bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency and Correlation Analysis of Intelligent Interconnected System in Blockchain Application Scenario
Authors: Yang Zhengfei , Wang Rui
Published: August 2022

Under the background that blockchain and intelligent interconnection system are developing steadily, at the same time, our operational requirements for intelligent interconnected systems are becoming higher and higher. While urgently requiring intelligent interconnected systems to work more comprehensively, we add blockchain technology that can bring more possibilities to optimize the functions of intelligent interconnected systems and help solve the shortcomings of intelligent interconnected systems. Our optimization methods for intelligent interconnection system under blockchain include virtual blockchain tie line method, blockchain tearing method, simulation model construction method, data transformation control, TG algorithm, and PI model algorithm. The advantages are as follows: (1) we can divide the blockchain intelligent interconnection system into multiple areas and multiple tie lines by using the virtual blockchain tie line method, and finally greatly improve the information receiving efficiency and analysis efficiency of the intelligent interconnection system by numbering the whole area. (2) Using blockchain tearing method and simulation model building method, we can divide the blockchain system with large nodes into multiple areas, adjust the amount of data that can be processed in the blockchain data output capacity allocation area according to this value, and improve the functional control performance of each part. (3) We use the data transformation control method and TG algorithm to accurately obtain the global optimal solution of the path data of the intelligent interconnected system, and improve the accuracy while computing resources and time faster, and complete the optimization process of the blockchain for intelligent connection at a faster speed, which makes the optimization decision of the intelligent interconnected system of the blockchain more suitable.
[Retracted] Exploration of the Effect of Competence‐Oriented Simulated Teaching Training on Comprehensive Competitiveness of Nursing Staff
Authors: Wang Ying , Xu Huifang
Published: August 2022

In order to explore the effect of competence‐oriented simulated teaching training on vocational theory, practice ability, learning effect, and postcompetence of nursing staff, a total of 107 inservice nursing staff in our hospital from January 2021 to September 2021 are selected and analyzed. They are divided into traditional group and simulated teaching group and received traditional explanation and demonstration training and ability oriented simulated teaching training, respectively. The experimental results show that the scores of vocational theory, practical operation ability, learning effect, and Competency Inventory for Registered Nurse (CIRN) of the simulated teaching group are significantly higher than those of traditional group. It is clearly evident that the competence‐oriented simulation teaching method is beneficial to improve the professional theoretical level and practical ability of nursing staff. Also, the training method can improve the comprehensive learning ability and job competence.
Relationship between Metabolic Syndrome Components and COVID-19 Disease Severity in Hospitalized Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Erman Hande , Boyuk Banu , Sertbas Meltem , Ozdemir Ali
Published: August 2022

Background. Preliminary data suggest that patients with comorbidities are more susceptible to severe COVID-19 infection. However, data regarding the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with COVID-19 are scarce. Aim. In the present study, we aim to investigate the association between MetS components and disease severity in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods. We conducted a prospective observational study of 90 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia at a tertiary hospital. The study population consisted of inpatients who tested positive by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2. Patients with critical COVID-19 disease on admission were excluded. Adult Treatment Panel III of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP-ATP III) criteria were used to define MetS. Laboratory analysis and thorax CT were performed on admission. Results. 90 patients, 60 moderate and 30 severe COVID-19 patients, included in the study. The percentage of MetS cases was higher among severe COVID-19 patients (

p
=
0.018

). Of the MetS criteria fasting blood glucose (

p
=
0.004

), triglycerides (

p
=
0.007

) were significantly higher in patients with severe COVID-19 disease with no statistical significance found in waist circumference (WC) (

p
=
0.348

), systolic blood pressure (

p
=
0.429

), and HDL-C levels (

p
=
0.263

) between two groups. Body mass index (BMI) values were similar in both severe and moderate cases (

p
=
0.854

). In logistic regression analysis, serum triglycerides (

p
=
0.024

), HDL-C (

p
=
0.006

), and WC (

p
=
0.004

) were found as independent prognostic factor for severe COVID-19 infection. Conclusion. Severe COVID-19 patients have higher rates of MetS. Serum triglycerides, HDL-C, and WC have an impact on disease severity in COVID-19.
Evaluation of Water Resources Environment and Regional Agricultural Economic Development Based on SAR Imaging Algorithm
Authors: Meng Ying
Published: August 2022

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a new high-tech radar that uses SAR principles and pulse compression technology to perform high-resolution imaging of ground targets. Because it is not affected by various factors such as location, time, and climate, it is widely used in the civilian and military fields, bringing huge social and economic benefits. Moreover, the environment of agricultural water resources and the development of regional agricultural economy can be studied using the SAR imaging algorithm. With the serious shortage of water resources and the increase of the world’s population, the use of water resources for agriculture must not only achieve the goal of saving water, but more importantly, achieve efficient production on the premise of saving water. However, the shortage of water resources in China has become a serious constraint on the development of agriculture and rural economy and has become an important factor restricting the sustainable development of agriculture and rural economy. Therefore, the development of efficient and sustainable use of water resources is very important to establish a water-saving society for the sustainable development of China’s economy and society. For the spaceborne SAR system, an azimuth-based multi-channel range ambiguity suppression method is proposed in this chapter. The simulation results show that after adopting the azimuth phase encoding technology, the azimuth spectrum of the signal in the ambiguous area can be moved to suppress the distance ambiguity.
Frequency of Arrhythmias and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome in Patients With Marfan Syndrome: A Nationwide Inpatient Study
Authors: Wafa Syed Emir Irfan , Chahal C. Anwar A. , Sawatari Hiroyuki , Khanji Mohammed Y. , Khan Hassan , Asatryan Babken , Ahmed Raheel , Deshpande Saurabh , Providencia Rui , Deshmukh Abhishek , Owens Anjali Tiku , Somers Virend K. , Padmanabhan Deepak , Connolly Heidi
Published: August 2022

Background

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder affecting multiple systems, particularly the cardiovascular system. The leading causes of death in MFS are aortopathies and valvular disease. We wanted to identify the frequency of arrhythmia and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, length of hospital stay, health care–associated costs (HAC), and in‐hospital mortality in patients with MFS.

Methods and Results

The National Inpatient Sample database from 2005 to 2014 was queried using
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
(
ICD‐9‐CM
) codes for MFS and arrhythmias. Patients were classified into subgroups: supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia (VT), atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and without any type of arrhythmia. Data about length of stay, HAC, and in‐hospital mortality were also abstracted from National Inpatient Sample database. Adjusted HAC was calculated as multiplying HAC and cost‐to‐charge ratio; 12 079 MFS hospitalizations were identified; 1893 patients (15.7%) had an arrhythmia; and 4.9% of the patients had postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Median values of length of stay and adjusted HAC in VT group were the highest among the groups (VT: 6 days, $18 975.8; supraventricular tachycardia: 4 days, $11 906.6; atrial flutter: 4 days, $11 274.5; atrial fibrillation: 5 days, $10431.4; without any type of arrhythmia: 4 days, $8336.6; both
P
=0.0001). VT group had highest in‐patient mortality (VT: 5.3%, atrial fibrillation: 4.1%, without any type of arrhythmia: 2.1%, atrial flutter: 1.7%, supraventricular tachycardia: 0%;
P
<0.0001) even after adjustment for potential confounders (without any type of arrhythmia versus VT; odds ratio [95% CI]: 3.18 [1.62–6.24],
P
=0.001).

Conclusions

Arrhythmias and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in MFS were high and associated with increased length of stay, HAC, and in‐hospital mortality especially in patients with VT.
Religiosity/Spirituality and Cardiovascular Health: The American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 in African Americans of the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Brewer LaPrincess C. , Bowie Janice , Slusser Joshua P. , Scott Christopher G. , Cooper Lisa A. , Hayes Sharonne N. , Patten Christi A. , Sims Mario
Published: August 2022

Background

Religiosity/spirituality is a major coping mechanism for African Americans, but no prior studies have analyzed its association with the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 (LS7) indicators in this group.

Methods and Results

This cross‐sectional study using Jackson Heart Study (JHS) data examined relationships between religiosity (religious attendance, private prayer, religious coping) and spirituality (theistic, nontheistic, total) with LS7 individual components (eg, physical activity, diet, smoking, blood pressure) and composite score among African Americans. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the odds of achieving intermediate/ideal (versus poor) LS7 levels adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioral, and biomedical factors. Among the 2967 participants (mean [SD] age=54.0 [12.3] years; 65.7% women), higher religious attendance was associated with increased likelihood (reported as odds ratio [95% CI]) of achieving intermediate/ideal levels of physical activity (1.16 [1.06–1.26]), diet (1.10 [1.01–1.20]), smoking (1.50 [1.34–1.68]), blood pressure (1.12 [1.01–1.24]), and LS7 composite score (1.15 [1.06–1.26]). Private prayer was associated with increased odds of achieving intermediate/ideal levels for diet (1.12 [1.03–1.22]) and smoking (1.24 [1.12–1.39]). Religious coping was associated with increased odds of achieving intermediate/ideal levels of physical activity (1.18 [1.08–1.28]), diet (1.10 [1.01–1.20]), smoking (1.32 [1.18–1.48]), and LS7 composite score (1.14 [1.04–1.24]). Total spirituality was associated with increased odds of achieving intermediate/ideal levels of physical activity (1.11 [1.02–1.21]) and smoking (1.36 [1.21–1.53]).

Conclusions

Higher levels of religiosity/spirituality were associated with intermediate/ideal cardiovascular health across multiple LS7 indicators. Reinforcement of religiosity/spirituality in lifestyle interventions may decrease overall cardiovascular disease risk among African Americans.
Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Bifurcation Lesions According to Medina Classification
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed O. , Lamellas Pablo , Roguin Ariel , Oemrawsingh Rohit M. , Ijsselmuiden Alexander J. J. , Routledge Helen , van Leeuwen Frank , Debrus Roxane , Roffi Marco , Mamas Mamas A. ,   the e‐Ultimaster investigators
Published: August 2022

Background

Coronary bifurcation lesions (CBLs) are frequently encountered in clinical practice and are associated with worse outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention. However, there are limited data around the prognostic impact of different CBL distributions.

Methods and Results

All CBL percutaneous coronary intervention procedures from the prospective e‐Ultimaster (Prospective, Single‐Arm, Multi Centre Observations Ultimaster Des Registry) multicenter international registry were analyzed according to CBL distribution as defined by the Medina classification. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the hazard ratio (HR) of the primary outcome, 1‐year target lesion failure (composite of cardiac death, target vessel–related myocardial infarction, and clinically driven target lesion revascularization), and its individual components between Medina subtypes using Medina 1.0.0 as the reference category. A total of 4003 CBL procedures were included. The most prevalent Medina subtypes were 1.1.1 (35.5%) and 1.1.0 (26.8%), whereas the least prevalent was 0.0.1 (3.5%). Overall, there were no significant differences in patient and procedural characteristics among Medina subtypes. Only Medina 1.1.1 and 0.0.1 subtypes were associated with increased target lesion failure (HR, 2.6 [95% CI, 1.3–5.5] and HR, 4.0 [95% CI, 1.6–9.0], respectively) at 1 year, compared with Medina 1.0.0, prompted by clinically driven target lesion revascularization (HR, 3.1 [95% CI, 1.1–8.6] and HR, 4.6 [95% CI, 1.3–16.0], respectively) as well as cardiac death in Medina 0.0.1 (HR, 4.7 [95% CI, 1.0–21.6]). No differences in secondary outcomes were observed between Medina subtypes.

Conclusions

In a large multicenter registry analysis of coronary bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention procedures, we demonstrate prognostic differences in 1‐year outcomes between different CBL distributions, with Medina 1.1.1 and 0.0.1 subtypes associated with an increased risk of target lesion failure.
Characteristics, Predictors, and Outcomes of Early mTOR Inhibitor Use After Heart Transplantation: Insights From the UNOS Database
Authors: Kampaktsis Polydoros N. , Doulamis Ilias P. , Asleh Rabea , Makri Elpiniki , Kalamaras Ilias , Papastergiopoulos Christoforos , Emfietzoglou Maria , Drosou Anastasis , Van den Eynde Jef , Alnsasra Hilmi , Duque Ernesto Ruiz , Briasoulis Alexandros
Published: August 2022

Background

The clinical characteristics of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitors use in heart transplant recipients and their outcomes have not been well described.

Methods and Results

We compared patients who received mTOR inhibitors within the first 2 years after heart transplantation to patients who did not by inquiring the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database between 2010 and 2018. The primary end point was all‐cause mortality with retransplantation as a competing event. Rejection, malignancy, hospitalization for infection, and renal transplantation were secondary end points. There were 1619 (9%) and 15 686 (81%) mTOR inhibitors+ and mTOR inhibitors− patients, respectively. Body mass index, induction, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, calculated panel reactive antibody, and fewer days in 1A status were independently associated with mTOR inhibitors+ status. Over a follow‐up of 10.4 years, there was no difference in all‐cause mortality after adjusting for donor and recipient characteristics (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.03 [0.90–1.19];
P
=0.66). mTOR inhibitors+ were independently associated with increased risk for rejection (odds ratio [OR], 1.43 [1.11–1.83];
P
=0.005) and basal skin cancer (OR, 1.35 [1.19–1.51];
P
=0.012) but not for infection or renal transplantation.

Conclusions

mTOR inhibitors are used in <10% patients in the first 2 years after heart transplantation and are noninferior to contemporary immunosuppression regimens in terms of all‐cause mortality, infection, malignancy, or renal transplantation. They are associated with risk for rejection.
Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized With Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device–Related Infective Endocarditis, Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis, and Native Valve Endocarditis: A Nationwide Study, 2003 to 2017
Authors: Khaloo Pegah , Uzomah Uwajachukwumma A. , Shaqdan Ayman , Ledesma Pablo A. , Galvin Jennifer , Ptaszek Leon M. , Ruskin Jeremy N.
Published: August 2022

Background

Most published reports describing outcomes of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic device–related infective endocarditis (CIED‐IE) are single‐center studies with small patient sample sizes. The goal of this study was to utilize population‐based data to assess trends in CIED‐IE hospitalization and to compare outcomes between patients hospitalized with CIED‐IE, prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), and native valve endocarditis (NVE).

Methods and Results

A query of the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between 2003 and 2017 identified 646 325 patients hospitalized with infective endocarditis in the United States of whom 585 974 (90%) had NVE, 27 257 (4.2%) had CIED‐IE, and 26 111 (4%) had PVE.

There was a 509% increase in CIED‐IE hospitalizations in the United States from 2003 to 2017 (
P
trend<0.001). In‐hospital mortality and length of stay associated with CIED‐IE decreased during the study period from 15% and 20 days in 2003 to 9.7% and 19 days in 2017 (
P
trend=0.032 and 0.018, respectively). The in‐hospital mortality rate was lower in patients hospitalized with CIED‐IE (9.2%) than in patients with PVE (12%) and NVE (12%). Length of stay was longest in the CIED‐IE group (17 compared with 14 days for both NVE and PVE). Hospital costs were highest for the CIED‐IE group ($56 000 compared with $37 000 in NVE and $45 000 in PVE).

Conclusions

Despite the fact that the number of comorbidities per patient with CIED‐IE increased during the study period, mortality rate and hospital length of stay decreased. The mortality rate was significantly lower for patients with CIED‐IE than for patients with NVE and PVE. Patients with CIED‐IE had the longest lengths of stay and highest hospital costs.
From Outlaws to Judges: Armed Groups and The Administration of Justice
Authors: Spadaro Alessandra
Published: August 2022

René Provost’s latest book, Rebel Courts: The Administration of Justice by Armed Insurgents, collects an impressive amount of practice of organized armed groups concerning the administration of justice in armed conflicts, and offers a detailed analysis of the legal issues surrounding the creation and functioning of insurgent courts. Drawing from field work and adopting a legal pluralistic methodology, Provost offers a comprehensive overview of how the rebel administration of justice functions in practice and of how international law regulates its different aspects, including the legality of rebel courts, due process guarantees, as well as international, transnational, and national recognition of the judicial practices of armed groups. In this review essay, I highlight the importance and novelty of Provost’s approach, exploring the book’s connections with other legal and non-legal literature on armed groups, and contextualize some of Provost’s arguments concerning rebel law and rebel courts.
Two new marine hermit crabs allied with the Paguristes tortugae complex (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura) from the western Atlantic
Authors: CRAIG CATHERINE W. , FELDER DARRYL L.
Published: August 2022

A recent molecular phylogenetic analysis that focused on selected species of western Atlantic Paguristes Dana, 1851, Areopaguristes Rahayu & McLaughlin, 2010, and Pseudopaguristes McLaughlin, 2002 was somewhat inconclusive regarding relationships among those genera, but it revealed two new unrecognized species genetically related to members of the Paguristes tortugae complex. One of the new species is sister to A. hummi (Wass, 1955), which is readily separated from Wass’ taxon by significant differences in coloration. However, no definitive characters have been found for its identification on the basis of structural morphology. A second new species is genetically sister to P. tortugae Schmitt, 1933, even though it was regarded in earlier literature as no more than an ecomorphic variant expressing protective coloration related to habitat substrate color. In addition to its unique coloration, subtle distinctions are evident in structural morphology. Both species are formally named with accompanying morphological and color descriptions.
First description of the females of two species of Zodarion (Araneae: Zodariidae)
Authors: COŞAR İLHAN , DANIŞMAN TARIK , ELVERİCİ MERT
Published: August 2022

The females of Zodarion samos Bosmans, 2009 and Zodarion varoli Akpınar, 2016 are described for the first time. Z. samos Bosmans, 2009 is further a new record to the Turkish araneofauna. Characteristic features and photographs of both species are presented, and known localities in Turkey are provided. Previous records of Zodarion rubidum Simon, 1914, and Zodarion ruffoi Caporiacco, 1951 from Turkey are based on misidentifications and shall be omitted from the national species list.
The Effect of COVID-19 on Home Advantage in Women’s Soccer: Evidence From Swedish Damallsvenskan
Authors: Krumer Alex , Smith Vetle A. O.
Published: August 2022

Most studies of the effect of COVID-19 restrictions on home advantage have been conducted on men’s soccer, with the women’s game lacking scientific attention. The present study fills this gap by investigating games in Swedish Damallsvenskan women’s soccer league. Comparing games in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, we find a slight, but not statistically significant reduction in home advantage in games without crowds in terms of goals scored and points achieved. However, unlike in most studies on men’s soccer, we find that away teams received significantly more yellow cards in games without crowds compared to games with crowds. We discuss our results in the context of the findings in men’s soccer.

JEL Classification: D00, J71, L00, Z13, Z20.
Patterns of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medicine use in the era of new non-stimulant medicines: A population-based study among Australian children and adults (2013–2020)
Authors: Bruno Claudia , Havard Alys , Gillies Malcolm B , Coghill David , Brett Jonathan , Guastella Adam J , Pearson Sallie-Anne , Zoega Helga
Published: August 2022

Background and aims:

New therapeutic options such as lisdexamfetamine and guanfacine have recently become available for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. We described contemporary patterns of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medicine use among children, adolescents and adults in Australia.

Methods:

This population-based study used dispensing data for a 10% random sample of Australian residents between July 2012 and December 2020. We estimated the annual prevalence and incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medicines, second-line guanfacine use and examined concurrent medicine use of both stimulants and non-stimulants. We followed incident users for up to 5 years and analysed treatment persistence using a novel proportion of people covered method. Analyses were stratified by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medicine, sex and age group; young children (0–5 years), children (6–12 years), adolescents (13–17 years), young adults (18–24 years) and adults (⩾25 years).

Results:

We observed a twofold increase in the overall prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medicine use between 2013 and 2020, from 4.9 to 9.7 per 1000 persons. Incident use also increased across all age groups and both sexes, with the most pronounced increases among adolescent females (from 1.4 to 5.3 per 1000 persons). Stimulant treatment persistence after 5 years was highest among those initiating treatment as young children (64%) and children (69%) and lowest among those initiating treatment in adolescence (19%). Concurrent use of stimulants and non-stimulants was more common among males and younger age groups. Most children (87%) initiating guanfacine had prior dispensings of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medicines.

Conclusion:

We observed increasing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medicine use in Australia, especially among young females. Nevertheless, treatment rates remain lower than the estimated prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder across all subpopulations. Poor long-term treatment persistence in adolescence may warrant improved clinical monitoring of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients transitioning from paediatric to adult care. Reassuringly, use of newly approved guanfacine appeared to be in accordance with guidelines among children.
Is the narrative the message? The relationship between suicide-related narratives in media reports and subsequent suicides
Authors: Hawley Lance L , Niederkrotenthaler Thomas , Zaheer Rabia , Schaffer Ayal , Redelmeier Donald A , Levitt Anthony J , Sareen Jitender , Pirkis Jane , Sinyor Mark
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

When journalists report on the details of a suicide, the way that they contextualize the meaning of the event (i.e. the ‘narrative’) can have significant consequences for readers. The ‘Werther’ and ‘Papageno’ narrative effects refer to increases and decreases in suicides across populations following media reports on suicidal acts or mastery of crises, respectively. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of these different narrative constructs on subsequent suicides.

Methods:

This study examined the change in suicide counts over time in Toronto, Canada. It used latent difference score analysis, examining suicide-related print media reports in the Toronto media market (2011–2014). Articles ( N = 6367) were coded as having a potentially harmful narrative if they described suicide in a celebrity or described a suicide death in a non-celebrity and included the suicide method. Articles were coded as having potentially protective narratives if they included at least one element of protective content (e.g. alternatives to suicide) without including any information about suicidal behaviour (i.e. suicide attempts or death).

Results:

Latent difference score longitudinal multigroup analyses identified a dose–response relationship in which the trajectory of suicides following harmful ‘Werther’ narrative reports increased over time, while protective ‘Papageno’ narrative reports declined. The latent difference score model demonstrated significant goodness of fit and parameter estimates, with each group demonstrating different trajectories of change in reported suicides over time: (χ2[6], N = 6367) = 13.16; χ2/df = 2.19; Akaike information criterion = 97.16, comparative fit index = 0.96, root mean square error of approximation = 0.03.

Conclusion:

Our findings support the notion that the ‘narrative’ matters when reporting on suicide. Specifically, ‘Werther’ narratives of suicides in celebrities and suicides in non-celebrities where the methods were described were associated with more subsequent suicides while ‘Papageno’ narratives of survival and crisis mastery without depictions of suicidal behaviours were associated with fewer subsequent suicides. These results may inform efforts to prevent imitation suicides.
An energy-efficient and self-triggered control method for robot swarm networking systems
Authors: Byun Heejung , Yang Soo-mi
Published: August 2022

Robot swarm networking systems (RSNS) exhibit complex emergent behavior by using local control laws based on spatial information from nearby environment and adjacent robot agents. The consensus behavior of the RSNS depends on a set of parameters of robot agent algorithms or system parameters for their operation, issued mainly by the operator. The challenge in the RSNS is developing techniques for the operator to interact with the RSNS in order to make system behavior adaptive to changes in system configuration and for operator commands without having to handle them individually. Another challenge is saving energy consumption over the robot agents in the RSNS by reducing the number of information exchange between robot agents when the system configuration is spread out the network from the operator. To address these issues, this paper presents an energy-efficient control approach for system configuration propagation with self-triggering control. The proposed method controls the RSNS operation by indirectly propagating the system configuration within the framework of local rules. Moreover, a self-triggered propagation model is designed according to the convergence rate of configuration propagation in order to save and to balance energy consumption among robot agents in the RSNS. This model is then extended to an optimal timing control, where the operator determines its next input time without having to keep track of all the states of robot agents. Theoretical analysis and simulation results are performed to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method.
Agency Reduction Formation: The Origin and Development of a Practical Theory
Authors: Tillotson Michael
Published: August 2022

The disciplinary credo for Africana Studies is Academic Excellence and Social Responsibility. Africana Studies as an academic discipline is charged with the responsibility to operate from this position, not in the abstract, but as an actionable modality that manifests itself in the nature of the work being done by African-centered scholars. Clearly, the 21st century beckons the emergence of a theoretical construct, that advances the recognition and illumination of systems of thought which are antithetical to the well-being of people of African descent. This work introduces the theoretical construct Agency Reduction Formation (ARF) as a practical theory to guide Applied Africana Studies practitioners in their respective work and to re-energize the necessity of collective efficacy for people of African descent.
Introducing ROLE: A database of rebel leader attributes in armed conflict
Authors: Acosta Benjamin , Huang Reyko , Silverman Daniel
Published: August 2022

Existing literature on civil wars relies predominantly on state- and organization-level variables to understand conflict dynamics and outcomes. In this article, we propose that rebel leaders’ personal backgrounds and experiences are also key to explaining the behavior of the organizations they lead. Just as scholars have long highlighted the importance of state leaders’ biographical characteristics in interstate war and diplomacy, we argue that the attributes of rebel leaders affect their organizations’ decisions and actions in civil war. To substantiate our claims, we introduce the Rebel Organization Leaders (ROLE) database, which contains a wide range of biographical information on all top rebel leaders in civil wars ongoing between 1980 and 2011. We first describe the contents of the database and present a number of novel descriptive findings about rebel leaders. To illustrate its utility, we then examine the influence of rebel leaders’ attributes on their organizations’ use of terrorism in civil war. Ultimately, our work encourages – and enables – a new research agenda that goes beyond rebel organizations and campaigns as units of analysis and brings individual leaders more fully into modern conflict and peace studies.
Exploring the Need for Education on Cortical Visual Impairment Among Occupational Therapy Professionals and Teachers of Students With Visual Impairments
Authors: Harpster Karen , Hamilton Sophia , Lusk Kelly E. , Seastone Anna M. , Fox Amy E. , Rice Melissa L. , Schwartz Terry
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Cortical or cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the leading cause of bilateral visual impairment in developed countries. The goals of this study were to explore the CVI education and training received by occupational therapy practitioners and teachers of students with visual impairments and to quantify the confidence of these professionals to evaluate and work with children who are diagnosed with CVI. Methods: An Internet-based survey was conducted with a volunteer sample that included occupational therapists, certified occupational therapy assistants, and certified teachers of students with visual impairments who practice in 50 U.S. states; Washington, D.C.; and Canada. The survey was posted on professional organizations and social media websites, as well as emailed to colleagues at organizations such as the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, schools for students who are blind, and local universities. Data collection occurred between June 2019 and November 2019. Results: Surveys were completed by 205 respondents from 43 U.S. states; Washington, D.C.; and Canada. Occupational therapy practitioners consistently reported lower rates of formal education in CVI, with only 25% of occupational therapists and 47% of certified occupational therapy assistants receiving education on CVI in their academic programs. Less than 23% of occupational therapists received training on CVI assessments, whereas 75% of teachers of students with visual impairments had training in CVI assessments. Additionally, respondents indicated reduced satisfaction with their knowledge and skills for treating or teaching children with CVI. Discussion: The results indicate a gap in formal CVI education for occupational therapy practitioners and, to a lesser extent, teachers of students with visual impairments. Due to the increasingly high prevalence of CVI, the gap in formal education on CVI is significant. Implications for Practitioners: Results indicate the need to increase formal and continuing education for occupational therapy practitioners and teachers of students with visual impairments.
Lipoid Proteinosis of the Pharynx and Larynx: A Case Report
Authors: Li Zhuojun , Lai Yongfeng , Yu Guohua , Sun Di , Lu Guowei , Dong Lei , Luan Jiangang , Chen Xiumei
Published: August 2022

Lipoid proteinosis (LP) is a rare inherited multisystem disease. Classical clinical features include beaded eyelid papules, laryngeal infiltration, and neurological symptoms. Here, we report the diagnosis and treatment of a female patient with LP in order to improve physician awareness and understanding of this disease.
SEC Comment Letters and 10-K Accounting and Linguistic Reporting Complexity
Authors: Burke Jenna J. , Gunny Katherine
Published: August 2022

The increasing complexity of 10-K reporting has caused difficulties for investors seeking to understand and analyze a company’s financial reports. In this study, we examine whether the SEC’s comment letter process, consistent with its mission to improve public company disclosure, reduces reporting complexity in subsequent filings. We find comment letter receipt has a competing impact on two distinct dimensions of reporting complexity. Specifically, reporting complexity related to accounting concepts decreases after comment letter receipt, but linguistic reporting complexity increases. Validating this competing impact, we find that both changes to complexity are associated with changes in firms’ information asymmetry in the expected directions. Further analysis of the increase in linguistic reporting complexity suggests that managers obfuscate following comment letter receipt, where the increase is unnecessary and not occurring in response to changes in the firms’ accounting or underlying economics/operations. Overall, results suggest that while the comment letter process simplifies the presentation of reported accounting information, it also has the unintended consequence of decreasing the readability of reports. This nuance is important to understand, given that the federal government dedicates significant resources to the comment letter process.
Impact of Charles Bonnet Syndrome on visually impaired older adults’ ability to engage in physical activity: A scoping review
Authors: Fisher Katharine , Sanders Caroline , Stanmore Emma
Published: August 2022

Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) is a condition associated with sight loss, characterised by vivid, spontaneous visual hallucinations. Currently, it is unclear whether CBS presents challenges to participation in physical activities, in addition to barriers attributed to sight loss alone. The purpose of this scoping review was to establish the extent of the literature, and gaps in the knowledge base, concerning the impact of CBS on older adults’ engagement in physical activities. Review conduct was informed by Arksey and O’Malley and Levac et al.’s scoping review methodologies. Six academic databases were searched during May 2021, yielding 2709 results: eight articles met eligibility criteria. Two additional sources were located via a reference check of included papers and stakeholder consultation. Quantitative cross-sectional studies ( n = 3) indicate that CBS may interfere with the ability to move around, while qualitative sources (case report/series n = 6; autobiography n = 1) show that sudden presentation of hallucinations in a person’s pathway, or threatening content, may jeopardise safety while walking. Moving to avoid a hallucination could present a fall risk if attention is diverted from environmental hazards. One case report stated that CBS did not affect personal care activities. Due to a limited evidence base, further empirical research is needed to achieve a comprehensive understanding about how CBS affects older adults’ participation in physical activities.
Loganin attenuates interleukin-1β-induced chondrocyte inflammation, cartilage degeneration, and rat synovial inflammation by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB
Authors: Wan Haishan , Li Chaoyi , Yang Yi , Chen Dingzhong
Published: August 2022

Objective

Inflammation plays a crucial part in osteoarthritis (OA) development. This work aimed to explore loganin’s role and molecular mechanism in inflammation and clarify its anti-inflammatory effects in OA treatment.

Methods

Chondrocytes were stimulated using interleukin (IL)-1β and loganin at two concentrations (1 μM and 10 μM). Nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expression was assessed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA levels. Western blot was used to investigate TLR4, MyD88, p-p65, and IκB-α expression. p65 nuclear translocation, synovial inflammatory response, and cartilage degeneration were also assessed.

Results

Loganin significantly reduced IL-1β-mediated PGE2, NO, iNOS, and COX-2 expression compared with that of the IL-1β stimulation group. The TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway was suppressed by loganin, which decreased inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α and IL-6) levels compared with those of the IL-1β stimulation group. Loganin inhibited IL-1β-mediated NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation compared with that of the IL-1β stimulation group. Loganin partially suppressed cartilage degeneration and the synovial inflammatory response in vivo.

Conclusion

This work demonstrated that loganin inhibited IL-1β-mediated inflammation in rat chondrocytes through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway regulation, thereby reducing rat cartilage degeneration and the synovial inflammatory response.
Alpha-fetoprotein-producing advanced colorectal cancer: a rare case report and literature review
Authors: Ding Huan , Xu Shan , Wang Kang , Wang Xin , Sun Guanxing , Li Xiang , Ran Yancui , Sun Jinjun
Published: August 2022

Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)-producing colorectal cancer is a rare form of colorectal cancer with a high degree of malignancy, advanced stage, strong invasiveness, poor response to treatment, rapid progression, and poor prognosis. Herein, we present the case of a middle-aged (in his 50s) male patient who underwent left neck lymph node biopsy due to “left neck lymph node enlargement for 5 months.” Biopsy results revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma, and computed tomography examination of the chest and abdomen suggested a malignant tumor of the sigmoid colon with multiple metastases. Subsequently, the patient underwent colonoscopy, and the pathological result was colonic adenocarcinoma. Regarding tumor markers, serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was 214 ng/mL. The patient received first- and second-line treatments for colon cancer, but progression-free survival was short. AFP was consistently elevated; after 8 months, the patient had AFP levels of 11,371.8 ng/mL, and imaging confirmed disease progression. The patient subsequently died, with an overall survival of more than 9 months. Compared with other tumor markers, AFP better reflects tumor progression in AFP-producing colorectal cancer.
“Love lies”: A content analysis of romantic attachment style in popular music
Authors: Jorgensen-Wells McKell A , Coyne Sarah M , Pickett Janna M
Published: August 2022

During adolescence, music consumption drastically increases and many adolescents become romantically involved. Popular songs often depict romance, and teens may incorporate tenets of these lyrics into their own romantic experiences. Romantic attachment style is a primary indicator of relationship functioning, and individuals’ attachment style may shift according to romantic experiences they observe in media. This study comprises a content analysis of the romantic attachment style portrayed in popular song lyrics. Findings revealed that more than 86% of songs illustrated an insecure attachment and various song/artist characteristics were associated with specific attachment styles. We assert that parents, teens, and educators should be mindful of the lyrics adolescents listen to, working together to ensure adolescents navigate music’s messages about romance in a positive way.
Relationship Between Dating Violence and Contraceptive Use Among Texas Adolescents
Authors: Srikanth Nimisha , Weerakoon Sitara M. , Mathew Matthew S. , Xie Luyu , Messiah Sarah E.
Published: August 2022

The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade has the potential to adversely impact reproductive health among adolescents experiencing unplanned pregnancies from dating violence. We examined the associations between contraceptive use and dating violence among Texas high schoolers in the years leading up to this new law. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System data from Texas 9th to 12th graders from 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2019 were analyzed. Multinomial logistic regression analyses examined the association between contraceptive use and key descriptive predictors (physical and/or sexual dating violence, survey year, age, sex, and race/ethnic group). Eleven percent of Texas adolescents surveyed reported experiencing either physical or sexual dating violence and 2% reported experiencing both types of violence. Those who experienced any dating violence were significantly more likely to report not using contraception versus those who did not experience violence (12.5% vs. 68.3%, p = 0.01). Adolescents who experienced any type of dating violence were more likely to report using hormonal contraception, condom use, or withdrawal versus those who did not experience dating violence. Hispanic adolescents were 63% more likely than their ethnic group counterparts to use no contraception (odds ratio [OR] 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.11–2.40]). A significant proportion of Texas adolescents reported experiencing dating violence, and this group also reported higher noncontraception use versus those not experiencing dating violence. Given new strict Texas antiabortion laws, dating violence prevention and contraceptive use promotion to prevent unwanted reproductive outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancies are imperative in this age group.
Accurate and efficient traffic participant detection based on optimized features and multi-scale localization confidence
Authors: Liu Yue , Shi Ying , Xie Changjun , Luo Wenguang , Ye Hongtao , Lin Chaojun
Published: August 2022

Traffic participant detection, which locates targets participating in road traffic such as vehicles and humans, is a critical research goal in autonomous driving and intelligent transportation technology, in which targets of various scales are challenging to handle. To address this problem, we propose an accurate and efficient traffic participant detector called FM-RepPoints to increase detection precision of multi-scale targets via optimized features and localization confidence. We first present a parameter-efficient backbone Dilated-ResNeSt to extract complicated urban scene features with less inference time. An adaptive attention module is then added to calibrate the features according to the corresponding targets. Moreover, we set the multi-scale localization confidence for traffic participants of various scales based on the sensitivity analysis. The proposed network outperforms the basic network by 3.3 points mAP; the accuracy of vehicles and humans is improved by 4.5% and 2.1%, respectively. Compared with state-of-the-art algorithms, the proposed method achieves the highest accuracy while maintaining average inference speed, thereby accomplishing the best speed-accuracy trade-off.
Microstructural and mechanical characterization of pre-used SA 335 P91 super-heater pipe weldment used in 70 MW CFBC boilers
Authors: Prabu S. Senthur , Sujai S. , Prathiba S. , Ramkumar K. Devendranath , Arivazhagan N.
Published: August 2022

The enhanced SA 335 P91 steels are specially designed to be used in the super-heaters in thermal power plants which are commonly operated at an elevated temperature. The present study involves an analysis of microstructure and the tensile property of the used P91 tubular steel of such heat exchanger in as-received conditions. The joints were fabricated by gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) by employing ErNiCrMo-3 and E9018 B9 fillers. The microstructure showed the presence of flakes of martensite, formation of Nb-rich phases with an unmixed zone in the interface of the weld followed by the columnar and equiaxed dendrites in the centre of the weld zone, while employing the ERNiCrMo-3 filler in GTAW. Whereas in SMA welding, no such unmixed zone was observed while employing E9018 B9 filler except the precipitation of carbides. The metallurgical and mechanical characterization of welded joints was performed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), hardness, toughness and tensile tests. From the SEM/EDS analysis in the fusion zone of joints inferred the uniform distribution of the element with Nb phases and oxide formation in the pre used P91 steel for both the weldments irrespective of the fillers employed. Alongside the hardness of the SMA weld zone showed a higher hardness by the precipitation of M23C6 and martensitic structure compared to the GTAW weld zone which is found to be lower owing to the presence of elements such as Mo, Nb, Al and C. In both the joints, the tensile failure occurred away from the fusion zone in the parent metal and SMAW joints imparted better strength than GTAW joints. The GTAW joints showed better toughness by ensuring the ductile mode of failure in fractography studies.