bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pseudocybaeota (Araneae: Cybaeidae): a new spider genus endemic to coastal Pacific Northwestern United States of America
Authors: BENNETT ROBB , COPLEY CLAUDIA , COPLEY DARREN
Published: August 2022

The forested habitats of the west coast of North America are home to a diverse array of endemic Cybaeinae spider taxa (Araneae: RTA clade: Cybaeidae). Most of those taxa have very restricted distributions within an area of the western United States of America from the Olympic Peninsula of northwestern Washington to the northern half of the Californian Floristic Province of California, a well-known biodiversity hotspot. Here we describe Pseudocybaeota Bennett gen. nov. with type species Cybaeus perditus Chamberlin & Ivie (= Pseudocybaeota perdita (Chamberlin & Ivie) comb. nov.) and including two new species, P. butterfieldi Bennett spec. nov. and P. tuberculata Bennett spec. nov. These rarely collected species are restricted to forested habitats in small areas of the coastal watersheds of the Olympic Peninsula (P. perdita comb. nov.), southern Curry and adjacent northern Del Norte Counties in Oregon and California, respectively (P. tuberculata spec. nov.), and Humboldt County in northwestern California (P. butterfieldi spec. nov.). In addition to descriptions of the genus and both sexes of its included species we provide diagnoses, illustrations, an identification key, and distribution maps for the species of this distinctive new genus.
Neoxela: A new replacement name for Xela Botero, Bezark & Santos-Silva, 2020 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae)
Authors: BOTERO JUAN PABLO , BEZARK LARRY , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: August 2022

Recently, Botero, Bezark & Santos-Silva (2020) described a new genus of Methiini (Cerambycinae), Xela, for their new species Xela tysoni, from Guatemala. Currently, the genus remains monotypic and the species is known only from their type locality. Unfortunately, the authors did not realize that the name had already been used for a trilobite species (Xela drena Jell, 1990). Herein, we propose a new replacement name for the genus.
Controls on the Development and Circulation of Terminal versus Transient Congestus Clouds and Implications for Midlevel Aerosol Transport
Authors: Leung Gabrielle R. , van den Heever Susan C.
Published: August 2022

Cumulus congestus is the middle mode of tropical convection, with cloud tops around or exceeding the 0°C level (∼5 km AGL). While some congestus are terminal, meaning capped by the 0°C stable layer, others are transient and may develop into deep convection. Although this distinction impacts convective transport of water vapor and aerosols into the midtroposphere and the congestus to deep convection transition, there is still much to be understood about the processes causing congestus to overshoot the 0°C level and continue growing. We simulate a field of tropical congestus using high-resolution idealized model simulations, identify and track the updrafts, and composite congestus properties. Terminal and transient congestus updrafts are characterized by a similar overturning circulation between the updraft and subsiding shell. However, transient congestus have stronger updrafts, and the downward branch of their corresponding circulations are constrained by the 0°C level. The balance between buoyancy and perturbation pressure gradient accelerations predominantly determines the shape of the vertical velocity profile, though vertical advection through bulk and subplume fluctuations are also shown to be important near and above the 0°C level. Our findings support previous results suggesting buoyancy as a control on congestus height. We find that congestus developing in more humid midlevel environments are more likely to be transient. Finally, we explore how congestus updrafts influence their near moisture and aerosol environments: terminal congestus return more aerosol to the atmosphere through evaporation along their edges, while transient congestus create stronger midlevel detrainment layers of aerosol and water vapor due to the trapping of the regenerated aerosol above the 0°C level.
Corporate Environmental Governance Strategies Under the Dual Supervision of the Government and the Public
Authors: Zeng Huixiang , Huang Zhiying , Zhou Qiong , He Pengwei , Cheng Xu
Published: August 2022

External regulatory and normative pressures from both the Chinese central environmental protection inspection (CEPI) program and public participation can act together to influence corporate environmental governance behavior. This research uses the multiperiod Difference-In-Differences method to test the compound impact of CEPI and public participation on corporate environmental governance strategies and investigate the underlying influence mechanisms. The results show that CEPI and public participation have a positive compound effect on the corporate “source-control” strategy. A reasonable reduction in pollution charges and increased environmental subsidies are essential to stimulate the green innovation potential of heavily polluting firms. Our research helps clarify the game relationship between the central and the local governments and analyzes how the relationship between the government, the public, and corporates affects environmental governance, thereby advancing principal-agent theory and expanding the current research on institutional pressures and corporate environmental governance.
Astronomical and astrological diagrams from cuneiform sources
Authors: Monroe M. Willis
Published: August 2022

While the clay used to write cuneiform tablets is well suited to impressing the wedges of cuneiform signs it is not an ideal medium for the curved lines and detailed marks needed to create illustrative diagrams of the heavens well known in neighboring cultures. Yet, in a selection of examples, cuneiform scholars of astronomy and astrology used clay to sketch out complex diagrams of celestial arrangements and schematic representations of astrological concepts. This article will survey the corpus of astronomical and astrological diagrams preserved from cuneiform sources and summarize key observations about the relation of diagrams to texts and tablets and the representation of theoretical knowledge.
Parental COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the United States
Authors: Ruiz Jeanette B. , Bell Robert A.
Published: August 2022

Objective:

Little is known about parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. We assessed the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among parents with a child or adolescent aged 12-15 years, examined predictors of parents’ COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, their reasons for resisting a pediatric COVID-19 vaccine, and the correlation between parents’ intentions to vaccinate their child and the acceptance of a vaccine for themselves.

Methods:

We conducted a national online survey of 637 parents of a child or adolescent aged 12-15 years in March 2021, before COVID-19 vaccines had been approved for this age group. We assessed univariate predictors of vaccine hesitancy, and we used logistic regression analysis to assess independent effects of variables on vaccine hesitancy.

Results:

Nearly one-third (28.9%; 95% CI, 25.5%-32.5%) of respondents reported pediatric vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine-hesitant parents were less knowledgeable about vaccines, more accepting of vaccine conspiracies, and less worried about COVID-19 risks to their child’s health than vaccine-accepting parents were. Vaccine hesitancy was higher among female (vs male), single (vs married/living as married), older (vs younger), low income (vs high income), non–college graduates (vs college graduates), and Republican (vs Democrat) parents. The primary concerns expressed by vaccine-hesitant parents pertained to vaccine safety rather than vaccine effectiveness. One-quarter of vaccine-hesitant parents preferred that their child obtain immunity through infection rather than vaccination. Non–vaccine-hesitant parents’ reasons for vaccinating focused on protecting the health of their child and others. Childhood COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was strongly associated with parents’ intentions to get the vaccine for themselves.

Conclusion:

A messaging strategy for effective public health interventions that includes educating the public about vaccination, countering misinformation about vaccine development and safety, and stressing the safety of approved COVID-19 vaccines may boost vaccine acceptance among vaccine-hesitant parents.
A Multiresource Event Model Developed to Increase Access to COVID-19 Vaccines in Pima County, Arizona, Summer 2021
Authors: Monroy Amanda , Cullen Theresa
Published: August 2022

In summer 2021, the Pima County Health Department (PCHD) developed and implemented a multiresource event model for vaccine clinics to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines and other resources, such as food, rental assistance, and public health services, in Pima County, Arizona, communities. The PCHD aimed to improve vaccine access in areas with vaccination rates <40% by involving community partners to plan a multiresource event with resources (eg, food, connection to economic resources, information on childcare, and heat relief)and incentives specific to community needs that could drive attendance. Resources would be made available to community members regardless of whether they received a COVID-19 vaccine at the event. The PCHD selected census tract 41.15 as the pilot group to apply the multiresouce COVID-19 vaccine event model. Census tract 41.15 is a heat-stressed area of Pima County comprising mostly Latino people and people with lower incomes and is an area with low vaccination rates for COVID-19. The vaccination rate increased in census tract 41.15 by 12.8 percentage points (absolute increase), starting at 33.9% on June 1, 2021, and increasing to 46.7% as of September 1, 2021. In addition, attendance at the pilot event versus attendance at previous events that did not use this model increased by >100%. The multiresource COVID-19 vaccine event, when held within a hyperlocal area and when the needs of residents in the community are considered, can improve vaccine uptake. This model provides a roadmap for COVID-19 vaccine delivery in areas of low uptake.
Collaboration for School Mental Health Needs: A Case for High-Leverage Practices in a Culturally Responsive Framework
Authors: Tucker Vanessa Eve , Matson Laura Jean
Published: August 2022

In this article we propose a model of collaboration for school teams as a guide to the provision of effective, individualized and culturally responsive school-based mental health supports. When school teams embark on this process, they must be ready to provide a continuum of care within a comprehensive plan. Collaboration is essential when working within this continuum. Using a case-based approach, we provide a framework for working together leveraging the content and concepts of the three High Leverage Practices (HLP’s) for Collaboration within the MTSS model. We walk the reader step by step through a process that includes using the HLPs to strengthen practice, assist in planning and delivering collaboration. Imperative to the process is developing appropriate IEPs and establishing methods of input, including the family and outside providers. Using the HLPs as a framework can assist teams to develop and create a strong shared vision alongside and in support of the family and most importantly, the students we serve.
New insight into the flexural rigidity of multi-filament yarn
Authors: Luan Kun , Kirkwood Elizabeth , Newman Zoe , West Andre , DenHartog Emiel
Published: August 2022

Filament yarn is one of the most widely used soft strands in the textile industry; it exhibits excellent flexibility and is capable of being used in various productions, including knitting, weaving, braiding, sewing, and embroidery. The inherent complex interlacement between fibers, including twist, entanglement, and yarn geometry, often exhibits a nonlinear response to external loads. In addition, the interlacement of fibers also introduces difficulties when accurately measuring the flexural property of multi-filament yarn. In particular, the flexural rigidity of the yarn strongly influences the quality of end products when incorporated into novel textile technologies. In this paper, we developed a three-point bending instrument and a method for measuring the flexural rigidity of filament yarn. A representative point obeyed from Coplan’s construction on the bending constitutive curve was determined to obtain pure flexural rigidity. Furthermore, the bending process and deformations across cross-sections of filament yarns were discussed. The research provides new physical insights into the yarn bending property with the consideration of eliminating the sub-deformation variabilities. The work also paves the way for the accurate and quick measurement of the flexural rigidity of high length-to-width ratio soft materials by a three-point bending method.
The Performance of Parrhesia in Philo and Acts
Authors: den Heijer Arco
Published: August 2022

This article examines the role of the performance of frankness in the work of Philo of Alexandria and in the book of Acts. With respect to Philo, the differences are highlighted in the use of παρρησία between the various series of his writings. With respect to Acts, the role of scripture is emphasized in authorizing the frankness of the disciples. Comparing both, it is argued that the performance of frankness functions as a means to display inner freedom for Jews in the Roman Empire (for Philo) and for Christians within Jewish synagogues in the Roman Empire (for Acts), a freedom that consists of a sense of dignity and status. The comparison demonstrates the extent to which Philo and the book of Acts participate in a shared Roman discourse from Jewish perspectives.
State of charge estimation based on active disturbance rejection control for power batteries in engine waste heat recovery system
Authors: Lei Zhengling , Liu Tao , Xie Hui , Sun Qiang , Sun Xiaoming
Published: August 2022

The Coulomb counting (CC) method is the most widely accepted state of charge (SOC) estimation method in the industry. However, the cumulative error generated during operation is a huge challenge for the engineering application. A feedback regulation framework is designed to address this situation; however, the basic problem of this framework is that the error regulation occurs only after the error is generated. As a result, its initiative to suppress system disturbance is insufficient. To overcome this problem, an active disturbance rejection control–based-feedback-estimator is proposed in this paper. The regulation is designed based on the terminal voltage error between actual measurement and theoretical value. And active disturbance rejection control is employed to improve the estimation accuracy and adaptability. The power batteries’ SOC estimation in engine waste heat recovery system is studied in this paper. Compared with the traditional CC method and a proportional–integral (PI) feedback estimation method, the proposed active disturbance rejection control-feedback-estimator exhibits better estimation performance and adaptability to system disturbances and uncertainties. There are only three parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] to tune, and estimation performance can be maintained without having to retune parameters when boundary conditions change, proving the effectiveness of the proposed active disturbance rejection control-feedback-estimator.
Crossing the Streams of Plural Governance Research: Simultaneously Considering Franchising, Dual Distribution, and Concurrent Sourcing
Authors: Sørensen Sarah B. , Hoetker Glenn , Leiblein Michael J. , Mellewigt* Thomas
Published: August 2022

Bradach and Eccles (1989) identified three distinct forms of plural governance that prevail in business practice: franchising, dual distribution, and concurrent sourcing. Despite the underlying commonality of these forms—organizing an economic activity through multiple governance modes—each form has spawned its own stream of theoretical and empirical research, with relatively little cross-stream knowledge exchange. In this paper, we argue that, given the fragmented nature of these literatures, unexplored opportunities exist for scholars to pursue new research opportunities by importing theoretical predictions, causal mechanisms, and methods from the other streams in theoretically appropriate ways. To highlight what is possible, we first take stock of the distinctive characteristics, conceptual foundations, and dominant methodologies associated with the three literatures. We then identify four key governance challenges—monitoring, cooperation, learning, and competition—that were common across the streams and use these challenges to isolate theoretical and methodological blind spots that merit further research consideration. Our research agenda addresses these blind spots, proposes specific avenues for theory development within each stream of plural governance research, and helps scholars of the franchising, dual distribution, and concurrent sourcing literatures to connect and contribute to research in the intellectual core of plural governance.
A Multi‐institutional Analysis of Late Complications in Scapula, Fibula, and Osteocutaneous Radial Forearm Free Flaps
Authors: Bollig Craig A. , Walia Amit , Pipkorn Patrik J. , Jackson Ryan S. , Puram Sidharth V. , Rich Jason T. , Paniello Randy C. , Zevallos Jose P. , Stevens Madelyn N. , Wood C. Burton , Rohde Sarah L. , Sykes Kevin , Kakarala Kiran , Bur Andres , Wieser Margaret E. , Galloway Tabitha L.I. , Tassone Patrick , Sadeghi Jairan , Mattingly Tyler R. , Pluchino Tyler , Jorgensen Jeffrey B.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

(1) Evaluate the association of flap type with late complications in patients undergoing osseous head and neck reconstruction with the fibula free flap (FFF), osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (OCRFFF), and scapula free flap (SFF). (2) Compare the prevalence of late complications based on minimum duration of follow‐up.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Multiple academic medical centers.

Methods

Patients undergoing FFF, OCRFFF, or SFF with ≥6‐month follow‐up were stratified by type of flap performed. The association of flap type with late complications was analyzed via univariable and multivariable logistic regression, controlling for relevant clinical risk factors. Additionally, the frequency of late complications by minimum duration of follow‐up was assessed.

Results

A total of 617 patients were analyzed: 312 (50.6%) FFF, 230 (37.3%) OCRFFFF, and 75 (12.2%) SFF. As compared with the SFF, the FFF (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.05; 95% CI, 1.61‐5.80) and OCRFFF (aOR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.12‐4.22) were independently associated with greater odds of overall late recipient site wound complications. The SFF was independently associated with the lowest odds of hardware exposure when compared with the FFF (aOR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.27‐5.41) and OCRFFF (aOR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.11‐5.12). The frequency of late complications rose as minimum duration of follow‐up increased until plateauing at 36 months.

Conclusions

This multi‐institutional study suggests that the long‐term complication profile of the SFF and OCRFFF compares favorably to the FFF. The SFF may be associated with the fewest overall late recipient site complications and hardware exposure, while the FFF may be associated with the most of these 3 options.
Does Prophylactic Replacement of Voice Prosthesis Make Sense? A Study to Predict Prosthesis Lifetime
Authors: Heirman Anne N. , van der Noort Vincent , van Son Rob , Petersen Japke F. , van der Molen Lisette , Halmos Gyorgy B. , Dirven Richard , van den Brekel Michiel W.M.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Voice prosthesis leakage significantly affects the quality of life of patients undergoing laryngectomy, causing insecurity and frequent unplanned hospital visits and costs. In this study, the concept of prophylactic voice prosthesis replacement was explored to prevent leakages.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary hospital.

Methods

This study included all patients who underwent laryngectomy between 2000 and 2012 in the Netherlands Cancer Institute. Device lifetimes and voice prosthesis replacements of a retrospective cohort were used to calculate the number of needed voice prostheses per patient per year to prevent 70% of the leakages by prophylactic replacement. Various strategies for the timing of prophylactic replacement were considered: adaptive strategies based on the individual patient's history of replacement and fixed strategies based on the results of patients with similar voice prosthesis or treatment characteristics.

Results

Patients used a median 3.4 voice prostheses per year (range, 0.1‐48.1). We found high inter‐ and intrapatient variability in device lifetime. When prophylactic replacement is applied, this would become a median 9.4 voice prostheses per year, which means replacement every 38 days, implying >6 additional voice prostheses per patient per year. The individual adaptive model showed that preventing 70% of the leakages was impossible for most patients and only a median 25% can be prevented. Monte‐Carlo simulations showed that prophylactic replacement is not feasible due to the high coefficient of variation (SD/mean) in device lifetime.

Conclusion

Based on our simulations, prophylactic replacement of voice prostheses is not feasible due to high inter‐ and intrapatient variation in device lifetime.
Digital discretion and public administration in Africa: Implications for the use of artificial intelligence
Authors: Plantinga Paul
Published: August 2022

African public administrations are in an especially difficult position with respect to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), in both how they harness its benefits but also in managing potential harms. Through a narrative review of existing research, this paper synthesises findings from previous digital government implementations on the African continent, and considers the implications for AI use. The analysis is centred on the way public officials are bypassed or empowered to work with emerging technologies, and the influence of public service values on their adoption. Four concerns emerge as relevant: Integrity of recommendations provided by decision-support systems, including how they are influenced by local organisational practices and the reliability of underlying infrastructures; Inclusive decision-making that balances the (assumed) objectivity of data-driven algorithms and the influence of different stakeholder groups; Exception and accountability in how digital and AI platforms are funded, developed, implemented and used; and an expectation of Complete understanding of people and events through the integration of traditionally dispersed data sources and systems, and how policy actors seek to mitigate the risks associated with this aspiration.
From one language to the other: Examining the role of code-switching on vocabulary learning in adult second-language learners
Authors: Blair Mackensie , Morini Giovanna
Published: August 2022

The present work examines the impact of code-switching (CS) on novel word learning in adult second language (L2) learners of Spanish. Participants completed two sessions (1–3 days apart). In the first session, they were taught 32 nonwords corresponding to novel creatures. Training occurred across 4 conditions: (1) a sentence in English only, (2) a sentence in Spanish only (the L2), (3) a sentence that contained CS from Spanish-to-English, (4) a sentence that contained CS from English-to-Spanish. Immediately after training, participants were tested on their ability to identify the newly trained words using a looking-while-listening paradigm in which videos of participants’ looking patterns were collected remotely via Zoom. In the second session, re-testing of the trained words was completed. In the first session, training in the English-only condition led to better initial learning compared to the other conditions. In the second session, the English-only condition still had the highest accuracy, but performance in the two CS conditions was significantly better compared to the Spanish-only condition. These findings suggest that CS during vocabulary training may aid the retention of newly acquired word-object relations in the L2, compared to when training occurs entirely in the L2. This work has important implications for theories of L2 acquisition and can inform instruction practices in L2 classrooms.
Isolated dysarthria as the sole manifestation of myasthenia gravis: a case report
Authors: Li Wei , He Ling , Jin Xiaodong , Li Li , Sun Congcong , Wang Cuilan
Published: August 2022

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an acquired autoimmune disease. Its clinical manifestations comprise ptosis, diplopia, dysarthria, dysphagia, limb weakness, and in severe cases, respiratory muscle involvement. Dysarthria as an exclusive initial and primary complaint in MG is rare and seldom reported. In this paper, we report a case of type IIIb MG with isolated dysarthria as the only clinical manifestation and we review the relevant literature. The patient was a 62-year-old man who presented with episodes of slurred speech for 20 days that had worsened in the previous 9 days. His medical history comprised hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease. The initial diagnosis on admission was transient ischemic attack. Careful re-examination of the patient’s history revealed that his symptoms mainly involved increasingly worse slurred speech episodes without drinking or swallowing difficulties, and no significant improvement with rest was observed. Electromyography and autoantibody profiling led to a diagnosis of type IIIb MG. His symptoms improved after the oral administration of pyridostigmine bromide 60 mg. Laryngeal MG is important to differentiate from stroke. It is necessary to perform a computerized voice analysis when encountering patients with atypical symptoms of MG.
Short-term outcomes of three rare cases of intramucosal Epstein–Barr virus-associated gastric cancer treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Cheng Rui , Xu Yao , Yue Bing
Published: August 2022

Epstein–Barr virus-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is a subtype of gastric cancer morphologically characterized by massive lymphocyte infiltration. We herein report the short-term outcomes of three rare cases of intramucosal EBVaGC treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Histologically, the lesions exhibited poorly to moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma without lymphovascular invasion, and in situ hybridization revealed EBV-encoded small RNA. Helicobacter pylori infection was not found in any of the lesions. During the 3 to 12 months of follow-up following ESD, none of the ESD-treated patients showed evidence of local recurrence or distant metastases. Essential characteristics of intramucosal EBVaGC may include lymphocyte infiltration into the mucosal stroma or cancer nests as well as the presence of a lace pattern. We believe that ESD might be a safe and suitable treatment method for intramucosal EBVaGC that avoids needless surgery, particularly in patients with severe comorbidities or a high operational risk.
Beneficial effect of transient desflurane inhalation on relieving inflammation and reducing signaling induced by MPTP in mice
Authors: Yu Zhiyang , Qin Guowei , Ge Zhenzhong , Li Weiyan
Published: August 2022

Objective

To determine if the beneficial effects of transient desflurane application mitigates inflammation and decrease associated signaling induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in mice.

Methods

Mice were induced to develop Parkinson’s disease (PD) by intraperitoneal injection with MPTP for 20 consecutive days, and validated mice were randomly allocated to four groups. Collected samples from euthanized mice were designated for the following analyses: 1) immunohistochemical staining for positive dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and striatum, 2) immunofluorescence staining for ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba1) and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and 3) western blotting for p38, p-p38, toll-like receptor 4, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α.

Results

The inhalation of desflurane for 1 hour ameliorated locomotory dysfunctions of PD mice by recovering the loss of Iba1- and GFAP-positive dopaminergic neurons, deactivating microglial cells and astrocytes, and decreasing the amounts of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that transient desflurane inhalation may provide some benefits for PD through ameliorating inflammation and enhancing locomotor activity.
COVID-19 pandemic: Does musicianship matter?
Authors: Krespi Ulgen Margorit Rita , Kupana M Nevra , Altunbek Hanife Başak
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively influenced mental health and the music industry. The present study examined the relationship of between personality traits and emotional regulation with emotional problems and compared this relationship across three groups of individuals living in Türkiye during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consisted of 542 participants (238 musicians, 97 artists excluding musicians, and 207 participants who engaged in no form of art). The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Brief Form (DERS-16), and Basic Personality Traits Inventory were used. Findings showed that difficulties in emotion regulation were positively associated with stress, depression, and anxiety in all groups. The pattern of the relationship between personality traits and outcome measures was similar across musicians and participants who engaged in no form of art, whereas that of difficulties in emotional regulation with personality traits was almost the same across the three groups. Except for the personality traits of extraversion and openness, group comparisons showed no differences across different measures. These findings suggest that difficulties in emotional regulation need to be a target for psychological interventions to reduce emotional problems for all three groups. Being a musician did not make any difference in terms of emotional regulation or the experience of psychological problems.
Superior pitch identification ability revealed by cortical complexity measures in nonmusicians
Authors: Hou Jiancheng , Chen Chuansheng , O’Boyle Michael W , Dong Qi
Published: August 2022

Previous research has investigated the brain structure of musicians with absolute pitch (AP); however, pitch identification (PI) ability also exists in nonmusicians. The current study examined the relationship between PI ability and cortical complexity in nonmusicians using fractal dimensionality, a relatively novel way to analyze morphological patterns of cortical organization. Results showed that compared to nonmusicians with average PI ability, those with superior PI exhibited more fractal dimensionality of the left middle and transverse temporal gyrus, right paracentral lobule, superior frontal and precentral gyri, bilateral lateral orbitofrontal, medial orbitofrontal, superior temporal and postcentral gyri as well as less fractal dimensionality of the left precuneus, right superior parietal lobule and insula gyrus, and bilateral supramarginal gyrus. Moreover, the PI score for the superior PI group was positively correlated with fractal dimensionality of the left medial orbitofrontal, superior temporal, and supramarginal gyri; for the average PI group, their PI score was negatively correlated with fractal dimensionality of the left middle temporal, right superior frontal, and right insula gyri. Although the research about fractal dimensionality in young adults has been scant so far, the present study extends our understanding of the neuroanatomical correlates of AP musicians to encompass those with superior PI ability in nonmusicians.
Un exemplaire inédit de menotte conservé au Musée de Berlin (ÄM 15130)
Authors: Valerio Marta
Published: August 2022

This brief communication concerns a published wooden manacle* kept at the Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung in Berlin. The object, of unknown provenance, entered in the Museum collection in 1900 through a purchase made by L. Borchardt from the antiquities dealer Butros Abd el Melek of Qena. The manacle bears on both sides a one-line hieroglyphic inscription, giving the name and title of its possible owner: Nebamon ‘The soldier of the company of Pharaoh’. In order to better understand the function and use of the analysed artefact, a comparison with the available visual and written documentation is offered. Concerning the date, all of the information gathered points toward the first half of the Eighteenth Dynasty.
Using Machine Learning to Predict Freight Vehicles’ Demand for Loading Zones in Urban Environments
Authors: Ludowieg Andres Regal , Sanchez-Diaz Ivan , Kalahasthi Lokesh Kumar
Published: August 2022

This paper studies demand for public loading zones in urban environments and seeks to develop a machine learning algorithm to predict their demand. Understanding and predicting demand for public loading zones can: (i) support better management of the loading zones and (ii) provide better pre-advice so that transport operators can plan their routes in an optimal way. The methods used are linear regression analysis and neural networks. Six months of parking data from the city of Vic in Spain are used to calibrate and test the models, where the parking data is transformed into a time-series format with forecasting targets. For each loading zone, a different model is calibrated to test which model has the best performance for the loading zone’s particular demand pattern. To evaluate each model’s performance, both root mean square error and mean absolute error are computed. The results show that, for different loading zone demand patterns, different models are better suited. As the prediction horizon increases, predicting further into the future, the neural network approaches start to give better predictions than linear models.
Inhaled Pulmonary Vasodilators in COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Khokher Waleed , Malhas Saif-Eddin , Beran Azizullah , Iftikhar Saffa , Burmeister Cameron , Mhanna Mohammed , Srour Omar , Rashid Rakin , Kesireddy Nithin , Assaly Ragheb
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Inhaled pulmonary vasodilators (IPVD) have been previously studied in patients with non-coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The use of IPVD has been shown to improve the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2), reduce fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) requirements, and ultimately increase PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratios in ARDS patients. However, the role of IPVD in COVID-19 ARDS is still unclear. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the role of IPVD in COVID-19 patients. Methods: Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases from inception through April 22, 2022 was performed for all published studies that utilized IPVD in COVID-19 ARDS patients. The single arm studies and case series were combined for a 1-arm meta-analysis, and the 2-arm studies were combined for a 2-arm meta-analysis. Primary outcomes for the 1-arm and 2-arm meta-analyzes were change in pre- and post-IPVD P/F ratios and mortality, respectively. Secondary outcomes for the 1-arm meta-analysis were change in pre- and post-IPVD positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and lung compliance, and for the 2-arm meta-analysis the secondary outcomes were need for endotracheal intubation and hospital length of stay (LOS). Results: 13 single arm retrospective studies and 5 case series involving 613 patients were included in the 1-arm meta-analysis. 3 studies involving 640 patients were included in the 2-arm meta-analysis. The pre-IPVD P/F ratios were significantly lower compared to post-IPVD, but there was no significant difference between pre- and post-IPVD PEEP and lung compliance. The mortality rates, need for endotracheal intubation, and hospital LOS were similar between the IPVD and standard therapy groups. Conclusion: Although IPVD may improve oxygenation, our investigation showed no benefits in terms of mortality compared to standard therapy alone. However, randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate our findings.
Ballistic studies on Kevlar - glass fibre hybrid laminated epoxy composites
Authors: Kumar Saurabh S , Magarajan Udayakumar , Dharani Kumar Selvan
Published: August 2022

In this present work, post ballistic studies on Kevlar – Glass Fibre laminated composite targets has been made. The targets made of Kevlar and Glass fibre with epoxy matrix were prepared by hand lay-up method. A total of seven laminated composites were fabricated by altering the number of Kevlar and glass fibre layers; and ballistic experiments were conducted by firing 9 × 19 mm parabellum projectiles on the targets. The Specific Energy Absorption (SEA) and the Back Face Signature (BFS) of the targets were calculated after the projectile impact. The results indicate BFS values of the laminate composite targets were below 44 mm as per the requirement of NIJ standard. The amount of kinetic energy required to completely penetrate the projectile into the glass fibre hybrid laminate composite was higher compare to pure Kevlar fibre laminates. Also, from the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, the failure mechanisms of the Kevlar - Glass fibre composite targets were studied and discussed in detail.
Unsteady two-phase region evolution of SCO2 centrifugal compressor
Authors: Bao Wenrui , Yang Ce , Geng Kaihe , Fu Li
Published: August 2022

In this study, unsteady numerical simulations of centrifugal compressors with and without volute were carried out. The unsteady two-phase region evolution in the centrifugal compressor is obtained. Large coherent perturbations were revealed by the decomposition of the transient flow data using the dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) approach. The results imply that because of the low static pressure strip LP1, the two-phase region presents a triangular distribution at the blade leading edge (LE) of the pressure surface (PS) side in one impeller rotation period for both a low flow rate and the design flow rate. At a high flow rate, the two-phase region displays a double triangle distribution on the PS side of the blade LE, which is correlated with the low static pressure strips LP1 and LP2. The maximum two-phase region on the PS side of the LE of the blade occurs downstream of the LP1 position. The two-phase region in the tip clearance is deflected along the LP1 trajectory. DMD analysis shows that there are four modes related to the two-phase region in the tip clearance: mean flow mode with a frequency of 0 Hz and three modes with frequencies of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 BPF respectively. Furthermore, the circumferential local perturbation region of these four modes has the same deflection trajectory as that of LP1.
Engaging the public or asking your friends? Analysing science-related crowdfunding using behavioural and survey data
Authors: Hase Valerie , Schäfer Mike S. , Metag Julia , Bischofberger Mirko , Henry Luc
Published: August 2022

Science-related crowdfunding enables public engagement with science. However, we know little about citizens engaging with science this way: Who are the people engaging with and donating to science through crowdfunding – and how do they decide how much to give? This study analyses behavioural and survey data from the Swiss crowdfunding platform wemakeit ( N = 576). Results illustrate that a small, non-representative segment of the public engages with science through crowdfunding. Compared to the general public in Switzerland, these backers have an above-average education and income. Science-related crowdfunding mainly reaches citizens with an existing interest in science, personal ties to project initiators or the scientific community. The size of backers’ donations correlates with perceived personal appeals in campaigns or connections to initiators rather than projects’ scientific merit. While science-related crowdfunding thus opens up new avenues for public outreach by the scientific community, its potential for broader public engagement with science seems limited.
Preclinical and Clinical Amelioration of Bone Fractures with Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yi Hanxiao , Wang Yang , Liang Qunying , Mao Xiaoqun
Published: August 2022

Even though reunion of bone fracture confronts clinicians, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are investigated to be curative in bone fracture. This study aimed to explore the application potential of MSCs for healing bone fractures. By inputting search terms and retrieving studies published up to March 2021, multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, were searched to identify eligible studies. The mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to analyze the main results in the meta-analysis. Data analysis was performed using Engauge Digitizer 10.8 and R Software. Of the 31 articles, 26 were preclinical studies ( n = 913), and 5 were clinical trials ( n = 335). Preclinically, MSCs therapy significantly augmented the progress of bone regeneration [(bone volume over tissue volume (MD7.35, p < 0.01)], despite some non-significant effects (on the callus index, bone strength, work to failure, and stiffness). Clinically, the MSC group had a significantly reduced incidence of poor recovery (odds ratio (OR) 0.30, p < 0.01); however, a significant decrease in healing time was not observed in the MSC group (MD 2.47, p = 0.26). In summary, our data suggest that patients with bone fractures benefited from MSC administration and that MSCs are a potentially useful agent for bone regeneration. Despite these satisfactory outcomes, larger randomised clinical trials (RCTs) are necessary to confirm these findings.
A magnetorheological flap valve micropump for drug delivery applications
Authors: Cesmeci Sevki , Hassan Rubayet , Baniasadi Mahmoud , Palacio Anthony G
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we propose a flap valve micro-fluidic pump that relies on an electromagnetic actuation mechanism. We employed a multiphysics-based simulation methodology to prove the proposed concept. More specifically, the complex and fully coupled magneto-solid-fluid interaction analyses were carried out via a two-dimensional, time-dependent computational model to determine the deformation of the upper wall of the pump chamber and the velocity field inside the pump channel. The simulations were performed in COMSOL Multiphysics software. The simulation approach was verified through a validity check study by replicating an existing study in the literature. Once verified, the full simulations were performed for the proposed concept. The performance characteristics of the pump were presented and discussed. In addition, a parametric study was conducted to see the effects of important design parameters on the net pumped volume, results of which were also presented and discussed. The proposed micropump can transfer 1.9 µL of fluid in one pumping cycle, which is almost two times the other micropump models. Also, the proposed flap valve can reduce the backflow up to 10 times during the expansion phase in comparison with the no valve model. The parametric studies demonstrated that the net pumped volume of the fluid is directly proportional to the channel height and valve spacing distance and is inversely proportional to the upper wall thickness, elastic modulus of the pump structure, width, height, and Poisson ratio of the valves. The proposed micropump could potentially be used in a broad range of applications, such as an insulin dosing system for Type 1 Diabetic patients, artificial organs to transport blood, organ-on-chip applications, and so on.
Missed Vision Screenings for School-Age Children During The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Based Study of NASN Representatives
Authors: Antonio-Aguirre Bani , Emge Gina , Collins Megan
Published: August 2022

During the 2020–21 academic year, COVID-19-related educational disruptions impacted school-based vision screenings. However, limited information regarding changes in vision screening and the number of students impacted has been reported. Delayed screenings can negatively impact students’ referral to eye care providers, which may affect a child's ability to see clearly and academic success. This study aims to describe changes in school-based vision screening practices through a survey of National Association of School Nurses state representatives (n = 49). Among states with vision screenings mandates, participants reported that 23.7% (9/38) states waived screenings, 31.6% (12/38) continued screenings, and 36.8% (14/38) modified requirements, such as grades screened or assessments included (e.g., color vision and stereoacuity screenings). These results suggest that millions of students across the United States missed vision screenings during the 2020–21 academic year. Efforts by education and school health stakeholders should be directed towards addressing the pandemic-related disruption in vision screening.
Pars plana vitrectomy and therapeutic keratoplasty in endophthalmitis and infectious keratitis
Authors: Zapata Cuevas María Alejandra , García de Oteyza Gonzalo , Alvarado-Villacorta Rosa , Quintana Hernández Luis Manuel , Ordoñez-Ranz Gabriela , de Wit Carter Guillermo , García-Albisua Ana Mercedes
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To describe the anatomical and functional outcomes of patients with infectious keratitis (IK) and secondary endophthalmitis who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) assisted by temporary keratoprosthesis (TKP).

Methods

An observational retrospective case series was performed. Data were collected from January 2013 to July 2020. Patients over 18 years old with a clinical and microbiological diagnosis of IK, and clinical, ultrasonographic, and or microbiological diagnosis of endophthalmitis were included. Anatomical success was defined as infection resolution with preservation of the ocular globe integrity. No change or improvement of best-corrected visual acuity (VA) at the last follow-up was considered as a functional success.

Results

A total of 32 eyes of 32 patients were analyzed. The anatomic success was obtained in 87.5% eyes in which the infection was eradicated. The 63% patients maintained or improved their best-corrected VA, 37.5% ended up with hand motion VA.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that PPV assisted by TKP followed by PKP can be a good approach for treating patients with endophthalmitis secondary to IK while allowing further visual improvement after an optical PK. Further prospective studies need to be done to evaluate final visual rehabilitation of these patients.