bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diurnal and Seasonal Variability of ERA5 Convective Parameters in Relation to Lightning Flash Rates in Poland
Authors: Poręba Szymon , Taszarek Mateusz , Ustrnul Zbigniew 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The relationship between convective parameters derived from ERA5 and cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes from the PERUN network in Poland was evaluated. All flashes detected between 2002 and 2019 were divided into intensity categories based on a peak 1-min CG lightning flash rate and were collocated with proximal profiles from ERA5 to assess their climatological variability. Thunderstorms in Poland are the most frequent in July, between 1400 and 1600 UTC and over the southeastern parts of the country. The highest median of most unstable convective available potential energy (MUCAPE) for CG lightning flash events is from June to August, between 1400 and 1600 UTC (around 900 J kg−1), whereas patterns in 0–6-km wind shear [deep-layer shear (DLS)] are reversed, with the highest median values during winter and night (around 25 m s−1). The best overlap of MUCAPE and DLS (MUWMAXSHEAR parameter) is in July–August, typically between 1400 and 2000 UTC with median values of around 850 m2 s−2. Thunderstorms in Poland are the most frequent in MUCAPE below 1000 J kg−1, and DLS between 8 and 15 m s−1. Along with increasing MUCAPE and DLS, peak CG lightning flash rates increase as well. Compared to DLS, MUCAPE is a more important parameter in forecasting any lightning activity, but when these two are combined together (MUWMAXSHEAR) they are more reliable in distinguishing between thunderstorms producing small and high CG lightning flash rates. Our results also indicate that higher CG lightning flash rates result in thunderstorms more frequently associated with severe weather reports (hail, tornado, wind).

Significance Statement
Each year severe thunderstorms produce considerable material losses and lead to deaths across central Europe; thus, a better understanding of local storm climatologies and their accompanying environments is important for operational forecasters, emergency managers, and risk estimation. In this research we address this issue by analyzing 18 years of lightning intensity data and collocated atmospheric environments. Thunderstorms in Poland are the most frequent in July between 1400 and 1600 UTC and form typically in environments with low atmospheric instability and moderate vertical shear of the horizontal wind. The probability for storms producing intense lightning increases when both of these environmental parameters reach higher values.
Optimizing Perioperative Fluid Management in Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction to Prevent Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Shelby Rita D. , Eiferman Daniel S. , Janis Jeffrey E. 
Published: March 2022

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious postoperative complication of abdominal wall reconstruction that can significantly impact outcomes of these patients. This study examines AKI following abdominal wall hernia repair to determine incidence and risk factors and outline potential mitigation strategies. Methods Using a single institution IRB-approved prospective database, patients undergoing complex abdominal wall reconstruction from 2013 to 2021 were identified. Patients with AKI were compared to controls and preoperative and intraoperative characteristics were evaluated. Multivariate analysis was utilized to identify factors associated with development of AKI. Results 297 patients were reviewed, 21.2 % (n = 63 patients) had AKI. Patients with AKI had a greater decrease in postoperative GFR to preoperative GFR (40.5% vs 18.3%, p <0.0001). Factors associated with AKI included ASA score >2 (odds ratio (OR) = 2.10, [1.50; 5.12], p = 0.02), HTN (OR = 2.05, [1.05; 4.0], p = 0.04), higher baseline Cr (OR = 5.98, [2.56; 13.98], p <0.0001), and diabetes (OR = 0.135, [0.0275; 0.666], p = 0.01). Operative time was longer in patients who developed AKI [average 400 min (range: 278-510 min) vs 310 min (range: 260-374 min), p = 0.04] and was an independent predictor of developing AKI (OR = 319.59, [137.25; 744.65], p <0.0001). Discussion Preoperative identification of patients with medical comorbidities undergoing elective complex abdominal wall reconstruction continues to be imperative to improve outcomes. This study demonstrates that perioperative management for high risk patients requires flexibility, including potential adjustments to enhanced recovery after surgery protocols in order to adequately address the risks for AKI.
Outcomes From a Level 1 Trauma and Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program Center of Excellence
Authors: Anderson Tiffany N. , Williams Eric M. , Loftus Tyler J. , Johnson-Mann Crystal N. , Taylor Jessica E. 
Published: March 2022

Trauma patients with obesity experience disparity in various outcomes. Similar to trauma centers, vetted credentialing is in practice for bariatric services. This study evaluates outcomes of trauma patients with obesity at a Level 1 Trauma Center and verified bariatric surgery center of excellence (BSCOE). The trauma registry was reviewed for individuals admitted between January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2020 who were age 19 years or older and stratified by World Health Organization body mass index (BMI). Various morbidity and mortality outcomes were examined. There were 20 788 patients included in this analysis. Intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) was found to be statistically longer for patients with BMI >40. Overall results suggest that the infrastructure associated with this BSCOE may improve care for this specialized patient population.
Multidomain judging and administration of justice: evidence from a major emerging-market jurisdiction
Authors: Castelliano Caio , Grajzl Peter , Watanabe Eduardo 
Published: March 2022

Inefficacious courts and limited judicial resources are a ubiquitous problem in many jurisdictions worldwide. To facilitate administration of justice, court administrators must therefore resort to unconventional practices. In Brazilian state and federal courts, judges normally assigned to the disposition of cases in a single domain are often directed to dispose cases in an additional domain, thus engaging in multidomain judging. Using a comprehensive court-level panel dataset, we investigate the consequences of multidomain judging for the efficacy of Brazilian administration of justice. In contrast to conventional wisdom, we find no evidence that multidomain judging reduces court efficacy in resolution of special-procedure cases and appeals to special-procedure cases. Multidomain judging evidently reduces court efficacy exclusively in the resolution of ordinary-procedure cases, and even then only when judges assigned to the disposition of those cases are instructed to additionally resolve special-procedure cases. We discuss plausible explanations for this and the policy implications of our findings. Points for practitioners Multidomain judging in Brazil is best viewed as a pragmatic policy response to binding resource constraints in justice administration. Our analysis reveals in what contexts multidomain judging does not appear to harm court efficacy and when, in contrast, a reduction in the extent of multidomain judging would improve court efficacy. Our article offers the first evidence-based insight into the efficacy repercussions of a pervasive yet understudied administrative practice in Brazilian courts. Because related administrative practices are known to exist in other jurisdictions, our findings have implications beyond Brazilian borders.
Effect of loading frequency on the strain of MI-SiC/SiC composites
Authors: Gowayed Yasser , Ojard Greg , Miller Robert , Santhosh Unni , Ahmad Jalees 
Published: March 2022

In this work, we tried to answer the question: what is the role loading frequency plays in strain accumulation during time-dependent tests of Melt-infiltrated SiC/SiC CMCs? Time-dependent tests were conducted at room temperature, 815°C as a possible temperature for the phenomenon of pesting, and 1204°C as an oxidizing temperature. Stress levels were selected from tensile stress–strain curves to range from 110.4 MPa where no major cracks could be detected to 220.8 MPa at the end of the knee region at a point of possible matrix crack saturation. Loading frequencies of 30 Hz and 1 Hz fatigue, and 2-h dwell-fatigue were investigated. Residual tensile strength tests of samples that did not fail during time-dependent experiments were carried out. Initial observations lead us to divide the question above to two parts, one addressing the value of the strain to failure and the other addressing the steady-state strain rates. Strain to failure during residual tests added to strain accumulated during time-dependent tests for 22 samples tested at different stresses, load frequencies, and temperatures had a consistent average of 0.005 with a small standard deviation. This could mean that there is a reasonable possibility that this material has a finite “strain capacity.” Strain versus time curves of all time-dependent tests were successfully fitted using a single 3-parameter equation while accounting for the effect of temperature and stress-level, to a reasonable extent. Such observation, despite of some of the variability in the data, could mean that loading frequency have a small, or negligible, effect on the strain-rate.
Substance Use, Financial Stress, Employment Disruptions, and Anxiety among Veterans during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tran Denise D. , Fitzke Reagan E. , Wang Jennifer , Davis Jordan P. , Pedersen Eric R. 
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in financial, employment, and mental health challenges. In general, American veterans report high rates of substance use, which may be influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with pre-existing mental health problems, employment disruptions, or financial stress may be particularly vulnerable. We examined the relationships between pre-existing self-report screens for a probable anxiety disorder, COVID-19-related financial stress, employment disruption (e.g., lost job, reduced hours), and alcohol, cannabis, and cigarette use during the pandemic among 1230 veterans ( Mage = 34.5; 89% male). Participants were recruited through various social media sites and completed an online survey 1 month prior to implementation of the nationwide physical distancing guidelines in the United States (February 2020). Six months later (August 2020), they completed a follow-up survey. Compared to veterans who screened negative for anxiety prior to the pandemic, veterans who screened positive reported consuming more drinks per week ( b = 3.05), were more likely to use cannabis ( OR = 6.53), and smoked more cigarettes ( b = 2.06) during the first 6 months of the pandemic. Financial stress was positively associated with alcohol ( b = 1.09) and cannabis use ( OR = 1.90). Alcohol use was heaviest among veterans with a positive pre-existing anxiety screen and high financial stress. Moreover, veterans who experienced employment disruption due to the pandemic consumed less alcohol but were more likely to use cannabis during the pandemic. Veterans with pre-pandemic anxiety and pandemic-related financial stress may be using substances at higher rates and may benefit from intervention to mitigate negative substance use-related outcomes. Findings also enhance our understanding of veteran substance use behaviors following disruptions in employment due to the pandemic.
Tangible effects of the COVID-19 pandemic: A fall in dexterity amongst surgical trainees?
Authors: Gowda Siri , Swamy Gokul Kanda , Veerattepillay Rajan , Rajasundaram Ramanan , Hanchanale Vishwanath , Gowda Basavaraj , Wilkinson Beverley , Biyani Chandra Shekhar 
Published: March 2022

Background The coronavirus pandemic has had an indisputable impact on surgical training. The qualitative effect on the perceived confidence and capability of trainees has been widely reported. In order to fully delineate the scope of the problem, quantitative data is also required. Methods This cross-sectional study collected compared data on the laparoscopic skills (pre- and post-pandemic) of first-year urology residents in the United Kingdom, who attended the annual Urology Simulation Boot Camp (USBC) in 2018 and 2019 (pre-pandemic), and 2021 (post-pandemic). Results Pre-pandemic group performance was significantly better in 2 out of 4 tasks (Task 3 p < 0.001) (Task 4 p = 0.003) during the practice session. During the assessment, pre-pandemic group performance was better (p = 0.017) for Task 2 and significantly faster (p = 003) for Task 4. Conclusions Our results provide evidence to support the notion that the coronavirus pandemic has had a tangible and detrimental effect on the technical skills of surgical trainees.
Exchanging Obligations: Accounting for All Forms of Capital
Authors: Blockley David 
Published: March 2022

Economics and engineering have much in common since both are concerned with making decisions to act, based on evidence from many sources including science. An analysis of financial trading from an engineering-systems perspective leads to a theory of obligations as a means of capturing natural, social and human capital. The treatment is based on an analogy between gravitational and electromagnetic fields of forces and fields of human interactions. An ‘obligation’ is defined as an underived unit of ‘stuff’ analogous to gravitational ‘mass’ or electromagnetic ‘charge’ in a field of interacting processes. Identifying the forces generated in the field of human obligations will help create new policy and practical interventions. These should be designed (as engineers’ design) systems to maximise net worth that includes a wide set of natural and social assets, such as biodiversity, air quality and reduced inequality. JEL: Q50, Q01, E00, E60, O11, O14, C60
Is robotic gait training effective for individuals with cerebral palsy? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Conner Benjamin C. , Remec Nushka M. , Lerner Zachary F. 
Published: March 2022

Aim To determine if robotic gait training for individuals with cerebral palsy is more effective than the standard of care for improving function. Method PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched from 1980–January, 2022 for articles that investigated robotic gait training versus standard of care (i.e. physical therapy or standard gait training) for individuals with cerebral palsy. Articles were included if a randomized controlled trial design was used, and excluded if robotic gait training was combined with another neuromuscular intervention, such as functional electrical stimulation. A meta-analysis of outcomes measured in at least four studies was conducted. Results Eight citations met all criteria for full-text review and inclusion in the meta-analysis. A total of 188 individuals with cerebral palsy, ages four to 35, and Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–IV were studied. Level of evidence ranged from 2b–1b. All studies utilized a tethered, assistive device for robotic gait training. The overall effect was not significantly different between the robotic gait training and control interventions for six minute walk test performance (95% CI: −0.17, 0.73; P = 0.22), free walking speed (95% CI: −0.18, 0.57; P = 0.30), or Gross Motor Function Measures D (Standing) (95% CI: −0.29, 0.39; P = 0.77) and E (Walking, Running and Jumping) (95% CI: −0.11, 0.57; P = 0.19). Conclusion Tethered robotic devices that provide assistive gait training for individuals with cerebral palsy do not provide a greater benefit for improving mobility than the standard of care.
Practice review: Evidence-based and effective management of anaemia in palliative care patients
Authors: Neoh Karen , Page Andrew , Chin-Yee Nicolas , Doree Carolyn , Bennett Michael I 
Published: March 2022

Background: Anaemia is a common sequela of advanced disease and is associated with significant symptom burden. No specific guidance exists for the investigation and management of anaemia in palliative care patients. Aim: We aim to offer a pragmatic overview of the approaches to investigate and manage anaemia in advanced disease, based on guidelines and evidence in disease specific patient groups, including cancer, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Design: Scoping review methodology was used to determine the strength of evidence supporting the investigation and management of anaemia in patients with advanced disease. Data sources: A search for guidelines was performed in 2020. National or international guidelines were examined if they described the investigation or management of anaemia in adult patients with health conditions seen by palliative care services written within the last 5 years in the English language. Searches of MEDLINE, the Cochrane library and WHO guidance were made in 2019 to identify key publications that provided additional primary data. Results: Evidence supports patient-centred investigation of anaemia, results of which should guide targeted intervention. Blanket use of blood transfusion should be avoided, with evidence supporting a more restrictive approach to transfusion. Routine use of oral iron and erythropoetin stimulating agents (ESAs) are not recommended. Insufficient evidence exists to determine the effectiveness of IV iron in this patient group. Conclusion: We advocate early consideration and investigation of anaemia, guided by symptom burden and patient preferences. Correction of reversible causes should be the mainstay of treatment, with a restrictive approach to blood transfusion. Research is required to evaluate the efficacy of IV iron in these patients.
Primary headache disorders in adolescents in North- and South-Tyrol: Findings of the EVA-Tyrol-Study
Authors: Kaltseis Katharina , Frank Florian , Bernar Benoît , Kiechl Sophia , Winder Bernhard , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula , Knoflach Michael , Broessner Gregor ,   for the Early Vascular Ageing (EVA) Tyrol Study Group
Published: March 2022

Objective Assessment of the prevalence of primary headache disorders, associated risk factors and use of acute/preventive medication in a representative large sample of adolescents. Methods Within the EVA-Tyrol project, a community-based non-randomized controlled cross-sectional study, data was collected from adolescents aged 14–19 years from 45 sites across North-, East- and South Tyrol. Headaches were classified according to the latest ICHD-3 and assessed by headache specialists in face-to-face interviews. Findings Of 1923 participants 930 (48.4%) reported having headaches. Female to male ratio was 2:1. Migraine, tension-type headache and other headache were diagnosed in 10%, 30.2% and 8.2% respectively. Medication overuse was diagnosed in 3.4%, increasing up to 21.7% in participants with chronic headache. The use of preventative medication was not reported by any adolescent. Sleep disturbances (p < 0.05), alcohol consumption (p < 0.05), low physical activity (p < 0.01) and high screen time exposure (p < 0.01) were associated with an increased risk of headaches. Conclusion We report high prevalence of primary headache disorders and medication overuse in a large community-based sample of teenagers. Acute and preventive non-drug and pharmacological treatments are not established due to lack of paediatric headache outpatient clinics. Promoting health education in teenagers and encouraging public awareness, including that of health care providers is pivotal. Trial registration: EVA-Tyrol has been retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov under https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03929692 since April 29, 2019.
Processing, thermal and mechanical properties of composite laminates with natural fibers prepregs
Authors: Libera Junior Vilson Dalla , Teixeira Linconl Araujo , Amico Sandro Campos , Maria da Luz Sandra 
Published: March 2022

This work manufactured prepregs by impregnating discontinuous curaua fibers with B-stage epoxy resin. The prepreg layers were then stacked to produce laminates by hot compression. Alkaline treatments were previously applied to the curaua fibers to improve their interface with the polymer matrix. Then, the prepregs and the final composites were studied regarding their thermal, dynamic mechanical, mechanical, and morphological behavior. The treatments promoted defibrillation by removing lignin and hemicellulose from the fibers, which allowed better impregnation of the treated fibers with epoxy resin. In general, laminates that used treated fibers exhibited the largest storage modulus in the glassy region. The mechanical results showed the laminates produced with treated fibers prepregs presented a highest tensile and flexural resistance than those manufactured with untreated fibers and neat epoxy resin. The NaOH-treated curaua/epoxy laminate exhibited high tensile strength (56.2 MPa) and modulus (3.3 GPa). Overall, fracture morphology indicated better fiber adhesion for the treated fiber composites. The results demonstrate that natural fibers prepregs can be successfully produced and present proper physical and mechanical behavior in components.
Pretreatment Inflammatory Markers Predict Outcomes and Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer Patients With Synchronous Liver Metastasis
Authors: Li Qingfang , Chen Linyan , Jin Hongyu , Zhao Yunuo , Hao Zeng , Ma Xuelei 
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Pretreatment inflammatory markers were applied to predict the prognosis of colorectal cancer. However, the role of these markers in predicting survival in patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) is rarely reported. Notably, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) was mainly reported in hematologic malignancies and is worth to be further explored to predict the survival of synchronous CLM. Methods: Totally, 196 patients who were diagnosed with synchronous CLM were enrolled. Their clinical and laboratory data before treatment were collected, retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the inflammatory biomarkers. Results: LMR ( P = .002) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ( P = .017) were significantly related to the progression-free survival (PFS). More factors such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ( P = .011), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) ( P = .001), number of metastatic foci ( P = .006), and adjuvant chemotherapy ( P = .027) were correlated with overall survival (OS). In multivariate analysis, LMR remained statistically associated with PFS ( P = .003). Regarding OS, LMR ( P = .016) and LDH ( P = .013) were significantly independent predictive factors. Conclusions: The higher LMR and lower LDH were strongly correlated with better survival in synchronous CLM patients. In addition, the result also indicated that enhanced LMR was related to better PFS. The LMR and LDH can be used to predict prognosis of the synchronous CLM.