bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large‐strain consolidation of vacuum preloading combined with partially penetrating prefabricated vertical drains
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhou You , Sun Liqiang , Jiang Huihuang , Lang Ruiqing , Chen Hao , Ren Yuxiao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA system of vacuum preloading combined with partially penetrating prefabricated vertical drains (PP‐PVDs) is an effective solution for promoting the consolidation of the dredged marine clay. However, a significant and traditionally challenging‐to‐predict amount of deformation or settlement occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce a three‐dimensional large‐strain consolidation model to consider the length of the vertical drain to determine the consolidation time and degree of consolidation (DoC), and associated settlement. The predictions using the proposed analytical model provide fair agreements with the field data and those in the literature. Parametric studies reveal that to achieve a 90% DoC within 100 days in soft soil, the optimal penetration depth for PP‐PVDs would be 0.7 times the depth of the soil layer. With the increase of DoC, the ratio of excess pore water pressure to applied vacuum pressure (u/P) in the whole soil layer moves toward 1.0. With the increase of PVD penetration ratio (H1/H), more DoC is required to dissipate the excess pore water pressure in the top improved soil layer.
Probabilistic assessment of existing shield tunnel longitudinal responses to tunnelling
Authors: Liang Rongzhu , Zhang Zhiwei , Wu Jin , Li Zhongchao , Cao Shian , Wu Wenbing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper proposes a probabilistic‐based framework to assess the failure probability of the existing shield tunnel owing to undercrossing tunnelling. A novel deterministic model using the two‐phase analysis method is presented to evaluate the longitudinal behaviours of the in‐service shield tunnel. First, the tunnelling‐induced settlement is estimated using the Loganathan and Poulos’ method; second, the longitudinal beam‐spring model (LBSM), which can explicitly consider the circumferential joints, is applied to reflect the performances of the existing shield tunnel. Two well‐documented case histories are selected to validate the effectiveness of the deterministic analysis model. The predictions are also compared with previous analytical methods. Afterward, to improve the computational efficiency, a surrogate model is then established to replace deterministic model and perform the global sensitivity analysis (GSA). A probabilistic analysis is further performed to explore the tunnelling‐induced deformation characteristics of the shield tunnel by means of Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method. Parametric analyses are further performed to explore the influences of key variables on the failure probabilities of the existing shield tunnel. The results show the proposed deterministic model gives a satisfactory prediction in tunnelling‐induced responses of the existing shield tunnel. The LBSM can reflect the segmental ring and joint deformations more realistically. The uncertainties in the ground elastic modulus, joint rotation stiffness and the joint shearing stiffness dominate the tunnel settlement, joint opening and dislocation, respectively. The failure probability of tunnel settlement is more sensitive to volume loss than that of the joint opening and dislocation. The whole system failure probability is identical to that of the tunnel settlement failure mode. By increasing the coefficient of variation (COV) of random variables, probability density function (PDF) curves for neutral and pessimistic conditions become lower and wider, and the maximum joint opening and dislocation positions corresponding to the peaks of PDF apparently deviate from that of the determinate results. Increasing the two tunnel clearances, the allowable volume loss for opening and dislocation increase linearly, but it has insignificant influence on the tunnel failure mode. However, enlarge the new tunnel diameter leads to rapid decrease in the allowable volume loss for all failure modes.
Reducing time and memory requirements in topology optimization of transient problems
Authors: Theulings M. J. B. , Maas R. , Noël L. , van Keulen F. , Langelaar M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn topology optimization of transient problems, memory requirements and computational costs often become prohibitively large due to the backward‐in‐time adjoint equations. Common approaches such as the Checkpointing (CP) and Local‐in‐Time (LT) algorithms reduce memory requirements by dividing the temporal domain into intervals and by computing sensitivities on one interval at a time. The CP algorithm reduces memory by recomputing state solutions instead of storing them. This leads to a significant increase in computational cost. The LT algorithm introduces approximations in the adjoint solution to reduce memory requirements and leads to a minimal increase in computational effort. However, we show that convergence can be hampered using the LT algorithm due to errors in approximate adjoints. To reduce memory and/or computational time, we present two novel algorithms. The hybrid Checkpointing/Local‐in‐Time (CP/LT) algorithm improves the convergence behavior of the LT algorithm at the cost of an increased computational time but remains more efficient than the CP algorithm. The Parallel‐Local‐in‐Time (PLT) algorithm reduces the computational time through a temporal parallelization in which state and adjoint equations are solved simultaneously on multiple intervals. State and adjoint fields converge concurrently with the design. The effectiveness of each approach is illustrated with two‐dimensional density‐based topology optimization problems involving transient thermal or flow physics. Compared to the other discussed algorithms, we found a significant decrease in computational time for the PLT algorithm. Moreover, we show that under certain conditions, due to the use of approximations in the LT and PLT algorithms, they exhibit a bias toward designs with short characteristic times. Finally, based on the required memory reduction, computational cost, and convergence behavior of optimization problems, guidelines are provided for selecting the appropriate algorithms.
Are we on the same page? Individual interpretations of missions within human service nonprofits
Authors: Berlan David , Lim Sungdae , Campos Portia Diñoso 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWithout unique missions to serve a public purpose, nonprofits have no justification to exist. Much of the focus on mission in scholarship centers on concerns with mission drift and pressures from external actors. Yet internal dynamics may be just as important in developing a common mission and the coherent activities pursuing it. This research identifies the structural forces shaping organizational members' individual mission conceptions and leading them to emulate and converge around a shared dominant conception. We apply the concept of institutional isomorphism to 104 interviews conducted with staff, managers, board members, and volunteers from 14 human services nonprofits and explain the isomorphic pathways of individuals adopting dominant mission conceptions. Employing qualitative comparative analysis, we analyze the interviews capturing various combinations of individual backgrounds, motivations for joining the organization, and language used to share the mission with others. We find the presence of seven isomorphic pathways leading nonprofit professionals to adopt the dominant interpretations.
High Prevalence of Cochlear Nerve Deficiency in Pediatric Patients With Cochlear Aperture Stenosis
Authors: Dorismond Christina , Smetak Miriam R. , Perkins Elizabeth L. , Foust Alexandra M. , Sarma Asha , Virgin Frank W. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveCochlear nerve deficiency (CND) is a common radiologic finding among unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL) patients. It is generally detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is associated with higher cost, less availability, and possible need for sedation. Therefore, identifying computed tomography (CT) findings, such as cochlear aperture stenosis (CAS), that can reliably predict CND is valuable. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of CND in pediatric patients with CT‐diagnosed CAS.Study DesignRetrospective study.SettingTertiary care center.MethodsWe included pediatric patients diagnosed with CAS on temporal bone CT and with available temporal bone MRI. For each patient, an otolaryngologist and a pediatric neuroradiologist measured the cochlear aperture width on CT to confirm CAS (cochlear aperture < 1.4 mm) and assessed the status of the cochlear nerve on MRI.ResultsFifty‐five patients, representing 65 ears, had CAS on CT measurement. Median cochlear aperture width in CAS ears was 0.70 mm (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.40‐1.05 mm) versus 2.00 mm in non‐CAS ears (IQR: 1.80‐2.30 mm, P < .001). CND was found in 98.5% (n = 64/65) of CAS ears, while a normal cochlear nerve was found in 1.5% (n = 1/65) of CAS ears.ConclusionCND is highly prevalent among pediatric patients with CAS. This suggests that MRI may not be needed to assess for CND in USNHL patients with CAS, as initial CT may provide sufficient information to determine cochlear implant candidacy. We recommend thoughtful shared decision‐making with parents of USNHL patients when determining whether to pursue MRI in the setting of a CAS diagnosis.
Epistaxis Rates and Health Care Utilization in Patients With a Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Rohe Eric , Schmoker Sarah , Samson Kaeli , Carlson Kristy , Dowdall Jayme 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveIdentify baseline epistaxis rates and epistaxis‐related health care utilization trends in the ventricular assist device (VAD) population.MethodsSingle center, retrospective cohort study consisting of chart review of adult VAD patients. Analysis of descriptive statistics was assessed using χ2 tests, independent sample t tests, or Fisher's exact when expected counts were low. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between epistaxis and variables of interest.ResultsTwo hundred ninety patients were included in the analysis. Ninety‐eight (33.8%) patients developed epistaxis and 84 (29.0%) received medical attention. Patients with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding had increased rates of epistaxis (42.4% vs 29.0%). Logistic regression analysis found GI bleeding to have an adjusted odds of developing epistaxis of 1.94 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12‐3.37) and kidney disease to have an adjusted odds of 1.83 (95% CI: 1.06, 3.13).DiscussionVAD implantation improves survival and quality of life but also carries significant bleeding risks. At our institution, 29% of VAD patients received medical attention for epistaxis. GI bleeding and kidney disease were found to have increased adjusted odds of developing epistaxis. Fifty‐nine percent of epistaxis events occurred while inpatient and 32.8% of events were seen in the emergency department.Implications for PracticeVAD patients are an at‐risk group that could potentially benefit from preventative nasal hydration regimen.
Burdens on the gateway to the state: Administrative burdens in the registration of people experiencing homelessness in Belgium and the Netherlands
Authors: Robben Laure‐lise , Peeters Rik , Widlak Arjan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPopulation registries are the gateway to public services, benefits, and rights. However, despite clear formal rules and procedures, people eligible for registration may still face administrative burdens in obtaining access. In this article, we study the case of the municipal registration of people who experience homelessness in Belgium and the Netherlands—a group that typically suffers from administrative vulnerability. Using data from 61 interviews with social workers and civil servants, we find that burdens are constructed at the municipal level to disincentivize homeless people's access to registration. However, using the Institutional Analysis and Development Framework, we also identify mechanisms in the governance of population registrations and the decentralization of social policies that create incentives for strategic behavior by municipal policy makers and street‐level bureaucrats. By analyzing the interaction between multiple institutional levels, we contribute to understanding how structural mechanisms influence policymakers’ agency in the construction of administrative burdens.
Effect of hydroxyapatite and pulsed electromagnetic field on osteogenic differentiation of human stem cells seeded onto 3D‐printed polycaprolactone scaffolds for future bone graft transplantation
Authors: Scocozza F. , Bina V. , Caliogna L. , Brancato A. M. , Mosconi M. , Fassina L. , Conti M. , Gastaldi G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBone graft transplantation is a risky procedure mainly due to postoperative complications. Tissue engineering is an alternative to regenerating bone tissue by seeding mesenchymal stem cells into 3D scaffolds by osteoinductive signaling. Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) is one of the most used biopolymers for fabricating scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. PCL is enriched with hydroxyapatite (HA) to promote the production of the bone‐mineralized matrix. Moreover, the application of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) on scaffolds loaded with HA can significantly benefit collagen and HA networks favoring the interaction between organic and mineral phases of bones. In this context, we investigated, for the first time, the effect exerted by a PEMF exposure on the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs) seeded onto 3D printed PCL‐HA scaffolds and cultured in growth and osteogenic medium (OM). After 21 days of culture, the results showed excellent colonization of scaffolds and the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by hASCs. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed the deposition of collagen type I and osteopontin both on scaffolds. Gene expression analysis indicated that both HA crystal and PEMF treatment were able to trigger osteogenic differentiation, as documented by the increase of osteogenic markers. These results suggest that HA, osteogenic factors, and PEMFs converge on the same signaling pathways as there are no additive effects and no change in protein synthesis between scaffolds with HA or treated with PEMFs for cells cultured in OM. The proposed study lays the foundations for exploring new approaches in bone graft transplantation.
Feasibility of 18F‐DOPA and 18F‐FDG PET/CT for guiding decision‐making for localized incidental neuroblastoma in infants under 18 months of age
Authors: Hung Wan‐Ting , Liu Chia‐Ju , Liu Yen‐Lin , Ko Kuan‐Yin , Chou Shu‐Wei , Chang Hsiu‐Hao , Yang Yung‐Li , Lu Meng‐Yao , Hsu Wen‐Ming 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundNeuroblastoma varies widely in risk. Risk indicators in infants with incidental neuroblastoma refine treatment confidence for observation or intervention. The potential of functional imaging, particularly PET/CT, remains to be defined.ProcedureA retrospective review of infants under 18 months diagnosed with incidental neuroblastoma from 2008 to May 2022 in our institute was conducted. Before October 2015, incidental patients were treated similarly to symptomatic cases, undergoing biopsy or surgical excision upon diagnosis (early cohort). Post October 2015 (late cohort), treatment decisions were guided by PET/CT findings, with 18F‐DOPA PET/CT confirming diagnosis and staging. For tumors with low 18F‐FDG uptake, an expectant observation approach was considered. Patient characteristics, diagnostic methods, image findings at diagnosis, treatment courses, and responses were compared between cohorts.ResultsThirty infants less than 18 months were identified with incidental neuroblastoma and completed PET/CT at diagnosis. The early and late cohorts each comprised 15 patients. In the late cohort, nine out of 15 patients (60%) presented with localized FDG non‐avid tumors were offered the option of expectant observation. Of these, seven patients opted for observation, thereby avoiding surgery. Treatment outcomes were comparable between early and late cohorts, except for one mortality of a patient who, despite showing 18F‐FDG activity, declined treatment.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the potential utility of 18F‐DOPA and 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans in aiding clinical decision‐making for infants with localized, incidental neuroblastoma. Given the concerns regarding radiation exposure, such imaging may be valuable for cases with suspected metastasis, initial large tumor size, or growth during follow‐up.
Results of a long‐term, prospective study on complications of central venous catheter in pediatric patients with hematologic‐oncologic diseases
Authors: Garonzi Chiara , Zeni Francesca , Tridello Gloria , Giacomazzi Alice , Castagna Alberto , Esposto Maria Pia , Caddeo Giulia , Pezzella Vincenza , Zaccaron Ada , Bonetti Elisa , Vitale Virginia , Chinello Matteo , Balter Rita , Guardini Beatrice , Pedrazzoli Eleonora , Cesaro Simone 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundCentral venous catheter (CVC)‐related complications remain a significant cause of morbidity in pediatric hematology‐oncology. We prospectively surveyed the incidence of CVC‐related complications in children with hematologic‐oncologic diseases.ProcedureFive‐hundred‐eighty‐one CVCs were inserted in 421 patients from January 2010 to June 2022 (153,731 CVC days observation; follow‐up data up to December 31, 2022).ResultsOverall, 671 complications were recorded (4.365/1000 CVC days): 49.7% malfunctions (1.88/1000 CVC days, 4.8% of CVC early removals), 23.9% bacteremia (0.90/1000, 15.1%), 19.6% mechanical complications (0.74/1000, 70.2%), 20.1% localized infections (0.76/1000, 17.1%), 0.5% thrombosis (0.02/1000, 33.3%). At multivariate analysis, risk factors for malfunction were Broviac–Hickman type of CVC (hazard ratio [HR] 2.5) or Port‐a‐cath (HR 3.4) or Proline (HR 4.3), p < .0001; for bacteremia double‐lumen CVC (HR 3.2, p < .0001); for mechanical complications age at CVC insertion under median (HR 4.5, p < .0001) and Broviac–Hickman (HR 1.6) or Proline (HR 2.7), p = .01; finally for localized infections Broviac–Hickman (HR 2.9) or Proline (HR 4.4), p = .0001. The 2‐year cumulative incidence of premature removal was 23.5%, and risk factors were age at CVC insertion under median (HR 2.4, p < .0001), Broviac–Hickman (HR 2.3) or Proline (HR 4.2), p < .0001.ConclusionsPremature removal occurs in approximately 20%–25% of long‐term CVCs. A surveillance program has a fundamental role in identifying the risk factors for CVC complications and the areas of intervention to improve CVC management.
Active vibration control of piezoelectric multilayers FG‐CNTRC and FG‐GPLRC plates
Authors: Essedik Lazar Mohamed , Rachid Tiberkak , Madjid Ezzraimi , Taha Chettibi , Yasser Chiker , Mourad Bachene , Said Rechak 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the active vibration control of multilayer Functionally Graded Carbon NanoTube Reinforced polymer Composite (FG‐CNTRC) plates and multilayer functionally graded graphene platelets reinforced polymer composite (FG‐GPLRC) plates covered with a piezoelectric layer (PZTG1195N) serve as both actuators and sensors. The plate's heart is supposed to be reinforced nonlinearly using both types of reinforcement. Active vibration control of plates under uniform load was achieved by utilizing a velocity feedback control algorithm with a specific gain value. The finite element method is employed to analyze both the static and dynamic behavior of a square plate discretized into 9‐node quadratic finite elements with 5 ° of freedom per node. The material properties are assumed to change across the thickness direction following a power law distribution, exhibiting various patterns: Uniform Distribution (UD), as well as Functionally Graded types X, O, and A (FG‐X, FG‐O, and FG‐A). The geometrical nonlinear equations are solved by the Newmark integration method. This work begins by validating the natural frequencies of a Functionally Graded (FG) composite plate reinforced with four different distributions of Nano‐filler and then aims to show the effect of the nonlinear distribution of nanofillers on the plate's stiffness. The Results obtained after the execution of a developed code highlight the significance of employing a nonlinear distribution of nanofillers to attenuate vibrations.Highlights
FG composite and sandwich plates reinforced with GPLs and CNTs.
Effect of nonlinear nanofillers distribution of reinforcement on free and forced vibration.
The ability of the nonlinear distribution of nanofillers to attenuate forced vibrations.
Enhanced thermal conductivity of BN/PEK‐CN composites by bionic polydopamine modified BN
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Zhenzhen , Qu Minjie , Zhao Jian , Wang Zhichao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe rapid advancement of energy, electronic, and microelectronic technology has resulted in a surge of interest in the study of functional composites. One of the current hotspots in this field is the exploitation of polymer composites with excellent thermal conductivity and great thermal stability. Based upon the composition of the adhesion proteins of shellfish, dopamine chemistry was applied to the non‐chemical surface modification of chemically inert fillers by generating polydopamine (PDA) films on their surfaces. In this paper, we utilized poly(aryl ether nitrile ketone) (PEK‐CN) resin as matrix and DA modified boron nitride (BN) as filler to prepare BN@PDA/PEK‐CN composites by hot‐pressing method. The thermal conductivity and thermal stability of the composites for a given BN loading can be enhanced by surface functionalization of BN. The composites based on 30%BN@PDA/PEK‐CN exhibited a through‐plane thermal conductivity (λ⊥) of 0.941 Wm−1 K−1, upward 275% from a pure resin matrix and higher than that of the untreated 30 wt% BN/PEK‐CN composites (0.713 Wm−1 K−1). The Heat resistance index (THRI) of 30% BN@PDA/PEK‐CN was subsequently raised to 329.8°C. Overall, our developed BN@PDA/PEK‐CN composites exhibit favorable thermal conductivity along with remarkable thermal stability, making them highly promising for utilization in electronic packaging applications.Highlights
BN@PDA/PEK‐CN were prepared via a DA self‐polymerization bionic mussel strategy.
Thermal conductivity (λ⊥) increased to 0.941 Wm−1 K−1 for 30% BN@PDA/PEK‐CN.
The THRI increased to 329.8°C, with an increase of 61.1°C.
Influence of selected contaminations and melt filtration on the properties of ABS and ABS recyclate
Authors: Liedl Barbara , Burgstaller Christoph 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPlastic recyclates can be contaminated with a variety of impurities due to their previous life, which cannot always be perfectly separated in recycling pretreatment steps. Hence melt filtration is an important step in reprocessing plastic recyclates to achieve material of sufficient purity, but it also leads to more stress on the material due to higher pressures and longer processing times. In our study, we investigated the influence of typical particulate impurities as may occur in recyclate on the mechanical and rheological properties of ABS. Even low amounts of contaminations lowered the key properties. Melt filtration of post‐consumer ABS recyclate with different mesh size melt screens showed little improvement of mechanical properties, but longer idle times and loss of material. Damage to the material caused by finer filtration could be shown by thermal measurements.Highlights
Determination of properties of ABS contaminated with 0.5–2.0 wt.% of selected impurities (wood and rubber particles).
Melt filtration of post‐consumer ABS recyclate with different melt screens.
Investigation of process and properties of filtered ABS recyclate.