bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative evaluation of nine agricultural methods for increasing soil carbon storage in Norway
Authors: Budai Alice E. , Rasse Daniel P. , Cottis Thomas , Joner Erik J. , Martinsen Vegard , O'Toole Adam , Riley Hugh , Rivedal Synnøve , Sturite Ievina , Søgaard Gunnhild , Weldon Simon , Øpstad Samson
Published: May 2024

Carbon content is a key property of soils with importance for all ecosystem functions. Measures to increase soil carbon storage are suggested with the aim to compensate for agricultural emissions. In Norway, where soils have relatively high carbon content because of the cold climate, adapting management practices that prevent the loss of carbon to the atmosphere in response to climate change is also important. This work presents an overview of the potential for carbon sequestration in Norway from a wide range of agricultural management practices and provides recommendations based on certainty in the reported potential, availability of the technology, and likelihood for implementation by farmers. In light of the high priority assigned to increased food production and degree of self‐sufficiency in Norway, the following measures were considered: (1) utilization of organic resources, (2) use of biochar, (3) crop diversification and the use of cover crops, (4) use of plants with larger and deeper root systems, (5) improved management of meadows, (6) adaptive grazing of productive grasslands (7) managing grazing in extensive grasslands, (8) altered tillage practices, and (9) inversion of cultivated peat with mineral soil. From the options assessed, the use of cover crops scored well on all criteria evaluated, with a higher sequestration potential than previously estimated (0.2 Mt CO2‐equivalents annually). Biochar has the largest potential in Norway (0.9 Mt CO2‐equivalents annually, corresponding to 20% of Norwegian agricultural emissions and 2% of total national emissions), but its readiness level is not yet achieved despite interest from industry to apply this technology at large scale. Extensive grazing and the use of deep‐rooted plants also have the potential for increasing carbon storage, but there is uncertainty regarding their implementation and the quantification of effects from adapting these measures. Based on the complexities of implementation and the expected impacts within a Norwegian context, promising options with substantial payoff are few. This work sheds light on the knowledge gaps remaining before the presented measures can be implemented.
Education and training in neurology: developments and future challenges
Authors: van der Meulen Matthijs , Wijnenga Maarten M. J.
Published: May 2024

Background and purpose

Training and education is essential for best practice medicine and is especially important in a rapidly evolving field such as neurology. Due to improved imaging techniques and laboratory testing, there is a better understanding of the pathophysiology of diseases. As a result more treatments have become available. The most important developments in neurology over the last two decades and their effect on training and education are described. In addition, how future training should be aware of the challenges ahead of us is described.

Methods

This is a narrative review describing developments and challenges based on personal experience and the literature.

Results

Due to major developments in radiological and immunological testing, major changes have been seen in different subspecialties of neurology, including but not limited to, the treatment of ischaemic stroke, the development of new entities in the field of demyelinating diseases and auto‐immune encephalitis, and diffuse glioma. These developments challenge the education and training in neurology with, ahead of us, technological developments, an aging population, and potentially more superspecialization.

Conclusion

Although there are differences in the training curricula between European countries, the developments and future challenges within the field of neurology are very similar. In the development of future curricula it is important to face these developments and challenges and to adapt to them.
Association between postoperative hyperactive delirium and major complications in elderly patients undergoing emergency hip fracture surgery: A large‐scale cohort study
Authors: Sun Mingyang , Chen Wan‐Ming , Wu Szu‐Yuan , Zhang Jiaqiang
Published: May 2024

Aim

This cohort study aimed to explore the connection between postoperative hyperactive delirium and major complications in elderly patients undergoing emergency hip fracture surgery.

Methods

Elderly patients aged 65 years and older undergoing emergency hip fracture surgery were included in the study. The presence of postoperative hyperactive delirium was assessed, and logistic regression analysis, following propensity score matching, was conducted to investigate the association between postoperative hyperactive delirium and major complications occurring 30 and 90 days post‐surgery. The analysis controlled for potential confounding factors.

Results

After propensity score matching, the analysis included 13 590 patients, equally distributed with 6795 in each group. The group experiencing postoperative hyperactive delirium exhibited a significantly elevated risk of 30‐day postoperative complications, including acute renal failure, pneumonia, septicemia, and stroke, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.64 to 2.39. Furthermore, this group displayed notably higher rates of 90‐day postoperative complications, encompassing mortality, acute renal failure, pneumonia, septicemia, and stroke, with a significantly increased incidence of mortality within 90 days.

Conclusion

Postoperative hyperactive delirium in elderly patients undergoing emergency hip fracture surgery is significantly linked to an increased risk of major complications at both 30 and 90 days post‐surgery. These findings underscore the critical importance of delirium prevention and management in this patient population, offering the potential to reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 730–736.
Slurry‐impregnating hot‐press sintered silicon carbide nanofiber/silicon carbide composites with Al‐B‐C as sintering additives
Authors: Tao Jiyu , Lou Yongwei , Li Jinxia , Chen Hao , Chen Jianjun
Published: May 2024

Silicon carbide nanofiber/silicon carbide (SiCnf/SiC) composites with a laminar stacking structure were prepared by the slurry impregnation hot‐press sintering using aluminum (Al) powder, boron (B) powder, and carbon black as sintering aids. SiCnf paper was fabricated using nanofibers and impregnated with the slurry of SiCnp and sintering aids, and the SiCnf/SiC preforms were fabricated by the alternating stack of the SiCnf paper and SiCnp. The pyrolysis carbon and boron nitride interface layers were deposited on the surface of SiCnf by chemical vapor deposition and vacuum impregnation‐pyrolysis methods. The effects of different sintering temperatures on the relative density, porosity, sectional microscopic morphology, and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The results show that the fracture toughness of SiCnf/SiC composites is significantly improved. The mechanical properties of the composites were optimized at a sintering temperature of 1950°C and a sintering pressure of 30 MPa, with flexural strength and fracture toughness of 548 MPa and 15.86 MPa·m1/2, respectively. The liquid phase Al8B4C7 compound generated at the high temperature promoted the densification of the composites.
Microstructure and densification mechanism of tabular corundum aggregates: Role of molding methods
Authors: Yu Haili , Han Bingqiang , Wei Jiawei , Duan Junlong , Li Youqi , Miao Zheng , Yan Wen , Chen Junfeng
Published: May 2024

In this paper, tabular corundum aggregates were prepared using the rolling ball method and semi‐dry pressing combined with the cold isostatic pressing method, using industrial alumina raw powder as the raw material and water as the binder, respectively. Then, the influence of various molding methods on phase composition, microstructure, pore characteristics, densification, and physical properties was investigated by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Archimedes’ principle. The results revealed that tabular corundum aggregates prepared using the rolling ball method had higher bulk density and lower apparent porosity. It also rendered a relatively homogeneous grain size distribution and a high cylinder compressive strength retention rate of 68.0%. The grain size distribution and pore size distribution of tabular corundum aggregates prepared using semi‐dry pressing combined with the cold isostatic pressing method were wide, and there were a few large pores, which decreased the strength and densification. Green density was a key factor influencing the sintering; the two molding methods minimized porosity and improved the green density through collision extrusion and external force, respectively. Meanwhile, the molding process also increased the contact points between particles and the material migration channels, which had an impact on the densification mechanism of tabular corundum aggregates.
Pressure injury education for older adults and carers living in community settings: A scoping review
Authors: Sahay Ashlyn , Willis Eileen , Yu Stephen
Published: May 2024

Older adults are at increased risk of pressure injuries (PIs) due to age‐related changes. Traditionally, PI knowledge and education have been delivered in hospitals and residential aged care facilities, however, there remains a critical gap in understanding how PI knowledge on prevention and management is shared with older adults and their carers living in the community. We aimed to describe the nature and characteristics of structured and unstructured PI education programs available to community‐dwelling older adults and their carers. As coping review was undertaken. We searched five databases: CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library and ProQuest from 2009 to August 2023. The review was guided by Arksey and O'Malley's six‐step framework and adhered to the PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. It included primary peer‐reviewed papers published in English, which focus on PI education for older adults and/or their carers living in community settings. Data extraction was organised in a table, and findings presented as a narrative summary. One‐hundred and thirty‐six papers were screened and four included in the review. Results indicate that consideration was placed on literacy levels and cognitive status of older adults and their carers when designing PI education materials. Educational materials such as leaflets/brochures, in‐person training sessions or a combination of both were used. However, duration of these interventions varied, lasting for 1–4 weeks while others were completed over 12 months. Some improvements in PI knowledge such as how to treat PI, dietary requirements and importance of mobility were noted. However, information retention and its translation into effective long‐term behaviour change remained unclear. In conclusion, adopting a multifaceted educational approach increases the effectiveness of PI knowledge translation. Continuous education, support and reinforcement on PIs over time are necessary when interacting with older adults and caregivers to ensure long‐term management and prevention success. Conversations on PIs should start at the primary care levels when older adults and carers are visiting their GP clinics and accessing support services for other healthcare needs. Understanding older adults' and carers' literacy levels, cognitive status and cultural background can assist clinicians in designing and delivering fit‐for‐purpose PI educational interventions that are accessible, relatable and effective in promoting knowledge transfer and behaviour change. Carers are vital conduits in the care continuum. These factors will lead to a more informed, collaborative and person‐centred approaches to PI management and prevention.
Bond‐based peridynamics model of 3‐point bend tests of ceramic‐composite interfaces
Authors: Battistini Angelo , Haynes Thomas A. , Jones Lloyd , Wenman Mark R.
Published: May 2024

The need for ceramic composites is increasing over a vast range of industrial applications, including energy and nuclear technology (structural materials for fission and fusion applications); space (thermal shields) or chemical sectors. Current finite element (FE) models are not able to reproduce the aleatory nature of crack generation and propagation through materials and interfaces. To tackle the shortcomings of FE models, a nonlocal bond‐based peridynamics model implemented in the Abaqus FE code has been updated to reproduce the behavior of interfaces between ceramic materials. Two‐ and three‐dimensional simulations have been used to simulate three‐point bend tests for a range of ceramic composites and compared with experiments available in the literature. The model reproduced most of the experimental failure loads, as well as correctly reproducing the failure modes and crack patterns. In particular, the model was able to predict two mechanisms for interface failure, cohesive failure, in which the two materials separate exactly at the interface, and cohesive failure of the substrate, in which a thin layer of the weaker material remains attached to the stronger material and a crack propagates in the weaker material, rather than at the interface. Both failure modes are experimentally observed and still difficult to reproduce with currently available FE simulations.
Flash‐induced defects in single‐crystal 8YSZ characterized by TEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Jo Seohyeon , Kindelmann Moritz , Jennings Dylan , Balice Luca , Sohn Yoo Jung , Scheld Walter Sebastian , Bram Martin , Guillon Olivier , Mayer Joachim , Raj Rishi
Published: May 2024

We present direct evidence, for the first time, for the flash‐induced generation of crystal defects in single‐crystal cubic zirconia. The defects are characterized by multiple techniques. The crystals were flashed and then cooled down to ambient temperature in Ar atmosphere to preserve the electronic conductivity from the steady state of flash. Transmission electron microscopy revealed colonies of defects. The crystal structure, the non‐stoichiometry, and the electronic structure of oxygen ions within these colonies were characterized. They consist of oxygen‐depleted compositions. Selected area electron diffraction revealed the structure of these zirconia suboxides to be epitaxially coherent with the parent cubic structure but with a smaller lattice parameter. Electron energy loss spectroscopy spectra showed the peak near 25 mV to shift toward metallic zirconium. The electronic conductivity of the flashed cubic zirconia is attributed to this suboxide phase. The phase also gave rise to new peaks in Raman spectroscopy. A surprising finding was the presence of a distinct, ∼30 nm thick layer of the suboxide on the surface of the crystal. The surface layer showed a high degree of oxygen deficiency. It was also epitaxial, but with an even smaller lattice parameter than the defect colonies underneath the surface. Mechanical polishing of the crystal to remove this surface layer gave a broad view of the interconnected network of defects across the entire specimen; the length scale of this network was about 0.2 mm. Recent work, where an overlay of a magnetic field caused the flash to migrate from a flashing surface into a free‐standing workpiece, suggests the presence of evanescent plasma, which may have a connection to this surface layer.
Puerarin mitigated LPS‐ATP or HG‐primed endothelial cells damage and diabetes‐associated cardiovascular disease via ROS‐NLRP3 signalling
Authors: Wei Huizhen , Sun Mengru , Wang Ruixuan , Zeng Hairong , Zhao Bei , Jin Shenyi
Published: May 2024

The occurrence and development of diabetic vascular diseases are closely linked to inflammation‐induced endothelial dysfunction. Puerarin (Pue), the primary component of Pueraria lobata, possesses potent anti‐inflammatory properties. However, its vasoprotective role remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated whether Pue can effectively protect against vascular damage induced by diabetes. In the study, Pue ameliorated lipopolysaccharide‐adenosine triphosphate (LPS‐ATP) or HG‐primed cytotoxicity and apoptosis, while inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in HUVECs, as evidenced by significantly decreased ROS level, NOX4, Caspase‐1 activity and expression of NLRP3, GSDMD, cleaved caspase‐1, IL‐1β and IL‐18. Meanwhile, ROS inducer CoCI2 efficiently weakened the effects of Pue against LPS‐ATP‐primed pyroptosis. In addition, NLRP3 knockdown notably enhanced Pue's ability to suppress pyroptosis in LPS‐ATP‐primed HUVECs, whereas overexpression of NLRP3 reversed the inhibitory effects of Pue. Furthermore, Pue inhibited the expression of ROS and NLRP3 inflammasome‐associated proteins on the aorta in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Our findings indicated that Pue might ameliorate LPS‐ATP or HG‐primed damage in HUVECs by inactivating the ROS‐NLRP3 signalling pathway.
Chondroitin polymerizing factor promotes development and progression of colorectal cancer via facilitating transcription of VEGFB
Authors: Huang Yuan , Zhang Zhen , Tong Hanxing , Qin Wenzheng , Li Quanlin , Ma Lili , Ren Zhong , Chen Weifeng , Zhang Yiqun , Zhong Yunshi , Yao Liqing , Zhou Pinghong
Published: May 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent malignancy affecting the digestive system on a global scale. This study aimed to explore the previously unexplored role of CHPF in the progression of CRC. Our results revealed a significant upregulation of CHPF expression in CRC tumour tissues compared to normal tissues, with its levels correlating with tumour malignancy. In vitro experiments using CRC cell lines demonstrated that inhibiting CHPF expression suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation and cell migration, while promoting apoptosis. Conversely, overexpressing CHPF had the opposite effect. Additionally, our xenograft models in mice confirmed the inhibitory impact of CHPF knockdown on CRC progression using various cell models. Mechanistic investigations unveiled that CHPF may enhance VEGFB expression through E2F1‐mediated transcription. Functionally, suppressing VEGFB expression successfully mitigated the oncogenic effects induced by CHPF overexpression. Collectively, these findings suggest that CHPF may act as a tumour promoter in CRC, operating in a VEGFB‐dependent manner and could be a potential target for therapeutic interventions in CRC treatment.
Global epidemiology of early‐onset upper gastrointestinal cancer: trend from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Danpanichkul Pojsakorn , Auttapracha Thanida , Kongarin Siwanart , Ponvilawan Ben , Simadibrata Daniel M. , Duangsonk Kwanjit , Jaruvattanadilok Supitchaya , Saowapa Sakditad , Suparan Kanokphong , Lui Rashid N. , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Wallace Michael B. , Wijarnpreecha Karn
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

In recent years, there has been a growing incidence of gastrointestinal cancer in young individuals. Despite its significant morbidity and mortality, research on upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer in young populations has been relatively limited. Therefore, studies on the epidemiological changes of this cancer are needed.

Methods

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we examined the incidence, death, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) from UGI cancers in the young, namely, early‐onset esophageal cancer (EOEC) and early‐onset gastric cancer (EOGC). These results were stratified by sex, geographical region, country, and sociodemographic index.

Results

There was a total of 185 140 cases, 120 289 deaths, and 5.70 million DALYs attributable to early‐onset UGI cancers globally. From 2010 to 2019, the global incidence, death, and DALYs rates of early‐onset UGI cancers decreased. In contrast, the incidence rates increased in both EOEC (+1.15%) and EOGC (+0.21%) in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Conclusions

Over the past decade, the burden of UGI cancer in the young has decreased. However, it has increased in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Further research to elucidate the attributable risk factors in this population is warranted.
Characterization and identification of Burkholderia gladioli causing stalk rot of sweet corn in Thailand
Authors: Chiangkhaek Onnapha , Akarapisan Angsana
Published: May 2024

Stalk rot disease is becoming an important disease in sweet corn crops because it causes significant yield losses of the crop. In July 2022, typical symptoms of stem rot were observed in fields of Mae Hia Agricultural Research, Demonstration and Training Center in Chiang Mai province of Thailand. The symptoms exhibited by affected crop included circular water‐soaked lesions, rot and necrotic tissue at the base of the stalk. Koch's postulates were fulfilled with reisolation of the inoculated strain from the inoculated tissues, and confirmation was obtained by phenotypic characters and 16S rRNA sequences. The isolated colony on nutrient agar was cream‐coloured, circular, with a convex elevation, entire margin and smooth surface; the optical character was translucent and exuded a yellowish pigment that diffused in the nutrient agar, gram‐negative, lacked arginine dihydrolase, occurrence of the oxidase and catalase reaction. The strains were able to utilize d‐galactose and glucose but were unable to utilize d‐maltose, d‐cellobiose, d‐fructose, d‐mannose, mannitol, lactose and sucrose. The strains showed positive results for gelatine liquefaction test, citrate utilization and casein hydrolysis, but starch hydrolysis and indole production were negative result. These characteristics are the same as those described previously for Burkholderia gladioli. Disease severity in sweet corn was 43.8%, with infections showing spots with dark margins and soft rot on mature leaves and flag leaves. Disease severity in waxy corn and maize were 21.9% and 15.6%, respectively, showing a few light or dark brown spots at the infection sites. Therefore, this represents the first report of leaf stripe and stalk rot disease in sweet corn in Thailand.
Unemployment and households' food consumption: A cross‐country panel data analysis across OECD countries
Authors: Been Jim , Bakker Vincent , van Vliet Olaf
Published: May 2024

Using a panel of all 38 OECD countries for the time period 1980–2020, we estimate elasticities between aggregate unemployment and households' average food consumption. For food consumption measured in calorie intake, we find a small but statistically and economically significant negative elasticity of about 0.02 with unemployment. This elasticity is about 0.03 for food spending measured in protein intake which suggests that unemployment most likely leads to decreases in the quality of food primarily, on average. These findings are robust to a wide variety of consumption definitions, functional forms, types of wealth and income fluctuations, countries considered, and institutions considered. Our results suggest that unemployment insurance benefits and households' savings both matter for the size of the elasticity, thereby operating as automatic stabilizers.
Insights into the molecular mechanisms of malnutrition‐associated steatohepatitis: A review
Authors: Sharma Vinesh , Patial Vikram
Published: May 2024

Malnutrition is a public health epidemic mainly targeting poverty‐stricken people, young ones, older people, pregnant women, and individuals with metabolic disorders. Severe malnutrition is linked with several metabolic defects, such as hepatic dysfunction, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and osteoarthritis. The proper functioning of the liver plays a crucial role in ensuring the supply of nutrients to the body. Consequently, inadequate nutrition can lead to severe periportal hepatic steatosis due to compromised mitochondrial and peroxisome functions. Reduced protein intake disrupts essential metabolic processes like the TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and β‐oxidation, ultimately affecting ATP production. Furthermore, this can trigger a cascade of events, including disturbances in amino acid metabolism, iron metabolism, and gut microbiota, which activate genes involved in de novo lipogenesis, leading to the accumulation of lipids in the liver. The condition, in prolonged cases, progresses to steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. Limited therapeutic solutions are available; however, few dietary supplements and drugs have demonstrated positive effects on the growth and health of malnourished individuals. These supplements improve parameters such as inflammatory and oxidative status, reduce triglyceride accumulation, enhance insulin sensitivity, and downregulate gene expression in hepatic lipid metabolism. This review elucidates the various mechanisms involved in malnutrition‐associated steatohepatitis and provides an overview of the available approaches for treating this condition.
The deictic content of demonstratives
Authors: Skilton Amalia
Published: May 2024

What do demonstratives, like this/that and here/there, encode about their referents? The traditional answer argues that the deictic content of demonstratives is mostly about distance from the speaker – that proximals like this encode that the referent is near the speaker, while distals like that mean it is far from them. This speaker‐centered, distance‐based view is intuitively appealing, but recent research in linguistics, psychology, and anthropology has challenged it in many ways. I review three of the most active debates in this new literature, where recent authors – in contrast to the traditional view – have argued that (i) the spatial deictic content of demonstratives is about location relative to socially or perceptually defined perimeters, not distance; (ii) deictic content often concerns perception or attention, not space; and (iii) deictic content can relate the referent to the addressee or the speaker‐addressee interactive dyad, as well as to the speaker. Under these new analyses, the deictic content of demonstratives is fundamentally social and interactive, not purely speaker‐centered or distance‐based.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome: Future clinical and research priorities for: Special supplement/proceedings of 3rd international symposium
Authors: Hasler William L. , Li B. U. K. , Levinthal David J. , Venkatesan Thangam
Published: May 2024

Background

An increasing number of studies have explored the clinical features, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS). CVS is common in adults and children and negatively impacts patients, families, and the healthcare system. A related condition, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), has been a focus of interest in the lay press and published literature.

Purpose

Clinical presentations of CVS have been defined by small series and expert opinion, but recent prospective studies are refining our understanding of the spectrum of emetic episodes and the breadth of comorbid conditions. Large cross‐sectional population analyses are clarifying CVS prevalence and factors related to age, ethnicity, and geographic region. CVS pathophysiology is multifactorial with contributions from migraines, dysautonomia, endogenous cannabinoids, mitochondrial dysfunction, genetic abnormalities, and rapid gastric emptying. CVS treatment relies on antiemetics and antimigraine therapies to abort acute episodes coupled with prophylactic regimens employing neuromodulators and antiepileptics. CHS represents a challenge partly because of difficulties in achieving sustained cannabis abstinence. Benefits of other therapies in CHS remain poorly defined. Several areas warrant further scrutiny including better identification of CVS triggers and characterization of different CVS subsets including those with frequent severe episodes, refined description of epidemiology to allow targeting of populations predisposed to CVS development, rigorous definition of pathogenic factors to provide a foundation for exploratory studies of novel therapies, and conduct of controlled trials by multicenter collaborations to confirm benefits of existing and new therapies in development. Progress in these areas will be facilitated by generous governmental and industry support.
Water for agriculture: more crop per drop
Authors: Geilfus C.‐M. , Zörb C. , Jones J. J. , Wimmer M. A. , Schmöckel S. M.
Published: May 2024

Global crop production in agriculture depends on water availability. Future scenarios predict increasing occurrence of flash floods and rapidly developing droughts accompanied by heatwaves in humid regions that rely on rain‐fed agriculture. It is challenging to maintain high crop yields, even in arid and drought‐prone regions that depend on irrigation. The average water demand of crops varies significantly, depending on plant species, development stage, and climate. Most crops, such as maize and wheat, require relatively more water during the vegetative phase compared to the ripening phase. In this review, we explain WUE and options to improve water use and thus crop yield. Nutrient management might represent another possibility to manipulate water uptake and use by plants. An emerging topic involves agroforest co‐cultivation, where trees in the system facilitate water transfer through hydraulic lift, benefiting neighbouring crops. Other options to enhance crop yield per water use are discussed.
Hypoxic indices for obstructive sleep apnoea severity and cardiovascular disease risk prediction: A comparison and application in a community population
Authors: Hui Xinjie , Cao Wenhao , Xu Zeyu , Guo Junwei , Luo Jinmei , Xiao Yi
Published: May 2024

Background and Objective

The apnoea‐hypopnoea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) encounter challenges in capturing the intricate relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. Although novel hypoxic indices have been proposed to tackle these limitations, there remains a gap in comprehensive validation and comparisons across a unified dataset.

Methods

Samples were derived from the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS), involving 4485 participants aged over 40 years after data quality screening. The study compared several key indices, including AHI, ODI, the reconstructed hypoxic burden (rHB), the percentage of sleep time with the duration of respiratory events causing desaturation (pRED_3p) and the sleep breathing impairment index (SBII), in relation to CVD mortality and morbidity risks. Adjusted Cox proportional models were employed to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for each index, and comparisons were performed.

Results

SBII and pRED_3p exhibited significant correlations with both CVD mortality and morbidity, with SBII showing the highest adjusted HR (95% confidence interval) for mortality (2.04 [1.25, 3.34]) and pRED_3p for morbidity (1.43 [1.09‐1.88]). In contrast, rHB was only significant in predicting CVD mortality (1.63 [1.05–2.53]), while AHI and ODI did not show significant correlations with CVD outcomes. The adjusted models based on SBII and pRED_3p exhibited optimal performance in the CVD mortality and morbidity datasets, respectively.

Conclusion

This study identified the optimal indices for OSA‐related CVD risks prediction, SBII for mortality and pRED_3p for morbidity. The open‐source online platform provides the computation of the indices.
Value and demand for genetic information and ambiguity aversion revisited
Authors: Felder Stefan , Sevim Dilek
Published: May 2024

We use the smooth ambiguity model to show that ambiguity aversion increases the value of and demand for genetic information for low prior beliefs of carrying a genetic mutation. We also examine an extension based on the ex ante uncertainty of the test results. The extended model, which accommodates ambiguity aversion only in the presence of new information, lowers the value of genetic information and leads to information avoidance. If this behavior is sufficiently strong, it could explain the low demand observed for genetic tests.
Professional voice use in health and nursing care – Time for reconsideration? A scoping review
Authors: Vaartio‐Rajalin Heli , Lyberg Åhlander Viveka , Nyholm Linda
Published: May 2024

Background

Communication is a key tool in the nursing profession. It is known that listeners are sensitive to the speaker's voice and interpret the speaker's intentions primarily from the non‐verbal signal conveyed.

Aim

To map and discuss the current state of knowledge and research evidence on professional voice use in health and nursing care.

Design and Method

A scoping review adherent to the EQUATOR guidelines PRISMA‐ScR.

Data Sources

Searches in the EBSCO, CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, PsychInfo and PsycArticles databases were conducted between 1 and 28 February 2023.

Results

According to the data (n =  23), health professionals use voice as a vital aspect of caring communication and caring relationships, and in leadership as well as inter‐professional collaboration, to facilitate information exchange and understanding and promote shared decision‐making. The data showed that there is also a rising tendency to explore vocal demands and problems among health professionals. No studies were found on the use of voice in digital health and nursing care services or by social robots. Most of the reviewed studies were cross‐sectional, rather small, and focused primarily on the perspectives of healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

The use of voice should be explored as a vital aspect of caring communication and caring relationships from the patients' perspective, and the effects of voice use on listeners' emotions and actions should be examined in different contexts with modern, voice‐specific data collection methods. Studies focusing on voice use in digital health care and by social robots are also needed. By integrating training programmes, education and technological innovations, health care can leverage the full potential of voice‐based communication to promote a more coordinated and patient‐centred care environment, true inter‐professional collaboration and effective leadership.

Impact

Professional voice use is an essential part of all health and nursing care and an impressive method that should be used consciously. Therefore, the meaning and methods of voice use, including speech accommodation, should be systematically introduced into health and nursing care and included in nursing education.
Building bridges: An exploratory study of Carver Bridge to STEM success students' experiences and sense of belonging
Authors: Wilcox Jesse , Berger Heidi , Lawson Sara , Ramker Molly Ella
Published: May 2024

Scholarships in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (S‐STEM) programs have been designed to retain highly qualified students in STEM. At Simpson College, the Carver Bridge to STEM Success Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, has this same goal in mind. We designed and carried out a case study on the 15 Carver Bridge Scholars to quantify their experiences in the program and to measure their sense of belonging. We compared the Scholars to two groups: a comparison group of students who were eligible for the Carver Bridge program but did not participate and all STEM majors who matriculated at Simpson College at the same time as the Scholars. We found that the Scholars had a statistically significantly higher retention in STEM compared to the comparison group (2 = 13.715 p < 0.001, df = 1, ⍵ = 0.71) and a similar GPA at graduation compared to other STEM majors at Simpson College (Mann–Whitney U = 653, p = 0.725, r = 0.03). We found major themes including seeking opportunities, the role of professors, and viewing the Carver Bridge as a “home base.” We outline the major strengths of Carver Bridge as seen by the students and propose a path forward for research on future generations of scholars.
Higher‐order thinking skills‐oriented problem‐based learning interventions in mathematics: A systematic literature review
Authors: Aba‐Oli Zinab , Koyas Kidane , Husen Abera
Published: May 2024

This qualitative review aims to describe the current status of problem‐based learning (PBL) implementation in mathematics and identify research gaps in the area of investigation. Literature was searched using the ERIC and Google Scholar search engines. The inclusion/exclusion criteria included: articles published in reputable journals in English since 2015; use PBL as an instructional strategy; include critical thinking, problem‐solving, and creative thinking skills or explore the PBL process; as well as studies conducted at the secondary school level; those using well‐defined research design, process, and procedures; use reliable and valid data collection instruments; rigors maintained; clear discussion and precise conclusion. Based on these criteria, 14 primary studies were selected and reviewed. The results show that PBL improves mathematical critical thinking, problem‐solving, and creative thinking skills. Second, teachers' and students' adaptation to the PBL environment encompasses multiple stages of conceptualization and reconceptualization of its basic features. In addressing the challenges associated with the complex nature of PBL implementation during the shift from the conventional direct instruction model to the PBL environment in secondary school mathematics instruction, these studies fall short of producing concrete results and knowledge.
‘From aspirations for climate action to the reality of climate disasters’: Can remittances play key role in disaster response?
Authors: Makhlouf Farid , Selmi Refk
Published: May 2024

Climate change and extreme weather events have led to a surge in natural hazards in Pakistan that have escalated into humanitarian disasters. While remittances are often central to the livelihood of the most vulnerable, research has produced limited knowledge regarding the role of remittances in time of disaster. This paper investigates the reaction of Pakistani migrants to five major natural disasters via remittances from 1972 to 2023. Using an event‐study methodology, the paper compares the responses of remittances in different host countries namely Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Europe & the UK and North America. We provide evidence that remittances intensify in response to climate‐induced disasters, thus representing a reactive mechanism in time of hardship. The response is significant two (one) months after the events for GCC (Europe & the UK and North America) and tends to dissipate 5 months from the disaster occurrence (except for GCC). The intensity and the persistence of remittances' responsiveness (abnormal returns and volatility) depends on the nature of disasters, host countries’ features and the economic conditions of migrants. Our findings highlight the need for further understanding the role of remittances as a coping mechanism in the face of environmental hazards to better inform policies geared toward disaster risk reduction.
Draft - Integrity Management of Selective Seam Weld Corrosion on Oil and Gas Pipelines
Authors: Cooper Cameron , Davies Christopher , Slater Simon
Published: May 2024

Over recent years operators of oil and gas pipelines have been updating their integrity management plans to include comprehensive approaches to deal with the threat posed by selective seam weld corrosion (SSWC). An increased visibility of the threat has led to it being incorporated into the recent revision of the gas transmission regulations. SSWC is a specific type of corrosion observed to interact with the longitudinal seam weld of pipes used to transport oil and gas. The nature of SSWC, specifically the morphology and observed growth rate, means that it cannot be managed in the same way as general corrosion, with well-established assessment methods and models. A number of historical publications and more recent studies, provide guidance on how corrosion interacting with the long seam can be addressed. Current focus topics for the operators are a) assessment methods to detect, identify and size SSWC anomalies using in-line inspection (ILI), and b) establishing appropriate response criteria and re-assessment frequencies.

The aim of this paper is to provide the wider integrity engineering industry with an overview of this topic including assessment methods, the importance of validation data from inditch testing, and the how effective response criteria can be developed that incorporate all the data, technologies, industry guidance and information available to integrity engineers.
Responses of Pipelines Impacted by Geohazards and Effective Integrity Management Strategies
Authors: Wang Yong-Yi , Jia Dan , Liu Banglin , Warman David
Published: May 2024

Geohazards are a major contributor to pipeline incidents. Numerous incidents attributable to geotechnical hazards are listed in advisory bulletins from US DOT PHMSA. In addition to geohazards, hydrotechnical and seismic hazards can damage or cause loss of containment in pipelines.

A pipeline incident occurs when the demand on a pipeline segment exceeds its capacity. The demand is the loading imposed on the pipeline segment, while the capacity is the ability of the pipeline segment to resist the demand before an undesirable event, such as a leak or rupture, occurs. In the context of geohazard-imposed loading, the most relevant demand and capacity are in a pipeline’s longitudinal/axial direction.

This paper starts with a few real-world examples of pipeline incidents where geohazards were identified as one of the major contributing factors. The geohazards which provide the strain demand and girth weld characteristics which dominate the capacity are highlighted for each incident. The paper then turns to the fundamentals and key concepts of integrity-centric geohazards management and contrasts this approach with more traditional geohazards management techniques. The other foundational technology to this approach, strain-based FFS (fitness-for-service) assessment is also introduced.

The paper closes with some key elements and steps for the implementation of integrity-centric geohazards management. Practical guidance is provided so pipeline operators can utilize resources that are likely to make the biggest difference.
Dig Effectiveness and Repair Criteria for Dents in Gas Pipelines
Authors: Mojarad Mady , Uzcategui Isabella
Published: May 2024

Pipeline dents form from different causes including third-party damage, backfilling issues, pipe sitting on rocks. US DoT includes dent repair and remediation criteria based upon dent depth, dent location (top or bottom side), pressure cycling, strain, and dent interaction with other threats like welds, corrosion, cracks. These criteria are easy to apply, however, they may cause conservative excavations.

Over 80 deformation excavation results were reviewed in this paper. The results were compared against In-Line Inspection (ILI) reported values.

The paper is targeted to gas pipelines, but some of the conclusions can be applied to liquid pipelines and facilities.

This paper includes a review of in the ditch excavation results versus ILI data. ASME B31.8 includes repair criteria for plain dents considering susceptibility for crack initiation during dent formation. As found results were reviewed and no cracks were found in the majority of excavations with high dent strain.

The depth and strain based dent assessment criteria as required by various government regulations and industry codes have served the pipeline industry as an evaluation method to determine fitness for service. However, this criteria can result in unnecessary excavations. Excavation results are reviewed versus as called to investigate the level of conservatism embedded in critical strain values recommended by ASME B31.8. Megarule Part 2 has a maximum level for dent strain (10%) where engineering critical analysis is not allowed and dent must be repaired. The as found results were compared where this strain level was achieved for any possible crack initiation.

The review results and conclusions will be one source to improve integrity repair decisions and can be used to support modifications of guidelines, standards, or regulatory documents. Information presented will be of interest to pipeline operators, in-line inspection (ILI) companies, integrity management specialists and regulators.
Integrity Management Strategy for Critical Pipelines
Authors: Salama Mohammad
Published: May 2024

In the realm of production facilities characterized by a myriad of pipelines, discerning the critical ones necessitates an assessment grounded in the environmental and financial implications of potential failures. Consequently, the initial stride in formulating an integrity management strategy entails a classification of pipelines based on their criticality-derived risk levels. These risk levels hinge on a meticulous evaluation of failure likelihood and its resultant consequences. Such an evaluation mandates a comprehensive grasp of pipeline hazards and degradation mechanisms. This comprehension, in turn, forms the bedrock for the establishment of an appropriate integrity management program aligned with the risk level. This paper expounds on the procedures for risk assessment and the pivotal components of a sound integrity management program.
System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA): An Innovative Top-Down Hazard Assessment Method for Based on the System-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP) - A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Diop Issa , Abdul-Nour Georges , Komljenovic Dragan
Published: May 2024

This paper seeks to conduct a comprehensive review of the entire collection of documents published on the development and utilization of STAMP/STPA over the past decade. To achieve this, we have followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, which serves as a recognized standard for systematic literature reviews in data collection. The study involved nineteen papers devoted to this subject matter, systematically retrieved from the online database Scopus. The findings indicated the need to integrate STAMP/STPA with other systemic safety assessment approaches to create a comprehensive Integrated Decision-Making Framework for Industrial Asset Management. This framework would be instrumental in assessing and managing emerging technology risks, as well as addressing extreme, rare, and disruptive events. Further research would validate its efficiency and practicality. Therefore, future research initiatives will be devoted to conducting case studies in order to obtain more accurate data.