bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weak Sinusoidal Signal Detection with CSI Model in Chaotic Interference
Authors: Su Liyun , Zhu Wanlin , Li Fenglan , Pan Chunquan
Published: December 2023

In small target detection under strong sea clutter or impact signal detection under machinery fault diagnosis, a weak sinusoidal signal with random amplitude is often contaminated by heavier chaotic noise, and the target information is difficult to detect. Traditional solutions, such as neural networks or stochastic resonance, can not effectively extract heteroscedasticity of data, which leads to weak signals not being detected. To overcome these limitations and improve the detection efficiency, an empirical likelihood ratio statistical method for detecting weak sinusoidal signals with random amplitude under strong chaotic interference is proposed. First, based on the reconstruction in the phase space of the 1‐D observed time series signal with embedding dimension and time delay, the presented method obtains a multivariate special temporal series as an input. Subsequently, the chaotic single index (CSI) statistical model is established for single‐step prediction, and it can be estimated by the nonparametric locally linear algorithm for minimizing the mean squares error. Finally, the empirical likelihood ratio statistical method is applied to detect weak sinusoidal signals with random amplitude. Simulated data and real data experiment results show that the proposed CSI model can better capture the weak target signal and detect effectively weak target signal under the chaotic interference.
Which Groups of Children Are at More Risk of Fatality during COVID-19 Pandemic? A Case-Control Study in Yazd, Iran
Authors: Shafaei Behnam , Nafei Zahra , Karimi Mehran , Behniafard Nasrin , Shamsi Farimah , Faisal Masoud , Amel Shahbaz Amir Pasha , Akbarian Elahe
Published: December 2023

Introduction. The study aims to investigate the characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory findings, and clinical manifestations of under 18-year-old patients who died with the diagnosis of COVID-19 and determination of the most prevalent risk factors. Method. This case-control study was performed at a referral hospital in Yazd from March 2020 to August 2021. All patients under 18 years who were diagnosed through real-time RT-PCR, chest computed tomography, and the World Health Organization definition were divided into deceased and survived groups. The characteristics (age and sex), disease severity, comorbidities, laboratory findings, and clinical manifestations of the two groups were compared and analyzed using SPSS, version 18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, III., USA). Results. A total of 24 patients in the deceased group and 167 patients in the survived group were compared. The highest mortality rate was observed in the age group of 1 month to 5 years, although no statistically significant relationship was found between age groups and the risk of mortality. Disease severity, dyspnea, low oxygen saturation on admission, length of hospital stays, and hospitalization history before the last admission were significantly correlated with mortality (

P

 < 0.05). Lymphopenia increased the probability of mortality by more than two times (OR: 2.568; 95% CI (0.962–6.852)), but this was not the case for D-dimer and C-reactive protein. Furthermore, 27.5% of survived patients had normal chest CT scans, which was a statistically significant difference compared to the deceased patients (

P

: 0.031). Conclusion. Based on the findings of this study, dyspnea, low oxygen saturation, and lymphopenia are critical indicators for identifying high-risk children with COVID-19 and triaging them for better care and treatment.
False-Negative Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling in Young-Onset Cushing Disease: What Happens Next
Authors: Maschio Cristina , Weinberg Jessica , Keil Meg , Saidkhodjaeva Lola , Chittiboina Prashant , Chang Richard , Stratakis Constantine A. , Tatsi Christina
Published: December 2023

Introduction: False-negative results during inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) may complicate the diagnostic evaluation of patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome (CS). The management of these patients can be confusing for clinicians and lead to delayed management. Methods: We studied patients with young-onset (<21 years old) CD who underwent IPSS during their diagnostic evaluation. For all patients, diagnosis of CD was eventually confirmed based on histologic evaluation of a resected pituitary tumor or remission after transsphenoidal surgery. Results: We recorded a rare incidence of false-negative IPSS results in 5 out of the 142 IPSS procedures (3.5%), performed in 4 unique patients. Patients with negative IPSS did not differ in demographic (age and sex) or biochemical (diurnal ACTH/cortisol or 24-hour urinary free cortisol) data from the remaining. Additional workup was performed in three of the four patients including evaluation for ectopic sources of CS and repeat IPSS. Two of these patients also received medical treatment for suppression of cortisol production. One patient decided to proceed with pituitary exploration without additional evaluation. All patients finally underwent surgery and achieved remission. Discussion/Conclusion: In patients with CD, IPSS may rarely lead to false-negative results. Management of these patients usually includes screening for ectopic sources of ACTH/CRH secretion, repeating IPSS if ectopic workup is negative, and considering medical management until final diagnosis of the source of hypercortisolism is made.
Mediación y conciliación escolar en Caldas (Colombia): un escenario esperanzador para la paz
Authors: Gallego Luz Eliana , Giraldo Rodrigo , Posada Jonathan
Published: December 2023

(analytical)This paper describes and analyzes how interventions by school conciliation agents and mediators reduces violence and contributes to the transformation of conflict management among children and adolescents. A case study was carried out in four schools in the municipalities of Villamaría, Palestina, Neira, and Chinchiná in department of Caldas, Colombia. This research drew on a conceptual approach to the categories of conflict resolution, peaceful coexistence in schools and a culture of peace. The authors conclude that the pedagogical practices of conciliation and mediation for conflict resolution in classroom settings provide educational actors with tools that counterbalance traditionalpunishment models while fostering respect and tolerance among students.
Novos moluscos marinhos do Brasil
Authors: Morretes F. Lange de
Published: December 2023

.
Conhecimento de profissionais da atenção primária em saúde mental: diagnóstico pelo mhGAP
Authors: Mendonça Joana Moscoso Teixeira de , Eshriqui Ilana , Almeida Leticia Yamawaka de , Gomes Filho Valmir Vanderlei , Schunk Lívia , Sousa Ana Alice Freire de , Santos Larissa Karollyne de Oliveira , Fortes Sandra
Published: December 2023

OBJETIVO: Analisar o conhecimento sobre temas prioritários do cuidado em saúde mental de atores estratégicos que atuam em regiões que executam a metodologia da Planificação da Atenção à Saúde. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo, transversal, observacional, realizado com profissionais de seis regiões de saúde, distribuídas em três estados brasileiros (Goiás, Rondônia e Maranhão), vinculadas ao projeto PROADI-SUS “Saúde mental na APS”. A amostra foi composta por profissionais que participaram da etapa de formação de multiplicadores do manual de intervenções para transtornos mentais, neurológicos e por uso de álcool e outras drogas na rede de atenção básica à saúde, no período de julho a setembro de 2022. A coleta de dados foi realizada a partir de um instrumento autoaplicável, em formato eletrônico, composto por um bloco com itens socioeconômicos e um questionário estruturado para avaliação do conhecimento dos participantes acerca de temas prioritários em saúde mental. Para análise dos dados, foram empreendidas análises descritivas e comparação de proporções. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo, 354 profissionais de saúde. Em relação ao percentual de acerto no questionário sobre temas prioritários em saúde mental as medianas mais altas foram identificadas no módulo de “Depressão”. Em contrapartida, o conteúdo referente aos módulos “Cuidados e práticas essenciais” e “Outras queixas importantes” apresentaram os valores mais baixos. Além disso, identificou-se que algumas características dos participantes apresentaram associações com o percentual de acertos nos módulos do questionário. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados revelam oportunidades de melhoria, principalmente, no conhecimento relacionado às habilidades de comunicação e a abordagem ao sofrimento emocional e físico sem critérios diagnósticos para uma doença específica, oferecendo subsídios para o planejamento de ações que visem a intensificação do olhar à estas temáticas durante as etapas operacionais da Planificação da Atenção à Saúde.
Using Genomics to Identify Novel Therapeutic Targets for Aortic Disease
Authors: Raghavan Avanthi , Pirruccello James P. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Lindsay Mark E.
Published: December 2023

Aortic disease, including dissection, aneurysm, and rupture, carries significant morbidity and mortality and is a notable cause of sudden cardiac death. Much of our knowledge regarding the genetic basis of aortic disease has relied on the study of individuals with Mendelian aortopathies and, until recently, the genetic determinants of population-level variance in aortic phenotypes remained unclear. However, the application of machine learning methodologies to large imaging datasets has enabled researchers to rapidly define aortic traits and mine dozens of novel genetic associations for phenotypes such as aortic diameter and distensibility. In this review, we highlight the emerging potential of genomics for identifying causal genes and candidate drug targets for aortic disease. We describe how deep learning technologies have accelerated the pace of genetic discovery in this field. We then provide a blueprint for translating genetic associations to biological insights, reviewing techniques for locus and cell type prioritization, high-throughput functional screening, and disease modeling using cellular and animal models of aortic disease.
Extent of Abdominal Aortic Calcification Is Associated With Incident Rapid Weight Loss Over 5 Years: The Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women
Authors: Smith Cassandra , Sim Marc , Dalla Via Jack , Gebre Abadi K. , Zhu Kun , Lim Wai H. , Teh Ryan , Kiel Douglas P. , Schousboe John T. , Levinger Itamar , von Haehling Stephan , Woodman Richard , Coats Andrew J.S. , Prince Richard L. , Lewis Joshua R.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), a marker of vascular disease, is associated with disease in other vascular beds including gastrointestinal arteries. We investigated whether AAC is related to rapid weight loss over 5 years and whether rapid weight loss is associated with 9.5-year all-cause mortality in community-dwelling older women.

METHODS:

Lateral spine images from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (1998/1999) were used to assess AAC (24-point AAC scoring method) in 929 older women. Over 5 years, body weight was assessed at 12-month intervals. Rapid weight loss was defined as >5% decrease in body weight within any 12-month interval. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was used to assess AAC and rapid weight loss and Cox regression to assess the relationship between rapid weight loss and 9.5-year all-cause mortality.

RESULTS:

Mean±SD age of women was 75.0±2.6 years. During the initial 5 years, 366 (39%) women presented with rapid weight loss. Compared with women with low AAC (24-point AAC score 0–1), those with moderate (24-point AAC score 2–5: odds ratio, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.00–1.85]) and extensive (24-point AAC score 6+: odds ratio, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.10–2.31]) AAC had higher odds for presenting with rapid weight loss. Results remained similar after further adjustment for dietary factors (alcohol, protein, fat, and carbohydrates), diet quality, blood pressure, and cholesterol measures. The estimates were similar in subgroups of women who met protein intake (n=599) and physical activity (n=735) recommendations (extensive AAC: odds ratios, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.12–2.92] and 1.58 [95% CI, 1.02–2.44], respectively). Rapid weight loss was associated with all-cause mortality over the next 9.5 years (hazard ratio, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.17–1.89];
P
=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

AAC extent was associated with greater risk for rapid weight loss over 5 years in older women, a risk for all-cause mortality. Since the association was unchanged after taking nutritional intakes into account, these data support the possibility that vascular disease may play a role in the maintenance of body weight.
Troponin I Tyrosine Phosphorylation Beneficially Accelerates Diastolic Function
Authors: Salyer Lorien G. , Salhi Hussam E. , Brundage Elizabeth A. , Shettigar Vikram , Sturgill Sarah L. , Zanella Helena , Templeton Benjamin , Abay Eaman , Emmer Kathryn M. , Lowe Jeovanna , Rafael-Fortney Jill A. , Parinandi Narasimham , Foster D. Brian , McKinsey Timothy A. , Woulfe Kathleen C. , Ziolo Mark T. , Biesiadecki Brandon J.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

A healthy heart is able to modify its function and increase relaxation through post-translational modifications of myofilament proteins. While there are known examples of serine/threonine kinases directly phosphorylating myofilament proteins to modify heart function, the roles of tyrosine (Y) phosphorylation to directly modify heart function have not been demonstrated. The myofilament protein TnI (troponin I) is the inhibitory subunit of the troponin complex and is a key regulator of cardiac contraction and relaxation. We previously demonstrated that TnI-Y26 phosphorylation decreases calcium-sensitive force development and accelerates calcium dissociation, suggesting a novel role for tyrosine kinase–mediated TnI-Y26 phosphorylation to regulate cardiac relaxation. Therefore, we hypothesize that increasing TnI-Y26 phosphorylation will increase cardiac relaxation in vivo and be beneficial during pathological diastolic dysfunction.

METHODS:

The signaling pathway involved in TnI-Y26 phosphorylation was predicted in silico and validated by tyrosine kinase activation and inhibition in primary adult murine cardiomyocytes. To investigate how TnI-Y26 phosphorylation affects cardiac muscle, structure, and function in vivo, we developed a novel TnI-Y26 phosphorylation-mimetic mouse that was subjected to echocardiography, pressure-volume loop hemodynamics, and myofibril mechanical studies. TnI-Y26 phosphorylation-mimetic mice were further subjected to the nephrectomy/DOCA (deoxycorticosterone acetate) model of diastolic dysfunction to investigate the effects of increased TnI-Y26 phosphorylation in disease.

RESULTS:

Src tyrosine kinase is sufficient to phosphorylate TnI-Y26 in cardiomyocytes. TnI-Y26 phosphorylation accelerates in vivo relaxation without detrimental structural or systolic impairment. In a mouse model of diastolic dysfunction, TnI-Y26 phosphorylation is beneficial and protects against the development of disease.

CONCLUSIONS:

We have demonstrated that tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of TnI is a novel mechanism to directly and beneficially accelerate myocardial relaxation in vivo.
Remarks on a Recent Study of the Śrīmālādevīsiṁhanādanirdeśasūtra
Authors: Silk Jonathan A.
Published: December 2023

The Śrīmālādevīsiṁhanādanirdeśasūtra is preserved in toto in one Tibetan and two Chinese translations, in addition to which we have access to a fragmentary Sanskrit manuscript and a considerable number of Sanskrit quotations, contributing to a sizable amount of the text now being available in Sanskrit. The present contribution takes as its impetus a recent contribution on the sūtra and its ideas about tathāgatagarbha, offering a survey of the state of the field of study of the text in its Indian context, and several suggestions for improved understandings.
A New Reading of the Bactrian Part of the Dašt-i Nāwur Trilingual (DN I)
Authors: Halfmann Jakob , Bonmann Svenja , Fries Simon , Korobzow Natalie
Published: December 2023

The trilingual Kushan royal inscription of Dašt-i Nāwur has been the subject of scholarly controversies since the time of its first scientific publication (Fussman 1974), with different authors defending opposing views and mutually incompatible readings, in particular of the Bactrian part of the inscription (e.g. Davary & Humbach 1976; Sims-Williams & Cribb 1996; Fussman 1998). Progress in the understanding of the inscription has been hampered by inadequate photographic documentation, but also by the comparatively small amount of information on the Bactrian language that was available at the time of its first publication. A color photograph of the Bactrian inscription probably taken in 1969, which was unavailable to earlier editors, has now been made publicly accessible by the Collège de France as part of the estate of the late Gérard Fussman. This article presents a new reading of the inscription based on this photograph, diverging in many respects from earlier interpretations. It includes a response to the recent re-edition of Palunčić et al. (2023), who have also taken the new photograph into account but reached different conclusions.
Novel High-Gain Quadratic Buck-Boost Converter
Authors: Zhu Gao-Zhong
Published: December 2023

Based on voltage boosting technology, a simple new quadratic buck-boost topology is proposed. The proposed converter has higher voltage gain and uninterrupted input current, reducing the filtering requirements of the input port. The performance of the converter in uninterrupted conduction
mode are introduced in detail, and the new quadratic buck-boost topology is compared with other buck-boost topologies with regard to voltage gain, number of topological elements, voltage stress and current continuity of switching devices, and the comparison showed its excellent characteristics.
Finally, the experimental prototype of the new converter is developed by PSIM. The experimental data is tested under different conditions, and the record experimental data of PSIM to verify the excellent of the new topology.
Current Re-Use Architecture and Pre-Distortion Technique Employing Re-Configurable Low Noise Amplifier for the Design of Nano-Electronic Sensors
Authors: Suganthi K. , Kayalvizhi S. , Ferents Koni Jiavana K. , Malarvizhi S.
Published: December 2023

This study presents the design of reconfigurable CMOS Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) topologies to achieve acceptable linearity, gain, and low noise for Nano-sensor applications. The frequency bands at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 28 GHz are taken into consideration for employing the Pre-distortion
and current reuse technique. Millimeter Wave (MMW) frequency bands include excellent impedance matching, good isolation between the ports, To improve the futuristic applications of RADAR sensors, low noise figures and significant gain are preferred. The designed re-configurable structure achieved
At 2.4 GHz, the gain is modest with a low NF of 2.6 dB, less than 2 dB at 5 GHz, and more than 10 dB at 28 GHz frequencies. The Stability of the amplifier greater than 1 dB, The arrangement of the layout with a chip measuring 0.5×0.2 mm2 and a moderate power increase make
it appropriate for nanosensor creation.
Construction and Application of Trajectory Data Analysis Model Based on Big Data and Stochastic Gradient Descent Algorithm
Authors: Xie Jianhua , Yang Zhongming , Zeng Wenquan , He Yongjun , Gong Fagen , Zhao Xi , Sun Xibin , Aldosary Saad
Published: December 2023

This paper studies the model construction of computing and storage resource management system framework based on Hadoop and the implementation of trajectory data analysis function under big data. Relying on the cloud platform infrastructure, in order to support the rapid data growth
and massive data processing needs, it provides a mixed storage and analysis platform for structured and unstructured data, and uses big data technology to build a highly scalable and distributed data processing framework. The distributed computation, overall frame model of the memory system,
and function module have been built with the aim of constructing the system in consideration. Second, by using Hadoop to preprocess the original data and concentrating on the data hierarchical design model and key technology analysis of big data systems, the design model, functional modules,
technological solutions, and SGD algorithm are suggested, along with the detailed implementation procedure. Lastly, by merging the data of running vehicles, the system accomplishes the data analysis of vehicle trajectory, empty and load cars, and load and unload people.
Pulsed Optoelectronic Rangefinder and Its Measurement Applications in Architectural Design Rationality Assessment
Authors: Cao Zhifang
Published: December 2023

The laser rangefinder is a device that combines various technologies such as optoelectronics, electronics, microcontroller control technology, signal control, processing technology, and precision mechanical technology. This device has wide application value in aerospace, automatic control,
industry, military, geodesy, and construction surveying, among other fields. The pulse laser rangefinder designed uses the SPLLL90_3 laser emitting diode for the laser emission circuit and employs the AD500_9 laser receiving diode for the laser reception circuit. The design of the laser emission
circuit includes laser diode selection, emission, sample signal’s modulation circuit design, pulse signal generation, and driving circuit. The design of the laser reception circuit includes laser receiving diode selection, laser reception pulse signal’s acquisition circuit, reception
signal adjustment circuit, and microcontroller peripheral circuit. After completing the hardware design of the pulse laser rangefinder, performance testing is conducted. The laser emission waveform and reception waveform are tested under an oscilloscope. The results show that the emission
pulse generation and reception pulse acquisition circuits work normally. Range tests show that the rangefinder has a high degree of fit between theoretical and actual measurement distances within a certain time interval, meeting the design expectations. The designed optoelectronic rangefinder
is adopted to evaluate the rationality of the design of building wall freeform surfaces through measurement. The results suggest that the designed optoelectronic rangefinder achieves higher detection efficiency and accuracy compared to traditional evaluation methods.
Terahertz Metamaterial Sensor Based on Electromagnetic Induced Transparency
Authors: Wan Xiaoting , Lu Jin , Chen Meifen , Wang Ying
Published: December 2023

A graphene-based terahertz electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) metamaterial sensor is proposed and studied. The sensor is made up of two bright modes: a graphene strip resonator and a 7-shape resonator. In a terahertz metamaterial sensor based on EIT, the metamaterial structure
is designed to have two resonant modes that are coupled through a common resonator. When terahertz radiation hits the metamaterial, the two resonant modes interact, creating a window of transparency in the transmission spectrum. It illuminated that the physical mechanism of the EIT effect
lay in the recombination effect of the conductive resonators. By changing the carrier relaxation lifetime or the Fermi energy of the graphene, the amplitude or the location of the EIT window could be actively tuned. The terahertz metamaterial sensors based on EIT have the potential to provide
highly accurate and sensitive measurements in a wide range of fields and could lead to important advances in medical diagnostics.
Momentum Transport in Organized Shallow Cumulus Convection
Authors: Savazzi Alessandro C. M. , Nuijens Louise , de Rooy Wim , Janssens Martin , Siebesma A. Pier
Published: December 2023

This study investigates momentum transport in shallow cumulus clouds as simulated with the Dutch Atmospheric Large Eddy Simulation (DALES) for a 150 × 150 km2 domain east of Barbados during 9 days of EUREC4A. DALES is initialized and forced with the mesoscale weather model HARMONIE–AROME and subjectively reproduces observed cloud patterns. This study examines the evolution of momentum transport, which scales contribute to it, and how they modulate the trade winds. Daily-mean momentum flux profiles show downgradient zonal momentum transport in the subcloud layer, which turns countergradient in the cloud layer. The meridional momentum transport is nontrivial, with mostly downgradient transport throughout the trade wind layer except near the top of the surface layer and near cloud tops. Substantial spatial and temporal heterogeneity in momentum flux is observed with much stronger tendencies imposed in areas of organized convection. The study finds that while scales < 2 km dominate momentum flux at 200 m in unorganized fields, submesoscales carry up to 50% of the zonal momentum flux in the cloud layer in organized fields. For the meridional momentum flux, this fraction is even larger near the surface and in the subcloud layer. The scale dependence of the momentum flux is not explained by changes in convective or boundary layer depth. Instead, the results suggest the importance of spatial heterogeneity, increasing horizontal length scales, and countergradient transport in the presence of organized convection.
The role of education and social background in the changing political involvement of adolescents – a comparative approach
Authors: Strømme Thea Bertnes , Demanet Jannick , Merino Rafael
Published: December 2023

Political involvement differs according to youngsters’ social background, but the role of students’ own educational pathways in that social gradient is less clear. We investigate whether track position and the school composition mediate and/or moderate the social gradient in the development of students’ political involvement. Examining schools in Ghent (Flanders, Belgium), Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain) and Bergen (Norway) – we investigate whether these determinants for change in political engagement during upper secondary education differ between educational systems. Results from multilevel conditional change models show that the role of social background in changes in political involvement matters across the studied educational systems, but the role of track and school composition varies. In Barcelona, all the impact from social background on the increase in political involvement can be accounted for by track position, whereas in the Flemish system, the increase in political involvement is higher among those in academic tracks if they have low social background rather than high. There is more variance between schools in Ghent, and ethnic school concentration is associated with a smaller increase in political involvement there. The Norwegian system has little between-school variance and small differences between tracks.
National SIDS Trends in the United States From 2000 to 2019: A Population-Based Study on 80 Million Live Births
Authors: Huang Ryan , Spence Andrea R. , Abenhaim Haim A.
Published: December 2023

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the most common cause of death for infants between 1 month and 1 year of age in the United States. The objective was to examine recent trends in SIDS in the United States, over time and by sex and race. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 710 348 live births using data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “Birth Data” and “Mortality Multiple Cause” files from 2000 to 2019. Logistic regression examined the effects of sex and race on the risk of SIDS and examined temporal changes in risk across sex and race over the study period. Incidence of SIDS decreased from 6.3 to 3.4/10 000 births from 2000 to 2019, with an overall incidence of 4.9/10 000 births (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.4-5.3). Male infants were at the greatest risk of SIDS as were black and American Indian infants. Although SIDS incidence decreased by sex and race over time, the decline was smaller among Hispanic and American Indian infants.
The Tamil Version of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18V2: Reliability and Factor Structure Among Persons with Schizophrenia
Authors: Swarnameenaa G. , Durairaj Jothilakshmi , Hariharan Nithyashri , Madhavan Vaishnavi K. , Arunachaleeswaran Pavithra , Venkatraman Lakshmi , Sankaranarayanan Anoop , Ramachandran Padmavati
Published: December 2023

Background:

Persons with schizophrenia (PwS) are vulnerable to developing disordered eating behaviors. However, standardized tools to assess disordered eating patterns are unavailable in the regional language, Tamil. Different versions of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) have been used to measure disordered eating patterns among PwS worldwide. This study aimed to assess the factor structure and reliability of the Tamil version of TFEQ-R18V2 among Tamil-speaking PwS.

Methods:

Over three months, 135 PwS, aged 18–65 years, who attended the outpatient department of a tertiary mental health service provider in Chennai, completed the Tamil version of TFEQ-R18V2. Thirty PwS completed the tool after two weeks to assess its test–retest reliability. The factor structure of the tool was explored using principal component analysis.

Results:

The sample included 75 (55.6%) males and 60 (44.4%) females with a mean (±SD) age of 40.1 (±9.8) years and a mean duration of illness of 11.99 (± 8.72) years. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the Tamil version were 0.84 and 0.532, respectively. A five-factor structure emerged from the factor analysis, with 65.67% of the variance.

Conclusion:

The Tamil version of TFEQ-R18V2 emerged as a reliable tool to assess disordered eating patterns among Tamil-speaking PwS.
Impact of Firm Ownership Type on Organizational Commitment and Citizenship Behaviour
Authors: Dhir Vidyut Lata , Das Suranjan , Chatterjee Debmallya
Published: December 2023

In today’s globalized scenario, where advancements in technologies have facilitated people to connect, communicate and collaborate, and where organizations are striving to create an ecosystem that develops sustainable competitive advantage, people issues become a key factor. Organizations, therefore, require an understanding of the business scenario, organizational context and employee characteristics that influence employee behaviour and their workplace relationships as well as their intentions to stay. Though all organizations expect their employees to act with a sense of trust and commitment, the business context of family- and non-family firms are unique and different. While family firms are characterized by the family’s value system and emotions in building strong employee engagement, non-family firms are transactional and driven by outcomes. The study explores differences in organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behaviour between family- and non-family firms, and it draws on the tenets from the Social Exchange theory. The data has been collected from 634 dyadic responses captured at two levels—employees’ self-reported commitment levels and their citizenship behaviour rated by their managers. Our results show that, in the Indian context, the employees of family firms demonstrate a higher affective, continuance and normative commitment as compared to those of non-family firms. However, the two groups did not differ significantly in their organization citizenship behaviour. It was also found that the relationship between organizational commitment and citizenship behaviour was stronger in employees of family firms than in employees of non-family firms.
Cognitive Reserve, Physical Reserve, and Cognitive Efficiency of Older People Living in the Sardinian Blue Zone. An Exploratory Study
Authors: Fastame Maria Chiara , Brandas Benedetta , Pau Massimiliano
Published: December 2023

This study mainly intended to disentangle the role played by physical reserve as a mediator of the relationship between cognitive reserve and global cognitive functioning in older people aging well. A sample of 120 67–101-year-old community-dwellers was recruited in the Sardinian Blue Zone, an area characterized by the extreme longevity of its inhabitants. Each respondent completed a battery of tests examining cognitive functioning, perceived physical health, cognitive reserve, and physical reserve (objectively assessed through accelerometric-derived measures). Significant associations were found among measures of cognitive reserve, physical reserve, perceived physical health, and cognition. Besides, two mediational analyses pointed out that physical reserve and distinct indexes of cognitive reserve explained 18% and 32% of the variance associated with global cognitive functioning. In conclusion, the combination of high cognitive reserve and more preserved motor functioning seems to contribute to the maintenance of healthy cognition in older people aging well.
Effect of different generated weather climate data file on building energy consumption in different climates of Iran
Authors: Reveshti Ali Maboudi , Ebrahimpour Abdolsalam , Razmara Jafar
Published: December 2023

Accurate estimation of building energy consumption is critical, and it can usually be calculated using simulation software like Energy Plus. The input weather data for software is typically a typical or reference year as a standard weather file, such as TMY2. To best estimate building energy consumption, TMY2 data must be generated intelligently. In the present study, first, several TMY2 data files have been generated from different periods (5–21 years) of available measured weather data (9 separate files). Available measured weather data is for 1998 to 2019. Also, a TMY2 file has been generated from the long-term average for the total period (1998–2019), and two TMY2 files have been generated using the CCWeatherGen software for 2020 and 2050. In the next step, the calculated building energy consumption from those files for an educational building will be compared using Energy Plus software. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of different generated TMY2 (from different weather data periods) on energy consumption and determine the best period to generate TMY2 files from the available period of 5 to 21 years for the capital of Iran (Tehran), which has a semi-arid climate, and Tabriz, which has a cold and mountainous climate. These cities have different climates. Results show that for Tehran, building heating energy consumption changes by about 10% from other generated TMY2 files (one file generated from 2009 to 2019 and another generated from the 2007 to 2019 period). The result shows that generating TMY2 files from different weather data periods affects building energy consumption. So, a suitable strategy for generating TMY2 files is necessary. As a new strategy, the present study proposes that TMY2 files should be generated based on building cooling and heating energy from recent years. Also, because climate change is an important parameter, a TMY2 file should be generated from recent years’ weather data to accurately predict building energy consumption.
Financial Performance of Indian Public Sector Banks Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Anithabose S. , Gnanaraj G.
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The present study aims to examine the financial performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to profitability ratios, liquidity ratios, solvency ratios and economic value added (EVA) of select Indian public sector banks listed in the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Design/Methodology/Approach: In total, 12 public sector banks listed on the BSE were chosen for the analysis, which spans the years 2018–2019 to 2019–2020. Financial statements and monthly closing prices of public sector banks are the data that were gathered for this study. The tools used in this study are as follows: (1) EVA, (2) financial ratios, (3) descriptive statistics, (4) Shapiro–Wilk normality test and (5) paired samples t-test. Findings of the study are as follows: The empirical findings of the study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has a negative effect on earnings per share, net profit ratio, return on capital employed, return on asset and return on equity and a positive effect on current ratio, debt to equity ratio and EVA of select public sector banks. Research Limitations/Implications: The findings of this study provide several avenues for more research. As one of the research ramifications, future researchers would need to explain discrepancies in the statistical findings of various academics in the finance field. Social Implications: As the expansion of the banking industry is correlated with India’s economic growth, developing nations like India rely on the accuracy of the information. With the information provided, the COVID-19 pandemic has a negative effect on profitability variables and positive effect on liquidity, solvency and shareholder’s wealth creation variables, so that it has no serious harmful consequences on the economy in respect to profitability position of select banks. Originality/Value: The study is conducted on the financial performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to profitability ratios, liquidity ratios, solvency ratios and EVA of select Indian public sector banks listed in BSE and also highlighted how banks adapted the pandemic situation, which is a new phenomenon.
Correcting Myopia: Effect of Information Provision on Support for Preparedness Policy
Authors: Weller Nicholas , Jamieson Thomas
Published: December 2023

Some scholars argue that the public is generally myopic in their attitudes about disaster preparedness spending, because they prefer to spend money on disaster response rather than preparedness, despite the greater cost effectiveness of the later. Given voters’ general lack of policy information, it is possible that limited support for preparedness comes from lack of information about its efficacy. In this paper, we build on these studies by examining how people respond to new information about the effectiveness of policy initiatives in the context of public health and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through two online survey experiments with over 3400 respondents, we demonstrate that information can lead people to update attitudes about preparedness, illustrating the potential for information campaigns to increase support for preparedness policies. Our results suggest that information about the efficacy of preparedness can increase support for these policies, and the information effect exists even for individuals whose prior beliefs were that public health programs were ineffective. These results suggest that information can make people more supportive of preparedness spending, which could provide electoral incentives for its provision. We conclude by providing some directions for future research to enhance our understanding of public opinion and preparedness spending.
Methylthioadenosine Phosphorylase and Breast Cancer 1 Protein-Associated Protein 1 as Biomarkers for the Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Authors: Chen Yue , Du Xuemei , Gao Ying , Wu Heliang , Zhao Hongyu , Su Yandong
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Combination of Breast Cancer 1 protein-associated protein 1 (BAP1) and methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) in the peritoneal mesothelioma (PeM) has yet to be explored. We aim to assess the diagnostic value of combined BAP1 and MTAP to distinguish biphasic mesothelioma (BM) from epithelioid mesothelioma (EM) with reactive stroma in peritoneum, as well as its prognostic value in PeM.

Methods

This is a retrospective study from June 2014 to December 2021. This study included 18 cases of BM and 27 cases of EM with reactive stroma, excluded sarcomatoid, and EM without reactive stroma cases, and clinicopathological information was collected. The associations between MTAP and BAP1 levels and clinicopathological features or prognosis were analyzed. Clinical follow-up data were reviewed to correlate with pathological prognostic factors using Kaplan–Meier estimator and univariate/multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Loss/decrease of BAP1/MTAP was observed in 6 (33.3%) BM cases and 12 (44.4%) EM cases. In 5 (27.8%) cases, loss of or decreased BAP1/MTAP expression was observed in both EC and SC of BM. BAP1/MTAP loss/decrease was observed in 12 (44.4%) cases of only EC of EM but not in reactive stroma. Compared with histology alone, a combination of BAP1 and MTAP immunohistochemistry (IHC) in spindled PeM provides a more objective mean to distinguish BM from EM with reactive stroma. Loss/decrease of BAP1/MTAP was associated with peritoneal cancer index (PCI) score ( P = 0.047) and completeness of cytoreduction (CC) score ( P = 0.038). BM patients have worse overall survival (OS) than EM with reactive stroma ( P = 0 .007).

Conclusions

Combination of BAP1/MTAP by IHC is helpful for differential diagnosis of peritoneal BM from EM with reactive stroma. Nevertheless, BAP1/MTAP may help to evaluate the biological behavior of PeM.
Cross-cultural validation of the Spanish version of the mini cambridge-exeter repetitive thought scale (Mini-CERTS) in two Spanish-speaking populations
Authors: Ros Laura , Barry Tom J. , López-Honrubia Rigoberto , Villanueva-Benite Maritza E. , Morcillo Alberto , Ricarte Jorge J.
Published: December 2023

The Mini Cambridge-Exeter Repetitive Thoughts Scale (Mini-CERTS) captures constructive and unconstructive aspects of repetitive thinking, but there is a need to revise and improve it given its novelty. For this reason, we present a validation and factor analysis of the Spanish version of the Mini-CERTS. Given that it is important to take cultural issues into account in instrument adaptation, we also assess its measurement invariance across Spanish ( N = 430) and Peruvian ( N = 394) populations. After deleting conflictive items, a 9-items version of the Mini-CERTS showed a two-factor model distinguishing constructive and unconstructive repetitive thinking, although this solution was not invariant across groups. Results also showed that the unconstructive factor was positively associated with anxiety, depression and stress measures. Despite its acceptable internal consistency, the absence of measurement invariance across groups does not recommend its use in cross-group comparisons in these populations. Cultural issues that could explain this result are discussed. Our findings highlight the importance of performing cross-cultural adaptations of assessment instruments even with the same language.
Machinic, inadequate, entrepreneurial: Uncovering the citizen subject of the human-centric welfare state
Authors: Räisänen Santeri
Published: December 2023

This article argues that in the turn towards the human-centric in Finnish welfare reform, the human is a flexible signifier which arises out of technical metaphor to stand for certain neoliberal fantasies regarding welfare citizenship, market society and the state. I situate my analysis in the preceding literature on the cultural production of the citizen in market-oriented welfare reform. Through a close reading of user representations in a governmental AI Programme seeking transform the welfare state towards human centricity, I identify three dominant articulations of the human: the machinic, the inadequate and the entrepreneurial. These articulations disambiguate the human-in-the-centre as a chimaeral fantasy representing a late-neoliberal policy regime and evince the role of the imagination of engineers in government technopolitics.
How time flows making games: An ethnographic analysis of experiences of temporality in an indie videogame studio
Authors: Pelletier Caroline
Published: December 2023

In research on videogame production, much attention has been given, justifiably, to ‘crunch’, whereby employees in large studios work extremely long hours for months at a time prior to a game’s launch, at the request of management. There has to date been limited research about how duration and urgency are experienced at other periods, and also in the economically and culturally significant ‘independent’ (or indie) sectors and companies. This article draws on a Deleuzian framework initially developed to analyse experience of temporality in academic research, and applies it to data generated by an ethnography of a UK-based indie game studio, which examined how games are produced as part of a more routine working life. The framework enables a re-examination of how ‘passionate’ work in the cultural industries is lived day-to-day, and aims to contribute to debates about the politics of time in the games sector, offering analytic resources which expand the vocabulary for expressing desired experiences of time in game work.
Theoretical research on the application of impedance calculation in the design of high-intensity low-frequency acoustic generator
Authors: Zhang Baoguo , Dong Mingrong , Liang Xubin , Zhang Min , Zhao Tianqing , He Bin , Sun Deyu
Published: December 2023

The impedance matching is essential in producing high-intensity acoustic waves. This paper studies the impedance calculation methods of modulators and double-chamber Helmholtz resonators based on fluid mechanics, aeroacoustics, and electro-acoustic analogy principles. The results: ① The impedance expression of the resonators is derived. ② The impedance variation law of the chamber volume, the stator size, the air supply pressure, the air supply flow, and the working frequency is calculated. ③ The impedance-matching design scheme of the two-chamber Helmholtz low frequency and high acoustic intensity generator is given. Based on the experimental results of the high acoustic intensity generating device that the author has manufactured in the closed space, the correctness of the impedance calculation and matching design scheme in this paper is verified. This method has guiding significance for the design of high-intensity acoustic generating devices in confined space.
A CFD ignition model to predict average-cycle combustion in SI engines with extreme EGR levels
Authors: Ramognino Federico , Sforza Lorenzo , Lucchini Tommaso , Welch Cooper , Böhm Benjamin , Onorati Angelo
Published: December 2023

Control of the combustion process in Spark-Ignition (SI) engines operated with extreme dilution from exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) represents one of the major limitations in the industrial design of such technology. Numerical approaches able to describe in detail the formation of the early flame kernel become essential to face such an ambitious task. This work presents a RANS-based multi-dimensional model of the combustion process, including an advanced description of the ignition stage to consider its stochastic re-ignitions within the average cycle prediction. The spark-channel is described as a column of Lagrangian parcels that represent early flame kernels, whose growth is controlled by the laminar flame speed and energy input from the electrical circuit. The spatial evolution of each parcel is computed according to a scaled value of the average-flow speed, to mimic the smooth but short elongation of the mean-cycle channel produced by stochastic restrikes affecting the single-cycle arcs. To clarify this phenomenon and assess the proposed CFD method, a series of experiments are performed in a single cylinder SI engine with optical access, running at a low-load cruise-speed operating condition. Increasing EGR levels are tested up to the onset of misfire, with measurements of the secondary-circuit features and of the flame evolution through high-speed imaging. Satisfactory results are achieved in terms of numerical-experimental comparison of the cycle-averaged in-cylinder pressure, discharge parameters, and spatial flame distribution, demonstrating the reliability of the proposed numerical approach.