bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing learning capabilities of movement primitives under distributed probabilistic framework for flexible assembly tasks
Authors: Wang Likun , Jia Shuya , Wang Guoyan , Turner Alison , Ratchev Svetan
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a novel probabilistic distributed framework based on movement primitives for flexible robot assembly. Since the modern advanced industrial cell usually deals with various scenarios that are not fixed via-point trajectories but highly reconfigurable tasks, the industrial robots used in these applications must be capable of adapting and learning new in-demand skills without programming experts. Therefore, we propose a probabilistic framework that could accommodate various learning abilities trained with different movement-primitive datasets, separately. Derived from the Bayesian Committee Machine, this framework could infer new adapting trajectories with weighted contributions of each training dataset. To verify the feasibility of our proposed imitation learning framework, the simulation comparison with the state-of-the-art movement learning framework task-parametrised GMM is conducted. Several key aspects, such as generalisation capability, learning accuracy and computation expense, are discussed and compared. Moreover, two real-world experiments, i.e. riveting picking and nutplate picking, are further tested with the YuMi collaborative robot to verify the application feasibility in industrial assembly manufacturing.
Acute distal biceps tendon rupture: retrospective analysis of two different approaches and fixation techniques
Authors: Di Stefano Marco , Sensi Lorenzo , di Bella Leonardo , Tucci Raffaele , Bazzucchi Efisio , Zanna Luigi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The aim of our study is to compare the modified double incision (DI) with bone tunnel reinsertion with the single-incision (SI) double tension slide technique in terms of clinical and functional outcomes and complication rates.

Methods

A retrospective comparative analysis was performed on 65 patients treated for total distal biceps tendon rupture. The surgical technique adopted for each patient was based on the preference of two experienced elbow surgeons. The DASH and MAYO questionnaires, functional outcome and ROM were recorded in all subjects.

Results

Of 65 patients, we collected data of a cohort of 54 distal biceps tendon ruptures that satisfied inclusion criteria. Twenty-five were treated by modified DI and 29 SI techniques. The recovery of the complete ROM in terms of flexion/extension and prono-supination occurred in the 79.6% of the patients, without statistical significant difference between the adopted technique. We reported a complication rate of 12% and 20.7% for DI and SI techniques, respectively, without statistical correlation (P = 0.84). The average DASH score was similar for DI and SI techniques without significant differences (P = 0,848). The Mayo score results were excellent in the majority of the patients. No significant difference in MAYO results was reported comparing the surgical techniques (P = 1).

Conclusion

Both techniques provide a reliable and strong repair with an optimal recovery of ROM returning to preinjury activity with substantially overlapping timelines.
Radiographic imaging in relation to the mandibular third molar: a survey among oral surgeons in Sweden
Authors: Cederhag Josefine , Truedsson Anna , Alstergren Per , Shi Xie-Qi , Hellén-Halme Kristina
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To query the experience of oral surgeons concerning referral routines and preferences for radiographic imaging modality before surgical removal of mandibular third molars and investigate factors that influence imaging modality preferences.

Materials and methods

Members of the Swedish Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (n = 280) were invited to participate in a web-based digital survey concerning their experiences and use of three imaging modalities in pre-surgical assessment of mandibular third molar removal. The survey comprised multiple-choice questions and four cases depicted in images; respondents reported whether they would supplement the cases with other images and, if so, from which modality.

Results

The response rate was 64%. Panoramic radiographs were most commonly used in pre-surgical planning (response options: always or often), significant difference between professions (p = 0.039), and considered to facilitate treatment planning (87%), as was CBCT (82%); for 51%, CBCT reduced post-operative complications. Preferred modality for localizing the mandibular canal was fairly evenly distributed and for non-complex case, significant difference between subgroups of OMFS surgeons was found (p = 0.003) as to preference for intraoral radiographs.

Conclusions

A majority of respondents received a report within 2 weeks of their referral for CBCT and would read the report and view the images before surgery. Image modality preference differed depending on case complexity, with a greater perceived need for CBCT. Profession and practical experience affected choice.

Clinical relevance

Choice of imaging modality in mandibular third molar assessment is also important from dose delivery and social economy standpoints.
Phase 2 study of axicabtagene ciloleucel in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Kato Koji , Makita Shinichi , Goto Hideki , Kanda Junya , Fujii Nobuharu , Shimada Kazuyuki , Akashi Koichi , Izutsu Koji , Teshima Takanori , Fukuda Natsuko , Sumitani Tokuhito , Sumi Hiroyuki , Shimizu Shinji , Kakurai Yasuyuki , Yoshikawa Kenji , Tobinai Kensei , Usui Noriko , Hatake Kiyohiko
Published: October 2021

Background

Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) is an autologous chimeric antigen receptor T-cell based anti-CD19 therapy. The ZUMA-1 study, multicenter, single-arm, registrational Phase 1/2 study of axi-cel demonstrated high objective response rate in patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma. Here, we present the results of the bridging study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of axi-cel in Japanese patients (JapicCTI-183914).

Methods

This study was the phase 2, multicenter, open-label, single-arm trial. Following leukapheresis, axi-cel manufacturing and lymphodepleting chemotherapy, patients received a single infusion of axi-cel (2.0 × 106 cells/kg). Bridging therapy between leukapheresis and conditioning chemotherapy was not allowed. The primary endpoint was objective response rate.

Results

Among 17 enrolled patients, 16 received axi-cel infusion. In the 15 efficacy evaluable patients, objective response rate was 86.7% (95% confidence interval: 59.5–98.3%); complete response/partial response were observed in 4 (26.7%)/9 (60.0%) patients, respectively. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 16 (100%) patients—most commonly neutropenia (81.3%), lymphopenia (81.3%) and thrombocytopenia (62.5%). Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 13 (81.3%) patients (12 cases of grade 1 or 2 and 1 case of grade 4). No neurologic events occurred. Two patients died due to disease progression, but no treatment-related death was observed by the data-cutoff date (October 23, 2019).

Conclusion

The efficacy and safety of axi-cel was confirmed in Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma who have otherwise limited treatment options.

Trial registration

JapicCTI-183914.
Optimal Population Policy with Health Care and Lethal Pollution
Authors: Lehmijoki Ulla , Palokangas Tapio
Published: October 2021

Optimal population policy is examined in the following setup. Families invest in capital, spend on health care and determine their number of children. Firms produce output from labor, capital and pollutants. Pollution increases, but private and public health care decrease mortality dynamically, with lags. Our main findings are the following. A marginal increase in public health care improves welfare as long as it diminishes the mortality rate more than that in private health care. The government can decentralize the social optimum by a parental tax on newborns and a Pigouvian tax on pollutants. Private health care should not be taxed.
A Stackelberg game for the Italian tax evasion problem
Authors: Gambarelli Gianfranco , Gervasio Daniele , Maggioni Francesca , Faccini Daniel
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we consider the problem of tax evasion, which occurs whenever an individual or business ignores tax laws. Fighting tax evasion is the main task of the Economic and Financial Military Police, which annually performs fiscal controls to track down and prosecute evaders at national level. Due to limited financial resources, the tax inspector is unable to audit the population entirely. In this article, we propose a model to assist the Italian tax inspector (Guardia di Finanza, G.d.F.) in allocating its budget among different business clusters, via a controller-controlled Stackelberg game. The G.d.F. is seen as the leader, while potential evaders are segmented into classes according to their business sizes, as set by the Italian regulatory framework. Numerical results on the real Italian case for fiscal year 2015 are provided. Insights on the optimal number of controls the inspector will have to perform among different business clusters are discussed and compared to the strategy implemented by the G.d.F.
The distribution of lagomorph syphilis caused by Treponema paraluisleporidarum in Europe
Authors: Hisgen Linda , Abel Lena , Hallmaier-Wacker Luisa , Lüert Simone , Lavazza Antonio , Trogu Tiziana , Velarde Roser , Nováková Markéta , Gyuranecz Miklós , Ågren Erik , Barlow Alexander , Šmajs David , Knauf Sascha
Published: October 2021

Treponema paraluisleporidarum infects both rabbits (ecovar Cuniculus) and hares (ecovar Lepus). While the occurrence of the bacterium has previously been reported for European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) and domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domestica), there are no data available that report infection in the European context. We tested a total of 1,995 serum samples and 287 genital swabs from opportunistically sampled European brown hares (Lepus europaeus; n = 2135), Mountain hares (Lepus timidus; n = 4), European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus; n = 138), and pet rabbits (O. cuniculus f. domestica; n = 5). The samples originated from eight European countries. In case only serum was available, we tested the samples for the presence of anti-treponemal antibodies. For this, we utilized the Treponema pallidum-particle agglutination test (TP-PA), which is suited for the use in lagomorphs due to the antigenic cross-reactivity of anti-T. pallidum and anti-T. paraluisleporidarum antibodies. In addition, the results of 380 sera were confirmed using the fluorescent-Treponema antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS). In all cases where swab samples were available, DNA was extracted and tested using quantitative PCR to test for the presence of the lagomorph syphilis-bacterium. We were able to detect antibodies in 825 of 1,995 lagomorph sera (41.4%; brown hare: 825/1,868; rabbit: 0/127) and obtained positive qPCR results from 182 of 287 swab samples (63.4%; European brown hare: 167/267; mountain hare: 4/4; rabbit: 11/16). While all rabbit sera (n = 127) tested negative for anti-treponemal antibodies, the presence of the bacterium was confirmed in eight wild (n = 8/11) and three domestic rabbits (n = 3/5) from Germany using qPCR.
ICT-related variables as predictors of ICT literacy beyond intelligence and prior achievement
Authors: Senkbeil Martin
Published: October 2021

This study examined the incremental validity of different information and communication technologies (ICT)-related person characteristics over and above intelligence and and prior achievement when predicting ICT literacy across a period of three years. Relative weights analyses were performed to determine the relative contribution of each predictor towards explaining variance in ICT literacy. We used data from German NEPS that tracks representative samples of German students across their school careers. The sample consisted of 14,436 fifteen-year-old German students who provided self-reports on several ICT-related variables: self-confidence, usage motives, breadth of usage, access, experience, usage at home and at school. Data were analyzed cross-sectionally and longitudinally with structural equation models and path analyses, respectively. Cross-sectionally, all ICT-related variables incrementally predicted ICT literacy after controlling for intelligenc (explained variance: 0.4%–14.1%). Longitudinally, ICT self-confidence, ICT-related usage motives, breadth of ICT usage, ICT usage at school, and ICT experience incrementally predict ICT literacy after controlling for intelligence and prior achievement.three years later (explained variance: 0.3%–8.1%). Relative weights providing estimates of relative importance of each predictor showed that intelligence (cross-sectional) and prior achievement and intelligence, respectively (longitudinal) explained the largest portion of variance in ICT literacy, followed by ICT self-confidence, and ICT usage motives as the strongest ICT-related variables. These results emphasize that ICT-related motivational constructs play an important role in the development of ICT literacy.
Internal donors on supported Ziegler Natta catalysts for isotactic polypropylene: a brief tutorial review
Authors: Paghadar Bharat R. , Sainani J. B. , M. Samith K. , Bhagavath Poornima
Published: October 2021

The scientific and technical advances in the field of polymer science has been abundant in recent years. Amongst the various polymeric materials available in market, synthesis of polyolefins has been in the forefront since decades. A major challenge in this domain remains in attaining stereoregular polyolefins especially polypropylene (PP) and significant efforts were carried out by synthesizing various internal donors (ID) aiding the catalysts involved in producing them. This short review gives an overview of i) various generations of Ziegler–Natta (ZN) catalyst systems ii) general classes of ID that has been demonstrated by the researchers over the past decades iii) their influence on PP isotacticity and polymer properties. The coordination modes of different donor classes on supported ZN system and comparative study especially between phthalate and diether ID classes were also addressed here. This review also presents the studies carried out on phthalate catalyst structure analysis, detailed comparison study on phthalate and diether IDs in terms of PP isotacticity, regioselectivity, hydrogen response, and also their cross combination study and competitive behavior. Further a brief description on other structurally varied IDs like malonates, maleates, silyl diol esters, bifunctional donors, multi ether donors demonstrated for isotactic PP were also presented. Studies conducted on compatibility of incorporation of two different classes of IDs on a single supported ZN system for the fundamental understanding of the catalyst behavior; and also on how mixed donor approach enables in tuning the catalyst for polymer properties were also presented. This review also provides an opportunity to the young minds and the basic researchers from academic point of view by and large to create new polymeric materials with useful properties or modify the existing materials for new applications by incorporating new IDs for further improvisation of the stereo regularity in obtaining the polymers.

Graphic Abstract
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Intervention in Chronic Stroke: a Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Baldo Juliana V. , Schendel Krista , Lwi Sandy J. , Herron Timothy J. , Dempsey Denise G. , Muir James , Curran Brian C. , Paulraj Selvi , Chok Jas , Cole Michael A.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) involves training in mindful meditation and has been shown to improve functioning across a range of different disorders. However, little research has focused on the use of MBSR in stroke patients, and previous MBSR studies typically have not included an active control condition to account for non-specific factors that could contribute to the observed benefits.

Methods

We conducted a pilot study of MBSR in chronic stroke patients, comparing MBSR to an active control condition. Half of participants were randomly assigned to a standard 8-week MBSR class, and the other half of participants were assigned to an 8-week Brain Health class matched for schedule, instructor, and format. Participants were assessed pre- and post-intervention by blinded examiners on a neuropsychological battery that included primary outcome measures of psychological and cognitive functioning. Participants were also given an anonymous questionnaire following the post-intervention testing session to measure class satisfaction.

Results

Both the MBSR and Brain Health classes were rated favorably by participants. Recruitment and retention rates were high, and methods for participant randomization and examiner blinding were successful. Class implementation in terms of execution was also successful, as rated by outside experts.

Conclusions

This study established the feasibility of conducting MBSR and Brain Health classes in a chronic stroke population.

Trial Registration

https://ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT #: 02600637
Assessment of dermal bioavailability: predicting the input function for topical glucocorticoids using stratum corneum sampling
Authors: Pensado Andrea , McGrogan Anita , White K. A. Jane , Bunge Annette L. , Guy Richard H. , Delgado-Charro M. Begoña
Published: October 2021

Predicting the dermal bioavailability of topically delivered drugs is challenging. In this work, minimally invasive stratum corneum (SC) sampling was used to quantify the delivery of betamethasone valerate (BMV) into the viable skin. Betnovate® cream (0.1% w/w BMV) was applied at three doses (2, 5, and 10 mg cm−2) to the ventral forearms of 12 healthy volunteers. The mass of drug in the SC was measured using a validated tape-stripping method (a) after a 4-h “uptake” period, and (b) following a 6-h “clearance” period subsequent to cream removal. Concomitantly, the skin blanching responses to the same doses were assessed with a chromameter over 22 h post-application. BMV uptake into the SC was significantly higher for the 5 mg cm−2 dose compared to those of 2 and 10 mg cm−2. In all cases, ~30% of the drug in the SC at the end of the uptake period was cleared in the subsequent 6 h. From the SC sampling data, the average drug flux into the viable epidermis and its first-order elimination rate constant from the SC were estimated as 4 ng cm−2 h−1 and 0.07 h−1, respectively. In contrast, skin blanching results were highly variable and insensitive to the dose of cream applied. The SC sampling method was able to detect a 50% difference between two applied doses with 80% power; detection of a 20% difference would require a larger sample size. SC sampling enabled quantitative metrics describing corticosteroid delivery to the viable epidermis to be determined.

Graphical abstract
A Finite Volume Method using a Quadtree Non-Uniform Structured Mesh for Modeling in Electrical Capacitance Tomography
Authors: Wanta Damian , Smolik Waldemar Tomasz , Kryszyn Jacek , Wróblewski Przemysław , Midura Mateusz
Published: October 2021

An electric field solver based on a finite volume method using refined structural mesh is proposed to implement a quadtree structure and estimate the electric flux in the mesh cell. Numerical experiments were carried out using uniform and non-uniform meshes to assess quality of numerical modeling. The proposed method of verification of the quality of numerical calculations based on circular symmetry of the electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) probe allows to assess the effectiveness of mesh refinement and to reduce the number of mesh elements. Experiments showed that even a moderate level of mesh refinement is sufficient to significantly reduce the simulation error that occurs in modeling of cylindrical probes. The reduced number of mesh elements and applied implementation of the quadtree ensures high speed of forward problem calculations.
Graded Betti Numbers of Balanced Simplicial Complexes
Authors: Juhnke-Kubitzke Martina , Venturello Lorenzo
Published: October 2021

We prove upper bounds for the graded Betti numbers of Stanley-Reisner rings of balanced simplicial complexes. Along the way we show bounds for Cohen-Macaulay graded rings S/I, where S is a polynomial ring and $I\subseteq S$
I
⊆
S
is a homogeneous ideal containing a certain number of generators in degree 2, including the squares of the variables. Using similar techniques we provide upper bounds for the number of linear syzygies for Stanley-Reisner rings of balanced normal pseudomanifolds. Moreover, we compute explicitly the graded Betti numbers of cross-polytopal stacked spheres, and show that they only depend on the dimension and the number of vertices, rather than also the combinatorial type.
The Power of Voice to Convey Emotion in Multimedia Instructional Messages
Authors: Lawson Alyssa P. , Mayer Richard E.
Published: October 2021

This study examines an aspect of the role of emotion in multimedia learning, i.e., whether participants can recognize the instructor’s positive or negative emotion based on hearing short clips involving only the instructor’s voice just as well as also seeing an embodied onscreen agent. Participants viewed 16 short video clips from a statistics lecture in which an animated instructor, conveying a happy, content, frustrated, or bored emotion, stands next to a slide as she lectures (agent present) or uses only her voice (agent absent). For each clip, participants rated the instructor on five-point scales for how happy, content, frustrated, and bored the instructor seemed. First, for happy, content, and bored instructors, participants were just as accurate in rating emotional tone based on voice only as with voice plus onscreen agent. This supports the voice hypothesis, which posits that voice is a powerful source of social-emotional information. Second, participants rated happy and content instructors higher on happy and content scales and rated frustrated and bored instructors higher on frustrated and bored scales. This supports the positivity hypothesis, which posits that people are particularly sensitive to the positive or negative tone of multimedia instructional messages.
Nutrient Dynamics at the Sediment-Water Interface: Influence of Wastewater Effluents
Authors: Zhang Meng , Francis Robert A. , Chadwick Michael A.
Published: October 2021

Uptake and regeneration fluxes and concentrations of nutrients, i.e., nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), phosphate (PO43−) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), were evaluated upstream and downstream of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the River Wandle, UK, from July to October 2019. Using chamber techniques, water-specific nutrient concentrations were measured at two exposures (3 and 10 min) to calculate fluxes. The WWTP effluent contributed to elevated concentrations and modified flux rates, resulting in significant differences at the study sites. Compared with summer, the concentrations of NO3− and DOC increased while NH4+ and PO43− decreased in autumn. Nutrient fluxes varied both temporally and spatially in uptake (i.e., storage in sediments) or regeneration (i.e., release into river water). Under the actions of physical and biological processes, the fluxes of NO3− and NH4+ showed opposite flux directions. Dissolved oxygen (DO) and bioabsorption mainly affected PO43− and DOC fluxes, respectively. Specifically, across all sites, NO3− was −0.01 to +0.02 mg/(m2 s), NH4+ was −29 to +2 μg/(m2 s), PO43− was −2.0 to +0.5 μg/(m2 s), and DOC was −0.01 to +0.05 mg/(m2 s). Further, we did find that these variations were related to nutrient concentrations in the overlying water. Our results provide further evidence to show that reductions in river nutrients are paramount for improving river ecological conditions. Additionally, we suggest that more research is needed to evaluate chamber-based experimental approaches to make them more comparable to in-situ flux methods.

Highlights

• Sewage effluent resulted in elevated nutrient concentrations and modified fluxes.

• Flux was affected by initial nutrient concentrations, DO and microbial activity.

• Inexpensive approaches to study nutrient dynamics are needed for river restoration.
Scheduling and Control of Queueing Networks
Authors: Weiss Gideon
Published: October 2021

Applications of queueing network models have multiplied in the last generation, including scheduling of large manufacturing systems, control of patient flow in health systems, load balancing in cloud computing, and matching in ride sharing. These problems are too large and complex for exact solution, but their scale allows approximation. This book is the first comprehensive treatment of fluid scaling, diffusion scaling, and many-server scaling in a single text presented at a level suitable for graduate students. Fluid scaling is used to verify stability, in particular treating max weight policies, and to study optimal control of transient queueing networks. Diffusion scaling is used to control systems in balanced heavy traffic, by solving for optimal scheduling, admission control, and routing in Brownian networks. Many-server scaling is studied in the quality and efficiency driven Halfin–Whitt regime and applied to load balancing in the supermarket model and to bipartite matching in ride-sharing applications.
International Law As We Know It
Authors: Boer Lianne J. M.
Published: October 2021

International legal scholars tend to think of their work as the interpretation of rules: the application of a law 'out there' to concrete situations. This book takes a different approach to that scholarship: it views doctrine as a socio-linguistic practice. In other words, this book views legal scholars not as law-appliers, but as constructing knowledge within a particular academic discipline. By means of three close-ups of the discourse on cyberwar and international law, this book shows how international legal knowledge is constructed in ways usually overlooked: by means of footnotes, for example, or conference presentations. In so doing, this book aims to present a new way of seeing international legal scholarship: one that pays attention to the mundane parts of international legal texts and provides a different understanding of how international law as we know it comes about.
Black Markets and Militants
Authors: Medani Khalid Mustafa
Published: October 2021

Understanding the political and socio-economic factors which give rise to youth recruitment into militant organizations is at the heart of grasping some of the most important issues that affect the contemporary Middle East and Africa. In this book, Khalid Mustafa Medani explains why youth are attracted to militant organizations, examining the specific role economic globalization, in the form of outmigration and expatriate remittance inflows, plays in determining how and why militant activists emerge. The study challenges existing accounts that rely primarily on ideology to explain militant recruitment. Based on extensive fieldwork, Medani offers an in-depth analysis of the impact of globalization, neoliberal reforms and informal economic networks as a conduit for the rise and evolution of moderate and militant Islamist movements and as an avenue central to the often, violent enterprise of state building and state formation. In an original contribution to the study of Islamist and ethnic politics more broadly, he thereby shows the importance of understanding when and under what conditions religious rather than other forms of identity become politically salient in the context of changes in local conditions.
Upper-lower limb and breathing exercise program for improving sleep quality and psychological status in multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Grubić Kezele Tanja , Trope Zrinka , Ahel Valentina , Ružić Natali , Omrčen Hrvoje , Đudarić Luka , Fužinac-Smojver Ariana
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

To examine the feasibility and possible effect of an 8-week exercise program on sleep quality, insomnia and psychological distress in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods:

Twenty-four individuals with MS were recruited into a controlled pre-post feasibility study and divided into 2 groups: exercise (n = 13; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): 1.0–7.5) and a related control group with no exercise (n = 11; EDSS: 1.0–7.0). The exercise group performed combined upper limb, lower limb and breathing exercises in a controlled group (2d/week, 60 min/session) for 8 weeks. Participants were administered measures to evaluate sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), insomnia severity (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI), psychological distress (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation–Outcome Measure, CORE-OM) and additionally impact of fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, MFIS) after 8-weeks.

Results:

Insomnia severity measured with ISI (F(1;22)=5.95, p = 0.023, ηp2 = 0.213, 90% CI = 0.02–0.42) and psychological distress measured with the CORE-OM (F(1;22)=4.82, p = 0.039, ηp2 = 0.179, 90% CI = 0.01–0.40) showed statistically significant group-by-time interaction. Sleep quality measured with the PSQI showed statistically significant group-by-time interaction only in an aspect of daytime sleep dysfunction (F(1;22)=5.33, p = 0.031, ηp2 = 0.195, 90% CI = 0.01–0.40). The fatigue impact measured with the MFIS showed statistically significant group-by-time interaction in physical (F(1;22)=6.80, p = 0.016, ηp2 = 0.236, 90% CI = 0.02–0.44) and cognitive aspects (F(1;22)=9.12, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.293, 90% CI = 0.05–0.49), and total score (F(1;22)=11.29, p = 0.003, ηp2 = 0.339, 90% CI = 0.08–0.52).

Conclusions:

Our 8-week program reduced insomnia severity, psychological distress and some aspects of fatigue (physical; cognitive; total), and improved sleep quality in an aspect of daytime sleep dysfunction in a small group of individuals with MS. Good feasibility and significant positive changes from baseline warrant further exploratory work.
Dynamical degrees of affine-triangular automorphisms of affine spaces
Authors: BLANC JÉRÉMY , VAN SANTEN IMMANUEL
Published: October 2021

We study the possible dynamical degrees of automorphisms of the affine space$\mathbb {A}^n$. In dimension$n=3$, we determine all dynamical degrees arising from the composition of an affine automorphism with a triangular one. This generalizes the easier case of shift-like automorphisms which can be studied in any dimension. We also prove that each weak Perron number is the dynamical degree of an affine-triangular automorphism of the affine space$\mathbb {A}^n$for somen, and we give the best possiblenfor quadratic integers, which is either$3$or$4$.
Regional outbreak of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase–producing Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Authors: Tadese Bekana K. , Nutt Anna , Chaudhary Ifrah , Offiong Charlene , Darkoh Charles
Published: October 2021

Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa (KPC-CRPA) are rare in the United States. An outbreak of KPC-CRPA was investigated in Texas using molecular and epidemiologic methods and 17 cases of KPC-CRPA were identified. The isolates were genetically related and harbored the emerging P. aeruginosa multilocus sequence type 235, the first in the United States.
Viral whole-genome sequencing to assess impact of universal masking on SARS-CoV-2 transmission among pediatric healthcare workers
Authors: Kociolek Larry K. , Patel Ami B. , Hultquist Judd F. , Ozer Egon A. , Simons Lacy M. , McHugh Matthew , Muller William J. , Lorenzo-Redondo Ramon
Published: October 2021

Objective:

To identify the impact of universal masking on COVID-19 incidence and putative SARS-CoV-2 transmissions events among children’s hospital healthcare workers (HCWs).

Design:

Quasi-experimental study.

Setting:

Single academic free-standing children’s hospital.

Methods:

We performed whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2- PCR-positive samples collected from HCWs 3 weeks before and 6 weeks after implementing a universal masking policy. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to identify clusters of clonally related SARS-CoV-2 indicative of putative transmission events. We measured COVID-19 incidence, SARS-CoV-2 test positivity rates, and frequency of putative transmission events before and after the masking policy was implemented.

Results:

HCW COVID-19 incidence and test positivity declined from 14.3 to 4.3 cases per week, and from 18.4% to 9.0%, respectively. Putative transmission events were only identified prior to universal masking.

Conclusions:

A universal masking policy was associated with reductions in HCW COVID-19 infections and occupational acquisition of SARS-CoV-2.
Plant-based snacking: research and practical applications of pistachios for health benefits
Authors: Higgs Jennette , Styles Kathryn , Carughi Arianna , Roussell Michael A. , Bellisle France , Elsner Wiebke , Li Zhaoping
Published: October 2021

Pistachio nuts are a nutrient-dense source of good quality plant protein, commonly consumed as a minimally processed snack food or ingredient. The present paper is based on a symposium held during the 13th FENS (Federation of European Nutrition Societies) 2019 conference in Dublin that explored recent research and practical applications of pistachios as a plant-based snack, in particular, for appetite control and healthy weight management; and for glycaemic control during pregnancy. Individual nut types, whilst similar in nutritional composition, have unique characteristics which may have a significant impact on potential health effects. Recognising this, the further purpose here is to explore future research needs for pistachios, based on work completed to date and the discussion that ensued among researchers at this event, in order to advance the full scope of health benefits from pistachios, in particular, taking into account of both sustainability and nutritional health.
The Islamic Law of Marriage and Inheritance in Kenya
Authors: Mujuzi Jamil Ddamulira
Published: October 2021

Article 24(4) of the Constitution of Kenya qualifies the right to equality “to the extent strictly necessary for the application of” Islamic law “in matters relating to personal status, marriage, divorce and inheritance”. Section 3 of the Marriage Act provides that, although spouses have equal rights during marriage and at its dissolution, “the parties to an Islamic marriage shall only have the rights granted under Islamic law”. The Law of Succession Act states that it is generally not applicable to the estate of a deceased Muslim. In this article, the author examines case law from the Kadhi's Court, the High Court and the Court of Appeal on issues of Muslim marriages and inheritance. These cases illustrate, in some instances, the tensions between Islamic law and human rights.
Step-by-step illustrated guide to central neck dissection
Authors: Chu F , De Berardinis R , Pietrobon G , Tagliabue M , Giugliano G , Ansarin M
Published: October 2021

Background

The incidence of thyroid carcinoma has been increasing worldwide and surgery is the primary treatment. Central compartment dissection of the neck is a very delicate procedure given the risks of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism.

Methods

This paper gives a detailed description of this surgical technique in a patient affected by papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland, supported by highly representative iconographic materials from a tertiary department.

Results

A stepwise description is provided, along with high-quality pictures and specific tips and tricks. Although neck dissection is a well-codified procedure, the fine details of this surgical technique are not currently available and are still the prerogative of the expert surgeon.

Conclusion

The central neck compartment contains several vulnerable structures; damage to these structures would affect patients’ lives, possibly permanently. Anatomical knowledge and standardisation are needed for all surgeons, particularly new surgeons (such as residents) who cannot rely simply on experience.
ADÈS AT 50: PRECARIOUS POISE
Authors: Whittall Arnold
Published: October 2021

A range of aesthetic and technical features is explored in two of Adès's large-scale works, the operas The Tempest and The Exterminating Angel, along with aspects of genre involving Stravinsky and Britten. Large-scale focus is offset by brief accounts of The Four Quarters and Dawn, considering their character in light of some recent initiatives in musicology.
Stress in pregnancy: Clinical and adaptive behavior of offspring following Superstorm Sandy
Authors: Nomura Yoko , Zhang Wei , Hurd Yasmin L.
Published: October 2021

The current study investigated 304 children from a longitudinal project (the Stress in Pregnancy (SIP) Study) who were exposed and unexposed to Superstorm Sandy (“Sandy”)in utero.They were prospectively followed from 2 to 6 years of age and their clinical and adaptive behaviors were assessed annually. Using a hierarchical linear model, the study found thatin uteroSandy exposure was associated with greater clinical (anxiety, depression, and somatization) and lower adaptive behaviors (social skills and functional communication) at age 2 years. However, the trajectories were notably different between the two groups. Anxiety increased more rapidly among the exposed than unexposed group at ages 2–4, and depression increased only among the exposed. In contrast, social skills and functional communication were lower in exposed compared to unexposed children at age 2, but quickly increased and exceeded the capacities of unexposed children by age 3. The findings confirm that prenatal Sandy exposure is not only associated with an increase in anxiety, depression, and somatization in offspring, but also with greater adaptive skills as the children got older. Our study demonstrates that while children who have experienced stressin uterodemonstrate elevated suboptimal clinical behaviors related to affective disorders, they nevertheless have the potential to learn adaptive skills.
A Call to APSA Part 1: Learn about Community College Faculty
Authors: Osorio Maricruz Ariana , Parker Sara , Richards Erin
Published: October 2021

This article summarizes research on the profession of community college faculty generally and data gathered from a survey of political science faculty teaching at community colleges nationwide conducted in 2018. The purpose of the article is to educate the discipline about what life is like for faculty at two-year schools and specifically how political science faculty at these schools perceive their role.
Dietary patterns of children aged 6–24 months assisted by the Bolsa Família Program
Authors: Mendes Marília Moura e , Marçal Giovana de Montemor , Rinaldi Ana Elisa Madalena , Bueno Nassib Bezerra , Florêncio Telma Maria de Menezes Toledo , Clemente Ana Paula Grotti
Published: October 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to verify the association between socio-economic and demographic characteristics and dietary patterns (DP) of children assisted by the Conditional Cash Transfer Program, Bolsa Família Program (BFP).

Design:

This is a cross-sectional study. DP were defined using a principal component analysis. The association of the predictive variables and DP was modelled using multilevel linear regression analysis.

Setting:

This study was conducted in six municipalities from the State of Alagoas, Brazil.

Participants:

The participants were children aged 6–24 months who were assisted by the BFP.

Results:

A total of 1604 children were evaluated. Four DP were identified (DP1, DP2, DP3 and DP4). DP1 is composed of traditional Brazilian food. DP2 is formed mostly from ultra-processed foods (UPF). DP3 consists of milk (non-breast) with added sugar, while DP4 consists of fresh and minimally processed foods. Caregivers with higher age and education (β = −0·008; (95 % CI −0·017, −0·000); β = −0·037; (95 % CI −0·056, −0·018), respectively) were negatively associated with DP2. We observed a negative association between households with food insecurity (β = −0·204; (95 % CI −0·331, −0·078)) and DP4 and a positive association between caregivers with higher age and education (β = 0·011; (95 % CI (0·003; 0·019); β = 0·043; (95 % CI 0·025, 0·061), respectively) and DP4.

Conclusion:

This study identified the association between socio-economic inequities and DP early in life, with an early introduction of UPF, in children assisted by BFP in the State of Alagoas.
Laser-Assisted Field Evaporation of (R = Gd, Sm) High-Temperature Superconducting Coated Conductors
Authors: Smith Jesse D , Huh Jeong , Shelton Adam , Reidy Richard F , Young Marcus L
Published: October 2021

In the field of high-temperature superconductors, atom probe tomography is a relatively new instrument, with the ability to provide a new perspective on the 3D nanoscale microstructure. However, field evaporation of nonmetallic materials is fraught with unique challenges that matter little in the world of metallic evaporation. In this study, we review the laser absorption, correlated evaporation, molecular dissociation, and the crystallographic effects on the field evaporation of 800-m (R = Gd, Sm) coated conductor tapes deposited by Reactive Co-Evaporation Cyclic Deposition and Reaction (RCE-CDR). Ultraviolet 355 nm laser pulsing was found to have a substantial beneficial effect on minimizing the fracture probability compared with 532 nm illumination, especially when evaporating insulating oxide precipitates. This, in turn, allows for the 3D compositional analysis of defects such as flux pinning centers introduced by precipitation and doping. As a result, evidence for the precipitation of nanoscale is discussed. The effect of crystallographic orientation is studied, where [001] aligned evaporation is found to develop compositional aberrations.
Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice: Exploring Theoretical Frameworks for Algorithmic Literacy in the Legal Information Profession
Authors: Garingan Dominique , Pickard Alison Jane
Published: October 2021

In response to evolving legal technologies, this article by Dominique Garingan and Alison Jane Pickard explores the concept of algorithmic literacy, a technological literacy which facilitates metacognitive practices surrounding the use of artificially intelligent systems and the principles that shape ethical and responsible user experiences. This article examines the extent to which existing information, digital, and computer literacy frameworks and professional competency standards ground algorithmic literacy. It proceeds to identify various elements of algorithmic literacy within existing literature, provide examples of algorithmic literacy initiatives in academic and non-academic settings, and explore the need for an algorithmic literacy framework to ground algorithmic literacy initiatives within the legal information profession.
Modeling of Seismic Anisotropy Observations Reveals Plausible Lowermost Mantle Flow Directions Beneath Siberia
Authors: Creasy Neala , Pisconti Angelo , Long Maureen D. , Thomas Christine
Published: October 2021

Observations of seismic anisotropy just above the core‐mantle boundary are a powerful way to understand the dynamics of the lowermost mantle. Here we present models of seismic anisotropy in the lowermost mantle beneath Siberia based on new and previously published body wave observations. We compile a set of measurements based on a variety of data types, including the differential splitting of SK(K)S‐PKS and S‐ScS phases and polarities of PdP and SdS reflections off the D″ discontinuity. We carry out ray theoretical forward modeling of these data sets in combination, using a novel approach that allows for tighter constraints on the geometry of seismic anisotropy than would be possible using a single data type. Observations for each seismic phase alone only provide limited information; by combining different data types into one modeling approach, we can constrain D″ seismic anisotropy more tightly. We test a range of plausible mechanisms for seismic anisotropy, including a variety of candidate minerals (bridgmanite, post‐perovskite, and ferropericlase), dominant slip systems, and orientations, and consider both single‐crystal elasticity and elastic tensors based on polycrystalline texture modeling. In general, we find that post‐perovskite (with either a [100](010) or [100](001) dominant slip system) or bridgmanite models provide the best fit to the observations. The best‐fitting models suggest a dominant shear direction to the southwest or northeast direction at the base of the mantle. This is consistent with flow directed toward the Perm anomaly, potentially driven by slab remnants impinging on the core‐mantle boundary.
Reducing Climate Change Induced Flood at the Cost of Hydropower in the Lancang‐Mekong River Basin
Authors: Yun Xiaobo , Tang Qiuhong , Sun Siao , Wang Jie
Published: October 2021

Hydropower dams are proliferating in the riparian countries of the Lancang‐Mekong River Basin (LMRB) driven by the pursuit of renewable electricity and societal resilience to flooding. However, the tradeoffs between hydropower production and flood control are unclear in a changing environment. Here, we use a hydrological variable infiltration capacity model combined with a reservoir module to quantify the relative effects of climate change and reservoir operation on flood and hydropower generation in LMRB. Results show that while climate change would increase flood magnitude and frequency, adaptive reservoir operation can reduce flood magnitude by 5.6%–6.4% and frequency by 17.1%–18.9% at the cost of 9.8%–14.4% of basin‐wide hydropower generation. Particularly, upstream reservoirs suffer more hydropower loss (5.4 times) than downstream ones when flood control is prioritized in reservoir regulation. Our findings have implications for integrated water and energy management at the transboundary river basin under climate change.
Clays Are Not Created Equal: How Clay Mineral Type Affects Soil Parameterization
Authors: Lehmann P. , Leshchinsky B. , Gupta S. , Mirus B. B. , Bickel S. , Lu N. , Or D.
Published: October 2021

Clay minerals dominate the soil colloidal fraction and its specific surface area. Differences among clay mineral types significantly influence their effects on soil hydrological and mechanical behavior. Presently, the soil clay content is used to parameterize soil hydraulic and mechanical properties (SHMP) for land surface models while disregarding the type of clay mineral. This undifferentiated use of clay leads to inconsistent parameterization, particularly between tropical and temperate soils, as shown herein. We capitalize on recent global maps of clay minerals that exhibit strong climatic and spatial segregation of active and inactive clays to consider spatially resolved clay mineral types in SHMP estimation. Clay mineral‐informed pedotransfer functions and machine learning algorithms trained with datasets including different clay types and soil structure formation processes improve SHMP representation regionally with broad implications for hydrological and geomechanical Earth surface processes.