bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Dynamic Load in Superdeep Mine Hoisting Systems Induced by Drum Winding
Authors: Yao Jiannan , Deng Xiaojie , Ma Chi , Xu Tong
Published: November 2021

Blair mine hoists powered by drum winding are a key equipment in the transportation of a superdeep mine shaft. The step changes of hoisting velocity and acceleration caused by coil and layer crossover of rope winding on the LeBus drum, which will excite impact responses of hoisting systems, cannot be ignored in the hoisting system with high velocity. The paper focuses on investigating the effect of drum winding on impact responses of superdeep mine hoisting systems. Firstly, the hoisting velocity and acceleration were precisely modelled and calculated according to the structure of rope groove of the LeBus drum; secondly, impact responses of the dynamic displacement and load were obtained by applying the established model; eventually, an experiment was performed, and then, the validity of the established model and the response mechanism was verified. The paper will provide good technical support for the design and optimization of the mine hoists in superdeep mine shafts.
Composition and Optimization of Higher Education Management System Based on Data Mining Technology
Authors: Hu Jingnan , Li Hui
Published: November 2021

In order to improve the low efficiency of higher education management and the unequal distribution of curriculum resources, facing the actual situation of higher education management, a higher education management system based on data mining technology is constructed and optimized. Using the correlation between MVC components of higher education management platform and the support of data mining technology, this paper constructs the MVC model 2 framework of higher education management platform which is a powerful framework used for developing large-scale projects with ease. We collect the data structure in the database, extract the evaluation indicators of higher education management system, separate the display results and business logic, and improve code reusability. We adopt data input, curriculum management, curriculum scheduling, teacher scheduling, and system maintenance and help to form and optimize the higher education management system. The experimental results show that the constructed and optimized higher education management system can maintain good scheduling performance and provide better teaching services for teachers and students.
The Impact of Leisure Activities on the Mental Health of Older Adults: The Mediating Effect of Social Support and Perceived Stress
Authors: Zhang Chi , Qing Niu , Zhang Sifeng
Published: November 2021

As the aging continues, China has become the country with the largest older population. In order to ensure the well-being of older adults in their later years, the whole society is increasingly concerned about the mental health of older adults. In 2019, we conduct a questionnaire survey in Shaanxi Province. Stratified random sampling is used to select three representative cities, and 677 samples are selected from the survey results for research. By using the structural equation model, we aim to reveal the mechanism of leisure activities’ influence on mental health of the older adults and verify whether social support and perceived stress play a mediating role. The study finds that the older adults’ leisure activities have no significant direct impact on mental health. Social support has a significant mediating effect between leisure activities and mental health of the older adults. Leisure activities indirectly affect the mental health of the older adults through social support, and participation in leisure activities can improve the social support of the older adults, thus improving the mental health level of the older adults. Perceived stress plays a significant mediating role between leisure activities and mental health of the older adults. By participating in leisure activities, the perceived stress of the older adults will be reduced, thus improving their mental health. Social support and perceived stress play a sufficient mediating role in the influence of leisure activities on mental health.
Current PIλ Control of the Single-Phase Grid Inverter
Authors: Yang Xueqin , Liu Xingyu , Li Jichao , Zhang Binbin
Published: November 2021

In a grid-connected power generation system, the grid-connected current of the inverter is sensitive to nonlinear factors such as periodic disturbance of grid voltage, which results in grid-connected current waveform distortion. By establishing a single-phase photovoltaic grid-connected inverter control system model, designing an inverse current fractional-order PI (PIλ or FO-PI) controller and the dynamic and steady-state performance, antidisturbance and grid connection inversion characteristics of the system are simulated and compared under the action of the integer-order PI controller and fractional-order PI controller. The quality of the inverter grid-connected current is analyzed by using the fast Fourier transform (FFT). The simulation results show that the fractional-order control system can reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the grid-connected current and dynamic performance and antidisturbance ability of the improving system while satisfying the steady-state performance indexes.
Equivalent Test Method for Strong Electromagnetic Field Radiation Effect of EED
Authors: Wang Biao , Sun Yongwei , Wang Xuetian , Wei Guanghui , Gao Hongmin
Published: November 2021

The present study proposed the equivalent test method for the strong electromagnetic field radiation of electric explosive devices (EEDs) of the weapon equipment to satisfy the military requirements of the electromagnetic radiation safety test, as well as the evaluation of the electric ignition, the electric initiation ammunition, or missiles. Under stable conditions, the ignition excitation test and the bridge wire temperature increase test were performed to determine the ignition temperature of the EED. As radiated by the strong electromagnetic field, the relationship between the temperature increase of the bridge wire and the electric field intensity of the EED was developed based on the theoretical analysis and the experimental test. Given the ignition temperature of the EED, the radiation field intensity of the EED at 50% ignition was determined. As compared with the 50% ignition field intensity of the EED directly radiated by the strong electromagnetic field, an error less than 1 dB was caused. On that basis, the correctness of the equivalent test method was verified. Accordingly, this method was suggested to act as an effective method and technical means to test and evaluate the electromagnetic radiation safety of ammunition and missiles in unfavorable electromagnetic environments.
Application of Data Mining Technology in Public Welfare Sports Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Dong Xiaoyan , Huang Xiaohua , Lin Min
Published: November 2021

Data mining refers to extracting the implicit prediction information from a massive dataset. It has very application prospects. Some data mining tools can develop things. The purpose of this article mainly discusses the public welfare sports education in the artificial intelligence era. The article discusses the research background and significance, development of education data mining, and decision tree technology and enumerates the application of education data mining in real life. The concept of educational data mining is given, and several common typical decision tree algorithms and their connections and differences are described; then, the concepts of multivalue decision tables and decision trees are discussed in detail. This article aims to build a nonprofit physical education system to manage and analyze the attendance data of students’ physical health assessment, so as to improve the enthusiasm of students to exercise, such as BP neural network, decision tree classification algorithm, and cluster analysis, discusses the calculation and analysis process of the relevant body side data of the sports teaching platform, and emphatically discusses and analyzes the application effect of data mining technology in public welfare sports teaching. In addition, this article has built a public welfare physical education system, allowing us to clearly understand various factors that affect students’ exercise and the relationship between various project indicators. Based on these data, educators can adjust technical means. Experimental results can efficiently and conveniently understand the pass rate of students in various sports. The pass rates of students in the six tests, grip strength, and sitting forward bending were 58%, 65%, 78%, 78%, 85%, and 65%, respectively. Using mathematical methods and computer technology, we can dig out valuable education management information from massive education data, so as to provide a reference for improving school enrollment.
Study on Water Transport Mechanisms of the PEMFC Based on a Visualization Platform and Water Balance Model
Authors: Zhao Xin , Wang Ruidi , Zhang Yanyi , Hao Dong , Yang Zirong
Published: November 2021

It is widely acknowledged that the water balance issue is extremely important for improving the performance and durability of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. In the presented paper, the visualization platform of the single fuel cell and the water balance model were built to investigate the water transport mechanisms. A transparent 25 cm2 single fuel cell with serpentine flow channels was adopted. Based on the experimental data, firstly, the change rate of water content in the fuel cell was calculated quantitatively and the reliability of the water balance model was rigorously validated. Then, the water state in the fuel cell as the qualitative finding was observed online to assist the research of water transport mechanisms. Finally, the effects of inlet gas temperature, inlet gas humidity, and hydrogen/air stoichiometry on the EIS, the voltage, and the water content in the fuel cell were studied quantitatively, respectively. The corresponding relationship between the performance and the water content in the fuel cell was obtained.
Consensus on Training and Assessment of Competence in Performing Chorionic Villus Sampling and Amniocentesis: An International Delphi Survey
Authors: Johnsson Vilma , Tolsgaard Martin , Hyett Jon , Gembruch Ulrich , Windrim Rory , Khalil Asma , Tiblad Eleonor , Slaghekke Femke , Paladini Dario , Nayahangan Leizl , Sundberg Karin M. , Nørgaard Lone N. , Petersen Olav B.
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study was to obtain expert consensus on the content of a curriculum for learning chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis (AC) and the items of an assessment tool to evaluate CVS and AC competence. Methods: We used a 3-round iterative Delphi process. A steering committee supervised all processes. Seven international collaborators were identified to expand the breadth of the study internationally. The collaborators invited fetal medicine experts to participate as panelists. In the first round, the panelists suggested content for a CVS/AC curriculum and an assessment tool. The steering committee organized and condensed the suggested items and presented them to the panelists in round 2. In the second round, the panelists rated and commented on the suggested items. The results were processed by the steering committee and presented to the panelists in the third round, where final consensus was obtained. Consensus was defined as support by more than 80% of the panelists for an item. Results: Eighty-six experts agreed to participate in the study. The panelists represented 16 countries across 4 continents. The final list of curricular content included 12 theoretical and practical items. The final assessment tool included 11 items, systematically divided into 5 categories: pre-procedure, procedure, post-procedure, nontechnical skills, and overall performance. These items were provided with behavioral scale anchors to rate performance, and an entrustment scale was used for the final overall assessment. Conclusion: We established consensus among international fetal medicine experts on content to be included in a CVS/AC curriculum and on an assessment tool to evaluate CVS/AC skills. These results are important to help transition current training and assessment methods from a time- and volume-based approach to a competency-based approach which is a key step in improving patient safety and outcomes for the 2 most common invasive procedures in fetal medicine.
High-Grade Atrioventricular Nodal Block: An Unusual Presentation of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Tabatabai Sadeq , Abushabana Mosaad , Alhashmi Jasem Mohammed , Zaky Hosam
Published: November 2021

While respiratory system disease, including pneumonia, remains the principal clinical presentation, several cardiovascular complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) including myocardial infarction, myocarditis, and tachyarrhythmias were reported. We present an unusual case of fatal high-grade atrioventricular nodal block in a young adult male with COVID-19 infection in the occurrence of normal coronary arteries. Marked inflammatory response and myocarditis are the most likely contributing factors to electrical conduction system disturbance. It is appropriate for the clinicians to be aware of the fact that COVID-19 can atypically present as bradyarrhythmia and conduction abnormalities.
Time Management Of Teachers And Its Relationship To Teaching Performance
Authors: Olivo Marylin G.
Published: November 2021

This was a descriptive-correlational applied research which determined and analyzed the time management strategies of public elementary teachers in a district. The time management strategies of the teachers were related to their teaching performance.  There were 103 elementary teachers in a district as respondents of the study. Since all teachers in the district were included as respondents of the study, the complete enumeration technique was employed as sampling technique. A time management questionnaire was developed by the researcher based on the activities that teachers need to accomplish and distributed with the help of the principals. The teachers indicated how many hours they spent on a particular task on a 24-hour basis. Weighted mean was used in analyzing the data on time management and Pearson R for the relationship of the time management of teachers and their teaching performance. Findings revealed that teachers were mostly very satisfactory in rendering their work, classroom teaching got the greatest number of time allotment among the teachers, teachers’ time management strategies ranged from using the internet for their needs in teaching to listing important tasks for the day to planning before classes start and working overtime at home to do tasks, work delegation was observed to be the least in their strategies to manage time. Furthermore, findings in this study showed that the teaching performance ratings of the teachers were not influenced by their time management strategies. It could be the tendency because most teachers had very satisfactory ratings. No one got satisfactory rating and only 12 were outstanding. If time management was not a factor, as the relationship test showed acceptance of null hypothesis, then the factor that determined or predicted teaching performance should be explored. The research then recommend that teachers should keep up with their positive teaching performance by giving the same passion and commitment towards work, they must continue giving most of their time in school to classroom instruction in order to produce pupils who are imbued with right values and knowledge and skills competence and they must embrace the challenge of the work responsibilities inherent to being a teacher. Teachers had practiced good time management because they allotted more time to classroom teaching and preparations to their core tasks as teachers. An action plan was developed to strengthen and sustain the time management strategies of teachers
Off-Classroom Mathematics Teaching and Learning Using Text-Messaging Approach
Authors: Aunzo Rodulfo
Published: November 2021

Text messaging is the quickest and easiest way to transmit information to anyone anytime and anywhere. This mode of communication is prevalently used even in the academic arena. In this paper, Mathematics teaching-learning has gone beyond the four walls of the classroom. Text messaging was utilized in the teaching-learning process. The teacher sent concepts and illustrative examples to the students via SMS. The students interacted with the teacher and learned a new lesson through this mode of communication. A quasi-experimental research design was utilized to establish the impact of teaching-learning mathematics beyond the four walls with the aid of Text messaging. The study revealed that the experimental group performed equally with the controlled group, which revealed that the teaching-learning mathematics beyond the fours wall with the aid of Text messaging is effective. It is because the experimental group did not undergo an actual classroom teaching-learning compared to the controlled group. Further results of the investigation are presented in this paper.
Extending of Technology Acceptance Model in Using Online Health Applications in The Covid-19 Pandemic Era
Authors: Setyawan Didik , Ashari Muhammad Zul , Yulandari Ariefah
Published: November 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed behavior of the people in getting health services that switch to online ones. The study examines the extending of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in using health applications. TAM is no longer relevant to be applied on the specific application studies. The expansion that carried out adds to the variables of social influence, feelings of anxiety, and availability of services in developing attitudes to influence behavioral intentions. Data collected using online questionnaires for users of the Halodoc application as many as 200 respondents. The results of hypothesis testing using the Structural Equation Modeling analysis with the AMOS method show that attitudes are the determinants in forming behavioral intentions which are influenced by perception of usefulness, ease of perception, social influence, and service availability, but not from the feelings of anxiety. These results indicate that individuals perceive Halodoc as providing benefits, easy to use, influencing environment, and well-available services. Therefore it can ignore the anxiety in using the Halodoc application during the Covid 19 pandemic to get health services.
Pre-Examination Study Preparation and Its Effect on the Summative Test Score in General Mathematics of Grade 11 Senior High School Students of Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College
Authors: Malangen Ardian D.
Published: November 2021

Examination weeks are the peaks of an academic year. The paper-and-pen test determines whether the learners are able to attain the specific educational standards set by the pedagogical curriculum they follow. The study wants to determine the pre-examination study preparation and its effect on the summative test score in general mathematics of grade 11 senior high school students of Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College. This study centers on two factors, the frequency and strategy of the student used on their pre-examination preparation. The descriptive and quantitative method of research is used in this study. As a results and conclusions in terms of pre- examination frequency, majority of the grade 11 senior high school students allotted one day (69.30%) before the examination 30 minutes to one hour (52.60%) as review time. The most preferred pre-examination study strategy of the respondents is rereading their textbooks and/or lecture notes (3.37 frequently). There is no significant positive correlation between the pre-examination study frequency and the summative test results, there is a significant positive correlation between Tracks and the summative test results and between the study strategy (rereading textbooks/lecture notes, and seeking assistance to parents) and the summative test results of the Grade 11 senior high school students of Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College. Lastly, avoid cramming, students spend at least three days of review before the examination for a better learning in a well managed time and engage their selves to the most significant favored review strategies that will give an impressive test results.
The Graduates Tracer Study: Bachelor of Elementary Education Program
Authors: Abana Adona S. , Ramos Andy B. , Gumarang Jr. Bernardo K. , Tarun Jaine Z.
Published: November 2021

The study assessed the impact of the Bachelor of Elementary Education program in the life of its graduates in terms of their employability and professional competencies based on the perceptions of graduates and their employers. The survey method was used in the study to determine the graduates' status and performance. There are 250 BEEd graduates involved in the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percent, and arithmetic mean were utilized to determine and describe the profile of graduates and employers, the trend in the employment of graduates for the term being studied, the employers’ assessment of the graduates in terms of their knowledge and understanding of their field of specialization, qualities, general skills and specialized skills generally expected of them in order to succeed in their teaching performance, and the over-all preparation of graduates acquired from the University for the type of work they are currently engaging and other skills needed for their future demands. The data generated from the employers' assessment of the variables mentioned was further analyzed and categorized to generate interrelated thoughts/themes that will emerge from the data.  The results of the study showed that graduates of the program are competent because most of the graduates are licensed professionals, employed with regular or permanent status. However, it has been found that graduates need to gain innovative skills such as, research and the use of information communication and technology. The findings can be used as the basis of the program in improving the curriculum and instruction.
Reading Habit and Its Affect on Academic Performance of The Students of Advanced Technological Institute, Sammanthurai
Authors: Firnas Abul , Munas  , Rizvi Mohammed
Published: November 2021

Readings plays an important role in the life of a human. It is also one of the most important components of the language. Reading habit is determined by measuring how often the people read, how long do they read and what do they read. Particularly for students, reading is very crucial part for them during the span of learning. It is an instrument used to acquire new knowledge and skills. This study aims to investigate the reading habits among students and their effect on their academic performance. This study is conducted at ATI, Sammanthurai located in the Eastern province, Sri Lanka. Data are collected using questionnaire with deductive approach in quantitative method and analyzed by statistical package for social science (SPSS). Findings are presented using frequency analysis, regression analysis, descriptive analysis and correlation analysis. The questionnaire is conducted via Google form then shared among the students of ATI, Sammanthurai. The findings indicate that most of the students has a good reading habit and it affects their academic performance positively. Finally, the study confirms that there is a relationship between reading habit and the academic performance of the students. Some findings are that; the majority of the respondents read class notes which means the need to read it for the examination purpose. Majority of the students get reading material via internet (81.4%) as they state that they spend most of their time in surfing internet and using social media.
The Effect of Golden Sea Cucumber (Stichopus hermanii) Extracts to Serum LDL Cholesterol level as a Result of Insulin Resistence
Authors: Setianingsih Herin , Putri Fatima Sari Suryono , Desi Wahyu Prasasti Mutia , Yatnasari Erlina
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by conditions of hyperglycemia as a result of abnormalities in the secretion of the insulin hormone, the work of the insulin hormone, or both. Metabolic disorders caused by diabetes cause lipolysis to increase, thereby increasing the level of VLDL, which will be converted to LDL. LDL disorders are the effects of insulin resistance. Streptozotocin (STZ) can increase serum LDL cholesterol serum levels due to the mechanism of ROS formation. Golden sea cucumber act as anti-hyperlipidemic because they contain EPA-DHA, saponins, and flavonoids. The purpose of these studies to determine the effect of Golden sea cucumber act as anti-hyperlipidemic. Experimental laboratory research is done using the post-test only control group design method. Using simple random sampling with 25 white male Wistar rats divided into five groups, all rats were given standard feeding. Group 1 without STZ induced, group 2-5 were induced STZ first, and then group 3-5 were given golden sea cucumber extract for 21 days with dose 4,25 mg/kg BW, 8,5 mg/kg BW, 12,75 mg/kg BW, per day respectively. At the end of the study, the LDL serum level was measured. The result of One – Way Anova test showed LDL cholesterol serum levels of group rats with STZ induction and given 12,75 mg/kg BW golden sea cucumber extracts (x=7,4 mg/dl) significantly decreased (p=0,005) compared to LDL cholesterol levels of group rats which were only induced by STZ without given golden sea cucumber extracts (x=12,6 mg/dl). This research showed that the administration 12,75mg/kg BW of golden sea cucumber extracts for 21 days reduced serum LDL cholesterol levels because golden sea cucumber contains compounds that work as antioxidants.
Effect of Curcuma Xanthorriza Roxb Extract on Hemozoin Pigment Deposition In The Liver Tissue Of BALB /C Mice Infected With Plasmodium berghei ANKA
Authors: Utami Prawesty , Dikwan Irmawati , Wibowo Ali
Published: November 2021

Hepatocellular damage is one of the histopathologic features of malaria infection. The presence of large amounts of hemozoin pigment in the liver is associated with hepatocellular damage. Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb / curcumin as an anti-inflammatory and natural antioxidant which has a hepatoprotector function. The purpose of these study was to determine the effect of curcuma rhizome (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb) extract on hemozoin pigment in the liver tissue of BALB/C mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA/ PbA. Method: using 25 groups of BALB/C mice, divided into 5 groups: negative control group; positive control group and 4 treatment groups infected with PbA with extract dose of 150 mg / KgBW, 100 mg / KgBW, and 50 mg / KgBW for four days. On the fifth day the observation of liver tissue to determine deposition of hemozoin pigments by histopathological examination. Results: Statistical analysis showed that descriptively there was a decrease in hemozoin pigment in the liver tissue of mice (150 mg / KgBW extract dose decreased the most hemozoin pigment compared to other doses), but there was no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups with positive controls (p> 0.05). Conclusions: The administration of curcuma extract (Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb) has the potential to reduce the deposition of hemozoin pigment in liver tissue in BALB/C mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA although statistically it is not significant.
A Case of Ingested Laryngoscope Bulb During Emergency Endotracheal Intubation
Authors: Sharma Saurabh , Gupta Sandhya , Nagyan Tushar , Nasar Md Abu , Some Sowbir , Agarwal P. N.
Published: November 2021

Laryngoscope is one of the most important lifesaving tools in the armamentarium of medical personnel.  As is the case with any other tool, this too is susceptible to rare failures. One of these rare malfunctions is the dislodgement of bulb during endotracheal intubation. This can be associated with serious consequences if patient aspirates or ingests the bulb. In the following communication we report this off chance mishap while intubating a patient in trauma ICU.
Effect of Empagliflozin on Blood Volume Redistribution in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction: An Analysis From the Empire HF Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Omar Massar , Jensen Jesper , Burkhoff Daniel , Frederiksen Peter H. , Kistorp Caroline , Videbæk Lars , Poulsen Mikael Kjær , Gustafsson Finn , Køber Lars , Borlaug Barry A. , Schou Morten , Møller Jacob Eifer
Published: November 2021

Background:

Stressed blood volume (SBV) is a major determinant of systemic and pulmonary venous pressures which, in turn, determine left and right ventricular fillings and regulates cardiac output via the Frank-Starling mechanism. It is not known whether inhibition of the SGLT2 (sodium–glucose cotransporter-2) favorably affects SBV. We investigated the effect of empagliflozin on estimated SBV in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction compared with placebo.

Methods:

This was a post hoc analysis of an investigator-initiated, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Seventy patients were assigned to empagliflozin 10 mg or matching placebo once daily for 12 weeks. Patients underwent right heart catheterization at rest and during exercise at baseline and follow-up. The outcome was change in estimated SBV after 12 weeks of empagliflozin treatment over the full range of exercise, determined using a recently introduced analytical approach based on invasive hemodynamic assessment.

Results:

Patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, mean age, 57 years and mean ejection fraction 27%, with 47 patients (71%) receiving diuretics were randomized. The effect of empagliflozin on estimated SBV over the full range of exercise loads showed a statistically significant reduction compared with placebo (−198.4 mL [95% CI, −317.4 to −79.3]
P
=0.001), a 9% decrease. The decrease in estimated SBV by empagliflozin was significantly correlated with the decrease in PCWP (
R
=−0.33,
P
<0.0001). The effect of empagliflozin was consistent across subgroup analysis.

Conclusions:

Empagliflozin treatment significantly reduced SBV compared with placebo after 12 weeks of treatment in patients with stable chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction during sub maximal exercise.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03198585.
Deep Learning of the Retina Enables Phenome- and Genome-Wide Analyses of the Microvasculature
Authors: Zekavat Seyedeh Maryam , Raghu Vineet K. , Trinder Mark , Ye Yixuan , Koyama Satoshi , Honigberg Michael C. , Yu Zhi , Pampana Akhil , Urbut Sarah , Haidermota Sara , O’Regan Declan P. , Zhao Hongyu , Ellinor Patrick T. , Segrè Ayellet V. , Elze Tobias , Wiggs Janey L. , Martone James , Adelman Ron A. , Zebardast Nazlee , Del Priore Lucian , Wang Jay C. , Natarajan Pradeep
Published: November 2021

Background:

The microvasculature, the smallest blood vessels in the body, has key roles in maintenance of organ health and tumorigenesis. The retinal fundus is a window for human in vivo noninvasive assessment of the microvasculature. Large-scale complementary machine learning-based assessment of the retinal vasculature with phenome-wide and genome-wide analyses may yield new insights into human health and disease.

Methods:

We used 97 895 retinal fundus images from 54 813 UK Biobank participants. Using convolutional neural networks to segment the retinal microvasculature, we calculated vascular density and fractal dimension as a measure of vascular branching complexity. We associated these indices with 1866 incident
International Classification of Diseases
–based conditions (median 10-year follow-up) and 88 quantitative traits, adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, and ethnicity.

Results:

Low retinal vascular fractal dimension and density were significantly associated with higher risks for incident mortality, hypertension, congestive heart failure, renal failure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, anemia, and multiple ocular conditions, as well as corresponding quantitative traits. Genome-wide association of vascular fractal dimension and density identified 7 and 13 novel loci, respectively, that were enriched for pathways linked to angiogenesis (eg, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, angiopoietin, and WNT signaling pathways) and inflammation (eg, interleukin, cytokine signaling).

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that the retinal vasculature may serve as a biomarker for future cardiometabolic and ocular disease and provide insights into genes and biological pathways influencing microvascular indices. Moreover, such a framework highlights how deep learning of images can quantify an interpretable phenotype for integration with electronic health record, biomarker, and genetic data to inform risk prediction and risk modification.
Further improvements on estimating the popularity of recently published papers
Authors: Chatzopoulos Serafeim , Vergoulis Thanasis , Kanellos Ilias , Dalamagas Theodore , Tryfonopoulos Christos
Published: November 2021

As the number of published scientific papers continually increases, the ability to assess their impact becomes more valuable than ever. In this work, we focus on the problem of estimating the expected citation-based popularity (or short-term impact) of papers. State-of-the-art methods for this problem attempt to leverage the current citation data of each paper. However, these methods are prone to inaccuracies for recently published papers, which have a limited citation history. In this context, we previously introduced ArtSim, an approach that can be applied on top of any popularity estimation method to improve its accuracy. Its power originates from providing more accurate estimations for the most recently published papers by considering the popularity of similar, older ones. In this work, we present ArtSim+, an improved ArtSim adaptation that considers an additional type of paper similarity and incorporates a faster configuration procedure, resulting in improved effectiveness and configuration efficiency.
BIP4COVID19: Releasing impact measures for articles relevant to COVID-19
Authors: Vergoulis Thanasis , Kanellos Ilias , Chatzopoulos Serafeim , Pla Karidi Danae , Dalamagas Theodore
Published: November 2021

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, a large number of relevant articles have been published or become available in preprint servers. These articles, along with earlier related literature, compose a valuable knowledge base affecting contemporary research studies or even government actions to limit the spread of the disease, and directing treatment decisions taken by physicians. However, the number of such articles is increasing at an intense rate, making the exploration of the relevant literature and the identification of useful knowledge challenging. In this work, we describe BIP4COVID19, an open data set that offers a variety of impact measures for coronavirus-related scientific articles. These measures can be exploited for the creation or extension of added-value services aiming to facilitate the exploration of the respective literature, alleviating the aforementioned issue. In the same context, as a use case, we provide a publicly accessible keyword-based search interface for COVID-19-related articles, which leverages our data to rank search results according to the calculated impact indicators.
Redescription of two rare, deep-sea species of hyperiidean amphipod, Lanceola loveni antarctica Vinogradov, 1962 and L. sphaerica Vinogradov, 1970 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Hyperiidea: Lanceolidae)
Authors: ZEIDLER WOLFGANG
Published: November 2021

Lanceola loveni antarctica and L. sphaerica are rare deep-sea species known from very few specimens. Until recently (Zeidler 2019) L. loveni antarctica was known only from the types, seven specimens (7–27 mm), from the Indian Ocean Sector of the Antarctic (Vinogradov 1962). Similarly, L. sphaerica, originally described as a variety of L. clausi (Vinogradov, 1957), based on two damaged specimens, a female (8.0 mm) and a male (9 mm), from the Kurile-Kamchatka region of the NW Pacific, later elevated to full species status by Vinogradov (1970) upon the discovery of a well-preserved male (5 mm) from the same general region, was until then known only from these three specimens. The recent discovery of several specimens of both species in the USNM (Zeidler 2019) has now made it possible to provide a more detailed redescription of these rare species, including some new distribution records.
Reconstructing Arctic Sea Ice over the Common Era Using Data Assimilation
Authors: Brennan M. Kathleen , Hakim Gregory J.
Published: November 2021

Arctic sea ice decline in recent decades has been dramatic; however, few long-term records of Arctic sea ice exist to put such a decline in context. Here we employ an ensemble Kalman filter data assimilation approach to reconstruct Arctic sea ice concentration over the last two millennia by assimilating temperature-sensitive proxy records with ensembles drawn from last millennium climate model simulations. We first test the efficacy of this method using pseudoproxy experiments. Results show good agreement between the target and reconstructed total Arctic sea ice extent (R2 value and coefficient of efficiency values of 0.51 and 0.47 for perfect model experiments and 0.43 and 0.43 for imperfect model experiments). Imperfect model experiments indicate that the reconstructions inherit some bias from the model prior. We assimilate 487 temperature-sensitive proxy records with two climate model simulations to produce two gridded reconstructions of Arctic sea ice over the last two millennia. These reconstructions show good agreement with satellite observations between 1979 and 1999 CE for total Arctic sea ice extent with an R2 value and coefficient of efficiency of about 0.60 and 0.50, respectively, for both models. Regional quantities derived from these reconstructions show encouraging similarities with independent reconstructions and sea ice sensitive proxy records from the Barents Sea, Baffin Bay, and East Greenland Sea. The reconstructions show a positive trend in Arctic sea ice extent between around 750 and 1820 CE, and increases during years with large volcanic eruptions that persist for about 5 years. Trend analysis of total Arctic sea ice extent reveals that for time periods longer than 30 years, the satellite era decline in total Arctic sea ice extent is unprecedented over the last millennium.

Significance Statement

Areal coverage of Arctic sea ice is a critical aspect of the climate system that has been changing rapidly in recent decades. Prior to the advent of satellite observations, sparse observations of Arctic sea ice make it difficult to put the current changes in context. Here we reconstruct annual averages of Arctic sea ice coverage for the last two millennia by combining temperature-sensitive proxy records (i.e., ice cores, tree rings, and corals) with climate model simulations using a statistical technique called data assimilation. We find large interannual changes in Arctic sea ice coverage prior to 1850 that are associated with volcanic eruptions, with a steady rise in Arctic sea ice coverage between 750 and 1820 CE. The satellite-period loss of sea ice has no analog during the last millennium.
A Study of AR-, TS-, and MCS-Associated Precipitation and Extreme Precipitation in Present and Warmer Climates
Authors: Zhao Ming
Published: November 2021

Atmospheric rivers (ARs), tropical storms (TSs), and mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are important weather phenomena that often threaten society through heavy precipitation and strong winds. Despite their potentially vital role in global and regional hydrological cycles, their contributions to long-term mean and extreme precipitation have not been systematically explored at the global scale. Using observational and reanalysis data, and NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory’s new high-resolution global climate model, we quantify that despite their occasional (13%) occurrence globally, AR, TS, and MCS days together account for ∼55% of global mean precipitation and ∼75% of extreme precipitation with daily rates exceeding its local 99th percentile. The model reproduces well the observed percentage of mean and extreme precipitation associated with AR, TS, and MCS days. In an idealized global warming simulation with a homogeneous SST increase of 4 K, the modeled changes in global mean and regional distribution of precipitation correspond well with changes in AR/TS/MCS precipitation. Globally, the frequency of AR days increases and migrates toward higher latitudes while the frequency of TS days increases over the central Pacific and part of the south Indian Ocean with a decrease elsewhere. The frequency of MCS days tends to increase over parts of the equatorial western and eastern Pacific warm pools and high latitudes and decreases over most part of the tropics and subtropics. The AR/TS/MCS mean precipitation intensity increases by ∼5% K−1 due primarily to precipitation increases in the top 25% of AR/TS/MCS days with the heaviest precipitation, which are dominated by the thermodynamic component with the dynamic and microphysical components playing a secondary role.
Freezing Fraction in Freezing Rain
Authors: Jones Kathleen F.
Published: November 2021

Freezing rain can cause significant tree damage with fallen trees and branches blocking roads and taking power distribution lines out of service. Power transmission lines are designed for ice loads from freezing rain, using models to estimate equivalent radial ice thicknesses from historical weather data. The conservative simple flux model assumes that all the freezing rain that impinges on a horizontal cylinder, representing vegetation or components of the built infrastructure, freezes. Here I present a simplified heat-balance formulation to calculate the fraction of the impinging precipitation that freezes, using parameters measured at ASOS weather stations and an estimate of solar heating. Radial ice thickness estimates from this approach are compared with the simple model and those generated from the ASOS icing sensor. These estimates can all be tested by comparing to measurements on cylinders at weather stations. A link to an Excel spreadsheet that calculates freezing fraction using user-input weather data is provided. In forecast freezing rain events, this tool could be used by utility crews and emergency response teams to estimate the likely range of equivalent radial ice thicknesses over the affected region and plan their response accordingly.

Significance Statement

Freezing rain can cause significant tree damage with fallen trees and branches blocking roads and taking power distribution lines out of service. Power transmission lines are designed for ice loads from freezing rain calculated from historical weather data. This paper provides an algorithm for computing ice loads on trees and power lines, using weather data to determine the fraction of the precipitation that freezes on them rather than dripping off. This freezing fraction result is compared to estimates reported by weather stations and to a simple model that assumes all the wind-blown freezing rain freezes on the wires, twigs, and branches. A link is provided to an Excel tool that calculates freezing fraction. This could be used with freezing rain forecasts to estimate the likely severity of the event.
Opportunity and Place: Latino Children and America’s Future
Authors: Lichter Daniel T. , Johnson Kenneth M.
Published: November 2021

We examine the spatial distribution of Hispanic children and analyze its relationship to the geography of opportunity. We describe the spatial distribution of Hispanic children across all U.S. counties, document their exposure to salutary and deleterious conditions, and compare exposure to these conditions among children living in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties that represent traditional and new destinations for immigrants. We find clear evidence of racial and geographic differences in opportunity, at least as defined by spatially uneven patterns of intergenerational mobility. We show that the typical Hispanic child is highly isolated, living in a county with a majority-minority population, high rates of poverty, low levels of education, and poor public health. Opportunities are limited in metropolitan core counties, where the large majority of Hispanic children live, and the movement of immigrant families from traditional gateways to new destinations provides little to children in terms of exposure to more opportunity.
Taking an Equity Lens: Reconceptualizing Research on Latinx Students’ Schooling Experiences and Educational Outcomes
Authors: Galindo Claudia L.
Published: November 2021

Previous research has expanded our understanding of Latinx students’ schooling and outcomes in many ways, but current knowledge fails to appreciate nuances associated with the constantly evolving Latinx population. In many cases, schools are ill prepared to serve these students. I offer recommendations for developing a robust knowledge base on the education of Latinx students and the roles that schools play in perpetuating or ameliorating inequities. Specifically, I discuss strength-based perspectives and the expansive diversity of the population as concepts that are essential to framing research and interventions that aim to improve education for the Latinx student population. I review the empirical evidence on achievement outputs and key features of the school opportunity gap—segregation, discrimination, family-school partnerships, classroom teaching and learning, and instruction language use. Finally, I propose implications for developing equity-oriented reforms to support the continuous improvement of Latinx students’ education.
Primary Parotid Non-Hodgkin’s B-Cell Lymphoma in an Elderly Woman on Pembrolizumab for Metastatic Invasive Papillary Urothelial Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Osumo Bismarck , Radzevich Joseph , Nashed Nadia , Ustwani Omar , Slotman Gus
Published: November 2021

Primary lymphomas of the parotid are rare (4-5%) and seldom appear in patients with pre-existing metastatic cancer from other primary sources. We present a primary marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosaassociated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in an 84-year-old female with preexisting metastatic bladder cancer. A PET scan that identified positive pelvic/cervical lymphadenopathy and bilateral parotid masses. She underwent transurethral resection of a bladder tumor and started on pembrolizumab chemotherapy. After two years, the left parotid mass decreased in size but the right increased to 3.9cm. Right superficial parotidectomy diagnosed B-Cell Marginal zone lymphoma, staining positive for CD20, PAX5, and Bcl2. pembrolizumab was held and the patient was started on 4 weekly rituximab infusions. A PET scan done 3 months after completion of rituximab showed a good response to chemotherapy. This is the first reported case of a primary parotid gland lymphoma in a patient with active metastatic bladder cancer.
Dr. Olga Jonasson: A Pioneer for Women in Surgery
Authors: Hejna Emily , Price Thea
Published: November 2021

The advancement of women in surgery has seen tremendous progress over the past century. Among the many physicians who paved the way for women in surgery is Dr. Olga Jonasson, a Chicago-based transplant surgeon who performed the first kidney transplantation in the state of Illinois in 1969. Her passion for service and drive for greater female representation in medicine was massively influential to the field. Aspiring female physicians are forever indebted to the efforts of Dr. Jonasson and the bold women who came before us.