bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Identification Algorithm of Cascade Control System
Authors: Ding Damin , Wang Yagang , Zhang Wei , Chu Wei
Published: November 2022

Aiming at the problem of object model identification of modern industrial process control systems, a new closed-loop moment parameter identification online method based on the data of normal operation of the running system is proposed. In this method, only one step response data of the system is required, and appropriate convergence factors are introduced into the Laplace formula, the trapezoidal integral method is used to calculate the values of two derivatives of the transfer function, then the four unknown parameters of the second-order model can be solved by fitting the data with the least square method, and the target model can be identified. Finally, the simulation results of building different objects through Matlab show that the identification method has general applicability and good robustness with high recognition, and it is not sensitive to noise signals.
The Influence of Parents’ Background and Their Perception on the Progression of Myopia in Children
Authors: Tao Zheng-Yang , Chen Shui-Qiang , Tang Yu , Zhao Jun , Wang Jiao , Lin Zhi-Hong , Deng Hong-Wei
Published: November 2022

Purpose. To study the influence of parents’ educational backgrounds and understanding on the progress of myopia in their offspring. Methods. Spherical equivalent refraction (SE) of the children (aged 6–14) in China was assessed with cycloplegic autorefraction in a two-year longitudinal study. The parents’ background information and myopia-related cognition were collected by questionnaires. Results. The offspring of parents with lower education and more myopic SE had higher myopic progression (mean = –1.42 ± 1.06) than the children of other groups (

P
<
0.05

). The parents’ understanding of the proper outdoor activity time, sleep duration, reading distance, and indoor illumination for children was not significantly correlated with the progression of myopia in their offspring. The parent’s preference for eye care visit frequency had a significant correlation with the myopia development of their children (r = 0.076,

P
=

0.001

∗

). The mean SE progression was −0.84 ± 1.37 and −0.58 ± 1.29 in the children whose parents considered that extracurricular classes would negatively affect myopia development progression and the children whose parents believed it would not, respectively (

P
=

0.026

∗

). Conclusions. Most parents misunderstand the influence of insufficient outdoor sports time and extracurricular classes, which require extra near-vision work. Besides, for parents with low educational background and more myopic SE, their offspring had higher myopia progression and may be the key group for myopia control. Finally, parents may obtain life advice and knowledge related to preventing myopia after their children become myopic. It may be of positive significance if this process could take place before myopia onset.
Xeno-Free Integrated Platform for Robust Production of Cardiomyocyte Sheets from hiPSCs
Authors: Dias Tiago P. , Baltazar Tânia , Pinto Sandra N. , Fernandes Tiago G. , Fernandes Fábio , Diogo Maria Margarida , Prieto Manuel , Cabral Joaquim M. S.
Published: November 2022

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be efficiently differentiated into cardiomyocytes (CMs), which can be used for cardiac disease modeling, for drug screening, and to regenerate damaged myocardium. Implementation of xeno-free culture systems is essential to fully explore the potential of these cells. However, differentiation using xeno-free adhesion matrices often results in low CM yields and lack of functional CM sheets, capable of enduring additional maturation stages. Here, we established a xeno-free CM differentiation platform using TeSR/Synthemax, including a replating step and integrated with two versatile purification/enrichment metabolic approaches. Results showed that the replating step was essential to reestablish a fully integrated, closely-knit CM sheet. In addition, replating contributed to increase the cTnT expression from 65% to 75% and the output from 2.2 to 3.1 CM per hiPSC, comparable with the efficiency observed when using TeSR/Matrigel. In addition, supplementation with PluriSin1 and Glu-Lac+ medium allowed increasing the CM content over 80% without compromising CM sheet integrity or functionality. Thus, this xeno-free differentiation platform is a reliable and robust method to produce hiPSC-derived CMs, increasing the possibility of using these cells safely for a wide range of applications.
Recycled Coarse Aggregate for Sustainable Self-Compacting Concrete and Mortar
Authors: Rizwan Syed Ali , Irfan-ul-Hassan Muhammad , Rahim Abdur , Ali Salman , Sultan Asim , Syamsunur Deprizon , Md Yusoff Nur Izzi
Published: November 2022

The utilization of construction and demolition waste is useful for sustainable infrastructure development and protecting the environment. In this research, the properties of self-compacting concrete produced by replacing the natural coarse aggregates (NCA) with inferior recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) were investigated. The properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) and self-compacting mortar (SCM) with varying replacements of RCA (0, 25, 50, and 100%) in NCA were determined. The flow, strength, early shrinkage tests, and microstructure using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were investigated. The fresh property results indicated that the viscosity of freshly mixed SCC increased with higher replacement levels of RCA, thus reducing flow. The compressive strength of RCA SCC was reduced up to 30% for a 100% replacement level, while the flexural strength was reduced by about 15%. The compressive strength and flexural strength of SCMs, however, increased up to 12% and 28% for 100% replacement with RCA. The mechanical strength of SCM increases with RCA because of high fine content which reduces the porosity and makes the system denser. The early age linear shrinkage increases with RCA due to its greater water absorption. The results indicate that recycled coarse aggregate can be effectively used as the replacement of NCA in SCC to produce sustainable and eco-friendly structural concrete.
Examination of Impact of After-Hours Admissions on Hospital Resource Use, Patient Outcomes, and Costs
Authors: Skead Charlenn , Thompson Laura H. , Kuk Hanna , Hendin Ariel , Yasir Hamood Al Abri Moosa , Choudhri Yasmeen , Ramsay Tim , Herritt Brent , Kyeremanteng Kwadwo
Published: November 2022

Background. Nighttime and weekends in hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) contexts are thought to present a greater risk for adverse events than daytime admissions. Although some studies exist comparing admission time with patient outcomes, the results are contradictory. No studies currently exist comparing costs with the time of admission. We investigated the differences in-hospital mortality, ICU length of stay, ICU mortality, and cost between daytime and nighttime admissions. Methods. All adult patients (≥18 years of age) admitted to a large academic medical-surgical ICU between 2011 and 2015 were included. Admission cohorts were defined as daytime (8:00–16:59) or nighttime (17:00–07:59). Student’s t-tests and chi-squared tests were used to test for associations between days spent in the ICU, days on mechanical ventilation, comorbidities, diagnoses, and cohort membership. Regression analysis was used to test for associations between patient and hospitalization characteristics and in-hospital mortality and total ICU costs. Results. The majority of admissions occurred during nighttime hours (69.5%) with no difference in the overall Elixhauser comorbidity score between groups (

p
=
0.22

). Overall ICU length of stay was 7.96 days for daytime admissions compared to 7.07 days (

p
=
0.001

) for patients admitted during nighttime hours. Overall mortality was significantly higher in daytime admissions (22.5% vs 20.6,

p
=
0.012

); however, ICU mortality was not different. The average MODS was 2.9 with those admitted during the daytime having a significantly higher MODS (3.0,

p
=
0.046

). Total ICU cost was significantly higher for daytime admissions (

p
=
0.003

). Adjusted ICU mortality was similar in both groups despite an increased rate of adverse events for nighttime admissions. Daytime admissions were associated with increased cost. There was no difference in all hospital total cost or all hospital direct cost between groups. These findings are likely due to the higher severity of illness in daytime admissions. Conclusion. Daytime admissions were associated with a higher severity of illness, mortality rate, and ICU cost. To further account for the effect of staffing differences during off-hours, it may be beneficial to compare weekday and weeknight admission times with associated mortality rates.
Combined Influence of Particle Shape and Fabric on the Shear Behaviour of Granular Materials
Authors: Liu Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Yaping , Li Yanrong , Guo Yi-Chen
Published: November 2022

The anisotropy feature is an important characteristic of granular materials in natural life and is caused by two facts: the anisotropy feature of particle shape, such as an elongated or flattened shape, and the anisotropy feature of the packing fabric, such as the preferable orientation of particle alignment. The discrete element method has been commonly used in the study of meso-mechanics of granular materials and is in our study to simulate the direct shear test with particles of various aspect ratios under different initial orientation alignment conditions for assessing the coupled influence of anisotropy from particle shape and fabric of particle packings on the shear behaviour of granular materials. Analysis results show that anisotropy from the particle shape has the most significant influence on the shear behaviour of a granular packing when the packing has the initial anisotropy fabric of an orientational alignment perpendicular to the shear direction. Moreover, the initial fabric anisotropy of a granular packing has an increasing influence with the rise in anisotropy of particle shape. A combined anisotropic factor is finally introduced to reflect the coupled influence of the shape anisotropy of particles and the fabric anisotropy of particle packings.
The Role of p66Shc in Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review from Bench to Bedside
Authors: Mousavi SeyedehFatemeh , Khazeei Tabari Mohammad Amin , Bagheri Alireza , Samieefar Noosha , Shaterian Negar , Kelishadi Roya
Published: November 2022

It is well-documented that diabetes is an inflammatory and oxidative disease, with an escalating global burden. Still, there is no definite treatment for diabetes or even prevention of its harmful complications. Therefore, understanding the molecular pathways associated with diabetes might help in finding a solution. p66Shc is a member of Shc family proteins, and it is considered as an oxidative stress sensor and regulator in cells. There are inconsistent data about the role of p66Shc in inducing diabetes, but accumulating evidence supports its role in the pathogenesis of diabetes-related complications, including macro and microangiopathies. There is growing hope that by understanding and targeting molecular pathways involved in this network, prevention of diabetes or its complications would be achievable. This review provides an overview about the role of p66Shc in the development of diabetes and its complications.
Evaluation of Three Human-Use Glucometers for Blood Glucose Measurement in Dogs
Authors: Santos Matheus Albuquerque Basilio dos , Vargas Alesssandra Martins , Rosato Paula Nunes , Andrade Carolina Gomes , Martins Camila Marinelli , Petri Giuliana
Published: November 2022

Background. Glucometers or portable sensors are used to quickly measure blood glucose at low cost. They are used in veterinary practice and by guardians to monitor diseases that require, as in diabetes mellitus. However, not all commercially available glucometers (human and veterinary) are suitable for this purpose. Hypotheses/Objectives. The objective was to evaluate the analytical and clinical precision of three human-use portable glucometers. Animals. This study evaluated 115 samples in three glycemic ranges (hypoglycemia, normoglycemia, and hyperglycemia) from 82 dogs recruited from veterinary services. Methods. The portable glucometers are the FreeStyle Freedom Lite®, FreeStyle Optium Neo®, and On Call Plus® models. Glucometer results were compared with the enzymatic colorimetric glucose oxidase laboratory reference method. Using descriptive and comparative statistical analysis, there were correlations between these devices and the standard method, ISO 15197 : 2003 and ISO 15197 : 2013 standards, and error grid analysis. Results. Only the Freedom Lite® device observed a statistical difference when compared with the reference method. Despite the underestimated glucose concentrations assessed with humane devices, all three tested herein showed a positive coefficient. However, none of these achieved all ISO guidelines. Conclusion and Clinical Importance. Although there was wide use of portable humane devices for dog glucose measurements on routine, the results are generally inferior when compared to the reference method. The FreeStyle Optium Neo® glucometer obtained the best result and is therefore the best option among the glucometers evaluated; however, for the first attendance on veterinary routine, all three glucometers had a satisfactory glucose measurement until the reference method availability.
Cuprotosis Patterns Are Associated with Tumor Mutation Burden and Immune Landscape in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Tingting , Cai Liangliang , Hua Hujia , Jiang Xingyu , Xu Xintian , Zhang Tianyi , Huang Wenqing , Qian Li , Bai Hua , Duan Jianchun
Published: November 2022

Background. The association involving cuprotosis, molecular subtype, and specific immune cell groups in the tumor microenvironment has been focused on by more recent studies. In lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the potential functions of cuprotosis remain elusive. Methods. The cuprotosis regulations and tumor immune profile of 567 LUAD patients and the correlation between the cuprotosis patterns and the immune landscape were comprehensively evaluated. The cuprotosisScore was calculated using principal component analysis (PCA). The prognostic significance of the cuprotosisScore was evaluated by Cox regression statistics analysis. Results. Five cuprotosisClusters (named mc1, 2, 3, 4, 5)—characterized by differences in expression of immunomodulatory genes, mRNA, or lncRNA expression, and prognosis were identified. We established cuprotosisScore to quantify the cuprotosis pattern of individual LUAD patients. As is shown in further analyses, the cuprotosisScore was a relatively potential independent prognostic factor of LUAD involved in mc1. Finally, the prognostic value of the cuprotosisScore and its association with tumor immune microenvironment (iTME) of LUAD in five cuprotosisClusters were verified. Conclusions. We demonstrated the correlation between cuprotosis modification, the molecular subtype, and tumor immune landscape in LUAD. The cuprotosisCluster with high cuprotosisScore and high tumor mutation burden (TMB) was identified with a good prognosis and immune functions. The comprehensive evaluation of cuprotosis patterns in individual LUAD patients enhances the understanding of iTME and gives a new insight toward improved immune treatment strategies for LUAD patients.
Association of 24 h Blood Pressure on Functional Outcome in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Post Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Reddy Sritheja , Paramasivan Naveen Kumar , Sreedharan Sapna Erat , Sukumaran Sajith , Vinoda Thulaseedharan Jissa , Sylaja Padmavathy N.
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Elevated admission blood pressure (BP) and BP variability have been shown to be associated with poor outcomes in most studies, while few studies have not found such an association. We investigated the association of various BP parameters with 3-month functional outcomes, mortality, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) receiving intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). Methods: Patients with AIS who received IVT between January 2012 and March 2020 were analyzed. Admission BP, 24 h mean BP, and BP variability were noted for all patients. Outcomes assessed were 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS), mortality, and sICH. Results: Of the 237 patients, 161 were males. The mean admission systolic BP (SBP), 24 h mean SBP, and BP variability were 158.1 mm Hg (SD 30.25), 138 mm Hg (SD 16.78), 19.42 (SD 12.79), respectively. At 3 months, 147 (62%) patients had a good outcome (mRS 0–2). Multivariate analysis showed prior stroke, NIHSS >15, mean SBP ≥160 mm Hg, and SBP variability >45 to be significant predictors of poor outcome (mRS > 2) at 3 months. Eleven patients (4.6%) developed sICH. Age more than 60 years, presence of atrial fibrillation, admission blood sugar ≥180 mg/Dl, and SBP variability >45 predicted sICH. None of the above factors were predictive of 3-month mortality. Conclusion: An elevated mean SBP and greater SBP variability were predictive of poor functional outcomes, whereas a high SBP variability predicted sICH. Our study emphasizes the need for BP control and minimizing large fluctuations to achieve good poststroke outcomes.
Gaussian Process Koopman Mode Decomposition
Authors: Kawashima Takahiro , Hino Hideitsu
Published: November 2022

We propose a nonlinear probabilistic generative model of Koopman mode decomposition based on an unsupervised gaussian process. Existing data-driven methods for Koopman mode decomposition have focused on estimating the quantities specified by Koopman mode decomposition: eigenvalues, eigenfunctions, and modes. Our model enables the simultaneous estimation of these quantities and latent variables governed by an unknown dynamical system. Furthermore, we introduce an efficient strategy to estimate the parameters of our model by low-rank approximations of covariance matrices. Applying the proposed model to both synthetic data and a real-world epidemiological data set, we show that various analyses are available using the estimated parameters.
Review of the Neotropical genera Barra Jordan and Brevibarra Jordan, with description of a new species of Barra from Nicaragua, notes on the tribe Piesocorynini Valentine, and new records of Brevibarra from Brazil and Ecuador (Coleoptera: Anthribidae)
Authors: TRÝZNA MILOŠ , CARRASCO JUAN CARLOS , BLAŽEJ LUKÁŠ
Published: November 2022

The Neotropical genera Barra Jordan, 1904, and Brevibarra Jordan, 1906 (Anthribidae: Anthribinae: Piesocorynini Valentine, 1960) are reviewed. A key to obviously similar genera of this tribe, based on mandible shape, is proposed. A new species, Barra baruskae sp. nov., from Nicaragua is described, male genitalia are studied and illustrated. A key to the now three known species of Barra, and colour photographs are provided. New data on the distribution of Brevibarra scotosagis Jordan, 1906 from Brazil and Ecuador, including illustration of genitalia and colour habitus photographs, are provided.
Design and Simulations of an Electron-Optical Column Using Finite-Difference and Finite-Element Methods Combination
Authors: Algozy Mohammed , Sise Omer , Algarni Hamed , El Ghazaly Mohamed O. A.
Published: November 2022

Computer-simulated design of electron microscopes and related optical-probe systems is an area of growing importance, because of the actual innovative advances in material science, in particular at the nano and micro structure scales. The numerical methods can accurately and rapidly
predict lens-system performance from variables such as electrode geometry, electrode potential, and magnet-coil excitation. This deepened understanding leads naturally to well-reasoned optimizations of the probe parameters. Reported herein is design and simulation of an electron optical column
of scanning electron microscope type, using a new hybrid method of combining the SIMION and COMSOL charged-particle optics package codes. It relies on the use of the COMSOL output as an input of SIMION code. Both the finite-element and the finite-difference methods are used in a complementary
combination to accurately model the magnetic lenses and determine the electron-steering and focusing magnetic-field distributions along the optical axis. The effects of the design parameters, such as the excitation current and their arrangement, are investigated. This works also presents guidelines
on the beneficial use of such method, to workout efficient charged-particle optics-based design.
Effect of on-Line Annealing Temperature on Mechanical Properties, Microstructure, Fracture Structure and Superelasticity of Ti49.1Ni50.9 Alloy
Authors: Lu Pan , Heng-Hua Zhang , Mei Zhang , Tong Liu , Xiao-Yun Sun
Published: November 2022

Ti-50.9Ni (at%) shape memory alloy (SMA) ingot was prepared by the vacuum induction furnace, and was produced into Φ2.0 mm wire successively by forging, rolling and hot drawing. After complete annealing of 800 °C×5 min and cold drawing with 30% deformation, on-line annealing
with different temperatures (500 °C×5 min, 600 °C×5 min, 700 °C×5 min) were employed to TiNi wires. Both tensile tests and fivecycles loading-unloading tensile tests with 7% strain were applied to study the mechanical properties, and superelasticity (SE) of TiNi
wires. In addition, microstructure and fracture characteristics were investigated by OM, SEM and EDS. The results showed that the tensile strength of 500 °C×5 min annealing reached 1431 MPa, the elongation of 700 °C×5 min annealing reached 129%. The superelasticity behavior
of 500 °C×5 min showed excellent performance in five-cycles loading-unloading tensile tests, and the transformation platform peak stress with >7% strain showed a small attenuation (about 4 MPa ), and cumulative residual strain was only 0.2%. In addition, fracture characteristics
for all TiNi wires were all plastic fractures, there were a large number of dimples in fractures.
Simulation Research on Air-Coupled Ultrasonic Detection of Layered Composite Interface Defects Using Matlab Computer Software
Authors: Sun Dong , Wei Yong
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a mathematical model and a finite element model are established to describe the dispersion characteristics of acoustic modes in a two-layer medium. Air-coupled ultrasound was used to detect interfacial defects in a laminated composite. An appropriate excitation signal
was simulated to locate interface defects by both MATLAB (for the numerical model) and ANSYS (for the finite element model) software tools. The results confirmed that the mode of the excitation wave was consistent with the materials of the layered structure, which ensured propagation of the
wave into each layer whereas avoiding the phenomenon of total reflection that prevents complete detection of the interfacial adhesive properties in the layered composite structure. This study demonstrates that the size of an interface defect should be simulated interchangeably using both MATLAB
and ANSYS software. As such, it is feasible to detect the interfacial quality of laminated composites by air-coupled ultrasonic waves.
How Does Horizontal Diffusion Influence the Intensification and Maximum Intensity of Numerically Simulated Tropical Cyclones?
Authors: Fei Rong , Wang Yuqing
Published: November 2022

Recent studies have demonstrated the sensitivity of simulated tropical cyclone (TC) intensity to horizontal diffusion in numerical models. It is unclear whether such sensitivity comes from the horizontal diffusion in or above the boundary layer. To address this issue, both an Ooyama-type model and a full-physics model are used to conduct sensitivity experiments with reduced or enlarged horizontal mixing length (lh) in the boundary layer and/or in the free atmosphere. Results from both models show that enlarging (reducing) lh throughout the model domain considerably reduces (increases) the TC intensification rate and quasi-steady intensity. A new finding is that changing lh above the boundary layer imposes a much greater influence than that in the boundary layer. Large lh above the boundary layer is found to effectively reduce the radial gradient of tangential wind inside the radius of maximum tangential wind and thus the inward flux of absolute vorticity, reducing the positive tangential wind tendency and the TC intensification rate and the steady-state intensity. In contrast, although larger lh in the boundary layer reduces the boundary layer tangential wind tendency, it also leads to the more inward-penetrated inflow and thus enhances the inward flux of absolute vorticity, which offsets part of the direct negative contribution by horizontal diffusion, making the net change in tangential wind tendency not obvious. Results from three-dimensional simulations also show that the resolved eddies contribute negatively to TC spinup when lh is small, while its effect weakens when lh is enhanced either in or above the boundary layer.
A Single-Institution Comparison of Robot-Assisted and Conventional Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgeries
Authors: Roskam Justin S. , Soliman Sara S. , Chang Grace C. , Rolandelli Rolando H. , Nemeth Zoltan H.
Published: November 2022

There has been ongoing discussion regarding the superiority of robotic laparoscopic surgery (RLS) over conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) in many surgical subspecialties. We therefore sought to elucidate if RLS is associated with more favorable clinical outcomes than CLS among patients who underwent colorectal surgery. Using data from a high-volume single institution in New Jersey, we identified 145 patients who underwent an elective RLS or CLS sigmoid resection for colon cancer or diverticulitis in 2019 and 2020. We analyzed operation time, hospitalization cost, complications, readmissions, reoperations, and lymph node retrieval. Operation time and operation to discharge time were not significantly different among patients undergoing surgery for colon cancer (P > .05), but operation time was found to be longer in diverticulitis patients (P = .03). Additionally, RLS was significantly more costly ($86,003 ± $3520 vs. $68,277 ±$1,168, P < .001) for patients with diverticulitis. Our data demonstrate that the benefit of RLS over CLS in colon resections for diverticulitis and colon cancer is not evident due to the increased costs associated with RLS procedures.
The Role of Radiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer in a Patient With Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Authors: Roberts Ashley C. , Lunt Lilia G. , Coogan Alison C. , Madrigrano Andrea
Published: November 2022

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is associated with many different cancers, including early onset breast cancer. Due to an increased risk of radiation-induced malignancy, radiation therapy is often avoided in this patient population. This case study evaluates a 38-year-old female with a history of juvenile granulosa cell tumor of the ovary and malignant phyllodes tumor of right breast, who subsequently developed bilateral invasive ductal carcinoma and was treated with bilateral mastectomies. Studies show that in a high-risk patient, post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) should not be ruled out due to a history of LFS, as the benefit of PMRT may outweigh the risk of a radiation-induced malignancy.
Why Don’t We Center Abolition in Queer Criminology?
Authors: Walker Allyn , Petersen Amanda M. , Wodda Aimee , Stephens Ash
Published: November 2022

In the last decade, queer criminology (QC) has emerged as a subfield of criminological research examining criminal-legal experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Preceding and concurrent with this subfield, humanistic, and legal scholars outside criminology have worked to produce intersectional theorizations of queer, trans, and racial justice within and beyond the criminal legal system. However, numerous tenets of the latter literature have not been widely recognized by or integrated into QC scholarship. In this article, we consider how QC might more pointedly engage with this literature. We focus on how the concept of abolition has been mobilized in non-criminological theorizations of queer, trans, Black feminist, and racial justice, and how and why centering abolition in QC literature would positively shape QC’s legacy.
Usability of an mHealth application in India for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Goswami Rekha , Garner Shelby L. , George Carol Elizabeth
Published: November 2022

Objective:

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies are a rapidly evolving field in India and are increasingly being used to address noncommunicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, few studies have addressed user perceptions of T2DM mHealth applications (apps) in India. The purpose of this study was to determine the usability and compare results of an mHealth app designed to improve T2DM health literacy among specific populations in India.

Design:

Comparative survey design.

Setting:

Bengaluru, India.

Method:

A descriptive comparative design was used. The mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ) was used to research the usability of the T2DM mHealth app. Participants ( N = 95) were recruited via email and WhatsApp. They were first asked to use the mHealth app and then complete a usability questionnaire.

Results:

Participants in the study were mainly single (86.3%), women (95.8%), aged 18–28 years (89.5%), with some college education (63.8%), unemployed (90.5%), living in an urban area (76.8%) and not previously diagnosed with T2DM (93.6%). Mean responses (1 =  disagree; 7 =  agree) ranged from 5.89 ( SD, 1.48) to 6.22 ( SD, 1.42) favouring the app’s usability. Users recommended incorporating more knowledge and information into the app as an idea for improvement. Results showed that there was no significant difference in scores by age, gender, marital status, employment or previous diagnosis rates and responses to the questions.

Conclusion:

As a result of these findings, we can use the same interface and layout as that used on the mHealth app with more confidence when creating other health education apps. The data revealed areas for improvement in future apps, such as adding more information, additional questions and more language options. Informed by these findings, we may create health literacy apps that are better suited for the user with greater ease of use.
The Effects of Procedural Justice on Obligation to Obey, and Compliance among Incarcerated Offenders in South Africa
Authors: Bello Paul Oluwatosin , Matshaba Thabiso Donald
Published: November 2022

This study explores the impacts of procedural justice on incarcerated offenders’ obligation to obey, and compliance with correctional rules and procedures in selected South African correctional centers. The Tylerian process-based regulation model holds that compliance with legal authorities is contingent upon some normative and instrumental factors. While these factors have been considered to shape compliance among inmates in correctional centers in Western societies, there is a dearth of research on compliance behavior among incarcerated offenders in correctional centers in transitional African societies, including South Africa. A cross-sectional survey of participants from selected correctional centers in South Africa assessed the effect of procedural justice and other exogenous elements on inmates’ obligation to obey and comply with correctional rules and procedures. The findings indicate, among others, that inmates who assessed correctional officials as procedurally just or fair were more likely to obey and comply with correctional rules and procedures. The implications of the findings for the effective management of incarcerated offenders are discussed.
Preparation of straw-reinforced grafted starch composite adsorbent for the treatment of textile printing and dyeing wastewater
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Haitao , Yaoyao Zheng , Li Fan , Hussain Zawar , Chang Na
Published: November 2022

A straw-reinforced grafted starch composite resin (SSCR) was prepared via grafting and cross-linking co-polymerization with multi-monomers, using raw starch as a matrix and reed straw fine particles as a reinforcing material to the starch matrix. Its structures were characterized by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique. The SSCR had enhanced physico-chemical stability due to the formation of a “sea–island” structure, including enhanced resistance to acid/alkali effects and flow abrasion. The introduction of positively charged graft chain segments on SSCR significantly improved its adsorption capacity to active and direct dyes. In the static adsorption experiment, the decolorization rate (DR) of SSCR for the simulated textile printing and dyeing wastewater was up to 85.42%, which had advantage over 201 × 7 ion exchange resin (DR = 38.53%) and activated carbon (DR = 60.19%). In the dynamic adsorption experiment, the SSCR was used as packing material for the column bed. The DR of the SSCR bed for the simulated textile printing and dyeing wastewater was up to 99.95%, and after six dynamic adsorption–regeneration circulations the DR was not lower than 95%.
Binge eating after a religious fast: Acute gastric dilation causing perforation – a case report
Authors: John Viju , Jacob Mariya
Published: November 2022

Acute gastric dilation after binge eating may lead to ischaemic necrosis and perforation of the gastric wall. Though rarely seen owing to the rich blood supply of the stomach, its sequelae may be avoided by prompt decompression of the dilated stomach. We present such a case heretofore rarely reported from India.
Thinking from the Barrio: Location, Modernity, and the Popular in Alejandro Moreno
Authors: Colmenares Gil Carlos
Published: November 2022

This article examines and criticizes the question of the slum and some of its contemporary approaches in order to propose another way of framing such a question, one that emerges from the slum itself as an experience of conceiving and living in the world in a way that challenges the Modern Episteme, that is, the regime of knowledge of the West par excellence. In the case of Venezuela, as seen in the work of Alejandro Moreno, this challenge is articulated by what he calls the Popular Episteme, driven by a set of historical practices and knowledge that complicates any generalizing and dependency-driven conceptions of the slum or the barrio, to be more precise within the Venezuelan context. This thought from the barrio, that Moreno’s work helps us articulate, becomes a way of going beyond conceptions of the slum as the other side of modernity, as if trapped in a totalizing dialectic; but it also helps us take some critical ways of studying the slum to the limit and offer a view from the Venezuelan barrio as a way of illuminating the heterogeneous experience of all the sites that have been globally labeled as “slums” and the need to connect them through their difference and not because the subjectivities they harbor are equivalent. The reflection about the location from which thought departs, and Moreno’s work as an example of this, will be the crucial element and the guiding thread of this reflection.
Vocal Cord Gout Nodules: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wang Yan , Ma Rongyue , Ruan Biao , Guo Min
Published: November 2022

Gout nodules (tophi) are formed by a chronic inflammatory reaction in tissues resulting in deposition of urate crystals. They are commonly seen in joints and surrounding tissues, subcutaneous tissues, as well as the pinna and kidney, and are characteristic manifestations of gout. Vocal cord tophi are rarely reported in the literature, and patients often present with hoarseness, progressive dysphagia, and other symptoms. We report a case of a vocal cord mass found by gastroscopy in a patient with a history of gout for more than 20 years. Postoperative pathological findings were vocal cord tophi. Tophi can have serious consequences and should be included in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal masses in patients with a history of gout. Therapy should involve a combination of systemic uric acid-lowering treatment and surgery to improve symptoms and reduce recurrence.
Unveiling the Causal Mechanisms Within Multidimensional Poverty
Authors: Grueso Hernando
Published: November 2022

Despite improvements in the design of development interventions from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is still a lack of evaluation methods able to estimate the impact of these interventions on multiple and interrelated outcomes. This paper proposes a methodological framework for complex causal inference in international development that combines machine learning and econometric designs for causal inference. As a study case, the relationship between multidimensional poverty and violence in Colombia is evaluated following this framework. First, Bayesian networks (BN) are used to create a directed acyclic graph (DAG) able to predict how multidimensional poverty components are interrelated and affected by a violence indicator. Second, the DAG output is used to identify instrumental variables (IV) in order to test the effect of multidimensional poverty on a household’s likelihood to be a victim of violence. Minimum living standards—measured in terms of access to water, connection to the sewage system, and the quality of walls and floors—are strong predictors of the education and health dimensions of poverty. Using 2SLS, the results show that having an illiterate person within a household increases by 0.4% the household’s likelihood to be a victim of violence. BNs have the potential to predict complex causal patterns helping to understand the effect of development interventions on multidimensional outcomes such as poverty. Quasi-experimental econometric designs can then be used to test some of these predicted causal connections.
American Cultural Insularity and Global Online Video: Are Netflix, Amazon Prime and Other Digital Streaming Platforms Broadening Americans’ Foreign Film Consumption Horizons?
Authors: Demont-Heinrich Christof
Published: November 2022

The United States has long been characterized by American Cultural Insularity (ACI). According to a theory of ACI that I have developed in previous work ( Author 2019 , 2020 ), compared to most people in most other countries, Americans tend to consume much more of their own cultural media products and much fewer cultural media products produced in other countries than people in other countries consume. This paper compares long-running and deeply-entrenched American resistance to foreign and non-English language film in movie theaters to the (lack of) popularity of foreign, non-American and feature film-length content originally produced in a language other than English on major digital online video streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Google Video. It does so primarily via a discussion of, and analysis of, digital online video streaming platform popularity charts compiled by flixpatrol.com (Flixpatrol), a Netherlands-based online video streaming data collection and analysis web site/company. An analysis of Flixpatrol's Top Streaming in the United States popularity chart for 10 major digital online video streaming platforms from February 2020 to September 2021 shows little evidence of a movement among American-based consumers toward more consumption of foreign, non-English-language feature length films.
Does Mindfulness Matter for Cognitive Reappraisal and Academic Engagement? A Cross-Lagged Panel Model Study in Filipino High School Students
Authors: Datu Jesus Alfonso D. , Yang Weipeng , Wai Lau Kwok
Published: November 2022

Previous evidence has revealed that mindful individuals tend to pay more attention to specific tasks and demonstrate better work engagement. However, prior investigations commonly used cross-sectional designs to examinine the link of mindfulness to engagement in Western societies. This research explores the association of mindfulness with cognitive reappraisal and academic engagement via a two-wave longitudinal design in 381 Filipino high school students from Quezon City, Philippines joined this research. Cross-lagged panel structural equation modeling demonstrated that mindfulness had positive concurrent associations with cognitive reappraisal and engagement. Academic engagement was linked to increased subsequent cognitive reappraisal. Mindfulness is linked to increased concurrent cognitive reappraisal and academic engagement. This research contributes to existing evidence regarding the inconclusive links of mindfulness to learning outcomes.
Validating out of the box: Identifying a campaign of physical tests
Authors: Patterson Eann A , Hack Erwin
Published: November 2022

The extent of the domain over which a model validation demonstrates the reliability of a model is discussed and a simple schematic diagram is used to illustrate the domain. The schematic diagram can also be used to optimise the physical test campaign required to demonstrate the reliability of a model for its context of use. The connections to existing validation approaches and procedures are discussed.
Thirty-day morbidity and mortality of elective urological surgery in patients aged 80 years and over in a UK district general hospital
Authors: Batura Deepak , Gandhi Akash , Bassett Paul
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

An ageing population has led to many people aged 80 and over requiring urological surgery. There are concerns that operating on octogenarians may be fraught with higher morbidity and mortality risk. Therefore, the purpose was to study postoperative outcomes in people aged 80 years and over undergoing elective urological surgery.

Materials and methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the 30-day readmissions and deaths in patients aged 80 years and over who had elective urological surgery over a seven and half year period from February 2011 to July 2018 in a district general hospital. Surgeries were stratified into minor, intermediate and major. Our data did not include supra-major surgeries like radical cystectomy as these are done in tertiary centres. We used logistic regression to examine factors associated with readmissions and death.

Results:

A total of 1239 patients had 2201 operations. The median age was 84.1 years. Procedures on the bladder were the most common, followed by prostate surgery. A 17.9% of operations resulted in an adverse outcome (death or readmission attributable to surgery) within 30 days. There were 21 deaths, equating to 1% of all surgeries undertaken. There was a significant difference in both readmissions and deaths by American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade. The median time to readmission from surgery was 18 (IQR 13–23) days. The highest number of readmissions occurred in the third week after surgery. A 94% of the readmissions were for a minor complication (grade I Clavien Dindo), with haematuria and urinary retention being most common.

Conclusions:

This study informs hospitals, surgeons, patient advocacy groups and insurance, that the morbidity and mortality risks of non-supra major elective urological surgery in patients aged 80 and over are not disproportionately high.
Research on intelligent decision method of computer-aided manufacturing numerical control parameters based on model-based definition and back propagation neural networks
Authors: Wang Nan , Zhang Shengwen , Wang Zhan , Xu Jingying , Liu Dakun
Published: November 2022

Aiming at the low efficiency and intelligence degree in the parameter setting of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) numerical control (NC) programming caused by manual work, an intelligent decision-making method of CAM NC programming parameters based on model-based definition (MBD) is proposed. The hierarchical process model uses MBD technology to express the process flow and manage the process information. The tightness between process and NC machining is enhanced by sorting out NC machining steps and extracting their process information automatically. Then a back propagation (BP) neural network is used to mine the experience of NC programming in historical cases. Sparrow search algorithm (SSA) and other methods are used to optimize BP neural network’s initial weight and threshold, learning rate, and feedback process. A CAM parameter decision model based on BP neural network is constructed. Taking the connecting rod of a certain type of diesel engine as the experimental object, the method increases programming efficiency by 47%, with an accuracy rate of 80%. It is proved that the intelligent decision-making method proposed in this paper has practicability and feasibility.
A feature-based assembly information modeling method for complex products’ 3D assembly design
Authors: Wang Zhan , Zhang Sheng-Wen , Wang Nan , Xu Jing-Ying , Cheng De-Jun
Published: November 2022

During the assembly design of complex products, the process data management is disordered and the data expression is not standardized, and depends mainly on the experience of technical personnel resulting in a lack of unified data source, low design efficiency, and low automation. This paper proposes a feature-based assembly information model to address these problem, providing standardized original design data for complex product 3D-assembly design. Taking the geometric feature of the mating faces as the study object, the overall structure of complex products and the information requirements of each assembly design stage were analyzed to construct the assembly feature information model. By focusing on the composition and expression form of information in the assembly feature information model, a geometric feature classification criterion applicable to assembly design is presented, and the matching rules of feature pairs, assembly relationship, and assembly constraint instructions are established. Based on these, assembly design information is extracted and expressed in a standardized form. As a validation, the modeling method was conducted on a marine diesel engine cylinder cap as a case study; the performance and applicability of the established rules and the extraction and expression methods were verified through the comparison with the assembly process of the cylinder cap.
Design of surface micro texture in the cutter-chip contact area of a cemented carbide cutter
Authors: Tong Xin , Zhang Yu , Shen Jianing , Qu Qiang , Han Pei
Published: November 2022

Placing micro textures on a cutter surface can enhance the cutter-chip and cutter-workpiece contact, improving the cutter performance and machined surface quality. However, both the proper placement of micro textures and careful modeling of their density function are required for optimizing the cutting performance. In this study, a ball end milling cutter was utilized to demonstrate how these can be achieved. Initially, the theoretical cutter-chip contact length of the was calculated based on the chip curl theory and the theoretical cutter-chip contact area was obtained by combining the theories of cutter contact area and micro texture placement. Then, a mathematical model describing the micro texture distribution was established using a uniform density function, which allowed the determination of the specific distribution model for the micro textures. Finally, both simulations and experiments were used to validate the accuracy of the theoretical solution for the cutter-chip contact area and the uniformity of the micro texture density function. The results showed that the theoretical cutter-chip contact area and the uniform micro texture density mathematical model are consistent with the simulation and experimental results. The results reported in this paper provide a theoretical basis for the accurate preparation of micro textures.