bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blade tip timing signals parameters identification based on Displacement Offset Decreased and Compressed Sensing
Authors: Guo Jiajing , Yue Lin
Published: October 2024

High-speed rotating blade vibration monitoring is of great significance for the safe operation of turbomachinery. Blade Tip Timing (BTT) is considered a promising technology in the field of blade vibration monitoring. The BTT signal analysis has the following problem, the displacement offset was caused by speed variation which affected the accuracy of the blade vibration parameter identification. Owing to the under-sampled characteristics of the BTT signals and multiple sensor data are required to identify the parameters. The accurate extraction of blade vibration characteristics is challenging. Thus, a vibration analysis method is proposed based on Displacement Offset Decreased and Compressed Sensing (DOD-CS). Firstly, the BTT signal pairwise is subtracted to reduce the impact of the displacement offset, and based on the subtractive results, a basis function is constructed to rebuild the dictionary matrix of the compressed sensing method. Then, we solved the signal sparse representation equation and obtained the spectrum estimation result, that is, the structure vibration parameters. The analysis of simulation data shows that the parameter identification accuracy of the DOD-CS method is higher than that of the OMP-CS (Orthogonal Matching Pursuit and Compressed Sensing) method, and the identification errors of frequency and amplitude are within 1% and 5%, respectively. The experimental results confirm the feasibility of the proposed method in identifying vibration parameters. Compared with existing methods, the innovation of the proposed method is that it eliminates the influence of displacement offset on the accuracy of parameter identification. For under-sampled signals, only two sensor data information are needed to complete spectrum estimation and parameter identification.
Study on new thermal error compensation method for complex surface five-axis machining based on new experimental strategy
Authors: Zou Zheng , Zhou Qingdong , He Liang , Gao Zhengyuan , Yang Yong , Ma Jinghua
Published: October 2024

Five-axis machine tools are well-suited for processing complex surface parts. However, during the machining process, thermal error can have a significant impact on the machining accuracy. To propose an accountable on-line compensation method for five-axis milling, this paper developed a new experimental device for in-situ measurements of thermal-induced displacements in both X- and Y-axis directions. With the help of this self-developed device, a five-axis milling experiment was carried out to collect the temperature change of key thermal points and thermal-induced error during continuous impeller milling. A thermal error prediction model was established with collected data and a thermal error compensation system was developed for the five-axis milling accordingly. The following validation experiment showed that the surface profile error of the blades of milled impeller can be stabilized within the range of 0.1 mm with the help of proposed the thermal error compensation system. The results of the validation experiment proved the effectiveness of the proposed method for the reduction of thermal error during the five-axis milling.
A fast fixed-time backstepping control method for systems with mismatched disturbances
Authors: Pan Huihui , Zhang Hongwei , Gao Peng
Published: October 2024

In this paper, a fast fixed-time backstepping control approach is developed for systems with mismatched disturbances. A novel fast fixed-time disturbance observer (FFTDO), which is convergent within fixed time regardless of initial conditions, is designed to efficiently estimate and compensate the disturbances. On the basis of FFTDO, a novel fast fixed-time backstepping control scheme is proposed, which can guarantee fast fixed-time convergence and high steady-state precision. In addition, a novel fixed-time filter is used to circumvent the problem of “explosion and complexity,” and to ensure overall fixed-time convergence. The fixed-time stability of the closed-loop system under the proposed controller is proved by the Lyapunov stability theory. The simulation results are carried out to confirm the feasibility and superiority of the proposed control strategy.
Study the effect of solar power on the efficiency of desalinating saline water: Case studies Al-Khafji and Gulf of Aqaba areas
Authors: Alshamaileh Dana , Quran Omar , Almajali Mohammad R.
Published: October 2024

The desalination of salty water has become a necessary industrial process to overcome the next global shortage in freshwater. In this study, adding a Reheat Solar Collector Cycle (RSCC) to a multi-stage flash plant is used to increase the optimization of the desalination process, improving efficiencies, reducing energy, and increasing the production of freshwater demands to overcome the global crisis of shortage in freshwater. Two projects employ this numerical technique. The first project is conducted in the Al-Khafji multi-stage flash plant in Saudi Arabia with an input mass flow rate of 1 Mkg/h (277.78 kg/s), TDS of 35,000 ppm, and wind velocity of 1 m/s. The second project is conducted in the Gulf of Aqaba in Jordan with an input mass flow rate of 1 Mkg/h (277.78 kg/s), TDS of 40,000 ppm, and wind velocity of 1 m/s. The module of the LS-2 Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) is used to gain the required energy to heat seawater. The results show that in the Al-Khafji project, an increase of 7.1% in the plant capacity per day and an increase in efficiency from 7.8 to 8.4 were observed. While, in the Gulf of Aqaba, an increase of 7.7% in the plant capacity per day and an increase in efficiency from 7.8 to 8.4 are observed.
Significance of cerebral microinfarcts in antiphospholipid syndrome: A population-based study
Authors: Naftali Jonathan , Barnea Rani , Eliahou Ruth , Saliba Walid , Bloch Sivan , Findler Michael , Brauner Ran , Shochat Tzippy , Leader Avi , Auriel Eitan
Published: October 2024

Background:

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is the most common neurological manifestations of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Incidental diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) positive subcortical and cortical lesions, or acute incidental cerebral microinfarcts (CMI), are microscopic ischemic lesions, detectable on MRI for 10–14 days only. We aimed to look at the prevalence of acute incidental CMI in a cohort of patients with APS and their association with subsequent AIS or TIA.

Methods:

This is a population-based cohort study of adults with APS diagnosis using International Statistical Classification-9 (ICD-9) and supporting laboratory results between January 2014 and April 2020. We included any patient undergoing brain MRI (index event) during the year prior APS diagnosis or at any time point following diagnosis. Age-matched subjects with negative APS laboratory workup were used as a control group. In the first analysis, we compared acute incidental CMI prevalence in both groups. We then performed a second analysis among APS patients only, comparing patients with and without acute incidental CMI for AIS or TIA as the primary outcome. Cox proportional hazards models used to calculate hazards ratio (HR) and 4 years cumulative risk.

Results:

292 patients were included, of which, 207 patients with APS. Thirteen patients with APS had acute incidental CMI on MRI (6.3%), compared with none in the control group ( p = 0.013). Following multivariable analysis, APS was the sole factor associated with acute incidental CMI ( p = 0.026). During a median follow-up of 4 years (IQR 3.5, 4) in patients with APS, following multivariable analysis, acute incidental CMI was associated with subsequent AIS or TIA (HR 6.73 [(95% CI, 1.96–23.11], p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Acute incidental CMI are more common among patients with APS than in patients with negative APS tests, and are associated with subsequent AIS or TIA. Detecting acute incidental CMI in patients with APS may guide etiological workup and reevaluation of antithrombotic regimen.
Intertextual analysis as a tool for examining processes of memory transformation in literature: Types, figures, and functions
Authors: Henke Daniela
Published: October 2024

This article connects the theory of intertextuality and the concept of memory transformation. The transformations of mnemonic contents and the various forms of presentation that they have gone through before they crystallized in the texts are mostly invisible. In order to uncover these processes, Astrid Erll calls attention to the “travel” of memories. Based on intertextual theory, my analysis aims to distill categories for examining the transformative character of literary memory. For this purpose, I analyze the following three types of transformative memories— transgenerational postmemory, affiliative postmemory, and co-memoration—based on appropriate case studies. The categories of intertextual analysis that will be worked out in the article are as follows: The elements of intertextuality, the communicative acts between the previous and the manifest text that can be described as figures of intertextuality shaped by the specificity of each type of transformative memory; and the meta-content of intertextual transformation, that is, the characteristic purpose or quaestio that each memory transformation involves and that can be seen the function-aspect of intertextual communication.
Applications of AI in martial arts: A survey
Authors: Pang Yiqun , Wang Yibing , Wang Qiurui , Li Fengmei , Zhang Changnian , Ding Chuanwei
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an interdisciplinary subject that integrates digital image processing, machine learning, and computer science, etc. A lot of work in martial arts benefits from AI technology. In this paper, we highlight and summarize the applications of AI in martial arts and indicate the main progress of related studies. Through the investigation of martial arts styles, tasks, data acquisition methods, and algorithm improvements, a paradigm that represents a possible technological process for an intelligent martial arts training system was summarized. These applications bring more scientific training and more effective technical analysis to martial arts. Furthermore, this paper delves into specific AI applications in areas such as action recognition, pose estimation, action evaluation, elite athlete support, sports betting, health care, animation generation, and competition field segmentation. By exploring these areas, the research prospects of AI applications in martial arts are comprehensively discussed. This paper inspires further research on martial arts by using AI, which includes helping researchers expand their research ideas and research methods, identify frontier issues, and innovate based on existing research.
Waveform Analysis To Identify Biomechanical Relationships and Differences Between Softball Pitchers With and Without Pain
Authors: Friesen Kenzie B. , Giordano Kevin A. , Oliver Gretchen D.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Softball pitchers accrue high rates of injury. Research suggests certain mechanics at discrete pitch events are related with pain. Here, we examine relationships between peak throwing shoulder kinetics and trunk/pelvis kinematics and compare trunk/pelvis kinematics between pitchers who were healthy and those currently experiencing pain.

Hypothesis:

(1) Peak shoulder kinetics would be positively related to greater trunk and pelvis flexion, lateral flexion, and rotation; and (2) pitchers in pain would exhibit greater trunk and pelvis flexion, lateral flexion, and rotation during the pitch than those who were pain-free.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

A total of 42 high school pitchers (height, 1.71 ± 0.06 m; weight, 75.0 ± 15.9 kg; age, 16 ± 2 years) were separated into 2 groups based on presence or absence of pain. Peak kinetic data from 3 pitches per pitcher were averaged and used as dependent variables. Kinematic data were averaged across 3 trials, and time normalized to 101 datapoints between foot contact and follow-through of the pitch. Statistical parametric mapping regressions were used to assess the relationships between peak shoulder kinetics and waveform of trunk and pelvis kinematics.

Results:

Pelvic lateral tilt significantly predicted peak throwing shoulder superior ( P = 0.05) and lateral ( P = 0.04) force. Pelvis rotation predicted peak superior force ( P = 0.02). Waveform analyses revealed no waveform differences between healthy pitchers and those currently experiencing pain.

Conclusion:

Peak shoulder kinetic variables are related with pelvic positioning during the pitch; however, trunk and pelvis kinematics do not differ according to presence of pain.

Clinical Relevance:

Pitchers in pain do not adopt specific trunk and pelvic alterations during the pitch, potentially concealing the effects of pain from visual identification. Coaches and clinicians need to discuss health status with pitchers versus relying on visual observations to understand pain and injury risk.
Investigation of Predisposing Risk Factors in Adolescent Male Water Polo Players
Authors: Yeral Aslı , Subaşı Feryal , Tekin Ata , Çil Elif Tuğçe , Mumcu Gonca , Yay Meral , Şaylı Uğur
Published: October 2024

Background:

Shoulder injuries are prevalent in adolescent water polo (WP) players. Study aimed to determine whether preseason shoulder characteristics (range of motion [ROM], flexibility, and strength) and core endurance can identify athletes at risk of future shoulder injuries.

Hypothesis:

Shoulder characteristics, including changes in ROM (internal rotation [IR], external rotation [ER], and total), strength (IR and ER), pectoralis minor flexibility, shoulder capsule flexibility, and core endurance, would be risk factors for shoulder reinjury in athletes with previous overuse injuries compared with noninjured athletes.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

At baseline, 53 male youth WP players (mean age, 16.6 ± 3.5 years) were assigned to Group 1 (with previous shoulder injuries [G1, n = 26]) and Group 2 (without previous shoulder injuries [G2, n = 27]). ROM, flexibility, strength, and core muscle endurance were assessed preseason. After a 12-month follow-up, players were again divided into those who developed new shoulder injuries (G3, n = 27) and those who remained healthy (G4, n = 26).

Results:

Total of 26 players (49%) had previous shoulder injuries at baseline. At baseline, decreased pectoralis minor flexibility, IR, total ROM, and core endurance were found in players with a previous shoulder injury compared with players without a previous shoulder injury ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

At baseline, a significant difference was present in proposed risk factors (shoulder and core endurance parameters) between players with and without a previous shoulder injury. Shoulder IR ROM and years of experience were significant predictors of shoulder injury. Early detection of modifiable proposed risk factors may help prevent reinjury in young athletes.

Clinical Relevance:

Screening at an early age can help identify and address pre-existing injuries, support youth athletes’ return to sport after a shoulder injury, prevent new injuries, and improve performance.
The carbon crater: Comparing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions to historical planetary events
Authors: Nelson Hal T , Reynolds Paul , Jewett Brian W
Published: October 2024

Equilibrium climate sensitivity modeling relies heavily on paleoclimate records that were affected by meteorite impacts and volcanic explosions. This paper conducts a thought experiment by re-assembling known data and theories to shed new light on anthropogenic carbon waste. Anthropogenic activity, meteorite impacts and volcanic explosions all extract material from the Earth’s crust and deposit it in the atmosphere. This thought experiment tests if the mass of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions from 1851 to 2021 is comparable to the mass of atmospheric emissions from historical planetary events. Approximately 3.60 trillion tons of anthropogenic carbon dioxide equivalents are converted into volume and then transformed into the shape of a meteorite impact structure named the “Carbon Crater.” The 35 km crater (bounded by 34%–68% confidence intervals of 25–45 km) would rank 23rd on the list of known impact structures. The 2.6 km projectile required to create the Crater would be a 10 on the 1–10 Torino hazard scale described as “. . .capable of causing global climatic catastrophe. . .” The estimated re-occurrence interval for a projectile of this size is 5.3 million years. An interval of this time in Earth’s recent history predates homo sapiens. The Crater’s volume is exponentially larger than the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa and ranks as an 8 (“mega-colossal”) on the 0–8 Volcanic Explosivity Index. The thought experiment indicates that the Carbon Crater’s scale is comparable with large historical biospheric events. These results likely confer few direct implications for the study of the paleoclimate in climate modeling but might change conceptual understandings of atmospheric human waste. Additional empirical research is required to understand the potential impact of the Carbon Crater on conceptual change.
British Gynaecological Cancer Society and British Menopause Society guidelines: Management of menopausal symptoms following treatment of gynaecological cancer
Authors: Taylor Alexandra , Clement Kathryn , Hillard Timothy , Sassarini Jenifer , Ratnavelu Nithya , Baker-Rand Holly , Bowen Rebecca , Davies Melanie C , Edey Katherine , Fernandes Andreia , Ghaem-Maghami Sadaf , Gomes Nana , Gray Sarah , Hughes Eluned , Hudson Anna , Manchanda Ranjit , Manley Kristyn , Nicum Shibani , Phillips Andrew , Richardson Alison , Morrison Jo
Published: October 2024

These guidelines have been developed jointly by the British Gynaecological Cancer Society and British Menopause Society to provide information for all healthcare professionals managing women treated for gynaecological cancer. Menopausal symptoms can have a significant impact on quality of life for women. Cancer therapies, including surgery, pelvic radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, can all affect ovarian function. The benefits and risks of using hormone replacement therapy are considered by cancer type with guidance on the type of HRT and optimal time of commencement after cancer treatment. Vaginal estrogens can be very effective for improving urogenital symptoms and are safe for the majority of women, including those for whom systemic HRT is contraindicated with rare exceptions. Alternative options to HRT are reviewed including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.
To What Extent Do Young Adults Meet the Five Needs for Independence? A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Geurts Esther M. A. , Smit Anne K. , Wagner Stephanie , Leenders Hélène H. M. , Jansen Maria W. J. , Hoebe Christian J. P. A. , Reijs Rianne P.
Published: October 2024

Young adults determined five needs which must be met to transition to adulthood: support, housing, study and work, income, and well-being. This study aimed to identify and describe subgroups of young adults and determine to what extent they meet the needs for independence, and to assess relations between subgroups and demographic characteristics. We conducted secondary data analysis of a population-based questionnaire, which included 2291 young adults (M age = 20.8 years, 71% female) living in South Limburg, the Netherlands. We adopted a person-centred approach, that is, latent class analysis, and identified four classes: Thriving (39%), Lacking support and well-being (29%), Widely struggling (18%) and Financially challenged (14%). Females and non-university students/graduates had higher odds of being members of the least thriving classes. Future research should focus on how support and cumulative disadvantage affect later life outcomes. We should broaden community, educational and institutional support systems to encourage and sustain meaningful relationships.
Can AI Be Your Teammate or Friend? Frequent AI Users Are More Likely to Grant Humanlike Roles to AI
Authors: Cardon Peter W. , Marshall Bryan
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this research was to identify the comfort levels of professionals with AI in various humanlike roles. A survey of 787 full-time working adults showed that more active AI users are comfortable with AI in many humanlike roles, such as a teammate or a performance coach. Less active AI users, however, are uncomfortable with AI in these roles. Leaders, managers, and educators should prepare employees and students to responsibly address the social and psychological outcomes of increasingly humanlike AI.
Behavior Change Techniques to Reduce Sugars Intake by Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Moores C.J. , Taylor A.M. , Cowap S. , Roberts R. , Gunasinghe K.A.M.M. , Moynihan P.J.
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

The adolescent diet is high in sugars compared with other age groups. Effective approaches to support sugar reduction by adolescents are needed as part of caries prevention.

Objective:

To systematically review peer-reviewed evidence (1990 to 2023) to identify effective behavior change techniques (BCTs) for sugars reduction in adolescents aged 10 to 16 y.

Methods:

Nine databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, Dental and Oral Sciences Source, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched. Identified articles were screened independently in duplicate for eligibility. Interventions were eligible if they aimed to change adolescent dietary behavior(s) and reported pre- and postsugar-relevant outcome measures. Interventions from included studies were coded using a 93-item BCT Taxonomy (Michie Taxonomy v1). Risk of bias was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Evidence synthesis by vote counting (number of studies showing positive versus null or negative effects) was applied to BCTs that were present in more than 5 interventions.

Results:

Of 16,271 articles identified, 764 were screened in full, yielding 35 studies (in 43 papers), of which 3 were uncodeable. BCTs coded in interventions covered 11 of 16 BCT clusters and 25 of 93 individual BCTs in the BCT taxonomy. The median number of BCTs applied per study was 3 (interquartile range 2–6). Evidence synthesis indicated that the BCTs most positively associated with a positive reduction in sugars were (with the percentage of strong-/moderate-quality studies applying these techniques that successfully reduced sugars intake in brackets) feedback on behavior (100%), information on social and environmental consequences (100%), problem solving (75%), and social comparison (75%).

Conclusion:

Notwithstanding limitations in available data, the current evidence most strongly supports the use of BCTs relating to feedback on behavior, providing information on the social and environmental consequences, include problem solving and making social comparisons, to lower sugars intake in adolescents.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The results of this study will enable clinicians to provide more effective dietary advice when supporting dietary behavior change to reduce sugars intake in adolescents. The results may also be used by researchers to guide future directions for research into effective sugars reduction in adolescents.
“It’s Everybody’s and It’s Nobody’s Responsibility”: Stakeholder Perspectives on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity at the Nexus of Chronic Kidney Disease and Oral Health
Authors: Poirier B. , Sethi S. , Jamieson L. , Hedges J.
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

The effects of racism, oppression, and colonization in Australia are reflected in the inequitable experience of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Despite having the highest incidence of CKD, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the lowest rate of kidney transplant, with poor oral health commonly being an obstacle to receiving a transplant. This research reflects the exploratory phase of a larger project aimed at maximizing oral health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with CKD in Australia through the provision of culturally secure dental care.

Methods:

The present research uses reflexive thematic analysis to analyze qualitative data from yarns, interviews, and focus groups with dental, renal, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders to generate a conceptual understanding of equity at the nexus of oral health and kidney health. NVivo software was used for organizing data and an inductive line-by-line coding approach.

Results:

Twenty-eight stakeholders participated; 12 of the stakeholders identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and most were female. Factors at the nexus of oral health and CKD included the continuous effects of colonization, the centrality of cultural security for improved care, as well as several challenges and opportunities at a system level. Challenges included the luxury of oral health access, limited health care team involvement in oral health pathways, high-intensity engagement with medical systems, and no communication between dental and renal teams. Opportunities identified included the role of integrated care, cross-discipline knowledge sharing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, clear referral pathways, prevention, and assistance with navigating the oral health system.

Conclusion:

We argue that collective responsibility for the oral health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with CKD is required for improved health and eligibility for kidney transplant. Cross-discipline collaboration is required to overcome the rigidness of the current colonial and biomedical model that silos oral health and CKD.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The siloed approach to management of oral health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with chronic kidney disease results in low knowledge sharing and communication across chronic disease management teams and can prevent kidney transplantation. Collective responsibility for oral health within this context is required to ensure that just and equitable access to kidney transplant can be achieved.
Exploration of drag on the thin film of micropolar fluid flow within a permeable medium
Authors: Sahoo Sachidananda , Prusty Kishor Kumar , Mishra Satya Ranjan , Pattnaik Pradyumna Kumar
Published: October 2024

Advances in thin film acquired many industrial applications because of their use in several products like electronic devices, magnetic recording media, LED, optical coating, etc. Additionally, thin film has an extensive role in the study of multiferroic materials and superlattices in quantum phenomena. Therefore, it is an urge to predict the importance of drag employing Darcy-Forchheimer on the thin film flow of micropolar liquid through an expanding plate embedding with a permeable medium. Moreover, the current model enriches by incorporating the impact of Soret because of the cross-diffusion process and the radiative heat. By using the appropriate transformed variables, the designed problem is distorted, and further, these sets of equations are handled numerically employing Runge-Kutta shooting technique. The computation is carried out by deploying in-house built-in function bvp4c in MATLAB. The significant operational behavior of the manipulated quantities is accessible graphically and deliberated in the discussion section. The important findings are elaborated as; the angular velocity distribution shows a greater deceleration for the increasing microrotation and the inertial drag effect. Further, the thermo-diffusion due to Soret also attenuates the concentration profile and the solutal thickness became thinner for the higher heavier species.
Numerical simulation of an unsteady ternary hybrid nanofluid along a convectively heated curved stretching sheet: A Tiwari-Das model
Authors: Gupta Reshu , Nandi Susmay , Santra Shyam Sundar , Saha Sandip , Vajravelu Kuppalapalle
Published: October 2024

Nanofluids are smart fluids, which are very useful for heat and mass transfer enhancement. They are very much used in industrial, transportation, biomedical, and electronics fields. In the present research, we examine the nanofluid flow across a curved stretching sheet (CSS). Also, this work’s noteworthy originality is its discussion of the impacts of the physical parameters on the ternary hybrid nanofluid flow and heat transfer. Furthermore, the simulation considers nanofluids with water as the base fluid. The Koo–Kleinstreuer–Li (KKL) model examines the viscosity and effective thermal conductivity of fluid flow with suspended nanoparticles. The governing equations of the momentum and the temperature are transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by similarity transformations. These equations are then solved using a Secant iteration method combined with a Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg (RKF) integration scheme with a shooting technique. Through graphs and tables, the influences of the relevant non-dimensional parameters are presented and analyzed. The findings show that an increase in the curvature parameter and the Biot number is to increase the temperature gradient. The Streamline profiles for various values of the magnetic parameter are also analyzed through figures. We believe that this research has significant implications in biomedical devices and pharmaceutical fluid preparation in biomedical sciences. Some of them are high temperature and cooling processes, paints, space technology, medicines, cosmetics, conductive coatings, bio-sensors, and to name a few.
Utility Assessment of Follow-up Evaluation for Commotio Retinae
Authors: Zhou Henry W. , Hoyek Sandra , Savant Shravan V. , Shuldiner Scott R. , Armstrong Grayson W. , Miller John B. , Patel Nimesh A.
Published: October 2024

Purpose: To perform an outcome and cost analysis of follow-up visits and associated imaging in patients presenting to the Massachusetts Eye and Ear emergency department with commotio retinae. Methods: This retrospective consecutive case series comprised consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2022, who were diagnosed with contusion or other injuries of the eye or orbit (International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition, codes S05.1 and S05.8). Cost analysis was performed using Medicare fee data and previously described methods. Costs considered included follow-up examinations, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fundus photography. Results: Of the 490 patients presenting to the emergency department, 201 had findings of commotio retinae on examination and were included in this study. Of the 201 patients with initial commotio retinae, 142 (70.6%) returned for follow-up. OCT was performed in 34% of patients and fundus photography in 33%. A total of 254 follow-up visits were conducted. Four patients (2.8%) had retinal tears on follow-up, with only 1 (0.7%) developing a retinal detachment. Complications requiring intervention were always heralded by worsening symptoms. The total cost of follow-up was $60,436 for the cohort and $425.60 per patient. Conclusions: Patients with commotio retinae infrequently develop retinal complications and have a high rate of loss to follow-up. Significant resources are dedicated to following up and imaging patients with commotio retinae. Our results underscore the low utility in multiple follow-up visits among asymptomatic patients.
Time-Driven Activity-Based Cost Analysis of Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment at a Large Academic Center
Authors: Hwang Min W. , Bommakanti Nikhil , Young Benjamin K. , Besirli Cagri G.
Published: October 2024

Purpose: To perform a time-driven activity-based cost analysis of retinal detachment (RD) surgery and compare it with reimbursement rates. Methods: This economic analysis at a single academic institution used time-driven activity-based costing methodology to determine the cost of rhegmatogenous RD repair with primary pars plana vitrectomy. A process flow map was created to highlight each surgical case’s operative episodes, including clinical follow-ups. Time logs were obtained from the electronic health record for each operative phase and clinical follow-up. The overhead and anesthesia costs were collected from the institution’s cost accounting system. The direct material and personnel costs were obtained from internal financial data. Results: Seventy-six cases that met the inclusion criteria were included in the cost analysis study. The time-driven activity-based cost of RD was $6247.17, and the reimbursement was $5442.91. Therefore, each procedure had a net negative loss of $804.26. To break even, the average operation time would have to be reduced from the determined average of 90.49 minutes to 64.90 minutes. Conclusions: This study found that Medicare underestimates the true cost of RD surgery. Changes in referral patterns may be motivated by reimbursement rates lower than the cost of the procedure, which could ultimately affect patient access to care.
Activating smell’s political potential through smellwalk route design
Authors: Mannigel Lauryn , Sabourin Vicky , Spackman Christy
Published: October 2024

This text unravels the collaborative design approach we—Ph.D. researcher Lauryn Mannigel, science and technology studies scholar Christy Spackman, cultural geographer Kevin McHugh, and visual artist and Studio Arts instructor Vicky Sabourin—used to create the route of a guided smellwalk for Montréal’s Quartier Concordia, exploring the political potential of smell. Drawing from the perspectives of practicing artists who value smell’s ephemerality, contextuality, and materiality, this text outlines the development of the smellwalk route, where we tested Mannigel’s conceptual curiosity in designing a path around the Henry F. Hall building—a building with a contentious political past—and Sabourin’s familiarity with the smells of frequently encountered spaces at Quartier Concordia. By exploring the roles of geographical proximity and distance, spatial familiarity and unfamiliarity, and the recollection of smell experiences—creatively balancing preconceived ideas with chance and pragmatics—our creative process develops a practice-led framework for olfactory encounters and public discussions that may activate the political potential of smell.
Use of Subsidized Health Services by Artists in Canada: An Exploratory Study
Authors: de Youngster Sesinam , Li Shelly-Anne
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Creative and performing artists are often confronted with precarious employment and insufficient healthcare coverage. A clinic in Canada that provides specialized healthcare to artists offers eligible artists subsidized health services. We aim to compare the use of health services, demographics and health conditions between subsidy artist recipients (SAs) and non-subsidy artists (NSAs).

Methods

We accessed existing data from 265 SAs and 711 NSAs and applied descriptive and inferential statistics to address our research questions.

Results

Musculoskeletal issues, stress, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders are the most common health problems faced by SAs. Compared to NSAs, SAs were more likely to seek treatment for stress, but less likely to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, chronic problems, and upper extremity problems.

Discussion

Future research may investigate the enduring effects of subsidized health services on SAs’ health outcomes. Sustained positive outcomes are crucial for maintaining an artist’s career and well-being.
Validation and correlation of high-sensitive troponin I and troponin T in the emergency department
Authors: Nseir Moustafa. , Mokhtari Arash. , Stanisic Mia. , Ekström Ulf. , Labaf Ashkan
Published: October 2024

Background

Troponin elevation is frequently observed in various scenarios in the Emergency Department (ED), yet there is a paucity of studies investigating simultaneously measured high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and troponin I (hs-cTnI) within a diverse cohort in a clinical setting.

Methods

All patients who underwent troponin testing at a single center were eligible for this study. Only patients with simultaneous samples with hs-cTnI (Siemens) and hs-cTnT (Roche) were included, regardless of chief complaint.

Results

Analysis of 1987 samples from 1134 patients showed a significant correlation between hs-cTnT and hs-cTnI (r = 0.86, p < 0.01). Of these samples, 65% exceeded the upper reference limit (URL) for hs-cTnT, and 30% for hs-cTnI with 39% who exhibited elevated hs-cTnT levels alongside normal hs-cTnI levels. The area under the curve (AUC) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) for the index visit was 0.80 (95% CI; 0.75–0.85) for hs-cTnT and 0.87 (95% CI; 0.83–0.91) for hs-cTnI. Sensitivity and specificity were 91% and 39% for hs-cTnT, and 80% and 80% for hs-cTnI. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) was 9.3% and 98.5% for hs-cTnT respectively, corresponding for hs-cTnI was 21.3% and 98.3% respectively. Hazard ratios for 1-year mortality were 1.52 (95% CI; 1.40–1.66) for hs-cTnT and 1.26 (95% CI; 1.18–1.34) for hs-cTnI.

Conclusion

Elevated troponins above the URL were very common in this diverse cohort, particularly for hs-cTnT, which was twice as frequent compared to hs-cTnI, resulting in low specificity and PPV for AMI.
Clinical prediction models for the management of blunt chest trauma in the emergency department: a systematic review
Authors: Battle Ceri , Cole Elaine , Carter Kym , Baker Edward
Published: October 2024

Background

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate how clinical prediction models compare in terms of their methodological development, validation, and predictive capabilities, for patients with blunt chest trauma presenting to the Emergency Department.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted across databases from 1st Jan 2000 until 1st April 2024. Studies were categorised into three types of multivariable prediction research and data extracted regarding methodological issues and the predictive capabilities of each model. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed.

Results

41 studies were included that discussed 22 different models. The most commonly observed study design was a single-centre, retrospective, chart review. The most widely externally validated clinical prediction models with moderate to good discrimination were the Thoracic Trauma Severity Score and the STUMBL Score.

Discussion

This review demonstrates that the predictive ability of some of the existing clinical prediction models is acceptable, but high risk of bias and lack of subsequent external validation limits the extensive application of the models. The Thoracic Trauma Severity Score and STUMBL Score demonstrate better predictive accuracy in both development and external validation studies than the other models, but require recalibration and / or update and evaluation of their clinical and cost effectiveness.

Review registration

PROSPERO database (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=351638).
Effectiveness of the active communication education program in improving the general quality of life of older adults who use hearing aids: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Marcotti Anthony , Rivera Sebastián , Silva-Letelier Catherine , Galaz-Mella Javier , Fuentes-López Eduardo
Published: October 2024

Background

Hearing loss in older adults affects general, generic health-related and disease-specific quality of life (QoL). The conventional strategy to address it is through hearing aids, which have been shown to improve disease-specific QoL. However, the long-term results regarding general quality of life are unknown, and communication problems and stigma associated with hearing loss may persist. An effective intervention strategy to address these problems is group communication programs, most notably Active Communication Education (ACE). This program has been shown to increase communication strategies and reduce communication activity limitations and participation restrictions. These precedents allow us to hypothesize that this program could improve general QoL.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 114 older adult hearing aid users. Fifty-four subjects composed the intervention group that received the ACE program, while 60 subjects composed the control group that received an informational-lectures type intervention. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to measure general QoL. Measurements were taken before and right after the intervention, with follow-ups at 6 and 12 months. Multilevel linear mixed models were estimated, considering the WHOQOL-BREF dimension scores and total score as the outcomes, and an interaction term between time since intervention and group as the predictor. Within- and between-group comparisons were made.

Results

Compared to the baseline time-point, the ACE group showed significant improvements right after the intervention, and at the 6-month and 12-month follow-ups for the dimensions of psychological health, social relationships, environment, and total score. Compared to the control group, the ACE group exhibited significantly greater improvements in the social dimension at all postintervention assessments, as well as in the environment dimension and total score at the 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions

The ACE program improved general QoL in terms of social relationships and environment dimensions, which lasted up to 12 months after the intervention. Therefore, ACE is positioned as an effective complement for HA users, enhancing and delivering new benefits related to broader aspects of QoL not necessarily tied to health.

Trial registration

ISRCTN54021189 (retrospectively registered on 18/07/2023).
Primary lymphoma of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) in the urinary bladder mimicking recurrent urinary tract infection: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liang Po-Sung , Shih Hung-Jen , Huang Sheng-Hsien , Chen Yi-Zhong
Published: October 2024

We report the case of a 79-year-old woman with primary lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in the urinary bladder. The patient, with urinary frequency, urgency and suprapubic pain had several emergency room visits due to recurrent urinary tract infection. Both sonogram and cystoscopy identified bladder tumors near the bladder neck. An abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed a polypoid lesion on the anterior bladder wall without enlarged lymph nodes. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor was conducted. The pathology report confirmed extranodal marginal zone MALT lymphoma. The clinical stage was IEA. Follow-up imaging reported residual bladder tumors, prompting adjuvant radiotherapy. The patient was treated successfully and was disease-free at the 9-month follow-up visit. Primary lymphoma is an uncommon pathological subtype. Its clinical and radiological differentiation from urothelial carcinoma (UC) can be challenging, but treatment strategies differ significantly. A definitive diagnosis relies on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Typically, bladder lymphoma has a favorable prognosis, but further research is required to identify the optimal treatment.
Differential transcriptomic host responses in the early phase of viral and bacterial infections in human lung tissue explants ex vivo
Authors: Sohail Aaqib , Waqas Fakhar H. , Braubach Peter , Czichon Laurien , Samir Mohamed , Iqbal Azeem , de Araujo Leonardo , Pleschka Stephan , Steinert Michael , Geffers Robert , Pessler Frank
Published: October 2024

Background

The first 24 h of infection represent a critical time window in interactions between pathogens and host tissue. However, it is not possible to study such early events in human lung during natural infection due to lack of clinical access to tissue this early in infection. We, therefore, applied RNA sequencing to ex vivo cultured human lung tissue explants (HLTE) from patients with emphysema to study global changes in small noncoding RNA, mRNA, and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA, lincRNA) populations during the first 24 h of infection with influenza A virus (IAV), Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Results

Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused the strongest expression changes and was the only pathogen that notably affected expression of microRNA and PIWI-associated RNA. The major classes of long RNAs (> 100 nt) were represented similarly among the RNAs that were differentially expressed upon infection with the three pathogens (mRNA 77–82%; lncRNA 15–17%; pseudogenes 4–5%), but lnc-DDX60-1, RP11-202G18.1, and lnc-THOC3-2 were part of an RNA signature (additionally containing SNX10 and SLC8A1) specifically associated with IAV infection. IAV infection induced brisk interferon responses, CCL8 being the most strongly upregulated mRNA. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified airway epithelial cells and macrophages as the predominant IAV host cells, but inflammatory responses were also detected in cell types expressing few or no IAV transcripts. Combined analysis of bulk and single-cell RNAseq data identified a set of 6 mRNAs (IFI6, IFI44L, IRF7, ISG15, MX1, MX2) as the core transcriptomic response to IAV infection. The two bacterial pathogens induced qualitatively very similar changes in mRNA expression and predicted signaling pathways, but the magnitude of change was greater in P. aeruginosa infection. Upregulation of GJB2, VNN1, DUSP4, SerpinB7, and IL10, and downregulation of PKMYT1, S100A4, GGTA1P, and SLC22A31 were most strongly associated with bacterial infection.

Conclusions

Human lung tissue mounted substantially different transcriptomic responses to infection by IAV than by BCG and P. aeruginosa, whereas responses to these two divergent bacterial pathogens were surprisingly similar. This HLTE model should prove useful for RNA-directed pathogenesis research and tissue biomarker discovery during the early phase of infections, both at the tissue and single-cell level.
Estimation of the biaxial tensile behavior of ovine esophageal tissue using artificial neural networks
Authors: Ngwangwa H. M. , Modungwa D. , Pandelani T. , Nemavhola F. J.
Published: October 2024

Diseases of the esophagus affect its function and often lead to replacement of long sections of the organ. Current healing methods involve the use of bioscaffolds processed from other animal models. Although the properties of these animal models are not exactly the same as those of the human esophagus, they nevertheless present a reasonable means of assessing the biomechanical properties of the esophageal tissue. Besides, sheep bear many similarities physiologically to humans and they also suffer from same diseases as humans. The morphology of their esophagus is also comparable to that of humans. Thus, in the study, an ovine esophagus was studied. Studies on the planar biaxial tests of the gross esophageal anatomy are limited. The composite nature of the gross anatomy of the esophagus makes the application of structure-based models such as Holzapfel-type models very difficult. In current studies the tissue is therefore often separated into specific layers with substantial collagen content. The effects of adipose tissue and other non-collagenous tissue often make the mechanical behavior of the esophagus widely diverse and unpredictable using deterministic structure-based models. Thus, it may be very difficult to predict its mechanical behavior. In the study, an NARX neural network was used to predict the stress–strain response of the gross anatomy of the ovine esophagus. The results show that the NARX model was able to achieve a correlation above 99.9% within a fitting error margin of 16%. Therefore, the use of artificial neural networks may provide a more accurate way of predicting the biaxial stress–strain response of the esophageal tissue, and lead to further improvements in the design and development of synthetic replacement materials for esophageal tissue.