bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of incidence of radix entomolaris and C‐shaped canal in mandibular molars using CBCT: A multi‐centre study
Authors: Mohamed Khazin Sobrina , Omar Siti Hajar , Kamaruzaman Marlena , Abd Ghani Huwaina , Deepthi Mandava , Kamarudin Diyana , Baharin Safura Anita , Chakravarthy Vinayak Pishipati Kalyan
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of incidence between radix entomolaris (RE) in permanent mandibular first molars (FM) with C‐shaped canal (CSC) in permanent mandibular second molars (SM). A total of 1015 cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of permanent mandibular molars from Malaysian patients were collected retrospectively and analysed by researchers from seven dental schools in Malaysia trained in CBCT technology. The presence and absence of RE and CSC were scored as ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The prevalence of FM with RE was 21.2% and SM with CSC was 37.9%. The co‐occurrence of RE and CSC in the same quadrant was 6.5% (OR = 1.497, p = 0.014). Female, Chinese and samples from Eastern Peninsular Malaysia were associated with CSC in SM (p < 0.05). The increased appearance of CSC in SM when RE is present in FM makes it imperative for clinicians to be vigilant during examination and diagnosis to prevent potential endodontic mishaps.
Analytical leapfrogging? A conference presentation about ‘caring on the move’
Authors: Middleton Jennie
Published: October 2024

This paper discusses the idea of ‘analytical leapfrogging’ by considering how and why we can sometimes be tempted to jump over or ignore a more formal analytical phase in our research. It does this by discussing a vignette presented in a conference session relating to preliminary research on everyday mobilities, care and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The paper offers some critical reflections on the implications of refracting early project ideas through our own lived experiences and the significance of our analytical histories in shaping the work that we do.
Short‐term surgical outcomes of open, laparoscopic, and robot‐assisted pancreatoduodenectomy: A comparative, single‐center, retrospective study
Authors: Kuriyama Naohisa , Fujii Takehiro , Kaluba Benson , Sakamoto Tatsuya , Komatsubara Haruna , Noguchi Daisuke , Ito Takahiro , Hayasaki Aoi , Iizawa Yusuke , Murata Yasuhiro , Tanemura Akihiro , Kishiwada Masashi , Mizuno Shugo
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Although laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) and robot‐assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) are gradually gaining popularity, their advantages over open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) remain controversial. This study aimed to compare the short‐term outcomes of OPD, LPD, and RPD to elucidate the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 16 LPD, 43 RPD, and 36 OPD procedures performed at a single center between April 2020 and May 2024. Clinical data, including operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization costs, were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

Results

RPD demonstrated a significantly longer operative time (553 min) than OPD (446 min) and LPD (453 min) but a significantly lower estimated blood loss than OPD (150 mL vs. 400 mL, p < .001). Postoperative complication rates (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥3) were lower for RPD (24.4%) than those for OPD (50.0%) and LPD (68.8%). RPD also showed a significantly lower rate of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (14.6% vs. 38.9% for OPD and 43.8% for LPD) and a shorter duration of hospitalization (11 vs. 28 days for OPD and 21 days for LPD, p < .001). Hospitalization costs were higher for RPD (20 109 USD) than for OPD (18 487 USD, p < .001), with LPD (20 496 USD) and RPD costs being similar.

Conclusions

RPD appears to offer advantages in terms of reduced blood loss and postoperative complications and shortened hospital stay despite longer operative times and higher hospitalization costs. Therefore, RPD may be a more beneficial approach than OPD or LPD in pancreatic surgery.
Perturbation graphs, invariant causal prediction and causal relations in psychology
Authors: Waldorp Lourens , Kossakowski Jolanda , van der Maas Han L. J.
Published: October 2024

Networks (graphs) in psychology are often restricted to settings without interventions. Here we consider a framework borrowed from biology that involves multiple interventions from different contexts (observations and experiments) in a single analysis. The method is called perturbation graphs. In gene regulatory networks, the induced change in one gene is measured on all other genes in the analysis, thereby assessing possible causal relations. This is repeated for each gene in the analysis. A perturbation graph leads to the correct set of causes (not nec‐essarily direct causes). Subsequent pruning of paths in the graph (called transitive reduction) should reveal direct causes. We show that transitive reduction will not in general lead to the correct underlying graph. We also show that invariant causal prediction is a generalisation of the perturbation graph method and does reveal direct causes, thereby replacing transitive re‐duction. We conclude that perturbation graphs provide a promising new tool for experimental designs in psychology, and combined with invariant causal prediction make it possible to re‐veal direct causes instead of causal paths. As an illustration we apply these ideas to a data set about attitudes on meat consumption and to a time series of a patient diagnosed with major depression disorder.
Therapeutic approaches targeting aging and cellular senescence in Huntington's disease
Authors: Bhat Asif Ahmad , Moglad Ehssan , Afzal Muhammad , Thapa Riya , Almalki Waleed Hassan , Kazmi Imran , Alzarea Sami I. , Ali Haider , Pant Kumud , Singh Thakur Gurjeet , Dureja Harish , Singh Sachin Kumar , Dua Kamal , Gupta Gaurav , Subramaniyan Vetriselvan
Published: October 2024

Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that is manifested by a gradual loss of physical, cognitive, and mental abilities. As the disease advances, age has a major impact on the pathogenic signature of mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein aggregation. This review aims to explore the intricate relationship between aging, mHTT toxicity, and cellular senescence in HD. Scientific data on the interplay between aging, mHTT, and cellular senescence in HD were collected from several academic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Google, and ScienceDirect. The search terms employed were “AGING,” “HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE,” “MUTANT HUNTINGTIN,” and “CELLULAR SENESCENCE.” Additionally, to gather information on the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets, the search was extended to include relevant terms such as “DNA DAMAGE,” “OXIDATIVE STRESS,” and “AUTOPHAGY.” According to research, aging leads to worsening HD pathophysiology through some processes. As a result of the mHTT accumulation, cellular senescence is promoted, which causes DNA damage, oxidative stress, decreased autophagy, and increased inflammatory responses. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines and other substances are released by senescent cells, which may worsen the neuronal damage and the course of the disease. It has been shown that treatments directed at these pathways reduce some of the HD symptoms and enhance longevity in experimental animals, pointing to a new possibility of treating the condition. Through their amplification of the harmful effects of mHTT, aging and cellular senescence play crucial roles in the development of HD. Comprehending these interplays creates novel opportunities for therapeutic measures targeted at alleviating cellular aging and enhancing HD patients’ quality of life.
Cerebellar haemorrhage and atrophy in infants born extremely preterm with intraventricular haemorrhage
Authors: Buchmayer Julia , Fuiko Renate , Kienast Patric , Stummer Sophie , Kasprian Gregor , Berger Angelika , Goeral Katharina
Published: October 2024

Aim

To investigate the impact of cerebellar haemorrhage (CBH) and atrophy in infants born extremely preterm with intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) on neurodevelopment at 2 years of age.

Method

This retrospective case–control study included infants born at less than 28 weeks' gestation with IVH over a 10‐year period. CBH, along with the assessment of cerebellar size, using magnetic resonance imaging, were studied. The impact of injuries on neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years' corrected age was conducted, using multivariable regression analysis for comprehensive evaluation.

Results

In a cohort of 103 patients, 69 (67.0%) showed CBH with a median grade of 1 (interquartile range = 0–3). At the corrected age of 2 years, CBH was significantly associated with impaired cognitive and motor outcome. CBH emerged as an independent predictor of poor cognitive and motor development, as well as cerebral palsy. Cerebellar atrophy, affecting 30 (29.1%) infants, was linked to a significantly worse outcome across all domains. Conversely, an increase in cerebellar size was correlated with improved motor development.

Interpretation

Infants born extremely preterm with IVH and concomitant CBH exhibited significant cognitive and motor impairment. The severity of developmental delay correlated with the grade of CBH. These findings hold potential to support the prediction of long‐term outcome and parental counselling.
Characterizing body composition modifying effects of a glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor‐based agonist: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiao Ruoyang , Lin Chu , Cai Xiaoling , Wang Jingxuan , Wang Yuan , Lv Fang , Yang Wenjia , Ji Linong
Published: October 2024

Aim

Diabetes is an independent risk factor for muscle mass loss, with possible mechanisms including impaired insulin signalling and chronic inflammation. The use of a glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) receptor‐based agonist could lead to weight reduction, which might result from the loss of both fat and skeletal muscle. However, the body composition‐modifying effects of GLP‐1 receptor‐based agonists have not been systematically characterized.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials for Studies and Clinicaltrial.gov were searched from inception to October 2023. Randomized controlled trials of GLP‐1 receptor agonist or glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/GLP‐1 receptor dual agonist, which reported the changes of body composition, were included. The results were computed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in a random‐effects model.

Results

In all, 19 randomized controlled trials were included. When compared with controls, substantial reductions in fat body mass were observed in patients using GLP‐1 receptor‐based agonist treatment (WMD = −2.25 kg, 95% CI −3.40 to −1.10 kg), with decrease in areas of both subcutaneous fat (WMD = −38.35 cm2, 95% CI, −54.75 to −21.95 cm2) and visceral fat (WMD = −14.61 cm2, 95% CI, −23.77 to −5.44 cm2). Moreover, greater reductions in lean body mass were also observed in GLP‐1 receptor‐based agonist users compared with non‐users (WMD = −1.02 kg, 95% CI, −1.46 to −0.57 kg), while the changes in lean mass percentage were comparable between GLP‐1 receptor‐based agonist users and non‐users.

Conclusion

Compared with the controls, GLP‐1 receptor‐based agonist users experienced greater reductions in fat body mass, with body shaping effects in terms of both subcutaneous fat mass and visceral fat mass. Although greater reductions in lean body mass were also observed in GLP‐1 receptor‐based agonist users, the changes in lean mass percentage were comparable between the users and non‐users.
Catalytic activities of wild‐type C. elegansDAF‐2 kinase and dauer‐associated mutants
Authors: Krishnan Harini , Ahmed Sultan , Hubbard Stevan R. , Miller W. Todd
Published: October 2024

DAF‐2, the Caenorhabditis elegans insulin‐like receptor homolog, regulates larval development, metabolism, stress response, and lifespan. The availability of numerous daf‐2 mutant alleles has made it possible to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying these physiological processes. The DAF‐2 pathway is significantly conserved with the human insulin/IGF‐1 signaling pathway; it includes proteins homologous to human IRS, GRB‐2, and PI3K, making it an important model to investigate human pathological conditions. We expressed and purified the kinase domain of wild‐type DAF‐2 to examine the catalytic activity and substrate specificity of the enzyme. Like the human insulin receptor kinase, DAF‐2 kinase phosphorylates tyrosines within specific YxN or YxxM motifs, which are important for recruiting downstream effectors. DAF‐2 kinase phosphorylated peptides derived from the YxxM and YxN motifs located in the C‐terminal extension of the receptor tyrosine kinase, consistent with the idea that the DAF‐2 receptor may possess independent signaling capacity. Unlike the human insulin or IGF‐1 receptor kinases, DAF‐2 kinase was poorly inhibited by the small‐molecule inhibitor linsitinib. We also expressed and purified mutant kinases corresponding to daf‐2 alleles that result in partial loss‐of‐function phenotypes in C. elegans. These mutations caused a complete loss of kinase function in vitro. Our biochemical investigations provide new insights into DAF‐2 kinase function, and the approach should be useful for studying other mutations to shed light on DAF‐2 signaling in C. elegans physiology.
A General Method for Resampling Autocorrelated Spatial Data
Authors: Arthur Rudy
Published: October 2024

Comparing spatial data sets is a ubiquitous task in data analysis, however the presence of spatial autocorrelation means that standard estimates of variance will be wrong and tend to over‐estimate the statistical significance of correlations and other observations. While there are a number of existing approaches to this problem, none are ideal, requiring detailed analytical calculations, which are hard to generalize or detailed modeling of the data generating process, which may not be straightforward. In this work we propose an approach based on permuting or resampling at fixed spatial autocorrelation, measured by Moran's I, in order to generate a null model that accounts for spatial dependence. Testing on real and synthetic data, we find that, as long as the spatial autocorrelation is not too strong, this approach works just as well as if we knew the data generating process exactly and allows us to compute P‐values with the correct Type‐I error rate.
Dental teachers' perceptions about the status of geriatric dentistry in the dental curriculum: A qualitative exploration in the Indian context
Authors: Shigli Kamal , Nayak Sushma , Lagali‐Jirge Vasanti , Nerali Jayashri Tamanna , Vadavi Deepti , Oginni Fadekemi Olufunmilayo , Kusurkar Rashmi A.
Published: October 2024

Background

The increasing geriatric population in India needs special attention from the oral health workforce. This study explores dental teachers' perceptions of the status of geriatric dentistry in the dental curriculum and the challenges of implementing geriatric dentistry curriculum in the present dental training sector in India from the trainers' (teachers) perspective.

Methods

We utilised a qualitative approach, and four focus group discussions were conducted with/among various levels of academic teachers—Heads of Departments (n = 8), Board of Study members (n = 7), Deans (n = 5), Lecturers and Associate professors (n = 8). All discussions were audio‐taped and transcribed. Data was analysed thematically, and coding was done using an inductive approach. Consensus on themes was achieved through deliberations.

Results

Three themes were identified—Unique challenges in managing geriatric patients (bordering on Dental care, Attitude, Awareness, Social issues and dependency on family); Current issues with provision of geriatric care (Curricular concerns—Teachers' training, Students' training, Instructional content, timing of delivery; Students' and trainers' attitudes; Infrastructural issues) and Strategies for advancement (Sensitisation of policymakers, Collaboration with other agencies, Modification in course design, Improved educational strategies and Shift in patient care delivery).

Conclusion

Trainers perceived a strong need to develop geriatric competencies among dental students. A geriatric dentistry curriculum based on local needs could ensure the success and sustenance of change. Introducing specialisation in geriatric dentistry would ensure quality oral care for the rising geriatric population. Innovative teaching strategies, interdisciplinary training and the use of newer technologies could aid in improved teaching of geriatric dentistry.
Determination of factors affecting exercise capacity in community‐dwelling elderly people
Authors: Durdu Habibe , Sahin Ulku Kezban , Karagoz Arzu Demircioglu , Kulakli Fazil
Published: October 2024

Rationale

Exercise capacity declines with age. However, the effect of common geriatric symptoms, that are related to physical performance, on exercise capacity is unclear.

Aims

The study aimed to determine the impacts of sarcopenia, frailty, balance, and depression on both overall and abnormal exercise capacity.

Methods

One hundred and nineteen community‐dwelling older adults over 65 years of age were included in the cross‐sectional study. Sarcopenia and frailty status were determined according to the “European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People2” and “Fried frailty criteria”, respectively. Exercise capacity, balance and depression were assessed with the 6‐min walk test (6MWT), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), respectively.

Results

Of the participants, 5% were sarcopenic, 32.8% were frail, and 29.4% had abnormal exercise capacity (6MWT < 82% pred). According to multivariate linear regression analysis, the model consisting of sarcopenia, frailty, TUG and GDS was explained 53% of the variation in 6MWT (R = 0.73, R2 = 0.53, p < 0.001), and all variables except GDS were independent predictors of exercise capacity (p < 0.05). Sarcopenia was the strongest predictor of 6MWT (β =−79.76, p = 0.011). The model including sarcopenia, TUG, frailty, and GDS provided 29% prediction of abnormal exercise capacity (Nagelkerke R2 = 29.7, p < 0.001), while TUG was the sole significant predictor in the model (Odd Ratio:1.32, p < 0.002), according to logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

This study indicates that changes in exercise capacity are more influenced by the presence of sarcopenia, and that poor TUG performance is the greatest risk factor for the impaired exercise capacity.
Topical Antioxidant Cocoa Polyphenol Skin Penetration
Authors: Draelos Zoe Diana , Draelos Matthew M. , Feng Sue , Madera Zydnia , Chen Mia
Published: October 2024

Background

Cocoa powder derived from the Theobroma cacao plant is rich in polyphenols, such as catechin and epicatechin. These polyphenols are strong antioxidants when consumed orally; however, their ability to enter the stratum corneum following the topical application has never been demonstrated.

Objective

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the deposition of catechin and epicatechin in the stratum corneum following the topical application of 6% aqueous cocoa powder 1 and 2 h after application.

Methods

Five healthy female subjects aged 25–60 years were enrolled. A 6% aqueous cocoa powder solution was prepared and applied to two randomized designated spots on the left forearm. 2 cc of the solution was applied under a ¼‐inch gauze square covered with plastic wrap and held in place with a Coban dressing. The 15 d‐squame 7/8‐inch circular tape strips were applied to the predetermined area on the forearm 1 h and 2 h after application of the 6% cocoa powder solution. The tape strips were immediately placed in a −80°C freezer for storage until extraction in preparation for LC–MS evaluation for catechin and epicatechin levels.

Results

More catechin and epicatechin were detected at 2 h than 1 h for both compounds, although the difference was not statistically significant. Higher epicatechin levels than catechin levels were detected from the cocoa powder at both time points. This is consistent with published data from food‐grade cocoa powder.

It is detected that 6% aqueous cocoa powder delivers the antioxidants catechin and epicatechin to the stratum corneum 1 h and 2 h after topical application.
Converging mothers' employment trajectories between East and West Germany? A focus on the 2008‐childcare‐reform
Authors: Fauser Sophia , Struffolino Emanuela , Levanon Asaf
Published: October 2024

Objective

Aiming to generate evidence on how contextual conditions shape individuals' opportunities and constraints and, ultimately, life courses, we focus on a period of childcare expansion in reunified Germany. We investigate differences in employment trajectories around mothers' first childbirths to identify potential East–West convergence.

Background

During Germany's division (1949–1990), universal public childcare and female full‐time employment were the norm in East Germany, while the male breadwinner model was dominant in the West. These differences, although declining, persisted even decades after reunification. In 2008, a reform aimed at expanding childcare availability to facilitate mothers' employment throughout the country.

Methods

We measure East–West differences in employment trajectories around childbirth pre‐ (1990–2007) and post‐reform (2008–2021) in terms of timing, order, and duration of events over time. We use data on 359 East and 986 West German first‐time‐mothers from the German Socio‐Economic Panel and sequence analysis tools.

Results

Before the reform, employment trajectories between East and West German mothers differed both in timing and duration of employment states. After the reform, these differences decreased, showing a general convergence in the prevalence of post‐birth part‐time employment. Nonetheless, longer maternity leave is still more prevalent among West German mothers, while East German mothers are more likely to maintain full‐time jobs.

Conclusion

Our findings show how policy settings and reforms shape life courses in a context‐dependent fashion. They illustrate the importance of a methodological approach that focuses on process outcomes and supports a theoretical perspective that highlights how historical time and place shape life courses.
Is Anyone Ready to Save a Life? An Examination of Cardiac Emergency Preparedness in Schools
Authors: Baker Heather K.
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

This study explored the cardiac emergency preparedness of school employees in Illinois, as well as their attitudes toward cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training.

METHODS

One thousand two hundred seventy‐six school employees completed an online survey regarding their school's cardiac emergency preparedness, as well as their access to CPR/AED training, confidence and willingness to perform CPR/AED, and attitudes toward CPR policies and mandates.

RESULTS

In total, results from 1273 school employees were analyzed. School employees in Illinois are not prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency, but desire training, plans, and drills. Demographic analyses revealed statistically significant differences in cardiac emergency preparedness between individuals of different personal and school characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

School employees in Illinois are not prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency. To increase preparedness for cardiac emergencies at school, schools should implement CPR/AED training for all employees, cardiac emergency response plans, and cardiac emergency response drills.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY

Policies should be implemented at the state and local level to support cardiac emergency preparedness in schools, including mandated CPR/AED training for all school employees, cardiac emergency response plans for every building, and required cardiac emergency response drills.
Consumer Attention to a Coffee Brewing Robot: An Eye‐Tracking Study
Authors: Lee Cho‐Long , Kim Sunmin , Lim Manyoel , Hwang Sungjae , Kim Daekwang , Kwak Han Sub
Published: October 2024

During the COVID‐19, robots were increasingly utilized in the food service industry. This study compared perceptions of robot and human baristas by tracking participants' eye‐gaze behavior. Seventy participants viewed videos and images of both baristas, and their eye movements were tracked. Metrics such as entry time, dwell time, total fixation, hit ratio, revisits, revisitors, average fixation, first fixation, and fixation count in defined areas of interest (AOIs) were measured. Participants focused mostly on robot's body during coffee preparation and human barista's face. Attention stayed on the coffee with human baristas, while robot stimuli drew focus to the robot's hand and kettle. Participants fixated more on the robot itself, potentially due to its novelty in coffee preparation. This study can provide directions for the development of robots, including their appearance, so that they could be accepted familiarly by consumers and introduced seamlessly in the food industries.
Testing in GARCH‐X models: boundary, correlations and bootstrap theory
Authors: Nielsen Heino Bohn , Pedersen Rasmus Søndergaard , Rahbek Anders , Thorsen Sigurd Nellemann
Published: October 2024

In this article, we consider the so‐called Fixed Shrinkage (FS) bootstrap for the class of GARCH models with explanatory variables (GARCH‐X). Under the assumption of stationary covariates, the proposed FS bootstrap does not require modeling the covariates, as these are kept fixed in the bootstrap generating process. Our main focus is on testing whether one or more of the covariates can be excluded in the GARCH‐X model. As is well‐known the limiting distribution of the likelihood‐ratio (LR) statistic in this setting is non‐standard and depends in particular on whether nuisance parameters are on the boundary or in the interior of the parameter space. In particular, and as detailed here, the non‐standard limiting distribution depends on correlations, or dependence, between the explanatory variables. The FS bootstrap takes the presence of nuisance parameters into account by implementing shrinking as proposed in Cavaliere et al. (2022) for pure ARCH models. We establish asymptotic validity of the FS bootstrap for GARCH‐X models, and demonstrate by simulations that the bootstrap‐based test performs extremely well even when nuisance parameters lie on the boundary of the parameter space. The empirical illustration amplifies that the presence of nuisance parameters (especially whether or not on the boundary) are vital for interpreting the dynamics of conditional volatility in financial stock market indices.
Irrational acts: Maternal death, women's agency, and the obligation to care in Uganda
Authors: Boyd Lydia
Published: October 2024

Following the recommendation of the WHO in the mid‐2000s, the Ugandan government banned traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and encouraged all women to give birth in biomedical clinics. Yet in rural Luuka district, about half of women still give birth at home or with the assistance of lay providers. This article examines women's healthcare behavior to better understand decisions that are characterized as irrational by officials, in particular women's choices to delay care, move between providers, and defer health decisions to others. Building on anthropological interest in the relationality of care, this article explores how women compel the care of others, especially under conditions of healthcare scarcity and in contexts outside clinical settings. A focus on the gendered nature of kin‐based care provides insight into how acts often characterized as irrational can be modes of action for women in ways that exceed a policy focus on healthcare choice and autonomy.
Health care providers' perceptions of family participation in essential care in the intensive care unit: A qualitative study
Authors: Dijkstra Boukje M. , Schoonhoven Lisette , Felten‐Barentsz Karin M. , van der Valk Margriet J. M. , van der Hoeven Johannes G. , Vloet Lilian C. M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Family participation in essential care may benefit patients and relatives.

Aims

To examine the needs, perceptions and preferences of health care providers about family participation in essential care in the adult intensive care unit.

Study design

A qualitative descriptive study using inductive thematic analysis. Three focus group interviews with a total of 30 intensive care unit health care providers, consisting of 20 critical care nurses, one nursing assistant, five physicians, three physical therapists and one speech therapist working in three Dutch intensive care units.

Results

One overarching theme, balancing interests, and four main themes emerged: looking after the patient's interests, taking the relatives' perspective into account, looking after interests of intensive care unit health care providers and conditions for family participation. The first theme, looking after the patient's interests, included three sub‐themes: insecurity about patient's wishes and needs, patient safety concerns and potential benefits for the patient. The second theme, taking the relatives' perspective into account, was also characterized by three sub‐themes: concerns about the relatives' possible burden, potential benefits for the relative and the relationship between patient and relative. The third theme, looking after interests of intensive care unit health care providers, included three sub‐themes: attitude towards family participation in essential care, differing perceptions of essential care and concerns about intensive care unit health care provider's burden. The last theme, conditions for family participation, included two sub‐themes: establishing a relationship and considering family participation in essential care as a process.

Conclusions

Health care providers' perceptions and preferences regarding family participation in essential care in the intensive care unit are summarized in the overarching theme balancing interests. This overarching theme also reflects the needs and perceptions of patients and relatives.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

These findings may support critical care nurses and other health care providers when encouraging family participation in essential care.
Healthy Life Awareness, Blood Pressure Awareness and Insight Among Adult Individuals: A Population‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Terzi Handan , Ayaz‐Alkaya Sultan , Yeşilyurt Eylül
Published: October 2024

Objective

To measure healthy life awareness, blood pressure awareness and insight levels, along with their predisposing factors among adult individuals.

Design

A population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Sample

The population consisted of adult individuals in a rural district of a city in Türkiye. Voluntary individuals who visited the population screening, organized as the May Measurement Month activity, were invited to the study (n = 290).

Measurements

The data were collected by a questionnaire, the Healthy Life Awareness Scale (HeLAS), and the Blood Pressure Awareness and Insight Scale (BASIS). Descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.

Results

The mean scores of the HeLAS and the BASIS were 49.62 ± 8.30 and 2.89 ± 1.43, respectively. Income level, regular physical activity habits, and formerly being diagnosed with hypertension were positively associated with a healthy life awareness level. Former diagnosis of hypertension, regular medication usage, and being unemployed were the significant predisposing factors of blood pressure awareness and insight level.

Conclusions

Most adult individuals displayed a moderate level of healthy life awareness and a low level of blood pressure awareness and insight. Nurses could take on the leading role in developing healthy lifestyle habits among individuals, ensure medication treatment adherence, and prevent hypertension prevalence.
Extending the acute skin response spectrum to include the far‐UVC
Authors: Gutierrez‐Bayona Natalia E. , Petersen Camryn , Hashmi Raabia H. , Buonanno Manuela , Shuryak Igor , Ponnaiya Brian , Kleiman Norman J. , Brenner David J. , Welch David
Published: October 2024

Guidance on maximal limits for ultraviolet (UV) exposure has been developed by national and international organizations to protect against adverse effects on human skin and eyes. These guidelines consider the risk of both acute effects (i.e., erythema and photokeratitis) and delayed effects (e.g., skin and ocular cancers) when determining exposure limits, and specify the dose a person can safely receive during an 8‐h period without harmful effects. The determination of these exposure limits relies on the action spectra of photobiological responses triggered by UV radiation that quantify the effectiveness of each wavelength at eliciting each of these effects. With growing interest in using far‐UVC (200–235 nm) radiation to control the spread of airborne pathogens, recent arguments have emerged about revisiting exposure limits for UV wavelengths. However, the standard erythema action spectrum, which provides some of the quantitative basis for these limits, has not been extended below 240 nm. This study assists to expand the erythema action spectrum to far‐UVC wavelengths using a hairless albino mice model. We estimate that inducing acute effects on mouse skin with 222 nm radiation requires a dose of 1162 mJ/cm2, well above the current ACGIH skin exposure limit of 480 mJ/cm2.
Determinants of the Unconditional Basic Income Acceptance Among German Citizens: An Empirical Analysis Based on Innovation Resistance Theory
Authors: Leopold Franziska , Lindenmeier Jörg
Published: October 2024

Considering the uncertainty that accompanies political reforms, this study examines the determinants of universal basic income (UBI) acceptance among a representative sample of 593 German citizens using innovation resistance theory. The study aimed to determine whether passive innovation resistance (PIR) negatively influences UBI acceptance and to investigate how active evaluation of pro‐ and con‐arguments, potentially leading to active innovation resistance (AIR), affects this relationship. The results indicate that both PIR and AIR reduce UBI acceptance. Social influence and individual advantages appear to be the primary drivers of UBI support, while counter‐arguments have a relatively minor impact. AIR is mainly influenced by individual economic effects, universality and social justice, whereas unconditionality has a negligible effect. The study also reveals moderation effects of age and political orientation (liberal vs. conservative) and provides practical insights along with suggestions for future research.
COPULAR STRUCTURES AND ASYMMETRIC IDENTITY†
Authors: Delfitto Denis , Fiorin Gaetano
Published: October 2024

We propose an analysis of copular structures of the type “DP is DP” based on the existence of a silent predicate of asymmetric identity. Our proposal is based on a cognitively grounded notion of identity as identification of one object on the basis of the properties of another. We argue that our proposal is preferable over Russell's view that the copula is ambiguous between a predicative interpretation (as in “Socrates is wise”) and an equative one (as in “Socrates is a man”) but also improves upon Longobardi's and Moro's influential analyses, which entail that DP's are ambiguous between a referring type ( or < et>t>) and a predicational type (). In the new analysis proposed here, copular structures receive a uniform predicational interpretations and DPs are uniformly interpreted as referential.
Evaluating a peer‐support mind–body medicine intervention for healthcare leaders
Authors: Kelly Lesly , Rowe Chyela , Choudhury Aproteem , Woo‐Cater Sandy , Greenwood Lindiwe
Published: October 2024

Background

Mind–body medicine (MBM) is an evidence‐based intervention associated with trauma and stressful events. The MBM intervention alleviates symptoms of work‐related stress and builds resilience by utilizing self‐care techniques facilitated in small group settings. Healthcare leaders who experienced traumatic stress through the COVID‐19 pandemic may benefit from interventions aimed at their needs.

Aim

We evaluated the effects of a peer support MBM intervention on perceived stress, resilience, well‐being, and empathy for nurse leaders and compassionate care leaders.

Methods

A pre–post intervention was conducted via 7 virtual and 2 on‐site groups, recruiting from a large multihospital health system in the United States. Participants engaged in an 8‐week program facilitated by a certified faculty group leader from The Center for Mind–Body Medicine and engaged in resilience skills building activities along with facilitated sharing. Validated instruments were used to measure outcomes at pre, post, 1 month, and 6 month follow‐up intervals. Surveys included open‐ended questions for qualitative feedback related to facilitators, barriers, and group experiences.

Results

Seventy‐three leaders completed the MBM program, and 22 completed the four research surveys; all qualitative responses were included for feedback. Perceived stress decreased after the intervention (p < .008) and was maintained for 6 months post intervention (p < .005). Resilience increased after the intervention (p < .034) and for 1 month (p < .049) but decreased after 6 months. Qualitative responses showed that time and workload factors were the most significant barrier to participation, while the benefits included protected time with peers, learning well‐being skills, and having a safe place to process emotions.

Linking Evidence to Action

Healthcare leaders face unique challenges, including workplace trauma and crises. Interventions that support their stress response, resilience, and overall well‐being should take into consideration the nature of their work, the balance of time demands, and the need for peer support to overcome barriers to sustainable interventions.
Heat Transfer in Double Pipe Heat Exchangers With Small Tube Spacing
Authors: Havlík Jan , Dlouhý Tomáš , Krempaský Jakub
Published: October 2024

In this work, the heat transfer in double pipe heat exchangers (DPHEs) with small tube spacing is analyzed. This type of heat transfer is generally described in many literary sources; however, in laminar flow, the resulting values of the theoretical equations differ. Moreover, the small spacing of the pipes can affect the fluid flow and subsequent heat transfer. The suitability of using available theoretical methods for the design of double pipe heat exchangers (the Stephan, VDI, and Baehr methods) was evaluated. A series of experiments was carried out on a double pipe heat exchanger with a tube spacing of 1.4 mm. The experimentally determined value of the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) was up to two times higher in comparison with the values calculated according to theoretical methods. The relative increase was more significant for the lower Reynolds number values. At the same time, the difference of the wall temperature along the circumference of the outer tube was detected. This phenomenon was theoretically analyzed and can be explained by tube misalignment in the small tube spacing. The procedure of quantification of this effect was proposed. This effect may cause an inhomogeneity of the media flow and temperature distribution and, as a result, increase the performance of the heat exchanger by tens of percent.
Spread Spectrum Time Domain Reflectometry (SSTDR) and Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR) Cable Inspection Using Machine Learning
Authors: Glass S.W. , Tedeschi J.R. , Spencer M.P. , Son J. , Taufique M.F.N. , Li D. , Elen M. , Fifield L.S. , Farber J.A. , Rashdan A. Al
Published: October 2024

Cables are initially qualified for nuclear power plant use for 40 years. As plants extend their operating license to 60 and 80 years, justification for continued cable use must shift to a condition-based approach since it is cost prohibitive to completely replace cables that are still capable of performing their design function. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Accelerated and Real Time Experimental Nodal Analysis (ARENA) cable motor test bed was used to test the response of a commercial spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR) system, a laboratory instrument software-controlled SSTDR, and a vector network analyzer-based frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) system to various cable anomalies. The three instrument systems were able to interrogate cables over a range of frequency bandwidths that can be helpful for human data analysis. Data were subjected to supervised and unsupervised machine learning (ML) analyses to distinguish normal undamaged cable responses from anomalous cable responses. Both supervised and unsupervised ML approaches produced encouraging results with an undamaged/anomalous prediction weighted accuracy ranging from 0.69 to 0.87. Recommendations for further development and field implementation include increased and more balanced sample sets particularly including more training data.
Deep Learning Method Based on Denoising Autoencoders for Temperature Selection of Guided Waves Signals
Authors: Fisher Clément , Billon François , Thomas Axel , Druet Tom
Published: October 2024

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), and in particular Guided Wave based SHM (GW-SHM), is of particular interest for high-stake industrial sectors such as aerospace, railway, or oil & gas or for which NDT inspections are complex due to a poor accessibility or large areas to inspect. Because the physics of guided waves is very complex, some inspection methods are based on a reference state, also known as baseline, which simplifies the analysis and processing of signals a posteriori.

However, comparison with a reference state is very sensitive to environmental and operational conditions (EOC). If the EOC changes, the reference state becomes obsolete and false alarms might occur. To avoid this, algorithms such as Baseline Signal Stretch (BSS) are designed to compensate for a small deviation between the current state and the reference state, but are not robust to larger deviations. Coupling with Optimal Baseline Selection (OBS) can be used to limit the deviation, but this requires a large set of baseline data for each instrumented sample, often limiting the scope for industrial applications as such data is difficult to obtain due to the coupling between various EOCs.

This paper presents a method, based on denoising autoencoders, for building a model that relates guided wave signals at the current temperature to those at a selected temperature. By training the model with a sufficiently complete database of pristine and damaged signals at different temperatures for the same instrumentation on a few samples, a generic model can be obtained that can be used for all similar instrumentation. In this case, by compensating for the effects of temperature in the measured signals to select the reference temperature, only one baseline is required for each sample, allowing most SHM methods to be applied to complex structures.

The method is validated on a set of signals measured on an aluminum plate with representative defects at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 50°C.
Advanced Homogenization Model for Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete and its Validation
Authors: Khalid Nouhayla , Darmon Michel , Chaix Jean-François
Published: October 2024

Simulation of ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) plays an essential role in the assessment and testing of concrete structures. Concrete is a highly dense composite medium: the presence of heterogeneities leads to the dispersion of velocity and attenuation of ultrasonic waves, which significantly affects testing of concrete structures. Consequently, it is important to model accurately the attenuation of waves due to scattering by concrete heterogeneities (aggregates, porosity, micro-cracks). The classically used ultrasonic methods are based on studying the coherent wave characterized by its phase velocity and attenuation. This wave can be simulated using numerical or analytical models. The numerical models are more efficient but very expensive in a 3D configuration (spherical shape of aggregates), and the need to set up a fast inspection simulation leads to the requirement to improve the simplified existing 3D analytical models. This study focuses on the correlation function used in the analytical models to describe the distribution of the aggregates’ positions. The simplification of this function in existing models, which assumes the uniformity of the distribution, can lead to important errors in estimating the attenuation for strong concentrations of diffusers. In the present work, we propose a new homogenization 2D model much more convenient for high scatterers concentration. This model and a 2D finite element code developed in the CIVA NDT simulation software are compared. A good agreement between the new analytical model and the numerical one is noticed. Further validation work on the developed model is underway for instance by studying the effect of aggregates granulometry and other material configurations. Successful validation in 2D configurations encourage us using similar correlation functions for 3D simulation. The development of a 3D model, which is currently underway, will also be validated against future experimental measurements.
Deep Autoencoder Framework Applied to the Generation of Realistic Guided Wave Signals in Structural Health Monitoring Under Varying Environmental and Operational Conditions
Authors: Miorelli Roberto , Nerlikar Vivek , Recoquillay Arnaud , D’Almeida Oscar
Published: October 2024

In structural health monitoring, ultrasonic guided waves (GWs) have great potentials for embedded continuous assessment of the integrity of civil and industrial infrastructures, as well as in the transport sector, throughout the lifetime of the structure (continuous monitoring).

One of the most challenging issues in analyzing and exploiting GW signals in realistic scenarios is the impact of environmental and operational conditions (EOCs). Over the last decade, signal processing techniques have been designed to overcome the effect of some parameters, mainly focusing on the temperature. However, depending on the application, such methods may have a limited application range. More recently, machine learning (ML) methods have shown promising results when applied to ultrasonic GW signals to enhance the analysis capabilities of established techniques.

In this context, this paper proposes a ML framework relying on the use of a tailored autoencoder architecture enabling the fast generation of ultrasonic GW signals close to experimental ones. The core idea is based on the joint learning of a structured latent space from experimental and numerical data. The addition of EOC parameters, such as temperature, in the model enables to take them into account in the resulting data even if the initial simulation was not. This data generation can then be used for statistical studies or to train new inversion models (e.g., classification, localization, sizing of defects) in a very efficient manner.