bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapeamento virtual de fraturas para análise estrutural quantitativa em análogo de reservatório carbonático
Authors: Silva Luana Sousa da , La Bruna Vincenzo , Araújo Renata Emily Brito de , Bezerra Francisco Hilário Rego , Medeiros Walter Eugênio
Published: June 2024

Os reservatórios carbonáticos representam entre 50 e 60 % das reservas mundiais de hidrocarbonetos. Diante da presença de fraturas e processos de dissolução, as rochas podem ter suas propriedades petrofísicas alteradas. No presente estudo, utilizaram-se rochas carbonáticas fraturadas e carstificadas, da Formação Jandaíra – Bacia Potiguar, como um análogo deste tipo de reservatório, e foram selecionados três afloramentos localizados no Lajedo Arapuá, em Felipe Guerra/RN, doravante designados Arapuá I, II e III. Os objetivos da pesquisa consistem em: caracterizar os atributos das fraturas mapeadas; identificar a possível influência de estruturas pré-existentes no desenvolvimento destas fraturas e discutir as implicações destes atributos nas propriedades de armazenamento e migração de fluidos dos reservatórios carbonáticos. Os objetivos foram alcançados por meio dos seguintes métodos: imageamento com Veículo Aéreo Não Tripulado (VANT), aquisições de linhas de varredura (scanlines) e áreas de varredura (scanareas). Os dados estruturais coletados foram processados para a obtenção dos valores de P20 (intensidade), P21 (densidade) e P10 (frequência) e, realização de estudos estatísticos e topológicos. Foi identificada uma variação nos parâmetros citados em relação aos setores do lajedo, e a proximidade da charneira da dobra Apodi, disposta paralelamente a um corredor de fraturas NE-SW. É possível verificar um aumento no grau de deformação e conectividade entre os elementos estruturais com a proximidade da zona da charneira, ocorrendo agrupamento (clusters) de fraturas associadas aos sets N-S e NW-SE. As características identificadas, associadas a estudos anteriores na região, ressaltam o expressivo controle exercido pelos elementos estruturais sobre as propriedades petrofísicas destas rochas, demonstrando a presença de uma zona de alta permeabilidade próxima à charneira e ao corredor de fraturas.
Serum Calcification Propensity Is Increased in Myocardial Infarction and Hints at a Pathophysiological Role Independent of Classical Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Mencke Rik , Al Ali Lawien , de Koning Marie-Sophie L.Y. , Pasch Andreas , Minnion Magdalena , Feelisch Martin , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , van der Horst Iwan C.C. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , de Borst Martin H. , van Goor Harry , van der Harst Pim , Lipsic Erik , Hillebrands Jan-Luuk
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Vascular calcification is associated with increased mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Secondary calciprotein particles are believed to play a causal role in the pathophysiology of vascular calcification. The maturation time (T
50
) of calciprotein particles provides a measure of serum calcification propensity. We compared T
50
between patients with ST-segment–elevated myocardial infarction and control subjects and studied the association of T
50
with cardiovascular risk factors and outcome.

METHODS:

T
50
was measured by nephelometry in 347 patients from the GIPS-III trial (Metabolic Modulation With Metformin to Reduce Heart Failure After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Glycometabolic Intervention as Adjunct to Primary Coronary Intervention in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: a Randomized Controlled Trial) and in 254 matched general population controls from PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease). We also assessed the association between T
50
and left ventricular ejection fraction, as well as infarct size, the incidence of ischemia-driven reintervention during 5 years of follow-up, and serum nitrite as a marker of endothelial dysfunction.

RESULTS:

Patients with ST-segment–elevated myocardial infarction had a significantly lower T
50
(ie, higher serum calcification propensity) compared with controls (T
50
: 289±63 versus 338±56 minutes;
P
<0.001). In patients with ST-segment–elevated myocardial infarction, lower T
50
was associated with female sex, lower systolic blood pressure, lower total cholesterol, lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and higher HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol but not with circulating nitrite or nitrate. Ischemia-driven reintervention was associated with higher LDL (
P
=0.03) and had a significant interaction term for T
50
and sex (
P
=0.005), indicating a correlation between ischemia-driven reintervention and T
50
above the median in men and below the median in women, between 150 days and 5 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

Serum calcification propensity is increased in patients with ST-segment–elevated myocardial infarction compared with the general population, and its contribution is more pronounced in women than in men. Its lack of/inverse association with nitrite and blood pressure confirms T
50
to be orthogonal to traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. Lower T
50
was associated with a more favorable serum lipid profile, suggesting the involvement of divergent pathways of calcification stress and lipid stress in the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction.
Ying and Yang of Ceramide in the Vascular Endothelium
Authors: SenthilKumar Gopika , Zirgibel Zachary , Cohen Katie E. , Katunaric Boran , Jobe Alyssa M. , Shult Carolyn G. , Limpert Rachel H. , Freed Julie K.
Published: June 2024

Ceramides, a group of biologically active sphingolipids, have been described as the new cholesterol given strong evidence linking high plasma ceramide with endothelial damage, risk for early adverse cardiovascular events, and development of cardiometabolic disease. This relationship has sparked great interest in investigating therapeutic targets with the goal of suppressing ceramide formation. However, the growing data challenge this paradigm of ceramide as solely eliciting detrimental effects to the cardiovascular system. Studies show that ceramides are necessary for maintaining proper endothelial redox states, mechanosensation, and membrane integrity. Recent work in preclinical models and isolated human microvessels highlights that the loss of ceramide formation can in fact propagate vascular endothelial dysfunction. Here, we delve into these conflicting findings to evaluate how ceramide may be capable of exerting both beneficial and damaging effects within the vascular endothelium. We propose a unifying theory that while basal levels of ceramide in response to physiological stimuli are required for the production of vasoprotective metabolites such as S1P (sphingosine-1-phosphate), the chronic accumulation of ceramide can promote activation of pro-oxidative stress pathways in endothelial cells. Clinically, the evidence discussed here highlights the potential challenges associated with therapeutic suppression of ceramide formation as a means of reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses revealed two new species of Agaricus subg. Minoriopsis from Mexico
Authors: GUZMÁN-GUILLERMO JORGE , CHEN JIE , ENRÍQUEZ-BEDOLLA JOSÉ CARLOS , OROS-ORTEGA IVÁN , ZETINA-CÓRDOBA PEDRO , NÚÑEZ-PASTRANA ROSALÍA , LLARENA-HERNÁNDEZ RÉGULO CARLOS
Published: June 2024

Agaricus is one of the most diverse genera within basidiomycetes with more than 600 described species. Agaricus subg. Minoriopsis includes two sections, A. sect. Kerrigania and A. sect. Minoriopsis, with species that have a preferential distribution in (sub-)tropical areas exclusively in the Americas. So far, the species diversity of Agaricus is little studied in Mexico. With our continuing surveys of Agaricus in (sub-)tropical regions of Mexico, some of its hidden diversity has come to light. In this paper, we describe two new species of A. subg. Minoriopsis: A. calolepidotus and A. xalapensis, using a combined approach of morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses. Full descriptions, photo plates and comparisons with other similar species are provided.
Another new species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1927 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) of the angularis group from the karstic landscape of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, central Vietnam
Authors: DUONG TANG VAN , VU LIEN VAN , VU HIEN THI THU , MULCAHY DAN , BRAGIN ANDREY M. , JR. NIKOLAY A. POYARKOV , GRISMER L. LEE
Published: June 2024

The Phong Nha-Ke Bang (PNKB National Park in the Central Highlands of Vietnam is a bastion for the protection and conservation of Vietnam’s natural heritage. Thus, the discovery of yet another new species of Cyrtodactylus, C. hangvaensis sp. nov., within the PNKB continues to underscore the parks ever-growing importance. Cyrtodactylus hangvaensis sp. nov. is a karst dwelling species of the angularis group that based on a molecular phylogenetic analysis, is most closely related to C. roesleri from the PNKB and C. sommerladi from karstic areas in nearby Laos. Cyrtodactylus hangvaensis sp. nov. occupies a unique position in morphospace where it is well separated from closely related species and other species within the PNKB. It is potentially diagnosable from all other members of the angularis by having a unique combination of morphological and color pattern characters and bearing an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 9.5%–25.5%.
2. The Role of Affective Dimensions in the Aesthetic Experience of Music
Authors: Janković Dragan , Mađarev Maja
Published: June 2024

A theoretical model is proposed, and two studies are conducted to test the hypothesis that aesthetic experiences may originate from a few basic mechanisms of affective processing related to emotion dimensions and cognitive evaluation. The results of the first study confirmed that aesthetic experience is strongly related to affective valence (pleasantness) and cognitive evaluation (familiarity) and moderately related to arousal. The results of the second study confirmed that the aesthetic experience of music can be substantially explained by the affective experience of meanings that are activated or constructed in the listener’s mind. The results indicate that people like music that activates pleasant, arousing, and familiar meanings. These results align with our proposal of a Valence, Arousal, and Cognitive evaluation (VACe) model of the aesthetic experience of music.
10. Memorisation of Twentieth-Century Piano Music
Authors: Žauhar Valnea , Crnjanski Dunja , Bajšanski Igor
Published: June 2024

In this chapter, we investigate the process of a professional pianist learning and memorising the Fourth Study for Piano (Allegro Vivace) by the Croatian composer Boris Papandopulo. We examined the effects of its formal structure and technical complexity on the amount of practice undertaken. The results showed that the pianist relied on the formal structure and her own segmentation of the piece while preparing to perform it from memory. She deliberately developed a mental map of the piece to serve as a reliable retrieval structure. Additionally, learning the same music piece by two performers of different proficiency levels was compared. The implications are discussed for the teaching of efficient practice and memorisation.
11. Memory for Music
Authors: Ginsborg Jane
Published: June 2024

This chapter’s main contribution concerns the history of research on Western classical music memorisation; a review of the early pedagogical literature on the topic; empirical research on musicians’ memorising strategies; and research on performance from memory using the longitudinal case study approach, including a brief outline of three of my own studies. To provide a context for this contribution, the chapter begins with examples of how hearing music can evoke autobiographical memory, and an introduction to the concepts of retrospective and prospective memory, since these are essential to the processes of listening actively to music and making music. It also considers two ways of memorising: serial cuing and the development of content-addressable memory. The chapter concludes by setting out the implications of the research evidence for performers and their teachers in the form of recommended strategies for memorisation.
A Training Course for Simulating Head and Neck Ultrasound-Guided Procedures Using a Gelatin Phantom Model
Authors: Cheng Ping-Chia , Lo Wu-Chia , Chang Chih-Ming , Wen Ming-Hsun , Liao Li-Jen
Published: June 2024

Objectives:

Ultrasound (US)-guided procedures can be used in the evaluation and treatment of neck masses. However, these procedures need to be practiced before being executed on humans. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a training program using a gelatin phantom to practice US-guided procedures.

Methods:

This program included a lecture and practice with a gelatin phantom. We recruited doctors from different hospitals to practice US-guided procedures, including fine-needle aspiration (FNA), core needle biopsy (CNB), percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). We used a questionnaire with a 5-point scale to evaluate the effectiveness of practicing US-guided procedures under a gelatin phantom.

Results:

Forty-four doctors participated, and 37 of them completed the questionnaires. After training, the mean (SD) scores of the doctors were 4.68 (0.47) for “Satisfaction with this course,” 4.54 (0.61) for “Ease in practicing FNA&CNB using the phantom,” 4.49 (0.61) for “Ease in practicing PEI using the phantom,” 4.49 (0.65) for “Ease in practicing RFA using the phantom,” and 4.57 (0.55) for “The course effectively familiarizing participants with US-guided procedures.” Participants without experience in US examination had higher scores than those with previous US experience, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

A combination of lectures and hands-on practice of US-guided procedures using a gelatin phantom is an effective educational method for doctors interested in head and neck US. After the training program, doctors gained a better understanding of the necessary steps and skills required for these procedures. They can correctly insert the instruments into the target lesion and perform different US-guided procedures.
Mapping Liability of Origin and Mimetism in MNE Engagement Across the UN Sustainable Development Goals: An Analysis of Sustainability Reports
Authors: Whittingham Keith L. , Argiolas Alessia , Leyva-de la Hiz Dante I. , Earle Andrew G.
Published: June 2024

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) offer a comprehensive framework for global sustainable development, embraced by both UN member states and multinational enterprises (MNEs). The SDGs take a holistic approach and emphasize the need to align public- and private-sector actions. However, understanding the effectiveness of the SDG framework in coordinating stakeholder actions remains a challenge. This study explores how MNEs engage with the SDGs as a function of their home countries’ SDG profiles. Leveraging institutional theory, we test competing mechanisms by analyzing sustainability reports from 150 MNEs across 23 countries. Our results suggest that MNEs’ engagement with the SDGs aligns most closely with a “liability of origin” explanation, with firms showing greater SDG engagement when their home countries have lower progress on the SDGs. However, at the individual SDG level, the engagement patterns are more nuanced. Our findings have important implications for both theory and practice, providing insights into the complex dynamics that shape MNEs’ engagement with the SDGs and offering guidance for policymakers and businesses seeking to enhance their contributions to sustainable development.
Polycultural Identity Experiences: A Qualitative Exploration in Australia
Authors: Virgona Ariane , Kashima Emiko S.
Published: June 2024

Developing cultural identity can be a complex journey in culturally diverse spaces within Australia, where approximately half of the population is either born overseas or has one parent who was. We reflexively and thematically analyzed 45 semi-structured interviews with culturally and demographically diverse Australian residents to gain a deeper understanding of this complex process. Our approach was primarily inductive and data-driven. To explore how identity experiences are tied to societal assumptions about cultural diversity, we shared with participants the notions of multiculturalism and polyculturalism during interviews to facilitate discussion. Five themes were generated: (1) varied identification with heritage culture, (2) questioning Australian identity: what it means to be Australian, (3) being a product of many influences, (4) learning, bridging, and blending cultural influences, and (5) the importance of meaningful social group identities. These themes reflected an array of identity experiences concerning heritage and inclusivity but also appreciation and integration of diverse cultural influences as part of self, including values and worldviews shared within non-heritage social groups. Cultural identity experiences in a pluralistic society may be better seen as a process of active transformations where culture’s influence on the person is partial and plural, consistent with the polyculturalism paradigm rather than general and enduring, as seen in the multiculturalism paradigm.
Disproportionate Increases in Numbers and Rates of Homelessness Among Women in the United States, 2018-2022
Authors: Tsai Jack , Lampros Austin
Published: June 2024

Objectives:

Information about homelessness among women is conflicting. We examined changes in the number and rate of various types of homelessness among females in multiple population groups from 2018 through 2022.

Methods:

We used 5 years of population data (2018-2022) from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We performed descriptive analyses to examine changes in rates of homelessness over time and differences in rates of homelessness between general and veteran populations.

Results:

From 2018 through 2022, there were major increases in rates of unsheltered homelessness among females (25.1%) and males (17.3%) in the general population, which outpaced increases in general population birth rates. Although the percentage change in the proportion of females among all people experiencing unsheltered homelessness grew by 4.0%, the proportion of females among all veterans experiencing unsheltered homelessness grew by 26.3%.

Conclusions:

These findings highlight the growing problem of unsheltered homelessness in the general population. Prevention efforts should be focused particularly on the female, especially veteran female, population.
What can women in classical sociology teach us about contemporary sociology of religion?
Authors: FURSETH Inger
Published: June 2024

This article presents the main work of two women in classical sociology, Harriet Martineau (1802–1876) and Ida B. Wells (1862–1931). While some sociologists have pointed to the significance of their work and that of other early women classical sociologists, most sociologists, and in particular, most sociologists of religion, have ignored their work. This article asks which themes in sociology and the sociology of religion these women addressed that many male classical sociologists failed to address. How does the study of these two women point to important issues in current sociology of religion? The analysis shows that central themes in the work of Martineau and Wells were the intersections of religion, gender, race, and social class. Their work also points to another highly important issue seldom addressed in current sociology of religion, namely the link between various forms of religion and the realization of democracy.
Risk Revisited: The Role of Technical Communication in Negotiating Barriers to Effective Health Risk Messaging
Authors: Lambrecht Kathryn
Published: June 2024

Social media, the pandemic, and environmental hazards have all played a role in shifting the landscape of risk communication. This paper takes a retroactive risk approach to study how COVID-19 messaging was shaped in the first 2 years of the pandemic. Using a corpus of 764 news releases from five health departments, I combine corpus analysis with coding based on government capacities to show that health departments highlighted public health data (surveillance) and risk guidance (governance), while downplaying enforcement (coercion). This process of revisiting communication from an acute risk phase can help us recalibrate how public health roles are constituted through language to prepare for future events.
The Luxembourg Symposium on Frank Michelman’s Constitutional Essentials (Oxford University Press, 2022)
Authors: van der Walt Johan
Published: June 2024

In January and February 2023, the University of Luxembourg hosted a series of four online seminars on Frank Michelman’s then just recently published book Constitutional Essentials ( CE), a book which in Frank’s own words aimed to work out the implications of Rawls' theory of political liberalism for constitutional theory and debates between constitutional lawyers regarding a number of constantly recurring questions of constitutional law. Eleven of the invited contributions to the four seminars (presentations of 15–20 minutes) plus one additional contribution by Silje Langvatn, are now collected in this special issue of Philosophy & Social Criticism, followed by a response by Michelman. This introduction to the discussions between Michelman and his interlocutors begins with a brief synopsis of some of the key lines of argument that Michelman develops in CE and then moves on to survey all the arguments offered in response. The last section takes a briefly look at Michelman’s replies to these responses.
Do populists practise what they preach? Intra-party democracy in populist parties
Authors: Lisi Marco
Published: June 2024

Populist parties are often described as highly centralised and personalistic, with low levels of party institutionalisation. However, there have been few empirical studies to assess the features of decision-making processes within this party family. This study aims to address this gap by examining the extent to which the internal distribution of power varies within populist parties. The Political Party Database is used to systematically compare Eastern and Western European parties in terms of intra-party democracy and the powers given to party leaders. The results suggest that although populist parties differ from non-populist parties in that they grant more power to their leaders, they are less likely to rely on plebiscitary and deliberative decision-making processes. In addition, the findings reveal that while the degree of leadership centralisation and plebiscitary decision making varies by region and ideological background, there are no differences between older and new populist parties.
Psychological health in Palliative Care: Thematic analysis of a psychiatrist’s and an art therapist’s clinical reflexive journals
Authors: Lim Wen Phei , Chew Roxanne Jia Yu , O’Callaghan Clare
Published: June 2024

Background:

Patients receiving palliative care often face psychological distress, which can be challenging for clinicians to manage. Therefore, reflexive and visual journaling can be used as powerful techniques for clinician selfreflection and personal development. These journals are a form of practice wisdom, providing insights into psychological health in palliative care.

Aim:

This study aims to describe how patients receiving palliative care experience psychological health, explore the meaning of a palliative care clinician’s work and contribute to the understanding of psychological health in palliative care through the reflexive and visual journals of clinicians.

Design:

Using Gibb’s reflective cycle as a framework for journaling, this study employs reflexive and visual journaling through the lenses of a psychiatrist and an art therapist. Journal data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.

Setting/participants:

The two first authors journaled 107 clinical encounters and created 36 pieces of response art detailing encounters with patients and their families, and clinical conversations in two palliative care centres.

Results:

Patient attributes and the clinical environment were observed to influence psychological health in palliative care. The patient’s ability to navigate dying, maintain personhood, exert resilience and experience satisfying relationships contribute to psychological health. A clinical environment comprising clinicians with holistic competencies, systems promoting interdisciplinary collaborations and a values-based culture that promotes patient centricity strengthens the delivery of psychological care.

Conclusions:

Good psychological health in palliative care extends beyond psychopathology and is influenced by the cardinal elements of being human, value systems and systemic elements in the therapeutic environment.
Development of the TIFFIN recommendations for co-producing palliative and end-of-life care research with individuals with lived experience of homelessness: A qualitative study
Authors: Crooks Jodie , Flemming Kate , Shulman Caroline , Casey Emma , Hudson Briony
Published: June 2024

Background:

Palliative care for people experiencing homelessness is a complex field. Due to the intricate nuances and heterogeneity in the experience of palliative care for people without secure housing, it is essential that research is informed by people with lived experience of homelessness. However, as homelessness is often associated with loss, trauma and high levels of exposure to death, any co-production of research, particularly in the field of palliative and end-of-life-care, must be trauma-informed.

Aim:

To produce recommendations for co-producing palliative and end-of-life-care research with people with lived experience of homelessness.

Design:

A qualitative study comprising semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Data were analysed using iterative, reflexive thematic analysis.

Setting/participants:

Twenty-seven participants were recruited. Sixteen professionals with experience of co-producing research with people with lived experience of homelessness; eleven people with lived experience of homelessness.

Results:

Six key themes were developed: transparency, importance of engagement and rapport, facilitating equitable involvement via person centred approach, financial recognition of involvement, involvement and growth through a trauma-informed approach and navigating institutional resistance and attitudes. Recommendations corresponding to the core themes were developed (TIFFIN recommendations).

Conclusions:

Co-production of palliative care research with people with lived experience of homelessness is essential, but must be done carefully and sensitively. As a population with high levels of premature morbidity and mortality yet low access to palliative care, the TIFFIN recommendations could help to support the involvement of people with lived experience of homelessness in palliative and end-of-life-care care research.
Multiphase modelling of inclusion removal by bubble adhesion in the submerged entry nozzle with centrifugal swirling flow
Authors: Zhang Lin , Gu Shaopeng , Wang Hongjing , Li Tao , Tan Min , Liu Kai , Ju Liying , Gao Aimin , Tang Guozhang
Published: June 2024

The most important way to improve the quality of steel is to reduce the number of non-metallic inclusions in the molten steel, which directly affects the quality of the billet. In this paper, a novel swirling flow generator (SFG) is intended to be installed around the inlet of the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) in the tundish to generate a centrifugal swirling flow by utilising gravitational potential energy. The discrete phase model and volume of fluid were adopted to simulate the motion and interaction between bubbles and inclusion particles in a rotating flow field. In the centrifugal swirling flow, collision behaviour between the inclusions and bubbles is considered by a self-developed user-defined function program. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation results show that the radial pressure gradient is favourable for the inclusion and bubble to move towards the centre, and the more number of blowing ports, the easier the bubbles move to the centre of the SEN, which greatly increases the collision probability between inclusions and bubbles. The application of the SFG could significantly improve the removal efficiency of inclusions. Therefore, it is more advantageous to eliminate the inclusions by injecting air bubbles into the swirling flow field.
Mapping the field of global research on data literacy: Key and emerging issues and the library connection
Authors: Nwagwu Williams E
Published: June 2024

This study examines the evolution of data literacy research from 2005 to 2022 by analysing 997 documents identified in Elsevier’s Scopus databases. It highlights pivotal moments, such as the inaugural mention of data literacy in 2005, and observes a consistent increase in annual document production, indicating growing interest. Research articles, particularly in computer science/engineering, education and social sciences/humanities, dominate. The interdisciplinary nature of contributions spans social sciences, computer science and humanities, reflecting the universal applicability of data literacy. Keywords cluster around foundational concepts, educational contexts, specialized domains, and emerging trends like digital transformation and health literacy. The study emphasizes the crucial role of libraries in nurturing data literacy skills, serving as information hubs and providers of educational frameworks. The conclusions underscore the significant growth, interdisciplinary engagement and vital role of libraries. Emerging keywords highlight the evolving trends, ethical considerations and privacy concerns. Implications for further studies on interdisciplinarity and emerging issues were discussed.
Developing a Model to Predict Bleeding Areas in Asphalt Pavements Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Khalifah Rami , Souliman Mena I. , Lama Pratik , Elbagalati Omar
Published: June 2024

Bleeding can have a negative effect on the performance of a pavement, as the layer of asphalt on the surface can become slippery, reduce skid resistance, and lead to premature wear and tear. Therefore, predicting the bleeding area in asphalt pavements will help in maintaining better pavements, increasing the safety of the drivers, and delivering timely maintenance. The aim of the study is to develop a model using a highly sophisticated analysis tool called an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the bleeding areas in asphalt pavements as output, with one hidden layer and several neurons and using several independent variables as inputs, such as lane annual average daily truck traffic, lane annual truck volume estimate, pavement thickness, average asphalt content, average annual temperature, annual total snowfall, and total annual precipitation. The Long-Term Pavement Performance database will be employed in this study to extract data for the states of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. The ideal architecture for forecasting the bleeding of asphalt pavements was concluded to be an ANN model with several neurons in one hidden layer and with 160 data sets, with R2 = 0.71. A standalone ANN equation was also extracted. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the sensitivity of the model to a particular change in an input parameter.
Early Surgery for Partial Tears of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament May Be More Cost-Effective and Result in Longer Playing Careers Than Nonoperative Management for High-Level Baseball Pitchers: A Decision-Analytic Markov Model–Based Analysis
Authors: Oeding Jacob F. , Jurgensmeier Kevin , Boos Alexander M. , Krych Aaron J. , Okoroha Kelechi R. , Moatshe Gilbert , Camp Christopher L.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Nonoperative management versus early reconstruction for partial tears of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) remains controversial, with the most common treatment options for partial tears consisting of rest, rehabilitation, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and/or surgical intervention. However, whether the improved outcomes reported for treatments such as MUCL reconstruction (UCLR) or nonoperative management with a series of PRP injections justifies their increased upfront costs remains unknown.

Purpose:

To compare the cost-effectiveness of an initial trial of physical therapy alone, an initial trial of physical therapy plus a series of PRP injections, and early UCLR to determine the preferred cost-effective treatment strategy for young, high-level baseball pitchers with partial tears of the MUCL and with aspirations to continue play at the next level (ie, collegiate and/or professional).

Study Design:

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A Markov chain Monte Carlo probabilistic model was developed to evaluate the outcomes and costs of 1000 young, high-level, simulated pitchers undergoing nonoperative management with and without PRP versus early UCLR for partial MUCL tears. Utility values, return to play rates, and transition probabilities were derived from the published literature. Costs were determined based on the typical patient undergoing each treatment strategy at the authors’ institution. Outcome measures included costs, acquired playing years (PYs), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

Results:

The mean total costs resulting from nonoperative management without PRP, nonoperative management with PRP, and early UCLR were $22,520, $24,800, and $43,992, respectively. On average, early UCLR produced an additional 4.0 PYs over the 10-year time horizon relative to nonoperative management, resulting in an ICER of $5395/PY, which falls well below the $50,000 willingness-to-pay threshold. Overall, early UCLR was determined to be the preferred cost-effective strategy in 77.5% of pitchers included in the microsimulation model, with nonoperative management with PRP determined to be the preferred strategy in 15% of pitchers and nonoperative management alone in 7.5% of pitchers.

Conclusion:

Despite increased upfront costs, UCLR is a more cost-effective treatment option for partial tears of the MUCL than an initial trial of nonoperative management for most high-level baseball pitchers.
Clinical Guidelines for the Treatment of Depressive Disorders III. Psychotherapy
Authors: Segal Zindel V , Whitney Diane K , Lam Raymond W ,   The CANMAT Depression Work Group
Published: June 2024

Background: The Canadian Psychiatric Association and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments partnered to produce clinical guidelines for psychiatrists for the treatment of depressive disorders.

Methods: A standard guidelines development process was followed. Relevant literature was identified using a computerized Medline search supplemented by review of bibliographies. Operational criteria were used to rate the quality of scientific evidence, and the line of treatment recommendations included consensus clinical opinion. This section on "Psychotherapy” is 1 of 7 articles drafted and reviewed by clinicians. Revised drafts underwent national and international expert peer review.

Results: Recommendations are given for the use of psychotherapy in the treatment of depressive disorders. Considerable evidence shows that specific, short-term psychotherapies including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are effective acute-phase treatments. There is also evidence that group and marital/couples formats of psychotherapy are effective. There is only limited evidence that psychotherapy is effective for maintenance treatment of depressive disorders.

Conclusions: Psychotherapy is effective in the treatment of depressive disorders. Despite the evidence for effectiveness of specific psychotherapies, there is still limited access to these treatments in the community.
Enhancing properties of natural rubber nanocomposites with hybrid fillers and ionic liquid
Authors: Damampai Kriengsak , Pichaiyut Skulrat , Nakason Charoen
Published: June 2024

Natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites were prepared by incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs), CNT/silver nanoparticles (AgNP) hybrid fillers, and CNT-AgNP in the presence of varying loadings of ionic liquid (IL). SEM micrographs confirmed the successful decoration of AgNP on CNT surfaces and the formation of filler networks, facilitated by connecting end-to-end CNT bundles with AgNP. The incorporation of CNTs into NR resulted in superior mechanical strength, initial modulus, torque difference, crosslink density, vulcanization rate, and electrical properties in contrast to the gum NR vulcanizate. The decoration of CNT surfaces with AgNP and their end-to-end connection further elevated these properties. Additionally, the introduction of IL to form NR/CNT-AgNP/IL nanocomposites accelerated the curing properties, evidenced by an increased cure rate index and reduced scorch and cure times. Incorporating 1 to 3 phr of IL significantly enhances mechanical, thermo-mechanical, torque difference, crosslink density, and associated properties. However, exceeding 3 phr leads to property deterioration due to notable formation of filler agglomerations and IL pools in the NR/CNT-AgNP/IL nanocomposites containing 5 and 7 phr of IL. In contrast, electrical conductivity continues to increase beyond the 3 phr IL threshold, attributed to the emergence of IL pools serving as a highly conductive electrolyte. Graphical abstract.
A novel biological antibacterial polyvinyl alcohol/polyionic liquid hydrogel for wound dressing
Authors: Liu Wang , Wang Hao , Liu Jiaqi , Cheng Yuen Y , Guan Yanchun , Song Kedong
Published: June 2024

The release of antibiotics or anions by traditional bacteriostatic agents led to the development of bacterial drug resistance and environmental pollution. Ionic liquids (ILs) have become important choices for antibacterial agents because of their excellent physical, chemical and biological properties. In this paper, the bioactivities of 1-vinyl-3-butylimidazolium chloride ([VBIM]Cl, IL) and poly (1-vinyl-3-butylimidazolium chloride) (P[VBIM]Cl, PIL) were evaluated, and the potential antibacterial material was used to synthesize hydrogels. Using the colony formation assay and the Oxford cup method, antibacterial effect of IL and PIL were tested. Cell-Counting-Kit-8 (CCK-8) experiments were used to study the IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) values of IL and showed 1.47 mg/mL, 0.35 mg/mL and 0.33 mg/mL at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. The IC50 value of PIL were 12.15 μg/mL, 12.06 μg/mL and 11.76 μg/mL at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. The PIL is further crosslinked with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to form a novel hydrogel through freeze-thaw cycles. The newly fabricated hydrogel exhibited a high water content, excellent water absorption properties and outstanding mechanical performance. Using the colony formation assay and the inhibition zone assay, the hydrogels exhibited favorable antibacterial effects (against E.coli and S.aureus) such that nearly 100% of the bacteria were killed in liquid medium while cultivating with H4 (synthesized by 0.5 g PIL and 1g PVA). In addition, the cytotoxicity of PIL was significantly reduced through hydrogen bond crosslinking. H4 showed the highest antibacterial activity and a good biocompatibility. The results indicated that the PVA&PIL hydrogels had great potential for wound dressing.
Sibling and School Bullying Victimization and Its Relation With Children’s Subjective Well-Being in Indonesia: The Protective Role of Family and School Climate
Authors: Borualogo Ihsana Sabriani , Varela Jorge J. , de Tezanos-Pinto Pablo
Published: June 2024

Studies on the influence of family and school climates on the relationships between sibling and school bullying victimization and children’s subjective well-being (SWB) in Indonesia are still scarce. The aims of this study are to investigate family and school climates as protective factors for children from the negative consequences of bullying by siblings or other children in school on SWB. The study used the third-wave data of the Children’s Worlds survey that was collected in Indonesia in October 2017. Participants of the study were children aged 10 and 12 years old ( N = 15,604; 49.8% girls, 50.2% boys, Mean age = 10.55; SD = 1.17). There are four questionnaires used in the study: five items measure bullying at home and at school, the Children’s Worlds Subjective Well-Being Scale, six items measure family climate, and four items measure school climate. Data were analyzed using R and the lavaan library for multilevel structural equation modeling, using full information maximum likelihood (FIML) for missing data and robust maximum likelihood (ML) estimation. Results showed that children who experienced bullying incidents, both at home by siblings and at school, predicted lower levels of SWB. School climate and family climate predicted higher levels of SWB. Results also showed that school bullying interacted significantly with school climate, while sibling bullying interacted significantly with family climate. Schools with students that reported more positive levels of family climate also reported higher levels of SWB. Students from public schools reported higher levels of SWB, which is unexpected.
A novel approach for sensitivity improvement of axial inductive displacement sensor
Authors: Li Wenyin , Hu Jinghua , Su Zhenzhong , Wang Dong
Published: June 2024

Nowadays, magnetic bearing has been used in more and more fields. Displacement sensor is one of the most important functional components of a magnetic bearing system and have attracted more and more attentions. Inductance displacement sensor, which shows merits in maintainability, lifetime, sensitivity, environmental interference ability, and cost, is a potential displacement sensor for magnetic bearing systems. While, usually, for a certain application, installation space of displacement is limited, increasing the difficulty of sensitivity improvement by stator structure optimization. This paper presents a novel approach for axial inductance displacement sensor to improve sensitivity by decreasing the armature depth. In the experiment part, three armature with different depth have been fabricated and their performance are tested. The results show that sensitivity is improved from 2.34 mV/µm to 3.15 mV/µm when the depth of armature decreases from 24 mm to 18 mm, validating the feasibility of sensitivity improvement by decreasing the armature depth. With the improvement of sensitivity, resolution also improves from 5.1 µm to 3.8 µm. Negative effect of this approach is that measuring range is decreased when the armature depth is reduced.
Mapping a peripheral landscape: The Bronze Age transformation at Schnals Valley (South Tyrol/Italy)
Authors: Putzer Andreas
Published: June 2024

The evolving human impact on the high alpine side valleys of the Alps has increasingly become the focus of the scientific community in recent decades. Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the integration of the newly acquired economic area into the settlement zone, the research conducted in the Schnals Valley has proven instrumental. The extensive archeological survey, which goes beyond the conventional investigation of visible structures or rock shelters, has led to the discovery of 20 high alpine Bronze Age sites, of which only 15% are visible above ground. This study presents compelling evidence of an Early Bronze Age intensification that spanned the 19th and 18th centuries BC and an intensification expressed through an increase and territorial distribution, as well as in the diversification of archeological record during the Middle Bronze Age. The cultivation of the research area seems to have been completed approximately in the 15th century BC, with only isolated Late Bronze Age sites being added. This transition parallels the contemporaneous development of central settlement areas, underscoring a symbiotic relationship between human activity in the high alpine regions and the growth of lowland communities. The detailed archeological investigation of six sites provides the first insight into the Bronze Age high alpine building culture and the interior design, in particular well constructed hearths associated with the production of secondary products. The investigated high alpine building culture of Schnals Valley corresponds to that of inner alpine settlements, and highlights the synchronous cultural development on the valley floor and in the high mountains. Crucially, this cultivation of the natural landscape of the Schnals Valley is intricately tied to the broader tapestry of cultural contacts and the exchange of goods throughout Europe during the Bronze Age.
Anifrolumab treatment improves patient-reported quality of life and decreases disease activity and corticosteroid use in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A qualitative study in Denmark
Authors: Troldborg Anne , Remkus Lauren , Eek Daniel , Deleuran Bent
Published: June 2024

Anifrolumab is a new therapeutic approach for individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) directed at blocking the type 1 interferon pathway. Despite the expanding body of literature on Anifrolumab, an essential aspect remains absent: the subjective patient experience of treatment effects and implications on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The present study aimed to fill this void by elucidating the nuanced perspectives of SLE patients receiving Anifrolumab treatment by conducting qualitative in-depth interviews (IDIs). SLE patients at Aarhus University Hospital who had received at least three infusions of Anifrolumab were approached for inclusion in the study, which comprised two main elements: (1) qualitative IDIs and (2) collection of patient data from electronic medical records (EMRs). The IDIs were semi-structured and based on a discussion guide that included open-ended and close-ended questions. Verbatim transcripts were coded and analysed using qualitative software to understand concepts important to patients and to understand patients’ own experiences before and after Anifrolumab therapy. A clinical chart review was conducted using EMR data at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after Anifrolumab initiation. IDIs were completed with 14 patients, and EMR data was collected from 16 patients (treatment days range: 62-474). Of the 23 symptoms spontaneously reported by patients prior to Anifrolumab treatment, fatigue, joint pain, sun sensitivity, joint stiffness, skin rashes, and hair loss were the most common. Most symptoms improved, and none worsened during treatment. Patients reported significant impacts of disease on daily life before treatment: day-to-day activities, social life, emotional aspects, physical activity, concentration/memory, work/employment, and family/romantic relationships. Patients reported improvements in all aspects after treatment but were still impacted. From the EMR data, we observed a fall in disease activity after treatment initiation with a concomitant reduction in the use of corticosteroids. This study provides valuable insights into the subjective experiences of SLE patients treated with Anifrolumab, and the findings collectively contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the treatment’s efficacy from the patients’ perspective and its tangible effects on both subjective and objective parameters in SLE patients.