bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species of Anthurium sect. Cordato-punctatum (Araceae) from Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: DÍAZ JIMÉNEZ PEDRO , CARRERA-SÁNCHEZ EDITH , CROAT THOMAS B. , PÉREZ-FARRERA MIGUEL ÁNGEL , GÓMEZ-MARÍN FRANCISCO J. , HENTRICH HEIKO , AGUILAR-RODRÍGUEZ PEDRO A.
Published: May 2023

Anthurium knopflmacherianum, a new species of Anthurium sect. Cordato-punctatum, is registered for the region of Los Tuxtlas,Veracruz, Mexico. This new species is morphologically similar to A. verapazense, but that species differs in having shorter geniculum, longer anterior lobe, inflorescence with a longer peduncle and longer spadix, violet-purple at anthesis.
Tropidonotus nicobarensis Sclater, 1891 is a junior synonym of Thamnophis saurita (Linnaeus, 1766) (Squamata: Serpentes: Natricinae)
Authors: LEE JUSTIN L. , CHANDRAMOULI S. R. , BAUER AARON M.
Published: May 2023

Tropidonotus nicobarensis Sclater, 1891 is an enigmatic snake currently referred to the natricine genus Hebius Thompson, 1913. No specimens have been recorded since the original discovery of the name-bearing type in the late 19th century, which was allegedly collected on Kamorta Island in India’s Nicobar Archipelago. Recently, a second observation of this species was reported from Havelock Island (Swarajdweep) in the nearby Andaman Archipelago. However, the snake in question is clearly conspecific with another natricine, Thamnophis saurita (Linnaeus, 1766), native to eastern North America. This discovery prompted us to examine the type specimen of Tropidonotus nicobarensis, which revealed that it too is conspecific with Thamnophis saurita. The provenance of the Tropidonotus nicobarensis type specimen and the Havelock Island snake are discussed, with the latter likely representing an introduced animal.
Mixtophyes toothlessi sp. n., a new Kinorhyncha species (Anomoirhaga: Neocentrophyidae) from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, with a revision of terminology and taxonomic features of the family
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-CASARRUBIOS ALBERTO , ARBIZU PEDRO MARTÍNEZ , SÁNCHEZ NURIA
Published: May 2023

A new species of Mixtophyes Sánchez et al. 2014 is described from the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (north-eastern Pacific Ocean). The new species is characterised by the presence of spinose processes on segments 1–11 in middorsal position and on segments 1–10 in midlateral position, paired paradorsal setae on segments 2, 4–6 and 8–9, and unpaired ones on segments 3 and 7, paired setae in paralateral and ventrolateral positions on segments 2–9. In addition, some morphological characteristics of the family Neocentrophyidae and the genus Mixtophyes are discussed, and the diagnoses of both taxa are updated. Lastly, the taxonomic nomenclature of Neocentrophyidae and the sexual characters of the genus are accordingly emended.
2. Unbelonging as a Postcolonial Predicament
Authors: Roohi Sanam
Published: May 2023

As a first-generation university graduate with a PhD degree from the University of Amsterdam and working in German academia for more than three years, in this piece I reflect upon my academic trajectory so far. Looking back at my tenuous relationship with academia over the last decade and the struggles I have encountered as a minority woman in India and a person of colour in Europe, in this short piece, I further contemplate upon the postcolonial predicament of unbelonging and the embodied negotiations I continue to make as a temporary jobholder and a part of the growing international academic precariat.
A Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Low-Level Jets and Atmospheric Rivers in the Central United States
Authors: Gyawali Nabindra , Ferguson Craig R. , Bosart Lance F.
Published: May 2023

We present a comparative analysis of atmospheric rivers (ARs) and Great Plains low-level jets (GPLLJs) in the central United States during April–September 1901–2010 using ECMWF’s Coupled Reanalysis of the Twentieth Century (CERA-20C). The analysis is motivated by a perceived need to highlight overlap and synergistic opportunities between traditionally disconnected AR and GPLLJ research. First, using the Guan–Walliser integrated vapor transport (IVT)-based AR classification and Bonner–Whiteman-based GPLLJ classification, we identify days with either an AR and/or GPLLJ spanning 15% of the central United States. These days are grouped into five event samples: 1) all GPLLJ, 2) AR GPLLJ, 3) non-AR GPLLJ, 4) AR non-GPLLJ, and 5) all AR. Then, we quantify differences in the frequency, seasonality, synoptic environment, and extreme weather impacts corresponding to each event sample. Over the twentieth century, April–September AR frequency remained constant whereas GPLLJ frequency significantly decreased. Of GPLLJ days, 36% are associated with a coincident AR. Relative to ARs that are equally probable from April–September, GPLLJs exhibit distinct seasonality, with peak occurrence in July. A 500-hPa geopotential height comparison shows a persistent ridge over the central United States for non-AR GPLLJ days, whereas on AR GPLLJ days, a trough-and-ridge pattern is present over western to eastern CONUS. AR GPLLJ days have 34% greater 850-hPa windspeeds, 53% greater IVT, and 72% greater 24-h precipitation accumulation than non-AR GPLLJ days. In terms of 95th-percentile 850-hPa wind speed, IVT, and 24-h precipitation, that of AR GPLLJs is 25%, 45%, and 23% greater than non-AR GPLLJs, respectively.
A Climatological Comparison of the Arctic Environment and Arctic Cyclones between Periods of Low and High Forecast Skill of the Synoptic-Scale Flow
Authors: Biernat Kevin A. , Keyser Daniel , Bosart Lance F.
Published: May 2023

The prediction of weather conditions in the Arctic is important to human activities in the Arctic. Arctic cyclones (ACs), which are extratropical cyclones that originate within the Arctic or move into the Arctic from lower latitudes, can be associated with hazardous weather conditions that may adversely affect human activities. The purpose of this study is to increase understanding of processes that influence the forecast skill of the synoptic-scale flow over the Arctic and of ACs. The 11-member NOAA Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) reforecast dataset, version 2, is utilized to identify periods of low and high forecast skill of the synoptic-scale flow over the Arctic, hereinafter referred to as low-skill and high-skill periods, respectively, during the summers of 2007–17, and to evaluate the forecast skill of ACs during these respective periods. The ERA-Interim dataset is used to examine characteristics of the Arctic environment and characteristics of ACs during low-skill and high-skill periods. The Arctic environment tends to be characterized by more vigorous baroclinic processes and latent heating during low-skill periods relative to high-skill periods. ACs occur more frequently over much of the Arctic; tend to be stronger; and tend to be located in regions of larger lower-tropospheric baroclinicity, lower-to-midtropospheric Eady growth rate (EGR), and latent heating during low-skill periods relative to high-skill periods. ACs during low-skill periods that are characterized by low forecast skill of intensity tend to be relatively strong and tend to be located in regions of relatively large lower-tropospheric baroclinicity, lower-to-midtropospheric EGR, and latent heating.
Predicting the Future in Trauma: Trauma and Injury Severity Score Loses Accuracy and Validity for Late Deaths After Injury
Authors: Wu Yu-Tung , Biswas Subarna , Matsushima Kazuhide , Schellenberg Morgan , Inaba Kenji , Martin Matthew J.
Published: May 2023

Background

The Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) is widely used to predict mortality in trauma patients, but its performance metrics have not been analyzed for early vs later deaths. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of time to death on the accuracy of TRISS.

Methods

Patients from 2013 to 2018 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database were included. We compared predicted survival by TRISS using the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) and calibration curves between different cut-off times and subgroups. We further compared early (≤72 hr) and late (>72 hr) deaths based on mechanisms and severity.

Results

Among the 1,180,745 patients, the total mortality rate was 6.4%, with 59% early deaths and 41% late deaths. The AUC of TRISS for all patients was .919 (95% CI: .918-.921) for ≤72 hr survival and .845 (95% CI: .843-.848) for >72 hr survival. Significant discrepancies in AUCs between the early and late death groups existed in all cohorts based on blunt/penetrating mechanisms and severity. TRISS predicted well in early survival of penetrating injury but was less reliable in late survival of penetrating injury and all blunt injury. TRISS tended to underestimate survival, particularly for patients with lower probability of survival, with increased discrepancies seen for predicting late deaths.

Conclusions

The predictive ability of TRISS varies significantly based on the timing of deaths and key injury factors. TRISS may be best utilized in predicting early survival in penetrating injury, but its reliability and accuracy diminish when predicting late deaths for all kinds of injury.
Trends of Opioid Usage in Surgical Patients in a Small Community Hospital: Analysis of Patient Data Between 2017 and 2021
Authors: Leopold Todd , Gerschutz Mark , Rao Shantanu
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to quantify and analyze the annual opioid usage in surgical patients at Wood County Hospital (WCH) between 2017 and 2021. Methods: In this retrospective study, patient data between 2017 and 2021 was analyzed to determine the oral morphine milligram equivalent (MME) of opioids used in surgical patients at WCH. Annual MME prescribed per admission was compared each year using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test. Similarly, the annual use of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen for surgical patients per admission was also calculated and analyzed using the one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test. Results: Compared to the year 2017 (42.0 ± 3.6), a statistically significant decrease in opioid usage per surgical admission (mean±SEM of MME) was observed during the years 2018 (32.6 ± 1.4; P = .04), 2019 (30.4 ± 1.2; P = .01), and 2021 (30.8 ± 1.9; P = .01). An analysis of individual opioid use revealed a trend toward lower fentanyl and hydromorphone usage each year since 2017. A significant decrease in the annual morphine usage (mean±SEM of MME) for surgical patients was observed during both 2020 (14.4 ± 0.9; P = .05) and 2021 (14.0 ± 0.7; P = .05) compared to the year 2017 (22.1 ± 2.4). Finally, compared to the year 2017, a statistically significant decrease ( P < .05) in the annual use of oxycodone (MME) and IV acetaminophen (mg) for pain management in surgical patients was observed from 2018 to 2021. Conclusion: Our analysis reveals a significant decrease in opioid usage per surgical admission at WCH over 2017 to 2021 indicating a positive impact of the various opioid stewardship measures implemented at the hospital.
Effects of Conducting With or Without a Musical Score on Observers’ Perceptions of Conductors
Authors: Springer D. Gregory , Silvey Brian A. , Doshier Nickolas , Hall Faith
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of conductor score use (conducting with a musical score vs. conducting without a score) on observers’ perceptions of conductors. We also examined how those effects may differ when viewed from the ensemble perspective compared to the audience perspective. Participants ( N = 126) were collegiate musicians who viewed two video recordings of a conductor leading a collegiate symphonic band through an excerpt of Grainger’s Colonial Song. In one video, participants viewed the conductor using a musical score. In the other video, the conductor did not use a musical score. Half of the participants viewed the videos showing the front view of the conductor (ensemble perspective), and the other half viewed the back view of the conductor (audience perspective). Participants rated the conductor’s competence and knowledge of the score in each video. Results indicated a significant effect due to score condition. However, that effect was not independent of viewing perspective or presentation order. Responses to open-ended questions indicated that conductor gesture was the most common aspect observed by participants, but participants also reported that conductor score use was one of the common aspects noticed when evaluating knowledge of the score.
A Novel Approach to Locating Community Clinics to Promote Health Care Accessibility and Reduce Health Disparities in Baltimore, Maryland
Authors: DeClercq Caitlin , Gharipour Mohammad , Mohagheghi Salman , Tot Bui Andrew , Hemme Naomi Wong , Johnson Eric
Published: May 2023

Baltimore, Maryland’s entrenched racial residential segregation renders the city’s world-class medical facilities and services inaccessible to many Black residents living in its most divested neighborhoods. Arguing the need for post-pandemic health care facilities to address health inequities as a practice of care-giving, this article describes a project funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to define a novel, transdisciplinary methodology for identifying ideal vacant sites for conversion into community clinics in Baltimore’s most vulnerable neighborhoods. Positioning architecture as a social determinant of health, this paper suggests ethical and methodological reorientations toward a compassionate approach to clinic design and placement.
Curating Training Data for Reliable Large-Scale Visual Data Analysis: Lessons from Identifying Trash in Street View Imagery
Authors: Hwang Jackelyn , Dahir Nima , Sarukkai Mayuka , Wright Gabby
Published: May 2023

Visual data have dramatically increased in quantity in the digital age, presenting new opportunities for social science research. However, the extensive time and labor costs to process and analyze these data with existing approaches limit their use. Computer vision methods hold promise but often require large and nonexistent training data to identify sociologically relevant variables. We present a cost-efficient method for curating training data that utilizes simple tasks and pairwise comparisons to interpret and analyze visual data at scale using computer vision. We apply our approach to the detection of trash levels across space and over time in millions of street-level images in three physically distinct US cities. By comparing to ratings produced in a controlled setting and utilizing computational methods, we demonstrate generally high reliability in the method and identify sources that limit it. Altogether, this approach expands how visual data can be used at a large scale in sociology.
Modeling Rating Order Effects Under Item Response Theory Models for Rater-Mediated Assessments
Authors: Huang Hung-Yu
Published: May 2023

Rater effects are commonly observed in rater-mediated assessments. By using item response theory (IRT) modeling, raters can be treated as independent factors that function as instruments for measuring ratees. Most rater effects are static and can be addressed appropriately within an IRT framework, and a few models have been developed for dynamic rater effects. Operational rating projects often require human raters to continuously and repeatedly score ratees over a certain period, imposing a burden on the cognitive processing abilities and attention spans of raters that stems from judgment fatigue and thus affects the rating quality observed during the rating period. As a result, ratees’ scores may be influenced by the order in which they are graded by raters in a rating sequence, and the rating order effect should be considered in new IRT models. In this study, two types of many-faceted (MF)-IRT models are developed to account for such dynamic rater effects, which assume that rater severity can drift systematically or stochastically. The results obtained from two simulation studies indicate that the parameters of the newly developed models can be estimated satisfactorily using Bayesian estimation and that disregarding the rating order effect produces biased model structure and ratee proficiency parameter estimations. A creativity assessment is outlined to demonstrate the application of the new models and to investigate the consequences of failing to detect the possible rating order effect in a real rater-mediated evaluation.
Analyst Forecasts, Managerial Learning, and Corporate Investment
Authors: Hu Yaqin , Zhang Yuan
Published: May 2023

Building on prior results that financial analysts have an information advantage relative to managers at the macroeconomic level, we show that such an information advantage is an important source of what managers learn from analysts in making investment decisions. Specifically, the sensitivity of corporate capital investment to analyst forecasts of firm earnings or long-term growth is positively associated with the exposure of a firm’s operations to macroeconomic factors, including the business cycle and energy prices. This effect is concentrated among firms whose analysts have greater macro-level insights or firms that have higher capital intensity and hence stronger incentives to learn. Overall, our results suggest that managers learn from analysts regarding the implications of macroeconomic factors for firm-specific prospects and incorporate what they learn into their capital investment decisions.
The Validation of the Kutcher Adolescent Depression 6-Item Scale in a Sample of Colombian Preadolescents and Adolescents
Authors: Romero-Acosta Kelly , Lipps Garth E. , Lowe Gillian A. , Gibson Roger , Ramirez-Giraldo Andrés
Published: May 2023

Against the background of a lack of screening instruments for measuring depressive symptoms in Colombian adolescents and preadolescents, this study aims to establish the internal consistency reliability, component structure and the concurrent and discriminant validity of the Kutcher Adolescent Depression Six-Item Scale (KADS-6) among preadolescent school students in Sincelejo, Colombia. Participated 710 youth (10.8 years of age ± .75 years) divided into two groups to cross-validate analyses that were undertaken to determine the internal consistency reliability, as well as the concurrent and discriminant validity, of the KADS-6 among preadolescents. Results show that over 95% of the sample did not report problems understanding any of the items on the KADS-6. The KADS-6 had acceptable levels of internal consistency reliability, concurrent and discriminant validity and was unidimensional. In conclusion, The KADS-6 is well understood by Colombian preadolescents and has adequate psychometric properties in adolescents, rendering it acceptable for use with Colombian preadolescents.
Rewards weaken cross-modal inhibition of return with visual targets
Authors: Qian Qinyue , Lu Meihua , Sun Delin , Wang Aijun , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2023

Previous studies have shown that rewards weaken visual inhibition of return (IOR). However, the specific mechanisms underlying the influence of rewards on cross-modal IOR remain unclear. Based on the Posner exogenous cue-target paradigm, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of rewards on exogenous spatial cross-modal IOR in both visual cue with auditory target (VA) and auditory cue with visual target (AV) conditions. The results showed the following: in the AV condition, the IOR effect size in the high-reward condition was significantly lower than that in the low-reward condition. However, in the VA condition, there was no significant IOR in either the high- or low-reward condition and there was no significant difference between the two conditions. In other words, the use of rewards modulated exogenous spatial cross-modal IOR with visual targets; specifically, high rewards may have weakened IOR in the AV condition. Taken together, our study extended the effect of rewards on IOR to cross-modal attention conditions and demonstrated for the first time that higher motivation among individuals under high-reward conditions weakened the cross-modal IOR with visual targets. Moreover, the present study provided evidence for future research on the relationship between reward and attention.
Factors to Reduce Drug-Related Recidivism Among Paroled Methamphetamine Users in Japan: 10-Year Data Analysis
Authors: Hazama Kyoko , Katsuta Satoshi
Published: May 2023

This study explored factors to reduce drug-related recidivism among paroled methamphetamine users in Japan, especially the significance of continuing care and motivation, internationally shown as positively related to better treatment outcomes. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed on 10-year drug-related recidivism data from 4,084 methamphetamine users paroled in 2007 who received a mandatory educational program conducted by professional and volunteer probation officers. Independent variables included participant characteristics, an index of motivation, and the length of parole as a substitute for the duration of continuing care with consideration of the Japanese legal system structures and socio-cultural context. Older age, lower number of previous prison sentences, shorter imprisonment, longer parole, and index of higher motivation were significantly and negatively associated with drug-related recidivism. The results indicate the benefit of continuing care and motivation on treatment outcomes, regardless of the differences in socio-cultural context and criminal justice system.
Translation, cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Persian version of Occupational Balance Questionnaire in healthy adults
Authors: Salehi sadati Seyed Sadegh , Raji Parvin , Nakhostin Ansari Noureddin , Håkansson Carita , Wagman Petra
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Occupational balance is a fundamental concept that plays an influential role in enhancing health and well-being.

Method:

The Persian Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11 was administered to 157 healthy individuals in the test phase and 80 healthy individuals in the retest phase. Floor or ceiling effects, construct validity, discriminant validity, internal consistency reliability, test–retest reliability, standard error of the measurement and smallest detectable change were examined.

Results:

The Persian Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11 showed no missing responses. There were no floor or ceiling effects for the total score. The independent t-test did not show a statistically significant difference between groups (based on age category, marital status and job status) that didn’t support discriminant validity. Factor analysis demonstrated a three-factor solution for the Persian Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11 which jointly accounted for 57.62% of the total variance. There was high internal consistency for test (α = 0.813) and retest (α = 0.853). The test–retest reliability for Persian Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11 with a 1-week interval was excellent (ICCagreement = 0.880). The standard error of the measurement and smallest detectable change were 2.02 and 5.60, respectively.

Conclusion:

Persian Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11 is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing occupational balance in healthy Persian-speaking participants.
Incorporating Social Vulnerability Variables in Measures to Quantify Access to Opportunities
Authors: Sansone Michael , Gohlke David , Zhou Yan
Published: May 2023

This study quantifies access to travel opportunities to understand what societal factors are linked with local access and to identify communities with reduced access. We introduce a method to compare accessibility across all census tracts in the United States that can be used across geographically diverse communities ranging from sparsely to densely populated areas. This study considers six key opportunities which we consider essential for all communities (grocery stores, public schools, daycares, primary care doctors, pharmacies, and parks), and six additional destinations which can be viewed as a social safety net (homeless shelters, women’s shelters, food pantries, libraries, vocational schools, and banks). We quantify accessibility to these opportunities within a 15 min walk, transit trip, bicycle ride, and automobile drive for every census tract in the United States, and observe a decrease in vehicle miles traveled and vehicle ownership in tracts with increased walkability. Through analysis at the census tract level, this study incorporates variables of social vulnerability with these cumulative opportunity metrics to better understand diminished accessibility as attributed to social and racial inequities. As example findings, we find decreased access to financial services in communities with high minority and limited English speaking populations, no apparent change in access for childcare in communities with high percentages of single-parent families, and potentially increased or decreased access to women’s healthcare resources for Black women depending on the travel mode.
Forecasting Traffic Speed during Daytime from Google Street View Images using Deep Learning
Authors: Jiao Junfeng , Wang Huihai
Published: May 2023

Traffic forecasting plays an important role in urban planning. Deep learning methods outperform traditional traffic flow forecasting models because of their ability to capture spatiotemporal characteristics of traffic conditions. However, these methods require high-quality historical traffic data, which can be both difficult to acquire and non-comprehensive, making it hard to predict traffic flows at the city scale. To resolve this problem, we implemented a deep learning method, SceneGCN, to forecast traffic speed at the city scale. The model involves two steps: firstly, scene features are extracted from Google Street View (GSV) images for each road segment using pretrained Resnet18 models. Then, the extracted features are entered into a graph convolutional neural network to predict traffic speed at different hours of the day. Our results show that the accuracy of the model can reach up to 86.5% and the Resnet18 model pretrained by Places365 is the best choice to extract scene features for traffic forecasting tasks. Finally, we conclude that the proposed model can predict traffic speed efficiently at the city scale and GSV images have the potential to capture information about human activities.
Evaluation of Low-Traffic Neighborhoods and Scale Effects: The Paris Case Study
Authors: Yin Biao , Diallo Azise Oumar , Seregina Tatiana , Coulombel Nicolas , Liu Liu
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates the socio-economic impacts of the driving restriction zone policy for the Paris region, using the multi-agent transport simulation MATSim. Based on a previous work which has calibrated a first instantiation of the mobility model to the Paris region, we extend it by modeling and simulating two forms of intermodality: Park-and-Walk and Park-and-Ride. After re-calibrating the model, we evaluate two policy scenarios featuring different scales of the restriction zone, using indicators related to mobility, traffic emissions, and social cost. The analysis puts special attention on how modal shift and emissions vary across space, that is, inside and outside the policy zone. We find that the small-scale scenario with a restriction zone limited to the Paris center leads to very limited modal shift, whereas the larger-scale policy scenario encompassing the whole of Paris shifts significantly more trips (about 1.4% of total trips) from cars to public transport and other modes. In both scenarios, traffic emissions decline in the restriction zone and its near surroundings. Far from the restriction zone, however, emissions increase in the small-scale scenario but decrease in the large-scale scenario. These differences are caused by the traffic detour, modal shift, and rebound effects, the magnitudes of which vary depending on the scale of the restriction zone. The driving restrictions also cause the social cost to increase by around 10% in both scenarios. This ultimately implies a trade-off between reducing emissions and increasing user costs, with a substantially greater efficiency (larger reduction for similar cost) in the large-scale policy scenario.
Resilience as a Service for Transportation Networks: Definition and Basic Concepts
Authors: Amghar Rihab , Jaber Sara , Moghaddam S. M. Hassan Mahdavi , Bhouri Neila , Ameli Mostafa
Published: May 2023

Urban transportation systems' structure and functionality can be affected by unexpected disruptions for several reasons, such as natural hazards, intentional attacks, accidents, and so forth. The conventional definition of resilience is the capacity to withstand, assimilate, adjust, and expeditiously recuperate from various forms of perturbations such as shocks, disturbances, and deliberate attacks. Though multiple studies in the literature focus on resilience assessment and improving the resilience level of mobility services before disruption, few studies offer solutions for the operators of transportation systems during disruptions to alleviate their negative effects, such as reducing the recovery time. In this context, a new paradigm called ``resilience as a service'' (RaaS) has emerged in the field of operations management. The idea of RaaS is to integrate the available resources of different service providers to manage disruptions and maintain the system's resilience. This paper proposes a definition of RaaS dedicated to transportation systems. To provide a methodological example for the RaaS paradigm, we formulate a bi-level optimization problem to represent a solution example that RaaS providers can deliver. The upper-level model formulates the resource reallocation problem during disruption from the perspective of RaaS providers, while the lower-level model considers user perspectives. We provide a numerical example in a real test case of a French city to illustrate the benefits of implementing a RaaS solution. The results show that we can reduce the average travel delay of all users by 69%, including the delay results from the proposed RaaS strategy compared with the absence of RaaS.
Menstrual Blood–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Encapsulated in Autologous Platelet-Rich Gel Facilitate Rotator Cuff Healing in a Rabbit Model of Chronic Tears
Authors: Song Ya , Li Ping , Xu Yan , Lin Zhangyuan , Deng Zhenhan , Chen Can
Published: May 2023

Background:

Successful management of chronic rotator cuff (RC) tears remains a challenge owing to its limited intrinsic healing capacity and unsatisfactory failure rate. Menstrual blood–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) have the potential to differentiate into the chondrogenic or osteogenic lineage. Autologous platelet-rich gel (APG), a gel material derived from platelet-rich plasma (PRP), can be applied as a carrier system for cell delivery and also as a releasing system for endogenous growth factors.

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of human MenSCs encapsulated in APG (MenSCs@APG) on the healing of chronic RC tears in a rabbit model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

After evaluation of the effect of PRP on MenSC proliferation or differentiation, the stem cells were encapsulated in APG for in vivo injection. Supraspinatus tenotomy from the right greater tuberosity was performed on 45 New Zealand White rabbits. After 6 weeks, these rabbits were randomly allocated to 3 supplemental treatments during supraspinatus repair: saline injection (control [CTL] group), APG injection (APG group), and MenSCs@APG injection (MenSCs@APG group). At week 18, these rabbits were sacrificed to harvest the humerus–supraspinatus tendon complexes for micro–computed tomography (CT), histological evaluation, tensile test, and MenSC tracking.

Results:

In vitro results showed that APG can stimulate MenSC proliferation and enhance chondrogenic or osteogenic differentiation. In vivo results showed that APG can act as a carrier for delivering MenSCs into the healing site, and also as a stimulator for enhancing the in vivo performance of MenSCs. Micro-CT showed that bone volume/total volume and trabecular thickness of the new bone in the MenSCs@APG group presented significantly larger values than those of the APG or CTL group ( P < .05 for all). Histologically, compared with the CTL or APG group, significantly more mature fibrocartilage regenerated at the healing site in the MenSCs@APG group. A large number of human nuclei–stained cells were observed in the MenSCs@APG group, presenting a similar appearance to fibrochondrocytes or osteocytes. Biomechanically, the MenSCs@APG group showed significantly higher failure load and stiffness than the APG or CTL group ( P < .05 for all).

Conclusion:

Human MenSCs@APG facilitated RC healing in a rabbit model of chronic tears.

Clinical Relevance:

Autogenous MenSCs@APG may be a new stem cell–based therapy for augmenting RC healing in the clinic.
Recruitment and Retention Strategies for Parents Experiencing Vulnerability: Lessons from an Online Parenting Program
Authors: Komanchuk Jelena , Letourneau Nicole , Duffett-Leger Linda , Cameron Judy L.
Published: May 2023

Background

Supportive parenting programs can promote parent-child interactions and children's development. However, families experiencing vulnerability (e.g., low socioeconomic status) report barriers (e.g., transportation, distrust of researchers) to research participation, and attrition rates of 40% and higher have been reported in parenting research. In response, we conducted a longitudinal evaluation of a digital parenting program in a major metropolitan centre in western Canada and retained 99% of our sample.

Aim

Review recruitment and retention strategies employed in the First Pathways study and evaluate associations between sociodemographic (e.g., income) and psychosocial (e.g., parental depression) factors with recruitment and retention strategies.

Methods and Findings

In collaboration with community agencies, we commenced recruitment of 100 families experiencing vulnerability (e.g., low-income) in June 2021. We utilized strategies to engage staff (e.g., presentations, gift cards, updates) and employed snowball sampling. Families recruited through community agencies were significantly more likely to experience vulnerability (e.g., low income and education, high adverse experiences) compared to families in the snowball sample. We incorporated strategies to minimize participant burden (e.g., choice of online or in-person meetings), promoted rapport (e.g., holiday texts, nonjudgmental environment), incorporated trauma-informed practices (e.g., sensitive inquiry), and demonstrated appreciation for participants’ contributions (i.e., honorarium). Family experiences of vulnerability (i.e., low income, depressive symptoms, adversity) were correlated with higher participant rescheduling.

Conclusion

Nurses need knowledge of strategies to promote equitable access to research for families experiencing vulnerability. Digital programs with protocols designed to establish rapport, include trauma-informed practices, and minimize participant burden will likely optimize participation and retention.
Bioimpedance and Duration of Organ Dysfunction in Septic Shock—A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Koch Ellen Bjerre , Madsen Janne M. , Wichmann Sine , Bestle Morten H. , Itenov Theis S.
Published: May 2023

Rationale: Bioimpedance may be a useful tool to guide fluid treatment and avoid organ dysfunction related to fluid overload. Objective: We examined the correlation between bioimpedance and organ dysfunction in patients with septic shock. Methods: Prospective observational study of adult intensive care unit patients fulfilling the sepsis-3 criteria. Bioimpedance was measured using a body composition monitor (BCM) and BioScan Touch i8 (MBS). We measured impedance at inclusion and after 24 h and reported the impedance, change in impedance, bioimpedance-derived fluid balance, and changes in bioimpedance-derived fluid balance. Organ markers on respiratory, circulatory, and kidney function and overall disease severity were ascertained on days 1–7. The effect of bioimpedance on the change in organ function was assessed by mixed effects linear models. We considered P < .01 as significant. Measurements and Main Results: Forty-nine patients were included. None of the single baseline measurements or derived fluid balances were associated with the course of organ dysfunction. Changes in impedance were associated with the course of overall disease severity ( P < .001; with MBS), and with changes in noradrenaline dose ( P < .001; with MBS) and fluid balance ( P < .001; with BCM). The changes in bioimpedance-derived fluid balance were associated with changes in noradrenaline dose ( P < .001; with BCM), cumulative fluid balances ( P < .001; with MBS), and lactate concentrations ( P < .001; with BCM). Conclusions: Changes in bioimpedance were correlated with the duration of overall organ failure, circulatory failure, and fluid status. Single measurements of bioimpedance were not associated with any changes in organ dysfunction.
Non-stoichiometric effect in the superacid-catalyzed polyhydroxyalkylation of biphenyl and 1-propyl isatin
Authors: Cruz-Rosado Alfredo , Romero-Hernández Juan Enrique , Rios-López Marlene , López-Morales Salvador , Cedillo Gerardo , Rios-Ruiz Lucero Mayra , Cetina-Mancilla Enoc , Palacios-Alquisira Joaquín , Zolotukhin Mikhail G , Vivaldo-Lima Eduardo
Published: May 2023

An experimental study on the superacid-catalyzed polyhydroxyalkylation of biphenyl (A2 monomer) and 1-propyl isatin (B2 monomer) at non-stoichiometric conditions is presented. The produced high-performance polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF), nuclear magnetic resonance and diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY). High molecular weights (Mw > 150,000 Da) and ultra-high molecular weights (Mw ∼ 900,000 Da) are obtained when B2 is used in excess, which agrees with the behavior observed at non-stoichiometric conditions for other superacid catalyzed polyhydroxyalkylations, contrary to the case when A2 is used in excess, where a reduction in molecular weight is obtained, as reported in a previous study from our group. A, B, and M types of linear polymer molecules, as well as C-type cycles, were observed from the MALDI-TOF data.
Investigation of the electrochemical behavior of titanium dioxide coating on magnesium alloy
Authors: Emami Amjad Nasim , Khameneh Asl Shahab , Alipour Mohammad
Published: May 2023

Biocompatibility and electrochemical corrosion resistance are one of the most important issues in bone implants. In the last decades, metal implants have received much attention because of their properties. Magnesium and its alloys have been widely used in orthopedics because of their biocompatibility and bone growth proprieties. Magnesium has low corrosion resistance; especially in biological environments of the body, or when exposed to blood plasma, this makes magnesium useful as an absorbable implant. To increase the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys, and adjust the corrosion rate of the implant to the rate of bone growth, it is necessary to coat these implants. Ceramic coatings are one of the possibilities, because of their biocompatibility and high corrosion resistance. TiO2 possesses desirable properties, such as an excellent mechanical features, high corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, which make it widely used as implant coatings material. Sol-gel is one of the effective methods for making various ceramic materials. In this study, the electrochemical properties of magnesium alloy Mg-5Gd-2.5Nd-0.5Zn-0.5Zr with and without coating with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) are investigated through Tafel extrapolation and impedance test Titanium dioxide coating was applied to the alloys by the sol-gel method. The effect of four variables of fluoride ion content, etching time, immersion time, and the number of immersions were studied. The results of SEM images showed the optimal sample surface of a uniform coating with a thickness of 6 μm. The optimal sample corrosion current density reported 2.58  ×  10−5 A/m2, which is the lowest current density in samples. The results of the impedance test also confirmed these data and the optimal sample indicated the highest value of Rp  =  5003 Ω.cm2.
Investigation of coated 316L steel surface employing carbon nanotubes mixed-electrical discharge machining for biomedical applications
Authors: Danish Mohd , Al-Amin Md , Rubaiee Saeed , Parameswari R P , Abdul-Rani Ahmad M , Ahmed Anas , Yildirim Mehmet B
Published: May 2023

This research focuses on the influence of carbon nanotubes on the modified 316L steel surface properties for potential biomedical applications and explores relationships between the process variables and the modified surface properties. Following Taguchi's L9 (3^4) design, carbon nanotube is added in the electro-discharge machining oil to synthesize a biocompatible and hard coating when the machining of 316L steel with a titanium electrode. A few characterization tools such as scanning electron microscope, goniometer, Vickers's hardness, x-ray diffraction (powder X-ray diffraction), atomic force microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, and MTT ((3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, a tetrazole) assay were adopted for performing the modified surface characterizations. A thin coating of 14.65 µm attributing to a small contact angle of 58.97° is found. The lowest surface roughness of 1.63 µm in micron scale and 5.641 nm in nano scale is obtained at a low both current and carbon nanotube amount applications. The morphological results confirm a crack-free, micro and nano porous surface. Compositional analysis ensures carbides, intermetallic and oxides formation on the coated surface. Microhardness of 316L steel is improved by about 86% (269.8 HV). Most importantly, approximately 70% cells are alive, which witnesses the use of carbon nanotube in biocompatible coating formation.
Hiding the Losses: Fiscal Transparency and the Performance of Government Portfolios of Financial Assets
Authors: Seiferling Mike , Tareq Shamsuddin
Published: May 2023

The widespread reliance on gross government debt and deficit/surplus as indicators of fiscal performance has too often neglected the role played by other important parts of a government's balance sheet including their portfolios of financial assets. Partial measures of net worth leaves an important gap in the empirical literature on financial performance and fiscal transparency. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role played by equity investments and their performance in secondary markets. The results suggest that the performance of government equity portfolios correlates strongly with fiscal transparency to the extent that fully transparent governments are expected to generate around 7 percent higher returns than fully opaque governments. We also find strong evidence of governments willingness to inject liquidity, via investing in equities, into other sectors of the economy during periods of financial crisis confirming governments’ role as an ‘investor of last resort’.
Diagnostic Dilemma of ANA-negative Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a South Asian Female
Authors: Khan Qaisar Ali , khan Tehmina , Abdi Parsa , Farkouh Christopher , Anthony Michelle , Hadi Faiza Amatul , Iram Sumaira
Published: May 2023

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder affecting multiple organs with different degrees of severity. SLE is typically diagnosed based on the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the serum. However, seronegative SLE is rare and is diagnosed by clinicians when the patient’s ANA is negative but fulfills other diagnostic criteria.

Case report:

We report a case of a 15-year-old South Asian female with SLE who had negative antinuclear antibodies yet displayed the typical clinical presentations of photosensitive maculopapular rash, joint pain, alopecia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Clinical evaluations in conjunction with lab results were used to establish a diagnosis of ANA-negative SLE.

Conclusion:

ANA positivity is an entry criterion for SLE; rarely, cases of ANA-negative SLE may present. A typical clinical presentation may help determine the diagnosis in such a scenario. However, still, the physician should rule out immunodeficiency and other systemic illnesses before reaching a diagnosis of ANA-negative pediatric SLE.
Prevalence and associating variables with fear of progression in Chinese pediatric cancer patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhang Meng , Qu Qian , Hu Wanting , Torres Joseph , Yao Juan , Pan Xiaorong
Published: May 2023

Fear of progression (FoP) is a prevalent psychological strain for cancer patients associated with poor quality of life and psychological morbidity. However, little evidence exists on FoP in children with cancer. Our study aimed to determine prevalence and correlates of FoP of cancer in children. From December 2018 to March 2019, cancer patients from Children’s Hospital in Chongqing, Southwest China, were recruited. A Chinese version of Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF) was adopted to assess children’ FoP. Descriptive statistics (percentages, median, and interquartile range), non-parametric tests, and multiple regression analyses were performed on these data. Prevalence of high-level FoP was 43.75% among these 102 children. Multiple regression analysis showed that reproductive system tumors (beta = 0.315, t = 3.235 95% CI [3.171, 13.334]), and level of psychological care needs (beta = −0.370, t = −3.793 95% CI [−5.396, −1.680]) were independent predictors of FoP. Regression model explained 27.10% of all included variables (adjusted R square = 27.10%). As with adults with cancer, children with cancer also have FoP. More attention should be paid to FoP in children with reproductive tumors and in children who need psychological support. More access to psychological support should be offered to reduce FoP and to improve their quality of life.
Durability of bond between carbon/glass hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer (HFRP) bar and concrete in water
Authors: Xu Gaojie , Yu Yixun , Pan Yunfeng , Li Biao
Published: May 2023

Glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars have been widely used as a reinforcement in concrete, and glass fibers are susceptible to reacting with alkali ions in concrete pores. Thus, carbon fibers are wrapped around GFRP bars to produce carbon/glass hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer (HFRP) bars so as to promote the durability of the internal GFRP bars in concrete. This work studies the durability of the interfacial bond between GFRP bars/HFRP bars and concrete using pullout tests. The specimens are tested after immersion in distilled water for 0, 150, 255, and 544 days. The failure of the GFRP bar–concrete composite is due to damage to the GFRP bar, while the HFRP bar–concrete composite fails because of a combination of the scratching of the HFRP bar and the failure of the concrete. Both HFRP and GFRP bars are scratched as the immersion period extends. Further, the strength of the bond between the HFRP bar and concrete is lower than that of the bond between the GFRP bar and concrete, while the bond stiffness of the HFRP bar–concrete composite is higher than that of the GFRP bar–concrete composite. The bond strength of the HFRP bar–concrete and GFRP bar–concrete composites increases in the early immersion periods but decreases after 544 days of immersion in water. The retention of the bond strength of the HFRP bar–concrete composite is superior to that of the GFRP bar–concrete composite. The carbon fiber coat is proven to improve the durability of the bond between HFRP bars and concrete in water. A formula for predicting the bond strength of HFRP bar–concrete and GFRP bar–concrete composites in water is also developed. Finally, the modeling results demonstrate that the bond strength retention of the HFRP bar–concrete and GFRP bar–concrete composite is 76% and 46% after 50 years of service time, respectively.