bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schimmelpenning-Feuerstein-Mims syndrome with benign enlargement of subarachnoid space in infancy
Authors: Maldar Shadab B , Pinto Christopher Jude , Kumar Uday , Vairaprakasam Swathi Pitchiammal
Published: November 2023

Schimmelpenning-Feuerstein-Mims syndrome is a rare disorder generally characterised by a craniofacial nevus with multisystemic presentations. Our patient, an infant, was brought to the emergency department in a postictal state following a first seizure episode. A physical examination showed a solitary dark brown, well-demarcated verrucous plaque extending from the patient’s left temporal region to the left mandible without crossing the midline. Epibulbar choristomas were present on the ipsilateral side of the craniofacial lesion. Neuroimaging showed benign enlargement of the subarachnoid space. Due to the known risk of seizures associated with this condition, the patient was started on levetiracetam and showed adequate compliance. We present this as the first reported case of Schimmelpenning-Feuerstein-Mims syndrome with benign enlargement of the subarachnoid space in an infant presenting with seizures to emphasise the value of collaboration among multidisciplinary professionals to improve the quality of care for such patients.
Experiences and perceptions of urine sampling for tuberculosis testing among HIV patients: a multisite qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Lissouba Pascale , Rücker Sekai C Mathabire , Otieno Lucy Atieno , Akatukwasa Cecilia , Xulu Sibongiseni , Monjane Celso , Akinyi Milcah , Okal Beryl , Lubega Alex Vicent , Stewart Rosanna , Bossard Claire , Ohler Liesbet , Antabak Natalia Tamayo , Musoke Mohammed , Muyindike Winnie , Huerga Helena
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Evidence on the acceptability of urine-based assays for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis among patients remains limited. We sought to describe patients’ experiences and perceptions of urine sampling for TB testing at point of care.

Setting

Study sites in Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique and South Africa.

Participants

Adult ambulatory HIV patients enrolled in a TB diagnostic study were selected purposively.

Intervention

For this qualitative descriptive study, audiorecorded individual interviews conducted with consenting participants were translated, transcribed and analysed using content analysis. Ethical agreement was obtained from relevant ethical review committees.

Results

Fifty-eight participants were interviewed. Three domains were identified. Overall, participants described urine sampling as easy, rapid and painless, with the main challenge being lacking the urge. Urine was preferred to sputum sampling in terms of simplicity, comfort, stigma reduction, convenience and practicality. While perceptions regarding its trustworthiness for TB diagnosis differed, urine sampling was viewed as an additional mean to detect TB and beneficial for early diagnosis. Participants were willing to wait for several hours for same-day results to allay the emotional, physical and financial burden of having to return to collect results, and would rather not pay for the test. Facilitators of urine sampling included cleanliness and perceived privacy of sampling environments, comprehensive sampling instructions and test information, as well as supplies such as toilet paper and envelopes ensuring confort and privacy when producing and returning samples. Participants motivation for accepting urine-based TB testing stemmed from their perceived susceptibility to TB, the value they attributed to their health, especially when experiencing symptoms, and their positive interactions with the medical team.

Conclusions

This study suggests that urine sampling is well accepted as a TB diagnostic method and provides insights on how to promote patients’ uptake of urine-based testing and improve their sampling experiences. These results encourage the future broad use of urine-based assays at point of care.
Mental health of general practitioners in Chongqing, China during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Yang , Deng JingZhi , Tan Wenhao , Yang Wen , Deng Huisheng
Published: November 2023

Objectives

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, general practitioners (GPs) continue to face unprecedented challenges that affect their mental health. However, few studies have assessed the mental health status of GPs. This study aimed to provide preliminary understanding of stress, job burn-out and well-being levels among GPs to train and manage them during public health emergencies.

Design

We conducted a cross-sectional online self-report survey.

Setting

The survey was conducted in Chongqing, China from July to August 2022.

Participants

Data were collected from 2145 GPs, with an effective response rate of 91.0%.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The main evaluation indicators were stress (Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale), job burn-out (Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey Scale) and well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to compare the effect of different demographic characteristics on the impact of stress, job burn-out and decreased well-being.

Results

Stress, job burn-out and decreased well-being were common among GPs. In this study, 59.7% experienced job burn-out, 76.1% experienced high levels of stress and 52.0% may have experienced depression. The main factors that influenced stress, burn-out and well-being were differences in age, working hours per week, title, part-time management work, work–life balance, sleep disorders, whether GPs received adequate recognition by patients and the work team and mental toughness (p<0.05).

Conclusion

This survey is the first to investigate stress, job burn-out and well-being levels among local GPs in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Curbing stress and job burn-out levels and ensuring well-being among GPs could be achieved by reducing paperwork, management work and working hours; promoting life and work balance; and increasing resilience among GPs. The findings provide a basis for policy-makers to formulate strategies for developing general practice.
Healthy grocery delivery in the usual care for adults recovering from an acute coronary event: protocol for a three-arm randomised controlled trial
Authors: Reynolds Andrew N , Hood Fiona , Wilson Ross , Ross Alastair , Neumann Silke , Turner Robin , Iosua Ella , Katare Rajesh , Shahin Aysu , Kok Zi-yi , Chan Huan , Coffey Sean , Mann Jim
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Coronary heart disease is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Appropriate nutrition is a cornerstone of the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease; however, barriers including cost and access to recommended foods limits long-term adherence for many. We are conducting, in adults with coronary heart disease, a randomised controlled trial comparing usual care with two dietary interventions in which usual care is augmented by 12 weeks free delivered groceries.

Methods and analysis

Three hundred adults recovering from an acute coronary event will be recruited from outpatient cardiovascular services in three regions of Aotearoa New Zealand. Participants will be randomly allocated to three arms: usual care (control group), usual care and the free delivery of foods high in dietary fibre or usual care and the free delivery of foods high in unsaturated fats. Interventions duration is 12 weeks, with a further 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome measures are change in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration following the intervention, and a cost-effectiveness analysis of healthcare access and social costs in the year after the intervention. A broad range of secondary outcome measures include other blood lipids, anthropometry, glycaemia, inflammatory markers, gut microbiome, dietary biomarkers, food acceptability, dietary change and the facilitators and barriers to dietary change. The trial will determine whether the free provision of groceries known to reduce cardiovascular risk within usual care will be clinically beneficial and justify the cost of doing so. Results may also provide an indication of the relative benefit of foods rich in dietary fibre or unsaturated fats in coronary heart disease management.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial, The Healthy Heart Study, has Health and Disability Ethics Committee approval (20/NTB/121), underwent Māori consultation, and has locality authority to be conducted in Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12620000689976, U1111-1250-1499.
Psychometric validation of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) among family caregivers of people with schizophrenia in China
Authors: Xiao Tao , Zhu Feng , Wang Dan , Liu Xiang , Xi Shi-Jun , Yu Yu
Published: November 2023

Background

The 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) is a widely used measure of perceived stress that has been validated in various populations, yet with inconsistent results on its factor structure. The present study examines the reliability and validity of the PSS-10 in a population not previously examined: Chinese family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia, with a focus on factor analysis.

Methods

A sample of 449 family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia was recruited for psychometric testing of the scale. The factor structure of PSS-10 was tested by randomly dividing the sample into two groups for both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The scale was further tested for internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity and concurrent validity.

Results

EFA extracted two factors: perceived helplessness with six negative phrasing items and perceived efficacy with four positive phrasing items. CFA confirmed the structure of two factors with satisfactory model fit indices. Convergent validity was supported by high standard regression weight (0.78–0.92), average variance extracted (AVE=0.79–0.81) and composite reliability (0.88–0.94), while discriminant validity was confirmed by higher AVE estimates than the squared interconstruct correlations. The PSS-10 showed good internal consistency and test–retest reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.79 and intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.91, respectively. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by its significant positive correlations with stigma, depression and anxiety, as well as significant negative correlations with social support, family functioning and positive caregiving experiences.

Conclusion

The two-factor PSS-10 has good psychometric characteristics assessing the perceived stress of family caregivers of people with schizophrenia. The findings indicate that the PSS-10 can be used to measure perceived stress in future research and practice among caregivers of people with schizophrenia, and potentially, other caregiving samples.
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the care for acute cholecystitis: a Swedish multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Osterman Erik , Jakobsson Sofia , Larsson Christina , Linder Fredrik
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The present study aimed to investigate if and how the panorama of acute cholecystitis changed in 2020 in Sweden. Seven aspects were identified, the incidence of cholecystitis, the Tokyo grade, the timing of diagnosis and treatment, the proportion treated with early surgery, the proportion of patients treated with delayed surgery, and new complications from gallstones.

Design

Retrospective multicentre cohort study.

Setting

3 hospitals in Sweden, covering 675 000 inhabitants.

Participants

1634 patients with cholecystitis.

Outcomes

The incidence, treatment choice and diagnostic and treatment delay were investigated by comparing prepandemic and pandemic patients.

Results

Patients diagnosed with cholecystitis during the pandemic were more comorbid (American Society of Anesthesiologists 2–5, 86% vs 81%, p=0.01) and more often had a diagnostic CT (67% vs 59%, p=0.01). There were variations in the number of patients corresponding with the pandemic waves, but there was no overall increase in the number of patients with cholecystitis (78 vs 76 cases/100 000 inhabitants, p=0.7) or the proportion of patients treated with surgery during the pandemic (50% vs 50%, p=0.4). There was no increase in time to admission from symptoms (both median 1 day, p=0.7), or surgery from admission (both median 1 day, p=0.9). The proportion of grades 2–3 cholecystitis was not higher during the pandemic (46% vs 44%, p=0.9). The median time to elective surgery increased (184 days vs 130 days, p=0.04), but there was no increase in new gallstone complications (35% vs 39%, p=0.3).

Conclusion

Emergency surgery for cholecystitis was not impacted by the pandemic in Sweden. Patients were more comorbid but did not have more severe cholecystitis nor was there a delay in seeking care. Fewer patients non-operatively managed had elective surgery within 6 months of their initial diagnosis but there was no corresponding increase in gallstone complications.
Ionic salt cocrystals studied via multinuclear solid-state magnetic resonance: a case study of lithium 4-methoxybenzoate:L-proline polymorphs
Authors: Shi Yishu , Bryce David L.
Published: November 2023

Lithium salts continue to find pharmaceutical applications, particularly as psychiatric medications. As with any active pharmaceutical ingredient, structural polymorphism is an important concern for lithium-based medications that can influence solubility and other physicochemical properties. Here we report a 13C, 1H, and 7Li magic-angle spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS SSNMR) study of two 1:1 polymorphic ionic cocrystals of lithium 4-methoxybenzoate and L-proline (L4MPRO(α) and L4MPRO(β)). One-dimensional 13C cross-polarization MAS and two-dimensional heteronuclear correlation NMR spectra hint at differential mobilities of the proline and benzoate moieties for the two polymorphs. Five key resonances differ in 13C chemical shift by more than 1 ppm between the two polymorphs, clearly distinguishing between them. Gauge-including projector-augmented-wave density functional theory calculations of 13C and 1H magnetic shielding constants correlate strongly with the experimental chemical shifts for both polymorphs. R2 and root-mean-square deviation metrics are shown to be insufficient in the case of 13C, but sufficient in the case of 1H, for differentiating between the polymorphs. 7Li satellite-transition MAS NMR of both polymorphs are identical, as are the computed lithium magnetic shielding constants, demonstrating the insensitivity of 7Li NMR to polymorphism in these samples. This work highlights the utility of solid-state NMR spectroscopy for examining ionic salt cocrystals and also highlights some caveats in this regard.
Simulation analysis with rock muons from atmospheric neutrino interactions in the ICAL detector at the India-based Neutrino Observatory
Authors: Kanishka R. , Indumathi D. , Mohan Lakshmi S. , Bhatnagar V.
Published: November 2023

The proposed magnetized Iron CALorimeter detector (ICAL) to be built in the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) laboratory aims to study atmospheric neutrinos and its properties such as precision measurements of oscillation parameters and the neutrino mass hierarchy. High energy charged current (CC) interactions of atmospheric neutrinos with the rock surrounding the detector produce so-called “rock muons” along with hadrons. While the hadron component of these events are absorbed in the rock itself, the rock muons traverse the rock and are detected in the detector. These rock muon events can be distinguished from cosmic muons only in the upward direction and can provide an independent measurement of the oscillation parameters. A simulation study of these events at the ICAL detector shows that, although reduced in significance compared to muons produced in direct CC neutrino interactions with the detector, these events are indeed sensitive to the oscillation parameters, achieving a possible $$1\sigma $$

1
σ

precision of 10% and 27% in determining $$\varDelta m_{32}^2$$

Δ

m

32

2

and $$\sin ^2\theta _{23}$$

sin
2

θ
23

, respectively. Hence a combination of the standard atmospheric neutrino analysis which is the main goal of ICAL, with these rock muon events, will improve the precision reach of ICAL for these parameters.
Accelerated paths and Unruh effect: finite time detector response in (anti) de Sitter spacetime and Huygen’s principle
Authors: Ahmed Shahnewaz , Faruk Mir Mehedi , Rahman Muktadir
Published: November 2023

We study the finite time response of an Unruh–DeWitt particle detector described by a qubit (two-level system) moving with uniform constant acceleration in maximally symmetric spacetimes. The D dimensional massless fermionic response function in de Sitter (dS) background is found to be identical to that of a detector linearly coupled to a massless scalar field in 2D dimensional dS background. Furthermore, we visit the status of Huygen’s principle in the Unruh radiation observed by the detector.
BRST invariant scalar and vector operators in the $$SU\left( 2\right) \times U\left( 1\right) $$ Higgs model
Authors: Dudal D. , van Egmond D. M. , Peruzzo G. , Sorella S. P.
Published: November 2023

We present a set of BRST invariant composite operators in the $$SU\left( 2\right) \times U\left( 1\right) $$

S
U

2

×
U

1

Higgs model which exhibit an overlap with the observable scalar and vector particle states of the theory. Some of these operators are non-local in the standard formulation of the Higgs model, however, we show that they can be localized using the Stuckelberg trick, this without changing the physical content. These operators provide thus a BRST invariant resolution of the physical spectrum of the theory, thereby giving the next step in constructing a manifestly BRST invariant formulation of the particle spectrum of the Electroweak and Standard model.
Characterization of the scintillation response of water-based liquid scintillator to alpha particles, and implications for particle identification
Authors: Callaghan E. J. , Kaptanoglu T. , Smiley M. , Yeh M. , Orebi Gann G. D.
Published: November 2023

Next-generation large-scale neutrino detectors, from Eos, at the 1 t scale, to Theia, at the 10 s-of-kt scale, will utilize differences in both the scintillation and Cherenkov light emission for different particle species to perform background rejection. This manuscript presents measurements of the scintillation light yield and emission time profile of water-based liquid scintillator samples in response to $$\alpha $$
α
radiation. These measurements are used as input to simulation models used to make predictions for future detectors. In particular, we present the timing-based particle identification achievable in generic water-based scintillator detectors at the 4 t, 1 kt, and 100 kt scales. We find that $$\alpha $$
α
/$$\beta $$
β
discrimination improves with increasing scintillation concentration and we identify better than 80% $$\alpha $$
α
rejection for 90% $$\beta $$
β
acceptance in 10% water-based liquid scintillator, at the 4 t scale.
Understanding the Limits of Explainable Ethical AI
Authors: Peterson Clayton , Broersen Jan
Published: November 2023

Artificially intelligent systems are nowadays presented as systems that should, among other things, be explainable and ethical. In parallel, both in the popular culture and within the scientific literature, there is a tendency to anthropomorphize Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reify intelligent systems as persons. From the perspective of machine ethics and ethical AI, this has resulted in the belief that truly autonomous ethical agents (i.e., machines and algorithms) can be defined, and that machines could, by themselves, behave ethically and perform actions that are justified (explainable) from a normative (ethical) standpoint. Under this assumption, and given that utilities and risks are generally seen as quantifiable, many scholars have seen consequentialism (or utilitarianism) and rational choice theory as likely candidates to be implemented in automated ethical decision procedures, for instance to assess and manage risks as well as maximize expected utility. While some see this implementation as unproblematic, there are important limitations to such attempts that need to be made explicit so that we can properly understand what artificial autonomous ethical agents are, and what they are not. From the perspective of explainable AI, there are value-laden technical choices made during the implementation of automated ethical decision procedures that cannot be explained as decisions made by the system. Building on a recent example from the machine ethics literature, we use computer simulations to study whether autonomous ethical agents can be considered as explainable AI systems. Using these simulations, we argue that technical issues with ethical ramifications leave room for reasonable disagreement even when algorithms are based on ethical and rational foundations such as consequentialism and rational choice theory. By doing so, our aim is to illustrate the limitations of automated behavior and ethical AI and, incidentally, to raise awareness on the limits of so-called autonomous ethical agents.
A SCALING LAW RELATING THE RATE OF DESTRUCTION OF A SOLID TUMOR AND THE FRACTAL DIMENSION OF ITS BOUNDARY
Authors: LÓPEZ ÁLVARO G. , SANJUÁN LORENA R.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we investigate the scaling law relating the size of the boundary of a solid tumor and the rate at which it is lysed by a cell population of non-infiltrating cytotoxic lymphocytes. We do it in the context of enzyme kinetics through geometrical, analytical and numerical arguments. Following the Koch island fractal model, a scale-dependent function that describes the constant rate of the decay process and the fractal dimension is obtained. Then, in silico experiments are accomplished by means of a stochastic hybrid cellular automaton model. This model is used to grow several tumors with varying morphology and to test the power decay law when the cell-mediated immune response is effective, confirming its validity.
A REPRESENTATION OF KEYNES’S LONG-TERM EXPECTATION IN FINANCIAL MARKETS
Authors: BASILI MARCELLO , CHATEAUNEUF ALAIN , CURATOLA GIULIANO , SCIANNA GIUSEPPE
Published: November 2023

This paper advances an intuitive representation of Keynes’s notion of long-term expectation. We introduce the epsilon-contamination approach and represent the conventional judgment by the Steiner point of agents’ common probability set. We anticipate a change in conventional judgment by updating the Steiner point.
Lava flow-hosted reservoirs: a review
Authors: Millett John M. , Rossetti Lucas , Bischoff Alan , Rossetti Marcos , Rosenqvist Marija P. , Avseth Per , Hole Malcolm J. , Pierdominici Simona , Healy Dave , Jerram Dougal A. , Planke Sverre
Published: November 2023

Lava flows form important fluid reservoirs and have been extensively exploited for water aquifers, geothermal energy, hydrocarbon production and, more recently, for carbon storage. Effusive subaerial mafic to intermediate lava flows account for vast rock volumes globally, and form reservoirs with properties dictated by well-known lava flow facies ranging from pāhoehoe through several transitional forms to ‘a’ā lava. These variations in flow type lead to critical differences in the pore structure, distribution, connectivity, strength and fracturing of individual lava flows, which, alongside lava flow package architectures, determine primary reservoir potential. Lava flow margins with vesicular, fracture and often autobreccia-hosted pore structures can have porosities commonly exceeding 40% and matrix permeabilities over 10
−11
m
2
(>10 D) separated by much lower porosity and permeability flow interiors. Secondary post-emplacement physicochemical changes related to fracturing, meteoric, diagenetic and hydrothermal alteration can significantly modify reservoir potential through a complex interplay of mineral transformation, pore-clogging secondary minerals and dissolution, which must be carefully characterized and assessed during exploration and appraisal. Within this contribution, a review of selected global lava flow-hosted reservoir occurrences is presented, followed by a discussion of the factors that influence lava flow reservoir potential.
Characterization of a structural trap associated with an intrusive complex: the El Trapial oilfield, Neuquén Basin, Argentina
Authors: Lombardo Ezequiel F. , Galland Olivier , Yagupsky Daniel , Jerram Dougal A.
Published: November 2023

Volcanic plumbing systems emplaced in sedimentary basins may exert significant mechanical and thermal effects on petroleum systems. The last decade of research has evidenced that igneous intrusions may enhance thermal maturation of organic matter in source rocks and lead to both small- and large-scale structures that can deeply impact fluid migration or trapping. This contribution describes how the emplacement of a whole intrusive complex generated a dome structure of the overburden, which is the main trapping structure of a large producing oilfield. Our case study is the lower Miocene Cerro Bayo de la Sierra Negra (CBSN) intrusive complex, Neuquén Basin, Argentina, associated with the El Trapial oilfield where the main trapping structure is a large domal antiform centred on the CBSN complex. This study integrates the large subsurface dataset produced during the development of the El Trapial oilfield. More than 1200 vertical wells (producers and injectors) have been drilled in the flanks of CBSN complex. In addition, five 3D seismic cubes have been acquired over the years that have been merged and reprocessed into a single volume. Such a dataset allows a detailed characterization of both the structure affecting the Mesozoic strata and the geometry of the intrusive complex. Igneous rocks have been recognized along the entire stratigraphic section. Sill intrusions appear to concentrate in the shale units and the stacking of them has a direct impact on the doming structure generation. Our study allowed us to establish a direct correlation between the distribution of the intrusions and the extent, amplitude and style of doming, showing that the dome structure results from the emplacement of the intrusive complex. We also show that part of the doming is related to intrusions emplaced in the Mesozoic formations of the Neuquén Basin, whereas the other part of the doming is related to deeper structures not imaged on the geophysical data. We estimate that the amplitude of the doming reaches up to
c.
500 m. The voluminous subsurface data, combined with exposed outcrops, makes the CBSN complex a world-class case study for showing how the shallow plumbing system of a volcanic complex may control the growth of large-scale trapping structures for various fluids, such as drinkable water, geothermal fluids and hydrocarbons.
Cognition in Social Engineering Empirical Research: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Burda Pavlo , Allodi Luca , Zannone Nicola
Published: November 2023

The interdisciplinarity of the Social Engineering (SE) domain creates crucial challenges for the development and advancement of empirical SE research, making it particularly difficult to identify the space of open research questions that can be addressed empirically. This space encompasses questions on attack conditions, employed experimental methods, and interactions with underlying cognitive aspects. As a consequence, much potential in the breadth of existing empirical SE research and in its mapping to the actual cognitive processes it aims to measure is left untapped. In this work, we carry out a systematic review of 169 articles investigating overall 735 hypotheses in the field of empirical SE research, focusing on experimental characteristics and core cognitive features from both attacker and target perspectives. Our study reveals that experiments only partially reproduce real attacks and that the exploitable SE attack surface appears much larger than the coverage provided by the current body of research. Factors such as targets’ context and cognitive processes are often ignored or not explicitly considered in experimental designs. Similarly, the effects of different pretexts and varied targetization levels are overall marginally investigated. Our findings on current SE research dynamics provide insights into methodological shortcomings and help identify supplementary techniques that can open promising future research directions.
Color Transfer for Images: A Survey
Authors: Lv Chenlei , Zhang Dan , Geng Shengling , Wu Zhongke , Huang Hui
Published: November 2023

High-quality image generation is an important topic in digital visualization. As a sub-topic of the research, color transfer is to produce a high-quality image with ideal color scheme learned from the reference one. In this article, we investigate the mainstream methods of color transfer to provide a survey that introduces the related theories and frameworks. Such methods can be divided into three categories: statistical color transfer, semantic-based color transfer, and color transfer for special target. For these mainstream technical routes, we discuss the related research background, technical details, and representative methods. We also exhibit some new trends of the topic according to recent progress. Based on the comparisons, we discuss the unsolved issues of color transfer and potential solutions in future work.
Hybrid Modular Redundancy: Exploring Modular Redundancy Approaches in RISC-V Multi-core Computing Clusters for Reliable Processing in Space
Authors: Rogenmoser Michael , Tortorella Yvan , Rossi Davide , Conti Francesco , Benini Luca
Published: November 2023

Space Cyber-Physical Systems such as spacecraft and satellites strongly rely on the reliability of onboard computers to guarantee the success of their missions. Relying solely on radiation-hardened technologies is extremely expensive, and developing inflexible architectural and microarchitectural modifications to introduce modular redundancy within a system leads to significant area increase and performance degradation. To mitigate the overheads of traditional radiation hardening and modular redundancy approaches, we present a novel Hybrid Modular Redundancy approach, a redundancy scheme that features a cluster of RISC-V processors with a flexible on-demand dual-core and triple-core lockstep grouping of computing cores with runtime split-lock capabilities. Further, we propose two recovery approaches, software-based and hardware-based, trading off performance and area overhead. Running at 430 MHz, our fault-tolerant cluster achieves up to 1,160 MOPS on a matrix multiplication benchmark when configured in non-redundant mode and 617 and 414 MOPS in dual and triple mode, respectively. A software-based recovery in triple mode requires 363 clock cycles and occupies 0.612 mm
2
, representing a 1.3% area overhead over a non-redundant 12-core RISC-V cluster. As a high-performance alternative, a new hardware-based method provides rapid fault recovery in just 24 clock cycles and occupies 0.660 mm
2
, namely, ∼9.4% area overhead over the baseline non-redundant RISC-V cluster. The cluster is also enhanced with split-lock capabilities to enter one of the available redundant modes with minimum performance loss, allowing execution of a mission-critical portion of code when in independent mode, or a performance section when in a reliability mode, with <400 clock cycles overhead for entry and exit. The proposed system is the first to integrate these functionalities on an open-source RISC-V-based compute device, enabling finely tunable reliability versus performance trade-offs.
Direct Electrochemical Dissolution of Precious Metal from Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell without Cell Dismantling
Authors: Kanamura Shohei , Yagyu Motoshige
Published: November 2023

A method for directly recovering precious metals from polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) by electrochemical dissolution without dismantling the cells was developed. After filling a single PEFC containing Pt and Ru catalysts with 1 mol l−1 HCl solution, 100 wt% of Pt and 96 wt% of Ru dissolved into the solution by periodically changing the electric polarity of the fuel and air electrodes containing Pt and Ru metal. To confirm the adaptability of this method to cell stack assemblies (CSAs), electrochemical dissolution tests using 3- and 5-cell CSAs, and a 700 W CSA were also conducted. In the 3- and 5-cell CSA tests, 100 wt% of Pt and 95 wt% of Ru were recovered as ions. In the case of the 700 W CSA, 86.8 wt% of Pt and 88.4 wt% of Ru were recovered as ions in 9.2 L of 1 mol l−1 HCl after 180 min of electrolysis. Power consumption rates for Pt and Ru dissolution in the 700 W CSA cell were approximately 0.13 kW h g−1. Thus, the feasibility of the electrochemical dissolution method of Pt and Ru from PEFCs without dismantling PEFCs was confirmed.
SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin protects the kidney in a murine model of Balkan nephropathy
Authors: Oe Yuji , Kim Young Chul , Sidorenko Viktoriya S. , Zhang Haiyan , Kanoo Sadhana , Lopez Natalia , Goodluck Helen A. , Crespo-Masip Maria , Vallon Volker
Published: November 2023

Recurrent exposure to aristolochic acid (AA) causes kidney function loss and fibrosis in mice and in humans, e.g., in the form of the endemic Balkan nephropathy. Inhibitors of the proximal tubule sodium-glucose transporter SGLT2 can protect against CKD progression, but their effect on AA-induced kidney injury remains unknown. Here we provide the first evidence in a murine model that pretreatment with an SGLT2 inhibitor can attenuate the AA-induced DNA damage response and subsequent nephropathy.
Altered immune cell phenotypes within chronically ischemic human kidneys distal to occlusive renal artery disease
Authors: Zhu Xiang-Yang , Klomjit Nattawat , Pawar Aditya S. , Puranik Amrutesh S. , Yang Zhi-Zhang , Lutgens Esther , Eirin Alfonso , Lerman Amir , Textor Stephen C. , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: November 2023

The single-cell platform mass cytometry (CyTOF) enables detection of significant changes in one million of renal cells, especially in subsets of immune cells in ischemic human kidneys distal to renal artery stenosis (RAS). We found that pro-repair cell types such as scattered tubular-progenitor-like cells, aged neutrophils, and regulatory B cells show a compensatory increase in RAS. Immune cell phenotype changes may reflect ongoing inflammation and impaired immune defense capability in the kidneys.
On-Time Appointment Keeping and Associated Factors among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Adult Patients Accessing Antiretroviral Therapy at Health Centers in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Tariku Mengistie Kassahun , Belete Abebe Habtamu , Worede Daniel Tarekegn , Misikir Sewnet Wongiel
Published: November 2023

Background. The magnitude of on-time appointment keeping among HIV-positive adult patients was not identified in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess on-time appointment keeping and associated factors among human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients accessing antiretroviral therapy in the East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was performed on 830 HIV-positive patients from April 1 to May 10, 2019, in East Gojjam Zone. A systematic random sampling technique was used to include study subjects, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed. Independent variables with a

P

value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant cut points. Results. The prevalence of on-time appointment keeping was 62.1%. Being >24 years old (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.54–4.25), being unmarried (AOR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.45–0.82), taking a drug regimen of tenofovir + lamivudine (3TC) + efavirenz (EFV) (AOR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.84–3.62), taking ART ≥12 months (AOR = 4.32; 95% CI = 2.22–8.40), having a mobile (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.44–3.64), and getting adherence support (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.16; 95% 1.16–3.50) were significant factors. Conclusion. On-time appointment keeping was low. Adherence support and appointment reminders should be strengthened.
Variations in Oxidative Stability of Walnut Oil with Rosmarinic Acid Added under Different Ultraviolet Radiations
Authors: Jin Shuang , Ren Yubin , Cheng Yupeng , Yang Bingyou , Kuang Haixue , Fu Yujie , Lv Chen , Li Huiling , Liu Rui
Published: November 2023

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural phenolic compound extracted from the Labiatae family and is a natural antioxidant. In this study, walnut oil added with RA was treated with different ultraviolet radiations, and stabilization effects in terms of the same conditions (0.2 mg/g) were compared with synthetic antioxidant (BHT). In order to compare the effectiveness of three UV treatments, different lab tests were conducted, namely, the acid value, peroxide value, iodine value, anisidine value, DPPH free radical scavenging rate, and malondialdehyde content. The enhanced UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C radiation intensities have increased the oxidation stability of RA-added walnut oil, of which UV-B has the greatest influence on the oxidative stability of walnut oil. When both RA and BHT were added at 0.2 mg/g, the antioxidant effect of RA is superior to the general antioxidant BHT.
Research on Shear Strength Parameters of the Silty Fine Sand and the Rounded Gravel Layers in Nanning City
Authors: Yang Liming , Yang Fan , Zhou Qian , Zhang Guangbin
Published: November 2023

The silty fine sand and rounded gravel layers are widely distributed in Nanning City, China. Due to the low clay content, the silty fine sand and rounded gravel layers are prone to disturbance during sampling and transportation, which affects the shear strength test results. The reasonable determination of their shear strength is significant and imperative to the project. The rail transit project in Nanning is under large-scale construction. This work obtained the shear strength of the silty fine sand and the rounded gravel layers by conducting laboratory tests on undisturbed samples from deep foundation pits, combined with large-scale direct shear in situ tests. In addition, geotechnical investigation reports for typical projects in Nanning City were compiled, and the test data for the silty fine sand and the rounded gravel layers were comparatively analyzed using the empirical value. The results show that the shear strength test values of the fine sand layer are consistent with the current standard empirical values, and empirical values can be used for reference. The shear strength test value of the rounded gravel layer has significantly improved compared to the current standard empirical value, with a cohesion (c) value of 0–6.8 kPa and an increase in internal friction angle (φ) of 0%–12.5%. It is recommended to determine the shear strength of the rounded gravel layer based on the actual situation.
Peritaje Contable en Chile: Una Propuesta Metodológica
Authors: Matus Galarce Darka Andrea , Rivera Aranda Juan Carlos
Published: November 2023

El peritaje contable, practicado por expertos en el área de la contabilidad y/o auditoría, nace como una necesidad que surge en los litigios que debe investigar el Fiscal, o el Juez dictar sentencia, sobre hechos controvertidos que no son de su especialización, quienes solicitan el informe pericial y cuyo contenido se basa en las evidencias que se obtienen a partir de la aplicación de pruebas propias de la criminalística y auditoría. En Chile, Argentina y Colombia, no existe una metodología que permita efectuar un peritaje en esta área, ante lo cual los investigadores seleccionaron los delitos de quiebra y usura para elaborar una propuesta metodológica que permita guiar la ejecución del peritaje contable, indicando cada uno de los pasos que se deben seguir y las consideraciones a tener en cuenta.
Investigación en el Área de Finanzas: ¿Qué se está investigando en los Trabajos de Grado y en los Grupos de Investigación?
Authors: Toro Jaramillo Iván Darío , Chica Builes Juan Fernando , Duque Salazar Juan Alejandro , Noreña López José Julián
Published: November 2023

Normalmente los aspirantes a un título académico de postgrado, deben elaborar una investigación que les sirva para culminar sus estudios y muestren que han adquirido las competencias necesarias para la generación de conocimiento académico. En el presente artículo se tomó un caso de estudio: Los trabajos de grado presentados en la Maestría (MBA) de la Universidad Eafit, durante el período comprendido entre los años 2006 y 2009, y se compararon con las investigaciones realizados por los grupos de investigación de universidades colombianas reconocidos por COLCIENCIAS, y, finalmente, se compararon con los artículos de una de las publicaciones más destacadas internacionalmente, la revista Análisis Económico, de la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (México). Lo que se busca con esta investigación es propiciar un debate sobre la pertinencia de este tipo de trabajos de grado por parte de los estudiantes de la Maestría en Administración de Negocios y la utilización práctica que el sector productivo pueda hacer del conocimiento generado.
The Association between State-Level Structural Racism and Alcohol and Tobacco Use Behaviors among a National Probability Sample of Black Americans
Authors: Woodard Nathaniel , Butler James , Ghosh Debarchana , Green Kerry M. , Knott Cheryl L.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Structural racism is how society maintains and promotes racial hierarchy and discrimination through established and interconnected systems. Structural racism is theorized to promote alcohol and tobacco use, which are risk factors for adverse health and cancer-health outcomes. The current study assesses the association between measures of state-level structural racism and alcohol and tobacco use among a national sample of 1,946 Black Americans.

Methods:

An existing composite index of state-level structural racism including five dimensions (subscales; i.e., residential segregation and employment, economic, incarceration, and educational inequities) was merged with individual-level data from a national sample dataset. Hierarchical linear and logistic regression models, accounting for participant clustering at the state level, assessed associations between structural racism and frequency of alcohol use, frequency of binge drinking, smoking status, and smoking frequency. Two models were estimated for each behavioral outcome, one using the composite structural racism index and one modeling dimensions of structural racism in lieu of the composite measure, each controlling for individual-level covariates.

Results:

Results indicated positive associations between the incarceration dimension of the structural racism index and binge drinking frequency, smoking status, and smoking frequency. An inverse association was detected between the education dimension and smoking status.

Conclusions:

Results suggest that state-level structural racism expressed in incarceration disparities, is positively associated with alcohol and tobacco use among Black Americans.

Impact:

Addressing structural racism, particularly in incarceration practices, through multilevel policy and intervention may help to reduce population-wide alcohol and tobacco use behaviors and improve the health outcomes of Black populations.
Clinical Benefit of Avapritinib in KIT-Mutant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Phase I NAVIGATOR and Phase I/II CS3007–001 Studies
Authors: Heinrich Michael C. , Zhang Xinhua , Jones Robin L. , George Suzanne , Serrano César , Deng Yanhong , Bauer Sebastian , Cai Shirong , Wu Xin , Zhou Yongjian , Tao Kaixiong , Zheng Zhichao , Zhang Jun , Cui Yuehong , Cao Hui , Wang Meining , Hu Jin , Yang Jason , Li Jian , Shen Lin
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

The efficacy of the selective KIT/PDGFRA inhibitor avapritinib (300 mg once daily) was explored in patients with non–PDGFRA-mutant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) from the phase I NAVIGATOR and phase I/II CS3007–001 trials.

Patients and Methods:

Adults with unresectable/metastatic, KIT-only-mutant GISTs and progression following ≥1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were included in this post hoc analysis. Baseline mutational status was identified in tumor and plasma. Primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) by blinded independent radiology review per modified RECIST v1.1 in patients harboring KIT activation-loop mutations (KIT exons 17 or 18) without ATP binding-pocket mutations (KIT exons 13 or 14; ALposABPneg), and other KIT mutations (OTHERS).

Results:

Sixty KIT ALposABPneg and 100 KIT OTHERS predominantly heavily pretreated patients (61.3% with ≥3 prior TKIs) were included. ORR was significantly higher in KIT ALposABPneg than KIT OTHERS patients (unadjusted: 26.7% vs. 12.0%; P = 0.0852; adjusted: 31.4% vs. 12.1%; P = 0.0047). Median PFS (mPFS) was significantly longer in KIT ALposABPneg patients compared with KIT OTHERS patients (unadjusted: 9.1 vs. 3.5 months; P = 0.0002; adjusted: 9.1 vs. 3.4 months; P < 0.0001), and longer in second- versus later-line settings (19.3 vs. 5.6–10.6 months). Benefit with avapritinib was observed in patients with KIT exon 9 mutations in the ≥4 line settings (mPFS: 5.6 and 3.7 months for 4 line and >4 line, respectively).

Conclusions:

Avapritinib showed greater antitumor activity in patients with GISTs harboring KIT ALposABPneg mutations versus KIT OTHERS, and may be considered in the former subpopulation. Patients with KIT exon 9 mutations may also benefit in ≥4 line settings.
Filsafat Ilmu Akuntansi
Authors: Andayani Wuryan , Sukoharsono Eko Ganis
Published: November 2023

Filsafat merupakan ilmu yang membantu kita menghadapi berbagai masalah dengan cara berpikir kritis. Banyak alasan orang mulai belajar filsafat, contohnya untuk memahami akar masalah dalam kehidupan, memperoleh wawasan tentang manusia, dan satu hal yang paling penting adalah untuk mengembangkan serta meningkatkan diri sendiri. Pada tingkat yang lebih dalam, mempelajari filsafat atau berusaha memahaminya lebih baik akan membuat seseorang tidak menjadi egosentris dan merasa selalu benar. Filsafat memiliki peran yang signifikan dalam kemajuan berbagai disiplin ilmu, dimana salah satunya adalah ilmu akuntansi. Dalam pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan, filsafat ilmu berperan dalam mencari akar penyebab yang mendasari serta akhir dari suatu fenomena. Tidak hanya itu saja, filsafat ilmu juga berperan dalam memberikan pemikiran kritis tehadap isu yang berkaitan dengan dasar-dasar ilmu dan interaksi ilmu dari berbagai aspek kehidupan manusia.
Motivos e Perspetivas Insulares na Pintura de António Dacosta
Authors: Rocha Maria Beatriz
Published: November 2023

Partindo do corpus artístico de António Dacosta (1914-1990), visa-se, com este ensaio, analisar a vivência do artista enquanto açoriano, de modo a traçar-se uma linha cronológica - fortemente influenciada pela memória - em que veremos como Dacosta, impactado por uma ditadura, pela emigração, entre outros eventos do seu tempo, nunca deixou de pintar a sua ilha.