bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of physical and mental training on dental students' fine motor skills
Authors: Uziel Nir , lugassy Diva , Ghanaym Khaled , Meari Hiba , Brosh Tamar
Published: April 2023

Background

Mental training can be beneficial when learning new motor skills.

Objective

To evaluate whether a combination of physical and mental training can replace physical training.

Methods

Sixty dental students were randomly divided into six groups, which were assigned different regimens of physical and mental training: A. 75% mental 25% physical; B. 50% mental 50% physical; C. 75% physical 25% mental; D. 100% mental; E. 100% physical; F. control, no practice. The physical training comprised eight different tasks performed on the Purdue Pegboard: four tasks with direct vision (PD) and four tasks with indirect vision (PIND). The mental training involved listening to a recording explaining the actions to be performed. The tests were performed twice: T0, before training; and T1, at 24 h after training. The non‐parametric Mann–Whitney test was used to detect differences between the groups. Changes between T0 and T1 within a group were analysed by Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups at T0. At T1, members of Groups A, B, C, and E had improved at five to eight tasks, while Groups D and F had improved at two tasks. Notably, Group D improved in the assembly tasks. Ranking the extent of improvement at T1, indicated that For PD Groups B, E > F, D while for PIND B, C, E > A, F and E > D.

Conclusion

Substituting some physical training by mental training can provide similar improvements in fine motor skills, although the optimal combination remains to be determined. Mental training may be more effective for cognitive tasks.
Impact of theCOVID‐19 pandemic on pediatric Medicaid dental claims in Arizona
Authors: Mommaerts Katherine , Roy Indrakshi , Helm Denise Muesch
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To examine the role COVID‐19 had on access to dental services among children in Arizona by comparing paid pediatric dental claims made before and during the pandemic.

Methods

In a retrospective descriptive study, we examined Medicaid paid claims for dental services among pediatric patients from March through December 2019 and during the outbreak in 2020. Using dental claims data obtained from the Centers for Health Information and Research at Arizona State University (ASU), we analyzed Medicaid (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System [AHCCCS]) reimbursed dental services.

Results

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, paid preventive dental claims for children aged birth to 21 years decreased in 2020 compared to the same time period in 2019. Pediatric patients in Arizona utilized fewer dental services and had less access to credentialed Medicaid dental providers during the pandemic. Further, rural counties had statistically significant fewer preventive, minor restorative, major restorative, and endodontic claims compared to urban counties. Arizona rural counties also had fewer providers who were paid $10,000 or more per year during 2020 than in 2019.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 has had a detrimental impact on pediatric dental service utilization. While dental services were provided during the COVID‐19 pandemic, preventive and restorative dental claims dropped for rural Arizona children aged birth to 21 years. This reveals potential negative impacts on oral health. Further research should examine the direct and indirect impact the COVID‐19 pandemic has had on dental service utilization and oral health for the general pediatric population.
Comparison of Cirrus spectral domain OCT with disc–macula distance to disc diameter ratio in diagnosing congenital optic nerve hypoplasia
Authors: Pang Yi , Frantz Kelly A. , Yin Huizi Kelly
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Diagnosis of congenital optic nerve hypoplasia (CONH) can be challenging in children or uncooperative individuals. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment; thus, it is important to identify an objective and reliable measurement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether Cirrus spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) is a valid test for diagnosing CONH by comparing it to the disc–macula distance to disc diameter (DM:DD) ratio.

Methods

A total of 93 participants (64 controls and 29 CONH) underwent comprehensive eye examinations, fundus photography and Cirrus SD‐OCT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the DM:DD ratio and OCT disc area were constructed for CONH and control eyes.

Results

Mean (±SD) OCT disc area was 1.46 (±0.42) mm2 and 1.89 (±0.38) mm2 for CONH and control eyes, respectively (p < 0.0001). The area under the curve for the DM:DD ratio was 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.91–0.99) and 0.79 for OCT disc area (95% confidence interval: 0.70–0.86), which were significantly different (p = 0.0005). The optimal cut‐off value for OCT disc area was 1.66 mm2 (76% sensitivity, 70% specificity), while the optimal cut‐off for DM:DD ratio was 3.10 (85% sensitivity and 95% specificity). The Cirrus SD‐OCT showed a tendency to overestimate disc size, especially in cases with no light perception (NLP) or segmental CONH.

Conclusions

Although the DM:DD ratio is superior to OCT in diagnosing CONH with a higher sensitivity and specificity, the ratio is subject to inter‐examiner variability and can be challenging to obtain. We found the Cirrus SD‐OCT to be a valid objective test for diagnosing CONH. Caution is advised when using SD‐OCT in segmental CONH or in an eye with NLP. We suggest 1.66 mm2 as the optimal cut‐off value for Cirrus SD‐OCT disc area to differentiate a hypoplastic from a normal optic disc.
Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Platelet‐Rich Plasma for Epicondylitis, Elbow: Simultaneous Lateral and Medial Versus Lateral Versus Medial
Authors: Park Hyung‐Seok , Jo Sung Min , Dasari Srivanth , Moon Young Lae
Published: April 2023

Objective

Lateral and medial epicondylitis are relatively common diseases, but they do not improve quickly and are known to reduce patients' quality of life. Much research has been done on Platelet‐Rich Plasma (PRP) as a treatment for lateral epicondylitis, but research on medial epicondylitis is lacking. The purpose of this study is to compare: (i) the pain intensity; and (ii) the functional outcome between the simultaneous treatment of medial and lateral epicondylitis and the treatment of only lateral or medial epicondylitis using PRP.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 209 patients treated with PRP on epicondylitis between March 2018 and December 2021 were enrolled. Simultaneous treatment was underwent 68 patients (group I). Seventy patients were treated for lateral epicondylitis (group II). The remaining 71 patients were treated for medial epicondylitis (group III). The visual analogue scale for pain (VAS) and the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) were evaluated for clinical outcomes at the initial visit and 6 months after injection.

Results

VAS for pain and MEPS showed significant improvement in all three groups compared to before treatment. There was no significant difference between three groups on –ΔVAS (P > 0.05). However, in case of ΔMEPS, group III showed significantly lower compared to groups II and III (P < 0.05). No patients showed worsening of symptoms or complications during the treatment.

Conclusion

PRP injection for the patient with elbow medial and lateral epicondylitis can be treated effectively simultaneously in terms of pain. From a functional point of view, the effect of simultaneous treatment may be lessened than in the case of only lateral and medial treatment.
Genome‐wide association study of grain iron and zinc concentration in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Gelaw Yonas Moges , Eleblu John S. Y. , Ofori Kwadwo , Fenta Berhanu Amsalu , Mukankusi Clare , Offei Samuel
Published: April 2023

Common bean is one of the widely consumed food security crop in Africa, Asia and South America. It is a rich source of protein, minerals and micronutrients. High genotype by environment interaction is one of the main challenge in breeding for high grain micronutrient concentration. The objective of this study was to estimate SNP markers associated with grain Fe and Zn concentration using 289 common bean genotypes and 11,480 SNP markers. The study revealed that 43 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were associated with grain Fe and Zn concentration. Five quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs), that is, QTN Fe_1.1, QTN Fe_6.3, QTN Fe_6.5, QTN Fe_10.3 and QTN Fe_11.6 were detected both at Haramaya and Melkassa locations. Two of the markers, that is, QTN Fe_6.3 and QTN Fe_6.5, were located on chromosome 06 while QTN Fe_1.1, QTN Fe_10.3 and QTN Fe_ 11.6 were residing on chromosomes 01, 10 and 11, respectively. Among these, QTN Fe_11.6 had a large and positive consistent effect across locations. The five stable QTNs along with the potential candidate genes could be used for Fe biofortification through marker assisted selection.
When should grocery stores adopt time‐based pricing? Impact of competition and negative congestion externality
Authors: Tang Christopher S. , Yoo Onesun Steve , Zhan Dongyuan
Published: April 2023

Consumers dread shopping during peak hours, and the Covid‐19 pandemic has created additional safety concerns about overcrowding in addition to long waiting times. In view of consumer's congestion aversion, should competitive brick‐and‐mortar grocery stores charge higher prices during congested peak hours to smooth demand? To examine “whether and when” stores should adopt intraday time‐based pricing under competition, we examine a 2‐stage dynamic duopoly game. At the beginning of each stage, each store can make an irreversible decision to adopt time‐based pricing by setting the peak‐hour and normal‐hour prices. We also endogenize consumer's shopping decisions (i.e., when and which store to shop) by incorporating the issue of negative congestion externality. Our equilibrium analysis reveals that time‐based pricing is always beneficial for the stores, and both stores would adopt it eventually in equilibrium. As such, only two equilibria can sustain: either both firms adopt time‐based pricing immediately in stage 1, or only one firm adopts in stage 1 while the other postpones its adoption until stage 2. Interestingly, due to the competitive dynamics, it is less likely for both firms to adopt immediately when consumers are more averse to congestion. Moreover, although the adoption of time‐based pricing leads to differentiated price competition, it can “soften” price competition, causing both peak‐hour and normal‐hour prices to rise above the status quo equilibrium uniform prices. We find that time‐based pricing can always induce demand smoothing and reduce congestion. Although time‐based pricing creates value for the stores (through higher prices), it offers no benefit to consumers.
Prediction of moment‐by‐moment heart rate and skin conductance changes in the context of varying emotional arousal
Authors: Shehu Harisu Abdullahi , Oxner Matt , Browne Will N. , Eisenbarth Hedwig
Published: April 2023

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses such as heart rate (HR) and galvanic skin responses (GSR) have been linked with cerebral activity in the context of emotion. Although much work has focused on the summative effect of emotions on ANS responses, their interaction in a continuously changing context is less clear. Here, we used a multimodal data set of human affective states, which includes electroencephalogram (EEG) and peripheral physiological signals of participants' moment‐by‐moment reactions to emotional provoking video clips and modeled HR and GSR changes using machine learning techniques, specifically, long short‐term memory (LSTM), decision tree (DT), and linear regression (LR). We found that LSTM achieved a significantly lower error rate compared with DT and LR due to its inherent ability to handle sequential data. Importantly, the prediction error was significantly reduced for DT and LR when used together with particle swarm optimization to select relevant/important features for these algorithms. Unlike summative analysis, and contrary to expectations, we found a significantly lower error rate when the prediction was made across different participants than within a participant. Moreover, the predictive selected features suggest that the patterns predictive of HR and GSR were substantially different across electrode sites and frequency bands. Overall, these results indicate that specific patterns of cerebral activity track autonomic body responses. Although individual cerebral differences are important, they might not be the only factors influencing the moment‐by‐moment changes in ANS responses.
Disease prevention and mitigation in US finfish aquaculture: A review of current approaches and new strategies
Authors: Wright Alex , Li Xunde , Yang Xiang , Soto Esteban , Gross Jackson
Published: April 2023

In the United States, the aquaculture industry has not seen the same levels of growth in production as other countries—made evident by the $17 billion seafood trade deficit estimated in 2020. Nevertheless, aquaculture remains an important industry fully capable of supplementing the domestic seafood supply and reducing the US seafood trade deficit. Infectious diseases is one of several factors that threatens the capability and sustainability of the aquaculture industry, highlighting the importance of effective control strategies for these pathogens. Antimicrobial products are often used to control and eliminate undesirable microbes in effort to prevent or mitigate the impacts of infectious diseases. Some pathogens are capable of adapting to and resisting the antimicrobial effects, escalating the challenges associated with disease management in aquaculture. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now recognised by numerous national and international agencies as a top global health concern and is problematic for US aquaculture. Currently, disease prevention and mitigation strategies utilised by US finfish aquaculture can be broken down into three levels; comprehensive protocols (biosecurity, disease response), good husbandry strategies (stress management, proper diet, optimal environment) and effective antimicrobial products (biocides, therapeutics). This review will discuss how each level contributes differently to the overall protection of fish from pathogens. In the era of AMR, this review will also highlight current and emerging alternative strategies that do not rely on traditional antimicrobial products (e.g., vaccines, dietary supplements, novel antimicrobial, stock selection) for disease prevention and mitigation.
Traveling AI‐essentialism and national AI strategies: A comparison between South Korea and France
Authors: Kim Jongheon
Published: April 2023

In this paper, I investigate what common discourses National AI Strategies (NAISs) share and how they have unfolded differently in diverging national contexts. For this purpose, I compare the South Korean and French cases by relying on the notions of sociotechnical imaginary and future essentialism. I analyze (1) the emergence of the common discourses, which I call AI‐essentialism, over the past decade; (2) the development of imaginaries around IT in Korea and France in the twentieth century, namely technological developmentalism and the American challenge, respectively; and (3) the integration of the traveling AI‐essentialism and nationally embedded imaginaries of IT into each country's NAISs. The analysis indicates that: (1) AI‐essentialism incorporated discursive strategies, enabling political and industrial leaders to naturalize AI development, hence justifying increased investments in the field; (2) two countries' imaginaries of IT diverged due to the successes and failures throughout the second half of the twentieth century; and (3) while two countries' NAISs share AI‐essentialism's discursive instruments, their specific measures and unfolding have varied in relation to each case's existing imaginaries of IT.
Why Is Mother Earth on Life Support? Metaphors in Environmental Discourse
Authors: Flusberg Stephen J. , Thibodeau Paul H.
Published: April 2023

Frommothernature and carbonfootprintstogreenhousegasses and theraceagainst global warming, popular discourse on environmental issues is saturated with metaphor. Some people view these metaphors as obfuscating or ineffective, while others believe they are crucial for improving climate communications and environmental attitudes. In this paper, we provide a systematic overview and evaluation of the use of English metaphors in Anglo environmental discourse, drawing on a range of empirical and popular media sources. We begin by discussing the role of metaphor in language in thought. Next, we introduce a range of metaphors used to frame discussions of (1) our relationship to nature (e.g., the earth is ourcommon home), (2) our impact on the environment (e.g., we areknockingthe climateoff balance), and (3) how we should address this impact (e.g.,reduceour ecologicalfootprint). We classify these metaphors along several dimensions, including how conventional they are, how systemic they are, how emotionally impactful they are, and how aptly they capture the topics they are used to describe. From this analysis, we derive several promising candidate metaphors that may help increase public understanding and engagement with environmental issues. However, we note that such claims must be tested empirically in future research; currently, there are few large, systematic, replicable experiments in the literature assessing the impact of environmental metaphors. We conclude by offering general recommendations for using metaphors in communications about climate change and sustainability.
Patient specific, synthetic, partial unipolar resurfacing of a large talar osteochondritis dissecans lesion in a dog
Authors: Schmierer Philipp A. , Böttcher Peter
Published: April 2023

Objective

To describe the application and early outcome of a custom‐made unipolar partial tarsal replacement in a dog with an extensive medial talar ridge OCD.

Animal

A 7‐month‐old, 25 kg male Rhodesian Ridgeback with progressive left hindlimb lameness (grade III–IV/IV) and diagnosis of talar OCD.

Methods

The dog presented with progressive lameness attributed to extensive medial talar ridge OCD. Due to the severity of the lesion, a resurfacing procedure was chosen. Based on CT data, a bi‐layered resurfacing implant consisting of a titanium socket and a polycarbonate urethane bearing surface was constructed. For intraoperative guidance, a set of matching drill guides were 3D‐printed, along with some models of the affected talus, to allow for dry‐lab training. Surgical implantation using a medial malleolar osteotomy to approach the lesion was without complications. Orthopedic follow‐up examinations were conducted at 10 days, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. Radiographic examinations were included at the 6‐week, 6‐month, and 12‐month follow‐ups.

Results

Function improved considerably during the follow‐up period with a lameness grade of 0‐I/IV at the 12‐month follow‐up. ROM differed by 15° in flexion compared to the contralateral side, while there was no difference in extension. Moderate periarticular fibrosis was present at 12 months. Implant positioning was unchanged at follow‐up‐radiographic examination and there was only mild progression of osteoarthritis (OA).

Conclusion

Patient specific instrumentation ‐ guided tarsal OCD resurfacing with a synthetic patient‐specific implant may be an effective treatment option.
Guidelines for Competitive Advantage of Thai Software Industry
Authors: Hiransiriwattana Trithawat , Sanrach Raknarin , Silpcharu Thanin
Published: April 2023

This research aims to study the guidelines for competitive advantage in the Thai software industry. For qualitative research, in-depth interviews were conducted with nine experts to create the tools used in the estimation research. A group discussion with 11 experts was conducted to obtain a consensus on the model of this research. Quantitative data were collected from a survey of 500 enterprises in the Thai software industry using descriptive, reference, and multiple statistics. The research provides guidelines for the Thai software industry's competitive advantage, comprising four elements. The essential items of each element are as follows:1) Marketing Strategies ( = 4.25) maintain customer confidentiality without disclosing or using data for any other benefit. 2) Business Sustainability ( = 4.24) builds trust and credibility in partner collaboration. 3) Internal Process ( = 4.23) analyzes current work processes to improve efficiency continuously. 4) The Business Alliance ( = 4.23) conducts business with integrity, transparency, and accountability. In addition, the hypothesis test showed that the difference in enterprise size revealed overall elements that were significantly different at the level of 0.05. The analysis of the developed structural equation model showed that it followed the empirical data and passed the evaluation criteria with chi-square probability level, relative chi-square, the goodness of fit index, and root mean square error of approximation of 0.262, 1.031, 0.928, and 0.008, respectively.
A Formula of Solutions for Non-Autonomous Linear Difference Equations With a Fractional Forward Operator
Authors: Dassios Ioannis , Tzounas Georgios , Milano Federico
Published: April 2023

In this article, we define a fractional forward discrete operator. Then, for a family of linear nonautonomous fractional difference equations constructed by using this fractional discrete operator, we provide a practical formula of solutions. This family of problems covers several linear fractional difference equations that appear in the literature. Numerical examples are given to justify our theory.
Identification of Asymmetric Bouc–Wen Hysteresis Under Intense Noise by Only Measuring Acceleration
Authors: Liu Qinghua , Cao Junyi
Published: April 2023

Parameter identification of hysteretic models is significant for predicting structural dynamic response in vibration isolation structures. However, quasi-static testing and displacement measurement methods are not convenient for assembly structures and sensor layouts. Moreover, the methods based on evolutionary optimization need to provide appropriate boundary conditions for convergence and efficiency. Therefore, a novel hybrid identification method that takes the advantage of physics-informed parameter constraints and only acceleration measurement is proposed to identify the asymmetric Bouc–Wen hysteresis model. The restoring force surface is constructed for hysteretic force extraction based on the measurement of base excitation and isolated mass acceleration. The polynomial fitting and limit cycle approach are utilized for physical information given of an improved Bouc–Wen model. Furthermore, the evolutionary algorithm based on parameter constraints is implemented for final parameter estimation. A numerical simulation of an asymmetric Bouc–Wen model shows that the proposed method can keep an normalized mean square error (NMSE) of 0.19% under the noise level of 30 dB. The reconstructed hysteresis loop keeps in good agreement with the theoretical one.
A numerical investigation of passive acoustic mapping for monitoring bubble-mediated focused ultrasound treatment of the spinal cord
Authors: Frizado Andrew Paul , O'Reilly Meaghan Anne
Published: April 2023

Focused ultrasound (FUS) combined with intravenous microbubbles (MBs) has been shown to increase drug delivery to the spinal cord in animal models. Eventual clinical translation of such a technique in the sensitive spinal cord requires robust treatment monitoring to ensure efficacy, localization, safety, and provide key intraprocedural feedback. Here, the use of passive acoustic mapping (PAM) of MB emissions with a spine-specific detector array in the context of transvertebral FUS sonications is investigated in silico. Using computed tomography-derived human vertebral geometry, transvertebral detection of MBs is evaluated over varying source locations with and without phase and amplitude corrections (PACs). The impact of prefocal cavitation is studied by simulating concurrent cavitation events in the canal and pre-laminar region. Spatially sensitive application of phase and amplitude is used to balance signal strengths emanating from different axial depths in combination with multiple dynamic ranges to elicit multisource viewing. Collectively, the results of this study encourage the use of PAM in transvertebral FUS applications with PACs to not only localize sources originating in the spinal canal but also multiple sources of innate amplitude mismatches when corrective methods are applied.
Droughts are coming on faster
Authors: Walker David W. , Van Loon Anne F.
Published: April 2023

Higher global temperatures are increasing the frequency of flash droughts
A mechanically one-way material
Authors: Sun Bohan , Kang Sung Hoon
Published: April 2023

A material with asymmetric mechanical responses offers diverse potential applications
Call for AI pause highlights potential dangers
Authors: Clarke Laurie
Published: April 2023

As systems dazzle, researchers worry about lack of safeguards and regulation
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Antagonizes Host IFN-λ-Mediated Responses by Tilting Transcription Factor STAT1 toward Acetylation over Phosphorylation To Block Its Activation
Authors: Xu Jidong , Gao Qin , Zhang Weiwu , Zheng Jingyou , Chen Rong , Han Xiao , Mao Junyong , Shan Ying , Shi Fushan , He Fang , Fang Weihuan , Li Xiaoliang
Published: April 2023

PEDV has developed sophisticated evasion mechanisms to escape host IFN signaling via its structural and nonstructural proteins. STAT1 is one of the key transcription factors in regulating expression of ISGs.
Ada2 and Ada3 Regulate Hyphal Growth, Asexual Development, and Pathogenicity in Beauveria bassiana by Maintaining Gcn5 Acetyltransferase Activity
Authors: Hu Shun-Juan , Zheng Hao , Li Xin-Peng , Li Zhi-Xing , Xu Chao , Li Juan , Liu Jia-Hua , Hu Wen-Xiao , Zhao Xian-Yan , Wang Juan-Juan , Qiu Lei
Published: April 2023

The histone acetyltransferase Gcn5 ortholog contributes significantly to the growth and development of various fungi. In this study, we found that Ada2 and Ada3 have critical regulatory effects on Gcn5 enzyme activity and influence the acetylation of histone H3.
mleS
in Staphylococcus aureus Contributes to Microaerobic Metabolic Activity, Abscess Formation, and Survival in Macrophages
Authors: Chen Fengning , Yin Yuyao , Chen Hongbin , Li Shuguang , Yin Guankun , Wang Hui
Published: April 2023

Given the importance of metabolic adaptation during infection, new insights are required regarding the pathogenesis of
S. aureus
, particularly for epidemic clones. We accordingly investigated the role of metabolic determinants that are unique to the epidemic clones ST59 and ST398.
Diagnosis and management of bipolar disorders
Authors: Goes Fernando S
Published: April 2023

Bipolar disorders (BDs) are recurrent and sometimes chronic disorders of mood that affect around 2% of the world’s population and encompass a spectrum between severe elevated and excitable mood states (mania) to the dysphoria, low energy, and despondency of depressive episodes. The illness commonly starts in young adults and is a leading cause of disability and premature mortality. The clinical manifestations of bipolar disorder can be markedly varied between and within individuals across their lifespan. Early diagnosis is challenging and misdiagnoses are frequent, potentially resulting in missed early intervention and increasing the risk of iatrogenic harm. Over 15 approved treatments exist for the various phases of bipolar disorder, but outcomes are often suboptimal owing to insufficient efficacy, side effects, or lack of availability. Lithium, the first approved treatment for bipolar disorder, continues to be the most effective drug overall, although full remission is only seen in a subset of patients. Newer atypical antipsychotics are increasingly being found to be effective in the treatment of bipolar depression; however, their long term tolerability and safety are uncertain. For many with bipolar disorder, combination therapy and adjunctive psychotherapy might be necessary to treat symptoms across different phases of illness. Several classes of medications exist for treating bipolar disorder but predicting which medication is likely to be most effective or tolerable is not yet possible. As pathophysiological insights into the causes of bipolar disorders are revealed, a new era of targeted treatments aimed at causal mechanisms, be they pharmacological or psychosocial, will hopefully be developed. For the time being, however, clinical judgment, shared decision making, and empirical follow-up remain essential elements of clinical care. This review provides an overview of the clinical features, diagnostic subtypes, and major treatment modalities available to treat people with bipolar disorder, highlighting recent advances and ongoing therapeutic challenges.
Impact of work schedules of senior resident physicians on patient and resident physician safety: nationwide, prospective cohort study
Authors: Barger Laura K , Weaver Matthew D , Sullivan Jason P , Qadri Salim , Landrigan Christopher P , Czeisler Charles A
Published: April 2023

Objective

To determine whether long weekly work hours and shifts of extended duration (≥24 hours) are associated with adverse patient and physician safety outcomes in more senior resident physicians (postgraduate year 2 and above; PGY2+).

Design

Nationwide, prospective cohort study.

Setting

United States, conducted over eight academic years (2002-07, 2014-17).

Participants

4826 PGY2+ resident physicians who completed 38 702 monthly web based reports of their work hours and patient and resident safety outcomes.

Main outcome measures

Patient safety outcomes included medical errors, preventable adverse events, and fatal preventable adverse events. Resident physician health and safety outcomes included motor vehicle crashes, near miss crashes, occupational exposures to potentially contaminated blood or other bodily fluids, percutaneous injuries, and attentional failures. Data were analysed with mixed effects regression models that accounted for dependence of repeated measures and controlled for potential confounders.

Results

Working more than 48 hours per week was associated with an increased risk of self-reported medical errors, preventable adverse events, and fatal preventable adverse events as well as near miss crashes, occupational exposures, percutaneous injuries, and attentional failures (all P<0.001). Working between 60 and 70 hours per week was associated with a more than twice the risk of a medical error (odds ratio 2.36, 95% confidence interval 2.01 to 2.78) and almost three times the risk of preventable adverse events (2.93, 2.04 to 4.23) and fatal preventable adverse events (2.75, 1.23 to 6.12). Working one or more shifts of extended duration in a month while averaging no more than 80 weekly work hours was associated with an 84% increased risk of medical errors (1.84, 1.66 to 2.03), a 51% increased risk of preventable adverse events (1.51, 1.20 to 1.90), and an 85% increased risk of fatal preventable adverse events (1.85, 1.05 to 3.26). Similarly, working one or more shifts of extended duration in a month while averaging no more than 80 weekly work hours also increased the risk of near miss crashes (1.47, 1.32 to 1.63) and occupational exposures (1.17, 1.02 to 1.33).

Conclusions

These results indicate that exceeding 48 weekly work hours or working shifts of extended duration endangers even experienced (ie, PGY2+) resident physicians and their patients. These data suggest that regulatory bodies in the US and elsewhere should consider lowering weekly work hour limits, as the European Union has done, and eliminating shifts of extended duration to protect the more than 150 000 physicians training in the US and their patients.
Effects of plant-biochar interaction on the performance of a landfill cover system: field monitoring and numerical modelling
Authors: Ng Charles Wang Wai , Guo Haowen , Ni Junjun , Zhang Qi , Chen Rui , Zhang Yanmin
Published: April 2023

Biochar has been used as a sustainable amendment to moderate the risks of climate change to plant and soil management. A 3-year field monitoring was conducted at Shenzhen Xiaping landfill to evaluate the performance of a three-layer landfill cover using plant and biochar. Coarse-grained completely decomposed granites (CDG) amended with peanut shell biochar at 0%, 5% and 10% (m3/m3) were used for the top layers of three grass plots (10 m×5 m each), respectively. Coarse recycled concrete and fine-grained CDG were used for the middle and bottom layers of all plots. Numerical simulation was conducted to back analyse the monitored results. The results show that the grassed cover with biochar can retain over four times higher negative pore-water pressure than that without biochar. During the monitoring, over 62% of total rainfall was evapotranspirated from biochar amended covers, which was 10% larger than the cover without biochar. With biochar amendments, the infiltration amount was reduced by 13%, but water storage was improved by up to 15%. The measured and computed percolation of the grassed covers with 0%, 5% and 10% biochar meet the recommended criterion by USEPA. It is recommended that 5% biochar content is sufficient to minimise water percolation.
A prospective framework to support climate-adaptive fisheries in Canada
Authors: Boyce Daniel G. , Shackell Nancy , Greyson Phil , Greenan Blair
Published: April 2023

Climate change affects virtually all marine life and is increasingly a dominant concern for fisheries, reinforcing the need to incorporate climate variability and change when managing fish stocks. Canada is expected to experience widespread climate-driven impacts on its fisheries but does not yet have a clear adaptation strategy. Here, we provide an overview of a project we are developing, the Climate Adaptation Framework for Fisheries, to address this need and support climate adaptation in Canadian marine fisheries. The framework seeks to quantitatively and flexibly evaluate species, fishing infrastructure, and the management and operation of fisheries to assess climate vulnerability comprehensively and provide outputs that can support climate adaptation planning across different sectors, agencies, and stakeholders. This new framework should allow future climate scenarios to be evaluated and identify actionable climate vulnerabilities related to the management of fisheries, creating a systematic approach to supporting climate adaptation in Canada’s fisheries.
Three-loop QCD matching of the flavor-changing scalar current involving the heavy charm and bottom quark
Authors: Tao Wei , Zhu Ruilin , Xiao Zhen-Jun
Published: April 2023

We compute the matching coefficient between the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and the non-relativistic QCD (NRQCD) for the flavor-changing scalar current involving the heavy charm and bottom quark, up to the three-loop order within the NRQCD factorization. For the first time, we obtain the analytical expressions for the three-loop renormalization constant $$\tilde{Z}_s(x,R_f)$$

Z
~

s

(
x
,

R
f

)

and the corresponding anomalous dimension $$\tilde{\gamma }_s(x,R_f)$$

γ
~

s

(
x
,

R
f

)

for the NRQCD scalar current with the two heavy bottom and charm quark. We present the precise numerical results for those relevant coefficients $$(C_{FF}(x_0), \ldots , C_{FBB}(x_0))$$

(

C

FF

(

x
0

)

,
…
,

C

FBB

(

x
0

)

)

with an accuracy of about thirty digits. The three-loop QCD correction turns out to be significantly large. The obtained matching coefficient $$C_s(\mu _f,\mu ,m_b,m_c)$$

C
s

(

μ
f

,
μ
,

m
b

,

m
c

)

is helpful to analyze the threshold behaviours when two different heavy quarks are close to each other and form the double heavy $$B_c$$

B
c

meson family.
Research on Delivery Times Scheduling with Sum of Logarithm Processing Times-Based Learning Effect
Authors: Lei Weidong , Sun Linhui , Ren Na , Jia Xue , Wang Ji-Bo
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we address single-machine scheduling with sum of logarithm processing times-based learning effect. Under exponential past-sequence-dependent delivery times, we proved that the makespan and total completion time minimizations can be solved by the smallest processing time (SPT) first rule. Under the agreeable weight condition and agreeable due date condition, we show that the total weighted completion time minimization and maximum tardiness minimization can be solved in polynomial time, respectively.
Prediction of Photovoltaic Output Power Based on Match Degree and Entropy Weight Method
Authors: Liao Weiqiang , Lin Shixian
Published: April 2023

In this study, an algorithm, which had combined the match degree and entropy weighting method, was proposed to predict the efficiency of the photovoltaic output power. First, the key characteristic quantities were selected by the correlation analyses of output power history data and meteorological data of the photovoltaic power generation system. Second, according to the Euclidean distances between the predicted points and the historical data points, a method for the selections of similar sample points was proposed based on point-to-point theory. Finally, the match degrees between each characteristic quantity of the prediction points and the similar sample points were determined using the Mamdani reasoning method in fuzzy mathematics. The fitting weighting was then solved using the entropy weighting method, which was applied to fit the match degrees of the same characteristic quantities between the similar sample points. Next, the correlation coefficients were utilized as the weighting to fit the match degrees of the different characteristic quantities, resulting in a total match degree. This total match degree was then used to fit the photovoltaic output power of the similar sample points to the prediction points. We had proven that this method could have effective predictions and good adaptabilities in various weather statuses with high accuracy and real-time performance, especially, in the case of sudden weather change.
Dimensional Measurement Method for PVC Plates Based on Improved Zernike Moment
Authors: Dai Canwei , Pi Daneng , Li Jiajun
Published: April 2023

There are many pixel-level and sub-pixel-level edge localization methods, but some methods perform poorly in the presence of noise and require image pre-processing or iterative methods to improve the localization accuracy, which increases the computational cost. In this paper, we propose an improved Zernike moment subpixel edge localization algorithm based on the ramp model, and combine the idea of bilinear interpolation method to optimize the selection of parameters in the edge model. Through the validation of several examples, it is found that the algorithm outperforms the compared methods for edge localization of noisy images. After the edge detection, in order to improve the measurement accuracy of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plates, a parallel line fitting method is proposed to fit the edge points, thus avoiding the interference of extraneous noise points and achieving accurate measurement of PVC plate size. The experiments were carried out for several measurements of the sheet length, and the method was verified to have high measurement accuracy.
New limit on magnetic monopole flux from catalysis of proton decay in white dwarfs
Authors: Liu Jing-Jing , Liu Dong-Mei , Peng Qiu-He
Published: April 2023

We propose a question that why no late type M and much later type N white dwarfs (WDs) with surface temperatures less than 3000 K have ever been observed? On the basis of proton decay catalyzed by magnetic monopoles(MMs), we have presented four new energy-source models associated with MMs to discuss the cooling of WDs by some observations from seven red giant stars with LAMOST. It is found that the number of MMs captured by a WD can reach the maximum value of [Formula: see text] when the MMs flux [Formula: see text]. The good agreement of our luminosities calculated for WDs with the observations shows that our models are rational due to the Rubakov Callan (RC) effect by MMs. It is concluded that the energy source of WDs is the proton decay catalyzed by MMs. We obtain a new limit of the MMs flux of [Formula: see text] for WDs when the number density of nucleons [Formula: see text] and asteroseismic correction factor [Formula: see text] due to the RC effect by MMs.
The varieties of rings of Bol-Moufang type
Authors: Hemmila Davin , Phillips J. D. , Rowe Daniel , White Ron
Published: April 2023

In the variety of not necessarily associative rings, we show that the sixty Bol-Moufang identities determine exactly thirteen subvarieties, and we determine all inclusions and necessary counterexamples. We make use of the concepts of magma rings and linear identities. The result is analogous to the classification of varieties of loops or quasigroups of Bol-Moufang type (Phillips, Vojtěchovský-2005) and was motivated by the study of tangent algebras to smooth loops of Bol-Moufang type (Mal’cev-1955, Sagle-1961, Nagy-1992, Bremner, Madariaga-2014).
INSTITUTIONS, CULTURE, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: DIRECT, TOTAL, AND COMPLIANCE BURDEN EFFECTS
Authors: MORNAH DEKUWMINI , MACDERMOTT RAYMOND
Published: April 2023

Empirical research on the effects of culture on national entrepreneurship rates has been inconclusive, leading to contradicting theories to explain these mixed results. Results have also been sensitive to which covariates are in the empirical analysis. Given that culture might affect entrepreneurship directly and indirectly through institutions, we model the Direct and Total Effects of culture on entrepreneurship accounting for possible endogeneity effects. We use recent innovations in econometrics that are robust to model selection errors to estimate the direct and Total Effects of culture on entrepreneurship across countries. Using GLOBE’s nine dimensions of culture on an expanded sample size, we find that Future Orientation, Gender Egalitarianism, Assertiveness, and Institutional Collectivism have robust positive Total Effects on national entrepreneurship. In contrast, Uncertainty Avoidance has a robust negative Total Effect on entrepreneurship. We also find that the Total Effect is greater than the Direct Effect for Assertiveness, Institutional Collectivism, and Uncertainty Avoidance and smaller than the Total Effect for the remaining—Performance Orientation, Future Orientation, Humane Orientation, In-Group Collectivism, Gender Egalitarianism, Power Distance. This suggests strong institutions that serve as a catalyst that engenders entrepreneurship in high Assertiveness, high Institutional, and high Uncertainty Avoidance cultures. Conversely, in high-Performance Orientation, Future Orientation, Humane Orientation, In-Group Collectivism, Gender Egalitarianism, and Power Distance countries, strong institutions can sometimes impose significant compliance burdens that dampen the natural cultural proclivity that supports institutions and entrepreneurship.
3V3D: Three-View Contextual Cross-slice Difference Three-dimensional Medical Image Segmentation Adversarial Network
Authors: Zeng Xianhua , Chen Saiyuan , Xie Yicai , Liao Tianxing
Published: April 2023

In three-dimensional (3D) medical image segmentation, it is still a great challenge to obtain the multidimensional feature information contained in voxel images using a single view for smaller segmentation targets, and the robustness of models obtained by relying solely on segmentation networks needs to be enhanced. In this article, we propose a three-view contextual cross-slice difference 3D segmentation adversarial network, in which three-view contextual cross-slice difference decoding blocks are introduced to improve the segmentation decoder’s ability to perceive edge feature information. Meanwhile, dense skip connections are used to alleviate the problem that a large amount of shallow feature information is lost in encoding and insufficient information provided by a single long skip connection during image reconstruction. The adversarial network improves the performance of the segmentation network by distinguishing true or false for each patch of the predicted image. Further, the robustness of the segmentation model is improved in the form of adversarial training. We evaluate our model on the publicly available brain tumor BraTS2019 dataset as well as the ADNI1 dataset and achieve optimal results compared to recent excellent models.
Data Augmentation-based Novel Deep Learning Method for Deepfaked Images Detection
Authors: Iqbal Farkhund , Abbasi Ahmed , Javed Abdul Rehman , Almadhor Ahmad , Jalil Zunera , Anwar Sajid , Rida Imad
Published: April 2023

Recent advances in artificial intelligence have led to deepfake images, enabling users to replace a real face with a genuine one. deepfake images have recently been used to malign public figures, politicians, and even average citizens. deepfake but realistic images have been used to stir political dissatisfaction, blackmail, propagate false news, and even carry out bogus terrorist attacks. Thus, identifying real images from fakes has got more challenging. To avoid these issues, this study employs transfer learning and data augmentation technique to classify deepfake images. For experimentation, 190,335 RGB-resolution deepfake and real images and image augmentation methods are used to prepare the dataset. The experiments use the deep learning models: convolutional neural network (CNN), Inception V3, visual geometry group (VGG19), and VGG16 with a transfer learning approach. Essential evaluation metrics (accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, confusion matrix, and AUC-ROC curve score) are used to test the efficacy of the proposed approach. Results revealed that the proposed approach achieves an accuracy, recall, F1-score and AUC-ROC score of 90% and 91% precision, with our fine-tuned VGG16 model outperforming other DL models in recognizing real and deepfakes.
Changes in serum cortisol levels after 10 days of overfeeding and fasting
Authors: Colling Caitlin , Bredella Miriam A. , Fazeli Pouneh K. , Pachón-Peña Gisela , Singh Ravinder J. , Rosen Clifford J. , Miller Karen K.
Published: April 2023

Overfeeding and fasting both increase circulating free cortisol levels and appear to alter the balance between cortisol and its inactive metabolite, cortisone. The effect of fasting on free cortisol levels is modified by sex. Further study is needed to determine the mechanisms driving the increases in cortisol.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Single Nucleotide Polymorphism +405 G/C (rs2010963) is associated with Levels, Infection Severity, and Amputation among South Indian Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients
Authors: Ganapathy Priyanka , Devanatha Desikan Sheshadri Vidya , Sarkar Rajesh , Jones Sumathi , Gunasekaran Krishnamoorthy , Feyisa Teka Obsa , Umapathy Dhamodharan , Basha Saleem
Published: April 2023

Background. The regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by genetic factors in T2DM and DFU still requires thorough investigation. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the association of VEGF +405 G/C in DFU subjects and correlate it with its circulatory levels, infection severity, and amputation rate. Materials and Methods. This study registered a total of 754 participants of which group I: healthy controls (n = 297), group II: T2DM subjects (n = 242), and group III: DFU subjects (n = 215). Genotyping and levels of rs2010963 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) and ELISA, respectively. Results. Results of the current study showed a clear decline in circulatory VEGF‐A levels in DFU subjects. VEGF‐A was decreased in DFU subjects with the mutant “CC” genotype. The mutant “CC” of VEGF +405G/C was also found to be more susceptible to ulcer grade (III and IV) and major amputations. Conclusion. VEGF +405G/C SNP is associated with levels, infection severity, and amputation amongst South Indian DFU patients.