bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excess Mortality in a Nationwide Cohort of Cancer Patients during the Initial Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Belgium
Authors: Silversmit Geert , Verdoodt Freija , Van Damme Nancy , De Schutter Harlinde , Van Eycken Liesbet
Published: July 2021

Background:

Most studies investigating the impact of coronavirus infectious disease-19 (COVID-19) on mortality among patients with cancer were performed in a hospital setting, and the evidence is thus based on a selected and frail subset of patients. This study evaluates the excess mortality during the first wave of COVID-19 in a nationwide, prevalent cancer cohort in Belgium.

Methods:

Mortality was studied among almost 240,000 patients with cancer diagnosed between 2013 and 2018 and alive on January 1, 2020. The observed number of deaths in the months January to June 2020 was compared with the expected number of deaths applying the monthly mortality rates observed in the cancer cohort during the previous years. A comparison using the excess mortality rates from the general population was performed.

Results:

An excess number of deaths of about 400 was observed in the month of April, coinciding with a peak of COVID-19 diagnoses in Belgium and corresponding to a 33% rise in mortality. A comparable number of excess deaths was estimated if the COVID-19 excess mortality rates from the general Belgian population were applied to the cancer cohort, stratified by age and sex.

Conclusions:

A considerable excess mortality in the Belgian cancer cohort was observed during the initial peak of COVID-19 in Belgium. The pattern of excess mortality was, however, not markedly different from that observed in the general population.

Impact:

These results suggest that the susceptibility of prevalent cancer patients to COVID-19–induced mortality during the first wave of the pandemic was comparable with the general population.
Characterization of Each St and Y Genome Chromosome of Roegneria grandis Based on Newly Developed FISH Markers
Authors: Wu Dandan , Zhu Xiaoxia , Tan Lu , Zhang Haiqin , Sha Lina , Fan Xing , Wang Yi , Kang Houyang , Lu Jiale , Zhou Yonghong
Published: July 2021

The genera of the tribe Triticeae (family Poaceae), constituting many economically important plants with abundant genetic resources, carry genomes such as St, H, P, and Y. The genome symbol of Roegneria C. Koch (Triticeae) is StY. The St and Y genomes are crucial in Triticeae, and tetraploid StY species participate extensively in polyploid speciation. Characterization of St and Y nonhomologous chromosomes in StY-genome species could help understand variation in the chromosome structure and differentiation of StY-containing species. However, the high genetic affinity between St and Y genome and the deficiency of a complete set of StY nonhomologous probes limit the identification of St and Y genomes and variation of chromosome structures among Roegneria species. We aimed to identify St- and Y-enhanced repeat clusters and to study whether homoeologous chromosomes between St and Y genomes could be accurately identified due to high affinity. We employed comparative genome analyses to identify St- and Y-enhanced repeat clusters and generated a FISH-based karyotype of R. grandis (Keng), one of the taxonomically controversial StY species, for the first time. We explored 4 novel repeat clusters (StY_34, StY_107, StY_90, and StY_93), which could specifically identify individual St and Y nonhomologous chromosomes. The clusters StY_107 and StY_90 could identify St and Y addition/substitution chromosomes against common wheat genetic backgrounds. The chromosomes V_St, VII_St, I_Y, V_Y, and VII_Y displayed similar probe distribution patterns in the proximal region, indicating that the high affinity between St and Y genome might result from chromosome rearrangements or transposable element insertion among V_St/Y, VII_St/Y, and I_Y chromosomes during allopolyploidization. Our results can be used to employ FISH further to uncover the precise karyotype based on colinearity of Triticeae species by using the wheat karyotype as reference, to analyze diverse populations of the same species to understand the intraspecific structural changes, and to generate the karyotype of different StY-containing species to understand the interspecific chromosome variation.
The Prognostic Ability of RAS Pathway-Related Gene Mutations in Patients with Myeloid Neoplasms Treated with Hypomethylating Agents
Authors: Park Hee Sue , Son Bo Ra , Shin Kyeong Seob , Byeon Seonggyu , Kim Hee Kyung , Yang Yaewon , Jeong Yusook , Han Hye Sook , Lee Ki Hyeong , Kwon Jihyun
Published: July 2021

Introduction: This study aimed to identify genetic predictors of treatment response and survival in patients with myeloid neoplasms treated with hypomethylating agents (HMAs). Methods: We performed next-generation sequencing on bone marrow aspiration samples of 59 patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome with excess blasts-2, or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and treated with decitabine or azacitidine as a frontline therapy. Results: A single gene with the most common mutations was TP53 (14 of 59 patients), and mutations in RAS pathway-related genes including KRAS, NRAS, FLT3, PTPN11, CBL, and KIT were found in 28.8% of patients. The overall response rate to HMAs was 33.9%. Predictive factors for a poor response were an age >75 years (p = 0.007), 3 or more gene mutations (p = 0.004), mutations in RAS pathway-related genes (p = 0.033), and a mutated NRAS gene (p = 0.042). An age >75 years (hazard ratio 2.946), diagnosis of AML (hazard ratio 2.915), and mutations in NRAS (hazard ratio 4.440) were identified as poor prognostic factors for survival. Conclusion: In conclusion, mutations in RAS pathway-related genes were predictors of a poor response to HMAs. Particularly, mutated NRAS was associated with inferior survival rates.
Successful Treatment of a Locally Recurrent and Metastatic Malignant Phyllodes Tumor with Accelerated Radiotherapy and Nab-Paclitaxel, Cisplatin, and Liposomal Doxorubicin Chemotherapy
Authors: Koukourakis Ioannis M. , Zygogianni Anna , Kouloulias Vassilios , Koukourakis Michael I.
Published: July 2021

Phyllodes tumors are rare breast lesions of fibroepithelial origin. Malignant transformation with metastases is linked with poor prognosis. We present a case of a 62-year-old woman with a recurrent malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast and lung metastases. The patient was originally presented with a borderline phyllodes tumor (7.4 cm) of the left breast, treated with wide local excision. A year later, the patient returned with palpable left breast masses. On PET-CT, increased uptake of 18F-FDG by large breast tumors was evident. A right lung lesion of metastatic origin was also present. A simple left breast mastectomy was performed. Histopathological report described 2 malignant phyllodes tumors (7 cm and 6.5 cm). One month later, during the CT simulation for radiotherapy planning, encysted fluid in the chest wall and 2 additional pulmonary lesions of the right lung were identified, confirming progressive lung metastatic disease. Both the chest wall and the regional lymph node area were irradiated with hypofractionated and accelerated radiotherapy. Biweekly chemotherapy with albumin-bound paclitaxel, cisplatin, and liposomal doxorubicin was also prescribed at the start of radiotherapy for 12 cycles. At the end of chemotherapy, complete regression of lung metastases was achieved, and there was no evidence of local recurrence. Within 2 years of follow-up, the patient is free of disease and treatment-related toxicities. Accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy is effective in the locoregional control of malignant phyllodes tumors. The combination of cisplatin with nab-paclitaxel and liposomal doxorubicin chemotherapy has acceptable toxicity and is highly effective in eradicating metastatic lesions.
Seropositive Reaction Rates of 9 B-Cell Epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and the Relationship between the Epitopes and Neutralizing Antibody
Authors: Zhu Li , Zhang Yunwen , Yang Zhengrong , Li Baisheng , Feng Tiejian , Zou Xuan , He Jianfan , He Taiping , Li Junling , Liu Ning , Li Wei , Wang Xiaohui
Published: July 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between serum antibody and neutralizing antibody titers in convalescent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with different disease severities, and the seropositive reaction rates of 9 reported B-cell epitopes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods: Serum IgG and total antibody titers of 165 convalescent COVID-19 patients were determined by chemiluminescence, the serum neutralization antibody titers were determined by microneutralization assay, and the S/CO values of 9 peptides were detected by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlations between the aforementioned indexes were statistically analyzed, and differences in patients with different diseases severities were evaluated. Results: IgG, total antibody, and neutralizing antibody titers increased with disease severity. The positive rate of the receptor-binding region (RBD) was 100%, and the average positive rate for all the 9 peptides was above 50% in 165 patients. IDf showed the highest rate of positivity (86.06%), with a rate of 95% for the (IDf + IDa) pattern. Moreover, S/CO values of RBD and mix (IDh) were significantly correlated with IgG, total antibody titers, and neutralizing antibody titers (p < 0.001), whereas the S/CO values for other 8 peptides showed no obvious correlation. Conclusion: In this study, a large sample was used to confirm that the peptide IDf had a high positive reaction rate for all patients (86.06%) and also had the highest detection rate in asymptomatic patients (86.67%). Only long peptide and mixed peptide showed correlation with neutralizing antibody titers, suggesting that the ability of SARS-CoV-2 antibody to neutralize virus infectivity may require the interaction of multiple sites.
Improved MSHA-1 algorithm with mixing method
Authors: Quilala Rogel L. , Quilala Theda Flare G.
Published: July 2021

Abstract—Recently, a Modified SHA-1 (MSHA-1) has been proposed and claimed to have better security performance over SHA-1. However, the study showed that MSHA-1 hashing time performance was slower. In this research, an improved version of MSHA-1 was analyzed using avalanche effect and hashing time as performance measure applying 160-bit output and the mixing method to improve the diffusion rate.  The diffusion results showed the improvement in the avalanche effect of the improved MSHA-1 algorithm by 51.88%, which is higher than the 50% standard to be considered secured. MSHA-1 attained 50.53% avalanche effect while SHA1 achieved only 47.03% thereby showing that the improved MSHA-1 performed better security performance by having an improvement of 9.00% over the original SHA-1 and 3.00% over MSHA-1. The improvement was also tested using 500 random string for ten trials. The improved MSHA-1 has better hashing time performance as indicated by 31.03% improvement. Hash test program has been used to test the effectiveness of the algorithm by producing 1000 hashes from random input strings and showed zero (0) duplicate hashes.
Smart and efficient system for the detection of wrong cars parking
Authors: Almawgani A. H. M. , Alsuwian Turki , Alhawari Adam R. H. , Alhuthari A. N. , Alhezabr M. A. , Alharethi M. S. , Alqahtani F. H.
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a smart and efficient car-parking detection system. The proposed system is comprised of two cameras connected to a mobile system that is devised with Arduino, four DC motors, and PIR sensor placed strategically to monitor parking space, especially within its painted rectangular lines of each parking lot. The mobile monitoring system is automatically responsive to any move they detected as vehicles within the parking space along the rows of parking lots. Once detected, the captured images are processed using the MATLAB software. Any improperly parked cars detected, the cameras will identify their plate numbers, and snap and record it in a database. The designed prototype of the proposed system was tested in five presumed cases. In each case, ten images were processed, thus 50 images were eventually obtained. Out of the 50 images, 48 images corresponded to correct detection whereas the other two images corresponded to wrong detection. Accordingly, the efficiency rate of the proposed smart car-parking monitoring system is 96%. This system offers suitable solution in assisting drivers to park properly within each parking lot and owners of parking area to keep it organized via remote monitoring system.
New modeling approach of laser communication in constellation and through atmospheric disturbances
Authors: Chenina Hachemi , Benatia Djamel , Boulakroune M’ Hamed
Published: July 2021

Laser communication between satellites in the constellation and from the satellites to ground stations offers a gigantic data rate for the users. This principal advantage drives telecom companies to develop this technology to use it like a carrier signal, the most disadvantage of this technology is the need to very complicated pointing systems between the transmitter and the receiver due to a very small beam divergence, continually moving of satellites in orbits and the distance between the satellites (tens of thousands of kilometers). The laser beam suffers continuously from several factors like atmospheric turbulences, internal and external vibrations. All these factors lead to an increase in the bit errors rate and cause degradation in the communication quality. This paper deals with a new method of modelisation of external effects in transmission of signal light from a ground station to the satellite through atmospheric disturbances. Indeed, an in-depth investigation, of the influences of satellite vibrationsinlaser signal transmission between satellites constellation, has been conducted by studying the effect of the intensity of vibrations on the optical signal amplitude. Some solutions are proposed to improve the efficiency of optical satellites communications.
The study on the effect of voltage ripple on multiphase buck converters with phase shedding control scheme for SCADA applications
Authors: Varghese Mini P. , Manjunatha A. , Snehaprabha T. V.
Published: July 2021

Voltage regulator modules (VRM) need to have low output voltage ripple and tight efficiency to power advanced microprocessors. This paper explains a phase shedding technique to enhance efficiency and its impact on output voltage ripple. In this study, analysis was done on a 4-phase buck converter which is having an input voltage of 45-65 V and delivers an output of 9 V, 12A with a switching frequency of 200Khz. The phase shedding control scheme is suitable for applications such as power sources for programmable logic controllers, which is a part of SCADA systems, which requires a low voltage and high current power supply. Working of a multiphase buck converter with phase shedding is modelled and verified using Matlab/Simulink software. The simulation results show the effect of the phase shedding technique on efficiency in varying load conditions and the effect of an increase of the voltage ripple at the output.
Comparison of dimensionality reduction and clustering methods for SARS-CoV-2 genome
Authors: Wisesty Untari N. , Mengko Tati Rajab
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to conduct an analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 genome variation was carried out by comparing the results of genome clustering using several clustering algorithms and distribution of sequence in each cluster. The clustering algorithms used are K-means, Gaussian mixture models, agglomerative hierarchical clustering, mean-shift clustering, and DBSCAN. However, the clustering algorithm has a weakness in grouping data that has very high dimensions such as genome data, so that a dimensional reduction process is needed. In this research, dimensionality reduction was carried out using principal component analysis (PCA) and autoencoder method with three models that produce 2, 10, and 50 features. The main contributions achieved were the dimensional reduction and clustering scheme of SARS-CoV-2 sequence data and the performance analysis of each experiment on each scheme and hyper parameters for each method. Based on the results of experiments conducted, PCA and DBSCAN algorithm achieve the highest silhouette score of 0.8770 with three clusters when using two features. However, dimensionality reduction using autoencoder need more iterations to converge. On the testing process with Indonesian sequence data, more than half of them enter one cluster and the rest are distributed in the other two clusters.
Design a mobile application for vehicles managing of a transportation issue
Authors: Al-Rahman Seddiq Q. Abd , Jassim Sameeh Abdulghafour , Sagheer Ali Makki
Published: July 2021

The movement of people between cities is leading to a recovery in the economy that transportation companies have begun to dominate. These companies start providing the best services to customers and promoting them through workers to earn money properly. From this basis, this paper presents a system designed to manage a company that transports people and goods between a group of cities. Database management was used across the web to enable data exchange between workers. The database is designed to be accessible to workers. It has also been suggested that the elliptic curve can be used to generate public and private keys for all parties while the company's management generates a prime number every day to ensure the confidentiality of the exchanged data. In this proposal, the rivest-shamir-adleman (RSA) algorithm is used to encrypt transferred data. It uses technology to exchange information if the recipient is not connected to the network. The proposed system performs a good service for the company’s management in securing the transferred data where smartphone applications are designed to work on it.
Modified iterative method with red-black ordering for image composition using poisson equation
Authors: Aris Zakariah , Saad Nordin , Dahalan A’qilah Ahmad , Sunarto Andang , Saudi Azali
Published: July 2021

Image composition involves the process of embedding a selected region of the source image to the target image to produce a new desirable image seamlessly. This paper presents an image composition procedure based on numerical differentiation using the laplacian operator to obtain the solution of the poisson equation. The proposed method employs the red-black strategy to speed up the computation by using two acceleration parameters. The method is known as modified two-parameter over-relaxation (MTOR) and is an extension of the existing relaxation methods. The MTOR was extensively studied in solving various linear equations, but its usefulness in image processing was never explored. Several examples were tested to examine the effectiveness of the proposed method in solving the poisson equation for image composition. The results showed that the proposed MTOR performed faster than the existing methods.
Effects of NaB2O4:Mn2+ and Ba2Li2Si2O7:Sn3+,Mn2+ phosphors and remote structure organizations on the white light-emitting diodes with quantum dots and phosphors
Authors: Le Phan Xuan , Binh Le Nguyen Hoa
Published: July 2021

In order to increase the optical features of white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs), quantum dots (QDs) and phosphor materials have been proposed because of outstanding performance. The configuration of WLEDs with QDs layer and phosphor-silicone layer suggested placing these components separately to limit light loss, and enhance consistency at contact surface of QDs. In this research, the effects of QDs and phosphor on the performance of WLEDs are concluded through experiments. The emitted light and PL spectra were examined thoroughly, and infrared thermal imagers were applied to simulate the heat generation of an actual WLED device. The results show that with the configuration of 60 mA energy source, WLEDs which has the QDs-on-phosphor form attained luminous efficiency (LE) of 110 lm/W, with color rendering index (CRI) of Ra=92 and R9=80, whereas the WLEDs which has the phosphor-on-QDs form only has 68 lm/W in LE, Ra=57 and R9=24. Furthermore, WLEDs which has the QDs-on-phosphor form has less high temperature generated at the components’ conjunction in comparison to the counterpart, the peak generated heat in QDs-on-phosphor WLEDs is also lower and the heating capacity gap between 2 structures can go up to 12.3°C.
Triple-layer remote phosphor structure: a selection of the higher color quality and lumen efficiency for WLEDs
Authors: Le Phan Xuan , Tien Le Hung
Published: July 2021

To enhance color quality of glass-based phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (pc-WLEDs) with multi-layer remote phosphor layer structures, two phosphors, green CdS:In and red ZnS:Te,Mn, are integrated into the glass matrix and applied to the dual-layer and triple-layer WLED packages. The attained results were examined with Mie-scattering theory and Lambert-Beer law. The dual-layer showed significant enhancement in color rendering index (CRI), in the range of approximate 80-90. Meanwhile, CRI in the triple-layer was lower and stayed around 66. In terms of color quality scale (CQS), a more overall color evaluating index, triple-layer structure helps the glass-based WLED achieve higher value than the dual-layer. The triple-layer is also beneficial to the luminous efficacy, according to the experimented results. Thus, the triple-layer structure can be used to strengthen the benefit of the glass matrix used in WLED products.
Applying SiO2 nano-particles for improving optical properties of WLED conformal and in-cup structures
Authors: Le Phan Xuan , Minh Pham Quang
Published: July 2021

This article is the analysis of SiO2 nano-particles’ influences on the luminous efficiency and the color temperature uniformity of a remote phosphor structure in a WLED. The purpose of integrating SiO2 into the silicone layer in the remote phosphor structure is to significantly promote the scattering occurrences. Particularly, with an appropriate proportion of SiO2, there could be more blue lights generated at large angles, leading to reducing the angular-dependent color temperature deviation. The luminous flux also can get benefits from SiO2 addition owing to a proper air-phosphor layer refractive index ratio provided by this SiO2/silicone compound. The attained experimental results were compared with optical values of a non-SiO2 remote phosphor configuration and showed a notable enhancement. The color deviation was reduced by approximately 600 K in the angles from -700 ­to 700. Additionally, the lumen efficiency was improved by 2.25% at 120 mA driving current. Hence, SiO2 can be used to boost both color uniformity and luminous efficacy for remote-phosphor WLED.
Teachers’ Sleep, Religious Tasks, and Suicidal Thoughts: A Preliminary Assessment
Authors: Asio John Mark R. , Jimenez Edward C.
Published: July 2021

Because of the unexpected and debilitating effect of the current pandemic, the impact of the pandemic on teachers is detrimental. This paper investigated the public-school teachers' sleep, religious tasks, and suicidal thoughts. The study used a descriptive correlational design with the online survey as the primary data gathering tool. 198 public school teachers from a school's division in Central Luzon, Philippines participated in the online survey. The researchers created the online instrument with validation done by experts. After the data gathering, the study used the following statistical tools to calculate the frequency count, percentage, rank, t-test, and Analysis of Variance with the help of SPSS 22. Results show that teachers go to sleep between 10:00-11:00 PM and wake up between 5:00-6:00 AM. This comprises 7-9 hours of sleep. Teachers also go to church or other religious meetings once a week and also, they pray, meditate, or study the Bible more than once a week. Also, most of the responses of teachers in the suicidal thoughts were either "no" or "never". Furthermore, the study also found significant differences in the teachers' sleep, religious tasks, and suicidal thoughts when grouped according to their profile. The study concluded that teachers have established sleep and religious tasks routines. On the other hand, suicidal thoughts are out of the options for the teachers’ business.
Effects of Classroom Observation of Parents to the Performance of Pupils
Authors: Ceria Emerson T.
Published: July 2021

The study aimed to determine the effects of classroom observation of parents to the performance of pupils in Pandayan Elementary School for the school year 2019-2020. A descriptive research method was utilized in this study. A research – made instrument for pre-test and post-test aligned with the given learning competencies in the K to 12 Curriculum Guide in Grades 4-6 was designed and undergone validity and reliability examination by peer-experts. After the validation from other Principals, the Division Research Chairperson has approved the instrument. The researcher also carried out a dry run before the actual pre-test and post-test assessment to the respondents. The gathered data from the tests were recorded and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. The findings showed that the post-test scores have increased after the classroom observation of parents. In conclusion, there was a significant difference on the academic performance of pupils in Mathematics before and after classroom observation of parents.
Dor mielopática pós-trauma raquimedular: manejo clínico e cirúrgico
Authors: Souza Silvia Mazzali Jorge de
Published: July 2021

A dor mielopática é um tipo de dor central que se origina após lesão completa, incompleta ou subclínica das vias somato-sensoriais, especialmente do trato espinotalâmico. A dor é descrita como uma sensação de amortecimento desagradável, queimor ou "formigamento", freqüentemente de caráter constante, podendo apresentar períodos de exacerbação. Ocasionalmente são descritos dois tipos distintos de dor, uma de caráter crônico constante e outra intermitente e intensa com distribuição radicular ou por dermátomo, com característica de "choque". Freqüentemente este segundo tipo de dor está associado a comprometimento radicular concomitante ao comprometimento medular ou está localizado no nível da lesão medular, na área de transição da zona de sensibilidade normal para a comprometida.
Josephus’ Adaptation of the Athaliah Narratives
Authors: Quine Cat , Scales Joseph
Published: July 2021

Athaliah in Josephus is rarely studied. This paper thus seeks to build on Christopher Begg’s text-critical work by discussing the literary effect of Josephus’ embellishments to the Athaliah narratives. Athaliah in Josephus is shown to be more explicitly foreign and illegitimate than in the biblical texts, but also a more dynamic, rounded character.
Adjustment and extension of the Hansen and Rattray estuarine classification diagram
Authors: Dijkstra Yoeri M. , Schuttelaars Henk M.
Published: July 2021

The classification diagram developed by Hansen and Rattray (1966, Limnol. Oceanogr.) is one of the classic papers on classification of estuarine salinity dynamics. However, we found several inconsistencies in both their stratification-circulation and estuarine classification diagrams. These findings considerably change the interpretation of their work. Furthermore, while their classification includes salt wedge estuaries, the model used to derive this is only applicable to well-mixed and partially mixed estuaries. Here, we identify and solve these inconsistencies, and we propose new adjusted and extended stratification-circulation and classification diagrams. To this end, we summarise the model of Hansen and Rattray and extend their work to find analytical model solutions and an adjusted stratification-circulation diagram. Using this new diagram, it is shown that Hansen and Rattray incorrectly discussed the behaviour of dispersion dominated estuaries and that several parts of the diagram correspond to physically unrealistic model solutions. This is then used to demonstrate that several estuarine classes identified by Hansen and Rattray correspond to physically unrealistic model solutions and can therefore not be interpreted. A new and extended classification is proposed by using a recently developed model that extends the work of Hansen and Rattray to salt wedge estuaries. This results in an extended estuarine classification including examples of the location of 12 estuaries in this new diagram.
Does Sex Influence Outcomes in Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries?
Authors: Mohammed Abdul-Quddus , Abdu Fuad A. , Liu Lu , Yin Guoqing , Xu Bin , Xu Siling , Feng Cailin , Lv Xian , Fan Rui , Che Wenliang , Xu Yawei
Published: July 2021

We examined differences in clinical profiles, predictors, and outcomes among patients with myocardial infarction (MI) with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCAs) by sex. Data of 259 (132 males and 127 females) patients with MINOCA were consecutively collected. The primary clinical end point was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, nonfatal MI, stroke, heart failure, and angina rehospitalization. Female patients with MINOCA were likely to be older than male patients with higher non-ST elevation myocardial infarction rate. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were higher in female patients while male patients were more likely to have a smoking history, greater ST elevation myocardial infarction rate, higher diastolic blood pressure, and more alcohol use. During the 2-year follow-up, the incidence of MACE in males and females was similar (18% vs 20.2%, respectively; P = .673). The multivariable predictors of MACE in the female group were age, hypertension, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), whereas diabetes, smoking, and LVEF were multivariable predictors of MACE in the male group. In conclusion, there were differences in the clinical profiles between sexes. Clinical outcome was similar between male and female patients with MINOCA, whereas predictive risk factors varied.
A Delphi study to identify intervention priorities to prevent the occurrence and reduce the impact of adverse childhood experiences
Authors: Sahle Berhe W , Reavley Nicola J , Morgan Amy J , Yap Marie Bee Hui , Reupert Andrea , Jorm Anthony F
Published: July 2021

Objective:

There is a lack of a systematic, coordinated approach to reducing the occurrence and impact of adverse childhood experiences. Hence, identifying feasible intervention priorities in this field will help inform policy and reformation of ongoing service delivery. The objective of this study was to identify expert consensus-driven priority interventions for reducing the occurrence and impact of adverse childhood experiences in children under 8 years of age in the Australian context.

Methods:

A three-round online Delphi survey was conducted to establish consensus on 34 interventions for adverse childhood experiences identified through a literature search. Six were general categories of interventions, 6 were broad intervention programmes and 22 were specific interventions. Participants were 17 health practitioners, 15 researchers, 9 policy experts, 7 educators and 3 consumer advocates with expertise in adverse childhood experiences or child mental health. Consensus was defined as an intervention being rated as ‘very high priority’ or ‘high priority’ according to its importance and feasibility by ⩾75% of all experts.

Results:

Seven of the 34 interventions were endorsed as priority interventions for adverse childhood experiences. These included four general categories of intervention: community-wide interventions, parenting programmes, home-visiting programmes and psychological interventions. Two broad intervention programmes were also endorsed: school-based anti-bullying interventions and psychological therapies for children exposed to trauma. Positive Parenting Program was the only specific intervention that achieved consensus.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to identify stakeholder perspectives on intervention priorities to prevent the occurrence and impact of adverse childhood experiences. Prioritisation of effective, feasible and implementable intervention programmes is an important step towards better integration and coordination of ongoing service delivery to effectively prevent and respond to adverse childhood experiences.
No umbrella for the rain: Canadian implications following the global revolution in reconnaissance–strike technologies
Authors: Kieley Marc
Published: July 2021

Global conflicts in 2020 have highlighted the unexpected employment of advanced ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles by developing military powers. The development of ballistic missiles by Iran, or the export of advanced drones by Turkey, are ultimately the result of the American-led revolution in military affairs that, during the Gulf War, established the potential of precision guided weapons and reconnaissance systems. In response, America’s competitors have adapted their military doctrines and developed weapons designed to both counter and copy the West’s technological advantages. As the Government of Canada implements its defence policy—Strong, Secure, and Engaged—it has promised to procure a ground-based air defence system for the Canadian Armed Forces. Careful consideration and analysis are required, however, to ensure that Canada procures the best possible solution given limited funding and a wide array of potential threats.
A Knowledge Synthesis of Cross-Cultural Psychotherapy Research: A Critical Review
Authors: Lee Eunjung , Greenblatt Andrea , Hu Ran
Published: July 2021

This article presents a current knowledge synthesis of empirical studies on cross-cultural psychotherapy since 1980. Guided by a critical review framework, our search in seven relevant databases generated 80 studies published in English. Main themes are organized into (1) therapists’ cultural competence ( n = 46); (2) therapy process in cross-cultural dyads ( n = 22); and (3) cross-cultural differences in gender, sexual orientation, or social class ( n = 12). Compared to previous reviews on cross-cultural psychotherapy, the findings of this review highlight a broad range of methodological rigor in both quantitative and qualitative studies. Most studies examined actual therapy participants rather than participants in analog studies, thus emulating more therapy-near experiences in cross-cultural psychotherapy research. Also, several studies explored cross-cultural compositions beyond racial and ethnic majority therapist-minority client dyads, and included therapists of color as the participants, exploring reverse power dynamics in therapy and giving voices to foreign-born therapists. The therapy process research provides rich and full descriptions around the dynamic and interactional therapy process in cross-cultural dyads, which can be used to foster cultural sensitivities among therapists in their practice and training. We discuss the limitations of the studies included in the review and its implications for psychotherapy practice, training, and future research.
Basket of options: Unpacking the concept
Authors: Ronner E , Sumberg J , Glover D , Descheemaeker KKE , Almekinders CJM , Haussmann BIG , Kuyper TW , Posthumus H , Ebanyat P , Giller KE
Published: July 2021

How to stimulate technological change to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce poverty remains an area of vigorous debate. In the face of heterogeneity among farm households and rural areas, one proposition is to offer potential users a ‘basket of options’ – a range of agricultural technologies from which potential users may select the ones that are best suited to their specific circumstances. While the idea of a basket of options is now generally accepted, it has attracted little critical attention. In this paper, we reflect on outstanding questions: the appropriate dimensions of a basket, its contents and how they are identified, and how a basket might be presented. We conceive a basket of options in terms of its depth (number of options related to a problem or opportunity) and breadth (the number of different problems or opportunities addressed). The dimensions of a basket should reflect the framing of the problem or opportunity at hand and the objective in offering the basket. We recognise that increasing the number of options leads to a trade-off by decreasing the fraction of those options that are relevant to an individual user. Farmers might try out, adapt or use one or more of the options in a basket, possibly leading to a process of technological change. We emphasise that the selection (or not) of specific options from the basket, and potential adaptation of the options, provide important opportunities for learning. Baskets of options can therefore be understood as important boundary concepts that invite critical engagement, comparison and discussion. Significant knowledge gaps remain, however, about the best ways to present the basket and to guide potential users to select the options that are most relevant to them.
“It’s Not Gonna Leave Any Scars”: Trauma and Coping Among Execution Team Members
Authors: Chiappetta Casey , Johnson Robert
Published: July 2021

A trauma framework is applied to the experiences of execution team members. A directed content analysis of three seminal publications is used to investigate how execution team members respond to observing and participating in executions, a potentially traumatic stressor. Through these texts, supplemented by other research, the study finds that the execution process, meant to facilitate executions and insulate execution team officers from stress, only partially achieves these goals. The findings suggest that many of the concepts central to understanding executioners at work—how they understand and cope with their roles—are dynamic rather than static and vary in degree across persons and situations. Execution team officers report varying degrees of difficulty fully rationalizing and diffusing responsibility for their actions, ultimately leading to internal conflict and stress about the death penalty and participation in executions.
An alternative method for radioactivity measurement in quantitative bone SPECT/CT imaging
Authors: Ishihara Masaru , Kato Yasuaki , Onoguchi Masahisa , Shibutani Takayuki
Published: July 2021

Bone scintigraphy with combined single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT) has become widely used for the detection of bone metastases. However, calculation of the semi-quantitative standardized uptake value (SUV) requires measurement of the pre- and post-injection radioactivity of the radiopharmaceutical. This study aimed to compare measured and fixed input radioactivity values for quantitative SPECT/CT bone imaging to examine whether the fixed measurement method of radiopharmaceutical radioactivity could be used as an alternative method. Four different methods were used to quantify the Tc-99m hydroxymethylene diphosphonate input radioactivity: (A) measured pre- and post-injection radioactivity values; (B) measured pre-injection and fixed post-injection radioactivity values; (C) fixed pre-injection and measured post-injection radioactivity values; (D) fixed pre- and post-injection radioactivity values. All SPECT/CT acquisitions were analyzed using bone SPECT analysis software, and the semi-quantitative parameters (SUVpeak and SUVmean) were recorded and compared for each analytical method. Two semi-quantitative parameters showed significant differences between analytical methods A and B, A and D, and C and D. However, an additional subgroup analysis performed on patients whose median post-injection measured radioactivity value was <1.5 MBq showed no significant differences in parameters between all analytical methods. Measurement of the radiopharmaceutical radioactivity can be an alternative method because it reduces the volume of radioactivity post-injection. The simplified fixed measurement method of radiopharmaceutical radioactivity can be used as an alternative method in cases when measuring the radioactivity in quantitative bone SPECT/CT imaging is missed.
Relationship between Information and Communication Device Usage and Development of Hand Disorders
Authors: Saito Kazuo , Saito Yumiko
Published: July 2021

This study examined the association between hand disorders and time spent using information and communication devices. The participants in this study, conducted between January 2017 and 2020, were 150 healthy university students. They were tested for carpal tunnel syndrome and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Average daily device usage time was found to be 5.76 ± 3.00 (1.9-16.2) h. Smartphones were used the most, followed by personal computers and gaming consoles. However, usage time did not vary significantly by device type. Intensive users were significantly more likely to have De Quervain’s tenosynovitis ( P < .001), while non-intensive users were significantly less likely to have hand disorders ( P < .001) and less likely to have De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. These results can form the basis of guidelines for the prevention of information and communication device overuse.
Lassa fever presenting as a cause of post-operative pyrexia following open femoral interlocking nailing
Authors: Ayotunde Olasinde A , Gbenga Jones , Chuks Abejegah , Dare Ogunlusi J , Temitope Akinleye
Published: July 2021

We report a case where Lassa fever was diagnosed in the search for post-operative pyrexia. Protective measures may have prevented any transmission to the attending medical staff.
Developing and Implementing an Intervention Study: Strategies for Mentoring Students Throughout the Research Process
Authors: Butler Brenna M. , Morrow Jennifer A.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Designing and conducting an intervention study is an arduous task for students that requires strong teaching and mentoring practices from psychology instructors.

Statement of the Problem

Most research methods textbooks simply describe how an intervention is incorporated into a research study design (Johnson & Christensen, 2016), but rarely discuss steps on how to plan and develop an intervention study, leaving instructors without a guide to mentor students throughout the process.

Literature Review

Some research methods education instructors incorporate teaching techniques such as problem-based learning, “learning by doing,” or by incorporating online modules into their research methods curricula (Gurung, R. A. R., & Stoa, R. (2020). A national survey of teaching and learning research methods: Important concepts and faculty and student perspectives. Teaching of Psychology, 47(2), 111-120.).

Teaching Implications

This article provides a summary of best practices from the literature and from our experiences in planning, developing, and implementing rigorous intervention studies utilizing a checklist teaching-tool intended for undergraduate- and graduate-level psychology instructors. Additionally, teaching tips on incorporating hands-on intervention activities and projects into coursework are provided (Butler, B. M., & Morrow, J. A. (2021). Developing and implementing an intervention study: Strategies for mentoring students throughout the research process supplementary material. Figshare).

Conclusion

This checklist can enhance the teaching and mentorship of students to ensure successful intervention studies of their own.
New Statistics, Old Schools: An Overview of Current Introductory Undergraduate and Graduate Statistics Pedagogy Practices
Authors: Sestir Marc A. , Kennedy Lindsay A. , Peszka Jennifer J. , Bartley Joanna G.
Published: July 2021

Background

A philosophical shift in statistics regarding emphasis on “New Statistics” (NS; Cumming, G. (2014). The new statistics: Why and how. Psychological Science, 25(1), 7-29.) over conventional null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) raises the question of appropriate material coverage in undergraduate statistics courses.

Objective

We examined current practices in statistics pedagogy at the graduate and undergraduate levels for both NS and NHST.

Method

Using an online survey of a nationwide sample of current graduate students ( n = 452) and graduate faculty ( n = 162), we examined statistics pedagogy and perceptions of best approaches for teaching undergraduate statistics.

Results

In undergraduate statistics courses, coverage of NS material involves modest instruction in effect sizes and confidence intervals, while NHST remains dominant. Graduate courses have more balanced coverage. Effect size estimation was regarded as the most important NS knowledge for success in graduate school and the topic most in need of increased undergraduate coverage.

Conclusion

Undergraduate statistics courses could increase NS coverage, particularly effect size estimation, to better align with and prepare students for graduate work.

Teaching Implications

This research summarizes graduate program expectations and graduate student experiences regarding undergraduate statistics that current instructors can use to shape the content of their classes.
Analysis and synthesis of single-input-single-output Lurie type systems via H∞ mixed-sensitivity
Authors: Pinheiro Rafael F , Colón Diego
Published: July 2021

The goal of this paper is to present a different approach to the analysis of the absolute stability of Lurie type systems in the single-input-single-output (SISO) case using robust control theory. The proposed technique enables the design of controllers via [Formula: see text] mixed-sensitivity (S/KS/T), where, besides making the system absolutely stable, the performance problem can also be solved. In addition, it is also demonstrated that it is possible to make use of this new approach in time-delay Lurie type systems. Thus, through a new methodology, this work paves the way to the study of the absolute stability of multiple-inputs-multiple-outputs (MIMO) systems, aiming at a better generalization of the theory and enabling applications in other areas, such as neural networks. Examples, numerical simulations and application in Chua’s circuit are given to illustrate the results.
Two roads diverged: Legal context and changing levels of private and public sector union density in the US states, 1984–2019
Authors: Wallace Michael , Vachon Todd E , Hyde Allen
Published: July 2021

This article examines the causes of the different historical trajectories of US union membership in the private and public sectors, a topic relevant for understanding the link between unions and industrial democracy. The article focuses on the different legal contexts shaping membership in these two sectors, especially the role of right-to-work (RTW) and public sector collective bargaining (PSCB) laws. Using state-level data from 1984 to 2019, the study finds that RTW laws decrease, and PSCB laws increase union membership in both sectors, suggesting cross-over effects. The authors conclude with a discussion of the implications of these findings for the prospects of expanding economic and industrial democracy.