bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Variational Mode Decomposition Method for Eliminating Instrument Noise in Turbulence Detection
Authors: He Yang , Sheng Zheng , Zhu Yanwei , He Mingyuan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNoise removal is a key issue in the retrieval of turbulence from meteorological radiosonde data using the method proposed by Thorpe. Only by reducing as much as possible the influence of noise in the potential temperature fluctuations can the retrieval results reflect the turbulence characteristics of the real atmosphere. In this paper, an adaptive variational mode decomposition (VMD) method is proposed that is used to remove noise fluctuations from the potential temperature profile, and particle swarm optimization and mutual information are used to optimize the preset VMD parameters. The Thorpe method is applied to the denoised potential temperature profile to identify and characterize turbulent regions. The results show that the adaptive VMD method is very effective for denoising the potential temperature profile in both simulation experiments and actual detection data. The real turbulence overturn can be selected from the inversions by optimal smoothing and statistical tests. This method is an improvement on the Wilson method and allows the Thorpe method to be applied to daytime sounding data, avoiding the confusion between noise and turbulence that results in the distortion of the turbulence scale.
Inferring the Presence of Freezing Drizzle Using Archived Data from the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS)
Authors: Landolt Scott D. , Gaydos Andrew , Porter Daniel , DiVito Stephanie , Jacobson Darcy , Schwartz Andrew J. , Thompson Gregory , Lave Joshua 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn its current form, the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) provides automated precipitation type reports of rain, snow, and freezing rain. Unknown precipitation can also be reported when the system recognizes precipitation is occurring but cannot classify it. A new method has been developed that can reprocess the raw ASOS 1-min-observation (OMO) data to infer the presence of freezing drizzle. This freezing drizzle derivation algorithm (FDDA) was designed to identify past freezing drizzle events that could be used for aviation product development and evaluation (e.g., Doppler radar hydrometeor classification algorithms, and improved numerical modeling methods) and impact studies that utilize archived datasets [e.g., National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations of transportation accidents in which freezing drizzle may have played a role]. Ten years of archived OMO data (2005–14) from all ASOS sites across the conterminous United States were reprocessed using the FDDA. Aviation routine weather reports (METARs) from human-augmented ASOS observations were used to evaluate and quantify the FDDA’s ability to infer freezing drizzle conditions. Advantages and drawbacks to the method are discussed. This method is not intended to be used as a real-time situational awareness tool for detecting freezing drizzle conditions at the ASOS but rather to determine periods for which freezing drizzle may have impacted transportation, with an emphasis on aviation, and to highlight the need for improved observations from the ASOS.
Logistics Cost Dynamics in International Business: A Causal Approach
Authors: Kar Ashutosh , Datta Pratyay Ranjan 
Published: October 2020

The cost of logistics plays a vital role in the pricing of goods in international trade. Besides, the recent imposition of additional tariff by even upper-middle income countries such as the USA, China etc., has led to an increase in the total landed cost of goods. However, a seller has no option but to adapt to changing tariff requirements and can articulate only the logistics cost to a certain extent. This aspect requires an understanding of the logistics cost dynamics in international business. Since a higher volume of goods moves by marine transportation, this study focusses on the same. In this article, authors have attempted to establish a statistically significant relationship between prices and other factors like fuel, number of vessels, freight, and weight value ratio. The paper introduces a logistics-coefficient to indicate the extent of integration of logistics activities to keep the total-landed-cost (TLC) unchanged. Finally, the author proposes the system dynamics model to study the impact of changes in any one or some or all these factors on the price of the product. This model will enable the global firm to decide the entry and exit in the market. JEL Codes: F23
An Investigation of Speech Features, Plant System Alarms, and Operator–System Interaction for the Classification of Operator Cognitive Workload During Dynamic Work
Authors: Braarud Per Ø. , Bodal Terje , Hulsund John E. , Louka Michael N. , Nihlwing Christer , Nystad Espen , Svengren Håkan , Wingstedt Emil 
Published: October 2020

Objective To investigate speech features, human–machine alarms, and operator–system interaction for the estimation of cognitive workload in full-scale realistic simulated scenarios. Background Theories and models of cognitive workload are critical for the design and evaluation of human–machine systems. Unfortunately, there are very few nonintrusive cognitive workload measures available for realistic dynamic human–machine interaction. Method The study was conducted in a full-scope control room research simulator of an advanced nuclear reactor. Six crews, each consisting of three operators, participated in 12 scenarios. The operators rated their workload every second minute. Machine learning algorithms were trained to estimate operators’ workload based on crew communication, operator–system interaction, and system alarms. Results Random Forest (RF) utilizing speech and system features achieved an accuracy of 67% on test data. Utilizing speech features only, the accuracy achieved was 63%. The most important speech features were pitch, amplitude, and articulation rate. A 61% accuracy was achieved when alarms and operator–system interaction features were used. The most important features were the number of alarms and amount of operator–system interaction. Accuracy for algorithms trained for each operator ranged from 39% to 98%, with an average of 72%. For a majority of analyses performed, RF and extreme gradient boosting (XGB) outperformed other algorithms. Conclusion The results demonstrate that the features investigated and machine learning models developed provide a potential for the dynamic nonintrusive measurement of cognitive workload. Application The approach presented can be developed for nonintrusive workload measurement in real-world human–machine applications, simulator-based training, and research.
Detecting and Responding to Information Overload With an Adaptive User Interface
Authors: Kortschot Sean W. , Jamieson Greg A. , Prasad Amrit 
Published: October 2020

Objective The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate an adaptive user interface that could detect states of operator information overload and calibrate the amount of information on the screen. Background Machine learning can detect changes in operating context and trigger adaptive user interfaces (AUIs) to accommodate those changes. Operator attentional state represents a promising aspect of operating context for triggering AUIs. Behavioral rather than physiological indices can be used to infer operator attentional state. Method In Experiment 1, a network analysis task sought to induce states of information overload relative to a baseline. Streams of interaction data were taken from these two states and used to train machine learning classifiers. We implemented these classifiers in Experiment 2 to drive an AUI that automatically calibrated the amount of information displayed to operators. Results Experiment 1 successfully induced information overload in participants, resulting in lower accuracy, slower completion time, and higher workload. A series of machine learning classifiers detected states of information overload significantly above chance level. Experiment 2 identified four clusters of users who responded significantly differently to the AUIs. The AUIs benefited performance, completion time, and workload in three clusters. Conclusion Behavioral indices can successfully detect states of information overload and be used to effectively drive an AUI for some user groups. The success of AUIs may be contingent on characteristics of the user group. Application This research applies to domains seeking real-time assessments of user attentional or psychological state.
The Mallah and Ram Charana in the United Provinces
Authors: Duncan Ian 
Published: October 2020

During the 1920s and 1930s, Ram Charana, of the Mallah caste and a resident of Lucknow, led the campaign for his caste to secure a place in the plans for constitutional and electoral reform being drawn up by the colonial authorities. His objective was to ensure the inclusion of the caste within the administrative category of the Depressed Classes and subsequently as a Scheduled Caste even though it was labelled and stigmatised as a caste defined primarily by its criminality. Ram Charana was appointed to the United Provinces Legislative Council as the sole nominee to represent the Depressed Class population, and he participated in all of the investigations of the time into constitutional reform. Although he personally achieved a leading role in the reform proceedings, he was unable to secure any recognition for the Mallah. This article examines the criminalisation of the Mallah particularly in the light of police sources not consulted previously. It describes Ram Charana’s role and analyses the reasons for his failure, despite his personal prominence and official promotion, to gain a more advantageous position for the Mallah.
Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in the Cerumen of COVID-19-Positive Patients
Authors: Islamoglu Yuce , Bercin Sami , Aydogan Sibel , Sener Alp , Tanriverdi Fatih , Gunaydin Gul Pamukcu , Dinc Bedia 
Published: October 2020

Objective: To evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the cerumen of patients with COVID-19. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care pandemic hospital. Sixty COVID-19 patients with cerumen in their external auditory canals were included in the study. Swabs were taken from the external auditory canal of the patients by an experienced otolaryngologist with the test swab. Sampling was done by rotating the sample swab 360° 10 times in each external auditory canal for a total of 20 times. After collection, swabs were placed into 2 mL of the sterile viral transport medium (various manufacturers), then transported and tested as soon as possible after collection. Results: SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in the cerumen polymerase chain reaction (PCR) samples of any of the 60 patients with positive nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs. Conclusion: Cerumen cleaning is one of the most common procedures performed by otolaryngologists, and care should be taken during the procedure or due to the possibility of infection from the resulting contaminants. The cerumen contains the secretions of the glands in the external auditory canal and may contain certain pathogens that are actively found in the body. The presence of hepatitis B virus in the cerumen was examined and isolated in the cerumen. In our study, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the cerumen was evaluated in SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive patients. SARS-CoV-2 virus was not detected in the cerumen samples of any of the patients.
Tools to help healthcare professionals recognize palliative care needs in patients with advanced heart failure: A systematic review
Authors: Ament Stephanie MC , Couwenberg Inge ME , Boyne Josiane JJ , Kleijnen Jos , Stoffers Henri EJH , van den Beuken Marieke HJ , Engels Yvonne , Bellersen Louise , Janssen Daisy JA 
Published: October 2020

Background: The delivery of palliative care interventions is not widely integrated in chronic heart failure care as the recognition of palliative care needs is perceived as difficult. Tools may facilitate healthcare professionals to identify patients with palliative care needs in advanced chronic heart failure. Aim: To identify tools to help healthcare professionals recognize palliative care needs in patients with advanced chronic heart failure. Design: This systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019131896). Evidence of tools’ development, evaluation, feasibility, and implementation was sought and described. Data sources: Electronic searches to identify references of tools published until June 2019 were conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE. Hand-searching of references and citations was undertaken. Based on the identified tools, a second electronic search until September 2019 was performed to check whether all evidence about these tools in the context of chronic heart failure was included. Results: Nineteen studies described a total of seven tools. The tools varied in purpose, intended user and properties. The tools have been validated to a limited extent in the context of chronic heart failure and palliative care. Different health care professionals applied the tools in various settings at different moments of the care process. Guidance and instruction about how to apply the tool revealed to be relevant but may be not enough for uptake. Spiritual care needs were perceived as difficult to assess. Conclusion: Seven tools were identified which showed different and limited levels of validity in the context of palliative care and chronic heart failure.
The prevalence and management of diabetes among Vietnamese Americans: A population-based survey of an understudied ethnic group
Authors: De Souza Leanne R , Chan Keith T , Kobayashi Karen , Karasiuk Alexis , Fuller-Thomson Esme 
Published: October 2020

Objectives Although obesity remains relatively rare among Vietnamese Americans, the prevalence of diabetes has increased in this population. This study aims to:  1. Estimate the prevalence of diabetes among non-obese Vietnamese American adults compared to non-obese non-Hispanic whites (NHW).  2. Identify factors associated with diabetes among non-obese Vietnamese Americans.  3. Examine whether Vietnamese Americans and NHW with diabetes are equally as likely to receive optimal frequency of diabetes care (i.e., hemoglobin A1C monitoring, foot care, eye care). Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of non-obese adult Vietnamese Americans using pooled data from the 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013–2016 waves of the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). Results Only 9% of Vietnamese Americans with diabetes are obese. Non-obese Vietnamese Americans have 60% higher adjusted odds of diabetes compared to non-obese NHW. Among non-obese Vietnamese Americans, those who were older, ever smokers and born outside US had a higher prevalence of diabetes. We found both Vietnamese Americans and NHW with diabetes received similar levels of care. Discussion Non-obese Vietnamese Americans have much higher odds of diabetes than NHW. Health professionals can effectively minimize disparities between Vietnamese Americans and NHW with diabetes through appropriate monitoring of foot care, eye care and A1C levels.
Changes in substance use among young adults during a respiratory disease pandemic
Authors: Sharma Pravesh , Ebbert Jon O , Rosedahl Jordan K , Philpot Lindsey M 
Published: October 2020

Background: News articles, commentaries, and opinion articles have suggested that ongoing social distancing measures coupled with economic challenges during COVID-19 may worsen stress, affective state, and substance use across the globe. We sought to advance our understanding of the differences between individuals who change their substance use patterns during a public health crisis and those who do not. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of young adults (18–25 years of age) assessing respondent characteristics and vaping, tobacco, alcohol, and/or marijuana use. We calculated prevalence estimates, prevalence changes, and prevalence ratios with associated 95% confidence intervals and looked for differences with the chi-square test. Results: Of the total sample, 53.2% ( n = 542/1018) young adults reported vaping or using tobacco, alcohol, and/or marijuana. Among the 542 respondents reporting use, 34.3% reported a change in their use patterns. Among respondents reporting changes in substance use patterns during the pandemic ( n = 186), 68.8% reported an increase in alcohol use, 44.0% reported a decrease in vaping product use, and 47.3% reported a decrease in tobacco product use due to COVID-19. Substance use changed significantly for respondents with increasing degree of loneliness (continuous loneliness score: prevalence ratio = 1.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–1.25), anxiety (prevalence ratio = 1.45, 95% confidence interval = 1.14–1.85), and depression (prevalence ratio = 1.44, 95% confidence interval = 1.13–1.82). Conclusion: Self-reported substance use among young adults was observed to change during a pandemic, and the degree of loneliness appears to impact these changes. Innovative strategies are needed to address loneliness, anxiety, depression, and substance use during global health crises that impact social contact.
Have We Just Scratched the Surface? A Narrative Review of Uremic Pruritus in 2020
Authors: Martin Claire E. , Clotet-Freixas Sergi , Farragher Janine F. , Hundemer Gregory L. 
Published: October 2020

Purpose of review: Uremic pruritus is a highly prevalent and debilitating symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The purpose of this review is to examine current evidence on the mechanisms and treatments of pruritus in CKD and highlight promising areas for future research. Sources of information: Published literature, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case reports, and review articles, was searched for evidence pertaining to the pathophysiology and treatment of uremic pruritus. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying uremic pruritus, as well as the evidence (or lack thereof) supporting pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for uremic pruritus. The potential role of patient sex in the pathophysiology and management of uremic pruritus is also discussed. Key findings: The pathophysiology of uremic pruritus involves a complex interplay of uremic toxins, systemic inflammation, mast cell activation, and imbalance of opioid receptors. Classic treatment strategies for uremic pruritus include optimization of dialysis parameters, amelioration of CKD-related mineral and bone disease, topical emollients and analgesics, antihistamines, the anticonvulsant medications gabapentin and pregabalin, and ultraviolet light B (UV-B) phototherapy. Strong data to support many of these classical treatments for uremic pruritus are limited. Newly evolving treatment approaches for uremic pruritus include opioid receptor modulators, neurokinin-1 inhibitors, and cannabinoids. Further studies regarding their efficacy, pharmacodynamics, and safety in the CKD and ESKD population are needed before these agents are accepted into widespread use. Additional nonpharmacological strategies aimed at treating uremic pruritus include psychotherapy, acupuncture, omega-3 fatty acids, and exercise. Finally, sex differences may exist regarding uremic pruritus, but studies directly addressing sex-specific mechanisms of uremic pruritus remain absent. Limitations: High-quality evidence in the management of uremic pruritus remains lacking. Most recommendations are based on expert opinion or studies involving small numbers of patients. In addition, our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms behind uremic pruritus is incomplete and continues to evolve over time. Implications: Uremic pruritus is a common symptom which reduces quality of life in CKD and ESKD. The identification of novel targeted treatment approaches may ease the burden of uremic pruritus in the future.
Long-term follow-up of a cat with an undetermined osteoporotic bone disease managed with multiple intramedullary pins
Authors: Kim Dongwook , Oh Hyejong , Na Ki-Jeong , Chang Dongwoo , Kim Gonhyung 
Published: October 2020

Case summary Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an inherited disorder related to the synthesis of type 1 collagen. Clinical signs of pain from the fracture of fragile bones are common. A 3-month-old male Chinchilla cat was presented for lameness and pain from a right femoral fracture. After surgical repair using intramedullary pins, and since repeated fractures occurred and there is little information about genes causing OI in cats, various examinations were performed to discriminate other diseases that could cause the pathological fracture. Primary hyperparathyroidism and nutritional or renal secondary hyperparathyroidism were ruled out through blood tests and ultrasonography. Quantitative CT confirmed low trabecular bone mineral density compared with normal cats. Radiography and histopathological examination revealed thin cortical bone. OI was tentatively diagnosed and long-term follow-up of the surgical repair was reviewed. Fractures were treated using intramedullary Kirschner wires. The same method of intramedullary pinning was then applied preventively to protect several other long bones by improving stress distribution and bending resistance. Follow-up was performed for 3 years until the patient’s death due to undetermined reasons. Relevance and novel information Although the patient underwent repeated fractures and bone unions, and needed medication for pain management sometimes, it was generally able to live as a companion cat. Therefore, palliative preventive intramedullary pinning could be used for long-term management of patients suspected of OI.
Development of Simple Devices for Control of Temperature above and below Ambient on Simple Pipetting Stations
Authors: Mifflin Theodore E. , Felder Robin A. 
Published: October 2020

Robotic pipetting stations are becoming increasingly popular to perform a variety of different laboratory analyses, including use of biochemical, chemical, and molecular biology reactions. As molecular diagnostic (MDx) analyses are adapted to pipetting stations, their need for additional resources on the pipetting stations such as heating and cooling will also grow. We designed and constructed small (< 150 cm2) accessories for use on a popular pipetting station. Both have small footprints and were built using readily available components. The microplate heater could achieve set point temperature within 10 minutes of activation and exhibited minimal temperature variation. The cooler was designed to be a passively cooled resource that could contain up to 15 Eppendorf tubes and maintain the temperature at least 20 degrees below ambient for at least two hours. Both units have been used to automate a coupled series of molecular biology reactions that yield RNA aptamers. We believe these two devices can be widely utilized with minor modifications of any pipetting station that requires heating or cooling capabilities on the pipetting station's deck.