bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of a modified twin block appliance compared with the traditional twin block appliance in children with hyperdivergent mandibular retrognathia: protocol for a single-centre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liu Anqi , Zhang Wei , Zhang Weihua , Shi Shuangshuang , Chen Zhuoyue , Liu Yuehua , Lu Yun 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionCompensatory mouth breathing, caused by nasopharyngeal obstructive diseases, is the main cause of hyperdivergent mandibular retrognathia in children. Such deformities require effective growth guidance before pubertal growth peaks. The traditional mandibular advancement device, twin block (TB), can guide the forward development of the mandible. However, the side effect of increasing the vertical dimension of the lower facial third, worsens the facial profile of children with divergent growth trends. To solve this problem, a modified TB (LLTB) appliance was designed to control the vertical dimension by intruding incisors and inhibiting the elongation of posterior teeth during the advancement of the mandible, which could avoid the side effects of traditional appliances and effectively guide the growth of the mandible in a normal direction.Methods and analysisThe study was designed as a single-centre, single-blind, randomised, parallel controlled trial. We aim to enrol 60 children aged 9–14 years with hyperdivergent skeletal class II malocclusion, using a 1:1 allocation ratio. The participants were will be randomly assigned to receive either the TB or LLTB treatment. The primary outcome will be a change in the angle of the mandibular plane relative to the anterior cranial base. The secondary outcomes will include changes in the sagittal maxillomandibular relation, occlusal plane, facial height, morphology of the mandible and upper airway width. Safety endpoints will also be evaluated.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of Shanghai Stomatological Hospital. Both participants and their guardians will be fully informed of the study and sign an informed consent form before participating in the trial. The results will be publicly available in peer-reviewed scientific journals.Trial registration numberChiCTR2000035882.
Assessment of tannery sludge additions on physico-mechanical properties of clay bricks
Authors: Venkatesh G. , Krishnaiah S. , Ramesh G. 
Published: November 2023

The present study explores the partial replacement of clay by the addition of tannery sludge (TS) and glass in brick preparation. Bricks were prepared with varying weight percentages of TS (9%, 18%, and 27%) along with glass powder (10%) and fired at different temperatures (900, 950, and 1000 °C). Water absorption, compressive strength, weight loss on ignition, volumetric shrinkage, and bulk density of the bricks were found to be in the range of 12.3%–16.8%, 2.3–4.5 MPa, 4%–13.8%, 6%–11%, and 1600–1850 kg/m3, respectively. Heavy metal leaching was observed to be within the limits of United States Environmental Protection Agency 1311 for the prepared bricks. The addition of TS resulted in a decrease of physical and mechanical properties of the bricks due to the decomposition of organic and inorganic compounds. However, the presence of glass powder compensates for the effect of TS by fusion and densification process. The results indicate that hybrid addition of TS and glass can partially replace clay in brick production and effectively immobilize heavy metals.
Inexpensive polynomial-degree-robust equilibrated flux a posteriori estimates for isogeometric analysis
Authors: Gantner Gregor , Vohralík Martin 
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we consider isogeometric discretizations of the Poisson model problem, focusing on high polynomial degrees and strong hierarchical refinements. We derive a posteriori error estimates by equilibrated fluxes, i.e. vector-valued mapped piecewise polynomials lying in the [Formula: see text] space which appropriately approximate the desired divergence constraint. Our estimates are constant-free in the leading term, locally efficient, and robust with respect to the polynomial degree. They are also robust with respect to the number of hanging nodes arising in adaptive mesh refinement employing hierarchical B-splines, though not with respect to the smoothness and support overlaps. Two partitions of unity are designed, one with larger supports corresponding to the mapped splines, and one with small supports corresponding to mapped piecewise multilinear finite element hat basis functions. The equilibration is only performed on the small supports, avoiding the higher computational price of equilibration on the large supports or even the solution of a global system. Thus, the derived estimates are also as inexpensive as possible. An abstract framework for such a setting is developed, whose application to a specific situation only requests a verification of a few clearly identified assumptions. Numerical experiments illustrate the theoretical developments.
Adolescent Athletes’ Self-Presentations on Social Media and Their Self-Esteem as Moderated by Their Perceptions of Responsiveness by Others
Authors: Yang Kyoungjin , Kwon Sungho , Jang Dojin 
Published: November 2023

Social media has been an increasingly utilized communication tool, and it has gained popularity among adolescent athletes. Our aim here was to investigate whether a positive and honest self-presentation on social media increased adolescent athletes' self-esteem, and we examined the moderating effect of perceived responsiveness. After receiving informed consent of participants and their parents/legal guardians, we recruited 468 adolescent athletes/participants (244 males, 224 females; Mage = 15.39 years, SD = 1.61) through purposive sampling and engaged them in completing face-to-face or online self-report measures of their: (a) self-presentation on social media, (b) perceived responsiveness of others, and (c) Rosenberg self-esteem scales. Given the continuous nature of our moderating variable (i.e., perceived responsiveness), we conducted regression analysis using Hayes’s PROCESS macro in SPSS software. A positive self-presentation showed no significant relationship with self-esteem, except when the level of perceived responsiveness was high. Conversely, an honest self-presentation was positively related to higher self-esteem, and the relationship between honest self-presentation and self-esteem was moderated by perceived responsiveness. Our findings extend existing psychological theory into the online environment and have practical implications. These data highlight the link between social media self-presentation and self-esteem among adolescent athletes and illustrate the crucial role of perceived responsiveness in the social media context.
Endoscopic dilation using two guidewires: a novel approach for establishing access tract during percutaneous nephrolithotomy under ultrasonographic guidance
Authors: Dou Quanliang , Qin Zhiqiang , Liu Jingyu , Li Rongfei , Jia Ruipeng 
Published: November 2023

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel endoscopic dilation (END) method during percutaneous nephrolithotomy under ultrasonographic guidance. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 138 patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy from June 2020 to December 2021. The patients were divided into three groups based on the method of nephrostomy tract creation: those who underwent fascial Amplatz serial fascial dilation (AMD) (n = 45), one-shot dilation (OSD) (n = 45), and END (n = 48). For END, a 20-Fr dilator with sheath was accessed over the first guidewire. A second guidewire was inserted into the collecting system via the endoscope. The nephroscope was then accessed to enlarge the renal puncture point using both guidewires. Demographic variables and important intraoperative and postoperative findings were compared among the three groups. Results The preoperative characteristics were similar among the three groups. The END group had a significantly shorter access time than both the AMD and OSD groups and significantly less severe hemoglobin loss than the OSD group. There were no significant differences in the other important perioperative findings. Conclusion Use of this novel END method with two guidewires may be associated with less blood loss and a reduced access time.
Acoustic, vibration, and viscoelastic performance of wire EDM waste-reinforced natural fiber composites
Authors: Krishnasamy Prabu , Mylsamy Goudilyan , G Rajamurugan , Jeyanthi Subramanian , D Murali Manohar 
Published: November 2023

Natural fiber composites are being promoted as cost-effective substitutes for synthetic materials due to its benefits like lightweight, recyclability, cost, and biodegradability. The main objective of the present work is to reuse the electrical discharge machining (EDM) waste wire in coated hemp/ramie fiber epoxy composites. The wire lengths of 1, 3, and 5 cm were used as reinforcement in composites and its effects were studied through mechanical characterizations, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), acoustic study, and vibration behavior. The 5 cm wire length composite (S4) secured better mechanical properties (tensile-26%, impact-33%, hardness-12%). Additionally, S4 displayed increased storage modulus and reduced loss modulus from DMA analysis. The natural frequency has increased by 15%, whereas decrease in damping ratio was observed for S4. The sound absorption coefficient of S4 composite was lower compared to S1 due to the stiffness and lower damping properties of the reinforced wire. The developed composite can provide the necessary strength and stiffness while reducing the overall weight of the vehicle in an automobile industry.
Proof of concept study on a self-driven pulsed jet on a compressor stator blade by numerical simulation
Authors: Lu Weiyu , Deng Qiulin , Jiao Yanmei 
Published: November 2023

This study presents a new concept of self-driven pulsed jet flow control on a compressor stator blade. This passive unsteady flow control method has the advantage that neither external flow nor electrical source is needed. This study’s preliminary proof-of-concept study on a low-speed compressor stator blade is performed using numerical simulation. When the pulsed jet frequency is 100 Hz, the optimum control performance and control efficiency are reached, and the total pressure loss coefficient is reduced by 8.9%. As the valve’s rotational speed increases, the pulsed jet’s momentum coefficient decreases gradually. The analysis of the unsteady characteristics of the self-driven pulsed jet shows that the jet velocity is close to a periodic square wave signal, and the typical reduced jet velocity ranges from approximately 0.15 to 0.8. Moreover, the time-averaged driving torque on the valve depends on the rotational speed and is relevant to the self-starting and self-driven characteristics of this passive flow control method. Under different bearing resistance torque, the self-driven valve behaves differently in three cases that can self-start and be self-driven, cannot self-start but can be self-driven, and cannot self-start nor be self-driven.
Factors Influencing Financial Inclusion for Social Inclusion in Selected African Countries
Authors: Njanike Kosmas , Mpofu Raphael T. 
Published: November 2023

The study investigated the determinants of financial inclusion in selected African countries. Researchers have found an extraordinarily strong positive association between social inclusion and financial inclusion; financial inclusion is the key to eradicating poverty and social exclusion as it presents an opportunity for people to benefit from financial services. A single data set was formed by combining four samples from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Kenya and South Africa. Data were obtained from surveys done by FinScope. FinScope Consumer Survey is a probability survey with an end-user focus (individual or household) on financial services and products. The FinScope Consumer Survey, done by the FinMark Trust, is uniquely aimed at increasing understanding of the informal financial product/service market. Probit regression models were estimated to find significant factors influencing financial inclusion in selected African countries. The linear probability model was used for the robustness check. The study found that age, education, marital status, bank branch accessibility, location, internet, salary, income, proof of residence, social networks, financial advice, gender and connectivity were significant in influencing financial inclusion. Governments must implement policies that enhance financial inclusion, in particular, ethnic groups, small communities and minorities. These policies will also lead to the reduction of poverty and the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Perceptions of Finns with chronic diseases about factors affecting their eHealth literacy: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Tamminen Alisa , Virtanen Lotta , Clemens Timo , Nadav Janna , Saukkonen Petra , Kainiemi Emma , Heponiemi Tarja , Kaihlanen Anu-Marja 
Published: November 2023

Objective This study aims to describe the factors related to the individual, the system and their interaction, which can affect eHealth literacy from the perspective of people living with one or multiple chronic diseases. As digital solutions are increasingly used in healthcare, perspectives of patients with chronic diseases must be considered. Methods The study design was a qualitative, descriptive interview study, gathering the insights of people living in Finland with chronic disease. The individual semi-structured interviews ( n = 17) were conducted via telephone. The eHealth Literacy Framework was used in the data analysis, with a deductive–inductive approach. Results The range of skills included in the eHealth Literacy Framework was widely applied by participants who described themselves as adept at using eHealth environments to manage health-related needs. The participants evaluated online information and took an active role in self-management of their chronic disease. Most importantly, even participants possessing many of the skills in the eHealth Literacy Framework experienced difficulties in using eHealth environments, and the accessibility of eHealth environments was highlighted. Conclusions eHealth environments could be useful for health promotion and self-management for people with chronic diseases, but only presuming the environments are adapted to their level of eHealth literacy skills.
How a low income state of India managed the unemployment situation during COVID-19? Lessons for future pandemic management
Authors: Rout Sarit Kumar , Meher Ananda , Behera Pallavi , de Broucker Gatien , Kadam Shridhar M 
Published: November 2023

Background: The partial and complete lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 caused enormous economic and social disruptions throughout the world. India witnessed the sharpest decline in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the unemployment rate rose sharply in the first quarter of 2020-21. Odisha, one of the low income states of India, has faced a steep rise in unemployment, with lakhs of migrant workers returning to the state. This article attempts to examine Odisha’s unemployment situation compared to the low-income states of India as well as with the national average during COVID-19. This also investigates to what extent the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provided relief to the people by providing short-term employment opportunities. Design: This is a descriptive study and is based upon repetitive cross sectional secondary data on unemployment rate and labour force participation rate across the low-income states of India. Method: The study used descriptive statistics to analyze the secondary data from the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) and MGNREGA report. The labour force participation rate (LFPR) and unemployment rate (UER) data were collected from the CMIE trimester reports. The information related to number days of employment demanded and employment provided were collected from the MGNREGA reports. Total time period was divided in to two parts – 2017-19 pre pandemic period and 2020-2021 pandemic period. Results: The analysis of UER revealed that the unemployment situation in Odisha was better than the low-income states and overall India. The UER during COVID-19 (Sep-Dec 2020 to Sep-Dec 2021) was lower than the pre COVID-19 level in Odisha (1.6% in Sep-Dec 2020), compared to all India, where this was more than the pre-COVID-19 level (7.4% in Sep-Dec 2020). Odisha government had nearly doubled the employment generation through MGNREGA during 2020-21. The state government undertook a number of proactive measures – increasing wage rate, providing extra days of work in vulnerable districts to address the unemployment situation during the pandemic. Conclusion: The state government’s effort to manage the livelihood crisis was notable during the pandemic.. Proper implementation of the wage employment programmes led to higher decline in the UER in Odisha compared to other states These experiences can be emulated by other states or countries.
Effects of a Perioperative Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Program on Early Quadriceps Strength and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Okoroha Kelechi R. , Tramer Joseph S. , Khalil Lafi S. , Jildeh Toufic R. , Abbas Muhammad J. , Buckley Patrick J. , Lindell Craig , Moutzouros Vasilios 
Published: November 2023

Background: Quadriceps muscle atrophy remains a limiting factor in returning to activity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy may accelerate quadriceps strengthening in the perioperative period. Purpose: To evaluate postoperative isometric quadriceps strength in patients who underwent ACLR with a perioperative BFR program. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Patients indicated for ACLR were randomized into 2 groups, BFR and control, at their initial clinic visit. All patients underwent 2 weeks of prehabilitation preoperatively, with the BFR group performing exercises with a pneumatic cuff set to 80% limb occlusion pressure placed over the proximal thigh. All patients also underwent a standardized postoperative 12-week physical therapy protocol, with the BFR group using pneumatic cuffs during exercise. Quadriceps strength was measured as peak and mean torque during seated leg extension and presented as quadriceps index (percentage vs healthy limb). Patient-reported outcomes (PROs), knee range of motion, and quadriceps circumference were also gathered at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively, and adverse effects were recorded. Results: Included were 46 patients, 22 in the BFR group (mean age, 25.4 ± 10.6 years) and 24 in the control group (mean age, 27.5 ± 12.0 years). At 6 weeks postoperatively, the BFR group demonstrated significantly greater strength compared with the controls (quadriceps index: 57% ± 24% vs 40% ± 18%; P = .029), and the BFR group had significantly better Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System–Physical Function (42.69 ± 5.64 vs 39.20 ± 5.51; P = .001) and International Knee Documentation Committee (58.22 ± 7.64 vs 47.05 ± 13.50; P = .011) scores. At 6 weeks postoperatively, controls demonstrated a significant drop in the peak torque generation of the operative versus nonoperative leg. There were no significant differences in strength or PROs at 3 or 6 months postoperatively. Three patients elected to drop out of the BFR group secondary to cuff intolerance during exercise; otherwise, no other severe adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Integrating BFR into perioperative physical therapy protocols led to improved strength and increased PROs at 6 weeks after ACLR. No differences in strength or PROs were found at 3 and 6 months between the 2 groups. Registration: NCT04374968 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Macrophage polarization toward M1 phenotype in T cell transfer colitis model
Authors: Ebihara Shin , Urashima Toshiki , Amano Wataru , Yamamura Hideto , Konishi Noriko 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
T cell transfer colitis model is often used to study the CD4+ T cell functions in the intestine. However, the specific roles of macrophages in colitis remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the phenotype and functions of macrophages in the colonic lamina propria (LP) in a colitis model.

Methods
Colitis was induced in scid mice via the adaptive transfer of CD4+CD45RBhi T cells. Then, flow cytometry was used to determine the number of macrophages in the colonic LP and expression of cytokines in macrophages at the onset of colitis. Moreover, M1/M2 macrophage markers were detected in the colonic LP during colitis development using high-dimensional single-cell data and gating-based analyses. Expression levels of M1 markers in macrophages isolated from the colonic LP were measured using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, macrophages were co-cultured with T cells isolated from the colon to assess colitogenic T cell activation.

Results
Infiltration of macrophages into the colon increased with the development of colitis in the T cell transfer colitis model. M1/M2 macrophage markers were observed in this model, as observed in the colon of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Moreover, number of M1 macrophages increased, whereas that of M2 macrophages decreased in the colonic LP during colitis development. M1 macrophages were identified as the main source of inflammatory cytokine production, and colitogenic T cells were activated via interactions with these macrophages.

Conclusions
Our findings revealed that macrophages polarized toward the M1 phenotype in LP during colitis development in the T cell transfer colitis model. Therefore, the colitis model is suitable for the evaluation of the efficacy of macrophage-targeted drugs in human IBD treatment. Furthermore, this model can be used to elucidate the in vivo functions of macrophages in the colon of patients with IBD.
HPV infection and vaginal microecological disorders in women with intrauterine adhesion: cross-sectional study in a Chinese population
Authors: Wang Li , Zeng Jiuzhi , Liu Hanbo , Xu Hongzhou , Liu Yan , Luo Mengjun , Liu Weixin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the vaginal microecology and the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes in patients with uterine adhesions and explore the correlation between HPV infection and vaginal microecology imbalance and the occurrence of intrauterine adhesion (IUA).

Methods
A total of 479 women were enrolled in the study, including 259 in the normal group and 220 in the IUA group. Vaginal microecological and HPV analyses were performed on all participants. Significant differences between the two groups were analyzed, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed.

Results
The incidence of IUA in patients between 31 and 40 years of age was high. The I-II degree of vaginal cleanliness in the IUA group was significantly lower than that in the normal group, and the number of III-IV degree was significantly higher than that in the normal group. Moreover, the incidences of VVC (vulvovaginal candidiasis) and vaginal disorders and infections with HPV 16 and HPV 52 subtypes were significantly higher in the IUA group than in the normal group. The incidence of high-risk HPV infection combined with vaginal disorders in the IUA group was higher than that in the normal group. Correlation analysis showed that the occurrence of IUAs was positively correlated with HPV infection and negatively correlated with PH and vaginal microecological imbalance.

Conclusion
The HPV infection rate and vaginal microecology disorders affect the occurrence of IUAs. For patients with IUAs, control of the HPV infection rate and the prevention of vaginal microecological disorders should be improved.