bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Surgical Treatment of Mechanical Icterus in the General Surgery Department of the Hopital Ntional Ignace Deen, Chu De Conkry
Authors: Anatole Kamano , Yawo Kondano , Youssouf Camara , Bakary Traoré , Moise Loua , A. Barry , Emile Camara , Kéoulen Camara , Adama Konaté , Porédaka Diallo , Togba Soumaoro , Aboubacar Touré
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The aim of this study was to report our experience in the surgical management of mechanical jaundice. Methods: This was a 10-year retrospective descriptive study (January 2011 to August 2022), carried out in the general surgery department of the Hôpital National Ignace Deen. Patients admitted for surgery for mechanical jaundice were included. Results: We collected 22 cases of mechanical icterus out of a total of 4739 surgical procedures performed during the study period. The mean age was 46 years, with extremes of 9 and 80 years. All our patients were seen at the frank icterus stage. Ultrasound was performed in all patients. Etiologies were dominated by tumors of the pancreatic head (54.54%), and lithiasis of the main bile duct (18.18%). The average consultation time was 5.04 months, with extremes of 9 years and 80 years. Cholecystectomy was performed in over half the cases (54.54%), including three cases associated with stone extraction (13.63%). Bilio-digestive shunts were performed in 11 cases (50%), of the choledochoduodenal (13.63%) and cholecysto-jejunal (13.63%) types. Post-operative management was straightforward in 81.81% of cases, with 4 deaths (18.18%). Conclusion: Palliative bypass, due to the delay in consultation, allows remission of the signs of cholestasis, but does not change the natural course of the pathology. Mortality depends on the etiology.
Synthesis and Performance of a New and Simple Schiff Base Structure for Corrosion Inhibition of C38 steel in 1 M HCl Solution: Experimental Studies and DFT Investigation
Authors: Nouteza Armel , Pengou Martin , Ngamy Joliot , Hou Pengkun , Tchekwagep Jean , Nanseu-Njiki Charles , Ngameni Emmanuel
Published: April 2024

In order to investigate the corrosion of carbon steel (C38) in acidic media, experimental studies (weight loss measurements, electrochemical methods, thermodynamic adsorption isotherms and field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray) and computational approach were adopted to study the newly synthesized and simple Schiff base structure, namely 4-((phenylimino)methyl) phenol (PIMP) as a corrosion inhibitor for C38 steel in 1M HCl. Characterization techniques (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance) showed that PIMP was successfully synthesized with a yield of 63%. Experimental methods (weight loss, open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP)) showed that PIMP is a mixed-type inhibitor with an inhibition percentage of 91.1% under optimal conditions (7.5 mM PIMP at 30°C). These experimental results were supported by surface analysis (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX)), where PIMP molecules are adsorbed on the steel surface and form a protective barrier against aggressive ions, thereby limiting steel oxidation. The adsorption of PIMP on the carbon steel surface followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm along with a mixture of physical and chemical adsorption, forming a complete and dense protective film on the C38 steel surface. Theoretical results using density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that PIMP contains highly reactive centers and confirmed the experimental results obtained.
An Optimised Hoffman Algorithm for Testing Linear Code Equivalency
Authors: Olaewe Olufemi , Agbedemnab Peter , Iddrisu Mohammed
Published: April 2024

The Hoffman’s algorithm to test equivalency of linear codes is one of the techniques that have been used over the years; it is achieved by a comparison of codewords of the linear codes. However, this comparison technique becomes ineffective in instances where it is applied to linear codes with larger dimensions as it requires much run time complexity, space and size in comparing the codewords of each linear code. This paper proposes an optimised algorithm for testing the equivalency of linear codes, specifically addressing the limitations of the Hoffman method. To assess and compare the efficiencies of the Hoffman algorithm and the optimised algorithm, a set of nine carefully selected linear codes were subjected to equivalency testing. The CPU runtime of both algorithms was recorded using the C++ chrono library. The recorded runtime data was then utilized to create a scatter plot, offering a visual representation of the contrasting trends in CPU runtime between the two algorithms. The plot clearly indicate exponential growth in CPU runtime for the Hoffman algorithm as the length and dimension of the linear codes increases, in contrast, the proposed algorithm showcased a minimal growth in CPU runtime, indicating its superior efficiency and optimised performance.
Advancement in Carbon Nanoparticle Synthesis and Their Application: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sharma Vanshika , Soni Vandita
Published: April 2024

The global population gradually increase at an alarming state, which would increase demand for food globally. This increasing use of pesticides and fertilizers. In order to meet this demand, an overview of the numerous applications of nanotechnology for agriculture. Various nanomaterials like nanofertilizers and pesticides enhance soil fertility and crop productivity. However, excessive chemical fertilizer use as per FAO, 2017. Among these, the nanotechnology has wide range of applications in healthcare and medicines, diagnosis etc. Recently, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) play a significant role in various fields. Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) represent innovative nanostructures. These can be synthesized by different methods, green synthesis as well as chemical synthesis such as arch discharge method, laser ablation method, chemical vapour deposition method etc. The advancement of CNPs entails the exploration of diverse synthetic techniques and exploration of various application due to their chemical and physical properties in healthcare, agriculture (for delivery of agrochemicals) etc. These are also used in plant growth enhancement and resistance to stresses. However, challenges related to precisely defining CNP structures and ensuring property uniformity remain inadequately addressed and lack detailed study. In this review article we emphasize methodologies for the synthesis of CNPs by various chemical methods and also include their applications in therapeutics, pharmaceuticles, sensing and agriculture.
Treatment of Produced Water from Niger Delta Oil Fields Using Selected Bio-Adsorbents
Authors: Macdonald Indighe , Adimie Elvis
Published: April 2024

Produced water (PW) is the vast amount of water produced from subsurface during the extraction of oil and gas. PW contains heavy metals which are detrimental to the environment. The majority of PW treatment technologies, which have been in use for many years, have reportedly failed to bring some impurity and metal concentrations down to permissible disposal levels. This study was done to determine how well three locally available materials which are eggshells, groundnut shells, and sugarcane bagasse used in the treatment of PW obtained from Niger Delta oil fields. The adsorbents were ground, and sieved into sizes of 425 and 1180 microns. They were treated individually with diluted nitric acid (400mL of 0.4mol/ LHNO3) for 24 hours to remove pigments. They were filtered, dried, and rinsed with distilled water until the pH became neutral. PW samples were analysed for heavy metals using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The PW samples were treated with the bio-adsorbents in a batch technique. The metals analysed were As, Cu, Pb and Fe. The bioadsorbents were able to reduce the concentration of the metals to 87%, 91%, 100% and 88% respectively. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to analyse the adsorption system. It was observed that the finer the adsorbents the better the adsorption result. 425 microns was able to produce a better result compared with 1180 microns.
Dendrometrical Structure and Physicochemical Analysis of Mangrove Sediments from the Nyong River Estuary (Cameroon, Atlantic Coast)
Authors: Mama Anselme , Chougong Durane , Dingong Ginette , Bessa Armel , Dicka Emmanuel , Ajonina Gordon , Ndam Jules
Published: April 2024

Mangrove estuaries are not immune to the threats posed by climate and anthropogenic constraints on aquatic environments. In the Nyong River estuary, mangrove ecotone has capital importance for biodiversity conservation due to its localization in the Douala-Edéa protected area. For this study, seven quadrats were delimited in aim to evaluate mangrove structure and assessed his interplay with sediment and water physicochemical characteristics. The study revealed a total of 120 individuals of 4 regularly encountered species over a distance of 14 km: Rhizophora racemosa, Avicennia germinans, Rhizophora harrisonii and Phoenix reclinata palms. The marshy soils under the mangrove have Total Nitrogen percentages varying between 0.04 and 0.68%. Total Organic Carbon (from 2.20 to 8.61%) and Total Organic Matter (from 3.66 to 14.64%) contents have a similar pattern. The ratios of Carbon and Nitrogen (C/N) reflect the presence of organic matter and plant debris over a large proportion of the estuary. The ratio of Nitrogen and Phosphate (N/P) reflects the low availability of nitrogen in relation to phosphorus. The cation elements evolve on average in the order Ca2+ ˃Mg2+ ˃Na+ ˃K+. This study provides information that would help explore linkages for future research on biogeochemical balance in mangrove sediment and their implementation.
Foundations of Preference for Competitive Balance
Authors: Kettering Jeremy
Published: April 2024

This article introduces an explicit model for sporting fans’ preferences which captures their desire for balanced contests, or competitive balance. Key parameters of the model naturally correspond to the strength of fan’s preference for competitive balance. Efficient contests are then characterized based on the preference for competitive balance, contrasting the resulting solutions with a widely recognized measure of competitive balance.
“Emergency Room Incision and Drainage of Perirectal Abscess is Equivalent to Incision and Drainage in the Operating Room”
Authors: Maniskas Seija A. , Jebbia Mallory I. , Nasir Dena , Akopian Gabriel , Kaufman Howard S. , Golan Juliane Y.
Published: April 2024

Background

Current guidelines for management of anorectal abscesses make no recommendations for operative vs bedside incision and drainage (I&D). The purpose of this study was to determine if management in the operating room is necessary to adequately drain anorectal abscesses and prevent short-term complications for patients presenting to the emergency department (ED).

Methods

Patients with perirectal abscesses were identified and divided into two groups based on intervention type: “bedside” or “operative.” Demographic, laboratory, and encounter data were obtained from the medical record. Study outcomes included 30-day complications (return to the ED, reintervention, and readmission). Data were analyzed with univariate and multivariate analyses using SPSS (version 28).

Results

A total of 113 patients with anorectal abscesses were identified. Sixty-six (58%) underwent bedside I&D and 47 (42%) operative I&D. The overall complication rate was 10%. A total of 9 patients (6 bedside and 3 operative) returned to the ED. Six of these patients required reintervention (5 bedside and 1 operative), and 1 was readmitted. Two patients from the bedside group required a second I&D during their index admission. Pre-procedure SIRS ( P = .02) was found to be associated with 30-day complications. Provider specialty and training level were not associated with 30-day complications.

Discussion

In this study, for patients presenting to the ED, bedside drainage was found to be an adequate management strategy to achieve complete drainage without a significant increase in the rate of complications when compared to operative drainage.
A Standardized Post-gastrostomy Feeding Protocol for Pediatric Patients Reduces Time to Postoperative Goal Feeding Volume
Authors: O’Guinn MaKayla L. , Keane Olivia A. , Lee William G. , Gayer Christopher P. , Zobel Michael J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Gastrostomy creation is a common pediatric surgical procedure, but the time to initiation of feeds and to goal feeding volumes postoperatively varies greatly. Delays in reaching goal feeding volumes promote malnutrition and may prolong hospital length of stay. We hypothesized that implementing an accelerated, standardized post-gastrostomy feeding protocol would allow patients to reach goal feeding volumes sooner, without increasing postoperative complications.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children who underwent gastrostomy tube placement between 1/1/2022 and 11/30/2023. The feeding protocol was implemented on 11/16/2022, with patients separated into pre- and post-protocol cohorts. Abstracted data included comorbidities, time to initiation of enteral feeds, time to goal feeding volume, and postoperative complications.

Results

322 patients were included: 166 pre-protocol and 156 post-protocol. The post-protocol cohort had a greater proportion of patients with gastrointestinal and/or cardiac comorbidities ( P < .001). Through the protocol, postoperative enteral feeds were initiated significantly faster (5.4 hrs [IQR 43-7.7] vs 7.0 hrs [IQR 5.6-14.3]; P < .001). The post-protocol cohort also achieved goal feeding volumes sooner (12.8 hrs [IQR 9.1-25.3] vs 26.3 hrs [IQR 21.6-38.9]; P < .001). Postoperative complication rates did not differ between cohorts. Sub-analysis of children with complex cardiac conditions also demonstrated faster time to goal nutrition without an associated increase in postoperative events.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate that our accelerated post-gastrostomy feeding protocol was effective in achieving goal enteral nutrition earlier without increasing postoperative adverse outcomes. This protocol may be used by other centers to safely expedite time to goal enteral feeds in children postoperatively.
The Impact of ADP Inhibition on Traumatic Brain Injury Outcomes
Authors: Nielsen Dana , Mathies Amanda , Cao Li , Sang Tyler , Howe Chase , Briggs Steven
Published: April 2024

Platelet inhibition correlates with severity of traumatic brain injury and may be associated with mortality. Adenosine diphosphate participates in platelet aggregation via the activation of the ADP receptors, P2Y1 and P2Y12. Prior work suggests this ADP pathway is significant in managing patients with head injuries. This study aimed to measure the influence of ADP inhibition on outcomes after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), as measured by thromboelastography with platelet mapping (TEG-PM). Outcomes were defined as (a) hospital length of stay; (b) ICU length of stay, (c) mortality, and (d) progression of hemorrhage on CT. The resulting cohort was split into quartiles to compare the effect of increasingly inhibited ADP values on the identified outcomes. Comparisons of 2 groups of patients were also conducted, one defined by ADP inhibition less than or equal to 60% and the other group by ADP inhibition of greater than 60%. 98 patients were included in final analysis, with 72.4% having ADP inhibition less than 60%. These patients were significantly older and had lower global injury severity scores (ISSs), although their head-specific ISS was equivalent. Compared to the group with ADP inhibition over 60%, there was no significant difference in mortality, hospital or ICU length of stay, or progression of lesion on CT. Patients with ADP less than 60% inhibited had smaller ISS and higher GCS, indicating they were less injured than those with greater ADP inhibition, consistent with prior literature. The equivalent ICU and hospital length of stay and mortality suggests that ADP inhibition plays a smaller role in outcomes. Additional study with a larger sample size and guideline-based assessments is necessary to further define the impact of ADP inhibition and to determine the role of platelet transfusion in this population.
Impact of Cardiac Pacemaker Implantation in Patients With Acute Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Kim Maru , Firek Matthew , Coimbra Bruno Cammarota , Allison-Aipa Timothy , Zakhary Bishoy , Coimbra Raul
Published: April 2024

Background

Cardiac pacemaker implantation may be indicated in patients with refractory bradycardia following a cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). However, evidence about the impact of this procedure on outcomes is lacking. We planned a study to assess whether the implantation of a pacemaker would decrease mortality and hospital resource utilization in patients with CSCI.

Methods

Adult patients with CSCI in the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into “pacemaker” and “non-pacemaker” groups, and their baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

A total of 6774 cases were analyzed. The pacemaker group showed higher in-hospital rates of cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, and longer duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay than the non-pacemaker group. Nevertheless, pacemaker placement was associated with a significant decrease in mortality (4.2% vs 26.0%, P < .01).

Conclusions

Patients with CSCI requiring a pacemaker placement had better survival than those treated without a pacemaker. Pacemaker implantation should be highly considered in patients who develop refractory bradycardia after CSCI.
Status Consumption as Coping With Fear of Death: The Mediating Role of Death Avoidance and the Moderating Role of Materialism
Authors: Cengiz Hakan , Cacciatore Joanne
Published: April 2024

Individuals employ various coping mechanisms to deal with the fear of death. While materialism and status consumption are commonly recognized in the literature as such strategies, no study has yet empirically tested this premise. Accordingly, this study examined the mediating role of death avoidance in the link between the fear of death and death-related status consumption (DRSC). Data obtained from 346 participants were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results showed that fear of death significantly and positively influences DRSC and that death avoidance partially and positively mediates this relationship. Results also revealed that materialism strengthens the relationship between fear of death and DRSC, while it does not significantly moderate the relationship between death avoidance and DRSC. These results support the conclusion that death-related status consumption may play a critical role as an avoidance mechanism in coping with the fear of death. This study, being among the few that investigate death-related consumer behaviors, enriches both terror management theory and the literature on consumer behavior in crises.
Inhabiting digital spaces: An informational right to the city for mobility justice
Authors: Nostikasari Dian , Foster Nicole , Krake Lauren
Published: April 2024

Space is often produced digitally before it is produced physically. This article investigates how the right to the city can be broadened to include the appropriation of digital spaces to produce ‘lived’ transportation spaces. Focussing on mobilisation against highway expansion in Dallas, Texas, we ask the following: (1) what are the mechanisms through which space is conceived, perceived, and lived through the lens of mobility justice; (2) how might claims for technical information challenge dominant transportation policies and projects; and (3) how might participants inhabit digital spaces? We conduct a qualitative analysis of transportation planning narratives, visualisations, and public comments in three documents: the Dallas City Center Master Assessment Process, Coalition for a New Dallas’ I-345/45 Framework Plan, and public survey data regarding proposed highway changes ( n = 1241). Findings demonstrate how residents challenge transportation ‘needs’ as often determined in conceptual planning spaces. Further, technologies can be appropriated to produce differential spaces, which can alter the trajectory of highway projects. Challenging the legitimacy of institutionalised knowledge through the appropriation and production of digital spaces forms part of a larger claim to the right of the city.
The Interpolation of 1 Cor. 14.34–35 and the Reversal of the Name Order of Prisca and Aquila at 1 Cor. 16.19
Authors: Fellows Richard G.
Published: April 2024

Transpositions of large sections of text in New Testament manuscripts occurred only when omissions and chronological problems were ‘corrected’. It is argued here that the words commanding that women be silent in 1 Cor. 14.34–35, which appear elsewhere in Western manuscripts, were interpolated, and the interpolator probably created a textual variant at 14.37 and transposed Prisca and Aquila at 16.19 so that a woman would not host a church. Textual variants at 16.19 in the Western manuscripts are explicable if Prisca originally preceded Aquila here, as she does elsewhere. Second Timothy 4.19 is an early witness to Prisca’s precedence in 1 Corinthians.
Unpacking the Star Life Cycle: Value Creation Across Stars’ Careers
Authors: Call Matthew L. , Howard Michael D. , Hendricks Jonathan , Idso Connor
Published: April 2024

Extant research on stars has demonstrated stars’ immense direct and indirect contributions to value creation, yet it lags behind strategy scholarship, which has emphasized the dynamic nature of value creation associated with firms’ core resources. In particular, we lack knowledge regarding how stars’ knowledge creation varies across a star’s career. Drawing on insights from the stars and careers literatures, we develop theoretical arguments that suggest that over their careers, stars shift focus from emphasizing personal attainment and status to prioritizing legacy building—shifts that we predict will correspond to decreases in stars’ relative individual productivity and conveyance of explicit knowledge spillovers to collaborators (which reinforce stars’ status) and increases in stars’ relative conveyance of tacit knowledge spillovers (that aid in colleagues’ development) as stars advance in career tenure. We test our hypotheses through the analysis of patenting activities spanning the years 2000-2022, 291 firms, and 214,398 inventors, cumulating to more than 1,210,989 inventor-year observations. Through the integration of temporal and psychological perspectives in our consideration of stars’ multiple contributions to knowledge creation over their careers, we bring our understanding of stars into alignment with insights related to the dynamic value creation associated with firms’ resources and advance knowledge on stars’ roles in the micro-foundations of human capital-based competitive advantage.
Technology Emergence as a Structuring Process: A Complexity Theory Perspective on Blockchain
Authors: Marku Elona , Di Guardo Maria Chiara , Patriotta Gerardo , Allen David G.
Published: April 2024

Drawing on complexity theory, we investigate the structuring processes and underlying mechanisms underpinning the emergence of a new technology. Empirically, we track the emergence of blockchain technology by examining international patents issued between 2009 and 2020. Our results indicate that technology emergence follows an evolutionary trajectory that progresses from disordered to structured interactions among the technological elements, culminating in the formation of a technological core that acts as a pole of attraction for further interactions and delineates boundaries within the technological domain. Technology structuring is fueled by what we term “technology fitness” and “self-reinforcing” mechanisms that progressively transform primitive structures into more complex, self-organized configurations. Our study offers a novel framework of technology emergence, highlighting how dispersed bits of technological knowledge gradually aggregate into complex structures that define the specific trajectory of a particular domain.
It’s Time to Review the Three Rs, to Make them More Fit for Purpose in the 21st Century
Authors: Bailey Jarrod
Published: April 2024

The Three Rs have become widely accepted and pursued, and are now the go-to framework that encourages the humane use of animals in science, where no other option is believed to exist. However, many people, including scientists, harbour varying degrees of concern about the value and impact of the Three Rs. This ranges from a continued adherence to the Three Rs principles in the belief that they have performed well, through a belief that there should be more emphasis (or indeed a sole focus) on replacement, to a view that the principles have hindered, rather than helped, a critical approach to animal research that should have resulted in replacement to a much greater extent. This critical review asks questions of the Three Rs and their implementation, and provides an overview of the current situation surrounding animal use in biomedical science (chiefly in research). It makes a case that it is time to move away from the Three Rs and that, while this happens, the principles need to be made more robust and enforced more efficiently. To expedite a shift from animal use in science, toward a much greater and quicker adoption of human-specific New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), some argue for a straightforward focus on the best available science.
Extreme normalcy: The place of violence in indigenous Amazonians’ well-being
Authors: Taylor Anne-Christine , Vilaça Aparecida
Published: April 2024

While our own notions about well-being tend to foreground peaceful and amicable relations with fellow humans, for many Amazonian peoples the achievement of well-being, manifested in healthy, well-nourished and fertile bodies, requires engaging in harrowing, agonistic relations with others through warfare, shamanism, dreams and ritual practice. Drawing on the ethnography of two Lowland peoples – the Wari’ of Brazil and the Aents Chicham (Jivaro) of Ecuador and Peru, we will examine how a certain kind of person is constituted through ‘extreme’ relational experiences that, while dangerous, are considered necessary for leading a meaningful life. Further, we will discuss how the complex forms of subjectivity fostered by these experiences challenge our ideas on the presumed opacity of minds and on what psychology are about. Finally, we will show how the gradual disqualification of these extreme yet expected ways of interacting with others, following Cristianization and sustained contact with Western lifeways and forms of knowledge, leads to impoverished and monotonous lived worlds, in short to states of (ill)being antithetical to indigenous notions about proper ways of living.
Method in relational-explanatory geography
Authors: Yeung Henry Wai-chung
Published: April 2024

Human geography’s onto-epistemological expansion in recent decades has not been well matched by methodological development. Learning from the methodological pluralism in four relational approaches, this paper reflects on key issues in relational-explanatory theorizing before introducing a social science method of process tracing in relation to a comparative methodology. I argue that contrastive explanations can be developed through deploying comparable methodological practices as different ‘moments’ of a research process in appropriate evidential contexts. This research process-based comparative methodology can better trace actors and their relational networks through in situ research and generate explanatory theoretical insights into the complexity of socio-spatial life.
Black Households Are More Burdened by Vehicle Ownership than White Households
Authors: Molloy Quinn , Garrick Norman , Atkinson-Palombo Carol
Published: April 2024

Vehicle ownership is a significant cost to households, but Black households are more likely to be burdened than White households. Previous assessments of transportation spending between races did not differentiate by vehicle ownership status, depressing overall transportation spending by Black households, which are three times as likely as White households not to have access to a car and, thus, spend comparatively little on transportation. When these experiences are isolated, 76% of Black households with vehicles are burdened by transportation spending compared with 60% of White households. Black households with vehicles allocate more of their total average annual spending to transportation regardless of income, and disparities in transportation burden are present even in high-earning households. Black households that are in poverty spend on average $1,115 more per car than their White peers. Insurance, gasoline, vehicle loans, and leasing are all major drivers of transportation burden on Black households and, frequently, these are less burdensome to White households. This adds to concerns of disparate safety and environmental impacts of automobility experienced by Black households, for example, higher rates of pedestrian fatalities and risk of childhood asthma from vehicle exhaust fumes.
Understanding Drivers’ Behavioral attitudes and Intentions to Use Guidance Systems in Urban Complex Parking Lots Based on the C-TAM-TPB Framework
Authors: Yang Guang , Caiati Valeria , Rasouli Soora , Chen Jun
Published: April 2024

Multi-function services characteristic of complexes, complicated spatial structure, and inaccurate parking guidance in complex parking lots create many issues for drivers, including orientation problems, excessive parking time, and difficultly finding a parking space close to the desired destination. Complex parking lot guidance systems (CPLGSs), if accurately designed, can potentially make a substantial contribution to alleviate these problems and reduce drivers’ travel time while improving the parking experience. However, the extent of this contribution depends on drivers’ acceptance of this technology. This paper reports on the intention of complex visitors to use CPLGSs. Specifically, an integrated model combining the technology acceptance model and the theory of planned behavior was developed and tested to analyze the factors that can affect drivers’ behavioral attitudes and intentions for CPLGSs. Perceived risk is included as an antecedent on behavioral attitude. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, and 810 valid questionnaires were obtained. Results from a structural equation model show that perceived usefulness, subjective norm, behavioral attitude, and perceived behavioral control are positively connected with behavioral intention, while perceived risk is negatively related to behavioral attitude. Findings on mediators are also discussed. In addition, multi-group differences are analyzed, revealing that the use intention of the age ≤ 40 group is more positively influenced by subjective norms compared with the age > 40 group. Moreover, perceived ease of use has a strong influence on behavioral attitude, especially among individuals who travel to a complex frequently. The theoretical implications in this paper are intended to guide the service improvement of CPLGSs and other parking guidance systems.
Resveratrol promotes the differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into esophageal fibroblasts via AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Xiujing , Sun Zihao , Wu Qian , Shao Lijuan , Bei Jiaxin , Lin Yiguang , Chen Hongjie , Chen Size
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Resveratrol has been implicated in the differentiation and development of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. The differentiation of into esophageal fibroblasts is a promising strategy for esophageal tissue engineering. However, the pharmacological effect and underlying mechanism of resveratrol on human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells differentiation are unknown. Here, we investigated the effects and mechanism of resveratrol on the differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. Methods: Using a transwell-membrane coculture system to culture human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and esophageal fibroblasts, we examined how resveratrol act on the differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. Immunocytochemistry, Sirius red staining, quantitative real-time PCR, and Western blotting were performed to examine collagen synthesis and possible signaling pathways in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. Results: We found that resveratrol promoted collagen synthesis and AKT phosphorylation. However, co-treatment of cells with resveratrol and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 inhibited collagen synthesis and AKT phosphorylation. We demonstrated that resveratrol down-regulated the expression of IL-6, TGF-β, caspase-9, and Bax by activating the AKT pathway in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell. Furthermore, resveratrol inhibited phosphorylated NF-ĸB in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. Conclusion: Our data suggest that resveratrol promotes the differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into fibroblasts. The underlying mechanism is associated with the downregulation of IL-6 and TGF-β via the AKT pathway and by inhibiting the NF-ĸB pathway. Resveratrol may be useful for esophageal tissue engineering.
Clinical role of NDRG2-based methylation status on survival pattern of glioblastoma
Authors: Swellam Menha , Khalifa Mohamed K. , Nageeb Amira M , Ezz El-Arab Lobna , El-Mahdy Manal , El-Bahy Khaled , Sayed Mahmoud Magda
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Gliobalstoma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults with an extensive genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity, still identification of the role of DNA methylation, as one of epigenetic alterations, is emerged. Authors aimed to study the clinical role of N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) –based methylation among GBM patients versus benign neurological diseases (BND), investigate its prognostic role and its relation with survival outcomes. Methods: A total of 78 FFPE specimens were recruited as follows: GBM ( n = 58) and BND ( n = 20) then analyzed for NDRG2 methylation using Methyl II quantitative PCR system. The sensitivity and specificity of methylation was detected using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the relation with clinicopathological criteria for GBM and response to treatment were studied. Survival patterns; progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analyses. Results: Mean methylation NDRG2 level was significantly increased in GBM patients as compared to BND and its sensitivity and specificity were 96.55% and 95%, respectively with area under curve (AUC) equals 0.973. Among the clinical characteristic factors, mean methylation level reported significant difference with ECOG and tumor site. Survival out comes revealed that NDRG2 methylation increased with worse PFS and OS at significant level (long rank test X 2 = 13.3, p < .0001; and X 2 = 7.1, p = .008, respectively). Conclusion: Current findings highlight the importance of studying DNA methylation of NDRG2 as a key factor to understand the role of epigenetic alterations in GBM.
Effect of microcrystalline cellulose on mechanical properties of flax-jute-epoxy hybrid composite materials using vacuum bagging
Authors: Ganesan Dharmalingam , Murali Arun Prasad , Salunkhe Sachin , Tarigonda Hariprasad , Naranje Vishal
Published: April 2024

Nowadays, synthetic fibres are replaced with hybrid composite fibres which consist of low energy production, biodegradability, resource renewability, less hazardous and easy handling of manufactured composites. The present work focuses on the effect of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) particles by varying the percentage concentration (0 wt %, 2 wt % and 4 wt %) in the flax-jute-epoxy composite materials. The MCC particle is mixed with epoxy resin as matrix material and flax-jute fibres as reinforcements in the composite panels fabricated using the vacuum bagging method. The tensile, flexural, impact, hardness and thermogravimetric tests were performed on the fabricated composite panels per the ASTM standard. The experimental results show that with the addition of 2 wt % MCC particle, sample 2 has higher tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength than sample 1 (0 wt % MCC) and sample 3 (4 wt % MCC). It can be noted that due to the addition of MCC particles, overall mechanical properties improved as a result of good interfacial bonding between matrix and fibres which are evident through SEM analysis. Similarly, thermal stability of the composites also improved in the flax-jute hybrid fibre composites particularly in 2 wt % MCC.
Factors Associated With Negative Life Changes due to COVID-19 Among Older Adults Residing in an Urban Low-Income Neighborhood in Korea: Focused on Gendered Differences
Authors: Yi Jae Yoon , Kim Hongsoo
Published: April 2024

This study examined negative life changes due to coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and its correlates in a sample of community-dwelling older adults from a low-income urban city in Korea, focusing on gendered differences. Negative life changes due to COVID-19 were categorized into four domains: behavioral/physical, psychosocial, goal-seeking, and control/freedom. Being female, not receiving basic livelihood security, and dissatisfaction with housing situation were significantly associated with negative life changes during the pandemic. Gender-stratified analyses revealed that most within-gender social disparities associated with changes due to COVID-19 occurred in older women. The odds of experiencing negative changes were higher among working women and those receiving security income aid. In low-income urban communities, those who were previously socially and economically active perceived more negative changes owing to the pandemic. The contribution of gender to negative life changes should be considered to effectively alleviate concerns among older adults during pandemics.
Developing a prediction model in a lightweight packaging waste sorting plant using sensor-based sorting data combined with data of external near-infrared and LiDAR sensors
Authors: Schloegl Sabine , Kamleitner Josef , Kroell Nils , Chen Xiaozheng , Vollprecht Daniel , Tischberger-Aldrian Alexia
Published: April 2024

Sensor-based material flow monitoring allows for continuously high output qualities, through quality management and process control. The implementation in the waste management sector, however, is inhibited by the heterogeneity of waste and throughput fluctuations. In this study, challenges and possibilities of using different types of sensors in a lightweight packaging waste sorting plant are investigated. Three external sensors have been mounted on different positions in an Austrian sorting plant: one Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor for monitoring the volume flow and two near-infrared (NIR) sensors for measuring the pixel-based material composition and occupation density. Additionally, the data of an existing sensor-based sorter (SBS) were evaluated. To predict the newly introduced parameter material-specific occupation density (MSOD) of multi-coloured polyethylene terephthalate (PET) preconcentrate, different machine learning models were evaluated. The results indicate that using SBS data for both monitoring of throughput fluctuations caused by different bag opener settings as well as monitoring the material composition is feasible, if the pre-set teach-in is suitable. The ridge regression model based on SBS was comparable (RMSE = 3.59 px%, R² = 0.57) to the one based on NIR and LiDAR (RMSE = 3.1 px%, R² = 0.68). The demonstrated feasibility of the implementation at plant scale highlights the opportunities of sensor-based material flow monitoring for the waste management sector and paves the way towards a more circular plastics economy.
Design of dynamically balanced gait for the biped robot while crossing the obstacle
Authors: Khan Moh Shahid , Mandava Ravi Kumar
Published: April 2024

The primary objective of this research work is to generate a dynamically balanced gait for the 16-DOF biped robot while crossing an obstacle using the concept of the zero moment point (ZMP). Also, the authors discussed both the theoretical justification and its practical feasibility on real biped robot. Initially, the position and orientation of the biped robot were obtained with the help of forward kinematics while crossing the obstacle. Later on, various joint angles of the biped robot were calculated using the inverse kinematics approach. Further, the Lagrange-Euler formulation approach was employed for evaluating the dynamics of the biped robot. To generate the smooth gait of the biped robot, a cubic polynomial equation has been assigned for foot and wrist trajectories in the sagittal plane and hip trajectories in the horizontal plane. This integration allows the robot to cross the obstacles while maintaining dynamic balance, marking a significant advancement while crossing the obstacle with a height and width equal to 50 mm, which is 16.10% of the length of the robot’s leg. While crossing the obstacle, the gait of the biped robot has been considered in three stages, such as landing the foot on the obstacle, landing the foot on the ground away from the obstacle by one leg and crossing over the obstacle by another leg. A simulation study has been conducted on MATLAB to verify the dynamically balanced gait while crossing the obstacle. Finally, the generated gait angles are fed into the real 16-DOF biped robot developed by the Robotics Lab at MANIT Bhopal. It has been observed that the generated gait at three stages is more dynamically balanced while crossing the obstacle.
Hierarchical extension H2/H∞ control approach for active front steering system of vehicle
Authors: Zhou Chen , Wu Yu-ze , Wang Zheng , Xu Fei-xiang
Published: April 2024

Aiming at improving the vehicle handling stability and vehicle control performance by conventional H2/H∞ control, this paper investigates the active front steering (AFS) system by proposing a hierarchical extension H2/H∞ control strategy. Considering uncertainties and the vehicle handling stability, a mixed H2/H∞ control method is presented to generate the additional front wheel angle through tracking the desired vehicle yaw rate in the upper level. Furthermore, to enhance the H2/H∞ control effect, the novel extension control is proposed to adjust the H2/H∞ control signal dynamically according to different domains defined by the vehicle states. To track front wheel angle from the upper level, this study puts forward the fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controller for driving the electro-hydraulic steering actuators. The hardware-in-the-loop experiments are performed to demonstrate the hierarchical control theory. The test results indicate that the proposed hierarchical extension H2/H∞ control strategy improves the vehicle cornering stability well, as well as can make the vehicle have better handling stability than conventional H2/H∞ and sliding mode control.
Influence of real gas properties on aerodynamic stability of a SCO2 centrifugal compressor
Authors: Cai Ruikai , Yang Mingyang , Zhuge Weilin , Yang Bijie , Martinez-Botas Ricardo , Zhang Yangjun
Published: April 2024

The safe operation of closed-Bryton-cycle system is hindered by the nonlinear real gas properties in a supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) centrifugal compressor for waste heat recovery in a powertrain system. This paper aims to understand the influence of real gas properties on the aerodynamic stability of a shrouded SCO2 centrifugal compressor designed for waste heat recovery. Firstly, the numerical method was calibrated and validated using experimental results from the Sandia SCO2 centrifugal compressor. Next, based on the numerical method, the stability performance of an inhouse-design shrouded SCO2 compressor was discussed through a direct comparison with the identical compressor using air. The results showed that the performance of the SCO2 compressor was significantly different from that of the air compressor. Particularly, the impeller was the most unstable component featuring a notable recirculating region near the shroud at the leading edge. Further analysis is carried out to understand the discrepancies in the stability performance between the two compressors with different fluids. It is revealed that the boundary layer on the SCO2 impeller suction surface thickens at a faster rate, leading to stronger flow separation. Meanwhile, the stronger accumulation of low-momentum secondary flow near the SCO2 impeller outlet enhances the ‘wake’ structure near the shroud of suction surface at the impeller tailing edge, resulting in considerable backflow. The different behaviors of boundary layer were attributed to pressure gradient normal to the suction surface. Specifically, the pressure gradient on the suction surface for SCO2 impeller is orders of magnitude higher than that of the air impeller. The stronger gradient weakens momentum exchange in the boundary layer, thus increasing the thickness of boundary layer more rapidly along the streamwise direction. Moreover, the boundary layer is pushed towards the shroud of suction surface by the strong pressure gradient, resulting in the evident accumulation of secondary flow nearby. At the meantime, the low-momentum flow near the impeller outlet reduced the inlet flow velocity of the diffuser, causing more recirculation at the top of the vaneless diffuser in all circumferential directions, thus worsening its instability.
Sociodemographic, Lifestyle and Media Factors Associated with Health Screening: Evidence from Timor-Leste
Authors: Foon Lung Wei , Cheah Yong Kang
Published: April 2024

Preventive medicine plays an important role in combating the surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). By using health screening, individuals can prevent and monitor the development of NCDs. This study aims to examine sociodemographic, lifestyle and media factors associated with the use of health screening (blood pressure and blood glucose tests) among adults in Timor-Leste. Data used in this study were derived from the Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey 2016. A total of 4,264 adults aged between 30 and 59 years were included in the bivariate probit analysis. Results showed that the use of health screening remained low in Timor-Leste. Males, rural dwellers, less-educated individuals, individuals who were in the poorer and poorest wealth quintiles, and unmarried individuals were less likely to use blood pressure test compared with females, urban dwellers, well-educated individuals, individuals who were in the richest wealth quantile and married individuals. Adults less likely to use blood glucose tests were less educated and unmarried. However, the use of health screening was not correlated with a respondent’s lifestyle behaviour and mass media exposure. In short, sociodemographic factors were associated with the use of health screening in Timor-Leste. Policymakers should consider designing intervention measures based on different sociodemographic groups.