bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Nonrecyclable Plastics on Asphalt Binders and Mixtures
Authors: Alhadidi Yusra I. , Al-Qadi Imad L. , Mohamed Ali Uthman , García Mainieri Javier J. , Sharma Brajendra K.
Published: May 2024

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene (PS) were evaluated for incorporation as binder additives to enhance the potential performance of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures, as well as addressing global rising concerns over nonrecyclable plastics accumulation. Incorporation of LDPE and PS in asphalt binder resulted in an increase in its complex moduli over a range of temperatures and frequencies, as determined using frequency sweep (FS) and linear amplitude sweep (LAS) tests. AC performance tests were conducted, including the Hamburg wheel-tracking test (HWTT) to assess potential rutting, the Illinois flexibility index test (I-FIT) to determine cracking potential, the indirect tensile strength test (ITS) to assess moisture susceptibility, and the dynamic modulus for structural capacity. Two control AC mixes were designed, utilizing aggregates from different sources. For each AC mix, the aggregate blend and binder content were kept constant, with only the binder type changed. LDPE and PS were added through a wet process in one mix. Dry and wet processes were used in the other mix. Waste plastics–modified AC mixes, in both wet and dry processes, exhibited reduced rutting potential. However, the cracking potential and moisture damage susceptibility varied, depending on the modified AC mix. The addition of waste plastics had no impact on AC dynamic modulus. The results for waste plastics–modified AC mixes were compared with those for styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)–modified AC mixes. While waste plastics modification provided improvement over the control mixes, the performance fell short of that of the double-pump SBS-modified mix.
Rethinking Consanguineous Marriages in a Diasporic Setting: A Case Study of ar-Rashidiyya Kinship Community in Germany
Authors: Jaraba Mahmoud
Published: May 2024

This article explores the changing landscape of consanguineous marriages among Germany's ar-Rashidiyya community, originally from Turkey's Mardin province. The study employs ethnographic methods to understand how younger members are questioning entrenched marital norms, influenced by factors like migration, education, familial conflicts, individualism, and health concerns. Challenging misconceptions linking these practices to ‘clan crime,’ the article delves into the nuanced relationship between cultural tradition and individual agency. It concludes that consanguineous marriages within the community are no longer rigid practices, but are becoming increasingly adaptable due to both internal community dynamics and wider societal influences.
Improved gastric residence time of famotidine by raft-forming drug delivery system using DOE
Authors: Munusamy Rajalakshmi , Shanmugasundharam Sangeetha
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study investigated the raft-forming suspension of famotidine as an anti-reflux formulation to improve the oral bioavailability of narrow absorption window drugs by enhancing gastric residence time (GRT) and preventing gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Method

Various combinations of raft-forming agents, such as Tragacanth gum (TG), guar gum (GG), and xanthan gum (XG), were evaluated alongside sodium alginate (SA) to develop an effective raft. Preformulation studies and preliminary screening were conducted to identify the most suitable raft-forming agent, and GG was chosen due to its mucilaginous properties. The formulation was optimized using a 32 full factorial design, with the quantities of GG and SA as independent factors and apparent viscosity and in-vitro drug release (%) as dependent factors. The in vivo floating behavior study was performed for optimized and stabilized formulation.

Results

Among the tested batches, F6 was selected as the optimized formulation. It exhibited desirable characteristics such as adequate raft weight for extended floating in gastric fluid, improved apparent viscosity, and a significant percentage of drug release at 12 h. A mathematical model was applied to the in-vitro data to gain insights into the drug release mechanism of the formulation. The stability of the suspension was assessed under accelerated conditions, and it demonstrated satisfactory stability. The formulation remains floating in the Rabbit stomach for more than 12 h.

Conclusion

It concludes that the developed formulation has enhanced bioavailability in the combination of GG and SA. The floating layer of the raft prevents acid reflux, and the famotidine is retained for an extended period of time in the gastric region, preventing excess acid secretion. The developed formulations are effective for stomach ulcers and GERD, with the effect of reducing acid secretion by H2 receptor antagonists.
Controlling performance of semiactive suspension with two methods of fuzzy-control and machine-learning
Authors: Zhou Zhihong , Liu Yang , Xu Huichuan , Zha Jili , Chen Hanxin
Published: May 2024

Two different methods of Fuzzy-control and Machine-learning are proposed to control the vehicle’s semiactive suspensions. To control performance of semiactive suspensions using machine learning (SS-ML) and semiactive suspensions using fuzzy control (SS-FC), a half-vehicle model has been established to calculate and simulate vibration equations under random road surfaces from ISO A-class to F-class. Via map of control rule data in SS-FC established at roads ISO A-class, B-class, …, and F-class, SS-ML’s Neuro-Adaptive-Learning has been trained for learning these control rules. The results obtained indicate that under the same road surface excitation of ISO C-class, the control performance of SS-FC and SS-ML is equivalent., and the vehicle’s comfort level using both SS-FC and SS-ML is very well improved in comparison with passive suspensions without control (PS-WC) of the vehicle. Under a mixed road surface from ISO A-class to F-class and a change range of the vehicle’s moving velocity from 2.5 m s−1 to 35m s−1 used for simulation, the vehicle’s comfort level using SS-ML is better than vehicle’s comfort level using SS-FC. Especially, the root mean square values of displacements and accelerations in vertical and pitch directions of the vehicle body with SS-ML are smaller than that of SS-FC by 13.4%, 23.2%, 20.7%, and 14.3%, respectively. Therefore, the control performance of SS-ML is better than SS-FC, and it should be used to control the vehicle’s semiactive suspensions for enhancing the comfort level.
Control of separation flows of turbine-blade-tip turbines by splitter blades
Authors: Zhao Tianxiao , Jiang Zhenyu , Mo Guangyu , Wang GuoJie , Gao Jie
Published: May 2024

Gas turbines cannot be directly reversed, and the astern operation of gas turbines still requires additional power transmission equipment to be achieved. To compensate for this deficiency, the application of turbine-blade-tip turbine in gas turbines was proposed. Turbine-blade-tip turbines have the characteristics of extremely low solidity and extremely high diameter-span ratio. Compared with conventional turbine blades, the capacity of turbine blades to restrain gas flow is greatly weakened, the separation flow is obvious when going astern, resulting in low efficiency. For the control problem of low solidity turbine-blade-tip turbines separation flow, a splitter blade control strategy is selected to suppress the separation flow. Adding a splitter blade between original rotor blades effectively improves the ability of rotor blades to restrain gas flow, significantly reduces separation phenomena, and significantly improves efficiency. As the axial chord length of the splitter blade shortens, the inhibitory effect on the separation flow decreases, and the ability of splitter blades to improve the efficiency gradually descends.
Acacetin inhibits activation of microglia to improve neuroinflammation after subarachnoid hemorrhage through the PERK signaling pathway mediated autophagy
Authors: Liu Ying , Tang Jianhua , Hou Yiwei , Li Lu , Li Wenna , Yu Ling , Wang Xue , Sui Changbai
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To explore the effect of acacetin on subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and its possible mechanism.

Methods

SAH model of rat was established, and intraperitoneally injected with three doses of acacetin. To verify the role of PERK pathway, we used the CCT020312 (PERK inhibitor) and Tunicamycin (activators of endoplasmic reticulum stress). The SAH score, neurological function score, brain edema content, and Evans blue (EB) exudate were evaluated. Western blot was used to determine the expression of inflammation-associated proteins and PERK pathway. The activation of microglia was also determined through Iba-1 detection. TEM and immunofluorescence staining of LC3B were performed to observe the autophagy degree of SAH rats after acacetin. Tunel/NeuN staining, HE and Nissl’ staining were performed for neuronal damage.

Results

Acacetin increased the neurological function score, reduce brain water content, Evans blue exudation and SAH scores. The microglia in cerebral cortex were activated after SAH, while acacetin could inhibit its activation, and decreased the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 proteins. The pathological staining showed the severe neuronal damage and increased neuronal apoptosis after SAH, while acacetin could improve these pathological changes. We also visualized the alleviated autophagy after acacetin. The expression of Beclin1 and ATF4 proteins were increased, but acacetin could inhibit them. Acacetin also inactivated PERK pathway, which could improve the neuronal injury and neuroinflammation after SAH, inhibit the microglia activation and the overactivated autophagy through PERK pathway.

Conclusion

Acacetin may alleviate neuroinflammation and neuronal damage through PERK pathway, thus having the protective effect on EBI after SAH.
Acupuncture knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and health service needs after traumatic brain injury: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Sodders Mark D , Deshpande Shyam J , Dusek Jeffery A , Bradley Ryan , Vavilala Monica S
Published: May 2024

Background:

Acupuncture is a promising treatment for common symptoms after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our objectives were to explore knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about acupuncture, identify health service needs and assess the perceived feasibility of weekly acupuncture visits among individuals with TBI.

Methods:

We surveyed adults 18 years of age and older with TBI who received care at the University of Washington. Respondents were asked to complete 143 questions regarding acupuncture knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, injury-related symptoms and comorbidities, and to describe their interest in weekly acupuncture.

Results:

Respondents (n = 136) reported a high degree of knowledge about acupuncture as a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, needle use and safety, but were less knowledgeable regarding that the fact that most conditions require multiple acupuncture treatments to achieve optimal therapeutic benefit. Respondents were comfortable talking with healthcare providers about acupuncture (63.4%), open to acupuncture concurrent with conventional treatments (80.6%) and identified lack of insurance coverage as a barrier (50.8%). Beliefs varied, but respondents were generally receptive to using acupuncture as therapy. Unsurprisingly, respondents with a history of acupuncture (n = 60) had more acupuncture knowledge than those without such a history (n = 66) and were more likely to pursue acupuncture without insurance (60%), for serious health conditions (63.3%) or alongside conventional medical therapy (85.0%). Half of all respondents expressed interest in participating in weekly acupuncture for up to 12 months and would expect almost a 50% improvement in symptoms by participating.

Conclusion:

Adults with TBI were receptive and interested in participating in weekly acupuncture to address health concerns. These results provide support for exploring the integration of acupuncture into the care of individuals with TBI.
Food Insecurity and Outpatient Care Utilization Among Indonesian Older Adults
Authors: Puspitasari Mardiana Dwi , Rahardja Mugia Bayu , Surbakti Indra Murty
Published: May 2024

This study aims to examine the complex relationship between household food insecurity and outpatient care utilization among Indonesian older adults. Individual-level data from the 2020 National Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS; n = 29 950 older adults aged 60 and over in poor self-rated health who are unable to do daily activities) and environmental-level data ( n = 84 096 villages in a data aggregation across 514 municipalities) from the 2021 Village Potential Data Census Collection Survey (PODES) are used in a two-level binary logistic regression model. Older adults who live in severely food insecure households (odds ratio [OR] 1.963) and lack of health insurance (OR 1.654) are more likely of not utilizing outpatient care. The interclass correlation coefficient value is 0.162, indicating that primary health care services in every village improve outpatient care utilization. Food insecurity is the major determinant of reduced likelihood of outpatient care utilization, which can be explained by household resource constraints.
Cholangiocarcinoma with carcinomatosis in a sugar glider
Authors: Williams Alyssa L. , Brum Rosa Fabio
Published: May 2024

A 7-y-old, castrated male, leucistic sugar glider ( Petaurus breviceps) was presented because of a progressive history of lethargy, ataxia, diarrhea, and anorexia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed fluid in the abdomen and an infiltrative mass in the liver. Due to a poor prognosis, euthanasia was performed. Postmortem examination revealed a focally extensive, infiltrative, off-white, firm mass in the liver with adhesion to the omentum, mesentery, gastric serosa, and diaphragm. The remaining hepatic parenchyma was diffusely yellow. Histologically, the hepatic mass was consistent with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma (cholangiocellular carcinoma) with proliferation of neoplastic epithelial cells surrounded by marked desmoplasia. Neoplastic cells expanded and infiltrated the adjacent omentum, mesentery, and the serosal surfaces of the stomach, kidney, and small and large intestines. To our knowledge, cholangiocarcinoma has not been reported previously in a sugar glider.
Locked in Tradition: Upholding Child Marriage Practice in East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopian
Authors: Baynesagn Ashenafi Hagos , Maru Wubie Tsion
Published: May 2024

Although many community members realize the adverse legal and health effects of child marriage, they continue to engage in it. This qualitative study examines the factors that keep community members locked in the tradition of child marriage and thereby illuminates how traditions perpetuate child marriage and make it difficult to control. Thematic analysis and categorization of data (from 21 female child marriage victims, seven key local informants, and four focus group discussions) into five major themes reveal that parents covertly undertake child marriage because they view it as a rite of passage, safety measure, and a way to gain acceptance from their respective groups. Vital registration, law revision, and strengthening of local associations are recommended to stop child marriages.
Analysis of Barriers to Medical Opioid Pain Medication Using the Japanese Version of the Barriers Questionnaire II (JBQ-II): Pharmacists and Nurses Perspective in Japan
Authors: Chisaki Yugo , Oomoto Mika , Sakurano Yuika , Imanishi Takashi
Published: May 2024

Background

Some Japanese patients with cancer pain have negative beliefs regarding opioid therapy. The Japanese version of the Barriers Questionnaire II (JBQ-II) determines barriers to cancer pain management. Few studies reported JBQ-II scores in Japan, and none focused on pharmacists. Accordingly, we aimed to explore the relationship between health care professionals’ knowledge of and willingness to use opioids, and their JBQ-II scores. Additionally, the variances in JBQ-II scores among nurses, hospital pharmacists, and pharmacy pharmacists were assessed.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey employed the JBQ-II for nurses and pharmacists in hospitals and pharmacies across Japan. Participants were requested to respond to the JBQ-II concerning their affiliation, knowledge of opioid analgesics, and willingness to utilize these drugs for medical practice.

Results

A total of 55 hospital pharmacists, 25 pharmacy pharmacists, and 24 nurses responded to the survey. The group-knowledgeable about medical use of narcotics had significantly lower total JBQ-II scores (25.43, standard deviation [SD]: 15.11) than those had by the group with insufficient knowledge (34.50, SD: 18.41). There was no statistically significant difference in total JBQ-II scores among those willing to use opioids medically. The total JBQ-II scores of hospital pharmacists, pharmacy pharmacists, and nurses were 31.00 (SD: 15.11), 33.96 (SD: 19.25), and 27.21 (SD: 15.56), respectively. However, the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Health care professionals in Japan with knowledge about opioids for medical purposes had a significantly lower total JBQ-II score than those with insufficient knowledge. Thus, health care professionals’ knowledge plays a crucial role in reducing barriers to using narcotic drugs.
The Effects of Collectivism and Organizational Tenure on the Emergence of Pre-Release Digital Piracy
Authors: Massimino Brett , Handley Sean
Published: May 2024

As businesses increasingly move into digital domains, digital piracy has become more prevalent and more costly. Pre-release piracy, where pirated versions of digital products are distributed before legitimate ones, remains particularly damaging to digital product developers. Although workers’ social norms may play a critical role, limited research exists on the behavioral factors that intentionally or unintentionally contribute to pre-release piracy, particularly when considering multinational nuances (e.g., national cultures) and workers’ experience (e.g., organizational tenure). To address this gap, we develop and test an empirical model of how national culture and organizational tenure jointly predict the likelihood of pre-release piracy. Our empirical analyses employ a dataset compiled from more than 20 distinct sources and capture the electronic video game industry's PC-based products from 2000 through 2019. For national culture, we focus on two forms of collectivism—institutional and in-group—finding that institutional collectivism is associated with a reduced likelihood of pre-release piracy, while in-group collectivism increases it. We also find that the likelihood of pre-release piracy reduces with a product development team's organizational tenure, but that this relationship is distinctively moderated by each of collectivism's two forms. Specifically, the benefits of increased organizational tenure are amplified in the presence of stronger institutional collectivism but muted in the presence of stronger in-group collectivism. We link our findings to research streams on national culture, digital piracy, and organizational tenure, and specify contributions to each.
Crowd-Starting a Shared (Shuttle) Service With Customer Suggestions
Authors: He Long , Ni Tu
Published: May 2024

Digital platforms have improved the efficiency and quality of smart city operations by soliciting more customer inputs, for example, in the form of suggestions. One innovative option in urban transportation is the shared shuttle service, which lies between traditional public transportation and ride-hailing services. Platforms that offer these services can gather customer suggestions in a “crowd-starting” manner, which provides valuable insights into customer needs. However, this also presents a challenge in balancing service coverage and quality to meet customer needs implied by their suggestions. To address this issue, we introduce an optimization framework designed to maximize expected profit by leveraging customer response models which characterize how customers will respond to different service attributes and how their suggestions inform these responses. When estimating these response models, we present methods involving isotonic penalty and shrinkage tailored for handling small datasets. To demonstrate the practical implications, we apply our model to a shared shuttle service case study and discuss practical considerations, such as the value of information, the effectiveness of our estimation approaches, and the benefits of involving customers in the service design process.
Influence of Mobility Constraints and Educational Experiences on Future Decent Work Access Among Chinese Emerging Adults
Authors: Wei Jingyi , Chan Sow Hup Joanne , Gao Hanyu
Published: May 2024

Drawing on the Psychology of Working Theory, the present study investigates whether and how mobility constraints and educational experiences predict access to future decent work among two samples of Chinese undergraduates. The results reveal that educational experiences are directly related to future decent work access, while also indirectly linked to future decent work access via career adaptability and work volition, respectively. In addition, both objective and subjective mobility constraints are not associated with future decent work access, yet they are indirectly linked to future decent work access through career adaptability and work volition, respectively. Moreover, subjective mobility constraints but not objective mobility constraints are indirectly linked to future decent work access through educational experiences. The results provide empirical evidence for the recent expansion of decent education and of the school-to-work transition expansion of the Psychology of Working Theory.
A Qualitative Exploration of Chinese Rural College Students’ Career Development: A Psychology of Working Perspective
Authors: Wan Wei , Xiong Qing
Published: May 2024

Rural college youth encounter numerous challenges in securing decent education and work. However, there has been scant research on their career development from a vocational psychology perspective. Drawing from the Psychology of Working Theory (PWT), we examined the contextual and personal factors that shape their work volition and perceptions of future decent work. We conducted semistructural interviews with 12 Chinese rural college students and employed Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) method to analyze the data. Our findings revealed that their vocational barriers included economic constraints, inadequate educational resources, limited access to decent internship opportunities, and lack of study-related electronics. However, their coping stratgies to overcome these constraints included social support, notably from teachers, as well as positive attributes such as critical consciousness and proactive personality. Regarding future employment, participants valued job stability, a balance between work and life, the ability to provide for their families, and displayed prosocial and growth orientations. These findings provided support for the applicability of PWT in understanding the vocational trajectories of rural college students in a non-Western context. The implications of these findings for future research and vocational interventions are discussed.
Effect of Elevated Blood Glucose on Postoperative Complications Among Diabetic Patients After Surgical Treatment of Torsional Ankle Fracture
Authors: Chen Dong , Liu Shenghe , Liu Pei , Song Wenqi
Published: May 2024

Background:

This study aims to evaluate the association of elevated blood glucose and postoperative complications among diabetic patients after surgical treatment of torsional ankle fracture.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study of consecutive diabetic patients treated surgically for a torsional ankle injury between January 2017 and December 2021 at a large tertiary hospital. All patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into a high-HbA1c group or a low-HbA1c group according to the HbA1c cutoff of 7.0% within 3 months of operation, then a propensity score match was performed to control potential confounding factors. The primary outcomes were postoperative complications, and secondary outcomes were unplanned secondary procedures.

Results:

A matched cohort of 238 patients was finally included, with 119 patients with high HbA1c levels and 119 with low HbA1c levels. Patients with high HbA1c levels experienced more complications (31.1% vs 18.5%, P < .01) and more secondary procedures (22.7% and 8.4%, P < .01) than those with low HbA1c levels. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that patients with high HbA1c levels were significantly associated with higher proportions of any complications (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.08-4.69; P = .03), superficial infection (OR 4.03, 95% CI 2.13-5.41; P < .01), deep infection (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.23-2.02; P < .01), and any unplanned secondary operations (OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.62-8.52; P < .01) compared with those with low HbA1c levels after controlling for potential confounders. Multivariate linear regression showed that high HbA1c levels were significantly associated with a higher number of complications (β = 4.61, 95% CI 2.63-18.18; P < .01) and a higher number of secondary procedures (β = 4.44, 95% CI 2.79-10.87; P < .01).

Conclusion:

Patients with an HbA1c >7.0% within 3 months of operation are more likely to have a wound issue/infection and more likely to undergo a secondary procedure after surgical treatment of torsional ankle fractures in diabetic patients than patients with an HbA1c ≤7.0% within 3 months of operation.
Improved deep-learning rotor fault diagnosis based on multi vibration sensors and recurrence plots
Authors: Tarek Aroui , Sameh Marmouch
Published: May 2024

Deep learning techniques are increasingly applied to time series data, offering promising results in various fields. Deep learning techniques can handle data from multiple sensors to detect anomalies in an industrial environment. This paper proposes a new method of anomaly detection based on a multilayer image representation of different vibration sensors’ recurrence plots. Each sensor’s recurrence plot forms a layer. The performance and reliability of our method were assessed using an experimental database collected under different load conditions and with different types of rotor anomalies. Experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness of GoogLeNet using individual and multi-layered recurrence plots to find rotor faults in an induction motors.
Acute Coronary Syndrome at Altitude: Diagnostic Dilemma on Aconcagua Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Authors: Sullivan Chance , Brillhart Aaron , Duplessis Rodrigo J. , Stein Ellen , Schlein Sarah M.
Published: May 2024

At the Plaza de Mulas medical tent, located at 4300 m (14,100 ft) along the Normal Route to the 6960 m (22,837 ft) summit of Aconcagua in Argentina, a Korean male in his 50s with no known medical conditions presented with lightheadedness and shortness of breath. He had taken sildenafil and acetazolamide that morning without improvement. Vital signs on arrival were notable for oxygen saturations in the high 60s with basilar crackles on lung auscultation, concerning for high altitude pulmonary edema. The patient was started on oxygen via nasal cannula and given dexamethasone. History was limited secondary to language barriers, but on review of systems the patient noted mild chest pressure. Bedside cardiac echocardiogram was performed, which revealed a septal wall motion abnormality. The patient was therefore given aspirin and clopidogrel and was flown to a lower trailhead, where he was met by local Emergency Medical Services. A 12-lead electrocardiogram revealed an anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and the patient was taken emergently to the catheterization lab in Mendoza and underwent stent placement with a full recovery.
Using Cognitive Complexity to Understand Role-Play as a Pedagogical Tool in Graduate Evaluation Education
Authors: Harnar Michael A. , Prieur Allison M. , Ross Nelson Kari
Published: May 2024

In response to a call for more research on evaluator education, this paper explores the use of role-play as an in-class activity for students in a graduate course in evaluation. We describe the activity in detail and use the Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes taxonomy as a tool to describe the cognitive complexity of student responses in the activity. Using a collaborative autoethnographic approach, we found that the role-play activity provided the opportunity for students to exhibit knowledge of evaluation theories and for us to observe the complexity of their responses.
Hospitalized children experience: Play heroes to build bridges between hospital days and everyday life
Authors: Olsen Sunniva , Beck Malene , Boas Malene , Pedersen Anita , Nissen Jannie , Simonÿ Charlotte
Published: May 2024

Play has positive effects on children’s well-being and development. Play heroes, in Danish, called “Legeheltene”, have worked, for the last 7 years, to improve play and movement for hospitalized children in Danish hospitals. However, the significance of this novel Danish intervention is insufficiently researched. This phenomenological-hermeneutic study explored how children experience interacting with a play hero when hospitalized at a Danish paediatric unit. Combined observations and interviews were performed with children from two paediatric departments. Data were analyzed with inspiration from the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur. Three themes were identified: “A sense of familiarity,” “From loneliness to connectedness,” and “Becoming more powerful.” Children experience that interaction with play heroes is existentially meaningful. Through playful activities, children experience that they are connected to their daily lives outside the hospital and their true selves. Bridges to children’s everyday lives are built, leading to an improved sense of freedom, security, and the ability to manage difficult aspects of their hospital stay. Engagement with play heroes provides children with an experience of well-being and can be a positive direction in care provided to hospitalized children.
High-resolution frequency domain decomposition for modal analysis of bridges using train-induced free-vibrations
Authors: Chen Tao , Wang Qiang , Yao Xiao-Jun
Published: May 2024

Modal parameters are structural inherent characteristics that can be applied for revealing performance of railway bridges. Free vibration signals generated by a passage of train are commonly utilized to estimate the modal parameters of railway bridges due to their higher signal-to-noise ratios compared to random vibrations caused by ambient loads. However, since free vibration signals rapidly decay over time, the available free-vibration data is typically short-time. When using the fast Fourier transform-based spectral estimation method for modal identification from short-time vibration data, a phenomenon known as spectral leakage occurs, leading to miss-identification of some structural modes. In this study, the classical frequency domain decomposition (FDD) is improved for modal identification of railway bridges, in which the higher resolution auto-power spectral density (PSD) and cross-PSD functions are calculated through the autoregressive (AR) model-based method. The AR model-based method improves both the smoothness and resolution of the PSD functions compared to the fast Fourier transform technique. These AR model-based PSD functions are then employed in the FDD process to facilitate frequency and mode shape identification while avoiding spurious noise modes. The proposed eigenvalue fitting technique is subsequently utilized to estimate damping ratios. Numerical simulation data as well as vibration data from an actual bridge are analyzed to validate the proposed method, with a comparison made to the Welch’s PSD-based method. The results demonstrate that the modified FDD approach enables more effective identification of structural modes, even in the presence of closely-spaced modes.
Comparative analysis of track damping effect of structure jointly constructed by subway tunnels and high-rise buildings
Authors: Zhang Song , Liu Bo , Wang Kun , Yan Yinan , Fan Huanhuan , Pan Yue
Published: May 2024

The joint construction of subways and other public buildings is a relatively newer type of construction. There is little research experience in the vibration characteristics and track damping design for this type of structure. In this study, a field test was adopted to conduct site measurement analysis on the vibration response of the joint construction project consisting of a subway tunnel and a building with typical frame structures. Numerical simulation methods were also adopted to, respectively, assume the use of ordinary tracks and steel-spring floating slab tracks for the subway for the situation where the Cologne-egg high-elastic fasteners were used on the track for damping purposes. Comparisons were performed to analyze the difference in the system vibration response between three different types of track. The results showed that the high-elastic fastener track and floating slab track both have a certain degree of damping effect compared with an ordinary track. Specifically speaking, the former has a damping advantage for frequency bands below 20 Hz, while the latter has the advantage for frequency bands above 20 Hz under the impact of the structural vibration characteristics for this joint construction. For this jointly construction structure, affected by the natural vibration characteristics of the structure, the natural frequency of the floating slab track is within 4 ∼ 10 Hz, and the similar vibration reduction effect can be achieved. This indicates that the structural vibration characteristic of the jointly constructed structure is an important factor determining the appropriate natural frequency of the floating slab track.
Hunting stability control of high-speed bogie based on active yaw damper
Authors: Mao Rancheng , Zeng Jing , Wang Qunsheng , Wen Jinghan
Published: May 2024

Hunting stability is an inherent property of railway vehicles that determines the operational speed. This paper establishes a half-vehicle model with nonlinear wheel/rail equivalent conicity and interactive forces. Additionally, the dynamic performances of vehicle under various levels of wheel wear with passive suspension are compared and analyzed. Importantly, the investigation delves into the hunting stability of the vehicle system, employing both linear and nonlinear control approaches. The results demonstrate a notable reduction in critical speed during the end-worn period with a passive suspension. However, this reduction can be substantially countered through the application of active control, resulting in a significant speed increase. The implementation of stiffness control raises the frequency of limit cycles, whereas damping control serves to diminish it. Notably, an appropriate linear cubic stiffness control effectively mitigates the amplitudes of limit cycles during instances of instability. Moreover, the control strategy derived from the simplified model is extended to enhance the stability of the entire vehicle system. The research findings hold the potential to offer a promising strategy for the active control of high-speed vehicles, particularly during periods of wheel wear.
Generalized Shannon entropy sparse wavelet packet transform for fault detection of traction motor bearings in high-speed trains
Authors: Qin Limu , Yang Gang , He Wen
Published: May 2024

An effective structural health monitoring method of traction motor bearings is a powerful guarantee for the safety operation of high-speed trains. However, it is exceptionally difficult to detect bearing fault characteristics from the vibration signals of traction motor bearings operating at high rotational speeds. In this scenario, a generalized Shannon entropy sparse wavelet packet transform (GSWPT) for fault detection of motor bearings is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a generalized Shannon entropy sparse regularization method is proposed to obtain sparse wavelet reconstruction coefficients by extending the definition of the Shannon information entropy, and the non-convex sparse regularization function is minimized by synergistic swarm optimization algorithm. Then, the wavelet node coefficients are weighted according to the second-order cyclostationarity index of the wavelet packet node to further enhance the sparsity of the reconstructed signal. Moreover, the optimal decomposition level of GSWPT is adaptively selected by the maximum sparsity and cyclostationarity criterion. Particularly, in order to verify the bearing fault detection performance of GSWPT in practical engineering, a bearing fault dynamic model of traction motor in high-speed train was established based on Hertz contact theory and the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method to obtain simulated data under strong Gaussian white noise, and a corresponding test platform was constructed to collect experimental data under different operating conditions. Finally, the applications on the simulated and experimental signals of traction motor bearings in high-speed trains demonstrate that GSWPT significantly outperforms the conventional wavelet packet transform, dual-tree complex wavelet packet transform, blind deconvolution, modal decomposition, and Infogram methods to some extent for fault detection.
Endovascular Salvage of Type Ia and Ib Endoleaks Using a Physician-Modified Fenestrated/Branched Endograft and an Iliac Branch Device Via Unilateral Transfemoral Arterial Access
Authors: Gittinger Mackenzie , Nguyen Trung , Jokisch Christine , Parikh Rajavi S. , Shames Murray , Arnaoutakis Dean J.
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

This study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a unilateral transfemoral access endovascular salvage technique for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms with concurrent type Ia and Ib endoleaks following previous endovascular repair.

Case Report:

A 69-year-old female with multiple comorbidities presented with an extent IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm complicated by type Ia and Ib endoleaks and chronically occluded left iliac endoprosthesis after prior endovascular repair. Given the patient’s medical complexities, open explant repair was deemed high risk. The case was successfully managed using a physician-modified fenestrated/branched endograft (PM-F/BEVAR) and an iliac branch device (IBD) deployed through a single percutaneous transfemoral access.

Conclusion:

The presented case demonstrates the safety and efficacy of PM-F/BEVAR with concomitant IBD deployment via unilateral transfemoral access. This innovative approach allows endovascular salvage in cases with restricted iliofemoral access and avoids the complexities associated with upper extremity or aortic arch manipulation. While acknowledging the technical challenges, this technique offers a viable alternative for salvaging failed endovascular repairs, emphasizing the importance of real-time modifications in achieving successful outcomes. Further studies and long-term follow-up are warranted to validate the broader applicability and durability of this approach in the management of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms with multiple endoleaks.

Clinical Impact

Although not the conventional approach, unilateral transfemoral access can be utilized to implant either a physician-modified fenestrated aortic endograft or an iliac branch device. Such an approach avoids complicating issues related to upper extremity access. This innovative technique may be necessary when there is a failed prior EVAR in the setting of significant contralateral iliofemoral occlusive disease. Doing both procedures in the same setting to resolve a type Ia and Ib endoleak is feasible as demonstrated in this case report. Expanding the endovascular armamentarium to address EVAR failure will be increasingly useful in the future, especially given the morbidity profile of EVAR explantation.
“Inter-Inner-Personal Archives: Pandemic-Induced Introspection and Television Studies (A Dialogue)”
Authors: Thompson Jalen , Miller Quinlan
Published: May 2024

The way we do television studies changes with ongoing innovation; digital media and successive phases of subscription pay TV have complicated our work for the better. Additional contextual complexity in TV delivery, and the related notion of TV as a medium in perpetual identity crisis, contribute to experiences especially vivid in terms of pandemic pressures. This essay shares our collaboration from the Summer of 2020 through January 2021. We synthesize email correspondence and our many Zoom meetings discussing pandemic-inflected topics including sitcom redistribution and sports, weaving these conversations into an “inner-personal archive” combining individual history and notes on experience with in-depth television criticism. The essay explores how we as television scholars refer to the archive, and how we relate to archives that are becoming subsumed into the digital. It uses a conversational format to deconstruct, decolonize, and demonstrate the process of narrating the archive, capturing our struggle to grasp recent changes in television viewing while overwhelmed with loss, betrayal, and pain.
“‘As In Life, So in Drama’: COVID, the NHS and the ‘Very Special’ Return of Casualty”
Authors: Hamad Hannah
Published: May 2024

In January 2021 the BBC continuing medical drama Casualty (1986-present) returned to UK television screens for the start of its thirty-fifth series, with the premiere serving as the first episode of the show to have been produced and broadcast since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused production to stop suddenly in March 2020. It was, in many ways, a “Very Special Episode,” and not least because it was the first new episode of the series to be seen by audiences for four months. Set during spring and summer of 2020, the episode begins with a title card that reads “June 2020. Days into the lockdown: 90.” This article takes the position that this first episode of Casualty to screen on UK television following the March 2020 production shutdown (Ritman 2020) is productively understood as a “Very Special Episode” (VSE), with a view to arguing for its status as quietly radical television.
Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Stage III C Cervical Cancer Patients Treated with Radical Radiotherapy or Radiochemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Wenting , Yu Hong , Xiu Yuting , Meng Fanxu , Wang Zhuo , Zhao Kangkang , Wang Yunlong , Chen Zhishen , Liu Juntian , Chen Jie , Sun Baosheng
Published: May 2024

Objective: Since the update of the 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging criteria, there have been few reports on the prognosis of stage III C cervical cancer. Moreover, some studies have drawn controversial conclusions, necessitating further verification. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes and determine the prognostic factors for stage III C cervical cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. Methods: The data of 117 stage III C cervical cancer patients (98 III C1 and 19 III C2) who underwent radical radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. We evaluated 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) using the Kaplan–Meier method. Prognostic factors were analyzed using the Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard regression model. The risk of para-aortic lymph node metastasis (LNM) in all patients was assessed through Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis. Results: For stage III C1 and III C2 patients, the 3-year OS rates were 77.6% and 63.2% ( P = .042), and the 3-year DFS rates were 70.4% and 47.4% ( P = .003), respectively. The pretreatment location of pelvic LNM, histological type, and FIGO stage was associated with OS ( P = .033, .003, .042, respectively); the number of pelvic LNM and FIGO stage were associated with DFS ( P = .015, .003, respectively). The histological type was an independent prognostic indicator for OS, and the numbers of pelvic LNM and FIGO stage were independent prognostic indicators for DFS. Furthermore, a pelvic LNM largest short-axis diameter ≥ 1.5 cm and the presence of common iliac LNM were identified as high-risk factors influencing para-aortic LNM in stage III C patients ( P = .046, .006, respectively). Conclusions: The results of this study validated the 2018 FIGO staging criteria for stage III C cervical cancer patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy. These findings may enhance our understanding of the updated staging criteria and contribute to better management of patients in stage III C.
Interrelationship of Sleep Disturbances and Cognitive Status on Mortality
Authors: Mattos Meghan K. , Zawar Ifrah , Manning Carol , Patrie James , Quigg Mark S.
Published: May 2024

Sleep disturbances may promote the development and advancement of Alzheimer’s disease. Our purpose was to determine if sleep disturbances were associated with earlier mortality while accounting for cognition. The National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center database was used to evaluate mortality risk conferred by sleep, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score determined cognitive status. Demographics, sleep disturbances, cognitive status, and comorbid/other neuropsychiatric conditions were examined as predictors of survival time via Cox regression. The sample (N = 31,110) had a median age [interquartile range] of 72 [66, 79] years, MoCA score of 23 [16, 26], and survival time of 106.0 months [104.0,108.0]; 10,278 (33%) died during follow-up; 21% (n = 6461) experienced sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances impacted survival time depending on cognition, with the greatest effect in transition from normal to cognitive impairment ( P < .001). Findings support that sleep disturbances negatively impact survival time, and the impact of sleep disturbances on survival time is interrelated with cognition.
Wild Seizing Gliomas! Time-Dependent Characteristics and Prognosis of Glioblastoma-Related Epilepsy
Authors: Feyissa Anteneh M.
Published: May 2024

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Stereo-EEG Planning: Hitting the Target but Missing the Point?
Authors: Agashe Shruti
Published: May 2024

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Origins of Deed Restrictions in the United States: The Case of Early-Nineteenth Century Boston
Authors: Whittemore Andrew H.
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the context, precedents, contents, distribution, and socio-economic ramifications of deed restrictions in early-nineteenth century Boston, reviewing examples of restrictions’ use and a comprehensive survey of the 1800–1839 deeds of five grantors. It shows how Boston’s government and then private land developers began using deed restrictions in regards to building use, materials, height, and bulk in select geographies during this period. They did so to guarantee prestigious and stable home and work environments to wealthy consumers in the fast-changing urban context, in turn bringing into existence a prized and exclusive stratum of urban residential and commercial property.