bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural Characterisation of Extruded Polyolefin Foams Made Using a Chemical Expansion System
Authors: Shishesaz M.R. , Hornsby P.R. 
Published: September 2023

Consideration will be given to the structural characterisation of extruded foam profile made from polypropylene and polypropylene/polyethylene blends containing chemical blowing agents. Emphasis will be given to the influence of blowing agent concentration on the melt rheology of foamable compositions combined with the effects of die geometry and processing conditions on the resulting density in the foamed state, before and after cooling of the melt. Cellular structure will be discussed in terms of the relative levels of open and closed cell content, the uniformity of cell distribution, determined by mercury penetration, porosimetry and microscopic techniques, and microstructural characterisation of the semi-crystalline polymeric phase.
The Thermal Decomposition of Azodicarbonamide (ADC)
Authors: Jaafar H.A.S. , Sims G.L.A. 
Published: September 2023

Thermal decomposition of ADC depends on processing conditions and activators or “kickers” used empirically to adjust gas yield, rate of yield, and decomposition temperature. These parameters also have a profound effect on the foaming process and foam properties. This work attempts to establish some fundamental variables by studying the effect of time, temperature and formulation on the thermal decomposition of ADC (in the absence of polymer matrix). Gas evolution rate apparatus was used to study thermal decomposition of ADC as a function of particle size and to determine the effects of introducing varying proportions of ZnO, zinc stearate and stearic acid as activators. DSC measurements were also used to study decomposition temperatures. The effect of particle aggregation on total gas yield was also investigated. It was shown that lowest decomposition temperatures of ADC alone, are achieved at lower heating rates (182°C at 0.25°C/min), whereas higher heating rates result in a significant increase of the decomposition temperature (260°C at 100°C/min). In addition, studies of total gas yield showed that the volume of gas liberated increased with increasing heating rate (from 250 cc/g at 2.5°C/ min to 350 cc/g at 11°C/min). The decomposition temperature, rate of gas yield and total gas yield are further complicated by particle size distribution, amount and type of additives used, degree of dispersion of the additives and the blowing agent, and together with processing conditions, produce a unique set of conditions controlling the decomposition behaviour.
Friction and the Dynamic Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polyurethane Elastomers. 1. Solid Polyurethanes
Authors: Hanhi K. , Stenberg B. 
Published: September 2023

The results reported indicate that the properties of polyurethanes elastomers can be tailored to serve a wide variety of applications, for low temperature uses as well. The glass transition temperatures of the soft segments (Tgs) which control the low temperature properties of polyurethane elastomers, ranged from -79°C to -27°C (DSC onset values). The transitions observed in the range 75 to 125°C were attributed to hard segment glass transitions. The transitions at temperatures from 140 to 170°C, which were identified especially in the samples of over stoichiometric diisocyanate concentration, evidently arose from the dissociation of allophanate crosslinks and successive ordering processes. The low temperature β” and γ transitions were observed at temperatures from -70°C to -125°C. In addition to the obvious Schatzki crankshaft mechanism, allophanate crosslinking may influence these transitions. Samples that were annealed over the crystal melting temperature and subsequently quenched exhibited higher glass transition temperatures than the samples kept for a long time at room temperature. These results can be explained in terms of better phase separation in annealing and formation of small soft segment crystallites in quenching, in contrast to the formation of large crystalline and amorphous phases in the RT samples.
Polyurethanes Recycling and Waste Management
Authors: Hicks D.A. , Krommenhoek M. , Soderberg D.J. , Hopper J.F.G. 
Published: September 2023

Almost everybody in the urethanes industry is by now familiar with the different options for the recycling of urethane-based materials. Physical recycling (fillers in the polyol), chemical recycling (glycolysis, hydrolysis) and energy recovery are the main options under development. The actual process, however, is only a part of the equation. Disassembly, logistics, applications for recycled materials and market size are other vital elements for success. In this paper, progress is presented on the different recycling options, in conjunction with a cost model which has been developed especially for the purpose.
Latest Manufacturing Solutions for Slabstock Foams
Authors: Fiorentini Carlo , Taverna Max , Griffiths Tony 
Published: September 2023

As environmental pressure increases worldwide, it is becoming necessary for foamers to eliminate chlorinated products - such as chloro fluoro carbons (CFCs), methylene chloride, 1.1.1 trichloroethane - or any type of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) from their production. In some countries these additives have already been banned: the impact on the flexible foam industries would be to increase foam prices and to eliminate certain soft grades. The use of liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) as an expanding agent in a polyurethane foam is a good and well accepted idea. Handling this liquid, which gasses off at room temperature, has always been one of the main problems. Its use - although the subject of various patents - has been scarcely put into current practice, mostly because of inherent problems linked with the formation of typical “chimneys” in the foam, i.e. long, narrow cavities oriented in the rise sense, generated by the uncontrolled expansion of carbon dioxide. Possible solutions to this problem can be found by investigating several aspects of the process: chemicals selection, CO2 dispersion into the formulation, gas nucleation, metering equipment, mixing chamber's geometry, foam's lay-down, rise profile, but until now no suitable method was available and this interesting opportunity was left aside. Cannon started investigating this matter after having spent several years in the development of a suitable pre-mixing device for LBBA's (Low Boiling Point Blowing Agents). The original program started in 1989 when liquid carbon dioxide was tried for the expansion of low-density rigid foams for insulation applications (refrigerators, panels etc). Heavy frothing effect was noticed when loading high amounts of CO2 in conventional polyols. Cell structure was acceptable, but frequent “chimneys” were still present. On top of that, the lambda value of a CO2-blown foam was still not attractive for most of the applications. The project was temporarily put on hold, giving priority to other more promising alternative blowing agents (HCFC 22, 142b, HFC 134a, etc) because of their higher insulation capacity and better solubility in conventional polyols. Now (after having successfully solved the problem of metering and mixing gaseous blowing agents with the EasyFroth™ unit and cyclopentane with the Multi EasyFroth™ version) Cannon have developed and patented a proprietary method for the addition of liquid CO2 to flexible foam formulations for slabstock. This revolutionary new process - for which a patent is pending - is named CarDio™ from carbon dioxide: it enables foamers to continue producing their existing foam grades at a lower chemical cost, due to the significant price differential between CFC's, ABA's and CO2. Its peculiar foaming method can also - if one likes - dramatically reduce the size of the foaming plants, thereby deriving the advantages of reduced floor space and plant volume.
Does heparin rebound lead to postoperative blood loss in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass?
Authors: Rijpkema Marije , Vlot Eline A , Stehouwer Marco C , Bruins Peter 
Published: September 2023

Background Heparin rebound is a common observed phenomenon after cardiac surgery with CPB and is associated with increased postoperative blood loss. However, the administration of extra protamine may lead to increased blood loss as well. Therefore, we want to investigate the relation between heparin rebound and postoperative blood loss and the necessity to provide extra protamine to reverse heparin rebound. Methods We searched PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Google Scholar and Web of Science to review the question: “Does heparin rebound lead to postoperative blood loss in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.” Combination of search words were framed within four major categories: heparin rebound, blood loss, cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass. All studies that met our question were included. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB2) tool for randomized controlled trials and the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of intervention (ROBINS-I) for non-randomised trials. Results 4 randomized and 17 non-randomized studies were included. The mean incidence of heparin rebound was 40%. The postoperative heparin levels, due to heparin rebound, were often below or equal to 0.2 IU/mL. We could not demonstrate an association between heparin rebound and postoperative blood loss or transfusion requirements. However the quality of evidence was poor due to a broad variety of definitions of heparin rebound, measured by various coagulation tests and studies with small sample sizes. Conclusion The influence of heparin rebound on postoperative bleeding seems to be negligible, but might get significant in conjunction with incomplete heparin reversal or other coagulopathies. For that reason, it might be useful to get a picture of the entire coagulation spectrum after cardiac surgery, as can be done by the use of a viscoelastic test in conjunction with an aggregometry test.
Group-based cardiac telerehabilitation interventions and health outcomes in coronary patients: A scoping review
Authors: Jacobsson Renuka J , Oikarinen Anne , Krogell Jenni , Kankkunen Päivi 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the extent and type of evidence in relation to group-based cardiac telerehabilitation interventions and health outcomes in coronary artery disease patients.Data sourcesA literature search was conducted in August 2022 and July 2023 in databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO. The search process followed the scoping review methodology guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute for scoping reviews.MethodsThe inclusion criteria were a peer-reviewed journal article published in English between 1 January 2017 and 15 August 2022 and updated to cover until 15 July 2023 concerning group-based cardiac telerehabilitation in adult coronary artery disease patients. All group-based cardiac telerehabilitation interventions and health outcome types were charted and summarized.ResultsThe researcher screened a total of 2089 articles, of which 22 were retained with a total of 1596 participants. Group-based cardiac telerehabilitation interventions were particularly useful for patients with multi-faceted technological applications and social support. The patients received guidance regarding cardiovascular disease risk factors. Physical fitness, psychological complaints and quality of life were often measured outcomes in the included studies.ConclusionsThis scoping review indicates the success of various rehabilitation interventions utilizing different technologies for coronary patients. Coronary patients were guided in making lifestyle changes, and positive findings were observed in the health outcomes measured after the telerehabilitation intervention. The findings of this review can provide valuable guidance for developing and evaluating sustainable group-based cardiac telerehabilitation programs that aim to benefit coronary patients.
Healthcare Providers’ Knowledge of Evidence-Based Treatment for Tobacco Dependence, DocStyles 2020
Authors: Golden Thomas , Courtney-Long Elizabeth , VanFrank Brenna 
Published: September 2023

Purpose Although smoking cessation reduces the risk of all-cause mortality, evidence-based cessation treatments are underused. This study examined healthcare provider knowledge of evidence-based cessation treatments and associations between knowledge and clinical practice characteristics. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting 2020 DocStyles. Subjects 1480 U.S. healthcare providers. Measures Provider knowledge of availability of tobacco use disorder diagnostic criteria, clinical practice guideline availability, treatment efficacy, evidence-based counseling modalities, and medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Analysis Adjusted odds ratios (aORs), adjusted for personal and clinical practice characteristics. Results Less than half of respondents demonstrated high knowledge of availability of diagnostic criteria (36.8%), cessation treatment efficacy (33.2%), evidence-based counseling modalities (5.6%), and FDA-approved medications (40.1%). Significant differences were found between specialties: compared to internists, family physicians were less likely to have low knowledge of medications (aOR = .69, 95% CI = .53, .90) and obstetricians/gynecologists were more likely to have low knowledge of medications (aOR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.82, 3.76). Overall, few associations between knowledge and clinical practice characteristics were identified. Conclusion Most providers had low knowledge of the topics of interest, with little variation across clinical practice characteristics, indicating room for improvement. Efforts to improve provider knowledge of evidence-based treatments are an important component of a comprehensive approach to improving delivery and use of cessation interventions and increasing tobacco cessation.
Early, Forme Fruste keratoconus and normal thin cornea, evaluation of sensitive parameters by combined Placido Scheimpflug topography
Authors: Gharieb Hesham Mohamed , Abdelatif Mona Kamal , Gharieb Hani Mohamed , Othman Ihab Saad 
Published: September 2023

Purpose To determine the sensitive indices distinguishing forme-fruste keratoconus (FFKC) and early keratoconus (early KC) from thin normal corneas, and their cutoff values using Sirius topography. Methods 156 eyes with normal thin corneas < 500 um (group 1), 99 eyes with early KC (group 2) and 41 eyes with FFKC (group 3), were assessed retrospectively for: corneal keratometric indices, pachymetry indices, corneal aberrations, elevation indices; thinnest corneal point elevation, Q value, root mean square (RMS) withRMS/ area (RMS/A); and KC summary indices of front and back surfaces; surface asymmetry index (SIf, SIb), elevation at KC vertex (KVf, KVb), Baiocchi-Calossi-Versaci index (BCVf, BCVb) and summation of its vector (BCV). Cutoff values were calculated. Results Keratometry indices were significantly different between early KC and thin normal cases (apex front curvature had the highest area-under-the-ROC-curve (AUROC) (0.926) in early KC, while only apex curvature and coordinates were significant in FFKC cases. Pachymetry indices did not show any significance in differentiating either early KC or FFKC from normal thin corneas. KC summary indices were highly significant among the 3 groups. The highest AUROC was observed with KVb in early KC (0.987) and with KVf in FFKC (0.831). Vertical coma and vertical trefoil showed the highest significance of all aberration parameters differentiating the 3 groups. Thinnest point elevation, RMS and RMS/A showed the highest AUROC in differentiating early KC and FFKC cases from thin normal corneas. Conclusion Comparing early KC and FFKC to thin normal corneas, Sirius provided high precision in prediction.
Resection of orbital apex tumours in the medial orbit via four-handed endonasal and transcaruncular approaches
Authors: Takahashi Yasuhiro , Nishimura Kunihiro , Yo Kinga , Vaidya Aric 
Published: September 2023

Purpose To report the surgical outcomes of 4-handed endoscopic and transcaruncular approaches for orbital apex tumours located in the medial orbit. Methods This retrospective, observational study included 6 patients (2 males and 4 females; 3 right and 3 left; mean age, 49.5 years; age range, 38-60 years) who underwent excision of an orbital apex tumour in the medial orbit via 4-handed endonasal and transcaruncular approaches. Data on age, sex, affected side, surgical record and complications, and results of pathological examinations, imaging studies, and ophthalmologic examinations were collected. Results Tumours pathologically corresponded to a cavernous haemangioma in 5 cases and a schwannoma in 1 case. The cavernous haemangioma was completely removed in all cases, while the schwannoma was only debulked because the tumour attached to the surrounding tissues. The medial orbital wall was reconstructed simultaneously in 1 case and 8 days after tumour resection in 1 case. Postoperatively, the visual acuity improved or was maintained in all patients. One patient without medial orbital wall reconstruction showed significant enophthalmos on the affected side after surgery. Another patient without medial orbital wall reconstruction did not obtain binocular single vision field in any direction of gaze after surgery due to severe esotropia. Conclusions This report indicates that 4-handed endoscopic and transcaruncular approaches are useful for removal of an orbital apex tumour located in the medial orbit. Medial orbital wall reconstruction after tumour resection may be a better option for reducing the risk of postoperative enophthalmos and esotropia.
Exploring collocational complexity in L2 Russian: A corpus-driven contrastive analysis
Authors: Kopotev Mikhail , Klimov Aleksandr , Kisselev Olesya 
Published: September 2023

Objective: The objective of this article is to discuss the pedagogical and practical need for automated assessment tools that enable teachers, researchers, and other language practitioners to relatively quickly and automatically assess the general proficiency of second language (L2) speakers according to a number of different linguistic parameters, specifically the use of collocations. Introduction: The Introduction discusses existing approaches to the concept of collocation and its role in L2 corpus studies. Methods: In the main part, Toward the automatic detection of collocational strength, we describe an approach to assessing collocations in Russian L2 written production, which is based on the corpus-driven contrastive analysis. In brief, this approach proposes ranking L2 collocations in accordance with the “collocational scores” of bigrams extracted from a reference (L1) corpus, with the assumption that the greater number of native-like bigrams in an L2 text and the higher collocational scores associated with them, the more proficient is the learner who created the text. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a series of experiments based on an L1 reference corpus and split the L2 datasets into four proficiency groups (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Superior). Results and evaluation: The findings, presented in the section Results and evaluation of the methods, established an empirical minimum and maximum of mean reciprocal rank (MRR) values, and the variation of the MRR across the four proficiency levels. In the last sections, we discuss shortcomings of the methods and propose further steps for overcoming them. We believe that the proposed method for assessing the collocational skill of Russian L2 writers can be successfully integrated into a bigger system capable of multifaceted automatic assessment of Russian learner texts.
The Introspective Patient Experience of Mistletoe Therapy in Cancer: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mascher Annika , Pelzer Florian , Duncan Lorna Jane , Martin David Dominique , Baumgartner Stephan , Berger Bettina 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The introspective experience of cancer patients using mistletoe therapy has received little scientific interest, although it is crucial for a holistic understanding of this therapy. This study contributes to patient-centered research and treatment by documenting the subjective experiences of individuals undergoing mistletoe therapy. Methods: In this qualitative, explorative study, 20 outpatients with a history of various cancer types were recruited from Arlesheim Hospital (Arlesheim, Switzerland). All patients received subcutaneous mistletoe therapy for at least 2 years (median 7.5 years). Data was collected through 2 semi-structured, in-depth interviews per patient. Qualitative content analysis was applied to examine the data. The individual experience of mistletoe therapy was analyzed in relation to 6 predefined levels of human experience: physical, vital, emotional, mental, spiritual and social. In addition, 3 further aspects, considered as cross-dimensional perspectives, emerged out of the material: warmth, immune strengthening, and general wellbeing. Results: Data analysis revealed considerable heterogeneity among patients’ experiences with mistletoe therapy. The importance of specific aspects became apparent, such as increased vitality to manage daily life, greater emotional and mental stability, warmth as a multidimensional phenomenon, feelings of safety and protection through mistletoe therapy, heightened self-awareness and improved self-care, as well as sensations of spiritual connectedness. Conclusions: Prior to this study it had not been shown that cancer patients using mistletoe therapy do have observations on different levels of experience. These results may lead to a deeper understanding of patients receiving mistletoe therapy, enabling them to be supported in a more holistic way both during mistletoe treatment and on their life path. Further investigations into the effects of mistletoe therapy on the emotional, mental, and spiritual level are warranted.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of female health care service providers on female genital mutilation in Somalia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mehriban Nadira , Zafar Ullah Abu Naser , Haque Md Imdadul , Harun Md Golam Dostogir , Isse Deka Mohamed , Muhammad Faisal , Chowdhury ABM Alauddin , Chowdhury Moniruddin , Hasan Md Zobaer , Dessoffy Thomas 
Published: September 2023

Background: Despite a strong international standpoint against female genital mutilation, the prevalence of female genital mutilation in Somalia is extremely high. Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of female genital mutilation among female health care service providers in order to formulate appropriate policies and programs to eliminate this harmful practice. Design: Facility-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 2019 among female doctors and nurses working in Banadir Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: A total of 144 female health care service providers were randomly selected, and data were collected through a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed by using the statistical software SPSS (Version 21), and qualitative data were analyzed thematically in accordance with the objectives of the study. Results: The study found that about three-fifths of the respondents had undergone some forms of female genital mutilation during their life. An overwhelming majority believed that female genital mutilation practices were medically harmful, and a majority of them expressed their opinion against the medicalization of the practice of female genital mutilation. The study also observed a significant association between participants’ age and their negative attitudes regarding the legalization of female genital mutilation. Conclusion: Health care service providers’ effort is critical to eliminating this harmful practice from the Somalian society. Strong policy commitment and a comprehensive health-promotion effort targeting the parents and community leaders are essential to avert the negative impact of female genital mutilation.