bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asteria-Pro: Enhancing Deep Learning-based Binary Code Similarity Detection by Incorporating Domain Knowledge
Authors: Yang Shouguo , Dong Chaopeng , Xiao Yang , Cheng Yiran , Shi Zhiqiang , Li Zhi , Sun Limin
Published: June 2023

Widespread code reuse allows vulnerabilities to proliferate among a vast variety of firmware. There is an urgent need to detect these vulnerable codes effectively and efficiently. By measuring code similarities,
AI-based binary code similarity detection
is applied to detecting vulnerable code at scale. Existing studies have proposed various function features to capture the commonality for similarity detection. Nevertheless, the significant code syntactic variability induced by the diversity of IoT hardware architectures diminishes the accuracy of binary code similarity detection. In our earlier study and the tool
Asteria
, we adopted a Tree-LSTM network to summarize function semantics as function commonality, and the evaluation result indicates an advanced performance. However, it still has utility concerns due to excessive time costs and inadequate precision while searching for large-scale firmware bugs.

To this end, we propose a novel deep learning-enhancement architecture by incorporating domain knowledge-based pre-filtration and re-ranking modules, and we develop a prototype named
Asteria-Pro
based on
Asteria
. The pre-filtration module eliminates dissimilar functions, thus reducing the subsequent deep learning-model calculations. The re-ranking module boosts the rankings of vulnerable functions among candidates generated by the deep learning model. Our evaluation indicates that the pre-filtration module cuts the calculation time by 96.9%, and the re-ranking module improves MRR and Recall by 23.71% and 36.4%, respectively. By incorporating these modules,
Asteria-Pro
outperforms existing state-of-the-art approaches in the bug search task by a significant margin. Furthermore, our evaluation shows that embedding baseline methods with pre-filtration and re-ranking modules significantly improves their precision. We conduct a large-scale real-world firmware bug search, and
Asteria-Pro
manages to detect 1,482 vulnerable functions with a high precision 91.65%.
Meta-CRS: A Dynamic Meta-Learning Approach for Effective Conversational Recommender System
Authors: Ni Yuxin , Xia Yunwen , Fang Hui , Long Chong , Kong Xinyu , Li Daqian , Yang Dong , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2023

Conversational recommender system (CRS) enhances the recommender system by acquiring the latest user preference through dialogues, where an agent needs to decide “whether to ask or recommend”, “which attributes to ask”, and “which items to recommend” in each round. To explore these questions, reinforcement learning is adopted in most CRS frameworks. However, existing studies somewhat ignore to consider the connection between the previous rounds and the current round of the conversation, which might lead to the lack of prior knowledge and inaccurate decisions. In this view, we propose to facilitate the connections between different rounds of conversations in a dialogue session through deep transformer-based multi-channel meta-reinforcement learning, so that the CRS agent can decide each action/decision based on previous states, actions, and their rewards. Besides, to better utilize a user’s historical preferences, we propose a more dynamic and personalized graph structure to support the conversation module and the recommendation module. Experiment results on five real-world datasets and an online evaluation with real users in an industrial environment validate the improvement of our method over the state-of-the-art approaches and the effectiveness of our designs.
A Joint Entity and Relation Extraction Model based on Efficient Sampling and Explicit Interaction
Authors: Li Qibin , Yao Nianmin , Zhou Nai , Zhao Jian , Zhang Yanan
Published: June 2023

Joint entity and relation extraction (RE) construct a framework for unifying entity recognition and relationship extraction, and the approach can exploit the dependencies between the two tasks to improve the performance of the task. However, the existing tasks still have the following two problems. First, when the model extracts entity information, the boundary is blurred. Secondly, there are mostly implicit interactions between modules, that is, the interactive information is hidden inside the model, and the implicit interactions are often insufficient in the degree of interaction and lack of interpretability. To this end, this study proposes a joint entity and relation extraction model (ESEI) based on
E
fficient
S
ampling and
E
xplicit
I
nteraction. We innovatively divide negative samples into sentences based on whether they overlap with positive samples, which improves the model’s ability to extract entity word boundary information by controlling the sampling ratio. In order to increase the explicit interaction ability between the models, we introduce a heterogeneous graph neural network (GNN) into the model, which will serve as a bridge linking the entity recognition module and the relation extraction module, and enhance the interaction between the modules through information transfer. Our method substantially improves the model’s discriminative power on entity extraction tasks and enhances the interaction between relation extraction tasks and entity extraction tasks. Experiments show that the method is effective, we validate our method on four datasets, and for joint entity and relation extraction, our model improves the F1 score on multiple datasets.
Algorithms for Efficiently Computing Structural Anonymity in Complex Networks
Authors: de Jong Rachel G. , van der Loo Mark P. J. , Takes Frank W.
Published: June 2023

This article proposes methods for efficiently computing the anonymity of entities in networks. We do so by partitioning nodes into equivalence classes where a node is
k
-anonymous if it is equivalent to
k
-1 other nodes. This assessment of anonymity is crucial when one wants to share data and must ensure the anonymity of entities represented is compliant with privacy laws. Additionally, in such an assessment, it is necessary to account for a realistic amount of information in the hands of a possible attacker that attempts to de-anonymize entities in the network. However, measures introduced in earlier work often assume a fixed amount of attacker knowledge. Therefore, in this work, we use a new parameterized measure for anonymity called
d
-
k
-anonymity. This measure can be used to model the scenario where an attacker has perfect knowledge of a node’s surroundings up to a given distance
d
. This poses nontrivial computational challenges, as naive approaches would employ large numbers of possibly computationally expensive graph isomorphism checks. This article proposes novel algorithms that severely reduce this computational burden. In particular, we present an iterative approach, assisted by techniques for preprocessing nodes that are trivially automorphic and heuristics that exploit graph invariants. We evaluate our algorithms on three well-known graph models and a wide range of empirical network datasets. Results show that our approaches significantly speed up the computation by multiple orders of magnitude, which allows one to compute
d
-
k
-anonymity for a range of meaningful values of
d
on large empirical networks with tens of thousands of nodes and over a million edges.
Real-World Experience with Cangrelor as Adjuvant to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Single-Centre Observational Study
Authors: Thim Troels , Jakobsen Lars , Jensen Rebekka Vibjerg , Støttrup Nicolaj , Eftekhari Ashkan , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Larsen Sanne Bøjet , Sørensen Jacob Thorsted , Carstensen Steen , Amiri Sahar , Veien Karsten Tange , Christiansen Evald Høj , Terkelsen Christian Juhl , Maeng Michael , Kristensen Steen Dalby
Published: June 2023

Background. Reversible P2Y12 inhibition can be obtained with cangrelor administered intravenously. More experience with cangrelor use in acute PCI with unknown bleeding risk is needed. Objectives. To describe real-world use of cangrelor including patient and procedure characteristics and patient outcomes. Methods. We performed a single-centre, retrospective, and observational study including all patients treated with cangrelor in relation to percutaneous coronary intervention at Aarhus University Hospital during the years 2016, 2017, and 2018. We recorded procedure indication and priority, the indications for cangrelor use, and patient outcomes within the first 48 hours after initiation of cangrelor treatment. Results. We treated 991 patients with cangrelor in the study period. Of these, 869 (87.7%) had an acute procedure priority. Among acute procedures, patients were mainly treated for STEMI (n = 723) and the remaining were treated for cardiac arrest and acute heart failure. Use of oral P2Y12 inhibitors prior to percutaneous coronary intervention was rare. Fatal bleeding events (n = 6) were only observed among patients undergoing acute procedures. Stent thrombosis was observed in two patients receiving acute treatment for STEMI. Thus, cangrelor can be used in relation to PCI under acute circumstances with advantages in terms of clinical management. The benefits and risks, in terms of patient outcomes, should ideally be assessed in randomized trials.
Three-Dimensional Location and Mapping Analysis in Mobile Robotics Based on Visual SLAM Methods
Authors: Acosta-Amaya Gustavo A. , Cadavid-Jimenez Juan M. , Jimenez-Builes Jovani A.
Published: June 2023

One of the essential tasks required from a mobile robot is the autonomous and safe navigation of its working environment. However, in many cases, a model of the environment or map is not available to execute this task. Indeed, navigation requires a permanent estimation of the location for a map, which is not available for unknown environments. In such a scenario, the robot must have extended capabilities to solve, concurrently, the problems of localization and mapping. The simultaneous solution of these two problems is known as SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) and is a complex problem, not yet fully solved by the scientific community. This is due to the fact that localization requires a map that is not yet available since it is still under construction. In turn, the elaboration of a map requires the estimation of the robot’s location. This is the reason why SLAM has been categorized as similar to the chicken and egg problem. In the case of a robot facing an unknown environment, it would be something like what to solve first, localization or mapping? The answer to this question is that the robot will have to solve both problems at the same time. This article presents a study of some of the most representative open source visual SLAM (vSLAM) methods, beginning from an analysis of their characteristics and presenting criteria selection for an experimental design that allows contrasting their advantages and disadvantages. Two of the most representative algorithms for solving vSLAM were considered (RTAB-Map and ORB-SLAM2). The experiments were validated with a robotic system designed for this purpose, which is fully compatible with ROS (robot operating system).
Chewing and Swallowing Patterns for Different Food Textures in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Sari Kartika Indah , Rafisa Anggun
Published: June 2023

Aims. This study aimed to determine the patterns of chewing and swallowing in healthy subjects with different food textures. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 75 subjects who were asked to video record themselves while chewing different food samples of varying textures, including sweet and salty food. The food samples were coco jelly, gummy jelly, biscuit, potato crisp, and roasted nuts. A texture profile analysis test was used to measure the hardness, gumminess, and chewiness of the food samples. Chewing patterns were investigated by measuring the chewing cycle prior to the first swallow (CS1), the chewing cycle until the last swallow (CS2), and the accumulation of chewing time from the first chewing to the last swallowing (STi). Swallowing patterns were evaluated by calculating the swallowing threshold, which is the chewing time/duration prior to the first swallow (STh). The number of swallows for each food sample was also recorded. Results. There was a statistically significant difference in the CS2 of potato crisps, as well as the STi of coco jelly, gummy jelly, and biscuits between male and female subjects. A significant positive correlation was found between hardness and STh. There was a significant negative correlation between gumminess and all chewing and swallowing parameters, as well as chewiness and CS1. This study also found s significant positive correlation between dental pain, CS1, CS2, and STh of gummy jelly, as well as dental pain and CS1 of biscuits. Conclusions. Females require longer chewing time for harder foods. Food hardness is positively related to the chewing duration prior to the first swallow (swallowing threshold/STh). Food chewiness has a negative correlation with the chewing cycle prior to the first swallow (CS1). Food gumminess is inversely related to all the chewing and swallowing parameters. Dental pain is associated with an increased chewing cycle and swallowing time of hard foods.
Persistent Hemarthrosis of the Knee after Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair
Authors: Kambara Shunichiro , Yoshiya Shinichi , Onishi Shintaro , Yasumizu Ryoji , Tachibana Toshiya
Published: June 2023

Introduction. In this case report, we report a patient with complicated with persistent hemarthrosis following arthroscopic meniscal repair. Case Presentation. A 41-year-old male patient presented with persistent swelling of the knee 6 months after arthroscopic meniscal repair and partial meniscectomy performed for lateral discoid meniscal tear. The initial surgery was performed at another hospital. Four months after the surgery, swelling of the knee was noted when he resumed running. At his initial visit to our hospital, intra-articular blood accumulation was revealed via joint aspiration. A second arthroscopic examination performed 7 months after the initial procedure showed healing of the meniscal repair site and synovial proliferation. The suture materials identified during the arthroscopy were removed. Histological examination of the resected synovial tissue showed inflammatory cell infiltration and neovascularization. In addition, a multinucleated giant cell was identified in the superficial layer. After the second arthroscopic surgery, the hemarthrosis did not recur, and the patient was able to resume running without symptom one and a half years post-surgery. Conclusion. Bleeding from the proliferated synovia at or near the periphery of the lateral meniscus was thought to be the cause of the hemarthrosis as a rare complication following arthroscopic meniscal repair.
Cooperative Game of Energy‐Constrained Agents in Wireless Communication Systems through Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Guo Li , Wang Jianhong , Huang Dian , Feng Shengzhong
Published: June 2023

Security issues are always considered in systems with wireless networks. However, few of them investigated covert signals existing on different communication channels to confuse advisories. In this paper, we consider the cooperation between two energy‐constrained agents, who could inject covert signals. First, the system performance is measured by Kullback–Leibler divergence (KLD) to avoid much deviation. Then, the cooperative game between two agents is considered, in which two agents share the common goal at confusing advisories. More formally, this cooperative game is formulated as a Markov decision process (MDP) and the most economic strategies are obtained through reinforcement learning (RL) under the imperfect information. Finally, the feasibility of theoretical results is demonstrated on the interconnected New England test system (NETS) as well as its reduced system.
Genetic Variability of Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) Germplasm in Biennial Bearing and Its Influence on Selection Efficiency
Authors: Merga Dawit , Beksisa Lemi , Merga Wakuma , Alemayehu Desalegn
Published: June 2023

Arabica coffee is a perennial cash crop and highly affected by biennial bearing which disturbs farmers’ annual income and world’s coffee industries. Developing nonbiennial bearing variety is prominent in addition to applying field management practices. This study was conducted from 2012 to 2020 in southwestern Ethiopia at Tepi and Gera to test the extent of genetic variability among Arabic coffee germplasm in biennial bearing and understand the influences of bienniality on advanced selection. The pooled analysis of variance revealed handiness of genetic variability in yield and biennial bearing. The moderate genotypic coefficient of variation (10–20%), heritability (30–50%), and high genetic advance as percentage of the mean (>20%) were manifested in yield and biennial bearing. Response to selection and selection efficiency were negatively affected by biennial bearing. Early selection excluded 30–40% of the top high yielders from advanced selection. Selection at four harvesting seasons revealed 90% and more selection efficiency. Thus, one has to be conscious of the alternate bearing nature of lines during advanced selection. Both T43/11 and T51/11 were among the top high yielders and showed low biennial bearing at Gera and Tepi. T33/11, T49/11, T55/11, and T61/11 showed very low biennial bearing at both locations. These are promising lines and could be recommended for further biennial bearing improvement breeding programs.
IoT framework of telerehabilitation system with wearable sensors for diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Karim Muhammad Zakwan Abdul , Jailani Rozita , Shauri Ruhizan Liza Ahmad , Thamrin Norashikin M.
Published: June 2023

Physical activity is commonly used as a treatment for diabetes patients, although its effectiveness in improving cognitive functions such as learning, thinking, remembering, and decision making is not clear. Regular exercise can gradually improve metabolic abnormalities associated with pre-diabetes and assist patients with type-2 diabetes (T2D) in managing their pharmacological treatment. The usage of mobile health (mHealth) as a tool to help diabetes patients with their diabetes self-management have been demonstrated in previous studies and it can lead to reductions in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Heart rate readings during physical activity is beneficial for healthcare professionals (HCP) to ensure appropriate intensity levels for their patients is achieved. Additionally, the list of the tailored physical activities is long, and it is quite challenging for the T2D patients to remember. Therefore, Tele-DM is proposed, consisting of a smartwatch and mobile application that enable remote physiotherapy sessions for T2D patients. The smartwatch transfers the heart rate data to Tele-DM through Google Fit database. The system provides tailored exercise programs to help patients reduce their weight and HbA1c levels. With the ability to facilitate two-way communication between HCP and T2D patients, the Tele-DM system is designed to enable an effective remote rehabilitation process.
The accessible large-scale renewable energy potential and its projected influence on Tamil Nadu's grid stability
Authors: Chandarahasan Chelladurai , Sheeba Percis Edwin
Published: June 2023

Due to its inherent geographical potential for wind/solar power and other renewable energy sources (RES) generation, Tamil Nadu is one of the pioneering Indian states in the early development and utilisation of RES. Tamil Nadu accounts for roughly 25% of India's total wind energy capacity. Increased penetration of RES in a power system indicates that RESs have replaced traditional power plants that have historically managed and stabilised the power system, resulting in novel power flow situations. Grid stability must be enhanced in light of the integration of large-scale RES into the grid. The purpose of this research is to analyse and evaluate the impact of large-scale integration of RES by examining mitigating methods from the most recent academic articles and technical reports in this field. This will aid in identifying the key risks affecting the network's stability margin as a result of the widespread integration of RES generation, allowing for a reasonable increase in the network's stability margin. The study's findings will also help to guide the selection of appropriate mitigation strategies. As the stability margin improves, the future fraction of RES additions to the Tamil Nadu extra high voltage (EHV) grid will be increased significantly.
Multi-layer perceptron neural network mobile robot navigator in unknown environment
Authors: Rabeea Hashim Al-Dahhan Mohammed , Rabeea Al-Dahhan Ruqayah , Tariq Radeef Ali
Published: June 2023

Recently, navigation in an unknown environment without hitting obstacles was considered a big challenge faced by researchers. The difficulty in finding a good mathematical model for the different systems is deciding to use artificial intelligent controllers to control the mobile robot movement. In this paper, designing two multi-layer-perceptron neural networks (MLP-NN) was done to control the movement of mobile robots in an unknown environment. The first MLP-NN is to control the linear velocity on the x-axis and angular velocity of the robot’s movement while the other MLP-NN is designed to avoid the static and dynamic obstacles faced by the robot while navigating in an unknown environment. The results show each controller's advantages in performing navigation tasks and avoiding obstacles in different environments.
FunAR-furniture augmented reality application to support practical laboratory experiments in interior design education
Authors: Iqbal Maulana Fairuz , Azis Baskoro , Widia Primadani Tiara Ika , Artha Hasibuan Pangeran Rasyach
Published: June 2023

Practical learning in the laboratory has been limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conventional education must adapt to increasingly digital technological developments. The design of interactive learning media with augmented reality technology can be a solution and support the previous conventional learning. FunAR is a Furniture Augmented Reality Application developed using the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) method consisting of ADDIE. In its implementation, the FunAR application will provide basic information about existing equipment in Lab Furniture, accompanied by 2D images, and augmented reality technology that creates 3D objects from each piece of equipment in Lab Furniture. From 15 student respondents, the results reveal that distance, angle, and device specifications significantly impact camera marker reading.
 A distance of 20 cm to 80 cm and an angle of 25° to 100° can display 3D objects. Likewise, the camera’s ability to process reading markers is better on smartphones with better hardware specifications. The results of the respondents showed that 80% of respondents were satisfied with the FunAR application.
Three Direct Copies and Other Closely Related Manuscripts of the Pauline Epistles
Authors: Houghton H.A.G. , Myshrall A.C.
Published: June 2023

As part of work towards the Editio Critica Maior of Galatians, the use of the tools of the Coherence-Based Genealogical Method and the MrBayes phylogenetic software has led to the identification of three Greek New Testament manuscripts which are direct copies (Abschriften) of surviving documents. This article provides the evidence that GA 1930 is a copy of GA 1978, GA 1935 is a copy of GA 1987, and GA 1959 is a copy of GA 467. No conclusive proof has yet been identified to confirm whether or not GA 2423 is a copy of GA 1730, GA 506 is a copy of GA 203, GA 1837 is a copy of GA 326, GA 1988 is a copy of GA 1984, or GA 1753 is a copy of GA 2279. However, it appears that neither GA 254 and GA 1523 nor GA 0150 and GA 2110 are directly related. The conclusion offers further observations on the identification of Abschriften.
Missionary Methodology and the Making of Aztec Human Sacrifice: Decolonizing a Concept
Authors: Jacobsen Casper
Published: June 2023

Images and texts in Spanish colonial manuscripts tell us that the Aztecs sacrificed humans. Among these sources, none has received a more iconic documentary status than the Franciscan missionary Bernardino de Sahagún’s tlamictiliztli account. This combines graphic depiction with text in Spanish and the Aztec language Nahuatl. Although Sahagún’s account is compelling and persuasive, its seeming realism dissipates when the analytical focus turns from the final product to its production. Using a new source-critical narrative approach that privileges methodological reflection, I analyze two versions of Sahagún’s composition to examine how the account was elicited, editorialized, and produced. Astonishing inconsistencies stress how Sahagún augmented a ‘sacrificial’ interpretation of Aztec violence, complicating both the testimonial value attributed to his work and an emic Aztec sense of ‘human sacrifice.’
New Rock Art Sites in Tigrai, Northern Ethiopia, and Their Relevance to the Understanding of the Rock Art and Dating of Domesticates Elsewhere in Ethiopia
Authors: Negash Agazi , Mulubrhan Gebretsadkan , Assefa Ephrem , Legesse Kibrom , Asrat Asfawossen
Published: June 2023

Two new rock art sites in Irob district of eastern Tigrai, northern Ethiopia, are presented. One of the sites, Ra Bolo, contains images of domestic cattle and human figures while the other, Adhay Bolo, appears to contain only images of caprines, the only example of such a scene not just in the region but in all of Ethiopia. The sites fit well with the already established northern Ethiopian assemblage of paintings and engravings. The paintings belong to the earliest phase of Ethio-Arabian “Surre-Hanakiya” style, an attribution which is supported by other types of archaeological data. These new rock art sites are also compared with other rock art sites in Ethiopia. Archaeological faunal data from northern Ethiopia and elsewhere in Ethiopia is discussed and questions are raised about the validity of the hypothesized ages of the rock art in south-central Ethiopia.
Judging in a Brave New World?: Adjudicating Cases of Parental Refusal on Religious Grounds to Consent to Medical Treatment
Authors: Flynn Michelle
Published: June 2023

This article considers case law concerning parental refusal to consent to medical treatment of a child based on religious belief or conscience. The focus of enquiry is on three pivotal decisions of the Irish Superior Courts which will serve to chart the development of judicial reasoning in this contentious area of law. In the last few decades, Ireland has experienced significant changes in its population and attitudes toward religion as a result of increased immigration, multiculturalism, and secularism. This case law analysis reveals that there has been a shift from a test that examines the motivations or reasons for parental decision making to one that focuses on the effect on the child. This shift in focus raises concern about the extent to which the religious or conscientious objection of a parent concerning a child’s medical treatment will be considered in future cases. The present analysis provides an illuminating example of the way in which religion and the state can be in tension with each other.
A new species of Pandanus-dwelling frog from northern Madagascar related to Guibemantis pulcher
Authors: VENCES MIGUEL , HUTTER CARL R. , GLAW FRANK , RAKOTOARISON ANDOLALAO , RASELIMANANA ACHILLE P. , SCHERZ MARK D.
Published: June 2023

Populations of phytotelmic frogs from northern Madagascar assigned to Guibemantis (Pandanusicola) pulcher are known to differ genetically from populations further south in the eastern rainforest belt of the island, but to date, their status has not been analyzed in depth. We combined molecular genetic data with an examination of color pattern to clarify the taxonomy of these frogs. DNA sequences of both mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded genes were consistently differentiated between the northern populations and those occurring further south. Uncorrected pairwise distance in the 16S rRNA gene was 3.7‒4.3% and thus at a level usually characterizing distinct frog species in Madagascar. Furthermore, the northern specimens were characterized by more and smaller purplish-brown spots on their green dorsal surface, and a less distinct brown patch on the flanks. Although fully conclusive evidence for the species status of the northern lineage from bioacoustic differences, sympatric occurrence or narrow hybrid zone is currently lacking, such species-level distinctness is currently the most likely hypothesis. We therefore name the northern populations as Guibemantis (Pandanusicola) pulcherrimus sp. nov. The new species is known from Makira (type locality) and Bemanevika, and specimens morphologically assignable to this taxon have also been recorded from Masoala, Marojejy and Anjanaharibe-Sud.
Conceptualizing Conspiratorial Thinking: Explicating Public Conspiracism for Effective Debiasing Strategy
Authors: Kim Jeong-Nam , Lee Seungyoon
Published: June 2023

We use the situational theory of problem solving to explicate how publics engage in conspiratorial thinking as a form of cognitive problem solving. In doing so, we develop a new typology of conspiracy theories and introduce conceptual definitions and operationalizations of conspiratorial thinking as both dispositional and situational. We conduct two survey studies which provide evidence of the measures’ reliability and validity. We also investigate the debiasing effects of relational and informational strategies employed by social institutions. Finally, we present institutional behavioral strategies, grounded in the strategic behavioral theory of communication management, that can reduce conspiratorial thinking. Our new concepts and measurement approaches describe the origins and processes of public conspiracism and provide a foundation for implementing ethical and effective interventions, ultimately contributing to a more informed and educated society.
Psychological impact of the Spring 2019 flood among adult population of Iran
Authors: Tiyuri Amir , Rasoulian Maryam , Hajebi Ahmad , Naserbakht Morteza , Shabani Amir , Hakim Shooshtari Mitra , Rezapour Aziz , Motevalian Seyed Abbas
Published: June 2023

Background:

From March to April 2019, a flood occurred in several regions of Iran. The most affected provinces were Golestan, Lorestan, and Khuzestan.

Aims:

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of psychological distress and depression among the affected adult population 6 months after the event.

Methods:

A cross-sectional household survey with face-to-face interview was carried out on a random sample of 1,671 adults aged above 15 years living in the flood-affected areas from August to September 2019. We applied GHQ-28 and PHQ-9 for the assessment of psychological distress and depression, respectively.

Results:

The prevalence of psychological distress and depression were 33.6% (95% CI [29.5, 37.7]) and 23.0% (95% CI [19.4, 26.7]), respectively. Determinants of psychological distress were a history of mental disorders (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.7), primary (AOR = 2.9) or high school (AOR = 2.4) education (vs. university), no compensation received (AOR = 2.1), high damage to assets (AOR = 1.8), the house flooded more than 1 m (AOR = 1.8), female gender (AOR = 1.8), and limited access to health care services (AOR = 1.8). Determinants of depression were unemployment (AOR = 5.3) or being a housewife (AOR = 2.7), a history of mental disorders (AOR = 4.1), high damage to assets (AOR = 2.5), no compensation received (AOR = 2.0), the house flooded more than 1 m (AOR = 1.8), limited access to health care services (AOR = 1.8), and high wealth index (AOR = 1.7).

Conclusion:

The results of this study revealed a high prevalence of psychological distress and depression in the flood-affected adult population. The high-risk group, particularly flood victims who had a history of mental disorders, and those exposed to severe damages of flood, should be prioritized for screening, and mental health services.
Investigating the influence of the aging process on the rheological and mechanical properties of composites based on PBS matrix and enzymatically treated date palm fibers
Authors: Chaari Rania , Kharrat Fatma , Khlif Mohamed , Bradai Chedly , Lacoste Catherine , Dony Philippe
Published: June 2023

Over the past few decades, biodegradable polymers based on natural fibers, such as date palm fibers, have become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional composites using inorganic fillers. These composites' properties determine their application in various fields; however, when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays in outdoor environments, their structure may change, leading to a decrease in their overall properties. Therefore, understanding the long-term behavior of composites following UV aging is of great importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of UV irradiation on the performance of poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) biocomposites reinforced with different mass content of raw date palm fibers ( Phoenix dactylifera L.). The impact of enzymatically treated fibers, using a combination of pectinase and xylanase enzymes, on the properties of the biocomposites after being exposed to an accelerated aging process was also highlighted. All of the specimens were sampled after 100 h and 700 h of accelerated aging for laboratory characterizations. Their mechanical properties were determined by tensile tests. Rheological analyses were conducted by multi-wave tests and revealed two main phenomena resulting from UV aging; molecular chain scission and crosslinking. Tensile tests showed that the addition of raw fibers to the reference matrix resulted in a better resistance of the mechanical properties to the accelerated aging process. It was also found that the rigidity of the composites based on enzymatically modified fibers was approximately 37% higher than those loaded with raw fibers, at the same charge rate (20%) and after the same aging period (700 h).
Predicting Dental Caries in Young Children in Primary Health Care Settings
Authors: Fontana M. , Eckert G.J. , Katz B.P. , Keels M.A. , Levy B.T. , Levy S.M. , Kemper A.R. , Yanca E. , Jackson R. , Warren J. , Kolker J.L. , Daly J.M. , Kelly S. , Talbert J. , McKnight P.
Published: June 2023

Young children need increased access to dental prevention and care. Targeting high caries risk children first helps meet this need. The objective of this study was to develop a parent-completed, easy-to-score, short, accurate caries risk tool for screening in primary health care settings to identify children at increased risk for cavities. A longitudinal, prospective, multisite, cohort study enrolled (primarily through primary health care settings) and followed 985 (out of 1,326) 1-y-old children and their primary caregivers (PCGs) until age 4. The PCG completed a 52-item self-administered questionnaire, and children were examined using the International Caries Detection and Assessment Criteria (ICDAS) at 12 ± 3 mo (baseline), 30 ± 3 mo (80% retention), and 48 ± 3 mo of age (74% retention). Cavitated caries lesion (dmfs = decayed, missing, and filled surfaces; d = ICDAS ≥3) experience at 4 y of age was assessed and tested for associations with questionnaire items using generalized estimating equation models applied to logistic regression. Multivariable analysis used backward model selection, with a limit of 10 items. At age 4, 24% of children had cavitated-level caries experience; 49% were female; 14% were Hispanic, 41% were White, 33% were Black, 2% were other, and 10% were multiracial; 58% enrolled in Medicaid; and 95% lived in urban communities. The age 4 multivariable prediction model, using age 1 responses (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.73), included the following significant ( P < 0.001) variables (odds ratios): child participating in public assistance programs such as Medicaid (1.74), being non-White (1.80–1.96), born premature (1.48), not born by caesarean section (1.28), snacking on sugary snacks (3 or more/d, 2.22; 1–2/d or weekly, 1.55), PCG cleaning the pacifier with juice/soda/honey or sweet drink (2.17), PCG daily sharing/tasting food with child using same spoon/fork/glass (1.32), PCG brushing their teeth less than daily (2.72), PCG’s gums bleeding daily when brushing or PCG having no teeth (1.83–2.00), and PCG having cavities/fillings/extractions in past 2 y (1.55). A 10-item caries risk tool at age 1 shows good agreement with cavitated-level caries experience by age 4.
High Deductible Health Plans and Use of Free Preventive Services Under the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Shafer Paul R. , Dusetzina Stacie B. , Sabik Lindsay M. , Platts-Mills Timothy F. , Stearns Sally C. , Trogdon Justin G.
Published: June 2023

The Affordable Care Act aimed to increase use of preventive services by eliminating cost-sharing to consumers. However, patients may be unaware of this benefit or they may not seek preventive services if they anticipate that the cost of potential diagnostic or treatment services will be too high, both more likely among those in high deductible health plans. We used nationally representative private health insurance claims (100% sample of IBM® MarketScan®) for the United States from 2006 to 2018, restricting the data to enrollment and claims for non-elderly adults who were enrolled for the full plan year. The cross-sectional sample (185 million person-years) is used to describe trends in preventive service use and costs from 2008 through 2016. The cohort sample (9 million people) focuses on the elimination of cost-sharing for certain high-value preventive services in late 2010, requiring continuous enrollment across 2010 and 2011. We examine whether HDHP enrollment is associated with use of eligible preventive services using semi-parametric difference-in-differences to account for endogenous plan selection. Our preferred model implies that HDHP enrollment was associated with a reduction of the post-ACA change in any use of eligible preventive services by 0.2 percentage points or 12.5%. Cancer screenings were unaffected but HDHP enrollment was associated with smaller increases in wellness visits, immunizations, and screening for chronic conditions and sexually transmitted infections. We also find that the policy was ineffective at reducing out-of-pocket costs for the eligible preventive services, likely due to implementation issues.
Pretrial Decision-Making Matrices: The Role of Risk and Charge Weighting in Risk Assessment–Guided Decisions
Authors: Lowder Evan Marie , Kamara Zainab Bakarr , Kent Autumn
Published: June 2023

Pretrial risk assessments are used in local pretrial settings to inform release and supervision decisions. Yet, there is little research on the implementation of pretrial risk assessments in practice. We examined the characteristics of pretrial decision-making matrices in a statewide sample of counties using the same risk assessment tool. We procured pretrial decision-making matrices from 29 Indiana counties that had received or were in the process of receiving pretrial certification (88.6% response rate). Using a structured coding protocol, we found matrices shared common features but differed in their structure and available release and supervision options. Matrices weighted index charge information more heavily than risk assessment information, suggesting risk assessments likely explain between 20% and 36% of variability in decisions given typical rates of judicial adherence. Local decision-makers should be aware that structuring matrices to weight charge information more heavily than risk assessment information may limit the risk management potential of these tools.
In the In-Between: Low-Income Latinx Students Sensemaking of Paradoxes of Independence and Interdependence
Authors: Covarrubias Rebecca , Valle Ibette
Published: June 2023

Low-income, Latinx students navigate independent norms in U.S. educational systems and interdependent norms in their familial dynamics. Yet, their everyday interactions with important others (e.g., peers, parents, instructors) reveal more complexity in between these contexts, often communicating paradoxes of independence and interdependence. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 35 low-income, Latinx high school graduates before they entered college to examine how their daily interactions in home and school contexts facilitated dynamic and paradoxical engagement with interdependence and independence. Using constructivist grounded theory, we constructed five types of paradoxes. For example, strong practices of interdependence in their college-preparatory high school setting (e.g., extensive academic support) undermined students’ desires to be independent. These contradictions reflect an in-between space, referred to as nepantla, where students give voice to and make sense of past, present, and future understandings of how to be a self.
Cross-linguistic influence meets diminished input: A comparative study of heritage Russian in contact with Hebrew and English
Authors: Fridman Clara , Polinsky Maria , Meir Natalia
Published: June 2023

While it is known that heritage speakers diverge from the homeland baseline, there is still no consensus on the mechanisms triggering this divergence. We investigate the impact of two potential factors shaping adult heritage language (HL) grammars: (1) cross-linguistic influence (CLI), originally proposed for second language acquisition (SLA), and (2) background factors associated with input. To assess the role of CLI and input we compared two groups of adult heritage speakers of Russian ( n = 66) with two typologically distinct societal languages (SLs), Hebrew and American English. Their production was evaluated for three morphosyntactic phenomena: adjective–noun agreement, accusative case morphology, and numerical phrases. Using self-rating and baseline vocabulary tasks as proficiency measures, we conducted controlled experiments to assess mastery of the target phenomena. Our results show that, while CLI is the main mechanism behind HL grammar maintenance, increased input and proficiency can modulate performance in the absence of grammatical similarities between the HL and SL. An analysis of non-target responses revealed systematic patterns, including reliance on default, or unmarked, forms in both groups, in line with previous research. These findings contribute to the literature on the mechanisms of HL grammar formation and maintenance.
Metaphors of mindfulness in pediatric occupational therapy practice
Authors: Smith Kirsten Sarah , Kinsella Elizabeth Anne , Moodie Sheila , McCorquodale Lisa , Teachman Gail
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Metaphors are commonly used linguistic devices that can encourage deep reflection and offer new insight. Metaphors have been used within the both the occupational therapy and mindfulness literature to describe complex phenomena. The aim of this phenomenological study was to identify, analyze, and interpret metaphors used by pediatric occupational therapists to describe mindfulness in their clinical practices with children and youth.

Method:

Eight North American Occupational Therapists participated in semi-structured interviews which were transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were read to identify idiographic or naturally occurring metaphors used by participants. Metaphors of mindfulness were also elicited from participants as an interview question.

Findings:

Three themes were identified within participants’ idiographic metaphors of mindfulness: mindfulness as a tool, mindfulness as exploration, and mindfulness as a support. Two additional themes were identified within participants’ idiographic metaphors of themselves as facilitators of mindfulness: therapist as a guide, and therapist as a gardener. Elicited metaphors generally aligned with the themes identified for idiographic metaphors while some offered additional unique insights.

Conclusion:

The findings open conversations about therapists’ framing of the use of mindfulness within the context of pediatric occupational therapy.
The Noncitizen Penalty in U.S. Federal Courts: Differences in Punishment by Region of Citizenship
Authors: Kurpiel Allison , Albanese Anthony
Published: June 2023

Previous literature has found that noncitizens are punished in U.S. federal courts more severely than U.S. citizens for offenses that are legally equivalent, though less is known about variation in the noncitizen effect depending on the defendant’s nation of citizenship. Using United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) federal courts data from 2018 to 2020, we analyze group differences in the noncitizen penalty across regions of national origin. We draw from literature on group threat and the focal concerns perspective to guide our expectations. We find that noncitizens from all regions except Asia and North/West Europe have higher odds of being incarcerated compared with U.S. citizens, and noncitizens from Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Africa receive longer sentence lengths than U.S. citizens. Implications concerning the theoretical mechanisms relevant to the noncitizen penalty are discussed.
Reduced Plasticity in Coupling Strength in the Aging SCN Clock as Revealed by Kuramoto Modeling
Authors: van Beurden Anouk W. , Meylahn Janusz M. , Achterhof Stefan , Buijink Renate , Olde Engberink Anneke , Michel Stephan , Meijer Johanna H. , Rohling Jos H. T.
Published: June 2023

The mammalian circadian clock is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and consists of a network of coupled neurons, which are entrained to the environmental light-dark cycle. The phase coherence of the neurons is plastic and driven by the duration of daylight. With aging, the capacity to behaviorally adapt to seasonal changes in photoperiod reduces. The mechanisms underlying photoperiodic adaptation are largely unknown, but are important to unravel for the development of novel interventions to improve the quality of life of the elderly. We analyzed the phase coherence of single-cell PERIOD2::LUCIFERASE (PER2::LUC) expression rhythms in the SCN of young and old mice entrained to either long or short photoperiod. The phase coherence was used as input to a 2-community noisy Kuramoto model to estimate the coupling strength between and within neuronal subpopulations. The model revealed a correlation between coupling strength and photoperiod-induced changes in the phase relationship among neurons, suggesting a functional link. We found that the SCN of young mice adapts in coupling strength over a large range, with weak coupling in long photoperiod (LP) and strong coupling in short photoperiod (SP). In aged mice, we also found weak coupling in LP, but a reduced capacity to reach strong coupling in SP. The inability to respond with an increase in coupling strength suggests that manipulation of photoperiod is not a suitable strategy to enhance clock function with aging. We conclude that the inability of aged mice to reach strong coupling contributes to deficits in behavioral adaptation to seasonal changes in photoperiod.
Psychological Coping and Resilience to COVID-19 in Mexico, Evidence From a National Sample
Authors: Montero-López Lena María , Alonso-Reyes Pilar , Montes-de-Oca Zavala Verónica , Zamudio Alejandro , Guajardo Darío
Published: June 2023

Objective: We report the effect of COVID-19 confinement on some psychological variables associated with mental health: Stress perception, types of coping strategies during crises, and some components related to resilience. Method: A national sample of the Mexican population was considered in a total of 2775 people whose ages ranged from 15 years and older. Questionnaires that met the psychometric criteria (reliability and validity) to be used in Latino samples were used. Results: The results showed that older people experienced less stress and displayed more efficient coping behaviors. Discussion: Regarding the exploration of some components associated with resilience, it was found that family constitutes an important interpersonal resource for coping with the crisis related to confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the future, it is proposed to make comparisons of the psychological factors evaluated to detect and analyze possible fluctuations due to the prevalence of epidemic conditions.