bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OdeBERT: One-stage Deep-supervised Early-exiting BERT for Fast Inference in User Intent Classification
Authors: Liu Yuanxia , Hao Tianyong , Liu Hai , Mu Yuanyuan , Weng Heng , Wang Fu Lee
Published: March 2023

User intent classification is a vital task for analyzing users’ essential requirements from the users’ input query in information retrieval systems, question answering systems, and dialogue systems. Pre-trained language model Bidirectional Encoder Representation from Transformers (BERT) has been widely applied to the user intent classification task. However, BERT is compute intensive and time-consuming during inference and usually causes latency in real-time applications. To improve the inference efficiency of BERT for the user intent classification task, this article proposes a new network named one-stage deep-supervised early-exiting BERT as one-stage deep-supervised early-exiting BERT (OdeBERT). In addition, a deep supervision strategy is developed to incorporate the network with internal classifiers by one-stage joint training to improve the learning process of classifiers by extracting discriminative category features. Experiments are conducted on publicly available datasets, including ECDT, SNIPS, and FDQuestion. The results show that the OdeBERT can speed up original BERT 12 times faster at most with the same performance, outperforming state-of-the-art baseline methods.
Local Bidirection Recurrent Network for Efficient Video Deblurring with the Fused Temporal Merge Module
Authors: Li Chen , Song Li , Xie Rong , Zhang Wenjun
Published: March 2023

Video deblurring methods exploit the correlation between consecutive blurry inputs to generate sharp frames. However, designing an effective and efficient method is a challenging problem for video deblurring. To guarantee the effectiveness and further improve the deblurring performance, we adopt the recurrent-based method as the baseline and reconsider the recurrent mechanism as well as the temporal feature alignment in the state-of-the-art methods. For the recurrent mechanism, we add the local backward connection to the global forward recurrent backbone to effectively exploit accurate future information. For the temporal alignment, we adopt a fused temporal merge module that exploits the superiority of flow-based and kernel-based methods with progressive correlation volumes estimation. In addition, we evaluate our method with both synthetic datasets (GoPro, DVD) and a realistic dataset (BSD). The experimental results demonstrate that our method achieves significant performance improvement with a slight computational cost increase against the state-of-the-art video deblurring methods. The extended ablation studies verify the effectiveness of our model.
Democracy and the Corporation: The Long View
Authors: Ciepley David
Published: March 2023

There is an unexamined paradox in the history of government in the West. The so-called absolutist monarchs of Europe overwhelmingly chartered republican corporations—e.g., towns, universities, and guilds whose members elected their leaders. Indeed, modern constitutional democracy is patterned after them. Yet, modern democracies themselves have overwhelmingly chartered authoritarian corporations—e.g., universities and business corporations whose subjects have no vote. After this Great Inversion, corporations, which once distributed power and wealth, now concentrate them, straining constitutional democracy. Against this backdrop, this article analyzes the major types of relation maintained between states and corporations: constitutive (states charter corporations), mimetic (states and corporations recurrently copy one another's organizational features), and instrumental (each leans on the other, and sometimes captures it, to better advance its own purposes). The article then examines the special challenges that corporate economies pose to constitutional democracy and considers whether a partial reversal of the Great Inversion could reduce them.
From Imperialism to the “Golden Age” to the Great Lockdown: The Politics of Global Health Governance
Authors: Wenham Clare , Busby Joshua W. , Youde Jeremy , Herten-Crabb Asha
Published: March 2023

This article reviews the state of the literature on the politics of global health governance and associated political dynamics of actors involved in this issue space. We identify seven eras in the field, beginning with the period of empire and colonialism and ending with the COVID-19 outbreak. The field of global health has long had a focus on infectious disease, often rooted within a state-centered approach to transnational global health problems with recurrent debates about whether and how restrictions on trade and travel should be imposed in the wake of disease outbreaks. This statist focus is in tension with more cosmopolitan visions of global health, which require broader health system strengthening. In the mid-2000s, a golden age emerged with the influx of new financing and political attention to addressing HIV/AIDS and malaria, as well as reducing the risk posed by infectious disease outbreaks to economies of the Global North. Despite increased awareness of noncommunicable diseases and the importance of health systems, events of recent years (including but not limited to the COVID-19 outbreak) reinforced the centrality of states to global health efforts and the primacy of infectious diseases.
Dielectric, Conductivity and Modulus Properties of Au/ZnO/p-InP (MOS) Capacitor
Authors: Acar F. Z. , Uyar R. Ertugrul , Tataroglu A.
Published: March 2023

Dielectric, conductivity and modulus properties of MOS capacitor with zinc oxide (ZnO) interlayer produced via RF magnetron sputtering were investigated by using admittance spectroscopy measurements. Frequency and temperature dependence of the complex dielectric permittivity (ε* = ε′-iε″), dielectric loss factor (tan δ), ac conductivity (σ
ac) and complex electric modulus (M*=M”+iM’) were studied in temperature interval of 100–400 K for two frequencies (100 kHz and 500 kHz). While the dielectric constant (ε′) and loss (ε′) value increase as the temperature rises, their values decrease as the frequency rises. The increase in ε′ and ε′ is explained by thermal activation of charge carriers. Also, the σ
ac value increases both frequency and temperature increase. The thermal activation energy (Ea) were determined from slope of Arrhenius plot.
Modified Fe3O4 Magnetite Core@Shell Type Nanomaterials for Highly-Responsive LPG Sensing: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Singh Shakti , Dzeranov Artur , Bondarenko Lyubov , Kydralieva Kamila , Dzhardimalieva Gulzhian , Babaytsev Arseniy , Kugabaeva Gulsara , Golubeva Nina , Yadav Bal Chandra
Published: March 2023

The present work focuses on the synthesis of Fe3O4 magnetite core@shell type nanoparticles modified with three types of ligands: Magnetite with activated carbon (MAC), Magnetite with silica (tetraethoxysilane, TEOS, and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, APTES) (MTA) and Magnetite with silica, APTES and humic acids (MTAH). The MTAH sample shows greater porosity in comparison to MTA, and MAC samples. The band gap of MTAH is 4.08 eV, which is higher than MTA (2.92 eV), and MAC (2.80 eV). Rietveld quantitative phase analysis of all derivatives was performed and compared with all three samples. The LPG sensing at room temperature shows the highest sensor response of 9.42, in comparison to 3.87 sensor response for MAC, and 4.60 for MTA. This approximately double sensor response increment is justified with the help of band gap, porosity, and size of all 3 the samples. The MTAH sample shows the lowest response-recovery time of 9.33 and 10.78 s respectively in comparison to MAC and MTA samples. In conclusion, this manuscript describes the synthesis procedure of different derivatives of Fe3O4 core@shell materials along with the relation of LPG sensing with different parameters of the materials.
Passing the post: roles of posttranslational modifications in the form and function of extracellular matrix
Authors: Adams Josephine C.
Published: March 2023

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is central to the physiology of animal tissues, through its multifaceted roles in tissue structure, mechanical properties, and cell interactions, and by its cell-signaling activities that regulate cell phenotype and behavior. The secretion of ECM proteins typically involves multiple transport and processing steps within the endoplasmic reticulum and the subsequent compartments of the secretory pathway. Many ECM proteins are substituted with various posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and there is increasing evidence of how PTM additions are required for ECM protein secretion or functionality within the extracellular milieu. The targeting of PTM-addition steps may thus offer opportunities to manipulate ECM quality or quantity, in vitro or in vivo. This review discusses selected examples of PTMs of ECM proteins for which the PTM has known importance for anterograde trafficking and secretion of the core protein, and/or loss-of-function of the respectively modifying enzyme leads to alterations of ECM structure or function with pathophysiological consequences in humans. Members of the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family have central roles in disulfide bond formation and isomerization within the endoplasmic reticulum, and are discussed in relation to emerging knowledge of the roles of certain PDIs in ECM production in the pathophysiological context of breast cancer. Cumulative data suggest the possible applicability of inhibition of PDIA3 activity to modulate ECM composition and functionality within the tumor microenvironment.
Neither glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors nor GDNF family receptor α-like neurons are required for aversive or anorectic response to deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin)
Authors: Patel Anita R. , Frikke-Schmidt Henriette , Sabatini Paul V. , Rupp Alan C. , Sandoval Darleen A. , Myers Martin G. , Seeley Randy J.
Published: March 2023

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a type B trichothecene mycotoxin contaminating grain, promotes nausea, emesis, and anorexia. With DON exposure, circulating levels of intestinally derived satiation hormones, including glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), are elevated. To directly test whether GLP-1 signaling mediates the effects of DON, we examined the response of GLP-1 or GLP-1R-deficient mice to DON injection. We found comparable anorectic and conditioned taste avoidance learning responses in GLP-1/GLP-1R-deficient mice compared with control littermates, suggesting that GLP-1 is not necessary for the effects of DON on food intake and visceral illness. We then used our previously published data from translating ribosome affinity purification with RNA sequencing (TRAP-seq) analysis of area postrema neurons that express the receptor for the circulating cytokine growth differentiation factor (GDF15), GDNF family receptor α-like (GFRAL). Interestingly, this analysis showed that a cell surface receptor for DON, a calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), is heavily enriched in GFRAL neurons. Given that GDF15 potently reduces food intake and can cause visceral illness by signaling through GFRAL neurons, we hypothesized that DON may also signal by activating CaSR on GFRAL neurons. Indeed, circulating GDF15 levels are elevated after DON administration, but both GFRAL knockout and GFRAL neuron-ablated mice exhibited similar anorectic and conditioned taste avoidance responses compared with WT littermates. Thus, GLP-1 signaling and GFRAL signaling and neurons are not required for DON-induced visceral illness or anorexia.
Simulation-Based Schedule Optimization for Virtual Coupling-Enabled Rail Transit Services with Multiagent Technique
Authors: Zhang Jiamin
Published: March 2023

Virtual coupling (VC) is a train-centric next generation signalling system, which can enable multiple trains to operate in a formation just like one train or decouple separately on-the-run or at station flexibly or as planned. With the aim of optimizing the interdeparture train headway time, providing the variable capacity for diverse passenger demand, maximizing the passenger riding comfort degree, and minimizing passenger travel cost and train operation cost, the dynamic schedule for VC-enabled rail transit services is investigated with the multiagent simulation technique on NetLogo platform. Our contribution is mainly fourfold. First, VC-enabled rail transit entity for simulation is represented with the multiagent technique, including representation of train unit, train convoy, passenger attributes and behavior, and mathematical formula for calculation of the train operation cost and passenger travel cost, as well as passengers riding comfort degree are proposed. Second, the operational principles for flexible and self-organisingVC-enabled trains are defined. Third, the VC-enabled train-centric, passenger demand-driven, and agent-based simulation flow and algorithms are developed innovatively, which adopt the ergodic strategy for simulation by traversing each O-D pair demand along each route section over the rail transit network. Finally, we test and discuss the proposed methodology on the designed computational experiment on the NetLogo platform, and the simulation results series validated the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The provided research can effectively support the VC-enabled platoon operation-oriented train service schedule for future study.
Performance Analysis of an F-Shaped Antenna for Wireless Applications
Authors: Gokula Chandar A. , Kannadhasan S. , Nagarajan R. , Subbian Parameswari , Mashuq Tonmoy Mahtab
Published: March 2023

The wide-band circularly polarised (CP) monopole antenna structure described in this article combines a defective ground plane with an f-shaped radiating monopole that is intended for impedance bandwidth and high axial ratio bandwidth (IBW). The faulty ground structure is etched as twin rectangular slots, an F-shaped slot, and a square slot with a corner cut off. The proposed antenna is 25 × 25 × 1.6 mm3 in total. The prototype of the optimised antenna’s far-field characteristics has been constructed, modelled, and experimentally confirmed. The simulated and measured return loss values are 3.19 to 7.4 GHz, with −32.48 dB and −38.42 dB, respectively. Axial ratio values are 4.37 to 7.22 GHz and 4.52 to 7.15 GHz, with an efficiency of 49.18% and 45.07%, respectively, for the simulated and observed bands. Gain levels in the whole CP band range from 2.8 to 3.3 dB. A continuous radiation efficiency of more than 90% is realised in the CP band. The suggested CP antenna has constant radiation qualities and is suitable for WLAN and WiMAX applications.
Splenic Abscess in an Adolescent due to Salmonella enterica Conservatively Treated with Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration
Authors: Jørgensen Anne Sofie Steinbring , Arsic Ivan , Pedersen Niels , Kristensen Lena Hagelskjær , Nielsen Michael F. , Balslev Thomas
Published: March 2023

Background. Splenic abscesses are rare and potentially fatal. Diagnosis is often delayed due to vague symptoms, and laboratory findings are varying and often nonspecific. Ultrasound and computed tomography have a high sensitivity in detecting splenic abscesses. Splenectomy was previously considered the gold standard for treatment, but in recent years, a shift has been seen towards a more conservative approach, i.e., ultrasound-guided aspiration or drainage in combination with adequate antibiotics in selected cases. Case Report. A previously healthy adolescent complained of left-sided chest pain, pain in the left clavicular region for three weeks, and recent fever. Ultrasound and computed tomography demonstrated an intrasplenic abscess. The patient was successfully treated with two percutaneous fine-needle punctures and adequate antibiotics for six weeks. Salmonella enterica serotype Poona was grown from the aspirate. At one-year follow-up, the patient remained healthy without signs of recurrence. Conclusion. The present case report demonstrates that ultrasound-guided aspiration and subsequent treatment with antibiotics may be an effective alternative to splenectomy in patients with a splenic abscess.
Efficacy of Osimertinib in Patients with Lung Cancer Positive for Uncommon EGFR Exon 19 Deletion Mutations
Authors: Grant Michael J. , Aredo Jacqueline V. , Starrett Jacqueline H. , Stockhammer Paul , van Alderwerelt van Rosenburgh Iris K. , Wurtz Anna , Piper-Valillo Andrew J. , Piotrowska Zofia , Falcon Christina , Yu Helena A. , Aggarwal Charu , Scholes Dylan , Patil Tejas , Nguyen Christina , Phadke Manali , Li Fang-Yong , Neal Joel , Lemmon Mark A. , Walther Zenta , Politi Katerina , Goldberg Sarah B.
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

The uncommon EGFR exon 19 deletion (ex19del), L747_A750>P, demonstrates reduced sensitivity to osimertinib compared with the common ex19del, E746_A750del in preclinical models. The clinical efficacy of osimertinib in patients with non–small cell lung cancer harboring L747_A750>P and other uncommon ex19dels is not known.

Experimental Design:

The AACR GENIE database was interrogated to characterize the frequency of individual ex19dels relative to other variants, and a multicenter retrospective cohort was used to compare clinical outcomes for patients with tumors harboring E746_A750del, L747_A750>P, and other uncommon ex19dels who received osimertinib in the first line (1L) or in second or later lines of therapy and were T790M+ (≥2L).

Results:

ex19dels comprised 45% of EGFR mutations, with 72 distinct variants ranging in frequency from 28.1% (E746_A750del) to 0.03%, with L747_A750>P representing 1.8% of the EGFR mutant cohort. In our multi-institutional cohort (N = 200), E746_A750del was associated with significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) with 1L osimertinib versus L747_A750>P [median 21.3 months (95% confidence interval, 17.0–31.7) vs. 11.7 months (10.8–29.4); adjusted HR 0.52 (0.28–0.98); P = 0.043]. Osimertinib efficacy in patients with other uncommon ex19dels varied on the basis of the specific mutation present.

Conclusions:

The ex19del L747_A750>P is associated with inferior PFS compared with the common E746_A750del mutation in patients treated with 1L osimertinib. Understanding differences in osimertinib efficacy among EGFR ex19del subtypes could alter management of these patients in the future.
Total Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden Predicts the Outcome of Acute Stroke Patients after Intra-Arterial Thrombectomy
Authors: Yang Mengqi , Liang Jiahui , Weng Baohui , Liang Jinghong , Lu Tao , Yang Hong
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Various types of cerebral small vessel diseases (cSVD) markers commonly coexist. The neurological function outcome is affected by their combined effect. To investigate the effect of cSVD on intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT), our study aimed at developing and testing a model with fusing a combination of multiple cSVD markers as total cSVD burden to predict the outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients after IAT treatment. Methods: From October 2018 to March 2021, continuous AIS patients with IAT treatment were enrolled. We calculated the cSVD markers identified by magnetic resonance imaging. The outcomes of all patients were assessed according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days after stroke. The relationship between total cSVD burden and outcomes was analyzed by logistics regression analysis. Results: A total of 271 AIS patients were included in this study. The proportions of score 0∼4 in the total cSVD burden group (i.e., score 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 groups) were 9.6%, 19.9%, 23.6%, 32.8%, and 14.0%, respectively. The higher the cSVD score, the more patients with a poor outcome. Heavier total cSVD burden (1.6 [1.01∼2.27]), diabetes mellitus (1.27 [0.28∼2.23]), and higher national institute of health stroke scale (NIHSS) on admission (0.15 [0.07∼0.23]) were associated with poor outcome. In the two Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression models, model 1 using age, duration from onset to reperfusion, Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS), NIHSS on admission, modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) and total cSVD burden as variables perform well on predicting short-term outcome in area under curve (AUC) of 0.90. Model 2, including all of the variables above except cSVD, showed less predictive capability than model 1 (AUC 0.90 vs. 0.82, p = 0.045). Conclusions: The total cSVD burden score was independently associated with the clinical outcomes of AIS patients after IAT treatment and it may be a reliable predictor for poor outcomes of AIS patients after IAT treatment.
Reflexões a respeito do ensino-aprendizagem de LE em uma turma da terceira idade: memória e migração na literatura afro-italiana e brasileira
Authors: Ghisi Agnes , Bunn Daniela
Published: March 2023

Ensinar LE no Brasil, hoje, é desafiador, mas também peculiar. Iniciativa como a realizada no Núcleo de Estudos da Terceira Idade (NETI), da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), vinculada ao estágio supervisionado do curso de Letras Italiano, teve como objetivo o ensino do italiano com temáticas sensíveis e engajadas, visando ao bem-estar e à participação ativa da pessoa idosa (BELLA, 2008). Pensar a pessoa idosa como alguém que continua se desenvolvendo e que é capaz de aprender e expandir o próprio universo a partir da leitura como um prazer (BALBONI, 1994) foi também um dos objetivos e motivação do estágio. Procurou-se trazer para o debate questões socialmente relevantes que estimulassem um olhar sensibilizado e plural a partir da literatura. Em particular, com La mia casa è dove sono (2010), de Igiaba Scego, propuseram-se discussões que abordassem o tema da memória, da imigração e do reconhecimento de questões interculturais (MENDES, 2015). Isso permitiu um diálogo em que tensões do cotidiano brasileiro puderam ser encaradas a partir do (con)texto italiano. Neste artigo, pretende-se refletir sobre as questões que surgiram e que foram promovidas por essa experiência de estágio, sobre como as temáticas propostas foram recebidas pelo grupo, e sobre como o ensino de língua apresentou certa emancipatoriedade, quebra de estereótipos e revisão de (pre)conceitos.
Diets of Portunus segnis (Forskål, 1775) (Decapoda, Portunidae) from the Persian Gulf, Iran
Authors: Tadi-Beni Fatemeh , Pazooki Jamileh , Safaie Mohsen , Nazari Fatemeh
Published: March 2023

The food habits of the blue swimming crab, Portunus segnis (Forskål, 1775) were investigated using specimens collected from trawl catches in the north-east of the Persian Gulf, from June 2018 to May 2019. Feeding habits of 304 adult female crabs, ranging from 2.6 to 8.7 cm in carapace length, were analysed. The stomach content of examined crabs showed to consist of crustaceans, fish, molluscs, unidentifiable material, sea grass and foraminiferans. We realized that the vacuity index did not show significant differences between ovigerous and non-ovigerous females (). Nevertheless, there was a significant difference in the vacuity index between barnacle-carrying crabs — Chelonibia testudinaria — and crabs without barnacles (). There was no significant difference observed in the quantity of the eaten foods between large and medium-sized groups of crabs. But a significant difference was observed between large- and small-sized crabs, and small- and medium-sized crabs. Moreover, significant differences were observed in food items between barnacle-carrying crabs and crabs without barnacles. Also, the percentage of empty stomachs was higher in ovigerous females than in non-ovigerous females.
Parenchyma is not the sole site of storage: storage in living fibres
Authors: Plavcová Lenka , Olson Mark E. , Jandová Veronika , Doležal Jiří
Published: March 2023

Storage of nutrients and water are important functions of secondary xylem that have received much attention lately. In most of these studies, the storage role has been attributed to the fraction and arrangement of ray and axial parenchyma. However, in the current article, we show that in many species, especially those from tropical and subtropical regions (where most of the world’s plant species are found), nutrient and water storage is carried out by living imperforate tracheary elements (ITEs), colloquially termed “living fibres”. The occurrence of living fibres has been long recognized by anatomists, and especially emphasized in the work of Sherwin Carlquist. In spite of this, living fibres have remained largely unacknowledged by most plant physiologists and ecologists. To raise awareness about the existence of living fibres and to celebrate the illuminating work of Sherwin Carlquist, we summarize our current understanding of the structure, function, and occurrence of living fibres and emphasize that they should receive more attention when studying storage in wood.
Climatology and Composite Evolution of Flash Drought over Australia and Its Vegetation Impacts
Authors: Nguyen Hanh , Wheeler Matthew C. , Otkin Jason A. , Nguyen-Huy Thong , Cowan Tim
Published: March 2023

This study describes flash drought (FD) inferred from the evaporative stress index (ESI) over Australia and its relationship to vegetation. During 1975–2020, FD occurrence ranges from less than 1 per decade in the central arid regions to 10 per decade toward the coasts. Although FD can occur in any season, its occurrence is more frequent in summer in the north, winter in the southern interior and southwest, and across a range of months in the far southeast and Tasmania. With a view toward real-time monitoring, FD “declaration” is defined as the date when the ESI declines to at least −1, i.e., drought conditions, after at least 2 weeks of rapid decline. Composite analysis shows that evaporative demand begins to increase about 5–6 weeks before declaration with an increase in solar radiation, while evapotranspiration initially increases with evaporative demand but then decreases in response to the soil moisture depletion. Solar radiation increases simultaneously with precipitation deficit, both reaching their peak around declaration. FD intensity peaks with soil moisture depletion, 2–3 weeks after declaration. The composite wind speed only shows a modest increase around declaration. The composite FD ends 4 weeks after rapid decreases in solar radiation and increases in precipitation. Satellite-derived vegetation health composites show pronounced decline in the nonforested regions, peaking about 4–8 weeks after FD declaration, followed by a recovery period lasting about 12 weeks after flash drought ends. The forest-dominated regions, however, are little impacted. Modeled pasture growth data show reduced values for up to 3 months after the declaration month covering the main agricultural areas of Australia.

Significance Statement

Flash drought describes a fast intensification or rapid development of drought conditions with potential severe impacts on agriculture and ecosystems. This study describes the climatology and typical evolution of flash drought over Australia for the period 1975–2020. An objective definition of flash drought, using high-resolution observational-based datasets, is proposed and its spatiotemporal variability is provided, as well as its relationship with vegetation health and pasture growth. This constitutes a guideline for understanding flash drought in Australia and its impacts on vegetation.
Damages Associated with Excessive Rainfall Outlooks (ERO) and Missed Flash Floods
Authors: Williamson Meirah , Ash Kevin , Erickson Michael J. , Mullens Esther
Published: March 2023

Flash flooding is the most damaging and deadly type of flooding event in the continental United States (CONUS), and one of the deadliest hazards worldwide. The Weather Prediction Center’s (WPC) Excessive Rainfall Outlook (ERO) is used to highlight regions at risk of receiving excessive rainfall that can lead to flash flooding. While EROs have been validated by the WPC across several metrics, an analysis of flash floods that were not forecast by EROs, which we define as missed flash floods, has not been performed, nor have damages associated with missed flash floods been examined. Using EROs, flash flood data from the Unified Flooding Verification System (UFVS), and flash flood damage data from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) Storm Events Database, this research investigates the characteristics of missed flash floods. We find that missed damages occur most frequently in summer and least frequently in winter, but that only 9.2% of flash flood damages and 23.2% of damaging events are missed by the ERO. Missed damaging flash flood events occur frequently in the U.S. Southwest. In this region, missed damages and missed events are primarily attributed to the North American monsoon (NAM). We also investigate forecast flash floods by ERO risk category. High risks incur the most damages despite having the fewest number of damaging events, indicating that the ERO is able to distinguish higher-impact events. The ERO predicts damaging flash floods well, although the Southwest and urban areas broadly could be investigated further to ensure that the potential of damaging flash floods are accurately forecast.
Anterior Abdominal Varicosities Due to Unilateral Common and External Iliac Vein Occlusion Five Decades Post-Injury
Authors: Nemeh Christopher , Yu Yasong , Kunac Anastasia , Tsui Grace , Oliver Joseph B. , Anjaria Devashish , Padberg Frank T.
Published: March 2023

Abdominopelvic varicosities are a rare occurrence after traumatic venous injuries. Several disorders exist that present with abdominopelvic varicosities such as May-Thurner syndrome, pelvic congestion syndrome, and nutcracker syndrome; however, it has rarely been described after trauma. 1 We present a case in 70-year-old male, who in 1974 sustained a penetrating injury from fragments secondary to mortar explosion, requiring exploratory laparotomy. He presented to the hospital with abdominopelvic varicosities that began 20 years after the incident and was asymptomatic at initial presentation. While there is a known case report of congenital absence of a common iliac vein in a young, healthy, athletic man who developed abdominopelvic varicosities, this is the first case report, to our knowledge, of evolution of a traumatic injury of this nature over a lifetime. Pathophysiology, diagnostics, risks of ligation, and management of chronic abdominopelvic varicosities in this patient are discussed.
A Rare Self-Inflicted Stabbing to the Neck Injuring the Distal Trachea and Proximal Esophagus
Authors: Enciso Benjamin M. , Fox Elizabeth D. , Lawson Andrew
Published: March 2023

Penetrating neck trauma poses a significant risk to multiple vital structures, which if not treated immediately may lead to devastating consequences. Our patient presented after sustaining self-inflicted stab wounds to the neck. He was taken to the operating room for a left neck exploration and median sternotomy, revealing a distal tracheal injury. Following repair of the tracheal injury, an intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated a full-thickness esophageal injury 15 cm proximal to the tracheal injury. Both injuries were the result of separate stab entries originating from the same external midline wound. To our knowledge, this case report is unique in bringing this circumstance to the literature, demonstrating the importance of full intraoperative examination to assess for concomitant wounds in stab injuries after the initial pathology has been found and the initial stab trajectory understood.
Hypofibrinogenemic Massive Transfusion Trauma Patients Experience Worse Outcomes
Authors: Parker Mitchell J. , Crowder Elizabeth W. , Miles M. Victoria P. , Harrell Kevin N. , Maxwell Robert A.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Uncontrolled hemorrhage accounts for up to 40% of trauma-related mortality. Previous reports demonstrate that decreased fibrinogen levels during traumatic hemorrhage are associated with worse outcomes. Cryoprecipitate is used to replace fibrinogen for patients in hemorrhagic shock undergoing massive transfusion (MT), though the optimal ratio of cryoprecipitate to fresh frozen plasma (FFP), packed red blood cells (PRBCs), and platelets remains undefined. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of admission fibrinogen level and the use of cryoprecipitate on outcomes in trauma patients undergoing MT.

Methods

A prospective practice management guideline was established to obtain fibrinogen levels on adult trauma patients undergoing MT at a level I trauma center from December 2019 to December 2021. Ten units of cryoprecipitate were administered every other round of MT. Thromboelastography (TEG) was also obtained at the initiation and completion of MT. Patient demographic, injury, transfusion, and outcome data were collected. Hypofibrinogenemic (<200 mg/dL) patients at initiation of MT were compared to patients with a level of 200 mg/dL or greater.

Results

A total of 96 out of 130 patients met criteria and underwent MT with a median admission fibrinogen of 170.5 mg/dL. Hypofibrinogenemia was associated with elevated INR (1.26 vs 1.13, P < .001) and abnormal TEG including decreased alpha angle (68.1 vs 73.3, P < .001), increased K time (1.7 vs 1.1, P < .001), and decreased max amplitude (58 vs 66, P < .001). Patients with hypofibrinogenemia received more PRBC (10 vs 7 U, P = .002), FFP (9 vs 6 U, P = .003), and platelets (2 vs 1 U, P = .004) during MT. Hypofibrinogenemic patients demonstrated greater mortality than patients with normal levels (50% vs 23.5%, P = .021). Older age, decreased GCS, and elevated injury severity score (ISS) were risk factors for mortality. Increased fibrinogen was associated with lower odds of mortality ( P = .001). Age, ISS, and fibrinogen level remained significantly associated with mortality in a multivariable analysis. Overall, fibrinogen in post-MT survivors showed an increase in median level compared to admission (231 vs 177.5 mg/dL, P < .001).

Conclusion

Trauma patients undergoing MT with decreased admission fibrinogen demonstrate increased mortality. Other mortality risk factors include older age, decreased GCS, and higher ISS. Patients with increased fibrinogen levels had lower odds of mortality in a multivariable model. Post-MT survivors demonstrated significantly higher fibrinogen levels than pre-MT patients. Hypofibrinogenemic patients also had worse TEG parameters and required more PRBCs, FFP, and platelets during MT. Further studies are needed to assess the optimal volume of fibrinogen replacement with cryoprecipitate during MT to improve trauma patient mortality.
A Comprehensive Management Approach in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients With Hereditary Angioedema
Authors: Tachdjian Raffi , Kaplan Allen P.
Published: March 2023

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal-dominant disorder; most cases are characterized by low plasma levels of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). Clinical manifestations of HAE due to C1-INH deficiency include unpredictable, acute, recurrent episodes of nonpruritic swelling that can affect the face, trunk, limbs, and the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts. Attacks can be disfiguring, disabling, painful, and even life-threatening if laryngeal swelling occurs. Symptoms of HAE generally manifest in childhood. Effective medications are available and approved to treat HAE in children. However, evidence informing use of these medications in pediatric clinical practice is limited. Hereditary angioedema management plans are critical to optimize outcomes and should address on-demand treatment for acute attacks and plans to prevent potentially fatal laryngeal attacks. The plan should also comprise a holistic approach to address nonclinical aspects of HAE, including quality of life (QoL) and psychological issues. This article provides an overview of HAE management principles that health care providers can apply to treat pediatric patients to improve their QoL.
Making military conscription count? Converting competencies between the civilian and military spheres in a neoliberal Estonia
Authors: Lillemäe Eleri , Kasearu Kairi , Ben-Ari Eyal
Published: March 2023

While past decades Western societies have been shifting from mandatory military service toward all-volunteer forces, a number of them have retained conscription. A growing emphasis on individualization and neoliberalist ideas results in a tension for youths between fulfilling a duty and the need for constant self-development. We argue that a central mechanism for addressing this challenge is convertibility, the ability to use competencies gained in one sphere in another, and thus increasing the individual value of conscription for recruits. By linking convertibility to societal expectations, we demonstrate how societies shape ideas of what is convertible and why, and by relating convertibility to agency and motivation, we extend the concept to the individual level. We argue that as material rewards are limited and conscripts cannot rely on occupational motivations, convertibility has a potential to increase the value of conscription for recruits and enable them to combine institutional motivators with utilitarian motives.
An Empirical Analysis of Supply Response of Food Grains to Changes in Price: Evidence from India
Authors: M. Jincy Mathew , Vishwanatha
Published: March 2023

The issue of food production is very important as it affects growth, food security and poverty. Stable food grain price is also important to have a stable food grain market. This article attempts to study the impact of food price fluctuations on food production based on the annual data from 1962 to 2019 by using Non-linear Auto Regressive Distributed Lag model. The results show that changes in food grain price affects grain production and it is statistically significant. Furthermore, the result of asymmetric cointegration test shows that there is a long-run asymmetric relationship that exists between food production and food grain price.

JEL Codes: Q11, C01, C32
Toward a Decolonized Moral Education for Social Justice in Africa
Authors: Obiagu Adaobiagu N.
Published: March 2023

Many moral and social problems affecting African people and development could be associated with (neo)colonial moral education problems in Africa: perpetuation of excessive materialism, individual competitiveness, and demonization of African traditional values. To solve African moral problems and realize Pan-African goals, we need a more contextualized approach to moral education in schools that takes into account moral values from African context. Hence, this paper proposed strengthening moral education in Africa through a decolonial educational approach that disrupts the conventional through anti-colonial curricular and pedagogical practices of moral education for social justice. It first conceptualized moral education and social justice and reviewed literature on moral education in Africa to illuminate its colonizing elements. The proposed decolonized moral education model, critiquing Kohlbergian moral development theory as ignoring the (neo)colonial struggles of colonized and Indigenous people, draws on Ubuntu philosophy, Afrocentricity, and postcolonial theories to develop five processes for the decolonization—(a) Indigenous knowledge, values, and practices’ consciousness raising, (b) moral diversity mapping and comparison, (c) critical evaluation of Indigenous moral disrupters, (d) prosocial anger toward historical/ongoing moral annihilation and complicity, and (e) Indigenous moral agency. The curriculum and practice implications of the Model are discussed.
Low velocity impact response of non-traditional double-double laminates
Authors: Dantas da Cunha Rayane , Targino Talita Galvão , Cardoso Cristiano , Paiva da Costa Ferreira Evans , Freire Júnior Raimundo Carlos Silverio , Daniel Diniz Melo José
Published: March 2023

A novel family of composite laminates with a simplified stacking sequence and double-double layup [±ϕ/±ψ] n has significant potential to reduce weight and increase strength, while facilitating design optimization and simplifying the manufacturing process. In this study, the low-velocity impact response of a double-double (DD) laminate and a quadriaxial (Quad) laminate of equivalent stiffness and thickness were compared. Carbon/epoxy laminates were produced with stacking sequences of [±0/±50]10 and [03/90/±45/02/±45]2S corresponding to double-double and quadriaxial varieties, respectively. Low velocity impact tests were conducted at 74 J of energy and damage areas were examined using X-ray computed tomography. Compressive strength and compression after impact (CAI) strength were equivalent for the two laminates. However, differences in impact damage morphology were observed and are discussed.
Mind the Gap! Using a Discourse Perspective to Bridge Students’ Experiences of Learning Mathematics Across Grade Levels
Authors: Farrugia Marie Therese
Published: March 2023

Presently, in Malta, syllabi are being replaced by learning outcomes. For ages 3–7, the outcomes are framed holistically (e.g. identity, communication, etc.), and it is recommended that children learn mathematics informally through play and projects. For ages 8–11, learning outcomes are subject-based, and new mathematics textbooks are being phased in. I discuss the importance of a smooth transition between informal and structured approaches to learning mathematics. I draw on Anna Sfard’s 4-element definition of discourse, linking the theory with my research classroom data. I argue that a discourse perspective can provide a basis for ensuring continuity across Grade levels.
Education in laboratory animal science and the 3Rs
Authors: Franco Nuno Henrique , Kerton Angela , Lewis David I.
Published: March 2023

While laboratory animal research continues to be crucial for scientific and medical advancement, it still raises relevant ethical considerations. In order to foster public trust and support, all animal use must be relevant, responsible, competent and humane, and education and training of scientists in laboratory animal science (LAS) is vital to achieve these goals. However, education must be effective in generating meaningful learning and promoting a culture of competence, professionalism, accountability and transparency. With the ongoing technological and pedagogical revolution in education, LAS educators are adopting innovative educational practices, including e-learning modules, interactive simulations and virtual reality tools, to create and deliver inspirational educational experiences that are immersive, interactive, learner-centric and effective. Drawing from their expertise and experience, the authors of the articles included in this special edition bring forward new technologies and approaches, as well as novel perspectives to well-established concepts and methodologies, hopefully valuable contributions for better engagement and improved learning on LAS and the 3Rs.
Rhythmanalysis as methodology for understanding the social complexity of school spaces
Authors: Davies Tanya
Published: March 2023

This paper reports on Henri Lefebvre’s methodological approach of 'rhythmanalysis' as a productive tool to understand the complex social constructions of school spaces. Schooling is founded on relationships. These relationships exist in multi-directional and multi-layered ways between teachers, students, school leadership, parents and carers, the school and local community, and official Departments of Education; but also between education policy, official curriculum, and official assessment regimes; and between the material spaces of schools such as school buildings, classrooms and outdoor spaces. These relations are complex and multidimensional, and are characterised by movement. This paper reports on the methodological approach of a recent ethnographic study in a secondary school in suburban Melbourne, Australia that investigated the complex socio-spatial relations that shape teachers’ intercultural work at this school. This paper reports on the nature of relations in school spaces across three domains - conceived, perceived and lived space - and identifies the kinds of rhythms these produce. I argue that this approach enables education researchers to examine in close detail the complex and mobile nature of relations that shape teachers' work in local settings, and may better inform a situated approach to curriculum and policy development.
FEMALE CANDIDATES AND THE BANGLADESH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
Authors: Khan Md. Mostafizur Rahman , Ara Fardaus
Published: March 2023

The number of female MPs elected by direct vote in Bangladesh's Parliament is abysmally low due to the low level of female candidates in the parliamentary elections. This study addresses the underrepresentation of female candidates in the election following the supply- and demand-side model of Norris and Lovenduski. We focus on the continuing patriarchal social and political culture, dynastic politics, campaign funding, and violence as supply-side factors and political parties and nominations, quotas/reserved seats, and rule compliance as demand-side factors that affect the candidate nomination process in Bangladesh. The article is based on semi-structured interviews with female and male MPs of the Bangladesh Parliament and aspirant female politicians who hold different party positions. The study argues that the patriarchal nature of politics and culture controls the supply and demand-side factors of candidate selection and discriminates against female candidates to vie in the general constituencies.
Lifestyle in People Living With HIV: A Study of Patients in Kermanshah, Iran
Authors: Zanganeh Alireza , Khademi Nahid , Ziapour Arash , Farahmandmoghadam Naser , Izadi Neda , Saeidi Shahram , Aghayani Amirreza , Teimouri Raziyeh , Moghadam Shahrzad , Khodaey Ali , Ghasemi Seyed Ramin , Pourmirza Kalhori Reza
Published: March 2023

There is limited research on the role of lifestyle in people living with HIV (PLWH). This study investigated the health-promoting lifestyle among PLWH in Kermanshah-Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 321 PLWH patients referred to the Kermanshah Behavioral Diseases counseling Center between 2017 and 2018. Patients were selected using the convenience sampling method. Data was collected using a standard health promotion lifestyle profile (HPLP-II) questionnaire. Regression and T-tests were used in SPSS 21 and Stata software to analyze the data. The mean age of patients was 41.07 ± 9.14 years. The mean HPLP score of patients in stress management had the lowest mean score (19.44 ± 4.22), and health responsibility had the highest mean score (22.22 ± 4.57). Comparisons between women and men also showed that women had a lower mean score than men in stress management. In addition, significant differences in their HPLP were observed only in the area of physical activity. The final model had significant influence on the PLWH ( P < .001), in which the main predictors were housing status, family members, and feelings of happiness. These variables had a negative effect on HPLP in PLWH’s. An appropriate education and training has improved the PLWH health-oriented lifestyle. Given that the housing situation affected health responsibility, nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships, and stress management, may have caused severe anxiety and confusion in PLWH. Addiction also had a negative effect on patients’ spiritual growth. Relatively simple lifestyle changes such as nutrition and stress management can significantly improve PLWH.