Mixed Pattern Research Articles

Relationship between Macroeconomic Fundamentals in the West African Monetary Zone

We explore the level of convergence of interest rates, inflation rates, and exchange rates in the West African Monetary Zone economies. The study employs ARFIMA-FIGARCH models on data from January 2000 to December 2018. Two different models are estimated: one to analyze the mean reversion of the macroeconomic variables following country-specific shocks, and another to assess the conditional volatility of these shocks. The findings highlight dissimilarities in the level of integration of interest rates, inflation rates, and exchange rates across the countries. When there is a shock in any of the macroeconomic fundamentals, its reversion to the mean and conditional volatility exhibit mixed patterns. These results suggest that achieving ex-ante convergence for the implementation of a single currency in the West African Monetary Zone would be a difficult and challenging task. The study recommends that the heads of states of the West African Monetary Zone consider implementing surveillance mechanism to monitor these macroeconomic variables since these variables behave differently in the event of shock.

Chronological trend of social contact patterns in Japan after the emergence of COVID-19.

The social contact data for Japan as of 2022 showed a substantially decreased number of contacts compared with before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is unclear whether social contact continues to be depressed following the end of countermeasures against the pandemic. There is also scarce evidence regarding the influence of influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) on social contacts in Japan. Therefore, this study examined whether the reduction in contact frequency during the pandemic was temporary or persists today and assessed the impact of ILIs on social mixing patterns. We conducted online questionnaire surveys of individuals who experienced symptoms of ILIs periodically from 2022 to 2024 to compare the number of contacts per day during and after their illnesses. Contact matrices were obtained from the survey data. The impacts of the timing of the survey and the ILIs were examined using negative binomial regression analysis. Contact patterns were generally age-assortative, and the average contact numbers gradually increased from March 2022 to June 2024. Most recently, the median number of contacts per day during illness was 3 (interquartile range [IQR] 2-7) and then rose to 4.5 (IQR 2-11) after recovery. The earlier survey and ILIs showed a negative association with the frequency of social contacts. The frequency of social contacts in Japan tended to rise compared with that in 2021 but has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. Individuals tended to decrease their contacts when they had symptoms caused by ILIs.

Social mixing patterns of United States healthcare personnel at a quaternary health center: a prospective observational study.

Understanding healthcare personnel's (HCP) contact patterns are important to mitigate healthcare-associated infectious disease transmission. Little is known about how HCP contact patterns change over time or during outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study in a large United States healthcare system examined the social contact patterns of HCP via standardized social contact diaries. HCP were enrolled from October 2020 to June 2022. Participants completed monthly surveys of social contacts during a representative working day. In June 2022, participants completed a 2-day individual-level contact diary. Regression models estimated the association between contact rates and job type. We generated age-stratified contact matrices. Three-hundred and sixty HCP enrolled, 157 completed one or more monthly contact diaries and 88 completed the intensive 2-day diary. In the monthly contact diaries, the median daily contacts were 15 (interquartile range (IQR) 8-20), this increased slightly during the study (slope-estimate 0.004, p-value 0.016). For individual-level contact diaries, 88 HCP reported 2,550 contacts over 2 days. HCP were 2.8 times more likely to contact other HCP (n = 1,592 contacts) than patients (n = 570 contacts). Rehabilitation/transport staff, diagnostic imaging technologists, doctors, nurses, mid-level, and laboratory personnel had higher contacts compared with the lowest contact group (Nursing aids). Contact matrices concentrated in working-age populations. HCP contacts concentrate in their work environment, primarily with other HCP. Their contacts remained stable over time even during large changes to societal contact patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. This stability is critical for designing outbreak and pandemic responses.

P-1288. Changes in Social Contact Patterns Concerning the Respiratory Illness: A Chronological Study in Japan

Abstract Background Transmission dynamics of respiratory pathogens are largely dependent on social mixing patterns, Besides, individuals who are ill might change their contact behavior according to their symptoms. However, there is a paucity of data on social mixing patterns concerning the respiratory illness. Methods Here, we conducted an internet-based periodic survey in Japan since 2022 to characterize the differences in mixing patterns during and after the illness. First, participants who had the respiratory illness were recruited and followed up 2 weeks later. Contact matrices consisting of the age-specific average number of contacted persons recorded per day were obtained from the survey data, using the bootstrap method. Reciprocity was achieved by using the weighted averages according to the age-specific population sizes [1]. Results Contact patterns were generally age-assortative, and the average contact numbers had gradually increased from March 2022 to August 2023. Most recently, the median number of contacts per day during respiratory illness was 3 (interquantile range [IQR] = 1-7) and then rose to 5 (IQR = 3-12) in August 2023. The increase ratio was 1.7 (IQR = 0.1-2.3). The baseline frequency of social contacts during illness was identical to the numbers studied in 2021 in Japan (median number of contacts = 3 [IQR = 1-6]) [2]. The number of contacts increased after illness but considering the contact frequency in the 2011 study (median number of contacts = 12), it has not yet reached the pre-COVD-19 status [3].Figure 1.Contact matrices during and after illness within the study period. Conclusion In this study, we found that individuals tend to decrease their contacts by up to 50% when they feel unwell. This gap was not found until March 2022 in Japan when social distancing measures against COVID-19 remain. Afterward, the frequency of social contact tends to rise but has not yet reached the pre-COVID-19 era as of August 2023. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Historical shoreline analysis in selected areas on the east coast of Albay, Philippines

Shoreline erosion in the Province of Albay, Philippines, remains unmonitored, creating significant vulnerability to natural and anthropogenic drivers. Effective monitoring of coastal integrity is crucial to provide valuable insights into shoreline alterations that can guide future adaptation measures and support climate resilience planning. This study aimed to assess shoreline alterations over the past 20 years by examining natural and anthropogenic drivers shaping these changes and their implications for coastal ecosystems. Erosive trends have resulted in the loss of up to 6 m of coastline in certain places in the cities of Santo Domingo, Bacacay, Malilipot, Legazpi, and Tabaco. Findings revealed that areas distant from river mouths exhibited severe erosion, while those near river mouths showed mixed erosion and deposition patterns. Natural processes, including storm surges and sediment transport, were compounded by human activities such as sand mining, urban expansion, and coastal road constructions, resulting in the degradation, fragmentation and loss of vital coastal ecosystems. These insights underscore the urgent need for systematic shoreline monitoring and the adoption of sustainable coastal management practices, as well as integrating environmental considerations into coastal development planning, enhancing community awareness, and leveraging monitoring data to inform climate resilience and adaptation strategies tailored to local contexts.

Characterization of Streptococcus pyogenes Strains from Tonsillopharyngitis and Scarlet Fever Resurgence, 2023-FIRST Detection of M1UK in Bulgaria.

Recently a resurgence of Streptococcus pyogenes infections has arisen, with concerns around the highly virulent M1UK lineage. Our aim was to characterize S. pyogenes, the immune responses it causes, and to determine the presence of the M1UK lineage in Sofia, Bulgaria. In our study, the infections were confirmed by culture testing or rapid antigen test. Identification was performed by MALDI-TOF and was followed up by antibiotic susceptibility testing (EUCAST). Virulence factors were identified using multiplex PCR and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Immune responses were measured through detection of serum complement levels, lymphocyte subsets, and cytokine profiling. Out of 82 children, 38 had scarlet fever and the rest had streptococcal pharyngitis. Strains were susceptible to penicillin (β-lactams), macrolides, clindamycin, tetracyclines, co-trimoxazole, fluoroquinolones, and linezolid. Superantigen profiles were identified: SpeA + SpeJ (45%), SpeC, and SpeI + SpeH (27.5% each). A novel Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) haplotype in the mutS gene (d90b) was found in four strains. The M1UK lineage was detected for the first time in Bulgaria. We observed an increase in complement fractions C3 and C4 and a decrease in T lymphocytes. A significant increase in the levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10 with corresponding reduction in IL-17A were revealed. In conclusion, the studied S. pyogenes strains were characterized by their susceptibility to antibiotics and the predominance of SpeA superantigen; for the first time in Bulgaria the presence of M1UK and a novel SNP variation in the mutS gene (d90b) were found. A mixed pattern of pro- and anti-inflammatory immune responses in patients was observed.

Short-term impact of low air pressure on plants' functional traits.

Lower atmospheric pressure affects biologically relevant physical parameters such as gas partial pressure and concentration, leading to increased water vapor diffusivity and greater soil water content loss through evapotranspiration. This might impact plant photosynthetic activity, resource allocation, water relations, and growth. However, the direct impact of low air pressure on plant physiology is largely unknown. This study examined the effects of low air pressure, alone and combined with two water inputs, on different functional traits of three plant species transplanted from montane grasslands at 1,500 m a.s.l. during the first four weeks of their early phenological stage: Trifolium pratense, Hieracium pilosella, and Brachypodium rupestre. Using the terraXcube Ecotron facility which can simulate different climatic conditions, we isolated the effect of air pressure from those of other, related environmental factors (temperature, humidity, and solar radiation) by simulating three different elevations with corresponding air pressures: 1,500 m a.s.l. (85 kPa, control scenario), 2,500 m a.s.l. (75 kPa), and 4,000 m a.s.l. (62 kPa) and we used two different water regimes to observe the combined effect of low air pressure and the impact of varying water inputs on plants. In T. pratense and H. pilosella, we observed an increase in stomatal conductance but a reduction in aboveground biomass at the lowest pressure compared to the control scenario after four weeks of incubation. Contrastingly, B. rupestre showed an interactive effect of air pressure and water treatment on chlorophyll and biomass nitrogen content, which were reduced under higher soil water conditions at 85kPa. This study serves as an initial step in isolating the specific impact of air pressure on plant physiology, demonstrating the potential of the facility for future research. The mixed response patterns across species highlight that atmospheric pressure could be a driving factor to consider when assessing plant responses along elevational gradient.

Mixed Signals: interpreting mixing patterns of different soil bioturbation processes through luminescence and numerical modelling

Abstract. Soil bioturbation plays a key role in soil functions such as carbon and nutrient cycling. Despite its importance, fundamental knowledge on how different organisms and processes impact the rates and patterns of soil mixing during bioturbation is lacking. However, this information is essential for understanding the effects of bioturbation in present-day soil functions and on long-term soil evolution. Luminescence, a light-sensitive mineral property, serves as a valuable tracer for long-term soil bioturbation over decadal to millennial timescales. The luminescence signal resets (bleaches) when a soil particle is exposed to daylight at the soil surface and accumulates when the particle is buried in the soil, acting as a proxy for subsurface residence times. In this study, we compiled three luminescence datasets of soil mixing by different biota and compared them to numerical simulations of bioturbation using the ChronoLorica soil-landscape evolution model. The goal was to understand how different mixing processes affect depth profiles of luminescence-based metrics, such as the modal age, width of the age distributions and fraction of the bleached particles. We focus on two main bioturbation processes: mounding (advective transport of soil material to the surface) and subsurface mixing (diffusive subsurface transport). Each process has a distinct effect on the luminescence metrics, which we summarized in a conceptual diagram to help with qualitative interpretation of luminescence-based depth profiles. A first attempt to derive quantitative information from luminescence datasets through model calibration showed promising results but also highlighted gaps in the data that must be addressed before accurate, quantitative estimates of bioturbation rates and processes are possible. The new numerical formulations of bioturbation, which are provided in an accompanying modelling tool, provide new possibilities for calibration and more accurate simulation of the processes in soil function and soil evolution models.

Odontogenic and non-odondogenic cysts in the jaws: a retrospective analysis

Aims: This study aims to retrospectively analyze the demographic, clinical, and radiological characteristics of jaw cysts and evaluate the implications of these findings for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and the prevention of potential complications. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Kırıkkale University Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic between April 2023 and May 2024. A total of 178 patients, histopathologically diagnosed with jaw cysts, were included. Data on demographic factors such as age and gender, as well as clinical and radiological features of the cysts, were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 48.52±16.56 years, with 56.74% of the cohort being male and 43.25% female. The distribution of lesions was as follows: 53.93% in the mandible, 43.82% in the maxilla, and 2.25% in both jaws. Radiologically, 79.77% of the lesions were radiolucent, while 20.22% exhibited a mixed radiological pattern. Clinically, 86.52% of the lesions were asymptomatic, while 13.48% were symptomatic. The most prevalent cyst types identified were radicular cysts (35.4%), dentigerous cysts (19.1%), and keratocysts (19.1%). Conclusion: A comprehensive analysis of the demographic and radiological characteristics of jaw cysts plays a pivotal role in achieving precise diagnoses and devising effective treatment strategies. The present study shows that radicular cysts are the most common type, which is consistent with previous studies. However, the findings indicate a lower prevalence of radicular cysts compared to other studies focusing on cystic lesions. Moreover, this study reports higher prevalence rates for dentigerous cysts and keratocysts compared to certain other studies. These findings emphasize the importance of accounting for individual and population-based variability when diagnosing and managing jaw cysts.

Clinical characteristics, management, and malignancy rate of oral lichen planus: A European multicenter study.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous condition that includes a spectrum of oral clinical manifestations ranging from mild painless white lesions to painful erosions and ulcers. The purpose of this European multicenter study is to describe the general characteristics of OLP lesions, the clinical and histopathological diagnosis, and the management of OLP at different European Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Surgery centers, in order to minimize selections biases and provide information about the current trends in the treatment of OLP across Europe. Data and histopathological records of patients with OLP were retrospectively revised and only those patients that fulfilled the diagnostic criteria from the 2016 position paper by American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology were included. The following data were recorded for each patient: gender, age, voluptuary habits, risk factors for OLP (psychological stress, medications, systemic diseases), location of OLP lesions, clinical presentation, patterns of clinical expression, symptoms, treatment, possible clinical improvement, and malignant transformation. A total of 565 OLP patients (422 females, 143 males) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the study population at diagnosis was 60.11 years. In 262 patients (46.4 %), just a site of OLP was identified: in 186 of these "one-site" patients, OLP was diagnosed just in buccal mucosa. The most frequently observed clinical pattern was reticular. When evaluating the treatment received, 294 patients were kept in follow up with a Wait-and-see approach. The most frequent treatment regimen was the use of topical corticosteroids (123 patients). A significant statistical association was found between the prescription of topical corticosteroids (P < .0005) or retinoids (P < .000005) and symptoms improvement. Squamous cell carcinoma associated with OLP lesions was observed during the follow-up in 9 OLP patients out of 565 (1.6 %). Reticular and mixed clinical patterns are the most frequent subtypes of OLP. The use of topical corticosteroids and retinoids for the management of OLP seems to allow good improvement results of symptoms and signs. A clinical long-term follow-up is fundamental due to the chronic nature of OLP and possible malignant transformation.

Modeling undetected poliovirus circulation following the 2022 outbreak in the United States

ABSTRACT Background New York State (NYS) reported a polio case (June 2022) and outbreak of imported type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) (last positive wastewater detection in February 2023), for which uncertainty remains about potential ongoing undetected transmission. Research Design and Methods Extending a prior deterministic model, we apply an established stochastic modeling approach to characterize the confidence about no circulation (CNC) of cVDPV2 as a function of time since the last detected signal of transmission (i.e. poliovirus positive acute flaccid myelitis case or wastewater sample). Results With the surveillance coverage for the NYS population majority and its focus on outbreak counties, modeling suggests a high CNC (95%) within 3–10 months of the last positive surveillance signal, depending on surveillance sensitivity and population mixing patterns. Uncertainty about surveillance sensitivity implies longer durations required to achieve higher CNC. Conclusions In populations that maintain high overall immunization coverage with inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), rare polio cases may occur in un(der)-vaccinated individuals. Modeling demonstrates the unlikeliness of type 2 outbreaks reestablishing endemic transmission or resulting in large absolute numbers of paralytic cases. Achieving and maintaining high immunization coverage with IPV remains the most effective measure to prevent outbreaks and shorten the duration of imported poliovirus transmission.

A Review of Studies Regarding the Impact of Financial Technology (Fintech) and Financial Stability: The Mediating Role of Corporate Social Responsibility

The determination of this review is to evaluate the existing studies on the link between fintech and the financial stability of the banking sector, as well as the mediating effects of corporate social responsibility. This study mainly analyses the most relevant contents of fifty existing studies that are retrieved from the Google Scholar database. The specific period is taken into account for the study (2015–2023). The PRISMA method was applied for this literature review. There are some limitations of this study; first, it is solely uses Google Scholar for articles. Second, only general articles are evaluated, not book chapters, review papers, working papers, reports, editorials, conference papers, graduate theses, or preprints. Thirdly, this review covers 2015–2023. Fourth, evaluate only one financial sector, which may be unsatisfactory. The results are in a mixed pattern because many studies reveal that the financial technology and financial stability of the banking sector have positive and significant results because the contribution of financial technology boosts their operation in many ways, like lending and borrowing, wealth management, asset management, insurance, and many other activities that a commercial bank performs. On the other hand, various studies have found a negative and insignificant relationship between Fintech and financial stability. Because of that, there are some factors like risk and government laws and regulations that do not have enough management. Fintech and corporate social responsibility also have a positive impact on the financial stability of the banking sector. Because of the new potential and risks for the monetary segment, the present article contributes to our knowledge of how the expansion of fintech businesses affects the banking industry. The article also offers recommendations for future studies on the effects of fintech activities on economic and social prosperity.

The Standard Model quark/lepton masses and the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa mixing in an SU(8) theory

The observed Standard Model (SM) quark/lepton mass hierarchies and the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) mixing pattern are described in an SU(8) theory through its realistic symmetry breaking pattern with three intermediate stages, which rely on a set of d = 5 gravity-induced operators that break the emergent global symmetries in the chiral fermion sector, as well as the precise identifications of all non-trivially embedded SM flavors.

Unexplained Chronically Elevated Aminotransferases: Liver BiopsyGives Major Information with Therapeutic Implication in One Patient Out of Seven.

Liver biopsy contribution in patients with unexplained elevation of transaminases is not clearly established. The aim was to study liver biopsy contribution in patients with unexplained elevated transaminases strictly defined according to the current guidelines, reflecting the present clinical practice. In a retrospective study, we identified all the liver biopsies performed in patients with elevated transaminases for at least six months. Patients with a particular context, or with an identified cause of liver disease were excluded. The biopsies were classified according to the 4 following injury patterns: hepatitic, biliary, steatotic, vascular. 87 patients were included. Liver biopsy showed minimal changes or a normal histology in 48%, a steatotic pattern in 21%, a hepatitic pattern in 13%, a vascular pattern in 8%, a biliary pattern in 1%, and a mixed pattern in 8%. A cause could be determined in 21% of patients with normal histology, 85% with steatosis, 56% with hepatitis, 75% with biliary, but in none with isolated vascular pattern. Liver biopsy had important clinical and therapeutic implications in 15% of patients, with a diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Elevation of transaminases > 10 upper normal limit was present in all the patients with confirmed autoimmune hepatitis, but in only 7% of others. Liver biopsy had important clinical and therapeutic implications in 15% of patients. However, the majority of patients had minimal changes without a cause, or minor vascular lesions of uncertain significance.

Zoning a productive city? A typology of clustering, diversity and specialisation in Melbourne’s urban industrial areas

This research focuses on identifying the nuanced land use dynamics of urban industrial zones. Industrial lands in major Western cities have undergone significant change in the face of increasingly competitive property markets. At the same time, many countries seek to reshore manufacturing and support local industrial activity amid changes in production technologies, global supply chain shocks and geopolitical insecurity. Yet policymakers often fail to seriously consider the contemporary character of industrial zones and research has yet to analyse this in a systematic way. In response, we employ k-means cluster analysis to develop a typology of industrial zones in Melbourne, Australia. The typology captures a range of industrial zone clusters, which vary by industry mix, specialisation and spatial pattern. While some clusters represent traditional industrial areas, others are highly diverse in terms of firm and employment mix encompassing service sector activity and specialised manufacturing industries. These variations underscore the limitations of traditional zoning frameworks focused predominately on use separation and point towards the need for more responsive and context-specific urban economic development and industrial land use policies.

Brain MRI findings and thoracic CT findings in a dog with hemiparesis and acutely diminished Von-Willebrand factor levels through Angiostrongylus vasorum infection.

A 2-year-old intact male Airedale Terrier was presented with a sudden onset of neurological signs, manifesting as hemiparesis, which were neuroanatomically localized to the brain. Initial bloodwork conducted by the local veterinarian indicated decreased levels of von Willebrand factor, and further examination showed an extended buccal mucosal bleeding time. MRI revealed a substantial hemorrhage within the right parietal lobe, while CT exhibited a mixed pulmonary pattern with unstructured interstitial, peribronchial, and alveolar components, presumably associated with larval migration and pulmonary microhemorrhages. A Baermann fecal test yielded positive results, confirming an Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. Following treatment, the patient exhibited a complete remission of all symptoms and findings.

Quantitative assessment of urban surface deformation risks from tectonic and seismic activities using multitemporal microwave satellite remote sensing: a case study of Almaty city and its surroundings in Kazakhstan

The research goal of these studies was to monitor ground deformations for Almaty city during 2017–2023 and determine the spatial relationships with faults and tectonic plate boundaries. The small baseline subset interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SBAS-InSAR) was deployed for the interferometric measurements of ground deformations using Sentinel-1 radar satellite images. Distinct deformation patterns were observed from both sides of the tectonic plate boundary, indicating a standard faulting process. Identical deformation trends were observed from south to north, forming three transition zones from subsidence to uplift and subsidence again. The spatial relationship between faults and ground deformations was also observed in the transition zone with a densely built-up area subject to gradual surface declination with potential risks to infrastructure. Five incidents of building and bridge deformations with subsiding cumulative trends were observed in the same location. Most subsiding areas were in Zone 1, with maximum annual subsidence velocity and cumulative displacement of − 57 mm/y and – 399, respectively. In contrast, most uplifting areas were primarily in Zone 2, with maximum yearly uplift velocity and cumulative displacement of 40 mm/y and 254 mm, respectively, and mixed deformation patterns in Zone 3. These vertical movements in Almaty verify active tectonic plate activity that should be integrated into city risk assessment plans.

Cellular pattern of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in suspected cases of interstitial lung diseases

: Bronchoalveolar lavage, a safe and less invasive treatment, is used as an auxiliary diagnostic tool when lung biopsy and radiologic imaging are insufficient in providing information to diagnosis interstitial lung disease (ILD). The aim is to analyse differential count in Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in suspected cases of interstitial lung diseases and hence guiding clinicians for better management of the patient.A cross-sectional study was performed for one year. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was recovered from thirty suspected cases of ILD, and sent to the cytopathology department where at least 400 cells were microscopically analyzed on centrifuged slides.Among 30 suspected casesNeutrophilic cellular pattern was predominantly observed in six cases ofUsual Interstitial Pneumonia, five cases of Non-specific Interstitial Pneumonia and four cases of Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. Similarly, lymphocytic cellular pattern was predominant in four cases of Sarcoidosis. Among four cases each of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and Granulomatous Polyangitis, different cellular pattern was discerned in each case. Acute interstitial pneumonia and silicosis each had one case exhibiting mixed cellular pattern and increased macrophages respectively. Because subcategorization was not possible, 1 case was assigned an ILD-post-COVID status that showed Normal cellullar pattern.When treating suspected cases of ILDs, BAL fluid analysis may be essential in helping the physician confirm a diagnosis or narrow the differential diagnosis. In addition, BAL helps to predict whether a disease is acute or chronic and provide details on the condition of superadded infections to help with proper treatment.

Crashworthiness Performance Study of 3D-Printed Multi-Cell Tubes Hybridized with Aluminum Under Axial Quasi-Static Testing

This study investigates the crashworthiness performance of 3D-printed hybrid tubes, fabricated using PLA and PACF filaments with varying shell thicknesses (1, 1.5, and 2 mm). The hybrid tubes, composed of a shell, aluminum, and multi-cell structure, were subjected to axial quasi-static testing. Results indicate that both shell thickness and filament type significantly influence crashworthiness. PLA specimens with a shell thickness of 2 mm absorbed 504 J of energy, whereas PACF specimens with the same thickness absorbed only 342.9 J. The deformation mode analysis revealed mixed deformation patterns, including diamond, fracture, and fragmented modes. The study also evaluated specific energy absorption (SEA) and crushing force efficiency (CFE). The PLA specimen with a 2 mm shell thickness exhibited the highest SEA value of 18.61 J/g among all specimens. In contrast, the PACF specimen with the same shell thickness demonstrated the highest CFE value of 0.82 among the tested specimens. Overall, this research contributes insights into the design optimization of 3D-printed hybrid tubes for enhanced crashworthiness.

Metabolic Health, Overweight or Obesity, and Lung Function in Older Australian Adults.

Background: Few studies have explored the links between adiposity, metabolic health, and lung function. This study examined the cross-sectional association between spirometric lung function and overweight/obesity, with and without metabolic abnormalities, in older adults. Methods: The research involved 3,318 older adults from the Hunter Community Study Cohort who had a BMI of 18.5 kg/m2 or higher. Participants were grouped based on BMI and metabolic health risk. Obesity was defined as a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more, while metabolic health was determined by the absence of risk factors according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Lung function was assessed via spirometry, measuring FEV1, FVC, predicted FEV1, predicted FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio. Lung dysfunction was classified into restrictive, obstructive, mixed patterns, and deviations from predicted FEV1 and FVC. Results: The mean lung function measurements were as follows: FEV1 2.4 L (0.7), FVC 2.9 L (0.8), predicted FEV1% 88.7% (17.6), predicted FVC% 85.6% (15.7), and FEV1/FVC 82.5% (8.5). Compared to the metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW) group, the odds of lung dysfunction were as follows. For the restrictive pattern, the MHOW group had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.00 (95% CI: 0.70-1.47, p = 0.959) and the MHO group had an OR of 1.67 (95% CI: 1.13-2.49, p = 0.011). For the obstructive pattern, the MHOW group had an OR of 0.39 (95% CI: 0.20-0.77, p = 0.007) and the MHO group had an OR of 0.36 (95% CI: 0.12-1.05, p = 0.061). For the mixed pattern, the MHOW group had an OR of 0.39 (95% CI: 0.18-0.87, p = 0.021) and the MHO group had an OR of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.10-0.87, p = 0.027). Conclusions: A higher BMI and variations in metabolic health are associated with an increased likelihood of restrictive lung function patterns. Conversely, obesity is inversely related to obstructive lung function patterns.