bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety Helmet Wearing Detection Based on Jetson Nano and Improved YOLOv5
Authors: Deng Zaihui , Yao Chong , Yin Qiyu
Published: May 2023

Aiming to address the current shortcomings of the existing safety helmet wearing detection algorithms, including a slow reasoning speed, a large model size, and high hardware requirements, this study proposes an improved safety helmet wearing detection network named YOLOv5-SN, which is suitable for embedded deployment on Jetson Nano. First, the backbone of the YOLOv5 network is modified using the model lightweight method introduced by ShuffleNetV2. Next, the model size and number of parameters in the trained model are reduced to about one-tenth of those of the YOLOv5 network, and the reasoning speed is improved by 72 ms/f when tested on Jetson Nano. Then, the modified model is optimized using the quantification and layer fusion operations, further reducing the computing power and accelerating the reasoning speed. Finally, the YOLOv5-SN network is obtained by improving the YOLOv5 model, and the optimized model is deployed on Jetson Nano for testing. The average reasoning speed of the YOLOv5s-SN network reaches 32.2 ms/f, which is 84.7 ms/f faster compared to that of the YOLOv5s model. This demonstrates an obvious advantage of the proposed model in reasoning speed compared to the existing YOLOv5 models. Finally, the proposed model can perform real-time and effective target detection on the Jetson Nano embedded terminal.
Quick Determination of Soil Quality Using Portable Spectroscopy and Efficient Multivariate Techniques
Authors: Teye Ernest , Amuah Charles L. Y. , Atiah Kofi , Darko Ransford Opoku , Abindaw Thomas , Amoah Kwadwo Kusi , Miyittah Michael , Afutu Emmanuel , Owusu Rebecca
Published: May 2023

Rapid and onsite determination of the soil status and quality parameters holds a brighter potential for improving food security, and minimizing waste of the excessive application of soil amendments hence reducing environmental pollution. In this study, a pocket-sized shortwave NIR spectroscopy (740–1070 nm) and multivariate statistics were used to classify soil from different land-use types and simultaneously predict nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and pH in Ghana. Different Algorithms. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA), support vector machine (SVM), and partial least squares algorithms (full-range partial least square, FrPLS; interval partial least squares, IPLS; synergy interval partial least squares, Si-PLS) were attempted for building a suitable classification and quantification model. The models were assessed by the classification rate, coefficient of determination (Rp2), and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) in the prediction set. A total of 110 soil samples from 0 to 15 cm, 15 to 30 cm, and 30 to 45 cm layers were collected from the field of different land-use cropping systems. The results obtained showed that SVM had a 98.61% classification rate of the soil from the cropping system. While Si-PLS was superior in predicting N, P, K, Mg2+, Ca2+, and pH. The performance of the Si-PLS model for N, P, K, Mg2+, Ca2+, and pH were 0.571, 0.779, 0.910, 0.778, 0.826, and 0.904 for Rp2 and 0.033%, 0.738 mg·kg−1, 0.117 cmol·kg−1, 0.654 cmol·kg−1, 3.0219 cmol·kg−1, and 0.4760 pH unit for RMSEP, respectively. The results revealed that the portable NIR spectroscopic technique could be used to measure the soil status and some quality parameters. However, further studies are needed to proof its application. This could lead to improving the yield and saving the cost of fertilizer application.
SubFoveal Choroidal Imaging in High Myopic Nepalese Cohort
Authors: Gyawali Parash , Jnawali Ashutosh , Kharal Anish , Subedi Manish , Kandel Sandeep , Puri Prajjol Raj , Paudel Nabin
Published: May 2023

Purpose. Evidence suggests that choroid is thinner in myopes as compared to nonmyopes. However, choroidal thickness varies with the refractive error, age, axial length, and ethnicity. The purpose of this study was to determine the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) in high myopic Nepalese subjects and to investigate its association with the mean spherical equivalent refractive error (MSE), axial length, and age. Methods. Ninety‐two eyes of 92 high myopic subjects (MSE ≤ −6 diopters) and 83 eyes of 83 emmetropic subjects (MSE: 0.00 Diopters) were included in the study. SFCT was assessed using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and the axial length was measured using partial coherence interferometry. SFCT was measured manually using the inbuilt tool within the imaging software. Results. SFCT in the high myopic subjects was significantly thinner (mean ± SD: 224.17 ± 68.91 μm) as compared to the emmetropic subjects (353.24 ± 65.63 μm) (mean difference, 127.76 ± 130.80 μm, and p < 0.001). In high myopic subjects, there was a significant negative correlation of choroidal thickness with the axial length (rho = −0.75; p < 0.001) and MSE (rho = −0.404; p < 0.01). Regression analysis demonstrated a decrease of choroidal thickness by 40.32 μm (p < 0.001) for every 1 millimeter increase in the axial length and by 11.65 μm (p < 0.001) for every 1 diopter increase in the MSE. Conclusion. High myopic Nepalese subjects had significantly thinner choroid as compared to emmetropes. The MSE and axial length were inversely correlated with the SFCT. Age had no effect on SFCT in this study. These findings may have implications in interpreting choroidal thickness values in clinical and epidemiological studies in myopes, especially in the south Asian population.
Cuproptosis-Related Genes CDK1 and COA6 Involved in the Prognosis Prediction of Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Han Sanfeng , Ye Tao , Mao Yuqin , Hu Bo , Wang Chen
Published: May 2023

Background. Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is the most frequently seen type of primary liver cancer. Cuproptosis is a novel form of cell death highly associated with mitochondrial metabolism. However, the clinical impact and pertinent mechanism of cuproptosis genes in LIHC remain largely unknown. Methods. From public databases, we systematically assessed common genes from LIHC differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cuproptosis-related genes using bioinformatics analysis. These common genes were then analyzed by enrichment analysis, mutation analysis, risk score model, and others to find candidate hub genes related to LIHC and cuproptosis. Next, hub genes were determined by expression, clinical factors, immunoassay, and prognostic nomogram. Results. Based on 129 cuproptosis-related genes and 3492 LIHC DEGs, we totally identified 21 downregulated and 18 upregulated common genes, and they were enriched in pathways, such as zinc ion homeostasis and oxidative phosphorylation. In the mutation analysis, missense mutation was the most common type in LIHC patients, and the common gene F5 had the highest mutation frequency. After LASSO-Cox regression analysis and prognostic analysis, CDK1, ABCB6, LCAT, and COA6 were identified as prognostic signature genes. Among them, ABCB6 and LCAT were lowly expressed in tumors, and CDK1 and COA6 were highly expressed in tumors. In addition, ABCB6 and LCAT were negatively correlated with 6 kinds of immune cells, while CDK1 and COA6 were positively correlated with them. CDK1 and COA6 were identified as hub genes related to LIHC by Cox regression analysis and prognostic nomogram. Conclusion. CDK1 and COA6 are two oncogenes in LIHC, which are involved in the molecular mechanism of cuproptosis and LIHC. Besides, CDK1 and COA6 can positively regulate the expressions of immune cells in LIHC. In clinical practice, they can be used as immunotherapeutic targets and prognostic predictors in LIHC, which sheds new light on the scientific fields of cuproptosis and LIHC.
A Novel and Efficient Authentication Scheme Based on UAV-UAV Environment
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Meng Lingzhe , Gan Jialing , Huang Zhihao
Published: May 2023

Nowadays, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used in various fields due to their high maneuverability and low cost of construction and use. With the development of UAV technology, it has become a trend for UAVs to cooperate with each other to complete assigned tasks. Multiple UAVs are combined according to a certain structure, and through the information sharing between them, a cooperative effect is generated to achieve intelligent collaborative task execution. However, information sharing is carried out on a public channel, so ensuring secure communication between UAVs is crucial. Moreover, UAVs are easily captured by an adversary, who can impersonate legitimate UAVs to disrupt communications if UAVs’ internal secrets that are stolen. Therefore, we propose a lightweight authentication scheme based on physical unclonable function (PUF), to provide mutual authentication between UAVs. PUF is embedded in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to defend against physical capture attack. Furthermore, to evaluate the security and performance of our scheme, formal and informal security analyses and formal security verification of the scheme are performed, and the performance of the scheme is compared with existing UAV schemes. The above analyses show that our scheme has great advantages in terms of security and overheads.
Insights into the Process of Gas Release from Organic-Rich Shale: Release Characteristics and Controlling Factors
Authors: Li Fei , Dang Wei , Wang Fengqin , Nie Haikuan , Feng Yubo , Liu Qiubo , Sun Jiangtao , Ma Yao
Published: May 2023

Shale gas release in canister can significantly enrich our understanding in gas-in-place characteristics. However, studies on shale gas release characteristics and its controlling factors are rare. In this study, gas release curves of 52 shale samples and 3 coal samples were measured using wellsite canister testing technique. According to curve shape, three curve patterns including L-shaped, S-shaped, and M-shaped are identified, and the difference among three curve patterns mainly lies in the fractional gas volume released in surface temperature stage. To evaluate the dependence of released gas content on shale properties, the variation in released gas content with organic matter, minerals, porosity, permeability, specific surface area, and pore volume is analyzed and found that the released gas content shows a strong dependence on the properties that control or could increase gas adsorption and diffusion capacity, such as TOC content, specific surface area, and permeability, while showing no dependence on the properties that control free gas storage capacity, such as minerals, porosity, and pore volume. Additionally, correlations of released gas content with adsorbed/free gas show that the released gas during canister testing is the gas that was in the adsorbed state in reservoir, and the free gas has been lost during coring, as well as a fraction of adsorbed gas. Above findings provide insightful information not only on gas-in-place evaluations but also on the dynamic behavior of adsorbed/free gas from producing well.
A Review of Earthquake Source Parameters in the Main Ethiopian Rift
Authors: Alemayehu Sisay , Asefa Jima
Published: May 2023

We assessed earthquake source parameters compiled from previous studies and international databases. In addition, moment tensor inversion is made from the broadband seismic data of two earthquakes that occurred in the region in 2017 and 2018 with magnitudes Mw 5.0 and 5.1, respectively. As a result, the two events’ reliable source parameters are retrieved. We found that earthquakes are distributed in the rift floor, at margins and adjacent plateaus. Because the majority of earthquakes occur on the rift floor, deformation is most likely caused by strain accumulation transferred from border faults to magmatic segments along the rift floor. Predominantly normal faulting is observed, but some strike-slip events are also observed. Normal faulting mechanisms are consistent with major plate divergence, whereas the strike-slip components observed in the region might be associated with the counterclockwise rotation of the Danakil microplate, and the mechanism would indicate an oblique-slip deformation between the Nubian plate and the Danakil microplate. However, the focal mechanism obtained from the moment tensor inversion for the Mw 5.1 event indicates dominant normal faulting accompanied by a minor strike-slip component at the western margin of Afar, whereas the Mw 5.0 event has a significant strike-slip component at the central part of MER. The majority of focal depths of earthquakes are found within the upper crust, including the 2017 (Mw 5.0) event with a focal depth of 9.7 km that was computed using moment tensor inversion. A significant number of earthquakes are also found within the lower crust, including the 2018 (Mw 5.1) event with a focal depth of 20.2 km. However, earthquakes with focal depths within the upper mantle are also found in the compiled international database, which may not be consistent with the previously published works in the region. The observed focal depth may suggest a widespread deformation throughout the upper and lower crusts, implying that magmatic intrusions and faulting play a central role in facilitating the seismicity of the main Ethiopian rift (MER). The current investigation will provide further information on the earthquake source parameters and seismogenic depth of earthquake occurrence in the MER.
Supplementary Table S6 from A Phase II Redifferentiation Trial with Dabrafenib-Trametinib and 131I in Metastatic Radioactive Iodine Refractory BRAF p.V600E-Mutated Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Leboulleux Sophie , Do Cao Christine , Zerdoud Slimane , Attard Marie , Bournaud Claire , Lacroix Ludovic , Benisvy Danielle , Taïeb David , Bardet Stéphane , Terroir-Cassou-Mounat Marie , Anizan Nadège , Bouvier-Morel Emilie , Lamartina Livia , Lion Georges , Betrian Sarah , Sajous Christophe , Schiazza Aurélie , Garcia Marie-Eve , Ciappuccini Renaud , Schlumberger Martin , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Godbert Yann , Borget Isabelle
Published: May 2023

Deterioration of QoL scores
Supplementary Figure S1 from A Phase I/II Trial of HER2 Vaccine–Primed Autologous T-Cell Infusions in Patients with Treatment Refractory HER2–Overexpressing Breast Cancer
Authors: Disis Mary L. , Dang Yushe , Coveler Andrew L. , Childs Jennifer S. , Higgins Doreen M. , Liu Ying , Zhou Jing , Mackay Sean , Salazar Lupe G.
Published: May 2023

Flow chart of participants.
Data from A Phase II Redifferentiation Trial with Dabrafenib-Trametinib and 131I in Metastatic Radioactive Iodine Refractory BRAF p.V600E Mutated Differentiated thyroid Cancer
Authors: Leboulleux Sophie , Do Cao Christine , Zerdoud Slimane , Attard Marie , Bournaud Claire , Lacroix Ludovic , Benisvy Danielle , Taïeb David , Bardet Stephane , Terroir-Cassou-Mounat Marie , Anizan Nadege , Bouvier-Morel Emilie , Lamartina Livia , Lion Georges , Betrian Sarah , Sajous Christophe , Schiazza Aurelie , Garcia Marie-Eve , Ciappuccini Renaud , Schlumberger Martin , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Godbert Yann , Borget Isabelle
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dabrafenib-trametinib-131I for the treatment of radioactive iodine refractory metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with a BRAFp.V600E mutation. Experimental Design: A prospective phase II trial including patients with RECIST progression within 18 months and no lesion >3 cm. Following a baseline recombinant human (rh)TSH-stimulated diagnostic whole-body scan (dc1-WBS), dabrafenib and trametinib were given for 42 days. A second rhTSH-stimulated dc WBS (dc2-WBS) was done at day 28 and 131I (5.5 GBq-150mCi after rhTSH) was administered at day 35. Primary endpoint was the 6-months RECIST objective response rate. In case of partial response (PR) at 6 or 12 months, a second treatment course could be given. Among 24 enrolled patients, 21 were evaluable at 6 months. Results: Abnormal 131I uptake was present on 5%, 65% and 95% of the dc1-WBS, dc2-WBS and post-therapy scan, respectively. At 6 months, PR was achieved in 38%, stable disease in 52% and progressive disease (PD) in 10%. Ten patients received a second treatment course: one complete response and 6 PR were observed at 6 months. The median progression free survival (PFS) was not reached. The 12 and 24-months PFS were 82% and 68%, respectively. One death due to PD occurred at 24 months. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 96% of the patients with 10 grade 3-4 AEs in 7 patients. Conclusion: Dabrafenib-trametinib is effective in BRAFp.V600E mutated DTC patients for restoring 131I uptake with partial response observed 6 months after 131I administration in 38% of the patients.
Supplementary Table S2 from Phase II Trial of Nelipepimut-S Peptide Vaccine in Women with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Authors: O'Shea Anne E. , Clifton Guy T. , Qiao Na , Heckman-Stoddard Brandy M. , Wojtowicz Malgorzata , Dimond Eileen , Bedrosian Isabelle , Weber Diane , Garber Judy E. , Husband Alexander , Pastorello Ricardo , Lee J. Jack , Hernandez Mike , Liu Diane D. , Vornik Lana A. , Brown Powel H. , Alatrash Gheath , Peoples George E. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Table S2: Median changes in percentage of nelipepimut (NPS)-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL)
Data from Phase II Trial of Nelipepimut-S Peptide Vaccine in Women with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
Authors: O'Shea Anne E. , Clifton Guy T. , Qiao Na , Heckman-Stoddard Brandy M. , Wojtowicz Malgorzata , Dimond Eileen , Bedrosian Isabelle , Weber Diane , Garber Judy E. , Husband Alexander , Pastorello Ricardo , Lee J. Jack , Hernandez Mike , Liu Diane D. , Vornik Lana A. , Brown Powel H. , Alatrash Gheath , Peoples George E. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2023

Abstract
NeuVax is a vaccine comprised of the HER2-derived MHC class I peptide E75 (nelipepimut-S; [NPS]) combined with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). We completed a randomized trial of preoperative vaccination with NeuVax vs. GM-CSF alone in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The primary objective was to evaluate for NPS-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Human leukocyte angiten (HLA)-A2-positive DCIS patients were enrolled and randomized 2:1 to NeuVax vs. GM-CSF alone and received two inoculations prior to surgery. The number of NPS-specific CTL was measured pre-vaccination, at surgery, and one and three to six months post-op by dextramer assay. Differences in CTL responses between groups and between pre-vaccination and 1-month post-op were analyzed using a two-sample t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test. The incidence and severity of adverse events were compared between groups. Overall, 45 patients were registered; 20 patients were HLA-A2 negative, seven declined participation, one withdrew, and four failed screening for other reasons. The remaining 13 were randomized to NeuVax (n=9) or GM-CSF alone (n=4). Vaccination was well-tolerated with similar treatment-related toxicity between groups with the majority (>89%) of adverse events being grade 1. The percentage of NPS-specific CTLs increased in both arms between baseline (pre-vaccination) and 1-month post-op. The increase was numerically greater in the NPS+GM-CSF arm, but the difference was not statistically significant. NPS+GM-CSF is safe and well-tolerated when given preoperatively to DCIS patients. In HLA-A2-positive DCIS patients, two inoculations with NPS+GM-CSF can induce in vivo immunity and a continued antigen-specific T-cell response one-month post-surgery.
Data from Phase II Trial of Nelipepimut-S Peptide Vaccine in Women with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Authors: O'Shea Anne E. , Clifton Guy T. , Qiao Na , Heckman-Stoddard Brandy M. , Wojtowicz Malgorzata , Dimond Eileen , Bedrosian Isabelle , Weber Diane , Garber Judy E. , Husband Alexander , Pastorello Ricardo , Lee J. Jack , Hernandez Mike , Liu Diane D. , Vornik Lana A. , Brown Powel H. , Alatrash Gheath , Peoples George E. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2023

Abstract
NeuVax is a vaccine comprised of the HER2-derived MHC class I peptide E75 (nelipepimut-S, NPS) combined with GM-CSF. We completed a randomized trial of preoperative vaccination with NeuVax versus GM-CSF alone in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The primary objective was to evaluate for NPS-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Patients with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2-positive DCIS were enrolled and randomized 2:1 to NeuVax versus GM-CSF alone and received two inoculations prior to surgery. The number of NPS-specific CTL was measured pre-vaccination, at surgery, and 1 and 3 to 6 months post-operation by dextramer assay. Differences in CTL responses between groups and between pre-vaccination and 1-month post-operation were analyzed using a two-sample t test or Wilcoxon rank sum test. The incidence and severity of adverse events were compared between groups. Overall, 45 patients were registered; 20 patients were HLA-A2 negative, 7 declined participation, 1 withdrew, and 4 failed screening for other reasons. The remaining 13 were randomized to NeuVax (n = 9) or GM-CSF alone (n = 4). Vaccination was well-tolerated with similar treatment-related toxicity between groups with the majority (>89%) of adverse events being grade 1. The percentage of NPS-specific CTLs increased in both arms between baseline (pre-vaccination) and 1-month post-operation. The increase was numerically greater in the NPS+GM-CSF arm, but the difference was not statistically significant. NPS+GM-CSF is safe and well-tolerated when given preoperatively to patients with DCIS. In patients with HLA-A2-positive DCIS, two inoculations with NPS+GM-CSF can induce in vivo immunity and a continued antigen-specific T-cell response 1-month postsurgery.
Prevention Relevance:
This trial showed that vaccination of patients with HLA-A2-positive DCIS with NeuVax in the preoperative setting can induce a sustained antigen-specific T-cell response. This provides proof of principle that vaccination in the preoperative or adjuvant setting may stimulate an adaptive immune response that could potentially prevent disease recurrence.
Advances in Mapping Tumor Progression from Precancer Atlases
Authors: Chen Zhengyi , Lau Ken S.
Published: May 2023

Tissue profiling technologies present opportunities for understanding transition from precancerous lesions to malignancy, which may impact risk stratification, prevention, and even cancer treatment. A human precancer atlas building effort is ongoing to tackle the significant challenge of decoding the heterogeneity among cells, specimens, and patients. Here, we discuss the findings resulting from atlases built across precancer types, including those found in colon, breast, lung, stomach, cervix, and skin, using bulk, single-cell, and spatial profiling strategies. We highlight two main themes that emerge across precancer types: the ordering of molecular events that occur during tumor progression and the fluctuation of microenvironmental response during precancer progression. We further highlight the key challenges of data integration across large cohorts of patients, and the need for computational tools to reliably annotate and quality control high-volume, high-dimensional data.
Table S1 from Reprogramming of tumor reactive Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes to human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Islam SM Rafiqul , Maeda Takuya , Tamaoki Naritaka , Good Meghan L , Kishton Rigel J , Paria Biman C. , Yu Zhiya , Bosch-Marce Marta , Bedanova Nicole M , Liu Chengyu , Kruhlak Michael J , Restifo Nicholas P , Vizcardo Raul
Published: May 2023

Table S1 indicating TIL-iPSCs were established from T cells of low frequency
along with major tumor neoantigen specific T cells from patient 3784
Evidence for Age Bias Contributing to Therapeutic Inertia in Blood Pressure Management: A Secondary Analysis of SPRINT
Authors: Zheutlin Alexander R. , Addo Daniel K. , Jacobs Joshua A. , Derington Catherine G. , Herrick Jennifer S. , Greene Tom , Stulberg Eric L. , Berlowitz Dan R. , Williamson Jeff D. , Pajewski Nicholas M. , Supiano Mark A. , Bress Adam P.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Despite evidence supporting the cardiovascular and cognitive benefits of intensive blood pressure management, older adults have the lowest rates of blood pressure control. We determined the association between age and therapeutic inertia (TI) in SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), and whether frailty, cognitive function, or gait speed moderate or mediate these associations.

Methods:

We performed a secondary analysis of SPRINT of participant visits with blood pressure above randomized treatment goal. We categorized baseline age as <60, 60 to <70, 70 to <80, and ≥80 years and TI as no antihypertensive medication intensification per participant visit. Generalized estimating equations generated odds ratios for TI associated with age, stratified by treatment group based on nested models adjusted for baseline frailty index score (fit [frailty index, ≤0.10], less fit [0.10<frailty index≤0.21], and frail [0.21<frailty index]), cognitive function by Montreal cognitive assessment, and gait speed (participants ≥75 years of age), separately.

Results:

Participants 60 to <70, 70 to <80, and ≥80 years of age had a higher prevalence of TI in both treatment groups versus participants <60 years of age (standard: 59.7%, 60.5%, and 60.1% versus 56.0%; 29 527 participant visits; intensive: 55.1%, 57.2%, and 57.8% versus 53.8%; 47 129 participant visits). The adjusted odds ratios for TI comparing participants ≥80 versus <60 years of age were 1.32 (95% CI, 1.14–1.53) and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.11–1.41) in the standard and intensive treatment groups, respectively. Adjustment for frailty, cognitive function, or gait speed did not attenuate the association or demonstrate effect modification (all
P
interaction
, >0.10).

Conclusions:

Older age is associated with greater TI independent of physical or cognitive function, implying age bias in hypertension management.
Do Object Affordances Modulate the Sense of Embodiment in Virtual Human--Tool Interaction? Reflection for the Interactive Artificial Environment
Authors: Ventura Sara , Tessari Alessia
Published: May 2023

Object manipulation is essential to build the surrounding reality, and affordances—the action possibilities offered by the environment—have a crucial role in human--tool interaction. Due to the exponential growth of the metaverse, a research question arises: Does the theoretical model behind the human--tool interaction also work in artificial reality? The present study aimed to investigate the difference in the sense of embodiment in human--tool interaction between usual and unusual objects in an immersive 360-degree video. The environment is a recording of a human arm that interacts with various tools on a table. Forty-four participants took part in the study, and they were randomized into two groups, usual or unusual objects, and in two within-participants conditions, reach to move or reach to use. Results showed no significant difference in the embodiment between usual and unusual objects, demonstrating that the ventral and dorsal streams may perfectly integrate information in the artificial environment as in the real world. Participants felt present in the virtual environment, as demonstrated by the factor location of embodiment, so they believed they could interact with any tools, independently of their affordances. The study contributes to understanding the mechanisms behind human--tool interaction in the artificial environment.
Revision of the subgenus Omophron (s.str.) Latreille, 1802 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Omophron) of the Afrotropical region
Authors: ANICHTCHENKO ALEXANDER , VALAINIS ULDIS
Published: May 2023

Species of the subgenus Omophron (s.str.) Latreille, 1802 occurring in the Afrotropical region are reviewed, with 19 species now recognized, including six species described as new: O. (s.str.) schuelei sp. n. (Zambia), O. (s.str.) secundum sp. n. (Burkina Faso, Senegal), O. (s.str.) mimeticum sp. n. (Namibia), O. (s.str.) muellerae sp. n. (Kenya, Tanzania), O. (s.str.) occultum sp. n. (RSA) and O. (s.str.) pallidum sp. n. (Mali). Omophron (s.str.) congoense Deleve, 1924 = O. (s.str.) capense congoense Deleve, 1924 stat. n. is downgraded as subspecies. Three new subspecies: O. (s.str.) capense pumilum ssp. n. (Angola, Namibia, Zambia), O. (s.str.) capense kmecoi ssp. n. (Namibia), and O. (s.str.) capense isolatum ssp. n. (Tanzania) are described. New synonymy, O. dominicense Chaudoir, 1868 syn. n. = O. (O.) capense Gory, 1833; O. (s.str.) dissimile Deleve, 1924 syn. n. = O. (s.str.) ghesquierei Deleve, 1924 syn. n. = O. (s.str.) severini Dupuis, 1911 is proposed. A key to the species, together with illustrations of their habitus and aedeagus, are provided. The distributional data provided include many new locality records.
Prominent moths (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) of Colombia
Authors: PRADA-LARA LILIANA , JIMÉNEZ-BOLÍVAR ANDREA C. , LAURENT RYAN A. ST
Published: May 2023

Based on literature review, curatorial work in national and international collections, information available on online databases, and field work conducted from 2017 to 2022, we provide the first checklist for the family Notodontidae in Colombia. A total of 515 species (51 endemics), 122 genera, 7 subfamilies as well as 108 new records for Colombia are presented. These data position Colombia as the country with the third highest diversity of prominent moths in the world, based on current knowledge. Furthermore, 239 known hostplants are listed for 91 species. The distribution map of the family shows the highest concentration of national records in the Andean and Pacific regions. Future surveys in less explored zones, long-term monitoring, expansion and maintenance of biological collections, and working collaboratively with communities will surely increase the known diversity as well as the conservation of prominent moths in Colombia.
Snake Envenomation Simulating ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ninad Nehal , Andharia Neil , Schneibel Erik , Parel Robert
Published: May 2023

Envenomation syndromes following snakebites can include tissue reaction, coagulopathy, nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity is rare but usually presents with dysrhythmias. Myocardial infarction after envenomation has rarely been reported. We discuss a case of snake bite simulating ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Our patient is a 49-year-old male who sustained a snake bite in his left hand. Patient had hemodynamic collapse requiring increasing pressor support; EKG and troponin results confirmed STEMI. Cardiac catheterization did not demonstrate any thrombosis, rather severe cardiomyopathy with left ventricular ejection fraction 20-25%. Even though our patient did not require any coronary intervention, an angiogram was warranted given the clinical presentation. Our case demonstrates severe cardiotoxicity following snake bite. Further research is warranted to study the mechanism behind such phenomena.
Navigating Disruptive Times: How Cross-Sector Partnerships in a Development Context Built Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak
Authors: Henry Leona A.
Published: May 2023

This article explores how cross-sector partnerships (CSPs) operating in a development context built resilience during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a qualitative analysis of eight partnerships operating in East-Africa, Central America, and Indonesia, I show how CSPs engaged in three practices of resilience building (i.e., forming unconventional alliances, mobilizing digital technologies, and building subnetworks), which allowed them to remain functional despite facing adversity. In addition to fostering their resilience, my findings show how engaging in these practices enabled the CSPs to develop new capabilities (i.e., improved abilities to engage with beneficiaries) that benefit them in the long run. Based on these insights, I advance our understanding of resilience building by unpacking this concept on a CSP level. Furthermore, by unfolding the relevance of incidental learning in a cross-sectoral setting, I widen our knowledge of learning processes in CSPs.
Understanding Filipino Jail Detainees’ Self-Harming Behavior: A Grounded Theory Explortion
Authors: Clemente-Faustino Julie Ann , de Guzman Allan B.
Published: May 2023

This grounded theory exploration aims to advance a theory that explains the development of self harming behavior (SHB) among a select group of Filipino jail detainees. Using the Classical Glaserian Grounded Theory procedure, a novel process that describes Filipino Detainees’ Phases of Self Harming Behavior (gravitational, transformational, interventional and dispositional) emerged. Findings from this inquiry may serve as bases for policy-making and intervention programs that inform the triggers and preventative factors associated with SHB in the penal setting. These may further raise awareness of forensic mental health and human rights violations among detainees in flawed justice systems in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs).
Religion, spirituality and improved glycemic control among people with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review
Authors: Weber Jonathan M. , Doolittle Benjamin R.
Published: May 2023

Objective

This systematic review investigates the association between measures of religiosity or spirituality (R/S) and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted for all English language articles published between 1966 and August 2022 in six relevant databases: PubMed, PSYCHinfo, CINAHL, ATLA, Scopus, Sociological Abstracts, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials. Search terms for religious variables included, “religion”, “religiosity”, “spirituality”, “religious attendance”. Search terms for diabetes outcomes included, “diabetes”, “hemoglobin A1c”, “blood glucose”, “glycemic control.” The protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO).

Results

A total of 758 studies examining correlations between R/S and glycemic control were screened from relevant databases. Forty studies were evaluated for eligibility and inclusion. Eight studies were selected and analyzed. Three studies showed positive associations, two studies showed positive and neutral associations, two studies showed positive and negative associations, and one study showed a neutral association. Limitations included small sample sizes and heterogeneity of study designs.

Conclusion

Involvement in religious and spiritual practices may be associated with improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Specific mechanisms for associations may be partially explained by more effective self-management practices, increased positive social contacts, and regular community support. Further research is needed to clarify these associations.
Exclusion of Pasmanda Muslims and Dalit Christians from the Scheduled Caste Quota
Authors: Kumar Arvind
Published: May 2023

Based on a re-reading of the Indian Constituent Assembly Debates in light of subsequent developments, this article provides new insights about the extent to which the Indian constitution allows affirmative action for redressing historical disadvantages and empowering marginalised communities. Since the post-colonial Indian state introduced the criterion of religion in the lists of Scheduled Castes (SCs), this sparked suspicions of efforts to prevent conversions, further augmenting India’s Hindu majority. The article re-examines such claims in light of the Indian Constituent Assembly Debates and subsequent Government Orders for notifying/modifying SCs. It argues that the list of SCs was never envisioned as religion-neutral, so that the exclusion of Pasmanda Muslims and Dalit Christians from the SCs is not a communal afterthought, while religion has all along not been the only or main criterion for affirmative action policies.
Sample size estimation for comparing dynamic treatment regimens in a SMART: A Monte Carlo-based approach and case study with longitudinal overdispersed count outcomes
Authors: Yap Jamie , J Dziak John , Maiti Raju , Lynch Kevin , McKay James R , Chakraborty Bibhas , Nahum-Shani Inbal
Published: May 2023

Dynamic treatment regimens (DTRs), also known as treatment algorithms or adaptive interventions, play an increasingly important role in many health domains. DTRs are motivated to address the unique and changing needs of individuals by delivering the type of treatment needed, when needed, while minimizing unnecessary treatment. Practically, a DTR is a sequence of decision rules that specify, for each of several points in time, how available information about the individual's status and progress should be used in practice to decide which treatment (e.g. type or intensity) to deliver. The sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) is an experimental design widely used to empirically inform the development of DTRs. Sample size planning resources for SMARTs have been developed for continuous, binary, and survival outcomes. However, an important gap exists in sample size estimation methodology for SMARTs with longitudinal count outcomes. Furthermore, in many health domains, count data are overdispersed—having variance greater than their mean. We propose a Monte Carlo-based approach to sample size estimation applicable to many types of longitudinal outcomes and provide a case study with longitudinal overdispersed count outcomes. A SMART for engaging alcohol and cocaine-dependent patients in treatment is used as motivation.
Perspectives of Teachers about Online Classes and Their Psychosocial Well-Being During School Reopening Phase: A Cross-sectional Study from North India
Authors: Garg Jasmin , Sharma Namita , Garg Rohit , Jaiswal Shivam
Published: May 2023

Background:

During COVID-19 pandemic, education of children was continued in online mode for an extended period of time. Research from India in the beginning of pandemic indicated that teachers faced numerous challenges while adapting to this new mode of teaching. However, no prior study from India evaluated perspective of teachers regarding online classes and their psychosocial well-being during school reopening phase, which started in Feb 2022. During this period both online and offline classes were being conducted and thus presented the opportunity for better comparison of effects of both systems. Schools still revert to online mode of teaching periodically, but it remains to be seen if it benefits the teachers and students.

Methods:

It was a cross-sectional online survey-based study. Self-designed questionnaires assessing perspectives of teachers regarding online classes and psychosocial impact were administered. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 was used to measure psychological distress.

Results:

N = 708 school teachers participated in this survey. A total of 96% of them preferred offline mode of teaching. Several disadvantages of online classes were listed such as connectivity issues, poor interaction with students, poor concentration, and knowledge transfer. Due to online classes, most of them reported increase in working hours, and decrease in leisure time and quality of life. The teachers who conducted online classes (either alone or combined with offline classes), who were employed in private schools and those with lesser family income, had significantly higher psychological distress.

Conclusion:

According to school teachers, online classes carried many disadvantages. Online classes also decreased the psychosocial well-being of teachers.
Millennials and Generation Z: Men’s Perspectives on Hashtag Feminism
Authors: Kosar Sophia Anneliese , Muruthi Bertranna A. , Shivers Carolyn , Zarate Jose , Byron Jordan
Published: May 2023

In contemporary politics, feminist activism is largely conducted through social media and hashtag activism and is often called “hashtag feminism.” The feminist hashtags #MeToo, #HeForShe, and #HowIWillChange are well-known symbols of the modern feminist movement. This interpretive phenomenological study explored how Millennial and Generation Z men perceive the hashtag feminist movement. It also aimed to capture how these men experienced and perceived their masculinity as it related to contemporary gender politics. We conducted interviews with 12 social media-using Millennial and Generation Z men about their experiences of masculinity and hashtag feminism. We found that men’s views on hashtag feminism were contradictory and overlapping, changing in response to different contexts. Additionally, findings indicated that participants did not see hashtag feminism as representative of the feminist movement. Results suggested that features of online activist discourse deterred men from engaging in hashtag feminism.
Effect of Family Size and Type on Maternal Rejection of Children With ADHD
Authors: Mustafina Aigul , Amitov Sultankozha , Duisenova Sofiya , Mustafin Baurzhan
Published: May 2023

Objective:

This study examined the impact of family size and type on maternal rejection and its relationship with emotional-behavioral difficulties in children with ADHD compared to those typically developing.

Method:

The participants were mothers of 7- to 12-year-old children with ADHD ( n = 102) and mothers of typically developing children ( n = 102) in Kazakhstan. In this cross-sectional study, multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between variables.

Results:

Family size affected maternal rejection after accounting for children’s emotional-behavioral difficulties only in mothers of children with ADHD. The effect of family type on maternal rejection was statistically significant in both groups. Family size exacerbated the relationship between children’s emotional-behavioral difficulties and maternal rejection only in children with ADHD. The moderating effect of family type was not found in either group.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that family size and type contribute to maternal rejection of children with ADHD.
Embedding entrepreneurship education in non-business courses: A systematic review and guidelines for practice
Authors: Crișan Emil Lucian , Beleiu Ioana Natalia , Salanță Irina-Iulia , Bordean Ovidiu Niculae , Bunduchi Raluca
Published: May 2023

The past decade has seen increased interest in entrepreneurship education outside business schools, driven both by changes in market demand and governmental policies. This has led to an expansion of embedded entrepreneurship education, where entrepreneurship is included as part of existing, non-business courses. Using the context-intervention-outcome-mechanism framework, we systematically review 33 cases of embedded entrepreneurship education programs to understand where, how, and with what outcomes such initiatives were implemented. Our analysis identifies four mechanisms, which explain how embedded entrepreneurship education functions: individual, team-based, organizational, and multi-organizational. Our analysis points to three key recommendations for embedded entrepreneurship education practice and three related avenues for future research: considering program scalability, intended outcomes and misaligned pedagogical models, and contextual diversity.
Muscle oxygen utilization and ventilatory parameters during exercise in people with cystic fibrosis: Role of HbA1c
Authors: Quertermous Brooke P , Seigler Nichole , Looney Jacob , Crandall Reva , Simon Abigayle B , Blackburn Marsha , Derella Cassandra C , Blanks Anson , McKie Kathleen T , Forseen Caralee , Harris Ryan A
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Glycated hemoglobin can interfere with oxygen delivery and CO2 removal during exercise. Additionally, pancreatic insufficiency increases oxidative stress and exacerbates exercise intolerance in people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF). This investigation sought to test the hypotheses that elevated Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) can negatively affect exercise parameters in PwCF and that reductions in oxidative stress can improve tissue oxygenation in individuals with elevated HbA1c.

Methods

Twenty four PwCF were divided into two groups; normal HbA1c <5.7% (N-HbA1c) and elevated HbA1c >5.7% (E-HbA1c). A maximal exercise test was conducted to obtain peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), VO2 at ventilatory threshold (VT), ventilatory parameters (VE/VCO2 slope and end-tidal CO2 (petCO2)). Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to assess muscle oxygenated/deoxygenated hemoglobin during exercise. A subset of individuals with E-HbA1cwere given an antioxidant cocktail (AOC) for 4 weeks to determine the effects on tissue oxygenation during exercise.

Results

A negative relationship between HbA1c and VO2peak at VT was observed (r = −0.511; p = 0.018). In addition, a positive relationship between HbA1c and VE/VCO2 slope ( r = 0.587; p = 0.005) and a negative relationship between HbA1c and petCO2 at maximal exercise ( r = −0.472 ;p = 0.031) was observed. N-HbA1c had greater VO2peak ( p = 0.021), VO2 at VT ( p = 0.004), petCO2 ( p = 0.002), and lower VE/VCO2 slope ( p = 0.004) compared with E-HbA1c. Muscle deoxygenated hemoglobin at VT was higher in N-HbA1c vs. E-HbA1c and 4 weeks of AOC improved skeletal muscle utilization of oxygen.

Conclusion

Findings demonstrate that glycated hemoglobin may lead to tissue oxygenation impairment and ventilation inefficiency during exercise in PwCF. In addition, antioxidant supplementation may lead to improved tissue oxygenation during exercise.
The Intersection of Media and Policy: A Case Study
Authors: Mason Diana J. , Keepnews David
Published: May 2023

From October 2008 through 2010, journalists Charles Ornstein and Tracey Weber produced for the Los Angeles Times and ProPublica a series of investigative reports on the performance of the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), finding that it took an average of 3.5 years to act on complaints of professional misconduct by registered nurses, including sexual assault of patients, substance use, and repeat medication errors that resulted in patients dying. In June 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he was firing members of the BRN. Its executive officer resigned shortly thereafter. This case study analyzes interviews with nine participants, including the journalists and individuals who were public and nurse members of the BRN in 2009. Four themes emerged: (1) There is a tension between what are perceived to be the public's interests versus nursing's interests; (2) Political naiveté about government and organizational culture can lead to the personalization of actions directed at institutions; (3) A sense of fatalism may be reinforced by organizational culture; and (4) The role and use of media in a free society may be obscured when one is the focus of investigative journalism. Nurses who seek to operate in the public sector must be grounded in the political realities of complex governmental forces that may appear to be illogical or personally offensive. Media, particularly news media, is a powerful tool for influencing these forces. Nurses should employ strategic approaches to the use of media in order to advance their voices as advocates for the public's interests.
Neck lumps
Authors: Williams Lisa , Owen Amy , Ellis Liddy , Moorhouse Tobias
Published: May 2023

Neck lumps are a common presenting complaint in primary care. They can cause a significant amount of concern for patients, due to their visibility around the head and neck. There is a plethora of causes for lumps in the neck, some of which need to be investigated urgently. In this article, we suggest a method for identifying the likely cause of a neck lump, introduce possible management strategies and cover red flag signs and symptoms to prompt urgent onward referral for investigation. The differential diagnosis of a lump in the neck may seem intimidating, but a thorough, systematic approach to history and examination narrows this list and directs appropriate investigation. If malignancy is suspected, a 2-week fast track referral should be made, without waiting for results of investigations in the community. These may be requested simultaneously with referral, according to local policy.