bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric disorders in childhood cancer survivors: A retrospective matched cohort study of inpatient hospitalisations and community-based mental health services utilisation in Western Australia
Authors: Abdalla Tasnim , Preen David B , Pole Jason D , Walwyn Thomas , Bulsara Max , Ives Angela , Choong Catherine S , Ohan Jeneva L
Published: February 2024

Objective:

We examined the impact of long-term mental health outcomes on healthcare services utilisation among childhood cancer survivors in Western Australia using linked hospitalisations and community-based mental healthcare records from 1987 to 2019.

Method:

The study cohort included 2977 childhood cancer survivors diagnosed with cancer at age < 18 years in Western Australia from 1982 to 2014 and a matched non-cancer control group of 24,994 individuals. Adjusted hazard ratios of recurrent events were estimated using the Andersen–Gill model. The cumulative burden of events over time was assessed using the method of mean cumulative count. The annual percentage change in events was estimated using the negative binomial regression model.

Results:

The results showed higher community-based service contacts (rate/100 person-years: 30.2, 95% confidence interval = [29.7–30.7] vs 22.8, 95% confidence interval = [22.6–22.9]) and hospitalisations (rate/1000 person-years: 14.8, 95% confidence interval = [13.6–16.0] vs 12.7, 95% confidence interval = [12.3–13.1]) in childhood cancer survivors compared to the control group. Childhood cancer survivors had a significantly higher risk of any event (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.5, 95% confidence interval = [1.1–2.0]). The cumulative burden of events increased with time since diagnosis and across age groups. The annual percentage change for hospitalisations and service contacts significantly increased over time ( p < 0.05). Substance abuse was the leading cause of hospitalisations, while mood/affective and anxiety disorders were common causes of service contacts. Risk factors associated with increased service events included cancer diagnosis at age < 5 years, leukaemia diagnosis, high socioeconomic deprivation, and an attained age of < 18 years.

Conclusions:

The elevated utilisation of healthcare services observed among childhood cancer survivors emphasises the need for periodic assessment of psychiatric disorders, particularly in high-risk survivors, to facilitate early management and optimise healthcare resources.
Design of IoT-based solar array cleaning system with enhanced performance and efficiency
Authors: Ghafoor Muazzam , Amin Arslan Ahmed , Khalid Muhammad Shoaib
Published: February 2024

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels suffer from a reduction in performance due to dirt and environmental pollutants accumulating on their surface. As the number of solar panels installed grows, boosting their efficiency becomes more crucial to optimizing electricity output while decreasing the need for additional panels. Cleaning the PV panels can increase their efficiency, and an automated cleaning system with cutting-edge technologies can improve cleaning effectiveness. This article proposes a system that utilizes the Messaging Queuing Telemetry Transport protocol to enhance the efficiency of solar panels. Also, the system harnesses the power of IoT technology to automate the cleaning process. The system incorporates IoT-enabled sensors, actuators, and communication modules, all controlled by ESP-32. We programed the microcontroller using the software Arduino and Visual Studio Code. The Adafruit IO controls and monitors the system. Users can switch between fully automatic and manual modes using the Adafruit dashboard. The system utilizes DC motors, nylon brushes, a metal frame, a relay module, a buck converter, and a boost converter. A 10W solar panel powers the system with the help of a 20 A charge controller and a 12 V/2.5 Ah battery. The Adafruit dashboard fully controls and monitors the developed system. By automating the cleaning process and leveraging real-time data, the system maximizes solar power generation efficiency, minimizing downtime. The system increases the efficiency of tested 30 W solar panels by 30%.
Exploring the Repercussions of Bilateral Military Intrusions in the Horn of Africa: Ethiopia and Kenya’s Invasion of Somalia
Authors: Yigzaw Tadie Degie , Mengisteab Kidane
Published: February 2024

From antiquity to the present, states considered military intervention to be one of their tools for pursuing foreign policy objectives. The primary objective of this study is to investigate why Ethiopia’s and Kenya’s military interventions that used military intervention as their foreign policy largely failed to achieve their intervention objectives. The article used a single case study (the invasion of neighbors into Somalia territory) based on process tracing methodology, which seeks to explain why Ethiopia’s and Kenya’s interventions have largely failed (or been partially successful) in achieving the proclaimed goals. The article uses the “good enough” approach to analyze the operational outcomes of military incursions into Somalia by Kenya and Ethiopia. The study concludes that the intended goals were only partially achieved based on the findings. Due to inadequate pre-intervention planning, the presence of an intervening coalition, and strained historical ties between Ethiopia and Somalia, Ethiopia’s intervention was mainly ineffective. In contrast, Kenya’s weak pre-intervention planning, domestic circumstances, diplomatic crisis, and rivalry among regional powers have all contributed to the country’s interventions’ major failure. Thus, the results of the operations in Ethiopia and Kenya show that using military force alone as an instrument of foreign policy was ineffective; it needed to be combined with diplomacy and other means.
Exploring the Discursive Variability of Mathematics Coaches
Authors: Gillespie Ryan , Amador Julie , Choppin Jeffrey
Published: February 2024

Research on how coaches talk with teachers during coaching cycles is underdeveloped. We analyzed 1,649 discourse moves from 24 mathematics content-focused coaching cycles to determine the extent to which coaches’ discursive tendencies vary. We explored variation between coaches, between planning and debriefing conversations, and between cycles for the same coach–teacher pair. Findings indicate there existed significant variability in the coaches’ discourse moves during coaching cycles. We also found discursive differences from planning to debriefing meetings, noting that coaches were more directive and less reflective in planning conversations compared with debriefing conversations. Across multiple coaching cycles, we found variation across coaches, with one coach increasing the prevalence of directive moves across four planning conversations and another increasing the prevalence of reflective moves across four debriefing conversations. Although we focus on mathematics coaches, the findings and methodology may be applicable to other disciplines.
Impacts of neoliberal school reforms policy on students with disabilities in Nepal
Authors: Thapaliya Mukti
Published: February 2024

This article argues that special and inclusive education policies in Nepal have been influenced by neoliberal policy reforms. The study employs discourse analysis as a theoretical perspective to analyse the effects of market-based schooling practices on students with disabilities in Nepal. The findings of this study are informed to some extent by the outcomes of the doctoral research project (Thapaliya, 2018). Data was collected through policies and documents. A selection of key education policies and documents between 1990 to 2020 were examined and analysed. One core theme and five sub-themes were identified from the data analysis. Disability as a resource management issue was a main theme. (i) Managing resources; (ii) resource allocation criteria; (iii) professional experts deciding resource funds; (iv) competing for limited resources; and (v) competition and school choice were sub-themes. The available evidence signals that the marketisation model of education does not assist students with disabilities adequately. The findings of this study reveal that the current policy and practice signal changes in government structure rather than working to fulfil these commitments in the everyday practice of students with disabilities. The limitations of the study and recommendations of this research are also discussed.
Europeans Seek Exciting Experiences More Than Status: Exploring the Development of Two Fundamental Life Orientations
Authors: Schneickert Christian , Hess Stephanie , Delhey Jan
Published: February 2024

This article relates the lively debate about inequality-induced status concerns in affluent societies to the broader theoretical perspective on changing existential dispositions in modern society, which we reconstruct from the sociological theories of David Riesman, Gerhard Schulze and Ronald Inglehart. We conceptualise experience seeking – aspiring to an enjoyable life – alongside status seeking – aspiring to a successful life – as a presumably increasing life orientation. Using extensive data from the European Social Survey, for 27 countries and over 350,000 respondents over the period 2002–2018, we examine the extent and relationship of these orientations over time, their associations with socio-economic development and income inequality, as well as their social stratification according to individual-level characteristics. The results show that the populations of wealthy and economically more equal societies increasingly prefer an exciting life to a successful one. Within societies, men, younger people and the highly educated value both experiences and status.
Multiscale analysis method and experiments for the transverse mechanical property of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites
Authors: Jia Wenbin , Chen Zhi , Fang Lei , Xuan Haijun , He Zekan , Shi Jian , Zhang Gen
Published: February 2024

Carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composite laminates have been widely used in the case of advanced aero-engines, due to their high specific mechanical properties and mature production technology. In order to predict accurately the transverse mechanical properties of composites, this paper developed a multiscale analysis method which consists of three scales: At the microscale, an interfacial cohesive zone model is established based on atomic potential energy to describe the interface. At the mesoscale, a unit cell model is established to represent the fiber, matrix, and interface. At the macroscale, the homogenization method, failure criteria, and damage degradation models are utilized to predict transverse mechanical properties. The results of predictions are compared with experimental tests, and it is found that the maximum errors are less than 3%. Furthermore, the predicted damage evolution path aligns with the experimental results, thus validating the accuracy of the multiscale analysis method. By employing the multiscale analysis method, the effects of interfacial strength on the macroscopic transverse mechanical properties are analyzed. The simulation results indicate that: The interfacial strength has a more pronounced influence on the transverse strength and ultimate strain compared with the transverse modulus. Reducing the interfacial strength has a greater influence on the transverse modulus, strength, and ultimate strain than increasing the interfacial strength. The interfacial cohesive zone model can reflect the nonlinearity of epoxy matrix composite materials. Overall, the multiscale analysis method proves to be effective in accurately predicting the transverse mechanical properties of composites, and provides insights into the interfacial strength’s role in these properties.
The impact of chemical treatment and gamma-ray irradiation on the okra hessian cloth reinforced high-density polyethylene composites
Authors: Shahid Shohrawardy Mohammed Hossan , Mina Md Forhad , Alam AKM Moshiul , Khan Ruhul Amin
Published: February 2024

Okra hessian cloth-reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) thermoplastic composites were prepared and characterized with both raw and alkali-treated fibers. The fiber contents were optimized for both the raw Okra thermoplastic composites and the alkali-treated Okra thermoplastic composites, and the optimum value of fiber content was 55 wt%. Samples that were alkali-treated and had 55 wt% fibers were subsequently exposed to gamma radiation at doses of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 kGy. Only the sample subjected to 5 kGy showed improved performance. Treated composites exhibited higher crystallinities than the untreated samples as observed by X-Ray diffraction analysis. The rupture surface micrographs of the composites exposed to 5 kGy gamma radiation revealed more compact than others. By using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of composites, it was found that 5 kGy dose sample showed enhanced cross-linking between Okra fibers and HDPE matrix. The irradiated composite showed less water intake than the alkali-treated samples. Composites subjected to 5 kGy gamma rays showed improved tensile strength and Young’s modulus of values 66 MPa and 1925 MPa, respectively. Compared to raw and treated composites, the irradiated composites with a radiation dose of 5 kGy showed improved structural, mechanical, and thermal properties.
The Values of the Management of Value Conflict
Authors: Tholen Berry
Published: February 2024

An increasing number of strategies for dealing with value conflicts in public management have been presented. These include Cycling, Firewalling, Casuistry, Incrementalism, and so on. A closer look reveals an apparent contradiction. The strategies are presented as forms of practical rationality to go beyond instrumentalist approaches and find answers in the common interest, but at the same time they are presented as instrumental rational strategies to deal with blockades for particular interests. This paper uses Paul Ricoeur’s analyses of compromise and of political paradox to overcome this puzzling contradiction and to distinguish more justifiable strategies of value conflict management from less justifiable strategies
Factors Affecting Visual-Only Speech Recognition in Individuals With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Zhang Zhikai , Wei Chaogang , Cao Keli , Liu Yuhe
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Several reports have underlined the benefits of speechreading (visual-only speech recognition) on speech recognition in individuals with hearing loss after cochlear implantation (CI). However, the factors that would affect the ability of speechreading are unclear. The aim of the present study is to assess the factors that affect speechreading abilities in CI users. Methods: A total of 104 participants were enrolled in this retrospective study. They viewed silent videos of sentences being spoken by a model and were tasked with repeating what they thought had been said. They were tested under audio-only and visual-only conditions. Factors (such as the age, the age of CI; <3 years old vs 3-8 years old; male vs female, etc) believed to affect speechreading abilities were analyzed. Results: The age range of the participants is 8 to 34 years. CI users showed significantly different speechreading abilities among themselves. The authors found that age and hearing loss at 3 to 8 years of age were positively related to superior speechreading recognition scores. Conclusions: CI users followed a more complex method of perceptual compensation. Those who have suffered hearing loss between 3 and 8 years of age are more sensitive to developing an advantage in speech recognition by using speechreading. Older age positively affects speechreading abilities; thus, the more experience CI has, the greater speechreading ability they may exhibit.
The War on the North American Left-Wing Labor Movement From World War I Through the Post-World War II Period
Authors: Devinatz Victor G.
Published: February 2024

Repression of the North American trade union movement dates to the late nineteenth century. Much of this repression has occurred in response to union militancy during strikes, some of which were directed against political radicals of various orientations. Peaks of repression against radical trade unionism occurred during World War I and in the immediate postwar years as well as in the early Cold War period, after World War II’s conclusion into the early 1950s. Through the analysis of three recently published volumes, I argue that the repression of North American left-wing unions was intentionally severe because of the strength of these labor organizations and the threat they were perceived to pose to employers and the government. Given that these left-wing unions were much more militant than the American Federation of Labor unions, this governmental repression (as well as that of other forces) can be viewed as a conscious set of tactics invoked that were meant to break, or at a minimum tame, these radical unions in the service of capital. Such behavior also acted as a warning to nonradical unions that repression could be directed against them as well.
Using Age-Specific Rates for Parametric Survival Function Estimation in Simulation Models
Authors: Arrospide Arantzazu , Ibarrondo Oliver , Blasco-Aguado Rubén , Larrañaga Igor , Alarid-Escudero Fernando , Mar Javier
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To describe a procedure for incorporating parametric functions into individual-level simulation models to sample time to event when age-specific rates are available but not the individual data.

Methods

Using age-specific event rates, regression analysis was used to parametrize parametric survival distributions (Weibull, Gompertz, log-normal, and log-logistic), select the best fit using the R2 statistic, and apply the corresponding formula to assign random times to events in simulation models. We used stroke rates in the Spanish population to illustrate our procedure.

Results

The 3 selected survival functions (Gompertz, Weibull, and log-normal) had a good fit to the data up to 85 y of age. We selected Gompertz distribution as the best-fitting distribution due to its goodness of fit.

Conclusions

Our work provides a simple procedure for incorporating parametric risk functions into simulation models without individual-level data.

Highlights

We describe the procedure for sampling times to event for individual-level simulation models as a function of age from parametric survival functions when age-specific rates are available but not the individual data We used linear regression to estimate age-specific hazard functions, obtaining estimates of parameter uncertainty. Our approach allows incorporating parameter (second-order) uncertainty in individual-level simulation models needed for probabilistic sensitivity analysis in the absence of individual-level survival data.
Solid waste generation prediction model framework using socioeconomic and demographic factors with real-time MSW collection data
Authors: Fontaine Laurie , Legros Robert , Frayret Jean-Marc
Published: February 2024

This article proposes a framework for developing predictive models of end-of-life product flows, highlighting the importance of conducting thorough analyses before developing waste management and end-of-life product flow strategies. The framework emphasizes the importance of recognizing the nature and quality of the available data and finding a balance between model development time and detail requirements. It is designed to adapt to source material heterogeneity and address varying data availability scenarios, such as the presence or absence of radio frequency identification chips. A case study for the city of Gatineau is presented, showcasing the framework’s application through agent-based simulation models in a geographic information systems environment. The study focuses on creating models of municipal solid waste generation based on socioeconomic and demographic factors and collection data to accurately predict the quantity and quality of waste streams, enabling municipalities to assess the environmental impact of their waste management strategies.
Place of Death for Adults Receiving Specialist Palliative Care in Their Last 3 Months of Life: Factors Associated With Preferred Place, Actual Place, and Place of Death Congruence
Authors: Smith Samantha , Brick Aoife , Johnston Bridget , Ryan Karen , McQuillan Regina , O’Hara Sinead , May Peter , Droog Elsa , Daveson Barbara , Morrison R. Sean , Higginson Irene J. , Normand Charles
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Congruence between the preferred and actual place of death is recognised as an important quality indicator in end-of-life care. However, there may be complexities about preferences that are ignored in summary congruence measures. This article examined factors associated with preferred place of death, actual place of death, and congruence for a sample of patients who had received specialist palliative care in the last three months of life in Ireland. Methods: This article analysed merged data from two previously published mortality follow-back surveys: Economic Evaluation of Palliative Care in Ireland (EEPCI); Irish component of International Access, Rights and Empowerment (IARE I). Logistic regression models examined factors associated with (a) preferences for home death versus institutional setting, (b) home death versus hospital death, and (c) congruent versus non-congruent death. Setting: Four regions with differing levels of specialist palliative care development in Ireland. Participants: Mean age 77, 50% female/male, 19% living alone, 64% main diagnosis cancer. Data collected 2011-2015, regression model sample sizes: n = 342-351. Results: Congruence between preferred and actual place of death in the raw merged dataset was 51%. Patients living alone were significantly less likely to prefer home versus institution death (OR 0.389, 95%CI 0.157-0.961), less likely to die at home (OR 0.383, 95%CI 0.274-0.536), but had no significant association with congruence. Conclusions: The findings highlight the value in examining place of death preferences as well as congruence, because preferences may be influenced by what is feasible rather than what patients would like. The analyses also underline the importance of well-resourced community-based supports, including homecare, facilitating hospital discharge, and management of complex (eg, non-cancer) conditions, to facilitate patients to die in their preferred place.
Comparison of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Intensive Care Units Between Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Patients with Influenza: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhong Zhuan , Wang Xin , Guo Jia , Li Xingzhao , Han Yingying
Published: February 2024

Background

Severe infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or influenza virus can cause patients to be admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). It is necessary to understand the differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes between these two types of critically ill patients.

Methods

We searched Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science for articles and performed a meta-analysis using Stata 14.0 with a random-effects model. This paper was written in strict accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

Thirty-five articles involving 131,692 ICU patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 30,286 ICU patients with influenza were included in our meta-analysis. Compared with influenza patients, COVID-19 patients were more likely to be male (odds ratio (OR) = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.54-1.99) and older (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.03-0.29). In terms of laboratory test results, COVID-19 patients had higher lymphocyte (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17-0.59) and platelet counts (SMD = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.29-0.75) but lower creatinine (SMD = −0.29, 95% CI: −0.55-0.03) and procalcitonin levels (SMD = −0.78, 95% CI: −1.11-0.46). Diabetes (SMD = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.08-1.48) and hypertension (SMD = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.05-1.60) were more prevalent in COVID-19 patients, while influenza patients were more likely to have cancer (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.44-0.62), cirrhosis (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.44-0.62), immunodepression (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.25-0.58), and chronic pulmonary diseases (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.24-0.52). We also found that patients with COVID-19 had longer ICU stays (SMD = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.34), were more likely to develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (OR = 4.90, 95% CI: 2.77-8.64), and had higher mortality (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17-1.55).

Conclusions

There are some differences in the basic characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory test results and complications between ICU patients with COVID-19 and ICU patients with influenza. Critically ill patients with COVID-19 often require more medical resources and have worse clinical outcomes. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42023452238
Comparing Simulation Training of Bronchoscopy-Guided Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy Using Conventional Versus 3D Printed Simulators (TRAC-Sim Study)
Authors: Wegner Moritz , Dusse Fabian , Beeser Finnard , Leister Nicolas , Lefarth Marian , Finke Simon-Richard , Böttiger Bernd W. , Dorweiler Bernhard , Stoll Sandra Emily
Published: February 2024

Background: Individual implementation rate of bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) varies among intensivists. Simulation training (ST) can increase the safety of medical procedures by reducing stress levels of the performing team. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of ST in PDT regarding procedural time, quality of performance, and percepted feelings of safety of the proceduralist and to compare conventional simulators (CSIM) with simulators generated from 3D printers (3DSIM). Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center, randomized, blinded cross-over study comparing the benefit of CSIM versus 3DSIM for ST of PDT. Participants underwent a standardized theoretical training and were randomized to ST with CSIM (group A) or 3DSIM (group B). After ST, participants’ performance was assessed by two blinded examiners on a porcine trachea regarding time required for successful completion of PDT and correct performance (assessed by a performance score). Percepted feelings of safety were assessed before and after ST. This was followed by a second training and second assessment of the same aspects with crossed groups. Results: 44 participants were included: 24 initially trained with CSIM (group A) and 20 with 3DSIM (group B). Correctness of the PDT performance increased significantly in group B (p < .01) and not significantly in group A (p = .14). Mean procedural time required for performing a PDT after their second ST compared to the first assessment (p < .01) was lower with no difference between group A and group B and irrespective of the participants’ previous experience regarding PDT, age, and sex. Moreover, percepted feelings of safety increased after the first ST in both groups (p < .001). Conclusions: ST can improve procedural skills, procedural time, and percepted feelings of safety of the proceduralist in simulated PDT.
Toward a Contextually Sensitive Understanding of Polyvictimization: A Latent Class Analysis of Violence, Risks, and Protections Among South African Adolescents From Highly Deprived Settings
Authors: Franchino-Olsen Hannabeth , Orkin Mark , Meinck Franziska
Published: February 2024

South African adolescents experience a high prevalence of violence victimization alongside the health and economic burdens of HIV/AIDS and poverty. Polyvictimization is a useful theory and framework that allows for a nuanced understanding of lived adolescent experience patterns. Polyvictimization examinations are further enriched by person-centered analytical approaches. This study used latent class analysis to differentiate a sample of South African adolescents from highly deprived communities by their polyvictimization profiles and contextual violence risk and protective factors. Adolescents were sampled twice (2010/2011; 2011/2012), and data reflected their lifetime (sexual abuse) or recent (all other forms of assessed abuse/violence) violence victimizations, as well as individual, household, and community characteristics. Model fit indices supported a seven-class model with adolescents in high, moderate, and low polyvictimization classes. Adolescents in the high polyvictimization classes experienced a heavy burden of poverty and multiple forms of violence across contexts and were distinguished by HIV/AIDS and disability. Adolescents in the low polyvictimization class experienced relatively little violence, despite living in violent communities, and low household and individual burdens of HIV/AIDS and disability. Findings emphasize the importance of considering adolescent violence through a contextually sensitive polyvictimization lens to understand the complex web of violence that adolescents experience. This work supports previous research in low-resource South African settings highlighting the interconnected nature of violence, poverty, disability, and HIV/AIDS. Future research should explore these complex violence patterns and their effects, while program and policy actions must target and prevent adolescent violence especially for those impacted by poverty, disability, and HIV/AIDS.
Caffeine Concentrations in Human Milk Donated to a Human Milk Bank in Japan
Authors: Kozai Shoko , Kato Ikuko , Mizuno Noriko , Nakamura Naho , Okada Hitoshi , Mizuno Katsumi , Kusaka Takashi
Published: February 2024

Background:

Human milk banks have been established to provide human milk to preterm infants who are unable to obtain milk from their mothers. Donor screening methods vary, and prospective donors are commonly screened for drug and recreational substance use through behavioral screening. Although the risk of illegal drug consumption in Japan is extremely low, caffeine may be consumed unknowingly and can be found in human milk. To date, only a few reports have been conducted on the concentration of caffeine in donor milk.

Research Aim:

This study aimed to examine the pre-pasteurization levels of caffeine in human milk donated to a milk bank in Japan.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional, observational study of caffeine concentrations in human milk donated to a human milk bank in Japan. Caffeine concentration in the donor milk was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results:

Caffeine was detected in 70% of the donor milk samples ( N = 350). The median (range) of caffeine concentration was 0.46 [< 0.10, 7.54] mg/L, and 64.0% of the samples had less than 1 mg/L of caffeine. The caffeine concentration varied widely among as well as within individuals.

Conclusion:

The average caffeine concentration in Japanese donor milk samples was higher than that previously reported in samples from Spain, but the range was similar. Donors should be informed that caffeine intake should be within a moderate range, to further increase the safety of donor milk.
A study on the formation and failure mechanisms of CF/PPS-metal induction welding joints strengthened by micro-pins
Authors: Qin Xuda , Yu Tian , Li Shipeng , Fu Guoyu , Meng Xianming , Li Hao
Published: February 2024

This study proposed a novel hybrid joining technique that combines through-thickness reinforcement (TTR) and induction welding methods to address the challenges of composite-metal joining. The effects of geometrical parameters of micro-pins on the formation and bearing performance of hybrid joints were investigated by combing the experimental and numerical simulation approaches. Two simulation models which included the induction heating transfer and joint tensile failure process were established by COMSOL Multiphysics and Abaqus/Explicit. Subsequently, digital image correlation (DIC) was used to monitor the deformation process of different types of joints under tensile load, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the welding interface of failed joints. By comparing the experimental and simulation results, it is found that adding pins can significantly improve the mechanical performance of welded joints, with maximum increases of 159% and 1758% in ultimate strength and energy absorption respectively compared to welded joints without interlock structures. This technique presents a potential solution for achieving high-quality metal-composite welded structures.
Performance enhancements of semi-active vehicle air ISD suspension
Authors: Shen Yujie , Chen Ang , Du Fu , Yang Xiaofeng , Liu Yanling , Chen Long
Published: February 2024

To explore an innovative approach for enhancing the vibration isolation performance of vehicle air suspension systems, this study introduces the inerter element into the vehicle air suspension and investigates the dynamic behavior of the semi-active vehicle air ISD (inerter-spring-damper) suspension. Initially, a dynamic model of the quarter semi-active vehicle air ISD suspension is established, followed by conducting multi-objective optimization of the core parameters using the genetic algorithm. Subsequently, the dynamic performance of the semi-active vehicle air ISD suspension is thoroughly examined through simulations and analyses in both the time and frequency domains. The results demonstrate notable improvements in various aspects: the root-mean-square (RMS) value of the vehicle body acceleration in the semi-active vehicle air ISD suspension is reduced by 12.8%, the RMS value of the suspension working space is decreased by 37.3%, and the RMS value of the dynamic tire load experiences an 8.9% reduction. The findings of this paper indicate that the proposed semi-active vehicle air ISD suspension outperforms both the passive vehicle air suspension and the semi-active vehicle air suspension without an inerter, significantly enhancing the vehicle’s ride comfort, handling stability, and driving safety.
Post-combustion CO2 capturing by KOH solution: An experimental and statistical optimization modeling study
Authors: Ghavamipour Shokooh , Vafajoo Leila , Pourhossein Gilava , Parthasarathy Prakash , McKay Gordon
Published: February 2024

A pilot-scale bubble column contactor has been utilized for carbon dioxide chemisorption from simulated flue gas in the temperature range 30°C to 50°C. The influence of the most important operating parameters has been investigated. A total of 25 experiments were designed using the response surface methodology (RSM) and were then carried out in the bubble contact column. The results revealed that the liquid volume in the column, the alkaline concentration, and the temperature had a positive effect, while the gas hold-up had a negative effect on the CO2 removal efficiency. A statistical model has been developed using the RSM D-optimal experimental design method. To achieve the highest CO2 chemisorption, several operating conditions have been optimized. The model predicted that the maximum percentage of carbon dioxide removal would be 86.64%, and under the same operating conditions the experimental removal efficiency was 87.12%.
Instantaneous nostalgia for the future: 10,000 postcards for 2042
Authors: Niemeyer Katharina , Uhl Magali
Published: February 2024

This article focuses on analogue postcards as a communicative and artistic tool for potentially engaging nostalgically with the past, present, and future. It poses questions about the experience of time and place in a specific setting (the city of Montreal, Canada), as well as in a specific project that looks at cultural mediation in public spaces. During the summer of 2017, Comptoir public, an organization that works with artists and cultural mediators, launched the project “Postes du futur” ( Mail from the Future). The organizers asked Montrealers to write a postcard to a recipient of the sender's choosing, so that it will be mailed in 2042 during the celebration of Montreal's 400th anniversary (i.e., 25 years later). One of our main findings is that most of these postcards will be sent to the current addresses of future recipients. Choosing one's home as one of the settings to write to and to write about finally made it possible to connect to the historical and medical meaning of nostalgia: the homesickness, the yearning for a place of one's own, for a space we now miss prospectively on in the future. Home, where people live their lives, is not yet “lost” or “left behind.” But anticipating its loss and transfer to others becomes one of the primordial factors shaping instantaneous nostalgia and its expression—a future in which postcard senders are no longer present or even alive. The issue of the finiteness and the irreversibility of time is usually an indicator of past-oriented nostalgia. In our case, it is projected toward the future. The printed, analogue postcard becomes the writing space that leaves room for anticipated and anticipatory nostalgia and for imagining future communication technologies.
Hypolipidemic and Hypoglycemic Effects of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (Milk Thistle) Ethanol Seed Extract in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Maaliah Mai S. , Haddadin Malik , Abdalla Shtaywy
Published: February 2024

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is considered a challenging health problem worldwide. However, the search for alternative treatments to alleviate MS is lacking.

Purpose

This study defines Silybum marianum (milk thistle) ethanol seed extract (SMESE) in terms of polyphenol and flavonoid content, antiglycation effect, α-amylase activity, and hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods

S. marianum seeds were collected, ground, and extracted with 80% ethanol. The α-amylase inhibitory activities of 10, 30, and 100 µg/mL SMESE were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. The inhibitory activity of SMESE against advanced glycation end-product formation was evaluated using fluorescence spectrophotometry. In vivo, 48 Wistar male albino rats were used. Eight animals served as the normal control (group 1), and 40 rats were injected with 60 mg/kg STZ to induce diabetes. Diabetic rats were divided into five groups: diabetic control (group 2) and positive control that received the hypoglycemic reference drug metformin at 100 mg/kg (group 3). Groups 4, 5, and 6 were administered the seed extract orally at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, respectively. Body weight, serum glucose, lipid profile, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured weekly for five weeks after SMESE administration.

Results

SMESE administration inhibited BSA glycation and α-amylase activity. In vivo, SMESE administration increased body weight (BW), decreased serum glucose levels, and reduced triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and MDA levels but increased high-density lipoprotein levels.

Conclusion

Data indicate the beneficial hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of SMESE, suggesting its potential use in controlling lipid metabolism.
Recognising the Virtual and Real Causality of ‘Spiral-of-Silence’: Mapping the Silence in Echoes of Women Healthcare for Rural Bengal in India
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sabyasachi
Published: February 2024

This study advances the acquaintance of the spiral of silence theory by evaluating the impact of new media on virtual behaviour motivation. It explores rural women’s willingness to express opinions on awkward issues like unwanted pregnancies and abortion in online and offline settings. It examines how the ideology submitted by the spiral of silence theory works in each location. Results of a survey among 198 samples suggest a possible correlation between speaking out online and the chance of expressing themselves in an authentic offline setting, and vice versa. Findings imply that a multivariate study will produce better regression outcomes to address further loopholes. Despite correlating, it has been found that extraneous variables entwined with social factors are causing disruptive results, which can be traced while thematically analysing the values. This investigation also establishes that fair knowledge sharing can result in managing health disasters for rural women. Indeed, conditional factors creating compulsions, such as family and societal pressure, should be managed and controlled during group interaction, or else it constructs the climate for the spiral of silence.
The Role of Local Public Health Units in Enhancing Outbreak Response in Residential Aged Care Facilities
Authors: Jalil Edura , Baptista Mohana , Crouch Simon , Stripp Andrew , Stuart Rhonda
Published: February 2024

Local public health units offer a place-based response to disease threats impacting populations in its catchment. This place-based response can be further strengthened when local public health units (LPHUs) collaborate with local stakeholders, in particular health services, to protect the more vulnerable population. We describe the approaches taken by a newly formed LPHU in southeast metropolitan Victoria, Australia in COVID-19 outbreak management impacting residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in its catchment, throughout the different phases of the pandemic. These collaborative and flexible approaches ensured that public health actions met the demand and needs of stakeholders. Approaches included the development of prioritization and risks matrices, refining known processes such as outbreak management team membership and redefining roles of the LPHU as capacity of stakeholder evolved.
Facial Analysis of Patients with Unilateral or Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Using 3D Stereophotogrammetry
Authors: Nogueira Vanessa Ota , Neves Maria Carolina , Neppelenbroek Karin , Oliveira Thaís Marchini , Sforza Chiarella , Soares Simone
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the quantitative values of linear and angular facial anthropometrics in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and compare them with those of patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) using three-dimensional (3D) facial imaging.

Design

Retrospective, observational, and cross-sectional study.

Setting

Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies/USP (HRAC/USP).

Patients/ Participants

In total, 61 non-syndromic patients with CLP who underwent multidisciplinary treatment and rehabilitated with a prosthesis were enrolled and divided into those with UCLP (G1; n = 31) and those with BCLP (G2; n = 30).

Intervention

Facial images were captured using a 3D camera after landmarks were marked on each patient's face. The software evaluated linear and angular parameters. Statistical tests were applied. Significance was determined as P < 0.05.

Main Outcome Measurements

Overall, 22 linear and 13 angular measurements were evaluated.

Results

The nasal length ( P = 0.08), middle third of the face ( P = 0.06), base nose width ( P < 0.001), nasal root width ( P < 0.001), nasal tip angle ( P = 0.018), philtrum width ( P < 0.001), lower face width ( P = 0.039) and midfacial depth ( P = 0.040) were significantly higher in G2; the upper cutaneous lip height was significantly higher in G1. Sexual dimorphism was observed except for linear measurements (linear distance between the labiale superius and labiale inferius landmarks, nasal root width, and upper cutaneous lip length) and angular measurements.

Conclusions

G2 had a greater length and width of nose and nasal root, nasal tip angle, philtrum width, and lower face width, midfacial depth, and midface third than G1. These findings also revealed the presence of sexual dimorphism.
Multi-stress damage and healing mechanics in quasi-brittle materials: Theoretical overview
Authors: Ahmed Bilal , Park Taehyo , Jeon Jong-Su
Published: February 2024

This work introduces a theoretical framework for continuum damage and healing mechanics by extending stress decomposition to account for tensile, compressive, and shear stresses. In addition to the spectral stress decomposition into tensile and compressive components, we extend the existing stress decomposition method to address shear stresses. The extraction of shear stresses employs two hypotheses, considering both same-signed and opposite-signed principal stresses. This stress decomposition approach yields three damage variables [Formula: see text] and three healing variables [Formula: see text]. The damage formulation is discussed in terms of equivalent strain and conjugate force, while the healing formulation is based on the initial damage state and healing time. We explore the influence of material parameters and healing time on damage and healing evolution. Furthermore, we analyze the relationship between nominal stress-to-effective stress ratio, damage variables, and healing time. Lastly, we present a thermodynamically consistent formulation for damage-healing processes, acknowledging that this work establishes a theoretical formulation. The proposed method is validated by analyzing the performance of an L-shaped concrete specimen using three damage variables and one healing variable. These results illustrate the model's ability to effectively capture the damage and healing phenomena. The practical implementation of the proposed formulation will be pursued numerically using innovative healing techniques and a pseudo-damage healing approach, which will be detailed in future work.
Multiscale prediction of thermal damage for hybrid fibers reinforced cementitious composites blended with fly ash at high temperatures
Authors: Cao Kai , Liu Ganggui , Li Hui , Huang Zhiyi
Published: February 2024

Thermal damage assessment of cementitious composites is essential for evaluating post-fire health conditions of the engineering structures, as well as the basis for reinforcement and repair after fires. Fibers and fly ash are widely used in cementitious composites due to their excellent properties. However, quantifying and predicting the thermal damage of hybrid fibers reinforced cementitious composites blended with fly ash at high temperatures is still inexplicit. Hence, this study aims to realize multiscale prediction of thermal damage for hybrid fibers reinforced cementitious composites blended with fly ash at high temperatures. First, the volumes of the phase compositions during hydration and dehydration are calculated by the hydration of cement and fly ash and the dehydration of hydration products. Then, a multiscale model is established to predict the thermal damage of hybrid fibers reinforced cementitious composites and verified by the experimental data. At last, the temperature field of tunnel lining structure in fires is obtained by numerical modeling and employing it to predict thermal damage at different thicknesses and moments. Results show that the heating rate determines the dehydration degree of hydration products and the volumes of the phase composites at high temperatures. The proposed multiscale model can reflect the thermal microcracking of cement paste, the interfacial thermal damage between aggregates and the cement paste, and the deterioration of elastic modulus of fibers. After three hours of exposure to fires, serious damage appears at the surface and the thickness of 2 cm and 5 cm of the lining, while there is nearly no damage at a thickness of 30 cm or more.
The Hybrid Identities of Choral Music Teacher Educators in Tier 1 Research Universities: A Phenomenological Exploration
Authors: Adams Kari , Nápoles Jessica
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the “lived experience” of choral music teacher educators (MTEs) in hybrid positions at tier 1 research universities. After interviews with eight choral MTEs from across the United States, three themes emerged from our data: inseparable identity components, reciprocity of selves, and externally derived tension. Inseparable identity components described the ways in which participants sought to align the components of their job with their holistic teacher–researcher–conductor identities. Reciprocity of selves referred to how participants’ teacher, researcher, and conductor selves informed and were informed by each other. Finally, participants maintained security in their own holistic sense of self but experienced externally derived tension as they navigated the structural divide of performance and education in higher education.