bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation preferences for the management of sexually transmitted infections in the South African health system: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Iwuji Collins , Martin Catherine E , Pillay Diantha , Shamu Patience , Nzenze Susan , Murire Mercy , Cox Laura Ashleigh , Miners Alec , Llewellyn Carrie , Mullick Saiqa
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Despite strengthening HIV prevention with the introduction of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), STI services have remained relatively unchanged and the standard of care remains syndromic management. We used a discrete choice experiment to investigate service users’ preferences for the diagnosis and treatment of STIs in South Africa.

Methods

Between 1 March 2021 and 20 April 2021, a cross-sectional online questionnaire hosted on REDCap was administered through access links sent to WhatsApp support groups for HIV PrEP users and attendees of two primary healthcare clinics and two mobile facilities in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng provinces aged between 18 and 49 years. Participants either self-completed the questionnaire or received support from a research assistant. We used a conditional logit model for the initial analysis and latent class model (LCM) to establish class memberships, with results displayed as ORs and probabilities.

Results

We enrolled 496 individuals; the majority were female (69%) and <30 years (74%). The LCM showed two distinct groups. The first group, comprising 68% of the participants, showed a strong preference for self-sampling compared with no sampling (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.88). A clinic follow-up appointment for treatment was less preferable to same-day treatment (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.95). Contact slip from index patient (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.96) and healthcare professional (HCP)-initiated partner notification (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.73) were both less preferable than expedited partner treatment (EPT). The second group included 32% of participants with a lower preference for self-sampling compared with no sampling (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.04). There was no treatment option that was significantly different from the others; however, there was a strong preference for HCP-initiated partner notification to EPT (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.12).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that service users preferred STI testing prior to treatment, with the majority preferring self-taken samples and receiving aetiology-based treatment on the same day.
CONSTRUCTION OF MONOTONOUS APPROXIMATION BY FRACTAL INTERPOLATION FUNCTIONS AND FRACTAL DIMENSIONS
Authors: YU BINYAN , LIANG YONGSHUN
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we research on the dimension preserving monotonous approximation by using fractal interpolation techniques. A constructive result of the approximating sequence of self-affine continuous functions has been given, which can converge to the object continuous function of bounded variation on [Formula: see text] monotonously and unanimously, meanwhile their graphs can be any value of the Hausdorff and the Box dimension between one and two. Further, such approximation for continuous functions of unbounded variation or even general continuous functions with non-integer fractal dimension has also been discussed elementarily.
Poison Attack and Poison Detection on Deep Source Code Processing Models
Authors: Li ♂ Jia , Li Zhuo , Zhang Huangzhao , Li Ge , Jin Zhi , Hu Xing , Xia Xin
Published: November 2023

In the software engineering (SE) community, deep learning (DL) has recently been applied to many source code processing tasks, achieving state-of-the-art results. Due to the poor interpretability of DL models, their security vulnerabilities require scrutiny. Recently, researchers have identified an emergent security threat to DL models, namely,poison attacks. The attackers aim to inject insidious backdoors into DL models by poisoning the training data with poison samples. The backdoors mean that poisoned models work normally with clean inputs but produce targeted erroneous results with inputs embedded with specific triggers. By using triggers to activate backdoors, attackers can manipulate poisoned models in security-related scenarios (e.g., defect detection) and lead to severe consequences.

To verify the vulnerability of deep source code processing models to poison attacks, we present a poison attack approach for source code namedCodePoisoneras a strong imaginary enemy.CodePoisonercan produce compilable and functionality-preserving poison samples and effectively attack deep source code processing models by poisoning the training data with poison samples. To defend against poison attacks, we further propose an effective poison detection approach namedCodeDetector.CodeDetectorcan automatically identify poison samples in the training data. We applyCodePoisonerandCodeDetectorto six deep source code processing models, including defect detection, clone detection, and code repair models. The results show that ❶CodePoisonerconducts successful poison attacks with a high attack success rate (average: 98.3%, maximum: 100%). It validates that existing deep source code processing models have a strong vulnerability to poison attacks. ❷CodeDetectoreffectively defends against multiple poison attack approaches by detecting (maximum: 100%) poison samples in the training data. We hope this work can help SE researchers and practitioners notice poison attacks and inspire the design of more advanced defense techniques.
Impacts of Pore Scale Gas Diffusion Layer Deformation on PEMFC Performance at Sub Zero Operation
Authors: Varghese Geethu , KP Venkatesh Babu , Joseph Thadathil Varghese , Chippar Purushothama
Published: November 2023

Understanding the effect of clamping pressure on the cold start performance of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) by considering inhomogeneous compression and intrusion of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) is crucial. In the present study, a three-dimensional model has been adopted to assess the transport phenomena of PEMFC by incorporating the deformed GDLs, which were not considered in the previous PEMFC cold start investigations. A non-linear correlation between contact resistance and clamping pressure is considered in the present unsteady PEMFC model, which would improve the accuracy and practicality of the simulation. A detailed study on the distributions of oxygen, current density, and ice accumulation at two different start-up temperatures (−20 °C and −30 °C) under various clamping pressures is carried out. The numerical findings amply indicate the impracticality of considering uncompressed GDL in cold start simulations with its factitious overestimation of the cell performance. Optimizing the clamping pressure is also essential since a larger clamping pressure would cause more ice to accumulate in the porous media, which would make the reactants at the catalyst sites unavailable. The findings in this study illustrate the relation between the clamping pressure and cold start temperature. For both −30 °C and −20 °C, the uncompressed case gives the highest performance, and with 2 MPa, the cell shuts down sooner than 0.5 MPa and 1 MPa. This study will guide the stack assembly process in practical application.
Chance-Constrained Optimization of Photovoltaic System Allocation considering Power Loss, Voltage Level, and Line Current
Authors: Barutcu Ibrahim Cagri
Published: November 2023

Changes are emerging that will significantly alter structure and operation of this century’s distribution networks, and photovoltaic (PV) systems will play greater role in energy sector, with implications for power system reliability. Considering uncertainties in solar irradiance and electrical loads and incorporating them into the optimization problem within an appropriate methodology is becoming increasingly important in reshaping distribution networks. In this paper, uncertainty scenarios are handled with Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) under genetic algorithm (GA) and differential evolution- (DE-) based optimization, and probability distribution functions (pdf) of bus voltages and line current are obtained to be used in chance-constrained stochastic programming. This present study focuses on investigating impact of uncertainties in PV system operating under different irradiance scenarios on power loss with probabilistic constraints in distribution networks instead of precise deterministic limits to contribute more efficient and reliable use of energy. By combining meta-heuristic optimization and MCS technique under one framework, this paper contributes to knowledge base of how to allocate PV plants within distribution networks under chance-constrained strategy. In order to show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, obtained optimization results are tested using MCS under set of uncertainty conditions and network constraints are evaluated for limit violation probabilities. The effectiveness of this method is investigated based on comparative results of two different optimization methods through probabilistic analysis and simulation.
Network Pharmacology-Based Approach to Explore the Total Flavonoids of Phellinus igniarius against Hyperuricemia via Regulating the Nrf2/HO-1-ROS-ER Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lv Mengling , Liu Zhouqin , Tao Yuling , Jiang Chenlei , Lu Hong
Published: November 2023

Based on the antioxidant properties of Phellinus igniarius (DC. Ex Fr.) Quel (P. igniarius), this study aims to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of total flavonoids of Phellinus igniarius (TFPI) on the oxidative damage of HK-2 cells induced by monosodium urate (MSU). The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses predicted the potential targets and pathways of TFPI in the treatment of hyperuricaemia (HUA). We used MSU to stimulate HK-2 cells to establish a HUA model. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay were performed. Cell nuclear morphology was detected with DAPI and Annexin V-FITC. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was analyzed. The expression of Keap 1, Nrf2, HO-1, Bip, PERK, ATF4, CHOP, BAX, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase 3 was performed with western blot. The results of network pharmacology showed that the potential targets and pathways were mainly associated with stimulus response, regulation of reactive oxygen species metabolic processes, response to oxidative stress, and regulation of the response to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway. The cell experiment proved that the survival rate of HK-2 cells was dramatically increased after treatment with TFPI. TFPI increased the activity of SOD and decreased the content of MDA and LDH, while scavenging ROS. TFPI increased the transfer of Nrf2 protein from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and decreased the expression level of Bip, PERK, ATF4, CHOP, BAX, and cleaved caspase 3 to attenuate apoptotic cells induced by MSU. TFPI has a good protective effect on MSU-induced oxidative damage in HK-2 cells and can reduce cell apoptosis by regulating ROS-mediated ER stress.
Increasing Prevalence of Sensitization to Cat/Dog Allergens in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Evcen Recep , Çölkesen Fatih , Yıldız Eray , Sadi Aykan Filiz , Kılınç Mehmet , Akkuş Fatma Arzu , Arslan Sevket
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Cat and dog allergens are common indoor triggers for respiratory allergies such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of cat and dog allergies in adults and analyze changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 8,102 patients who visited an allergy clinic and underwent skin prick testing (SPT) from March 2018 to March 2022: 2 years before and 2 years during the pandemic. Demographic information, clinical attributes, and laboratory results were examined based on patient records. Results: Of 8,102 SPTs performed, 400 (4.9%) were sensitized to cat allergen and 289 (3.6%) to dog allergen. Allergic rhinitis was the predominant clinical diagnosis in both groups. Of the 400 subjects exposed to cats, 240 (60%) experienced allergic symptoms, while of the 289 subjects exposed to dogs, 65 (22.5%) experienced allergic symptoms during exposure. Within the cat-sensitized group, anaphylaxis was observed in 5 patients (1.3%), while no cases of anaphylaxis were reported in the dog-sensitized group. Compared to the pre-pandemic period, patients presenting during the pandemic had higher rates of cat and dog sensitization (5.7% vs. 4.1%; p < 0.05, 5.2% vs. 1.7%; p < 0.05). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in cat and dog allergies among adults. Increased exposure to pet antigens, both directly and indirectly, has resulted in more people becoming sensitized to cats or dogs.
Hospitalizations after Renal Transplantation in Children: Risk Factors, Causes, and Outcomes
Authors: Yılmaz Songül , Özçakar Zeynep Birsin , Çakar Nilgün , Biral Coşkun Burcu , Yalçınkaya Fatma Fatoş
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The aims of this study were to evaluate the frequency and causes of hospitalizations in the posttransplant period of children, investigate the risk factors, and evaluate the relationship between hospitalizations and renal prognosis in the long term. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the files of pediatric renal transplant patients, followed at least 6 months after kidney transplantation, in our center. Clinical information including age at transplantation, gender, primary disease, donor type, immuno-suppressive medication, hospitalization dates, and indications (infections and non-infectious) during follow-up period and graft outcomes was recorded. Results: A total of 74 children (46 males) were followed up for a median of 54 months. Among them, 69 patients (93.2%) were hospitalized 446 times. The most common cause of hospitalizations was infections (314 times, 70%). Urinary tract infections were the most important cause followed by upper respiratory tract infections. Forty (54%) patients were hospitalized 132 times (29.5%) for non-infectious reasons. The most common non-infectious reason was nonspecific graft dysfunction (19 patients, 30 times), followed by rejection (17 patients, 27 times). Younger age, use of induction therapy, and having congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) were found to be risk factors for increased hospitalization rates (p < 0.05). The number of hospitalizations was found to be negatively affecting the final glomerular filtration rate of transplant recipients (p: 0.04, r: –0.023). Conclusion: Patients with CAKUT, who received induction therapy, and small children were hospitalized more frequently after transplantation. Strategies to prevent hospitalizations will achieve a better graft prognosis.
Psicanálise e língua japonesa: interfaces entre sujeito, linguagem e desejo
Authors: Hayashi Renan Kenji Sales
Published: November 2023

O presente estudo analisa as relações entre língua-cultura japonesa e representações de si e do outro em um contexto de formação de professores de japonês como língua estrangeira. Conduzimos, por meio de entrevistas e questionários escritos, uma investigação com participantes que frequentaram um curso de licenciatura em língua japonesa de uma universidade pública no Distrito Federal. Objetivamos entender de que maneira representações de línguas-culturas poderiam refletir nas noções de identidade dos participantes, bem como em suas representações do que é ser um professor de japonês. Para tanto, mobilizamos aspectos teóricos da linguística, psicanálise e estudos culturais. Neste artigo, analisamos o caso singular de um dos participantes da pesquisa.
Os ideogramas e a teoria Eisensteiniana
Authors: Shimoda Cauê Felipe
Published: November 2023

A intenção deste artigo é abordar a relação entre a concepção dialética de montagem ou montagem intelectual, teorizada e defendida por Sergei Eisenstein, e os ideogramas chineses e japoneses. Antes de investigar a natureza e desdobramentos desta relação, é importante mencionar primeiramente o contexto em que o cineasta soviético vivia, sendo habitante da então União Soviética nos anos pós-revolução de 1917, e tendo um pensamento vinculado ao marxismo; e em segundo lugar o que há de particular ao tipo de escrita chinesa e japonesa e suas diferenças em relação à  escrita fonética baseada em "dígitos alfabéticos, não-icônicos em si mesmos".
En busca del tiempo perdido. De la “fotografía monumento” a los primeros ensayos de movimiento
Authors: Cuarterolo Andrea
Published: November 2023

Entre la segunda mitad del siglo XIX y los primeros años del XX, los sucesivos desarrollos en el campo de la tecnología parecieron convertir al movimiento en una suerte de condición fundamental de todas las artes. En efecto, este período se caracterizó por una creciente proliferación de aparatos ópticos y por un profundo cambio en la concepción del movimiento físico y en la naturaleza de la percepción, que produjeron un fuerte impacto en el panorama cultural de Occidente. En este trabajo estudiaremos una serie de técnicas y procedimientos con base fotográfica que, hacia la segunda mitad del siglo XIX, sirvieron para transmitir la idea de movilidad en una imagen única y fija. Intentaremos poner en evidencia cómo la reproducción del movimiento y la voluntad de representar el fluir del tiempo no fueron prerrogativas del cine, sino que ya aparecían preanunciadas en toda una serie de técnicas y formatos tan heterogéneos como la exposición múltiple, la multifotografía o la fotografía panorámica, entre otros. Dado que este ensayo se inserta dentro de una investigación mayor que aborda las múltiples relaciones que vincularon a la fotografía y al cine en la Argentina de fines del siglo XIX y principios del XX, el foco del presente trabajo remite sobre todo a la iconografía producida o circulante en este particular contexto espacio-temporal.
Carlão Reichenbach
Authors: Chaia Daniel
Published: November 2023

This article presents the filmmaker Carlos Reichenbach from the point of view of his ex-student, assistant in four feature films and co-writer, in an unavoidably personal analysis of the films and the artist, author of O império do desejo (The Empire of Desire), Filme demência, Alma corsária (Buccaneer Soul) and Falsa loura (Fake Blonde), among others. Reichenbach knew as few others how to adapt to the cycles and turn-overs of the Brazilian cinematographic production. From 1968 to 2007 he directed 19 feature films, including episodes in four anthology films. He was a screenwriter, producer, musician, actor, critic, programmer and director of photography. His real importance to world cinema is yet to be discovered.
Dossiê "Cor"
Authors: Carvalho Laura
Published: November 2023

Esta edição da Revista Laika apresenta um tema que paulatinamente vem tomando dimensão nos estudos cinematográficos. Os artigos aqui apresentados fazem parte de um recente panorama de pesquisa, que desde os anos 2000 tem se firmado como uma linha teórica. Colóquios, conferências e publicações procuram problematizar a questão da cor nas imagens em movimento e cujos resultados podem ser constatados em estudos realizados em âmbito francês, anglo-saxão e também brasileiro. Por esse motivo, o dossiê sobre a cor no cinema e no audiovisual visa apresentar ao leitor não apenas alguns dos principais estudiosos sobre o tema, como também retificar o valor da pesquisa desenvolvida no Brasil. Desta forma e através da exposição de artigos de abordagens heterogêneas é que a cor no cinema se revela como um extenso campo de pesquisa, cujas capacidades estão distantes de serem cessadas.
Colorido e/como monocromático
Authors: Coates Paul
Published: November 2023

Os termos “cor” e “preto e branco” sugerem uma dialética de oposição simultânea e de difícil complementaridade, já que branco e preto também podem ser vistos como “cores”, assim como sua suposta “oposição” em relação à cor pode ser vista como um truque de linguagem, de ideologia ou de história. No cinema, é claro, o monocromático foi durante muitas décadas a regra contra a qual o filme colorido se definiu, seja como um sinal de exuberância e/ ou fantasia tecnológica, ou como algo adjunto à reprodução realista de um mundo que supomos ser colorido. Disparidades entre cores frequentemente supersaturadas de maneira grosseira na tela e a sutileza real dos tons naturais poderiam ser ridicularizadas como algo kitsch ou (com menos frequência) relevadas como o inevitável tributo da arte à convenção. Que o branco e o preto sejam considerados como cores ou como prelúdio e epílogo das cores é uma questão irrelevante, apesar de sua ausência do espectro ou do fato das cores dos objetos só se tornarem visíveis depois que sua iluminação alcança um limiar mínimo capaz de revelar apenas suas formas.
Cor-tempo, imagem-movimento
Authors: Barbosa Lenice
Published: November 2023

No cinema clássico do início do século vinte, algumas análises consideravam as misturas entre preto-e-branco e cor como espaços ou significações simbólicos, da ordem da realidade, da pintura, do sonho ou do imaginário. Nos anos que se seguiram, as cores foram intencionalmente trabalhadas por certos diretores como elementos dinâmicos e “temas” semânticos (especialmente por Eisenstein) ou como reveladores de sentimento (em Antonioni e Kurosawa, por exemplo). Se recuássemos ou avançássemos essa análise no curso do tempo, logo nos daríamos conta de que o jogo entre as cores sempre foi empregado no cinema com o objetivo de incitar o espectador a sair de seu papel passivo de simples assistência. Mas os efeitos-cor, que existem no momento das projeções dos planos que citaremos aqui, na maior parte do tempo não têm “pretensão” simbólica. Por vezes, poderíamos até supor que eles estão lá apenas para “sacudir” ou “incomodar” aquele que lhes assiste, para enviá-lo a um meio sensível e convidá-lo ao desprendimento do olhar. Este desprendimento torna possível uma inversão que revela seu pertencimento ao visível, assim como o apagamento do limite entre o visível e o vidente.
Políticas e estratégias de patrimonialização do cinema amador e familiar
Authors: Blank Thais Continentino
Published: November 2023

Since the 1990’s we have witnessed a significant expansion of public institutions with the purpose to preserve and diffuse amateur and familiar films. This article’s purpose is to investigate in which context and circumstances these objects, conceived to remain in an intimate and familiar realm, begin to be considered as historical heritage. Through the privileged example of French public archives, we propose a consideration on the motivations, strategies and dilemmas siding these images in their course from private to public domain, from memory to history.
Astronomia surrealista no pacífico sul: Joseph Cornell e o eclipse em colagem
Authors: Corman Catherine
Published: November 2023

At the first screening of Joseph Cornell's film Rose Hobart, in December 1936, Salvador Dalí knocked over the projector with his umbrella and screamed in Spanish at a bewildered Cornell. Cornell fled but later asked Julien Levy, in whose New York gallery the film had shown, “Why, why—when he is such a great man and I am nobody at all?” The answer eventually came from Dalí's wife Gala; her husband had proclaimed, “Joseph Cornell, you are a plagiarist of my unconscious mind!”.
A resiliência da Filosofia
Authors: Golçalves Joaquim Cerqueira
Published: November 2023

Um docente (aposentado) de filosofia, homenageando um colega, também aposentado, reflete sobre a articulação filosofia-escola, a partir da análise do ensino de filosofia na Faculdade de Letras de Lisboa, designadamente entre 1957-2000. Em termos de conclusão, aponta para a permanência do legado da filosofia grega na arquitectura disciplinar da escola ocidental, em desafio ciência/filosofia, devendo-se à resiliência desta a dinamização/superação da cultura que tem dominado a escola ocidental - laboratório de redutora racionalidade científica e técnica.
Balclutha jafara (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): integrative identification of a species introduced in the Western Hemisphere, and notes on other Balclutha
Authors: ZAHNISER JAMES N. , HALBERT SUSAN E. , MOORE MATTHEW R. , MOTTERN JASON L. , BEUZELIN JULIEN M.
Published: November 2023

Leafhopper specimens of the genus Balclutha Kirkaldy, found in southern Florida (Palm Beach and Collier Counties), United States, beginning in 2020, and in shipments of plant products originating from Colombia and entering the United States beginning in 2019, are identified as B. jafara Webb. This species was previously known only from the Seychelles and Aldabra Islands, which are parts of the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean east of mainland Africa. Identifications were made by comparison with type specimens, both morphologically and through molecular analysis. Specimens in Palm Beach Co. were swept from commercial rice (Oryza sativa L.) paddies. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcodes of specimens from Florida and Colombia were closely matched to each other and to partial barcodes obtained from paratype specimens of B. jafara. The COI barcodes also closely matched sequences from previously unidentified Balclutha specimens in the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) from Kenya and South Africa, several of which were confirmed later morphologically as B. jafara. Previously unidentified museum specimens from South Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe were determined as B. jafara. Together, these specimens show that B. jafara has a more widespread African distribution than was known previously, and that it arrived in the Western Hemisphere by 2019. Balclutha jafara is redescribed and illustrated. Further studies on the Balclutha fauna of Florida were performed. COI barcode data were generated for Floridian specimens of B. caldwelli Blocker, B. curvata Caldwell, B. flavescens (Baker), B. frontalis (Ferrari), B. incisa (Matsumura), and B. lucida (Butler). A phylogenetic analysis of COI data was conducted using publicly available sequences and those generated here. A key to the Balclutha species known from Florida is provided. The names that have been applied and mis-applied to Western Hemisphere species are discussed. To clarify the identity of some species, illustrations are given for: the female holotype and a male paratype of Eugnathodus virescens Osborn (=B. flavescens); the holotype of Nesosteles robustus Caldwell (=B. robusta); and the holotype of Balclutha curvata Caldwell. Additional barcoded specimens of Balclutha from Kenya and Pakistan were provided for examination by the BOLD research group and determined as B. sujawalensis Ahmed, previously known only from India and Pakistan, and this species is also illustrated here.
Asymptotic Matching between Weather and Climate Models
Authors: Miura Hiroaki , Suematsu Tamaki , Kawai Yuta , Yamagami Yoko , Takasuka Daisuke , Takano Yuki , Hung Ching-Shu , Yamazaki Kazuya , Kodama Chihiro , Kajikawa Yoshiyuki , Masumoto Yukio
Published: November 2023

The Deep Numerical Analysis for Climate (DNA-Climate) is a pilot project to develop an Earth system model on a kilometer-scale horizontal mesh. The acronym “DNA” is based on the analogies between the hierarchical structures of atmospheric phenomena and living organisms. The multiscale structure of clouds and circulations may be analogous to the multiscale structure of cells and organs organized according to the blueprint, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Whereas global cloud-resolving models (CRMs) can produce better solutions on shorter time scales that are decisively governed by the initial conditions, global climate models (GCMs) may generate reliable solutions on longer time scales that are largely determined to balance energy inputs and outputs. Our challenge is to build a physically valid model that consistently bridges the shorter- and longer-time-scale solutions in the intermediate time scales. Research topics of DNA-Climate are configured in consideration of the structural similarity between the climate modeling and the technique of matched asymptotic expansions in mathematics. The central question is whether a single modeling framework using only either global CRM or GCM will work adequately at all time scales of climate, or whether a multiscale modeling framework combining several models, of which each is only valid for limited time scales, will be needed. A multiscale modeling is an attractive framework for advancing climate modeling and would be an intriguing topic to be studied in parallel with global CRMs and GCMs.
Evaluation of a Probabilistic Subfreezing Road Temperature Nowcast System Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Baldwin Michael E. , Reeves Heather D. , Rosenow Andrew A.
Published: November 2023

Road surface temperatures are a critical factor in determining driving conditions, especially during winter storms. Road temperature observations across the United States are sparse and located mainly along major highways. A machine learning–based system for nowcasting the probability of subfreezing road surface temperatures was developed at NSSL to allow for widespread monitoring of road conditions in real time. In this article, these products were evaluated over two winter seasons. Strengths and weaknesses in the nowcast system were identified by stratifying the evaluation metrics into various subsets. These results show that the current system performed well in general, but significantly underpredicted the probability of subfreezing roads during frozen precipitation events. Machine learning experiments were performed to attempt to address these issues. Evaluations of these experiments indicate reduction in errors when precipitation phase was included as a predictor and precipitating cases were more substantially represented in the training data for the machine learning system.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of a system that predicts the probability of subfreezing road surface temperatures. We found that the system performed well in general, but underpredicted the probabilities when frozen precipitation was predicted to reach the surface. These biases were substantially improved by modifying the system to increase its focus on situations with falling precipitation. The updated system should allow for improved monitoring and forecasting of potentially hazardous conditions during winter storms.
Climate Change Driving Salinity: An Overview of Vulnerabilities, Adaptations, and Challenges for Indonesian Agriculture
Authors: Oelviani Renie , Adiyoga Witono , Mahatma Yuda Bakti I Gede , Suhendrata Tota , Malik Afrizal , Chanifah Chanifah , Samijan Samijan , Sahara Dewi , Arif Sutanto Himawan , Wulanjari Munir Eti , Utomo Budi , Susila Arif , Kurnia Jatuningtyas Ratih , Sihombing Yennita
Published: November 2023

Climate change has negatively affected agricultural productivity in Indonesia. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of the literature on soil salinity caused by climate change, discussed the impact of soil salinity on Indonesian agriculture, examined various strategies for adaptation to salinity, and delivered some ideas for future research. An analysis of 39 identified Scopus articles related to farmers’ vulnerability, adaptation, and practices was carried out. This study was performed in November 2022 and employed Bibliometrix R package and VOSviewer software. Findings show that salinity has left Indonesia’s agriculture vulnerable to reduced food production, especially for small-scale farmers losing crop yields and land. Various adaptation measures have been initiated, such as restoring soil fertility and using saline-resistant varieties. Irrigation facilities improvements have also been carried out to reduce the risks of soil salinity expansion. Farmers also try social action measures, such as selling assets, borrowing money for daily needs, and even changing jobs. However, for farmers to survive and sustain their businesses, any such measures need to produce satisfactory results. A review of the existing literature reveals a lack of soil salinity studies in Indonesia, which simultaneously points to research gaps not only on the issue of the impact of salinity on income and the vulnerability of small farmers but also on the development of adaptation strategies to address salinity due to climate change.

Significance Statement

Soil salinization caused by climate change is a disastrous problem in Indonesia’s coastal areas that presents a major challenge to the productivity of rice agriculture and difficulties in addressing sustainable food security. To provide researchers with a clear understanding of the current emphasis and future trends in climate change–induced salinity research, systematically analyzing the relevant literature in the existing research area is necessary. The bibliometric analysis in this study shows that research on salinity due to climate change in Indonesia still needs to be completed. Further comprehensive studies to find a focus for managing coastal soil salinity are urgently required to reduce vulnerability and increase adaptation to salinity due to climate change.
Acute Appendicitis in the Epicenter of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A New York City Single-Center Experience
Authors: Layrisse Landaeta Veronica , Dincheva Gabriela R. , Hong Julie S. , Kim Angelina , Verzani Zoe , Yuan Victoria , Zhang Charles , Chao Steven Y.
Published: November 2023

Background

Appendectomy is the gold standard for simple appendicitis. During the coronavirus-19 pandemic, it was estimated that appendectomies in the United States decreased by 24%. We aimed to describe trends in acute appendicitis management at a center located in one of the largest epicenters of the pandemic.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study in a single institution located in Queens, New York, of patients who presented with acute appendicitis. A pre-COVID time period, March-June 2019, was compared to peak-COVID, March-June 2020, and late-COVID, March-June 2021.

Results

Of the 382 patients admitted with appendicitis during the time periods, 164 were admitted pre-COVID. Appendicitis presentations decreased by 44% during peak-COVID and 23% in late-COVID. Patients were younger during peak-COVID compared to pre-COVID (39 vs 34 years old, P = .036). Incidence of complicated appendicitis in pre-, peak-, and late-COVID was equivalent (41% vs 46% vs 45%) and operative management was similar (85% vs 76% vs 79%). Non-operative patients had shorter lengths of stay (pre- vs peak-COVID: 4.6 vs 2.9 days, P = .006). Readmission rates were similar between the cohorts across time periods.

Conclusions

During peak-COVID, there was a significant decrease in presentation of acute appendicitis but clinical presentation and outcomes remained similar between the cohorts. Patients who were managed non-operatively may be discharged earlier without increased rates of readmissions.
Brothers in Arms No Longer: Who Do Regime Change Coup-entry Dictators Purge?
Authors: Goldring Edward , Matthews Austin S.
Published: November 2023

Research shows that dictators purge (military) elites following coups, while other work shows the utility of analyzing individual-level elite purges to understand the inner workings of autocracies. We therefore ask: Who do regime change coup-entry dictators purge? We argue that who dictators purge depends on costs and benefits relating to two factors. First, purging elites with coercive capacity entails higher costs due to the assistance they provide dictators in navigating outsider threats. Second, dictators benefit from purging elites who helped them seize power; the demonstrable willingness of these elites to overthrow an incumbent threatens the dictator and his ability to consolidate power. We find support for our argument from original quantitative data on 289 elites in 32 autocratic ruling institutions between 1948 and 2000. Our findings have important implications for the study of the large proportion of autocracies born of regime change coups, particularly topics on survival and state violence.
Coagulation profile of neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia in full-term newborns
Authors: Zhou Fangye , Huang Min , Zhang Guangjie
Published: November 2023

Objective: To determine the relationship between coagulation system markers and hyperbilirubinaemia in full-term neonates.

Methods: This retrospective case–control study enrolled full-term neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia and healthy control full-term neonates. Prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (Fbg), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and international normalized ratio (INR) were recorded. The correlation between INR and total bilirubin and between INR and indirect bilirubin was analysed by linear regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the efficacy of INR to identify neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia.

Results: This study enrolled 40 full-term neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia and 30 healthy controls. PT, INR and APTT were significantly higher in the neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia compared with the healthy controls. There was a significant positive correlation between INR and the level of total bilirubin in neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia ( R = 0.3327). There was also a significant positive correlation between INR and the level of indirect bilirubin in neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia ( R = 0.3406). INR in neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia significantly achieved an area under the curve of 0.800 (95% confidence interval, 0.6288, 0.9712; cut-off value, 1.060; specificity, 71.43%; sensitivity, 80.00%).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that INR is a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia in full-term neonates.
Synthesis and characterization of chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone hydrogels for controlled amoxicillin release
Authors: Feyisa Zerihun , Gupta Neeraj K , Edossa Gemechu Deressa , Sundaramurthy Anandhakumar , Kapoor Ashish
Published: November 2023

Hybrid crosslinked hydrogel-based drug delivery systems can deliver therapeutically beneficial drug release effects through controlled release on a temporal and spatial scale. Due to their tuneable physicochemical properties and the ability to prevent drug degradation, these systems facilitate different physicochemical interactions that control drug release. This research aims to synthesize a potent pH-sensitive crosslinked chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone hydrogel using different ratios of both the polymers and varying the glutaraldehyde crosslinking agent amount by the solution casting technique for controlled amoxicillin-release properties to mitigate gastrointestinal tract bacterial infection. The effect of polymer ratios and glutaraldehyde amount is investigated by the developing porosity, gel fraction, and extent of swelling in simulated physiological fluids of pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4 and in vitro biodegradation at pH 7.4. Interaction between the polymers with the formation of crosslinked structures, good stability, amorphous phase nature, and honeycomb-like structures of the hydrogels is revealed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Based on these properties, a chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone hydrogel (ratio of 60:40) crosslinked with 600 μL glutaraldehyde in 8 g of the polymers displaying adequate swelling in acidic to basic pH and in vitro biodegradation at pH 7.4 is chosen for the in situ loading of 200 mg of the drug amoxicillin. The cumulative drug release in simulated physiological fluids and the drug release kinetics using different models show that the best-fit Korsmeyer-Peppas model suggests amoxicillin release from the matrix follows diffusion and swelling-controlled time-dependent non-Fickian transport related to hydrogel erosion. This composition displays excellent antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia coli.
Tenecteplase versus Alteplase in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Singh Alok , Singh Madhusudan Prasad , Gaikwad Nitin R. , Kannauje Pankaj Kumar
Published: November 2023

Background

A number of clinical trials have compared tenecteplase (TNK) and alteplase for the management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and the results are inconsistent.

Purpose

Present systematic review and meta-analysis is undertaken to analyse the efficacy and safety of TNK in AIS compared to alteplase.

A thorough literature search was performed through the databases Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and clinicaltrials.gov, for a period from inception to September 2022, with the keywords i.e., “tenecteplase” and “alteplase” and “acute ischemic stroke.” Clinical trials published in English that compared the efficacy and safety of TNK to alteplase in AIS were included. The major outcomes of this meta-analysis were proportion of patients free from disability and functional independence at 90 days, early neurological improvement at 24 hours, all-cause mortality at 90 days, patients with intra cranial hemorrhage (ICH), and patients with severe disability at 90 days. A total of nine studies with 3,573 patients were included in the analysis. The proportion of patients with freedom from disability was comparable in both groups (relative risk [RR] = 1.04, 95 per cent CI = 0.92–1.17; p = .53). Similarly, proportion of patients with functional independence was comparable (RR = 1.12, 95 per cent CI = 0.96–1.31; p = .14). TNK group had a higher rate of early neurological recovery (RR = 1.56, 95 per cent CI = 0.96–2.54; p = .07). All-cause mortality at 90 days was comparable in both groups (RR = 0.97; 95 per cent CI = 0.72–1.29; p = .82). The proportion of patients with ICH was higher in TNK group (RR = 1.14, 95 per cent CI = 0.77–1.68; p = .52). The proportion of patients with severe disability was less in TNK group (RR =0.84, 95 per cent CI = 0.53–1.32; p = .44).

Key Message

TNK was similar to alteplase in terms of efficacy and safety. The patients in TNK group showed early neurological improvement but were simultaneously at higher risk of ICH. The TNK can be an alternative to alteplase if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Empirical legal research teaching in Australia: Building an empirical revolution
Authors: Blackham Alysia
Published: November 2023

There is a growing need for empirical legal research, and for lawyers and judges who are empirically literate. In this article, I consider the role legal education can and should play in achieving this empirical literacy, to enable law students and staff to be both skilled consumers and producers of empirical legal research. Drawing on a case study of initiatives at Melbourne Law School, I consider how empirical legal research could be embedded into law teaching, to better support the future of empirical legal scholarship.
Too late for early intervention? The Healthy Ageing Service’s mental health response
Authors: Dumble Jessica , Sadler Paul , Cottrell Tanya , Planinic Antonia , Perin Stephanie , Harrison Chris , Moss Francine , Aradhye Shama , Chong Terence WH
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This paper describes the rationale for and development of an innovative mental health service for people aged over 65 years living in Northern and Eastern Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Conclusion

The Healthy Ageing Service (HAS) was established in July 2020 to provide care for people aged over 65 years experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health concerns. It embraces a prevention and early intervention model of care. It provides primary consultation and brief intervention, secondary consultation, and capacity building to the primary healthcare sector. This innovative service is a Commonwealth-funded partnership between two tertiary mental health service providers that incorporates the recommendations from two major Royal Commissions. It demonstrates a service that acts as a bridge between primary and specialist mental health care, thereby extending mental health services to target the ‘missing middle’ and is potentially a model for mental health service provision throughout Victoria and Australia.
Palliative Care Professionals’ Perceptions of Communication With Sexual and Gender Minority Patients
Authors: Valenti Korijna , Bybee Sara , Nwakasi Candidus , Kano Miria , Coats Heather
Published: November 2023

Purpose

For sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other sexual orientation or gender identity (LGBTQ+), the quality of palliative care can depend upon how clinicians view and communicate with this historically minoritized group. Prior literature has demonstrated that SGM patients access care at lower rates, and palliative care clinicians have suggested that SGM patients are more likely to experience discrimination than heterosexual patients. This study examined palliative care clinicians’ perspectives and experiences regarding patient communication, care settings, the built environment, and inclusive care for SGM older adults with serious illness.

Methods

The health disparities research framework informed a descriptive qualitative analysis of interview data with palliative care professionals (N = 20) across diverse healthcare settings within Colorado regarding their experiences and beliefs about communication and the care of SGM patients.

Results

Three main themes emerged: (1) Limited sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection; (2) Organizational and environmental inclusivity, and the “neutral” space viewed as safe; (3) Missing training platforms regarding SGM patients and a lack of opportunity to identify and discuss SGM patient needs.

Conclusion

Study findings illuminated the following barriers to providing SGM-inclusive care: perspectives around (1) limitations and preferences regarding collection of SOGI data, (2) organizational and environmental inclusivity, and (3) education and training regarding cultural humility and communication with SGM patients. Findings indicate the need for multidimensional research to better understand and address SGM health disparities and promote equitable care.
Developing of Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) Based on a Learning Management System in Mathematics Final Exam for Junior High School
Authors: Rahim Abdul , Hadi Samsul , Susilowati Dyah , Marlina  , Muti'ah
Published: November 2023

Purpose: The research aimed to develop a valid, feasible, and efficient computerized adaptive test (CAT) to measure students’ abilities on the end-of-semester exams. Design/Approach/Methods: This research was a 4D research and development with four stages, namely, definition, design, development, and dissemination. Stratified random sampling techniques were used in the study by randomly sampling based on high, moderate, and low levels of academic achievement ability. The study sample was 637 junior high school students in Yogyakarta. Finding: The results showed that the developed CAT program was considered very good and feasible to use. The validity of the contents was obtained by 200 valid questions, and in the characteristics of the item, all items were declared to fit with the Rasch model. All problem items with item difficulty index were relatively good. The reliability of the item estimate was in the very good category while the reliability of the case estimate was in the good category. The lowest and highest ability test results obtained were in the range of 1.1 to 9.85. The ability of test takers was diverse and had scattered distributions. The feasibility of using CAT media was obtained from teachers and students indicating that CAT media was in a very feasible category to use.