bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological and molecular characterization of two species of nematodes (Oxyuridomorpha: Thelastomatoidea: Protrelloididae, Thelastomatidae) parasitic in the cockroach Blaberus discoidalis Serville (Blattaria: Blaberidae) from Cuba
Authors: MORFFE JANS , GARCÍA NAYLA , VÉLIZ LAURA , HASEGAWA KOICHI , CARRENO RAMON A.
Published: October 2022

Protrelleta floridana Chitwood, 1932 and Cranifera cranifera (Chitwood, 1932) (Oxyuridomorpha: Thelastomatoidea: Protrelloididae, Thelastomatidae) are recorded for the first time in Cuba. These nematodes were found to parasitize the cockroach Blaberus discoidalis Serville (Blattaria: Blaberidae), constituting a new host record for them. Both species are redescribed with the aid of scanning electron microscopy and the arrangement of the copulatory papillae of the males of P. floridana is amended. The present specimens coincide in their morphology and most of the measurements with the type populations from USA and the records from Costa Rica, with only minor differences. The molecular phylogeny was inferred by mean of the D2-D3 domain of the 28S rDNA and the Cuban P. floridana and C. cranifera form monophyletic clades with sequences of both taxa from Costa Rica as well as a sequence of C. cranifera from Russia. In the case of C. cranifera its phylogeny and that of its blaberid hosts reveal coevolutionary relationships.
Stomatopod Crustacea of Lord Howe Island
Authors: AHYONG SHANE T.
Published: October 2022

Prior to the present study, five species in four genera of the mantis shrimp superfamily Gonodactyloidea were known from Lord Howe Island, Australia. The 2017 Australian Museum expedition to Lord Howe Island made a small but significant collection of stomatopods, comprising four species: Chorisquilla tweediei (Serène, 1950), Gonodactylaceus falcatus (Forskål, 1775), Pseudosquilla ciliata (Fabricius, 1787) and a new species of Acaenosquilla, representing the first record of the superfamily Lysiosquilloidea from Lord Howe Island. The new species of Acaenosquilla is formally described and a key to the stomatopods of Lord Howe Island is provided.
Message frames in health warnings and plain packaging. What effects do they have on non-smokers?
Authors: Gantiva Carlos , Correal-Grijalba Nicolás , Murcia-Vaca Laura
Published: October 2022

Objective:

The key to controlling tobacco use lies in preventing new smokers. Graphic health warnings and plain packaging are policy interventions to discourage cigarette consumption. This study examined the effect of the warning message frame (gain vs loss) and cigarette packaging (branded vs plain) in non-smokers.

Methods:

Young adult non-smokers aged 18–22 years ( n = 282) were recruited online and randomised to one of four experimental conditions, in a 2 (Package, plain vs branded) × 2 (Frame, gain vs loss) between-subjects experimental design. Each participant was exposed to four images of cigarette packs. After observing each image, participants reported the perceived message effectiveness, perceived risks (or benefit) of smoking (or not), decision not to smoke, and attention to image.

Results:

Separate two-way analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) that examined the main effects of frame and package were used for each measure. A loss-framed warning was perceived as more effective, increased risk perception, enhanced awareness of the health benefits of not smoking, produced less desire to smoke, and strengthened the decision not to smoke. Plain packaging had no significant effect on any of the outcomes. No significant differences were found in visual attention.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that loss-framed warnings were more effective in preventing non-smokers from starting, compared with gain-framed warnings. Plain packaging did not seem to enhance the effect of health warnings in our sample of non-smokers.
Bloody suffering and durability: How chefs forge embodied identities in elite kitchens
Authors: Burrow Robin , Scott Rebecca , Courpasson David
Published: October 2022

In this article, we elaborate on the significance of suffering in processes of embodied identity construction. Drawing on interviews with 62 chefs employed in elite kitchens around the world, we make two main contributions. First, we extend our understanding of suffering as a traumatic, alienating experience by theorizing it as a distinctive form of embodied identity work. We show how suffering can function as a mechanism through which people forge an understanding of who they are. Our second contribution extends the first by elaborating on what we call the aesthetics of suffering. We show how suffering can be perversely appreciable, distinguishing and endured in culturally significant, identity-implicative ways. Via this theorization, we progress our understanding of how identities are forged through (and read from) suffering bodies, and add an additional layer of interpretation to research in which matters of embodied identity and suffering are nascent but largely neglected.
Effects of particle size and oxide shell on variable stiffness performance of phase-changing materials
Authors: Buckner Trevor L , Farrell Zachary J , Nasab Amir M , Kramer-Bottiglio Rebecca
Published: October 2022

Phase-changing materials have recently found use as particulate fillers to engender stiffness-changing behavior in composites. In the transition from solid to liquid particles, the composite modulus can be significantly reduced, and then raised again as the particles are allowed to solidify. While the general effect of stiffness tuning in phase-changing composites has been demonstrated in a range of studies and applications, the most drastic stiffness ranges are provided by fusible metallic alloys, which are commonly subject to the formation of oxide shells on their surfaces. In this work, we examine the effect these oxide surfaces have on variable-stiffness performance, and investigate the corresponding role of particle size. In particular, we study particles of a low-melting-point metallic alloy, Field’s Metal, and we also present a facile method of manufacture that allows for control of particle size. We then manufacture a set of stiffness-changing composites using these particles and characterize mechanical performance, with the aim of controlling particle size to increase the total stiffness ratio while resisting material failure.
Neuro-ophthalmology malpractice: A review of the Westlaw Database
Authors: Zhu Daniel , Wong Amanda , Shah Paras P , Pomeranz Howard D
Published: October 2022

Background

Neuro-ophthalmologic conditions are at a higher risk of misdiagnosis compared to other ophthalmic conditions. Increased awareness of the most common diagnostic errors in neuro-ophthalmology that lead to malpractice claims can allow ophthalmologists to further improve their diagnostic workup to reduce delays in diagnosis and management, while also mitigating the risk of litigation.

Methods

Malpractice trials in the Westlaw Legal Database that involved cases of neuro-ophthalmologic diagnostic errors or failures by ophthalmologists were included in this study.

Results

A total of 43 cases were included, all citing failure to diagnose as the main reason for litigation. The most common diagnoses missed were cerebrovascular pathologies (30.2%), intracranial tumours (27.9%) and giant cell arteritis (25.6%). The majority of verdicts were in favour of the defendants (48.8%). After adjusting for inflation, the average amount awarded was $1,952,154.

Conclusion

Nearly half of the cases resulted in a defendant verdict. Settlement and plaintiff verdicts were costly, with average awards of approximately two million inflation-adjusted dollars. Failure to diagnose cerebrovascular pathologies was the most common diagnostic error followed by failure to diagnose intracranial tumours and giant cell arteritis. It is crucial for ophthalmologists to be aware of the most common pitfalls that lead to misdiagnosis or delays in diagnosis of neuro-ophthalmologic conditions.
Numerical investigation for optimization of spark-ignition internal combustion engine knock by Taguchi-Grey method
Authors: Kou Yalin , Gao Ying , You Yuelin , Wang Yurang
Published: October 2022

This article carried out a numerical investigation of knock, using the Taguchi method and the grey relational analysis method to determine the importance and the contribution rate of multiple parameters on the peak pressure in the cylinder and the knock tendency under heavy load conditions. Four parameters, namely, compression ratio, spark timing, EGR rate, and inlet temperature, were set at four levels. The simulation was designed using a design of experiment method based on Taguchi's L16 orthogonal array. The simulation results of knock tendency and peak in-cylinder pressure were analyzed by the Taguchi-Grey method. According to the analysis results of the Taguchi-Grey method, the optimal level, the importance rank, and the contribution rate of factors on the knock tendency, peak in-cylinder pressure, and equivalent response were determined. The results demonstrate that the contribution rate of compression ratio, spark timing, EGR rate, and inlet temperature to the knock tendency is 45.9%, 22.98%, 19.46%, and 11.66%, respectively. The compression ratio, spark timing, EGR rate, and inlet temperature contribution to the peak in-cylinder pressure is 40.56%, 31.03%, 24.94 and 3.47%, respectively. The optimal conditions for the minimum knock tendency and the maximum peak in-cylinder pressure are obtained at CR1 EGR4 IT1 ST1 and CR4 EGR1 IT1 ST4, respectively.
Babymoon Tourism: Co-Creating Well-Being for Traveling Mothers
Authors: Vespestad May-Kristin
Published: October 2022

This article aims to provide insight into how babymoon tourism can contribute to well-being by using a multimethod approach, combining autoethnography and netnography. The findings show that mothers-to-be experience well-being derived from co-creation and meaning. Participation in activities and everyday-like events at the destination can lead to happiness and improved quality of life. Self-development, empowerment, interpersonal interactions, and engagement with local culture all inspire well-being. In contrast, destinations’ representations of babymoon tourism focus on physical facilities, where culture and co-creation are absent in the realization of well-being. Viewing co-creation of well-being through a cultural interaction lens suggests an untapped potential for tourism businesses and could be a way forward for promoting babymoons. The study makes theoretical and practical contributions. Its original methodological approach, namely an autoethnographic narrative of babymoon tourism, could lower the threshold for conducting autoethnographic studies in current travel research, and encourage further studies of babymoon tourism.
Experiences from a Balint Group Intervention with Urban Public School Teachers
Authors: Williams TaQuana , Munjuluri Sarat , Lichtenstein Albert
Published: October 2022

U.S. teacher shortages have more than tripled since the 2012-2013 school year, to over 110,000 teachers needed in 2016. 1 At the conclusion of the 2011-12 school year, 13.8% of public-school teachers left their position. 2 Approximately 50% of the public-school teachers cited the inability to manage their roles as the primary factor for leaving. 2 The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of participation in a 6-month Balint group experience on a novice teacher’s self-efficacy, experience with burnout, and intentions to persist in the classroom. A converged mixed-methods approach was used. Each question was explored with a corresponding qualitative and a quantitative dataset. Qualitative data included (a) a semi-structured focus group; (b) field notes shared from the co-facilitator and Balint group leader; (c) semi-structured debriefs with the Balint group leaders; (d) open-ended questions on the pre and post-test reflection forms, and (e) semi-structured interviews with three participants that served as a form of member checking. Quantitative data included pre and post-test and monthly reflection forms that were collected at the conclusion of each meeting. teacher’s self-efficacy, experience with burnout, and intentions to persist in the classroom. Eight teachers volunteered for the group after an email solicitation to all the teacher development program’s members. This article examines sources of stress for new teachers, themes that came up in the Balint group that reflect the stress and its impact, and changes in felt burnout, self-efficacy, an intent to persist in teaching.
Caregiving and Self-Esteem in Mid and Later Life: Is There Variation by Age, Parental Status, and Gender?
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey E. , Patterson Sarah E.
Published: October 2022

Caregiving may prove either beneficial or harmful for caregiver well-being, depending on the circumstances surrounding care provision. Using data from the two most recent waves of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS, 2004–2014; N = 1,100), we examine whether providing care for an adult at both time points (i.e., 8–10 years apart) is associated with changes to self-esteem over the ten-year period, in comparison with providing care at only one time point, or not at all. We also examine moderation by caregivers’ age, parental status, and gender. Findings indicated (1) caregiving at both waves was associated with decreases in self-esteem among younger and midlife adults, but this effect weakened and even reversed with age; and (2) caregiving at both waves was associated with increased self-esteem among participants without children, but not among those with children. We discuss implications for identifying caregivers at greatest risk of diminished well-being.
Evaluating the Importance of Monetary Policy Uncertainty: The Long- and Short-Term Effects and Responses
Authors: Hu Yang , Hong Yanran , Feng Kai , Wang Jikai
Published: October 2022

Monetary policy changes have an irreplaceable impact on economic activity. Considering the close linkage among economic policies, we employ a bi-directional Granger causality test to investigate the potential linkages between monetary policy uncertainty (MPU) and other categorical economic policy uncertainty (CEPU) in the time and frequency domains. We consider all news-based U.S. categorical economic policy uncertainty indices (CEPU). All monthly CEPU indicators, covering January 1986 to January 2022, can be obtained from the website of Economic Policy Uncertainty. On an average, causality running from each CEPU to MPU is not apparent, while MPU can significantly affect six policy-related uncertainties: taxes, government spending, health care, national security, entitlement programs and regulation. A further frequency-domain study showed the dynamic changes in the relationship between them. For instance, we capture mid- and long-run causality running from tax uncertainty to MPU, while MPU has an impact on taxes in the medium run. Our findings provide policymakers with a better understanding of the nexus between MPU and other CEPU for formulating appropriate economic policies. Particularly, if a sectional government considers the long- and short-term effects of different policies when formulating strategies, risk transmission may be curbed to some extent.
As Much As I Can – Utilizing Immersive Theatre to Reduce HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination Toward Black Sexual Minority Men
Authors: Burns Paul A. , Klukas Emily , Sims-Gomillia Courtney , Omondi Angela , Bender Melverta , Poteat Tonia
Published: October 2022

Background

Despite advances in biomedical HIV prevention modalities such as pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent the transmission of HIV, racial/ethnic and sexual/gender minority populations are disproportionately impacted by HIV epidemic. Alarming rates of HIV have persisted among Black gay and bisexual men, particularly in Southern states.

Methods

Utilizing data from the ViiV ACCELERATE! initiative, we explored the impact of As Much As I Can, an immersive theatre production, on HIV-related stigma behaviors. A self-administered post-performance survey was conducted with a cohort ( n = 322) of randomly selected audience members.

Results

Overall, the results showed participants had a highly favorable experience, rating the performance with a mean score of 9.77/10. Respondents indicated they intended to change behaviors to promote HIV prevention education and to reduce stigma and discrimination including: (1) Say something if I hear stigmatizing language against people living with HIV (75.4%), (2) Say something if I hear anti-gay language (69.7%) and (3) Tell others about HIV prevention options (e.g., PrEP, PEP, condoms (64.1%). The findings show there is an association between HIV-related behavior intention and linkage to HIV care. Respondents who reported they were more likely to say something about HIV stigma were almost three times (O.R. 2.77; 95% C.I. 0.98–7.8) more likely to indicate they would follow up with a healthcare professional.

Conclusions

This study suggests that immersive theatre is an effective method for communicating HIV prevention education and reducing HIV-related structural stigma and discrimination that increases HIV vulnerability for Black sexual minority men.
Risk Factors for Revision or Rerupture After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Di , Pan Jian-ke , Lin Fang-zheng , Luo Ming-hui , Liang Gui-hong , Zeng Ling-feng , Huang He-tao , Han Yan-hong , Xu Nan-jun , Yang Wei-yi , Liu Jun
Published: October 2022

Background:

The rerupture or need for revision after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a serious complication. Preventive strategies that target the early identification of risk factors are important to reduce the incidence of additional surgery.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate risk factors for revision or rerupture after ACLR.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from database inception to November 2021 and updated in January 2022. Quantitative, original studies reporting potential adjusted risk factors were included. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for potential risk factors.

Results:

A total of 71 studies across 13 countries with a total sample size of 629,120 met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen factors were associated with an increase in the risk of revision or rerupture after ACLR: male sex (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.14-1.41), younger age (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.05-1.08), lower body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.06), family history (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.50-4.08), White race (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.08-1.60), higher posterolateral tibial slope (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05-1.26), preoperative high-grade anterior knee laxity (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.46-3.64), higher baseline Marx activity level (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13), return to a high activity level/sport (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.15-3.57), an ACLR within less than a year after injury (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.81-2.32), a concomitant medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.31-2.00), an anteromedial portal or transportal technique (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.22-1.51), hamstring tendon (HT) autografts (vs bone–patellar tendon–bone [BPTB] autografts) (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.40-1.82), allografts (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.65-4.19), and smaller graft diameter (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.05-1.38). The other factors failed to show an association with an increased risk of revision or rerupture after ACLR.

Conclusion:

Male sex, younger age, lower BMI, family history, White race, higher posterolateral tibial slope, preoperative high-grade anterior knee laxity, higher baseline Marx activity level, return to a high activity level/sport, an ACLR within less than a year from injury, a concomitant MCL injury, an anteromedial portal or transportal technique, HT autografts (vs BPTB autografts), allografts, and smaller graft diameter may increase the risk of revision or rerupture after ACLR. Raising awareness and implementing effective preventions/interventions for risk factors are priorities for clinical practitioners to reduce the incidence of revision or rerupture after ACLR.
Repeat Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and Return to Sport in Australian Soccer Players After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Hamstring Tendon Autograft
Authors: Manara Jonathan R. , Salmon Lucy J. , Kilani Faisal M. , Zelaya de Camino Gerardo , Monk Claire , Sundaraj Keran , Pinczewski Leo A. , Roe Justin P.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Soccer is the most commonly played team sport in the world and a high-risk sport for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and subsequent ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

Purpose:

To assess the rate of further ACL injury in patients who have undergone ACLR with hamstring tendon autograft after soccer injuries in Australia and to determine factors associated with repeat ACL injury and return to soccer.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

From a prospectively collected database, a series of 1000 consecutive ACLRs using hamstring autografts performed in soccer players were identified. Patients were surveyed at a minimum 5 years after reconstruction, including details of further ACL injuries to either knee, return to soccer or other sports, and psychological readiness per the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale.

Results:

Of the 862 participants reviewed, ACL graft rupture occurred in 85 (10%) and contralateral ACL rupture in 68 (8%) within 5 years after the reconstruction. The 5-year ACL graft survivorship was 94% for females and 88% for males. The survivorship of the contralateral ACL was 92% for males and 90% for females. When compared with those aged >25 years, the odds of ACL graft rupture was increased by 4 to 5 times in those aged 19 to 25 years and 3 to 7 times in those ≤18 years. Further ACL injury to the graft or contralateral knee occurred in 44% of males aged ≤18 years. Risk factors for further ACL injury were younger age at time of surgery, male sex, and return to soccer. Graft diameter did not influence ACL graft rupture rates, and 70% of patients returned to soccer after ACLR. The mean ACL-RSI score was 59, and patients who reported more fear of reinjury on this scale were less likely to have returned to soccer.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of ACL graft rupture (10%) and contralateral ACL rupture (8%) was near equivalent over 5 years in this large cohort of mostly recreational Australian soccer players. ACLR with hamstring autograft is a reliable procedure, allowing 70% of patients to return to soccer in this high-risk population. Risk factors for further ACL injury are progressively younger age at time of surgery, male sex, and return to soccer. Graft diameter was not a factor in ACL graft rupture, indicating that other factors, particularly age, are of primary importance.
Microfracture Augmentation With Direct In Situ Radial Shockwave Stimulation With Appropriate Energy Has Comparable Repair Performance With Tissue Engineering in the Porcine Osteochondral Defect Model
Authors: Zhao Zhidong , Li Ji , Bai Xiaowei , Wang Yuxing , Wang Qi , Lv Ningyu , Gao Huayi , Guo Zheng , Zhu Heng , Guo Quanyi , Li Zhongli
Published: October 2022

Background:

The first-line clinical strategy for small cartilage/osteochondral defects is microfracture (MF). However, its repair efficacy needs improvement.

Hypothesis:

Appropriate energy radial shockwave stimulation in MF holes would greatly improve repair efficacy in the porcine osteochondral defect model, and it may obtain comparable performance with common tissue engineering techniques.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Osteochondral defect models (8-mm diameter, 3-mm depth) were established in the weightbearing area of Bama pigs’ medial femoral condyles. In total, 25 minipigs were randomly divided into 5 groups: control (Con; without treatment), MF, MF augmentation (MF+; treated with appropriate energy radial shockwave stimulation in MF holes after MF), tissue engineering (TE; treated with compounds of microcarrier and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells), and sham (as the positive control). After 3 months of intervention, osteochondral specimens were harvested for macroscopic, radiological, biomechanical, and histological evaluations. The statistical data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance.

Results:

Based on the macroscopic appearance, the smoothness and integration of the repaired tissue in the MF+ group were improved when compared with the Con and MF groups. The histological staining suggested more abundant cartilaginous matrix deposition in the MF+ group versus the Con and MF groups. The general scores of the macroscopic and histological appearances were comparable in the MF+ and the TE groups. The high signal areas of the osteochondral unit in the magnetic resonance images were significantly decreased in the MF+ group, with no difference with the TE group. The micro–computed tomography data demonstrated the safety of direct in situ radial shockwave performance. Biomechanical tests revealed that the repaired tissue’s Young modulus was highest in the MF+ group and not statistically different from that in the TE group.

Conclusion:

Direct in situ radial shockwave stimulation with appropriate energy significantly improves the short-term repair efficacy of MF. More encouragingly, the MF+ group in our study obtained repair performance comparable with the TE therapy.

Clinical Relevance:

This strategy is easy to perform and can readily be generalized with safety and higher cartilage repair efficacy. Moreover, it is expected to be accomplished under arthroscopy, indicating tremendous clinical transformative value.
Environmental implications of reprocessing agricultural waste into animal food: An experience with rice straw and citrus pruning waste
Authors: Ibáñez-Forés Valeria , Bovea María D , Segarra-Murria José , Jorro-Ripoll Juan
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to conduct an environmental comparison, by applying the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, of two different compositions for animal foods each with two different nutritional contents (‘high’ for the lactation period, and ‘low’ for the rest of the year). Thus, for each nutritional content, the environmental performance of producing animal feed with a traditional composition mainly based on cereals is compared with a composition based on a mixture of biomass obtained from rice straw and citrus pruning waste. It was observed that the reprocessing of rice straw and citrus pruning waste into animal feed offered environmental potential compared to the current alternative of being burned in the fields. The environmental impact category global warming is especially improved, with impact reductions of up to 50% and 95%, respectively, for high and low nutritional content compositions. In addition, the alternatives proposed herein make it possible to avoid all the inconvenience and impacts on the health of the population living near the fields.
Role of Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Findings in Early Recognition and Diagnosis of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis Type 2 Disease
Authors: Ho Mai-Lan , Wirrell Elaine C. , Petropoulou Kalliopi , Sakonju Ai , Chu Dorna , Seratti Guillermo , Palasis Susan
Published: October 2022

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) disease is a very rare neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder. Progression is rapid and irreversible, making early diagnosis crucial for timely treatment. A group of pediatric neurologists and neuroradiologists with expertise in CLN2 convened to discuss early electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in CLN2 diagnosis. Of 18 CLN2 cases, 16 (88.9%) had background slowing and 16 (88.9%) had epileptiform discharges on initial EEG. Seven of 17 (41.2%) patients who received intermittent low-frequency photic stimulation had a photoparoxysmal response. Initial MRIs showed subtle cerebellar (n = 14, 77.8%) or cerebral (n = 9, 50.0%) atrophy, white matter abnormalities (n = 11, 61.1%), and basal ganglia T2 hypointensity (n = 6, 33.3%), which became more apparent on follow-up MRI. The recognition of even subtle cerebellar atrophy and white matter signal changes in children aged 2-5 years who present with language delay, new-onset seizures, and an EEG with epileptiform discharges and background slowing should prompt investigation for CLN2. Because these early signs are not unique to CLN2, genetic testing is essential early in the diagnostic journey.
Docosahexaenoic acid-loaded chitosan/alginate membrane reduces biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa and promotes MSC-mediated burn wound healing
Authors: Ghaneialvar Hori , Kayumov Airat , Aboualigalehdari Elham , Pakzad Iraj , Tanideh Nader , Abbasi Naser , Haddadi Mohammad Hossein
Published: October 2022

Aims: Chitosan, like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), is used in medicine as a wound healing accelerator. Thus, in this study, chitosan-alginate (CA) membranes containing DHA and MSCs were produced, and their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against burn infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated.

Methods: Physicochemical properties were assessed by SEM, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Porosity, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The viability and apoptosis of MSCs were studied using flow cytometry. Wound healing effects were analyzed based on histopathological features, the wound contraction rate (WCR) ratio, and bacterial clearance.

Results: The CA membranes showed antibiofilm activity both in vivo and in vitro, accompanied by reduced lasI and rhlI expressions and pyocyanin production. The membranes were highly porous and biocompatible and showed favorable physicochemical properties. Docosahexaenoic acid incorporation to CA membranes improved their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities, as well as MSCs’ viability by reducing crystallinity and increasing porosity ( p = .008). Treatment with CA-DHA-MSC accelerated burn wound healing (with complete healing being observed after 14 days, WCR = 85%) and augmented antibacterial and antibiofilm activities in vivo compared to CA-DHA and CA-MSC. The CA-DHA-MSC group delivered a significantly higher WCR and lower inflammation than the CA-MSC group ( p = .0001).

Conclusion: In combination with DHA-loaded CA membranes, MSCs reduced the healing time of burn wounds, offering a viable option for designing effective wound dressings.
The Influence of Time and Temperature on Human Milk Storage Antioxidant Properties, Oxidative Stress, and Total Protein
Authors: Ribeiro Vania Paula Damasceno , Tinoco Renata Braga , Chamon Ana Luísa Beber , Pessoa Iana Soares , Santos Tamires Cruz dos , Silva Racire Sampaio , Fronza Marcio
Published: October 2022

Background:

Human milk is an essential source of nutrition for an infant’s health. When breastfeeding working mothers or students, for example, are unable to breastfeed, storing their milk is recommended. Therefore, it is crucial to know the storage conditions to ensure their antioxidant capacity and avoid oxidative damage.

Research Aim:

To evaluate the stability of the antioxidant and pro-oxidant profiles and the amount of total protein in fresh human milk after different storage times (1, 2, 7, 14, and 21 days) and temperatures (4 ºC and -20 ºC).

Methods:

This was a prospective, longitudinal, and observational study with milk samples grouped according to age for comparisons, which included 20 lactating women. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the colorimetric methods of free radical scavenging 2,2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid and the decrease of ferric ion. Oxidative stress was determined by the lipid peroxidation product formation through malondialdehyde concentration, and the total protein content was assessed by the Bradford method.

Results:

The antioxidant profile of human milk was maintained with minimal losses until the 14th day when stored at 4 ºC and -20 ºC. The evolution of malondialdehyde concentration over storage revealed significant changes only 21 days after human milk storage at 4 ºC. There was no change in the value of total protein content.

Conclusions:

To sum up, there is no difference in the storage of human milk at a temperature of 4 °C or -20 °C over 14 days. Therefore, the lactating woman may choose the most convenient way of storage.
A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study on the Expiration of Maxillary Cheek Teeth Infundibula in 217 Horses
Authors: Dickey Jason P. , Carmalt James L. , Reiswig Jeffrey D.
Published: October 2022

The determination of a horse's age by its dentition is a technique that has been employed by horse owners and professionals since at least 600 BC. While aging teeth based on incisor wear patterns is common, wear patterns in the cheek teeth may also be useful. As horses continue to live longer, we routinely examine horses into their 20's and 30's, and it is becoming more common to observe aging changes in the cheek teeth. To our knowledge, this study is the first to use easily obtained clinical observation of the expiration of cheek teeth infundibula to age horses of advanced ages (16 to 35 years). The results of this study indicate that the attrition of infundibula is likely due to the combined effects of eruption time, length of the tooth or infundibulum, forces placed on the tooth or infundibulum, and the presence of enamel or cemental hypoplasia. With additional prospective studies, the use of cheek tooth infundibular expiration may become a useful tool to determine the age of horses in the field.
Dynamics control of topology switching for multi-functional unmanned ground vehicle platoon with VCBDL topology
Authors: Zhao Yue , Ni Jun , Hu Jibin
Published: October 2022

With the development of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), a variety of civilian missions could be carried out by UGVs. The utilization of UGV in Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) has received significant attention in recent year. However, single UGV can’t satisfy the requirement of enormous complex work in civil use. It requires UGV to be grouped as a platoon to complete different mission with different formation and information topology. Therefore, a novel coordination control method is needed to solve the topology switch problem. In this paper, a switchable form of Vehicle-Cloud Bidirectional Leader (VCBDL) topology is proposed. Within this information topology, the formation topology of UGV platoon is formed by following the order of cloud brain and can be switched for different requirement. To obtain stable performance of the platoon in switch process, this paper analyzes the design of the platoon controller. The range of controller gain is obtained through the Lyapunov stability analysis. The above conclusions are verified by the experiments based on a shuttle UGV testbed platoon.
Vertical load distribution strategy of amphibious wheel-track vehicle using neural network and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Gao Xue , Tang Yuanjiang , Xu Haijun , Xu Xiaojun , Xu Liyang , Yan Lihao
Published: October 2022

Amphibious wheel-track vehicle (AWTV) can change the vertical load of the wheels and the tracks through the active hydro-pneumatic suspension system, which shows significant advantages in terms of maneuverability and road passing ability. However, AWTV is a strong nonlinear system. The irregularity of the road, and coupling characteristics between the vertical load of the wheel-tracks and the terrain will greatly affect the tractive efficiency of the whole vehicle. Therefore, how to effectively distribute the vertical load between the wheel and the track to improve the tractive efficiency of the whole vehicle is still a huge challenge. To address the above problems, based on the neural network (NN) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, vertical load distribution strategy of the AWTV is proposed to improve its traction efficiency under different driving road in this paper. Firstly, the coupling dynamics model of AWTV with road and hydraulic system dynamics model of active suspension is established; Secondly, the wheel-track terrain model is built in EDEM-Recurdyn to collect data of vertical load and traction efficiency under the different soils and speeds, and the coupling function is obtained through NN; Then, the optimal vertical load of each axle is optimized through PSO; Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the strategy are verified by the simulation analysis under different road conditions and distribution strategies. The simulation and test results demonstrate that the proposed vertical load distribution strategy based on NN-PSO can effectively improve the traction performance of the AWTV in complex terrain environment, and have relatively superior control characteristics.
Development and characterization of Al2024/magnesium oxide/CNTs/ hybrid composites via stir casting method
Authors: Kurt Halil Ibrahim , Ergul Engin , Basyigit Aziz Baris , Oduncuoglu Murat , Yilmaz Necip Fazil
Published: October 2022

In this research, the aluminum (Al2024) matrix composites are reinforced with nano magnesium oxide (MgO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The aim of Al2024 alloy reinforced with MgO and MWCNTs is to reveal the effects of the reinforcement particle ratio on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the hybrid composites, to find the optimum hybrid ratio, and to form a stronger hybrid composite. The composites with the different hybrid ratios are produced via stir casting method. The theoretical and measured densities and porosity content of the composites are studied. The microstructure and fracture surface of the composites are examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron dispersive spectrum (EDS). The hardness, compression, and tensile properties of the composites are studied in this work. Results indicated that the hardness of the aluminum (Al) matrix composites (AMCs) is significantly improved after the reinforcement with MgO and carbon nanotube (CNT), and also heat treatment of T6. The stress–strain curve of the composites is tested by a material testing machine. The maximum tensile and compression strengths are obtained at Al2024-0.2 wt.% (MgO 50% + CNT 50%) the composite as 226 MPa and 684 MPa, respectively .The hardness, compression, and tensile strengths of the hybrid composites are higher than 1.51, 1.39, and 1.31 than that of the base metal. After heat treatment of T6, the maximum harness, compression, and tensile strengths are obtained by 102 HB, 730 MPa, and 277 MPa, respectively, which are 1.82, 1.49, and 1.61 times higher hardness than that that of the base Al2024 alloy. The main strengthening mechanism of nano-MgO particles and MWCNTs-reinforced Al2024/MgO/CNTs composites is observed by the precipitation strengthening mechanism.
A fault detection method for Auxiliary Power Unit based on monitoring parameters selection
Authors: Jiang Heng , Cai Jing , Zhong Zhirong , Guo Jiachen , Zuo Hongfu
Published: October 2022

Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is an indispensable component utilized in modern aircraft, which provides electrical and pneumatic power to the aircraft independently. What’s more, APU can help the main engines restart in case of main engine failure during flight. Thus there exists the need of APU monitoring. However, APU has not received sufficient attention in maintenance due to its relatively low cost and safety requirements compared to main engines. Line maintenance shows that APU is likely to fail in the start stage. Based on the Quick Access Recorder data supported by the airline, a fault detection method for APU is proposed in this paper. In order to improve the accuracy of fault detection, feature selection is carried out firstly to determine the optimal subset of monitoring parameters by Recursive Feature Elimination. Then fault detection is carried out by Support Vector Machine. Results show that Exhaust Gas Temperature is the most effective index among all monitoring parameters, and feature selection has a significant improvement on the accuracy of fault detection, which means higher accuracy with less monitoring cost. The method proposed in this paper also disposes that some monitoring parameters should be paid more attention in terms of the condition monitoring of APU.
How do gold and oil react to the COVID-19 pandemic: A review
Authors: Bai Min , Ho Ly
Published: October 2022

This paper reviews COVID-19 pandemic-related literature to examine its impacts on oil and gold prices during and since the initial outbreak. The literature reviewed covers varying markets, hypotheses, methodologies, robustness checks, and findings. Crude oil is important to everyday life for individuals, businesses, investors, and markets globally. The forces exerted by demand and supply and shocks can greatly increase volatility in oil commodity prices, which has been the case during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Oil has also in the past been used as a risk diversifier in portfolio optimization strategies. Gold has long been seen as a safe-haven asset that investors flee to during economic and financial market uncertainty and turbulence. How did the COVID-19 health crisis affect these two commodities during its initial outbreak and consequent persistence since then? How did government lockdown and restriction measures, monetary and fiscal stimulus packages, and pandemic-related news impact these commodity markets and their movements? Is there a contagion volatility effect between different markets and if so, who have been net transmitters and recipients of these flow-on effects? This literature review offers some insight into the answers to these questions while also highlighting the importance of further study since COVID-19 and its strains are not finished with the world yet.
A double-layer model predictive control algorithm for valve position control systems
Authors: Wang Hongrui , Zou Tao , Zheng Hongyu , Yang Zhijia , Wang Jingyang
Published: October 2022

Valve position control systems have the characteristics of combining static and dynamic, as well as fast and slow, which enables the system’s quick response while maintaining some economic performance. However, there is further potential to optimize the economic performance of the valve position control system under conventional control algorithms. This article proposes an improved double-layer model predictive control algorithm for the valve position control system to exploit the potential economic performance while satisfying control goals. In the steady-state optimization layer of the improved double-layer structural model predictive control, the ideal residence point of the key manipulated variable is calculated from the set point of the controlled variable and the steady-state model to characterize the coupling relationship between the primary and secondary manipulated variables in the valve position control system, which realizes the successive actuation feature between the manipulated variables. In order to improve the response speed of the system, the dynamic control layer adopts a two-mode switching strategy, where the mode switching symbol is the time at which the controlled variable first approaches a given steady-state threshold value. Based on the feedback from the dynamic control layer, the steady-state optimization layer optimizes set points of controlled and manipulated variables that can handle disturbances entered into the process at any time to improve the economic performance of valve position control systems. This article implements classical control methods via advanced process strategies to consider the optimal control of processes from a superior perspective.
Standardization of continuous and categorical covariates in sparse penalized regressions
Authors: Li Xiang , Ma Yong , Pan Qing
Published: October 2022

In sparse penalized regressions, candidate covariates of different units need to be standardized beforehand so that the coefficient sizes are directly comparable and reflect their relative impacts, which leads to fairer variable selection. However, when covariates of mixed data types (e.g. continuous, binary or categorical) exist in the same dataset, the commonly used standardization methods may lead to different selection probabilities even when the covariates have the same impact on or level of association with the outcome. In this paper, we propose a novel standardization method that targets at generating comparable selection probabilities in sparse penalized regressions for continuous, binary or categorical covariates with the same impact. We illustrate the advantages of the proposed method in simulation studies, and apply it to the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data to select factors related to the opioid prescription in the US.
Business or Hope? The Vaccine of the Day after, a Life Expectancy
Authors: Contreras Gastón Sanglier
Published: October 2022

This approach reflects the moments when humanity was infected by the new pandemic from a health point of view. The acceleration to find the vaccine that will protect us from the pandemic brings some interesting questions from the point of view of possible side effects and from the point of view of the economy. The growing interest in first producing the so-called ‘morning after’ vaccine calls into question whether this is a purely scientific act open to all countries of the world free of charge. Along the way, there are still the interests of many companies that have been favoured in one way or another to increase their profits. The analysis exposes the paradigm of health versus economy, of life expectancy versus business. Within this framework, humanity is discussed as a balance, perhaps taken advantage of by some of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies located in the strongest countries in the market, to the detriment of the weakest.
Homocysteine, Vitamins B6, B12, and Folate and the Risk of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Case-control Study from Northeast India
Authors: Ghose Manash , Das Madhumita , Das Rupjyoti , Barua Amit Ranjan , Deka Prasenjit , Barman Aparajita , Lahan Vivekananda , Choudhury Dhruba Jyoti , Sharma Jai Prakash , Mathur Manik , Borah Nomal Chandra , Choudhury Nupur , Barman Ananya
Published: October 2022

Background

Stroke is a major leading global health complication. Identification and management of risk factors associated with stroke can help in prior detection, prevention, and improvement in patient care.

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and Vitamins B6, B12, and folate deficiency in stroke patients and also to assess other risk factors associated with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

Methods

Detail history of all the subjects in the study including history of hypertension, anemia, fasting glucose, carotid artery thickness, smoking, alcohol, and dietary intake was recorded. Standard assays for homocysteine (Hcy), Vitamins B6, B12, and folate estimation were done. Lipid and renal profile tests were also performed. The prevalence and odds of having HHcy, Vitamins B6, B12, and folate deficiency, and other risk factors in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients were evaluated. Student’s t-tests and chi-square tests were done for statistical validation of the data.

Results

Prevalence of HHcy and Vitamins B6, B12, and folate deficiency was not observed in ischemic cases. HHcy and folate deficiency was found to be prevalent in hemorrhagic stroke patients. The odds that a person with HHcy and folate deficiency has hemorrhagic stroke was found to be significantly high.

Conclusion

In our study, high Hcy and low folate levels emerged as risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke.