bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Focal Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer with MRI-US Fusion Platform
Authors: Yee Chi-Hang , Chiu Peter Ka-Fung , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun , Ng Chi-Fai , Chan Chi-Kwok , Hou See-Ming
Published: December 2021

Objective. The study aimed at investigating the outcome of prostate HIFU focal therapy using the MRI-US fusion platform for treatment localization and delivery. Methods. It is a prospectively designed case series of HIFU focal therapy for localized prostate cancer. The inclusion criteria include clinical tumor stage ≤T2, visible index lesion on multiparametric MRI less than 20 mm in diameter, absence of Gleason 5 pattern on prostate biopsy, and PSA ≤ 20 ng/ml. HIFU focal therapy was performed in the conventional manner in the beginning 50% of the series, whereas the subsequent cases were performed with MRI-US fusion platform. The primary outcome was treatment failure rate which is defined by the need of salvage therapy. Secondary outcomes included tumor recurrence in follow-up biopsy, PSA change, perioperative complications, and postoperative functional outcomes. Results. Twenty patients underwent HIFU focal ablation. HIFU on an MRI-US fusion platform had a trend of a longer total operative time than the conventional counterpart (124.2 min vs. 107.1 min,

p
=
0.066

). There was no difference in the mean ablation volume to lesion volume ratio between the two. The mean PSA percentage change from baseline to 6-month is more significant in the conventional group (63.3% vs. 44.6%,

p
=
0.035

). No suspicious lesion was seen at 6-month mpMRI in all 20 patients. Two patients, one from each group, eventually underwent radical treatment because of the presence of clinically significant prostate cancer in the form of out-of-field recurrences during follow-up biopsy. No significant difference was observed before and after HIFU concerning uroflowmetry, SF-12 score, and EPIC-26 score. It was observed that energy used per volume was positively correlated with PSA density of the patient (r = 0.6364,

p
=
0.014

). Conclusion. In conclusion, HIFU with conventional or MRI-US fusion platform provided similar oncological and functional outcomes.
An Evolutionary Frog Leaping Algorithm for Global Optimization Problems and Applications
Authors: Tang Deyu , Zhao Jie , Yang Jin , Liu Zhen , Cai Yongming
Published: December 2021

Shuffled frog leaping algorithm, a novel heuristic method, is inspired by the foraging behavior of the frog population, which has been designed by the shuffled process and the PSO framework. To increase the convergence speed and effectiveness, the currently improved versions are focused on the local search ability in PSO framework, which limited the development of SFLA. Therefore, we first propose a new scheme based on evolutionary strategy, which is accomplished by quantum evolution and eigenvector evolution. In this scheme, the frog leaping rule based on quantum evolution is achieved by two potential wells with the historical information for the local search, and eigenvector evolution is achieved by the eigenvector evolutionary operator for the global search. To test the performance of the proposed approach, the basic benchmark suites, CEC2013 and CEC2014, and a parameter optimization problem of SVM are used to compare 15 well‐known algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate that the performance of the proposed algorithm is better than that of the other heuristic algorithms.
D2‐CovidNet: A Deep Learning Model for COVID‐19 Detection in Chest X‐Ray Images
Authors: Wang Xin , Hu Yiyang , Luo Yanhong , Wang Wei
Published: December 2021

Since the outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), it has been spreading rapidly worldwide and has not yet been effectively controlled. Many researchers are studying novel Coronavirus pneumonia from chest X‐ray images. In order to improve the detection accuracy, two modules sensitive to feature information, dual‐path multiscale feature fusion module and dense depthwise separable convolution module, are proposed. Based on these two modules, a lightweight convolutional neural network model, D2‐CovidNet, is designed to assist experts in diagnosing COVID‐19 by identifying chest X‐ray images. D2‐CovidNet is tested on two public data sets, and its classification accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and F1‐score are 94.56%, 95.14%, 94.02%, 96.61%, and 95.30%, respectively. Specifically, the precision, sensitivity, and specificity of the network for COVID‐19 are 98.97%, 94.12%, and 99.84%, respectively. D2‐CovidNet has fewer computation number and parameter number. Compared with other methods, D2‐CovidNet can help diagnose COVID‐19 more quickly and accurately.
Enteric Coated Oral Delivery of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticle for Modified Release Vitamin D3 Formulation
Authors: Dissanayake Ranga K. , Perera K. D. C. , Perera W. P. T. D. , Wijesinghe W. P. S. L. , Unagolla Janitha M.
Published: December 2021

Vitamin D3 (VD) and calcium phosphate play a vital role in bone homeostasis. Factors such as obesity or gastrointestinal problems can render the use of pure VD and calcium phosphate supplements ineffective. This study investigated the possibility of using VD-loaded hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for the codelivery of VD and Ca3(PO4)2. Due to the high affinity of Ca3(PO4)2 for bone tissue, HA is an ideal delivery system to deliver VD to target tissue. Herein, HA nanoparticles were synthesized and loaded with VD using a vacuum evaporation method. The synthesized HA-VD nanoparticles were morphologically and chemically characterized by SEM, FTIR, and TGA. The system exhibited a two-stage release pattern, which includes a first-day burst release (35%) and sustained release for a further ten days. The cytocompatibility and cell penetrative ability of the nanoparticle system were assessed in vitro using preosteoblast cells: the system is nontoxic and well-tolerated. Finally, the VD-loaded HA nanoparticles were coated with a gastroresistant polymer, hypromellose phtalate-55 (HP-55) in order to protect the pH-sensitive HA from degradation at lower pHs. A coaxial electrospray technique was employed to achieve this. In all, the tested HA-VD system is a viable alternative for codelivery of VD, Ca2+, and PO43- to their target tissues.
Myelofibrosis: Genetic Characteristics and the Emerging Therapeutic Landscape
Authors: Tefferi Ayalew , Gangat Naseema , Pardanani Animesh , Crispino John D.
Published: December 2021

Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is one of three myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) that are morphologically and molecularly inter-related, the other two being polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET). MPNs are characterized by JAK-STAT–activating JAK2, CALR, or MPL mutations that give rise to stem cell–derived clonal myeloproliferation, which is prone to leukemic and, in case of PV and ET, fibrotic transformation. Abnormal megakaryocyte proliferation is accompanied by bone marrow fibrosis and characterizes PMF, while the clinical phenotype is pathogenetically linked to ineffective hematopoiesis and aberrant cytokine expression. Among MPN-associated driver mutations, type 1–like CALR mutation has been associated with favorable prognosis in PMF, while ASXL1, SRSF2, U2AF1-Q157, EZH2, CBL, and K/NRAS mutations have been shown to be prognostically detrimental. Such information has enabled development of exclusively genetic (GIPSS) and clinically integrated (MIPSSv2) prognostic models that facilitate individualized treatment decisions. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains the only treatment modality in MF with the potential to prolong survival, whereas drug therapy, including JAK2 inhibitors, is directed mostly at the inflammatory component of the disease and is therefore palliative in nature. Similarly, disease-modifying activity remains elusive for currently available investigational drugs, while their additional value in symptom management awaits controlled confirmation. There is a need for genetic characterization of clinical observations followed by in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies that will hopefully identify therapies that target the malignant clone in MF to improve patient outcomes.
An Anomaly with Potential as a New Prognostic Marker in CLL with del(13q): Gain of 16p13.3
Authors: Isik Sevgi , Gunden Gulcin , Gunduz Eren , Akay Olga Meltem , Aslan Abdulvahap , Ozen Hulya , Cilingir Oguz , Erzurumluoglu Gokalp Ebru , Kocagil Sinem , Artan Sevilhan , Gulbas Zafer , Durak Aras Beyhan
Published: December 2021

Deletion 13q [del(13q)] is a favorable prognostic marker if it is detected as a sole abnormality in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However the clinical courses of cases with isolated del(13q) are quite heterogeneous. In our study, we investigated copy number variations (CNVs), loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and the size of del(13q) in 30 CLL patients with isolated del(13q). We used CGH+SNP microarrays in order to understand the cause of this clinical heterogeneity. We detected del(13q) in 28/30 CLL cases. The size of the deletion varied from 0.34 to 28.81 Mb, and there was no clinical effect of the deletion size. We found new prognostic markers, especially the gain of 16p13.3. These markers have statistically significant associations with short time to first treatment and advanced disease stage. Detecting both CNVs and LOH at the same time is an advantageous feature of aCGH+SNP. However, it is very challenging for the array analysis to detect mosaic anomalies. Therefore, it is very important to confirm the results by FISH. In our study, we detected approximately 9% mosaic del(13q) by microarray. In addition, the gain of 16p13.3 may affect the disease prognosis in CLL. However, additional studies with more patients are needed to confirm these results.
The Correlation between a New Online Cognitive Test (the Brain Assessment) and Widely Used In-Person Neuropsychological Tests
Authors: Satoh Masayuki , Tabei Ken-ichi , Abe Makiko , Kamikawa Chiaki , Fujita Saiko , Ota Yoshinori
Published: December 2021

Introduction: There are several problems with standard in-person neuropsychological assessments, such as habituation, necessity of human resources, and difficulty of in-person assessment under societal conditions during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019. Thus, we developed an online cognitive test (the Brain Assessment [BA]). In this study, we investigated the correlation between the results of the BA and those of established neuropsychological tests. Participants and Methods: Seventy-seven elderly persons (mean 71.3 ± 5.1 years old; range 65–86; male:female = 45:32) were recruited through the internet. Correlations were evaluated between the BA and the following widely used neuropsychological tests: the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the Raven’s colored progressive matrices (RCPM), the logical memory I and II of the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test, the word fluency (WF) test, and the Trail-Making TestA/B. Results: We found moderate correlations between the total cognitive score of the BA and the total score of the MMSE (r = 0.433, p < 0.001), as well as between the total BA score and the total RCPM score (r = 0.582, p < 0.001) and time to complete the RCPM (r = 0.455, p < 0.001). Moderate correlations were also observed between the cognitive score of the memory of words BA subtest and the LM-I (r = 0.518, p < 0.001), the mental rotation subtest and figure drawing (r = 0.404, p < 0.001), the logical reasoning subtest and total RCPM score (r = 0.491, p < 0.001), and the memory of numbers and words subtests and WF (memory of numbers and total WF: r = 0.456, p < 0.001; memory of words and total WF: r = 0.571, p < 0.001). Discussion: We found that the BA showed moderate correlations between established neuropsychological tests for intellect, memory, visuospatial function, and frontal function. The MMSE and the RCPM reflect Spearman’s s-factor and g-factor, respectively, and thus the BA also covered both factors. Conclusion: The BA is a useful tool for assessing the cognitive function of generally healthy elderly persons.
The Study of the Association of Serum Parathyroid Hormone Level with Obesity in Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Center in Basrah
Authors: Jumaahm Mohammed Khazaal , Alhamza Ali Hussain Ali , Mansour Abbas Ali
Published: December 2021

Background: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been reported to have a positive correlation with insulin resistance and the development of the metabolic syndrome. This study aims to evaluate if there is an association between obesity and serum PTH levels. Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Faiha Specialized Diabetes Endocrine and Metabolism Center in Basrah (Southern Iraq) from September 2018 to July 2019. A total of 230 patients were recruited for this study (103 male and 127 female), divided into 2 groups according to the BMI: <30 kg/m2 were considered as the control group (83 persons) and ≥30 kg/m2 were considered as obese persons (147 persons). The study groups were also subdivided into 3 groups according to the serum level of PTH: <40 pg/mL, 40–65 pg/mL, and >65 pg/mL. Results: The mean age of the obese and control groups was 44.39 ± 10.64 and 30.12 ± 8.95 years, respectively. About 46.25% of obese were men and 53.75% were women, while 42% of the control group were men and 58% were women. Serum PTH level was significantly higher (p < 0.001) among obese persons with a mean level of 53.21 ± 19.58 pg/mL for obese and 37.63 ± 21.8 pg/mL for control. Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 84.4% of the obese group while in 71.1% of the control group (p value 0.04). Females turned to have higher PTH levels than males in both the obese and the control group (p value <0.001). However, age and the presence of diabetes mellitus were not associated with higher PTH levels (p value 0.155 and 0.6, respectively). Conclusion: Obesity was associated with a higher serum PTH level related to the severity of vitamin D deficiency.
Clinical Usefulness of Endometrial Cytology in Determining the Therapeutic Effect of Fertility Preserving Therapy
Authors: Yoshimura Takuma , Yamagami Wataru , Takahashi Mio , Hirano Takuro , Sakai Kensuke , Makabe Takeshi , Chiyoda Tatsuyuki , Banno Kouji , Aoki Daisuke
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The significance of endometrial cytology in determining the therapeutic efficacy of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) therapy is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of endometrial cytology during MPA therapy. Methods: Overall, 77 patients who underwent dilatation and curettage (D&C) to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of MPA therapy at our hospital between January 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The results of D&C, cytological evaluation, and other clinicopathological factors were analyzed based on the patients’ medical records. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of cytology were 61% and 92%, respectively, with D&C being the gold standard for diagnosis in 142 D&C/cytological examinations. Among patients with no residual disease on D&C, 5 (4%) had suspicious or positive cytology. Although MPA therapy was terminated in 3 of these patients, only 1 patient had early recurrence, and the frequency of recurrence was similar to that of patients who showed negative results in both D&C and cytology. Discussion/Conclusion: The sensitivity of endometrial cytology in determining the therapeutic effect of MPA therapy is low, and we confirmed that the omission of D&C is unacceptable. Our findings also suggested that the addition of cytological evaluation to D&C during MPA therapy had a low clinical significance.
Lenhos fósseis da Formação Missão Velha, Bacia do Araripe: significado geológico com base em feições tafonômicas e sedimentológicas
Authors: Barreto Junior Aerson Moreira , Fambrini Gelson Luís , Neumann Virginio Henrique de Miranda Lopes , Silva Filho Wellington Ferreira da , Oliveira Edison Vicente
Published: December 2021

O presente trabalho versa sobre novas ocorrências de lenhos fósseis nos municípios de Missão Velha, Abaiara e Milagres, bem como investiga suas características tafonômicas e sedimentológicas. Os fósseis observados podem ser categorizados em três estágios sequenciais de exposição: lenhos in situ, presentes em seu depósito original; lenhos exumados, resultantes da denudação da rocha hospedeira; e lenhos ex situ, deslocados por transporte sedimentar ou por ação antrópica. Os lenhos in situ podem ser primários, correspondendo a uma assembleia alóctone, ou secundários, lenhos silicificados retrabalhados que se comportam como seixos nos arenitos da unidade. Lenhos de grande porte foram pouco transportados e estão próximos aos sítios de fossilização. Fragmentos de lenhos muito degradados confundem-se com cascalho e um estudo petrográfico como este pode auxiliar na sua identificação.
Geologia e gravimetria de rochas metaultramáficas e metacarbonatitos ediacaranos associados no Complexo Senador Elói de Souza, Província Borborema, NE do Brasil
Authors: Silva Marcella Samyla de Miranda , Souza Zorano Sérgio de , Santana Flávio Lemos de , Cunha José Alexandre Paixão da
Published: December 2021

O Maciço São José do Campestre, com cerca de 6.000 km2, corresponde a um dos fragmentos de crosta continental mais antigos da América do Sul, sendo constituído de ortognaisses, complexos máfico-ultramáficos e metassupracrustais com idades entre 3,41 e 2,70 Ga. O Complexo Senador Elói de Souza corresponde a uma dessas unidades, sendo composto de clinopiroxênio gnaisses, granada paragnaisses, com corpos ultramáficos e carbonatitos associados. Dados geocronológicos U-Pb em zircão sugerem uma idade de cristalização de 600 Ma para esses carbonatitos e piroxenitos. Feições de contato mostram brechas magmáticas, em que fragmentos decimétricos de piroxenito estão imersos em carbonatito de textura holocristalina. As ultramáficas apresentam textura ígnea bem preservada, predomínio de piroxênio cálcico, padrão pouco fracionado de elementos terras raras, com razões LaN/YbN de 1,5 – 8,6 e anomalia negativa de Eu (Eu/Eu* = 0,39 – 0,88). Os carbonatitos são ricos em calcita, tendo flogopita, olivina e diopsídio como fases máficas dominantes, baixas concentrações de elementos terras raras e razões LaN/YbN de 8,9 – 49,8. Modelagem gravimétrica 2D e controle de campo permitem interpretar corpos piroxeníticos elipsoidais de baixa profundidade e carbonatitos de menor expressividade no centro e bordas dos corpos ultramáficos. A integração de novos dados geológicos, geoquímicos e gravimétricos aportados nesta pesquisa mostra-se relevante para a compreensão de eventos ediacaranos no domínio arqueano do Maciço São José do Campestre.
The Market for Audiobooks
Authors: Gustafsson Helena
Published: December 2021

Storytel is one of the world’s largest subscribed audiobook and ebook streaming services and offers unlimited listening and reading of more than 700 000 titles on a global scale. Its vision is to make the world a more empathetic and creative place with great stories to be shared and enjoyed by anyone, anywhere, and at anytime. Storytel operates in 25 markets around the globe and is headquartered in Stockholm. In summer 2021, Storytel launched a customized student discount offering in several of its markets, targeting audiences at universities and colleges. Logos seized the opportunity to talk to Storytel’s Chief Content Strategy Officer Helena Gustafsson – about stories, global expansion, the wave of audiotainment, and the evolution of literature in a digital era in which books are more accessible
than ever.
Description of a new water mite species of the genus Lebertia Neuman, 1880 (Acari, Hydrachnidia: Lebertiidae) from Kazakhstan
Authors: TUZOVSKIJ PETR V.
Published: December 2021

A new water mite species of the subgenus Septlebertia Imamura, 1954, Lebertia boldyrbekensis sp. n. is described from running waters in the Republic of Kazakhstan. An identification key for all species of the subgenus Septlebertia is presented.
Evaluating the Eastward Propagation of the MJO in CMIP5 and CMIP6 Models Based on a Variety of Diagnostics
Authors: Li Yue , Wu Jiye , Luo Jing-Jia , Yang Young Min
Published: December 2021

Given the climatic importance of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), this study evaluates the capability of CMIP6 models in simulating MJO eastward propagation in comparison with their CMIP5 counterparts. To understand the representation of MJO simulation in models, a set of diagnostics with respect to MJO-associated dynamic and thermodynamic structures is applied, including large-scale zonal circulation, vertical structures of diabatic heating and equivalent potential temperature, moisture convergence at the planetary boundary layer (PBL), and the east–west asymmetry of moisture tendency relative to the MJO convection. The simulated propagation of the MJO in CMIP6 models shows an overall improvement in realistic speed and longer distance, which displays a robust linear regression relationship against the above-mentioned dynamic and thermodynamic structures. The improved MJO propagation in CMIP6 largely benefits from better representation of premoistening processes that is primarily contributed by improved PBL moisture convergence. In addition, the convergence of moisture and meridional advection of moisture prior to the MJO convection are enhanced in CMIP6, while the zonal advection of moisture is as weak as that in CMIP5. The increased convergence of moisture is a result of enhanced lower-tropospheric moisture and divergence, and the enhanced meridional advection of moisture can be caused by sharpened meridional gradient of mean lower-tropospheric moisture in the western Pacific. Further examination of the lower-tropospheric moisture budget reveals that the enhanced zonal asymmetry of the moisture tendency in CMIP6 is driven by the drying process to the west of the MJO convection, which is attributed to the negative vertical and zonal advections of moisture.
Simulation of Karst Floods with a Hydrological Model Improved by Meteorological Model Coupling
Authors: Li Ji , Yuan Daoxian , Ma Mingguo , Liu Jiao
Published: December 2021

Karst basins are prone to rapid flooding because of their geomorphic complexity and exposed karst landforms with low infiltration rates. Accordingly, simulating and forecasting floods in karst regions can provide important technical support for local flood control. The study area, the Liujiang karst river basin, is the most well-developed karst areas in South China, and its many mountainous areas lack rainfall gauges, limiting the availability of precipitation information. Quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model and quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) from the Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks–Cloud Classification System (PERSIANN-CCS) can offer reliable precipitation estimates. Here, the distributed Karst–Liuxihe (KL) model was successfully developed from the terrestrial Liuxihe model, as reflected in improvements to its underground structure and confluence algorithm. Compared with other karst distributed models, the KL model has a relatively simple structure and small modeling data requirements, which are advantageous for flood prediction in karst areas lacking hydrogeological data. Our flood process simulation results suggested that the KL model agrees well with observations and outperforms the Liuxihe model. The average Nash coefficient, correlation coefficient, and water balance coefficient increased by 0.24, 0.19, and 0.20, respectively, and the average flood process error, flood peak error, and peak time error decreased by 13%, 11%, and 2 h, respectively. Coupling the WRF Model and PERSIANN-CCS with the KL model yielded a good performance in karst flood simulation and prediction. Notably, coupling the WRF and KL models effectively predicted the karst flood processes and provided flood prediction results with a lead time of 96 h, which is important for flood warning and control.

Significance Statement

The WRF Model and PERSIANN-CCS can provide precipitation data for mountainous karst areas lacking rainfall gauges, and their rainfall results are forecasted effectively to reduce the uncertainty of input precipitation data. Then, the PERSIANN-CCS QPEs and WRF QPF are coupled with the improved KL model for karst flood simulation and prediction. This coupled model worked well in karst basins.
Low Cloud Detection in Multilayer Scenes Using Satellite Imagery with Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Haynes John M. , Noh Yoo-Jeong , Miller Steven D. , Haynes Katherine D. , Ebert-Uphoff Imme , Heidinger Andrew
Published: December 2021

The detection of multilayer clouds in the atmosphere can be particularly challenging from passive visible and infrared imaging radiometers since cloud boundary information is limited primarily to the topmost cloud layer. Yet detection of low clouds in the atmosphere is important for a number of applications, including aviation nowcasting and general weather forecasting. In this work, we develop pixel-based machine learning–based methods of detecting low clouds, with a focus on improving detection in multilayer cloud situations and specific attention given to improving the Cloud Cover Layers (CCL) product, which assigns cloudiness in a scene into vertical bins. The random forest (RF) and neural network (NN) implementations use inputs from a variety of sources, including GOES Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) visible radiances, infrared brightness temperatures, auxiliary information about the underlying surface, and relative humidity (which holds some utility as a cloud proxy). Training and independent validation enlists near-global, actively sensed cloud boundaries from the radar and lidar systems on board the CloudSat and CALIPSO satellites. We find that the RF and NN models have similar performances. The probability of detection (PoD) of low cloud increases from 0.685 to 0.815 when using the RF technique instead of the CCL methodology, while the false alarm ratio decreases. The improved PoD of low cloud is particularly notable for scenes that appear to be cirrus from an ABI perspective, increasing from 0.183 to 0.686. Various extensions of the model are discussed, including a nighttime-only algorithm and expansion to other satellite sensors.

Significance Statement

Using satellites to detect the heights of clouds in the atmosphere is important for a variety of weather applications, including aviation weather forecasting. However, detecting low clouds can be challenging if there are other clouds above them. To address this, we have developed machine learning–based models that can be used with passive satellite instruments. These models use satellite observations at visible and infrared wavelengths, an estimate of relative humidity in the atmosphere, and geographic and surface-type information to predict whether low clouds are present. Our results show that these models have significant skill at predicting low clouds, even in the presence of higher cloud layers.
Are Paraprofessionals Being Hired to Replace Special Educators? A Study of Paraprofessional Employment
Authors: Fisher Tiffany L. , Sindelar Paul T. , Kramer Dennis , Bettini Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

Special education teacher employment began to decline in 2006, concurrent with increased paraprofessional employment. At the same time, the prevalence of students with disabilities in several categories changed substantially, and the proportion of students being served in general education settings increased as well. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the decline in special education teacher employment was related to increased paraprofessional employment, and if the increase in paraprofessional employment was related to shifts in the composition of students with disabilities, educational placements, or more general state-level factors. We created a panel dataset for 2006–2015 and analyzed these relationships using a two-way fixed effects model. We found that, although changes in paraprofessional employment were unrelated to changes in special educator employment, they were related to changes in the prevalence of students with autism spectrum disorder. In addition, states with larger populations and higher K12 expenditures employed more paraprofessionals.
Persistent Unpredictability: Analyzing Experiences with the First Statewide Scheduling Legislation in Oregon
Authors: Petrucci Larissa , Loustaunau Lola , Scott Ellen , Stepick Lina
Published: December 2021

Based on 98 in-depth interviews with workers and managers, the authors analyze the effectiveness of Oregon’s Fair Workweek Act, the first statewide scheduling legislation. Overall, findings show limited evidence of the law’s efficacy to improve workers’ schedules. The authors discuss three factors that are likely to explain this shortcoming: lack of adequate funding for education about the law and for enforcement, the inclusion of provisions that undermine the intent of fair scheduling legislation, and the ability of employers to interpret the law with substantial leeway. In this context, the authors consider the persistence of unpredictable scheduling practices a form of “flexible discipline,” even under Fair Workweek legislation. This article contributes to the literature on unpredictable scheduling by showing that in order to address this problem, legislation must include robust funding for education, implementation, and enforcement and must avoid options for workers to waive their rights to predictability pay, which as part of the act is intended to compensate employees for last-minute schedule changes.
Advancing research in adult secure mental health services in England
Authors: Ryland Howard , Davies Louise , Kenney-Herbert Jeremy , Kingham Michael , Deshpande Mayura
Published: December 2021

Forensic mental health services in high income countries are typically high cost and low volume, providing care to people with mental illness, personality disorders, learning disability and autism deemed to pose a risk to others. Research into how forensic mental health services work as a whole system is limited. Such research is urgently needed to guide policy makers and ensure that services operate effectively.
Characteristics of length of stay and cardiovascular pharmacotherapy advice among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Fang Hang , Zhang Min , Zhao Chongshun , Yao Xia , Wang Haizhen , Xia Hailing , Yu Min
Published: December 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases the global disease burden due to its diverse adverse health effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. This study aimed to elucidate the potential indicators of length of stay (LOS) and pharmacotherapy advice among COPD patients. Thereafter, hospitalized COPD patients with clinical records and respiratory and cardiovascular pharmacotherapy advice were retrospectively collected from a tertiary hospital between April 2017 and September 2020, and the determinants of LOS and cardiovascular pharmacotherapy advice were explored using regression analyses. Overall, 475 patients with COPD were recruited and stratified according to exacerbation and presence of Cor pulmonale (CP). The extended LOS, increased B-type natriuretic peptides (BNP), and a higher percentage of cardiovascular pharmacotherapy advice were observed in COPD with CP regardless of exacerbation, although the percentage of respiratory prescriptions was comparable. The presence of CP indicated a longer LOS ( B = 1.850, p < 0.001) for COPD regardless of exacerbation. Meanwhile, elevated BNP levels indicated cardiovascular pharmacotherapy advise for both COPD in exacerbation (OR = 1.003, p = 0.012) and absence of exacerbation (OR = 1.006, p = 0.015). Moreover, advice for trimetazidine use for COPD in exacerbation (OR = 1.005, p = 0.002) has been suggested. Therefore, CP appears to be an important comorbidity resulting in extended LOS for COPD, which is likely to be advised with cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, which might be guided through BNP monitoring.
Co-creating Democratic Legitimacy: Potentials and Pitfalls
Authors: Røiseland Asbjørn
Published: December 2021

The aim of the article is to discuss how and to what extent co-creation has the capacity to strengthen democratic legitimacy. By distinguishing between output-based and input-based co-creation, and by discussing types of legitimacy in relation to deliberative, participatory, and representative conceptions of democracy, the article points to potentials and pitfalls inherent in the idea of co-creation. Four examples from Denmark and Norway are used to illustrate the argument. In conclusion, the article points to main challenges associated with co-creation which deserves more research—particularly inequality of individual resources and the clash with the party-political system.
Association between olfactory dysfunction and COVID-19 severity: A prospective study in a highly complex hospital in Peru
Authors: Alcas Olenka , Saldaña Diego , Triveño Andy , Salazar Miguel , Mejía Paola
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Olfactory dysfunction has been included among the early symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Evidence suggests that a relationship exists between the duration of olfaction disorders and the probability of developing severe COVID-19. Given the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to determine the frequency of smell alteration and its association with the severity of COVID-19 in a referral hospital in Peru, which is one of the most affected countries in the Latin American region.

Materials and Methods

This study was an observational, prospective cohort study that included patients with COVID-19 who were treated at the Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins from August to November 2020. To assess the association, the chi-square test of independence or Fisher’s exact test was performed. The outcome variable was COVID-19 severity, and the exposure variable was olfactory dysfunction. The first data collection was in the emergency department and the follow-up was via telephone.

Results

A total of 179 patients were included. The mean age was 61.6 ± 15.5 years, and 129 patients (72.1%) were male. Olfactory dysfunction was observed in 43 patients (24%). An inverse association was found between age and olfactory dysfunction ( P = .002). No significant association was found between COVID-19 severity level and olfactory alteration ( P = .056). However, a direct association was found between COVID-19 severity and age ( P = .003), cough ( P < .001), and respiratory distress ( P = .003).

Conclusion

This study did not find any association between the severity of COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction. It showed a low incidence rate of smell alteration compared with studies from other regions. Moreover, smell alteration was associated with younger age.
Reactive Risk-Taking: Anxiety Regulation Via Approach Motivation Increases Risk-Taking Behavior
Authors: Leota Josh , Nash Kyle , McGregor Ian
Published: December 2021

Experimental research and real-world events demonstrate a puzzling phenomenon—anxiety, which primarily inspires caution, sometimes precedes bouts of risk-taking. We conducted three studies to test whether this phenomenon is due to the regulation of anxiety via reactive approach motivation (RAM), which leaves people less sensitive to negative outcomes and thus more likely to take risks. In Study 1 ( N = 231), an achievement anxiety threat caused increased risk-taking on the Behavioral Analogue Risk Task (BART) among trait approach-motivated participants. Using electroencephalogram in Study 2 ( N = 97), an economic anxiety threat increased behavioral inhibition system-specific theta activity, a neural correlate of anxiety, which was associated with an increase in risk-taking on the BART among trait approach-motivated participants. In a preregistered Study 3 ( N = 432), we replicated the findings of Study 1. These results offer preliminary support for the reactive risk-taking hypothesis.
New Technology Evokes Old Memories: Frequent Smartphone Use Increases Feeling of Nostalgia
Authors: Huang Niwen , Zuo Shijiang , Wang Fang , Li Yawen , Cai Pan , Wang Shun
Published: December 2021

In the era of technology, smartphone use occupies an important position in our lives. The present research focused on the psychological consequence of frequent smartphone use and possible way to remedy it. We proposed that frequent smartphone use could damage people’s sense of control and in turn trigger nostalgia. Moreover, nostalgia could directly compensate for the low sense of control induced by frequent smartphone use. Five studies ( N = 918) were conducted. Study 1 found through a field study that frequent smartphone use increases nostalgia. Studies 2 and 3 found through 14-day tracking and a laboratory experiment that frequent smartphone use decreased people’s sense of control and then triggered nostalgia. Furthermore, nostalgia could enhance the low sense of control, and it worked by increasing self-esteem (Studies 4 and 5). The findings show the negative impact of frequent smartphone use, and nostalgia is an effective way to remedy it without preventing people from using smartphones.
Reuse of the transparency-related information posted on Spanish library and archive websites
Authors: Ramos Simón Luis Fernando , Pacios Ana R
Published: December 2021

This study addresses the types of formats and ease of reuse of transparency-related information available on the websites of 53 national public libraries and 53 provincial historic archives. Further to Spain’s Transparency Act, reuse of public sector information is one of the elements comprising the right of access to information. Access and use must consequently be ensured to enable citizens and businesses to reuse all available data. The working methodology deployed here consisted in searching for, identifying and analysing the transparency-related documents carried on library and archive websites and the legal warnings governing their reuse. The findings revealed a wide variety of formats and rules governing reuse and indications of scant interest in these institutions in fostering the transparency and reuse of public information. Even when available, reusable information was normally found to be posted either separately from the data furnished by libraries and archives directly or positioned on pages or sections with complex access paths.
Statistical significance versus practical importance in information systems research
Authors: Sen Ananya , Smith Gary , Van Note Claire
Published: December 2021

It has been reported that many empirical papers published in prestigious journals in economics, psychology, and medicine prioritize statistical significance over practical importance. We investigate whether the same is true of articles published in the MIS Quarterly, a top-tier information systems journal.
Implementation of Developmental Screening in Early Childhood Education: An Investigation of Process Variables and Acceptability
Authors: Rispoli Kristin M. , Norman Mackenzie Z. , Nelson Sydney R.
Published: December 2021

Many children with developmental delays need early intervention services but do not receive them. Developmental screening provides the impetus for identification of delays and service referrals but is not used consistently across all early childhood education settings. We used an implementation science framework to examine attitudes and engagement in a developmental screening program across three U.S. early childcare centers. Teachers demonstrated adequate knowledge of screening following training in the screener and were highly engaged in the screening process. Teachers’ positive attitudes toward screening increased yet perceived barriers to regular use of screening in their practice remained unchanged. Family participation in the screening process varied across centers and suggested a trend between family income and participation. Future research is needed to target pervasive barriers to teachers’ use of screening, such as perceived difficulties in engaging parents in the screening process.
Professionals’ Perception of the Needs of Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: A Vignette Study
Authors: Roeg Diana P. K. , Hilterman Ed L. B. , van Nieuwenhuizen Chijs
Published: December 2021

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has a high prevalence and serious consequences for the wellbeing of the victims. The impact of partner violence and the behavior of female victims continue to be poorly understood. Recently, a number of reviews have enhanced the understanding of the needs of female victims of IPV. These reviews improve the evidence base relating to IPV needs assessment and can enhance effectiveness of service provision. The aim of the current study is to review the currency of the knowledge used by social workers working with victims of IPV. We used a qualitative design in which 23 social workers from 10 IPV teams were asked to react to vignettes. Participants were asked what they perceived to be essential for understanding the women’s needs and determining an accurate treatment and guidance plan. Data were analyzed using open coding, followed by thematic analysis. Results indicate that in health services planning for battered women, service providers ask about the right domains, including: the characteristics of the relationship, social context, nature and pattern of abuse, characteristics of the female client, and—although to in a lesser degree—characteristics of the partner. Unfortunately, the sub themes within these domains are only partially considered, and sometimes superficially considered. Some topics that were not determined in the literature as relevant needs factors were seen as important by social workers, or assessed too soon, including the stay or leave question. These findings underline the realistic risk that staff members miss the actual reasons women stay with their partners or make certain choices in their help-seeking behavior. Incorrect needs assessments enhance the risk of female victims feeling unheard, and ineffective service provision, leading to care avoidance and low compliance with the services provided.
Unspoken barriers: Promoting equity in postsecondary service learning opportunities
Authors: Deters Alice Kaye
Published: December 2021

While there is an abundance of relevant data on the outcomes of service learning experiences, less is known about how students find service learning experiences. Additionally, little research focuses on capturing the experiences of students’ participation in service learning, especially among underrepresented students. New lines of inquiry could include qualitative studies that seek to better understand the service learning experiences of underrepresented students (i.e., students of color and low socioeconomic status) to explore potential barriers to full participation. In this essay, the author proposes new lines of inquiry when studying issues of access in service learning opportunities, drawing on her experience as a coordinator for a university’s mentoring program. The author argues that studying the experiences of undergraduates engaged in service learning opportunities might highlight barriers to equitable access to and full participation in service learning opportunities and thereby postsecondary outcomes.
Research on the rapid design technology of automotive inspection structure based on MBD model
Authors: Wang Shuchun , Cheng Qi , Wang Lina , Xu Jingying , Fang Xifeng , Kang Jie
Published: December 2021

In view of the specificity and low efficiency of the design of automobile inspection fixture, a deformation design method of inspection fixture based on BP neural network algorithm is proposed. BP neural network algorithm is used to realize the learning and classification of case knowledge, and FCM (fuzzy c-means) algorithm and kernel principal component analysis are used to optimize the information source to improve the retrieval efficiency and accuracy. Based on the analysis of the existing fixture design case structure, the case structure is skeletonized to increase the applicability of the case structure. At the same time, the case frame structure is associated with the size chain, the priority deformation rule is proposed, and the relationship of each size chain is established to realize the mutual adjustment of each size chain. From the similarity of retrieval cases, the paper proposes the design scheme of inspection tools to improve the design efficiency. Finally, taking the front bumper model as the experimental object, the deformation rules are compared, and the priority deformation rule is more accurate than the ordinary basic rule. Compared with the manual design, the design efficiency of this method is improved by 55.71%, which proves the feasibility of this method.
Book review: J. Daniel Elam, Impossible and Necessary: Anticolonialism, Reading, and Critique
Authors: Thomas Ann Mary
Published: December 2021

J. Daniel Elam, Impossible and Necessary: Anticolonialism, Reading, and Critique. Hyderabad: Orient Blackswan Private Limited, 2021, ₹895, XVIII + 212 pp. ISBN: 9788194925835 (Hardback).
Active control of a sandwich plate with reinforced magnetostrictive faces and viscoelastic core, resting on elastic foundation
Authors: Zenkour Ashraf M , El-Shahrany Hela D
Published: December 2021

The current study presents a vibration investigation of a laminated plate considering a viscoelastic core with embedded magnetostrictive layers. The simply-supported plate is supported via Pasternak’s substrate medium. Based on different plate theories and employing Hamilton’s principle, the system of governing differential equations is derived. The mechanical properties of the viscoelastic core are described depend on the time varies based on Kelvin–Voigt model. Actuating magnetostrictive layers are utilized to control the vibration damping process of the system with the assistance of feedback and constant gain distributed control. The analytical solution is obtained to investigate the influence of half wave numbers, thickness ratios, core thickness, aspect ratios, lamination schemes, elastic foundation parameters, damping coefficient, feedback coefficient magnitude, magnetostrictive layers location, on the vibrational behavior of laminated plate. Some observations about the vibration damping process of the present plate are displayed. The results refer to that the vibration suppression rate depends on the thickness of the plate, the feedback control value, the foundation constants, and the viscoelastic structural damping significantly. Moreover, the study can be providing benchmark tests to validate future contributions on the viscoelastic smart structural issues and developing the design of smart viscoelastic structures and control of their vibrations.