bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saudi YouTube Influencers, Their Relationship to Dubai and the Role of Social Media in Dubai’s Urban Branding Strategy
Authors: Zahren Sabrina
Published: September 2022

YouTube influencers, especially from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), command a huge (young) audience and form part of a global pop cultural mainstream representative of the fast-growing digital content industry. These YouTubers are on one hand embedded in a highly professionalized network, consisting of multi-channel networks (MCN s), media companies, TV stations and advertising partners, all operating from Dubai. On the other hand, they feature Dubai’s cityscape and urban spaces in their posts and videos and contribute to urban branding. In this article, I want to evaluate the financially profitable relationship between influencers and Dubai by analyzing footage of the Saudi YouTuber and rapper Dyler (b. 2001). Taking into consideration the political economy of social media in the Gulf as well as the political economy of urban branding in Dubai, the article discusses the political consequences of this relationship on social media, youth culture and urban development in the region.
Mitigation of cellular collapse during drying of Eucalyptus nitens wood using supercritical CO2 dewatering
Authors: Pearson Hamish , Donaldson Lloyd , Kimberley Mark
Published: September 2022

Removal of lumen water by dewatering using supercritical CO2 offers an alternative method to mitigate cellular collapse in susceptible hardwoods compared to conventional timber drying methods. The anatomy of Eucalyptus nitens was quantitatively measured by light microscopy, SEM and micro-CT to provide an understanding of the mechanism of collapse during drying. These measurements were then used to recalibrate a previously developed fluid-dynamics model to predict E. nitens vessel dewatering and develop a dewatering treatment strategy for collapse mitigation. The lumens of E. nitens were from fibres (58.5% cross-section) and vessels (10.0% cross-section) with mean diameters of 8 and 142 μm, respectively. Micro-CT measurements revealed that the vessels were empty after treatment with a supercritical CO2 dewatering schedule optimised for softwood. However, the fibres remained full and this led to significant collapse during subsequent oven drying. Based on this information, a two-phase dewatering schedule was developed to include removal of fibre lumen water. Results showed that 90% of collapse could be mitigated to a change in external volume of only 3.9% provided the green moisture content was lowered to 70% before oven drying. The predicted effective diffusion coefficient of CO2 in E. nitens was comparable to Pinus radiata and they showed similar anatomical tortuosity and porosity resistance in their hydrofluidic networks. Collapse mitigation using supercritical CO2 could be combined with extraction of desirable sap components, post-dewatering drying, preservative treatment, and mechanical forming. These processes may be achieved in a single supercritical plant and apply to most anatomically similar hardwoods.
New species of Euplocania Enderlein (Psocodea: ‘Psocoptera’: Psocomorpha) from Colombia and Ecuador
Authors: VINASCO-MONDRAGÓN ANDRÉS FELIPE , GONZÁLEZ-OBANDO RANULFO , ALDRETE ALFONSO N. GARCÍA
Published: September 2022

Four species of Euplocania from Colombia (Euplocania huitota n. sp., E. kakwa n. sp., E. nukak n. sp. and E. ticuna n. sp.) and four species from Ecuador (E. napensis n. sp., E. shuar n. sp., E. teslai n. sp. and E. waorani n. sp.), in four species groups, are described and illustrated. The new species group ticuna, from Colombia and waorani, from Ecuador are diagnosed. The number of species in Euplocania is raised to 61, in 17 species groups. A key to the males of the known species of Euplocania is presented.
Permodontodus waurikensis n. gen. n. sp., an Unusual Osteichthyan from Permian Oklahoma, USA
Authors: MCMENAMIN MARK A. S.
Published: September 2022

Permodontodus waurikensis n. gen. n. sp. is a small bony fish, characterized by symmetrically-placed dermal odontode pads, that inhabited Permian freshwater mudflat and seasonal pond-dominated continental lowland depositional environments in Oklahoma, USA. Lower jaw rami have been recovered from three individuals, and they present a type of dentition that appears to be previously unknown among bony fish. The broad, ridged surface of the tooth plate approaches the loxodont condition and may have functioned to scrape algae and other organisms from hard surfaces. The presence of a Meckelian groove suggests that Permodontodus waurikensis n. gen. n. sp. may have been a sarcopterygian.
Contribution to the knowledge of Rheotanytarsus pellucidus species group from China (Diptera, Chironomidae): three new and one newly recorded species
Authors: LIU WEN-BIN , YAO YUAN , CHANG TONG , YAN CHUN-CAI , LIN XIAO-LONG
Published: September 2022

Three new species, Rheotanytarsus ashei Yao & Liu sp. n., Rheotanytarsus pinderi Yao & Liu sp. n. and Rheotanytarsus vallenduuki Yao & Liu sp. n. are described and illustrated as adult males. Rheotanytarsus oss Cranston, 1997 is newly recorded and re-described from China. An updated key to males of Rheotanytarsus pellucidus species group is presented.
A new species of Zaglyptogastra Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Braconinae) from Thailand
Authors: CHANSRI KITTIPUM , QUICKE DONALD L. J. , BUTCHER BUNTIKA A.
Published: September 2022

Zaglyptogastra Ashmead, 1900 was erected for a large, distinctive Braconinae wasp, Z. abbotti, collected in Lower Siam (Thailand) (Ashmead 1900). Although nine species are known from the Indo-Australian region, only three are recorded from mainland Indochina: Z. abbotti Ashmead, 1990 (Thailand), Z. vitalisi (Turner, 1919) (Thailand, Laos) and Z. vietnamica Long & Mai, 2015 (Vietnam) (El-Heneidy & Quicke, 1991; Long & Mai, 2015). In 2021, two further Asia species, Z. exilis Li, van Achterberg & Chen, 2021 and Z. tricolor Li, van Achterberg & Chen, 2021 were described from China (Li et al. 2021).
A Genesis Potential Index for Polar Lows
Authors: Boyd Kevin , Wang Zhuo , Walsh John E.
Published: September 2022

Polar lows (PLs) are intense maritime mesocyclones that typically develop during marine cold-air outbreak events over the high latitudes. The impacts posed by these systems to humans and the broader environment demand a robust understanding of the environmental factors that promote PL formation and, in turn, skillful prediction of PL activity. We hypothesize that the variability of PL activity is associated with some key large-scale climate variables skewed toward “extreme” values, which can provide predictable information on PL activity beyond the synoptic time scale. A PL genesis potential index (PGI) is developed that relates the climatological spatial distribution of PL genesis frequency and key climate variables in a Poisson regression framework. The optimal set of predictors consists of a static stability parameter and an environmental baroclinicity parameter. The optimal predictor categories are shown to be robust across different reanalyses and PL track datasets. The observed spatial distribution and seasonal cycle of PL genesis frequency are represented well by the PGI, and the interannual variability of PL activity is captured skillfully. The effects of the Arctic Oscillation (AO), El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and a few other climate modes on the interannual variability of PL activity are explored. Overall, our results suggest that the PGI may be used to inform skillful subseasonal to seasonal prediction of PL activity.

Significance Statement

Polar lows are intense mesocyclones over high-latitude oceans, and they have destructive impacts on coastal and island communities, and maritime and air operations. However, skillful prediction of polar lows on the subseasonal and longer time scales remains challenging. This study links polar low activity to large-scale environmental conditions in the Arctic through a statistical modeling approach. This work is based on the hypothesis that a shared statistical relationship exists between the large-scale climate variables and polar low activity across the Arctic, which enables a geographical unification of the controlling factors on polar low activity. Our results reveal two dominant factors, one related to the lower-tropospheric stratification and the other to the hydrodynamic instability of the lower-tropospheric flow. This statistical framework has potential applications to climate prediction and projection of polar low activity.
Adaptive Variable Threshold Event-Triggered Control for Trajectory Tracking of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles with Actuator Saturation
Authors: Xu Jian , Wang Xing , Liu Ping , Duan Qiaoyu
Published: September 2022

This article develops a novel event-triggered sliding mode control (ETSMC) approach with variable threshold to deal with trajectory tracking matters of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) accompanied by actuator saturation and external disturbances, which can effectively reduce the communication burden between the controller and actuator. The proposed scheme will be very practical when some extreme situations occur. First, the closed-loop system is split into two parts: fixed terms determined by the system itself and nonlinear terms caused by uncertain factors. The nonlinear terms are estimated through adaptive technique. Then the apposite event-triggered mechanism, adaptive laws, and modeled actuator saturation characteristics are designed. The correctness of the presented scheme is illustrated via the stability analysis in the sequel, and the Zeno phenomenon is certificated to be excluded simultaneously. Finally, two different reference motion trajectories are adopted in the simulation experiments, which can indicate that the proposed ETSMC possesses performance superiority and only requires to consume a small amount of communication resources in trajectory tracking control of AUVs.

Significance Statement

Through the research of this article, we propose a novel event-triggered sliding mode control method with variable threshold applied to autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). When conducting ocean exploration work, we usually need the AUVs to follow particular trajectories. By using the proposed method, it can greatly reduce the loss of communication resources inside the system.
Mesoscale Circulation and Intensity Changes of a Landfalling Typhoon: Role of the Coastal Barrier Jet
Authors: Kao Yu-Cheng , Jou Ben Jong-Dao
Published: September 2022

Using coastal radar and surface observations of Taiwan, an investigation of intensity and structure variations in the inner core of Typhoon Haitang (0505) is conducted. Within a 3-h period (1933–2233 UTC 17 July 2005), Haitang experienced intensity vacillation with merging of the eyewall with a rainband induced by the coastal barrier jet (CBJ); concentric eyewall breakdown and weakening; and eyewall recovery, contraction, and re-intensification. The northerly flow of the CBJ converged with the southerly flow of a leeside meso-low to form a west–east line of convection south of the storm when the storm was still 100 km offshore. The rainband propagated radially inward and triggered eyewall–rainband interaction. The interaction resulted in approximately 30% amplification of precipitation and 20% decrease in the axisymmetric tangential wind. Barotropic instability is speculated to be the underlying dynamic process. The recovery of the eyewall, following nearshore eyewall axisymmetrization and contraction, resulted in a 40% intensity increase before landfall.

Significance Statement

The behaviors and underlying physical processes of a landfalling tropical cyclone (TC) under the influence of complex terrain are studied by using coastal radars. The TC inner core structure and intensity change, including concentric eyewall breakdown, weakening, eyewall recovery, eyewall contraction, and re-intensification that occurred 3 h before TC made landfall are documented. The terrain-induced coastal barrier jet and leeside meso-low helped to form an intense line convection near the southern fringe of the eyewall and triggered the rainband–eyewall interaction.
Diagnosing Near-Surface Model Errors with Candidate Physics Parameterization Schemes for the Multiphysics Rapid Refresh Forecast System (RRFS) Ensemble during Winter over the Northeastern United States and Southern Great Plains
Authors: Hu Xiao-Ming , Park Jun , Supinie Timothy , Snook Nathan A. , Xue Ming , Brewster Keith A. , Brotzge Jerald , Carley Jacob R.
Published: September 2022

During the winter of 2020/21 an ensemble of FV3-LAM forecasts was produced over the contiguous United States for the Winter Weather Experiment using five physics suites. These forecasts are evaluated with the goal of optimizing physics parameterizations within the future operational Rapid Refresh Forecast System (RRFS) in the Unified Forecast System (UFS) realm and for selecting suitable physics suites for a multiphysics RRFS ensemble. The five physics suites have different combinations of land surface models (LSMs), planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterizations, and surface layer schemes, chosen from those used in current and possible future operational systems and likely to be supported in the operational UFS. Full-season evaluation reveals a persistent near-surface cold bias in the U.S. Northeast from one suite and a nighttime warm bias in the southern Great Plains in another suite, while other suites have smaller biases. A representative case is chosen to diagnose the cause for each of these biases using sensitivity simulations with different physics combinations or modified parameters and verified with additional mesonet observations. The cold bias in the Northeast is attributed to aspects of the Noah-MP LSM over snow cover, where Noah-MP simulates lower soil water content, and thus lower thermal conductivity than other LSMs, leading to less upward ground heat flux during nighttime and consequently lower surface temperature. The nighttime warm bias found in the southern Great Plains is attributed to overestimation of vertical mixing in the K-profile-based eddy-diffusivity mass-flux (K-EDMF) PBL scheme and insufficient land–atmospheric coupling from the GFS surface layer scheme over short vegetation. A few key parameters driving these systematic biases are identified.
Effect of Health Disparities on Refusal of Trimodality Therapy in Localized Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Salti Isabella , Petesch Taylor , Naffouje Samer A. , Kamarajah Sivesh K. , Dahdaleh Fadi
Published: September 2022

Background

Factors associated with refusal of multimodality therapy in patients with localized esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) remain unknown. We hypothesized that sociodemographic disparities affect decision to pursue optimal trimodally therapy for patients with EA.

Methods

NCDB for esophageal cancer (2004-2017) was utilized. Included were patients diagnosed with cT3-T4 cN0 or cTany N1-3 EA of the mid-lower esophagus. Annual institutional esophagectomy volumes were categorized as low (<20/year) and high (≥20/year). Conditional logistic regression was used to identify predictors of refusal of offered treatment. Kaplan Meier method was used to compare survival.

Results

13 091 patients met selection criteria, mean age was 62.4 ± 9.6 years and 11 581 (88.5%) were males. 633 (4.8%) patients refused at least one component of recommended treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, and esophagectomy), most commonly refusal of surgery (N = 554, 4.2%). On multivariable analysis, factors predictive of treatment refusal included older age, female gender, black race, no insurance, low income (below poverty), mid-esophageal tumors, and treatment at low-volume centers. Patients who were recommended treatment but refused had significantly worse survival than those who adhered to treatment (median 23.1 ± 1.1 vs. 32.1 ± 1.2 months; P < .001).

Conclusions

In this study, sociodemographic disparities and center volume were among factors predictive of therapy refusal in patients with localized esophageal adenocarcinoma. While understanding potential reasons for treatment refusal is critical, this data suggests that socioeconomic variables may drive patient decisions.
Low Prevalence but High Impact of COVID-19 Positive Status in Adult Trauma Patients: A Multi-institutional Analysis of 28 904 Patients
Authors: Fakhry Samir M. , Morse Jennifer L. , Garland Jeneva M. , Elkbuli Adel , Sheets Nicholas W. , Slivinski Andrea , Berg Gina M. , Wyse Ransom J. , Shen Yan , Wilson Nina Y. , Miller Amanda L. , Carrick Matthew M. , Fisher Chris , Shillinglaw William C. , Banton Kaysie L. , Lieser Mark J. , Chipko John M. , McBride Katherine M. , Biswas Saptarshi , Watts Dorraine D.
Published: September 2022

Background

Few large investigations have addressed the prevalence of COVID-19 infection among trauma patients and impact on providers. The purpose of this study was to quantify the prevalence of COVID-19 infection among trauma patients by timing of diagnosis, assess nosocomial exposure risk, and evaluate the impact of COVID-19 positive status on morbidity and mortality.

Methods

Registry data from adults admitted 4/1/2020-10/31/2020 from 46 level I/II trauma centers were grouped by: timing of first positive status (Day 1, Day 2-6, or Day ≥ 7); overall Positive/Negative status; or Unknown if test results were unavailable. Groups were compared on outcomes (Trauma Quality Improvement Program complications) and mortality using univariate analysis and adjusted logistic regression.

Results

There were 28 904 patients (60.7% male, mean age: 56.4, mean injury severity score: 10.5). Of 13 274 (46%) patients with known COVID-19 status, 266 (2%) were Positive Day 1, 119 (1%) Days 2-6, 33 (.2%) Day ≥ 7, and 12 856 (97%) tested Negative. COVID-19 Positive patients had significantly worse outcomes compared to Negative; unadjusted comparisons showed longer hospital length of stay (10.98 vs 7.47; P < .05), higher rates of intensive care unit (57.7% vs 45.7%; P < .05) and ventilation use (22.5% vs 16.9%; P < .05). Adjusted comparisons showed higher rates of acute respiratory distress syndrome (1.7% vs .4%; P < .05) and death (8.1% vs 3.4%; P < .05).

Conclusions

This multicenter study conducted during the early pandemic period revealed few trauma patients tested COVID-19 positive, suggesting relatively low exposure risk to care providers. COVID-19 positive status was associated with significantly higher mortality and specific morbidity. Further analysis is needed with consideration for care guidelines specific to COVID-19 positive trauma patients as the pandemic continues.
The Crisis of National Identity: Politics and Intersectionality of Identity Markers in Pakistan
Authors: Azam Shafia , Bilal Muhammad
Published: September 2022

Pakistan’s national identity has been a contested subject since the conception of the country in 1947. This article examines Pakistan’s struggle to create a coherent national identity, which has led to major identity crises caused by the conflict between the nation’s markers of identity, including religion, ethnicity, language, culture and historical reminiscences. While employing Benedict Anderson’s concept of nationalism, the article explores the perceptions of Pakistanis asking what should be the principal underpinning for defining Pakistani identity. In-depth interviews were used as the main qualitative method for the data collection. In order to conduct in-depth interviews, 47 residents of Rawalpindi, both males and females belonging to diverse sociocultural, political and educational backgrounds were selected through purposive sampling technique to ensure a variety of perspectives. The findings suggest that religion, ethnicity, language and patriotism emerged as major markers of Pakistani identity while the dissension between these indicators persistently exacerbates identity crises and undermines the values of religious and cultural pluralism.
Optimization of the curing cycle for the large-scale composite stiffened panel based on the response surface methodology and Fgoalattain algorithm
Authors: Li Hao , Xu Qiang , Wang Lingyun , Song Xiaowen , Ke Yinglin
Published: September 2022

The autoclave curing process of the large-scale composite stiffened panel greatly affects the manufacturing quality of the component, especially the curing quality of stiffeners and the bonding quality between stiffeners and the panel. In this paper, a multi-objective optimization method is developed to optimize the curing cycle for the composite T-stiffened fuselage panel, which aims to minimize the temperature difference within the component to achieve better forming quality. The autoclave curing model considering thermal properties of composites is established and verified by the experiment first. The response surface models are then built up with the Finite Element Method (FEM) and the Box-Behnken Design (BBD). The fgoalattain algorithm is applied to solve the multi-objective optimization problem with nonlinear constraints. Results show that the maximum temperature difference of the two groups of monitoring points decreases by 22.91% and 21.42%, respectively. Besides, the total curing time is also reduced by 11 mins.
The Pathogenesis of Borderline Personality Disorder: Evolution of Evidence and Treatment Implications for Two Prominent Models
Authors: Stone Bryant M.
Published: September 2022

Since Stern first started his work in 1938, the field has recognized several empirically supported models of the etiology of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Two such models are the Tripartite Model of the Development of BPD and the Biosocial Development Model of BPD. The Tripartite Model of the Development of BPD suggests that it is a combination of a hyperbolic temperament, traumatic childhood experiences, and an event or series of events that trigger the onset of BPD. Whereas the Biosocial Development Model of BPD elaborates on the work of Linehan’s Biosocial Theory. This model suggests a combination of an emotionally vulnerable temperament and an invalidating environment cause BPD. Over 70 years of research support these models. This article covers a detailed description of each of these models, the decades of research supporting these models, similarities, differences, treatment implications, the latest research, and future directions.
Availability of and Obstacles to Providing COVID-19 Vaccinations at Syringe Services Programs in the United States, 2021
Authors: Des Jarlais Don C. , Behrends Czarina N. , Corcorran Maria A. , Glick Sara N. , Perlman David C. , Kapadia Shashi N. , Lu Xinlin , Feelemyer Jonathan , LaKosky Paul , Prohaska Stephanie M. , Schackman Bruce R.
Published: September 2022

Many syringe services programs (SSPs) have established trusting, long-term relationships with their clients and are well situated to provide COVID-19 vaccinations. We examined characteristics and practices of SSPs in the United States that reported providing COVID-19 vaccinations to their clients and obstacles to vaccinating people who inject drugs (PWID). We surveyed SSPs in September 2021 to examine COVID-19 vaccination practices through a supplement to the 2020 Dave Purchase Memorial survey. Of 153 SSPs surveyed, 73 (47.7%) responded to the supplement; 24 of 73 (32.9%) reported providing on-site COVID-19 vaccinations. Having provided hepatitis and influenza vaccinations was significantly associated with providing COVID-19 vaccinations (70.8% had provided them vs 28.6% had not; P = .002). Obstacles to providing vaccination included lack of appropriate facilities, lack of funding, lack of trained staff, and vaccine hesitancy among PWID. SSPs are underused as vaccination providers. Many SSPs are well situated to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to PWID, and greater use of SSPs as vaccination providers is needed.
Assessment of Mental Health and Coping Disparities Among Racial and Ethnic Groups Amid COVID-19 From the “How Right Now” Campaign
Authors: Burke-Garcia Amelia , Berktold Jennifer , Rabinowitz Lucy , Wagstaff Laura , W. Thomas Craig , Crick Cynthia , Walsh Michele S. , Mitchell Elizabeth W. , Verlenden Jorge M. Vallery , Puddy Richard , Mercado Melissa C. , Xia Kanru , Aina Tola , Caicedo Larisa , Nelson, BA Pierce
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

How Right Now (HRN) is an evidence-based, culturally responsive communication campaign developed to facilitate coping and resilience among US groups disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To inform the development of this campaign, we examined patterns in emotional health, stress, and coping strategies among HRN’s audiences, focusing on differences among racial and ethnic groups.

Methods:

We used a national probability panel, AmeriSpeak, to collect survey data from HRN’s priority audience members in English and Spanish at 2 time points (May 2020 and May 2021). We conducted statistical testing to examine differences between time points for each subgroup (Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White) and differences among subgroups at each time point.

Results:

We found disparities in COVID-19–related mental health challenges and differences in coping strategies. Non-Hispanic Black respondents were more likely than non-Hispanic White respondents to report challenges related to the social determinants of health, such as affording food and housing (26.4% vs 9.4% in May 2020) and experiencing personal financial loss (46.6% vs 29.2% in May 2020). In May 2021, 30.6% of Hispanic respondents reported being unable to meet basic food or housing needs versus 8.2% of non-Hispanic White respondents, and 51.6% reported personal financial loss versus 26.5% of non-Hispanic White respondents.

Conclusions:

Our study further illuminates what is needed to build emotional well-being pathways for people who historically have been economically and socially marginalized. Our findings underscore the need for public health interventions to provide culturally responsive mental health support to populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19 during the pandemic and into the future, with a focus on racial and ethnic disparities.
Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta Variant) in a Youth Camp Associated With Community Spread, Nebraska, June–July 2021
Authors: Bai Julia (He) , Phinney Suzanne , Angell Kathleen , Grimm Brandon , Tegomoh Bryan , Figliomeni Jonathan , Abdalhamid Baha , Khan Ali S. , Donahue Matthew , Brett-Major David M. , McDougall Laura
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

During June–July 2021, an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 occurred among attendees of a summer youth camp in Nebraska. We assessed the factors that contributed to onward transmission of disease.

Methods:

The Four Corners Health Department conducted an outbreak investigation and recorded both laboratory-confirmed and self-reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 and mitigation measures employed. We generated sequences on positive specimens, created an epidemic curve to assist with outbreak visualization, and examined epidemiologic, genomic, and laboratory outcomes.

Results:

Evaluation of 3 index cases led to the identification of 25 people with COVID-19 who interacted directly with the camp. Contact tracing revealed an additional 18 cases consistent with onward community transmission. Most (24 of 35, 68.5%) vaccine-eligible community cases were not vaccinated. We sequenced 8 positive specimens; all were identified as the Delta variant. Precamp planning incorporated local health officials who recommended wearing face masks, practicing social distancing, and using attendee cohorts to limit mixing of people involved in various activities.

Conclusion:

Low vaccination levels and poor face mask–wearing habits among attendees resulted in secondary and tertiary spread of SARS-CoV-2 and severe outcomes among young adults. This outbreak of COVID-19 at a youth camp highlights the importance of vaccination and use of other measures to interrupt opportunities for SARS-CoV-2 spread in the community and shows that vaccinated people remain vulnerable to infection when in an environment of high exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Proactive case identification and interruption of chains of transmission can help decrease the number of cases and avoid further severe outcomes.
An Open Source Virtual Reality Training Framework for the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Barbe Hermann , Müller Jürgen L. , Siegel Bruno , Fromberger Peter
Published: September 2022

We developed an open-source training framework to practice conversation skills in a controlled and immersive virtual reality (VR) environment. Virtual characters with different biographies were developed with which a conversation using natural language is possible. The virtual characters integrate a dialog management system (ChatScript) to provide different biographical memories. Natural language processing for the German language is integrated by using Kaldi, an open-source speech recognition toolkit. As the framework allows for interchangeable content there are many different possible application cases to apply within the criminal justice system. The VR frameworks code is available under an open-source license. In this article, an overview of the framework’s functionality is given as well as an outlook on possible areas of application. Statements about user acceptance and usability cannot yet be made, as relevant data have first to be gathered through a concrete application case.
Friendship dynamics of young men with non-exclusive sexual orientations: Group diversity, physical intimacy and emotionality
Authors: Magrath Rory , McCormack Mark
Published: September 2022

Non-exclusive sexuality identity labels such as “mostly straight” and “mostly gay” describe distinct sexualities. While research documents their existence and distinctiveness, little focus has been given to friendship dynamics with these groups and research on friendship has a heteronormative bias. In this study, we use data collected with 25 men with non-exclusive sexualities from a university in the northeastern United States to examine their friendship dynamics and intimacy practices in order to advance understanding of friendship beyond binary frameworks of straight and gay friendship groups. We document the friendship practices of men who are mostly straight, “bisexual-leaning,” and mostly gay, and develop understanding of bromance as a term that has extended to cross-sexuality and cross-gender friendships. We call for greater engagement with these sexuality labels and greater recognition of fluidity as a concept that extends beyond sexology and debates about heterosexual privilege to understand the complex dynamics of intimacy and friendship and a broader range of friendship practices among men that such understandings facilitate.
Accelerator niches in an emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem: New York city
Authors: Oh Joonho , Clayton Paige , Feldman Maryann
Published: September 2022

Although the literature on accelerators, an important and newer model of entrepreneurial support, considers their performance and the definition of the form, little is known about how accelerators populate in a single ecosystem over time. We find accelerators are established by different types of entities such as non-profit organizations, local governments, universities, and even foreign government agencies with different goals. Based on a novel dataset of all 107 accelerator programs that ever operated in New York City, we propose a new way of categorizing accelerators by their founding attributes. We confirm that the emergence of accelerators in New York City started with the entry of non-profit accelerators for the purpose of local economic development. For-profit actors followed. Accelerators began from the periphery of the city’s geographic boundaries, but over time became concentrated in Manhattan. We also observe a shift toward sector specialization. Our contributions are to examine the development of one entrepreneurial support organization over time in one ecosystem, present a method to categorize accelerators based on their sub-niches, and to provide evidence of a catalyzing role of local government in fostering ecosystem emergence.
Caregiver-Reported Roles in Treatment Decision Making in Advanced Cancer and Associated Caregiving Burden and Psychological Distress: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Ozdemir Semra , Ng Sean , Chaudhry Isha , Teo Irene , Malhotra Chetna , Finkelstein Eric Andrew ,   COMPASS Study Group
Published: September 2022

Objective

To longitudinally examine caregiver-reported treatment decision-making roles and to investigate the associations of these roles with caregiver burden, caregiving esteem, caregiver anxiety, and depression.

Methods

281 caregivers of patients with stage IV solid cancers were recruited from outpatient clinics in Singapore. Caregivers were eligible if they were aged ≥21 y, primary informal caregiver, and involved in treatment decision making. We used 3 y of longitudinal data. The decision-making roles were grouped into 4 categories: no family involvement, patient/physician-led, joint, and family-led/alone decision making. Mixed-effects linear regressions were used to assess associations between decision-making roles and caregiver outcomes.

Results

On average, 72% of caregivers reported family involvement in decision making. Compared with baseline, a higher proportion of caregivers at the 36-mo follow-up reported no family involvement (from 23% to 34%, P = 0.05) and patient/physician-led decision making (from 22% to 34%, P = 0.02), while a lower proportion reported family-led/alone (from 19% to 7%, P = 0.01) decision making. Compared with family-led/alone decision making, caregivers reporting no family involvement reported lower impact on finances (−0.15 [−0.28, −0.01], P = 0.03) while caregivers who reported patient/physician-led decision making reported lower impact on schedule and health (−0.12 [−0.20, −0.03], P = 0.01), and finances (−0.15 [−0.28, −0.03], P = 0.02), and lower anxiety (−0.69 [−1.17, −0.22], P < 0.01), and depressive symptoms (−0.69 [−1.12, −0.26], P < 0.01). Caregivers who reported joint decision making reported higher caregiving esteem (0.07 [0.01, 0.14], P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Higher family involvement in decision making was associated with higher caregiver burden and psychological distress. Help should be given so that family caregivers can support patient decision-making in a meaningful way.

Highlights

Compared with baseline, a lower proportion of caregivers at the 36-mo follow-up reported family-led or family-alone decision making, and a higher proportion of caregivers reported patient-led or physician-led decision making. Higher levels of family involvement in decision making were associated with burdens on caregivers’ daily life, health, and finances and increased caregiver anxiety and depression. Support must be given so that family members can contribute to making medical decisions in a rewarding manner.
Cost-Effectiveness and Value-of-Information Analysis Using Machine Learning–Based Metamodeling: A Case of Hepatitis C Treatment
Authors: McCandlish John Austin , Ayer Turgay , Chhatwal Jagpreet
Published: September 2022

Background

Metamodels can address some of the limitations of complex simulation models by formulating a mathematical relationship between input parameters and simulation model outcomes. Our objective was to develop and compare the performance of a machine learning (ML)–based metamodel against a conventional metamodeling approach in replicating the findings of a complex simulation model.

Methods

We constructed 3 ML-based metamodels using random forest, support vector regression, and artificial neural networks and a linear regression-based metamodel from a previously validated microsimulation model of the natural history hepatitis C virus (HCV) consisting of 40 input parameters. Outcomes of interest included societal costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), the incremental cost-effectiveness (ICER) of HCV treatment versus no treatment, cost-effectiveness analysis curve (CEAC), and expected value of perfect information (EVPI). We evaluated metamodel performance using root mean squared error (RMSE) and Pearson’s R2 on the normalized data.

Results

The R2 values for the linear regression metamodel for QALYs without treatment, QALYs with treatment, societal cost without treatment, societal cost with treatment, and ICER were 0.92, 0.98, 0.85, 0.92, and 0.60, respectively. The corresponding R2 values for our ML-based metamodels were 0.96, 0.97, 0.90, 0.95, and 0.49 for support vector regression; 0.99, 0.83, 0.99, 0.99, and 0.82 for artificial neural network; and 0.99, 0.99, 0.99, 0.99, and 0.98 for random forest. Similar trends were observed for RMSE. The CEAC and EVPI curves produced by the random forest metamodel matched the results of the simulation output more closely than the linear regression metamodel.

Conclusions

ML-based metamodels generally outperformed traditional linear regression metamodels at replicating results from complex simulation models, with random forest metamodels performing best.

Highlights

Decision-analytic models are frequently used by policy makers and other stakeholders to assess the impact of new medical technologies and interventions. However, complex models can impose limitations on conducting probabilistic sensitivity analysis and value-of-information analysis, and may not be suitable for developing online decision-support tools. Metamodels, which accurately formulate a mathematical relationship between input parameters and model outcomes, can replicate complex simulation models and address the above limitation. The machine learning–based random forest model can outperform linear regression in replicating the findings of a complex simulation model. Such a metamodel can be used for conducting cost-effectiveness and value-of-information analyses or developing online decision support tools.
Alterations of static and dynamic functional network connectivity in acute ischemic brainstem stroke
Authors: Zhang Jian , Chang Yi
Published: September 2022

Background

Prior studies have shown abnormal brain functional network changes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, the alterations of dynamic functional network connectivity (FNC) in brainstem strokes have not been elucidated.

Purpose

To assess alterations of static and dynamic FNCs and determine the relationships between these and upper limb movement performance in patients with acute brainstem ischemic stroke.

Material and Methods

In total, 50 patients with acute brainstem ischemic stroke and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the present study and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Independent component analysis was conducted to assess static and dynamic FNC patterns based on seven resting-state networks, namely, the default mode network (DMN), executive control network (ECN), attention network (AN), somatomotor network (SMN), visual network (VN), auditory network (AUN), and cerebellum network (CN).

Results

Compared with controls, patients with acute brainstem ischemic stroke exhibited wide aberrations of static FNC, including increased FNC in DMN–ECN, DMN–VN, ECN–VN, ECN–AN and AN–AUN pairs. Patients with acute brainstem ischemic stroke showed aberrant dynamic FNC in State 1, involving increased FNC aberrance in the DMN with AN, DMN with ECN, and reduced FNC in SMN–VN pairs. In State 5, patients with acute brainstem ischemic stroke showed increased FNC in DMN–VN and AN–AUN, and decreased FNC in AN–SMN pairs.

Conclusion

This study suggests that static and dynamic FNC impairment and aberrant connections exist in acute brainstem ischemic stroke, which expands what is known regarding the relationship between stroke and FNC from static and dynamic perspectives.
A fatal case of chlorfenapyr poisoning and a review of the literature
Authors: Chien Shih-Chun , Chien Shih-Chao , Su Yu-Jang
Published: September 2022

Background

Chlorfenapyr is a widely used pesticide and is classified as moderately hazardous to human health. Ingestion usually leads to mortality in humans. However, chlorfenapyr toxicity has a variable course and mechanism of action. Case presentation: We report the case of a 79-year-old female who ingested chlorfenapyr with the intent to commit suicide. The liquid was ingested 2 hours before she was brought to our emergency department. Gastric lavage was immediately performed. On admission, laboratory examinations revealed mildly elevated liver enzyme and creatinine kinase levels. Acute fever occurred on day 7; on day 8, the patient died of progressive respiratory distress and conscious disturbance. Chlorfenapyr toxicity leads to high rates of mortality (75%) and causes damage to the liver and the nervous system.

Conclusions

It is necessary to observe patients with chlorfenapyr toxicity for 3 weeks because no significant abnormalities occur in the early phase. The onset of fever and deterioration of consciousness is a warning sign of a sudden fatal outcome. We review the literature and discuss neurologic and cardiopulmonary impairment in the clinical course of chlorfenapyr poisoning.
A Scoping Review of the Community Health Worker Model Used for Food Systems Interventions Within the United States
Authors: DeNunzio Maria , Miller Makenzie , Chase Melissa , Kraak Vivica , Serrano Elena , Misyak Sarah
Published: September 2022

Objective

To document and analyze the food systems interventions delivered by community health workers (CHW) serving as educators within the United States (U.S.)

Data Source

Ten databases (ie, Agricola, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, ERIC, Proquest Social Science and Education, Proquest Theses and Dissertations, PubMed, Scopus, SocIndex, Web of Science) and gray-literature repositories were searched for publications between 2005-2020.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

English-language and U.S. studies included with CHW as educators or facilitators for food systems interventions. Food systems defined as processes of production, processing, distribution, marketing, access, preparation, consumption, and disposal of food products. Studies excluded for clinical settings; non-adult CHWs; CHWs with medical or public health credentials; and programming guides, reviews, and commentaries.

Data Extraction

Variables included CHW and intervention description, priority population, food system processes, and targeted and unexpected outcomes.

Data Synthesis

Data were analyzed by the lead investigator and described narratively.

Results

Of 43 records, CHWs educated for consumption (n = 38), preparation (n = 33), and food access (n = 22) to improve health of priority populations. Community health workers educated for the highest number of food system processes in garden-based interventions. Programs reached many underserved racial and socioeconomic populations.

Conclusions

The CHW model has been used to educate in interventions for all food systems processes and reached many diverse underserved audiences. Future work must explore garden-based food systems education and CHWs as community change agents.
Numerical analysis of mixing and combustion characteristics of a lateral swirl combustion system in OP2S diesel engines
Authors: Yang Wei , Li Feng , Ma Fu-kang , Xu Jun-feng
Published: September 2022

Opposed-Piston, Two-Stroke (OP2S) diesel engine is a potential powertrain to achieve efficient and clean combustion. However, its non-uniformity of mixing and combustion restricts performance improvement. To solve this problem, this work proposed a lateral swirl combustion system (LSCS) for the OP2S diesel engine. Applying CFD simulation, this work studied the effects of different combustion chamber parameters on the mixing and combustion performance, power, and emissions of the LSCS of the OP2S diesel engine. Furthermore, the combustion parameters were optimized by sensitivity analysis and parameter normalization methods. The results show that the LSCS helps improve the non-uniformity of mixing & combustion of the OP2S diesel engine, accelerate burning, improve the power of the OP2S diesel engine and reduce soot emissions. Besides, under certain fuel supply conditions, it is necessary to make good use of the space of the axial and radial sections of the combustion chamber and make the convex edge height realize the split-flow effect. Therefore the performance of the LSCS can be improved effectively in the OP2S diesel engine.
Assessment of the combustion chambers' atmospheric test data
Authors: Ghareh Gheshlaghi Maziar Karam , Tahsini Amir Mahdi
Published: September 2022

Due to the complexities of the turbulent reacting flows in the combustion chamber of the turbo-engines, despite significant advances in the computational fluid dynamics, the experimental investigations are still very useful in design and optimization processes. On the other hand, the operating conditions of the combustion chambers are such that they have high inlet pressures and temperatures, so providing these conditions for the considered air flow in the combustion chamber is very complex and expensive. Therefore, the development of low pressure test stands has been considered for decades, and the atmospheric tests are utilized in many research centers and industries related to the turbo-engines. In the present study, using numerical simulations, the effect of pressure on the flame shape and pollutants is investigated and the validity of the results of atmospheric tests is analyzed. Here, an in-house developed program is used to solve the governing equations using the finite volume method. The results show that the flame shape significantly varies at low pressures compared to the operating conditions, and the atmospheric test data are not reliable enough.
A review on fabrication of 3D printed biomaterials using optical methodologies for tissue engineering applications
Authors: John Pauline , Antony Irene Rose , Whenish Ruban , Jinoop Arackal Narayanan
Published: September 2022

Human body comprises of different internal and external biological components. Human organs tend to fail due to continuous or sudden stress which leads to deterioration, failure, and dislocation. The choice of selection and fabrication of materials for tissue engineering play a key role in terms of suitability, sensitivity, and functioning with other organs as a replacement for failed organs. The progressive improvement of the additive manufacturing (AM) approach in healthcare made it possible to print multi-material and customized complex/intricate geometries in a layer-by-layer fashion. The customized or patient-specific implant fabrication can be easily produced with a high success rate due to the development of AM technologies with tailorable properties. The structural behavior of 3D printed biomaterials is a crucial factor in tissue engineering as they affect the functionality of the implants. Various techniques have been developed in appraising the important features and the effects of the subsequent design of the biomaterial implants. The behavior of the AM built biomaterial implants can be understood visually by an imaging system with a high spatial and spectral resolution. This review intends to present an overview of various biomaterials used in implants, followed by a detailed description of optical 3D printing procedures and evaluation of the performance of 3D printed biomaterials using optical characterization.