bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Tin-Base Bearing Metals—II
Authors: Karelitz G. B. , Ellis O. W.
Published: April 2023

This paper is a continuation of one presented by the authors at the Pittsburgh Meeting of the A.S.M.E. in 1928, and deals with the mechanism of wiping of babbitt linings, with certain phenomena observed during the casting of tin-base alloys, and with the effects of cold work on them. It is shown that wiping of babbitts is a result of the upper layer of the lining’s reaching the solidus temperature, when the constituent with the lowest melting temperature liquefies, the babbitt becomes “mushy,” and is therefore wiped by the journal. The appearance of the castings of various chemical composition is discussed, and the variation in hardness and microstructure due to cold work is given.
What Happens When Metal Is Cut
Authors: Boston Orlan W.
Published: April 2023

The paper constitues a valuable contribution to research and a check in some instances upon the conclusions of other authors. This study is confined mainly to deformation as seen on the exterior of the metal. It is first of several steps which may include use of the X-ray and the moving picture to reveal more exactly what is taking place as the cutting tool advances into the metal.
Cutting Tests With Cemented-Tungsten-Carbide Lathe Tools
Authors: Digges T. G.
Published: April 2023

This investigation was made for the purpose of developing a method of testing cemented-tungsten-carbide lathe tools under heavy duty and to extend to the new cutting material some of the laws originally developed by Taylor and his associates for cutting with carbon- and high-speed-steel tools. Relations were determined between the speed, feed, depth of cut, and tool life for a selected form and size of tool. All tests were made dry in cutting 3.5 per cent nickel-steel forgings, heat-treated to give tensile strengths within the range of 85,000 to 110,000 lb. per sq. in. The results are presented in both graphic and tabular forms.
Economics of the Use of Diesel Engines for Electric Power Generation
Authors: Burdick T. A.
Published: April 2023

A discussion of the application, merits, and economics of Diesel-engine generating plants for the production of electric energy for distribution and sale, together with unit, investment, and operating cost figures, and a complete tabulation of the results obtained in three different practical solutions of a specific problem.
Service Tests on Carbon Formation in Diesel Engines
Authors: Hillman E. H.
Published: April 2023

Testing methods and technique applicable to field conditions are described. Data are presented which have been secured as a result of such tests under service conditions. Laboratory tests designed to measure the carbon-forming tendencies have little relation to results secured in service. At present the only satisfactory proof of merit is service or simulated service tests, but the procurement of reliable data is difficult. Cylinder wear is shown to affect lubrication by preventing proper ring seal.
Some Operating Data for Electric-Motor-Driven Reciprocating and Centrifugal Oil-Pipe-Line Pumps
Authors: Stueve W. H.
Published: April 2023

There is interest among operating officials of oil-pipe-line companies in the costs of electric-motor-driven pumping stations, and the author endeavors to give facts on electric energy consumption for both centrifugal and reciprocating pumps. He reaches the conclusion that centrifugal pumps will pump oil at 700 lb. per sq. in. for 0.335 cent per barrel and that reciprocating pumps will do the same work for 0.24 cent per barrel, for the electric power costs.
Technical Specifications for Paper Users
Authors: Wehmhoff B. L.
Published: April 2023

This paper is a discussion of the use of technical specifications in the purchase of paper for use in the printing industry. Data are given to show the wide variations in quality between papers sold under the same designation. The experience of the Government Printing Office during the past 20 years is cited as an example of the practicability and value of technical specifications in the purchase of 50,000,000 pounds of paper annually. Benefits to be derived by the printer by a standardization of grades of paper and their purchase under technical specifications are described, as well as the benefits which would result to the manufacturers. Since standardization of grades of paper would be of considerable assistance in the purchase of paper under technical specifications by small consumers, reports from committees of the American Pulp and Paper Association are quoted to show the present attitude of part of the paper industry toward standardization.
Some Problems in Printing Standardization
Authors: English Fred S.
Published: April 2023

The lack of standardization of certain factors which enter into the design and use of cylinder printing presses is discussed in a general manner, particularly relative to the standardization of plates and bases, diameters of cylinders, depth of impression surface below cylinder bearers, height of bed bearers, sheets, forms, and names of parts.
Locomotive Auxiliary Power Mediums
Authors: Armstrong George W.
Published: April 2023

In this paper the author describes the Bethlehem auxiliary locomotive and gives some test results. A self-contained power truck is provided which can replace one of the regular tender trucks, either a front or rear truck of the locomotive, and in some cases to replace both trucks. Ordinarily the rear-truck installation is recommended as it facilitates removal for inspection and maintenance.
The Stug System of Pulverized-Fuel Firing on Locomotives
Authors: Roosen R.
Published: April 2023

The object of the system described in this paper is to solve the problem of firing locomotives with coal dust of any description. The author tells of the advantages that can reasonably be expected from use of such a system and of some of the difficulties that make pulverized-fuel firing for locomotives a severe problem.

Test results with lignite fuel are given and the methods and equipment used by the German State Railways are described. Particular emphasis is laid on the economical side of using pulverized fuel in engines.
Using Functionally Graduated Materials Concept to Predict the Damage of Heat-Treated Elbows Under Bending and Pressure Loading
Authors: Telli Fatna , Mokhtari Mohamed , Abdelouahed Elamine , Benzaama Habib , Khedim Kaoutar
Published: April 2023

Elbows in pressurized tubular structures are increasingly stressed by loadings with radial and tangential stresses. These stresses are completely different from those of straight tubular structures. Through the finite element method and using the ABAQUS computer code, the damage of a tubular structure in X60 of an elbow attached by straight parts stressed in internal pressure and in the moment of bending in closing is analyzed in this work. As a proposal for reinforcement, this structure is previously heat-treated and partially at the level of the elbow. The formulation of the heat-treated X60 material is based on the concept of functional graded materials (FGM), where the graduation by volume fraction between the metal in its base and that previously heat-affected named heat affected zone (HAZ) is under a power function of a parameter named volume fraction index (n). The graded properties of HAZ in the base metal along the thickness of the tubular structure are introduced by a row of finite elements using a proposed meshing technique. The elastic–plastic behavior of the HAZ-base metal mixture under the Voce model follows the equivalent stress flow theory of Von Mises. The technique of extended finite element technique (XFEM) in the damage and the mesh proposed in the graduation, were used to evaluate the various parameters, such as: the internal pressure and the heat treatment (surface and index n). The latter condition the response of the structure and the level of its damage.
Low temperature (<700 °C) SiO2 and Si-rich SiO2 films: Short review
Authors: Falcony Ciro , Estrada-Wiese Denise , De Anda Jessica , Pérez-Díaz Oscar , Aceves-Mijares Mariano
Published: April 2023

SiO2 layers deposited at temperatures (lower than 700 °C) have attracted a great deal of attention for a large variety of applications, since they can be used for dielectric isolation, a needed approach for multilayer, multifunctional coatings that exhibit two or more properties simultaneously. A similar phenomenon occurred with Si-rich SiO2, a two-phase material in which excess silicon, introduced during the deposition process of the films, forms a Si inclusion phase uniformly embedded in a SiO2 matrix, modifying its optical and electrical characteristics. In this short review, the synthesis methods to obtain high electronic quality SiO2 deposited films at low temperatures, as well as Si-rich SiO2 films (mainly the chemical vapor deposition technique in different versions), precursor materials, and characteristic properties, will be described together with some of their applications, beyond integrated circuit technology, that have become relevant in recent times. This is the case of solar filters, antireflecting coatings for solar cell panels, light emitting devices or liquid crystal displays, and bioimaging and theranostic applications.
With Name, Image, and Likeness, College Sports Enters the Gig Economy
Authors: Ehrlich Sam C. , Sabin Joe , Ternes Neal C.
Published: April 2023

With the arrival of name, image, and likeness (NIL), the college sports labor market has distinctly taken on similar characteristics to the gig economy, with athletes able to earn extra compensation through external NIL-based independent contractor “gigs.” But with this comparison comes comparable issues, and scholarship and litigation examining and challenging gig economy structures have identified several legal and ethical concerns both individual to each worker and more broadly affecting labor markets. Building off this literature, we conceptualize the NIL phenomenon within the gig economy space, exploring the legal and ethical concerns that have plagued companies like Uber and applying those same concerns to the brave new world of NIL-fueled college sports. We not only find similar issues in college sports but also find even deeper concerns based on new and existing challenges unique to the novel space of college sports, particularly given the increased proliferation of NIL collectives.
Core-Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing for Epidemiological and Evolutionary Analyses of Phytopathogenic Xanthomonas citri
Authors: Ragupathy R. , Jolley K. A. , Zamuner C. , Jones J. B. , Redfern J. , Behlau F. , Ferreira H. , Enright M. C.
Published: April 2023

Xanthomonas citri
is a plant pathogen that causes major economic losses to the citrus industry and sweet orange production in particular. Several subspecies and pathogens are recognized, with host ranges including soybean, common bean, mango, pomegranate, and cashew, among others.
Cryo-EM Structures of the Klebsiella pneumoniae AcrB Multidrug Efflux Pump
Authors: Zhang Zhemin , Morgan Christopher E. , Bonomo Robert A. , Yu Edward W.
Published: April 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae
has emerged as one of the most problematic and highly antibiotic-resistant pathogens worldwide. It is the second most common causative agent involved in secondary bacterial infection in COVID-19 patients.
K. pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC)-producing
K. pneumoniae
is a major concern in global public health because of the high mortality rate of this infection.
Genome-Wide Mapping of the Escherichia coli PhoB Regulon Reveals Many Transcriptionally Inert, Intragenic Binding Sites
Authors: Fitzgerald Devon M. , Stringer Anne M. , Smith Carol , Lapierre Pascal , Wade Joseph T.
Published: April 2023

Recent studies have revealed large numbers of transcription factor binding sites within the genes of bacteria. The function, if any, of the vast majority of these binding sites has not been investigated.
Draft Genome Sequence and Annotation of the Halotolerant Carotenoid-Producing Strain Paracoccus bogoriensis BOG6
T
Authors: Pal Upasana , Bachmann Denise , Blank Lars M. , Tiso Till
Published: April 2023

Paracoccus
spp. are Gram-negative, coccoid bacteria, fascinating for their ability to grow in highly diverse environments while producing commercially relevant products. This study describes the draft genome sequence of the halotolerant, alkaliphilic, and thermotolerant carotenoid-producing type strain
Paracoccus bogoriensis
BOG6
T
.
Fecal Metagenomes and Metagenome-Assembled Genomes from the South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens) from the Comau Fjord (42°S), Patagonia
Authors: Guajardo-Leiva Sergio , Berríos-Farías Valentín , Bermúdez Felipe G. , Castro-Nallar Eduardo
Published: April 2023

Environmental disturbances can be monitored using sentinel species. We present 30 temporally explicit metagenomes and 166 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from the gut of the South American sea lion (
Otaria flavescens
) to further understanding of whether variations in the gut microbiome composition and gene content might reflect environmental disturbances from salmon farming.
Uterine Tissue Metabonomics Combined with 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing To Analyze the Changes of Gut Microbiota in Mice with Endometritis and the Intervention Effect of Tau Interferon
Authors: Xue Guanhong , Zheng Zhijie , Liang Xiaoben , Zheng Yonghui , Wu Haichong
Published: April 2023

The change in intestinal flora has been the focus of many disease studies in recent years, but the pathogenetic effect of interferon on endometritis is still unclear. The results of this study showed that IFN-τ alleviated the damage in mouse endometritis induced by
E. coli
and improved the endometrial tissue barrier.
Development of a Broth Microdilution Method To Characterize Chlorhexidine MICs among Bacteria Collected from 2005 to 2019 at Three U.S. Sites
Authors: Lutgring Joseph D. , Grass Julian E. , Lonsway David , Yoo Brian B. , Epson Erin , Crumpler Megan , Galliher Karen , O’Donnell Kathleen , Zahn Matthew , Evans Eric , Jacob Jesse T. , Page Alexander , Satola Sarah W. , Smith Gillian , Kainer Marion , Muleta Daniel , Wilson Christopher D. , Hayden Mary K. , Reddy Sujan , Elkins Christopher A. , Rasheed J. Kamile , Karlsson Maria , Magill Shelley S. , Guh Alice Y.
Published: April 2023

Chlorhexidine bathing to prevent transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms and reduce health care-associated infections has been adopted by many hospitals. There is concern about the possible unintended consequences of using this agent widely.
Brevundimonas brasiliensis
sp. nov.: a New Multidrug-Resistant Species Isolated from a Patient in Brazil
Authors: Soares Gabriela Guerrera , Campanini Emeline Boni , Ferreira Roumayne Lopes , Damas Marcelo Silva Folhas , Rodrigues Saulo Henrique , Campos Leslie Camelo , Galvão Jucimária Dantas , Fuentes Andrea Soares da Costa , Freire Caio César de Melo , Malavazi Iran , Pitondo-Silva André , Cunha Anderson Ferreira da , Pranchevicius Maria-Cristina da Silva
Published: April 2023

Brevundimonas
species is considered an opportunistic human pathogen that can cause multiple types of invasive and severe infections in patients with underlying pathologies. Treatment of these pathogens has become a major challenge because many isolates are resistant to most antibiotics used in clinical practice.
Targeted Single-Phage Isolation Reveals Phage-Dependent Heterogeneous Infection Dynamics
Authors: Unterer Magdalena , Khan Mirzaei Mohammadali , Deng Li
Published: April 2023

The spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a global human health threat, and without immediate action we are fast approaching a postantibiotic era. One possible alternative to antibiotics is the use of phages, that is, bacterial viruses.
Estimating paleotidal constituents from Pliocene “tidal gauges”—an example from the paleo-Orinoco Delta, Trinidad
Authors: Chen Si , Kvale Erik P. , Steel Ronald J. , Olariu Cornel , Zhang Jinyu
Published: April 2023

The Neogene Orinoco Delta is one of the typical river deltas where both the records of modern and ancient tidal processes can be studied. A ∼5 m.y./>10-km-thick succession on the island of Trinidad contains remnants of paleo-Orinoco deltaic deposition preserving both tide- and wave-influenced delta lobes within the same time intervals, just like the modern Orinoco Delta that has both wave-dominated and tidal-dominated lobes. The tide-influenced delta lobes and estuaries preserve some spectacular tidal bedding signals, including tidal rhythmites. The tidal record encoded within the tidal rhythmites is preserved well enough that the primary tidal constituents responsible for the tidal currents that deposited the rhythmic facies can be inferred.

Lower to upper Pliocene tidal rhythmites were examined in two main paleo-Orinoco sub-environments: (1) estuarine and delta lobe deposits of Morne L’Enfer Formation at Erin Bay, and (2) abandoned tidal channels associated with tide-influenced delta-front deposits from the Telemaque Sandstone Member of the Manzanilla Formation at Matura Bay. Both wave- and river-current signals are also present in most of the study areas.

Tidal constituent analysis of unusually well-preserved paleo-Orinoco tidal rhythmites reveals a hierarchy of tidal signals that include semidiurnal, diurnal, fortnightly (neap−spring), monthly (perigee−apogee), semi-yearly, and possibly seasonal and yearly cycles that span thickness intervals ranging from millimeters to meters.

The tidal constituents were dominated by, in decreasing importance, M2, S2, and likely K1 rather than O1. The modern tidal data clearly show that K1 is more important in terms of tide-generating potential than O1, as was likely so in the Pliocene. In both the rock and modern records, N2 is more significant than O1, P1, and K2 in terms of tide-generating potential. The comparison between the constituent analysis of the ancient tidal record and the modern tidal measurements reveals their similarities in tidal patterns and constituent types. From this, we deduce that the tidal constituents responsible for the Pliocene Orinoco Delta tides were mixed semidiurnal tidal cycles similar to those found today in Trinidad (Atlantic type of synodically dominated) rather than the Caribbean (tropically dominated) type.
Understanding challenges as they impact on hospital-level care for pre-eclampsia in rural Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Authors: Robbins Tanya , Shennan Andrew , Sandall Jane , Eshetu Guangul Tigist , Demissew Rahel , Abdella Ahmed , Mayston Rosie , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: April 2023

Objective

To explore hospital-level care for pre-eclampsia in Ethiopia, considering the perspectives of those affected and healthcare providers, in order to understand barriers and facilitators to early detection, care escalation and appropriate management.

Setting

A primary and a general hospital in southern Ethiopia.

Participants

Women with lived experience of pre-eclampsia care in the hospital, families of women deceased due to pre-eclampsia, midwives, doctors, integrated emergency surgical officers and healthcare managers.

Results

This study identified numerous systemic barriers to provision of quality, person-centred care for pre-eclampsia in hospitals. Individual staff efforts to respond to maternal emergencies were undermined by a lack of consistency in availability of resources and support. The ways in which policies were applied exacerbated inequities in care. Staff improvised as a means of managing with limited material or human resources and knowledge. Social hierarchies and punitive cultures challenged adequacy of communication with women, documentation of care given and supportive environments for quality improvement.

Conclusions

Quality care for pre-eclampsia requires organisational change to create a safe space for learning and improvement, alongside efforts to offer patient-centred care and ensure providers are equipped with knowledge, resources and support to adhere to evidence-based practice.
Therapeutic effects of vasopressin on cardiac arrest: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Wenqing , Dong Weihua , Song Xin , Zhou Wenqiang , Chen Zhi
Published: April 2023

Objective

To demonstrate the therapeutic effect of vasopressin as an alternative treatment for cardiac arrest.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched for randomised controlled trials. The intervention included administration of vasopressin alone or vasopressin combined with epinephrine or vasopressin, steroids and epinephrine (VSE) versus epinephrine combined with placebo as control group. The primary outcome was the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The secondary outcomes included mid-term survival and mid-term good neurological outcome. We conducted subgroup analyses of the primary outcome based on different settings, different study drug strategies and different types of initial rhythm.

Results

Twelve studies (n=6718) were included, of which eight trials (n=5638) reported the data on patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and four trials (n=1080) on patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). There were no significant differences between intravenous vasopressin and placebo in the outcomes of ROSC (relative risk (RR): 1.11; 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.26), mid-term survival (RR: 1.23; 95% CI: 0.90 to 1.66) and mid-term good neurological outcome (RR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.77 to 1.87). However, in the subgroup analysis, intravenous vasopressin as part of VSE can significantly improve the rate of ROSC (RR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.18 to 1.47) but not the rate of mid-term survival (RR: 2.15; 95% CI: 0.75 to 6.16) and mid-term good neurological outcome (RR: 1.80; 95% CI: 0.81 to 4.01) for patients with IHCA.

Conclusions

Our study failed to demonstrate increased benefit from vasopressin with or without epinephrine compared with the standard of care. However, vasopressin as a part of VSE is associated with the improvement of ROSC in patients with IHCA, and the benefit on mid‐term survival or mid-term good neurological outcome is uncertain. Larger trials should be conducted in the future to address the effect of vasopressin only, vasopressin plus epinephrine or VSE on cardiac arrest.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021293347.
Self-medication among adults with chronic health conditions: a population-based cross-sectional survey in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alwhaibi Monira , Bin Malik Shatha , Alswailem Leena , Alruthia Yazed
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication (SM), the reasons for SM and the relationship between chronic health conditions and SM among adult individuals.

Setting

This was an online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study disseminated on different social media platforms in Saudi Arabia.

Participants

Saudi Arabia sample of adult individuals aged 18 and above.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome was SM, measured using the following question: ‘During the past 6 months, have you used any medicines or dietary supplements, or herbal medicines or vitamins not prescribed or recommended by a doctor?’ A positive answer indicates a self-medicated participant.

Results

Out of 1645 individuals who viewed the study link, 1295 participants completed the survey with a response rate of 95.1%. Overall, 989 (76.4%) participants reported practicing SM in the past 6 months. SM was higher among younger participants, women, those with higher education levels and high income, and working in the health field. About 198 (73.3%) who have chronic conditions practised SM for chronic health conditions, such as (hypertension and hypercholesterolemia). Previous experience with the same illness (n=530, 25.7%) and attempting to save time (n=466, 22.6%) were the main reasons behind SM, according to the participants. Adverse drug events were reported by 204 (20.6%) of self-medicating individuals and 274 (64.9%) of them reported discontinuing SM.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate a high prevalence rate of SM among the adult population in Saudi Arabia. Individuals with chronic health conditions reported a high rate of SM. Launching public education campaigns to improve public awareness of the harms of SM if misused, especially among those with chronic health conditions, is essential.
How to diagnose COVID-19 in family practice? Usability of complete blood count as a COVID-19 diagnostic tool: a cross-sectional study in Turkey
Authors: Bayraktar Mustafa , Tekin Erdal , Kocak Mehmet Nuri
Published: April 2023

Objective

COVID-19 is currently diagnosed in hospital settings. An easy and practical diagnosis of COVID-19 is needed in primary care. For this purpose, the usability of complete blood count in the diagnosis of COVID-19 was investigated.

Design

Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Setting

Single-centre study in a tertiary university hospital in Erzurum, Turkey.

Participants

Between March 2020 and February 2021, patients aged 18–70 years who applied to the hospital and underwent both complete blood count and reverse-transcription-PCR tests for COVID-19 were included and compared. Conditions affecting the test parameters (oncological–haematological conditions, chronic diseases, drug usage) were excluded.

Outcome Measure

The complete blood count and COVID-19 results of eligible patients identified using diagnostic codes [U07.3 (COVID–19) or Z03.8 (observation for other suspected diseases and conditions)] were investigated.

Results

Of the 978 patients included, 39.4% (n=385) were positive for COVID-19 and 60.6% (n=593) were negative. The mean age was 41.5±14.5 years, and 53.9% (n=527) were male. COVID-19-positive patients were found to have significantly lower leucocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, basophil, platelet and immature granulocyte (IG) values (p<0.001). Neutrophil/lymphocyte, neutrophil/monocyte and IG/lymphocyte ratios were also found to be significantly decreased (p<0.001). With logistic regression analysis, low lymphocyte count (OR 0.695; 95% CI 0.597 to 0.809) and low red cell distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV) (OR 0.887; 95% CI 0.818 to 0.962) were significantly associated with COVID-19 positivity. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, the cut-off values of lymphocyte and RDW-CV were 0.745 and 12.35, respectively.

Conclusion

Although our study was designed retrospectively and reflects regional data, it is important to determine that low lymphocyte count and RDW-CV can be used in the diagnosis of COVID-19 in primary care.
Identifying women who may benefit from higher dose omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy to reduce their risk of prematurity: exploratory analyses from the ORIP trial
Authors: Yelland Lisa N , Sullivan Thomas R , Gibson Robert A , Simmonds Lucy A , Thakkar Sagar K , Huang Fang , Devaraj Surabhi , Best Karen P , Zolezzi Irma Silva , Makrides Maria
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The risk factors for prematurity are multifactorial and include low omega-3 status. Omega-3 supplementation in pregnancy has been found to reduce prematurity risk, particularly among women with low omega-3 levels. This study aimed to identify maternal characteristics that predict whether women with a singleton pregnancy will benefit from omega-3 supplementation to reduce their risk of prematurity.

Design

Exploratory analyses of a multicentre, double-blind randomised trial.

Setting

6 tertiary care centres in four states in Australia.

Participants

5328 singleton pregnancies in 5305 women recruited before 20 weeks of gestation.

Interventions

Fish oil capsules containing 900 mg omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids per day versus vegetable oil capsules consumed from enrolment until 34 weeks’ gestation.

Outcome measures

Early preterm birth (EPTB, <34 weeks’ gestation) and preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks’ gestation) analysed using logistic regression models with interactions between treatment group and a range of maternal biological, clinical and demographic characteristics.

Results

Omega-3 supplementation reduced the odds of EPTB for women with low total omega-3 status in early pregnancy (OR=0.30, 95% CI 0.10–0.93). No additional maternal characteristics influenced whether omega-3 supplementation reduced the odds of EPTB. For PTB, women were more likely to benefit from omega-3 supplementation if they were multiparous (OR=0.65, 95% CI 0.49–0.87) or avoided alcohol in the lead up to pregnancy (OR=0.62, 95% CI 0.45–0.86).

Conclusions

Our results support previous findings that women with low total omega-3 levels in early pregnancy are most likely to benefit from taking omega-3 supplements to reduce their risk of EPTB. Understanding how other maternal characteristics influence the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation on reducing PTB requires further investigation.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12613001142729.
Physical activity interventions implemented for older people in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Naidoo Shane , Otoo Samuel , Naidoo Niri
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The global population of older people (OP) is on an upward trajectory, with predictions that the number of OP would surpass the population of younger people by 2050. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), death from infectious diseases in the younger population and lower fertility rates are influencing a double burden contributing to an exponential growth in the ageing population. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality and disability in the population of OP in SSA. Physical activity (PA) has been proven to have positive benefits in reducing the prevalence of NCDs in OP. The objective of this scoping review is to summarise the evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of PA interventions that have been implemented among OP to address PA levels, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, cognitive function, quality of life and body mass index in SSA.

Methods and analysis

The Joanna Briggs Insitute (JBI) methodology will be followed for this scoping review. An electronic search of PubMed, EBSCOhost (Academic Search Premier AfricaWide Information, CINAHL, Health Sources Premier Academic/Nursing), Scopus and ProQuest (grey literature) will be done from 2010 onwards to identify reports of randomised controlled studies published in English using relevant keywords. 2010 was selected as the cut-off point for inclusion in order to focus only on relatively recent evidence, as it is more likely to remain relevant and applicable to present-day settings. The searches will be performed by the primary reviewer in conjunction with a senior librarian. Full independent review of the uploaded articles will be done by two reviewers, by title and abstract, and thereafter by full text, based on specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The reference list of included articles will be scanned for additional relevant articles. Disagreements will be arbitrated by a third reviewer. Results will be presented in a descriptive form as well as in tabular, graphical and diagrammatic formats, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews.

Ethics and dissemination

The review will be extracting and reporting on data from published literature so there is no requirement for ethics approval. The findings of the review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Management of venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Xiong Wei , Guo Xuejun , Du He , Xu Mei , Zhao Yunfeng
Published: April 2023

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common and life-threatening in patients with lung cancer. Management of VTE is critical for patients with lung cancer. Risk assessment, thromboprophylaxis and treatment of VTE constitute the core issues of VTE management in patients with lung cancer. Although its overall principles should follow recommendations in authoritative guidelines, VTE management in patients with lung cancer may be slightly special in some specific aspects. Despite the extensive validation of Khorana score for patients with all cancer types, its value in VTE risk assessment of patients with lung cancer is controversial. It is important to determine the VTE risk assessment score that can accurately and specifically assess the VTE risk of patients with lung cancer. Clinical practice patterns of thromboprophylaxis may vary by cancer types, since different sites of cancer may have different levels of VTE risk. To understand the thromboprophylaxis specific for lung cancer is of vital importance for patients with lung cancer. Although it is essential to comply with authoritative guidelines, the duration and timing of initiation of thromboprophylaxis in surgical patients with lung cancer may need further study. Taken together, the purpose of this review is to provide an overview of state-of-the-art VTE stewardship specific for patients with lung cancer.
External validation of the Manchester Acute Coronary Syndromes ECG risk model within a pre-hospital setting
Authors: Alotaibi Ahmed , Alghamdi Abdulrhman , Martin Glen P , Carlton Edward , Cooper Jamie G , Cook Eloïse , Siriwardena Aloysius Niroshan , Phillips John , Thompson Alexander , Bell Steve , Kirby Kim Lucy , Rosser Andy , Pennington Elspeth , Body Richard
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The Manchester Acute Coronary Syndromes ECG (MACS-ECG) prediction model calculates a score based on objective ECG measurements to give the probability of a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The model showed good performance in the emergency department (ED), but its accuracy in the pre-hospital setting is unknown. We aimed to externally validate MACS-ECG in the pre-hospital environment.

Methods

We undertook a secondary analysis from the Pre-hospital Evaluation of Sensitive Troponin (PRESTO) study, a multi-centre prospective study to validate decision aids in the pre-hospital setting (26 February 2019 to 23 March 2020). Patients with chest pain where the treating paramedic suspected acute coronary syndrome were included. Paramedics collected demographic and historical data and interpreted ECGs contemporaneously (as ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’). After completing recruitment, we analysed ECGs to calculate the MACS-ECG score, using both a pre-defined threshold and a novel threshold that optimises sensitivity to differentiate AMI from non-AMI. This was compared with subjective ECG interpretation by paramedics. The diagnosis of AMI was adjudicated by two investigators based on serial troponin testing in hospital.

Results

Of 691 participants, 87 had type 1 AMI and 687 had complete data for paramedic ECG interpretation. The MACS-ECG model had a C-index of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.61 to 0.75). At the pre-determined cut-off, MACS-ECG had 2.3% (95% CI: 0.3% to 8.1%) sensitivity, 99.5% (95% CI: 98.6% to 99.9%) specificity, 40.0% (95% CI: 10.2% to 79.3%) positive predictive value (PPV) and 87.6% (87.3% to 88.0%) negative predictive value (NPV). At the optimal threshold for sensitivity, MACS-ECG had 50.6% sensitivity (39.6% to 61.5%), 83.1% specificity (79.9% to 86.0%), 30.1% PPV (24.7% to 36.2%) and 92.1% NPV (90.4% to 93.5%). In comparison, paramedics had a sensitivity of 71.3% (95% CI: 60.8% to 80.5%) with 53.8% (95% CI: 53.8% to 61.8%) specificity, 19.7% (17.2% to 22.45%) PPV and 93.3% (90.8% to 95.1%) NPV.

Conclusion

Neither MACS-ECG nor paramedic ECG interpretation had a sufficiently high PPV or NPV to ‘rule in’ or ‘rule out’ NSTEMI alone.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sick leave among healthcare workers: a register-based observational study
Authors: Reme Bjørn-Atle , Grøsland Mari , Gjefsen Hege , Magnusson Karin
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sick leave among healthcare workers (HCWs) in primary and specialist care and examine its causes.

Methods

Using individual-level register data, we studied monthly proportions of sick leave (all-cause and not related to SARS-CoV-2 infection) from 2017 to February 2022 for all HCWs in primary (N=60 973) and specialist care (N=34 978) in Norway. First, we estimated the impact of the pandemic on sick leave, by comparing the sick leave rates during the pandemic to sick leave rates in 2017–2019. We then examined the impact of COVID-19-related workload on sick leave, by comparing HCWs working in healthcare facilities with different levels of COVID-19 patient loads.

Results

HCWs had elevated monthly rates of all-cause sick leave during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2.8 (95% CI 2.67 to 2.9) and 2.2 (95% CI 2.07 to 2.35) percentage points in primary and specialist care. The corresponding increases for sick leave not related to SARS-CoV-2 infection were 1.2 (95% CI 1.29 to 1.05) and 0.7 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.78) percentage points. All-cause sick leave was higher in areas with high versus low COVID-19 workloads. However, after removing sick leave episodes due to SARS-CoV-2 infections, there was no difference.

Conclusions

There was a substantial increase in sick leave among HCWs during the pandemic. Our results suggest that the increase was due to HCWs becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 and/or sector-wide effects, such as strict infection control measures. More differentiated countermeasures should, therefore, be evaluated to limit capacity constraints in healthcare provision.
Extreme heat and work injuries in Kuwait’s hot summers
Authors: Alahmad Barrak , Al-Hemoud Ali , Al-Bouwarthan Mohammed , Khraishah Haitham , Kamel Mohamed , Akrouf Qassem , Wegman David H , Bernstein Aaron S , Koutrakis Petros
Published: April 2023

Background

Hot, desert Gulf countries are host to millions of migrant workers doing outdoor jobs such as construction and hospitality. The Gulf countries apply a summertime ban on midday work to protect workers from extreme heat, although without clear evidence of effectiveness. We assessed the risk of occupational injuries associated with extreme hot temperatures during the summertime ban on midday work in Kuwait.

Methods

We collected daily occupational injuries in the summer months that are reported to the Ministry of Health’s Occupational Health Department for 5 years from 2015 to 2019. We fitted generalised additive models with a quasi-Poisson distribution in a time series design. A 7-day moving average of daily temperature was modelled with penalised splines adjusted for relative humidity, time trend and day of the week.

Results

During the summertime ban, the daily average temperature was 39.4°C (±1.8°C). There were 7.2, 7.6 and 9.4 reported injuries per day in the summer months of June, July and August, respectively. Compared with the 10th percentile of summer temperatures in Kuwait (37.0°C), the average day with a temperature of 39.4°C increased the relative risk of injury to 1.44 (95% CI 1.34 to 1.53). Similarly, temperatures of 40°C and 41°C were associated with relative risks of 1.48 (95% CI 1.39 to 1.59) and 1.44 (95% CI 1.27 to 1.63), respectively. At the 90th percentile (42°C), the risks levelled off (relative risk 1.21; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.57).

Conclusion

We found substantial increases in the risk of occupational injury from extremely hot temperatures despite the ban on midday work policy in Kuwait. ‘Calendar-based’ regulations may be inadequate to provide occupational heat protections, especially for migrant workers.
A two-field dark energy model with cubic contractions of the Riemann tensor
Authors: Marciu Mihai
Published: April 2023

The paper proposes a novel cosmological model based on a two-field scenario, where the two fields are independently coupled with a specific invariant, based on cubic contractions of the Riemann tensor. After obtaining the modified Friedmann equations and the specific Klein–Gordon relations, the investigation studies the corresponding physical features by adopting the linear stability theory in a quintom scenario case where the coupling functions and potential energies have an exponential behavior. The corresponding investigation revealed a high complexity of the phase space structure, with various stationary points which can explain different aspects in the evolution of our Universe, the matter dominated epoch, and the late time accelerated stage. The present model can represent a viable solution to the dark energy problem due to the high complexity of the phase space and the existence of the scaling solutions.
Absorption, scattering and shadow by a noncommutative black hole with global monopole
Authors: Anacleto M. A. , Brito F. A. , Campos J. A. V. , Passos E.
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we investigate the process of massless scalar wave scattering due to a noncommutative black hole with a global monopole through the partial wave method. We computed the cross section of differential scattering and absorption at the low frequency limit. We also calculated, at the high frequency limit, the absorption and the shadow radius by the null geodesic method. We showed that noncommutativity causes a reduction in the differential scattering/absorption cross section and shadow radius, while the presence of the global monopole has the effect of increasing the value of such quantities. In the limit of the null mass parameter, we verify that the cross section of differential scattering, absorption and shadow ray approach to a non-zero value proportional to a minimum mass.
Mass spectra of singly, doubly, triply light-strange baryons in light of 𝒪(1m2) relativistic correction
Authors: Menapara Chandni , Rai Ajay Kumar
Published: April 2023

The hypercentral Constituent Quark Model (hCQM) has been employed to obtain the resonance masses of hadrons ranging from light, strange to heavy sector. This work is dedicated towards incorporating the higher order correction in the mass so as to improve the spin-order hierarchy. The potential is Coulomb-like part and linear term as confinement part along with the spin–spin interaction terms. In this paper, the light, strange baryon masses have been revisited with correction term with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and compared with earlier results as well as various other approaches. The slope and intercepts have been recalculated for obtained masses which are expected to aid in experimental findings. The recent results are found to be in good accordance with the experimental range as well as theoretical models.
PCSboost: A Multi-Model Machine Learning Framework for Key Fragments Selection of Channelrhodopsins Achieving Optogenetics
Authors: Qiu Xihe , Zhang Bo , Li Qiong , Tan Xiaoyu , Chen Jue
Published: April 2023

Optogenetics combines optical and genetic methods to modulate light-controlled gene expression, protein localization, signal transduction and protein interactions to achieve precise control of specific neuronal activity, with the advantages of low tissue damage, high spatial and temporal resolution, and genetic specificity. It provides a cutting-edge approach to establishing a causal relationship between brain activity and behaviors associated with health and disease. Channelrhodopsin (ChR) functions as a photogenic activator for the control of neurons. As a result, ChR and its variants are more widely used in the realization of optogenetics. To enable effective optogenetics, we propose a novel multi-model machine learning framework, i.e., PCSboost, to accurately assist key fragments selection of ChRs segments that realize optogenetics from protein sequence structure and information dataset. We investigate the key regions of the ChR variant protein fragments that impact photocurrent properties of interest and automatically screen important fragments that realize optogenetics. To address the issue of the dataset containing a limited quantity of data but a high feature dimension, we employ principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensionality of the data and perform feature extraction, followed by the XGBoost model to classify the ChRs based on their kinetics, photocurrent and spectral properties. Simultaneously, we employ the SHAP interpretability analysis to perform an interpretability analysis of the ChR variant protein for pointwise, characteristic similarities to identify key regions of the protein fragment structure that contribute to the regulation of photocurrent intensity, photocurrent wavelength sensitivity and nonkinetic properties. Experimental findings demonstrate that our proposed PCSboost approach can speed up genetic and protein engineering investigations, simplify the screening of important protein fragment sections, and potentially be used to advance research in the areas of optogenetics, genetic engineering and protein engineering.
METAVERSE-BASED ONLINE ENGLISH TEACHING SCHEME IN MULTI-SOURCE AND CROSS-DOMAIN ENVIRONMENT
Authors: WEI ZHIGAO
Published: April 2023

Metaverse empowers learning and spawns learning metaverse. Learning Metaverse is a new type of Internet educational application and digital social ecosystem. Learning Metaverse Empowering Education will help promote the construction of new educational infrastructure and provide new opportunities for building a high-quality education support system. This paper aims at the online English teaching scenario in the multi-source and cross-domain environment, and constructs a new teaching scheme by using the metaverse technology. In order to improve the quality of English teaching and the interest of English teaching classroom, this paper proposes an immersive English learning visualization system with diversified interactive methods. Therefore, this paper designs an immersive interaction management method based on visual scene and a visual network management method based on visual algorithm tree, which can systematically manage user interactions and provide full-process support for visual operations in an immersive environment. In order to verify the effectiveness and naturalness of the interactive system, this paper conducts a comparative experiment between the two-dimensional desktop system and the immersive virtual reality system. The user experiment results show that the system can meet the needs of multi-source and cross-domain environment. The new online English teaching scheme proposed in this paper can provide users with efficient and natural interaction in the immersive visual English learning scenario.
Construction of Collision Equivalent Scaled Model for Locomotive Using Multi-Parameter Nondimensional Method
Authors: Yan Kaibo , Lu Sisi , Duan Hui , Shu Yang , Dong Shaojiang
Published: April 2023

At present, the research on crashworthiness of locomotive mainly adopts the method of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and component test, it is too expensive and less repeatable to carry out vehicle crash tests. Therefore, a method to construct the collision equivalent scaled model (SM) for locomotive based on multi-parameter nondimensional is presented in this paper. Firstly, an equivalent method of structural dynamic responses was proposed. The extraction process and analysis method of dynamic responses for thin plate structures widely existing in locomotives were studied. Then, according to the structural characteristics of the locomotive, the partition equivalent design was carried out, and a dimensionless analysis model of impact dynamic responses for SM was established. Finally, the SM crash test was carried out to verify the effectiveness of collision equivalent SM established, it was found that the SM has high reliability, it can achieve equivalence with the locomotive for energy absorption, average impact force, average acceleration of cab and center of gravity of vehicle body. Carrying out the SM crash test can study the reasonable configuration of energy absorption parameters for locomotives and obtain the impact dynamic responses of locomotives under different configurations of energy absorption parameters.