bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High success rates of ultrasound‐guided distal internal jugular vein and axillary vein approaches for central venous catheterization: A randomized controlled open‐label pilot trial
Authors: Fournil Céline , Boulet Nicolas , Bastide Sophie , Louart Benjamin , Ambert Audrey , Boutin Caroline , Lefrant Jean‐Yves , Muller Laurent , Roger Claire
Published: November 2022

Background

Ultrasound (US)‐guided axillary vein (AV) catheterization has been considered as the preferred site of insertion to minimize catheter‐related infections. Given its difficulty of realization, internal jugular vein (IJV) access remains, thus, the first choice of catheter insertion site. This descriptive study was aimed to assess the success and complication rates of in‐plane short axis approach of IJV in the lower neck and the AV approach under US‐guidance.

Methods

In a prospective randomized controlled open‐label pilot trial, all patients requiring central venous catheterization (CVC) in intensive care unit or operating room were randomly assigned to low IJV or AV groups. The primary objective was to estimate the overall success rate of both approaches. The secondary objectives were immediate complication rates, procedure durations, success rate after the first puncture, late complication rates (i.e., thrombosis, catheter colonization, and catheter‐related infections), and nurse satisfaction regarding insertion site dressings.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐three out of two hundred and ten included patients were fully analyzed (90 and 83 in the IJV and AV approach groups, respectively). Overall success rates for IJV and AV sites were 96% (95% confidence interval (CI) [90–99]) and 89% (95% CI [81–94]) respectively. First puncture success rates were 90% and 80% respectively. The median overall procedure duration from US pre‐procedural screening to guidewire insertion was 8 and 10 min in IJV and AV groups. Overall immediate complications rates for IJV and AV sites were 11.6% and 14.6%, respectively. Incidence of catheter colonization were 7.9% and 6.8% and catheter‐related infection rate were 2.6% and 0%, respectively.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, US‐guided low IJV and AV approaches are safe and efficient techniques for CVC insertion associated with high success and low complications rates. Duration for guidewire insertion seemed to be shorter in the short axis in‐plane IJV approach. It provides the basis for a future randomized trial comparing these two approaches.
Ultrasonographic Imaging of the Fetal Pyloric Sphincter
Authors: Toprak Erzat , Işıkalan Mehmet Murat
Published: November 2022

Objectives

In this study, we hypothesized that the pyloric sphincter can be directly visualized by ultrasonography in the prenatal period.

Methods

This study was designed as a cross‐section. Single, healthy pregnancies between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation who applied to the Perinatology outpatient clinic for second‐level ultrasonography were included in the study. In addition to the demographic characteristics of the participants, fetal pyloric mucosa, fetal pyloric sphincter length, and fetal pyloric sphincter thickness were measured by ultrasonography. Intrarater variability was calculated.

Results

A total of 93 eligible patients were evaluated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 27.25 ± 6.23, and the gestational age was 21.18 ± 0.98. Pylorus imaging and measurements were possible in all fetuses that were in the optimal position. Mean pyloric sphincter length (mm) was 5.32 ± 0.93, pyloric sphincter thickness (mm) was 2.13 ± 0.44, and sphincter muscle thickness (mm) was 1.05 ± 0.24.

Conclusions

The pyloric sphincter can be easily visualized on a second‐trimester ultrasound scan when the appropriate technique is used. This may make an additional contribution to the diagnosis of fetal gastrointestinal tract pathologies.
Frailty in middle cranial fossa approach for encephalocele or cerebrospinal fluid leak repair
Authors: Curry Steven D. , Hatch Jonathan L. , Surdell Daniel L. , Gard Andrew P. , Casazza Geoffrey C.
Published: November 2022

Objective

The modified 5‐item frailty index (mFI‐5) is a concise, comorbidity‐based risk stratification tool that can predict adverse outcomes after surgery. The goal of this study was to understand the frailty of patients undergoing surgery for temporal encephalocele or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and the utility of mFI‐5 for predicting increased post‐operative outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review of adults with temporal encephalocele or CSF leak who underwent middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach craniotomies with or without mastoidectomy from January 2015 through August 2021 at a tertiary care academic medical center was performed. Patients who underwent additional surgeries or extended surgical approaches were excluded. The mFI‐5 was calculated for all patients. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the medical record.

Results

Thirty‐six patients underwent 40 MCF approach craniotomies for temporal encephalocele or CSF leak, including three revision cases and one patient with sequential bilateral operations. Mean age was 54.1 ± 10.8 years, and 66.7% were female. In the univariable regression analysis, mFI‐5 score, age, and procedure time use were significantly associated with increased hospital length of stay (LOS) but not increased intensive care unit (ICU) LOS. Anesthesia time and lumbar drain were significantly associated with increased hospital LOS and ICU LOS, and they remained significantly associated with increased hospital LOS in the multivariable model.

Conclusion

Frailty is associated with increased hospital LOS stay among patients undergoing MCF approach for CSF leak or encephalocele. Reducing anesthesia time and avoiding lumbar drain use are potentially modifiable risk factors that can reduce the LOS and associated costs.

Level of Evidence

4.
Oxygen detection based on Faraday modulation spectroscopy and wavelength modulation spectroscopy: A comparison
Authors: He Qixin , Chang Jvqiang , Li Mengxin , Li Jiakun , Feng Qibo
Published: November 2022

An oxygen sensor system was developed based on Faraday modulation spectroscopy (FAMOS). In the system, a distributed feedback laser near 760.9 nm was used as the light source and a 30‐cm long gas cell was employed for gas absorption. The first harmonic was extracted by a commercial lock in amplifier for the derivation of concentration. Oxygen measurement experiments were conducted the performance of the sensor system was obtained. In addition, oxygen sensor system with wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) scheme was developed with the same light source and gas cell for a direct comparison. Based on Allan deviation analysis, a detection limit of 0.186% for the WMS scheme and a detection limit of 0.108% for the FAMOS scheme were acquired at an averaging time of 1 s. The precisions can be further improved to 0.032% and 0.03% at an averaging time of 15 s, respectively.
Compact dual‐band bandpass filter with high selectivity based on spiral‐stub‐loaded dual‐mode QMSIW resonators
Authors: Gu Lin , Dong Yuandan
Published: November 2022

A novel miniaturized dual‐band quarter‐mode substrate integrated waveguide (QMSIW) bandpass filter with high selectivity is proposed in this letter. Two passbands are generated by the fundamental mode and the first higher order mode of the spiral‐stub‐loaded QMSIW resonator, respectively. Miniaturization is achieved by loading stubs and applying quarter‐mode cavities. High selectivity can be realized by introducing two transmission zeros (TZs) between the two passbands. One TZ is generated by adding coplanar waveguide coupling between the two resonators, the other TZ is synthesized by coupling between the modes of the resonator. The proposed dual‐band filter has the characteristics of miniaturization, high selectivity, and low loss, which is suitable for satellite communication related applications.
Fully automated cardiac MRI segmentation using dilated residual network
Authors: Ahmad Faizan , Hou Wenguo , Xiong Jing , Xia Zeyang
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Cardiac ventricle segmentation from cine magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) is a recognized modality for the noninvasive assessment of cardiovascular pathologies. Deep learning based algorithms achieved state‐of‐the‐art result performance from CMRI cardiac ventricle segmentation. However, most approaches received less attention at the bottom layer of UNet, where main features are lost due to pixel degradation. To increase performance, it is important to handle the bottleneck layer of UNet properly. Considering this problem, we enhanced the performance of main features at the bottom layer of network.

Method

We developed a fully automatic pipeline for segmenting the right ventricle (RV), myocardium (MYO), and left ventricle (LV) by incorporating short‐axis CMRI sequence images. We propose a dilated residual network (DRN) to capture the features at full resolution in the bottleneck of UNet. Thus, it significantly increases spatial and temporal information and maintains the localization accuracy. A data‐augmentation technique is employed to avoid overfitting and class imbalance problems. Finally, output from each expanding path is added pixel‐wise to improve the training response.

Results

We used and evaluated our proposed method on automatic cardiac diagnosis challenge (ACDC). The test set consists of 50 patient records. The overall dice similarity coefficient (DSC) we achieved for our model is 0.924 ± 0.03, 0.907 ± 0.01, and 0.949 ± 0.05 for RV, MYO, and LV, respectively. Similarly, we obtained hausdorff distance (HD) scores of 10.09 ± 0.01, 7.25 ± 0.05, and 6.86 ± 0.02 mm for RV, MYO, and LV, respectively. The results show superior performance and outperformed state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of accuracy and reached expert‐level segmentation. Consequently, the overall DSC and HD result improved by 1.0% and 1.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

We designed a dilated residual UNet (DRN) for cardiac ventricle segmentation using short‐axis CMRI. Our method has the advantage of restoring and capturing spatial and temporal information by expanding the receptive field without degrading the image main features in the bottleneck of UNet. Our method is highly accurate and quick, taking 0.28 s on average to process 2D MR images. Also, the network was designed to work on predictions of individual MR images to segment the ventricular region, for which our model outperforms many state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Fast solution of three‐dimensional elliptic equations with randomly generated jumping coefficients by using tensor‐structured preconditioners
Authors: Khoromskij Boris N. , Khoromskaia Venera
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we propose and analyze the numerical algorithms for fast solution of periodic elliptic problems in random media in , . Both the two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) elliptic problems are considered for the jumping equation coefficients built as a checkerboard type configuration of bumps randomly distributed on a large , or lattice, respectively. The finite element method discretization procedure on a 3D uniform tensor grid is described in detail, and the Kronecker tensor product approach is proposed for fast generation of the stiffness matrix. We introduce tensor techniques for the construction of the low Kronecker rank spectrally equivalent preconditioner in a periodic setting to be used in the framework of the preconditioned conjugate gradient iteration. The discrete 3D periodic Laplacian pseudo‐inverse is first diagonalized in the Fourier basis, and then the diagonal matrix is reshaped into a fully populated third‐order tensor of size . The latter is approximated by a low‐rank canonical tensor by using the multigrid Tucker‐to‐canonical tensor transform. As an example, we apply the presented solver in numerical analysis of stochastic homogenization method where the 3D elliptic equation should be solved many hundred times, and where for every random sampling of the equation coefficient one has to construct the new stiffness matrix and the right‐hand side. The computational characteristics of the presented solver in terms of a lattice parameter and the grid‐size, , in both 2D and 3D cases are illustrated in numerical tests. Our solver can be used in various applications where the elliptic problem should be solved for a number of different coefficients for example, in many‐particle dynamics, protein docking problems or stochastic modeling.
Theoretical study of cyano‐promoted intramolecular aza‐Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Lai Chin‐Hung , Yang Cheng‐En , Wu Yang‐Chang , El Bakri Youness , Chamorro Eduardo , Chuang Ta‐Hsien
Published: November 2022

In this study, we attempted to explain why the substitution of a cyano group onto the 1‐azadiene moiety promotes N‐(2,3‐diphenylallylidene)pent‐4‐en‐1‐amine to undergo an intramolecular aza‐Diels–Alder reaction. Our M06‐2X study found that the intramolecular aza‐Diels–Alder reaction of N‐(2,3‐diphenylallylidene)pent‐4‐en‐1‐amine has an inverse electron demand. Therefore, the attachment of a cyano group to the diene moiety (1‐azadiene) makes the intramolecular aza‐Diels–Alder reaction feasible. Moreover, the intramolecular aza‐Diels–Alder reaction of N‐(2,3‐diphenylallylidene)pent‐4‐en‐1‐amine was found to be a kinetically controlled reaction.
Fabrication of Polyvinylpyrrolidone‐Stabilized Nano Zero‐Valent Iron Supported by Hydrophilic Biochar for Efficient Cr (VI) Removal from Groundwater
Authors: Shamshirgaran Raziyeh , Malakooti Reihaneh , Akbarpour Abolfazl , Moghaddam Ali Zeraatkar
Published: November 2022

Today, eco‐friendly and cost‐effective nanomaterials are vital to ultimately removing contaminants from groundwater as an essential part of freshwater. In this study, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)‐stabilized nano zero‐valent iron (nZVI) supported by hydrophilic wheat straw biochar (HWS) (PVP‐nZVI@HWS) was prepared and compared with the nZVI‐HWS sample for Cr (VI) removal from aqueous media. The morphology and functional group structure of PVP‐nZVI@HWS composites demonstrated that nZVI could be dispersed homogeneously on the hydrophilic biochar substrate by adding PVP (owing to a large number of −OH functional groups). Based on BET analysis, despite a minimal reduction in the surface area of the PVP‐nZVI@HWS hybrid material compared to the nZVI‐HWS sample (7.19 m2 g−1), the pore volume and adsorption average pore diameter increased. Superior reduction efficiency (99.63 % elimination in only 5 min) of 20 ppm Cr (VI) was achieved using the proposed hybrid material. Pseudo‐ second‐order kinetics (R2=1) and Langmuir isotherm models (R2=0.9407) were attained via the PVP‐nZVI@HWS (0.2 g L−1) under groundwater condition (sodium chloride solution at pH=3.2). In addition, on a large scale, the proposed hybrid material could reduce 97.22 % of Cr (VI) in 180 minutes from the water. The mechanism of catalytic and absorption behaviour for two catalysts was compared, and the investigations showed that absorption action for the nZVI‐HWS sample, and catalytic behaviour for the PVP‐nZVI@HWS hybrid material were predominant.
Synthesis of Co2P Nanoparticles Embedded N, P Co‐Doped Mesoporous Carbon via Molten Salt Process as Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalyst under Alkaline Conditions
Authors: Xu Jing , Bi Xinyue , Tang Duihai , Zhang Wenting , Xin Shigang , Guan Buyuan , Zhao Zhen
Published: November 2022

A molten salts strategy was developed to synthesize Co2P nanoparticles (NPs) embedded N, P co‐doped mesoporous carbon. No solvent was introduced in the synthesis process. Moreover, the common inorganic salts were utilized as the templates, which could be removed and recycled by water washing. The characterization results exhibited that the final products consisted of Co2P NPs and carbon. The amounts of the salts determined the porosities of the as‐obtained sample, which further effect the activities for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The optimal sample of GUCo‐0.2NaCl showed the best HER performance among these as‐obtained electrocatalysts, including small Tafel slope and low overpotential.
By−products from the Al−water Reaction for Hydrogen Generation−Evolution and Properties
Authors: Guan Xu , Li Jian , Luo Ping , Dong Shijie J.
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the properties and evolution during the calcination process of hydrolysis by−products from the reaction between Al−based composites and water for hydrogen generation were systematically investigated. The results showed that the main phases of by−products included AlOOH and InSn4. The amorphous product possessed a large Brunauer−Emmett−Teller (BET) surface area with 276.77 m2/g and high porosity properties with 0.37 cm3/g. The phase transformation of by−products from AlOOH to γ−Al2O3, δ−Al2O3, and α−Al2O3 occurred during the calcination process. It appears that the by−products can be used as raw materials for the preparation of Al2O3 with different crystal structures. Discussion on the properties and evolution of hydrolysis by−products are beneficial to product reuse and recovery. In this way, the cost reduction of hydrogen production via Al−water reaction can be realized, promoting the sustainable development of hydrogen production from Al−water reaction.
Electronic Structure Analysis and Synthesis of Nitroso N‐Heterocyclic Imines
Authors: Ovais Dar Mohammad , Kapse Rahul Y. , Dubey Gurudutt , Singh Tejender , Thiruvenkatam Vijay , Bharatam Prasad V.
Published: November 2022

N‐Heterocyclic imines (NHIs) are versatile compounds with the general formula (NHC)=NR. NHIs with R=NO (known as nitroso N‐heterocyclic imines, NNHIs) have special importance in ozone depletion protection as well as in drug discovery. The electronic structure of these compounds has not been thoroughly explored. A few experimental studies indicated that the (NHC)=N bond is weak; a few other studies indicated that the N−N bond is weak in these species. It is important to establish the chemical bond variations in NNHIs. Density functional theory (DFT) studies have been carried out on NNHIs to explore the chemical bonding details. A new derivative containing NNHI unit and caffeine moiety has been experimentally generated and the structure was studied using XRD.
Plasmonic Metal Mediated Charge Transfer in Stacked Core–Shell Semiconductor Heterojunction for Significantly Enhanced CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Wang Shihong , Zhang Yan , Zheng Yiyi , Xu Yanbo , Yang Guodong , Zhong Shuxian , Zhao Yuling , Bai Song
Published: November 2022

Construction of core–shell semiconductor heterojunctions and plasmonic metal/semiconductor heterostructures represents two promising routes to improved light harvesting and promoted charge separation, but their photocatalytic activities are respectively limited by sluggish consumption of charge carriers confined in the cores, and contradictory migration directions of plasmon‐induced hot electrons and semiconductor‐generated electrons. Herein, a semiconductor/metal/semiconductor stacked core–shell design is demonstrated to overcome these limitations and significantly boost the photoactivity in CO2 reduction. In this smart design, sandwiched Au serves as a “stone”, which “kills two birds” by inducing localized surface plasmon resonance for hot electron generation and mediating unidirectional transmission of conduction band electrons and hot electrons from TiO2 core to MoS2 shell. Meanwhile, upward band bending of TiO2 drives core‐to‐shell migration of holes through TiO2–MoS2 interface. The co‐existence of TiO2 → Au → MoS2 electron flow and TiO2 → MoS2 hole flow contributes to spatial charge separation on different locations of MoS2 outer layer for overall redox reactions. Additionally, reduction potential of photoelectrons participating in the CO2 reduction is elaborately adjusted by tuning the thickness of MoS2 shell, and thus the product selectivity is delicately regulated. This work provides fresh hints for rationally controlling the charge transfer pathways toward high‐efficiency CO2 photoreduction.
Optimization of Selective Laser Melting Process Parameters Via Taguchi's Methods and Gray Relational Analysis for 3D Printing of 18Ni‐300 Maraging Steel
Authors: Law Wee King , Wu Ziyang , Song Chenghao , Wang Haoliang , Wong Kok-Cheong , Lim Chin Seong , Sun Zhenzhong
Published: November 2022

Taguchi methods and gray relational analysis are used to determine optimal processing conditions for the selective laser melting (SLM) of 18Ni‐300 maraging steel. The following SLM process parameters are selected for optimization: laser power (P), scanning speed (v), and hatch spacing (h). Statistical analysis indicates that SLM parameter configuration no. 5 (275 W, 700 mm s−1, 0.08 mm) as most suitable for the simultaneous improvement of tensile strength, elongation (or ductility), hardness, and impact toughness. The order of influence of SLM parameters is identified as follows: . Samples with improved mechanical properties can be produced using configurations with higher linear energy density (). This is because the increased laser energy input facilitates complete melting of metal powder, as well as better interlayer bonding between melt pools. Higher can be achieved by either increasing P or decreasing v. Digital image correlation analysis indicates that tensile test samples with higher porosity exhibit lower ductility due to its inability to accommodate plastic strain accumulation for prolonged durations. Fractography analysis indicates that during tensile loading, cracks will nucleate around the pore perimeter and propagate via microvoid coalescence. Fracture will occur at regions with higher porosity due to it having multiple crack initiation sites.
A Study on Deep Learning Based Simplification for Lightweighting of Underground Geospatial Information Data
Authors: Kim Yong‐Tae , Kouh Hoon‐Joon
Published: November 2022

There are various structures in the underground space, and the structures are managed as 3D data in underground geospatial information map system (UGIMS). However, there is a problem that takes a long time to load the data into a mobile app from UGIMS because the data are very large. In order to reduce the loading time of 3D data, the number of data vertices should be reduced within a range that can keep the shape of 3D object in a mobile app. In this paper, we try to reduce the number of vertices using a 3D Mesh Simplification method to reduce the loading time of data in a mobile app. The proposed method applies simplification by extracting refined vertex feature information using a deep learning encoder‐decoder based model and performing vertex clustering by grouping similar vertices together with the feature information using K‐means clustering. We were able to reduce the number of vertices by 30% compared with the previous data. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Approval-Based Committee Voting
Authors: Lackner Martin , Skowron Piotr
Published: November 2022

We give an overview of multi-winner voting with approval ballots, its applications, main themes, advantages and disadvantages. We discuss the structure of the book and necessary prerequisites. Furthermore, we provide a pointer to a Python library supplementing this book.
Related Formalisms and Applications
Authors: Lackner Martin , Skowron Piotr
Published: November 2022

In this chapter, we discuss connections of approval-based committee voting with a number of other applications and formalisms.
Positive Psychology and Christianity
Authors: Hodge Adam S. , Hook Joshua N. , Kim Jichan J. , Mosher David K. , McLaughlin Aaron T. , Davis Don E. , Van Tongeren Daryl R.
Published: November 2022

Both theoretical reflection and empirical research have purported a mutual exchange of benefits for the collaboration between positive psychology (PP) and Christianity. However, the varied belief systems and worldviews held among adherents of distinct Christian traditions may interfere with practical collaborative efforts between PP and Christianity. In this chapter, we explore important considerations for effective collaboration between PP and Christianity. Namely, we argue that Christianity can provide a framework for what individuals should value and what virtues a person should pursue, whereas PP can provide the tools and methodology for how to pursue the goals that are identified by Christianity. We first review the geographic distribution and demographic composition of Christians around the world, emphasizing the value of context when working with Christian populations. Second, we highlight fundamental beliefs and values that may influence how Christians interpret and utilize empirical findings from the field of PP. Third, we discuss how Christian beliefs, traditions, and doctrines influence our understandings of well-being, health, and virtue development. Throughout the chapter, we discuss strategies and implications for positive collaboration between the fields of PP and Christianity.
Positive Psychology and Hinduism
Authors: Singh Kamlesh , Raina Mahima , Oman Doug
Published: November 2022

Hinduism encompasses considerable heterogeneity within its many schools of thoughts and practice. However, the common thread that binds these multiple perspectives is this handbook’s main topic of inquiry—human well-being and happiness. Hindu thought has always deliberated on the process, nature, conditions, and practices that lead to a fulfilled life. In this chapter, we begin by explaining Hinduism’s core beliefs and tenets that guide daily living. Many extant psychological publications on Hinduism explicate psychological ideas embedded in tradition. We draw comparisons between the Hindu worldview and broadly Western-based positive psychology concepts like well-being and the self. The chapter also expands on select Hindu models of human flourishing. The chapter further explains the recent empirical evidence on Hindu constructs, including well-being enhancing strategies, in relation to several positive psychology constructs such as well-being and flourishing. Finally, in the light of the reviewed empirical evidence, we discuss some directions and recommendations for future research at the intersections of Hindu religious literature and positive psychology.
Religion, Spirituality, and Youth Thriving: Investigating the Roles of the Developing Mind and Meaning-Making
Authors: King Pamela Ebstyne , Mangan Susan , Riveros Rodrigo
Published: November 2022

In this chapter, we draw on positive developmental psychology, psychology of religion and spirituality, and developmental neuroscience to explore how youth religiousness and spirituality contribute to thriving through the process of meaning-making. Thriving involves the individual, relational, and aspirational development necessary to pursue a life purpose that is meaningful to the self and one’s surroundings. Meaning-making is the process of constructing and internalizing abstract beliefs (about oneself, the world, and one’s priorities) into salient values that contribute to the moral development necessary to thrive. When youth consider abstract ideas in the context of their actions, transcendent emotions, and the broader world, then their meaning-making can result in values-based goals and behaviors. Adolescents are naturally motivated to explore identity-related issues of meaning, values, roles, and belonging. In particular, meaning-making occurs when youth are given the opportunity to reflect in an enriching dialogue with caring adults. In more ways than most youth contexts, religion and spirituality provide young people with opportunities to seek and form meaning by being prompted to process transcendent beliefs and emotions through the narratives, intergenerational relationships, and transcendent experiences that religion and spirituality often provide.
The Scientific Study of Life Satisfaction and Religion/Spirituality
Authors: Mancuso Elizabeth Krumrei , Lorona Rosemond Travis
Published: November 2022

One way in which religion and spirituality are relevant to the science and practice of positive psychology is through their links to life satisfaction. This chapter reviews scientific research on the relationship between religion/spirituality and life satisfaction. After providing conceptual definitions, we offer an overview of findings from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large-scale studies, which collectively indicate there is a small, positive relationship between religion/spirituality and life satisfaction. We highlight longitudinal evidence indicating that religion/spirituality predict future life satisfaction, but we acknowledge that the size and nature of this relationship can differ between individuals, communities, and countries. We discuss these and other nuances. Next, we explore reasons for the links between religion/spirituality and life satisfaction, including the possibility that religion/spirituality can promote social connection, meaning, hope, coping, and physical health, all of which promote life satisfaction. At the same time, we take a nonreductionistic approach that acknowledges the unique contributions of religion/spirituality to life satisfaction—contributions that cannot fully be explained on the basis of indirect influences. We review the predominant limitations in this body of research and offer suggestions for advancing the study of religion/spirituality and life satisfaction. Finally, we conclude with applied implications for clinicians and religious/spiritual leaders.
Building Spiritual Fortitude and Resilience Following Disaster: Synthesizing the Contributions of Positive Psychology and Religion/Spirituality
Authors: Captari Laura E. , Shannonhouse Laura , Aten Jamie D. , Snyder Jordan D.
Published: November 2022

This chapter examines the intersections of positive psychology and religion/spirituality in the context of disasters. We review the salience of religious/spiritual (R/S) processes in coping with mass trauma and summarize several strength-based disaster recovery theories that contribute to a holistic understanding of survivors’ and communities’ adaptation processes. Building on this review, we propose and describe the systemic model of Disaster Spiritual Fortitude and Resilience (DSFR). This is the first spiritually integrated disaster recovery model that (a) captures both strengths and vulnerabilities across holistic domains of human experience while also (b) considering across-time interactional effects between the individual and their multilevel socioecological context (at interpersonal, community, and larger societal levels). Implications for practitioners and community leaders working in disaster and humanitarian contexts are provided, along with recommendations for guiding science, practice, and policymaking.
Theories of Health and Well-Being Germane to a Positive Psychology of Religion and Spirituality
Authors: MacDonald Douglas A.
Published: November 2022

The chapter provides an overview of existing theories of health and well-being that are relevant for a positive psychology of religion and spirituality. Emphasis is given to theories that have an empirical basis or whose main constructs are operationalized through validated measurement instruments. This chapter covers several theories focused on spiritual well-being, holistic health, perceived wellness, eudaimonia (psychological well-being, self-determination theory, and eudaimonic identity theory), virtues and character strengths, and the PERMA model of well-being. To help facilitate programmatic research and greater synergy between the psychology of religion and spirituality, positive psychology, and mainstream psychological science, the chapter briefly describes Koenig’s (Religion, spirituality, and health. International Scholarly Research Notices. Article 278730. https://doi.org/10.5402/2012/278730; 2012), MacDonald’s (Int J Transpersonal Stud 28:86–106, 2009), and VanderWeele’s (PNAS, 114(31):8148–8156, 2017) theories that attempt to integrate available research into directional causal models.
Introduction
Authors: Jennissen Roel , Bovens Mark , Engbersen Godfried , Bokhorst Meike
Published: November 2022

The Netherlands is a dynamic migration society. It has received more than 150,000 immigrants annually since 2010, and more than 200,000 from 2015 onwards. In fact, the immigration record was broken every year between 2006 and 2020, except in 2012. Many of these migrants leave again over time, but others stay. As a result, migration is currently the country’s main source of population growth.
Accurate Bounds on Lyapunov Exponents for Expanding Maps of the Interval
Authors: Pollicott M. , Vytnova P.
Published: November 2022

In this short note we describe a simple but remarkably effective method for rigorously estimating Lyapunov exponents for expanding maps of the interval. We illustrate the applicability of this method with some standard examples.
SARS-CoV-2 infection in the context of Kawasaki disease and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
Authors: Folga Barbara Anna , Karpenko Corrinna Jade , Grygiel-Górniak Bogna
Published: November 2022

Recent studies have noted an increasing number of Kawasaki-like cases in the pediatric population following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In the literature, the condition is described as multiple inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or pediatric inflammatory syndrome (PIMS). A similar clinical course of Kawasaki disease (KD) and MIS-C causes difficulties in distinguishing between both conditions. However, the differential diagnosis is crucial since patients with MIS-C can present severe symptoms (myocardial dysfunction, fever, mucocutaneous symptoms) and require more extensive monitoring during treatment than children diagnosed with KD. Along with assessing epidemiological and genetic factors, it is imperative to estimate the risk of developing MIS-C in KD patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Genetic predispositions, such as the ITPKC gene polymorphism in KD, ACE deletion (D) polymorphism in SARS-CoV-2, and inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) in MIS-C affect the regulation of immune system complex clearances and cellular adaptations. The virus has a tropism for both vascular and respiratory cells, which further causes additional symptoms necessitating standard therapy with antithrombotic treatment. The diagnostic criteria for KD, MIS-C, and SARS-CoV-2 help differentiate each condition and optimize treatment strategies. Unfortunately, long-term outcomes in KD patients who develop MIS-C due to SARS-CoV-2 infection have been inadequately documented due to the timing of the pandemic, further displaying the need for longitudinal studies in these patients. This review underlines the differences in diagnosis and treatment of KD and MIS-C. Overall, children with KD may develop MIS-C in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but further research is needed to outline specific etiologies, prognostic factors, and diagnoses.
Requirement for PINCH in skeletal myoblast differentiation
Authors: Liao Huimin , Wang Fei , Lu Ke , Ma Xiaolei , Yan Jie , Luo Lina , Sun Yunfu , Liang Xingqun
Published: November 2022

PINCH, an adaptor of focal adhesion complex, plays essential roles in multiple cellular processes and organogenesis. Here, we ablated PINCH1 or both of PINCH1 and PINCH2 in skeletal muscle progenitors using MyoD-Cre. Double ablation of PINCH1 and PINCH2 resulted in early postnatal lethality with reduced size of skeletal muscles and detachment of diaphragm muscles from the body wall. PINCH mutant myofibers failed to undergo multinucleation and exhibited disrupted sarcomere structures. The mutant myoblasts in culture were able to adhere to newly formed myotubes but impeded in cell fusion and subsequent sarcomere genesis and cytoskeleton organization. Consistent with this, expression of integrin β1 and some cytoskeleton proteins and phosphorylation of ERK and AKT were significantly reduced in PINCH mutants. However, N-cadherin was correctly expressed at cell adhesion sites in PINCH mutant cells, suggesting that PINCH may play a direct role in myoblast fusion. Expression of MRF4, the most highly expressed myogenic factor at late stages of myogenesis, was abolished in PINCH mutants that could contribute to observed phenotypes. In addition, mice with PINCH1 being ablated in myogenic progenitors exhibited only mild centronuclear myopathic changes, suggesting a compensatory role of PINCH2 in myogenic differentiation. Our results revealed a critical role of PINCH proteins in myogenic differentiation.
Age estimation of children based on open apex measurement in the developing permanent dentition: an Egyptian formula
Authors: El-Desouky Shaimaa S. , Kabbash Ibrahim A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Cameriere’s original formula based on open apex measurements is a reliable, clinically applicable method for dental age estimation in different populations children. Dental development may differ between Egyptian children and other ethnic populations which may affect dental age accuracy using Cameriere’s formula.

Aim

Firstly, to verify Cameriere’s original formula on large Egyptian children sample, secondly, to develop an Egyptian-specific formula based on Cameriere’s method.

Material and methods

A prospective cross-sectional study of 762 good quality Orthopantomograms (OPGs) of 5–15 aged healthy Egyptian children selected from Nile Delta governorates between August 2020 and December 2021. Chronological age (CA) was calculated by subtracting birth date from radiograph date. OPGs were analyzed for N0, S, Xi morphologic variables using Sidexis program after that dental age was calculated using Cameriere’s formula then compared to CA. Multiple linear regression model was used to adapt Cameriere’s formula to construct an Egyptian formula. The same sample was used to verify the new formula accuracy.

Results

A total of 1093 OPGs were collected; 762 OPGs which met inclusion criteria were analyzed. Cameriere’s original formula revealed − 0.59- and − 0.53-year underestimation of females and males dental age (DA) respectively (p < 0.001). Regression analysis using the morphologic variables showed that X4, X7, N0 contributed significantly to CA yielding Egyptian-specific formula. New formula showed − 0.12-year male underestimation and 0.1-year female overestimation (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Egyptian formula was more accurate than Cameriere’s formula in Egyptian children.

Clinical relevance

Egyptian-specific formula decreases the gap between CA and DA, so a relative approximate age is obtained that helps proper diagnosis and treatment planning for orthodontic and pediatric dentistry problems.
Lactoferrin and the development of salivary stones: a pilot study
Authors: Kraaij Saskia , de Visscher Jan G. A. M. , Apperloo Ruben C. , Nazmi Kamran , Bikker Floris J. , Brand Henk S.
Published: November 2022

Salivary stones (sialoliths) are calcified structures located in the ductal system of the major salivary glands. Their exact cause is not clear but in general they are characterized by concentric inorganic (hydroxyapatite) layers. The formation is a slow intermittent process which may result in enlargement of the sialolith causing obstruction of saliva secretion resulting in mealtime related pain and swelling of the affected salivary gland. Various studies reported the presence of organic material such as proteins and lipids in the core of sialoliths. In the present study the protein composition of twenty submandibular sialoliths was analyzed. It was found that proteins contributed on average 5% to the dry weight of submandibular stones whereby small salivary stones contained more extractable proteins than large salivary stones. Using a combination of SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and Western blotting, we identified α-amylase (in all stones; 100%), lysozyme (95%), lactoferrin (85%), secretory-IgA (75%), MUC7 (60%), complement C4 (60%) and C-reactive protein (35%). The presence, and the combinations, of lactoferrin, lysozyme, s-IgA and α-amylase in sialoliths was confirmed by ELISA. The gradually increasing size of a sialolith might provoke a local inflammatory response in the duct of the submandibular gland whereby the relatively low concentrations of lactoferrin and lysozyme may originate from neutrophils. The interaction of lactoferrin with s-IgA could contribute to the accumulation of lactoferrin in sialoliths. In summary, these results suggest a new pathophysiological role for lactoferrin, in the formation of sialoliths.
Privacy protection framework for face recognition in edge-based Internet of Things
Authors: Xie Yun , Li Peng , Nedjah Nadia , Gupta Brij B. , Taniar David , Zhang Jindan
Published: November 2022

Edge computing (EC) gets the Internet of Things (IoT)-based face recognition systems out of trouble caused by limited storage and computing resources of local or mobile terminals. However, data privacy leak remains a concerning problem. Previous studies only focused on some stages of face data processing, while this study focuses on the privacy protection of face data throughout its entire life cycle. Therefore, we propose a general privacy protection framework for edge-based face recognition (EFR) systems. To protect the privacy of face images and training models transmitted between edges and the remote cloud, we design a local differential privacy (LDP) algorithm based on the proportion difference of feature information. In addition, we also introduced identity authentication and hash technology to ensure the legitimacy of the terminal device and the integrity of the face image in the data acquisition phase. Theoretical analysis proves the rationality and feasibility of the scheme. Compared with the non-privacy protection situation and the equal privacy budget allocation method, our method achieves the best balance between availability and privacy protection in the numerical experiment.
A mixed-integer slacks-based measure data envelopment analysis for efficiency measuring of German university hospitals
Authors: Zarrin Mansour
Published: November 2022

Standard Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models consider continuous-valued and known input and output statuses for measures. This paper proposes an extended Slacks-Based Measure (SBM) DEA model to accommodate flexible (a measure that can play the role of input and output) and integer measures simultaneously. A flexible measure’s most appropriate role (designation) is determined by maximizing the technical efficiency of each unit. The main advantage of the proposed model is that all inputs, outputs, and flexible measures can be expressed in integer values without inflation of efficiency scores since they are directly calculated by modifying input and output inefficiencies. Furthermore, we illustrate and examine the application of the proposed models with 28 university hospitals in Germany. We investigate the differences and common properties of the proposed models with the literature to shed light on both teaching and general inefficiencies. Results of inefficiency decomposition indicate that “Third-party funding income” that university hospitals receive from the research-granting agencies dominates the other inefficiencies sources. The study of the efficiency scores is then followed up with a second-stage regression analysis based on efficiency scores and environmental factors. The result of the regression analysis confirms the conclusion derived from the inefficiency decomposition analysis.
Attitudes of Croatian Pupils on the relationship of Environmental Issues and Sustainable Development with Technology and Engineering
Authors: Purković Damir , Kovačević Stjepan , Luttenberger Lidija Runko
Published: November 2022

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is becoming an important part of general education, based on a concept that includes three components: Environmental, Social and Economic. The sustainable development curriculum in Croatia is based on this concept, and activities in this area are mainly limited to environmental protection and ecological activities. At the same time, the technological and political context needed to take the right action and develop critical thinking and a systemic approach is lacking. In this context, a survey on pupils’ attitudes towards the relationship between technology and engineering with the themes of ecology and sustainable development was conducted to investigate the impact of this curriculum on students’ awareness. The research was conducted on a stratified sample of primary school pupils (N = 2205) from Croatia. The results show that pupils view technology as important for life and progress, but do not understand how it relates to sustainable development and environmental issues. This refers to issues of water conservation, construction of facilities, waste disposal, and understanding technology only as pollution. These results point to the need for “deeper” and transformative technology teaching that takes place in a real-world context. Only in this way can students understand the concept and meaning of sustainable development and the role and importance of technology in this context, and be educated to be responsible citizens.
The Minkowski Billiard Characterization of the EHZ-Capacity of Convex Lagrangian Products
Authors: Rudolf Daniel
Published: November 2022

We rigorously state the connection between the EHZ-capacity of convex Lagrangian products $$K\times T\subset \mathbb {R}^n\times \mathbb {R}^n$$

K
×
T
⊂

R

n

×

R

n

and the minimal length of closed (K, T)-Minkowski billiard trajectories. This connection was made explicit for the first time by Artstein–Avidan and Ostrover under the assumption of smoothness and strict convexity of both K and T. We prove this connection in its full generality, i.e., without requiring any conditions on the convex bodies K and T. This prepares the computation of the EHZ-capacity of convex Lagrangian products of two convex polytopes by using discrete computational methods.
Optimising the selection of outcomes for healthy ageing trials: a mixed methods study
Authors: Syed Muslim Abbas , Aiyegbusi Olalekan Lee , Marston Eliot , Lord Janet M. , Teare Harriet , Calvert Melanie
Published: November 2022

Advancing age is associated with chronic diseases which are the largest cause of death and disability in developed countries. With increasing life expectancy and an ageing population, there is a need to conduct trials to extend healthy ageing, including targeting biological ageing processes, and prevent ageing-related diseases. The main objectives of the study are as follows: (i) to review outcome measures utilised in healthy ageing trials focusing on pharmacological therapies, nutritional supplements and medical devices; (ii) to summarise the views of key stakeholders on outcome selection for healthy ageing trials. An analysis of records from the Clinicaltrials.gov database pertaining to healthy ageing trials from inception to May 2022 was conducted. In addition, the findings of a workshop attended by key stakeholders at the 2022 annual UKSPINE conference were qualitatively analysed. Substantial heterogeneity was found in the interventions evaluated and the outcomes utilised by the included studies. Recruitment of participants with diverse backgrounds and the confounding effects of multi-morbidity in older adults were identified as the main challenges of measuring outcomes in healthy ageing trials by the workshop participants. The development of a core outcome set for healthy ageing trials can aid comparability across interventions and within different settings. The workshop provided an important platform to garner a range of perspectives on the challenges with measuring outcomes in this setting. It is critical to initiate such discussions to progress this field and provide practical answers to how healthy ageing trials are designed and structured in the future.