bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drive-Response Synchronization for Second-Order Memristor-Based Delayed Neural Networks with Settling Time Estimation via Discontinuous Feedback Control
Authors: Zhang Tiecheng , Huang Dasong
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the settling time estimation of synchronization issues for inertial memristive neural networks (IMNNs) with mixed time-varying delays is investigated. First, by using a new reduced order approach and introducing free-weighted coefficients

η

i

and

ξ

i

into variable transformation, the original second-order derivative system is transformed into a first-order differential system. Second, appropriate controllers are designed for IMNNs to guarantee the system synchronization in a settling time. In addition, the settling time is explicitly estimated and dependent on time delays and the initial values of the coupled system. Finally, two numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Utilizing Image Processing and the YOLOv3 Network for Real-Time Traffic Light Control
Authors: Segura Altamirano S. Francisco , Castro Cárdenas Diana M. , Sifuentes Montes Ayax M. , Chaman Cabrera Lucia I. , Lizana Puelles Esther Y. , Rojas Coronel Angel M. , De la Cruz Rodríguez Oscar M. , Lara Romero Luis A.
Published: May 2023

In this study, different strategies used to count vehicles and people in different image areas at a street intersection were analyzed to obtain counts at appropriate times suitable for real-time control of a traffic light. To achieve this, video recordings of cameras placed at the intersection were used to test and verify image processing algorithms and deep learning using the YOLOv3 network implemented on a 4 GB RAM Jetson Nano card. We counted the vehicles and people that stopped and crossed the polygons to delimit the different areas of interest, with a maximum error of ±2 in the validation tests for all cases. In addition, as a strategy, we combined the images from both cameras into a single one, thereby allowing us to make a single detection and subsequently determine if they are inside or outside the polygons used in separating the areas of interest with the respective counts. Furthermore, this enabled us to obtain information on vehicles and people stopped and crossing in a time of 0.73 s on average. Hence, it was established that the inclusion of the control algorithm is appropriate for real-time control of traffic lights.
Numerical Solution for Arbitrary Domain of Fractional Integro-differential Equation via the General Shifted Genocchi Polynomials
Authors: Loh Jian Rong , Phang Chang , Isah Abdulnasir
Published: May 2023

The Genocchi polynomial has been increasingly used as a convenient tool to solve some fractional calculus problems, due to their nice properties. However, like some other members in the Appell polynomials, the nice properties are always limited to the interval defined in

0
,
1

. In this paper, we extend the Genocchi polynomials to the general shifted Genocchi polynomials,

S

n

a
,
b

x

, which are defined for interval

a
,
b

. New properties for this general shifted Genocchi polynomials will be introduced, including the determinant form. This general shifted Genocchi polynomials can overcome the conventional formula of finding the Genocchi coefficients of a function

f

x

that involves

f

n
−
1

x

which may not be defined at

x
=
0
,
1

. Hence, we use the general shifted Genocchi polynomials to derive the operational matrix and hence to solve the Fredholm-type fractional integro-differential equations with arbitrary domain

a
,
b

.
River- and Sex-Specific Annual Survival Rates of Mature Anadromous Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus)
Authors: Spares Aaron , Robertson Gregory , Dadswell Michael , Calvert Anna , Gutowsky Sarah , Fifield David , Vincent Rachelle , McLellan Nic , Stokesbury Michael
Published: May 2023

During multiple annual spawning runs from 2013 to 2021, over 9,000 mature anadromous alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus A. Wilson, 1811) were monitored with passive integrated transponders (PITs) in four rivers of the Chignecto Isthmus, Bay of Fundy, Canada. A subsample of 384 individuals tagged during 2016–2019 were aged from 3 to 6 years (mean ± SD; 4.2 ± 0.7 years, n = 232, males; 4.5 ± 0.7 years, n = 152, females). Biotelemetry revealed that one unsexed individual survived seven years post tagging, possibly making it 10–13 years old. Return rates varied among the rivers, with the lowest rates in the most anthropogenically impacted river. Biotelemetry and ageing data were used to estimate apparent annual survival rates ranging from 0.25 to 0.50 depending on the river and the year. Based on capture-mark-recapture (CMR) analysis of biotelemetry data from the three less impacted rivers, the estimated overall annual survival was 0.396, total instantaneous mortality (Z) was 0.93, and future life expectancy from time of release was 1.08 years. Frequency distribution of ages 4–6 for alewife pooled from all four study rivers estimated a lower annual survival rate of 0.301, Z = 1.20, and a future life expectancy of 0.83 years. The biotelemetry detection rates were 0.89–0.98 but varied depending on the river and the year, with the lowest rates in one river during 2017-2018 possibly related to a malfunctioning tide gate preventing upstream fish passage and subsequent detection. Based on CMR, males had a higher survival rate compared to females, which translated into an overall mean survival increase of 0.05. Alewife survivorship in our study highlighted that a limited ecosystem-based management period is required to mitigate river connectivity and mortality issues to avoid loss of population cohorts and decrease the risk of extirpation.
Evaluation of the Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines Risk Prediction Tool for Acute Aortic Syndrome: The RIPP Score
Authors: Ohle Robert , McIsaac Sarah , Van Drusen Madison , Regis Aaron , Montpellier Owen , Ludgate Mackenzie , Bodunde Oluwadamilola , Savage David W. , Yadav Krishan
Published: May 2023

Introduction. Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a rare clinical syndrome with a high mortality rate. The Canadian clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis of AAS was developed in order to reduce the frequency of misdiagnoses. As part of the guideline, a clinical decision aid was developed to facilitate clinician decision-making (RIPP score). The aim of this study is to validate the diagnostic accuracy of this tool and assess its performance in comparison to other risk prediction tools that have been developed. Methods. This was a historical case-control study. Consecutive cases and controls were recruited from three academic emergency departments from 2002–2020. Cases were identified through an admission, discharge, or death certificated diagnosis of acute aortic syndrome. Controls were identified through presenting complaint of chest, abdominal, flank, back pain, and/or perfusion deficit. We compared the clinical decision tools’ C statistic and used the DeLong method to test for the significance of these differences and report sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals. Results. We collected data on 379 cases of acute aortic syndrome and 1340 potential eligible controls; 379 patients were randomly selected from the final population. The RIPP score had a sensitivity of 99.7% (98.54–99.99). This higher sensitivity resulted in a lower specificity (53%) compared to the other clinical decision aids (63–86%). The DeLong comparison of the C statistics found that the RIPP score had a higher C statistic than the ADDRS (−0.0423 (95% confidence interval −0.07–0.02);

P
<
0.0009

) and the AORTAs score (−0.05 (−0.07 to −0.02); P = 0.0002), no difference compared to the Lovy decision tool (0.02 (95% CI −0.01–0.05

P
<
0.25

)) and decreased compared to the Von Kodolitsch decision tool (0.04 (95% CI 0.01–0.07

P
<
0.008

)). Conclusion. The Canadian clinical practice guideline’s AAS clinical decision aid is a highly sensitive tool that uses readily available clinical information. It has the potential to improve diagnosis of AAS in the emergency department.
Computer Vision-Based Autonomous Method for Quantitative Detection of Loose Bolts in Bolted Connections of Steel Structures
Authors: Lao Wulve , Cui Chuang , Zhang Dengke , Zhang Qinghua , Bao Yi
Published: May 2023

In this study, an autonomous computer vision-based method is presented to quantitatively detect loose bolts. The method integrates keypoint detection via YOLOv5 and PIPNet, distortion correction via perspective transformation, and rotation angles quantification via geometric imaging. Distortion correction is incorporated to address skewed angles and improve the accuracy of rotation angles. A representative experiment on bolted connection of steel structures is conducted to evaluate the presented approach. The effects of the focal distance, skewed angle, and lighting conditions on the detection and quantification performance are evaluated by varying the imaging conditions. The results demonstrate that the presented approach automatically detects all bolts and their corners, irrespective of the imaging conditions. No false detection occurs, and the quantification errors are lower than 1°. The proposed method can be deployed for automatic detection of loose bolts and quantification of rotation angles in bolted connections under different imaging conditions.
Data from Clonal Hematopoiesis in Young Women Treated for Breast Cancer
Authors: Gibson Christopher J. , Fell Geoffrey G. , Sella Tal , Sperling Adam S. , Snow Craig , Rosenberg Shoshana M. , Kirkner Gregory , Patel Ashka , Dillon Deborah , Bick Alexander G. , Neuberg Donna , Partridge Ann H. , Miller Peter G.
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Young women treated for breast cancer with cytotoxic therapies are at risk for clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), a condition in which blood cells carrying a somatic mutation associated with hematologic malignancy comprise at least 4% of the total blood system. CHIP has primarily been studied in older patient cohorts with limited clinical phenotyping. Materials and Methods: We performed targeted sequencing on longitudinal blood samples to characterize the clonal hematopoietic landscape of 878 women treated for breast cancer enrolled in the prospective Young Women’s Breast Cancer Study. Results: We identified somatic driver mutations in 252 study subjects (28.7%), but only 24 (2.7%) had clones large enough to meet criteria for CHIP. The most commonly mutated genes were DNMT3A and TET2, similar to mutations observed in non-cancer cohorts. At nine years median follow up, we found no association between the presence of a somatic blood mutation (regardless of clone size) and adverse breast cancer (distant relapse-free survival) or non-breast cancer-related outcomes in this cohort. A subset of paired blood samples obtained over four years showed no evidence of mutant clonal expansion, regardless of genotype. Finally, we identified a subset of patients with likely germline mutations in genes known to contribute to inherited cancer risk, such as TP53 and ATM. Conclusions: Our data show that for young women with early-stage breast cancer, CHIP is uncommon after cytotoxic exposure, is unlikely to contribute to adverse outcomes over the decade-long follow up and may not require additional monitoring if discovered incidentally.
Small Gene Networks Delineate Immune Cell States and Characterize Immunotherapy Response in Melanoma
Authors: Egan Donagh , Kreileder Martina , Nabhan Myriam , Iglesias-Martinez Luis F. , Dovedi Simon J. , Valge-Archer Viia , Grover Amit , Wilkinson Robert W. , Slidel Timothy , Bendtsen Claus , Barrett Ian P. , Brennan Donal J. , Kolch Walter , Zhernovkov Vadim
Published: May 2023

Single-cell technologies have elucidated mechanisms responsible for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response, but are not amenable to a clinical diagnostic setting. In contrast, bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is now routine for research and clinical applications. Our workflow uses transcription factor (TF)–directed coexpression networks (regulons) inferred from single-cell RNA-seq data to deconvolute immune functional states from bulk RNA-seq data. Regulons preserve the phenotypic variation in CD45+ immune cells from metastatic melanoma samples (n = 19, discovery dataset) treated with ICIs, despite reducing dimensionality by >100-fold. Four cell states, termed exhausted T cells, monocyte lineage cells, memory T cells, and B cells were associated with therapy response, and were characterized by differentially active and cell state–specific regulons. Clustering of bulk RNA-seq melanoma samples from four independent studies (n = 209, validation dataset) according to regulon-inferred scores identified four groups with significantly different response outcomes (P < 0.001). An intercellular link was established between exhausted T cells and monocyte lineage cells, whereby their cell numbers were correlated, and exhausted T cells predicted prognosis as a function of monocyte lineage cell number. The ligand–receptor expression analysis suggested that monocyte lineage cells drive exhausted T cells into terminal exhaustion through programs that regulate antigen presentation, chronic inflammation, and negative costimulation. Together, our results demonstrate how regulon-based characterization of cell states provide robust and functionally informative markers that can deconvolve bulk RNA-seq data to identify ICI responders.
Bahia heterográfica
Authors: Borges Patricia Andrea
Published: May 2023

Antes da estabilização ortográfica ocorrida no século XX, o topônimo Bahia teve, pelo menos, oito heterografias comprovadas; neste texto, serão apresentadas mais três grafias menos recorrentes encontradas no Dicionário Histórico do Português do Brasil (DHPB), em documentos entre os séculos XVI e XVIII. O presente artigo discutirá algumas reflexões de gramáticos, ortógrafos e teóricos que escreveram sobre o assunto à época em que o topônimo foi grafado, com a finalidade de propor algumas hipóteses linguísticas que circulavam no período em que os documentos foram escritos. Para tanto, o texto apresenta brevemente o pensamento ortográfico em circulação nos fragmentos de documentos para as letras ,  e , mais precisamente no que se refere à grafia do topônimo, contemplando também uma visão panorâmica do pensamento linguístico envolvido nas escolhas ortográficas adotadas nos séculos aqui apresentados, remetendo às formas linguísticas que possuem a mesma pronúncia, mas escritas e significados diferentes.
Hypoxia-Preconditioned Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improved Cerebral Collateral Circulation and Stroke Outcome in Mice
Authors: Tian Hao , Yang Xinxuan , Zhao Jiahui , Liu Xiran , Liu Xin , Cai Yuan , Wehbe Alexandra , Ding Yuchuan , Yu Shanping , Wei Ling , Liu Liping
Published: May 2023

Background:

Adequate collateral circulation can remarkably improve patient prognoses for patients experiencing ischemic stroke. Hypoxic preconditioning enhances the regenerative properties of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Rabep2 (RAB GTPase binding effector protein 2) is a key protein in collateral remodeling. We investigated whether BMSCs and hypoxia-preconditioned BMSCs (H-BMSCs) augment collateral circulation poststroke, particularly through Rabep2 regulation.

Methods:

BMSCs or H-BMSCs (1×10
6
) were delivered intranasally in ischemic mice with distal middle cerebral artery occlusion at 6 hours poststroke. Two-photon microscopic imaging and vessel painting methods were used to analyze collateral remodeling. Blood flow, vascular density, infarct volume, and gait analysis were assessed to evaluate poststroke outcomes. Expressions of proangiogenic marker VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and Rabep2 were determined by Western blotting. Western blot, EdU (5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine) incorporation, and tube formation assays were conducted on cultured endothelial cells treated with BMSCs.

RESULTS:

BMSCs were more effectively transplanted in the ischemic brain after hypoxic preconditioning. The ipsilateral collateral diameter was increased by BMSCs and strengthened by H-BMSCs (
P
<0.05). BMSCs increased peri-infarct blood flow and vascular density and reduced infarct volume, gait deficits (
P
<0.05), and furthermore by H-BMSCs (
P
<0.05). VEGF and Rabep2 protein expression was increased by BMSCs (
P
<0.05), which was enhanced by preconditioning (
P
<0.01). Additionally, BMSCs increased Rabep2 expression, proliferation, and tube formation of endothelial cells in vitro (
P
<0.05). H-BMSCs enhanced these effects (
P
<0.05), which were annulled by Rabep2 knockdown.

CONCLUSIONS:

BMSCs increased collateral circulation and improved poststroke outcomes, through the upregulation of Rabep2. These effects were enhanced by hypoxic preconditioning.
Machine Learning for Ancient Languages: A Survey
Authors: Sommerschield Thea , Assael Yannis , Pavlopoulos John , Stefanak Vanessa , Senior Andrew , Dyer Chris , Bodel John , Prag Jonathan , Androutsopoulos Ion , de Freitas Nando
Published: May 2023

Ancient languages preserve the cultures and histories of the past. However, their study is fraught with difficulties, and experts must tackle a range of challenging text-based tasks, from deciphering lost languages to restoring damaged inscriptions, to determining the authorship of works of literature. Technological aids have long supported the study of ancient texts, but in recent years advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning have enabled analyses on a scale and in a detail that are reshaping the field of humanities, similarly to how microscopes and telescopes have contributed to the realm of science. This article aims to provide a comprehensive survey of published research using machine learning for the study of ancient texts written in any language, script, and medium, spanning over three and a half millennia of civilizations around the ancient world. To analyze the relevant literature, we introduce a taxonomy of tasks inspired by the steps involved in the study of ancient documents: digitization, restoration, attribution, linguistic analysis, textual criticism, translation, and decipherment. This work offers three major contributions: first, mapping the interdisciplinary field carved out by the synergy between the humanities and machine learning; second, highlighting how active collaboration between specialists from both fields is key to producing impactful and compelling scholarship; third, highlighting promising directions for future work in this field. Thus, this work promotes and supports the continued collaborative impetus between the humanities and machine learning.
The *.* Group’s Contribution to the Development of Technological Art in Brazil
Authors: Moroni Artemis
Published: May 2023

The author describes three interactive installations presented by the *.* Group from the turn of the 1980s to the 1990s. The first installation, Fractal Art, explored the fractal theme through various mediums, including images, music, sculpture, video, and photoelectric sensors. The second installation, Foreseen Variations, featured a robot performing a choreography with a dancer in an environment equipped with a camera and TV sets, allowing the audience to be immersed in a virtual performance. The third installation, Aurora Beings, was a continuation of the previous one, where young people could program a choreography for the robot and act as both artists and engineers within the environment.
The Role of Tropical Easterly Jet on the Bay of Bengal’s Tropical Cyclones: Observed Climatology and Future Projection
Authors: Fahad Abdullah A. , Reale Oreste , Molod Andrea , Sany Tahmidul Azom , Ahammad Md Tashin , Menemenlis Dimitris
Published: May 2023

Tropical cyclones (TCs) in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) are among the most devastating events in nature, significantly influencing human life. They affect the region between April and December, being separated into two distinct phases: the premonsoon (April–June, AMJ) and postmonsoon (October–December, OND), with little activity during the monsoon peak. In this article, the influence of the tropical easterly jet (TEJ) on the observed BoB TC activity, and the expected changes under global warming conditions, are investigated using reanalyses and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) models. The general assumption is that TC activity should increase in response to warmer sea surface temperature (SST). However, several dynamical processes are needed to create organized convection, which is a prerequisite for TC development. The results show that the frequency and accumulated energy should decrease in the future (2020–49), compared to the historical climate (1950–79), during both phases. However, the northern BoB TCs’ intensity increases during OND. The change of the mean TEJ and intermittent shear relaxations in the future climate are found to play a major role in the change of TC activity rather than the SST. During AMJ, a southward shift of the mean TEJ and its intermittent shear relaxations are associated with reduced TC activity. During OND, the decrease of the frequency of TEJ and subtropical jet (STJ) intermittent shear relaxations are associated with the reduction of TC activity. This study clarifies the importance of both the mean and intermittency of the TEJ in determining the future of TC activity in the BoB.
Influence of the Late-Winter North Atlantic Tripole Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies on Spring Land Surface Temperature in Mid-to-High Latitudes of Western Eurasia
Authors: Song Yidi , Chen Haishan
Published: May 2023

The spring land surface temperature (LST) over western Eurasia, which is critical for ensuring food security, shows a clear interannual variability. Based on reanalysis data and numerical simulations, we investigated the potential influencing factors and the related mechanisms of spring LST variability in mid-to-high latitudes of western Eurasia (MHWEA). The results show that the North Atlantic tripole sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in February, which persist into spring, can significantly affect the spring LST variability over MHWEA. Analyses indicate that the positive phase of the North Atlantic tripole SSTAs pattern tends to increase the meridional SST gradient between positive SSTAs over the midlatitude North Atlantic and negative SSTAs over the south of Greenland, which strengthens the low-level atmospheric baroclinicity and thus induces more active transient eddy activities. Correspondingly, a Rossby wave train triggered by the eddy-mediated processes originates from the North Atlantic and propagates downstream, thereby causing anomalous anticyclonic circulation over MHWEA. Meanwhile, the westerly anomalies over the subpolar North Atlantic accelerate the polar front jet and provide a favorable thermodynamical condition for the tropospheric warming over the Barents–Kara Seas by bringing warm and moist oceanic air. The polar warming tends to weaken the poleward temperature gradient at mid-to-high latitudes and then decelerate the Eurasian midlatitude westerlies, thus dynamically contributing to the circulation changes that can affect spring LST over MHWEA. Model results suggest that the link can be generally reproduced. Therefore, the late-winter North Atlantic tripole SSTAs may act as a precursor for the prediction of spring LST over western Eurasia.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to better understand the mechanisms underlying the interannual variability of the spring land surface temperature over western Eurasia, which is of great significance in ensuring food security. Here we show that the positive phase of the North Atlantic tripole sea surface temperature anomalies in February can modulate the tropospheric warming over the Barents–Kara Seas and further decelerate the Eurasian midlatitude westerlies in spring, which benefits local surface warming over western Eurasia. Our results provide a precursor for forecasting spring land surface temperature over western Eurasia.
Finding Self-Salvation for the Ill-Informed Society: A Summary of Empirical Studies
Authors: Kim Jeong-Nam , Gil de Zúñiga Homero
Published: May 2023

The internet was once seen as a beacon of hope for democratizing public access to information, but scholars argue that social media has led to frustration, isolation, and pseudo-information. This volume presents empirical studies exploring paths to potentially rebuild ideal communication situations, if ever, in the digital age and cope with digital information failure. Can we salvage an ill-informed society? These studies offer insights into addressing these issues.
Trauma Patients With Cirrhosis Have a Similar Risk of Unplanned Operation and Decreased Associated Risk of Mortality With Venous Thromboembolism Chemoprophylaxis
Authors: Alvarez Claudia , Grigorian Areg , Kuza Catherine , Swentek Lourdes , Dolich Matthew , Barrios Cristobal , Nahmias Jeffry
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Patients with cirrhosis have an increased risk of complications after trauma, including bleeding, unplanned operations, and death. The benefit of venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemoprophylaxis in trauma patients with cirrhosis (CTPs) is not clear, especially since cirrhotic patients are hypercoagulable. We hypothesized that CTPs receiving VTE chemoprophylaxis (vCP) have a lower risk of death with no increased risk for unplanned operations compared to patients with cirrhosis not receiving vCP.

Methods

The 2017-2019 TQIP database was queried for patients with cirrhosis. Patients on outpatient anticoagulant therapy or with a history of bleeding diathesis, interhospital transfers, severe head injury, deaths < 72 hours, and hospitalization < 2 days were excluded. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

From 10,011 CTPs, 6,350 (63.4%) received vCP. Compared to patients without vCP, the vCP group had decreased mortality (4.5% vs. 5.5%, P = 0.03) but a similar rate of unplanned operations (1% vs. 0.6%, P = 0.07). This persisted on multivariable analysis, with a decreased associated risk of mortality (OR 0.54, CI 0.42-0.69, P < 0.001), and a similar risk of unplanned operation ( P = 0.85).

Conclusion

CTPs received VTE chemoprophylaxis in under two-thirds of cases. On multivariable analysis, vCP was associated with a decreased risk of mortality and a similar risk of unplanned operations. These findings suggest that vCP appears safe. Further investigation is needed to confirm this finding.
Clinical Progression of Colorectal Resection in Gynecologic Cancer Patients: Does the Risk of Anastomotic Leakage Increase after Surgery?
Authors: Kang Ayoung , Park Byung-Soo , Cho Sung Hwan , Son Gyung Mo , Song Yong Jung , Kim Hyun Sung
Published: May 2023

Objectives

This research aimed to examine the clinicopathological results of colorectal resection in patients with advanced gynecological cancers.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 104 patients with gynecological cancer who underwent colorectal resection from December 2008 to August 2020 at a single hospital (PNUYH). Using descriptive statistics, variables for risk factors and surgical complications were compared. We eliminated instances with malignancies originating from organs other than the female genitalia, benign gynecological illnesses, primary stoma formation, and any other bowel procedures outside colon resection.

Results

The average age of 104 patients was determined to be 62.0 years. The most prevalent gynecological cancer was ovarian cancer (85 patients, 81.7%), and the most frequent procedure was low anterior resection (80 patients, 76.9%). There were postoperative problems in 61 patients (58.7%), while there was anastomotic leaking in just 3 patients (2.9%). Among the risk factors, only preoperative albumin was statistically significant (p=0.019).

Conclusion

Our findings imply that colorectal resection can be performed safely and effectively on individuals with advanced gynecological cancer.
Ostial Patency Measurements After Endoscopic Sphenoidotomies and Frontal Sinusotomies
Authors: Wu Arthur W. , Sharma Dhruv , Illing Elisa A. , Ting Jonathan Y. , Vasquez Missael , Rubel Kolin , Tang Dennis M. , Higgins Thomas S.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Sphenoid and frontal sinuses have narrow ostia and are prone to stenosis. However, their relative rates of patency are not well established, and descriptive rates of sphenoid stenosis have never been reported. The objective is to measure the patency of the sphenoid and frontal sinus ostia postoperatively.

Methods:

A prospective multi-institutional cohort study was performed. Ostial patency was measured at surgery and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Pertinent clinical history such as the presence of nasal polyps and prior history of ESS as well as the use of steroid eluting stents were recorded. Overall stenosis rates were calculated for both the sphenoid and frontal sinuses, and Wilcoxon-Signed Rank Test was used to compare intraoperative and postoperative ostial areas. Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine effects of 5 clinical factors.

Results:

Fifty patients were included. The mean sphenoid sinus ostial area decreased 42.2% in size from baseline to 3 months postoperatively (T0 55.2 ± 28.7 mm vs T3 m 31.8 ± 25.5 mm, P < .001). The mean frontal sinus ostial area decreased 39.8% in size from baseline to 3 months postoperatively (T0 33.7 ± 17.2 mm vs T3 m 19.9 ± 15.1 mm, P < .001). Neither the sphenoid nor the frontal sinus ostial patency demonstrated statistically significant change from 3 to 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Both sphenoid and frontal sinus ostia routinely narrow postoperatively, predominately from baseline to 3 months. These findings can serve as a reference for both clinical outcomes and future studies of these surgeries.
Why I Hesitate to Have a Child: Eco-Anxiety and Reproduction Concerns
Authors: van den Broek Onna Malou
Published: May 2023

Eco-anxiety increasingly weighs on (young) people’s mental health and impacts their life choices. This commentary zooms in on socio-ecological reproductive concerns with the aim to provide room for collective doubts on this individual choice, and to normalize emotions of anxiety, fear, grief, guilt, and regret, among many others, because of it.
Workfare and Attitudes toward the Unemployed: New Evidence on Policy Feedback from 1990 to 2018
Authors: Horn Alexander , Kevins Anthony , Van Kersbergen Kees
Published: May 2023

To what extent, and under what conditions, have workfare reforms shaped public opinion towards the unemployed? This article unpacks the punitive and enabling dimensions of the workfare turn and examines how changes to the rights and obligations of the unemployed have influenced related policy preferences. To do so, it presents a novel dataset on these reforms across a diverse set of welfare states and investigates potential feedback effects by combining our data with four waves of survey data from Europe and North America. Results suggest that while enabling measures generate more lenient attitudes towards the unemployed, punitive measures have no clear effect on public opinion – but they do accentuate the gap between the preferences of high- and low-income individuals. This leads us to conclude that the trend towards punitive and enabling measures since the 1980s has not broadly undermined solidarity with the unemployed, though it has increased income-based polarization.
The Accuracy of Bayesian Model Fit Indices in Selecting Among Multidimensional Item Response Theory Models
Authors: Fujimoto Ken A. , Falk Carl F.
Published: May 2023

Item response theory (IRT) models are often compared with respect to predictive performance to determine the dimensionality of rating scale data. However, such model comparisons could be biased toward nested-dimensionality IRT models (e.g., the bifactor model) when comparing those models with non-nested-dimensionality IRT models (e.g., a unidimensional or a between-item-dimensionality model). The reason is that, compared with non-nested-dimensionality models, nested-dimensionality models could have a greater propensity to fit data that do not represent a specific dimensional structure. However, it is unclear as to what degree model comparison results are biased toward nested-dimensionality IRT models when the data represent specific dimensional structures and when Bayesian estimation and model comparison indices are used. We conducted a simulation study to add clarity to this issue. We examined the accuracy of four Bayesian predictive performance indices at differentiating among non-nested- and nested-dimensionality IRT models. The deviance information criterion (DIC), a commonly used index to compare Bayesian models, was extremely biased toward nested-dimensionality IRT models, favoring them even when non-nested-dimensionality models were the correct models. The Pareto-smoothed importance sampling approximation of the leave-one-out cross-validation was the least biased, with the Watanabe information criterion and the log-predicted marginal likelihood closely following. The findings demonstrate that nested-dimensionality IRT models are not automatically favored when the data represent specific dimensional structures as long as an appropriate predictive performance index is used.
Comparing The Therapeutic Effect of Social Media-Based Art, Music and Poetry Therapies Intervention on treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms of Flood Victims
Authors: Destiny Apuke Oberiri , Omar Bahiyah , Iyendo Timothy Onosahwo , Tunca Elif Asude , Gever Celestine Verlumun
Published: May 2023

This study ascertained the effectiveness of social media-based art, music and poetry therapy intervention in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of flood victims. A quasi-experiment involving 330 flood victims randomly assigned to a control and treatment group was carried out. Furthermore, the treatment group was divided into three to form the social media-based art, music, and poetry therapies group, respectively. The therapy was delivered through a WhatsApp group. The study revealed that social media-based therapies were effective in reducing the PTSD symptoms of participants in the experiment group, as compared with the control group. Social media-based poetry therapy was found to be more effective than art and music therapies in treating PTSD. This finding directs relevant authorities and medical experts as to the best kind of social media-based therapy to employ when restoring the minds of people who have been through tragic experiences such as flooding. To offer their therapies, particularly to dispersed flood victims, hospitals and other healthcare facilities that are prepared to offer psychotherapy services to patients may want to consider using social media.
Extrusion foaming of multiphasic polyethylene/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer/carbon nanotube mixtures: Tailoring foam properties by selective localization of nanoparticles
Authors: Ghanemi Reza , Mousavi Seyed Rasoul , Qewami Sirwan , Sharifi Ali , Zandi As’ad , Mohammadi-Roshandeh Jamshid , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Hemmati Farkhondeh
Published: May 2023

Semi-conductive foams based on low-density polyethylene/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (LDPE/EVA) blends in the presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared using a twin-screw extrusion process. The effects of CNTs content and localization state in the binary mixture on the physical and structural properties of LDPE/EVA/CNT foams were investigated. The results confirmed that the void fraction, cell density, bubble size and cell size distribution of foams are optimal against CNT loading. The lightest LDPE/EVA/CNT foam was obtained by the CNT localization in the LDPE matrix. This foam containing 2.5 phr of CNT had smaller cells and more uniform cell size comparing to the pure blend foam. The cell density of this foam was 1.598 × 106 cells/cm3, which is much larger than that for the blend foam, 8.64 × 105 cells/cm3. However, the CNT localization state in the dispersed EVA domains resulted in lower void fractions and cell densities comparing with the LDPE/EVA blend foam. The findings clarify the profound impact of the nanofiller localization state on the foam properties of the binary polymeric systems. Light semiconductive LDPE/EVA foams with small cells, uniform cell size and high cell densities were achieved by localizing and dispersing the CNT nanoparticles in the LDPE matrix phase.
Surrogate analytical models of damage localization in metal matrix composites
Authors: Bolzon Gabriella , Pitchai Pandi , Talassi Marco
Published: May 2023

Several parameters entering the constitutive laws of metal matrix composites are not amenable to direct measurement. Their determination is therefore demanded to indirect identification procedures, based on the comparison between the output of some experimental works and the results of the iterative simulation of the performed tests. Largely repetitive numerical analyses can also support the optimized design of composite microstructures, the understanding of the actual stress-transfer mechanisms, and virtual testing. Surrogate analytical models can replace effectively non-linear finite element (FE) computations in parametric studies and identification procedures, reducing execution times and costs without compromising the accuracy of the results. In this context, a frequently used approach consists of the interpolation, by means of radial basis functions (RBFs), of data filtered by proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). This methodology is often used to reproduce the smooth output of different mechanical systems. This work is rather focused on the homogenized response of damaging metal matrix composites subjected to strain localization phenomena, and explores the accuracy achievable in these situations by the POD-RBF approximation of more traditional FE analyses. In all considered cases, the POD-RBF results are accurate, and able to distinguish between apparently similar situations. The approach is flexible, and the performance of the surrogate models can be tailored to the requirements of each application. In particular, various analytical approximations can be introduced to support the design of new microstructures and material couplings, and to understand the role of any material and/or geometry imperfections resulting from the production processes.
On the strength of polymeric composites exposed to long-term Ultra-Violent radiation
Authors: Rafiee Roham , Rahimi Amirhossein
Published: May 2023

The widespread use of fiber reinforced composites (FRP) in outdoor applications has prompted the question that whether ultraviolet radiation could wreak havoc on their lifespan. The main objective of this study is to investigate mechanical degradation of FRPs exposed to sunlight under natural circumstances on the long-term basis. On the one hand, experimental study is performed, before and after exposure, on laminated composites with different lay-up configurations cut from FRP pipes stored in outdoor space for a 1 year. On the other hand, a simple theoretical modeling in the form of user-friendly engineering tool is developed to estimate the residual ultimate tensile strength of laminated composites after exposure to sunlight. The destructive influence of sunlight on the mechanical performance of polymeric composites is taken into account through three different stochastic scenarios. Thus, stochastic modeling is implemented and the results are compared with experimental observations.
Farm size and productivity relationship among the farming communities in India
Authors: Kumar Karnati Kiran , Moharaj Prasanta
Published: May 2023

The relationship between farm size and productivity has been a topic of interest in agricultural research for decades due to the significance of agriculture in rural economies and its potential to reduce poverty and promote inclusive growth. The relationship between farm size and productivity is influenced by factors such as the type of crop being produced, costs of cultivation, farm management practices, access to inputs and markets and socio-economic conditions. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between farm size and productivity in the context of farming households, their cost of cultivation and the types of crops they produce. Using the Cobb–Douglas production function, the present study estimates the regression function for principal crops such as cotton and paddy in the study area. The findings reveal strong evidence of an inverse relationship between farm size and productivity, indicating that small and marginal farmers are more productive in wetland cultivation (paddy). In contrast, medium and large farmers are more productive in dry land cultivation (cotton). The paper also investigates the availability and accessibility of credit facilities for different farm sizes. It concludes that small and marginal farmers depend mainly on non-institutional credit agencies compared to medium and large farmers.
Effectiveness of Brief In-person and Virtual Substance Use Disorder Counselor Trainings, 2019-2021
Authors: Cambron Christopher , Castillo Jason T. , Frost Caren J.
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

Paraprofessional substance use disorder counselors (SUDCs) are an important component of expanding access to substance use disorder treatment, but little research on SUDC training currently exists. We evaluated knowledge and self-efficacy gain from brief in-person and virtual workshops for paraprofessional SUDC student-trainees.

Methods:

Student-trainees (N = 100) enrolled in an undergraduate SUDC training program completed 6 brief workshops from April 2019 to April 2021. Three in-person workshops during 2019 covered clinical assessment, suicide risk and evaluation, and motivational interviewing, and 3 virtual workshops during 2020-2021 covered family engagement and mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement, as well as screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for expectant mothers. Pretest and posttest online surveys measured student-trainee knowledge gain related to all 6 SUDC modalities. Results of paired sample t tests evaluated changes in knowledge and self-efficacy from pretest to posttest.

Results:

All 6 workshops showed a significant gain in knowledge from pretest to posttest. Four workshops showed a significant gain in self-efficacy from pretest to posttest. Hedges g ranged from 0.70 to 1.95 for knowledge gain and from 0.61 to 1.73 for self-efficacy gain across workshops. Common language effect sizes indicating the probability that a participant increased one’s score from pretest to posttest ranged from 76% to 93% for knowledge gain and from 73% to 97% for self-efficacy gain across workshops.

Conclusions:

Results of this study add to the limited research base on training for paraprofessional SUDCs and suggest that in-person learning and virtual learning are both viable brief training tools for students.
The Impact of Pandemic Concerns on Consumers’ Teledentistry Use During the First Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: O’Malley Ellen , Surdu Simona , Langelier Margaret
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

The COVID-19 pandemic affected consumers’ access to oral health care. This study evaluated factors associated with teledentistry use among US adults from June 2019 through June 2020.

Methods:

We used data from a nationally representative survey of 3500 consumers. We estimated teledentistry use and adjusted associations with respondents’ concerns about the impacts of the pandemic on health and welfare and with their sociodemographic characteristics using Poisson regression models. We also analyzed teledentistry use across 5 teledentistry modalities (email, telephone, text, video conferencing, and mobile application).

Results:

Overall, 29% of respondents used teledentistry, and 68% of teledentistry users reported doing so for the first time because of the COVID-19 pandemic. First-time teledentistry use was positively associated with a high level of pandemic concerns (relative risk [RR] = 5.02; 95% CI, 3.49-7.20), age 35-44 years (RR = 4.22; 95% CI, 2.89-6.17), and annual household income $100 000-$124 999 (RR = 2.10; 95% CI, 1.55-2.84) and negatively associated with rural residence (RR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.50-0.94). Having a high level of pandemic concerns (RR = 3.42; 95% CI, 2.30-5.08), young age (age 25-34 years: RR = 5.05; 95% CI, 3.23-7.90), and higher level of education (some college: RR = 1.59; 95% CI, 1.22-2.07) were strongly associated with teledentistry use for all “other” users (ie, existing or first-time use because of reasons unrelated to the pandemic). Most first-time teledentistry users used email (74.2%) and mobile applications (73.9%), whereas “other” teledentistry users used telephone communication (41.3%).

Conclusions:

Teledentistry use during the pandemic was higher in the general population than among those for whom teledentistry programs were originally designed (eg, low-income, rural populations). Favorable regulatory changes to teledentistry should be expanded to meet patient needs beyond the pandemic.
Building a Community–Academic Partnership to Expand Workforce Development in Underserved, High-Need/High-Demand Areas
Authors: Ruffolo Mary C. , Price Daicia , Smith Andrea
Published: May 2023

This case study highlights the partnership development between a large, urban, public, community-based behavioral health system and an academic program. Using principles of partnership building and facilitators that enhance partnership building, we describe the process of initiating, building, and sustaining the partnership. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) workforce development initiative was the primary catalyst for the partnership development. The public, community-based behavioral health system is located in an urban, medically underserved area and health care professional shortage area. The academic partner is a master in social work (MSW) program in Michigan. We assessed partnership development by using process and outcome measures that captured changes in the partnerships and in implementation of the HRSA workforce development grant. The goals of this partnership were to develop the infrastructure to support the training of MSW students, expand workforce skills in integrated behavioral health, and increase the number of MSW graduates who work with medically underserved populations. During 2018-2020, the partnership trained 70 field instructors, engaged 114 MSW students in HRSA field placements, and developed 35 community-based field sites (including 4 federally qualified health centers). The partnership provided training for field supervisors and for HRSA MSW students and developed new courses/trainings focusing on integrated behavioral health assessment/intervention practices, trauma-informed care, cultural awareness, and telebehavioral health practices. Of 57 HRSA MSW graduates who responded to a postgraduation survey, 38 (66.7%) were employed in medically underserved, high-need/high-demand urban areas. Partnership sustainability was helped by formal agreements, regular communication, and a collaborative decision-making approach.