bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Glycitein in the Treatment of Colon Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Xiang Tao , Jin Weibiao
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The prevalence of colon cancer remains high across the world. The early diagnosis of colon cancer is challenging. Moreover, patients with colon cancer frequently suffer from poor prognoses. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in colon cancer were acquired based on TCGA-COAD dataset screening. DEGs were input into the Connectivity Map (CMap) database to screen small molecule compounds with the potential to reverse colon cancer pathological function. Glycitein ranked first among the screened small-molecule compounds. We downloaded the main targets of glycitein from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database and constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of those which were closely related to targets by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interaction Gene/Proteins (STRING). Five potential targets of glycitein for treating colon cancer were identified (CCNA2, ESR1, ESR2, MAPK14, and PTGS2). These targets were used as seeds for random walk with restart (RWR) analysis of PPI networks. Then, the interaction network of glycitein-colon cancer-related genes was constructed based on the top 50 genes in affinity coefficients. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted on the potential genes targeted by glycitein in colon cancer treatment and those that were closely bound up with targets. Results: GO analysis demonstrated that the enrichment of these genes was primarily discovered in biological functions including regulation of fibroblast proliferation, response to oxygen levels, and epithelial cell proliferation. The KEGG analysis results illustrated that the signaling pathways where these genes were mostly involved consisted of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-Akt signaling pathway, and the p53 signaling pathway. Finally, stable binding of glycitein to five potential targets in colon cancer was verified by molecular docking. Conclusion: This study elucidated the key targets and main pathways of glycitein on the basis of network pharmacology and preliminarily analyzed molecular mechanisms in the treatment of colon cancer. A scientific basis is provided for glycitein application in treating colon cancer.
Pedestrian detection system based on deep learning
Authors: Razzok Mohammed , Badri Abdelmajid , EL Mourabit Ilham , Ruichek Yassine , Sahel Aıcha
Published: September 2022

Pedestrian detection is a rapidly growing field of computer vision with applications in smart cars, surveillance, automotive safety, and advanced robotics. Most of the success of the last few years has been driven by the rapid growth of deep learning, more efficient tools capable of learning semantic, high-level, deeper features of images are proposed. In this article, we investigated the task of pedestrian detection on roads using models based on convolutional neural networks. We compared the performance of standard state-of-the-art object detectors like Faster region-based convolutional network (R-CNN), single shot detector (SSD), and you only look once, version 3 (YOLOv3). Results show that YOLOv3 is the best object detection model than others for pedestrians in terms of detection and time prediction.
Tri-modal technique for medical images enhancement
Authors: Amusa Kamoli Akinwale , Idowu Olumayowa Ayodeji , Adejumobi Isaiah Adediji , Adebayo Gboyega Augustine
Published: September 2022

Owing to methods of acquisition, medical images often require enhancement for them to serve the intended purpose of computer-aided diagnosis. Most medical image enhancement techniques are application specific, leading to the introduction of different enhancement methods for different medical images. In addition, the execution time of most of the previous enhancement methods is longer than necessary. Hence, there is a need for a method that produces fast and satisfactory results when deployed for the enhancement of several medical images. This paper proposes a tri-modal technique, involving a hybrid combination of unsharp masking, logarithmic transformation, and histogram equalization approaches, for medical image enhancement. Three classes of medical images: X-ray, magnetic resonance, and computer tomographic images are used for the evaluations of the proposed tri-modal method, where absolute mean brightness error, peak signal-to-noise ratio, and entropy are utilized as performance metrics. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluations reveal that the proposed tri-modal method performed better than the four previous methods in the literature for the three classes of medical images used in the evaluation. Also, the execution time of the tri-modal technique compares well with those of mono-mode methods. Thus, the tri-modal technique produces better enhanced medical images from different medical image inputs.
Skin cancers image classification using transformation and first order statistic features with artificial neural network classifier
Authors: Alqaisi Asmaa Abdulrazaq , George Loay Edwar
Published: September 2022

Skin cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancer. Some types of this cancer lead to death, so cancer must be discovered and indexed to avoid its spread through initial detection in the impulsive stage. This paper deals with the detection and indexing of different types of melanomas using an artificial neural network (ANN) depending on the international skin imaging collaboration (ISIC) 2018 dataset that was used. The pre-processing is the most important part because it formulates an image by insolated the cancer part from the skin image. It consists of four stages, removable, cropping, thinning, and normalization. This phase has been used to eliminate all the undesirable hair particles on the image lesion. The cropped image transforms into frequency domain coefficients using discrete cosine transform (DCT), discrete wavelet transform (DWT), and gradient transform for sub-band images to extract its feature. The statistical feature extraction is implemented to minimize the size of data for ANN training. The experimental analysis used dataset ISIC 2018 consisting of seven different types of dermoscopic images (this paper deals with four types only). For classification purposes, ANN was implemented and the accuracy obtained is about 88.98% for DWT, 85.44% for sub-band DCT, and 76.07% for sub-band gradient transform.
Cognitive assessment of motivation to perform classroom or online math tasks among engineering students
Authors: Villarreal-Lozano Ricardo Jesus , Morales-Martinez Guadalupe Elizabeth , Garcia-Collantes Angel , Barrientos-Amador Maynor Enrique
Published: September 2022

This study explored the cognitive algebra mechanism underlying mathematical motivation in 672 engineering students. The experimental design included the combination of four factors (task modality versus task difficulty versus task structure versus task relevance) to compose 36 written experimental scenarios. Each one described a hypothetical situation about assigned activities in math class. The participant's task was to read each scenario and estimate how much motivation they would experience if performing the assigned math activity. The results indicated five cognitive motivational patterns among the participants. All the clusters considered the task's relevance as an essential factor in judging their mathematical motivation. Besides this, Clusters 1, 2, 3, and 5 considered the assigned task's difficulty and structure in judging their degree of motivation, but they evaluated the factors differently. The low math motivation cluster integrated the factors according to a summative cognitive rule. Clusters 2, 3, and 5 used a multiplicative rule to integrate the information, and Cluster 4 did not show an information integration systematic mechanism. These findings pointed to the diversity of motivational cognitive profiles among students. This type of cognitive characterization can help design programs that encourage students to learn and enjoy science subjects that will impact their professional development and daily life.
The role of Islamic education teachers in fostering students’ emotional intelligence
Authors: Alimni Alimni , Amin Alfauzan , Kurniawan Dwi Agus
Published: September 2022

This research aimed to find out how the role of Islamic Education teachers in fostering students' emotional intelligence, especially in Bengkulu City Elementary Schools. This was mixed-method research using explanatory techniques. Instruments in this study included questionnaires and interviews, with the sample were teachers and elementary school students. The strategy used by Islamic Religious Education (Pendidikan agama Islam/PAI) teachers in order to improve emotional intelligence is to focus more on student activity and attitudes, as well as by carrying out activities such as regular recitations every Friday, evening prayers, reading dhikr, and fasting to improve students' spiritual intelligence. After inviting students to do positive things such as reading history books, stories and other books that can foster motivation, doing social service activities, inviting students to pray when a friend is sick or when someone dies, this is to foster empathy, and in the learning process, the teacher applies group learning strategies. Also, schools provide facilities and infrastructure for extracurricular activities such as drum bands, Banjari prayers, and khutbahs, to foster a sense of cooperation or develop relationships with other people.
Early tax education: Could it change the future compliance behavior?
Authors: Albert Albert , Fadjarenie Rien Agustin
Published: September 2022

Many developing countries face the challenges of low tax compliance behavior due to the self-assessment system. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to obtain empirical evidence about the implication of early tax education toward the changes in future taxpayers’ compliance behavior. Previous research found that early tax education can develop the compliance paradigm in human behavior. This study employed a quantitative research method with a case study approach. Data was gathered through a survey of 719 students of junior and senior high school in Jakarta, Indonesia as respondents, and divided into two groups: those who receive tax learning at school and those who did not. The results revealed that early tax education positively affects taxpayers’ compliance behavior, especially for those who had received tax learning. This study reports preliminary findings in tax education and fills the gap of research in this area. The research contributes to learning and behavior studies and sheds light on implementing early tax education to resolve non-compliance tax behavior.
The factors of students’ involvement on student-centered learning method
Authors: Tholibon Duratul Ain , Md Nujid Masyitah , Mokhtar Hamizah , Abd Rahim Jamilah , Rashid Siti Safirah , Saadon Azlinda , Tholibon Dulina , Salam Rudi
Published: September 2022

Student-centered learning (SCL) is one of the teaching methods commonly used nowadays as it encourages the active participation and engagement of students in the classroom, especially for the engineering theoretical subject. This study is aimed to examine the factors of students’ involvement and participation towards the SCL Teaching Method in terms of the activities, benefits, problems, and limitations of student involvement. The quantitative data are obtained from the responses of students that enroll in an engineering theoretical subject in the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Civil Engineering Diploma Program. These questionnaires were being classified into five major factors that are the formation of group studies for SCL activities, activities conducted for SCL teaching method, benefits that they gain from SCL method, problems that they encounter during SCL, and suggestions for student improvement towards the activity SCL session. The collected data were analyzed quantitatively by using the percentage and mean method in SPSS computer software. The Relative Importance Index (RII) system was used to quantify the relative importance of involvement factors. This study revealed three main factors affecting the participation and engagement of students in the classroom. This study has an important contribution to help academicians to improve and enhance their teaching method to achieve the objective of the SCL method in the future.
Reliability and validity of adapted cross-cultural counselling inventory-revised on the sample of undergraduate counsellor trainees
Authors: Harun Maizatul Mardiana , Jaafar Wan Marzuki Wan , Ismail Asmah , Noah Sidek Mohd
Published: September 2022

The cross-cultural counseling inventory-revised (CCCI-R) is one of the limited instruments available to measure the observed multicultural counselling competence. Most studies utilized self-report multicultural counselling competence instruments. Therefore, for the benefit of counsellor educators and multicultural training in Malaysia, this study investigated the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the adapted CCCI-R in the local context. There were 38 supervisors who completed 205 the adapted CCCI-R for their respective counsellor trainees. As the result, internal consistency was found to be=.947, while construct reliability was found to be .968. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) yielded a convergent validity value of .909. The adapted CCCI-R factor structure, reliability, and validity were all verified in this study. Counsellor educators were able to successfully employ the CCCI-R across gender and ethnicity when rating counsellor trainees observed multicultural counselling competence due to its excellent reliability and validity.
Using the UTAUT2 model to explain teacher acceptance of work performance assessment system
Authors: Arista Artika , Abbas Bahtiar Saleh
Published: September 2022

An organization needs qualified and experienced human resources. Performance appraisals are required to determine the effectiveness of their work. A performance appraisal system has already been created to objectively evaluate the work of teachers, principals, and teachers given additional tasks, and to provide instructions for developing the teaching profession, principals, and teachers given additional tasks. The goal of this study was to apply the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) to explain why teachers accept the performance appraisal method. With the help of SmartPLS 3.2.8 software, a partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data. The results showed that behavioral intention (BI) to utilize the system is influenced by performance expectancy (PE), social influence (SI), facilitating conditions (FC), and habit (HT). The findings also revealed that system use behavior (UB) is influenced by facilitating conditions (FC), habit (HT), and behavioral intention (BI). To increase the system's adoption, the studies suggest focusing on enhancing the system's ease of use and minimizing the system's flow complexity.
Parents’ perceptive regarding the effect of internet use on students with and without learning difficulties
Authors: Sakarneh Mohammad Abed , Ziadat Ayed Hanna , Rahahleh Zahraa Jameel
Published: September 2022

In the recent digital era, the use of the internet worldwide has become vital in almost all fields of life, and no one can deny its significant impact on activities of different age groups. The current study investigated the effect of internet usage on students with/without learning difficulties in Jordanian primary schools from point of view of their parents. For this purpose, a questionnaire consisting of 21 items was built by the researchers including these areas: social interactions, communication, health, entertainment, learning, academic activities, behavior, and security. The targeted population was the parents of students with/without learning difficulties in public and private schools. The findings indicated that parents perceive a moderate level of effect of internet usage on their children’s most activities except entertainment and security which have a high impact. Moreover, parents of students with learning difficulties perceive a positive impact of the internet in enhancing their children’s learning abilities.
Readiness of teachers on flexible learning: Basis for a capability-building program
Authors: Cadorna Edelyn Alicar , Cadorna Erwin Frando , Jaramilla Aldrin Salvador , Cadorna Kriza Rosette Alicar
Published: September 2022

This study focused on the faculty members’ readiness to use flexible learning at a state university in the Philippines. There were 547 faculty members from all levels completed an online survey questionnaire using the descriptive research method. The faculty members are ready regarding the availability of IT tools and internet connectivity. Still, they are not so much prepared as to their knowledge and competence on using flexible learning. The majority have wireless connections but are considered intermittent. Most of the faculty members use books as their teaching materials. Only very few have learning materials like modules, worktexts, manuals, and workbooks. Most of them are still oriented to face-to-face communication with students and are not familiar with the other equally responsive pedagogies requiring less data usage, or no data usage. Many faculty members have tried using online learning delivery modes, but they are still not confident using them. They have little knowledge about learning management systems and are moderately competent in using them. Based on the findings is the capability-building program which was already implemented and sustained.
Collaborative project-based learning to train students for conducting the training project for older adults
Authors: Rupavijetra Phetcharee , Nilsook Prachyanun , Jitsupa Jira , Nopparit Tipparat
Published: September 2022

This research aimed to study the results of collaborative project-based learning by students studying the training technique course to conduct training programs for older adults in state home care in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The population consisted of 40 undergraduate students from different faculties and years. The instruments used for data collection consisted of the lesson plan of the training technique course, student behavior form, journal form after teaching, student products, student reflection journals, the questionnaire to gauge the level of satisfaction of students, writing and presenting reflections on students’ learning, and training evaluation based on the level of satisfaction of the older adults. The research separated students into two groups based on different faculties, each group was composed of 20 students, and they could learn better in a small group. Data were analyzed by using content analysis, statistical calculation, and percentage, and were presented in the form of a description and table. The findings showed the results of the collaborative project-based learning to train students for conducting training projects for older adults successful. The students had a change in their attitudes, behaviors, knowledge, skills, and experience in conducting training, their satisfaction showed at the highest level (97.50%). Students were satisfied with the project-based learning at the highest level (90%), and especially the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience from conducting training programs at the highest level (95%). The older adults’ satisfaction from participating in two training programs conducted by the students was at the highest level (100%) too.
Employability of technology and livelihood education graduates
Authors: Cacho Reynald M. , Abenes Rodrigo D. , Dejapa Ryan R. , Mapula Hannah Rose D.
Published: September 2022

This paper examines the job-seeking experiences of the 2019 Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLE) graduates from a teacher education university. Identifying these graduates’ employability is vital to the field of educational research, particularly in determining the impact of a higher education institution’s BTLE program. Employing quantitative research design through a survey of 50 graduates, this research revealed that great majority of them have been employed, with majority securing education-related jobs within a year after graduation, while some having chosen careers unrelated to their pre-service education. Strategies for job search and reasons for job offer acceptance vary from traditional, economic concerns, to complexities of work opportunities and requirements. They have also reported that the pre-service courseworks they undertaken have, to a great extent, relevance to the improvement of their skills in problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, human relations, knowledge/technical, leadership, research, and information technology thus making it aligned with current employment and/or self-employment demands. Apart from presenting the reasons of their employment acceptance and post-college education undertakings, this paper also outlines the challenges in securing employment. Thus, such issues forwarded by the paper, arising from academic training vis-à-vis actual industry works, are strong points for pre-service BTLE program enhancements.
National Trends of Interhospital Transfers for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the United States
Authors: Shah Dhaivat , Patel Urvish , Kellner Christopher , Bederson Joshua , Liang John , Dangayach Neha S
Published: September 2022

Background

The American Heart Association guidelines recommend transferring patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) to high‐volume centers. The purpose of this study was to describe national trends in interhospital transfers (IHTs) for patients with aSAH in the United States.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2008–2014) in adults hospitalized for aSAH. We performed weighted analyses using the χ
2
test, Student t‐test, and Cochran‐Armitage trend test. Multivariate survey logistic regression analysis with weighted algorithm modeling was performed to evaluate in‐hospital mortality and discharge disposition.

Results

Of 146 461 aSAH hospitalizations, 53 289 (36.38%) patients underwent IHT and 93 172 (63.62%) patients did not. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of IHT for aSAH (31.66% in 2008 to 39.91% in 2014;
P
‐trend<0.0001). Patients with aSAH who underwent IHT were younger (57 versus 59 years) and were more often women (62.71% versus 61.35%), White race (70.65% versus 63.93%), and private insurance holders (39.62% versus 36.14%) compared with patients with aSAH who did not undergo IHT (
P
<0.0001). Comparing aSAH sources of admission, more patients with aSAH at large hospitals (82.68% versus 75.14%) and urban teaching hospitals (90.43% versus 71.44%) had undergone IHT (
P
<0.0001). The patients with aSAH with IHT had lower prevalence and odds of all‐cause in‐hospital mortality (15.49% versus 20.12%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.79–0.91]), longer length of stay (14 versus 11 days), and higher hospitalization costs ($213 852 versus $170 834) compared with patients without IHT (
P
<0.0001). The discharge disposition was not different among the 2 groups.

Conclusions

IHT has been steadily increasing for patients with aSAH over the past few years in the United States. IHT has been associated with lower odds of in‐hospital mortality, despite higher in‐hospital costs, longer length of stay, and unchanged discharge disposition in this patient population. Future studies should explore the different reasons for IHT and the prevalence of neurological deterioration during IHT.
Arch and Great Vessel Geometry From a Transradial Angiographic Approach
Authors: Zerebiec Katherine W. , Heidari Parisa , D'Agostino Erin , Soares Bruno P. , Johnson David M. , Raymond Scott B.
Published: September 2022

Background

Neuroendovascular practices are transitioning from transfemoral to a radial‐first approach for cerebral angiography. Developing radial‐specific devices requires a comprehensive understanding of vessel size and geometry encountered from a right radial approach. We developed a database of aortic arch and vessel measurements relevant for radial‐specific device development.

Methods

The database contained 100 consecutive neck computed tomographic angiograms conducted on a 256‐slice emergency department computed tomographic scanner. Arch characteristics and measurements obtained from 1‐cm maximum intensity projection reformats included arch type and diameter, bifurcation angles, and distances from the arch to vessel origins. Statistical analysis was conducted using Excel and R.

Results

The database contained 56 female and 44 male patients; the average age was 62 years. A total of 46% had type 2 or 3 arch configuration, 19% had bovine configuration, and 5% had a left vertebral artery originating directly from the arch. Median angles at the arch from the innominate ranged from 20° to 47° and at branch vessels from 16° to 63° with large variation. The left carotid bifurcation was ≈8 cm further than the right carotid bifurcation. The left vertebral artery origin was median 3.8 cm from the arch.

Conclusions

We cataloged aortic arch and vessel geometries that have implications for catheter and device performance from a transradial approach. For example, a standard guide catheter that is adequate length for the right anterior circulation must be at least 8 cm longer for comparable distal support on the left because of the difference in distance from the right to the left. Catheter tip shape may be further optimized to improve vessel selection. Currently used catheters make a reverse curve angle of ≈15°, although most great vessels are at between 15° and 45°. Finally, the length of the distal arm of reverse curve catheters is just >4 cm, frequently inadequate to easily reach the left vertebral artery origin (median distance, 3.8 cm in this study). Transradial devices should be developed with these constraints in mind. This database provides benchmarks for future catheter design.
Determining the Location of the 22 May 1855 Chicago Area Tornado
Authors: Lincoln W. Scott , Ogorek Rafal , Borchardt Brett , Heraty Siobhan
Published: September 2022

The number and location of tornadoes in the greater Chicago area is a topic of frequent interest among the media, public, and local government agencies served by the National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago Forecast Office. While accounts of tornadoes over the last several decades are generally clear, tornadoes occurring prior to 1950—especially those considered to be weak—are often more difficult to discern owing to limited corresponding detailed reports. As part of an effort to review and update all tornadoes known to have occurred within the modern-day boundaries of Chicago, NWS Chicago staff reviewed the 22 May 1855 tornado, which is regarded as the first to impact the city of Chicago. Multiple sources reported that the tornado occurred near the town of Jefferson, which eventually became the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Chicago. However, after reviewing multiple historical records, newspaper articles, property maps, and genealogical information, the actual location of the tornado was determined to have been in present-day Des Plaines. Confusion over the name “Jefferson” likely led to the misunderstanding that, until now, has been perpetuated through numerous reports and media accounts.
Outcomes of the WMO Prize Challenge to Improve Subseasonal to Seasonal Predictions Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Vitart F. , Robertson A. W. , Spring A. , Pinault F. , Roškar R. , Cao W. , Bech S. , Bienkowski A. , Caltabiano N. , De Coning E. , Denis B. , Dirkson A. , Dramsch J. , Dueben P. , Gierschendorf J. , Kim H. S. , Nowak K. , Landry D. , Lledó L. , Palma L. , Rasp S. , Zhou S.
Published: September 2022

There is a high demand and expectation for subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) prediction, which provides forecasts beyond 2 weeks, but less than 3 months ahead. To assess the potential benefit of artificial intelligence (AI) methods for S2S prediction through better postprocessing of ensemble prediction system outputs, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) coordinated a prize challenge in 2021 to improve subseasonal prediction. The goal of this competition was to produce the most skillful forecasts of precipitation and 2-m temperature globally averaged over forecast weeks 3 and 4 and over weeks 5 and 6 for the year 2020 using artificial intelligence techniques. The top three submissions, described in this article, succeeded in producing S2S forecasts significantly more skillful than the bias-corrected ECMWF operational reference forecasts, particularly for precipitation, through improved calibration of the ECMWF raw forecast outputs or multimodel combination. These forecast improvements should benefit the use of S2S forecasts in applications.
Influence of Stationary Waves on Precipitation Change in North American Summer during the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Lee Hung-I , Mitchell Jonathan L. , Lora Juan M. , Tripati Aradhna
Published: September 2022

Paleo-proxy reconstructions reveal a moistening of the American Southwest during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 21 ka). However, the primary mechanisms driving the moistening trend are still debated, with relatively few studies focused on hypotheses related to synoptic changes in precipitation. Analysis of the Paleoclimate Intercomparison Model Project (PMIP3) simulations shows enhancement of precipitation in the southwest and south-central United States during the winter and summer. Here, we suggest that summertime eastward phase shifting of stationary waves at the LGM enhanced precipitation in the south-central United States and dried the southeastern United States. Mechanism denial experiments performed with version 3 of the Hadley Centre Coupled Model (HadCM3) indicate that the thermodynamic effect of the Laurentide Ice Sheet forced eastward phase shifting of stationary waves. By comparing a synthesis of LGM proxies to the PMIP3 ensemble, we find models that compare more favorably to the reconstructions simulate a weaker Laurentide ice thermodynamic effect, smaller eastward phase shifting of stationary waves, and weaker jet stream anomalies.

Significance Statement

Our study is motivated by the impact of climate change on hydroclimate in North America, especially in the semiarid areas near the southwestern United States, and the persistent problem of significant disagreements among CMIP model projections. Yet modern models and observations alone cannot tell us the likeliest climate change outcome in this region. Here we analyze precipitation during the LGM reconstructed from proxies and as simulated by the PMIP3, which reveal a precipitation trend with wetting in the southwestern United States and drying in the southeastern United States. Our interpretation of the PMIP3 simulations involves application of simple theories for midlatitude stationary waves, and indicates that the LGM precipitation is generated by the phase shift of stationary waves from the enhancement of jet speeds. Our model–data comparison also suggests that in the PMIP3 simulations, weak LGM jet stream anomalies, due to weak polar amplification, compare more favorably to the proxies.
Impacts of Observation Forward Operator on Infrared Radiance Data Assimilation with Fine Model Resolutions
Authors: Zhou Linfan , Lei Lili , Tan Zhe-Min , Zhang Yi , Di Di
Published: September 2022

All-sky radiance assimilation often has non-Gaussian observation error distributions, which can be exacerbated by high model spatial resolutions due to better resolved nonlinear physical processes. For ensemble Kalman filters, observation ensemble perturbations can be approximated by the linearized observation operator (LinHx) that uses the observation operator Jacobian of ensemble mean rather than the full observation operator (FullHx). The impact of observation operator on infrared radiance data assimilation is examined here by assimilating synthetic radiance observations from channel 1025 of GIIRS with increased model spatial resolutions from 7.5 km to 300 m. A tropical cyclone is used, while the findings are expected to be generally applied. Compared to FullHx, LinHx provides larger magnitudes of correlations and stronger corrections around observation locations, especially when all-sky radiances are assimilated at fine model resolutions. For assimilating clear-sky radiances with increasing model resolutions, LinHx has smaller errors and improved vortex intensity and structure than FullHx. But when all-sky radiances are assimilated, FullHx has advantages over LinHx. Thus, for regimes with more linearity, LinHx provides stronger correlations and imposes more corrections than FullHx; but for regimes with more nonlinearity, LinHx provides detrimental non-Gaussian prior error distributions in observation space, unrealistic correlations, and overestimated corrections, compared to FullHx.

Significance Statement

Assimilating satellite radiances has been essential for numerical weather prediction. All-sky radiance assimilation can improve the analyses and forecasts of tropical cyclones, but it often has non-Gaussian observation error distributions. With increased model resolutions, nonlinear physical processes can be better resolved, which leads to non-Gaussian error distributions of state variables. Nonlinearity and non-Gaussianity impose great challenges for data assimilation (DA), since most DA theories assume linear processes and Gaussian error distributions. As the spatial resolutions of observations and numerical models will keep increasing, the potential issues of assimilating high-spatial-resolution observations given fine model resolutions need to be examined. The linearized observation forward operator, as an alternative to remedy non-Gaussianity for radiance DA, is investigated. With model resolution increasing from 7.5 km to 300 m, the linearized observation operator has advantages over the full observation operator for assimilating clear-sky radiances, but the opposite is true for assimilating all-sky radiances.
Leukocyte and Platelet Related Inflammatory Indicators and Risk of Carotid and Femoral Plaques: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Southeast China
Authors: Feng Ruimei , Dai Yiquan , Du Shanshan , Liang Wenbin , Chen Hongyu , Chen Cheng , He Tianmin , Tao Tao , Hu Zhijian , Guo Pingfan , Ye Weimin
Published: September 2022

The associations between several blood inflammatory indicators and risk of vascular plaques remain inconclusive. A total of 4596 native rural residents in Southeast China were enrolled from the Fuqing cohort study. Blood cell counts and their composite indexes including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and 2 novel indicators (systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and systemic immune inflammation response index (SIRI)) were considered as inflammatory indicators. Common carotid and femoral intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaques were assessed using B-mode ultrasound. Unconditional or multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate potential associations. The prevalence of multiple femoral plaques (defined as IMT ≥1.5 mm) was significantly higher among participants with the highest tertile of total leukocyte count (odds ratio, 1.78), neutrophil count (1.88), monocyte count (2.51), platelet count (1.68), NLR (1.93), PLR (1.57), SII (2.10), and SIRI (2.94). Higher levels of neutrophil count, platelet count, NLR, and SII were also found to have significant linear dose-response relationships with the prevalence of stenosis, especially in femoral arteries. In conclusion, several blood inflammatory biomarkers may contribute to, or are associated with, the presence of IMT ≥1.5 mm or stenosis especially in femoral arteries.
Enhanced Stent Imaging System Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Is Linked to Optimize Stent Placement
Authors: Avcı İlhan İlker , Zeren Gönül , Sungur Mustafa Azmi , Akdeniz Evliya , Şimşek Barış , Yılmaz Mehmet Fatih , Can Fatma , Gürkan Ufuk , Karagöz Ali , Tanboğa İbrahim Halil , Karabay Can Yücel
Published: September 2022

Stent under-expansion is a predictor of restenosis and stent thrombosis. It remains uncertain whether enhanced stent imaging (ESI) (CLEARstent) guidance can improve stent under-expansion. Our aim was to assess the effect of using ESI on stent under-expansion, after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a single center, cross-sectional observational study. Participants attending our cardiology clinic with stable angina or acute coronary syndrome, from March to September 2020 were recruited. A total of 164 patients who underwent post-PCI ESI (CLEARstent) were compared with 77 age- and sex-matched control patients. Post-procedural minimal lumen diameter (MLD) was calculated. The patients in the ESI-guided PCI group, had a median age of 61 (54–69 IQR 25-75) years and 76.8% (n = 126) were males. The patients in ESI-guided PCI group had a greater minimal lumen diameter compared with the X-ray guided PCI group (βeta coefficient:2.88 (95% CI:2.58–2.99) vs βeta coefficient 2.55 (95% CI 2.34–2.63), P < .001). Our finding supports the use of the ESI system to optimize stent placement as expressed by the MLD.
Physician perspectives on benefits in patient care from UNC-Project Malawi
Authors: Yang Yi , Chen Charles B , Tolleson-Rinehart Sue
Published: September 2022

Background:

The growth of academic medical centres associated with international programmes has raised questions about the benefits and harms of medical experiences abroad for medical trainees and patients. Few studies explore the potential benefits to the institution or country that send these individuals.

Objective:

This pilot qualitative study explores the benefits medical professionals perceive they bring back to the USA from their global health experiences abroad.

Methods:

Medical staff who participated in University of North Carolina (UNC)–Project Malawi and who could meet for an in-person interview from October 2016 – March 2017 were recruited. Interviews were guided by an a priori semi-structured questionnaire. Each interview was transcribed and analysed by three reviewers.

Results:

A total of 8 out of 13 (62%) eligible potential respondents were interviewed. Participants perceived UNC-Project Malawi to benefit themselves, partnership institutions, and patients in Malawi, North Carolina, and throughout the world. After returning to UNC, participants recalled specific instances of increased diagnostic confidence (2/8) influenced by their experiences abroad. In addition, by partnering in research, participants felt that certain concepts were advanced including the syndromic management of symptomatic patients with sexually transmitted infections (1/8), the use of antiretroviral therapy to treat and prevent HIV transmission (2/8), and malaria vaccine development (1/8).

Conclusion:

Participants perceived that their global health experience either influenced their thought processes concerning the medical management of patients in the USA or resulted in a better understanding of research relevant to the global standard of care for specific diseases. International academic medical centre partnerships can offer rich settings for career skills development and a unique platform for collaborating on the management of clinical diseases that affect patients globally. These benefits can be maximised by establishing bi-directional curriculum goals and defining shared research agendas.
Impact of a Medication Reconciliation Pharmacist Program on Appropriateness of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Treatment Durations at Hospital Discharge
Authors: Pelle Cayla M. , Berger Steven C. , Short Marintha R. , McCalla Anna W. , Foster Dana L. , Owen Monica C.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Antimicrobial stewardship programs have made large efforts to minimize the inappropriate use of antibiotics. Implementation of these programs can be challenging, since many institutions have limited resources. Utilizing resources that already exist may be beneficial, including medication reconciliation pharmacist (MRP) programs. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a MRP program on appropriateness of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) treatment durations at hospital discharge.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective, observational, single-center study comparing the total days of antibiotic therapy for CAP in the preintervention period (9/2020-11/2020) versus the post-intervention period (9/2021-11/2021). Implementation of a new clinical intervention occurred between the 2 periods and included education to MRPs on appropriate CAP treatment durations and on documentation of recommendations. Data was collected utilizing a chart review of the electronic medical record of patients diagnosed with CAP using ICD-10 codes. The primary objective of this study was to compare the total days of antibiotic therapy in the pre-intervention period versus the postintervention period.

Results:

One-hundred fifty-five patients were included in the primary analysis. When observing total days of antibiotic therapy, there was no change from the pre-intervention period at 8 days compared to the postintervention period ( P = .109). When analyzing antibiotic days of therapy at discharge, there was a decrease from 4.55 days in the preintervention period compared to 3.8 days in the post-intervention period ( P = .109). The incidence of those with appropriate treatment durations, defined as 5 to 7 days of antibiotic therapy, was higher in the post-intervention period (26.5% in the pre-intervention group vs 37.9% in the post-intervention group, P = .460).

Conclusions:

There was a non-statistically significant decrease in median days of antimicrobial therapy for CAP at hospital discharge after implementation of a new clinical intervention targeting antibiotic days of therapy. Though median total antibiotic days of therapy were similar between both time periods, patients had an overall increase in incidence of appropriate duration of therapy, defined as 5 to 7 days, after intervention. Further studies are necessary to show how MRPs have a positive impact on improving outpatient antibiotic prescribing at hospital discharge.
Tirzepatide
Authors: Baker Danial E. , Walley Kaitlyn , Levien Terri L.
Published: September 2022

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are available online to subscribers. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, contact Wolters Kluwer customer service at 866-397-3433.
Fruit of the Earth and Work of Human Hands: Connecting the Eucharist and Regenerative Agriculture
Authors: Briola Lucas
Published: September 2022

Engaging the writings of Bernard Lonergan, Charles Massy, and Pope Francis, this article offers a systematic exposition of the relationship between the Eucharist and regenerative agriculture. First, it surveys the overlapping cultural malaises identified by Massy, Francis, and Lonergan at the root of modern industrial agriculture. Second, in response to this form of decline, it shows how the regenerative agricultural practices called for by Massy instantiate the integral ecology called for by Pope Francis; at the same time, it substantiates Massy’s calls through the emergently probable worldview of Lonergan. Third, in a way that Massy does not show, such a worldview can elevate these agricultural concerns to a supernatural, redemptive plane. Not only does an emergently probable worldview show that right agricultural practices restore creation’s capacity to praise, so too does it show that Christian praise—as made especially apparent in the Eucharist—depends upon just agricultural practices.
Radiation assisted development of linear low density polyethylene/flax fibre composites by designing interface
Authors: Jha Atanu , Thite Amol , Bhardwaj Yatender Kumar , Pant Harish Jagat , Chowdhury Subhendu Ray
Published: September 2022

Flax fibre reinforced polyolefin composite is a great interest of today’s scientists. But the preparation of such composites with desired properties is a great challenge due to the dissimilar surface wettability (surface energy) of polyolefin and flax fibre. In this work, we have developed a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/flax fibre based composite successfully. First, flax fibre is subjected to gamma radiation-assisted surface modification through covalent attachment of long chain hydrocarbon. Therefore, the surface wettability of flax fibre turns closer to that of LLDPE, and consequently a LLDPE/flax fibre composite with a strong interface is formed easily. Due to the designing of strong interface and consequently higher load transferring capability, properties are improved considerably. Young’s modulus and tensile strength values of composites with surface modified flax fibre become considerably higher compared to pure LLDPE and LLDPE/pure flax fibre composites. Strong reinforcement is reflected in the dynamic mechanical properties also. The highly improved dispersion and strong interfacial strength of LLDPE/modified flax fibre are observed in SEM (scanning electron microscopy). Thermal degradation temperatures of LLDPE and flax fibre are also improved in the composites.
Benefits of Continuing Linkages to Recovery Homes Following Departure
Authors: Jason Leonard A. , Menis Nicole
Published: September 2022

There is a need to better understand social mechanisms that increase or decrease successful departures from recovery homes. A prior study found that involuntary departure as well as one’s personal social capital were important to sustaining recovery following the departure from recovery homes. Little is known about what house contextual or interpersonal factors explain who successfully exits these recovery settings. In the present study, we examined continued linkages to Oxford House recovery homes following departure, using questions concerning 1. Continuing to visit their previous recovery home, 2. Maintaining contact with the Oxford House Organization, 3. Continuing to see people they saw as residents following departure, and 4. Continuing to attend the same AA/NA meetings that had been attended as an Oxford House resident. Residents with continued linkages to the recovery home were found to evidence significant increases in self-efficacy as well as abstinence following departure. For those that remained most linked by answering all four questions positively, 95% remained abstinent following leaving the recovery homes. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of possible changes in constructing a new social identity.