bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of face masks on the subjective impairment at different physical workloads
Authors: van Kampen Vera , Marek Eike-Maximillian , Sucker Kirsten , Jettkant Birger , Kendzia Benjamin , Strauß Bianca , Ulbrich Melanie , Deckert Anja , Berresheim Hans , Eisenhawer Christian , Hoffmeyer Frank , Weidhaas Simon , Behrens Thomas , Brüning Thomas , Bünger Jürgen
Published: May 2023

To quantify the subjective and cognitive impairment caused by wearing face masks at work, 20 men and 20 women (median age 47 years, range 19–65) were tested under different ergometer workloads while wearing surgical mask, community mask, FFP2 respirator or no mask in a randomized and partially double-blinded design. Masks were worn also at the workplace for four hours. Subjective impairment was recorded by questionnaires. Cognitive performance was tested before and after the workplace examination. Subjective feeling of heat, humidity, and difficult breathing increased with rising physical exertion and wearing time for all three mask types, most notably for FFP2. Even when blinded, participants with FFP2 reported difficult breathing already at rest. During physical exertion, individuals with low tolerance to discomfort reported significantly stronger impairment (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.27). Regarding light work, older subjects (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.98) and women (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.99) showed significantly lower and atopic subjects stronger impairment (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06–1.27). No significant influence of mask wearing was detected on cognitive performance. Wearing a mask had no effect on cognitive performance, but led to discomfort which increased with physical exertion and wearing time. Individuals who tolerate discomfort poorly felt more impaired by wearing a mask during physical exertion.
Novel start codons introduce novel coding sequences in the human genomes
Authors: Zhang He , Xie Yang
Published: May 2023

Start-gain mutations can introduce novel start codons and generate novel coding sequences that may affect the function of genes. In this study, we systematically investigated the novel start codons that were either polymorphic or fixed in the human genomes. 829 polymorphic start-gain SNVs were identified in the human populations, and the novel start codons introduced by these SNVs have significantly higher activity in translation initiation. Some of these start-gain SNVs were reported to be associated with phenotypes and diseases in previous studies. By comparative genomic analysis, we found 26 human-specific start codons that were fixed after the divergence between the human and chimpanzee, and high-level translation initiation activity was observed on them. The negative selection signal was detected in the novel coding sequences introduced by these human-specific start codons, indicating the important function of these novel coding sequences.
Mapping scientists’ career trajectories in the survey of doctorate recipients using three statistical methods
Authors: Edwards Kathryn Anne , Acheson-Field Hannah , Rennane Stephanie , Zaber Melanie A.
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates to what extent there is a ‘traditional’ career among individuals with a Ph.D. in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) discipline. We use longitudinal data that follows the first 7–9 years of post-conferral employment among scientists who attained their degree in the U.S. between 2000 and 2008. We use three methods to identify a traditional career. The first two emphasize those most commonly observed, with two notions of commonality; the third compares the observed careers with archetypes defined by the academic pipeline. Our analysis includes the use of machine-learning methods to find patterns in careers; this paper is the first to use such methods in this setting. We find that if there is a modal, or traditional, science career, it is in non-academic employment. However, given the diversity of pathways observed, we offer the observation that traditional is a poor descriptor of science careers.
A dichotomy color quantization algorithm for the HSI color space
Authors: Yu Xia , Zhuang Huaiyu , Cui Yani , Deng Jiaxian , Ren Jia , Long Haixia
Published: May 2023

Color quantization is used to obtain an image with the same number of pixels as the original but represented using fewer colors. Most existing color quantization algorithms are based on the Red Green Blue (RGB) color space, and there are few color quantization algorithms for the Hue Saturation Intensity (HSI) color space with a simple uniform quantization algorithm. In this paper, we propose a dichotomy color quantization algorithm for the HSI color space. The proposed color quantization algorithm can display images with a smaller number of colors than other quantization methods of RGB color space. The proposed algorithm has three main steps as follows: first, a single-valued monotonic function of the Hue (H) component in the from RGB color space to HSI color space (RGB-HSI) color space conversion is constructed, which can avoid the partition calculation of the H component in the RGB-HSI color space; second, an iterative quantization algorithm based on the single-valued monotonic function is proposed; and third, a dichotomy quantization algorithm is proposed to improve the iterative quantization algorithm. Both visual and numerical evaluations reveal that the proposed method presents promising quantization results.
Secular trend analysis of antibiotic utilisation in some hospitals in Southern Sichuan from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Wu Zhigui , Li Yuan , Li Rong , Sun Xuemei , Chen Tao , Yu Yongqi , Shi Yue , Luo Hongli
Published: May 2023

In order to assess the effectiveness of the Special Antimicrobial Stewardship Campaign launched by Ministry of Health of China in 2011, this study focused on the effectiveness and trends in the clinical use of antimicrobial drugs in selected hospitals in Southern Sichuan, China. This study collected and analyzed antibiotic data from 9 hospitals in Southern Sichuanin 2010, 2015, and 2020, including the rate of antibiotic use, expense, the intensity of antibiotic use and antibiotic use during the type I incisions of perioperative period. After 10 years of continuous improvement, the utilization rate of antibiotics in outpatients of the 9 hospitals continued to decline and was controlled below 20% by 2020, while the utilization rate in inpatients also significantly decreased, most were controlled within 60%. The use intensity of antibiotics (DDD (defined daily doses) per 100 bed-days) decreased from an average of 79.95 in 2010 to 37.96 in 2020. The prophylactic use of antibiotics decreased significantly in type I incision. The proportion of use within 30 min–1 h before operation was significantly increased. After the special rectification and sustained development of the clinical application of antibiotics, the relevant indicators of antibiotics tend to be stable, indicating that this Administration of antimicrobial drugs is conducive to improving the level of rational clinical application of antibiotics.
Synthesis of double-shelled periodic mesoporous organosilica nanospheres/MIL-88A-Fe composite and its elevated performance for Pb2+ removal in water
Authors: Ghodsinia Sara S. E. , Eshghi Hossein , Mohammadinezhad Arezou
Published: May 2023

Herein, we report the synthesis of double-shelled periodic mesoporous organosilica nanospheres/MIL-88A-Fe (DSS/MIL-88A-Fe) composite through a hydrothermal method. To survey the structural and compositional features of the synthesized composite, a variety of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, BET, TEM, FE-SEM, EDX, and EDX-mapping, have been employed. A noteworthy point in this synthesis procedure is the integration of MOF with PMO to increase the adsorbent performance, such as higher specific surface area and more active sites. This combination leads to achieving a structure with an average size of 280 nm and 1.1 μm long attributed to DSS and MOF, respectively, microporous structure and relatively large specific surface area (312.87 m2/g). The as-prepared composite could be used as an effective adsorbent with a high adsorption capacity (250 mg/g) and quick adsorption time (30 min) for the removal of Pb2+ from water. Importantly, DSS/MIL-88A-Fe composite revealed acceptable recycling and stability, since the performance in Pb2+ removal from water remained above 70% even after 4 consecutive cycles.
Cleaner technologies for asphalt mixtures combining reuse of residual aggregates, waste crumb rubber and warm mix asphalt additive
Authors: Franesqui Miguel A. , Rodríguez-Alloza Ana María , Yepes Jorge , García-González Cándida
Published: May 2023

The reuse of waste materials and residual aggregates as well as the reduction of emissions has become vitally important for the environment, the economy and logistics of the asphalt paving industry. This study characterizes the performance and production properties of asphalt mixtures with waste crumb-rubber modifier from scrap tires, a warm mix asphalt surfactant additive and residual poor-quality volcanic aggregates as the single mineral component. The combination of these three cleaner technologies provides a promising solution to produce more sustainable materials by reusing two different types of waste and decreasing the manufacturing temperature at the same time. The compactability, stiffness modulus and fatigue performance characteristics were assessed in the laboratory for different low production temperatures and compared to conventional mixtures. The results indicate that these rubberized warm asphalt mixtures with residual vesicular and scoriaceous aggregates comply with the technical specifications for paving materials. The dynamic properties are maintained or even improved while reusing waste materials and allowing reductions of the manufacturing and compaction temperatures up to 20 °C, therefore, decreasing energy consumption and emissions.
Relationship between adult attachment and cognitive emotional regulation style in women and men
Authors: Delgado Begoña , Amor Pedro J. , Domínguez-Sánchez Francisco J. , Holgado-Tello Francisco P.
Published: May 2023

Cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies are useful in evaluating the risk of developing emotional disorders and that they may define subjects’ styles. This study aims to explore the extent to which specific styles of CER strategies relate to the anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions in adults and whether such relationships operate similarly for women and men. Two hundred and fifteen adults (between 22 and 67 years old) completed the Spanish versions of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Experiences in Close Relationships instrument. Cluster analysis, ANOVA and Student's t-test were used. Our results show that women and men can be successfully classified into two CER clusters (Protective and Vulnerable), distinguished by the higher use in the protective cluster of the CER strategies considered most adaptive and complex (Acceptance, Positive Refocusing, Refocus on Planning, Positive Reappraisal, and Putting into Perspective). However, only in women were the anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions significantly associated with CER style. In conclusion, from a clinical and interpersonal perspective, it is interesting to be able to predict the belonging to a Protective or Vulnerable coping style by analysing the CER strategies and to know their relationship with the adult affective system.
A multi-source behavioral and physiological recording system for cognitive assessment
Authors: Wang Zi-yang , Liu Li , Liu Yu
Published: May 2023

Cognitive assessment has a broad application prospect, including estimate of childhood neuro development and maturation, diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, and selection for special profession. With the development of computer technique and behavioral recording sensors, the method of cognitive assessment has been replaced from paper scale test to human–computer interaction. We can not only obtain the results of tasks, but also make it possible to acquire multiple behavioral and physiological data during the task. However, there is still a strong challenge of recording multi-source data synchronously during multi-dimensional cognitive assessments. Therefore, we built a multi-source cognitive assessment system can record multi-pattern behavioral and physiological data and feedback at different spatiotemporal levels. Under this system, we developed a multi-source diagnostic toolset for cognitive assessment, including eye tracking, hand movement, EEG and human–computer interaction data during the cognitive task. 238 participants with different mental disorders were assessed using this system. The results showed that our diagnostic toolset can be used to study the behavioral abnormalities of patients with mental disorders through the characteristics of multi-source data. Furthermore, this system can provide some objective diagnostic criteria such as behavioral characters and EEG features for diagnosis of mental disorders.
An 8-cage imaging system for automated analyses of mouse behavior
Authors: Del Rosario Hernández Thaís , Joshi Narendra R. , Gore Sayali V. , Kreiling Jill A. , Creton Robbert
Published: May 2023

The analysis of mouse behavior is used in biomedical research to study brain function in health and disease. Well-established rapid assays allow for high-throughput analyses of behavior but have several drawbacks, including measurements of daytime behaviors in nocturnal animals, effects of animal handling, and the lack of an acclimation period in the testing apparatus. We developed a novel 8-cage imaging system, with animated visual stimuli, for automated analyses of mouse behavior in 22-h overnight recordings. Software for image analysis was developed in two open-source programs, ImageJ and DeepLabCut. The imaging system was tested using 4–5 month-old female wild-type mice and 3xTg-AD mice, a widely-used model to study Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The overnight recordings provided measurements of multiple behaviors including acclimation to the novel cage environment, day and nighttime activity, stretch-attend postures, location in various cage areas, and habituation to animated visual stimuli. The behavioral profiles were different in wild-type and 3xTg-AD mice. AD-model mice displayed reduced acclimation to the novel cage environment, were hyperactive during the first hour of darkness, and spent less time at home in comparison to wild-type mice. We propose that the imaging system may be used to study various neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Non-coaxial deformation of foreland basement involved in a fold-and-thrust belt: a strain partitioning approach to the Eastern Variscan orogen
Authors: Mareček L. , Melichar R. , Černý J. , Schnabl P. , Hrdličková K. , Buriánek D.
Published: May 2023

The general SW–NE course of the Variscan orogen in Europe is abruptly bent to the N–S course at its eastern margin, where an oblique convergence occurred. The main suture in this part of the Variscan orogenic belt is called the Moldanubian Thrust, characterized by a dominant dextral strike-slip kinematics and a minor thrust component. The deep level of erosion and the good exposure of this structure allowed us to study the mechanisms of oblique convergence and the incorporation of the foreland basement into the orogenic belt. The combination of small-scale structures with the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility studies allowed the recognition of two deformations in the studied rocks: dextral simple shearing and drag folding. Due to oblique convergence, the deformations induced by this mechanism were non-coaxial; therefore, their contributions can be easily distinguished. Finally, an overturned, almost recumbent large-scale synformal fold structure in the footwall and an antiformal structure in the hanging wall of the Moldanubian Thrust were formed. These two folds can be interpreted as structures formed by dragging along the Moldanubian Thrust. The previously described sinistral simple shearing in the upper limb of the synform resulted from the original dextral strike-slip shearing, which was overturned during progressive deformation.
Long- COVID and general health status in hospitalized COVID-19 survivors
Authors: Mohtasham-Amiri Zahra , Keihanian Fatemeh , Rad Enayatollah Homaie , Shakib Reza Jafari , Vahed Leila Kanafi , Kouchakinejad–Eramsadati Leila , Rezvani Seyed Mahmoud , Nikkar Rastin
Published: May 2023

Despite advances in clinical research, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on patients are not clear. Many studies revealed persistent long-term signs and symptoms. In a survey study, 259 hospitalized confirmed COVID-19 patients between 18 and 59 years were interviewed. Demographic characteristics and complaints were studied through telephone interviews. Any patient-reported symptoms that continued or developed from 4 weeks up to 12 weeks after the onset of the disease were recorded only if they did not exist prior to infection. The 12-Item General Health Questionnaire was used for screening and assessing mental symptoms and psychosocial well-being. The mean age of participants was 43.8 ± 9.9 years. About 37% had at least one underlying disease. 92.5% showed ongoing symptoms that the most prevalent complications were hair loss (61.4%), fatigue (54.1%), shortness of breath (40.2%), altered smell (34.4%), and aggression (34.4%), respectively. In terms of factors affecting patients' complaints, there were significant differences between age, sex, and underlying disease with long-remaining complications. This study shows a high rate of long COVID-19 conditions that should be considered by physicians, policymakers, and managers.
Long, Multicenter Bonds in Radical Anion π-dimers
Authors: Mota Fernando , Novoa Juan J. , Miller Joel S.
Published: May 2023

Long, multicenter C–C bonds (LMBs) are a new sub-class of bonds that can occur between a pair of neutral or charged radicals, and, similar to covalent bonds, result in a diamagnetic compound. LMBs were first established for the eclipsed, cofacial π-[TCNE]22− (TCNE=tetracyanoethylene). A systematic analysis of the properties of the long multicenter bond in the prototypical π-[TCNE]22− dimer, where the long, multicenter bond connects two radical anions, has been established by using high level ab initio methods. The results obtained show that LMBs share the most fundamental properties of intermolecular bonds (namely, their strength and equilibrium distance, their dependence on electrostatic and dispersion components). Additionally, they have a weak bonding component that provides characteristics of covalent bonds (namely, their origin results from the overlap of the orbitals of the interacting fragments, as well as their dependence on the spin multiplicity of the aggregate.) As a result, it is possible to talk about a n-electron m-centered intermolecular bonds, in a given state spin multiplicity. LMBs are not van der Waals bonds as they lack a bonding component. Also, they cannot be electrostatic bonds (due to the presence of an important bonding and dispersion components).
Development and validation of a new method for the simultaneous determination of PAHs and NDL-PCBs in fish by GC-SQ-MS
Authors: Charalampous Angeliki C. , Anagnostopoulos Chris I. , Koupparis Michael A.
Published: May 2023

Method development and validation for the determination of PAHs and NDL-PCBs in fish and smoked fish products using GC-SQ-MS.
SERS-based detection of an organochlorine pesticide through surface plasmon-induced C–C coupling
Authors: Lopes Douglas S. , Miranda Ester V. , Ando Rômulo A. , Corio Paola
Published: May 2023

The successful detection of a model organochlorine pesticide was achieved through surface plasmon-induced Suzuki–Miyaura C–C cross-coupling.
A high-performance metal halide perovskite-based laser-driven display
Authors: Zhang Shaoan , Li Zhenzhang , Fang Zaijin , Qiu Bao , Pathak Janak L. , Sharafudeen Kaniyarakkal , Saravanakumar S. , Li Zhanjun , Han Gang , Li Yang
Published: May 2023

Blue light-excitable Cs4PbBr6@CsPbBr3 solids with a near unity PLQY, strong stability, and low photoluminescence deterioration are encapsulated into a laser-driven LCD device.
Development of high affinity broadly reactive aptamers for spike protein of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Le Thao T. , Benton Donald J. , Wrobel Antoni G. , Gamblin Steven J.
Published: May 2023

We have developed broadly reactive aptamers against multiple variants by alternating the target between spike proteins from different SARS-CoV-2 variants during the selection process.
A highly stretchable, self-healable, transparent and solid-state poly(ionic liquid) filler for high-performance dielectric elastomer actuators
Authors: Wang Hui , Ming Tan Matthew Wei , Poh Wei Church , Gao Dace , Wu Wenting , Lee Pooi See
Published: May 2023

A soft and solid-state poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) filler is synthesized to increase the dielectric constant and decrease the Young's modulus of composite elastomers, thereby improving the actuation performance and safety of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs).
An iron-containing ferritin-based nanosensitizer for synergistic ferroptosis/sono-photodynamic cancer therapy
Authors: Zheng Yilin , Zheng Jianping , Du Manyi , Yang Ya , Li Xudong , Chen Haijun , Gao Yu
Published: May 2023

A ferritin-based nanosensitizer FCD by co-encapsulating chlorin e6 (Ce6) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in horse spleen ferritin was constructed, and was employed for synergistic ferroptosis and sono-photodynamic therapy (SPDT).
A dual-nanozyme-loaded black phosphorus multifunctional therapeutic platform for combined photothermal/photodynamic/starvation cancer therapy
Authors: Du Wenxiang , Chen Weijian , Wang Jing , Zhang Hongjie , Song Lei , Hu Yuan , Ma Xiaopeng
Published: May 2023

Schematic diagram of the construction of AMGP and its application in the combination therapy of tumors.
Enhanced hemocompatibility and antibacterial activity of biodegradable poly(ester-urethane) modified with quercetin and phosphorylcholine for durable blood-contacting applications
Authors: Hao Tiantian , Niu Guangliang , Zhang Hao , Zhu Yuzheng , Zhang Chunxia , Kong Fanzhao , Xu Jing , Hou Zhaosheng
Published: May 2023

Biodegradable quercetin–phosphorylcholine-modified poly(ester-urethane) materials were prepared by a facile two-step technique. The cast films simultaneously showed well mechanical properties, surface hemocompatibility and antibacterial activity.
Enhancing NIR-to-visible photon upconversion in cast solid by introducing bulky substituents in rubrene and by suppressing back energy transfer
Authors: Sawa Akane , Shimada Shota , Tripathi Neeti , Heck Claire , Tachibana Hiroaki , Koyama Emiko , Mizokuro Toshiko , Hirao Yasukazu , Kubo Takashi , Tamai Naoto , Kuzuhara Daiki , Yamada Hiroko , Kamada Kenji
Published: May 2023

Upconversion efficiency from near infrared to visible light in cast solid is drastically enhanced by both introducing bulky peripherals in the emitter and reducing the sensitizer concentration.
Distributed convex optimization based on zero‐gradient‐sum algorithm under switching topology
Authors: Tan Manchun , Ren Junwu , Ye Lei , Xiang Jianglian
Published: May 2023

This paper designs a finite‐time convergence protocol and an event‐triggered control protocol based on Zero‐Gradient‐Sum (ZGS) algorithm under stochastic switching undirected topology, respectively, which greatly expands the theory of continuous‐time distributed optimization algorithms. With finite‐time stability and Lyapunov stability analysis, it is illustrated that the proposed method can finite‐time converge to the optimal solution of distributed unconstrained convex optimization problem and overcome the disturbances of the switching communication networks. In addition, the event‐triggered mechanism can effectively reduce the network burden and communication cost as well as avoid Zeno behaviour. Finally, two numerical simulations verify the advantages and effectiveness of these methods.
Resilience assessment of active distribution systems considering microgrid formation based on grid‐edge DERs
Authors: Huang Yuxiong , Rong Xuanman , Li Gengfeng , Chen Chen , Bie Zhaohong
Published: May 2023

Distributed energy resources (DERs) provide flexible load restoration strategies, which can effectively enhance the resilience of active distribution systems (ADSs). Whereas, the widespread DERs in ADSs complicates the supply‐demand relationship and make the system resilience difficult to access. Therefore, this paper proposes a simulation‐based resilience assessment algorithm of ADSs considering the microgrid formation based on grid‐edge DERs. Microgrid formation is used to depict the resilience gain of grid‐edge DERs on ADSs. Specifically, a resilience assessment framework for ADSs is firstly proposed, where the uncertainty of component state and supply‐demand is modelled based on probability statistics. Then the mixed integer linear programming is used to search for optimal load restoration strategies with microgrid formation. On this basis, a set of resilience indices are defined to quantitatively analyse the resilience of ADSs, and a resilience assessment algorithm with uncertainty scenario generation is proposed to obtain these indices. Furthermore, extensive numerical results based on a modified IEEE 123‐bus feeder validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Rectus Sheath Hematoma in a Patient with Dual-Antiplatelet Therapy Including Ticagrelor: A Case Report
Authors: Genç Sinan , Yeter Ahmet Sefa , Oğuz Ahmet Burak , Koca Ayça , Polat Onur , Günalp Eneyli Müge
Published: May 2023

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain associated with several risk factors including trauma, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pregnancy, and anticoagulation as it can be iatrogenic. Dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), combined usage of a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor and aspirin, is a cornerstone treatment for patients with acute coronary syndromes. Ticagrelor is a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor with several adverse hemorrhagic complications. An 86-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain and a palpable abdominal mass at the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. His medical history revealed coronary artery disease with medications including acetylsalicylic acid and ticagrelor. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed RSH. The patient was treated conservatively with bed rest and analgesia. DAPT is an essential component of the management of acute coronary syndromes to prevent recurrent cardiac thrombotic events. However, hemorrhagic complications such as RSH may be encountered with DAPT. Emergency medicine physicians and cardiologists should keep in mind RSH in patients presenting with abdominal pain and using DAPT with ticagrelor.
Synchronous Malignancies: Pathological Analysis of Three Patients, Each with Dual Malignancies
Authors: Osama Md Ali , Chatterjee Priti , Kumar Rakesh , Saini Gunjan , Lal Romesh , Biswas Ratna
Published: May 2023

Multiple primary malignancies are defined as two or more malignancies arising independently to each other in the same or different anatomical sites, while excluding the possibility of metastasis from the primary malignancy. Here, we present three cases, each with dual malignancies involving different anatomical locations.
Research on Channelization Techniques of Radio Astronomical Wideband Signal with Oversampled Polyphase Filter Banks
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Hai-Long , Zhang Ya-Zhou , Wang Jie , Guo Shao-Cong , Meng Qiao
Published: May 2023

Digital channelization decomposes a wideband signal into multiple adjacent sub-bands using Parallel Technology. Channelization can effectively reduce the pressure on the radio astronomy digital backends system and make wideband signal processing possible. Aiming at the problems of signal attenuation at sub-band edge, spectral leakage and aliasing encountered in wideband signal channelization, algorithms to reduce the problems are studied. We design a Critically Sampled Polyphase Filter Bank (CS-PFB) based on the Finite Impulse Response digital filter with a Hamming Window and systematically analyze the frequency response characteristics of the CS-PFB. Based on the channelized structure of the CS-PFB, an OverSampled Polyphase Filter Bank (OS-PFB) is designed by data reuse, and the filtering frequency response characteristics of CS-PFB and OS-PFB are compared and analyzed. Using the wideband baseband data generated by the CASPSR (Collaboration for Astronomy Signal processing and electronics research Parkes Swinburne Recorder), we implement sub-band division and 16-band output of these data based on the 2× oversampling OS-PFB, and the problem of spectrum inversion in the sub-bands is corrected. After removing 25% of redundant data in the head and tail of each sub-band, we recombine the sub-bands into a wideband. The wideband signal is almost identical to the original observed signal. Therefore, the experimental results show that the OS-PFB can improve the channel response. For the 400 MHz baseband data of J0437-4715, we compare the pulse profile obtained from the original baseband data with the pulse profile obtained after the channelization and recombination. The phase and amplitude information of the pulse profiles are consistent, which verifies the correctness of our channelization algorithm.
Sustainable development on production and characterization of metal matrix composites using stir casting
Authors: Rajan Raj Thilak Krishnan , Ramesh S , Boppana Satish Babu , Krishnan Pradeep Kumar
Published: May 2023

In this study, four different combinations of aluminium metal matrix composites (AMCs) were produced using a computerized stir casting process. The feasibility of using car Scrap Aluminium Engine Head (SAEH) as matrix material, Fresh Alumina Catalyst (FAC) and Spent Alumina Catalyst (SAC) from petrochemical industries as reinforcement material were investigated. The physical and mechanical properties of the cast samples were tested through density, hardness, tensile, compression, and impact test. Microstructural investigations were carried out using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) were also conducted to justify the results obtained. The results indicated that SAEH reinforced with 5 wt% SAC exhibited lower porosity (2.6%) and higher Brinell hardness (71.5 BHN), Vickers hardness (307.1 VHN), tensile strength (217 MPa), and compressive strength (426 MPa) than other composites. Additionally, this composite showed the highest impact strength (0.02375 J mm−2) and DTA value (568.5 μV mg−1). The TGA result showed that all composites had high thermal stability, with the SAC-reinforced composites having the highest thermal stability (100.13%).
Benchmarking Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Smoking: Challenges and Opportunities for Public Health
Authors: Smith Robert W , Holt-Lunstad Julianne , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: May 2023

Over the past decade, the health implications of social isolation and loneliness garnered global attention due in part to a widely cited meta-analysis that benchmarked associations between cigarette smoking and mortality with associations between several social-relationship measures and mortality. Leaders in health systems, research, government, and popular media have since claimed that the harms of social isolation and loneliness are comparable to that of cigarette smoking. Our commentary examines the basis of this comparison. We suggest that comparisons between social isolation, loneliness, and smoking have been helpful for raising awareness of robust evidence linking social relationships and health. However, the analogy often oversimplifies the evidence and may overemphasize treating social isolation or loneliness at the individual level without sufficient attention on population-level prevention. As communities, governments, and health and social sector practitioners navigate opportunities for change, we believe now is time to focus greater attention on the structures and environments that promote and constrain healthy relationships.
An Ontology as Support for Specification of Non-functional Requirements of AAL Systems Considering Compliance Aspects
Authors: Silva Timóteo G , Alencar Fernanda
Published: May 2023

Ambient assisted living (AAL) is a technological approach that emerged to meet the demands of seniors and people with disabilities. Because they are considered complex and multidisciplinary systems, it is necessary to identify and define which elements need to compose these systems. These challenges and the need for assistance in specifying requirements have led the academic community to explore and establish new approaches for the development of AAL systems. For this, there is the integration of different areas of knowledge, such as ontology, requirements engineering and compliance. Therefore, this work presents a central ontology to support the specification of requirements in AAL systems, where the elements that are part of the type of system are integrated. With the use of this ontology, it was possible to develop a domain ontology for vertical elevation platforms, where a validation was carried out with the industry in relation to the elements that constitute it and, later, a scenario was built to verify the syntactic correction of ontology. With the use of ontology, it will be possible to standardize the understanding of the associated terms and, at the same time, verify the relationships between the elements and help the designer in the requirements specification stage.
Theorizing about the executive in the modern state
Authors: MacDonnell Vanessa A
Published: May 2023

Margit Cohn has written a terrific new book about the executive branch of state. Writing against the backdrop of a wave of executive aggrandizement in constitutional democracies around the world, Cohn sets herself the ambitious task of constructing a theoretical account of executive power. What emerges is a theory built around the twin themes of tension and legality. In most constitutional systems, she argues, the law provides broad general authorization for executive action, leaving the state with a wide margin to maneuver while still being able to brandish the mantle of legality. For Cohn, this raises rule of law and democracy concerns. In this review essay, I suggest that we should follow Cohn’s twin themes through to their logical conclusion. Perhaps controversially, I suggest that where this takes us is not exactly where Cohn ends up. Rather than countering strong executives with strong courts, we should adopt the plural approach Cohn mentions in passing at the outset of the book. This means exploiting institutions’ strengths and attempting to respond meaningfully to their weaknesses. In doing so, we must be careful not to adopt responses to executive power that erect unnecessary obstacles to governance in the public interest.
Syringocystadenoma papilliferum: case series and review of the literature
Authors: Gorji Leva , Hamilton Matthew , Reyes Nicole M , O’Neill Erin M , Floyd Zachary R , Elrod Michael A , Archer Andrew L
Published: May 2023

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP) is a rare, hamartomatous tumor of the apocrine glands, which typically manifests in the head and neck region. We present a case of 60-year-old male with a several-year history of the lesion located on the abdominal wall and a second case of a 58-year-old male with a history of a slow-growing lesion located on the tragus. Despite varying presentations and locations, both patients were identified to have SCAP on pathological evaluation. Appropriate treatments of SCAP range from CO2 laser treatment to surgical excision; we recommend surgical excision due to the risk of malignant transformation.
Interviewer Involvement in Respondent Selection Moderates the Relationship Between Response Rates and Sample Bias in Cross-National Survey Projects in Europe
Authors: Kołczyńska Marta , Jabkowski Piotr , Eckman Stephanie
Published: May 2023

Survey researchers and practitioners often assume that higher response rates are associated with a higher quality of survey data. However, the evidence for this claim in face-to-face surveys is mixed. To explain these mixed results, recent studies have proposed that interviewers’ involvement in respondent selection moderates the effect of response rates on data quality. Previous analyses based on data from the European Social Survey found that response rates are positively associated with data quality when interviewer involvement in respondent selection is minimal. However, the association between response rates and data quality is negative when interviewers are more involved in respondent selection through household frame creation or within-household selection of target persons. These studies have hypothesized that some interviewers deviate from prescribed selection procedures to select individuals with higher response propensities, which increase response rates while reducing data quality. We replicate these results with an extended dataset, including more recent European Social Survey rounds and three other European survey projects: the European Quality of Life Survey, European Values Study, and International Social Survey Programme. Based on our results, we recommend that surveys include procedures to verify respondent-selection practices into their fieldwork control procedures.
Curvature geometry in 2D materials
Authors: Wei Nan , Ding Yiran , Zhang Jiaqian , Li Linyi , Zeng Mengqi , Fu Lei
Published: May 2023

The two-dimensional (2D) material family can be regarded as the extreme externalization form of the matter in the planar 2D space. These atomically thin materials have abundant curvature structures, which will significantly affect their atomic configurations and physicochemical properties. Curvature engineering offers a new tuning freedom beyond the thoroughly studied layer number, grain boundaries, stacking order, etc. The precise control of the curvature geometry in 2D materials can redefine this material family. Special attention will be given to this emerging field and highlight possible future directions. With the step-by-step achievement in understanding the curvature engineering effect in 2D materials and establishing reliable delicate curvature controlling strategies, a brand-new era of 2D materials research could be developed.
Epidemiological Impact of the Pediatric Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) Program on Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Infection in England
Authors: Sinnathamby Mary A , Warburton Fiona , Guy Rebecca , Andrews Nick , Lamagni Theresa , Watson Conall , Bernal Jamie Lopez
Published: May 2023

Background

Influenza is known to predispose to secondary bacterial infections including invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) disease. The universal pediatric live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) program introduced in England from the 2013/2014 influenza season was implemented incrementally, introducing cohorts of children annually to 2–16 years of coverage. Additionally, from the beginning of the program, discrete pilot areas offered LAIV vaccination to all primary school–age children, allowing for a unique comparison of infection rates between pilot and nonpilot areas during the program rollout.

Methods

Cumulative incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of GAS infections (all), scarlet fever (SF), and iGAS infection within each season by age group were compared for pilot and nonpilot areas using Poisson regression. The overall effect of the pilot program in the pre- (2010/2011–2012/2013 seasons) and postintroduction (2013/2014–2016/2017 seasons) periods was assessed using negative binomial regression by comparing changes in incidence between pilot/nonpilot areas (ratio of IRR [rIRR]).

Results

Reductions in IRRs of GAS and SF were observed within most post-LAIV program seasons, among the age groups 2–4 and 5–10 years. Significant reductions were seen among 5–10 years (rIRR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.45–0.71; P < .001), 2–4 years (rIRR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.43–0.90; P = .011), and 11–16 years (rIRR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.43–0.90; P = .018) for GAS infections when assessing the overall effect of the program.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that vaccination with LAIV may be associated with a reduced risk of GAS infection and support attaining high uptake of childhood influenza vaccination.
Social Workers Should Stand against Physical Punishment of Children
Authors: Lee Shawna J
Published: May 2023

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the leading professional organization for social work that established the Code of Ethics and sets the policy agenda for the profession. Guided by the Code of Ethics and the Grand Challenges for Social Work goal to “build healthy relationships to end violence,” the NASW Social Work Speaks policy compendium should reassert its statement against the physical punishment of children. This recommendation aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and children’s right to protection from violence; the rigorous empirical research base, which demonstrates that physical punishment has detrimental consequences to child well-being; and similar policy statements issued by allied professional organizations. The NASW policies can advocate for ending violence against children by providing guidance on disciplinary practices that are based on principles of nonviolence and that respect children’s human rights. Practitioners can support caregivers through interventions that provide alternatives to physical punishment.
12Posthumanism
Authors: Nayar Pramod K
Published: May 2023

Varieties of posthumanism in literature and popular culture received sustained attention, as expected, in 2022. Human–nonhuman relationships, whether in terms of the human–animal or human–artificial-being relationship; issues of care for/of the nonhuman; theological debates around posthumanism, especially with regard to rituals, practices of belief, and the ‘digital afterlife’; and the different genealogies of the posthuman, were themes that informed a large number of essays and books. This chapter aims for a comprehensive survey of the year’s work and is organized around six sections that seek to summarize the major contributions to work in posthumanism: 1. Theorizing Posthumanism; 2. Literary Posthumanisms; 3. Popular Posthumanisms; 4. Posthumanism and the Disciplines; 5. The Nonhuman; and 6. Posthumanism after the Pandemic.
RISK FACTORS FOR PUPILLARY OPTIC CAPTURE FOLLOWING SUTURELESS FLANGED INTRAOCULAR LENS FIXATION FOR INTRAOCULAR LENS DISLOCATION
Authors: Do Jae Rock , Park Su Jin , Kim Jin Young , Shin Jae Pil , Park Dong Ho
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To identify risk factors for pupillary optic capture after sutureless flanged intraocular lens (IOL) fixation for IOL dislocation.

Methods:

This retrospective comparative study enrolled consecutive patients who underwent flanged IOL fixation using 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy. One hundred twenty-six eyes (126 patients) were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of pupillary optic capture. A swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography and a rotating Scheimpflug camera were used to analyze and compare surgical parameters, including axial length, anterior chamber depth, differences in scleral tunnel angle and length, and IOL tilt and decentration, between the two groups.

Results:

Compared with the nonpupillary optic capture group (106 eyes, 84.1%), the pupillary optic capture group (20 eyes, 15.9%) had larger differences in the nasal and temporal scleral tunnel angles and larger horizontal tilt (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that these factors correlated with the occurrence of pupillary optic capture (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

To prevent pupillary optic capture after flanged IOL fixation, surgeons should avoid asymmetry in the angles of the nasal and temporal scleral tunnels, which causes horizontal IOL tilt and subsequent pupillary capture.
Predicting deep surgical site infection in patients receiving open posterior instrumented thoracolumbar surgery: A-DOUBLE-SSI risk score – a large retrospective multicenter cohort study in China
Authors: Cheng Lei , Liu Jiesheng , Lian Liyi , Duan Wanru , Guan Jian , Wang Kai , Liu Zhenlei , Wang Xingwen , Wang Zuowei , Wu Hao , Chen Zan , Wang Jianzhen , Jian Fengzeng
Published: May 2023

Background:

To develop a practical prediction model to predict the risk of deep surgical site infection (SSI) in patients receiving open posterior instrumented thoracolumbar surgery.

Methods:

Data of 3419 patients in four hospitals from 1 January 2012 to 30 December 2021 were evaluated. The authors used clinical knowledge-driven, data-driven, and decision tree model to identify predictive variables of deep SSI. Forty-three candidate variables were collected, including 5 demographics, 29 preoperative, 5 intraoperative, and 4 postoperative variables. According to model performance and clinical practicability, the best model was chosen to develop a risk score. Internal validation was performed by using bootstrapping methods.

Results:

After open posterior instrumented thoracolumbar surgery, 158 patients (4.6%) developed deep SSI. The clinical knowledge-driven model yielded 12 predictors of deep SSI, while the data-driven and decision tree model produced 11 and 6 predictors, respectively. A knowledge-driven model, which had the best C-statistics [0.81 (95% CI: 0.78–0.85)] and superior calibration, was chosen due to its favorable model performance and clinical practicality. Moreover, 12 variables were identified in the clinical knowledge-driven model, including age, BMI, diabetes, steroid use, albumin, duration of operation, blood loss, instrumented segments, powdered vancomycin administration, duration of drainage, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and early postoperative activities. In bootstrap internal validation, the knowledge-driven model still showed optimal C-statistics (0.79, 95% CI: 0.75–0.83) and calibration. Based on these identified predictors, a risk score for deep SSI incidence was created: the A-DOUBLE-SSI (Age, D [Diabetes, Drainage], O [duration of Operation, vancOmycin], albUmin, B [BMI, Blood loss], cerebrospinal fluid Leakage, Early activities, Steroid use, and Segmental Instrumentation) risk score. Based on the A-DOUBLE-SSI score system, the incidence of deep SSI increased in a graded fashion from 1.06% (A-DOUBLE-SSIs score ≤8) to 40.6% (A-DOUBLE-SSIs score>15).

Conclusions:

The authors developed a novel and practical model, the A-DOUBLE-SSIs risk score, that integrated easily accessible demographics, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables and could be used to predict individual risk of deep SSI in patients receiving open posterior instrumented thoracolumbar surgery.