bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban in obese and morbidly obese patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation: A real‐world analysis
Authors: Chugh Yashasvi , Gupta Kashvi , Krishna Hanumanthu Balram , Ayala Renato Quispe , Zepeda Ignacio , Grushko Michael , Faillace Robert T
Published: November 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation and heart failure are combined risk factors for thromboembolic events. Obese and morbidly obese individuals have been underrepresented in clinical trials studying safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Objectives

Study the comparative safety and efficacy of DOACs in obese and morbidly obese patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter, and concomitant congestive heart failure.

Methods

In the present single‐center retrospective observational study, patients with an ICD‐9 code of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, and congestive heart failure on a DOAC (apixaban[n = 155], rivaroxaban[n = 335], dabigatran[n = 393]) were followed for a median 12.5 months (IQR: 22.1 months). Obesity was defined as a body mass index, BMI ≥ 30 and < 40 kg/m2 [n = 614], and morbid obesity as BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 [n = 269]. Clinical endpoints were grouped into safety (composite of intracranial‐hemorrhage, gastrointestinal‐bleeds, hemorrhagic‐stroke, and other bleeds), and efficacy (composite of ischemic‐stroke and systemic‐embolism) endpoints. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare safety, efficacy, and all‐cause mortality outcomes.

Results

In obese patients, no statistical difference was observed in efficacy of DOACs. A statistical difference was observed in the safety of DOACs in obese patients. Apixaban was found to be safer than dabigatran [hazard ratio [HR] 0.37 (0.16‐0.87), p = .02] and rivaroxaban [HR 0.29 (0.12‐0.67), p = .004]. In morbidly obese patients, there was no overall statistical difference in the efficacy or safety of DOACs.

Conclusion

In obese patients with congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter on DOACs, apixaban has the most favorable safety profile compared to rivaroxaban and dabigatran.
The Effect of a Coaching Clinic on Student-Coaches’ Behavior During a Basketball Sport Education Season With Preservice Teachers
Authors: Iserbyt Peter , Dehandschutter Toon , Leysen Hilde , van der Mars Hans
Published: November 2022

Purpose: To investigate (a) if a coaching clinic (CC) impacted student-coaches’ behavior and academic learning time during a basketball Sport Education season and (b) if 3v3 game performance improved as a function of the coaching clinic. Method: Preservice teachers (n = 85) were randomly assigned to a CC or a comparison group and taught a 16-lesson Sport Education-based basketball season. The CC group received a coaching clinic in which student-coaches were introduced to core instructional skills, including task organization, task presentation, and delivering congruent feedback. Results: For both groups, coaching time significantly increased from 11.5% to 34.1%, p = .02, as well as cognitive learner involvement, p < .01. CC coaches provided significantly more demonstrations, p < .02. Players in the CC group had significantly greater improvement in 3v3 game play, p = .01. Conclusion: The clinic positively impacted student-coaches’ demonstrations, which likely contributed to improved 3v3 performance.
Influence of Secondary Organizational Socialization on How Physical Education Teacher Education Program Coordinators Execute Their Administrative Roles and Responsibilities
Authors: Parkes Craig , Brunsdon Jamie Jacob , O’Leary Nick
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of secondary organizational socialization on how physical education teacher education program coordinators execute their administrative roles and responsibilities. Two female program coordinators located within the United States were individually interviewed and provided documentation for analysis. Data analysis was conducted using analytic induction and constant comparison techniques. Both participants acted as customizers, persuaders, and interpreters. The factors influencing the socialization of physical education teacher education coordinators were department faculty, college administration, student enrollment data, and cooperating teacher feedback. Although working at very different institutions, the roles, responsibilities, and socialization influences for both participants were similar. In addition, and despite the prevalence of low enrollments and the educative teacher performance assessment, program coordinators appeared to negate these issues and were effective in executing their administrative roles and responsibilities. These findings would be of interest to those interested in and/or currently maintaining administrative positions in physical education teacher education.
“We’ve Never Studied Bullying at University:” Bullying-Related Beliefs, Training, and Strategies Among Physical Education Preservice Teachers
Authors: Ríos Xènia , Ventura Carles , Prat Maria
Published: November 2022

Purpose: To examine beliefs about bullying in physical education (PE) among PE preservice teachers and to examine opinions about training received in this area and the strategies they would use to deal with this phenomenon. Method: We interviewed 44 PE-PSTs (Mage = 23.91; SD = 2.96) from six Spanish universities in semistructured focus groups. The data collected were analyzed using hierarchical content analysis. Results: PE preservice teachers believed that while PE may favor the occurrence of bullying, with proper management, it could also be used to educate students and create a positive climate that could help prevent this behavior. The trainee teachers stated that they had not received any training on bullying at university. Overall, they lacked confidence to deal with this problem, and their proposed strategies lacked depth. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the need for universities to include bullying in their PE teacher training programs.
Neonatal diabetes with a rare LRBA mutation
Authors: Yadav Arti , Kumar Rakesh , Rawat Amit , Venkatesan Radha
Published: November 2022

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is characterised by onset of persistent hyperglycaemia within the first 6 months of life. NDM is frequently caused by a mutation in a single gene affecting pancreatic beta cell function. We report an infant, born to a non-consanguineous couple, who presented with osmotic symptoms and diabetic ketoacidosis. The genetic analysis showed a mutation in LRBA (lipopolysaccharide-responsive and beige-like anchor protein) gene. We highlight the importance of considering genetic analysis in every infant with NDM, to understand the nature of genetic mutation, associated comorbidities, response to glibenclamide and future prognosis.
Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma of the neck presenting as a rapidly growing posterior triangle neck mass
Authors: Hatfield Thomas William , Wilkinson Sophie L , Nijim Hazem
Published: November 2022

A woman in her 70s presented to a tertiary otorhinolaryngology outpatient department with a 25-year history of right-sided subcutaneous neck lesion that had steadily grown over the preceding 6 months, now with skin involvement. The patient was asymptomatic except for some mild tenderness. The 3 × 3 cm mass lay fixed to deep tissues adjacent to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, though no associated lymphadenopathy was found on palpation, with imaging confirming no regional or distant metastases. Biopsy confirmed the lesion to be primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma, a malignancy not previously described as a primary on the neck, which was treated by wide local excision after multidisciplinary team discussion. The lesion was completely excised with negative margins, and after surveillance over 3 years, the patient is still well with no signs of recurrence.
Rare case of ankylosing spondylitis complicated by IgA vasculitis
Authors: Kamath Sangita , Ahmed Tauheed , Rana Farah , Upadhyay Ajat Shatru
Published: November 2022

Ankylosing spondylosis (AS) is characterised by bilateral sacroiliitis, asymmetric peripheral oligoarthritis, association with the human leucocyte antigen-B27, enthesitis and dactylitis. The association of IgA vasculitis with AS has been documented in few case reports. We present a rare case of a man in his 40s with AS, who presented with fever, bloody loose stools, abdominal pain, lower limb arthritis, palpable purpura over the lower limbs. He subsequently, also developed renal involvement in the form of proteinuria. His skin biopsy showed evidence of leucocytoclastic vasculitis, while renal biopsy showed focal proliferative, necrotising IgA glomerulonephritis. He was thus diagnosed to have Henoch Schonlein purpura with IgA nephropathy in the background of AS. He was treated with steroids and mycophenolate mofetil with resolution of his symptoms.
PCSK9 inhibitors for anti-inflammation in atherosclerosis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Luo Jichang , Liao Wanying , Wang Xue , Xu Ran , Li Wei , Li Wenjing , Liu Kan , Huang Kaixun , Ma Yan , Wang Tao , Yang Bin , Jiao Liqun
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lipid accumulation and inflammation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are an emerging lipid-lowering agent reported as a potential anti-inflammation effect in the prevention of CVD. However, the anti-inflammatory effect is still elusive. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis is needed to analyse the anti-inflammatory effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on atherosclerosis in practice.

Methods and analysis

This protocol was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. We will include double-blind, randomised controlled trials that reported changes in the levels of inflammatory markers, with an intervention arm of PCSK9 inhibitors and a treatment duration of more than 2 weeks. The following databases will be mainly searched from 1 January 2003 to the formal search date: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary aim is to assess the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on inflammatory markers, including circulating inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, white cell counts, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and local inflammatory markers such as the most diseased segment target-to-background ratio of the index vessel in adult patients with atherosclerosis. We will assess the quality of evidence, heterogeneity and report bias following the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

Ethics and dissemination

Due to the systematic review being based on published studies, no ethics approval is required. The study results will be presented at international conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022297710.
Torn between two worlds: parental experiences of neonatal follow-up for infants with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy in India–a qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Chandrasekaran Suja Angelin , John Hima B , Ross Benjamin Jeyanth , Arumugam Asha , Balan Indira , Samuel Reema
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators of a neonatal follow-up programme, as perceived by parents of infants born with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE).

Design

This study applied a qualitative study design using interpretative phenomenological analysis. It included focus group discussions, face-to-face in-depth interviews and telephonic interviews. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Setting

Neonatal follow-up clinic of a tertiary hospital in South India. The study was conducted between March and December 2020.

Participants

Five fathers and eight mothers of infants with HIE.

Results

Parents of children with HIE are torn between two worlds—an atmosphere of support and one of criticism. Three main themes were identified: (1) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay: distressful versus reassuring experiences; (2) parenthood: supportive versus unsupportive environments; and (3) neonatal follow-up: adherence versus non-adherence.

Conclusion

Parents of children with HIE experience sociocultural barriers in the NICU, after discharge and during the follow-up period. These lead to a complex array of emotional and physical consequences that affect parenting and follow-up care.
Burnout and its associated factors among healthcare workers and the general working population in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide cross-sectional internet-based study
Authors: Matsuo Takahiro , Yoshioka Takashi , Okubo Ryo , Nagasaki Kazuya , Tabuchi Takahiro
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To examine the prevalence and the associated factors of burnout among both healthcare workers (HCWs) and the general working population, which has not yet been unknown, using large-scale, nationwide data.

Design

Cross-sectional internet-based study.

Setting

Nationwide internet survey conducted between 8 and 26 February 2021 in Japan.

Participants

Workers aged 20–64 years. We classified the workers as HCWs and the general working population.

Exposures

Demographic characteristics (age, sex and marital status), socioeconomic status (education, employment and income), health-related, work-related and industry-related factors (smoking, alcohol use, physical and psychiatric comorbidities, working hours, types of healthcare professionals, experience on the COVID-19 frontline and working industries).

Main outcome measures

Burnout defined as a score of ≥3 points on the Mini-Z Single-Item Burnout Scale.

Results

Of the included 12 650 workers, 1087 were HCWs. After inverse probability weighting on data from the 2016 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions, burnout in HCWs and the general working population was 33.5% (95% CI 29.2% to 38.0%) and 31.0% (95% CI 29.7% to 32.4%), respectively. In the weighted multivariable modified Poisson regression models, working 60 hours or more was associated with burnout in all workers (HCWs: prevalence ratio (PR) 2.52, 95% CI 1.68 to 3.76; general population: PR 1.26, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.48). Widowed/separated compared with married was associated with burnout only among HCWs (PR 1.69, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.47), whereas presence of physical or psychiatric comorbidities was associated with burnout among the general working population (PR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.28; and PR 1.65, 95% CI 1.45 to 1.87, respectively).

Conclusions

Burnout was prevalent in both HCWs and the general working population in Japan. Both common and specific risk factors were observed. Our findings highlight the need for the general workplace policy and targeted interventions for burnout prevention.
Distribution of risk factors differs from coronary heart disease and stroke in China: a national population survey
Authors: Li Yapeng , Yin Ling , Shen Ying , Wang Anran , Zhou Lue , Gao Yuan , Li Yusheng , Lu Jie , Shi Songhe , Tian Chuansheng , Xu Yuming , Wang Longde
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the distribution differences of common risk factors between coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke in China.

Setting

The China National Stroke Screening Survey is a cluster sampling survey based on a nationwide general community population, adopting multistage stratified sampling method and covering all 31 provinces in China mainland.

Participants

A total number of 725 707 people aged 40 years and above were included in the study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The basic demographic information, lifestyle behaviour, physical examination, traditional risk factors, family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD events were collected. Risk factors of CHD and stroke were explored and analysed in the whole investigated population to identify the common risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the distribution difference of risk factors between CHD and stroke.

Results

There were 13 variables associated with CHD and stroke, in which 11 variables revealed differences in the distribution between CHD and stroke. Family history of stroke (OR: 2.30; 95% CI 2.15 to 2.45), men (OR: 1.92; 95% CI 1.80 to 2.05), rural areas (OR: 1.70; 95% CI 1.60 to 1.80), transient ischaemic attack (OR: 1.41; 95% CI 1.30 to 1.54) and hypertension (OR: 1.28; 95% CI 1.19 to 1.38) indicated significantly stronger association with stroke, while family history of CHD (OR: 0.25; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.27), atrial fibrillation (OR: 0.60; 95% CI 0.51 to 0.71), diabetes (OR: 0.76; 95% CI 0.71 to 0.81), dyslipidaemia (OR: 0.76; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.81), smoking (OR: 0.79; 95% CI 0.73 to 0.85) and overweight/obesity (OR: 0.90; 95% CI 0.86 to 0.93) had closer relationship with CHD.

Conclusions

The distribution of risk factors for CHD and stroke were substantial differences. More specific prevention and control measures should be formulated according to the distribution differences of risk factors related to CVD.
On interactions of massless spin 3 and scalar fields
Authors: Lavrov P. M.
Published: November 2022

Using new approach for the deformation procedure in the case of reducible gauge theories (Lavrov in Eur Phys J C 82:429, 2022), it is shown that in the model of massless spin 3 fields and a real scalar field local cubic vertices invariant under initial gauge transformations do not exist while local quartic gauge-invariant vertices can be constructed.
Using Two Theories in Exploration of the Health Information Diffusion on Social Media During a Global Health Crisis
Authors: Alasmari Hanan , Zavalina Oksana L.
Published: November 2022

As the possibility of sharing inaccurate information on social media increases markedly during the health crisis, there is a need to develop an understanding of social media users’ motivations for online sharing of information related to major public health challenges such as COVID-19. This study utilised an online survey based on Theory of Planned Behaviour and Diffusion of Innovation Theory to examine how the behavioural intention to share COVID-19-related content on social media is impacted and to develop a model of health information sharing. Results indicate that opinion leadership, beliefs held towards the source of the information, and peers’ influence serve as determinants of the intention to share COVID-19-related information on social media, while the opinion-seeking attitude does not, which could be explained by opinion seekers’ inherent tendency to seek more sources to verify new information obtained. The study contributes to the Information Science field by addressing the previously under-researched area and proposing a new model that explains the impact of the factors on behavioural intention to share health-related information during the health crisis in the online network environment.
About this title - Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste in Deep Clay Formations: 40 Years of RD&D in the Belgian URL HADES
Authors: Li X. L. , Van Geet M. , Bruggeman C. , De Craen M.
Published: November 2022

Over the past four decades, research in the HADES underground research laboratory has demonstrated that the geological disposal of radioactive waste in clay can provide a safe and feasible disposal solution. This Special Publication presents the main contributions of the HADES laboratory to Belgian and international research into geological disposal.
Gas transport in Boom Clay: the role of the HADES URL in process understanding
Authors: Jacops Elke , Yu Li , Chen Guangjing , Levasseur Séverine
Published: November 2022

Since the 1990s, SCK CEN, EIG EURIDICE and ONDRAF/NIRAS have been investigating the impact of gas generation on the Boom Clay and the engineered barriers. Several experiments have been performed to study gas transport in Boom Clay at laboratory scale and in the HADES URL. This paper gives an overview of these experiments. The transition from the laboratory to the
in-situ
scale is still a challenging task. It is our ambition to address these issues for Boom Clay, starting with the diffusive transport of dissolved gas. A large set of gas diffusion coefficients in Boom Clay from small-scale lab experiments (centimetre scale) is already available, and in order to validate these for use on a larger (metre) scale, an
in-situ
diffusion experiment with dissolved gas will be performed in the HADES URL, using the existing boreholes. In this new experiment, called NEMESIS, dissolved neon gas will be injected in one filter, and its diffusion will be monitored by three other filters. By re-using existing boreholes dating from the 1990s, the NEMESIS experiment will continue to provide new diffusion data for the next five years.
Computing generalized hamming weights of binary linear codes via free resolutions
Authors: García-Marco Ignacio , Márquez-Corbella Irene , Martínez-Moro Edgar , Pitones Yuriko
Published: November 2022

In this work, we explore the relationship between free resolution of some monomial ideals and Generalized Hamming Weights (GHWs) of binary codes. More precisely, we look for a structure smaller than the set of codewords of minimal support that provides us some information about the GHWs. We prove that the first and second generalized Hamming weight of a binary linear code can be computed (by means of a graded free resolution) from a set of monomials associated to a binomial ideal related with the code. Moreover, the remaining weights are bounded by the Betti numbers for that set.
Computing exact nonlinear reductions of dynamical models
Authors: Jiménez-Pastor Antonio , Pogudin Gleb
Published: November 2022

Dynamical systems are commonly used to represent real-world processes. Model reduction techniques are among the core tools for studying dynamical systems models, they allow to reduce the study of a model to a simpler one. In this poster, we present an algorithm for computing exact nonlinear reductions, that is, a set of new rational function macro-variables which satisfy a self-consistent ODE system with the dynamics defined by algebraic functions. We report reductions found by the algorithm in models from the literature.
Factoring differential operators over algebraic curves in positive characteristic
Authors: Pagès Raphaël
Published: November 2022

We present an algorithm for factoring linear differential operators with coefficients in a finite separable extension of F

p

(
x
). Our methods rely on specific tools arising in positive characteristic:
p
-curvature, structure of simple central algebras and
p
-Riccati equations.
Estimating the Value of Statistical Life in a Road Safety Context Based on the Contingent Valuation Method
Authors: Mekonnen Anteneh Afework , Beza Abebe Dress , Sipos Tibor
Published: November 2022

A cost-benefit analysis in a road safety context fundamentally analyzes the advantage of higher safety or lower risk. It can help determine if increasing spending on road safety programs is cost-effective. This study estimates the value of statistical life (VSL)—the amount of money that might be justified to save one person’s life. The VSL is calculated using the willingness to pay (WTP) data obtained through a contingent valuation survey. Three discrete choice models are developed: log-logistic, log-normal, and Weibull. The log-logistic model outperforms the log-normal and Weibull models, comparing Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) values. We consider the log-logistic model’s mean and median WTP values to estimate the VSL value in the Ethiopian road transport safety context. The VSL estimate in the Ethiopian road transport safety context is 53.52 million ETB (USD 1.07 million). The respondents’ median WTP is ETB 714.44 (USD 14.23). Although the study is in Ethiopia, the findings can be applied to other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for the same purpose with modifications. The research findings will aid in a better understanding of the economic efficiencies of increased spending on road safety initiatives. Future research could compare current trends in road safety investment to the amount that should be spent based on the economic justifications from this study.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence, Severity, and Management of Acute Appendicitis: A Single Center Experience in Thailand
Authors: Achavanuntakul Chompoonut , Mahawongkajit Prasit , Orrapin Saritphat , Auksornchat Karikarn , Boonyasatid Piyapong , Waewsri Nichakarn , Moriguchi Alisa , Kanlerd Amonpon
Published: November 2022

Purpose. For more than two years since the COVID-19 pandemic, human lives have changed, including the healthcare system. Management of acute appendicitis, the most common emergency surgical disease, has been inevitably affected. This study aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incident rate of complicated appendicitis, management, outcome, and complication of acute appendicitis. Patients and Methods. This study was a retrospective cohort study comparing 574 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis before the COVID-19 outbreak and 434 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 outbreak. Patient demographic data, type of appendicitis, type of treatment, time to surgery, length of stay, cost, and complications were collected and analyzed. Results. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis was reduced. CT scan usage for diagnosis was increased compared to pre-COVID-19. Most patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis received operative treatment in both groups. Median time to surgery was significantly longer during the COVID-19 pandemic, 11.93 hours compared to 9.62 hours pre-COVID-19,

p

-value <0.001 (relative risk 1.5, 95% CI 1.29–1.76,

p

value 0.041). The incidence of complicated appendicitis was not higher during COVID-19. Compared to pre-COVID-19, ICU admission rate, the use of a mechanical ventilator, length of stay, and cost increased in the univariate analysis but were not statistically significant in the multivariate analyses. Other treatment complications had no statistically significant difference. Conclusion. The incidence of complicated appendicitis did not increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. The operation waiting time significantly increased but did not increase the rate of treatment complications in a well-prepared hospital system.
Nonlinear Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Frames Equipped with and without Steel Plate Shear Wall under Sequence of Real and Artificial Earthquakes
Authors: Rouhi Hamze , Gholhaki Majid
Published: November 2022

There is a possibility of increasing structural damage in the sequential earthquake compared to the main earthquake according to past earthquakes. This study investigates the effects of seismic sequence on the behavior and increased response of reinforced concrete frames (RCF) with/without steel plate shear walls (SPSW). Four systems of 4, 8, 12, and 24 story, which represent low‐, mid‐, and high‐rise structures, are designed and subjected to nonlinear time history analysis under critical single and consecutive records with real, repetitive, and randomized methods. The seismic scenarios used include sequential recorded critical earthquakes. The analysis showed that the predominant period of the after‐shock significantly influences the post main‐shock response. In RCF with and without SPSW, real seismic sequence increases the ratio of peak maximum interstory drift by an average of 2, 2 times the similar demand in the main shock, and increases the ratio of maximum ductility demand by 1.52 and 1.65 times in the structure, respectively. In an artificial sequence, the ratio of peak maximum interstory drift demand increase is in 100%, 150%, and 200% after‐shocks, In the iteration method, it is equal to 1.2, 2.0, and 2.6 times the main shock in RCF with SPSW and 1.9, 3.2, and 4.8 times the main shock in RCF without SPSW. After‐shocks may change the direction and magnitude of residual displacement in real and artificial seismic sequences. Continuation of the equation to calculate the demand for seismic sequence ductility was extracted.
Study on the Cavitation Suppression Mechanism of Axial Piston Pump
Authors: Yan Song , Jiang Yi , Hu Mengya
Published: November 2022

Gaseous and vaporous cavitation is extremely harmful to axial piston pumps, such as reducing flow rate, increasing flow pulsation, increasing vibration, increasing noise, and shortening life. To suppress the cavitation and improve the performance of axial piston pumps, a mathematical model for suppressing cavitation in the plunger chamber with a constant theoretical flow rate is innovatively established by combining the flow equation of the plunger pump and the pressure drop equation of the plunger chamber. Based on the model, two methods to suppress cavitation in the plunger chamber under the condition of a constant theoretical flow rate are proposed. The first method is to increase the distribution circle radius and correspondingly reduce the rotation speed, and the second method is to increase the plunger chamber radius and correspondingly reduce the rotation speed. To verify the effectiveness of these two methods, the CFD model of the axial piston pump is established, and the correctness of the model is verified by experiments. The results show that the two methods can effectively suppress cavitation in the plunger chamber, improve the actual flow rate, and reduce the flow pulsation under the condition of a constant theoretical flow rate. The research results can provide an important reference for the design and optimization of the plunger pump.
An Evaluation of Time to Therapeutic Range of Intravenous Unfractionated Heparin After Transitioning From Direct Oral Factor Xa Inhibitors
Authors: Lawing Lindsey , Yook Jae , Ray Marianne , Smith Susan Elizabeth
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Direct oral factor Xa inhibitors (Xa inhibitor) may falsely elevate anti-Xa assays, creating a challenge when patients transition from Xa inhibitors to intravenous unfractionated heparin (IV UFH). This study compared the time to therapeutic anti-Xa range in patients transitioning from Xa inhibitors to IV UFH to those not previously anticoagulated and initiated on IV UFH. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included adults receiving IV UFH from August 2018 through August 2019. The study group received apixaban or rivaroxaban prior to the initiation of IV UFH, and the control group was not previously anticoagulated. The primary outcome was the time to reach therapeutic range. Secondary outcomes included the number of anti-Xa levels drawn to reach therapeutic range, incidence of treatment failure, and incidence of major bleeding episodes. Categorical and continuous data were analyzed with chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests, respectively. Results: The time to reach therapeutic range was a median of 18.5 hours in the study group (IQR 14.9-26.9) compared to 7.3 hours (IQR 5.9-14.7) in the control group ( P < .001). Two anti-Xa levels were drawn in the study group (IQR 1-4) compared to 1 (IQR 1-2) in the control group ( P < .001). There was no difference in the incidence of treatment failures ( P = .981) or major bleeding episodes ( P = .972). Conclusions: In patients transitioning from Xa inhibitors to IV UFH, the time to therapeutic range was longer and required additional laboratory tests compared to those not previously anticoagulated. Further research is needed to examine the incidence of treatment failures or major bleeding episodes.
A decision support system for sustainable textile product assessment
Authors: Fadara Taiwo Gbolarumi , Wong Kuan Yew
Published: November 2022

Given the significant scale of the textile industry, there has been rising global concern over the sustainability of this sector. Consumers’ satisfaction with textile materials plays a pivotal role in sustainable textile products in competitive markets. There have been limited studies on understanding customers preferences and the selection criteria for sustainable textile products in developing countries, where the uncertainties of demand and supply abound. The sustainability impact of textile products in developing countries has not been thoroughly investigated in previous studies. This study aims to examine sustainability criteria to evaluate the selection of sustainable textile products. Thus, using a case study of the textile industry in Nigeria, this paper provides a fuzzy decision support system to analyze the selection of sustainable textile products in the country's textile industry. The study employed an integrated fuzzy best-worst method and fuzzy inference systems to evaluate textile products. The fuzzy best-worst method was used to calculate the weight of each criterion while a fuzzy inference system was employed to select the best product. The proposed method was utilized in a real-world case study, and some managerial implications were determined. Based on three distinctive evaluative assessments, the proposed method was shown to be valid and robust.
Artificial Intelligence in Technology-Enhanced Assessment: A Survey of Machine Learning
Authors: Caspari-Sadeghi Sima
Published: November 2022

Intelligent assessment, the core of any AI-based educational technology, is defined as embedded, stealth and ubiquitous assessment which uses intelligent techniques to diagnose the current cognitive level, monitor dynamic progress, predict success and update students’ profiling continuously. It also uses various technologies, such as learning analytics, educational data mining, intelligent sensors, wearables and machine learning. This can be the key to Precision Education (PE): adaptive, tailored, individualized instruction and learning. This paper explores (a) the applications of Machine Learning (ML) in intelligent assessment, and (b) the use of deep learning models in ‘ knowledge tracing and student modeling’. The paper concludes by discussing barriers involved in using state-of-the-art ML methods and some suggestions to unleash the power of data and ML to improve educational decision-making.
Approaching “Data Feminism”: Visualizations to Shed Light on Inequality
Authors: Li Ziyin
Published: November 2022

Data feminism theory believes data visualization that embraces feminism can be used to reshape the world and powerfully reveal inequalities around women, people of color, and other disadvantaged groups. This paper seeks to find visualization works that are close to the thrust of data feminism and discusses their rhetorical, narrative, and other dimensions. From concrete works of practice, rather than guiding philosophies, it may be possible to present the current development of data feminism and respond to the call for “visualization as a starting point for data feminism”.
Parental Negativity Toward Offspring’s Minority Sexual Orientation Disclosures: An Inclusive Fitness Perspective
Authors: DelPriore Danielle J. , Ronan Olivia
Published: November 2022

Adolescents and young adults who disclose a minority sexual orientation (“come out” as gay, lesbian, or bisexual) to their parents often are met with varied negative reactions. The current work builds on a growing literature aimed at understanding the myriad causes of negative parental reactions to these disclosures. Specifically, this work evaluates a hypothesis derived from evolutionary psychological logic: that variation in parental responses to offspring’s sexual orientation disclosures is driven, in part, by perceived costs to parents’ inclusive fitness (i.e., implicit or explicit concerns related to the reproductive success of genetic relatives). Across three studies (total N = 493), we examined whether daughters’ and sons’ perceptions of parents’ negative reactions to their sexual orientation disclosures systematically co-varied with inclusive fitness concerns, as indexed by parent gender, sexual orientation, and offspring number. This perspective received partial support among daughters, who reported more negative reactions from their mothers (vs. fathers), particularly in response to lesbian (vs. bisexual) disclosures. Reactions to sons’ disclosures did not vary across parent gender, sexual orientation, or offspring number. Taken together, this work provides preliminary evidence that perceived fitness costs may lead mothers to respond negatively to their daughters’ lesbian orientation disclosures.
Comparison between clinical trials and real-world evidence studies on biologics for severe asthma
Authors: Menzella Francesco , Ballarin Andrea , Sartor Maria , Floriani Ariel Fabian , Corsi Lorenzo , Dartora Cristina , Tonin Silvia , Romagnoli Micaela
Published: November 2022

In recent years, the more widespread availability of biological drugs with specific mechanisms of action has led to significant breakthroughs in the management of severe asthma. Over time, numerous randomised clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these biologics and define the eligibility criteria of patients suitable for various therapeutic options. These studies were conducted under controlled conditions not always applicable to real life. For this and other reasons, real-world evidence and pragmatic studies are required to provide useful information on the effectiveness of biological drugs and their safety, even in the long term. Because differences in outcomes have sometimes emerged between clinical trials and real-life studies, it is important to clarify the causes of these discrepancies and define the significance of the results of studies conducted in the course of daily clinical practice. Thus, a scientific debate is ongoing, and no consensus has been reached. The purpose of this narrative review is to analyse the differences between randomised trials and real-world evidence studies, focusing on their roles in guiding clinicians among different therapeutic options and understanding the reasons for the large discrepancies often found in the results obtained.
“Not the mother type”: Exploding the Myth of Maternal Devotion in Marghanita Laski's To Bed with Grand Music
Authors: Brassard Genevieve
Published: November 2022

Second World War propaganda targeted women in conflicting ways, expecting them to contribute to the war effort while also upholding an idealized view of motherhood as essential to women's identities. This essay examines a fictional challenge to the wartime myth of maternal devotion, Marghanita Laski's To Bed with Grand Music (1946), in dialogue with historical discourse and documents, to argue for the power of fiction to highlight and challenge expectations surrounding women's private lives in times of national crisis. Laski dissects her protagonist's conflicted motivations and exposes her manipulations of wartime propaganda for her own gain. This dissection reveals a central paradox at the core of women's wartime experience: whether it be through motherhood, marriage, or adultery, women remain trapped by men's assumptions and expectations. Laski's complex characterization develops a critique of wartime rhetoric by invoking sympathy for an anti-heroine who passes judgment on her society's limited choices and prophetically points toward a potentially freer future for women.
Value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting surgical intervention for hydronephrosis during pregnancy
Authors: Bozkurt Muammer , Seker Kamil Gokhan , Erkoc Mustafa , Danis Eyyup , Can Osman , Degirmentepe Recep Burak , Canat Halil Lütfi
Published: November 2022

Background:

We aimed to examine the hematological parameters of pregnant patients with ureteral stones that require intervention.

Methods:

Medical data of patients presenting to urology department between October 2018 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with flank pain associated with hydronephrosis were included in the study and divided into two groups according to whether an intervention was performed or not (Group-1, Group-2). Ureterorenoscopy (URS) or ureteral stent placement was performed as intervention. Demographic data, complete blood count (CBC), urine analysis, and ultrasonographic findings were collected. Gestational age (week), number of pregnancies, maternal age (years), Anteroposterior pelvis diameter (mm), VAS (Visual Analog Scale) (range 1–10) and mean platelet volume (MPV) were collected from the patient file. Inflammatory markers including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were computed.

Results:

About 35 patients were included in Group-1 and 52 patients in Group-2. Ureterorenoscopy was performed in 21/35 (60%) patients, and ureteral stents were placed in 14/35 (40%) patients. None of the patients experienced complications. There was no statistical difference between these two groups in terms of maternal age, gestational age, number of pregnancies, pelvis diameter, PLR, and MPV. VAS and NLR were statistically higher in group-1 ( p < 0.05). According to the Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis performed for the prediction of ureteral stone presence, the best cut-off point for the NLR 4.153 (sensitivity 80%, specificity 80.6%, area under curve (AUC): 0.824).

Conclusions:

We think that NLR can be used to determine the group that needs to be intervented due to ureteral stones in patients with symptomatic hydronephrosis during pregnancy.
Cardiac Investigation Trends Among Primary Care Physicians: A Paradigm Shift
Authors: Ni Tiffany T. , Afgani Fahmeen J. , Brenna Connor T. A. , Patel Nikita , Nguyen Elsie T.
Published: November 2022

Objective

While numerous recent guidelines support coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) as a first-line test for stable chest pain, it remains underutilized by primary care physicians (PCPs). We aimed to evaluate cardiac investigation ordering practices following education sessions, as well as the total number of downstream tests and time to diagnosis for patients presenting with stable chest pain.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was completed for eligible patients assessed at the Women's College Hospital Family Practice Health Centre between 2017 and 2019 following the education sessions. The outcome measures were first-choice cardiac investigation, additional downstream testing, time from presentation to first investigation, and time to final diagnosis.

Results

419 patients were included in the final analysis (74.70% female; mean age 61 ± 11 years). Coronary CTA requests by PCPs increased between 2017 and 2019 (18 vs 72 tests; P < .0001). When coronary CTA was the first-line test, patients were less likely to receive additional downstream testing when compared to those receiving other first-line investigations ( P < .0001). Coronary CTA was associated with longer time to diagnosis than stress echocardiography (47 ± 45 vs 27 ± 36 days; P = .0068) due to limited availability of coronary CTA appointment times. There was no significant difference in time to final diagnosis among the cardiac imaging modalities observed in the cohort ( P = .0623).

Conclusion

Utilization of coronary CTA as the first-line test for stable chest pain increased following our education sessions targeting PCPs. Coronary CTA was associated with less downstream testing compared to other non-invasive cardiac investigations.
Predicting Changes in the Built Environment in the era of Vehicular Automation: A Review
Authors: Jeong Jindo , Lee Juhyun , Gim Tae-Hyoung Tommy
Published: November 2022

We conducted a comprehensive investigation into the relationship between autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the built environment (BE). We explored how various potential changes in transportation by AVs may influence the BE using the D-variables: density, diversity, design, and destination accessibility. Our review revealed that AVs could cause drastic changes to all aspects of the BE; however, the extent of these changes strongly depends on uncertainties in technology, policy, and transportation modes. Further research into AVs–BE relationships should focus on developing comprehensive scenarios, accounting for these uncertainties and regional and social characteristics.
Multiresponse optimization of friction stir welding by an integrated ANN-PSO approach
Authors: Quarto Mariangela , Bocchi Sara , D’Urso Gianluca , Giardini Claudio
Published: November 2022

The optimization of the process performance by considering each process parameter independently is the simplest approach, but its industrial applications are restricted owing to its very limited validity. To overcome this problem, many techniques such as multi-objective optimization techniques, Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and regression analysis have recently received great attention. In this paper, a multiresponse methodology for predicting the main properties and suggesting the optimal process parameters for Friction Stir Welded joints is presented. The dataset applied in the analysis was collected through experimental FSW tests performed on a CNC machine considering different aluminum alloys, process parameters, and cooling fluids. The integrated methodology involves an Artificial Neural Network and a heuristic algorithm, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and allows to set both input and output values leaving to the PSO algorithm the identification of the other values able to minimize or maximize a predefined objective function, in this case the maximization of both the UTS and the hardness values of the joints. This means that the ANN is interrogated iteratively until the optimum is reached. For this reason, the proposed methodology can be defined as a double direction method. In particular, the double-direction method refers to the possibility of identifying the optimal values of the process parameters (inputs) starting from the desired specifications (outputs) considering that, in the production reality, processes can be constrained by several factors. The results show a good reliability of the approach, since it has been demonstrated that it is able to generate prevision with an error of less than 5%.
Effects of machining parameters on enhancing Alpha-Beta Titanium alloy using Taguchi-grey relational analysis for aerospace applications
Authors: Unnikrishna Pillai Jayakrishnan , Shunmugavel Manikandakumar , Thangaraj Muthuramalingam , Goldberg Moshe , Singh Rajkumar , Littlefair Guy
Published: November 2022

The need for enhancement of productivity and quality of the machined titanium alloy components is paramount to meet the high demands of aerospace parts. Various optimization techniques are being used widely to find suitable machining parameters to improve productivity and reduce surface defects. The present study aims to derive an optimal combination of process parameters during the end milling operation of Ti-6Al-4V alloy for enhancing performance measures which are surface roughness, specific cutting energy and material removal rate (MRR). The Grey relational optimization techniques along with Taguchi method has been utilized for finding the optimum machining parameters. It has been found that the axial depth of cut has the most significant factor on machining characteristics in end milling process of titanium alloy. Using Taguchi-Grey relational analysis technique, optimal process parameter combination has been computed and the performance enhancement using the optimal process combination has been verified by the confirmation test