bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Darcy-Forchheimer natural convection flow along a complex roughened surface
Authors: Shami Sumyya , Sajid Muhammad , Javed Tariq
Published: October 2022

The influence of complex roughened surface on the Darcy-Forchheimer natural convection flow is investigated numerically. A natural convection flow within porous medium occurs in a variety of engineering applications that include solar power collectors that are used to control the pollutant spread, cooling of nuclear reactors, and geothermal engineering. Recent research has focused on reducing skin friction drag induced by viscous forces acting on a rigid body surface as it moves through a fluid by considering roughened surface or mass transfer (mass injection or suction) at the surface. The purpose of this study is to investigate how much skin friction drag reduces by considering complex roughened surface in Darcy-Forchheimer natural convection flow. A mathematical model is obtained in the form of nonlinear PDEs by transferring surface roughness effect from boundary to governing equations and made dimensionless through suitable scaling variables. To obtain a numerical solution for resulting nonlinear PDEs, a finite difference scheme is applied. The results reveal that skin friction drag reduces by making roughened surface a complex surface and further reduces by adding the combined effects of Darcy and Forchheimer numbers also total heat transfer rate enhances by increasing the values of Darcy as well as Forchheimer numbers. These results seem novel findings in this study.
Investigation of power generation from river surface runoff with a novel tilted axis hydrokinetic turbine for off-grid sites
Authors: Gökgedik Harun , Özgür Arif Emre , Gürbüz Emine Yağız , Keçebaş Ali
Published: October 2022

In this study, a novel tilted axis hydrokinetic turbine system is presented and tested to generate electricity from surface water streams in off-grid locations. This system consists of a turbine, differential, reducer, and alternator, and resembles a Pelton turbine. It is used in shallow waters near river banks with the free flow velocity. This study reports significant hydrodynamic efficiencies with field tests consistent with theoretical estimates obtained at the design and fabrication stage, for different flow velocities (0.5–3 m/s in 0.5 m/s internal) and blade numbers (7, 9, and 11 blades) on the Namnam Stream in the Muğla province/Turkey. On the same turbine system, 7, 9, and 11 blades can be disassembled in the center of the turbine. In order to facilitate testing at different water flow velocities, the flow velocity is adjusted by excavation operations in the stream bed. The results of the study indicate that as the water speeds increase, the turbine power, speed, and efficiency of all blade turbines also increase. In terms of hydrokinetic energy potential, the water flow velocity and turbine speed are 2 m/s and 3 r/min, respectively. Because of parasitic drag and lift-induced drag, 7- and 11-blade turbines have higher mechanical losses, lower turbine efficiency, and increased cost due to weight. A 9-blade turbine is preferred for such a prototype due to torque, load power (800 W), and efficiency (15.9%) compared to the others. As a result, this study reports that such a prototype can be used in unpowered riverbanks or free surface currents.
Tribological performance of AZ91D/HfCp magnesium composite prepared through stir-ultrasonic-squeeze casting technique
Authors: Sunu Surendran KT , Gnanavelbabu A
Published: October 2022

The present work investigates the influence of hafnium carbide, an ultra-high temperature ceramic reinforcement on the dry sliding wear behaviour of AZ91D magnesium composite. AZ91D/5 wt.% hafnium carbide composite and AZ91D alloy were fabricated using stir-ultrasonic treatment-squeeze casting method followed by heat treatment (T6). Microstructure and intermetallic phase studies were performed using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Density, porosity and hardness of the materials were determined. Wear tests at room temperature were conducted at various sliding speeds (0.25–1 m/s) and normal loads (12.5–50 N), using a pin-on-disc tribometer. The temperature of wear varied from 50–200 °C for high-temperature wear tests. Compared to alloy, the composite showed better wear performance under all test conditions. Increasing the normal load increased the wear rate of both materials, but the wear rate decreased with an increase in sliding speed. The friction at the sliding interface decreased with an increase in normal load and sliding speed. The mechanisms of wear for both materials were abrasion, delamination, and oxidation at room temperature. At high temperatures, there was a dramatic increase in the wear rate of the alloy at 150 °C, whereas the wear resistance of composites improved up to 150 °C due to the presence of small amounts of hafnium carbide ultra-high temperature ceramic reinforcement. Abrasion, oxidation, delamination, and plastic yield were the primary wear mechanisms at high temperatures.
A general method for calculating power for GEE analysis of complete and incomplete stepped wedge cluster randomized trials
Authors: Zhang Ying , Preisser John S , Turner Elizabeth L , Rathouz Paul J , Toles Mark , Li Fan
Published: October 2022

Stepped wedge designs have uni-directional crossovers at randomly assigned time points (steps) where clusters switch from control to intervention condition. Incomplete stepped wedge designs are increasingly used in cluster randomized trials of health care interventions and have periods without data collection due to logistical, resource and patient-centered considerations. The development of sample size formulae for stepped wedge trials has primarily focused on complete designs and continuous responses. Addressing this gap, a general, fast, non-simulation based power procedure is proposed for generalized estimating equations analysis of complete and incomplete stepped wedge designs and its predicted power is compared to simulated power for binary and continuous responses. An extensive set of simulations for six and twelve clusters is based upon the Connect-Home trial with an incomplete stepped wedge design. Results show that empirical test size is well controlled using a t-test with bias-corrected sandwich variance estimator for as few as six clusters. Analytical power agrees well with a simulated power in scenarios with twelve clusters. For six clusters, analytical power is similar to simulated power with estimation using the correctly specified model-based variance estimator. To explore the impact of study design choice on power, the proposed fast GEE power method is applied to the Connect-Home trial design, four alternative incomplete stepped wedge designs and one complete design.
Book review: S. Y. Quraishi, The Population Myth: Islam, Family Planning and Politics in India
Authors: Ganayee Shameem Ahamad
Published: October 2022

S. Y. Quraishi, The Population Myth: Islam, Family Planning and Politics in India. Harper Collins, 2021, 301 pp., ₹499, ISBN 978-9390351541 (Paperback).
Which Skills Matter for What Type of Worker? Cognitive Skills, Personality Traits, Hiring Channels and Wages in Bangladesh
Authors: Hilger Anne , Nordman Christophe Jalil , Sarr Leopold R.
Published: October 2022

We use matched employer-employee data representing the formal sector in Bangladesh to provide descriptive evidence of both the relative importance of cognitive skills and personality traits in this part of the labour market and the interplay between skills and hiring channels in determining wages. While cognitive skills (literacy, a learning outcome) affect wages only by enabling workers to use formal hiring channels, they have no additional wage effect. Personality traits do not affect hiring channels, but they do enjoy a positive wage effect. This wage effect differs by hiring channel: those hired through formal channels benefit from higher wage associations with openness to experience, but lower effects of hostile attribution bias. Those hired through networks enjoy higher wages for higher levels of emotional stability, but they are also punished for higher hostile attribution bias—in line with different occupational levels being hired predominantly through one channel or the other. We provide suggestive evidence that employers might use hiring channels differently, depending on what skill they deem important: employers valuing communication skills, arguably observed during selection interviews, are associated with a larger within-firm wage gap between formal and network hires, while the importance of teamwork is associated with a smaller wage gap.
Physical model test and numerical simulation study of cumulative damage to deep tunnel surrounding rock under cyclic blasting load
Authors: Huang Jiang , Chen Shi-Hai , Liu Min-Long , Li Kun-Peng
Published: October 2022

Cyclic blasting excavation of a deep tunnel frequently disturbs the surrounding rock, and cumulative damage effect will occur in cases multiple blasts are applied. To study the damage evolution trend of tunnel surrounding rock under multiple cyclic blasting load, a self-made physical model test system was used to test cyclic blasting excavation of a tunnel under high in-situ stress. Meanwhile, according to the characteristic that the damage of rock under frequent disturbance will appear cumulative superposition, an improved Bingham creep damage constitutive model was established. The constitutive model was applied to the numerical simulation of tunnel cyclic blasting excavation, and the numerical simulation reproduced the physical model test to study the rock damage evolution laws. The results from the physical model test and the numerical simulation revealed that the process of damage evolution of rock in in-situ stress state under the impact of multiple blasting disturbances had a non-linear cumulative characteristic. In addition, the results also shed light on the relationship between the damage zone expansion and the number of cyclic blast. This paper can provide a reference for studies of the damage evolution in deep rock under blasting impact.
TP53, NOTCH2, and STK11 Mutations in a Rare Tumor of non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma with Diffuse Coexpression of TTF1 and p40 in the Same Tumor Cells
Authors: Guo Xingmei , Dong Lei , Liu Hengan , Chen Xiaoyan
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Five cases of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) with diffuse coexpression of TTF1 and p40 in the same tumor cells (hereafter referred to as TTF1/P40-NSCLC) have been reported since 2015. It was considered a new entity of NSCLC occurred in aged male smokers with poorly differentiated carcinomas and a similar molecular signature harboring a TP53 mutation. Methods. We report an extremely rare tumor of TTF1/P40-NSCLC. Morphological observation and immunohistochemical examination were performed, clinical and molecular features were summarized, and a review of the relevant literature was provided. Results. The tumor showed a solid growth pattern with patchy necrosis, and glandular and squamous pattern were not obvious. The tumor cells proliferated within the bronchial epithelium. Spreading through air spaces of tumor cells were observed. A peculiar immunohistochemical phenotype of diffuse and strong positivity for TTF1 (8G7G3/1) and p40 in the same tumor cells was detected. Additionally, the tumor cells were positive for KRT7 and KRT20, while negative for PD-L1 (22C3). Negative P53 (null) Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining indicated mutational status and the Ki67 index was 80%. Molecular investigation was performed using whole exome sequencing, and TP53, NOTCH2, and STK11 mutations were detected. The patient remained alive over a follow-up period of 22 months without tumor recurrence or metastasis. Conclusions. We describe an unusual tumor of TTF1/P40-NSCLC harboring TP53, NOTCH2 and STK11 mutations. These gene mutations may be helpful in providing additional therapeutic possibilities. Our report offers further insight into this rare tumor.
A Retrospective Cohort Study of Multiple Immune-Related Adverse Events and Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Cancer Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Hata Hiroki , Matsumura Chikako , Chisaki Yugo , Nishioka Kae , Tokuda Misaki , Miyagi Kazuyo , Suizu Tomoki , Yano Yoshitaka
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective in various types of cancer and cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The occurrence of irAEs is associated with improved survival outcome. We investigated the association between the occurrence of irAEs and overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS), and the risk factors for the development of irAEs, in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), gastric cancer (GC) and melanoma (MM) treated with ICIs.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational cohort study, and the data were taken from inpatients in a hospital. OS and PFS were compared among patients with different numbers of irAEs. Log-rank test and Cox regression and logistic regression analysis were applied, and details of irAEs characteristics were summarized.

Results

We obtained data from 200 patients. The major tumor types were NSCLC, GC, and MM. Median OS and PFS in all patients were 9.3 and 3.5 months, respectively. Patients without irAEs tended to have shorter OS or PFS compared with those with a single irAE or multi-system irAEs. Covariate analysis suggested that age (≥75 years), albumin (≥3.5 g/dL) and smoking history were significant for increased occurrence of irAEs. Pneumonitis and thyroiditis tended to occur frequently in patients with NSCLC and MM. The irAE grade was ≤2 in 67.3% of all irAEs, and days of irAEs onset varied.

Conclusion

We observed patients with irAEs tended to have better OS or PFS in patients with various types of cancers treated with ICIs. We suggest that ICIs should be used appropriately by continuously monitoring the irAEs.
Adopting a “Both/And” Mindset to Address Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM) in Institutions of Higher Education
Authors: Campbell Rebecca , Moylan Carrie A. , PettyJohn Morgan E. , Munford Andrea , Schweda Kelly , Fedewa Tana , Rosen Holly , Ferguson Mary Ann , Beal Jesse , Buchanan NiCole T.
Published: October 2022

Michigan State University (MSU) created a long-term, values-based strategic plan to increase help-seeking and reduce the incidence of relationship violence and sexual misconduct. Creating systemic change in institutions of higher education is challenging, particularly so in the wake of massive institutional crises and betrayal, as we had at MSU. In this paper, we address the challenges and critiques of our strategic planning efforts offered by esteemed scholar-activists: Jacobson López (2023), Hirsch and Khan (2023), McMahon (2023), and Boots et al. (2023).
FRailty and Arterial stiffness – the role of oXidative stress and Inflammation (FRAXI study)
Authors: Mensah Ekow , Ali Khalid , Banya Winston , Kirkham Frances Ann , Mengozzi Manuela , Ghezzi Pietro , Rajkumar Chakravarthi
Published: October 2022

Objective:

There is an association between frailty and arterial stiffness. However, arterial stiffness does not uniformly correlate with the spectrum of frailty states. Both oxidative stress and inflammaging contribute to vascular ageing. There are no human studies exploring links between arterial stiffness, oxidative stress, inflammaging and frailty. Our objective is to investigate arterial stiffness and inflammaging as predictors of frailty states.

Methods:

An observational longitudinal cohort study will be used to examine the association between arterial stiffness, oxidative stress and inflammation in 50 older adults (⩾70 years) with clinical frailty scores (CFS) ⩽6 over 6 months. All study measurements will be taken at baseline. Frailty assessment will include hand-grip strength, timed-up and go test, mini-mental state examination, geriatric depression scale and sarcopenia using body composition measurements with Tanita®. Arterial stiffness measurements will include carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (crPWV) using Complior (Alam Medical, France). CAVI device will measure Cardio-ankle vascular index and ankle brachial index (ABI). Oxidative stress blood markers nitrotyrosine (NT) and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosin (8-oxo-dG) and inflammation markers high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interlukin-6(IL-6) will be measured at baseline and 6 month along with lipid profile and glycated haemoglobin.

Results (data analysis plan):

Descriptive statistics for continuous data using means and standard deviations for normality distributed variables or medians and inter-quartile ranges for skewed variables will be used. Participants will be categorised into CFS 1-3, and CFS 4-6. Categorical data will use frequencies and comparison between groups. Change in frailty between the groups over 6 months will be compared using paired t-test. Simple linear regression will be done between frailty measures, arterial stiffness, inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers. Significance will be at P < .05.

Conclusion:

This study data will inform a larger, multi-centre study exploring further the interplay between frailty, biomarkers and arterial stiffness parameters.
Ontological security, cyber technology, and states’ responses
Authors: Lupovici Amir
Published: October 2022

How do interactions in the cyber domain affect states’ ontological security and how do states respond to these challenges? These are pertinent questions given the increasing influence of cyber technologies on daily life, politics, and International Relations. Over the years, state actors have faced challenges in various spheres, including security, politics, economics, and culture. However, nowadays, cyber technologies enable the emergence of effective, efficient, and powerful alternatives to the current state-system practices. This creates fundamental challenges to states’ sense of self, identity, and home, calling into question states’ dominant and ingrained narratives regarding their roles in the international arena. I suggest that the scholarship of ontological security, although rarely used in this context, provides intriguing analytical tools to explore these questions. This scholarship focuses on the actors’ ability to maintain their sense of self, allowing researchers to explore how interactions in the cyber domain challenge states’ routines, narratives, and sense of home. Furthermore, using the scholarship of ontological security to study cyber technologies can also account for states’ responses, illuminating puzzling behavior that cannot be explained fully through other perspectives.
Desorption of positive and negative ions from activated field emitters at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Gross Jürgen H.
Published: October 2022

Field desorption (FD) traditionally is an ionization technique in mass spectrometry (MS) that is performed in high vacuum. So far only two studies have explored FD at atmospheric pressure or even superatmospheric pressure, respectively. This work pursues ion desorption from 13-µm activated tungsten emitters at atmospheric pressure. The emitters are positioned in front of the atmospheric pressure interface of a Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometer and the entrance electrode of the interface is set to 3–5 kV with respect to the emitter. Under these conditions positive, and for the first time, negative ion desorption is achieved. In either polarity, atmospheric pressure field desorption (APFD) is robust and spectra are reproducible. Both singly charged positive and negative ions formed by these processes are characterized by accurate mass-based formula assignments and in part by tandem mass spectrometry. The compounds analyzed include the ionic liquids trihexyl(tetradecyl) phosphonium tris(pentafluoroethyl) trifluorophosphate) and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, the acidic compounds perfluorononanoic acid and polyethylene glycol diacid, as well as two amino-terminated polypropylene glycols. Some surface mobility on the emitter is prerequisite for ion desorption to occur. While ionic liquids inherently provide this mobility, the desorption of ions from solid analytes requires the assistance of a liquid matrix, e.g. glycerol.
Review of higher education policy during the pandemic: A Spanish perspective
Authors: Mula-Falcón Javier , Cruz-González Cristina , Domingo Segovia Jesús , Lucena Rodríguez Carmen
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted profound changes in Higher Education. Thus, policymakers in different national contexts worldwide needed to design alternative responses to deal with new educational scenarios. In Spain, rethinking educational management in Higher Education remains an issue of current debate. Methodological readjustments towards virtual teaching, the digital divide due to socio-economic and cultural issues of the students, unequal access to education, or a decrease in internationalization have been some of the most significant adversities faced during this time. Amid this crisis, the measures taken by political leaders and university managers played an essential role. This study aims to provide an overview of the policy measures developed during this period, describing some of the most important decisions taken by different universities in Spain. To this end, an exploration based on secondary data from extensive literature reviews is carried out to construct a descriptive analysis of the measures implemented in Spanish universities. The findings highlight the coordinated action of the Spanish university system and the staunch defense of face-to-face teaching. This health crisis has also highlighted the deficits of this level of education and shed light on its future. Spain faces major challenges in the field of higher education. Consequently, the Spanish university system must begin building the foundations for educational innovation and training education professionals without fear of online scenarios. Finally, this article also proposes suggestions to guide policymakers in dealing with future adverse situations.
A Virtual Reality Educational Game for the Ethics of Cultural Heritage Repatriation
Authors: Hutson James , Fulcher Ben
Published: October 2022

The technology of virtual reality and the gamification of education has had proven educational benefits and has the ability to immerse students in a participatory learning experience. To capitalize on the strengths of the new digital medium, including immersion, engagement, and presence, a new educational game aims to teach the ethics of cultural heritage repatriation through the lens of art history. The use of games to address current issues and conceptualize a framework for understanding the complexities of geopolitics is not new but aligning these considerations with the pressing need to protect cultural heritage as seen in modern-day Ukraine is. This study investigates the process of game design and development from preproduction to postproduction. The final version of The Museum of the Lost provides a model for other institutions with game design and art history departments to collaborate and create educational experiences that optimize the user experience and learning outcomes.
Minimally Invasive Approaches Are Safe for Concomitant Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Surgery
Authors: Strobel Raymond J. , Hawkins Robert B. , Mehaffey J. Hunter , Rotar Evan P. , Yount Kenan W. , Teman Nicholas R. , Ailawadi Gorav
Published: October 2022

Objective:

The need for concomitant tricuspid surgery during mitral valve surgery is associated with higher operative risk. We hypothesized that concomitant tricuspid surgery through a minimally invasive thoracotomy (MICS) is associated with noninferior risk compared with a sternotomy.

Methods:

All patients undergoing mitral valve surgery at a single institution (2010 to 2020) were evaluated. After excluding endocarditis, emergent operations, and concomitant aortic valve or coronary artery bypass grafting procedures, patients were stratified by MICS versus sternotomy. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the risk-adjusted association between concomitant tricuspid valve procedure and Society of Thoracic Surgeons major morbidity or mortality. An interaction term evaluated the impact of approach on concomitant tricuspid surgery.

Results:

A total of 772 patients underwent mitral valve surgery, including 138 (17.9%) with concomitant tricuspid valve operation. Of the total cohort, 243 patients (31.5%) underwent the MICS approach. Concomitant tricuspid operation was performed in 104 sternotomy patients (19.7%) compared with 34 MICS patients (14.0%, P = 0.056). After risk adjustment, patients who underwent concomitant tricuspid valve surgery via sternotomy had nearly 2 times greater odds of morbidity and mortality relative to those undergoing isolated mitral surgery via sternotomy (adjOR = 1.86, P = 0.049), while patients who underwent concomitant tricuspid surgery via the MICS approach had no increased risk of the composite outcome (adjOR = 0.66, P = 0.543), relative to isolated mitral surgery via MICS approach.

Conclusions:

Concomitant tricuspid surgery at the time of mitral valve surgery carries additional risk in a broad patient population. A minimally invasive approach appears to be safe for selected patients requiring concomitant tricuspid valve surgery.
A mutual positioning relay method of multiple robots for monitoring indoor environments
Authors: Matsuda Takumi , Kuroda Yoji , Fukatsu Ren , Karasawa Takumi , Takasago Marika , Morishita Kanta
Published: October 2022

This article proposes a mutual positioning relay method that enables multiple robots to monitor indoor environments. Here, robots refer to a small number of parent robots with high positioning performance and a large number of child robots with minimal positioning performance. The parent robot can estimate its state accurately by itself. In comparison, the child robots have position errors that accumulate with time as they use only odometry information for positioning. Each robot can recognize other robots in its field of view by using a depth camera. It then performs relative positioning and estimates its position of itself or that of other robots on the map. The uncertainty of the position estimation is compared with each other, and the robot with a certain position becomes a positioning reference for the robot with an uncertain position. In this way, both the parent and child robots relay relative positioning with each other, following which all the robots accurately estimate their positions. In this study, six robots based on Roomba were used. The performance of the proposed method was verified based on experimental data of autonomous navigation tests. Our results showed that the proposed method could realize an accuracy that was four to five times better than that performed independently by a child robot. Our findings also revealed that the proposed method can recover the failure of the state estimation of the parent robot.
The design, synthesis, antioxidant, and antihypoxia activities of two new hydroxydaidzein derivatives
Authors: Da Qingyue , Shao Jin , Zhang Pengpeng , Zhang Jie , Ma Huiping , Jing Linlin
Published: October 2022

7,8,3’,4’,5’-Pentahydroxyisoflavone (8,3’,5’-trihydroxydaidzein) and 6,7,8,3’,4’,5’-hexahydroxyisoflavone (6,8,3’,5’-tetrahydroxydaidzein) are synthesized via a simple and effective method using commercially available daidzein as a raw material. Their structures are confirmed using spectroscopic analyses (infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry), and their purities are determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant capacities are investigated by utilizing 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging, nitric oxide radical scavenging, reducing power, and phosphomolybdenum assays. The antihypoxia activity is examined using a hypoxia-induced PC12 cell injury model. The antioxidant and antihypoxia abilities of 8,3’,5’-trihydroxydaidzein and 6,8,3’,5’-tetrahydroxydaidzein are greatly improved in comparison with daidzein. These results indicate that 8,3’,5’-trihydroxydaidzein and 6,8,3’,5’-tetrahydroxydaidzein are excellent antioxidant agents and can be used for alleviating injury induced by hypoxia.
Smoking cessation prior to total shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review of outcomes and complications
Authors: Kamma Sai A , Pathapati Rajeev K , Somerson Jeremy S
Published: October 2022

Background

We conducted a review of current literature to examine the effects of smoking and smoking cessation on shoulder arthroplasty surgery.

Methods

A literature search was performed using the search terms “shoulder arthroplasty AND [smoke OR smoking OR tobacco OR nicotine].” Studies included English-language clinical outcomes studies on anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), reverse TSA, and partial shoulder arthroplasty with evidence levels 1 through 4. Descriptive statistics calculated in the included studies were used during the analysis. Categorical variables were reported as proportions, while continuous variables were reported as means with minimum to maximum absolute ranges.

Results

Twenty-four studies were included and analyzed. Following TSA, patients who quit smoking at least 1 month preoperatively had improved outcomes compared to current smokers. Current smokers had statistically significant higher pain scores or opioid use. Five studies found increased rates of revision surgery in smokers. Smokers were significantly ( p < 0.05) more likely to have increased rates of surgical, wound, superficial, and deep surgical site complications.

Discussion

Former smokers had lower complication rates and visual analog scale scores when compared to current users. A period of four weeks or more of preoperative smoking cessation is recommended.

Level of Evidence

Level III, Systematic Review.
Seeing Is Believing: Using Eye-Tracking Devices in Environmental Research
Authors: Lu Zhipeng , Pesarakli Homa
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

This article aims to provide methodological guidance for research that uses eye-tracking devices (ETDs) to study environment and behavior relationships.

Background:

Vision is an important human sense through which people acquire a large amount of environmental information. ETDs are tools for detecting eye/gaze behaviors, facilitating better understanding about how people collect visual information and how such information is related to emotions and psychological states. However, there is a lack of guidance for the application of ETDs to environment and behavior studies.

Methods:

A literature review was conducted on articles reporting empirical studies that used ETDs. The data were extracted and compiled, including information such as research questions, research design, types of ETDs, variables measured, types of physical environment (or visual stimuli), stimuli durations, data analysis methods, and so on.

Results:

Fifty articles were identified. The main research topics were related to urban and landscape environments, and architecture and interior spaces. Most of the research designs were experimental or quasi-experimental designs, with a few cross-sectional studies. The majority types of ETDs were screen-based ETDs, followed by mobile ETDs (glasses). Main variables were gaze fixations, fixation durations, and scan paths. Typical types of stimuli included images, videos, virtual reality, and real environments and/or objects.

Conclusions:

Guidance for eye-tracking research on environment and behavior was developed based on the literature review results, to provide direction for determining research questions, selecting appropriate research designs, establishing participant inclusion and/or excluding criteria, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting research results.
Remote patient monitoring of central retinal function with MACUSTAT®: A multi-modal macular function scan
Authors: Chen Earnest , Mills Michael , Gallagher Tara , Ianchulev Sean , Habash Ranya , Gentile Ronald C ,   (The Macustat Study Group)
Published: October 2022

Introduction

There is significant unmet need for patient-centric remote monitoring of visual function for chronic retinal diseases, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Macustat® central retinal function scan is a novel cloud-based digital health application for remote monitoring. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of the Macustat® compared to traditional in-office retinal evaluations.

Materials and methods

Patients with underlying macular pathology underwent office-based retinal and visual acuity examinations and OCT macula imaging followed by remote tele-monitoring assessment with the Macustat. Central visual function was assessed with the multi-modal Macustat test using dynamic virtual Amsler grid testing, hyperacuity perimetry and visual acuity testing. The results were compared to the findings of the in-office comprehensive retina exam and OCT evaluation.

Results

The foveal acuity potential registered with the Macustat test showed high correlation with the office Snellen acuity potential 96% of eyes registered Macustat acuity within 0.2 LogMAR of office acuity measurement. In Wet AMD eyes with CNV pathology documented on OCT, the Macustat foveal function scan showed a corresponding abnormality in 89% of any CNV eyes and 100% of all visually significant CNV. In normal eyes without any visually significant edema or CNV, more than 92% showed corresponding normal retinal function scan.

Conclusion

The Macustat demonstrates high concordance with clinical findings using traditional diagnostic devices. Home monitoring with the Macustat® may offer complementary clinical utility as a telehealth tool for the assessment of visual acuity and macular function in patients at high risk for macular disease.
From bringing up sons to raising daughters for old age: Patrilineal beliefs regarding old-age security in the Chinese mainland
Authors: Sam Iani
Published: October 2022

China has long held the belief that “raising sons prevents hardships in old age”, which constitutes the financial incentive for the son preference that still prevails in some Asian nations. Using the 2012 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, this research examines the current state of the elderly's patrilineal beliefs regarding old-age security and how they are shaped by several transformations within the family. This study yields three significant findings. First, elderly parents who have sons asking for too much help and support tend to believe that “having daughters is best for one's old age”. Second, having more living sons lowers the likelihood of abandoning patrilineal beliefs regarding old-age security, while being sonless raises the likelihood. Finally, daughters’ growing commitment to their parents’ well-being increases the likelihood of non-customary beliefs with regard to old-age security. As a result, this study emphasizes the significance of women's active role in old-age support and low fertility in fostering gender equality and undermining patrilineality.
Increased future liver function after modified associating liver partition and portal vein ligation/embolization for staged hepatectomy
Authors: Maruyama Mitsunari , Yoshizako Takeshi , Yoshida Rika , Nakamura Megumi , Tajima Yoshitsugu , Kitagaki Hajime
Published: October 2022

Background

The increasing ratio of functional future liver remnant (functional %FLR) after modified associating liver partition and portal vein ligation/embolization for staged hepatectomy (modified-ALPPS) compared with portal vein embolization (PVE) has not been comprehensively evaluated.

Purpose

To compare the increasing ratio of functional %FLR between modified-ALPPS and PVE via technetium-99 m-galactosyl human serum albumin single-photon emission computed tomography (99mTc-GSA SPECT/CT) fusion imaging.

Material and Methods

Seven and six patients underwent modified-ALPPS (modified-ALPPS group) and PVE (PVE group) from 2015 to 2019. The functional %FLR on 99 mTc-GSA SPECT/CT fusion imaging was assessed before and 1 week (modified-ALPPS group) and 3 weeks (PVE group) after each procedure. The increasing ratio of functional %FLR (functional %FLR ratio) was calculated and compared between the two groups. Moreover, the hypertrophy ratio of future liver remnant volume (FLRV ratio) and atrophy ratio of embolized liver volume (.ELV ratio) were evaluated.

Results

The mean functional %FLR ratios of the modified-ALPPS group (1.47 ± 0.15) and the PVE group (1.49 ± 0.20) were comparable ( p > .05). The median FLRV ratio of modified-ALPPS group (1.48) was higher than that of the PVE group (1.16), the median ELV ratio of the PVE group (0.81) was lower than that of the modified-ALPPS group (0.94), and the results significantly differed between the two groups ( p < .05).

Conclusion

The increasing ratio of functional %FLR was comparable between modified-ALPPS and PVE. Compared with PVE, ALPPS was associated with a higher hypertrophy rate of the remnant liver but a lower atrophy rate of the embolized liver.
Users’ perceptions of the “My Medicine” mobile app usability
Authors: Irnawati  , Laksana Feri Febria , Hardini Deisy Sri , Lufianti Anita , Sulistyanto Benny Arief , Sansuwito Tukimin bin , Muliani Rizki , Hadiyanto Hendri , Lusiani Milawati , Hayati Sri , Amir Mayasyanti Dewi , Armayani  , Desriva Nia , Mulyani Sri , Anggraini Novita Ana , Ambarika Rahmania , Azizah Fidrotin , Maidartati  , Poddar Ruma
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

One of the causes of health problems is the use of drugs irrationally, which can result in therapy becoming less effective and inefficient. According to World Health Organization (WHO), more than 50% of the world’s drugs are prescribed and used improperly. People still lack information about drugs, how to use drugs and how to get drugs. My Medicine is a drug data information system, how to use drugs, and map locations of pharmacies that sell drugs. This study aims to evaluate the user perception of the use of my medicine.

Materials and methods:

The method in this study was a quantitative study with a cross-sectional approach. One hundred twenty respondents were included in this study involving communities in Pekalongan district by using univariate analysis.

Results:

The result was 82% of the respondents explained that the performance or interface user of the My Medicine App was very good and the language was easy to understand, 82% of the respondents said that the information on the My Medicine App is needed daily, 84% of the respondents said that My Medicine App easy to access from the mobile phone, 80% of the respondents explained the data provided in the My Medicine App was accurate and as what they are expected.

Conclusion:

The conclusion is My Medicine App has a very good performance, the language is easy to understand, the information is needed daily, the app is easy to access through a mobile phone. The data presented in the My Medicine Application is accurate, and by user expectations.
The Effects of Selected Mouthwashes on the Surface Microhardness of a Single-shade Universal Resin Composite: In Vitro Study
Authors: Al-Saud Loulwa M. , Alolyet Lina M. , Alenezi Dhayah S.
Published: October 2022

Aim:

To investigate the effects of selected alcohol-free mouthwashes with different formulations (zinc-hydroxyapatite, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium fluoride) on the surface microhardness of a single-shade universal resin composite.

Materials and Methods:

Forty disc-shaped specimens (8 × 2 mm) from the universal resin composite (Omnichroma®), and a nano-hybrid composite (Tetric® N-Ceram) were prepared. After polymerization, baseline surface microhardness values were recorded using Vickers microhardness tester. The samples from each material were randomly assigned to 4 groups ( n = 10) and immersed in 20 ml of the mouthwashes: Biorepair®, Listerine®, Colgate® Optic White, and distilled water (control). The samples were kept in the immersion solutions for 24 hours, and post-immersion microhardness values were recorded. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and paired sample t-tests at p < .05.

Results:

Significant reduction in microhardness was observed in all resin composite groups after immersion in the mouthwashes compared to baseline values ( p < .0001). The highest microhardness reduction in Omnichroma® group was observed after immersion in Colgate® Optic White; and Tetric® N-Ceram group after immersion in Listerine® mouthwash. For both materials, the least reduction in microhardness was observed after immersion in Biorepair®. Microhardness values for Omnichroma were significantly higher than Tetric® N-Ceram ( p < .0001). However, Omnichroma exhibited a significantly greater reduction in microhardness after immersion in the tested mouthwashes.

Conclusion:

In vitro simulated use of the investigated mouthwashes negatively affected the surface microhardness of both tested resin composites. The observed effects were both mouthwash and material dependent.
How Can Resilience Create and Build Market Value?
Authors: Swaminathan Raj
Published: October 2022

Resilience of an organization is increasingly being perceived as the key factor that enables businesses to bounce back from the inevitable ‘curved balls’ posed by big challenges such as economic, environmental and health impacts (as with the current pandemic), technological discontinuities, regulatory changes, geopolitical shocks, industry de-verticalization and dis-intermediation, sudden shifts in consumer tastes and many/new non-traditional competitors who undermine the disadvantages of incumbency.

Organizational resilience defined: Key definitions in the classical literature specify it as a dynamic capability and ‘ability to effectively absorb, develop situation-specific responses to, and ultimately engage in transformative activities to capitalize on disruptive surprises that potentially threaten organization survival’ ( Lengnick-Hall et al., 2011 ).

This article attempts to study how resilience can be built in organizations and how it generates market/customer value for businesses in the long haul.
Septoplasty Training During the COVID‐19 Era: Development and Validation of a Novel Low‐Cost Simulation Model
Authors: Rosenbaum Andrés , Faba Gabriel , Varas Julián , Andrade Tomás
Published: October 2022

Objective

In a context of increasingly limited surgical exposition, enhanced by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic context, the objective of this article is to explain the development of a novel low‐cost and simple replication animal‐based septoplasty training model for otolaryngology residents, to assess its face and construct validity, and to validate a specific rating scale for each task.

Study Design

Experimental study.

Setting

Surgical simulation laboratory.

Methods

Septoplasty experts divided the procedure into key tasks. A simulator model to perform tasks was developed using pig ears to imitate human nasal septum cartilage, and a Specific Rating Scale was constructed. Trainees and faculty performed all tasks in the model. The participants were videotaped, and operative time, hand movements, and path length were recorded using a motion sensor device. Two blinded experts evaluated the videos with Global and Specific Rating Scales. All participants answered a satisfaction survey.

Results

Fifteen subjects were recruited (7 trainees and 8 faculty). Significantly higher Global Rating Scale score, shorter operative time and path length, and fewer hand movements were observed in the faculty group. The satisfaction survey showed high applicability to a real scenario (mean score of 4.6 out of 5). Specific Rating Scale showed construct and concurrent validity and high reliability.

Conclusion

This simulation model and its specific rating scale can be accurately used as a validated surgical assessment tool for endonasal septoplasty skills. Its low cost and simple replicability make it a potentially useful tool in any otolaryngology surgical training program.
The socioenvironmental state and urban transitions: Eco-urbanism in China and the UK
Authors: Xu Ying , Caprotti Federico , Zhang Weishi , Pan Mingmin
Published: October 2022

Eco-urbanism encapsulates a range of approaches to the management of urbanisation processes and environmental imperatives in contexts of rapid industrial and economic change. The paper focuses on two eco-urban initiatives in China and the UK over a temporal lens stretching from the mid-2000s to the early 2020s, in order to critically engage with the question of how eco-urban projects develop and often undergo radical changes over time, as well as being changed through significant ruptures, periods of stasis and fluidity in the actor-networks involved in project visions, financing and development. Our comparative approach identifies cross-cutting processes operative across two projects at different scales and in different techno-political contexts. The paper argues that longitudinal analysis is key to enabling a view of transitional trajectories as unfolding, and as a way of moving past oft-repeated assessments of specific projects according to a ‘failure/success’ binary. In order to do so, the paper considers eco-urban projects through a theoretical lens that views projects as unstable assemblages exhibiting change over time on the one hand, but that also recognises the dynamic resilience of geographical imaginations around eco-urban projects, that means that these projects endure (albeit often in different guises) over time.
Hotspots sequences of gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE genes encoded for fluoroquinolones resistance from local Salmonella Typhi strains in Jakarta
Authors: Nathania Ignes , Nainggolan Ita M. , Yasmon Andi , Nusatia Angela Ch. M. , Tjoa Enty , Gunardi Wani D. , Moehario Lucky H.
Published: October 2022

Background

Infection of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi is the primary etiology of typhoid fever globally and is common in many developing countries, especially those with dense populations and poor environmental sanitation. Antibiotic fluoroquinolones were used for the treatment in the 1980s due to the resistance to the first-line antibiotics. However, many cases of treatment failure of fluoroquinolones in typhoidal patients have been reported from numerous countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and America. Mutations in quinolone resistance determining regions (QRDR) genes, gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE, are found in fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella Typhi. Contrast reports came from the S. Typhi isolates in Indonesia, mainly Jakarta and the surroundings, obtained from patients with typhoid fever, with good sensitivity to the fluoroquinolones, i.e., nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and levofloxacin. The present study, therefore, aimed to identify the hotspot sequences of gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE genes of the local S. Typhi strains based on their susceptibility to fluoroquinolones from patients with typhoid fever in Jakarta and its satellite cities.

Results

A total of 28 isolates were identified as S. Typhi. All isolates were susceptible to nalidixic acid, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin. Twenty-seven isolates (96.4%) were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, with one isolate (3.6%) being intermediate. The hotspot sequences of gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE genes from all isolates were identical to the fluoroquinolone-sensitive reference sequence Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi Ty2 (NCBI GenBank AE014613.1), including the isolate with intermediate susceptibility. The mutation was not found, and amino acid deduced from all hotspots in susceptible and intermediate isolates showed no replacement in all reported codons.

Conclusions

This study showed that the local S. Typhi strains from Jakarta and surroundings were susceptible to fluoroquinolones (nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin), and the hotspot sequences of the gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE genes were all identical to the reference sequence. Thus, the hotspot sequences of the gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE genes seemingly were conserved in Jakarta’s local S. Typhi strains and could be considered wild type. The phenotypic susceptibility was consistent with the genotypic characteristic without non-synonymous mutations associated with drug resistance.