bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the presence and relationship between temporomandibular disorder and oral parafunctions in dental assistant students: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Eraslan Ravza , Ozturk Taner
Published: June 2022

Aim

In this cross‐sectional descriptive study, it was aimed to determine the relationship between the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and oral parafunctions in dental assistant students and to evaluate the effects of gender and education years.

Methods

The results of 105 individuals (mean age: 20.72 ± 3.51 years; 75 females, 30 males) were analyzed in this descriptive cross‐sectional study, which included student participants who received dental assistant education program from Erciyes University Vocational Health College. The Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) questionnaire was used to define the presence and symptoms of TMD, and the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC) questionnaire was used to determine the oral parafunctions of individuals. Fisher's exact, Mann–Whitney U, Kendall tau‐b, and Spearman correlation and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the data.

Results

Any level of TMD was detected in 64.8% of all individuals included in the study, and most of these patients were women (74.3%). No significant difference was found between the TMD prevalence of the first‐ and second‐grade students based on the years of education of the participants (p = 0.614).   Considering the sex and class parameters, statistically significant weak (r = 0.378 for females; r = 0.375 for the first grade) and middle (r = 0.418 for males; r = 0.478 for the second grade) degree positive correlation was determined (p < 0.01) between the OBC and TMD scores for both parameters.

Conclusion

The prevalence of TMD is higher in dental assistant students, especially females, and this is associated with certain degrees of oral parafunctions.
A systematic literature review to identify ethical, legal, and social responsibilities of nonprofit organizations when funding clinical trials in pediatric cancer
Authors: Rahimzadeh Vasiliki , Wolfert Susan , Buenger Vickie , Campbell Cindy , French Robin , Ludwinski Donna , Weinstein Amy , Barrett Caitlyn
Published: June 2022

Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) play critical roles as funding sources, research partners, and disseminators of drug developments in pediatric cancer. Yet the literature provides limited guidance about ethical best practices when NPOs make trial funding decisions in this space. We conducted a systematic review of the literature indexed in PubMed and Web of Science to identify the ethical, legal, and social responsibilities of NPOs to four key stakeholder groups in funding pediatric cancer trials: (i) patients/families, (ii) researchers, (iii) industry sponsors, and (iv) donors. We applied the lifecycle framework for patient engagement in drug research and development proposed by Geissler and colleagues to analyze themes related to NPOs’ responsibilities across 54 articles that met our inclusion criteria. Emergent themes included transparency surrounding conflicts of interest, the rigor of scientific review, and communication with patients/communities about trial progress. Our research identified critical gaps in best practices for negotiating research partnerships, managing competing research priorities, and pursuing alternative financing models including venture philanthropy. Results from our review informed a set of best practices to guide NPOs in making trial funding decisions that align with stakeholder values and interests.
Clinical and molecular features of pediatric cancer patients with Lynch syndrome
Authors: Scollon Sarah , Eldomery Mohammad K. , Reuther Jacquelyn , Lin Frank Y. , Potter Samara L. , Desrosiers Lauren , McClain Kenneth L. , Smith Valeria , Su Jack Meng‐Fen , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Hu Jianhong , Korchina Viktoriya , Zarrin‐Khameh Neda , Gibbs Richard A. , Muzny Donna M. , Eng Christine , Roy Angshumoy , Parsons D. Williams , Plon Sharon E.
Published: June 2022

Background

The association of childhood cancer with Lynch syndrome is not established compared with the significant pediatric cancer risk in recessive constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome (CMMRD).

Procedure

We describe the clinical features, germline analysis, and tumor genomic profiling of patients with Lynch syndrome among patients enrolled in pediatric cancer genomic studies.

Results

There were six of 773 (0.8%) pediatric patients with solid tumors identified with Lynch syndrome, defined as a germline heterozygous pathogenic variant in one of the mismatch repair (MMR) genes (three with MSH6, two with MLH1, and one with MSH2). Tumor analysis demonstrated evidence for somatic second hits and/or increased tumor mutation burden in three of four patients with available tumor with potential implications for therapy and identification of at‐risk family members. Only one patient met current guidelines for pediatric cancer genetics evaluation at the time of tumor diagnosis.

Conclusion

Approximately 1% of children with cancer have Lynch syndrome, which is missed with current referral guidelines, suggesting the importance of adding MMR genes to tumor and hereditary pediatric cancer panels. Tumor analysis may provide the first suggestion of an underlying cancer predisposition syndrome and is useful in distinguishing between Lynch syndrome and CMMRD.
Incidence and prognostic value of central nervous system involvement in infants with B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated according to the MLL‐Baby protocol
Authors: Popov Alexander , Tsaur Grigory , Permikin Zhan , Fominikh Veronika , Verzhbitskaya Tatiana , Riger Tatiana , Demina Anna , Shorikov Egor , Kustanovich Anatoly , Movchan Liudmila , Streneva Olga , Khlebnikova Olga , Makarova Olga , Arakaev Oleg , Solodovnikov Alexander , Boichenko Elmira , Kondratchik Konstantin , Ponomareva Natalia , Lapotentova Elena , Aleinikova Olga , Miakova Natalia , Novichkova Galina , Karachunskiy Alexander , Fechina Larisa
Published: June 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and prognostic impact of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in infants with B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP‐ALL), as well as its relation with minimal residual disease (MRD) data.

Methods

A total of 139 consecutive infants with BCP‐ALL from the MLL‐Baby trial were studied. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were investigated by microscopy of cytospin slides. MRD was evaluated according to the protocol schedule by flow cytometry and PCR for fusion gene transcripts (FGT).

Results

Involvement of the CNS at any level was found in 50 infants (36.0%). The incidence of CNS involvement was higher in patients with KMT2A gene rearrangements (44.0% for KMT2A‐r vs. 15.4% for KMT2A‐g, p = .003). The outcome of CNS‐positive infants was significantly worse than that of CNS‐negative infants, although this prognostic impact was limited to the KMT2A‐r group (event‐free survival 0.21 for CNS‐positive vs. 0.48 for CNS‐negative infants, p = .044). CNS‐positive infants could not be treated successfully by conventional chemotherapy alone, irrespective of the rapidity of MRD response. In contrast, the combination of initial CNS negativity and FGT‐MRD negativity identified a group comprising up to one‐third of infants with KMT2A‐r ALL who can be treated with chemotherapy and achieve very good outcomes (disease‐free survival above 95%), and remaining patients should be allocated to receive other types of treatment.

Conclusion

We can conclude that this combination of initial CNS involvement and MRD data can significantly improve risk‐group allocation in future clinical trials enrolling infants with ALL.
Risk of volume depletion events with concomitant use of sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors and loop diuretics: A self‐controlled case series study
Authors: Lewellyan Colleen M. , Spoutz Patrick , Schaefer Monica , Patterson Mark E.
Published: June 2022

Background

Sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are used to prevent cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and newly indicated to treat heart failure (HF). Loop diuretics are commonly prescribed to manage volume overload in HF and may increase the risk of volume depletion in real‐world practice. This study evaluated the risk of volume depletion following concomitant use of SGLT2is and loop diuretics in veterans.

Methods

Veterans with T2DM were included if they received concomitant loop diuretics and SGLT2is and experienced at least one volume depletion event between December 2012 and December 2019, utilizing a self‐controlled case series design. Concomitant prescribing periods were divided into focal windows of 1 to 14 days, 14 to 28 days, and greater than 28 days. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were estimated using multivariable Poisson regressions adjusted for age and renal function.

Results

3352 patients experienced at least one volume depletion event and were concomitantly prescribed SGLT2is and loop diuretics at least once. The risk of volume depletion increased in the treatment versus control windows during the 1 to 14‐day window (IRR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.63–2.02) the 15‐to‐28‐day window (IRR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.28–1.67), and the greater than 28‐day window (IRR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.21–1.34).

Conclusions

Concomitant prescribing of SGLT2is and loop diuretics is associated with an increased risk of volume depletion, an effect that attenuates with longer therapy durations. Prescribers need to closely monitor fluid status in patients receiving concomitant therapy, especially those with advancing age or with eGFR below 60.
Front Cover Image, Volume 78, Issue 7
Authors: Zhou Yuan‐lin , Li Xin‐lu , Zhang Yi‐meng , Shi Yan , Li Hong‐hong , Zhang Zhe , Iqbal Chandni , Ye De‐xing , Li Xue‐sheng , Zhao Ying‐ru , Xu Wei‐long , Smagghe Guy , Yang Xin‐ling
Published: June 2022

The cover image is based on the Research Article A novel bee‐friendly peptidomimetic insecticide: Synthesis, aphicidal activity and 3D‐QSAR study of insect kinin analogs at Phe2 modification by Yuan‐lin Zhou et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6920.

image
A closer look at the equivalence of Bernoulli and geometric CUSUM control charts
Authors: Saccucci Michael S. , Lucas James M. , Bourke Patrick D. , Davis Darwin J. , Saniga Erwin M.
Published: June 2022

Some researchers have incorrectly concluded that the geometric CUSUM is superior to the Bernoulli CUSUM as a procedure for monitoring a repetitive process, even though the two procedures have been proved to be equivalent for detecting an upward shift in the proportion of nonconforming items. We use an exact Markov‐chain‐based methodology to re‐examine the relationship between geometric CUSUM and Bernoulli CUSUM control charts. Exact methods allow us to differentiate between similar but different‐valued quantities that have contributed to some misunderstandings in the literature. We show that for a random‐shift model, evaluations of steady‐state average number of inspected items until a signal (ANIs) are identical for both geometric CUSUMs and Bernoulli CUSUMs, provided the correct choices of return levels are made. We also show that a steady‐state geometric CUSUM based on a fixed‐shift model only uses the geometric CUSUM states, while a steady‐state geometric CUSUM based on a random‐shift model will reach the states of a Bernoulli CUSUM after a long series of zeros. We note that our conclusions are contrary to the published results of other researchers, and we examine these differences in detail.

Layman's Abstract: Since, their introduction by Walter Shewhart in 1931, control charts such as the Shewhart p‐chart have had widespread application for monitoring the output quality from manufacturing processes, such as the proportion (p) in the stream of manufactured items that are nonconforming. But the Shewhart p‐chart is not very effective for monitoring processes when the proportion p is less than about 4 percent. Other charts, such as the geometric CUSUM (proposed in 1991) and the Bernoulli CUSUM (proposed in 1999) have been shown to be superior at identifying changes in p when p is small. Some researchers have relied on simulation‐based investigations to compare these two CUSUMs, and have incorrectly concluded that the geometric CUSUM is superior to the Bernoulli CUSUM, even though the two procedures have been proved to be equivalent for detecting an upward shift in the proportion p. Using exact, Markov‐chain‐based methodology, we re‐examine the relationship between the geometric CUSUM and the Bernoulli CUSUM control charts and demonstrate that these two charts are equivalent when evaluated correctly. Exact methods allow us to precisely compare these two monitoring schemes and correct some erroneous conclusions that have appeared in the literature.
Quantum Architecture Search with Meta‐Learning
Authors: He Zhimin , Chen Chuangtao , Li Lvzhou , Zheng Shenggen , Situ Haozhen
Published: June 2022

Variational quantum algorithms (VQAs) have been successfully applied to quantum approximate optimization algorithms, variational quantum compiling and quantum machine learning models. The performances of VQAs largely depend on the architecture of parameterized quantum circuits (PQCs). Quantum architecture search (QAS) aims to automate the design of PQCs in different VQAs with classical optimization algorithms. However, current QAS algorithms do not use prior experiences and search the quantum architecture from scratch for each new task, which is inefficient and time consuming. In this paper, a meta quantum architecture search (MetaQAS) algorithm is proposed, which learns good initialization heuristics of the architecture (i.e., meta‐architecture), along with the meta‐parameters of quantum gates from a number of training tasks such that they can adapt to new tasks with fewer gradient updates, which leads to fast learning on new tasks. The proposed MetaQAS can be used with arbitrary gradient‐based QAS algorithms. Simulation results on variational quantum compiling (VQC) and quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) show that the architectures optimized by MetaQAS converge faster than a state‐of‐the‐art gradient‐based QAS algorithm, namely DQAS. MetaQAS also achieves a better solution than DQAS after fine‐tuning of gate parameters.
No evidence for effects of mill‐grinding on δ13C, δ15N and δ34S values in different marine taxa
Authors: Pérez Pablo A. , Docmac Felipe , Harrod Chris
Published: June 2022

Rationale

The analysis of natural variation in light stable isotopes such as carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N) and sulfur (δ34S) plays an important role in deepening our understanding of ecosystems. To avoid misinterpretation, robust results are required, where pre‐treatment steps such as sample homogenization are crucial to guarantee representative samples. The grinding of samples using stainless steel balls in polypropylene tubes (e.g., laboratory bead‐beater) has been identified as a potential source of bias.

Methods

We tested possible effects of mill‐grinding (e.g., contamination) of samples of coastal marine taxa including primary producers, primary consumers and higher trophic level fish. We compared potential impacts of homogenization by mill‐grinding with hand‐grinding over an extended time on δ13C, δ15N and δ34S values.

Results

One‐way Welch’s analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there were no statistical differences between methods for all the studied taxa. Also, repeated measures ANOVA showed no evidence of effects of grinding for extended times (from 30 to 120 seconds) for δ13C, δ15N and δ34S values.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that grinding samples in polypropylene tubes in a bead‐beater resulted in any marked alteration of the isotopic composition on the studied samples, e.g., through contamination by plastic. As such, we consider mill‐grinding as an appropriate method for the homogenization of samples from a range of different marine taxa, which under controlled conditions did not affect δ13C, δ15N and δ34S analysis.
Growth Optimization and Device Integration of Narrow‐Bandgap Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Borin Barin Gabriela , Sun Qiang , Di Giovannantonio Marco , Du Cheng‐Zhuo , Wang Xiao‐Ye , Llinas Juan Pablo , Mutlu Zafer , Lin Yuxuan , Wilhelm Jan , Overbeck Jan , Daniels Colin , Lamparski Michael , Sahabudeen Hafeesudeen , Perrin Mickael L. , Urgel José I. , Mishra Shantanu , Kinikar Amogh , Widmer Roland , Stolz Samuel , Bommert Max , Pignedoli Carlo , Feng Xinliang , Calame Michel , Müllen Klaus , Narita Akimitsu , Meunier Vincent , Bokor Jeffrey , Fasel Roman , Ruffieux Pascal
Published: June 2022

The electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) can be engineered by controlling their edge structure and width with atomic precision through bottom‐up fabrication based on molecular precursors. This approach offers a unique platform for all‐carbon electronic devices but requires careful optimization of the growth conditions to match structural requirements for successful device integration, with GNR length being the most critical parameter. In this work, the growth, characterization, and device integration of 5‐atom wide armchair GNRs (5‐AGNRs) are studied, which are expected to have an optimal bandgap as active material in switching devices. 5‐AGNRs are obtained via on‐surface synthesis under ultrahigh vacuum conditions from Br‐ and I‐substituted precursors. It is shown that the use of I‐substituted precursors and the optimization of the initial precursor coverage quintupled the average 5‐AGNR length. This significant length increase allowed the integration of 5‐AGNRs into devices and the realization of the first field‐effect transistor based on narrow bandgap AGNRs that shows switching behavior at room temperature. The study highlights that the optimized growth protocols can successfully bridge between the sub‐nanometer scale, where atomic precision is needed to control the electronic properties, and the scale of tens of nanometers relevant for successful device integration of GNRs.
The impact of COVID‐19 on the market prospects of electric passenger cars
Authors: Ajanovic Amela
Published: June 2022

The outbreak of COVID‐19 pandemic has caused changes worldwide in a dimension that has not been seen since the Second World War. This pandemic and the measures taken to moderate the negative consequences have affected almost all aspects of our life. Transport has been one of the most affected sectors. In general, the global car market is very sensitive to macroeconomic conditions. This applies especially to electric vehicles, which are still very dependent on financial support measures. A combination of travel restrictions, unemployment, and low oil prices could have significant impact on electric vehicles. This paper provides an overview of the development of electric vehicles and corresponding policies covering the period before and during the COVID crisis. Policy framework and the future development of the annual gross domestic product per capita have a significant impact on diffusion of battery electric vehicles. However, since the crisis is still ongoing, the full impact of the COVID crisis on mobility is still to be seen but the findings so far show rather favorable signs for electric mobility.

This article is categorized under:

Cities and Transportation > Electric Mobility
Programmed death 1 (PD‐1) and ligand (PD‐L1) inhibitors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Levy Dylan A. , Patel Jaimin J. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Nicholas Jungbauer W. , Neskey David M. , Cohen Ezra E. W. , Paulos Chrystal M. , Kaczmar John A. , Knochelmann Hannah M. , Day Terry A.
Published: June 2022

Background

PD‐1 and PD‐L1 inhibitors have emerged as promising treatments for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 inhibitors in HNSCC. Outcomes: median overall survival (mOS), median progression‐free survival (mPFS), Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs).

Results

Eleven trials reported data on 1088 patients (mean age: 59.9 years, range: 18–90). The total mOS was 7.97 months (range: 6.0–16.5). Mean mPFS for all studies was 2.84 months (range: 1.9–6.5). PD‐1 inhibitors had a lower rate of RECIST Progressive Disease than PD‐L1 inhibitors (42.61%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 36.29–49.06 vs. 56.79%, 95% CI: 49.18–64.19, P < 0.001). The rate of TRAEs of any grade (62.7%, 95% CI: 59.8–65.6) did not differ.

Conclusions

Meta‐analysis shows the efficacy of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 inhibitors in HNSCC and suggests a possible difference in certain RECIST criterion between PD‐1 and PD‐L1 inhibitors. Future work to investigate the clinical significance of these findings is warranted.
Overprescription of opioid analgesia is common following ambulatory Otolaryngology—Head and Neck surgery procedures: A multicenter study
Authors: Hamour Amr F. , Laliberte Frederick , Levy Jordan , Xu Jason , Park Edward , Lin Vincent , de Almeida John , Strychowsky Julie , Eskander Antoine , Monteiro Eric
Published: June 2022

Background

The rise in the use of prescription opioids for postoperative analgesia within surgery has mirrored an increased trend of opioid‐related morbidity within Canada and the United States. This study prospectively studied daily pain levels and medication requirements postoperatively in patients undergoing elective Otolaryngology—Head and Neck surgery procedures.

Methods

Patients were asked to prospectively document their pain level and medication use daily for 7 days postoperatively. A final survey was used to quantify unused medication left at home and clarify each patient's disposal plan. We included patients undergoing elective outpatient or short stay surgeries from three tertiary care centers in Toronto, Ontario from September 2016 to September 2017. Previous opioids users or patients suffering from chronic pain were excluded.

Results

A final cohort of 56 eligible adult patients were included in the study. The most common procedures were thyroidectomy (n = 19), endoscopic sinus surgery (n = 10), tympanoplasty/ossiculoplasty (n = 7), and cochlear implant (n = 5). Most patients received a prescription for acetaminophen/codeine (n = 29, 51.8%) or acetaminophen/oxycodone (n = 22, 39.3%) and used on average 29% of their initial prescription. Patients most commonly opted to keep their unused narcotics at home (n = 23, 41%). A total of 710 tablets of narcotics were overprescribed in our study population, 351 of which were kept in patients' home for future use.

Conclusion

There is a clear tendency to overestimate postoperative pain resulting in significant overprescription of opioids among Otolaryngologists.
A quiet place: The impact of the word “quiet” on clinical workload
Authors: Go Beatrice C. , Chorath Kevin , Schettino Amy , Anagnos Vincent , Maina Ivy , Henry Laura , Dumberger Lukas , Sangal Neel , Triantafillou Vasiliki , Husain Solomon , Sudoko Chad , Cretney Evan , Rajasekaran Karthik
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the impact of uttering the word “quiet” on clinical workload during the overnight otolaryngology call shift and understand the factors contributing to resident busyness.

Materials and Methods

A multicenter, single‐blind, randomized‐controlled trial was conducted. A total of 80 overnight call shifts covered by a pool of 10 residents were randomized to the quiet or to the control group. At the start of shift, residents were asked to state aloud, “Today will be a quiet night” (quiet group) or “Today will be a good night” (control group). Clinical workload, as measured by number of consults, was the primary outcome. Secondary measures included number of sign‐out tasks, unplanned inpatient and operating room visits, number of phone calls and hours of sleep, and self‐perceived busyness.

Results

There was no difference in the number of total (P = 0.23), nonurgent (P = 0.18), and urgent (P = 0.18) consults. Tasks at signout, total phone calls, unplanned inpatient visits, and unplanned operating room visits did not differ between the control and quiet groups. While there were more unplanned operating room visits in the quiet group (29, 80.6%) compared to the control group (34, 94.4%), this was not found to be significant (P = 0.07). The majority of residents reported feeling “not busy” during control nights (18, 50.0%) compared to feeling “somewhat busy” during quiet nights (17, 47.2%; P = 0.42).

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, there is no clear evidence that uttering the word “quiet” significantly increases clinical workload.
Impact of smoking on nasal mucociliary clearance time in Kano metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Mahmud Ahmad , Salisu Abubakar D. , Kolo Emmanuel S. , Hasheem Muhammad G. , Bello‐Muhammad Nafisatu , Tukur Ahmad R. , Nuhu Yasir J. , Jalo Rabiu I.
Published: June 2022

Background

Mucociliary clearance is an important defense mechanism in human upper and lower respiratory airways. Impairment of this process by certain conditions such as cigarette smoking can predispose to chronic infection and neoplasm of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study conducted in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. Eligible adults were enrolled, a saccharine test was conducted, and the nasal mucociliary clearance time was assessed. Analysis of the result was carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 23.0.

Results

There were 225 participants categorized into 75 active smokers (33.3%), 74 passive smokers (32.9%), and 76 nonsmokers (33.8%, living in a smoking‐free zone). The age range of the participants was between 18 and 50 years, with a mean age of (31.2 ± 5.6) years. All participants were males. There were 139 (61.8%) of Hausa‐Fulani ethnic group, 24 (10.7%) Yoruba, 18 (8.0%) Igbo, and 44 (19.5%) other ethnic groups. Findings in this study showed that the average mucociliary clearance time among active smokers was prolonged ([15.25 ± 6.20] min) compared to passive ([11.41 ± 4.25] min) and nonsmokers ([9.17 ± 2.76] min) respectively, with a statistical significance (F = 33.59, P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression revealed that the number of cigarettes smoked per day was an independent predictor of prolonged mucociliary clearance time (P = 0.008, odds ratio = 0.44, 95% confidence interval = 0.24–0.80).

Conclusion

Active cigarette smoking is associated with prolonged nasal mucociliary clearance time. The number of cigarette sticks smoked per day was found to be an independent predictor of prolonged mucociliary clearance time.
Surgical wound classification in otolaryngology: A state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Bernstein Jeffrey D. , Bracken David J. , Abeles Shira R. , Orosco Ryan K. , Weissbrod Philip A.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To describe the issues related to the assignment of surgical wound classification as it pertains to Otolaryngology—Head & Neck surgery, and to present a simple framework by which providers can assign wound classification.

Data Sources

Literature review.

Conclusion

Surgical wound classification in its current state is limited in its utility. It has recently been disregarded by major risk assessment models, likely due to inaccurate and inconsistent reporting by providers and operative staff. However, if data accuracy is improved, this metric may be useful to inform the risk of surgical site infection. In an era of quality‐driven care and reimbursement, surgical wound classification may become an equally important indicator of quality.
Ln3MBi5 (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm; M=Zr, Hf): Intermetallics with Hypervalent Bismuth Chains
Authors: Khoury Jason F. , Song Xiaoyu , Schoop Leslie M.
Published: June 2022

We report five new isostructural compounds in the Ln3MBi5 (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm; M=Zr, Hf) family, and compare them to the recently reported Sm3ZrBi5 analogue. Ln3MBi5 crystallizes in the P63/mcm space group, hosting the anti‐Hf5Sn3Cu structure type. The one‐dimensional structure consists of hypervalent Bi2− chains and face‐sharing MBi6 octahedra that form chains along the c axis. A framework of Ln3+ cations charge balances and separates the two motifs. The Bi−Bi and M−Bi bond lengths decrease as the Ln cation becomes smaller across the period, but there is almost no diﬀerence in either bond length when the identity of M changes, as expected because Zr and Hf have the exact same radii due to lanthanide contraction. We present a structural stability map showing the limits of cation stability in the structure, with La3+ and U3+ as the largest cations and Sm3+ as the smallest cation. X‐ray photoelectron spectra suggest ambiguous valence states in the Ln3MBi5 structure depending on the identity of the M atom. This work further expands the Ln3MBi5 family and sheds new light on how their bonding behavior may vary based on chemical composition.
Preparation of RGO film based BiVO4 (040) composites with photocatalytic properties
Authors: Qian Jiaqi , Cao Liwen , Hu Xiaolin , Li Yao , Wang Rong , Shen Mengru , Qu Jiangang
Published: June 2022

Graphene oxide (GO) film was modified by silane coupling agent KH‐560, then bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) was successfully loaded on the modified GO film via hydrothermal method to obtain reduced graphene oxide (RGO) film based BiVO4 composite. The effects of hydrothermal reaction time on BiVO4 morphology and photocatalytic properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction pattern (XRD), ultraviolet visible light absorption spectroscopy (UV‐vis) and photocatalytic activity. The results show that BiVO4 is a porous structure growing towards (040) crystal plane on the composite, and when the synthesis time is 6 h, the degradation rate for Reactive Black 5 by the composite can reach 95 % within 90 min. Furthermore, the composite prepared at the optimal time was characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The microphysical process of the separation and combination of photogenerated electron hole pairs was successfully demonstrated by the variations of photoinduced current density with time (i‐t curve) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopies (EIS). Finally, the photocatalytic mechanism was proposed by free radical capture experiment.
Detecting and Learning the Unknown in Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Chan Robin , Uhlemeyer Svenja , Rottmann Matthias , Gottschalk Hanno
Published: June 2022

Semantic segmentation is a crucial component for perception in automated driving. Deep neural networks (DNNs) are commonly used for this task, and they are usually trained on a closed set of object classes appearing in a closed operational domain. However, this is in contrast to the open world assumption in automated driving that DNNs are deployed to. Therefore, DNNs necessarily face data that they have never encountered previously, also known asanomalies, which are extremely safety-critical to properly cope with. In this chapter, we first give an overview about anomalies from an information-theoretic perspective. Next, we review research in detecting unknown objects in semantic segmentation. We present a method outperforming recent approaches by training for high entropy responses on anomalous objects, which is in line with our theoretical findings. Finally, we propose a method to assess the occurrence frequency of anomalies in order to select anomaly types to include into a model’s set of semantic categories. We demonstrate that those anomalies can then be learned in an unsupervised fashion which is particularly suitable in online applications.
Safety Assurance of Machine Learning for Perception Functions
Authors: Burton Simon , Hellert Christian , Hüger Fabian , Mock Michael , Rohatschek Andreas
Published: June 2022

The latest generation of safety standards applicable to automated driving systems require both qualitative and quantitative safety acceptance criteria to be defined and argued. At the same time, the use of machine learning (ML) functions is increasingly seen as a prerequisite to achieving the necessary levels of perception performance in the complex operating environments of these functions. This inevitably leads to the question of which supporting evidence must be presented to demonstrate the safety of ML-based automated driving systems. This chapter discusses the challenge of deriving suitable acceptance criteria for the ML function and describes how such evidence can be structured in order to support a convincing safety assurance case for the system. In particular, we show how a combination of methods can be used to estimate the overall machine learning performance, as well as to evaluate and reduce the impact of ML-specific insufficiencies, both during design and operation.
The Good and the Bad: Using Neuron Coverage as a DNN Validation Technique
Authors: Gannamaneni Sujan Sai , Akila Maram , Heinzemann Christian , Woehrle Matthias
Published: June 2022

Verification and validation (V&V) is a crucial step for the certification and deployment of deep neural networks (DNNs). Neuron coverage, inspired by code coverage in software testing, has been proposed as one such V&V method. We provide a summary of different neuron coverage variants and their inspiration from traditional software engineering V&V methods. Our first experiment shows that novelty and granularity are important considerations when assessing a coverage metric. Building on these observations, we provide an illustrative example for studying the advantages of pairwise coverage over simple neuron coverage. Finally, we show that there is an upper bound of realizable neuron coverage when test data are sampled from inside the operational design domain (in-ODD) instead of the entire input space.
Joint Optimization for DNN Model Compression and Corruption Robustness
Authors: Varghese Serin , Hümmer Christoph , Bär Andreas , Hüger Fabian , Fingscheidt Tim
Published: June 2022

Modern deep neural networks (DNNs) are achieving state-of-the-art results due to their capability to learn a faithful representation of the data they are trained on. In this chapter, we address two insufficiencies of DNNs, namely, the lack of robustness to corruptions in the data, and the lack of real-time deployment capabilities, that need to be addressed to enable their safe and efficient deployment in real-time environments. We introduce hybrid corruption-robustness focused compression (HCRC), an approach that jointly optimizes a neural network for achieving network compression along with improvement in corruption robustness, such as noise and blurring artifacts that are commonly observed. For this study, we primarily consider the task of semantic segmentation for automated driving and focus on the interactions between robustness and compression of the network. HCRC improves the robustness of the network by 8.39% absolute mean performance under corruption (mPC) on the Cityscapes dataset, and by 2.93% absolute mPC on the Sim KI-A dataset, while generalizing even to augmentations not seen by the network in the training process. This is achieved with only minor degradations on undisturbed data. Our approach is evaluated over two strong compression ratios (30% and 50%) and consistently outperforms all considered baseline approaches. Additionally, we perform extensive ablation studies to further leverage and extend existing state-of-the-art methods.
Does Redundancy in AI Perception Systems Help to Test for Super-Human Automated Driving Performance?
Authors: Gottschalk Hanno , Rottmann Matthias , Saltagic Maida
Published: June 2022

While automated driving is often advertised with better-than-human driving performance, this chapter reviews that it is nearly impossible to provide direct statistical evidence on the system level that this is actually the case. The amount of labeled data needed would exceed dimensions of present-day technical and economical capabilities. A commonly used strategy therefore is the use of redundancy along with the proof of sufficient subsystems’ performances. As it is known, this strategy is efficient especially for the case of subsystems operating independently, i.e., the occurrence of errors is independent in a statistical sense. Here, we give some first considerations and experimental evidence that this strategy is not a free ride as the errors of neural networks fulfilling the same computer vision task, at least in some cases, show correlated occurrences of errors. This remains true, if training data, architecture, and training are kept separate or independence is trained using special loss functions. Using data from different sensors (realized by up to five 2D projections of the 3D MNIST dataset) in our experiments is more efficiently reducing correlations, however not to an extent that is realizing the potential of reduction of testing data that can be obtained for redundant and statistically independent subsystems.
Confidence Calibration for Object Detection and Segmentation
Authors: Küppers Fabian , Haselhoff Anselm , Kronenberger Jan , Schneider Jonas
Published: June 2022

Calibrated confidence estimates obtained from neural networks are crucial, particularly for safety-critical applications such as autonomous driving or medical image diagnosis. However, although the task of confidence calibration has been investigated on classification problems, thorough investigations on object detection and segmentation problems are still missing. Therefore, we focus on the investigation of confidence calibration for object detection and segmentation models in this chapter. We introduce the concept of multivariate confidence calibration that is an extension of well-known calibration methods to the task of object detection and segmentation. This allows for an extended confidence calibration that is also aware of additional features such as bounding box/pixel position and shape information. Furthermore, we extend the expected calibration error (ECE) to measure miscalibration of object detection and segmentation models. We examine several network architectures on MS COCO as well as on Cityscapes and show that especially object detection as well as instance segmentation models are intrinsically miscalibrated given the introduced definition of calibration. Using our proposed calibration methods, we have been able to improve calibration so that it also has a positive impact on the quality of segmentation masks as well.
Uncertainty Quantification for Object Detection: Output- and Gradient-Based Approaches
Authors: Riedlinger Tobias , Schubert Marius , Kahl Karsten , Rottmann Matthias
Published: June 2022

Safety-critical applications of deep neural networks require reliable confidence estimation methods with high predictive power. However, evaluating and comparing different methods for uncertainty quantification is oftentimes highly context-dependent. In this chapter, we introduce flexible evaluation protocols which are applicable to a wide range of tasks with an emphasis on object detection. In this light, we investigate uncertainty metrics based on the network output, as well as metrics based on a learning gradient, both of which significantly outperform the confidence score of the network. While output-based uncertainty is produced by post-processing steps and is computationally efficient, gradient-based uncertainty, in principle, allows for localization of uncertainty within the network architecture. We show that both sources of uncertainty are mutually non-redundant and can be combined beneficially. Furthermore, we show direct applications of uncertainty quantification by improving detection accuracy.
Chapter 5 Using Bluetooth for contact tracing
Authors: Elmokashfi Ahmed , Kvalbein Amund
Published: June 2022

Bluetooth data is used as the main method for contact tracing with Smittestopp. When two active devices are within Bluetooth range, they will record the ID of the paired device, along with information about the received signal quality. In this chapter, we describe how this method is implemented in Smittestopp, and how Bluetooth data is processed and analysed, to determine if an encounter between two users should be considered a qualified contact with a risk of contamination.We show that distance estimation based on Bluetooth signals is challenging due to differences between devices, lack of information on transmit power and varying environmental factors. Based on this experience, we propose a simple rule for identifying contacts based on received signal strength combined with information about the operating system type.
Pseudo-Goldstone dark matter model with CP violation
Authors: Darvishi Neda , Grzadkowski Bohdan
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We consider an explicitly CP-violating model with two Higgs doublets and one complex singlet scalar. The singlet S is charged under a global U(1) symmetry which is softly broken by a mass term μ2S2 + H.c.. Imaginary part of S is a stable dark matter candidate which at the tree level, in the limit of zero momentum transfer, decouples from nucleons naturally satisfying all existing direct detection limits on dark matter scattering cross-section. It is explicitly shown that within this framework in the alignment limit CP violation is still present in contrast to a popular version of a 2-Higgs doublet model with softly broken Z2 symmetry. In this context, we investigate dark matter implications of the model both with and without CP violation in the scalar sector. In particular, dark matter relic abundance is calculated and the possibility for its indirect detection is discussed.
Optimal Limit Order Book Trading Strategies with Stochastic Volatility in the Underlying Asset
Authors: Aydoğan Burcu , Uğur Ömür , Aksoy Ümit
Published: June 2022

In quantitative finance, there have been numerous new aspects and developments related with the stochastic control and optimization problems which handle the controlled variables of performing the behavior of a dynamical system to achieve certain objectives. In this paper, we address the optimal trading strategies via price impact models using Heston stochastic volatility framework including jump processes either in price or in volatility of the price dynamics with the aim of maximizing expected return of the trader by controlling the inventories. Two types of utility functions are considered: quadratic and exponential. In both cases, the remaining inventories of the market maker are charged with a liquidation cost. In order to achieve the optimal quotes, we control the inventory risk and follow the influence of each parameter in the model to the best bid and ask prices. We show that the risk metrics including profit and loss distribution (PnL), standard deviation and Sharpe ratio play important roles for the trader to make decisions on the strategies. We apply finite differences and linear interpolation as well as extrapolation techniques to obtain a solution of the nonlinear Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. Moreover, we consider different cases on the modeling to carry out the numerical simulations.
Initial High-Temperature Oxidation Behavior of Fe–Mn Binaries in Air: The Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation
Authors: Aghaeian S. , Sloof W. G. , Mol J. M. C. , Böttger A. J.
Published: June 2022

High-temperature oxidation of steels can be relatively fast when exposed to air. Consequently, elucidating the effect of different parameters on the oxidation mechanism and kinetics is challenging. In this study, short-time oxidation was investigated to determine the oxidation mechanism, the affecting parameters, and the linear-to-parabolic growth transition of different Fe–Mn alloys in various oxygen partial pressures (10–30 kPa) and gas flow rates (26.6 and 53.3 sccm) in a temperature range of 950–1150 °C. Oxidation kinetics was investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) under controlled atmosphere. Linear oxide growth was observed within the first 20 minutes of oxidation. The linear rate constant was significantly increased by increasing the oxygen partial pressure or the flow rate of the oxidizing gas. The morphology of the oxide layer was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystal structure of the oxides formed was followed by in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), confirming that the growing layer consists of wustite mainly, which upon slow cooling to room temperature, transformed into magnetite. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed that the atomic ratio of Fe+Mn to O was ~ 1.03:1 in the oxide scale, corresponding to Fe(Mn)O formation. Based on the characterization and a model for linear growth kinetics, it is concluded that the oxidation rate is controlled by the diffusion of oxidizing molecules through the gas layer to the sample’s surface. The findings led to a better understanding of initial oxidation behavior and provided a pathway for improved insight into the high-temperature oxidation behavior for more complex alloys.
Number of books at home as an indicator of socioeconomic status: Examining its extensions and their incremental validity for academic achievement
Authors: Heppt Birgit , Olczyk Melanie , Volodina Anna
Published: June 2022

The present study investigates the incremental validity of the traditional books-at-home measure and selected extensions (i.e., number of children’s books and number of ebooks) for explaining students’ academic achievement as measured by their academic language comprehension. Using multiple linear regressions, we additionally explore the role of the source of information (i.e., whether information is given by parents or children). Based on cross-sectional data of a German sample of 2353 elementary school children from Grades 2 through 4, we found that parents’ information on the number of books and children’s books contributed to students’ academic language comprehension over and above parental occupation and education. Children’s information on the number of books did not further increase the amount of explained variance, and the effects were smaller than those for parents’ information. Yet, when investigated separately, both parents’ and children’s information on the number of books and children’s books at home predicted students’ academic language comprehension and mediated the relationship between more distal structural features of socioeconomic status (i.e., parents’ occupational status and education) and the outcome variable. No effect emerged for the number of ebooks. Our findings point to the robustness of the traditional books-at-home measure when used in parent questionnaires.
Faces in disguise. Masks, concealment, and deceit
Authors: Gramigna Remo
Published: June 2022

The present study investigates and thematizes the interrelation between face masking, concealment, and deceit. It starts from the premise that the significance of disguise and deceit in the history of ideas should be reversed as these methods of the management of human appearance are not only regarded as coercive methods to manipulate and exert power over others but also as tactics skillfully used by the weak in order to outmaneuver those who are in a position of power. The study traces the matrix of simulation and dissimulation as forming the structure of deceit, it reviews some of the main theories of disguise within the field of semiotics, and it singles out two main dimensions of disguise, one geared upon dynamism and the other based on the static features of the face. This study suggests that classifications of masks elaborated in semiotic theory hitherto are useful but insufficient to encompass the full scope of such phenomenon. For this reason, the study provides a new typology of masks.