bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new pedestrian recognition system based on edge detection and different census transform features under weather conditions
Authors: Razzok Mohammed , Badri Abdelmajid , El Mourabit Ilham , Ruichek Yassine , Sahel Aïcha
Published: April 2022

Pedestrian detection has so far achieved great success in normal illumination, while pedestrians captured in extreme weather are often ignored. This paper investigates the importance of studying the effects of weather conditions on the recognition task, such as blurring and low contrast. Many image restoration techniques have recently been proposed, but are still insufficient to remove weather effects from images. We present our strong new pedestrian recognition system against climate situations, which is based on locating contours cues by applying multiple edge filters and extracting multiple features from images such as census transform (CT), modified census transform (MCT), and local gradient pattern (LGP) without performing any image restoration algorithm. The next stage involves finding the most discriminative characteristics using feature selection (FS) techniques. Finally, we use the final feature vector as an input to a radial basis function-based support vector machine classifier (RbfSVM) for pedestrian recognition. Experiments are performed on the daimler pedestrian classification benchmark dataset. Results show that the area under the curve (AUC) and the detection rate of our model are less affected by weather conditions compared to other common models like histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) and gabor filter bank (GFB) detectors.
An intelligent demand forecasting model using a hybrid of metaheuristic optimization and deep learning algorithm for predicting concrete block production
Authors: AL-Khazraji Huthaifa , Nasser Ahmed , Khlil Sohaib
Published: April 2022

Demand forecasting aims to optimize the production planning of industrial companies by ensuring that the production planning meets the future demand. Demand forecasting utilizes historical data as an input to predict future trends of the demand. In this paper, a new approach for developing an intelligent demand forecasting model using a hybrid of metaheuristic optimization and deep learning algorithm is presented. Fireﬂy algorithmbased gated recurrent units (FA-GRU) is used to tackle the production forecasting problem. The proposed model has been evaluated and compared with the standard gated recurrent unit (GRU) and standard long short-term memory model (LSTM) using historical data of 36 months of concrete block manufacturing at dler company in Iraq. The prediction accuracy of the three models is evaluated using the root mean square error (RMSE), the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and the statistical coefficient of determination (R2 ) indicators. The outcomes of the study show that the proposed FA-GRU gives better forecasting results compared to the standard GRU and standard LSTM.
Error detection and comparison of gesture control technologies
Authors: Mahapatra Aditya Prasad , Sukla Bishweashwar , K. M. Harikrishnan , Mishra Debani Prasad , Salkuti Surender Reddy
Published: April 2022

This paper showcases the study and observation on the error occurrence in gesture control technologies. An arduino-based gesture control environment has been developed by using the arduino board to use motion gestures to control the contents on the screen. This environment is made using position sensitive diodes as sensing devices, arduino as a micro-controller and Python to execute commands in the system. It is performed on 2 different software applications namely Google Chrome and VideoLAN Client Media Player. In Google Chrome gestures are used to traverse between tabs and also move up and down within a web page, whereas in VideoLAN Client Media Player gestures are used to control the volume and speed. Through this, the difference between two technologies i.e., infrared and ultrasonic are worked and compared. Various data visualization cues are prepared to better understand the error and the factors causing it. Thorough investigation of factors affecting the error has been done using our observation. The future of this technology and its limitations have been also discussed.
Change detection of pulmonary embolism using isomeric cluster and computer vision
Authors: Rao Mekala Srinivasa , Kumar Sagenela Vijaya , Pemula Rambabu , Prathipati Anil Kumar
Published: April 2022

Visual change detection functions in X-ray analytics and computer vision attempt to divide X-ray images toward front and backside areas. There are various difficulties in change detection such as weather changes and shadows; real-time processing; intermittent object motion; lighting variation; and diverse object forms. Traditionally, this issue has been addressed via backdrop modeling methods and the creation of custom features. We present a new feature descriptor called pulmonary embolism detection using isomeric cluster (PEDIC), uses the concept of isomerism. The isomeric and cluster isomerism characteristics of the PEDIC are distinguish it from other graphs. At isomeric thetical orientations, the cluster pattern corresponds to consecutive differences in pixel intensity between the two images. Also, the clusters are oppositely orientated, and both clusters conform to a specified isomeric feature. The local area's lines and corner point information are identified and recorded using the PEDIC in several different directions. We introduced multiresolution PEDIC, which incorporates the multiresolution Gaussian filter to achieve increased resilience in the system. We expanded our research to include rotation-invariant characteristics. We also proposed inter-PEDIC and intra-PEDIC to identify motion changes in X-ray sequences, which allowed them to extract spatiotemporal characteristics.
A influência do lócus de comprometimento e do estilo ético no whistleblowing de auditores independentes
Authors: Maragno Lucas Martins Dias , Cordeiro Nadieli
Published: April 2022

O estudo objetivou verificar as características individuais que afetam a intenção dos auditores em reportar um colega de trabalho em condições de alto risco inerente. Para cumprir o objetivo da pesquisa, um instrumento de coleta de dados em formato de questionário foi enviado para auditores de uma empresa de auditoria big four. O questionário continha um cenário hipotético com questões para mensurar o lócus de comprometimento, o estilo ético e as variáveis demográficas. A amostra de pesquisa consistiu em 85 auditores. As evidências empíricas indicaram que o estilo ético influencia de maneira positiva e estatisticamente significativa a intenção dos auditores em reportar um colega de trabalho, assim como o fato dele ser do sexo feminino. Enquanto, o lócus de comprometimento não demonstrou significância para influenciar a intenção dos auditores. Os resultados se mostram relevantes e podem contribuir no processo de formação ética do auditor e auxiliar no desenvolvimento de políticas internas que ressaltem a conduta ética. Portanto, as evidências são importantes para os reguladores, o mercado de capitais e as firmas de auditoria.
Funções do direito em regimes não democráticos do século XX
Authors: Barreto Marina Slhessarenko Fraife
Published: April 2022

Um pressuposto, por vezes não explícito, de quem alega uma crise das democracias atuais é de que a sobreposição entre o direito e a política não democrática não encontra precedentes. Fala-se em usos estratégicos do direito como ferramenta aos regimes, como se no passado ele não tivesse sido mobilizado também, e os fenômenos vivenciados tivessem se dado à sua margem. Essa, porém, não é uma visão adequada. No presente artigo, argumento que autores clássicos do campo da transição de regimes políticos podem ajudar a sedimentar um campo teórico a este respeito e que o direito, em suas visões, pode ter servido, ao menos, a quatro papéis diferentes e não estanques nos regimes não democráticos do século XX encurtado (1914- 1989). O artigo está dividido em quatro partes. Primeiro, introduzo o tema atual e o pressuposto não explícito de debates sobre a suposta crise das democracias. Depois, discuto a metodologia e os conceitos empregados pelos autores discutidos. Em terceiro lugar, esboço uma tipologia das funções do direito em regimes não democráticos. Por fim, concluo que tal tipologia pode ter aprofundamentos teóricos posteriores e que os autores atuais têm a ganhar ao recuperar as discussões passadas sobre direito e a ausência de democracia
Religião no Estado Democrático de Direito: pós-secularismo e a Tradução Cooperativa dos Conteúdos Religiosos
Authors: Santos Roseane da C. Lôbo
Published: April 2022

O artigo diz respeito a uma análise bibliográfica e conceitual. Examina o conceito de Tradução Cooperativa dos Conteúdos Religiosos, proposto pelo filósofo e sociólogo Jürgen Habermas, em suas obras que consideram a relação entre razão e religião no Estado democrático de direito – principalmente as obras Fé e Saber (2013), Dialética da secularização: Sobre razão e religião (2007a) e Entre Naturalismo e Religião (2007b). Chegamos à conclusão de que é mais fácil extrair da teoria o “por quê” e o “por quem” a Tradução poderia ser estabelecida do que os meios para este feito. A Tradução, que deve ser regra entre parlamentares e funcionários públicos, é apontada por Habermas como necessária ainda no espaço pré-parlamentar para que “possíveis conteúdos de verdade” não sejam perdidos nas muitas vozes localizadas entre a esfera pública e as corporações estatais.
A crise da democracia perante a pluralidade da Teoria Política: apresentação do Dossiê Teoria Política e Democracia - Parte I
Authors: Sendretti Lilian , Rosa Gabriela , Freller Felipe
Published: April 2022

A Parte 1 do "Dossiê de Teoria Política e Democracia" apresenta reflexões fundamentadas sobre os sentidos de tantas ameaças à democracia como as que vemos hoje. A partir de uma diversidade de olhares e perspectivas, destaca a centralidade da Teoria Política e reflete sua pluralidade metodológica e de abordagens, particularmente na forma como ela vem se desenvolvendo no Brasil nas últimas décadas. Nossa aposta é que os artigos e entrevistas aqui reunidos podem contribuir para ilustrar as diferentes maneiras (por vezes contrastantes e divergentes, por vezes complementares) pelas quais a Teoria Política é capaz de refletir criticamente e orientar nosso olhar sobre o fenômeno democrático, suas mutações históricas e as crises que ele enfrenta (ou não) na atualidade. Longe de ser uma fragilidade, consideramos essa pluralidade da Teoria Política como sua maior riqueza intelectual.
O homem dotado de imagem: reempregos críticos segundo Peter Tscherkassky, Jean-Luc Godard, Andrei Ujică e Marylène Negro
Authors: Brenez Nicole
Published: April 2022

A história das artes (literatura, arquitetura, música, pintura, cinema)  é massivamente constituída por reempregos e contrassensos. O século XX viu se desenvolver uma cultura do reemprego de intenção crítica, seja ela de ordem analítica, polêmica ou simplesmente reflexiva. À medida que as imagens se acumularam e as práticas, suportes e modos de difusão se multiplicaram, as iniciativas analíticas e críticas também se desenvolveram.
Trecho de entrevista com Ernie Gehr
Authors: MacDonald Scott
Published: April 2022

Durante a minha estadia em Montreaux, Annette me disse, “Talvez você tenha interesse em ver isto”, e me mostrou o filme original que mais tarde eu refotografei para Eureka. Dado o cinema dos primórdios ao qual eu havia sido exposto até aquele ponto, eu não podia acreditar no que via. Era um travelling que parecia seguir para sempre. Incrível! Assim como com as ruas de Paris anteriormente, aqui havia outro artefato do tempo e da história.
An Introduction to the Coney Island Amateur Psychoanalytic Society
Authors: Beloff Zoe
Published: April 2022

In my work as an artist, I explore ways to manifest graphically the unconscious processes of the mind and discover how they intersect with technologies of the moving image. My starting point is always historical records, documents. But I want to find ways to document the intangible, images that “are not there”.
Mentre Accade e Gia Futuro: Il Cinema di Yervant Gianikian e Angela Ricci Lucchi
Authors: Bertozzi Marco
Published: April 2022

Mentre il documentario tradizionale utilizza le immagini quali portatrici di realtà naturali - in una probatorietà che avviluppa il pensiero critico nell’illusione della pura referenzialità – il cinema di Gianikian e Ricci Lucchi apre all’idea che le immagini possano/debbano significare “ancora”. E “altro”. Se il cinema contemporaneo diviene progressivamente un giacimento di sguardi meticci le pratiche del riciclo di Gianikian e Ricci Lucchi godono di una esemplarietà unica. In essa l’analisi storico-filologica dei materiali di partenza è momento preliminare, non mero escamotage all’atto trasformativo. Origine, dispositivo, immagine, corpo  sono termini in fibrillazione, piattaforme per ri-lanci ermeneutici di un’immaginazione storiografica in cui i film dimenticati ritrovano una verità contemporanea: la nuova possibilità di significazione esce dalla dimensione archeologica e indaga, e mostra, il processo che ha portato l’immagine a perdere valore. Per poi recuperarlo, facendo deflagrare nuove significazioni.
Artistas como parasitas: imagem, vigilância e reciclagem
Authors: Murari Lucas
Published: April 2022

Este artigo apresenta a potencialidade do found footage a partir do reemprego de imagens operativas, como conceituado por Harun Farocki. Dois filmes realizados no Reino Unido, feitos em contextos distintos, são analisados para expor as diferenças de estratégias adotadas como contrainformação.
Standard Gauge
Authors: Fisher Morgan
Published: April 2022

A frame of frames, a piece of pieces, a length of lengths. Standard gauge on substandard; narrower, yes, but longer. An ECU that’s an ELS. Disjecta membra; Hollywood anthologized. A kind of autobiography of its maker, a kind of history of the institution from whose shards it is composed, the commercial motion picture industry. A mutual interrogation between 35mm and 16mm, the gauge of Hollywood, and the gauge of the amateur and independent.
Found Footage / Objetos Perdidos
Authors: Beauvais Yann
Published: April 2022

Historicamente, o recurso ao found footage remete em primeiro lugar ao cinema; no entanto, foi com o surgimento do vídeo e dos videocassetes domésticos que ele se expandiu a ponto de ser banalizado, uma vez que ficou mais fácil se apropriar de trechos de filmes e criar compilações pessoais, assim como já se fazia em áudio com as fitas cassete. Subitamente, estava ao alcance do espectador criar suas próprias montagens de filmes.
Atrial Electrical Remodeling in Mice With Cardiac‐Specific Overexpression of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor
Authors: Demers Julie , Ton Anh‐Tuan , Huynh François , Thibault Simon , Ducharme Anique , Paradis Pierre , Nemer Mona , Fiset Céline
Published: April 2022

Background

Elevated angiotensin II levels are thought to play an important role in atrial electrical and structural remodeling associated with atrial fibrillation. However, the mechanisms by which this remodeling occurs are still unclear. Accordingly, we explored the effects of angiotensin II on atrial remodeling using transgenic mice overexpressing angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) specifically in cardiomyocytes.

Methods and Results

Voltage‐clamp techniques, surface ECG, programmed electrical stimulations along with quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and Picrosirius red staining were used to compare the atrial phenotype of AT1R mice and their controls at 50 days and 6 months. Atrial cell capacitance and fibrosis were increased only in AT1R mice at 6 months, indicating the presence of structural remodeling. Ca
2+
(
I
CaL
) and K
+
currents were not altered by AT1R overexpression (AT1R at 50 days). However,
I
CaL
density and Ca
V
1.2 messenger RNA expression were reduced by structural remodeling (AT1R at 6 months). Conversely, Na
+
current (
I
Na
) was reduced (−65%) by AT1R overexpression (AT1R at 50 days) and the presence of structural remodeling (AT1R at 6 months) yields no further effect. The reduced
I
Na
density was not explained by lower Na
V
1.5 expression but was rather associated with an increase in sarcolemmal protein kinase C alpha expression in the atria, suggesting that chronic AT1R activation reduced
I
Na
through protein kinase C alpha activation. Furthermore, connexin 40 expression was reduced in AT1R mice at 50 days and 6 months. These changes were associated with delayed atrial conduction time, as evidenced by prolonged P‐wave duration.

Conclusions

Chronic AT1R activation leads to slower atrial conduction caused by reduced
I
Na
density and connexin 40 expression.
Bilateral Diffuse Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia Necessitating Mastectomy
Authors: Jones V. Morgan , Cairns Ashley , Miller-Ocuin Jennifer , Steele Thomas , Aguila-Seara Gabriela , Ghandili Mehrnoosh , LeRoy Coldren Daniel , Marks Malcolm W. , Howard-McNatt Marissa , Chiba Akiko
Published: April 2022

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) is an uncommon, benign breast lesion often diagnosed incidentally and frequently mistaken for fibroadenoma given similar radiographic appearance. Histopathology classically reveals diffuse, dense fibrous stromal background with a complex network of spindle cells forming slit-like spaces, giving it the appearance of angiomatous proliferation. Surgical excision is generally not necessary. Here we present two unusual cases of PASH: an adolescent patient with bilateral rapid onset of symptoms, and a premenopausal patient with bilateral, diffuse, recurrent PASH. Both required mastectomy. We aim to highlight the variable nature of presentation and briefly review current management options.
Epidemiology and prevalence of somatic symptom disorder at the primary care level in Muscat, Oman: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alalawi Nouf M. , AL Salmani Asma A. , Aljabri Maha K. , Azmi Imran S. , Aljardani Mohamed M. , Al Mandhari Suaad S. , AL Kindi Yusra S. , Al Omrani Noor H.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a diagnostic classification to describe the occurrence of physical symptoms without organic cause. This study aimed to identify prevalence rates and associated characteristics of SSD among adults in primary care settings.

Methods

This cross-sectional study took place between July 2020 and March 2021 and included a random selection of 3383 Omani adults attending 12 primary healthcare centres in Muscat Governorate. Screening was conducted using an Arabic version of the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8).

Results

A total of 2000 adults participated in the study (response rate: 67.3%), of which most were female (71.7%) and under 50 years old (86.2%). Based on their SSS-8 scores, 602 participants (17.8%) had SSD, resulting in an overall prevalence estimate of 30.1% (95% confidence interval: 28.13–32.15). Significant associations were observed between SSD and age ( p = 0.002), gender ( p < 0.001), marital status ( p = 0.030) and chronic comorbidities ( p = 0.001). In addition, adjusted odds ratio estimates revealed SSD to be significantly associated with gender ( p < 0.001), education level ( p < 0.001) and chronic comorbidities ( p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The estimated prevalence of SSD in primary care settings is high compared to reports from elsewhere in the Gulf region. There is an urgent need to enhance the diagnosis of SSD at the primary care level in order to reduce healthcare service overutilisation and patient dissatisfaction. Moreover, healthcare practitioners should be aware of the effect of age, gender, educational status and chronic comorbidities on somatic symptoms.
From Dualistic Opposition to Dyadic Integration: Toward a New Political Economy of Chinese Practice
Authors: Huang Philip C. C.
Published: April 2022

This article argues for the construction of a new political economy based on Chinese practices. It begins with an explanation of the research approach of starting from practice, and from a distinctive mode of thinking that is akin to that of medicine, rather than Newtonian physics and mathematical logic. Then it discusses the present-day Chinese practices of combining socialism with market economy, state enterprises with private enterprises, the peasant economy with an industrial economy, and the party-state with the economy—all distinctive realities about the new Chinese political-economic system. The foil for the discussion is the long-standing hegemonic ideology and worldview of Anglo-American classical and neoclassical liberal economics and law. This article suggests that we employ China’s traditional dyadic integration worldview, evident in today’s practices, to arrive at a new integrative cosmological view that rises above both. To a considerable extent, this article is also a reinterpretation of classical Marxist political economy. What the article advocates may be termed a “participatory socialist market economy,” to be distinguished from a bureaucratized and controlling socialist planned economy. This is a system that is still very much in the process of formation, its particular content and characteristics yet to be clarified and specified through a sustained period of searching through practice.
Gendered Impacts of Increasing Land Sale in Western Maharashtra, India
Authors: Godbole Girija
Published: April 2022

This article presents a nuanced understanding of the contemporary phenomenon of increasing land sale in Western India and its impacts on a rapidly changing social context. It focuses on perspectives of rural women who often lack a voice in matters related to land. The research was undertaken in Maval tehsil (administrative unit) of Pune district, Maharashtra, where the incidence of land sale has increased in the last few years. The article explores the perceived impacts of land sale on rural society in the region. Physical changes such as fencing have affected sanitary practices, collection of fuel wood and fodder and access routes. Individualisation of property rights has resulted in conflicts within patrilineal systems as well as influenced the overall social fabric of village life.
ERG Expression is Helpful in Differentiating T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma from Thymoma
Authors: Huang Wenyong , Zhang Wen , Zeng Lei , Liao Shousheng , Liu Fanrong , Li Lixiang
Published: April 2022

ETS-related gene (ERG) is the member of ETS-family of transcription factors and is commonly expressed in Ewing sarcoma. Recently, we found that ERG can also be expressed in lymphoblastic lymphoma. The aim of this article is to explore the expression patterns of ERG in T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, and to evaluate its diagnostic value for differentiating T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and nonneoplastic T-precursor cells in thymoma via immunohistochemistry. In this study, we explored the expression pattern of ERG in T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and thymoma specimens via immunohistochemistry. Sixteen T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and 18 thymoma specimens were evaluated for the expression of ERG. Our findings showed that ERG was expressed in 10 of the 16 (63%) T-lymphoblastic lymphoma specimens, and in only 1 of the 18 (6%) thymoma specimens. The positive and negative predictive value of ERG in T-lymphoblastic lymphoma was 91% and 74%, respectively. ERG is a helpful marker for the diagnosis of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and is a promising new method to differentiate T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and the nonneoplastic T-precursor cells in thymoma.
Diversity and Phosphate Solubilization Efficiency of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria Isolated from Semi-Arid Agroecosystems of Eastern Kenya
Authors: Kirui Charles Kibet , Njeru Ezekiel Mugendi , Runo Steven
Published: April 2022

Phosphorus (P) is a major nutrient required for plant growth but it forms complexes with other elements in soil upon application. A cost-effective way of availing P to plants is by use of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB). There is a wide range of PSB suited for diverse agro-ecologies. A large part of Eastern Kenya especially the lower altitude regions are semi-arid with nutrient depleted soils and predominated by low-income smallholders farmers who do not afford costly inorganic fertilizers. To alleviate poor soil nutrition in this agroecosystem, we sought to study the diversity of phosphate solubilizing bacteria and their phosphate solubilization efficiency. The bacteria were selectively isolated in Pikovskaya’s agar media. Bacterial colonies were enumerated as Colony Forming Units and morphological characterization determined by analyzing morphological characteristics. Genetic characterization was determined based on sequencing of 16S rRNA. A total of 71 PSB were isolated and they were placed into 23 morphological groups. Correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between phosphate solubilizing bacteria and the levels of phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium and soil pH. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequences revealed that the genetic sequences of the isolates matched the strains from the genera Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Pantoea, Paraburkholderia, Cronobacter, Ralstonia, Curtobacterium, and Massilia deposited in NCBI Database. Analysis of Molecular Variance showed that variation within populations was higher than that of among populations. Phosphate solubilization index values ranged between 1.143 and 5.883. Findings on biodiversity of phosphate solubilizing bacteria led to identification of 10 candidate isolates for plant growth improvement and subsequently, bio-fertilizer development.
The Formation and Role of Social Belonging in On-Campus Integration of Diverse First-Generation College Students
Authors: Salusky Ida , Monjaras-Gaytan Lidia , Ulerio Grevelin , Forbes Nicola , Perron George , Raposa Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

First-generation college students (FGCS) experience high rates of attrition compared to continuing generation college students. FGCS frequently identify with several other historically marginalized identities on college campuses. The development of a sense of belonging on-campus is one of the main drivers of retention. The current study examines how sense of belonging on-campus develops during the first-year of college for different FGCS and how attitudes about on-campus relationships evolve over time. Thirteen participants were interviewed at three time points during their first year of college. Grounded theory analysis revealed four themes: 1) higher education provides a cultural learning environment; 2) multiple factors create challenges to relationship building; 3) extreme value differences create hard limits around friendships; and 4) within group friendships provide social and psychological value. Findings extend the current literature on the importance of social belonging for retention of diverse FGCS and highlight the importance of intersectionality in this work.
Factors associated with viral suppression among cisgender women living with human immunodeficiency virus in the United States: An integrative review
Authors: Labisi Titilola O , Podany Anthony T , Fadul Nada A , Coleman Jason D , King Keyonna M
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Women account for 23% of new human immunodeficiency virus diagnoses in the United States, yet remain understudied. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and consequent viral suppression are keys to preventing human immunodeficiency virus transmission, reducing risk of drug resistance, and improving health outcomes.

Objectives:

This review identified and synthesized peer-reviewed studies in the United States describing factors associated with viral suppression among cisgender women living with human immunodeficiency virus.

Methods:

We searched five databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO, and reported the findings using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Eligible studies included: (1) peer-reviewed English-language articles published since 2010; (2) includes only cisgender women; (3) participants were at least 18 years of age; (4) reported metrics on viral loads; and (5) conducted in the United States.

Results:

Fourteen studies in total were reviewed. Eight studies had adult women living with human immunodeficiency virus, four recruited only pregnant women, and two included only racial minority women. The most commonly reported factors negatively associated with viral suppression were substance use ( n = 4), followed by availability of health insurance, financial constraint, complexity of human immunodeficiency virus treatment regimen ( n = 3), and intimate partner violence ( n = 2). Other factors were depression, race, and age. In addition, all four studies that included only pregnant women reported early human immunodeficiency virus care engagement as a significant predictor of low viral loads pre- and post-partum.

Conclusion:

Substance use, financial constraint, lack of health insurance, human immunodeficiency virus treatment regimen type, intimate partner violence, and late human immunodeficiency virus care pre–post pregnancy were the most common factors negatively associated with viral suppression. There is a paucity of data on viral suppression factors related to transgender and rural populations. More human immunodeficiency virus research is needed to explore factors associated with human immunodeficiency virus treatment outcomes in transgender women and cisgender women in rural U.S. regions.
Psychological Selfishness
Authors: Carlson Ryan W. , Adkins Chance , Crockett M. J. , Clark Margaret S.
Published: April 2022

Selfishness is central to many theories of human morality, yet its psychological nature remains largely overlooked. Psychologists often draw on classical conceptions of selfishness from evolutionary biology (i.e., selfish gene theory), economics (i.e., rational self-interest), and philosophy (i.e., psychological egoism), but such characterizations offer limited insight into the psychology of selfishness. To address this gap, we propose a novel framework in which selfishness is recast as a psychological construction. From this view, selfishness is perceived in ourselves and others when we detect a situation-specific desire to benefit the self that disregards others’ desires and prevailing social expectations for the situation. We argue that detecting and deterring such psychological selfishness in both oneself and others is crucial in social life—facilitating the maintenance of social cohesion and close relationships. In addition, we show how using this psychological framework offers a richer understanding of the nature of human social behavior. Delineating a psychological construct of selfishness can promote coherence in interdisciplinary research on selfishness and provide insights for interventions to prevent or remediate the negative effects of selfishness.
Asking different questions: highly radiogenic lead, mixing and recycling of metal and social status in the Chinese Bronze Age
Authors: Liu Ruiliang , Pollard A. Mark
Published: April 2022

The provenance of raw materials and finished objects is one of the most intriguing problems in archaeology. It is significant for the discussion of inter-regional cultural communication. Many of the methods used to determine provenance employed by archaeologists are shared with geologists or geochemists, among which the use of lead isotopes is probably one of the best-known. However, geologists and archaeologists do not always ask the same questions. Because of many and various human choices, it is not always possible to apply geological methods directly to archaeological objects. Specifically, the potential existence of mixing and recycling of metals challenges all the provenance studies of metal objects. In this paper, using Bronze Age China as an example, we suggest that by using geochemical techniques such as lead isotopic analysis and trace-element analysis of bronzes, but by asking slightly different questions, one can throw new light on the way in which important resources were managed by consumers of different social status within early dynastic China.
Resistance to mogamulizumab is associated with loss of CCR4 in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Beygi Sara , Duran George E. , Fernandez-Pol Sebastian , Rook Alain H. , Kim Youn H. , Khodadoust Michael S.
Published: April 2022

Mogamulizumab is a humanized anti–CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) antibody approved for the treatment of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. Despite almost universal expression of CCR4 in these diseases, most patients eventually develop resistance to mogamulizumab. We tested whether resistance to mogamulizumab is associated with loss of CCR4 expression. We identified 17 patients with mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome who either were intrinsically resistant or acquired resistance to mogamulizumab. Low expression of CCR4 by immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry was found in 65% of patients. Novel emergent CCR4 mutations targeting the N-terminal and transmembrane domains were found in 3 patients after disease progression. Emerging CCR4 copy number loss was detected in 2 patients with CCR4 mutations. Acquisition of CCR4 genomic alterations corresponded with loss of CCR4 antigen expression. We also report on outcomes of 3 cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) patients with gain-of-function CCR4 mutations treated with mogamulizumab. Our study indicates that resistance to mogamulizumab in CTCL frequently involves loss of CCR4 expression and emergence of CCR4 genomic alterations. This finding has implications for management and monitoring of CTCL patients on mogamulizumab and development of future CCR4-directed therapies.
Possibility of using the tips obtained from the “Uradome” of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) as a food source
Authors: Furusawa Yuka , Kofujita Hisayoshi , Ashitani Tatsuya
Published: April 2022

In the cultivation of bamboo shoots in snow-covered areas, uradome is known to prevent snow damage. Although tips can be obtained by uradome, these are currently considered unutilized. Like bamboo shoots, uradome has the potential to be a source of food. Therefore, to explore the possibility of using uradome tips as food, we evaluated their egumi and umami taste, investigated the free amino acid content, and compared these parameters with those of bamboo shoots. The results showed that the egumi taste of uradome tips was weaker than that of bamboo shoots. The umami taste at first taste was weaker than that of bamboo shoots, while the umami and richness that remained after swallowing was stronger than that of bamboo shoots. The presence of a total of 18 free amino acids was evaluated in the uradome tips and bamboo shoots, and 17 free amino acids were detected in the samples, with cystine being the exception. Eleven of these free amino acids were found to be more abundant in the uradome tips. In addition, eight of the nine essential amino acids (excluding tryptophan) were found in the uradome tips and were in approximately the same amounts as in the bamboo shoots. Furthermore, leucine, a commonly known branched-chain amino acid, was present only in the uradome tips. Overall, the results suggest that uradome tips could be used as a food source.
Effects of wearing surgical masks on fraction of inspired oxygen in spontaneously breathing patients: improving safety for frontline healthcare professionals under pandemic situations
Authors: Minoguchi Kazuhiro , Isii Akira , Nakamura Toshiki , Sato Hitoshi , Abe Takeru , Kawakami Hiromasa , Nakamura Kyota , Goto Takahisa
Published: April 2022

Background

During pandemic situations, many guidelines recommend that surgical masks be worn by both healthcare professionals and infected patients in healthcare settings. The purpose of this study was to clarify the levels and changes of oxygen concentration over time while oxygen was administered over a surgical mask.

Methods

Patients scheduled to undergo general anesthesia (n = 99) were enrolled in this study. First, patients were administered oxygen at 6 L/min via an oxygen mask over a surgical mask for 5 min. The patients removed the surgical mask and then took a 3-min break; thereafter, the same amount of oxygen was administered for another 5 min via the oxygen mask. We measured the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), the end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2), and respiratory frequency every minute for 5 min, both while administering oxygen with and without a surgical mask. The FiO2 was measured at the beginning of inspiration and the EtCO2 was measured at the end of expiration.

Results

The FiO2 at 5 min was significantly lower when breathing with a surgical mask than that without it (mean difference: 0.08 [95% CI: 0.067–0.10]; p <  0.001). In contrast, the EtCO2 at 5 min was significantly higher when breathing with a surgical mask than that without it (mean difference: 11.9 mmHg [95% CI: 10.9–12.9]; p <  0.001).

Conclusion

The FiO2 was lower when oxygen was administered over surgical masks than when patients did not wear surgical masks. Oxygen flow may need to be adjusted in moderately ill patients requiring oxygen administration.
Use of ultrasound guided single shot costotransverse block (intertransverse process) in breast cancer surgery: a prospective, randomized, assessor blinded, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Aygun Hakan , Kiziloglu Ilker , Ozturk Nilgun Kavrut , Ocal Haydar , Inal Abdullah , Kutlucan Leyla , Gonullu Edip , Tulgar Serkan
Published: April 2022

Background

Ultrasound guided costotransverse block (CTB) is a relatively new “peri-paravertebral” block that has been described recently. It has been previously reported that CTB, administered with a single high-volume injection, provides effective analgesia in breast conserving surgery. In this study we evaluated the effect of CTB when used in breast cancer surgery.

Methods

Seventy patients due to undergo breast cancer surgery were included in this blinded, prospective, randomized, efficiency study. Patients were randomized into two equal groups (CTB group and control group) using the closed envelope technique. All patients underwent general anesthesia. In addition to standard analgesia methods, patients in group CTB also received CTB block while the remaining (control group) did not. Numeric rating (pain) scores and opioid consumption was compared between the two groups.

Results

Opioid consumption in all time frames and pain scores at 1st and 3rd hours only were found to be significantly lower in Group CTB when compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Ultrasound guided CTB improves analgesia quality in breast cancer surgery.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials Registration ID: NCT04197206, Registration Date: 13/12/2019.
Diagnostic performance of quantitative coronary artery disease assessment using computed tomography in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic-valve implantation
Authors: Malebranche Daniel , Hoffner Maximilian K. M. , Huber Adrian T. , Cicovic Aleksandar , Spano Giancarlo , Bernhard Benedikt , Bartkowiak Joanna , Okuno Taishi , Lanz Jonas , Räber Lorenz , Praz Fabien , Stortecky Stefan , Windecker Stephan , Pilgrim Thomas , Gräni Christoph
Published: April 2022

Background

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cornerstone in the pre- transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) assessment. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of CTA and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) for CAD evaluation compared to invasive coronary angiography in a cohort of TAVI patients.

Methods

In consecutive TAVI patients without prior coronary revascularization and device implants, CAD was assessment by quantitative analysis in CTA. (a) Patients with non-evaluable segments were classified as obstructive CAD. (b) In patients with non-evaluable segments a CACS cut-off of 100 was applied for obstructive CAD. The reference standard was quantitative invasive coronary angiography (QCA, i.e. ≥ 50% stenosis).

Results

100 consecutive patients were retrospectively included, age was 82.3 ± 6.5 years and 30% of patients had CAD. In 16% of the patients, adequate visualization of the entire coronary tree (all 16 segments) was possible with CTA, while 84% had at least one segment which was not evaluable for CAD analysis due to impaired image quality. On a per-patient analysis, where patients with low image quality were classified as CAD, CTA showed a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 88.4–100.0), specificity of 11.4% (95% CI 5.1–21.3), PPV of 32.6% (95% CI 30.8–34.5), NPV of 100% and diagnostic accuracy of 38% (95% CI 28.5–48.3) for obstructive CAD. When applying a combined approach of CTA (in patients with good image quality) and CACS (in patients with low image quality), the sensitivity and NPV remained at 100% and obstructive CAD could be ruled out in 20% of the TAVI patients, versus 8% using CTA alone.

Conclusion

In routinely acquired pre-TAVI CTA, the image quality was insufficient in a high proportion of patients for the assessment of the entire coronary artery tree. However, when adding CACS in patients with low image quality to quantitative CTA assessment in patients with good image quality, obstructive CAD could be ruled-out in 1/5 of the patients and may therefore constitute a strategy to streamline pre-procedural workup, and reduce risk, radiation and costs in selected TAVI patients without prior coronary revascularization or device implants.
Estimation and inference for the mediation effect in a time-varying mediation model
Authors: Cai Xizhen , Coffman Donna L. , Piper Megan E. , Li Runze
Published: April 2022

Background

Traditional mediation analysis typically examines the relations among an intervention, a time-invariant mediator, and a time-invariant outcome variable. Although there may be a total effect of the intervention on the outcome, there is a need to understand the process by which the intervention affects the outcome (i.e., the indirect effect through the mediator). This indirect effect is frequently assumed to be time-invariant. With improvements in data collection technology, it is possible to obtain repeated assessments over time resulting in intensive longitudinal data. This calls for an extension of traditional mediation analysis to incorporate time-varying variables as well as time-varying effects.

Methods

We focus on estimation and inference for the time-varying mediation model, which allows mediation effects to vary as a function of time. We propose a two-step approach to estimate the time-varying mediation effect. Moreover, we use a simulation-based approach to derive the corresponding point-wise confidence band for the time-varying mediation effect.

Results

Simulation studies show that the proposed procedures perform well when comparing the confidence band and the true underlying model. We further apply the proposed model and the statistical inference procedure to data collected from a smoking cessation study.

Conclusions

We present a model for estimating time-varying mediation effects that allows both time-varying outcomes and mediators. Simulation-based inference is also proposed and implemented in a user-friendly R package.
Co-design, implementation, and evaluation of an expanded train-the-trainer strategy to support the sustainability of evidence-based practice guides for registered nurses and social workers in primary care clinics: a developmental evaluation protocol
Authors: Poitras Marie-Eve , Couturier Yves , Doucet Emmanuelle , T. Vaillancourt Vanessa , Poirier Marie-Dominique , Gauthier Gilles , Hudon Catherine , Delli-Colli Nathalie , Gagnon Dominique , Careau Emmanuelle , Duhoux Arnaud , Gaboury Isabelle , Charif Ali Ben , Ashcroft Rachelle , Lukewich Julia , Ramond-Roquin Aline , Massé Sylvie
Published: April 2022

Background

The implementation of evidence-based innovations is incentivized as part of primary care reform in Canada. In the Province of Québec, it generated the creation of interprofessional care models involving registered nurses and social workers as members of primary care clinics. However, the scope of practice for these professionals remains variable and suboptimal. In 2019, expert committees co-designed and published two evidence-based practice guides, but no clear strategy has been identified to support their assimilation. This project’s goal is to support the implementation and deployment of practice guides for both social workers and registered nurses using a train-the-trainer educational intervention.

Methods/design

This three-phase project is a developmental evaluation using a multiple case study design across 17 primary care clinics. It will involve trainers in healthcare centers, patients, registered nurses and social workers. The development and implementation of an expanded train-the-trainer strategy will be informed by a patient-oriented research approach, the Kirkpatrick learning model, and evidence-based practice guides. For each case and phase, the qualitative and quantitative data will be analyzed using a convergent design method and will be integrated through assimilation.

Discussion

This educational intervention model will allow us to better understand the complex context of primary care clinics, involving different settings and services offered. This study protocol, based on reflective practice, patient-centered research and focused on the needs of the community in collaboration with partners and patients, may serve as an evidence based educational intervention model for further study in primary care.
Development, evaluation, and implementation of an online pain assessment training program for staff in rural long-term care facilities: a case series approach
Authors: Gallant Natasha , Hadjistavropoulos Thomas , Winters Emily M. , Feere Emma K. , Wickson-Griffiths Abigail
Published: April 2022

Background

Pain among long-term care (LTC) residents, and especially residents with dementia, is often underassessed and this underassessment has been attributed, in part, to gaps in front-line staff education. Furthermore, although evidence-based clinical guidelines for pain assessment in LTC are available, pain assessment protocols are often inconsistently implemented and, when they are implemented, it is usually within urban LTC facilities located in large metropolitan centers. Implementation science methodologies are needed so that changes in pain assessment practices can be integrated in rural facilities. Thus, our purpose was to evaluate an online pain assessment training program and implement a standardized pain assessment protocol in rural LTC environments.

Methods

During the baseline and implementation periods, we obtained facility-wide pain-related quality indicators from seven rural LTC homes. Prior to implementing the protocol, front-line staff completed the online training program. Front-line staff also completed a set of self-report questionnaires and semi-structured interviews prior to and following completion of the online training program.

Results

Results indicated that knowledge about pain assessment significantly increased following completion of the online training program. Implementation of the standardized protocol resulted in more frequent pain assessments on admission and on a weekly basis, although improvements in the timeliness of follow-up assessments for those identified as having moderate to severe pain were not as consistent. Directed content analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed that the online training program and standardized protocol were well-received despite a few barriers to effective implementation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we demonstrated the feasibility of the remote delivery of an online training program and implementation of a standardized protocol to address the underassessment of pain in rural LTC facilities.