bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P673: Intima-Media Thickness at the Near or Far Wall of the Common-Carotid-Artery in Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
Authors: Seekircher Lisa , Willeit Peter ,   on behalf of the Proof-ATHERO consortium
Published: March 2023

Background:
Current guidelines recommend measuring carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) at the far wall of the common-carotid-artery (CCA).

Objectives:
To reliably quantify associations of near vs. far wall CCA-IMT with cardiovascular risk and their added predictive values.

Methods:
We analyzed participant-level data of 16 prospective studies from the Proof-ATHERO consortium. We pooled study-specific hazard ratios for cardiovascular disease (CVD, defined as coronary heart disease or stroke) using random-effects meta-analysis.

Results:
Individual records were available for 41,941 participants (mean age 61 years [SD=11]; 53% female; 16% with history of CVD; 10,423 CVD events, median follow-up 9.3 years). Mean baseline values of near and far wall CCA-IMT were 0.83 (SD=0.28) and 0.82 (SD=0.27) mm, differed by a mean of 0.02 mm (95% limits of agreement: -0.40 to 0.43) and were moderately correlated (r=0.44; 95% CI: 0.39-0.49). Near and far wall CCA-IMT were both approximately linearly associated with CVD risk. The respective hazard ratios per SD higher value were 1.18 (95% CI: 1.14-1.22;

I
2

=30.7%) and 1.20 (1.18-1.23;

I
2

=5.3%) when adjusted for age, sex, and history of CVD, and 1.09 (1.07-1.12;

I
2

=8.4%) and 1.14 (1.12-1.16;

I
2

=1.3%) in a multivariable adjusted model (all P<0.001). Assessing CCA-IMT at both walls provided a greater C-index improvement than assessing CCA-IMT at one wall only (+0.0046 vs. +0.0023 for near [P<0.001] or +0.0037 for far wall [P=0.006]).

Conclusions:
The associations of near and far wall CCA-IMT with incident CVD were positive, approximately linear, and similarly strong. Improvement in risk discrimination was highest when CCA-IMT was measured at both walls.
A Study on the Effects of Urban Residents’ Self-Leadership and Perception on their Intention to Participate in Care Farming
Authors: Lee Mi Young , Park NamTae
Published: March 2023

Background and objective: With the desire for a healthy life and healing amid the environmental changes caused by the global climate crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, people's interest in care farming (CF) is growing. Therefore, this study aims to derive implications for the revitalization of CF by empirically analyzing the relationship between the effects on the intention to participate in CF.Methods: A survey was conducted (June 16, 2022 - July 25, 2022) using a structured questionnaire targeting city residents in Seoul and the metropolitan area to identify their intention to participate in CF. For the collected data of 255 copies of the questionnaire finally selected here, basic statistical analysis, correlation analysis, reliability, factor analysis, regression analysis, and moderating effect verification were performed to verify hypotheses established based on the research model. The Jamovi statistical package was used.Results: The results of this study are as follows. First, self-leadership and perceptual factor had a significantly positive (+) effect on the intention to participate in CF. Second, farming experience and mentoring, which are pulling factors between self-leadership and intention to participate in CF, had a statistically significant moderation effect. Third, farming experience, which is one of the pull factors between perceptual factor and intention to participate in CF, had a statistically significant moderation effect, but mentoring did not.Conclusion: Based on the results, this study determined the causal relationship between self-leadership and perceptual factor as a determinant affecting urban residents' intention to participate in CF. In addition, the necessity of a policy and practical approach was suggested depending on the level of farming or mentoring experience by verifying the moderation effect of pull factors.
A New Cephalaria (Caprifoliaceae) Species from Turkey
Authors: GÖKTÜRK RAMAZAN SÜLEYMAN , YÜCEOL FULYA , GALATALI SELİN , KAYA ERGUN , HAMZAOĞLU ERGİN , KOÇ MURAT
Published: March 2023

Cephalaria saldaensis, collected from Eşeler Mountain around Salda Lake (Yeşilova-Burdur), one of Turkey’s important tourism regions, is described from South-West Anatolia as a new species. Diagnostic morphological and molecular characters from closely similar taxa are discussed. The geographical distribution of the new species and other related species is mapped. Taxonomic comments such as descriptive and diagnostic characters, distribution and ecology, conservation status for this new species are given in the current study. In this study, morphological characterization of three different Cephalaria spp. was also supported via molecular characterization based on PCR technology. Twenty-two ISSR primers were tested using a total of fifteen individuals belonging to three different Cephalaria spp. Five of these primers gave the most productive band profile. A total of 53 bands ranging from 250bp to 2000bp were obtained from the PCR products on agarose gel image, and the polymorphism calculated on the basis of the band profiles was 77.4%. The band profiles were also analyzed using the PopGen32 Software program. The constructed phylogenetic tree grouped the Cephalaria spp. individuals belonging to these three species into two main clusters and the phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. saldaensis was clearly different from the C. scoparia and C. dirmilensis.
Additions to earthworms (Annelida, Crassiclitellata) from Aragua and Miranda states, Venezuela
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-GARCÍA LUIS MANUEL , SOUSA SANDRIEL COSTA , PEREIRA NATÁLIA JOVITA , ROUSSEAU GUILLAUME XAVIER , FERREIRA CARMEN
Published: March 2023

Two new species of the earthworm genus Pontoscolex found in San Casimiro County, northern Venezuela are described. Because of some morphological variability, and to improve the previous description, we redescribe Onychochaeta windlei and Rhinodrilus fuenzalidae collected at La Cortada settlement, Miranda state. Pontoscolex (Mesoscolex) juanae sp. n. and Pontoscolex (Nulloscolex) hugoi subgen. n., sp. n have three pairs of tiny calciferous glands in 7th to 9th segments, with a simple tubular structure similar to that of the genus Onychochaeta; however, testes and funnels are enclosed in sacs in the 11th segment similar to the Pontoscolex. We also report the occurrences of Pontoscolex (Pontoscolex) corethrurus Müller, 1857, Metaphire houlleti (Perrier, 1872), Perionyx excavatus Perrier, 1872, Dichogaster bolaui (Michaelsen, 1891), and Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826).
An annotated checklist and distribution of earthworms from Venezuela (Megadrili: Crassiclitellata)
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-GARCÍA LUIS MANUEL , SOUSA SANDRIEL COSTA , FERREIRA CARMEN , ROUSSEAU GUILLAUME XAVIER
Published: March 2023

An earthworm checklist has produced 78 nominal taxa (species/subspecies) of earthworm reported to date in Venezuela. The list of nominal taxa was obtained through literature review and the distribution maps were plotted by ecoregion. The 78 species/subspecies are divided into 24 genera and 6 families. Native earthworm species were more widely distributed than peregrine and exotic and are more associated with the conserved areas. Exotic species had been collected mainly in the north of the country in areas with at least some disturbance history. The peregrine species P. corethrurus is also widely distributed but with a preference for disturbed areas or related to its native natural grassland condition near the Guayana’s shield. This is the first accurate assessment of Venezuela's earthworm species and subspecies in the last 14 years.
Earthworms from natural and managed ecosystems in Southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: DA SILVA ELODIE , SANTOS ALESSANDRA , NADOLNY HERLON S. , BARTZ MARIE L.C. , JAMES SAMUEL W. , BROWN GEORGE G.
Published: March 2023

The earthworms (Crassiclitellata) of the Northern Atlantic Forest region are poorly known, and many new species are expected to be found in the region. Hence, quantitative and qualitative samples were taken in the Atlantic Forest region of southern Bahia State, Brazil, at eight sites to assess species presence and abundance in different land uses (forests, pastures, plantations). Earthworms were also qualitatively collected at an additional eight sites. Only one to two species per site were found in quantitative samples, while qualitative samples generally resulted in higher species recoveries, with highest richness observed at the native Atlantic Forest of Veracel in Porto Seguro. Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1857) was the dominant species at all sites and in most land use systems, probably favored by human migration and agricultural activities; it was only absent in one primary forest site where native Ocnerodrilidae species predominated. In total at least 14 species were found of which eight were new, belonging to the genus Rhinodrilus and three new genera in the Ocnerodrilidae family (Pauqueba, Parabauba and Diplomoela). Contrary to sites in Southern and Southeastern Brazil, where many native species belong to the Glossoscolecidae family, in southern Bahia, Ocnerodrilidae species tend to be more prevalent, occupying various habitats. More intensive sampling of these habitats, including surface litter, in and under fallen logs and dead tree trunks, under rocks, in bromeliad leaf tanks and deeper soil layers is essential in order to properly characterize earthworm communities in Brazilian Atlantic Forests.
Earthworm communities in long-term no-tillage systems and secondary forest fragments in Paraná, Southern Brazil
Authors: DUDAS RAFAELA T. , DEMETRIO WILIAN C. , MAIA LILIANE S. , SÁTIRO JOSÉ N.O. , SILVA KARLO A. , NICOLA VITORIA B. , KILLE PETER , OLIVEIRA CINTÍA M.R. , AFONSO RITA O. , RUSSELL GEORGINA , FERREIRA NUNO G. C. , CUNHA LUIS , BROWN GEORGE G. , BARTZ MARIE L.C
Published: March 2023

The area destined for agricultural production in Paraná state in Brazil is ~6 million hectares, of which 79% are under no-tillage systems (NTS) that can positively affect earthworm populations. Furthermore, earthworm abundance and richness can be valuable soil quality. This study assessed earthworm communities in long-term no-tillage sites (NTS) and nearby secondary Atlantic Forest (SF) fragments. Sampling was performed in June 2018 and May 2019 using the quantitative Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility handsorting method (ISO-TSBF), complemented by qualitative sampling in three municipalities: Faxinal, Mauá da Serra and Palmeira, in NTS and SF. Eleven earthworm species, belonging to five families (Benhamiidae, Glossoscolecidae, Megascolecidae, Ocnerodrilidae, and Rhinodrilidae) were found along with seven native species (Glossoscolex sp.22, Glossoscolex sp.23, Fimoscolex sp.21, Fimoscolex sp.24, Fimoscolex sp.42, Andiorrhinus duseni and Urobenus brasiliensis) and four exotic or cosmopolitan species (Dichogaster gracilis, Amynthas gracilis, Metaphire californica and Pontoscolex corethrurus). The cosmopolitan P. corethrurus dominated Faxinal and Mauá da Serra, while in Palmeira Fimoscolex and Glossoscolex were the most abundant. Six species belonging to Glossoscolex and Fimoscolex were new to science and must be described. Overall, 239 individuals were found. In 2018 126 individuals were found (76 in NTS and 50 in SF) and in 2019, only 112 individuals were found (45 in NTS and 67 in SF). The highest earthworm abundance was in Faxinal (123 individuals), with 76 individuals in NTS and 47 in SF. In Mauá da Serra the same pattern was observed (SF>NTS), while in Palmeira in overall, fewer individuals (38) were collected (24 in NTS and 14 in SF). The NTS at Faxinal and SF Mauá da Serra in 2019 had only/more exotic/cosmopolitan species, while at the other dates and sites >50% of the specimens sampled were native species. Overall, forests had more native species than exotics: in 2018, natives represented > 75% of all specimens, but in 2019 both Faxinal and Mauá da Serra had more exotic species (> 65%), while at Palmeira, they represented 50% of the individuals. Earthworm total biomass for forest sites was higher in Faxinal (3.2 g) and NTS in Mauá da Serra (1.7 g) in 2019. Overall, the total biomass was higher in SF sites than NTS. Using a classification available for earthworm populations in no-tillage systems, all three sites were considered to have poor quality in terms of abundance (ind m-2), while for species richness, they were considered to have moderate (Faxinal and Mauá da Serra) and good quality (Palmeira).
Earthworm richness in no-tillage farming systems and riparian forests in Southern and Southeastern Brazil
Authors: BARTZ MARIE L.C. , BARRETO JULIA , SANTOS ALESSANDRA , DUDAS RAFAELA T. , FERREIRA TALITA , MAIA LILIANNE DOS SANTOS , DEMETRIO WILIAN C. , SMOKANIT MANOELA , TAVARES ALAN A. , SCHUSTER PHILLIP A. , HERNANI LUIS C. , BROWN GEORGE G.
Published: March 2023

No-tillage (NT) is a soil conservation management practice that can sustain important earthworm populations due the maintenance of soil cover and absence of soil disturbance. Sites with NT can also support native earthworm species, but few studies have identified the earthworms collected under NT. Therefore, the present study evaluated earthworm diversity in 14 sites under NT and seven with riparian forest (RF) in Atlantic Forest located in Rolândia, Cambé, Toledo (Paraná), Coxilha, Sarandi (Rio Grande do Sul) and Itaí (São Paulo). The earthworms were collected by handsorting using quantitative and qualitative methods. The 1471 individuals collected were classified into 23 species belonging to five families: Glossoscolex sp.71, sp.72, sp.73 and sp.74, Fimoscolex sp.23 sp.24 and sp.25 (Glossoscolecidae); Pontoscolex corethrurus, Urobenus brasiliensis (Rhinodrilidae); Haplodrilus sp.1 and sp.2, Ocnerodrilidae sp.1, sp.15, sp.16, sp.48, sp.49 and sp.50 (Ocnerodrilidae); Amynthas gracilis, Metaphire californica (Megascolecidae); Dichogaster affinis, D. gracilis, D. bolaui and D. saliens (Benhamiidae). Of the total, 15 were native and eight were exotic species. In general NT sites had higher species richness than the forest sites (except at Itaí), mainly due to the invasion of NT fields by exotic species, particularly Ocnerodrilidae sp.1 and Dichogaster spp. Six of the seven forests had native species, but only four NT fields had native earthworms, and these were generally found in low abundance.
Earthworms in natural grasslands and agropastoral systems in the Brazilian Pampa
Authors: GILLANDERS STEPHEN M.G. , PODGAISKI LUCIANA R. , OVERBECK GERHARD E. , SANTOS ALESSANDRA , WINCK BRUNA , BROWN GEORGE G. , BARTZ MARIE L.C.
Published: March 2023

In this study, we sampled grazed natural grassland and agropastoral systems in two regions (Alegrete and Aceguá) in the highly diverse Brazilian Pampa region which is undergoing significant change in land use cover. By hand sorting the soil, a total of five species were found, belonging to the families Glossoscolecidae (Glossoscolex sp.50 and Glossoscolex sp.51), Ocnerodrilidae (Kerriona sp.6 and Eukerria sp.3), and Lumbricidae (Aporrectodea trapezoides). The former four were identified as native—new to science—and the latter as exotic. Differences were observed in both earthworm species richness and abundance between regions and land-use systems, likely due to environmental conditions and agricultural practices, respectively. Agropastoral systems had higher abundance and species richness than natural grasslands, though these differences varied by location. This suggests that conversion from natural grassland to agropastoral systems can maintain native earthworms and, possibly, enhance ecosystem services. However, an exotic species was found in high abundance at one agropastoral site. These results highlight the need for additional biodiversity studies on earthworms in the Brazilian Pampa and for research on the impacts of land use changes in this region.
Earthworms in the conversion of natural grasslands to agropastoral systems—a preliminary study in Vale Verde, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: DE SANTO FERNANDA B. , NIEMEYER JÚLIA C. , BARTZ MARIE L. C.
Published: March 2023

Soils, in addition to supporting agricultural production, are the source of a wide diversity of essential ecosystem functions and services performed by invertebrate organisms. Earthworms play a key role as ecosystem engineers, but little is known about the diversity of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and even less concerning land-use conversion scenarios. Earthworms were sampled using the TSBF method in natural grassland (NG1) in July 2018 and subsequently converted to soybean in an agropastoral system (AP) in December 2018 and July 2019. In July 2019 a nearby natural grassland (NG2) was also sampled and considered as a reference. The earthworms were identified to family, genus and/or species, and the total number of individuals and proportion of native and exotic species were calculated and presented. A total of 583 individuals were collected and seven species were identified: three native species—Kerriona sp.7, Kerriona sp.8, Eukerria rosea; and four exotic/peregrine species—Amynthas corticis, Dichogaster bolaui, Bimastos parvus, Pontoscolex corethrurus. The two native Kerriona species are new to science and were found after the conversion of the area. The other native species (Eukerria rosea), also found after the conversion, had a high number of individuals in the last sample. The results can be related to the availability and changing of resources, due to the conversion of the land use with a high rain preceding the winter season.
Monte Carlo-Based Microsimulation Approach for Estimating the Collision Probability of Real Traffic Conflicts
Authors: Adjenughwure Kingsley , Klunder Gerdien , Hogema Jeroen , Horst Richard Van der
Published: March 2023

During driving in real traffic, often conflict situations arise which do not lead to an accident; however, they offer a good indication of traffic (un)safety. There are many methods and indicators for classifying whether a current driving situation can be considered as a conflict or not (e.g., time to collision, post-encroachment time). However, not many approaches exist to predict how such conflicts will evolve once they have been identified and what the collision probability would be given the conditions of the conflict. Currently available methods make strong assumptions about driver behavior during the conflict, usually do not consider all participants involved in the conflict (only two vehicles), and have limited applicability to various types of real conflicts. In this paper, a Monte Carlo-based microsimulation approach is proposed to estimate the probability of collision for a conflict of any type. Unlike previous approaches, the proposed method can be used to simulate any type of conflict with an arbitrary initial conflict condition and an arbitrary number of vehicles in conflict. The method was developed based on real-world video data of a complex signalized intersection, from which conflicts were identified with the DOCTOR method. As proof of concept, the proposed method was applied to a real conflict involving four vehicles which was extracted from these video data and validated with a real traffic accident. The results show that our approach is capable of simulating real conflicts of various types with multiple participants and predicting their probability of collision.
Current Definitions of Failure in Lateral Ankle Instability Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dallman Johnathan , Wolf Megan R. , Campbell Tanner , Herda Trent , White Jacob , Tarakemeh Armin , Vopat Bryan G.
Published: March 2023

Background:

“Failure” is a term that is frequently used to describe an unfavorable outcome for patients who undergo surgical treatment for lateral ankle instability (LAI). A standard definition of failure for the surgical treatment of ankle instability has not been established by clinicians and researchers.

Purpose:

To identify the definitions of ankle instability treatment failure that are currently in the literature and to work toward the standardization of the definition.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic search of MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted to identify clinical studies that included patients who underwent surgical treatment for LAI and included information about surgical failure. Studies with level of evidence 1 to 4 were included in this review. Animal studies, biomechanical studies, cadaveric studies, review articles, and expert opinions were excluded. The included studies were then reviewed for definitions of failure of any surgical procedure that was performed to correct LAI.

Results:

Of the 1200 studies found, 3.5% (42/1200) published between 1984 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. After reviewing the data, we found numerous definitions were reported in the literature for LAI surgical failure. The most common was recurrent instability (40% [17/42]), followed by rerupture (19% [8/42]). For the original surgical procedure, the anatomic Broström-Gould technique was used most frequently (57% [24/42]). The failure rate of the Broström-Gould technique ranged from 1.1% to 45.2% depending on the definition of failure.

Conclusion:

There were multiple definitions of failure for the surgical treatment of LAI, which is one of the reasons why the rate of failure can vary greatly. The literature would benefit greatly from the standardization of the definition of ankle instability treatment failure. This definition should include specific, objective physical examination findings that eliminate the ambiguity surrounding failure.
Bioglass/collagen scaffolds combined with bone marrow stromal cells on bone healing in an experimental model in cranial defects in rats
Authors: Kido HW , Gabbai-Armelin PR , Magri AMP , Fernandes KR , Cruz MA , Santana AF , Caliari HM , Parisi JR , Avanzi IR , Daguano JKMB , Granito RN , Fortulan CA , Rennó ACM
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to develop bone regenerative therapeutic strategies, based on the addition of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) on bioglass/collagen (BG/COL) scaffolds. For this purpose, an in vivo study was conducted using tissue response of the BG/COL scaffolds combined with BMSC in a critical-size defects. Wistar rats were submitted to the surgical procedure to perform the cranial critical size bone defects and distributed in four groups (20 animals per group): Control Group (CG) (rats submitted to the cranial bone defect surgery without treatment), Bioglass Group (BG) (rats treated with BG), BG/COL Group (rats treated with BG/COL) and Bioglass/Collagen and BMSC Group (BG/COL/BMSC) (rats treated with BG/COL scaffolds enriched with BMSCs). Animals were euthanized 15 and 30 days after surgery. Scanning electron microscopy, histopathological and immunohistochemistry analysis were used. SEM analysis demonstrated that porous scaffolds were obtained, and Col fibers were successfully impregnated to BG matrices. The implantation of the BMSC on BG/COL based scaffolds was effective in stimulating newly bone formation and produced an increased immunoexpression of markers related to the bone repair. These results highlight the potential of BG/COL scaffolds and BMSCs to be used as a therapeutic approach for bone regeneration.
Thermo-mechanical properties of composite filaments for 3D printing of fabrics
Authors: Jayswal Ajay , Liu Jia , Harris Gregory , Adanur Sabit
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study is to manufacture composite filaments to be used in three-dimensional (3D) printing of fabrics using fused deposition modeling (FDM) method. The primary properties of a fabric are flexibility and strength which are lacking in the available 3D printed materials. Polylactic acid (PLA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) were blended in different proportions and extruded using twin-screw extruder to obtain composite filaments. The properties of the filaments were studied using various material characterization methods such as uniaxial tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). With the addition of PEG in the PLA/TPU composition, it was found that the yield stress and Young’s modulus of the composite filaments have significantly decreased compared to that of pure PLA filament. It was also noted that there was no significant difference in ultimate tensile strength whereas the elongation at break was increased by more than 500%. Using the composite filament, a plain weave fabric structure was 3D printed to investigate the printing ability of a complex structure. It is concluded that the composite filaments developed are suitable for 3D printing but non-uniformity in diameter affects the print quality and hence the overall properties of fabrics.
Clean energy by proven new energy technology
Authors: Thayaparan Balathayaparan
Published: March 2023

Extended dependence on fossil fuels and other consumable resources to meet the energy requirements of the modern world and to provide the high living standards required by modern society; have been driving mankind toward the exhaustion of current fuel and energy resources. Hence, this article provides an infinite energy device that can be used to produce energy constantly by using buoyancy and gravitational force. The infinite energy device comprises a positive buoyant stable vessel body (the vessel is attached to an external tank with bars) having at its base (inside) an extendable/retractable chamber with the lock to open and close the intake valve for incoming water through the valve's hole from the lower end of the vessel. The water exits the chamber via a pipe due to the external pressure from a weight plate. The continuous flow of water from the pipe can be further used to generate energy. This device is not a completely isolated system from the rest of the universe; we do not know the far future so it is not a perpetual motion device and thus does not violate physics principles. I have a working prototype, and I have included as much information as possible about the device so that the experiment can be reproduced. Therefore, I included supporting photos. In layman's terms, this device has the advantage of a sequence of five systems. Lateral water displacement reduces the depth distance to send water above; buoyant force (75.40 kgf) acts as an upward force to expand a chamber of the device's vessel (inside) to store energy in the form of the gravitational potential energy of a weight plate (21.5 kgf). The buoyant force (75.40 kgf) is greater than gravitational force (21.5 kgf) due to which a steady state is reached with a net force equal to 53.9 kgf. Incoming water enters the chamber through an intake valve underneath. This is a float valve system. The valve is used to close by the buoyant force. It is initially locked by hand before automatic locking systems enclose the chamber. The hydraulic lift principle (system) is used to pressurize the chamber via the weight plate (gravity). Pascal's principle and gravity thus bring the chamber water outside the vessel and above the surrounding water level through a pipe. The (falling) water generates electricity in the water turbine generator and distributes electrical energy for the automatic locking of the intake valve and the rest, for our use. This is the main benefit of the device. The objective of the device is to bring the surrounding (chamber) water above water level by using buoyant force and gravity. And, I have demonstrated the prototype.
Determinants of union strategies towards the twin digital and green transitions in the German and Belgian automotive industry
Authors: Pulignano Valeria , Hauptmeier Marco , Frans Dorien
Published: March 2023

This article examines union strategies towards the twin digital and green transitions, comparing the German and Belgian automotive industries. The drive towards net-zero and more digital economies is manifested through the move from fossil fuel-powered cars to electric cars, engendering a reorganisation of production, work and employment among car manufacturers. We identified two strategic union response patterns. While German unions are developing proactive strategies and proposals to influence and shape the ongoing transition of the automotive industry, Belgian unions are more passive, reacting primarily to management proposals and focusing narrowly on employment and working conditions without a broader strategy on how to influence the transformation of the automotive industry. We explain the observed cross-national differences by two factors: the importance of national institutions, i.e., the varying integration of labour into management decision-making, and the role of union knowledge regimes. The latter refers to internal union organisations and structures such as research departments, research institutes and foundations tasked with providing own research and funding external research on change topics from a union perspective, publishing studies and developing programmatic agendas, and disseminating the knowledge to union members through training, workshops and conferences.
Bone Density of the Condyle of Children with Craniofacial Microsomia and its Correlation with Condylar Resorption After Mandible Distraction Osteogenesis
Authors: Li Xiyuan , Zhang Zhiyong , Tang Xiaojun , Li Chuan , Liu Wei
Published: March 2023

Objective

To investigate condylar bone density (BD) in children with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and identify factors that contribute to early stage condylar resorption (CR) after mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO).

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Craniofacial department of a plastic surgery hospital.

Patients

Fifty-one children with CFM classified as Pruzansky IIa based on complete pre-(T0) and post-MDO (T1) computed tomography (CT) data.

Intervention and Main outcome measurements

Mimic 21.0 (Materialise Inc., Belgium) was used to measure bilateral BD and condylar height (CH) and volume (CV) of affected side. Children were split into groups based on either affected side BD or the distraction length (DL,25 mm as cutoff) .Bilateral BD was compared using a paired t-test in each group. The CH and CV of affected side at T0 and T1 were compared. The relative values of the CH and CV (CH ratio) and the volume (CV ratio) of the affected side were compared across the groups.

Results

The BD was lower on affected side than on unaffected side. Regarding BD, CH and CV decreased after MDO in group I, while the CH ratio and CV ratio of group I was lower than that of groups II and III. Regarding DL, the CV ratio was lower in Group L than Group S.

Conclusions

The condylar bone quality on affected side is compromised in type IIa CFM. A low BD in combination with a larger distraction distance may increase the risk of CR; therefore, MDO in patients with such characteristics should be postponed.
Understanding Parents’ Self-Awareness of Their Parenting Style(s) and Its Influences on Their Parenting Choices - A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Rutigliano Bridget E. , Randolph Amber L. , Park Candace N.
Published: March 2023

Parenting is a process made up of approaches, styles, and daily choices. Parents are often unaware of how much their parenting style can impact the choices they make each day related to parenting their children. This grounded theory study explored how parents’ self-awareness of their parenting styles influences parenting choices in a sample of parents with children ages birth-11. Seven main themes emerged from this study: (a) the role of comparison and impact of social media, (b) parents do the best they can based on what they have learned and experienced, (c) promoting mental health and wellbeing in what is typically an autopilot experience, (d) parenting is hard, and it can be lonely, (e) navigating the impact of childhood experiences, (f) pressure to be perfect; not enough time to get it all right, and (g) intentionality through self-awareness and reflection. Upon further reflection on the themes, the following theory emerged: Parenting is hard, and it can be a lonely journey. Parents do the best they can based on their experiences and comparing to others. However, when invited to reflect on their parenting choices, parents are more intentional through self-awareness and promoting their mental health and wellbeing. This study's findings offer implications for counselor education as they underscore the need for CACREP (2016) to implement a formal standard to guide counselor training programs to offer instruction relating to parenting styles.
Insult to Injury? Women and Mental Disorder in Italian Photography and Visual Culture
Authors: Hill Sarah P.
Published: March 2023

This article shows how representations of women labeled as mentally ill in photography in Italy have been framed and marked by forms of violence, and how they continue to shape perceptions of women. It argues that the Italian case is a particularly interesting and revealing one, and that such images need to be viewed in the context of the shared status of photography and psychiatry as contemporarily “modern” inventions that have played important roles in reinforcing or contesting violent and institutionalized systems of surveillance and oppression of women.
Insulin Edema in the Twenty-first Century: Review of the Existing Literature
Authors: Chelliah Aruna , Burge Mark R.
Published: March 2023

Generalized insulin edema, although rare, is a well-recognized complication of insulin therapy. It is mainly appreciated in patients with newly diagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus after starting intensive insulin therapy. Although the condition is self-limiting, progression to overt cardiac failure and development of pleural effusion have been reported. With current trends toward intensive insulin therapy, clinicians should be aware of the existence of the insulin edema syndrome, and its occurrence should be documented and differentiated from other causes of edema. In this article, we present a recent case that illustrates the clinical features of insulin edema. Specifically, a young male with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus developed significant, reversible peripheral edema after starting insulin therapy. A detailed case description is accompanied by the only known published photographs of insulin edema. The overall purpose of this article is to review the scanty existing medical literature surrounding the topic of insulin edema and to raise awareness about its continued occurrence.
Statin Therapy for Cardiac Hypertrophy and Heart Failure
Authors: Liao James K.
Published: March 2023

Cardiac hypertrophy leading to heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, or statins, have been shown to inhibit cardiac hypertrophy and improve symptoms of heart failure by cholesterol-independent mechanisms. Statins block the isoprenylation and function of members of the Rho guanosine triphosphatase family, such as Rad and RhoA. Because Rad is a requisite component of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, which is a major source of reactive oxygen species in cardiovascular cells, the ability of statins to inhibit Rad-mediated oxidative stress contributes importantly to their inhibitory effects on cardiac hypertrophy. Furthermore, inhibition of RhoA by statins leads to the activation of protein kinase B/Akt and up-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the endothelium and the heart. This results in increased angiogenesis and myocardial perfusion, decreased myocardial apoptosis, and improvement in endothelial and cardiac function. Because these effects of statins occur independently of cholesterol lowering, statins may have therapeutic benefits in nonhyperlipidemic patients with cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Effects of Type 2 Diabetes on the Regulation of Hepatic Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Basu Ananda , Shah Pankaj , Nielsen Michael , Basu Rita , Rizza Robert A.
Published: March 2023

Glucose production is inappropriately increased in people with type 2 diabetes both before and after food ingestion. Excessive postprandial glucose production occurs in the presence of decreased and delayed insulin secretion and lack of suppression of glucagon release. These abnormalities in hormone secretion, coupled with impaired insulin-induced suppression of glucose production and stimulation of splanchnic glucose uptake, likely account in large part for the excessive amounts of glucose that reach the systemic circulation for disposal by peripheral tissues following food ingestion. In contrast, when adequate basal insulin concentrations are present, neither glucagon-induced stimulation of glucose production nor glucose-induced suppression of glucose production differs in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects matched for gender, age, and degree of obesity. However, when insulin secretion is defective, lack of suppression of glucagon can cause substantial hyperglycemia by enhancing rates of glucose production. Therefore, normalization of hepatic glucose metabolism in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus likely will require normalization of insulin and glucagon secretion as well as hepatic insulin action.
Impairment’s Role in the Pathway From Externalizing Psychopathology to Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents With ADHD
Authors: Capps R. Elizabeth , Wilson Elizabeth D. , Evans Steven W. , Allan Darcey M. , Langberg Joshua M.
Published: March 2023

Objective:

This study examined the role of academic, social, and family impairment in the pathway from externalizing psychopathology to depression among young adolescents with ADHD in a multiple mediation model.

Method:

The sample included adolescents with ADHD enrolled in an intervention trial. Parent ratings of externalizing psychopathology were measured at eligibility assessment, adolescent self-reported depressive symptoms were measured at eligibility and at the end of treatment, and parent-rated impairment was measured in the middle of treatment. A multiple mediation model was used to examine mediating effects of impairment types in the pathway from externalizing psychopathology to depression.

Results:

Parent-reported family impairment significantly mediated the association between externalizing psychopathology and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

Results suggest family impairment mediates the association between externalizing psychopathology and depressive symptoms beyond academic and social impairment for youth with ADHD. Findings implicate the importance of targeting family functioning during early adolescence to prevent depression.
Evaluation of the dynamic response for scaled models of shaped concrete floor slabs
Authors: Broyles Jonathan M , Shepherd Micah R , Brown Nathan C
Published: March 2023

The dynamic response of building structures is an essential design consideration in building acoustics. However, building design is increasingly driven by sustainability goals. Floors can be optimized to reduce material consumption and corresponding carbon emissions, yet geometric changes may cause sound insulation and vibration problems. Although the dynamic performance of traditional floors is well established, the performance of non-traditional shapes is less understood. Before trusting the results of building simulations encompassing optimized floors, the dynamic results should first be validated experimentally. This paper details a numerical finite element analysis method to ascertain the dynamic response of four shaped concrete slabs, with experimental modal analysis used to validate the numerical results. The material properties in the numerical model are updated to match the experimental results. The findings support a computational framework for determining the dynamic response of shaped structures that can then be implemented in future large-scale building models.
Effective sensor location for detection of change in structural dynamic response
Authors: Woodall J , Maji A , Moreu F
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the sensitivity of structural system response to the sensor location by investigating consequences of small changes in the location to the structural system response. The paper discusses how maximum observability (based on mode shape and the participation of that mode in the input provided) drives optimal location. The structural responses were investigated in terms of the g-rms response for various low-frequency inputs (pure sinusoids and real-life inputs such as an earthquake and trains). Results were then analyzed in the context of Modal Contributions Factors (MCF) and changes to the Force-to-response Transfer Functions (TRFs). A modal-matching process is first presented using a MatlabTM-based Finite Element Method (FEM) model of a cantilever beam and instrumentation to determine the location of a small mass based on three different criteria. Subsequently, the structural response is investigated using experiments and the FEM model. The accelerometer of small mass (at 1/3 height) was moved up or down to obtain changes in the structural response (TRF) to various realistic low-frequency inputs. Modal Contribution Factor (MCF) and derivative (slope) of the associated mode-shapes were correlated to the observed changes in TRFs. Results show how optimal sensor locations for detecting change in structural response can be based on the MCFs and the associated mode-shapes.
Facility for calibration of photometers for measurement of temporal light modulation
Authors: Dekker PR , van Bloois AL
Published: March 2023

A facility for calibration of temporal light modulation (TLM) photometers has been developed. The facility is based on a laser-fed reference integrating sphere source, the optical input power of which can be modulated with an acousto-optic modulator. A system of photodiodes, amplifiers and an analogue-to-digital converter is used to sample the temporally modulated irradiance at one of the exit ports of the source. With the facility, a TLM photometer was calibrated for display contrast ratio root mean square with an absolute combined standard uncertainty of 0.037%. In addition, the facility has been characterised with the aim of measuring flicker and stroboscopic effect, considering the Ecodesign ‘Single Lighting Regulation’. The frequency response of the facility is shown to be sufficient to accommodate measurements of flicker and the stroboscopic effect.
Training in lockdown: The impact of stringency measures on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Authors: Alfano Vincenzo , Ercolano Salvatore
Published: March 2023

Due to COVID-19, the 32nd Olympic Games were postponed temporarily for the first time, apart from those cancelled during the First and Second World Wars. Did the pandemic also affect the results? We aim to understand the impact of stringency measures on athletes’ performance in the Olympics. For many athletes, the Olympics are the pinnacle of their careers, and they follow intense training schedules to arrive at the Games in peak physical condition. Stringency measures may have affected their results by making it harder for them to train effectively, to access sports infrastructure, to meet teammates, and more generally to follow an athletic lifestyle. Our quantitative analysis shows that stringency measures had an effect on the number of Olympic medals won, especially in team sports. This is consistent with the idea that stricter non-pharmaceutical interventions made it harder for teams to train together and achieve the necessary chemistry and harmony to succeed in such a competitive event. Furthermore, women were more severely penalized by higher stringency measures than men in team events.
Managing Fibrous Maxillary Ridge: A Case Series of Impression Techniques
Authors: Yee Ang , Meei Tew In , Ling Goo Chui
Published: March 2023

Fibrous ridges on the edentulous maxillary arch are commonly found in combination syndrome or due to ill-fitting dentures. Often, these cases are managed conservatively using modified impression techniques to achieve better support and peripheral seal without displacing the movable tissue. Many impression techniques were proposed and justified with their respective ideologies, but some may complicate both the clinical and laboratory procedures. In this report, two simplified techniques are demonstrated to make an impression of the maxillary arch with fibrous ridges. Laboratory steps in custom tray fabrication are also emphasised for a successful and predictable impression.
Whiplash-associated temporomandibular disorders: a review article
Authors: Al-Ani Ziad
Published: March 2023

Data from the literature on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) amplification or exacerbation in whiplash injuries is quite discordant. Substantial controversy exists regarding the incidence, prevalence, proposed mechanism of injury, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of TMDs due to whiplash.

This article describes this controversy and presents findings from contemporary literature.
Informality and the politics of urban flood management
Authors: Cobbinah Patrick Brandful , Amoako Clifford , Yeboah Ata Senior
Published: March 2023

This paper explores reasons for unproductive urban flood management agendas in informal settlements. Does geography of informal settlements inform city-led flood management agendas? And in what ways have residents of informal settlements responded to city-led flood management approaches? The paper argues that the supposed city managers – both state institutions and professional bodies – have consistently acted in their own interest while successfully using ‘blame game’ to alienate their responsibility of successfully implementing flood management agendas in informal settlements. Using Accra (Ghana) as a case study, the study used multiple qualitative methods such as interviews, focus group discussion and secondary data analysis. Findings indicate that, overall, residents of informal settlements are gradually embracing the reality that city managers do not promote their interests in addressing perennial flood events. In turn, the flood management outcomes that policies and plans ostensibly seek to achieve have only been modestly realised. Instead, flood management agendas have had perverse implications for residents of informal settlements. Recommendations to improve the situation are proffered.
Maternal physiological calming responses to infant suckling at the breast
Authors: Ohmura Nami , Okuma Lana , Truzzi Anna , Esposito Gianluca , Kuroda Kumi O.
Published: March 2023

The mother–infant relation is key to infant physical, cognitive and social development. Mutual regulation and cooperation are required to maintain the dyadic system, but the biological foundation of these responses remains to be clarified. In this study, we report the maternal calming responses to infant suckling during breastfeeding. Using behavioral measures and a Holter electrocardiogram as a readout of the maternal autonomic nervous system, the maternal activities during resting, sitting with her infant on her lap, and breastfeeding were assessed. We found that during breastfeeding, mothers talked less and maternal heart rate was lower than during sitting with the infant without breastfeeding. Congruently, maternal heart rate variability measurements indicated a higher parasympathetic activity during breastfeeding. Time-locked analyses suggested that this maternal calming response was initiated by the tactile stimulation at the breast by the infant face or mouth latch, which preceded the perceived milk ejection. These findings suggest that somatosensory stimuli of breastfeeding activate parasympathetic activity in mothers. Just as how the infant Transport Response facilitates the carrying of infants, the maternal calming responses during breastfeeding may promote efficient milk intake by inhibiting spontaneous maternal activities.