bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale Feature Fusion Attention Lightweight Facial Expression Recognition
Authors: Ni Jinyuan , Zhang Xinyue , Zhang Jianxun
Published: August 2022

Facial expression recognition based on residual networks is important for technologies related to space human-robot interaction and collaboration but suffers from low accuracy and slow computation in complex network structures. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a multiscale feature fusion attention lightweight wide residual network. The network first uses an improved random erasing method to preprocess facial expression images, which improves the generalizability of the model. The use of a modified depthwise separable convolution in the feature extraction network reduces the computational effort associated with the network parameters and enhances the characterization of the extracted features through a channel shuffle operation. Then, an improved bottleneck block is used to reduce the dimensionality of the upper layer network feature map to further reduce the number of network parameters while enhancing the network feature extraction capability. Finally, an optimized multiscale feature lightweight attention mechanism module is embedded to further improve the feature extractability of the network for human facial expressions. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the model is 73.21%, 98.72%, and 95.21% on FER2013, CK+ and JAFFE, respectively, with a covariance of 10.14 M. Compared with other networks, the model proposed in this paper has faster computing speed and better accuracy at the same time.
[Retracted] Investigation of the Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture Combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine Fumigation in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tao Weijing , Zhang Qian , Wang Lijuan
Published: August 2022

In order to investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine fumigation in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by meta‐analysis, literature related to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine fumigation are searched in line with the research direction. Meta‐analysis is conducted by RevMan 5.2 software. A total of 17 literature are included and the publication bias of the included literature is low. The experimental results show that acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine fumigation can reduce the inflammatory response and clinical symptoms of RA patients, and the addition of acupuncture can improve the clinical efficacy, which has a certain feasibility of promotion.
Research on the Influencing Factors of Sustainable Development of Smart Community
Authors: Wan Lijun , Jiang Siqi
Published: August 2022

The sustainable development of China’s smart community is the top priority of grassroots governance in China and also the general trend of China’s urban modernization. Sustainable development of smart community with the use of the new generation of information technology actively explores the development model of smart community construction and improves the modern level of community governance. The sustainable development of smart communities in China cannot be separated from the participation of residents. This study analyzes the relationship between the sustainable development of smart communities and the participation of Chinese residents. Data were collected through questionnaire survey, and SEM model was used to analyze the impact of different factors of residents’ participation on the sustainable development of smart communities as well as the differences among these factors. The results of the study are as follows. Chinese smart community is in the initial stage of development, and the overall participation level of residents is relatively shallow, with few active participation behaviors. To realize the sustainable development of smart community in China, a multilevel governance pattern should be constructed from the perspective of government. Community and residents, the thinking mode of grassroots government, should be changed. The service supply system of smart community should be improved, and the initiative of residents should be given full play to better realize the sustainable development of smart community.
The “Spatial Equilibrium” Evolution of the Tourism Ecosystem and Theoretical Construction from a Multidisciplinary Perspective
Authors: Yang Chunyu , Gong Na , Hong Huanzhou , You Biying
Published: August 2022

The evolution of the tourism ecosystem is characterized by its complexity, imbalance, and spatial heterogeneity. As a result, it has been the focus of academic attention across a wide range of disciplines, including geography, ecology, economics, management, sociology, and philosophy. Firstly, this article explores the connotations and characteristics of the spatial evolution of tourism ecosystems, subsequently proposing that the spatial evolution of tourism ecosystems is essentially different and “mutually inclusive.” To do so, it searches through the relevant research results on “spatial equilibrium” in ecosystems from the perspectives of different disciplines and analyzes their different core concepts, theoretical systems, and research methods. Second, the coupling force acts as a key character and exerts an influence on “spatial equilibrium” in ecosystems as a dynamic mechanism, internal stability mechanism, and dynamic mechanism. Third, nonlinear, dynamic, evolutionary, systematic thinking, and axiomatic theories are combined to construct an internal stable evolution mechanism and abstract tourism ecosystem model to form an explanatory theoretical system. The results of the research show that the construction of the “spatial equilibrium” of the tourism ecosystem model should pertain to the initial state of the comprehensive environmental carrying capacity of the tourism ecosystem as it evolves to form a tourism ecosystem based on the coupling relationship between the internal and external elements of the “spatial equilibrium” state. Finally, the future research approaches in this field are summarized and assessed. The methodology and theoretical exploration discussed in this article will contribute to a better understanding of how to sustainably develop tourism destinations.
Study on Academic Evaluation Practice of Theoretical Courses of Sports Basketball Education under the Concept of Quantitative Evaluation
Authors: Liu Jianqing , Wang Yifei
Published: August 2022

The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of my country clearly pointed out that it is necessary to cultivate high-quality teachers, which means improving the physical education ability of our country. The construction of physical education teachers in colleges and universities should not only have good professional skills but also have a profound theoretical foundation, which requires strengthening their teaching evaluation. Therefore, evaluating their teaching effects has become an important topic in the current teaching reform. For a long time, the theoretical teaching performance evaluation of domestic university sports majors mostly adopts quantitative methods such as paper and pen, pursuing precision, and quantification, thus greatly improving the comprehensive quality of students. This study is to analyze the academic performance of vocational basic courses of basketball in colleges and universities, using the quantitative evaluation method and developmental evaluation idea. The conclusion is that the teaching emphases of each discipline can be distinguished based on the evaluation criteria of teachers’ academic qualifications and quantitative evaluation so as to find the development direction of each discipline of sports basketball and the degree of goal completion.
Periodontal and Other Oral Bacteria and Risk of Lung Cancer in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Zhou Baijun , Lu Jiayun , Beck James D. , Moss Kevin L. , Prizment Anna E. , Demmer Ryan T. , Porosnicu Rodriguez Kori A. , Joshu Corinne E. , Michaud Dominique S. , Platz Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Evidence suggests that periodontal disease is associated with increased lung cancer risk, but whether periodontal pathogens are explanatory is unknown. We prospectively studied associations of prediagnostic circulating antibodies with oral bacteria and of periodontal bacteria in subgingival plaque with lung cancer.

Methods:

We included 4,263 cancer-free participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study with previously measured serum IgG antibodies to 18 oral bacteria. In 1,287 participants for whom subgingival plaque was collected, counts for 8 periodontal bacteria were previously measured. Incident lung cancers (N = 118) were ascertained through 2015 (median follow-up = 17.5 years). We used Cox regression to estimate multivariable-adjusted associations, including for sums of antibodies to orange (C. rectus, F. nucleatum, P. intermedia, P. micra, and P. nigrescens) and red (P. gingivalis, T. forsythensis, and T. denticola) complex bacteria.

Results:

Orange complex bacteria antibodies were positively associated with lung cancer [per IQR hazard ratios (HR) = 1.15; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.02–1.29], which was stronger in men (HR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.08–1.49), and explained by P. intermedia and P. nigrescens (HR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.04–1.26). Suggestive positive associations with lung cancer (N = 40) were observed for F. nucleatum, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and P. gingivalis counts. Significant positive associations were found for the count to antibody ratio for P. intermedia and P. gingivalis.

Conclusions:

We identified positive associations with lung cancer for oral bacteria, especially orange complex that are moderately pathogenic for periodontal disease.

Impact:

This prospective study supports the need for more research on periodontal bacteria in lung cancer etiology. If associations are supported, this may inform novel lung cancer prevention strategies.
Bevacizumab May Differentially Improve Prognosis of Advanced Ovarian Cancer Patients with Low Expression of VEGF-A165b, an Antiangiogenic VEGF-A Splice Variant
Authors: Wimberger Pauline , Gerber Mara Julia , Pfisterer Jacobus , Erdmann Kati , Füssel Susanne , Link Theresa , du Bois Andreas , Kommoss Stefan , Heitz Florian , Sehouli Jalid , Kimmig Rainer , de Gregorio Nikolaus , Schmalfeldt Barbara , Park-Simon Tjoung-Won , Baumann Klaus , Hilpert Felix , Grube Marcel , Schröder Willibald , Burges Alexander , Belau Antje , Hanker Lars , Kuhlmann Jan Dominik
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

The identification of a robust IHC marker to predict the response to antiangiogenic bevacizumab in ovarian cancer is of high clinical interest. VEGF-A, the molecular target of bevacizumab, is expressed as multiple isoforms with pro- or antiangiogenic properties, of which VEGF-A165b is the most dominant antiangiogenic isoform. The balance of VEGF-A isoforms is closely related to the angiogenic capacity of a tumor and may define its vulnerability to antiangiogenic therapy. We investigated whether the expression of VEGF-A165b could be related to the effect of bevacizumab in advanced ovarian cancer patients.

Experimental Design:

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 413 patients of the ICON7 multicenter phase III trial, treated with standard platinum-based chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab, were probed for VEGF-A165b expression by IHC.

Results:

In patients with low VEGF-A165b expression, the addition of bevacizumab to standard platinum-based chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free (HR: 0.727; 95% CI, 0.538–0.984; P = 0.039) and overall survival (HR: 0.662; 95% CI, 0.458–0.958; P = 0.029). Multivariate analysis showed that the addition of bevacizumab in low VEGF-A165b–expressing patients conferred significant improvements in progression-free survival (HR: 0.610; 95% CI, 0.446–0.834; P = 0.002) and overall survival (HR: 0.527; 95% CI, 0.359–0.775; P = 0.001), independently from established risk factors.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate for the first time that bevacizumab may differentially improve the prognosis of advanced ovarian cancer patients with low expression of VEGF-A165b, an antiangiogenic VEGF-A splice variant. We envision that this novel biomarker could be implemented into routine diagnostics and may have direct clinical implications for guiding bevacizumab-related treatment decisions in advanced ovarian cancer patients.
Opposite Effects of Src Family Kinases on YAP and ERK Activation in Pancreatic Cancer Cells: Implications for Targeted Therapy
Authors: Sinnett-Smith James , Anwar Tarique , Reed Elaine F. , Teper Yaroslav , Eibl Guido , Rozengurt Enrique
Published: August 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains an aggressive disease that is expected to become the second cause of cancer fatalities during the next decade. As therapeutic options are limited, novel targets, and agents for therapeutic intervention are urgently needed. Previously, we identified potent positive crosstalk between insulin/IGF-1 receptors and G protein–coupled (GPCR) signaling systems leading to mitogenic signaling in PDAC cells. Here, we show that a combination of insulin and the GPCR agonist neurotensin induced rapid activation of Src family of tyrosine kinases (SFK) within PANC-1 cells, as shown by FAK phosphorylation at Tyr576/577 and Tyr861, sensitive biomarkers of SFK activity within intact cells and Src416 autophosphorylation. Crucially, SFKs promoted YAP nuclear localization and phosphorylation at Tyr357, as shown by using the SFK inhibitors dasatinib, saracatinib, the preferential YES1 inhibitor CH6953755, siRNA-mediated knockdown of YES1, and transfection of epitogue-tagged YAP mutants in PANC-1 and Mia PaCa-2 cancer cells, models of the aggressive squamous subtype of PDAC. Surprisingly, our results also demonstrate that exposure to SFK inhibitors, including dasatinib or knockdown of YES and Src induces ERK overactivation in PDAC cells. Dasatinib-induced ERK activation was completely abolished by exposure to the FDA-approved MEK inhibitor trametinib. A combination of dasatinib and trametinib potently and synergistically inhibited colony formation by PDAC cells and suppressed the growth of Mia PaCa-2 cells xenografted into the flank of nude mice. The results provide rationale for considering a combination(s) of FDA-approved SFK (dasatinib) and MEK (e.g., trametinib) inhibitors in prospective clinical trials for the treatment of PDAC.
PLX038: A Long-Acting Topoisomerase I Inhibitor With Robust Antitumor Activity in ATM-Deficient Tumors and Potent Synergy With PARP Inhibitors
Authors: Thomas Anish , Fontaine Shaun D. , Diolaiti Morgan E. , Desai Parth , Kumar Rajesh , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Sciuto Linda , Nichols Samantha , Ashworth Alan , Feng Felix Y. , Ashley Gary W. , Nguyen Minh , Pommier Yves , Santi Daniel V.
Published: August 2022

Alterations in the ATM gene are among the most common somatic and hereditary cancer mutations, and ATM-deficient tumors are hypersensitive to DNA-damaging agents. A synthetic lethal combination of DNA-damaging agents and DNA repair inhibitors could have widespread utility in ATM-deficient cancers. However, overlapping normal tissue toxicities from these drug classes have precluded their clinical translation. We investigated PLX038, a releasable polyethylene glycol-conjugate of the topoisomerase I inhibitor SN-38, in ATM wild-type and null isogenic xenografts and in a BRCA1-deficient xenograft. PLX038 monotherapy and combination with PARP inhibition potently inhibited the growth of both BRCA1- and ATM-deficient tumors. A patient with an ATM-mutated breast cancer treated with PLX038 and the PARP inhibitor rucaparib achieved rapid, symptomatic, and radiographic complete response lasting 12 months. Single-agent PLX038 or PLX038 in combination with DNA damage response inhibitors are novel therapeutic paradigms for patients with ATM-loss cancers.
Loss of VOPP1 Contributes to BET Inhibitor Acquired Resistance in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Sun Lin , Wu Qian , Huan Xia-Juan , Tian Chang-Qing , Wang Ying-Qing , Miao Ze-Hong
Published: August 2022

Inhibitors targeting bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins are promising anticancer drugs. The emergence of drug resistance during treatments will impair their therapeutic effectiveness. To investigate the mechanisms of acquired resistance to BET inhibitors (BETi), we generated a series of drug-resistant sublines by exposing non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) NCI-H1975 cells to the BETi ABBV-075. These sublines displayed cross-resistance to other tested BETis, increased migration abilities, reduced growth rates accompanied by an increased proportion of cells in G1 phase and decreased apoptotic responses to BETis. Changes in RNA expression and gene mutation profiles in the resistant variants indicate that emergence of BETi resistance is multifactorial. Importantly, all the tested ABBV-075–resistant variants showed loss of vesicular overexpressed in cancer prosurvival protein 1 (VOPP1) and an increase in the antiapoptotic BCL-2 protein. By knockdown, knockout, and reconstitution of VOPP1 in resistant cells, their parental cells, and other NSCLC cells, we confirmed that the loss of VOPP1 contributed to BETi resistance. Moreover, knockout of VOPP1 in the parental cells caused the increased expression of BCL-2, and the latter directly mediated BETi resistance. Through combined treatments with BETis and BCL-2 inhibitors (BCL-2i), we demonstrated that BCL-2is synergistically sensitized resistant cells to BETis.

Implications:

Based on these results, for the first time, we establish a causal link from VOPP1 loss to BCL-2 gain and then to BETi resistance, which provides new insights into BETi resistance and paves the way for further testing to circumvent BETi resistance.
Canine-Assisted Intervention Reduces Anxiety and Stress in Higher Education Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Manville Karen , Coulson Mark , Reynolds Gemma
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to explore benefits of interacting with a canine on anxiety, stress, depression, and wellbeing in Higher Education (HE) students. Sixty participants took part in a randomized controlled trial. Assigned to either the canine-assisted intervention (CAI) or control group, the CAI group interacted with a canine whereas the control group watched an unrelated slideshow. Anxiety, depression, stress, and wellbeing measures were completed pre- and post-intervention and demonstrated there was a significant decrease in anxiety and stress in the CAI group. Due to group differences pre-intervention, findings for depression measures were uninterpretable and there was no significant effect found for general wellbeing. Overall, this study uses a CAI and control group and explores the use of a singular, brief CAI session in HE students demonstrating CAI to be an effective means of supporting mental health by decreasing levels of anxiety and stress in the treatment group.
Risk Factors for the Failure of Non-operative Management Among Patients Admitted for Colonic Diverticulitis
Authors: Guerra Mary Elizabeth , Chiu Alexander S. , Chilakamarry Sitaram , Jean Raymond , Brandt Whitney S. , Ruangvoravat Lucy , Davis Kimberly A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Diverticulitis is one of the most diagnosed gastrointestinal diseases in the country, and its incidence has risen over time, especially among younger populations, with increasing attempts at non-operative management. We elected to look at acute diverticular disease from the lens of a failure analysis, where we could estimate the hazard of requiring operative intervention based upon several clinical factors.

Materials and Methods

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried between 2010 and 2015 for unplanned admissions among adults with a primary diagnosis of diverticulitis. We used a proportional hazards regression to estimate the hazard of failed non-operative management from multiple clinical covariates, measured as the number of inpatient days from admission until colonic resection. We also evaluated patients who received percutaneous drainage, to investigate whether this was associated with decreasing the failure rate of non-operative management.

Results

A total of 830,993 discharges over the study period, of whom 83,628 (10.1%) underwent operative resection during the hospitalization, and 35,796 (4.3%) patients underwent percutaneous drainage. Half of all operations occurred by hospital day 1. Among patients treated with percutaneous drainage, 11% went on to require operative intervention. The presence of a peritoneal abscess (HR 3.20, P < .01) and sepsis (HR 4.16, P < .01) were the strongest predictors of failing non-operative management. Among the subset of patients with percutaneous drains, the mean time from admission to drain placement was 2.3 days.

Conclusion

Overall 10.1% of unplanned admissions for diverticulitis result in inpatient operative resection, most of which occurred on the day of admission. Percutaneous drainage was associated with an 11% operative rate.
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder traits and diagnosis in adults and young people with personality disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Gillett George , Leeves Laura , Patel Amy , Prisecaru Andreea , Spain Debbie , Happé Francesca
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

Autism spectrum disorders and personality disorders are spectrum conditions with shared clinical features. Despite similarities, previous attempts to synthesise literature on co-existing prevalence and shared traits have employed a unidirectional focus, assessing personality characteristics of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Here, we assess the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and/or traits among persons diagnosed with a personality disorder.

Methods:

We systematically reviewed the English-language literature following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, according to a pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD 42021264106). Peer-reviewed quantitative studies reporting the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis or traits in persons with an established personality disorder diagnosis were included. Studies were critically appraised using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies.

Results:

Fifteen studies were identified, including 72,902 participants (median: 48, interquartile range: 30–77). Diagnoses included borderline, schizotypal and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders, and cohorts with unspecified personality disorder diagnoses. There was significant heterogeneity in diagnostic methodology and assessment tools used. We identified preliminary evidence of an increased prevalence of co-existing autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and traits among those diagnosed with a personality disorder, although significant limitations of the literature were identified.

Conclusion:

Our research suggests clinicians should consider conducting a careful developmental assessment when assessing service-users with possible or confirmed personality disorder. Future research directions may include larger studies featuring clinical control groups, an exploration of shared and differentiating behavioural-cognitive features of the two conditions, and investigation into potentially shared aetiological factors. Research investigating demographic factors that may contribute to potential diagnostic overshadowing would also be welcomed.
Composite fractional-order sliding mode controller for PMSM drives based on GPIO
Authors: Ge Haoran , Liu Yijian
Published: August 2022

In order to optimize the performance of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives, a fractional-order sliding mode (FOSM) control scheme combining generalized proportional integral observer (GPIO) is adopted in this paper. A FOSM controller is firstly employed to reduce the negative effects of the load torque and parameter variations in the PMSM system. However, the FOSM control method mostly needs high control gain to moderate the unfavorable effects of the total disturbance, which will inevitably lead to large chattering phenomenon. Therefore, the unknown lumped disturbance is effectively estimated by using a GPIO, and the estimated value is synchronously compensated to the FOSM speed controller. Even if a smaller control gain is chosen, the robustness of the proposed composite GPIO-based FOSM controller is better than that of the FOSM controller. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified by comprehensive simulation and experimental results.
Implementation of a robust data-driven control approach for an ommi-directional mobile manipulator based on koopman operator
Authors: Zhu Xuehong , Ding Chengjun , Ren Chao , Zhang Tong , Jia Lizhen , Wu Lirong
Published: August 2022

The dynamic modeling and control of omni-directional mobile manipulators (OMM) are challenging since they are highly nonlinear, strongly coupled, and multi-input multi-output uncertainty systems. Koopman operator theory can provide an explicit linear dynamic model for OMM, only based on input-output data. However, the derived dynamic model usually has modeling errors and cannot capture external unknown disturbances. In this paper, a robust data-driven control scheme is designed and implemented for an OMM, based on Koopman operator and a disturbance observer. Firstly, a data-driven Koopman model of OMM is constructed, solely using the collected input-output data. Then a disturbance observer is designed to online estimate the inherent modeling error of the Koopman model as well as external disturbances. The controller is designed by combining linear MPC with feedback compensation of the estimated disturbances. Finally, both simulations and experimental tests are conducted to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control scheme.
PSO/DE combined with simulation current method for the magnetic field under transmission lines in 3D calculation model
Authors: OuYang Wenan , Zhang Jing , Hu Jincai , Lv Wei , Wang Dalong
Published: August 2022

Due to the construction of ultra-high voltage transmission lines, the lines will inevitably pass through residential areas. The power frequency magnetic field created by transmission lines will affect the location and design of transmission lines, as well as people’s health. In this paper, the intelligent optimization algorithm is used to optimize the Simulation Current Method (SCM) and study the magnetic field distribution under the transmission line. Firstly, the actual three-dimensional shape of the transmission line is considered in this optimized simulation current method (OSCM). Secondly, we combined the magnetic position error with the magnetic field error to construct the fitness function, and we used the algorithm to optimize position and number of simulated currents. Finally, the finite element method (FEM) is used to verify the calculation results. We calculate a 500 kV 3-D transmission line model and verify that the optimized SCM can reduce the calculation effort and ensure the accuracy of the calculation. In addition, the OSCM solves the problem that the number and location of the simulated current can only be determined empirically. On the one hand, the actual physical shape of the transmission line is considered, which makes the calculation precision higher; on the other hand, the calculation time is much lower than that of FEM. At the same time, it provides a theoretical basis for the magnetic field distribution of transmission lines and has a theoretical guiding significance for the construction of high-voltage transmission lines.
Psychology, Values, and the Meaning of Life: Bridging the Philosophy–Psychology Divide
Authors: Drob Sanford L.
Published: August 2022

A “psycho-axiological” model is presented that addresses both the psychological question of subjective “life-meaning” and the philosophical question of “the meaning of life.” The author establishes the relationship between 14 essential “modes of mind” and human values and shows how these modes provide the basis for philosophical theories of the meaning of life and psychological research concerning life-meaning. It is argued that life-meaning involves the actualization of values associated with one or more of the modes of mind and that, because at least certain values are objective, transcultural, and trans-world, such actualization comprises the meaning of life.
Food Insecurity–Related Interventions and Mental Health Among US Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic, April 2020 through August 2021
Authors: Lee Hyunjung , Singh Gopal K.
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

Financial hardships, job losses, and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic have increased food insecurity. We examined associations between food insecurity–related interventions and mental health among US adults aged ≥18 years from April 2020 through August 2021.

Methods:

We pooled data from the Household Pulse Survey from April 2020 through August 2021 (N = 2 253 567 adults). To estimate associations between mental health and food insecurity, we examined the following interventions: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Economic Impact Payments (stimulus funds), unemployment insurance, and free meals. We calculated psychological distress index (PDI) scores (Cronbach α = 0.91) through principal components analysis using 4 mental health variables: depression, anxiety, worry, and lack of interest (with a standardized mean score [SD] = 100 [20]). We conducted multivariable linear regression to estimate the interactive effects of the intervention and food insecurity on psychological distress, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results:

During the study period, adults with food insecurity had higher mean PDI scores than adults without food insecurity. Food insecurity was associated with increased PDI scores after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. In stratified models, negative associations between food insecurity and mental health (as shown by reductions in PDI scores) were mitigated by SNAP (−4.5), stimulus fund (−4.1), unemployment insurance (−4.4), and free meal (−4.4) interventions. The mitigation effects of interventions on PDI were greater for non-Hispanic White adults than for non-Hispanic Black or Asian adults.

Conclusions:

Future research on food insecurity and mental health should include investigations on programs and policies that could be of most benefit to racial and ethnic minority groups.
Number Needed to Quarantine and Proportion of Prevented Infectious Days by Quarantine: Evaluating the Effectiveness of COVID-19 Contact Tracing
Authors: Fernandes da Silva Diogo , Santos João Vasco , Santos Martins Filipa
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

Information on the effectiveness of COVID-19 contact tracing is lacking. We proposed 2 measures for evaluating the effectiveness of contact tracing and applied them in a public health unit in northern Portugal.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included the contacts of people with COVID-19 diagnosed July 1–September 15, 2020. We examined 2 measures: (1) number needed to quarantine (NNQ), as the number of quarantine person-days needed to prevent 1 potential infectious person-day; and (2) proportion of prevented infectious days by quarantine (PPID), as the number of potential infectious days prevented by quarantine divided by all infectious days. We assessed these measures by sociodemographic characteristics, types of contacts, and intervention timings (ie, time between diagnosis or symptom onset and intervention). We considered 3 scenarios for infectiousness periods: 10 days before to 10 days after symptom onset, 3 days before to 3 days after symptom onset, and 2 days before to 10 days after symptom onset.

Results:

We found an NNQ of 19.8-41.8 person-days and a PPID of 19.7%-38.2%, depending on the infectiousness period scenario. Effectiveness was higher among cohabitants and symptomatic contacts than among social or asymptomatic contacts. NNQ and PPID changed by intervention timings: the effectiveness of contact tracing decreased with time from diagnosis to quarantine of contacts and with time from symptom onset of the index case to contacts’ quarantine.

Conclusions:

These proposed measures of contact tracing effectiveness of communicable diseases can be important for decision making and prioritizing contact tracing when resources are scarce. They are also useful measures for communication with the general population, policy makers, and clinicians because they are easy to understand and use to assess the impact of health interventions.
Psychometric properties of the Social Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ) in a longitudinal population-based sample
Authors: Collet Ophélie A. , Orri Massimiliano , Tremblay Richard E. , Boivin Michel , Côté Sylvana M.
Published: August 2022

We assessed the psychometric properties of the Social Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ), a 30-item questionnaire evaluating social (e.g., disruptive behaviors, bullying) and emotional problems (e.g., anxiety, depression) among children aged 3.5–12 years. Children ( n = 1,950, 50.21% boys) were drawn from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. Mothers reported the frequency with which children presented social and emotional behaviors from 3.5 to 8 years of age, and teachers from 6 to 12 years. We assessed internal structure using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, reliability using Cronbach’s alpha, and convergent and discriminant validity using a multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) approach. The six-factor (emotional distress, withdrawal, impulsive/hyperactive/inattentive, disruptive behaviors, prosocial behaviors, and peer relationships difficulties) structure of the SBQ showed good fit from ages 3.5 to 12 years. Reliability estimates were good to excellent (alphas > .7), and MTMM showed good convergent and discriminant validity. Overall, the SBQ presented good psychometric properties with a large population-based sample aged 3.5–12 years. Further studies should assess its screening potential by investigating its convergent validity with diagnostic information.
Students’ perception of academic databases as recognition of learning and research during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Du Hua , Chen Hongyan , Islam A Y M Atiquil
Published: August 2022

Consistent with their goal of becoming a centre for educational excellence in teaching, learning and research, the authorities of Chinese higher education introduced their academic database system as one of their e-library services. However, the existing literature exhibits inadequate empirical measurements of academic databases in all aspects of higher education throughout the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this gap, this study aims to validate the technology satisfaction model (TSM) for measuring students’ satisfaction in using academic databases for their learning and research purposes. This study also analysed local and international academic databases to explore whether these databases could play a moderating role in shaping learners’ satisfaction. The data were collected through a survey of 500 respondents studying at a research university in Shanghai. The results, which were analysed by structural equation modelling and the Rasch model, showed that students’ satisfaction is determined by three valid predictors: computer self-efficacy, perceived usefulness and ease of use, and causal direct and indirect relationships among these variables in the use of local and international academic databases. Our new findings on the moderating effect of local (i.e. Chinese) and international (e.g. English) academic databases highlighted that the TSM has successfully estimated dual databases and produced insignificant, dissimilar results. This study could aid local and international educators, researchers, information science professionals and others in measuring the perception of academic databases for learning and research. This research could also serve as a guideline for researchers and psychometricians in measuring innovative learning technologies using structural equation modelling and the Rasch model. This is the unique contribution of this study, which concludes that local and international academic databases are almost equally important for postgraduate students at a research university in China. Moreover, these students are satisfied in using these academic databases to learn and do research.
Narcissism and friendship quality: A longitudinal approach to long-term friendships
Authors: Wehner Caroline , Ziegler Matthias
Published: August 2022

Narcissistic admiration and rivalry have been studied in various social relationship contexts, with findings indicating that the former is related to initial popularity while the latter tends to cause problems in the longer term. In particular, the social partners of individuals with high narcissism tend to have higher costs and fewer benefits. But how does narcissism affect the perception of a long-term friendship? To gain insight into perceived friendship quality in dependence on narcissism, NT1 = 831 individuals reported on their narcissism and relationship quality with a close friend at four measurement occasions ( NT2 = 619, NT3 = 484, NT4 = 420). We analyzed bivariate relations and random intercepts cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPM) of narcissistic admiration and rivalry, and two positive (appreciation and intimacy) and two negative (conflict and dominance) indicators of friendship quality. Our results generally supported findings that narcissistic rivalry tends to lead to less positive and more negative experiences in social relationships. Narcissistic admiration and rivalry were both found to be positively related to conflict. Narcissistic rivalry was negatively related to appreciation and intimacy. At the within-person level, observed with the RI-CLPMs, appreciation influenced later narcissistic rivalry and was influenced by narcissistic admiration and rivalry. Thus, not feeling appreciated was related to subsequent increases in narcissistic rivalry, while more agentic and antagonistic behavior was related to subsequently lower perceptions of appreciation. We discuss that negative effects of narcissistic rivalry found in previous research for friendship formation also seem to emerge in the phase of friendship maintenance.
The Role of Counter-narratives in Resisting the Deficit Model of Families for BIPOC Families
Authors: Minniear Mackensie J.
Published: August 2022

Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) face discrimination institutionally and interpersonally in the United States. BIPOC parents and family members are placed in a position wherein they have to prepare children and other family members to face these issues while countering a deficit model of family that characterizes BIPOC families as inherently problematic and inferior to White families. This study uses Critical Race Theory to explore how BIPOC families use counternarratives to resist dominant narratives about ethnicity and race. Results indicate that BIPOC families engage in storying to create counternarratives. These counternarratives serve three functions: (1) creating narrative inheritance, (2) co-laboring moments of racial difficulty and discrimination, and (3) situating race and ethnicity historically and ancestrally.
Use of two parallel oxygenators during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with severe obesity and COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Miyazato Atsushi , Kondo Yutaka , Seki Kentaro , Kumakawa Yasuaki , Ishihara Tadashi , Sueyoshi Koichiro , Okamoto Ken , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: August 2022

Background: Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is one effective treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia, but controversy regarding VV-ECMO management in obese patients still exists. In this report, we described a case in which two oxygenators were used in parallel in a severely obese patient (Body mass index: 60 kg/m2, body surface area: 2.8 m2).

Case: The case was of a 27-year-old man diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and admitted to our hospital. VV-ECMO was required on the fifth day after admission due to gradually worsening respiratory conditions and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2)/FiO2 ratio of 77. Immediately after the initiation of VV-ECMO, post-oxygenator in circuit, PaO2 was low at 134 mmHg. Even though the VV-ECMO circuit was replaced on the same day, the PaO2 still was low at 261 mmHg. Thus, we decided to use two oxygenators in parallel, after which the PaO2 stabilized at 400–500 mmHg.Conclusions: In this case, VV-ECMO oxygenation could be stabilized by utilizing two oxygenators in parallel. Using two membrane oxygenators may be a treatment option in severely obese patients with respiratory failure.
Research on Features of Pedestrians Using Smartphones at Transit Stations Based on Social Force Model
Authors: Shen Chung-Wei , Mao Mei-Neng , Hsu Yu-Ting , Miralinaghi Mohammad
Published: August 2022

The smartphone has become nearly indispensable in people’s daily lives. Prevalent smartphone usage can be observed on various occasions, even during walking. However, pedestrians’ perception of their surroundings may decline because they are absorbed by using the smartphone. The behavior of pedestrians using smartphones while walking at transit stations can be viewed as disturbance to pedestrian flows, thereby reducing the efficiency of station operation or even creating safety problems. This study seeks to describe such behavioral features mathematically and provide relevant implications for transit station design. Based on the social force model, the parameters reflecting the effect of smartphone usage on the perceived driving and repulsive forces are added and calibrated. By extracting trajectory data from the videos filmed in the field, the genetic algorithm is employed for the calibration process to minimize the gaps between the actual and projected trajectories. Two sets of parameter settings, for pedestrians with and without using smartphones, are determined and further applied to microscopic pedestrian simulation for a transfer station of the metro system in Taipei, Taiwan. The results indicate that pedestrians using smartphones are more prone to being affected by other pedestrians, revealing that their velocities are relatively unstable, while they need longer relaxation time to attain their desired walking statuses. The simulation results also visualize the potential bottlenecks in the station, where smartphone users may become obstacles to other pedestrians and increase the congestion level, highlighting the importance of incorporating the behavior modeling of pedestrians using smartphones into transit station design.
Cycling Map Inference Using Global Positioning System Trajectories: A Case Study in the Online Food Delivery Business
Authors: Chen Junlin , Jin Wen , Chen Shuiping , Jiang Hai
Published: August 2022

The online food delivery (OFD) business is booming in China. Owing to the timeliness requirements, delivery personnel in OFD platforms usually use electric bicycles to make deliveries. However, the accuracy and the coverage rate of existing cycling maps are relatively low, as is evidenced by a considerable amount of cycling global positioning system (GPS) trajectories that cannot be matched to existing maps, thus the efficiency of delivery is affected. Although there has been a proliferation of studies on driving or walking map inference using GPS trajectories, to the authors’ knowledge, none of them systematically investigate the cycling scenario. Our study addresses this gap. We work with Meituan—the largest OFD platform in China—and use the GPS trajectories reported by delivery personnel to infer the underlying cycling map. We first adapt three popular map inference algorithms, namely, k-means clustering, kernel density estimation, and trace merging. We also propose a new approach that infers the cycling network. We perform an initial inference of the underlying road network through an iterative process and apply a series of map refinement techniques to further improve the appearance of the inferred road network. The result shows that our algorithm reaches an F-score of 0.41, whereas the best existing algorithm we adapt reaches an F-score of 0.39. We also consider a special case that uses the driving map information in the area. In this case, a map-matching step is included and the overall F-score further increases from 0.41 to 0.70.
Developing Commercial Motor Vehicle Crash-Specific Safety Performance Functions at Interchange Ramp Terminals in Kentucky
Authors: Hosseinpour Mehdi , Haleem Kirolos
Published: August 2022

Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers often experience difficulties in turning and crossing at ramp terminals. CMV-involved crashes could cause queue spillback at ramp terminals and possibly nearby freeway mainline and crossroads. The safety and mobility of ramp terminals for accommodating CMVs is thus of significant importance. However, interchange ramp terminals have rarely been investigated in previous safety studies, especially with regard to CMV-involved crashes. This study aimed at examining CMV-related crashes that occurred at ramp terminals. Heterogeneous negative binomial (HTNB) and traditional negative binomial (NB) models were fitted and compared while developing a safety performance function (SPF) for predicting CMV crashes and identifying high-risk ramp terminals. Information on crash history and site-specific characteristics was collected at 285 ramp terminals in the state of Kentucky between 2015 and 2019. The results showed that the HTNB model outperformed the NB model in relation to various goodness-of-fit measures (e.g., likelihood ratio test “LRT”, Akaike information criterion “AIC” and McFadden Pseudo R-squared statistic). The predicted crash frequencies while applying the HTNB model were then used to identify and rank high-risk ramp terminals. Ramp terminals with signalized traffic control type, with greater average daily traffic on the exit ramp, with two or more traffic lanes on the exit ramp, and adjacent to commercial or industrial areas were found to experience more CMV crashes. Several safety countermeasures were proposed to alleviate CMV-involved crashes at ramp terminals. One example is ensuring the presence of physical medians on crossroads (or major roads) ahead of exits ramps.
Novel Integrated Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Logistics Performance Index
Authors: Çalık Ahmet , Erdebilli Babek , Özdemir Yavuz Selim
Published: August 2022

There is no doubt that technological changes and globalization have increased the importance of the logistics industry. The effectiveness of logistics services is directly related to expanding the trade network between countries, increasing foreign direct investments and growing the economy. The World Bank evaluates the logistics competitiveness of countries by using its Logistics Performance Index. However, logistics performance evaluation includes multiple criteria, and a realistic assessment process, such as the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique, is needed. In this study, a comparative analysis of hybrid MCDM methods is utilized to evaluate the logistics performance of 160 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries by using a group decision-making approach. In the first step, the importance levels of the logistics performance criteria were calculated. Then, the logistics performances of the countries were analyzed. In the last step, the Borda count method was implemented for the results of different hybrid MCDM methods to give final rankings.