bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Progression of Low-Grade Oral Dysplasia Using Brushing-Based DNA Ploidy and Chromatin Organization Analysis
Authors: Datta Madhurima , Laronde Denise M. , Rosin Miriam P. , Zhang Lewei , Chan Bertrand , Guillaud Martial
Published: August 2021

Most oral cancers arise from oral potentially malignant lesions, which show varying grades of dysplasia. Risk of progression increases with increasing grade of dysplasia; however, risk prediction among oral low-grade dysplasia (LGD), that is, mild and moderate dysplasia can be challenging as only 5%–15% transform. Moreover, grading of dysplasia is subjective and varies with the area of the lesion being biopsied. To date, no biomarkers or tools are used clinically to triage oral LGDs. This study uses a combination of DNA ploidy and chromatin organization (CO) scores from cells obtained from lesion brushings to identify oral LGDs at high-risk of progression. A total of 130 lesion brushings from patients with oral LGDs were selected of which 16 (12.3%) lesions progressed to severe dysplasia or cancer. DNA ploidy and CO scores were analyzed from nuclear features measured by our in-house DNA image cytometry (DNA-ICM) system and used to classify brushings into low-risk and high-risk. A total of 57 samples were classified as high-risk of which 13 were progressors. High-risk DNA brushing was significant for progression (P = 0.001) and grade of dysplasia (P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed high-risk DNA brushing showed 5.1- to 8-fold increased risk of progression, a stronger predictor than dysplasia grading and lesion clinical features. DNA-ICM can serve as a non-invasive, high-throughput tool to identify high-risk lesions several years before transformation. This will help clinicians focus on such lesions whereas low-risk lesions may be spared from unnecessary biopsies.

Prevention Relevance: DNA ploidy and chromatin organization of cells collected from oral potentially malignant lesions (OPMLs) can identify lesions at high-risk of progression several years prior. This non-invasive test would enable clinicians to triage high-risk (OPMLs) for closer follow-up while low-risk lesions can undergo less frequent biopsies reducing burden on healthcare resources.
Risk Factors for Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis Recurrence after Patient-Tailored Treatment: Do We Need an Escalating Treatment Algorithm?
Authors: Basim Pelin , Argun Derya , Argun Ferit
Published: August 2021

Objective: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, relapsing, benign inflammatory breast disease. Due to the conflicting etiology and differential diagnosis, the effect of varied treatment regimens on high recurrence is controversial. Therefore, we aimed to report our clinical experience in determining risk factors for recurrence after patient-tailored treatment. Methods: This study evaluated 122 patients diagnosed with IGM according to sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive history, clinical presentation, time of diagnosis and radiological examinations, treatment management, and outcomes. The patients were classified into three groups based on curative treatment settings: medical therapy alone, surgery alone, and combined therapy. Results: The rates of patients receiving medical therapy alone, surgical therapy alone, and combined therapy were 23, 15.6, and 62.4%, respectively. Low vitamin B12 levels, accompanying rheumatological disease, complaints-fistulae, number of complaints ≥3, presence of erythema nodosum, multicentricity, and treatment modality had a significant effect on disease recurrence (p < 0.05). The effect on IGM recurrence was 2.8 times greater for the patients with lower vitamin B12 levels, 4.5 times greater for those with rheumatological disease, 3.3 times greater for those with fistulae, 2.4 times greater for those presenting with ≥3 complaints, 2 times greater for the presence of multicentricity, 2.3 times greater for the presence of erythema nodosum, and 4.5 times greater for the patients receiving medical therapy alone. Conclusion: Describing a low-risk patient profile can be an alternative while choosing monotherapy methods. For IGM patients at high risk of recurrence, an escalating treatment system may be effective in preventing relapses.
Lenvatinib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Nonviral Infection Who Were Unlikely to Respond to Immunotherapy: A Retrospective, Comparative Study
Authors: Hatanaka Takeshi , Kakizaki Satoru , Nagashima Tamon , Namikawa Masashi , Ueno Takashi , Tojima Hiroki , Takizawa Daichi , Naganuma Atsushi , Arai Hirotaka , Harimoto Norifumi , Shirabe Ken , Uraoka Toshio
Published: August 2021

Aim: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (atezo + bev) shows a good overall survival (OS) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the OS of patients with nonviral infection is quite worse than that in those with viral infection. The present study investigated the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib in patients with nonviral infection, who were unlikely to obtain benefit from atezo + bev. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study that included 139 advanced HCC patients treated with lenvatinib between March 2018 and September 2020. Results: The median age was 72 years, and 116 patients (83.5%) were male. Based on the etiology of liver disease, 84 (60.4%) and 55 patients (39.6%) were assigned to the viral infection and nonviral infection groups, respectively. The significant extents in patient characteristics were not observed in both groups. The objective response rate per mRECIST and progression-free survival (PFS) did not differ significantly between the viral infection and nonviral infection groups (36.0 vs. 33.0%, p = 0.85; and 7.6 vs. 7.5 months, p = 0.94, respectively). The 1-year survival rates were 68.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 57.7–79.7%) in the viral infection group and 59.5% (95% CI 45.2–73.8%) in the nonviral infection group. The viral infection group was not a significant factor associated with the PFS or OS in a multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Lenvatinib shows no significant difference in response between patients with and without viral infection. Treatment strategies based on the etiology of liver disease may lead to good clinical outcome.
Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Compared to Lung Perfusion Scintigraphy to Assess Pulmonary Perfusion in Patients Screened for Endoscopic Lung Volume Reduction
Authors: Gietema Hester A. , Walraven Kim H.M. , Posthuma Rein , Mitea Cristina , Slebos Dirk-Jan , Vanfleteren Lowie E.G.W.
Published: August 2021

Background: Endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) using one-way endobronchial valves is a technique to reduce hyperinflation in patients with severe emphysema by inducing collapse of a severely destroyed pulmonary lobe. Patient selection is mainly based on evaluation of emphysema severity on high-resolution computed tomography and evaluation of lung perfusion with perfusion scintigraphy. Dual-energy contrast-enhanced CT scans may be useful for perfusion assessment in emphysema but has not been compared against perfusion scintigraphy. Aims: The aim of the study was to compare perfusion distribution assessed with dual-energy contrast-enhanced computed tomography and perfusion scintigraphy. Material and Methods: Forty consecutive patients with severe emphysema, who were screened for ELVR, were included. Perfusion was assessed with 99mTc perfusion scintigraphy and using the iodine map calculated from the dual-energy contrast-enhanced CT scans. Perfusion distribution was calculated as usually for the upper, middle, and lower thirds of both lungs with the planar technique and the iodine overlay. Results: Perfusion distribution between the right and left lung showed good correlation (r = 0.8). The limits of agreement of the mean absolute difference in percentage perfusion per region of interest were 0.75–5.6%. The upper lobes showed more severe perfusion reduction than the lower lobes. Mean difference in measured pulmonary perfusion ranged from −2.8% to 2.3%. Lower limit of agreement ranged from −8.9% to 4.6% and upper limit was 3.3–10.0%. Conclusion: Quantification of perfusion distribution using planar 99mTc perfusion scintigraphy and iodine overlays calculated from dual-energy contrast-enhanced CTs correlates well with acceptable variability.
Prädiktoren für Progression und Mortalität bei Patienten mit RA-assoziierter ILD
Authors: Kahn Nicolas Carlos
Published: August 2021

Objectives: To describe a prospective cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis associated with interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) and identify risk factors associated with disease progression and mortality in this cohort. Patients and methods: We performed a multicenter, prospective, observational study of patients with RA-ILD receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) between 2015 and 2020. The patients were assessed using high-resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function tests at baseline and at 60 months. The main endpoint was «Progression to ILD at the end of follow-up» in terms of the following outcomes: (1) improvement (i.e., improvement in forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥10% or diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) ≥15% and absence of radiological progression); (2) nonprogression (stabilization or improvement in FVC ≤10% or diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) <15% and absence of radiological progression); (3) progression (worsening of FVC >10% or DLCO >15% and radiological progression); or (4) death. We recorded demographic and clinical characteristics, lung function, and the incidence of adverse events. A Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the worsening of ILD. Results: After 60 months, lung disease had stabilized in 66 patients (56.9%), improved in 9 (7.8%), and worsened in 23 (19.8%). Eighteen patients (15.5%) died, with a mean survival of 71.8 (1.9) months after diagnosis of ILD. The Cox multivariate analysis revealed the independent predictors of worsening of RA-ILD to be usual interstitial pneumonia (hazard ratio (HR), 2.6 (95%CI, 1.0–6.7)), FVC <80% (HR, 3.8 (95%CI, 1.5–6.7)), anticitrullinated protein antibody titers (HR, 2.8 (95%CI, 1.1–6.8)), smoking (HR, 2.5 (95%CI, 1.1–6.2)), and treatment with abatacept, tocilizumab, or rituximab (HR, 0.4 (95%CI, 0.2–0.8)). During follow-up, 79 patients (68%) experienced an adverse event, mostly infection (61%). Infection was fatal in 10/18 patients (55.5%) during follow-up. Conclusions: Lung function is stable in most patients with RA-ILD receiving treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), although one-third worsened or died. Identifying factors associated with worsening in RA-ILD is important for clinical management.
Relationship between emotional intelligence and burnout: An empirical investigation of teacher educators
Authors: Kant Ravi , Shanker Amit
Published: August 2021

Intention of this investigation was to explore if a relationship exists or not between emotional intelligence and burnout by examine a sample of 200 teacher educators that were selected by a purposive stratified sampling method from among of all teacher educators in District Gaya, India. In this investigation, two instruments were used to collect data, such as Weisinger’s Emotional Intelligence Test and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). This research was correlation type so to analyze the data, were used Pearson correlation co-efficient and Analysis of Regression. Investigations found that teacher educator were not significantly different in emotional intelligence on the basis of gender, locality and teaching experience. Gender and teaching experience has nothing to play on burnout but locality has a significant difference on burnout score of teacher educators. Emotional intelligence and burnout syndrome have a strong negative association (r=-0.221), according to research results. Emotional intelligence had a significant contribution on burnout of teacher educators.
Draw your story: Exploring adaptation experiences of first-year students at the institute of teacher education in Malaysia
Authors: Besar Tengku Norhani Tengku , Ahmad Nor Shafrin , Hashim Shahabuddin , Abdullah Siti Salina
Published: August 2021

The transition from school to the institute of higher learning is a challenging phase that requires students to adapt to new environments and cultures. This study aimed to explore the adaptation experiences of first-year students at the Institute of Teacher Education by using storytelling through drawing. This study involved 18 students pursuing the Bachelor of Education Preparatory Programme at the Institute of Teacher Education in Malaysia with low levels of adaptation identified through Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ). The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings showed that the first-year students at the Institute of Teacher Education experiencing adaptation challenge in four main themes: academic, social, personal, and interest. The findings of this study are expected to contribute towards the formation and development of appropriate interventions to assist the well-being of first-year students at the Institute of Teacher Education, Malaysia, in adapting to the new environment.
Student satisfaction in e-learning along the COVID-19 pandemic with importance performance analysis
Authors: Bismala Lila , Manurung Yayuk Hayulina
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused learning to be done with an online system, one of which is by using e-learning. The use of e-learning received a lot of reactions, both from the student and lecturer side. Lecturers should be able to make the best preparation, both in terms of materials, media, content, interaction and flexibility in the use of e-learning, so that students do not have difficulty in distance learning done. While students should prepare themselves as best as possible, both in terms of technology, ability, interaction with colleagues and lecturers, as well as motivation in conducting distance learning using e-learning. This study aimed to investigate student satisfaction in using e-learning as a method of distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, using Importance Performance Analysis (IPA). The number of respondents in this study was 132 students. The results showed that there are several factors that need to be improved, such as materials presented in e-learning, interaction with lecturers, availability of facilities, and lecturers. Factors that should be maintained included flexibility, assessment in e-learning that is felt to be appropriate, the benefits of e-learning, and students' ability to allocate time. Meanwhile, factors that are considered less important and do not obtain priorities include peers, easy-to-understand materials, ability to learn independently and understand tasks. In addition, students consider there are several factors that are considered too excessive, namely self-motivation, ability to understand the use of e-learning, independent learning process.
Fundos de investimento multimercado: a liberdade de ação do gestor importa?
Authors: Storck Bruno Armezindo , Motoki Fabio Yoshio Suguri
Published: August 2021

Estratégia Livre está relacionada a um melhor desempenho quando comparado aos demais de sua classe. Na indústria de fundos norte-americana, estudos anteriores mostram que maior discricionariedade está associada a melhores retornos. Os resultados estão em linha com a literatura estrangeira onde os Fundos Estratégia Livre estão associados a melhor desempenho, porém não se pode afirmar o mesmo quanto ao risco. Foram utilizados dados da base Quantum Axis, no total de 3499 fundos multimercado durante o período de janeiro de 2016 a janeiro de 2019. Desempenho foi mensurado pelo Índice de Sharpe e Sortino, e o risco por VaR, CVaR (Conditional Value at Risk) e Downside Risk.
Music, Art, Machine Learning, and Standardization
Authors: Brook Taylor
Published: August 2021

This paper explores current and hypothetical implementations of machine learning in the creation and marketing of cultural commodities such as music. Building on Adorno and Horkheimer’s critique of the culture industry, this article considers the role of machine learning and artificial intelligence as a force for stylistic standardization and further consolidation of economic power in music and art.
Embodied Composition: Composing the Body with Sound
Authors: Herndon Julie
Published: August 2021

Embodied composition is the practice of organizing sound in relation to the body and its internal/external experiences. It includes the intuitive and corporeal capacity to create, remember and respond to the environment. This creative practice manifests in the use of voice, gesture and the creative state. While many composers work with embodied composition, a clear definition is lacking. Toward this end, the author offers a perspective from her own creative practice as research. Her definition is illustrated with examples from Meredith Monk, Pamela Z and Cassandra Miller.
Transformation of Buddhist Mandalas into a Virtual Reality Installation
Authors: Scott Julia A. , Sims Max , Harrold Lee , Jacobus Nicole , Avelar Cecilia , Durham Jeffrey
Published: August 2021

Technology can translocate traditional art into interactive, immersive experiences. At the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, the authors transformed Tibetan Buddhist mandalas into a 3D virtual reality mandala installation. Furthering this project, they externalized an analog of the meditative experience by recording electroencephalograms that dynamically modulated the visual scene. The use of neurofeedback allowed fluctuations in the alpha power to drive the intensity of the fog obscuring the mandala. This aimed to give a sense of clearing the fog with one’s mind in a meditation-like state. The collaboration demonstrated how technology intended for scientific use may be adapted to an artistic installation that enriches the visitor experience.
Terrorism and Democracy
Authors: Korotayev Andrey , Vaskin Ilya , Romanov Daniil
Published: August 2021

This article proposes a new explanation of the positive correlation between democracy and terrorism detected in many previous studies. It is shown that this might be accounted for by the fact that factional democracies are subjected to more terrorist attacks than the other political regimes. A positive relationship between the democratic regime and the level of terrorist activity can be obtained due to the inclusion of factional democracies in the sample of democratic states. If factional democracies are excluded from the sample, the relationship between the level of terrorist activity and the democratic regime is negative. The analysis allows to maintain that factional democracy is a rather powerful factor of a high level of terrorist activity, while non-factional democracy turns out to be rather a statistically significant predictor of a relatively low intensity of terrorist attacks.
The Production of Salafi Spaces in Computer-mediated Environments: A Social Theory Perspective on ‘Digital Religion’
Authors: Becker Carmen
Published: August 2021

The concept or notion of ‘digital religion’ has gained traction in recent years in the study of the intersection of media and religion. In this paper, I argue that this concept tends to reify ‘religion’ as a unique, sui generis phenomenon, disregarding decades-long debates about the idea of ‘religion’ in the study of religion. After deconstructing the notion of ‘digital religion’, as put forward in an essay by Stewart Hoover and Nabil Echchaibi (2014), I propose a social theory perspective of (digital) space, drawing mainly from the sociology of space and taking into account affordances and the citational nature of signifying practices. In the final section, I apply this approach to data I gathered during fieldwork online and offline among Salafi Muslims in the Netherlands and Germany from 2008 until 2015; this will showcase the potential not only for abstaining from ‘religionizing’ social phenomena but also of a social theory approach to the production of digital spaces.
Strobilanthes medahinnensis (Acanthaceae) a new species, based on morphological and molecular data, from the Peak Wilderness Nature Reserve, Sri Lanka
Authors: NILANTHI RAJAPAKSE MUDIYANSELAGE RENUKA , SAMARAKOON HIRUNA , JAYAWARDANA NUWAN , WIJESUNDARA SIRIL , BANDARANAYAKE PRADEEPA CHANDANI GUNATHILAKE
Published: August 2021

Strobilanthes medahinnensis, a new species of Acanthaceae is described and illustrated from Sri Lanka. The new species is similar to S. anceps in having ovate leaves, yellow gland dots of abaxial leaf surface and reflexed bracts but differs by rounded stem, leaves with acuminate apex, elongated spikes, lanceolate outermost bract with long acuminate apex. The establishment of the new species is supported by complete plastome genome analyses.
Diversity, species richness distribution and centers of endemism of Lycianthes (Capsiceae, Solanaceae) in Mexico
Authors: ANGUIANO-CONSTANTE MARCO ANTONIO , DEAN ELLEN , STARBUCK THOMAS , RODRÍGUEZ AARÓN , MUNGUÍA-LINO GUADALUPE
Published: August 2021

Spatial patterns of plant diversity matter. Identifying areas of high species richness and endemism are crucial for understanding the evolution of plant diversity and community assemblages as well establishing sustainablility and conservation priorities. Lycianthes is the third most species-rich genus in the Solanaceae with 187 taxa (152 species, 10 subspecies and 25 varieties) native to the Americas and Asia-Pacific region. However, the distributions of the taxa are uneven and usually concentrated along mountain ranges in the Neotropic. In Mexico, the main mountain chains are known as the Mexican Transition Zone (MTZ), so we expected the highest species richness and endemism to be found there. Our aims were twofold; first, to determine the Lycianthes species richness in Mexico; and second, to analyze the spatial patterns. We used 2305 georeferenced records obtained from specimens examined in herbaria, electronic specimen databases and specimens cited in the literature. Then, we analyzed species richness and endemism using a grid-cell of 50 × 50 km, political divisions, biogeographic provinces, vegetation types, and elevation. In addition, endemism was quantified using weighted endemism (WE) and corrected weighted endemism (CWE). In Mexico, there were 48 taxa of Lycianthes, which included 44 species and four varieties. Of these, 20 species and two varieties were endemic. We found 14 cells of high species richness and eight centers of endemism, all located across the MTZ. The pine-oak forest resulted in the richest plant community followed by the cloud forest along an elevational gradient of 1000–2000 m. Likewise, endemism was found within the pine-oak forest of the MTZ, between 1000–2000 m of elevation. The geological history and climatic conditions of the MTZ could explain the diversity of Lycianthes there.
New species of Stenopterobia (Bacillariophyta) from Colombia and Peru, and new nomenclatural transfers in Iconella
Authors: SALA SILVIA E. , GUERRERO JOSÉ M. , AVELLANEDA MARCELA NÚÑEZ , KOCIOLEK JOHN P.
Published: August 2021

During a survey of diatoms from the Colombian and Peruvian Amazon, we encountered many specimens of the genus Stenopterobia in periphyton and plankton samples. These diatoms were assigned to three different taxa, two with sigmoid valves and the other one with straight valves. The comparison of their valve morphologies with similar taxa described in the literature revealed that they do not correspond to any previously known taxa. They are described herein as Stenopoterobia caquetaensis sp. nov., S. colombiana sp. nov. and S. amazonica sp. nov. We maintain this genus assignment since the new taxa, as well as other species currently in Stenopterobia, exhibit differences from Iconella, a genus to which several Stenopterobia species were recently transferred. Differences exist between the two genera in their ultrastructural features, such as plain internal valve face and unrimmed internal areolar openings, which do not fully conform to the description of Iconella. Additionally, the robustoid Surirella rafaelii and S. tayronarum, recently described from Colombia, are transferred to Iconella.
Mechanisms of Regional Winter Sea-Ice Variability in a Warming Arctic
Authors: Dörr Jakob , Årthun Marius , Eldevik Tor , Madonna Erica
Published: August 2021

The Arctic winter sea ice cover is in retreat overlaid by large internal variability. Changes to sea ice are driven by exchange of heat, momentum, and freshwater within and between the ocean and the atmosphere. Using a combination of observations and output from the Community Earth System Model Large Ensemble, we analyze and contrast present and future drivers of the regional winter sea ice cover. Consistent with observations and previous studies, we find that for the recent decades ocean heat transport though the Barents Sea and Bering Strait is a major source of sea ice variability in the Atlantic and Pacific sectors of the Arctic, respectively. Future projections show a gradually expanding footprint of Pacific and Atlantic inflows highlighting the importance of future Atlantification and Pacification of the Arctic Ocean. While the dominant hemispheric modes of winter atmospheric circulation are only weakly connected to the sea ice, we find distinct local atmospheric circulation patterns associated with present and future regional sea ice variability in the Atlantic and Pacific sectors, consistent with heat and moisture transport from lower latitudes. Even if the total freshwater input from rivers is projected to increase substantially, its influence on simulated sea ice is small in the context of internal variability.
Detecting a Single Automation Failure: The Impact of Expected (But Not Experienced) Automation Reliability
Authors: Bowden Vanessa K. , Griffiths Natalie , Strickland Luke , Loft Shayne
Published: August 2021

Objective

Examine the impact of expected automation reliability on trust, workload, task disengagement, nonautomated task performance, and the detection of a single automation failure in simulated air traffic control.

Background

Prior research has focused on the impact of experienced automation reliability. However, many operational settings feature automation that is reliable to the extent that operators will seldom experience automation failures. Despite this, operators must remain aware of when automation is at greater risk of failing.

Method

Participants performed the task with or without conflict detection/resolution automation. Automation failed to detect/resolve one conflict (i.e., an automation miss). Expected reliability was manipulated via instructions such that the expected level of reliability was (a) constant or variable, and (b) the single automation failure occurred when expected reliability was high or low.

Results

Trust in automation increased with time on task prior to the automation failure. Trust was higher when expecting high relative to low reliability. Automation failure detection was improved when the failure occurred under low compared with high expected reliability. Subjective workload decreased with automation, but there was no improvement to nonautomated task performance. Automation increased perceived task disengagement.

Conclusions

Both automation reliability expectations and task experience played a role in determining trust. Automation failure detection was improved when the failure occurred at a time it was expected to be more likely. Participants did not effectively allocate any spared capacity to nonautomated tasks.

Applications

The outcomes are applicable because operators in field settings likely form contextual expectations regarding the reliability of automation.
Implementation of Data-Based Decision-Making: Linking Research From the Special Series to Practice
Authors: Kearns Devin M. , Feinberg Natasha J. , Anderson Leslie J.
Published: August 2021

The papers in the special series describe the role of data-based decision-making (DBDM) in improving the outcomes of students with learning disabilities based on research across Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. The articles address multiple aspects of a model of DBDM that includes the role of teacher knowledge, skills, beliefs, and sources of professional learning and the role of systems-level factors in improving student achievement. In this article, the conclusions of each paper are described in terms of that model. The papers illustrate that DBDM can improve achievement for students with learning disabilities through a DBDM process called data-based individualization (DBI)—especially if teachers have innovative supports (e.g., new technologies). For teachers, DBDM professional development (PD) can improve DBDM knowledge and implementation, but PD may not be adequate in all cases, with practical experience playing a central role. In addition, classroom-level DBDM may not translate to success for students with learning disabilities. Finally, the articles reveal a need to focus more on systems-level factors in successful DBDM systems like DBI—especially when implemented outside the experimental context. These findings provide a contemporary lens on DBDM as it related to students with learning disabilities and establish foci for future research.
Psychometric Properties of Grief Traits and State Scale for Nurses to Measure Levels of Grief
Authors: Betriana Feni , Tanioka Tetsuya , Yokotani Tomoya , Nakano Youko , Ito Hirokazu , Yasuhara Yuko , Zhao Yueren , Locsin Rozzano C.
Published: August 2021

Frequent exposure to patient deaths prompts nurses to experience grief. Unresolved grief leads to harmful consequences of nurses’ mental health and quality of nursing care. A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted to determine the psychometric properties of the Grief traits and State Scale for Nurses. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors measuring the level of nurses’ grief traits (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.84) and two factors in grief state (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.86). Nurses’ feelings of unable to provide good care were associated with a higher risk of grief (odds ratio (OR): 4.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45–12.75), uncomfortable feeling toward deaths (OR: 11.29, 95%CI: 1.48–85.91), and emotional exhaustion (OR: 7.12, 95%CI: 1.63–30.99). Results indicated that the scale was reliable in determining the levels of their grief. Nurse managers can use the scale to identify their nurses’ levels of grief, creating opportunities to influence the resolution of the grief experiences.
Early Motor Skills in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Are Marked by Less Frequent Hand and Knees Crawling
Authors: Lavenne-Collot Nathalie , Jallot Nelle , Maguet Julie , Degrez Céline , Botbol Michel , Grandgeorge Marine
Published: August 2021

Our aim in this study was to affirm or negate (quantitatively) our subjective impression of altered hands and knees crawling (H&K crawling) among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Through parental questionnaires and children’s health records, we retrospectively compared early motor skills, including the frequency of H&K crawling in 79 children with Autistic Disorder or Asperger Syndrome versus 100 children with typical development (TD). We found H&K crawling to be significantly less frequent among children with ASD (44.2%) versus children with TD (69%). Children with ASD also showed a decreased frequency of acquiring a seating position without help and a later mean walking age compared to the TD children. These data suggest that early motor development delays may be a useful sign for detecting ASD at early ages.
Depression and Suicide Ideation: The Role of Self-Acceptance for Black Young Adults
Authors: Brooks Jasmin R. , Madubata Ijeoma J. , Jewell Rebecca D. , Ortiz David A. , Walker Rheeda L.
Published: August 2021

Suicide is a leading cause of death for Black young adults. Though depression is commonly linked to increased risk for suicide, empirical literature examining the depression–suicide association and intrinsic buffers for this association remains limited among Black young adults. This study sought to address this gap in the literature by examining the relationship between depression and suicide ideation among Black young adults. Importantly, this study assessed the moderating role of self-acceptance, an index of how content one is with oneself. Study participants included 123 Black young adults (63.5% female, Mage = 20.91 years, SD = 2.45 years) who completed measures evaluating symptoms of depression, suicide ideation, and psychological well-being. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that self-acceptance moderated the association between depressive symptomatology and suicide ideation ( β = −0.05, p < .01, 95% CI [-1.01, −0.11]), such that the depression–suicide ideation association was not significant for individuals who reported high levels of self-acceptance. These findings suggest that self-acceptance may be an important treatment target for interventions aimed specifically at reducing suicide vulnerability among Black young adults.
Readability of the American, Canadian, and British Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Societies’ Patient Materials
Authors: Kim Joo Hyun , Grose Elysia , Philteos Justine , Forner David , Noel Christopher W. , Wu Vincent , Eskander Antoine
Published: August 2021

Objective

Patient education materials across 3 national English otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OHNS) societies: the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS), the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (CSOHNS), and Ear, Nose, and Throat United Kingdom (ENT UK) were examined to determine whether they are written at a level suitable for patient comprehension.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Online patient materials presented through OHNS national societies.

Methods

Readability was calculated using the Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch‐Kincaid Reading Ease Score, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index. All public patient education materials available through the CSOHNS, AAO‐HNS, and ENT UK websites were assessed. Patient education materials were grouped into categories by subspecialty.

Results

In total, 128 patient materials from the 3 societies were included in the study. All 3 societies required a minimum grade 9 reading comprehension level to understand their online materials. According to Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level, the CSOHNS required a significantly higher reading grade level to comprehend the materials presented when compared to AAO‐HNS (11.3 vs 9.9; 95% CI, 0.5‐2.4; P <. 01) and ENT UK (11.3 vs 9.4; 95% CI, 0.9‐2.9; P <. 01). Patient education materials related to rhinology were the least readable among all 3 societies.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the reading level of the current patient materials presented through 3 national OHNS societies are written at a level that exceeds current recommendations. Promisingly, it highlights an improvement for the readability of patient materials presented through the AAO‐HNS.
Review of Psychotropic Agents Associated with Sialorrhoea, Except Clozapine
Authors: Halder Ankit , Ravindran Navna Panchami , Nagda Parth , Harshe Devavrat , Harshe Gurudas
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Sialorrhoea, or excessive salivation, is common in psychiatric patients. This can be distressing because of its physical and psychosocial complications. Sialorrhoea due to psychotropic drugs has been reported repeatedly in the literature. Clozapine is the antipsychotic most commonly associated with sialorrhoea.

Objective:

The objective of this review was to examine and discuss the existing literature on all psychotropic drugs associated with sialorrhoea, except clozapine.

Methods:

Google Scholar and PubMed were searched for the literature on psychotropic-induced sialorrhoea. The search terms used were sialorrhoea, antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizer, and benzodiazepines. Case reports on patients suffering from psychotropic-induced sialorrhoea except clozapine are reviewed in this study.

Results:

The pathophysiology behind psychotropic-induced sialorrhoea, the population susceptible to sialorrhoea, and the exact duration from the start of sialorrhoea the drug course to the onset of sialorrhoea are unknown. Also, sialorrhoea is not associated with drug toxicity and is observed even in patients receiving normal doses of psychotropic medications. Treatment involves dose reduction, discontinuation of drugs responsible for the adverse effect, or adding anticholinergic drugs.

Conclusion:

Sialorrhoea due to clozapine has been reported in the literature. Many other antipsychotics, antidepressants such as sertraline, and other psychotropic drugs such as lithium have also been reported to cause sialorrhoea. No increase in the risk of sialorrhoea was seen in any of the age groups, and no association was found with treatment duration. In cases of lithium-induced sialorrhoea, no relationship was observed between serum levels of lithium and sialorrhoea.
On applicability of MQ-RPIM and MLPG meshless methods with 3D extended-enriched base functions for estimation of mode I stress intensity factor and fatigue crack growth in cyclic tensile and bending load of an un-notched and notched shaft
Authors: Ariannezhad Behrooz , Shahrooi Shahram , Shishehsaz Mohammad
Published: August 2021

In this study, a numerical meshless method is used to solve the weak form of the linear elastic equations in solid mechanics. Evaluation and comparison of the numerical meshless methods have been carried out via the radial point interpolation meshless method with multi-quadrics base functions (MQ-RPIM) and meshless local Petrov-Galerkin method (MLPG). Using these two methods, stress intensity factors in an elastic medium containing geometric discontinuities and cracks are estimated based on tensile and bending cyclic loading. The analysis domain has been identified via three-dimensional modeling of the notched and un-notched shafts with an initial surface semi-elliptical crack subjected to tensile or bending cyclic loadings. To enhance the accuracy of calculations, the RPIM meshless method is applied using polynomial and extended-enriched 3D base functions. Shape functions have been developed using standard and optimal parameters and values with Mono-Objective Function in PSO algorithm. In the MLPG meshless method with the extended-enriched functions, discretization is performed via direct and penalty factor methods, to reach more efficient results and meet the boundary conditions. Efficiency comparison of the selected numerical methods with the experimental findings and the numerical analysis of finite elements method indicates that in comparison with the MLPG method, MQ-RPIM enriched meshless method can be utilized with fewer nodes in the analysis domain while reaching the accuracy and convergence with lower stress intensity factors and gentler slope. However, the processing time of the MLPG meshless method is lower than that of the other methods.
Dynamic Vehicle Routing with Parking Probability under Connected Environment
Authors: Yang Hao , Oguchi Kentaro
Published: August 2021

In downtown areas of large cities, it is very challenging for drivers to find available parking spots, even when they are provided with information on parking availability and location information. To overcome this challenge, this paper develops a dynamic vehicle routing system to search for the optimal routes for connected vehicles to find parking spots successfully and to minimize total trip time, including driving time and walking time. The system predicts the probability of each parking lot having available parking spots based on the existing available number of spots and the vehicle arrival and departure rates collected by connected vehicles. This probability is integrated in the search for vehicle routes to minimize total travel and walking times. Numerical experiments indicate that the proposed system can reduce the cruising time spent searching for available parking spots, and the total trip time can be reduced by up to 24%. In addition, the system can decrease the number of re-routing decisions, which reduces the stress of drivers on the road. A sensitivity analysis of the parking probability is also conducted. Some future work based on the proposed system is proposed in the conclusion to this paper.
Characteristics Associated With Self-Reported Worry Among Adults About Food Availability and Food Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic—United States, June 2020 Survey Data
Authors: Dumas Brianna L. , Lee Seung Hee , Harris Diane M. , Yaroch Amy L. , Pomeroy Mary A. , Blanck Heidi M.
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

During a pandemic, persons might experience worry because of threats (real or perceived), or as part of stress-related reactions. We aimed to provide insight into Americans’ worry about food during COVID-19. Design, Subjects, Measures: Online survey data from June 2020 (n = 4,053 U.S. adults; 62.7% response rate) was used to assess 2 outcomes: worry about food availability (FA); food safety (FS). Adults with missing information about FA and FS were excluded from analysis (final n = 3,652).

Analysis:

We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression to examine characteristics associated with the outcomes and estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for associations between sociodemographic variables and outcomes.

Results:

58.3% of respondents reported worry about FA; 57.5% about FS, with higher odds of worry for FA and FS (versus referents) in lower income households (FA: aOR = 1.76 95%CI [1.30, 2.39]; FS: 1.84[1.35, 2.51]); unemployed (1.54[1.05, 2.28]; 1.90[1.26,2.81]); non-Hispanic Black (1.55[1.14,2.12]); 2.25[1.65,3.07]); Hispanic (1.39[1.06,1.82]; 1.94[1.46,2.56]).

Conclusion:

Findings highlight the importance of strategies to reduce consumer worry about FA and FS and negative food behaviors, and the need for continued access to hunger safety net programs, which could have positive effects on nutrition security.
Oriented polylactic acid/graphene oxide nanocomposites with high mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Bagheri Ehsan , Rahnama Hadi , Hassannia Mohammad Ali , Behzad Tayebeh , Mosaddegh Peiman
Published: August 2021

Oriented polylactic acid (PLA)/graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets tapes were prepared via uniaxial solid state drawing. The effect of various drawing conditions, including drawing ratio (DR), temperature (DT), and speed (DS) on mechanical, thermal, structural, and barrier properties were studied. Structural studies showed oriented structure for the drawn tapes with aligned polymer chains and GO nanosheets. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed improved glass transition temperature (Tg) and crystallinity (Xc) after drawing. In addition, Tg and Xc were increased more by increasing DR and DT. The highest Tg and Xc were achieved for 3/70/50 tape with values of 73°C and %22, respectively. Higher thermal stabilities and enhanced barrier properties were achieved after drawing, especially at the higher DR. Finally, tensile testing revealed simultaneous improvement in stiffness and toughness due to strain hardening for all the drawn tapes. The strength and elastic modulus were increased after increasing DR, DS, and DT and reached the highest values of 149 MPa and 3.6 GPa for 3/70/50. Overall, the properties were controllable by the processing conditions.
Experimental study of a virtual allowables approach for the design of composite aircraft structures
Authors: Starace F , Orlando SD , Guida M , Marulo F
Published: August 2021

Statistically derived allowables are representative for the behavior of a composite material system in a given structural context where data variability needs to be contemplated. In particular, they define the strength of the material as characterized by various coupon tests according to ASTM standard procedure subjected to the actual manufacturing process and layup stacking sequences. The current paper presents a detailed comparison between virtual allowables predictions obtained using MSC Digimat and the experimentally determined values of a certified material backed up by a 3x2x3 (batch/panel/specimen) stochastic approach. Tests generate the required data for building material model ab initio of carbon fibers reinforced epoxide resin in form of 2x2 twill woven fabric used for qualifying an innovative composite wing for the Next Generation Tilt Rotor (NGCTR). Numerical models of in-plane tension, compression and shear test methods have been assembled along with an associated material model allowing numerical predictions to be validated with the coupon level experimental results as final purpose. Standard statistical model has been adopted in order to include material and manufacturing process variabilities to define B-basis allowables. The calibrated statistical FEM method performed for different layup configurations have been used to fully characterize the mechanical behavior of the analyzed CFRP material and to predict performances for thicker laminates.
Linkage Between Road Safety and Economic Development: A Case Study of India
Authors: Sinha Anshul , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Singh VijayLakshmi
Published: August 2021

This study examines the relationship between fatality risk (number of fatalities per 10,000 people), the level of motorization (number of vehicles per 10,000 people) and fatality rate (number of fatalities per 10,000 vehicles), and the real per capita GDP across Indian states and union territories. Two kinds of relationships—linear and log-linear—are examined. The study also aims to estimate the real per capita GDP after which the fatality risk shows a decreasing trend with further increase in per capita GDP. This inflection point is found out to be somewhere between ₹190,000 and ₹195,000 at 2011–2012 prices. We also found that, from 2015 to 2030, the number of road accidental deaths in India is expected to increase by 55%, whereas the vehicle stock in the country is likely to double.
The Horn of Africa as Venue for Regional Competition: Motivations, Instruments and Relationship Patterns
Authors: Telci Ismail Numan
Published: August 2021

The Horn of Africa has visibly started to play a more distinctive role in international relations in the past years. Comprising Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea and Djibouti, the region is home to competition between countries of the region and influence of external actors. The region is increasingly a part of Middle East regional politics and is home to competition among regional powers such as Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran. It is critical to articulate how each country formulates an agenda for the region. Therefore, the article seeks to explain how each regional power came to establish policies with each of the Horn of Africa country to set the stage for a strategy that depends on the region. While the study focuses on the motivations and instruments of involvement of these actors in the Horn of Africa politics, it also focuses on the relationship patterns between these external powers and Horn of African countries. The study aims to generate a policy-oriented analysis as well as a framework with regard to the role of external actors in the Horn of Africa politics.