bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-level TLIF Versus LLIF at L4-5: A Comparison of Patient-reported Outcomes and Recovery Ratios
Authors: Jacob Kevin C. , Patel Madhav R. , Ribot Max A. , Prabhu Michael C. , Pawlowski Hanna , Vanjani Nisheka N. , Singh Kern 
Published: December 2021

Introduction:
Both transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) are suitable for achievement of lumbar arthrodesis. Comparative studies have observed complications and outcomes without stratification by lumbar level. This study aims to assess patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and recovery in TLIF and LLIF at L4-5.

Methods:
Patients undergoing primary, elective, single-level, TLIF or LLIF procedures at L4-5 were grouped. Demographics, perioperative characteristics, and postoperative complication rates were collected. PROMs included Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Physical Function, visual analog scale (VAS) back and leg, Oswestry Disability Index, and 12-Item Short-Form Physical Component Summary, and Mental Component Summary and were collected at preoperative, 6-week, 12-week, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year time points. Delta values and recovery ratios (RRs) were calculated for all PROMs at all time points. Demographics, perioperative characteristics, and postoperative complications were compared using chi-squared and Student t-test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Differences in mean PROMs, delta values, and RR at each time point were evaluated using unpaired Student's t-test.

Results:
Three hundred sixty TLIF and 46 LLIF patients were included. Most (54.3%) were men, mean age 56.3 years, and mean body mass index 30.8 kg/m2. Body mass index and insurance significantly differed (P ≤ 0.045, all). TLIF showed significantly greater mean operative time, length of stay, and postoperative narcotic consumption (P < 0.033, all) and greater postoperative nausea/vomiting (P = 0.004). No preoperative PROMs significantly differed. TLIF cohort had significantly greater VAS back at 6 months and VAS leg at 12 weeks and 6 months (P < 0.034, all). No mean delta PROMs or RRs significantly differed.

Discussion:
LLIF demonstrated significantly reduced length of stay, postoperative narcotic consumption, and postoperative nausea/vomiting and significantly improved VAS back at 6 months and VAS leg at 12 weeks and 6 months versus TLIF. Although 2-year PROMs and RRs did not significantly differ, our findings may suggest improved midterm follow-up pain scores for LLIF patients.
HUBUNGAN DIAMETER SAGITAL ABDOMEN DENGAN HbA1c PADA PASIEN LAKI-LAKI DENGAN OVERWEIGHT/OBESITAS
Authors: Ardinasari Eiyta , Niken Puruhita  , Etisa Adi Murbawani  , Siti Fatimah Muis  , Amalia Sukmadianti  
Published: December 2021

Latar belakang: Obesitas sentral menjadi faktor risiko terjadinya DM tipe 2 dan sindrom metabolik. Pengukuran menggunakan diameter sagital abdomen dapat digunakan sebagai penanda pengganti untuk memprediksi risiko DM tipe 2. Referensi penggunaan diameter sagital abdomen sebagai alat antropometri untuk penapisan risiko DM tipe 2 di Indonesia masih terbatas.
Tujuan : Menganalisis hubungan antara diameter sagital abdominal dengan kadar HbA1c
Metode penelitian : Penelitian ini adalah penelitian observasional dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Sebanyak 60 subyek berusia antara 40-55 tahun yang berada di wilayah kerja kota Semarang yang overweight/ obese dipilih sebagai subjek setelah sebelumnya menyetujui informed consent dan penelitian mendapatkan persetujuan Etik. Instrumen penelitian adalah kaliper diameter sagital abdomen, pita ukur, dan Chemistry analyzer HbA1c. Penghitungan data menggunakan uji korelasi Spearman dan regresi linier.
Hasil : Diameter sagital abdomen berbanding lurus dengan kadar HbA1c pada subyek laki-laki overweight/ obese (p < 0,001, r= 0,490). Kenaikan 1 cm SAD meningkatkan kadar HbA1c sebesar 17%. Dibutuhkan penelitian lebih lanjut untuk memperkuat penemuan ini pada subjek dengan variabilitas yang lebih beragam.
Simpulan : Diameter sagital abdomen dapat dijadikan alat skrining antropometri pengganti untuk penapisan risiko DM tipe 2 pada orang dengan overweight/obese.

Kata kunci : Diameter sagital abdomen, DM tipe 2, HbA1c, obesitas sentral
Toegankelijkheid openbare ruimte, regels en realiteit
Authors: Houtzager D.C. 
Published: December 2021

Toegankelijkheid openbare ruimte, regels en realiteit
In 2022 treedt de Omgevingswet in werking, de belangrijkste nieuwe wet voor de inrichting van openbare ruimte. Regelen de wet en de bijbehorende regelingen ook toegankelijkheid voor mensen met een beperking? Dit artikel gaat in op die vraag, door eerst te kijken naar de huidige Wet ruimtelijke ordening (Wro) en vervolgens in te gaan op de Omgevingswet. In de Wro en aanhangende regelgeving wordt geen aandacht aan toegankelijkheid besteed. In de Omgevingswet wel, maar het is de vraag of de regeling robuust genoeg is om het verschil te maken. Gemeenten hebben vrijheid om op lokaal niveau toegankelijkheidsregels te stellen. Twee steden zijn onderzocht, Almere en Utrecht. Zij maken, met verschillende ambities, gebruik van de beleidsruimte om toegankelijkheid van straten en stoepen te verbeteren.
Peer Assessment in Parliament
Authors: Schobess Richard 
Published: December 2021

Peer Assessment in Parliament
Peer assessment is a rather marginalised method in political research. This research note argues that the collective expertise of MPs can complement other data to contribute to more comprehensive evaluations of MPs’ parliamentary work. Yet, this method is potentially flawed by low survey participation and rater bias among MPs. The experience with a peer assessment survey among members of three Belgian parliaments shows that participation does not necessarily need to be problematic. However, the empirical analysis suggests that scholars should control for various forms of rater bias.
Cancelling proposed debates
Authors: Otjes Simon , Doedens Roy 
Published: December 2021

Cancelling proposed debates
The Dutch Tweede Kamer is unique among parliaments because here the agenda is actually determined in a public, plenary meeting of all MPs. In the Dutch Tweede Kamer 30 members of parliament (MPs) can request a plenary debate. Many opposition parties request these debates, but only 23% of these are actually held. We examine the question ‘under what conditions do political party groups cancel or maintain proposals for minority debates?’ as a way to gain insight into the black box of parliamentary agenda setting. We examine two complementary explanations: issue competition and parliamentary style. We trace all 687 minority debates that were proposed between 2012 and 2021 in the Netherlands. This allows us to see what proposals for debates MPs make and when they are retracted. We find strong evidence that anti-elitist parties maintain more debate proposals than do other parties
The Determinants of Committee Membership in Belgium and the Netherlands
Authors: Mickler Tim 
Published: December 2021

The Determinants of Committee Membership in Belgium and the Netherlands
In this article I analyse whether differences in formal committee structures affect how parliamentary actors organise their work within them. I compare the allocation of members to specialised committees in the Dutch House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) and the Belgian Chamber of Representatives (Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers/Chambre des Représentants) to test whether committee assignments are given more serious consideration when committees are strong. Despite many similarities, both parliaments differ in their internal institutional arrangements: committees in the Chamber of Representatives are, at least formally, considerably more powerful than those in the Dutch Lower House. The article uses the congressional theories of legislative organisation as heuristic devices to deduce several rationales of the assignment process. The role of parliamentary party groups is highlighted. The results indicate the presence of stable, reoccurring patterns in both parliaments. Even in the House of Representatives, where committees present lower opportunity structures, assignments are given due consideration.
‘Think Like Me, and I Will Trust You’
Authors: Marié Awenig , Talukder David 
Published: December 2021

‘Think Like Me, and I Will Trust You’
Do citizens with a lower level of political representation evaluate political actors more negatively? While the literature has documented inequalities in political representation, less attention has been given to the extent to which different levels of representation affect citizens’ levels of political trust. We aimed to fill this gap by analysing whether Belgian citizens with a lower level of policy opinion congruence with their party’s legislators have lower levels of trust in the parliament. Our results show that policy opinion congruence has a positive impact on citizens’ political attitudes. Indeed, citizens with policy preferences closer to those of their political representatives tend to have higher levels of trust in the parliament. This rela‍tionship depends on political sophistication: policy opinion congruence affects political trust for most citizens except those who consider themselves to be ‘very interested’ in politics. Citizens with a very high level of interest in politics trust the parliament regardless of policy opinion congruence with their party’s legislators.
Geestelijk letsel naar objectieve maatstaven; een in de psychiatrie erkend ziektebeeld is niet vereist
Authors: Kock L.A.J. 
Published: December 2021

Geestelijk letsel naar objectieve maatstaven; een in de psychiatrie erkend ziektebeeld is niet vereist. HR (strafkamer) 29 juni 2021, ECLI:NL:HR:2021:1024
Op 29 juni 2021 heeft de Hoge Raad zich (opnieuw) uitgelaten over de vraag wanneer sprake is van aantasting in de persoon ‘op andere wijze’, als bedoeld in artikel 6:106 aanhef en onder b BW. In het bijzonder heeft de Hoge Raad zich nader uitgelaten over de invulling van het vereiste dat het bestaan van geestelijk letsel naar objectieve maatstaven moet zijn vastgesteld.
EVALUATION OF CAVITATION PERFORMANCE OF AN AXI-SYMMETRIC BODY WITH PUMPJET PROPULSOR
Authors: Suryanarayana Ch , Nageswara Rao M , Suryanarayana B , Ramji K 
Published: December 2021

A Pumpjet (PJP) was designed for an underwater body (UWB) with an axi-symmetric configuration as part of a technology development program for design and development of pumpjet. Its propulsive and cavitation performances were predicted through CFD study. The propulsor design was evaluated for its propulsion characteristics through model tests conducted in a Wind Tunnel. In the concluding part of the study, evaluation of the cavitation performance of the pumpjet was undertaken in a Cavitation Tunnel (CT).
In order to assess the cavitation free operational speeds and depths of the vehicle with respect to pumpjet, cavitation tests of the PJP were carried out in behind condition at CT to determine the cavitation inception numbers for rotor, stator and cowl. The model test results obtained were corrected for full scale Reynolds number and subsequently analyzed for cavitation inception speeds at different operating depths. This entire exercise facilitated the development of an innovative testing technique and a special test setup for finding cavitation performance of pumpjet propulsor. The technique was evaluated by comparative corroboration of inception position and depth obtained from CFD analysis. From the model tests it was also found that the cavitation inception of the rotor takes place on the tip face side at higher advance ratios and cavitation shifts towards the suction side as the shaft rotation rate increases whereas the stator and cowl are free from any cavitation.
THE FLOODING AFTER DAMAGE OF A WARSHIP WITH COMPLEX INTERNAL COMPARTMENTS – EXPERIMENTS ON A FULLY CONSTRAINED MODEL IN CALM WATER AND REGULAR BEAM SEAS
Authors: Macfarlane G J , Renilson M R , Turner T 
Published: December 2021

In order to provide data to assist in developing and validating a numerical code to simulate the flooding immediately following damage scale model experiments were conducted on a fully constrained model to investigate the progressive flooding through a complex series of internal compartments within a generic destroyer type hull form.
A 3.268 metre long model of a generic destroyer hull form with a simplified, typical internal arrangement was constructed to cover the configuration of greatest interest. A very rapid damage opening scenario was simulated by rupturing a taut membrane covering an opening. The model was instrumented to measure the levels of water and the air pressures in various compartments. In addition, video footage was obtained of the flooding process from both internally and externally of the model.
Previous work presented by Macfarlane et al. (2010) showed the results for the unconstrained model. This paper reports on the outcomes from the experimental program where the model was fully constrained in all six degrees of freedom. Firstly, tests were conducted in calm water with damage opening extents ranging from 50% to 100%. When the damage opening was only 50% the rate of rise of water in each of the compartments was only marginally slower than for the 100% damage extent case.
Secondly, the test results in calm water were compared against results from tests in regular beam seas. A ‘set-up’ of water inside each of the compartments on the 2nd Deck was found during the wave tests. The result of this is that the mean equilibrium water level in each compartment in the regular beam sea cases is noticeably higher than the equivalent calm water case, particularly for the two compartments on the port side, away from the damage. Finally, analysis of the data from further calm water and beam sea tests suggests that a similar result also occurs when the model is fixed at various non-zero heel angles.
RECURSIVE NEURAL NETWORK MODEL OF CATAMARAN MANOEUVRING
Authors: Moreira L , Guedes Soares C 
Published: December 2021

A neural network model to simulate catamaran manoeuvres is proposed as an alternative to the traditional methodology of developing manoeuvring mathematical models. Data obtained in full-scale trials with a real ship are used to train the model. By recording full-scale trials of catamaran manoeuvres it is possible to generate a neural network model which will allow the prediction of the catamaran manoeuvring performance under different conditions.
A Recursive Neural Network (RNN) manoeuvring simulation model is proposed and applied to a catamaran in this specific case. Inputs to the simulation are the orders of rudder angle and ship’s speed and also the recursive outputs velocities of sway and yaw. Two types of manoeuvres are simulated: tactical circles and zigzags. The results between the full-scale data and the simulations are compared in order to analyze and determine the accuracy of the RNN. The study is performed for a catamaran operating in the Tagus estuary for passenger transport to and from Lisbon.
SLAM CHARACTERISTICS OF A HIGH-SPEED WAVE PIERCING CATAMARAN IN IRREGULAR WAVES
Authors: French B J , Thomas G A , Davis M R 
Published: December 2021

Slam characteristics of a 112m INCAT wave piercing catamaran in a range of realistic irregular sea conditions are presented in this paper. Towing tank testing of a 2.5 m hydroelastic segmented catamaran model was used to gather a database of slam events in irregular seas. The model was instrumented to measure motions, centrebow surface pressures and forces, encountered wave elevations and wave elevations within the bow area tunnel arches. From these measurements characteristics of the vessel slamming behaviour are examined: in particular relative vertical velocity, centrebow immersion, archway wave elevations and slam load distributions. A total of 2,098 slam events were identified over 22 different conditions, each containing about 80 to 100 slam events.
The data, although inherently scattered, shows that encounter wave frequency and significant wave height are important parameters with regard to centrebow slamming. Relative vertical velocity was found to be a poor indicator of slam magnitude and slams were found to occur before the centrebow arch tunnel was completely filled, supporting the application of a two-dimensional filling height parameter as a slam indicator.
CONCEPT DESIGN FOR A SUEZMAX TANKER POWERED BY A 70 MW SMALL MODULAR REACTOR
Authors: Hirdaris S E , Cheng Y F , Shallcross P , Bonafoux J , Carlson D , Sarris G A 
Published: December 2021

The authors are to be congratulated on a well- researched and timely technical paper. I am pleased to express my personal opinion on the subject.
COSCO was intending to initiate a study in December 2009 on nuclear powered ship design in order to reduce GHG emissions from shipping. However, this plan was aborted three years after, following the catastrophic accident at the Fukushima nuclear power station in Japan during March 2011. This intensified political and public opposition to nuclear power to the extent that Germany has since adopted plans to decommission its entire nuclear infrastructure. However, confidence is beginning to re- emerge - confidence which I share. With increasing attention being given to GHG emissions arising from burning fossil fuels for global aviation and marine transport, together with the excellent safety record of nuclear power in the marine environment and the development of the new generation of SMRs, it is quite conceivable that renewed attention will be given to the application of nuclear power in merchant ship propulsion.
In producing this paper, the authors have made a significant contribution in the field of innovative ship design development. They have demonstrated the feasibility of applying the latest generation of nuclear reactor to commercial ship propulsion. Whereas nuclear power has been widely used in vessels of a number of navies and icebreakers, it has yet to be adopted for commercial ships other than a small number of research projects. This paper has provided good rationale for accommodating nuclear power in merchant shipping including speed and range requirements, required specific volume on board, environmental considerations etc. The study has also considered the risks associated with design and the arrangement of nuclear systems including location of the SMR, type of propulsion options and other safety- critical issues, not least the radiological risk to persons on board, involved in maintenance and in port.
Assessment of Subclinical Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Type 1 DM with and without Good Metabolic Control
Authors: Elbahgy Hesham Ali , Khalfallah Mohamed , Abdel-Meged Randa Mohamed , Salama Mai M. Abd Elmoneim 
Published: December 2021

Background: Diabetic patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)are frequently associated with diastolic dysfunction. However, LVEF is known not to be a sensitive marker for the detection of subclinical LV systolic dysfunction. This study aimed to assess left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in asymptomatic type 1 diabetic patients by conventional, tissue Doppler and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography to assess subclinical left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
Methods: Case-control study was conducted at 150 patients aged 15-35 y were subdivided into three equal groups: Group A: with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with good metabolic control (Hb A1C <7.0), Group B: T1DM with poor metabolic control (Hb A1C>7.0), and Group C: Control group: included 50 normal healthy subjects.
Results: Tissue Doppler, diastolic function and strain parameters, AP4C LS, AP2C LS, AP3C LS, and GLS were significantly impaired among the three groups. AP4C LS, AP2C LS, AP3C LS, and GLS were significantly lower in group B than group A and group C and was significantly lower in group A than group C, A velocity was significantly impaired among the three groups. A velocity was significantly higher in group B than group A and group C and was insignificantly impaired in group A than group C.
Conclusion: Conventional echocardiography parameters were insignificantly different between the study groups. 2D speckle tracking and tissue Doppler echocardiography showed that subclinical left ventricular systolic function may be affected even before affection of diastolic function. Longer duration and poor glycemic control of diabetes significantly affect GLS.
Influence of Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Socio-Economic Characteristics towards Adoption of Climate-Resilient Technologies
Authors: Harsha Vardhan Peddi Naga , Pal Prabhat Kumar , Roy Deepa 
Published: December 2021

Indian economy is mostly dependent on agriculture but climate change is the most threatening phenomena and addressing it as the biggest challenge now a days. ‘In order to reduce the climate change adversities, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with the help of different Krishi vigyan Kendra (KVKs) operated a project called “National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture”. To know the impact of the project a study was conducted in KVKs (i.e., NICRA, KVKs) of two districts of North Bengal i.e., Cooch Behar and Malda. One adopted village and one non adopted village adjacent to adopted village (as control area) were selected for study from each KVK-area. From each village 30 respondents were selected randomly i.e., 60 respondents from adopted village and 60 respondents from non-adopted village. A total of 120 respondents were taken for the research work. The result from this study shows that in the level of awareness, adoption of water-saving technology, in-situ moisture conservation technology, water harvesting, recycling technology and other climate-resilient technologies the mean awareness and adoption score is more in the adopted village than in the non adopted village. The education of household head, total land holding, outside contact score, total yearly income of the family, extent of participation, exposure to interpersonal media, household power access status, level of awareness on climate resilient technology and extent of association with KVK are positively and significantly associated with adoption score. It is also found that in non-adopted villages the socio-economic variables are influencing more towards adoption of climate-resilient technology, whereas, in adopted villages it is due to the association with KVK.
A Nudge to Physicians to Achieve LDL Goals
Authors: F. Cabahug Reagan 
Published: December 2021

Reduction in coronary events rates in high-risk patients is feasible by altering cardiovascular risk factors. In the US and most European Countries, the leading cause of death is coronary heart disease (CHD). Hypercholesterolemia is the principal risk factor for coronary artery disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) are significant risk factors for CHD [1]. Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-Co-A) inhibitors are the most effective treatment of cutting LDL-C levels with a subsequent reduction in cardiovascular death and morbidity. A nudge happens when a choice architecture is planned to control behaviour predictably without curbing an individual’s choice [2]. For a nudge to be influential, the direction and force should be in line with professional standards. The article detailed how patients' and physicians' actions contributed to the increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Nudges either digital or manual (use of post-it) can be useful in influencing physicians to be proactive and can increase patients’ adherence to the therapy. Trust between the patient and the physician is crucial in attaining these goals. Nudges can be a valuable management tool for steering correct behaviours among healthcare providers. The technique is to ensure that physicians see them as something constructive and not irritating or controlling noodges.