bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SIGACT News Online Algorithms Column 42
Authors: van Stee Rob 
Published: September 2024

For this issue, I am pleased to present a tutorial by Will Ma on using randomized rounding to design online policies. Randomized rounding has of course been used extensively in the design of approximation algorithms and also to approximately solve sequential stochastic optimization problems. Will describes several examples that show how randomized rounding can be used in this context.
As always, I would like to invite more contributions to this column, be it surveys, conference reports, or technical articles related to online algorithms and competitive analysis. If you are considering becoming a guest writer, don't hesitate to mail me at rob.vanstee@uni-siegen.de.
Association Between Initial Corticosteroid Regimen and Treatment Response Time in Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody–Positive Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Kim Jinhee , Park Hyung Jun , Kim Seung Woo , Shin Ha Young 
Published: September 2024

Background: Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone in the management of myasthenia gravis (MG). Initiation of corticosteroid treatment at a high dose and subsequently decreasing the dose or gradual escalation from a low dose is recommended. We aimed to investigate the association between the initial corticosteroid regimen and treatment response.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 234 acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody (Ab)–positive MG patients who visited our institution between January 2010 and February 2023. Patients were grouped based on prednisolone dosages received: initial high (IH, ≥50 mg/day) or initial low (IL, ≤20 mg/day). Time to initial improvement and the achievement of minimal manifestation (MM) status were the main outcomes.Results: Of the 234 patients, 135 were classified as IH and 99 as IL group. The IH group demonstrated a faster onset of improvement compared with the IL group (20.0 [16.0–29.0] vs. 40.0 [27.0–84.0] days), with the IH group being a significant prognostic factor for initial improvement (HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.76–3.39). However, the IH group had a higher incidence of steroid‐induced exacerbation (51.9% vs. 2.0%, p < 0.001). No significant difference between the IH and IL groups was found in terms of the proportion of patients achieving MM or the time to achieve MM within the first year after treatment initiation.Conclusion: While an initial high dose of corticosteroid treatment accelerated the onset of therapeutic responses in patients with AChR Ab–positive MG, it was associated with a higher cumulative steroid dose and an increased risk of steroid‐induced exacerbations.
Recalibrating the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium Environmental Risk Score for Use in US Veterans
Authors: Williams April R. , Redding Thomas S. , Sullivan Brian A. , Baidya Robin N. , Ear Belinda , Cho Kelly , Ivey Kerry L. , Williams Christina D. , Dominitz Jason A. , Lieberman David , Hauser Elizabeth R. ,   on behalf of the VA Million Veteran Program
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Risk for colorectal cancer may accumulate through multiple environmental factors. Understanding their effects, along with genetics, age, and family history, could allow improvements in clinical decisions for screening protocols. We aimed to extend the previous work by recalibrating an environmental risk score (e-Score) for colorectal cancer among a sample of US veteran participants of the Million Veteran Program.

Methods:
Demographic, lifestyle, and colorectal cancer data from 2011 to 2022 were abstracted from survey responses and health records of 227,504 male Million Veteran Program participants. Weighting for each environmental factor’s effect size was recalculated using Veterans Affairs training data to create a recalibrated e-Score. This recalibrated score was compared with the original weighted e-Score in a validation sample of 113,752 (n cases = 590). Nested multiple logistic regression models tested associations between quintiles for recalibrated and original e-Scores. Likelihood ratio tests were used to compare model performance.

Results:
Age (P &lt; 0.0001), education (P &lt; 0.0001), diabetes (P &lt; 0.0001), physical activity (P &lt; 0.0001), smoking (P &lt; 0.0001), NSAID use (P &lt; 0.0001), calcium (P = 0.015), folate (P = 0.020), and fruit consumption (P = 0.019) were significantly different between colorectal cancer case and control groups. In the validation sample, the recalibrated e-Score model significantly improved the base model performance (P &lt; 0.001), but the original e-Score model did not (P = 0.07). The recalibrated e-Score model quintile 5 was associated with significantly higher odds for colorectal cancer compared with quintile 1 (Q5 vs. Q1: 1.79; 95% CI, 1.38–2.33).

Conclusions:
Multiple environmental factors and the recalibrated e-Score quintiles were significantly associated with colorectal cancer cases.

Impact:
A recalibrated, veteran-specific e-Score could be used to help personalize colorectal cancer screening and prevention strategies.
Myocardial Infarction Quality of Care and Outcomes in Asian Ethnic Groups in the United States
Authors: Vijay Aishwarya , Huang Xiaoning , Huffman Mark D. , Kandula Namratha R. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Jose Powell O. , Yang Eugene , Goyal Abhinav , Khan Sadiya S. , Shah Nilay S. 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:
National-level differences in myocardial infarction (MI) quality of care among Asian patients in the United States are unclear. We assessed the quality of MI care in the 6 largest US Asian ethnic groups.

METHODS:
Patients aged ≥18 years with ST-segment–elevation MI or non–ST-segment–elevation MI in the Get With The Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease registry (711 US hospitals, 2015–2021) were assessed. The odds of MI-related quality of care and process outcomes were evaluated in Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian adults compared with non-Hispanic White adults. Sex-stratified logistic regression models were adjusted for age and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS:
There were 5691 Asian patients (1520 Asian Indian, 422 Chinese, 430 Filipino, 114 Japanese, 283 Korean, 553 Vietnamese, and 2369 other Asian) and 141 271 non-Hispanic White patients, overall 30% female, and mean age of 66.5 years. Relative to non-Hispanic White adults, among patients with ST-segment–elevation MI, door-to-ECG time ≤10 minutes was less likely in Asian Indian (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.64 [95% CI, 0.50–0.82]), Chinese (aOR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.46–0.93]), and Korean (aOR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.33–0.97]) men and in other Asian women (aOR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.41–0.90]). Door-to-balloon time ≤90 minutes was less likely in Asian Indian men (aOR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.56–0.90]) and Filipina women (aOR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.24–0.98]). In patients with ST-segment–elevation MI or non–ST-segment–elevation MI, optimal medical therapy for MI was less likely in Korean men (aOR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.47–0.90]) and more likely in Asian Indian men (aOR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.06–1.40]) and women (aOR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.04–1.67]) and Filipina women (aOR, 1.84 [95% CI, 1.27–2.67]).

CONCLUSIONS:
MI quality of care varies among US Asian patients with ST-segment–elevation MI and non–ST-segment–elevation MI. Quality improvement programs must identify and address the factors that result in suboptimal MI quality of care among US Asian patients.
The epidemiology of mental and substance use disorders in Australia 2020–22: Prevalence, socio-demographic correlates, severity, impairment and changes over time
Authors: Slade Tim , Vescovi Joshua , Chapman Cath , Teesson Maree , Arya Vikas , Pirkis Jane , Harris Meredith G , Burgess Philip M , Santomauro Damian , O’Dean Siobhan , Tapp Caley , Sunderland Matthew 
Published: September 2024

Objective: Mental and substance use disorders are the leading causes of disability worldwide. Contemporary estimates of prevalence, severity and impairment are essential for service planning. This study provides estimates of prevalence, severity, impairment and demographic correlates of mental and substance use disorders in 2020–22 and changes in prevalence since 2007. Methods: Data were from the two Australian National Surveys of Mental Health and Wellbeing conducted in 2020-22 ( N = 15,893) and 2007 ( N = 8841). Descriptive statistics report prevalence of lifetime and 12-month mental and substance use disorder by sex and age, proportion of people with each mental disorder by levels of severity (mild, moderate and severe) and mean days out of role by mental disorder class (mood, anxiety, substance use). Logistic regression analyses examined demographic correlates of mental disorder class and assessed changes over time. Results: The lifetime prevalence of any mental or substance use disorder in 2020–22 was 40.2%. The 12-month prevalence was 20.2% (mood disorder - 7.4%, anxiety disorder - 15.7% and substance use disorder - 3.1%). Mood disorders were associated with significant impairment. The prevalence of mental disorders has changed over time, with mood and anxiety disorders increasing and substance use disorders decreasing. These changes were most evident among young adults. Conclusion: Mental disorders are common in Australia. Impairment associated with mental disorders remains significant. Particular focus should be paid to young adults aged 16–24 years who have shown the largest increases in anxiety and mood disorder prevalence over the past 13 years.
The psychosocial impacts of the 15 March terrorist attack on the Christchurch Muslim community: A descriptive, cross-sectional assessment
Authors: Sulaiman-Hill Ruqayya , Schluter Philip J , Tanveer Sandila , Boden Joseph M , Porter Richard , Beaglehole Ben , Dean Shaystah , Thaufeeg Zimna , Bell Caroline 
Published: September 2024

Objective: On 15 March 2019, a white supremacist terrorist carried out sequential attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand during Friday prayers. This resulted in the loss of 51 lives, 40 others sustained gunshot injuries, and there were approximately 250 survivors. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts on community members, assess clinical needs, facilitate access to appropriate interventions and provide insights into working with a traumatised and diverse population. Methods: This cross-sectional study used semi-structured clinical interviews and self-report measures to assess social and demographic factors, mental health disorders and well-being for adult Muslims 11–32 months post-attack. Results: A total of 189 participants completed assessments. The sample was diverse, representing 34 different ethnicities and participant proximity to the attack was complex, with personal and familial exposures. Elevated levels of psychological distress and psychopathology were found with 38% of participants reporting moderate/severe psychological distress on the Kessler-10, 39% reporting post-traumatic stress disorder on the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist-5, and 40% reporting poor well-being or possible depression on the World Health Organization-5 Well Being Index. Secondary stressors were also documented, as well as high scores for post-traumatic growth and the importance of faith. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the repercussions of the Christchurch mosque attack on the affected community, describing the complexity of exposure and the substantial burden of morbidity experienced. It also highlights the high levels of social connectedness and the role of faith in promoting positive outcomes in the recovery process for this population.
Mortality in people living with dementia who self-harmed: An Australian data linkage study
Authors: Walker Adrian R , Srasuebkul Preeyaporn , Trollor Julian N , Wand Anne PF , Draper Brian , Cvejic Rachael C , Moxey Annette , Reppermund Simone 
Published: September 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to examine mortality for people living with dementia/mild cognitive impairment who self-harmed. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in New South Wales, Australia, using data ranging from 2001 to 2015. From people who accessed hospital services in the study period, we identified 154,811 people living with dementia/mild cognitive impairment, 28,972 who self-harmed and 1511 who had a record of both dementia/mild cognitive impairment and self-harm. We examined rates, causes and predictors of death for people with dementia/mild cognitive impairment and/or self-harm diagnoses using flexible parametric survival analyses. We explored rates of repeat self-harm in people living with dementia who self-harmed. Results: Circulatory disorders accounted for 32.0% of deaths in people with a living with dementia who self-harmed, followed by neoplasms (14.7%), and mental and behavioural disorders (9.6%). Death was more likely for someone who had self-harmed if they developed dementia/mild cognitive impairment. Predictors of death included male sex, greater physical comorbidity, a history of delirium, more previous emergency department presentations and fewer previous mental health ambulatory service days. Greater engagement with outpatient mental health services predicted a decreased likelihood of repeat self-harm. Discussion: We found that mortality increases when people who self-harm develop dementia. We argue post-diagnosis support offers a potential opportunity to reduce mortality rates in people with both dementia and self-harm diagnoses.
Exploring College Purpose
Authors: Schnee Emily 
Published: September 2024

Background: Upon returning to in-person teaching at Kingsborough Community College after the pandemic, I realized something profound had shifted in my students. The well-documented drop in community college enrollment attributed to the pandemic seemed to reflect deeper disjunctures that had led students to an existential questioning of the purpose and value of a college degree. Purpose, Objective, Research Question, or Focus of Study: This study explores 30 community college students’ evolving perceptions of the purpose of college as they navigate through a first-year composition course with a curriculum that explicitly engages them in reading, writing, and researching various perspectives on the purpose, value, and challenges of pursuing a college education. Research Design: This qualitative, exploratory study involved redesigning my Composition I and II curricula to engage students in reading, writing, and thinking about the purpose of college; researching the challenges they and other community college students face in pursuing a degree; and proposing student-generated solutions to the community college enrollment and retention crisis. Data collected include two semesters of student essays, discussion boards, annotations on course readings, class activities, and notes from in-class discussions. Data analysis for this essay centered on student writing and followed a grounded theory approach with a focus on identifying salient themes related to student beliefs around college purpose and the impact of academic momentum policies on their college experience. Conclusions or Recommendations: The data from this study show that (1) community college students’ understanding of the purpose of college is diverse and malleable and (2) academic momentum policies that press students to attend college full time, despite their many life exigencies, are undermining community college students’ passions and purpose in pursuing a college education.
Sovereign Credit Rating: Impact on Social Investment and Role in Financial Subordination
Authors: Vijaya Ramya 
Published: September 2024

This article examines sovereign credit rating methodologies and their impact on fiscal space in developing economies. While sovereign ratings are meant to reflect default risk, the biases embedded in the rating methodologies result in overly punitive rating actions in developing economies that often limit their ability to implement countercyclical policies. In addition, with a singular focus on austerity, they tend to shift focus away from critical development priorities and social welfare spending. Using panel data of credit rating changes in 133 countries over the period 2000–2020 from Moody’s, we explored the long-term trends in the impact of ratings. Negative rating actions have been intensifying in developing economies since 2010. We found that rating changes did tend to influence fiscal priorities. Downgrades lowered the proportion of spending on health and education and increased the proportion of spending on interest payments. We situate this examination of credit ratings within the framework of the financial subordination literature. We suggest that credit ratings are a new manifestation of financial subordination and have created a new dimension in reproducing and deepening the inequalities in the global financial system. JEL Classification: B5, F34, F02
Comments on David McNally’s “Marx on Colonization and Bonded Labor”
Authors: Munro Kirstin 
Published: September 2024

These are comments on David McNally’s 2024 David Gordon Memorial Lecture. In this response, I point to the immanent critique present in Professor McNally’s remarks. I then show the potential usefulness of immanent critique for an engagement with neoclassical economics, and I consider the consequences for Marxist economics of characterizing the critique of political economy as a critical theory of economic categories. JEL Classification: B14, B51, B24
Effect of Age and Gender on Nasalance Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pereira Valerie J. , Ching Emily See-Man , She Joanna Hoi-Man , Yu Wilson Shing , Lau Kendy , Tong Michael Chi-Fai , Lee Kathy Yuet-Sheung 
Published: September 2024

The Nasometer® is a widely used clinical and research tool with diagnosis and outcome measurement utility. The objective of this study was to systematically examine the effect of age and gender on nasalance across the lifespan. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA 2020). University. Children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Covidence Better Systematic Review Management; Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Methodology (SIGN) Checklist 3 for risk of bias; Levels of evidence, Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence hierarchy; and effect size calculations using G*Power 3. Nasalance (%) from the Nasometer™. 50 studies (from N = 1884) were included in the review. All were Level 3 (non-randomized controlled cohort) observational-analytic type studies. Only 10 (20%) of studies met a High Quality (low risk of bias) rating. Effect sizes were moderate for adults versus children ( d = 0.717) and adults versus adolescents ( d = 0.521) for oral text/passage. Gender differences were clinically significant for adolescent males and females with a moderate effect size ( d = 0.545) for oronasal text/passage. The systematic review provides objective and defined evidence as to the effects of age and gender on nasalance. Separate normative databases are implicated for specific age subgroups across the lifespan and for gender, particularly in adolescence. Review findings are applicable to other clinical groups where acquisition and/or progression occurs in adulthood/older adulthood.
Elevated High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Level Enhances the Impact of Lipoprotein(a) on Platelet Reactivity in PCI Patients Treated with Clopidogrel
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Li Jiawen , Li Yulong , Yan Kailun , Zhu Pei , Tang Xiaofang , Yuan Deshan , Yang Yuejin , Gao Runlin , Yuan Jinqing , Zhao Xueyan 
Published: September 2024

Background Recently, the effect of Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] on thrombogenesis has aroused great interest, while inflammation has been reported to modify the Lp(a)-associated risks through an unidentified mechanism. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the association between platelet reactivity with Lp(a) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in percutaneous intervention (PCI) patients treated with clopidogrel. Methods Data were collected from 10,724 consecutive PCI patients throughout the year 2013 in Fuwai Hospital. High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) and low on-treatment platelet reactivity (LTPR) were defined as thrombelastography (TEG) maximum amplitude of adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet (MAADP) > 47 mm and < 31 mm, respectively. Results 6615 patients with TEG results were finally enrolled. The mean age was 58.24 ± 10.28 years and 5131 (77.6%) were male. Multivariable logistic regression showed that taking Lp(a) < 30 mg/dL and hs-CRP < 2 mg/L as the reference, isolated Lp(a) elevation [Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL and hs-CRP < 2 mg/L] was not significantly associated with HTPR ( P = 0.153) or LTPR ( P = 0.312). However, the joint elevation of Lp(a) and hs-CRP [Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL and hs-CRP ≥ 2 mg/L] exhibited enhanced association with both HTPR (OR:1.976, 95% CI 1.677–2.329) and LTPR (OR:0.533, 95% CI 0.454–0.627). Conclusions The isolated elevation of Lp(a) level was not an independent indicator for platelet reactivity, yet the concomitant elevation of Lp(a) and hs-CRP levels was significantly associated with increased platelet reactivity. Whether intensified antiplatelet therapy or anti-inflammatory strategies could mitigate the risks in patients presenting combined Lp(a) and hs-CRP elevation requires future investigation.
An improved Takagi–Sugeon–Kang-based FxLMS algorithm and its active noise control in electric bus driving position
Authors: Zhang Enlai , Peng Zhilong , Chen Yi , Chen Qian , Zhuo Jianming 
Published: September 2024

This paper proposed an improved filtered-x least mean square (FxLMS) algorithm based on the fuzzy control rule of Takagi–Sugeon–Kang (TSK) to solve the drawback of slow convergence for standard FxLMS algorithm. The TSK-FxLMS is a control framework with two inputs and three outputs constructed by the error signal and its integral as input variables. To validate its effectiveness and applicability, in-vehicle active noise control (ANC) modelling and adaptive noise reduction at the driver’s position of an electric bus are thoroughly investigated. Firstly, the four noise signals for the different working conditions at 50 km/h, acceleration, coasting and braking are collected, and their spectral analyses are performed. Secondly, the effects of step size and fuzzy control parameters of ANC model on weight convergence and noise reduction effect are analysed and determined. Finally, the results of calculating and comparing the residual signals’ waveforms, frequency spectra, sound pressure levels and tracking performance indicate that the proposed TSK-FxLMS algorithm outperforms the standard FxLMS algorithm with faster convergence and better noise reduction effect.