplatelet resumption.
Volvariella variicystidiosa sp. nov. (Agaricaceae, Basidiomycota) from Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: HAQNAWAZ MUHAMMAD , KHAN ZAMAN , NIAZI ABDUL REHMAN , KHALID ABDUL NASIR
Published: January 2023

During surveys in the rainy season, a few collections of a novel Volvariella species were found on the decomposed matter, and sandy soil from the bed of the Indus River, Muzaffargarh, and Noorpur Thal, Khushab, Punjab, Pakistan. Phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) has confirmed that this new species (namely Volvariella variicystidiosa) forms a separate clade from the previously known species of Volvariella. Volvariella variicystidiosa differs from a closely related species, V. taylorii, by its dull brown umbo and grayish brown striations on the pileus toward the margins, dull orange lamellae, and anatomically light yellow to gray pileipellis. Our new taxon is also different from existing species by having cheilocystidia and pleurocystidia with a broad variation of shapes and sizes. Abundant cheilocystidia are cymbiform to mucronate, narrowly to broadly moniliform with a broad base, and rarely broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid with obtuse apex, triangular to conical; pleurocystidia are moderately ellipsoid, rarely flexuous and oblong. Our findings provide evidence that this fungus represents a new taxon and it is a great addition to our current knowledge of the vast diversity of Volvariella species.
2.5 Dietary Intake and Consumption Patterns of Adults and Adolescents
Authors: Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Meyer Alexa
Published: January 2023

The dietary intake and consumption patterns of adults and adolescents are the subject of this chapter. As in many other parts of the world, the consumption of fruits and vegetables is insufficient in most countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region, while the intake of salt and sugar is too high. The region also has one of the highest intake levels of trans fatty acids that have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health and are possible risk factors for certain cancer types.
3.2 Regulation of Marketing of Foods and Non-Alcoholic Beverages as well as Breastmilk Substitutes through Traditional and Digital Media
Authors: Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Meyer Alexa
Published: January 2023

The marketing of foods and beverages is another starting point to direct consumption towards healthier patterns. This is especially true for advertising unhealthy foods and beverages to children and adolescents, which is associated with a higher risk of obesity. Actions to regulate and control food marketing to children and adolescents have so far been taken in 11 of the 22 countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. However, surveys have shown weaknesses in their enforcement. Indeed, a high proportion of advertisements broadcast on children's programmes relate to unhealthy foods and beverages high in sugar, salt or fat. Moreover, the focus on traditional media such as television and print media does not take into account the growing importance of new channels such as the Internet and social media, which are much harder to control, not least because of their cross-border impact. Breast-milk substitutes are another group of foods that is aggressively marketed, posing a threat to breastfeeding. In view of the increasing use of breast-milk substitutes worldwide, as early as 1981 the World Health Assembly released the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes to limit the negative impact of the advertising of infant formula and related products. While, in 2020, 70% of the WHO’s Member States had transposed at least some provisions of the Code into national legislation, the rate of substantial alignment was much lower. Notably, the Eastern Mediterranean Region has the highest proportion of countries falling into this category (32%) even though there is still need for improvement.
3.5 Public Food Procurement and Service Policies to Support Healthy Sustainable Diets
Authors: Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Meyer Alexa
Published: January 2023

Chapter 3.5 deals with public food procurement and service policies as means to support healthy sustainable diets. Governments act as food provider not only in their own institutions but also in public schools, universities, hospitals and care institutions as well as military bases and correctional facilities. Offering healthy and sustainable food in these places increases the availability of and access to better diets, and, especially in schools, it can contribute to more widespread education about healthy dietary behaviours. Purchasing regionally produced, seasonal foods reduces the environmental footprint involved, supports local food producers and can help increase food diversity. Schools are the most common setting for healthy and sustainable public food procurement and most countries have implemented school feeding programmes that regulate the kinds of foods and beverages that are served in school canteens, and, in some cases, they also provide free school meals to some or all students. Healthy school meals are effective in two ways: firstly, they can prevent obesity and high intakes of sugar, salt and fat; secondly, they help fight hunger and malnutrition in poorer countries. The latter was particularly evident during school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the great potential of school feeding and other public food procurement to contribute to healthier diets, studies have shown that the implementation of programmes was often unsatisfactory, mostly because clear guidelines and criteria according to which foods are to be chosen are lacking. Scientifically validated nutrient profiles and food lists are required.
3.6 Food Fortification, Including Biofortification
Authors: Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Meyer Alexa
Published: January 2023

Chapter 3.6 is dedicated to food fortification, which is widely acknowledged as an efficient and cost-effective approach to improve micronutrient supply. It is particularly suited for populations whose diets have a low diversity and contain a high proportion of staple foods and who have no good access to nutrient supplements. Fortification of salt or centrally produced staple foods like wheat or maize flour and rice allows reaching a large number of persons. To ensure the safety and efficiency of fortification, it should be government-led and ideally mandatory. Programme development and implementation have to be preceded by a situation analysis to determine the type, forms and amounts of nutrients to be added and the best food vehicle. Salt iodization has a long tradition and is nowadays practiced in most countries of the world, at least on a voluntary basis. The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region has the highest proportion of countries with mandatory salt iodization and this is reflected in significant advances in goitre control. The region also has the second highest percentage of countries fortifying wheat flour, with three countries also adding vitamin D. While implementation and enforcement of fortification have improved, the access to and funding of the nutrient premix can be difficult in some countries affected by conflict and crisis. A newer approach to fortification is biofortification, whereby the content of micronutrients is already increased in the crop plant. This is achieved by different approaches, including the application of specific fertilizers with high solubility and bioavailability on the one hand, and, on the other, through conventional plant breeding or genetic engineering to increase the bioabsorption of minerals by the plant. In the latter case, the biosynthesis of vitamins and other organic compounds is also increased. The development and propagation of biofortified crops and the creation of enabling environments for their dissemination to disadvantaged population groups is the objective of global programmes like the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and HarvestPlus. Although the focus is on low-income countries from sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia, some countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region such as Pakistan, Egypt, and Syria also feature among the top-priority countries for investment in biofortification interventions.
Hadley Cell Size and Strength Responses Depend on Turbulent Drag
Authors: Flynn Clare Marie , Mauritsen Thorsten
Published: January 2023

The position and strength of the Hadley cell circulation determine the habitable zones in the tropics, yet our understanding of and ability to predict changes in the circulation is limited. One potentially important source of uncertainty is the dependence of the Hadley cell on turbulent drag. Here, the sensitivity of the Hadley cell and associated features such as the intertropical convergence zone to variations in the magnitude of the turbulent drag is explored with an atmospheric general circulation model in aquaplanet configuration. The tropical circulation and precipitation, and extratropical features such as the polar jet stream, displayed a strong sensitivity to the strength of the parameterized turbulent drag, with distinct low- or high-drag regimes. However, the response of the meridional heat transport produced a surprising departure from previous expectations: with greater drag, simulations exhibited less heat transport than low-drag simulations, which is in the opposite sense to that from Held and Hou. This may be due to the energetic constraints in the present model framework. When exposed to a uniform global warming, the response of the ITCZ precipitation depends strongly on the choice of drag, whereas most simulations exhibit a poleward expansion of the subtropics.
Three-Dimensional Analyses of Postoperative Effects of Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE) on the Soft Tissue of the Midface Region and the Upper Airway Space Using Stereophotogrammetry and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Authors: Heldmaier Wiebke , Lonic Daniel , Loeffelbein Denys J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) is an established method to treat transverse maxillary hypoplasia in skeletally mature adult patients. SARPE affects the surrounding soft tissue. In addition, effects on the airway and breathing have been described. Aim of this study was to assess the effects of SARPE on the nasal soft tissue and the upper airway by means of three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

This retrospective study used preoperative and postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry. Ten skeletally adult patients (4 male, 6 female; mean age 27.68 years) with transverse maxillary hypoplasia were included. Patients had undergone SARPE procedure, performed by the same surgical team using the same technique. Nasal soft tissue changes were analyzed, using three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry records taken preoperatively (t0) and at the postoperative checkup appointment (t1). The upper airway was assessed using CBCT scans for surgical planning (t0) and the first scan taken after SARPE (t1).

Results

In stereophotogrammetry, it was shown that only a few soft tissue nasal parameters increased significantly and SARPE leads to mainly clinically irrelevant changes in nasal soft tissue. In CBCT, only a significant increase in nasopharyngeal airway volume was found.

Discussion

Results were in alignment with literature. The effects of SARPE on the nasal soft tissue are mostly statistically insignificant and clinically irrelevant. Airway volume significantly increased in the nasopharyngeal area. Further research on SARPE effects should be conducted to reinforce SARPE as a treatment option for sleep apnea patients.
Post-Operative Order Set Decreases Opioid Prescriptions and Increases Efficiency
Authors: Bates Jenna N. , Batra Anjay K. , Auerbach Jeremy M. , Pathak Ujval I. , Hoang Nhi , Taylor Jennifer M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Opioid addiction remains a public health crisis. We aimed to create an electronic medical record (EMR) based protocol to decrease post-operative prescribing of opioid medications and streamline the ordering process while maintaining adequate pain control.

Methods

An order set was created to minimize opioid prescriptions. The post-operative prescribing practices for minor urologic procedures (MUOs) over 6-week periods at three time points were compared: one period before and two periods after implementation of the order set.

Results

72 MUOs were performed in the pre-implementation, 52 in post-implementation, and 60 in the long-term period. Opioid medications were prescribed for 66 patients (91.7%) pre-implementation, 23 patients (44.2%) post-implementation, and 45 patients (75.0%) at the long-term time point ( P < .0001 and P = .015 respectively). The mean morphine milligram equivalent (MME) prescribed was 81.52 units before implementation, 38.74 units after, and 24.21 units at the long-term time point ( P = .0002 and P < .0001 respectively).

Discussion

The integration of a post-operative prescribing order set into our EMR substantially decreased opioid prescribing after MUO while streamlining the ordering process to improve efficiency.
The Demographics and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society Membership Status of Surgery’s Top Leadership
Authors: Naaseh Ariana , Tohmasi Steven , Stamos Michael J. , Jafari Mehraneh D.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Diversity and equity are priorities of many academic Departments of Surgery (DoS). Induction into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AOA) denotes academic excellence and can potentially propel an academic career. Research has demonstrated that underrepresented in medicine (URM) students are less likely to be elected to AOA. In this study, we aim to examine the Chairs in American departments of surgery to examine their gender, racial, and ethnic background and AOA membership status.

Method

An anonymous survey was generated via REDCap and electronically sent to the Chair of Surgery at the top 75 DoS based on “Reputation” on Doximity Residency Navigator 2020-2021. Seven chairs with non-publicly accessible email addresses were excluded.

Results

Of the eligible chairs (N = 68), 38 (55.9%) completed the survey, of which 34 (89.5%) identified as men. AOA membership was reported in 65.8% (n = 25) respondents, with 8% (n = 2) self-identifying as women and 92% (n = 23) self-identifying as men. Of the men respondents, 74% (n = 25) reported AOA membership, while 50% of women (n = 2) reported AOA membership. Of the AOA chairs, 4% (n = 1) self-identified as Asian while 96% (n = 24) self-identified as White. The majority (57.9%, n = 22) of eligible chair respondents were White, men, and AOA members. Of the 25 AOA members, 18 (72.0%) felt their membership has positively impacted their career.

Conclusions

We found that the majority of American Surgical Chairs self-identify as white men. The number of men who were AOA was higher than women chairs.
Meshfree simulation of progressive damage in composite laminates using discrete element analysis
Authors: Reiner Johannes , Nguyen Nhu HT
Published: January 2023

This study presents a Discrete Element Method (DEM) for a meshfree progressive failure analysis of IM7/8552 carbon fibre reinforced polymer laminates at the macroscale. By implementing a cohesive contact model to describe progressive damage, experimental results from over-height compact tension (OCT) tests are used to calibrate the required input parameters in the DEM contact model. The simulation of various open-hole tension (OHT) test specimens validates the presented DEM model with minimal errors in strength predictions of up to 4%. Discrete Element Method results are directly compared to those obtained from finite element (FE) models. It is demonstrated that DEM is able to seemingly incorporate damage evolution leading to realistic macroscopic damage patterns, however the computational cost is increased by a factor of 100 compared to FE simulations.
Dis-Embedded Identity of Majority Members: The Case of Catholics in Poland
Authors: Paffrath Julian , Simon Bernd
Published: January 2023

In this article, we focus on the process of dis-embedded identification (the accentuation and prioritization of the identification with a particular subordinate ingroup relative to the identification with the relevant superordinate ingroup) among majority members and examine possible antecedents and consequences. To this end, we conducted research with Catholics in Poland. We hypothesized societal respect for Catholics would negatively predict dis-embedded identification, whereas intragroup respect would positively predict dis-embedded identification—especially under the condition of lacking societal respect. We further hypothesized dis-embedded identification to positively predict the pursuit of hegemony. These hypotheses are mainly based on Honneth’s theory of recognition and Turner’s self-categorization theory. Employing a longitudinal research design and latent variable modeling, we obtained supporting evidence for our hypotheses. The implications for further research, especially on intergroup relations and politics in pluralizing societies, are discussed.
Response surface methodology application on lubricant oil degradation, performance, and emissions in SI engine: A novel optimization of alcoholic fuel blends
Authors: Ijaz Malik Muhammad Ali , Usman Muhammad , Akhtar Maaz , Farooq Muhammad , Saleem Iqbal Hafiz Muhammad , Irshad Muneeb , Shah Muhammad Haris
Published: January 2023

For evaluating the significance of renewable alternative fuels for optimized engine performance and lower emissions, methanol has been extensively utilized as a blend with gasoline in spark-ignition engines. However, rare attempts have been rendered to examine the consequence of methanol–gasoline fuel blends (M6, M12, and M18) on lubricant oil operating for a longer period in engines. The highest and least decrease of 9.62% and 6.68% in kinematic viscosity (KV) was observed for M0 and M18, respectively. However, the flash point (FP) of degraded lubricant oil for M6, M12, and M18 was 3%, 5%, and 7% higher than that of M0, respectively. Total acid number (TAN) and ash content of degraded lubricant oil for M18 were the highest among M0, M6, and M12. An inclusive optimization of engine performance, emissions, and lubricant oil properties has been made for various methanol–gasoline fuel blends at distinct operating conditions by employing the response surface methodology (RSM) technique. RSM-based optimization portrayed the composite desirability value of 0.73 for 2137.13 watt brake power (BP), 6.08 N-m torque, 0.37 kg/kwh brake-specific fuel consumption, 22.10% brake thermal efficiency, 4.02% carbon monoxide emission, 7.15% carbon dioxide emission, 134.12 ppm hydrocarbon emission, 517.02 ppm nitrogen oxides emission, 12.44 cst KV, 203.77°C FP, 2.23 mg/g KOH TAN, and 2.65%wt ash content as responses for fuel blend M8 at 3400 rpm and higher loading condition. RSM predicted results demonstrated significant compliance with empirical findings, with absolute percentage error (APE) below 5% for each response. However, the highest APE of 4.68% was obtained for FP owing to inefficient desirability as a consequence of manual testing. The least APE of 1.57% was obtained for torque because of the highest desirability. Overall, the RSM predicted results of the designed models are effective and viable. RSM technique was found to be effective for the optimization of the broader engine characteristics spectrum.
Factors associated with mortality in patients with tetanus in Cameroon
Authors: Sangwe Clovis Nchinjoh , Palle John Ngunde , Linwa Edgar Mandeng Ma , Ndung Ako Forbinake , Tabe Benem-Orock Vanessa , Chichom Mefire Alain
Published: January 2023

Background

Tetanus constitutes a significant cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, with case fatality rates as high as 64%, 47%, and 43.1% reported in Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania, respectively. However, the knowledge gap on factors that influence tetanus mortality still exists in Cameroon.

Objective

To identify the factors that influence the mortality of tetanus patients in three regional hospitals in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon.

Methodology

This was a 7-year retrospective case-series study. Socio-demographic and clinical data of tetanus cases admitted in Bamenda, Buea, and Limbe Regional Hospitals from January 2010 to March 2017 were collected and analysed.

Results

This study recorded 38 cases, but excluded five due to missing inpatient files. Of the 33 cases considered in this study, 27 (81.8%) were males. The mean age of the patients was 32 years. A tetanus mortality rate of 48.5% was recorded – thus, 16 tetanus-related deaths. Mortality was higher amongst patients with incubation periods less than 7 days; the onset of trismus and generalized spasms less than 8 days after exposure; the presence of autonomic dysfunction; the presence of respiratory dysfunction; application or introduction of local regimens, soil or animal waste at the portal of entry; delayed debridement greater than 2 days after onset of tetanus; and a severe clinical disease state.

Conclusion

This study, therefore, highlights the need to ensure universal vaccination coverage for high-risk populations; males, active population (20–40 years), and farmers. More still, this study emphasizes the need to improve access and utilisation of mechanical ventilation in severe tetanus cases.
The Hours of Easter Sunday: Articulating a Full Day of the Paschal Triduum
Authors: Ryan Fergus Michael Timothy
Published: January 2023

The Easter Triduum has become the high point of the liturgical year for communities throughout the Roman Church thanks to the reforms of Pope Pius XII and those following the Second Vatican Council. Sometimes forgotten, however, is the establishment of a three-day Triduum of Easter rather than the previous Triduum before Easter, now beginning with evening Mass on Holy Thursday and comprising Good Friday, Holy Saturday and all of Easter Sunday. The post-conciliar reform of the liturgy of Easter Sunday is overlooked, especially the changes to Lauds and Vespers, which have made of Easter Sunday a full third day of the Paschal Triduum in three distinct parts reflecting three moments in the day of the Lord's resurrection. The articulated liturgical celebrations of Easter Sunday, especially due to the revised offices of Lauds and Vespers, are presented here. Considerations regarding future changes in the Triduum are also suggested such as restoring distinct elements of Tenebrae for Friday and Saturday, Baptismal Vespers, and emphasizing the ambo as the empty tomb.
Congenital Anterior Nostril Atresia in Old Age: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yang Liyun , Zhao Runyu , Li Can , Liu Xing
Published: January 2023

Atresia of the anterior nares is usually caused by acquired disorders such as iatrogenic damage, burns, and postoperative scar, but congenital cases are relatively rare. Here, we report a rare case of congenital anterior nostril atresia in an aged person with bilateral nasal congestion and snoring. The patient underwent surgery, and no recurrence was observed after a 2-year follow-up. To increase our understanding on this condition, we performed a literature review and discussed its associated clinical features, differential diagnoses, and treatment methods.
Bureaucratic Migration Politics in West Africa: Opportunities and Dependencies Created by EU Funding
Authors: Roos Christof , Trauner Florian , Adam Ilke
Published: January 2023

This article delves into the role of bureaucrats and administrations in the development of national migration policies in West Africa. Based upon 87 interviews conducted in Accra, Dakar, and Brussels, it argues that the process of developing migration policies in Ghana and Senegal exhibits features of “bureaucratic politics.” West African bureaucracies have gained more national policy-making agency, due to the opportunities created by external funding from the European Union (EU) and the International Organization for Migration. EU funding fostered the policy expertise of local officials and provided certain administrative branches with resources to grow. In the process, bureaucracies in Ghana and Senegal have become more receptive to developing national migration policies and adapting to the EU external migration agenda. These findings add to an often-heard assumption in the literature about EU conditionality in its migration policy with non-EU countries — namely, that adaption to EU standards may be determined by not only the rewards given to foreign governments but also by the donors’ ability to establish a longer-term engagement with the bureaucracy. The research also demonstrates that EU migration cooperation reinforces the typical pattern of the postcolonial state, wherein the bureaucracy is funded by the state and external donors. The article addresses a gap in research on EU migration cooperation with the Global South and acknowledges the role of domestic bureaucracies in maintaining dependent postcolonial relationships with the EU in the realm of migration governance.
Natural rubber/wood composite foam: Thermal insulation and acoustic isolation materials for construction
Authors: Neves de Alencar Laura , Guedes Paiva Fábio Friol , Okimoto Fernando Sérgio , Bacarin Giovani Boaventura , Dognani Guilherme , Salmazo Leandra Oliveira , dos Santos Renivaldo José , Cabrera Flávio Camargo , Job Aldo Eloizo
Published: January 2023

With the advances in the field of civil construction and the world population growth, the development of policies is necessary for the management and reuse of generated residue. Thus, the present work proposes the use of expanded natural rubber as a polymeric matrix incorporated with eucalyptus filler as a reinforcing filler for the production of composites. Thermal insulation capacity was determined by the transient plane source and acoustic method by impedance tube. NR/W40 foam showed enhanced the acoustic insulation capacity. The maximum absorption of NR/W40 was 0.83, at 3257 Hz, which is three times higher than natural rubber foam. Highly inhomogeneous cell structures were observed with large, interconnected pores, improving the acoustic performance. Sound absorption coefficient for natural rubber foam with 40% wood (0.83 ± 0.046) was similar to PU foam (0.97 ± 0.009) with 20 mm in thickness, a density of 47 kg/m3 and 98% open cell content it is a well-known acoustic absorbent in the building sector. The NR/W40 sample recorded the best acoustic performance among the NR foams analyzed in this work, maintaining good sound absorption above 1500 Hz, demonstrating a possibility of wood reuse as a filler in based-rubber foam for acustic insulation.
Epidemiology of anticoagulation for children supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the United States: A Pediatric Hospital Information System database study
Authors: Nellis Marianne E , An Anjile , Mahmood Hera , Prishtina Fisnik , Hena Zachary , Karam Oliver
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Due to the risk of thrombosis, nearly all children supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) receive systemic anticoagulation. While heparin has traditionally been used, there are reports of increased use of direct thrombin inhibitors. We sought to describe the use of anticoagulation in children supported by ECMO in the United States using a large administrative database.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of children supported by ECMO within the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database. Pediatric encounters involving ECMO from 2012 to 2020 were identified. Data regarding demographics, diagnoses, anticoagulation, complications, and outcomes were extracted for eligible encounters.

Results

Eleven thousand five hundred ninety-five encounters that involved ECMO were identified. Fifty-four percent were male with an age range of 0–17 years and a median (IQR) age of 0 (0–2) years. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) only was used in 94% (95% CI: 93.6–94.5%) of encounters and UFH followed by bivalirudin in 5% (95% CI: 4.3–5.1%) of cases. There was a significant difference in the use of bivalirudin from 2012 to 2020 ( p < 0.001). Differences in anticoagulation regimens were observed between infants and children ( p = 0.004) and between those with and without cardiac indications for ECMO ( p < 0.001). Four percent (95% CI: 4.1–4.8%) of encounters were associated with diagnostic coding for thrombosis and differences in occurrence of thrombosis were observed between different anticoagulant regimens ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Though the majority of children on ECMO in the United States receive heparin anticoagulation, there is an increase in use of direct thrombin inhibitors. Prospective studies must evaluate the efficacy of different anticoagulants in this patient population.
Fulminant sepsis secondary to severe lung contusion from the Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System device
Authors: Li Matthew , Al-Qudsi Omar
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Portable mechanical chest compression devices have been developed to improve upon many problems of manual compression, increase patient survival, and improve neurologic outcomes. However, the use of these devices is not without risk of harm to the patient.

Case Report

We describe a patient who received chest compressions from a mechanical compression device after cardiac arrest and subsequently developed fulminant sepsis secondary to lung contusions and a necrotizing pulmonary infection.

Discussion

Although injuries from the LUCAS have been reported, we believe this is the first reported fatal complication related to direct pulmonary injury from a mechanical compression device.

Conclusion

More investigation is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of the LUCAS especially in obese patients.
Continuous positive airway pressure in cluster headache: A randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind, crossover study
Authors: Gravdahl Gøril Bruvik , Aakerøy Lars , Stovner Lars Jacob , Engstrøm Morten , Müller Kai Ivar , Bjørk Marte Helene , Tronvik Erling
Published: January 2023

Background

Oxygen inhalation aborts cluster headache attacks, and case reports show the effect of continuous positive airway pressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the prophylactic effect of continuous positive airway pressure in chronic cluster headache.

Methods

This was a randomized placebo-controlled triple-blind crossover study using active and sham continuous positive airway pressure treatment for chronic cluster headache. Patients entered a one month’s baseline period before randomly being assigned to two months’ active continuous positive airway pressure treatment followed by a four weeks’ washout period and two months’ sham continuous positive airway pressure or vice versa. Primary outcome measure was number of cluster headache attacks/week.

Results

Of the 30 included participants (12 males, median age 49.5 years, min-max 20–66 years), 25 completed both treatment/sham cycles (two discontinued, three lost to follow-up). The median number of cluster headache attacks per week was reduced from 8.25 (0.75–89.75) attacks to 6.25 (0–56.00) attacks for active continuous positive airway pressure and to 7.50 (0.50–43.75) attacks for sham continuous positive airway pressure, but there was no difference in active versus sham (p = 0.904). One patient had a serious adverse event during active treatment, none occurred during sham treatment.

Conclusions

Continuous positive airway pressure treatment did not reduce the number of cluster headache attacks compared to sham treatment in chronic cluster headache patients.

Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov

NCT03397563
Promoting Port Emission Reduction: A Tripartite Evolutionary Game Analysis
Authors: Yuan Kebiao , Wang Xuefeng
Published: January 2023

Port emission reduction (PER) has attracted more and more attention, and promoting PER involves multiple stakeholders. Therefore, based on the evolutionary game theory, this paper establishes a tripartite evolutionary game model involving the government, port enterprise, and port residents, to explore the key variables affecting the implementation of emission reduction measures by the port enterprise. It is found that, in the initial stage of PER, because of the huge emission reduction cost, the government’s incentive policies and the potential losses brought by port residents’ supervision are the driving forces to promote the port enterprises to implement emission reduction measures. In the intermediate stage and mature stage of the development of PER, with the development of emission reduction technology, the emission reduction cost of port enterprises will be reduced, and the incremental income after emission reduction will gradually make up for part of the input cost. At this time, the government can reduce or even cancel relevant subsidies and finally withdraw from the market, and the willingness of port residents to choose supervision will be reduced, then the whole tripartite evolutionary game has reached an evolutionary stable state. In addition, we also provide some management insights for policymakers based on the results of sensitivity analysis of relevant parameters affecting the evolution path of the tripartite game.
Cognitive Dyadic Measurements: A Game-Changer? Construction and First Validation of Three Cognitively Demanding Competitive Tasks
Authors: Lubbe Dirk , Petri Pascale Stephanie
Published: January 2023

Competition among individuals is a natural mode of determining who is fittest. While in nature, economics, and sports, it is common to infer ability or aptitude from the outcome of competitions, our knowledge on its effects in regard to psychological/educational assessment is scarce. In the present pilot study, we explore a measurement approach for assessing individual differences in interpersonal, face-to-face competitions, based on a set of cognitively demanding, competitive, fast-paced, two-opponent tasks. For initial task evaluation, we conducted comprehensive reliability and construct validation analyses, considering cognitive ability, motivation, and personality measures. Moreover, using structural equation models we conducted a simultaneous factorization of the tasks with the other validation measures. The results suggest that the newly developed tasks measure both cognitive ability (intelligence) as well as a competition-specific component. The competition-specific component was positively associated with experience in competitive gaming and negatively correlated with neuroticism. While the pattern of validities was promising, the measurements’ reliabilities were yet unsatisfactory. Implications for future research as well as the design of competition-based measurements are discussed.
The ionosphere: Undermining Britain's imperial power: Wireless and its impact on geopolitics and naval operations (1919–1927)
Authors: Garland Peter
Published: January 2023

The transition of sea power from the battleship-dominated Royal Navy of the First World War to the carrier-dominated United States Navy of the Second is a much discussed topic in current historiography. This article investigates a small but important part of that transition, elements of which have been previously researched but where important connections have not been made and where, in current British historiography, the full picture has perhaps been hidden behind the achievements of one man – Guglielmo Marconi. The contribution of wireless to the transition of sea power had its roots in the immediate aftermath of the First World War. This research reveals that it involved a somewhat clandestine effort by the United States Navy to undermine British dominance in global communications, at that time based on submarine cables. It reveals how Britain's imperial obligations and a post-war need for greater control over their communications by Britain's colonies also contributed to undermining the Royal Navy position. By a thorough review and new interpretations of existing historiography, plus some additional archive material, this work identifies connections between geography, economics, technology and political will that were key in the United States Navy attaining a superior post-war position in wireless technology. It shows how these connections enabled the United States Navy to benefit from Marconi's discovery of the practical use of short-wave radio.