bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Death and existential value: In defence of Epicurus
Authors: Willaschek Marcus 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis paper offers a partial defence of the Epicurean claim that death is not bad for the one who dies. Unlike Epicurus and his present‐day advocates, this defence relies not on a hedonistic or empiricist conception of value but on the concept of ‘existential’ value. Existential value is agent‐relative value for which it is constitutive that it can be truly self‐ascribed in the first person and present tense. From this definition, it follows that death (post‐mortem non‐existence), while perhaps bad in some respects, cannot be an existential harm for the one who dies. This paper argues that existential goods are central to any explanation of why life appears good to us from a self‐interested perspective, which means that death is not bad in the very respect in which life is most saliently good (from that perspective). A corresponding error theory shows why this truth is easily overlooked and explains why we tend to think that death is significantly worse than it really is.
Association between psychosocial interventions and aberrant salience in adolescents with early psychosis: A follow‐up study
Authors: Poletti Michele , Pelizza Lorenzo , Azzali Silvia , Scazza Ilaria , Paterlini Federica , Garlassi Sara , Chiri Luigi Rocco , Pupo Simona , Raballo Andrea 
Published: March 2022

Although aberrant salience (AS) is a putative vulnerability factor in schizophrenia, empirical research on AS in early stages of psychosis is currently relatively scarce (especially as regards on its longitudinal course and treatment response in adolescence). The aim of the present study was to longitudinally monitor the stability of AS along a 1‐year follow‐up period in an Italian population of community help‐seeking adolescents with First Episode Psychosis (FEP) or at Ultra‐High Risk (UHR) of psychosis and to examine any relevant association of AS with specific treatment components of a specialized “Early Intervention in Psychosis” (EIP) program across the 1 year of follow‐up.Participants (38 FEP, 42 UHR), aged 13–18 years, completed the Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental States (CAARMS) and the Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI) both at baseline and at the end of the follow‐up period. Spearman's correlations between AS scores and specific EIP treatment components were performed.After the 1 year of follow‐up, both FEP and UHR adolescents showed a statistically significant reduction in AS levels. In FEP patients, this was correlated to the number of psychoeducational sessions provided to their family members. In the UHR subgroup, this AS decrease was associated with the number of individual Cognitive‐Behavioral Therapy (CBT) sessions directly offered to help‐seeking adolescents.AS is relevant both in FEP and UHR adolescents already at the enrollment in specialized EIP programs. However, its longitudinal levels decrease over time, together with the delivery of specific psychosocial EIP interventions.
Equivalence theorems for c and DA‐optimality for linear mixed effects models with applications to multitreatment group assignments in health care
Authors: Liu Xin , Yue Rong‐Xian , Kee Wong Weng 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe construct and ‐optimal approximate designs for linear mixed models with group‐specific treatment for estimating parameters or contrasts in the population parameters. We establish equivalence theorems to confirm optimality of these designs under a linear mixed model and provide illustrative application to find , and ‐optimal designs for polynomial and fractional polynomial models with multitreatment group assignments. For more complex models, we briefly review metaheuristics and their potential applications to find various optimal designs, including optimal designs for problems considered here and their extensions.
Collectives and Epistemic Rationality
Authors: Hahn Ulrike 
Published: March 2022

AbstractConsideration of collectives raises important questions about human rationality. This has long been known for questions about preferences, but it holds also with respect to beliefs. For one, there are contexts (such as voting) where we might care as much, or more, about the rationality of a collective than the rationality of the individuals it comprises. Here, a given standard may yield competing assessments at the individual and the collective level, thus giving rise to important normative questions. At the same time, seemingly rational strategies of individuals may have surprising consequences, or even fail, when exercised by individuals within collectives. This paper will illustrate these considerations with examples, provide an overview of different formal frameworks for understanding and assessing the beliefs of collectives, and it will illustrate how such frameworks can combine with simulations in order to elucidate epistemic norms.
Curvature Singularity of Space Curves and Its Relationship to Computational Mechanics
Authors: Shabana Ahmed A. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Curve geometry plays a fundamental role in many aspects of analytical and computational mechanics, particularly in developing new data-driven science (DDS) approaches. Furthermore, curvature and torsion of space curves serve as deformation measures that need to be properly interpreted, shedding light on the significance of relationship between differential-geometry curve framing methods and computational-mechanics motion description. Alternate space-curve framing methods were proposed to address the existence of Frenet frame at isolated zero-curvature points. In this paper, both mechanics and differential-geometry approaches are used to establish Frenet-frame continuity and the existence of Serret-Frenet equations at curvature-vanishing points for curves with arbitrary parameterization. Frenet–Euler angles, referred to for brevity as Frenet angles, are used to define curve geometry, with particular attention given to the definition of Frenet bank angle used to prove the existence of curve normal and binormal vectors at curvature-vanishing points. Solving curvature-singularity problem and using mechanics description based on Frenet angles contributes to successful development and computer implementation of new DDS approaches based on analysis of recorded motion trajectories (RMT). Centrifugal-inertia force is always in direction of curve normal vector, and in most applications, this force is continuous and approaches zero value as curve curvature approaches zero. Discontinuity in definition of Frenet frame can negatively impact the quality of numerical results that define RMT curves. The study also demonstrates that Frenet-frame curvature singularity can be solved without need for integrating curve torsion, which is not, in general, an exact differential.
Performance Enhancement of Tubular Solar Still With Various Rotating Wicked Materials—An Experimental Approach
Authors: Saravanan A. , Murugan M. , Sreenivasa Reddy M. , Kumar Pramod , Elumalai P. V. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The need for freshwater grows by the day, yet the amount of freshwater accessible worldwide is insufficient to fulfil it. The distillation of saltwater could be a way to meet the demand for freshwater. The current study investigates the experimental performance enhancement of a tubular solar still (TSS) with various rotating wick materials. A rotating drum consisting of multiple wick materials (black bamboo cotton fabric, jute cloth, terry cotton, and polyester) was placed within the tube to increase the evaporation rate. The basin water depth was set at 2 cm to increase the productivity of distillate water. The black bamboo cotton fabric wick outperformed the jute cloth wick, terry cotton wick, polyester wick, and conventional tubular solar still (CTSS) by 5.7%, 12.44%, 19.94%, and 48%, respectively, while maintaining the wicked drum speed around 1 rpm. Because of its moisture-wicking nature, the efficiency of a TSS with a rotating wick made of black bamboo cotton fabric is 50.65% greater than that of a CTSS. Compared with other wick materials, it had a high absorption and evaporation rate. Furthermore, the performance of TSS was investigated, using a black bamboo cotton fabric wicked drum at 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 rpm. The studies indicated that a wicked drum speed of 0.5 rpm improves the productivity of approximately 7.474 kg/m2. Furthermore, the average TSS efficiency was increased by 70.8% compared with the CTSS.
Simulation of the Regulation Law of Buildings With Unbalanced Heating by Using the Method of Partition Intermittent Heating
Authors: Jia Yong-Ying , Li Hong-Guang , Cui Xue , Wang Zhong-Hua 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Central continuous heating is widely used in China. Due to the large heating area, the indoor temperatures of the buildings with the same heat source are quite different, which affects comfort and wastes energy. This paper proposes a subsection intermittent heating method, that is, an intermittent heating method is used for overheated buildings. During the period, when the overheated buildings stop heating, the hot water originally supplied to the overheated buildings is supplied to the underheated buildings. We investigated the indoor temperatures of some actual buildings in Daqing city. Accordingly, a comfortable indoor temperature range was determined. The indoor temperature and heating energy consumption of overheated and underheated buildings with zoned intermittent heating were simulated using EnergyPlus. The results show that the interval time has important effects on the indoor temperature and energy consumption of overheated buildings. The most ideal partitioned intermittent heating regulation method is to stop heating (at 5 o’clock) for 3 h and then resume heating for 5 h. When the area ratios of overheated buildings and underheated buildings are 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1, the average indoor temperatures of underheated buildings can be increased from 16 °C to 17.65 °C, 19.05 °C, and 21.02 °C, respectively. The hot water temperature and insulation thickness have significant effects on the indoor temperature of underheated buildings.
Preterm birth and infant diurnal cortisol regulation
Authors: Stoye David Q , Boardman James P , Osmond Clive , Sullivan Gemma , Lamb Gillian , Black Gill S , Homer Natalie ZM , Nelson Nina , Theodorsson Elvar , Reynolds Rebecca M , Mörelius Evalotte 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundHypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis adaptation is a potential mechanism linking early life exposures with later adverse health. This study tested the hypothesis that preterm birth is associated with adaptation of diurnal cortisol regulation across infancy.MethodsA secondary analysis was conducted of saliva cortisol measured morning, midday and evening, monthly, across infancy, as part of a birth cohort conducted in Linköping, Sweden. Diurnal cortisol regulation of infants born extremely preterm (n=24), very preterm (n=27) and at term (n=130) were compared across infancy through random coefficients regression models.ResultsCompared with infants born at term, infants born extremely preterm (−17.2%, 95% CI: −30.7 to −1.2), but not very preterm (1.7%, 95% CI: −14.1 to 20.4), had a flattened diurnal slope across infancy.ConclusionsExtremely preterm birth is associated with a flattened diurnal slope in infancy. This pattern of cortisol regulation could contribute to adverse metabolic and neurodevelopmental phenotypes observed in this population.
Dexmedetomidine affects cerebral activity in preterm infants
Authors: Cortes-Ledesma Cristina , Arruza Luis , Sainz-Villamayor Angela , Martínez-Orgado José 
Published: March 2022

The use of dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been extended in preterm newborns, but the effects on cerebral activity and their relationship with haemodynamic changes has not been studied.We retrospectively studied the effects of DEX administered to 10 preterm newborns, assessing amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) parameters, brain regional SO2(brSO2), heart rate, non-invasive mean blood pressure (MBP), transcutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2), venous pCO2 and haemoglobin (Hb) values, in two 6-hour periods: one starting 6 hours before the beginning of DEX perfusion and the other 6 hours afterwards.DEX infusion led to brSO2decrease not associated to heart rate, MBP, SpO2, Hb or pCO2 variation, which suggests that brSO2decrease could be related to local vasoconstriction. DEX infusion led to prolongation of interburst interval and reduction of cycling. Such effects, not been described so far, should be considered in the assessment of aEEG traces after DEX administration to avoid misinterpretations regarding patient’s prognosis. More studies are needed to assess the safety of DEX use in the newborn.
Pressure injury prevention practice and associated factors among nurses at Wolaita Sodo University Teaching and Referral Hospital, South Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Awoke Nefsu , Tekalign Tiwabwork , Arba Aseb , Lenjebo Tsegaye Lolaso 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveThe prevention of pressure injury is of great importance in providing quality care to patients, as it has been reported that approximately 95% of all pressure injury are preventable. Nurses working in clinical settings play a key role in identifying patients at risk and administering preventative care. Therefore, this study examines pressure injury prevention practices among nurses.DesignCross-sectional study design.SettingWolaita Sodo University Teaching and Referral Hospital, Ethiopia.Participants240 nurses.Main outcome measuresPressure injury prevention practices among nurses.ResultAmong nurses, 37.9% had good pressure injury prevention practices. The factors associated with pressure injury prevention practices included having a bachelor’s degree or higher (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.18; 95% CI 1.12 to 4.25), having more than 10 years of nursing experience (AOR=3.44; 95% CI 1.41 to 8.37), lacking subject knowledge (AOR=0.49; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.91) and being over the age of 40 (AOR=0.55; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.35).ConclusionThe majority of nurses reported having a limited level of pressure injury prevention practice. Since pressure ulcer prevention practice is majorly the role of nurses. Upgrading the educational level of the nurses through continuous professional development opportunities can improve the preventive practice of pressure ulcer injury by increasing the knowledge and skill gained during the vocational training.
Development of type 2 diabetes in women with comorbid gestational diabetes and common mental disorders in the Born in Bradford cohort
Authors: Wilson Claire A , Santorelli Gillian , Reynolds Rebecca M , Simonoff Emily , Howard Louise M , Ismail Khalida 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesTo compare, in a population of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the time to diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes in those with and without common mental disorder (CMD) (depression and/or anxiety) during pregnancy.Design and settingprospective study of the Born in Bradford cohort in Bradford, UK.Participants909 women diagnosed with GDM between 2007 and 2010, with linkage to their primary care records until 2017. The exposed population were women with an indicator of CMD during pregnancy in primary care records. The unexposed were those without an indicator.Outcome measuresTime to diagnosis of type 2 diabetes as indicated by a diagnosis in primary care records.Analysistime to event analysis using Cox regression was employed. Multiple imputation by chained equations was implemented to handle missing data. Models were adjusted for maternal age, ethnicity, education, preconception CMD and tobacco smoking during pregnancy.Results165 women (18%) were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over a follow-up period of around 10 years. There was no evidence of an effect of antenatal CMD on the development of type 2 diabetes following GDM (adjusted HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.57 to 1.57).ConclusionsWomen with CMD were not at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes following GDM. This is reassuring for women with these co-morbidities but requires replication in other study populations.
Barriers to implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) by a multidisciplinary team in China: a multicentre qualitative study
Authors: Wang Dan , Liu Zhenmi , Zhou Jing , Yang Jie , Chen Xinrong , Chang Chengting , Liu Changqing , Li Ka , Hu Jiankun 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo explore the attitudes and barriers encountered in the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in China from the perspective of multidisciplinary team members.DesignBased on Donabedian’s structure–process–outcome (SPO) model, a multicentre qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted.SettingFrom September 2020 to December 2020, the participants of this study were interviewed from six tertiary hospitals in Sichuan province (n=3), Jiangsu province (n=2) and Guangxi province (n=1) in China.ParticipantsA total of 42 members, including surgeons (n=11), anaesthesiologists (n=10), surgical nurses (n=14) and dietitians(n=7) were interviewed.ResultsMultidisciplinary team (MDT) members still face many barriers during the process of implementing ERAS. Eight main themes are described around the barriers in the implementation of ERAS. Themes in the structure dimension are: (1) shortage of medical resources, (2) lack of policy support and (3) outdated concepts. Themes in the process dimension are: (1) poor doctor–patient collaboration, (2) poor communication and collaboration among MDT members and (3) lack of individualised management. Themes in the outcome dimension are: (1) low compliance and (2) high medical costs. The current implementation of ERAS is still based on ideas more than reality.ConclusionsIn general, barriers to ERAS implementation are broad. Identifying key elements of problems in the application and promotion of ERAS from the perspective of the MDT would provide a starting point for future quality improvement of ERAS, enhance the clinical effect of ERAS and increase formalised ERAS utilisation in China.
Combating sarcopenia in geriatric rehabilitation patients: study protocol of the EMPOWER-GR observational cohort, sarcopenia awareness survey and randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Verstraeten Laure MG , van Wijngaarden Janneke P , Tol-Schilder Marina , Meskers Carel GM , Maier Andrea B 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionSarcopenia is highly prevalent in geriatric rehabilitation patients. Resistance exercise training (RET) combined with protein supplementation is recommended to increase muscle mass and strength in older adults. However, sarcopenia awareness, feasibility to diagnose and treat sarcopenia, and efficacy of treatment in geriatric rehabilitation patients remain to be established.Methods and analysisEnhancing Muscle POWER in Geriatric Rehabilitation (EMPOWER-GR) encompasses four pillars: (1) an observational cohort study of 200 geriatric rehabilitation inpatients determining sarcopenia prevalence, functional and nutritional status at admission; (2) a survey among these 200 patients and 500 healthcare professionals and semistructured interviews in 30 patients and 15 carers determining sarcopenia awareness and barriers/enablers regarding diagnostics and treatment; (3) a feasibility, single-centre, randomised, controlled, open-label, two parallel-group trial in 80 geriatric rehabilitation patients with sarcopenia. The active group (n=40) receives three RET sessions per week and a leucine and vitamin D-enriched whey protein-based oral nutritional supplement two times per day in combination with usual care for 13 weeks. The control group (n=40) receives usual care. Primary outcomes are feasibility (adherence to the intervention, dropout rate, overall feasibility) and change from baseline in absolute muscle mass at discharge and week 13. Secondary outcomes are feasibility (participation rate) and change from baseline at discharge and week 13 in relative muscle mass, muscle strength, physical and functional performance, mobility, nutritional status, dietary intake, quality of life and length of stay; institutionalisation and hospitalisation at 6 months and mortality at 6 months and 2 years; (4) knowledge sharing on sarcopenia diagnosis and treatment.Ethics and disseminationEthical exemption was received for the observational cohort study, ethics approval was received for the randomised controlled trial. Results will be disseminated through publications in scientific peer-reviewed journals, conferences and social media.Trial registration numberNL9444.
Qualitative study exploring barriers and facilitators to progression for female medical clinical academics: interviews with female associate professors and professors
Authors: Trusson Diane , Rowley Emma 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to career progression for female medical clinical academics from the perspectives of female associate professors and professors, with a particular focus on women with caring responsibilities.DesignAn exploratory qualitative approach was adopted. Data from semistructured interviews conducted via video calls were analysed using thematic analysis.SettingTwo major universities in the East Midlands of England.ParticipantsThe sample consisted of 13 female medical clinical academic associate professors and professors representing a range of medical specialties.ResultsFemale medical clinical academics experienced barriers and facilitators to progress at individual, interpersonal, institutional/procedural and societal levels.ConclusionsMany barriers experienced at an individual level by female medical clinical academics are heavily influenced by their interpersonal relationships, the academic environment in which they work and broader institutional and procedural issues which, in turn, are influenced by stereotypical societal views on gender roles. Facilitating factors, including measures to increase the numbers of female leaders, may lead to a change of culture that is supportive to aspiring female clinical academics as well as enabling a healthy work/life balance for women and men with caring responsibilities.