bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of ant lion optimization-based PEGASIS routing protocol for energy efficiency in networks
Authors: Chinnaiah Kandrakunta , Nageswara Rao Kunjam
Published: August 2023

In sensor networks the main problem facing by many researchers is regarding the energy efficiency. Different protocols are evaluated for communicating between the sensor nodes. The routing protocol when combined with evolutionary algorithms gives best optimal solution for the problem incurred in wireless sensor networks. In this paper, ant lion energy efficient-power efficient gathering in sensor information systems (ALEEPEGASIS) is used to develop the chain. This technique can achieve a global optimization solution by finding the best cluster head or the leader node for data communication. The techniques help in distributing the paths equally while the transmission of data process is performed. By performing this process, the power consumption near the sensor nodes can be reduced. The proposed technique is compared with other techniques like energy efficient PEGASIS and swarm energy efficient PEGASIS. The parameters used to compare are number of alive nodes, number of dead nodes and residual energy. The performance is observed using MATLAB simulation results.
Design and development frequency reconfigurable microwave filter for wireless application
Authors: Chavda Khyati , Sarvaiya Ashish
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a novel reconfigurable bandpass filter with three reconfigurable states used for C band wireless applications. The frequency reconfigurable is achieved using the combination of a different microstrip coupled resonator structure and switching device as PIN diodes. The open-loop filter structure provides three narrow band states at 5.1, 5.2, and 5.8 GHz. The frequency reconfiguration is obtained without compromising performances. The compact size of the proposed designed along with the targeted frequency bands at lower wireless local area network (WLAN) (5.1, 5.2 GHz), and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) (5.8 GHz) applications. The prototype is constructed on an RT duroid 5880 substrate and tested for validation in vector network analyzer (VNA). The designed filter provides excellent selectivity and good rejection at desired resonant frequencies.
PRELIMINARY STUDY: FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DAILY ACTIVITY OF THREE COLORED LANGUR (Presbytis chrysomelas ssp cruciger Thomas, 1892) IN DANAU SENTARUM NATIONAL PARK
Authors: Santoso Nyoto , Sutopo
Published: August 2023

Three colored langur (Presbytis chrysomelas ssp cruciger Thomas, 1892) is a primate that has been recognized as a critically endangered species in accordance with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, however still not protected and lacks substantial information about the bio-ecology of their natural habitat. The habitat plays a determining factor not only in space utilization but also the daily activities of the three colored langurs (P c cruciger). The aim of this preliminary study is to collect information regarding their habitat characteristic, feed species, daily activity, and canopy stratum utilization. This research was conducted between July and August of 2021 at Bukit Semujan, Lupak Mawang Resort, Danau Sentarum National Park. The method implemented was to collect the habitat characteristic by plot samples, and their daily activity data by scan sampling with consecutive recording. The study demonstrated that langur inhabited both primary as well as mixed forests (swamp, cultivation land, and secondary forest). There were 27 species as feeds of langurs and the most preferred types of feed are Gita susu (Willughbeia coriacea), Merepat (unidentified), and Karet (Hevea brasiliensis). The most preferred feed compositions consisted of leaves (50%), fruits (30%), and seeds (20%). The most frequently utilized stratum for activities was stratum C (70,49%) and B (27.87%). The highest daily activities were categorized into three parts of time, the morning was dominated by social (44,26%), the afternoon was dominated by rest (59,7 7%), and the evening was dominated by social (73,68%). The highest social activities shown by three colored langurs were agonistic (48,48%), followed by vocalization (39,39%), playing (10,61%), exploring (1,52%), and sexual (0%).
Uma biografia insuficientemente política
Authors: Silva Renan Somogyi Rodrigues da
Published: August 2023

A presente resenha objetiva elucidar um pouco sobre o livro Uma Vida na História, bem como realizar algumas críticas do ponto de vista historiográfico. O autor, Richar J. Evans, confeccionou a maior empreitada biográfica de Hobsbawm já feita, recorrendo a inúmeras fontes escritas, visuais e orais; todavia, a base documental não impede o escrito de incorrer em posicionamentos viciosos dos autores de biografias, sobre os quais pretende-se versar neste texto.
Tradição, deturpação e historiografia: uma leitura de O Brasil na História, de Manoel Bomfim (1930)
Authors: Detoni Piero
Published: August 2023

Este artigo compreende e explica as dinâmicas do conceito de tradição da forma como elaborado por Manoel Bomfim em seu livro tardio O Brasil na História: deturpação das tradições, degradação política, de 1930. Bomfim não buscou, nesta obra, uma imagem essencializada do passado brasileiro, sendo que o seu objetivo foi o de “restaurar” elementos tradicionais de natureza autonômica. Nesse processo, o autor destacou o fenômeno da deturpação do passado, próprio das escritas da história que trabalhavam com o eixo universal/civilizacional, responsáveis por diminuir o valor das tradições nacionais. Por fim, o autor rastreou um tipo de história considerada oficial, que servia ideologicamente ao “trono bragantino”, que se performava contrária aos verdadeiros interesses do povo brasileiro. Suspender os efeitos comunicativos dessas narrativas seria, então, uma forma não apenas de “restaurar” a história, mas de reintroduzir o âmbito da tradição junto ao mundo da vida na sua contemporaneidade, energizando, por meio dos seus estímulos, os planos de historicidade que enredavam brasileiras e brasileiros.
Descartes, cartesianismo e a tradição acerca da pluralidade dos mundos
Authors: Giacomini Gustavo Santos
Published: August 2023

Os temas da pluralidade e habitabilidade dos mundos participam de uma tradição e de uma discussão milenar, na qual confluem tópicos e experiências das mais diversas naturezas. Oriundas da Grécia antiga, essas ideias movimentam-se no tempo e passam a assumir características e usos distintos. Na segunda metade do século XVII, com a cosmologia formulada por René Descartes, sobretudo com a sua teoria dos vórtices, essa tradição adquire uma nova dimensão, pois essas ideias são compartilhadas e difundidas por cartesianos, de modo que um universo infinito suscita a imaginação e a elucubração conceitual para outros sistemas solares concebidos por artistas, escritores e filósofos. Por isso, proponho um exercício de hermenêutica histórica, em que se tem como alvo a colheita de informações e vestígios acerca dessa tradição entre o pensamento de Descartes e o cartesianismo subsequente. Trata-se de tentar reconstruir, pelo menos em parte, as transmissões e recepções do tema enquanto trajetória de uma ideia no tempo.
Three new species and one new record of the fern genus Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) from Vietnam
Authors: LU NGAN THI , ZHANG LIANG , THANH NGUYEN TRUNG , TOAN LE CHI , ZHANG LI-BING
Published: August 2023

Three new species, Polystichum pseudodangii, P. xuansonense, and P. unicum, and a new record, P. omeiense, are described and reported here, respectively. These four species were found in limestone habitat in northern Vietnam, with the first species collected from Phu Tho Province and the rest from Ha Giang Province. Detailed descriptions, images, taxonomic notes, type information, examined specimens, distribution, and habitat are provided for the new species and new record.
A new species of Pseudopyrochroa Pic, 1906 from Southwest China (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae: Pyrochroinae) based on the last instar larva and adults, with natural history observations
Authors: ZHAN ZHIHONG , JING KAIXIANG , YOUNG DANIEL K.
Published: August 2023

A new species of the fire-colored beetle genus Pseudopyrochroa Pic, 1906, P. euryfoveata Zhan & Young, sp. n., is described and illustrated from Sichuan Province, Southwest China, based on the last larval instar (exuviae) as well as adult male and female specimens. Observations relating to the larval macro- and microhabitats and natural history notes are provided.
Contribution to the Cimicidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) fauna from Argentina: biology and geographical distribution
Authors: ROTH STEFFEN , HAHN STEFFEN , MONTANI MARÍA EUGENIA , COSCARÓN MARÍA DEL CARMEN
Published: August 2023

The bed bug family Cimicidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) constitutes a group of specialized haematophagous ectoparasitic insects with about 110 species worldwide and 13 species in the Neotropics. Here we provide biological and faunistic observations for 4 out of the 8 species recorded in Argentina. Propicimex tucmatiani (Wygodzinsky, 1951) was recorded for the first time in the Province of Santa Fe and we provide the first barcode sequence for this species. Acanthocrios furnarii (Cordero & Vogelsang, 1928), a mainly ornithophilic species, has been found in a human apartment in Buenos Aires and was probably attacking humans. Bertilia valdiviana (Philippi, 1865) had been reported in 1950 in the Province of Río Negro, we discuss its potential habitat and host association after visiting the only location where this species had been recorded so far in Argentina. Moreover, we provide some natural history data, i.e. developmental stages, sex ratio and feeding habit of the parrot parasite Cyanolicimex patagonicus Carpintero, Di Iorio, Masello & Turienzo, 2010 from a colony in El Condor (Province of Río Negro).
Recursive d-step-ahead predictive control of MIMO nonlinear systems with input time-delay via multi-dimensional Taylor network extended from PID
Authors: Li Chen-Long , Yan Hong-Sen , Zhang Chao
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a recursive d-step-ahead predictive control scheme based on multi-dimensional Taylor network (MTN) is proposed for the real-time tracking control of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with input time-delay. The MTN predictive model is designed using a recursive approach to compensate the influence of time-delay, and an extended Kalman filter (EKF) is applied as its learning algorithm. An MTN controller is developed based on a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller where the closed-loop errors between the reference input and the system output are set as the MTN controller’s inputs. Then, a back propagation (BP) algorithm, designed to update its weights according to errors caused by system uncertainty, is used as a learning algorithm for the MTN controller. Meanwhile, the convergence of the MTN predictive model and the stability of the closed-loop system are evaluated. Two numerical examples and a practical example – continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) process are presented to verify the superiority of the proposed scheme. The experimental results and the computational complexity analysis show that the proposed scheme is effective, promising its desirable robustness, anti-disturbance, tracking and real-time performance.
Modeling and anti-swing control of quadrotor-suspended system with variable cable length at unequal speed
Authors: Zhang Dong , Han Hengzhi , Yang Yunxiao , Hu Yubin
Published: August 2023

Aiming at the problem of payload’s swing and communication resource saving of the quadrotor-suspended system under external disturbances, this paper proposes a modeling and control scheme of the quadrotor-suspended system with variable cable length at unequal speed. The inner loop adopts adaptive sliding mode control to enhance the robustness of the system and anti-swing feedforward control to suppress the swing angle, and the outer loop uses improved PD control to track the reference trajectory. Meanwhile, an event-triggered strategy based on dynamic threshold is designed in the inner loop controller, which reduces communication resource occupation. The stability of the coupled nonlinear control system is proved, and the event-triggered strategy can avoid Zeno behavior. Simulation results show that the scheme proposed in this paper can make the quadrotor track the desired trajectory, effectively suppress the payload swing, and save communication resources.
Understanding Gender Differences in Research Productivity of Canadian Otolaryngologists—A Comprehensive National Audit
Authors: Gajic Eva , Aleksa Emily , Dzioba Agnieszka , Strychowsky Julie E. , Hu Amanda , Chan Yvonne , Graham M. Elise
Published: August 2023

Objective: To understand the factors contributing to gender disparities in the research productivity of Canadian academic otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons. Methods: Publicly available sources including departmental websites, SCOPUS, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada were accessed between February and April 2022 to analyze gender differences in the academic productivity of otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons across Canada. Gender differences in research productivity metrics, including h-index, i10-index, publication number, and number of first and senior authorships were assessed. Demographic data, including gender, institution, years in practice, and leadership roles were assessed for correlation with increased research productivity. Subgroup analyses were used to evaluate gender differences in productivity metrics, and univariable and multivariable regression analyses were used to evaluate predictors of research productivity. Results: Data were collected for 316 academic otolaryngologists (252 men, 64 women, P < .001). Men had significantly more years of publishing [mean (standard deviation, SD), 15.64 (9.45) vs 12.44 (8.28), P = .014], higher h-indices [12.22 (11.47) vs 7.33 (5.36), P < .001], i10-indices [22.61 (37.88) vs 8.17 (9.14), P > .001], publication numbers [46.63 (65.18) vs 19.59 (23.40), P < .001], and first [8.18 (9.95) vs 4.89 (6.18), P = .001] and senior authorships [12.98 (22.72) vs 3.83 (6.89), P < .001]. Gender differences were most pronounced in head and neck oncology, pediatrics, and the late career stage. Gender disparities in productivity were absent in the early career stage. Multivariate analysis identified only the number publications and number of senior author publications as being significantly influenced by gender. Conclusion: Canadian female otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons appear to have equivalent research productivity to their male counterparts in the early career stage. This mirrors the recent findings in the United States, and demonstrates progress compared to earlier studies that found women to have lower research productivity in the early career stage.
Evaluating the Stroke Risk of Patients using Machine Learning: A New Perspective from Sichuan and Chongqing
Authors: Zheng Jin , Xiong Yao , Zheng Yimei , Zhang Haitao , Wu Rui
Published: August 2023

Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability among people in China, and it leads to heavy burdens for patients, their families and society. An accurate prediction of the risk of stroke has important implications for early intervention and treatment. In light of recent advances in machine learning, the application of this technique in stroke prediction has achieved plentiful promising results. To detect the relationship between potential factors and the risk of stroke and examine which machine learning method significantly can enhance the prediction accuracy of stroke. We employed six machine learning methods including logistic regression, naive Bayes, decision tree, random forest, K-nearest neighbor and support vector machine, to model and predict the risk of stroke. Participants were 233 patients from Sichuan and Chongqing. Four indicators (accuracy, precision, recall and F1 metric) were examined to evaluate the predictive performance of the different models. The empirical results indicate that random forest yields the best accuracy, recall and F1 in predicting the risk of stroke, with an accuracy of .7548, precision of .7805, recall of .7619 and F1 of .7711. Additionally, the findings show that age, cerebral infarction, PM 8 (an anti-atrial fibrillation drug), and drinking are independent risk factors for stroke. Further studies should adopt a broader assortment of machine learning methods to analyze the risk of stroke, by which better accuracy can be expected. In particular, RF can successfully enhance the forecasting accuracy for stroke.
Too Muslim to Be a Feminist and Too Feminist to Be a Muslim? Locating Lived Experiences of Feminism and Muslimness in Social Work Academe
Authors: Baksh Amilah , Khan Maryam
Published: August 2023

In this paper, two authors seize space as Muslim women feminist social work educators and researchers. We challenge and hopefully silence homogenizing, essentialist and Islamophobic constructions. The first author is a hijabi, Indo-Caribbean, able-bodied cis-heterosexual Muslim feminist; the second author is a disabled, queer Muslim of South Asian heritage. We identify as racialized and firmly rooted in intersectional critical feminist perspectives. Using an autoethnographic, conversation-based approach, we share our narratives (lived experiences) in social work academe. Navigating feminisms, Muslimness, strategic essentialism and Islamophobia while engaging in a critical praxis, we attempt to bring together contradictory discourses for critical examination. We engage with the following questions: How do Muslim women fit (or not fit!) in social work academe? How do Muslim women fit (or not fit!) in critical social work feminist spheres? And what do Muslim feminist futures look like in social work academe? Our lived experiences as racialized Muslim feminists are standpoint perspectives which offer situated knowledges that disempower dominant social work discourses. Social work can no longer be reactionary and preserve the status quo; it must move forward with foresight and be an active player in dismantling inequities.
Nonprofit Organizational Identification, Moral License, and Whiteness: An Experimental Study of the Effect of Nonprofit Work on the White Morality Myth
Authors: Heckler Nuri
Published: August 2023

Moral license researchers find that White people more readily agree with racial discrimination after interacting with nonprofits, but nonprofit organizations often support racial diversity. This study explores whether White nonprofit workers who are prompted to describe their work will identify with the equality espousals of their employers by indicating lower levels of discrimination or indicate higher levels of discrimination as the moral license literature predicts. An online experiment examines how describing nonprofit work influences race and gender opinions, finding that White nonprofit workers indicate lower agreement with a discrimination index after describing their work. These findings imply that racial institutional context is important for moral license and organizational identification. For nonprofits, the finding supports the use of strategic practices to manage diversity even when those practices do not have explicit linkages to race and gender equality.
Are Safety-Net Primary Care Physicians Prepared to Engage in Serious Illness Conversations?
Authors: Swiderski Deborah , Taniguchi Rodrigo Ng , Chuang Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Background

Advance Care Planning (ACP) has not reliably improved care for patients at end-of-life. Serious Illness Conversations when patients are in the late stages of chronic illness might be more effective to address patients’ goals. The Serious Illness Conversation (SIC) Guide has been helpful but was not developed for use in safety-net settings serving racial and ethnic minority populations.

Methods

Physicians were recruited to complete a needs assessment survey prior to training in the use of the SIC Guide.

Results

Of the 44 physician participants, most were female (82%) and white, non-Hispanic (62%). Less than half of respondents rated themselves as skilled or very skilled in basic serious illness communication related tasks such as setting up goals of care discussions (44%), assessing informational preferences (42%), sharing prognosis (38%), exploring goals for future care (49%) and managing family dynamics (44%). Respondents reported lower skill levels in conducting goals of care conversations via telehealth and establishing trust in racially discordant provider/patient pairs.

Conclusions

Most participants expressed the need for further training in critical end-of-life communications skills, including help with encounters with racial and/or language discordance. This may help to explain the failure of ACP discussions to reliably result in appropriate end-of-life care.
How Team Familiarity Mitigates Negative Consequences of Team Composition Disruptions: An Analysis of Premier League Teams
Authors: Pasarakonda Surabhi , Maynard Travis , Schmutz Jan B. , Lüthold Patrick , Grote Gudela
Published: August 2023

In today’s dynamic work environment, teams are increasingly confronted with disruptions. While there are different types of disruptions that teams face, we contend that team composition disruptions that occur during the completion of a team’s task can be especially challenging. We also argue that it is important to consider different types of team composition changes as they create different demands for team adaptation. Specifically, we assess the effects of loss of a team member and change in team membership resulting from injury substitution. We examine how these two types of team composition disruptions impact coordination and team outcomes (i.e., goals scored) by leveraging data from 2,280 soccer games in the English Premier League. We found that team member loss impaired both team coordination and outcomes while team member substitution only impacted team coordination. Moreover, we build upon and extend existing research that has examined team familiarity by distinguishing between familiarity that is built amongst members on the current team (i.e., current team familiarity) and familiarity that has developed as a result of members working together in prior teams (i.e., prior team familiarity). This distinction appears important as we did not find evidence of a main effect of prior team familiarity on coordination but found evidence of a reversing curvilinear effect of current team familiarity on coordination. Finally, the indirect effect of team member loss on team outcomes through team coordination was more pronounced when teams had low (compared to high) prior team familiarity.
Heirs of the Enlightenment?
Authors: Francis Badley Graham
Published: August 2023

In this article, I select a number of Enlightenment figures and suggest that, despite inevitable contradictions, they should still serve as exemplars for a modern age of a series of values such as freedom, tolerance, and social justice. I believe, however, that The Enlightenment is, nevertheless, a work in progress.
Secondary Mediastinal Bleeding Caused by Parathyroid Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Hoang Phan Hiep , Thanh Do Cong , Ngoc Tran Luong , Giang Nguyen Son , Ngoc Tran Diep , Tien Nguyen Son , Dinh Le Tuan
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

The clinical picture of parathyroid tumors is mainly related to hypercalcemia such as kidney stones and bone and muscle pain. However, spontaneous cervical hemorrhage due to parathyroidoma bleeding is rare with clinical manifestations of the painful swelling and bruising of the neck accompanied by dysphagia and dyspnea.

Case presentation:

We report a case of a 71-year-old female patient who presented with acute cervical swelling and extensive bleeding spreading from the neck to the abdomen and 2 flanks. Investigation of patients revealed increased parathyroid hormone levels and hypercalcemia. The neck ultrasound showed the thyroid nodules in 2 lobes, and goiter plongeant on the right. Computed tomography scan images showed a hematoma spreading from the right side of the neck to the mediastinum.

Result:

The patient required emergency surgery due to dyspnea and hemodynamic instability. The preoperative diagnosis was cervical bleeding with the likely cause being thyroid nodule rupture. However, during the surgery, the bleeding source was determined to be the right parathyroid tumor located deeply below the superior mediastinum. The patient’s histopathological result of the tumor is parathyroid adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion:

From our experience, the hemorrhage from parathyroid tumor should be considered as a cause of acute neck bleeding when no history of trauma or surgery is identified. Post-surgery histopathological analyses of the tumor are very important to detect parathyroid adenocarcinoma.
Preventing Eye Injuries From Light and Laser-Based Dermatologic Procedures: A Practical Review
Authors: Glover Caitlyn , Richer Vincent
Published: August 2023

The light and laser-based devices used in cosmetic dermatology practice carry a risk of serious ocular injury if appropriate safety measures are not put in place. Currently there is a lack of enforced regulation around the use of these devices. This raises concerns for the handling of these devices by operators who may not have adequate training and qualifications. There is also no mandated reporting of adverse events, thus precluding determination of the true incidence of laser-induced ocular injuries. To decrease the risk of ocular and periocular laser-induced injuries, several practical measures can be implemented within the clinical setting. Scientific articles were identified by performing a literature review using terms relevant to laser eye safety and a narrative review was performed. This article explores several components of laser eye safety: patient screening and informed consent, clinical environment considerations, operator considerations, protective eyewear selection for operators and patients, when to use a corneal shield, how to place a corneal shield and what to do in the event of a suspected eye injury. It is our prerogative that a functional understanding of the scientific underpinnings of laser eye safety coupled with observance of published standards has the potential to reduce incidents.
L2 learners’ pragmatic output in a face-to-face vs. a computer-guided role-play task: Implications for TBLT
Authors: Timpe-Laughlin Veronika , Dombi Judit , Sydorenko Tetyana , Sasayama Shoko
Published: August 2023

Accomplishing oral interactive workplace tasks requires various language abilities, including pragmatics. While technology-mediated tasks are thought to offer many possibilities for teaching and assessing second language (L2) pragmatics, their effectiveness – especially those facilitated by an AI agent (artificial intelligence agent) – remains to be explored. This study investigated how 47 tertiary-level learners of English as a second language (ESL) performed on an oral interactive task that required them to make requests to their boss in two distinct modalities. Each participant completed the same task with a fully automated AI agent and with a human interlocutor in a face-to-face format. Findings showed that both modalities elicited language use relevant to the pragmatics target. However, fully automated interactions were found to be more transactional, while face-to-face interactions were more functionally oriented (e.g. more frequent/varied supportive moves). Although fully automated interactive tasks may be useful for eliciting requests, replicating human-to-human interactions remains a challenge.
Tourism routes through a mobile lens: The case of China’s Chamagudao
Authors: Witte Alexandra
Published: August 2023

This article examines how various stakeholders’ practices on the ground mobilise and immobilise the Chamagudao’s heritage as a historic trade and caravan route. The research is based on ethnographic fieldwork in Yunnan, China, following movements of tourists, guides, residents and information on the remaining trails of the Chamagudao. It outlines how nodes, constructed by state actors and touristic media, rather than the lines of mobile heritage primarily constitute the Chamagudao, and the implications for tourists’ awareness and understanding of the Chamagudao as mobile heritage. Explicitly mobile practices occurring along its trajectories are challenging the nodal interpretations of this historic route. The article offers a mobile perspective on assessing the opportunities and challenges faced by tourism routes in China in the governments bid to develop these as mobile heritage destinations.
A Single-Center Retrospective Evaluation of Decision-Making and Factors Motivating Hand Transplant Candidates
Authors: Boehmer Kasey R. , Kennedy Cassie C. , Hargraves Ian G. , Griffin Joan M. , Garcia-Bautista Andrea E. , Sanchez Brianna B. , Chokkalingam Avudaiappan , Finnie Dawn M. , Miller Adam R. , Moran Steven L. , Smither Fantley C. , Amer Hatem , Jowsey-Gregoire Sheila
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Advancements in vascularized composite allotransplantation have made hand transplants possible for persons living with upper limb loss. Hand transplantation is not a life-saving procedure, but rather a quality-of-life enhancing procedure; hence the risk of morbidity and mortality must be weighed against improvements in function and appearance. This study explored the decision-making process of patients evaluated for hand transplantation.

Methods/Approach

A qualitative case series study using retrospective chart data of evaluations was conducted between January 1, 2011 and February 28, 2020. Notes were extracted and read by three reviewers. Each case was summarized noting similarities and differences.

Findings

Nine patients underwent evaluation. Eight were no longer under evaluation and did not receive transplant; one was still undergoing evaluation. Patient motivations for evaluation were dissatisfaction with prostheses or self-image, chronic pain, performing activities of daily living, occupation, burden placed on caregivers, and concerns about overuse of non-affected limbs. Patients chose not to pursue transplantation due to rehabilitation time, immunosuppression, alternative treatments, and social and financial challenges. The clinical team discontinued evaluations due to unmet evaluation requirements, medical contraindications, or treatment alternatives. Different modes of shared decision-making were present depending on the party most heavily featured in the charts as driving decisions.

Discussion

This was an examination of shared decision-making with hand transplant candidates who did not proceed to transplant. Reasons for choosing alternative strategies for management were multifactorial. Lessons learned regarding patient motivations and shared decision-making can inform future interventions to better support patients.
Robotic Surgery for Triple Valve Insufficiency: A Case Report
Authors: Ishikawa Norihiko , Watanabe Go , Koakutsu Toru , Horikawa Takafumi , Seguchi Ryuta , Tomita Shigeyuki , Ohtsuka Toshiya
Published: August 2023

A 63-year-old woman was referred to our institution for surgical treatment of triple valve (aortic, mitral, and tricuspid) insufficiency and underwent a robot-assisted endoscopic procedure. Three intercostal ports were placed in the right lateral chest for robotic instruments and a retrograde cardioplegic cannula, and a 5 cm thoracotomy was made for the procedure, which was a mitral valve repair with neochords and ring annuloplasty, an aortic valve replacement with bioprosthetic valve, and a ring tricuspid annuloplasty. Surgery was successfully achieved without blood transfusion or any complications.
Memory and kinship across the Indo-Myanmar border: A study of the lived experiences of displaced Kuki families
Authors: Haokip Seilienmang
Published: August 2023

The crisis of India’s north-east is intertwined with the contestation of its history and memory. Its colonial spatial strategy and administrative policies – inherent in a series of ethnographic works – continue to have repercussions in the post-independence era. Therefore, memory as a border device is an important means of understanding the experiences and manoeuvres of the borderland communities. This article seeks to understand the challenges of violence and displacement faced by the Kuki community, which lives along the Indo-Myanmar border, in a conflict that has separated many families living in the north-eastern region. Following the independence of India, the dispute over territories in this region took a violent turn, leading to forced displacement and aggravating the problems of the borderland community. Based on a qualitative study among different generations of displaced Kuki families, this article argues that the intergenerational transmission of memories can be creatively used to generate responsibility and adjustment to the challenges of poverty and separation caused by the international border. It was also found that embodied memories of violence and displacement are transmitted across generations and that these memories can be creatively fashioned in the families’ everyday lives. Despite the challenges of mobility, elders continue to sustain a familial relationship across the border as the narratives they transmit to younger generations are often saturated with affective meaning, which foregrounds a mode of habitation and understanding of spatial imagination that is different from the present-day, hardened border.
Authoritarianism and support for Trump and Clinton in the 2016 primaries
Authors: Ollerenshaw Trent
Published: August 2023

Research in the wake of the contentious 2016 presidential primaries contends both Democrats and Republicans were internally divided along psychological lines. Specifically, MacWilliams (2016) finds authoritarian personality was strongly related to Trump support among Republican primary voters, and Wronski et al. (2018) finds authoritarianism was strongly related to Clinton support among Democratic primary voters. In this paper, I reassess the relationships between authoritarianism and 2016 primary candidate preferences for both Republicans and Democrats. I analyze two new large, probability-based surveys and generate random effects estimates using these surveys and two national surveys from Wronski et al. (2018) . Overall, I find authoritarianism was moderately associated with support for Clinton over Sanders among Democratic primary voters, but weakly associated with support for Trump among Republican primary voters. My findings indicate authoritarianism may have played a more limited role in shaping Americans’ candidate preferences in the 2016 presidential primary elections than past studies have suggested.
Does Shared Leadership Inspire Team Citizenship Behaviour Through Team Psychological Capital?
Authors: Vijayaraghavan R. , Sharma Preeti , Jyothi P.
Published: August 2023

Understanding organisational citizenship behaviour at the team level has gained importance in recent years, as organisations place greater emphasis on teams and teamwork. Although contemporary literature acknowledges shared leadership as a significant antecedent of organisational citizenship behaviour, existing studies rarely consider the underlying mechanisms through which shared leadership produces organisational citizenship behaviour. This study investigates the influence of team psychological capital on the relationship between shared leadership and team citizenship behaviour using data collected from team members and supervisors belonging to 48 teams from diverse industries in India. An analysis using the team as the unit of analysis and partial least squares structural equation modelling technique revealed that team psychological capital acts as a partial mediator in the relationship between shared leadership and team citizenship behaviour. Based on the insights from this study, the authors suggest that managers should nurture both shared leadership and team psychological capital to promote team citizenship behaviour.
Best Practices in Supervised Machine Learning: A Tutorial for Psychologists
Authors: Pargent Florian , Schoedel Ramona , Stachl Clemens
Published: August 2023

Supervised machine learning (ML) is becoming an influential analytical method in psychology and other social sciences. However, theoretical ML concepts and predictive-modeling techniques are not yet widely taught in psychology programs. This tutorial is intended to provide an intuitive but thorough primer and introduction to supervised ML for psychologists in four consecutive modules. After introducing the basic terminology and mindset of supervised ML, in Module 1, we cover how to use resampling methods to evaluate the performance of ML models (bias-variance trade-off, performance measures, k-fold cross-validation). In Module 2, we introduce the nonlinear random forest, a type of ML model that is particularly user-friendly and well suited to predicting psychological outcomes. Module 3 is about performing empirical benchmark experiments (comparing the performance of several ML models on multiple data sets). Finally, in Module 4, we discuss the interpretation of ML models, including permutation variable importance measures, effect plots (partial-dependence plots, individual conditional-expectation profiles), and the concept of model fairness. Throughout the tutorial, intuitive descriptions of theoretical concepts are provided, with as few mathematical formulas as possible, and followed by code examples using the mlr3 and companion packages in R. Key practical-analysis steps are demonstrated on the publicly available PhoneStudy data set ( N = 624), which includes more than 1,800 variables from smartphone sensing to predict Big Five personality trait scores. The article contains a checklist to be used as a reminder of important elements when performing, reporting, or reviewing ML analyses in psychology. Additional examples and more advanced concepts are demonstrated in online materials ( https://osf.io/9273g/ ).
Seasonal and Circadian Variations in Stroke Subtypes in the Muscat Governorate of the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Hashmi Amal. M. Al , Aaron Sanjith , Sinani Ahmed Al , Jose Sachin
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The influence of climatic, weather conditions, and circadian variations on cerebrovascular diseases has been evaluated in many studies. However, the results have been controversial.

Objective

This study aims at identifying the relationship between the circadian and circannual climatic patterns in the Governorate of Muscat and their impact on stroke and its subtype.

Method

From January 2016 to December 2019, a retrospective study of all confirmed acute stroke cases admitted to the central stroke unit was conducted. Only Omani Patients were included. The data was collected through a computerized medical record system.

Results

A total of 836 Omani patients were involved in the study. Ischemic stroke accounted for 731 cases (87.4%), while intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounted for 105 (12.6%). 62.7% of the overall sample size was made up of men. Between different days times, there was a statistically significant difference in the occurrence of ischemic stroke and ICH (likelihood ratio, P = .010). The majority of ischemic strokes (62.2%) occurred between 6 am and 6 pm (daytime), and the majority of ICH (54%) occurred between 6 pm and 6 am (nighttime). The majority of ischemic strokes (52.9%) and ICH (61.9%) occurred during the winter months.

Conclusion

The majority of both stroke subtypes were found to occur in the morning hours and during winter months. These findings might aid in the better organization of acute stroke care. Further analysis of these findings could aid in the development of better primary prevention strategies.
Identification of SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers in saliva by transcriptomic and proteomics analysis
Authors: Marin Lina M. , Katselis George S. , Chumala Paulos , Sanche Stephen , Julseth Lucas , Penz Erika , Skomro Robert , Siqueira Walter L.
Published: August 2023

The detection of SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers by real time PCR (rRT-PCR) has shown that the sensitivity of the test is negatively affected by low viral loads and the severity of the disease. This limitation can be overcome by the use of more sensitive approaches such as mass spectrometry (MS), which has not been explored for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in saliva. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the translational applicability of mass spectrometry-based proteomics approaches to identify viral proteins in saliva from people diagnosed with COVID-19 within fourteen days after the initial diagnosis, and to compare its performance with rRT-PCR. After ethics approval, saliva samples were self-collected by 42 COVID-19 positive and 16 healthy individuals. Samples from people positive for COVID-19 were collected on average on the sixth day (± 4 days) after initial diagnosis. Viable viral particles in saliva were heat-inactivated followed by the extraction of total proteins and viral RNA. Proteins were digested and then subjected to tandem MS analysis (LC-QTOF-MS/MS) using a data-dependent MS/MS acquisition qualitative shotgun proteomics approach. The acquired spectra were queried against a combined SARS-CoV-2 and human database. The qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific RNA was done by rRT-PCR. SARS-CoV-2 proteins were identified in all COVID-19 samples (100%), while viral RNA was detected in only 24 out of 42 COVID-19 samples (57.1%). Seven out of 18 SARS-CoV-2 proteins were identified in saliva from COVID-19 positive individuals, from which the most frequent were replicase polyproteins 1ab (100%) and 1a (91.3%), and nucleocapsid (45.2%). Neither viral proteins nor RNA were detected in healthy individuals. Our mass spectrometry approach appears to be more sensitive than rRT-PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers in saliva collected from COVID-19 positive individuals up to 14 days after the initial diagnostic test. Based on the novel data presented here, our MS technology can be used as an effective diagnostic test of COVID-19 for initial diagnosis or follow-up of symptomatic cases, especially in patients with reduced viral load.
Power and sample size calculation for incremental net benefit in cost effectiveness analyses with applications to trials conducted by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group
Authors: Everest Louis , Chen Bingshu E. , Hay Annette E. , Cheung Matthew C. , Chan Kelvin K. W.
Published: August 2023

Background

Historically, a priori power and sample size calculations have not been routinely performed cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA), partly because the absence of published cost and effectiveness correlation and variance data, which are essential for power and sample size calculations. Importantly, the empirical correlation between cost and effectiveness has not been examined with respect to the estimation of value-for-money in clinical literature. Therefore, it is not well established if cost-effectiveness studies embedded within randomized-controlled-trials (RCTs) are under- or over-powered to detect changes in value-for-money. However, recently guidelines (such as those from ISPOR) and funding agencies have suggested sample size and power calculations should be considered in CEAs embedded in clinical trials.

Methods

We examined all RCTs conducted by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group with an embedded cost-effectiveness analysis. Variance and correlation of effectiveness and costs were derived from original-trial data. The incremental net benefit method was used to calculate the power of the cost-effectiveness analysis, with exploration of alternative correlation and willingness-to-pay values.

Results

We identified four trials for inclusion. We observed that a hypothetical scenario of correlation coefficient of zero between cost and effectiveness led to a conservative estimate of sample size. The cost-effectiveness analysis was under-powered to detect changes in value-for-money in two trials, at willingness-to-pay of $100,000. Based on our observations, we present six considerations for future economic evaluations, and an online program to help analysts include a priori sample size and power calculations in future clinical trials.

Conclusion

The correlation between cost and effectiveness had a potentially meaningful impact on the power and variance of value-for-money estimates in the examined cost-effectiveness analyses. Therefore, the six considerations and online program, may facilitate a priori power calculations in embedded cost-effectiveness analyses in future clinical trials.
Efficacy and safety of 1% and 2% rebamipide clear solution in dry eye disease: a multicenter randomized trial
Authors: Eom Youngsub , Chung So Hyang , Chung Tae-Young , Kim Jae Yong , Choi Chul Young , Yoon Kyung Chul , Ko Byung Yi , Kim Hong Kyun , Kim Mee Kum , Lee Hyung Keun , Song Jong Suk , Hyon Joon Young , Seo Kyoung Yul , Lee Jong Soo , Kim Hyo Myung
Published: August 2023

Background

To evaluate the efficacy of 1% and 2% rebamipide clear solution in the treatment of dry eye disease (DED).

Methods

Two hundred twenty patients with DED were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the 1% rebamipide, 2% rebamipide, or placebo (eye drops containing the same ingredients, except for the active components). Each eye drop was instilled four times daily for 12 weeks. Changes in tear film break-up time (TBUT), corneal and conjunctival staining score, Schirmer 1 test, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) from baseline to 12-week visit between the study groups were compared for efficacy assessment.

Results

The mean age of study patients was 43.8±14.2 years. The 1% and 2% rebamipide groups showed greater improvement in TBUT (1.99±1.87 and 2.02±2.21 s) at 12 weeks from baseline than the placebo group (1.25±2.93 s). The 2% rebamipide group showed greater improvement in the corneal staining score (− 3.15±2.00) at 12 weeks from baseline than the placebo group (− 2.85±1.80). The 1% and 2% rebamipide groups showed improvement in Schirmer 1 test (1.27±3.86 and 1.50±4.14 mm) at 12 weeks of treatment, but not the placebo group (0.55±2.99 mm). Both the rebamipide groups and the placebo group showed significantly improved OSDI after treatment for 12 weeks; however, there was no significant difference among the three groups.

Conclusions

1% and 2% rebamipide clear solutions are an effective therapeutic option for improving TBUT and tear volume, and stabilizing the corneal staining score in DED.
Psychometric properties and validation of the polish version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ-Pol)
Authors: Ćwirlej-Sozańska Agnieszka , Sozański Bernard , Łyko Aleksandra , Łagowska Anna , Leszczyńska Natalia , Kuduk Barbara , Wilmowska-Pietruszyńska Anna
Published: August 2023

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, intestinal disorders, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. To the best of our knowledge, the questionnaire used for assessing problems and difficulties in the functioning of people with FM has not been translated and adapted in Poland so far. The aim of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ-Pol).

Material and method

The study covered 150 people with FM living in Poland. The measurement reliability, internal structure, repeatability, and validity of the Polish version of the FIQ were examined.

Results

The scale score reliability of the entire tool for the research group was very good. The alpha Cronbach's test result for the whole scale was 0.84. The repeatability of the scale measured by the test–retest method using the interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) was very good and amounted to 0.96. Internal structure suggested by FIQ-Pol authors was confirmed (Confirmatory factor analysis). After introducing modification indices for the entire scale, satisfactory parameter values were obtained, i.e.: RMSEA (0.06), CFI (0.97) and TLI (0.96). Theoretical validity was assessed by correlating the results of the Polish version of the FIQ with the results of the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). Both the FIQ-Pol total score and its domains showed strong positive correlations with BDI.

Conclusion

The Polish FIQ is a reliable and valid tool to measure the functional disability and health status of Polish people with FM.