bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impulse controls in optimal harvesting of age-structured populations
Authors: Hritonenko Natali , Kato Nobuyuki , Yatsenko Yuri
Published: December 2022

A nonlinear optimal control problem in the Lotka–McKendrick population model is studied. It describes rational management of age-structured farmed populations in aquaculture and indoor farms. Employing generalized functions, we prove the impulse nature of optimal harvesting. Exact analytic solutions for sustainable harvesting strategies are obtained and used to analyze the optimal dynamics of harvesting age and rotation under technological innovations.
Bus Route Design Problem for Rural Tourism Objectives: A Multiobjective Approach
Authors: Li Juchen , Guo Xiucheng , Lu Ruiying , Liu Pei
Published: December 2022

Rural tourism bus routes are an essential component of rural public transport systems, intending to serve tourist trips with passengers moving between critical regional transport nodes and tourist attractions. This paper presents a methodology for the optimal design of rural tourism bus routes by minimizing total travel costs for tourists and maximizing the total quality of tourism bus services. Road scenery, road design attributes, and route popularity elements are integrated into the evaluation of tourism bus service quality. The constraints for the bus route planning and tourism demand are taken into account to guarantee the rational design of rural tourism bus routes. A solution approach is put forward based on the initial solution set generation procedure and strengthens the elitist genetic algorithm. Finally, the bus network in a rural tourism destination of Nanjing is taken as the case study to validate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed model.
Optimization of Grinding Parameters of Tool Steel by the Soft Computing Technique
Authors: Hatami Omid , Sayadi Daniyal , Razbin Milad , Adibi Hamed
Published: December 2022

Grinding is one of the most complex and accurate machining processes, and the efficiency of the grinding wheel depends significantly on its surface properties. This work aims to propose an algorithmic manner that reduces the cost and time to conduct grinding of an optimized DIN 1.2080 tool steel (SPK) using a soft computing technique to obtain the best combination of input parameters including depth of cut (20, 40, 60 

μ
m

), wheel speed (15, 20, 25 

m
/
s

), feed rate (100, 300, 500 

m
m
/
s

), and incidence angle (0, 30, 45

d
e
 
g
r
e
e
s

) with respect to output parameters consisting of average surface roughness and specific grinding energy. According to the input parameters and their levels, an experiment using fractional factorial design of experiment (RFDOE) was designed. Later on, two parallel feed-forward backpropagation (FFBPNN) networks with similar topology made up of 4, 11, and 1 units in their input, hidden, and output layers are trained, respectively. After sensitivity analyses of networks for determination of the relative importance of input variables, a genetic algorithm (GA) adopting linear programming (LP) based on Euclidean distance is coupled to networks to seek out the best combinations of input parameters that result in minimum average surface roughness and minimum specific grinding energy. The findings revealed that RFDOE provides valid data for training FFBP networks with a total goodness value of more than 1.99 in both cases. The sensitivity analyses showed that feed rate (38.97%) and incidence angle (33.94%) contribute the most in the case of average surface roughness and specific grinding energy networks, respectively. Despite the similar surface quality based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the optimization resulted in an optimized condition of the depth of cut of 25.23 

μ
m

, wheel speed of 15.02 

m
m
/
s

, feed rate of 369.45 

m
m
/
s

, and incidence angle of 44.98

d
e
 
g
r
e
e
s

, which had a lower cost value (0.0146) than the optimum one (0.0953). Thus, this study highlights that RFDOE with a hybrid optimization using FFBP networks-GA/LP can effectively minimize both average surface roughness and specific grinding energy of SPK.
Application of the Modified Basic Life Support Training Model in Improving Community Residents’ Rescue Willingness in Nantong City in China
Authors: Qian Yu-Fei , Ren Yu-Qin , Wang Li , Sun Rong-Qian , Li Dan-Feng
Published: December 2022

Objective. This study explores the application and effect of the modified basic life support training in improving the first-aid level and rescue willingness of community residents in China. Methods. A total of 94 residents of a community in Nantong city were selected as the subjects by cluster sampling to receive the modified basic life support (BLS) training. The BLS knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of all recruited subjects were evaluated by a questionnaire before and after training. A skill operation assessment was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the modified BLS training. Results. There were statistically significant differences in the BLS rescue willingness, theory, and skill scores before and after the training

P
<
0.01

. A total of 93.62% of the residents considered the modified BLS training model easier to learn and acceptable than the traditional model, and 92.55% of them thought the training content and teaching arrangement were reasonable. Conclusion. The modified BLS training model could improve the community residents’ rescue willingness and skill mastery rates, enhance their first-aid skills and awareness, reduce the risk of disease transmission to a certain extent, and improve the success rate of prehospital first aid to ensure the safety of rescuers and patients.
Hildegard von Bingen: El sustrato de la salud y la enfermedad
Authors: Duarte García de Cortázar Ignacio
Published: December 2022

Hildegard von Bingen, abadesa benedictina alemana del siglo XII, escribió Causas y remedios, libro en que expuso su sistema sobre la composición y funcionamiento del cuerpo humano. Este consta de un componente material: los cuatro elementos del universo y cuatro humores del cuerpo. Interviene un componente fisio-patológico, representado por el efecto de las cualidades de los elementos y los humores (flemas y livores) que activan el funcionamiento normal y anormal. El conjunto está regido por un componente espiritual: el alma infundida por Dios.Von Bingen desarrolla su pensamiento desde una perspectiva teológica basada en Dios creador del universo y de la humanidad. En cambio los autores hipocráticos precedentes se circunscribían al ámbito del  hombre y de la naturaleza. Los humores hipocráticos conservaban cada uno sus propiedades; los hildegardianos modificaban sus cualidades dependiendo de la condición, sucesión, o mezcla en que participaban. La autora destaca la función de la médula ósea, las venas y la sangre por las reacciones que ocurrían en ellas entre los elementos y los humores. La médula imprimía fuerza y color rojo a la sangre; a veces formaba la sangre. Según Hildegard, la sangre fluía en las venas. En el siglo II Galeno pensaba que la sangre intravascular tenía un movimiento de flujo y reflujo, y que en su mayor parte se consumía en las venas después de transferir nutrientes al cuerpo.
Tras las huellas de la tristeza asesina: despersonalización, trabajo enajenado y Kriminalgeschichte en Die Leiden des jungen Werthers de J.W. von Goethe
Authors: Andrade Ricardo
Published: December 2022

A los 190 años de la partida del reconocido escritor alemán, una de sus obras de juventud es importante para entender la actualidad de su crítica a las sociedades afianzadas en la anulación de los individuos. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo detenerse en dos puntos concretos de la celebre novela. El primer punto tiene que ver con la incipiente burocratización del trabajo en los albores de la modernidad capitalista en la Alemania del siglo XVIII y la deformación del sujeto, cuya consecuencia es una existencia mediada por lo tanático. Esta primacía de lo tanático deviene en la creación de un potencial criminal y en una enajenación con un marcado acento homicida. El segundo punto está relacionado con una propuesta de lectura: Goethe se apropia de los elementos de las Kriminalgeschichten para señalar una serie de problemas de orden social, religioso y político vinculadas a las aspiraciones revolucionarias de la burguesía alemana del período. La conjunción de ambos elementos permiten renovar la importancia de la novela en relación con una crítica a las formas opresivas estatales-jurídicas, sociales y económicas que se hallan en las contradictorias estructuras ideológicas de la modernidad en Alemania.
Association of Lipoprotein (a) With Coronary-Computed Tomography Angiography–Assessed High-Risk Coronary Disease Attributes and Cardiovascular Outcomes
Authors: Dai Neng , Chen Zhangwei , Zhou Fan , Zhou You , Hu Nan , Duan Shaofeng , Wang Wei , Yu Yongfu , Zhang Longjiang , Qian Juying , Ge Junbo
Published: December 2022

Background:

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a risk factor for cardiovascular events. This study evaluated the relationship between Lp(a) and high-risk attributes by coronary computed tomography angiography as well as their prognostic value.

Methods:

Lp(a) and coronary computed tomography angiography from 377 consecutive patients at Zhongshan Hospital (Shanghai, China) were evaluated. High-risk attributes were defined as high-risk morphological attributes (low attenuation plaque, positive remodeling, napkin-ring sign, spotty calcification, minimum lumen area <4 mm
2
, or plaque burden [ratio between cross-sectional plaque area at the site of maximum stenosis and cross-sectional vessel area] ≥70%); inflammatory attribute represented by fat attenuation index; high-risk physiological attributes [lesion-specific ischemia defined by fractional flow reserve by coronary computed tomography angiography ≤0.8, physiologic diffuseness defined by fractional flow reserve by coronary computed tomography angiography pullback pressure gradient]. Total plaque volume in mm
3
was also quantified. Quintiles or binary classification of Lp(a) levels were used to evaluate its relationships with plaque features and clinical outcomes with ANOVA, Cox models, and log-rank tests, as appropriate. The major adverse cardiovascular event included cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization.

Results:

Lp(a) was significantly associated with total plaque volume (
P
=0.004), fat attenuation index (
P
=0.031), and fractional flow reserve by coronary computed tomography angiography pullback pressure gradient (
P
=0.038). Patients with a high Lp(a) level had a higher total plaque volume (393.3 mm
3
versus 293.9 mm
3
,
P
<0.001), lower pullback pressure gradient (0.62 versus 0.69,
P
=0.023), higher fat attenuation index (−70.5HU versus −73.9HU,
P
=0.004), and higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular event (14.5% versus 6.3%, adjusted hazard ratio: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.12–5.63,
P
=0.025). In a 4-group classification according to Lp(a) and high-risk attributes, patients with high Lp(a) and ≥3 high-risk attributes had the highest risk of major adverse cardiovascular event (25.9%; overall
P
<0.001). Causal mediation analysis revealed that around 40% of the prognostic effect of Lp(a) was mediated by high-risk attributes.

Conclusions:

Lp(a) level is associated with coronary computed tomography angiography high-risk characteristics, including morphologic, physiologic, and inflammatory attributes as well as major adverse cardiovascular event. This effect is partly mediated by inflammation and vulnerable plaque.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT05323227
Temnolopha paucusinota Muadsub & Pinkaew (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae), a new species from Thailand
Authors: MUADSUB SOPITA , PINKAEW NANTASAK
Published: December 2022

Temnolopha paucusinota sp. nov. from Thailand is described as new to science. Two specimens, a male and a female were collected in Phu Kheio Wildlife Sanctuary, northeastern Thailand. Due to more complete wing pattern, the female specimen is selected as the holotype. Illustrations of adults and genitalia are provided. An identification key of Thai Temnolopha species is also provided. This new species increases the number of described Temnolopha species to five worldwide.
Supporting Breastfeeding in Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology Dyads: Clinical Pathway With Illustrative Case Series
Authors: Graham M. Elise
Published: December 2022

Objectives:

The benefits of breastfeeding are well established, yet complex infants are less frequently supported to feed direct or pumped breastmilk. This article aims to provide an algorithm to support complex infants in meeting breastfeeding goals.

Methods:

Two cases are presented to illustrate the breastfeeding support pathway. Each involves early identification of motivated caregivers, consultation of allied health, and assessment of swallowing safety with modification of position or route as appropriate.

Results:

Two infants presented herein successfully continued to receive breastmilk despite airway complexity—1 with oral aversion secondary to prolonged nil per os period in the setting of tracheoesophageal fistula, and 1 with a tracheostomy secondary to subglottic stenosis.

Conclusions:

It is both possible and imperative to support complex infants in continuing to breastfeed, either directly or via the safest possible route, for the benefits to both members of the dyad.
Effects of heat transfer coefficient variations on composite curing
Authors: Fisher Adam , Levy Arthur , Kratz James
Published: December 2022

Curing of composite laminates in a vessel was investigated in this study. The environment inside the processing vessel dictates the efficiency and ultimately drives the quality of thermoset composite parts. Experimental measurements of spatial heat transfer coefficients were conducted on industrial scale vessels, including autoclaves and large ovens, which ultimately drives the quality of thermoset composite parts. The final part quality was investigated using the experimental data as input to a coupled heat transfer and curing model. Measurements showed that heat transfer coefficients in autoclaves were greater in magnitude and spatial variability. The distribution in the autoclaves followed a pattern common in the literature, in contrast to that in the ovens which varied considerably between devices. Numerical predictions indicated autoclave measured heat transfer coefficients provide less lag to the imposed temperature history and smaller temperature overshoots. However, the greater robustness to variability at autoclave heat transfer coefficients was offset by the greater variability, resulting in comparable robustness across the ovens and autoclaves.
“I Refuse to Wear a Mask!” Examining the Relationship Between Grit and Preventative Behaviors and Well-Being: Mediating Role of Motivation
Authors: Reizer Abira , Galperin Bella L.
Published: December 2022

Despite government mandates to wear face masks in some public locations, why do some people still refuse to wear a face mask in public? This paper examines the relationship between grit, COVID-19 preventative health measure, and distress. Further, the mediating role of COVID-19 autonomous and controlled motivation is also investigated. The results suggest that grit is directly related to decreased distress and increased preventative behaviors. COVID-19 autonomous and controlled motivated mediated the relationship between grit, distress and preventive behaviors, such that COVID-19 autonomous motivation mediated the association between grit and preventive behaviors; while COVID-19 controlled motivation mediated the relationship between grit and psychological distress. These findings suggest that grit can be an important growth mindset in increasing preventative behaviors and individual well-being during the pandemic. Implications for human resource managers in attempting to help employees cope effectively during the pandemic are discussed.
Wage determination in the shadow of the law: The case of works councilors in Germany
Authors: Goerke Laszlo , Pannenberg Markus
Published: December 2022

The German law on co-determination at the plant level ( Betriebsverfassungsgesetz) stipulates that works councilors are neither to be financially rewarded nor penalized for their activities. However, lavish payments to works councilors in some large firms have generated a debate about the need to reform the law. This article offers an empirical basis for the discussion and provides representative evidence on wage payments to works councilors for the period 2001–2015. The authors find wage premia of 3–7% in OLS specifications, but observe no wage differentials in linear fixed-effects panel data specifications. Similar results are found for various subgroups of employees and when focusing on employees in particular types of firms. Hence, the results indicate that payments to works councilors are broadly in line with legal regulations.
Understanding the Goals of Older Adults with Complex Care Needs, Their Family Caregivers and Their Care Providers Enrolled in a Patient Navigation Program
Authors: Kokorelias Kristina M. , Singh Hardeep , Posa Stephanie , Hitzig Sander L.
Published: December 2022

Patient navigation models of care are being used to support hospital-to-home transitions. The present paper aimed to explore the goals important to older adults, their caregivers, and care providers as they transition from hospital-to-home and how, if at all, patient navigation can enable goals of care. Data were comprised of 94 interviews with 16 older adults, 5 family caregivers and 48 healthcare providers. Data were analyzed thematically and similarities and differences in goals were identified. Shared goals included having someone to count on and easy access to services. Older adults expressed the goal of independence, whereas family caregivers and healthcare providers noted safety. Caregivers noted goals of developing skills. While patient navigation was viewed as meeting goals of care by participants, future research is required to determine how patient navigation can support goal setting as a standard clinical practice and the long-term patient outcomes of meeting goals.
Do Donors Penalize Nonprofits With Higher Non-Program Costs? A Meta-Analysis of Donor Overhead Aversion
Authors: Hung ChiaKo , Hager Mark A. , Tian Yuan
Published: December 2022

Disparate research on overhead aversion and nonprofit starvation can benefit from a conceptual model that explains their relationships. Following resurrection of such a model, we focus on one important piece: the relationship between overhead spending and nonprofit donations. Studies on this topic have produced inconclusive results. Our meta-analysis clarifies the relationship by synthesizing a sample of 30 original studies with 244 effect sizes. We uncover a negative association suggesting that donors penalize nonprofits with higher overhead costs. Moreover, our meta-regression models reveal that experimental designs detect higher donor aversion than studies that use other research designs and that amateur donors have more intense overhead aversion than professional donors. However, studies that measure administrative costs do not report more negative effects than studies that measure both administrative and fundraising costs. The overall contribution of the meta-analysis solidifies the conceptual link between reported capacity costs and funders’ giving decisions, a key arc in the nonprofit starvation cycle.
Energy-driven damage evolution and instability in fissure-cavity-contained granite induced by freeze-thaw and multistage increasing-amplitude cyclic (F-T-MSIAC) loads
Authors: Wang Yu , Han Jianqiang , Xia Yingjie , Zhang Bo
Published: December 2022

Rock damage and fracture is energy-driven, the energy conversion characteristics for the pre-flawed rock under static or fatigue loading conditions have been well widely studied. However, energy mechanism of rock containing fissures and hollow hole exposed to coupled freeze-thaw and cyclic loads is not well understood. In this work, damage and fracture evolution of pre-flawed hollow-cylinder granite specimens induced by freeze-thaw and multistage increasing-amplitude cyclic (F-T-MSIAC) loads were investigated using energy analysis. Testing results show that the volumetric deformation of rock is affected by the previous freeze-thaw cycles. Rock volumetric deformation decreases with increasing freeze-thaw cycle. The elastic strain energy and dissipated strain energy both decreases with increasing freeze-thaw cycles. When rocks undergo relatively small freeze-thaw cycles, a large amount of energy is consumed to drive crack propagation and cavity collapse. A coupling damage evolution model considering the freezing-thaw and mechanical damage was proposed. The model fits well to the two-stage and three-stage damage accumulation pattern. Two-dimensional CT images reveal different fracture network morphology and the effect of freeze-thaw weathering on crack coalescence. The results show that rock fracture is easy to occur under high freeze-thaw cycles, and less energy is required to communicate the fissures and hollow hole.
Transfusion Practices in Gastrointestinal Bleeding – a Tertiary Care Single-Centre Analysis
Authors: Costa Ana Palricas , Pereira Carla Leal , Garção Ana , Rodrigues Anabela
Published: December 2022

Acute upper or lower Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a clinical emergency in which transfusion can be lifesaving. An individualized and restrictive transfusion strategy is recommended. This study aims to analyze and evaluate GIB transfusion practices during one year in a large tertiary hospital in Lisbon, Portugal. All patients with GIB and transfusion support during 2014 were identified and clinical data collected and statistically treated. There were 1005 GIB transfusion episodes, in a total of 494 patients. Upper GIB was more common. The median haemoglobin concentration that triggered RBC transfusion was 7,6 g/dL with a median of 2 RBC per episode. In 21,9% of episodes, RBC were used in combination with other therapies, in 70,8%, only RBC were administered and in 7,3% RBC were not used at all. In the subgroup of patients receiving FC and/or PCC there were higher median of blood products transfused: RBC (3 17 units), FFP (3 units), PC (1 unit). In a large percentage of the transfusion episodes for GIB, only RBC were used whereas only 7,3% of the GIB didn't require RBC transfusion. Patients requiring FC and/or PCC, needed more allogenic components. We observed, in accordance with the latest clinical practice guidelines and the published literature, a restrictive transfusion approach in our clinical practice.
Similarities in the histological mouse model of early herpes simplex retinopathy with punctate inner choroidopathy and Ebola virus disease retinopathy
Authors: Steptoe Paul J , Guly Catherine M , Dick Andrew D
Published: December 2022

Abstract Purpose

To highlight similarities between the cross-sectional retinal lesion appearance in a patient with punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC), Ebola virus disease (EVD) retinopathy and the von Szily mouse model of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV) retinopathy.

Methods

Case report and cross-sectional retinal lesion comparison.

Results

Whilst phenotypically different on colour imaging, a near-identical lesion appearance on optical coherence tomography, characterised by a focal photoreceptor loss and distinctive V-shaped collapse of the overlying retinal layers, was observed in both PIC and EVD retinopathy. This mirrored the early histological appearance of the neuronally transmitted HSV retinopathy in a mouse model.

Conclusions

Given the occurrence of this phenotypic appearance has been demonstrated in an animal model where the viral pathophysiological mechanism is known, together with its observation in EVD retinopathy with a shared, hypothesised neurotropic retinal pathogenesis, the potential of a common pathophysiology accounting for the appearance in PIC lesions is a possibility which may provide a potential avenue for future research.
Management of patients undergoing cataract surgery: An Italian survey
Authors: Orfeo Vincenzo , Aragona Pasquale , Rossi Scipione , Mastropasqua Leonardo , Alessio Giovanni , Vinciguerra Paolo , Ciprandi Giorgio , Tognetto Daniele
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To investigate the management of patients undergoing cataract surgery in Italy.

Setting

Italian ocular surgeons, members of the Italian Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (AICCER), were invited to participate to this survey.

Design

Participants had to respond to a questionary including a series of practical questions concerning the management of patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Methods

A designed questionnaire explored the main issues concerning the practical problems involved in managing patients undergoing cataract surgery. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail and analyzed by descriptive statistics.

Results

Preoperative prophylaxis was performed by most surgeons. After surgery, several products were used, even simultaneously. Fixed antibiotic-corticosteroid combination (87.2%; 89) and NSAIDs (88.2; 90) were chosen as the most commonly used drug classes. The average duration of prescribed post-surgical therapies was more than two weeks for 52.9% (54) of participants, two weeks for 29.4% (30), and only one week for 5.9% (6).

Conclusion

This survey confirmed a discrete adherence to the main guidelines but at the same time highlights a discrete inhomogeneity in the use of medications, duration of treatments, and follow-up visits. For this reason, it is appropriate to continue updating and implementing the guidelines and educational pathways. This thought is consistent with the Precision Medicine approach. Every patient should be carefully evaluated to determine the best medication, dosage, and duration. A Personalized Medicine strategy is used on a single patient to optimize treatment clinical efficacy while minimizing side effects.
In Silico Design of siRNAs for Silencing CLEC5A Receptor as a Potential Therapeutic Approach Against Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infection in Human
Authors: Yasmin Tahirah , Adiba Maisha , Saba Abdullah Al , Nabi AHM Nurun
Published: December 2022

Dengue and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are mosquito-borne RNA viruses that can cause severe illness leading to death in the tropics and subtropics. Both of these viruses interact directly with the C-type lectin domain family 5, member A receptor (CLEC5A) on human macrophages which stimulates the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Since blockade of this interaction has been shown to suppress the secretion of cytokines, CLEC5A is considered a potential target for the development of new treatments to reduce virus-induced brain damage. Developing a vaccine against dengue is challenging because this virus can cause disease through 4 different serotypes. Therefore, the vaccine must immunize against all 4 serotypes to be effective, while unvaccinated people still contract JEV and suffer from its complications. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) play an important role in regulating gene expression by causing the degradation of target mRNAs. In this study, we attempted to rationally design potential siRNA molecules using various software, targeting the CLEC5A gene. In total, 3 siRNAs were found to be potential candidates for CLEC5A silencing. They showed good target accessibility, optimum guanine-cytosine (GC) content, the least chance of off-target effects, positive energy of folding, and strong interaction with Argonaute2 protein as denoted by a negative docking energy score. In addition, molecular dynamics simulation of the siRNA-Ago2-docked complexes showed the stability of the complexes over 1.5 nanoseconds. These predicted siRNAs might effectively downregulate the expression of the CLEC5A receptor and thus prove vital in the treatment of dengue and JEV infections.
Association of electronic cigarette use with circulating angiogenic cell levels in healthy young adults: Evidence for chronic systemic injury
Authors: Amraotkar Alok R , Owolabi Ugochukwu S , Malovichko Marina V , Majid Sana , Weisbrod Robert M , Benjamin Emelia J , Fetterman Jessica L , Hirsch Glenn A , Srivastava Sanjay , Poudel Ram , Robertson Rose Marie , Bhatnagar Aruni , Hamburg Naomi M , Keith Rachel J
Published: December 2022

Background:

Circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) are indicative of vascular health and repair capacity; however, their relationship with chronic e-cigarette use is unclear. This study aims to assess the association between e-cigarette use and CAC levels.

Methods:

We analyzed CAC levels in 324 healthy participants aged 21–45 years from the cross-sectional Cardiovascular Injury due to Tobacco Use study in four groups: never tobacco users ( n = 65), sole e-cigarette users ( n = 19), sole combustible cigarette users ( n = 212), and dual users ( n = 28). A total of 15 CAC subpopulations with four cell surface markers were measured using flow cytometry: CD146 (endothelial), CD34 (stem), CD45 (leukocyte), and AC133 (early progenitor/stem). Generalized linear models with gamma distribution and log-link were generated to assess association between CACs and smoking status. Benjamini-Hochberg were used to adjust p-values for multiple comparisons.

Results:

The cohort was 47% female, 51% Black/African American, with a mean (± SD) age of 31 ± 7 years. Sole cigarette use was significantly associated with higher levels of two endothelial marker CACs (Q ⩽ 0.05). Dual users had higher levels of four endothelial marker CACs and one early progenitor/stem marker CAC (Q ⩽ 0.05). Sole e-cigarette users had higher levels of one endothelial and one leukocyte marker CAC (Q ⩽ 0.05).

Conclusion:

Dual use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes was associated with higher levels of endothelial origin CACs, indicative of vascular injury. Sole use of e-cigarettes was associated with higher endothelial and inflammatory CACs, suggesting ongoing systemic injury. Distinct patterns of changes in CAC subpopulations suggest that CACs may be informative biomarkers of changes in vascular health due to tobacco product use.
Dynamic analysis of train and bridge in crosswinds based on a coupled wind-train-track-bridge model
Authors: Wu Jinfeng , Cai CS , Li Xiaozhen , Liu Dejun
Published: December 2022

The dynamic performance and safety of both the train and the bridge are great concerns for long-span bridges subjected to crosswinds. For railway bridges, there is track laid on the bridge deck. The wind, train, track, and bridge subsystems form a complicated coupling system. This paper presents the dynamic responses of both the train and the bridge under crosswinds based on a wind-train-track-bridge coupled model, in which the vibration effect of the track structure involved in the coupling system is especially considered. For studying the dynamic responses of both the train and the bridge, models of railway vehicle dynamics are used for the train and a three-dimensional finite element model is used for the bridge. The train-track interaction and the track-bridge interaction are respectively considered. The wind action on the train and the bridge consists of a steady-state force and an unsteady-state force. Based on an in-situ test, the proposed numerical wind-train-track-bridge model involving the vibration effect of the track is validated. Then, the application of this proposed model on a long-span cable-stayed bridge on the Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong HSR (high-speed railway) is presented as a case study. The typical running train and track currently serving in the Chinese railway transportation system are modeled in this study. Excitations from track irregularities are also taken into account. Finally, with the proposed wind-train-track-bridge coupled model, the dynamic performance of both the train and the bridge subjected to crosswinds are investigated.
Behind the lab coat: How scientists’ self-disclosure on Twitter influences source perceptions, tweet engagement, and scientific attitudes through social presence
Authors: Zhang Annie Li , Lu Hang
Published: December 2022

Social media platforms like Twitter offer scientists the opportunity to share professional, personal, and scientific information with the public. This study explores the effects of these self-disclosure types. In an online between-subjects experiment ( N = 1458), participants rated scientists who disclosed personal information as more likable but less competent, and scientists who disclosed professional information as more competent and engaging. Subsequently, these perceptions influenced tweet engagement and certain scientific attitudes. Social presence served as a mediator between self-disclosure and perceptions. These findings broaden our understanding of science communication on Twitter as situated within a social media platform.
Evaluation of acoustic performance of cascaded cylindrical micro-perforated panel
Authors: Alisah Mohamad Izudin , Ooi Lu Ean , Ripin Zaidi Mohd , Yahaya Ahmad Fazli , Ho Kelvin
Published: December 2022

A cylindrical micro-perforated panel (MPP) can be used to absorb the sound of a flow system in a circular duct of a vacuum cleaner. A cascaded cylindrical MPP is a special class type where two cylindrical MPPs are arranged in a series to improve sound attenuation. The manufacturing of MPP primarily involves the machining of micro-perforations, because small holes are not readily made using injection moulding due to the complexity of the die, flow control of the molten polymer through the small orifices and dimensional stability, making it unsuitable for mass production. This limitation can be overcome with the use of additive manufacturing (AM) technology, where the micro-perforations can be designed and manufactured, with relatively larger tolerances. Experimental validation ensures that the manufactured prototype in this study is performed according to design. Results show that the transmission loss of the model and the experimental outcomes agree. The cascaded arrangement of the cylindrical MPP results in a wider effective frequency range and an increased transmission loss. Parametric studies of the combined effects of the perforation diameter, perforation ratio and the depth of air cavity on the diameter of the duct and length ratio are conducted using a transfer matrix method. A case study is demonstrated here in the design. Moreover, an AM of cascaded cylindrical MPP is performed to attenuate peak noise at 1650 Hz, where the optimum parameters of the cascaded cylindrical MPP are obtained using a genetic algorithm. The manufactured cascaded cylindrical MPP is installed on a vacuum cleaner duct, and the measurement of sound power level shows a reduction of 4 dB(A).
Design of experiments to compare the reprocessing effect with Fused Deposition Modeling printing parameters on mechanical properties of Polylactic Acid specimens towards circular economy
Authors: Kuclourya Tanay , Monroy Roberto , Ahmad Rafiq
Published: December 2022

Distributed Recycling via Additive Manufacturing (DRAM) is a closed-loop material reprocessing solution that promotes circular economy. There are several literature gaps related to material properties and recycling cycles at different stages of the DRAM process. With an approach to filling these gaps, a small contribution has been made through this work by comparing the effect of reprocessing cycles (recycling) with the effect of FDM printing parameters such as Raster angle orientation, Infill density and Extrusion Temperature. These four parameters are ranked based on their impact on the tensile properties of Polylactic Acid (PLA) dog bone specimens. The Design of Experiments via Taguchi Analysis is carried out to avoid analysis of a large number of samples. The results show that recycling has the maximum impact on the tensile properties of PLA samples and can reduce the tensile strength by up to 75% in the course of four reprocessing cycles. The specimens had Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) values in the range of 20–26 MPa at the first reprocessing cycle which dropped significantly to a range of 7–9 MPa after the fourth reprocessing cycle. Additionally, a novel analysis on time and the number of specimens to be 3D printed at each reprocessing stage has also been conducted to help future researchers manage their printing schedule, especially in the recycling domain.
Volumetry of Hand and Forearm: A 3D Volumetric Approach
Authors: Oezel Lisa , Latz David , Gehrmann Sebastian Viktor , Taday Roman , Windolf Joachim , Schiffner E.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Swelling and edema of the hand and forearm may occur in various traumatic and degenerative diseases. So far, no precise measurement protocol exists. The objective of this study was to evaluate an examination protocol with relevant regions of interest (ROIs) measured by a 3-dimensional (3D) scanner to achieve precise, reproducible, and objective measurements for an optimized detection of volumes of the hand and forearm.

Methods:

A 3D scan protocol was developed using an Artec, 3D scanner EVA to measure discrete hand volumes of healthy volunteers. Five areas were defined as ROIs, representing volumes of the finger, metacarpus, wrist, hand, and distal forearm. Contralateral limbs were used for volume comparisons and calculation of volume differences.

Results:

For this study, 12 individuals (58.3% women, 24 hands and forearms) with a mean age of 27.1 ± 3 years were included. Mean volume values for left and right ROIs correlated with each other, with slightly higher volumes for the right upper extremity. Volume differences showed statistically significant results for the finger region (ROI I; P = .009), the metacarpal region (ROI II; P < .001), hand region (ROI IV; P = .001), and forearm region (ROI V; P = .006), with the exception of the wrist region (ROI III; P = .722).

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate that this 3D volumetric approach is a reliable and objective tool for measuring volumes and circumferences in hand and forearm. Based on our determined ROIs, further studies are needed to explore the significance for clinical applications.
Virtual Programming for Physical Activity Interventions: Integration of Behavioral Components
Authors: Markofski Melissa M. , Johnston Craig A.
Published: December 2022

The SARS-Cov-2 pandemic changed many contemporary experiences, including how healthcare and exercise programming are delivered. As a result of the pandemic, there was an increase in virtual services and programming and there continues to be a demand for virtual options. The results from Desir et al support the use of virtual visits to successfully change lifestyle factors, specifically nutrition and physical activity. The use of individualized dietary and exercise goals were important to the success of the intervention, and should not be disregarded. As virtual healthcare and exercise continues to evolve, to maximize behavior change, we should also consider how to include the social and community aspects of exercise. Regardless, it is encouraging to see that significant advances are being made in virtual programming and that the needed engagement can occur in a virtual setting.
Validation of three-dimensional printed models of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Mantilla Daniel E , Ferrara Riccardo , Ortiz Andrés F , Vera Daniela D , Nicoud Franck , Costalat Vincent
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has evolved for medical applications as it can produce customized 3D models of devices and implants that can improve patient care. In this study, we aimed to validate the geometrical accuracy of the 3D models of intracranial aneurysms printed using Stereolithography 3D printing technology.

Materials and methods

To compare the unruptured intracranial aneurysm mesh between the five patients and 3D printed models, we opened the DICOM files in the Sim&Size® simulation software, selected the region of interest, and performed the threshold check. We juxtaposed the 3D reconstructions and manually rotated the images to get the same orientation when needed and measured deviations at different nodes of the patient and 3D printed model meshes.

Results

In the first patient, 80% of the nodes were separated by <0.56 mm and 0.17 mm. In the second patient, the deviations were below 0.17 mm for 80% of the meshes’ nodes. In the next three patients, the deviations were below 0.21, 0.23, and 0.11 mm for 80% of the meshes’ nodes. Finally, the overall deviation was below 0.21 mm for 80% of the mesh nodes of the five aneurysms

Conclusions

3D printed models of intracranial aneurysms are accurate, having surfaces that resemble that of patients’ angiographies with an 80% cumulative deviation below 0.21 mm.
Bilateral carotid-cavernous fistula after trauma presenting as hemorrhagic shock: Case report
Authors: Cateura Jessica , Sahnoun Maher , Marlier Benoit , Pierot Laurent , Legros Vincent
Published: December 2022

Bilateral carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is a rare complication associated with severe head injury and skull base fractures. Initial presentation with hemodynamically relevant epistaxis is unusual. We report a case of a 27-year-old male presenting with severe craniocerebral injury associated with massive epistaxis. To stabilize the patient hemodynamically, the bleeding was stopped by embolization of left internal carotid artery with coils, after checking that the Willis circle is well compensated. The left CCF was embolized later with flow diverter stent when it was safe to use platelet aggregation inhibitors. Reporting this case enlighten the management of bilateral CCF with hemorrhagic shock.
Using a hospital passport from the perspective of adults with intellectual disabilities, family carers and health professionals: A qualitative study
Authors: McCormick Freda , Marsh Lynne , Taggart Laurence , Brown Michael
Published: December 2022

This article explores the experiences of the use of the Regional Health and Social Care Hospital Passport (Regional Hospital Passport) in Northern Ireland from the perspectives of adults with intellectual disabilities, family carers and health professionals. From semi-structured interviews three themes emerged: usefulness; facilitators; and barriers to the use of the Regional Hospital Passport. There were clear benefits of the Hospital Passport when used across hospital services and clinical practice settings such as dental and General Practices. There was participant agreement that communication and the person-centred care experiences were enhanced. Findings suggest that providers of health and social care services need to take greater responsibility and accountability for ensuring Regional Hospital Passports are promoted and used across all settings. There is a requirement to develop the wider use and uptake of hospital passports to support adults with intellectual disabilities, with potential for use with other patient groups.
Neuro-PIMS-TS: a single case report and review of the literature
Authors: Scarcella Antonio , Mastrolia Maria Vincenza , Marrani Edoardo , Maccora Ilaria , Pagnini Ilaria , Simonini Gabriele
Published: December 2022

Neurological manifestations related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults have been largely reported since the beginning of the pandemic. Subsequent large-scale studies involving children confirmed the occurrence of neurological symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection also among paediatric patients, especially in the context of paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19 (PIMS-TS). At this regard, we report the challenging case of a 10-month-old baby with PIMS-TS complicated by acute cerebral oedema successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulins, corticosteroids and anakinra. Our results, combined with the evidence of larger case series suggest that higher inflammatory burden is more frequent in patients with neuro PIMS-TS. As regards neuroimaging, neuroimmune disorders are found to be more common during acute COVID-19, MERS is more frequent during PIMS-TS. Distinct immune mechanisms may underlie these different types of neurological involvement, which are yet to be understood. Further studies are required to better define the physiopathology of neuro PIMS-TS and its possible therapeutical implications.
The Effects of a Single Bout of High- or Moderate-Intensity Yoga Exercise on Circulating Inflammatory Mediators: A Pilot Feasibility Study
Authors: Muñoz-Vergara Dennis , Schreiber Kristin L. , Langevin Helene , Yeh Gloria Y. , Zhu Yehui , Rist Pamela , Wayne Peter M.
Published: December 2022

Background

There is a knowledge gap in the physiological effects of short-term yoga exercise interventions.

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the acute effects of a yoga exercise protocol practiced at 2 intensities (high or moderate) on temporal responses of a battery of systemic circulatory cytokines in healthy yoga-naïve adults.

Methods

This study was a three-arm, pre-post pilot-RCT employing a single bout of yoga exercise intervention. Groups were high-intensity yoga (HY, n = 10), moderate-intensity yoga (MY, n = 10), and a sedentary, no-intervention control group (CON, n = 10). Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention at 6 timepoints (0-, 30-, 60-, 120-, 180-minutes, and 24-hours post-intervention) and were processed with a pre-defined inflammatory panel of 13 cytokines. Heart rate (HR) was assessed with a Polar H10® device. The PROMIS Pain intensity Questionnaire was used to assess body soreness.

Results

We demonstrate feasibility of recruitment, randomization, and retention of participants based upon predetermined metrics, including: proportion of eligible to enrolled participants (55%); recruitment period (11-months); participant retention (97%); completion rate for questionnaires (99%); completion of physiological measures (98%); and adherence to the yoga exercise protocol (88%). Cytokine levels over time were heterogeneous within and between groups. Responses of a subset of cytokines were positively correlated with 1 another in high- and moderate-intensity yoga exercise groups but not in the control group. Median values for HR were 91 (IQR: 71–95) in the HY, 95 (IQR: 88–100) in the MY, and 73 (IQR: 72–75) in the CON. Pre-post changes in body soreness after the yoga exercise intervention were most evident in the HY group.

Conclusion

Along with observed trends in select cytokines, findings encourage a more definitive trial aimed at understanding the short-term effects of yoga exercise on inflammatory immune markers and pain in sedentary healthy adults. Clinicaltrials.gov ID# NCT04444102.