bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Fatigue Life Analysis of Non-standard Socket Welding Fittings and the Influence of the Weld Gap on the Weld Stress Distribution
Authors: Han Zhichao , Shen Mengling , Chang Haijun , Rong Zhishen , Xing Cangmei , Zhang Weidong
Published: January 2025

In this paper, the socket welding fittings, containing three kind of different weld gaps, have been welded by the tee fittings and the nozzles. Fatigue tests have been carried out, and the fatigue life has been obtained to investigate the influence of the nozzle offset. Then the macro metallographic tests have been conducted, and the real shape of the weld in the socket welding fittings has been observed and measured. Finally, finite element models of the three kinds of socket welding fittings have been established, the weld numerical simulation has been conducted, and the residual stress of the weld has been obtained. Besides, the alternating stress distribution of the weld has been calculated based on the residual stress and the cyclic loadings. According to the test results and finite element analysis, it can be found that under the condition of the current welding process, the nozzle offset is allowed, and the maximum allowable offset degree is 33%. In this case, the fatigue life of non-standard socket welding fittings will not decrease, and the non-standard socket welding fittings can be considered to meet the design requirements and no need to repair or scrap.
Mathematical Analysis of Tooth Contact in a Drum Worm Pair
Authors: Li Shuangcen , Luo Shiqiang
Published: January 2025

A planar internal gear enveloping drum worm (PIGEDW) reducer is designed for analyzing its contact area. In this paper, the mathematical analysis method of tooth contact is proposed to analyze its contact pattern. Firstly, the PIGEDW mathematical model is created on the basis of the gear meshing theory. Secondly, the simulation model of PIGEDW tooth surface contact is established by MATLAB. Finally, based on the previous step, a parametric study is carried out to investigate the influences of transverse module, radius of the main basic circle and inclination angle of the generating plane on the worm gear contact area. The results show that appropriate change of design parameters is conducive to improving the carrying capacity of PIGEDW. The present study offers a theoretical foundation for the subsequent enhancement of PIGEDW gear.
Vortex-Induced Vibration Analysis of a Two-Degree-of-Freedom Circular Cylinder Under Pulsating Flow
Authors: Li Yongqi , Liu Xia , Cheng Yujun , Duan Derong
Published: January 2025

The vortex-induced vibration of a circular cylinder under pulsating flow was simulated numerically using Ansys software. The beat phenomena were caught and effects of pulsating frequency and pulsating amplitude on vortex-induced vibration were discussed. Results indicated that as the pulsation frequency increases from 0.2 Hz to 0.4 Hz, the multi-frequency phenomenon of cross-flow displacement was obvious, and the trajectory of the cylinder gradually became axisymmetric. As the pulsation amplitude increased from 0.2 to 0.4, the transverse flow amplitude increases significantly from 0.035 to 0.04. and its motion trajectory became more complex. In addition, the lift coefficient and drag coefficient increase by a maximum of 75.14% and 58.70%, respectively. It also provided a basis for vortex-induced vibration of offshore engineering equipment.
Shipboard Lifeboat Design Based on 3D Printing Technology
Authors: Yu Xintao , Teng Xianbing , Zhang Zhaohao , Chen Hao , Huang Wanqi , Wang Jie
Published: January 2025

During the voyage of ocean-going vessels, lifeboats and other life-saving types of equipment are the survival of the crews. At present, there is still a lot of room for improvement in the structure of lifeboats, supporting facilities, production materials, ease of operation, etc. The article summarizes the development history of lifeboats and their slip trajectories based on the development of ocean-going vessels. The article summarizes the shortcomings of the lifeboat and its sliding trajectory based on the development history of ocean-going shipborne lifeboats and proposes the use of 3D printing technology to carry out the model printing of the lifeboat and ancillary facilities, and the use of the printed model to carry out experiments repeatedly to explore, and to find a way to make the boat from the high altitude to reach the surface of the water caused by the smallest impact effect of the angle, which greatly reduces the impact of the lifeboat into the water. The impact force of the lifeboat into the water is greatly reduced. The aim is to improve the survivability of ocean-going vessels at sea and increase the chances of survival of the crew.
Simulation Study of Airbag Deployment in an Optoelectronic Buoy
Authors: Liu Kang , Qiu Yafeng , Li Qianwei
Published: January 2025

In order to study the underwater inflation process of a photoelectric buoy used for torpedo guidance, a numerical analysis model of gas cylinder inflation was established based on the gas control volume method. Relevant calculation parameters were set, and LS-DYNA was used to simulate the underwater inflation process of the airbag of the photoelectric buoy. Furthermore, the effects of parameters such as depth and inflation tube diameter on the deployment of the airbag were analyzed. The results indicate that the deployment time of airbags is significantly influenced by depth and the diameter of the inflation tube; the internal pressure of the airbag is less affected by depth, and is more affected by the diameter of the inflation tube, which can easily cause safety issues, the design size of the inflation tube diameter of the photoelectric buoy should be within 8 mm.
Simulation Study of the Magnetic Gradient Method for Signal Detection Outside Buried Bimetallic Pipes
Authors: Qing Chun , Zhang XiuMing , Pan Hong , Gao Yue , Li Junlin , Ren Tao , Li Yujia
Published: January 2025

Pipeline transportation is one of the most crucial methods for oil transportation, and in recent years, bimetallic pipelines have found increasing applications in the oil industry. However, buried pipeline operations over extended periods have brought about numerous issues that urgently need to be addressed. The magnetic gradient method utilizes the natural geomagnetic field as the excitation magnetic field source for pipelines. By employing a specially arranged array of magnetic flux gates, it enables non-excavation detection of corrosion defects in the active pipeline body, swiftly identifying the defect’s location. This paper focuses on the issue of corrosion leakage in buried bimetallic pipelines and validates the feasibility of weak magnetic detection technology based on the magnetic gradient method in the non-excavation detection of bimetallic pipelines. According to the simulation results analysis, the magnetic signal in the magnetic gradient detection method exhibits a peak-and-valley pattern at the defect location, consistent with the results obtained from the magnetic gradient method detection.
The Origin, Development and Innovation of Software-Defined Telemetry Systems
Authors: Wang Wanli , Li Yiyong , He Rong , Zhang Cheng , Wang Kai , Gao Junxing
Published: January 2025

In order to promote the emergence of better service function of telemetry system, this paper explores the new paradigm of software defined telemetry system. First of all, the software-defined telemetry system is summarized and analyzed to clarify the software definition, the development of telemetry system and the transmission of new paradigm, and explore the emerging style, application mechanism and design architecture of new paradigm from the present source. Secondly, from the perspective of development, innovation and topology, the concept definition, demand analysis, advantage and function and technology application are explored. Finally, based on the three aspects of the integration system matching, the solidified viability and the evaluation of comprehensive performance, we can provide basic reference for the design, development and finalization of new equipment.
Research on the Effect of Fan Rotation Vibration on Hard Disk Drive Performance
Authors: Gong Baolong , Zhang Hailong , Lu Jilei , Zong Bin
Published: January 2025

In response to the problem of multiple composite vibration physical fields caused by high-speed rotation of fans on hard drive disk, this paper conducts in-depth research using testing and simulation methods, and optimizes vibration reduction design from the perspectives of chassis, airflow field, fans, etc. The main conclusions are as follows: 1. the optimal distance between the fan and the hard drive is 70 mm. 2. among the many optimization measures, adding honeycomb mesh and sound-absorbing foam have the most significant effect, which can improve the performance of hard drives by about 15%. This study plays an important guiding role in server architecture design, effectively guiding the RV vibration reduction design of mechanical hard disk configuration models, minimizing the vibration impact of high-speed rotating fans on the hard disk, and improving system vibration resistance and stability.
Isoperimetric inequalities for the fractional composite membrane problem
Authors: Ghosh Mrityunjoy
Published: January 2025

In this article, we investigate some isoperimetric-type inequalities related to the first eigenvalue of the fractional composite membrane problem. First, we establish an analogue of the renowned Faber–Krahn inequality for the fractional composite membrane problem. Next, we investigate an isoperimetric inequality for the first eigenvalue of the fractional composite membrane problem on the intersection of two domains - a problem that was first studied by Lieb (Invent Math 74(3):441–448, 1983) for the Laplacian. Similar results in the local case were previously obtained by Cupini–Vecchi (Commun Pure Appl Anal 18(5):2679–2691, 2019) for the composite membrane problem. Our findings provide further insights into the fractional setting, offering a new perspective on these classical inequalities.
Acute effects of psilocybin on attention and executive functioning in healthy volunteers: a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis
Authors: Yousefi P. , Lietz Morten P. , O’Higgins F. J. , Rippe R. C. A. , Hasler G. , van Elk M. , Enriquez-Geppert S.
Published: January 2025

Rationale

Psilocybin shows promise for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. However, insight into its acute effects on cognition is lacking. Given the significant role of executive functions in daily life and treatment efficacy, it is crucial to evaluate how psilocybin influences these cognitive domains.

Objectives

This meta-analysis aims to quantify the acute effects of psilocybin on executive functions and attention, while examining how dosage, timing of administration, cognitive domain, and task characteristics moderate these effects.

Methods

A systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis were conducted on empirical studies assessing psilocybin’s acute effects on working memory, conflict monitoring, response inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and attention. Effect sizes for reaction time (RT) and accuracy (ACC) were calculated, exploring the effects of timing (on-peak defined as 90–180 min post-administration), dosage, cognitive function categories, and task sensitivity to executive functions as potential moderators.

Results

Thirteen studies (42 effect sizes) were included. In the acute phase, psilocybin increased RTs (Hedges' g = 1.13, 95% CI [0.57, 1.7]) and did not affect ACC (Hedges' g = -0.45, 95% CI [-0.93, 0.034]). Effects on RT were dose dependent. Significant between-study heterogeneity was found for both RT and ACC. Task sensitivity to executive functions moderated RT effects. Publication bias was evident, but the overall effect remained significant after adjustment for this.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis shows that psilocybin impairs executive functions and results in a slowing down of RT. We discuss potential neurochemical mechanisms underlying the observed effects as well as implications for the safe use of psilocybin in clinical and experimental contexts.
Empowering PET imaging reporting with retrieval-augmented large language models and reading reports database: a pilot single center study
Authors: Choi Hongyoon , Lee Dongjoo , Kang Yeon-koo , Suh Minseok
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The potential of Large Language Models (LLMs) in enhancing a variety of natural language tasks in clinical fields includes medical imaging reporting. This pilot study examines the efficacy of a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) LLM system considering zero-shot learning capability of LLMs, integrated with a comprehensive database of PET reading reports, in improving reference to prior reports and decision making.

Methods

We developed a custom LLM framework with retrieval capabilities, leveraging a database of over 10 years of PET imaging reports from a single center. The system uses vector space embedding to facilitate similarity-based retrieval. Queries prompt the system to generate context-based answers and identify similar cases or differential diagnoses. From routine clinical PET readings, experienced nuclear medicine physicians evaluated the performance of system in terms of the relevance of queried similar cases and the appropriateness score of suggested potential diagnoses.

Results

The system efficiently organized embedded vectors from PET reports, showing that imaging reports were accurately clustered within the embedded vector space according to the diagnosis or PET study type. Based on this system, a proof-of-concept chatbot was developed and showed the framework’s potential in referencing reports of previous similar cases and identifying exemplary cases for various purposes. From routine clinical PET readings, 84.1% of the cases retrieved relevant similar cases, as agreed upon by all three readers. Using the RAG system, the appropriateness score of the suggested potential diagnoses was significantly better than that of the LLM without RAG. Additionally, it demonstrated the capability to offer differential diagnoses, leveraging the vast database to enhance the completeness and precision of generated reports.

Conclusion

The integration of RAG LLM with a large database of PET imaging reports suggests the potential to support clinical practice of nuclear medicine imaging reading by various tasks of AI including finding similar cases and deriving potential diagnoses from them. This study underscores the potential of advanced AI tools in transforming medical imaging reporting practices.
Concentration of Povidone-Iodine Pocket Irrigation in Implant-Based Breast Surgery: A Scoping Review
Authors: Anthony Ojochonu D , Seth Ishith , Rozen Warren M
Published: January 2025

Background

In implant-based breast surgery, microbial contamination of implant surfaces predisposes complications such as overt periprosthetic infection and has been linked to capsular contracture (CC). Anti-microbial practices, including povidone-iodine (PVP-I) breast pocket irrigation, are routinely employed to minimise these risks. No standardised protocol for using this antiseptic exists, particularly concerning the ideal concentration. This review investigates how PVP-I concentration affects outcomes in these procedures while highlighting research gaps.

Methods

Using PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and PubMed databases from their inception to June 2024. Studies were screened using pre-determined criteria for inclusion. The methodological quality of relevant studies was assessed using the MINORS tool. Data regarding basic characteristics, PVP-I irrigation implementation, and outcomes (primarily periprosthetic infection and CC) were extracted for analysis.

Results

Nine articles, primarily observational studies, and retrospective analyses were included. These mainly focused on breast augmentation with a few including reconstruction. There was considerable heterogeneity in surgical techniques, and reported PVP-I concentrations ranged from 4 to 20%. This was further confounded by frequent mixing of irrigation solution with antibiotics. Although infection and CC rates were frequently reported, most studies did not specify outcome data for patients receiving PVP-I irrigation.

Conclusions

While PVP-I irrigation is extensively used in implant surgeries, the current evidence base is insufficient to determine the optimal concentration and application techniques. This review underscores the need for further detailed research to establish evidence-based guidelines for PVP-I use, aiming to improve patient care and surgical outcomes in breast surgery.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Folate metabolism in myelofibrosis: a missing key?
Authors: Cerreto Giacomo Maria , Pozzi Giulia , Cortellazzi Samuele , Pasini Livia Micaela , Di Martino Orsola , Mirandola Prisco , Carubbi Cecilia , Vitale Marco , Masselli Elena
Published: January 2025

Folates serve as key enzyme cofactors in several biological processes. Folic acid supplementation is a cornerstone practice but may have a “dark side”. Indeed, the accumulation of circulating unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) has been associated with various chronic inflammatory conditions, including cancer. Additionally, by engaging specific folate receptors, folates can directly stimulate cancer cells and modulate the expression of genes coding for pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines.

This evidence could be extremely relevant for myelofibrosis (MF), a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm typified by the unique combination of clonal proliferation, chronic inflammation, and progressive bone marrow fibrosis. Folate supplementation is frequently associated with conventional or investigational drugs in the treatment of MF-related anemia to tackle ineffective erythropoiesis. In this review, we cover the different aspects of folate metabolism entailed in the behavior and function of normal and malignant hematopoietic cells and discuss the potential implications on the biology of myelofibrosis.
The limiting distribution of a bivariate random vector under univariate truncation
Authors: Durante F. , Ignazzi C. , Jaworski P.
Published: January 2025

The dependence structure in the tails of bivariate random vectors is studied by means of the copula representation. In particular, asymptotic results for the distribution of a random pair under univariate truncation is proved in the spirit of multivariate extensions of the Pickands-Balkema-de Haan Theorem.
Prognostic impact of fibrosclerotic changes in non-papillary, non-anaplastic, follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinomas
Authors: Orlando Giulia , Capella Giulia , Vocino Trucco Giulia , Vissio Elena , Metovic Jasna , Maletta Francesca , Volante Marco , Papotti Mauro
Published: January 2025

In non-papillary follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinomas, prognostic factors are scarce. Intratumoral fibrosis was identified as an adverse factor in papillary and medullary carcinomas, but it has not been investigated in other subtypes. We aimed at exploring the presence of intratumoral fibrosclerosis in a cohort of 132 non-papillary follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinomas (53 follicular and 31 oncocytic carcinomas, including 10 high grade differentiated thyroid carcinomas and 48 poorly differentiated carcinomas) and correlating its presence and extent with clinical and pathological features and survival. For each case, all available hematoxylin and eosin slides were reviewed, and the presence of fibrosclerosis was assessed as the percentage of tumor area and semi-quantitatively scored as absent, mild (≤ 10%) or extensive (> 10%). In addition, digital image analysis was applied in 65 cases. Scoring of intratumoral fibrosis showed a strong agreement between two observers and between observers and digital image quantification. The presence and extent of intratumoral fibrosis were significantly associated with poorly differentiated carcinoma histology, large tumor size, extent of vascular invasion, presence of necrosis, high mitotic index, positive nodal status, and aggressive clinical outcome, and with a shorter disease-free and disease-specific survival, the former also in follicular and oncocytic carcinomas analyzed separately. These data support the potential use of fibrosis in the clinical practice since it is both easily assessable and significantly associated with the presence of parameters of aggressiveness. In addition, fibrosis is correlated with decreased survival rate independently from the tumor histotypes, suggesting its potential role as novel prognostic factor in non-papillary follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinomas.
Set-Valued Recursions Arising from Vantage-Point Trees
Authors: Dong Congzao , Marynych Alexander , Molchanov Ilya
Published: January 2025

We study vantage-point trees constructed using an independent sample from the uniform distribution on a fixed convex body K in

$$(\mathbb {R}^d,\Vert \cdot \Vert )$$

(

R

d

,
‖
·
‖
)

, where

$$\Vert \cdot \Vert $$

‖
·
‖

is an arbitrary norm on

$$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

. We prove that a sequence of sets, associated with the left boundary of a vantage-point tree, forms a recurrent Harris chain on the space of convex bodies in

$$(\mathbb {R}^d,\Vert \cdot \Vert )$$

(

R

d

,
‖
·
‖
)

. The limiting object is a ball polyhedron, that is, an a.s. finite intersection of closed balls in

$$(\mathbb {R}^d,\Vert \cdot \Vert )$$

(

R

d

,
‖
·
‖
)

of possibly different radii. As a consequence, we derive a limit theorem for the length of the leftmost path of a vantage-point tree.
Effects of surgical approach and downstaging in esophageal adenocarcinoma patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a 2010–2020 National Cancer Database (NCDB) study
Authors: Canto Eduardo A. , Reilly Matthew , Hall Alexander , Walters Ryan W. , Nandipati Kalyana C.
Published: January 2025

Background

Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation (nCRT) has been shown to improve survival in patients with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (EAC). The objective of this study is to assess the patient characteristics associated with tumor downstaging in a large national database. Additionally, we evaluated surgical approach and change in clinical versus pathological staging as predictors of patient survival.

Methods

Using the 2010–2020 National Cancer Database, we identified 6,400 patients with clinical stage 1B to 4A EAC who received nCRT and underwent esophagectomy. Multivariable logistic models were estimated to evaluate odds of downstaging, and complete downstaging. Multivariable marginal Cox proportional-hazard models were estimated to evaluate all-cause mortality hazard.

Results

3285 (51%) patients downstaged (of which 292 [5% of total] completely downstaged), 2430 (38%) had no change in stage, and 685 (11%) progressed. Generally, higher covariate values such as Clinical T, Clinical N, age, and Charlson-Deyo score were associated with higher odds of downstaging and lower odds of complete downstaging. Downstaging was associated with 31% lower risk of death compared to progression (p < .001) and 17% lower risk of death compared to no change (p < .001). Regarding surgical approach, when compared with open esophagectomy (OE), robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) was associated with 17% lower adjusted risk of death (p = .002) while minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) was associated with a 10% decrease in adjusted risk of death (p = .009).

Conclusion

In patients with EAC who underwent nCRT, pathological downstaging was associated with increased survival compared to no change or progression. Additionally, RAMIE and MIE were associated with lower risk of death compared to OE.

Graphical Abstract
Wound Segmentation with U-Net Using a Dual Attention Mechanism and Transfer Learning
Authors: Niri Rania , Zahia Sofia , Stefanelli Alessio , Sharma Kaushal , Probst Sebastian , Pichon Swann , Chanel Guillaume
Published: January 2025

Accurate wound segmentation is crucial for the precise diagnosis and treatment of various skin conditions through image analysis. In this paper, we introduce a novel dual attention U-Net model designed for precise wound segmentation. Our proposed architecture integrates two widely used deep learning models, VGG16 and U-Net, incorporating dual attention mechanisms to focus on relevant regions within the wound area. Initially trained on diabetic foot ulcer images, we fine-tuned the model to acute and chronic wound images and conducted a comprehensive comparison with other state-of-the-art models. The results highlight the superior performance of our proposed dual attention model, achieving a Dice coefficient and IoU of 94.1% and 89.3%, respectively, on the test set. This underscores the robustness of our method and its capacity to generalize effectively to new data.
Nonlinear forecasting with many predictors using mixed data sampling kernel ridge regression models
Authors: Dai Deliang , Javed Farrukh , Karlsson Peter , Månsson Kristofer
Published: January 2025

Policy institutes such as central banks need accurate forecasts of key measures of economic activity to design stabilization policies that reduce the severity of economic fluctuations. Therefore, this paper develops a kernel ridge regression estimator in a mixed data sampling framework. Kernel ridge regression can handle many predictors with a nonlinear relationship to the target variable. Consequently, it has potential to improve the currently used principal component-based methods when the economic data follow a nonlinear factor structure. In a Monte Carlo study, we show that the kernel ridge regression approach is superior in terms of mean square error and is more robust than principal component-based methods to different nonlinear data generating processes. By using a dataset consisting of 24 economic indicators, we forecast Swedish gross domestic production. The results confirm the superiority of the kernel ridge regression approach. Therefore, we suggest that policy institutes consider the use of kernel-based approaches when forecasting key measures of economic activity.
Fake advertisements detection using automated multimodal learning: a case study for Vietnamese real estate data
Authors: Nguyen Duy , Nguyen Trung T. , Nguyen Cuong V.
Published: January 2025

The popularity of e-commerce has given rise to fake advertisements that can expose users to financial and data risks while damaging the reputation of these e-commerce platforms. For these reasons, detecting and removing such fake advertisements are important for the success of e-commerce websites. In this paper, we propose FADAML, a novel end-to-end machine learning system to detect and filter out fake online advertisements. Our system combines techniques in multimodal machine learning and automated machine learning to achieve a high detection rate. As a case study, we apply FADAML to detect fake advertisements on popular Vietnamese real estate websites. Our experiments show that we can achieve 91.5% detection accuracy, which significantly outperforms three different state-of-the-art fake news detection systems.
Modeling impairment of ionic regulation with extended Adaptive Exponential integrate-and-fire models
Authors: Depannemaecker Damien , Tesler Federico , Desroches Mathieu , Jirsa Viktor , Destexhe Alain
Published: January 2025

To model the dynamics of neuron membrane excitability many models can be considered, from the most biophysically detailed to the highest level of phenomenological description. Recent works at the single neuron level have shown the importance of taking into account the evolution of slow variables such as ionic concentration. A reduction of such a model to models of the integrate-and-fire family is interesting to then go to large network models. In this paper, we introduce a way to consider the impairment of ionic regulation by adding a third, slow, variable to the adaptive Exponential integrate-and-fire model (AdEx). We then implement and simulate a network including this model. We find that this network was able to generate normal and epileptic discharges. This model should be useful for the design of network simulations of normal and pathological states.
Development and Validation of the Satisfaction with the Intervention for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators Scale (SIIPVS)
Authors: Roldán-Pardo Manuel , Santirso Faraj A. , Tomás José Manuel , Gracia Enrique , Lila Marisol
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Although research in the intimate partner violence (IPV) field has significantly advanced in recent decades, important challenges remain in intervention effectiveness terms. Some authors point out that satisfaction with intervention could be an indicator of effectiveness. However, this variable has not been thoroughly explored in the scientific literature. This study aimed to develop and validate a scale to measure the satisfaction with the intervention of participants attending an intervention program for IPV perpetrators.

Methods

A panel of experts developed the Satisfaction with the Intervention for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators Scale (SIIPVS) items. A sample of 646 male perpetrators was employed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and a reliability analysis, were conducted. Scale validity was examined in relation to other relevant variables to the intervention, such as recidivism, working alliance, motivation to change and state of change.

Results

The findings indicate that the factor structure with the best fit consisted of three factors: Satisfaction with the facilitators and program delivery, Satisfaction with the learning-process, and Satisfaction with the peer group. All the factors demonstrated adequate internal consistency. Participant satisfaction with various intervention elements was associated with the key variables of these interventions.

Conclusions

The validation analysis results indicated that the SIIPVS is a suitable scale to analyze the satisfaction of the participants attending an intervention program for IPV perpetrators due to its adequate psychometric properties. Understanding participant satisfaction could provide a more comprehensive approach to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions.
Multi-professional healthcare teams, medical dominance, and institutional epistemic injustice
Authors: Bueter Anke , Jukola Saana
Published: January 2025

Multi-professional teams have become increasingly common in healthcare. Collaboration within such teams aims to enable knowledge amalgamation across specializations and to thereby improve standards of care for patients with complex health issues. However, multi-professional teamwork comes with certain challenges, as it requires successful communication across disciplinary and professional frameworks. In addition, work in multi-professional teams is often characterized by medical dominance, i.e., the perspective of physicians is prioritized over those of nurses, social workers, or other professionals. We argue that medical dominance in multi-professional teams can lead to institutional epistemic injustice, which affects both providers and patients negatively. Firstly, it codifies and promotes a systematic and unfair credibility deflation of the perspectives of professionals other than physicians. Secondly, it indirectly promotes epistemic injustice towards patients via leading to institutional opacity; i.e., via creating an intransparent system of credibility norms that is difficult to navigate. To overcome these problems, multi-professional teamwork requires institutional settings that promote epistemic equity of team members.
Root growth and biomass partitioning of nine juvenile Sahelian agroforestry tree species under drought and irrigation treatments
Authors: Gning Fatou , Jourdan Christophe , Marone Diatta , Ngom Daouda , Ræbild Anders
Published: January 2025

Background and aims

Root traits of tree species are of great importance for selection of trees in dry zone agroforestry systems. Climate models predict increased frequency and severity of drought in the Sahel but our understanding on the strategies of root growth of tree species under drought is limited. To increase our knowledge of species differences in rooting patterns we investigated root growth of nine dryland tree species in West Africa during one year when exposed to drought stress.

Methods

Seedlings were planted in 2 m tubes inserted into the soil and subjected to irrigation and drought (no irrigation during the dry season). After 4, 8 and 12 months, we assessed root growth and root biomass, supplemented with assessments of water potential, leaf phenology, and above-ground growth.

Results

Tree species showed significant differences in rooting profile. Drought induced deeper root growth, especially in deciduous species. Adansonia digitata, Sterculia setigera and Anacardium occidentale had shallow roots when irrigated. Acacia senegal, Acacia nilotica and Faidherbia albida had deeper root growth and showed clear differences in leaf water potential between treatments while A. digitata and S. setigera appeared to be water conserving under drought.

Conclusions

Our results link root growth with phenology, physiology and above-ground growth and provide an attempt to group dryzone tree species in functional types based on their root growth.
A Comprehensive Framework for Water Affordability Analysis
Authors: Fagundes T. S. , Marques R. C. , Malheiros T. F.
Published: January 2025

Water and sanitation affordability has emerged as a significant concern in recent years due to economic crises and the increasing reliance on tariffs to finance public services. Governments have often depended on inadequate affordability analyses, if any, to identify constraints faced by vulnerable families in accessing water supply and sanitation services. This paper proposes a comprehensive affordability analysis framework, considering six key dimensions: coverage rates, conventional affordability ratio, community poverty conditions, affordability ratio for poorer households, access to water social programs, and the burden of connection fees. The framework was applied to Brazil, focusing on its state-owned providers, which serve more than 70% of the population. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework offers a simple yet robust tool for decision-makers globally, with the flexibility to adapt to various contexts. The case study revealed that the Brazil’s conventional affordability ratio masks affordability issues faced by poorer families, along with low access to social tariffs, high incidence of poverty, and low coverage in several areas. These findings provide critical insights for stakeholders, enabling the development of targeted public policies and the design of appropriate subsidy mechanisms.
Efficient automatic estimation of soil constitutive model parameters via particle swarm optimization
Authors: Sakai Takayuki , Nakano Masaki
Published: January 2025

In this study, we automatically estimated the parameters of the modified Cam-Clay model, a representative constitutive model for soil. The estimation was carried out by minimizing the objective function using the dynamic multiswarm particle swarm optimization (DMS-PSO) algorithm, which is an improvement over the original PSO. The objective function was newly defined by quantifying the discrepancy between the targeted results and the model calculations in q-p′-v space. DMS-PSO divides particles into several islands to search globally and prevent local solutions, and even particles that fall into a local solution can be relocated. To evaluate the automatic estimation performance of DMS-PSO, we examined whether model parameters could be correctly estimated from the calculation results (Consideration (1)) and whether the DMS-PSO algorithm could consistently obtain the same parameter values when reproducing the experimental results (Consideration (2)). Regarding Consideration (1), the objective function was consistently smaller than 1.0 × 10–6 when the number of particles was greater than 400 and the number of islands was greater than 40. At this time, the parameter values could be estimated to the fifth decimal place. When two experiments were conducted, the estimation was obtained approximately 1.5 times faster than when only one was conducted. Regarding Consideration (2), the coefficient of variation of the parameters obtained from 100 estimations was at most 1%, and the parameter values were estimated to be approximately the same each time. In addition, narrowing the solution search range based on soil physical properties could reduce the variation in parameters by approximately 10%. Additionally, the parameters could be accurately estimated by data from at least two mechanical experiments.
Relationships Between Social Media Addiction, Social Media Use Metacognitions, Depression, Anxiety, Fear of Missing Out, Loneliness, and Mindfulness
Authors: Meynadier Jai , Malouff John M. , Schutte Nicola S. , Loi Natasha M. , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: January 2025

Recent research has suggested that metacognitions about social media use may play a role in social media addiction. The aim of the present study was to investigate (a) the contribution of positive and negative social media use metacognitions in explaining social media addiction after accounting for a range of risk factors related to negative affect and (b) the mediating roles of positive and negative social media use metacognitions in associating depression, anxiety, fear of missing out (FoMO), loneliness, and low trait mindfulness with social media addiction. A sample of 810 Australians (M
age = 66.39 years; 63.6% female) completed an anonymous online survey. Both positive and negative social media use metacognitions accounted for a significant proportion of unique variance in social media addiction after controlling for age, sex, social media engagement, depression, anxiety, FoMO, loneliness, and mindfulness. Serial mediation models indicated that depression, anxiety, FoMO, loneliness, and mindfulness had a direct effect on social media addiction, as well as an indirect effect that was mediated by positive and negative metacognitions. The present study’s findings show the mediating role of social media use metacognitions in the relationship between negative affect and social media addiction.
Weathering the Pain: Ambient Temperature’s Role in Chronic Pain Syndromes
Authors: Jevotovsky David S. , Oehlermarx Whitman , Chen Tommy , Ortiz Christopher Chiodo , Liu Annie , Sahni Sidharth , Kessler Jason L. , Poli Joseph J. , Lau Richard
Published: January 2025

Purpose of Review

Chronic pain is highly prevalent and involves a complex interaction of sensory, emotional, and cognitive processes, significantly influenced by ambient temperature. Despite advances in pain management, many patients continue to experience inadequate pain relief. This review aims to consolidate and critically evaluate the current evidence on the impact of ambient temperature on chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia (FM), multiple sclerosis (MS), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and osteoarthritis (OA).

Recent Findings

Patients with FM often report pain exacerbations due to temperature changes, with studies showing lower thresholds for heat and cold-induced pain compared to healthy controls. In MS, the Uhthoff phenomenon, characterized by temperature-induced neurological deterioration, underscores the significance of ambient temperature in pain management. CRPS patients exhibit heightened pain sensitivity to temperature changes, with both warm and cold stimuli potentially aggravating symptoms. OA patients frequently report increased pain and rigidity associated with lower temperatures and higher humidity.

Understanding the mechanisms through which temperature influences pain can enhance pain management strategies. This review highlights the need for further research to elucidate these mechanisms and develop targeted interventions, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with chronic pain conditions.
Palliative Care Spiritual Assessment and Goals-of-Care Discussions in the Neurocritical Care Unit: Collaborating with Chaplains
Authors: Kestenbaum Allison , Gilchrist Danielle , Dunlop Brian C.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Neuropalliative care is an emerging subspecialty of palliative care designed to address the unique supportive care needs of patients with serious neurological illness, including those receiving neurocritical care in intensive care units. Spiritual care is a vital component in the provision of holistic and humanized care to these patients. A chaplain who is specially trained and credentialed in care for those with serious illness is the health care professional responsible for making spiritual assessments and contributes to the plan of care, facilitating decision making, and guiding other clinicians in the provision of generalist spiritual care.

Methods

This article illustrates the role of chaplains in supporting neurocritical care patients and highlights two fundamental aspects of spiritual care: (1) spiritual screening/assessment and (2) assistance with goals-of-care conversations.

Results

These cases clarify the role of professionally trained and credentialed chaplains with experience in both neurocritical and palliative care and the value added to the interprofessional team.
Co-design of a novel rehabilitation intervention for patients after ankle fracture surgery: establishing healthcare professional consensus
Authors: Bretherton C. , Al-Saadawi A. , Sandhu P. H. , Baird P. J , Griffin P. X.
Published: January 2025

Post-surgical rehabilitation advice after ankle fracture surgery, particularly regarding weight-bearing, varies significantly, leading to patient frustration and inconsistent recovery outcomes. This study aimed to establish a consensus for ankle fracture rehabilitation advice and identify content and implementation options for future interventions through consultation with healthcare professionals (HCPs). This study was part of the weight-bearing in ankle fractures (WAX) trial, a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Using the behaviour change wheel (BCW) framework, three online workshops with HCPs were conducted between April 25, 2022, to May 4, 2022, to generate consensus on rehabilitation interventions. Participants completed pre-workshop tasks, and data were collected using an adapted nominal group technique (NGT). Workshop data were collated to create a survey with indicative statements about rehabilitation preferences. An online survey was subsequently disseminated to surgeons and physiotherapists between May 5, 2022, and July 13, 2022. Respondents were asked to indicate how strongly they agreed with various statements by ranking statements on a 5-point Likert scale from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree”; 75% was used as a threshold for consensus agreement. Eight HCPs participated in the workshops, and 79 HCPs responded to the survey, representing 38 different NHS hospital trusts. Consensus was achieved on several key aspects: Patients could rest their foot on the floor while seated during non-weight-bearing periods and gradually increase weight-bearing based on comfort. It was agreed that orthotic boots are for comfort, and patients can discontinue use as early as two weeks post-operatively if weight-bearing is permitted. Guidelines for wound management, including when to get wounds wet and how to handle numbness, were also established. This study established a consensus for ankle fracture rehabilitation, emphasising patient autonomy and clear, standardised advice. The findings support the development of a tailored, patient-centred rehabilitation interventions, potentially delivered through digital platforms, to enhance recovery outcomes.
Survival outcomes of surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage small cell and large cell lung cancer: a novel focus on tumors less than 1 cm
Authors: Vazquez-Urrutia Jorge Raul , Zhu Junjia , Takamori Shinkichi , Greenberg Max , Bhatia Priyanka , Komiya Takefumi
Published: January 2025

Background

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) remains unclear, particularly for small tumors. This study assesses the survival benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection with a novel focus on tumors less than 1 cm.

Materials and methods

Data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) was extracted for patients with SCLC (n = 11,962) and LCNEC (n = 6821) who underwent surgical resection between 2004 and 2020. Exclusion criteria were limited survival (< 30 days), positive lymph nodes, distant metastases, large tumors (> 5 cm), residual microscopic disease, and neoadjuvant therapy. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) from diagnosis, which was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier methods and multivariate Cox regression analyses. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to compare outcomes in patients with SCLC and tumors ≤ 1 cm who received adjuvant chemotherapy versus surgery alone.

Results

The study involved 4114 SCLC and 3954 LCNEC patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a significant increase median OS in both SCLC (6.26 vs. 4.18 years; p < 0.001) and LCNEC (7.02 years vs. 4.89 years; p < 0.001), while also being an independent predictor of better OS in SCLC (HR: 0.74) and LCNEC (HR: 0.75) (p < 0.001). The benefit was more noticeable in tumors ≤ 1 cm, showing a significant OS increase after PSM (median OS 7.34 vs. 5.02 years; p = 0.0048).

Conclusion

Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery is associated with improved overall survival in stage I SCLC and LCNEC, particularly in SCLC tumors of 1 cm or less.
Reduction of spruce phytotoxicity by superheated steam torrefaction and its use in stimulating the growth of ecological bio-products: Lemna minor L
Authors: Szufa Szymon , Unyay Hilal , Piersa Piotr , Kędzierska-Sar Aleksandra , Romanowska-Duda Zdzislawa , Likozar Blaz
Published: January 2025

The use of biochar in agriculture is associated with the concepts of "carbon sink" and "carbon negative," which will constitute additional income for farms in the near future and may provide them with a key role in the fight against global warming. The existing model in the Scandinavian countries is one of the first to combine biochar with carbon dioxide biosequestration. Fertilizers with excessive nutrient content, salinity issues, impurities, or irregular pH levels can induce phytotoxicity, damaging plant health and growth. Torrefied woody biomass can work as a bulking agent, carbon carrier, or as an amendment for composting materials containing high amounts of water and/or nitrogen contents. Superheated steam torrefaction as a valorization process increases the amount of pores in which minerals can be stored and the plant will grow faster and bigger by using these pores agglomerated minerals. The torrefaction process was conducted using the DynTHERM TG Rubotherm high-temperature and high-pressure thermogravimetric analysis apparatus under conditions of superheated steam flow. Various residence times (10, 20, and 40 min) and torrefaction temperatures (250, 275, and 300 °C) were explored to assess their efficacy in reducing the phytotoxicity of torrefied spruce. To confirm this assumption, a toxicity test with Lemna minor L. was carried out according to Radić et al. (2011) and extended to the determination of chlorophyll index and chlorophyll fluorescence to assess the physiological status of the plants after treatment with different doses of spruce wood biocarbon. Research indicates that biochar positively impacts soil quality and plants. Thanks to its unique properties, biochar provides nutrients, enhancing fertilization efficiency [1]. Biochar, after concentrating and adsorbing the nutrients from the wastewater, can be used as a soil amendment or fertilizer. Biochar blended with organic residues full of nutrients is more effective in improving soil properties and crop yields than the exclusive application of pure biochar or other fertilizers. Traditional chemical fertilizers have drawbacks, such as rapid nutrient leaching, severe environmental pollution, and high costs. Therefore, biochar is gaining increasing recognition worldwide.