bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Cuckoo Search Algorithm in Cost Estimation of Building Energy Engineering
Authors: Chen Liangqiong
Published: April 2022

In order to solve the problem that the construction project cost estimation is at a relatively advanced stage, many information about the project cannot be determined, and many unforeseen things affecting the project cost will occur in the process of project construction, which makes the preparation of project investment estimation very difficult. An optimized firefly algorithm is proposed. By introducing cuckoo algorithm, the initial population of fireflies is optimized, which greatly improves the quality of the initial population and speeds up the convergence of fireflies to the optimal solution; Secondly, the performance of CSFA algorithm is tested by six standard test functions; Finally, the algorithm is applied to solve the pressure vessel design problem. The effectiveness of the experiment is verified.
Investigation of the Hydraulic Fracture Propagation Law of Layered Rock Strata Using the Discrete-Particle Model
Authors: Zhang Xin , Yin Mei
Published: April 2022

Hydraulic fracturing is a rock structure transformation method that significantly weakens the mechanical properties of the hard roof strata. Considering the poor hydraulic fracturing effect of special structure such as composite layered rock, this paper carries out hydraulic fracturing numerical simulation experiments and compares the hydraulic fracture morphology and bedding plane interaction mode under different injection rate and injection modes. The experimental results show that the bedding plane can change the trajectory and propagation direction of hydraulic fracture. Under the low injection rate, hydraulic fracturing is conducive to open the bedding plane, but the expansion length of the main hydraulic fracture is easy to be limited. Under the high injection rate, the hydraulic fracture can extend for a long distance. But the fracture morphology tends to be slender and single, which is not conducive to the formation of fracture network. Compared with conventional hydraulic fracturing, stepped variable injection rate hydraulic fracturing can activate more bedding planes, so as to improve the effect of rock strata transformation. The experimental results are instructive in achieving effective control of composite layered rock.
New Generalized Riemann–Liouville Fractional Integral Versions of Hadamard and Fejér–Hadamard Inequalities
Authors: Nonlaopon Kamsing , Farid Ghulam , Nosheen Ammara , Yussouf Muhammad , Bonyah Ebenezer
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a new class of functions, namely, exponentially (α, h − m) − p‐convex functions is introduced to unify various classes of functions already defined in the subject of convex analysis. By using this class of functions, generalized versions of well known fractional integral inequalities of Hadamard and Fejér–Hadamard type are obtained. The results of this paper generate fractional integral inequalities of Hadamard and Fejér–Hadamard type for various types of convex and exponentially convex functions simultaneously.
Overall Efficiency of Four‐Stage Structure with Undesirable Outputs: A New SBM Network DEA Model
Authors: Roudabr Nasim , Najafi Seyyed Esmaeil , Moghaddas Zohreh , Movahedi Sobhani Farzad
Published: April 2022

Benchmarking is the major reason for the widespread use of DEA models for efficiency analysis. Determining the closest targets for DMUs, DEA models play a key role in benchmarking their best performance. In fact, these models help develop certain performance enhancement plans that need fewer attempts made by DMUs. Therefore, this study proposes a novel method based on the network DEA to determine the most appropriate target for every stage in addition to benchmarking the DMUs. The proposed model differs from those proposed by other studies in the fact that all DEA models of benchmarking consider input and output values to be linear. However, in real‐world problems, many DMU inputs and outputs have nonlinear values (values are the coefficients of inputs or outputs in modeling and can be the price of desirable outputs or the cost of inputs and undesirable outputs), something which was taken into account in the modeling process in this study. The proposed model was employed to benchmark cement factories listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange.
Physical Fitness Evaluation of College Students at the Stage of Physical Exercise Behavior Based on Bayesian and Data Mining
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Mei
Published: April 2022

It is difficult for the traditional physical fitness evaluation methods to dig useful information from massive data, and the accuracy of physical fitness evaluation is low. Therefore, this study proposed a physical fitness evaluation method in the stage of physical exercise behavior based on Bayesian and data mining for the college students. The purpose was to set the association rules of exercise behavior stage, to mine the association mapping relationship in the data set by using frequent itemsets, to build a regression model and to select the best physical variables in the exercise behavior stage. The frequent itemset was used to eliminate the redundancy of physical fitness data, the causal relationship was used to sort the physical exercise behavior stage, and the transformation of physical fitness evaluation index system was realized through Bayesian network topology to realize the physical fitness evaluation in the physical exercise behavior stage. The experimental results showed that the accuracy of this method was as high as 97.62%, and the recall rate of fitness data evaluation was as high as 99.3%. At the same time, the effect of fitness evaluation was better in a short evaluation time.
Oncohistone Mutations Occur at Functional Sites of Regulatory ADP-Ribosylation
Authors: Huang Dan , Camacho Cristel V. , Martire Sara , Nagari Anusha , Setlem Rohit , Gong Xuan , Edwards Andrea D. , Chiu Shu-Ping , Banaszynski Laura A. , Kraus W. Lee
Published: April 2022

Recent studies have identified cancer-associated mutations in histone genes that lead to the expression of mutant versions of core histones called oncohistones. Many oncohistone mutations occur at Asp and Glu residues, two amino acids known to be ADP-ribosylated (ADPRylated) by PARP1. We screened 25 Glu or Asp oncohistone mutants for their effects on cell growth in breast and ovarian cancer cells. Ectopic expression of six mutants of three different core histones (H2B, H3, and H4) altered cell growth in at least two different cell lines. Two of these sites, H2B-D51 and H4-D68, were indeed sites of ADPRylation in wild-type (unmutated) histones, and mutation of these sites inhibited ADPRylation. Mutation of H2B-D51 dramatically altered chromatin accessibility at enhancers and promoters, as well as gene expression outcomes, whereas mutation of H4-D68 did not. Additional biochemical, cellular, proteomic, and genomic analyses demonstrated that ADPRylation of H2B-D51 inhibits p300-mediated acetylation of H2B at many Lys residues. In breast cancer cell xenografts in mice, H2B-D51A promoted tumor growth, but did not confer resistance to the cytotoxic effects of PARP inhibition. Collectively, these results demonstrate that functional Asp and Glu ADPRylation sites on histones are mutated in cancers, allowing cancer cells to escape the growth-regulating effects of post-translational modifications via distinct mechanisms.

Significance:

This study identifies cancer-driving mutations in histones as sites of PARP1–mediated ADP-ribosylation in breast and ovarian cancers, providing a molecular pathway by which cancers may subvert the growth-regulating effects of PARP1.
A Role of Circuit Clotting and Strategies to Prevent It during Blood Purification Therapy with oXiris Membrane: An Observational Multicenter Study
Authors: Villa Gianluca , Fioccola Antonio , Mari Gaia , Cecchi Matteo , Pomarè Montin Diego , Scirè-Calabrisotto Caterina , De Rosa Silvia , Ricci Zaccaria , Rosalia Rodney Alexander , Resta Marco Vittorio , Ferrari Fiorenza , Patera Francesco , Greco Massimiliano , Ronco Claudio , Romagnoli Stefano ,   oXirisNET Registry Working Group
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Membrane fouling is a significant complication potentially reducing clinical effects of extracorporeal blood purification (EBP) in critically ill septic patients with acute kidney injury. Although fascinating, the effect of heparin coating in preventing membrane fouling is currently unknown. This multicenter prospective study aims to preliminary describe the incidence, associated factors, and clinical consequences of premature circuit clotting in a cohort of adult critically ill septic patients treated with EBP using a high biocompatible heparin-coated hemodiafilter characterized by advanced adsorption properties. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively entered data in the oXirisNet Registry; overall, 97 septic patients undergoing EBP with oXiris between May 2019 and March 2020 were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of filter clotting (premature vs. nonpremature). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with premature circuit clotting. Results: Premature clotting occurred in 18 (18.6%) patients. Results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that hematocrit (p = 0.02, odds ratio [OR] 1.15 [1.05; 1.30]), serum procalcitonin (PCT) (p = 0.03, OR 1.1 [1.05; 1.2]), and anticoagulation strategy (p = 0.05 at Wald’s test) were independent predictors of circuit clotting. Systemic anticoagulation (p = 0.02, OR 0.03 [0.01; 0.52]) and regional citrate anticoagulation (p = 0.10, OR 0.23 [0.04; 1.50]) were both protective factors if compared to no-anticoagulation strategy. Patients with nonpremature circuit clotting showed more rapid recovery from hemodynamic instability, pulmonary hypo-oxygenation, and electrolyte disorders and greater improvement of inflammatory markers and SOFA scores. Conclusion: Although in this study the incidence of premature circuit clotting was relatively low (18.6%) compared to previously reported values (54%), membrane clotting in adult critically ill septic patients could cause clinically relevant interferences with treatment performances. Prevention of clotting should be based on avoiding higher patients’ hematocrit, high serum PCT, and no-anticoagulation strategy which resulted as independent predictors of circuit clotting.
Early-Stage MRI Volumetric Differences in White Matter Hyperintensity and Temporal Lobe Volumes between Autopsy-Confirmed Alzheimer’s Disease, Cerebral Small Vessel Disease, and Mixed Pathologies
Authors: Yang Dixon , Masurkar Arjun
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cerebral small vessel disease (CVSD) both contribute to age-related cognitive decline but can be difficult to clinically distinguish at early stages. At mild cognitive impairment (MCI), we investigated brain MRI volumetric differences in white matter hyperintensities (WMH), frontal and temporal lobe volumes between neuropathologically defined groups of cerebral arteriolosclerosis alone (pARTE), AD alone (pAD), and mixed (ADARTE). Methods: From the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center, we defined neuropathology groups of pARTE (n = 18), pAD (n = 36), and ADARTE (n = 55) who had MRI brain volumetrics within 1 year of clinical evaluation with Clinical Dementia Rating score of 0.5, corresponding to MCI. We included moderate-to-severe arteriolosclerosis and/or ABC score 2–3 for AD, after excluding other major neuropathologies. We compared WMH and frontal and temporal lobe volumes between neuropathology groups using regression analysis. Results: Adjusted regression models show AD-related groups associated with less WMH when compared to pARTE (pAD adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% confidence interval [CI]): 0.94 (0.90–0.98); ADARTE aOR (95% CI): 0.96 (0.93–0.99)). The mixed pathology group, but not pAD, had smaller right temporal lobe volumes than pARTE (pAD aOR [95% CI]: 0.86 [0.74–1.00]; ADARTE aOR [95% CI]: 0.83 [0.72–0.96]). There were no differences in frontal lobe volumes. Discussion/Conclusions: Findings from this neuropathologically confirmed cohort suggest volumetric differences in WMH and temporal lobe volumes between AD- and CVSD-related MCI. Moreover, our results suggest a differential atrophy susceptibility of the right versus left temporal lobe to the additive effect of AD and vascular pathologies.
Cidade para quais pessoas? Sobre as contradições da reforma do Vale do Anhangabaú
Authors: Machado Giancarlo Marques Carraro
Published: April 2022

O artigo reconstitui algumas das principais mediações e embates em torno do recente projeto de reforma do Vale do Anhangabaú – um dos espaços públicos mais expressivos e disputados de São Paulo – para, consequentemente, problematizar os sentidos de certos léxicos incorporados por diferentes gestões municipais a fim de garantir a coalizão necessária para execução da obra. O destaque fica para o conceito de cidade para pessoas, propagado por Jan Gehl, arquiteto e urbanista dinamarquês. Com tal objetivo, espera-se, pois, refletir sobre a seguinte questão: para quais pessoas o Vale do Anhangabaú estaria sendo reformado? A proposta será possível com base na análise de documentos e de publicações disponibilizadas por setores da Prefeitura de São Paulo; de reportagens jornalísticas propagadas em canais diversos; de posicionamentos de agentes ligados a múltiplas esferas da sociedade civil; além, ainda, do diálogo com autores vinculados aos estudos urbanos.
Centralidades periféricas: diálogos sobre arte e cultura no Brasil
Authors: Sousa Ana Paula ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Estudos Avançados
Published: April 2022

A Cátedra Olavo Setubal de Arte, Cultura e Ciência foi lançada em 2016, sendo a primeira cátedra de arte e cultura da Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Iniciativa do Instituto de Estudos Avançados da USP (IEA), em parceria com o Itaú Cultural, tem por objetivo fomentar reflexões interdisciplinares sobre temas acadêmicos, artístico-culturais e sociais nos âmbitos regional e global. Este livro integra a coleção de cinco volumes que trazem os conteúdos abordados no primeiro quinquênio da Cátedra. Coordenado por Eliana Sousa Silva, o livro traz os resultados da série de diálogos realizados entre junho de 2018 e março de 2019, quando a catedrática reuniu 21 artistas que se relacionam de forma profunda com as periferias e seis pesquisadores e acadêmicos cujo objeto de estudo é a periferia ou os sujeitos periféricos. Os encontros tiveram por base seis diferentes linguagens artísticas: literatura, artes visuais, teatro, audiovisual, dança e música.
Diretrizes para apresentação de dissertações e teses da USP: parte IV (Vancouver) 2.ed
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Ondontologia, Funaro Vânia M. B. de Oliveira , Pestana Maria Cláudia ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Odontologia, Garcia Eliana Maria ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Rebello Maria Alice de França Rangel ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Hospital Universitário, Ayello Maria Aparecida B. ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Geociências, Carvalho Maria José de J. ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Nascimento Maria Marta ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Psicologia, Paschoalino Rosana A. ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Cardoso Suely Campos ,   Univerisidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina, Lombardi Valéria de Vilhena ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina
Published: April 2022

O Sistema Integrado de Bibliotecas da Universidade de São Paulo – SIBi/USP, dentre suas propostas voltadas à padronização dos trabalhos científicos, publica trabalhos no sentido de orientar os alunos de pós-graduação na elaboração de suas teses e dissertações geradas na Universidade. Neste sentido, dando sequência a este trabalho, traz a público a atualização das “Diretrizes para apresentação de dissertações e teses da USP: documento eletrônico e impresso”. Para facilitar a consulta às normas o Grupo responsável pela atualização elaborou o trabalho em quatro partes, cada parte enfocando uma norma específica: Parte I (ABNT – Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas), Parte II (APA – American Psychological Association), Parte III (ISO – International Organization for Standardization) e Parte IV (Vancouver). Este documento apresenta a 2ª edição revisada das Diretrizes publicada em 2009, de acordo com a norma Vancouver atualizada.
Semiótica e política: um estudo de caso
Authors: Teixeira Lucia
Published: April 2022

O funcionamento do discurso político vai além de estratégias enunciativas de textualização ou das narrativas que instituem as relações entre sujeitos e objetos e as estruturas modais que as constituem. A política define um modo de ser e de estar no mundo, articula as relações interpessoais, organiza a vida social, instala-se como forma de vida. Será necessário, para compreendê-la semioticamente, perceber os sistemas axiológicos e as relações de crença, identificação e confiança entre os atores sociais, mediadas por fatores emocionais e intelectuais. Este artigo toma a política em seu sentido de exercício do poder, relação entre governantes e governados e legitimação desse poder, com o objetivo de analisar a vitória eleitoral da extrema-direita no Brasil, nas eleições presidenciais de 2018, com base em algumas imagens de campanha. Por meio de conceitos como os de veridicção, persuasão e figurativização e da mobilização de categorias de análise da semiótica plástica, examinam-se estratégias de campanha e definem-se semioticamente os atores envolvidos no processo eleitoral.
O golpe de 1964 no Brasil pelas páginas do Diário de Lisboa
Authors: Fidelis Thiago
Published: April 2022

O presente artigo tem como principal proposta discutir como a série de acontecimentos, culminando com a deposição de João Goulart da presidência do Brasil e a ascensão de Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco como novo presidente, foram retratados no jornal Diário de Lisboa, uma das principais publicações portuguesas no período. Nessa perspectiva, a ideia é analisar como, a partir das notícias, textos e formas como esses foram relatados, Brasil era visto e retratado por essa publicação, levando em conta a difícil relação política entre os países, uma vez que a política externa brasileira era contrária às ações ultramarinas lusitanas, bem como ao modelo de governo, uma vez que o país ibérico era governado por Antonio Salazar, sob a égide do Estado Novo, desde o início dos anos 1930.
Establishment of a Dedicated Inherited Cardiomyopathy Clinic: From Challenges to Improved Patients’ Outcome
Authors: Smith Emily , Thompson Paul D. , Burke‐Martindale Carolyn , Weissler‐Snir Adaya
Published: April 2022

Background

Inherited cardiomyopathies (ICs) are relatively rare. General cardiologists have little experience in diagnosing and managing these conditions. International societies have recognized the need for dedicated IC clinics. However, only few reports on such clinics are available.

Methods and Results

Clinical data of patients referred to our clinic during its first 2 years for a personal or family history of (possible) IC were analyzed. A total of 207 patients from 196 families were seen; 13% of probands had their diagnosis changed. Diagnosis was most commonly altered in patients referred for possible arrhythmogenic dominant right ventricular cardiomyopathy (62.5%). A total of 90% of probands had genetic testing, of whom 27.3% harbored a likely pathogenic or pathogenic variant. Of patients with confirmed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 31 (28.7%) were treated for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, including septal reduction in 13. Patients with either hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or left ventricular noncompaction and a history of atrial fibrillation were started on oral anticoagulation. Oral anticoagulation was also discussed with all patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and apical aneurysm. Patients with a definite diagnosis of arrhythmogenic dominant right ventricular cardiomyopathy were started on β‐blockers and given restrictive exercise prescriptions. A total of 17 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and 5 patients with likely pathogenic or likely variants in arrhythmogenic genes received primary prevention implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators. No implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators were warranted for arrhythmogenic dominant right ventricular cardiomyopathy. A total of 76 family members from 24 families had cascade screening, 32 of whom carried the familial variant. A total of 21 members from 13 gene‐elusive families were evaluated by clinical screening, 3 of whom had positive screening.

Conclusions

Specialized IC clinics may improve diagnosis, management, and outcomes of patients with (possible) IC and their family members.
Extant genus of flat bark beetle (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) with a present-day Australian-southern South American disjunction discovered in Eocene Rovno amber
Authors: ALEKSEEV VITALII I. , BUKEJS ANDRIS
Published: April 2022

Austronausibius aenigmatista sp. nov., the first fossil silvanid beetle belonging to the Recent genus Austronausibius Halstead distributed in Australia and southern South America, is described from late Eocene Rovno amber. The new fossil species is illustrated and compared with related extant and morphologically close extinct taxa. A key to species of fossil Silvanidae known from Eocene East European amber (Baltic and Rovno) is provided.
Applications of Rough Sets in Plant Sciences and Disease Diagnosis
Authors: EL-Sayed M. Kamel , Nasef Arafa A. , albalawi Marzough A.
Published: April 2022

The aim of this work is to introduce an approach for analysis of information system concerning plant diseases. This approach is based on Rough Set Theory and relied on extracting the original data as well as attribute reduction for the final diagnosis of the model of building a tomato disease to provide practical diagnostic tool. We provided an example that shows how to deal with tomato disease.
Discrete Type II Topp Leone Inverted Weibull Distribution: Properties and Estimation
Authors: Yahia Nagla , Fawzy Hala , Baaqeel Hanan
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a new distribution with three parameters named Discrete Type II Topp Leone inverted Weibull (DTIITLIW) distribution is derived using the Type II Topp Leone family and the general approach of discretization of a distribution. Some of the statistical properties are obtained
for the new distribution. Different estimation procedures are used to estimate the model parameters; moments and maximum likelihood methods. The importance and flexibility of the new distribution DTIITLIW is assessed using a real data set.
Impacts of Land Surface Parameterizations on Simulations over the Arid and Semiarid Regions: The Case of the Loess Plateau in China
Authors: Lu Sha , Guo Weidong , Ge Jun , Zhang Yu
Published: April 2022

The arid and semiarid areas of the Loess Plateau are extremely sensitive to climate change. Land–atmosphere interactions of these regions play an important role in the regional climate. However, most present land surface models (LSMs) are not reasonable and accurate enough to describe the surface characteristics in these regions. In this study, we investigate the effects of three key land surface parameters including surface albedo, soil thermal conductivity, and additional damping on the Noah LSM in simulating the land surface characteristics. The observational data from June to September from 2007 to 2009 collected at the Semi-Arid Climate and Environment Observatory of Lanzhou University (SACOL) station in northwest China are used to validate the Noah LSM simulations. The results suggest that the retrieved values of surface albedo, soil thermal conductivity, and additional damping based on observations are in closer agreement with those of the MULT scheme for surface albedo, the J75_NOAH scheme for soil thermal conductivity, and the Y08 scheme for additional damping, respectively. Furthermore, the model performance is not obviously affected by surface albedo parameterization schemes, while the scheme of soil thermal conductivity is vital to simulations of latent heat flux and soil temperature and the scheme of additional damping is crucial for simulating net radiation flux, sensible heat flux, and surface soil temperature. A set of optimal parameterizations is proposed for the offline Noah LSM at the SACOL station when the MULT scheme for surface albedo, the J75_NOAH scheme for soil thermal conductivity, and the Y08 scheme for additional damping are combined simultaneously, especially in the case of sensible heat flux and surface soil temperature simulations.
On the Propagation and Translational Adjustment of Isolated Vortices in Large-Scale Shear Flows
Authors: Gulliver Larry T. , Radko Timour
Published: April 2022

This study explores the dynamics of intense coherent vortices in large-scale vertically sheared flows. We develop an analytical theory for vortex propagation and validate it by a series of numerical simulations. Simulations are conducted using both stable and baroclinically unstable zonal background flows. We find that vortices in stable westward currents tend to adjust to an equilibrium state characterized by quasi-uniform zonal propagation. These vortices persist for long periods, during which they propagate thousands of kilometers from their points of origin. The adjustment tendency is realized to a much lesser extent in eastward background flows. These findings may help to explain the longevity of the observed oceanic vortices embedded in predominantly westward flows. Finally, we examine the influence of background mesoscale variability induced by baroclinic instability of large-scale flows on the propagation and persistence of isolated vortices.
Tilt Error in NDBC Ocean Wave Height Records
Authors: Collins C. O. , Jensen R. E.
Published: April 2022

We identify and characterize an error in the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) wave records due to the sustained tilt of a buoy under high winds. We use a standard, operational 3-m aluminum discus buoy from NDBC with two wave systems, one gimballed, and the other strapped down but uncorrected. By comparing the two, we find that the most extreme significant wave heights are systematically overestimated. The overestimation is shown to be confined to a region around the peak frequency in the spectra: 0.05–0.15 Hz. Wave direction and directional spread are unaffected. A bias due to tilt error can be observed starting at winds of 10 m s−1 or wave heights of 4 m. The bias increases as a function of wind speed and wave height, i.e., the bias is +10% when winds are 20 m s−1. Very high waves and winds are relatively rare, so while the tilt error does not affect overall statistics and basic analyses it could potentially affect analysis sensitive to the extremes. A correction is derived for significant wave height, which is a quadratic function of wind speed. The correction is shown to reduce wave heights in uncorrected records, but is found inadequate for general use. There is evidence of tilt error at other NDBC stations, but the full extent of prevalence in the record is not known at this time.
Neighborhood-Based Ensemble Evaluation Using the CRPS
Authors: Stein Joël , Stoop Fabien
Published: April 2022

The neighborhood-based ensemble evaluation using the continuous ranked probability score is based on the pooling of the cumulative density function (CDF) for all the points inside a neighborhood. This methodology can be applied to the forecast CDF for measuring the predictive input of neighboring points in the center of the neighborhood. It can also be applied at the same time to forecast CDF and observed CDF so as to quantify the quality of the pooled ensemble forecast at the scale of the neighborhood. Fair versions of these two neighborhood scores are also defined in order to reduce their dependencies on the size of ensemble forecasts. The borderline case of deterministic forecasts is also explored so as to be able to compare them with ensemble forecasts. The information of these new scores is analyzed on idealized and real cases of rain accumulated during 3 h and of 2-m temperature forecast by four deterministic and probabilistic forecasting systems operational at Météo-France.
Improving Tropical Cyclone Forecast Communication by Understanding NWS Partners’ Decision Timelines and Forecast Information Needs
Authors: Morss Rebecca E. , Vickery Jamie , Lazrus Heather , Demuth Julie , Bostrom Ann
Published: April 2022

As tropical cyclone threats evolve, broadcast meteorologists and emergency managers rely on timely forecast information to help them communicate risk with the public and protect public safety. This study aims to improve the usability and applicability of National Weather Service (NWS) forecast information in the context of these NWS core partners’ decisions during tropical cyclone threats. The research collected and analyzed data from in-depth interviews with broadcast meteorologists and emergency managers in three coastal U.S. states. These data were used to analyze broadcast meteorologists’ and emergency managers’ tropical cyclone decision and action timelines, their use of tropical cyclone information during different phases of threats, and gaps in forecast information for decision-making. Based on these findings, several opportunities for improving tropical cyclone risk communication were identified. Recommendations to address gaps in the NWS tropical cyclone product suite include designing improved ways to communicate storm-specific storm surge risk at greater than 48 h of lead time, expanding the use of concise highlights that help people quickly extract and understand key information, and improving product understandability and usability by more comprehensively integrating users’ perspectives into product research and development. Broader strategic recommendations include developing new approaches for informing broadcast meteorologists about major forecast updates, presenting forecast information in ways that enable locally relevant interpretation, and supporting human forecasters’ contributions to the effectiveness of NWS products and services. These findings and recommendations can help NOAA prioritize ways to modernize the current NWS tropical cyclone product suite as well as motivate research to enable longer-term high-priority improvements.

Significance Statement

Tropical cyclones pose significant risks to coastal and inland U.S. populations. This project aims to improve creation, communication, and use of tropical cyclone forecast and warning information by studying broadcast meteorologists’ and emergency managers’ information needs for decision-making during different phases of tropical cyclone threats. We identify several priority areas for improvement, including advancing longer-lead-time storm surge forecast communication, enhancing dissemination of forecast updates, and increasing use of concise text highlights. Additional findings include the importance of locally interpretable forecast information, the value of human forecasters in weather risk communication, and the need for iterative, user-informed forecast product development. These findings can help NOAA and the research community improve forecast communication and invest in research that facilitates continued improvements.
Co-occurring occupations among siblings in Norway
Authors: Uvaag Stian A
Published: April 2022

According to class theory, social class boundaries are akin to social mobility patterns. This study explores these patterns by looking at co-occurring occupations among siblings. The author uses data from Norway's population-wide registers to analyze occupational co-occurrences among siblings across 98 occupations. The association is analyzed in relative terms: how often occupations are held by both siblings compared to what would be expected if there was no statistical association between siblings’ occupations. The Mobility Network Clustering Algorithm (MONECA) identifies groups of occupations that are strongly connected. The analysis shows that siblings tend to have the same occupation. Furthermore, non-manual and manual occupations are identified as two separate groups of strongly connected occupations. The analysis also shows a more differentiated structure in occupations, with increased tendencies for siblings to be in more narrow subgroups of the occupational structure. In the non-manual group, occupations in management, finance, business, and sales form a separate cluster from administrative workers, the professions, and cultural-artistic occupations. Beyond this, the occupational structure is differentiated into smaller subgroups.
Does Preoperative Thrombocytopenia in Patients Undergoing Robotic Hepatectomy for Liver Tumors Predict Poor Outcomes? A Propensity-Score Match Analysis
Authors: Crowley Marci , Rayman Shlomi , Ross Sharona , Crespo Kaitlyn , Syblis Cameron , Sucandy Iswanto , Rosemurgy Alexander
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Thrombocytopenia is a known surrogate marker for cirrhosis and portal hypertension and has been associated with increased risk of poor perioperative outcomes when studied in “open” operations. This study was undertaken to assess thrombocytopenia as an independent risk factor for undesirable perioperative outcomes after robotic hepatectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 279 patients who underwent robotic hepatectomy at our institution. Patients were stratified into two cohorts based on preoperative platelet counts. Thrombocytopenia was classified as having a platelet count less than 150 /μL. Patients were 2:1 ratio propensity-score matched based on IWATE score and age. Data are presented as median (mean ± SD).

Results

Thirty-six patients with thrombocytopenia were matched to 72 patients without thrombocytopenia. Patients with thrombocytopenia had higher MELD scores [p = 0.02] and higher Child-Pugh Scores [p <0.001]. Intraoperatively, patients with thrombocytopenia had shorter operative duration [p = 0.03] but similar estimated blood loss (EBL) [p = 0.78]. Postoperatively, there were more fresh frozen plasma transfusions in patients with thrombocytopenia [p = 0.04]. There were no differences in IWATE scores, tumor size, conversions to “open” operations, intraoperative complications, patient length of stay (LOS), Clavien-Dindo score ≥ III complications, perioperative RBC transfusion, in-hospital mortality, or 30-day readmissions.

Conclusions

In our propensity-score matched study, patients with thrombocytopenia had more severe liver disease; however, there were no differences in their EBL, LOS, or perioperative complications. Preoperative thrombocytopenia, while being an indicator of severity of liver disease potentially promoting perioperative bleeding, does not negatively affect the perioperative course of patients undergoing robotic hepatectomy.
Improving the Culture of Safety: A Prospective Handoff Initiative from the Operating Room to the Trauma Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Appelbaum Rachel D. , McCullough Mary Alyce , Barnett Ryan S. , Talbott Ashley L. , Neff Lucas P. , Hildreth Amy N. , Miller Preston R. , Nunn Andrew M.
Published: April 2022

A recent EAST publication emphasized the importance of handoffs to ensure safe and effective care for trauma patients. In this work, we evaluated our existing handoffs from the operating room (OR) to the trauma intensive care unit (TICU) and implemented a formal process at our level 1 trauma center. Pre and post-intervention surveys were offered to the stakeholders. Responses were recorded in a Likert scaled format and results were compared using Student’s t-test with statistical significance was set to .05. 57 surveys were completed (30 pre, 27 post) and 139 handoffs occurred. There was significant improvement in “overall satisfaction” and “understanding of information expected.” Standardizing an OR to intensive care unit handoff clarifies expectations and improves care team satisfaction. While future studies are needed to evaluate the impact of structured handoffs on patient outcomes, provider satisfaction likely serves as an indicator for culture shift towards safer transitions of care for injured patients.
Turning stage fright into stage might: Pre-service drama teachers developing ideas about pedagogy, authenticity and relationships
Authors: Gray Christina , Egeberg Helen , Green Tammy
Published: April 2022

The gap between theory and practice during initial teacher training has been an enduring topic of research due to its impact on teacher-readiness. Given the COVID-19 pandemic campus closures threatening to widen the gap, this research was a timely intervention aimed at connecting pre-service teachers to their professional network. Specifically, the project brought together pre-service drama teachers and in-service drama teachers (identified as positive mentors and practitioners) in two 90 minute online forums, to explore pedagogical perspectives and understandings. Semi-structured focus-group and individual interviews were held with 21 pre-service drama teachers. Data revealed that the lived experience shared by drama teachers assisted pre-service teachers translate theory into practice supporting the learning of their pedagogical craft, both instructionally and behaviourally. Furthermore, this collaboration appeared to enhance motivation, build connection to the drama education community and inspire pre-service students during a personally and professionally challenging time in their initial teacher training.
Ideology and Exegesis: A Response to Gerald O’Collins
Authors: Holloway Paul A.
Published: April 2022

Gerald O’Collins’s insistence that scholars read Paul’s encomium to Christ in Phil 2:6-11 as anticipating later Christian orthodoxy confuses theological apologetics for historical interpretation. His claim that Paul anticipates Nicene Christology is anachronistic, tendentious, and methodologically confused. Phil 2:6-11 expresses a Jewish angel Christology, not a teleological foreshadowing of Nicene orthodoxy. A close reading of O’Collins’s essay is instructive at a number of levels.
Peasant Livelihoods in Times of Covid-19: A Classical Agrarian and Political Economy Perspective
Authors: Chipenda Clement
Published: April 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has had unprecedented global impact, creating multiple crises that have gone beyond the epidemiological, extending to the socio-economic and political. It has exposed structural flaws in global capitalism and intensified inequalities that have traditionally been imbedded in relations of production and social reproduction. In emerging Covid-19 literature, blind spots exist on its impact on peasant households. It is this knowledge gap that this article fills. Focusing on an agrarian context in rural Zimbabwe, the article employs a classical agrarian perspective and the political economy approach as conceptual and heuristic tools to explore the impact which this novel virus has had on rural livelihoods. It shows that the pandemic has impacted agricultural production, social reproduction, labour relations and asset accumulation. While its impact has been largely negative, opportunities were created with peasant agency being critical in dealing with shocks and vulnerabilities.
A laminated vitrimer composite with strain sensing, delamination self-healing, deicing, and room-temperature shape restoration properties
Authors: Konlan John , Mensah Patrick , Ibekwe Samuel , Li Guoqiang
Published: April 2022

Laminated multifunctional composites are highly desired in modern lightweight engineering structures. The purpose of this study is to develop a composite laminate with impact tolerance, delamination healing, strain sensing, Joule heating, deicing, and room temperature shape restoration functionalities. In this study, a novel self-healable and recyclable shape memory vitrimer was used as the matrix, unidirectional glass fabric was used as reinforcement, and tension programmed shape memory alloy (SMA) wires were used as z-pins. To provide multifunctionality, the programmed SMA wires were further twisted and formed into sinusoidal shape. Copper wire strands were hooked to the sinusoidal SMA z-pins to make them a closed circuit. Low velocity impact, compression after impact, damage self-healing, deicing, and room temperature shape restoration tests were conducted. The tests result show that the desired multifunctionality of the laminated composite was achieved. The hybrid laminate provides a promising design for lightweight load-carrying engineering structures.
The Efficiency Evaluation of Municipal-Level Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospitals Using Data Envelopment Analysis After the Implementation of Hierarchical Medical Treatment Policy in Gansu Province, China
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Zhao Yongqiang , Xixin Niu  , Zhou Wei , Tian Jun
Published: April 2022

Background: Efficiency evaluation is an integral part of new medical reform and is necessary to solve the problem of limited and unbalanced medical resources. This study evaluated the efficiency of municipal-level Traditional Chinese Medicine hospitals by Data Envelopment Analysis application after a hierarchical medical treatment policy was implemented. We propose solutions to the problems existing in hospital operations and promote the utilization efficiency of medical resources in those hospitals. Methods: The sample included all municipal-level TCM hospitals in Gansu province from 2017 to 2019. The DEA-BCC model was employed to evaluate the relative efficiency of hospital operations, and the Manny-Whitney test was used to compare the input and output variables of technical efficiency efficient and inefficient hospitals. Results: From 2017 to 2019, the growth in the number of staff in secondary hospitals (25.88%) was lower than that in tertiary hospitals (31.98%). However, the increase in the number of beds (16.52%) in secondary hospitals was higher than that in tertiary hospitals (−0.30%). 5 (38.46%) achieved DEA efficient in secondary hospitals and 2 (40.00%) in tertiary hospitals. The means of technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency in secondary hospitals were 0.812, 0.887, and 0.908, respectively. The means in tertiary hospitals were 0.868, 0.926, and 0.935, respectively. The hospital areas were statistically different between the TE efficient and inefficient hospitals ( P<0.05) in secondary hospitals. However, the number of outpatients between the two groups was statistically different ( P<0.05) in tertiary hospitals. Conclusion: In this study, the medical and health services of municipal TCM hospitals in Gansu Province have made great progress. Due to the backward economy of Gansu Province, the classification of diagnosis and treatment of diseases was still based on Western medicine, resulting in the slow medical development of some municipal TCM hospitals. TCM hospitals should improve management efficiency, optimize hospital operation scale, improve the utilization efficiency of medical resources and promote efficient hospital development.
Optical and dielectric characterization of biopolymer pectin based electrolytes with NaCl
Authors: Jothi M Anandha , Vanitha D , Nallamuthu N , Sundaramahalingam K
Published: April 2022

Biopolymer pectin based polymer electrolytes with sodium chloride (NaCl) were prepared by solution casting method. Semi crystalline nature of pectin is reduced to reach the amorphous nature by addition of NaCl salt,investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis and XRD deconvolution technique. Investigation of FTIR and FTIR deconvolution exposed the occurrence of complexation and increment of free ion by addition of NaCl. The shifting of UV absorbance band of pectin demonstrates the optical properties of the prepared polymer electrolytes. Optical bandgap of pectin polymer electrolyte was decreased from 3.13 eV to 2.98 eV due to the electrons transition from valence band to conduction band. The measurements of dielectric constants were conceded out on these films in the frequency range 42–106 Hz from 303K to 373 K. From all these characterisation, 3 wt.% of NaCl doped polymer-salt complex system performed well.
Early- and mid-term outcomes of reinterventions for aortic bioprosthesis failure
Authors: Malvindi Pietro Giorgio , Luthra Suvitesh , Santarpino Giuseppe , Ramadan Taha , Hunduma Gabriel , Olevano Carlo , Ohri Sunil K
Published: April 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate early- and mid-term results of our actual practice embedding redo aortic valve replacement and transcatheter procedures for aortic bioprosthetic failure.

Methods

Data for aortic valve reinterventions (redo surgical aortic valve replacement, isolated redo aortic valve replacement, and valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation, transcatheter valve-in-valve procedure) were collected (2010–2019). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors favouring the choice of transcatheter against redo surgery. Cox analysis was used to study the association of preoperative variables with survival. Survival probabilities were calculated with Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared using a log-rank test.

Results

A total of 125 patients were included (redo surgical aortic valve replacement: 84 patients, valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation: 41 patients). Median age was 74 [63–80] years, 58% of the patients were male and the median logistic EuroSCORE was 15 [8–26] %. There was no early mortality. Eighteen patients (redo surgical aortic valve replacement: 15, valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation: 3) sustained at least one postoperative complication. At pre-discharge transthoracic echocardiogram, valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation had significantly higher trans-prosthetic gradients (mean gradient: valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation 18 mmHg vs. redo surgical aortic valve replacement 14 mmHg, p < 0.001). Overall survival probabilities were 94% and 73% at 1 year and 5 years, respectively. Previous coronary artery bypass surgery operation and age were independently associated with lower survival probabilities during the follow-up.

Conclusions

Redo surgical aortic valve replacement and valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation are both safe and effective for aortic bioprosthetic failure. Further valve-in-valve data are needed to determine the haemodynamic performance of transcatheter prostheses and its impact on long-term outcomes.
Identifying and understanding the drivers of student engagement in a school of politics and international relations
Authors: Strong James
Published: April 2022

During the 2020/2021 academic year, I conducted a mixed quantitative and qualitative analysis of the drivers of student engagement in the School of Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary University of London. My main finding was that students vary widely in their ability to manage the competing demands on their time. Those who are able to avoid scheduling conflicts between taught classes and off-campus commitments engage at higher rates and achieve better marks. Those who struggle – whether due to under-developed time management skills, a lack of confidence in asking for assistance, or both – miss out on vital learning opportunities, and their attainment suffers. While there is little a department can do about the broader socio-economic forces that require students to take on significant responsibilities beyond the classroom, my findings suggest there are things we can do to improve engagement among those who struggle. I conclude by recommending actions to help students resolve clashing commitments, to build their confidence in and ability to seek support from staff, and to develop positive peer networks.