bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State-switching and high-order spatiotemporal organization of dynamic functional connectivity are disrupted by Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Arbabyazd Lucas , Petkoski Spase , Breakspear Michael , Solodkin Ana , Battaglia Demian , Jirsa Viktor
Published: August 2023

Spontaneous activity during the resting state, tracked by BOLD fMRI imaging, or shortly rsfMRI, gives rise to brain-wide dynamic patterns of interregional correlations, whose structured flexibility relates to cognitive performance. Here, we analyze resting-state dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) in a cohort of older adults, including amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI, N = 34) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD, N = 13) patients, as well as normal control (NC, N = 16) and cognitively “supernormal” controls (SNC, N = 10) subjects. Using complementary state-based and state-free approaches, we find that resting-state fluctuations of different functional links are not independent but are constrained by high-order correlations between triplets or quadruplets of functionally connected regions. When contrasting patients with healthy subjects, we find that dFC between cingulate and other limbic regions is increasingly bursty and intermittent when ranking the four groups from SNC to NC, aMCI and AD. Furthermore, regions affected at early stages of AD pathology are less involved in higher order interactions in patient than in control groups, while pairwise interactions are not significantly reduced. Our analyses thus suggest that the spatiotemporal complexity of dFC organization is precociously degraded in AD and provides a richer window into the underlying neurobiology than time-averaged FC connections.
A Qualitative Case Study on Deconstructing Presence for Young Adults and Older Adults
Authors: Pouke Matti , Ylipulli Johanna , Uotila Elmeri , Sitomaniemi Anna-Kaisa , Pouke Sakaria , Ojala Timo
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we present the results of an exploratory qualitative case study on presence experienced by groups of young adults and older adults during their use of an interactive virtual reality application mixing realistic and fantasy elements. In contrast to most previous studies, we do not focus on a set of predetermined factors but instead adopt an open-ended qualitative approach to identify emerging factors from the users' experiences. We then analyze these factors against the place illusion/plausibility illusion (PI/PSI) framework of Skarbez, Neyret, et al. (2017) to investigate whether PI and PSI, as well as their contributing factors, can be separated. According to our findings, a user can experience PI and PSI independently from each other; however, they often appeared intermixed when investigated on the scope of the whole experience. Breaks in presence, as well as breaks in plausibility, could mostly, but not entirely, be attributed to immersion and coherence factors, respectively. An interesting finding is that both participant groups turned out to have two subgroups interpreting their experience with a particular frame of reference of differing expectations. These frames of reference affected not only PSI, as expected, but PI as well, suggesting that coherence could be a contributing factor to both PI and PSI. Our contribution adds to the relatively small body of research investigating the separation of PI and PSI. Our exploratory findings can be utilized as directions for designing future confirmatory studies.
Towards an Effective Constitution in Lithuania: the Role of the Constitutional Court
Authors: Pūraitė-Andrikienė Dovilė
Published: August 2023

This article deals with the role of the Lithuanian Constitutional Court in ensuring the effectiveness of the Constitution. This research is based on the assumption that the success of constitutional review in a given state is determined (and at the same time characterized) by the following key preconditions: the social, political and legal environment of the state; the scope of powers of the constitutional court; and the presence of a jurisprudential or living constitution. Therefore, in order to achieve the aim of this research, the following tasks are undertaken and dealt with: (1) to discuss the challenges and achievements of the Lithuanian Constitutional Court in the broader context of constitutional justice institutions of Central and Eastern European states; (2) to overview the Lithuanian constitutional justice model and its development; (3) to analyze the emergence of the jurisprudential or living constitution in Lithuania.
Contribution to knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Symbioribates (Acari, Oribatida, Symbioribatidae), with descriptions of two new arboreal species from Vietnam
Authors: ERMILOV SERGEY G. , SALAVATULIN VLADIMIR M. , KOLESNIKOV VASILIY B.
Published: August 2023

The family Symbioribatidae is recorded in Vietnam for the first time. Two new arboreal species of Symbioribates—S. bimorphus sp. nov. and S. tripartitus sp. nov.—are described, based on adults (males and females) collected from tree branches of Dipterocarpus alatus in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam; the former species is sexually dimorphic, the latter species is the first non-sexually dimorphic representative within the genus. The generic diagnosis is presented. An identification key, distribution and habitats to the known representatives of Symbioribates are provided.
Description of a new subspecies of Chonala laurae Bozano, 1999 from Southeastern China (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae)
Authors: GUO LIANG , HUANG SI-YAO , WANG MIN , MA FANG-ZHOU
Published: August 2023

The satyrid species Chonala laurae Bozano, 1999, formerly only known from southern Shaanxi and western Hubei Provinces in the central part of China, is recorded from Mt. Wuyi, Fujian Province in southeastern China for the first time, and the population is described as a new subspecies herein: C. laurae wuyishana Huang, Guo & Wang, ssp. n. The new subspecies can be distinguished from the nominate one by the pattern at the costa and in space 2 on the forewing upperside in males and the ground color in females, and from the closely related C. houae by the coloration of the pattern on the forewing upperside and in space 2 on the forewing underside as well as the male genital character. A brief discussion on the relationship among C. laurae laurae, C. laurae wuyishana ssp. n., and C. houae is also presented. In addition, an updated key to species and subspecies of Chonala is provided.
Zinc Finger Protein 36 Triggers Proliferation in Renal Cell Carcinoma by Negatively Regulating Krüppel-Like Transcription Factor 10
Authors: Peng Hao , Li Jintao , Gong Xiaohui , Li Mingyang
Published: August 2023

To uncover the role of Zinc finger protein 36 (Zfp36) in aggravating the development of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its regulatory effects on Krüppel-like transcription factor 10 (KLF10). Differential expressions of Zfp36 in 50 RCC tissues and their paracancerous ones were detected.
Zfp36 level and its influence on clinical indicators in RCC patients was analyzed. After confirming transfection efficacy of sh-Zfp36 in Caki-1 and 786-O cells, changes in proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation and flow cytometry. Molecular
mechanisms of Zfp36 on its downstream gene KLF10, and their involvement in the development of RCC were finally explored. Zfp36 was upregulated in RCC tissues than paracancerous ones. High level of Zfp36 predicted advanced tumor staging in RCC. Knockdown of Zfp36 attenuated proliferative ability
and triggered apoptosis in Caki-1 and 786-O cells. KLF10, the downstream gene binding Zfp36, was downregulated in RCC tissues. A negative correlation was identified between expression levels of Zfp36 and KLF10. Knockdown of KLF10 abolished regulatory effects of Zfp36 on RCC phenotypes. Zfp36
is related to tumor staging in RCC patients. It regulates proliferative potential and apoptosis in RCC via negatively regulating KLF10.
Long Non-Coding RNA LINC00202 Enhances Radiotherapy Sensitivity of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Regulating Ras and Rab Interactor 1
Authors: Yu Chuanyun , Li Qinghuan , Luo Sheng , Jin Yiqiang
Published: August 2023

Radiotherapy resistance is a major problem faced in clinical treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aims to illustrate the role of LINC00202 in influencing radiotherapy resistance of NPC patients. Microarray analyses on differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs
(lncRNAs) and their target miRNAs and mRNAs in the profiling containing radiotherapy resistant and sensitive NPC tissues were conducted. The biological functions of LINC00202 in regulating proliferative ability, cell cycle progression and apoptosis in irradiated HNE-2 cells were explored.
In addition, in vivo effects of LINC00202 on NPC growth were examined by establishing the xenograft models. LINC00202 was downregulated in radiotherapy resistant NPC tissues and irradiation-induced radio resistant NPC cells. In vitro experiments showed that overexpression of
LINC00202 in HNE-2 cells suppressed viability and induced cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. Survival rate of HNE-2 cells overexpressing LINC00202 dose-dependently decreased following different doses of irradiation. Consistently, 4-Gy irradiation in mice with in vivo expression of LINC00202
presented slower tumor growth of NPC than those of controls. Microarray analyses uncovered the LINC00202/miR-513A-5P/RIN1 axis, which was responsible for enhancing radiotherapy sensitivity of NPC. LINC00202/miR-513a-5p/RIN1 axis is responsible for enhancing radiotherapy sensitivity of NPC,
which provides a new idea in clinical treatment of NPC.
Long Non-Coding RNA POU5F1B Promotes the Occurrence and Development of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Bing , Lv Fang , Li Fang , Yang Kun , Zhao Liang , Gao Yushun
Published: August 2023

The study aimed to investigate the expression level of POU5F1B in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients’ serum, tissues, and cell lines and to identify its potential molecular mechanism in NSCLC pathogenesis. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)
was employed to detect POU5F1B expression. The associations between POU5F1B expression and age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, type of tissues, and lymph node metastasis were analyzed. Furthermore, changes in the proliferation and apoptosis of lung
cancer cells were observed after down-regulation of POU5F1B. The results demonstrated a significant increase in POU5F1B expression in NSCLC serum and cancer tissues with lymph node metastasis as well as in lung cancer cell lines. POU5F1B expression was found to be related to TNM stage, smoking,
and lymph node metastasis in NSCLC patients and was an independent risk factor that affected NSCLC prognosis. Knockdown of POU5F1B reduced lung cancer cell proliferation and increased apoptosis activity. These findings suggest that POU5F1B promotes NSCLC development by promoting cell proliferation
and inhibiting apoptosis.
Internal Solitary Waves within the Cold Tongue of the Equatorial Pacific Generated by Buoyant Gravity Currents
Authors: Santos-Ferreira A. M. , Silva J. C. B. da , St-Denis B. , Bourgault D. , Maas L. R. M.
Published: August 2023

The equatorial cold tongue in the Pacific Ocean has been intensely studied during the last decades as it plays an important role in air–sea interactions and climate issues. Recently, Warner et al. revealed gravity currents apparently originating in tropical instability waves. Both phenomena have strong dissipation rates and were considered to play a significant role in cascading energy from the mesoscale to smaller horizontal scales, as well as to vertical scales less than 1 m. Here, we present Sentinel-3 satellite observations of internal solitary waves (ISWs) in the Pacific cold tongue near the equator, in a zonal band stretching from 210° to 265°E, away from any steep bottom topography. Within this band these waves propagate in multiple directions. Some of the waves’ characteristics, such as the distance between wave crests, crest lengths, and time scales, are estimated from satellite observations. In total we identify 116 ISW trains during one full year (2020), with typical distances between crests of 1500 m and crest lengths of hundreds of kilometers. These ISW trains appear to be generated by buoyant gravity currents having sharp fronts detectable in thermal infrared satellite images. A 2D numerical model confirms that resonantly generated nonlinear internal waves with amplitudes of O(10) m may be continuously initiated at the fronts of advancing gravity currents.

Significance Statement

Satellite imagery reveals the repeated occurrence of internal solitary waves in the near-equatorial region of the east Pacific, despite the absence of topography. These waves appear to be resonantly generated over the sheared Equatorial Undercurrent by gravity currents that propagate as frontal zones of 1000-km scale tropical instability waves, providing a physical link with viscous mixing scales.
Storm Surge Ensemble Prediction System for Lagoons and Transitional Environments
Authors: Alessandri Jacopo , Pinardi Nadia , Federico Ivan , Valentini Andrea
Published: August 2023

We developed a storm surge ensemble prediction system (EPS) for lagoons and transitional environments. Lagoons are often threatened by storm surge events with consequent risks for human life and economic losses. The uncertainties connected with a classic deterministic forecast are many, thus, an ensemble forecast system is required to properly consider them and inform the end-user community accordingly. The technological resources now available allow us to investigate the possibility of operational ensemble forecasting systems that will become increasingly essential for coastal management. We show the advantages and limitations of an EPS applied to a lagoon, using a very high-resolution unstructured grid finite element model and 45 EPS members. For five recent storm surge events, the EPS generally improves the forecast skill on the third forecast day compared to just one deterministic forecast, while they are similar in the first two days. A weighting system is implemented to compute an improved ensemble mean. The uncertainties regarding sea level due to meteorological forcing, river runoff, initial boundaries, and lateral boundaries are evaluated for a special case in the northern Adriatic Sea, and the different forecasts are used to compose the EPS members. We conclude that the largest uncertainty is in the initial and lateral boundary fields at different time and space scales, including the tidal components.

Significance Statement

Storm surges are extreme sea level events that may threaten densely populated coastal areas. The purpose of this work is to improve the extreme sea level forecast for transitional areas with the understanding of what are the most important forcing generating uncertainties and find a technique to reach a reliable sea level forecast. This is achieved by implementing an ensemble prediction system running 45 members for each event considered. Results show that initial and lateral boundary conditions provide most of the uncertainty, including the tidal components. The weighting system applied to find the ensemble mean improves the forecast skill on the third forecast day while it is comparable with the deterministic forecast in the first two days.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Process(es) of Frequent K–12 Student Mobility in Urban Contexts
Authors: Ryan Sarah , Ream Robert K. , Martin Margaret , Shim Janet K. , Brooks Marquita S. , Yen Irene H.
Published: August 2023

As part of a larger project focused on the intersection of educational and health trajectories over the life course, we use in-depth interviews with 28 adults who experienced multiple non-promotional school changes during the course of their K-12 schooling in three U.S. urban centers to advance understanding of frequent student mobility. Prior research focuses predominantly on isolating the impact of student mobility while saying little about processes through which mobility influences educational trajectories in particular contexts. Frequent student mobility was intertwined with adverse childhood experiences and access to coping resources, and these forces shaped participants’ trajectories in patterned ways. Supporting frequently mobile students, almost a third of school-age children in the United States, will require greater attention to the reasons for, processes of, and contexts of student mobility.
Teaching in uncertain times: Exploring links between the pandemic, assessment workload, and teacher wellbeing in England
Authors: Johnson Martin , Coleman Victoria
Published: August 2023

In early 2021, schools in England went into a second period of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We wanted to look at how the pandemic influenced teachers’ working experiences. In particular, our focus of interest was on changes to teachers’ pedagogic, curricular and assessment practices, and how these changes impacted on their workload and wellbeing. We involved 15 teachers from a spread of regions, localities, school types and sizes across England. The teachers were working with students in Year 11 and/or 13 across a range of subject areas that would be particularly prone to the effects of any moves towards remote learning or disruption to examined assessment. To capture the teachers’ working experiences we used a mixed methods approach. This approach involved teachers recording their experiences in a series of solicited diaries over a 4-month period in early 2021. We complemented the insights gleaned from the teachers’ diaries with data from teacher interviews and surveys. This approach allowed us to link teachers’ experiences during the pandemic to their workload and their perceptions of wellbeing. Our analyses suggest that there were some features of workload that negatively affected teacher wellbeing during the pandemic period, particularly around assessment-related tasks. We also found that some of the social dimensions of teachers’ work positively contributed to their wellbeing, particularly where teachers’ work involved interactions with students and with colleagues.
Implementing Caregiver Coaching in Early Intervention With Families of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Authors: Brock Aleah S.
Published: August 2023

Caregiver coaching is a common component of early intervention services, but providers may be unfamiliar with methods of coaching for families of children who are Deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). This article provides guidance for early interventionists to implement caregiver coaching to facilitate language development in their children who are DHH. While the paper is written mainly for general interventionists who may be less familiar with the special needs of families with children who are DHH, the coaching guidance provided here may also be of value to early intervention providers who routinely serve this population as a model for coaching.
Modeling the Impact of Motivation Factors on Students’ Study Strategies and Performance Using Machine Learning
Authors: Orji Fidelia A. , Vassileva Julita
Published: August 2023

This research presents a proposed approach that could be applied in modeling students’ study strategies and performance in higher education. The research used key learning attributes, including intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, autonomy, relatedness, competence, and self-esteem in the modeling. Five machine learning models were implemented, trained, evaluated, and tested with data from 924 university students. The comparative analysis reveals that tree-based models, particularly random forest and decision trees, outperform other models, achieving a prediction accuracy of 94.9%. The models built in this research can be used in predicting student study strategies and performance and this can be applied in implementing targeted interventions for improving learning progress. The research findings emphasize the importance of incorporating strategies that address diverse motivation dimensions in online educational systems, as it increases student engagement and promotes continuous learning. The findings also highlight the potential for modeling these attributes collectively to personalize and adapt learning process.
Adaptive full-order sliding mode bounded attitude control for spacecraft formation flying with event-triggered communication
Authors: Di Fuqiang , Li Linxiao , Li Aijun , Guo Yong , Wang Changqing
Published: August 2023

This paper provides an event-triggered finite-time adaptive bounded controller for attitude tracking of spacecraft formation flying under external disturbances and limited communication. To facilitate the realization of bounded control, a novel full-order terminal sliding mode surface is established according to the hyperbolic tangent function. To reduce the communication frequency among formation members, an event-triggered control strategy that can converge to zero in finite time is investigated based on the full-order sliding mode surface. Under the proposed control strategy, the spacecraft only send their information to neighboring spacecraft when the trigger error exceeds the defined threshold. Rigorous theoretical analysis provides that finite-time convergence and Zeno-free are achieved under the proposed controller. Finally, numerical simulations are exhibited to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control law.
Presentation of Depressive Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Angel Lisa , Ailey Sarah H. , Delaney Kathleen R. , Mohr Lynn
Published: August 2023

Background:

Depressive disorders are frequently mis- and underdiagnosed in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Objective:

Our objective was to identify and synthesize current knowledge regarding (1) the presentation of depressive symptoms and (2) the use of self-reports in assessing depressive symptoms in individuals with ASD and comparisons between self-reported and observer-reported symptoms. A scoping review was conducted to capture the full range of literature on the topic and to identify research gaps.

Methods:

Articles were identified through a search of academic literature and screened for relevance to the aims of the review.

Results:

In addition to typical depression symptoms, individuals with ASD may demonstrate atypical symptoms such as changes in autistic symptoms, self-injurious behavior, and psychomotor changes. Moreover, the review revealed a bias toward observer-reports of symptoms. Self-reports frequently were not included or were ascribed less weight than observer-reports. Self-reports typically differed from reports given by parents or other caregivers, but a consistent pattern in these differences has not been established.

Conclusions:

Further research on the use of self-reports in assessing depressive symptoms in individuals with ASD is needed. Self-reports may provide information not obtainable through observer-reports, and integrating both self- and observer-reports in psychiatric evaluations may produce more comprehensive and accurate assessments.
Effects of Jargon and Source Accent on Receptivity to Science Communication
Authors: Dayton Zane A. , Dragojevic Marko
Published: August 2023

We examined whether source accent moderates jargon's effects on listeners’ processing fluency and receptivity to science communication. Americans heard a speaker describing science using either jargon or non-jargon and speaking with either a native (standard American) or foreign (Hispanic) accent. Compared to non-jargon, jargon disrupted listeners’ fluency for both speakers, but especially the foreign-accented speaker; jargon also reduced information-seeking intentions and perceived source and message credibility, but only for the foreign-accented speaker. Fluency mediated the effects of jargon on outcomes.
Temperature Outcomes without heater cooler units in adult patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hoyler Marguerite , Baidya Joydeep , Rippon Brady , Debois William , Srivastava Ankur , Iannacone Erin , Girardi Natalia Ivascu
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Heater-cooler units (HCUs) are frequently incorporated into extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits to help maintain patient normothermia. However, these devices may be associated with increased cost and infection risk. This study describes our institution’s experience managing adult ECMO patients without the routine use of in-circuit HCUs.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients treated with veno-venous (VV) or veno-arterial (VA) ECMO at our institution. The primary outcomes were rates of HCU use and the relative duration of the ECMO treatment course in which patients maintained normothermia (36-37.5°C), with and without HCUs. Secondary outcomes of mortality and ECMO-related complications were planned across HCU and non-HCU groups; exploratory analyses were performed across a 75% “ECMO time in normothermia” threshold.

Results

Among a cohort of 71 patients, zero (0%) were managed with in-circuit HCUs. A majority of ECMO patient-hours were spent in the normothermic range. Median and mean percentages of ECMO normothermia time were 75% (IQR 49%–81%) and 62% (SD ± 27%). Twenty-nine patients (40%) met the threshold of 75% ECMO normothermia time, as used to evaluate secondary outcomes. At this threshold, mortality risk was significantly higher among the non-normothermic cohort; other ECMO-related complications did not vary significantly.

Conclusions

In the absence of HCU use, the majority of ECMO patient-hours were spent in normothermia. However, only a minority of patients achieved normothermia for at least 75% of their ECMO course. In-circuit HCUs may be required to maintain high percentages of normothermic time in adult EMCO patients.
Comparison of holmium laser enucleation and transurethral resection of prostate in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Feng , Chen Yijin , Zou Yongsheng , Wang Yunxiao , Wu Xiaogang , Chen Milian
Published: August 2023

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold-standard classical method for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In minimally invasive surgery, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is considered an alternative option. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to comprehensively evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of TURP and HoLEP the treating BPH. We comprehensively searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for all randomized controlled trials published before 1 December 2022 comparing HoLEP and TURP. The study protocol is registered on INPLASY (DOI: 10.37766/inplasy2023.5.0065). Compared with TURP, HoLEP required longer operation time but shorter catheter duration, hospital stay, and bladder irrigation time, as well as less postoperative irrigation. With HoLEP, maximum urinary flow rate at 12 and 24 months after surgery; post-void residual volume at 1, 6, and 12 months; and International Prostate Symptom Score at 12 months after surgery were superior to those with TURP. HoLEP was associated with significantly lower risk of hyponatremia, blood transfusion, and urethral stricture but greater risk of postoperative dysuria. Compared with TURP, HoLEP had better curative efficacy at 6, 12, and 24 months after operation and lower incidence of adverse events in patients with BPH.
A radial basis function neural network approach to filtering stochastic wind speed data
Authors: Parmar Jiten , Pieper Jeff
Published: August 2023

Various types of control methods are utilized in wind turbines to obtain the optimal amount of power from wind. The turbine dynamics are required in said methods, and the wind speed is a critical component of the analysis. However, the stochastic nature of wind means that wind speed sensor signals are noisy. This paper proposes the utilization of a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) based filter to process the signal, by training the network with a simulated wind signal. The network is differentiated from a traditional filter in that the number of neurons and the “learning rate” of the network dictate the properties of the filtered signal. The information flow in the network consists of the signal to be processed as the input, the which is then used as an argument in a radial basis function (which determines the “distance” of each value in the input from a particular preset point), and then it multiplied by a weight. The learning rate is obtained from a novel equation that is proposed in the paper. The results showed that the proposed scheme has versatility in terms of noise removal and signal smoothing, and if required, can viably match performance with a Butterworth filter. Furthermore, live training and adaptability also serve as advantages over a classic filter. Three “modes” of processing the signal are determined based on choosing certain ranges of values for parameters which comprise the RBFNN (number of neurons used and learning rate), and the control designer can choose which one to implement based on performance requirements.
Passive machine vision-based defect classification in tungsten inert gas welding on SS304 using AI-based gradient descent algorithm
Authors: Thangavel Subramaniam , Maheswari Chennippan , Priyanka E Bhaskaran
Published: August 2023

In modern digitization, safety industries demand flaw-free and high-integrity welds, due to part localization on high uncertainty makes automation a challenging task. Integrating robotic welding with high-value manufacturing sector makes volume rise through pre-programmed repetitive performance on desired welding space. Further, the establishment of fully automated robotic-based welding operations with different configurations on controlled localization is the least available due to unviable cost. Hence, the proposed work concentrates on internet of things (IoT)-driven robotic tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding on stainless steel (SS) 304 by incorporating online programming (OP) with visual control schemes to classify the nature of weld quality using an artificial neural network. Continuous sensory-guided techniques with IoT high-level operator interface affords automated welding planning by using feature matching strategies. Area scan-based complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) cameras have been used to capture passive vision real-time images of the weld species for defect classification. In real-time, discrete reference workpiece and image feature extraction processes seem to be complicated in an unstructured welding environment. Hence, the present idea will enhance the efficiency of high product variance, but the accuracy of the automation relies on the weld image database. The proposed method (a) adaptively regulates its welding parameter variation on the welding trajectory path, (b) adapts and produces precise good weld workpieces with a 92% production rate with flaw-free welds and (c) initiates the automatic tuning of robot kinematics through IoT closed-loop online external control strategy. The proposed research experimental results confirm that fully automated IoT-driven robotic TIG welding affords good welding with an 88% improved quality rate through online passive vision-based image feature analysis.
Parametric analysis of erosion wear of sponge iron slag-filled ramie–epoxy composites using Taguchi and preference selection index methods
Authors: Mahapatra Sourav Kumar , Satapathy Alok
Published: August 2023

The present work reports on the development of a novel set of ramie–epoxy composites filled with sponge iron (SI) slag (0–30 wt.%) and on their response to solid particle erosion wear under different test conditions. SI slag is a by-product generated during the processing of SI to steel in arc or induction furnace. While these composites are fabricated using the conventional hand layup technique, the erosion tests are carried out using an air jet erosion tester following ASTM G76 test standard as per Taguchi's L27 orthogonal array. Mechanical characterization of ramie–epoxy composites suggests that the incorporation of SI slag improves their tensile strength by about 52%, flexural strength by 10% and micro-hardness by about 30%. A parametric appraisal of the erosion response carried out using Taguchi method reveals that the filler content, impact velocity and impingement angle are the most significant control factors influencing the erosion rate of these composites. The individual effects of different factors in wider ranges (impact velocity 25–125 m/s, filler content 0–30 wt.% and impingement angle 30–90°) are ascertained by conducting steady-state erosion experiments in controlled conditions. Preference selection index method, which is an effective multi-criteria decision-making tool is used to select the best candidate among all composites based on different physical, mechanical and wear test results. It is found that the composite with 30 wt.% SI slag content displays the optimal combination of properties. The worn morphologies of the eroded surfaces of the composites are studied and analyzed using electron microscopy to identify possible mechanisms causing the wear loss.
Survival analysis with a random change-point
Authors: Yin Lee Chun , Wong Kin Yau
Published: August 2023

Contemporary works in change-point survival models mainly focus on an unknown universal change-point shared by the whole study population. However, in some situations, the change-point is plausibly individual-specific, such as when it corresponds to the telomere length or menopausal age. Also, maximum-likelihood-based inference for the fixed change-point parameter is notoriously complicated. The asymptotic distribution of the maximum-likelihood estimator is non-standard, and computationally intensive bootstrap techniques are commonly used to retrieve its sampling distribution. This article is motivated by a breast cancer study, where the disease-free survival time of the patients is postulated to be regulated by the menopausal age, which is unobserved. As menopausal age varies across patients, a fixed change-point survival model may be inadequate. Therefore, we propose a novel proportional hazards model with a random change-point. We develop a nonparametric maximum-likelihood estimation approach and devise a stable expectation–maximization algorithm to compute the estimators. Because the model is regular, we employ conventional likelihood theory for inference based on the asymptotic normality of the Euclidean parameter estimators, and the variance of the asymptotic distribution can be consistently estimated by a profile-likelihood approach. A simulation study demonstrates the satisfactory finite-sample performance of the proposed methods, which yield small bias and proper coverage probabilities. The methods are applied to the motivating breast cancer study.
Becoming Chilean: Hipólito Gutiérrez and the Construction of Chilean National Identity During the War of the Pacific (1879–1881)
Authors: Quiroga Stefan Aguirre
Published: August 2023

This article investigates a memoir written in 1881 by Hipólito Gutiérrez, a semi-literate man from rural Chile, about his experiences as a soldier in the War of the Pacific (1879–1884). Through a microhistorical approach, it seeks to contextualize the memoir with the aim of uncovering how Gutiérrez constructed himself to be Chilean through his participation in the war. Unlike assessments made by past scholars, Gutiérrez cannot be considered representative of Chilean peasant-soldiers. The memoir provides a window into which researchers can see agency in action by a subaltern actor and how national identity is constructed from below.
Investigating Barriers Contributing to the Nonadoption of Mobile Payment from Non-users’ Perspective: Insights Based on SEM-ANN Analysis
Authors: Kumar Shani , Chawla Sonia
Published: August 2023

Mobile payment services (MPS) are gaining popularity and growth as innovative methods of payment. However, still due to pro-innovation bias, less attention has been given of barriers to innovation as compared to the adoption of the technology. The current research focuses on the various users’ barriers to MPS adoption intentions (AIs). The study established a research model supported by the extended innovation resistance theory, including information barriers (InfBs), lack of facilitating conditions and lack of perceived novelty (LPN). A total of 357 valid questionnaires were collected from MPS non-users and hypotheses were tested via structural equation modelling and artificial neural network. The research findings indicate that usage barriers, value barriers, InfBs, unavailability of facilitating circumstances and LPN adversely affect MPS AIs. This research has several practical and theoretical implications to build strategies to overcome barriers in the adoption of MPS.
Knowing What We Don’t Know: A Survey of School Nurse Information Needs
Authors: Nickum Annie “Nicky” , Hanneke Rosie , Shannon Robin
Published: August 2023

Providing complex care for students requires an informed school nurse workforce. However, school nurses, many of whom work independently, may not know where to find necessary information. This study seeks to understand the information needs of school nurses by conducting a needs assessment survey within the state of Illinois. A survey was disseminated through three statewide professional listservs to determine the types of care-related questions school nurses ask as part of their regular duties and which resources they use to answer those questions. School nurses’ information needs vary widely, and they rely on numerous sources to answer clinical questions. They are responsible for the well-being of hundreds to thousands of children. While they are comfortable searching for information, they are motivated to further develop research skills.
The Total Intra Venous Anesthesia Effect Versus Volatile Anesthesia, on Stress and Pain Levels, in Patients Undergoing Breast Reconstruction in Ambulatory Surgery Center Total Intra Venous Anesthesia Protocol and Stress Response
Authors: Kapritsou Maria , Bozas Evangelos , Stavrianos Spyridon , Salatas Konstantinos , Plastiras Aris , Pistolas Konstantinos , Fyrfiris Nikolaos , Kotrotsiou Maria , Konstantinou Evangelos A.
Published: August 2023

Aim

To compare pain and stress response through cortisol and DHEA levels, implementing. Total intra venous anesthesia (TIVA) versus general anesthesia with volatile anesthetics (VOL).

Design

This is a prospective randomized correlation study with consecutive measurements.

Methods

In an ambulatory surgical center from October of 2019 to August of 2020, patients who underwent breast reconstruction with autologous fat grafting were randomized into 2 groups. Patients in the TIVA group ( n = 23) received intravenous anesthesia and those in the VOL group ( n = 23) received volatile anesthesia (desflurane). Demographic, anthropometric and clinical data were recorded. Arterial systolic (SP) and diastolic (DP) blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation were recorded. Pain and stress levels were evaluated through salivary cortisol and DHEA levels at 4 different time points: T0) 1 hour before induction, T1) during the induction, T2) during anesthesia maintenance, and T3) in recovery phase. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 25.0 at significant level α = .05.

Findings

There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups regarding demographic features. Interestingly that there was a statistically significant difference in the vital sign monitoring where patients in the TIVA group reported with higher levels of SP(T2) and DP (T2), whilst DHEA (T1) levels was correlated positively with patient’s age and cortisol (T1) levels and negatively with DP (T3).

Conclusions

This study supports the use of TIVA as a safe and effective option for anesthesia in patients undergoing breast reconstruction with autologous fat grafting.
Quantifying Fatigue Using Electrophysiological Techniques and Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in People With Multiple Sclerosis- A Review and Discussion
Authors: Hamilton Karlie , Smith Katy , Winn Karen , Oliver Brant , Newland Pamela , Hendricks-Ferguson Verna
Published: August 2023

Objective: The purpose of this literature review article is to provide a synthesis of recent research focused on the use of 3 techniques to evaluate MS-related fatigue: electroencephalography [EEG], transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDSC), and transcranial- magnetic stimulation (TMS). Method: We performed a literature search in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL, EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (OVID), APA PsycInfo (OVID), Scopus (Elsevier), and Web of Science (Clarivate) databases, limited to 2015 and after. Results: Our review revealed that fatigue in MS patients can be quantified and predicted using electrophysiological techniques. Such techniques, which yield objective data, are historically assessed in relation to subjective data, or perceived fatigue. We identified studies using EEG, TMS, and/or tDCS to study fatigue in people with MS. In total, 220 records were identified with 19 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Quality appraisal revealed that the level of evidence was generally graded “good”. Conclusions: Despite the heterogenous nature of reviewed the studies and selected the varied self-report fatigue measures, our literature synthesis suggests promise for the use of EEG, TMS, and/or tDCS approaches in more accurately assessing fatigue in people with MS. Further research is needed in this arena.
A content validity, reliability and quality analysis of peripheral intravenous catheterization videos on YouTube™
Authors: Özsaban Aysel , Bayram Aysun
Published: August 2023

Background:

YouTube™ has become a potential way to integrate technology into nursing curriculum and acquire skills. However, it is important to review the accuracy of the information contained in YouTube™. This study was conducted to evaluate the content validity, reliability and quality of YouTube™ videos on peripheral intravenous catheterization.

Methods:

In this descriptive study, videos were searched using the keyword ‘Peripheral Venous Catheter’. The content validity, reliability and quality of the videos were evaluated using the ‘Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization Insertion Skill Form’, ‘DISCERN Questionnaire’, ‘Global Quality Scale’, respectively. These videos were categorized by their theme, upload source, technical features and analysed statistically.

Results:

Of the 48 videos, 38 (79.2%) classified as an useful video, 24 (50%) were uploaded by medical educational platforms and 28 (58.3%) had an average technical feature. There was a statistically significant difference between the reliability, quality, content validity scores by the video theme ( p < 0.05). The content validity, reliability and quality score of useful videos were higher than misleading videos. In addition, pairwise comparisons indicated that there was a statistically significant difference between the content validity, reliability and quality scores of Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization demonstrated on a person or a mannequin were higher than those applied with ultrasonography ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

As a result of the reviewing of the videos, it was determined that these videos provided useful content. Despite this positive result, some videos provide risky information for patient safety due to issues such as ignoring the asepsis principles and not including proper Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization steps. It may be recommended to consider the Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization steps and patient safety principles in international guidelines in the preparation of videos showing the Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization insertion.
The Effectiveness of Risankizumab Following Guselkumab Failure in Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hamm Camille , Ramsoondar Nusha , McGillis Michaela , Waugh Miranda , Gooderham Melinda , Giroux Lyne L.
Published: August 2023

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a strong genetic predisposition and autoimmune component that is often treated with immunomodulators such as biologic therapy. Guselkumab is a biologic treatment option that selectively targets the p19 subunit of interleukin (IL)−23; risankizumab is a more recently developed monoclonal antibody of the same class that targets IL-23p19. There is limited research around effective treatment response with intra class switching within IL-23-targeted therapies for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Objectives

The purpose is to assess patient response to risankizumab after guselkumab failure for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted for 13 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Physical examination findings were converted to a 5-point static physicians’ global assessment (sPGA) score. Baseline, 4-month, and 12-month sPGA scores were assigned from visits immediately prior to and during their course of risankizumab treatment. sPGA scores were analyzed to compare changes between baseline and 4 months and 12 months of therapy.

Results

Patients treated with risankizumab had lower sPGA scores after both 4 and 12 months compared to their baseline sPGA score. 46% of patients met the primary outcome of an sPGA score of 0 or 1 at 4 months of risankizumab, increasing to 90% of patients at 12 months.

Conclusions

Our findings reflect an improvement in sPGA scores when patients are treated with risankizumab following guselkumab failure. This highlights the benefit of in-class switch to risankizumab when patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis have failed multiple treatments including guselkumab.