bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on snow prevention in the bogie region based on active blowing method
Authors: Lan Hong , Cai Lu , Zhang Jiye , Xu Gufu
Published: January 2024

To reduce excessive snow accumulation on bogie surfaces during high-speed train operations in cold regions, two active blowing schemes are designed in this study based on the shape of the bogie cavity and the relative position of the brake caliper. The unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes algorithm coupled with a discrete phase model was used to calculate the airflow and snow flow under the train. Moreover, the algorithm is employed to explore the impact of active blowing on the flow field characteristics and snow accumulation in the bogie region. Results show that active blowing changes the upward airflow in the bogie region, causing air at the bottom of the train to flow outwards, carrying off numerous snow particles from the bogie region. Active blowing accelerates the surface friction velocity on the bogie, increases the shear force on snow particles, and effectively reduces the snow accumulation on the bogie surface. The foregoing observation indicates that active blowing has considerable potential for snow accumulation prevention.
A double load spectrum extrapolation for drill pipe of rotary drilling rig considering load sequence
Authors: Shen Yuying , Li Yi , Wang Jixin , Wang Haijin
Published: January 2024

The load spectrum of rotary drilling rig’s drill pipe is used for drill pipe design, simulated fatigue testing, and reliability assessment. However, the proper extrapolation of the drill pipe double load is challenging, especially to meet the requirements of both load sequence and load strengthening. In this paper, an extrapolation technique for a double load of drill pipe is proposed. The time sequence rainflow counting technique is proposed to keep the torque and pressure sequence. Meanwhile, the individual distributions of the loads are accurately estimated. Finally, the torque and pressure are simulated and extrapolated by the percentile extrapolation method. The results show that the proposed extrapolation method for maintaining the load sequence enriches the dynamics and diversity of the loads while ensuring the load sequence.
Obstacle avoidance decision and trajectory tracking control of intelligent vehicle considering surrounding vehicles
Authors: Hu Jianjun , Yi Sijing , Zhu Pengxing , Sun Zhicheng
Published: January 2024

To enhance the obstacle avoidance performance and trajectory tracking control stability of vehicles in emergency scenarios, and to solve the problem that the existing decision-making methods based on the minimum safe distance model cannot effectively make decisions in some scenarios, a novel lane-changing obstacle avoidance decision-making and control method is proposed. Initially, when emergency braking cannot avoid obstacles safely, the lane-changing trajectory is planned by quintic polynomial, and the minimum distance and collision detection (MDCD) algorithm is then employed to ascertain whether the lane-changing trajectory meets the safety conditions. Subsequently, a Linear Time-Varying Model Predictive Control (LTV MPC) trajectory tracking controller is designed based on the 7-DOF vehicle dynamics model. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through two representative scenarios. The simulation results indicate that the MDCD algorithm can ensure the safety and effectiveness of obstacle avoidance decisions in all emergency obstacle avoidance scenarios, and when tracking the emergency lane-changing trajectory in different typical scenarios, compared with the LTV MPC controller based on the single-track vehicle dynamics model (STVDM), the maximum tracking error can be reduced by 50.7% and 60.1%, respectively, while ensuring near-equivalent real-time performance operation.
Design optimization of 3D-manufactured monolithic stage for biomedical polishing applications by neural artificial network and teaching learning studying based optimization algorithm
Authors: Tran Ngoc Thoai , Chau Ngoc Le , Dang Minh Phung , Dao Thanh-Phong
Published: January 2024

Ultra-precision polishing engineering is a current trend in ensuring the good surface quality for biomedical applications. In precision engineering, compliant mechanism, so-called monolithic mechanism, has an increasing trend in alternating conventional rigid counterparts which can be utilized for biomedical polishing application. Therefore, this article proposes an optimal design for the monolithic stage. The stage is employed in driving the polishing head. The stage is operated within from several millimeters to hundreds of millimeters. In this article, the stage was tended to guide the head to polish the biomedical samples. Hypercube sampling design is combined with finite element method to collect the data. The teaching learning-based optimization algorithm is firstly coupled with the artificial intelligence in modeling the behaviors of the stage (resonant frequency, displacement, strain energy, and stress). Next, the teaching learning studying based optimization algorithm is extended to search the optimal parameters of the stage. Three single objective optimization scenarios and two multiobjective optimization scenarios of the monolithic stage are conducted to show the effectiveness of the offered method. The predictors were well-formed by using the teaching learning-based optimization-coupled artificial neural network. The results found that the performance indicators (R and R2) are almost equal to one with the mean square error (MSE) and root MSE values are very small. The optimal results that the stage can work with a highest frequency of 760.7903 Hz, a largest stroke of 0.7325 mm (about 732.5 μm), and a strain energy of 2.5999 mJ. Meanwhile, the von Mises stress is almost much lower than the yield strength of AL 7075-T73. The designed method can effectively use in designing the stage. The stage can be fabricated by using selective laser melting additive manufacturing technology, and it can be employed to guide the polishing head for biomedical samples.
Improving Memory Search Through Model-Based Cue Selection
Authors: Cornell Charlotte A. , Norman Kenneth A. , Griffiths Thomas L. , Zhang Qiong
Published: January 2024

We often use cues from our environment when we get stuck searching our memories, but prior research has failed to show benefits of cuing with other, randomly selected list items during memory search. What accounts for this discrepancy? We proposed that cues’ content critically determines their effectiveness and sought to select the right cues by building a computational model of how cues affect memory search. Participants ( N = 195 young adults from the United States) recalled significantly more items when receiving our model’s best (vs. worst) cue. Our model provides an account of why some cues better aid recall: Effective cues activate contexts most similar to the remaining items’ contexts, facilitating recall in an unsearched area of memory. We discuss our contributions in relation to prominent theories about the effect of external cues.
Event-based predictive control for interval type-2 Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems under Kalman filter
Authors: Wang Bohan , Rong Nannan , Ji Yue
Published: January 2024

In this article, the event-based predictive control problem for a class of interval type-2 Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy system is investigated. To reduce the influence of Gaussian noise, an improved Kalman filter is proposed, in which the system state is filtered or not depends on an event-triggered mechanism. Then, by designing the network predictive control scheme via interval type-2 fuzzy model, some sufficient conditions are derived, which guarantee the Schur stabilization of the concerned system subject to network delays. Finally, the correctness and effectiveness are verified by two simulation examples.
Pathogen-wise Clinical Profile, Outcome and Antibiotic Sensitivity Profile of Septic Newborns in Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Rangan Ramya Srinivasa , Valvi Chhaya , Nagpal Rema , Kinikar Aarti A. , Rajesh Karyakarte , G. N. Shalini , Aranke Chaiti
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Culture positive sepsis remains to be a leading cause of death in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) mainly among preterm and low birth weight newborns. The objective was to analyze the initial signs of sepsis, antibiotic sensitivity, and outcome of septic newborns in NICU.

Methods

The demographic data, initial clinical features at suspicion of sepsis, diagnosis, laboratory abnormalities, pathogen isolated and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the septic neonates, and their outcome were documented from their case records.

Results

A total of 161 culture positive septic newborns, 76.4% were preterm and 54 died of sepsis (33.54%). Early and late onset sepsis was seen in 56 and 109 neonates, respectively. The initial clinical findings at suspicion of sepsis which had a statistical significance were tachycardia in Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas sepsis, hyperglycemia in Burkholderia, fever in Candida, sclerema in Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP), and seizures in E. coli sepsis. The cerebrospinal fluid culture positive newborns commonly presented with apnea, poor perfusion, and lethargy. Raised C reactive protein was seen in a higher proportion of newborns with Candida (60%) sepsis and E. coli (50%) sepsis. Severe thrombocytopenia was seen in 53%–62% newborns with gram-negative and fungal sepsis. Metabolic acidosis was seen in all gram-negative sepsis neonates, particularly in >80% cases of Klebsiella and Candida sepsis. Mortality was highest and statistically significant in KP (55.4%) and Citrobacter koseri (55.6%) sepsis ( p = .004). The statistically significant risk factors for mortality included neonates with raised C Reactive Protein (CRP). Most of the gram-negative pathogens were sensitive to colistin and aminoglycosides and resistant to carbapenems.

Conclusion

Observing the initial clinical features at suspicion of sepsis may help predicting the likely pathogen awaiting the final blood/CSF culture report and knowing the antibiotic sensitivity profile of commonly isolated organisms in our NICU helps in the selection of a rational empirical antibiotic.
Maternal and Paternal Hostility and Adolescents’ Emotional Problems: The Moderated-Moderation Model by Gender and Age
Authors: Karababa Ali
Published: January 2024

Hostility is a key dimension of parenting for adolescent outcomes. This study purposed to examine the predictive effect of maternal and paternal hostility on adolescents’ emotional problems and whether adolescent gender and age moderated this relationship. These aims were examined in a sample of 1,408 adolescents aged 11 to 18 years and their cohabiting mothers and fathers, with a total of 4224 Turkish participants. The findings demonstrated that maternal and paternal hostility were linked to adolescents’ emotional problems regardless of gender and age. In addition, girl adolescents exposed to maternal hostility reported more emotional problems than boys exposed to maternal hostility. Overall, adolescents’ age and gender did not moderate the relationship between parental hostility and adolescents’ emotional problems. As a result, parental hostility seemed to be an important risk factor for adolescents’ emotional problems.
Cultural Correlates of Adult Attachment Dimensions: Comparing the US and Turkey
Authors: Sakman Ezgi , Sümer Nebi
Published: January 2024

Mainstream attachment literature has chiefly employed WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic) samples, yet cross-cultural studies investigating attachment dynamics outside of Western world corroborated universality of the basic tenets of attachment theory and normativity of attachment security. Importantly, these studies revealed country-level differences in the prevalence of insecure attachment tendencies. Of note, this line of work bears the limitation of reducing culture to country and relying on the individualism versus collectivism dichotomy. The present study offers a novel examination of individual-level links between distinct cultural mindsets and distinct attachment orientations. We investigated two community samples ( NTurkey = 368, NUSA = 350) from two diverse cultural contexts by employing an assorted battery of cultural value measures, including both overt and covert measures of cultural indicators. Results revealed distinct relationships between attachment anxiety and the interdependent mindset and attachment avoidance and the independent mindset in both cultural contexts. Findings are discussed in light of cultural implications.
The Impact of Prescription Drug Coverage on Disparities in Adherence and Medication Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kaplan Cameron M. , Waters Teresa M. , Clear Emily R. , Graves Elizabeth E. , Henderson Stephanie
Published: January 2024

Prescription drug cost-sharing is a barrier to medication adherence, particularly for low-income and minority populations. In this systematic review, we examined the impact of prescription drug cost-sharing and policies to reduce cost-sharing on racial/ethnic and income disparities in medication utilization. We screened 2,145 titles and abstracts and identified 19 peer-reviewed papers that examined the interaction between cost-sharing and racial/ethnic and income disparities in medication adherence or utilization. We found weak but inconsistent evidence that lower cost-sharing is associated with reduced disparities in adherence and utilization, but studies consistently found that significant disparities remained even after adjusting for differences in cost-sharing across individuals. Study designs varied in their ability to measure the causal effect of policy or cost-sharing changes on disparities, and a wide range of policies were examined across studies. Further research is needed to identify the types of policies that are best suited to reduce disparities in medication adherence.
Measuring Gaze: Women’s Visual Processing of Empowerment and Objectification Messages in Empowerment-Themed Advertisements
Authors: Couture Bue Amelia C. , Harrison Kristen
Published: January 2024

Empowerment-themed advertisements (ETAs) often pair ostensibly empowering narratives with objectification imagery. Existing research demonstrates that women do not report feeling empowered after viewing ETAs but cannot confirm why. In this study, 186 female participants were randomly assigned to view captions and/or photos from ETAs while their eye movements were recorded. The empowerment-themed captions increased women’s felt empowerment when presented alone but failed to empower when paired with photos. However, captioning photos with empowerment-themed text did lead to lower self-objectification than captioning them with objectification-themed text. Thus, while the visuals used in ETAs limit their effectiveness, self-objectification may not be responsible.
Basic errors in couple-stress hyperelasticity articles
Authors: Shariff M H B M , Bustamante R , Merodio J
Published: January 2024

We highlight the basic errors found in a related set of couple-stress hyperelasticity articles and evince some statements are incorrect, which suggest that the results obtained in these set of articles are questionable.
The dialogical self and the multiplicity of I-positions: Experiences of becoming a teacher in the international practicum
Authors: Xu Wen , Stahl Garth , Poole Adam
Published: January 2024

The internationalisation of education poses local challenges for training pre-service teachers to navigate new and unfamiliar education contexts. For Chinese language teachers in Australia and beyond, undertaking initial teacher training has been informed by China’s wider agenda regarding the worldwide promotion of Chinese language. Building upon Dialogical self theory, this paper adopts traditions from autoethnography to unpack a Chinese novice teacher’s learning journey during a placement in an Australian Chinese language learning classroom. We focus on the lead author’s conflicted identity and how this identity was positioned and repositioned in response to contexts and through dialogue with the self and with others. This paper offers an alternative approach to understanding pre-service teachers’ learning and professional development, providing insight into how the practicum can be improved to better support Chinese international pre-service teachers who are navigating unfamiliar contexts.
Rethinking freedom for contemporary psychology
Authors: Ernø Steffen , Birk Rasmus
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this paper is to rethink the topic of freedom for contemporary psychology. Freedom, within psychological research today, is a neglected, even slightly old-fashioned term. In this paper, we explore the practical, normative, and political dimensions of freedom as a psychological concept. We begin by tracing out key understandings of freedom from political theory, before discussing how thinkers such as Skinner, Maslow, Fromm, and May understood the different dimensions of freedom. We then discuss a governmental perspective on freedom, drawn from the work of Nikolas Rose, before finally turning to the sociocultural psychology of L. S. Vygotsky. We contend that freedom is not merely the absence of constraints but a complex interplay between agency, responsibility, and social connections. Our paper argues that the modern emphasis on negative freedom, characterized by reduced interference and obligations, has resulted in a paradoxical situation where individuals feel overwhelmed and seek escape from freedom. By revisiting the insights of Erich Fromm and other scholars, we emphasize the need for positive freedom, which involves voluntary connections with others and active participation in shaping society. We argue that psychology’s mandate should be to facilitate the exploration of alternative avenues that lead to flourishing and self-actualization.
A cadaveric study and clinical application of the free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap reconstruction of limb soft tissue defects
Authors: Van Duong Tran , Hung Ngo Quoc , Khanh Hung Truong Nguyen , Trung Vo Thai , An Lam Quang
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In recent decades the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap technique has gradually overcome the previous disadvantages of its pedicle and donor site to be widely applied in treating tissue's defects. This article investigates the vascular anatomy of the SCIP flap and evaluates the result of using the flap to reconstruct limb defects.

Materials and Methods

The study was performed in two parts. Firstly a cross-sectional descriptive anatomical study comprising 49 groin dissections in 25 cadavers, with contrast radiographic demonstration of the vascular anatomy. Secondly a retrospective case series of 51 free SCIP flaps in 49 patients. Surgical outcomes were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale on the regional function and the aesthetics of implanted flap and donor sites.

Results

The results of anatomical analysis on cadavers showed the superficial circumflex iliac arteries were detected in all specimens with an average diameter of 1.4 ± 0.3 mm. The superficial subcutaneous venous systems were also recorded, including two veins (superficial circumflex vein and superficial epigastric vein) in 79.5% with an average diameter of 2.3 ± 0.6 mm. The flap results showed the alive flap rate was 90.2%, partial-necrosis flap was 3.9% and total necrosis of the flap in 5.9%. In the aesthetic evaluation, fine line scars were seen in 13/51 cases (25.5%), stretch scars in 33/51 cases (64.7%) and hypertrophic scars in 5/51 patients (9.8%), with no cases of keloid scars.

Conclusion

The SCIP flap is a reliable free-tissue transfer for reconstructing limb soft tissue defects. Moreover, the SCIP flap is an ideal flap with pleasing aesthetics because the donor-site scar is situated in a well-hidden site. Care must be taken when vein grafts are used to lengthen the flap as flap necrosis rates increase.
Integrated computational modeling of large format additive manufacturing: Developing a digital twin for material extrusion with carbon fiber-reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
Authors: Castelló-Pedrero Pablo , García-Gascón César , Bas-Bolufer Javier , García-Manrique Juan A
Published: January 2024

Material extrusion (MEX) continues to be a pivotal additive manufacturing (AM) process, involving the selective heating and layer-by-layer deposition of material. However, conventional finite-element models (finite-element analysis) face limitations in accurately simulating the MEX process, highlighting the need for experimental validation. This paper highlights an advanced material modeling technology that streamlines the development of composite parts using large format AM (LFAM). It specifically focuses on a thermoplastic acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) matrix composite material enriched with 20% short carbon fibers. The study employs integrated computational materials engineering, integrating (i) the manufacturing process, (ii) the material’s microstructure, (iii) homogenization techniques, and (iv) the performance of the final part. The development of a digital twin for pellet extrusion is proposed, emphasizing the importance of micro-structure characterization to account for warpage and residual stresses that lead to part distortion. The demonstrator manufactured for this study is a wind turbine mold of a blade section. Experimental tests revealed an elastic modulus of 5.5 GPa and a hardening modulus of 2.4 GPa for the composite. The numerical microscopic model showed a 16% error in the elastic modulus compared to experimental results. The study concludes that the homogenization techniques are effective in predicting the elastic properties but lack accuracy in the plastic region. The application of the model to the LFAM process of pellet extrusion is demonstrated, with simulation results showing a maximum deformation close to the center of the wind turbine blade mold.
Book review: Pettenati, G. 2022: Landscape as Heritage: International Critical Perspectives
Authors: Dixon Katherine Chyna
Published: January 2024

Pettenati, G. 2022: Landscape as Heritage: International Critical Perspectives. London and New York: Taylor and Francis. 328 pp. £130.00 (cloth), £32.39 (e-book), £35.99 (paper). ISBN: 978-1-032-04934-2 (cloth), 978-1-003-19523-8 (e-book), 978-1-032-04623-5 (paper).
Indications for alternative endovascular techniques in carotid-cavernous fistulas: A 20-year single-center experience
Authors: Voldřich Richard , Charvát František , Netuka David
Published: January 2024

Background

While coiling is considered the standard treatment for carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs), studies demonstrating excellent results using new materials, especially flow diverter (FD) stents and liquid embolisates, are becoming more frequent. The indications and effectiveness of these alternative endovascular techniques remain unclear.

Methods

A total of 22 direct and 20 indirect CCFs were included in the study. These were further subdivided based on the embolic material used: coils versus FD stents for direct and coils versus liquid embolisates for indirect CCFs. The subgroups were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

An angiographic cure was achieved in 88% of all CCFs, 93% of patients’ experienced clinical improvement or remained stable. Direct CCFs were treated with coiling (41%) or with both coils and FD stents (55%). One (4%) patient with a direct CCF was treated with FD stent alone. Statistical analysis comparing these subgroups revealed a significantly higher complete occlusion rate immediately after treatment in the coiling subgroup (67% vs. 23%, p = 0.0409). The occlusion rates at the last follow-up were similar (89% vs. 85%). Indirect CCFs were treated with coiling (35%) or liquid embolisates (65%). All three periprocedural ischemic complications were recorded within the liquid subgroup, resulting in a significantly higher clinical deterioration rate ( p = 0.0333).

Conclusion

FD stents in direct and liquid embolisates in indirect fistulas did not demonstrate better angiographic or clinical outcomes compared to convetional coiling. Liquid agents carried a higher risk of ischemic complications. Alternative embolization materials should be reserved for CCFs that cannot be treated with simple coiling.
Repairability of the subscapularis tendon in reverse shoulder prosthesis according to radiological findings
Authors: Bezirgan Ugur , Yogun Yener , Bozkurt Orhun Eray , Dumlupinar Ebru , Armangil Mehmet
Published: January 2024

Shoulder function is important in patients who underwent reverse shoulder prosthesis surgery for cuff tear arthropathy in the postoperative period to implement their daily routines. Therefore, we aimed to predict the repairability of the subscapularis tendon in reverse shoulder arthroplasty by looking at the radiological findings. A total of 107 shoulders of 101 patients were examined retrospectively. Preoperative and postoperative shoulder AP radiographs of the patients were evaluated according to acromiohumeral distance, lateral humeral offset, acromiohumeral distance difference, lateral humeral offset difference, Hamada classification, and rotator cuff Goutallier staging. The subscapularis tendon could not be repaired in 31 (28.97%) of 107 shoulders and could not be repaired in 13 of 17 patients who used an onlay prosthesis. There was no significant correlation between preoperative Hamada staging, preoperative lateral humeral offset and lateral humeral offset difference, and subscapularis repair ( p < 0.05). Preoperative and postoperative acromiohumeral distance cut-off values were found to be 0.59 and 3.22 cm, respectively. A statistically significant correlation was found in terms of preoperative acromiohumeral distance, postoperative acromiohumeral distance, acromiohumeral distance difference, Goutallier stage with the repair of subscapularis tendon. Fatty atrophy in rotator cuff muscles and distalization of the humerus can be considered as negative predictive values in terms of repairability of the subscapularis tendon.
Transradial artery access for carotid artery stenting: A pooled analysis
Authors: Batista Sávio , Oliveira Leonardo de Barros , Sousa Marcelo Porto , Pinheiro Agostinho C , Borges Jordana , Santana Laís , Bertani Raphael , Andreão Filipi Fim , Simões Adria , Almeida Filho José Alberto
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) through transradial access (TRA) is emerging as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy. However, the current evidence base is limited, mainly comprising single-center studies.

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the safety and effectiveness of TRA for CAS, providing evidence to support clinical decisions.

Methods

We conducted searches on PUBMED, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases, including studies on TRA for CAS. Studies with fewer than 20 patients, non-primary outcomes, and non-full-text articles were excluded.

Results

We analyzed 14 studies involving 1,166 patients who underwent CAS via TRA. Procedural success rate was high in 13 studies, with a 95% rate (95% CI; 92%–98%). Crossover to TFA access was observed in 12 studies at 6% (95% CI: 3%–9%). Transradial access failure was reported in four studies, with a rate of 0% (95% CI: 0%–0%). Cannulation failure resulted in a rate of 4% (95% CI: 2%–7%). Asymptomatic radial artery occlusion (ARAO) occurred at a rate of 2% based on eight studies (95% CI: 0%–5%). Forearm hematoma was reported in 10 studies, with an occurrence of 1% (95% CI: 0%–2%). Cerebral vascular attacks (CAV) within 30 days were assessed in 13 studies, indicating a 2% occurrence (95% CI: 1%–2%).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that TRA for CAS yields promising outcomes with high success rates and low complication rates. Further research should focus on randomized controlled trials and long-term outcomes to validate and extend findings.
A digital self-reported G8 screening tool: A comparison study
Authors: Arifin Trina , Ong Whee Sze , Chia Yu Ling Juliana , Chow Agnes Lai Yin , Chowdhury Anupama Roy , Chan Johan , Tan Wei Chong , Ramalingam Mothi Babu , Rajasekaran Tanujaa , Tan Tira J , Krishna Lalit , Lai Olive Shu Jun , Chen Simon Chern Jian , Kanesvaran Ravindran
Published: January 2024

Background

Geriatric assessment (GA) has been shown to be pivotal to the prognosis of elderly cancer patients. A G8 screening tool could act as a potential surrogate to identify patients who would benefit from further GA in a busy oncology clinic and a digital version would allow for a wider application.

Objectives

To develop a digital self-reported version of G8, and to compare its outcomes with in-person G8 administered by a healthcare professional.

Methods

A total of 483 cancer patients aged 70 years and older who received an in-person G8 assessment at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) clinic, and another 544 who completed the digital self-reported G8 were analysed. Total G8 score ≤14 was defined as positive screen.

Results

Response rate of the digital self-reported G8 was 50%. Median G8 total score was lower among online screeners than in-person screeners (11 vs 12.5, p < 0.001). The odds of a G8 positive screen among online screeners was higher than that of in-person screeners on multivariable logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 1.56, 95% CI 1.08-2.26). Some 20 in-person screeners had also completed the digital self-reported G8, and the agreement between their in-person and online G8 total scores was high (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.798, 95% CI 0.635-0.962).

Conclusions

A digital self-reported G8 is feasible. However, given the higher positive screen rate among the online screeners, replacement of the in-person G8 with the digital self-reported G8 should be implemented only after more conclusive evidence on the agreement between in-person and online G8 score is available.
Wave-absorbing performance of alumina thin-walled hollow particles under freezing condition
Authors: Yan Pengzhi , Wang Yu , Fan Pengxian , Wang Mingyang
Published: January 2024

The reliability of the absorbing layer is crucial for realizing protective engineering’s protection function. However, the typical wave-absorbing material, sand, is unable to fulfill its intended wave-absorbing function in areas with seasonally frozen soil. This is because the internal pores of the material become filled with ice and the particles freeze. To address this issue, alumina thin-walled hollow particles were chosen as a new wave-absorbing material. These particles can introduce the gas phase into the absorbing layer which is essential for attenuating the stress waves and its wave-absorbing capacity under freezing conditions was investigated by the split Hopkinson bar (SHPB) test. According to the test data, the alumina thin-walled hollow particles are less dense than sand and have a lower wave impedance, allowing them to reflect more incident energy. Moreover, these particles have a better capacity for dissipating the absorbed energy, as compared to sand. Under freezing circumstances, the average transmittance coefficient of alumina thin-walled hollow particles is only 21.95% to 49.30% of ordinary sand. Additionally, the particle size positively correlates with the capacity for wave-absorption. The capacity of alumina thin-walled hollow particles to shatter and release the gas phase under impact stress significantly increases the compressibility of the absorbing layer under freezing conditions, which accounts for their enhanced wave-absorbing effectiveness. The stress-strain curve specifically manifests as a smoother curve and a longer stage of plastic energy dissipation. Other than that, the dynamic deformation modulus of the material and peak stress is lower, while the peak strain is larger. The findings of this study provide a low-cost, high-reliability solution to the problem of frost damage in the absorbing layer in regions with seasonal freezing.
Is it myocardial infarction? A case report of C7 cervical radiculopathy with cervical angina
Authors: Mashauri Harold L , Makunga Frank J , Luhwago Elisha C , Ndale Eliasa , Kilonzo Kajiru G
Published: January 2024

Cervical radiculopathy refers to the mechanical compression or inflammation of any of the cervical roots which lead to their dysfunction. Male sex, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, manual labor-related occupation or activities are among the possible factors which can predispose or precipitate the occurrence of cervical radiculopathy. A 63 years old male presented with cervicogenic angina which was refractory to painkillers. C7 cervical radiculopathy might present with cervicogenic angina and pose a clinical diagnosis challenge given its similarity in clinical presentation with other clinical conditions like myocardial infarction. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion to differentiate the two conditions. Nevertheless, ruling out firstly myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism among patients presenting with chest pain is of clinical benefit in terms of morbidity and mortality of a patient. Furthermore, proper and timely physical examination should be emphasized to be conducted to every patient so as to avoid delayed diagnosis and management.
A case report of challenges in distinguishing gastroesophageal junction hepatoid adenocarcinoma from testicular germ cell tumor: Insights for improved diagnosis with gene expression profiling
Authors: Yazdanpanah Omid , Lee Fa-Chyi , Houshyar Roozbeh , Nourbakhsh Mahra , Mar Nataliya
Published: January 2024

Gastroesophageal junction hepatoid adenocarcinoma is a rare form of gastroesophageal cancer. We present a case of a 38-year-old man with no significant medical history who was diagnosed with gastroesophageal junction hepatoid adenocarcinoma but initially misdiagnosed with a testicular germ cell tumor, given the elevated alpha-feto protein and poorly differentiated pathology. We will elaborate on the importance of gene expression profiling in modern oncology to better define the tumor of origin in patients with cancer of unknown primary origin, how it helped us to diagnose gastroesophageal junction hepatoid adenocarcinoma and how it can help identify potential additional therapeutic targets in some cases. Due to the rarity of this subtype of gastroesophageal junction cancer there is a lack of standard therapeutic options, and we will discuss the most commonly used treatment regimens. The patient underwent three lines of antineoplastic therapy and unfortunately passed after 51 weeks of follow-up.
‘It's not everybody's snapshot. It's just an insight into that world’: A qualitative study of multiple perspectives towards understanding the mental health experience and addressing stigma in healthcare students through virtual reality
Authors: Szekely Raul , Mason Oliver , Frohlich David , Barley Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

Objective

The resurgence of virtual reality (VR) technologies has led to their increased use in contemporary healthcare education. One promising application is simulating the experiences of individuals with mental health conditions (MHCs) to reduce stigma among future healthcare professionals. This study set out to explore what those impacted by, or involved in, the education of healthcare students think about using VR in this way.

Methods

One individual interview and five focus groups were conducted with healthcare students ( n = 7), healthcare educators ( n = 6), and lived experience experts ( n = 5). Before sharing their perspectives, participants familiarised themselves with VR equipment and immersive materials simulating MHCs. The constant comparative method and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data.

Results

Participants recognised the acceptability and utility of VR for addressing mental health stigma in healthcare students, emphasising the immersive nature of this technology. However, some participants raised concerns about the limited insight VR could provide into the experiences of patients with the same MHCs and its potential emotional impact on users. Participants recommended the incorporation of interactive, realistic environments with a person-centred focus into future VR-based stigma reduction interventions while stressing the importance of providing healthcare students with opportunities for reflection and support.

Conclusions

Healthcare students, healthcare educators, and lived experience experts highlighted both advantages and barriers associated with using VR to understand the experience of patients with MHCs. Furthermore, the recommendations put forward can inform the design, content, and delivery of VR-based stigma reduction interventions in healthcare education.
Adherence to Dutch Guideline in Hospitalized Anorexia Nervosa Adolescents
Authors: Bolhuis Isabelle , Plötz Frans B. , Bannink Ellen M. N. , Hassing Marre , van Bellegem Annemarie C.
Published: January 2024

Background. The Dutch guideline Eating Disorders defines admission criteria for children with anorexia nervosa (AN) in need for medical stabilization and advices close monitoring to detect refeeding syndrome (RFS) in an early stage. Methods. Admission criteria, recommendations at admission, and during first week of hospitalization were evaluated in accordance to the guideline. RFS was defined as decreased electrolyte concentrations and/or clinical features. Results. 22 patients were included with a total of 50 admissions. We observed that 62% of the admitted patients met one of the admission criteria, 190/300 (63%) recommended admission examinations were performed. During admission adherence decreased, in particular daily weighing and physical examination (12% and 6%, respectively). The guideline was not fully followed in any of the patients. None of the hospitalized patients met the RFS criteria. Conclusion. Guideline adherence was moderate and can be improved by a few adaptations, which may limit unnecessary laboratory testing.
Mediating Role of Resilience and its Impact on Psychological Well-Being, and Mental Distress among Mental health Nurses
Authors: Hasan Abdalhadi , Alsulami Amal
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Mental health nurses (MHNs) are categorized as demanding specialists with high levels of stress, and their career is recognized as a high-risk career

Objective

The study aims to assess the relationships between psychological well-being (PWB), mental distress, and resilience among MHNs. Also, it aims to identify the significant predictors of the psychologic well-being of MHNs.

Methods

The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design with a random sample of 250 MHNs who were requested to complete DASS 21, Ryff's scale of PWB and Connor Davidson's resilience scale.

Results

The results revealed that two-thirds of nurses reported either a severe or extreme level of stress (n = 166, 66%), and more than half experienced a severe to extreme level of anxiety (n = 140, 56%). Approximately 25% of MHNs reported a severe to extreme level of depression (n = 62, 25%). The results also indicated that there is a statistically significant negative relationship between PWB subscales and DASS 21. The results indicate that the depression subscale is significantly varied based on the demographic characteristics of nurses. Similarly, this is the case for the anxiety and stress subscales.

Conclusion

The study showed that MHNs’ resilience intervenes with perceived mental distress. Enhancing MHNs resilience would improve PWB and mental health. The study results conclude that MHNs with a high level of resilience reported lower mental distress and a better working environment. Thus, MHNs should be introduced to crisis intervention in order to improve resilience levels.
Age-dependent seasonality in the incidence of stroke: A 21-year population-based study
Authors: Libruder Carmit , Yaari Rami , Fluss Ronen , Hershkovitz Yael , Ram Amit , Tanne David , Huppert Amit , Zucker Inbar
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Seasonality in the incidence of stroke has been examined in numerous studies, yet data on whether it differs with age are limited. To fill this gap, we utilized a largescale dataset from Israel.

Patients and methods:

We retrieved data of all hospitalizations for ischemic stroke (IS), transient ischemic attack (TIA) and intra cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) from 2000 to 2020. We maintained separate datasets for IS/TIA and ICH, divided into five age groups: 18–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80+. We modeled the monthly incidence using a generalized additive model. The seasonal effect was defined by the rate ratio (RR) of each month compared to the annual mean.

Results:

The analysis included 317,586 and 23,789 events of IS/TIA and ICH respectively. We found an interaction between age and seasonality, accounting for a phase shift with age in the seasonal pattern of IS/TIA incidence. For cases under 70 years, the peak was during summertime and the RRs increased with decreasing age, reaching 1.11 (95% CI 1.09–1.13) at the youngest age group. In contrast, among the elderly, a winter peak was observed and the RRs increased with age to 1.07 (95% CI 1.06–1.08) at the oldest age group. For ICH, a winter/autumn peak was identified and the RRs increased with age to 1.20 (95% CI 1.16–1.24).

Conclusions:

Our finding of age-dependent seasonal patterns in the occurrence of stroke, suggests closer monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors during wintertime among elderly individuals. The mechanism governing the seasonal phase shift with age in IS/TIA incidence, requires further investigation.
Emergency Medical Services dispatcher recognition of stroke: A systematic review
Authors: Wenstrup Jonathan , Hestoy Bartal Hofgaard , Sagar Malini Vendela , Blomberg Stig Nikolaj Fasmer , Christensen Hanne , Christensen Helle Collatz , Kruuse Christina
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

Stroke treatments are time-sensitive, and thus early and correct recognition of stroke by Emergency Medical Services is essential for outcomes. This is particularly important with the adaption of mobile stroke units. In this systematic review, we therefore aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of Emergency Medical Services dispatcher recognition of stroke.

Methods:

The review was registered on PROSPERO and the PRISMA guidelines were applied. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Review Library. Screening and data extraction were performed by two observers. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 instrument.

Findings:

Of 1200 papers screened, 24 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data on sensitivity was reported in 22 papers and varied from 17.9% to 83.0%. Positive predictive values were reported in 12 papers and ranged from 24.0% to 87.7%. Seven papers reported specificity, which ranged from 20.0% to 99.1%. Six papers reported negative predictive value, ranging from 28.0% to 99.4%. In general, the risk of bias was low.

Discussion:

Stroke recognition by dispatchers varied greatly, but overall many patients with stroke are not recognised, despite the initiatives taken to improve stroke literacy. The available data are of high quality, however Asian, African, and South American populations are underrepresented.

Conclusion:

While the data are heterogenous, this review can serve as a reference for future research in emergency medical dispatcher stroke recognition and initiatives to improve prehospital stroke recognition.
Reimagining the governance of water from the ground up: On the ‘worlding-practices’ of grassroots movements building alternative ‘water worlds’
Authors: Tozzi Arianna
Published: January 2024

This paper speaks to the uneven scholarly attention gone into tracing dominant forms of water governance as opposed to practices crafting alternative human-water relations on the ground. Through the case of an Indian-based network mobilising to transform how we understand rainfed regions as rain-dependent socio-ecologies, I theorise their action ‘with care’, a commitment to think-with grassroots movements as actors capable of bringing new worlds into being. Describing their activities as worlding-practices, I explore how the network confronts the invisibilities inscribed by the current paradigm reducing water to irrigation by defining alternative metrological tools that recentre the governance of water from the perspective of the rainfall. Tinkering with the variables of the constituted metrology, the network utilises an atlas, a formula, and an acronym to enact a different rainfed sociality into being, creating visibilities and cares for neglected things. Through the story of a grassroots group and their strategies of mobilisation, this account contributes to debates on how to pluralise water governance, suggesting that reimagining its practices requires taking seriously the performativity of grassroots knowledges. Building alliances between research and activism as e/affective world-building partners becomes key to co-theorise liveable human-water relations and caring socio-ecologies at large.
Designing ecosystems of intelligence from first principles
Authors: Friston Karl J , Ramstead Maxwell JD , Kiefer Alex B , Tschantz Alexander , Buckley Christopher L , Albarracin Mahault , Pitliya Riddhi J , Heins Conor , Klein Brennan , Millidge Beren , Sakthivadivel Dalton AR , St Clere Smithe Toby , Koudahl Magnus , Tremblay Safae Essafi , Petersen Capm , Fung Kaiser , Fox Jason G , Swanson Steven , Mapes Dan , René Gabriel
Published: January 2024

This white paper lays out a vision of research and development in the field of artificial intelligence for the next decade (and beyond). Its denouement is a cyber-physical ecosystem of natural and synthetic sense-making, in which humans are integral participants—what we call “shared intelligence.” This vision is premised on active inference, a formulation of adaptive behavior that can be read as a physics of intelligence, and which inherits from the physics of self-organization. In this context, we understand intelligence as the capacity to accumulate evidence for a generative model of one’s sensed world—also known as self-evidencing. Formally, this corresponds to maximizing (Bayesian) model evidence, via belief updating over several scales, that is, inference, learning, and model selection. Operationally, this self-evidencing can be realized via (variational) message passing or belief propagation on a factor graph. Crucially, active inference foregrounds an existential imperative of intelligent systems; namely, curiosity or the resolution of uncertainty. This same imperative underwrites belief sharing in ensembles of agents, in which certain aspects (i.e., factors) of each agent’s generative world model provide a common ground or frame of reference. Active inference plays a foundational role in this ecology of belief sharing—leading to a formal account of collective intelligence that rests on shared narratives and goals. We also consider the kinds of communication protocols that must be developed to enable such an ecosystem of intelligences and motivate the development of a shared hyper-spatial modeling language and transaction protocol, as a first—and key—step towards such an ecology.