bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for catheter-associated bloodstream infection in hemodialysis patients: A meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Huajie , Zhang Ling , He Hua , Wang Lili
Published: March 2024

Objective

This meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the risk factors contributing to catheter-associated bloodstream infection in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

Comprehensive literature searches were conducted in both English and Chinese databases, which encompassed PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP Database and China Biomedical Literature Database. The search timeframe extended from each database’s inception to March 8, 2023. Two independent researchers executed literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using RevMan 5.3 software, facilitating the identification of significant risk factors associated with catheter-related bloodstream infections in hemodialysis patients. This meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42023406223.

Results

Forty-nine studies were incorporated into this meta-analysis, from which 22 risk factors were examined. Through the analysis, 17 risk factors exhibited statistical significance (P < 0.05): age (OR = 1.52, 95% CI [0.49, 4.68]), diabetes (OR = 2.52, 95% CI [1.95, 3.25]), kidney disease (OR = 3.45, 95% CI [1.71, 6.96]), history of catheter-associated infection (OR = 2.79, 95% CI [1.96, 3.98]), hypertension (OR = 1.43, 95% CI [1.08, 1.91]), dialysis duration (OR = 3.06, 95% CI [1.70, 5.50]), catheter placement site (OR = 1.91, 95%CI [1.35, 2.70]), catheter duration (OR = 2.06, 95% CI [1.17, 3.60]), number of catheterizations (OR = 4.22, 95% CI [3.32, 5.37]), catheter types (OR = 3.83, 95% CI [2.13, 6.87]), CD4+ cells (OR = 0.33, 95% CI [0.18, 0.63]), albumin (ALB, OR = 2.12, 95% CI [1.15, 3.91]), C-reactive protein (CRP, OR = 1.73, 95% CI [1.47, 2.03]), hemoglobin (Hb, OR = 1.48, 95% CI [0.54, 4.07]), procalcitonin (PCT, OR = 1.05, 95% CI [1.03, 1.06]), inadequate hand hygiene (OR = 5.32, 95% CI [1.07, 26.37]), and APACHE II scores (OR = 2.41, 95% CI [1.33, 4.37]).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that age, diabetes, kidney disease, history of catheter-associated infection, hypertension, dialysis duration, catheter placement site, catheter duration, number of catheterizations, catheter type, CD4+ cells, albumin, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, procalcitonin, inadequate hand hygiene, and APACHE II scores significantly influence the incidence of catheter-associated bloodstream infection in hemodialysis patients.
Dynamics of leaching of POPs and additives from plastic in a Procellariiform gastric model: Diet- and polymer-dependent effects and implications for long-term exposure
Authors: Van Hassel Liesbeth , Scholl Georges , Eppe Gauthier , Poleunisc Claude , Dupont-Gillain Christine , Finkelstein Myra , Debier Cathy
Published: March 2024

Procellariiform seabirds are known to have high rates of plastic ingestion. We investigated the bioaccessibility of plastic-associated chemicals [plastic additives and sorbed persistent organic pollutants (POPs)] leached from plastic over time using an in vitro Procellariiform gastric model. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), commonly ingested by Procellariiform seabirds, were manufactured with one additive [decabrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE-209) or bisphenol S (BPS)]. HDPE and PVC added with PBDE-209 were additionally incubated in salt water with 2,4,4’-trichloro-1,1’-biphenyl (PCB-28) and 2,2’,3,4,4’,5’-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB-138) to simulate sorption of POPs on plastic in the marine environment. Our results indicate that the type of plastic (nature of polymer and additive), presence of food (i.e., lipids and proteins) and gastric secretions (i.e., pepsin) influence the leaching of chemicals in a seabird. In addition, 100% of the sorbed POPs were leached from the plastic within 100 hours, while only 2–5% of the additives were leached from the matrix within 100 hours, suggesting that the remaining 95% of the additives could continue to be leached. Overall, our study illustrates how plastic type, diet and plastic retention time can influence a Procellariform’s exposure risk to plastic-associated chemicals.
Comparative evaluation of different modalities for measuring in vivo carnosine levels
Authors: Amraotkar Alok R. , Hoetker David , Negahdar Mohammad J. , Ng Chin K. , Lorkiewicz Pawel , Owolabi Ugochukwu S. , Baba Shahid P. , Bhatnagar Aruni , O’Toole Timothy E.
Published: March 2024

Carnosine is an endogenous di-peptide (β-alanine -L- histidine) involved in maintaining tissue homeostasis. It is most abundant in skeletal muscle where its concentration has been determined in biopsy samples using tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS). Carnosine levels can also be assessed in intact leg muscles by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) or in blood and urine samples using mass spectrometry. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain how carnosine levels from these distinct compartments are correlated with each other when measured in the same individual. Furthermore, it is unclear which measurement modality might be most suitable for large-scale clinical studies. Hence, in 31 healthy volunteers, we assessed carnosine levels in skeletal muscle, via 1H-MRS, and in erythrocytes and urine by MS-MS. While muscle carnosine levels were higher in males (C2 peak, p = 0.010; C4 peak, p = 0.018), there was no sex-associated difference in urinary (p = 0.433) or erythrocyte (p = 0.858) levels. In a linear regression model adjusted for age, sex, race, and diet, there was a positive association between erythrocyte and urinary carnosine. However, no association was observed between 1H-MRS and erythrocytes or urinary measures. In the relationship between muscle versus urinary and erythrocyte measures, females had a positive association, while males did not show any association. We also found that 1H-MRS measures were highly sensitive to location of measurement. Thus, it is uncertain whether 1H-MRS can accurately and reliably predict endogenous carnosine levels. In contrast, urinary and erythrocyte carnosine measures may be stable and in greater synchrony, and given financial and logistical concerns, may be a feasible alternative for large-scale clinical studies.
Examining the longitudinal associations between activity limitations, instrumental supports and social participation in osteoarthritis: A CLSA population-based study
Authors: Perruccio Anthony V. , Yip Calvin , Power J. Denise , Canizares Mayilee , Badley Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2024

Objective

In osteoarthritis (OA) research, disability is largely studied within the context of activities of daily living. Broader consequences for social participation are often overlooked. In prior work, instrumental supports received and their perceived availability were shown to play a role in the maintenance of social participation. Two indicators of social participation were identified, diversity and intensity. The current study extends the findings from this prior cross-sectional work by examining these relationships longitudinally.

Methods

Data are from the baseline and 3-year follow-up questionnaires of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a population-based study of people ages 45–85 years at baseline. The sample was restricted to those who at baseline reported a doctor diagnosis of OA (n = 4104). Using structural equation modeling, latent variables were derived at each time point for activity limitations, instrumental supports perceived and received, and social participation diversity and intensity. Longitudinal factorial invariance was assessed. Model covariates included age, sex, education, income, marital status, smoking status, obesity, and number of chronic conditions.

Results

For all latent variables, strong factorial longitudinal invariance was found. Activity limitations increased over time. Greater baseline social participation intensity was associated with increases in later intensity and diversity. Increasing activity limitations were associated with decreases in social participation and with increasing receipt of instrumental supports; they were not associated with changes in perceived availability of supports. However, increasing perceived availability was positively associated with social participation intensity.

Conclusions

With a goal of increasing social participation, findings suggest a focus on interventions to reduce activity limitations in OA is necessary. Findings additionally highlight an important role for perceived availability of instrumental supports in maintaining or improving social participation in OA, in addition to current social participation, particularly intensity, for future social participation status.
Caregivers of children with HIV in Botswana prefer monthly IV Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies (bNAbs) to daily oral ART
Authors: Sakoi-Mosetlhi Maureen , Ajibola Gbolahan , Haghighat Roxanna , Batlang Oganne , Maswabi Kenneth , Pretorius-Holme Molly , Powis Kathleen M. , Lockman Shahin , Makhema Joseph , Litcherfeld Mathias , Kuritzkes Daniel R. , Shapiro Roger
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Monthly intravenous infusion of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies may be an attractive alternative to daily oral antiretroviral treatment for children living with HIV. However, acceptability among caregivers remains unknown.

Methods

We evaluated monthly infusion of dual bNAbs (VRCO1LS and 10–1074) as a treatment alternative to ART among children participating in the Tatelo Study in Botswana. Eligible children aged 2–5 years received 8–32 weeks of bNAbs overlapping with ART, and up to 24 weeks of bNAbs alone as monthly intravenous infusion. Using closed-ended questionnaires, we evaluated caregiver acceptability of each treatment strategy prior to the first bNAb administration visit (pre-intervention) and after the completion of the final bNAb administration visit (post-intervention).

Results

Twenty-five children completed the intervention phase of the study, and acceptability data were available from 24 caregivers at both time points. Responses were provided by the child’s mother at both visits (60%), an extended family member at both visits (28%), or a combination of mother and an extended family member (12%). Caregiver acceptance of monthly bNAb infusions was extremely high both pre-and post-intervention, with 21/24 (87.5%) preferring bNAbs to ART pre-intervention, and 21/25 (84%) preferring bNAbs post-intervention. While no caregiver preferred ART pre-intervention, 2/25 preferred it post-intervention. Pre-intervention, 3 (13%) caregivers had no preference between monthly bNAbs or daily ART, and 2 (8%) had no preference post-intervention. Pre-intervention, the most common reasons for preferring bNAbs over ART were the perception that bNAbs were better at suppressing the virus than ART (n = 10) and the fact that infusions were dosed once monthly compared to daily ART (n = 9). Post-intervention, no dominant reason for preferring bNAbs over ART emerged from caregivers.

Conclusions

Monthly intravenous bNAb infusions were highly acceptable to caregivers of children with HIV in Botswana and preferred over standard ART by the majority of caregivers.

Clinical Trial Number

NCT03707977.
The effects of gases from food waste on human health: A systematic review
Authors: Rudziak Paulina , Batung Evans , Luginaah Isaac
Published: March 2024

Food waste is a routine and increasingly growing global concern that has drawn significant attention from policymakers, climate change activists and health practitioners. Amid the plurality of discourses on food waste-health linkages, however, the health risks from food waste induced emissions have remained under explored. This lack of evidence is partly because of the lack of complete understanding of the effects of food waste emissions from household food waste on human health either directly through physiological mechanisms or indirectly through environmental exposure effects. Thus, this systematic review contributes to the literature by synthesizing available evidence to highlight gaps and offers a comprehensive baseline inventory of food waste emissions and their associated impacts on human health to support public health decision-making. Four database searches: Web of Science, OVID(Medline), EMBASE, and Scopus, were searched from inception to 3 May 2023. Pairs of reviewers screened 2189 potentially eligible studies that addressed food waste emissions from consumers and how the emissions related to human health. Following PRISMA guidelines, 26 articles were eligible for data extraction for the systematic review. Findings indicate that emissions from food waste, such as hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, and volatile organic carbons, can affect human endocrine, respiratory, nervous, and olfactory systems. The severity of the human health effects depends on the gaseous concentration, but range from mild lung irritation to cancer and death. This study recommends emission capture technologies, food diversion programs, and biogas technologies to reduce food waste emissions.
Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula L.): Central Europe’s keystone species ‘hiding in plain sight’
Authors: Kusbach Antonín , Šebesta Jan , Hruban Robert , Peška Pavel , Rogers Paul C.
Published: March 2024

Knowledge of Eurasian aspen’s (Populus tremulaL.) ecological and growth characteristics is of high importance to plant and wildlife community ecology, and noncommercial forest ecosystem services. This research assessed these characteristics, identified aspen’s habitat optimum, and examined causality of its current scarce distribution in central Europe. We analyzed a robust database of field measurements (4,656,130 stands) for forest management planning over 78,000 km2of the Czech territory. Our analysis we used GIS techniques, with basic and multivariate statistics such as general linear models, ordination, and classification. Results describe a species of broad ecological amplitude that has heretofore attracted little research attention. Spatial analysis showed significant differences between aspen and other forest non-forest cover types. Additionally, we found significant association between the proportion of aspen in a stand, the size of forest property, and the forest category. The results demonstrate historic reasons for aspen’s widespread presence, though contemporary occurrence is limited. This study advances the concept of a quantitatively based aspen ecological optimum (niche), which we believe may be beneficial for numerous aspen associates in the context of anticipated warming. Irrespective of local ecology (i.e., the realized aspen niche), the study confirms that profit-driven policy in forestry is chiefly responsible for historic aspen denudation in central Europe. Even so, we demonstrate that ample habitat is present. Further solutions for improving aspen resilience are provided to support these keystone systems so vital to myriad dependent flora and fauna.
The read-through transcription-mediated autoactivation circuit for virulence regulator expression drives robust type III secretion system 2 expression in Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Anggramukti Dhira Saraswati , Ishii Eiji , Pratama Andre , Al Kadi Mohamad , Iida Tetsuya , Kodama Toshio , Matsuda Shigeaki
Published: March 2024

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the leading cause of seafood-borne gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. The major virulence factor responsible for the enteropathogenicity of this pathogen is type III secretion system 2 (T3SS2), which is encoded on the 80-kb V. parahaemolyticus pathogenicity island (Vp-PAI), the gene expression of which is governed by the OmpR-family transcriptional regulator VtrB. Here, we found a positive autoregulatory feature of vtrB transcription, which is often observed with transcriptional regulators of bacteria, but the regulation was not canonically dependent on its own promoter. Instead, this autoactivation was induced by heterogeneous transcripts derived from the VtrB-regulated operon upstream of vtrB. VtrB-activated transcription overcame the intrinsic terminator downstream of the operon, resulting in transcription read-through with read-in transcription of the vtrB gene and thus completing the autoregulatory loop for vtrB gene expression. The dampening of read-through transcription with an exogenous strong terminator reduced vtrB gene expression. Furthermore, a V. parahaemolyticus mutant with defects in the vtrB autoregulatory loop also showed compromises in T3SS2 expression and T3SS2-dependent cytotoxicity in vitro and enterotoxicity in vivo, indicating that this autoregulatory loop is essential for sustained vtrB activation and the consequent robust expression of T3SS2 genes for pathogenicity. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the regulatory loop for vtrB gene expression based on read-through transcription from the upstream operon is a crucial pathway in T3SS2 gene regulatory network to ensure T3SS2-mediated virulence of V. parahaemolyticus.
Las Religiosas del Niño Jesús en Bembibre, León, España, en la segunda etapa del franquismo: la escuela sin puertas
Authors: Bruno-Jofré Rosa
Published: March 2024

Este artículo examina la intencionalidad y las resignificaciones que caracterizaron a la misión de las Religiosas del Niño Jesús en Bembibre, León y sus alrededores. El período de tiempo seleccionado abarca los años sesenta y principios de los setenta, es decir, durante la segunda etapa del franquismo. Las religiosas desempeñaron un papel público al ofrecer un modo de vivir la fe de carácter testimonial que se remontaba a los orígenes de la congregación, al imaginario pedagógico de Nicolás Barré –su fundador– y a la espiritualidad francesa del siglo XVII. En su misión en Bembibre se produjo, por tanto, una reapropiación transtemporal de la inspiración original del fundador. El carácter aperturista de la misión, su creatividad en el modo de participar en la comunidad y el compromiso con sus necesidades terminaron por conformar un espacio único en el pueblo y en la región, en un contexto político represivo y de profundos desafíos socioeconómicos.
Kebebasan Berekspresi dalam Tekanan Regulasi: Studi terhadap Undang-Undang Informasi dan Transaksi Elektronik (UU ITE)
Authors: Indriasari Devi Tri
Published: March 2024

This research aims to explain the implications of the implementation of the Electronic Information and Transaction Law (UU ITE) on freedom of expression and democracy in Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method and is based on a post-positivistic paradigm. Data collection techniques were conducted through document analysis, in-depth interviews and observation. The research concludes that there is insufficient evidence to explain the background to the inclusion of several problematic articles into the ITE Law in 2008. The government and the House of Representatives originally prepared the ITE Bill to regulate electronic business transactions and pornography. However, at the last moment, articles with an authoritarian spirit were included. In addition, the implementation of this law has had the implication of inhibiting freedom of speech and expression in the virtual space and traumatizing victims to express their opinions on social media. Finally, civil society consistently rejects the ITE Law because it is misused to limit freedom of expression, which is part of democracy and human rights.
Long-term Risks of Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Across Steatotic Liver Disease Subtypes
Authors: Chen Yi-Ting , Chen Tzu-I , Yang Tsai-Hsuan , Yin Szu-Ching , Lu Sheng-Nan , Liu Xia-Rong , Gao Yun-Zheng , Lin Chih-Jo , Huang Chia-Wei , Huang Jee-Fu , Yeh Ming-Lun , Huang Chung-Feng , Dai Chia-Yen , Chuang Wan-Long , Yang Hwai-I , Yu Ming-Lung , Lee Mei-Hsuan
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

The prospective study aimed to investigate the long-term associated risks of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) across various subtypes of steatotic liver disease (SLD).

METHODS:

We enrolled 332,175 adults who participated in a health screening program between 1997 and 2013. Participants were categorized into various subtypes, including metabolic dysfunction-associated SLD (MASLD), MASLD with excessive alcohol consumption (MetALD), and alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), based on ultrasonography findings, alcohol consumption patterns, and cardiometabolic risk factors. We used computerized data linkage with nationwide registries from 1997 to 2019 to ascertain the incidence of cirrhosis and HCC.

RESULTS:

After a median follow-up of 16 years, 4,458 cases of cirrhosis and 1,392 cases of HCC occurred in the entire cohort, resulting in an incidence rate of 86.1 and 26.8 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. The ALD group exhibited the highest incidence rate for cirrhosis and HCC, followed by MetALD, MASLD, and non-SLD groups. The multivariate adjusted hazard ratios for HCC were 1.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51–2.44), 2.91 (95% CI 2.11–4.03), and 2.59 (95% CI 1.93–3.48) for MASLD, MetALD, and ALD, respectively, when compared with non-SLD without cardiometabolic risk factors. The pattern of the associated risk of cirrhosis was similar to that of HCC (all P value <0.001). The associated risk of cirrhosis for ALD increased to 4.74 (95% CI 4.08–5.52) when using non-SLD without cardiometabolic risk factors as a reference.

DISCUSSION:

This study highlights elevated risks of cirrhosis and HCC across various subtypes of SLD compared with non-SLD, emphasizing the importance of behavioral modifications for early prevention.
Para um hiperdicionário de Epidemiologia Histórica Luso-Brasileira
Authors: Finatto Maria José Bocorny
Published: March 2024

O artigo relata partes do estudo e da sistematização do vocabulário de um corpus digital composto por obras médicas de valor histórico, impressas em português no século 18, associadas ao tema das doenças e seus tratamentos. Esse corpus pode interessar à história da Medicina em português e contém dados aproveitáveis para uma base de conhecimento e um hiperdicionário de epidemiologia histórica luso-brasileira., Com técnicas e métodos de Lexicometria, os dados extraídos do corpus são cotejados com diferentes registros especializados da atualidade. Ao reunirem-se diferentes terminologias, usos linguísticos e conceitos históricos do passado com o presente, torna-se possível desenhar um futuro hiperdicionário on-line, pleno de hiperlinks. Esse hiperdicionário, descrito e exemplificado no artigo, oferecerá uma linha de tempo de saberes e conhecimentos antigos associados a uma série de registros da atualidade.
Awareness Patterns Regarding Radiation Safety Management in Fields Related to Radiation Safety Regulations: Focusing on Companies that Must Report Radiation Sources
Authors: Han Eunok , Choi Yoonseok
Published: March 2024

Background: This study aims to analyze radiation safety management and regulatory perceptions, focusing on companies that must report radiation sources. The intent is to reduce the gap between regulation measures and addressing real concerns while improving practical safety management measures and regulations for all stakeholders.Materials and Methods: Radiation safety officers at a total of 244 reporting companies using radiation generators (79.8%) and sealed radioisotopes (15.1%) were surveyed using a questionnaire.Results and Discussion: The perception that regulation is stronger than the actual risk of the radiation source used was 3.47 points (out of 5 points), indicating a score above average. The most important factors and considerations were education and training (48%) as a human factor, safety devices of the radiation source (71.3%) as a hazardous material factor, the use of radiation (50.8%) as an organizational environment, and the radiation effect of nearby facilities (67.2%) as a physical environment. Radiation safety management educational experience (F=5.030, p<0.01), the group with high subjective knowledge (t=6.017, p<0.001), and the group with high objective knowledge (t=1.989, p<0.05) was found to be better at radiation safety management.Conclusion: It is necessary to standardize the educational experience regarding radiation safety management because each staff member has individual differences in educational experience. It is necessary to provide more information on how to solve radiation accidents via educational content. Applying radiation safety regulations based on the factors that significantly affect radiation safety management shown in this survey will help improve safety.
A differential amplitude variation based pilot relaying scheme for microgrid integrated distribution system
Authors: Deshmukh Bhawana , Lal Deepak Kumar , Biswal Sandeep , Salkuti Surender Reddy
Published: March 2024

The inclusion of inverter-interfaced distributed generating sources (IIDGS) in the active distribution network offers operational and protection constraints. Dynamic fault behavior of these DGS results in changes like the radial distribution systems. Thus, conventional protection schemes fail to discriminate the in-zone and out-zone faults. Hence, this manuscript describes a new protection scheme based on current variation at the relay location used to discriminate the internal and external faults. This technique requires phasor information of the current signals of both ends and adjacent lines using micro phasor measurement units (µPMUs). Using the current phasor information two components named internal and external are computed at the relay location which is called differential amplitude variation index (DAVI), used to identify the internal and external faults. A modified two-feeder radial distribution network and modified IEEE-13 bus test systems are modeled using EMTDC/PSCAD to validate the proposed strategy. Numerous disturbance cases have been simulated and the feasibility and applicability attributes of the suggested method are verified from the results.
Don’t interrupt me! development of a handoff education bundle to simulate the real world
Authors: Vanderzwan Kathryn J. , Kilroy Susan , Burt Leah , O’Rourke Jennifer
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Ineffective nurse-to-nurse handoff communication is associated with information omissions, diagnostic errors, treatment errors, and delays. New nurses report a lack of confidence and ability in handoff communication, which may stem from inadequate training in prelicensure nursing programs. Our objective was to introduce prelicensure nursing students to a standardized, theory-based method for handoff, including behavioral strategies employed by nurses during interrupted handoff.

Methods

A handoff education bundle (HEB) was developed. Kern’s six-step curriculum model was utilized to design, implement, and evaluate the handoff curriculum.

Results

Student feedback highlighted the importance of integrating multiple, varying distractors during learning cycles and recognition of the impact of distractors on handoff.

Conclusions

Implementing a HEB at the prelicensure nursing level could promote competency in handoff communication for new graduate nurses.

Implications for International Audience

Handoff is an international patient safety priority, as inadequate communication has been linked to adverse patient events.
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with colorectal cancer: A randomized controlled study comparing goal-directed and conventional fluid therapy
Authors: Wu Bin , Guo Yuanyuan , Min Su , Xiong Qiuju , Zou Lei
Published: March 2024

To investigate the impact of goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients with colorectal cancer, we conducted a randomized controlled trial. Eighty elderly patients who underwent elective laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer were randomly assigned to either the GDFT group or the conventional fluid therapy group. The primary outcome was the incidence of POCD during the initial 7 postoperative days, while secondary outcomes included inflammatory marker levels such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and S100β protein, hemodynamics, level of lactic acid, postoperative functional recovery, and complications. Among 88 randomized patients, 80 were evaluable for the primary outcome. The incidence of POCD was significantly lower in the GDFT group (15.0%) compared to the conventional fluid therapy group (30.0%), with the highest occurrence observed on day 3 postoperatively in both groups (P < 0.05). IL-6 and S100β concentrations were consistently lower in the GDFT group than in the conventional fluid therapy group at the corresponding time points (P < 0.05). The GDFT group exhibited more stable perioperative hemodynamics and lower lactate levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, patients in the GDFT group exhibited better postoperative functional recovery indicators and a lower incidence of postoperative complications (P < 0.05). In summary, GDFT appears to reduce the incidence of early POCD, accelerate postoperative recovery, and enhance overall prognosis.
Ultrasonic resonance evaluation method for deep interfacial debonding defects of multilayer adhesive bonded materials
Authors: Guo Canzhi , Xu Chunguang , Xiao Dingguo , Cheng Guanggui , Zhong Yan , Ding Jianning
Published: March 2024

Multilayer adhesive bonded structures/materials (MABS) are widely used as structural components, especially in the field of aerospace. However, for MABS workpieces, the facts that the weak echo of the deep interfacial debonding defects (DB) caused by the large acoustic attenuation coefficient of each layer and this echo, which generally aliases with the excitation wave and the backwall echo of the surface layer, pose a great challenge for the conventional longitudinal wave ultrasonic nondestructive testing methods. In this work, an ultrasonic resonance evaluation method for deep interfacial DBs of MABS is proposed based on the ultrasonic resonance theory and the aliasing effect of ultrasonic waves in MABS. Theoretical and simulation analysis show that the optimal inspection frequency for II-interfacial DBs is 500 kHz when the shell thickness is 1.5 mm and the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) thickness is 1.5 mm, and the optimal inspection frequency is 250 kHz when the shell thickness is 1.5 or 2.0 mm and the EPDM thickness is 2.0 mm. Verification experiments show that the presence of a DB in the II-interface causes a resonance effect, and in the same inspection configuration, the larger the defect size, the more pronounced this effect is. This resonance effect manifests itself as an increase in the amplitude and an increase in the vibration time of the A-scan signal as well as a pronounced change in the frequency of the received ultrasonic wave. In addition, the increase in the excitation voltage further highlights the ultrasonic resonance effect. Four imaging methods – the integrations of the signal and the signal envelope curve, the maximum amplitude of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the signal, and the signal energy – were used for C-scan imaging of ultrasonic resonance evaluation of MABS’s deep interfacial DBs and all these methods can clearly show the sizes and locations of the artificial defects and internal natural defect. The normalized C-scan imaging method proposed in this study can further highlight the weak changes in the signals in the C-scan image. The research results of this study have laid a solid theoretical and practical foundation for the ultrasonic resonance evaluation of MABS.
Origins of the Economic Approach to Crime and Punishment
Authors: Conti Thomas Victor , Justus Marcelo
Published: March 2024

The economic approach to crime and punishment began to be applied to a research program based on a rigorous and mathematically structured theoretical model by Becker (1968. “Crime and Punishment: An Economic Approach.” Journal of Political Economy 76 (2): 169–217) in his paper Crime and punishment: An economic approach. However, only brief mentions regarding the historical origins of the “economic” thought on crime and punishment can be found in the field’s pioneering modern texts. Thus, our main objective is to rebuild this history. In this paper, we do this by reviewing the thoughts of Adam Smith and Cesare Beccaria (1759–1776). In section one, we show how Smith’s position, despite being different from that of the utilitarian outlook, actually hides passages where the author comes very close to employing an economic rationale to reflect on criminality. In section two, we revisit Beccaria’s arguments and find surprising nuances and exceptions, even though he is a thinker explicitly recognized as influential by Becker and other authors linked to the Law and Economics movement. We conclude by highlighting key insights and looking for a broader history where the economic rationale on crimes and punishments can be traced back from centuries ago to modern times.
Raw-material exploitation in the Earlier and Middle Stone Age in the Eastern Desert of Egypt: evidence from Wadi Abu Subeira
Authors: Leplongeon Alice , Bailly Maxence , Graff Gwenola
Published: March 2024

Despite its key role in out-of-Africa hominin dispersals, little is known about Pleistocene human occupation of north-eastern Africa outside the Nile Valley and desert oases. A survey in Wadi Abu Subeira aims to help fill this gap and attests to the repeated occupation of the Eastern Desert during the Pleistocene.
BOTS EM REDES SOCIAIS
Authors: Freitas Amanda
Published: March 2024

Com o crescente papel das redes sociais, crescem discussões sobre as implicações sociais e políticas de bots. O presente trabalho buscou sistematizar o que cientistas sociais trabalhando interdisciplinarmente com cientistas da computação desenvolveram sobre os desafios deste fenômeno para o campo. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura e análise bibliométrica com um corpus de 442 artigos, e uma análise qualitativa dos resumos dos 40 artigos mais citados, que fundamentaram uma discussão substantiva sobre o fenômeno. Os resultados são apresentados na forma de redes bibliométricas geradas com o VOSViewer e na forma de conclusões em dimensões teórica, ética, normativa e metodológica. Entre os resultados, aponta-se a necessidade de clareza sobre limites das tecnologias de bots, sua autonomia e efeitos concretos na comunicação com usuários humanos antes de apontar diagnósticos e prognósticos catastróficos. A falta de métodos confiáveis de detecção e de desenhos de pesquisa que deem conta de dados em tempo real são alguns dos obstáculos. Bots distorcem o debate público em diversas frentes: simulando a existência de comunidades virtuais forjadas; reverberando discursos de ódio e notícias falsas ou informações de baixa qualidade; sentimentalmente, mobilizando afetos dos usuários, gerando ambientes de atrito e polarização; e por meio de redes de influência, impulsionando personalidades ligadas à extrema-direita e grupos de ódio, e ofuscando mídias tradicionais e experts na plataforma. As ciências sociais são cruciais para compreensão de como bots têm transformado o comportamento de indivíduos/cidadãos, na proposição de novos projetos de lei que dêem conta das implicações legais ainda desconhecidas do uso de bots e na responsabilização de empresas de plataforma neste fenômeno essencialmente interdisciplinar.
A RESPONSABILIZAÇÃO POR ABANDONO AFETIVO NO ÂMBITO DO SUPERIOR TRIBUNAL DE JUSTIÇA E O JULGAMENTO COM PERSPECTIVA DE GÊNERO
Authors: Amari Marina , Caruso Bertol Eloise , Capaverde Keller Mariana
Published: March 2024

O presente artigo buscou examinar a existência de viés de gênero no julgamento de casos envolvendo pedido de indenização por danos morais decorrente de abandono afetivo parental. A pesquisa foi realizada a partir do exame bibliográfico sobre o tema, conjugado com uma análise quantitativa e qualitativa da jurisprudência do Superior Tribunal de Justiça. Inicialmente, o trabalho investiga as mudanças ocorridas na acepção de família na legislação brasileira e a crescente constituição de famílias monoparentais, para, posteriormente, delimitar o conceito de abandono afetivo. Partindo dessas premissas, apresenta-se um estudo dos acórdãos do STJ que discutem a possibilidade de responsabilização parental pela ocorrência desse fenômeno. Na sequência, o artigo discorre sobre o recente Protocolo para Julgamento com Perspectiva de Gênero, editado pelo Conselho Nacional de Justiça, destacando a necessidade de se adotar uma condução processual a partir das lentes de gênero no âmbito do Poder Judiciário. Finalmente, conclui-se pela necessidade de realização de julgamentos que adotem uma perspectiva de gênero, com a aplicação do referido Protocolo, nos casos que discutem sobre responsabilização por abandono afetivo, uma vez que as decisões do STJ ainda reproduzem estereótipos relacionados aos estereótipos e ao papel de cuidado atribuído à mulher na sociedade.
Urine-enriched biochar: Coupling sustainability in sanitation and agriculture
Authors: Bischak Elena , Fusi Soliver Ché , Jeliazovski Julie , Beheshtian Kiana , Ryals Rebecca
Published: March 2024

Linear models of fertilizer production and application are environmentally harmful. Predominant approaches to waste management treat human excreta as a pollutant rather than a source of nutrients for agriculture. Container-based sanitation (CBS) systems safely contain and transport excreta for treatment and reuse, though urine is often contained but not treated. A major challenge of urine-nutrient recovery is the shift in nitrogenous species in urine during storage, from urea to ammonia (NH3) and ammonium (NH4+), due to urease activity. This can lead to gaseous NH3 losses from urine that depletes its fertilizer potential. Urine-enriched biochar (UEBC) may act as a slow-release fertilizer of urine nutrients. We quantified the adsorption of nitrogen in fresh, stored, and CBS-style urine to wood waste, sewage sludge, and walnut shell biochars. These UEBCs were compared to urine-only treatments and fertilized and unfertilized controls in a greenhouse growth experiment. We found that the <500-µm biochar size fraction retained significantly more nitrogen than larger particles across biochars. Urine-nitrogen adsorption to biochar and uptake into plant tissue varied across biochar type and urine condition. The quantity of urine applied in urine-only treatments, regardless of type, was positively correlated with plant nitrogen uptake. Plant biomass did not differ significantly across treatments. These findings emphasize the need to optimize UEBC application for different urine and biochar conditions, particularly for CBS and other urine-diverting operations.
SOCIAL WORK PRACTITIONERS’ AND SUPERVISORS' CONCEPTUALISATION OF SUPERVISION AT THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, KING CETSHWAYO DISTRICT: A POLITY DUALISM
Authors: Gumbi Sandile Ntethelelo , Mazibuko Ntombifikile Margaret , Sithole Mbongeni Shadrack
Published: March 2024

The historical development of social service supervision reveals that the professional and organisational demands do not co-exist without challenges. The tension that often manifests between professional and managerial supervision is explained using the analogy of “polity dualism”, a concept widely used in political science to describe the co-existence of democratic and traditional rulership. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory-descriptive design underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. Seventeen social workers and supervisors were purposively sampled at the Department of Social Development, King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu-Natal. The findings were presented in terms of two main themes and two related subthemes. These included participants’ understanding of supervision and relating their understanding of supervision with experience. The recommendations could be summarised to involve the need to limit supervisors’ responsibilities to providing supervision only and to address the challenges posed by polity dualism by relying on professional supervision that offers more support and guidance and encourages collaboration between supervisors and supervisees. Keywords: managerial supervision, neoliberalism, polity dualism, professional supervision, social worker, social work supervisor
In the balance. The case for a universal basic income in South Africa and beyond.
Authors: Thomas Christopher G
Published: March 2024

Hein Marais (2022). In the balance. The case for a universal basic income in South Africaand beyond. ISBN 978-1-77614-772-4. Pages 299. Social work practitioners are at the coalface of casework documenting individuals, households and communities whose livelihoods and security have been ravaged by South Africa’s worsening poverty, unemployment and inequality trends, and they know well that state social security assistance brings considerable amelioration. Socioeconomic rights to social security indicated in Section 27 (1) (c) of the Constitution stir debates about the architecture of social security and appropriate social assistance, as well as the legislation directing the use of resources towards progressively realising those rights.
Rheological Analysis on Hardening of Magnetorheological Grease with Kerosene
Authors: Pang Zheng Bin , Mazlan Saiful Amri , Johari Mohd Aidy Faizal , Ahmad Khairi Muntaz Hana
Published: March 2024

Magnetorheological grease (MRG) with dilution oils may suffer from reduced storage stability caused by oil separation. This phenomenon potentially causes a performance reduction of the material due to possible accelerated degradation of the grease medium. The long-term rheological behavior of MRG with kerosene (MRGK) was investigated in this study. MRGK was prepared with 10 wt% kerosene as the dilution oil, together with a sample of MRG without any kerosene as the control. A modular compact rheometer (MCR) was used to obtain rheological data from the MRG samples in an oscillatory strain sweep mode under the influence of magnetic fields, which ranged from 0A to 3A. After one year, the measurement was repeated to observe any changes to the rheology of MRG samples. Results showed a significant hardening of the sample diluted with kerosene, which mainly showed a drastic increase in off-state storage modulus at low strain. This was shown by the off-state storage modulus of MRGK, which after one year showed an increase of 15% in the initial storage modulus, and an increase of 2438% in the storage modulus at 10% strain. The MRG sample showed an increase of 50% and 47%, respectively. The on-state storage modulus did not appear to experience such a drastic change after one year. The study concluded that while dilution oil may be a promising candidate to reduce the initial viscosity of MRG, the resulting performance difference may compromise the long-term performance, and may even cause accelerated degradation when in use.
Initial Study on Rheological Behaviour of Hydroxyapatites / Polylactic Acid Composite for 3D Printing Filament
Authors: Marzuki Afeeqa Puteri , Mohd Nasir Mohd Alfiqrie , Mohd Salleh Farrahshaida , Ismail Muhammad Hussain , Murat Bibi Intan Suraya , Ibrahim Marzuki
Published: March 2024

The present fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing process has concentrated on combining metal or ceramic filled with polymer because it could provide a strong composite in layered manufacturing technology in comparison to a single polymer material. However, the ability of the composite material to flow into the extruder becomes an obstacle because of the changes in the polymer concentration and dispersion of filler particles in producing the printed part. Hence, the rheological behavior of Hydroxyapatites (HAp) / Polylactic Acid (PLA) composite with different contents of HAp was studied to assess its ability to flow through the extruder during the 3D printing process. Measurements such as pycnometer density, thermal analysis (DSC) and FT-IR were performed on the composite feedstock containing a variation of 10% to 30% HAp powder. The feedstocks behavior then were characterized by rheological tests at three different temperatures (140 oC, 150 oC, and 160 oC). The composition of PLA/20HAp has produced optimum rheological behavior with effective flow behavior index (n) and activation energy (E) of 0.396 and 89.03 kJ/mol, respectively which is suitable for extruding out the HAp/PLA composite to become a 3D printing filament material.
A Comparative Study and Improved Bearing Fault Classifier Using Raw Vibration Data Under Limited Training Samples
Authors: Yap Jee Siang , Lim Meng Hee , Leong M. Salman
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence is gaining traction in bearing fault detection and diagnosis. Generally, signal processing and feature selection are carried out to facilitate the fault classification process; however, classification accuracy tends to degrade under limited training data. In this paper, various artificial intelligence (AI) classification models are studied and compared using raw vibration data without signal processing and feature engineering. A Cosine k-Nearest Neighbours (CosKNN)-based classification model is optimized by integrating a Segmentive Mechanism, resulting in an overall classification F1-score improvement to 90.8% compared to the original classifier's 76.9%. The comparative findings show that the proposed model is suitable for circumstances with limited availability of training data, signal processing tools, and feature engineering tuning.
Simulation of the Performance of an Electrically Turbocharged Engine Over an Urban Driving Cycle
Authors: Subramaniam Kamalleswaran , Wan Salim Wan Saiful-Islam
Published: March 2024

The study aimed to estimate the energy recovery potential of a decoupled electric turbocharger and its boosting ability in a spark-ignition engine using simulation-based work. Passenger vehicle engines operate at low loads and speeds, requiring characterization and estimation of energy available for recovery under normal driving conditions. A 1-D numerical model of the engine and boosting system was developed to predict energy recovery over steady-state full-load operating conditions, part-load conditions, and actual, transient Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur drive cycle conditions. The electric turbocharged engine consists of two motors and a battery pack, which were modeled and utilized using GT-Power engine simulation software. The study found that the electrical turbocharger system could recover 0.57 kW and 0.50 kW at 2500 rpm and 3000 rpm, respectively. Part-load studies showed that the maximum amount of electrical energy recovered at 6500 rpm was 5.25 kW. Drive cycle analysis revealed that fuel consumption was the same for both engine models due to the similar turbocharger output performance and lower back pressure caused by the recalibrated wastegate controller. This was partially mitigated by the inclusion of two electric motors. Drive cycle analysis revealed that the electric turbocharger can perform better than a conventional turbocharger when optimized.