bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DESIGN OF AN ARTICULATING NON-INVASIVE JOINT DISTRACTOR FOR METACARPOPHALANGEAL JOINT OF THE THUMB
Authors: Farjam Pardis , Roubos Timo , Hekman Edsko E.G. , Verkerke Gijsbertus J , Rouwkema Jeroen
Published: June 2023

There is no specific distraction device available for the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) of the thumb. Joint distraction is required to facilitate the implantation of MCPJ spacers. In addition, expanding the joint space is essential for MCPJ arthroscopy. For these reasons, a novel device has been designed to create some space in the MCPJ. This articulating joint distractor uses a finger trap to apply the distraction force to the thumb and a strap to fixate the hand. There is the possibility to flex the thumb while maintaining the distraction force. In a first cadaveric experiment, we have determined that the force required to create 2 mm of distraction is approximately 30N. A prototype of the articulating joint distractor has been built and was tested during a second cadaveric study. As a result of the second cadaveric experiment, the desired functions of the prototype have been validated. By adjusting and optimizing the design to minimize the risks found partly during the experiment, the final design of the non-invasive MCPJ distractor has been realized.
ARTICULATED SURGICAL STAPLER WITH IMPROVED RANGE OF MOTION FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE COLORECTAL SURGERY
Authors: Swerczek Nick , Nelson Carl A. , Carlson Mark A.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we present a surgical stapler design with increased mobility at the articulation joint for colorectal minimally invasive surgery. Having broken the main problem down into a few primary sub-problems, we introduce the solution options available for each sub-problem as well as a synthesized model based on the usage of cables to transmit forces to the jaw area of the instrument. CAD modelling and an ongoing prototype work suggest feasibility of this approach.
INITIAL COMPARISON OF VITAL SIGNS MONITORING ON THE WRIST WITH THE ANKLE AND BICEP
Authors: Carlson Sam , Fazaluddin Kazi Farhanuddin , Clarke-Sather Abigail R. , Sandbulte Jomara , Wang Sonya
Published: June 2023

Kangaroo care is a vital component of infant care that can lead to reduced morbidity and mortality amongst infants born prematurely. While it is known that kangaroo care, or more simply, skin-to-skin contact, can lead to better health outcomes for both the infant and the mother, the correlation between duration of kangaroo care and positive health outcomes remains a mystery. Not all mothers are able to perform kangaroo mother care, or 24-hour kangaroo care, so it is important to know how much kangaroo care is necessary to achieve positive health outcomes for infants born prematurely. To determine the relationship between maternal-infant interactions, a system of health monitoring devices is presented to measure the duration and frequency of kangaroo care, along with the effects of kangaroo care before, during, and after the act. One specific parameter of interest is the heartrate of the mother and infant. The maternal heartrate can be measured with a commercially available Garmin Venu® Sq smartwatch, but it typically cannot be worn on the wrist in NICUs due to their infection control guidelines. The viability of wearing a Garmin® smartwatch to measure maternal heartrate on the ankle or bicep compared to the wrist was determined by wearing three smartwatches simultaneously on the specified locations. It was found that the smartwatch located at the ankle undercounted the heartrate by an average of 0.5 bpm and the smartwatch located at the bicep overcounted by an average of 0.05 bpm. From statistical analysis, it was determined that the smartwatch worn at the bicep would be an acceptable alternative to wearing a smartwatch on the wrist to gather maternal heartrate data for use in the complete kangaroo care monitoring system.
A CASE STUDY ON ACTIVATION LEVEL OF ROTATOR CUFF MUSCLES USING ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AND ASSOCIATED MUSCLE FORCES
Authors: Mitchell Allyson , MajidiRad AmirHossein , Pujalte George
Published: June 2023

Rotator cuff tears are among the most common shoulder injuries, making them an attractive topic of study. Yet, there is a lack of clear understanding of attributes associated with deep and superficial muscles when it is intended to study the recovery progress after rehabilitation. Through a systematic approach, this project investigates the activation of rotator cuff muscles using surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors. The team developed a strategic plan to investigate the precision of the NORAXON technology that is utilized in this study to ensure that it is capable of capturing small variations in shoulder motion. This is followed by a reliability analysis to ascertain reproducibility of the experiment. The levels of muscle activities for superficial and deep muscles are monitored to explore the impact of traditionally prescribed arm movements used for the rehabilitation of rotator cuff injuries. Furthermore, an analysis of forces generated in the muscles is done to provide better insight into the activation levels of rotator cuff muscles. The results were promising, with a competent technology and acceptable correlation associated with muscle activities across all subjects. Four common arm movements were studied; scaption generated a significant response in the targeted muscles, particularly of the supraspinatus. Results were conclusive across all subjects, and simulation also supported the experiment showing high activation levels for the supraspinatus. The teres minor also showed a significant contribution when performing external rotation at 90⁰ abduction. The outcome of this study is significant for this ongoing project as it identifies the most impactful exercises that ensure targeted muscles are being triggered. It also lays the groundwork for expanding the project to a clinical study focusing on the most effective arm movements in order to improve rehabilitation process and reduce pertinent cost.
EXTRACELLULAR FLOW PATTERNS SURROUNDING A BREAST CANCER CELL DURING TRANSPORT IN A MICROCHANNEL
Authors: Akerkouch Lahcen , Le Trung Bao , Haage Amanda , Vanyo Aaron
Published: June 2023

We performed the transport of a breast cancer cell (MB231-TGFb) in a microvessel using high-resolution simulations. Using open-source imaging software Slicer3D and Meshmixer, the 3D surface mesh forming the cell membrane was reconstructed from confocal microscopic images. The Dissipative Particle Dynamics method is used to model the cell membrane. The extracellular fluid flow is modeled with the Immersed Boundary Method to solve the governing equations of the blood plasma. The unsteady flow is applied at the inlet of the microchannel with an oscillatory pattern. Our results showed that the extracellular flow patterns are highly dependent on the waveform profile. The oscillatory flow showed the creation of vortices that influence the cellular deformations in the microchannel. These results could have implications on the destination of the cancer cells during transport in physiological flows.
VESTIBULAR IMPLANT STIMULATION PAUSE DETECTION THRESHOLDS: IMPLICATIONS FOR DESIGN OF BATTERY DEPLETION ALERTS
Authors: Brillet Celia Fernandez , Chow Margaret R. , Ayiotis Andrianna I. , Della Santina Charles C.
Published: June 2023

Vestibular implants (VI) modulate the rate and amplitude of charge-balanced current pulses to encode head angular velocity or acceleration. When the battery of a VI becomes depleted, stimulation interruptions can cause vertigo. To avoid this, VIs can use alert signals such as vibration and beeping to remind the user to replace the battery. However, in distracting and noisy environments typical of activities of daily life, some patients may fail to hear or feel those alerts, so a physiological signal can be used as an alternate channel for signaling battery depletion. Pauses in the stimulation waveform can be delivered for this purpose, with the length of the pause long enough to be detected reliably by the patient but not so long as to induce dizziness or a vertigo attack. As a guide for the design of a physiologic battery depletion alert system, this study reports the ability of nine longterm, continuous VI users to detect stimulation pauses of various durations. We also show the effect of distraction on patients’ detection thresholds and response latencies for detected events.
A COMPLIANT FRACTURE FIXATION PLATE FOR CONTROLLED AXIAL MOTION IN LONG BONE HEALING
Authors: Huxman Connor , Lewis Gregory , Updegrove Gary , Armstrong April , Butler Jared
Published: June 2023

In this work, we introduce a novel compliant fracture fixation plate capable of delivering controlled axial micromotion to a diaphyseal fracture. When an appropriate amount of interfragmentary strain is achieved, this micromotion is known to facilitate secondary healing by callus formation. The proposed single-piece designs leverage mechanical compliance to achieve motion, eliminating friction, wear, and detailed assembly inherent to other multi-component concepts. 3-dimensional simulations are carried out under offset axial loading. Initial finite element analysis results suggest that flexure-based compliant plates can achieve increased magnitude and symmetry of axial interfragmentary strain, even when constructed of stainless steel, a surgeon-preferred material that traditionally may be too stiff to promote callus formation.
STIMULATION OF THE LINGUAL NERVE FOR INCREASED SALIVA OUTPUT
Authors: Johnson Nathan , Johnson Matthew
Published: June 2023

Xerostomia is the perception of oral dryness. In addition to discomfort, xerostomia can lead to several long-term medical complications within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal system. Treatment options are limited and are either not effective or not convenient for all people with xerostomia. In this study, we designed, tested, and further developed an oral mouth guard insert with electrodes for stimulating the lingual nerve on the medial side of the lower jawbone. Saliva production, collected in the context of randomized on/off testing with a subject blinded to the test condition, resulted in significantly more saliva output during and following lingual stimulation (2.07 g over one minute) versus off stimulation control conditions (1.58 g also over one minute) (two-sample t-test, p=0.001). The proof-of-concept prototype is poised for further refinement with system integration and improvement in packaging. Xerostomia is a common medical condition, and non-implantable devices that can increase salivation on-demand hold significant promise for treating xerostomia in the broader public.
Surface acoustic wave investigation of magnetic nanoparticle size and concentration effect on liquid crystal behavior
Authors: Bury Peter , Veveričík Marek , Černobila František , Tomašovičová Natália , Zakutanská Katarína , Timko Milan , Miakota Dmitryi , Kopčanský Peter
Published: June 2023

The effect of spherical magnetic nanoparticles with different size (5, 10, 15, and 20 nm) and volume concentration (10−3, 5 × 10−4, and 10−4) on liquid crystal 4-cyano-4′-hexylbiphenyl (6CB) behavior was investigated using surface acoustic wave (SAW). The attenuation response of SAW propagating along with the substrate/liquid crystal interface was used to study the structural changes induced by an applied magnetic field. The obtained results showed the shift of the threshold magnetic field with an increase in the volume concentration of nanoparticles toward lower fields and also the decrease in the isotropic-nematic phase transition temperature depending on the nanoparticle size and the nanoparticle volume fraction. Results confirmed again that the bulk viscosity coefficients should dominate the SAW attenuation and that the SAW investigation in the presented configuration is applicable to monitoring of the role of magnetic dopants in structural changes under external fields. Some theoretical background of the presented SAW investigation is introduced as well. Obtained results are discussed within the context of previous ones.
Novice Women Players Have Better Outcomes in Women-Only Versus Mixed-Gender Esports Tournaments
Authors: Nolla Kyle , Beeman Mark , Reber Paul , Eagly Alice
Published: June 2023

Competitive video gaming or esports is a field with the potential for gender-equal competition. However, esports is dominated by cisgender men at both the casual and professional levels. When a field is highly gender-imbalanced, gender minority groups tend to perceive the field as unwelcoming, which reduces interest in the field and further perpetuates unequal participation. One potential pathway to encourage interest and participation is the creation of gender-specific spaces, such as women-only tournaments in esports. To study the group effects of gender on tournament experience, we recruited cisgender women who were novice gamers for in-laboratory, one-on-one esports tournaments under two conditions: in women-only tournaments or mixed-gender tournaments with equally novice cisgender men. Our results show that in matches between men and women, women underperformed against men regardless of whether her opponent had played more often, less often, or equal to her in the past year. In addition, women who played in women-only tournaments gave more accurate estimates of their skill and reported greater task importance than women who played in mixed-gender tournaments. In practice, women-only tournaments may aid recruitment and retention of women in esports as a supplement to gameplay in mixed-gender competitive spaces.
Type I Interferon Signaling on Antigen-Presenting Cells Blunts Cell-Mediated Immunity toward Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Morrow Zachary T. , Sauer John-Demian
Published: June 2023

Listeria monocytogenes
is a facultative intracellular pathogen that has been used for decades to understand mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and both innate and adaptive immunity.
L. monocytogenes
is a potent activator of CD8
+
T-cell-mediated immunity, yet how the innate immune response to infection modulates CD8
+
T-cell responses is incompletely understood. Here, we address how two innate immune pathways triggered by
L. monocytogenes
, type I interferon (IFN) production and inflammasome activation, impact the CD8
+
T-cell response.
Methane production by
Methanothrix thermoacetophila
via direct interspecies electron transfer with
Geobacter metallireducens
Authors: Zhou Jinjie , Smith Jessica A. , Li Meng , Holmes Dawn E.
Published: June 2023

Methanothrix
is widely distributed in natural and artificial anoxic environments and plays a major role in global methane emissions. It is one of only two genera that can form methane from acetate dismutation and through participation in direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) with exoelectrogens. Although
Methanothrix
is a significant member of many methanogenic communities, little is known about its physiology. In this study, transcriptomics helped to identify potential routes of electron transfer during DIET between
Geobacter metallireducens
and
Methanothrix thermoacetophila
. Additions of magnetite to cultures significantly enhanced growth by acetoclastic methanogenesis and by DIET, while granular activated carbon (GAC) amendments impaired growth. Transcriptomics suggested that the OmaF-OmbF-OmcF porin complex and the octaheme outer membrane
c
-type cytochrome encoded by Gmet_0930, were important for electron transport across the outer membrane of
G. metallireducens
during DIET with
Mx. thermoacetophila
. Clear differences in the metabolism of
Mx. thermoacetophila
when grown via DIET or acetate dismutation were not apparent. However, genes coding for proteins involved in carbon fixation, the sheath fiber protein MspA, and a surface-associated quinoprotein, SqpA, were highly expressed in all conditions. Expression of gas vesicle genes was significantly lower in DIET- than acetate-grown cells, possibly to facilitate better contact between membrane-associated redox proteins during DIET. These studies reveal potential electron transfer mechanisms utilized by both
Geobacter
and
Methanothrix
during DIET and provide important insights into the physiology of
Methanothrix
in anoxic environments.

IMPORTANCE

Methanothrix
is a significant methane producer in a variety of methanogenic environments including soils and sediments as well as anaerobic digesters. Its abundance in these anoxic environments has mostly been attributed to its high affinity for acetate and its ability to grow by acetoclastic methanogenesis. However,
Methanothrix
species can also generate methane by directly accepting electrons from exoelectrogenic bacteria through direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Methane production through DIET is likely to further increase their contribution to methane production in natural and artificial environments. Therefore, acquiring a better understanding of DIET with
Methanothrix
will help shed light on ways to (i) minimize microbial methane production in natural terrestrial environments and (ii) maximize biogas formation by anaerobic digesters treating waste.
Nelson Bay Reovirus Isolated from Bats and Blood-Sucking Arthropods Collected in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Kuang Guopeng , Xu Ziqian , Wang Jing , Gao Zhangjin , Yang Weihong , Wu Weichen , Liang Guodong , Shi Mang , Feng Yun
Published: June 2023

Bats are the reservoir of many viral pathogens with strong pathogenicity, including NBVs. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether arthropod vectors are involved in transmitting NBVs.
Supplemental Material: Petrogenesis of two Cretaceous granitoid episodes in the Luk Ulo region, Central Java, Indonesia, and its implication for the tectonic evolution of the easternmost Neo-Tethys
Authors: Guo Donghai , Li Shan , et al.
Published: June 2023

Figure S1: Photomicrographs (transmission light) of monzogranite (A) from the Luk Ulo Complex in Central Java, Indonesia. Grt-garnet. Figure S2: Photomicrographs (transmission light and reflected light) of monzogranites (A and B) from the Luk Ulo Complex in Central Java, Indonesia. Table S1: SIMS zircon U-Pb geochronological data for the Cretaceous Luk Ulo granitoids in the Central Java of Indonesia. Table S2: Zircon Lu-Hf isotopic analyses for the Cretaceous Luk Ulo granitoids in the Central Java of Indonesia. Table S3: Zircon Hf-O isotopic analyses for the Cretaceous Luk Ulo granitoids in the Central Java of Indonesia. Table S4: Whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopic compositions for the Cretaceous Luk Ulo granitoids in the Central Java of Indonesia. Table S5: Summary of the ages for Cretaceous granitoids in the SE Asia. Table S6: Summary of the geochemical compositions for Cretaceous granitoids in the SE Asia.
Obstructive valve thrombosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in Sneddon syndrome without antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Giovachini Louis , Pham Vincent , Picard Fabien , Fischer Quentin
Published: June 2023

We study a case of early obstructive leaflet thrombosis following a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in a woman in her 50s with a history of Sneddon syndrome treated by antiplatelet therapy. The thrombosis regressed following the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) for 6 weeks. Subacute TAVR leaflet thrombosis reappeared after discontinuation of VKA use. The main takeaways of this study were the detection of high-risk patients that could benefit from systematic post-TAVR anticoagulation and the early diagnosis of obstructive leaflet thrombosis associated with elevated transvalvular gradient, whose management differs from that of subclinical leaflet thrombosis.
Perceived organisational support and work engagement among health sector workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multicentre, time-lagged, cross-sectional study among clinical hospital staff in Pakistan
Authors: Ashfaq Fouzia , Abid Ghulam , Ilyas Sehrish , Binte Mansoor Khola
Published: June 2023

Objective

Workplace engagement is associated with several significant positive organisational outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the importance of workplace engagement, particularly for front-line healthcare workers. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, this study examines the impact of personal and job resources in a workplace that help in resource conservation for work engagement. In view of the high burnout rates reported among health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aims to investigate the impact of perceived organisational support (POS) on work engagement through the mediating effect of well-being and the moderating role of employees’ resilience.

Design

Time-lagged, cross-sectional, split questionnaire-based survey study.

Setting

Data were gathered from 68 hospitals in Pakistan, of which 45 were public and 23 were private hospitals.

Participants and analysis

Simple random sampling techniques were used and data were collected from 345 healthcare professionals (ie, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals) using split questionnaires, in two waves with a 3-week interval, with a response rate of 80%. For analysis of data, the study used the PROCESS macro by Hayes.

Results

Engagement at work was positively correlated with POS, well-being and resilience. POS significantly predicted work engagement through well-being (β=0.06, SE=0.02, 95% bias-corrected CI 0.021, 0.10). Further analysis of the strong effect of resilience on subjective well-being shows the significant value of the mediated moderation index (β=0.06, SE=0.02, 95% bias-corrected CI 0.03, 0.11).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that well-being may be an important pathway through which healthcare workers’ POS may influence work engagement, particularly when their resilience capability is high. To maintain engagement at the workplace, hospital administrators should consider strengthening organisational and individual resources that build a supportive environment to meet the demands of challenging times.
Analysing COVID-19 treatment outcomes in dedicated wards at a large university hospital in northern Poland: a result-based observational study
Authors: Palus Damian Krystian , Gołębiewska Martyna Ewa , Piątek Olga , Grudziński Krzysztof , Majeranowski Alan , Owczuk Radosław , Kuziemski Krzysztof , Stefaniak Tomasz
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Presenting outcomes of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 should be put in context and comparison with other facilities. However, varied methodology applied in published studies can impede or even hinder a reliable comparison. The aim of this study is to share our experience in pandemic management and highlight previously under-reported factors affecting mortality. We present outcomes of COVID-19 treatment in our facility that will allow for an intercentre comparison. We use simple statistical parameters—case fatality ratio (CFR) and length of stay (LOS).

Setting

Large clinical hospital in northern Poland serving over 120 000 patients annually.

Participants

Data were collected from patients hospitalised in COVID-19 general and intensive care unit (ICU) isolation wards from November 2020 to June 2021. The sample consisted of 640 patients—250 (39.1 %) were women and 390 (60.9 %) were men, with a median age of 69 (IQR 59–78) years.

Results

Values of LOS and CFR were calculated and analysed. Overall CFR for the analysed period was 24.8%, varying from 15.9 % during second quarter 2021 to 34.1% during fourth quarter 2020. The CFR was 23.2% in the general ward and 70.7% in the ICU. All ICU patients required intubation and mechanical ventilation, and 44 (75.9 %) of them developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. The average LOS was 12.6 (±7.5) days.

Conclusions

We highlighted the importance of some of the under-reported factors affecting CFR, LOS and thus, mortality. For further multicentre analysis, we recommend broad analysis of factors affecting mortality in COVID-19 using simple and transparent statistical and clinical parameters.
Sexual behaviours and correlates of condom use among HIV-discordant couples from eastern China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Yi , Zhang Fenglin , Dou Zhengdong , Zheng Wei , Ai Ping , Bao Ming , Han Congming , Xiang Kexia , Qin Qirong
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To investigate sexual behaviours among HIV-discordant heterosexual couples and assess the correlates of condom use at the couple level.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Seven prefectures along the Yangtze River in the Anhui Province, China.

Participants

We included 412 participants aged 18 years or older (206 married HIV-discordant couples).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

In this study, sexual behaviours included marital or extramarital sex in the past 6 months, as well as the frequency of marital sex and condom use (always, sometimes or never) if having marital sex in the past 6 months. We used stepwise ordinal logistic regression modelling to determine the correlates of condom use.

Results

In total, 63.1% (130 of 206) of couples had marital sex in the past 6 months, of which 89.2% (116 of 130) used condoms consistently. Couples with more marital duration (OR=1.15; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.28) were more inclined to adhere to condom use, whereas those lacking support and care (OR=0.25; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.94) and being remarried (OR=0.08; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.43) were associated with less condom use. In addition, HIV-positive respondents were more likely to have extramarital sex than HIV-negative respondents (p=0.015).

Conclusions

The extramarital sex of HIV-positive spouses should be considered. Implementation of interventions, such as increasing support and care between spouses to promote marital intimacy and stability, could reduce unprotected sexual behaviour.
Exact analytical results for the electrostatic potential due to a uniformly charged finite rectangular plate
Authors: Ciftja Orion , Ciftja Brent
Published: June 2023

We explain a general mathematical method that allows one to calculate the electrostatic potential created by a uniformly charged rectangular plate with arbitrary length and width at an arbitrary point in space. Exact analytical results for the electrostatic potential due to a uniformly charged finite rectangular plate are shown for special cases in order to illustrate the implementation of the formalism. Results of this nature are very important to various problems in physical sciences, applied mathematics, and potential theory.
Suppression of Higgs mixing by “quantum Zeno effect”
Authors: Sakurai Kodai , Yin Wen
Published: June 2023

The Higgs portal interaction to a singlet sector of the standard model (SM) gauge group is widely-studied. In this paper, we show that a quantum effect is important if the Higgs field mixes with another singlet scalar field whose decay rate is larger than the mass difference between the two mass eigenstates. This effect may be interpreted as the “quantum Zeno effect” by defining the (would-be) decay process of the singlet scalar as the measurement. In either the quantum mechanics or the quantum field theory, we show that the resulting propagating mode is not the eigenstate of the mass matrix, but it is approximately the eigenstate of the interaction. As a consequence, the decoupling of the mixing effect happens at the infinity limit of the decay width of the exotic scalar even if the naïve mixing parameter is not small. With a finite decay width of the exotic scalar, we derive the effective mass of the propagating mode in the SM sector, its decay rate, and the couplings at the 1-loop level. It turns out that the mixed mass eigenstates can mimic the discovered 125 GeV Higgs boson. This fuzzy Higgs boson can be obtained in a simple perturbative renormalizable model when the mass difference is smaller than O(0.1)GeV (O(1) GeV, O(10)GeV) for O(1) (O(0.01), O(0.001)) mixing to be consistent with the 125 GeV SM Higgs boson. We argue the possible natural scenario for the tiny mass splitting and the possibility that the upper bound of the mass difference is larger for a strongly-coupled singlet sector. To probe the fuzzy Higgs boson scenario, it is difficult to directly produce the singlet sector particles. Nevertheless, the future Higgs factories may probe this scenario by precisely measuring the Higgs boson invisible decay rate and the deviation of the Higgs coupling. Applications of the mechanism are also mentioned.
Dynamics and optimal harvesting of prey–predator in a polluted environment in the presence of scavenger and pollution control
Authors: Zawka Simon D. , Melese Temesgen T.
Published: June 2023

This paper is concerned with the dynamics and optimal harvesting of a prey–predator system in a polluted environment in the presence of scavengers and pollution control. Toxicants, released from external sources and the dead bodies of prey and predators, pollute the environment, which affects the growth of both prey and predators, resulting in a decline in the economic revenue from harvest. We assume that scavengers reduce pollution by consuming dead bodies. Further, we consider pollution reduction through depollution efforts as an alternative to enhancing revenue. We propose and analyze a prey–predator–pollutant model and study the optimal harvesting problem. We investigate the persistence of the ecosystem, and we solve the optimal harvest problem using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. The results indicate that uncontrolled prey harvesting and a high rate of pollution drive the system toward the extinction of both species. A moderate amount of pollution and the reasonable harvest efforts allow the system to persist. The optimal harvest strategy highlights that investing in pollution reduction enhances the persistence of the system as well as economic revenue. Numerical examples demonstrate the significant outcomes of the study.
Civil Litigants’ Evaluations of Their Legal Experiences
Authors: Shestowsky Donna
Published: June 2023

How do litigants evaluate their experiences with the civil justice system? What we know about this important subject has grown out of foundational academic research in procedural justice and studies of litigant involvement in court programs. The volume of projects dedicated to understanding litigant experiences falls short in relation to the magnitude of civil justice system encounters handled by the legal system. Nevertheless, the extant research converges on some surprising insights into the factors that shape litigants’ perspectives and the contextual variables that affect their experiences. This article synthesizes the major findings, discusses some of their law and policy implications, and highlights areas that beg for further investigation at the intersection of law and psychology.
Sir Partha Dasgupta: Meeting the Challenges of Environmental and Development Economics
Authors: Dasgupta Partha , Rausser Gordon C. , Zilberman David
Published: June 2023

The Annual Review of Resource Economics presents Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta in conversation with economist Dr. David Zilberman. In the conversation, we follow Sir Partha's life from his childhood in Bangladesh, where his father was a distinguished economist, to his childhood and undergraduate studies in India, his graduate studies in England, and his fascinating academic career, mostly in Cambridge, UK. We discuss Sir Partha's seminal contributions to multiple fields. He was among the founders of modern resource economics and the emerging multidisciplinary field of ecological economics. He also played a fundamental role in establishing the venues and agenda for research on the environment and development, led initiatives to incorporate nature into national accounting, and pioneered analysis of the economics of population growth and the foundation of a just society. We also learn about Sir Partha's family and life, his collaboration and perspective on leading scholars, and his vision for economics, science, and humanity.
Block the Spread: Barriers to Transmission of Influenza Viruses
Authors: Le Sage Valerie , Lowen Anice C. , Lakdawala Seema S.
Published: June 2023

Respiratory viruses, such as influenza viruses, cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide through seasonal epidemics and sporadic pandemics. Influenza viruses transmit through multiple modes including contact (either direct or through a contaminated surface) and inhalation of expelled aerosols. Successful human to human transmission requires an infected donor who expels virus into the environment, a susceptible recipient, and persistence of the expelled virus within the environment. The relative efficiency of each mode can be altered by viral features, environmental parameters, donor and recipient host characteristics, and viral persistence. Interventions to mitigate transmission of influenza viruses can target any of these factors. In this review, we discuss many aspects of influenza virus transmission, including the systems to study it, as well as the impact of natural barriers and various nonpharmaceutical and pharmaceutical interventions.
Dendrite-Free Zinc Deposition Induced by an Artificial Layer of Strontium Titanate for Stable Zinc Metal Anode
Authors: Wang Jinguo , Kong Fangong , Wang Zirui , Ren Manman , Qiao Congde , Liu Weiliang , Yao Jinshui , Zhang Changbin , Zhao Hui
Published: June 2023

Rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries, featuring as high specific capacity, low cost and high safety, are considered one of the most promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for the next-generation energy storage system. Nevertheless, the undesired dendrite formation and serious side reaction of Zn metal anode significantly hinder the usage of Zn-based metal batteries. Here, we propose a nanosized SrTiO3 film as a highly self-adapting protective coating to facilitate fast Zn2+ kinetics and guarantee even ion flux, leading to endow homogeneous Zn deposition under the SrTiO3 layer. Consequently, the symmetric batteries equipped with SrTiO3-coated Zn electrodes obtain a long-term cycling lifespan for 1000h with a fixed capacity of 1 mA h cm−2 without the formation of zinc dendrites. Furthermore, the Zn@SrTiO3||MnO2 full battery displays excellent cycling stability and rate performance. This study emphasizes the important role of SrTiO3 layer in designing the interfacial stability during zinc redox process for stable aqueous Zn metal batteries.
Stroke volume response during prolonged exercise depends on left ventricular filling: evidence from a β-blockade study
Authors: Laginestra Fabio Giuseppe , Berg Ole Kristian , Nyberg Stian Kwak , Venturelli Massimo , Wang Eivind , Helgerud Jan
Published: June 2023

Prolonged moderate-intensity exercise leads to a progressive upward drift in heart rate (HR) that may compromise stroke volume (SV). Alternatively, the HR drift may be related to abated SV due to impaired ventricular function. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cardiovascular drift on left ventricular volumes and in turn SV. Thirteen healthy young males completed two 60-min cycling bouts on a semirecumbent cycle ergometer at 57% maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o2max) either under placebo condition (CON) or after ingesting a small dose of β1-blockers (BB). Measurements of HR, end-diastolic volume (EDV), and end-systolic volume were obtained by echocardiography and used to calculate SV. Other variables such as ear temperature, skin temperature, blood pressure, and blood volume were measured to assess potential changes in thermoregulatory needs and loading conditions. HR drift was successfully prevented when using BB from min 10 to min 60 (128 ± 9 to 126 ± 8 beats/min, P = 0.29) but not in CON (134 ± 10 to 148 ± 10 beats/min, P < 0.01). Conversely, during the same time, SV increased by 13% when using BB (103 ± 9 to 116 ± 7 mL, P < 0.01), whereas it was unchanged in CON (99 ± 7 to 101 ± 9 mL, P = 0.37). The SV behavior was mediated by a 4% increase in EDV in the BB condition (164 ± 18 to 170 ± 18 mL, P < 0.01), whereas no change was observed in the CON condition (162 ± 18 to 160 ± 18 mL, P = 0.23). In conclusion, blocking HR drift enhances EDV and SV during prolonged exercise. These findings suggest that SV behavior is tightly related to filling time and loading conditions of the left ventricle.
Physiology in Perspective
Authors: England Christopher
Published: June 2023

This issue of Physiology features four excellent review articles that highlight current research and discuss untapped areas for future work across a range of topics in physiology. First, we explore the impact that the loss of the Y chromosome in white blood cells has on men’s health. Next, we discuss the pathophysiological roles of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in chronic inflammation. Third, we discuss how certain animals remain hydrated in seawater. Finally, we present on the systemic reprogramming of endothelial cell signaling in metastasis and cachexia.
Food Security for People with Lived-Refugee Experiences is Interrelated with Culture and Mental Health: Perspectives from Workers Supporting the Settlement Journey in Australia
Authors: Gingell Tina , Eltahir Nehal , Pe Evelyn , Murray Kate , Correa-Velez Ignacio , Gallegos Danielle
Published: June 2023

People from refugee backgrounds generally have long and stressful journeys that involve involuntarily fleeing their homes and often include dislocation from family and friends. Food is integral to settlement when arriving in a destination country, as it is entwined with self-identity, culture, and connectedness to family and community. The aim of this study was to understand the facilitators and barriers of accessing cultural foods during the settlement journey for families with a refugee background, from the perspectives of workers who support the settlement journey. The study used participatory action research methodology to conduct focus groups with settlement and other workers who regularly interacted with people from refugee backgrounds, spoke English, and preferably self-identified with a refugee background. Participants were recruited through community organisations in Brisbane, Australia, and focus groups were held at workplaces or online. Eight focus groups (n = 32) were conducted between June and October 2021. The main theme was that food security, culture, and mental health were interrelated. When cultural food access, culture, or mental health were maintained or adversely impacted, all three factors were likewise affected. The behaviours around purchasing cultural foods were motivated by the desire to express and validate culture, which in turn improved mental health. It was also found that individual and community support systems sustained access to cultural foods, while social, environmental, institutional, and political structures impacted this access, sometimes detrimentally. This study highlights the need for interventions that foster social capital for families with refugee backgrounds and consider food security, culture, and mental health collectively. In addition, there is a need for increased awareness of the settlement journey, and for cultural inclusivity to be integrated into government policies, by working with communities and providing opportunities for people to express their culture, improve access to cultural foods, and maintain mental health.
Technical Review on Endoscopic Treatment Devices for Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Postsurgical Leaks
Authors: Medas Renato , Rodrigues-Pinto Eduardo
Published: June 2023

Upper gastrointestinal postsurgical leaks are challenging to manage and often require radiological, endoscopic, or surgical intervention. Nowadays, endoscopy is considered the first-line approach for their management, however, there is no definite consensus on the most appropriate therapeutic approach. There is a wide diversity of endoscopic options, from close-cover-divert approaches to active or passive internal drainage approaches. Theoretically, all these options can be used alone or with a multimodality approach, as each of them has different mechanisms of action. The approach to postsurgical leaks should always be tailored to each patient, taking into account the several variables that may influence the final outcome. In this review, we discuss the important developments in endoscopic devices for the treatment of postsurgical leaks. Our discussion specifically focuses on principles and mechanism of action, advantages and disadvantages of each technique, indications, clinical success, and adverse events. An algorithm for endoscopic approach is proposed.
Oological collections and egg collectors of Brazilian birds: an overview
Authors: Marini Miguel Ângelo , Assis Marcelo , Sousa Nadinni Oliveira de Matos , Lopes Leonardo Esteves , Heming Neander Marcel
Published: June 2023

Egg collections have been poorly studied and cataloged both in Brazil and overseas. In Brazil, there is a lack of both historical and current tradition of establishing and curating egg collections. This paper provides information about the size of collections, collecting dates, major collectors, geographic locations, and institutions holding egg sets of Brazilian birds. Through this effort, we recovered part of the history of Brazilian ornithology and provide general directions for those interested in studying egg sets deposited in scientific collections. We retrieved information from 5,888 egg sets collected in Brazil between 1818-2022, currently deposited at 45 institutions/museums. The four largest egg collections in Brazil are at MZUSP, MN, COMB and MPEG. However, around half of the egg sets are deposited in institutions from Europe (mainly at MLUH and ZMB in Germany, NMW in Austria, NHM in the UK, and CRRM in Romania) and the USA (mainly at the WFVZ). Most egg sets were collected between the 1890s and 1930s, and after 2010. In Brazil, 70% of the egg sets were collected in five Brazilian states (MG, SP, SC, PA, and RS). Overall, egg collecting was uneven in space and time. We traced ~330 egg collectors, but most egg sets were collected by José Caetano Guimarães Sobrinho, while Caio Guimarães Chagas was probably the greatest collection owner in Brazil. A recent increase in egg collecting shows a renewed interest in assembling this type of bird vouchers. A scientifically sustained, planned and ethical collection of eggs should continue in Brazil since the breeding biology of many species is still poorly known, and since egg sets are important to provide data for new studies on the ecology, evolution, and conservation of Brazilian birds.
Pedras do patrimônio da IUGS: histórico e requisitos
Authors: Castro Nuria Fernández , Del Lama Eliane Aparecida , Frascá Maria Heloisa Barros de Oliveira , Costa Antônio Gilberto
Published: June 2023

Este artigo trata do histórico e do enquadramento atual da designação Pedra do Patrimônio da União Internacional de Ciências Geológicas (IUGS) outorgada a rochas utilizadas em construções arquitetônicas e monumentos representativos de aspectos integrais da cultura humana. A designação Pedra do Patrimônio da IUGS visa contribuir para a disseminação do conhecimento geológico na sociedade e para a conservação dos monumentos. Para ser designada, uma rocha precisa ser formalmente proposta à Subcomissão de Pedras do Patrimônio da Comissão Internacional de Geopatrimônio (HSS/ICG) da IUGS, seguindo o padrão de relatório da HSS e sustentada por publicações científicas e técnicas, com detalhamento das características geológicas e tecnológicas da pedra candidata, pedreiras de origem e justificativa do seu valor cultural para a humanidade. Já obtiveram a designação 32 pedras, algumas componentes do patrimônio de muitos países, como o Mármore Carrara, da Itália, e outras de uso regional, mas significantes para a cultura global por integrar patrimônios da humanidade da Organização das Nações Unidas para a Educação, a Ciência e a Cultura (UNESCO), como o Calcário Jaisalmer, daÍndia. Pelo Brasil, duas pedras serão propostas em 2023: o Gnaisse Facoidal, do Rio de Janeiro, e o Esteatito, de Minas Gerais. A escassa e dispersa informação disponível no Brasil sobre os materiais pétreos utilizados no patrimônio representa um desafio, e a contribuição dos geocientistas é fundamental para propor novas candidaturas a Pedras do Patrimônio da IUGS por meio da documentação das características, da origem e do uso das pedras brasileiras. Ainda, o compartilhamento do conhecimento com profissionais de outras áreas e a divulgação para a sociedade são importantes contribuições para a conservação do patrimônio cultural brasileiro.
Healthy Lifestyle Index and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among Postmenopausal Women With Normal Body Mass Index
Authors: Peila Rita , Xue Xiaonan , Qi Qibin , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Allison Matthew A. , Johnson Karen C. , LaMonte Michael J. , Wild Robert A. , Haring Bernhard , Pan Kathy , Tindle Hilary A. , Foraker Randi , Saquib Nazmus , Barac Ana , Rohan Thomas E.
Published: June 2023

Background

A lifestyle comprising a healthy diet, light alcohol consumption, no smoking, and moderate or intense physical activity has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined the association of a healthy lifestyle index (HLI), derived from scores for each of these components plus waist circumference, with the risk of incident CVD and CVD subtypes in postmenopausal women with normal body mass index (18.5–<25.0 kg/m
2
).

Methods and Results

We studied 40 118 participants in the Women's Health Initiative, aged 50 to 79 years at enrollment, with a normal body mass index and no history of CVD. The HLI score was categorized into quintiles. We estimated multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CIs for the association of HLI with risk of CVD and CVD subtypes using Cox regression models. A total of 3821 cases of incident CVD were ascertained during a median follow‐up of 20.1 years. Compared with the lowest quintile (unhealthiest lifestyle), higher HLI quintiles showed inverse associations with the risk of CVD (HR

quintile−2

=0.74 [95% CI, 0.67–0.81]; HR

quintile−3

=0.66 [95% CI, 0.60–0.72]; HR

quintile−4

=0.57 [95% CI, 0.51–0.63]; and HR

quintile−5

=0.48 [95% CI, 0.43–0.54],
P‐trend
=<0.001). HLI was also inversely associated with risks of stroke, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, angina, and coronary revascularization. Subgroup analyses, stratified by age (≤63 years vs >63 years), body mass index (</≥ 22.0 kg/m
2
), and general health status (absence/presence of hypertension, diabetes, or lipid‐lowering drug use) also showed inverse associations between HLI and risk of CVD.

Conclusions

Among postmenopausal women with a normal body mass index, adherence to a healthy lifestyle is associated with a reduced risk of clinical CVD and CVD subtypes, underscoring the cardiovascular benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even for women with a healthy weight.
Handling Theology in Footnotes: Salafī Editors on Ḥadīth Commentaries from the Middle Period
Authors: Macit Karagözoğlu Mustafa
Published: June 2023

A prominent genre of contemporary Salafī literature consists of critical editions of texts from the Middle Period with editorial introductions and footnotes. These editions allow Salafī editors to reinforce their views on various subjects, sometimes by criticizing the text’s author. This article analyzes Salafī editors’ critical engagement with medieval ḥadīth commentators by focusing on the problem of divine attributes in the ḥadīth commentary literature. It argues that Salafīs seek to rebut their opponents—particularly Ashʿarī ḥadīth scholars—utilizing different discursive strategies. These include rejecting mutashābih, majāz, and taʾwīl as hermeneutical categories, re-defining the concepts of bi-lā kayf and tafwīḍ, and emphasizing the inconsistencies in the Ashʿarī doctrine of divine attributes. Their footnotes also function to reinforce group identity and tradition, presenting Salafī Islam as the core of ahl al-sunna, and appealing to the Muslim public with a concrete image of God.