bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid features for object detection in RGB-D scenes
Authors: Awwad Sari , Igried Bashar , Wedyan Mohammad , Alshira'H Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Object detection is considered a hot research topic in applications of artificial intel-ligence and computer vision. Historically, object detection was widely used in var-ious fields like surveillance, fine-grained activities and robotics. All studies focus on improving accuracy for object detection using images, whether indoor or outdoor scenes. Therefore, this paper took a shot by improving the doable features extraction and proposing crossed sliding window approach using exiting classifiers for object de-tection. In this paper, the contribution includes two parts: First, improving local depth pattern feature along side SIFT and the second part explains a new technique presented by proposing crossed sliding window approach using two different types of images (colored and depth). Two types of features local depth patterns for detection (LDPD) and scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) were merged as one feature vector. The RGB-D object dataset has been used and it consists of 300 different objects and in-cludes thousands of scenes. The proposed approach achieved high results comparing to other features or separated features that are used in this paper. All experiments and comparatives were applied on the same dataset for the same objective. Experimental results report a high accuracy in terms of detection rate, recall, precision and F1 scorein RGB-D scenes.
Mining the crime data using naïve Bayes model
Authors: Padirayon Lourdes M. , Atayan Melvin S. , Panelo Jose Sherief , Fagela, Jr Carlito R.
Published: August 2021

A massive number of documents on crime has been handled by police departments worldwide and today's criminals are becoming technologically elegant. One obstacle faced by law enforcement is the complexity of processing voluminous crime data. Approximately 439 crimes have been registered in sanchez mira municipality in the past seven years. Police officers have no clear view as to the pattern crimes in the municipality, peak hours, months of the commission and the location where the crimes are concentrated. The naïve Bayes modelis a classification algorithm using the Rapid miner auto model which is used and analyze the crime data set. This approach helps to recognize crime trends and of which, most of the crimes committed were a violation of special penal laws. The month of May has the highest for index and non-index crimes and Tuesday as for the day of crimes. Hotspots were barangay centro 1 for non-index crimes and barangay centro 2 for index crimes. Most non-index crimes committed were violations of special law and for index crime rape recorded the highest crime and usually occurs at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. The crime outcome takes various decisions to maximize the efficacy of crime solutions.
Numerical investigation on the behavior of combining open-channel flow
Authors: Shahari Nor Azni , Husaini Norwaza Nor Arif , Mohd Zawawi Iskandar Shah , Mohd Kamarul Nurisha Adrina , Said Aimi
Published: August 2021

Open-channel flow is known as fluid flow with an open atmospheric surface. It has become an important issue especially when measuring the flow rate and depth of water as part of environmental management schemes. Many efforts have been made by the previous researchers to investigate the behavior of water flow. However, most studies on water flow have only been carried out in a straight prismatic main channel, either in a trapezoidal and rectangular type of channel section with lateral branch of angle of 90o. In this study, the general equations of combining open-channel flow for trapezoidal and V-shaped channels are modified in the form of nonlinear polynomial equations. The proposed equations are solved using Newton-Raphson procedure to determine the upstream flow depth. All the computations and analysis of the behavior of water flow depth influenced by Froude number and flow rate ratio are performed using graphical user interface, which is designed in MATLAB software. Comparative analysis shows that the modified equations agree well with the experimental data as reported in the literature. The trapezoidal channel demonstrates the highest value of flow depth as the Froude number and flow rate ratio increase; thus, it has potential to avoid water overflow.
Automated data monitoring of MEMS cleanroom parametric requirements
Authors: Capanang Jean M. , Panganiban Jobelle P. , Ortiz Glenn N. , B. Enojas Mark Joseph
Published: August 2021

Cleanroom parameters such as temperature, relative humidity and particle count are vital in maintaining cleanliness. People and machines working inside the cleanroom are main contributors for the sudden changes of the separameters. Measurements and monitoring of these parameters are therefore necessary to reduce rejects and downtime in the production of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). This paper presents a method of developmentof an automated data monitoring of MEMS cleanroom parametric requirements. The prototype developed uses DHT11 sensor and Sharp dust sensor for measuring the temperature, humidity and particle count respectively which are displayed in an LCD display. These parameters are recorded through a data logger for analysis and control. Additionally, agraphical user interface was also developed using visual studio for the working personnel and for supervisory monitoring and control. As a result, the possible quality compromise in the production of MEMS is detected when the monitored parameters are beyond the range.
14-bit ADC as voltage monitoring device for power supply module 6 using I2C interface
Authors: Castillo Edison R. , Samson Catherine D. , Ortiz Glenn N. , B. Enojas Mark Joseph
Published: August 2021

Thereare recorded downtime in the current testing processes of microelectronic packages. The available test equipment, the isolation of the power supply modules and the processes of testing must be changed in order to minimize the downtime. This study presents the design and development of a voltage monitoring device made of a 14-bit analog to digital converter (ADC) interfaced through inter-integrated circuit (I2C) for power supply module 6 (PS6). It is built to address the downtime in isolation and testing process of PS6. This setup is able to monitor and display three output voltages operating in 4-12V signals through athin film transistor (TFT) monitor. Tests were conducted for the nominal voltage and current setting scalled the three-point tests. In result, the fault detection and calibration process of PS6 are able to minimize downtimes. The developed voltage monitoring device has an acceptable percentage of 0.04572% which also canbe a replacement for digital multimeters (DMMs) for specific applications to PS6.
A dynamic model of electronic wedge brake: experimental, control and optimization
Authors: Che Hasan Mohd Hanif , Hassan Mohd Khair , Ahmad Fauzi , Marhaban Mohammad Hamiruce , Haris Sharil Izwan
Published: August 2021

This paper discusses the process of modelling and parameter selection for the creation of the electronic wedge brake system (EWB). The system involves a permanent magnet DC engine (PMDC) that drives the motor, the gear leadscrew and the brake core. The proposed model is simpler and more flexible which can be used in both the most well-known EWB designs either natural or optimized EWB. The selection of the motor is rendered according to the brake specifications. The wedge angle profile is centred on the derivation of EWB system that consists of brake actuator, wedge mechanism dynamic and wedge characteristic brake factor. Control and optimization are carried out with specific coefficients of friction of the brake pads to maintain operating reliability. A 5th-order brake simulation model of the EWB in a single state-space was derived and a simulation was conducted to verify the distribution of force. The efficiency of the brake clamping force control system was assessed by proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control. The performance of the proposed controller is verified in simulations and experiments using a prototype electronic wedge brake. The research findings indicate, the actuator restriction is deemed to achieve consistent performance against full range braking during the EWB control design.
Efficient reconfigurable architecture for moving object detection with motion compensation
Authors: N. Sridevi , Meenakshi M.
Published: August 2021

The detection and tracking of object in large data surveillance requires a proper motion estimation and compensation techniques which are generally used to detect accurate movement from video stream. In this paper, a novel hardware level architecture involving motion detection, estimation, and compensation is proposed for real-time implementation. The motion vectors are obtained using 16×16 sub-blocks with a novel parallel D flip flop architecture in this work to arrive at an optimised architecture. The sum of absolute difference (SAD) is then calculated by optimized absolute difference and adder blocks designed using kogge-stone adder which helps in improving the speed of the architecture. The controller block is designed by finite state machine model used for synchronization of all the operations. Further, the comparator and compensation blocks are optimized by using basic logical elements and the Kogge-stone adder. Finally, the proposed architecture is implemented on Zynq Z7-10 field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and simulated using System Generator tool for real time traffic signal. The hardware and software parameters are compared with the existing techniques which shows that the proposed architecture is efficient than existing methods of design.
Dual channel speech enhancement using particle swarm optimization
Authors: Hamza Dalal , Tashan Tariq
Published: August 2021

Adaptive processing for canceling noise is a powerful technology for signal processing that can completely remove background noise. In general, various adaptive filter algorithms are used, many of which can lack the stability to handle the convergence rate, the number of filter coefficient variations, and error accuracy within tolerances. Unlike traditional methods, to accomplish these desirable characteristics as well as to efficiently cancel noise, in this paper, the cancelation of noise is formulated as a problem of coefficient optimization, where the particle swarm optimization (PSO) is employed. The PSO is structured to minimize the error by using a very short segment of the corrupted speech. In contrast to the recent and conventional adaptive noise cancellation methods, the simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm has better capability of noise cancelation. The results show great improvement in signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 96.07 dB and 124.54 dB for finite impulse response (FIR) and infinite impulse response (IIR) adaptive filters respectively.
A review on supervised learning methodologies for detection of exudates in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Wasekar Ujwala W. , Bathla R. K.
Published: August 2021

Diabetic retinopathy has become one of the major reasons for blindness in the world. Early and precise diagnosis of the disease may save one’s eyesight from irreversible damage. Manual detection of lesions is time consuming and may not be as accurate as desirable. Many automated systems have been developed recently to help ophthalmologists in their endeavors. Exudates are one of the early signs of manifestation of diabetic retinopathy. In this paper, the methodologies detecting exudates in retinal fundus images were reviewed. These methods were categorized into deep learning, machine learning and methods primarily focusing on image processing techniques. The comprehensive view of the performances of the methods was given. Several datasets were described briefly. Most of the researchers preferred combination of multiple publically available databases. Also, the potential areas of research were discussed. It was found that sensitivity which identifies the abnormal images correctly, is the most widely used performance measure. The study will be helpful to the researchers wanting to explore more in this field.
High efficiency Doherty power amplifier based on asymmetrical matching network
Authors: Mabrok Mussa , Zakaria Zahriladha , Sutikno Tole
Published: August 2021

Doherty power amplifier (DPA) with high efficiency at the output power back off is highly demanded for modern wireless communication systems to achieve high data rates and reduce the power consumption and operation costs. This paper presents a new design strategy for enhancing DPA’s back-off efficiency. New design strategy called asymmetrical matching network is used to achieve asymmetric operation, which helps to compensate for the low power delivered by the peaking stage in the conventional DPA. The simulation results showed an enhancement in the back-off efficiency, where the proposed design is able toachieve 46-52% drain efficiency at 8 dB output power back-off while maintains high efficiency of 73-80 % at saturation over the designed bandwidth of 3.4-3.6 GHz. The proposed design is suitable for high efficiency sub-6 GHz fifth-generation wireless applications.

 
Indoor positioning utilizing bluetooth low energy (BLE) RSSI on LoRa system
Authors: Suseenthiran Kavetha , Ja'afar Abd Shukur , Heng Ku Wei , Abidin Abd Aziz Mohamad Zoinol , Md Isa Azmi Awang , Husin Siti Huzaimah , Zarifie Hashim Nik Mohd
Published: August 2021

Indoor positioning systems has become popular in this era where it is a network of devices used to locate people or object especially in indoor environment instead of satellite-based positioning. The satellite-based positioning global positioning system (GPS) signal is affected and loss incurred by the wall of the building causes the GPS lack of precision which leads to large positioning error. As a solution to the indoor area coverage problem, an indoor positioning based on bluetooth low energy (BLE) and long range (LoRa) system utilising the receive signal strength indicator (RSSI) is proposed, designed and tested. In this project, the prototype of indoor positioning system is built using node MCU ESP 32, LoRa nodes and BLE beacons. The node MCU ESP 32 will collect RSSI data from each BLE beacons that deployed at decided position around the area. Then, linear regression algorithm will be used in distance estimation. Next, particle filteris implemented to overcome the multipath fading effect and the trilateration technique is applied to estimate the user’s location. The estimated location is compared to the actual position to analyze the root mean square error (RMSE) and cumulative distribution function (CDF). Based on the experiment result, implementing the particle filter reduces the error of location accuracy. The particle filter achieves accuracy with 90% of the time the location error is lower than 2.6 meters.
Effects of Aging on Cardiac Oxidative Stress and Transcriptional Changes in Pathways of Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Clearance
Authors: Rizvi Farhan , Preston Claudia C. , Emelyanova Larisa , Yousufuddin Mohammed , Viqar Maria , Dakwar Omar , Ross Gracious R. , Faustino Randolph S. , Holmuhamedov Ekhson L. , Jahangir Arshad
Published: August 2021

Background

Age‐related heart diseases are significant contributors to increased morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence indicates that mitochondria within cardiomyocytes contribute to age‐related increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation that plays an essential role in aging‐associated cardiac diseases.

Methods and Results

The present study investigated differences between ROS production in cardiomyocytes isolated from adult (6 months) and aged (24 months) Fischer 344 rats, and in cardiac tissue of adult (18–65 years) and elderly (>65 years) patients with preserved cardiac function. Superoxide dismutase inhibitable ferricytochrome
c
reduction assay (1.32±0.63 versus 0.76±0.31 nMol/mg per minute;
P
=0.001) superoxide and H
2
O
2
production, measured as dichlorofluorescein diacetate fluorescence (1646±428 versus 699±329,
P
=0.04), were significantly higher in the aged versus adult cardiomyocytes. Similarity in age‐related alteration between rats and humans was identified in mitochondrial‐electron transport chain‐complex‐I‐associated increased oxidative‐stress by MitoSOX fluorescence (53.66±18.58 versus 22.81±12.60;
P
=0.03) and in 4‐HNE adduct levels (187.54±54.8 versus 47.83±16.7 ng/mg protein,
P
=0.0063), indicative of increased peroxidation in the elderly. These differences correlated with changes in functional enrichment of genes regulating ROS homeostasis pathways in aged human and rat hearts. Functional merged collective network and pathway enrichment analysis revealed common genes prioritized in human and rat aging‐associated networks that underlay enriched functional terms of mitochondrial complex I and common pathways in the aging human and rat heart.

Conclusions

Aging sensitizes mitochondrial and extramitochondrial mechanisms of ROS buildup within the heart. Network analysis of the transcriptome highlights the critical elements involved with aging‐related ROS homeostasis pathways common in rat and human hearts as targets.
Transmethylamine‐N‐Oxide Is Associated With Diffuse Cardiac Fibrosis in People Living With HIV
Authors: Colaco Nalini A. , Wang Teresa S. , Ma Yifei , Scherzer Rebecca , Ilkayeva Olga R. , Desvigne‐Nickens Patrice , Braunwald Eugene , Hernandez Adrian F. , Butler Javed , Shah Svati H. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Hsue Priscilla Y.
Published: August 2021

Background

People living with HIV are at increased risk of developing diastolic dysfunction, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death, all of which have been characterized by higher levels of myocardial fibrosis. Transmethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO), a dietary gut metabolite, is linked to the development of myocardial fibrosis in animal models. However, it is unclear whether TMAO plays a role in the development of myocardial fibrosis in people living with HIV.

Methods and Results

The study population consisted of participants enrolled in the multisite cross‐sectional study called CHART‐HIV (Characterizing Heart Function on Anti‐Retroviral Therapy). Participants underwent echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, biomarker analysis, and targeted assessment of gut‐related circulating metabolites; diastolic dysfunction was determined by study‐specific criteria. Multivariable linear regression models were performed to examine the relationship of gut‐related metabolites with serum and imaging measures of myocardial fibrosis. Models were adjusted for traditional cardiovascular, inflammatory, and HIV‐related risk factors. Diastolic dysfunction was present in 94 of 195 individuals (48%) in CHART‐HIV; this cohort demonstrated higher prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and chronic kidney disease as well as higher plasma levels of both TMAO and choline. TMAO levels were associated with parameters reflecting increased left ventricular filling pressures and with a marker of the innate immune system. TMAO levels correlated with diffuse myocardial fibrosis (
R
=0.35;
P
<0.05) as characterized by myocardial extracellular volume fraction as well as biomarkers reflective of myocardial fibrosis.

Conclusions

In this study of people living with HIV, the gut metabolite TMAO was associated with underlying diffuse myocardial fibrosis and found to be a potential marker of early structural heart disease. The mechanistic role of the gut microbiome in HIV‐associated cardiovascular disease warrants further investigation.

Registration

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02860156.
Vitamin K Intake and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in the Danish Diet Cancer and Health Study
Authors: Bellinge Jamie W. , Dalgaard Frederik , Murray Kevin , Connolly Emma , Blekkenhorst Lauren C. , Bondonno Catherine P. , Lewis Joshua R. , Sim Marc , Croft Kevin D. , Gislason Gunnar , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Tjønneland Anne , Overvad Kim , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Schultz Carl , Bondonno Nicola P.
Published: August 2021

Background

Dietary vitamin K (K
1
and K
2
) may reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk via several mechanisms. However, studies linking vitamin K intake with incident ASCVD are limited. We aimed to determine the relationship between dietary vitamin K intake and ASCVD hospitalizations.

Methods and Results

In this prospective cohort study, participants from the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study, with no prior ASCVD, completed a food‐frequency questionnaire at baseline and were followed up for hospital admissions of ASCVD; ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, or peripheral artery disease. Intakes of vitamin K
1
and vitamin K
2
were estimated from the food‐frequency questionnaire, and their relationship with ASCVD hospitalizations was determined using Cox proportional hazards models. Among 53 372 Danish citizens with a median (interquartile range) age of 56 (52–60) years, 8726 individuals were hospitalized for any ASCVD during 21 (17–22) years of follow‐up. Compared with participants with the lowest vitamin K
1
intakes, participants with the highest intakes had a 21% lower risk of an ASCVD‐related hospitalization (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI: 0.74–0.84), after multivariable adjustments for relevant demographic covariates. Likewise for vitamin K
2
, the risk of an ASCVD‐related hospitalization for participants with the highest intakes was 14% lower than participants with the lowest vitamin K
2
intake (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.81–0.91).

Conclusions

Risk of ASCVD was inversely associated with diets high in vitamin K
1
or K
2
. The similar inverse associations with both vitamin K
1
and K
2
, despite very different dietary sources, highlight the potential importance of vitamin K for ASCVD prevention.
Colchicine in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Kofler Thomas , Kurmann Reto , Lehnick Dirk , Cioffi Giacomo Maria , Chandran Sujay , Attinger‐Toller Adrian , Toggweiler Stefan , Kobza Richard , Moccetti Federico , Cuculi Florim , Jolly Sanjit S. , Bossard Matthias
Published: August 2021

Background

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in coronary artery disease (CAD). The anti‐inflammatory drug colchicine seems to reduce ischemic events in patients with CAD. So far there is equipoise about its safety and impact on mortality.

Methods and Results

To evaluate the utility of colchicine in patients with acute and chronic CAD, we performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL and conference abstracts were searched from January 1975 to October 2020. Randomized trials assessing colchicine compared with placebo/standard therapy in patients with CAD were included. Data were combined using random‐effects models. The reliability of the available data was tested using trial sequential analyses . Of 3108 citations, 13 randomized trials (n=13 125) were included. Colchicine versus placebo/standard therapy in patients with CAD reduced risk of myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR] 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46–0.90;
P
=0.01;
I
2
41%) and stroke/transient ischemic attack (OR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.31–0.81;
P
=0.005;
I
2
0%). But treatment with colchicine compared with placebo/standard therapy had no influence on all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality (OR 0.96; 95% CI, 0.65–1.41;
P
=0.83;
I
2
24%; and OR 0.82; 95% CI, 0.55–1.22;
P
=0.45;
I
2
0%, respectively). Colchicine increased the risk for gastrointestinal side effects (
P
<0.001). According to trial sequential analyses, there is only sufficient evidence for a myocardial infarction risk reduction with colchicine.

Conclusions

Among patients with CAD, colchicine reduces the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, but has a higher rate of gastrointestinal upset with no influence on all‐cause mortality.
Taxonomic revision of south-eastern Australian giant burrowing frogs (Anura: Limnodynastidae: Heleioporus Gray)
Authors: MAHONY MICHAEL J. , PENMAN TRENT , BERTOZZI TERRY , LEMCKERT FRANK , BILNEY ROHAN , DONNELLAN STEPHEN C.
Published: August 2021

The rarely encountered giant burrowing frog, Heleioporus australiacus, is distributed widely in a variety of sclerophyll forest habitats east of the Great Dividing Range in south-eastern Australia. Analyses of variation in nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial ND4 gene and thousands of nuclear gene SNPs revealed the presence of two deeply divergent lineages. Multivariate morphological comparisons show the two lineages differ in body proportions with > 91% of individuals being correctly classified in DFA. The two lineages differ in the number and size of spots on the lateral surfaces and the degree by which the cloaca is surrounded by colour patches. The mating calls are significantly different in number of pulses in the note. The presence of a F2 hybrid in the area where the distribution of the two taxa come into closest proximity leads us to assign subspecies status to the lineages, as we have not been able to assess the extent of potential genetic introgression. In our sampling, the F2 hybrid sample sits within an otherwise unsampled gap of ~90km between the distributions of the two lineages. The nominate northern sub-species is restricted to the Sydney Basin bioregion, while the newly recognised southern subspecies occurs from south of the Kangaroo Valley in the mid-southern coast of New South Wales to near Walhalla in central Gippsland in Victoria. The habitat of the two subspecies is remarkably similar. Adults spend large portions of their lives on the forest floor where they forage and burrow in a variety of vegetation communities. The southern subspecies occurs most commonly in dry sclerophyll forests with an open understory in the south and in open forest and heath communities with a dense understory in the north of its distribution. The northern subspecies is also found in dry open forests and heaths in association with eroded sandstone landscapes in the Sydney Basin bioregion. Males of both taxa call from both constructed burrows and open positions on small streams, differing from the five Western Australian species of Heleioporus where males call only from constructed burrows. Using the IUCN Red List process, we found that the extent of occupancy and area of occupancy along with evidence of decline for both subspecies are consistent with the criteria for Endangered (A2(c)B2(a)(b)).
Assessment of Association Between Venous Occlusion and Infection of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices
Authors: Keyser Andreas , Jungbauer Carsten , Rennert Janine , Linnemann Birgit , Schmid Christof , Schopka Simon
Published: August 2021

The increasing number of patients treated with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and indications for complex pacing requires system revisions. Currently, data on venous patency in repeat CIED surgery involving lead (re)placement or extraction are largely missing. This study aimed to assess venous patency and risk factors in patients referred for repeat CIED lead surgery, emphasizing CIED infection. All consecutive patients requiring extraction, exchange, or additional placement of ≥1 CIED leads during reoperative procedures from January 2015 to March 2020 were evaluated in this retrospective study. Venography was performed in 475 patients. Venous patency could be assessed in 387 patients (81.5%). CIED infection with venous occlusion was detected in 74 patients compared with venous occlusion without infection in 14 patients ( P < .05). Concerning venous patency, novel oral anticoagulant medication appeared to be protective ( P < .05; odds ratio [OR]: .35). Infection of the CIED appeared to be strongly associated with venous occlusion (OR: 16.0). The sensitivity was only 64.15%, but the specificity was 96.1%. Number of leads involved and previous CIED procedures were not associated with venous occlusion. In conclusion, in patients with CIED, venous occlusion was strongly associated with device infection, but not with the number of leads or previous CIED procedures.
A Monte Carlo Study of Confidence Interval Methods for Generalizability Coefficient
Authors: Jiang Zhehan , Raymond Mark , DiStefano Christine , Shi Dexin , Liu Ren , Sun Junhua
Published: August 2021

Computing confidence intervals around generalizability coefficients has long been a challenging task in generalizability theory. This is a serious practical problem because generalizability coefficients are often computed from designs where some facets have small sample sizes, and researchers have little guide regarding the trustworthiness of the coefficients. As generalizability theory can be framed to a linear mixed-effect model (LMM), bootstrap and simulation techniques from LMM paradigm can be used to construct the confidence intervals. The purpose of this research is to examine four different LMM-based methods for computing the confidence intervals that have been proposed and to determine their accuracy under six simulated conditions based on the type of test scores (normal, dichotomous, and polytomous data) and data measurement design ( p× i× r and p× [ i:r]). A bootstrap technique called “parametric methods with spherical random effects” consistently produced more accurate confidence intervals than the three other LMM-based methods. Furthermore, the selected technique was compared with model-based approach to investigate the performance at the levels of variance components via the second simulation study, where the numbers of examines, raters, and items were varied. We conclude with the recommendation generalizability coefficients, the confidence interval should accompany the point estimate.
Diabetes, disability, and dementia risk: Results from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (H-EPESE)
Authors: Vásquez Elizabeth , Gadgil Meghana A , Zhang Weihui , Angel Jacqueline L
Published: August 2021

Background:

Emerging research has elucidated pathophysiological relationships among diabetes, disability, cognitive impairment, and incident dementia. However, the relationships between diabetes, disability, and dementia have been largely underexamined in Latino populations, which have a disproportionate prevalence of diabetes and its complications.

Aims:

This study examines diabetes as a risk factor for subsequent disability and dementia risk in a Mexican-origin older adult sample.

Methods:

The data are drawn from eight waves (1993–2013) of the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (HEPESE; N = 3,050, mean age at baseline = 73.6 (±6.8)). Respondents’ diabetes status at baseline was ascertained by self-report. Disability was assessed using eight functional domains assessed through the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale. Dementia risk was assessed using a Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) score below 18 and the need for aid with at least two IADLs. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to predict the relation between diabetes and time to disability, cognitive impairment, and incident dementia, adjusting for age at migration, socioeconomic status, acculturation, and health status.

Results:

At baseline, diabetes prevalence was 28.1%, and 37.7% had IADL disability. Diabetes was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.22, p < .001) over the approximetely 20 year study period. In addition, immigrants who migrated at age 50 or older had a higher dementia risk (HR = 1.35, p = .01) when compared to their US-born counterpart.

Conclusion:

Our results highlight the importance of better characterizing the role of diabetes and nativity in the co-occurrence of disability and dementia risk.
The Significance of School-based Programs, School-based Activities, and Community-Based Activities Against Marijuana Use Among Adolescents
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc N.
Published: August 2021

Background: Marijuana use among adolescents is concerning in the United States, meanwhile, the effectiveness of school-based programs is inconclusive. This study examines the impact of school-based programs, school-based activities, and community-based activities on marijuana use among adolescents. Methods: A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted, using a sample of 16,509 adolescents (age = 12 to 17, male = 51.3%, White = 60.1%, Hispanic = 21.4%, African American = 14.7%, and Asian American = 3.9%) from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Results: Results of the main effects revealed that school-based programs, school-based activities, and community-based activities were deterrent factors against marijuana use among adolescents. Adolescents are less likely to use marijuana if they participate in school-based programs, school-based activities, and community-based activities. Conclusion: The findings of this study have implications for schools and those making educational policy.
Jewish Law in the Gospels in Light of the Dead Sea Scrolls
Authors: Schiffman Lawrence H.
Published: August 2021

This study examines a number of specific examples of halakhic (Jewish legal) matters discussed in the New Testament that are also dealt with in the Dead Sea Scrolls. This paper compares and contrasts the rulings of these two traditions, as well as the Pharisaic views, showing that the Jewish legal views of the Gospels are for the most part lenient views to the left of those of the Pharisees, whereas those of the Dead Sea Scrolls represent a stricter view, to the right of the Pharisaic views. Ultimately, in the halakhic debate of the first century ce, the self-understanding of the earliest Christians was very different from that of the sect of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Reimagining China’s Transportation Funding Investments in Africa in the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Hamilton Clovia , Maliphol Sira
Published: August 2021

Africa has not invested enough in its healthcare system, and China has been investing in and financing much of Africa’s transportation system. Many African countries’ fragile health and transportation systems have been further weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This literature review confirms the interdependence of the key functional areas of comprehensive development planning and the importance of building and maintaining a sound transportation infrastructure. With respect to partnerships with China, African nations need to strengthen government functional areas more comprehensively, considering all of the areas of development planning including trade as well as transportation and aid issues. It is all the more apparent given the COVID-19 pandemic that these trade deals need to include simultaneous heavy investments in healthcare, education, housing, public utilities (water and electricity), and economic development through improved supply chain management and the use of advanced digital technology. In addition to the deal structures for China’s investments in Africa’s transportation infrastructure, there are also opportunities to reimagine the African nations’ internal transportation spending. For example, there are models in the United States for using transportation funds to invest in health clinics in transit stations. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought this issue to bear, and it is a problem that can be rectified with “comprehensive” development planning that takes into account all of the key functional areas of planning: healthcare, environmental protection, safety, education, housing, economic development, and transportation. Five recommendations follow the literature review and discussion.
In vivo performance of decellularized tracheal grafts in the reconstruction of long length tracheal defects: Experimental study
Authors: Villalba-Caloca Jaime , Sotres-Vega Avelina , Giraldo-Gómez David M , Gaxiola-Gaxiola Miguel O , Piña-Barba Maria C , García-Montes Jazmín A , Martínez-Fonseca Sergio , Alonso-Gómez Marcelino , Santibáñez-Salgado J Alfredo
Published: August 2021

Background:

The repair of long-segment tracheal lesions remains an important challenge. Nowdays no predictable and dependable substitute has been found. Decellularized tracheal scaffolds have shown to be a promising graft for tracheal transplantation, since it is non-immunogenic.

Objective:

Evaluate in vivo decellularized tracheal allografts performance to replace long tracheal segment.

Methods:

Forty-five swines underwent surgery as follows: Fifteen trachea donors and 30 receptors of decellularized trachea allografts. The receptors were randomly divided in five groups ( n = 6). In groups I and II, donor trachea segment was decellularized by 15 cycles with sodium deoxycholate and deoxyribonuclease, in group II, the allograft was reinforced with external surgical steel wire. Groups, III, IV, and V decellularization was reduced to seven cycles, supplemented with cryopreservation in group IV and with glutaraldehyde in group V. A 10 rings segment was excised from the receptor swine and the decellularized trachea graft was implanted to re-establish trachea continuity.

Results:

Both decellularization cycles caused decreased stiffness. All trachea receptors underwent euthanasia before the third post-implant week due to severe dyspnea and trachea graft stenosis, necrosis, edema, inflammation, hemorrhage, and granulation tissue formation in anastomotic sites. Histologically all showed total loss of epithelium, separation of collagen fibers, and alterations in staining.

Conclusions:

Both decellularization techniques severely damaged the structure of the trachea and the extracellular matrix of the cartilage, resulting in a no functional graft, in spite of the use of surgical wire, cryopreservation or glutaraldehyde treatment. An important drawback was the formation of fibrotic stenosis in both anastomosis.
Municipal solid waste collection systems: An indicator to assess the reusability of products
Authors: Degli Esposti Anna , Magrini Chiara , Bonoli Alessandra
Published: August 2021

The paper illustrates a model to support waste management (WM) operators of municipal solid waste (MSW) services. This study proposes a framework to evaluate the potential of preparation for reuse (PfR) as strategy to jointly decrease social, environmental and economic impacts and meet the legal targets on waste management. As general indicators to evaluate the reusability of products do not exist yet, the aim of this study is the definition of a comprehensive indicator, which may be calculated for each product category by waste collection operators. The proposed reusability indicator includes one coefficient evaluating the potential for reuse, and three impact indicators for the assessment of social, environmental and economic performances. The indicator can be calculated by using real data, gathered by the waste collection operators in collaboration with reuse centres and referred to previous years. Hence, the proposed methodology allows waste collection operators to evaluate the potential consequences of the reuse strategy on their MSW collection system to monitor and disclose to public the impacts related to reuse activities, facilitating the achievement of sustainability in the WM sector.

Graphical abstract

[Formula: see text]
Development of a pyrolysis model for oriented strand board: Part II—Thermal transport parameterization and bench-scale validation
Authors: Gong Junhui , Zhou Hongen , Zhu Hong , McCoy Conor G , Stoliarov Stanislav I
Published: August 2021

Oriented strand board is a widely used construction material responsible for a substantial portion of the fire load of many buildings. To accurately model oriented strand board fire response, kinetics and thermodynamics of its thermal decomposition and combustion were carefully characterized using milligram-scale testing in part I of this study. In the current work, Controlled Atmosphere Pyrolysis Apparatus II tests were performed on representative gram-sized oriented strand board samples at a range of radiant heat fluxes. An automated inverse analysis of the sample temperature data obtained in these tests was employed to determine the thermal conductivities of the undecomposed oriented strand board and condensed-phase products of its decomposition. A complete pyrolysis model was formulated for this material and used to predict the mass loss rates measured in the Controlled Atmosphere Pyrolysis Apparatus II experiments. These mass loss rate profiles were predicted well with the exception of the second mass loss rate peak observed at 65 kW m−2 of radiant heat flux, which was underpredicted. To further validate the model, cone calorimeter tests were performed on oriented strand board at 25 and 50 kW m−2 of radiant heat flux. The results of these tests, including both mass loss rate and heat release rate profiles, were predicted reasonably well by the model.
Fostering Art and Cultural Entrepreneurship in Underserved Communities: A Case of Newark, NJ
Authors: Wang Qingfang , Richardson Lyneir
Published: August 2021

Policymakers worldwide have invested in art and cultural industries (ACIs) as important vehicles for economic development. However, the issues of race, ethnicity, gender, and inequality have not been sufficiently addressed. This study investigates the factors that enable or constrain art and cultural entrepreneurship (ACE) in Newark, NJ. The findings suggest that a sense of place and the social identities of diverse business owners significantly impact the process of launching and operating creative businesses. Insufficient market opportunity, lack of resources in the community, and uneven distribution of wealth across racial groups are among the biggest challenges they face. Despite these challenges, these artist-entrepreneurs have proactively worked as both business owners and art-industrial gatekeepers to promote themselves and other underrepresented groups in the marketplace. The study also highlights universities’ role in the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem in promoting ACIs. It calls for policy and practices fostering minority entrepreneurship in ACIs, bringing artists to the core of entrepreneurship and development strategies in these communities.
Blended Preparation in Early Childhood and Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education: Reflecting on the Past, Paving a Path Forward
Authors: Mickelson Ann M. , Correa Vivian I. , Stayton Vicki D.
Published: August 2021

The movement toward collaborative models of preservice early childhood preparation, those that attempt to “blend” preparation for both early childhood education (ECE) and early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE), is entering its fourth decade. This position paper presents a historical analysis of the blended movement through a conceptual framework based on a social foundations perspective that highlights how sociopolitical and foundational influences have affected blended preparation over time. Although blended models were first explored as a means to reconceptualize early childhood preservice preparation for inclusion, the recommendations shared in this article center on the need to reconceptualize blended preparation itself. A call to action is proposed for the development of a robust research agenda and the strategic coordination of advocacy to ensure current and future blended preparation meets the needs of the increasingly diverse contexts, roles, and responsibilities of ECE and EI/ECSE practitioners.
The Policy Road to Socialism
Authors: Calnitsky David
Published: August 2021

In the standard formulation, the Marxist theory of the state implies that socialism requires revolution: Reformist social policy generates capital flight and capital flight undermines reform. I show that this mechanism, while plausible, turns out to have little empirical merit. State theory correctly points to an “accumulation” function whereby capitalist states depend on revenue and must therefore worry about the reforms that undermine profitability. But this accumulation function has been overwhelmed, historically, by a more powerful “legitimation” function: Popular social expenditures in rich capitalist democracies tend to grow and only rarely decline, even during the so-called neoliberal period. This article considers both sides of this debate. First, I propose (and predict) a path to socialism by way of mushrooming social policy. And second, I argue that if revolution is the only hope for socialism, then socialism is off the table; the revolution must be betrayed.
The autistic mirror in the real: Autism in Lacan’s mirror stage
Authors: Brenner Leon S.
Published: August 2021

The mirror stage is one of Jacques Lacan’s most well-received metapsychological models in the English-speaking world. In its many renditions Lacan elucidates the different forms of identification that lead to the construction of the Freudian ego. This article utilizes Lacan’s mirror stage to provide a novel perspective on autistic embodiment. It develops an integrative model that accounts for the progression of four distinct forms of autistic identification in the mirror stage; these forms provide the basis for the development of four different clinical trajectories in the treatment of autism. This model is posed as an alternative to the clinical and diagnostic framework associated with the autistic spectrum disorder.
Examining the information seeking and sharing activities in a virtual community of librarians
Authors: Agyemang Franklin Gyamfi
Published: August 2021

The study examines the information exchange activities among librarians when communicating in a virtual community. Specifically, the study explores the kind of information librarians seek or share in a virtual community. The study also explores how librarians react to the shared or sought-for information in a virtual community. This study was carried out on 50 librarians in community of practice on a WhatsApp platform. Netnography as a research design was used in this study. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis techniques. The findings show that librarians share information that encourage and support one another. The findings also show that librarians share and seek related information on career and institutional work, thought-provoking information and personality quotes. In reaction to the shared information, librarians peruse shared information for their authenticity. Librarians share appreciative messages in reaction to the sharing of important and educative information. In the situation of misinformation or where suspicious information is shared, librarians counter the shared information in reaction by posting messages cautioning librarians to beware of scam.
Book review: Geraldine Forbes, Lost Letters and Feminist History: The Political Friendship of Mohandas K. Gandhi and Sarala Devi Chaudhurani
Authors: Gandhi Rajmohan
Published: August 2021

Geraldine Forbes, Lost Letters and Feminist History: The Political Friendship of Mohandas K. Gandhi and Sarala Devi Chaudhurani. Hyderabad: Orient BlackSwan, 2020, 170 pp., ₹595 (paperback).
Performing Without Sound: Using Sign Language to Teach Expressive Qualities of Music
Authors: Hatch Emily
Published: August 2021

Performing can be taught in more ways than just with singing and instruments; sign language is also a legitimate option for teaching students about the expressive qualities of music through performance. Using sign language as a performance option serves to promote differently abled musicians. It also is a way to use Universal Design for Learning principles to create learning opportunities in a variety of modalities for all students
Meaningful Collaborations: An Introduction to Music of Jamaica
Authors: Howard Karen
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this column is to explore a meaningful collaboration between a classroom music teacher and an expert from a music culture. Dr. David Aarons from Jamaica worked with a music educator and a class of 5th grade students. They explored dance traditions, steel pan performance, singing games, and stories. They also discussed sociocultural and sociohistorical meanings of the lyrics, instruments, and hybrid nature of many of the current traditions.