bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freiburg vision test (FrACT): optimal number of trials?
Authors: Bach Michael
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Visual acuity is a psychophysical threshold that we want to determine as precisely and efficiently as possible. The Freiburg Vision Test FrACT employs the automated Bayesian “Best PEST” algorithm for this purpose: the next optotype size is always selected to be at threshold based on the information acquired so far, thereby maximizing information gain.

Methods

We assessed the test–retest Limits of Agreement (LoA, Bland & Altman 1986) across 6 to 48 trials in 2 × 78 runs involving 26 participants; visual acuity (in part artificially reduced) ranged from 1.22 to -0.59 LogMAR.

Results

LoA exhibited a steep decline from ± 0.46 LogMAR at six trials to ± 0.17 at 18 trials; with more trials, LoA showed less change, reaching ± 0.12 LogMAR at 48 trials. LoA did not significantly change over the wide acuity range assessed here.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that 18 trials represent an efficient balance between precision and burden on the participant and examiner. This observation holds for the eight response alternatives used in this study (8 Landolt C orientations) and is anticipated to apply to the ten Sloan letters as well. With only four choices (e.g., tumbling E), more trials will be necessary.

Key messages

What is known

When assessing visual acuity, a tradeoff between precision and effort is necessary.

What is new

A run length of 18 trials is a good compromise between effort and precision for an 8-alternative task (the Landolt C).

With 18 trials a 95% confidence interval of ± 0.17 LogMAR for test–retest is found.

The test–retest precision is independent of the acuity level over the 1.5 LogMAR range studied here.
Homogenisation of nonlinear Dirichlet problems in randomly perforated domains under minimal assumptions on the size of perforations
Authors: Scardia Lucia , Zemas Konstantinos , Zeppieri Caterina Ida
Published: September 2024

In this paper we study the convergence of nonlinear Dirichlet problems for systems of variational elliptic PDEs defined on randomly perforated domains of $$\mathbb {R}^n$$

R

n

. Under the assumption that the perforations are small balls whose centres and radii are generated by a stationary short-range marked point process, we obtain in the critical-scaling limit an averaged nonlinear analogue of the extra term obtained in the classical work of Cioranescu and Murat (Res Notes Math III, 1982). In analogy to the random setting recently introduced by Giunti, Höfer and Velázquez (Commun Part Differ Equ 43(9):1377–1412, 2018) to study the Poisson equation, we only require that the random radii have finite $$(n-q)$$

(
n
-
q
)

-moment, where $$1<q<n$$

1
<
q
<
n

is the growth-exponent of the associated energy functionals. This assumption on the one hand ensures that the expectation of the nonlinear q-capacity of the spherical holes is finite, and hence that the limit problem is well defined. On the other hand, it does not exclude the presence of balls with large radii, that can cluster up. We show however that the critical rescaling of the perforations is sufficient to ensure that no percolating-like structures appear in the limit.
Short-term gut microbiota’s shift after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y vs one anastomosis gastric bypass: results of a multicenter randomized control trial
Authors: De Maio Flavio , Boru Cristian Eugeniu , Velotti Nunzio , Capoccia Danila , Santarelli Giulia , Verrastro Ornella , Bianco Delia Mercedes , Capaldo Brunella , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Musella Mario , Raffaelli Marco , Leonetti Frida , Delogu Giovani , Silecchia Gianfranco
Published: September 2024

Background

Roux-en-Y (RYGB) and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) represent two of the most used bariatric/metabolic surgery (BMS) procedures. Gut microbiota (GM) shift after bypass surgeries, currently understated, may be a possible key driver for the short- and long-term outcomes.

Methods

Prospective, multicenter study enrolling patients with severe obesity, randomized between OAGB or RYGB. Fecal and blood samples were collected, pre- (T0) and 24 months postoperatively (T1). GM was determined by V3-V4 16S rRNA regions sequencing and home-made bioinformatic pipeline based on Qiime2 plugin and R packages.

Objects

To compare OAGB vs RYGB microbiota profile at T1 and its impact on metabolic and nutritional status.

Results

54 patients completed the study, 27 for each procedure. An overall significant variation was detected in anthropometric and serum nutritional parameters at T1, with a significant, similar decrease in overall microbial alpha and beta diversity observed in both groups. An increase in relative abundances of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria and a reduction of Bacteroidetes, no significant changes in Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia, with an increase of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio were observed.

Conclusions

BMS promotes a dramatic change in GM composition. This is the first multicenter, RCT evaluating the impact of OAGB vs Roux-en-Y bypass on GM profile. The bypass technique per se did not impact differently on GM or other examined metabolic parameters. The emergence of slightly different GM profile postoperatively may be related to clinical conditions or may influence medium or long-term outcomes and as such GM profile may represent a biomarker for bariatric surgery’s outcomes.

Graphical abstract
Effect of prehabilitation programmes on functional capacity in patients awaiting oncological resections: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Laza-Cagigas Roberto , Larumbe-Zabala Eneko , Rampal Tara , Seijo Marcos , Naclerio Fernando
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To investigate the effects of prehabilitation on the perioperative functional capacity of patients awaiting oncological resections.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist and within the databases Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, MEDLINE PubMed, and Web of Science. The eligibility criteria were set to include peer-reviewed randomised control trials including only adult (≥ 18 years old) patients undergoing any type of prehabilitation (PREHAB) prior to any type of oncological resection. The studies had to feature at least one control group undergoing standard care (SC) and had to assess functional capacity by means of a 6-min walk distance (6MWD) or peak oxygen uptake (VO2Peak) at different stages pre- and post- operatively.

Results

Twenty-seven randomised controlled trials involving 1994 patients were included. After processing the data, the number of patients was 1889. Studies featured different cancer specialties: lung (11), colorectal (5), urological (4), abdominal (3), esophagogastric (2), liver (1), and gastrointestinal (1). Overall, PREHAB enhanced both 6MWD (g = 0.273, 95% CI 0.174 to 0.371, Z = 5.406, p < 0.001) and VO2Peak (g = 0.615, 95% CI 0.243 to 0.987, Z = 3.240, p = 0.001) compared with SC. The 6MWD subgroup analysis revealed a small mean effect size favouring both unimodal and multimodal PREHAB interventions.

Conclusion

These findings support that prehabilitation, whether implemented as unimodal or multimodal format, elicits small preoperative improvements in functional capacity in patients awaiting oncological resections.

PROSPERO registration number CRD42023428676.
CRAFITY score as a predictive marker for refractoriness to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Ueno Masayuki , Takeda Haruhiko , Takai Atsushi , Morimura Hiroki , Nishijima Norihiro , Iwamoto Satoru , Okuyama Shunsuke , Umeda Makoto , Seta Takeshi , Ikeda Atsuyuki , Goto Tomoyuki , Miyamoto Shin’ichi , Kayahara Takahisa , Uenoyama Yoshito , Matsumura Kazuyoshi , Nakano Shigeharu , Mishima Masako , Inuzuka Tadashi , Eso Yuji , Takahashi Ken , Marusawa Hiroyuki , Osaki Yukio , Hatano Etsuro , Seno Hiroshi
Published: September 2024

Background

Although atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atezo/Bev) therapy has been used as the preferred first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), up to 26% of patients do not achieve disease control, suggesting alternative treatments might be more beneficial for such patients. We investigated key predictors for refractoriness to Atezo/Bev therapy, particularly in the first-line setting.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 302 patients with HCC who received Atezo/Bev therapy between October 2020 and September 2022 across nine hospitals in Japan. Refractoriness was defined as best overall response (BOR) of progressive disease or stable disease and a progression-free survival (PFS) of < 180 days (RECIST v1.1). Clinical benefit was defined as BOR of partial/complete response or stable disease with PFS of ≥ 180 days. Baseline characteristics and potential predictors, identified through literature review, were compared between these groups. Stratifications of overall survival (OS), and PFS were also assessed.

Results

Refractoriness was observed in 126 (41.7%) patients, while 154 (51.0%) achieved clinical benefit. Due to a significant association between the treatment line and refractory rate, the subsequent analysis focused on the first-line cohort (n = 214; 72 [33.6%] patients showed refractoriness). Among 13 potential predictors, the CRP and AFP in immunotherapy (CRAFITY) score had the best predictive performance, with refractory rates of 24.6%, 44.6%, and 57.9% in CRAFITY-0, 1, and 2 patients, respectively (p < 0.001). OS and PFS were also well-stratified by this scoring system.

Conclusions

Approximately one-third of patients were refractory to first-line Atezo/Bev therapy. The CRAFITY score demonstrated superior performance in predicting refractoriness.
Rapid sloshing-free transport of liquids in arbitrarily shaped containers
Authors: Toth Florian , Scharner Andreas , Schirrer Alexander , Hametner Christoph , Jakubek Stefan
Published: September 2024

We present a model-based feedforward control strategy suitable for designing swift rest-to-rest maneuvers for liquids in arbitrarily shaped containers. We employ the commonly used equivalent pendulum model to represent the sloshing dynamics and suggest a novel parameter identification scheme suitable for arbitrary container shapes and any number of sloshing modes. By computing natural modes and fluid reaction forces and torques for imposed harmonic container motions via a finite element model, we obtain data for the identification scheme. A fitting procedure then yields highly accurate parameters for a physical pendulum model, where each pendulum represents one sloshing mode. We also provide a thorough analysis of parameter identifiability and guidelines for obtaining robust parameter estimates. The proposed feedforward control method uses a virtual tray pendulum on which we place the container (in the form of its equivalent pendulum model). Designing the virtual tray such that the fluid’s dominant sloshing mode cannot be excited by horizontally moving the tray pendulum pivot effectively zeros out any sloshing motion in this mode. We then exploit the flatness property of the resulting system to design rest-to-rest maneuvers where any residual sloshing motion (in higher modes) can be exactly stopped at the end of the maneuver. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through extensive simulations and experimental results using a Martini cocktail glass, whose shape is challenging in terms of sloshing. The experimental results show the successful, accurate suppression of sloshing, validating the efficacy of the proposed concept.
Dynamic change of lymphocytes associated with short-term prognosis in anti-MDA5-positive dermatomyositis with interstitial lung disease: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Tian Yaqiong , He Ping , Ren Lijun , Xin Hongxia , Xi Bin , Zou Ruyi , Zhao Qi , Yan Xin , Qiu Xiaohua , Gao Yujuan , Liu Yin , Cao Min , Jiang Hanyi , Chen Bi , Chen Juan , Cai Hourong
Published: September 2024

Lymphopenia is a unique manifestation of anti-MDA5 positive dermatomyositis with interstitial lung disease (MDA5 + DM-ILD). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dynamic changes in peripheral lymphocytes and short-term prognosis in patients of MDA5 + DM-ILD. Two hundred sixty-three MDA5 + DM-ILD patients were divided into different groups according to lymphocyte count and death or survival within 1 month, then the differences in clinical features and outcomes were compared. Associations between lymphocytes and risk of death within 1 month were also investigated in different lymphocyte groups using Cox proportional hazard models. A generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) was established to analyze the dynamic changes of lymphocytes in the death 1-month group. Lymphocytes of the patients who died within 1 month were significantly lower than survivors by different lymphocyte grouping methods, and the total lymphocytes showed a gradually decreasing trend in non-survivors. And the difference between survivors and non-survivors was more obvious over time. The lowest tertile of baseline lymphocytes as a reference, the hazard ratios for death within 1 month in the highest tertile were 0.497 (95% CI 0.26–0.949, P for trend = 0.033) after adjustment for potential confounders. GAMM analysis found a mean daily decrease of lymphocytes (0.034 × 10^9/L) after admission in death 1-month patients. Low baseline lymphocytes and gradually declined lymphocytes are both associated with a high risk of death within 1 month. However dynamic changes in lymphocytes can better reflect the disease status and better predict the short-term prognosis than baseline lymphocytes in MDA5 + DM-ILD patients.

Key points•Low baseline lymphocytes and gradually decreased trend along time correlated with poor short-term prognosis in MDA5 + DM-ILD patients.•Dynamic changes of lymphocytes can better reflect the disease status and better predict the 1-month prognosis than baseline lymphocytes in MDA5 + DM-ILD patients.•Generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) analysis found that in 1-month non-survivors, peripheral blood lymphocytes decreased by 0.034 × 10^9/L per day, while the lymphocytes in survivors gradually increased.
Environmental interference
Authors: Kovaka Karen
Published: September 2024

One of the guiding ideas in modern environmentalist thought is that we shouldn’t interfere with nature. It’s better to leave it alone. Many of the arguments offered in favor of this presumption against environmental interference are epistemic. One such argument focuses on ineffectiveness. It says that conservation interventions often do not accomplish their goals. A second argument says that well-intentioned interference in nature produces many harmful unintended consequences. I show that these arguments do not justify the presumption against environmental interference. Both arguments depend on stronger claims, such as the claim that conservation interventions do more harm than good overall. Yet, evidence-based conservation studies do not support the idea that conservation interventions generally do not work, or that they do more harm than good. These facts seriously undermine the presumption against environmental interference.
Communication in multiplex transportation networks
Authors: Noschese Silvia , Reichel Lothar
Published: September 2024

Complex networks are made up of vertices and edges. The edges, which may be directed or undirected, are equipped with positive weights. Modeling complex systems that consist of different types of objects leads to multilayer networks, in which vertices in distinct layers represent different kinds of objects. Multiplex networks are special vertex-aligned multilayer networks, in which vertices in distinct layers are identified with each other and inter-layer edges connect each vertex with its copy in other layers and have a fixed weight $$\gamma >0$$

γ
>
0

associated with the ease of communication between layers. This paper discusses two different approaches to analyze communication in a multiplex. One approach focuses on the multiplex global efficiency by using the multiplex path length matrix, the other approach considers the multiplex total communicability. The sensitivity of both the multiplex global efficiency and the multiplex total communicability to structural perturbations in the network is investigated to help to identify intra-layer edges that should be strengthened to enhance communicability.
Enhancing pyromorphite formation through hydroxyapatite application in lead-contaminated, water-unsaturated soils: influence of low percolation velocity and high soil porosity
Authors: Shimizu Soh , Ogawa Shohei , Katoh Masahiko
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Chemical immobilization using hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a cost effective and environmentally sound strategy for remediating lead-contaminated soils, such as shooting range soils. Understanding the combined impact of soil chemical and physical properties on enhancing the formation of pyromorphite, a lead-insoluble phase, is crucial for mitigating environmental risks associate with contaminated soil. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between percolation velocity and lead leaching as well as pyromorphite transformation to optimize pyromorphite formation in water-unsaturated soils.

Methods

Two up-flow suction percolation tests were performed: one varying percolation velocity with soil porosity achieved by incorporating clay minerals, and the other varying percolation velocity while keeping soil porosity constant.

Results

Application of HAP substantially suppressed lead leaching in both percolation tests. Enhanced pyromorphite formation was observed with higher percolation velocities relative to soil porosity. Pyromorphite formation was more pronounced at lower percolation velocities compared to higher velocities at equivalent soil porosity level. The percentages of lead formed as pyromorphite in HAP-treated soil were higher than those of lead leached in non-HAP-treated soil among the lower percolation velocities.

Conclusions

This study provides experimental evidence indicating pyromorphite formation is favored in soils with lower percolation velocities and higher soil porosities. Therefore, considering both soil chemical and physical properties is essential for understanding immobilization mechanisms in contaminated soils.
Languaging-as-practice in science education: an alternative to metaphors of language-as-tool
Authors: León Maricela , Lemmi Catherine , Sedlacek Quentin , Ortiz Nickolaus Alexander , Feldman Kimberly
Published: September 2024

This commentary proposes the metaphor of “languaging-as-practice” in science education as an alternative to “language-as-tool” metaphors. Describing language as a tool implicitly positions language as static and unchanging and assumes that named languages are distinct and bounded entities. In contrast, describing languaging as a practice acknowledges the multiple and advanced ways speakers draw on many aspects of their linguistic repertoires while often crossing purported boundaries between named languages. This approach is grounded in translanguaging theory and offers a dynamic understanding of language in educational settings. It envisions students constructing and expressing scientific knowledge by drawing on their complete linguistic repertoires. By advocating for this approach, we aim to promote practices that acknowledge and leverage the diverse linguistic backgrounds of students, fostering inclusive and effective learning environments. While this approach has gained some traction in language-education circles, we believe it needs more consideration in the science education community. We also critique the limitations of viewing language merely as a tool for reproducing predefined scientific concepts and discourses, proposing that a more expansive approach to language can enhance opportunities for scientific sense-making and knowledge construction. We urge science education researchers and practitioners to shift how we think and talk about language in the science classroom to adopt and act upon a metaphor of “languaging-as-practice.”
Model for random atmospheric inhomogeneities in engine noise auralization
Authors: Prescher Andrej , Moreau Antoine , Schade Stephen
Published: September 2024

Modelling the impact of atmospheric turbulence is not often encountered in aircraft noise auralizations despite its relevance to human-ear perception. As sound waves propagating through turbulent media undergo modulations, observable in phase and amplitude fluctuations, the plausibility of aircraft noise auralizations is increased by taking this effect into account. This paper presents an extension of a method first developed by Rietdijk et al., for modelling these fluctuations for spherical sound waves travelling through randomly inhomogeneous media. The extensions of the method presented in this paper are: (1) Height-dependent von Kármán spectra are implemented to model slanted or vertical sound propagation. (2) An overlap-add-method is introduced to model a moving sound source when height-dependent changes of turbulence characteristics are considered. (3) Easier to measure input parameters for the (meteorological) conditions are implemented, like e.g. the day time or relative humidity. The method is integrated into a global framework dedicated to engine noise simulation, propagation and auralization, developed and validated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). A good match with measured functions of phase and amplitude fluctuations are observed, as well as realistic reproduction of spectrograms, time signals and the psychoacoustic fluctuation strength of the auralizations with respect to real flyovers.
A comparative study of linear type multiple instance learning techniques for detecting COVID-19 by chest X-ray images
Authors: Avolio Matteo , Fuduli Antonio , Vocaturo Eugenio , Zumpano Ester
Published: September 2024

At the end of 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) referred that the Public Health Commission of Hubei Province, China, reported cases of severe and unknown pneumonia. A new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was identified as responsible for the lung infection, called COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019). Although the definitive COVID-19 diagnosis is made through specific molecular tests, an early diagnosis by imaging became crucial to contain the spread, morbidity and mortality of the pandemic. In such context, chest X-ray radiography, as an element that assists the diagnosis allowing also the follow-up of the disease, plays a very important role since it is the most easily available and least expensive alternative. This work focuses on applying different linear type instance-level Multiple Instance Learning techniques to discriminate between COVID-19 and common viral pneumonia chest X-ray images, which is a difficult task due to the strong similarity characterizing the two classes. A relevant advantage of such approaches is that they are also suitable in terms of interpretability, as they easily allow clinicians to identify abnormal subregions in a positive radiographic image. Numerical experiments have been performed on a set of 200 images, obtaining the following results: accuracy = 95%, sensitivity = 99.29%, specificity = 91.24% and MCC = 0.9. The used algorithms appear promising in practical applications, taking into account their high speed and considering that no particular pre-processing techniques have been employed.
Amenorrea primaria funzionale: epidemiologia, diagnosi e trattamento
Authors: Minnetti Marianna , Tarantino Chiara , D’Amico Monica , Filice Emanuele , Graziadio Chiara , Mocini Edoardo , Tiralongo Giuseppe , Poggiogalle Eleonora , Tarsitano Maria Grazia , Donini Lorenzo M.
Published: September 2024

Sommario

Il ciclo mestruale è un importante indicatore di salute femminile che riflette l’equilibrio ormonale e metabolico di una donna. L’amenorrea primaria, caratterizzata dall’assenza di menarca nelle ragazze con età superiore ai 15 anni e con segni di sviluppo puberale, o superiore ai 13 anni senza tali segni, può derivare da diverse cause. Tra queste possiamo riscontrare disturbi ormonali, cause genetiche, anomalie utero-vaginali e cause funzionali. In particolare, l’amenorrea ipotalamica funzionale (FHA) è spesso associata a bassa disponibilità energetica, che può essere causata da disturbi della nutrizione e dell’alimentazione o eccessiva attività fisica. Durante la pubertà, il rilascio pulsatile di GnRH dall’ipotalamo stimola la produzione di LH e FSH dall’ipofisi, promuovendo la maturazione sessuale e il menarca. Tuttavia, nelle pazienti con FHA la secrezione pulsatile di GnRH è soppressa a causa di una ridotta disponibilità energetica, portando a ipoestrogenismo e amenorrea. La leptina, prodotta dal tessuto adiposo, svolge un ruolo chiave nella regolazione dell’asse ipotalamo-ipofisi-gonadi; livelli ridotti di leptina possono contribuire alla soppressione del GnRH. L’epidemiologia dell’amenorrea primaria funzionale riflette una prevalenza variabile, con una maggiore incidenza nelle pazienti con disturbi alimentari come l’anoressia nervosa. Le atlete adolescenti, soprattutto quelle coinvolte in sport che enfatizzano la magrezza, presentano un rischio aumentato di FHA. La diagnosi di questa condizione richiede un’attenta esclusione di altre cause di amenorrea primaria attraverso esami del sangue e una valutazione clinica e psicologica approfondita. Il trattamento dell’amenorrea primaria funzionale si concentra sul ripristino dell’asse ipotalamo-ipofisi-ovaio attraverso la promozione di cambiamenti comportamentali e la correzione dello squilibrio energetico. Il coinvolgimento di un team multidisciplinare è essenziale per una gestione efficace. In conclusione, un’approfondita comprensione della fisiopatologia, dell’epidemiologia e della gestione dell’amenorrea primaria funzionale è cruciale per garantire un trattamento adeguato e migliorare la salute riproduttiva e il benessere generale delle pazienti colpite. Ulteriori ricerche sono necessarie per affinare le strategie diagnostiche e terapeutiche e per sviluppare interventi preventivi mirati.
The Recovery and Resilience Facility Under Next Generation EU: A Breakthrough in Economic Policy Coordination and Policy Programming
Authors: Mahieu Géraldine , Brans Paul , Schulz Daniel
Published: September 2024

Next Generation EU, specifically its Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), has been a groundbreaking new experiment for the EU. From the speed of the reaction at the EU level with an agreement between leaders a few weeks after the COVID-19 crisis erupted, the size of the instrument (being the largest EU fund ever created), to the RRF's design features (including the performance nature of the instrument, its leverage on reforms, and its method of financing), it is a fundamentally novel EU instrument. Aimed at both recovery and resilience, it first led to a firm common response to a simultaneous economic downturn across the EU, ensuring rapid macroeconomic stabilization and preservation of public investment levels, in contrast with previous crises. It has also planted the seeds of a significant increase in the resilience of the EU economy by fostering the implementation of major structural reforms in line with the common priorities of the EU. Lessons about absorption capacity, incentives, flexibility, and governance will all advance future program design in the EU and beyond.
A poisoned gift? The hireability signals of an income-support program for the senior unemployed
Authors: Dalle Axana , Sterkens Philippe , Baert Stijn
Published: September 2024

Many Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries invest heavily in labor-market programs to prolong careers. Although active labor-market programs have frequently been evaluated, less is known about passive programs supporting unemployed seniors financially. We focus on the latter by investigating the hiring opportunities of candidates who partake in a regime that ensures dismissed seniors a company supplement alongside regular unemployment benefits. Therefore, we conduct a scenario experiment in which genuine recruiters evaluate fictitious candidates who have spent varying durations unemployed in regimes with and without the company supplement. Because recruiters evaluate candidates' hireability and productivity perceptions, we can identify underlying mechanisms. Overall, we find no evidence of employer-side stigma hindering the re-employment of seniors unemployed in the program. Conversely, longer-term unemployed even benefit from this regime because it mitigates regular stigmatization of long-term unemployment, especially for men. Specifically, recruiters judge them more mildly – particularly regarding flexibility – when they receive the supplement and still apply.
The evolution of veteran educational attainment gaps over the life cycle
Authors: Ward Jason , Wenger Jeffrey B. , Kroeger Teresa
Published: September 2024

Individuals who serve in the military substitute work experience for post-secondary educational attainment after high school, leading to large educational attainment gaps between new veterans and observably similar nonveterans. Little is known about the evolution of these gaps by age and across cohorts. We investigate the life-cycle attainment of veterans relative to nonveterans using a synthetic panel data approach. Following five multiyear birth cohorts we find that, on average, veterans close a 20-percentage point gap in attainment of a bachelor's or greater over time and significantly outpace observably similar nonveterans in attainment of an associate's degree. Female and minority veterans exceeded the attainment of similar nonveterans over time, and more recent birth cohorts began with larger gaps but closed them at younger ages due to increasing levels of both enrollment and enrollment intensity. Our findings highlight the important role of military service in facilitating social mobility through educational attainment.
The 2022–2023 Pediatric Respiratory Illness Surge: Survey of Acute and Critical Care Resource Use
Authors: Christner Lilia P. , Carlton Erin F. , Gorga Stephen , Whittington Taylor , Odetola Folafoluwa O.
Published: September 2024

Objective

A surge of pediatric respiratory illnesses beset the United States in late 2022 and early 2023. This study evaluated within-surge hospital acute and critical care resource availability and utilization. The study aimed to determine pediatric hospital acute and critical care resource use during a respiratory illness surge.

Methods

Between January and February 2023, an online survey was sent to the sections of hospital medicine and critical care of the American Academy of Pediatrics, community discussion forums of the Children’s Hospital Association, and PedSCCM—a pediatric critical care website. Data were summarized with median values and interquartile range.

Results

Across 35 hospitals with pediatric intensive care units (PICU), increase in critical care resource use was significant. In the month preceding the survey, 26 (74%) hospitals diverted patients away from their emergency department (ED) to other hospitals, with 46% diverting 1-5 patients, 23% diverting 6-10 patients, and 31% diverting more than 10 patients. One in 5 hospitals reported moving patients on mechanical ventilation from the PICU to other settings, including the ED (n = 2), intermediate care unit (n = 2), cardiac ICU (n = 1), ward converted to an ICU (n = 1), and a ward (n = 1). Utilization of human critical care resources was high, with PICU faculty, nurses, and respiratory therapists working at 100% capacity.

Conclusions

The respiratory illness surge triggered significant hospital resource use and diversion of patients away from hospitals. Pediatric public health emergency-preparedness should innovate around resource capacity.
A Possible Nocebo Effect in Children Following the Flint Water Crisis: Evidence From Schoolteacher Perceptions and Neuropsychological Evaluations
Authors: Roy Siddhartha , Edwards Marc A. , Petrie Keith J. , Gamble Greg D. , Jacques Ellie
Published: September 2024

Objective

Special education enrollment increased in Flint following the 2014–2015 Flint Water Crisis, but lead exposure is not plausibly responsible. Labeling Flint children as lead poisoned and/or brain damaged may have contributed to rising special education needs (ie, nocebo effect). To better document this possibility, we surveyed schoolteachers and reviewed neuropsychological assessments of children for indications of negative labeling.

Methods

A survey of Flint and Detroit (control) public schoolteachers using a modified Illness Perception Questionnaire was conducted 5 years post-crisis. We also examined neuropsychological assessments from a recently settled class lawsuit.

Results

Relative to Detroit (n = 24), Flint teachers (n = 11) believed that a higher proportion of their students had harmful lead exposure (91.8% Flint vs 46% Detroit; P = 0.00034), were lead poisoned (51.3% vs 24.3%; P = 0.018), or brain damaged (28.8% vs 12.9%; P = 0.1), even though blood lead of Flint children was always less than half of that of Detroit children. Neuropsychological assessments diagnosed lead poisoning and/or brain damage from water lead exposure in all tested children (n = 8), even though none had evidence of elevated blood lead and a majority had prior learning disability diagnoses.

Conclusion

Teachers’ responses and neuropsychological assessments suggest Flint children were harmed by a nocebo effect.
Training Public Health Nurses on Disaster Shelter Care Using a Flipped Classroom Approach
Authors: Holbrook Kate , Rafael Marissa , Cho Maria , Morse Rebecca , Steinzig Canyon , Nouredini Sahar
Published: September 2024

Objective

With the increase in natural disasters and the expected role of public health nurses (PHNs) in responding, it is crucial to develop evidence-based disaster preparedness and management training programs tailored to the needs of PHNs. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a flipped classroom approach in disaster training for PHNs.

Methods

A total of 42 PHNs completed a 5-hour online training program and an in-person 8-hour training session at a local nursing school. Surveys measuring self-reported confidence and knowledge were completed at the beginning and end of the online and in-person training.

Results

The average years of experience as an RN and PHN were 12.3 years and 6.7 years, respectively. Approximately 64% of participants had never deployed during a disaster. The pre- and posttest demonstrated a large effect size, indicating the effectiveness of both online and in-person training. The online training resulted in significant changes in knowledge. The in-person training showed a statistically significant increase in confidence across all measures.

Conclusions

Online and in-person disaster preparedness training programs can effectively enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of PHNs. The majority of participants expressed that the training better prepared them to work in disaster shelters.
Integrating Behavioral Health Into Monitoring and Surveillance During Public Health Emergencies: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Faherty Laura J. , Vagi Sara J. , Leinhos Mary , Soler Robin E. , Acosta Joie D.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Limited guidance exists for public health agencies to use existing data sources to conduct monitoring and surveillance of behavioral health (BH) in the context of public health emergencies (PHEs).

Methods

We conducted a literature review and environmental scan to identify existing data sources, indicators, and analytic methods that could be used for BH surveillance in PHEs. We conducted exploratory analyses and interviews with public health agencies to examine the utility of a subset of these data sources for BH surveillance in the PHE context.

Results

Our comprehensive search revealed no existing dedicated surveillance systems to monitor BH in the context of PHEs. However, there are a few data sources designed for other purposes that public health agencies could use to conduct BH surveillance at the substate level. Some of these sources contain lagging indicators of BH impacts of PHEs. Most do not consistently collect the sociodemographic data needed to explore PHEs’ inequitable impacts on subpopulations, including at the intersection of race, gender, and age.

Conclusions

Public health agencies have opportunities to strengthen BH surveillance in PHEs and build partnerships to act based on timely, geographically granular existing data.
Evaluation of CBRN Preparedness of German Hospitals with Higher Level of Care: A Cross- Sectional Survey
Authors: Hupf Julian , Zimmermann Markus , Maier-Stocker Constantin , Hanses Frank , Mortelmans Luc J.M. , Halpern Pinchas
Published: September 2024

Objective

Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) events with multiple casualties are rare events, but preparedness is crucial for hospitals to respond properly. This study evaluated the preparedness and disaster planning of German hospitals for CBRN incidents.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, German hospitals with level III (highest level) emergency departments were surveyed using an online questionnaire focusing on risk assessment, infrastructure, hospital disaster planning, and preparedness for CBRN events.

Results

Between June and July 2023, 50 hospitals were surveyed. 62.5% of the hospitals had a section on chemical incidents in their disaster plan. A decontamination facility was available in 29.8% of the hospitals and chemical protective suits in 46.8%. The minority of the hospitals trained the correct handling of personal protective equipment (PPE) (39.1%) regularly or had frequent CBRN drills (21.3%). Most hospitals had the infrastructure for medical isolation (93.6%).

Conclusions

The level of CBRN preparedness is heterogeneous for German hospitals. Most were well prepared for infectious patients, but only half of all hospitals had sufficient PPE for chemical incidents and only 30% had a decontamination facility available. Overall, the level of CBRN preparedness is still insufficient and needs further improvement.
Assessing Self-Rated Physical Health Scores Following Repeat Exposure to Anthropogenic and Natural Hazards in Houston, TX
Authors: Sansom Garett T. , Fawkes Leanne , Sansom Lindsay , Thompson Courtney , Glanzer Anna , Losa Lyssa M. , Dixon Benika
Published: September 2024

Background

Research connects health outcomes to hazard exposures but often neglects the nature of the exposure or repeated events.

Methods

We undertook a cross-sectional study (N = 1,094) from a representative sample in the Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area (HMSA). Respondents were recruited using Qualtrics panels, targeting individuals reflecting the population of the HMSA. Physical composite scores (PCS) were calculated using the SF-12v2.

Results

Among the hazards (hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, chemical spills, industrial fires), only chemical spills showed a dose-response: physical health scores declined significantly with repeated exposures. This decline persisted after multiple linear regression. Covariates including sex, race, age, education, and chemical exposure affected PCS, but chemical spill exposure remained the most significant, negatively affecting PCS even after adjusting for other factors (coef =–2.24, 95% CI, –3.33 to –1.15).

Conclusion

Grasping the effects of hazards, especially repeated ones, can guide emergency management in mitigation, recovery, and preparedness efforts.
Treatment-related Problems and Countermeasures for Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis Following Tropical Cyclones: A Scoping Review
Authors: Yang Fengxue , Zhu Linfang , Li Sijian
Published: September 2024

Background

Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis face heightened vulnerability during disasters like tropical cyclones, yet there is sparse research on their treatment-related challenges and countermeasures. This scoping review aims to highlight the issues maintenance hemodialysis patients encounter following tropical cyclones.

Methods

A systematic scoping review of 19 articles from 2000 to 2023 was conducted, evaluating eligibility against predefined criteria.

Results

Hemodialysis patients encounter substantial challenges during and after tropical cyclones in the United States, Puerto Rico, Australia, and Taiwan. Thematic analysis identified 3 themes related to “challenges” (Hemodialysis health-related challenges, socially relevant challenges, and challenges of management inefficiencies). “Recommendations” comprised 4 themes and 4 phases across the “mitigation phase” (fortifying healthcare infrastructure and mobilizing community-focused risk mitigation initiatives), “preparedness” (emergency plan development, training, and patient education), “response” (activation of emergency plans and providing emergency healthcare services), and “recovery” (intersectoral collaboration for recovery and rebuilding).

Conclusion

This scoping review underscores challenges confronted by patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis post-tropical cyclones, highlighting the urgent need for targeted strategies to ensure the continuity of dialysis care during and after such disasters.
The Impact of COVID-19 Fear on Mental Health of Community Behavioral Health Providers
Authors: Brand Michael W. , Kuhn Katrin G. , Hilton Blake T. , Boyina Kavya , Deshpande Gargi , Suh Joy , Trapp Maria , Tucker Phebe , Wiskur Brandt
Published: September 2024

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted communities worldwide. Behavioral health providers are at the forefront providing services and are thus vulnerable to psychological sequalae. This study hypothesizes that the fear of COVID-19 predicts depression and anxiety among these providers.

Methods

A questionnaire was delivered to community behavioral health providers to assess fear of COVID-19 using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Anxiety and depression were assessed using Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2) scale and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2). Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the relationship between explanatory variables and outcomes was assessed using univariate generalized linear models and 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

FCV-19S scores were significantly higher among persons who smoked (z = 2.4, P < 0.05) or had a predisposing health condition. The multivariate models showed significant association with fear of COVID-19 and having a predisposing health condition, belonging to an ethnic minority group, not been diagnosed positive, and having a high total anxiety score.

Conclusions

The study indicated that 50% of the behavioral health providers screened had poor mental health owing to multiple factors identified. Hence, it is essential to strengthen their support to better mitigate situations contributing to fear.
Psychological need satisfaction, frustration, and unfulfillment profiles in the workplace: Their nature, predictors, and outcomes
Authors: Jungert Tomas , Caruana Sylvain , Gillet Nicolas , Huyghebaert-Zouaghi Tiphaine
Published: September 2024

Based on self-determination theory, this research relied on person-centered analyses to show how the distinct components of psychological need states combine to produce distinct profiles. We also explored contemporarily antecedents (perceptions of the organization’s environmental corporate social responsibility and negative moral emotions related to the organization’s environmental (ir)responsibility) and organizational outcomes (affective organizational commitment, turnover intentions, and cyberslacking). Questionnaire surveys were completed by 525 French employees. Four profiles characterized by configurations of psychological need states were identified and showed well-differentiated patterns. Negative moral emotions predicted membership in the most detrimental need states profiles while corporate social responsibility perceptions did not. As expected, we found opposite patterns of associations between profile membership and affective organizational commitment and turnover intentions, while the highest levels of cyberslacking were found in the most positive need states profiles. The results add to person-centered research and emphasize the importance of psychological experiences in the workplace and organizational outcomes.
Measuring the stellar and planetary parameters of the 51 Eridani system
Authors: Elliott Ashley , Boyajian Tabetha , Ellis Tyler , von Braun Kaspar , Mann Andrew W. , Schaefer Gail
Published: September 2024

In order to study exoplanets, a comprehensive characterisation of the fundamental properties of the host stars – such as angular diameter, temperature, luminosity, and age, is essential, as the formation and evolution of exoplanets are directly influenced by the host stars at various points in time. In this paper, we present interferometric observations taken of directly imaged planet host 51 Eridani at the CHARA Array. We measure the limb-darkened angular diameter of 51 Eridani to be

$\theta_\mathrm{LD} = 0.450\pm 0.006$

mas and combining with the Gaia zero-point corrected parallax, we get a stellar radius of

$1.45 \pm 0.02$

R

$_{\odot}$

. We use the PARSEC isochrones to estimate an age of

$23.2^{+1.7}_{-2.0}$

Myr and a mass of

$1.550^{+0.006}_{-0.005}$

M

$_{\odot}$

. The age and mass agree well with values in the literature, determined through a variety of methods ranging from dynamical age trace-backs to lithium depletion boundary methods. We derive a mass of

$4.1\pm0.4$

M

$_\mathrm{Jup}$

for 51 Eri b using the Sonora Bobcat models, which further supports the possibility of 51 Eri b forming under either the hot-start formation model or the warm-start formation model.
Radiocarbon dating of samples connected to rock-cut features at Myrina Kastro (Lemnos Island, Greece) and calculation of the regional marine reservoir effect in the Late Bronze Age in the Aegean Sea
Authors: Facorellis Yorgos , Marangou Christina , Ntinou Maria , Veropoulidou Rena
Published: September 2024

The Kastro peninsula constitutes the extension towards the West of Myrina, the Lemnos capital, on the western coast of the island, in the North Aegean Sea. The ongoing research project on rock-cut features and rock-art of this complex site included a five-year (2002–2007) subsurface investigation, during which, among other mobile finds, charcoal and seashell samples were also collected, associated in situ to rock-cut features. Subsequently, in an attempt to bring about information on the dating of the rock-cut site, an investigation based on 14C has also been undertaken. Therefore, the purpose of the present paper is the AMS dating of the unearthed anthropogenic deposits and the calculation of the regional marine reservoir effect during the end of the Late Bronze Age. Our results show that the age of the deposits is spanning from the 13th century BC till the 6th century AD. Moreover, the 14C ages of two pairs of charcoal-seashell samples showed that the mean marine reservoir age R(t) in this region from the 13th to the 10th centuries BC is 175 ± 59 14C yrs and the mean local sea surface reservoir deviation ΔR is found to be –288 ± 108 14C yrs (within 1σ).
HIDDEN GODS, HIDDEN TEXTS: ARATEAN ECHOES AND ALLEGORESIS IN CICERO, DE DIVINATIONE 1.79
Authors: Magnavacca Adalberto
Published: September 2024

This article argues for an as-yet-undiscovered double allusion to Aratus’ Phaenomena (1–5 and 100–7) embedded in Cicero's De diuinatione (1.79). This intertextual link sheds light on a now-lost passage of Cicero's Aratea and raises some questions about the relationship between Cicero's dialogue and Catullus 64.