bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Childbirth Fear Questionnaire and the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire as Screening Tools for Specific Phobia, Fear of Childbirth
Authors: Fairbrother Nichole , Albert Arianne , Collardeau Fanie , Keeney Cora
Published: April 2022

Background: Perinatal anxiety and related disorders are common (20%), distressing and impairing. Fear of childbirth (FoB) is a common type of perinatal anxiety associated with negative mental health, obstetrical, childbirth and child outcomes. Screening can facilitate treatment access for those most in need. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the accuracy of the Childbirth Fear Questionnaire (CFQ) and the Wijma Delivery Expectations Questionnaire (W-DEQ) of FoB as screening tools for a specific phobia, FoB. Methods: A total of 659 English-speaking pregnant women living in Canada and over the age of 18 were recruited for the study. Participants completed an online survey of demographic, current pregnancy and reproductive history information, as well as the CFQ and the W-DEQ, and a telephone interview to assess specific phobia FoB. Results: Symptoms meeting full and subclinical diagnostic criteria for a specific phobia, FoB, were reported by 3.3% and 7.1% of participants, respectively. The W-DEQ met or exceeded the criteria for a “good enough” screening tool across several analyses, whereas the CFQ only met these criteria in one analysis and came close in three others. Conclusions: The W-DEQ demonstrated high performance as a screening tool for a specific phobia, FoB, with accuracy superior to that of the CFQ. Additional research to ensure the stability of these findings is needed.
The Key Role of Emotional Repair and Emotional Clarity on Depression among Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Guil Rocío , Morales-Sánchez Lucia , Ruiz-González Paula , Gómez-Molinero Rocío , Gil-Olarte Paloma
Published: April 2022

Breast cancer is the malignancy with the highest incidence in women worldwide. The empirical evidence is inconsistent with the prevalence of depression among breast cancer survivors (BCS), pointing to emotional competencies as protective factors against affective disorders. However, the mechanisms through which these competencies favor a more adaptive emotional state are unknown. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between the experience of having survived the disease and depression levels in a group of BCS, and the mediating role of Perceived Emotional Intelligence (PEI) in this relation. This was a cross-sectional study with 237 women divided into two groups: 56 BCS and 181 healthy controls who completed the Trait Meta-Mood Scale 24 (TMMS-24) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results showed that Survivorship and PEI explained and predicted 37.8% of the variance of depression, corresponding the 11.7% to the direct and/or the indirect effect of the PEI dimensions (Emotional Attention, Emotional Clarity, and Emotional Repair). In conclusion, interventions aimed at promoting an adequate PEI in this population—and in the Psycho-oncology field, in general—with a particular focus on the development of Emotional Clarity and Repair need to be implemented. Limitations and future research lines are discussed.
Carbon Emission Constraint Policy in an OEM and Outsourcing Remanufacturer Supply Chain with Consumer Preferences
Authors: Feng Yunting , Geng Yong , Zhao Ge , Li Mengya
Published: April 2022

Carbon emission reduction has been a consensus goal for most countries to achieve environmental sustainability. The use of carbon emission trading policies has been generally considered by the governments. Remanufacturing, as an effective way to reduce carbon emission, is incorporated together with the tool of carbon emission policy to construct a low-carbon supply chain in this paper. We analyze the carbon emission reduction and profit maximization problem among enterprises of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their outsourcing remanufacturers, integrating the impact of the carbon emission constraint policy and the carbon market. Considering consumer preferences on low-carbon products and recycling rates of waste products, we construct a Stackelberg game model (dominated by the OEM) and analyze the impact of a carbon emission constraint policy on sales price, volume, carbon emission, and revenue of new and remanufactured products in the supply chain system. The results suggest that the upper bound set by the government on carbon emission for enterprises positively affects sales volume of new products and negatively affects sales prices of both products. Moreover, the discount rate of carbon emission constraint negatively affects sales volume of new products and positively affects sales prices of both products. Notably, the carbon emission constraint policy has impacts on the production decisions of both manufacturers on an economic scale. When the upper bound of carbon emission is equal to a certain threshold, the OEM could obtain the greatest revenue. The results provide a new perspective for the government to attain the goal of carbon emission reduction and not sacrifice economic growth. Managers in outsourcing remanufacturers and OEMs could also be implicated from our results to collaborate in allocating remanufacturing orders to achieve win-win opportunities between them.
Validity and Absolute Reliability of the Cobb Angle in Idiopathic Scoliosis with TraumaMeter Software
Authors: Hurtado-Avilés José , Santonja-Medina Fernando , León-Muñoz Vicente J. , Sainz de Baranda Pilar , Collazo-Diéguez Mónica , Cabañero-Castillo Mercedes , Ponce-Garrido Ana B. , Fuentes-Santos Victoria Eugenia , Santonja-Renedo Fernando , González-Ballester Miriam , Sánchez-Martínez Francisco Javier , Fiorita Pietro Gino , Sanz-Mengibar Jose Manuel , Alcaraz-Belzunces Joaquín , Ferrer-López Vicente , Andújar-Ortuño Pilar
Published: April 2022

The Cobb angle value is a critical parameter for evaluating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. This study aimed to evaluate a software’s validity and absolute reliability to determine the Cobb angle in AIS digital X-rays, with two different degrees of experienced observers. Four experts and four novice evaluators measured 35 scoliotic curves with the software on three separate occasions, one month apart. The observers re-measured the same radiographic studies on three separate occasions three months later but on conventional X-ray films. The differences between the mean bias errors (MBE) within the experience groups were statistically significant between the experts (software) and novices (manual) (p < 0.001) and between the novices (software) and novices (manual) (p = 0.005). When measured with the software, the intra-group error in the expert group was MBE = 1.71 ± 0.61° and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC (2,1)) = 0.986, and in the novice group, MBE = 1.9 ± 0.67° and ICC (2,1) = 0.97. There was almost a perfect concordance among the two measurement methods, ICC (2,1) = 0.998 and minimum detectable change (MCD95) < 0.4°. Control of the intrinsic error sources enabled obtaining inter- and intra-observer MDC95 < 0.5° in the two experience groups and with the two measurement methods. The computer-aided software TraumaMeter increases the validity and reliability of Cobb angle measurements concerning manual measurement.
Increased Physical Activity at School Benefits Arterial Blood Pressure in Children—A Prospective Follow-Up Cohort Study
Authors: Kolanowski Wojciech , Ługowska Katarzyna , Trafialek Joanna
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: A sedentary lifestyle and low physical activity (PA) increase the risk of hypertension in children. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of increased PA at school by elevation of the number of compulsory physical education (PE) lessons on arterial blood pressure in children during a two-year follow-up. (2) Methods: Children (n = 245) born in 2007 attending a standard or elevated number of PE lessons in the school timetable (4 and 10 h a week, respectively) took part in the study. Blood pressure was measured starting from age approx. 10 to 12. (3) Results: Starting from a similar level, after 2 years, the percentage of children with normal blood pressure decreased in the standard-PE children from 83.25% to 78.03% but increased in the elevated-PE ones from 83.15% to 86.13%. The prevalence of both prehypertension and hypertension increased by one-third in the standard-PE children from 16.74% to 21.97% but decreased by one-sixth in the elevated-PE ones from 16.85% to 13.87%. The prevalence of hypertension itself increased by one-third in the standard-PE children from 9.82% to 13.12% but decreased in the elevated-PE ones by one-fifth from 9.60% to 7.75% (4) Conclusions: An increase in PA at school by the elevation of the number of PE lessons benefits children’s arterial blood pressure. Early prevention of hypertension in children can be supported by an adequate number of PE lessons in the school timetable.
Perceptions of Own Illness among the Elderly as Measured by the Brief-IPQ Scale and the IPIS
Authors: Pawlikowska-Łagód Katarzyna , Suchodolska Magdalena
Published: April 2022

Background: The perception of one’s own illness by the elderly significantly affects the success of diagnostic and therapeutic processes. It depends on the patient’s existential situation, coping strategies, social support and the way the patient is treated by the medical personnel. The aim of this study was to investigate how the elderly perceive their own illness. Methods: The study covered 303 people over 60 years of age who were hospitalized in wards of Lublin hospitals. A diagnostic survey method was used in the study. The research tools were: the Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief-IPQ), Imagination and Perception of Illness Scale (IPIS) and a questionnaire of own authorship. The place of residence in the study population significantly influenced the perception of own illness measured by the Brief-IPQ. Results: The elderly perceived their own illness through the prism of mental and physical destruction. Statistically significant correlations were observed between almost all components of the Brief-IPQ and self-assessed health status of the subjects. Conclusions: Older people’s perception of their own illness is very important in the success of the therapeutic process. The perception of disease is not statistical; it changes depending on the chronicity of the disease, its duration, cultural factors and the doctor–patient relationship. It is associated with biopsychosocial processes that affect the ability to perceive and understand the disease and to take appropriate actions to improve health.
Short-Term Functional Outcomes of Short Femoral Neck Stems Are the Same as Those of Conventional Stems in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Tkacz Rafał , Larysz Dariusz , Przybylski Rafał , Tkacz Marta , Safranow Krzysztof , Tarnowski Maciej
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: In this study, two types of implants were compared—a conventional hip stem and a femoral neck prosthesis. (2) Methods: The femoral neck prosthesis study group included 21 patients, while the conventional hip stem control group was 40 patients. The first examination was the pre-op check, while the next ones were performed 6 weeks, 1 year, and 3 years after surgery. The Harris Hip Score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), University of California at Los Angeles Activity Score (UCLA), and Visual Analog Scale EQ (VAS EQ) forms were completed at each clinical study visit. (3) Results: The HHS in the femoral neck prosthesis group and the conventional hip stem group 6 weeks after surgery was 68.8 ± 16.47 and 67.6 ± 8.92, respectively, and 1 year after surgery, this was 93 ± 5.58 vs. 90.6 ± 5.17, respectively. The OHS of the femoral neck prosthesis group was 34.8 points after 6 weeks, 45.5 points after 1 year, and 43.9 points after 3 years. The respective values in the conventional hip stem group were 35.5, 41.55, and 42.13 points. The WOMAC values for the femoral neck prosthesis group were 70.6, 92.7, and 86 points, respectively, while for the conventional hip stem group, they were 74, 88.1, and 86.1 points. The UCLA scores recorded in the conventional hip stem group ranged from 3.15 to 5.05 points, but a higher mean value of 5.33 points was obtained in the femoral neck prosthesis group. VAS EQ was equal to 84 points three years after the operation. (4) Conclusions: The study showed no significant differences in the functional scores of both groups, and the new type of cervical femoral stem could be the first choice in younger patients.
Patients’ Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: A Controlled Study
Authors: Kosan Esra , Krois Joachim , Wingenfeld Katja , Deuter Christian Eric , Gaudin Robert , Schwendicke Falk
Published: April 2022

Background: As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly important in modern dentistry, we aimed to assess patients’ perspectives on AI in dentistry specifically for radiographic caries detection and the impact of AI-based diagnosis on patients’ trust. Methods: Validated questionnaires with Likert-scale batteries (1: “strongly disagree” to 5: “strongly agree”) were used to query participants’ experiences with dental radiographs and their knowledge/attitudes towards AI as well as to assess how AI-based communication of a diagnosis impacted their trust, belief, and understanding. Analyses of variance and ordinal logistic regression (OLR) were used (p < 0.05). Results: Patients were convinced that “AI is useful” (mean Likert ± standard deviation 4.2 ± 0.8) and did not fear AI in general (2.2 ± 1.0) nor in dentistry (1.6 ± 0.8). Age, education, and employment status were significantly associated with patients’ attitudes towards AI for dental diagnostics. When shown a radiograph with a caries lesion highlighted by an arrow, patients recognized the lesion significantly less often than when using AI-generated coloured overlays highlighting the lesion (p < 0.0005). AI-based communication did not significantly affect patients’ trust in dentists’ diagnosis (p = 0.44; OLR). Conclusions: Patients showed a positive attitude towards AI in dentistry. AI-supported diagnostics may assist communicating radiographic findings by increasing patients’ ability to recognize caries lesions on dental radiographs.
Allostatic Load as an Insight into the Psychological Burden after Primary Treatment in Women with Breast Cancer: Influence of Physical Side Effects and Pain Perception
Authors: Irelli Azzurra , Ranieri Jessica , Sirufo Maria Maddalena , De Pietro Francesca , Casalena Pamela , Ginaldi Lia , Cannita Katia , Di Giacomo Dina
Published: April 2022

Breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and treatment have become a cumulative long-standing chronic disease impairment, causing stress and turning into an allostatic load (AL) framework. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical issues and mental health in patients with BC after medical treatment. We conducted an observational study of 61 female patients with BC, and clinical and psychological markers have been detected. We conducted descriptive statistics, ANOVA analyses, correlations, and mediation analyses to verify the effect of the comorbidity index on psychological dimensions. The findings showed high levels of distress and moderate pain, and 32.8% of the patients showed moderate physical impairment. Significant effects of “age” and “physical issues” were found. The adult group reported a higher incidence of physical issues, and the group of patients reporting moderate physical impairment seemed more depressed than patients with mild physical issues. Finally, the comorbidity condition mediated the presence of signs of depression. Patients with BC seemed to experience negative emotions related to comorbidities associated with compromised activities of daily living. Our findings highlighted allostatic overload as a predictive framework to better understand the mental health of women with BC diagnoses to tailor effective psychological treatments for enhanced recovery.
Estimation of the Surface Dose in Breast Irradiation by the Beam Incident Angle and the 1 cm Depth Dose
Authors: Yen Tsung-Yu , Chuang Kai-Cheng , Fu Hsiao-Mei , Feng Chen-Ju , Lien Ke-Yu , Hsu Shih-Ming
Published: April 2022

To develop a method of estimating surface dose in whole breast irradiation, we used an anthropomorphic phantom with accessories for the simulation of different breast sizes. The surface points, which are measured by TLDs, are set along with two main directions, superior-inferior and medial-lateral. The incident angle between the photon beam and the surface and the doses at 1 cm beneath the surface at every point are assessed by a computerized treatment planning system (cTPS). With the prescription dose of 200 cGy, the average surface doses under tangential irradiation are 97.73 (±14.96) cGy, 99.90 (±10.73) cGy, and 105.26 (±9.21) cGy for large, medium, and small breast volumes, respectively. The surface dose increased in the model of small breast volume without significance (p = 0.39). The linear analysis between surface dose and the incident angle is y = 0.5258x + 69.648, R2 = 0.7131 (x: incident angle and y: surface dose). We develop the percentage of skin surface dose with reference to a depth of 1 cm (PSDR1cm) to normalize the inhomogeneous dose. The relationship between incident angle and PSDR1cm is y = 0.1894x + 36.021, R2 = 0.6536 (x: incident angle and y: PSDR1cm) by linear analysis. In conclusion, the surface dose in whole breast irradiation could be estimated from this linear relationship between PSDR1cm and incident angle in daily clinical practice by cTPS. Further in vivo data should be studied to verify this formula.
Therapeutic Alternatives in Diabetic Foot Patients without an Option for Revascularization: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ruemenapf Gerhard , Morbach Stephan , Sigl Martin
Published: April 2022

Background: The healing of foot wounds in patients with diabetes mellitus is frequently complicated by critical limb threatening ischemia (neuro-ischemic diabetic foot syndrome, DFS). In this situation, imminent arterial revascularization is imperative in order to avoid amputation. However, in many patients this is no longer possible (“too late”, “too sick”, “no technical option”). Besides conservative treatment or major amputation, many alternative methods supposed to decrease pain, promote wound healing, and avoid amputations are employed. We performed a narrative review in order to stress their efficiency and evidence. Methods: The literature research for the 2014 revision of the German evidenced-based S3-PAD-guidelines was extended to 2020. Results: If revascularization is impossible, there is not enough evidence for gene- and stem-cell therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, sympathectomy, spinal cord stimulation, prostanoids etc. to be able to recommend them. Risk factor management is recommended for all CLTI patients. With appropriate wound care and strict offloading, conservative treatment may be an effective alternative. Timely amputation can accelerate mobilization and improve the quality of life. Conclusions: Alternative treatments said to decrease the amputation rate by improving arterial perfusion and wound healing in case revascularization is impossible and lack both efficiency and evidence. Conservative therapy can yield acceptable results, but early amputation may be a beneficial alternative. Patients unfit for revascularization or major amputation should receive palliative wound care and pain therapy. New treatment strategies for no-option CLTI are urgently needed.
Development of CAR T Cell Therapy in Children—A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Boettcher Michael , Joechner Alexander , Li Ziduo , Yang Sile Fiona , Schlegel Patrick
Published: April 2022

CAR T cell therapy has revolutionized immunotherapy in the last decade with the successful establishment of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing cellular therapies as an alternative treatment in relapsed and refractory CD19-positive leukemias and lymphomas. There are fundamental reasons why CAR T cell therapy has been approved by the Food and Drug administration and the European Medicines Agency for pediatric and young adult patients first. Commonly, novel therapies are developed for adult patients and then adapted for pediatric use, due to regulatory and commercial reasons. Both strategic and biological factors have supported the success of CAR T cell therapy in children. Since there is an urgent need for more potent and specific therapies in childhood malignancies, efforts should also include the development of CAR therapeutics and expand applicability by introducing new technologies. Basic aspects, the evolution and the drawbacks of childhood CAR T cell therapy are discussed as along with the latest clinically relevant information.
Is Increased Resting Heart Rate after Radiofrequency Pulmonary Vein Isolation a Predictor of Favorable Long-Term Outcome of the Procedure?
Authors: Maciejewski Cezary , Peller Michał , Lodziński Piotr , Koźluk Edward , Piątkowska Agnieszka , Rodkiewicz Dariusz , Sierakowska Izabela , Roman Natalia , Wiśniewska Diana , Żółcińska Dominika , Rymaszewska Dominika , Opolski Grzegorz , Grabowski Marcin , Balsam Paweł
Published: April 2022

Background: Increased resting heart rate (RHR) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common observation, possibly resulting from ganglionated plexus modification during ablation. Previous trials have suggested that an increase in RHR after ablation might be related to higher efficacy of the procedure. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not higher increase in RHR after radiofrequency (RF) PVI might predict better long-term outcome of the procedure in a real-life cohort of patients in whom index ablation for paroxysmal AF was performed. Material and methods: The health records of patients who underwent index point-by-point or drag lesion RF PVI for paroxysmal AF in our department between January 2014 and November 2018 were analyzed. Resting heart rate (RHR) was determined from 12-lead ECG recorded prior to the ablation and before discharge to evaluate changes in RHR after PVI. Only patients in sinus rhythm before the procedure and at discharge were included in the analysis. Telephone follow-up was collected for evaluation of arrhythmia recurrence status. Results: A total of 146 patients who underwent PVI for paroxysmal AF were included. Mean follow-up time was 3.5 years. RHR increased from 64 [58.5–70], prior to procedure, to 72 [64.25–80] bpm at discharge (p < 0.001). Higher increase in RHR was not protective from arrhythmia recurrence in long-term observation in both univariable HR = 1.001 (CI 0.99–1.017, p = 0.857) and multivariable analyses HR = 1.001 (CI 0.99–1.02, p = 0.84). Conclusions: RHR after PVI increased in comparison to baseline in our cohort. However, we did not observe higher increase in RHR to be associated with more favorable long-term effectiveness of the procedure.
FE Modelling and Simulation of the Size Effect of RC T-Beams Strengthened in Shear with Externally Bonded FRP Fabrics
Authors: Abbasi Amirali , Benzeguir Zine El Abidine , Chaallal Omar , El-Saikaly Georges
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study is to conduct a finite-element (FE) numerical study to assess the effect of size on the shear resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened in shear with externally bonded carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (EB-CFRP). Although a few experimental studies have been done, there is still a lack of FE studies that consider the size effect. Experimental tests are time-consuming and costly and cannot capture all the complex and interacting parameters. In recent years, advanced numerical models and constitutive laws have been developed to predict the response of laboratory tests, particularly for issues related to shear resistance of RC beams, namely, the brittle response of concrete in shear and the failure modes of the interface layer between concrete and EB-CFRP (debonding and delamination). Numerical models have progressed in recent years and can now capture the interfacial shear stress along the bond and the strain profile along the fibres and the normalized main diagonal shear cracks. This paper presents the results of a nonlinear FE numerical study on nine RC beams strengthened in shear using EB-CFRP composites that were tested in the laboratory under three series, each containing three sizes of geometrically similar RC beams (small, medium, and large). The results reveal that numerical studies can predict experimental results with good accuracy. They also confirm that the shear strength of concrete and the contribution of CFRP to shear resistance decrease as the size of beams increases.
A Promising Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Patients with Advanced PDAC: The Stromal Protein βig-h3
Authors: de la Fouchardière Christelle , Gamradt Pia , Chabaud Sylvie , Raddaz Maxime , Blanc Ellen , Msika Olivier , Treilleux Isabelle , Bachy Sophie , Cattey-Javouhey Anne , Guibert Pierre , Sarabi Matthieu , Rochefort Pauline , Funk-Debleds Pamela , Coutzac Clélia , Ray-Coquard Isabelle , Peyrat Patrice , Meeus Pierre , Rivoire Michel , Dupré Aurélien , Hennino Ana
Published: April 2022

With an overall survival rate of 2–9% at 5 years, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the industrialized world and is predicted to become the second by 2030. Owing to often late diagnosis and rare actionable molecular alterations, PDAC has not yet benefited from the recent therapeutic advances that immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have provided in other cancer types, except in specific subgroups of patients presenting with tumors with high mutational burden (TMB) or microsatellite instability (MSI). The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a substantial role in therapeutic resistance by facilitating immune evasion. An extracellular stromal protein, βig-h3/TGFβi, is involved in the pathogenesis of PDAC by hampering T cell activation and promoting stiffness of the TME. The study BIGHPANC included 41 patients with metastatic PDAC, and analyzed βig-h3 levels in serum and tumor samples to assess the βig-h3 prognostic value. βig-h3 serum levels are significantly associated with overall survival (HR 2.05, 95%CI 1.07–3.93; p = 0.0301). Our results suggest that βig-h3 serum levels may be considered a prognostic biomarker in patients with metastatic PDAC.
The New Dominator of the World: Modeling the Global Distribution of the Japanese Beetle under Land Use and Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Della Rocca Francesca , Milanesi Pietro
Published: April 2022

The spread of invasive species is a threat to global biodiversity. The Japanese beetle is native to Japan, but alien populations of this insect occur in North America, and recently, also in southern Europe. This beetle was recently included on the list of priority species of European concern, as it is a highly invasive agricultural pest. Thus, in this study, we aimed at (i) assessing its current distribution range, and identifying areas of potential invasion, and (ii) predicting its distribution using future climatic and land-use change scenarios for 2050. We collected species occurrences available on the citizen science platform iNaturalist, and we combined species data with climatic and land-use predictors using a Bayesian framework, specifically the integrated nested Laplace approximation, with a stochastic partial differential equation. We found that the current distribution of the Japanese beetle was mainly, and positively, driven by the percentage of croplands, the annual range of temperature, habitat diversity, percentage of human settlements, and human population density; it was negatively related to the distance to airports, elevation, mean temperature diurnal range, wetlands, and waters. As a result, based on current conditions, the Japanese beetle is likely to occur in 47,970,200 km2, while its distribution will range from between 53,418,200 and 59,126,825 km2, according to the 2050 climatic and land-use change scenarios. We concluded that the Japanese beetle is a high-risk invasive species, able to find suitable conditions for its colonization in several regions around the globe, especially in light of ongoing climatic change. Thus, we strongly recommend strict biosecurity checks and quarantines, as well as regular pest management surveys, in order to reduce its spread.
The Palliative Care in the Metastatic Spinal Tumors. A Systematic Review on the Radiotherapy and Surgical Perspective
Authors: Giammalva Giuseppe , Ferini Gianluca , Torregrossa Fabio , Brunasso Lara , Musso Sofia , Benigno Umberto , Gerardi Rosa , Bonosi Lapo , Costanzo Roberta , Paolini Federica , Palmisciano Paolo , Umana Giuseppe , Di Bonaventura Rina , Sturiale Carmelo , Iacopino Domenico , Maugeri Rosario
Published: April 2022

Spine represents the most common site for metastatic disease involvement. Due to the close relationship between the spinal cord and critical structures, therapeutic management of spinal metastases remains challenging. Spinal localization can lead to neurological sequelae, which can significantly affect the quality of life in patients with a limited life expectancy. The authors conducted a systematic literature review according to PRISMA guidelines in order to determine the impact of the most updated palliative care on spinal metastases. The initial literature search retrieved 2526 articles, manually screened based on detailed exclusion criteria. Finally, 65 studies met the inclusion criteria and were finally included in the systematic review. In the wide scenario of palliative care, nowadays, recent medical or surgical treatments represent valuable options for ameliorating pain and improving patients QoL in such this condition.
Effect of Thermal Aging on the Mechanical Properties of SAC305
Authors: Hamasha Khozima , Hamasha Mohammad M. , Hamasha Sa’d
Published: April 2022

Many electronic products are subjected to heat for long periods, depending on their operations. Thus, it is expected that the physical and mechanical properties of electronic elements, including the soldering joints, will be affected. In this study, the impact of thermal aging time and temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 96.5Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu (SAC305) was investigated. The samples used were SAC305 solder balls attached to copper pads. The research began by examining the microstructure of the aged samples at 150 °C for 100 and 1000 h. Then, this was compared to the microstructure of the same samples without thermal aging. Then, five groups of 10 samples were prepared from a shear stress–shear stain experiment. The first group was as produced, the second group was aged for 2 h, the third group was aged for 10 h, the fourth group was aged for 100 h, and the fifth group was aged for 1000 h. All groups were aged at a temperature of 150 °C. An Instron testing machine was used to plot a shear stress–shear stain curve until the ball was completely sheared off the pad. The mechanical properties, including the ultimate shear strength, the ultimate energy used to shear the ball, and the total energy used to shear the ball at all thermal aging times were then estimated. The results of this study indicated the formation of a layer of Cu6Sn5 over the copper pad, which thickened with thermal aging time. Furthermore, the ultimate and total shear strengths decreased with thermal aging time. The same procedure was repeated to assess the ultimate shear strength at 100 °C. The decrease in ultimate shear strength was more severe with increasing thermal aging temperature.
Hot Deformation Behavior of the 25CrMo4 Steel Using a Modified Arrhenius Model
Authors: Xu Hongtu , Tian Tiantai , Zhang Jiahao , Niu Liqun , Zhu Hongbin , Wang Xingtao , Zhang Qi
Published: April 2022

25CrMo4 steel is widely used in the manufacturing of high-speed train axles due to its excellent mechanical properties. The purpose of this study is to develop an accurate modified constitutive model to describe the hot deformation behavior of the steel. Isothermal compression experiments were performed at different strain rates (0.01, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 s−1) and different temperatures (950, 1000, 1050, and 1100 °C) using a Gleeble-3800 thermal simulator. The microstructure after hot deformation was observed by the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and the effects of temperature and strain rate were analyzed. The results showed that the coupling effect of temperature and strain rate on the dislocation density led to the change in the shape of the true stress–strain curve and that dynamic recovery (DRV) and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) caused the macroscopic softening phenomenon, with DRX being the main mechanism. Based on the true stress–strain curves, the strain-compensated Arrhenius constitutive model was calibrated. To improve prediction ability, a modified Arrhenius constitutive model was proposed, in which the temperature and strain rate coupling correction functions were incorporated. The original, modified Arrhenius models were evaluated according to the absolute relative error (ARE), the average absolute relative error (AARE), and the correlation coefficient (R2). Compared with the original model, the modified Arrhenius model has a higher prediction accuracy, with the ARE value mostly below 4%, the AARE value of 1.91%, and the R2 value of 0.9958.
Suppression of Sulfate-Induced Expansion with Lime–Silica Fume Blends
Authors: Ebailila Mansour , Kinuthia John , Oti Jonathan
Published: April 2022

Sulfate-induced expansion resulting from the formation of ettringite in sulfate-bearing soil stabilised with calcium-based stabilisers is a problematic issue with technical and economic implications. Thus, this research examines the viability of the co-addition of lime (L) and silica fume (S) at varying binder dosages (4, 6, and 10 wt%), with a view of establishing the optimum blend of L–S for suppressing the ettringite-induced expansion of artificially high sulfate-dosed soil (kaolinite-K and gypsum-G). To do so, a series of laboratory specimens, designed using different gypsum and lime concentrations, were investigated using unconfined compression strength (UCS), linear expansion, and derivative thermo-gravimetric analysis (DTG) as the main criteria for the examination. The research outcomes indicated that the increasing substitution of L with S induces a gradual reduction on the UCS and linear expansion at binder levels of 4 and 6 wt%, while its usage in a high binder level (10 wt%), can yield an expansion reduction, with no compromise on the UCS performance. Therefore, silica fume has the potential for restricting ettringite formation and suppressing the expansion, of which 3L7S is the optimum blending ratio for suppressing the expansion.
Composite Wadding of Down Fibers Encapsulated in Fabrics
Authors: Yang Shu , Wang Yingwen , Xin Binjie
Published: April 2022

Down fiber is one of the most superior materials, with excellent thermal properties, that can be used in bedding, clothing, and so on. Down products are usually encapsulated in fabrics that are more compact and, therefore, impart an anti-drilling performance. In this study, down fibers were encapsulated in polypropylene melt-blown nonwoven fabric, and also in polyester woven cloth, to form two different kinds of composite waddings. The waddings made of down fiber encapsulated in melt-blown nonwoven fabrics have a superior moisture permeability, thermal insulation, and anti-drilling performance, and a slightly inferior air permeability compared to that of waddings made with traditional woven fabrics. The pore fractal dimensions of melt-blown nonwoven fabrics are larger than that of woven fabrics. The relationship between the fractal dimension and performance of waddings explains the difference.
The Effect of the Type of Activator Anion on the Hydration of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag
Authors: Gołek Łukasz P. , Szudek Wojciech , Malik Michał
Published: April 2022

In this study, ground granulated blast furnace slag was activated with a wide variety of sodium salts to compare the effects of their pH and anion size on the hydration progress and compressive strength development of GGBFS pastes. Research was carried out on samples activated with twelve different sodium salts and cured for one year. Changes in their phase composition (XRD), loss on ignition at different temperatures, expansion and microstructure (SEM + EDS) were examined over the entire curing period. The results showed that the presence of sodium ions is more important than the pH of the system, as activation took place even in the case of compounds whose solutions are characterized by a low pH, such as sodium tartrate or phosphate. The compressive strength of the pastes ranged from approximately 8 to 65 MPa after one year of curing.
Phase Evaluation, Mechanical Properties and Thermal Behavior of Hot-Pressed LC-YSZ Composites for TBC Applications
Authors: Parchovianský Milan , Parchovianská Ivana , Hanzel Ondrej , Netriová Zuzana , Pakseresht Amirhossein
Published: April 2022

In this work, La2Ce2O7-yttria-stabilized zirconia (LC-YSZ) composites with different weight fractions of YSZ (40–70 wt.%) were prepared by hot pressing at 1400 °C and investigated as a material for thermal barrier-coating (TBC) applications. For this purpose, the effect of YSZ addition on the phase composition, microstructure, mechanical performance and thermal behavior was studied. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the LC-YSZ composites were mainly composed of a cubic ZrO2 and La2O3-CeO2-ZrO2 solid solution with a pyrochlore structure, indicating that the reaction between LC and YSZ took place during hot pressing. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the high microstructural stability of the prepared composites, as the pore formation was significantly controlled and a high relative density (>97%) was obtained. The microstructure of LC-YSZ bulk samples was relatively fine-grained, with an average grain size below or very close to 1 µm. YSZ doping improved the Vickers hardness of the LC-YSZ composites; the highest hardness, with value of 12 ± 0.62 GPa, was achieved for the composite containing 70 wt.% of YSZ. The fracture toughness of LC-YSZ composites was in the range from 2.13 to 2.5 MPa·m1/2. No statistically significant difference in heat capacity or thermal conductivity was found between the composites with different content of YSZ. The results showed that LC-YSZ composites have relatively low thermal conductivities from room temperature (1.5–1.8 W·m−1·K−1) up to 1000 °C (2.5–3.0 W·m−1·K−1). This indicates that the prepared LC-YSZ composite materials are promising candidates for TBC applications.
Comparison between Thermophilic and Mesophilic Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactors—A Modeling Study
Authors: Lu Duowei , Bai Hao , Liao Baoqiang
Published: April 2022

The concept of thermophilic membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (ThMABR) is studied by modeling. This concept combines the advantages and overcomes the disadvantages of conventional MABR and thermophilic aerobic biological treatment and has great potential to develop a new type of ultra-compact, highly efficient bioreactor for high-strength wastewater and waste gas treatments. Mathematical modeling was conducted to investigate the impact of temperature (mesophilic vs. thermophilic) and oxygen partial pressure on oxygen and substrate concentration profiles, membrane–biofilm interfacial oxygen concentration, oxygen penetration distance, and oxygen and substrate fluxes into biofilms. The general trend of oxygen transfer and substrate flux into biofilm between ThAnMBR and MMABR was verified by the experimental results in the literature. The results from modeling studies indicate that the ThMABR has significant advantages over the conventional mesophilic MABR in terms of improved oxygen and pollutant flux into biofilms and biodegradation rates, and an optimal biofilm thickness exists for maximum oxygen and substrate fluxes into the biofilm.
Effect of Bainitic Isothermal Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a CMnSiAl TRIP Steel
Authors: Guzmán Alexis , Monsalve Alberto
Published: April 2022

TRIP-assisted CMnSiAl steels with a fully martensitic initial microstructure have been studied in order to investigate the effect of partial substitution of Si by Al. The steel was fabricated by casting in a sand mold, hot forged, homogenizing, hot rolling, cold rolling, intercritical annealing, and finally, an isothermal bainitic treatment. During the intercritical annealing at 1023 K (750 °C) for 420 s, a matrix with a microstructure consisting of 50% proeutectoid ferrite was induced and after isothermal treatment at 663 K (390 °C) for 300 s, a microstructure of ferrite, bainite, and retained austenite was obtained. This austenite was carbon enriched and therefore stabilized, with an Ms lower than original austenite, before bainitic treatment. Microstructure and tensile properties have been analyzed, comparing these results with those corresponding to a commercial TRIP 780 steel. During tensile tests, retained austenite changes from 8.1 to 1.9%vol, with a total elongation of 23.2%, which demonstrates the TRIP effect. Texture analysis showed a weak γ-fiber in the steel, which deteriorates the drawing properties of the steel. The maximum elongation during the tensile test of this steel was obtained at 323 K (50 °C), correlating with the TRIP effect present in steel, which is favored when working within the critical zone of temperatures Msσ and Md. The results show that partial substitution of Si by Al decreases yield stress, ultimate tensile strength, increases the total elongation, and decreases the temperature for maximum elongation, related to TRIP 780.
Towards the Prediction of Tensile Properties in Automotive Cast Parts Manufactured by LPDC with the A356.2 Alloy
Authors: Santamaría Jon Ander , Sertucha Jon , Redondo Alberto , Lizarralde Ibon , Ochoa de Zabalegui Edurne , Rodríguez Patxi
Published: April 2022

Aluminum-silicon-magnesium alloys are commonly used in the automotive industry to produce structural components. Among usual quality controls of produced castings, microstructure characterization and determination of mechanical properties are the most critical aspects. However, important problems can be found when measuring mechanical properties in those areas of castings with geometrical limitations. In this investigation, a set of A356 alloys have been prepared and then used to manufacture test castings and automotive castings in a laboratory and in industrial conditions, respectively, using Low Pressure Die Casting (LPDC) technology. Test castings were used to predict secondary dendritic arm spacing (SDAS) by using thermal parameters obtained from experimental cooling curves. The results have been then compared to the ones found in the literature and improved methods for estimating SDAS from cooling curves have been developed. In a subsequent step, these methodologies have been checked with different industrial castings by using simulated cooling curves and experimentally measured SDAS values. Finally, the calculated SDAS values together with the Mg contents present in A356 alloys and the temperature and aging time data have been used to develop new models so as to predict the tensile properties in different areas of a given casting prototype. These developed models allow casters and designers predicting tensile properties in selected areas of a given prototype casting even during design and simulation steps and considering the processing variables expected in a given foundry plant. The structures of these new models have been described and experimentally validated using different processing conditions.
Simulation and Optimization of a Planar-Type Micro-Hotplate with Si3N4-SiO2 Transverse Composite Dielectric Layer and Annular Heater
Authors: Wei Guangfen , Wang Pengfei , Li Meihua , Lin Zhonghai , Nai Changxin
Published: April 2022

Micro-hotplates (MHPs) have become widely used basic structures in many micro sensors and actuators. Based on the analysis of the general heat transfer model, we propose a new MHP design based on a transversal composite dielectric layer, consisting of different heat transfer materials. Two general proven materials with different thermal conductivity, Si3N4 and SiO2, are chosen to form the composite dielectric layer. An annular heater is designed with a plurality of concentric rings connected with each other. The relationship between MHP performance and its geometrical parameters, including temperature distribution and uniformity, thermal deformation, and power dissipation, has been fully investigated using COMSOL simulation. The results demonstrate that the new planar MHP of 2 μm thick with a Si3N4-SiO2 composite dielectric layer and annular heater can reach 300 °C at a power of 35.2 mW with a mechanical deformation of 0.132 μm, at a large heating area of about 0.5 mm2. The introduction of the composite dielectric layer effectively reduces the lateral heat conduction loss and alleviates the mechanical deformation of the planar MHP compared with a single SiO2 dielectric layer or Si3N4 dielectric layer.
Effect of Combustion Chamber Geometrical Parameters on the Decomposition and Combustion Characteristics of an ADN-Based Thruster
Authors: Hou Yangyang , Yu Yusong , Liu Xuhui , Cao Jie
Published: April 2022

In this paper, numerical simulations were used to study the decomposition and combustion processes inside the 0.2 N-class ADN-based thruster, and the effects of two geometrical parameters (length and diameter) of the combustion chamber on the combustion performance were evaluated. The decomposition and combustion processes of the thruster were simulated using a reduced chemical reaction mechanism with 22 components and 20 reactions steps. According to the distribution of the basic physical fields, the variation patterns of the pressure field, velocity field, temperature field, and key component parameters caused by different combustion chamber geometrical parameters were observed and analyzed. The results show that the specific impulse and thrust of the thruster increased and then decreased with the increase of the combustion chamber diameter. When the combustion chamber diameter is 7.9 mm, the specific impulse reaches the maximum value of 206.6 s. Additionally, the specific impulse increased from 186 s to 206 s when the combustion chamber length was changed from 7 mm to 11 mm; the specific impulse increased gradually but not significantly, and the growth trend started to flatten out. The results from the paper can serve as a reference for the design and vacuum testing of an ADN-based thruster.