bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypertension: Causes and Consequences of Circadian Rhythms in Blood Pressure
Authors: Faraci Frank M. , Scheer Frank A.J.L.
Published: March 2024

Hypertension is extremely common, affecting approximately 1 in every 2 adults globally. Chronic hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality worldwide. Despite considerable efforts to define mechanisms that underlie hypertension, a potentially major component of the disease, the role of circadian biology has been relatively overlooked in both preclinical models and humans. Although the presence of daily and circadian patterns has been observed from the level of the genome to the whole organism, the functional and structural impact of biological rhythms, including mechanisms such as circadian misalignment, remains relatively poorly defined. Here, we review the impact of daily rhythms and circadian systems in regulating blood pressure and the onset, progression, and consequences of hypertension. There is an emphasis on the impact of circadian biology in relation to vascular disease and end-organ effects that, individually or in combination, contribute to complex phenotypes such as cognitive decline and the loss of cardiac and brain health. Despite effective treatment options for some individuals, control of blood pressure remains inadequate in a substantial portion of the hypertensive population. Greater insight into circadian biology may form a foundation for novel and more widely effective molecular therapies or interventions to help in the prevention, treatment, and management of hypertension and its related pathophysiology.
Association of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Race on Readmissions After Stroke
Authors: Lin Chen , King Peter H. , Richman Joshua S. , Davis Lori L.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

There is limited research on outcomes of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who also develop stroke, particularly regarding racial disparities. Our goal was to determine whether PTSD is associated with the risk of hospital readmission after stroke and whether racial disparities existed.

METHODS:

The analytical sample consisted of all veterans receiving care in the Veterans Health Administration who were identified as having a new stroke requiring inpatient admission based on the
International Classification of Diseases
codes. PTSD and comorbidities were identified using the
International Classification of Diseases
codes and given the date of first occurrence. The retrospective cohort data were obtained from the Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse. The main outcome was any readmission to Veterans Health Administration with a stroke diagnosis. The hypothesis that PTSD is associated with readmission after stroke was tested using Cox regression adjusted for patient characteristics including age, sex, race, PTSD, smoking status, alcohol use, and comorbidities treated as time-varying covariates.

RESULTS:

Our final cohort consisted of 93 651 patients with inpatient stroke diagnosis and no prior Veterans Health Administration codes for stroke starting from 1999 with follow-up through August 6, 2022. Of these patients, 12 916 (13.8%) had comorbid PTSD. Of the final cohort, 16 896 patients (18.0%) with stroke were readmitted. Our fully adjusted model for readmission found an interaction between African American veterans and PTSD with a hazard ratio of 1.09 ([95% CI, 1.00–1.20]
P
=0.047). In stratified models, PTSD has a significant hazard ratio of 1.10 ([95% CI, 1.02–1.18]
P
=0.01) for African American but not White veterans (1.05 [95% CI, 0.99–1.11];
P
=0.10).

CONCLUSIONS:

Among African American veterans who experienced stroke, preexisting PTSD was associated with increased risk of readmission, which was not significant among White veterans. This study highlights the need to focus on high-risk groups to reduce readmissions after stroke.
Damascius and the Ineffable Thread of Reality
Authors: Vlad Marilena
Published: March 2024

This article discusses the problem of the ineffable in Damascius’ treatises De principiis and In Parmenidem. I argue that the ineffable—which is the ultimate principle proposed by Damascius—is also the theme that underlies the whole frame of the reality, in his perspective. Each level of reality that he discusses comes into play on the background of the original attempt to suggest the ineffable principle. Each of them—One, unified, soul, material forms, matter and sensible realm—tries to approximate and suggest the previous level and thus, eventually, the ineffable itself. Consequently, each level of reality develops its own degree of ineffability, and therefore presents itself to our mind in an aporetical manner. It is impossible for our mind to reveal in an exhaustive and noncontradictory fashion even the levels closest to us. The aporiai that are specific for every part of reality are eventually consequences of the original aporia of an absolute and unique principle that governs everything.
The Allegorical Readings of the Shāh-nāma in Comparison with the Allegoreses of Homer’s Epics
Authors: Nematollahi Narges
Published: March 2024

There is a consensus that the Greek epic does not present itself as “veiled expressions (ainos),” but in the Greek literary tradition, several episodes of Homer’s works have received allegorical readings by literary critics and philosophers. These readings are categorized according to the motivations of their authors into two groups: defensive or apologetic and appropriative or exegetical. Against this background, this paper examines the Shāh-nāma and its broader literary tradition, arguing that, first, the Shāh-nāma, too, does not present itself as a multi-layered text in need of interpretation. Second, we can identify the same two categories within the admittedly fewer allegorical readings offered for the Shāh-nāma; Ferdowsi’s prologues to some tragic stories of the Shāh-nāma resemble Homeric defensive allegoreses, whereas the allegorical readings by some Sufi poets and thinkers represent the appropriative group. Similarities and differences between the Greek and the Iranian traditions in each group will be also discussed.
Ugly Yet Popular: the Remarkably Long Life of the Safavid Coins of Hoveyza
Authors: Akopyan Alexander V.
Published: March 2024

The aim of the work is to identify explanations for the lengthy circulation of Safavid coins bearing the central inscription, “ʿAli is the friend of God (ʿAli vali Allāh),” from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries. Studying the coins from the period and the hoards in which they were found, alongside historical narratives, ethnographic information, and religious texts, sheds light on their meaning and reception in their Shiʿi environment. The special attitude towards these coins accounts for the widespread imitation of these coins, which came to dominate Iranian markets during this period, as predicted by Gresham’s law of “bad money.”
Economic supply chain modelling of industrial insect production in the Netherlands
Authors: Leipertz M. , Hogeveen H. , Saatkamp H.W.
Published: March 2024

Defatted larvae meal (dLM), specifically from black soldier flies, could help overcome the animal protein gap. As insect production is an emerging sector, current economic research is scarce and very diverse. Thus, the aim of this research was to develop a simulation model that enables the analysis of full industrial scale costs of producing dLM and to provide insight in the distribution of these costs in the insect supply chain. The deterministic supply chain model is built on three modules, technical, transition and economic module, which all follow a previously defined supply chain structure and allow to extract quantity and price information for intermediate or final products. The model was parameterized and checked for plausibility in multiple consultation rounds with the INSECTFEED consortium and business partners. Additionally, model behaviour was checked with scenario, sensitivity, and break-even price analyses. In the default situation 5.57 tDM raw substrate and 26.7 million neonates are required to produce 1 tDM dLM for a price of €5,116/tDM. Most costs are added in the raw substrate delivery (€1,952/tDM) and production and collection (€821/tDM) step. Important cost factors are the raw substrate (€1,939/tDM) and building and inventory (€1,459/tDM). Parameters with high relative response rate towards the price of dLM are the feed conversion rate, dry matter percentage of larvae, raw substrate price, larvae density, labour wage and growth rate. To reach break-even prices for substituting fish meal with alive grown larvae (AGL) (€1,318/tDM AGL), improving production parameters is not sufficient. Just changing prices of raw substrate to −€78/tDM or frass to €1,175/tDM would enable a profitable operation. However, these are not deemed as realistic in mass production. Although there is some insecurity in data, the model results are the most realistic representation of industrial scale production amounts and costs.
Density-dependent development of the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Koutsogeorgiou E.I. , Gourgouta M. , Rumbos C.I. , Grigoriadou K. , Bonos E. , Giannenas I. , Athanassiou C.G. , Andreadis S.S.
Published: March 2024

The increasing global population has led to high food demand and the interest for alternative resources is highly topical. The interest in utilizing insects as a source of food and feed has been rapidly increasing, as the on-growing population has made the need for protein even more demanding. Insect rearing is economically viable, since they can be fed with organic waste and agricultural by-products. The inclusion of bioactive compounds and active ingredients in insect diets has been identified as a potential key factor for enhancing their growth and performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a diet enriched with functional ingredients of medicinal and aromatic plants and agricultural by-products of the Greek flora on the growth, survival and development of larvae of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), in the context of larval density-induced stress. Wheat bran enriched with 5%, 10% or 20% of a prepared mixture containing post-distillation residues of medicinal and aromatic plants of the Greek flora (oregano, thyme, sage and rosemary, linseed oil, rock-samphire, industrial cannabis, and olive paste by-product) was evaluated as insect feeding substrate, whereas wheat bran alone (0% enrichment) served as control. Groups of 25, 50, 75 and 100 first instar larvae were separately collected, weighed, and put in cylindrical plastic cups to test if larval density had any effect on survival and development. According to our results, the final larval weight of T. molitor is significantly affected by the density of larvae but not by the rearing substrate. The highest individual weight among all tested substrates was achieved at the density of 25 larvae. Individual weights were highest when larvae were reared on 5% mixture. The weight of those reared on the control substrate was slightly lower, followed by the 10% and 20% mixtures. Larvae fed with 10% enriched substrate showed the highest survival rate, followed closely by those fed with the control and 5% substrates. Our results clearly demonstrate that larval survival is not density dependent, but density is important in the case of individual larval weight.
Imperialism, Ecological Imperialism, and Green Imperialism: An Overview
Authors: Pedregal Alejandro , Lukić Nemanja
Published: March 2024

This article aims to explore the relationship between imperialism and political ecology, the identifying characteristics of the historical development of ecological imperialism, and the ecosocial implications of its cosmetic adaptation—namely, green imperialism—in a context of growing threat and biophysical concern. We first provide a succinct updated definition of imperialism based on world-systems analysis, which serves to understand imperialism as the system of economic domination of global capitalism, placing countries at the core of the system at one pole of extraction of labor, energy, and material resources, and those at the periphery at the opposite pole of supply. This hierarchization helps to understand ecological imperialism as a series of externalizations that the core tends to implement globally, transforming the periphery into a drain for these externalizations. As part of it, green imperialism appears as a new mode of accumulation aimed at preserving the imperial mode of living in the core legitimized by supposedly environmentally beneficial policies and discourses. We conclude by addressing the need for a fruitful dialogue between the critiques of ecologically unequal exchange and the radical positions of contemporary degrowth in order to reduce the most harmful productive sectors and favor a socially just transition and development in the Global South.
An updated checklist of bony fishes from the Persian Gulf
Authors: TAGHAVIMOTLAGH SEYED AMINOLLAH , KAYMARAM FARHAD , VAHABNEZHAD AREZOO , DARYANABARD GHOLAMREZA
Published: March 2024

This study provides an updated and comprehensive checklist of bony fishes occurring in the Persian Gulf based on a recent survey of the region. This study was conducted from 1995 to 2020 by research trawl survey for identification and biomass estimation of the demersal species each year from autumn to late winter, covering all waters of Iran in the Persian Gulf. In addition to the research cruises, routine field visits were conducted at major fishing ports to identify pelagic species captured through gillnet and trap fisheries. Among the over 700 species reported in previous studies conducted in the Persian Gulf, the occurrence of 486 species has been confirmed. Several species were omitted from the revised checklist due to insufficient evidence supporting their occurrence in the region or due to taxonomic confusion. Throughout the study, 486 species of bony fishes, representing 101 families, were identified, and a critical review of relevant literature was conducted. This checklist serves as a reliable reference to address existing contradictions in the scientific literature on bony fishes of the Persian Gulf and establishes a foundation for future stock assessment studies in the region.
Four new species of Darwin wasps from Türkiye
Authors: KAPLAN EMİN
Published: March 2024

Four new ichneumonid taxa from three subfamilies are described from eastern Türkiye: Cryptus ayseae Kaplan sp. nov. and Mesostenus kamileae Kaplan sp. nov. (Cryptinae), Ichneumon licensis Kaplan sp. nov. (Ichneumoninae), Exochus ahmedi Kaplan sp. nov. (Metopiinae).
Habitat and Population Structure of Five Multipurpose Species in Forest Management Site of Tiogo, Burkina Faso
Authors: Nitiema Bernadette , Hien Satassa , Traoré Lassina , Boussim Issaka Joseph , Guissou Kuilpoko Marie Laure
Published: March 2024

Understanding the dynamics of multipurpose species in savanna ecosystems is essential for their sustainable conservation. This study aims to assess the population structure of five target species (Tamarindus indica, Vitellaria paradoxa, Detarium microcarpum, Anogeissus leiocarpa, and Crossopteryx febrifuga) in the forest management site of Tiogo. Floristic inventory was conducted on 100 plots of 1000 m2. Non-Metric Multidimensional Analysis was carried out to characterized the target species’ habitats. A total of 70 species distributed in 23 families and 55 genera were recorded. Four groups of overlapping plant communities were identified. Each group constitutes a habitat of target species with diverse ecological drivers. Weibull distribution showed an overall good population structure for Vitellaria paradoxa, Detarium microcarpum and Crossopteryx febrifuga. However, Tamarindus indica and Anogeissus leiocarpa showed bad regeneration potential with lack of recruitment in the smaller diameter size classes. It is therefore important to increase the monitoring in the forest management site. This work has provides valuable information for better management of target species, aiding in effective forest management of Tiogo, subject to anthropic pressures.
Comparing Olanzapine with Placebo in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa for Increasing BMI and Weight Gain
Authors: Jbara Jalal , Shaabani Hedyeh , Cherkezishvili Ekaterine , Chermahini Siavash Hosseinpour
Published: March 2024

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by exceptionally low body weight and a feeling of disgust toward food. In addition, it causes complications for the affected person as it affects their immunity, weakens them quickly, makes them sick and malnourished. The commonly known treatment for anorexia nervosa is psychological treatment using methods such as CBT and MANTRA. With the introduction of pharmacological medications, the aim of this review is now to determine whether olanzapine is effective compared to placebo in increasing BMI and weight gain. It was found that olanzapine had a large increase in BMI compared to placebo [F (1, 20) =6.64, p=0.018] and that it significantly reduced depression and anxiety. Further studies found that olanzapine patients gained weight more quickly and reached their BMI goals more quickly than patients taking a placebo. On the other hand, a contradictory result was found, namely that there was no significant difference between olanzapine and placebo in terms of weight recovery and psychological, depressive and anxiety symptoms. It is concluded that reliance on pharmacological therapies should be minimized until new evidence emerges and that psychotherapies such as CBT and MANTRA should be relied upon primarily to increase BMI in patients with anorexia nervosa.
Oxidation of Abattoir Wastewater Using Cobalt-Catalyzed Potassium Persulfate
Authors: Olawumi Ayoola Rebecca , Ojo Adebayo Albert , Dikeagu Ahuchaogu Chinedu , Oluwatobi Akinola Joshua
Published: March 2024

Abattoir wastewater (AWW) contains a high level of organic pollutants due to the presence of toxic contaminants such as blood, feces from animals, and detergents from cleaning activities. In this study, the wastewater from the slaughterhouse was treated with a cobalt-catalyzed persulfate oxidation reaction to determine how well persulfate works as an oxidant to get rid of and break down organic materials. The water tested had a high organic load (COD = 2100mg/L), a pH of 7.7, and a BOD of 800mg/L. Time (10–90min), temperature (25–75°C), acid content (0.5–2.5M), persulfate (0.025–0.1g), and cobalt catalyst (50–150 mg/L) were all evaluated as operational conditions. Temperature and acid content was found to have a positive effect on COD elimination while increasing the residence time. The reaction conditions were optimized at a constant dose of 0.3 g of potassium persulfate, 1 M acid concentration in 30 minutes, and a maximum temperature of 60°C. At optimum conditions, approximately 98.46% of the COD was removed. The COD elimination rate was 92.85% at a low amount of potassium persulfate (0.075g). The study concludes that the developed approach could be used to efficiently treat abattoir wastewater.
Analysis of the Development Trend and Countermeasures of Internet Hospitals Based on SWOT
Authors: Zhanxiong Guo
Published: March 2024

Objective: Through the investigation of the development status and background of Internet hospitals, this paper analyzes the internal and external environment and advantages and disadvantages of Internet hospitals, so as to promote their high-quality and sustainable development under the background of the Healthy China strategy. Methods: SWOT analysis was used to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of Internet hospitals, as well as the opportunities and challenges faced by the development, analyze the development trend of Internet hospitals, and put forward countermeasures. Results: Internally, Internet hospitals have the advantages of improving patient medical efficiency and promoting the rational allocation of medical resources; and there are disadvantages of unclear service business positioning and the accuracy of telemedicine diagnosis to be improved; the external environment has the opportunity of national policy support and large demand for patient medical treatment; and there is the threat of low capital investment and the restriction of traditional medical concepts. Conclusions: It is suggested that the state should increase capital investment and policy norms to guide the orderly development of the Internet market, guide residents to change their medical habits, and medical institution managers should fully seize the development opportunities, grasp the development trend of the post-epidemic era, formulate growth strategies, torsion transformation strategies, defense strategies, and diversified strategies according to internal and external environmental factors, improve the construction of Internet hospital system, and help build a "healthy China".
Disruptive Product Innovations: A New Definition and Seven Theses
Authors: Koppenhagen Frank , Wecht Christoph Hubert , Held Tobias
Published: March 2024

The importance of disruptive product innovations is undisputed. However, the understanding of what constitutes a disruptive innovation varies widely in academic discourse. Therefore, this paper begins with a new definition of disruptive product innovation based on the design of the product innovation and its subsequent adoption by competitors. It then presents the results of an ongoing research project that uses a qualitative case study approach to analyze product innovations from the last fifty years that meet this definition. Both the design and the development process of these product innovations have been examined in detail. In particular, the effective principles and structures, geometric layouts and operating concepts used in the product innovations were analyzed, as were the differences to previous products. In addition, changes in the social and technological environment that led to the innovations were examined, as well as the role of new enabling technologies, in particular new materials and production processes. The common patterns across cases identified through the analysis were condensed into seven theses, which are presented in this article, each of them illustrated by using the example of the first iPhone. Said theses reflect the central research findings on (1) "Key usability contradictions as starting points", (2) "User-centeredness", (3) "Co-evolution of problem and solution space", (4) "Technical fixations that create cognitive gravitation", (5) "Facilitation through new technologies and reciprocal enablers", (6) "Higher degree of ideality" and (7) "Shifting tasks in the overarching human-product interaction system to the product". Finally, starting points for further research are formulated.
A Proposed Approach to Integrate Application Security Vulnerability Data with Incidence Response Systems
Authors: Kasturi Santanam , Li Xiaolong , Li Peng , Pickard John
Published: March 2024

This paper has proposed a method to develop an attack tree, from application vulnerability data discovered through tests and scans and correlation analysis using incoming transaction requests monitored by a Web Application Firewall (WAF) tool. The attack tree shows multiple pathways for an attack to shape through vulnerability linkages and a deeper analysis of the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) and Common Vulnerability Exposure (CVE) mapping to individual vulnerabilities. By further relating to a parent, peer, or child CWE (including CWEs that follow another CWE and in some cases precede other CWEs) will provide more insight into the attack patterns. These patterns will reveal a multi-vulnerability, multi-application attack pattern which will be hard to visualize without data consolidation and correlation analysis. The correlation analysis tied to the test and scan data supports a vulnerability lineage starting from incoming requests to individual vulnerabilities found in the code that traces a possible attack path. This solution, if automated, can provide threat alerts and immediate focus on vulnerabilities that need to be remedied as a priority. SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response), XSOAR (Extended Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response), SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), and XDR (Extended Detection and Response) are more constructed to suit networks, infrastructure and devices, and sensors; not meant for application security vulnerability information as collected. So, this paper makes a special case that must be made for integration of application security information as part of threat intelligence, and threat and incident response systems.
Genetic Algorithm for Mode Selection in Device-to-Device (D2D) Communication for 5G Cellular Networks
Authors: Djomadji Eric Michel Deussom , Garga Maniba , Fouba Bienvenue Arsene Roger , Bouetou Thomas Bouetou
Published: March 2024

The widespread use of smart devices and mobile applications is leading to a massive growth of wireless data traffic. With the rapidly growing of the customers’ data traffic demand, improving the system capacity and increasing the user throughput have become essential concerns for the future fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication network. In a conventional cellular system, devices are not allowed to directly communicate with each other in the licensed cellular spectrum and all communications take place through the base stations (BS) and core network. Device-to-Device (D2D) communication refers to a technology that enables devices to communicate directly with each other, without sending data to the base station and the core network. This technology has the potential to improve system performance, enhance the user experience, increase spectral efficiency, reduce the terminal transmitting power, reduce the burden of the cellular network, and reduce end to end latency. In D2D communication user equipment’s (UEs) are enabled to select among different modes of communication which are defined based on the frequency resource sharing. Dedicated mode where D2D devices directly transmit by using dedicated resources. Reuse mode where D2D devices reuse some resources of the cellular network. Outband mode where D2D communication uses unlicensed spectrum (e.g. the free 2.4 GHz Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) band or the 38 GHz millimetre wave band) where cellular communication does not take place. Cellular mode where the D2D communication is relayed via gNode B (gNB) and it is treated as cellular users. In this work, the target was to reach the optimal mode selection policy and genetic algorithm method was used with the objective of maximizing the total fitness function. Optimal mode selection policy was presented and analysed amongst cellular, dedicated, reused and outband mode. In the present study of mode selection issues in D2D enabled networks, genetic algorithm was proposed for the case when the cellular user equipment (UE) moves in the network. Quality of service (QoS) parameters, mobility parameters and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method were used to define the mode selection algorithm. To evaluate the performance of the proposed genetic algorithm, a study of the convergence of the algorithm and the signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) was done.
Review on Pretreatment Techniques of Grass Pea Seeds for Reduction of Antinutritional Factors and β-Diaminopropionic (β-ODAP) Contents from Seeds
Authors: Kuma Bekele , Shiferaw Ashenafi
Published: March 2024

Grass peas are one of the most nutritious foods and are widely harvested and consumed in many developing countries. They are an inexpensive source of protein and contain large amounts of essential amino acids. The potential of grass peas to improve food security, nutrition and household income generation remains largely untapped. However, the naturally occurring amino acid β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP) leads to limited neurotoxic activity. Lathyrus sativus β-ODAP exists in two isomers (α and β isomers) in nature. The α isomer accounts for approximately 5% of the total ODAP content and is less toxic, but the β isomer is also more toxic. Decreased β-ODAP levels through food processing such as overnight soaking, cooking bean sprouts, fermentation, and roasting. Most food pretreatment processing methods can effectively improve the nutritional quality of grass bean grains and reduce anti-nutritional factors. Grass peas, a variety of traditionally treated seeds, serve as a staple food for poor farmers in countries such as Ethiopia and are primarily consumed during times of drought and famine. Grass pea seeds are valued as a nutritious staple food and feed plant mainly due to their high protein content.
Prioritization of Application Security Vulnerability Remediation Using Metrics, Correlation Analysis, and Threat Model
Authors: Kasturi Santanam , Li Xiaolong , Pickard John , Li Peng
Published: March 2024

As part of a continuing research for evaluating threats posed for exposed attack surface, this study will provide a consolidated view of exploitability of vulnerable applications presenting a web attack surface of an organization exposed to an attacker. While testing and scanning technologies like Static Analysis Security Testing (SAST), Dynamic Analysis Security Testing (DAST), Application Ethical Hack (Penetration Testing), a monitoring technology like the Web Application Firewall (WAF) provides web traffic information of the number of transaction requests for every application under study. To ensure validity, reliability, and completeness of observation multiple applications must be observed. Research from a prior study is referenced that shows correlation between incoming WAF requests and existing vulnerabilities. Using correlation analysis, vulnerabilities metrics, and a threat model analysis help identify pathways to an attack. A vulnerability map-based attack tree can be developed using Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) and Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) information. The threat model analysis and vulnerability-based attack tree can help in simulation studies of possible attacks. This attack tree will show the linkages between vulnerabilities and a lineage pointing to how an attack could travel from the incoming WAF requests to deep down into the application code of exposed and existing, open vulnerabilities travelling laterally to create a more expanded attack crossing trust boundaries using application data flow.
Sustainability and Resiliency Investigation of Grouted Coupler Embedded in RC ABC Bridge Pier at Vehicle Impact
Authors: Roy Suman
Published: March 2024

Increased occurrences of natural and man-made dynamic loading caused by high strain rate dynamic impact load have been recently reported. Different statistical results indicate that vehicular impacts occur more frequently compared to the other dynamic loads. However, existing literature primarily focuses on enhancing survivability and determining damage levels specifically in relation to faster bridge construction methods used as an accelerated bridge construction (ABC). In this context, the present study investigates the dynamic behavior of a commonly used connection type in ABC, namely grouted coupler that connects pre-cast elements like bridge piers and foundations. To execute the research, both the static and dynamic performance of grouted couplers embedded in pier foundation subjected to high strain rate loading incurred by high velocity vehicular impact are examined. A representative non-traditional reinforced concrete (RC) bridge pier is selected for the study with the standardized geometry and selected material properties. The use of splice sleeves as coupler materials and specified cross-sectional hollow cast iron cylinders filled with high strength concrete grout is employed for developing Finite Element (FE) modeling, extracting data from published journals. A commercial software, ANSYS, has been utilized to develop FE models to capture post impact respective static and dynamic behaviors, and the simulation results are then compared with the analytical. This also includes determining material performance via FE simulations. By considering dynamic loading, the dynamic impact factor (DIF) has been evaluated for the reinforcing steel bar adjacent and embedded into the coupler. In addition, dynamic simulations, and material modulus in demand to sustain impact are determined. Thus, the research necessitates mesh-independent sensitivity studies to investigate DIF corresponding to the precise outcomes. The findings of this study manifests valuable information that aids to opt for the suitable coupler connections, considering material properties, and adequate post impact execution. Consequently, it will serve as a useful design tool for design offices, structural practitioners, and forensic structural engineers.
Treatment Adherence Among Malagasy Patients with Atopic Dermatitis Seen at the Department of Dermatology, Antananarivo, Madagascar
Authors: Razanakoto Naina Harinjara , Sendrasoa Fandresena Arilala , Rakotoarisaona Mendrika Fifaliana , Razafimaharo Tsiory Iarintsoa , Ramily Leophonte Samison , Armando Rakotomanana Mbolatiana Kiady , Ralimalala Voahanginirina Nathalie , Ratovonjanahary Volatantely Tobiniaina , Sata Moril , Raharolahy Onivola , Andrianarison Malalaniaina , Ranaivo Irina Mamisoa , Ramarozatovo Lala Soavina , Rapelanoro Fahafahantsoa Rabenja
Published: March 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by intense pruritic eczematous lesions. Poor adherence to treatment is a major factor limiting treatment outcomes in patients with AD. This study aimed to assess treatment adherence in Malagasy patients with AD. It was conducted over one year in children and adult patients with AD seen at the Department of Dermatology University Hospital Joseph Raseta Befelatanana, Antananarivo, Madagascar. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) was used to assess patients’ treatment adherence. We included 44 children and 21 adults. The mean age was 4.29 ± 4.13 years and 35.28 ± 16.88 years, respectively. All of our patients receive topical treatment and no specific oral treatment such as biotherapy or immunosuppressant. A low adherence rate was observed in 61.90% of adult patients and the mean MMAS-8 score was 2.56 ± 1.6. In children, the mean MMAS¬8 score was 5.9 ± 1.53 and poor adherence was seen in 45.45%. The adherence level was significantly associated with age, educational status, and marital status (p < 0.05). Low treatment adherence is preponderant among Malagasy patients with AD. We did not find significant correlations between adherence levels and monthly income, frequency of follow-up, severity of AD, or insurance coverage.
Neuropsychology of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2, a Case Study in Stage I Disease
Authors: Martinola Diana Rosa Hidalgo , Alvarez Ana Karina Gutiérrez , Fernández Yarily Martínez , Reyes Mairelys Guillén , Jover María Victoria González
Published: March 2024

Currently, the evaluation of cognitive disorders in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 is of great interest, given that the identification of its neuropsychological characteristics allows for a deeper understanding of the disease. However, its approach from the field of study of neuropsychology, based on the integration of the cognitive, affective and behavioral state, is insufficient. The objective of study is characterized from a neuropsychological point of view, a series of cases with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 in stage I. A multiple case study was carried out with four patients with diagnosis of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 in stage I genetically confirmed and intentionally chosen. Psychological and neurocognitive tests were applied to evaluate the cognitive, affective and behavioral spheres. Patients with SCA2 stage I presented cognitive impairment in the neuropsychological examination, only one of the subjects showed normal global cognitive functioning, although in the evaluation by specific domains he evidenced various cognitive deficits. Anxiety and depression at pathological levels were not identified in the patients. They showed satisfaction and self-actualization with their lifestyles. The neuropsychological characterization of the cases studied with SCA2 in stage I contributed to a greater understanding of the disease. The identified deficits speak in favor of carrying out a neuropsychological evaluation from the initial stages, to project more effective neuropsychological rehabilitation strategies, which is of interest to the scientific community in the field of Neurosciences.
Impact of Morphological Variables on Throwing Ability: A Gender-Driven Exploration Among Athletes in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Anim Stephen , Sarpong Emmanuel Osei , Apaak Daniel , Opoku-Antwi Eric , Kwakye Josephine Adjubi
Published: March 2024

This study represents a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interplay between morphological variables and throwing ability, specifically examining gender-specific variations among athletes in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. In the pursuit of an understanding, data were collected from a diverse sample of 420 athletes, comprising 210 males and 210 females, aged between 16 and 22. The investigation illuminated that athletes within the Cape Coast Metropolis possess not only well-developed body dimensions but also an adequate level of fitness, both integral to overall athletic performance. This insight was substantiated by the statistical analysis, which demonstrated that morphological features accounted for a substantial 64% to 73% of the variance in throwing ability. The study employed predictive equations tailored for male and female athletes, further illustrating the influential role of specific morphological characteristics. For male athletes, the equation TB = -12.53 + .577handspan + .053Body weight + .109Total Arm Length - .055thigh girth + .053Chest Circumference Expiration - .094Tricep Skin Fold encapsulates the predictive model. On the other, the equation TG = -8.11 + .597Handspan + .068Upper Arm Length + .013Body Weight + .021Thigh Girth encapsulates the model for female athletes. These equations provide practical tools for forecasting throwing proficiency within the local athletic community in Cape Coast Metropolis. This research contributes significantly to the field, emphasizing the pivotal role of morphological variables in shaping athletic performance. The findings underscore the importance of training programs and talent identification processes based on an individual's morphological characteristics, with the potential to enhance overall athletic development in the Cape Coast Metropolis region.
Cervical Cancer Screening Barriers Among HIV Positive Women Attending ART Clinic at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kebede Habtimer Abi , Bekele Getabalew Endazenew , Gebrehiwot Ephriam Mamo , Kitesa Garoma , Derbew Ayelign
Published: March 2024

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common cause of morbidity and death among female cancer patients globally, particularly in poor nations like Ethiopia. It is a preventable, non-communicable disease of public health relevance. In Ethiopia, women's acceptance of the services for cervical cancer screening and treatment is low and poorly recorded. The goal of the current study is to investigate the obstacles that HIV-positive women face while trying to use cervical cancer screening. Objective: To investigate cervical cancer screening barriers among HIV positive women at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: Between April and June of 2021, a qualitative study was carried out with women who tested positive for HIV and were enrolled in the ART clinic at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College. At the time of the study, HIV-positive women and medical professionals were purposefully chosen from an ART clinic. In all, 14 patients and 9 healthcare professionals participated in the study. A schedule for in-depth interviews were used to gather data. Analysis was done by using atlas ti computer software. Result: The risk factors and symptoms of cervical cancer were not well known to the respondents. Women have identified several factors that impact their use of cervical screening: inadequate knowledge of the significance of screenings, perceptions of the seriousness of cervical cancer, the separation of the screening location from ART, having conflicting concerns, and emotional barriers like anxiety about a positive result, embarrassment, and shame anticipation. These same problems were recognized by healthcare professionals as obstacles to cervical screening. Conclusion: This study offers extensive data on the various complex reasons why women do not participate in cervical cancer screening programs. Consequently, it is crucial to develop interventions that can address and reduce these barriers.
Analysis on Vertical Variation Characteristics of Eogene Formation Water in Jizhong Depression
Authors: Qingyuan Zhou , Chunhua Yang , Zhicheng Yu , Yi Zhang
Published: March 2024

Jizhong Depression is located in the middle and west of Bohai Basin. During the Tertiary period, the depression was in a relatively stable state, and the shape of the depression did not change much, but the internal ups and downs of the depression were still continuous. In the Tertiary period, it experienced three development stages: early division, middle communication and late contraction, and three different sedimentary facies appeared accordingly. At the same time, it also caused three shifts of sedimentary centers. In the medium-term communication stage, two large water invasion periods occurred, and in some areas, the sedimentary water medium changed from salty to light twice. Oil and gas in the depression are associated with formation water, and the formation history of formation water is closely related to the formation history of oil and gas reservoirs. They are both in a hydrodynamic system and exchange material components for a long time. The lower tertiary is the main oil-bearing interval in central Hebei, but it is affected by the late tectonic movement and its structural characteristics are complex. Therefore, the hydrochemistry and vertical distribution characteristics of tertiary strata are studied. By effectively studying the distribution characteristics of formation water, it is concluded that the salinity of formation water in the basin tends to increase from edge to center and from shallow to deep, mainly in alternate blocking zones and alternate stagnation zones. The water deposition environment is relatively stable and the general regularity is obvious, which is an effective means to study the migration and distribution of oil and gas.
Public Influence on the Ethnic Disparity in Stop-and-Search Statistics in Four London Boroughs
Authors: Dippie Aaron , Hasan Marina
Published: March 2024

The literature on police stop-and-search events over the last two decades has heavily criticised the police for being racially disproportionate towards young black men compared to their white counterparts, resulting in the police being labelled as institutionally racist. However, none of the literature considers the fact that the public reporting of incidents may have had a major and direct influence on police stop-and-search outcomes. This significant issue remains a hidden and under-researched area, even though the disproportionality of police stop-and-search incidents is the leading cause of the negative relationship between the police and black and minority ethnic groups. This study addresses this gap by examining public bias in reporting incidents that result in police stopping and searching an individual. This study addresses this gap by examining public bias in reporting incidents that result in police stopping and searching an individual. A mixed method approach has been taken and primary data has been collected through freedom of information requests from the four borough command units (BCU) of the Metropolitan Police with densely populated areas with Black and Asian minority groups to investigate the link between public calls or reports of incidents and the initiation of police stop-and-search events. This data has been measured against national stop and search statistics in line with demographic data gathered from National Census data for the areas. The research concludes that there is discrimination against black and minority ethnic groups in members of the public reporting concerns. Freedom of information request for quantitative data from the Metropolitan Police reveals that public calls for reported incidents are on average 8.4 times more likely to describe the perpetrator as black European rather than white and 23.9 times more likely in the Central East borough when describing Asian ethnicity.
Carotid Artery Stenosis as a Predictor for Stroke Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Taube Leonard , Sugiura Atsushi , Hartmann Arthur , Schaefer Christian , Hamiko Marwan , Zimmer Sebastian , Nickenig Georg , Schahab Nadjib
Published: March 2024

Stroke remains a clinical risk in the long-term follow-up of patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to investigate the association between existing carotid artery stenosis (CS) and the risk of stroke after TAVI. The study participants were consecutive patients who underwent TAVI between 2008 and 2020 and were screened for CS at baseline and at the 30-day follow-up. Hemodynamically relevant CS was defined as a reduction of the carotid artery caliber by >50% in relation to the distal segment. The primary endpoint of this study was ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within 30 days of TAVI. Stroke-related death was also assessed. Of the 1,537 patients included, 220 (14.3%) patients had CS ≥50%. Within 30 days following TAVI, 41 patients (2.7%) experienced an ischemic stroke or TIA, and seven had stroke-related death. The median time from TAVI to stroke/TIA was 3.0 days. Patients with CS ≥50% had a 2.56-fold increased risk of stroke/TIA after TAVI (95%CI: 1.29–5.10, P = .006). The association was consistent in the multivariable model after adjusting for sex, atrial fibrillation, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Investigations are needed to mitigate the risk of stroke in patients with CS ≥50%.
Contextualizing Lives and Historical Time: Examining Changes in the Transition to Adulthood and Age-Arrest Trajectories from the 1960s to 2018
Authors: Bersani Bianca E. , Doherty Elaine Eggleston
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The changing nature and timing of adult role acquisition during the transition to adulthood over the past several decades may hold implications for criminal offending as adult roles are fundamental to theories of desistance. This research explores whether changes in adult role attainment during young adulthood are associated with the changes in the level and slope of the age-arrest trajectory over the past half-century. Methods: Combining US Census and Uniform Crime Report data, we map the average rate of adult role attainment (e.g., marriage, parenthood, labor force, independent living) and aggregate age-arrest trajectories among young adults (ages 18-24) biennially from 1960 to 2018. We fit a multilevel growth curve model where ages are nested within years to examine whether variation in the aggregate age-arrest trajectory is associated with variation in the attainment of adulthood. Results: At the macro level, periods with higher levels of adult role attainment are associated with a swifter decline in the young adult arrest rate but not the level. Conclusions: This research positions sociohistorical context at the center of life course criminological inquiry and highlights how historical shifts in the attainment and timing of adult social roles can alter behavioral patterns during the transition to adulthood.