bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends and Forecasts on Prediabetes and Diabetes in Adult and Elderly Population in Turkey
Authors: Satman Ilhan , Bayirlioglu Safak , Okumus Funda , Erturk Nazli , Yemenici Merve , Cinemre Sedanur , Gulfidan Gizem , Arga Kazim Yalcin , Merih Yeliz Dogan , Issever Halim
Published: February 2022

Aims Diabetes is a chronic disease that limits the quality and duration of life. We aimed to estimate the trends in prediabetes and diabetes between 2010-2020, and the projections to 2023 and 2045 in Turkey. Materials and methods Prediabetes and diabetes estimates were calculated by direct standardization using age/sex-specific data from the previous TURDEP-II survey as reference. The 2010-2020 population demographics were obtained from TurkStat. Comparative age-adjusted diabetes rates were estimated using standard population models of world and Europe. ResultsEstimates depicted that the population (20-84 years) of any degree of glucose intolerance in Turkey increased by approximately 5.3 million (diabetes: 2.2 million and prediabetes: 3.1 million) from 2010 to 2020. While the increase in prediabetes and diabetes rates was 22% and 31.6% in overall population, corresponding increase were 45.2% and 45.6% in the elderly. Notably, diabetes awareness was comparable (54% and 58%). Age-specific prediabetes and diabetes rates were significantly higher in women than in men (diabetes: 14.1% versus 17%; prediabetes: 38.6% versus 30.2%). The comparative age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes to the standard European but not the world population model, showed a higher rate of 19.4%. According to the projections the prevalence of diabetes will reach 15.9% in 2023 and 19.1% in 2045. Conclusion﻿Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in Turkey and will continue to grow in the coming decades. The fact suggests that there is an urgent need to developing and implementing the country-specific prevention program to halt this increase. Otherwise, the burden of diabetes on social, economic and health services will continue to increase.
Minimal non-abelian nodal braiding in ideal metamaterials
Authors: Qiu Chunyin , Qiu Huahui , Zhang Qicheng , Liu Tingzhi , Fan Xiying , Zhang Fan
Published: February 2022

Exploring new topological phases and phenomena has become a vital topic in condensed matter physics and material sciences1-4. It is generally believed that a pair of band nodes with opposite topological charges will annihilate after collision. Recent studies reveal that a braided colliding nodal pair can be stabilized in a multi-gap system with PT or C_2z T symmetry5-7. Beyond the conventional single-gap abelian band topology, this intriguing phenomenon exemplifies non-abelian topological charges5-7. Here, we construct ideal acoustic metamaterials to realize non-abelian braiding with the fewest band nodes. We experimentally observe an elegant but nontrivial nodal braiding process, including nodes creation, braiding, collision, and repulsion (i.e., failure to annihilate), and measure the mirror eigenvalues to elucidate the essential braiding consequence. The latter, at the level of wavefunctions, is of prime importance since the braiding physics essentially aims to entangle multi-band wavefunctions. Furthermore, we experimentally unveil the highly intricate correspondence between the edge responses and the bulk non-abelian charges. Notably, all our experimental data perfectly reproduce our numerical simulations. Our findings pave the way for developing non-abelian topological physics that is still in its infancy8-10.
Efficient Cloud-based Resource Sharing Through Multi-tenancy and Load Balancing: An Exploration of Higher Education and Digital Libraries
Authors: Al-Maliki Saeed Q. Al-Khalidi
Published: February 2022

In recent years, cloud computing has received a lot of attention in academic and industrial sectors. Cloud technology facilitates data sharing and enables cost efficiency, playing a vital role in the present as well as for the foreseeable future. In this paper, we briefly elaborate on the structure of cloud-based digital resource sharing suitable for academic and digital libraries by implementing multi-tenant and load-balancing techniques. We then suggest improving the current user service model with private cloud storage as a new paradigm for digital resource sharing for other sectors, including medical and financial. This paper shows a summary of cloud computing and its possible applications, combined with digital data optimisation for web-based services. This study could aid in the identification and generation of cloud-based services that use multi-tenant and load-balancing methodologies for the best quality of service.
A hedonic orexigenic subnetwork within the human hippocampus
Authors: Barbosa Daniel A. N. , Gattas Sandra , Salgado Juliana S. , Kuijper Fiene Marie , Wang Allan R. , Huang Yuhao , Kakusa Bina , Leuze Christoph , Luczak Artur , Rapp Paul , Malenka Robert C. , Miller Kai J. , Heifets Boris D. , Bohon Cara , McNab Jennifer A. , Halpern Casey H.
Published: February 2022

Only recently has the rodent hippocampus been implicated in orexigenic appetitive processing1,2. This function has been found to be mediated at least in part by lateral hypothalamic inputs involving an orexigenic neuropeptide, melanin-concentrating hormone3. This circuit remains elusive in humans. Here, we combine tractography, intracranial electrophysiology, cortico-subcortical evoked potentials, and brain-clearing 3D histology to identify an orexigenic circuit involving the lateral hypothalamus converging in a hippocampal subregion. We found that low-frequency power is modulated by sweet-fat food cues and this modulation was specific to the dorsolateral hippocampus. Lastly, structural and functional analyses of this circuit in a human cohort exhibiting dysregulated eating behavior revealed connectivity that was inversely related to body mass index. Collectively, this multimodal approach describes an orexigenic subnetwork within the human hippocampus implicated in obesity and related eating disorders.
Diagnostic Performance of Endoscopic Ultrasound Elastography for Differential Diagnosis of Solid Pancreatic Lesions: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Cho In Rae , Jeong Seok-Hoo , Kang Huapyong , Kim Eui Joo , Kim Yeon Suk , Jeon Soyoung , Cho Jae Hee
Published: February 2022

Background
Endoscopic ultrasound-elastography (EUS-EG) is a non-invasive complementary diagnostic method for the differential diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions (SPL). However, the optimal strain ratio (SR) value and diagnostic performance of EUS-EG have not yet been determined in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (PNEN), mass-forming pancreatitis (MFP), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We aimed to determine the optimal SR value in EUS-EG for differential diagnosis of SPLs.
Methods
A total 134 patients who underwent EUS-EG to evaluate SPL were retrospectively investigated. Patients were divided into 3 groups – PNEN (n=10), MFP (n=37), and PDAC (n=87). Baseline characteristics and results of EUS-EG were compared between groups and statistical analyses were performed for differential diagnosis.
Results
The mean SR values of each group were 11.85±7.56 (PNEN), 11.45±5.97 (MFP), and 22.50 ± 13.19 (PDAC), respectively. There was significant association between SR value increase and PDAC diagnosis (PNEN versus PDAC, p=0.0216; MFP versus PDAC, p=0.0006) in multinomial logistic regression analysis. SR value of 17.14 was confirmed as the optimal cut-off value for differential diagnosis between MFP and PDAC.
Conclusions
Differential diagnosis of SPL could be performed using EUS-EG. The cut-off SR value presented in this study is expected to be useful in differential diagnosis.
Clinical trial registration number:
https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris : KCT0002082
Biomimetic Cardiac Tissue Culture Model (CTCM) to Emulate Cardiac Physiology and Pathophysiology ex vivo
Authors: Miller Jessica , Meki Moustafa , Ou Qinghui , Abouleisa Riham , Tang Xian-Liang , Salama Abou Bakr , Gebreil Ahmad , Lin Cndy , Abdeltawab Hisham , Khalifa Fahmi , Hill Bradford , Abi-Gerges Najah , Bolli Roberto , El-Baz Ayman , Giridharan Guruprasad , Mohamed Tamer
Published: February 2022

Background: There is an urgent need for a reliable in vitro system that can accurately replicate the cardiac physiological environment for drug testing. The limited availability of human heart tissue culture systems has led to inaccurate interpretations of cardiac related drug effects. Our group had previously developed a culture system for pig/human heart slices that enables functional and structural viability for 6 days under electric stimulation and enriched media and can reliably demonstrate the subacute toxic effects of anti-cancer therapeutics. However, by day 10, the slices undergo cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation and fibrotic remodeling, making them inadequate for long-term drug testing.Aims: To determine whether including physiological mechanical and humoral cues within the culture system can prolong the viability of the heart tissue in culture.Methods and Results: We have developed a novel cardiac tissue culture model (CTCM) that can electro-mechanically stimulate heart slices with physiological preload and afterload during each cardiac cycle. After 12 days in culture, this approach was able to partially improve the viability of heart slices, but not to completely maintain their structural integrity. Therefore, following small molecule screening, we found that incorporation of 100 nM tri-iodo-thyronine (T3) and 1 μM dexamethasone (Dex) into our culture media preserved microscopic structure of the slices for 12 days. When combined with T3/Dex treatment, the CTCM system was able to maintain the transcriptional profile, viability, metabolic activity, and structure integrity for 12 days at the same levels as the fresh heart tissue. Furthermore, overstretching the cardiac tissue induced cardiac hypertrophy after 6 days in culture, which provides the first proof of concept for the ability of the CTCM to emulate cardiac pathophysiology. Conclusions: This manuscript describes a new physiological culture system for heart slices that incorporates physiological mechanical and humoral cues for maintaining viability and functionality of the heart slices. The CTCM has the potential to emulate cardiac physiology and pathophysiology in culture for extended period of time, thereby enabling reliable drug screening.
Association of Periprocedural Phentolamine Infusion with Favorable Outcome in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Chronic Coronary Syndrome undergoing coronary catheterization: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Hamila Mohamed Abo , Ghawaby Helmy El , Zaki Mohamed , Soliman Mohamed , Gabr Khaled
Published: February 2022

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major risk factor for contrast induced nephropathy acute kidney injury (CIN-AKI) in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients undergoing coronary catheterization. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of phentolamine in prevention of CIN-AKI in CKD and CCS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary catheterization for diagnostic angiography ± stenting.Methods: Participants with CKD and CCS planned for percutaneous coronary catheterization were included, while participants with normal kidney functions were excluded. A consecutive sample of 107 participants (mean age 58.62 ± 8.96 years, 64.5% males) was selected, underwent diagnostic coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention, and received either conventional CIN-AKI prevention strategy (group 1) or periprocedural phentolamine and conventional CIN-AKI prevention strategy (group 2).Results: The percentages of study participants who had CIN-AKI were 82.9% for group 1 and 17.1% for group 2, respectively. There were a statistically significant association between periprocedural phentolamine and prevention of CIN-AKI (OR = 0.041, 95% CI 0.0149 – 0.1128, P <0.0001) and statistically significant differences between group 1 versus group 2 regarding the urine output (ml/kg) and the urine output (ml/hour) within 72 hours post procedure, the peak change in serum creatinine within 72 hours post procedure, the percentage of change relative to the baseline serum creatinine at 72 hours post procedure, and the incidence rate of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events within 90 days post procedure (t(105) = -0.69, p < 0.001, t(105) = -52.46, p < 0.001, t(102) = 0.2, p 0.018, t(102) = 23.54, p < 0.001, and t(102) = 1.168, P <0.001, respectively).Conclusions: The incidence of CIN-AKI and the peak change in serum creatinine within 72 hours post procedure was lower in CKD patients who underwent coronary catherization and received phentolamine infusion versus intravenous saline. The significant association of phentolamine infusion with prevention of CIN-AKI highlights the potential role of phentolamine for protection of the kidney in CKD patients planned for coronary catherization.Trial Registration Number: I-111015
Visualized analysis of the trend and hotspots in microbial spatial ecology: a bibliometric study from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Hussain Sarfraz , Liu Hao , Sabir Rabia , Khan Muzammil Hassan , Cao Hui
Published: February 2022

Spatial ecology is a broad-spectrum term used in a variety of studies depending on the subdiscipline of life. Spatial ecological studies focus on patterns and interactions within and between species at the local, regional and global scales. The scientific literature published on spatial microbial ecology is ample and covers a wide array of objectives, including biogeographic patterns of microorganisms, international collaboration, hot topics, keywords and productive journals. We used a science mapping approach to provide a global and systematic bibliometric synthesis in this area. A total of 7022 publications on spatial microbial ecology were retrieved from the Web of Science database in 2000–2020. Temporal analyses showed a rapid growth in publications and citations noted after 2010. Results based on cluster analysis revealed that the top productive countries in this area belong to developed countries other than China. Keyword analysis showed that diversity, bacteria and dynamics are research hotspots in this field. The citation burst indicated that researchers focused on traditional techniques in the early stage, while new techniques and models were developed in the later stage. These findings suggest that spatial microbial ecology is still in a developmental stage. This study provides a systematic understanding of the development and panoramic road map for conducting future research in spatial microbial ecology.
Establishment of a Novel Mouse Model of Adenomyosis Suitable for Longitudinal and Quantitative Analysis and Perinatal Outcome Studies
Authors: Elsherbini Mohammed , Koga Kaori , Hiraoka Takehiro , Kumasawa Keiichi , Satake Erina , Taguchi Ayumi , Makabe Tomoko , Takeuchi Arisa , Izumi Gentaro , Takamura Masashi , Harada Miyuki , Hirata Tetsuya , Hirota Yasushi , Wada-Hiraike Osamu , Osuga Yutaka
Published: February 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to establish a novel mouse model of adenomyosis suitable for longitudinal and quantitative analyses and perinatal outcome studies. Methods: Using a 30 G needle, the entire uterine wall of one horn was mechanically punctured at a frequency of 100 times/1 cm (adenomyosis horn). The other horn was left unpunctured (control horn). Mice were sacrificed on day 14 (D14) or day 65 (D65). The uterus was fixed, paraffin-embedded, sliced, and stained. Lesions were detected and counted, and their volumes were measured. Cell proliferation and fibrosis were assessed by Ki67 and Masson’s Trichrome staining, respectively. Blood vessels were detected using CD31 immunostaining. Some of the mice were mated, and the date of delivery, litter size, number of implantations, and number and volume of postpartum lesions were measured. Results: The number of lesions per horn did not differ between D14 and D65. The volume of the entire lesion was significantly greater on D65 than on D14 (p < 0.0001). The volume of the epithelial part of the lesion was significantly greater in D65 (p< 0.0001). The volume of the stromal part of the lesion was also greater on D65 (p < 0.0001). The percentage of Ki67 positive cells in the epithelial part of the lesion was significantly higher on D14 (p < 0.05). In contrast, the percentage of Ki67-positive cells in the stromal part was significantly higher on D65 (p < 0.01). Vascular density in the lesions was higher in on D65 (p < 0.05). The percentage of fibrotic area was significantly higher on D65 (p < 0.01). The date of delivery was slightly earlier than that reported for healthy mice of the same strain. The litter size was smaller than that reported in previous research. The number of implantation sites did not differ between the control and the adenomyosis horn. The number and volume of lesions did not differ between the non-pregnant and postpartum groups. Conclusions: This model can be applied to evaluate the pathogenesis of adenomyosis, validate the efficacy of therapeutic agents, and evaluate the effect of adenomyosis on pregnancy and vice versa.
Transcultural Validation of A Spanish Version of The Quality of Life In Epidermolysis Bullosa Questionnaire
Authors: Villar-Hernandez Alvaro Rafael , Alonso Fernando Molero , Marín Alvaro Aguado , Paz Manuel Posada de la
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a relatively infrequent genodermatosis for which there is still no cure, and which impacts on the quality of life of those affected by it. The Quality of Life evaluation in Epidermolysis Bullosa (QoLEB) questionnaire was specifically developed for English-speaking persons with EB. Objectives: To undertake the transcultural adaptation and analysis of the psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the QoLEB questionnaire. Method: We designed an observational study to implement the process of translation and validation of the scale in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines. We assessed the content validity of the Spanish version, with the participation of 33 adult patients who presented with 4 principal subtypes of EB. Subjects were examined and evaluated using the QoLEB and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires. Results: The Spanish version of the QoLEB displayed excellent internal consistency and content validity, α=0.91. Test-retest reliability was likewise excellent (ps=0.93), as was reliability among subtypes (range ps=0.82–0.93). The functional part of the QoLEB correlated well with the SF-36 physical component summary (ps=0.70). The emotional QoLEB was moderately correlated with the SF-36 mental component summary (ps=0.49). Significant discriminant validity existed between the global score of the questionnaire (p=0.033) and the functional scale (p=0.003). Conclusion: The Spanish version of the QoLEB questionnaire can be recommended for use in any subsequent studies seeking to assess the efficacy of possible treatments and care programmes in this group.
Time From Hospital Admission to Onset of Septic Shock is Associated with Higher In-Hospital Mortality
Authors: Sato Ryota , Dugar Siddharth , Han Xiaozhen , Siuba Matthew T. , Mucha Simon , Dettmer Matthew , Wang Xiaofeng , Yataco Angel Coz , Choudhary Chirag , Khanna Ashish K. , Duggal Abhijit
Published: February 2022

Objective:Several studies have shown septic shock developing later during the hospital stay are associated with greater mortality. However, the precise point at which time from hospital admission to the onset of septic shock (admission-shock-onset-time) becomes an independent prognostic marker of mortality remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association between admission-shock-onset-time and in-hospital mortality among patients with septic shock, as well as the optimal cut-off time period to categorize early and late-onset septic shock.Method: We conducted a single-center retrospective, observational cohort study at a quaternary academic hospital comprising adult patients with septic shock admitted to a medical intensive care unit (ICU) from 01/2011 to 12/2020. A multivariable Cox regression model was developed to assess if log-transformed admission-shock-onset-time was associated with in-hospital mortality. A multivariable additive logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratio for mortality using the log-transformed admission-shock-onset-time. The thin plate spline function was used to describe the nonlinear relationship between the log-transformed admission-shock-onset-time and in-hospital mortality.The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and the secondary outcome was ICU mortality.Results:A total of 2,520 patients met the inclusion criteria with an overall in-hospital mortality of 37.3%. The log-transformed admission-shock-onset-time was associated with higher in-hospital mortality [Hazard ratio (HR): 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-1.11, p< 0.001] and ICU mortality (HR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.03-1.10, p<0.001). This association remained significant after adjusting for clinical variables. The odds ratio for in-hospital mortality continued to increase throughout the observation period.Conclusion:In-hospital mortality continued to rise as admission-shock-onset-time increased in septic shock. No clear dichotomization between early and late septic shock can be ascertained and this categorization may limit our understanding of the temporal relationship of shock onset to mortality.Trial RegistrationThis study was approved by Cleveland Clinic Institutional Review Board (IRB 15-1233).
Systematic Assessment of Coronary Calcium Detectability and Quantification on Four Generations of CT Reconstruction Techniques: a Patient and Phantom Study
Authors: Dobrolińska Magdalena M , Praagh Gijs D van , Oostveen Luuk J , Poelhekken Keris , Greuter Marcel , Fleischmann Dominik , Willemink Martin J , de Lange Frank , Slart Riemer HJA , Leiner Tim , Werf Niels R van der
Published: February 2022

Purpose: In computed tomography, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores are influenced by image reconstruction. For a newly introduced deep learning-based reconstruction (DLR), the effect on CAC scoring in relation to other algorithms is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of four generations of image reconstruction techniques (filtered back projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR), model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), and DLR) on CAC detectability, quantification, and risk classification.Methods: First, CAC detectability was assessed with a dedicated static phantom containing 100 small calcifications varying in size and density. Second, CAC quantification was assessed with a dynamic coronary phantom with velocities equivalent to heart rates of 60-75 bpm. Both phantoms were scanned and reconstructed with four techniques. Last, scans of fifty patients were included and the Agatston calcium score was calculated for all four reconstruction techniques. FBP was used as a reference.Results: In the phantom study, all reconstruction techniques resulted in less detected small calcifications for both, static and dynamic phantom. In the patient study, the cardiovascular risk classification resulted, for all reconstruction techniques, in excellent agreement with the reference, although MBIR resulted in significantly higher Agatston scores and 6% reclassification rate.Conclusion: Agatston score agreement between FBP, HIR, and DLR was excellent, with a low-risk reclassification rate.
Disparities in Years of Potential Life Lost Among Racial and Ethnic Groups in Washington State
Authors: Stanley Sandte , Amiri Solmaz , Denney Justin T. , Buchwald Dedra
Published: February 2022

Background. Previous research in the United States has documented increased risk of premature mortality for a limited number of racial and ethnic groups but has often failed to account for individual and place-based risk factors. Methods. We use a measure of years of potential life lost (YPLL) to examine disparities in premature mortality across several racial and ethnic groups in Washington state. Data included nearly 400,000 geocoded death records from Washington state decedents from 2011 to 2018. Records included information on marital status and educational attainment and were linked to census tract indicators of rurality and area deprivation. We conducted generalized linear mixed models with zero‐inflated Poisson distributions to test adjusted associations between racial and ethnic identity and YPLL. Results. Relative to non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, American Indian and Alaska Natives, Asian or other Pacific Islanders, multiracial, and Hispanic decedents had significantly higher rates of YPLL. Even after important demographic, economic, and geographic controls, Hispanic YPLL was 1.46 times and multiracial 1.38 times higher than whites. Conclusion. Several distinct racial and ethnic minorities suffer disproportionately from premature mortality in Washington state, hindering these groups from achieving economic stability, political representation, and long lives.
A note on averaging prediction accuracy, Green’s functions and other kernels
Authors: GALVIS JUAN , Hernández-Romero Freddy , Gómez Francisco
Published: February 2022

We present the mathematical context of the predictive accuracy index and then introduce the definition of integral average transform. We establish the relation of our definition with two variables kernels K ( y , x ). As an example of an application we show that integrating against the fundamental solution of the Laplace operator, that is, solving the Poisson equation, can be re-interpreted as an integral of averages of the forcing term over balls. As a result, we obtained a novel integral representation of the solution of the Poisson equation. Our motivation comes from the need for a better mathematical understanding of the prediction accuracy index. This index is used to identify hot spots in predictive security and other applications.
Incidence and risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration in eyes with drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment
Authors: Shijo Taiyo , Sakurada Yoichi , Tanaka Koji , Miki Akiko , Sugiyama Atsushi , Onoe Hajime , Chubachi Aya , Kikushima Wataru , Wakatsuki Yu , Yoneyama Seigo , Mori Ryusaburo , Kashiwagi Kenji
Published: February 2022

Purpose
To investigate the incidence and risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including geographic atrophy (GA) and macular neovascularization (MNV), in eyes with drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (PED).
Methods
Eighty-five eyes with drusenoid PED from 85 patients (77.2 ± 7.0 years, male/female:44/41) were included in this study. Patients were followed up every 1–3 months via spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and color fundus photography. If exudation was observed on SD-OCT, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography were performed to confirm the MNV subtype accordingly. The maximum follow-up period was 60 months.
Results
During the study period, GA developed in 8 eyes while MNV also developed in 8 eyes. The Kaplan-Meier estimator revealed that the cumulative incidence for 60 months was 17.9% and 12.2% for GA and MNV, respectively. In eyes developing MNV, retinal angiomatous proliferation (type 3 neovascularization) was the most common. Cox regression analysis revealed that baseline PED width was the only factor associated with advanced AMD. (p = 0.006, Cox regression analysis).
Conclusions
The five-year cumulative incidence of advanced AMD, including GA and MNV, was approximately 30% in eyes with drusenoid PED among the Japanese elderly. A larger baseline PED width was the only risk factor for advanced AMD.
Facial Beauty Prediction Fusing Transfer Learning and Broad Learning System
Authors: Gan Junying , Xie Xiaoshan , Zhai Yikui , He Guohui , Mai Chaoyun , Luo Heng
Published: February 2022

Facial Beauty Prediction (FBP) is an important and challenging problem in the field of computer vision and machine learning. Not only it is easily prone to over-fitting due to the lack of large-scale and effective data, but also difficult to quickly build robust and effective face beauty evaluation models because of the variability of facial appearance and the complexity of human perception. Transfer learning can be able to reduce the dependence on large amounts of data as well as avoid overfitting problems. Broad Learning System (BLS) can be capable of quickly completing models building and training. For this purpose, transfer learning was fused with BLS for facial beauty prediction in this paper. Firstly, a feature extractor is constructed by way of CNN model based on transfer learning for facial feature extraction, in which EfficientNet is used in this paper, and the facial features extracted are transferred to BLS for facial beauty prediction, called E-BLS. Then, on the basis of E-BLS, a connection layer is designed to connect the feature extractor and BLS, called ER-BLS. Experimental results show that, compared with the previous BLS and CNN methods existed, the accuracy of facial beauty prediction was improved by E-BLS and ER-BLS, indicating the effectiveness of the method presented, which can also be widely used in pattern recognition, object detection and image classification, etc.
Do Ophthalmology Residents Know How to Check the Calibration of a Goldmann Applanation Tonometer?
Authors: Carlisle Aaron , Habib Sofia , Lin Zhiheng , Ching Jared , Niyadurupola Nuwan
Published: February 2022

Purpose: A observational study to determine if ophthalmology residents know how to check Goldmann Applanation Tonometer (GAT) calibration.Methods: The step-by-step technique for checking the calibration of a GAT was taken from the manufacturer’s manual and developed into a mark sheet. Ophthalmology residents in years 2-8 of training from ten hospitals were individually observed and assessed checking calibration of a GAT. Participation was voluntary. Contact between participants was minimised to prevent communication about the study. Results: 74% (n = 20) of eligible ophthalmology residents (years 2-8) from 10 hospitals (2 teaching hospitals and 8 local general hospitals) were observed checking GAT calibration. Only 45% (n=9; CI: 26-66%) of ophthalmology residents were able to correctly check GAT calibration. Failure to mount the prism in the prism holder accounted for most cases of failure to correctly check GAT calibration. Conclusions: Most ophthalmology residents were unable to correctly check GAT calibration. Although better than previously published results, this observational study shows that further training and assessment is required for ophthalmology residents to learn the technique of checking GAT calibration.
Efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination on the symptoms of patients with long COVID: a target trial emulation using data from the ComPaRe e-cohort in France
Authors: Tran Viet-Thi , Perrodeau Elodie , Saldanha Julia , Pane Isabelle , Ravaud Philippe
Published: February 2022

We used data from 910 adult patients included the ComPaRe long COVID cohort to emulate a target trial evaluating the effect of vaccination on the symptoms of patients who already had long COVID. We used propensity score matching to compare the outcomes, at 120 days, of patients who received a first COVID-19 vaccine injection (n=455) and those who did not (n=455). Vaccination reduced the number of long COVID symptoms (mean difference: -1.8, 95% CI -3.0 to -0.5), the proportion of patients with an unacceptable symptom state (risk difference -7.5%, 95% CI -14.4 to -0.5), and doubled the remission rate (16.6% vs 7.5%, HR: 1.97, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.15). In the vaccination group, two (0.4%) patients reported serious adverse events leading to hospitalisation. Vaccination lowered the severity and life impact of long COVID, at 120 days, among patients with persistent symptoms.
Landslide Hazard, Susceptibility and Risk Assessment (HSRA) Based on Remote Sensing and GIS Data Models: A Case Study of Muzaffarabad Pakistan
Authors: AHMAD MUHAMMAD NASAR , Shao Zhenfeng , Aslam Rana Waqar , Ahmad Israr , Liao Ming , Li Xianyi , Song Yang
Published: February 2022

The notion of this research is based on the two devastating earthquake events that happened on October 8, 2005, and September 24, 2019, in the regions of Azad Kashmir. This study aims at (i) identification of the susceptible zones where landslides will occur in the future; (ii) preparation of landslide inventory maps using vector data, satellite imagery, Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (STRM) and Advanced Space-borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) DEM; (iii) implementation of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model using weighted overlay analysis (WOA). For this purpose, key factors such as land-use, faults, slope, contours, soil and seismology are used to develop a landslide hazard zonation map. The output landslide susceptibility map has four susceptibility levels such as low, medium, high, and very high vulnerable zones. The results indicated that a highly susceptible landslide zone is found in the northwestern part of Muzaffarabad, which is a metropolitan region. Moreover, there are 127 active landslides are identified and collectively about 9% of the study area is very highly susceptible to future landslides. Moreover, research findings are helpful in tactful thinking for future infrastructure development, ecological protection in high-susceptible landslide regions in Muzaffarabad. It also allows the Government to make strategies for that specific zones on a priority basis to reduce the casualties and destruction in future landslide events.
Deep learning-based automatic-bone-destruction-evaluation system using contextual information from other joints
Authors: Miyama Kazuki , Bise Ryoma , Ikemura Satoshi , Kai Kazuhiro , Kanahori Masaya , Arisumi Shinkichi , Uchida Taisuke , Nakashima Yasuharu , Uchida Seiichi
Published: February 2022

Background: X-ray images are commonly used for assessing presence of bone destruction of rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of this study is to propose an automatic-bone-destruction-evaluation system fully utilizing deep neural networks (DNN). This system detects all target joints of the modified Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS) from a hand X-ray image. It then classifies every target joint as intact (SHS = 0) or non-intact (SHS ≥ 1).Methods: We used 226 hand X-ray images of 40 rheumatoid arthritis patients. As for detection, we used a DNN model called DeepLabCut. As for classification, we built four classification models that classify the detected joint as intact or non-intact. First, each joint is independently classified; second, the same contralateral joint is compared; third, the same joint group (e.g., the proximal interphalangeal joints) of one hand are compared; fourth, the same joint group of both hands are compared. We evaluated DeepLabCut’s detection performance and classification models’ performances. The classification models’ performances were compared to three orthopedic surgeons.Results: Detection rates for all the target joints were 98.0% and 97.3% for erosion and joint space narrowing (JSN). Among the four classification models, the model that compares the same contralateral joint showed the best F-measure (0.70, 0.81) and area under the curve of the precision-recall curve (PR-AUC) (0.73, 0.85) regarding erosion and JSN. As for erosion, the F-measure and PR-AUC of this model were better than the best of the orthopedic surgeons.Conclusions: The proposed system was useful. All the target joints were detected with high accuracy. The classification model that compared the same contralateral joint showed better performance than the orthopedic surgeons regarding erosion.
Gismondine-Sr, Sr4(Al8Si8O32)·9H2O, a new strontium dominant, orthorhombic zeolite of the gismondine series from the Hatrurim Complex, Israel
Authors: Skrzyńska Katarzyna , Cametti Georgia , Galuskina Irina O. , Vapnik Yevgeny , Galuskin Evgeny V.
Published: February 2022

A new mineral, gismondine-Sr with ordered gismondine framework type [B2212 no. 20, Z = 1; a = 14.0256(2) Å, b = 10.45900(10) Å, c = 13.79360(10) Å, V = 2023.44(4) Å3] and the ideal chemical formula Sr4(Si8Al8O32)·9H2O was discovered in amygdaloidal voids of partly melted gehlenite hornfels at Halamish locality, Hatrurim Basin of the Hatrurim Complex, Negev Desert, Israel. Gehlenite horn-fels is mainly composed of gehlenite, wollastonite, and garnet of the grossular-andradite-schorlomite series. In a low-temperature association occur minerals such as thomsonite-Ca, flörkeite, analcime and minerals of the tobermorite supergroup. Gismondine-Sr forms spherulitic aggregates up to 180 μm and, rarely, pseudotetragonal bipyramidal crystals up to 50 μm. Empirical crystal-chemical formula of gismondine-Sr is (Sr2.02Ca1.09Ba0.02K0.72Na0.62)Σ4.47Al7.91Si8.09O31.85·9H2O. It is the strontium analog of gismondine-Ca and the second orthorhombic zeolite with the GIS structure topology. Crystals are transparent to translucent and feature vitreous luster. The mineral exhibits a white color, imperfect cleavage in [101] direction, a brittle tenacity, and uneven fracture. The Mohs hardness was estimated at approximately 4. Gismondine-Sr is biaxial negative, α = 1.488(3), β = 1.492(3), γ = 1.495(3), 2Vobs = 70–80°. The Raman spectrum is characterized by a band at 465 cm−1, which is also the main band in gismondine-Ca. The structure refinement using SC-XRD (R1 = 0.0353) reveals the ordered distribution of framework cations and the disordered arrangement of extraframework cations. The aluminosilicate framework is built by crankshaft chains with 8-membered apertures channels parallel to [101] and [101]. In gismondine-Sr, the 8-membered rings are elliptically deformed and the T-O-T angle of the upward and downward tetrahedra in the double crankshaft chains is smaller compared to that for gismondine-Ca. Consequently, a slight rotation of the double crankshaft chains has been noticed. Similar observations have been made in partially dehydrated and the pressure-modified gismondine-Ca. The present study suggests that, in addition to high-pressure and dehydration, the elliptical deformation of the channels in GIS also arises as a consequence of the extraframework cations and H2O content. Thus, the extraframework content influences the aluminosilicate framework leading to the orthorhombic symmetry.
Insights on electric vehicle adoption: Does attitude play a mediating role?
Authors: Ali Imran , Naushad Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Vehicles are classified as a mobile source of pollution worldwide. This problem is compounded in countries like India, where the population is enormous, and the number of automobiles increases quickly. To overcome this issue, governments and individuals must adopt electric vehicles and maximize the use of eco-friendly vehicles. However, the adoption of electric vehicles in India is gradual. One of the reasons is the attitude towards traditional and electric vehicles. This study’s primary objective is to determine how attitude influences the adoption of electric vehicles. The topic is vital since the attitude provided by numerous studies influences the intention to buy anything. This study considered one dependent variable (electric vehicle adoption) and one mediating variable (attitude) along with five independent variables. The data collection method was straightforward, and the sample size was 366 respondents. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and mediation analysis were used to analyze the data. All adopted constructs were trustworthy, with average variance extracted exceeding 0.55, composite reliability exceeding 0.75, and factor loadings exceeding 0.70 for most. The model fit indices were also found to be significant on several parameters. Among all other variables, only financial incentives affect electric vehicle adoption. In other circumstances, opinions did not influence customer uptake of electric vehicles.
Sedentary behavior and physical activity are independently associated with obesity in Brazilian adolescents: a quantile regression analysis
Authors: Lourenço Camilo Luis Monteiro , Mendes Edmar Lacerda
Published: February 2022

Objective: to test the association of SB and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with body mass index (BMI) in a representative sample of Brazilian young people. Methods: This is a cross-sectional school-based study (n = 1,023), including adolescents (14-21y; 54% female) from public and private schools in a Brazilian city. The survey was conducted in 2015 and the adolescents self-reported SB (screen time) and MVPA. Height and body mass were measured to calculate BMI. Quantile regression was used to investigate the association between SB, MVPA and BMI distribution percentiles (P10 ..., P90; statistical significance p <.01). Results: SB and MVPA were associated with higher and lower BMI values, respectively. Quantile regression revealed that the associations were nonlinear and stronger in the upper BMI percentiles. Also, in the adjusted models (SB and MVPA in the same model), the associations were enhanced for MVPA. For example, each additional hour of MVPA at P10 was associated with −0.05 (p <.01) lower BMI value, against −0.09 at P50 (p <.01) and even lower at P90, −0.24 (p <.01). Conclusion: SB and MVPA were independently and nonlinearly associated with BMI in our sample of Brazilian youth. The associations were more notable in the higher percentiles of the BMI distribution. Our findings suggest that nonlinearity between exposures and outcome should be considered when proposing future strategies for pediatric obesity prevention.
Comparison of flow simulations with sub-daily and daily GPM IMERG products over a transboundary Chenab River catchment
Authors: Ahmed Ehtesham , Al Janabi Firas , Yang Wenyu , Ali Akhtar , Saddique Naeem , Krebs Peter
Published: February 2022

This study proposes the assessment of SWAT model simulations, with the provision of satellite precipitation products (SPPs), in a transboundary/large catchment. Three latest sub-daily/half-hourly (HH) and daily (D) SPPs, i.e., ‘IMERG-E’, ‘IMERG-L’, and ‘IMERG-F’, were evaluated for daily and monthly flow simulations. The study revealed that monthly flow simulation performance is better than daily flow simulation in all sub-daily and daily SPPs-based models. Results depict that IMERG-HHF and IMERG-DF yield the best performance among the other latency levels of SPPs. The IMERG-HHF model has a reasonably higher daily correlation coefficient (R) and lower daily root-mean-square error (RMSE) than IMERG-DF. IMERG-HHF displays the lowest percent bias (PBIAS) values of 15.4 and 2.4 for daily and monthly flow validation, respectively. It also represents relatively higher values of coefficient of determination (R2) and Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) than any other model, i.e., R2=0.66 and NSE=0.63 for daily model validation and R2=0.84 and NSE=0.82 for monthly model validation. Moreover, the sub-daily IMERG model outperformed the daily IMERG model for all calibration and validation scenarios. The IMERG-DL model demonstrates poor performance in all of the SPPs, in daily and monthly validation, with low R2 (0.63 (dval) and 0.81 (mval)), low NSE (0.50 (dval) and 0.67 (mval)), and high PBIAS (31 (dval) and 26.6 (mval)). Additionally, the IMERG-HHE model outperformed IMERG-HHL.
Local Wisdom-Based 4-On (Vision, Action, Passion, and Collaboration) Model in Competencies of Machining Technique in Vocational Secondary Schools
Authors: Abizar Haris , Fawaid Moh , Nurtanto Muhammad , Nurhaji Soffan , Setiyani Solis
Published: February 2022

This study aims to identify teacher competency needs and develop a local wisdom-based 4-ON (vision, action, passion, and collaboration) model in the competencies of machining technique in vocational secondary schools. The 4-ON model is a way to examine the professionalism of teachers in vocational secondary schools. The type of study is research and development, using the Richey and Klein model. The subjects are 26 vocational teachers of machining techniques. The data collection uses questionnaires and documentation. The questionnaire instrument is declared valid by 3 experts in content and tested with reliable results with a value of 0.82. The data analysis is quantitative descriptive. The study of the research and development are: (1) the teacher need for 4-ON (vision, action, passion, and collaboration) 79.81% response, the implementation of the local wisdom in learning 78.13% response, and six competencies machining technique expertise 80.48% response; (2) the local wisdom-based 4-ON model in the competencies of machining technique goes through 3 stages, namely development, process, and output for a result the professional and competent teacher.
Measuring Occupational Self-Efficacy: A Culinary Students' Cooking Performance Perspective
Authors: Mahfud Tuatul , Nugraheni Mutiara , Pardjono Pardjono , Lastariwati Badraningsih
Published: February 2022

Occupational self-efficacy is believed to be an essential factor for optimizing mastery of cooking competencies for culinary students. Although there have been many studies examining the importance of self-efficacy, there are still limited studies that discuss how to measure the self-efficacy of cooking abilities for culinary vocational students. This study aims to develop and test the validity of the self-efficacy cooking skills questionnaire. This study involved 329 culinary students in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data analysis uses Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to test the validity and reliability. The results of the study revealed that the occupational self-efficacy of cooking performance could be explained by four indicators, namely the enactive experience, model experience, social persuasion, and emotional conditions. This questionnaire has 16 items consisting of 4 items in each indicator. The results of this study have implications for industry and education practitioners to evaluate the achievement of mastery of students 'and chefs' cooking skills.
Evaluation of Online Practical Learning for Light Automotive Engineering during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Siddiq Mochammad Baharudin , Arifin Zainal , Sudira Putu , Mutohhari Farid
Published: February 2022

Vocational education is characterized by practical learning. During online learning in the Covid-19 outbreak, students' practice learning outcomes have decreased significantly. This study evaluates the implementation of online practical learning in Vocational High Schools (VHS) for technical competencies of Light Automotive Engineering in terms of Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP). This study was conducted at a Vocational High School, SMKN 1 Simpangkatis, Central Bangka Regency. The research subjects were the principal, vice-principal, 5 productive teachers, and 191 students in the department of Light Automotive Engineering. This evaluation research used the CIPP method. Data were collected through questionnaires supported with interviews and documentation. The findings indicated that (1) the implementation of online practical learning for context and input components is included in the medium category and (2) the process and product components are categorized as low.