bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Children’s Temperament, Phonological Working Memory, Mother Related Factors, and Language Environment on Vocabulary Development in Korean Monolingual and English-Korean Bilingual Children
Authors: Kang Daeun , Yim Dongsun
Published: July 2022

Objectives: This study investigated the influence of internal and external factors on vocabulary development in Korean monolingual and English-Korean bilingual children, and examined predictors of their vocabulary skills.Methods: A total of 45 children aged from 3-6 years participated in this study, including Korean monolingual children (N= 30), and English-Korean bilingual children (N= 15). Children completed standardized vocabulary tests to measure vocabulary skills. To examine internal and external factors, a nonword repetition (NWR) task was administered, and participants’ mothers completed the Children’s Behavior Questionnaire-Very Short Form, the Parenting Stress Index, Fourth Edition Short Form (PSI-4-SF), the Parental Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire, and the Language Environment Questionnaire.Results: For monolingual children, internal factors were significantly correlated with Korean vocabulary skills, and effortful control was the only predictor. For bilingual children, there was a significant correlation between internal factors and Korean vocabulary skills. Effortful control and Korean NWR were predictors of Korean receptive vocabulary skills, and Korean NWR predicted Korean expressive vocabulary skills. Their English vocabulary skills were significantly associated with internal and external factors. Quantity of mother’s English input and English NWR were predictors of English receptive vocabulary skills, and quantity of mother’s English input, English NWR and quality of Korean input were predictors of English expressive vocabulary skills.Conclusion: The results suggest that when examining vocabulary skills, we should consider the influence of effortful control for monolingual children and the influence of mothers’ language use at home for bilingual children. Furthermore, NWR should be applied as a clinical tool when assessing bilingual children.
Clinical Applications of Facial Sensor Biofeedback: Implications for Voice Therapy or Vocal Training
Authors: An Ji Ho , Choi Seong Hee , Lee Kyungjae , Choi Chul-Hee , Youn Jong In
Published: July 2022

Objectives: Biofeedback therapy is a training technique that has a positive effect on the voice. In order to conduct resonant voice therapy or tube phonation more effectively, it is important for the patient to feel the vibration sensation in a specific part of the facial structures. Therefore, in this study, the clinical basis for facial vibration was presented by quantifying the vibration site and magnitude using vibration sensors during various semi-occluded vocal tract phonations.Methods: A total of 38 normal young adults without dysphonia participated in this study. Recording was performed a total of 6 times for each type of phonation, in the order of /a/ phonation, Kazoo, lip trill, humming, straw phonation, and tube phonation in water at the comfortable level using newly developed facial vibration sensor.Results: There was a significant difference in the magnitude of vibration according to body parts (cheek, nose, neck) during resonant voice or tube phonation; the largest amplitude presented in the nose during humming whereas lip trill, straw, kazoo, and tube phonation in water presented in the cheek. There were also significant differences in the magnitude of vibration among the voice therapy exercises or vocal training techniques (/a/ phonation, Kazoo, lip trill, humming, straw phonation, and tube phonation in water; with greater amplitude in dual sources such as lip trill and water resistance phonation than in single source phonations.Conclusion: The facial vibration sensor could provide clinical evidence for facial vibration sensation during semi-occluded vocal tract phonation. It can also provide biofeedback and monitor whether patients can perform semi-occluded vocal tract phonation properly.
The Effects of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention for Individuals with Dementia: Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shin Jihyun , Shin Sangeun
Published: July 2022

Objectives: This study reviewed previous studies examining the effect of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention on expressive language ability, cognitive ability, and quality of life of individuals with dementia to provide effective treatment approaches in clinical settings.Methods: A total of 8 studies on AAC interventions for dementia were selected through a literature search in the database and selection process. To comprehensively analyze the intervention effect sizes reported in the literature, a metaanalysis method was applied, and the effect size Hedges’ g was calculated for each measurement variable.Results: Results showed that the overall effect size of the AAC intervention was g= .864, which was statistically significant and effective at 95% confidence intervals. To be specific, there were significant positive effects on cognitive ability and quality of life. However, the AAC intervention did not have a significant effect on the expressive language ability of individuals with dementia.Conclusion: The meta-analysis method was applied to comprehensively analyze whether AAC intervention had a significant effect on the communication and quality of life of patients with dementia. By reviewing the results of the previous studies, effective AAC interventions in language, cognition, and quality of life of dementia patients were reviewed. Directions for future studies on AAC intervention in dementia were discussed.
Written Spelling in Patients with Subcortical Vascular Dementia and Subcortical Vascular Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Shin Joon Soo , Jang Hyemin , Kim Hee Jin , Na Duk L. , Yoon Ji Hye
Published: July 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the spelling processing patterns in patients with subcortical vascular dementia (SVaD) and subcortical vascular mild cognitive impairment (svMCI).Methods: The subjects consisted of 10 patients with SVaD, 15with svMCI, and 30 normal controls (NC) subjects. Prior to this study, Korean- Mini Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K), and health screening questionnaires were conducted as pre-tests. After that, subjects were presented with 20 words grouped according to word type (regular word, irregular word, non-word), and then they were asked to dictate the words they heard. After the tests were completed, the number of correct responses and the number of error patterns were compared between groups.Results: First, by word type between groups, the svMCI and SVaD groups showed a significantly lower number of correct responses for regular and irregular words compared to the NC group. In addition, the SVaD group showed a significantly lower number of forward responses than the svMCI group in irregular words. Non-words showed significantly lower number of forward responses in the SVaD group compared to the NC and svMCI groups. Second, the comparison of the number of error types between groups showed a significant difference between the three groups in terms of grapheme substitution; and the SVaD group showed significantly more errors compared with the NC and svMCI groups in addition and omission of graphemes. Third, the SVaD group showed significantly more errors in comparison to the NC and svMCI groups for phonological implausible errors, and the svMCI and SVaD groups showed significantly more errors than the NC group for phonological plausible errors. Fourth, lexicalization errors within non-words were observed only in the SVaD group.Conclusion: For early detection of svMCI, it is necessary to pay attention to irregular word performance.
A Preliminary Study of the Validation for Children’s Social Communication Scale for Children Aged 6-7 Years
Authors: Lee Eun Ju
Published: July 2022

Objectives: Despite the classification of various children showing deficiencies in social communication that are distinct from autism spectrum disorder, interest in social communication has not increased. However, the development of social communication competence acts as an important indicator for adapting well to school life after entering elementary school. The purpose of this study was to develop a social communication scale regarding child development indicators required in clinical practice.Methods: In phase 1 of this study, a preliminary social communication scale (SCS) was conducted by modifying evaluation items that measure social cognition, pragmatic language, and social skills. Using the results from the SCS, an item analysis was conducted. In phase 2 of this study, an expert validity test was conducted to complete the final SCS.Results: As a result of item analysis, 51 items of the SCS were extracted. The SCS consisted of 16 questions in the social cognition area, 24 questions in the conversational language area, and 11 questions in the social technology area.Conclusion: The SCS is comprised of questions that can evaluate the social communication of children preparing for to enter school, and early school-age children. It is hoped that the results of this preliminary study contribute to the activation of social communication research and can help provide directions for improving children’s social communication in clinical practice.
Spatio-temporal Characteristics of Successive Plosive Consonants in the Same Place of Articulation: An Electropalatographic Study
Authors: Oh Dahee , Woo SeongTak , Kim Ji-Yeong , Kim Mi-Jin , Kim Sujin , Ha Ji-Wan
Published: July 2022

Objectives: This paper used electropalatography (EPG) to investigate the actual pronunciation when two plosives with the same articulation position appear successively. We aimed to determine the presence of the preceding consonant (C₁) in two successive consonants (VC₁C₂V) with the same articulation place.Methods: Tongue-to-palate contacts were recorded during the pronunciation of 8 words and 4 sentences containing those words by 5 normal adults and the closure duration and the maximum contact frame for utterance units (word, sentence), meanings (real word, nonword), and syllable structures (VC₁C₂V, VCV) were analyzed.Results: The closure duration in the syllable structures and the maximum contact frame in the meanings showed significant differences. The closure duration of the VC₁C₂V structure was significantly longer than that of the VCV structure in case of words; however, the difference reduced in the case of sentences. The maximum contact frame of the real words was significantly higher than that of non-words.Conclusion: Since the temporal characteristics between VCV and VC₁C₂V structure was distinguished and the tensification of C₂ indirectly showed the existence of C₁. These result support the fact that the preceding consonant is not deleted in two successive consonants with the same articulation place.
The Using Predicates and the Relations to Sentence Production of Aged 2-3
Authors: Sim Eun Ha , Kim Yu-Seop , Lee Yoonkyoung
Published: July 2022

Objectives: The ability of children to use predicates in spontaneous language is important for expressing their intentions and producing sentences as well. This study aimed to examine the use of predicates in children aged 2;6-3;11 and the relationship between the use of predicates and syntax development.Methods: Sixty children aged 2;6-3;11 participated in this study. The participants were classified into three groups of 6-month intervals: late 2-years, early 3-years, and late 3-years. Spontaneous language samples were collected during an interaction between the researcher and the children using books and pictures during conversations. The number of total predicates (NTP), the number of different predicates (NDP), NTP and NDP by subcategory for measuring use of predicates, and the Mean Length of Utterance (MLU) for measuring the sentence production were measured from the 50 utterances.Results: The NTP of the early and the late 3-years groups was significantly higher than the late 2-years group and the NDP increased significantly from the late 2-years group to the late 3-years group. Among the subcategories of the predicates, significant differences were found in the number of total verbs (NTV), the number of different verbs (NDV), the number of total adjectives (NTA), the number of different adjectives (NDA), the number of total auxiliary verbs (NTAV) and the number of different auxiliary verbs (NDAV). Regression analysis showed that the NTV (53.8%) and the NDA (14.4%) explained the MLU in words; and the NTV (62.9%), NTA (15.1%) and NDV (2.0%) explained the MLU in morphemes.Conclusion: This study confirmed the developmental aspects of the use of predicates in the spontaneous language of children aged 2;6-3;11 and how the use of predicates affects the ability to produce sentences. We discussed the clinical implications of the results and suggest the need for follow-up studies.
A holistic approach to the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Authors: Williamson Lucy
Published: July 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is common, chronic and sometimes debilitating. Lucy Williamson explores the barriers to diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of holistic, specialist care for this patient group.
The mental health crisis breathing space: what healthcare managers need to know
Authors: Peters Laura
Published: July 2022

Laura Peters, head of mental health and money advice at Rethink Mental Illness, shares her insights into the mental health crisis breathing space scheme, how it can improve mental health crisis treatment and how healthcare professionals can help more patients to access this support.
Patients' perceptions and experiences of directly observed therapy for TB
Authors: Thomas David , Summers Rachael H
Published: July 2022

Aim:

To understand patients' perceptions and experiences of directly observed therapy (DOT) for tuberculosis treatment in the UK.

Method:

Patients receiving DOT as part of their TB treatment participated in semi-structured and audio-recorded interviews. Data were analysed using a framework approach.

Results:

Non-adherence was driven by socio-cultural, mental health, employment and discrimination factors. Patients valued DOT for its support and social connection but those in employment feared it could lead to disclosure and social discredit.

Conclusion:

TB patients experience social isolation and fear discrimination. DOT offers a degree of social connection and support for marginalised patients but fails to tackle fundamental barriers to adherence such as mental health issues, addictions, housing and discrimination. Practice implications: Flexible patient-centred methods of DOT should be offered throughout patients' treatment. Research into multi-agency responsibility for promoting adherence needs to be commissioned, implemented and evaluated. Telemedicine and nurse-led clinics may improve access to care and improve patient experience.
Showing patients who you are
Authors: Frisby Claire
Published: July 2022

Dental nurse-turned-social media content creator, Claire Frisby, offers tips on how to use Instagram to promote your practice.
Dentistry is a wonderful dance
Authors: Garside Alice
Published: July 2022

Alice Garside shines a spotlight on the relationship between clinician and dental nurse.
Raise your voice
Authors: Hylton Preetee
Published: July 2022

In an environment where dental nurses are encouraged to broaden their skillset, Preetee Hylton suggests that with the right preparation we can all become effective public speakers.
Keeping track of CPD
Authors: Heilmann Angie
Published: July 2022

Angie Heilmann discusses the importance of CPD and the need for dental nurses to remain compliant.
Keeping your trainees engaged
Authors: O'Neill Hayley
Published: July 2022

Hayley O'Neill shares her top 10 tips for onboarding and retaining new dental nurses.
Do you have a fixation with alcohol?
Authors: Yates Laura
Published: July 2022

Laura Yates discusses what types of wipes are most effective for surface decontamination in the dental practice.

Aims & objectives:

To inform readers about the different definitions in decontamination To explain why decontamination wipes have increased in popularity To explain the history and use of alcohol in dental decontamination To inform readers about why alcohol alone should not be used on heavily contaminated surfaces

Learning outcomes:

Readers will understand what role wipes play in the decontamination process and when they should be used Readers will understand the theory behind the use of alcohol in dental decontamination Readers will understand the different options for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and be able to explain their choice of materials
Ethical and legal concepts: legal aspects of a duty of care, part two
Authors: Ellis Peter , Ellis Hannah
Published: July 2022

In part two of this legal aspects of a duty of care series, Peter Ellis and Hannah Ellis detail how duty of care is influenced by professional codes, societal and ethical duty and employment contracts
Kidney Care UK Advocacy in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cunningham Lynne
Published: July 2022

Lynne Cunningham reflects on the past year and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on her role
President's 2021 update
Authors: Jenkins Karen
Published: July 2022

Many changes and challenges have been faced during the past 18 months in both organisational and clinical practice. This month, Karen Jenkins gives an update on how the Association of Nephrology Nurses has been supporting its members and the wider renal community
Supervision: the role of the kidney care leader, part two
Authors: Ellis Peter , Abbott Jane
Published: July 2022

Peter Ellis and Jane Abbott continue their series on supervision and the kidney care leader. In this article, they detail how supervision can assist in facilitating personal and professional growth and what skills are necessary for supervisors to possess
Ensuring kidney patients and their families stay well during the winter
Authors: McGrail Carmen France
Published: July 2022

Carmen France McGrail describes her experiences as an advocacy and patient support officer at Kidney Care UK
Peritoneal palliative dialysis
Authors: Davis Michael , Bargman Joanne M.
Published: July 2022

Patients with end-stage kidney disease vary significantly in comorbidities and frailty, prompting consideration of a palliative approach to care in the sickest cohort. Peritoneal dialysis offers a unique opportunity to provide renal replacement therapy by offering modified dialysis prescriptions, particularly in patients with cardiorenal syndrome, hepatorenal syndrome and cognitive decline. By developing comfort and expertise in this area, in addition to replacing traditional dialysis parameters with clinical assessment, peritoneal dialysis serves as a good opportunity to use patient-centred goals of care to manage kidney disease patients at the end of life, minimise their symptom burden and maximise their quality of life.
Ethical and legal concepts: confidentiality
Authors: Ellis Hannah , Ellis Peter
Published: July 2022

Hannah Ellis and Peter Ellis discuss the legal precedent relating to confidentiality
Renal Nurse of the Year Award 2022
Authors: Manual Wilfredo , Lee Rachael , Brand Sarah
Published: July 2022

Sarah Brand discusses the 2022 finalists for the Renal Nurse of the Year award
The prevalence of skin tears and associated factors in hospitalised patients with cancer
Authors: Bandeira Mariana Alves , Schmidt Fernanda Mateus Queiroz , Nogueira Paula C , Rosa Talita , Felizardo Roberto de Miranda , Villela de Castro Diana Lima , Woo Kevin , Santos Vera Lucia Conceição Gouveia
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Oncology patients are vulnerable to skin breakdown. The primary purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of skin tears (STs) in hospitalised patients with cancer and to explore related sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Method:

This was an observational, epidemiological, cross-sectional study conducted in an oncology hospital in the city of São Paulo. All STs were classified using the STAR Classification adapted and validated for Brazil.

Results:

Of the 341 patients evaluated, 22 had STs, equating to a prevalence of 6.5%. A higher number of STs were noted on the lower limbs (26.9%) than on other body areas. The main factors associated with STs were the use of anticoagulants, the presence of ecchymosis and the use of incontinence briefs.

Conclusion:

This study contributed to a better understanding of the epidemiology of STs in hospitalised patients with cancer, as well as its associated factors. Results may inform nursing professionals with regard to the need to develop prevention strategies and early interventions.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy of soft tissue necrosis due to centipede bite in a patient with diabetes
Authors: Özer Elif Ebru , Aksam Berrak , Sönmez Ufuk , Özdemir Hülya Özkan
Published: July 2022

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an option for the management of rapidly progressive tissue necrosis after centipede bites in patients with diabetes.

Method:

In this case report, we introduce a patient with diabetes with soft tissue necrosis and secondary infection due to a centipede bite, who was treated with a multidisciplinary approach including HBOT.

Results:

In this case study, HBOT, applied in the treatment of rapidly developing cellulitis after a centipede bite in a patient with diabetes, accelerated wound healing. Deep soft tissue infection stopped progression to necrotising fasciitis and prevented possible amputation, and facilitated the patient's return to social life in a short time.

Conclusion:

HBOT can be used in combination with other local and systemic, due to its anti-venom effect and treatment of extremity-threatening infection.
Therapeutic Effects of Ipomoea batatas L. Extract-Containing Capsule and Simvastatin Combination versus Simvastatin in Dyslipidemic Patients
Authors: Subawa Anak Agung Ngurah , Jawi I Made , Sutirta-Yasa I Wayan Putu , Sumardika I Wayan , Mahendra Agung Nova
Published: July 2022

Purple sweet potato extract (PSPE) have been shown to exhibit antidyslipidemic effect, but the clinical effects of PSPE and statin combination has not been investigated. This study was aimed to reveal the effect of PSPE and statin combination on lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) level in mild and moderate dyslipidemia cases. The study design was a limited clinical trial with a randomized pre and posttest control group design. Subjects were divided into simvastatin (control) group and simvastatin + PSPE capsules group (10 individuals per group). Both groups received simvastatin 20 mg daily (4 weeks), with the administration of PSPE capsules for the second group 400 mg/day, BID, 4 weeks). The aforementioned variables were subsequently analyzed using paired t-test and t-test, when appropriate. Better lipid profile improvements, lower MDA levels, and higher SOD level (p<0.05) were revealed in patients treated with simvastatin + PSPE compared to simvastatin alone. It can be inferred that combination of PSPE and simvastatin exhibits a clinically better effect as antidyslipidemic agent and antioxidant in dyslipidemic patients than simvastatin alone.
Review of Known and Unknown Facts of Klebsiella Pneumoniae and its Relationship with Antibiotics
Authors: Pavan Heggadadevanakote Kendaganna , Shreevatsa Bhargav , Dharmashekara Chandan , Shruthi Govindaraju , Prasad Kollur Shiva , S Patil Sharanagouda , Shivamallu Chandan
Published: July 2022

Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial respiratory infections, but they can exacerbate inflammation by releasing microbial components that overstimulate the immune system, leading to greater tissue damage. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Knowing about Klebsiella pneumoniae is extremely important in the present situation, as it is one of the major causal organisms of pneumonia. Internal and external factors of K. pneumoniae are responsible for the entry and multiplication inside the host. Antibiotics against K. pneumoniae are a class of Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Monobactams, and Carbapenems which have the β-lactam ring in common with variable side chains. Combating the antibiotics by synthesizing the enzymes like beta-lactamases is the main reason for the survival of these organisms against newer generation antibiotics. In this review, we have tried to discuss about Klebsiella pneumoniae, antibiotics, and their mechanism of action.
Comparison of Integrated Task Oriented Bodyweight Supported Overground Training with Body-Weight Supported Treadmill Training to Improve Functional Mobility in Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy - A Single Blinded Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Kassim Nishad , Pattnaik Monalisa , Mohanty Patitapaban , Kavi Mary
Published: July 2022

Functional gait training in cerebral palsy can involve over ground gait training or treadmill-based gait training which incorporates partial body weight support (PBWS) system. Insufficient clinical evidence prevails to recommend the superiority over the other intervention. ICF model has created a paradigm shift in understanding motor learning mechanisms, with the use of repetitive, task-specific movements beneficial to restructuring motor pathways. The primary aim of the study was to compare the effect of integrated task oriented Body Weight Supported overground Training (BWSOGT) against the Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training (BWSTT) and the conventional gait training protocols to improve the functional mobility in Cerebral Palsy. Methods: A Single-blinded, randomised control design. Sixty-children with GMFCS Level of III, IV were recruited in the study with an age ranges between 4 to 14 years (mean age = 9). Participants were randomly assigned into three groups using simple randomisation method with 20 subjects in each group for 8 weeks. The training programme consists of Group A with 40% of body weight supported walker with overhead pulley system which allows multiple degrees of freedom. Body weight- supported treadmill training (Group B) in a closed environment and conventional gait protocol using standard walkers (Group C). Outcome measures: Gross Motor Function Measure dimension-88 (GMFM-88) score. Gait kinematics (Stride length, Step length, Cadence) and 10 meter walk test. Tukey’s Post Hoc for group and time interactions, Krushkal Wallis test for overall significance and Mann Whitney’s U test to compare the significance between the groups. BWSOGT group showed significance over the BWSTT and Control group in GMFM score with p = 0.000 p = 0.002, respectively. Step length of gait parameter remained unchanged in all the three groups. Integrated task oriented BWSOGT might be an effective intervention to improve functional ambulation in children with spastic cerebral palsy due to the usage of a context specific environment and the training protocol.
A Pilot Study on Aetiology of Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Among Children Hospitalized of Respiratory Illness at a Rural Hospital in South Coastal Karnataka
Authors: Chawla Kiran , Kumar Ajay , Hegde Asha , Govindakarnavar Arun Kumar
Published: July 2022

Objective: Aetiological diagnosis can significantly impact the clinical management and outcome of acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in children. There is a paucity of data on etiological agents of acute LRTI among children in Karnataka, especially in Udupi district. Present study provides an insight into the pathogens associated with acute LRTI among children in Udupi district of south coastal Karnataka. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed at a rural hospital in south coastal Karnataka, A total of 50 children clinically diagnosed for acute LRTI and admitted in paediatric ward were enrolled for the study. Nasopharyngeal/throat swab specimens were collected, and nucleic acid was extracted, and Multiplex real-time PCR was performed for detection of bacterial and viral aetiology. Results: S. pneumoniae was detected in 16% (8/50), followed by ‎ Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) 14% (7/50), H. influenzae 8 % (4/50) and M. pneumoniae 2% (1/50). Mixed infection was detected in 28% (14/50) of children. S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae was the most prevalent co-infection and was detected in 10% (5/50) followed by H. Influenzae and RSV (4%, 2/50) co-infection. Conclusion: S. pneumoniae and RSV were the most predominant bacterial and viral pathogens respectively associated with LRTIs among paediatric population in present study. Further we found very high number of cases with mixed infections which signifies the urgent need of much elaborate studies for elucidating the clinical significance of these infections as well as for better understanding of epidemiology of LRTI among children in this region.
Comparison of the Most Important Models of Investments in Cyber and Information Security
Authors: Podešva Lukáš , Koch Miloš
Published: July 2022

Purpose of the article: Cyber security has become a key factor in determining the success or failure of companies that rely on information systems. However, this entails considerable investment. Typical investments in information technology aim to create value, while investments in cyber security aim to minimise losses caused by cyber-attacks. In the case of investment in cyber and information security, therefore, we must evaluate the amount of loss that will never actually occur. This is a complicated problem, and several approaches have been proposed over the years to estimate the cost-benefit balance of security investments.Methodology/methods: This paper is based on previous research (Podešva et al., 2021), where two most used methods of the ROI / ROSI (Bojanc, 2008) and Gordon-Loe model (Gordon, Loeb, 2002) were identified in the field of investments in cyber and information security. Both methods are described and the advantages and limitations for further research are identified.Scientific aim: The main goal is to select the most suitable method for further research in the field of investment in cyber and information security.Findings: ROI / ROSI does not seem suitable for further research because it only tells us what percentage of return on in-vestment will be provided during a given period. The separate use of this method (ROI / ROSI) provides us with very limited results and it is necessary to combine it with other methods. On the other hand, the Gordon-Loeb model is much more complex despite several limitations, especially for coefficients ʎ and t. Further research will therefore focus on the constant t (probability of attack on a given information set) and its value will be modelled based on the SIR epidemic model on network with standard incidents (Podešva, Koch 2019).Conclusions: At present, there is no standardised approach to decision-making and the size of investments in cyber and in-formation security. This is a very complex issue, and it is very difficult to find one universal model. Nevertheless, there are several models that help in this decision-making process, and as the most appropriate method for further research is Gordon Loe model
Quick Trust and Slow Time
Authors: Hadley Bree , Paterson Eddie , Little Madeleine
Published: July 2022

In the last decade, the field of Disability Arts has been recognised as a powerful source of aesthetic innovation. Yinka Shonibare has described it as ‘the last remaining avant-garde movement’ (Bragg, 2007), where artists with lived experience of disability produce new combinations of form, content and politics, which engage spectators in provocative reflections on the way we relate to each other in the public sphere. Despite a range of policies, plans, protocols and funding programmes to support disabled artists and collaborations between mainstream producers and disabled artists, the statistics – at least in our context in Australia – suggest most disability art still occurs outside and alongside an industry that struggles to include these artists. In this article, we draw upon findings from a series of workshops with disabled artists around Australia, conducted as part of the ARC funded Disability in the Performing Arts in Australia: Beyond The Social Model project – known colloquially to its collaborators and participants as ‘The Last Avant Garde’ project (https://lastavantgarde.com.au) – to propose a new approach. We find that while provision of logistical access (ramps, hearing loops, interpreters) and ideological access (stories, characters, discourse and language) is critical, so is methodological access, which embodies disability culture in training, rehearsal and production processes. Disabled artists use crip culture, along with relational space and time to negotiate what happens in disability arts and culture production practices and work through desire, fear, vulnerability and reciprocity to rapidly establish trusting collaborations. It is inclusion of disability culture relationships and concepts, as much as ramps and inclusive language, that makes a practice feel safe for disabled artists – and this, we argue, is what the mainstream sector has to learn and what the disability arts sector has to teach about improving the inclusivity of the creative industries.
Fast scanning in x-ray microscopy: the effects of offset in the central
stop position
Authors: Vacek Everett , Preissner Curt , Deng Junjing , Jacobsen Chris
Published: July 2022

Scanning of lightweight circular diffractive optics, separate from
central stops and apertures, is emerging as an approach to exploit
advances in synchrotron x-ray sources. We consider the effects in a
scanning microscope of offsets between the optic and its central stop
and find that scan ranges of up to about half the diameter of the
optic are possible with only about a 10% increase in the focal spot
width. For large scanning ranges, we present criteria for the working
distance between the last aperture and the specimen to be imaged.
Planar metal-only omnidirectional retroreflector using transmitarray and blazed grating for TE and TM polarizations
Authors: Pesarakloo Ali , Khalaj-Amirhosseini Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Retroreflector is a device that reflects light along its incident direction over a continuous range of incident angles. The retroreflectors proposed so far are so bulky and uneven that they cannot be mounted on large structures. Recently, two-layer planar retroreflectors have been proposed in the field of optics and acoustics, but at microwave frequencies only one retroreflector with non-planar overall structure has been presented that doesn’t cover omnidirectional incidence and only supports TM polarization. The term omnidirectional means the capability of retroreflectivity in all azimuth angles (φ
i
) and a wide elevation angle (θ
i
) range. In this paper, a novel planar and metal-only retroreflector is proposed at microwave frequencies that efficiently reflects the electromagnetic wave along its incident direction in omnidirectional angle range and supports both TE and TM polarization. The proposed structure consists of two separate cascaded layers. The top layer is a transmitarray structure in which incident waves with different angles are focused at different locations on the bottom layer. The bottom layer reflects back focused waves along its focus direction and two distinct structures are proposed to implement it. The first type is a novel spatially varying blazed grating and the second type is a spatially varying phase gradient metasurface, as used in the optics and aucostics. The first type offers omnidirectional property for both TE and TM polarization while the second type offers higher monostatic RCS for only TE polarization. Simulated and measured results of the proposed retroreflector with the first type bottom layer show an omnidirectional retroreflectivity with half-power (3-dB RCS level) elevation field of view of 60° (−30° to 30°) at frequency of 10 GHz with a normal incidence efficiency of 63%.
Attosecond timing jitter from high repetition rate femtosecond “solid-state fiber lasers”
Authors: Yang Ruoao , Zhao Minghe , Jin Xingang , Li Qian , Chen Zhangyuan , Wang Aimin , Zhang Zhigang
Published: July 2022

Compact, high repetition rate (

∼

G
H
z

level) femtosecond fiber lasers are attractive for high-precision, high-speed scientific and engineering fields. However, the noise of such a laser seems far higher than low repetition rate ones, which limits its application. Motivated by this challenge, we combined the solid state and the fiber laser into a novel and highly stable “solid-state fiber laser” operating at 840 MHz repetition rate. Benefitting from the robust architecture of “optical cubes,” the laser shows an ultralow timing jitter (130 as) in free-running operation. This is the first time the timing jitter of a high repetition rate fiber laser has been brought to the attosecond level, to the best of our knowledge. This breakthrough makes an impact on the concept that the high repetition rate is associated with high timing jitter in fiber lasers and opens the way for real-world applications of these lasers.
Space–ground QKD network based on a compact payload and medium-inclination orbit
Authors: Li Yang , Liao Sheng-Kai , Cao Yuan , Ren Ji-Gang , Liu Wei-Yue , Yin Juan , Shen Qi , Qiang Jia , Zhang Liang , Yong Hai-Lin , Lin Jin , Li Feng-Zhi , Xi Tao , Li Li , Shu Rong , Zhang Qiang , Chen Yu-Ao , Lu Chao-Yang , Liu Nai-Le , Wang Xiang-Bin , Wang Jian-Yu , Peng Cheng-Zhi , Pan Jian-Wei
Published: July 2022

Significant progress has been made in satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD), and urgent follow-up work is to explore the optimal solution for building practical quantum constellations. Here, we demonstrate successful QKD based on the compact terminal on the Tiangong-2 Space Lab and construct a space–ground quantum network among four ground stations. The medium-inclination orbit of Tiangong-2 Space Lab can obtain multiple available passes for the same ground station in one night, increasing the key generation amount directly. Further analysis results show that the medium-inclination orbit and Sun-synchronous orbit can form good complementarity in future quantum constellations. As a comprehensive demonstration, this work takes a step toward cost-effective quantum satellites and provides a perspective for satellite constellation construction with different orbit types.
Circadian patterns of heart rate, respiratory rate and skin temperature in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: van Goor Harriët M. R. , van Loon Kim , Breteler Martine J. M. , Kalkman Cornelis J. , Kaasjager Karin A. H.
Published: July 2022

Rationale

Vital signs follow circadian patterns in both healthy volunteers and critically ill patients, which seem to be influenced by disease severity in the latter. In this study we explored the existence of circadian patterns in heart rate, respiratory rate and skin temperature of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and aimed to explore differences in circadian rhythm amplitude during patient deterioration.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of COVID-19 patients admitted to the general ward of a tertiary hospital between April 2020 and March 2021. Patients were continuously monitored using a wireless sensor and fingertip pulse oximeter. Data was divided into three cohorts: patients who recovered, patients who developed respiratory insufficiency and patients who died. For each cohort, a population mean cosinor model was fitted to detect rhythmicity. To assess changes in amplitude, a mixed-effect cosinor model was fitted.

Results

A total of 429 patients were monitored. Rhythmicity was observed in heartrate for the recovery cohort (p<0.001), respiratory insufficiency cohort (p<0.001 and mortality cohort (p = 0.002). Respiratory rate showed rhythmicity in the recovery cohort (p<0.001), but not in the other cohorts (p = 0.18 and p = 0.51). Skin temperature also showed rhythmicity in the recovery cohort (p<0.001), but not in the other cohorts (p = 0.22 and p = 0.12). For respiratory insufficiency, only the amplitude of heart rate circadian pattern increased slightly the day before (1.2 (99%CI 0.16–2.2, p = 0.002)). In the mortality cohort, the amplitude of heart rate decreased (-1.5 (99%CI -2.6- -0.42, p<0.001)) and respiratory rate amplitude increased (0.72 (99%CI 0.27–1.3, p = 0.002) the days before death.

Conclusion

A circadian rhythm is present in heart rate of COVID-19 patients admitted to the general ward. For respiratory rate and skin temperature, rhythmicity was only found in patients who recover, but not in patients developing respiratory insufficiency or death. We found no consistent changes in circadian rhythm amplitude accompanying patient deterioration.
Identifying neuroanatomical and behavioral features for autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in children using machine learning
Authors: Han Yu , Rizzo Donna M. , Hanley John P. , Coderre Emily L. , Prelock Patricia A.
Published: July 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Diagnosis of ASD is complicated and there is an urgent need to identify ASD-associated biomarkers and features to help automate diagnostics and develop predictive ASD models. The present study adopts a novel evolutionary algorithm, the conjunctive clause evolutionary algorithm (CCEA), to select features most significant for distinguishing individuals with and without ASD, and is able to accommodate datasets having a small number of samples with a large number of feature measurements. The dataset is unique and comprises both behavioral and neuroimaging measurements from a total of 28 children from 7 to 14 years old. Potential biomarker candidates identified include brain volume, area, cortical thickness, and mean curvature in specific regions around the cingulate cortex, frontal cortex, and temporal-parietal junction, as well as behavioral features associated with theory of mind. A separate machine learning classifier (i.e., k-nearest neighbors algorithm) was used to validate the CCEA feature selection and for ASD prediction. Study findings demonstrate how machine learning tools might help move the needle on improving diagnostic and predictive models of ASD.
Impact, obstacles and boundaries of patient partnership: A qualitative interventional study in Lebanon
Authors: Dayekh Alaa Yehya , Naseridine Mohammad , Dakroub Fatima , Olleik Adel
Published: July 2022

The patient as partner approach is a modern ‎model of patient engagement that integrates the patients’ knowledge and skills into managing their own health. This study aims to evaluate the benefits and barriers of patient partnership in a healthcare setting. It is a qualitative and interventional study that implemented a patient and family partnership committee (PFPC) at a Lebanese hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. A purposeful guided approach was used for sampling, and data was collected by structured questionnaire ‎interviews. Seven PFPC team dynamics building blocks were generated: transparency, support, motivation, comfortable communication, mutual understanding, equity in positions and empowerment to participate. Both the patient partners (94%) and healthcare professionals (90%) were satisfied with the PFPC experience. The majority of the healthcare professionals (HP) reported a noticeable change in the quality improvement process (QIP) (89%) and approved to standardize the PFPC (93%). The patient partnership benefits were clear, and the PFPC was perceived positively by both patient partners (PP) and HP. PP experienced distress relief (37%), gained ideas (41%) and felt that their opinion was heard (27%) after PFPC participation. PP reported benefits to hospitalized patients, including respect and care (63%) and patient satisfaction (20%). The main challenges for PFPC implementation were time availability and conflicts. Lessons from patient partnership can be utilized to improve the patient care policies in the Lebanese healthcare system. Moreover, developing countries can benefit from the patient partnership approach in their healthcare settings.
Factors associated with the risk of upper respiratory tract bacterial infections among HIV-positive patients
Authors: Skrzat-Klapaczyńska Agata , Paciorek Marcin , Horban Andrzej , Kowalska Justyna D.
Published: July 2022

Background

The risk and characteristics of upper respiratory tract (URT) bacterial infections (URT-BI) among HIV (+) patients is understudied. We analyzed factors associated with its occurrence and the spectrum of culturable pathogens among patients routinely followed at the HIV Out-Patient Clinic in Warsaw.

Methods

All HIV (+) patients with available URT swab culture were included into analyses. Patients were followed from the day of registration in the clinic until first positive URT swab culture or last clinical visit from January 1, 2007 to July 31, 2016. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify factors associated with positive URT swabs culture (those with p<0.1 in univariate included into multivariable).

Results

In total 474 patients were included into the analyses, 166 with culturable URT swab. In general, 416 (87.8%) patients were male, 342 (72.1%) were infected through MSM contact, 253 (53.4%) were on antiretroviral therapy. Median follow-up time was 3.4 (1.3–5.7) years, age 35.2 (30.6–42.6) years and CD4+ count 528 (400–685) cells/μl. The most common cultured bacteria were S. aureus (40.4%) and S. pyogenes (13.9%) (Table 1). Patients with culturable URT-BI were more likely to be MSM (68.5% vs 78.9%; p<0.016), have detectable viral load (20.9% vs 12.0%; p<0.0001) and CD4+ cell count <500 cells/μl (55.2% vs 39.0%; p = 0.003) (Table 2). In multivariate survival analyses detectable viral load (HR3.13; 95%Cl: 2.34–4.19) and MSM (1.63;1.09–2.42) were increasing, but older age (0.63;0.58–0.69, per 5 years older) and higher CD4+ count (0.90;0.85–0.95, per 100 cells/μl) decreasing the risk of culturable URT-BI (Table 2).

Conclusions

Culturable URT-BI are common among HIV-positive patients with high CD4+ count. Similarly to general population most common cultured bacteria were S. aureus and S. pyogenes. Risk factors identified in multivariate survival analysis indicate that younger MSM patients with detectable HIV viral load are at highest risk. In clinical practice this group of patients requires special attention.