bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measles seroprevalence in Thailand: are adolescents and young adults at risk of measles?
Authors: Takkinsatian Panit , Wannaphahoon Kamolmart , Upapan Prasit , Senawong Sansnee , Prommalikit Olarn
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

During the last decade, measles has become an important re-emerging disease in Thailand. The objective of this study was to measure measles seroprevalence and its influencing factors so as to plan an improved vaccination programme.

Methods:

A total of 600 participants aged between 9 months and 50 years were divided into seven groups representing birth cohorts that experienced different measles vaccination policies. Participants’ blood samples were obtained to measure measles immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels.

Results:

None of the participants in the age group of 9 months had measles IgG levels beyond a protective level. Participants in the age groups 2.5, 5–15, 16–29, 30–33, 34–40 and 41–50 years had 82% (95% confidence interval [CI] 73.3–90.7), 50% (95% CI 36.1–63.9), 52% (95% CI 42.3–62.7), 70% (95% CI 61.1–78.9), 88.8% (95% CI 84.1–93.5) and 98.8% (95% CI 96.4–100.0) measles seropositivity, respectively. The study did not find any significant factors affecting measles seropositivity.

Conclusion:

Individuals aged 15–34 years are vulnerable to measles infections. Supplementary vaccination should be encouraged in special situations, including postexposure prophylaxis for young adults during an outbreak and for high-risk occupations such as healthcare personnel.
A new species and a new combination of Chloridium from southwest China
Authors: WEI TIAN-PENG , WANG KUN-YING , ZHANG HONG , LUO MING-YAN , JIA WEI-YU , ZENG YAN , JIANG YU-LAN
Published: June 2022

A new species, Chloridium paucisetosum, was isolated from soil in Guizhou Province, China. The species is distinguished from other Chloridium species by its cylindrical or lageniform conidiogenous cells producing obovoid or ellipsoidal conidia without mucoid appendages, and apical branched conidiophores. Phylogenetic analysis based on combined ITS and LSU sequence data showed that C. paucisetosum formed a monophyletic clade and clearly separated from other Chloridium species. It is compared with other similar species and their phylogenetic relationships are discussed. Morphology and phylogenetic analyses support the introduction of the new species C. paucisetosum. In addition, a previously described species Phialocephala humicola is synonymized under the genus Chloridium.
Research on Inversion Technology of Surface Defect Depth of Ultra-Smooth Optical Surfaces
Authors: Wang Hong-Jun , Jin Gui-Ying , Liu Bing-Cai , Tian Ai-Ling , Zheng Xian-Feng , Zhu Xue-Liang
Published: June 2022

For identifying the surface features of ultra-smooth optical or non-optical surfaces, light scattering analysis and measurement is a very useful method. Aiming at the requirement of detecting depth information of surface defects on ultra-smooth surfaces, the author propose a method
of measuring the depth information about the surface defects of optical elements by using a relationship model between surface roughness and surface defects. The relationship between surface roughness and surface scratches is analyzed, and the relationship model is established. Then, by simulating
the surface roughness with scratches and without scratches, according to the relationship model, the depth information of the surface of the optical component is calculated and the correctness of the model is verified. Finally, the length and width information of the surface scratches are
measured according to the microscopic scattering dark field imaging method, the surface roughness is measured by white light interferometry, and the depth information of the surface scratches is calculated according to the above relationship model. The results are compared with the conclusion
of the white light interferometer. The depth calculated by the roughness is basically consistent with the measured scratch depth, and the error is between 0.205 nm and 4.246 nm. Therefore, the experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of this proposed method.
Design and Fabrication of Near Ultraviolet Enhanced Composite Single Photon Avalanche Diode for Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging
Authors: Yang Jian , Wang Yang , Jin Xiang-Liang , Peng Yan , Luo Jun
Published: June 2022

The near ultraviolet photon detection probability (PDP) of single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) is very important for the fluorescence lifetime imaging. However, the PDP of traditional SPAD (T-SPAD) devices in the near-ultraviolet is not ideal, which is difficult to meet the requirements
of fluorescence lifetime imaging. In response to the above problems, this paper realizes a near ultraviolet enhanced composite SPAD (NUEC-SPAD) based on photogate. The device is based on a photogate and a PN junction formed by P+/N-Well to detect photons. Therefore, the PDP of the device in
the near ultraviolet is greatly improved. In addition, the shallow trench isolation (STI) and multiplication regions are isolated by photogate, and the dark count rate (DCR) of the device is greatly reduced. The principle of NUEC-SPAD device is simulated and verified based on the Technology-Computer-Aided-Design
(TCAD). The NUEC-SPAD device and the T-SPAD device are fabricated based on the 0.18 μm BCD process. The experimental data show that the avalanche breakdown voltage of NUEC-SPAD device is 12 V. The device has good PDP in the range of 360 nm to 700 nm. Under the excess bias voltage
of 0.5 V, the PDP of NUEC-SPAD device is 43.81% (@460 nm), which is 45.50% higher than that of T-SPAD device. Under the excess bias voltage of 1 V, the DCR of NUEC-SPAD device is only 0.24 Hz/μm2.
Instantaneous Frequency Estimation of Nonlinear FM Radar Signal Based on Multi-Scale Chirplet Path
Authors: Wang Xiao-Feng , Li Da-Wei , Dong Hui-Xu , Tian Run-Lan
Published: June 2022

Instantaneous frequency is an important parameter to non-linear frequency modulated (NLFM) signal in low probability intercept (LPI) radar. For electronic intelligence, it is very important to accurately estimate instantaneous frequency of NLFM signal. A multi-scale chirplet path pursuit
(MCPP) method and its improved method are proposed for electronic intelligence systems to estimate instantaneous frequency of NLFM radar signal in this paper. Firstly, signal duration is divided into a set of dynamic time interval, multi-scale chirplet basis function is established on each
time interval simultaneously. And then, projection coefficient in each dynamic interval is calculated basing on chirplet basis functions. And then, chirplet basis functions which have the largest projection coefficient with the analysis signal in each time interval are connected by path pursuit
algorithm. Rough estimation of instantaneous frequency will be achieved by connecting the linear frequency of those chirplet basis functions. At last, to solve the problem that instantaneous frequency curve is not smooth for the impact of noise and chirplet errors, least square fitting method
is used to further improve estimation accuracy. Experimental results show that, proposed improved MCPP algorithm is suitable for the instantaneous frequency of the NLFM radar signal at low SNR. Compared with time-frequency analysis method, it has higher estimation accuracy. Proposed method
can also be applied to the instantaneous frequencies estimation of other NLFM signal without prior knowledge, such as seismic signals and fault diagnosis signals.
Overtaking Interactions of Multi-Ion Acoustic Shock Waves in a Magnetized Degenerate Plasma: An Application in White Dwarfs
Authors: El-Shamy E. F. , Elhosiny Ali H. , Abdellahi M. O.
Published: June 2022

Overtaking interactions are examined of multi-ion acoustic shock waves in magnetized degenerate quantum plasmas comprising inertial non-relativistic heavy and light ions having positive charges ultra-relativistic degenerate inertialess electrons. A Burgers’ equation governs the
nonlinear excitation of multi-ion acoustic shock waves in a plasma model at hand. The Cole-Hopf transformation and the exponential function have been used to study the overtaking interactions of multi-ion acoustic shock waves in two modes (i.e., the fast and the slow modes). Numerically, the
compressive ion-acoustic shock waves exist for the fast mode, but the rarefactive ion-acoustic shock waves exist for the slow mode. A numerical simulation demonstrates that the overtaking interactions of multi-ion acoustic shock waves and their electric fields are remarkably modified with
the effectiveness of the charge states of heavy ions and light ions. Furthermore, the amplitude and the steepness of multi-ion acoustic shock waves increase with the decrease in the directional cosines of the multi-ion acoustic shock waves vector along the z-axis. Numerical simulations
of overtaking interaction are employed to significantly highlight the physical features of multi-ion acoustic shock waves in astrophysical situations such as white dwarfs and neutron stars.
Evaluation of ERA5-Land and HARv2 Reanalysis Data at High Elevation in the Upper Dudh Koshi Basin (Everest Region, Nepal)
Authors: Khadka Arbindra , Wagnon Patrick , Brun Fanny , Shrestha Dibas , Lejeune Yves , Arnaud Yves
Published: June 2022

We present a multisite evaluation of meteorological variables in the Everest region (Nepal) from ERA5-Land and High Asian Refined Analysis, version 2 (HARv2), reanalyses in comparison with in situ observations, using classical statistical metrics. Observation data have been collected since 2010 by seven meteorological stations located on or off glacier between 4260 and 6352 m MSL in the upper Dudh Koshi basin; 2-m air temperature, specific and relative humidities, wind speed, incoming shortwave and longwave radiations, and precipitation are considered successively. Overall, both gridded datasets are able to resolve the mesoscale atmospheric processes, with a slightly better performance for HARv2 than that for ERA5-Land, especially for wind speed. Because of the complex topography, they fail to reproduce local- to microscale processes captured at individual meteorological stations, especially for variables that have a large spatial variability such as precipitation or wind speed. Air temperature is the variable that is best captured by reanalyses, as long as an appropriate elevational gradient of air temperature above ground, spatiotemporally variable and preferentially assessed by local observations, is used to extrapolate it vertically. A cold bias is still observed but attenuated over clean-ice glaciers. The atmospheric water content is well represented by both gridded datasets even though we observe a small humid bias, slightly more important for ERA5-Land than for HARv2, and a spectacular overestimation of precipitation during the monsoon. The agreement between reanalyzed and observed shortwave and longwave incoming radiations depends on the elevation difference between the station site and the reanalysis grid cell. The seasonality of wind speed is only captured by HARv2. The two gridded datasets ERA5-Land and HARv2 are applicable for glacier mass and energy balance studies, as long as either statistical or dynamical downscaling techniques are used to resolve the scale mismatch between coarse mesoscale grids and fine-scale grids or individual sites.
Mixing in a Salinity Variance Budget of the Salish Sea is Controlled by River Flow
Authors: Broatch Erin M. , MacCready Parker
Published: June 2022

A salinity variance framework is used to study mixing in the Salish Sea, a large fjordal estuary. Output from a realistic numerical model is used to create salinity variance budgets for individual basins within the Salish Sea for 2017–19. The salinity variance budgets are used to quantify the mixing in each basin and estimate the numerical mixing, which is found to contribute about one-third of the total mixing in the model. Whidbey Basin has the most intense mixing, due to its shallow depth and large river flow. Unlike in most other estuarine systems previously studied using the salinity variance method, mixing in the Salish Sea is controlled by the river flow and does not exhibit a pronounced spring–neap cycle. A “mixedness” analysis is used to determine when mixed water is expelled from the estuary. The river flow is correlated with mixed water removal, but the coupling is not as tight as with the mixing. Because the mixing is so highly correlated with the river flow, the long-term average approximation M = Qrsoutsin can be used to predict the mixing in the Salish Sea and Puget Sound with good accuracy, even without any temporal averaging. Over a 3-yr average, the mixing in Puget Sound is directly related to the exchange flow salt transport.
The Generation of Linear and Nonlinear Internal Waves Forced by Subinertial Tides over the Yermak Plateau, Arctic Ocean
Authors: Urbancic Gabin H. , Lamb Kevin G. , Fer Ilker , Padman Laurie
Published: June 2022

The propagation of internal waves (IWs) of tidal frequency is inhibited poleward of the critical latitude, where the tidal frequency is equal to the Coriolis frequency (f). These subinertial IWs may propagate in the presence of background vorticity, which can reduce rotational effects. Additionally, for strong tidal currents, the isopycnal displacements may evolve into internal solitary waves (ISWs). In this study, wave generation by the subinertial K1 and M2 tides over the Yermak Plateau (YP) is modeled to understand the linear response and the conditions necessary for the generation of ISWs. The YP stretches out into Fram Strait, a gateway into the Arctic Ocean for warm Atlantic-origin waters. We consider the K1 tide for a wide range of tidal amplitudes to understand the IW generation for different forcing. For weak tidal currents, the baroclinic response is predominantly at the second harmonic due to critical slopes. For sufficiently strong diurnal currents, ISWs are generated and their generation is not sensitive to the range of f and stratifications considered. The M2 tide is subinertial yet the response shows propagating IW beams with frequency just over f. We discuss the propagation of these waves and the influence of variations of f, as a proxy for variations in the background vorticity, on the energy conversion to IWs. An improved understanding of tidal dynamics and IW generation at high latitudes is needed to quantify the magnitude and distribution of turbulent mixing, and its consequences for the changes in ocean circulation, heat content, and sea ice cover in the Arctic Ocean.
Atmospheric River Reconnaissance 2021: A Review
Authors: Cobb Alison , Ralph F. Martin , Tallapragada Vijay , Wilson Anna M. , Davis Christopher A. , Monache Luca Delle , Doyle James D. , Pappenberger Florian , Reynolds Carolyn A. , Subramanian Aneesh , Black Peter G. , Cannon Forest , Castellano Chris , Cordeira Jason M. , Haase Jennifer S. , Hecht Chad , Kawzenuk Brian , Lavers David A. , Murphy Michael J. , Parrish Jack , Rickert Ryan , Rutz Jonathan J. , Torn Ryan , Wu Xingren , Zheng Minghua
Published: June 2022

Atmospheric River Reconnaissance (AR Recon) is a targeted campaign that complements other sources of observational data, forming part of a diverse observing system. AR Recon 2021 operated for ten weeks from January 13 to March 22, with 29.5 Intensive Observation Periods (IOPs), 45 flights and 1142 successful dropsondes deployed in the northeast Pacific. With the availability of two WC-130J aircraft operated by the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (53 WRS), Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and one National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) G-IVSP aircraft, six sequences were accomplished, in which the same synoptic system was sampled over several days.

The principal aim was to gather observations to improve forecasts of landfalling atmospheric rivers on the U.S. West Coast. Sampling of other meteorological phenomena forecast to have downstream impacts over the U.S. was also considered. Alongside forecast improvement, observations were also gathered to address important scientific research questions, as part of a Research and Operations Partnership.

Targeted dropsonde observations were focused on essential atmospheric structures, primarily atmospheric rivers. Adjoint and ensemble sensitivities, mainly focusing on predictions of U.S. West Coast precipitation, provided complementary information on locations where additional observations may help to reduce the forecast uncertainty. Additionally, Airborne Radio Occultation (ARO) and tail radar were active during some flights, 30 drifting buoys were distributed, and 111 radiosondes were launched from four locations in California. Dropsonde, radiosonde and buoy data were available for assimilation in real-time into operational forecast models. Future work is planned to examine the impact of AR Recon 2021 data on model forecasts.
Impact of Robotic Approach on Post-Anastomotic Leaks After Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Wu Jessica , Putnam Luke R. , Silva Jack P. , Houghton Caitlin , Bildzukewicz Nikolai , Lipham John C.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Although mortality rates after esophagectomy have decreased over the last 30 years, anastomotic leaks still commonly persist and portend significant morbidity. Previous studies have analyzed patient and perio-perative risk factors for leaks, yet data describing the association of leaks and an open or minimally invasive approach are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of operative approach on leak rates and subsequent management of the leaks.

Methods

We queried the Procedure-Targeted National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database for patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer in the years from 2016 to 2019. Patient demographics, disease-related information, peri-operative data, and short-term outcomes were reviewed. Multivariable, stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate factors associated with post-operative anastomotic leaks.

Results

Of the 2696 patients who underwent esophagectomy for cancer, anastomotic leaks occurred in 374 (14%). Based on approach, 13% of open, 14% of laparoscopic, and 18% of robotic cases were complicated by leak ( P = .123). Multivariable analysis identified the following significant risk factors for leak: diabetes (OR 1.32, P = .047), hypertension (OR 1.32, P = .022), and longer operative time (OR 1.61, P < .001). The percentage of leaks requiring endoscopic or operative intervention was 75% for open, 79% for laparoscopic, and 54% for robotic cases ( P = .004).

Conclusions

Anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy for cancer occur frequently regardless of surgical approach. Furthermore, these leaks are managed differently after an open, laparoscopic, or robotic approach. Robotic esophagectomies complicated by anastomotic leak required less invasive management.
Least square algorithm based on bias compensated principle for parameter estimation of canonical state space model
Authors: Liu Longlong , Long Zhen , Azar Ahmad Taher , Zhu Quanmin , Ibraheem Ibraheem Kasim , Humaidi Amjad J
Published: June 2022

Due to the existence of system noise and unknown state variables, it is difficult to realize unbiased estimation with minimum variance for the parameter estimation of canonical state space model. This paper presents a new least squares estimator based on bias compensation principle to solve this problem, transforms canonical state space into the form suitable for the least square algorithm, introduces an augmented parameter vector and an auxiliary variable, derives parameter estimation formula based on noise compensation, realizes the unbiased estimation, and gives the specific algorithm. A simulation example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the estimator.
Technostress, anxiety, and depression among university students: A report from Paraguay
Authors: Torales Julio , Torres-Romero Anthon Daniel , Di Giuseppe Matías Franco , Rolón-Méndez Elías René , Martínez-López Patricia Lorena , Heinichen-Mansfeld Katja Victoria , Barrios Iván , O’Higgins Marcelo , Almirón-Santacruz José , Melgarejo Osvaldo , Ruiz Díaz Noelia , Castaldelli-Maia João Mauricio , Ventriglio Antonio
Published: June 2022

Background:

Although technologies (including information, e-learning, and communication) have been daily employed by University students in the last years, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a considerable increase in their use. Technostress is a modern term referring to levels of stress caused by the prolonged exposure to technology.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to assess the technostress and related anxiety and depression among Paraguayan University students, describing their sociodemographic characteristics and relevant associations.

Methods:

A cross-sectional and descriptive study has been conducted. Participants were recruited through an Internet-based survey. Technostress, anxiety, and depression have been assessed with the Technostress Questionnaire (TechQ), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), respectively.

Results:

A total of 378 participants were included, 74.1% of whom were women. According to the TechQ scores, 47.4% of the participants reported a low/moderate level of technostress whereas 5.2% showed severe scores. About 58.5% of participants reported a GAD-7 score ⩾10, meeting diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety. About 60.3% scored ⩾3 at the PHQ-2 reporting significant levels of depression. Technostress has been significantly associated with levels of anxiety ( p < .001) as well as depression ( p < .001).

Conclusion:

Our results suggest further research regarding the implications of technostress on the well-being of University students. Specific measures aimed to improve students’ coping with the challenges of technology and technostress should be promoted.
Reassessment of the ‘General Principles of Law’ Referred to in Article 38(1)(c) of the ICJ Statute
Authors: Son Hye-Ryon , Jong Son-Gyong , Kang Won-U , Ri Myong-Il , Ko Yun-Chol , Pak Hui-Chol
Published: June 2022

Currently, there exist several academic and legal questions on which common perception is not established among states. One of them concerns the interpretation of ‘general principles of law’ mentioned in Article 38(1)(c) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice. Variance in the interpretation of ‘general principles of law’ manifests itself mainly in controversies over whether they are principles of domestic law or international law and over the implication of ‘civilized nations’ that qualifies ‘general principles of law’. The article aims at analysing such divergent views surrounding ‘general principles of law’ and voicing the authors’ view on the matter. By examining the principles in comparison with international conventions and custom, and in terms of wordings employed in the relevant provisions, the article attempts to demonstrate that they must be viewed as principles shared by national law systems of certain states. It also argues that in view of the essential characteristics of international law, and in terms of the meaning of the term ‘civilized nations’, ‘general principles of law’ cannot be deemed a universal source of international law, and in particular, that since the phrase ‘civilized nations’ was not intended to include all states in the world, it is necessary to amend the relevant wording.
Painting the Experience of Black Elementary School Teachers: A Portraiture Perspective Case Study
Authors: Green Keshia J.
Published: June 2022

This case study uses a conceptual framework that pieces together Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, and Black Feminist Theory to elevate the voices of Black elementary school teachers allowing for their lived experiences to be seen through a portraiture perspective. The words of the participants have been woven together to create art/poetry that depicts what it means to be a Black educator presented through their individual perspectives. Eight themes were uncovered that act as unifying ties connecting the lived truths of each educator to one another. Through sharing the lived stories of these individuals this study aims to shine light on what it means to be a Black educator moving through a predominantly White working environment. This study stands as a platform to assist with uplifting the voices of the participants and vitalizing the voices of Black female educators giving them a seat at the table so they can be heard.
Processing of Grammatical Agreement in the Face of Variation in Lexical Stress: A Mismatch Negativity Study
Authors: Coopmans Cas W. , Struiksma Marijn E. , Coopmans Peter H. A. , Chen Aoju
Published: June 2022

Previous electroencephalography studies have yielded evidence for automatic processing of syntax and lexical stress. However, these studies looked at both effects in isolation, limiting their generalizability to everyday language comprehension. In the current study, we investigated automatic processing of grammatical agreement in the face of variation in lexical stress. Using an oddball paradigm, we measured the Mismatch Negativity (MMN) in Dutch-speaking participants while they listened to Dutch subject–verb sequences (linguistic context) or acoustically similar sequences in which the subject was replaced by filtered noise (nonlinguistic context). The verb forms differed in the inflectional suffix, rendering the subject–verb sequences grammatically correct or incorrect, and leading to a difference in the stress pattern of the verb forms. We found that the MMNs were modulated in both the linguistic and nonlinguistic condition, suggesting that the processing load induced by variation in lexical stress can hinder early automatic processing of grammatical agreement. However, as the morphological differences between the verb forms correlated with differences in number of syllables, an interpretation in terms of the prosodic structure of the sequences cannot be ruled out. Future research is needed to determine which of these factors (i.e., lexical stress, syllabic structure) most strongly modulate early syntactic processing.
Computational chaos control based on small perturbations for complex spectra simulation
Authors: Rodríguez-Núñez Jesús Manuel , de León Aned , Molinar-Tabares Martín E , Flores-Acosta Mario , Castillo SJ
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we propose to use a computational method of chaos control to simulate complex experimental spectra. This computational chaos control technique is based on the Ott–Grebogi–York (OGY) method. We chose the logistic map as the base mathematical model for the development of our work. For the numeric part, we created arbitrary precision algorithms to generate the solutions. This way, we completely eliminated any degradation of chaos from our results. These algorithms were also necessary for the proper perturbation process that the computational chaos control method requires. We control the chaos of the logistic map in two cases of Period 1 and one case of Period 2 to demonstrate that our control method works. The behavior of a complex experimental spectrum was taken and numerically simulated. The simulated spectrum was obtained by controlling the chaos of the logistic map in a variable way with the methods proposed in this work. Our results show that it is possible to simulate very complicated experimental spectra by computationally controlling the chaos of an equation unrelated to the experimental system.
Modeling and simulation for inventory management of repairable items in maintenance systems
Authors: Saeed Osman Mojahid F
Published: June 2022

Simulation models have become promising methods to investigate and improve real-world systems. This paper describes the development of effective simulation-based models for maintenance systems in a manufacturing environment whereby production lines send their faulty but repairable items to a repair shop. The proposed models aim at investigating the centralized storage of repaired items with three replenishing strategies, lot-for-lot ( L4L), economic order quantity and reorder point ( Q-R), and minimum-maximum order level ( s-S) reordering policies of repairable items with backordering allowance in a risk-free and flexible manner to effectively manage the procurement of new repairable items and control three inventories of repairable items, repaired ready-for-use, new, and faulty awaiting repair. The models take into account the uncertain environment of maintenance systems and the probabilistic nature of the failures, repair times, and lead times of repairable items. The demand for repairable items in these three inventories is both stochastic and dynamic. A simulation case problem is presented to demonstrate the suitability and applicability of the proposed simulation models and to study the influence of different parameters on performance measures using parametric analysis. The main results are the vital decision-making insights provided by the developed models about the three reordering policies and the three inventories of repairable items. These managerial insights are essential for achieving minimum inventory costs and maximum service levels.
The use and effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation in health professions education: current update
Authors: Abdulhussain Yasmin , Ghelani Hardik , Henderson Helen , Sudhir Meghana , Mascarenhas Sharon , Radhakrishnan Rajan , Jan Reem Kais
Published: June 2022

Over the past 10 years, there has been an increase in the use of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) as a tool to support and enhance learning in health profession programs. In this article, we review the utilization of HFS in biomedical (basic science) courses for health professions students, and we compare its effectiveness to traditional teaching methods. Studies exploring the impact of HFS on students and residents were included in the review. The use of HFS is more prevalent in advanced clinical settings such as in training residents and nurses than in teaching students in preclinical years. When compared to traditional teaching methods, HFS is noted to be superior in delivering core biomedical concepts to students and healthcare professionals. However, a few studies showed no significant differences between HFS and traditional teaching methods when assessing clinical management skills. Overall, HFS is a valuable teaching tool which enhances knowledge retention and clinical skill acquisition in medical education.
Platform Owner Entry Into Complementor Spaces Under Different Governance Modes
Authors: Kang Hye Young , Suarez Fernando F.
Published: June 2022

The phenomenon of a platform owner entering its complementor spaces has been growing and, given its potential impact on the dynamics of competition in platform-mediated industries, has captured the interest of entrepreneurs, scholars, and policy makers. Empirical studies on the consequences of such platform owner entry have been scant so far and show mixed results for complementors. Drawing on competitive dynamics theory, our paper revisits an implicit assumption held in extant studies that allows us to hypothesize on dissimilar entry modes across owners, to study the implications of entry mode differences. We argue that how an owner enters its complementor spaces drives the level of competitive pressure that such an entry exerts on the affected complementors. In turn, this determines the size and valence of the repercussions on complementors’ product performance as well as their responses. Drawing on platform theory, we argue that an owner’s mode of entry into complementor spaces relates to that owner’s approach to platform governance. Using a unique panel dataset of health and fitness mobile apps in the Apple iOS and Google Play store, our results support our prediction that the mode of entry plays a significant role in the resulting complementor dynamics. We find contrasting modes of entry and resulting dynamics that arise between a platform that follows a closed and reigning approach to governance and one that follows an open and laissez-faire approach. Our findings help explain apparent contradictions in prior studies and extend our understanding of this increasingly common phenomenon in platform-mediated industries.
Relationship Status and Well-Being in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Carotta Christin L. , Lavender-Stott Erin S. , Garcia Aileen S. , Liu Hung-Ling (Stella)
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine well-being, loneliness, and hope among single and partnered adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 560 adults in the U.S. (50.2% female, 48.9% male, 28.7% single, 71.3% partnered) completed an online survey regarding their experiences amid the global health crisis. Results indicated that single and partnered individuals reported similar experiences of loneliness, hope, and well-being. Furthermore, hope served as a significant positive predictor of psychological well-being for both single and partnered individuals. Single and partnered individuals also engaged in a similar number of social interactions during the pandemic. The nature of these interactions (i.e., in-person vs. digital), however, uniquely predicted well-being across relationship status. Among single individuals, connecting with others in person significantly predicted well-being, whereas digital connections did not. The inverse was found for partnered individuals, where digital connections predicted well-being, but in-person interactions did not.
Adequate for whom? Reflections on the right to adequate housing from fieldwork on Roma inclusion in Italy
Authors: Cittadini Silvia
Published: June 2022

The definition of 'adequate housing', a term widely used in the protection of the related right and the development of housing policies, has never been fully questioned, despite the acknowledged importance of shelter for the well-being of the individual beyond its physical function. This article analyses the weaknesses of the current definition of this term through the findings of reflexive fieldwork conducted in Italy with Roma targeted by inclusion policies in the housing sector. Departing from the analysis of the impact of anti-gypsyism in the Italian policy context, the interviews highlight how policies constructed around ideas of adequacy focused solely on the physical structure of the dwelling contribute to the neglect of the variety of social, cultural, economic and emotional factors that affect housing choices, leading to the failure of initiatives aimed at providing adequate housing solutions.
Seventy-seven days on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome from SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Shuster Constantin , Kanji Hussein , Isac George , Jeovens Roxanne , Sidhu Amandeep , Kalan Simmie , Yee John , Finlayson Gordon
Published: June 2022

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) has emerged as a valid supportive intervention for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. In this report we describe the use of prolonged ECMO (77 days) to support a patient with COVID-19, ultimately resulting in lung recovery and discharge home. This report also emphasizes the value of physiotherapy in patients on ECMO and the importance of collaboration between ECMO programs and lung transplant teams in the care of these patients.
Understanding Subtypes of Bullying Victims Using Target Congruence and Lifestyle-Routine Activities Theories: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Cho Sujung , Park Insun
Published: June 2022

Prior research on bullying victimization has often explored the behavior from a binary perspective in which victims and non-victims are examined. However, there has been an increasing amount of literature taking a more nuanced approach towards different subtypes of victims in recent years. This study sought to examine heterogeneous patterns of victimization and identify correlates associated with different victim groups through an integrated framework of both lifestyle-routine activities and target congruence theories. Using a national sample of 2217 Korean adolescents, the latent class analysis uncovered three groups of victims including physical/verbal, verbal-only, and low/non-victims. The results supported the relevance of integrated target congruence and lifestyle-routine activities theories to explain subtypes of bullying-victims. Among the dimensions of target congruence, vulnerability and antagonism factors were distinctively associated with the three subgroups of victims. Bullying perpetration was relevant in distinguishing physical/verbal and verbal-only victims from non-victims even when target congruence variables were controlled for.
Hybrid control for combining model-based and model-free reinforcement learning
Authors: Pinosky Allison , Abraham Ian , Broad Alexander , Argall Brenna , Murphey Todd D
Published: June 2022

We develop an approach to improve the learning capabilities of robotic systems by combining learned predictive models with experience-based state-action policy mappings. Predictive models provide an understanding of the task and the dynamics, while experience-based (model-free) policy mappings encode favorable actions that override planned actions. We refer to our approach of systematically combining model-based and model-free learning methods as hybrid learning. Our approach efficiently learns motor skills and improves the performance of predictive models and experience-based policies. Moreover, our approach enables policies (both model-based and model-free) to be updated using any off-policy reinforcement learning method. We derive a deterministic method of hybrid learning by optimally switching between learning modalities. We adapt our method to a stochastic variation that relaxes some of the key assumptions in the original derivation. Our deterministic and stochastic variations are tested on a variety of robot control benchmark tasks in simulation as well as a hardware manipulation task. We extend our approach for use with imitation learning methods, where experience is provided through demonstrations, and we test the expanded capability with a real-world pick-and-place task. The results show that our method is capable of improving the performance and sample efficiency of learning motor skills in a variety of experimental domains.
Topological study about deformation behavior and energy absorption performances of 3D chiral structures under dynamic impacts
Authors: Wei Yuchen , Huang Chunyang , Ren Ling , Liang Yiming , Wu Zhaobo , Yuan Mengqi
Published: June 2022

The dynamic deformation behavior and energy absorption characteristics of the 3D chiral structures were analyzed by the explicit dynamics analysis module of ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The 3D chiral structure arrayed with different micro-cell parameters cells are established. The respective influences of impact velocities, rotation angles, number and diameter of beams on the deformation behaviors, the dynamic plateau stresses, the absorbed energy, and crush stress efficiency (CSE) are explored in detail. It is shown that the 3D chiral structure exhibits torsional effect and has better energy absorption properties under low-speed impact. At high speed impact, the 3D chiral structure is affected by the impact reinforcement. This leads to a segmentation characteristic between plateau stress and impact velocity for 3D chiral structures. For the given impact velocity, the dynamic plateau stresses are related to the number and diameter of beam by a power law and a quadratic curves, respectively. The results of this study provide scientific guidance and technical support for the optimization and effective design of 3D chiral structures.
Incorporation of Human Factors to a Data-Driven Car-Following Model
Authors: Harth Michael , Bin Amjad Uzair , Kates Ronald , Bogenberger Klaus
Published: June 2022

In recent years, there have been intensive efforts to consider human factors (HFs) in the modeling of human driver behavior. In particular, “engineering” car-following models widely used in traffic simulation have been extended to include HFs. This extension is needed to generate critical situations, which are often attributable to human error. However, incorporation of reaction processes requires advanced models that take driver predictions and delayed responses into account. In this paper, a methodology for integrating HFs into driver behavior modeling is developed based on a long short-term memory architecture. The proposed methodology employed a three-layer psychological concept: perception, information processing, and action. The perception layer modeled (imperfect) estimation of visually received stimuli. Information processing included short-term memory and the projection of perceived stimuli into the near future. The executed action, based on the sensed as well as anticipated dynamic driving state, was delayed by the perception–reaction time. To represent individual differences among driver types, the available training dataset was classified in four clusters according to observable driver characteristics. The methodology was demonstrated with data recorded at an urban signalized intersection. Model performance was compared with that of two established engineering models, the intelligent driver model and the (extended) full velocity difference model. The results indicated that the human driver model developed here showed superior performance in replicating real-world trajectories compared with existing models and was able to represent the varying driving strategies of different groups.
Access Benefits of Shared Autonomous Vehicle Fleets: Focus on Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Lee Jooyong , Kockelman Kara M.
Published: June 2022

This research monetizes the access benefits of making shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) available to residents of Texas’ Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in the U.S. Residents’ willingness to pay for SAV access under different fares and modes was estimated and compared across the region’s 5,386 traffic zones, with emphasis on those housing the regions’ most vulnerable or access-limited travelers. Assuming a $0.50/mi SAV fare, the average per-person-trip benefit is estimated to be $0.64 per trip. With $0.50/mi SAV fare, HV mode share will be reduced from 92.4% to 40.3%, while SAV will take 55.8% of the share. However, if HVs are then disallowed (removed from everyone s mode choice set) after $0.50/mile SAVs have been added, the average net impact is estimated to be −$0.31 per trip, across the metroplex. If HVs were to be replaced by access to SAVs, the impacts are positive, with region-wide average access benefits ranging from $0.16 to $0.33 per trip, depending on the SAV fare, and urban zones have a greater access benefit than rural zones with low SAV fare.

Vulnerable populations and their neighborhoods were identified based on the share of persons living below the poverty level, income per capita, share of persons aged 65 years or older, those with disabilities, those owning no vehicle, and share of persons from a racial minority group. Results suggest that the access benefits of SAVs will be higher in locations/neighborhoods housing more vulnerable populations, but some vulnerabilities (e.g., those over age 65) results in lower levels of access improvement. Across those zones with highest shares of vulnerable persons, the range of differences in welfare impacts, from adding SAVs to travelers mode choice sets, widened as fares rose. As is true with many innovations, careful attention to disadvantaged groups and thoughtful policy (via smart contracting and SAV-user subsidies by public agencies, for example) can better ensure valuable access improvements for those with limited mobility and resources.
When “Good People” Sexually Harass: The Role of Power and Moral Licensing on Sexual Harassment Perceptions and Intentions
Authors: Dinh Tuyen K. , Mikalouski Laurel , Stockdale Margaret S.
Published: June 2022

History has shown that people who embody responsibility-focused power have been credibly accused of sexual harassment. Drawing from power-approach and moral licensing theories, we present two complementary studies examining how responsibility-focused power triggers moral licensing, which, in turn, decreases perceptions of sexual harassment (Study 1) and increases intentions to engage in sexual harassment (Study 2). In Study 1, 365 participants read a scenario of a man embodying responsibility-focused power, self-focused power, or low power (control) and then read a case about the man’s alleged sexual harassment against a subordinate. Findings illustrated that moral crediting mediated the effect of power construal on false accusation judgments. In Study 2, 250 participants were primed to experience responsibility-focused power or low power. Responsibility-focused power increased sexual harassment intentions through effects on communal feelings and moral crediting. Based on these findings, we develop a new theoretical perspective on why sexual harassment occurs and why people deny perceiving it. We provide practical recommendations to organizational leaders for developing interventions, such as training, that may disrupt effects of power and moral licensing on sexual harassment intentions. We also encourage public discourse on the harms of harassment that supposed “good people” commit.
Plane-based grid map: A robot-centric mapping algorithm for wheel-legged rover motion planning in unstructured terrain environments
Authors: Zhu Bike , He Jun , Sun Jiaze , Xing Yan , Gao Feng
Published: June 2022

Active suspension rover is gaining more and more attention. Among them, the wheel-legged rover has outstanding performance. In order to fully utilize the rover’s capabilities and improve the autonomy in planetary exploration, this paper addresses a plane-based grid (PBG) mapping method for its motion planning in unstructured terrain environments. First, the kinematics of the TAWL rover and each leg’s dynamic are presented to analyze the physical characteristics. Second, the PBG map is constructed based on the rover’s capabilities. It can be directly used during motion planning. This mapping framework utilizes a sensor model to predict whether the grid is occupied or free. Then, a plane cluster algorithm is proposed to classify grid cells, which incorporates two machine learning algorithms. Thus, the flat areas are clustered from the unstructured terrains. With the PBG map and the motion planning framework, the wheel-legged rover can simplify the motion planning process and better utilize the driving efficiency and the legs’ adaptability. Third, the proposed mapping algorithm is tested on a depth camera. Robotic experiments are carried out, demonstrating our framework which allows the rover to safely combine the wheeled motion with legged motion in autonomous navigation.
Purposive and non-purposive information behaviour on Instagram
Authors: Marcella-Hood Madeleine , Marcella Rita
Published: June 2022

User information behaviour on Instagram was explored via 274 responses to an online survey. Instagram is recognised as a powerful visual platform and consistently reports high engagement statistics across its variety of users. Research on Instagram to date has focussed on marketing communications theory, in particular its production of influencers as a new type of celebrity and source. The authors undertook an exploratory study to examine user interaction with the platform from the perspective of information behaviour research. The survey sought data relating to the rich body of information behaviour theory, particularly in relation to the needs or motivations underpinning information seeking, preferred sources of information and criteria for their evaluation, trust of Instagram creators and purposive and non-purposive engagement with information. An evolutionary model of information behaviour on Instagram is proposed, which draws on previous studies of information behaviour. The credibility of information on Instagram was a key theme in the survey findings, with respondents varying in the degree to which they trusted information on the platform and adopting complex, time-consuming and sometimes conflicting strategies to fact check where they felt reliability was important; future research exploring this further is recommended, to help understand the role and motivations of the information seeker in this process. The research also reveals a heightened blurring in comprehension surrounding the concepts of information and opinion amongst users and academics.