bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Energy Metabolism and Prognosis in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Kurihara Mika , Bamba Shigeki , Yasuhara Shoko , Itoh Akihiko , Nagao Taishi , Nakanishi Naoko , Nakamura Ryutaro , Ogawa Nobuhiro , Kitamura Akihiro , Yamakawa Isamu , Kim Hyou , Sanada Mitsuru , Urushitani Makoto , Sasaki Masaya
Published: August 2021

Background/Aims: Nutritional status is a factor affecting prognosis in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we aimed to clarify the factors associated with hypermetabolism and the prognosticators of ALS. Methods: Forty-two inpatients (22 men, 20 women) diagnosed with ALS according to the revised El-Escorial criteria were investigated. The following data were retrospectively analyzed: anthropometric measurements, blood biochemistry, disease severity, basal energy expenditure (BEE), resting energy expenditure (REE) measured by indirect calorimetry, spirometry, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Single and multiple regression analysis was performed to examine factors affecting REE and metabolic changes (defined as the ratio of REE to fat-free mass [FFM]). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to examine factors associated with the occurrence of cumulative events (death or tracheostomy). Results: Among the 42 inpatients, REE was significantly higher than BEE, indicating hypermetabolism in ALS. Multiple regression analysis revealed that REE/FFM is strongly associated with the skeletal muscle index (−3.746 to −1.532, p < 0.0001) and percent forced vital capacity (%FVC) (−0.172 to −0.021, p = 0.013). Moreover, both the skeletal muscle index and %FVC were significant prognosticators associated with the occurrence of cumulative events. Conclusions: Energy metabolism was elevated in ALS, and respiratory status and muscle mass were associated with the hypermetabolism and poor prognosis. Adequate nutritional support may improve outcomes in ALS by preventing deterioration of respiratory status and reduction in muscle mass.
An Analysis of the Influence of Noneffective Instructions in Linear
Genetic Programming
Authors: Sotto Léo Françoso Dal Piccol , Rothlauf Franz , de Melo Vinícius Veloso , Basgalupp Márcio P.
Published: August 2021

Linear Genetic Programming (LGP) represents programs as sequences of instructions and has a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) dataflow. The results of instructions are stored in registers that can be used as arguments by other instructions. Instructions that are disconnected from the main part of the program are called noneffective instructions, or structural introns. They also appear in other DAG-based GP approaches like Cartesian Genetic Programming (CGP). This article studies four hypotheses on the role of structural introns: noneffective instructions (1) serve as evolutionary memory, where evolved information is stored and later used in search, (2) preserve population diversity, (3) allow neutral search, where structural introns increase the number of neutral mutations and improve performance, and (4) serve as genetic material to enable program growth. We study different variants of LGP controlling the influence of introns for symbolic regression, classification, and digital circuits problems. We find that there is (1) evolved information in the noneffective instructions that can be reactivated and that (2) structural introns can promote programs with higher effective diversity. However, both effects have no influence on LGP search performance. On the other hand, allowing mutations to not only be applied to effective but also to noneffective instructions (3) increases the rate of neutral mutations and (4) contributes to program growth by making use of the genetic material available as structural introns. This comes along with a significant increase of LGP performance, which makes structural introns important for LGP.
A Childs’ Right to Family Life when Placed in Public Care; an Analysis of Whether Current Norwegian Practice is in Systematic Contradiction to Human Rights
Authors: Gerdts-Andresen Tina
Published: August 2021

Based on both ECHR and CRC being incorporated into Norwegian law and underpinning the Child Welfare Act, this study aimed to clarify whether the current Norwegian practice is in systematic contradiction to human rights. The article is based on 94 Norwegian care orders comprising 117 children from newborn to 16 years old and analysis whether the child and parents’ right to contact are safeguarded in the care orders. Contradictions and dilemmas between Conventional rights and Norwegian practice are addressed. The article’s contribution presents analytical results, which describe the County Social Welfare Boards’ practice when issuing care orders. The result reinforces the suspicion that current Norwegian practice may be in systematic contradiction to human rights.
Trade Relations between the European Union and Palestine: Assessment and Potential Improvements
Authors: Khalil Amir , Le Roux Gaël
Published: August 2021

This article examines the bilateral relationship between the European Union and the Palestinian Authority. The EU’s policy towards Palestine, as with other neighboring countries, has always closely linked the economic and political elements of the relationship. Besides financial aid to support Palestine’s socio-economic development and state-building, trade between the EU and Palestine has had an increasingly important role in this regard. The article reviews the possibilities for improvement of EU-Palestine trade exchanges within the existing framework of cooperation by illustrating how implementation, capacity building, and support for regional and global economic integration are key and realistic options for both parties to reap the benefits from the trade agreements in place.
Comparative analysis of Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant activity of two Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars
Authors: Kolar Firdose R. , Lingasur Saadiqa M. , Kumathalli Tejashvi M. , Gurikar Shweta A.
Published: August 2021

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a widely used fruit, which contains several interesting bioactive compounds and possess health-promoting properties. Seeing the importance of this fruit, it is crucial to study its quality characteristics. Hence, in the current study, we assessed phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of different plant parts (leaves, rind and arils) of two pomegranate cultivars (Kesar and Ganesh). The analysis of phytochemical constituents in the cultivars revealed that, the content of phenolics ranged from 49.3 to 602 mg TAE/g plant material and the content of flavonoids ranged from 0.27 to 18.8 mg RE/g plant material. The maximum amount of phenolics and flavonoids was observed in the rind extracts as compared to the leaves and arils in both the cultivars. On the other hand, the antioxidant activity determined by different antioxidant models exhibited various degrees of antioxidant activity in different plant parts of the cultivars and was found to be highest in rind and aril extracts than that of leaves. Among the solvents methanol and ethanol gave highest extraction yields as compared to water and acetone. Total phenolics and flavonoids were significantly different with methanol and ethanol being the most efficient solvent and acetone being the least efficient one. Correlation between the antioxidant activity and phenolics and flavonoid content was found to be significant. Thus the results strongly indicated that there were significant differences between pomegranate cultivars. Generally the cultivar Ganesh has higher antioxidant activity as well as total phenolics and flavonoid content in comparison to Kesar.
From Civil Conflict to Crusade: Mobilisation and National Identity in the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Peñalba-Sotorrío Mercedes
Published: August 2021

For decades after its conclusion, the Spanish Civil War (1936–39) was officially described by the newly imposed dictatorship as a Crusade. However, the appropriation of a mythologised medieval past was not just the product of post-war legitimisation. This article explores how, using “crusade” as a placeholder for Reconquista, the rebel army and its supporters responded to three distinct developments: a reaction to Republican anticlericalism; the imposition of a national identity in which Catholicism was understood as an essential element of Spanishness and the basis for its greatness; and a very practical need for popular mobilisation both at home and abroad. However, as this study demonstrates, the adoption of a crusading rhetoric and medieval mythology was a transnational development, in which distinct anti-Bolshevik campaigns, with origins in Rome and Spain, fed off each other and intersected, sometimes in intricate and hidden ways, within the increasingly polarised international context of the 1930s.
Passiflora coelestis, a new species of Passiflora section Dysosmia (Passifloraceae sensu stricto) from Southern Brazil
Authors: PARTEKA LETÍCIA MARIA , DE MATTOS LETICIA , RICHARDO JAIANA , FAGUNDES BRUNA SAVIATTO , SILVÉRIO ADRIANO
Published: August 2021

Passiflora coelestis is morphologically and anatomically described from living material as a new species belonging to the section Dysosmia, supersection Stipulata and subgenus and genus Passiflora. The species occurs in Araucaria Moist Forest, a phytophysiognomy of the Atlantic Forest biome. The section has been characterized as one of the most taxonomically complex groups within Passiflora. Passiflora coelestis is related to species within the Dysosmioides group and is similar to P. campanulata, differing mainly in the stipules, petiole, bracts, and corona filaments. The new species is morphologically compared with taxa of the section; moreover, additional anatomic, palynological and molecular data are also discussed with regard to taxonomic classification.
One new species of Achnanthidium Kützing (Bacillariophyta, Achnanthidiaceae) from the upper Han River, China
Authors: LIU YAN , TAN XIANG , KOCIOLEK JOHN PATRICK , KULIKOVSKIY MAXIM , LU XINXIN , FAN YAWEN
Published: August 2021

The upper Han River plays an important role in the Middle Route of the North to South Water Transfer Project in China. During an investigation of diatom biodiversity in this area, a new benthic monoraphid diatom, Achnanthidium ampliatum sp. nov. was observed from an alkaline tributary. This new species has relatively large valves, with a lanceolate axial area and distal raphe ends curved to the same side on the raphe valve, linear axial area in rapheless valves, with uniseriate striae and round to short slit-like areolae on both valves. We present light and scanning electron microscopic observations to document the new species. A. ampliatum sp. nov. is easily separated from other, similar Achnanthidium and Psammothidum taxa, and we provide comparisons with species that have similar outlines and valve features.
Remarks on the nomenclature of Anthurium ×macrolobum (Araceae)
Authors: NACHYCHKO VIKTOR O. , SOSNOVSKY YEVHEN V. , PROKOPIV ANDRIY I.
Published: August 2021

The paper presents a detailed nomenclatural study of the name Anthurium ×macrolobum, an accepted artificial hybrid between A. leuconeurum and A. pedatoradiatum, which is a popular ornamental houseplant cultivated around the world. Nomenclatural confusion was found to be associated with the valid publication of A. ×macrolobum, and a binding decision of the General Committee for Botanical Nomenclature is required. Furthermore, since A. ×macrolobum was published six years later than the name A. ×dentatum by Devansaye (1883 vs. 1877) for the same hybrid, it has to be superseded by the latter name according to the priority principle. However, the name proposed in 1877 has never been used, and its later isonym (A. ×dentatum by André, published in 1884) has been traditionally treated as a taxonomic synonym of A. ×macrolobum. Therefore, for preserving the standing application of the name A. ×macrolobum, its conservation against of A. ×dentatum by Devansaye is desirable. Neotypes for both A. ×macrolobum and A. ×dentatum by Devansaye are designated in the present paper.
Investigation of a non-linear complementary relationship model for monthly evapotranspiration estimation at global flux sites
Authors: Gan Guojing , Liu Yuanbo , Chen Dongxu , Zheng Chaolei
Published: August 2021

Proper parameterization of the parameter (αe) that governs the wet environment evaporation is critical for the regional estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) using the generalized complementary relationship (GCR) model. Here, we proposed a global parameterization for the GCR model. We found that the GCR model is sensitive to the parameter αe, which varies spatially with the climate aridity index (AI, the ratio between the apparent potential ET and the precipitation) across 60 sites that span a large variety in climate types worldwide. We found that αe and the AI are generally more strongly correlated in drier climates (AI > 2) where water supply instead of energy supply is the limiting factor for actual ET. The strong correlation between αe and AI can be partly explained by 1) the usage of the air temperature measurements in the non-potential conditions instead of potential conditions, and 2) the insensitivity of the actual ET to the apparent potential ET in the drier climate. Temporally, the parameter αe exhibits seasonal courses at monthly scales and decreases with increasing of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in a hysteresis loop. Incorporation of the seasonal course and hysteresis significantly improved the model performances at most of the sites. The global parameterization we established can help the GCR model to be a more useful tool for regional and global ET estimations.
Damage evolution in sandwich components at different extreme temperatures
Authors: Papa Ilaria , Mocerino Davide , Pagliarulo Vito , Rippa Massimo , Langella Antonio
Published: August 2021

Composites' structures are subjected to various environmental conditions during their service life. However, only a few papers are focalized on analysing damage history after impact at shallow temperatures and among them, even less concern sandwich components. Futhermore, since the effect of any degradation phenomena may not be visible to the naked eye, the evolution of the damage is followed with non-destructive techniquest. In this paper, the damage suffered by sandwich structure composites was evaluated by three NDT techniques: Ultrasound, Lock-in Thermography and speckle interferometry. Sandwich structures investigated consist of carbon fibre reinforced face sheets surrounding a PVC core. Indentation and penetration tests (U = 7.5J, 10.5 J and 12 J) were carried out at room temperature and −55°C, +70°C. After tests, damage extension and propagation has been evaluated in terms of indentation depth and delamination by NDT. The results provided useful information about the influence of extreme temperature on both impact properties and damage evolution in the system investigated.
Clinical Trial to Reconfirm the Efficacy and Safety of Cefetamet Pivoxil Treatment in Sinusitis Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Parallel Designed, Multicenter, Active Comparator Study (CASIS Study)
Authors: Park Chan-Soon , Cho Jin Hee , Lee Heung-Man , Kim Kyung-Su , Kim Jin Kook , Kim Dong-Young , Baek Byoung Joon , Kim Hyun Jun , Kim Yong-Dae , Hwang Chi Sang , Kim Seon Tae , Cho Seok Hyun , Kim Yong Min , Lee Seung Hoon , Jeong Jin Hyeok , In Seung Min , Kim Byung Guk
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of cefetamet pivoxil for the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in Korean patients compared to treatment with cefdinir.

Methods:

A prospective, multicenter, randomized double-blind, comparative study was conducted by the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at 17 hospitals or universities in the Republic of Korea from March 2017 to April 2019. A total of 309 patients were screened and 249 patients participated in the study.

Results:

Treatment with cefetamet pivoxil for 2 weeks showed 82.4% clinical cure and improvement rates in patients with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis compared to 84.68% in those taking cefdinir for 2 weeks, showing that cefetamet pivoxil administered twice a day for 2 weeks was as effective as cefdinir 3 times a day for 2 weeks for the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. The overall adverse reaction rates of both drugs were 10.56% in the cefetamet pivoxil group and 15.49% in the cefdinir group, without serious adverse events or drug reactions.

Conclusions:

Cefetamet pivoxil twice a day was as efficacious and safe as cefdinir 3 times a day for the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, which suggested that cefetamet pivoxil may be a suitable alternative to cefdinir.
Dural Bleeding After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Suh Jeffrey D. , Raskin Jonathan , Borrelli Michela
Published: August 2021

We present a case of an 80-year-old female patient who had an extensive dural bleed after endoscopic sinus surgery. A review of the literature regarding the surgical tools and materials used to treat dural hemorrhage was performed. We describe our preferred method of using the combination of endoscopic bipolar, DuraGen Plus, and DuraMatrix to stop significant dural bleeding and show effective hemostatic regulation.
Voice Outcomes Following Colon Interposition
Authors: Suresh Aishwarya , Martha Vishnu V. , Sataloff Robert T.
Published: August 2021

Significance Statement

This case highlights the consequences of colon interposition on phonation and swallowing. Findings in this patient included laryngopharyngeal reflux, vocal fold paralysis, poor esophageal peristalsis, failed bolus transfers, and others. The mechanical and functional differences between the colon and the esophagus can impact bolus transfer, reflux, and phonation. Further research is required to identify the mechanisms by which colon interposition can impact voice and swallowing.
Clinical Approaches To External Auditory Canal Hemangiomas: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alshalan Afrah , Khurayzi Tawfiq , Assiri Majed , Alsanosi Abdulrahman
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Hemangioma is a common soft tissue tumor that can be categorized mainly into cavernous, capillary, and venous subtypes. It usually develops in the head and neck and rarely in the external auditory canal (EAC).

Methods

A systematic review of patients with capillary hemangioma of the EAC was performed. A computerized systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to extract relevant studies for a qualitative review.

Results

A total of 38 patients were included in the systematic review, and half of them were men. Hearing loss was the most common presenting feature (n = 19; 50%), followed by aural fullness (n = 15; 39.4%). Cavernous hemangioma was the predominant type (n = 22, 57.8%). Endaural and transcanal surgical approaches were the most frequent, with ten (26.3%) and nine (23.6%) cases, respectively. Most of the patients (n = 31; 81.5%) had no recurrence.

Conclusions

Hemangioma of the EAC may not be uncommon as healthcare professionals may expect. Hearing loss, aural fullness, and tinnitus are possible symptoms, but many patients remain asymptomatic. Surgical excision is the main effective management option, and complete resolution is the most prevalent outcome. Computed tomography assists in the diagnosis, but histopathological examination after resection is mandatory for the definitive diagnosis.
Theorizing Institutional Entrepreneuring: Arborescent and rhizomatic assembling
Authors: Gehman Joel , Sharma Garima , Beveridge ‘Alim
Published: August 2021

A growing body of research has cataloged the myriad actors involved in tackling persistent institutional problems. Yet we lack a theoretical toolkit for explicitly conceptualizing and comparing diverse modes of institutional entrepreneuring—the processes whereby actors are created and equipped for institutional action—capable of ameliorating grand challenges. Drawing on assemblage theory, we articulate two ideal-typical modes of assembling actorhood: arborescent and rhizomatic. We differentiate each mode along four principles: association, combination, division, and population. Building on our theorization, we propound an arborescent-rhizomatic space comprising clusters of arborescent, rhizomatic, and hybrid actorhood. To explore the generativity of our framework, we revisit selected research at the intersection of institutional entrepreneurship and grand challenges. We close by articulating how our concept of assembling actorhood reorients research toward institutional entrepreneur ing and contributes to the application of assemblage theory within organization studies.
The Limitations of Quasi-Experimental Studies, and Methods for Data Analysis When a Quasi-Experimental Research Design Is Unavoidable
Authors: Andrade Chittaranjan
Published: August 2021

A quasi-experimental (QE) study is one that compares outcomes between intervention groups where, for reasons related to ethics or feasibility, participants are not randomized to their respective interventions; an example is the historical comparison of pregnancy outcomes in women who did versus did not receive antidepressant medication during pregnancy. QE designs are sometimes used in noninterventional research, as well; an example is the comparison of neuropsychological test performance between first degree relatives of schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. In QE studies, groups may differ systematically in several ways at baseline, itself; when these differences influence the outcome of interest, comparing outcomes between groups using univariable methods can generate misleading results. Multivariable regression is therefore suggested as a better approach to data analysis; because the effects of confounding variables can be adjusted for in multivariable regression, the unique effect of the grouping variable can be better understood. However, although multivariable regression is better than univariable analyses, there are inevitably inadequately measured, unmeasured, and unknown confounds that may limit the validity of the conclusions drawn. Investigators should therefore employ QE designs sparingly, and only if no other option is available to answer an important research question.
Loving you from afar: Attraction to others (“crushes”) among adults in exclusive relationships, communication, perceived outcomes, and expectations of future intimate involvement
Authors: O’Sullivan Lucia F. , Belu Charlene F. , Garcia Justin R.
Published: August 2021

Crushes are uncommunicated, often unilateral, attractions to an individual, generally viewed as a state of unfulfilled longing. They are typically attributed to young people, but recent research suggests that these experiences might be common among adults as well, including among those in committed relationships. Combining findings from three studies across four datasets, this mixed-methods research explores crushes experienced by individuals in committed intimate relationships. Study 1 explored types of crushes, preferences and nature of exchanges among adults in committed relationships and compares their reports to a sample of single individuals. Study 2 examined perceived outcomes of crushes as a way to assess needs or goals served by crushes. Study 3 investigated expectations about whether and how the crush relationship might evolve into a more intimate relationship. A total of 3,585 participants (22–45 years, 53.1% women) completed anonymous online surveys addressing crush experiences and related dynamics. Those in committed relationships typically did not intend to communicate their attraction to the target, unlike single individuals. Associated outcomes were primarily positive, including excitement, increased esteem, and fantasy/escape. The vast majority reported no expectations that these crushes would evolve into more intimate relationships, replacing their current relationship. This work adds to our understanding of attraction outside of traditional human courtship processes, with implications for the study of intimate relationship development and maintenance.
Enhancing the Performance of a Model to Predict Driving Distraction with the Random Forest Classifier
Authors: Ahangari Samira , Jeihani Mansoureh , Ardeshiri Anam , Rahman Md Mahmudur , Dehzangi Abdollah
Published: August 2021

Distracted driving is known to be one of the main causes of crashes in the United States, accounting for about 40% of all crashes. Drivers’ situational awareness, decision-making, and driving performance are impaired as a result of temporarily diverting their attention from the primary task of driving to other unrelated tasks. Detecting driver distraction would help in adapting the most effective countermeasures. To tackle this problem, we employed a random forest (RF) classifier, one of the best classifiers that has attained promising results for a wide range of problems. Here, we trained RF using the data collected from a driving simulator, in which 92 participants drove under six different distraction scenarios of handheld calling, hands-free calling, texting, voice command, clothing, and eating/drinking on four different road classes (rural collector, freeway, urban arterial, and local road in a school zone). Various driving performance measures such as speed, acceleration, throttle, lane changing, brake, collision, and offset from the lane center were investigated. Using the RF method, we achieved 76.5% prediction accuracy on the independent test set, which is over 8.2% better than results reported in previous studies. We also obtained a 76.6% true positive rate, which is 14% better than those reported in previous studies. Such results demonstrate the preference of RF over other machine learning methods to identify driving distractions.
Automatic Horizontal Curve Identification for Large Areas from Geographic Information System Roadway Centerlines
Authors: Bejleri Ilir , Xu Xingjing , Brown Daniel , Srinivasan Sivaramakrishnan , Agarwal Nithin
Published: August 2021

The geography of horizontal roadway curves is critical to various disciplines, especially to transportation safety, because of their strong correlation with traffic crashes. Remarkably, conventional geographic information system (GIS) roadway centerlines, while fundamental and ubiquitous in current geospatial databases, do not include curve inventories. This study presents an improved method for automatic horizontal curve identification using GIS roadway centerline networks as the data source. Analyzing each vertex of the network geometry, this method identifies the curves by detecting deflections from straight lines using a vertex deflection angle threshold. Different from literature that uses a static threshold, this method develops and applies a dynamic threshold by considering two variables—the roadway speed and the centerline vertex density. The method is capable of self-adjusting using k-means clustering to compensate for uneven centerline digitization. The method can also detect spiral transitions and can handle the complexities of street networks represented using dual centerlines. The testing and validation of the method were performed on a large dataset by applying a combination of goodness of fit metric and visual inspection. The results show that this method improves curve identification accuracy and can provide broader applicability for curve identification using GIS centerlines of various representations and digitization quality in large geographic areas.
Comparative Appraisal of Critical Gap Estimation Techniques in the Context of U-turning Vehicles
Authors: Khan Tathagatha , Vivek Adheesh Kumar , Mohapatra Smruti Sourava
Published: August 2021

Critical gap is a crucial factor for capacity estimation and safety evaluation at uncontrolled mid-block median openings (MBMOs). The U-turning vehicle makes a U-turn when a sufficient gap between two fast-moving vehicles is available in the approaching through traffic (ATT) stream. Even though, worldwide, temporal gaps are extensively used, the spatial gap is an important parameter that significantly affects minor street vehicles’ safety (U-turning vehicles in this study). The present research, undertaken in India, focuses on estimating the temporal and spatial critical gap of U-turning vehicles at uncontrolled MBMOs. The collected data were analyzed for six different types of U-turning vehicles at varying approaching through traffic volume (ATTV). For critical gap estimation, four different critical gap estimation techniques, namely, modified Raff method (MRM), Ashworth method, binary logit model (BLM) method, and occupancy time (OT) method were employed, separately. From the analysis, temporal and spatial critical gaps were observed to vary between different types of vehicle, and it was also observed to vary with ATTV. The critical gap values of this study were found to be smaller than the critical values reported in developed countries, signifying the aggressive driving nature of drivers in developing countries. A detailed appraisal of the different critical gap estimation methods has been carried out. From this analysis, the OT method was found to provide the closest critical gap values with the published literature compared with other methods. Lastly, the findings from the present study will be useful for capacity estimation and safety evaluation at MBMO.
Sensor positioning for a human activity recognition system using a double layer classifier
Authors: Abdelhafiz Mohamed H , Awad Mohammed I , Sadek Ahmed , Tolbah Farid
Published: August 2021

This paper describes the development of a human gait activity recognition system. A multi-sensor recognition system, which has been developed for this purpose, was reduced to a single sensor-based recognition system. A sensor election method was devised based on the maximum relevance minimum redundancy feature selector to determine the sensor’s optimum position regarding activity recognition. The election method proved that the thigh has the highest contribution to recognize walking, stairs and ramp ascending, and descending activities. A recognition algorithm (which depends mainly on features that are classified by random forest, and selected by a combined feature selector using the maximum relevance minimum redundancy and genetic algorithm) has been modified to compensate the degradation that occurs in the prediction accuracy due to the reduction in the number of sensors. The first modification was implementing a double layer classifier in order to discriminate between the interfered activities. The second modification was adding physical features to the features dictionary used. These modifications succeeded to improve the prediction accuracy to allow a single sensor recognition system to behave in the same manner as a multi-sensor activity recognition system.
Intrathecal Transplantation of Autologous and Allogeneic Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Dogs
Authors: Benavides Felipe Pérez , Pinto Giovana Boff Araujo , Heckler Marta Cristina Thomas , Hurtado Diana Milena Rodríguez , Teixeira Livia Ramos , Monobe Marina Mitie de Souza , Machado Gisele Fabrino , de Melo Guilherme Dias , Rodríguez-Sánchez Diego Noé , Alvarenga Fernanda da Cruz Landim e , Amorim Rogério Martins
Published: August 2021

The route used in the transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can directly affect the treatment success. The transplantation of MSCs via the intrathecal (IT) route can be an important therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the IT transplantation of autologous (Auto-MSCs) and allogeneic (Allo-MSCs) bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in healthy dogs. Based on neurodisability score, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), no significant differences from the control group were observed on day 1 or day 5 after IT Auto- or Allo-MSCs transplantation ( P > 0.05). In addition, analysis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression in the CSF revealed no significant differences ( P > 0.05) at 5 days after IT transplantation in the Auto- or Allo-MSCs group when compared to the control. Intrathecal transplantation of BM-MSCs in dogs provides a safe, easy and minimally invasive route for the use of cell-based therapeutics in central nervous system diseases.
Growth of Lethal Violence in Brazil 2000–2017: A Space-Temporal Analysis of Homicides
Authors: Aransiola Temidayo James , Ceccato Vania , Justus Marcelo
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the space-temporal growth of homicide rates in Brazil from 2000 to 2017 and identifies determinants of the country’s growth of homicide rates. Data from the Brazilian Information System on Mortality and Censuses are used to estimate growth models combined with spatial statistics and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Findings show evidence of change in the geographical distribution of lethal violence over time, characterized by a steady increase in the North and Northeast regions and a reduction in growth in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil. Social disorganization factors namely deprivation, ethnic heterogeneity, and urbanization are significant positive determinants of the growth of homicide rates. The results show a reduction of the predictive strength of income inequality and an increase in that of unemployment from the year 2010 to 2017. The theoretical and policy implications of these results are discussed.
Dynamic modeling for soft dielectric elastomer actuator considering different input frequencies and external loads
Authors: Huang Peng , Wu Jundong , Zhang Yue , Zhang Pan , Wang Yawu
Published: August 2021

A dynamic model for the soft dielectric elastomer actuator (SDEA) is developed in this paper to describe its intricately nonlinear behaviors considering different input frequencies and external loads. Firstly, the characteristics of the SDEA are observed by several groups of experiments. A phenomenological model is proposed to describe the asymmetric hysteresis behavior of the SDEA, which consists of a Prandtl-Ishlinskii model with one-side play operator and a dead-zone model with one-side dead-zone operator. Meanwhile, a mathematical model is built to depict the creep behavior of the SDEA. The dynamic model including a module and a linear system is proposed to further handle the rate-dependent and the stress-dependent hysteresis behaviors of the SDEA, in which the module is the superposition of the asymmetric hysteresis model and the creep model. To ensure that the inverse solution of the module is existing, as well as the linear system is controllable and observable, the constraint conditions of parameter values of the dynamic model are constructed. Next, the parameter identification is divided into two steps, and the differential evolution algorithm is employed in each step. Finally, the generalization of the proposed dynamics model is demonstrated by comparing the model output with the experimental data.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) in Palliative Medicine: Case Report and Discussion
Authors: Willey Jade , Baumrucker Steven J.
Published: August 2021

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is associated with seizures, visual disturbances, headache, and altered mental status. Given its presentation, the diagnosis can be mistaken for other severe conditions. Palliative medicine consultants should be aware of PRES and be prepared to counsel families on the treatment and prognosis of this syndrome.
Promoting Concern for Climate Change: A Study of Wildfire Photographs Using Q Methodology
Authors: Duan Ran , Hepworth K. J. , Ormerod Kerri Jean , Canon Chelsea
Published: August 2021

This study employs Q methodology to identify responses to wildfire imagery and climate change concern. Using photographs shared on Twitter during California’s 2018 Camp Fire, findings reveal three different perspectives on what images evoked the most concern among individuals: catastrophic destruction, smokescapes, and human or animal suffering. Results also reveal the images that evoke the least concern, such as scenes of aid and support and officials’ rescue meetings. These results extend literature on the role of visuals in climate change communication and have implications for the selection of images that appeal to the various perspectives of the broader public.
Effectiveness of a Home Based Training Program on Caregivers Knowledge in Managing Aggressive Behavior of Patients With Mental Illness
Authors: Lata Kusum , Ajesh Kumar T. K , Khakha Deepika C. , Deep Raman
Published: August 2021

In India, more than 90% of the patient with chronic mental illness stayed with their family members. Approximately 77.4% of caregivers experience moderate to severe levels of aggression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of caregiver-training program on knowledge in managing aggressive behavior of mentally ill at home. Research design was pre-experimental. Seventy two caregivers were recruited using purposive sampling technique. The caregivers knowledge was assessed at 3 time points with regard to training program; before, immediately (post-test 1), and after 1 month (±1 week; post-test 2). The baseline knowledge was reflective of the deficiencies existing in the management of aggression of the mentally ill by caregivers. The knowledge of caregivers regarding the management of aggressive behavior of mentally ill, increased after caregiver training program, from the pre-test score of 17.63 ± 3.3 to post-test 1 score of 23.26 ± 2.9, and slightly decreased post-test 2 score of 21.01 ± 3.3 at p < .05. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done to compare the differences in knowledge score over time with Bonferroni adjustment. This home based caregiver training program helped caregivers to identify etiological factors of aggression, warning signs of aggression and use of de-escalation strategies to manage aggressive behavior of mentally ill. Training caregivers regarding aggression management will make caregiver proficient in practicing safe approach during handling of aggressive patient which will ensure the physical safety of the caregiver as well as of the patient and let the patient stay at home.
Welcoming teleretinography into diabetes integrated care
Authors: Perilli Roberto , Mariotti Silvio P , Mastropasqua Leonardo , Bandello Francesco M , Grigioni Mauro , Tarricone Rosanna , Petracca Francesco , Consoli Agostino
Published: August 2021

Integrated Care (IC) is a perfect fit for people with diabetes. Fundus examination (FE) is a disease marker for diabetologists and identifies potentially blinding complications (Diabetic Retinopathy, DR). In our Diabetes Clinic (DC) in Pescara, Italy, FE is possibly provided with telemedicine in same day as other exams, avoiding it to be a standalone clinical one; images taken with a retinal digital camera are graded by a remote ophthalmologist within a shared Electronic Health Record (EHR), immediately readable by other stakeholders; a dedicated care path to the Eye Clinic, University of Chieti-Pescara is provided for urgent cases. Personnel’s worktime shortening allows gaining time for ophthalmologists’ eye examinations in outpatient settings and other stakeholders’ work in the DC. The need for a DR digital screening system is growing worldwide: our experience confirms the ease of implementation, and the advantage of sharing clinical data with all stakeholders when working within an EHR, aiming to optimize an IC effective system.
Party membership, pre-parliamentary socialization and party cohesion
Authors: Rehmert Jochen
Published: August 2021

Party membership seems to lose relevance for political careers in many established democracies. Increasing numbers of parties are recruiting non-members as candidates. Yet, what are the implications of a lack of long-term party membership for party cohesion? In this paper, I argue that pre-parliamentary party membership is in fact crucial for cohesion. Using data from the Comparative Candidate Survey and voting behavior of ca. 2,000 MPs of the German Bundestag on free votes from 1953 to 2013, I examine the effect of length of previous party membership and the age of joining the party on indicators of party cohesion. Examining free votes allows for credibly controlling alternative explanations of unified voting behavior. Results are in line with expectations generated from social identity theory and underscore the importance of party membership for party cohesion. The paper concludes with a discussion on the findings’ implications in light of recent developments in parties’ candidate recruitment.
Periods as powerful data: User understandings of menstrual app data and information
Authors: Hohmann-Marriott Bryndl
Published: August 2021

Digital apps for tracking menstruation are widely used. Taking a critical menstruation and critical digital health approach, this research asks how menstrual app users perceive their data. Interviews with 25 menstrual app users across Aotearoa New Zealand, were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Some participants only track their period, while others track additional symptoms. They appreciated having a choice of data to track, entering extensive amounts of data. Most participants had not given much thought to their data, viewing it as uninteresting and unproblematic. A small group were concerned by the data risks and managed this in several ways. Participants across both groups supported using data for menstrual health research. This research demonstrates a need for digital literacy and for limits on the use of menstruation information, where menstruators themselves are controlling and benefitting from their data.
From “Homegrown” to Research-Ready: Converting an Existing Practitioner-Developed Violence Prevention Intervention Into an Evaluable Intervention
Authors: Embry Venita , Macy Rebecca J. , Moracco Kathryn E. , Scheffey Krista , Moore Alexis , McCort Agnieszka , Taraskiewicz Leah
Published: August 2021

There is an increased call for research on promising prevention programs already embedded in communities (“homegrown interventions”). Unfortunately, there is limited guidance to help researchers prepare these types of interventions for rigorous evaluation. To address this need, this article presents our team’s process for revising a promising community-based sexual violence prevention intervention for rigorous research. Our extensive and iterative process of reviewing and revising the intervention was guided by evaluability assessment (EA) approaches, implementation science, and a close collaboration with our community partners. Our EA process allowed us to specify the intervention’s core components and develop a “research ready” standardized curriculum with implementation fidelity assessments. We offer four lessons learned from our process: (1) even with existing materials and an extensive history of community-based delivery, community-developed programs are not necessarily research-ready; (2) close collaboration and a trusting relationship between researchers and community partners throughout the revision process ensures the integrity of core program components are maintained and implementation in diverse community settings is feasible; (3) observations of program implementation are a crucial part of the revision process; and (4) it is important to budget adequate time and resources for such revisions.
Thermal enhancement in the mixed convective flow of unsteady Carreau nanofluid with slip conditions: A numerical study
Authors: Iqbal Zahoor , Khan Masood , Ahmed Awais , Hussain Mazhar , Malik Muhammad Yousaf , Hussain Shafiq
Published: August 2021

Nanofluids are formed by incorporating very small sized particles consist of metals, oxides, carbides, or carbon nanotubes into base fluids like water, oil, ethylene glycol etc. Due to number of applications and amazing heat flow features of nanofluids, we are motivated to devote this article to explore the heat transform characteristics in transient flow of Carreau nanofluid over an inclined stretching cylinder. We have modeled the nonlinear mixed convection flow of Carreau nanoparticles in term of Lorentz force. Heat transfer mechanism in the flow is examined in view of nonlinear thermal radiation and non-uniform heat source/sink influences. Additionally, the effects of joule heating are also taken into account for examining the heat transport mechanism in the flow. Moreover, the effects of chemical reaction are also employed in concentration equation for investigation of mass transport phenomenon in the flow of nanofluid. To see the influence of involved physical parameters bvp4c numerical technique is employed. The numerical outcomes of physical parameters are assessed and depicted with logical discussion in the results and discussion section. The section of concluding remarks is designed to highlight the core findings of this study. It is revealed that the flow curves of nanofluid significantly grow up for escalating scales of nonlinear thermal convection constant. Moreover, an escalation is detected in the transport of thermal energy for growing scales of Eckert number and thermal radiation constant. Also, it is assessed that the flow velocity deteriorates by with an escalation in the magnitude of buoyancy force ratio parameter.
Consistency of associations of systolic and diastolic blood pressure with white matter hyperintensities: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wilkinson Imogen , Webb Alastair John Stewart
Published: August 2021

Background

White matter hyperintensities are the commonest manifestation of cerebral small vessel disease, associated with stroke, functional impairment, and cognitive decline. They are commonly preceded by hypertension, but the magnitude and clinical importance of this association is unclear.

Aims

Quantify the relationship between blood pressure and white matter hyperintensities across studies.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE were searched for studies reporting associations between concurrent or historic blood pressure and white matter hyperintensities. Beta coefficients from linear models were extracted, whether standardized, unstandardized, unadjusted or adjusted for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. Beta-coefficients were combined by fixed and random effects meta-analysis, combining standardized beta-coefficients or unstandardized coefficients measured by consistent methods.

Results

Twenty-five of 3230 papers were eligible, including 53,392 participants. Systolic blood pressure was significantly associated with white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) after maximal adjustment (standardized beta 0.096, 95%CI 0.06–0.133, p < 0.001, I2 = 65%), including for concurrent readings (b = 0.106, p < 0.001) or readings five years previously (b = 0.077, p < 0.001), and for younger or older populations (mean age < 65: b = 0.114; >65 b = 0.069). Unstandardized, adjusted associations were similar for raw WMHV, log-transformed WMHV, or WMHV as percentage of intracranial volume. Unadjusted associations with systolic blood pressure (SBP) were greater (standardized beta = 0.273, 0.262–0.284, p < 0.0001). However, while associations with DBP were weaker than SBP (standardized beta = 0.065, p < 0.001), they were minimally affected by adjustment for age.

Conclusions

A standard deviation increase in SBP is associated with 10% of a standard deviation increase in WMHV, providing the current best estimate of the potential reduction in progression of white matter hyperintensities expected with good control of blood pressure.