bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards the definition of WEEE recycling targets in Ecuador. A case of study for mobile phones
Authors: Vidal Iván , Sucozhañay Gabriela , Haupt Melanie , Vanegas Paúl
Published: April 2023

The rise of consumption patterns of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and the generation of waste EEE (WEEE) has been strongly increasing globally. Recycling rates (RRs) are one of the main indicators for monitoring the progress towards a circular economy and establishing recovery and treatment schemes. For this reason, this study discusses the setting of recycling targets for WEEE in Ecuador, using mobile phones as a case study. Firstly, the generation of mobile phone waste from 2012 to 2018 is estimated based on literature review. The most appropriate model for estimating WEEE generation is selected according to the applicable market conditions, input requirements and available data. Then, the composition of a mobile phone is determined through an extensive literature review. Based on these results, the materials’ environmental impact and potential economic value are approximated using the ReCiPe Endpoint (H, A) method and the prices of virgin materials, respectively. The estimation shows that in Ecuador an average of 2 million devices are discarded every year, which represents an interesting source of resources but currently does not have appropriate management. Ecuador has implemented regulatory frameworks in favour of the integral management of these wastes. However, mass-based collection targets still appear to be the only available measure. Therefore, national results on electronics recycling do not allow adequate monitoring of progress towards a circular economy and largely neglect environmental aspects and economic potential.
Flammability and explosion characteristics of hardwood dust
Authors: Przybysz Jan , Celiński Maciej , Kozikowski Paweł , Mizera Kamila , Borucka Monika , Gajek Agnieszka
Published: April 2023

Wood dust consists of the fine particles of wood that are produced when wood is processed. It is considered explosive, especially if it produces a dust cloud. Initiating the combustion process inside the dust–air cloud spreads this process throughout the entire volume. In this article, experiment was carried out to study the influence of type of hardwood on combustion parameters. An experimental investigation was carried out to determine the evolution of the ignition sensitivity, fire behaviour and explosion characteristics of three types of hardwood dust. To determine dust behaviour under fire conditions, a cone calorimeter was used. Explosion characteristics were tested with the use of a 20 L spherical vessel and minimum ignition energy tested on MINOR II Apparatus, which is a modified Hartmann’s Tube. Studies have shown a large effect of particle size on explosion parameters, while for flammability parameters the effect is not so noticeable.
Facilitating Group Learning Using an Apprenticeship Model: Which Master is More Effective in Programming Instruction?
Authors: Garcia Manuel B.
Published: April 2023

Computer programming is a difficult course for many students. Prior works advocated for group learning pedagogies in pursuit of higher-level reasoning and conceptual understanding. However, the methodological gaps in existing implementations warrant further research. This study conducted a three-armed cluster-randomized controlled trial to comparatively evaluate the social and cognitive effects of group learning pedagogies in computer programming. Following an apprenticeship model, each group has a designated master: drivers in pair programming (PP), peer leaders in peer-led team learning (PLTL), and practitioners in practitioner-assisted group learning (PAGL). In all course deliverables, the PP group received the lowest mean scores. Meanwhile, no significant difference was found between the PLTL and PAGL groups. Except for psychological safety, social factors such as task cohesion, interdependence, and group potency were significantly different between the groups. Both PLTL and PAGL groups reported a significant increase in social factors after 14 weeks of intervention. These findings provide a rationale for educational leaders and teachers to formulate curricular plans that integrate PLTL and PAGL in computer programming education. Overall, this study contributes to the literature on group learning, expands the pedagogies in computer programming, and serves as additional empirical evidence on cognitive apprenticeship and sociocultural perspectives of learning.
Incidence of Hyponatremia Among Critically Ill Patients With and Without COVID-19 Infection at a Community Teaching Hospital
Authors: Gustafson Benjamin D , Zhao Yang , Milkovits Ashley E , Kamrada Meghan E
Published: April 2023

Background: Various studies have demonstrated the incidence of hyponatremia in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, to our knowledge, no study has assessed the difference in the incidence of hyponatremia in patients with and without COVID-19. Purpose: To compare the incidence of hyponatremia in patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission with and without COVID-19 infection. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients with a diagnosis of pneumonia from February 2019 to January 2020, or a diagnosis of COVID-19 from June 2020 to May 2021. Included patients were matched on age and sex. The primary outcome was the incidence of hyponatremia within 72 h of admission. Secondary endpoints collected included severity of hyponatremia, symptomatic hyponatremia, and lowest serum sodium. Results: There were 99 and 104 patients included in pneumonia and COVID-19 arms, respectively. Twenty-nine patients in the pneumonia group and 56 patients in the COVID-19 group had a sodium level <134 mEq/L (29% vs 56%, RR 1.84, P < .01). The mean lowest serum sodium within 72 h of admission was 136.9 mEq/L in the pneumonia group and 134.5 mEq/L in the COVID-19 group ( P < .01). Other notable findings included days of mechanical ventilation (3 days vs 8 days, respectively; P < .01), downgrade from the ICU (74.8% vs 59.6%, P = .02), ICU length of stay (4 days vs 10 days, P < .01), hospital length of stay (6 days vs 14 days, P < .01), and mortality (16.2% vs 39.4%, P < .01). Conclusion: Among critically ill patients with COVID-19, the risk of hyponatremia was significantly greater than the risk in critically ill patients with pneumonia.
Contributions of the Paycheck Protection Program to Nonprofit Short-Term Sustainability
Authors: Mumford Steven W. , Hutton Nicole S. , Riegel Stephanie M.
Published: April 2023

This article draws on literature on nonprofit resilience to hazards to explore the impact of federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans on nonprofits’ staffing, services, and financial health during the COVID-19 pandemic’s first year. Through propensity score matching with survey data collected in spring 2020 and winter 2021 from the New Orleans area, linked to publicly available PPP data, nonprofits that did and did not receive a PPP loan were matched on covariates representing critical resilience capacities pre-pandemic, allowing calculation of effect sizes for short-term outcomes. Results suggest that PPP tentatively supported nonprofit liquidity in the form of reserves, but had at best mixed results in promoting service maintenance, and did not support hiring or staff retention in excess of the non-treatment group. Despite the small sample size, these preliminary findings inform how PPP may have supported short-term sustainability and help guide future federal policy to support nonprofits during crises.
Optimization of cost and performance of the material used in the mechanism unit of Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) based on various analysis approach
Authors: Nag Mukesh Kumar , Kumar Parmanand
Published: April 2023

Air Circuit Breakers are used for circuit protection from the faulty current that might damage the subsystems of the circuits like motors, transformers, transmission systems, etc. The cost optimization of the component used in the mechanism unit of Air Circuit Breaker (ACB). This can be achieved by replacing the existing material AISI 9260 to equivalent proposed material AISI 4140. This material exhibits the better mechanical properties in all aspects, along with low process cost involved during manufacturing of the components. This paper presents comparative dealing with the properties like hardening & tempering, hardenability, weldability, stamping-ability, endurance limit, and modification factors of the existing material AISI 9260 to proposed material AISI 4140. The proposed steel AISI 4140 is suitable for ACB mechanism parts which exhibits the same reliability and better mechanical properties than presently used AISI 9260 steel. The proposed AISI 4140 steel reduces the cost of the component by elimination and replacing the partial or fully heat treatment cost and wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) cost respectively. Because the component manufactured with AISI 4140 steel shows the desired mechanical properties only in hot rolled conditions with additional localized hardening, wherever the rolling surface is present. The elimination and replacement of heat treatment and WEDM process cost involved in present AISI 9260 steel components, can be achieved by partial induction hardening and stamping process employed on proposed AISI4140 steel respectively. There are three conditions that is, when fully elimination of heat treatment saves 27% of the total process cost, when partial elimination of heat treatment cost saves 25.5% of the total process cost, and when replacing the WEDM to stamping saves 22% of the total component cost. The proposed material and process also maintain the same reliability for the rated 20,000 operations.
A study on the metallurgical characterisation of the longitudinally sampled friction stir processed TIG welded dissimilar aluminum joints
Authors: Mabuwa Sipokazi , Msomi Velaphi , Mehdi Husain , Ngonda Tiyamike
Published: April 2023

In this work, one-pass and two-pass friction stir processing (FSP) were applied to the tungsten inert gas (TIG) weldments of AA6082-T651 and AA8011-H14 to analyse the microstructure and tensile characteristics of the weldments. The tests included macrostructure, microstructure, microhardness, tensile testing and fractography. When the one-pass and two-pass FSP were applied to the TIG weldments, the coarse grain structure (grain size 24.63 µm) was transformed into a refined grain structure (grain size 2.632 µm for second pass), thereby eradicating the defects that had been seen before FSP. The tensile strengths of the TIG + FSP passes were more significant than that of the TIG welded joints. The ultimate tensile strength of TIG welding, TIG + FSP 1-pass and TIG + FSP 2-pass were 86.86 MPa, 133.833 MPa and 135.75 MPa, respectively. The tensile strain of the TIG + FSPed joints was found to have a minimal difference from that of the TIG welded joints, with the TIG joint with a higher percentage. The joints’ microhardness post-FSP was more significant than the TIG weldment. The maximum hardness (73.84 HV) at the Nugget zone (NZ) was observed in the TIG + FSP 2-pass welded joint. The results obtained corresponded with the grain sizes of the welded joints; the TIG results displayed a coarse-grained structure, while the TIG + FSP results, regardless of the passes, showed a fine sandwich-arranged grain structure.
Relating the influence of track properties to axle load spectra through onboard measurements
Authors: Maglio Michele , Kabo Elena , Ekberg Anders
Published: April 2023

This work aims at investigating how variations in measured stresses are affected by track conditions and, if possible, extract information on track conditions from onboard measurements. Axle bending strains measured in extensive field tests are employed to evaluate axle stress spectra. Correlation between stress spectra and parameters describing track design and condition for three sections of the Swedish mainline “Västra stambanan” have been investigated. The study shows how switches and other discontinuities in the track running surface increase the scatter of the stress spectra and increase the number of overloads. Circular and transition curves mainly increase stress amplitudes with magnitudes close to quasistatic conditions load. A decrease in track quality leads to both a shift of stress spectra towards higher values and a higher number of overloads. The influence of bridges/tunnels and decreased track stiffness were found to be difficult to distinguish from effects of curves, switches and crossings and track quality. If effects exist, they are likely to be small. Results from the study aids future track condition monitoring, maintenance planning of track and running gear, and the estimation of stress spectra for track stretches with known characteristics.
Salidroside attenuates LPS-induced kidney injury through activation of SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Pan Jiaying , Zhu Jie , Li Liang , Zhang Tao , Xu Zhenyu
Published: April 2023

Background

Salidroside (SAL) is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, and renal protective active ingredient extracted from the Chinese herb. Rhodiola Rosea. However, the role of SAL in kidney injury has not yet been elucidated. The study investigates SAL’s protective effect and mechanism in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced kidney injury.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 wild-type mice (6–8 weeks old) were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg LPS for 24 h and SAL (50 mg/kg) 2 h before the LPS injection. Biochemical and TUNNEL staining assay analyses were carried out to assess kidney injury. The Elisa assay analyzed the mRNA expression of NGAL and KIM-1. RT-qPCR and Western blotting measured the mRNA and protein expression of HO-1, NQO1, Beclin1, P62, SIRT1, Nrf2, and PNCA, respectively.

Results

Our study found that mice co-treated with SAL had significantly reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels in serum of LPS-induced mice. SAL cotreatment potentially decreased the apoptosis rate of kidney tissue and podocytes induced by LPS. SAL significantly reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) in LPS-treated mice. Autophagy-related proteins Beclin-1 increased but decreased P62 protein expression by cotreatment of SAL in LPS-injected mice. SAL enhanced the Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein expression in LPS-induced kidney tissues.

Conclusion

Our results speculate that SAL protects against LPS-induced kidney injury through activation of the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway.
Design and analysis of factorial clinical trials: The impact of one treatment's effectiveness on the statistical power and required sample size of the other
Authors: Walter Stephen D. , Belo Ian J.
Published: April 2023

Factorial allow for the simultaneous evaluation of more than one treatment, by randomizing patients to their possible combinations, including control. However, the statistical power of one treatment can be influenced by the effectiveness of the other, a matter that has not been widely recognized. In this paper, we evaluate the relationship between the observed effectiveness of one treatment and the implied power for a second treatment in the same trial, under a range of conditions. We provide analytic and numerical solutions for a binary outcome, under the additive, multiplicative, and odds ratio scales for treatment interaction. We demonstrate how the minimum required sample size for a trial depends on the two treatment effects. Relevant factors include the event rate in the control group, sample size, treatment effect sizes, and Type-I error rate thresholds. We show that that power for one treatment decreases as a function of the observed effectiveness of the other treatment if there is no multiplicative interaction. A similar pattern is observed with the odds ratio scale at low control rates, but at high control rates, power may increase if the first treatment is moderately more effective than its planned value. When treatments do not interact additively, power may either increase or decrease, depending on the control event rate. We also determine where the maximum power occurs for the second treatment. We illustrate these ideas with data from two actual factorial trials. These results can benefit investigators in planning the analysis of factorial clinical trials, in particular, to alert them to the potential for losses in power when one observed treatment effect differs from its originally postulated value. Updating the power calculation and modifying the associated required sample size can then ensure sufficient power for both treatments.
Copula modeling for the estimation of measures of marker classification and predictiveness performance with survival outcomes
Authors: Escarela Gabriel , Vásquez Alejandro Román , González-Farías Graciela , Márquez-Urbina José Ulises
Published: April 2023

The discriminative and predictive power of a continuous-valued marker for survival outcomes can be summarized using the receiver operating characteristic and predictiveness curves, respectively. In this paper, fully parametric and semi-parametric copula-based constructions of the joint model of the marker and the survival time are developed for characterizing, plotting, and analyzing both curves along with other underlying performance measures. The formulations require a copula function, a parametric specification for the margin of the marker, and either a parametric distribution or a non-parametric estimator for the margin of the time to event, to respectively characterize the fully parametric and semi-parametric joint models. Estimation is carried out using maximum likelihood and a two-stage procedure for the parametric and semi-parametric models, respectively. Resampling-based methods are used for computing standard errors and confidence bounds for the various parameters, curves, and associated measures. Graphical inspection of residuals from each conditional distribution is employed as a guide for choosing a copula from a set of candidates. The performance of the estimators of various classification and predictiveness measures is assessed in simulation studies, assuming different copula and censoring scenarios. The methods are illustrated with the analysis of two markers using the familiar primary biliary cirrhosis data set.
A different kind of death? Barts NHS Trust v Dance and Battersbee
Authors: Lyons Barry , Donnelly Mary
Published: April 2023

The case of Archie Battersbee, a 12-year-old boy who suffered a catastrophic hypoxic brain injury, was the subject of several Family Division and Appeal Court hearings between April and August 2022. During the protracted legal process, appeals were made by the family to the Supreme Court, the European Court of Human Rights, and the United Nations’ Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee). These were unsuccessful in achieving a stay on the withdrawal of life-sustaining interventions, whose continuance the Family Division of the High Court had found not to be in Archie’s best interests. This commentary focuses on two novel aspects of the proceedings: the Court of Appeal’s overturning of Arbuthnot J’s conclusion that Archie was brainstem dead, and the CRPD Committee’s intervention in response to the family’s appeal.
Book review: Pankaj Sekhsaria. 2020. Nano Scale: Society’s Deep Impact on Science, Technology and Innovation in India
Authors: Aga Aniket
Published: April 2023

Pankaj Sekhsaria. 2020. Nano Scale: Society’s Deep Impact on Science, Technology and Innovation in India. Delhi: Authors UPFRONT, 182 pp., ₹495. ISBN: 9789387280700 (hardback).
Challenges in Anesthetic Management of Succinylcholine-induced Masseter Muscle Rigidity in Difficult Airway Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Sharma Monika , Chandak Aruna , Dev Priyanka , Prafulshatalwar Aditi
Published: April 2023

The difficult airway is already a challenging situation for anesthesiologists, in that scenario Succinylcholine (SCh) use, because of its rapid onset and short duration of action makes it a neuromuscular blockage drug of choice. Development of masseter muscular rigidity is thought to be an early indicator of the occurrence of the dreaded consequence, malignant hyperthermia. Consequently, it is essential to understand the potential side effects of this widely used drug in order to successfully treat the airway. Resulting is the use of videolaryngoscopic intubation along with propofol use and the procedure was completed successfully with no intraoperative or postoperative problems. Here, we described a case report of a 33-year-old male patient with a difficult airway posted for open reduction internal fixation of bilateral Lefort’s III fracture, developed masseter muscle rigidity (MMR) following administration of a standard dose of SCh.
The Impact of Experiential Learning on Professional Identity: Comparing Community Service-Learning to Traditional Practica Pedagogy
Authors: Gallop Cynthia J. , Guthrie Brian , Asante Nana
Published: April 2023

Community service-learning (CSL) has been referred to as a “pedagogy for citizenship,” as it enhances ethical behavior and social responsibility among student participants. It represents a pedagogical and philosophical approach that promotes experiential learning by incorporating intentional course-based lessons with service in the community. Despite the numerous studies outlining the benefits of CSL initiatives, there is a dearth of research on how CSL courses can impact students already in the “helping professions.” More specifically, there is very little research on the benefits of CSL in social work field education courses. For this study, the researchers found that developing a CSL practicum led to a substantive shift in professional understanding for the students who participated in a CSL learning opportunity. Although the traditional and CSL groups began their practicum experiences believing the primary role of a social worker was to build and maintain healthy relationships with service users, the CSL group saw their primary role switch from a “micro practice” to a “macro practice” worker. CSL offers social work education additional unique opportunities to support the development of student's social work core values, knowledge, and skills.
Considerations for Treating Nonobstetric Diseases in Pregnant Patients in the Emergency Department Setting
Authors: Eiland Lea S. , Harris John Brock , Holmes Amy P.
Published: April 2023

Objective:

To provide nonobstetric practitioners with an overview of key concepts for the pregnant patient and review treatment of 3 common acute nonobstetric diseases encountered in the emergency department setting.

Data Sources:

A literature search of PubMed was performed (1997-February 2023) using key search terms related to pregnancy, pain, urinary tract infection (UTI), venous thromboembolism (VTE), and anticoagulants.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Relevant articles in English and humans were considered.

Data Synthesis:

When caring for a pregnant patient, it is important to utilize appropriate assessments, understand terms used in this population, and recognize how the physiological and pharmacokinetic changes that occur in pregnancy can influence medication use. Pain, UTIs, and VTE are common in this population. Acetaminophen is the most widely used medication for the management of pain during pregnancy and the drug of choice for mild pain in pregnancy not responsive to nonpharmacologic treatment. Pyelonephritis is the most common nonobstetric cause of hospitalization for pregnant patients. Antimicrobial treatment should consider maternal-fetal safety and local resistance patterns. Pregnant and postpartum patients have a 4- to 5-fold increased risk of developing a VTE compared with nonpregnant patients. Low-molecular-weight heparin is the preferred treatment.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

Pregnant patients often seek acute care in the emergency department setting for nonobstetric needs. Pharmacists in this setting should understand appropriate assessment questions and terms used within this population, the basics of physiological and pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy that can impact treatment, and which resources are best to utilize for drug information of the pregnant patient.

Conclusion:

Practitioners in the acute care setting commonly encounter pregnant patients seeking care for nonobstetric concerns. This article covers key pregnancy-related information for the nonobstetric practitioner and focuses on the management of acute pain, UTI, and VTE during pregnancy.
Characteristics, Thrombus Resolution, and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Thrombus
Authors: Yang Shu , Zhang Yanjuan , Chen Ning , Shi Jiaojiao , Ju Weizhu , Chen Hongwu , Yang Gang , Wang Zidun , Liu Hailei , Jiang Xiaohong , Cui Chang , Chen Minglong , Li Mingfang
Published: April 2023

To assess the prevalence and management of atrial thrombus in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and identify the risk factors of the nonresolution of atrial thrombus. This single-center retrospective observational study consecutively enrolled patients with NVAF and atrial thrombus detected using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) from January 2012 to December 2020. Patients with prior left atrial appendage (LAA) intervention were excluded. The primary endpoint was the presence of atrial thrombus, while the secondary endpoint was the complete resolution of atrial thrombus. The prevalence of atrial thrombus in patients with NVAF was 1.4%. Ninety patients with atrial thrombus (mean age 62.8 ± 11.9 years and 61.1% men) were finally analyzed. Atrial thrombus was in the LAA in 82 (91.1%) patients. During follow up, 60% of the patients showed complete resolution of atrial thrombus. Congestive heart failure (odds ratio [OR]: 8.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.67-47.80) and a history of ischemic stroke (OR: 8.28; 95% CI: 1.48-46.42) were independently associated with the risk of the nonresolution of atrial thrombus. The presence of atrial thrombus in patients with NVAF who received anticoagulation therapy is non-negligible. Even in anticoagulated patients, TEE or cardiac CTA might still be needed. Congestive heart failure and a history of ischemic stroke are risk factors of the nonresolution of atrial thrombus.
Two elastic supporting models to simulate the submerged floating tunnel and their equivalence on the free/forced vibrations
Authors: Yi Zhuangpeng , Yan Donghuang , Pan Quan , Zeng Youyi
Published: April 2023

By applying two elastically supporting styles, the elastic supports beam (ESB) and elastic foundation beam (EFB) are proposed to simulate the underwater submerged floating tunnel (SFT) under hinged boundaries. Their equivalence is investigated through the frequencies/modes and forced responses caused by equidistant moving loads. The ESB model is built by regarding each tether as an elastic support and using the novel isolating/assembling technique between beam-segments and global tube, and the order of characteristic matrix for any number of intermediate elastic supports is reduced to 4 × 4. Then, the stiffness of all elastic supports and the uniformity/non-uniformity are well considered in the ESB model. The governing equations of the EFB model with a uniform linear elastic support are also given. The newly discovered results, which are verified by the finite element method (FEM), indicate the merging phenomena appear in the frequency spectrum in the ESB model. The equivalence holds for some uniform cases in the ESB model based on the peak values of responses by using the stiffness relationship and a correction coefficient, whereas the equivalence does not exist for the uneven case of elastic supports.
Closing the Barn Door? Fact-Checkers as Retroactive Gatekeepers of the COVID-19 “Infodemic”
Authors: Singer Jane B.
Published: April 2023

Based on a study of U.S.-tagged items in a global database of fact-checked statements about the novel coronavirus throughout the first year of the pandemic, this article explores the nature of fact-checkers’ “retroactive gatekeeping.” This term is introduced here to describe the process of assessing the veracity of information after it has entered the public domain rather than before. Although an overwhelming majority of statements across 16 thematic categories were deemed false and debunked, often repeatedly, misinformation continued to circulate freely and widely.
Long-term changes in crystalline lens transparency after accelerated transepithelial corneal cross-linking in patients with keratoconus
Authors: Sun Ling , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ding Lan , Zhao Jing , Shen Yang , Tian Mi , Jian Weijun , Zhou Xingtao
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To investigate the long-term clinical outcomes and changes in crystalline lens transparency after accelerated (45 mW/cm2) transepithelial corneal cross-linking (ATE-CXL) using the Pentacam imaging system in patients with progressive keratoconus.

Methods

The study prospectively included 44 keratoconus eyes of 40 patients (mean age: 24.39  ±  5.61 years) who underwent ATE-CXL. The examinations, including assessment of uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, corneal topography, and corneal endothelial cell density count, were conducted preoperatively and 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years postoperatively. Measurement of crystalline lens density using Pentacam images was also performed pre- and postoperatively.

Results

All surgeries were uneventful with no postoperative complications. All keratometry values and corneal thickness remained stable during the 5-year follow-up period (all p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in corneal endothelial cell density count, visual acuity, and anterior average lens density in the 0.5-, 1.0-, and 1.5-mm depth zones during the 5-year follow-up period compared with the preoperative values (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that ATE-CXL at 45 mW/cm2 is safe and effective for the treatment of progressive keratoconus in terms of both crystalline lens density and endothelial cell density.
Vaping and Mental Health Conditions in Children: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Khan Ali Mahmood , Ahmed Saeed , Sarfraz Zouina , Farahmand Pantea
Published: April 2023

The e-cigarette (EC) epidemic began in the United States (US) in 2007; since 2014 EC is the most commonly used form of tobacco. However, the mental health implications of vaping are grossly unknown. The aim of this umbrella review is to provide astate-of-the-art summary of existing research concerning vaping and mental health conditions in children. Following the PRISMA Statement 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to April 15th, 2022 to locate relevant studies. The Joana Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for umbrella reviews and quality appraisal tool was utilized. Six studies, pooling a total of 846,510 adolescents aged 21 years or below, were included by collating 85 primary clinical studies. Of these, 58.8% of the primary clinical studies originated in the US, with 4.7% from Canada, South Korea, and the United Kingdom each; 3.5% each from England and Taiwan; 2.4% each from Australia, France, Hawaii, Mexico, and Russia; and 1.2% each from Denmark, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, New Zealand, Poland, and Switzerland. Overall, significant associations were found between mental health outcomes, including depression and suicidality, among current EC users and those who had ever used EC. Compared to adolescents who had never used EC, both depression and anxiety were reportedly higher among EC users. Impulsive behaviors, reported as impulsivity, were also found to be correlated with the adoption of EC use. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the impact of EC use on mental health outcomes in children. This umbrella review highlights the urgent need to further explore the effects of current EC use from a psychiatric and public health perspective.
Indigenous Cultural Safety Trainings for Healthcare Professionals Working in Ontario, Canada: Context and Considerations for Healthcare Institutions
Authors: Webb Denise , Stutz Sterling , Hiscock Claire , Bowra Andrea , Butsang Tenzin , Tan Sharon , Scott-Kay Bryanna , Mashford-Pringle Angela
Published: April 2023

Background:

Racism and discrimination are realities faced by Indigenous peoples navigating the healthcare system in Canada. Countless experiences of injustice, prejudice, and maltreatment calls for systemic action to redress professional practices of health care professionals and staff alike. Research points to Indigenous cultural safety training in healthcare systems to educate, train, and provide non-Indigenous trainees the necessary skills and knowledge to work with and alongside Indigenous peoples using cultural safe practices grounded in respect and empathy.

Objective:

We aim to inform the development and delivery of Indigenous cultural safety training within and across healthcare settings in the Canadian context, through repository of Indigenous cultural safety training examples, toolkits, and evaluations.

Methods:

An environmental scan of both gray (government and organization-issued) and academic literature is employed, following protocols developed by Shahid and Turin (2018).

Synthesis:

Indigenous cultural safety training and toolkits are collected and described according to similar and distinct characteristics and highlighting promising Indigenous cultural safety training practices for adoption by healthcare institutions and personnel. Gaps of the analysis are described, providing direction for future research. Final recommendations based on overall findings including key areas for consideration in Indigenous cultural safety training development and delivery.

Conclusion:

The findings uncover the potential of Indigenous cultural safety training to improve healthcare experiences of all Indigenous Peoples. With the information, healthcare institutions, professionals, researchers, and volunteers will be well equipped to support and promote their Indigenous cultural safety training development and delivery.
Media portrayals of psychotropic agents in AD/HD treatment: A social constructionist approach
Authors: Qaderi Josef , Lindblom Jonas
Published: April 2023

In recent decades there has been a significant increase in diagnosing children and adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), and in the use of pharmacological treatment with Ritalin, Concerta and Strattera for AD/HD. This development has given rise to scientific criticism, claiming that the pharmaceuticals prescribed by doctors are, to a large extent, ineffective or harmful. This study discusses media’s portrayal of treatment of AD/HD. The aim of the article is to develop a social constructionist perspective, highlighting how scientific critique of pharmaceuticals for AD/HD is handled in the mass media. The authors introduce the concept of “psychopharmacological extensibility,” which demonstrates the importance of collective definitional processes in society. Psychopharmacological extensibility reflects the fact that the perception of AD/HD agents as beneficial medicines or harmful drugs is open to interpretation and dependent on social factors related to context, power, rhetoric, and marketization. The empirical data are based on 211 articles from eight of the largest newspapers in Sweden, published between 2002 and 2021. The result shows that Swedish mass media, in numerous ways, neglects or undermines the scientific criticism made, thereby facilitating an increased use of the diagnosis and of psychotropic agents in society.
On mediations and the environment: Material, spatial and epistemic considerations
Authors: Christensen Miyase
Published: April 2023

The thinking behind this special issue was to move beyond the representation of the environment in news media and large-scale popular culture, and consider other informational outlets and spaces where environmental change is mediated and communicated. While mediatization has been an influential paradigm in media and communication studies, it has not addressed issues of, for example, materiality in relation to the excavation, use, construction and discarding of communication technologies. Thus, this special issue addresses the mediation of the environment on a broadened level, taking it beyond the ways in which media content alone represents environmental issues.
Cervical human papillomavirus prevalence according to socioeconomic and demographic characteristics in a large Danish screening population
Authors: Sand Freja LÆrke , Thomsen Louise T. , Oernskov Dorthe , Munk Christian , Waldstroem Marianne , Kjaer Susanne K.
Published: April 2023

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) prevalence according to socioeconomic and demographic characteristics in a Danish screening population.

Methods:

We used data from HPV SCREEN DENMARK, which was an implementation study embedded into the routine cervical cancer screening programme. During 2017–2020, women aged 30–59 years screened in the Region of Southern Denmark were offered HPV testing or cytology. In the HPV group, liquid-based cytology samples were tested for 14 hrHPV types. We obtained registry information on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and used log-binomial regression to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) of hrHPV in three age groups (30–39, 40–49, 50–59 years), adjusting for age and marital status.

Results:

We included 31,124 HPV unvaccinated women. In all age groups, the age-adjusted hrHPV prevalence was higher in women with basic versus higher education (e.g. age 30–39: 11.9% vs. 9.5%; PRage-adjusted=1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.50); women who were unemployed vs. employed (e.g. age 30–39: 11.6% vs. 10.4%; PRage-adjusted=1.11; 95% CI: 0.95–1.28); and in women with highest vs. lowest income (e.g. age 30–39: 11.6% vs. 9.5%, PRage-adjusted=1.18, 95% CI: 0.98–1.44). In models adjusted for marital status, these associations largely disappeared.

Conclusions:

We found slightly higher hrHPV prevalences in women with basic education, low income and unemployment. The differences largely disappeared when taking into account marital status as a potential proxy for sexual behaviour. Our findings support a need for targeted information on safe sexual practices and promoting socioeconomic equality in HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening participation.
Ventilation performance of multi-room in residential building with the proposed novel mechanical ventilation system: A case study
Authors: Zhao Xingwang , Yin Yonggao , Liu Xinyu , Zuo Jianbo
Published: April 2023

Poor indoor air quality in residential buildings always threatens human health, such as sick building syndrome (SBS), respiratory diseases and low sleep quality. Although fresh air can dilute the concentration of air pollution, the widely used natural ventilation is uncontrolled and its ventilation rate is usually insufficient. Even in the indoor environments of residential buildings where the mechanical ventilation system is installed, different forms of ventilation systems have their unique problems. To create a healthy indoor environment, this investigation proposed a novel push-relay-pull mechanical ventilation system (fresh air supplying system) achieved by combining the mechanical air supply system (push), intermediate relay system (relay) and mechanical exhaust system (pull). This investigation further quantitatively evaluated the performance of the proposed system by comparing it with the traditional mechanical fresh air ventilation system using the age of air, infection risk and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration indexes. The proposed system only needs to install one set of ducts as the traditional mechanical ventilation systems. It can ensure that all rooms would maintain good air quality, and also prevent the spread of pollutants, reduce the average infection risk of people inside a residential building and are conducive to epidemic prevention and control.
Defining Biometrics With Privacy and Benefits: A Research Agenda
Authors: Payne Ryan , Martin Brett A. S. , Tuzovic Sven , Wang Shasha
Published: April 2023

This conceptual paper defines and gives examples of biometrics, explains how biometric tracking is currently used (e.g. to predict IQ), and presents innovative future uses of biometric tracking (e.g. to customize the price of products in real time). Specifically, this paper outlines a novel biometric pricing technology (BPT) which uses facial tracking to set the price of products using a new participatory dynamic pricing (vs. static pricing) system. Based on the privacy paradox, this paper addresses the acceptance, concerns and usage of a new emerging technology by consumers and its potential applications. To explore this, we develop a typology of perceived benefits and perceived privacy to predict consumer reactions to biometric technology. In addition, we present a research agenda to guide future research on biometric pricing technology. This research agenda offers new insights on how biometric tracking and specifically biometric price setting could be explored from multiple angles, including the consumer experience, technology acceptance, online profiling, governance, public policy, regulation, ethical and future usage-based perspectives.
Telemedicine technologies and applications in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review
Authors: Mehraeen Esmaeil , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Heydari Mohammad , Karimi Amirali , Mahdavi Abdollah , Mashoufi Mehrnaz , Sarmad Arezoo , Mirghaderi Peyman , Shamsabadi Ahmadreza , Qaderi Kowsar , Mirzapour Pegah , Fakhfouri Amirata , Cheshmekabodi Hadiseh Azadi , Azad Kimia , Bagheri Zargande SeyedAli , Oliaei Shahram , Yousefi Konjdar Parisa , Vahedi Farzin , Noori Tayebeh
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Telemedicine services saw substantial surges in their use during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the lockdowns and characteristics of the pandemic. Therefore, the authors aimed to systematically review the telemedicine services provided during the COVID-19 pandemic and their potential applications.

Methods

The authors searched PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases on September 14, 2021. Then, the retrieved records underwent two-step title/abstract and full-text screening processes, and the eligible articles were included for qualitative synthesis.

Results

The review of studies demonstrated that the telephone is listed 38 times, making it the most common technology used in telemedicine. Video conferencing is also mentioned in 29 articles, as well as other technologies: Mobile-health ( n = 15), Virtual reality ( n = 7). According to the findings of the present study, Tele-follow-up ( n = 24), Tele-consulting ( n = 20), Virtual visits (20), and Tele-monitoring ( n = 18) were the most widely used telemedicine applications.

Conclusion

Telemedicine has been an effective approach to COVID-19 management. Telemedicine technology is going to play a key role in the future of health medicine, patient consultation, and many other extended applications of health care in remote rural locations.
Dynamic modelling of gear–spline system with nonuniform spline clearance and wear evolution of spline
Authors: Sun Yachao , Shi Jianghai , Yang Yang , Du Minggang , Cao Hongrui
Published: April 2023

The gear–spline system consisting of the internal spline of gears and the external spline of shafts is widely used in mechanical transmission systems. However, considering the nonuniform spline clearance caused by the assembly and manufacturing errors, the vibration characteristics of the system and the spline wear mechanism are still unclear. This article proposed a dynamic model of the gear–spline system with nonuniform spline clearance and wear evolution of spline. Compared with the existing models, the new contribution of this article is to reveal the coupling vibration mechanism of the gear–spline system under the condition of nonuniform spline clearance through the dynamic model. On this basis, the support stiffness characteristics and wear evolution law of the spline pair under the dynamic gear meshing force are studied. The results show that under the condition of nonuniform clearance, the displacement response of the system is modulated by the rotation frequency, and the motion trajectory tends to be chaotic. The load distribution of spline teeth and the equivalent stiffness of the spline depends on the number of loaded spline teeth, which in turn depends on the input torque and clearance distribution. In addition, the spline teeth with smaller clearance bear more loads and wear faster, and the wear causes the nonuniform clearance to gradually increase and become uniform. This study can provide theoretical guidance for revealing the vibration mechanism of the gear–spline system and calculating the support stiffness of the spline shaft.
The application of laminar numerical wave tank for a heaving buoy hydrodynamics study in low-turbulence nonlinear waves
Authors: Sun Yijun , Hamada Ahmed A , Sallam Omar , Windén Björn , Fürth Mirjam
Published: April 2023

Numerical Wave Tanks (NWTs) allow for in-depth investigations into the hydrodynamics and wave responses of floating objects. Thus, they are widely used during the design phase of many offshore platforms and devices. Such problems often feature low turbulence, with wave propagation and wave-object interaction being the key features. In this paper, the merits of using a laminar flow model for a NWT with a free-to-heave buoy, subject to second order Stokes waves in a low sea state is investigated. The simulations are implemented using the interFoam solver, which is embedded in OpenFOAM. The time series of waves measured upstream and downstream of the buoy, and the buoy hydrodynamics are compared to analytical and experimental results for accuracy evaluations. It is shown that, due to the low turbulence level of the problem, the laminar approach can deliver more accurate results than turbulent models, such as Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes Simulation (RANS) or partially-averaged Navier-Stokes Simulation (PANS). Moreover, the simulation time of the laminar simulations is significantly shorter than to those of RANS and PANS.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Dual Enrollment Research
Authors: Schaller Tracey King , Routon P. Wesley , Partridge Mark Allen , Berry Reanna
Published: April 2023

Given the current surge in student participation in dual enrollment programs, an updated synthesis of literature relating to how these programs impact students is warranted. Furthermore, while there are qualitative literature reviews relating to dual enrollment and student outcomes, there has not been a quantitative synthesis of literature relating to the findings of this research. Accordingly, we conduct a quantitative literature review involving the academic outcomes of higher education enrollment, persistence, performance, and degree attainment. Using meta-analytic techniques, we find that across the 162 study effect sizes included in our analysis, participation in dual enrollment programs was positively associated with grade point average (GPA), total earned college credits, college enrollment, early persistence, degree attainment, and full-time attendance. Also, we find negative associations between dual enrollment and time to graduation and total semesters enrolled in college, indicating these programs can help students graduate college more quickly.