bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Modeling of Photovoltaic Panel for Cell Temperature and Power Output Predictions under Outdoor Climatic Conditions of Jodhpur
Authors: Khyani Harish Kumar , Vajpai Jayashri , Karwa Rajendra , Bhadu Mahendra
Published: December 2023

The rise in the temperature severely affects photovoltaic cell efficiency and hence its power output. Moreover, it also causes the development of thermal stresses that may reduce their life span. Thus, there is a need for an accurate estimation of the cell’s working temperature. In this paper, a detailed thermal model based on various heat transfer modes involved and their governing equations has been presented to estimate the cell temperature of a PV module using MATLAB software under different climatic and solar insolation conditions. In order to validate the presented model, an experimental setup has been built and operated under actual outdoor conditions of Jodhpur, a city in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. For the peak summer month of June, the predicted glass cover outer surface temperature has been found to be within 0.2–4.5°C of experimentally measured values and the back sheet temperature is found to be within 0.5–5.5°C. The predicted and measured power outputs have been found to be within 0.85–1.2 W while the efficiency values are within 0.17–0.38%. For the early summer month of April, the variations are 0.13–4.1°C, 0.2–4.1°C, 0.44–1.65 W, and 0.1–0.5% for glass cover temperature, back sheet temperature, power output, and efficiency, respectively. Thus, the predictions of the developed thermal model have exhibited a good agreement with the experimental results. The maximum glass cover temperatures recorded were 60°C and 65.5°C when the ambient temperatures were 35°C and 42°C near the noon for the early summer and peak summer day experiments, respectively. The presented model can be used to generate a year-round cell temperature data for the known environmental data of a location, which can help in the selection or development of appropriate cooling technology at the planning stage of the installation of a solar PV plant.
Statin-Induced Necrotizing Autoimmune Myopathy: Case Report of a Patient under Chronic Treatment
Authors: Bellofatto Ilaria Anna , Sessarego Marta , Tirandi Amedeo , Olivero Chiara , Sgura Cosimo , Maioli Elia , Gavoci Aurora , Schiavetta Elisa , Frè Federica , Saccomanno Benedetta , Zaottini Federico , Picasso Riccardo , Fiorillo Chiara , Liberale Luca , Ottonello Luciano Carlo , Bardi Nicholas , Montecucco Fabrizio
Published: December 2023

Introduction. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors are widely used worldwide to treat dyslipidaemia and prevent cardiovascular events. Statins can cause a wide variety of muscle injuries ranging from myalgia to severe rhabdomyolysis. In most cases, these symptoms are mild and self-limiting and do not require specific treatment besides drug withdrawal. Statin-induced autoimmune necrotizing myopathy (SINAM) is a rare but potentially fatal complication, characterized by the subacute onset of progressive proximal muscle weakness and considerably high creatine phosphokinase (CK) levels in patients exposed to statins. The diagnosis is supported by the presence of antibodies HMGCR, which allows the differentiation from other forms of necrotizing autoimmune myopathies. Symptoms usually progress even after statin discontinuation and can determine severe muscle damage. Summary. We describe the case of a 77-year-old man who developed SINAM after 5 years of statin use. He suffered from muscle functional impairment mainly involving proximal lower limb muscles which progressed to the point that he almost became bedridden. Initial treatment with prednisone alone was not effective, and he required a combination therapy with steroids, methotrexate, and intravenous immunoglobulins. After 5 months of therapy and rehabilitation, he showed complete laboratory response and muscle strength recovery. Conclusion. Recognizing SINAM is paramount in order to promptly start treatment and avoid permanent muscle damage. Using a combination therapy from the beginning could contribute to a better outcome. Prompt statin cessation, categorization of the muscle disease by autoantibody testing, imaging, and histology, exclusion of malignancy, and anti-inflammatory therapy with corticosteroids, antimetabolites, immunoglobulins, and in some cases rituximab are currently accepted approaches to this entity.
Image Segmentation of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Incorporating Multiscale and Parallel Attention Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Qian , Xiao Junbiao , Zheng Bingjie
Published: December 2023

Breast cancer is a highly prevalent cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is more likely to recur and metastasize than other subtypes of breast cancer. Research on the treatment of TNBC is of great importance, and accurate segmentation of the breast lesion area is an important step in the treatment of TNBC. Currently, the gold standard for tumor segmentation is still sketched manually by doctors, which requires expertise in the field of medical imaging and consumes a great deal of doctors’ time and energy. Automatic segmentation of breast cancer not only reduces the burden of doctors but also improves work efficiency. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the automatic segmentation technique for breast cancer lesion regions. In this paper, a deep-learning-based automatic segmentation algorithm for TNBC images is proposed. The experimental data were dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging TNBC dataset provided by the Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University. The experiments were analyzed by comparing several models with UNet, Attention-UNet, ResUNet, and SegNet and using evaluation indexes such as Dice score and Iou. Compared to UNet, Attention-UNet, ResUNet, and SegNet, the proposed method improved the Dice score by 2.1%, 1.54%, 0.88%, and 9.65%, respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed deep-learning-based TNBC image segmentation model can effectively improve the segmentation performance of TNBC tumors.
Anticancer Activity of Rhizophora mucronata Leaves Extract on Sprague–Dawley Rats: In Vivo Model
Authors: Mary X Asbin , Mohamed Yacoob Syed Ali , Venkatraman Anuradha , Packiasamy Ruban , Moovendhan Meivelu , Gnanadesigan Murugesan , Nagarajan Yogananth
Published: December 2023

Medicinal plants are now used to treat cancer due to the presence of bioactive compounds. Apart from the plants, mangroves also possess rich bioactive compounds with high medicinal activity. Based on the ethnobotanical attributes of Rhizophora mucronata, we are keen to work with its anticancer activity. The aim of the study is to assess the anticancer activity of methanolic extract of Rhizophora mucronata leaves against breast cancer. Its safety profile for anticancer investigations was therefore confirmed through an acute toxicity assessment. In accordance with OECD guiding principles, the study was approved to evaluate the toxicity, including acute and subacute effects and anticancer activities of methanolic extract of Rhizophora mucronata leaves on Sprague–Dawley rats. In acute toxicity trials, the dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight was determined to be safe and nontoxic even at high dose levels and did not result in any indicators of toxicity or death in the tested groups compared to controls for 14 days. In contrast, rats in a subacute toxicity study were given consistent doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg for a total of 28 days along with a control group. Haematological, biochemical, and histological tests conducted in advance revealed that methanolic extract of Rhizophora mucronata leaves (MERML) at repeated doses of 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg was normal and had no significant effects on the treated groups. Rhizophora mucronata extract (250 mg/kg) was successfully used in in vivo trials to stop the growth of breast cancer cells in groups that had been given DMBA. Based on these findings, it has been concluded that methanolic extract of Rhizophora mucronata leaves (MERML) was safe at both higher and lower dosages and could be assessed for pharmacological study.
Seismic Behavior of T-Shaped Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Column to Steel Beam Joints with Side Plates
Authors: Wang Jinyan , Li Qinglu , Sun Yuzhou , Zhao Yi , Niu Zhonghao , Li Xiaofen
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the seismic behavior of the T-shaped concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) column to steel beam joints, aimed at expanding their applicability in areas with high-seismic fortification intensity. A construction form of T-shaped CFST column to steel beam joint with side plates is presented. The variables studied in these experiments include the side plate length, the axial compression ratio, the presence of side plates, and the presence of binding bars. The force mechanism, failure modes, load–displacement curves, strength, stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity of seven specimens were evaluated under low-cycle reciprocating load. The experimental results demonstrate that the joints of side plates show a full hysteresis curve, with the ductility coefficient ranging from 1.67 to 2.49, and the equivalent viscous damping coefficient between 0.147 and 0.234. The joint panel zone displays strong deformation and energy dissipation capacity. The inclusion of side plates and binding bars improves the seismic behavior of the joint. The setting of side plates enables the formation of a plastic hinge on the steel beam, creating a beam hinge failure mechanism and satisfying the seismic design principle of “strong column and weak beam, strong joint and weak member” as required by the building structures.
P-Glycoprotein Exacerbates Brain Injury Following Experimental Cerebral Ischemia by Promoting Proinflammatory Microglia Activation
Authors: Chen Yan , Fei Xuan , Liu Ge , Li Xiang , Huang Liangliang , Yang Lele Zixin , Li Yunman , Xu Baohui , Fang Weirong
Published: December 2023

Microglia are activated following cerebral ischemic insult. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an efflux transporter on microvascular endothelial cells and upregulated after cerebral ischemia. This study evaluated the effects and possible mechanisms of P-gp on microglial polarization/activation in mice after ischemic stroke. P-gp-specific siRNA and adeno-associated virus (p-AAV) were used to silence and overexpress P-gp, respectively. Middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) were performed in mice and cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3) in vitro, respectively. OGD/R-injured bEnd.3 cells were cocultured with mouse microglial cells (BV2) in Transwell. Influences on acute ischemic stroke outcome, the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines and chemokines receptors, microglial polarization, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) nuclear translocation, and GR-mediated mRNA decay (GMD) activation were evaluated via reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, or immunofluorescence. Silencing P-gp markedly alleviated experimental ischemia injury as indicated by reduced cerebral infarct size, improved neurological deficits, and reduced the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-12 expression. Silencing P-gp also mitigated proinflammatory microglial polarization and the expression of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and its receptor CCR2 expression, whereas promoted anti-inflammatory microglia polarization. Additionally, P-gp silencing promoted GR nuclear translocation and the expression of GMD relative proteins in endothelial cells. Conversely, overexpressing P-gp via p-AAV transfection offset all these effects. Furthermore, silencing endothelial GR counteracted all effects mediated by silencing or overexpressing P-gp. Elevated P-gp expression aggravated inflammatory response and brain damage after ischemic stroke by augmenting proinflammatory microglial polarization in association with increased endothelial CCL2 release due to GMD inhibition by P-gp.
Gasdermin C (GSDMC) is Overexpressed in Psoriatic Tissue and Elevated in Psoriatic Serum: A Potential Marker of Cell Proliferation and Local Hypoxia in Psoriasis?
Authors: Nowowiejska Julia , Baran Anna , Hermanowicz Justyna Magdalena , Pryczynicz Anna , Sieklucka Beata , Pawlak Dariusz , Flisiak Iwona
Published: December 2023

Psoriasis is an important disease in dermatological practice and, despite many studies, its pathogenesis is still not fully understood. Gasdermin C (GSDMC; melanoma‐derived leucine zipper‐containing extranuclear factor, MLZE) is a member of the gasdermin protein family. The study enrolled 60 patients with active plaque‐type psoriasis and 30 volunteers without dermatoses. GSDMC concentration was assessed in serum and urine samples of all participants using ELISA. GSDMC tissue expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The GSDMC concentration was significantly higher in serum of patients than in controls (p < 0.001). A urinary GSDMC/creatinine ratio was significantly lower in patients than in controls (p < 0.05). Psoriatic lesions exhibited a significantly higher expression of GSDMC than nonlesional patients’ skin or controls’ skin (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively). There was a positive correlation between the GSDMC serum concentration and the age of patients (R = 0.31, p = 0.015) and a negative correlation between GSDMC and RBC (R = −0.37; p = 0.0038), HGB (R = −0.26; p = 0.047), and urea concentration (R = −0.36; p = 0.04). Our study shows the potential involvement of GSDMC in psoriasis. An increased serum GSDMC and a decreased urinary GSDMC/creatinine ratio could be considered noninvasive psoriasis biomarkers, especially of local hypoxia or cell proliferation.
Rolling the Crypto Dice: The Interplay of Legal Environments, Market Uncertainty, and Gambling Attitudes on Users’ Behavioral Intentions
Authors: Alsmadi Ayman Abdalmajeed , Shuhaiber Ahmed , Al-Omoush Khaled Saleh
Published: December 2023

The high volatility and inherent high-risk nature of cryptocurrency investments promote the study of the determinants of value perception and the various factors influencing individuals’ intentions regarding whether to adopt, abstain from, or continue their investments in these dynamic cryptocurrency markets. The main aim of this study is to examine the determinants of behavioral intention to continue using cryptocurrencies. In addition, it is aimed at exploring the effect of gambling attitudes on the perceived benefits and legal environment in the cryptocurrency context. An online questionnaire was developed in order to gather data from 258 respondents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The research model was assessed, and the hypotheses were tested using PLS-SEM. The outcomes of the PLS analysis revealed that gambling attitudes, perceived benefits, legal environment, and market uncertainty are significant determinants of behavioral intention to continue using cryptocurrencies. This study also revealed a significant effect of gambling attitudes and legal environment on the perceived benefits of cryptocurrencies. This study adds to the body of knowledge on cryptocurrency adoption by providing new insights into the factors that influence consumers’ continued investment. Furthermore, the study has crucial practical implications for cryptocurrency firms in promoting this financial technology to users by increasing policymakers’ understanding of how investors think and get inspired to continue investing in cryptocurrencies.
Five-Year Analysis of Lightning Activities in Different Climatic Regions of Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhou Zeming , Li Qian , Feng Xiao , Yang Kangquan
Published: December 2023

Sichuan is a high-incidence area of thunderstorm activity in China. Based on the data of the total lightning location system from 2018 to 2022, the total lightning, cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning, and intracloud (IC) lightning activity regularity for the Sichuan province (SC) and its three climate subregions: Sichuan Basin (SB), Panxi district (PD), and West Sichuan Plateau (WSP) are analyzed, and the influences of different climate and topography conditions on lightning activities are also discussed. The results show that (1) for the whole province, the annual mean value of total lightning is about 850 thousand. The SB has the most lightning occurrences, and the WSP has the largest IC and +CG proportion. The southwest of PD, the north-center of PD, and the southeast of SB are the three high-value centers of lightning density. (2) For SB, the better thermodynamic and moisture conditions account for the most lightning occurrences. For PD, the lightning distribution is attributed to the joint effect of specific meteorological conditions and mountainous topography. For WSP, the convections are weak and shallow, which lead to high IC and +CG proportion. (3) The IC lightning mainly occurs below 12 km, and the IC height is much lower on WSP. The spatial and seasonal variation of IC height corresponds well to the cloud base height (CBH) and cloud top height (CTH). (4) The seasonal lightning frequency distribution in the three regions is similar, but the diurnal variation is quite different. The lightning activity mainly occurs between 1400 and 2200 LT on WSP but shows obvious nocturnal in SB. (5) Most CG intensity concentrates in the range below 50 kA, and IC concentrates in the range below 75 kA.
Simultaneous Recruitment of New Graduates (SRoNG)
Authors: Heeb Stefan , Yamauchi Mari
Published: December 2023

This paper provides a systematic account of simultaneous recruitment of new graduates (SRoNG), the predominant hiring practice of big companies in Japan. The authors characterise SRoNG as macro-level coordination in the process of new graduate recruitment between companies and universities, along with homogeneous hiring conditions offered by individual firms, consisting of same initial salaries, initial internal vocational training, and absence of job specification. The paper further provides a historical account of SRoNG’s emergence, tracing it back to early-modern government structures, education expansion, wage control efforts, and the system’s expansion and establishment as a predominant institution. Finally the paper focuses on SRoNG’s more recent empirical evolution. The main business association, Keidanren, proposed to abandon the practice in the wake of intensified competition with foreign multinationals in the recruitment of new graduates. While there are noteworthy ongoing changes, the authors suggest that SRoNG is unlikely to suffer more than a partial and minor abandonment.
Sociability of ‘Selfishness’ and Individualism in Chinese Modern Thought and Society
Authors: Santangelo Paolo
Published: December 2023

The debate on the sociability of self-interest has resonated through diverse cultures and epochs, with particular relevance to the ongoing discourse concerning the resurgence of Confucian thought and the evolution of individuality within contemporary Chinese society. Li Zhi (1527–1602) brings forth a novel perspective with his concept of innate ‘selfishness’. Li’s proposition offers a profound exploration of the human psyche. His reinterpretation of ‘selfishness’ resonates with modern psychological terminology, bearing resemblance to concepts such as ‘self-motivation’ and the ‘flow experience’, in alignment with the economic development and social mobility of the mid-Ming era. However, it also fosters an awareness of interconnectedness with all beings, as epitomized by the concept of oneness. This emerging paradigm of self calls for a comparative analysis with the trajectory of individualism in modern and contemporary China. From a cross-cultural perspective, Li’s proposition grapples with challenges that have perplexed thinkers across diverse civilizations, echoing the discourse in modern Europe regarding the paradox of ‘unsocial sociability’.
Review of the Research on the Belt and Road Initiative in Myanmar
Authors: Chu Ta-Wei , Haenssgen Marco J.
Published: December 2023

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is among the largest transnational development initiatives globally. In this article, we review the research on the BRI in Myanmar, a developing country that is of considerable geopolitical importance. To date, the BRI literature has made three central contributions: it has captured much of the complexity of BRI projects, filled a notable research gap in BRI studies, and raised awareness of local voices. In addition, two analytically meaningful topics are worth exploring, namely the contested relations (1) between China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and prospective Chinese BRI investors and (2) between the Myanmar government and local anti-BRI groups. Responding to the current focus of the literature and to advance future research, we recommend that scholars consider the analytical framework of state transformation to disaggregate statehood, account for diverse actors, and explain their contested relations. Because it challenges state-centric frameworks (e.g., realism and Westphalian national sovereignty), the state-transformation model can yield theoretically and empirically stimulating findings.
Did “The Gnostic Heresy” Influence Valentinus? An Investigation of Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.11.1 and 1.29
Authors: Litwa M. David
Published: December 2023

This article argues (1) that there is insufficient evidence to conclude that a or the “gnostic heresy” (Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.11.1) referred to a specific social group whose theology is witnessed in Against Heresies 1.29 and (2) that the aeonology in this passage influenced Valentinus. There is no evidence that the aeonology in Against Heresies 1.29 existed prior to 160 CE, the approximate date of Valentinus’s demise; thus this material could not have shaped Valentinus’s theology. Instead of thinking with Irenaeus in terms of unidirectional influence (Irenaeus’s constructed “gnostic heresy” inspiring Valentinus/Valentinians), future theories ought to account for multiple directions of influence and entanglement between various early Christian theologians in the late second century CE.
Effects of black soldier fly larvae meal on production performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and serum biochemical indices of squabs
Authors: Ma T.T. , Zhu S.P. , Chen A.L. , Zhong Y.J. , Fu Z.Q. , Deng S. , Huang Y.H. , Fu J.
Published: December 2023

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of dietary black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) on production performance, meat quality (including sensory quality, muscle fiber histological characteristics, chemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of muscle), and serum biochemical indices of 28-day-old squabs, to provide a good reference for the potential use of BSFLM as a functional feed supplement in pigeon production. A total of 192 1-day-old squabs and 96 pairs of 7-month-old breeding pigeons with the same egg production were stochastically divided into 4 groups with 6 paired replicates. Each pair of breeding pigeon with two squabs. The pigeons were fed the diets supplemented with 0 (control group), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% BSFLM, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days. Dietary BSFLM supplementation increased the growth performance, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GHS-PX), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glucose (GLU), and reduced the shear force, serum contents of triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Moreover, it improved the meat color, muscle fiber histological characteristics, and fatty acids profile. However, no significant effects were observed on the slaughter performance, pH value, the water-loss, chemical composition, and amino acids profile. In conclusion, dietary BSFLM may improve the growth performance, meat quality, muscle antioxidant capacity, and health status of squabs. The best effects were observed for the 1.0% BSFLM diet.
The Belgian Climate Case: From Federalism Idiosyncrasies to Arboreal Novelties
Authors: De Spiegeleir Antoine
Published: December 2023

VZW Klimaatzaak v Kingdom of Belgium & Others is a climate lawsuit brought in Belgium in 2015. It was modelled on the famous Dutch Urgenda case. In this groundbreaking judicial procedure, over 60,000 plaintiffs argued that Belgian public authorities have undertaken insufficient climate action and called for its enhancement. On June 17, 2021, the Tribunal of First Instance of Brussels rendered its decision in partial favour of the plaintiffs, consolidating a climate ‘duty of care’ for public authorities. This article puts forward a succinct summary of the complaint introduced by the NGO Klimaatzaak and the main findings of the Tribunal. In doing so, it attempts to make the idiosyncrasies of Belgian federalism intelligible to an international audience. It also highlights a number of notable features of the case, including the Tribunal’s reliance on the Aarhus Convention to interpret broadly the provisions on legal standing for environmental NGOs, and a third-party intervention request introduced on behalf of over a hundred trees with long lifespans. Finally, the article focuses on an apparent flaw in the reasoning of the Tribunal in its 2021 judgment and points out what to look out for in the appeal proceedings that are ongoing at the time of writing.
The Right to a Life-Sustaining Climate System: Selected Case Law
Authors: Stoczkiewicz Marcin
Published: December 2023

This article analyses the legal discourse concerning the right to a life-sustaining climate system. The subject of analysis is the discourse around selected landmark cases in which arguments were raised about the need to protect a stable climate for the sake of protecting fundamental constitutional rights threatened by the climate crisis (Juliana v United States, Urgenda v Netherlands, Neubauer v Germany, and Hawai’i Electric Light Co.). The analysis is conducted from the point of view of the legal sources (applicable legal norms, clearly recognised constitutional rights) from which this unenumerated fundamental right is derived. This analysis allows us to assume that the right to a life-sustaining climate system is understood in legal discourse as: (i) a constitutional right derived from the right to life, liberty and property as necessary for their realisation, or (ii) a constitutional right encompassed by the right to a clean and healthy environment, or even as (iii) a constitutional right that is a predicate of all constitutional rights. In the author’s view, this right can also be understood as an unexpressed item (aspect) of the right to life.
Imagining and Reimagining Imagination via the Ontology of Imagination in Miki Kiyoshi
Authors: Krummel John W.M.
Published: December 2023

The paper explicates what the World War 2 era Japanese philosopher, Miki Kiyoshi, of the Kyoto School, called the logic of imagination and of forms as an ontology. I understand this ontology as ultimately an “anontology”, where novelty and creativity are predicated upon the pathos of singularity and contingency that Miki calls “the nothing” (mu). Its productive function that is technological vis-à-vis the environment involves an embodied praxis that Miki, borrowing the terms of his mentor, Nishida Kitarō, calls “enactive intuition”. This productivity unfolds the historical world, on the basis of that deep pathos within us in synthesis with logos, as what can be characterized as the auto-determination of the indeterminate. But the advance of technology today takes this unfolding of the world perhaps beyond what Miki anticipated with his self-professed humanism. To make these points, the paper, for the most part, focuses on the last and longest chapter in Miki’s Logic of Imagination, where Miki discusses and appropriates Kant’s concept of imagination and its schematism from both the first and third Critiques while also showing the influences of Heidegger along with Nishida. But the originality in Miki takes his philosophy of imagination beyond these predecessors while also raising questions as to the relationship between human beings and nature and to the very meaning of “nature” (shizen) in Miki. I will also discuss post-war theories of imagination and technology coming after Miki that respond to the more recent digitization and virtualization of the real.
Role of Preoperative Embolization in Surgical Management of Carotid Body Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kaya Merve Gizem , Romagnoli Silvia , Mandigers Tim J. , Bissacco Daniele , Domanin Maurizio , Settembrini Alberto , Trimarchi Santi
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of preoperative embolization on carotid body tumor resection. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were screened for studies published between 2010 and 2022. Primary outcomes investigated were intraoperative blood loss, operative time, length of hospital stay, and perioperative complications such as transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke, vascular injury, and cranial nerve injury (CNI). A random effects model was used in cases where study heterogeneity was high. Overall, 25 studies were included in the systematic review, involving 1649 patients: 23 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. The incidence of vascular injury was significantly less in the preoperative embolization group (odds ratio (OR) = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.42–0.84; P = .003). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding intraoperative blood loss, operative time, length of hospital stay, incidence of TIA/stroke, and CNI. Subgroup analyses did not demonstrate significant difference between Shamblin I, II, and III subgroups regarding operative time. This meta-analysis found preoperative embolization to be significantly beneficial in reducing incidence of vascular injury.
Southern theory, knowledge production and Russia’s war in Ukraine: An interview with Raewyn Connell
Authors: Kislenko Ivan , Connell Raewyn
Published: December 2023

This is an interview with Raewyn Connell held through email in April 2023 and has been later updated in October 2023. It consists of the following three sections: ‘Southern Theory and Its Enemies’; ‘Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Global Field of Knowledge Production’; ‘The position of Russia in the North-South dichotomy’. It includes a variety of ideas, that is, southern theory, subaltern empire, Global East, post-socialist coloniality, sanctions, appropriation of anticolonial narratives by Putin, North and South in sociology, and so on. The main aim of the interview is to demonstrate how the ideas of Raewyn Connell relate to a current configuration of knowledge production in sociology, especially in the state of war and its possible influence on international sociology.
Study of sliver irregularity caused by fiber acceleration motion during the drafting process
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Zhu Guoqing , Zhong Jun , Han Guangting , Xing Mingjie , Sun Na
Published: December 2023

During the drafting process, the fiber acceleration motion contributes significantly to the sliver irregularity. In this study, the drafting simulation based on the improved model of fiber arrangement in the sliver was developed to analyze the sliver irregularity caused by the acceleration motion during the drafting process. The results indicated that the drafting simulation could provide an effective reference for the parameter optimization of the drafting process under the condition of saving raw material cost and time cost. The simulations and calculations denoted that a shorter gauge length and larger input sliver linear density by more concentrated accelerated motion could be conducive to more even slivers during the drafting process. In addition, in order to generate higher sliver evenness, in the double-zone drafting process, the draft ratio of the back drafting zone should be selected to be slightly greater than 1 so that the draft ratio of the front drafting zone would be relatively large when the total draft ratio is constant due to the trend of the additional irregularity caused by the acceleration motion increasing to a peak value firstly and then decreasing as the draft ratio grows.
Correlation Between Symptoms of Depression and Obesity in Caregivers of Patients With Chronic Illness: A Gender Difference Analysis
Authors: Alreshidi Salman M.
Published: December 2023

This study involved gender-stratified analysis and total-sample analysis to assess the extent to which symptoms of depression correlate with the body mass index (BMI) of a population of 112 people responsible for caring for others diagnosed with a chronic illness. The majority of the participants (caregivers) of this study were female (57.1%). All participants were recruited from an urban medical city hospital. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was employed to assess the extent to which caregivers exhibited symptoms of depression, and BMI was calculated by the researcher using the subject’s height and weight. Regressions were executed on the entire dataset spanning male and female participants to generate insights into demographic factors, after which the PHQ-9 was administered. After taking into account the possible confounding factors, the findings of the regression showed that there was a significant correlation between the BMI and PHQ-9 scores (β = .25, P = .042). The correlation between BMI and PHQ-9 persisted among females (β = .37, P = .023). Furthermore, there is a noteworthy correlation among the participants who were morbidly obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). The correlation between BMI and PHQ-9 caregivers of patients with chronic illness remained after taking demographic factors into account. These findings could be utilized to enhance the outcomes for caregivers of patients with chronic illness. They may be particularly pertinent for caregivers who are experiencing depression or are overweight.
Impetigo herpetiformis in the second trimester: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wan Yingcai , Zhang Lei , Xie Boyu , Wu Jianbo , Zhao Mengjie , Guo Juanjuan , Ding Juan
Published: December 2023

Impetigo herpetiformis is a rare skin disease that most often occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. It is currently considered as a form of generalized pustular psoriasis and the typical skin lesions comprise small sterile pustules. Here, a case of impetigo herpetiformis in the second trimester of pregnancy after 7 weeks of hydroxychloroquine administration for suspected Sjogren's syndrome is reported. Treatment with anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medication did not improve the patient’s condition. Following delivery of a live male by emergency caesarean section at 29 weeks’ gestation, the rash was reported to be completely resolved by 3 months postpartum. Previously published cases of impetigo herpetiformis in the second trimester of pregnancy that were retrieved from a search of the PubMed database are also reviewed and discussed.
Psychological and Structural Burdens and Nursing Home Administrator Turnover Intentions During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nelson H. Wayne , Yang Bo Kyum , McSweeney-Feld Mary Helen , Jerome Gerald J. , Barry Theresa “Teta”
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for U. S. nursing home administrators (NHA) and staff. This study explored organizational and psychological factors associated with NHA stress, dissatisfaction, and turnover intent (TI) during the third year of the pandemic. Results from a nationwide, cross-sectional survey of 1139 NHAs were merged with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services nursing home survey deficiency, staffing, complaint, and other operations data. A hierarchical, generalized estimating equations model with ordered logit link found that NHAs with higher COVID stress (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.22, 2.23), higher use of agency/contract staff (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.08.2.09) and higher role conflict were more likely to indicate TI. NHAs with higher job satisfaction in workload, work content, and rewards were less likely to hold TI. Industry leaders should create strategies to reduce NHA’s job stress and role conflicts and provide opportunities for improving staff recruitment and retention, reducing reliance on agency staffing.
Measuring the Complexity of Self-Regulated Learning and Academic Challenges for Adolescents in Canada
Authors: Wu Meng Qi , Cieslik Violet V. , Askari Safoura , Hadwin Allyson F. , Hood Moira
Published: December 2023

Research that uses self-report measures to examine the complexity of self-regulated learning (SRL) and academic challenges for adolescents is limited. This study examined the psychometric property of the Self-Regulated Learning Profile and Self-Diagnostic (SRL-PSD) instrument and addressed the multi-components of SRL and academic challenges for adolescents. Participants were 358 adolescents from a Canadian middle school. The subscales of SRL-PSD were administered to students through LimeSurvey during a 25-min instructional session over two days. Results demonstrated the SRL-PSD was a reliable and valid self-report instrument to measure adolescents’ SRL practices and academic challenges. Also, all types of SRL practices and academic challenges were significantly intercorrelated. Additionally, all types of SRL practices were positively associated with school engagement, whereas all types of academic challenges were negatively associated with school engagement. Overall, this study provides a validated self-report measure for educators and researchers to examine adolescents’ SRL practices and academic challenges.
Understanding Domestic Violence Among Older Women in Ukraine: A Secondary Analysis Using Gender-Based Violence Screening Data
Authors: Rushwan Sara , Skipalska Halyna , Capasso Ariadna , Navario Peter , Castillo Theresa
Published: December 2023

This secondary descriptive analysis sought to understand Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with a focus on Domestic Violence (DV), among older women in Ukraine’s conflict setting. Analysis was conducted on a subsample of 150 women aged 60+ from GBV-Information Management System intake data of 12,480 GBV survivors. Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare differences in GBV incidents among women who experienced DV compared to other types of GBV. Using United Nations humanitarian and aging frameworks, qualitative analysis was completed following two rounds of coding. Sixty percent of women aged ≥60 experienced DV. Local women were more likely to experience DV versus displaced women (85.6% vs. 48.3%, p < .001). Six core themes emerged: experiencing versus witnessing violence, intergenerational conflict, livelihoods, alcohol, humiliation, and neglect. Deeper understanding of DV among older women in humanitarian settings is needed, strengthening a call to action to prioritize protection against, and prevention of, GBV more broadly among this marginalized group.
Experimental study of viscous oil-water core-annular flow in horizontal pipe
Authors: Alashker Mohamed Hassan , Zahran Ali Abdelaziz , Elrefaie Mohamed Elfaisal , Abuelezz Ali
Published: December 2023

Transporting viscous oils through pipelines is usually challenging due to their very high viscosity. Significant friction reduction in the transportation of viscous oils through pipelines using an ecologically friendly way is the most appealing feature of the core annular Flow (CAF) technique. An experimental study has been conducted to investigate the flow patterns and pressure gradient of viscous oil-water two-phase flow in a horizontal acrylic pipe with a 50 mm inner diameter. The test section was equipped with a fluid lubrication injector element to artificially provide CAF. The pressure gradient measurements were focused on the CAF pattern. The prediction models of the CAF pressure gradient were reviewed and evaluated. An empirical prediction model of CAF pressure gradient was developed, relying on both the present and previously published experimental results. The flow patterns were classified into five patterns. It was observed that the CAF occupied a large region in the constructed flow pattern map and its frictional pressure gradient closely resembles that of water flowing alone. It was found that the developed empirical model provided quite good predictions of the experimental pressure gradients and significantly outperformed the original model. The reviewed prediction models in this area for CAF either overpredicted or underpredicted the experimental pressure gradients. Some of these models considered the extensive effect of viscous oil adhered to the inner wall of the pipe, while others neglected the effect entirely.
Cooperative game-oriented optimal robust control for an uncertain wheeled mobile robot with position constraints
Authors: Zheng Yunjun , Zhao Han , Zheng Jinchuan , Shao Ke
Published: December 2023

The trajectory tracking control performance of the wheeled mobile robot (WMR) is subject to position constraints, system uncertainties, and external disturbances. This paper explores the mechanism of the position constraints (equality and inequality) and considers the system uncertainties to be time-varying but bounded with fuzzy prescribed bounds. To solve the position constraints and uncertainties problems, a cooperative game-oriented optimal robust control method is proposed to provide high-precision, fast-response performance and robustness for WMR. First, a creative diffeomorphism transformation is proposed to convert the bounded state variables (subject to inequality constraints) into unbounded state variables. Accordingly, a restructured WMR system with the new state variables is established, which is free from inequality constraints. The uncertainties’ bound is described as a fuzzy number by employing fuzzy set theory, which builds the fuzzy dynamic system of the WMR. Second, the control goal for this study is to drive the WMR to follow the position constraints despite uncertainties. An optimal robust control is developed to guarantee that the tracking errors of the WMR converge to a predefined neighborhood of origin. Using Lyapunov stability analysis, a fuzzy performance index is constructed, including steady-state performance, time performance, and control effort. The fuzzy performance index is employed as the cost function based on the cooperative game theory. The optimal control design is formulated to seek the Pareto-optimal solution of control parameters. Finally, the stability analysis and comparative experiments demonstrate that the proposed control algorithm can ensure the WMR’s superior trajectory tracking convergence performance and strong robustness against uncertainties/disturbances.
Speed & gear dynamic planning and velocity tracking control considering traffic light information
Authors: Lyu Zhichao , Wu Guangqiang , Wang Qiming
Published: December 2023

To optimize fuel economy and improve vehicle longitudinal control performance, this paper proposed a speed & gear planning strategy considering traffic light information and velocity tracking control. First, to guarantee that the vehicle can pass through traffic lights without stop if possible and retain the highest terminal speed, this article discusses a Propelling or Coasting (PoC) serialization scheme. The speed & gear planning are realized by adjusting acceleration while propelling, with the upper and lower speeds set according to vehicle status and traffic light information; Second, to improve the accuracy and anti-perturbation performance of longitudinal control, a compound control method using improved Global Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control (GFT-SMC) is developed, which enables the reduction of control output while maintaining high tracking performance and smooth control ability. Finally, both the hardware-in-loop (HIL) and real-vehicle experimental results show that the proposed control method effectively improves fuel economy with better speed tracking performance and strong perturbation robustness.
A new energy-feeding variable damping control strategy for electromagnetic hybrid suspension systems
Authors: Wang Guohong , Kou Farong , Zhang Xinqian , Xu Jianan , Liu Pengtao
Published: December 2023

Traditional energy-feeding suspensions exhibit a non-adjustable damping characteristic during energy recovery, which can compromise the dynamic performance of the suspension system. To overcome this issue, this paper proposes an energy-feeding variable damping control strategy (EFVD) predicated on an electromagnetic hybrid suspension system. This strategy aims to achieve adjustable damping during energy recovery, reducing energy losses while ensuring optimal suspension performance. Building on a half-vehicle suspension model, we construct a dynamic model of the electromagnetic hybrid suspension. By leveraging an enhanced hybrid-skyhook and ground-hook control algorithm (HSGH), we solve for the target control force. We then design a force distribution controller based on the EFVD strategy, aiming to optimize suspension dynamic performance and energy feeding efficiency. And we conduct a simulation study, measuring power supply efficiency and suspension dynamic performance as key evaluation metrics. The results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed EFVD strategy over conventional passive and active suspension control strategies, highlighting its effectiveness and reliability in maintaining dynamic performance while enhancing energy efficiency. This underscores the potential of the EFVD strategy as a practical solution for future suspension system design and energy management.
Comparison of the effects of different artificial discs on hybrid surgery: A finite element analysis
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhao Fulin , Rahman Waseem Ur , Dong Tianxiang , Yang Guanghui
Published: December 2023

In recent years, artificial cervical discs have been used in intervertebral disc replacement surgery and hybrid surgery (HS). The advantages and disadvantages of different artificial cervical discs in artificial cervical disc replacement surgery have been compared. However, few scholars have studied the biomechanical effects of various artificial disc prostheses on the human cervical spine in HS which include the Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) and Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (CDA). This study compared the biomechanical behavior of Mobi-C and Prestige LP in the operative and adjacent segments during two-level hybrid surgery. A three-dimensional finite element model of C2–C7 was first established and validated. Subsequently, clinical surgery was then simulated to establish a surgical model of anterior cervical fusion at the C4–C5 level. Mobi-C and Prestige-LP artificial disc prostheses were implanted at the C5–C6 level to create two hybrid models. All finite element models were fixed on the lower endplate of the C7 vertebra and subjected to a load of 73.6 N and different directions of 1 Nm torque on the odontoid process of the C2 vertebra to simulate human flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. This paper compares the ROM, intervertebral pressure, and facet joint force after hybrid surgery with the intact model. The results show that compared with Prestige LP, Mobi-C can improve ROM of the replacement segment and compensate for the intervertebral pressure of the adjacent segment more effectively, but the facet joint pressure of the replacement segment may be higher.