bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced flame retardancy level of a cotton fabric treated by an ammonium pentaborate doped silica-KH570 sol
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Wang Zhenhua , Zhou Songtao , You Fei , Li Dan , Zhou Chang , Yu Pan  , Wang Junqi 
Published: September 2022

Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), γ- (methacryloyloxy) propyltrimethoxysilane (KH570) and ammonium pentaborate (AP, NH4B5O8) were used as a precursor, silane coupling agent and flame retardant additive to prepare a series of single (SiO2), composite (SiO2-KH570) and doped (SiO2-KH570-AP) sols via sol-gel processes. The sols were post finished to cotton fabrics through dipping-curing methods. Results show that as-prepared sol-gel systems are successfully deposited on cotton fabrics. SiO2-KH570-AP@COT shows the highest initial pyrolysis temperatures (296.4°C), char residue rate (31.5%), LOI (24.0%) and ΔLOI/Δm (4.75%/g), the most beneficial after-flame time (14.1 s) and after-glow time (0.0 s), the most complete char residue (30.0 cm), the second highest maximum pyrolysis temperature (356.6°C) and an effective synergistic effectiveness parameter (>1.0). Its flame retardancy is mainly promoted by both individually positive and jointly synergistic actions of silica sol (strong physical barrier and structural support effects in enhancing thermal stability and providing char frame), KH570 (strong coupling effect in combining components and reinforcing interface properties between components and cotton fibers) and AP (release of water molecules for cooling burning zone, diluting and isolating oxygen and gaseous products and promoting char formation). The flame-retardant treatment deteriorated the tensile strength of cotton fabrics.
Impact of repeated radiative heat exposure on protective performance of firefighter’s protective clothing
Authors: Rathour Rochak , Das Apurba , Alagirusamy Ramasamy 
Published: September 2022

Firefighters rely heavily on their firefighter’s protective clothing (FPC) for their safety. The effectiveness of an appropriately engineered turnout suit decreases over time when repeatedly exposed to radiative heat and flame. A measure of durability is the radiative protective performance (RPP) rating, which is influenced by properties like thickness, surface area, and areal density (mass per unit area) of outer shell fabric in multilayered ensembles. Four independent variables were considered: fabric material, pick density, exposure cycles and heat flux intensity. In addition to RPP, changes in the thickness, shrinkage, and mass loss was also tracked. An evaluation of properties was conducted at the end of each cycle to determine the effects of the heat flux (21, 42 and 63 kW/m2), number of exposure cycles (from one to five) and effects of each attribute. Two types of fabrics were used in this study, one made with meta aramid (Nomex® IIIA) yarns in both warp and weft (type-A fabric), and the other made with Nomex® IIIA (warp) and para aramid (Kevlar®) (weft) (type-B fabric). Type-A fabrics displayed a greater degree of differentiation in their properties than type-B fabrics. With the same exposure conditions, the thickness, shrinkage, mass loss and RPP gradually increased. A regression analysis conclusively established that pick density significantly affects the performance of the outer-shell fabric used in FPCs. Textile designers may find the results useful for creating more thermo-stable and durable turnout suits in the future.
Interfacial, tensile and bending properties of a novel wide-angle woven fabric/EPDM composite
Authors: Zhang Zhuhui , Wang Xiaoxu , Lu Jian , Qian Kun , Zhang Jinqiu , Zhang Diantang 
Published: September 2022

Off-axis woven flexible composites have attracted attention because of its excellent deformability. However, the current traditional method is to cut orthogonal woven fabrics into the diagonal lines, in which the central axis of above-mentioned diagonal fabrics is consistent with the length of synchronous belt. Obviously, this technique is inefficient and costly. This paper presents the interfacial, tensile and bending properties of a novel wide-angle woven fabric/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites. 60°/120° wide-angle fabrics are prepared by an improved rapier loom. For comparisons, 0°/90° orthogonal fabrics are also braided. Then these two kinds of the fabric/EPDM composites are fabricated by a hot pressing mechanism. Subsequently, the interface, tensile and bending tests are carried out. The mechanical behaviors and failure mode are analyzed. The results show that the tensile strength and modulus of 60°/120° wide-angle fabric/EPDM composites are 11.11 MPa and 61.43 MPa, which are 22% (9.14 MPa) and 65% (37.04 MPa) higher than those of 0°/90° orthogonal fabric/EPDM composites, respectively. Moreover, the bending strength (5.86 MPa) of 0°/90° orthogonal fabric/EPDM composites is similar to that (6.62 MPa) of 60°/120° wide-angle fabric/EPDM composites, whereas the bending modulus (206.31 MPa) of the former is 30% lower than that (293.83 MPa) of the later ones.
Prediction of polyester conductive filter media life on flat and pilot filtration test rigs under flyash aerosol pre-charge
Authors: Dutta Sudev , Mukhopadhyay Arunangshu , Choudhary AK , Reddy CC 
Published: September 2022

One of the vital aspects considering the commercial benefit for any gaseous filtration industry is the life cycle of filter material. A filter media providing consistent filtration for a long period of time is desirable for its prolonged life. In view of this; the present study is undertaken for experimental characterization of three different polyester conductive filter materials viz. PTFE coated media, stainless steel fibre blended with PET media, and stainless steel fibre scrim media by predicting their ageing behavior. The materials were investigated on two different laboratory based test rigs viz. flat based and pilot filter unit under two levels of dust densities (50 g/m3 and 150 g/m3) using fly ash aerosol. The aerosol was charged through a pre-charger at three levels viz. 4 kV, 8 kV and 12 kV. The outcome revealed an enhanced ageing performance at higher level of aerosol charge in case of both the test rigs for all the materials. However, the relative performance of the flat media test rig has been found to be better under all operating conditions. The ageing behavior of PTFE coated materials has been found to be the best among all the investigated materials in both test rigs due to its better surface characteristics as a result of coating.
Factors Influencing Patient Preference for Anesthesia in Ambulatory Hand Surgery
Authors: Model Zina , Benavent Kyra A. , Zhang Dafang , Blazar Philip E. , Earp Brandon E. 
Published: September 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence preoperative patient preferences toward anesthesia in patients in a hand and upper extremity clinic. Methods: A survey was administered to consecutive patients in a hand and upper extremity orthopedic clinic at an urban tertiary academic institution. The survey addressed presenting clinical complaint, anesthesia preference for minor soft tissue hand and wrist procedures, factors influencing anesthesia preference, and patient history of anesthesia and surgical treatment. The primary outcome measure was anesthesia preference: local-only or local with sedation. Results: Surveys were completed by 219 patients over a 1-month period with a mean patient age of 55 years. Most patients presented with a hand/wrist complaint (56%). One hundred fifty-two patients (71%) preferred local anesthesia with sedation and 61 patients (29%) preferred local-only anesthesia. Patients who preferred local-only anesthesia reported being more likely to be influenced by surgeon preference and cost, and also were more likely to have had prior experience with local-only anesthesia. In contrast, patients who preferred local anesthesia with sedation were more likely to be concerned about pain or were nervous about surgery. Prior surgical experience did not influence preference for anesthesia. Conclusion: Patient preferences for local-only anesthesia versus local anesthesia with sedation for ambulatory hand surgery are mixed, with most patients preferring sedation. Understanding patient preferences for anesthesia can better inform preoperative discussions and shared decision-making in anesthesia choice.
Traumatic Finger Amputations: Epidemiology and Mechanism of Injury, 2010-2019
Authors: Renfro Kayleigh N. , Eckhoff Michael D. , Trevizo Gilberto A. Gonzalez , Dunn John C. 
Published: September 2022

Background: Traumatic finger amputations are a common and well-known hand injury, yet there are few studies addressing long-term epidemiologic data and associated mechanisms of injury. This paper aims to use a large national database to identify the relationship of patient demographics and mechanism of injury in finger amputations. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for finger amputations in the United States from 2010 to 2019. Patient demographic information was collected and analyzed by gender, race, age, and further statistical analysis was performed to determine correlations with consumer products. Results: Finger amputations accounted for an estimated 234,304 emergency department visits from 2010 to 2019. Most of the patients were male (79%) and identified as white (46.2%). The most commonly implicated products overall were power saws and related power tools, followed by doors and then lawn mowers. A bimodal age incidence was observed with the highest incidence rates occurring in children ages 0 to 4, followed by a second peak incidence rate in the adults ages 65 to 74. The most common mechanisms of injury were found to differ in patients less than 19 and those 20 and over. Conclusion: Traumatic finger amputations have a bimodal incidence with changing epidemiology and mechanism of injury with age. The first peak occurs from ages 0 to 4, involves predominantly doors, and has a male to female ratio of 1.30. The second peak occurs from ages 65 to 74, involves mostly power saws, and has a male to female ratio of 6.68. Level of Evidence: Prognostic, Level IV
Identification of an endogenous retroviral signature to predict anti-PD1 response in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma: an integrated analysis of three clinical trials
Authors: Zhou Jian-Guo , Zeng Yu , Wang Haitao , Jin Su-Han , Wang Yun-Jia , He Sisi , Frey Benjamin , Fietkau Rainer , Hecht Markus , Ma Hu , Zhang Wenchuan , Gaipl Udo S. 
Published: September 2022

Background: Endogenous retrovirus (ERV) elements are genomic footprints of ancestral retroviral infections within the human genome. Previous studies have demonstrated that dysregulated ERV transcription level is associated with immune cell infiltration in cancers, but the association between ERV expression and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade response is currently unraveled for solid cancers, such as advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods: ERV mRNA profiles were obtained from three clinical trials of ccRCC where the patients were treated with anti-PD-1 (CM-009, CM-010, CM-025, and TCGA-KIRC data). Patients treated with nivolumab were divided into training and test cohort, while the TCGA-KIRC cohort was used as an external validation. Univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used to establish the signature. Immune cell infiltration analysis and gene set enrichment analysis were performed to explore potential biological mechanisms. Results: An ERV signature was established based on nine ERV expression patterns. In the training cohort, the median overall survival in the low- and high-risk group was 45.2 and 19.6 months [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.49, 0.32–0.75, p < 0.001], respectively. The results were confirmed in the test (HR = 0.41, 0.20–0.83, p = 0.013), and in the TCGA-KIRC cohort (HR = 0.55, 0.34–0.90, p = 0.017). Moreover, in the CM-025 cohort, the low-risk group that received nivolumab had a more favorable survival compared with those that received the mTOR inhibitor everolimus, while no significant differences were observed in the high-risk group. CD8+ T cells were enriched in the low-risk group, while immune suppressive pathways were suppressed. Conclusion: The newly identified ERV signature is not only a prognostic, but also a predictive biomarker for advanced ccRCC patients who received anti-PD-1 therapy, which can guide personalized treatment in cancer patients in the future.
The effectiveness of a physiatrist-led acute hospital based postoperative hip fracture inpatient rehabilitation program: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Chen Jing , Bok Chek Wai , Ren Yi Ping , Xu Hongyun , Chiong Yi 
Published: September 2022

Background Postoperative hip fracture rehabilitation in Singapore has historically been carried out in both acute and community hospitals (CH). An increasing majority of patients with hip fractures now receive inpatient rehabilitation in CH, and it is often believed that Acute hospital (AH) - based rehabilitation may be less cost-effective than their CH counterparts. Objective: This retrospective study aims to review the effectiveness of an AH-based hip fracture postoperative rehabilitation program. Methods This study retrospectively reviewed the database of postoperative hip fracture patients who underwent a physiatrist-led AH-based inpatient rehabilitation from Jan 2010 to Dec 2016. The primary outcomes were the functional improvement assessed by functional independence measure (FIM) and FIM efficiency. The secondary outcome included the length of stay (LOS), successful discharge to home rate, mortality rate, and complication rate. Results A total of 293 cases were included in the study. After participation in the inpatient rehabilitation program, the mean total FIM increased from 83.9 ± 12.7 (mean ± SD) to 93.9 ± 16.2 ( p < .001). The motor FIM increased from 47.1 ± 10.9 to 56.1 ± 10.1 ( p < .001). 269 (91.8%) patients were successfully discharged home. Inpatient mortality was 0.3% (1/293). The complications rate during inpatient rehabilitation was 16.0% with urinary tract infection being the most frequent complication (10.2%). The median LOS for inpatient rehabilitation was 19 days (15, 28). Conclusions After completing a physiatrist-led postoperative hip fracture inpatient rehabilitation program in an acute hospital, patients demonstrated significant functional improvement ( p < .0001). The inpatient rehabilitation program has a high discharge home rate and low in-hospital mortality.
Rice husk ash: Economical and high-quality natural-based reinforcing filler for linear low-density and high-density polyethylene
Authors: Nazarpour-Fard Hamed 
Published: September 2022

Rice husk ash (RiHA) was employed as the bio-originated and inexpensive filler prepared from agricultural wastes for reinforcing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy showed ∼80.82% for the silica content of RiHA as well as the values of other components present in this bio-based filler. The composites were obtained via melt mixing followed by the compression molding by the hot press forming. Characterization of the composites by FT-IR spectroscopy revealed that the filler has the sheer effects on the vibrational bands of the polymers. The usage of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to investigate the d-spacing values and the crystallinity of the samples, exhibited the increase of d-spacing upon reinforcing the polymers with RiHA. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed an average size of 32 µm for the irregular RiHA particles which uniformly dispersed in the polymeric matrices. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis displayed C, O, and Si as the main constituting elements of the composites and alternatively confirmed the well dispersion of the filler particles into the polymer matrices. The mechanical measurements showed the significant improvements in Young’s modulus, yield stress, and hardness results of the polymers after reinforcing with the rice husk ash. For example, Young’s modulus of HDPE was increased ∼15% after incorporating 7 wt.% of RiHA into this polymer. These mechanical properties of the polymers were increased upon increasing the RiHA content, while the parameter of elongation at break was decreased.
Prevalence of refractive errors among school students in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sume Bickes Wube , Seyoum Girma 
Published: September 2022

Objective: Refractive errors are most common ocular disorders among children and adolescents. They remain as secondary causes of avoidable blindness in impoverished areas in Africa, most notably in Ethiopia. The problem worsens if it is not managed and addressed early. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of refractive errors among school students in Ethiopia. Methods: We searched international databases such as PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Science Direct for relevant articles. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and exported to Stata version 14.0 software for analysis. The Cochrane Q and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity. Funnel plot, Egger’s, and Begg’s tests were used to assess reporting bias. Random effect meta-analysis model was employed to estimate pooled prevalence of refractive errors. A regional subgroup analysis was carried out. Results: We reviewed 22 qualified studies with 23,355 study participants. The overall prevalence of refractive errors among school students was 7.36% (95% confidence interval = 6.05, 8.67). The prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism was 5.10% (95% confidence interval = 3.79, 6.40), 0.95% (95% confidence interval = 0.59, 1.31), and 0.01% (95% confidence interval = 0.01, 0.04), respectively. From subgroup analysis, the highest prevalence of refractive errors was reported in Amhara Region (9.18%, 95% confidence interval = 6.63, 11.74), followed by Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ region (6.78%, 95% confidence interval = 4.65, 8.92) while the lowest prevalence of refractive errors was reported in Addis Ababa (3.93%, 95% confidence interval = 3.30, 4.56). Conclusion: In Ethiopia, the prevalence of refractive errors among school students is higher (7.36%) compared to what it was 5 years (7.05%) ago. Amhara Region has the highest prevalence of refractive errors among school students in Ethiopia with myopia being the most common type of refractive error.
Fetal and maternal outcome of higher-order multiple pregnancies in a tertiary hospital: A 5-year single-center observational study from Nigeria
Authors: Ogumu Emmanuel I , Anikwe Chidebe Christian , Okorochukwu Bartholomew C , Umeononihu Osita S , Nwokoye Basil I , Chigozie Okoroafor F , Ofojebe Chukwuemeka J , Lawani Lucky O 
Published: September 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the pattern and outcomes of higher-order multiple pregnancies in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria Methods: This is a retrospective review of all cases of higher-order multiple pregnancies that were managed between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2016 in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria. Data obtained were represented with frequency tables, percentages, bar charts, and odds ratio. Results: There were 22 higher-order multiple pregnancies over the study period and 12,002 deliveries, giving a higher-order multiple prevalence rate of 0.2%. Five of the mothers (four triplets and one quadruplet) had in vitro fertilization (0.4 per 1000 deliveries), while other mothers conceived naturally. Many of the women (12, 54.6%) were in the 30–34 years age group, and more than half (16, 72.7%) were multiparas. More than half of the neonates were delivered preterm (13, 59.1%). Being booked is associated with better neonatal outcomes although not significant (odds ratio = 3.06. 95% confidence interval: 0.55–16.83, p = 0.197). Anemia was common in the antepartum and postpartum periods. Half of the women (11, 50%) were delivered by elective cesarean section and 7 (31.8%) by emergency cesarean section (C/S), while 4 (18.2%) had a spontaneous vaginal delivery. The neonates had a mean birth weight of 2.14 ± 0.35 kg. Overall, 61 neonates (91.0%) were born alive and 6 (9.0%) suffered perinatal deaths, giving a perinatal mortality rate of 89.8 neonates per 1000 live births. Conclusion: Our study shows that higher-order multiple pregnancies are high-risk pregnancies that are associated with fetal and maternal complications. Anemia is the commonest complication seen in our study. The majority had preterm delivery. Proper antenatal care and close feto-maternal monitoring are important in reducing adverse outcomes associated with these pregnancies.
Pursuing equal pay for equal work: Gender diversity in management positions and the gender pay gap throughout the wage distribution
Authors: Santero-Sánchez Rosa , Núñez Belén Castro 
Published: September 2022

Despite the massive incorporation of women into the labor market, equal pay for equal work remains a challenge. This article analyzes the influence of gender diversity in management positions on the gender wage gap (GWG) throughout the entire pay scale in Spain. The results show the existence of a GWG, particularly for wages below the average; though it decreases when female participation in management is higher. This is in line with the reduction of information asymmetry problems considered in statistical discrimination theories, which explain the barriers to promotion associated with dynamics at entry-level and low-qualified positions. JEL CLASSIFICATION: C31, J31, J71, M14
Effectiveness of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Involving Community-Based Intervention for Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Singapore
Authors: Seah Siang Joo , Harding Susana Concordo , Wang Jing , Aw Su , Lam Jocelin , Lim Raymond Boon Tar 
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of a community-based intervention on improving knowledge about diabetes, self-care behaviors, and glycemic control among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Singapore, a country in Asia with a high prevalence of diabetes. Methods: A 3-arm cluster randomized controlled trial involving community-dwelling older adults ages 55 to 99 with T2DM was conducted. Intervention group 1 and 2 participants received a 12-session intervention program designed to teach knowledge and practical skills in diabetes self-care with psychological techniques for behavioral change like problem solving, goal setting, and motivational interviewing. In addition, intervention group 2 participants received a glucometer and a supply of accessories each. The control group received routine care from their health care providers. Results: Compared to the control group, intervention group 2 reported an increase in medication adherence and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) at 3-month follow-up and increased knowledge about diabetes and self-care behavior in general diet control at 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: The community-based intervention should be extended to more older adults with T2DM in the community. Glucometers and accessories could be provided at subsidized rates or be made free contingent on older adults’ income status to overcome the barrier of performing SMBG.