Search Results (2,263)

Background: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between (EORTC) QLQ-C30 scores and both preoperative somatometric parameters and postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing elective surgery for resectable colorectal cancer. Methods: The 118 elderly consecutive patients who underwent colorectal surgery for cancer in a single university’s surgical department between 01/2018 and 12/2018 were prospectively enrolled in the present study. All patients with an age > 65 years, diagnosed with resectable colorectal cancer, without metastatic disease, that underwent elective surgery were included prospectively in the present study. Results: Regarding patients’ characteristics, a negative correlation between preoperative QLQ (pQLQ) score and age (p = 0.001) and a positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and pQLQ score (p = 0.048) were observed. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.004) in the mean pQLQ score between patients with rectal or colon cancer. Moreover, assessing pQLQ score was a useful tool in terms of postoperative recovery. Negative correlations between the pQLQ score and time (days) of beginning oral feeding (p < 0.001) and length of hospital stay (p = 0.004) were found. The pQLQ score was statistically significantly lower (p = 0.005) in patients who had any postoperative complication; however, there was no difference in patients with major complications. Conclusions: Advanced age, colon cancer and decreased BMI were negatively associated with preoperative QLQ. The assessment of pQLQ in elderly patients with colorectal cancer can be a useful predictive tool for postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and postoperative rehabilitation. Full article

Given the increasing importance of adjusting to university life and achieving happiness, identifying the effective role of emotional intelligence and psychological needs’ satisfaction in enhancing students’ well-being is crucial. This study investigated the relation between emotional intelligence, psychological need satisfaction, and university students’ happiness. Data were collected from 205 university students (mean age: 23.35; predominantly female) at the University of Crete. Participants completed the Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, and the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale. The analysis began with a correlation matrix to explore preliminary relations among the key variables. A multiple-linear regression analysis was then conducted to predict happiness levels based on observed correlations. Following this, a multiple-mediation analysis examined how emotional intelligence affects happiness through psychological needs satisfaction. The results indicated a positive association between emotional intelligence and happiness, with psychological needs’ satisfaction also positively correlating with happiness. Specifically, the use and regulation of emotion, competence, and autonomy significantly predicted happiness. Path analysis revealed that emotional intelligence indirectly influences happiness, particularly through competence. The results indicate that high emotional intelligence, through the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, is significantly associated with university students’ happiness. The study suggests that institutions should guide students in emotional intelligence and competence to increase happiness during their studies. Full article

Not having an intimate partner constitutes a common state in contemporary post-industrial societies. The current research aimed to address the question of whether single people score higher than mated people in various dimensions of quality of life. For this purpose, we employed quantitative research methods, measuring different aspects of quality of life that we treated as the dependent variables, with relationship status as the independent variable. In a sample of 1929 participants from Greece and Turkey, we found that relationship status was not significantly associated with physical health, relationships with friends and family, self-development, independence, recreation, or participation in social and communal activities. On the other hand, it was significantly associated with material goods, disposable income, social support, sexual satisfaction, and having children, with mated people scoring higher than single people. Despite using different methodologies for data collection, similar results were obtained in the two cultural contexts. Full article

Background: Data regarding fungal PJIs of the shoulder are scarce. The present systematic review aims to identify and evaluate all published shoulder fungal PJIs in an effort to better understand the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to these infections. Methods: A systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines was conducted, locating all shoulder fungal PJIs. The initial search located 1435 articles. Data were collected on demographics, the causative fungus, antifungal treatment (AFT), surgical interventions, and infection outcomes. Results: After screening and implementation of the inclusion criteria, a total of 10 articles, including 10 cases, were eligible. The sample’s mean age was 62.44 years. Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity (30%), while 70% were immunocompromised. Candida spp. was the most common causative fungus (nine cases; 90%), while all cases were confirmed with cultures. In three cases (30%), there was bacterial co-infection. The mean duration of antifungal treatment (AFT) was 8.4 weeks, while the preferred agent was fluconazole (60% of cases), followed by amphotericin B (30%). Most cases (50%) underwent resection arthroplasty as part of the treatment, while two-stage revision arthroplasty was performed in 30%. Infection’s eradication was reported in 90% of the studied cases. Conclusions: The diagnosis and management of fungal periprosthetic shoulder infections are particularly challenging and require a multidisciplinary approach. The combination of antifungal therapy and tailored surgical strategies is crucial, but further research is needed to refine treatment protocols and address the unique considerations in shoulder PJIs. Full article

Good, satisfying, sleep is a key indicator and determinant of health and wellness. However, there is no consensus about how to define and measure good sleep. The present research aimed to define sleep satisfaction through the extant literature and disentangle it from sleep quality, a conceptually similar construct. Systematic review methods were adapted for a rapid review approach. The entire review was completed in eight weeks. Tabulation coding with content analysis was used to identify key categories and synthesize findings. A systematic process for generating construct definitions was followed. Database search yielded 51 eligible studies (N > 218,788), representing diverse adult populations, in 20 countries. Designs varied in rigour. Sleep satisfaction was defined as a personal, introspective, and global judgment about one’s feelings of contentment with one’s sleep, at a particular point in time. Sleep satisfaction was understood as an indicator of general health, impacted by and varied as a function of one’s sleep environment and individual-level characteristics. This rapid review contributes to the literature by providing the first systematically generated definition of sleep satisfaction, with strong implications for measurement, research, and practice. Full article

Clathrate hydrate-based technologies are considered promising and sustainable alternatives for the effective management of the climate change risks related to emissions of carbon dioxide produced by human activities. This work presents a combined experimental and computational investigation of the effects of the operational procedures and characteristics of the experimental configuration, on the phase diagrams of CO₂-H₂O systems and CO₂ hydrates’ formation, growth and dissociation conditions. The operational modes involved (i) the incremental (step-wise) temperature cycling and (ii) the continuous temperature cycling processes, in the framework of an isochoric pressure search method. Also, two different high-pressure PVT configurations were used, of which one encompassed a stirred tank reactor and the other incorporated an autoclave of constant volume with magnetic agitation. The experimental results implied a dependence of the subcooling degree, (P, T) conditions for hydrate formation and dissociation, and thermal stability of the hydrate phase on the applied temperature cycling mode and the technical features of the utilized PVT configuration. The experimental findings were complemented by a thermodynamic simulation model and other calculation approaches, with the aim to resolve the phase diagrams including the CO₂ dissolution over the entire range of the applied (P, T) conditions. Full article

The increasing awareness of the potential health risks associated with microplastics’ (MPs) and nanoplastics’ (NPs) presence in the environment has led to a significant rise in research focused on these particles over the past few years. This review focuses on the research on MPs’/NPs’ presence and spread, pathways of exposure, toxicological effects on human health and legal framework related to MP/NP challenges. Several research projects have aimed to assess their potential harm to human health, focusing on different systems and organs. After exposure (independent of the pathway), these hazards reach the blood stream and concentrate in different organs. Further, they are responsible for harmful changes, having an immediate effect (pain, inflammation, or hormone imbalance) or lead to a long-term disease (e.g., infertility, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or cancer). Toxicological effects have been noticed at high concentrations of MPs, specifically polystyrene, the most widespread typical MP, but only short-term effects have been mostly studied. Significant quantities of consumed MPs have been discovered to have diverse detrimental effects, posing a threat to human welfare. The exact concentrations of microplastics that are inhaled and swallowed and then build up in the human body are still not known. Further investigation is necessary to evaluate the impact of MP/NP contamination at minimal concentrations and for prolonged durations. Full article

Zelkova abelicea is an endemic tree growing only on eight mountain stands on the Greek island of Crete. The aim of this study was to determine the structure of the assemblages and analyze the diversity of the arachnid assemblages living on Zelkova abelicea, an endemic tree species in Crete. Material for the analyses was collected from tree trunks, oftentimes covered by bryophytes or lichens. In the examined material, 85 taxa were recorded. The most numerous groups represented in the analyzed material were Acari, including representatives of the orders Mesostigmata (78 ind. of 18 spp.) and Oribatida (1056 ind. of 51 spp.). In the order Mesostigmata the species represented by the highest numbers of specimens were Onchodellus karawaiewi (15 individuals) and Hypoaspisella sp. (13), which is probably a species new to science. In turn, representatives of the order Oribatida were much more numerous, with Zygoribatula exilis (284) and Eremaeus tuberosus (210) being identified in the largest numbers. Among the eight sampled localities, Gerakari (646 ind. and 50 spp.) and Omalos (409 ind. and 43 spp., respectively) had by far the richest assemblages. Statistical analyses confirmed the highly diverse character of the arachnid assemblages at the individual sites, which is a consequence not only of the varied numbers of arachnids found, but also of the presence of very rare species, such as Androlaelaps shealsi, Cosmolaelaps lutegiensis or Hoploseius oblongus. These results highlight the high species diversity of the arachnids found on Z. abelicea but also suggest the lack of connectivity between the isolated and fragmented forest stands on Crete. Full article

The scope of the present study is the estimation of key operational parameters of a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP), particularly the dosages of treatment chemicals, using artificial neural networks (ANNs) based on measurable in situ data. The case study consists of the Aposelemis DWTP, where the plant operator had an estimation of the ANN output parameters for the required dosages of water treatment chemicals based on observed water quality and other operational parameters at the time. The estimated DWTP main operational parameters included residual ozone (O₃) and dosages of the chemicals used: anionic polyelectrolyte (ANPE), poly-aluminum chloride hydroxide sulfate (PACl), and chlorine gas (Cl_2(g)). Daily measurable results of water sample analysis and recordings from the DWTP Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA), covering a period of 38 months, were used as input parameters for the artificial neural network (1188 values for each of the 14 measurable parameters). These input parameters included: raw water supply (Q), raw water turbidity (T₁), treated water turbidity (T₂), treated water residual free chlorine (Cl₂), treated water concentration of residual aluminum (Al), filtration bed inlet water turbidity (T₃), daily difference in water height in reservoir (∆H), raw water pH (pH₁), treated water pH (pH₂), and daily consumption of DWTP electricity (El). Output/target parameters were: residual O₃ after ozonation (O₃), anionic polyelectrolyte (ANPE), poly-aluminum chloride hydroxide sulfate (PACl), and chlorine gas supply (Cl_2(g)). A total of 304 different ANN models were tested, based on the best test performance (tperf) indicator. The one with the optimum performance indicator was selected. The scenario finally chosen was the one with 100 neural networks, 100 nodes, 42 hidden nodes, 10 inputs, and 4 outputs. This ANN model achieved excellent simulation results based on the best testing performance indicator, which suggests that ANNs are potentially useful tools for the prediction of a DWTP’s main operational parameters. Further research could explore the prediction of water chemicals used in a DWTP by using ANNs with a smaller number of operational parameters to ensure greater flexibility, without prohibitively reducing the reliability of the prediction model. This could prove useful in cases with a much higher sample size, given the data-demanding nature of ANNs. Full article

The management of wastewater remains a challenge, particularly in developing countries. The potential use of constructed wetlands to treat wastewater is promising but their contaminant removal efficiencies, particularly in a tropical country such as Zimbabwe, are not fully understood. A pilot-scale study was undertaken in Zimbabwe to evaluate the efficiency of vertical-flow constructed wetlands planted with Typha latifolia in the treatment of domestic wastewater. Four pilot subsurface vertical-flow constructed wetland units (measuring 1 m × 1 m × 1.1 m) were built from concrete. The units were filled with waste rock from a nickel mine. Three units were planted with Typha latifolia while the fourth one was left unplanted, acting as the control. Each unit was loaded with wastewater at a rate of 220 dm³/day. Physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters were analyzed during the winter season. Physico-chemical and bacterial contaminant concentrations were significantly lower in the effluent than in the influent, and the system achieved maximum removals for BOD₅, COD, TDS, TSS, nitrates, phosphates, phosphate pentoxide, phosphorus, and E. coli of 56.01%, 82.87%, 30.61%, 90.40% 17.26%, 35.80%, 36.19%, 40.64%, and 90.28%, respectively. The study shows that constructed wetland systems can be successfully established for the removal of physical, chemical, and microbial contaminants from domestic wastewater. Full article

In this work, the attenuation of surface seismic waves from large-scale phononic metamaterials is numerically studied. The proposed metamaterials consist of rectangular trenches that form either I-shaped or T-shaped cavities embedded at the ground surface. The numerical investigation includes the study of the response of the proposed structures for different values of their geometric parameters. In addition, modifications of the proposed structures where heavy cores coated with a soft material were considered in the cavities were also numerically studied. For a more realistic numerical approach, the transmission spectrum of a selected large-scale phononic metamaterial was also investigated in a suitable half-space numerical scheme. The results of the present research showed that the studied large-scale metastructures could be a very promising potential candidate for seismic shielding applications for the protection of existing urban or countryside structures. The proposed metamaterials are low in cost and easy to construct for the protection of existing buildings, critical infrastructures, or even entire urban areas without need for any kind of intervention at them, therefore providing an effective solution in the field of seismic isolation. Full article

In the past decade, there has been significant progress in the development, testing, and production of vehicles capable of achieving hypersonic speeds. This area of research has garnered immense interest due to the transformative potential of these vehicles. Part B of this paper initially explores the current state of hypersonic vehicle development and deployment, as well as the propulsion technologies involved. At next, two additional test cases, used for the evaluation of DSMC code SPARTA are analyzed: a Mach 12.4 flow over a flared cylinder and a Mach 15.6 flow over a 25/55-degree biconic. These (2D-axisymmetric) test cases have been selected as they are tailored for the assessment of flow and heat transfer characteristics of present and future hypersonic vehicles, for both their external and internal aerodynamics. These test cases exhibit (in a larger range compared to the test cases presented in Part A of this work) shock–boundary and shock–shock interactions, which can provide a fair assessment of the SPARTA DSMC solver accuracy, in flow conditions which characterize hypersonic flight and can adequately test its ability to qualitatively and quantitatively capture the complicated physics behind such demanding flows. This validation campaign of SPARTA provided valuable experience for the correct tuning of the various parameters of the solver, especially for the use of adequate computational grids, thus enabling its subsequent application to more complicated three-dimensional test cases of hypersonic vehicles. Full article

In this study, we have investigated the relationship between the plasma temperature in remote laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) experiments and the hydrophobic properties of silicone rubber insulators (SIRs). Contact angle and LIBS measurements were conducted on both artificially-aged (accelerated aging) and field-aged SIRs. This study reveals a clear connection between plasma temperature and the properties of aged SIRs on artificially-aged SIR specimens. Specifically, the plasma temperature exhibits a consistent increase with the duration of the accelerated aging test. The hydrophobicity of the artificially-aged SIRs was assessed by performing contact angle measurements, revealing a decrease in the hydrophobicity with increased aging test duration. Furthermore, we extended our investigation to the study of nine field-aged SIRs that had been in use on 150 kV overhead transmission lines for 0 to 21 years. We find that the laser absorption and hardness of the material do not relate to the plasma temperature. In summary, we observe a direct connection of plasma temperature to both contact-angle measurements and operation time of the in-service insulators. These results strongly suggest the potential use of LIBS for remotely evaluating the hydrophobicity and aging degree of silicone rubber insulators, thus assessing their real-time on-site operational quality. Full article

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is more commonly caused by Gram-positive cocci, but Gram-positive bacilli may seldom cause the disease. Listeria monocytogenes is an aerobic Gram-positive coccobacillus and a foodborne and opportunistic pathogen most commonly causing gastrointestinal infections, even though bacteremia, sepsis, meningitis, and fetal infections may also occur. Listeria IE has rarely been described, with most reports being case reports or case series. Thus, the characteristics of this disease remain largely unknown. This systematic review aimed to present all published Listeria IE studies and describe their characteristics. A search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies providing information on epidemiology, clinical findings, treatment, and outcome of Listeria IE cases was performed. A total of 54 studies containing data from 62 patients were included. Among all patients, 64.5% were male; the median age was 69 years. Among all patients, 54.8% had a history of a prosthetic valve. The aortic valve was the most commonly affected, followed by the mitral. Fever, heart failure, and embolic phenomena were the most commonly encountered clinical findings. The only isolated species was L. monocytogenes. Antimicrobial resistance was relatively low for aminopenicillins and aminoglycosides, the most commonly used antimicrobials for treating L. monocytogenes IE. Surgery was performed in 27.4% of patients. Mortality was 37.1%. Patients who survived were more likely to have had a prosthetic valve, to have necessitated transesophageal echocardiography for the diagnosis, to have mitral valve IE, and to have had surgical management; however, no factor was identified in a multivariate logistic regression model as an independent factor for overall mortality. Full article