bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate postinterventional flat-panel CT: Differentiation of hemorrhagic transformation from contrast exudation of acute ischemic stroke patients after thrombectomy
Authors: Pan Xiao-Hu , Qiu Kai , Zhu Fa-Yong , Shi Hai-Bin , Liu Sheng
Published: August 2022

Background

Flat-panel computed tomography (CT) is an available imaging modality immediately after endovascular thrombectomy without transferring patients to the CT room.

Purpose

To determine the accuracy of flat-panel CT scans in differentiating hemorrhagic transformation (HT) from contrast exudation after thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Material and Methods

From January 2019 to December 2021, consecutive patients with AIS who received an immediate flat-panel CT scan and follow-up neuroimaging after thrombectomy were enrolled in our study. The receiver operating characteristic curve was adopted to assess the discriminating accuracy of characteristics of flat-panel CT for HT.

Results

A total of 108 patients were enrolled in the study; 58 (53.7%) patients presented with hyperdense lesions on flat-panel CT. Patients with hyperdense lesions experienced a higher proportion of HT than patients without (58.7% vs. 10.0%; P < 0.001). Among all patients with hyperdensity on flat-panel CT, patients who experienced HT had higher average Hounsfield units (HUavg) (125 vs. 93; P = 0.001) and a higher proportion of mass effect (67.6 vs. 12.5; P < 0.001). The flat-panel CT differentiating HT from contrast exudation yielded a sensitivity of 87.2% and a negative predictive value of 90.0%. The area under the curve of HUavg, mass effect, and combination for differentiation of HT were 0.74, 0.78, and 0.83, respectively.

Conclusion

The hyperdensity on immediately post-thrombectomy flat-panel CT could differentiate HT from contrast exudation with an excellent negative predictive value. The ability of flat-panel CT in differentiating HT from contrast exudation was improved when combined with HUavg and mass effect.
Influence of obstructive sleep apnoea on coronary artery disease in a Chinese population
Authors: Liu Yufei , Wang Meitan , Shi Jinghui
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by angiography.

Methods

This prospective study screened 273 patients diagnosed with CAD by coronary angiography. The severity of CAD was assessed by SYNTAX score. A total of 255 subjects were enrolled of whom 161 were diagnosed with OSA, with an apnoea–hypopnoea index ≥5/hour. Ninety-four CAD patients without OSA were used as controls. The relationship between OSA and CAD was analysed by multiple linear regression.

Results

The prevalence of OSA in CAD patients was 63.1%. The prevalences of single-vessel, two-vessel, and three-vessel disease were similar in the two groups. However, CAD was significantly more severe in patients with OSA, measured by SYNTAX score, than in those without OSA. OSA was independently associated with CAD after adjusting for traditional risk factors.

Conclusions

OSA is relatively common among patients with CAD in China. The independent association between OSA and CAD, even after adjusting for traditional confounders, suggests that OSA should be taken into account when considering the risk factors for CAD. The present findings highlight the important adverse influence of OSA on the severity of CAD.
Head rotation as an effective compensatory technique for dysphagia caused by unilateral cervical osteophytes
Authors: Seo Minsu , Park Jin-Woo
Published: August 2022

Objective

Dysphagia is common in patients with cervical osteophytes. We aimed to determine whether head rotation as a compensatory technique is effective for dysphagia caused by unilateral cervical osteophytes.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) data obtained in one university hospital. Patients whose VFSS showed pharyngeal stasis by mechanical obstruction due to cervical osteophytes were selected. They were divided into a unilateral skewed osteophyte group and a diffuse central osteophyte group as confirmed by laryngoscopy or computed tomography. The effect of head rotation on swallowing was investigated. Fisher’s exact test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Among 2876 patients who underwent VFSSs, we identified 48 patients with osteophyte-induced dysphagia. The osteophytes were centrally located in 36 patients and unilateral in the remaining 12. Ten of the patients with unilateral osteophytes showed improvement when they swallowed with head rotation toward the osteophyte side, but none of the patients with central osteophytes showed effective swallowing. A statistically significant relationship was found between swallowing with head rotation and skewed cervical osteophytes.

Conclusion

Swallowing with head rotation was safe, easy, and effective for patients with dysphagia caused by unilateral cervical osteophytes. We advise attempting this method prior to considering surgical approaches.
Time from symptom onset to severe COVID-19 and risk factors among patients in Southern Ethiopia: a survival analysis
Authors: Sisay Gizaw , Mantefardo Bahru , Beyene Aster
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aimed to assess the time to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and risk factors among confirmed COVID-19 cases in Southern Ethiopia.

Method

This two-center retrospective cohort study involved patients with confirmed COVID-19 from 1 October 2020 to 30 September 2021. Kaplan–Meier graphs and log-rank tests were used to determine the pattern of COVID-19 severity among categories of variables. Bivariable and multivariable Cox proportional regression models were used to identify the risk factors of severe COVID-19.

Results

Four hundred thirteen patients with COVID-19 with a mean age of 41.9 ± 15.3 years were involved in the study. There were 194 severe cases (46.9.1%), including 77 (39.6%) deaths. The median time from symptom onset to severe COVID-19 was 8 days (interquartile range: 7–12 days). The risk factors for severe COVID-19 were age >65 (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 2.65, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.02, 3.72), cough (AHR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.39, 2.84), chest pain (AHR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.34, 2.66), headache (AHR = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.43, 2.88), comorbidity (AHR = 1.3, 95%CI: 1.01, 2.04), asthma (AHR = 1.6. 95%CI: 1.04, 2.24), and symptom onset to admission more than 5 days (AHR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.34, 0.68).

Conclusion

Patients with symptoms and comorbidities should be closely monitored.
Two giant connected retroperitoneal schwannomas: a rare case report
Authors: Yin Liquan , Sun Yao , Cao Qian , Yang Tao , Li Wei , Zhu Yuecheng , Liu Tongjun , Li Bo
Published: August 2022

Schwannoma is a type of tumor originating from Schwann cells of peripheral nerves. In this study, we report a rare case of two giant connected retroperitoneal schwannomas. The patient presented to our department with a 1-day history of abdominal pain and without other symptoms. There were no abnormalities in the patient’s tumor markers. Abdominal plain computed tomography (CT) revealed two (combined) retroperitoneal masses appearing as soft tissue-density shadows with uneven internal density, cystic low-density shadows, and patchy calcification shadows. The larger mass measured approximately 12.0 cm × 12.3 cm in size. The tumors were completely excised by a reasonable surgical approach while the surrounding organs closely related to the tumor were preserved. Postoperative pathology confirmed that the tumors were benign schwannomas. In the 18-month follow-up, the patient had no recurrences and was asymptomatic. We summarize the diagnosis and treatment of two rare combined giant retroperitoneal schwannomas in a single patient. Laparotomy for the management of retroperitoneal giant schwannomas may be safe and effective.
Bundle branch block and nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay prevalence using Chinese nationwide survey data
Authors: Qiao Qing , Lin Jing , Chen Ning , Xia Shijun , Du Jing , Du Xin , Bai Rong , Dong Jianzeng , Ma Changsheng
Published: August 2022

Objective

We aimed to determine the prevalence of and the factors associated with intraventricular conduction disturbance in the Chinese population.

Methods

Electrocardiographic data from 42,031 people were retrospectively analysed. The weighted prevalences of left bundle branch block (LBBB), right bundle branch block (RBBB), bifascicular block and nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (NS-IVCD) were calculated. The independently associated factors were determined using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The weighted prevalence for Chinese people older than 45 years was 0.17% for LBBB, 2.16% for RBBB and 0.44% for NS-IVCD. The weighted prevalence for RBBB combined with left anterior fascicular block was 0.17%, and 0.05% for RBBB combined with left posterior fascicular block. There were significant differences in the weighted prevalences of RBBB and NS-IVCD between men and women. The weighted prevalence of LBBB and RBBB increased markedly with increasing age. Age and diabetes were independent factors associated with LBBB, compared with age and sex for RBBB and sex and coronary artery disease for NS-IVCD.

Conclusions

This study provided reliable data for the weighted prevalence of and factors associated with LBBB, RBBB and NS-IVCD in Chinese adults.
Comparative Evaluation of Pavement Macrotexture Measurements from Different Devices
Authors: Fernando Emmanuel G. , Hu Sheng , Crockford William
Published: August 2022

Ride quality, safety, and tire pavement noise are functional performance measures of concern to highway motorists. Owing to the significant influence of surface macrotexture on wet-weather skid resistance, splash and spray, and highway traffic noise, a need exists for reliable and repeatable methods to measure pavement macrotexture over the road network. To address this need, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program sponsored a project that developed draft protocols for test methods, equipment specifications, and data quality assurance practices for network-level macrotexture measurement. The project conducted three field experiments to evaluate available technologies in regard to repeatability, agreement, and accuracy. This paper focuses on the field experiment conducted at the Texas A&M University RELLIS Campus, which aimed to validate macrotexture measurements from high-speed laser equipped devices suitable for network-level macrotexture data collection and processing. To accomplish this objective, the RELLIS experiment included test speed and laser exposure time in the test matrix, fabricated a measurement beam to collect static reference texture data using a high-resolution laser, and compared texture measurements from different devices with corresponding reference values. This paper presents the findings and conclusions drawn from the RELLIS experiment.
Comparison of Speed-Density Models in the Age of Connected and Automated Vehicles
Authors: Karbasi Amir Hossein , Mehrabani Behzad Bamdad , Cools Mario , Sgambi Luca , Saffarzadeh Mahmoud
Published: August 2022

Fundamental diagrams (FDs) present the relationship between flow, speed, and density, and give some valuable information about traffic features such as capacity, congested and uncongested situations, and so forth. On the other hand, high accuracy speed-density models can produce more efficient FDs. Although numerous speed-density models are presented in the literature, there are very few models for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). One of the recent spend-density models that takes into account the penetration rate of CAVs is provided by Lu et al. However, the estimation power of this model has not been tested against other speed-density models, and it has not been applied to high-speed networks such as freeways. Thus, this paper made a comparison between the Lu speed-density model and a well-known speed-density model (Papageorgiou) in freeway and grid networks. Different CAV behaviors (aggressive, normal, and conservative) are evaluated in this comparison. The comparison has been made between two speed-density models using the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and a t-test. The MAPE and t-test results show that differences between the two speed-density models are not significant in two case studies and that Lu is a powerful speed-density model to estimate speed compared with a well-known speed-density model. For the sake of comparing the above-mentioned models, this paper investigates the impact of CAVs on capacity based on FDs. The results suggest that the magnitude of the impacts of CAVs on road capacity (capacity increment percentage) which are obtained from two speed-density models are very close to each other. Also, the extent to which CAVs affect road capacity is highly dependent on their behavior.
Estimating Intermodal Transfer Barriers to Light Rail using Smartcard Data in Seattle, WA
Authors: Eager James , Bae Chang-Hee Christine , McCormack Edward D.
Published: August 2022

Transit transfers are a necessary inconvenience to riders. They support strong hierarchical networks by connecting various local, regional, and express lines through a variety of modes. This is true in Seattle, where many lines were redrawn to feed into the Link Light Rail network. Previous transfer studies, using surveys, found that perceived safety, distance, and personal health were significant predictors of transfers. This study aims to use smartcard data and generalized linear modeling to estimate which elements of transfers are commonly overcome—and which are not—among riders boarding the Link Light Rail in Seattle and its suburbs. The aims of this research are twofold: (1) critical analysis of attributes of transfer barriers so that the future station area could serve improved riders’ accessibility; (2) equity of transfer barriers among the users by analyzing the user breakdown of the origin lines and the destination. We use Seattle’s One Regional Card for All smartcard data among the Link Light Rail riders in the Seattle metropolitan area in 2019, and applied a negative binomial generalized linear model. The model suggests that walking distance and walking grade have significant effects on transfers. For the users’ equity analysis, the disabled population tends to transfer less, while the low-income and youth riders populations tend to transfer more often. Future research could incorporate a more mixed-methods approach to confirm some of these findings or include station amenities, such as live schedule updates for common transfer lines.
Monitoring of intraoperative femoral oxygenation predicts acute kidney injury after pediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Inoue Takamichi , Kohira Satoshi , Ebine Tomoyo , Shikata Fumiaki , Fujii Kiyotaka , Miyaji Kagami
Published: August 2022

Cardiopulmonary bypass-associated acute kidney injury (CPB-AKI) is a pediatric cardiac surgery postoperative complication that is associated with a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and length of hospital stay. Identifying an early predictor of CPB-AKI is critical. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which can provide real-time monitoring of regional tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) during CPB, may predict CPB-AKI in an early phase of surgical treatment. This study analyzed clinical data from 87 children who underwent an elective surgical repair of ventricular septal defect (VSD) from January 2013 to March 2019. NIRS sensors were placed on the patients’ forehead, abdomen, and thighs. The pediatric modified risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage (p-RIFLE) score was determined for each patient postoperatively. The incidence of AKI based on the p-RIFLE classification was 11.5% at the end of surgery, 23.0% at 24 h after surgery, and 5.7% at 48 h after surgery. The AKI incidence rate was highest at 24 h after surgery. Multiple regression analysis revealed that femoral oxygenation (rSO2) during CPB, CPB time, oxygen delivery index (DO2i), and lactate at the end of CPB were independent risk factors for AKI. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that femoral oxygenation of 74% or less predicted AKI development within 24 h after surgery. In conclusion, rSO2 measured at the thigh during CPB is highly predictive of CPB-AKI.
Application of 3D-printed osteotomy guides in periacetabular osteotomy: A short-term clinical study
Authors: Ma Shiqiang , Xiao Li , Guo Donghui , Shi Qiuling , Shen Runbin , Li Xiaoming
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To compare the clinical efficacy between personalised 3-dimensional (3D) printed osteotomy and traditional osteotomy in periacetabular osteotomy (PAO).

Methods:

Twenty-two patients with acetabular dysplasia were randomly divided into a personalised 3D-printed osteotomy group and a traditional osteotomy group without 3D printing assistance. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, X-ray frequency, quantity of postoperative drainage, postoperative transfusion rate, hip angle and Harris hip score of 6 months postoperative were studied and compared to evaluate the surgical efficacy between personalised 3D-printed osteotomy and traditional osteotomy in periacetabular osteotomy.

Results:

The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, X-ray frequency, postoperative 24 h drainage volume in the personalised 3D-printed osteotomy group (114.70 ± 2.21 min, 639.70 ± 5.00 mL, 11.82 ± 0.42 times, 231.20 ± 3.86 mL) was superior to the traditional group (150.40 ± 2.45 min, 850.50 ± 5.34 mL, 17.09 ± 0.39 times, 324.30 ± 4.06 mL). There was a statistically significant difference between the 3D-printed osteotomy group and the traditional osteotomy group in terms of the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, X-ray frequency and postoperative 24 h drainage volume ( p < 0.05). And there were no substantial differences in the hip angle and the 6-month postoperative Harris hip score between the two groups ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The 3D-printed osteotomy template for PAO is a valid method and its short-term clinical effect is superior to that of traditional osteotomy.
A first proof-of-concept for the non-invasive, time-efficient measurement of the plasma sodium concentration for individualized dialysis
Authors: Janik Waldemar , Zygmanowski Anne , Wolff Henrik , Hillmer Hartmut
Published: August 2022

Dialysis-induced changes in plasma sodium concentration may cause undesirable side effects. To prevent these, the sodium content in dialysis fluid has to be individualized based on the patient’s plasma sodium concentration. In this paper, we describe a simple conductivity based method for measuring the plasma sodium concentration. The method is based on performing a bypass during which the residual volume on the dialysate side of the dialyzer at least partially adopts the sodium concentration on the blood side. The conductivity at dialysate outlet of the dialyzer after the end of bypass corresponds to the sodium concentration. We show that already 14 s of bypass are sufficient to subsequently measure a conductivity that correlates with the blood-side sodium concentration. Thus, the short bypass method allows a time saving of 88% compared to the long bypass of 120 s. In vitro experiments with bovine blood show that plasma sodium concentration can be non-invasively and time-efficiently measured during dialysis. Bland Altman analysis reveals a bias of 0.28 mmol/l and limits of agreement of −3.17 and 3.74 mmol/l for the long bypass. For the short bypass, bias is 0.09 mmol/l and limits are −3.90 and 4.08 mmol/l. Since the method presented is based on established conductivity cells, no additional sensors are required, so that the method could be easily implemented in dialysis machines. In future, performing a bypass at the beginning of a treatment may be used to adjust the composition of dialysis fluid individually for each patient.
Social isolation and the role of AgeTech in a post-COVID world
Authors: Clayton David , Astell Arlene
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic particularly affected social connection through enforced social isolation and loss of regular activities. For healthcare systems, various initiatives have sprung up, leveraging existing technologies to connect people with services, activities, and loved ones. Here we review some AgeTech offerings to address social isolation for healthcare leadership and management to consider.
Workforce Diversity of Interventional Radiology Physicians in North America: Reflections on the U.S. Experience
Authors: Higgins Mikhail C. S. S. , Sun Yuliang L. , Rochon Paul J.
Published: August 2022

Achieving parity in representation within the field of Interventional Radiology (IR) across women and specific subsets of minority groups has been a challenge. The lack of a strongly diverse physician workforce in gender, race, and ethnicity suggests suboptimal recruitment after, during as well prior to IR training. There is a dearth of studies which effectively characterize the national demographic trends of the evolving IR workforce. This has prevented an accurate appraisal of continuing efforts to narrow the gaps in physician workforce diversity across the field of IR. To support these needs, this article illustrates historic trends while providing contemporary data that canvasses the status of diversity within the current IR physician and IR trainee workforce. It highlights the representation of those individuals historically underrepresented in medicine as well as women. It also highlights current obstacles to achieving equity, diversity, and inclusion within the field of IR as well as existing efforts that have been employed to mitigate this gap.
Empathy for a Black Woman Victim of Police Sexual Violence: The Roles of Crime-Related Stress and Stereotype Attributions
Authors: Johnson James , Sattler David , Van Hiel Alain , Dierckx Kim , Luo Shanhong , Vezzali Loris
Published: August 2022

Police sexual violence has been ranked as the second most common form of misconduct among police officers. Moreover, there is evidence that Black women are at heightened risk of being victims of such police violence. A report titled Say Her Name: Resisting Police Brutality Against Black Women has brought international attention to the minimal empirical focus on such police violence toward Black women. To address this lacuna in the literature, using an incident of police sexual assault of a woman, we assessed whether victim’s race and participants’ level of crime-related stress (i.e., stress due to crime victimization) would influence empathic responding toward the victim. Prolific participants ( N = 411) first completed a measure of crime-related stress. They then read an article describing a White police officer’s sexual assault of a Black or White woman. Next, participants completed a racial stereotype-related measure (i.e., Black women’s higher sexual proclivity) and a stereotype-unrelated measure (i.e., perceived victim untrustworthiness), and reported their victim-directed empathic responding. At high stress levels, participants reported less empathy for the Black (relative to White) victim. At low stress levels, there was greater Black victim-directed empathy. The race effects on empathy were mediated by heightened attribution of Black women-related stereotypical beliefs to the Black victim at high stress levels and by diminished attribution at low stress levels. In sum, we addressed the lacuna in the literature on police sexual violence against Black women while providing evidence that stress can play a critical role in the occurrence of the oft-cited outgroup-directed empathy deficit.
Economic Hardship and Violence: A Comparison of County-Level Economic Measures in the Prediction of Violence-Related Injury
Authors: Santaularia N. Jeanie , Ramirez Marizen R. , Osypuk Theresa L. , Mason Susan M.
Published: August 2022

Economic hardship may lead to a wide range of negative outcomes, including violence. However, existing literature on economic hardship and violence is limited by reliance on official reports of violence and conflation of different measures of economic hardship. The goals of this study are to measure how violence-related injuries are associated with five measures of county-level economic shocks: unemployment rate, male mass layoffs, female mass layoffs, foreclosure rate, and unemployment rate change, measured cross-sectionally and by a 1-year lag. This study measures three subtypes of violence outcomes (child abuse, elder abuse, and intimate partner violence). Yearly county-level data were obtained on violence-related injuries and economic measures from 2005 to 2012 for all 87 counties in Minnesota. Negative binomial models were run regressing the case counts of each violence outcome at the county-year level on each economic indicator modeled individually, with population denominator offsets to yield incidence rate ratios. Crude models were run first, then county-level socio-demographic variables and year were added to each model, and finally fully-adjusted models were run including all socio-demographic variables plus all economic indicators simultaneously. In the fully-adjusted models, a county’s higher foreclosure rate is the strongest and most consistently associated with an increase in all violence subtypes. Unemployment rate is the second strongest and most consistent economic risk factor for all violence subtypes. Lastly, there appears to be an impact of gender specific to economic impacts on child abuse; specifically, male mass-lay-offs were associated with increased rates while female mass-lay-offs were associated with decreased rates. Understanding the associations of different types of economic hardship with a range of violence outcomes can aid in developing more holistic prevention and intervention efforts.
Prevalence and Predictors of Poly-Victimization of Adolescents in England and Wales
Authors: Tura Ferhat , Nomikos Eleftherios , Betts Lucy R.
Published: August 2022

This study examined the change in the prevalence of adolescent poly-victimization and individual and area predictors of poly-victimization in England and Wales. The national representative longitudinal Offending, Crime and Justice Survey (2003–2006) was analyzed with data from 2,066 adolescents, aged between 10 and 18 years (mean ±  SD at Time 1 = 13.08 ± 2.01), using multilevel multinomial logit models. Findings revealed that the majority of the adolescents (41.6%, 48.5%, 54.6%, 61.6%, respectively) did not experience victimization between 2003 and 2006. However, 28.3%, 25.9%, 19.5%, and 14.5% of the adolescents experienced poly-victimization (experiencing more than or equal to two types of victimizations), with a decrease of 13.8% over the 4-year period. Furthermore, some adolescents were consistent poly-victims, meaning they were poly-victims in all years that they participated in the survey. In particular, 3.57% of the adolescents who participated in the four waves of the survey were poly-victims in all years; 7.41% of the adolescents who participated in three of the four waves of the survey were poly-victims in all years; and 25.79% of the adolescents who participated in two of the four waves of the survey were poly-victims in both years. Statistically significant predictors of poly-victimization included having parents who have been in trouble with the police, offending, participating in community-related activities, being a boy, not managing income well, and living in an urban or deprived area. Offending had the greatest impact on poly-victimization. Findings highlight that adolescent poly-victimization in England and Wales decreased between 2003 and 2006 but some adolescents were more likely to experience poly-victimization due to individual, familial, and area characteristics. The findings therefore indicate that a holistic approach is needed to reduce adolescent poly-victimization and suggest that targeting area deprivation should be the priority.
Assessment of machining performance parameters of nanofluid-based MQL-turning: An experimental analysis and CFD modelling
Authors: Shukla Rahul , Tiwari Arun Kumar , Agarawal Sanjay
Published: August 2022

Nano-cutting fluids as a coolant are often used in modern days manufacturing industry. These nano-cutting fluids have certain advantages over conventional coolants in terms of heat transferability and lubricity. The present focused study investigates the machining performance in Minimum quantity lubrications (MQL) turning operation using MoO3/water nano-cutting fluid. The machining performance parameters (like friction coefficient, cutting forces, surface roughness and wear) are investigated experimentally using MoO3/water nano-cutting fluid. Also, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to investigate the heat dissipation and temperature profile at rake and flank surface of the carbide cutting tool. The experimental outcomes of the present study illustrate the enhancement in machining performance in terms of reduction in friction coefficient, cutting forces, surface roughness and wear. Heat transfer analysis and a numerical model based on the notion of a CFD tool were used to explore the temperature propagation along with the flank and rake surface of tungsten carbide cutting inserts in order to properly measure tool tip temperature while turning. The simulation study demonstrated the reduction in tool tip temperature at rake face from 1031 K to 824.98 K for the cutting fluid velocity of 25 m/s, while for 2 bar cutting fluid pressure the temperature at rake face reduces to 874.37 K.
Design optimization of suction chamber relying on environmental considerations
Authors: Boroomand Mohammad Reza , Sherkat Tavasoli Ali , Eshghi Ahmad
Published: August 2022

Various systems and methods have been developed for the gathering of seawater. One of the most common methods is the use of offshore direct seawater intakes, such as suction chamber. Due to the location of these structures, they can influence marine life by suction of fish. In this research, by considering environmental issues and design parameters, the size of an initial case with a certain condition was optimized. By converting the square cross-section into a polygon and changing the dimensions, it was observed that in addition to the decrease of the structure's volume by 50%, the velocity distribution around the structure becomes more uniform and meets the criteria (entrance velocity > 0.15 m/s). This paper also suggests a flat plate at the inlet for the horizontal flow formation. It is capable of helping fish to react better and preventing them from entering the suction chamber. In this case, as the volume of structure decreased by 54%, the entrance velocity did not show any significant change. Furthermore, for reducing the size of the structure, by considering structural issues, this study recommends that the riser part of the model can be changed. Eventually, according to all parameters, a final model for these conditions was presented.
Experimental characterization of the vibration effects on wheels of a mass rapid transit vehicle
Authors: Calvanese Luigi , Di Gialleonardo Egidio , Bocciolone Marco
Published: August 2022

The aim of this paper is to present the results coming from an experimental campaign aimed at the definition of the vibrations acting on a powered and a trailer bogie of a railway vehicle for mass rapid transit during commercial service. The results, coming from multiple sensors placed in specific points of the two wheelsets, can give a significative overview of the dynamic behaviour of the two components, highlighting, when present, notable differences. The available sensors gave the possibility to justify and correlate these differences to specific characteristics of the bogies considered. The study stresses the presence of peculiar cyclic solicitations that the wheels and the wheelset undergo during their service. A deeper investigation of the outcoming signals has been carried out keeping into consideration the frequency content associated to the specific measurement system in use. The results of the experimental campaign highlight that powered wheelsets may experience significant high-frequency vibrations induced by gear pairs. The implications of these findings may represent a significant argumentation in the discussion of the design requirements of wheelsets and wheels.
Meanings of troubled conscience in nursing homes: nurses’ lived experience
Authors: Munkeby Hilde , Bratberg Grete , Devik Siri A
Published: August 2022

Background:

Troubled conscience among nurses and other healthcare workers represents a significant contributor to healthcare worker moral distress, burnout and attrition. While research in this area has examined critical care in hospitals, less knowledge has been obtained from long-term care contexts such as nursing homes, despite widely recognised challenges with regard to vulnerable patients, increasing workload and maintaining workforce sustainability among nurses.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to illuminate and interpret the meaning of the lived experience of troubled conscience among registered nurses (RNs) working in nursing homes.

Research design:

This qualitative research employed narrative interviews with eight nurses to obtain essential meanings of their lived experiences of troubled conscience. The interview texts were analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach.

Ethical considerations:

Participation was voluntary, informed and was conducted with written consent. The Norwegian Centre for Research Data approved the data processing of personal data.

Findings:

The analysis uncovered two themes: (1) troubled conscience means abandoning ideals, with the subthemes: failing dependent patients; being disloyal to colleagues; being inadequate in the performance of work tasks and (2) troubled conscience means facing realities, with the subthemes: accepting being part of the system; responding to barriers.

Discussion:

Troubled conscience meant experiencing continuous and simmering tension between one’s ideals and realities and feeling a drive to preserve accountability and one’s moral integrity. Endangered ideals were often under cross-pressure and included humanistic values, professional values, working life values and the values of the organisation.

Conclusion:

Nurses’ troubled conscience refers to a struggle, but also a force that plays out at various levels and arenas in long-term care. Openness and dialogue about how professional values and the welfare state’s intentions can be realised within the given framework are important for individual nurses’ occupational health as well as the quality of care provided to patients.
When Do Men MPs Claim to Represent Women in Plenary Debates—Time-Series Cross-Sectional Evidence from the German States
Authors: Kroeber Corinna
Published: August 2022

Extensive scholarly work engages with the growing number of women in legislatures around the world and highlights their role as advocates of women’s interests during parliamentary decision-making processes. This article sheds light on the reactions of men MPs (members of parliament) to this trend by uncovering how women's numerical strength in party parliamentary groups shapes the issues that their men colleagues emphasize when speaking about women during plenary debates. I argue that, the higher the share of women in a party parliamentary group, the more will men representatives emphasize women’s interests in the context of issues they can easily relate to—either because the issues lie in men’s area of responsibility according to ideas about traditional role distributions in the society, for example, the financing of gender equality projects, or because they are part of broader patterns of societal inequality, such as poverty or health. I provide empirical evidence for this argument based on original time-series cross-sectional data from plenary debates in six German states between 2005 and 2021 using a structural topic model. These findings shed light on men’s role as critical actors and have implications for gender equality and the functioning of representative democracy more broadly.
Two Orthogonal Nitinol Staples and Combined Nitinol Staple-Screw Constructs for a First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis: A Biomechanical Cadaver Study
Authors: Schafer Kevin A. , Baldini Todd , Hamati Mary , Backus Jonathon D. , Hunt Kenneth J. , McCormick Jeremy J.
Published: August 2022

Background:

End-stage hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthritis is commonly treated with arthrodesis using stainless steel or titanium implants. These implants provide static compression that is maximal at the time of implant insertion. Alternatively, nitinol staples are capable of dynamic compression. They have most frequently been used for midfoot arthrodesis procedures. However, their biomechanical performance during hallux MTP arthrodesis has not been described.

Methods:

8 matched pairs of cadaveric feet (4 female, 4 male) were prepared for hallux MTP arthrodesis using cup and cone reamers. Cadaveric pairs were then instrumented with either (1) a transarticular lag screw and dorsal nitinol staple or (2) orthogonal nitinol staples placed dorsally and medially. Walking in a short leg cast for 6 weeks was simulated by applying 90-N forces at 3 Hz to the plantar proximal phalanx for up to 250 000 cycles. Failure was defined as catastrophic implant failure or plantar gapping beyond 7 mm.

Results:

15 of 16 specimens failed cyclic loading. All 8 specimens fixed with orthogonal staples failed at an average of 37 ± 81 cycles. 7 of 8 specimens fixed with a dorsal staple and crossed screw failed at 14 900 ± 39 000 cycles. Collectively, 5 specimens failed because of bone fracture (1 in orthogonal staples, 4 in staple-screw group) and 10 failed because of excessive gap formation (7 in orthogonal staples, 3 in staple-screw group). The number of cycles to failure was significantly lower ( P = .0469) in the orthogonal staple constructs compared with the dorsal staple and crossed screw constructs.

Conclusion:

The tested constructs permit significant motion at the first MTP fusion surface during simulated protected weightbearing. Although multiple in vivo factors should be considered when extrapolating results from this cadaveric study, this motion may result in clinical failure with early postoperative weightbearing protocols.

Clinical Relevance:

We report the first biomechanical evaluation of hallux MTP arthrodesis using modern nitinol staples in 2 separate constructs.
Discrimination and Calibration Properties of the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide–Revised in a Not Criminally Responsible Provincial Population
Authors: Wirove Robi L. , Olver Mark E. , Haag Andrew
Published: August 2022

This study examined the discrimination and calibration properties of the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide–Revised (VRAG-R) within a large subset of the population of 574 individuals who had been found Not Criminally Responsible on Account of Mental Disorder (NCRMD) in Alberta. The VRAG-R was scored on all individuals identified via The Alberta NCR Project database from every file that contained sufficient relevant information and recidivism data were obtained via official criminal records. The VRAG-R demonstrated strong discrimination properties for general and violent recidivism over 5-year, 10-year, and global follow-ups. Calibration analyses, however, indicated that the VRAG-R substantially over estimated violence risk and that there was poor agreement between expected and observed recidivism rates for this population. When examined in the male subsample, these issues remained but to a lesser degree; examination of VRAG-R discrimination and calibration for females was not possible due to a lack of recidivists. Results indicated strong discrimination but poor calibration properties of the VRAG-R in this NCRMD population. Overall, the results support the use of the VRAG-R within a population of persons found NCRMD when employed in tandem with other measures as part of a comprehensive psychological risk assessment.
Networks of Neuropsychological Functions in the Clinical Evaluation of Adult ADHD
Authors: Guo Nana , Fuermaier Anselm B. M. , Koerts Janneke , Tucha Oliver , Scherbaum Norbert , Müller Bernhard W.
Published: August 2022

This study applied network analysis to explore the relations between neuropsychological functions of individuals in the clinical evaluation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adulthood. A total of 319 participants from an outpatient referral context, that is, 173 individuals with ADHD (ADHD group) and 146 individuals without ADHD (n-ADHD group), took part in this study and completed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. A denser network with stronger global connectivity was observed in the ADHD group compared to the n-ADHD group. The strongest connections were consistent in both networks, that is, the connections between selective attention and vigilance, and connections between processing speed, fluency, and flexibility. Further centrality estimation revealed attention-related variables to have the highest expected influence in both networks. The observed relationships between neuropsychological functions, and the high centrality of attention, may help identify neuropsychological profiles that are specific to ADHD and optimize neuropsychological assessment and treatment planning of individuals with cognitive impairment.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the deformation behaviour of cables and thin beam-like structures under multi-axial loading
Authors: Hildebrandt André , Sharma Prateek , Düster Alexander , Diebels Stefan
Published: August 2022

In various applications, it is common to use thin beam-like structures, made of plastic or fibre-reinforced materials, as well as components such as cables. They are flexible, and the most common form of deformation is bending, but they can also be stretched or torqued. Due to their structural composition, a coupling between the different loading directions exists. This is especially pronounced for cables, where the different components interact with each other and the kinematics of each component are different. Thus, to characterise these materials, it is necessary to consider tension, torsion, bending, and a coupling of the three load cases. In this work, such characterisations are performed for a polyvinyl chloride rod, a carbon fibre-reinforced rod, and a coaxial cable. The three materials represent the isotropic and anisotropic material classes and include homogeneous and non-homogeneous cross-sections. An anisotropic elasto-plastic material model is implemented in the finite element method to model the behaviour of such structures. The material model includes anisotropic plasticity so that the structural effects can also be modelled for large deformations. Thin structures are discretised with higher-order elements, and a comparison of the experimental and the simulation results is presented.
Effects of Pregnant Fatigue on the Development of Offspring in Rats
Authors: Wu Fan , Bai Ting , Yan Shuhan , Zhang Feng
Published: August 2022

Aim

To explore the correlation between pregnant fatigue and intrauterine physical and neural development of offspring in rats.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a mild fatigue group (stand in water for 6 hours/day), and a severe fatigue group (stand in water for 15 h/day). The levels of lactic acid, 5-Hydroxytryptamine and Interleukin-6 in cardiac serum of rats were used to evaluate the fatigue. The expression of S100β in the telencephalon, Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the liver and Cyclooxygenage-2 (COX-2) in the small intestine tissues of fetal rats were examined. Frozen sections were taken from the telencephalon of rat pups to observe morphological changes in the hippocampal primordium.

Results

Pregnant fatigue led to a decrease in food intake ( F = 37.586, p = 0.000) and water intake ( F = 23.608, p = 0.000) in rats. The IGF-1 mRNA expression of fetal rats in the severe fatigue group was lower than that in the control group ( p = 0.0003). The expression of S100β mRNA ( p = 0.000) and COX-2 mRNA ( p = 0.0002) of fetal rats were higher in the severe fatigue group than in the control group. HE staining of the telencephalon of fetal rats in the pregnant fatigue group revealed sparse and irregular cell arrangement and increased gaps in the hippocampal primordial site.

Conclusion

Pregnant fatigue rats had both physical fatigue and mental fatigue. Fatigue during pregnancy affects physical development and neurodevelopment of offspring. Further research should elucidate the mechanisms of pregnant fatigue and its effects on offspring.
Comparison of wound architecture in implantable collamer lens surgery: Self-sealing single-plane opposite clear corneal incision versus main surgical incision
Authors: González-Cruces Timoteo , Cano-Ortiz Antonio , Villarrubia Alberto , Sánchez-González María Carmen , Sánchez-González Jose María
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Incision architecture can play an important role in corneal astigmatism management through peripheral corneal relaxing incisions. The aim of this study was to compare the incision architecture of single-plane opposite clear corneal incisions (OCCIs) and main surgical incisions (MSIs) in patients undergoing implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional tomographic analysis of MSI and OCCI architectures was performed 6 months after ICL surgery. Image acquisition was performed using spectral-domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Results

A total of 31 OCCIs and 24 MSIs were evaluated. The mean incision angle was 42.83 ± 5.69 degrees for MSIs and 48.26 ± 6.07 degrees for OCCIs (p < 0.01), and the mean MSI and OCCI length was 1146.70 ± 150.48 µm and 976.68 ± 140.19 µm, respectively (p < 0.01). The mean increase in epithelium depth in the wound was 37.63 ± 11.91 µm in the MSI group and 47.64 ± 15.45 µm in the OCCI group (p = 0.02). Endothelial misalignment was observed in both types of incisions. However, the misalignment with MSI was greater than with OCCI, 106.67 ± 31.84 µm versus 83.75 ± 23.39 µm (p = 0.01), respectively.

Conclusion

Both types of incisions, OCCI and MSI, were shown to be safe with complete wound sealing and healing 6 months postoperatively. The MSIs performed in the temporal position were more angled and longer, with greater endothelial retraction and minor epithelial thickening in the wound area compared with astigmatic incisions without manipulation.
Securing cultural identity for whānau well-being: a qualitative study of a whānau-led initiative
Authors: Reweti Angelique
Published: August 2022

Colonial processes have severely disrupted Māori social organisation and attachment to place through land alienation and different experiences of urban migration. As a result, many whānau (extended family) have lost connection to their whenua (land) and ancestral marae (communal and sacred meeting ground) causing intergenerational loss of knowledge and values that secure cultural identity and belonging. Finding accessible pathways to restore fragmented knowledge and reconnect whānau to te ao Māori (Māori world) is an essential part of securing cultural identity to facilitate well-being. This qualitative study explores the social, cultural, and health benefits experienced by whānau involved in a whānau-led initiative at their ancestral marae. This research asserts that securing connections to culture and whenua enhances individual and collective identities improving overall whānau health and well-being. Sharing such narratives provides a platform for whānau experiences to be heard illuminating a pathway to potentially inspire other whānau.