bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WIND TURBINE MONITORING USING OPTICAL MOTION MAGNIFICATION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Authors: NIEDUZAK TYMON B. , KULKARNI NITIN N. , NIEZRECKI CHRISTOPHER , SABATO ALESSANDRO
Published: December 2023

An inexpensive, quick, and robust structural health monitoring technique to assess the integrity of wind turbine foundations and components remains elusive. Traditional techniques for wind turbine condition monitoring (CM) are costly, invasive, and cause downtime in the asset. As turbines age, wear-induced damage may accumulate in the structural and mechanical components. The ability to effectively monitor wind turbine foundations and blades using optical methods is explored in this work. Specifically, optical motion magnification (OMM) is investigated for this application. OMM is a computer vision-based monitoring technique that can extract and amplify unperceivable displacements in a video of a structure of interest. These magnified videos effectively reveal the areas in a system with the largest displacements. OMM is a remarkable visualization tool, giving technicians the ability to quickly identify areas with problematic vibrations in an easily understood manner. OMM also generates quantitative displacement time histories from which the amplitude and frequency spectra of the structure can be extracted. This work describes two experimental studies completed to determine the feasibility of OMM when this approach is used to inspect wind turbine foundations and blades. Firstly, an experiment exploring the use of OMM for modal analysis of turbine blades was performed, comparing the frequency spectra calculated using both optical and traditional contact-based measurements. OMM proved capable of identifying resonant frequencies with an error less than 2.5% when compared to conventional measurements. Next, proof-of-concept turbine foundation tests were completed to ascertain the viability of the method to distinguish between questionable and healthy foundations. The results of this research show how OMM can potentially eliminate several issues inherent in standard testing and monitoring procedures, namely reducing the overall cost of the sensor systems and time spent collecting data. If further developed, OMM can open the doors to many more innovative solutions, applications, and optimizations of current CM practices for large-scale engineering systems.
DURABILITY OF SURFACE MOUNTED PZT AND FBG GUIDED WAVE SENSORS UNDER REUSABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE REPRESENTATIVE THERMAL CYCLING
Authors: MASTROMATTEO LOIC , GAVERINA LUDOVIC , ROCHE JEAN-MICHEL , LAVELLE FLORIAN , IRISARRI FRANCOIS-XAVIER
Published: December 2023

This paper addresses the durability of cobonded PZT and FBG sensors for hybrid Guided Waves (GW) SHM systems under thermal cycles partially representative of a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) use case. The cobonding process is tested as a potential alternative to the secondary bonding process for attachment of SHM sensor network onto composite structures. The evolution of the sensors with the thermal cycles is continuously monitored through measurement of the electromechanical impedance (EMI) spectrums (for PZT) and reflection spectrums (for FBG). Then the effects on the PZT sensors performances are investigated by measuring GW pitch-catch signals at different stages of the thermal cycles. As for FBG sensors, the thermal cycling is still ongoing and is expected to be completed by the time of the conference: additional results will be discussed then.
A STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM FOR IMPACT AND DAMAGE DETECTION IN SPACE STRUCTURES
Authors: POZHANKA MARIYA , ZAGRAI ANDREI , WELLS ISABELLA , ROMERO RAMON , KUMAR AMRITA , JOSEPH ROSHAN , GRAY CODY , LI FRANKLIN
Published: December 2023

Space-based assets, such as satellites, are highly vulnerable to damage at all stages of their lifecycles. In particular, on-orbit events, such as impacts with space debris, micrometeoroids, and other vehicles, present major operational and logistical concerns. A Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system deployed on satellite structures holds the promise of in-situ detection of impact events and monitoring of associated damage, thereby becoming a critical component of any On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM) strategy. The authors explored the feasibility of such an SHM system by instrumenting aluminum plates and a satellite panel with an integrated network of distributed piezoelectric sensors and then subjecting them to a series of impact tests with a wide range of forces. Satellite panels typically have a complex geometry due to stiffening ribs, and, consequently, variable stiffness. Therefore, signals obtained from the sensors were processed taking into consideration the geometry of the impacted areas, which allowed the location of the impact on the satellite panel to be accurately determined. The impact locations and force magnitudes estimated by the SHM system were compared with the actual values and found to have a high degree of correlation, with some avenues for additional improvement identified. In addition, the SHM system’s damage-detection capability was validated in both test structures. The results show that SHM systems can be readily applied to space structures in order to provide both impact- and damage-detection capabilities.
ENHANCING STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING WITH MACHINE LEARNING AND DATA SURROGATES: A TCA-BASED APPROACH FOR DAMAGE DETECTION AND LOCALISATION
Authors: BATTU R. S. , AGATHOS K. , PAPATHEOU E.
Published: December 2023

Structural health monitoring (SHM) involves constantly monitoring the condition of structures to detect any damage or deterioration that might develop over time. Machine learning methods have been successfully used in SHM, however, their effectiveness is often limited by the availability of data for various damage cases. Such data can be especially hard to obtain from high-value structures. In this paper, transfer component analysis (TCA) with domain adaptation is utilised in conjunction with high-fidelity numerical models to generate surrogates for damage identification without the requirement for high volumes of data from various damaged states of the structure. The approach is demonstrated on a laboratory structure, a nonlinear Brake-Reuß beam, where damage scenarios correspond to different torque settings on a lap joint. It is shown that, in a three-class scenario, machine learning algorithms can be trained using numerical data and tested successfully on experimental data.
LARGE-SPAN BRIDGE STRAIN RECONSTRUCTION BASED ON BIDIRECTIONAL LSTM AND ESN
Authors: TAN YAN-KE , WANG YU-LING , NI YI-QING , ZHANG QI-LIN , WANG YOU-WU
Published: December 2023

Partly missing and anomalous of the data collected from structural health monitoring (SHM) systems are inevitable due to the failure of sensor and data acquisition equipment, which lead to misjudgment of the target structure state. The data integrity demands for guaranty using reconstruction algorithms before signal processing. Recurrent neural networks (RNN) has been proved effective of reconstruction issue by learning from the historical and future signal segments. The gated RNN represented by long short-term memory (LSTM) networks and reservoir computing represented by echo state networks (ESNs) show superiority on accuracy or training efficiency than standard RNN method. In addition, bidirectional concept can be introduced into these two methods to further improve their reconstruction precision. In this paper, models built by bidirectional LSTM and ESN are used to reconstruct strain data measured by the SHM system of Tsing Kau bridge, during which performances in both time and frequency domains are compared and evaluated. Furthermore, hyperparameters including number of layers, number of hidden units, scale of reservoir, and leaky rate have been optimized to improve the structures of the proposed models.
SHARING INFORMATION BETWEEN MACHINE TOOLS TO IMPROVE SURFACE FINISH FORECASTING
Authors: CLARKSON D. R. , BULL L. A. , DARDENO T. A. , WICKRAMARACHCHI C. T. , CROSS E. J. , ROGERS T. J. , WORDEN K. , DERVILIS N. , HUGHES A. J.
Published: December 2023

At present, most surface-quality prediction methods can only perform single-task prediction [1] which results in under-utilised datasets, repetitive work and increased experimental costs. To counter this, the authors propose a Bayesian hierarchical model to predict surface-roughness measurements for a turning machining process. The hierarchical model is compared to multiple independent Bayesian linear regression models to showcase the benefits of partial pooling in a machining setting with respect to prediction accuracy and uncertainty quantification.
HIERARCHICAL BAYESIAN MODELLING OF A FAMILY OF FRFS
Authors: DARDENO TINA A. , BULL LAWRENCE A. , MILLS ROBIN S. , DERVILIS NIKOLAOS , WORDEN KEITH
Published: December 2023

Population-based structural health monitoring (PBSHM) aims to share valuable information among members of a population, such as normal- and damage-condition data, to improve inferences regarding the health states of the members. Even when the population is comprised of nominally-identical structures, benign variations among the members will exist as a result of slight differences in material properties, geometry, boundary conditions, or environmental effects (e.g., temperature changes). These discrepancies can affect modal properties and present as changes in the characteristics of the resonance peaks of the frequency response function (FRF). The hierarchical Bayesian approach provides a useful modelling structure for PBSHM, as population- and domain-level distributions are learnt simultaneously to bolster statistical strength among the parameters, and reduce variance among the parameter estimates. This paper provides an overview of current work, where hierarchical Bayesian models are developed for a small population of nominally-identical helicopter blades, using FRF data. These models account for benign variations that present as differences in the underlying dynamics across the input space, while also considering (and utilising) the similarities among the blades.
INTERACTION BETWEEN MASS AND STIFFNESS PARAMETERS OF CONNECTIONS FOR STRUCTURAL PARAMETER ESTIMATION OF A STEEL GRID
Authors: MEHRKASH MILAD , SANTINI-BELL ERIN
Published: December 2023

In any structural system, the mechanical properties of its connections impact the structure’s global performance. Particularly, the rigidity of joints plays a substantial role in the system’s vibration response. Since connections typically include several components with complex geometry, they are usually oversimplified in the modeling process. Therefore, the analytical model is typically a low-fidelity representation of the connections’ performance. Although simplifying joints for modeling purposes is a good practice for engineering applications, it may reduce the accuracy of the model predictions. Thus, it is essential to reconcile accuracy with efficiency, particularly for complex joint modeling. In addition to the rigidity, the mass of connections may be another influential structural parameter for the system’s global response. The joint mass may be underestimated in the modeling procedure because the elements of joints in the steel connection regions, including plates, stiffeners, and bolts, are not often modeled in simplified analyses. Hence, as the analytical model is updated, connections’ mass and stiffness need to be estimated and incorporated into the updated model. This paper studies the interaction of mass and stiffness estimation for bolted connections of an experimental steel grid. The structure used in this research is a well-known structure built, instrumented, and tested at the University of Central Florida. The laboratory setup simulates the behavior of deck-on-beam bridges. In its initial analytical model, all grid joints are assumed to be completely fixed, and no extra mass is considered in the joint regions. The model updating procedure is limited to estimating joints’ mass and stiffness values. The modal information of the structure is extracted from the measured frequency response functions of the grid excited in a vertical hammer impact test. Stiffness- and flexibility-based error functions are employed for the model updating. The results demonstrate how the selection of joints’ uncertain parameters can affect the procedure of finding suitable structural layouts for the semi-rigid connections of the grid. The model updating procedure may be generalized to condition assessment and structural health monitoring of bridges, especially when their connections are subject to damage and failure.
CONTINUOUS-TIME STATE-SPACE NEURAL NETWORK AND ITS APPLICATION IN MODELING OF FORCED-VIBRATION SYSTEMS
Authors: LI HONG-WEI , NI YI-QING , WANG YOU-WU , CHEN ZHENG-WEI , RUI EN-ZE
Published: December 2023

Rapid advances in machine learning make it possible to formulate surrogate models for complex forced-vibration systems using neural networks. Recently, the continuoustime state-space neural network (CSNN) has shown great potential and has been drawing growing attention from the community. In this paper, we propose a generalized CSNN model for various forced-vibration systems. The CSNN model comprises two sets of independent neural networks aimed to compute the state derivative and system response, respectively. Both neural networks adopt linear and nonlinear layers in parallel, aimed to enhance the CSNN model with the capability to recognize the linear and nonlinear behaviors of systems. Additionally, the bias options in the CSNN model are all turned off to improve the stability of the model in the long-term time-series forecast. Integration on the state derivative is executed using the explicit 4th-order Runge-Kutta method. An illustrative example is provided in this paper, demonstrating that the CSNN model can achieve high performance and training efficiency with a few hyper-parameters.
PHYSICS-INFORMED NEURAL NETWORK FOR NONLINEAR STRUCTURAL SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION
Authors: LIU TONG , MEIDANI HADI
Published: December 2023

Structural system identification is a critical task in resilience assessments, especially following a natural hazard. In this paper, we propose PIDynNet, a novel physicsinformed approach that produces an ordinary differential equation-constrained neural network model for structural system identification. PIDynNet improves the estimation of structural parameters of nonlinear structural systems by embedding an auxiliary physicsbased loss term into the overall loss function as well as a supervised data-driven loss term. The proposed framework has the generalization capability to predict nonlinear structural response given unseen ground excitations. Two nonlinear numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the advantage of PIDynNet over other identification methods in problems with or without latent variables.
Catástrofes telúricas en el callejón de Huaylas y el Callao: Desaparición y vulnerabilidad de los asentamientos urbanos en el Perú del siglo XVII
Authors: Álvarez Ponce Víctor Emilio
Published: December 2023

En el siglo XVIII, dos terremotos provocaron un aluvión en Callejón de Huaylas en 1725 y un tsunami en el Callao en 1746, que dieron lugar a la desaparición total de dos ciudades. Estas experiencias telúricas produjeron formas de adaptación al riesgo como el abandono del área afectada o la relocalización urbana. Este artículo propone una aproximación comparada a esa relación hombre-naturaleza en el Perú virreinal, en un periodo de recurrencia de desastres.
"Y se desencajó la Tierra de su estado natural": Efecto de los desastres combinados en Quito y alrededores entre febrero y mayo de 1797
Authors: Petit-Breuilh Sepúlveda María Eugenia
Published: December 2023

Esta investigación analiza cómo una sucesión de desastres combinados asociados con la presencia, en un corto lapso, de terremotos, erupciones volcánicas, remociones en masa e inundaciones, pusieron a prueba a la sociedad de Quito y su entorno durante los primeros meses de 1797. Las respuestas que se aplicaron fueron variadas, sin embargo, en esta época existió un debate más racional que puede enmarcarse dentro de las ideas ilustradas de finales del siglo XVIII, aunque sin abandonar el enfoque religioso; este cambio en la mentalidad va a condicionar de forma clara las acciones a seguir por las autoridades de la Audiencia de Quito, el Cabildo Secular y los Corregimientos afectados y marcará una diferencia en el manejo de esta emergencia con respecto a otras anteriores.
Vida cotidiana e historia de mujeres. Guanajuato en las cartas privadas del Archivo General de Indias de Sevilla
Authors: Márquez Macías Rosario
Published: December 2023

El presente trabajo muestra a través de las cartas privadas de los emigrantes retazos de su vida cotidiana. Como sentían y vivían los hombres y mujeres que a lo largo del siglo XVIII decidieron abandonar su tierra natal para dirigirse al territorio americano y en concreto a Guanajuato para emprender una nueva vida.
La Batalla de Puente Calderón
Authors: Cañal José Antonio
Published: December 2023

El presente trabajo pretende añadir algunos aspectos no utilizados con anterioridad al estudio histórico de la renombrada batalla de Puente de Calderón, en los albores de independencia de la Nación mexicana. Se ha realizado desde la perspectiva de un militar profesional, estudiando los factores que concurrieron tanto lejanos como próximos, así como las diversas fases del desarrollo de la misma. Todo ello en el marco de una "asepsia" ajena a toda valoración ideológica o política de los hechos.
Transporte público en Ecuador: evaluación de dinámica, seguridad y acceso al servicio de taxis
Authors: Argothy Anderson , Andrade Cristian , Bernal Jorge , Donoso Karla
Published: December 2023

El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar desde una perspectiva multidimensional la situa­ción actual del transporte público en la ciudad de Ibarra (Ecuador). Se utilizaron datos obte­nidos de la Empresa Pública Movildelnor y del Instituto Ecuatoriano de Estadística y Censos, además de los obtenidos de una encuesta a 391 usuarios de taxi de la ciudad de Ibarra. Los resultados se analizaron mediante el uso de estadística descriptiva y la aplicación de un modelo econométrico, a fin de estimar las variables que inciden en la frecuencia de uso del servicio. Un resultado importante de este estudio es que existe evidencia estadísticamente significativa, según la cual, en el caso evaluado, ser mujer reduce la probabilidad de uso diario del servicio de transporte en taxi. Ello confirma la brecha entre hombres y mujeres en cuanto al acceso a servicios de transporte. Es importante garantizar este acceso que permita reducir la desigual­dad de los grupos vulnerables.
£50000 Small Grant funding opportunities for nurses working with bowel cancer and disease
Authors: Dunne Lynn
Published: December 2023

CEO of Bowel Research UK, Lynn Dunne, introduces readers to the Small Grant funding opportunities that are on offer to nurses from the charity Bowel Research UK
Unpacking the Benefits of Team-Based Research in Vietnam: Perspectives from TESOL, EFL, FFL and Linguistics Scholars
Authors: Thao Le Thanh , Thi Nguyen Anh , Yen Phuong Hoang , Thuy Pham Trut , Thu Huynh Thi Anh , Tra Nguyen Huong
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the benefits of formulating research teams within the context of Vietnam, focusing particularly on researchers specializing in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching and learning, French as a Foreign Language (FFL) teaching and learning, and Language and Linguistics. Through semi-structured interviews with 12 researchers of varied experiences, Grounded Theory and thematic analysis were utilized to unravel key benefits. The findings reveal that team-based  research offers advantages including enhanced knowledge sharing, skills diversification, improved decision-making, expanded research scope, access to greater resources, increased accountability, opportunities for leadership and teamwork skills, and more. The study underlines the immense potential of collaborative research in the Vietnamese context. The conclusions drawn emphasize the necessity for institutions to encourage and facilitate team-based research practices, offering important insights for policy formulation. While providing nuanced understanding of the Vietnamese research context, the study acknowledges limitations, including its narrow disciplinary focus and reliance on participant interviews. Recommendations for future research include exploring challenges within research teams, conducting cross-cultural and interdisciplinary studies, examining the impact of technology and leadership styles on team dynamics, and exploring the role of institutional support.
Screen Media, Technological Innovation and the State in Nigeria
Authors: Jedlowski Alessandro
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: In this essay, I revisit the history of the emergence and evolution of the Nigerian screen media industry (Nollywood) through the prism of the concept of “infopolitics” to develop an analysis of the interaction between media technology innovation and state control in Africa. After being a key preoccupation during Cold War, the issue of the state’s capacity to control the production and flow of media content and data within its borders has become again the object of controversial debates in recent years, as shown by the multiplication of research on the issue of “digital sovereignty” and “platform capitalism.” By focusing on an African case study to reflect on issues of global relevance, this essay shows how the analysis of African realities can help us in interrogating and complementing theories formulated in relation to western case studies (and generally uncritically applied to other contexts). Combining first-hand ethnographic data to the analysis of the research results of other scholars who have investigated the emergence and growth of Nollywood over the past decades, this essay follows media producers and their relationship to technologies and the state, over a period of forty years, from the introduction of the videotape to the arrival of streaming platforms. In so doing, this research puts into perspective the “presentism” of many recent works, which tend to see the introduction of new digital technologies as the bearer of an unprecedented historical break, and makes an attempt at highlighting the links of continuity and discontinuity between recent transformations and the technological innovations which preceded them.
Feeling(s) Caught Between the Austrian First Republic and Fascism
Authors: McEwen Britta
Published: December 2023

Abstract: What if fascism were a feeling first and only later a category of political history? The history of emotions offers scholars of Austria a unique lens with which to assess and explore the Ständestaat period (1933/34–1938) in a way that decenters terminology and instead questions affective economies. This article argues that Austrian para-fascism might better be understood through the emotional regimes, communities, and frontiers created in the 1930s.
Social and Cultural Narratives of Aging Masculinities in Austria
Authors: Haring Nicole , Maierhofer Roberta , Zach Barbara
Published: December 2023

Abstract: This paper summarizes findings from the Austrian research team of the MascAge Project involving online focus groups with Austrian men aged 65 and over and a case study in literary and cultural studies in the form of an analysis of David Schalko's novel Bad Regina (2021). Both analyses suggest that negotiations of (declining) power are central to understanding cultural and social constructions of aging masculinities in Austria in the early 2020s. This paper provides an insight into an interdisciplinary endeavor on current dimensions of aging men in Austria that contributes to a better understanding of current debates in Austrian Studies.
Seed Lists: Information Maintenance and a Woman’s Work in Early Modern Global Exchanges
Authors: Moctezuma-Burns Olin
Published: December 2023

Abstract: As Europe saw an increase in newly known plants, the seed list format was employed to make specimens legible across an informal network for botanical exchange. This article explores the medium specifications of the format and a rich repository of these lists, compiled by the English aristocrat Mary Somerset (bap. 1630–1715), who dedicated much of her time to maintaining the flows of information that seed lists mediated. This will show the work required to make exchanges meaningful and useful, the credibility and authority this could grant to a woman like Somerset, and, significantly, the importance of maintenance in transforming mobile units of information scattered across the world into something we call knowledge.
Hollow-core terahertz Bragg waveguide based on a helical support structure
Authors: Ding Li-Sha , Dong Zhe-Yan , Dai Zi-Jie , Chen Ming-Yang
Published: December 2023

A helical structural support scheme is proposed to mechanically support dielectric
layers in a hollow-core terahertz Bragg waveguide by means of an
axially rotating wrap-around strip structure. The helical-strip
supported waveguide samples are fabricated using 3D printing
technology, and the waveguide samples are experimentally tested using
a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system. The results show that
choosing a suitable helix period can obtain loss characteristics close
to those of an ideal Bragg waveguide, with a low transmission loss of
less than 0.097 dB/m in the range of 0.57–0.58 THz.
Calibration method of the right-angle error of a hollow corner-cube retroreflector based on an independent autocollimator
Authors: Li Renpu , Huo Yujia , Yan Juan , Wen Dandan , Konyakhin Igor , Dang Dinhduan , Zhou Xingye , Huang Guifu , Ma Yong
Published: December 2023

Hollow corner-cube retroreflectors (HCCRs) are an essential reflection component of next-generation lunar laser-ranging technology. The verticality among the three reflectors, known as the right-angle error, is a critical parameter that affects the emission performance, and thus, should be correctly measured and calibrated. However, conventional methods measure the three right-angle errors separately, which can induce error superposition during the measurement process. A one-time measurement method was developed for the three right-angle errors of the HCCR using a single autocollimator (AC). The method establishes a mathematical relationship between the right-angle error of the HCCR and the angle offset of the reflected beam, and it considers the observation coordinates of the AC simultaneously to perform the coordinate transformation of the relationship parameters. The corresponding measurement equation was derived to extract the three-plane right-angle error of the HCCR using the measured readings of a single AC. In addition, a HCCR was designed to freely adjust the angle of the two reflective surfaces and used to simulate the different states of the three right-angle errors in practice. The measurement results show that the root-mean-square error of the proposed method in all right-angle error states is smaller than 16′′.
Risk factors and clinical features for pulmonary paragonimiasis-associated pneumothorax
Authors: Song Yunhong , Lee Jeongmin , Hahn Wonchang , Jang Yujeong , Na Seungwon , Oh Sang-Min , Hwang Joo-Hee , Lee Chang-Seop , Choe Yeong Hun , Hwang Jeong-Hwan
Published: December 2023

Background

Pulmonary paragonimiasis, a food-borne zoonotic helminthiasis, is a parasitic disease of the lung caused by infection with trematodes species of the genus Paragonimus. Although pneumothorax has been reported as occuring with paragonimiasis, to date no study has been performed concerning the clinical features and predictive risk factors for this condition.

Methods

This retrospective study, which aims to fill this gap, was conducted at Jeonbuk National University Hospital. All patients (aged ≥19 years) were diagnosed with paragonimiasis between May 2011 and December 2021. Medical records were reviewed and information concerning age, sex, vital signs, underlying diseases, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, radiologic findings, treatment, and clinical outcomes was collected. An odds ratio (OR) for the risk factors associated with pneumothorax was calculated using the binary logistic regression model.

Results

Among 179 consecutive patients diagnosed with pulmonary paragonimiasis, the postive rate of pneumothorax was 10.6% (19/179). Pneumothorax occurred mostly in the right lung (78.9%, 15/19), and intrapulmonary parenchymal lesions showed an ipsilateral relationship with pneumothorax (94.7%, 18/19). Fifteen patients (78.9%, 15/19) of pneumothorax associated with pulmonary paragonimiasis are accompanied by pleural effusion. Most of patients with pneumothorax (89.5%, 17/19) underwent chest tube insertion as a first treatment. Three patients (15.8%) showed relapses but in no case was a death recorded. Asthma (odds ratio [OR] 8.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43–45.91), chest pain (OR 8.15, 95% CI 2.70–24.58), and intrapulmonary lesions (OR 8.94, 95% CI 1.12–71.36) were independent risk factors for pulmonary paragonimiasis-associated pneumothorax.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that clinicians should keep in mind the possibility of pneumothorax when approached by patients with pulmonary paragonimiasis complaining of chest pain, accompanied by intrapulmonary lesions or with asthma as an underlying disease.
A mixed method evaluation of a theory based intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour in contact centres- the stand up for health stepped wedge feasibility study
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Divya , Baker Graham , Parker Richard A. , Manner Jillian , Lloyd Scott , Jepson Ruth
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Contact centres have higher levels of sedentary behaviour than other office-based workplaces. Stand Up for Health (SUH) is a theory-based intervention developed using the 6SQuID framework to reduce sedentary behaviour in contact centre workers. The aim of this study was to test acceptability and feasibility of implementing SUH in UK contact centres.

Methods

The study was conducted in 2020–2022 (pre COVID and during lockdown) and used a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial design including a process evaluation. The intervention included working with contact centre managers to develop and implement a customised action plan aligning with SUH’s theory of change. Workplace sedentary time, measured using activPAL™ devices, was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included productivity, mental wellbeing, musculoskeletal health and physical activity. Empirical estimates of between-centre standard deviation and within-centre standard deviation of outcomes from pre-lockdown data were calculated to inform sample size calculations for future trials. The process evaluation adopted the RE-AIM framework to understand acceptability and feasibility of implementing the intervention. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with contact centre employees and managers, and activity preferences were collected using a questionnaire.

Results

A total of 11 contact centres participated: 155 employees from 6 centres in the pre-lockdown data collection, and 54 employees from 5 centres post-lockdown. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 33 employees and managers, and 96 participants completed an intervention activity preference questionnaire. Overall, the intervention was perceived as acceptable and feasible to deliver. Most centres implemented several intervention activities aligned with SUH’s theory of change and over 50% of staff participated in at least one activity (pre-lockdown period). Perceived benefits including reduced sedentary behaviour, increased physical activity, and improved staff morale and mood were reported by contact centre employees and managers.

Conclusions

SUH demonstrates potential as an appealing and acceptable intervention, impacting several wellbeing outcomes.

Trial registration

The trial has been registered on the ISRCTNdatabase: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11580369.
Prevalence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis along the continuum of pulmonary tuberculosis care: A protocol for a living systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bongomin Felix , Olum Ronald , Kibone Winnie , Namusobya Martha , van Rhijn Norman , Denning David W.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a debilitating disease estimated to affect over 3 million people worldwide. Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is the most significant risk factor for CPA. However, the true burden of CPA at the time of PTB diagnosis, during, and after PTB treatment remains unknown. In this paper, we present a protocol for a living systematic review aimed at estimating the current burden of CPA along the continuum of PTB care.

Materials and methods

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines to formulate this protocol, which is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023453900). We will identify primary literature through various electronic databases, including CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and African Journal Online. The search will encompass articles from inception to December 31st, 2023, using medical subject heading search terms "pulmonary tuberculosis" AND "chronic pulmonary aspergillosis". Two reviewers will independently assess titles, abstracts, and full texts for eligibility using the Covidence web-based software. The eligible studies will comprise original observational research that reports on the prevalence of CPA diagnosed in individuals with PTB, based on established criteria, without language or geographic restriction. We intend to exclude single case reports and case series with fewer than 10 participants, as well as review articles, guidelines, and letters to the editors. Cochrane Risk of Bias Tools (ROB2 and ROBINS-I) will used to assess study quality and risk of bias and the quality of the evidence will be rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) tool. Our data syntheses will encompass meta-analysis and meta-regression, conducted using STATA version 18 and R- Studio version 4.0.2. This systematic review will be updated every 3–5 years as more data emerges.

Conclusions

The findings of this proposed systematic review will summarize the available evidence on the occurrence of CPA, at the time of PTB diagnosis, during and after PTB treatment. The study results have the potential to guide healthcare policies regarding screening for CPA, enhance clinical decision-making, and catalyse further research into understanding the interplay between PTB and CPA. By shedding light on the current burden of CPA along the continuum of PTB care, we aspire to contribute to the betterment of patient care, disease management, and global health outcomes.

PROSPERO registration

CRD42023453900.
Lymphangiogenesis after nonvascularized lymph node transplantation: Lymphangiographic findings in mice and minipigs
Authors: Kim Kyoung Min , Kim Kun Yung
Published: December 2023

The establishment of new connections after NVLNT (non-vascularized lymph node transplantation) is still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate lymphatic connections after NVLNT using lymphangiography. In a mice model, 40 mice were allocated to undergo NVLNT or sham surgery. On day 21 after NVLNT, the lymphatic vessels were observed on near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green. In a minipig model, 12 minipigs underwent NVLNT. On day 14 after NVLNT, the transplanted lymph node and donor site were checked by ultrasound, and minipigs with viable transplanted LNs were allocated to lipiodol lymphangiography or MR lymphangiography groups. Transplanted LN engraftment was examined with immunohistochemical staining. After NVLNT in mice, the signal intensities in the popliteal region at 3 minutes and 5 minutes were higher in the transplanted side than the control side (21.3 ± 8.1 vs. 11.0 ± 4.6 at 3 minutes, 26.7 ± 6.8 vs. 19.7 ± 5.9 at 5 minutes), while in the sham group, there were no significant differences between sides. In minipigs, lipiodol lymphangiography (n = 5) showed Lipiodol accumulation in transplanted LNs with innumerable newly formed lymphatic vessels and lymphovenous shunts. MR lymphangiography (n = 5) showed higher enhancement on the transplanted side compared to the control side. Histology showed successful engraftment of transplanted LNs in 16 out of 20 (80%) mice and 9 out of 12 (75%) minipigs. Omnidirectional lymphangiogenesis forming a dense lymphatic network and spontaneous formation of lymphovenous shunts were shown after NVLNT.
Genomics-informed nursing strategies and health equity: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Dordunoo Dzifa , Limoges Jacqueline , Chiu Patrick , Puddester Rebecca , Carlsson Lindsay , Pike April
Published: December 2023

Objective

The objective of this scoping review is to map the available evidence on strategies that nurses can use to facilitate genomics-informed healthcare to address health disparities.

Introduction

Advancements in genomics over the last two decades have led to an increase in the delivery of genomics-informed health care. Although the integration of genomics into health care services continues to enhance patient outcomes, access to genomic technologies is not equitable, exacerbating existing health disparities amongst certain populations. As the largest portion of the health workforce, nurses play a critical role in the delivery of equitable genomics-informed care. However, little is known about how nurses can help address health disparities within the context of genomics-informed health care. A review of the literature will provide the necessary foundation to identify promising practices, policy, and knowledge gaps for further areas of inquiry.

Inclusion criteria

We will include papers that explore strategies that nurses can undertake to facilitate genomics-informed care to address health disparities.

Methods

This review will be conducted using JBI methodology for scoping reviews. We will search electronic databases including MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsychInfo, and CINAHL for quantitative and qualitative studies, systematic reviews and grey literature. Theses, books, and unavailable full-text papers will be excluded. The search will be limited to papers from 2013 and beyond. Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts followed by full-text and disagreements will be resolved by a third reviewer. We will use a data extraction tool using Microsoft Excel and analyse data using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Findings will be presented in the form of evidence tables and a narrative summary. We will report findings using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

Discussion

Genomics will continue to transform all aspects of health care across the wellness continuum from prevention, assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and palliative care. The identification of nursing strategies to address health disparities will build the foundation for policy and practice to ensure that the integration of genomic technologies benefits everyone.
Digital health interventions for cervical cancer care: A systematic review and future research opportunities
Authors: Razzak Md Abdur , Islam Muhammad Nazrul , Aadeeb Md Shadman , Tasnim Tasfia
Published: December 2023

Background

Cervical cancer is a malignancy among women worldwide, which is responsible for innumerable deaths every year. The primary objective of this review study is to offer a comprehensive and synthesized overview of the existing literature concerning digital interventions in cervical cancer care. As such, we aim to uncover prevalent research gaps and highlight prospective avenues for future investigations.

Methods

This study adopted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology where a total of 26 articles were reviewed from an initial set of 1110 articles following an inclusion-exclusion criterion.

Results

The review highlights a deficiency in existing studies that address awareness dissemination, screening facilitation, and treatment provision for cervical cancer. The review also reveals future research opportunities like explore innovative approaches using emerging technologies to enhance awareness campaigns and treatment accessibility, consider diverse study contexts, develop sophisticated machine learning models for screening, incorporate additional features in machine learning research, investigate the impact of treatments across different stages of cervical cancer, and create more user-friendly applications for cervical cancer care.

Conclusions

The findings of this study can contribute to mitigating the adverse effects of cervical cancer and improving patient outcomes. It also highlights the untapped potential of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, which could significantly impact our society.
A Guerra de Troia
Authors: Silva Maria de Fátima
Published: December 2023

Considerar a Guerra de Troia no âmbito de uma reflexão sobre ‘conflitos e conflitualidades’ corresponde a avaliar um paradigma do fenómeno que globalmente designamos por “guerra”. Mesmo se envolta em fantasia, a campanha travada junto a Troia como o poeta da Ilíada a descreve contém todos os traços que a convenção e a realidade de um conflito vão repetindo. Dimensão, causas, confrontos culturais, interesses pessoais e coletivos serão sempre os pressupostos do fenómeno. A que se juntam, num plano mais específico, questões suscitadas pela hierarquia do comando, pela relação entre chefias e subordinados e, num fenómeno tão humano com a guerra, por sensibilidades e emoções.
Prevenção e gestão de conflitos através de cortesia linguística
Authors: Carapinha Conceição , Martins Cristina , Duarte Telma
Published: December 2023

Inerentemente articulados com rituais sociais específicos de cada comunidade, os atos expressivos são instrumentos ao serviço da cortesia linguística, desempenhando um papel crucial na regulação das relações interpessoais e, portanto, na evitação de conflitos.

Neste estudo, apresentam-se os fundamentos subjacentes ao desenho de uma unidade didática de um curso de ensino a distância, centrado no desenvolvimento da competência sociopragmática em português europeu (PE) e destinado a migrantes e refugiados com um nível de proficiência intermédio. Nesta unidade, focada na cortesia linguística, aborda-se um conjunto de atos de fala de natureza expressiva com claras implicações na prevenção dos conflitos que podem surgir na interação entre falantes nativos e aprendentes tardios do PE.
Decifrar o caos nas narrativas de ordem
Authors: Gomes de Almeida Isabel , Rosa Maria de Fátima
Published: December 2023

A peça conhecida como ‘Vaso de Uruk’ assume-se como uma narrativa de ordem, por excelência. Contudo, um olhar mais atento à disposição e conjugação dos seus diversos elementos iconográficos, em diálogo íntimo com o próprio objecto, assim como com as suas funções cúltico-ritualísticas permite decifrar uma latência de caos que tão profundamente atemorizava os mesopotâmios.

Focando a nossa atenção nos conflitos implícitos nesta peça, com este artigo procuramos reflectir sobre a dialéctica entre os conceitos de ordem e caos cuja constante tensão definia e dava sentido às existências humana, natural e cósmica.
A propósito de uma gravura de arma da Citânia de Briteiros (Norte de Portugal)
Authors: Cruz Gonçalo
Published: December 2023

Foi identificado recentemente um motivo gravado na estrutura conhecida como "Casa do Conselho", na Citânia de Briteiros (Guimarães, Norte de Portugal). Trata-se de um punhal afalcatado do final da Idade do Ferro, gravado na superfície  do banco corrido interior da referida construção. Depois de uma contextualização do espaço, apresenta-se aqui uma caracterização do objeto representado, mencionam-se eventuais paralelos iconográficos e procura-se uma possível interpretação para a gravura. A gravação deste motivo decorativo estará relacionada com a utilização desta casa, possível espaço de comensalidade, celebração, cerimónia ou atividade política. Propõe-se a sua interpretação como sinalizador de estatuto e de hierarquia, entre as pessoas que se sentavam no recinto.
Fugir das Cadeias da PIDE
Authors: Farinha Luís
Published: December 2023

Hermínio da Palma Inácio experimentou, por mais de um quarto de século, uma vida atravessada por múltiplas dimensões conflituais. Oriundo de uma família algarvia pobre, ergueu-se à condição de sargento mecânico da Força Aérea e ligou-se, nessa instituição, a altas patentes das Forças Armadas que, a seguir à II Guerra Mundial, se rebelaram contra o Estado ditatorial fascista de Oliveira Salazar. Aliciado para um ato de sabotagem na “Abrilada de 1947”, foi preso por crime contra a segurança do Estado. Estando recluso, conseguiu fugir de uma prisão política e expatriar-se, agravando assim a sua condição de arguido. Daí em diante, nunca mais pôde voltar ao país, a não ser que se sujeitasse a prisão. Sempre que voltou, clandestinamente, foi para desafiar o Ditador, infligindo-lhe derrotas que o tornaram alvo de busca pela Polícia Internacional.
Palavras – Chave: Putschismo; Fascismo; Prisão política; Fuga; Expatriado
Políticas Encantadas e Materialismos Conspiratórios
Authors: Zalis Lior Zisman
Published: December 2023

Este trabalho investiga o impacto da religião nas lutas contra-coloniais, baseando-se em debates teóricos sobre a interseção entre religião e política, bem como em pesquisas históricas sobre as rebeliões, revoltas e insurgências de escravizados no Atlântico Negro do século XIX. Nosso objetivo é explorar as implicações ontológicas e epistemológicas levantadas no campo da teoria política quando atores diversos, sejam humanos ou não, desempenham papéis na construção de lutas, conflitos e tensões em seus contextos histórico-sociais. Além disso, analisamos o uso estratégico e beligerante de práticas e materialismos religiosos em processos contra-coloniais. Ao reimaginar a política a partir de uma pluralidade ontológica, especialmente por meio do conceito de "materialismos conspiratórios", ampliamos a compreensão do papel da religião como mediadora de conflitos sociais. Este ensaio oferece uma contribuição analítica às dinâmicas multifacetadas de poder e resistência no passado do Atlântico Negro e nos movimentos socio-políticos contemporâneos.
Judite e Holofernes: do Antigo Testamento ao Grande Ecrã
Authors: Rosa Maria de Fátima
Published: December 2023

A narrativa bíblica sobre Judite e Holofernes relata a história de uma viúva judia que, ao ver a sua cidade cercada por tropas assírias, depois de uma longa oração, intercede pela comunidade e mata o general inimigo. Símbolo da fé no Deus bíblico, a jovem mulher foi retratada pelas sociedades ocidentais ao longo dos séculos através de vários veículos, tais como a literatura, a pintura e a ópera. No séc. XX, o cinema também se debruçou sobre esta narrativa, tendo surgido várias produções distintas. Neste artigo, focar-nos-emos em duas películas – Judith of Bethulia (1914) do realizador norte-americano David W. Griffith e Giuditta e Oloferne (1959) do realizador italiano Fernando Cerchio – a fim de aferir as analogias que se estabeleceram entre a antiguidade e a contemporaneidade e quais os valores e ideias transmitidos na tela.
Melancolia, medo e formas de economia política no breve século XX
Authors: Rodrigues João
Published: December 2023

Partindo do conceito de “melancolia de esquerda”, proposto por Enzo Traverso, este artigo explora o olhar melancólico de Eric Hobsbawm sobre as formas de economia política do “breve século XX”, sublinhando a sua hipótese sobre o papel que o medo do comunismo desempenhou nas possibilidades de reforma social-democrata. Argumenta-se que o olhar retrospetivo da própria intelectualidade social-democrata, na história ou na economia política, é hoje por uma convergência com o diagnóstico pioneiro de Hobsbwam.