bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposal of a similarity measure for unified modeling language class diagram images using convolutional neural network
Authors: Jebli Rhaydae , El Bouhdidi Jaber , Yassin Chkouri Mohamed
Published: January 2024

The unified modeling language (UML) represents an essential tool for modeling and visualizing software systems. UML diagrams provide a graphical representation of a system's components. Comparing and processing these diagrams, for instance, can be complicated, especially as software projects grow in size and complexity. In such contexts, deep learning techniques have emerged as a promising solution for solving complex problems. One of these crucial problems is the measurement of similarity between images, making it possible to compare and calculate the differences between two given diagrams. The present work intends to build a method for calculating the degree of similarity between two UML class diagrams. With a goal to provide teachers a helpful tool for assessing students' UML class diagrams.
A simplified classification computational model of opinion mining using deep learning
Authors: Dembala Rajeshwari , Thammaiah Ananthapadmanabha
Published: January 2024

Opinion and attempts to develop an automated system to determine people's viewpoints towards various units such as events, topics, products, services, organizations, individuals, and issues. Opinion analysis from the natural text can be regarded as a text and sequence classification problem which poses high feature space due to the involvement of dynamic information that needs to be addressed precisely. This paper introduces effective modelling of human opinion analysis from social media data subjected to complex and dynamic content. Firstly, a customized preprocessing operation based on natural language processing mechanisms as an effective data treatment process towards building quality-aware input data. On the other hand, a suitable deep learning technique, bidirectional long short term-memory (Bi-LSTM), is implemented for the opinion classification, followed by a data modelling process where truncating and padding is performed manually to achieve better data generalization in the training phase. The design and development of the model are carried on the MATLAB tool. The performance analysis has shown that the proposed system offers a significant advantage in terms of classification accuracy and less training time due to a reduction in the feature space by the data treatment operation.
Automatic customer review summarization using deep learning-based hybrid sentiment analysis
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep , Sharma Amit
Published: January 2024

Customer review summarization (CRS) offers business owners summarized customer feedback. The functionality of CRS mainly depends on the sentiment analysis (SA) model; hence it needs an efficient SA technique. The aim of this study is to construct an SA model employing deep learning for CRS (SADL-CRS) to present summarized data and assist businesses in understanding the behavior of their customers. The SA model employing deep learning (SADL) and CRS phases make up the proposed automatic SADL-CRS model. The SADL consists of review preprocessing, feature extraction, and sentiment classification. The preprocessing stage removes irrelevant text from the reviews using natural language processing (NLP) methods. The proposed hybrid approach combines review-related features and aspect-related features to efficiently extract the features and create a unique hybrid feature vector (HF) for each review. The classification of input reviews is performed using a deep learning (DL) classifier long short-term memory (LSTM). The CRS phase performs the automatic summarization employing the outcome of SADL. The experimental evaluation of the proposed model is done using diverse research data sets. The SADL-CRS model attains the average recall, precision, and F1-score of 95.53%, 95.76%, and 95.06%, respectively. The review summarization efficiency of the suggested model is improved by 6.12% compared to underlying CRS methods.
Fuzzy logic method-based stress detector with blood pressure and body temperature parameters
Authors: Fajrin Hanifah Rahmi , Sasmeri Sasmeri , Riski Prilia Levina , Untara Bambang , Ahdan Fawwaz Nurkholid Muhammad
Published: January 2024

In this study, using the fuzzy logic method, a stress detection tool was created with body temperature and blood pressure parameters as indicators to determine a person's stress level. This tool uses the LM35DZ sensor to detect body temperature, the MPX5100GP sensor to read blood pressure values, and Arduino Uno as a data processor from sensor readings which are then calculated using the fuzzy logic method as a stress level decision-maker. The resulting output measures blood pressure, body temperature, and the stress level experienced by a person, which will be displayed on the liquid crystal display. Based on the results of testing the body temperature parameter, the highest error generated was 1.17%, and for the blood pressure parameter, the highest error was 2.5% for systole and 0.93% for diastole. Furthermore, testing the stress level displayed on the tool is compared to the depression, anxiety, and stress scales 42 (DASS 42), a psychological stress measuring instrument. From the results of testing the tool with the questionnaire, the average conformity level is 74%.
Seizure stage detection of epileptic seizure using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Krori Dutta Kusumika , Manohar Premila , Krishnappa Indira
Published: January 2024

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seventy million individuals worldwide suffer from epilepsy, a neurological disorder. While electroencephalography (EEG) is crucial for diagnosing epilepsy and monitoring the brain activity of epilepsy patients, it requires a specialist to examine all EEG recordings to find epileptic behavior. This procedure needs an experienced doctor, and a precise epilepsy diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment. To identify epileptic seizures, this study employed a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on raw scalp EEG signals to discriminate between preictal, ictal, postictal, and interictal segments. The possibility of these characteristics is explored by examining how well time-domain signals work in the detection of epileptic signals using intracranial Freiburg Hospital (FH), scalp Children's Hospital Boston-Massachusetts Institute of Technology (CHB-MIT) databases, and Temple University Hospital (TUH) EEG. To test the viability of this approach, two types of experiments were carried out. Firstly, binary class classification (preictal, ictal, postictal each versus interictal) and four-class classification (interictal versus preictal versus ictal versus postictal). The average accuracy for stage detection using CHB-MIT database was 84.4%, while the Freiburg database's time-domain signals had an accuracy of 79.7% and the highest accuracy of 94.02% for classification in the TUH EEG database when comparing interictal stage to preictal stage.
Detecting and resolving feature envy through automated machine learning and move method refactoring
Authors: Al-Fraihat Dimah , Sharrab Yousef , Al-Ghuwairi Abdel-Rahman , AlElaimat Majed , Alzaidi Maram
Published: January 2024

Efficiently identifying and resolving code smells enhances software project quality. This paper presents a novel solution, utilizing automated machine learning (AutoML) techniques, to detect code smells and apply move method refactoring. By evaluating code metrics before and after refactoring, we assessed its impact on coupling, complexity, and cohesion. Key contributions of this research include a unique dataset for code smell classification and the development of models using AutoGluon for optimal performance. Furthermore, the study identifies the top 20 influential features in classifying feature envy, a well-known code smell, stemming from excessive reliance on external classes. We also explored how move method refactoring addresses feature envy, revealing reduced coupling and complexity, and improved cohesion, ultimately enhancing code quality. In summary, this research offers an empirical, data-driven approach, integrating AutoML and move method refactoring to optimize software project quality. Insights gained shed light on the benefits of refactoring on code quality and the significance of specific features in detecting feature envy. Future research can expand to explore additional refactoring techniques and a broader range of code metrics, advancing software engineering practices and standards.
Remote field-programmable gate array laboratory for signal acquisition and design verification
Authors: Sum Rithea , Suwansantisuk Watcharapan , Kumhom Pinit
Published: January 2024

A remote laboratory utilizing field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technologies enhances students’ learning experience anywhere and anytime in embedded system design. Existing remote laboratories prioritize hardware access and visual feedback for observing board behavior after programming, neglecting comprehensive debugging tools to resolve errors that require internal signal acquisition. This paper proposes a novel remote embedded-system design approach targeting FPGA technologies that are fully interactive via a web-based platform. Our solution provides FPGA board access and debugging capabilities beyond the visual feedback provided by existing remote laboratories. We implemented a lab module that allows users to seamlessly incorporate into their FPGA design. The module minimizes hardware resource utilization while enabling the acquisition of a large number of data samples from the signal during the experiments by adaptively compressing the signal prior to data transmission. The results demonstrate an average compression ratio of 2.90 across three benchmark signals, indicating efficient signal acquisition and effective debugging and analysis. This method allows users to acquire more data samples than conventional methods. The proposed lab allows students to remotely test and debug their designs, bridging the gap between theory and practice in embedded system design.
Use of remote sensing and GIS in assessing the impact of Prosopis juliflora proliferation on land use, land cover and diversity of native flora at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, India
Authors: Sourav Gupta  , Arandhara Subhasish , Sathishkumar Selvarasu , Baskaran Nagarajan
Published: January 2024

It is crucial to accurately quantify land use and land cover (LULC) within a protected area to understand the implications of habitat changes on biodiversity. Today’s remote sensing and GIS technologies greatly facilitate analysis of LULC, especially with regards to tracing changes over space and time. This study uses remote sensing and GIS to examine the impact of climate, herbivore, and anthropogenic pressures including invasive Mesquite Prosopis juliflora on native plant communities at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary. Classification of satellite images revealed that dry evergreen, mudflat, and water bodies had transformed into open scrub from 1995 to 2018 and the shift in LULC is detected with optimal accuracy (85%). Changes in LULC are largely attributable to a rise in open scrub caused by the growth in P. juliflora from 3 to 6 km2 since 1995. GLM-based regression to examine the influence of climate, herbivores, and anthropogenic pressure including P. juliflora on native flora show native tree density, shrub density, shrub diversity, herb, and grass cover decreasing with P. juliflora cover or density. These findings imply that as the P. juliflora spreads the native plant diversity and density at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary will continue to decline. P. juliflora is being eradicated in phases through management efforts, however, here we recommend a coordinated effort to curb further expansion in order to reverse ecological decline.
The genus Holigarna Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb. (Anacardiaceae) in the central Western Ghats, Karnataka, India
Authors: Manjunath Kumbar Mudakappa , H.S. Shashwathi  , Jain H.M. Rakshitha , Y.L. Krishnamurthy
Published: January 2024

The article deals with the taxonomy of the genus Holigarna found in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Five species of Holigarna have been reported from the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The field surveys, herbarium examinations, and literature references provided the information on endemism, correct names, a short description, flowering & fruiting period, distribution, and illustrations & photographs of all the five species of the genus Holigarna.
Report of Bathycoelia indica Dallas, 1851 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) as a pest of pomegranate Punica granatum L. cultivated in Maharashtra State
Authors: Kudnar P.S. , Gowande Gaurang G. , Ghate Hemant V.
Published: January 2024

A pentatomid bug Bathycoelia indica Dallas, 1851 is reported as a pest of pomegranate plantation in Maharashtra (India). Brief re-description of the species, including that of male and female genitalia, eggs, some nymphal stages and live adults, with many digital illustrations, is provided.
Impact of Comorbid Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Atrial Fibrillation on the Long-Term Outcome After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Lippert Julian , Dekkers Martijn , Baillieul Sebastien , Duss Simone B. , Reichlin Tobias , Brill Anne-Kathrin , Bernasconi Corrado , Schmidt Markus H. , Bassetti Claudio L.A.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are highly prevalent in patients with stroke and are recognized as independent risk factors for stroke. Little is known about the impact of comorbid SDB and AF on long-term outcomes after stroke.

METHODS:

In this prospective cohort study, 353 patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attacks were analyzed. Patients were screened for SDB by respiratory polygraphy during acute hospitalization. Screening for AF was performed using a 7-day ECG up to 3× in the first 6 months. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 1, 3, 12, 24, and 36 months poststroke. Cox regression models adjusted for various factors (age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart failure) were used to assess the impact of comorbid SDB and AF on subsequent death or cerebro-cardiovascular events.

RESULTS:

Among 353 patients (299 ischemic stroke and 54 transient ischemic attacks), median age, 67 (interquartile range, 57–74) years with 63% males. Moderate-to-severe SDB (apnea-hypopnea index score, ≥15/h) was present in 118 (33.4%) patients. Among the 56 (15.9%) patients with AF, 28 had comorbid moderate-to-severe SDB and AF. Over 36 months, there were 12 deaths and 67 recurrent cerebro-cardiovascular events. Patients with comorbid moderate-to-severe SDB and AF had a higher risk of subsequent death or cerebro-cardiovascular events compared with those with only moderate-to-severe SDB without AF (hazard ratio, 2.49 [95% CI, 1.18–5.24]) and to those without moderate-to-severe SDB or AF (hazard ratio, 2.25 [95% CI, 1.12–4.50]). However, no significant difference was found between the comorbid moderate-to-severe SDB and AF group and the group with only AF without moderate-to-severe SDB (hazard ratio, 1.64 [95% CI, 0.62–4.36]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Comorbid moderate-to-severe SDB and AF significantly increase the risk of long-term mortality or recurrent cerebro-cardiovascular events after acute ischemic stroke. Considering both conditions as cumulative and modifiable cerebro-cardiovascular risk factors is of interest for the management of acute stroke.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02559739.
Crimes of Humanity
Authors: Grote Tatjana
Published: January 2024

The idea of ‘crimes against humanity’ has been uniquely successful and constitutes an essential part of international criminal law. This article offers a novel explanation for this ideational potency. It is submitted that what we came to call crimes against humanity is, in fact, made possible by uniquely human features. Examining why, nevertheless, the conjunction ‘against’ has been far more dominant than the equally plausible ‘of’, the article reveals a psychological function of international criminal law: Construing mass atrocity as the antipode of humanity allows to escape the painful feeling of cognitive dissonance that arises when confronted with the fact that atrocious events remain an undeniable part of our world. Since using international criminal law as a defence mechanism comes with several undesirable side-effects, the article concludes by calling on the international law community to understand organized mass atrocity both as ‘crimes against humanity’ and as ‘crimes of humanity’.
Trichoderma wuyiense (Hypocreales, Ascomycota), a new species from Wuyi Mountains, China
Authors: MA YU-KUN , YANG SHI-JIA , LI YE-TONG , GAO HAN-XING , LI YU , ZHU ZHAO-XIANG
Published: January 2024

We conducted an examination of Trichoderma collections from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian province, China. Through a comprehensive analysis that combined morphological data, culture characteristics, and phylogenetic information based on rDNA sequences of the gene encoding the second largest nuc RNA polymerase subunit (RPB2) and the partial nuc translation elongation factor 1-α encoding gene (TEF1-α), we introduce a new species called Trichoderma wuyiense, along with its asexual morphological characteristics. Trichoderma wuyiense is characterized by trichoderma- to verticillium-like conidiophores, lageniform to subulate phialides, and globose to ellipsoidal conidia. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that T. wuyiense belongs to the Viride clade and is closely related to T. sparsum. We also discuss the distinguishing features that set the new species apart from its close relatives. This study contributes to the understanding of Trichoderma diversity in the Wuyi Mountains and provides valuable insights into the morphology, phylogeny, and taxonomy of Trichoderma species. The identification of T. wuyiense adds to our knowledge of fungal biodiversity and highlights the importance of considering both morphological and molecular characteristics for accurate species classification.
Taxonomic notes and a new country record for Peperomia subgenus Pseudocupula (Piperaceae) in Brazil
Authors: MARCUSSO GABRIEL MENDES , BIRAL LEONARDO , SABINO GABRIEL PAVAN , MATHIEU GUIDO , FORZZA RAFAELA CAMPOSTRINI
Published: January 2024

Peperomia is a mega-diverse herbaceous genus with high species richness in the Neotropics, growing mainly as epiphyte or rupicolous/saxicolous. Fourteen subgenera are recognized based on molecular phylogenies. In this study, contributions to P. subg. Pseudocupula in Brazil are presented. During an ongoing taxonomic revision of P. pereskiifolia and allied taxa in Brazil, some incongruent circumscriptions were found which are discussed here. Peperomia pereirae f. pereirae is proposed as a new synonym of P. rubricaulis, and a new combination and status change of P. pereirae f. hirtulicaule to P. hirtulicaulis is presented. Finally, we confirm the occurrence of Peperomia tetragona in Brazil, which has frequently been misidentified in herbarium collections and overlooked in the country. Taxonomic discussion, color photographs, distributional maps and identification key are presented for the treated taxa.
A New Wave-State-Based Drag Coefficient Parameterization for Coastal Regions
Authors: Chen Sheng , Jiang Wen Zheng , Xue Yuhuan , Ma Hongyu , Yu Yong Qing , Wang Zhanli , Qiao Fangli
Published: January 2024

The large scatter of the drag coefficient CD at a given wind speed and its discrepancy in coastal regions and open oceans have received increasing attention. However, the parameterization of CD is still an open question, especially in coastal regions. Therefore, this study systematically investigated the influence of surface waves on wind stress based on in situ observations of surface waves and air–sea fluxes on three coastal tower-based platforms in different regions. A formulation that is a function of only wind speed was established in the wind speed range of 1–20 m s−1, and when extended to 30 m s−1, it could predict the saturation of coastal CD at a 20 m s−1 wind speed and then the attenuation. However, this wind-based formulation does not simulate the scatter of CD in practice. By further analyzing the effect of wave states on wind stress, the parameters of wave age and directionality of wind and waves were incorporated into the wind-based formulation, and a new wave-state-based parameterization on CD was proposed, which can estimate the widely spread CD values to a large extent and the saturation of CD. The RMSE between this new parameterization and observations reduce approximately 20% and 9% relative to the COARE and wind-based formula. The applicability of this new parameterization was further demonstrated through a comparison between the newly parameterized CD and observed asymmetric CD in different quadrants of a tropical cyclone. The wave-state-based parameterization scheme requires three parameters, wind speed U10, wave age β, and wave off-wind angle θ, and it is expected to be applied to coastal regions.

Significance Statement

Wind stress over the ocean plays an important role in numerical simulations for both the atmosphere and ocean, which requires accurate parameterization. However, parameterization of wind stress or drag coefficient CD is still an open question due to the complexity of the potential factors behind wind stress, especially for coastal regions. This manuscript provided a new wave-state-based parameterization scheme at low to high wind speeds for coastal regions, based on field observations on three coastal towers. This new parameterization can predict the saturation of CD at a wind speed of 20 m s−1 and then the attenuation, agreeing well with the previous coastal observations, and simulate the large scatter of CD to a large extent. Furthermore, it can predict the asymmetric CD in different quadrants of a tropical cyclone, consistent with the observations. This parameterization scheme requires only three parameters, wind speed, wave age, and misalignment angle between wind and wave, which can be conveniently applied to the numerical models.
Identifying ZDR Columns in Radar Data with the Hotspot Technique
Authors: Krause John , Klaus Vinzent
Published: January 2024

A novel differential reflectivity (ZDR) column detection method, the hotspot technique, has been developed. Utilizing constant altitude plan projection indicators (CAPPI) of ZDR, reflectivity, and a proxy for circular depolarization ratio at the height of the −10°C isotherm, the method identifies the location of the base of the ZDR column rather than the entire ZDR column depth. The new method is compared to two other existing ZDR column detection methods and shown to be an improvement in regions where there is a ZDR bias.

Significance Statement

Thunderstorm updrafts are the area of a storm where precipitation grows, electrification is initiated, and tornadoes may form. Therefore, accurate detection and quantification of updraft properties using weather radar data is of great importance for assessing a storm’s damage potential in real time. Current methods to automatically detect updraft areas, however, are error-prone due to common deficiencies in radar measurements. We present a novel algorithmic approach to identify storm updrafts that eliminates some of the known shortcomings of existing methods. In the future, our method could be used to develop new hail detection algorithms, or to improve short-term weather forecasting models.
Framing Cuba: U.S. Media and Cuba’s Black Lives Matter Protests
Authors: Greene Geneva , Candelaria Raul T.
Published: January 2024

This study explores United States of America media frames identified during the July 2021 Afro Cuban protests. Afro Cuban protest, the corresponding Black Lives Matter statement and associated media coverage converge at an intersection of the U.S. press media framing of Cuban politics and BLM movements. The researcher uses a content analysis of articles published by The New York Times and The Washington Post to determine whether frames within the coverage align with those identified in existing literature pertaining to Cuba and the BLM movement. The New York Times and The Washington Post were selected due to their focus on foreign news and their presence in existing research on Cuba and BLM framing. The Cuba content analysis coding scheme examines U.S./Cuba relations, Cuba-domestic/social and political, and Cuba- domestic/economics media frames. The BLM coding scheme explores quotations and mentions of Afro Cuban issues. The content analysis reveals that media framing aligns with Cuba relations instead of BLM. This research contributes to the intersection of Cuba and BLM to explore opportunities to highlight Black experiences in Cuba.
How religiosity and spirituality influences the ecologically conscious consumer psychology of Christians, the non-religious, and atheists in the United States
Authors: Muralidharan Sidharth , La Ferle Carrie , Roth-Cohen Osnat
Published: January 2024

Despite global warming and climate change remaining top environmental issues, many people do not prioritize the environment. However, religious and spiritual beliefs can influence pro-environmental behavior. Therefore, we focused on understanding how religiosity and spirituality among Christians, the non-religious, and atheists, influence ecologically conscious consumer behavior (ECCB) through environmental values (i.e. egoistic, altruistic, and biospheric) and issue involvement. Using Qualtrics, we recruited a US sample of Christians ( n = 362), the non-religious ( n = 132), and atheists ( n = 84). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) analyses confirmed the hypothesized model. Overall, the findings suggest that religiosity is related to the environmental values of Christians and the non-religious. This relationship increased issue involvement and positively impacted participants’ ECCB. More importantly, irrespective of religious affiliation, perceived spiritual connection with nature promoted ECCB.
Phone presence and relationship quality: Examining the role of emotion accuracy and bias
Authors: Heyman Jennifer L. , Human Lauren J.
Published: January 2024

Does phone presence during romantic couple conversations influence the accuracy and bias of emotion perceptions? This two-part study examined whether phone presence – experimentally-manipulated in the lab (Part 1: N = 383) and assessed naturalistically in daily diaries (Part 2: N = 342) – relates to emotion perceptions, and, in turn, relationship quality. In Part 1, participants randomly assigned to have their phone present (vs. absent) with their romantic partner exhibited more positive emotion perceptions, indirectly contributing to greater relationship quality. In Part 2, on days when participants reported having their phone present with their romantic partner, they exhibited greater assumed similarity, indirectly contributing to greater relationship quality. Overall, phone presence when with a romantic partner may be beneficial, as it could contribute to more biased partner impressions and, in turn, greater relationship quality.
Multi-Level Prediction Framework of Driving Risk Based on the Matter-Element Extension Model
Authors: Xiong Xiaoxia , He Yu , Cai Yingfeng , Liu Qingchao , Wang Hai , Chen Long
Published: January 2024

Surrogate safety measures (SSMs) can be used alone or in combination to assess vehicle conflicts. However, considering the complexity and uncertainty of the traffic environment, the road traffic factors that can be accounted for are still limited by combining two or more SSMs. This study proposes a driving risk prediction framework based on a modified matter-element extension model (MEEM), which integrates a set of carefully selected indicators at the macro-road-section level, the meso-vehicle-group level, and the micro-adjacent-vehicle level, to comprehensively reflect the factors affecting road traffic safety in temporal, spatial, and vehicular dimensions. To validate the proposed framework, lane-changing trajectories from the highD dataset are extracted to obtain the multi-level indicators and clustered risk levels. Different combinations of the multi-level indicators in different proportions are examined. The results show that the multi-level indicator combinations outperform those with micro-level indicators only, and optimal prediction performance is achieved when the ratio of meso- and micro-level indicators approaches 4:6. Furthermore, different time advances of the macro-level indicators are compared and analyzed considering flow propagation effect. It is found that an appropriate setting of the time advance in the calculation of macro-level indicators can help improve the accuracy of risk prediction. Finally, compared with the baseline algorithm random forest, MEEM generally shows better prediction performance at different prediction time, indicating that the multi-level indicators can be more effectively fused to assess risk using the proposed MEEM.
Analysis of Graft Types Augmented With an Internal Brace for ACL Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Maginnis Connor , Root Cooper , Schiavo Julie H. , Ierulli Victoria K. , Vopat Bryan , Mulcahey Mary K.
Published: January 2024

Background:

New techniques are being developed to decrease the failure rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts and prevent revision surgery. One such technique involves high-strength suture tape (ST), also referred to as internal bracing. Recent literature has highlighted the use of ST for ACL reconstruction, but no study has compared ST augmentation between graft types.

Purpose:

To compare the use of ST augmentation for ACL reconstruction based on the type of graft used (ie, bone–patellar tendon–bone [BPTB], quadriceps, hamstring).

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 5.

Methods:

An online search of multiple databases was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and was completed April 2022 to identify studies related to ST augmentation of ACL grafts.

Results:

Of 926 studies identified, 10 met inclusion criteria. Five studies (50%) used hamstring tendon (HT), 3 (30%) used quadriceps tendon (QT), 1 (10%) used BPTB, and 1 (10%) used both HT and QT grafts. HT autografts augmented with ST had decreased dynamic and peak elongation (15%-56%), increased load to failure, and increased initial and final dynamic stiffness compared with controls. There was no significant difference in postoperative physical examination findings (range of motion, Lachman, pivot shift), except that ST-augmented grafts had significantly less laxity after surgery compared with HT alone (0.8 vs 1.9 mm; P < .05). QT allografts with ST augmentation showed increased graft strength. Human QT autograft studies showed higher Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score scores compared with controls. BPTB allografts with ST augmentation had decreased cyclic displacement by 31% ( P = .015) and increased load (758 ± 128 N; P < .001) and stiffness (156 ± 23 N/mm; P = .003) compared with nonaugmented groups. The complication rate was low or showed no increase in the ST augmentation groups compared with control groups.

Conclusion:

HT, QT, and BPTB grafts augmented with ST demonstrate an effective method for ACL reconstruction. All graft types with ST augmentation showed no evidence of clinical disadvantage, with some studies indicating significant biomechanical or clinical advantages compared with conventional ACL reconstruction.
Support for Affirmative Action in the Workplace: Gender, Race, and Sector Differences
Authors: Hsu Hung-Yi , Riccucci Norma M.
Published: January 2024

Understanding attitudes toward affirmative action (AA) is important because it plays a critical role in the successful implementation of AA and hence diversity in organizations. The field of public sector human resource management (HRM) places a good deal of attention on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). The legal tool of affirmative action remains an important tool for achieving DEIA. This study examines gender, race, and sector differences as predictors of gender- and race-based support for AA in the workplace. Using data from the 2000 to 2018 General Social Survey (GSS), this article finds that Blacks and other persons of color offer more support than White men for race-based and gender-based AA. In addition, women offer more support than men for gender-based affirmative action, but only in the private sector. Overall, public sector employees do not support race- or gender-based AA programs more than their private sector counterparts.
Assessing Executive Function Influences on Reading Comprehension in French Immersion
Authors: Harrison Gina L. , Boulet Lila
Published: January 2024

This study examined whether the assessment of executive function (EF) added a unique contribution to second language (L2) reading comprehension in children in French immersion. Participants were 8- to 9-year old children who completed a collection of measures assessing French reading (i.e., word reading, decoding, and reading comprehension ) and EF (working memory, inhibition, and shifting). After controlling for word-level reading, measures of shifting explained the most variance in reading comprehension compared to the variance accounted for by working memory and inhibition. The results add to the growing evidence of EF’s contribution—especially shifting—to reading comprehension within the context of early literacy learning in the L2.
Live Performers’ Experiences of Precarity and Recognition during COVID-19 and Beyond
Authors: Hancock Philip , Tyler Melissa
Published: January 2024

COVID-19 devastated the ability of self-employed and freelance live performers working in the UK’s live entertainment industries to sustain a living in an already precarious sector of employment. It also exposed the inadequacies of existing ways of conceptualising precarity in allowing a complete understanding of performers’ experiences of precarious employment, particularly during such a crisis. Combining research into precarity, recognition theory and qualitative data on how such performers experienced and responded to the pandemic, this article identifies two forms of precarity they experienced: socioeconomic and recognitive. In doing so, it contributes to the sociology of work by demonstrating how these two modes of precarity generated considerable operational and existential challenges for performers while extending the conceptualisation of precarity in such a way as to offer a more nuanced understanding of its impact, not only on the livelihoods of those experiencing it but also on their work identities and sense of self.
Simulating whole-body vibration for neonatal patients on a tire-coupled road simulator
Authors: Kehoe Patrick , Gibb Keely , Hurley Jason , Langlois Robert G , Green James R , Chan Adrian DC , Toma Elton , Aubertin Cheryl , Greenwood Kim , Ibey Andrew , Redpath Stephanie
Published: January 2024

Exposure to excessive whole-body vibration is linked to health issues and may result in increased rates of mortality and morbidity in infants. Newborn infants requiring specialized treatment at neonatal intensive care units often require transportation by road ambulance to specialized care centers, exposing the infants to potentially harmful vibration and noise. A standardized Neonatal Patient Transport System (NPTS) has been deployed in Ontario, Canada, that provides life saving equipment to patients and safe operation for the clinical care staff. However, there is evidence that suggests patients may experience a higher amplitude of vibration at certain frequencies when compared with the vehicle vibration. In a multi-year collaborative project, we seek to create a standardized test procedure to evaluate the levels of vibration and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. Previous studies have looked at laboratory vibration testing of a transport system or transport incubator and were limited to single degree of freedom excitation, neglecting the combined effects of rotational motion. This study considers laboratory testing of a full vehicle and patient transport system on an MTS Model 320 Tire-Coupled Road Simulator. The simulation of road profiles and discrete events on a tire-coupled road simulator allows for the evaluation of the vibration levels of the transport system and the exploration of mitigation strategies in a controlled setting. The tire-coupled simulator can excite six degrees-of-freedom motion of the transport system for vibration evaluation in three orthogonal directions including the contributions of the three rotational degrees of freedom. The vibration data measured on the transport system during the tire-coupled testing are compared to corresponding road test data to assess the accuracy of the vibration environment replication. Three runs of the same drive file were conducted during the laboratory testing, allowing the identification of anomalies and evaluation of the repeatability. The tire-coupled full vehicle testing revealed a high level of accuracy in re-creating the road sections and synthesized random profiles. The simulation of high amplitude discrete events, such as speed hump traverses, were highly repeatable, yet yielded less accurate results with respect to the peak amplitudes at the patient. The resulting accelerations collected at the input to the manikin (sensor located under the mattress) matched well between the real-world and road simulator. The sensors used during testing included series 3741B uni-axial and series 356A01 tri-axial accelerometers by PCB Piezotronics. These results indicate a tire-coupled road simulator can be used to accurately evaluate vibration levels and assess the benefits of future mitigation strategies in a controlled setting with a high level of repeatability.
Outcomes of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Adult Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Harboring KMT2A Rearrangement and Its Prognostic Factors
Authors: Jiang Bingqian , Zhao Yanmin , Luo Yi , Yu Jian , Chen Yi , Ye Baodong , Fu Huarui , Lai Xiaoyu , Liu Lizhen , Ye Yishan , Zheng Weiyan , Sun Jie , He Jingsong , Zhao Yi , Wei Guoqing , Cai Zhen , Huang He , Shi Jimin
Published: January 2024

KMT2A rearrangement ( KMT2A-r) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with poor outcomes; the prognostic factors after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remain unclear. We investigated 364 adults with AML who underwent allo-HSCT between April 2016 and May 2022, and 45 had KMT2A-r among them. Propensity score analysis with 1:1 matching and the nearest neighbor matching method identified 42 patients in KMT2A-r and non– KMT2A-r cohorts, respectively. The 2-year overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), and non-relapsed mortality rates of patients with KMT2A-r ( n = 45) were 59.1%, 49.6%, 41.5%, and 8.9%, respectively. Using propensity score matching, the 2-year OS rate of patients with KMT2A-r ( n = 42) was lower than that of those without KMT2A-r ( n = 42; 56.1% vs 88.1%, P = 0.003). Among patients with KMT2A-r ( n = 45), the prognostic advantage was exhibited from transplantation in first complete remission (CR1) and measurable residual disease (MRD) negative, which was reflected in OS, RFS, and CIR ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, patients with AF6 had poorer outcomes than those with AF9, ELL, and other KMT2A-r subtypes ( P = 0.032, P = 0.001, and P = 0.001 for OS, RFS, and CIR, respectively). However, no differences were found in the OS, RFS, and CIR between patients with KMT2A-r with and without mutations (all P > 0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that achieving CR1 MRD negative before HSCT was a protective factor for OS [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.242, P = 0.007], RFS (HR = 0.350, P = 0.036), and CIR (HR = 0.271, P = 0.021), while AF6 was a risk factor for RFS (HR = 2.985, P = 0.028) and CIR (HR = 4.675, P = 0.004). The prognosis of patients with KMT2A-r AML was poor, particularly those harboring AF6-related translocation; however, it is not associated with the presence of mutations. These patients can benefit from achieving CR1 MRD negative before HSCT.
Major immediate insertion-related complications after central venous catheterisation and associations with mortality, length of hospital stay, and costs: A prospective observational study
Authors: Ingefors Sofia , Adrian Maria , Heckley Gawain , Borgquist Ola , Kander Thomas
Published: January 2024

Background:

It is well-known that infectious complications after central venous catheterisation are associated with increased mortality, length of hospital stay and costs. However, there are limited data regarding such associations for immediate insertion-related complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether major immediate insertion-related complications are associated with mortality, length of hospital stay and costs.

Methods:

This was a preplanned substudy to the CVC-MECH trial on immediate insertion-related complications after central venous catheterisation in the ultrasound-guided era. Patients receiving central venous catheters at Skåne University Hospital from 2 March 2019 to 31 December 2020 were prospectively included. Patient characteristics, clinical data and costs were automatically collected from medical journals and the patient administration system. Associations between major immediate insertion-related complications and mortality, length of hospital stay and costs were studied by multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses.

Results:

In total, 6671 patients were included, of whom 0.5% suffered major immediate insertion-related complications. Multivariable analyses, including surrogates for general morbidity, showed associations between major immediate insertion-related complications and 30-day (odds ratio 2.46 [95% CI 1.05–5.77]), 90-day (2.90 [1.35–6.21]) and 180-day (2.26 [1.05–4.83]) mortality. There were no associations between major immediate insertion-related complications and increased length of hospital stay or costs.

Conclusion:

This study showed that major immediate insertion-related complications, although not directly responsible for any death, were associated with increased 30-day, 90-day and 180-day mortality. These findings clearly demonstrate the importance of using all possible means to prevent avoidable insertion-related complications after central venous catheterisation.
Introducing a Conceptual Map of Political Elites’ Responses to Different Types of Uncertain Phenomena
Authors: Vis Barbara
Published: January 2024

Political elites—like ministers or members of parliament—face numerous phenomena that are characterized by uncertainty. Uncertainty ranges from resolvable to radical, whereby the former can be removed with more or better information, but radical uncertainty cannot. Remarkably, little is known about political elites’ responses to such phenomena, both theoretically (what responses are likely?) and empirically (which responses do political elites display?). This “New Ideas” contribution addresses the theoretical lacuna by presenting a multidisciplinary conceptual map of possible responses to radical and resolvable uncertainty. These responses influence political elites’ effectiveness in solving problems and, thus, how representative democracies function. The article also sketches how to identify the responses empirically.
Fenton oxidation of glycerin: A sustainable approach for byproduct treatment
Authors: Zoltán Köntös
Published: January 2024

This article explores the application of Fenton oxidation as a sustainable and efficient method for the treatment of glycerol, a major byproduct in biodiesel production. Glycerol, rich in impurities, poses environmental challenges if not properly managed. The research aims to contribute to the understanding of Fenton oxidation mechanisms specific to glycerol transformation into dl-glyceraldehyde and to highlight its potential as a sustainable solution. Glycerol, a trihydroxy sugar alcohol, is a versatile compound derived primarily from the hydrolysis of triglycerides and has found applications in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food production. One intriguing aspect of glycerol is its potential conversion to dl-glyceraldehyde, a key intermediate with significant importance in various biological processes. Employing Fenton oxidation emerges as beneficial approach in glycerol processing, considering the tenets of environmental sustainability.
Coping with gender-critical voices from within: A sociocognitive approach to Sussex’s Twitter (X) crisis responses
Authors: Peng Altman Yuzhu , Whyke Thomas William , Gu Feng
Published: January 2024

Drawing on critical discourse studies (CDS), this article foregrounds how British higher education institutions respond to gender-critical controversies sparked by their staff members. Adopting Teun van Dijk’s sociocognitive approach, we analyse the University of Sussex’s crisis responses on Twitter (known as X today) concerning de-platforming campaigns against Kathleen Stock. The analysis unpacks how Sussex employs various discursive strategies to validate its institutional stance in the Stock incident. Sussex’s communicative actions aim to mitigate reputation damage caused by the incident. However, such discursive practices simultaneously indicate the university’s attempt to evade its institutional responsibility for equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) advocacy, neither do they address the reputation crisis caused by fellow Twitter users’ counter-narratives. The analysis points towards the need for a sociocognitive analysis of crisis responses to hold higher education institutions accountable for their core mission, amid trans-rights debates unfolding in wider society.
Dissociative Identity Disorder in Schools Part II
Authors: Kieran Kathryn , Morse Brenna , Margolis Allison
Published: January 2024

Dissociation is a well-established outcome of early life trauma, but school nurses may not be aware of resources and recommendations available to support students who experience it. If dissociation or behaviors consistent with dissociation are present, trauma-informed care (TIC) principles can guide individualized care of the student. Part I of this two-part article provided a pertinent background on dissociation, dissociative identity disorder (DID), the effects of social media, and TIC. Part II offers specific recommendations for implementing these principles in school nursing practice and follows the student vignette through the school year. Due to their holistic approach to care and long-standing leadership in providing TIC, nurses can significantly affect health, safety, and access to learning for students expressing dissociative experiences at school.