bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Predictors of Substantial Postpartum Weight Retention Among Participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Southern California
Authors: Yusuf Hanan M. , Koleilat Maria , Whaley Shannon E.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Identify the prevalence and predictors of substantial postpartum weight retention (SPPWR) among WIC mothers in Southern California during their first postpartum year.

Design

Secondary data analysis.

Setting

The 2020 Los Angeles County WIC Survey.

Subjects

Mothers of children up to 1-year-old (N = 1019).

Measures

Outcome variable: SPPWR (≥5 kg above pre-pregnancy weight). Predictors: child’s age, mother’s age, race, education, employment status since having child, healthcare coverage, food insecurity, depressed mood, instrumental support, emotional support, spouse’s participation in child’s life, gestational weight gain (GWG), pre-pregnancy BMI, any breastfeeding, and gestational diabetes.

Analysis

Weighted descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of SPPWR was 31%. We found that for every 1 month increase in the child’s age (proxy for postpartum duration), the likelihood of SPPWR increased by 9% (AOR = 1.09, CI = 1.04-1.15). Mothers were more likely to have SPPWR when they exceeded GWG guidelines (AOR = 3.43, CI = 2.46-4.79). Compared to mothers with normal pre-pregnancy BMIs, mothers with overweight (AOR = .64, CI = .44-.94) and obese (AOR = .39, CI = .26-.58) pre-pregnancy BMIs were less likely to experience SPPWR.

Conclusion

Postpartum duration and maternal anthropometric characteristics were associated with SPPWR during the first postpartum year. Extending WIC eligibility for postpartum mothers to 2 years through the Wise Investment in Children Act may give WIC providers the opportunity to work closely with Southern California WIC mothers to achieve a healthy weight after pregnancy.
The Relationship between Personal and Contextual Factors and Participation Restriction in Mid-Life Caregivers
Authors: Klinedinst Tara C. , Beach Scott , Donovan Heidi , Rodakowski Juleen , Campbell Grace
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Mid-life family caregivers (CGs) are at risk for participation restriction, which can worsen quality of care for care recipients (CR) and increase CG burden and poor health. We aimed to identify factors associated with participation restriction in mid-life CGs.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of CGs aged 40–64 years ( n = 1100) from the 2015 cohort of the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC)/National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate personal and caregiving attributes associated with restricted participation.

Results

Individual items from the negative and Positive aspects of caregiving (PAC) scales were associated with participation restriction. Mid-life caregivers with “frequent changes to caregiving routine” and “no time for self” were more likely to report restricted participation and those feeling “closer to the CR” were less likely to report restricted participation.

Discussion

Interventions to optimize caregiving routines and improve dyadic relationships could decrease participation restriction in mid-life CGs.
Effects of multiple fuel injection schedules and LPG energy share on combustion stability and output characteristics of dual-fuel HCCI engine
Authors: Saiteja Pajarla , Ashok B , Hadhi Abdul , A Kiran , N Gopikrishnan
Published: January 2023

Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine is a prominent solution to satisfy the stringent NOx emission norms. The current study investigates the influence of fuel injection strategies and LPG energy share on dual fuel powered HCCI engine at 1.8 bar and 3.6 bar BMEP at constant speed (2700 rpm) and injection pressure (50 MPa). Over the study D + LPO used as primary fuel and LPG as secondary fuel. The fuel injection strategies alike single, double, as well multi-pulse modes are studied at injection timings of 90obTDC aimed at single-pulse, 120°& 90°bTDC for double-pulse, 120°, 90°, & 30°bTDC for multi-pulse modes. All single, double, and multi-pulse injection modes at 0% LPG energy share obtains greater combustion rate and advanced combustion phasing. Further increase in LPG energy share, the rate of combustion is lessened and retarded toward TDC, consequently it enhanced the performance and emission characteristics of an HCCI engine. The optimum LPG energy share for single-pulse, double-pulse, and multi-pulse injections modes are 46.80%, 63.25%, and 78.06% respectively for 1.8 bar BMEP. For 3.6 bar BMEP optimum LPG energy shares are found to be 41.79%, 58.55%, and 71.76% for single, double, and multi-pulse injection respectively.
Research on characteristic parameter selection and attention-GRU-based model for braking intention identification
Authors: Li Xuebo , Ma Jian , Zhao Xuan , Wang Lu
Published: January 2023

The braking intention is of great significance to the realization of driver assistant features, the improvement of braking safety, and the maximization of energy recovery efficiency for electric vehicles. With the aim of accurate identification of braking intention, an identification model based on Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) Network with Attention mechanism is proposed in this paper. Based on numerous vehicle braking test data, braking process analysis, characteristic parameters selection, identification model training, and verification are carried out. Through the difference analysis based on the Kruskal-Wallis test and the importance evaluation based on random forest, combined with the real-time requirements of practical application, the appropriate characteristic parameters are selected as the model input. The attention mechanism is introduced into the proposed model, which can improve identification accuracy by capturing valuable feature information. The comparative verification results show that the Attention-GRU model performs better than the other three comparison models, and its identification accuracy is 96.7%, of which the accuracy of slight braking, normal braking, and emergency braking are 96.3%, 95.8%, and 100% respectively. The identified braking intention can provide an effective basis for the establishment of vehicle control strategies.
Fault diagnosis for overcharge and undercharge conditions in refrigeration systems using infrared thermal images
Authors: Katırcıoğlu Ferzan , Cingiz Zafer
Published: January 2023

With the increase in industrialization and the number of people and buildings, the need for refrigeration systems has also increased. Maintenance of these systems, malfunctions and their late detection cause time and cost problems. Therefore, in this study, a machine learning application is recommended to diagnose the refrigerant undercharge and refrigerant overcharge faults that may occur in the refrigeration system by using infrared images. Firstly, infrared images obtained from normal charge, undercharge and overcharge situations in the refrigeration system, are passed through the two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform (2D-DWT) and the images are decomposed. Then, statistical texture features from the original input images are obtained by separating infrared images. The dimensionality of the extracted features is reduced using the principal component analysis (PCA) and the ReliefF (RF) algorithm. Finally, these selected features are applied to the K nearest neighbor (k-NN), naive Bayes algorithm (NBA), decision tree (DT), and cascade forward neural network (CFNN) classifiers. It has been found that RF-based feature selection is useful in obtaining the optimal feature vector. The classification results revealed that CFNN outperforms k-NN, NBA, and DT. Compared to traditional electrical measurements and fault detection methods, it has been shown that the recommended system is feasible due to its features such as ease of use, remote measurement, and self-adaptive recognition.
Visual Short-Term Memory Persists Across Multiple Fixations: An n-Back Approach to Quantifying Capacity in Infants and Adults
Authors: Eschman Bret , Ross-Sheehy Shannon
Published: January 2023

Visual short-term memory (STM) is a foundational component of general cognition that develops rapidly during the first year of life. Although previous research has revealed important relations between overt visual fixation and memory formation, it is unknown whether infants can maintain distinct memories for sequentially fixated items or remember nonfixated array items. Participants (5-month-olds, 11-month-olds, and adults; n = 24 at each age) from the United States were tested in a passive change-detection paradigm with an n-back manipulation to examine memory for the last fixated item (one-back), second-to-last fixated item (two-back), or nonfixated item (change-other). Eye tracking was used to measure overt fixation while participants passively viewed arrays of colored circles. Results for all ages revealed convergent evidence of memory for up to two sequentially fixated objects (i.e., one-back, two-back), with moderate evidence for nonfixated array items (change-other). A permutation analysis examining change preference over time suggested that differences could not be explained by perseverative looking or location biases.
An optimal-pressure control strategy for hydrostatic wheel loader
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhang Haoxiang , Sun Dechen , Xu Bing
Published: January 2023

Mobile machines consume a large amount of fossil fuel each year; therefore, it is critical to reduce their fuel consumption. A wheel loader is a typical mobile machine of great research interest. Most compact wheel loaders are usually equipped with hydrostatic transmissions. To reduce the fuel consumption of the powertrain, a min-rpm strategy where the engine speed is maintained as low as possible is usually applied. It is a rule-based control strategy, however, cannot achieve minimum engine fuel consumption. Therefore, an optimal-pressure control strategy is proposed for hydrostatic wheel loaders, where the minimum fuel consumption is achieved by selecting optimal system pressure at each time step. To show the advantages of the proposed strategy, the powertrain operation and engine fuel consumption are compared with the min-rpm strategy through simulation studies. To further verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy, comparisons are conducted using three loading cycles (30s, 57s and 90s). Results show the engine fuel savings in three loading cycles, with fuel saving up to 27% in the 90s loading cycle.
Follow-up of patients with a 5-year survival after paraquat poisoning using computed tomography images and spirometry
Authors: Fan Lu , Wang Xuejie , Lv Tianyi , Xue Fei , Wu Benhe , Ma Aiwen , Lu Mingfeng
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The study aimed to examine long-term survival of patients with acute paraquat poisoning using computed tomography (CT) images and spirometry.

Methods

A total of 36 patients with long-term survival after paraquat poisoning were followed-up and divided into mild (11 patients), moderate (17 patients), and severe (8 patients) paraquat poisoning groups. Differences among the groups were compared using clinical indicators, such as peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, arterial partial pressure of oxygen and 6-min walk test (6-MWT), chest CT, spirometry, and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Results

The 6-MWT distance was significantly shorter in the severe paraquat poisoning group than that in the mild and moderate paraquat poisoning groups. In the mild paraquat poisoning group, CT revealed no obvious lung injury, and spirometry showed normal lung function in most patients. In moderate or severe paraquat poisoning group, CT images showed fibrotic lesions as cord-like high-density shadows, reticulations, and honeycombs. In addition, other pulmonary changes, including bronchiectasis, increased lung transparency, and pulmonary bullae, were discovered. In moderate or severe paraquat poisoning group, obvious obstructive ventilation dysfunction with slight restrictive and diffuse impairment were observed in some patients, with positive bronchial relaxation test and high serum IgE level.

Conclusion

In the long-term follow-up, patients with severe paraquat poisoning showed the lowest exercise endurance. In moderate or severe paraquat poisoning group, CT images revealed diversified changes, not only dynamic evolution of pulmonary fibrosis process, but also signs of bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Some patients with moderate or severe paraquat poisoning developed obstructive ventilatory dysfunction with airway hyperresponsiveness.
Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Sepsis and Its Antibiotic Susceptibility Along with the Various Indicators of Mortality
Authors: Choubey Kanchan , Mandraha Shipra , Tikkas Rajesh , Shrivastava Jyotsna , Ramteke Sharmila
Published: January 2023

Background

Neonatal sepsis is reported to be the 8th most common cause of under 5 mortality all over the world. Any delay in diagnosis is critical in contributing to neonatal mortality; thus, early diagnosis is necessary.

Objectives

To determine the risk factors, clinical features, hematological parameters, and bacteriological profile associated with neonatal sepsis and to assess the antibiotic sensitivity in SNCU.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted in SNCU of the tertiary care center of central India, over the duration of 1 year enrolling 150 participants. All the neonates suspected to be suffering from neonatal sepsis were included. Data was compiled using MS Excel and analyzed using IBM SPSS.

Results

Median age of neonates was 2 days (IQR: 1-5) with a male predominance. Median birth weight of neonates was 2 kg (IQR: 1.5-2.8). Blood cultures and antibiotic sensitivity revealed that most common organisms involved were staphylococcus aureus (34%; sensitive to penicillin, resistant to ampicillin) and klebsiella (20%; sensitive to colistin, resistant to clindamycin). 17.3% neonatal mortality was observed, amongst predictors of mortality, low birth weight, neonates delivered by LSCS, advanced maternal age, and leucopenia were significant predictors in univariate and multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most important problems of public health importance which is rampant in cases of early, as well as late onset sepsis.
Improving Initial Steps during Neonatal Resuscitation: A Quality Improvement Study
Authors: Shubham Shantanu , Grover Rajat , Singh Poonam , Mishra Divya , Bahadur Anupama , Priyadarshi Mayank , Chaurasia Suman , Basu Sriparna
Published: January 2023

Background

Neonatal resuscitation guided by the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithm is a frequently performed event. However, strict adherence to the algorithm is often lacking. This quality improvement study was conducted when we identified poor compliance with the NRP algorithm in the ‘initial steps’ as a problem in our hospital.

Methods

The study was carried out over 48 weeks with an aim to improve the early steps of the NRP algorithm in the delivery room from the existing baseline score (maximum score of 22) of 5 (22%) to at least 13 (60%). Objective scoring, which included 11 domains (maximum score of 2 for each) from antenatal counselling, team briefing, equipment check and initial steps, and the time taken to begin positive pressure ventilation (PPV) were taken as process measures. Improvement of score to >90%, PPV requirement, beginning of PPV within 60 s and the use of various checklists were studied as outcome measures, along with the balancing outcome of neonatal intensive care unit admission temperature. Statistical process control charts were used for data analysis with standard rules for upper and lower control limits.

Results

A total of 480 resuscitations were scored. All domains of scoring improved from the baseline to the sustenance phase. The control limit improved from a baseline score of 5.1–21 during the sustenance phase, while the time to start PPV improved from 93.7 to 61.7 seconds. There was a significant improvement in the use of checklists for antenatal counselling, team briefing, and equipment checks. The need for PPV remained the same, and it could be started in only 36.4% of households within 60 seconds.

Conclusion

Proper implementation of the initial steps of the NRP algorithm improved along with the time of initiation of PPV after the study, though no major change was documented in the need for PPV administration.
Acculturation and Academic Adjustment of Student Sojourners in the Chinese Higher Education Context
Authors: Mao Yuezu , Wang Rujia , Ji Hao
Published: January 2023

The relationship between acculturation and academic adjustment has been under-investigated. A mixed longitudinal design was used in this article, with study 1 employing a questionnaire survey (N  =  642) to explore student sojourners’ academic adjustment status and its predictors, and study 2 adopting qualitative approaches (reflective journal and interview) to track changes in acculturation strategies and adjustment experienced by a sample of 12 participants. Study 1 found that acculturation strategies (integration and marginalization) and social support (from family, Chinese friends, and teachers) were significantly associated with the academic adjustment of student sojourners in the Chinese higher education context. Integration was positively associated with academic adjustment, whereas marginalization was negatively associated. Study 2 revealed that student sojourners experienced changes in their acculturation strategies, students are suggested to embrace the integration strategy to sustain their academic journey in China. This study also provides implications for policymaking and education practices.
The deflection platform phenomenon of functionally graded flexoelectric simply supported nanobeam
Authors: Zheng Yicong , Chu Liangliang , Dui Guansuo , Zhu Xiang
Published: January 2023

Direct flexoelectricity appears in dielectrics as a kind of coupling effect of electric field and elastic strain gradient. Its strong size dependence makes it effective in nanostructures. In this paper, based on the flexoelectric theory and mixed finite element method (FEM), the mechanical properties of the two-dimensional functionally graded (FG) flexoelectric nanobeam are studied, and the phenomenon of the deflection platform is found. By applying various types of loads to FG nanobeams, the influence of geometric parameters, length scale, and material distribution on the phenomenon of the deflection platform is discussed. According to the simulation results, it is found that the aspect ratio and the length scale of the beam will change the shape of the deflection platform, making it change regularly among various shapes. The geometric size will greatly increase the height of the platform, but it has little effect on the dimensionless deflection. Reasonable material distribution can enhance the internal coupling effect, increase the height of the platform and reduce the required load. Our results suggest that when studying nano-scale flexoelectric models, the deflection platforms or similar phenomena should be considered.
The Journey Towards Resilience among Malaysian Woman with Breast Cancer
Authors: Nordin Ashiqin , Mohamed Hussin Nur Atikah
Published: January 2023

A diagnosis of a chronic illness, such as cancer, can lead to a crisis in one's life. Although cancer patients face many biopsychosocial challenges, the literature has pointed to resilience as a key factor in coming to terms with the diagnosis and treatment. Though resilience has been discussed in various disciplines, and also from a socio-cultural perspective, there is still no universal consensus about its defining features. Furthermore, most studies have employed a quantitative approach in the understanding of what causes resilience. This qualitative study discusses the results of interviews among 18 Malaysian women with breast cancer, exploring what made these woman resilient. A thematic analysis uncovered seven themes related to the participants pathways towards resilience: drastic changes of body-image; self-reflection; spiritual resources; restoration of confidence; informal and formal support; and life appreciation. This study is vital to understanding the impact that resilience has on the experience of women with breast cancer.
Stigmergic coordination and minimal cognition in plants
Authors: Sims Ric , Yilmaz Özlem
Published: January 2023

The tricky question in the plant cognition debate is what theory of cognition should be used to fix the reference of cognitive concepts without skewing the debate too much one way or the other. After all, plants are rather different to animals in many respects: they are not motile, do not possess central nervous systems or even neurons, do not exhibit an invariant morphology, interact with the world in a distributed multi-centred manner, and behave through changes in their physiology. Nonetheless, there is a significant strand in the debate that asserts that plants are indeed cognitive. But what theory of cognition makes sense of this claim without baking in prior zoological assumptions? The aim of this paper is to try out a theory of minimal cognition that makes the claim of plant cognition plausible. It is primarily inspired by the distributed cognition literature and the sensorimotor coordination theory of cognition proposed by van Duijn et al. (2006) . We take a cognitive system to be a coordinated set of semi-autonomous processes running over the organism and items in its environment. Coordination is characterised in terms of two functional conditions that ensure that the system generates goal-directed action in the world. The system is stigmergic in the sense that the material results of its actions in the environment are a crucial part of the processes that coordinate further actions. The account possesses a degree of scale invariance and helps unify cognitive explanation across microorganisms, plants and animals.
Silica, Hyaluronate, and Alveolar Macrophage Functional Differentiation
Authors: Bodo Maria , Bellocchio Silvia , Bellucci Catia , Balloni Stefania , Pietrella Donatella , Sbaraglia Giovanni , Muzi Giacomo , Lilli Cinzia , Lumare Alessandro , Dell'Omo Marco , Abbritti Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

Background

Silicosis is mediated by macrophages, their soluble mediators, and extracellular matrix molecules. In this study, we investigated the effects of silica and/or hyaluronate (HA) on several alveolar macrophage responses.

Methods

We evaluated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production by radiolabeled precursors, nitric oxide (NO) release by its oxidation product, phagocytic activity by Candida albicans internalization, and the secretion of two fibrogenic cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, by specific assays.

Results

Silica significantly reduced GAG secretion, particularly HA secretion. Alone, it decreased Candida uptake; associated with HA, it enhanced the reduction. Silica and Candida reduced NO release, which was not significantly affected when silica- or Candida-exposed cells were also treated with HA. TNF-α and TGF-β activities were stimulated by silica but reduced by HA.

Conclusions

The results suggest that silica and HA modify alveolar macrophage functional differentiation. Silica- and HA-induced modifications of the microenvironment could determine whether the response proceeds toward healing and repair or toward lung chronic pathology.
Controlling Blood Pressure in 50% of All Hypertensive Patients: An Achievable Goal in the Healthy People 2010 Report?
Authors: Egan Brent M. , Basile Jan N.
Published: January 2023

Background

One important objective defined in the Healthy People 2010 report was to improve blood pressure (BP) control to < 140/90 mm Hg in 50% of all hypertensive patients. Because the US population is becoming older, more obese, and ethnically diverse, the health and economic benefits of reaching this goal become more valuable each year. Hypertension control rates are currently at ∼ 31% of all hypertensives and have risen slowly and erratically since 1988. In the absence of a coordinated strategic plan, achieving this critically important goal for BP control is highly unlikely.

Methods

A selected literature review was undertaken to briefly assess the cardiovascular benefits of controlling hypertension. Greater focus was placed on variables that impact hypertension awareness, treatment, and control. The impact on hypertension control rates of theoretic changes in awareness, treatment, and control individually and collectively was examined. Four categories of potential barriers to optimizing BP control are discussed: systems, provider, patient, and treatment factors.

Results

Raising awareness to 80% of all hypertensives, ensuring treatment of 90% of aware hypertensives, and controlling BP to < 140/90 mm Hg in 70% of treated patients would achieve control rates of 50%.

Conclusions

The barriers to achieving the Healthy People 2010 goal of controlling hypertension in 50% of all patients are formidable but appear to be resolvable with a coordinated strategic plan. Given projected demographic changes in the United States, the health and economic benefits of attaining the national goal for hypertension control would seem to merit a serious integrated effort.
Nitrosative Injury and Antioxidant Therapy in the Management of Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Cowell Rita M. , Russell James W.
Published: January 2023

Strong evidence implicates oxidative stress as a mediator of diabetes-induced microvascular complications, including distal symmetric polyneuropathy. Dorsal root ganglia neurons are particularly susceptible to glucose-mediated oxidative stress and die by apoptotic mechanisms in animal and cell culture models of diabetes. Key mediators of glucose-induced oxidative injury are superoxide anions and nitric oxide (NO). Superoxides are believed to underlie many of the oxidative changes in hyperglycemic conditions, including increases in aldose reductase and protein kinase C activity. Superoxides can also react with NO, forming peroxynitrite (ONOO-), which rapidly causes protein nitration or nitrosylation, lipid peroxidation, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, and cell death. ONOO- formation is dependent on both superoxide and NO concentrations; therefore, cells that constitutively express NO synthase, such as endothelial cells and neurons, may be more vulnerable to ONOO–induced cell death in conditions favoring the production of superoxides. Although NO and ONOO- can cause endothelial and neuronal cell death in vitro, in animal models of diabetes, reductions in endothelial NO production can inhibit vasodilatation and cause nerve ischemia. Therefore, ideal therapeutic approaches should limit the formation of superoxides and ONOO while preventing reductions in vascular NO. Despite strong evidence that oxidative stress is associated with complications of diabetes, including neuropathy, the results of clinical trials of antioxidants have shown some promise but not established therapeutic efficacy. Clinical studies of several antioxidants, including α-lipoic acid, vitamins C and E, aldose reductase inhibitors, and growth factors, in diabetic neuropathy are discussed.
Immune Responses in Kidney Preservation and Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Kieran Niamh E. , Rabb Hamid
Published: January 2023

Organ preservation and reperfusion injury have significant detrimental effects on both short- and long-term organ function. Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) underlies organ transplant dysfunction, myocardial infarction, stroke, and shock. Multiple molecular pathways are engaged in reactive oxygen production, apoptosis, signaling, and tissue regeneration. There has been an increased understanding of the important role of immune and inflammatory pathways in IRI, both in humans and in experimental models. Both cellular and soluble components of the immune system are directly activated during IRI, and there is evidence that immune mediators directly contribute to organ dysfunction. Immune activation during IRI likely underlies the enhanced immunogenicity of ischemic organs, with resultant increased rejection and fibrosis. Novel human therapies targeting T and B cells for classic immune diseases can now be considered to prevent and treat IRI. Organ preservation injury and cold ischemia could well have distinct pathophysiology from warm IRI and represent an opportunity to develop improved preservation methods.
“I’m Trying to Be There for My Kids”: A Needs Analysis of Fathers Who Experience Health Inequities in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Darroch Francine E. , Oliffe John L. , Gonzalez Montaner Gabriela , Webb Jessica M.
Published: January 2023

To better understand the needs of fathers who experience health inequities, we individually interviewed fathers, mothers, and service providers about their perspectives of supports for men in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, one of the most disadvantaged groups in Canada. Using a gender lens, thematic analysis of transcribed interviews with three cohorts revealed the following themes: “we need a He-way”: Fathers arguing for men-friendly services; “I had to do all the hard work”: Mothers identifying relational impacts of fathers’ barriers to services; “there is nothing out there for them”: Service providers acknowledging the lack of father-focused programs. Findings highlight the need for, and challenges to creating accessible, gender specific, father focused programs and services to best support men and families within the complex contexts of experiencing significant health inequities. This work illustrates how gender-based analyses can guide strategies for health promotion programs that will ultimately support fathers, mothers, and their families.
Feline stress management during air travel: a multimodal approach
Authors: Jahn Katrin , DePorter Theresa
Published: January 2023

Practical relevance:

More cats are travelling by air every year; however, air travel involves several common causes of stress for cats, such as environmental changes and a lack of control and predictability. The use of a multimodal stress management protocol for all stages of the relocation process, including appropriate and effective anxiolytic medication where necessary, is therefore important in order to safeguard the cat’s welfare while travelling.

Clinical challenges:

Cats may be presented to veterinarians for the purpose of preparing them and/or their documentation for air travel. Maintaining and protecting a cat’s physical, mental and emotional health in a stressful environment, while subjected to likely unfamiliar sights, noises, smells and the movement of the aircraft, and additionally dealing with international legislation, regulations and documents, can pose a complex challenge to veterinarians.

Aims:

This review describes the importance of stress management during air travel for cats, aims to raise awareness about the often poorly understood challenges involved, and outlines effective and airline-compliant stress management modalities. While the discussion is focused on air travel specifically, the stress management methods described can be applied to all types of longer distance travel, such as a long road trip or a ferry crossing, as well as a stay in a holiday home.

Evidence base:

There are currently no studies specifically on air travel in cats and, similarly, there are also limited data on air travel in other species. Many of the recommendations made in this review are therefore based on the authors’ extensive experience of preparing pets for travel, supported by published data when available.
Maternal-Child Microbiome and Impact on Growth and Neurodevelopment in Infants and Children: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mathews Therese , Hayer Shivdeep S. , Dinkel Danae , Hanish Alyson , Poppert Cordts Katrina M. , Rasmussen Heather , Moore Tiffany
Published: January 2023

Background

Pathologic changes in the microbiome (dysbiosis) have been implicated in affecting the growth and neurodevelopment of infants and children. There is evidence to suggest that prenatal and postnatal stressors may be a factor in dysbiosis and there is also a growing body of evidence to suggest that interventions may reduce this negative impact. A scoping review was undertaken to identify association between maternal and/or child microbiome with child growth and neurodevelopment. Additionally, intervention studies such as use of nutritional supplementation and its impact on the microbiome, growth and neurodevelopment were reviewed.

Methods

An exhaustive literature search identified 654 relevant citations. After review of abstracts, 557 were eliminated, and 97 remained for full text review. We identified and reported on 42 articles which met inclusion criteria.

Results

Seven studies examined associations between microbiome and neurodevelopment and 36 studies evaluated anthropometric measurements, most commonly weight, and microbiota relationships. One study evaluated both growth and neurodevelopment and microbiota. Fourteen studies evaluated supplemental nutrients. Preterm, low birth weight (LBW), and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants were most studied. Findings were inconclusive for consistent associations between microbiota and growth and neurodevelopment. Further, there were no consistent conclusive changes with prescribed treatment interventions.

Discussion

There is a need for high-quality longitudinal studies evaluating repeated developmental assessment measures using consistent microbial analysis techniques to inform conclusions regarding the association between microbiome and infant and child growth and neurodevelopment. Additional intervention studies that may mitigate dysbiosis are warranted.
Shotgun metagenomic sequencing in culture negative microbial keratitis
Authors: Borroni Davide , Bonzano Chiara , Sánchez-González José-María , Rachwani-Anil Rahul , Zamorano-Martín Francisco , Pereza-Nieves Jorge , Traverso Carlo Enrico , García Lorente María , Rodríguez-Calvo-de-Mora Marina , Esposito Alfonso , Godin Fernando , Rocha-de-Lossada Carlos
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the microbiota of culture negative Corneal Impression Membrane (CIM) microbial keratitis samples with the use of shotgun metagenomics analysis.

Methods

DNA of microbial keratitis samples were collected with CIM and extracted using the MasterPure™ Complete DNA and RNA Purification Kit (Epicentre). DNA was fragmented by sonication into fragments of 300 to 400 base pairs (bp) using Bioruptor® (Diagenode, Belgium) and then used as a template for library preparation. DNA libraries were sequenced on Illumina® HiSeq2500. The resulting reads were quality controlled, trimmed and mapped against the human reference genome. The unmapped reads were taxonomically classified using the Kraken software.

Results

18 microbial keratitis samples were included in the study. Brevundimonas diminuta was found in 5 samples while 6 samples showed the presence of viral infections. Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella lacunata and Pseudomonas alcaligenes were also identified as the presumed putative cause of the infection in 7 samples.

Conclusions

Shotgun sequencing can be used as a diagnostic tool in microbial keratitis samples. This diagnostic method expands the available tests to diagnose eye infections and could be clinically significant in culture negative samples.
Double scleral tunnel technique to prevent glaucoma drainage device exposure
Authors: Fahy Eamonn T , Garg Anurag , Lim Kin Sheng
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To describe a new surgical technique designed to reduce the risk of tube exposure following glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery.

Methods

A retrospective, single-center study included all patients who underwent GDD surgery by a single surgeon between January 2018 and December 2019, using a double scleral tunnel technique to secure the tube to the sclera. A 23-gauge needle was used to create a 3 mm partial thickness scleral tunnel near to the GDD plate, with a second partial thickness scleral tunnel created 2.5 mm from the surgical limbus into the anterior chamber (AC). The silicone tube was passed through both scleral tunnels and into the AC.

Results

46 GDD surgeries were performed during the time frame. The mean age of patients was 65 ± 13 years. Mean follow up duration was 27.7 ± 8.15 months (range 11 to 44). Significant reductions in intraocular pressure and number of glaucoma medications were achieved. Zero exposures were recorded occurring during follow-up.

Conclusion

This double scleral tunnel technique to secure the GDD silicone tubing firmly to the sclera may reduce micro-movements which have been purported to be associated with tissue erosion post GDD surgery. The addition of this simple technique to existing GDD surgery may reduce the risk of post-operative tube exposure.
Relationships between Chinese university EFL learners’ academic emotions and self-regulated learning strategies: A structural equation model
Authors: Shen Bin , Wang Yabing , Yang Yang , Yu Xiaoxiao
Published: January 2023

Emotional research in foreign language learning has bloomed recently, and yet there has been a call for attention to a broader spectrum of emotions experienced by learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). Whilst emotions and self-regulated learning (SRL) are both believed to play important roles in EFL learning, little is known about their interplay. To fill the void, the study intends to map out an overall status quo of Chinese university EFL students’ academic emotions and SRL strategy use and sophisticated interrelationships between them using structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings showed that the Chinese participants demonstrated a medium level of positive emotions, a low level of anger, a medium level of shame and anxiety, and a low to medium frequency use of SRL strategies in English learning. ANOVA results detected gender differences in SRL strategy use, with females outperforming males in using self-evaluation and persistence strategy types, together with grade level influences in anxiety level with seniors feeling less anxious than juniors and sophomores. Furthermore, SEM results suggested that enjoyment had positive relationships with SRL strategy use; anger and shame had negative relationships while anxiety had ambivalent relationships with SRL strategy use. Important implications are discussed.
Monitoring summertime indoor overheating and pollutant risks and natural ventilation patterns of seniors in public housing
Authors: Tsoulou Ioanna , He Ruikang , Senick Jennifer , Mainelis Gediminas , Andrews Clinton J
Published: January 2023

Indoor heat and air pollution pose concurrent threats to human health and wellbeing, and their effects are more pronounced for vulnerable individuals. This study investigates exposures to summertime indoor overheating and airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) experienced by low-income seniors and explores the potential of natural ventilation on maintaining good indoor thermal conditions and air quality (IAQ). Environmental and behavioural monitoring and a series of interviews were conducted during summer 2017 in 24 senior apartments on three public housing sites in NJ, USA (1930s’ low-rise, 1960s’ high-rise and LEED-certified 2010s’ mid-rise). All sites had high exposures to overheating and PM2.5 concentrations during heat waves and on regular summer days, but with substantial between-site and between-apartment variability. Overheating was higher in the 30s’ low-rise site, while pollutant levels were higher in the 60s’ high-rise. Mixed linear models indicated a thermal and air quality trade-off with window opening (WO), especially in some ‘smoking’ units from the older sites, but also improved both thermal and PM2.5 concentration conditions in 20% of the apartments. Findings suggest that with warmer future summers, greater focus is needed on the interdependencies among (1) thermal and IAQ outcomes and (2) technological and behavioural dimensions of efforts to improve comfort for vulnerable occupants.
Factors affecting indoor environmental air quality of non-smoking residences in Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Gilbey Suzanne E , Reid Christopher M , Zhao Yun , Soares Mario J , Rumchev Krassi B
Published: January 2023

This study investigated associations between a range of indoor air pollutants with household characteristics in 111 non-smoking residences located in Perth, Western Australia. Overall, the mean 24-hour indoor concentrations for PM10 and PM2.5 were below and above the World Health Organisation (WHO) (ambient) guideline values (GV) of 45 µg/m3 and 15 µg/m3, respectively. Concentrations of measured gases were low, other than nitrogen dioxide (NO2) which recorded a mean 24-hour concentration above the WHO GV (0.013ppm). Higher concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were observed as the number of household occupants increased. The type of heating and/or cooling appliances used was associated with higher concentrations of TVOC, CO2, carbon monoxide (CO), NO2 and all size fractions of particulate matter (PM). Households that were opened daily for fresh air recorded higher concentrations of all PM size fractions and NO2 when compared to those that were infrequently aired. These findings contribute to a better understanding of household characteristics that influence indoor air quality (IAQ) in homes where cigarette smoke, a significant contributor to residential air pollution, has been eliminated. These results are useful for modifying some behavioural choices by home occupants and can also inform meaningful risk mitigation strategies aimed at improving IAQ in residential settings.
Haven't they suffered enough? Time to exoneration following wrongful conviction of racially marginalized minority- vs. majority-group members
Authors: Itskovich Eran , Factor Roni , Ohana Daniel
Published: January 2023

Studies on the criminal justice process up to the point of conviction show that defendants who belong to racially marginalized groups suffer a greater risk of being wrongfully convicted. However, little attention has been paid to the period after conviction. Applying multilevel analysis to data from the National Registry of Exonerations in the United States, we compare the length of the exoneration process for members of racially marginalized minority groups who are shown to have been wrongfully convicted compared with their counterparts from the white majority group. Our results indicate that exonerees from racially marginalized groups serve more time out of their sentence compared to those who are white. Further analysis shows that these differences exist only with respect to exonerees in Republican-controlled states. These findings suggest that not only are racially marginalized minorities wrongfully convicted at higher rates, as found in previous studies, but also that they suffer longer periods of unjustified punishment.
Cultural differences in control: How Thailand's order-centric legal mentality shapes its constraining lower-court practices
Authors: Tantikul Thanyanuch
Published: January 2023

Studies in comparative penology still lack English writings about penal cultures in non-Anglo-European countries, particularly those that steer their focus away from imprisonment. This article fills this gap by giving accounts of penal control in Thailand and how its criminal justice practices differ from the Western models by which they were inspired. Although quite similar in forms, Thai court routines diverge from the West in the tightness of procedural control over defendants. This is the legacy of a selective importation of Western knowledge in response to Western colonial pressures in the past. With its own version of the rule of law and judicial culture of conformity, order is prioritised and control is emphasised arguably to the detriment of proportionality and due protection of defendants’ rights. Such contrast to the liberal rights-based spirits of the Western-styled rule of law reflects cultural and socio-political differences which influence local adaptations of the Western-originated concepts. Although the propensity for crime control is defensibly prominent in many Western jurisdictions nowadays, this paper explains the Thai divergence in the underpinning legal mentality and intensity of control.
Numerical and experimental analysis of the influence of solidity on rotor aeroacoustics at low Reynolds numbers
Authors: Jardin Thierry , Gojon Romain , Doué Nicolas , Parisot-Dupuis Hélène
Published: January 2023

We compare medium and high fidelity numerical simulations to experiments conducted on low Reynolds number rotors typical of small scale Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). We first show that these numerical approaches provide reasonable estimates of the aerodynamic performance and farfield tonal noise and hence apply them for the investigation of the influence of solidity ratio on the aerodynamics and acoustics of small scale rotors operating under hovering, iso-thrust conditions. We show that while solidity ratio has a weak impact on aerodynamic performance, it may help drastically reduce farfield tonal noise. This reduction is however found to depend on the interplay between thickness and loading noise such that increasing the solidity by increasing the number of blades at constant blades’ aspect ratio or by decreasing the blades’ aspect ratio keeping the number of blades constant may yield very different, sometimes opposite, trends.
Support for Working Students: Understanding the Impacts of Employment on Students’ Lives
Authors: Summer Rebecca , McCoy Megan , Trujillo Isabelle , Rodriguez Esperanza
Published: January 2023

The majority of college students work, and there are well-documented findings about the impacts of student work on academic performance. However, there is little research on the impacts of this work on other aspects of students’ lives. In this study we ask: What are the impacts of student employment beyond academic performance? Using our methodological approach of student-driven research and a mix of quantitative and qualitative analysis, we find that work has four main impacts on students’ lives: it limits flexibility in students’ schedules, leaving them vulnerable in emergencies; it requires students to make difficult financial calculations; it can cause students’ social lives and mental health to suffer; and, despite these negative impacts, students find work to be fulfilling. With these understandings, we propose ways that university programs, faculty, and academic staff can support working students by accommodating students’ time and financial constraints.
Effects of Citric Acid on the Healing Process of Chronic Wound due to Leprosy
Authors: Passos Jessica Rodrigues dos , Sangaleti Carine Teles , Trincaus Maria Regiane , Prezotto Kelly Holanda , Araújo Lucas de Oliveira , Techy Basilio , Baratieri Tatiane , Lentsck Maicon Henrique , Taques Guilherme Ribas , Moreira Ricardo Castanho , Silva Dannyele Cristina da
Published: January 2023

Objective: The aim was to describe the effects of the use of citric acid in the healing process of chronic leprosy wounds. Approach: This is a case series, carried out with 5 people with chronic leprosy wounds, under continuous care in an outpatient center wound care in the center-south region of Brazil. The intervention protocol consisted of topical application of 3% citric acid (ointment), on the wound bed, in a thin layer of approximately 2 mm, on alternate days, and followed up for a total period of 8 weeks and secondary coverage rayon and gauze. The cases were analyzed regarding wound dimensions, histology and clinical observation. Results: It was observed in all cases better aspect of the wound bed, presence of granulation tissue and decrease of the inflammatory process with predominance of lymphocytes, reduction of bacterial colonies, increase and verticalization of type I collagen fibers, reduction of type III collagen and increased areas of epithelialization. Innovation: There was also a reduction in the level of pain and exudation after the treatment protocol. Conclusions: Therefore, the use of citric acid in leprosy neuropathic wounds is promising and may be a treatment option, considering its cost, clinical management and possible effect on the chronic inflammatory process.