bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep apnea severity based on estimated tidal volume and snoring features from tracheal signals
Authors: Montazeri Ghahjaverestan Nasim , Saha Shumit , Kabir Muammar , Gavrilovic Bojan , Zhu Kaiyin , Yadollahi Azadeh
Published: September 2021

Sleep apnea can be characterized by reductions in the respiratory tidal volume. Previous studies showed that the tidal volume can be estimated from tracheal sounds and movements called tracheal signals. Additionally, tracheal sounds include the sounds of snoring, a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This study investigates the feasibility of estimating the severity of sleep apnea, as quantified by the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), using the estimated tidal volume and snoring sounds extracted from tracheal signals. Tracheal signals were recorded simultaneously with polysomnography (PSG). The tidal volume was estimated from tracheal signals. The reductions in the tidal volume were detected as potential respiratory events. Additionally, features related to snoring sounds, which quantified variability, temporal clusters, and dominant frequency of snores, were extracted. A step‐wise regression model and a greedy search algorithm were used sequentially to select the optimal set of features to estimate the apnea/hypopnea index and classify participants into healthy individuals and patients with sleep apnea. Sixty‐one participants with suspected sleep apnea (age: 51 ± 16, body mass index: 29.5 ± 6.4 kg/m2, apnea/hypopnea index: 20.2 ± 21.2 event/h) who were referred for a sleep test were recruited. The estimated apnea/hypopnea index was strongly correlated with the polysomnography‐based apnea/hypopnea index (R2 = 0.76, p < 0.001). The accuracy of detecting sleep apnea for the apnea/hypopnea index cutoff of 15 events/h was 78.69% and 83.61% with and without using snore‐related features. These findings suggest that acoustic estimation of airflow and snore‐related features can provide a convenient and reliable method for screening of sleep apnea.
Description of oral behavior during the oral processing of heterogeneous apple purees: An application of the temporal check‐all‐that‐apply method
Authors: Martin Christophe , Danten Virginie , Tournier Carole
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study was to assess the potential of the temporal check‐all‐that‐apply (TCATA) method to describe oral behavior from the introduction of products into the mouth until swallowing. In particular, we wanted to test the feasibility of the task, the ability to show differences between composite products, and the possibility of segmenting the panel based on the data collected. Terms referring to actions performed during food oral processing (FOP) were used instead of classical sensory descriptors. The evaluation consisted, for a panel of 54 subjects, of checking the boxes corresponding to the actions in progress throughout the consumption of the products. The five products studied were an apple puree and four heterogeneous mixtures that were obtained by adding gel pieces varying in size (two sizes) and firmness (two levels of firmness). The participants did not encounter any particular difficulty in describing in real time the actions in progress during the consumption of the products. Data collected made it possible to describe the sequences of actions carried out during the FOP and to determine the influence of the presence of pieces of gels, their size and their firmness. We highlighted two groups of subjects presenting different behaviors. The subjects in the first one exhibited little difference in processing between the four samples containing the gel pieces, while the subjects in the second group adapted their behavior according to the firmness of the gel pieces. Overall, this exploratory study suggests the ability of TCATA in describing oral behavior during FOP. Future studies should aim at validating it with objective measurements of FOP.
Water quality, phytoplankton composition and microcystin concentrations in Kisumu Bay (Kenya) of Lake Victoria after a prolonged water hyacinth infestation period
Authors: Miruka Jared Babu , Getabu Albert , Sitoki Lewis , James Onchieku , Mwamburi Job , George Ogendi , Chrisphine Nyamweya , Odoli Cyprian
Published: September 2021

The production of phytoplankton (algal) toxins and their control is of concern because of the need to reduce their negative impacts on water quality and facilitate effective management of algal blooms. The present study was conducted between September 2017 to May 2018, focusing on Kisumu Bay in the Kenyan portion of Lake Victoria, in order to establish the magnitude of potential impacts on phytoplankton composition and microcystin following a prolonged presence of water hyacinth coverage between 2013 and 2018 within the gulf, with an estimated coverage range varying between 644 and 1224 ha. Triplicate samples of physico‐chemical parameters, nutrients, phytoplankton, chlorophyll‐a and algal toxins (N = 88) were collected at eleven sampling sites to determine their spatio‐temporal variability. The main identified algal taxa comprised Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Zygnematophyceae and Dinophyceae. The most dominant algal species were Microcystis aeruginosa (25%), Merismopedia spp. (23%) and Anabaena flos‐aquae (16%). Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used to determine microcystin (MC) toxins in the water. Mean MC‐LR and MC‐YR concentrations were significantly correlated (R2 = 0.972), exceeding WHO standards at three sampling sites (Coca Cola, 2.84 ± 4.76; Kisumu pier, 1.78 ± 1.87; Midpoint, 1.44 ± 2.71 μg/L MC–LR). There were significant temporal variations (p < .05) in the SRP, TN, NO3‐N, NO2‐N, NH4‐N, SiO2‐Si, MC‐LR, MC‐YR, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved and suspended solids (TDS; TSS), turbidity, electrical conductivity, Secchi depth, temperature and pH levels. The water depth, TP and DO also vary spatially. The nitrogen to phosphorus concentration ratios differed from the expected N:P ratio of 16:1, indicating a highly eutrophic status. The disproportionate ratio of total phosphorus and total nitrogen in the bay may be responsible for the enhanced cyanobacterial blooms it exhibits. The results of the present study provide useful information and data for formulating regulations for water quality management.
Framing healthcare professionals in written adverse events: A discourse analysis
Authors: Gyberg Anna , Henoch Ingela , Lepp Margret , Ulin Kerstin
Published: September 2021

Healthcare professionals have a major responsibility to protect patients from harm. Despite vast efforts to decrease the number of adverse events, the progression of patient safety has internationally been acknowledged as slow. From a social construction perspective, it has been argued that the understanding of patient safety is contextual based on historical and structural rules, and that this meaning construction points out different directions of possible patient safety actions. By focusing on fact construction and its productive and limiting effect on how something can be understood, we explored the discourses about healthcare professionals in 29 written reports of adverse events as reported by patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals. Through the analysis, a discourse about the healthcare professionals as experts was found. The expert role most dominantly included an understanding that adverse events were identified through physical signs and that patient safety could be prevented by more strictly following routines and work procedures. We drew upon the conclusion that these regimes of truth brought power to the expert discourse, to the point that it became difficult for patients and relatives to engage in patient safety actions on their terms.
Performance of generalist hemiparasitic Euphrasia across a phylogenetically diverse host spectrum
Authors: Brown Max R. , Moore Paloma G. P. , Twyford Alex D.
Published: September 2021

Generalist hemiparasites may attach to many different host species and experience complex parasite–host interactions. How these parasite–host interactions impact on the fitness of hemiparasitic plants remain largely unknown.

We used experimentally tractable eyebrights (Euphrasia, Orobanchaceae) to understand parasite–host species interactions affecting the performance of a generalist hemiparasitic plant. Common garden experiments were carried out measuring Euphrasia performance across 45 diverse hosts and in different parasite–host combinations.

We show that variation in hemiparasite performance can be attributed mainly to host species and host phylogenetic relationships (λ = 0.82; 0.17–1.00 CI). When variation in performance is considered temporally, annual host species cause earlier flowering, and lead to poorer performance late in the season. While Euphrasia species typically perform similarly on a given host species, some eyebrights show more specialized parasite–host species interactions.

Our results show that generalist hemiparasites only benefit from attaching to a limited, but phylogenetically divergent, subset of hosts. The conserved responses of divergent Euphrasia species suggest hemiparasite performance is affected by common host attributes. However, evidence for more complex parasite–host species interactions show that a generalist hemiparasite can potentially respond to individual host selection pressures and may adapt to local host communities.
The epistemology of modal modeling
Authors: Sjölin Wirling Ylwa , Grüne‐Yanoff Till
Published: September 2021

Philosophers of science have recently taken care to highlight different modeling practices where scientific models primarily contribute modal information, in the form of for example possibility claims, how‐possibly explanations, or counterfactual conditionals. While examples abound, comparatively little attention is being paid to the question of under what conditions, and in virtue of what, models can perform this epistemic function. In this paper, we firstly delineate modal modeling from other modeling practices, and secondly review attempts to spell out and explain the epistemic success conditions of modal modeling. The aim is to more clearly expose the respective justificatory strategies of these accounts, and secondly, to identify lacunae where further work is needed.
The secreted proteome of necrotrophic Ciborinia camelliae causes nonhost‐specific virulence
Authors: Kondratev Nikolai , Middleditch Martin J. , Denton‐Giles Matthew , Bradshaw Rosie E. , Cox Murray P. , Dijkwel Paul P.
Published: September 2021

Ciborinia camelliae (Sclerotiniaceae) is a host‐ and organ‐specific fungal pathogen that causes rapid browning and flower drop on ornamental plants of the genus Camellia. To determine the nature of its necrotrophic factors, we tested whether proteins secreted by C. camelliae can damage host‐plant tissues. Fungal culture filtrate caused necrogenic activity, abolished by heat or protease treatments, thus indicating that the secreted necrogenic agents are probably proteinaceous in nature. Mass spectrometry‐based proteomics was used to detect and identify secreted proteins of C. camelliae. Proteins secreted in culture media (in vitro) and in petal apoplast (in planta) had similar functional distributions, and key identified proteins included homologs to known virulence factors of the closely related Sclerotiniaceae fungus Botrytis cinerea, including endopolygalacturonases, cerato‐platanin family proteins, and necrosis‐ and ethylene‐inducing peptides. The main class of secreted proteins were carbohydrate‐active enzymes, a characteristic signature of necrotrophic plant pathogens. Both fungal culture filtrate and apoplastic washes of infected petals induced necrosis when infiltrated into host and nonhost plants. This suggests that while some of the secreted proteins might contribute to virulence of C. camelliae, and can cause necrosis similar to secreted proteins of broad‐host Sclerotiniaceae pathogens, they do not have a role in determining its host specificity.
The Contemporary Presidency: “Was the “Deep State” Out to Get President Trump? Evidence from Campaign Contributions from F.B.I. Personnel”
Authors: Nownes Anthony J.
Published: September 2021

Was the “deep state” truly “out to get” President Donald Trump during his presidency? This article addresses this question by examining the federal campaign contributing behavior of the deepest of allegedly “deep state” actors—employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.). Our findings, showing that F.B.I. employees contributed vanishingly low sums of money during the Trump years and that those who did make contributions tended to support President Trump, suggest that the F.B.I. was not out to destroy the president.
Halting Jacob in Early Modern Sermons
Authors: Mclelland Kaye
Published: September 2021

Early seventeenth‐century sermons on Genesis 32 present an extrabiblical trope of Jacob’s persistent limp that seems at odds with surrounding societal attitudes to lameness specifically and disability more generally and even with attitudes to lameness elsewhere in the Bible. Despite there being no subsequent mention of a disability in the Jacob narrative, he is frequently described in sermons and other religious writing of the period as ‘halting to his grave’ and other phrases suggestive of memento mori. Yet, rather than indicating a negative attitude to lameness, Jacob’s limp is seen as part of his blessing. Looking at preachers including Thomas Adams and William Perkins, and in the light of early modern concerns with Biblical translation and advances in anatomical knowledge, this article uses textual and linguistic analysis to examine the theological desire for a lame or limping Jacob, and the implications of his role within the metaphorical repertoire of the early modern sermon.
Experimental Economics and the New Commodities Problem
Authors: Diewert W. Erwin , Fox Kevin J. , Schreyer Paul
Published: September 2021

Brynjolfsson et al. (2019a) have used experimental economics to measure the welfare benefits of free commodities and to define an extended measure of output, GDP‐B. In this paper, their methodological approach is generalized to measuring the benefits of new commodities which may or may not be free. Their approach leads to a new method for estimating Hicksian reservation prices. The new methodology in the present paper requires experimental estimates for household willingness to pay for new commodities or estimates for the compensation required for households to give up their use of a new commodity.
The Danish “11 for Health” program raises health knowledge, well‐being, and fitness in ethnic minority 10‐ to 12‐year‐olds
Authors: Ryom Knud , Christiansen Søren Riis , Elbe Anne‐Marie , Aggestrup Charlotte Sandager , Madsen Esben Elholm , Madsen Mads , Larsen Malte Nejst , Krustrup Peter
Published: September 2021

Objectives

This study investigated the effects of the health promotion intervention “11 for Health in Denmark” program on 10‐ to 12‐year‐old ethnic minority schoolchildren's enjoyment, health knowledge, well‐being, and fitness.

Methods

1122 Danish 5th grade schoolchildren with ethnic minority background from 154 schools were randomized (5:1) to an intervention group (IG, n = 944) or a control group (CG, n = 178). The IG and CG were also divided into subgroups of children active in a sports club (IGPA: n = 644; CGPA: n = 122) and not active in a sports club (IGPI: n = 300, CGPI: n = 56). IG participated in the “11 for Health in Denmark” 11‐week program, consisting of 2 × 45 min per week of football drills, small‐sided games, and health education, whereas CG continued their regular activities. Pre‐post physical testing and questionnaires were applied (short version of the multidimensional well‐being questionnaire KIDSCREEN‐27, and a 34‐item health knowledge questionnaire).

Results

The “11 for Health in Denmark” program was rated moderate‐to‐high on a 1–5 scale for enjoyment by girls (3.57) and boys (3.65). The intervention had positive between‐group effect on health knowledge in relation to hygiene (IG vs GC: 10.6% points (CI95%: 6.9:14.3), p < 0.05), nutrition (9.6% point (CI95%: 7.4:11.8), p < 0.01) and physical activity 4.4% points (CI95%: 2.2:6.6) as well as overall health knowledge (5.7% points, (CI95%: 4.3;7.1), p < 0.05), with similar effects for girls and boys. The IGPI subgroup showed a positive effect on well‐being (p = 0.04, school and learning) and also fitness effects on performance and VO2 max (p = 0.02: p = 0.01). The IGPA subgroup showed a positive effect on fitness scores (p = 0.02, BMI).

Conclusion

The intervention program was enjoyable and had a positive impact on health knowledge of ethnic minority background schoolchildren. In addition, the intervention program had the strongest positive effects on well‐being and fitness scores for the non‐sports club‐active children.
The operation of the social support sector serving siblings of people with disabilities: A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Meltzer Ariella
Published: September 2021

Sibling support is a form of support often offered to the brother or sister of a person with disability. While practiced around the world and the subject of much research interest, most research about sibling support has been outcomes evaluation of individual sibling support programs, rather than about the operational/structural circumstances of the organizations providing sibling support or of the sibling support sector at large. Within this context, this paper offers the first research of its kind: an exploratory study of the business operation of sibling support in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, USA and Canada. Drawing on semi‐structured interviews with 13 leaders of sibling support provider organizations in these countries, the paper focuses on sibling support providers' business models, funding, staffing, leadership and governance. The findings highlight that across countries, sibling support is a sub‐section of the not‐for‐profit/charity sector that mostly operates with minimal funding and staffing, and which is largely driven by the passion and personal experience of those who run sibling support organizations. The paper discusses the implications of the findings, with the conceptual lens of seeking to formalize recognition and legitimacy for sibling support as a distinct social service type within the disability/health/social care and not‐for‐profit/charity spaces. Further, by aggregating the experiences of sibling support providers across countries, the paper is able to show that—while a distinct service type and sector—the successes and challenges of the sibling support sector nevertheless also very much reflect the broader struggles of many other small not‐for‐profits/charities.
In vivo examination of healthy human skin after short‐time treatment with moisturizers using confocal Raman spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography: Preliminary observations
Authors: Ruini Cristel , Kendziora Benjamin , Ergun Ecem Z. , Sattler Elke , Gust Charlotte , French Lars E. , Bağcı Işın Sinem , Hartmann Daniela
Published: September 2021

Skin is our barrier against environmental damage. Moisturizers are widely used to increase hydration and barrier integrity of the skin; however, there are contrasting observations on their in vivo effects in real‐life settings. In cosmetic studies, corneometers and tewameters are traditionally used to assess skin hydration. In this study, two novel noninvasive diagnostic techniques, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal Raman spectroscopy, were used to analyze stratum corneum and epidermal thickness (ET), water content, blood flow in function of depth, skin roughness, attenuation coefficient, natural moisturizing factor, ceramides and free fatty acids, cholesterol, urea, and lactates in 20 female subjects aged between 30 and 45 before and after 2 weeks application of a commercially available moisturizing lotion on one forearm. The untreated forearm served as control. A third measurement was conducted 1 week after cessation of moisturizing to verify whether the changes in the analyzed parameters persisted. We noticed a reduction in skin roughness, an increase in ceramides and free fatty acids and a not statistically significant increase in ET. As a conclusion, short time moisturizing appears insufficient to provide significant changes in skin morphology and composition, as assessed by OCT and RS. Novel noninvasive imaging methods are suitable for the evaluation of skin response to topical moisturizers. Further studies on larger sample size and longer treatment schedules are needed to analyze changes under treatment with moisturizers and to standardize the use of novel noninvasive diagnostic techniques.
Autoregressive and moving average models for zero‐inflated count time series
Authors: Sathish Vurukonda , Mukhopadhyay Siuli , Tiwari Rashmi
Published: September 2021

Zero inflation is a common nuisance while monitoring disease progression over time. This article proposes a new observation‐driven model for zero‐inflated and over‐dispersed count time series. The counts given from the past history of the process and available information on covariates are assumed to be distributed as a mixture of a Poisson distribution and a distribution degenerated at zero, with a time‐dependent mixing probability, . Since, count data usually suffers from overdispersion, a Gamma distribution is used to model the excess variation, resulting in a zero‐inflated negative binomial regression model with mean parameter . Linear predictors with autoregressive and moving average (ARMA) type terms, covariates, seasonality and trend are fitted to and through canonical link generalized linear models. Estimation is done using maximum likelihood aided by iterative algorithms, such as Newton‐Raphson (NR) and Expectation and Maximization. Theoretical results on the consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimators are given. The proposed model is illustrated using in‐depth simulation studies and two disease datasets.
Balloon expandable aortic stent‐graft for the treatment of aortic aneurysm and rupture in a dog
Authors: Klainbart Sigal , Segev Gilad , Chen Hilla , Peery Dana , Shipov Anna
Published: September 2021

Objective

To describe the successful placement of an aortic stent graft in a dog suffering from aortic aneurysm and rupture.

Case summary

A 4‐year‐old neutered female mixed breed dog weighing 25 kg was presented with a chief complaint of acute onset of weakness and respiratory distress. On presentation, the dog was lateral and unresponsive, hypothermic, tachycardic, and tachypneic. Pleural effusion was identified in the right hemi‐thorax on thoracic‐focused sonographic scan for trauma. Thoracic radiographs showed a fluid/soft tissue opacity in the cranial mediastinum and pleural effusion on the right side. Thoracocentesis yielded noncoagulating blood. Hematology revealed normal PCV and total plasma protein that decreased within 24 hours to 20% and 50 g/L (20%/5.0 g/dL), respectively. The dog was treated with IV fluids, tranexamic acid, and fresh frozen plasma. An aortic aneurysm with irregular mineralization of the right ventrolateral aortic wall was identified on computed tomography examination, which also demonstrated a peri‐aortic hematoma. A decision was made to attempt treatment with a stent graft. Under general anesthesia, a marker catheter was inserted into the esophagus. A 10‐Fr sheath was inserted into the right femoral artery, and an angiography catheter was advanced over a wire. After angiography, a stent graft (12‐mm × 50‐mm) was placed over the guide wire and deployed under fluoroscopic guidance. The dog recovered uneventfully, with no evidence of recurrent bleeding, and was discharged 2 days after the procedure with antimicrobials, anthelmintic, and antithrombotic treatment. At 90‐day follow‐up, the dog was doing well, and stent position was radiographically confirmed.

New or unique information provided

This report describes successful management of aortic aneurysm and dissection, an uncommon and challenging pathology in the veterinary practice with few available treatment options. Stent graft placement is a minimally invasive procedure in which a covered stent is placed over the lesion to prevent rupture.
Clinical comparison of tear film breakup time measurements in normal dogs using three different methods of fluorescein solution administration
Authors: Palmer Samantha , Ramos Renata V. , Rodriguez Galarza Roxanne M.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate whether the method of fluorescein administration affects the results of tear film breakup time (TFBUT) measurement in normal dogs.

Animals studied

Thirty‐seven client and hospital staff owned dogs over 1 year of age with no known comorbidities or administration of systemic or topical ophthalmic medications.

Procedures

A prospective randomized three‐way crossover study was conducted. All dogs received an abbreviated ophthalmic examination to rule out ocular surface disease. Using a 30‐min washout interval period, each dog's right eye was received: (a) direct application of fluorescein stain strip with one drop of sterile eyewash, (b) direct application of fluorescein stain strip with two drops of sterile eyewash, or (c) application of one drop from a premade fluorescein solution (dilution of one strip in 0.3 mL sterile eyewash). Eyes were assessed using the cobalt blue filter of a slit lamp biomicroscope. TFBUT measurements were summarized as means ± standard deviation. The methods were compared using mixed model analysis of variance. All analyses were performed using sas version 9.4.

Results

Thirty‐seven dogs met the inclusion criteria. Mean TFBUT ± standard deviation (SD) for the three described methods were: (a) 16.58s ± 6.9, (b) 15.98s ± 7.1, and (c) 16.43s ± 8.1. No differences between fluorescein stain application techniques were observed (p = .92).

Conclusion

The technique of fluorescein solution administration did not affect TFBUT measurement in this population of healthy dogs.
Humanization of care for adult ICU patients: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Gareau Stéphanie , de Oliveira Élaine Machado , Gallani Maria Cecilia
Published: September 2021

Objective:

The objective of this review is to review and map data from studies on the humanization of care in intensive care units based on a conceptual framework.

Introduction:

The critical context of adult patients in intensive care units directs the focus on clinical medical interventions, drawing attention away from the humanization of care. Rethinking intensive care is imperative and the humanization of care is an absolute priority. Literature on this topic is scattered under umbrella terms such as “patient-centered care” or specific terms referring to target interventions. A scoping review based on a conceptual framework will map the literature on humanization in intensive care units.

Inclusion criteria:

The review will consider studies on the humanization of care, or on one of the seven components of the conceptual framework (communication, visiting hours, patients’ and health care professionals’ well-being, family involvement and satisfaction, post–intensive care unit syndrome, and physical environment) focusing on adult patients in intensive care units. Studies on co-existing states or end-of-life care will be excluded.

Methods:

A search of Embase, PubMed, and CINAHL will be conducted to identify relevant studies in English or French on the humanization of care, holistic care, or person-centered care in an adult intensive-care environment. The time period covered will be January 1, 2010 to the present. An iterative team approach will be used to screen and select studies and extract data. Data will be charted according to study design, distribution in time, cultural context, concepts, use of theoretical models, and intervention. The results will be summarized and reported, identifying the implications for policy, practice, and research.
Accuracy of imaging modalities at detecting extracapsular spread of cervical lymph node metastases in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer: a systematic review protocol of diagnostic test accuracy
Authors: Morey Tristan , Stern Cindy , Foreman Andrew , Hodge John-Charles
Published: September 2021

Objective:

The objective of this review is to evaluate the accuracy of different imaging modalities in detecting extracapsular spread (ECS) of cervical lymph node metastases in human papillomavirus positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Introduction:

Extracapsular spread of lymph node metastases is associated with poor prognosis, and its detection in head and neck cancer is crucial for treatment planning. Commonly used imaging modalities to detect ECS in OPSCC include computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and ultrasonography. Currently there is no gold standard imaging modality to detect ECS in OPSCC.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider published studies examining the diagnostic accuracy (including sensitivity and specificity) of an imaging modality used to detect ECS in HPV+ OPSCC. Participants will have a diagnosis of HPV+ OPSCC and suspected diagnosis of ECS of cervical lymph node metastases. The index test will be different imaging modalities used to detect ECS, and the reference test will be histopathology.

Methods:

A three-step search strategy will be undertaken to identify relevant studies in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus. A standardized critical appraisal tool (QUADAS-2) will be used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. The main outcomes will be sensitivity and specificity measures reported with 95% confidence intervals. Meta-analysis will be conducted using a bivariate model approach after pooling the studies according to imaging modality. Meta-regression will be used to explore heterogeneity. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses will be used to compare studies and imaging modalities. The results will be presented using either paired forest plots, summary receiver operator characteristic curves, or a narrative synthesis. A GRADE Summary of Findings will be provided.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42021250626
Sub‐maximal aerobic exercise training reduces haematocrit and ameliorates symptoms in Andean highlanders with chronic mountain sickness
Authors: Macarlupú José Luis , Vizcardo‐Galindo Gustavo , Figueroa‐Mujíca Rómulo , Voituron Nicolas , Richalet Jean‐Paul , Villafuerte Francisco C.
Published: September 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the effect of sub‐maximal aerobic exercise training on signs and symptoms of chronic mountain sickness (CMS) in Andean highlanders?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Aerobic exercise training (ET) effectively reduces haematocrit, ameliorates symptoms and improves aerobic capacity in CMS patients, suggesting that a regular aerobic ET programme might be used as a low‐cost non‐invasive/non‐pharmacological management strategy of this syndrome.

Excessive erythrocytosis is the hallmark sign of chronic mountain sickness (CMS), a debilitating syndrome associated with neurological symptoms and increased cardiovascular risk. We have shown that unlike sedentary residents at the same altitude, trained individuals maintain haematocrit within sea‐level range, and thus we hypothesise that aerobic exercise training (ET) might reduce excessive haematocrit and ameliorate CMS signs and symptoms. Eight highlander men (38 ± 12 years) with CMS (haematocrit: 70.6 ± 1.9%, CMS score: 8.8 ± 1.4) from Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4340 m) participated in the study. Baseline assessment included haematocrit, CMS score, pulse oximetry, maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing and in‐office plus 24 h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring. Blood samples were collected to assess cardiometabolic, erythropoietic, and haemolysis markers. ET consisted of pedalling exercise in a cycloergometer at 60% of for 1 h/day, 4 days/week for 8 weeks, and participants were assessed at weeks 4 and 8. Haematocrit and CMS score decreased significantly by week 8 (to 65.6 ± 6.6%, and 3.5 ± 0.8, respectively, P < 0.05), while and maximum workload increased with ET (33.8 ± 2.4 vs. 37.2 ± 2.0 ml/min/kg, P < 0.05; and 172.5 ± 9.4 vs. 210.0 ± 27.8 W, P < 0.01; respectively). Except for an increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, other blood markers and BP showed no differences. Our results suggest that reduction of haematocrit and CMS symptoms results mainly from haemodilution due to plasma volume expansion rather than to haemolysis. In conclusion, we show that ET can effectively reduce haematocrit, ameliorate symptoms and improve aerobic capacity in CMS patients, suggesting that regular aerobic exercise might be used as a low‐cost non‐invasive and non‐pharmacological management strategy.
Study on Design Method of Combustion Reference Values for Model-Based Control of Advanced Diesel Engine
Authors: Kim Jihoon , Yamasaki Yudai
Published: September 2021

Model-based control systems are drawing attention in relation to implementing advanced combustion technologies with high thermal efficiency and low emissions, such as homogeneous charge compression ignition and premixed charge compression ignition combustion, having low robustness. A model-based control system for engine combustion derives control inputs based on reference values and operating conditions in each cycle. Thus, it can replace the conventional control map, which necessitates a significant number of experiments. However, model-based control for combustion requires reference values, such as heat-release-rate peak timing and value, which represent the combustion state. In addition, because model-based control systems derive control inputs cycle by cycle, the combustion reference for the transient condition is critical for maximizing the benefit of such systems. Therefore, this study describes a design method of the combustion reference values for transient operation. The combustion method targeted in this study is a premixed compression ignition combustion that exhibits two-stage heat releases and can reduce combustion noise. Particularly, a method using predicted future operating conditions considering the driving characteristics is proposed. Designed combustion reference values with the proposed method were evaluated with engine control experiments in a certain part of worldwide harmonized light vehicles test cycle. Results indicate that the rate of achieving the desired two-stage heat releases combustion improved from 57% to 81% and combustion noise reduced. Thus, designing the combustion reference values for transient operation by considering future operating conditions is effective to ensure advanced combustion. In addition, such a method can consider the driving characteristics.
A Finite Element Model for the Prediction of Chip Formation and Surface Morphology in Friction Stir Welding Process
Authors: Das Debtanay , Bag Swarup , Pal Sukhomay , Amin M Ruhul
Published: September 2021

Friction stir welding (FSW) is widely recognized green manufacturing process capable of producing good quality welded joints at a temperature lower than the melting point. However, most of the works are focused on the establishment of the process parameters for a defect-free joint. There is a lack to understand the formation of defects from a physical basis and visualization of the same, which is otherwise difficult to predict by means of simple experiments. The conventional models do not predict chip formation and surface morphology by accounting for the material loss during the process. Hence, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element-based thermomechanical model is developed following coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) approach to understand surface morphology by triggering material flow associated with tool–material interaction. In the present quasi-static analysis, the mass scaling factor is explored to make the model computationally feasible by varying the FSW parameter of plunge depth. The simulated results are validated with experimentally measured temperature and surface morphology. In the CEL approach, the material flow out of the workpiece enables the visualization of the chip formation, whereas small deformation predicts the surface quality of the joint.
Power Generation and Oxygen Transfer Analyses for Micro Hydro-Turbine Installed in Wastewater Treatment Aeration Tank
Authors: Salem Abdel Rahman , Hasan Alaa , Hadi Ahmad Abdel , Al Hamad Saif , Qandil Mohammad , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: September 2021

This study targets one of the major energy consumers in the U.S. It suggests a new mechanical system that can recover a portion of the energy in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs). The proposed system entails a hydro-turbine installed above the air diffuser in the aeration tank to extract the water-bubble current’s kinetic energy and converts it to electricity. Observing the optimum location of the turbine required multiple experiments where turbine height varies between 35% and 95% (water height percentages above the diffuser), while varying the airflow between 1.42 L/s (3 CFM) and 2.12 L/s (4.5 CFM) with a 0.24 L/s (0.5 CFM) increment. Additionally, three water heights of 38.1 cm (15″), 53.4 cm (21″), and 68.6 cm (27″) were considered to study the influence of the water height. It was noticed that the presence of the system has an adverse effect on the standard oxygen transfer efficiency (SOTE). Therefore, a small dual-blade propeller was installed right above the diffuser to directly mix the water in the bottom of the tank with the incoming air to enhance the SOTE. The results showed that the maximum reclaimed power was obtained where the hydro-turbine is installed at 65–80% above the diffuser. A reduction of up to 7.32% in SOTE was observed when the setup was placed inside the tank compared to the tank alone. The addition of the dual-blade propeller showed an increase in SOTE of 7.27% with a power loss of 6.21%, ensuring the aeration process was at its standards.
Optimizing Power Reclamation of Micro Hydro Turbines in WWTPs Aeration Basins
Authors: Hasan Alaa , Salem Abdel Rahman , Abdelhadi Ahmad , Al Hamad Saif , Qandil Mohammad , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the optimum operating conditions and design configurations that can optimize the power reclaimed by small hydro turbines derived by the rising water-bubble current. The rising current is generated by the compressed air introduced by the diffusers at the bottom of aeration basins of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs). While optimizing the power production, the standard oxygen transfer efficiency (SOTE) is monitored since it is a significant parameter that cannot be sacrificed in the operation of WWTPs. Using one set of turbine blades, it was found out that the highest velocity is obtained in the upper half of the water column (70% - 80%). In contrast, the lowest velocities were obtained just above the air diffuser and at the water surface. Testing started with using a single turbine (ST) to determine the location of the optimum power reclaimed at each tested airflow (1.18, 1.42, 1.65, and 1.89 L/s). Then using double turbine (DT) and triple turbine (TT) to compare their performance to the ST’s maximum power increased power reclamation. The maximum percentage of increase in power reclamation for DT is 19.59%, while it is 20.24% in the case of TT. At a commonly used airflow in WWTPs (1.42 L/s), the optimum configurations of DTs and TTs were selected to investigate the effect of having the proposed setup on the SOTE. For membrane diffusers, DTs and TTs limited the dispersion of the air bubbles in the tank, therefore, reducing the SOTE (8.3% for DT and 3.7% for the TT). The ceramic and sharp-nub diffusers were also tested versus rubber membrane ones to determine the effect of using the ceramic and sharp-nub diffusers on the power reclamation and SOTE. Ceramic diffusers neither achieve higher power reclamation than the membrane nor increases the SOTE. In contrast, sharp-nub diffusers increase the SOTE for all configurations compared to membranes, but this came into account of power reclamation, where sharp-nub diffusers cause a DT and a TT to produce less power than ST does.
Assessment of Renewable Natural Gas Refueling Stations for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Authors: Yaïci Wahiba , Longo Michela
Published: September 2021

With environmental concerns and limited natural resources, there is a need for cleaner sources of energy in the transportation sector. Renewable natural gas (RNG) is being considered as a potential fuel for heavy-duty applications due to its comparable usage to diesel and gasoline in vehicles. The idea of compressed RNG vehicles is being proposed especially because it will significantly reduce harmful emissions into the environment. This study examines the feasibility of implementing a nationwide network of compressed RNG refueling infrastructure in order to accommodate a conversion of long-haul, heavy-duty (LHHD) truck fleet from diesel fuel to RNG. Two methods, Constant Traffic and Variable Traffic, along with data about compressed RNG infrastructure and vehicles, were developed and used to predict fuelling requirements for LHHD truck fleet. Then, a detailed economic analysis was conducted on various test cases to estimate how different variables impact the final selling price of RNG. This provided insight with the understanding of what factors go into pricing RNG and if it can compete against diesel in the trucking market. Results disclosed that the cost to purchase RNG is the greatest factor in the final selling price of compressed RNG. Due to the variability in RNG production, however, there is no precise cost, which makes predictions challenging. However, results revealed that it is possible for compressed RNG to be competitive with diesel, with the mean compressed RNG price being 16.5% cheaper than diesel, before being taxed. Future studies should focus on the feasibility of the production of RNG and the associated costs. An in-depth analysis on operational and maintenance costs for compressed RNG refueling stations may also provide predictions that are more accurate. The methodology developed in this feasibility analysis may serve as a useful tool for future techno-economics of RNG refueling stations for other types of internal combustion engine (ICE) fleets or those powered with alternative green fuels.
Performance Analysis of Solar Thermal Powered Supercritical Organic Rankine Cycle-Assisted Low-Temperature Multi-Effect Desalination Coupled With Mechanical Vapor Compression
Authors: Almatrafi Eydhah , Moloney Francesca , Goswami D. Y.
Published: September 2021

Power and freshwater demand are increasing as populations around the world keep growing. Due to the environmental impact of using fossil fuels and limited resources, using solar thermal in desalination application is a valuable option. In this paper, an innovative new design of low-temperature multi-effect desalination coupled with mechanical vapor compression (LT-MED-MVC) powered by supercritical organic Rankine cycle (SORC) utilizing a low-grade solar heat source using evacuated tube collectors is analyzed. The proposed design has the potential to desalinate water of high salt concentrations or brine with high salinity more than 100,000 ppm or effluent streams from a power plant with low energy consumption and high efficiency when compared to other systems. The performance of the LT-MED-MVC was found to be better than similar systems found in the literature. The specific power consumption for the system is lower than 4 kW h/m3 for seawater feed salinity of 100,000 ppm, 14 forward feed effects, and a recovery rate of 50%. The overall system efficiency is about 14%. The impact of increasing the number of effects, motive steam temperature, pressure of SORC, and salt concentration on the specific power consumption, solar collector area, and the system efficiency are also analyzed.
Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at a soft x-ray source: Present and future perspectives of hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at BESSY II
Authors: Félix Roberto , Gorgoi Mihaela , Wilks Regan G. , Bär Marcus
Published: September 2021

Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) is a powerful technique to characterize the chemical and electronic structures of materials. In energy conversion devices, often composed of a stack of thin layers and thus containing multiple buried interfaces, the increased probing depth of HAXPES, compared to conventional x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, makes it a technique of choice to ultimately reveal a more comprehensive device-relevant picture. In this contribution, we provide a brief review of recent HAXPES experiments conducted at the High Kinetic Energy Photoelectron Spectrometer endstation located at the BESSY II KMC-1 beamline at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH, focusing on three different prominent sample material systems widely used in energy conversion devices: (1) Cu-chalcogenides, (2) metal oxides, and (3) halide perovskites. The findings revealed by these studies highlight the advantage of knowledge-based heterointerface design in energy conversion devices, building interface models based on direct measurements targeting the entire structure as only possible by HAXPES. We conclude by giving an update on the new and enhanced HAXPES experimental capabilities starting to be offered by the Energy Materials In-situ Laboratory Berlin facility.
The contribution of spectral processing to the acquisition of phonological sensitivity by adolescent cochlear implant users and normal-hearing controls
Authors: Nittrouer Susan , Lowenstein Joanna H. , Sinex Donal G.
Published: September 2021

This study tested the hypotheses that (1) adolescents with cochlear implants (CIs) experience impaired spectral processing abilities, and (2) those impaired spectral processing abilities constrain acquisition of skills based on sensitivity to phonological structure but not those based on lexical or syntactic (lexicosyntactic) knowledge. To test these hypotheses, spectral modulation detection (SMD) thresholds were measured for 14-year-olds with normal hearing (NH) or CIs. Three measures each of phonological and lexicosyntactic skills were obtained and used to generate latent scores of each kind of skill. Relationships between SMD thresholds and both latent scores were assessed. Mean SMD threshold was poorer for adolescents with CIs than for adolescents with NH. Both latent lexicosyntactic and phonological scores were poorer for the adolescents with CIs, but the latent phonological score was disproportionately so. SMD thresholds were significantly associated with phonological but not lexicosyntactic skill for both groups. The only audiologic factor that also correlated with phonological latent scores for adolescents with CIs was the aided threshold, but it did not explain the observed relationship between SMD thresholds and phonological latent scores. Continued research is required to find ways of enhancing spectral processing for children with CIs to support their acquisition of phonological sensitivity.
An Exploration of the Relationship Between Disordered Eating, Exercise Dependence, and Athletic Injury
Authors: Scherzer Carrie B. , Trenchuk Jeremy , Peters Meaghan , Mazury Robert
Published: September 2021

Athletes can be at elevated risk for developing eating disorders, the effects of which can be devastating. Few researchers have examined the influence of a predisposition toward an eating disorder on athletic injury. Exercise dependence might bridge the gap toward understanding this relationship. This study sought to examine the relationship between predisposition toward an eating disorder and exercise dependence and looked at both as predictors of athletic injury. College students (n = 132) completed the Eating Disorders Inventory and the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire, as well as provided demographic, activity, and injury information. Subscales of the Eating Disorders Inventory and Exercise Dependence Questionnaire were significant predictors of having at least one athletic injury in the preceding year. These findings suggest that both predisposition toward an eating disorder and exercise dependence may be contributing factors to injury.
Regulating forensic genetic genealogy
Authors: Ram Natalie , Murphy Erin E. , Suter Sonia M.
Published: September 2021

Maryland ’s new law provides a model for others