bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Fire Hazard Presented by a Burning Pool of Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI)
Authors: Marlair G. , Sand H. 
Published: September 2023

Fire tests have been conducted with TDI under conditions simulating a pool fire originating, e.g. from a leakage of stored TDI. The facilities of Cerchar * provide conditions of a free-burning, well-ventilated fire. Burning rate, heat and smoke development and toxic gas emission were determined as a function of the pool diameter up to 1 m2. Results are compared with small scale test results. Burning rate increases with increasing pool diameter reaching 2 kg/m2-min at 1 m2 area. Yields of permanent gases do not differ significantly with increasing pool area, with HCN amounting to 5 mg/g. Free TDI is found in fire gas up to 15 ppm corresponding to a yield of 7 mg/g.
Combustion Behaviour of Fabric and Polyurethane Flexible foam Mock-up Combinations under Cone Calorimetry Test Conditions
Authors: Vanspeybroeck R. , Van Hees P. , Vandevelde P. 
Published: September 2023

The relative contributions of fabric and foam on important fire hazard parameters as measured in the cone calorimeter were determined for various mock-up combinations. Three commercial types of high resilience PU flexible slabstock foams, representing a wide range of combustion performance, were combined with three different fabrics; viz. polyester, polypropylene and combustion modified cotton. Total heat release of the combinations correspond well with the value calculated from the individual components and is determined by the density and effective heat of combustion of the components, and the foam/fabric weight ratio. The foams show a smaller variation in effective heat of combustion than the fabrics. Covering of PU flexible foams with a fabric results in general in a delay of ignition and peak rate of heat release. Performance of the mock-ups is mainly determined by the fabric but also influenced by the quality of the foam.
HCFC Blown Rigid Polyurcthane Foams and Refrigerator Liner Materials: The Search for Compatible Systems
Authors: Potter K.G. , Tweedale C.R. 
Published: September 2023

With the traditional use of CFC-11 blown polyurethane foam for refrigerator insulation there has been limited need for interaction between the PU producers on the one hand and the producers of plastics used for liner materials on the other hand. Taking into consideration their ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) there is wide acceptance that HCFC-123 and -141b are the nearest “drop in” substitutes known today for CFC-11 replacement. However, this has major implications as these new blowing agents are significantly more aggressive requiring novel approaches in terms of material choice for monolithic and/or co-extruded sheet to retain the optimum sheet thickness, productivity and economics of current materials. This paper first of all summarises the current status of developments towards the reduction and eventual elimination of CFC-11 from rigid polyurethane foam systems used for the insulation of domestic refrigerators and freezers. It then addresses the problems of liner/alternative blowing agent interactions using tests which attempt to bridge the classical laboratory tests whilst acknowledging the ultimate need to run full scale processing, assembly and functional performance trials at refrigerator manufacturers. Key parameters covered include thermal conductivity, its ageing, carbon dioxide permeability and adhesion between the polyurethane foam and the plastic liner. Physical attack of the liners is studied employing two qualitative testa One involves an unconstrained situation with profiled vacuum formed liner in contact with HCFC blown foams; the other uses a prototype tool which incorporates shelf support and mullion in a restrained mode with an aluminium tool. New liner materials and combinations which are compatible with HCFC blown foams are identified as a result of this work.
Recent Developments in the Chemical Recycling of Flexible Polyurethanes*
Authors: Hooper Julian F.G. , Parrinello Giovanni , Parfondry Alain , Kroesen Dipl.Ing. Karl-Wilhelm 
Published: September 2023

After general consideration of the factors currently influencing recycling practice, the main physical and Chemical routes for recycling polyurethanes are briefly presented. A new process now under development to improve the glycolysis of flexible foams and elastomers is described. It is particularly suitable for recycling classified post-user materials, mainly from the automotive industry, back into simiiar applications. Glycolysis technology is thus brought closer to the point where a partially closed loop cycle can be realised.
Inherently Flame Retardant Rigid Polyurethane Foams Based on New Triazinic Polyether Polyols
Authors: Ionescu M. , Mihalache I. , Zugravu V. , Mihai S. 
Published: September 2023

The synthesis of new triazinic polyols by oxyalkylation with the propyleneoxide of some well known condensation products derived from melamine (2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine), a heteroaromatic chain initiator, has been studied. By using the synthesized aromatic triazinic polyols in conventional foaming processes, rigid polyurethane foams with excellent physico-mechanical properties and inherent flame retardancy are obtained, better than those of rigid polyurethane foams derived from conventional aliphatic polyols based on sucrose. A new additive flame retardant with a similar heteroaromatic triazinic structure (1, 3, 5-trichlormethylisocyanurate) was also successfully evaluated. The non expensive and accessible raw materials, the facility of the reactions involved in this kind of synthesis, make the studied method very attractive from technological points of view.
Cell Size Measurement of Polymeric Foams
Authors: Sims G.L.A. , Khunniteekool C. 
Published: September 2023

Micrographs of cell structure were analysed by three different techniques to determine apparent mean cell size and the apparent cell size distribution. Excellent agreement for mean cell size was established between image analysis and a more simple counting technique based on a modified version of standard ASTM and British Standard methods. It was concluded that rapid accurate determination of apparent cell size was more readily obtained by the modified counting method. Characterisation of cell size distribution was most accurately performed using an image analysis technique. However, a modified method [TGA 10(11)] provided a more efficient and cost effective method where general trends are required and absolute results are not essential.
Factors Affecting the Long Term Dimensional Stability of Rigid Foam for the Construction Industry
Authors: Daems D. , Rosbotham I.D. 
Published: September 2023

For several years, the polyurethane industry has critically examined its products in order to meet present and possible future European environmental regulations. Particularly in the construction industry, research has moved in two directions, namely CFC replacement and halogen-free, fire retardant foam. It is clear that the formulations have had to be adapted to the new types of blowing agents and the halogen-free additives in order to be able to compare favourably with the thermal and fire performance previously achieved. These changes have resulted in a need to understand the fundamental factors which determine the long term dimensional stability of foams, if one is to underwrite their long term performance. From the theoretical understanding, it is then possible to assess the validity of current test methods and to design improved tests for the prediction of the long term dimensional stability of the new systems. In this paper, the relevant fundamental factors have been examined individually. Factors which predominantly effect the polymer strength, processing, diffusion of gases and plasticisation have been grouped together and the combined effect under different conditions and in different applications within the construction area are discussed. Finally the prediction of long term behaviour via modelling is highlighted. It was shown that the effect of the combined action of all parameters influencing the long term dimensional stability of foams has changed in new systems based on benign blowing agents, compared to conventional CFC 11 blown foams.
Effect of Phospho-Halogenated Polyethcr Polyol on Fire Behaviour of Rigid Polyurethane Foams Blown with Various Agents
Authors: Modesti M. , Simioni F. 
Published: September 2023

The substitution of CFC-11 with blowing agents with low environmental impact, for the production of PU thermal insulating materials, implies the variation of several properties of the material. The worsening of fire behaviour of material, based on Ixol B 251, with flammable blowing agents (HCFC-141b, 2-chloro propane and n-pentane) can be reduced by modifying the formulation, i.e. by increasing the amount of flame retardants. The results of the Oxygen Index test were compared with the data obtained from the ISO 3582, DIN 4102 - B2 and UNI 9177 test and gave a good correlation. The initial thermal conductivity of the various foams is strictly linked with the thermal conductivity of the gas phase and increases with the new blowing agents and particularly in the case of n-pentane reaches values which are about 20% higher than that of foams blown with CFC-11. Hydrocarbon type blowing agents do not change significantly the mechanical properties of the materials; small variations in mechanical properties with HCFC-141b should be attributed to the solvent action of the compound on the polymer matrix.
‘Thank goodness you’re here’. Exploring the impact on patients, family carers and staff of enhanced 7-day specialist palliative care services: A mixed methods study
Authors: Walshe Catherine , Mateus Céu , Varey Sandra , Dodd Steven , Cockshott Zoe , Filipe Luís , Brearley Sarah G 
Published: September 2023

Background: Healthcare usage patterns change for people with life limiting illness as death approaches, with increasing use of out-of-hours services. How best to provide care out of hours is unclear. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and effect of enhancements to 7-day specialist palliative care services, and to explore a range of perspectives on these enhanced services. Design: An exploratory longitudinal mixed-methods convergent design. This incorporated a quasi-experimental uncontrolled pre-post study using routine data, followed by semi-structured interviews with patients, family carers and health care professionals. Setting/participants: Data were collected within specialist palliative care services across two UK localities between 2018 and 2020. Routine data from 5601 unique individuals were analysed, with post-intervention interview data from patients ( n = 19), family carers ( n = 23) and health care professionals ( n = 33; n = 33 time 1, n = 20 time 2). Results: The mean age of people receiving care was 73 years, predominantly white (90%) and with cancer (42%). There were trends for those in the intervention (enhanced care) period to stay in hospital 0.16 days fewer, but be hospitalised 2.67 more times. Females stayed almost 3.5 more days in the hospital, but were admitted 2.48 fewer times. People with cancer had shorter hospitalisations (4 days fewer), and had two fewer admission episodes. Themes from the qualitative data included responsiveness (of the service); reassurance; relationships; reciprocity (between patients, family carers and staff) and retention (of service staff). Conclusions: Enhanced seven-day services provide high quality integrated palliative care, with positive experiences for patients, carers and staff.
Effect of adipose-derived stem cells seeding and surgical prefabrication on composite scaffold vascularization
Authors: Debski Tomasz , Siennicka Katarzyna , Idaszek Joanna , Roszkowski Bartlomiej , Swieszkowski Wojciech , Pojda Zygmunt 
Published: September 2023

The study aimed to evaluate an angiogenic effect of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) seeding and surgical prefabrication (placing a vascular pedicle inside the scaffold) on developed composite scaffolds made of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (PCL+β-TCP+PLGA). Moreover, we aimed to compare our data with previously tested PCL scaffolds to assess whether the new material has better angiogenic properties. The study included 18 inbred male WAG rats. There were three scaffold groups (six animals each): with non-seeded PCL+β-TCP+PLGA scaffolds, with PCL+β-TCP+PLGA scaffolds seeded with ASCs and with PCL+β-TCP+PLGA scaffolds seeded with ASCs and osteogenic-induced. Each rat was implanted with two scaffolds in the inguinal region (one prefabricated and one non-prefabricated). After 2 months from implantation, the scaffolds were explanted, and vessel density was determined by histopathological examination. Prefabricated ASC-seeded PCL+β-TCP+PLGA scaffolds promoted greater vessel formation than non-seeded scaffolds (19.73 ± 5.46 vs 12.54 ± 0.81; p = .006) and those seeded with osteogenic-induced ASCs (19.73 ± 5.46 vs 11.87±2.21; p = .004). The developed composite scaffold promotes vessel formation more effectively than the previously described PCL scaffold.
Impact of Comprehensive Intervention Program on HIV Positive Adolescents—A Cross-Case Analysis
Authors: Mathew Rosa Nimmy , Yadiyur Manjula Mysore 
Published: September 2023

Background: This study was conducted to understand the impact of comprehensive intervention on HIV positive adolescents. Methods: Among the 97 adolescents who were screened, 48 HIV positive adolescents in the experimental group underwent intervention for 6 months focusing on physical, cognitive, affective, and social domains to create flourishing adolescence. The sample consisted of 2 who showed remarkable improvement and 2 who showed negligible improvement post-intervention. Multiple case study design was adopted, and the data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The themes identified among the outliers at the higher end were increased self-awareness, self-esteem, coping skill, optimistic attitude, sense of gratitude, and availability of support. The themes gathered from the outliers at the lower end were low self-esteem, lack of support, lack of purpose, pessimistic attitude, and emotional vulnerability. Conclusions: Optimistic/pessimistic attitude, self-esteem and perception of support were the intersecting factors which were enhanced among the participants who showed improvement, and lack of these factors were seen among the ones who showed negligible improvement.
Acculturation Among Chinese Married Immigrant Women in South Korea: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Jin Xin , Choi Ja Yun 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine acculturation and the associated factors among Chinese immigrant married women in South Korea. Methodology: Data collected from 220 participants through an online survey at four health family support centers in South Korea were analyzed in an acculturation model, which included family environment, ego-resilience, acculturative stress, stress-coping style, and acculturation. Results: The fit indices of the modified model satisfied the recommended levels. Among the variables, ego-resilience (β = 0.34, p < .001) and acculturative stress (β = −0.65, p < .001) directly affected acculturation. Family environment (β = 0. 35, p = .001) indirectly influenced acculturation through acculturative stress and stress-coping style. The explanatory power of the variables was 80.7%. Discussion: The results confirmed the usefulness of the acculturation model that provides a theoretical basis for improving acculturation in married immigrant women.
Retrospective study and outcome of 307 cats with feline infectious peritonitis treated with legally sourced veterinary compounded preparations of remdesivir and GS-441524 (2020–2022)
Authors: Taylor Samantha S , Coggins Sally , Barker Emi N , Gunn-Moore Danièlle , Jeevaratnam Kamalan , Norris Jacqueline M , Hughes David , Stacey Emily , MacFarlane Laura , O’Brien Carolyn , Korman Rachel , McLauchlan Gerard , Salord Torres Xavier , Taylor Aimee , Bongers Jos , Espada Castro Laura , Foreman Max , McMurrough James , Thomas Bethany , Royaux Emilie , Calvo Saiz Isabel , Bertoldi Guido , Harlos Caroline , Work Megan , Prior Cameron , Sorrell Stephanie , Malik Richard , Tasker Séverine 
Published: September 2023

Objectives Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious disease that arises due to feline coronavirus infection. The nucleoside analogues remdesivir and GS-441524 can be effective in its treatment, but most studies have used unregulated products of unknown composition. The aim of the present study was to describe the treatment of FIP using legally sourced veterinary-prescribed regulated veterinary compounded products containing known amounts of remdesivir (injectable) or GS-441524 (oral tablets). Methods Cats were recruited via email advice services, product sales contacts and study publicity. Cats were excluded if they were deemed unlikely to have FIP, were not treated exclusively with the veterinary compounded products, or if there was a lack of cat and/or treatment (including response) data. Extensive cat and treatment data were collected. Results Among the 307 cats recruited, the predominant type of FIP was most commonly abdominal effusive (49.5%) and then neurological (14.3%). Three treatment protocols were used; remdesivir alone (33.9%), remdesivir followed by GS-441524 (55.7%) and GS-441524 alone (10.4%). The median (range) initial treatment period duration and longest follow-up time point after starting treatment were 84 (1–330) days and 248 (1–814) days, respectively. The most common side effect was injection pain (in 47.8% of those given subcutaneous remdesivir). Of the 307 cats, 33 (10.8%) relapsed, 15 (45.5%) during and 18 (54.5%) after the initial treatment period. At the longest follow-up time point after completion of the initial treatment period, 84.4% of cats were alive. The cats achieving a complete response within 30 days of starting treatment were significantly more likely to be alive at the end of the initial treatment period than those cats that did not. Conclusions and relevance Legally sourced remdesivir and GS-441524 products, either alone or used sequentially, were very effective in the treatment of FIP in this group of cats. Variable protocols precluded statistical comparison of treatment regimens.
A post hoc evaluation of the shift in spasticity category in individuals with multiple sclerosis-related spasticity treated with nabiximols
Authors: Chisari Clara Grazia , Guadagno Joe , Adjamian Peyman , Vila Silvan Carlos , Greco Teresa , Bagul Makarand , Patti Francesco 
Published: September 2023

Background: Over 80% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience MS-associated spasticity (MSS). In many European countries, after failure of first-line treatments, moderate or severe MSS can be treated with nabiximols, a cannabis-based add-on treatment. Objective: This post hoc analysis assessed the shift of participants treated with nabiximols from higher (severe or moderate) to lower (moderate or mild/none) spasticity. Methods: Previously published data from two randomised controlled trials (RCTs), GWSP0604 (NCT00681538) and SAVANT (EudraCT2015-004451-40), and one large real-world study (consistent with EU label), all enriched for responders, were re-analysed. Spasticity severity, measured using the 0–10 numerical rating scale (spasticity NRS), was categorised as none/mild (score <4), moderate (score ⩾4–7), or severe (score ⩾7). Results: In the two RCTs, the shift of participants with severe MSS into a lower category was significantly greater at week 12 for those receiving nabiximols versus placebo [GWSP0604: OR (95% CI), 4.4 (1.4, 14.2), p = 0.0125; SAVANT: 5.2 (1.2, 22.3), p = 0.0267]. In all three studies, over 80% of assessed patients with severe spasticity at baseline reported a shift into a lower category of spasticity after 12 weeks. Conclusions: A meaningful proportion of MSS patients treated with nabiximols shifted to a lower category of spasticity severity, typically maintained to the end of the 12-week study period.
Transperineal laser ablation as a new minimally invasive surgical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review of existing literature
Authors: Tzelves Lazaros , Nagasubramanian Santhosh , Pinitas Alexandros , Juliebø-Jones Patrick , Madaan Sanjeev , Sienna Giampaolo , Somani Bhaskar 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) of the prostate is a new, minimally invasive technique for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with promising effectiveness and safety outcomes. This systematic review aims to provide an update of existing literature. Methods: A literature review was performed in Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov from January 2000 up to April 2023. Data extraction and risk of bias were performed independently by three authors. Results: A total of 11 studies were included, among which 9 were observational, 1 randomized controlled trial, 1 animal study, while 2 of them were comparative (1 with prostatic artery embolization and 1 with transurethral resection of the prostate). Functional outcomes were improved in the majority of studies both for objective (maximum flow rate and post-void residual) and subjective outcomes (improvement of International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life). Complication rates ranged between 1.9% and 2.3% for hematuria, 3.7% and 36.3% for dysuria, 1.9% and 19% for acute urinary retention, 0.6% and 9.1% for orchitis/urinary tract infections, and 0.6% and 4.8% for prostatic abscess formation. Regarding sexual function, >95% of patients retained their ejaculation while erectile function was maintained or improved. Conclusion: TPLA of the prostate is an innovative, minimally invasive technique for managing patients with BPH. Existing studies indicate an effective technique in reducing International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life scores, post-void residual reduction, and increase in Qmax, albeit the measured improvements in terms of Qmax are not equal to transurethral resection of the prostate. Although sexual function is maintained, the mean catheterization time is 7 days, and no long-term data are available for most patients.