bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Intelligent Acoustic Sensor-Assisted English Pronunciation Signal Acquisition and Phonetic Calibration
Authors: Hu Nan , Bi Yongyi
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a multimodal intelligent acoustic sensor is used for an in-depth study and analysis of English pronunciation signal acquisition and calibration analysis of English phonetic symbols based on the acquired sound signals. This paper proposes a bimodal fusion algorithm around the direction of feature extension and fusion of acoustic recognition features. After each unimodal classification error cost is minimized, the current fusion process is determined by adaptive weights to fix its one decision layer on the fusion. The adaptive weight approach in this algorithm improves the drawback of always identifying one mode as the optimal mode in fixed-weight fusion and further improves applicability and performance compared to unimodal recognition. The random network generation algorithm is used to generate a random network for sound source data acquisition; then, the algorithm is investigated using the decomposition containing fusion center algorithm to each node, and data preprocessing is implemented at each node; finally, the distributed consistency algorithm based on average weights is used for consistent averaging iterations to achieve a consistent speech enhancement effect at each node. The experimental results show that this distributed algorithm can effectively suppress the interference of noncoherent noise, and each node can obtain an enhanced signal close to the source signal-to-noise ratio. In this study, factors that may affect the readability of spoken texts are summarized, analyzed, defined, and extracted, and the difficulty of spoken items obtained from the divisional scoring model is used as the dependent variable, and the extracted influencing factors are used as independent variables for feature screening, model construction, and tuning, and the generated results are interpreted and analyzed. From this, it was found that phonological features have a strong influence on the readability of spoken texts, mainly in features such as phonemes, syllables, and stress. This study is summarized, and the shortcomings of location-based contextual mobile learning of spoken English in terms of student management, device deployment, and empirical evidence are pointed out, to provide references and lessons for the research on IT-supported language learning.
On the Extremal Trees for Some Bond Incident Degree Indices with a Fixed Number of Segments
Authors: Hanif Muzamil , Bhatti Akhlaq Ahmad , Javaid Muhammad , Bonyah Ebenezer
Published: March 2022

The Gourava indices and hyper-Gourava indices are introduced by Kulli in 2017. These graph invariants are related to the degree of vertices of a graph

G

. Let

T

n
,
r

be the class of all

n
−

vertex chemical trees with

r

segments. In this paper, we characterize the graphs with the maximum value of the above indices in the class of chemical trees. In addition to different degree sequences, sharp upper bounds on those indices of trees with a fixed number of segments are determined, and the corresponding extremal trees are characterized.
A Survey on Nanotechnology‐Based Bioremediation of Wastewater
Authors: Thangavelu Lakshmi , Veeraragavan Geetha Royapuram
Published: March 2022

Rainwater discharge and human impacts produce wastewater, which is a contaminated type of water. Sediments also discharge phosphate into the water column when there is a lack of dissolved oxygen in the water. Through the manufacturing of environmentally benign nanoparticles, nanotechnology may reduce the amount of money spent by enterprises to remediate such contaminants. Because of their improved physiological, biochemical, and biomechanical qualities, nanoparticles are getting prominence. The importance of the global wastewater dilemma is discussed in this survey. The use of nanomaterials in heavy metal remediation (HMR) and wastewater treatment is covered in this survey. This paper also discusses the benefits of nanotechnology over traditional approaches in certain fields. This survey aims to gather together many recent studies on nanoparticle production and their benefits as adsorbents in the remediation of wastewater which have been done so far. The promising role of nanotechnology in wastewater remediation is surveyed in this research, which also discusses recent developments in nanotechnology‐mediated remediation methods. This survey examines the vital potential of nanotechnology in wastewater treatment, as well as recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology‐mediated treatment systems.
Documented β-Lactam Allergy and Risk for Cesarean Surgical Site Infection
Authors: Johnston Courtney , Godecker Amy , Shirley Daniel , Antony Kathleen M.
Published: March 2022

Objective. To examine the relationship between documented β-lactam allergy and cesarean delivery (CD) surgical site infection (SSI). Study Design. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of women who underwent CD at Ben Taub Hospital and Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women (Houston, TX) from August 1, 2011, to December 31, 2019. The primary exposure was a documented β-lactam allergy, and the second exposure of interest was the type of perioperative antibiotic received. The primary outcome was the prevalence of SSI. Maternal characteristics were stratified by the presence or absence of a documented β-lactam allergy, and significance was evaluated using Pearson’s chi-squared test for categorical variables and

t

-test for continuous variables. A logistic regression model estimated odds of SSI after adjusting for possible confounders. Results. Of the 12,954 women included, 929 (7.2%) had a documented β-lactam allergy while 12,025 (92.8%) did not. Among the 929 women with a β-lactam allergy, 495 (53.3%) received non-β-lactam perioperative prophylaxis. SSI occurred in 38 (4.1%) of women who had a β-lactam allergy versus 238 (2.0%) who did not (

p
≤
0.001

). β-Lactam allergy was associated with higher odds of SSI compared to no allergy (

adjusted
 
odds
 
ratio
 

aOR

=
1.97

;

95
%
confidence
 
interval
 

CI

=
1.24

-3.14;

p
=
0.004

) after controlling for age, race, ethnicity, insurance status, delivery body mass index (BMI), tobacco use, intra-amniotic infection in labor, duration of membrane rupture, preterm delivery, delivery indication, diabetes, hypertension, group B Streptococcus colonization, and type of perioperative antibiotic received. Conclusion. The presence of a β-lactam allergy is associated with increased odds of developing a CD SSI after controlling for possible confounders, including the type of perioperative antibiotic received.
Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Slope Failure in 3‐D Spatially Variable Soils by Finite Element Method
Authors: Ding Ya-Nan , Qi Zu-Fang , Hu Miao , Mao Jin-Zhu , Huang Xiao-Cheng
Published: March 2022

Quantitative risk assessment of landslides induced by slope failure is an important precondition for formulating effective disaster prevention, mitigation measures, and establishing a landslide risk warning system. In general, the location of the critical slip surface and the failure mode is unlikely to be predicted due to the spatial variability in soil. It remains a challenging task to effectively identify the critical slip surface and conduct the efficient risk assessment based on a three‐dimensional (3‐D) slope with spatial variability. Based on Monte Carlo simulation and the random field method, a quantitative risk evaluation method for slope failure considering the spatial variability of soil parameters is proposed in the study. Compared with a uniform soil slope, the landslide volume, the critical slip surface, and the factor of safety considering the spatial variability of soil are all uncertain; thus, the soil spatial variability has a significant effect on the failure mode and stability of the slope. By using the random finite element method, the critical slip surface of the slope is accurately identified, the corresponding landslide volume and slide distance are calculated, and the modified risk index for a landslide is further enriched, which can provide the reference basis for predicting the landslide deformation, quantitatively evaluating the landslide risk, and mitigating the landslide disaster.
SBAR Standard and Mind Map Combined Communication Mode Used in Emergency Department to Reduce the Value of Handover Defects and Adverse Events
Authors: Li Xiaoxuan , Zhao Jing , Fu Shouzhi
Published: March 2022

The objective is to explore the mind map communication mode used in the emergency department combined with the SBAR standard to reduce the occurrence of handover defects and adverse events. 180 cases of emergency treatment and patient observation from January to June 2021 were selected and studied. According to the time of admission, the selected patients were divided into observation group and control group (90 cases). The control group adopts the traditional handover mode, and the observation group thinks. The map is combined with the SBAR standard communication mode to handover; compared; and observed the two groups of nurse’s handover quality scores, handover problems and adverse events, handover defects, mastery of the patient’s condition and understanding of critical illness, and nursing satisfaction. The quality scores of nurses in the control group were significantly higher than those in the observation group; the incidence of adverse events in the observation group was 8.9%, and the incidence of handover problems was 2.2%, which was significantly lower than that of the control group. The mastery score of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group; the nursing satisfaction of the observation group was 90% significantly higher than that of the control group. The handover defect rate of 56.7% in the control group was significantly higher than that in the observation group. The nurses in the observation group had a 98.9% understanding of the critically ill patients’ condition than in the control group. All the above items are statistically significant, P < 0.05. The combined communication mode of SBAR standard and mind map used in the emergency department can improve the quality of handover, reduce adverse events and handover problems, clear patient conditions, higher patient satisfaction, and lower handover defect rate, and nurses’ critically ill patients have a higher understanding of the condition, and this communication method is worthy of clinical promotion.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Different Stages of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Shuai , Yao Yu , Guan Fengju , Sun Lijiang , Zhang Guiming
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine the survival benefits and pathological outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) combined with radical cystectomy (RC) administered to patients with cT2 or cT3-4N0M0 muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for comparing the use of NAC in combination with RC and RC alone in patients with different MIBC stages. A fixed effects model was used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and the

I

2

statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. Moreover, we determined possible sources of heterogeneity by subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Fifteen studies were finally selected. For cT2 bladder cancer, NAC combined with RC significantly increased the rates of pathological complete response (pCR) (

OR
=
4.84

, 95% CI: 1.18–19.92,

p
=
0.029

) but did not improve overall survival (OS) (

HR
=
0.86

, 95% CI: 0.72–1.02,

p
=
0.078

) across six studies. Regarding cT3-4 bladder cancer, NAC has a significantly improved effect on OS (

HR
=
0.69

; 95% CI: 0.59–0.81,

p
<
0.001

, across seven studies and 5726 patients) and pCR (pooled

OR
=
4.80

; 95% CI: 2.06–11.23,

p
<
0.001

, across two studies) than RC alone. Most studies were randomized prospective trials (level 1 evidence), and all the effects were irrespective of the type of study design and did not vary between subgroups of patients. In conclusion, NAC combined with RC is recommended for patients with T3-4aN0M0 but not for patients with T2N0M0.
Artificial Intelligence Algorithm-Based Computerized Tomography Image Features Combined with Serum Tumor Markers for Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Qiao Zhengmei , Ge Junli , He Wenping , Xu Xinye , He Jianxin
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to analyze the value of artificial intelligence algorithm-based computerized tomography (CT) image combined with serum tumor markers for diagnoses of pancreatic cancer. In the study, 68 hospitalized patients with pancreatic cancer were selected as the experimental group, and 68 hospitalized patients with chronic pancreatitis were selected as the control group, all underwent CT imaging. An image segmentation algorithm on account of two-dimensional (2D)-three-dimensional (3D) convolution neural network (CNN) was proposed. It also introduced full convolutional network (FCN) and UNet network algorithm. The diagnostic performance of CT, serum carbohydrate antigen-50 (CA-50), serum carbohydrate antigen-199 (CA-199), serum carbohydrate antigen-242 (CA-242), combined detection of tumor markers, and CT-combined tumor marker testing (CT-STUM) for pancreatic cancer were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the average Dice coefficient of 2D-3D training was 84.27%, which was higher than that of 2D and 3D CNNs. During the test, the maximum and average Dice coefficient of the 2D-3D CNN algorithm was 90.75% and 84.32%, respectively, which were higher than the other two algorithms, and the differences were statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The penetration ratio of pancreatic duct in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group, the rest were higher than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). CA-50, CA-199, and CA-242 in the experimental group were 141.72 U/mL, 1548.24 U/mL, and 83.65 U/mL, respectively, which were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and authenticity of combined detection of serum tumor markers were higher than those of CA-50, CA-199, and CA-242, and the differences were statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The results showed that the proposed algorithm 2D-3D CNN had good stability and image segmentation performance. CT-STUM had high sensitivity and specificity in diagnoses of pancreatic cancer.
Canadian Occupational Performance Measure: Benefits and Limitations Highlighted Using the Delphi Method and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Caire Jean-Michel , Maurel-Techene Sabrina , Letellier Thierry , Heiske Margit , Warren Sarah , Schabaille Arnaud , Destruhaut Florent
Published: March 2022

Introduction. The objective of this study was to establish a baseline of current use in practice of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) by consulting 33 expert French occupational therapists, who trained in this method between 2012 and 2017 and use of the COPM with their clients. The areas of health intervention are pediatrics, psychiatry, neurology, and geriatrics. An email invitation to participate in the research was therefore sent to 113 occupational therapists. We received 33 responses. Methods. A novel mixed method study combined a Delphi method with a lexical analysis of experts’ responses and principal component analysis (PCA). Results. In the last Delphi round, the consensus of the expert group was attained on 31 benefits and 1 limitation, confirming the generally positive influence of the COPM in French health services. Discussion. The COPM was clearly identified as a tool that supports occupational therapy clinical reasoning, facilitates team decision-making for care pathways, and enables people with disabilities and health conditions to make decisions for their care. Conclusion. The Delphi study revealed that the COPM appears to be well adapted to French culture and should be widely incorporated into preregistration training.
Analysis of the Asymmetric Response of the Rabbit Ear Artery to Intimal and Adventitial Amines
Authors: Nath Raghu G. , McCalden Thomas
Published: March 2022

Ring segments of the rabbit ear artery were studied in the normal configuration (where drugs entered the media mainly through the adventitia) and in the everted configuration (where drugs entered mainly through the intima). Norepinephrine (NE) produced a faster response when added to the intima. This difference was not due to NE uptake mechanisms or asymmetry of different types of alpha-receptor. However, tetraethylammonium chloride (which abolishes rectification and increases membrane electrical activity) selectively increased the velocity of contraction of the normal artery segments to NE. These results suggest that approximately 50% of the difference between the intimal and adventitial velocity of contraction to NE is due to the presence of an intimal electromechanical coupling mechanism which does not operate at the adventitia. The remaining difference may be due to a closer proximity of medial alpha-receptor to the intimal surface.
Efficiency of Canine Renal Blood Flow Autoregulation in Kidneys with or without Glomerular Filtration
Authors: Gotshall Robert , Hess Thomas , Mills Timothy
Published: March 2022

In order to evaluate vascular (myogenic) and tubular (tubuloglomerular feedback) mechanisms involved in renal blood flow (RBF) autoregulation, canine kidneys with filtration (normal) and without filtration (nonfiltering, NFK; ureteral-obstructed, UO) were studied. RBF was monitored in response to stepwise reductions in renal perfusion pressure of –20, –40, and –60 mm Hg from control pressure. None of the three groups demonstrated significant changes in RBF from their respective control values (normal, 380 ml/min/100 g; NFK, 179 ml/min/100 g; UO, 153 ml/min/100 g) until the lowest pressure (–60 mm Hg from control pressure). All three groups responded to the pressure reductions with significant decreases in renal vascular resistance. However, the calculated efficiency of the autoregulatory response for the NFK and UO groups was significantly less than for the normal group. Elimination of tubuloglomerular feedback (NFK and UO) did not necessarily eliminate renal vascular autoregulation, but did reduce the efficiency of autoregulation. It is suggested that both vascular (myogenic) and tubular (tubuloglomerular) mechanisms may coexist to efficiently autoregulate blood flow in normal filtering kidneys. However, a reduction in metabolic activity as a contributor to the reduced ability to autoregulate in these kidneys could be an additional possibility.
Vascular Injury Compared to Ageing of Normal Rabbit Aorta
Authors: Helin Pekka , Garbarsch C. , Helin G. , Lorenzen I.
Published: March 2022

Male albino rabbits of the Danish country strain, 5 months of age, were divided into two groups. One group of animals was killed 180 days after a single mechanical dilatation injury of the thoracic aorta. A second group of untreated controls was killed at ages of 150, 165, 180, 210, 330, and 450 days. Glycosaminoglycans, uptake of 35S-sulphate, collagen, uptake of 125I-albumin, and vascular histochemistry and morphology were analyzed in the thoracic aorta. In the injured aortae the dry weight and the total amounts of hexosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin-4,6-sulphate, dermatan sulphate, heparan sulphate, and hydroxyprohne were increased. The concentration of hyaluronic acid decreased, whereas the concentration of dermatan sulphate increased. The concentrations of chondroitin-4,6-sulphate and heparan sulphate were unchanged. The total uptake of 35S-sulphate into the sulphated proteoglycans as well as the uptake of 125I-albumin were increased. The light microscopical examination showed thickening of the intima, medial changes with fibrosis, accumulations of proteoglycans, calcifications, formation of cartilage, and ossified tissue with haematopoiesis. In the uninjured thoracic aorta the only significant change during ageing was an increase in the total amount of hyaluronic acid and a decrease of the 35S-sulphate incorporation into the chondroitin-4,6-sulphate in the aorta. No morphological or histochemical alterations were observed during ageing. Spontaneous lesions were observed in 2 out of 55 aortas. It may be concluded that injury and ageing are reflected quite differently in the thoracic aorta of the rabbits. The observations may be of relevance to the interpretation of the alterations in human arterial diseases involving processes of injury and repair as well as ageing.
COVID-19 in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: Clinical Manifestations, Persistence, and Immune Response
Authors: Gur Ivan , Giladi Amir , Isenberg Yonathan Nachum , Neuberger Ami , Stern Anat
Published: March 2022

Background: The clinical presentation of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is the result of intricate interactions between the novel coronavirus and the immune system. In patients with hematologic malignancies (HM), these interactions dramatically change the clinical course and outcomes of COVID-19. Summary: Patients with HM and COVID-19 are at an increased risk for prolonged viral shedding, more protracted and severe presentation, and death, even when compared to other immunocompromised hosts. HM (e.g., multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and anticancer treatments (e.g., anti-CD20 agents) that impair humoral immunity markedly increase the risk of severe COVID-19 as well as protracted viral shedding and possibly longer infectivity. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is an important player in the pathophysiology of severe and fatal COVID-19. Treatments targeting specific cytokines involved in CRS such as interleukin-6 and Janus kinase have proven beneficial in COVID-19 patients but were not assessed specifically in HM patients. Although neutropenia (as well as neutrophilia) was associated with increased COVID-19 mortality, granulocyte colony-stimulating factors were not beneficial in patients with COVID-19 and may have been associated with worse outcomes. Decreased levels of T lymphocytes and especially decreased CD4+ counts, and depletion of CD8+ lymphocytes, are a hallmark of severe COVID-19, and even more so among patients with HM, underlying the important role of T-helper dysfunction in severe COVID-19. In HM patients with intact cellular immunity, robust T-cell responses may compensate for an impaired humoral immune system. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the mechanisms of severe COVID-19 among patients with HM and assess the efficacy of new immunomodulating COVID-19 treatments in this population. Key Messages: Understanding the immunopathology of COVID-19 has greatly benefited from the previous research in patients with HM. So far, no COVID-19 treatments were properly evaluated in patients with HM. Patients with HM should be included in future RCTs assessing treatments for COVID-19.
A Head‐to‐Head Comparison of a Free Fatty Acid Formulation of Omega‐3 Pentaenoic Acids Versus Icosapent Ethyl in Adults With Hypertriglyceridemia: The ENHANCE‐IT Study
Authors: Maki Kevin C. , Bays Harold E. , Ballantyne Christie M. , Underberg James A. , Kastelein John J. P. , Johnson Judith B. , Ferguson James J. , Bays Harold , Blomer Allison , Kelley Kathleen , Patel Alpa , Scott John K , Surowitz Ronald Z , Toth Philip D , Trivedi Rupal
Published: March 2022

Background

MAT9001 is an omega‐3 free fatty acid (FFA) formulation containing mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). Compared with icosapent ethyl (EPA‐ethyl esters [EE]), EPA+DPA‐FFA previously showed enhanced triglyceride lowering and higher plasma EPA when both were administered once daily with a very–low fat diet. This trial compared pharmacodynamic responses and plasma omega‐3 levels following twice daily dosing, with meals, of EPA+DPA‐FFA and EPA‐EE in hypertriglyceridemic subjects consuming a Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet.

Methods and Results

This open‐label, randomized, 2‐way crossover trial, with 28‐day treatment periods separated by ≥28‐day washout, was conducted at 8 US centers and included 100 subjects with fasting triglycerides 1.70 to 5.64 mmol/L (150–499 mg/dL) (median 2.31 mmol/L [204 mg/dL]; 57% women, average age 60.3 years). The primary end point was least squares geometric mean percent change from baseline plasma triglycerides. In the 94 subjects with analyzable data for both treatment periods, EPA+DPA‐FFA and EPA‐EE reduced least squares geometric mean triglycerides from baseline: 20.9% and 18.3%, respectively (
P
=not significant). EPA+DPA‐FFA reduced least squares geometric mean high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein by 5.8%; EPA‐EE increased high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein by 8.5% (
P
=0.034). EPA+DPA‐FFA increased least squares geometric mean plasma EPA, DPA, and total omega‐3 (EPA+docosahexaenoic acid+DPA) concentrations by 848%, 177%, and 205%, respectively, compared with corresponding changes with EPA‐EE of 692%, 140%, and 165% (all
P
<0.001). EPA+DPA‐FFA increased docosahexaenoic acid by 1.7%; EPA‐EE decreased docosahexaenoic acid by 3.3% (
P
=0.011). Lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein responses did not differ between treatments.

Conclusions

EPA+DPA‐FFA raised plasma EPA, DPA, and total omega‐3 significantly more than did EPA‐EE. EPA+DPA‐FFA also reduced triglycerides and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein without increasing low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04177680.
Morphology of immatures of the thelytokous ant, Monomorium triviale Wheeler (Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Solenopsidini) with descriptions of the extraordinary last-instar queen larvae
Authors: IDOGAWA NAOTO , GOTOH AYAKO , DOBATA SHIGETO
Published: March 2022

The ant genus Monomorium is one of the most species-rich but taxonomically problematic groups in the hyperdiverse subfamily Myrmicinae. An East Asian species, M. triviale Wheeler, produces both reproductive queens and sterile workers via obligate thelytokous parthenogenesis. Here, we describe the immature forms of M. triviale based on light and scanning electron microscopy observations, with a note on the striking caste dimorphism in the last larval instar. The last-instar queen larvae were easily recognized by their large size, “aphaenogastroid” body shape, and rows of doorknob-like tubercles on the lateral and dorsal body surface. This type of queen-specific structure has not been found in ants in general, let alone congeneric species found in Japan. In stark contrast to the queen larvae, worker larvae showed a “pheidoloid” body shape and a body surface similar to other ants. The worker larvae were estimated to have three instars, consistent with previously described congeners. The pupae of both castes had no cocoon, a characteristic commonly described in other Myrmicinae species. In total, the developmental period from egg to adult worker averaged 59 days under 25°C. We discuss possible functions of the tubercles of queen larvae based on previous studies.
The early Eocene Eourocerus anguliterreus gen. et sp. nov (Hymenoptera, Siricidae) from Republic, Washington
Authors: ARCHIBALD S.B. , RASNITSYN A.P.
Published: March 2022

A new fossil horntail wood wasp (Hymenoptera, Symphyta, Siricidae), Eourocerus anguliterreus gen. et sp. nov. from an early Eocene Okanagan Highlands locality at Republic, Washington, USA is described. Its forewing is most like that of the extant and fossil genus Urocerus Geoffroy, 1785. It is the third fossil siricid described from North America. We treat Xeris dorbnikensis Manukyan & Smirnova, 2021 and Xeris sp. of Manukyan & Smirnova (2021) as Urocerus dorbnikensis (Manukyan & Smirnova, 2021), comb. nov. and Urocerus sp., both tentatively belonging to the genus, Urocerus klebsi Brues, 1926 as Xeris klebsi (Brues, 1926) comb. nov., and “Afrotremex or Eriotremex sp.” of Wedmann (1998) as a species of Eriotremex Benson, 1943. A key to extant and extinct genera of Siricinae by forewing characters is given.
Long-Term Blood Pressure Exposure From Childhood and Early Vascular Aging in Midlife: A 30-Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yan Yu , Cao Yu , Ma Qiong , Wang Keke , Liao Yueyuan , Sun Yue , Chen Chen , Hu Jiawen , Zheng Wenling , Chu Chao , Wang Yang , Mu Jianjun
Published: March 2022

Early vascular aging (EVA) increases cardiovascular mortality, but its long-term determinants are unknown. We included 2098 participants with ≥4 blood pressure (BP) measurements from childhood to adulthood (from the Hanzhong Adolescent Hypertension Cohort study) to investigate the impact of child-to-adult cumulative BP exposure on EVA patterns in midlife. Participants with EVA had significantly higher long-term BP burden than those with normal vascular age in midlife despite being much younger. Child-to-adult cumulative burden and trends of systolic and diastolic BP were associated with vascular age (standardized regression coefficient [β] = .31 to .53; P < .001 for all). Higher cumulative systolic and diastolic BP exposure significantly increased the risk of EVA in midlife (odds ratio, OR=1.67 to 2.75, P < .05 for all). All associations were independent of socio-demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. Excluding participants who were receiving anti-hypertensive, antidiabetic, or lipid-lowering treatments did not substantially change the above associations. This study, for the first time, reported that high cumulative child-to-adult BP exposure accelerated the vascular aging process. Stabilizing BP across life course could be beneficial to vascular health in the long run.
Maternal postnatal depression and anxiety and the risk for mental health disorders in adolescent offspring: Findings from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children cohort
Authors: Morales-Munoz Isabel , Ashdown-Doel Brooklyn , Beazley Emily , Carr Camilla , Preece Cristina , Marwaha Steven
Published: March 2022

Objective:

The impacts of postnatal psychiatric disorders on different types of mental health problems in offspring are unclear. We investigated the prospective associations of maternal postnatal depression, and anxiety, with offspring depression, anxiety, psychotic-like experiences and Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms, in adolescence, and examined whether these were independent of each other.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort. Maternal postnatal depression and anxiety at 8 weeks were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Crown-Crisp Index, respectively. Offspring mental health outcomes were measured at 10–13 years old, using a variety of questionnaire-based and interview assessments. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations between maternal postnatal risk factors and offspring mental health, and path analysis was used to investigate the pathways of maternal postnatal factors to adolescent offspring outcomes.

Results:

Data were available for 14,054 mothers with information reported on postnatal depression and 13,892 on postnatal anxiety. Logistic regression analyses found significant associations between maternal postnatal depression and offspring anxiety at 10 years old (odds ratio = 1.039, 95% confidence interval = [1.005, 1.073], p = 0.022) and between maternal postnatal anxiety and offspring psychotic experiences at 12/13 years old (odds ratio = 1.042, 95% confidence interval = [1.008, 1.077], p = 0.016). These significant associations remained after applying path analyses, when we controlled for potential offspring psychopathological overlay.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that mothers with postnatal depression are more likely to have offspring with anxiety at 10 years old, and that mothers with postnatal anxiety are more likely to have offspring with psychotic experiences at 12/13 years old. Our findings suggest specific pathways in the association between postnatal anxiety/depression and offspring mental health and contribute to the importance of identifying mothers and their offspring with increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes resulting from postnatal mental health disorders.
Who is coercively admitted to psychiatric wards? Epidemiological analysis of inpatient records of involuntary psychiatric admissions to a University General Hospital in Greece for the years 2008–2017
Authors: Bakola Maria , Peritogiannis Vaios , Stuckler David , Kitsou Konstantina Soultana , Gourzis Philippos , Hyphantis Thomas , Jelastopulu Eleni
Published: March 2022

Background:

Involuntary psychiatric admissions are a widely used practice despite ethical concerns about coercion. There are particular concerns that vulnerable groups, such as single, unemployed or racial minorities, may be more subjected to such practices.

Aim:

We aimed to investigate the social patterns of involuntary psychiatric admissions from 2008 to 2017 at University General Hospital in Ioannina, Greece.

Method:

We retrospectively assessed inpatient records from 2008 to 2017 of patients admitted to the Department of Psychiatry of the Ioannina University General Hospital, Northwestern Greece. Alternative patients of alternative years were selected for inclusion; this yielded 332 patients involuntarily admitted, corresponding to 28.5% of total involuntary psychiatric admissions.

Results:

Over the 10-year period, the overall numbers of annual involuntary psychiatric admissions remained relatively stable, as did the length of hospital stay (mean = 23.8 days). The most common disorder upon admission was schizophrenia spectrum disorders, accounting for approximately two-thirds of all admissions, followed by mood disorders (about 20%). There was evidence that people who lacked social support or experienced financial hardship were more greatly represented among those admitted: 70.2% of admitted patients were single and 64.8% were unemployed. Most patients had been admitted to the psychiatric ward in the past (64.2%).

Conclusion:

Our study indicates potentially worrisome evidence that patients who are in vulnerable positions are at elevated likelihood of being involuntarily admitted to psychiatric wards. Future research is needed to evaluate the socio-demographic patterning of involuntary admissions in other European countries.
An exploratory study on the challenges faced by social workers working with transnational families in Singapore
Authors: Tan Elaine , Choo Hyekyung
Published: March 2022

Using semi-structured interviews with social workers in Singapore, this study aimed to identify challenges that social workers face when working with transnational families, and strategies to address those challenges. Systemic barriers, lack of cross-national competency, mismatched cultural beliefs and ethical conflict were prevailing challenges that Singaporean social workers encountered. To overcome these challenges, they turned to their colleagues for peer support and supervision and self-learned about their foreign clients’ home countries. We discuss the importance of social workers’ integration of macro and micro practice skills, cross-national competency and proactive attitudes and creativity for effective service delivery for transnational families.
Farmers’ Perception of Soil Erosion and Degradation and Their Effects on Rural Livelihoods in KwaMaye Community, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Ebhuoma Osadolor , Gebreslasie Michael , Ebhuoma Eromose , Leonard Llewellyn , Silas Ngetar Njoya , Zamisa Bongumusa
Published: March 2022

KwaMaye community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has, for decades, suffered from severe environmental degradation partly due to soil erosion. Yet, no study has analysed farmers’ perception of environmental challenges confronting them and their effects on local livelihoods. Focus group discussions were conducted with KwaMaye farmers selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. KwaMaye farmers argued that soil erosion is triggered by climate fluctuations, overgrazing, termites and moles infestation. Also, the farmers suggested that environmental degradation has worsened in recent years due to increasing livestock population and shrinking grazing fields, among others. Also, farmers revealed that while provincial authorities during apartheid installed large-scale terracing to combat soil erosion, KwaMaye residents have not received any assistance from the provincial government. The aggressive nature of environmental degradation in KwaMaye has caused some farmers to quit food production despite a series of Indigenous interventions employed to combat soil erosion-related land degradation.
Energy absorption in carbon fiber honeycomb structures manufactured using a liquid thermoplastic resin
Authors: Khan Tayyab , Aziz Alia Ruzanna , Irfan Muhammad S , Cantwell Wesley J , Umer Rehan
Published: March 2022

In this study, carbon fiber/thermoplastic (Elium®) honeycombs were manufactured using the resin infusion process in a customized metallic mold. Honeycomb cores, based on different carbon fiber layers, were manufactured to achieve four different fiber weight fraction composites. Two different types of specimens, based on a single honeycomb cell and five honeycomb cells, were prepared and subjected to compression loading. The results of these tests were compared with data from similar honeycomb structures based on carbon fiber–reinforced epoxy composite. It has been shown that the compressive strength and the specific energy absorption capacity of the honeycombs increase rapidly with increasing fiber weight fraction. The specific energy absorption capability of the novel thermoplastic honeycomb structures has been shown to be as high as 50 kJ/kg which compares favorably with other energy-absorbing core materials. The thermoplastic honeycomb specimens exhibited a similar specific energy absorption capability and an improved compressive strength compared to their epoxy counterparts. Furthermore, the CF/thermoplastic honeycombs exhibited enhanced structural stability and displayed a more uniform and progressive core failure mode than the longitudinal splitting observed in the CF/epoxy honeycombs. The honeycomb core that exhibited the best performance was then used to manufacture thermoplastic sandwich specimens based on CF/thermoplastic face sheets. Three point bend tests were conducted to determine the flexural strength of the sandwich samples and to identify the failure modes. Optical micrographs revealed that the flexural damage was primarily due to the core crushing and adhesive failure between the core and the composite skins.
Introducing the Peacekeeping Mandates (PEMA) Dataset
Authors: Di Salvatore Jessica , Lundgren Magnus , Oksamytna Kseniya , Smidt Hannah M.
Published: March 2022

Research on UN peacekeeping operations has established that operations' size and composition affect peacekeeping success. However, we lack systematic data for evaluating whether variation in tasks assigned to UN peacekeeping mandates matters and what explains different configurations of mandated tasks in the first place. Drawing on UN Security Council resolutions that establish, extend, or revise mandates of 27 UN peacekeeping operations in Africa in the 1991–2017 period, the Peacekeeping Mandates (PEMA) dataset fills this gap. It records 41 distinct tasks, ranging from disarmament to reconciliation and electoral support. For each task, the PEMA dataset also distinguishes between three modalities of engagement (monitoring, assisting, and securing) and whether the task is requested or merely encouraged. To illustrate the usefulness of our data, we re-examine Hultman, Kathman, and Shannon’s (2013) analysis of operations’ ability to protect civilians. Our results show that host governments and rebel groups respond differently to civilian protection mandates.
Developments in UK police wellbeing: A review of blue light wellbeing frameworks
Authors: Phythian Rebecca , Birdsall Nathan , Kirby Stuart , Cooper Emily , Posner Zoe , Boulton Laura
Published: March 2022

Policing demands are widely acknowledged to negatively impact on the physical and mental health of police officers and staff. Research has documented the need for greater insight into the stressors and trauma that impact police officers, with a current national drive towards enhancing the police wellbeing agenda: namely, Oscar Kilo and the National Wellbeing Service. To understand the current wellbeing strategies in place, 34 Blue Light Wellbeing Frameworks were analysed. A mixed methods approach was adopted: quantitative data was descriptively examined, with thematic analyses employed to explore the qualitative data. Findings from the review highlight developments in police wellbeing, as well as areas for future development.
Maternal Attribution, Perceptions of Parenting, and Behavior Management Strategies as Predictors of Mother–Teacher Discrepancies in Rating Behavior Problems of Korean Preschoolers
Authors: Park Ju Hee , Rha Jong-Hay , Kim Yoon Kyung , Lee Dongmee
Published: March 2022

The present study aimed to investigate mother–teacher discrepancies in reports of preschoolers’ behavior problems and to examine whether maternal attribution to behavior problems, perception of parenting, and behavior management strategies predicted the discrepancies. The mothers and teachers of 384 preschoolers aged 3–6 years from 16 preschools of Seoul, South Korea, completed the Child Behavior Checklist and the Caregiver–Teacher Report Form. Based on their ratings, they were classified into three groups: (a) mother–teacher Agreement Group, (b) Disagreement Group with Mother only reporting at Risk (Disagreement Group-MR), and (c) Disagreement Group with Mother only reporting No Risk (Disagreement Group-MNR). The results showed marginal similarities between mothers’ and teachers’ reports of behavior problems, indicating both low correlations and differences in percentages of at-risk children. Multinomial logistic regressions revealed that maternal attribution and maternal perception of parenting difficulties predicted group membership regarding mother–teacher discrepancies. For both internalizing and externalizing problems, mothers who attributed environmental factors as primary causes of children’s behavior problems were more likely to be in the Agreement Group than the Disagreement Group-MNR. With regard to externalizing problems, the more the mothers perceived parenting difficulties, the more likely they were to belong to either of the Disagreement Groups. The outcomes suggest the importance of considering that mothers’ reports of children’s behavior and mother–teacher discrepancies partly mirror mothers’ beliefs and perceptions regarding children’s behavior and parenting. Professionals need to be aware that information from mother–teacher discrepancies can be of help in understanding mothers as well as children in practice.
Surgical outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection in septuagenarians and octogenarians
Authors: Nakai Yosuke , Yamada Toshiyuki , Ogawa Shinji , Kamiya Shinji , Saitoh Yuhei , Suda Hisao
Published: March 2022

Background

We studied surgical outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection and compared early and late outcomes between septuagenarians and octogenarians.

Methods

From 2010 to 2019, we evaluated 254 consecutive patients with acute type A aortic dissection. We performed emergent operations within 48 h of symptom onset for 188 patients, including 59 septuagenarians and 32 octogenarians.

Results

The overall 30-day mortality rate was 8.5% in septuagenarians and 9.4% in octogenarians ( p = 1.0). The hospital mortality rate was 10.2% in septuagenarians and 12.5% in octogenarians ( p = 0.74). Multivariate analysis identified prolonged ventilation (≥ 72 h) as a significant risk factor for hospital mortality. Being an octogenarian was not significantly associated with hospital mortality. The actuarial survival rate at 5 years was 80.1% in septuagenarians and 58.5% in octogenarians (log-rank p = 0.09). The freedom from aortic event rate at 5 years was 91.0% in septuagenarians and 100% in octogenarians (log-rank p = 0.23).

Conclusion

The two groups showed no significant differences in hospital mortality or morbidity. Our tear-oriented strategies might be appropriate for both septuagenarians and octogenarians. Prolonged ventilation (≥ 72 h) was a significant risk predictor for hospital mortality.
High growth episodes among R&D intensive firms: Evidence for Europe, US and Japan
Authors: Aldieri Luigi , Sena Vania , Vinci Concetto Paolo
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this article is three-fold: first, it tests whether inter-industry R&D spillovers are positively associated with the likelihood of experiencing high growth episodes among R&D intensive firms in Europe, US and Japan; second, it tests whether such a relationship is conditional on their level of absorptive capacity (ACAP); third, it tests whether the acquisition of foreign patents, an additional channel to access external knowledge, trigger high growth episodes among a sub-set of R&D intensive firms. For the empirical analysis, we focus on R&D intensive manufacturing firms observed between 2002 and 2017, located in Europe, US and Japan. The empirical findings support the hypotheses suggesting that: a) inter-industry R&D spillovers are associated with the likelihood of experiencing high growth episodes; b) ACAP conditions the relationship between inter-industry R&D spillovers and the likelihood of experiencing high growth episodes and c) shares of foreign patents are positively associated with the likelihood of experiencing high growth episodes among high-tech R&D intensive firms.

JEL codes: C41, L25, O33.
Do structural choice theory and the ‘risky lifestyles’ perspectives predict immunity as well as victimization? A test using zero-inflated mixed-effect SEM analyses of adolescent victimizations in South Korea
Authors: Rorie Melissa , Park Seong-min , West Matthew P
Published: March 2022

Adolescent victimization experiences can cause serious distress to victims and have been shown to be international phenomena. While victimization in various forms tends to peak in adolescence, its trajectories vary depending on individual and structural characteristics as well as the type of offending. Using structural choice theory and the ‘risky lifestyles’ perspective as our framework, the present study expanded on prior research by examining adolescent victimization in South Korea and using sophisticated statistical models to examine the unique predictors of ‘immunity’ in addition to victimization. In doing so, we supported previous research indicating that structural choice theory predicts adolescent victimization, but we added to that literature in finding that immunity was also a function of one’s environment as well as individual-level characteristics.
Dynamic Analyses of Whitworth Quick Return Mechanism
Authors: Gong Jiawei , Yu Zhiyuan , Chang Hwei-Kit
Published: March 2022

Herein, we present a dynamic analysis on a Whitworth quick return mechanism, which was proposed as a class project to engage Mechanical Engineering students in the Machine Dynamics course. The objectives of the project are to teach (1) kinematic analysis on planar linkage mechanism using complex numbers and (2) kinetic analyses using distributed and lumped mass models. The analytical models were implemented using an engineering math software – Mathcad, and the results were validated by a multibody dynamics simulation software – Inventor. Loop closure equations were first built and solved to find link positions, and then velocities and accelerations were confirmed with numerical differentiation in Mathcad. Based on the solved kinematic quantities, a kinetic analysis was carried out using distributed and lumped mass models as well as in Inventor. The reactions and torques at the input link of the distributed mass model were found identical to those derived from Inventor. It was found the maximum reactions at pin joints were 11% to 100% different between the distributed mass model and the simplified lumped mass model. However, the shaking forces found in both models were nearly identical, and the peak values of the shaking moments were comparable. It is confirmed the lumped mass model can serve as a quick method to find the magnitude of the shaking forces and moments without solving simultaneous equation systems.