bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of longitudinal-vertical coupling vibration of four hub motors driven electric vehicle under unsteady condition
Authors: Li Qiongyao , Ma Conggan , Zhang Nic , Guo Yue , Degano Michele , Gerada Chris , Zhou Shengsen , An Yuansheng
Published: March 2024

The influence of hub motor unbalanced magnetic force (UMF) on the vibration of electric vehicle under steady state conditions has been known, but under unsteady conditions, the hub motor UMF will change with the vehicle operation condition, and there would exist complex coupling vibration for the hub motors driven electric vehicle. Here, the longitudinal-vertical coupling dynamics of the four hub motors driven electric vehicle under unsteady condition is studied. Integrating the motor electromagnetic excitation and electric vehicle dynamics, a longitudinal-vertical coupling dynamics model of the four hub motors driven electric vehicle is established. Based on the variable switching frequency field-oriented control model, analytical model of the UMFs acting on the motor stator and rotor parts under unsteady condition are developed. For model validation, a four hub motors driven electric vehicle has been tested, the accuracy of the longitudinal-vertical coupling dynamics model established in this paper was verified. Then, longitudinal-vertical coupling vibration characteristics of the four hub motors driven electric vehicle under road excitation and coupling excitation are analyzed. The results show that the longitudinal and vertical movement of the four hub motors driven electric vehicle is coupled by hub motor. In addition, under unsteady condition, the motor UMFs will cause vertical vibration of the electric vehicle body and hub motor stator, the vibration shows order characteristics including low order harmonic hfc and inverter switching frequency sideband harmonic k1 fs±k2 fc ( fc =  pn/60, fs is inverter switching frequency, k1 and k2 are positive integers, p is the number of pole pairs and n is motor speed.). The motor electromagnetic torque will cause longitudinal vibration of the electric vehicle body, the vibration shows order characteristics including harmonics fs±3 fc and 2 fs. The main harmonic of vehicle body pitch angle acceleration is 2 fs.
Wheel wear prediction for high-speed trains by considering wheel-rail elastic deformation
Authors: Miao Gengzhuo , Luo Ren , Shi Huailong
Published: March 2024

Wheel-rail geometric parameters are crucial for determining wheel wear in high-speed trains. Under the action of a wheel-rail load, both the wheel and rail suffer elastic deformation, which affects the wheel-rail contact relationship and further influences the wheel profile and its evolution. In this study, a field test was conducted on a high-speed train operating at 250 km/h, and the worn wheel profiles and wear curves were continuously measured for one reprofiling cycle. Subsequently, a vehicle dynamics model is built using a wheel wear prediction model based on the integrated USFD wear algorithm. In this model, the finite element model of the wheel-rail contact is considered. The wheel-rail geometric parameters are obtained by determining their elastic deformation through the finite element method, which considers the effect of three parameters: the track gauge, back-to-back space of the wheelset, and rail cant. After considering the wheel-rail elastic deformation, the track gauge decreases from 1435 to 1434.5 mm, the back-to-back space varies from 1353 to 1352.3 mm, and the rail cant changes from 1:40 to approximately 1:37. Finally, the simulation and experimental results are compared, revealing that the wheel-rail elastic deformation has a significant impact on the wheel wear after the vehicle travels 150,000 km. The wear depth and wheel-rail equivalent conicity after considering the elastic deformation are closer to the measured results.
Stereotypes and social evaluations of scientists are related to different antecedents and outcomes
Authors: Gligorić Vukašin , Clerc Roy , Arkensteijn Gabi , van Kleef Gerben A. , Rutjens Bastiaan T.
Published: March 2024

Research on scientist perceptions tends to focus on either stereotypes (white, male) or social evaluations (competent but cold), sometimes yielding incongruent conclusions (e.g. scientists are simultaneously seen as moral and immoral). Across two preregistered correlational studies ( N = 1091), we address this issue by simultaneously assessing stereotypes and social evaluations and their association with two key outcomes: trust in scientists and science career appeal. We find that stereotypes and social evaluations are distinct types of perceptions—they correlate slightly, stem from different worldviews, and predict partially different outcomes. While western enculturation and religiosity predict stereotypes, right-wing political ideology negatively relates to social evaluations. Stereotypes are associated with lower science career appeal among stereotype-incongruent individuals, while social evaluations predict more trust in scientists and higher science career appeal. This work thus sheds light on the psychological pathways to trust in scientists, as well as on the perceived appeal of becoming a scientist.
The effects of shared leadership and collective efficacy on team performance and learning: The mediating role of team action processes
Authors: Porter Christopher O. L. H. , Amber Brittney , Stoverink Adam C.
Published: March 2024

Shared leadership should have many benefits for teams. This study addresses the call to better understand its effects by extending research suggesting that collective efficacy mediates the effects of shared leadership on team performance. Specifically, we explore the extent to which team action processes explain how and why the collective efficacy that emerges as a result of shared leadership impacts team outcomes. We also add team learning outcomes to the team effectiveness outcomes that are ultimately affected by shared leadership because the failure to systematically explore learning outcomes ignores the reality that today’s work teams are often asked to share leadership to better move from task to task, span unfamiliar boundaries, and continuously learn. Using a sample of 85 teams that worked on a decision-making task in a laboratory setting, we found that teams performed better and learned faster to the extent that they shared leadership. Specifically, shared leadership increased teams’ collective efficacy beliefs, which, in turn, increased teams’ engagement in action processes and resulted in higher performance and less time required to learn. Supplemental tests demonstrated that the effects we found could not be explained by other teamwork processes (i.e., transition and interpersonal processes). We conclude by discussing the need to broaden the search for the consequences of shared leadership, the implications of our findings for theorizing and testing midlevel perspectives on teamwork processes, and by offering additional recommendations for future work on team learning.
Fast adaptive time-varying window length STFT for compound track short-wave defects identification
Authors: Huang Zhehao , Liu Jinzhao
Published: March 2024

Track short-wave defect, as a common defect of railway tracks, can cause dynamic response on both vehicle and its components and thus severely affect the stability and safety of running vehicle. The vibration signal, collected by an accelerator mounted on the axle box of vehicle, is a kind of vehicle dynamic response signal. It consists of complex periodic and impact signal components, which poses challenges for track short-wave defects identification. In this paper, the forms and features of vibration signal of vehicle dynamic response are analyzed at first. Then, based on short-time Fourier transform (STFT), a fast adaptive time-varying window length STFT (FATW-STFT) is developed for compound track short-wave defect analysis. Specifically, by quickly calculating a series of time-frequency planes with various window length, modified kurtosis, boundary function, and Rényi entropy are introduced to sift the time-frequency planes and optimize the window lengths at each time point. Unlike other STFT-based methods, FATW-STFT uses fully adaptive window length optimization to distinguish both periodic and impactive signal components, which helps to detect multiform track short-wave defects such as corrugation and impact of welded joint. Both the simulated and measured results indicate that the proposed approach can rapidly and effectively identify the compound track short-wave defects and possesses potential prospect of practical applications.
New approach of milling state recognition based on attention mechanism weighted fusion K-nearest neighbor under framework of chaotic attractor using accelerated life signal
Authors: Li Qing , Wang Haixu
Published: March 2024

The surface quality of the finished workpiece and the lifetime of the machining tool will be damaged and reduced due to the issue of untimely milling monitoring and identification. To alleviate this bottleneck, in this paper, a new milling state recognition approach named hybrid attention mechanism WFKNN model under the framework of chaotic attractor and deep convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed during the milling process. Specifically, three milling stages, that is, early-term stage, mid-term stage, and ultimate-term milling stage, are divided through Duffing chaotic attractor (DCA) characteristic, where the periodicity and vorticity phenomena under different milling states will be revealed using DCA characteristic. Then, the signal features with respect to the milling condition are extracted by the CNN-attention mechanism strategy, and the extracted signal features will be fed into the improved KNN classifier optimized by improving the distance metric. Eventually, the availability and feasibility of the proposed approach is verified via six group run-to-failure datasets of the milling process. The results show that a higher identify accuracy is obtained via the proposed approach compared with existing benchmarks such as the CNN model.
Indigenous community engagement requirements for academic journals
Authors: Fournier Cathy , Rand Jenny R. , Pictou Sherry , Murphy Kathleen , Martin Debbie , Pride Tara , Amirault Marni , Cunsolo Ashlee , Doucette Marybeth , Sheppard De-Ann , Benoit Anita C , McMillan Jane , Sylliboy John
Published: March 2024

This commentary emerged from an Indigenous research ethics and governance gathering and a scoping review completed by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, which includes some of the co-authors of this article. A lack of detail regarding whether and how community engagement was carried out and reported in the context of published Indigenous health research in the Atlantic region of Canada were identified. This commentary builds on this work as well as other published works that emphasize the need to further ensure that Indigenous research is community based if not community led. Moreover, this commentary lends support to important changes to journal submission requirements regarding Indigenous health research submissions recently made at the Canadian Journal of Public Health through the work of Senior Editor Dr Janet Smylie and colleagues.
The application of international cultural rights in protecting Indigenous peoples’ land property in Indonesia
Authors: Fahmi (Acehnese) Chairul
Published: March 2024

Since the Indonesian government adopted the Agrarian Law 1960, which emphasises that any lands or territories without land title or land certificate are claimed belong to the state property, Indigenous peoples argue that the right over their land is based on a common recognition, instead of an official certification. This article aims to analyse the applicability of international cultural rights’ norms in protecting Indigenous rights to land in Indonesia. Several international instruments, such as the UNESCO Conventions, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, have been urged that any government shall respect and protect cultural rights for everyone, including Indigenous peoples. Therefore, protecting Indigenous intangible and tangible cultural heritage would not be possible without protecting their ancestral lands, territories and resources. In other words, securing the right to traditional lands is a prerequisite for Indigenous communities’ cultural survival in Indonesia.
The impact of hotel openings on the commercial structure: Evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: Anguera-Torrell Oriol
Published: March 2024

Hotels and tourist-oriented businesses geographically coagglomerate in urban areas, suggesting that hotels affect the commercial structure around them. Yet, previous evidence is correlational and cannot establish if hotel openings can trigger a tourist-oriented commercial transformation. This paper proposes to fill this gap by using a natural experiment. At the end of 2015, the issuance of licenses for new hotels was suspended in Barcelona, heterogeneously impacting 70 properties in the pipeline. Those projects that had obtained all the required permits when the ban was imposed could still open, while the rest were stopped. Accordingly, employing data from different commercial census waves and a difference-in-differences strategy, changes in the commercial structure around addresses where hotels were permitted to those where they were not are compared. The results show that, on average, hotel openings positively impacted the appearance of new tourist-oriented businesses. Nevertheless, this transformative power was limited in magnitude and geographical scope.
What do parents of nonverbal and minimally verbal autistic children think about genomic autism research?
Authors: Asbury Kathryn , Toseeb Umar , Barrow Naomi
Published: March 2024

Concerns have been raised about genomic studies of autism. Most recently, the Spectrum 10 K study was paused due to criticism from the autistic community. This situation raised important questions about how the autistic and autism communities perceive genomic research. The Personal Experiences of Autism and Perceptions of DNA-based-research study was established to address this issue. Twenty parents of nonverbal or minimally verbal autistic children took part in the current study. Data were provided in diverse formats including online interviews, telephone interviews, and writing. This approach was co-produced with autistic experts by experience. Data were analysed using reflexive Thematic Analysis. We found that participants were supportive of autism research, including some genomic research, if it is designed to support autistic people and is ethical and transparent. However, while some believed that polygenic scores, genomic predictors of the statistical probability of being autistic, would be helpful, others argued that this would only be true in an ideal world. Participants felt that they and their children were often excluded from, and unrepresented by, the autistic and autism communities. We conclude that genomic researchers need to work with the autistic and autism communities to design future work, and that it is important to ensure a representative range of voices are heard.

Lay abstract

In Summer 2021, a genomic study of autism, Spectrum 10 K, was paused due to backlash from the autistic and autism communities. This raised important questions about how these communities perceive genomic research. The Personal Experiences of Autism and Perceptions of DNA-based research study was established to address this issue among a range of sub-groups within these communities. Twenty parents of nonverbal or minimally verbal autistic children took part in the current study. Data were provided in diverse formats including online interviews, telephone interviews, and writing. This approach was co-produced with autistic experts by experience and involved a parent of a minimally verbal autistic child. Data were analysed using reflexive Thematic Analysis. We found that participants were supportive of autism research, including some genomic research, as long as it is designed to support autistic people and is ethical and transparent. However, while some believed that polygenic scores, genomic predictors of the statistical probability of being autistic, would be helpful, others argued that this would only be true in an ideal world and that the world is too far from ideal. Participants felt excluded from the autistic and autism communities and that the dominant voices in those communities do not represent them or their children. We concluded that genomic researchers need to work with the autistic and autism communities to design future work, and that it is important to ensure a representative range of voices are heard.
Free vibrations of functionally graded porous hanging and standing cantilever beams
Authors: Sari Ma’en S , Faroughi Shirko
Published: March 2024

The free oscillations of a functionally graded (FG) porous vertical cantilever beam in the frame work of Euler–Bernoulli beam theory is investigated. The beam is subjected to the gravity-load and the properties of the FG material such as the modulus of elasticity and the density are supposed to change through the thickness of the beam according to power-law relations. The equation of motion is derived using Newton’s second law. The Numerical Chebyshev collocation method is utilized to determine the transverse frequencies of the FG porous hanging and standing cantilever Euler–Bernoulli beams. A parametric study is conducted to determine the effects of various factors such as the transverse functionally graded index, the porosity factor, and the elastic and the mass density ratios on the natural frequencies and the mode shapes of the FG porous vertical hanging and standing cantilever thin beams under their self-weight. The accuracy of the proposed numerical method is evaluated through comparisons of the frequencies obtained from the present approach with those available in previous literature. In general, it was observed that the elastic ratio has a softening impact on the frequencies except for the fundamental frequency which remains constant as the elastic ratio increases. Moreover, the porosity parameter and the power-law index may have a softening or hardening impact on the frequencies, and the behavior of these frequencies depends on the values of the elastic and the mass density ratios.
The Rhetoric of Innovation in Non-Tech Personal Branding: Utilizing Tech Buzzwords as a Strategy for Political Messaging
Authors: Mashiah Itzhak
Published: March 2024

The use of innovation rhetoric by non-tech individuals reinforces their personal branding. Studying four non-tech political personalities, this study provides evidence of how and why non-tech politicians are trying to present themselves as tech-savvy. As the article describes, innovation buzzwords, stories, narratives, and metaphors add value to any non-tech brand, enhancing promotional presence and marketing effectiveness. It is apparent from the findings that innovation rhetoric has the aim of creating a positive public image, which contributes to the public perception of an individual.
Cognitive evaluation of HUD interface layout for intelligent automotive based on Bayesian BWM and Gray-TOPSIS
Authors: Zhang Xuzhuang , Wang Weixing , Ma LianDan , Wang Ziao , Hu Ningfeng
Published: March 2024

To reduce drivers’ cognitive load during the driving process, The present study concentrates on the cognitive evaluation and analysis of the Head-Up Display (HUD) interface layout, aiming to enhance human cognitive efficiency. Initially, a combination of eye-tracking technology and cognitive load theory is used to investigate users’ attention allocation and changes in eye movement indicators, followed by the conversion of these indicators. A comprehensive HUD interface layout evaluation system is established, considering structural layout esthetics, task efficiency, and cognitive load. To achieve this, an intelligent cognitive evaluation method for the automotive HUD interface layout is proposed, based on the Bayesian BWM and Gray-TOPSIS. Bayesian BWM is employed to determine the weights of evaluation indicators, followed by Gray-TOPSIS to assess and rank the layout candidate solutions. Experimental results indicate that in the optimal layout design, users exhibit fewer eye movements, shorter gaze durations, esthetically pleasing interface structures, and lower cognitive loads. Furthermore, comparative experiments validate the effectiveness and stability of the Bayesian BWM and Gray-TOPSIS methods. These findings offer guidance and reference for further optimizing the layout of intelligent automotive HUD interfaces.
Reduced learning rates but successful learning of a coordinated rhythmic movement by older adults
Authors: Leach Daniel , Kolokotroni Zoe , Wilson Andrew D
Published: March 2024

Previous work has investigated the information-based mechanism for learning and transfer of learning in coordinated rhythmic movements. In those papers, we trained young adults to produce either 90° or 60° and showed in both cases that learning entailed learning to use relative position as information for the relative phase. This variable then supported transfer of learning to untrained coordinations +/30° on either side. In this article, we replicate the 90° study with younger adults and extend it by training older adults (aged between 55 and 65 years). Other work has revealed a steep decline in learning rate around this age, and no follow-up study has been able to successfully train older adults to perform a novel coordination. We used a more intensive training paradigm and showed that while older adult learning rates remain about half that of younger adults, given time they are able to acquire the new coordination. They also learn to use relative position, and consequently show the same pattern of transfer. We discuss implications for attempts to model the process of learning in this task.
Naval widows, war work and the port town civic burden: State, civic, philanthropic and self-help in the aftermath of the battle of Jutland (1916)
Authors: Bassett Melanie
Published: March 2024

The naval town of Portsmouth bore a large portion of the brunt of the casualties lost at the Battle of Jutland (1916). The article will explore the precedent of naval philanthropy in Portsmouth and its historical links with naval disasters affecting the town which will lead to an analysis of how the town viewed their civic duty and mobilised local support for war widows immediately after the Battle of Jutland. It will then turn to assess the role of the local War Pensions Statutory Committee and its intersections with charitable organisations such as the Royal Patriotic Fund and Lady Beatty’s Jutland Fund. The analysis will lastly explore some of the stories of the nearly 100-strong Jutland war widows who worked in Portsmouth Royal Dockyard during the war. It will highlight the agency of civic leaders in determining aspects of World War One relief and how war widows were able to navigate and survive their personal tragedies in a naval town.
Gut microbial network signatures of early colonizers in preterm neonates with extrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Liang Yumei , Yao Xiaomin , Meng Zida , Lan Jinyun , Qiu Yanqing , Cen Chao , Feng Yanni
Published: March 2024

Background

Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) represents a prevalent condition observed in preterm neonates, which poses potential adverse implications for both neonatal development and long-term health outcomes. The manifestation of EUGR has been intricately associated with perturbations in microbial and metabolic profiles. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the gut microbial network in early colonizers among preterm neonates with EUGR.

Methods

Twenty-nine preterm infants participated in this study, comprising 14 subjects in the EUGR group and 15 in the normal growth (AGA) group. Meconium (D1) and fecal samples were collected at postnatal day 28 (D28) and 1 month after discharge (M1). Subsequently, total bacterial DNA was extracted and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq system, targeting the V3-V4 hyper-variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene.

Results

The outcomes of principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and examination of the microbial network structure revealed distinctive developmental trajectories in the gut microbiome during the initial three months of life among preterm neonates with and without EUGR. Significant differences in microbial community were observed at the D1 (P = 0.039) and M1 phases (P = 0.036) between the EUGR and AGA groups, while a comparable microbial community was noted at the D28 phase (P = 0.414). Moreover, relative to the AGA group, the EUGR group exhibited significantly lower relative abundances of bacteria associated with secretion of short-chain fatty acids, including Lactobacillus (P = 0.041) and Parabacteroides (P = 0.033) at the D1 phase, Bifidobacterium at the D28 phase, and genera Dysgonomonas (P = 0.042), Dialister (P = 0.02), Dorea (P = 0.042), and Fusobacterium (P = 0.017) at the M1 phase.

Conclusion

Overall, the present findings offer crucial important insights into the distinctive gut microbial signatures exhibited by earlier colonizers in preterm neonates with EUGR. Further mechanistic studies are needed to establish whether these differences are the cause or a consequence of EUGR.
Postoperative morbidity and mortality of patients with COVID-19 undergoing cardiovascular surgery: an inverse propensity-weighted study
Authors: Xu Fei , Bai Yunbo , Xie Fang , Liu Daqi , Wang Zhaoqi , Wang Sheng
Published: March 2024

Background

To evaluate the postoperative morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery during the 2022 nationwide Omicron variant infection wave in China.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 403 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery for the first time during the 2022 wave of the pandemic within 1 month. Among them, 328 patients were preoperatively diagnosed with COVID-19 Omicron variant infection during the pandemic, and 75 patients were negative. The association between Omicron variant exposure and postoperative prognosis was explored by comparing patients with and without COVID-19 exposure. The primary outcome was in-hospital death after cardiovascular surgery. The secondary outcomes were major postoperative morbidity, including myocardial infarction (MI), acute kidney injury (AKI), postoperative mechanical ventilation hours, ICU stay hours, and postoperative length of stay. The data were analyzed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to minimize bias.

Results

We identified 403 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery, 328 (81.39%) had Omicron variant infections. In total, 10 patients died in the hospital. Omicron variant infection was associated with a much greater risk of death during cardiovascular surgery after adjustment for IPTW (2.8% vs. 1.3%, adjusted OR 2.185, 95%CI = 1.193 to 10.251, P = 0.041). For major postoperative morbidity, there were no significant differences in terms of myocardial infarction between the two groups (adjusted OR = 0.861, 95%CI = 0.444 to 1.657, P = 0.653), acute kidney injury (adjusted OR = 1.157, 95%CI = 0.287 to 5.155, P = 0.820), postoperative mechanical ventilation hours (B -0.375, 95%CI=-8.438 to 7.808, P = 0.939), ICU stay hours (B 2.452, 95%CI=-13.269 to 8.419, P = 0.660) or postoperative stay (B -1.118, 95%CI=-2.237 to 1.154, P = 0.259) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Perioperative COVID-19 infection was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death among patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery during the Omicron variant wave of the pandemic.
Spatial and temporal analysis of HIV clinical outcomes in Florida reveals counties with persistent racial and ethnic disparities during 2012-2019
Authors: Rich Shannan N , Liu Yiyang , Fisk-Hoffman Rebecca , Zheng Yi , Hu Hui , Spencer Emma E , Cook Robert L , Prosperi Mattia
Published: March 2024

Background

Racial/ethnic disparities in the HIV care continuum have been well documented in the US, with especially striking inequalities in viral suppression rates between White and Black persons with HIV (PWH). The South is considered an epicenter of the HIV epidemic in the US, with the largest population of PWH living in Florida. It is unclear whether any disparities in viral suppression or immune reconstitution—a clinical outcome highly correlated with overall prognosis—have changed over time or are homogenous geographically. In this analysis, we 1) investigate longitudinal trends in viral suppression and immune reconstitution among PWH in Florida, 2) examine the impact of socio-ecological factors on the association between race/ethnicity and clinical outcomes, 3) explore spatial and temporal variations in disparities in clinical outcomes.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Florida Department of Health for 42,369 PWH enrolled in the Ryan White program during 2008-2020. We linked the data to county-level socio-ecological variables available from County Health Rankings. GEE models were fit to assess the effect of race/ethnicity on immune reconstitution and viral suppression longitudinally. Poisson Bayesian hierarchical models were fit to analyze geographic variations in racial/ethnic disparities while adjusting for socio-ecological factors.

Results

Proportions of PWH who experienced viral suppression and immune reconstitution rose by 60% and 45%, respectively, from 2008-2020. Odds of immune reconstitution and viral suppression were significantly higher among White [odds ratio =2.34, 95% credible interval=2.14-2.56; 1.95 (1.85-2.05)], and Hispanic [1.70 (1.54-1.87); 2.18(2.07-2.31)] PWH, compared with Black PWH. These findings remained unchanged after accounting for socio-ecological factors. Rural and urban counties in north-central Florida saw the largest racial/ethnic disparities.

Conclusions

There is persistent, spatially heterogeneous, racial/ethnic disparity in HIV clinical outcomes in Florida. This disparity could not be explained by socio-ecological factors, suggesting that further research on modifiable factors that can improve HIV outcomes among Black and Hispanic PWH in Florida is needed.
Oral hygiene practices and associated factors among rural communities in northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gizaw Zemichael , Demissie Negesu Gizaw , Gebrehiwot Mulat , Bitew Bikes Destaw , Nigusie Adane
Published: March 2024

Background

Poor oral hygiene affects the overall health and quality of life. However, the oral hygiene practice in rural communities and contributing factors are not well documented. Accordingly, this study was conducted to assess oral hygiene practices and associated factors among rural communities in northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1190 households. Data were collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire, prepared based on a review of relevant literature. The questionnaire comprises socio-demographic information, access to health and hygiene messages, oral hygiene practices, and water quality. We assessed oral hygiene practices with these criteria: mouth wash with clean water in every morning, mouth wash with clean water after eating, brushing teeth regularly, and avoiding gum pricking. Gum pricking in this study is defined as sticking needles or wires into gums to make the gums black for beauty. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with oral hygiene practices. Significant associations were declared on the basis of adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-values < 0.05.

Results

Results showed that all the family members usually washed their mouth with clean water in everyday morning and after eating in 65.2% and 49.6% of the households, respectively. Furthermore, 29.9% of the households reported that all the family members regularly brushed their teeth using toothbrush sticks and one or more of the family members in 14.5% of the households had gum pricking. Overall, 42.9% (95% CI: 39.9, 45.6%) of the households had good oral hygiene practices. Health and/or hygiene education was associated with good oral hygiene practices in the area (AOR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.21).

Conclusion

More than half of the households had poor oral hygiene practices in the area and cleaning of teeth with toothpastes is not practiced in the area, where as gum pricking is practiced in more than one-tenth of the households. The local health department needs provide community-level oral health education/interventions, such as washing mouth with clean water at least twice a day, teeth brushing using indigenous methods such as toothbrush sticks or modern methods such as toothpastes, and avoiding gum pricking to promote oral health.
Comparative study of clinical and MRI features of TMD patients with or without joint effusion: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Chuanjie , Chen Benyi , Zhang Rong , Zhang Qingbin
Published: March 2024

Background

The relationship between joint effusion and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation among joint effusion, clinical features and MRI imaging features of TMD.

Methods

A total of 1532 temporomandibular joints (TMJs) from 766 patients (605 females and 161 males) with the mean age of 31.68 ± 13.71 years from January 2022 to June 2023 were included in the study. Clinical and MRI features were collected and analyzed. Chi-Square test, Spearman correlation coefficient and binary logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results

Patients with joint effusion were significantly older and had smaller value of MIO (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in the distribution of joint sounds (with or without), joint pain (with or without), disc morphology (biconcave, contracture, irregular and lengthened) and disc position between joint effusion group (JE) and non-joint effusion group (NA) (P < 0.05).The odds of having joint effusion were 1.726 higher in patients with joint sounds when compared to those without joint sounds. The odds of having joint effusion were 8.463 higher in patients with joint pain when compared to those without joint pain. The odds of having joint effusion were 2.277 higher in patients with contracture when compared to those with biconcave. The odds of having joint effusion were 1.740 higher in patients with anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDWR) when compared to those with normal disc position. The prediction accuracy of this model is 74.9%, and the area under curve (AUC) is 79.5%, indicating that it can be used for the prediction and the judgment effect is average.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that joint sounds, joint pain, contracture, and ADDWR are high risk factors for joint effusion, especially joint pain.

Trial registration

This study was retrospectively registered on 28/03/2022 and endorsed by the Ethics Committee of Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (LCYJ2022014).
Treatment of excessive gingival display using conventional esthetic crown lengthening versus computer guided esthetic crown lengthening: (a randomized clinical trial)
Authors: Borham Eman , Abuel-Ela Hala Ahmed , Mohamed Islam Shawky , Fouad Yasmine Ahmed
Published: March 2024

Background

Surgical guides have been proposed in an attempt to reach more predictable outcomes for esthetic crown lengthening. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of esthetic crown lengthening using 3D-printed surgical guides in the management of excessive gingival display due to altered passive eruption type 1B.

Materials and methods

Sixteen patients diagnosed with altered passive eruption type 1B, were divided into two groups. In the control group, the procedure was carried out conventionally, and in the study group, a dual surgical guide was used. The parameters of wound healing (swelling, color, probing depth, bleeding index, and plaque index), pain scores, gingival margin stability, and operating time were assessed at 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in terms of wound healing, pain scores, and gingival margin stability between both groups at different time intervals (P = 1), however, there was a statistical difference between both groups in terms of operating time with the study group being significantly lower (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Digitally assisted esthetic crown lengthening helps shorten the operating time and reduces the possibility of human errors during the measurements. This will be useful in helping practitioners achieve better results.

Practical implications

The conventional method remains to be the gold standard. However, shorter operating time and lower margins for errors will help reduce costs as the chair side time is reduced as well as the possibility for a second surgery is lower. This will improve patient satisfaction as well.
Evaluation of mandibular motion in adolescents with skeletal class II division 1 malocclusion during mandibular advancement using clear functional aligners: a prospective study
Authors: Wu Qiuyue , Zhang Yueying , Xiao Hua , Zheng Jiajing , Jiang Tianlu , Du Yusen , Cao Meng , Li Feifei
Published: March 2024

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of mandibular protrusive condylar trajectory in adolescents with skeletal Class II Division 1 malocclusion and the changes of condylar trajectory during mandibular advancement (MA) treatment using clear functional aligners.

Methods

This prospective study consisted of a cross-sectional study and a longitudinal study. In cross-sectional study, sixty-one adolescents were divided into two groups: Class I (n = 30) and Class II Division 1 (n = 31). The condylar trajectory was measured and compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. The longitudinal study was the MA treatment group using clear functional aligner and consisted of 16 participants from Class II Division 1group. The condylar trajectory was collected at three-time points: pre-treatment (T1), during MA treatment at approximately 3 months (T2, 105.6 days average), and at the end of MA treatment (T3, 237.6 days average). The changes at T1, T2, and T3, as well as the symmetry between the left and right condyles across all groups, were examined using the Wilcoxon paired test.

Results

A greater increase in the anteroposterior displacement and space displacement during protrusive movements was observed in the Class II Division 1 group compared with that in the Class I group, with a large difference being observed in the left and right condylar movements. The condylar anteroposterior displacement and space displacement decreased significantly at T2 and increased significantly at T3; however, no significant difference was observed between T1 and T3. A significant difference was observed between the condylar movement on the left and right sides at T1; however, no significant difference was observed at T2 and T3.

Conclusions

Adolescents with Class II Division 1 malocclusion had higher protrusive capacity than those with Class I. Moreover, their left and right condylar motion was more asymmetric. The range of condyle motion decreased first and then increased during MA therapy, and the left and right condyle movement became more symmetrical, which may be the adaptive response of neuromuscular function to the changes in jaw position.
Centring participant experience: a realist evaluation of a menstruator-friendly facility design project in a refugee settlement, Lebanon
Authors: Hales Georgia , Hutchings Paul , Roelich Katy , Das Mahua , Machado Alexandra , Bonucci Debora , Salem Farah
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Menstrual health in humanitarian contexts is a neglected topic. Its taboo nature presents difficulties for participants in menstrual health projects in these particularly challenging settings. Namely, their experiences may be concealed or overlooked in projects that are typically outcome focused. Realist Evaluation is a useful method to unearth and explore the hidden mechanisms and their causes, which lead to positive or negative participant experiences. The authors have applied this approach to a robust humanitarian menstrual health project to explore how to centre the emotional wellbeing of participants at all stages: prior to, during, and post-participation.

Study setting

The project studied was led by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies who piloted their adaptable manual for menstruator–friendly water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) facility design in humanitarian contexts. It was conducted by the Lebanese Red Cross in an informal tented settlement hosting Syrian refugees in Qaa, Lebanon.

Methods

The authors collected interview and focus group data on the contextual factors and processes within the project from nine project staff and 16 settlement inhabitants. They used a realist process of theory development, testing, and consolidation to understand how and under what circumstances the project inputs affected participants’ wellbeing.

Results

The contextual factors and causal mechanisms promoting participant experience comprised individual (choices influencing and experience during participation), interpersonal (group dynamics and the role of non-menstruators), and organisational (expertise and knowledge, relationship to participants and cultural differences) factors.

Implications

The research uses a case study from a renowned humanitarian organisation who provided a well-delivered project in a conducive environment to explore the mechanisms and contexts that can promote wider learning and refine understanding and programming in this under-researched and -theorised space. Specifically, it informs which contextual factors and project inputs must be present within a menstrual health project to ensure participant satisfaction whilst efficiently delivering well-designed menstruator-friendly WaSH facilities.
Experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) among females with same-sex partners in South Africa: what is the role of age-disparity?
Authors: De Wet-Billings Nicole , Billings Brendon
Published: March 2024

Background

South African women have been exposed to epidemic proportions of intimate partner violence (IPV) amongst heterosexual relationships but not much is known about same-sex partnerships. Sexual minorities are excluded from research but are subject to intimate partner violence as much as heteronormative persons. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between age-disparity and IPV outcomes among females with same-sex partners in South Africa.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of the nationally representative South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey (SABSSM 2017) is used. A weighted sample of 63,567 female respondents identified as having a same-sex partner are analysed. IPV is measured as ever been physically and/ or sexually abused. Any experience of IPV is included in the dependent variable of this study. Descriptive and inferential statistics are used to estimate the relationship between demographic, socioeconomic, age-disparity and IPV.

Results

Almost 16% of females in same-sex relationships experienced IPV and about 22% from younger partners. In female same-sex partnerships, partner age-disparity (OR: 1.30, CI: 1.18 - 1.51), type of place of residence (OR: 2.27, CI: 1.79 - 3.79), highest level of education (OR: 1.07, CI: 0.97 - 1.17), marital status (OR: 1.60, CI: 1.37 - 1.88), and race (OR: 1.47, CI: 1.41 - 1.54) are associated with an increased likelihood of violence.

Conclusion

IPV programs that are specifically targeted for non-heteronormative orientations are needed. These programs should promote health equity and safety for non-confirmative sexual identities in the country.
Association of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio with bone mineral density in post-menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Salimi Maryam , Khanzadeh Monireh , Nabipoorashrafi Seyed Ali , Seyedi Seyed Arsalan , Yaghoobpoor Shirin , Brismée Jean-Michel , Lucke-Wold Brandon , Ebadi Mehrnoosh , Ghaedi Arshin , Kumar Varun Singh , Mirghaderi Peyman , Rabie Hamid , Khanzadeh Shokoufeh
Published: March 2024

Background

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels between women with post-menopausal osteopenia or osteoporosis to those with normal bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods

We used Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus to conduct a systematic search for relevant publications published before June 19, 2022, only in English language. We reported standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Because a significant level of heterogeneity was found, we used the random-effects model to calculate pooled effects. We used the Newcastle–Ottawa scale for quality assessment.

Results

Overall, eight articles were included in the analysis. Post-menopausal women with osteoporosis had elevated levels of NLR compared to those without osteoporosis (SMD = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.18 to 1.88, p = 0.017, I2 = 98%). In addition, there was no difference between post-menopausal women with osteopenia and those without osteopenia in neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI=-0.08 to 1.25, p = 0.085, I2 = 96.8%). However, there was no difference between post-menopausal women with osteoporosis and those with osteopenia in NLR levels (SMD = 0.75, 95% CI=-0.01 to 1.51, p = 0.05, I2 = 97.5%, random-effect model).

Conclusion

The results of this study point to NLR as a potential biomarker that may be easily introduced into clinical settings to help predict and prevent post-menopausal osteoporosis.