bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Período de retorno das precipitações máximas diárias no estado do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Tavares Matheus Gomes , Santos Eliane Barbosa
Published: March 2022

A ocorrência de precipitação máxima pode impactar negativamente em diversos segmentos da sociedade, afetando setores responsáveis por sistemas de drenagem urbana, projetos de obras hidráulicas tais como vertedores de barragens, dimensionamento de canais etc. Diante disso, o objetivo principal deste trabalho foi estudar o comportamento das precipitações máximas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, bem como estimar a precipitação máxima diária provável para os períodos de retorno de 2, 5, 10, e 50 anos. Foram utilizados dados diários de precipitação de 52 postos pluviométricos da rede hidrometeorológica gerenciada pela Agência Nacional de Águas e Saneamento Básico (ANA), referentes ao período de 1978 a 2017. Para estimar o nível e período de retorno das precipitações máximas, foi utilizado a Distribuição Generalizada de Valores Extremos (GEV). O Teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) foi aplicado para verificar a qualidade do ajuste da distribuição GEV. Os resultados obtidos mostram que, de forma geral, as estimativas das precipitações máximas foram mais intensas nas Baixadas Litorâneas e na porção leste da região Metropolitana, principalmente no outono austral, onde espera-se que ocorra uma vez a cada 2, 5 e 10 anos, em algumas áreas, totais diários maiores que 70 mm/dia, 75 mm/dia e 105 mm/dia, respectivamente. A um nível de significância de 5%, a GEV apresentou ajuste adequado para os valores máximos diários de precipitação.
Efficient Processing of Analytical Queries Extended with Similarity Search Predicates over Images in Spark
Authors: Muzzi da Rocha Guilherme , Dutra de Aguiar Ciferri Cristina
Published: March 2022

An image data warehousing extends a conventional data warehousing to also manipulate images represented by feature vectors and attributes for similarity search. A challenge that arises is the efficient processing of analytical queries extended with a similarity search predicate. These queries have a high computational cost since they require the processing of costly star join operations and distance calculations in the same setting. We consider applications that manage huge volumes of data, where the use of parallel and distributed data processing frameworks is needed. In this article, we introduce two methods to efficiently solve this challenge in Spark. BrOmnImg is based on the integration of the broadcast join and the Omni techniques for the processing of the star join operation and the distance calculations, respectively. BrOmnImgCF extends BrOmnImg by using the conventional predicate to further reduce the number of distance calculations. Compared with the closest method available in the literature, BrOmnImg reduced the time spent on query processing by up to about 65%. Compared with BrOmnImg, BrOmnImgCF improved the performance by up to about 54%.
Kommunal, kontrovers, Kandidat-O-Mat
Authors: Waldvogel Thomas , Wehner Michael
Published: March 2022

Können spielerische Instrumente der Wahlinformation im Internet dazu beitragen, Partizipationslücken bei Oberbürgermeisterwahlen zu verringern? Welche Faktoren fördern die mobilisierende Wirkung von sogenannten Voting Advice Applications (VAA) zu kommunalen Wahlen? Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt Antwort auf diese Fragen. Basierend auf einer Befragung von 3.200 Nutzern des sogenannten Kandidat-O-Mat der Landeszentrale für politische Bildung Baden-Württemberg zu den Oberbürgermeisterwahlen in Stuttgart und Karlsruhe zeigen wir, erstens, dass mehr als ein Fünftel der Befragten der VAA-Nutzung eine mobilisierende Wirkung auf die eigene Wahlbeteiligungsabsicht zuspricht. Zweitens können wir zeigen, dass insbesondere männliche Personen sowie Nutzer mit einem niedrigen formalen Bildungsgrad und geringen politischen Effektivitätsüberzeugungen von spielerischen Instrumenten der Wahlinformation im Internet partizipativ profitieren. Drittens identifizieren wir die lokalspezifische Ausgestaltung der kommunalpolitischen Thesen-Items und der Usability-Designelemente als Einflussfaktoren, die das mobilisierende Potenzial der Online-Applikationen befördern. Der Beitrag schließt mit einer Diskussion über die Limitationen unserer Ergebnisse und die Implikationen der Befunde für die politische Bildung.
Perspective Chapter: Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement with the University Community
Authors: Kibayashi Tsutomu , Machino Keisuke , Maeshima Shinichiro
Published: March 2022

Universities are the centers of society’s intellectual activities and are places where highly skilled professionals are trained. For managers and businesses, universities are a valuable resource for revitalizing and promoting communities and industries. Achieving this requires multifaceted cooperation and collaboration with universities. In 2017, our university concluded a “comprehensive cooperation agreement” with the city of Hakusan, where the university is located. Last year, the university signed an agreement with Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co., and this year it signed one with Eon Mall Co., Ltd. A variety of projects are currently being planned to be carried out at Eon Mall Hakusan, a major supermarket in the community. The main purpose of these agreements is to help the community develop by solving local problems and fostering new professionals.
Characterization, Modeling and the Production Processes of Biopolymers in the Textiles Industry
Authors: Younes Basel
Published: March 2022

The current chapter is focused on biopolymers and Bionanocomposite as environmentally friendly materials, modeling of the production processes, and coating of bio-textiles. Different industries use biopolymers and Bionanocomposite in for the current environmental applications. Furthermore, composition and classification of biopolymers, the theoretical methods, and factorial experimental designs (FED) for optimization and modeling processes of the environmentally friendly textiles used as an alternative to traditional chemical textile products with zero to low environmental footprint are studied at acceptable cost. This chapter will also describe the novel optimization, experimental factorial design, and how the novel modeling methods will help less experienced polymer designers in taking the best experimental decision controlled by the design factors. It also discusses how the fully biodegradable polymers support the industry by decreasing the processing energy, material and manufacturing costs. Finally there are an overview of the current and future developments of biodegradable polymers applications in modern bio-textiles industries.
Does Sleep Quality between Back-to-Back Matches Influence Running Performance in Canadian Female University Soccer Players? A GPS-based Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Turczyn David , McMillan Diana , Gardiner Phillip F. , M. Cornish Stephen
Published: March 2022

Background: Soccer competitions performed with less than or equal to 24 hours of recuperation, including inadequate amounts of quality sleep, may adversely affect performance. Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess running performance between self-reported good and poor sleepers in female university sport soccer players (N = 12) in matches played with ≤ 24 hours of recovery. Methods: In this cross-sectional and observational study, twelve female university soccer players (mean age: 19.44 + 1.69 yr) were followed throughout one season of competition using a time-series analysis of running performance and comparing good (n = 7) versus poor (n = 5) sleepers. Global positioning systems (GPS) were used to evaluate jogging/sprinting performance throughout the 2016 soccer season. Good and poor sleepers were determined via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: There was a significant reduction (p .05) in running performance from the first to the second game in the entire cohort, while post hoc analysis indicated that good sleepers performed better on the relative speed performance parameter when comparing the first game to the second game; however, there was no change in this performance variable in the poor sleepers between the first and second game. Conclusions: Our study indicates that Canadian female university soccer players may need longer than 24 hours of recovery to perform optimally in subsequent matches. Generally, good and poor sleepers perform similarly except for GPS relative speed in back-to-back matches with 24 hours of recovery.
Oviducal gland transcriptomics of Octopus maya through physiological stages and the negative effects of temperature on fertilization
Authors: Juárez Oscar E. , Arreola-Meraz Lousiana , Sánchez-Castrejón Edna , Avila-Poveda Omar Hernando , López-Galindo Laura L. , Rosas Carlos , Galindo-Sánchez Clara E.
Published: March 2022

Background

Elevated temperatures reduce fertilization and egg-laying rates in the octopus species. However, the molecular mechanisms that control the onset of fertilization and egg-laying in the octopus’ oviducal gland are still unclear; and the effect of temperature on the expression of key reproductive genes is unknown. This study aims to better understand the molecular bases of octopus fertilization and egg-laying, and how they are affected by elevated temperatures.

Method

RNA-seq of oviducal glands was performed for samples before, during, and after fertilization and their transcriptomic profiles were compared. Also, at the fertilization stage, the optimal and thermal-stress conditions were contrasted. Expression levels of key reproductive genes were validated via RT-qPCR.

Results

In mated females before egg-laying, genes required for the synthesis of spermine, spermidine, which may prevent premature fertilization, and the myomodulin neuropeptide were upregulated. Among the genes with higher expression at the fertilization stage, we found those encoding the receptors of serotonin, dopamine, and progesterone; genes involved in the assembly and motility of the sperm flagellum; genes that participate in the interaction between male and female gametes; and genes associated with the synthesis of eggshell mucoproteins. At temperatures above the optimal range for reproduction, mated females reduced the fertilization rate. This response coincided with the upregulation of myomodulin and APGW-amide neuropeptides. Also, genes associated with fertilization like LGALS3, VWC2, and Pcsk1 were downregulated at elevated temperatures. Similarly, in senescent females, genes involved in fertilization were downregulated but those involved in the metabolism of steroid hormones like SRD5A1 were highly expressed.
Machine learning driven by environmental covariates to estimate high-resolution PM2.5 in data-poor regions
Authors: Jin XiaoYe , Ding Jianli , Ge Xiangyu , Liu Jie , Xie Boqiang , Zhao Shuang , Zhao Qiaozhen
Published: March 2022

PM2.5, which refers to fine particles with an equivalent aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 µm, can not only affect air quality but also endanger public health. Nevertheless, the spatial distribution of PM2.5 is not well understood in data-poor regions where monitoring stations are scarce. Therefore, we constructed a random forest (RF) model and a bagging algorithm model based on ground-monitored PM2.5 data, aerosol optical depth (AOD) and meteorological data, and auxiliary geographical variables to accurately estimate the spatial distribution of PM2.5 concentrations in Xinjiang during 2015–2020 at a resolution of 1 km. Through 10-fold cross-validation (CV), the RF model and bagging algorithm model were verified and compared. The results showed the following: (1) The RF model achieved better model performance and thus can be used to estimate the PM2.5 concentration at a relatively high resolution. (2) The PM2.5 concentrations were high in southern Xinjiang and low in northern Xinjiang. The high values were concentrated mainly in the Tarim Basin, while most areas of northern Xinjiang maintained low PM2.5 levels year-round. (3) The PM2.5 values in Xinjiang showed significant seasonality, with the seasonally averaged concentrations decreasing as follows: winter (71.95 µg m−3) > spring (64.76 µg m−3) > autumn (46.01 µg m−3) > summer (43.40 µg m−3). Our model provides a way to monitor air quality in data-scarce places, thereby advancing efforts to achieve sustainable development in the future.
Long non-coding RNA SPRY4-IT1 promotes proliferation and metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell
Authors: Li Yanfei , Liao Zhenpeng , Wang Rong , Liang Zibin , Lin Zhihe , Deng Shiqi , Chen Lei , Liu Zhigang , Feng Shaoyan
Published: March 2022

Background

Long non-coding RNA SPRY4 intronic transcript 1 (Lnc RNA SPRY4-IT1) was aberrant-expressed in various kinds of cancer. Increasing evidence demonstrated that lnc RNAs involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to explore the biological role of SPRY4-IT1 on the phenotype of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

The expression level of SPRY4-IT1 in NPC cell lines were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assay were used to detect cell proliferation. Wound-healing assay, transwell assay and animal experiment were performed to evaluate the ability of cell migration and metastasis. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were employed to identify protein expression.

Results

SPRY4-IT1 was significantly up-regulated in several NPC cell lines (6-10B, CNE-2, and HONE-1) compared with human immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cell (NP69). Silencing of SPRY4-IT1 inhibited proliferation, migration, and metastasis, and induced significant G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis. Western blotting showed that the expression levels of cell cycle-related proteins (cyclin B1, cdc2 and p-cdc2) were down-regulated and apoptosis-associated proteins (PARP, cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3) were up-regulated after knockdown of SPRY4-IT1. The expression level of E-cadherin was increased and the expression of Vimentin, Snail and Twist1 were decreased after the SPRY4-IT1 knockdown.

Conclusion

lncRNA SPRY4-IT1 played a significant role in NPC proliferation, migration and metastasis, suggesting that SPRY4-IT1 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of NPC.
The PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome: how oral clinicians may save lives
Authors: Fardal Øystein , Nevland Kristian , Johannessen Anne Christine , Vetti Hildegunn Høberg
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Patients with the PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) have an 81%–90% cumulative lifetime risk of developing cancer. Around 90% of these patients have recognizable oral features. Receiving a diagnosis may save these patients’ lives. This is the first presentation of a family with the PHTS diagnosis with focus on the oral and periodontal findings and treatments.

Case Presentation

All three children (one son and two daughters) inherited the same heterozygous variant in the PTEN gene from their father. Gingival overgrowth was observed in all patients in addition to macrocephaly. Other findings included fissured tongue, high arched palate, papules, and trichilemmomas. The father had experienced severe tooth loss. Surgery was performed to treat the gingival overgrowth and periodontal pockets; however, the treatment was characterized by multiple recurrences of the overgrowth.

Conclusions

Oral changes, macrocephaly, tumors, and/or a family history of benign or malignant lesions are important features that oral clinicians should be aware of for a possible PHTS diagnosis. Patients suspected of having PHTS should be referred to a medical practitioner, specifically a geneticist, for further diagnostic investigations. The periodontal problems seemed to be difficult to control for these patients. They will likely need an active and frequent maintenance therapy to control the persistent inflammation and gingival overgrowth. In addition, they need a thorough monitoring for benign or malignant changes in the orofacial regions.

Why are these cases new information?

Oral features are found in 90% of the cases with the PHTS diagnosis.

The periodontal findings showed a persistent recurrence of gingival overgrowth with a strong probability of serious periodontal diseases.

What are the keys to successful management of these cases?

A suspicion of a PHTS diagnosis with a referral to a medical practitioner, specifically a geneticist, for complete workup may help save these patients' lives.

Close monitoring during maintenance therapy with re‐treatment as needed to prevent further periodontal complications.

Continued monitoring and treatment throughout the patient's lifetime for development of recurrent or new, benign or malignant lesions at relevant sites.

What are the primary limitations to success in these cases?

A failure to identify the PHTS syndrome with the accompanying oral and periodontal complications. Complications may lead to a delay in appropriate treatment.

Inability to control the persistent gingival overgrowth and a deteriorating periodontal condition.

A failure to discover benign and malignant lesions in the orofacial region.
Family functioning and eating disorders treatment in a partial hospitalization program in adolescent females with eating disorders
Authors: Liu Jianyi , Rockwell Roxanne E. , Kaye Walter H. , Wierenga Christina E. , Brown Tiffany A.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Previous research examining family functioning in eating disorder (ED) treatment has focused primarily on outpatient settings. However, few studies have examined this aspect in partial hospitalization programs. To address this gap, this study examined family functioning over the course of an ED partial hospitalization program (PHP) in adolescent females (M(SD) age = 15.66 (1.50)).

Method

Participants (n = 105) completed the Family Assessment Device and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire at treatment admission, 1‐month post‐admission, and discharge.

Results

Results from repeated measures analysis of variance indicated adolescents perceived an improvement in family functioning regarding Communication, Affective Responsiveness, and Behavioral Control through 1‐year follow‐up (p values < .05). Neither family functioning at admission nor change in family functioning in the first month correlated with any outcomes (weight, ED symptoms, and remission).

Discussion

Results support that family functioning does not contribute to ED severity, and that treatment can improve adolescent perception of family functioning. Given the importance of involving the family in ED treatment, identifying mediators of treatment outcomes is critical to improve treatment efficacy.

Public Significance

Adolescents in a partial hospital program (PHP) for eating disorders (EDs) perceived improvements in their family communication, behavior, and ability to process appropriate emotions from admission to 1‐year post‐treatment, although these aspects did not significantly predict treatment outcomes. The findings provide helpful information for future research on adolescents with EDs in higher levels of care and underscore the importance of exploring mechanisms of family‐based treatment in PHP.
Amp 1q21 is more predictable with dismal survival than gain 1q21 of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in real‐world analysis
Authors: Wang Yu‐tong , Bao Li , Chu Bin , Chen Xiao‐huan , Lu Min‐qiu , Shi Lei , Gao Shan , Fang Li‐juan , Xiang Qiu‐qing , Ding Yue‐hua
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The gain/amplification (amp) of 1q21 is one of the most common high‐risk chromosome abnormality (HRCA) in multiple myeloma (MM). The prognostic value of 1q21+ remains to be controversial on the status of gain or amp and the combination of other HRCAs.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we included 318 newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients who had fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) data and treated with novel agents in our department.

Results

Our study noted MM patients with amp 1q21 were more likely accompanied with t(4;14), t(14;16), and t(14;20). Patients with amp 1q21 presented with elder age, advanced Revised International Staging System (R‐ISS) stages, anemia, and more plasma cells in bone marrow compared to patients with gain 1q21 alone and no 1q21+. Moreover, amp 1q21 alone correlated with shorter progression‐free survival (PFS) (22.8m vs. 40.5m vs. 39.6m) and overall survival (OS) (45.2m vs. NA vs. 83.5m) compared with gain 1q21 alone and no FISH abnormalities. Although the high ratio of proteasome inhibitor and immunomodulatory drugs used in patients with amp 1q21, the overall response (ORR) was the lowest compared with no 1q21+ and gain 1q21. Multivariate analysis defined amp 1q21 as an independent prognostic marker for NDMM patients, rather than gain 1q21.

Conclusion

The amp 1q21 predict inferior treatment response and survival, especially coexisted with high‐risk IgH translocation.
Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha stimulated gene‐6: A biomarker reflecting disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hu Tingting , Liu Yuhan , Li Xu , Li Xiaohang , Liu Yanzhao , Wang Qunxia , Huang Jiayi , Yu Jianlin , Wu Yang , Chen Simei , Zeng Tingting , Tan Liming
Published: March 2022

Background

To explore the serum tumor necrosis factor‐alpha stimulated gene‐6 (TSG‐6) level and its association with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

We recruited 176 RA patients, 178 non‐RA patients (lupus erythematosus, osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis) and 71 healthy subjects. Serum TSG‐6 levels were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RA patients were divided into inactive RA and active RA groups by disease activity score of 28 joints based on C‐reactive protein (DAS28‐CRP). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Spearman's rank correlation test analyzed the correlation between TSG‐6 concentration and RA disease activity.

Results

Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha stimulated gene‐6 levels in the RA group were increased (p < 0.01). TSG‐6 concentrations indicated an upward tendency with increased disease activity; The area under the curve (AUC) of TSG‐6 for diagnosing RA and assessing the severity of RA were 0.78 and 0.80, respectively; The combination of TSG‐6 and anti‐mutated citrullinated vimentin antibodies (anti‐MCV) (sensitivity:98.4%)improved the diagnostic accuracy of RA. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that TSG‐6 was an independent risk factor related to the severity of RA, and OR (95% CI) was 1.2 (1.003–1.453).

Conclusion

The TSG‐6 levels in RA patients were elevated and related to disease activity. Therefore, TSG‐6 may serve as a new potential biomarker for evaluating RA disease activity.
Preparation and Assessment of Nitric Oxide‐Releasing Small‐Diameter Collagen‐Based Vascular Graft for Vascular Regeneration Applications
Authors: Xu Yue , Jiang Xia , Niu Chuan , Yang Shaojie , Xiao Xiong , Huang Ziwei , Feng Li
Published: March 2022

Endothelialization and antithrombosis are the keys for small‐diameter vascular grafts to reduce thromboembolism and intimal hyperplasia and achieve revascularization. Nitric oxide (NO) is an essential antiplatelet, proendothelialization, and vasodilating agent. Meanwhile, owing to its good biocompatibility, collagen is long considered a feasible material for manufacturing small‐diameter vascular grafts. However, thrombosis and poor mechanical strength remain major drawbacks. A collagen methacrylamide‐co‐selenocysteine (Col‐MA‐Se) composite capable of catalyzing NO release is synthesized here. The Col‐MA‐Se composite improves the blood compatibility of collagen and stimulates the migration and growth of endothelial cells, which suggests that the Col‐MA‐Se composite is suitable for small‐diameter vascular grafts. The prepared composite is then incorporated with polycaprolactone (PCL) to prepare small‐diameter vascular grafts that satisfying basic mechanical requirements for transplantation, followed by a comprehensive exploration of its mechanical strength, endothelial cell response, and platelet behavior. Results confirm the successful construction of collagen/PCL vascular grafts capable of releasing NO and affording rapid endothelialization and antithrombosis, which indicate their promising application prospects for vascular regeneration.
Process safety education: Validating the concepts for a process safety program (article 2/2)
Authors: Boogaerts Geert , Toeter Lisanne
Published: March 2022

This article focusses on the validation of the concepts that deserve integration in, for example, an Advanced Master of Safety Engineering program. The selection of the concepts was described in the previous article “Process safety education: Selecting the concepts for a process safety program.” This historical and theoretical selection process of process safety concepts needs a validation by the industry and review by root cause analysis of recent major incidents and accidents. The finally selected, reviewed, and adjusted list of concepts are the backbone to build on and improve short and 1‐year academic process safety courses and programs as well as industrial process safety trainings. Apart from the validation of the selected concepts, the industry validation also resulted in an extension and clarification of the concepts by experts in the subject matter and the desired competencies and characteristics of a young engineer educated in the process safety concepts.
How financial performance influences investment in sustainable development initiatives in the airline industry: The moderation role of state‐ownership
Authors: Abdi Yaghoub , Li Xiaoni , Càmara‐Turull Xavier
Published: March 2022

This study aims to broaden the research on the influence of financial performance (FP) on sustainable development activities proxied by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure in the airline industry. In addition, we examine the moderating effect of state‐ownership on the FP‐ESG relationship. Based on data collected from 36 airlines worldwide for the period 2008–2019, we found that ESG is negatively and significantly influenced by FP. This result implies that the willingness of airlines to contribute to ESG initiatives is diminished when economic conditions are favorable. State‐ownership moderates the relationship between FP and ESG such that the negative relationship is weaker in presence of state shares. Our findings help to disentangle the roles of FP in its contribution to sustainability and are valuable in better understanding the topic in airline context. Also, our results have some important implications for how industry practitioners may act more effectively in the managerial social decision process and provide insights to assist investors who are considering eco‐investing in the airline industry.
Enabling Contextual Adaptation
Authors: Barachini Franz , Stary Christian
Published: March 2022

Contextual adaptation requires behavior modification and is facilitated through executable models. System-of-Systems thinking features dynamic adaptation given specific situations, such as handling an emergency case of or within a system.
Agent-Based Stochastic Simulation of Emotions
Authors: Barachini Franz , Stary Christian
Published: March 2022

In this chapter, we model jealousy of agent-based stochastic interactions from a very different perspective. We study the impact of jealousy to cooperation models by using dynamic artificial agents and agent populations following combined characteristics. We simulate a dynamic multi-player public goods game, and we use the Business Transaction Theory as a basic layer for information valuation.
Gravitational soft theorem from emergent soft gauge symmetries
Authors: Beneke Martin , Hager Patrick , Szafron Robert
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We consider and derive the gravitational soft theorem up to the sub-subleading power from the perspective of effective Lagrangians. The emergent soft gauge symmetries of the effective Lagrangian provide a transparent explanation of why soft graviton emission is universal to sub-subleading power, but gauge boson emission is not. They also suggest a physical interpretation of the form of the soft factors in terms of the charges related to the soft transformations and the kinematics of the multipole expansion. The derivation is done directly at Lagrangian level, resulting in an operatorial form of the soft theorems. In order to highlight the differences and similarities of the gauge-theory and gravitational soft theorems, we include an extensive discussion of soft gauge-boson emission from scalar, fermionic and vector matter at subleading power.
HER2-positive apocrine carcinoma of the breast: a population-based analysis of treatment and outcome
Authors: Skenderi Faruk , Alahmad Mohamad Alhoda Mohamad , Tahirovic Emin , Alahmad Yaman M. , Gatalica Zoran , Vranic Semir
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Apocrine carcinoma of the breast (APO) expresses HER2 in 30–50% of cases. This study explored the clinicopathological features and outcome of HER2+/APO and matched HER2+/NST cohort.

Methods

We used the SEER database to explore the cohorts. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the survival. Based on ER and PR [steroid receptors/SR/] and HER2 status, we divided the cohorts to match the intrinsic molecular subtypes for comparisons.

Results

We retrieved 259 cases of HER2+/APO. Most HER2+/APO were SR negative (65%). HER2+/APO were more prevalent in the 80+ age group (24.7% vs. 15.7%, p < 0.001). HER2+/SR−/APO had a significantly lower histological grade than the HER2+/SR−/NST (p < 0.001). Breast cancer-related deaths were more prevalent in HER2+/NST (7.8% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.019). This was particularly evident between SR− subgroups (10.4% in HER2+/SR−/NST vs. 4.2% in HER2+/SR−/APO, p = 0.008) and was reaffirmed in breast cancer-specific survival in univariate analysis (p = 0.03). Other than race and SR status, HER2+/APO subgroups did not differ in clinicopathological parameters.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the rarity of the APO and reveals that SR status in APO does not affect these patients' prognosis. HER2+/APO tumors tend to have a less aggressive phenotype and a more favorable outcome despite a markedly lower ER/PR positivity.
Search-based fairness testing for regression-based machine learning systems
Authors: Perera Anjana , Aleti Aldeida , Tantithamthavorn Chakkrit , Jiarpakdee Jirayus , Turhan Burak , Kuhn Lisa , Walker Katie
Published: March 2022

Context

Machine learning (ML) software systems are permeating many aspects of our life, such as healthcare, transportation, banking, and recruitment. These systems are trained with data that is often biased, resulting in biased behaviour. To address this issue, fairness testing approaches have been proposed to test ML systems for fairness, which predominantly focus on assessing classification-based ML systems. These methods are not applicable to regression-based systems, for example, they do not quantify the magnitude of the disparity in predicted outcomes, which we identify as important in the context of regression-based ML systems.

Method:

We conduct this study as design science research. We identify the problem instance in the context of emergency department (ED) wait-time prediction. In this paper, we develop an effective and efficient fairness testing approach to evaluate the fairness of regression-based ML systems. We propose fairness degree, which is a new fairness measure for regression-based ML systems, and a novel search-based fairness testing (SBFT) approach for testing regression-based machine learning systems. We apply the proposed solutions to ED wait-time prediction software.

Results:

We experimentally evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach with ML systems trained on real observational data from the healthcare domain. We demonstrate that SBFT significantly outperforms existing fairness testing approaches, with up to 111% and 190% increase in effectiveness and efficiency of SBFT compared to the best performing existing approaches.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that our novel fairness measure and the new approach for fairness testing of regression-based ML systems can identify the degree of fairness in predictions, which can help software teams to make data-informed decisions about whether such software systems are ready to deploy. The scientific knowledge gained from our work can be phrased as a technological rule; to measure the fairness of the regression-based ML systems in the context of emergency department wait-time prediction use fairness degree and search-based techniques to approximate it.
Whether weather causes contention: assessing the ongoing resilience opportunity of telecommuting
Authors: Budnitz Hannah , Tranos Emmanouil , Chapman Lee
Published: March 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in an unprecedented overnight explosion in telecommuting. It has highlighted a new dependence on digital infrastructures and raised new questions regarding the resilience of internet connectivity as an alternative to travel. Pre-pandemic, we considered how telecommuting could offer an opportunity for resilience when travel was disrupted by weather extremes. We analysed five years’ of recorded broadband speed variation across England and Wales in order to quantify the changing demand for internet access during the working day under adverse weather conditions. Slower broadband speeds, also known as contention, are an indication of increased demand. Thus, during the working day, contention is an indication that external factors like weather can influence the choice to telecommute instead of travel. A multilevel regression model is estimated to investigate the relationship between contention during the working day and weather, whilst controlling for background spatial and demographic differences in internet services. Emergent patterns suggest that even before the pandemic, online connectivity was in greater demand when travel was disrupted or at risk of disruption. Our research provides insights into the roles that both the supply of and the demand for transport and digital technologies might play in increasing resilience and maintaining productivity during severe weather and other disruptions as experience of both types of working has become so widespread.
Absence of Street Lighting May Prevent Vehicle Crime, but Spatial and Temporal Displacement Remains a Concern
Authors: Tompson Lisa , Steinbach Rebecca , Johnson Shane D. , Teh Chun Siong , Perkins Chloe , Edwards Phil , Armstrong Benedict
Published: March 2022

Objectives

This paper estimates the effect of changes in street lighting at night on levels of crime at street-level. Analyses investigate spatial and temporal displacement of crime into adjacent streets.

Methods

Offense data (burglaries, robberies, theft of and theft from vehicles, and violent crime) were obtained from Thames Valley Police, UK. Street lighting data (switching lights off at midnight, dimming, and white light) were obtained from local authorities. Monthly counts of crime at street-level were analyzed using a conditional fixed-effects Poisson regression model, adjusting for seasonal and temporal variation. Two sets of models analyzed: (1) changes in night-time crimes adjusting for changes in day-time crimes and (2) changes in crimes at all times of the day.

Results

Switching lights off at midnight was strongly associated with a reduction in night-time theft from vehicles relative to daytime (rate ratio RR 0.56; 0.41–0.78). Adjusted for changes in daytime, night-time theft from vehicles increased (RR 1.55; 1.14–2.11) in adjacent roads where street lighting remained unchanged.

Conclusion

Theft from vehicle offenses reduced in streets where street lighting was switched off at midnight but may have been displaced to better-lit adjacent streets. Relative to daytime, night-time theft from vehicle offenses reduced in streets with dimming while theft from vehicles at all times of the day increased, thus suggesting temporal displacement. These findings suggest that the absence of street lighting may prevent theft from vehicles, but there is a danger of offenses being temporally or spatially displaced.
Establishing successful university–industry collaborations: barriers and enablers deconstructed
Authors: O’Dwyer Michele , Filieri Raffaele , O’Malley Lisa
Published: March 2022

University–Industry Collaboration networks are increasingly significant to national economies. Previous studies have identified barriers and enablers of University–Industry Collaborations, however our understanding of the evolution of such collaborations is still limited thereby restricting our ability to nurture their development. This study explores the establishment of a successful University–Industry Collaboration and considers a range of perceived barriers and enablers through four emergent evolutionary phases:embryonic, initiation, engagementandestablished. The study adopted a qualitative research approach using a single site case study, focusing on the pharmaceutical industry, with 10 multinational firms and 8 academic institutions involved in a pharmaceutical collaboration. The results demonstrate that specific University–Industry Collaboration barriers and enablers emerge at different points in time, for example, strong lack of trust; strong fear of knowledge leakage, reluctance to share in the embryonic phase evolve to achieving integrity based trust and an intellectual property agreement in the engagement phase. These barriers were overcome using a range of phase appropriate mechanisms, for example, prior experience of the partners was critical in the embryonic phase, while cohesiveness and knowledge complementarity were vital in the engagement phase. The study emphasizes the significance of public funding and its distribution among members in order to support industry evolution and competitiveness. The University–Industry Collaboration continues to attract new participants and additional network-specific investments and has become a global centre of excellence for pharmaceutical research and development.
An exploratory pilot study on the involvement of APOE, HFE, C9ORF72 variants and comorbidities in neurocognitive and physical performance in a group of HIV-infected people
Authors: Zanella Isabella , Zacchi Eliana , Fornari Chiara , Fumarola Benedetta , Antoni Melania Degli , Zizioli Daniela , Quiros-Roldan Eugenia ,   the Inflammation in H. I. V. Study Group
Published: March 2022

Cognitive decline of aging is modulated by chronic inflammation and comorbidities. In people with HIV-infection (PWH) it may also be affected by HIV-induced inflammation, lifestyle and long-term effects of antiretroviral therapies (ART). The role of genetics in the susceptibility to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) is not fully understood. Here we explored the possible relations among variants in 3 genes involved in inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders (APOE: ε2/ε3/ε4; HFE: H63D; C9ORF72: hexanucleotide expansions ≥ 9 repeats), cognitive/functional impairment (MiniMental State Examination MMSE, Clock Drawing Test CDT, Short Physical Performance Battery SPPB), comorbidities and HIV-related variables in a cohort of > 50 years old PWH (n = 60) with at least 10 years efficient ART. Patients with diabetes or hypertension showed significantly lower MMSE (p = .031) or SPPB (p = .010) scores, respectively, while no relations between HIV-related variables and cognitive/functional scores were observed. Patients with at least one APOEε3 allele had higher CDT scores (p = .019), APOEε2/ε4 patients showing the lowest scores in all tests. Patients with HFE-H63D variant showed more frequently hypertriglyceridemia (p = .023) and those harboring C9ORF72 expansions > 9 repeats had higher CD4+-cell counts (p = .032) and CD4% (p = .041). Multiple linear regression analysis computed to verify possible associations among cognitive/functional scores and all variables further suggested positive association between higher CDT scores and the presence of at least one APOEε3 allele (2,2; 95% CI [0,03 0,8]; p = .037), independent of other variables, although the model did not reach the statistical significance (p = .14). These data suggest that in PWH on efficient ART cognitive abilities and physical performances may be partly associated with comorbidities and genetic background. However, further analyses are needed to establish whether they could be also dependent and influenced by comorbidities and genetic background.
The prognostic role of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in obstructive sleep apnoea based on lateral oropharyngeal wall obstruction
Authors: Molnár Viktória , Molnár András , Lakner Zoltán , Tárnoki Dávid László , Tárnoki Ádám Domonkos , Jokkel Zsófia , Kunos László , Tamás László
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study examined the prognostic value of the lateral pharyngeal wall (LPW)-based obstruction and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) prediction using ultrasound (US) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

Methods

One hundred patients with and without OSA were enrolled, according to overnight polysomnography. The LPW thickness (LPWT) was measured using a Philips Ingenia 1.5 T MRI device, and US measurements were carried out at rest and during Müller’s manoeuvre (MM) with a Samsung RS85 device. The obstruction was localised under drug-induced sleep endoscopy.

Results

Significantly greater LPWT using MRI was observed in the OSA group compared to the control group, while US results showed a significant difference only in the case of LPWT during MM on the left side. Obese patients presented significantly higher LPWT values. A significant correlation between BMI and LPWT was observed. Men presented significantly higher LPWT MRI values and left-sided LPWT using US compared to women. LPWT and AHI parameters were significantly correlated. The severity of LPW obstruction correlated with LPWT, while the LPW collapse significantly correlated with AHI. The severity of LPW collapse differed depending on the AHI values. Using US LPWT values and anthropometric parameters, a 93% effectiveness in OSA prognostication and 89% in LPWT-based obstruction were detected. MRI detected OSA in 90% and LPW-based obstruction in 84%. US successfully detected LPW-based collapse severity in 67%.

Conclusion

US LPWT measurements were helpful in detecting OSA and LPWT-based obstruction. These examinations may be useful for surgical planning.
Dynamic Analysis of A Subsea Suspended Manifold Going Through Splash Zone During Installation
Authors: Wang Ying-ying , Yang Chao , Yang Zhong-shan , Zhao Xiao-yu , Yin Jian-xi , Hu Yang-dong
Published: March 2022

The subsea suspended manifold designed to replace the traditional foundation structure with the buoys is a new generation subsea production system that can be suspended at a certain height from the seafloor and rapidly recycled by its own buoyancy. Due to complex environmental conditions, its hydrodynamic performance in the splash zone is extremely important for the safety of the whole installation process. In this paper, the mathematical model for the dynamic analysis of the seawater ingress process of the single-layer pre-set horizontal cabin is proposed based on the different center of gravity positions of the buoy. Meanwhile, the theoretical analysis of fiber cable is divided into infinite differential units by the discretization method, and the formulae of the horizontal displacement of the subsea suspended manifold are presented. In addition, the simulations are carried out to verify the rules of the dynamic responses on the subsea suspended manifold system with the consideration of the environmental conditions in the South China Sea. Comparing with the calculated value of the mathematical model of the cabin water ingress, the error of the simulation result by use of FLUENT is about 5.47%. Furthermore, the wave height is greater than the current impact on the lowering manifold system and the azimuth angle of the installation vessel is aligned with the direction of the environmental load.
Outcomes after implementation of prophylactic protocol for venous thromboembolism in surgical patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kittitirapong Nutsiri , Horsirimanont Suthas , Pornwaragorn Chaowanun , Tepsamrithporn Gorawee , Na Chonburi Chiraphi Soonthornkul , Gajaseni Chotip , Sonpee Chutirat , Pootracool Piyanuch
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in surgical patients is a preventable cause of hospital death. In previous studies, the prevalence of VTE decreased after implementing a prophylactic protocol. Because of the low rate of VTE prophylaxis in Thailand, we studied the outcomes after the implementation of a VTE prophylactic protocol in our hospital.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort single-center study was conducted from November 2019 to November 2020 in the Department of Surgery. We established the VTE prophylactic protocol using a multidisciplinary team approach and the Caprini score risk assessment model. The outcomes were the incidence of symptomatic VTE, VTE-related death, risk factors, and safety.

Results:

In total, 6983 patients were admitted to the surgical department during the study period. After excluding patients with current VTE and missing data, 4579 patients were enrolled in this study, and 1579 (34.5%) patients at high risk for VTE were identified. The use of pharmacological prophylaxis, mechanical prophylaxis, and early ambulation in the entire cohort was lower than that in high-risk patients (7.99%, 19.81%, and 21.56% vs. 15.77%, 31.10%, and 46.55%, respectively). In the comparison of before and after implementation, the prevalence of symptomatic VTE and 30-day mortality of VTE decreased from 1.20% to 0.37% and from 0.11% to 0.02%, respectively. No major bleeding occurred.

Conclusions:

After protocol implementation, the prevalence of symptomatic VTE and VTE-related death decreased. The VTE prophylaxis was safe. We highly recommended using a multidisciplinary team approach VTE prophylaxis in high-risk surgical patients.

Highlights
The effect of self-care training on happiness and resilience of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgeries
Authors: Molazem Zahra , Jalali Fatemeh , Jannati Mansour , Shaygan Maryam , Khademian Mohammad Hosein
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Self-care training after open-heart surgery is an effective method and nurses can reduce anxiety in patients by providing them the necessary information.

Objectives:

This study investigated the effect of self-care training on happiness in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Methods:

Data collection tools were two questionnaires, demographic information, Oxford Happiness and Connor & Davison Resilience Questionnaire (CD-RISC).

Results:

The mean score of happiness in the intervention group increased significantly one month after the intervention (57.36 ± 10.51 versus 64.50 ± 8.05, P = 0.001). The mean score of resilience in the intervention group increased significantly one month after the intervention (56.76 ± 13.00 and 66.46 ± 10.48, P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Self-care training for patients undergoing coronary artery surgery has positive effects on their happiness and resilience. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the principled and planned educational interventions. Routine and codified educational interventions in the wards are sometimes not done as they should be. It is recommended for health care delivery systems to design these training programs in the form of rehabilitation programs.

Highlights