bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Visual Sensitivity Aware ABR Algorithm for DASH via Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Ye Jin , Dan Meng , Jiang Wenchao
Published: June 2023

In order to cope with the fluctuation of network bandwidth and provide smooth video services, adaptive video streaming technology is proposed. In particular, the adaptive bitrate (ABR) algorithm is widely used in dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP (DASH) to improve quality of experience (QoE). However, existing ABR algorithms still ignore the inherent visual sensitivity of human visual system (HVS). As the final receiver of video, HVS has different sensitivity to the quality distortion of different video content, and video content with high visual sensitivity needs to allocate more bitrate resources. Therefore, existing ABR algorithms still have limitations in reasonably allocating bitrate and maximizing QoE. To solve this problem, this paper designs an adaptive bitrate strategy from the perspective of user vision, studies the modeling of visual sensitivity, and proposes a visual sensitivity aware ABR algorithm. We extract a set of content features and attribute features from the video, and consider the simulation of HVS to establish a total masking effect model that reflects the visual sensitivity more accurately. Further, the network status, buffer occupancy, and visual sensitivity are comprehensively considered under a deep reinforcement learning framework to select the appropriate bitrate for maximizing QoE. We implement the proposed algorithm over a realistic trace-driven evaluation and compare its performance with several latest algorithms. Experimental results show that our algorithm can align ABR strategy with visual sensitivity to achieve better QoE in high visual sensitivity content, and improves the average perceptual video quality and overall user QoE by 18.3% and 22.8%, respectively. Additionally, we prove the feasibility of our algorithm through subjective evaluation in the real environment.
Privacy Concerns and Antecedents of Building Data Sharing: A Privacy Calculus Perspective
Authors: Xu Yanhui , Wang Dan
Published: June 2023

In recent years, machine learning (ML) based building analytics have been developed for diverse building services. Yet, the widespread sharing of building data, which underpins the establishment of ML models, is not a common practice in the buildings industry today. Clearly, there are privacy concerns. There are studies on protecting building data, e.g., to
k
-anonymize building data; yet these studies are computational methods. The root causes of why building operators are or are not willing to share data are unclear.

In this paper, we study the problem of
willingness to share building data.
First, we justify our study by investigating the field to show that data sharing is indeed limited. Second, we examine the issue of the willingness to share building data from the perspective of a social science study. We observe that the
intention to disclose
(i.e., decision making on data sharing) is not only based on
perceived risks
, but also on
perceived benefits.
We leverage the privacy calculus theory and present a systematic study. We develop hypotheses, design a questionnaire, conduct a survey involving 95 building operators and service providers around the world, and analyze the results, wherein we quantify how various factors influence the willingness to share building data. We further enhance our results by a small scale interview. Third, we use trust, an important factors to the intention to disclose, to develop a trust model with differentiable trust levels. Such model provides building operators a mechanism to share data besides a 0-and-1 choice. We present a case study where we enhance an existing building data anonymization platform, PAD with the trust model. We show that the enhanced PAD has a substantially smaller computation workloads.
A Simulation Framework for Electrochemical Processes with Electrolyte Flow
Authors: Huang Mengyuan , Weber Norbert , Mutschke Gerd
Published: June 2023

Software tools for simulating electrochemical processes (e.g. COMSOL Multiphysics, ELSYCA) are mostly of commercial type. Besides, three-dimensional simulations in complex cell geometries are known to become resource-expensive, as typically thin concentration boundary layers need to be resolved. This work presents a simulation framework for electrochemical processes based on the open source platform OpenFOAM. The finite volume method used and combined with domain decomposition is able to efficiently benefit from multi-core computer architectures. Our framework takes into account electrolyte flow, which is well known to affect mass transfer, and allows to consider multi-species electrolytes and forcing of the electrolyte. The stability and fast convergence of the method presented is found to rely on the linearization of the Butler-Volmer condition in the iterative solver. The framework is validated against an analytical solution valid for simplified conditions and an electrodeposition process at a conically shaped electrode in an external magnetic field. The latter exhibits transient departure of the concentration boundary layer from the cathode, and excellent agreement with COMSOL simulation results is found.
Role of Copper on Repassivation of Stainless Steel Pits
Authors: Hariharan Karthikeyan , Guo Xiaolei , Srinivasan Jayendran , Frankel Gerald S. , Schindelholz Eric J.
Published: June 2023

The effect of copper on the repassivation of pits in stainless steels was examined through potentiodynamic polarization of one-dimensional (1D) pits at two different downward scan rates for 17–4 PH stainless steel. Post-mortem characterization of tested 1D pits revealed that copper enriches on the pit surface, which most likely occurs through reduction of CuCl3
2− inside the pit during the downward potential scan. 1D diffusion analysis revealed significant amounts of copper replating can occur before the attainment of critical pit chemistry for repassivation when scanning at a high rate, which complicates repassivation potential (E
rp) measurements. Copper replating may lead to higher value of measured E
rp by, (i) reducing the measured net anodic current density, (ii) blocking the dissolution of stainless steel underneath the copper deposits, (iii) enhancing local hydrogen evolution kinetics to raise the pH of the pit bottom. The relative strength of the copper replating effect is controlled by scan rate or more generally, pit growth conditions and local pit chemistry. Implications of the copper replating effect on measuring a lower-bound value of repassivation potentials are discussed in light of existing repassivation potential measurement techniques. The pit growth conditions that could lead to copper replating in real pits are discussed.
N-Graphene Paper Electrodes as Sustainable Electrochemical DNA Sensor
Authors: Jagannathan Mohanraj , Dhinasekaran Durgalakshmi , Rajendran Ajay Rakkesh
Published: June 2023

The heteroatom doped graphene structure provides an effective platform for electrochemical sensing of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). In this work, we have doped heteroatoms such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulphur (S) to the graphene sheets obtained from biomass. The obtained heteroatom doped graphene was used to prepare electrodes on paper substrate and utilized for electrochemical sensing of calf thymus DNA. The electrochemical sensing response of the electrodes is confirmed from the oxidative peak (0.6 V to 0.8 V) related to guanine (G) sensing for all the electrodes. In addition, N-doped graphene electrode shows effective electrocatalytic oxidation of adenine (A), with high sensing towards guanine and adenine compared to that of other heteroatoms doped printed electrodes. The calculated limit of detection for N-doped graphene electrode is 227 ng ml−1 and 322 ng ml−1 with the sensitivity of 1.35 μA ng−1 cm−2 and 1.33 μA ng−1 cm−2 for guanine and adenine sensing, respectively. The fabricated N-doped graphene electrode has open-up a new pathway to develop an economically and environmentally friendly electrodes for DNA sensing.
Preparation of Electrochemical Sensor for Paracetamol Detection Based on a New Piperazine Substituted Triazole-Coumarin Hybrid Doped PEDOT Modified Flexible HOPG Electrode
Authors: Arvas Busra , Yazar Sibel , Arvas Melih Besir , Eglence-Bakır Songül , Sahin Musa , Yolacan Cigdem
Published: June 2023

This study includes the electrochemical determination of paracetamol (PC), using novel piperazine substituted triazole-coumarin hybrids doped PEDOT coated highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) electrode. For the electrochemical determination of paracetamol, using an electrode prepared by a one step electropolymerization of the new triazole-tethered piperazine coumarin hybrid doped PEDOT conductive polymer on the HOPG substrate was mentioned. The electrodes were characterized by FT-IR, SEM and XRD analysis. The possible interference effects of Ascorbic acid, Uric acid, Dopamine, Glucose and Caffeine were investigated by chronoamperometry in the presence of paracetamol. The sensor (PEDOT-MC1/HOPG-10 Scan) has a high sensitivity to paracetamol, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.312 μm and a RSD % of 1.22 (S/N = 3). In addition, real sample analyzes were performed on pharmaceutical samples for PC determination using the prepared sensor (PEDOT-MC1/HOPG-10 Scan). The novelty of this paper is the use of new piperazine substituted triazole-coumarin hybrid doped PEDOT material for the first time in the literature, as well as a new electrode substrate material for the determination of paracetamol and the use of HOPG (Highly oriented pyrolytic graphite), which exhibits higher electroanalytical performance than other carbon-based materials.
Assessment of renal sympathetic control using invasive pressure and flow velocity measurements in humans
Authors: Collard Didier , Velde Lennart van de , Stegehuis Valerie E. , Delewi Ronak , Beijk Marcel A. M. , Zijlstra IJsbrand A. J. , de Winter Robbert J. , Vogt Liffert , van den Born Bert-Jan H.
Published: June 2023

Renal sympathetic innervation is important in the homeostasis of systemic and renal hemodynamics. We showed that renal arterial pressure significantly increased and that flow decreased during static handgrip exercise using direct renal arterial pressure and flow measurements in humans, but with a large difference between individuals. These findings may be useful for future studies aimed to assess the effect of interventions that influence renal sympathetic control.
Performance and Stability Analysis of Built-In Self-Read and Write Assist 10T SRAM Cell
Authors: Ganesh Chokkakula , Noorbasha Fazal
Published: June 2023

This work presents the performance and stability analysis of the proposed built-in self-read and write assist 10T SRAM (BSRWA 10T) for better performance in terms of thermal stability and fast write access, which is suitable for military and aerospace applications. The performance of the proposed SRAM cell dominates the previous SRAM cells, i.e., conventional, fully differential 10T-ST (FD 10T-ST), single stacked disturbance-free 9T-ST (SSDF 9T-ST). The proposed SRAM cell dominates the SSDF 9T-ST SRAM cell in terms of write ability. The built-in self-read and write assist structure of the memory cell also dominates the improved write ability of SSDF 9T-ST SRAM by assist circuits such as negative bit line, ultra-dynamic voltage scaling (UDVS), write assist combining negative BL, and VDD collapse. The impact of assist circuits on write performance of memory cells is observed using Monte Carlo simulation for write margin (WM) parameter. WM of SSDF 9T-ST SRAM is improved by 15% and 25% by adding UDVS assist circuit and write assist combining negative BL and VDD collapse circuit. But BSRWA SRAM cell itself can improve WM by 32% without any assist circuit. The impact of temperature variation on the performance of memory cells is observed using Monte Carlo simulation for the HSNM parameter. The deviation of HSNM for 15°C to 55°C is 14%, 5%, 4%, and 1% in conventional SRAM cell, FD 10T SRAM cell, SSDF 9T SRAM cell, and proposed BSRWA 10T SRAM cell, respectively. The proposed SRAM cell is designed at a 22 nm CMOS technology node and verified in the Synopsys Custom compiler. MC simulation results are monitored on Synopsys Cosmo-scope wave viewer.
Efficacy of a Commercial PRRSV Vaccine on NADC34-Like PRRSV Challenge
Authors: Yuan Lili , Zhu Zhenbang , Fan Juan , Li Qun , Liu Panrao , Li Xiangdong
Published: June 2023

NADC34-like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has become endemic in some provinces of China and caused huge economic losses to local pig industry. The increased reports of NADC34-like PRRSV outbreaks in vaccinated pig herds suggest the limited protection of immunization with commercial vaccines. In this study, we evaluated a commercial PRRSV vaccine that has been widely used in China against the challenge of JS2021NADC34 PRRSV, a highly pathogenic Chinese NADC34-like strain isolated in 2021. The vaccinated pigs developed PRRSV-specific antibody responses, as shown by IDEXX ELISA results. After JS2021NADC34 PRRSV challenge, the vaccinated pigs had low level of viremia but suffered pathological lesions in lungs and lymphoid tissues. The viral antigens were also detected in the above tissues of the vaccinated pigs by immunohistochemistry staining. One out of five pigs in vaccinated group died at 13 days postchallenge. The above results suggested that the commercial PRRSV vaccine could not provide complete protection to the NADC34-like PRRSV infection.
Routine Health Information System Utilization and Its Associated Factors among Healthcare Professionals in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Addise Negash , Tessema Aemiro Muluken , Tariku Derseh Behailu
Published: June 2023

Background. A routine health information system (RHIS) is a system that records, stores, and processes health data in order to enhance healthcare decision-making. However, systematic use of health information is still not used for program decisions in developing nations, particularly in Ethiopia. Objective. Identifying regular utilization of health information systems and related factors among healthcare workers in Debre Berhan Town health facilities, North Shoa, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2022. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 22 to September 22, 2022 in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia. Data from participants were gathered using a self-administered, pretested structured questionnaire by employing a systematic random sample technique among healthcare workers at public health facilities. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS. We employed multivariable logistic regression and descriptive statistics. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant factors. Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit was used to check the adequacy of the model. Result. A total of 383 workers were study participants with 100% response rate. The mean age was 32 (±5.23). Utilization of routine health information among health professionals was 42.6%. Type of institution (AOR = 0.56), complexity of RHIS) (AOR = 2.19), training on HMIS (AOR = 9.35), and feeling guilty of not accomplishing their performance (AOR = 2.96) were found significantly associated with routine health information utilization (RHIU). Conclusion. Utilization of RHIS among the health professionals was low. Type of institution, complexity of RHIS, data management skills, training on HMIS, and feeling guilty of not accomplishing their target performance were factors related to RHIS utilization. Comprehensive training and improve data management skills are highly recommended for improving RHIU.
A Giant Parathyroid Adenoma Presenting as Nausea, Vomiting, and Headaches in an Adolescent Male
Authors: Muse Jessica , Palmer Rebecca , Auriemma Jeanna
Published: June 2023

Primary hyperparathyroidism is rare in the pediatric population and is typically caused by a single parathyroid adenoma. Parathyroid adenomas are almost always small and not palpable on exam but can be evaluated by neck ultrasonography or 99 m Tc-sestamibi scan. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment. In this case, a 16-year-old male presents with a 10-day history of nausea, vomiting, and headaches and is found to have a highly elevated calcium and parathyroid hormone level and a cerebral calcification in his frontal lobe noted on computed tomography. He had a palpable mass over the region of his left inferior parathyroid gland which was surgically resected with histopathology revealing a giant parathyroid adenoma. Giant parathyroid adenomas are exceptionally rare in children and adolescents and are more likely to present with severe hypercalcemic crisis than smaller adenomas. As early symptoms are often nonspecific, awareness of this clinical entity is important. There are several reports of basal ganglia calcifications in the setting of parathyroid adenoma, but, to our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with frontal lobe calcification.
High-Flow Nasal Oxygen versus Noninvasive Ventilation in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Du Yanping , Zhang Huaping , Ma Zhiyi , Liu Jun , Wang Zhiyong , Lin Meixia , Ni Fayu , Li Xi , Tan Hui , Tan Shifan , Chai Yanling , Zhong Xiangzhu
Published: June 2023

Background. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) can be used in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, but the effect of HFNC on clinical outcomes in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is still uncertain. Methods. We searched electronic literature databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing HFNC with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in hypercapnic patients with AECOPD. The primary endpoint of this meta-analysis was PaCO2, PaO2, and SpO2. The secondary outcomes were the respiratory rate, mortality, complications, and intubation rate. Results. We included 7 RCTs with a total of 481 patients. There were no significant differences on measures of PaCO2 (MD = −0.42, 95%CI −3.60 to 2.75, Z = 0.26, and

P

 = 0.79), PaO2 (MD = −1.36, 95%CI −4.69 to 1.97, Z = 0.80, and

P

 = 0.42), and SpO2 (MD = −0.78, 95%CI −1.67 to 0.11, Z = 1.72,

P

 = 0.08) between the HFNC group and the NIV group. There was no significant difference in measures of the mortality and intubation rate between the HFNC group (OR = 0.72, 95%CI 0.30 to 1.69, Z = 0.76, and

P

 = 0.44) and the NIV group (OR = 2.38, 95%CI 0.49 to 11.50, Z = 1.08, and

P

 = 0.28), respectively. But the respiratory rate in the HFNC group was lower than that in the NIV group (MD = −1.13, 95%CI −2.13 to −0.14, Z = 2.23, and

P

 = 0.03), and fewer complications were found in the HFNC group (OR = 0.26, 95%CI 0.14 to 0.47, Z = 4.46, and

P

 < 0.00001). Conclusion. NIV was noninferior to HFNC in decreasing PaCO2 and increasing PaO2 and SpO2. Similarly, the mortality and intubation rate was similar among the two groups. The respiratory rate and complications were inferior in the AECOPD group treated with HFNC.
Insights into Enhanced Oil Recovery by Coupling Branched-Preformed Particle Gel and Viscosity Reducer Flooding in Ordinary Heavy Oil Reservoir
Authors: Li Zongyang
Published: June 2023

Viscosity reducer flooding has been successfully applied in tertiary oil recovery of ordinary heavy oil reservoirs. However, lowering interfacial tension or reducing oil viscosity, which is more critical for viscosity reducer to improve oil recovery of ordinary heavy oil, has not yet formed a unified understanding, which restricts the further large-scale application of viscosity reducer flooding for ordinary heavy oil reservoir. Moreover, when the dominant water flow channel is formed in the reservoir, the sweep efficiency decreases sharply and can affect oil recovery efficiency of viscosity reducer. Therefore, in this study, the concept of branched-preformed particle gel (B-PPG) coupling viscosity reducer flooding is proposed. The oil-water interfacial tension performance, emulsification ability, and viscosity reduction performance of three different viscosity reducers were evaluated. The enhanced oil recovery ability of viscosity reducers, B-PPG, and viscosity reducer/B-PPG composite systems was investigated by performing sand pack flooding experiments. The results show that the oil-water interfacial tensions of the three viscosity reducers S1, S2, and S3 are 0.432 mN·m-1, 0.0112 mN·m-1, and 0.0031 mN·m-1, respectively. S1 with the highest interfacial tension has the best emulsification and viscosity reduction performance, S2 is the second, and S3 is the worst. The lower the interfacial tension, the worse the emulsification stability. The sand pack flooding results show that the incremental oil recovery of viscosity reducer S2 flooding is the largest, 7.5%, followed by S1, 7.3%, and S3, 5.6%. The viscosity reducer S2 with moderate interfacial tension and emulsifying capacity has the best ability to improve the recovery of ordinary heavy oil. The incremental oil recovery of B-PPG is 12.7%, which is significantly higher than that of viscosity reducer flooding. Compared with viscosity reducing flooding, the viscosity reducer/B-PPG composite systems have better enhanced oil recovery capacity. The findings of this study can help for better understanding of enhancing oil recovery for ordinary heavy oil reservoir.
Uso de ecografía en trauma pediátrico en el servicio de urgencia
Authors: Rivera Gonzalez Sofia Viviana , Vidal Catalina , Vial María Elena , Riquelme Felipe , Basaure Carlos , Concha Ida
Published: June 2023

Introducción: La ecografía es una herramienta fundamental al momento de enfrentarse a un paciente. El protocolo FAST es la utilización del ultrasonido en contexto de trauma, el cual está extensamente validado para Medicina de Urgencia de adultos. Sin embargo, en pediatría existen escasos estudios que resuman la evidencia relacionada. Objetivo: dar a conocer la evidencia actualizada del uso de ecografía bajo el protocolo FAST en el trauma abdominal contuso pediátrico en el servicio de urgencia. De forma secundaria describir los pasos para realizar el examen e interpretación de sus hallazgos. Metodología: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en las principales bases de datos de Medicina de Urgencia pediátrica. Se seleccionaron estudios de rendimiento diagnóstico y revisiones narrativas relacionadas con el tratamiento y pronóstico del trauma general y abdominal en pediatría. Resultados: La ecografía permite la identificación de líquido libre, que se relaciona con lesión intraabdominal en el contexto de trauma pediátrico. El protocolo FAST en el contexto de trauma contuso abdominal tiene una alta especificidad y una baja sensibilidad para su diagnóstico. El uso de ecografía en pediatría evita la exposición a los efectos dañinos de las radiaciones ionizantes. Conclusión: El uso de ecografía por parte de la Medicina de Urgencia se ha transformado en una herramienta esencial y segura al momento de evaluar pacientes. La presencia de un hallazgo positivo nos permite realizar diagnóstico de lesiones intraabdominales, pero un hallazgo negativo, no nos permite descartarlo, requiriendo exámenes complementarios.
Enfermedad renal crónica: de cómo políticas públicas se transforman en herramientas terapéuticas eficaces en la práctica clínica.
Authors: González Fuenzalida Fernando
Published: June 2023

Las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles son las principales causas de días de actividad laboral perdidos, deterioro de calidad de vida y mortalidad en Chile y el mundo. La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) y, particularmente, la diabética es la cuarta causa de mortalidad en Chile (Global Burden of Diseases, 2019). (leer  más)
Abemaciclib Is Effective in Palbociclib-Resistant Hormone Receptor–Positive Metastatic Breast Cancers
Authors: Navarro-Yepes Juliana , Kettner Nicole M. , Rao Xiayu , Bishop Cassandra Santaella , Bui Tuyen N. , Wingate Hannah F. , Singareeka Raghavendra Akshara , Wang Yan , Wang Jing , Sahin Aysegul A. , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Hunt Kelly K. , Damodaran Senthil , Tripathy Debu , Keyomarsi Khandan
Published: June 2023

Cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) plus endocrine therapy (ET) is standard of care for patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, resistance to CDK4/6is plus ET remains a clinical problem with limited therapeutic options following disease progression. Different CDK4/6is might have distinct mechanisms of resistance, and therefore using them sequentially or targeting their differentially altered pathways could delay disease progression. To understand pathways leading to resistance to the CDK4/6is palbociclib and abemaciclib, we generated multiple in vitro models of palbociclib-resistant (PR) and abemaciclib-resistant (AR) cell lines as well as in vivo patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and ex vivo PDX-derived organoids (PDxO) from patients who progressed on CDK4/6i. PR and AR breast cancer cells exhibited distinct transcriptomic and proteomic profiles that sensitized them to different classes of inhibitors; PR cells upregulated G2–M pathways and responded to abemaciclib, while AR cells upregulated mediators of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway (OXPHOS) and responded to OXPHOS inhibitors. PDX and organoid models derived from patients with PR breast cancer remained responsive to abemaciclib. Resistance to palbociclib while maintaining sensitivity to abemaciclib was associated with pathway-specific transcriptional activity but was not associated with any individual genetic alterations. Finally, data from a cohort of 52 patients indicated that patients with HR-positive/HER2-negative MBC who progressed on palbociclib-containing regimens can exhibit a meaningful overall clinical benefit from abemaciclib-based therapy when administered after palbociclib. These findings provide the rationale for clinical trials evaluating the benefit of abemaciclib treatment following progression on a prior CDK4/6i.

Significance:

Palbociclib-resistant breast cancers respond to abemaciclib and express pathway-specific signatures of sensitivity, providing a biomarker-driven therapeutic option for patients with metastatic breast cancer following disease progression on cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6 inhibitors.
Use of Heavy Silicon Oil as Intraocular Tamponade for Inferior Retinal Detachment Complicated by Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy: A Multicentric Experience
Authors: Mete Maurizio , Parolini Barbara , Maggio Emilia , Airaghi Giulia , De Santis Nicoletta , Guerriero Massimo , Pertile Grazia
Published: June 2023

Introduction: This is a multicentric study on the use of heavy silicon oil (HSO) as an intraocular tamponade for inferior retinal detachment (RD) complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: 139 eyes treated for RD with PVR were included in the study. 10 (7.2%) were affected by primary RD with inferior PVR, while 129 (92.8%) were affected by recurrent RD with inferior PVR. 102 eyes (73.9%) had received a silicon oil (SO) tamponade in a previous intervention prior to receiving HSO. Mean follow-up was 36.5 (standard deviation = 32.3) months. Results: The median interval between HSO injection and removal was 4 months (interquartile range: 3). At the time of HSO removal, the retina was attached in 120 eyes (87.6%), whereas in 17 eyes (12.4%), it had re-detached while the HSO was in situ. 32 eyes (23.2%) showed recurrent RD. A subsequent RD relapse was observed in 14.2% of cases with no RD at the time of HSO removal, and in 88.2% if an RD was present at the time of HSO removal. Advancing age showed a positive association with retinal attachment at the end of follow-up, while the risk of RD relapse at the end of the follow-up showed a significant negative association with HSO tamponade duration and with the use of SO rather than air or gas as post-HSO tamponade materials. Mean best corrected visual acuity was 1.1 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution at all follow-up time points. 56 cases (40.3%) needed treatment for elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), with which no clinically relevant variables were associated during follow-up. Conclusion: HSO represents a safe and effective tamponade in cases of inferior RD with PVR. The presence of RD at the time of HSO removal is a negative prognostic factor for the development of a subsequent RD relapse. According to our findings, in cases of RD at the time of HSO removal, a short-term tamponade should definitely be avoided, in favor of SO. Special attention must be paid to the risk of IOP elevation, and patients should be closely monitored.
Uma Avaliação de Desempenho em uso e integrada à Metodologia Ergonômica do Ambiente Construído aplicada a espaços expositivos: o caso do Museu da Imagem e do Som - SP
Authors: Fu Elisabeth Yang Nan , Ornstein Sheila Walbe
Published: June 2023

O artigo apresenta a Avaliação Pós-Ocupação (APO) e a Metodologia Ergonômica do Ambiente Construído (MEAC) como multimétodos de análises técnicas e de percepção dos usuários, possibilitando a formulação de diagnósticos e de recomendações para manutenção de edifícios como aqueles que abrigam museus. Nesse sentido, apresenta-se o Museu da Imagem e do Som (MIS–SP) como exemplo abrigado em um edifício originalmente residencial, agregando mais um desafio, pois os ambientes não foram projetados como espaços museológicos. Por meio da aplicação de instrumentos (checklists, entrevistas/questionários virtuais e registros fotográficos), aferiu-se que a edificação é adequada à realização de atividades com algumas adaptações, como a ampliação da quantidade de mobiliário de descanso e a instalação de piso tátil direcional.
Lack of Incremental Prognostic Value of Pericoronary Adipose Tissue Computed Tomography Attenuation Beyond Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Acute Chest Pain
Authors: Wen Didi , Ren Zilong , Xue Ruijia , An Rui , Xu Jian , Li Jiayi , Zheng Minwen
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:

Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) and Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) category had prognostic values for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). However, little is known about the difference between CAD-RADS and PCAT computed tomography (CT) attenuation for predicting MACEs. This study was to compare the prognostic value of PCAT and CAD-RADS for MACEs in patients with acute chest pain.

METHODS:

Between January 2010 and December 2021, all consecutive emergency patients with acute chest pain referred for coronary computed tomography angiography were enrolled in this retrospective study. MACEs included unstable angina requiring hospitalization, coronary revascularization, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and all-cause death. Patients’ clinical characteristics, CAD-RADS, and PCAT CT attenuation were used to evaluate risk factors of MACEs using multivariable Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 1313 patients were evaluated (mean age, 57.13±12.57 years; 782 men). During a median follow-up of 38 months, 142 of the 1313 patients (10.81%) experienced MACEs. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that CAD-RADS categories 2, 3, 4, 5 (hazard ratio range, 2.286–8.325; all
P
<0.005) and right coronary artery PCAT CT attenuation (hazard ratio, 1.033;
P
=0.006) were independent predictors of MACEs after adjusting for clinical risk factors. The C statistics revealed that CAD-RADS improved risk stratification compared with PCAT CT alone (C-index, 0.760 versus 0.712;
P
=0.036). However, the benefit of right coronary artery PCAT CT attenuation combined with CAD-RADS was not significant compared with CAD-RADS alone (0.777 versus 0.760;
P
=0.129).

CONCLUSIONS:

Right coronary artery PCAT CT attenuation and CAD-RADS were independent predictors of MACEs. However, no incremental prognostic value of right coronary artery PCAT CT attenuation beyond CAD-RADS was detected for MACEs in patients with acute chest pain.
Older Children Negotiating Relationships Between Home and School
Authors: Macleod Gale , Cebula Carla , Renwick Anne , Love-Gajardo Evelyn , McNeill Mhairi , Jones Cleo , Clark Antonia , Laburn Rachael , Harwood Jennifer , Hearn Iskra
Published: June 2023

Most research into parental involvement and engagement examines the perspectives of teachers and parents, but often not pupils. Additionally, the focus is commonly on younger children. This study addresses these gaps. A questionnaire was distributed to pupils in Primaries 5, 6 and 7 (ages 9–12), which, after data cleaning, resulted in a sample of 842 responses. The questionnaire asked about frequency of and attitudes towards support with learning at home and pupils’ attitudes towards adults from home coming in to school. Findings show that changes in attitude towards home support previously reported in secondary pupils are also evident in this younger group. The oldest pupils in the study showed increased apathy, but no increased embarrassment, about adults from home coming in to school. Most children were happy with the support they received, with children at all stages wanting more help with writing than reading. Implications for practice are considered.
Fatherhood and Child–Father Attachment in Two Small-Scale Societies
Authors: Broesch Tanya , von Rueden Chris , Yurkowski Kim , Quinn Hannah , Alami Sarah , Davis Helen Elizabeth , Stupica Brandi , Tarry Nimau Johnny , Bureau Jean-François
Published: June 2023

Variation in attachment quality was assessed in 92 one- to three-year-olds’ (49 female, 43 male) attachment to their father, within and across two small-scale, subsistence populations: the Tsimane of lowland Bolivia ( n = 29 dyads) and Tannese of Vanuatu ( n = 63 dyads). Overall, the Tsimane and Tannese populations show similarity in the patterning of child–father attachment relative to samples from industrialized societies, with 52% of Tsimane dyads and 62% of Tannese dyads showing secure attachment. However, the insecure-ambivalent attachment was more frequent among Tsimane and Tannese dyads relative to samples from industrialized societies, and attachment security was greater for sons than for daughters in Tanna. Of several attributes of fathers, only reports by mothers of how frequently fathers play with their children are associated with child–father secure attachment. Fathers who scored highly on this measure were more likely to have children with secure attachments. Studies of child–father attachment are rare outside of industrialized populations yet are critical to understanding the mechanisms underlying child–father relationships.
Epigenetic Implications of Neighborhood Disorder and Psychological Distress among Pregnant Black Women
Authors: Nowak Alexandra L. , Anderson Cindy M. , Zhao Yihong , Ford Jodi L. , Mackos Amy R. , Ohm Joyce , Tan Alai , Saadat Nadia , Misra Dawn P. , Giurgescu Carmen
Published: June 2023

Background: In the United States, Black women experience preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks gestation) at more than 1.5 times the rate of non-Hispanic White women. Social determinants of health including the neighborhood environment have been recognized as contributing to the risk of PTB. Due to historical segregation, Black women are more likely to live in neighborhoods with higher levels of neighborhood disorder compared with White women. Perceived neighborhood disorder appears to be a risk factor for maternal psychological distress in Black women and psychological distress has mediated the association between neighborhood disorder and the risk for PTB. However, the biological pathways underpinning these associations are not clear. Objective: We examined the associations among neighborhood disorder; psychological distress; DNA methylation of six stress-related, glucocorticoid candidate genes ( AVP, CRH, CRHBP, FKBP5, HSD11B2, NR3C1); and gestational age at birth among 44 Black pregnant women. Methods: Women who were 18–45 years old and 8–18 weeks gestation had blood drawn and completed questionnaires measuring perceived neighborhood disorder, neighborhood crime, and psychological distress. Results: Three CpG sites were associated with neighborhood disorder (cg03405789 [ CRH], cg14939152 and cg15910486 [ NR3C1]). One CpG site, cg03098337 ( FKBP5) was associated with psychological distress. Three of the identified CpG sites were located within gene CpG islands or shores—areas at which DNA methylation is known to affect gene transcription. Conclusion: These findings warrant further research to clarify intermediate biological pathways and potential biomarkers to identify women at risk for PTB. Identification of PTB risk early in pregnancy would allow for interventions to prevent PTB.
Understanding the Relationship Between Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth in BRICS: Panel ARDL Approach
Authors: Joo Bashir Ahmad , Shawl Sana
Published: June 2023

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has gained prominence in international economics over the past three decades. Primarily, the belief that FDI influences economic growth of the host country, set the stage for the empirical research focused on the FDI–growth nexus. The growth literature, however, reveals mixed evidence regarding the role of FDI in promoting growth. Despite the conflicting evidence, developed and developing economies have attached immense economic and political importance to FDI. It is noteworthy that BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) economies are representative developing economies and have emerged as significant FDI destinations, having witnessed an immense surge in inward FDI over the past few decades. It is against this backdrop that the present study attempts to assess the impact of FDI inflows and select macroeconomic variables, namely macroeconomic stability, human capital, financial development and trade openness (TO), on the economic growth of developing BRICS economies. The study examines both short-run and long-run relationships between FDI inflows, select macroeconomic variables and economic growth by employing the dynamic panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, unlike most of the previous studies.

For this study, secondary data covering a reference period of 32 years (1987–2018) were used. The data on GDP growth (GDPG), FDI inflows, inflation (INF), human capital, private sector bank credit (proxy for financial development) and TO have been collected from the World Investment Reports published annually by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and World Bank (World Development Indicators). The findings revealed a long-run cointegration among FDI, host country characteristics (TO, human capital, financial development and macroeconomic stability) and economic growth in BRICS.
Changes in peripheral blood TBNK lymphocyte subsets and their association with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Hong Xiufang , Xiao Zhen
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aimed to determine the changes in peripheral blood TBNK lymphocyte subsets in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and their relationship with the pathogenesis of AECOPD.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 1252 hospitalized patients in Zhejiang Hospital was conducted. There were 162 patients in the AECOPD group and 1090 in the non-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) group. The proportions of peripheral blood T helper cells, cytotoxic T cells, total B cells, total natural killer (NK) cells, and total T cells in the two groups were determined, and the CD4/CD8 ratio was calculated.

Results

The proportions of men and total natural killer cells, and the mean age were significantly higher in the AECOPD group than in the non-COPD group. The T helper cell, total T cell, and CD4/CD8 ratios were significantly decreased in the AECOPD group. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex, age, the total T cell ratio, and the CD4/CD8 ratio were significantly associated with the incidence of AECOPD.

Conclusion

Cellular immune dysfunction in patients with AECOPD causes a decrease in total T lymphocytes and the CD4/CD8 ratio, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of AECOPD.
Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model Supplemented With the Moderated-Mediation Path: A Framework for Interpreting Patients’ Online Medical Services Utilization
Authors: Li Zhi-Guang , Ge Jin-Jin , Zhang Chi , Peng Xue-Qing , Wu Qi-Feng , You Hua
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the internal determinants affecting patients’ utilization of online medical services (OMS) based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills model from a behavioral perspective.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study was conducted in three medical institutions in Jiangsu Province, China.

Subjects

470 internet users were enrolled from patients who came to the outpatient clinics.

Measures

A self-administered questionnaire with feasible reliability and validity was used to investigate the demographic characteristics and OMS utilization-related information, motivation, behavioral skills, intention, and behavior.

Analysis

According to the constructed framework, structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships between those factors and OMS utilization behaviors.

Results

All direct paths are established except the path between information and intention. Information and motivation positively affected OMS utilization behavior through behavioral skills and intention ( P < .001). Motivation and behavioral skills could positively influence OMS utilization behavior through intention ( P < .01). Motivation was found to be the largest predictor of OMS utilization behavior. Moreover, gender played a moderating role in the interpretation of the behavior.

Conclusions

Interventions should be conducted regarding information, motivation, and behavioral skills to promote patients’ use of OMS. At the same time, the impact of gender on intervention effectiveness should also be considered.
Rigid normograde rhinoscopy-assisted traction-avulsion removal of small middle ear polyps from the auditory tube in five cats
Authors: Oorsprong Claire WD , ter Haar Gert
Published: June 2023

Case series summary

This study aims to describe a novel minimally invasive technique for the removal of small middle ear polyps from the auditory tube openings in cats. Five cats with clinical signs of otitis externa and/or otitis media, and/or upper respiratory tract inflammation were included. All cats underwent pharyngolaryngoscopy under anaesthesia, CT scan of the head, neck and thoracic cavity, video-otoscopic examination, retrograde nasopharyngoscopy and normograde rhinoscopy. The five cats described in this study were all found to have significant respiratory tract inflammation (rhinitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, otitis media) with small polypous protrusions from the auditory tube openings. A normograde rhinoscopy-assisted traction-avulsion (RATA) removal of these small polyps was performed in all cases without complications. The rostral nasopharynx was visualised by a unilaterally normograde advanced rigid endoscope passing the choana, and polyps were removed using a grasping forceps introduced in the contralateral nostril. Telephone follow-up revealed clear improvement in all cases. One of the cases was re-evaluated with a CT scan and endoscopy 4 weeks after treatment. The CT scan showed a significant improvement with no abnormalities in both external ear canals and air opacity in both tympanic bullae. Video-endoscopic examination revealed intact tympanic membranes with mild chronic abnormalities and patent auditory tube openings upon normograde rhinoscopy.

Relevance and novel information

Rigid normograde RATA is a novel, minimally invasive and effective technique for the removal of small middle ear polyps from auditory tube openings in cats with otitis media.
Kinwork revisited: The gendered work of keeping up with family through communication technology
Authors: Eklund Lina
Published: June 2023

Kinwork is the maintenance of cross-household kin and family ties through both physical and mediated means and is a type of unpaid labour historically performed by women. However, changing gender norms, new communicative practices such as networked individualism, and internet and communication technologies are changing how kinwork is done. This study explores how these changes affect the gendered nature of kinwork. Swedes from multigenerational, cross-household families residing in Sweden and the United States took part in primarily home-based interviews (n=40). This empirical study explores current practices of kinwork, focusing on three empirical cases, Christmas cards for seasonal greetings, phone calls for birthday well-wishes, and digital communication for everyday contact. Results highlight how kinwork in the sample is performed by both men and women through a wide range of communication technologies. The study shows that due to new gendered norms, women in the younger generations are less willing to do kinwork for men than older generations in the same kinship networks, indicating generational differences rather than family differences. In the study, men use new internet and communication technology to both do and sometimes take responsibility for kinwork while older communication technologies retain a feminine coding, sometimes resulting in abandonment. Contemporary digital communication technology supports a shift to individual communication rather than group-based which further supports men’s increased engagement in kinwork. The study concludes that kinwork in the studied sample is performed by both men and women and that contemporary kinwork can only be understood by looking at the complex entanglements of evolving gender equality norms, trends towards more individual communication patterns, and affordances of communication technology. Together these result in new ways and opportunities for doing kinwork, which becomes less the work of women and more the work of networked individuals, whatever gender.
Attentional engagement and strategic responses to discontinuous environmental change: Evidence from the US banking industry
Authors: Mack Daniel Z , Cho Theresa S , Yi Andrew C
Published: June 2023

While prior research has established a link between the attention an organization allocates to the external environment and its adaptations to environmental change, the nature of the cognitive processes that underlie this link remains underexamined. In this study, we explore how patterns of attentional engagement—that is, the extent to which attention allocation is focused and/or consistent over time—influence the organization’s formulation of strategic responses to discontinuous change. We advance a situated perspective on attentional engagement by suggesting how the type of learning and cognitive processes are situated in different attentional-engagement structures, and can, in turn, lead to heterogeneous strategic responses to the same discontinuous change. Specifically, we formulate a theoretical model elaborating how varied levels of attentional focus and attentional consistency affect whether organizations respond by breaking, reinforcing, hedging, or maintaining the status quo. Subsequently, we develop and test our arguments using a dataset covering US banking firms from 2002 to 2010—a period that includes the US housing crisis.
Young Non-Voters and Ethnic Tribune Politics in Northern Ireland: Beyond Apathy and Engaged Scepticism
Authors: Farquhar Dean
Published: June 2023

Little is known about young non-voters’ appraisals of ethnic tribune politics in Northern Ireland. This article draws attention to how some young non-voters in Northern Ireland actively challenge such representational strategies, while others are reluctant to express critical views regarding party politics, despite their interest in a range of broadly political issues and dissatisfaction with aspects of social life. The article accounts for these findings by reworking existing conceptualisations of youth political engagement to include consideration of those who are not apathetic, engaged sceptics or conservatives. This permits a more nuanced understanding of the position of youth within the Northern Ireland electorate.