bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of FH-Causing Variants and Impact on LDL-C Concentration in European, South Asian, and African Ancestry Groups of the UK Biobank—Brief Report
Authors: Gratton Jasmine , Humphries Steve E. , Futema Marta
Published: July 2023

Background:

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a monogenic disease that causes high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and higher risk of premature coronary heart disease. The prevalence of FH-causing variants and their association with LDL-C in non-European populations remains largely unknown. Using DNA diagnosis in a population-based cohort, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of FH across 3 major ancestry groups in the United Kingdom.

Methods:

Principal component analysis was used to distinguish genetic ancestry in UK Biobank participants. Whole exome sequencing data were analyzed to provide a genetic diagnosis of FH. LDL-C concentrations were adjusted for statin use.

Results:

Principal component analysis distinguished 140 439 European, 4067 South Asian, and 3906 African participants with lipid and whole exome sequencing data. There were significant differences between the 3 groups, including total and LDL-C concentrations, and prevalence and incidence of coronary heart disease. We identified 488, 18, and 15 participants of European, South Asian, and African ancestry carrying a likely pathogenic or pathogenic FH-variant. No statistical difference in the prevalence of an FH-causing variant was observed: 1 out of 288 (95% CI, 1/316–1/264) in European, 1 out of 260 (95% CI, 1/526–1/173) in African, and 1 out of 226 (95% CI, 1/419–1/155) in South Asian. Carriers of an FH-causing variant had significantly higher LDL-C concentration than noncarriers in every ancestry group. There was no difference in median (statin-use adjusted) LDL-C concentration in FH-variant carriers depending on their ancestry background. Self-reported statin use was nonsignificantly highest in FH-variant carriers of South Asian ancestry (55.6%), followed by African (40.0%) and European (33.8%;
P
=0.15).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of FH-causing variants in the UK Biobank is similar across the ancestry groups analyzed. Despite overall differences in lipid concentrations, FH-variant carriers across the 3 ancestry groups had similar LDL-C levels. In all ancestry groups, the proportion of FH-variant carriers treated with lipid-lowering therapy should be improved to reduce future risk of premature coronary heart disease.
Le fāʾ des systèmes hypothétiques en in de l’arabe classique : critères de prédiction des valeurs sémantiques de fāʾ
Authors: Sartori Manuel
Published: July 2023

Dans les systèmes hypothétiques arabes apparaît très souvent un fa- entre la protase et l’apodose. Selon la grammaire arabe classique, formée sur un corpus préclassique et pour le seul opérateur in des systèmes hypothétiques, le fāʾ marquerait une rupture formelle dès lors que l’apodose ne saurait être protase, c’est-à-dire dès lors que l’apodose n’a pas la forme faʿala (accompli neutre du point de vue du temps) ou yafʿal (inaccompli apocopé). Toutefois, outre les innombrables cas où cette règle n’est pas respectée, fāʾ manquant là où il était attendu, son apparition ne répond pas qu’à une nécessité formelle, encore semble-t-elle répondre à une nécessité sémantique : indiquer qu’en sa présence la relation entre la protase p et l’apodose q ne relève pas de la logique mais de la pragmatique. Pour le dire autrement avec Larcher, fāʾ est fonctionnellement et fondamentalement un segmentateur qui marque une rupture pragmatique indiquant que l’énoncé se situe au niveau de la logique naturelle des actes de langage où l’énonciation de p est une cause pour l’énonciation de q. Là, différentes valeurs interprétatives se laissent entrevoir (concessive, déductive, justificative, oppositive, etc.). Ce papier se propose d’en ajouter une, causalo-inductive, et de montrer en quoi, après avoir rappelé une distinction fondamentale faite par la tradition arabe médiévale qui distingue entre fāʾ sababiyya (fāʾ causal) et fāʾ taʿlīliyya (fāʾ illatif), l’hypothèse d’une corrélation entre le type d’apodose, en fonction qu’il s’agit sémantiquement d’une assertion (iḫbār) ou non, et donc d’une performance (inšāʾ), et l’une des deux valeurs du fāʾ semble pertinente et fonctionnelle.
A History of a Traveling Qurʾān Manuscript in Inhambane, Mozambique
Authors: Mutiua Chapane
Published: July 2023

The present article traces the history of a Qurʾān manuscript that, according to oral testimony, travelled from Oman to Inhambane via Zanzibar between the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The manuscript is kept at the Jam’a Mosque in the city of Inhambane, southern Mozambique. Inhambane fell under the sphere of influence of the ancient sheikhdom of Sofala, founded by Swahili Arab traders as part of the Zimbabwe gold trade in the eighth century ad and destroyed by the Portuguese in the early sixteenth century. The presence of this manuscript in Inhambane contradicts the general idea of a disconnect between the southern Mozambique region and Swahili trading networks as a result of the Portuguese presence in Sofala, Tete, Quelimane, and Mozambique Island. The properties of the manuscript, its materials (ink and paper), and its writing style (its script style and punctuation marks) are adduced, on the one hand, to argue that it was not produced in the territory of Mozambique; on the other hand, this highlights its connection with Qurʾān manuscripts produced in other parts of the western Indian Ocean region.
Allowing Corruption and Dodging Accountability
Authors: Gascoigne Joseph
Published: July 2023

Public investigations can be important fact-finding mechanisms empowered to scrutinize instances of government corruption. But in the small states of the Anglophone Caribbean, the opposite is true, and these institutions can become political tools used to avoid accountability. By concentrating unchecked discretion in the prime minister, the Westminster system empowers governments in small states to establish controlled investigations lacking essential investigative powers. Meanwhile, the public’s understanding of the resultant investigation can be influenced by a highly partisan media, largely controlled by the government. In such circumstances, public investigations can be used to insulate governments from accountability and allow corruption to go unpunished while giving the superficial appearance of transparency and accountability. These strategies were successfully used during the 1987 Nedd Investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the redevelopment of Antigua’s airport in 1986. Manipulation of public investigations is another damaging consequence of the Westminster system being used in small, polarized states.
The generic position of the Nubian Bustard Neotis nuba (Cretzschmar, 1826) (Aves: Otididae)
Authors: COLLAR NIGEL J. , KIRWAN GUY M.
Published: July 2023

The bustard genera Neotis and Ardeotis are generally considered to comprise four species each, but a 2002 molecular phylogeny found N. heuglinii interposed between two pairs of Ardeotis, with N. nuba basal to all seven others. In the absence of a new molecular study one approach to clarifying relationships in the Otididae is to examine the degree of difference in their self-advertisement displays (as performed solitarily, i.e., with no nearby conspecifics). In this regard N. nuba emerges as unique for possessing a strutting parade with its tail raised in a vertical fork, in complete contrast to the neck-inflation displays of other Neotis (which involve no use of the tail) and of all Ardeotis. The tail-fork in N. nuba, unknown in any other bustard, results from the outer rectrices being longer, stiffer and more pointed than the central ones. The species is also unique among bustards in its long broad sandy-rufous crown-stripe; and unlike all other Neotis the sexes are virtually alike in plumage. We consequently propose a new genus Nubotis for N. nuba. Furthermore, we suggest that confirmation of all components of the displays of N. heuglinii, N. denhami and N. ludwigii might precipitate a new genus for N. heuglinii. Fuller review of the distinctions between the Afrotropical A. arabs and A. kori on the one side and the non-Afrotropical A. nigriceps and A. australis on the other might also lead to the reinstatement of Austrotis for the latter two.
Description of three new species of Isoctenus Bertkau, 1880 and new records for I. areia Polotow & Brescovit (Araneae, Ctenidae) from northeastern Brazil
Authors: MORAES ISADORA M. PONTES , POLOTOW DANIELE , LABARQUE FACUNDO M. , SILVA MARCIO B. DA
Published: July 2023

Three new species of the genus Isoctenus Bertkau, 1880 are described from the state of Bahia, in the northeast of Brazil: Isoctenus jussara new species, Isoctenus cabula new species, and Isoctenus botocudos new species. In addition, new records of Isoctenus areia Polotow and Brescovit, 2009 are presented. Previously known only from the city of Areia, state of Paraíba, its distribution now expands to the cities of Mamanguape, state of Paraíba, and Igarassu, state of Pernambuco.
8. Presumptive Limitarianism: A Reply to Robert Huseby
Authors: Timmer Dick
Published: July 2023

In earlier work on limitarianism, I argued that setting an upper limit to the amount of wealth that people can permissibly have is justified when decision-makers are unaware of or disagree about the appropriate distributive criterion or if they are unaware of people’s relevant features (or both). Robert Huseby has raised several powerful objections to this presumptive argument for limitarianism. Some of these objections call for a revision of my defence of presumptive limitarianism while others call for clarification, both of which I aim to do in this chapter. I will argue that unless decision-makers have substantive reasons to suggest otherwise, they must act as if there is an upper limit to the amount of wealth that people can permissibly have.
10. A Neo-Republican Argument for Limitarianism
Authors: Icardi Elena
Published: July 2023

In this chapter, I argue that limitarianism should be advocated within neo-republicanism. For the neo-republican ideal of freedom as non-domination is jeopardized by the presence of the super-rich in a democracy. By possessing much more resources than their fellow citizens, the super-rich enjoy disproportionate political power, thus dominating the democratic process. Moreover, formal institutional constraints in this regard work only to a limited extent. For the sake of non-domination, therefore, excessive individual wealth should be limited. This, I argue, can be done through a limitarian threshold. However, such a threshold should be put where the problem itself arises. That is, it should not limit the wealth that people do not need for their full flourishing. Rather, it should limit the wealth that allows people to dominate public decision-making even when formal barriers are in place. Hence, I offer a novel argument for limitarianism from the neo-republican perspective.
13. Ecological Limits: Science, Justice, Policy, and the Good Life
Authors: Green Fergus
Published: July 2023

Recent years have witnessed a revival of scientific, political and philosophical discourse concerning the notion of ecological limits. This article provides a conceptual overview of descriptive ecological limit claims—i.e. claims that there are real, biophysical limits—and reviews work in political and social philosophy in which such claims form the basis of proposals for normative limits. The latter are classified in terms of three broad types of normative theorising: distributive justice, institutional/legal reform, and the good life. Within these three categories, the article reviews normative proposals for limits on both aggregate‐level and individual‐level ecological exploitation. It also considers the relevance of political and ideological facts to the normative analysis of ecological limits, raising methodological questions about how normative theorists should respond to a world facing escalating ecological challenges.
Relationships between 10 Years of Radar-Observed Supercell Characteristics and Hail Potential
Authors: Homeyer Cameron R. , Murillo Elisa M. , Kumjian Matthew R.
Published: July 2023

Supercell storms are commonly responsible for severe hail, which is the costliest severe storm hazard in the United States and elsewhere. Radar observations of such storms are common and have been leveraged to estimate hail size and severe hail occurrence. However, many established relationships between radar-observed storm characteristics and severe hail occurrence have been found using data from few storms and in isolation from other radar metrics. This study leverages a 10-yr record of polarimetric Doppler radar observations in the United States to evaluate and compare radar observations of thousands of severe hail–producing supercells based on their maximum hail size. In agreement with prior studies, it is found that increasing hail size relates to increasing volume of high (≥50 dBZ) radar reflectivity, increasing midaltitude mesocyclone rotation (azimuthal shear), increasing storm-top divergence, and decreased differential reflectivity and copolar correlation coefficient at low levels (mostly below the environmental 0°C level). New insights include increasing vertical alignment of the storm mesocyclone with increasing hail size and a Doppler velocity spectrum width minimum aloft near storm center that increases in area with increasing hail size and is argued to indicate increasing updraft width. To complement the extensive radar analysis, near-storm environments from reanalyses are compared and indicate that the greatest environmental differences exist in the middle troposphere (within the hail growth region), especially the wind speed perpendicular to storm motion. Recommendations are given for future improvements to radar-based hail-size estimation.
Utilization of Circulating Tumor DNA in the Surveillance Setting
Authors: Gibbs Jennifer N. , Dale Paul S. , Weatherall Andrew L.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

National guidelines give recommendations regarding cancer surveillance follow-up. In many early staged cancers radiographic imaging and labs are not routinely recommended unless patients are symptomatic. This can cause a gap in care because commonly when patients present symptomatically, they have progressed and transitioned to later-stage cancer. This study demonstrates how circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be used alongside current guidelines to help screen patients for recurrence in the surveillance setting.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed. Fifty-five charts were reviewed of patients who received ctDNA testing drawn in follow-up after their primary tumor or metastatic disease was rendered surgically or radiographically disease-free. A customized signature profile, using the sixteen most prevalent genomic markers from a patient’s primary tumor or biopsy, is developed by whole-exome sequencing. Serial blood draws are then drawn to assess for specific DNA markers using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.

Results

Fifty-five charts were reviewed in patients who had stage I-III breast, pancreatic, melanoma, and colorectal cancer. Of the fifty-five, a total of seven had a positive test. Of the seven positive tests, six patients were found to have recurrent/metastatic disease. One positive test was performed four weeks postoperatively but by the second draw ten weeks postoperatively had non-detectable ctDNA. The remaining forty-eight patients had non-detectable ctDNA levels and to date have not had any evidence of recurrence based on standard follow-up guidelines.

Conclusion

The utilization of ctDNA in the surveillance setting can be used to help detect recurrence in the surveillance setting.
The Impact of Employee Stakeholder Orientation on Job Satisfaction and Perspective-Taking
Authors: Parmar Bidhan L. , Wicks Andrew C. , Ginena Karim
Published: July 2023

Scant research has examined the effects of an organization’s stakeholder orientation on the cognition and attitudes of employees. Our study focuses on how one aspect of an organization’s objective, its stakeholder orientation, affects employee job satisfaction. Through seven studies utilizing different samples and measures, we theorize and demonstrate that employees with a higher perceived stakeholder orientation experience enhanced job satisfaction. We provide correlational field data and causal experimental evidence to show that increased employee perspective-taking is one potential mediator of this effect. These results contribute to our understanding of job satisfaction and perspective-taking by showing how employee orientation toward other stakeholders affects their attitude toward their job and social cognition. We also expand the focus of stakeholder orientation beyond normative philosophy and toward understanding its effects on the cognitions and attitudes of organizational members to provide a basis for examining the behavioral implications of different stakeholder orientations.
Composing Meaningful Lives: Exceptional Women and Men at Age 50
Authors: Lubinski David , Benbow Camilla P. , McCabe Kira O. , Bernstein Brian O.
Published: July 2023

To understand divergent and remarkable lives lived, we examined the accomplishments, family dynamics, life orientation, psychological well-being, and definition of a meaningful life among two exceptional groups at age 50: Top Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) doctoral students (270 males, 255 females, originally surveyed in their mid-20s) and profoundly gifted adolescents (263 males, 71 females, top 0.01% in ability, first studied at age 12). The creativity and occupational stature of both cohorts were extraordinary and commensurate. Life priorities, time allocation, and breadth of interests created paths that differed for women and men, resulting in contrasting, but equally exceptional, life outcomes across career, life, and relationship satisfaction. Distinct constellations of personal attributes of intellectually and scientifically brilliant women, relative to such men, operated to form satisfying and productive lives that differed for the women and men as a whole. Findings cast light on the participation of women and men in STEM and conceptually demanding leadership positions.
Evaluation of an Automated, Pharmacist-Driven, Antimicrobial Patient Acuity Scoring System for Hospitalized Bacteremic Patients
Authors: Karpen Riley , Murphy Claire , Reed Erica , Gerlach Anthony T. , Cape Kari , Mellett John , Atyia Sara A.
Published: July 2023

Purpose: The implementation of an automated, pharmacist-driven, scoring system within the EMR has been shown to improve patient care in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia by increasing the adherence to disease specific quality-of-care measures. However, there are a lack of studies evaluating the incorporation of blood culture review into standard, non-antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist workflow. Our institution implemented an automated, pharmacist-driven, antimicrobial scoring system in the electronic medical record (EMR) on August 6, 2019. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center, quasi-experimental study of hospitalized, non-critically ill adult (18-89 years of age) patients with bacteremia between July 6, 2018 and July 5, 2019 (pre-implementation group) and September 6, 2019 and September 5, 2020 (post-implementation group). The primary outcome was time to directed antibiotic therapy in patients with positive blood cultures. Secondary outcomes included hospital length-of-stay, days of therapy (DOT) while inpatient, time to effective therapy, 30-day all-cause mortality, and rates of Clostridioides difficile infections documented within 3 months of positive culture results. Results: Implementation of the antimicrobial scoring system did not result in a significant change in time to directed antibiotic therapy (32.5 hours vs 37.4 hours; P = .757). There was also no difference found for time to effective antibiotic therapy (−12.6 hours vs −14.2 hours; P =.905) and no difference found for all other secondary outcomes. Conclusion: The implementation of the antimicrobial scoring system did not lead to an improvement in clinical outcomes. Further research is needed to better define a patient population that may benefit from this system.
Detecting Routines: Applications to Ridesharing Customer Relationship Management
Authors: Dew Ryan , Ascarza Eva , Netzer Oded , Sicherman Nachum
Published: July 2023

Routines shape many aspects of day-to-day consumption. While prior research has established the importance of habits in consumer behavior, little work has been done to understand the implications of routines—which the authors define as repeated behaviors with recurring, temporal structures—for customer management. One reason for this dearth is the difficulty of measuring routines from transaction data, particularly when routines vary substantially across customers. The authors propose a new approach for doing so, which they apply in the context of ridesharing. They model customer-level routines with Bayesian nonparametric Gaussian processes, leveraging a novel kernel that allows for flexible yet precise estimation of routines. These Gaussian processes are nested in inhomogeneous Poisson processes of usage, allowing the authors to estimate customers’ routines and decompose their usage into routine and nonroutine parts. They show the value of detecting routines for customer relationship management in the context of ridesharing, where they find that routines are associated with higher future usage and activity rates, and more resilience to service failures. Moreover, the authors show how these outcomes vary by the types of routines customers have, and by whether trips are part of the customer's routine, suggesting a role for routines in segmentation and targeting.
The effect of curcumin supplementation on functional strength outcomes and markers of exercise-induced muscle damage: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Oxley Robert A , Peart Daniel J.
Published: July 2023

Background: Curcumin is a polyphenol derived from the Curcuma longa L (turmeric) plant and has gained attention through its perceived anti-inflammatory characteristics. The potential interaction with exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) has led to investigation of curcumin as a post-exercise strategy that may have the potential to lessen acute reductions in functional strength (FS) following physical activity. Aim: The purpose of this review is to assess the evidence examining curcumin in relation to four outcome measures: FS, EIMD, DOMS and inflammation. Methods: A Medline, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL database search was undertaken with no publication date limit. Sixteen papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Three meta-analyses were completed for EIMD, DOMS and inflammation, respectively, with FS being excluded due to limited research. Results: Effect sizes were as follows: EIMD (0.15, −0.12, −0.04, −0.2 and −0.61 corresponding to 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post-exercise, respectively), DOMS (−0.64, −0.33, 0.06, −0.53 and −1.16 corresponding to 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post-exercise, respectively) and inflammation (−0.10, 0.26, 0.15 and 0.26 corresponding to 0, 24, 48 and 72 h post-exercise, respectively). A 96 h post-exercise inflammation meta-analysis was not conducted due to limited data. Conclusion: No effect sizes were statistically significant for EIMD ( p = 0.644, 0.739, 0.893, 0.601 and 0.134), DOMS ( p = 0.054, 0.092, 0.908, 0.119 and 0.074) and inflammation ( p = 0.729, 0.603, 0.611 and 0.396). Further research is needed to thoroughly examine whether an effect exists.
Evaluating the role of social inclusion in the self-esteem and academic inclusion of adolescents with vision impairment
Authors: Manitsa Ifigeneia , Barlow-Brown Fiona , Livanou Maria
Published: July 2023

Adolescents with vision impairment report deficient feelings of school belonging and challenges in developing social relationships with teachers and classmates. These challenges negatively affect other aspects of their school lives such as their academic learning. However, there is very little empirical research into the social dimensions of school inclusion in adolescents with vision impairment and their role in socio-emotional development and academic inclusion. The authors conducted two empirical studies to examine the following two dimensions of social inclusion in school: school belonging and close relationships at school. The relationship between school belonging and self-esteem and the relationship between close relationships at school and academic inclusion were also examined. Both studies recruited adolescents with severe sight impairment, sight impairment, and sighted adolescents. Study 1 involved 44 adolescents aged 12–18 years attending both mainstream and special schools in the United Kingdom. In Study 2, 42 adolescents aged 12–14 years, attending only mainstream schools in the United Kingdom, participated. The first study took place in seven UK schools, whereas the second study was conducted online. Adolescents were asked to complete questionnaires that examined school belonging, close relationships at school, self-esteem, and academic inclusion. The findings indicated that adolescents with sight impairment felt significantly less socially included compared to their peers. School belonging significantly influenced specific areas of self-esteem and the social relationships with close friends had a significant effect on academic inclusion. No group differences were found in the self-esteem and development of close social relationships between adolescents with and without vision impairment. Overall, our research highlighted the school experiences of adolescents with vision impairment and underlined the positive role of school inclusion in their academic experiences and socio-emotional development. Unexpectedly, it appears that adolescents with sight impairment experience socio-emotional challenges in their school inclusion, which should be addressed in future research and practice.
Evaluating the learning performances for CNC machine practice in mechanical engineering degree courses based on students’ mental workload
Authors: Hoang Son , Tran Cong Chi , Pham Van Tinh , Nguyen Van Tuu , Tran Van Tung , Tran Van Tuong , Nguyen Thi Tham
Published: July 2023

This study evaluates the performance of learning CNC machining in mechanical engineering degree programs by assessing students’ mental workload (MWL). Both subjective (NASA-Task Load Index) and objective (increasing ratio of heart rate, IRH) evaluation methods were employed to assess the MWL of 46 students randomly assigned to two groups: a traditional training group and a combined simulation training group. The results demonstrate the significant impact of the training method on students’ MWL. Specifically, the MWL and IHR values of the combined simulation training group were 54.3 and 9.2, respectively, while those of the traditional training group were 58.3 and 13.2. Additionally, the correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between the IHR value and the MWL score of NASA-TLX. These findings suggest that implementing simulated software and the combined simulation training method effectively reduces students’ MWL, thereby promoting active knowledge acquisition. Consequently, students’ MWL can be utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of technical education with the aim of enhancing training efficiency and quality.
Leveraging Location-Based Services Data to Optimize Generation of High-Demand and Equitable Bus Network Options
Authors: Baumgartner David , Chachra Vir , Ciborowski Matthew , Temco Zoe , Leven Dalia , Liu Pathak Amy , Zimmer Alissa , Johnson Doug
Published: July 2023

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Bus Network Redesign project included a data-driven, customer-focused approach to creating the high-frequency core of the network. This approach used location-based services data to create an objective, repeatable process for developing this network based on the agency’s priorities. Centering equity and designed to limit human biases, the process algorithmically generated 100,000 possible high-frequency bus networks and scored them based on how much total demand and demand by low-income and minority populations was served by high-quality transit. The result was used to identify the high-frequency core of the bus network that approached the optimal for demand and equity while meeting resource constraints. The approach consisted of organizing the demand data, determining busable streets, generating potential bus corridors, combining those corridors into many sets, and scoring the sets based on how well they serve the region’s travel demand. The process emphasized equity by heavily weighting demand from low-income and minority populations in building and evaluating corridors and networks. Further, by using location-based services data, the approach was focused on where people were traveling, rather than traditional approaches that look to connect concentrations of trip generators and attractors without knowledge of where people are actually going. The result was a core, high-frequency bus network that has informed the decisions and design process of MBTA’s future bus system.
Resilience and Disaster Recovery Tool Suite for Evaluating Resilient Infrastructure Return on Investment with a Robust Decision-Making Metamodeling Approach
Authors: Lewis Kristin C. , Badgley Jonathan , Flynn Dan F. B. , Gillham Olivia , Oberg Alexander , Reese Gretchen E. , Smith Scott , Zhang Kevin
Published: July 2023

There is a growing interest in enhancing the resilience of the transportation network in the face of hazards such as storms, flooding, and climate change impacts. Transportation agencies and planning organizations need tools to assess potential resilience-focused infrastructure projects and to support infrastructure project justifications. In support of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, we developed the open-source, publicly available Resilience and Disaster Recovery (RDR) Tool Suite to evaluate resilient infrastructure return on investment. This tool suite is based on robust decision-making concepts that enable scenario analysis and decision making under uncertainty. The RDR Tool Suite leverages widely used travel demand modeling as well as benefit–cost analysis, breakeven analysis, and benefit–cost analysis under uncertainty to accommodate a range of data availability. The tool suite also includes an Exposure Analysis Tool to assist with assigning hazard severity to the transportation network. This paper provides an overview of the newly released RDR Tool Suite and its utility for transportation planning.
The Effects of Life Changes in Family on Engagement in Economic Activities Among Female Older Adults: A Comparative Study Between China and South Korea
Authors: Choi Ji-Young , Lee Myoung-Jin
Published: July 2023

In this study, the relationship between life changes in family members and engagement in economic activities among female older adults was explored in two East Asian countries: China and South Korea. Using panel data from wave 2 (2008) to wave 6 (2016) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging and wave 1 (2011) to wave 3 (2015) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a correlated random effects probit model was estimated. The sample included 4,412 observations from South Korea and 1,972 observations from China. The results demonstrate that life changes in family affect engagement in economic activity among female older adults in both countries. However, the influence of family members on economic activity differed between the countries. These results suggest that participation in economic activities among female older adults needs to be understood in different macro-social contexts.
PLCL-TPU bi-layered artificial blood vessel with compliance matching to host vessel
Authors: Guan Lihua , Zhao Huijing , Wang Kai , Zhang Ke-qin , Meng Kai
Published: July 2023

Compliance mismatch between the artificial blood vessel and the host vessel leads to abnormal hemodynamics and is a major mechanical trigger of intimal hyperplasia. Efforts have been made to achieve higher compliance of artificial blood vessels. However, the preparation of artificial blood vessels with compliance matching to host vessels has not been realized. A bi-layered artificial blood vessel was successfully prepared by dip-coating and electrospinning composite method using poly(L-Lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) and thermoplastic poly(ether urethane) (TPU). In the case of a certain wall thickness (200 μm), thickness ratios of the PLCL inner layer (dip-coating method) and TPU outer layer (electrospinning method) were controlled at 0:1, 1:9, 3:7, 5:5, 7:3, and 1:0 respectively and the compliance, radial tensile properties, burst pressure, and suture retention strength were investigated. Results showed compliance value of the artificial blood vessel decreased with the increase of the thickness ratio, which suggested the compliance of the bi-layered artificial blood vessel can be regulated by adjusting the ratio of the inner and outer layer thicknesses. In the six different artificial blood vessels, the one with thickness ratio of 1:9 not only had high compliance (8.768 ± 0.393%/100 mmHg) but also can guarantee the other mechanical properties, such as the radial breaking strength (6.333 ± 0.689 N/mm), burst pressure (534.473 ± 20.899 mmHg), and suture retention strength (300.773 ± 9.351 cN). The proposed artificial blood vessel preparation method is expected to achieve compliance matching with the host vessel. It is beneficial for eliminating abnormal hemodynamics and reducing intimal hyperplasia.
Not All Bots are Created Equal: The Impact of Bots Classification Techniques on Identification of Discursive Behaviors Around the COVID-19 Vaccine and Climate Change
Authors: Wang Rui , Walter Dror , Ophir Yotam
Published: July 2023

As concerns about social bots online increase, studies have attempted to explore the discourse they produce, and its effects on individuals and the public at large. We argue that the common reliance on aggregated scores of binary classifiers for bot detection may have yielded biased or inaccurate results. To test this possibility, we systematically compare the differences between non-bots and bots using binary and non-binary classifiers (classified into the categories of astroturf, self-declared, spammers, fake followers, and Other). We use two Twitter corpora, about COVID-19 vaccines ( N = 1,697,280) and climate change ( N = 1,062,522). We find that both in terms of volume and thematic content, the use of binary classifiers may hinder, distort, or mask differences between humans and bots, that could only be discerned when observing specific bot types. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Bayesian explanations for persuasion
Authors: Little Andrew T
Published: July 2023

The central puzzle of persuasion is why a receiver would listen to a sender who they know is trying to change their beliefs or behavior. This article summarizes five approaches to solving this puzzle: (1) some messages are easier to send for those with favorable information ( costly signaling), (2) the sender and receiver have common interest, (3) the sender messages are verifiable information, (4) the sender cares about their reputation for competence/honesty, and (5) the sender can commit to a messaging strategy (often called ‘Bayesian Persuasion’). After reviewing these approaches with common notation, I discuss which provide insight into prominent empirical findings on campaigns, partisan media, and lobbying. While models focusing on commitment have rapidly become prominent (if not dominant) in the recent theoretical literature on persuasion in political science and economics, the insights they provide are primarily technical, and are not particularly well-suited to explaining most of these phenomena.
Z-Time: Making and feeling time in the chronobiological laboratory
Authors: Hussey Kristin D
Published: July 2023

This article explores how scientists make and feel time in the context of the chronobiological laboratory. Like other scholars who have tracked the temporal regimes of scientific knowledge making, I am interested in the kinds of times produced in and around experiments performed by the scientists who study circadian rhythms. During gruelling ‘time point’ experiments, chronobiologists attempt to mould their own rhythmic, biological bodies to a scientific temporality that emphasises exactness and regularity to facilitate almost continuous data collection. Within this complex ‘timescape’, scientists tinker with time itself in order to navigate the multiple temporalities produced by their research. They deploy a scientific time convention known as ‘Z-Time’ or ‘zeitgeber time’ as a method of ‘time work’ that allows them to customise the temporal experience of their working lives and their experimental subjects, lab mice. I argue that a case study of the chronobiology lab questions the extent to which time can be ‘worked’ in the context of biological research. I explore what the tension between scientific and embodied times can tell us about the role of temporality in making ‘good science’ and the ‘emotional culture’ that time point experiments foster among chronobiologists.
Peripherally inserted central venous catheter for pediatric acute leukemia: A retrospective 11-year single-center experience
Authors: Ligia Silvio , Morano Salvatore Giacomo , Kaiser Francesca , Micozzi Alessandra , Chistolini Antonio , Barberi Walter , Arena Valentina , Piciocchi Alfonso , Forgione Maurizio , Gasperini Giulia , Berneschi Paola , Testi Anna Maria
Published: July 2023

Background:

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are successfully increasingly used in children in onco-hematologic setting. PICC insertion, especially in oncologic patients, can be associated with adverse events (thrombosis, mechanical complications, and infections). Data regarding the use of PICC, as long-term access in pediatric patients with severe hematologic diseases, are still limited.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of 196 PICC, inserted in 129 pediatric patients with acute leukemia diagnosed and treated at Pediatric Hematology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome.

Results:

The 196 PICC analyzed were in situ for a median dwell time of 190 days (range 12–898). In 42 children, PICC was inserted twice and in 10, three times or more due to hematopoietic stem cell transplant, disease recurrence, or PICC-related complications. The overall complication rate was 34%: catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) occurred in 22% of cases after a median time of 97 days; a catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) in 3.5% and mechanical complications in 9% of cases. Premature removal for complications occurred in 30% of PICC. One death from CRBSI was observed.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this study represents the largest cohort of pediatric patients who have inserted the PICC for acute leukemia. In our experience, PICC was a cheap, safe, and reliable device for long-term intravenous access in children with acute leukemia. This has been possible with the help of dedicated PICC team.
Comprehensive evaluation framework building for integrated development program
Authors: Shin Jae Eun , Yu Mi Joung , Lee Suk-Won
Published: July 2023

The integrated development program, a cross-sectional development approach targeting a specific region or village, is receiving increasing attention as the 2030 agenda emphasizes a holistic approach in solving the poverty problem. The conventional evaluation designed for a causal inference of project-level outcome is incapable of reflecting the characteristics of the integrated development program. In this regard, we analyzed the unique features of the integrated development program by applying policy design theory to identify the challenges of evaluating this type of program. We then derived the logic of causal inference from the generative causation approach to resolve these challenges and developed practical evaluation tools, including causal maps and the evaluation matrix. These tools can be applied to respond to the evaluation questions related to the characteristics of the integrated development program, such as chain of causality, interactions between the outcomes, and many-to-many correspondence between aid-providers and recipients.
What Can Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing First-Year Community College Students Teach Us About Reading?
Authors: Williams Jessica , Sarchet Thomastine , Walton Dawn
Published: July 2023

More U.S. community college students are enrolling without the requisite reading skills to be successful. Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students are following a similar pattern with a little less than half requiring remedial instruction when entering college. College-age readers were the first population that we studied to learn about reading and reading instruction. The present study revisits this notion with DHH students at the forefront. We wanted to know what skills DHH readers have when they enroll in community college and what skills secondary teachers could focus on to prepare them. Based on the Degrees of Reading Power assessment given to DHH first year students prior entering community college (N = 409 participants), DHH readers would benefit from instruction in three important areas of reading comprehension: key ideas and details, craft and structure, and integration of knowledge and ideas. We discuss instructional ideas and future directions.
Medial Flap Coblation Turbinoplasty Versus Submucous Resection: Outcomes
Authors: El-Sisi Hossam Elsayed , Etman Mohammed , Ebada Hisham Atef
Published: July 2023

Background

Variable surgical options are available for turbinate reduction. These options include total turbinectomy, partial turbinectomy, submucosal resection, laser surgery, cryosurgery, electrocautery, radiofrequency ablation, and turbinate out-fracture. However, there remains a lack of consensus for the preferred technique.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the use of coblation for medial flap turbinoplasty procedure. Furthermore, the outcomes of this technique were compared to submucous resection in terms of improvement of patients’ symptoms, postoperative bleeding, crusting, and pain scores.

Methods

This prospective, randomized, comparative surgical trial was conducted on 90 patients. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups: medial flap coblation turbinoplasty group ( n = 45), and submucous resection group ( n = 45). The outcomes of both techniques were analyzed and compared.

Results

Both techniques were equally in alleviating patients’ symptoms of nasal obstruction. However, postoperative healing was significantly better in medial flap coblation turbinoplasty group. Additionally medial flap turbinoplasty showed a statistically significant better outcome in terms of postoperative bleeding, crusting and pain scores.

Conclusion

Both submucous resection and medial flap coblation turbinoplasty are effective in relieving nasal obstruction and enabling optimal volume reduction with preservation of function of the inferior turbinate. Coblation turbinoplasty has superior outcomes in terms of better healing and less postoperative pain and crusting.
New-onset microscopic polyangiitis temporally associated with severe COVID-19 infection: A case report
Authors: Meade-Aguilar José A , Varela-Martinez Yessica N , Ramirez-Eguía Sandra P , Sanchez-Hurtado Edgar , Mondragón-Labelle Tania O , Bautista-Aguilar Gabriela A , Deloya-Tomas Ernesto , Phinder-Puente Marian E , Pérez Nieto Orlando R
Published: July 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 has been demonstrated to be a trigger for multiple immune-mediated diseases, such as antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Associated vasculitis consists of rare autoimmune disorders that predominantly affect small vessels, leading to endothelial injury and tissue damage. We present a case of a newly diagnosed microscopic polyangiitis temporally associated with coronavirus disease 2019 infection in a previously healthy woman and a literature review. A 66-year-old female presented to the Emergency Room with fever, edema on her legs, productive cough, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. A chest computerized tomography scan revealed bilateral diffuse alveolar opacities with the appearance of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Blood analysis revealed a moderate normocytic, normochromic anemia with a hemoglobin of 6.6 g/dL, platelet count of 347 k/dL, leucocytes of 12,000/dL, a creatinine of 3.91 mg/dL (basal Cr: 0.9 mg/dL), and a Blood Urine Nnitrogen of 78 mg/dL. A urine sediment demonstrated glomerular hematuria, with mixed shapes of red blood cells. She was admitted to the intensive care unit and a bedside bronchoscopy revealed progressive bleeding with a bronchioalveolar lavage positive for diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Given the critical involvement of the lungs and kidney function, the diagnostic approach revealed a positive p-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody on immunofluorescence and an anti-MPO (myeloperoxidase) level of 124.6 IU/mL. A renal biopsy demonstrated pauciimmune focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis. A diagnosis of microscopic polyangiitis triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection was made, and immediate treatment with pulse-dose steroids and cyclophosphamide was initiated. The patient needed renal replacement therapy and was discharged for follow-up with nephrology and rheumatology services. The diagnostic approach of associated vasculitis can be more challenging in the coronavirus disease era. Atypical features in the pulmonary imaging and a rapid deterioration of the renal function should arise the clinical suspicion of the presence of an added condition to the coronavirus disease infection. Autoimmune conditions such as associated vasculitis should be evaluated even in the absence of previous autoimmune history. Prompt diagnosis and treatments must be prioritized to avoid end-organ definite damage. Further, larger and more collaborative studies are needed to confirm the potential role of coronavirus disease 2019 as a trigger of associated vasculitis.