bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-developing, piloting, and evaluating a translational simulation (TS) delivery model for the promotion of psychological trauma-informed care (TIC) to improve service delivery within acute hospital settings: A Research Protocol
Authors: Vallières Frédérique , Ward Marie E , Shields Darragh , Geary Una , Gardner Caroline , King Dermot , McCarthy Gerry , Conolly John , Brown Joseph , Wiedemann Nana , Staunton Paul , Halpin Rory , McGinty Tara , Brazil Victoria , Ali Aliza , Buckley Alan , Dowds Joanne , Lambert Sharon , McGarry Sinead , McLoughlin Paul , Murphy Muireann , Murphy Rebecca , O'Carroll Austin , Ryan Meg , Slattery Sharon , Sweeney Eileen , Swords Mel , Zihindula Ganzamungu , NíCheallaigh Clíona
Published: May 2023

Background: Over 70% of the general population have experienced at least one psychologically traumatic event in their lifetime, with 30.5% experiencing four or more events. Recognising the prevalence and potentially injurious effects of psychological trauma among healthcare workers and patients alike is considered important to ensure patient engagement, quality of care, positive health outcomes, as well as improved staff wellness, and more resilient health systems.

Aim: The current project aims to improve the experience of both patients and staff in two acute hospital settings in St James’ Hospital (SJH): the Emergency Department (ED) and Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU). This will be achieved through the development of a translational simulation improvement programme for trauma-informed care (TS4TIC). The objective of trauma-informed care (TIC) in the acute hospital setting is to reduce the impact of previous trauma on the care experience.

Methods: Underpinned the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement we will (i) co-design a TIC improvement programme for use in acute hospital settings using translational simulation (TS) approaches, (ii) implement TS4TIC in two acute hospital settings, and (iii) co-evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of TS4TIC using co-defined outcome, process, and balancing indicators measured across iterative Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles.

Expected Outcome: The project’s completion will result in a co-designed, open access TS4TIC Toolkit, consisting of a suite of TS scenarios and accompanying monitoring and training resources to guide the adaptation of this approach for use in other acute healthcare settings nationally and internationally.
Neuropathy and neuroarthropathy as a complication of diabetes and other diseases, with particular emphasis on painless fractures - a review of the literature
Authors: Oleszko Michal , Fularska Kamila , Kuźniar Aleksandra , Szawica Dominik , Wąsiewicz Edward , Bernacki Radosław , Bernacki Piotr , Dutka Martyna , Zardzewiały Witold
Published: May 2023

Diabetes is now one of the most common chronic diseases. Its incidence is increasing, and thus the number of people suffering from its health complications is increasing. In 2015, 3 million people in Poland suffered from diabetes, and it is estimated that this number will increase to 4 million by 2040.
Acute complications of diabetes include i.a. hypoglycemic or lactate and hypermolar comas. Chronic complications include, for example, microangiopathies (retinopathies, nephropathy) as well as macroangiopathies and neuropathies.
Neuropathy is the result of too much glycemia and can affect as many as 2/3 of diabetic patients. Everyday pain sometimes makes it impossible to perform the simplest activities, and an optimal treatment plan is difficult to develop. At the same time, it can be prevented with regular exercise, regular glycemic control and a proper diet.
In this paper, we present a literature review on neuropathy and neuroarthropathy as a complication of diabetes and other diseases, with particular emphasis on painless fractures.
Videoanálisis de indagaciones científicas en la formación inicial docente: identificación de T-patterns
Authors: Peguera-Carré Maria Carme , Curto-Reverte Andreu , Coiduras-Rodríquez Jordi L. , Aguilar-Camaño David
Published: May 2023

La observación en la formación inicial de docentes se ha visto favorecida con la proliferación de herramientas digitales para el análisis de la actuación en el aula, junto a las prestaciones introducidas en el software para tratamientos más complejos de los datos. La literatura refiere la eficacia de las prácticas de videoanálisis en la transmisión y adquisición del conocimiento pedagógico. En este estudio pre-experimental se presentan los resultados de un proceso formativo basado en la observación y análisis de secuencias videográficas sobre indagación científica y su enseñanza en educación primaria. Los registros audiovisuales de treinta estudiantes del grado de educación primaria conduciendo sesiones de ciencias experimentales, antes y después del proceso formativo, muestran en el análisis estadístico y en los T-patterns una mejora en la apropiación de modelos didácticos basados en la indagación. Los docentes en formación inicial transitan desde una primera actuación basada en demostraciones científicas guiadas a una intervención posterior estructurada bajo planteamientos característicos de la práctica de investigación, con una mayor diversidad y movilización de las habilidades científicas acompañadas de ayudas pedagógicas.
“Fotografiar al soldado”: Víctor Eduardo Prado Delgado, memorias de un corresponsal de guerra en Colombia (1963-1966)
Authors: Riobó-Rodríguez Juan Camilo
Published: May 2023

Las fotografías son un importante documento y testimonio histórico, así como indicios de un pasado en común vinculante, creadoras de realidades y constructoras de imaginarios y representaciones sociales. Bajo estas premisas, se analiza la trayectoria como fotorreportero de Víctor Eduardo Prado Delgado, a través del estudio biográfico e historiográfico de sus fotografías, en el marco de un proyecto político-comunicativo que se desarrolló en Colombia, denominado los Corresponsales de Guerra. Esta iniciativa marcó un importante hito periodístico en la cobertura de hechos relacionados con el accionar de la Fuerza Pública, en un periodo complejo en materia de orden público para el país, de 1963 a 1966.
On the Diameter of the Stopped Spider Process
Authors: Bednarz Ewelina , Ernst Philip A. , Osękowski Adam
Published: May 2023

We consider the Brownian “spider process,” also known as Walsh Brownian motion, first introduced by J. B. Walsh [Walsh JB (1978) A diffusion with a discontinuous local time. Asterisque 52:37–45]. The paper provides the best constant Cn for the inequality[Formula: see text]where τ is the class of all adapted and integrable stopping times and D denotes the diameter of the spider process measured in terms of the British rail metric. This solves a variant of the long-standing open “spider problem” due to L. E. Dubins. The proof relies on the explicit identification of the value function for the associated optimal stopping problem.

Funding: P. A. Ernst thanks the Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship (RSWF\R2\222005) and the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR N00014-21-1-2672) for their support of this research.
Constrained Trading Networks
Authors: Kizilkale Can , Vohra Rakesh
Published: May 2023

Trades based on bilateral (indivisible) contracts can be represented by a network. Vertices correspond to agents, whereas arcs represent the nonprice elements of a bilateral contract. Given prices for each arc, agents choose the incident arcs that maximize their utility. We enlarge the model to allow for polymatroidal constraints on the set of contracts that may be traded, which can be interpreted as modeling limited one-for-one substitution. We show that, for two-sided markets, there exists a competitive equilibrium; however, for multisided markets, this may not be possible.

Funding: This work was supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency [Grant HR001118S0045].
Gastrocnemius myositis associated with Behçet’s syndrome
Authors: Motet Christian , Nubourgh Isabelle , Vandergheynst Frédéric
Published: May 2023

Behçet’s syndrome is a complex vasculitis involving vessels of all sizes. The typical clinical presentation consists of recurrent oral ulcers associated with genital ulcers, and/or intra-ocular inflammation and/or cutaneous lesions. It may also involve the joints, central nervous system, cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract. Muscle involvement associated with Behçet’s syndrome has been rarely described. We here report two cases of muscular manifestations in the setting of Behçet’s syndrome with specific gastrocnemius muscle involvement.
Intermittent self-catheterisation: the community nurse's role in identifying and overcoming the barriers
Authors: Ramadan Francesca
Published: May 2023

With their expertise and ability to leverage the therapeutic relationship, community nurses are well-placed to manage the complications and challenges associated with intermittent self-catheterisation. Francesca Ramadan provides an overview of the patient-, training- and environmentally-related barriers to intermittent self-catheterisation and of the ways in which these can be overcome by personalised, person-centred training and education.
Effectiveness of home-based end-of-life care
Authors: Mansoor Mohamed , Hebatalla Abdelaal , Hill James
Published: May 2023

Commentary on: Shepperd S, Gonçalves-Bradley DC, Straus SE, Wee B. Hospital at home: home-based end-of-life care. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021;Issue 3. 10.1002/14651858.CD009231.pub3

When a person has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has less than 6 months to live, and curative treatments are no longer effective, end-of-life care or hospice care may be initiated. Studies suggest that approximately 7 million people a year are given this type of care, which strives to reduce distress and improve quality of life for patients and their families by providing comprehensive physical, psychosocial, and spiritual support. Surveys show that most individuals would prefer to receive this care at home when given the option. However, there are still some uncertainties regarding the effects of end-of-life care at home on a range of important patient outcomes. As a result, a Cochrane review was conducted/updated to study the effects of receiving end-of-life care at home, looking at these outcomes. The aim of this commentary is to critically appraise this Cochrane review and expand upon the findings of the review in context to practice.
On with the Showcase!
Authors: Brown Clementine Rees
Published: May 2023

Clementine Rees Brown details the sensational speakers at this year's Dental Showcase.
Going digital – the future of dental implantology?
Authors: Patel Amit
Published: May 2023

Amit Patel examines how digitalised dentistry can light the way forward.
Oral hygiene faux pas: are your patients guilty?
Authors: Black Margaret
Published: May 2023

Margaret Black highlights current oral health faux pas and how best to avoid them.
Review: Local wisdom of Baduy people (South Banten, Indonesia) in environmental conservation
Authors: ARIFIANI KIRANA NURUL , WIJAYA COVENANT KOINONIO WIDI , IRFAN AN , SEPTIASARI ANISA , ISKANDAR JOHAN , ISKANDAR BUDIAWATI S. , PARTASASMITA RUHYAT , SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Arifiani KN, Wijaya CKW, Irfan AN, Septiasari A, Iskandar J, Iskandar BS, Partasasmita R, Setyawan AD. 2019. Review: Local wisdom of Baduy people (South Banten, Indonesia) in environmental conservation. Asian J Ethnobiol 2: 92-107. Baduy people live in Kanekes Village, Leuwidamar Subdistrict, Lebak District, Banten Province, Indonesia. Baduy people is a group of people who firmly adhere to the traditions of their ancestors where the entire social system is rooted in their religious system. The tribe that lives depends on nature and always maintains the balance of nature. This review is intended to find out the current state of life of the Baduy people in environmental conservation, the ability to utilize local wisdom (traditional ecological knowledge) to meet their needs and the possibility of sustainability in the future their way of life. This research was conducted by studying literature based on journals or other information media. The results showed that the Baduy people still hold strong beliefs and customs and day by day with great wisdom. Beliefs and customs that become Pikukuh (rules) have always been the philosophy of life and daily of Baduy. Traditional rules and Pikukuh sapuluh are the basis of life guidelines and produce Baduy culture both in thinking, acting and behaving. Mores as part of local wisdom still beholder firm considerably by Baduy people, and the mores have come to the self fortress for Baduy people in the face of modernization, included in matter preserve its environment. The forms of local wisdom behavior that are a form of sustainability of environment and conservation conducted by Baduy people, for example: (i) agricultural systems, (ii) residential systems, (iii) forestry systems, and (iv) conservation practices.
A Rare Occurrence of Enchondroma in the Head of Femur in an Adult Male: A Case Report
Authors: Satti Lakshmana Reddy , Yennapu Nageswara Rao , Inturi Rohit , Surada Ramakrishna
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Enchondroma is a solitary, benign, and intramedullary cartilaginous tumor occurring most commonly in small bones of hands and feet contributing to 3–10% of all bone tumors. They originate from the growth plate cartilage which later on proliferates to form enchondroma. Lesions are central or eccentric and metaphyseal involvement is most common for long bones. We report a case of atypical occurrence of enchondroma in the head of femur in a young male. Case Report: A 20-year-old male patient presented with a history of pain in the left groin for 5 months. Radiological examination showed a lytic lesion in the head of femur. The patient was managed by safe surgical dislocation of the hip, curettage with autogenous iliac crest bone graft with countersunk screw fixation. Histopathology confirmed the lesion to be enchondroma. At the latest follow-up after 6 months, the patient was symptom-free and there was no evidence of any recurrence. Conclusion: Lytic lesions in the neck femur can have a good prognosis provided timely diagnosis and interventions are done. The present case of enchondroma in the head of femur represents a very rare differential diagnosis for the same and this must be kept in mind. So far, no such case has been reported in the literature. Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology are of the essence to confirm this entity. Keywords: Enchondroma, atypical presentation, safe surgical dislocation of hip.
Mass: The Conundrum in Spine
Authors: Rath P D , Katoch Sunil , Agrawal Abhijeet Kumar , Chouhan Swetal , Bajaj H N , Bisaralli Rahul
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related disease belongs to a rare compilation of conditions in rheumatology and may involve a multitude of organs. Amidst the central nervous system (CNS) presentation, involvement of spinal cord is rarer still. Case Report: A 50-year-old male came with chief complaints of tingling sensation over both soles since 2 months associated with lower back ache and gait disturbance in the form of spastic gait. X-rays of spine were suggestive of a growth at the level of D10–D12 compressing the spinal cord with no focal sclerotic/lytic lesions, and MRI dorsolumbar spine showed dural tail sign. The patient underwent excision of dural mass, and histopathology revealed majority of plasma cells positive for IgG4. Case 2: A 65-year-old female came with complaints of cough, shortness of breath, and fever on and off since 2 months. No history of hemoptysis, purulent sputum, weight loss. On examination: There were bilateral rhonchi in the left upper zone. MRI spine showed focal erosion with soft-tissue thickening at the right paravertebral region extending from D5-9. The patient underwent surgery (fusion D6-8 and ostectomy D7 posterior rib resection D7 right side) with the right pleural biopsy and transpendicular intracorporal biopsy D7. Histopathology was compatible with findings of IgG4 disease. Discussion: IgG4 tumors presenting in CNS itself is rare and rarer in spinal cord. Histopathological examination is central to diagnose and prognosticate the disease further as IgG4-related disease manifestations may recur without proper treatment. Keywords: IgG4, spinal mass, central nervous system, pleura.
A Rare Case Report of Split Hand and Foot Malformation
Authors: Pindaria Kuldeep Prakashchandra , Malik Ipanshu , Dua Kartik , Sojitra Vasu , Solanki Praveen , Chaliawala Yash
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Authors report a rare case report about split hand and foot malformation (SHFM) also sometimes referred to as ectrodactyly. Case Report: The patient with hand and foot malformations presented to casualty. A 60-year-old male was brought with alleged history of road traffic accident with tenderness and deformity in left thigh. On further physical examination, a malformation was present in bilateral feet and right hand. Plain radiographs were taken after emergency primary management which revealed a fracture of shaft of femur of the left side and absence of 2nd and 3rd phalanges in bilateral feet and lobster claw like malformation in the right hand. The patient was further investigated and operated with femur interlocking nail and later discharged under stable condition. Screening for other congenital defects was done. Conclusion: Patients with SHFM should undergo screening for other congenital anomalies. Electrocardiogram, 2D ECHO, chest radiograph, and ultrasonography abdomen should be done. Genetic analysis ideally should be done to identify mutations involved. Surgical intervention is only required when patient demands improved function of limb. Keywords: Split hand and foot malformation, split hand/foot malformation with long bone deficiency, DLX5, DLX6, DSS, Xq26, DACTYLIN, P63, 2q31, WNT10B.
Type A Thymoma with Spinal and Cranial Metastases: A Case Report
Authors: Cusano Antonio , Wellington Ian J , Forouhar Faripour A , Mallozzi Scott S
Published: May 2023

Introduction: While metastases of malignant thymomas have been shown, type A thymomas are often treated as benign. Type A thymomas often have excellent response to treatment, low recurrence rate, and a small malignant potential. To date, there have been no reports of type A thymomas with spinal metastases. Case Report: A 66-year-old female with a type A thymoma metastatic to the T7 and T8 vertebral bodies and brain, with associated pathologic burst fracture, collapse of T7, and significant focal kyphosis . The patient underwent successful T7–T8 posterior corpectomy and T4–T11 posterior spinal fusion. At 2 years of follow-up, she was ambulating without assistive devices and completed spinal radiation and initial chemotherapy. Conclusion: Metastatic type A thymoma is a rare phenomenon. While traditionally thought to have low recurrence rates and overall excellent survival rates, our case suggests that the biologic malignant potential of a type A thymoma may not be fully understood. Keywords: Thymoma, spine, metastatic, cranial, type A.
Programable structural color generation by phase-change-medium-enabled pixelated hyperbolic metamaterial
Authors: Pourmand M. , Choudhury P. K.
Published: May 2023

Phase-change-medium-enabled hyperbolic metamaterial structures were investigated for generating a wide range of colors by applying external electrical pulses to the embedded graphene-based micro-heater system. The stochastic particle swarm optimization method was implemented to accelerate the design process, followed by the transfer-matrix method to observe the effects of incidence polarization and angle. The results revealed a wide range of colors attainable via the constitutive properties of the designed pixels, which remains insensitive to the incidence polarization, and under a wide range of incidence angle. The investigated programable structure can find potential use in reflective displays and holographic devices for security systems.
Application of nanoplasmonic biosensors based on nanoarrays in biological and chemical detection
Authors: Li Rui , Fan Hongli , Chen Youqian , Huang Junjie , Liu Gang L. , Huang Liping
Published: May 2023

Technological innovation, cost effectiveness, and miniaturization are key factors that determine the commercial adaptability and sustainability of sensing platforms. Nanoplasmonic biosensors based on nanocup or nanohole arrays are attractive for the development of various miniaturized devices for clinical diagnostics, health management, and environmental monitoring. In this review, we discuss the latest trends in the engineering and development of nanoplasmonic sensors as biodiagnostic tools for the highly sensitive detection of chemical and biological analytes. We focused on studies that have explored flexible nanosurface plasmon resonance systems using a sample and scalable detection approach in an effort to highlight multiplexed measurements and portable point-of-care applications.
Caustic networks with customized intensity statistics
Authors: Menz Philip , Zannotti Alessandro , Denz Cornelia , Imbrock Jörg
Published: May 2023

Controlling random light is a key enabling technology that pioneered statistical imaging methods like speckle microscopy. Such low-intensity illumination is especially useful for bio-medical applications where photobleaching is crucial. Since the Rayleigh intensity statistics of speckles do not always meet the requirements of applications, considerable effort has been dedicated to tailoring their intensity statistics. A special random light distribution that naturally comes with radically different intensity structures to speckles are caustic networks. Their intensity statistics support low intensities while allowing sample illumination with rare rouge-wave-like intensity spikes. However, the control over such light structures is often very limited, resulting in patterns with inadequate ratios of bright and dark areas. Here, we show how to generate light fields with desired intensity statistics based on caustic networks. We develop an algorithm to calculate initial phase fronts for light fields so that they smoothly evolve into caustic networks with the desired intensity statistics during propagation. In an experimental demonstration, we exemplarily realize various networks with a constant, linearly decreasing and mono-exponential probability density function.
Enhanced light emission of germanium light-emitting-diode on 150 mm germanium-on-insulator (GOI)
Authors: Wu Shaoteng , Wang Zhaozhen , Zhang Lin , Chen Qimiao , Wen Shuyu , Lee Kwang Hong , Bao Shuyu , Fan Weijun , Seng Tan Chuan , Luo Jun-Wei
Published: May 2023

Germanium-on-insulator (GOI) has emerged as a novel platform for Ge-based electronic and photonic applications. Discrete photonic devices, such as waveguides, photodetectors, modulators, and optical pumping lasers, have been successfully demonstrated on this platform. However, there is almost no report on the electrically injected Ge light source on the GOI platform. In this study, we present the first fabrication of vertical Ge p-i-n light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on a 150 mm GOI substrate. The high-quality Ge LED on a 150-mm diameter GOI substrate was fabricated via direct wafer bonding followed by ion implantations. As a tensile strain of 0.19% has been introduced during the GOI fabrication process resulting from the thermal mismatch, the LED devices exhibit a dominant direct bandgap transition peak near 0.785 eV (∼1580 nm) at room temperature. In sharp contrast to conventional III-V LEDs, we found that the electroluminescence (EL)/photoluminescence (PL) spectra show enhanced intensities as the temperature is raised from 300 to 450 K as a consequence of the higher occupation of the direct bandgap. The maximum enhancement in EL intensity is a factor of 140% near 1635 nm due to the improved optical confinement offered by the bottom insulator layer. This work potentially broadens the GOI’s functional variety for applications in near-infrared sensing, electronics, and photonics.
Influence of the laser pulse time profile on residual stress characteristics in laser shock peening
Authors: Zhou Luoxian , Zhu Chengyu , Yuan Hang , Mei Xiaochen , Jiang Jiantang , Lu Zhiwei
Published: May 2023

In this paper, residual stress and plastic deformation of TC4 titanium alloys and AA7075 aluminum alloys after laser shock peening (LSP) with the laser pulses that have the same energy and peak intensity but different time profiles have been studied. The results show that the time profile of the laser pulse has a significant influence on LSP. The difference between the results of LSP with varying laser input mode has been contributed to the shock wave caused by different laser pulse. In LSP, the laser pulse with a positive-slope triangular time profile could induce a more intense and deeper residual stress distribution in metal targets. Residual stress distribution changing with laser time profiles suggests that shaping the laser time profile is a potential residual stress control strategy for LSP. This paper comprises the first step of this strategy.
Decoupling absorption and radiative cooling in mid-wave infrared bolometric elements
Authors: Ware Alexander , Bergthold Morgan , Mansfield Noah , Sakotic Zarko , Scott Ethan A. , Harris C. Thomas , Wasserman Daniel
Published: May 2023

We present a spectrally selective, passively cooled mid-wave infrared bolometric absorber engineered to spatially and spectrally decouple infrared absorption and thermal emission. The structure leverages an antenna-coupled metal–insulator–metal resonance for mid-wave infrared normal incidence photon absorption and a long-wave infrared optical phonon absorption feature, aligned closer to peak room temperature thermal emission. The phonon-mediated resonant absorption enables a strong long-wave infrared thermal emission feature limited to grazing angles, leaving the mid-wave infrared absorption feature undisturbed. The two independently controlled absorption/emission phenomena demonstrate decoupling of the photon detection mechanism from radiative cooling and offer a new design approach enabling ultra-thin, passively cooled mid-wave infrared bolometers.
Emissions redistribution and environmental justice implications of California’s clean vehicle rebate project
Authors: Mejía-Duwan Jaye , Hino Miyuki , Mach Katharine J.
Published: May 2023

Vehicle electrification is expected to reduce, in aggregate, emissions of greenhouse gases and criteria air pollutants. However, increased electricity generation to support new electric vehicles introduces possible redistribution of point-source emissions from mobile vehicles to electric generating units such that emissions may decrease in some locations and increase in others, with implications for equity. The potential for vehicle electrification to thereby shift the spatial distribution of air-pollution burdens has been previously noted, but analyses have yet to evaluate specific implemented climate policies. Here, we develop a model to analyze the implications of California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) for emissions of greenhouse gases and criteria air pollutants, both in aggregate and in their distribution. Analyzing rebates for 2010–2021, we find that the CVRP reduced aggregate statewide emissions of CO2, NOX, and SO2 and increased aggregate statewide emissions of primary PM2.5. Furthermore, changes in air pollution are not distributed equally: our results indicate that, as a result of the CVRP, net primary PM2.5, NOX, and SO2 emissions reductions disproportionately occur in Least Disadvantaged Communities, as compared to Disadvantaged Communities, with community disadvantage defined according to CalEnviroScreen 4.0 per California legislation. If the current spatial distribution of electric vehicle rebates remains unchanged, we project that these inequities will continue through the state’s legislative goal of 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on California roadways by 2025, even with increased cleanliness of the electricity sources for new vehicles. Increased uptake of electric vehicles in communities facing the highest air pollution exposure, along with accelerated clean-energy generation, could ameliorate associated environmental inequities.
A hospital demand and capacity intervention approach for COVID-19
Authors: Van Yperen James , Campillo-Funollet Eduard , Inkpen Rebecca , Memon Anjum , Madzvamuse Anotida
Published: May 2023

The mathematical interpretation of interventions for the mitigation of epidemics in the literature often involves finding the optimal time to initiate an intervention and/or the use of the number of infections to manage impact. Whilst these methods may work in theory, in order to implement effectively they may require information which is not likely to be available in the midst of an epidemic, or they may require impeccable data about infection levels in the community. In reality, testing and cases data can only be as good as the policy of implementation and the compliance of the individuals, which implies that accurately estimating the levels of infections becomes difficult or complicated from the data that is provided. In this paper, we demonstrate a different approach to the mathematical modelling of interventions, not based on optimality or cases, but based on demand and capacity of hospitals who have to deal with the epidemic on a day to day basis. In particular, we use data-driven modelling to calibrate a susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered-died type model to infer parameters that depict the dynamics of the epidemic in several regions of the UK. We use the calibrated parameters for forecasting scenarios and understand, given a maximum capacity of hospital healthcare services, how the timing of interventions, severity of interventions, and conditions for the releasing of interventions affect the overall epidemic-picture. We provide an optimisation method to capture when, in terms of healthcare demand, an intervention should be put into place given a maximum capacity on the service. By using an equivalent agent-based approach, we demonstrate uncertainty quantification on the likelihood that capacity is not breached, by how much if it does, and the limit on demand that almost guarantees capacity is not breached.
A simulation study of cooperative and autonomous vehicles (CAV) considering courtesy, ethics, and fairness
Authors: Jiang Liming , Xie Yuanchang , Evans Nicholas G.
Published: May 2023

Autonomous vehicles (AV) can be programmed to act cooperatively. Previous research on cooperative and autonomous vehicles (CAV) suggests they can substantially improve traffic system operations in terms of mobility and safety. However, these studies do not explicitly take each vehicle’s potential gain/loss into consideration and ignore their individual levels of willingness to cooperate. They do not account for ethics and fairness either. In this study, several cooperation/courtesy strategies are proposed to address the above issues. These strategies are grouped into two categories based on non-instrumental and instrumental principles. Non-instrumental strategies make courtesy/cooperation decisions based on some courtesy proxies and a user-specified courtesy level, while instrumental strategies are based only on courtesy proxies related to local traffic performance. Also, a new CAV behavior modeling framework is proposed based on our previous work on cooperative car-following and merging (CCM) control. With such a framework, the proposed courtesy strategies can be easily implemented. The proposed framework and courtesy strategies are coded in SUMO microscopic traffic simulator. They are evaluated considering different levels of traffic demand on a freeway corridor consisting of a work zone and three weaving areas of different types. Interesting findings are drawn from the simulation results, one of which is that the instrumental Local Utilitarianism strategy performs the best in terms of mobility, safety, and fairness. In the future, auction-based strategies can be considered to model how CAV make decisions.
Associations between long-term fine particulate matter exposure and hospital procedures in heart failure patients
Authors: Catalano Samantha , Moyer Joshua , Weaver Anne , Di Qian , Schwartz Joel D. , Catalano Michael , Ward-Caviness Cavin K.
Published: May 2023

Background

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) contributes to global morbidity and mortality. One way to understand the health effects of PM2.5 is by examining its impact on performed hospital procedures, particularly among those with existing chronic disease. However, such studies are rare. Here, we investigated the associations between annual average PM2.5 and hospital procedures among individuals with heart failure.

Methods

Using electronic health records from the University of North Carolina Healthcare System, we created a retrospective cohort of 15,979 heart failure patients who had at least one of 53 common (frequency > 10%) procedures. We used daily modeled PM2.5 at 1x1 km resolution to estimate the annual average PM2.5 at the time of heart failure diagnosis. We used quasi-Poisson models to estimate associations between PM2.5 and the number of performed hospital procedures over the follow-up period (12/31/2016 or date of death) while adjusting for age at heart failure diagnosis, race, sex, year of visit, and socioeconomic status.

Results

A 1 μg/m3 increase in annual average PM2.5 was associated with increased glycosylated hemoglobin tests (10.8%; 95% confidence interval = 6.56%, 15.1%), prothrombin time tests (15.8%; 95% confidence interval = 9.07%, 22.9%), and stress tests (6.84%; 95% confidence interval = 3.65%, 10.1%). Results were stable under multiple sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

These results suggest that long-term PM2.5 exposure is associated with an increased need for diagnostic testing on heart failure patients. Overall, these associations give a unique lens into patient morbidity and potential drivers of healthcare costs linked to PM2.5 exposure.
Anthropometric analysis of orbital and nasal parameters for sexual dimorphism: New anatomical evidences in the field of personal identification through a retrospective observational study
Authors: Scendoni Roberto , Kelmendi Jeta , Arrais Ribeiro Isabella Lima , Cingolani Mariano , De Micco Francesco , Cameriere Roberto
Published: May 2023

Orbital and nasal parameters among modern humans show considerable variation, which affects facial shape, and these characteristics vary according to race, region, and period in evolution. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether there are sex differences in the orbital and/or nasal indexes and/or the single measurements used to calculate these in a Kosovar population. The following parameters were taken into consideration: orbital height (OH), orbital width (OW), nasal height (NH), and nasal width (NW). The ratios between orbital index/nasal index (RONI) were calculated. All measurements were obtained from a population sample comprising 408 individuals. The accuracy in sex prediction was 52.86% (CI95% = 45.05%–60.67%) for NW and 64.96% for NH (CI95% = 57.50%– 72.42%). The difference between male and female indexes was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The anthropometric study revealed that only NW and NH are configured as predictors of sexual dimorphism. It could be useful to increase the number of samples to test the discriminant function in other population groups.
Child-appealing packaged food and beverage products in Canada–Prevalence, power, and nutritional quality
Authors: Mulligan Christine , Vergeer Laura , Kent Monique Potvin , L’Abbé Mary R.
Published: May 2023

Background

Children are frequently exposed to marketing on food packaging. This study evaluated the presence, type and power of child-appealing marketing and compared the nutritional quality of child-appealing vs. non-child-appealing Canadian packaged foods and examined the relationship between nutrient composition and marketing power.

Methods

Child-relevant packaged foods (n = 5,850) were sampled from the Food Label Information Program 2017 database. The presence and power (# of techniques displayed) of child-appealing marketing were identified. Fisher’s Exact test compared the proportion of products exceeding Health Canada’s nutrient thresholds for advertising restrictions and Mann Whitney U tests compared nutrient composition between products with child- /non-child-appealing packaging. Pearson’s correlation analyzed the relationship between nutrient composition and marketing power.

Results

13% (746/5850) of products displayed child-appealing marketing; the techniques used, and the power of the marketing varied (x¯ 2.2 techniques; range: 0–11). More products with child-appealing packaging than with non-child appealing packaging exceeded Health Canada’s thresholds (98% vs. 94%; p < .001). Products with child-appealing packaging (vs. non-child-appealing) were higher in total sugars (median: 14.7 vs. 9 g/RA; p < .001) and free sugars (11.5 vs. 6.2 g/RA; p < .001), but lower in all other nutrients. There was weak overall correlation between marketing power and nutrient levels. Results varied by nutrient and food category.

Conclusions

Unhealthy products with powerful child-appealing marketing displayed on package are prevalent in the food supply. Implementing marketing restrictions that protect children should be a priority.
Prediction of incident chronic kidney disease in a population with normal renal function and normo-proteinuria
Authors: Lee Seung Min , Kim Su Hwan , Yoon Hyung-Jin
Published: May 2023

Regarding the irreversible clinical course of chronic kidney disease, identifying high-risk subjects susceptible to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has an important clinical implication. Previous studies have developed risk prediction models identifying high-risk individuals within a group, including those who may have experienced minor renal damage, to provide an opportunity for initiating therapies or interventions at earlier stages of CKD. To date, there were no other studies developed a prediction model with quantitative risk factors to detect the earliest stage of CKD that individuals with normal renal function in the general population may experience. We derived 11,495,668 individuals with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and normo-proteinuria, who underwent health screening ≥2 times between 2009 and 2016 from the prospective nationwide registry cohort. The primary outcome was the incident CKD, defined by an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Sex-specific multivariate Cox regression models predicting the 8-year incident CKD risk were developed. The performance of developed models was assessed using Harrell’s C and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) with 10-fold cross-validation. Both men and women, who met the definition of incident CKD, were older and had more medical treatment history in hypertension and diabetes. Harrell’s C and AUROC of the developed prediction models were 0.82 and 0.83 for men and 0.79 and 0.80 for women. This study developed sex-specific prediction equations with reasonable performance in a population with normal renal function.
Bleb analysis using anterior segment optical coherence tomography after trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane transplantation
Authors: Kim Hwayeong , Moon Sangwoo , Kim Eunah , Kim Jinmi , Lee Jiwoong
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Little has been known about the intrableb structures associated with bleb function after trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT). The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics of intrableb structures using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) after trabeculectomy with AMT.

Methods

A total of 68 eyes of 68 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent trabeculectomy with AMT were included. Surgical success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 18 mmHg and IOP reduction of ≥ 20% without medication on AS-OCT examination. Intrableb parameters, including bleb height, bleb wall thickness, striping layer thickness, bleb wall reflectivity, fluid-filled space score, fluid-filled space height, and microcyst formation were evaluated using AS-OCT. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with IOP control.

Results

Of the 68 eyes, 56 eyes were assigned to the success group and 12 eyes to the failure group. In the success group, bleb height (P = 0.009), bleb wall thickness (P = 0.001), striping layer thickness (P = 0.001), fluid-filled space score (P = 0.001), and frequency of microcyst formation (P = 0.001) were greater than those in the failure group. Bleb wall reflectivity was higher in the failure group than in the success group (P < 0.001). In the univariate logistic regression analysis, previous cataract surgery was significantly associated with surgical failure (odds ratio = 5.769, P = 0.032).

Conclusion

A posteriorly extending fluid-filled space, tall bleb with low reflectivity, and thick striping layer were characteristics of successful filtering blebs after trabeculectomy with AMT.
Trump’s Muslim ban: A critical discourse analysis of AlJazeera English, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal
Authors: Yusha’u Muhammad Jameel
Published: May 2023

One of the major campaign promises of the former US president Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign was to bar Muslims from entering the United States. Donald Trump kept his promise by issuing an executive order on assumption of office. The executive order banned Muslims from seven countries from entering the United States until a judge in Washington halted the executive order. The story received wide coverage in the media. This article will study the news coverage of the executive order in three leading international media organizations, AlJazeera English (AJE), the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. These three media organizations were selected because they provide different perspectives to news and have global audiences that consume the news on daily basis. Using critical discourse analysis (CDA), the article seeks to compare how the three media organizations pitched the story. CDA is interested in identifying the relationship between power, ideology and social inequality. The article explores the issues related to power, ideology and social inequality in relation to the Trump’s executive order as reported in the three news media organizations. What are the ethnic, political and cultural issues that dominated the discourse of Trump’s ban on Muslims in the three newspapers? The results from the study found ideological differences in the coverage, with AlJazeera and the New York Times being slightly more critical of Donald Trump and his policies in their approach, while the Wall Street Journal was supportive of the executive order. Nevertheless, all three news organizations were similar in promoting discourse, which promotes the interest of power elites. This approach in news discourse further contributes to creating a divided society that is unequal in nature. The article concludes by recommending the practice of a more contextual journalism that promotes a peaceful and harmonious society.
Corte y clientela feudal: cortesanos nobles al servicio del rey de Aragón en el primer tercio del siglo XV
Authors: Sáiz Serrano Jorge
Published: May 2023

Este artículo analiza el entorno nobiliario que integra la casa-corte del rey de Aragón desde el ejemplo de Alfonso el Magnánimo al inicio de su reinado (1416-1432), el periodo con mayor disponibilidad de fuentes al respecto. Se propone repensar ese colectivo cortesano desde una perspectiva sociopolítica amplia, más allá de una visión institucional y descriptiva. Se concibe la casa-corte como núcleo de una afinidad del rey, una forma de ejercer el poder que supone una vía clientelar de práctica de poder político y militar propia de estados monárquicos bajomedievales. Se analiza la naturaleza de este grupo noble cortesano, destacando el contraste entre los oficios y personal reglamentado y el nutrido personal inscrito en nómina, señalando la importancia de las funciones ejercidas como clientela nobiliaria regia multifuncional, todo ello a partir de los registros de cancillería y tesorería del rey. Se aporta igualmente una relación de los nobles y caballeros valencianos inscritos en la corte regia y a partir de los mismos se especifican perfiles de servicio en y desde la corte.
Sobre nobleza y monarquía, tierra y dinero en el feudalismo castellano. Una primera aproximación a los cambios y transformaciones en el siglo XIII
Authors: Álvarez Borge Ignacio
Published: May 2023

La relación entre el rey y los nobles es uno de los factores clave de la configuración de la organización política en la Edad Media (la Monarquía). A lo largo del siglo XIII se produce un cambio muy importante en esa relación por la introducción y extensión del dinero en forma de feudos de bolsa (soldadas y situados) como elemento aglutinante de esa relación. En este artículo se estudia cómo se produce ese cambio en Castilla, tomando como puntos de referencia la situación hacia 1200 y hacia 1300 (reinados de Alfonso VIII y de Sancho IV). Pueden resumirse esos cambios en una transformación en la que “la política de la tierra” va dando paso al “feudalismo bastardo”.
Feudos de bolsa y «feudalismo bastardo» en el reino de Navarra y en los territorios vascos de la Corona de Castilla (siglos XIII-XV)
Authors: Fernández de Larrea Rojas Jon Andoni
Published: May 2023

El propósito de este trabajo es analizar los feudos de bolsa en tres niveles diferenciados correspondientes a un reino, un señorío y a la baja nobleza. Tomaremos para ello como caso de estudio el espacio vascoparlante, correspondiendo al reino de Navarra, el señorío de Vizcaya y los Parientes Mayores el protagonismo de cada uno de esos niveles. Trataremos de dilucidar su origen, establecer sus características comunes y originales y establecer su desarrollo hasta su extinción.
LIMITES DO DIREITO FUNDAMENTAL À PROTEÇÃO DE DADOS EM FACE DA INSTRUÇÃO PROBATÓRIA NO PROCESSO PENAL
Authors: Gesta Leal Rogerio
Published: May 2023

Contextualização: Na sociedade moderna em que vivemos, caracterizada pelo constante e acelerado desenvolvimento tecnológico, compreender de que modo se pode tutelar adequadamente o direito à privacidade, intimidade e dados individuais, representa questão fundamental, nomeadamente quando inúmeras políticas públicas, em nome da segurança social, têm surgido colocando em risco aqueles direitos. Objetivo: Avaliar como tem se constituído o debate doutrinário e casuístico das tensas equações entre o direito fundamental à proteção de dados da pessoa física, em face da persecução penal, nomeadamente no Brasil. Metodologia: Utilizou-se, na pesquisa, o método dedutivo, testando as hipóteses com os fundamentos gerais a serem declinados e análise de alguns casos jurisprudenciais, bem como técnica de pesquisa com documentação indireta, nomeadamente bibliográfica. Resultados: Enquanto resultados, sustenta-se que a requisição de dados pessoais armazenados por provedores de serviços de internet pode se dar desde que indicados os elementos previstos na Lei nº 12.965/2014, em seus Arts. 22 e 23, a saber: a) fundados indícios da ocorrência do ilícito; b) justificativa motivada da utilidade da requisição; e c) período ao qual se referem os registros, e que sua execução também se dê observados os ditames da adequação, necessidade e proporcionalidade em sentido estrito referidos.