bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traffic Behavior Recognition from Traffic Videos under Occlusion Condition: A Kalman Filter Approach
Authors: Jiao Junfeng , Wang Huihai
Published: March 2022

Real-time traffic data at intersections is significant for development of adaptive traffic light control systems. Sensors such as infrared radiation and GPS are not capable of providing detailed traffic information. Compared with these sensors, surveillance cameras have the potential to provide real scenes for traffic analysis. In this research, a You Only Look Once (YOLO)-based algorithm is employed to detect and track vehicles from traffic videos, and a predefined road mask is used to determine traffic flow and turning events in different roads. A Kalman filter is used to estimate and predict vehicle speed and location under the condition of background occlusion. The result shows that the proposed algorithm can identify traffic flow and turning events at a root mean square error (RMSE) of 10. The result shows that a Kalman filter with an intersection of union (IOU)-based tracker performs well at the condition of background occlusion. Also, the proposed algorithm can detect and track vehicles at different optical conditions. Bad weather and night-time will influence the detecting and tracking process in areas far from traffic cameras. The traffic flow extracted from traffic videos contains road information, so it can not only help with single intersection control, but also provides information for a road network. The temporal characteristic of observed traffic flow gives the potential to predict traffic flow based on detected traffic flow, which will make the traffic light control more efficient.
Analysis of Constructability Practices in State Departments of Transportation under Organizational Constraints
Authors: Gad Ghada Moustafa , Minchin R. Edward
Published: March 2022

Designers typically do not base critical design decisions on construction requirements and constraints, and soon realize that their designs could be difficult to build and expensive. Thus, construction expertise needs to be incorporated in the design process through applying constructability concepts at early project stages. With the underlying concept of a construction-driven design, there are many approaches used by transportation agencies in conducting constructability reviews (CRs), but the key is to develop an approach that is consistent and scalable to different ranges of environmental constraints and project delivery methods, while accounting for organizational structure. The objective of this paper is thus to investigate and recommend effective practices in CRs that could be used by Departments of Transportation (DOTs), given their organizational constraints. To achieve this objective, the methodology was divided into two major steps starting with a comprehensive literature review, followed by two case studies of DOTs employing two different constructability programs that align with their organizational policies and constraints: California Department of Transportation and Utah Department of Transportation. Results of the case studies highlight the common themes in their CRs (early involvement of the DOT construction team), whereas the organizational constraints also result in significant differences (CR formality level, and consultants’ and contractors’ involvement). This study thus highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all constructability approach and provides evidence and recommendations, through two different but successful CR processes, on the importance of developing a CR process that aligns with organizational constraints.
Beyond Adoption: Examining Electric Vehicle Miles Traveled in Households with Zero-Emission Vehicles
Authors: Jia Wenjian , Chen T. Donna
Published: March 2022

The environmental benefits of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are affected by both consumer adoption and usage patterns. While numerous studies examine consumers’ stated or revealed preferences for ZEV adoption, ZEV usage patterns have received less attention. Based on the 2019 California vehicle survey data, this paper analyzes the annual mileage of three ZEV types: battery electric vehicle (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Results show that ZEVs are driven as much as or more than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). Furthermore, focusing on households with one ZEV and one or more ICEVs, factors that influence household electric vehicle miles traveled (eVMT) are explored using multiple linear regression models. Greater battery range, home charging capability (regardless of charger type), and provision of special electricity rates for home charging are found to be positively correlated with the eVMT of PHEV households. The eVMT of BEV households is positively associated with Level 2 home charging capability, solar panel installation, access to workplace DC fast charging, and access to public Level 2 and DC fast charging stations. The number of routinely-used public hydrogen refueling stations is associated with higher FCEV household eVMT. Lastly, when high-occupancy vehicle lane access is rated as extremely important in the ZEV purchase decision, greater eVMT is found for both BEV and FCEV households, but not for PHEV households. Results of this study inform policies to encourage eVMT over vehicle miles traveled by ICEV in a household, achieving greater environmental benefits from ZEVs.
Interview-Based Analysis of Impacts of COVID-19 on Interurban Business Trips in Japan
Authors: Adachi Hironobu , Kato Hironori
Published: March 2022

This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on interurban business trips (IBTs). A total of 42 individuals employed in 42 private firms or public organizations covering 16 industries in Japan were interviewed from March 19 to June 16, 2021. In addition to their business activities, interviewees were requested to provide information on pre-pandemic IBT practices, changes in employee IBT organizational regulations caused by the pandemic, and their IBT preferences for the post-pandemic period. The results revealed that many firms significantly reduced IBTs in Japan during the pandemic. They also showed that small- and medium-scale organizations reduced the frequency of IBTs more than large-scale organizations, while tourism businesses and medical/welfare services organizations reduced the frequency of IBTs more than other industries. Many organizations preferred to reduce the frequency of IBTs in the post-pandemic period compared with the pre-pandemic period by using video conferences. As business travel accounts for 45% of railway users and 32% of air transportation users in Japan, the expected decline in IBTs could negatively affect ridership during the post-pandemic period.
Analyzing Disabled Vehicle Incident Durations and Crash Response to Identify Service Patrol Expansions and Reduce the Need for Law Enforcement Involvement
Authors: McCombs John , Al-Deek Haitham , Sandt Adrian , Carrick Grady , Uddin Nizam
Published: March 2022

Florida’s Road Rangers (RRs) are the state’s safety service patrol. Over 60% of RR responses are for disabled vehicles. This paper investigates the impact RRs have on disabled vehicle events and identifies roads with potential for expansion of RR patrol hours by analyzing 2019 incident and crash data. Over 213,000 disabled vehicle incidents occurred on roadways with partial RR coverage, with 20% occurring during RR inactive periods. The average incident duration more than doubled during inactive periods from 49 min to 100 min. After analyzing several factors, such as incident duration differences and percentage of inactive events, I-10 in Florida’s panhandle was identified as the roadway which would most benefit from increased patrol hours. Ninety-five disabled vehicle crashes occurred on roadways with partial RR coverage, with 56% occurring during inactive patrol hours; these inactive period crashes resulted in 70% of the injuries and 67% of the fatalities. The Tampa area had many crashes (especially during inactive periods), so roadways in this area would benefit from increased patrol hours. A significant relationship between RR presence and response activity duration was found, with an average response activity duration of 106 min during inactive periods and 71 min during active periods. These results show the importance of increasing the periods of RR coverage and how RRs assist law enforcement by responding to disabled vehicle events and their associated crashes, allowing law enforcement to focus their efforts on more severe crashes or other traffic-impacting events.
Comparison of frailty, sarcopenia and protein energy wasting in a contemporary peritoneal dialysis cohort
Authors: Davenport Andrew
Published: March 2022

Background:

More elderly frail patients are now treated by peritoneal dialysis (PD). Frailty, sarcopenia and protein energy wasting (PEW) are all associated with increased mortality. Simple screening tools are required to identify patients to allow for interventions. As such, we wished to review the prevalence of frailty and compare frailty with sarcopenia and PEW in a contemporary PD population.

Patients and methods:

We used the Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) to determine frailty, bio-impedance body composition and hand grip strength (HGS) to determine sarcopenia and combining laboratory, body composition and protein nitrogen appearance rate (PNA) to assess PEW.

Results:

Records of 368 PD patients, 61% male, mean age 60.9 ± 16.1 years, body mass index (BMI) 26.2 ± 5.1 kg/m2 were reviewed, with 71 classified as frail (19.3%; CFS > 4), and frailty associated with age (odds ratio (OR) 1.047, 95% confidence interval (CL) 1.01–1.085, p = 0.012), Stoke-Davies co-morbidity (OR 1.808, 95%CL 1.129–2.895, p = 0.014) and negatively with HGS (OR 0.906, 95% CL 0.897–0.992, p = 0.033); 17.7% met muscle loss and HGS criteria for sarcopenia, with fair agreement with frailty (kappa 0.24 (CL 0.09–0.38)). Only two patients (0.5%) met all four criteria for PEW, 26.1% met the reduced BMI criteria, 4.6% the serum albumin, 32.9% the PNA and 39.4% the reduced muscle mass. HGS correlated with lean muscle mass ( r 2 = 0.42, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Using the CFS, 19.3% of patients were classified as frail, compared to 17.7% with sarcopenia and <1% with PEW. The CFS requires no special equipment or laboratory tests and was associated with age, co-morbidity and HGS weakness.
Oxymatrine attenuates TNBS-induced colinutis in rats through TLR9/Myd88/NF-κB signal pathway
Authors: Li Shengwei , Feng Guangqing , Zhang Min , Zhang Xing , Lu Jihong , Feng Chenyahui , Zhu Fangshi
Published: March 2022

Objective: Due to its well-known anti-inflammatory property, oxymatrine (OMT) has received more attention on the aspect of treating ulcerative colitis. Although efforts have been undertaken to understand the therapeutic mechanism of OMT on ulcerative colitis (UC), the remedial principle is still ambiguous. Numerous studies have shown that TLR9/Myd88/NF-κB signal pathway played a key role in the pathogenesis of UC. Moreover, TLR9/Myd88/NF-κB signal pathway is a part of the most important pathways for regulating the immune response.Methods: We explored the influence of OMT with different dosages on UC by establishing a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model. Moreover, the participation of TLR9/Myd88/NF-κB signal pathway and whether OMT protects against UC though targeting this pathway are further studied.Results: Our data revealed that OMT could significantly relieve the symptom of TNBS-induced colitis in rats by reactivating the tight junction protein and, more important, by inhibiting the activation of TLR9/Myd88/NF-κB pathway and protein expression levels of its downstream inflammatory factors.Conclusion: OMT could relieve colitis in rat models by impacting tight junction proteins’ TLR9/Myd88/NF-κB signal pathways and activity.
Assessing Oral Language When Screening Multilingual Children for Learning Disabilities in Reading
Authors: Goodrich J. Marc , Fitton Lisa , Chan Jessica , Davis C. Jamie
Published: March 2022

Multilingual children represent a rapidly growing population of students in U.S. schools. However, identification of language and learning disabilities for students from different linguistic backgrounds is complex, leading to frequent misidentification of multilingual learners for special education. This article provides guidance on how special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, and other practitioners (e.g., school psychologists) can utilize each other’s expertise to accurately assess language and literacy skills of multilingual learners. Five key lessons learned from research on identification of language disorders are presented, along with discussion of why these are important when screening multilingual children for learning disabilities in reading. Specifically, there is a focus on considering children’s language background, regardless of English learner status, the importance of language ability for reading achievement, common pitfalls in using standardized assessments with multilingual learners, and linguistically sensitive assessment and scoring practices to be used with multilingual students.
Efficacy of Yangxin Recipe in Combination with Conventional Western Medicine in Treatment of Angina Pectoris of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Liu Jiali , Dong Yaorong , Hu Xiaozhen
Published: March 2022

Objective

To study the efficacy of Yangxin Recipe (YXR) in patients with stable angina pectoris of coronary heart disease and its impacts on coronary CT angiography.

Methods

A total of 78 patients with coronary heart disease and angina pectoris were randomly divided into a control group (n = 39) and a YXR group (n = 39). The control group adopted conventional Western medicine while the YXR group received conventional western medicine + oral administration of YXR. After six months of continuous treatment, the clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the level of coronary CT vascular stenosis were observed.

Results

After treatment, the total effective rate of YXR was 92.31%, which was higher than ( P < 0.01) that of the western medicine control group. The total score of TCM syndromes in the YXR group was (14.44 ± 9.87), which was significantly lower than ( P < 0.001) that in the simple western medicine control group (22.44 ± 13.87). The degree of coronary stenosis in the YXR group decreased to (49.87 ± 7.82) %, which was significantly lower than ( P < 0.001) that in the western medicine control group (57.05 ± 9.92) %.

Conclusion

The efficacy of YXR + conventional western medicine in treating coronary heart disease and angina pectoris is significantly improved compared with the simple conventional western medicine.
Assessing psychosocial distress associated with homelessness in Ghana: A springboard for interventional policy design
Authors: Amissah Nelly BF , Amissah Christopher M , Amponsah Benjamin
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the causes of homelessness in Ghana and associated psychosocial distress. A sample of 86 homeless participants listed perceived causes of their homelessness and completed measures of psychosocial distress, and 97 non-homeless participants completed the same measures psychosocial distress. Causes of homelessness among the participants included poverty (30.1%), migration (10.4%), unemployment (2.2%), parental demise (2.2%), parental neglect (0.5%), and parental divorce (0.5%). Multivariate analysis revealed higher psychosocial distress among the homeless than the non-homeless. Homeless females reported higher levels of stress and suicidality than their male counterparts. The study demonstrates the need for timely and effective implementation of interventions such as provision of affordable housing, financial assistance, job-creation, and skill training for the homeless directly related to known causes of homelessness and accounting for gender differences.
Factors Associated With Spontaneous Sac Shrinkage in Patients With Persistent Type 2 Endoleaks After EVAR
Authors: Sugimoto Masayuki , Banno Hiroshi , Sato Tomohiro , Ikeda Shuta , Tsuruoka Takuya , Kawai Yohei , Niimi Kiyoaki , Kodama Akio , Komori Kimihiro
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Despite controversy surrounding the management of type 2 endoleaks (T2ELs) after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), the current European guidelines recommend reintervention for T2ELs when the aneurysm expands by ≥10 mm. Meanwhile, sac shrinkage ≥10 mm can be considered low risk for failure even with T2ELs, and the guidelines suggest less frequent follow-up delayed until 5 years after EVAR. This study reviewed patients with persistent T2ELs to identify predictors of spontaneous sac shrinkage (SpS) within 5 years.

Methods:

A retrospective review of elective EVAR for infrarenal aortic aneurysms between June 2007 and December 2017. Patients with >1 year follow-up and persistent T2ELs, defined as T2ELs confirmed at both the 6 and 12 month follow-up with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), were included. Any reintervention or type 1 or 3 endoleaks within 12 months were excluded. SpS was defined as a ≥10 mm reduction in diameter without any reintervention. Aneurysm enlargement (AnE) was defined as a ≥5 mm increase in diameter. Factors associated with SpS within 5 years were analyzed. The clinical outcomes were reviewed.

Results:

Among 726 patients, 162 patients had persistent isolated T2ELs. After excluding 21 patients, 141 patients were enrolled. During a median follow-up of 43 months (interquartile range [IQR], 26–60), 28 SpS and 39 AnE were observed, and 31 reinterventions were performed. The cumulative rates of SpS were 14.2%±2.9% and 25.6%±5.1% at 1 and 5 years. Cox regression analysis revealed that the presence of ≥6 patent lumbar arteries had a significant negative correlation with SpS (p=0.036). During further follow-up after SpS, 2 reinterventions for type 1a and 3b endoleaks were required at 49 and 45 months.

Conclusions:

Patients with fewer patent lumbar arteries were likely to experience SpS within 5 years, even in the presence of persistent T2ELs. Follow-up imaging studies were advisable earlier than 5 years, even after SpS.
The Effect of Topical Cow's Milk on the Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Shabib Somayeh , Soltani Rasool , Khorvash Farzin , Taheri Azade , Shahbazi Azad Mehdi
Published: March 2022

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a very serious side effect among the diabetic patients with substantial clinical and economic consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of cows’ milk topical ointment, as an available and cost-effective natural product, on accelerating the healing of DFU. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, patients with grade 1 or 2 DFU were randomly divided into two groups of intervention (n = 50) and control (n = 49). For patients of intervention group, cows’ milk 20% topical ointment was applied on the ulcer once daily for two weeks, while a type of novel dressing was used for control group with the same frequency and duration. Both groups received usual standard wound care measures. The percentage of change in the ulcer size and the number of cases with complete wound healing (>90% reduction in the ulcer size) were recorded in the both groups. The ulcer size significantly reduced in both groups on the seventh and 14th days of intervention; however, the percentage of reduction was significantly higher in the intervention (milk) group compared to control at both time points (44.64 ± 15.98 vs. 24.95 ± 12.78, P < .001; 67.67 ± 22.15 vs. 42.87 ± 19.74, P < .001). Furthermore, although more patients in the intervention group (n = 4, 8%) showed complete healing of the ulcer compared to control (n = 0), the difference was not statistically significant ( P = .117). Cow's milk 20% topical ointment improves and accelerates the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. However, more clinical studies are required to confirm these effects.
Effectiveness of Sucrose Octasulfate Dressing in the Treatment of Neuro-Ischaemic Diabetic Foot Heel Ulcers: A Retrospective Single arm Study
Authors: Meloni Marco , Giurato Laura , Panunzi Andrea , Bellia Alfonso , Bohbot Serge , Lauro Davide , Uccioli Luigi
Published: March 2022

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of sucrose octasulfate impregnated dressing (TLC-NOSF [Technology Lipido-Colloid-Nano-OligoSaccharide Factor]) in the management of persons with neuro-ischaemic heel diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Consecutive patients who referred for an active non-infected neuro-ischaemic heel DFU belonging to grade IC (superficial) or IIC (deep to tendons, muscle or capsule) according to Texas University Classification were included. All patients were managed by a pre-set limb salvage protocol in the respect of International guidelines and the TLC-NOSF dressing was used as primary and specific dressing. Patients were evaluated any 2 to 4 weeks until wound healing or different outcomes. Primary outcome was the rate of complete wound healing after 24 weeks of follow-up. The secondary outcomes assessed the healing time, the rate of wound regression, the re-ulceration in the case of complete healing and the safety. Thirty patients were included. The mean age was 67 ± 11 years, 17 (56.7%) were male, all of them were affected by type 2 diabetes with a mean duration of 18 ± 7 years. Twenty patients (66.7%) showed deep ulcers (grade 2 of Texas University Classification); the mean TcPO2 at the inclusion was 42 ± 7 mm Hg. Twenty-two patients (73.3%) healed by Week 24. The mean time of healing was 84 ± 32 days, 2 (6.7%) patients had ulcer relapse after healing, 28 (93.3%) had wound regression >50%, 2 (6.7%) had mild infection, 1 (3.3%) reported major amputation. No serious adverse events related to TLC-NOSF dressing or local reactions were reported. This current study showed the potential benefit of sucrose octasulfate for treating neuro-ischaemic heel DFUs in addition to the standard of care.
End-to-end data collection strategy using mobile sink in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Wu Xiaofeng , Chen Zhuangqi , Zhong Yi , Zhu Hui , Zhang Pingjian
Published: March 2022

Several data collection algorithms, which are based on the combination of using mobile sinks and multiple-hop forwarding, have been proposed to prolong the network lifetime of wireless sensor networks. However, most approaches treat the collection point selection and touring path planning as two independent problems, which leads to a sub-optimal solution for data collection. This article proposed an ant colony optimization based end-to-end data collection strategy to perform the collection point selection and the touring path planning simultaneously. The proposed algorithm first constructs a data-forwarding tree, and then heuristically selects collection points and plans a touring path at the same time. The performance evaluation shows that the end-to-end strategy can improve the network lifetime of wireless sensor network compared to other approaches, especially in the unbalanced distribution scenario of sensors. The end-to-end strategy is also capable of being integrated with other methods.
A novel and highly efficient botnet detection algorithm based on network traffic analysis of smart systems
Authors: Duan Li , Zhou Jingxian , Wu You , Xu Wenyao
Published: March 2022

In smart systems, attackers can use botnets to launch different cyber attack activities against the Internet of Things. The traditional methods of detecting botnets commonly used machine learning algorithms, and it is difficult to detect and control botnets in a network because of unbalanced traffic data. In this article, we present a novel and highly efficient botnet detection method based on an autoencoder neural network in cooperation with decision trees on a given network. The deep flow inspection method and statistical analysis are first applied as a feature selection technique to select relevant features, which are used to characterize the communication-related behavior between network nodes. Then, the autoencoder neural network for feature selection is used to improve the efficiency of model construction. Finally, Tomek-Recursion Borderline Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique generates additional minority samples to achieve class balance, and an improved gradient boosting decision tree algorithm is used to train and establish an abnormal traffic detection model to improve the detection of unbalanced botnet data. The results of experiments on the ISCX-botnet traffic dataset show that the proposed method achieved better botnet detection performance with 99.10% recall, 99.20% accuracy, 99.1% F1 score, and 99.0% area under the curve.
Association between gene polymorphism of inflammatory factors, thrombogenic factors, and stress-related proteins and abdominal aortic aneurysm: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Weng Yingzheng , Lu Difan , Tang Lijiang , Bao Yizong , Chen Xiaofeng , Junhai Zhen
Published: March 2022

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a deadly disease in the elderly population. Currently, the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the presence of AAAs has become a hot topic and is a concern for many researchers.

Method

We performed a document retrieval in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (to January 2020). A total of 17 case-control reports on SNPs of AAAs and eight SNPs of correlation factors were selected. All essential data, including race, age, country, criteria of AAA diagnosis, method of AAA measurement, method of genotype detection, name of SNPs, minor allele frequency (MAF), Hardy Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) of the control group, and number of cases and control groups were extracted by two reviewers independently. The fixed-effect model and random-effect model were used to calculate the overall odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The association between selected SNPs and the presence of AAAs was evaluated under different genetic models (dominant, codominant, recessive, overdominant, and allele models).

Results

A total of 17 articles (sample size ranging from to 42–665 AAA cases and 49–2,297 controls) and 23 SNPs of related factors were identified. Eight SNPs were assessed in at least two studies and were selected for further meta-analysis. We found that the A allele of interleukin (IL)-10 (−1082 G/A) (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.18–1.54, p < 0.0001) was a risk factor for AAAs under random and fixed-effect models. In addition, partial genetic models of these SNPs were confirmed to be related to the presence of AAA. Subgroup analysis revealed that haptoglobin (HP)-1 was a risk factor for AAAs (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04–1.63, p = 0.02) in the European population. No association was found between the occurrence of AAA and the other SNPs.

Conclusion

In our current meta-analysis, we speculated that the genotype distribution of IL-10 (−1082 G/A) may be associated with the emergence of AAA.
The need for and conceptual design of an AI model-based Integrated Flight Advisory System
Authors: Ramos Marilia A , Sankaran Karthik , Guarro Sergio , Mosleh Ali , Ramezani Ramin , Arjounilla Adrian
Published: March 2022

Automation and an increasing level of autonomy are not novelties in aircraft cockpits. One of the main goals of automation in aviation is to increase pilots’ situation awareness (SA) and reduce their workload – both of high importance for a safe flight. Increasing automation has historically reduced aviation accident rates and improved efficiency. Yet, currently implemented systems have also contributed to accidents, when failed, or were insufficient to increase pilots’ SA for improving their decision-making. This paper discusses the need for an enhanced decision-support system and its potential benefits for safer aviation. A model-based decision support system that leverages artificial intelligence, Integrated Flight Advisory System (IFAS), is presented. Further, the conceptual design of this system is described. The overview and roadmap provided in this paper consist of an effort toward a more holistic, pilot-centered, AI-based decision-support that can contribute to safer aviation.
Development and Validation of the Diabetes Pen Experience Measure: A New Patient-Reported Outcome Measure
Authors: Brod Meryl , Waldman Laura Tesler , Sparre Thomas , Busk Anne Kirstine
Published: March 2022

Background:

Satisfaction with insulin-delivery devices has been shown to improve treatment adherence, translating into better glycemic control. The Diabetes Pen Experience Measure (DPEM) is a new patient-reported outcome measure to evaluate patients’ experience when using an injection device.

Methods:

The DPEM was developed using literature review and concept elicitation interviews with clinical experts and patients. This led to a theoretical model and a draft measure of the diabetes pen experience, which was refined following cognitive debriefing. Validation entailed a web-based, noninterventional survey; psychometric analyses conducted according to a statistical analysis plan; and refinement and finalization of the DPEM and theoretical model.

Results:

In total, 42 patients participated in concept elicitation interviews. Analysis of the qualitative interviews resulted in a preliminary theoretical model. Based on this model, DPEM items were generated; the preliminary version of the DPEM contained 30 items. Following cognitive debriefing, the validation-ready version comprised 28 items. These were later reduced to 7 higher-order items owing to ceiling/floor effects. In total, 300 patients participated in the web-based validation study. The item statistics were all adequate. Item-to-item correlations were good. Item-to-total correlations displayed acceptable associations between each item against the rest of the items, with correlations of 0.68 to 0.79. The internal consistency was adequate, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.91. The DPEM is scored by summing the 7 item scores and transforming the sum onto a 100-point scale.

Conclusion:

The evidence presented supports the use of the DPEM in clinical trials to evaluate the patients’ experience with diabetes injection devices.
Therapies without Pride: An Explorative Study of the Therapist’s Perspective on the Quality of the Social Bond with Clients in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and a Psychodynamic Therapy against Men’s Violence in Sweden
Authors: Jansson Peter Martin
Published: March 2022

This explorative paper aims to test a model of operationalized subindicators that allows for a simplified analysis of the social bond between therapists and clients in violence therapy. A theoretical premise of this work is that a stable social bond is a prerequisite for the client’s building a positive self-image and becoming reintegrated into society as nonviolent. The research entails the comparison of two different therapy treatments. A psychodynamic therapy against men’s violence, undertaken voluntarily and frequently used in Nordic countries, is compared to a compulsory cognitive behavior therapy used for men in correctional settings. Although the therapists in both treatments attempt to balance the relationship between themselves and the clients, both therapies tend to alienate the parties from each other, thereby preventing the development of a stable social bond of solidarity. For both treatments, an awareness is needed of those parts of the therapy that evoke shame and pride, thereby permitting an evaluation of the treatment so that the positive quality of the social bond can develop.
Role of inflammation in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ramesh Pranav , Yeo Jian L. , Brady Emer M. , McCann Gerry P.
Published: March 2022

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has reached a pandemic scale. Systemic chronic inflammation dominates the diabetes pathophysiology and has been implicated as a causal factor for the development of vascular complications. Heart failure (HF) is regarded as the most common cardiovascular complication of T2D and the diabetic diagnosis is an independent risk factor for HF development. Key molecular mechanisms pivotal to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy include the NF-κB pathway and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, in addition to advanced glycation end product accumulation and inflammatory interleukin overexpression. Chronic myocardial inflammation in T2D mediates structural and metabolic changes, including cardiomyocyte apoptosis, impaired calcium handling, myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, all of which contribute to the diabetic HF phenotype. Advanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has emerged as a gold standard non-invasive tool to delineate myocardial structural and functional changes. This review explores the role of chronic inflammation in diabetic cardiomyopathy and the ability of CMR to identify inflammation-mediated myocardial sequelae, such as oedema and diffuse fibrosis.
Prediction of callus and ulcer development in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy by isosceles triangle-forming tuning fork
Authors: Yoshikawa Yoshiyuki , Maeshige Noriaki , Uemura Mikiko , Tanaka Masayuki , Kawabe Nobuhide , Yamaguchi Atomu , Fujino Hidemi , Terashi Hiroto
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

Tuning fork vibration sensation testing is widely used as a diagnostic test to detect diabetic neuropathy. However, evidence-based literature indicates that reliability between examiners is low. Attaching isosceles triangle diagrams on tuning forks lowers the discrepancy between examiners. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between vibration sensation measurement using an improved tuning fork and the presence of callus and wound development in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Methods:

Participants included 56 general older adults and 52 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The methods included confirmation of the presence or absence of callus, range of motion of the ankle and the first metatarsophalangeal joint, vibratory sensitivity of the medial malleolus and the dorsal aspect of the first distal phalanx using an improved tuning fork, and touch-pressure sensitivity of the plantar aspect of the hallux. Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy were followed up for 3 years to check for the presence or absence of wounds.

Results:

When compared with the general older adults, the patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy had significantly lower touch-pressure sensitivity ( p < 0.01), vibratory sensitivity at the distal phalanx ( p < 0.01) and medial malleolus ( p < 0.01), ankle dorsiflexion range of motion ( p < 0.01), and metatarsophalangeal joint extension range of motion ( p < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve with callus formation was 0.93 for the medial malleolus and 0.96 for the distal phalanx, indicating that the accuracy of the distal phalanx was higher ( p < 0.01) than the medial malleolus. According to the Cox proportional hazard analysis, the vibratory sensitivity of the distal phalanx was a significant risk factor for ulcer development ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that the vibration sensation test, which we improved via the technique described in this study, is useful for predicting the occurrence of callus and ulcer.
Pledgeted plication: A novel technique to treat dialysis access-related steal syndrome
Authors: Vierhout Thomas , Saucedo-Crespo Hector , Auvenshine Christopher , Sakpal Sujit Vijay
Published: March 2022

Steal syndrome is a potential complication of surgically created arteriovenous fistulas that can result in sensory and/or motor deficits, or tissue loss in the affected limb. Several surgical techniques have been developed to treat steal syndrome, but all have potential drawbacks. We detail a novel, modified plication technique which involves sequential, longitudinal application of pledgets along the venous outflow to gradually narrow it, and consequently decrease flow. Its potential benefits include protection of the vein from bare suture, less turbulent flow, and thus lower risk of thrombosis. Implementation of this technique in two patients resulted in symptomatic relief and continuation of uninterrupted hemodialysis at 9- and 12-month follow-up, respectively.
COVID-19 and Acute Otitis Media in Children: A Case Series
Authors: Frost Holly M. , Sebastian Thresia , Keith Amy , Kurtz Melanie , Dominguez Samuel R. , Parker Sarah K. , Jenkins Timothy C.
Published: March 2022

Background:

The association of SARS-CoV-2 with acute otitis media (AOM) in children is poorly understood.

Methods:

Cases were identified as a subpopulation within the NO TEARS prospective AOM study in Denver, CO from March to December 2020. Children enrolled were 6 to 35 months of age with uncomplicated AOM; those with AOM and SARS-CoV-2 were included. Data was obtained from electronic medical records and research case report forms.

Results:

A total of 108 patients enrolled in the NO TEARS study from May 2019 through December 2020 (all subsequently tested for SARS CoV-2). During the COVID-19 pandemic study period (March-December 2020), 16 patients enrolled, and 7 (43.6%) were identified with AOM/COVID-19 co-infection. Fever was present in 3 of 7 children (29%). Four children (57%) attended daycare. Only 2 children (29%) had SARS CoV-2 testing as part of their clinical workup. Mean AOM-SOS© scores were similar among SARS CoV-2 positive and negative patients with no statistical significance with two-sided t-tests: 13.6 (±4.5) versus 14.2 (±4.9) at enrollment, 1.4 (±1.8) versus 4.2 (±4.9) on Day 5, and 0.6 (±0.9) versus 2.5 (±6.1) on Day 14. Among the 7 cases, no child had an AOM treatment failure or recurrence within 3 to 14 or 15 to 30 days respectively. Of the 6 patients with completed bacterial and viral testing, a bacterial pathogen was identified in all 6, and a viral pathogen in 3 (50%).

Conclusions:

COVID-19 and AOM can co-exist. Providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID-19 even in patients with clinical AOM and should not use a diagnosis of AOM to exclude COVID-19.
Do Political Factors Affect Fiscal Consolidation? Evidence From Spanish Regional Governments
Authors: Vaquero-García Alberto , Cadaval-Sampedro María , Lago-Peñas Santiago
Published: March 2022

This paper empirically examines the political factors behind the different fiscal consolidation paths across Spanish regions over the period 2004 to 2017. Spanish regions provide an interesting case study due to both the strong fiscal decentralization and the deep impact of the so-called “Great Recession” on subcentral budget constraints in Spain. The estimates confirm that governments react to fiscal imbalances by reducing expenditure growth, but this reaction depends on the electoral budget cycle and the results of elections. Fiscal consolidation tends to stop in election years and is boosted by changes in the incumbent. By contrast, neither ideology nor fragmentation of government systematically affects the dynamics of fiscal adjustment.
Quality of the Transition Component of the IEP for High School Students With Autism
Authors: Kraemer Bonnie R. , Tomaszewski Brianne , Rentschler Lindsay F. , Steinbrenner Jessica R. , Hume Kara A. , McDaniel Sara , Dawalt Leann , Brum Christopher , Szidon Katherine
Published: March 2022

The present study examined the transition component of the Individualized Education Program for 62 secondary students with autism. Plans were coded using a rubric adapted from Indicator 13 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. Findings indicated a mean plan score of 10.5 out of 20.0, with a range of 3.0 to 20.0. Strengths were noted in Transition Services, with Course of Study and Transition Assessment as areas of relative need. Student characteristics—including adaptive behavior, IQ, and self-determination—were associated with components of transition plan quality. Plan quality differences were found based on diploma status and the quality of the school environment. Implications for supporting educators in writing and implementing quality transition planning are discussed.
Gray-Matter Morphometry of Internalizing-Symptom Dimensions During Adolescence
Authors: Smolker Harry R. , Snyder Hannah R. , Hankin Benjamin L. , Banich Marie T.
Published: March 2022

Understanding the neuroanatomical correlates of internalizing psychopathology during adolescence may shed light on neurodevelopmental processes that make this a critical period for the trajectory of mental illness. However, few studies have simultaneously examined co-occurring and dissociable features of internalizing psychopathology during this formative developmental stage. In the current study, we identify the neuroanatomical correlates of four dimensions of internalizing psychopathology symptoms in adolescents: a common internalizing dimension capturing covariance in symptoms across internalizing disorders, as well as low-positive-affect-specific, anxious-arousal-specific, and anxious-apprehension-specific residuals. Our results suggest that these dimensions are associated with neuroanatomy across much of the brain, including prefrontal and limbic regions implicated in case-control studies and regions supporting visual processing. It is noteworthy that results differed between males and females in regions that are sexually dimorphic in adulthood, and the direction of the effects was largely opposite what has been observed in adults and children.
Comments on the Paper ‘The Optimal Distribution Rule of Federal Funds to States in India: A Suggested Methodology’ by Raychaudhuri and Roy (2021)
Authors: Sinha Sudip Kumar
Published: March 2022

The recent paper by Raychaudhuri and Roy (2021) in the South Asian Journal of Macroeconomic and Public Finance has been both timely and intensely thought provoking as it suggests an alternative approach for intergovernmental fiscal transfer in India. Fiscal transfers to subnational governments by the Finance Commissions in India is critical for maintaining the spirit of co-operative fiscal federalism in the country and is designed to improve the overall fiscal health of the economy. Rewarding the states for their efforts in improving public investment management would certainly help make the devolution rules for the Finance Commission time consistent and truly welfare- and growth oriented, and it would also help address the issue of vertical and horizontal gap in a more sustainable manner.

JEL Classifications: H77, H71, E62, H72
Comparison of Knotless and Knotted Single-Anchor Repair for Ruptures of the Upper Subscapularis Tendon: Outcomes at 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Sgroi Mirco , Kranz , Marilena , Seitz Andreas Martin , Ludwig Marius , Faschingbauer Martin , Zippelius Timo , Reichel Heiko , Kappe Thomas
Published: March 2022

Background:

Both knotted and knotless single-anchor repair techniques are used to repair transmural ruptures of the upper subscapularis (SSC) tendon. However, it is still unclear which technique provides better clinical and radiological results.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To compare the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes of knotless and knotted single-anchor repair techniques in patients with a transmural rupture of the upper SSC tendon at 2-year follow-up. It was hypothesized that the 2 techniques would not differ significantly in outcomes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Forty patients with a transmural tear of the upper SSC tendon (grade 2 or 3 according to Fox and Romeo) were retrospectively enrolled. Depending on the repair technique, patients were assigned to either the knotless single-anchor or knotted single-anchor group. After a mean follow-up of 2.33 ± 0.43 years, patients were assessed by the ASES, WORC, OSS, CS, and SSV. A clinical examination that included the bear-hug, the lift-off, and the belly-press tests was performed, in which the force exerted by the subjects was measured. In addition, all patients underwent MRI of the affected shoulder to assess repair integrity, tendon width, fatty infiltration, signal-to-signal ratio of the upper and lower SSC muscle, and atrophy of the SSC muscle.

Results:

No significant difference was found between the 2 groups on any of the clinical scores [ASES ( P = .272), WORC ( P = .523), OSS ( P = .401), CS ( P = .328), SSV ( P = .540)] or on the range-of-motion or force measurements. Apart from a higher signal-to-signal ratio of the lower SSC muscle in the knotless group ( P = .017), no significant difference on imaging outcomes was found between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

Both techniques can be used in surgical practice, as neither was found to be superior to the other in terms of clinical or imaging outcomes at 2-year follow-up.
Creation of Elite Rice with High-Yield, Superior-Quality and High Resistance to Brown Planthopper Based on Molecular Design
Authors: Liu Manman , Fan Fengfeng , He Shihao , Guo Yu , Chen Gaili , Li Nannan , Li Nengwu , Yuan Huanran , Si Fengfeng , Yang Fang , Li Shaoqing
Published: March 2022

Breeding rice (Oryza sativa L.) with high yield, superior quality, desired grain shape and high resistance is the goal of breeding to meet the needs of current consumers. It is usually hard to combine multiple complex traits based on traditional breeding methods because they are frequently antagonistic to each other. However, molecular design breeding, as a novel breeding method, is an optional alternative to this challenge. To demonstrate molecular design breeding, 15 favorable genes from five parent lines were pyramided together to develop elite rice with high-yield, superior-quality, desired grain shape and high resistance to brown planthopper (BPH). The parental lines were 9311, the recurrent parent, carrying APO1, Ghd7, Ghd8 and Gn1a for high yield, GS3 and qSW5 for grain shape, and Wx and ALK for eating and cooking quality; 1880 with Gn8.1 for large panicles; Luo-Yu-Xiang carrying GW7 for grain shape and SBE3, SSIV2 and SSIII for eating and cooking quality; Luoyang6 with Bph6 and Luoyang9 with Bph9 for BPH resistance. After careful screening for the 15 targeted genes, desired phenotype and maximum genetic background from 9311, three molecular design lines with desired phenotypes, named as MD1 (Molecular design 1), MD2 and MD3 were developed. MD3 carried all 15 targeted genes, and MD1 and MD2 had 14 of the 15 targeted genes. Only SBE3 was not introgressed into MD1 and MD2 but this had minimal impact on the gel consistency and alkali spreading value. These newly bred lines exhibited higher yield potential, better grain quality with slender grains, low amylose content, high gel consistency and alkali spreading value, and higher BPH resistance compared to the parent 9311. In this study, we successfully created three novel rice lines with high yield, superior quality and improved BPH resistance by rational molecular design. Our results demonstrate molecular design is a powerful strategy to improve multiple complex traits and will provide a reference for the future commercial rice improvement.