bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personalized Management of Sodium and Volume Imbalance in Hemodialysis to Mitigate High Costs of Hospitalization
Authors: Hornig Carsten , Canaud Bernard J.M. , Bowry Sudhir Kumar
Published: June 2023

The primary objective of hemodialysis (HD) is lowering concentrations of organic uremic toxins that accumulate in blood in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and redress imbalances of inorganic compounds in particular sodium and water. Removal by ultrafiltration of excess fluid that has accumulated during the dialysis-free interval is a vital aspect of each HD session. Most HD patients are volume overloaded, with ∼25% of patients having severe (>2.5 L) fluid overload (FO). The potentially serious complications of FO contribute to the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality observed in the HD population. Weekly cycles imposed by the schedule of HD treatments create a deleterious and unphysiological “tide phenomenon” marked by sodium-volume overload (loading) and depletion (unloading). Fluid overload-related hospitalizations are frequent and costly, with average cost estimates of $ 6,372 per episode, amounting to some $ 266 million total costs over a 2-year period in a US dialysis population. Various strategies (e.g., dry weight management or use of fluids with different sodium concentrations) have been attempted to rectify FO in HD patients but have met with limited success largely due to imprecise and cumbersome, or costly, approaches. In recent years, conductivity-based technologies have been refined to actively restore sodium and fluid imbalance and maintain the predialysis plasma sodium set point (plasma tonicity) of each patient. By automatically controlling the dialysate-plasma sodium gradient based on the specific patient needs throughout a session, an individualized sodium dialysate prescription can be delivered. Maintaining precise sodium mass balance helps better control of blood pressure, reduces FO, and thus tends to prevent hospitalization for congestive heart failure. We present the case for personalized salt and fluid management via a machine-integrated sodium management tool. Results from proof-of-principle clinical trials indicate that the tool enables individualized sodium-fluid volume control during each HD session. Its application in routine clinical practice has the potential to mitigate the substantial economic burden of hospitalizations attributed to volume overload complications in HD. Additionally, such a tool would contribute toward reduced symptomology and dialysis-induced multiorgan damage in HD patients and to improving their treatment perception and quality of life which matters most to patients.
The Role of Abdominal Surgery in Refractory Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Enterocolitis: A Case Report
Authors: Verhé Manon , De Somer Thomas , Defoort Barbara , Vanderstraeten Erik , Monsaert Els , Bouderez Vincent , Dias Stefanie , Delombaerde Danielle , Vulsteke Christof , Van Steenkiste Christophe
Published: June 2023

This article describes the case of a 73-year-old patient with grade 3 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced enteritis. Five different immunosuppressive agents (glucocorticoids, high-dose infliximab, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, and vedolizumab) were administered, however, with no clinical or radiographical benefit. A laparotomy was performed, as the patient showed signs of intestinal obstruction, with a segmental resection of the ileal loop. Biopsy results showed multiple fibrotic strictures. The current treatment guidelines for ICI enterocolitis only include drugs as a treatment option. Nevertheless, it remains important to consider early surgical intervention in order to avoid serious complications due to persistent and pronounced inflammation. The current case highlights the importance of surgery as a treatment modality in the multidisciplinary approach for ICI-induced enteritis, which should be taken into consideration after second- or third-line treatment.
Omics Technologies in Veterinary Medicine: Literature Review and Perspectives in Transfusion Medicine
Authors: Miglio Arianna , Cremonini Valentina , Leonardi Leonardo , Manuali Elisabetta , Coliolo Paola , Barbato Olimpia , Dall’Aglioa Cecilia , Antognoni Maria Teresa
Published: June 2023

Background: Omics technologies represent a new analytical approach that allows a full cellular readout through the simultaneous analysis of thousands of molecules. The application of such technologies represents a flourishing field of research in human medicine, especially in transfusion medicine, while their application in veterinary medicine still needs to be developed. Summary: Omics technologies, especially proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics, are currently applied in several fields of human medicine. In transfusion medicine, the creation and integration of multiomics datasets have uncovered intricate molecular pathways occurring within blood bags during storage. In particular, the research has been directed toward the study of storage lesions (SLs), i.e., those biochemical and structural changes that red blood cells (RBCs) undergo during hypothermic storage, their causes, and the development of new strategies to prevent them. However, due to their challenges to perform and high costs, these technologies are hardly accessible to veterinary research, where their application dates back only to the last few years and thus a great deal of progress still needs to be made. As regards veterinary medicine, there are only a few studies that have focused mainly on fields such as oncology, nutrition, cardiology, and nephrology. Other studies have suggested omics datasets that provide important insights for future comparative investigations between human and nonhuman species. Regarding the study of storage lesions and, more generally, the veterinary transfusion field, there is a marked lack of available omics data and results with relevance for clinical practice. Key Messages: The use of omics technologies in human medicine is well established and has led to promising results in blood transfusion and related practices knowledge. Transfusion practice is a burgeoning field in veterinary medicine, but, to date, there are no species-specific procedures and techniques for the collection and storage of blood units and those validated in the human species are univocally pursued. Multiomics analysis of the species-specific RBCs’ biological characteristics could provide promising results both from a comparative perspective, by increasing our understanding of species suitable to be used as animal models, and in a strictly veterinary view, by contributing to the development of animal-targeted procedures.
Performance analysis of cryptography algorithms for implementation of secured cloud based online voting system
Authors: Subramanyam Gururaj Karanam , Thippeswamy Kampalappa
Published: June 2023

Any democratic country intends to conduct the elections in a smooth and fair manner such all the citizens of the country participate and elect their leader who can involve himself/herself for the development of the country. Inspite of wide publicity and measures taken for ensuring the participation of all the citizens in the election process, most of the countries are unable achieve 100% voting rate in elections. Among the many reasons for reduction in voting rate, migration of the voters is one of the major reasons for reduction in voting rate. Even though technology and online services have been used in almost all the aspects of day-to-day activities, online features have not been utilized in the process of voting during elections. This paper tries to analyze the performance of the cloud based secured framework by implementing it using PHP and mySQL. Security of the framework is implemented using rivest shamir adleman (RSA), advanced encryption standard (AES) and Blowfish cryptography algorithms.
A case analysis for Kubernetes network security of financial service industry in Indonesia using zero trust model
Authors: Surantha Nico , Ivan Felix , Chandra Ritchie
Published: June 2023

In this study, a case analysis of Kubernetes application in an enterprise providing financial services in Indonesia is presented. It is implemented to improve their digital services-based application, developed using micro-services architecture. Kubernetes, an application container technology, has been applied in the enterprise providing financial services in Indonesia to improve their digital services-based application, developed using micro-services architecture concepts. Without incorporating any additional hardware, the new technology and services have been adopted to existing virtualized resources of the enterprise. An infrastructure design for secure Kubernetes networking was built and has been studied using the data center provided by the enterprise. This study focuses on two important aspects: network and security. As a security guideline, the network recommendations from VMware, Cisco, and Forrester’s zero trust model were employed to design the infrastructure and were evaluated. The proposed secure network infrastructure design is successfully applied in the container networks using the zero trust requirement, the enterprise’s requirements, and constraints. And we hope this study about network design security can be used and adaptable with existing network and reduce risk and disruption to the business caused by the network.
Multi-objective metaheuristic optimization algorithms for wrapper-based feature selection: a literature survey
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Anitha , Vadivel Vinodhini
Published: June 2023

In the data mining and machine learning (ML) discipline, feature selection problem is considered among many researchers in the recent times. Feature selection process targets to minimize feature set number and maximize performance accuracy by identifying optimal features. Multiple objectives are considered while identifying the optimal feature hence multi-objective metaheuristic optimization algorithms (MOMOAs) are applied. In this study, literature review is performed MOMOAs-for solving wrapper feature selection problem (WFS). The literature review for solving WFS problem and discuss the challenges faced by the researchers in solving the feature selection problem. The literature review is performed on all relevant studies published in the last 12 years [2009-2022]. A detailed overview of the feature selection preliminaries, MOMOAs-WFS, role of the classifier in feature selection problem are presented. The outcome of this literature review is to highlight the existing works related to WFS problem using MOMOAs. Finally, the research areas for improvement are identified and emphasized for the scientists to survey in the field of MOMOAs.
Performance enhancement of large-scale linear dynamic MIMO systems using GWO-PID controller
Authors: Sulttan Mohammed Qasim , Shneen Salam Waley , Alkhasraji Jafaar Mohammed Daif
Published: June 2023

The multi-input multi-output (MIMO) technique is becoming grown and integrated into wireless wideband communication. MIMO techniques suffer from a large-scale linear dynamic problem, it will be easy to adjust the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) of a continuous system, unlike the nonlinear model. This work displays the tuning of the PID controller for MIMO systems utilizing a statistical grey wolf optimization (GWO) and evaluated by objective function as integral time absolute error (ITAE). The instantaneous adjusting characteristic GWO approach is the criterion that distinguishes such a combination-proposed strategy from that existing in the traditional PID approach. The GWO algorithm searching-based methodology is used to determine the adequate gain factors of the PID controller. The suggested approach guarantees stability as the initial scheme for a steady state condition. A combination of ITAE combined with the GWO reduction method is adopted to reduce the steady-state transient time responses between the higher-order initial scheme and the unit amplitude response. Simulation outcomes are illustrated using MATLAB software to show the capability of adopting the GWO scheme for PID controlling.
Limits of reactive power compensation of a doubly fed induction generator based wind turbine system
Authors: Abdulabbas Ali Kadhim , Alawan Mazin Abdulelah , Shary Diyah Kammel
Published: June 2023

The doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) systems feature a significant amount of free power capacity that may be used for reactive power adjustment when they are put into practical use. This change, which is occasionally overlooked, is a significant one. Using DFIG systems for wind turbines (WT), this paper explored strategies for reducing and using reactive power. In order to investigate the power characteristic and how it is regulated in DFIG systems, a mathematical model for the steady-state performance of DFIG WT has been developed and presented. Here is a detailed derivation of the limiting range of DFIG's reactive power capacity as well as the physical constraints on reactive power output. The distribution of the DFIG WT at a distribution network's end is demonstrated by a simulation example. Within this simulation, reactive power management strategy, load fluctuation, and the change in wind speed are all taken into consideration. Due to the possibility of a rise in the voltage at the access point, can concluded that both acceptable and efficient to use DFIG WT's reactive power capabilities as an additional continuous reactive power source for effectiveness.
Enhancing the maximum power of wind turbine using artificial neural network
Authors: Salih Bashar Mohammed , Nawafal Khaleel , Hamoodi Safwan Assaf
Published: June 2023

Wind energy conversion systems (WECS) now play a significant role in meeting the world's energy needs. Several different approaches are used to try to increase the reliability of these renewable energy systems. Smart systems are designed to be more proactive to improve the performance of renewable energy equipment. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have a variety of applications, including controlling renewable energy systems. Using optimal torque control (OTC) system based prediction techniques, a controller to monitor a maximum point of wind turbine output power (MPPT) is designed and modeled in this paper. MATLAB/Simulink package tools for neural networks are also used to design the controller and simulate it to achieve the necessary results and to obtain an appropriate analysis for the controller. The results show that the ANN is more active and delivers better output than the traditional controller.
Data augmentation and enhancement for multimodal speech emotion recognition
Authors: Setyono Jonathan Christian , Zahra Amalia
Published: June 2023

Humans’ fundamental need is interaction with each other such as using conversation or speech. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze speech using computer technology to determine emotions. The speech emotion recognition (SER) method detects emotions in speech by examining various aspects. SER is a supervised method to decide the emotion class in speech. This research proposed a multimodal SER model using one of the deep learning based enhancement techniques, which is the attention mechanism. Additionally, this research addresses the imbalanced dataset problem in the SER field using generative adversarial networks (GAN) as a data augmentation technique. The proposed model achieved an excellent evaluation performance of 0.96 or 96% for the proposed GAN configuration. This work showed that the GAN method in the multimodal SER model could enhance performance and create a balanced dataset.
A novel data offloading scheme for QoS optimization in 5G based internet of medical things
Authors: Fahad Jabbar Saadya , Sami Mohsin Nuha , Tawfeq Jamal Fadhil , Soon JosephNg Poh , Khalaf Ahmed Lateef
Published: June 2023

The internet of medical things (IoMT), which is expected the lead to the biggest technology in worldwide distribution. Using 5th generation (5G) transmission, market possibilities and hazards related to IoMT are improved and detected. This framework describes a strategy for proactively addressing worries and offering a forum to promote development, alter attitudes and maintain people's confidence in the broader healthcare system without compromising security. It is combined with a data offloading system to speed up the transmission of medical data and improved the quality of service (QoS). As a result of this development, we suggested the enriched energy efficient fuzzy (EEEF) data offloading technique to enhance the delivery of data transmission at the original targeted location. Initially, healthcare data was collected. Preprocessing is achieved by the normalization method. An EEEF data offloading scheme is proposed. A fruit fly optimization (FFO) technique is utilized. The performance metrics such as energy consumption, delay, resource utilization, scalability, and packet loss are analyzed and compared with existing techniques. The future scope will make use of a revolutionary optimization approach for IoMT.
Mobile application: expert systems model for disease prevention
Authors: Rubio Paucar Inoc , Ascona Rivas Sttaly , Andrade-Arenas Laberiano , Hernández Celis Domingo , Cabanillas-Carbonell Michael
Published: June 2023

In recent years, both locally and globally, many citizens are cornered by different diseases which grates a lot of concern in the person, due to the collapse of different medical centers, it is necessary to use information systems. The objective of the research is to develop a mobile application that allows detecting what type of disease a patient suffers from and maintaining communication with the expert in the field using an expert system such as azure machine learning studio that allows detecting the deadliest diseases. For the development of this research, the rup methodology was applied, which allows the use of different techniques where the necessary activities can be carried out with efficient communication. For the validation of this project, a survey was used for the experts with a questionnaire of questions, giving a positive result in the implementation of this project. The result was an acceptance of 83.3% in a high way in their survey responses. In conclusion, this mobile application was successfully designed, benefiting many people and, above all, preventing dangerous diseases that can even lead to death.
An extended review of the application layer messaging protocol of the internet of things
Authors: Bhowmik Ronok , Riaz Md. Hasnat
Published: June 2023

In the internet of things (IoT), there are resource-constrained and immense heterogeneous electronic gadgets worldwide. Till now, no single IoT application layer messaging protocol is the best, nor is anyone axiomatic for every requirement. This paper exhaustively summarizes information on the messaging protocols from the available previous research sources online. Our goal is to encapsulate a simple guideline so that users can choose an optimal messaging protocol quickly according to development requirements and specifications. For this purpose, we have reviewed the literature on six enabling and evolving application layer messaging protocols used for IoT systems namely, message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT), advanced message queuing protocol (AMQP), the constrained application protocol (CoAP), extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), data distribution service (DDS), and simple text-oriented messaging protocol (STOMP) in terms of some interrelated metrics. Additionally, we represented a critical analysis of the application layer messaging protocols. This study will be helpful to readers with valuable insights and guide research scholars and developers in choosing optimal application layer messaging protocols based on development specifications and requirements.
IoT based smart irrigation, control, and monitoring system for chilli plants using NodeMCU-ESP8266
Authors: Abd Halim Amirul Amin , Mohamad Roslina , Abdul Rahman Farah Yasmin , Harun Harlisya , Mohamad Anas Nuzli
Published: June 2023

Traditionally, chilli plant irrigation relies solely on rainwater, which leads to uncontrolled and excessive water consumption and, in turn, unhealthy growth. Furthermore, existing cultivation systems lack systematic control and monitoring to sustain efficient crop growth. Much effort has been put into developing plant irrigation control and monitoring systems in recent decades, resulting in significant technological advancements in the agricultural sector. This paper describes the development of an internet of things-based irrigation control and monitoring system testbed for a chilli plantation. A DHT11 sensor, comprising of moisture, temperature and humidity sensors, were integrated with a node microcontroller NodeMCU ESP8266 unit interacting via wireless fidelity. A controller system that could remotely control the irrigation system was placed in the plantation area. Users interacted with the system through a user interface platform developed using Blynk and Thinger.io. Hence, real-time sensor data were sent to the user interface platform and represented in an easy-to-interpret manner. The results show that the irrigation system testbed can also control the amount of water used, ensuring efficient plant growth.
Study of the thermal drifts on the piezoresistivity using mobility model and finite difference method of electric heater
Authors: Beddiaf Abdelaziz , Kerrour Fouad
Published: June 2023

In pressure sensors, four piezoresistors connected in a Wheatstone bridge are often provided with a voltage varying between 5 and 10 V. Unfortunately, this voltage is a source of drifts created by electric heating. This study focuses on the internal heating and piezoresistive effect of piezoresistors represented by the variation of their resistivity. To do this, we use the finite difference method (FDM) to solve the heat transfer equation, taking into account the conduction in Cartesian coordinates for the variable regime. We examine how the temperature affects the piezoresistivity in these sensors when the potential is applied. In this case, the variation of the temperature has been calculated as a function of applied voltage, as well as for the operating time of the sensor. Furthermore, the evolution of resistivity over time was determined for several geometric properties of the membrane using the mobility model. This was established for different doping levels. Additionally, the change in resistivity due to the application of voltage was evaluated. It was observed that resistivity is greatly affected by the temperature rise produced by the applied voltage when the device is actuated for a prolonged time. Consequently, this results in drifting in the output response of the sensor.
Spatial uniformity of the spectral radiance by white LED-based K2CaP2O7:Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphor
Authors: Tung Ha Thanh , Thi My Hanh Nguyen
Published: June 2023

The K2CaP2O7:Ce3+, Tb3+ (Ce/Tb-KCPO) phosphor with blue-to-green emission is introduced in this study. The synthesis of the phosphor is carried out with the solid-state approach. The phosphor characteristics, including X-ray diffraction, luminescence lifespan, and thermal stability are measured and examined. The data show that Ce/Tb-KCPO phosphor displays a broadband emission from blue to green when excited by ultraviolet source. Besides, the ion Ce3+ strengthen the emission of Tb3+ ion through an efficient energy-transfer mechanism, which is estimated about 82.51%. The main electric interaction responsible for this Ce/Tb energy transfer is the dipole-quadrupole one. The phosphor also benefits the luminous intensity and color uniformity of the light-emitting diodes (LED) white-light output. Therefore, the Ce/Tb-KCPO phosphor can be a potential material for high-power white light-emitting diodes (WLED).
Action Potential Morphology Accurately Predicts Proarrhythmic Risk for Drugs With Potential to Prolong Cardiac Repolarization
Authors: Lee William , Ng Ben , Mangala Melissa M. , Perry Matthew D. , Subbiah Rajesh N. , Vandenberg Jamie I. , Hill Adam P.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:

Drug-induced or acquired long QT syndrome occurs as a result of the unintended disruption of cardiac repolarization due to drugs that block cardiac ion channels. These side effects have been responsible for the withdrawal of a range of drugs from market and are a common reason for termination of the development of new drugs in the preclinical stage. Existing approaches to risk prediction are expensive and overly sensitive meaning that recently there have been renewed efforts, largely driven by the comprehensive proarrhythmic assay initiative, to develop more accurate methods for allocation of proarrhythmic risk.

METHODS:

In this study, we aimed to quantify changes in the morphology of the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential as an indicator of proarrhythmia, supposing that these shape changes might precede the emergence of ectopic depolarizations that trigger arrhythmia. To do this, we describe a new method of quantifying action potential morphology by measuring the radius of curvature of the repolarization phase both in simulated action potentials, as well as in action potentials measured from induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Features derived from the curvature signal were used as inputs for logistic regressions to predict proarrhythmic risk.

RESULTS:

Optimal risk classifiers based on morphology were able to correctly classify risk to drugs in the comprehensive proarrhythmic assay initiative panels with very high accuracy (0.9375) and outperformed conventional metrics based on action potential duration at 90% repolarization, triangulation, and charge movement (qNet).

CONCLUSIONS:

Analysis of action potential morphology in response to proarrhythmic drugs improves prediction of torsadogenic risk. Furthermore, morphology metrics can be measured directly from the action potential, potentially eliminating the burden of undertaking complex screens of potency and drug-binding kinetics against multiple cardiac ion channels. As such, this method has the potential to improve and streamline regulatory assessment of proarrhythmia in preclinical drug development.
Defining Strategies of Modulation of Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Consensus Document from the Academic Research Consortium
Authors: Capodanno Davide , Mehran Roxana , Krucoff Mitchell W. , Baber Usman , Bhatt Deepak L. , Capranzano Piera , Collet Jean-Philippe , Cuisset Thomas , De Luca Giuseppe , De Luca Leonardo , Farb Andrew , Franchi Francesco , Gibson C. Michael , Hahn Joo-Yong , Hong Myeong-Ki , James Stefan , Kastrati Adnan , Kimura Takeshi , Lemos Pedro A. , Lopes Renato D. , Magee Adrian , Matsumura Ryosuke , Mochizuki Shuichi , O’Donoghue Michelle L. , Pereira Naveen L. , Rao Sunil V. , Rollini Fabiana , Shirai Yuko , Sibbing Dirk , Smits Peter C. , Steg P. Gabriel , Storey Robert F. , ten Berg Jurrien , Valgimigli Marco , Vranckx Pascal , Watanabe Hirotoshi , Windecker Stephan , Serruys Patrick W. , Yeh Robert W. , Morice Marie-Claude , Angiolillo Dominick J.
Published: June 2023

Antiplatelet therapy is the mainstay of pharmacologic treatment to prevent thrombotic or ischemic events in patients with coronary artery disease treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and those treated medically for an acute coronary syndrome. The use of antiplatelet therapy comes at the expense of an increased risk of bleeding complications. Defining the optimal intensity of platelet inhibition according to the clinical presentation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and individual patient factors is a clinical challenge. Modulation of antiplatelet therapy is a medical action that is frequently performed to balance the risk of thrombotic or ischemic events and the risk of bleeding. This aim may be achieved by reducing (ie, de-escalation) or increasing (ie, escalation) the intensity of platelet inhibition by changing the type, dose, or number of antiplatelet drugs. Because de-escalation or escalation can be achieved in different ways, with a number of emerging approaches, confusion arises with terminologies that are often used interchangeably. To address this issue, this Academic Research Consortium collaboration provides an overview and definitions of different strategies of antiplatelet therapy modulation for patients with coronary artery disease, including but not limited to those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, and consensus statements on standardized definitions.
Faunistic inventory, identification keys and zoogeographical analysis of the Thysanoptera-Terebrantia of Saudi Arabia, including two new species
Authors: RASOOL IFTEKHAR , ALATTAL YEHYA ZAKI , ALDHAFER HATHAL M.
Published: June 2023

This faunistic study of the Thysanoptera suborder Terebrantia of Saudi Arabia has revealed 79 species in 39 genera and four families. Two families Melanthripidae Bagnall and Stenurothripidae Bagnall, also 25 genera and 51 species, are newly recorded for Saudi Arabia, and Mycterothrips arabicus sp. n. and Scirtothrips erectus sp. n., are described. Males of Thrips lomatus zur Strassan and Odontothrips elbaensis Priesner are described for the first time. Keys to the families, genera and species of Terebrantia of Saudi Arabia are presented, together with a species check list. Zoogeographical analysis indicates that general affinity of the thrips fauna of Saudi Arabia is dominated by Afrotropical (22.6%) and Saharo-Arabian (17.9%) species, followed by Cosmopolitan (16.7%), endemic (11.9%), Palearctic (10.7%), Oriental (9.5%), Mediterranean (7.1%), and traces of Nearctic (2.4%) and Holarctic (1.2%) species.
A review of the Ptinidae (Coleoptera: Bostrichoidea) of Cyprus, including new faunistic records and the description of a new species
Authors: ZAHRADNÍK PETR , DEMETRIOU JAKOVOS
Published: June 2023

A review of the Ptinidae (Coleoptera: Bostrichoidea) fauna of Cyprus is presented. A new species, Gastrallus kayiasi sp. nov. is described and compared with other Mediterranean species of the genus Gastrallus Jacquelin du Val, 1860. In addition, 14 species are recorded in Cyprus for the first time, namely: Caenocara affine (Sturm, 1837), Ernobius lenkae Zahradník, 1998 (subfamily Ernobiinae); Dorcatoma (Pilosodorcatoma) chrysomelina Sturm, 1837, Sagetus sp. (subfamily Dorcatominae); Hedobia pubescens (Olivier, 1790) (subfamily Eucradinae); Mesocoelopus niger (P. W. J. Müller, 1821), Mesothes granulatus Pic, 1907 (subfamily Mesocoelopodinae); Ptinus (Bruchoptinus) syriacus Pic, 1896, Ptinus (Ptinus) hirsutus Pic, 1895 (subfamily Ptininae); Lasioderma obscurum (Solsky, 1868), Metholcus rotundicollis Schilsky, 1898, Xyletinus (Xyletinus) subrotundatus Lareynie, 1852, Xyletinus (Xyletinus) sveci Zahradník, 2016 and Xyletinus (Xyletinus) wewalkai Gottwald, 1977 (subfamily Xyletininae). The number of Ptinidae species currently known from Cyprus is raised to 77, distributed in 27 genera in all subfamilies except the Neotropical subfamily Alvarenganiellinae.
Evaluating and Modeling the Reliability of Continuous No-Rain Forecast from TIGGE Based on the First-Passage Problem and Fuzzy Mathematics
Authors: Cai Chenkai , Wang Jianqun , Li Zhijia , Shen Xinyi , Wen Jinhua , Wang Helong , Zhou Xinyan
Published: June 2023

As an important reference of reservoir regulation, more and more attention has been paid to the numeric precipitation forecast. Due to the uncertainty of meteorological prediction, reservoir regulation based on precipitation forecasts may lead to flood control risks. Therefore, the reliability of precipitation forecasts is crucial to the formulation of reservoir regulation strategy based on it. In this paper, a reliability assessment model for a continuous precipitation forecast is proposed based on the first-passage problem and fuzzy mathematics. The uncertainty of precipitation forecast is described by the generalized Bayesian model, and the fuzzy reliability of a continuous precipitation forecast can be obtained by the first-passage fuzzy probability model (FFPM). Due to the importance of a no-rain period in flood resource utilization, the no-rain forecasts from four different forecast centers in the Meishan basin are used as an example. The results show that the fuzzy mathematics is helpful in describing the uncertainty of the boundary for the no-rain set, and the fuzzy reliability of the no-rain forecast is affected by the selection of the range for the no-rain forecast, while the influence of the membership function is limited. Furthermore, due to the downward trend of fuzzy reliability as the lead time increases, there is a contradiction between excess water storage of the reservoir and the fuzzy reliability of the no-rain forecast. A longer continuous no-rain period means more excess water storage, but it also faces lower reliability. In actual reservoir regulation, the results of FFPM can be combined with more information to formulate better strategies for reservoir regulation.
Gender Differences in North American and International Otolaryngology Clinical Practice Guideline Authorship: A 17-Year Analysis
Authors: Mavedatnia Dorsa , Yi Grace , Wener Emily , Davidson Jacob , Chan Yvonne , Graham M. Elise
Published: June 2023

Objective:

To analyze gender differences in authorship of North American (Canadian and American) and international published otolaryngology—head and neck surgery (OHNS) clinical practice guidelines (CPG) over a 17-year period.

Methods:

Clinical practice guidelines published between 2005 and 2022 were identified through the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health (CADTH) search strategy in MEDLINE and EMBASE. Studies were included if they were original studies, published in the English language, and encompassed Canadian, American, or international OHNS clinical practice guidelines.

Results:

A total of 145 guidelines were identified, encompassing 661 female authors (27.4%) and 1756 male authors (72.7%). Among OHNS authors, women and men accounted for 21.2% and 78.8% of authors, respectively. Women who were involved in guideline authorship were 31.0% less likely to be an otolaryngologist compared to men. There were no gender differences across first or senior author and by subspeciality. Female otolaryngologist representation was the greatest in rhinology (28.3%) and pediatrics (26.7%). American guidelines had the greatest proportion of female authors per guideline (34.1%) and the greatest number of unique female authors (33.2%).

Conclusion:

Despite the increasing representation of women in OHNS, gender gaps exist with regards to authorship within clinical practice guidelines. Greater gender diversity and transparency is required within guideline authorship to help achieve equitable gender representation and the development of balanced guidelines with a variety of viewpoints.
Scientific Paradoxes and the Paradox of Salvation
Authors: Kibble David G.
Published: June 2023

The concept of paradox in science is discussed: some apparent paradoxes turn out not to be paradoxes at all whilst others remain paradoxical. The concept of paradox is then applied to two theological ideas: salvation by faith or salvation by works and judgement to heaven / hell or universalism. It is suggested that the issue of salvation by faith / works is not a paradox at all whilst the idea of judgement to heaven / hell or universalism is a paradox.
Gender Quota and Women’s Participation in Rural Local Bodies in India: The Context, Constraints and Consequences
Authors: Datta Prabhat Kumar
Published: June 2023

Gender quota in democratic institutions is now widely regarded as a tested tool to promote gender justice despite limitations. In this article, an attempt has been made to capture and analyse in the light of secondary source material including my own small study in one of the Indian States, West Bengal, on the impact of reservation of seats for women as elected women representatives in rural local government in India, with special reference to the challenges experienced by them. It has been argued that, despite a number of inherent structural constraints, women elected leaders have been able to prove their competence to run the institutions of governance and to bring about positive change in the agenda of governance and development. It has also been suggested that there is a need for a much more proactive role of the state which has created space for women through an amendment of the Constitution.
Mental health intervention research in Latin American correctional settings: A scoping review
Authors: Beigel Lukas , Forrester Andrew , Torales Julio , Aboaja Anne , Rivera Aroyo Guillermo , Roche Marcelo O’Higgins , Opitz-Welke Annette , Mundt Adrian P
Published: June 2023

Background:

The Latin American prison population has grown faster than anywhere else globally over the past two decades, reaching a total of 1.7 million people at any given time. However, research on mental health prevention and treatment interventions in Latin American prisons remains scarce.

Aims:

This study aimed to systematically review and synthesize research on prison mental health interventions conducted in the region.

Methods:

We used a two-stage scoping review design guided by the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Searches took place in December 2021 in nine databases using descriptors and synonyms. First, all prison mental health research in Latin America was retained. Secondly, using title and abstract screening, all research possibly related to interventions was retained for full text evaluation. Studies reporting interventions were assessed by country, language, institution, population, intervention type, intervention focus and outcomes.

Results:

N = 34 studies were included in this review. These were 13 case reports, seven expert consensus papers and 14 quantitative studies (four randomized controlled trials, nine cohort studies, one quasi-experimental study). Fourteen interventions were targeted at promoting prosocial behavior, seven studies each aimed to improve mental health and to treat substance use disorders. Six studies involved the treatment of sexual offending behavior, and 3 focused on reducing criminal recidivism. Psychoeducation (n = 12) and motivational interviewing (n = 5) were the most frequent intervention types studied. Promising data from trials showed that anger management, depression, substance use and reoffending could be successfully addressed through interventions.

Conclusions:

Implementation and effectiveness research of mental health interventions in Latin American prisons is scarce. Addressing mental health, substance use and prosocial behavior outcomes should be considered in future research. There is a particular dearth of controlled trials describing quantifiable outcomes.
Urban distance to mental healthcare units and public transport increases duration of untreated psychosis in first-episode patients
Authors: Malinowski Fernando , Noto Cristiano , Cavalcante Daniel , Belangero Síntia , Ziebold Carolina , Bressan Rodrigo , Gadelha Ary
Published: June 2023

Background:

There is a growing interest in environmental and social determinants of mental health. However, how distance to healthcare and public transportation affect illness is neglected in schizophrenia research. Here, we are interested in how the availability of mental healthcare and the ways to reach it may be associated with psychosis.

Aims:

We aim to investigate the association between distances to healthcare units and subway stations and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and greater initial severity in an antipsychotic-naïve first episode of psychosis (FEP) sample.

Method:

Using 212 untreated FEP patients’ data, we calculated the distances from their residences to the places of interest. Diagnoses comprehended schizophrenia spectrum disorders, depressive and bipolar affective disorders, and substance-induced disorders. Linear regressions were performed with distances as independent variables, DUP and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores as dependent variables.

Results:

Longer distance to emergency mental healthcare was related to longer DUP (95% CI: p = .034, B = 0.152) and higher total PANSS (95% CI: p = .007, B = 0.0189); longer distance to community mental healthcare units was related to longer DUP (95% CI: p = .004, B = 0.0204) and higher total PANSS (95% CI: p = .030, B = 0.152). Moreover, a longer distance to the closest subway station predicted longer DUP (95% CI: p = .019, B = 0.170).

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that poor healthcare access is related to longer DUP and higher initial PANSS scores. Future research should investigate how investments in mental health access and actions to improve public transport access could impact DUP and treatment outcomes in psychosis patients.
Thermochemical recycling of epoxy resin composites reinforced with carbon fiber
Authors: Nicolai Gabriel , Bôas Augusto PV , Méndez Manoel OA , Taranto Osvaldir P
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to recovery carbon fiber present in composite materials with epoxy resin matrix using a thermochemical recycling way. A full factorial design was proposed with two factors: the degradation temperature (DT) and the number of thermal baths (NB), which were evaluated in a range of 600°C–650°C and 0–2 baths, respectively, for 30 min. The responses were burn-off degree (BO) and tensile strength. The BO indicated that the temperature as well as the number of thermal baths have positive effects and, therefore, contribute to the degradation of the epoxy resin. Regarding the tensile strength, higher DT promotes a more pronounced effect in that response, but its interaction with NB causes greater damage to the surface of the carbon fiber. A new recycling condition was evaluated and compared with commercial carbon fiber. The results of tensile strength indicated it is possible to test similar applications for both recovered fiber and commercial fiber. The morphological characterizations showed that recycled materials preserved their physical structure, and all surface groups were removed throughout the thermochemical degradation process. In addition, the SEM analyzes indicated the preservation of the wefts after recycling, although residual matrix and the beginning of sizing destruction were observed. Thermochemical recycling proved to be an effective and better way to reuse carbon fiber instead of landfill and incineration.
Unpacking Western Anticolonialism: Jagi-Jagi and the Second Spanish Republic, 1931–6
Authors: Baztán Maria Reyes
Published: June 2023

This article explores the appropriation of anticolonial language by the Basque radical newsletter and organization Jagi-Jagi (Arise-Arise). Although Jagi-Jagi initially emerged under the doctrine of the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) in 1932, the newsletter and organization offered a more radical form of nationalism than the official party, which during the Second Spanish Republic sought the approval of a Basque Statue of Autonomy. One of the most visible features of J agi-Jagi's radicalism was its anticolonialism, a facet that scholars have previously failed to explore. Jagi-Jagi constantly equated the situation of the Basque Country to that of other colonies and condemned both internal and international colonialism. This article explores both the national and international dimensions of Jagi-Jagi's anticolonialism and considers the motives behind such anticolonial claims. It also analyses the set of complex and often-contradictory ideas that existed within Jagi-Jagi's discourses on race and claims that they responded to the different uses of Basque anticolonialism. The case study of Jagi-Jagi and its racial discourse serve to elucidate the complexities of western anticolonialism.
The Buffering Effect of State Eviction and Foreclosure Policies for Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States
Authors: Boen Courtney E. , Keister Lisa A. , Gibson-Davis Christina M. , Luck Anneliese
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred an economic downturn that may have eroded population mental health, especially for renters and homeowners who experienced financial hardship and were at risk of housing loss. Using household-level data from the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey (n = 805,223; August 2020–August 2021) and state-level data on eviction/foreclosure bans, we estimated linear probability models with two-way fixed effects to (1) examine links between COVID-related financial hardship and anxiety/depression and (2) assess whether state eviction/foreclosure bans buffered the detrimental mental health impacts of financial hardship. Findings show that individuals who reported difficulty paying for household expenses and keeping up with rent or mortgage had increased anxiety and depression risks but that state eviction/foreclosure bans weakened these associations. Our findings underscore the importance of state policies in protecting mental health and suggest that heterogeneity in state responses may have contributed to mental health inequities during the pandemic.
Collaural fistula: Our experience
Authors: Narang Ekta , Tyagi Sonali , Jain Neha , Singh Jyoti
Published: June 2023

Branchial cleft anomalies are congenital, arising from the first to the fourth pharyngeal clefts. The most common is a second arch anomaly. As it is congenital, it presents at birth though may become symptomatic later. The spectrum of anomalies includes sinus, cyst, or fistula formation or a combination of these. Here we present a case series based on first cleft anomalies. The principles of management include early diagnosis, excision of any fistulous tract, and prevention of injury to the facial nerve.
Samba and Surveillance: Censorship and Black Music during Brazilian Military Rule, 1964–1985
Authors: Bocskay Stephen
Published: June 2023

The censorship and surveillance practices imposed on samba schools, musical performances, and compositions in Rio de Janeiro during the period of the military dictatorship (1964–1985) targeted black political organization at large and musical perspectives on black history and culture. Interviews with samba musicians and analyses of political police documents underscore the military government’s control of discourses and suppression of archives, demonstrating that censorship and surveillance in music and the arts continued after 1985.

As práticas de censura e vigilância impostas às escolas de samba, performances e composições musicais no Rio de Janeiro durante o período da ditadura militar (1964-1985) cercearam a organização política negra em geral e as perspectivas musicais sobre a história e a cultura negras. Entrevistas com sambistas e análises de documentos policiais ilustram o controle governamental de discursos e o apagamento de arquivos, demonstrando que a censura e a vigilância na música e nas artes continuaram após 1985.
Special Issue Introduction: Demystifying Academic Understandings of Critical Race Theory to Transform Discourse With Policy Makers
Authors: Patterson Ashley N. , Johnson Royel M. , López Francesca , Ward LaWanda W. M.
Published: June 2023

In this introduction to the special issue, we describe the socio-political context that spurred our efforts to disrupt the anti-critical race theory (CRT) that has seeped into popular and political conversations about the US educational system. Noting the lack of preparation educational researchers have for sharing their nuanced, academic CRT understandings to policy-making audiences, we endeavored to address this issue. With use of funding support provided by the Spencer Foundation’s Conference Grants Program and in conjunction with Penn State University’s Research-to-Policy Collaboration, we identified a panel of CRT experts, facilitated their training in translating research into policy factsheets, and hosted a Day on the Hill conference during which the factsheets were shared with policy-making professionals. This introduction provides additional details about our process and about the resulting special issue which pairs together two written products covering the same CRT topic from each author, one written in the format of a traditional academic essay and the other as a two-page factsheet. Taken together, we hope that the paired publications serve as an example for how education researchers might demistify academic understandings of CRT in order to transform discourse with policy makers.