bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refractive index and lattice parameter prediction for garnets (A3B2C3X12)
Authors: Drazin John W. , Hay Randall S.
Published: February 2023

The validity of prediction methods for garnet lattice parameters was tested, and a modified model with best fit to a lattice parameter database with over 1000 garnet compositions was developed. The lattice parameter predictions were used in Shannon and Fischer's model to predict garnet refractive indices. The predictions were compared to refractive index measurements reported for 143 garnet compositions. After calibration of electron overlap factors used in the model, the average prediction error was 1.13%. Sources of error in the models are discussed, as well as applications of the predictive methods.
Effects of pair housing on behavior, cortisol, and clinical outcomes during quarantine‐like procedures for rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Jackson Martina N. , Truelove Melissa A. , Williams Kimberly , Chen Jiandong , Moore Reneé H. , Wood Jennifer S. , Cohen Joyce K. , Mollie Bloomsmith
Published: February 2023

Background

Compatible pair housing of macaques in research settings increases species‐typical behaviors and facilitates beneficial social buffering. It is not yet established whether these benefits are maintained after intrafacility transfer and domestic quarantine, which are two stressors that can lead to behavioral and clinical abnormalities.

Methods

We evaluated 40 adolescent male rhesus macaques who were single‐ or pair‐housed immediately following an intrafacility transfer. We measured behavior, fecal cortisol, body weight, and diarrhea occurrence. Body weight and diarrhea occurrence were also retrospectively analyzed in an additional 120 adolescent rhesus who underwent a similar transfer.

Results and Conclusions

Pair‐housed macaques exhibited less of some undesirable behaviors (e.g., self‐clasping) and experienced less diarrhea than single‐housed subjects; however, no significant differences in cortisol levels or alopecia measures were found. The demonstrated beneficial effects of pair housing for rhesus macaques following intrafacility transfer and adjustment suggest pairing upon arrival at a new facility will bolster animal welfare.
COVID‐19 pandemic experiences, ethical conflict and decision‐making process in critical care professionals (Quali‐Ethics‐COVID‐19 research part 1): An international qualitative study
Authors: Falcó‐Pegueroles Anna , Bosch‐Alcaraz Alejandro , Terzoni Stefano , Fanari Francesco , Viola Elena , Via‐Clavero Gemma , Hoyo Sara Gonzalez‐Del , Parini Anna Maria , Poveda‐Moral Silvia , Parozzi Mauro , Guàrdia‐Olmos Joan , Bonetti Loris
Published: February 2023

Aim and Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the sources of ethical conflict and the decision‐making processes of ICU nurses and physicians during the first and subsequent waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

Depside several studies exploring ethical conflicts during COVID‐19 pandemic, few studies have explored in depth the perceptions and experiences of critical care professionals regarding these conflicts, the decision‐making process or which have analysed the complexity of actually implementing the recommendations of scientific societies and professional/healthcare institutions in interdisciplinary samples.

Design

A descriptive phenomenological study.

Methods

Thirty‐eight in‐depth interviews were conducted with critical care nurses and physicians from five hospitals in Spain and Italy between December 2020 and May 2021. A thematic content analysis of the interview transcripts was conducted by two researchers. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were employed to ensure the quality and transparency of this study.

Results

Two main themes emerged as sources of ethical conflict: the approach to end of life in exceptional circumstances and the lack of humanisation and care resources. The former comprised two subthemes: end‐of‐life care and withholding and withdrawal of life‐sustaining treatment; the latter comprised three subthemes: the impossibility of guaranteeing the same opportunities to all, fear of contagion as a barrier to taking decisions and the need to humanise care.

Conclusions

Professionals sought to take their decisions in line with professional ethics and bioethical principles, but, nevertheless, they experienced moral dilemmas and moral distress when not being able to care for, or to treat, their patients as they believed fit.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Further education and training are recommended on the provision of end‐of‐life and post‐mortem care, effective communication techniques via video calls, disclosure of bad news and bioethical models for decision‐making in highly demanding situations of uncertainty, such as those experienced during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Effect of immersion in disinfectants on the color stability of denture base resins and artificial teeth obtained by 3D printing
Authors: Coelho Sabrina R. G. , da Silva Marcela D. D. , Nunes Thais S. B. S. , Viotto Hamile E. C. , Marin Danny O. M. , Pero Ana C.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of immersion in disinfecting solutions on the color stability of denture base resins and artificial teeth obtained by 3D printing.

Materials and methods

Forty discs (15 × 3 mm) were obtained for each group: Lucitone 550 and Cosmos Denture 3D (denture base resins), Duralay and Cosmos TEMP 3D (artificial teeth resins). The discs were immersed in disinfectant solutions: Corega Tabs, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate, 0.25% sodium hypochlorite, and distilled water. Color measurements were obtained with a spectrophotometer before immersion in disinfectants and after the simulated periods of 6 and 12 months. Data (ΔE00) were submitted to mixed three‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni post‐test.

Results

For denture base resins, Cosmos Denture 3D showed greater color change regardless of the solution and immersion time. The immersion time of 6 months influenced the color change of the denture base resins regardless of the disinfectant solution. For the artificial teeth resins, the immersion time of 12 months showed a significant color change when compared to 6 months. Cosmos TEMP 3D showed greater color change for all solutions, except for 0.25% sodium hypochlorite. Duralay resin showed greater color change in 2% chlorhexidine, regardless of immersion time.

Conclusions

For denture base resins, the immersion time significantly changed the color regardless of the solution. For artificial teeth resins, Cosmos TEMP 3D showed greater color changes in all solutions when compared to Duralay, except for 0.25% sodium hypochlorite. Chlorhexidine digluconate significantly changed the color of Duralay.
Thoracolumbar myelopathies in pug dogs
Authors: Wachowiak Ian J. , Patterson Jon S. , Winger Kathryn M. , Smiler Kathleen L. , Cole Robert , Moon Rachel , Kluz Michael , Bartner Lisa R.
Published: February 2023

Background

Constrictive myelopathy (CM) involving a fibrous band around the spinal cord is a newly recognized disease in pug dogs.

Objectives

To identify the frequency of CM based on diagnostic imaging supplemented with necropsy; to determine whether a relationship exists between the sites of CM and other described T3‐L3 myelopathies; and to determine the frequency of caudal articular process dysplasia (CAPD).

Animals

Thirty‐two client‐owned pug dogs diagnosed with a chronic, progressive T3‐L3 myelopathy based on neurological examination performed by a board‐certified neurologist.

Methods

This is a prospective study. All dogs underwent computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reviewed by a board‐certified radiologist. Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities were categorized into diseases; CM only, CM plus other non‐CM condition(s), or non‐CM condition. Sites of CAPD were reported on CT. Nineteen dogs underwent necropsy.

Results

Magnetic resonance imaging revealed 3 dogs with CM only, 17 with CM plus at least 1 other myelopathy, 11 dogs with non‐CM myelopathies only, and 1 with no MRI abnormalities. Nineteen of 32 dogs had >1 myelopathy diagnosis on MRI whereas 15/32 had >1 site of spinal cord compression. All dogs had CAPD at >1 site in the T3‐L3 vertebral column on CT.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Constrictive myelopathy affected more than half of pug dogs presenting with chronic thoracolumbar myelopathies. Most had multilevel disease, concurrent myelopathies, or both. There was no apparent relationship between anatomic locations of CAPD and most severe myelopathy or myelopathy type.
Twenty‐year trends of Centropages typicus (Copepoda, Calanoida) reproduction, feeding, population abundance and structure in the Gulf of Naples (Western Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Carotenuto Ylenia , Di Capua Iole , Di Pinto Mario , Palumbo Flora , Percopo Isabella , Uttieri Marco , Miralto Antonio , Mazzocchi Maria Grazia , Ianora Adrianna
Published: February 2023

Centropages typicus is a temperate calanoid copepod occurring in Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal waters, where its reproductive biology and population dynamics are well‐known. C. typicus has also been suggested as a key species for monitoring the impact of environmental changes on copepod secondary production. The aim of this study is to investigate the seasonal and interannual reproductive (egg production and egg hatching success) and feeding (fecal pellet production) traits, population abundance and structure (sex ratio) of C. typicus over a 20‐year period at the Long‐Term Ecological Research site MareChiara (LTER‐MC) in the Gulf of Naples (Central Tyrrhenian Sea, Western Mediterranean Sea), identifying specific trends and patterns. At a seasonal scale, egg production and hatching success were tightly linked with maxima in February–March, driving the juvenile and adult springtime population peaks but showing a poor correlation with phytoplankton abundance, pointing to an omnivorous diet. At a multiannual scale, an observed decrease in the population is backed up by a reduction in egg production, despite an increase in hatching success. The results of this study provide new elements to comprehend the links between C. typicus functional traits, population dynamics, and environmental factors and highlight the importance of running LTER series to monitor the trends in natural environments.
Multiple generation magmatic and hydrothermal processes in a Martian subvolcanic environment based on the analysis of Yamato‐000593 nakhlite meteorite
Authors: Gyollai Ildiko , Chatzitheodoridis Elias , Kereszturi Ákos , Szabó Máté
Published: February 2023

We studied the occurrence of secondary minerals and inferred their formation in the Yamato‐000593 Martian meteorite using multiple technological approaches such as electron probe micro analysis, optical microscope, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, as well as Fourier transform‐infrared microscopy and spectroscopy. Two separate hydrothermal alteration events and their sequence of formation (based on superpositional relationship) can be identified: an elevated temperature phase producing high‐temperature sulfidic hydrothermal alteration and a lower temperature hydrothermal alteration phase by iron‐rich fluids. This meteorite shows signatures more compatible with magmatic effects, rather than impact‐induced hydrothermal alteration, as has been proposed earlier. The sulfidic alteration probably formed by magmatic hydrothermal fluids, whereas iron‐rich hydrothermal fluid circulation after a possible early impact event has also been proposed, when the fluids cooled down to 50 °C. Most of the secondary minerals formed at alkaline‐neutral conditions, and the few observed signatures (clay–silica‐bearing veins, siderite‐iron‐oxide veins) of briny conditions are probably from local spatial effects in larger cavities. The ferrous minerals (hematite and siderite) along the fractures could be crystallized from Fe‐HCO3‐bearing fluids. Alternatively, the primary magmatic minerals could have been oxidized easily (Fe‐rich olivines, magnetite) during the cooling to iron oxides (hematite, goethite). The results suggest the possible existence of at least ephemerally habitable environments on Mars, mainly at volcanically heated locations. Following published geochemical models, the carbonates formed within acidic‐circumneutral condition, which was followed by formation of phyllosilicates in alkaline condition.
Morbidity and mortality of hospitalised patients with candidemia during the various severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic waves: A multicentre evaluation of 248 US hospitals
Authors: Bauer Karri A. , Yu Kalvin , Moise Pamela A. , Finelli Lyn , Ai ChinEn , Watts Janet , Ye Gang , Gupta Vikas
Published: February 2023

Background

Studies evaluating outcomes of COVID‐19 patients with candidemia are limited and have only evaluated a single timepoint during the pandemic.

Objectives

To compare the prevalence and outcomes associated with candidemia in patients based on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) status and through the various pandemic waves (1 March 2020–5 March 2022).

Patients/Methods

Multicentre, retrospective cohort analysis of data from 248 US medical facilities using the BD Insights Research Database (Becton, Dickinson and Company, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, USA). Eligible patients were adults aged ≥18 years who were hospitalised for >1 day, had a SARS‐CoV‐2 test and a positive blood culture for Candida spp.

Results

During the study time frame, there were 2,402,879 hospital admissions; 234,903 (9.7%) and 2,167,976 (90.3%) patients were SARS‐CoV‐2 positive and negative, respectively. A significantly higher rate of candidemia/1000 admissions was observed in SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients compared to SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative patients (3.18 vs. 0.99; p < .001). The highest candidemia rate for SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients was observed during the Alpha SARS‐CoV‐2 wave (June 2020–August 2020) with the lowest candidemia rate during the Omicron wave. Hospital mortality was significantly higher in SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients compared to SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative patients with candidemia (59.6% vs. 30.8%; p < .001). When evaluating the mortality rate through the various pandemic waves, the rate for the overall population did not change.

Conclusions

Our study indicates high morbidity and mortality for hospitalised patients with COVID‐19 and candidemia which was consistent throughout the pandemic. Patients with COVID‐19 are at an increased risk for candidemia; importantly, the magnitude of which may differ based on the circulating variant.
Adolescent extra‐truncal progressive macular hypomelanosis
Authors: Paquette Gabriella M , Sherman Shany , Akabane Andressa , Harris John E.
Published: February 2023

Two adolescent females presented to outpatient clinic with isolated, non‐scaly, asymptomatic hypopigmented macules and patches on the arm(s). Both cases had Wood's lamp exams notable for extralesional punctiform coral‐red perifollicular fluorescence on the back and faint intralesional enhancement. In one case, biopsy was performed and deemed consistent with progressive macular hypomelanosis. The patient had complete response to antimicrobial therapy and sun exposure.
A bane or a boon? Profit‐margin‐guarantee contract in a channel with downstream competition
Authors: Zheng Hong , Tian Lin , Li Guo
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, manufacturers have relied on giant retailers or e‐tailers to distribute their products. Given this evolution, some retailers have started demanding a profit‐margin‐guarantee contract (PMG contract), under which the manufacturer must ensure that the retailer's profit margin does not fall below a certain level (PMG rate). Conventional wisdom suggests that a PMG contract creates a life‐or‐death struggle for the manufacturer and that a retailer with a PMG contract can gain a competitive edge over his competitors. This study investigates the strategic impact of the PMG contract in a competitive environment. We consider a distribution channel consisting of one manufacturer and two competing retailers. In this channel, the manufacturer has signed a PMG contract with one retailer (signed retailer) but not with the other (unsigned retailer). Our analyses show that in response to the PMG contract, the manufacturer can adopt a “ cost‐independent” pricing strategy (i.e., setting the wholesale price independent of the production cost) to strategically trigger or void the PMG contract. For this reason, interestingly, the manufacturer is not always hurt by, nor does the signed retailer always benefit from, the PMG contract. Depending on the production cost and the downstream competition intensity, the PMG contract may yield a win–win, win–lose, lose–win, or lose–lose outcome for the manufacturer and the signed retailer. Moreover, the unsigned retailer may be able to free ride on the PMG contract, making her even better off under this unfavorable competitive situation. Nevertheless, the PMG contract cannot yield a win–win–win outcome for all firms, whereas a lose–lose–lose outcome may arise under certain conditions. Our results have useful managerial and regulatory implications.
Augmenting fake content detection in online platforms: A domain adaptive transfer learning via adversarial training approach
Authors: Ng Ka Chung , Ke Ping Fan , So Mike K. P. , Tam Kar Yan
Published: February 2023

Online platforms are experimenting with interventions such as content screening to moderate the effects of fake, biased, and incensing content. Yet, online platforms face an operational challenge in implementing machine learning algorithms for managing online content due to the labeling problem, where labeled data used for model training are limited and costly to obtain. To address this issue, we propose a domain adaptive transfer learning via adversarial training approach to augment fake content detection with collective human intelligence. We first start with a source domain dataset containing deceptive and trustworthy general news constructed from a large collection of labeled news sources based on human judgments and opinions. We then extract discriminating linguistic features commonly found in source domain news using advanced deep learning models. We transfer these features associated with the source domain to augment fake content detection in three target domains: political news, financial news, and online reviews. We show that domain invariant linguistic features learned from a source domain with abundant labeled examples can effectively improve fake content detection in a target domain with very few or highly unbalanced labeled data. We further show that these linguistic features offer the most value when the level of transferability between source and target domains is relatively high. Our study sheds light on the platform operation in managing online content and resources when applying machine learning for fake content detection. We also outline a modular architecture that can be adopted in developing content screening tools in a wide spectrum of fields.
Identification and characterization of Cladosporium species associated with tea plants (Camellia sinensis) in China
Authors: Lv Wuyun , Yu Yating , Zhong Xiaofang , Lin Yaxuan , Guo Guiyi , Wang Yuchun
Published: February 2023

The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is widely cultivated worldwide as one of the most popular non‐alcoholic beverage crops. Cladosporium, the dominant endophytic genus of leaves, possesses a variety of biotransformation and metabolic abilities to promote the accumulation of secondary metabolites. However, Cladosporium species in tea leaves remain unexplored. In this study, a total of 79 Cladosporium isolates were obtained from the leaves of several tea varieties in China. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis and morphological characteristics revealed six known species, namely, C. angulosum, C. anthropophilum, C. halotolerans, C. perangustum, C. tenuissimum and C. xanthochromaticum, and one novel species named C. camelliae. C. angulosum was the most dominant species, and the other six species were newly recorded in tea plants. Pathogenicity tests showed no obvious symptoms of disease in tea leaves caused by 13 representative strains of these seven Cladosporium species. Subsequently, three frequently used fungicides were tested, including chlorothalonil, pyraclostrobin and thiophanate‐methyl. The EC50 values against C. tenuissimum were 19.14, 0.548 and 3.796 μg/mL, respectively. Based on these EC50 values, the inhibition effects of the three fungicides on six strains from six species (C. angulosum, C. anthropophilum, C. camelliae, C. perangustum, C. tenuissimum and C. xanthochromaticum) were further compared. Pyraclostrobin had the strongest inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of Cladosporium, followed by thiophanate‐methyl, and chlorothalonil showed the weakest inhibitory effect. The results provide a basis for understanding endophytic Cladosporium fungi in tea leaves.
Public administration in disasters: Integrating emergency management into jail and prison preparedness
Authors: Dement Carl E.
Published: February 2023

Jail and prison administrators have historically struggled to prepare for and respond to disasters. State and county Emergency Managers, as public administrators, are responsible for coordinating preparedness to mitigate disaster impacts. The author used 41 qualitative interviews with emergency management and corrections professionals to assess the extent to which these two collaborate for carceral disaster readiness. The findings indicate that Emergency Managers omit local jails and prisons from their planning, training, and exercises. Additionally, neither sees the other as a legitimate partner in disaster preparedness. This forces corrections professionals to face disasters without the aid of emergency management experts thereby exposing inmates, staff, and the public to greater risk.
Influence of external authorities on collaborative frictions
Authors: Zhao Chenlin , Wang XiaoHu , Cheung Peter T. Y. , Xu Jingyuan
Published: February 2023

When institutional frictions threaten to disrupt collaborations, an external authority can be brought in to resolve disputes. How effective is such external imposition? What are the institutional circumstances in which it works? Framed by the collaborative governance regime (CGR), which sees established procedures and institutions as a critical collaborative capacity, this research employs a unique concept—collaborative friction—to explore the role of external imposition in collaboration among entities with significant institutional differences. We examined 965 recorded collaborative frictions from four large collaborative infrastructure projects between governments in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our finding suggests a significant, but limited, effect of the central government's imposition on collaborative frictions. We also find a significant role of sociopolitical circumstances in collaboration. Based on the findings, we make several theoretical propositions articulating external imposition's role in collaboration.
The influence of fragment type, time, and coral host genotype on early growth of nursery reared Acropora cervicornis
Authors: U Ashley Sum Yin , Yang Christine , Martell Harmony A.
Published: February 2023

Identifying factors that influence nursery coral growth can help estimate nursery productivity and optimize yield. We examined the growth rates of Acropora cervicornis fragments from a nearshore nursery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to determine how time after fragmentation, fragment type, donor colony nursery structure, and genotype influenced growth. Growth rates were calculated from linear extension measurements of fragments representing 10 coral host genotypes 27 and 61 days after fragmenting. Fragments were classified as apical (obtained from branch tips) or proximal (obtained midbranch), based on photographs. Donor colony nursery structure did not influence growth. A linear mixed‐effects model was performed to assess the influence of time, fragment type, and genotype on growth. Growth rates at 61 days were faster than at 27 days, and apical fragments grew faster than proximal fragments in 2 out of 10 genets at 61 days, providing some evidence for a trade‐off between growth and healing. We found no significant genet growth differences at 27 days. However, differences between genets were detected in 61‐day growth rates, suggesting that growth differences among distinct A. cervicornis genets propagated by asexual fragmentation may not emerge before 2 months, regardless of donor colony structure or fragment type. Our results suggest that restoration practitioners need not monitor growth between genets before 2 months to save resources from ongoing monitoring. In addition, scientists using coral fragments in experiments should be aware that growth differences between genets may take longer than 60 days to appear, posing some risk of confounding experimental results.
Building good knowledge or blaming bad parents? Examining the construction of parents and parenting in a corpus of parent focussed cochlear implant research articles
Authors: Kecman Emily
Published: February 2023

Parents of deaf children with a cochlear implant (CI) report feeling pressure to adhere to a very prescribed conceptualisation of ‘good parenting’, and in some cases report feeling judged or blamed, for example, if the child's progress post‐CI is slower than expected. Previous investigations of the discourses of parenting science suggest that, while parent blame is rarely expressed explicitly, that normative, moral assumptions about how ‘good parents of a disabled child’ should feel, think and act are embedded within prevalent concepts and terminology. A disproportionate focus on evaluating individual parents' personal characteristics at the expense of more external, socially located issues has also been noted. Existing critiques, together with the author's lived experience provide the impetus for this study; in which corpus linguistics methods have been used to document the types of parents and parenting attributes constructed in a 420,982 corpus of research articles. The results indicate the prevalence of many highly evaluative parenting noun‐collocates within the field; successful adaptation, a positive appraisal of the situation, realistic expectations, rational decisions, high involvement and full‐time use of the CI are conflated with good parenting, whilst parents who present in alternate ways are construed as problematic. Implications for future research are discussed.
Establishment of aBRAF V595E‐mutant canine prostate cancer cell line and the antitumor effects ofMEKinhibitors against canine prostate cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Masanori , Onozawa Moe , Watanabe Shiho , Nagashima Tomokazu , Tamura Kyoichi , Kubo Yoshiaki , Ikeda Akiko , Ochiai Kazuhiko , Michishita Masaki , Bonkobara Makoto , Kobayashi Masato , Hori Tatsuya , Kawakami Eiichi
Published: February 2023

Canine prostate cancer (cPCa) is a malignant neoplasm with no effective therapy. The BRAF V595E mutation, corresponding to the human BRAF V600E mutation, is found frequently in cPCa. Activating BRAF mutations are recognized as oncogenic drivers, and blockade of MAPK/ERK phosphorylation may be an effective therapeutic target against BRAF‐mutated tumours. The aim of this study was to establish a novel cPCa cell line and to clarify the antitumor effects of MEK inhibitors on cPCa in vitro and in vivo. We established the novel CHP‐2 cPCa cell line that was derived from the prostatic tissue of a cPCa patient. Sequencing of the canine BRAF gene in two cPCa cell lines revealed the presence of the BRAF V595E mutation. MEK inhibitors (trametinib, cobimetinib and mirdametinib) strongly suppressed cell proliferation in vitro, and trametinib showed the highest efficacy against cPCa cells with minimal cytotoxicity to non‐cancer COPK cells. Furthermore, we orally administered 0.3 or 1.0 mg/kg trametinib to CHP‐2 xenografted mice and examined its antitumor effects in vivo. Trametinib reduced tumour volume, decreased phosphorylated ERK levels, and lowered Ki‐67 expression in xenografts in a dose‐dependent manner. Although no clear adverse events were observed with administration, trametinib‐treated xenografts showed osteogenesis that was independent of dosage. Our results indicate that trametinib induces cell cycle arrest by inhibiting ERK activation, resulting in cPCa tumour regression in a dose‐dependent manner. MEK inhibitors, in addition to BRAF inhibitors, may be a targeted agent option for cPCa with the BRAF V595E mutation.
Improving Navigation for Blind People in the Developing Countries: A UI/UX Perspective
Authors: Rose Meghla Mehnaz , Ghazali Masitah
Published: February 2023

Assistive technology (AT) has made many tasks possible for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, almost no technology is developed centered around the blind people of developing countries when it comes to navigating. This study explored blind people's concerns and determined the type of design and interaction of a navigation application that are more convenient and favored by blind users. Qualitative research was used to study the problems faced by blind people of developing countries while navigating. Blind people of two organizations in Bangladesh participated voluntarily in the research. The data obtained were analyzed using thematic analysis of ATLAS.ti. The data indicated that merely traveling with the white cane was not enough and there were a lot of problems faced when going from one place to another. A preference was shown for voice-assisted devices. The data were used to build two types of accessible prototypes with good UX, but different interactions, design, layout, spoken content and audio descriptions. Later, the usability testing was performed to investigate the effectiveness of the two types of prototypes from the UI/UX perspective. The results indicated that there was a greater preference for a layout with more spacing and buttons closer to the hands. Audio descriptions, spoken content and being able to navigate using the application also instills a sense of independence. The study contributes to a better knowledge of design solutions and interactions that legally blind people prefer, and to the creation of navigation tools/apps for the blind, specifically from the developing countries such as Bangladesh.
The Comparison of Decision-Making Skills between Athletes and Non-athletes among University Students
Authors: Ishak Muhammad Adib , Mohd Kassim Ahmad Fikri , Miswan Mohd Syafiq , Zainuddin Nurul Farha
Published: February 2023

Cognitive skills are one of the components of mental skills. These skills deal with a high level of cognitive processing, including decision-making. Athletes with high cognitive skills have superior positive thinking and decision-making. The objectives of this study are to evaluate mental skills performance on athletes and non-athletes in university and to investigate the difference of mental skills among athletes and non-athletes in university. 229 active students from Bachelor of Sports Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis Branch participated in this study. Descriptive statistical methods were used using Microsoft Excel 2020 and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 25.0 version). The significant value for determining the significant difference of the data gathered was valued as p < 0.001 and p < 0.05. All descriptive data calculated were presented in mean ± standard deviation (SD). A statistically significant of the result for vigilance’s approach showed that there was no significant difference between athletes and non-athletes. As for buck-passing and procrastination approach, there was a significant difference recorded as the test result indicated p < 0.001 and p < 0.05 respectively. Lastly, hypervigilance approach showed that there was a significant difference between athletes and non-athletes with the value p < 0.001. This study suggests that there is a significant difference of buck-passing, procrastination and hypervigilance between athletes and non-athletes among university students. Future study can consider investigating demographic and athletes’ competitiveness factors to understand better on the underlying influences on how individual participation and exposure in sports affecting mental skills development.
A Study of Service Touchpoints in the Design of Assistive Products Required by People with Visual Impairment
Authors: Hei Yirui , Dolah Jasni , Hei Shenghai
Published: February 2023

This review investigates the problem of hospital orientation touchpoints for individuals with visual impairments. This paper aims to provide a framework for the service design considerations that designers and engineers of medical devices must consider to aid the visually impaired people in the hospital orientation. In addition, service design and design thinking techniques were utilized to synthesize the findings. Four-person focus groups were used to conduct semi-structured interviews. Using purposeful sampling, a group of Yinchuan, China, visually impaired people were chosen to be interviewed and guided through a series of fictitious medical crises. Using a user journey map and service touchpoint analysis, the service touchpoints encountered by the visually impaired population while using the guided care service were summarized and unified, yielding into several design recommendations. Based on the research provided in the research on assistive device design for the visually impaired population and the collected studies on hospital guidance services, current research on hospital guidance services is focused more on changing service design from the hospital perspective. The potential scenario applications of this wearable device have been largely neglected in previous studies on the design of assistive devices for people with visual impairment. Finally, the contact points that visually impaired people will encounter in the hospital alone were divided into three: before, during, and after the visit. These contacts were divided into eight categories. Although research on inclusive design and related topics from the perspective of the visually impaired has increased, very little has been done to examine this issue from the perspective of actual use cases.  Despite the importance of the design and technology phases of product development, there is still a need for further research into the design of antecedent services in the context of what people with visual impairment require.
Convolutional Neural Network Based Defect Recognition Model for Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing Images of Electrofusion Joints
Authors: Tao Yangji , Shi Jianfeng , Guo Weican , Zheng Jinyang
Published: February 2023

This technical brief proposes a defect recognition model to recognize four typical defects of phased array ultrasonic testing (PA-UT) images for electrofusion (EF) joints. PA-UT has been proved to be the most feasible way to inspect defects in EF joints of polyethylene pipes. The recognition of defects in PA-UT images relies on the experience of operators, resulting in inconsistent defective detection rate and low recognition speed. The proposed recognition model was composed of an anomaly detection model and a defect detection model. The anomaly detection model recognized anomalies in PA-UT images, meeting the requirement of real-time recognition for practical inspection. The defect detection model classified and located defects in abnormal PA-UT images, achieving high accuracy of defects recognition. By comparing detection models, optimizing parameters and augmenting dataset, the anomaly detection model and defect detection model reached a good combination of accuracy and speed.
Assessing Toughness Levels for Nuclear Containment Vessels Steel to Determine the Need for Postweld Heat Treatment Based on the Master Curve Method
Authors: Chen Zehong , Zhang Yalin , Huang Song , Hui Hu
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a minimum toughness assessment method of exempting postweld heat treatment (PWHT) based on the master curve method is proposed to replace the current method of determining whether to perform PWHT by material thickness. Reference temperature to prevent fracture (T0-required) for structure to be exempt from PWHT at minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) was obtained by using the master curve method under presumed stresses and flaw size. A series of exemption curves were generated for the steels used in pressure vessels with yield strength of 300∼550 MPa, and the method was corrected for low-stress conditions. Then the feasibility of this method was verified by an engineering example. A SA-738Gr.B welded joint in the example was taken as the research object, the experiment showed that the weld metal was the worst part of the fracture toughness of the joint. The results of research objects which were exempted from PWHT by the proposed method are consistent with ASME Code Case N-841, which proves that this method is feasible in assessing the exemption from PWHT.
Estimation of Subsea Line Structure Behavior Based on Sequential Data Assimilation with Distributed Sensing
Authors: Kojima Shun , Wada Ryota , Murayama Hideaki
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a method that estimates the real-time behavior of subsea line structures based on sequential data assimilation with distributed strain sensors is proposed. A finite element method is used to represent the behavior of subsea line structures and generates ensemble forecasts regarding unknown parameters. A merging particle filter technique is applied to integrate the observation data with the numerical models to calculate the posterior probability density function. The effectiveness of the proposed method is examined through twin experiments. The presented results validate the proposed method's capability to estimate the current state as well as unknown parameters of subsea line structures. The results suggest the advantage of distributed sensors against pointwise sensing when applied to line structures.
Primary Scientific Literature Is Not Just for Students and Academics: a Study of Primary Source Modalities and Predictors of Learning across Adulthood
Authors: McCartney Melissa , Wan Xiaoqing , Griep Christina D. , Lighthall Nichole R.
Published: February 2023

The 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic and distrust for popular media have highlighted the need for effective methods of direct communication of biomedical science to the public. It is presently unclear how well nonexperts can learn from primary scientific sources and what factors predict such learning in the general public.
Guild-Level Microbiome Signature Associated with COVID-19 Severity and Prognosis
Authors: Guo Mingquan , Wu Guojun , Tan Yun , Li Yan , Jin Xin , Qi Weiqiang , Guo Xiaokui , Zhang Chenhong , Zhu Zhaoqin , Zhao Liping
Published: February 2023

Previous reports on the associations between COVID-19 and gut microbiome have been constrained by taxonomic-level analysis and overlook the interaction between microbes. By applying a genome-resolved, reference-free, guild-based metagenomic analysis, we demonstrated that the relationship between gut microbiota and COVID-19 is genome-specific instead of taxon-specific or even species-specific.
Single Amino Acid Substitution in the Receptor Binding Domain of Spike Protein Is Sufficient To Convert the Neutralization Profile between Ethiopian and Middle Eastern Isolates of Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus
Authors: Sugimoto Satoko , Kakizaki Masatoshi , Kawase Miyuki , Kawachi Kengo , Ujike Makoto , Kamitani Wataru , Sentsui Hiroshi , Shirato Kazuya
Published: February 2023

There have been no reported cases of human Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in Africa, despite the presence of MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Previous studies have shown that recombinant MERS-CoV carrying the S protein of an Ethiopian isolate replicated slower and was more easily neutralized relative to MERS-CoV carrying the S protein of a Middle Eastern isolate.
Supplemental Material: Estimating paleotidal constituents from Pliocene “tidal gauges”—an example from the paleo-Orinoco Delta, Trinidad
Authors: Chen Si , et al.
Published: February 2023

Supplemental Text: Supplemental Material Captions. Table S1: List of the most common tidal constituents, with period and rotational speed in solar hours. Figure S1: Daily tidal heights and summary of the tidal constituents most responsible for those tides from two tidal reference stations. Figure S2: Listing of tidal gauge stations and tidal statistics from the Gulf of Carpentaria in Australia. Figure S3: Amplitude ratio (F) equation and tide types.
Validation of a deep learning system for the detection of diabetic retinopathy in Indigenous Australians
Authors: Chia Mark A , Hersch Fred , Sayres Rory , Bavishi Pinal , Tiwari Richa , Keane Pearse A , Turner Angus W
Published: February 2023

Background/aims

Deep learning systems (DLSs) for diabetic retinopathy (DR) detection show promising results but can underperform in racial and ethnic minority groups, therefore external validation within these populations is critical for health equity. This study evaluates the performance of a DLS for DR detection among Indigenous Australians, an understudied ethnic group who suffer disproportionately from DR-related blindness.

Methods

We performed a retrospective external validation study comparing the performance of a DLS against a retinal specialist for the detection of more-than-mild DR (mtmDR), vision-threatening DR (vtDR) and all-cause referable DR. The validation set consisted of 1682 consecutive, single-field, macula-centred retinal photographs from 864 patients with diabetes (mean age 54.9 years, 52.4% women) at an Indigenous primary care service in Perth, Australia. Three-person adjudication by a panel of specialists served as the reference standard.

Results

For mtmDR detection, sensitivity of the DLS was superior to the retina specialist (98.0% (95% CI, 96.5 to 99.4) vs 87.1% (95% CI, 83.6 to 90.6), McNemar’s test p<0.001) with a small reduction in specificity (95.1% (95% CI, 93.6 to 96.4) vs 97.0% (95% CI, 95.9 to 98.0), p=0.006). For vtDR, the DLS’s sensitivity was again superior to the human grader (96.2% (95% CI, 93.4 to 98.6) vs 84.4% (95% CI, 79.7 to 89.2), p<0.001) with a slight drop in specificity (95.8% (95% CI, 94.6 to 96.9) vs 97.8% (95% CI, 96.9 to 98.6), p=0.002). For all-cause referable DR, there was a substantial increase in sensitivity (93.7% (95% CI, 91.8 to 95.5) vs 74.4% (95% CI, 71.1 to 77.5), p<0.001) and a smaller reduction in specificity (91.7% (95% CI, 90.0 to 93.3) vs 96.3% (95% CI, 95.2 to 97.4), p<0.001).

Conclusion

The DLS showed improved sensitivity and similar specificity compared with a retina specialist for DR detection. This demonstrates its potential to support DR screening among Indigenous Australians, an underserved population with a high burden of diabetic eye disease.
Impact of breastfeeding on the incidence and severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated acute lower respiratory infections in infants: a systematic review highlighting the global relevance of primary prevention
Authors: Mineva Gabriela M , Purtill Helen , Dunne Colum P , Philip Roy K
Published: February 2023

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the principal cause of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) among infants worldwide, and an important cause of morbidity, hospitalisation and mortality. While infants are universally exposed to RSV, most mortality occurs among normal term infants from low-income and middle-income countries. Breastfeeding has been suggested to have a protective effect against RSV infection. This study aims to determine the association of breastfeeding on the frequency and severity of RSV-associated ALRI among infants.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using keywords and Medical Subject Headings on MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, MedRxiv and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Full-text articles published in English from 2000 to 2021 that studied exclusively or partially breastfed infants who developed RSV-associated ALRI <12 months of age were included. Covidence software-based evidence extraction and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol guidelines were followed. Quality of evidence was analysed using UK National Service Framework grading and the risk-of-bias assessment using Robvis.

Results

Among 1368 studies screened, 217 qualified full-text review and 198 were excluded based on pre-agreed criteria. Nineteen articles published from 12 countries that included 16 787 infants from 31 countries (of which 8 middle-income) were retained for analysis. Results indicate that non-breastfeeding practices pose a significant risk for severe RSV-associated ALRI and hospitalisation. Exclusive breastfeeding for >4–6 months significantly lowered hospitalisation, length of stay, supplemental oxygen demand and admission to intensive care units.

Conclusion

In the context of no effective or standardised treatment for established RSV-associated ALRI, available evidence suggest that breastfeeding is associated with lower frequency and severity of RSV-associated ALRI, based on observational studies of variable grades of evidence and risk-of-bias. With both exclusive and partial breastfeeding benefiting infants who develop RSV-associated ALRI, breastfeeding should be promoted globally as an adjunct primary prevention; in addition to emerging immunoprophylaxis and maternal immunisation strategies.
Roles and effectiveness of knowledge brokers for translating clinical practice guidelines in health-related settings: a systematic review
Authors: Cross Amanda J , Haines Terry P , Ooi Choon Ean , La Caze Adam , Karavesovska Sara , Lee Eu Jin , Siu Samuel , Sareen Sagar , Jones Carlos , Steeper Michelle , Bell John Simon
Published: February 2023

Background

Poor translation of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) into clinical practice is a barrier to the provision of consistent and high-quality evidence-based care. The objective was to systematically review the roles and effectiveness of knowledge brokers (KBs) for translating CPGs in health-related settings.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL Plus were searched from 2014 to June 2022. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled and uncontrolled preintervention and postintervention studies involving KBs, either alone or as part of a multicomponent intervention, that reported quantitative postintervention changes in guideline implementation in a healthcare setting were included. A KB was defined as an intermediary who facilitated knowledge translation by acting in at least two of the following core roles: knowledge manager, linkage agent or capacity builder. Specific activities undertaken by KBs were deductively coded to the three core roles, then common activities were inductively grouped. Screening, data extraction, quality assessment and coding were performed independently by two authors.

Results

16 studies comprising 6 RCTs, 8 uncontrolled precomparisons–postcomparisons, 1 controlled precomparison–postcomparison and 1 interrupted time series were included. 14 studies (88%) were conducted in hospital settings. Knowledge manager roles included creating and distributing guideline material. Linkage agent roles involved engaging with internal and external stakeholders. Capacity builder roles involved audit and feedback and educating staff. KBs improved guideline adherence in 10 studies (63%), had mixed impact in 2 studies (13%) and no impact in 4 studies (25%). Half of the RCTs showed KBs had no impact on guideline adherence. KBs acted as knowledge managers in 15 (94%) studies, linkage agents in 11 (69%) studies and capacity builders in all studies.

Conclusion

Knowledge manager and capacity builder roles were more frequently studied than linkage agent roles. KBs had mixed impact on translating CPGs into practice. Further RCTs, including those in non-hospital settings, are required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022340365.