bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Phenomenological Interpretation of "Veen's Time"
Authors: Liu Zihao
Published: July 2023

Abstract: To establish The Texture of Time as a notable philosophical achievement, this essay puts it in the context of transcendental phenomenology and elucidates "Veen's Time" by way of comparison to Husserl's theory of time-consciousness. Despite Nabokov's apparent disinterest in phenomenology, the monist stance, descriptive method and de facto epoché in The Texture of Time all point to it being a piece of phenomenological analysis. Veen's conception of the Present as a hollow is analogous to Husserl's notion of the absolute flow of time-constituting consciousness; by emphasizing the stillness of the Present, Veen even irons out a couple of rough edges in Husserl's account. The Past is not a mere extension of the Present, but an equally important panel of "Veen's Time" with its own structure that centers on the subject and the object as two identity poles. Finally, drawing on the concept of "protention," the future-facing element of the Present, Veen's dismissal of the Future as "a quack at the court of Chronos" is interpreted as attacking the conventional tripartite image of Time instead of the Future per se.
On Antiscience and Antisemitism
Authors: Hotez Peter
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT: Recent surges in antivaccine activism and other antiscience trends now converge with rising antisemitism. During the COVID-19 pandemic, authoritarian elements from the far right in North America and Europe often invoked Nazi imagery to describe vaccinations or at times even blame the Jewish people for COVID-19 origins and vaccine profiteering. Such tropes represent throwbacks to the 14th century, when European Jews were persecuted during the time of the bubonic plague. This article provides both historical and recent perspectives on the links between antiscience and antisemitism, together with the author’s personal experience as a Jewish vaccine scientist targeted by both dark forces. New approaches to uncoupling antisemitism from antiscience, while combating both, are essential for saving lives and preserving democratic values.
Science in the Public Mind: sources and consequences of antipathy
Authors: Woodruff William H.
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT: Public attitudes toward science in the United States can profoundly affect national well-being, and even national security. We live in a time when these attitudes are considerably more negative than usual. This critical assessment identifies a number of contributors to public antipathy toward science, some of which are intrinsic to the nature of science and as old as science itself, and some of which are external to science, have arisen recently, and may be unique to the present. Historic examples of scientific developments and challenges and two major current examples (the COVID-19 pandemic and anthropogenic climate change) illustrate the interplay of science and public attitudes and actions, and the development and consequences of antipathy toward science. The problem areas that contribute to public antipathy in turn suggest strategies that may mitigate the antipathy, although some social and political factors will impose limits on possible mitigation. The energy required to sustain an acceptable level of civilization needs to be acknowledged, along with the need to minimize anthropogenic climate change.
Software defined networking agent demonstration to enable configuration and management of XGS-PON architectures
Authors: de Pintos David , Merayo Noemí , Sangrador Carlos , Aguado Juan Carlos , de Miguel Ignacio , Durán Barroso Ramón J.
Published: July 2023

This paper describes the design and implementation of an OpenFlow software defined network (SDN) agent that manages and configures 10-gigabit-capable symmetric passive optical network (XGS-PON) architectures. Acting as an OpenFlow switch, the SDN agent communicates with an SDN controller using OpenFlow, while holding direct communication with the optical line terminal (OLT) through the chipset manufacturer-specific application programming interface, eliminating the need for emulating SDN layers in hardware devices. The proposal was evaluated through experiments conducted on a White Box XGS-PON OLT using the Open Network Operating System. The results demonstrate that the proposal facilitates a real-time SDN configuration of various Internet services, successfully fulfilling different quality of service requirements. Due to its ease of deployment, low complexity, smooth learning curve, scalability, and flexibility in integrating services, the proposal has significant potential. As a result, it offers a rapid SDN solution for configuring and testing new functionalities with minimal programming changes required in specific layers of the developed SDN agent.
Image scanning microscopy with a doughnut beam: signal strength and integrated intensity
Authors: Sheppard Colin J. R. , Castello Marco , Tortarolo Giorgio , Zunino Alessandro , Slenders Eli , Bianchini Paolo , Vicidomini Giuseppe , Diaspro Alberto
Published: July 2023

We discuss the effects of image scanning microscopy using doughnut beam illumination on the properties of signal strength and integrated intensity. Doughnut beam illumination can give better optical sectioning and background rejection than Airy disk illumination. The outer pixels of a detector array give a signal from defocused regions, so digital processing of these (e.g., by simple subtraction) can further improve optical sectioning and background rejection from a single in-focus scan.
Vectorial holography for independent intensity and polarization control
Authors: Pan Kai , Wu Xuanguang , Zhou Liang , Wei Bingyan , Li Dong , Liu Sheng , Li Peng , Yang Dexing , Zhao Jianlin , Wen Dandan
Published: July 2023

Metasurface-based vectorial holography can reconstruct images with different polarization states. However, the number of polarization channels in the holographic image is relatively small in traditional methods. Here, we propose and demonstrate a metasurface vectorial hologram which carries infinite polarization channels. It can independently control the holographic pattern and polarization distribution, which can be regarded as two independent storage dimensions. We use a supercell-based metasurface to independently control the complex amplitude of the left-handed circularly polarized and right-handed circularly polarized components of the transmitted light, which then superpose in the observation plane for the vectorial pattern generation. Different from most methods, our approach does not involve complex calculations, and it is suitable for far-field design. We anticipate that it may open avenues for future applications which require arbitrary intensity and polarization control.
Single-Shot, High-Repetition Rate Carrier-Envelope-Phase Detection of Ultrashort Laser Pulses
Authors: Guo Chen , Miranda Miguel , Raab Ann-Kathrin , Viotti Anne-Lise , Guerreiro Paulo , Romero Rosa , Crespo Helder , L'Huillier Anne , Arnold Cord
Published: July 2023

We propose a single-shot, high-repetition rate measurement scheme of the Carrier-Envelope Phase offset of ultrashort laser pulses. The spectral fringes resulting from f-2f nonlinear interferometry, encoding the Carrier-Envelope-Phase, are evaluated completely optically via optical Fourier transform. For demonstration, the Carrier-Envelope-Phase of a 200 kHz, few-cycle OPCPA laser system was measured employing an interferometer as a periodic optical filter. The proposed method shows excellent agreement with simultaneous measurement of the spectral fringes by a fast line-scan camera.
Community-based tuberculosis contact management: Caregiver experience and factors promoting adherence to preventive therapy
Authors: Sandoval Micaela , Mtetwa Godwin , Devezin Tara , Vambe Debrah , Sibanda Joyce , Dube Gloria S. , Dlamini-Simelane Thandeka , Lukhele Bhekumusa , Mandalakas Anna M. , Kay Alexander
Published: July 2023

Delivery of tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT) for children with household exposure to tuberculosis is a globally supported intervention to reduce the impact of tuberculosis disease (TB) in vulnerable children; however, it is sub-optimally implemented in most high-burden settings. As part of a community-based household contact management program, we evaluated predictors of adherence to community based TPT in children and performed qualitative assessments of caregiver experiences. The Vikela Ekhaya (Protect the Home) project was a community-based household contact management program implemented between 2019 and 2020 in the Hhohho Region of Eswatini. At home visits, contact management teams screened children for TB, initiated TPT when indicated and performed follow-up assessments reviewing TPT adherence. TPT non-adherence was defined as either two self-reported missed doses or a pill count indicating at least two missed doses, and risk factors were evaluated using multivariate clustered Cox regression models. Semi-structured interviews were performed with caregivers to assess acceptability of home visits for TPT administration. In total, 278 children under 15 years initiated TPT and 96% completed TPT through the Vikela Ekhaya project. Risk factors for TPT non-adherence among children initiating 3HR included low family income (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.3, 95%CI 1.2–4.4), female gender of the child (aHR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4–5.0) and an urban living environment (aHR 3.1, 95%CI 1.6–6.0). Children with non-adherence at the first follow-up visit were 9.1 fold more likely not to complete therapy. Caregivers indicated an appreciation for community services, citing increased comfort, reduced cost, and support from community members. Our results are supportive of recent World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for decentralization of TB preventive services. Here, we identify populations that may benefit from additional support to promote TPT adherence, but overall demonstrate a clear preference for and excellent outcomes with community based TPT delivery.
Academic global surgical competencies: A modified Delphi consensus study
Authors: Pawlak Natalie , Dart Christine , Aguilar Hernan Sacoto , Ameh Emmanuel , Bekele Abebe , Jimenez Maria F. , Lakhoo Kokila , Ozgediz Doruk , Roy Nobhojit , Terfera Girma , Ademuyiwa Adesoji O. , Alayande Barnabas Tobi , Alonso Nivaldo , Anderson Geoffrey A. , Anyanwu Stanley N. C. , Aregawi Alazar Berhe , Bandyopadhyay Soham , Banu Tahmina , Bedada Alemayehu Ginbo , Belachew Anteneh Gadisa , Botelho Fabio , Bua Emmanuel , Campos Leticia Nunes , Dodgion Chris , Drejza Michalina , Durieux Marcel E. , Dutta Rohini , Erdene Sarnai , Ferreira Rodrigo Vaz , Gathuya Zipporah , Ghosh Dhruva , Jawa Randeep Singh , Johnson Walter D. , Khan Fauzia Anis , Leon Fanny Jamileth Navas , Long Kristin L. , Macleod Jana B. A. , Mahajan Anshul , Maine Rebecca G. , Malolos Grace Zurielle C. , McClain Craig D. , Nabukenya Mary T. , Nthumba Peter M. , Nwomeh Benedict C. , Ojuka Daniel Kinyuru , Penny Norgrove , Quiodettis Martha A. , Rickard Jennifer , Roa Lina , Salgado Lucas Sousa , Samad Lubna , Seyi-Olajide Justina Onyioza , Smith Martin , Starr Nichole , Stewart Richard J. , Tarpley John L. , Trostchansky Julio L. , Trostchansky Ivan , Weiser Thomas G. , Wobenjo Adili , Wollner Elliot , Jayaraman Sudha
Published: July 2023

Academic global surgery is a rapidly growing field that aims to improve access to safe surgical care worldwide. However, no universally accepted competencies exist to inform this developing field. A consensus-based approach, with input from a diverse group of experts, is needed to identify essential competencies that will lead to standardization in this field. A task force was set up using snowball sampling to recruit a broad group of content and context experts in global surgical and perioperative care. A draft set of competencies was revised through the modified Delphi process with two rounds of anonymous input. A threshold of 80% consensus was used to determine whether a competency or sub-competency learning objective was relevant to the skillset needed within academic global surgery and perioperative care. A diverse task force recruited experts from 22 countries to participate in both rounds of the Delphi process. Of the n = 59 respondents completing both rounds of iterative polling, 63% were from low- or middle-income countries. After two rounds of anonymous feedback, participants reached consensus on nine core competencies and 31 sub-competency objectives. The greatest consensus pertained to competency in ethics and professionalism in global surgery (100%) with emphasis on justice, equity, and decolonization across multiple competencies. This Delphi process, with input from experts worldwide, identified nine competencies which can be used to develop standardized academic global surgery and perioperative care curricula worldwide. Further work needs to be done to validate these competencies and establish assessments to ensure that they are taught effectively.
Excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) in an urban community of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Sorowar , Khan Jahidur Rahman , Al Mamun S. M. Abdullah , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Raheem Enayetur
Published: July 2023

Measuring COVID-19-related mortality is vital for making public health policy decisions. The magnitude of COVID-19-related mortality is largely unknown in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Bangladesh, due to inadequate COVID-19 testing capacity and a lack of robust civil registration and vital statistics systems. Even with the lack of data, cemetery-based death records in LMICs may provide insightful information on potential COVID-19-related mortality rates; nevertheless, there is a dearth of research employing cemetery-based death records. This study aimed to assess the excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban setting in Bangladesh using a cemetery-based death registration dataset. A total of 6,271 deaths recorded between January 2015 and December 2021 were analysed using a Bayesian structural time series model. Exploratory analysis found that the average monthly number of deaths was 69 during the pre-COVID-19 period (January 2015-February 2020), but significantly increased to 92 during the COVID-19 period (March 2020-December 2021). The increase in male deaths was twice as large as the increase in female deaths. Model-based results were not statistically significant (relative effect 17%, 95% credible interval: -18%, 57%), but there was an overall increasing trend during the COVID-19 period, and specific months or shorter periods had a substantial increase. This first-of-its-kind study in Bangladesh has assessed the excess mortality in an urban community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cemetery-based death registration appears to aid in tracking population mortality, especially in resource-limited countries where collecting data on the ground is challenging during crisis periods; however, additional large-scale research is required.
Utilization and factors associated with health facility delivery among women of reproductive age in rural Ethiopia: Mixed effect logistic regression analysis
Authors: Semagn Birhan Ewunu
Published: July 2023

Background

Worldwide over 800 women lose their life each day from complication in pregnancy and child birth. Health facility delivery is one of the key strategies for reducing maternal mortality and for ensuring safe birth. Inequity by urban–rural residence is one of the most pronounced challenges in maternal health service coverage with women living in rural areas at a greater disadvantage than other women. This study aims to assess the magnitude and factors affecting the utilization of health facility delivery for the most recent live birth among women of reproductive age in rural Ethiopia.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study based on a data from Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey 2019 dataset with a total weighted sample of 2900 women of reproductive age group in rural Ethiopia. Data cleaning, coding and labeling were done using STATA version 14 software. Multilevel mixed effect logistic regression model was employed to identify associated factors.

Result

Only 44% of reproductive-age women in rural Ethiopia gave their most recent live birth in health institutions. In the multivariable multilevel binary logistic regression analysis; educational status, wealth index, attending 4+ANC, and had ANC from skilled provider were found to be statistically significant factors associated with health facility delivery.

Conclusion

In a rural part of Ethiopia, the prevalence of institutional delivery is low. Especial emphasis should be given for mothers with no formal education, and poor household wealth index, Furthermore, implementing public health programs that target to enable women to have more frequent Antenatal Care follow-up from skilled providers may increase the number of health facility deliveries.
Internet of things security evaluation mechanism based on meta attribute fluctuation
Authors: Liu Zhe , Yuan Yinghao , Zhao Bo , Wang Yixuan
Published: July 2023

In the field of Internet of Things (IoT), terminal security has always been an extremely important independent research topic. In the terminal security research, in addition to the security enhancement of terminal entities, the security status evaluation of terminal security has also become an independent subset of the security research in the IoT field. However, it should also be noted that the security attributes of IoT terminals can include many aspects, so judging the security of IoT terminals based on the overall security form is not enough for the security of terminal entities. This paper introduces the concept of volatility from the overall situation assessment to the meta attributes that constitute the overall security situation, and preliminarily realizes the construction of a concise model based on historical data to judge the meta attributes that may affect the overall security in the future. At the same time, a concise verification system is built based on the application scenario of the power IoT terminals currently under research to preliminarily realize trend prediction, further expand the trust evaluation of IoT terminals, and clarify the direction of further research.
Determining the clinical and cost-effectiveness of nasal sprays and a physical activity and stress management intervention to reduce respiratory tract infections in primary care: A protocol for the ‘Immune Defence’ randomised controlled trial
Authors: Vennik Jane , Geraghty Adam W. A. , Martinson Kate , Yardley Lucy , Stuart Beth , Moore Michael , Francis Nick , Hay Alastair , Verheij Theo , Bradbury Katherine , Greenwell Kate , Dennison Laura , Williamson Sian , Denison-Day James , Ainsworth Ben , Raftery James , Zhu Shihua , Butler Christopher , Richards-Hall Samantha , Little Paul
Published: July 2023

Background

Most adults in the UK experience at least one viral respiratory tract infection (RTI) per year. Individuals with comorbidities and those with recurrent RTIs are at higher risk of infections. This can lead to more severe illness, worse quality of life and more days off work. There is promising evidence that using common nasal sprays or improving immune function through increasing physical activity and managing stress, may reduce the incidence and severity of RTIs.

Methods and design

Immune Defence is an open, parallel group, randomised controlled trial. Up to 15000 adults from UK general practices, with a comorbidity or risk factor for infection and/or recurrent infections (3 or more infections per year) will be randomly allocated to i) a gel-based nasal spray designed to inhibit viral respiratory infections; ii) a saline nasal spray, iii) a digital intervention promoting physical activity and stress management, or iv) usual care with brief advice for managing infections, for 12 months. Participants will complete monthly questionnaires online. The primary outcome is the total number of days of illness due to RTIs over 6 months. Key secondary outcomes include: days with symptoms moderately bad or worse; days where work/normal activities were impaired; incidence of RTI; incidence of COVID-19; health service contacts; antibiotic usage; beliefs about antibiotics; intention to consult; number of days of illness in total due to respiratory tract infections over 12 months. Economic evaluation from an NHS perspective will compare the interventions, expressed as incremental cost effectiveness ratios. A nested mixed methods process evaluation will examine uptake and engagement with the interventions and trial procedures.

Trial status

Recruitment commenced in December 2020 and the last participant is expected to complete the trial in April 2024.

Discussion

Common nasal sprays and digital interventions to promote physical activity and stress management are low cost, accessible interventions applicable to primary care. If effective, they have the potential to reduce the individual and societal impact of RTIs.

Trial registration

Prospectively registered with ISRCTN registry (17936080) on 30/10/2020.

Sponsor

This RCT is sponsored by University of Southampton. The sponsors had no role in the study design, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Influence of chronic liver diseases on the course and outcome of COVID-19
Authors: Mitrovic Nikola , Sabanovic Milos , Vujovic Ankica , Jovanovic Jaroslava , Nikolic Natasa , Jug Martina , Todorovic Nevena , Filipovic Ana , Milosevic Ivana
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health problem. The impact of chronic liver diseases on the course and outcome of COVID-19 is still the subject of research. The aim of this study was to show the characteristics of COVID-19 patients with chronic liver diseases, and to establish the risk factors for unfavourable outcome.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Infectious Disease Clinic in Belgrade, Serbia, and included 80 patients with chronic liver diseases and COVID-19 within a time frame of two years (between 15 March 2020 and 15 March 2022). Characteristics of the affected persons, as well as the risk factors for a fatal outcome, were analyzed.

Results

Of the 80 subjects in the study, 23.8% had chronic viral hepatitis, 12.5% autoimmune liver diseases and alcoholic liver disease respectively, 30% had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, while 11.2% had chronic liver diseases of unknown aetiology. A total of 33.7% had cirrhosis, 6.3% hepatocellular carcinoma and 5% had liver transplants. A total of 92.5% of respondents had pneumonia (21.2% were critically ill). A deterioration of chronic liver disease was registered among 33.7% of patients, and decompensation in 3.8%; 76.3% patients recovered, while 23.7% had a lethal outcome. Risk factors for lethal outcome by univariate analysis were: alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, increased transaminases values prior to COVID-19, malignancy, severe pneumonia and dyspnea. In a multivariate analysis, the presence of liver cirrhosis (OR = 69.1, p = 0.001) and severe pneumonia (OR = 22.3, p = 0.006) remained independently predictive for lethal outcome.

Conclusion

These findings will help with the evaluation of COVID-19 patients who have chronic liver diseases and will improve their risk stratification.
Finger fractures: Epidemiology and treatment based on 21341 fractures from the Swedish Fracture register
Authors: Alfort Henrik , Von Kieseritzky Johanna , Wilcke Maria
Published: July 2023

Background

There is a lack of detailed epidemiological studies of finger fractures, the most common fracture of the upper extremity.

Methods

Based on data of 21 341 finger fractures in the Swedish Fracture register, a national quality registry that collects data on all fractures, this study describes anatomical distribution, cause, treatment, age distribution, and result in terms of patient related outcome measures (PROMs).

Results

The most common finger fracture was of the base of the 5th finger, followed by the distal phalanx in the 4th finger. Open fractures were most common in the distal phalanges, especially in the 3rd finger. Intraarticular fractures were most frequent in the middle phalanges. Fall accidents was the most common cause of a fracture. The mean age at injury was 40 years (38 for men, 43 for women). 86% of finger fractures in adults were treated non-operatively. Men were more frequently operated than women. Finger fractures did not affect hand function or quality of life and there were no relevant differences in PROMs between fracture type, treatment, or sex.

Conclusion

This study presents detailed information about the various types of finger fractures which can be used as point of reference in clinical work and for future studies.
Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli isolated from children under age five with and without diarrhea in Central Ethiopia
Authors: Zelelie Tizazu Zenebe , Eguale Tadesse , Yitayew Berhanu , Abeje Dessalegn , Alemu Ashenafi , Seman Aminu , Jass Jana , Mihret Adane , Abebe Tamrat
Published: July 2023

Background

Diarrhea is a serious health problem in children, with the highest mortality rate in sub-Saharan Africa. Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is among the major bacterial causes of diarrhea in children under age five. The present study aims to determine molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance profiles of DEC and identify contributing factors for acquisition among children under age five in Central Ethiopia.

Methods

A health facility-centered cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa and Debre Berhan, Ethiopia, from December 2020 to August 2021. A total of 476 specimens, 391 from diarrheic and 85 from non-diarrheic children under age five were collected. Bacterial isolation and identification, antimicrobial susceptibility, and pathotype determination using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were done.

Results

Of the 476 specimens analyzed, 89.9% (428/476) were positive for E. coli, of which 183 were positive for one or more genes coding DEC pathotypes. The overall prevalence of the DEC pathotype was 38.2% (183/476). The predominant DEC pathotype was enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (41.5%, 76/183), followed by enterotoxigenic E. coli (21.3%, 39/183), enteropathogenic E. coli (15.3%, 28/183), enteroinvasive E. coli (12.6%, 23/183), hybrid strains (7.1%, 13/183), Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (1.6%, 3/183), and diffusely-adherent E. coli (0.6%, 1/183). DEC was detected in 40.7% (159/391) of diarrheic and 28.2% (24/85) in non-diarrheic children (p = 0.020). The majority of the DEC pathotypes were resistant to ampicillin (95.1%, 174/183) and tetracycline (91.3%, 167/183). A higher rate of resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (58%, 44/76), ciprofloxacin (22%, 17/76), ceftazidime and cefotaxime (20%, 15/76) was seen among EAEC pathotypes. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 43.2% (79/183) of the pathotypes, whereas extended spectrum ß-lactamase and carbapenemase producers were 16.4% (30/183) and 2.2% (4/183), respectively.

Conclusion

All six common DEC pathotypes that have the potential to cause severe diarrheal outbreaks were found in children in the study area; the dominant one being EAEC with a high rate of MDR.
Comparison of the clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes of culture-positive septic shock and culture-negative septic shock among pediatric patients
Authors: Kim Da Hyun , Park Seong Jong , Jhang Won Kyoung
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Among pediatric patients with septic shock, culture-negative septic shock (CNSS) is common but there have been limited data on its clinical characteristics and prognosis. We compared the clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes between culture-positive septic shock (CPSS) and CNSS in pediatric patients.

Design

Retrospective single-center study.

Setting

Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary referral hospital.

Patients

All pediatric patients who were admitted to the PICU due to septic shock between January 2010 and November 2021, except for those with fungal or viral infections and those who expired on the day of admittance to the PICU. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality and in-hospital mortality.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and main results

A total of 294 patients (CPSS group, n = 185 [62.9%]; CNSS group, n = 109 [37.1%]) were included. The rates of 30-day mortality and in-hospital mortality (30-day mortality 22.7% vs 22%, in-hospital mortality 29.7% vs 25.7%) were not significantly different between the CPSS group and the CNSS group. The two groups showed comparable results in clinical outcomes such as the requirement for mechanical ventilator and renal replacement therapy, PICU stay duration, and the duration of MV and vasopressor/inotrope support. Among the CPSS group, 98 (53%) patients who were infected with multi-drug resistance (MDR) bacteria had significantly higher rates of 30-day mortality and in-hospital mortality than those infected with non-MDR bacteria.

Conclusions

Among pediatric patients, the CPSS group and CNSS group did not show significant differences in clinical features and mortality. Among the CPSS group, those with MDR bacteria had poorer prognosis.
Establishment of a value evaluation system for health and wellness tourism resources: Reflections on China’s official tourism resource evaluation criteria
Authors: Zhou Meiqi , Luo Huasong , Hong Juhua , Gao Dashuai , Shen Yukun , Liang Maolin
Published: July 2023

In recent years, China’s sub-healthy and aging populations have increased dramatically, giving rise to a series of health and wellness needs. People prefer health and wellness tourism activities instead of sightseeing tourism activities because of the increasing emphasis on safety and experience. Health and wellness tourism resources are a prerequisite for the development of health and wellness tourism. To critically reflect on China’s official tourism resource evaluation criteria, expert consultation was carried out by applying the Delphi method, and index weights were determined using the analytic hierarchy process. Through three rounds of expert consultation, a value evaluation system for health and wellness tourism resources was established and improved in three aspects: construction of an index system, selection of evaluation subjects, and grade discourse description, thus enhancing the feasibility and application value of the evaluation system. The system developed in this study not only enables a reflection on China’s official tourism resource evaluation criteria, but also presents a new approach in the value evaluation research of health and wellness tourism resources.
The safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in postoperative analgesic of PCNL: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Jiang , Fang Shirong , Wang Yuxi , Wang Lin , Gao Lunan , Xin Tingting , Liu Yuxiu
Published: July 2023

Background

The patients received percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with severe postoperative pain and discomfort. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB), as a new anesthesia method of plane block, has a positive effect on postoperative analgesia. But evidence of ESPB in PCNL is still lacking. The objective of this study was to systematically analyze the postoperative analgesic effect of ESPB in patients receiving PCNL.

Methods

The literature searching was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Clinical Trial Database (clinicaltrials.gov). Two independent researchers screened the included studies and extracted data. Meta-analysis was conducted by using the random-effect model with 95% confidence intervals. Chi-squared test with a significance level of 0.1 was utilized to evaluate the heterogeneity of included studies. The subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were conducted in studies with high heterogeneity. The publication bias was assessed based on whether there were discrepancies between prospective trial registration and reported protocols.

Results

There were 8 studies involving 456 patients assessing the efficacy of ESPB in reducing postoperative pain score of PCNL compared with no block or other blocks, such as subcutaneous infiltration, general anesthesia or TPVB intrathecal morphine. ESPB was a significantly effective and safe anesthesia method, which not only improved postoperative pain response (MD −1.76; 95% CI −2.57 to −0.94; I 2 = 85%; p<0.01), but also reduced analgesic consumption (MD −16.92; 95% CI −26.25 to −7.59; I 2 = 92.2%; p<0.01) and prolonged the time of first request for postoperative analgesia (MD 93.27; 95% CI 35.79 to 150.75; I 2 = 85.3%; p = 0.001) in patients receiving PCNL without significant postoperative complications (MD 0.80; 95% CI 0.31 to 2.03; I 2 = 0%; p = 0.404).

Conclusions

Compared with no block or other blocks, the ESPB was a safe and effective anesthesia for patients receiving PCNL.
Leadership in a VUCA context: Some foundational considerations
Authors: Wilson Suze
Published: July 2023

While a diverse range of literature offers ideas of potential value for leadership in the context of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA), a model of leadership designed specifically to address such a context is lacking. Informed by a pre-existing framework for building context-sensitive models of leadership, this article explores the characteristics of VUCA conditions and draws out some foundational considerations this implies for leadership. The analysis suggests a range of leader behaviours, attributes and values that seem particularly salient to leading in a VUCA context, as well as discussing the overarching purpose of VUCA leadership. In sum, the article offers an analysis that identifies some foundational considerations of relevance to how leadership can be ethically and effectively enacted in a VUCA context.
Mixed messages in a VUCA world: How the New Zealand government altered its SARS-CoV-2 crisis communication messages
Authors: Bhargava Deepti , Nairn Angelique
Published: July 2023

The SARS-COV-2 pandemic typifies a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) situation. For a time, Aotearoa New Zealand’s government was lauded for its quick and effective elimination response and clear communication strategy, which saw the citizens of the country enjoy months free from the trappings of SARS-COV-2. This changed with the arrival of Delta, a new variant of concern. It is against this context that we sought to analyse the two main speeches delivered by the prime minister of that time – Jacinda Ardern. The first, delivered on 17 August 2021, maintained the messaging of the previous years – let us eliminate the virus. However, the second speech, delivered on 4 October 2021, shifted to an emphasis on vaccination and living with the virus. Not unsurprisingly, the change in messaging prompted some factions of the public to express frustration and hostility towards Ardern and her government because of perceived inconsistencies and ambiguities in the messaging. Our findings highlight that while crisis communication in a VUCA environment needs to maintain consistency to garner trust, it also needs to be adaptive to respond to uncertainties. However, in being adaptive and engaging with the public to adjust their expectations, leaders can often be faced with resistance and even be perceived as failures. This adds further responsibility to the leader to address the adaptive challenges as effectively as possible. Our findings are a cautionary tale for scholarship and education in crisis communication to avoid emphasis on fixed solutions.
Static and dynamic compression load tests of conically connected, screw fixed dental abutment
Authors: Körtvélyessy Győző , Hangyási Dávid Botond , Tarjányi Tamás , Tóth Zsolt , Matusovits Danica , Pelsőczi-Kovács István , Baráth Zoltán
Published: July 2023

The basis of the long-term success of dental implants is the mechanical stability of the implant and the superstructure anchored in it. In order to investigate the mechanical behaviour of the conical connection in implant-abutment units, static and dynamic load tests were performed with different conical angles and various Grade 4-5 titanium implant materials. The assembled units were mounted in self-developed loading machine and in an Instron ElectroPuls E3000 fatigue machine. For static loading, the samples were loaded with a force from 0 N to 500 N in steps of 100 N. For dynamic loading, the samples were loaded for 30,000 cycles with a force of 250 ± 150 N. In case of static testing, the compression caused by the load was measured in both horizontal and vertical directions, while in the case of dynamic fatigue, only horizontal deformation was defined. In both cases, the drive-out (reverse) torque values of the fixing screws were determined after loading. No significant differences were found between the tested materials in the reverse torque after the static load, however, significant differences were shown with regards to the alterations in cone angle (p < 0.001). After dynamic loading, significant differences (p < 0.001) were also observed between the reverse torques of the fixing screw in different angles. The static and dynamic test results showed the same tendency: under the same load conditions, the conical angle value of the implant-abutment connection revealed significant differences in the loosening of the fixing screw. In summary, it is recommended to use higher conical angle connection to avoid larger deformations in lengths and diameters of the implant at the connection and essential torque reduction of the fixing screw. Our results may contribute to the understanding of the long-term success of dental implants.
Elemental Analysis of Contaminated Biomass Ashes for Phytomining of Rare Earth Elements
Authors: Dinh Phi Truong , Dobó Zsolt , Kovács Helga
Published: July 2023

Phytomining of rare earth elements (REEs) provides a potential possibility for metal recovery at brownfields where conventional mining technique is not reasonable or profitable. The holistic concept of phytomining is instituted from three scientific sectors. Phytoextraction is the first stage referred to accumulation of REEs in plants. This is followed by the enrichment process aiming to elevate metal concentration into solid remains. Eventually, extraction technology is applied to reclaim these valuable metals from the bio-ores. The main goal of this study is to identify a possible location for REEs phytomining, which lays the groundwork for further investigations. To do that, different woody biomass from disparate contaminated spots was harvested and examined. A brownfield land located in Gyöngyösoroszi, Hungary has been selected based on the elemental analysis of ash samples obtained from the incineration of the collected plants at 500 °C. The outcomes also preliminarily indicate the viability of phytomining in recovering REEs.
English teachers’ perceptions of Task-Based Instruction in Risaralda, Colombia.
Authors: Velásquez Hoyos Angela Patricia
Published: July 2023

This paper reports the findings of the bilingualism macro-project developed in the department of Risaralda which was aimed at determining English teachers’ perceptions after the implementation of Task-Based Instruction (TBI) in this department. This project used a qualitative paradigm with a narrative inquiry orientation to analyse the experiences of 12 English language teachers implementing TBI. Classroom observations, questionnaires and interviews were the instruments used to collect data from English teachers.  The results indicated that English language educators in Risaralda find this methodology helpful to improve students’ English language skills as well as their engagement toward the English class, but they also manifest that implementing classes with TBI is time consuming and requires the design and adaptation of culture-sensitive materials. The results also report that English teachers experienced a methodological shift in their classes, changing from a structural approach to a more communicative one.
Comparative Analysis of Boost and Hybrid Boost Converters
Authors: Romero-Carvajal Ana Maria , Muñoz-Galeano Nicolas , Lopez Lezama Jesus Maria
Published: July 2023

Context: In power electronics applications, it is important to make comparisons between converters to choose the device that best suits a particular application. This paper compares the Boost converter and the hybrid Boost converter. The operating models of both converters under study are developed and explained in detail to allow for a proper comparison and analysis.
Method: Using the passive sign law, the differential equations that govern the behavior of each converter are determined upon the basis of their switching states. Then, circuit simulations are performed by using the OpenModelica software to analyze the output signals of both converters with the same input parameters.
Results: Comparisons of voltage and current gains, current and voltage time response, and ripple were obtained. Additionally, the efficiency was analyzed by adding resistive losses in each passive element of both converters.
Conclusions: For high duties, the hybrid Boost converter has a greater capacity to increase the output voltage than the Boost converter. It was also found that the hybrid Boost converter has a low overshoot and a low ripple in the time response of its output signals. However, this converter is less efficient.
Defending State-Feedback Based Controllers Against Sensor Attacks
Authors: Cómbita Luis Francisco , Quijano Nicanor , Cárdenas Alvaro
Published: July 2023

Context: This paper is motivated by the need to improve the resilience of industrial control systems. Many control systems currently operating in the industry were designed and implemented before the boom in communications (wired and wireless networks) within industrial control systems. However, nowadays they operate connected to the communications network. This increase in connectivity has made the systems susceptible to cyber-attacks that seek to degrade the proper operation of the control loop even affecting only one sensor.

Method: We use concepts from fault tolerant control and classic control theory to show that it is possible to reconstruct the system state without (any) one of the system outputs. This fact is used in the recalculation of the control signal through an algorithm of attack detection and isolation, to avoid for an attack to be feedback to the system, mitigating its effect. We show the effectiveness of our proposal with simulations on a four-tanks testbed using Matlab and Simulink.

Results: We show that a bank of unknown input observers can be designed to recover true information from attacked sensors, i.e., recover the information without the effect of the attack. Therefore, the estimation obtained from those observers can be utilized for computing a control action that mitigates the effect of the attack.

Conclusions: This mitigation of the attack prevents a single sensor attack from signi cantly impair the action of low-level controllers, improving the resilience on the system just modifying the digital controller architecture. The development presented is limited to cyber-attacks on system sensors pre- sented one at a time, that still can compromise seriously the system behavior. Future work will address the extension of the presented results in situations with simultaneous attacks on more than one sensor, and/or consider attacks on the control system actuators.
School Trajectory of Elementary Newcomer Students: Early Tracking System and Norm Accommodation
Authors: Le Pichon Emmanuelle , Baauw Sergio , Kang Sohee , Vorstman Jacob
Published: July 2023

The increase in the number of newcomer students in countries across the world has underscored the importance of effective transition strategies in education. Many students encounter difficulties in acquiring academic knowledge due to initial limited language skills in the school language. Implementing appropriate strategies to facilitate this transition has shown positive outcomes. However, some obstacles remain to be addressed for newcomer students. In the Netherlands, standardized tests are utilised to monitor the academic progress of all students and determine the appropriate educational pathway. Our study, based on longitudinal assessment data from 51 newcomer elementary school students and 74 of their classmates, sheds light on how this system interacts with the transitions of newcomers. While newcomer students made greater progress compared to their peers, we found that their results were influenced by the application of test norms designed for younger age groups. The insights from this study provide valuable perspectives on educational pathways for newcomer students and prompt us to reconsider the implications of norm accommodation for these students. It highlights the needs to implement practices that enable newcomer students to effectively pursue their academic aspirations.
Minimally capturing heterogeneous complier effect of endogenous treatment for any outcome variable
Authors: Lee Goeun , Choi Jin-young , Lee Myoung-jae
Published: July 2023

When a binary treatment

D

D

is possibly endogenous, a binary instrument

δ

\delta

is often used to identify the “effect on compliers.” If covariates

X

X

affect both

D

D

and an outcome

Y

Y

,

X

X

should be controlled to identify the “

X

X

-conditional complier effect.” However, its nonparametric estimation leads to the well-known dimension problem. To avoid this problem while capturing the effect heterogeneity, we identify the complier effect heterogeneous with respect to only the one-dimensional “instrument score”

E

(

δ
∣
X

)

E\left(\delta | X)

for non-randomized

δ

\delta

. This effect heterogeneity is minimal, in the sense that any other “balancing score” is finer than the instrument score. We establish two critical “reduced-form models” that are linear in

D

D

or

δ

\delta

, even though no parametric assumption is imposed. The models hold for any form of

Y

Y

(continuous, binary, count, …). The desired effect is then estimated using either single index model estimators or an instrumental variable estimator after applying a power approximation to the effect. Simulation and empirical studies are performed to illustrate the proposed approaches.
Die deutschsprachige Version der Violence Risk Scale – Sexual Offense Version (VRS-SO): Prädiktive und konvergente Validität und Kalibrierung des Fünf-Kategorien-Modells
Authors: Gaunersdorfer Kathrin , Eher Reinhard
Published: July 2023

Die Ergebnisse von Risikoeinschätzungsinstrumenten werden oft anhand von undefinierten Kategorien wie z. B. hohes, moderates oder niedriges Risiko kommuniziert. Alternativ können relative Risikomaße berichtet werden, wobei für deren Interpretation die Kenntnis des absoluten Risikos wichtig ist. Mittlerweile gibt es das internationale Fünf-Kategorien-Modell nach Hanson et al. (2017a, 2017b), das sich an der Basisrate orientiert und absolute und relative Risikomaße vereint. Es ist nicht auf Rückfälle in bestimmte Delikte oder auf bestimmte Risikoeinschätzungsinstrumente limitiert und erlaubt Risikomanagementressourcen zu kanalisieren.

Olver et al. (2018) wandten dieses Modell auch auf die VRS-SO an. Die vorliegende Studie basiert auf N = 968 VRS-SO-Datensätzen von im österreichischen Strafvollzug begutachteten Sexualstraftätern. Von N= 417 davon lagen auch fixe Fünfjahres-Rückfalldaten vor. Die nach Olver et al. (2018) gebildeten fünf Kategorien der VRS-SO erfüllten die allgemeinen Anforderungen an das Fünf-Kategorien-Modell. Sie trennten gut voneinander und waren prädiktiv valide für Rückfälle in sexuell motivierte Delikte.

Auch die Ergebnisse der Kalibrierungsanalysen zwischen dem aktuellen Datensatz und der Originalversion lassen auf eine gute Anwendbarkeit der fünfkategorialen Aufteilung der VRS-SO für die deutschsprachige Version der VRS-SO schließen. Die fünf Kategorien gingen auch mit signifikant unterschiedlichen Prävalenzraten relevanter klinischer Diagnose wie z. B. einer sexuellen Devianz, einer Persönlichkeitsstörung, der Ausprägung von Psychopathie-Merkmalen bzw. der Diagnose einer Substanzkonsumstörung einher, was auch für die konvergente Validität der VRS-SO Kategorien spricht.