bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of sediment form and form distribution on porosity: a simulation study based on the discrete element method
Authors: Rettinger Christoph , Rüde Ulrich , Vollmer Stefan , Frings Roy M.
Published: September 2022

Porosity is one of the key properties of dense particle packings like sediment deposits and is influenced by a multitude of grain characteristics such as their size distribution and shape. In the present work, we focus on the form, a specific aspect of the overall shape, of sedimentary grains in order to investigate and quantify its effect on porosity, ultimately deriving novel porosity-prediction models. To this end, we develop a robust and accurate simulation tool based on the discrete element method which we validate against laboratory experiments. Utilizing digital representations of actual sediment from the Rhine river, we first study packings that are composed of particles with a single form. There, porosity is found to be mainly determined by the inverse equancy, i.e., the ratio of the longest to the smallest form-defining axis. Only for small ratios, additional shape-related properties become relevant, as revealed by a direct comparison to packings of form-equivalent but smooth ellipsoids. Since sediment naturally features form mixtures, we extend our simulation tool to study sediment packings with normally-distributed forms. In agreement with our single form studies, porosity is found to depend primarily on the inverse of the mean equancy. By supplying additional information about a second form factor and the standard deviations, we derive an accurate model for porosity prediction. Due to its simplicity, it can be readily applied to sediment packings for which some measurements of flatness and elongation, the two most common form factors, are available.

Graphical abstract
Suppressed paraoxonase-1 activity associates with elevated oxylipins and the presence of small airways disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Razmjou Amir A. , Wang Jennifer M. , Shahbazian Ani , Reddy Srinivasa , Charles-Schoeman Christina
Published: September 2022

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated lung disease (LD) associates with significantly increased morbidity and mortality. Although oxidative stress plays an important role in the inflammatory responses in other forms of lung disease, minimal work has evaluated its role in RA-LD. The current work examines the relationship between the anti-oxidant HDL-associated enzyme paraoxonase-1 (PON1), the PON1 Q192R polymorphism, and a targeted oxylipin panel with RA-LD.

Methods

This study was conducted as a retrospective chart review of a longitudinal single-center cohort of 250 RA patients. CT scans of the chest were reviewed by the interpreting radiologist and classified as small airways disease (SAD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), and bronchiectasis. PON1 activity was measured by its lactonase, arylesterase, and paraoxonase functions. The PON1 Q192R polymorphism and a targeted lipidomics panel were performed as previously reported.

Results

43.2% of the 250 RA patient cohort (n = 108) had available CT scans, including 48 patients (44.4%) with SAD, 27 patients (25.0%) with bronchiectasis, and 16 patients (14.8%) with ILD. Patients with SAD had significantly lower baseline PON1 activity by its arylesterase, and lactonase functions, as well as higher 15-HETE, LTB4, and PGE2 levels compared to those without SAD. These predictors of SAD remained significant after multivariate analysis including known risk factors for RA-LD. Suppressed PON1 activity also correlated with higher levels of 15-HETE and 12-HETE.

Conclusion

In a single-center RA cohort, suppressed baseline PON1 activity and elevation in the oxylipins 15-HETE, LTB4, and PGE2 predicted the presence of RA-SAD in longitudinal follow-up.

Key Points• Small airways disease (SAD) was present in 44.4% of this rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort.• Patients with SAD had significantly lower baseline PON1 activity, as well as higher levels of the oxylipins 15-HETE, LTB4, and PGE2 levels compared to those without SAD.• Further work is warranted to confirm these findings and further define the role of PON1 and lipid oxidation in RA lung disease.
Epidemiology, aetiology and clinical characteristics of clostridial bacteraemia: a 6-year population-based observational study of 386 patients
Authors: Sarasoja Maaria , Nilson Bo , Wide Daniel , Lindberg Åsa , Torisson Gustav , Holm Karin
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study is to provide a population-based clinical, epidemiological and microbiological overview of clostridial bacteraemia. All cases of bacteraemia in the Skåne Region between 2014 and 2019 with a species currently belonging to the Clostridium genus were identified in the regional clinical microbiology database. Clinical data were retrieved by medical chart-review. A total of 386 unique episodes of clostridial bacteraemia were found resulting in an incidence rate of 4.9/100.000 person-years. The median age was 76 with 56% males. The incidence rate ratio was 34.3 for those aged 80 + vs 0–59. The minimum inhibitory concentrations varied between species but were universally low for metronidazole and carbapenems. Malignancy was the most common co-morbidity, in 47% of patients and most pronounced for C. septicum. Criteria for sepsis and septic shock were met in 69% and 17%, respectively. The 28-day mortality was 26%. High age, absence of fever, high C-reactive protein and high SOFA-score were all significantly associated with mortality. We present the highest incidence rate of clostridial bacteraemia to date. Clostridial bacteraemia is a severe condition with acute onset, affecting elderly with co-morbidities, most pronounced malignancies. Mortality is related to acute manifestations rather than to background factors.
Cost-effectiveness of adding oseltamivir to primary care for influenza-like-illness: economic evaluation alongside the randomised controlled ALIC4E trial in 15 European countries
Authors: Li Xiao , Bilcke Joke , van der Velden Alike W. , Bruyndonckx Robin , Coenen Samuel , Bongard Emily , de Paor Muirrean , Chlabicz Slawomir , Godycki-Cwirko Maciek , Francis Nick , Aabenhus Rune , Bucher Heiner C. , Colliers Annelies , De Sutter An , Garcia-Sangenis Ana , Glinz Dominik , Harbin Nicolay J. , Kosiek Katarzyna , Lindbæk Morten , Lionis Christos , Llor Carl , Mikó-Pauer Réka , Radzeviciene Jurgute Ruta , Seifert Bohumil , Sundvall Pär-Daniel , Touboul Lundgren Pia , Tsakountakis Nikolaos , Verheij Theo J. , Goossens Herman , Butler Christopher C. , Beutels Philippe ,   ALIC4Etrial investigators, Bongard Emily , de Paor Muirrean , Chlabicz Slawomir , Godycki-Cwirko Maciek , Francis Nick , Aabenhus Rune , Bucher Heiner C. , Colliers Annelies , De Sutter An , Garcia-Sangenis Ana , Glinz Dominik , Harbin Nicolay J. , Kosiek Katarzyna , Lindbæk Morten , Lionis Christos , Llor Carl , Mikó-Pauer Réka , Radzeviciene Jurgute Ruta , Seifert Bohumil , Sundvall Pär-Daniel , Touboul Lundgren Pia , Tsakountakis Nikolaos
Published: September 2022

Background

Oseltamivir is usually not often prescribed (or reimbursed) for non-high-risk patients consulting for influenza-like-illness (ILI) in primary care in Europe. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of adding oseltamivir to usual primary care in adults/adolescents (13 years +) and children with ILI during seasonal influenza epidemics, using data collected in an open-label, multi-season, randomised controlled trial of oseltamivir in 15 European countries.

Methods

Direct and indirect cost estimates were based on patient reported resource use and official country-specific unit costs. Health-Related Quality of Life was assessed by EQ-5D questionnaires. Costs and quality adjusted life-years (QALY) were bootstrapped (N = 10,000) to estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER), from both the healthcare payers’ and the societal perspectives, with uncertainty expressed through probabilistic sensitivity analysis and expected value for perfect information (EVPI) analysis. Additionally, scenario (self-reported spending), comorbidities subgroup and country-specific analyses were performed.

Results

The healthcare payers’ expected ICERs of oseltamivir were €22,459 per QALY gained in adults/adolescents and €13,001 in children. From the societal perspective, oseltamivir was cost-saving in adults/adolescents, but the ICER is €8,344 in children. Large uncertainties were observed in subgroups with comorbidities, especially for children. The expected ICERs and extent of decision uncertainty varied between countries (EVPI ranged €1–€35 per patient).

Conclusion

Adding oseltamivir to primary usual care in Europe is likely to be cost-effective for treating adults/adolescents and children with ILI from the healthcare payers’ perspective (if willingness-to-pay per QALY gained > €22,459) and cost-saving in adults/adolescents from a societal perspective.
Predicting Co-movement patterns in mobility data
Authors: Tritsarolis Andreas , Chondrodima Eva , Tampakis Panagiotis , Pikrakis Aggelos , Theodoridis Yannis
Published: September 2022

Predictive analytics over mobility data is of great importance since it can assist an analyst to predict events, such as collisions, encounters, traffic jams, etc. A typical example is anticipated location prediction, where the goal is to predict the future location of a moving object, given a look-ahead time. What is even more challenging is to be able to accurately predict collective behavioural patterns of movement, such as co-movement patterns as well as their course over time. In this paper, we address the problem of Online Prediction of Co-movement Patterns. Furthermore, in order to be able to calculate the accuracy of our solution, we propose a co-movement pattern similarity measure, which facilitates the comparison between the predicted clusters and the actual ones. Finally, we calculate the clusters’ evolution through time (survive, split, etc.) and compare the cluster evolution predicted by our framework with the actual one. Our experimental study uses two real-world mobility datasets from the maritime and urban domain, respectively, and demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Complementary and alternative medicine use in self-management of diabetes: A qualitative study of patient and user conversations in online forums
Authors: Alzahrani Abdulaziz Saud , Greenfield Sheila M. , Paudyal Vibhu
Published: September 2022

Background

An important part of diabetes self-management includes discussing and seeking informal advice from others.

Aim

This study aimed to explore beliefs and experiences of patients in relation to their use of CAM in diabetes through the use of data from online patient forum discussions.

Method

Google search engine was used to identify relevant web-based online discussion forums in English language focussing on CAM use (including herbal and other unorthodox therapies) in diabetes and posted by either patients or carers. No date limit was imposed. A qualitative content analysis was adopted for analysis.

Results

Twenty-two online forums containing 77 threads with 1156 posts and replies were identified. Seven major themes emerged from the data analysis including: patient beliefs regarding CAM use, perceived effectiveness and safety of CAM, evidence base and information seeking. Patients used online forums to seek information about the benefits, side effects and share positive and negative experiences of CAM use. Feeling stressed, frustrated or overwhelmed with diabetes and prescribed medications was often linked to their decisions to use CAM. They described that healthcare professionals were often unaware or unable to help in regards to their queries around CAMs.

Conclusion

Patients with diabetes use online forums to share information regarding CAM use. There is a scope for professional societies, patient charities and health systems to offer such online platforms to promote rationale use of CAM, provide evidence-based information to patients and alleviate fears and concerns around diabetes and prescribed medicines.
Cosmetic wastewater treatment technologies: a review
Authors: Gkika Despina A. , Mitropoulos Athanasios C. , Lambropoulou Dimitra A. , Kalavrouziotis Ioannis K. , Kyzas George Z.
Published: September 2022

Over the past three decades, environmental concerns about the water pollution have been raised on societal and industrial levels. The presence of pollutants stemming from cosmetic products has been documented in wastewater streams outflowing from industrial as well as wastewater treatment plants. To this end, a series of consistent measures should be taken to prevent emerging contaminants of water resources. This need has driven the development of technologies, in an attempt to mitigate their impact on the environment. This work offers a thorough review of existing knowledge on cosmetic wastewater treatment approaches, including, coagulation, dissolved air flotation, adsorption, activated sludge, biodegradation, constructed wetlands, and advanced oxidation processes. Various studies have already documented the appearance of cosmetics in samples retrieved from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which have definitely promoted our comprehension of the path of cosmetics within the treatment cycle; however, there are still multiple blanks to our knowledge. All treatments have, without exception, their own limitations, not only cost-wise, but also in terms of being feasible, effective, practical, reliable, and environmentally friendly.

Graphical abstract
Measuring precision precisely: A dictionary-based measure of imprecision
Authors: Gastinger Markus , Schmidtke Henning
Published: September 2022

How can we measure and explain the precision of international organizations’ (IOs) founding treaties? We define precision by its negative – imprecision – as indeterminate language that intentionally leaves a wide margin of interpretation for actors after agreements enter into force. Compiling a “dictionary of imprecision” from almost 500 scholarly contributions and leveraging insight from linguists that a single vague word renders the whole sentence vague, we introduce a dictionary-based measure of imprecision (DIMI) that is replicable, applicable to all written documents, and yields a continuous measure bound between zero and one. To demonstrate that DIMI usefully complements existing approaches and advances the study of (im-)precision, we apply it to a sample of 76 IOs. Our descriptive results show high face validity and closely track previous characterizations of these IOs. Finally, we explore patterns in the data, expecting that imprecision in IO treaties increases with the number of states, power asymmetries, and the delegation of authority, while it decreases with the pooling of authority. In a sample of major IOs, we find robust empirical support for the power asymmetries and delegation propositions. Overall, DIMI provides exciting new avenues to study precision in International Relations and beyond.
Birational invariants of toric orbifold surfaces
Authors: Levchenko Denis
Published: September 2022

We study birational invariants of toric orbifold surfaces.
Comparison of Microstructure Refinement in Wire-Arc Additively Manufactured Ti–6Al–2Sn–4Zr–2Mo–0.1Si and Ti–6Al–4V Built With Inter-Pass Deformation
Authors: Davis A. E. , Caballero A. E. , Biswal R. , Williams S. , Prangnell P. B.
Published: September 2022

The titanium alloy Ti–6Al–2Sn–4Zr–2Mo–0.1Si (Ti6242) has been deposited for the first time by a directed energy deposition process using a wire and arc system—i.e., wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM)—with and without inter-pass machine hammer peening, and its microstructure investigated and compared to the more commonly used alloy Ti–6Al–4V (Ti64). The application of inter-pass machine hammer peening—where each added layer was deformed before deposition—successfully refined the strongly textured, coarse, columnar β-grain structure that is commonly seen in α + β titanium alloys, producing a finer equiaxed grain structure with a near-random α texture. The average grain diameter and texture strength decreased with the peening pitch. When Ti6242 was deposited under identical conditions to Ti64, by switching the alloy feed wire in-situ, the refined β-grain size decreased across the alloy-to-alloy transition reaching on average 25 pct less in Ti6242 than in Ti64. A similar 25 pct scale reduction was also found in the Ti6242 α-lath transformation microstructure. This comparatively greater microstructure refinement in Ti6242 was attributed to the dissimilar alloying elements present in the two materials; specifically, molybdenum, which has a lower diffusivity than vanadium and led to slower β-grain growth during reheating as well as a finer transformation microstructure.
AI, Opacity, and Personal Autonomy
Authors: Vaassen Bram
Published: September 2022

Advancements in machine learning have fuelled the popularity of using AI decision algorithms in procedures such as bail hearings, medical diagnoses and recruitment. Academic articles, policy texts, and popularizing books alike warn that such algorithms tend to be opaque: they do not provide explanations for their outcomes. Building on a causal account of transparency and opacity as well as recent work on the value of causal explanation, I formulate a moral concern for opaque algorithms that is yet to receive a systematic treatment in the literature: when such algorithms are used in life-changing decisions, they can obstruct us from effectively shaping our lives according to our goals and preferences, thus undermining our autonomy. I argue that this concern deserves closer attention as it furnishes the call for transparency in algorithmic decision-making with both new tools and new challenges.
How does portfolio use affect self-regulated learning in clinical workplace learning: What works, for whom, and in what contexts?
Authors: Van der Gulden Rozemarijn , Timmerman Angelique , Muris Jean W. M. , Thoonen Bart P. A. , Heeneman Sylvia , Scherpbier-de Haan Nynke D.
Published: September 2022

Introduction Portfolio use to support self-regulated learning (SRL) during clinical workplace learning is widespread, but much is still unknown regarding its effectiveness. This review aimed to gain insight in the extent to which portfolio use supports SRL and under what circumstances. Methods A realist review was conducted in two phases. First, stakeholder interviews and a scoping search were used to formulate a program theory that explains how portfolio use could support SRL. Second, an in-depth literature search was conducted. The included papers were coded to extract context–mechanism–outcome configurations (CMOs). These were synthesized to answer the research question. Results Sixteen papers were included (four fulfilled all qualitative rigor criteria). Two primary portfolio mechanisms were established: documenting as a moment of contemplation (learners analyze experiences while writing portfolio reports) and documentation as a reminder of past events (previous portfolio reports aid recall). These mechanisms may explain the positive relationship between portfolio use and self-assessment, reflection, and feedback. However, other SRL outcomes were only supported to a limited extent: formulation of learning objectives and plans, and monitoring. The partial support of the program theory can be explained by interference of contextual factors (e.g., system of assessment) and portfolio-related mechanisms (e.g., mentoring). Discussion Portfolio research is falling short both theoretically—in defining and conceptualizing SRL—and methodologically. Nevertheless, this review indicates that portfolio use has potential to support SRL. However, the working mechanisms of portfolio use are easily disrupted. These disruptions seem to relate to tensions between different portfolio purposes, which may undermine learners’ motivation.
Effect of sleep on development of early childhood caries: a systematic review
Authors: Sardana D. , Galland B. , Wheeler B. J. , Yiu C. K. Y. , Ekambaram M.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To investigate the impact of sleep on the development of early childhood caries (ECC).

Methods

Seven electronic databases and grey literature were searched with various keyword combinations. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The studies were included if they evaluated the impact of sleep parameters on the caries experience or severity of ECC in children under 6 years of age.

Results

Four cross-sectional studies and two longitudinal studies were included. Children who had irregular bedtimes had a 66–71% higher chance of developing ECC. Children who slept after 11 pm might have a 74–85% higher chance of developing ECC. Children who slept less than 8 h during the night had a 30% increased risk of caries than children who slept more than 11 h.

Conclusion

Irregular or late bedtime and fewer sleeping hours could be an independent risk factor for ECC. The risk of ECC might be related inversely in a dose–response manner to the number of sleep hours.
Extendable orthogonal sets of integral vectors
Authors: Chamizo Fernando , Jiménez-Urroz Jorge
Published: September 2022

Motivated by a model in quantum computation, we study orthogonal sets of integral vectors of the same norm that can be extended with new vectors keeping the norm and the orthogonality. Our approach involves some arithmetic properties of the quaternions and other hypercomplex numbers.
Drilling and completion technologies of coalbed methane exploitation: an overview
Authors: Ma Tianshou , Liu Jinhua , Fu Jianhong , Wu Bisheng
Published: September 2022

Coalbed methane (CBM) drilling and completion technologies (DCTs) are significant basis for achieving efficient CBM exploration and exploitation. Characteristics of CBM reservoirs vary in different regions around the world, thereby, it is crucial to develop, select and apply the optimum DCTs for each different CBM reservoir. This paper firstly reviews the development history of CBM DCTs throughout worldwide and clarifies its overall development tendency. Secondly, different well types and its characteristics of CBM exploitation are summarized, and main application scopes of these well types are also discussed. Then, the key technologies of CBM drilling (directional drilling tools, measurement while drilling, geo-steering drilling, magnetic guidance drilling, underbalanced drilling and drilling fluids), and the key technologies of CBM completion (open-hole, cavity and under-ream completion, cased-hole completion, screen pipe completion and horizontal well completion) are summarized and analyzed, it is found that safe, economic and efficient development of CBM is inseparable from the support of advanced technologies. Finally, based on the current status of CBM development, the achievements, existing challenges and future prospects are summarized and discussed from the perspective of CBM DCTs.
Nonlinear degenerate elliptic equations with a convection term
Authors: Cirmi G. Rita , D’Asero Salvatore
Published: September 2022

We prove some existence and regularity results for the solutions of the Dirichlet problem associated with a nonlinear degenerate elliptic equation with a convection term.
Estimation of the compaction parameters of aggregate base course using artificial neural networks
Authors: Othman Kareem
Published: September 2022

The process of estimating the compaction parameters namely the maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) through laboratory tests is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. These issues can be avoided by developing prediction models that are able to accurately predict the compaction parameters from index properties that are easier to estimate in the laboratory. As a result, this study focuses on employing artificial neural networks (ANNs) for the prediction of the compaction parameters of aggregate base course samples from the grain size distribution and Atterberg limits. Additionally, different ANNs with different structures were tested in order to set the optimum hyperparameters that minimize the errors in the predictions. Specifically, this study investigates the impact of the number of hidden layers, number of neurons per hidden layer, and activation functions on the performance of the ANNs. Furthermore, the weight decay method, which is the most common regularization technique, was used during the training of the ANNs in order to avoid overfitting and control the changes in the connection weights. The results indicate that the optimum hyperparameter settings changes depending on the optimized output. Additionally, the ReLU activation function is the most stable function that produces the best predictions. Moreover, the results show that ANN approach represents a major innovative tool for accurately predicting the compaction parameters with R2values of 0.826 and 0.911 for predicting the MDD and OMC.
Quantification of chloride in sweat by using ion chromatography instead of chloridometer
Authors: Bertges Markus , Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: September 2022

This study reports about a new ion chromatography method for the detection of chloride ions in sweat as an alternative to the gold standard of the chloridometer. Information about necessary materials, required preparations, reference ranges, advantages and disadvantages of this method is provided. We finally demonstrate that this method is useful to screen for cystic fibrosis in sweat samples.

Article Highlights.

A new ion chromatography method for detection of chloride ions in sweat is described

References ranges for this method are given

Advantages and disadvantages are discussed

The usefulness of this method is shown in 145 sweat samples
Aeromagnetic and Radiometric Data Interpretation to Delineate the Structural Elements and Probable Precambrian Mineralization Zones: a Case Study, Egypt
Authors: Essa Khalid S. , Munschy Marc , Youssef Mohamed A. S. , Khalaf Ezz El Din Abdel Hakim
Published: September 2022

This study focused on joint interpretation of the aeromagnetic and radiometric data to allocate and describe the structural elements and mineralization zones such as uranium, gold, and sulfide in the Gebel Umm Tineidba and its surroundings, Eastern Desert, Egypt. The study region is covered by exposures of Precambrian rocks such as gneisses, migmatites, ophiolitic mélange, metavolcanics, younger granites, and Quaternary sedimentary covers. The application of the total intensity magnetic and reduced-to-pole maps, power spectrum, analytic signal, tilt-angle, and local wavenumber maps helps in recognizing magnetic sources distribution, lineament features, and mineral zones delineation. The obtained results indicate that the depths of the deeper NE–SW, NNE–SSW, and N–S trending structures extend from 400 to 1750 m and shallower ones range from 100 to 400 m. Finally, the main trends of these structures affect the probable mineralization zones.
On Completely Mixed Stochastic Games
Authors: Das Purba , Parthasarathy T. , Ravindran G.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we consider a two-person finite state stochastic games with finite number of pure actions for both players in all the states. In particular, for a large number of results we also consider one-player controlled transition probability and show that if all the optimal strategies of the undiscounted stochastic game are completely mixed then for $$\beta$$
β
sufficiently close to 1; all the optimal strategies of $$\beta$$
β
-discounted stochastic games are also completely mixed. A counterexample is provided to show that the converse is not true. Further, for single-player controlled completely mixed stochastic games if the individual payoff matrices are symmetric in each state, then we show that the individual matrix games are also completely mixed. For the non-zerosum single-player controlled stochastic game under some non-singularity conditions, we show that if the undiscounted game is completely mixed, then the Nash equilibrium is unique. For non-zerosum $$\beta$$
β
-discounted stochastic games when Nash equilibrium exists, we provide equalizer rules for corresponding value of the game.
AI for hiring in context: a perspective on overcoming the unique challenges of employment research to mitigate disparate impact
Authors: Kassir Sara , Baker Lewis , Dolphin Jackson , Polli Frida
Published: September 2022

Commentators interested in the societal implications of automated decision-making often overlook how decisions are made in the technology’s absence. For example, the benefits of ML and big data are often summarized as efficiency, objectivity, and consistency; the risks, meanwhile, include replicating historical discrimination and oversimplifying nuanced situations. While this perspective tracks when technology replaces capricious human judgements, it is ill-suited to contexts where standardized assessments already exist. In spaces like employment selection, the relevant question is how an ML model compares to a manually built test. In this paper, we explain that since the Civil Rights Act, industrial and organizational (I/O) psychologists have struggled to produce assessments without disparate impact. By examining the utility of ML for conducting exploratory analyses, coupled with the back-testing capability offered by advances in data science, we explain modern technology’s utility for hiring. We then empirically investigate a commercial hiring platform that applies several oft-cited benefits of ML to build custom job models for corporate employers. We focus on the disparate impact observed when models are deployed to evaluate real-world job candidates. Across a sample of 60 jobs built for 26 employers and used to evaluate approximately 400,00 candidates, minority-weighted impact ratios of 0.93 (Black–White), 0.97 (Hispanic–White), and 0.98 (Female–Male) are observed. We find similar results for candidates selecting disability-related accommodations within the platform versus unaccommodated users. We conclude by describing limitations, anticipating criticisms, and outlining further research.
Improving Pandemic Response With Military Tools: Using Enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
Authors: Baker Michael S. , Canyon Deon V. , Kevany Sebastian , Baker Jacob
Published: September 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic rocked the world, spurring the collapse of national commerce, international trade, education, air travel, and tourism. The global economy has been brought to its knees by the rapid spread of infection, resulting in widespread illness and many deaths. The rise in nationalism and isolationism, ethnic strife, disingenuous governmental reporting, lockdowns, travel restrictions, and vaccination misinformation have caused further problems. This has brought into stark relief the need for improved disease surveillance and health protection measures. National and international agencies that should have provided earlier warning in fact failed to do so. A robust global health network that includes enhanced cooperation with Military Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets in conjunction with the existing international, governmental, and nongovernment medical intelligence networks and allies and partners would provide exceptional forward-looking and early-warning and is a proactive step toward making our future safe. This will be achieved both by surveilling populations for new biothreats, fusing and disseminating data, and then reaching out to target assistance to reduce disease spread in unprotected populations.
Lowered oxygen saturation and increased body temperature in acute COVID-19 largely predict chronic fatigue syndrome and affective symptoms due to Long COVID: A precision nomothetic approach
Authors: Al-Hadrawi Dhurgham Shihab , Al-Rubaye Haneen Tahseen , Almulla Abbas F. , Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem , Maes Michael
Published: September 2022

Background:

Long coronavirus disease 2019 (LC) is a chronic sequel of acute COVID-19. The exact pathophysiology of the affective, chronic fatigue and physiosomatic symptoms (labelled as “physio-affective phenome”) of LC has remained elusive.

Objective:

The current study aims to delineate the effects of oxygen saturation (SpO2) and body temperature during the acute phase on the physio-affective phenome of LC.

Method:

We recruited 120 LC patients and 36 controls. For all participants, we assessed the lowest SpO2 and peak body temperature during acute COVID-19, and the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMD/HAMA) and Fibro Fatigue (FF) scales 3–4 months later.

Results:

Lowered SpO2 and increased body temperature during the acute phase and female sex predict 60.7% of the variance in the physio-affective phenome of LC. Using unsupervised learning techniques, we were able to delineate a new endophenotype class, which comprises around 26.7% of the LC patients and is characterised by very low SpO2 and very high body temperature, and depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and autonomic and gastro-intestinal symptoms scores. Single latent vectors could be extracted from both biomarkers, depression, anxiety and FF symptoms or from both biomarkers, insomnia, chronic fatigue, gastro-intestinal and autonomic symptoms.

Conclusion:

The newly constructed endophenotype class and pathway phenotypes indicate that the physio-affective phenome of LC is at least in part the consequence of the pathophysiology of acute COVID-19, namely the combined effects of lowered SpO2, increased body temperature and the associated immune-inflammatory processes and lung lesions.
SOME CRITERIA FOR SOLVABILITY AND NILPOTENCY OF FINITE GROUPS BY STRONGLY MONOLITHIC CHARACTERS
Authors: GÜNGÖR SULTAN BOZKURT , ERKOÇ TEMHA
Published: September 2022

Gagola and Lewis [‘A character theoretic condition characterizing nilpotent groups’, Comm. Algebra27 (1999), 1053–1056] proved that a finite group G is nilpotent if and only if
$\chi (1)^{2}$
divides
$\lvert G:\textrm {ker}\,\chi \rvert $
for every irreducible character
$\chi $
of G. The theorem was later generalised by using monolithic characters. We generalise the theorem further considering only strongly monolithic characters. We also give some criteria for solvability and nilpotency of finite groups by their strongly monolithic characters.
A NOTE ON POWERFUL NUMBERS IN SHORT INTERVALS
Authors: CHAN TSZ HO
Published: September 2022

We investigate uniform upper bounds for the number of powerful numbers in short intervals
$(x, x + y]$
. We obtain unconditional upper bounds
$O({y}/{\log y})$
and
$O(\kern1.3pt y^{11/12})$
for all powerful numbers and
$y^{1/2}$
-smooth powerful numbers, respectively. Conditional on the
$abc$
-conjecture, we prove the bound
$O({y}/{\log ^{1+\epsilon } y})$
for squarefull numbers and the bound
$O(\kern1.3pt y^{(2 + \epsilon )/k})$
for k-full numbers when
$k \ge 3$
. These bounds are related to Roth’s theorem on arithmetic progressions and the conjecture on the nonexistence of three consecutive squarefull numbers.
Prevalence of adiposity-based chronic disease and its association with anthropometric and clinical indices: a cross-sectional study
Authors: González-Salazar Luis E , Serralde-Zúñiga Aurora E , Flores-López Adriana , Díaz-Sánchez Juan P , Medina-Vera Isabel , Pichardo-Ontiveros Edgar , Guizar-Heredia Rocío , Hernández-Gómez Karla G , Vigil-Martínez Ana , Arteaga-Sánchez Liliana , Avila-Nava Azalia , Vázquez-Manjarrez Natalia , Torres Nimbe , Tovar Armando R , Guevara-Cruz Martha
Published: September 2022

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD) and its association with anthropometric indices in the Mexican population. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 514 adults seen at a clinical research unit. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology/AACE/ACE criteria were used to diagnose ABCD by first identifying subjects with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and those with BMI of 23–24·9 kg/m2 and waist circumference ≥ 80 cm in women or ≥ 90 cm in men. The presence of metabolic and clinical complications associated with adiposity, such as factors related to metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia and arterial hypertension, were subsequently evaluated. Anthropometric indices related to cardiometabolic risk factors were then determined. The results showed the prevalence of ABCD was 87·4 % in total, 91·5 % in men and 86 % in women. The prevalence of ABCD stage 0 was 2·4 %, stage 1 was 33·7 % and stage 2 was 51·3 %. The prevalence of obesity according to BMI was 57·6 %. The waist/hip circumference index (prevalence ratio (PR) = 7·57; 95 % CI 1·52, 37·5) and the conicity index (PR = 3·46; 95 % CI 1·34, 8·93) were better predictors of ABCD, while appendicular skeletal mass % and skeletal muscle mass % decreased the risk of developing ABCD (PR = 0·93; 95 % CI 0·90, 0·96; and PR = 0·95; 95 % CI 0·93, 0·98). In conclusion, the prevalence of ABCD in our study was 87·4 %. This prevalence increased with age. It is important to emphasise that one out of two subjects had severe obesity-related complications (ABCD stage 2).
RECOGNISING STATE BLAME IN SENTENCING: A COMMUNICATIVE AND RELATIONAL FRAMEWORK
Authors: Manikis Marie
Published: September 2022

Censure, blame and harms are central concepts in sentencing that have evolved over the years to take into account social context and experiential knowledge. Flexibility, however, remains limited as the current analysis in sentencing focuses on the offender while failing to engage with the state's contribution in creating wrongs and harms. This risks giving rise to defective practices of responsibility since the state can also contribute to their production. The following article presents a complementary and additional framework within sentencing to account for state censure, blame and harms. The framework is rooted in communicative theories of punishment that integrate a responsive understanding of censure and a relational account of responsibility.
Effective bounds on differences of singular moduli that are S-units
Authors: CAMPAGNA FRANCESCO
Published: September 2022

Given a singular modulus
$j_0$
and a set of rational primes S, we study the problem of effectively determining the set of singular moduli j such that
$j-j_0$
is an S-unit. For every
$j_0 \neq 0$
, we provide an effective way of finding this set for infinitely many choices of S. The same is true if
$j_0=0$
and we assume the Generalised Riemann Hypothesis. Certain numerical experiments will also lead to the formulation of a “uniformity conjecture” for singular S-units.
The Extreme North African Haboob in October 2008: High‐Resolution Simulation of Organized Moist Convection in the Lee of the Atlas, Dust Recirculation and Poleward Transport
Authors: Dhital S. , Kaplan M. L. , Orza J. A. G. , Fiedler S.
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the mesoscale dynamics involved in the 8–11 October 2008 unseasonably strong African dust episode, during which dust was transported to the Iberian Peninsula (IP). We employ observational datasets and a high‐resolution Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry simulations. The analysis shows that during 0900–1200 UTC 9 October, a mesoscale convective system developed over the Atlas Mountains and resulted in a southwestward propagating convective cold pool outflow on the southern foothills of the Anti‐Atlas, which lifted dust from the source region. Between 1200 and 1800 UTC 9 October, new moist convection was enhanced over the Atlas Mountains due to intensifying confluence among a heat low, moist southwesterly Atlantic sea‐breeze front, and northeasterly flow associated with the convective cold pool near western Algeria. This new moist convection intensified the strength of the convective cold pool outflow and haboob, both of which continued propagating southwestward. At 1200 UTC 10 October, the low‐pressure system migrated poleward on the southern slopes of the Anti‐Atlas Mountains in association with a mountain‐plains solenoidal circulation due to the daytime differential heating between the southern slopes of the Anti‐Atlas and nearby atmosphere. The deepening low‐pressure and strengthening Atlantic sea‐breeze redirected an equatorward advancing dust plume into the poleward direction. The dust plume ultimately crossed the Saharan Atlas Mountains on 11 October and finally impacted the IP.
Improved GNSS Water Vapor Tomography With Modified Mapping Functions
Authors: Miranda P. M. A. , Mateus P.
Published: September 2022

The use of optimized GNSS mapping functions is here shown to lead to significant improvements in the performance of a water vapor tomographic model, totally driven by GNSS observations. The method improves a recent proposal for unconstrained tomographic inversions and is developed and validated with data from the Manaus dense GNSS network and in‐situ radiosondes, covering different seasons and synoptic conditions. The optimization uses a Monte Carlo technique to find the minimum root‐mean‐square error in a two‐dimensional parameter space. A set of fixed parameters, computed by optimizing over a small subset of cases, is found to lead to results that are overall significantly better than those produced by the three more common mapping functions used for geodesy applications. The quality of inversions is, however, found to have significant spread, an indication of the impact of varying GNSS data quality and a reminder of the need of further improvements in the method.
Groundwater Responses to Earth Tides: Evaluation of Analytical Solutions Using Numerical Simulation
Authors: Bastias Espejo Jose M. , Rau Gabriel C. , Blum Philipp
Published: September 2022

Harmonic Earth tide components in well water levels have been used to estimate hydraulic and geomechanical subsurface properties. However, the robustness of various methods based on analytical solutions has not been established. First, we review the theory and examine the latest analytical solution used to relate well water levels to Earth tides. Second, we develop and verify a novel numerical model coupling hydraulics and geomechanics to Earth tide strains. Third, we assess subsurface conditions over depth for a range of realistic properties. Fourth, we simulate the well water level response to Earth tide strains within a 2D poroelastic layered aquifer system confined by a 100 m thick aquitard. We find that the non‐linear inversion of analytical solutions to match two observations (amplitudes and phases) to multiple unknown parameters is sensible to the initial guess. We reveal that undrained, confined conditions are necessary for the analytical solution to be valid. This occurs for the dominant M2 frequency at depths >50 m and requires specific storage at constant strain of Sϵ ≥ 10−6 m−1, hydraulic conductivity of the aquitard of kl ≤ 5 ⋅ 10−5 ms−1 and aquifer of ka ≥ 10−4 ms−1. We further illustrate that the analytical solution is valid in unconsolidated systems, whereas consolidated systems require additional consideration of the Biot modulus. Overall, a priori knowledge of the subsurface system supports interpretation of the groundwater response. Our results improve understanding of the effect of Earth tides on groundwater systems and its interpretation for subsurface properties.
Emotion Regulation, Coercive Parenting, and Child Adjustment: A Serial Mediation Clinical Trial
Authors: Metcalfe Robyn E. , Osa Maggie L. , Jones Jeremy A. , DeGarmo David S.
Published: September 2022

Objective: Prior intent to treat evaluation of the Fathering Through Change (FTC) online interactive behavioral parent training program demonstrated a causal link from the FTC intervention to reductions in pre-post changes in fathers’ coercive parenting and, in turn, reductions in pre-post changes in child behavioral problems (a moderate indirect effect size d = .30). The present study expands on this work by investigating mediational mechanisms. Method: The present study employed a sample of 426 recently divorced or separated fathers who were each randomly assigned to either the FTC program or to the wait-list control. We tested a set of intent-to-treat serial mediation hypotheses positing that effects of the FTC on fathers’ reductions in coercive parenting would be mediated through reductions in emotion regulation problems. To be included in this intervention, fathers had to have been separated or divorced within the past 2 years and also had to have children between the ages of 4 and 12. Results: The intervention obtained a significant total and set of unique pathways linking the FTC intervention to improved child adjustment. This supports a causal experimental link to reduced child behavior problems ( d = .39). Emotion regulation did not fully mediate the intervention effect on parenting. Conclusions: Emotion regulation added both direct and indirect experimental explained variance over and above parenting alone. Clinical implications are discussed for the application of online training through pediatric settings.

Implications for Impact Statement

Fathers are underrepresented in the literature on parenting. This study focused on an online parenting program for divorced fathers of children ages 4 to 12. It found support for a cascade from receiving the parenting program to reduction in fathers’ emotion regulation problems, to reduction in coercive parenting, and finally to lowered child adjustment concerns. In addition to providing more knowledge about how parenting programs affect fathers and their children, this study emphasizes the importance of including fathers in parenting interventions.
Integrating Parent Mental Health Assessment Into Pediatric Psychology: Applying an Ethics-Based Model
Authors: Molitor Stephen J. , LeNoble Jennifer
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Growing evidence highlights the impact of parent mental health on pediatric health outcomes. Assessment of parent mental health in pediatric settings has been recommended, but the practice has been slowly adopted. Concerns about the ethical implementation of such assessments may be slowing its implementation. The unique settings pediatric psychologists work in (e.g., inpatient consultation services, multidisciplinary medical clinics) make adding the practice more complex.

Methods:

Recently, Molitor and Dvorsky (2019) introduced a four-step, ethics-based model to help guide psychologists. The current article applies this model to situations common in pediatric settings. Key principles/standards from the APA ethics code are discussed.

Results:

When evaluating the necessity/feasibility of the assessment, providers must navigate space/time limitations and ensure assessments are relevant to the child’s care. When considering the family context, providers seek to understand pertinent relationships between parents, children, and medical teams, and identify potential harms that may arise from assessment. Respecting autonomy and ensuring confidentiality encourages psychologists to facilitate informed consent, provide space for parents to comfortably decline assessment, and help parents maintain ownership over their health information. Finally, psychologists must provide a connection to parent resources through identification of adult-focused resources and emergency services as needed.

Conclusions:

Parent mental health assessments have the potential to benefit child health care and improve outcomes. However, psychologists must carefully consider how to implement assessments ethically and responsibly into their own practice. Models such as this one can provide useful guidance as providers navigate key concerns.

Implications for Impact Statement

Calls for integrating parent mental health assessments into pediatric medical care are growing, but implementing the practice requires thoughtful consideration of the American Psychological Association’s ethics code. An ethics-based model is discussed in this article that can help guide pediatric psychologists who are deciding how to incorporate mental health assessments of parents into their practice.