bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac stereotactic radiation therapy for refractory ventricular arrhythmias in patients with left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Benali Karim , Lloyd Michael S. , Petrosyan Andranik , Rigal Louis , Quivrin Magali , Bessieres Igor , Vlachos Konstantinos , Hammache Nefissa , Bellec Julien , Simon Antoine , Laurent Gabriel , Higgins Kristin , Garnier Fabien , de Crevoisier Renaud , Martins Raphaël , Da Costa Antoine , Guenancia Charles
Published: November 2023

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is an established treatment for patients with advanced heart failure refractory to medical therapy. However, the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) is high in this population, both in the acute and delayed phases after implantation. About one‐third of patients implanted with an LVAD will experience sustained VAs, predisposing these patients to worse outcomes and complicating patient management. The combination of pre‐existing myocardial substrate and complex electrical remodeling after LVAD implantation account for the high incidence of VAs observed in this population. LVAD patients presenting VAs refractory to antiarrhythmic therapy and catheter ablation procedures are not rare. In such patients, treatment options are extremely limited. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a technique that delivers precise and high doses of radiation to highly defined targets, reducing exposure to adjacent normal tissue. Cardiac SBRT has recently emerged as a promising alternative with a growing number of case series reporting the effectiveness of the technique in reducing the VA burden in patients with arrhythmias refractory to conventional therapies. The safety profile of cardiac SBRT also appears favorable, even though the current clinical experience remains limited. The use of cardiac SBRT for the treatment of refractory VAs in patients implanted with an LVAD are even more scarce. This review summarizes the clinical experience of cardiac SBRT in LVAD patients and describes technical considerations related to the implementation of the SBRT procedure in the presence of an LVAD.
Effects of physical activity on the levels of remnant cholesterol: A population‐based study
Authors: Chen Jingfei , Luo Qin , Su Yingjie , Wang Jiangang , Fang Zhenfei , Luo Fei
Published: November 2023

Physical activity (PA) has the potential to bring about favourable changes in plasma lipid profile. However, the relationship between PA and remnant cholesterol (RC) remains unclear. We aimed to study the link between PA and RC using the database of the 2007–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). PA was categorized based on Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. A multivariate linear regression model was used to determine the correlations between PA and RC. The study involved a total of 18,396 participants and revealed that individuals whose PA met the guidelines by engaging in moderate‐intensity PA at least 150 min per week had lower body mass index and showed decreased levels of triglyceride, TC, and haemoglobin A1c compared to those who were physically inactive, exercising <150 min per week. Participants whose intensity of PA meets PA guidelines had a lower level of RC than those who did not met PA guidelines (β = −1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.9 to −0.7, p < 0.001), even after adjusting for confounders. During subgroup analysis, we observed that race (pinteraction = 0.0089) emerged as a significant factor of interaction.
Considerations for predictable outcomes in static computer‐ aided implant surgery in the esthetic zone
Authors: Markovic Jovana , Peña‐Cardelles Juan Francisco , Pedrinaci Ignacio , Hamilton Adam , Gallucci German O. , Lanis Alejandro
Published: November 2023

Objective

To provide technical and clinical recommendations for implementing a digital workflow in Static Computer‐Aided Implant Surgery in the anterior maxilla.

Clinical Considerations

An optimal 3D implant position is crucial for achieving satisfying results in implant rehabilitation in the esthetic area. Due to its complexity, implant placement in the esthetic zone should be executed with precision and predictability. Static Computer‐Aided Implant Surgery requires thorough planning and detailed attention to every step of the digital workflow protocol.

Conclusions

Implant positioning in the esthetic zone using Static Computer‐Aided Implant Surgery is a technique‐sensitive procedure that requires precise execution of each step. This approach ensures accurate prosthetically driven 3D implant placement and prevents potential errors that could lead to inaccurate positioning.

Clinical Significance

The proper implementation of Static Computer‐Aided Implant Surgery may increase the level of agreement between the planned and definitive implant 3D positions in the esthetic zone, thus enhancing the esthetic outcomes of implant rehabilitation.
Taxonomic revision of Sturisoma Swainson, 1838 (Loricariidae: Loricariinae), with descriptions of four new species
Authors: Londoño‐Burbano Alejandro , Britto Marcelo R.
Published: November 2023

A taxonomic revision of Sturisoma is presented. Individuals including both type and non‐type specimens of all valid species were examined. Sturisoma was found to comprise 10 valid species: Sturisoma barbatum, Sturisoma brevirostre, Sturisoma graffini, Sturisoma guentheri, Sturisoma lyra, Sturisoma monopelte, Sturisoma nigrirostrum, Sturisoma reisi, Sturisoma rostratum, and Sturisoma tenuirostre. Furthermore, four new species are described: Sturisoma ghazziae, new species, from the Araguaia River, belonging to the Tocantins‐Araguaia basin, Central Brazil; Sturisoma careirensia, new species, from the middle Amazon basin, Brazil; Sturisoma rapppydanielae, new species, from the Purus River, Amazon basin, Brazil; and Sturisoma defranciscoi, new species, from the Putumayo and Solimões rivers, upper Amazon basin, Colombia, and Brazil. Sturisoma robustum is confirmed as synonym of S. barbatum, species registered along the Paraguay/Parana/La Plata River basin in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. New records were found for S. nigrirostrum as present in the upper Amazon basin, in the Yavari River, Brazil, in addition to its already known locality, the Ucayali River, Peru. The distribution of the type species of the genus S. rostratum is limited to the lower portion of the Amazon basin in the Araguaia, Maranhão, Mearim, Tapajós, and Tocantins rivers and its affluents, Brazil, in contrast to the assumed widespread distribution across the main basins of South America, as previously proposed for the species; the Mearim River is a new record for the species. Updated diagnoses and descriptions are offered for species of Sturisoma, in addition to distribution maps and an identification key for the species.
Numerical analysis of charge characteristics of electrostatic chute for edible powder
Authors: Zhang Dongkai , Xu Xuemeng , Tang Jingjing , Jia Changxue , Lv Junzhi
Published: November 2023

The influence of physical parameters on the charge characteristics of food powder in the process of electrostatic chute transportation was studied to provide technical support for the electrostatic elimination of food powder in the process of conveying and packaging. Taking edible powder as the research object, firstly, the particle model was established, and the three‐dimensional model of electrostatic chute was imported into EDEM software to calibrate the parameters of particles with different particle size distribution, different water content and different chute materials. Then the chute transport simulation was carried out on the calibrated edible powder to analyze the variation law of the average charge‐mass ratio of the powder. The electrostatic chute test platform was built to complete the relevant tests. The simulation study found that the average charge‐mass ratio between wheat flour with water content of 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, and 18% and 304 stainless steel chute is 7.024, 7.01, 6.838, 6.55, and 5.932 nC/g, respectively. The average charge‐mass ratio in contact with PVC chute is 5.622, 4.808, 4.766, 4.412, and 4.768 nC/g; The average charge‐mass ratio between wheat starch with the same moisture content and 304 stainless steel chute is 2.984, 2.468, 2.254, 2.248, and 2.078 nC/g, and the average charge‐mass ratio between wheat starch and PVC chute is 2.522, 2.152, 1.962, 1.371, and 2.026 nC/g. When the water content is the same (10%–18%), the static friction Angle of powder and chute is negatively related to the charge of wheat flour and wheat starch in the static chute. The higher the water content of wheat flour and wheat starch (10%–16%), the worse the chargability. The charge characteristics of wheat flour with large grain size distribution range are higher than those of wheat starch with small grain size distribution range. The results of electrostatic chute test and simulation are consistent, which verifies the correctness of the simulation results. The research results provide certain reference for the electrostatic elimination in the process of food powder conveying and packaging.

Practical Application

In this paper, EDEM is used to establish the particle parameter model of food powder, and the parameters of wheat starch and wheat flour particles are calibrated through the combination of experiment and simulation, and electrostatic chain‐simulation experiments are carried out. By obtaining the average charge‐mass ratio change of powder's charge characteristics under different influencing factors, the corresponding electrostatic influence rule of powder is found. The influence of physical property parameters on the charge characteristics of food powder in the process of electrostatic chute transportation was studied to provide technical support for electrostatic elimination in the process of food powder transportation and packaging.
Knockout of a rice K5.2 gene increases Ca accumulation in the grain
Authors: Wang Peitong , Yamaji Naoki , Mitani‐Ueno Namiki , Ge Jun , Ma Jian Feng
Published: November 2023

Rice is a staple food for half of the world's population, but it is a poor dietary source of calcium (Ca) due to the low concentration. It is an important issue to boost Ca concentration in this grain to improve Ca deficiency risk, but the mechanisms underlying Ca accumulation are poorly understood. Here, we obtained a rice (Oryza sativa) mutant with high shoot Ca accumulation. The mutant exhibited 26%–53% higher Ca in shoots than did wild‐type rice (WT) at different Ca supplies. Ca concentration in the xylem sap was 36% higher in the mutant than in the WT. There was no difference in agronomic traits between the WT and mutant, but the mutant showed 25% higher Ca in the polished grain compared with the WT. Map‐based cloning combined with a complementation test revealed that the mutant phenotype was caused by an 18‐bp deletion of a gene, OsK5.2, belonging to the Shaker‐like K+ channel family. OsK5.2 was highly expressed in the mature region of the roots and its expression in the roots was not affected by Ca levels, but upregulated by low K. Immunostaining showed that OsK5.2 was mainly expressed in the pericycle of the roots. Taken together, our results revealed a novel role for OsK5.2 in Ca translocation in rice, and will be a good target for Ca biofortification in rice.
Can Repatriation Tax Holidays Teach Us Something About Monetary Policy Transmission?
Authors: ARGUDO ESTEBAN
Published: November 2023

I study the “bank lending channel” using the 2004 repatriation tax holiday as a natural experiment. I isolate the effect of the repatriated funds on loan supply by (i) comparing the differences in lending between multinational and domestic banks pre‐ and postrepatriation and (ii) using the change in cash holdings abroad as an instrument for the repatriated funds. My results support the existence of the “bank lending channel.” I document that each additional repatriated dollar led to an increase of $0.04 in lending, which is driven entirely by commercial and industrial loans.
Vertical Mergers in Ecosystems with Consumer Hold‐Up*
Authors: Condorelli Daniele , Padilla Jorge , Sohn Youngji
Published: November 2023

An ecosystem comprises all downstream products that employ a certain upstream input. In many cases, final consumers make irreversible investments to join an ecosystem before downstream prices are set. By committing to buy products that use the specific ecosystem input, they are at risk of being held‐up. Unable to observe future prices, consumers base their decisions on what they observe about the market structure within each ecosystem, including vertical contracts signed by the upstream firms. By entering into vertical agreements with multiple competing downstream firms, thus creating a credible expectation of lower prices, an upstream firm is able to mitigate consumers' hold‐up problem and, as a result, increase ecosystem demand. Our main observation is that, in contrast to conventional wisdom, an upstream monopolist merging with one of its downstream affiliates will find it profitable to continue to serve downstream competitors, even when products sold downstream are homogeneous.
Cross‐species single‐cell landscape of vertebrate pineal gland
Authors: Zheng Jihong , Song Wenqi , Zhou Yihang , Li Xuan , Wang Meng , Zhang Chao
Published: November 2023

The pineal gland has evolved from a photoreceptive organ in fish to a neuroendocrine organ in mammals. This study integrated multiple daytime single‐cell RNA‐seq datasets from the pineal glands of zebrafish, rats, and monkeys, providing a detailed examination of the evolutionary transition at single‐cell resolution. We identified key factors responsible for the anatomical and functional transformation of the pineal gland. We retrieved and integrated daytime single‐cell transcriptomic datasets from the pineal glands of zebrafish, rats, and monkeys, resulting in a total of 22 431 cells after rigorous quality filtering. Comparative analysis was then conducted to elucidate the evolution of pineal cells, their photosensitivity, their role in melatonin production, and the signaling processes within the glands of these species. Our analysis identified distinct cellular compositions of the pineal gland in zebrafish, rats, and monkeys. Zebrafish photoreceptors exhibited comprehensive phototransduction gene expression, while specific genes, including transducin (Gngt1, Gnb3, and Gngt2) and phosducin (Pdc), were consistently present in mammalian pinealocytes. We found transcriptional similarities between the pineal gland and retina, underscoring shared evolutionary and functional pathways. Zebrafish displayed unique light‐responsive circadian gene activity compared to rats and monkeys. Key ligand‐receptor interactions were identified, especially involving MDK and PTN, influencing melatonin synthesis across species. Furthermore, we observed species‐specific GPCR (G protein‐coupled receptors) expressions related to melatonin synthesis and their alignment with retinal expressions. Our findings also highlighted specific transcription factors (TFs) and regulatory networks associated with pineal gland evolution and function. Our study provides a detailed analysis of the pineal gland's evolution from fish to mammals. We identified key transcriptional changes and controls that highlight the gland's functional diversity. Notably, we found significant ligand‐receptor interactions influencing melatonin synthesis and demonstrated parallels between pineal and retinal expressions. These insights enhance our understanding of the pineal gland's role in phototransduction, melatonin production, and circadian rhythms in vertebrates.
A novel RT‐qPCR health assay reveals differential expression of stress and immunoregulatory genes between the seasonal migrations of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Authors: Linsky Jacob M. J. , Dunlop Rebecca A. , McMichael Lee A.
Published: November 2023

Health information is essential for the conservation management of whale species. However, assessing the health of free‐ranging whales is challenging as samples are primarily limited to skin and blubber tissue. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) offers a method to measure health from blubber RNA, providing insights into energetic status, stress and immune activity. To identify changes in health, natural differences in baseline gene expression linked to an individual's sex, reproductive status and life‐history stage must first be quantified. This study aimed to establish baseline gene expression indices of health in migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). To do this, we developed an assay to quantify seven health‐related gene transcripts (Leptin, Leptin Receptor, Adiponectin, Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor, Tumour Necrosis Factor‐α, Interleukin‐6, Heat Shock Protein‐70) and used Bayesian mixed effect models to assess differential baseline expression based on sex, lactation status and migration stage (northbound to and southbound from the annual breeding grounds). Results showed no significant contribution of sex to differential baseline expression. However, lactating individuals exhibited downregulated AhR and HSP‐70 compared to non‐lactating conspecifics. Additionally, southbound individuals demonstrated significantly upregulated HSP‐70 and downregulated TNF‐alpha, suggesting a relationship between these inflammation‐linked transcripts and migratory fasting. Our results suggest that baseline differences due to migratory stage and lactation status should be considered in health applications of this assay. Future monitoring efforts can use our baseline measurements to better understand how gene expression is tied to population‐level impacts, such as reduced prey availability or migratory stressors.
Capillary malformations in a child caused by a novel HRAS mutation
Authors: van Gysel Dirk , de Maeseneer Hannelore , Legius Eric , Brems Hilde
Published: November 2023

A 6‐year‐old boy with multiple capillary malformations of the port‐wine birthmark (PWB) type on the right leg since birth presented with a varicose vein and segmental overgrowth of the affected leg. Genetic testing on affected skin confirmed the presence of a somatic novel pathogenic HRAS 30 bp in‐frame duplication/insertion in the switch II domain. This case illustrates the phenotypic overlap of different genotypes and shows that somatic HRAS pathogenic variants, especially in‐frame duplications/insertions, must be added to the list of the underlying causes in capillary malformations.
Mobile cone‐beam computed tomography complementing shape‐sensing robotic‐assisted bronchoscopy in the small pulmonary nodule sampling: A multicentre experience
Authors: Abia‐Trujillo David , Folch Erik E. , Yu Lee‐Mateus Alejandra , Balasubramanian Prasanth , Kheir Fayez , Keyes Colleen M. , Villalobos Regina , Chadha Ryan M. , Hazelett Britney N. , Fernandez‐Bussy Sebastian
Published: November 2023

Background and Objective

Shape‐sensing robotic‐assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) has expanded as an important diagnostic tool for peripheral pulmonary nodules (PPNs), with diagnostic yields ranging from 60% to 88%. However, sampling and diagnosing PPN less than 2 cm in size has historically been challenging. Mobile cone‐beam computed tomography (mCBCT) has been recently integrated into ssRAB to improve diagnostic accuracy, but its added value remains uncertain. We aim to describe the role of mCBCT and determine if it provides any diagnostic advantage.

Methods

A multicentre, retrospective study on the use of ssRAB and mCBCT in two tertiary care institutions: Mayo Clinic Florida and Massachusetts General Hospital. The primary outcome was diagnostic yield and sensitivity for malignancy of ssRAB complemented with mCBCT, compared to ssRAB with the standard 2D fluoroscopy.

Results

A total of 192 nodules were biopsied from 173 patients. mCBCT was used in 117 (60.9%) nodules. The overall diagnostic yield was 85.4%. Diagnostic yield between subgroups with and without mCBCT was 83.8% and 88% (p = 0.417), respectively. The mCBCT group had fewer solid nodules (65.8% vs. 81.3%, p = 0.020) and a higher number of ground‐glass nodules (10.3% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.016).

Conclusion

Overall, diagnostic yield between subgroups with and without mCBCT was similar. The complementary use of mCBCT to ssRAB allows proceduralists to target more complex and subsolid PPNs with a diagnostic yield comparable to simple solid PPNs while maintaining an excellent safety profile.
‘Send the midwife’: The Birth of Blackness in Titus Andronicus
Authors: Bui Hanh
Published: November 2023

This article examines a neglected context for understanding the ontology and epistemology of race in Shakespeare's drama: the role of the midwife. Early modern midwives performed an important cultural function by not only assisting women in labour, but also pronouncing the sex and paternity of a newborn. As Caroline Bicks has shown, this was a time when a midwife was thought to have significant influence over how a body was literally shaped and interpreted at the moment of its birth, thereby determining its reception in the community. Nowhere in Shakespeare's canon is the midwife's authority more manifest – and threatening – than in Titus Andronicus, where the midwife's role includes establishing an infant's race. After Tamora, Empress of Rome, delivers a baby fathered by her lover, Aaron ‘the Moor’, he asks: ‘How many saw the child?’ By subsequently killing the birth attendants, Aaron calls attention to how controlling the destiny of his son will depend upon rewriting the script of his nativity. Merging critical interest in early modern childbirth with Shakespeare scholarship on race and performance, I show how newly born bodies are midwived into racialized subjects, illuminating how midwifery discourses can broaden our understanding of early modern racecraft. My specific claim is that the statements made by Tamora's nurse concerning Aaron's ‘black’ son can be read as a performative utterance that confers, constitutes and attempts to naturalize the newborn's raced identity.
Overcoming unintended consequences of social impact accountability: How to avoid counterproductive responses of individuals and groups in organizations
Authors: Ellemers Naomi , de Gilder Dick
Published: November 2023

This contribution aims to explain when and why policies that increase social accountability are likely to have unintended and counterproductive effects on the social performance of organizations. The Behavioral Regulation Model applies insights from social identity theory to recent research on moral psychology. This elucidates that deep concerns about social approval for one's morality and good intentions, raise “the paradox of morality”: The motivation to signal endorsement of social values and good intentions prompts people to justify and defend shortcomings in these domains, instead of addressing them. We demonstrate how this approach and research supporting it can help recognize and understand a range of defensive responses organizations and their representatives are likely to show. Subsequently, we specify how policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders can circumvent these counterproductive effects and help people in organizations to show more constructive responses toward social impact improvement.
The impact of pre‐transplant anti‐HLA antibodies in transplants from HLA‐identical sibling donors: A multicenter study
Authors: Wei Xiya , Chang Yingjun , Zhu Xiaoyu , Hu Xiaoxia , Guo Rong , Zhang Yanming , Ma Xiao , Han Yue , Wang Ying , Qiu Huiying , Wu Xiaojin , Wu Depei
Published: November 2023

Few studies have performed comparative analysis of the outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from HLA‐identical sibling donors (ISD‐HSCT) in patients with or without anti‐HLA Abs. In this study we retrospectively collected data from a multicenter study to analyze the distribution and impact of the pre‐existing anti‐HLA Abs in ISD‐HSCT. Among 402 recipients, 111 were positive for anti‐HLA Abs. Gender, time from diagnosis to transplantation and distribution of primary disease might be risk factors for the occurrence of anti‐HLA Abs. We found that patients with anti‐HLA Abs had delayed neutrophil engraftment and were more vulnerable to experience Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation. The presence of anti‐HLA Abs was proved to be an independent risk factor for neutrophil engraftment (HR 1.42 95% CI 1.13–1.80, p = 0.003) and CMV reactivation (HR 2.03 95% CI 1.19–3.46, p = 0.009). We found that anti‐HLA Abs have a negative impact on the prognosis in the early period after transplantation from sibling donors and anti‐HLA Abs was also an independent risk factor for the overall survival (OS) at 180 days (HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.03–5.27, p = 0.042) among female recipients. In conclusion, anti‐HLA Abs have a negative impact on the prognosis early after ISD‐HSCT.
Some pedagogical elements of computer programming for data science: A comparison of three approaches to teaching the R language
Authors: Shilane David , Di Crecchio Nicole , Lorenzetti Nicole L.
Published: November 2023

Educational curricula in data analysis are increasingly fundamental to statistics, data science, and a wide range of disciplines. The educational literature comparing coding syntaxes for instruction in data analysis recommends utilizing a simple syntax for introductory coursework. However, there is limited prior work to assess the pedagogical elements of coding syntaxes. The study investigates the paradigms of the dplyr, data.table, and DTwrappers packages for R programming from a pedagogical perspective. We enumerate the pedagogical elements of computer programming that are inherent to utilizing each package, including the functions, operators, general knowledge, and specialized knowledge. The merits of each package are also considered in concert with other pedagogical goals, such as computational efficiency and extensions to future coursework. The pedagogical considerations of this study can help instructors make informed choices about their curriculum and how best to teach their selected methods.
A novel mitigation strategy for the prevention of transfusion‐transmitted malaria
Authors: Tonnetti Laura , Groves Jamel A. , Self Deanna , Yadav Manisha , Spencer Bryan R. , Livezey Kristin , Linnen Jeffrey M. , Stramer Susan L.
Published: November 2023

Background

Malaria is caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitos. In the US, blood donors are assessed for malaria risk, including donor travel or previous residence in endemic areas and history of malaria by questionnaire and deferred for three months or three years, respectively.

Methods

The Procleix Plasmodium Assay is a qualitative nucleic acid test based on transcription‐mediated amplification (TMA) for the detection of 18S ribosomal RNA of P. falciparum, P. ovale, P. vivax, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi for use on the Procleix Panther system. Analytical sensitivity was evaluated with in vitro transcripts and infected red blood cells. For clinical specificity, 12,800 individual donations and 283 pools of 16 samples from routine US donors were screened. Malaria risk was evaluated by testing 862 donors deferred for 3 years. Reactive results were confirmed with in‐house real‐time TMA assay and serology.

Results

Assay sensitivity was 8.47–11.89 RNA copies/mL and 2.10–6.82 infected red cells/mL. Specificity was 99.99% in 12,800 individual donations and 100% in 283 pools of 16. Of 862 tested deferred donor samples, one donor (0.12%) confirmed positive individually and in pools; he remained confirmed positive for 13 months. The infected donor was a prior resident of a malaria‐endemic area in West Africa.

Conclusions

The Procleix Plasmodium Assay showed high sensitivity and specificity and detected Plasmodium RNA in an asymptomatic presenting donor. This assay may prove helpful as a screening test versus the use of risk questions to reduce the number of donors deferred for malaria risk.
Data-driven Models for Wind Speed Forecasting in Malacca State
Authors: Badyalina Basri , Mokhtar Nurkhairany Amyra , Azimi Ahmad Izul Fakhruddin , Majid Muhammad , Ramli Mohamad Faizal , Yaa'coob Fatin Farazh
Published: November 2023

Wind energy is a type of renewable energy that has received much attention in the electricity market. This study focuses on forecasting wind speed at Malacca state’s Station. This paper proposes using a Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) model with a hyperbolic tangent transfer function in forecasting wind speed data in Malacca state. The performance of this model is compared with three other models: Artificial neural network (ANN) hyperbolic tangent, ANN log sigmoid and GMDH model. In addition, this study investigates the impact of using different transfer functions in data-driven models for forecasting wind speed. Usually, the application of the GMDH model only implements the second-order polynomial as a partial description. However, in this study, we implement the hyperbolic tangent transfer  function in the GMDH model. The forecasting model’s accuracy is evaluated using mean  absolute percentage error (MAPE), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error  (MAE). The results show that the GMDH model with hyperbolic tangent is highly accurate with more negligible computational power than other models. The GMDH-hyperbolic tangent  model managed to improve the forecasting performance of the conventional GMDH model by 11.21% in mean absolute percentage error and outperforms other ANN models.
How Did Voters Decide in the 2012 and 2016 Presidential Elections in Ghana? The Implications for Future Elections
Authors: Bukari Gbensuglo Alidu , Adua Justice Yaw , Alhassan Mohammed
Published: November 2023

This paper analysed the determinants and citizens’ choice of a presidential candidate in the Ghanaian 2012 and 2016 elections. The analysis utilised survey data obtained from respondents in the study areas. It examined perspectives of the individual voters on various issues matters pertaining to elections as well as their sentiments regarding personal and communal socio-economic outcomes. The findings revealed that voting for a presidential candidate in an election is influenced by individual voter access to income, education level, employment status, and development policy in the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections. The results also revealed that voters are influence by other factors such as the candidate's capacity to enhance and advance the national economy, political party affiliation, candidate orientation and likability. The findings of the analysis suggest that political parties and presidential candidates in an election in Ghana should give careful consideration to the elements and issues identified. Based on the findings, the we recommended that presidential candidates/or political parties should prioritise the issues identified in their campaign strategies and policy agendas.
Occupational therapy scope of practice in the rehabilitation of adults experiencing persistent post-concussion symptoms following traumatic brain injury: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Licciardi Lisa , Olver John , Lalor Aislinn , Callaway Libby
Published: November 2023

Objective:

The objective of the review is to identify, categorize, and examine literature describing occupational therapy scope of practice in the rehabilitation of adults experiencing persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS).

Introduction:

PPCS are symptoms experienced by adults a minimum of 2 to 4 weeks after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and include vestibular, neuropsychiatric, visual, and cognitive issues. Enduring PPCS may result in disability, affecting a person’s independence and/or participation in daily activities. Despite growing recognition of the role occupational therapy can offer in TBI rehabilitation, evidence is limited regarding the scope of practice occupational therapists have in the rehabilitation of adults experiencing PPCS.

Inclusion criteria:

Literature that includes adults (aged 18 to 65 years) experiencing PPCS that describes the occupational therapy scope of practice in concussion programs will be considered for inclusion in this review. Sources reporting on participants aged under 18 years, classified with non-persistent symptoms, and receiving care in acute health care settings will be excluded. Non-English publications or gray literature from civil society or disabled persons organizations or other representative bodies in the field of brain injury will also be excluded.

Methods:

The scoping review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Five electronic databases will be searched for literature published between 2013 and the present: MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Two reviewers will independently conduct title and abstract screening of the results and, upon consensus, independently screen full texts to confirm final sources for inclusion. Any disagreements will be resolved by discussion with a third reviewer. Data will be extracted from included sources and we will then map occupational therapy scope of practice (inclusive of assessments and interventions) against the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning One-Level Classification. Results will be presented in tabular or narrative format.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework osf.io/qxgzj
Thermo-Shock Experiments on Thick-Walled Cylindrical Mock-Ups
Authors: Mora Mendez Diego Fernando , Niffenegger Markus , Mao Gaojun , Baumgartner Beat , Kottmann Hans
Published: November 2023

Nuclear power plants in Europe are entering in a phase of long-term operation (LTO) and one of the key safety assessments for continuing in operation is the evaluation of pressurized thermo-shock (PTS). Since conducting PTS experiments on real-scale reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) are unaffordable and challenging, the present contribution concerns the test facility for performing thermal shock-like cooling on small thick-walled cylindrical mock-ups. The mock-up contains four equally separated notches. Thermal shock (TS) loading condition without pressure is applied. It is expected Mode I of fracture (opening mode) due to pure tensile hoop stresses generated by the cooling. The loading condition represents a fast cooling (from 300°C to room temperature) similar to the transient due to a Loss of Coolant accident (LOCA) in the real RPV. RPV steel 17MoV 8-4 with an artificially (thermally treated material) increased ductile to brittle transition temperature (DBTT) to values similar to a highly-irradiated RPV at its end-of-life is used. The preliminary experimental results show good performance of the thermo-shock facility confirming that the loading conditions are adequate and demonstrating that the thermal stresses developed in the mock-up are high enough to trigger crack growth and arrest of the precracks in the embrittled steel. The results of the current experiment will be used to validate the ongoing numerical PTS assessment with XFEM.
Storage Life and Surveillance of the 9975 Shipping Package
Authors: Hensel Steve J. , O’Grady Andrew J.
Published: November 2023

Plutonium oxide bearing materials stabilized and packaged per DOE-STD-3013 are currently stored at the US Department of Energy Savannah River Site (SRS) in the 9975 shipping package. Additionally, the 9975 package is used to store plutonium bearing materials in non-3013 containers (e.g. nested screw lid, slip lid and food pack can types of containers). The 9975 package was initially given a 10 year storage life. Field surveillance and laboratory studies of the 9975 non-metallic fiberboard and O-ring materials were used to justify a 15-year storage life as minor detectable degradation occurred. Subsequently, a 20-year and most recently a 40-year storage life was established by using degradation data as input to hypothetical design based accident event evaluations. For storage of non-3013 containers within the 9975 package the storage life is limited to 20 years.
Numerical Investigation for an Optimized Procedure of Overlay Welding Repair for the Metal Loss of Large-Scale Structures
Authors: Takahashi Junya , Yamauchi Yuki , Shibahara Masakazu
Published: November 2023

In this study, numerical analyses on the effects of the inter-pass time/temperature and welding pass order were conducted to optimize the welding procedure for reducing the deformation of the pressure equipment owing to multi-pass overlay welding repair. To predict the deformation, a large-scale thermal elastic-plastic analysis based on the Idealized explicit finite element method (IEFEM) was performed, wherein the multi-pass overlay welding repair for the external metal loss of a cylindrical body made of low-carbon steel was simulated. This method accomplished the large-scale computation of the analysis models with 235,236 elements and 18 or more welding passes within a practical duration. The analyses of various patterns of the welding order indicated an evident difference in deformation due to the overlay welding order. In addition, based on the deformation study with varying inter-pass temperatures, it was clarified that as the inter-pass temperature decreased, the deformation in the repaired part could be reduced. Further, the reduction effect peaked when the inter-pass temperature was less than a specific value. These results suggest that the deformation resulting from overlay welding repair could be reduced by controlling the inter-pass time and welding order. The concept for setting the optimal repair procedure is clarified.
A Round Robin Evaluation of Elastic-Plastic Strain Measures for Fatigue Analysis
Authors: Matusin Cory S. , Damiani Thomas M.
Published: November 2023

The rules for performing fatigue assessments of light water reactor pressure vessels and piping are found within Section III-NB and Appendix XIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC). These methods are primarily elastic, utilizing the Tresca-based stress intensity approach to resolve stress amplitudes and, using the design fatigue curve, calculate cumulative usage factors. Elastic-Plastic (EP) analysis rules are prescribed in Appendix XIII and can be used as an alternative fatigue methodology. Currently, Appendix XIII-3440(b) of Section III uses a numerically maximum principal total strain range criteria for EP fatigue analysis, but there are other methods available within other parts of the Code and elsewhere in literature to resolve the EP stress and strain histories for fatigue evaluation. A round robin analysis was organized by the authors to compare some of these alternative EP strain measures against each other and against available test data. Participants evaluated various strain measures for two test articles from a common set of geometry, mesh, and material property information, including prescription of the fatigue curves and environmental enhancement methods to be used in the calculations. The test articles were a thermally shocked stepped pipe and a thick perforated instrumentation ring, both of which have previously been published within the Pressure Vessels and Piping (PVP) Conference proceedings. This paper details the calculations performed by the participants and provides a comparison and contrast of the methods. These results were used to inform proposed changes to the fatigue analysis rules in ASME Section III Appendix XIII that are documented in a companion paper.
Effect of Compression Precracking on the Near Threshold Fatigue Crack Propagation in an AISI 316L Stainless Steel
Authors: Gualdron Plata Javier , Bonazzi Luis , Ruggieri Claudio
Published: November 2023

This work describes an alternative test procedure based on fatigue precracking under compression to mitigate the potential effects of crack closure on near-threshold fatigue data and, thus, to obtain more consistent and reliable ΔKth-values. The method relies on performing a compression precracking, in which both maximum and minimum loads are compressive, thereby resulting in a tensile residual stress field at the crack tip. Fatigue crack growth (FCG) tests conducted on an AISI 316L stainless steel provide the experimental data upon which the near-threshold fatigue crack growth rate data for different test techniques can be determined. Overall, the present investigation shows that combining the compression precracking technique with the utilization of non-standard bend specimens having increased span improves evaluation of the near-threshold fatigue crack growth rate data for the tested AISI 316L steel, thereby providing more accurate ΔKth-values.
Response Combination Method Between Dynamic, High Frequency and Pseudo-Static Responses With Floor Response Spectrum Method Assisted by Time History Analysis for Multiply Supported Piping System
Authors: Yoshida Ayaka , Takayama Yoshihiro , Tsushima Toshiyuki , Hioki Hiroaki , Shudo Hiromichi
Published: November 2023

The independent support motion (ISM) response spectrum method is currently used for multiply supported nuclear piping system. This method requires calculating and combining maximum values of following three responses excited by independent inputs of support excitations: the dynamic response of each mode below the cutoff frequency, the rigid response of the high frequency mode above the cutoff frequency (high frequency response), and the pseudo-static response due to relative displacement at the support point. Here, although the maximum values of each response rarely occur simultaneously, it is difficult to combine each maximum response appropriately because phase information is lost in the response spectrum analysis method. NUREG-1061 issued by the U.S. NRC proposes, based on the analysis results of many multiply supported piping systems, a method that mainly uses the absolute sum rule when combining the maximum values of the dynamic responses by multiple excitations and the SRSS rule when combining the maximum value of the pseudo-static response with the dynamic response. Even with this method, however, it is difficult to avoid excessive overestimation.

The authors have already developed an analysis method for multiply supported piping systems, named SATH method (Spectrum method Assisted by Time History analysis), which combines the maximum value of each dynamic response by each excitation considering the correlation between each response, and have presented it in ASME PVP2020, etc. Then, the SATH method has been improved to add the function that considers the correlation coefficients to the combination of the maximum values of the dynamic response, the high frequency response and the pseudo-static response using the time history acceleration and the time history displacement of each support excitation.

In this paper, the combination method between the dynamic response, the high frequency response and the pseudo-static response in the SATH method is explained, and the advantages of the SATH method is confirmed by comparing the analysis results by the SATH method, by the currently used analysis method (NUREG-1061 method) and by the time history analysis method. The SATH method is found to yield results close to those of the time history analysis method and to avoid excessive overestimation.
Steam-Generator Grade P91 Steel Component Weld Creep-Assessment
Authors: Grisolia Ottaviano , Scano Lorenzo , Piccini Francesco , Lo Conte Antonietta , De Agostinis Massimiliano , Fini Stefano
Published: November 2023

Present study extends the investigation previously carried out on a P91 tee to two of the three component’s welds. Previous studies included both creep analysis and infield tests; component considered is the outflow tubing / manifold tee of the superheater harp, steam generator high-temperature-section. Creep simulation requires extraction of constituent law’s coefficients for the P91 weld metal. Analytical methods base on creep strain and strain rate data. As an alternative to their experimental derivation from an ex-service welded-material sample, present study benefits from literature data availability. Specifically, they come from rupture creep-tests on cross-weld P91 specimens at 600°C and 650°C; the weld sample consisted of as-fabricated P91 two plates, welded by a V-butt joint. Stresses selected are above, close to the operation maximum considered in the analysis. Coherently, instead of the outflow-tube / manifold tee-weld, study now considers the butt joint weld on manifold and the outflow tube. It adopted this choice also for economy of the simulation, weld creep damage calculated through both Larson-Miller theory and Monkman-Grant relation. Comparison of LMP (stress) data from literature sources (base-metal minimum-LMP and weld-metal) shows good consistency. For the manifold’s weld, API 579-1 and FEM stress analysis have predicted expended life percentage of 24%. For the outflow tube’s weld, master curve method and manual stress analysis have predicted similar expended life percentage.
Analysis of the Effect of Pre-Crack Curvature in Mini-C(T) Specimen on Fracture Toughness Evaluation
Authors: Shimodaira Masaki , Ha Yoosung , Takamizawa Hisashi , Katsuyama Jinya , Onizawa Kunio
Published: November 2023

The appropriate test method for determination of reference temperature (To) using the Master Curve is necessary for the structural integrity assessment of the reactor pressure vessel, prescribed in ASME CC N-830-1 and JEAC4206-2016. To can be determined using the fracture toughness test specimen, such as miniature C(T) (Mini-C(T)), following ASTM E1921 or JEAC4216, which prescribe the test method including pre-crack straightness criteria. Part of the requirements in the ASTM E1921 were revised after a decade. Additionally, the ASTM’s allowable crack front curvature of the specimen has become different from that of the JEAC. Given that the pre-crack curvature of the Mini-C(T) specimen might affect the To determination because of the variation of the plastic constraint. Herein, we evaluated the effect of the crack curvature on the fracture toughness (KJc) evaluation or To determination using the Mini-C(T). The finite element analyses (FEAs), including the Weibull stress analysis, were employed to provide quantitative information on the requirement of the pre-crack curvature in ASTM E1921 and JEAC4216. FEAs revealed that the specimen with an upper limit on the curvature decreased the plastic constraint, indicating a higher KJc value. The Weibull stress analysis showed that the straightness requirement according to JEAC4216-2015 was reasonable for the To determination. However, when the specimens with upper limit crack curvature per ASTM E1921-21 were used for To determination, the To was lowered significantly.
Influence of Aspect Ratio of Sheets on Flutter Characteristics
Authors: Hiroaki Keiichi , Watanabe Masahiro
Published: November 2023

Thin flexible sheets are used in numerous engineering applications, e. g. polarizing films and papers. In their manufacturing processes, the sheets subjected to high-speed fluid flow. Then, the flutter is caused to the sheet due to the interaction of fluid flow and sheet motion. The violent fluttering motion can cause serious damage to the sheet such as winkles and scattering of coated liquid on the sheet. Thus, a deeper understanding of flutter characteristics is crucial to avoid the flutter. In this study, the influence of an aspect ratio (ratio of chord and span length) of sheet, that is, three-dimensional effect on flutter characteristics (flutter velocity and amplitude) is investigated by a nonlinear analysis. A nonlinear fluid-structure interaction model is developed. The sheet is modeled as a cantilevered two-dimensional beam. The nonlinearity due to large deformation is considered in the modeling. Moreover, the fluid force acting on the sheet surface is calculated by the three-dimensional vortex-lattice method based on potential flow to consider span-wise distribution of the fluid force. Flutter amplitudes (amplitudes under limit cycle oscillation) are calculated varying the flow velocity. Following results are obtained in the present study: (1) The flutter amplitudes become large as the aspect ratio of the sheet increases. (2) The flutter velocity tends to decrease as the aspect ratio of the sheet increases.