bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Face off – a semiotic technology study of software for making deepfakes
Authors: Poulsen Søren Vigild 
Published: February 2022

Deepfakes, an algorithm that transposes the face of one person onto the face of another person in images and film, is a digital technology that may fundamentally alter our belief in visual modality and thus presents alarming consequences for an image-centric culture. Not only are these face-translations now so advanced that it is virtually impossible for people to tell that they are fake – this technology is also becoming accessible to laypersons who, with little or no computer skills, can use them for all kinds of purposes, including criminal intentions like revenge porn and identity theft. It is therefore timely and crucial to explore the semiotic potential of deepfakes.
This paper presents a semiotic technology perspective, i.e., the study of technology for meaning- making that is an emergent field in social semiotics, to report on findings from an ongoing study of how deepfake software is designed and used as a semiotic resource in erotic and political contexts. The paper advances the argument that the software is able to appropriate all signifiers of the face and their cultural history. Consequently, the semiotic operations of this technology prepare the ground for the problematic perspectives of synthetic facial imagery.
On this basis, the paper calls for a critical awareness of taking visual representations of current events at face value and considers how deepfake technology is embedded in unsound sharing practices of visual artefacts that tamper with the rich meaning potential of the face.
Convex Maximization via Adjustable Robust Optimization
Authors: Selvi Aras , Ben-Tal Aharon , Brekelmans Ruud , den Hertog Dick 
Published: February 2022

Maximizing a convex function over convex constraints is an NP-hard problem in general. We prove that such a problem can be reformulated as an adjustable robust optimization (ARO) problem in which each adjustable variable corresponds to a unique constraint of the original problem. We use ARO techniques to obtain approximate solutions to the convex maximization problem. In order to demonstrate the complete approximation scheme, we distinguish the cases in which we have just one nonlinear constraint and multiple linear constraints. Concerning the first case, we give three examples in which one can analytically eliminate the adjustable variable and approximately solve the resulting static robust optimization problem efficiently. More specifically, we show that the norm constrained log-sum-exp (geometric) maximization problem can be approximated by (convex) exponential cone optimization techniques. Concerning the second case of multiple linear constraints, the equivalent ARO problem can be represented as an adjustable robust linear optimization problem. Using linear decision rules then returns a safe approximation of the constraints. The resulting problem is a convex optimization problem, and solving this problem gives an upper bound on the global optimum value of the original problem. By using the optimal linear decision rule, we obtain a lower bound solution as well. We derive the approximation problems explicitly for quadratic maximization, geometric maximization, and sum-of-max-linear-terms maximization problems with multiple linear constraints. Numerical experiments show that, contrary to the state-of-the-art solvers, we can approximate large-scale problems swiftly with tight bounds. In several cases, we have equal upper and lower bounds, which concludes that we have global optimality guarantees in these cases.Summary of Contribution: Maximizing a convex function over a convex set is a hard optimization problem. We reformulate this problem as an optimization problem under uncertainty, which allows us to transfer the hardness of this problem from its nonconvexity to the uncertainty of the new problem. The equivalent uncertain optimization problem can be relaxed tightly by using adjustable robust optimization techniques. In addition to building a new bridge between convex maximization and robust optimization, this approach also gives us strong algorithms that improve the state-of-the-art optimization solvers both in solution time and quality for various convex maximization problems.
Good Names Beget Favors: The Impact of Country Image on Trade Flows and Welfare
Authors: Chang Pao-Li , Fujii Tomoki , Jin Wei 
Published: February 2022

This paper estimates the effects of time-varying consumer preference bias on trade flows and welfare. We use a unique data set from the BBC World Service Poll, which surveys (annually during 2005–2017 with some gaps) the populations of a wide array of countries on their views of whether an evaluated country is having a mainly positive or negative influence in the world. We identify the effects on consumer preference parameters due to shifts in these country image perceptions and quantify their general equilibrium effects on bilateral exports and welfare (each time for an evaluated exporting country, holding the exporting country’s own preference parameters constant). We consider five important shifts in country image: the George W. Bush effect, the Donald Trump effect, the Senkaku Islands Dispute effect, the Brexit effect, and the Good-Boy Canadian effect. We find that such changes in bilateral country image perceptions have quantitatively important trade and welfare effects. The negative impact of Donald Trump’s “America First” campaign rhetoric on the U.S.’s country image might have cost the United States 4%–5% of its total exports and welfare gains from trade. In contrast, the consistent improvement of Canada’s country image between 2010 and 2017 has amounted to more than 8% of its total welfare gains from trade. This paper was accepted by Matthew Shum, marketing.
A Afirmação da Dignidade: Direitos Humanos e Paz como Valores Constituintes da Nova Ordem Mundial após 1945 | The Affirmation of Dignity: Human Rights and Peace as Constituent Values of the New World Order After 1945
Authors: Machado Gomes Daniel , Gavião Leandro 
Published: February 2022

Este artigo visa analisar a relação entre as duas Grandes Guerras e a emergência dos direitos humanos e da paz como valores constituintes da nova ordem mundial forjada após 1945. Para entender a construção dos princípios que nortearam as sociedades na segunda metade do século XX, torna-se necessário retornar ao período da “Era da catástrofe” (1914-1945), observando de que modo o choque dos dois grandes conflitos foi traduzido em esforços para adequar Estados e cidadãos às novas normas de convivência estabelecidas, cujo epicentro ético alicerça-se na defesa dos direitos humanos e na valorização da paz.Palavras-chave: Direitos Humanos; Paz; Ordem Mundial.ABSTRACTThis article aims to analyze the relationship between the two World Wars and the emergence of human rights and peace as constituent values of the new world order forged after 1945. If necessary, return to the period of the “Age of catastrophe” (1914-1945), observing how the clash of the two great conflicts was translated into efforts to adapt States and citizens to the new established norms of coexistence, whose ethical epicenter is based on the defense of human rights and the promotion of peace.Keywords: Human Rights; Peace; World Order. Recebido em: 22/11/2021 | Aceito em: 29/01/2022.
Is there a role for botulinum toxin A in the emergency setting for delayed abdominal wall closure in the management of the open abdomen? A systematic review
Authors: Luton OW , Mortimer M , Hopkins L , Robinson DBT , Egeler C , Smart NJ , Harries R 
Published: February 2022

Introduction Emergency laparotomy for either trauma or non-trauma indications is common and management is varied. Use of the open abdomen technique allowing for planned re-look is an option; however, performing delayed definitive fascial closure (DFC) following this can be a challenge. The use of botulinum toxin-A (BTX) infiltration into the lateral abdominal wall has been well documented within the elective setting; its use within the emergency setting is undecided. This systematic review assesses the efficacy and safety of BTX injection into the lateral abdominal wall muscles in the emergency setting. The primary outcome is DFC rate. Methods Systematic review was performed according to the PROSPERO registered protocol (CRD42020205130). Papers were dual screened for eligibility, and included if they met pre-stated criteria where the primary outcome was DFC. Articles reporting fewer than five cases were excluded. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias and Joanna Brigg’s appraisal tools. Findings Fourteen studies were screened for eligibility, twelve full texts were reviewed and two studies were included. Both studies showed evidence of bias due to confounding factors and lack of reporting. Both studies suggested significantly higher rates of DFC than reported in the literature against standard technique (90.7% vs 66%); however, these data are difficult to interpret due to strict study inclusion criteria or lack of a control population. Conclusion The use of BTX is deemed safe and its effects in the emergency situation may have great potential. Unfortunately, to date, there is insufficient evidence to facilitate opinion.
Laser derusting on low carbon steel surface based on coordinated application of machine vision and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Zha Rongwei , Bai Yang , Yu Lidong , Li Ben , Zhou Jingfeng 
Published: February 2022

Online monitoring and closed-loop control are essential to accurately remove the rust layer and effectively avoid damage to the substrate. A collaborative utilization of machine vision and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to monitor and control the laser derusting process on Q235B steel is reported. The optimum overlap ratio of 50% is obtained by using machine vision. Monitoring derusting with different thicknesses relies on the Pearson correlation coefficient of the LIBS spectrum between the rust layer and substrate. By developing a collaborative monitoring and control system on LabVIEW, the functions of date acquisition, coordinate transformation, and data calculation are realized to automatically control the laser derusting process on rusty steel in a large area. The cooperation of two methods can achieve high-quality laser derusting with a derusting degree of 99.1%, roughness of 1.45 µm, and extremely low oxygen content on the surface, which verifies the accuracy and practicability of the developed monitoring system. Moreover, the potentiodynamic polarization curves demonstrate that the performance of the corrosion resistance of the Q235B steel is effectively improved after laser derusting.
Design and analysis of a metatronic balanced amplifier using epsilon-near-zero metamaterials and photonic crystals
Authors: Allahpour Fadafan Ali , Abdipour Abdolali , Askarpour Amir Nader 
Published: February 2022

We introduce an amplifier design based on epsilon-near-zero
metamaterials and photonic crystals (PCs) suitable for the optical
communication wavelength of 1.55 µm. The active part of the amplifier
consists of a gain medium sandwiched between gyroelectric layers made
of metamaterials to provide the required nonreciprocity. The resulting
gyroelectric layers have a permittivity close to zero, and to steer
light into them, a substrate should be selected whose permittivity is
defined based on dispersion equations. The active parts are embedded
in a PC, providing impenetrable walls in the working wavelength. In
addition, the PC can be used to finely tune the design and optimize
amplifier parameters. The final metatronic amplifier has good
characteristics and an adequate bandwidth for optical communication
applications. Finally, a balanced amplifier based on the metatronic
amplifier and a PC-based coupler is designed to show the capabilities
of a metatronic circuit embedded further in PCs.
Changes in household food and drink purchases following restrictions on the advertisement of high fat, salt, and sugar products across the Transport for London network: A controlled interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Yau Amy , Berger Nicolas , Law Cherry , Cornelsen Laura , Greener Robert , Adams Jean , Boyland Emma J. , Burgoine Thomas , de Vocht Frank , Egan Matt , Er Vanessa , Lake Amelia A. , Lock Karen , Mytton Oliver , Petticrew Mark , Thompson Claire , White Martin , Cummins Steven 
Published: February 2022

Background
Restricting the advertisement of products with high fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) content has been recommended as a policy tool to improve diet and tackle obesity, but the impact on HFSS purchasing is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of HFSS advertising restrictions, implemented across the London (UK) transport network in February 2019, on HFSS purchases.

Methods and findings
Over 5 million take-home food and drink purchases were recorded by 1,970 households (London [intervention], n = 977; North of England [control], n = 993) randomly selected from the Kantar Fast Moving Consumer Goods panel. The intervention and control samples were similar in household characteristics but had small differences in main food shopper sex, socioeconomic position, and body mass index. Using a controlled interrupted time series design, we estimated average weekly household purchases of energy and nutrients from HFSS products in the post-intervention period (44 weeks) compared to a counterfactual constructed from the control and pre-intervention (36 weeks) series. Energy purchased from HFSS products was 6.7% (1,001.0 kcal, 95% CI 456.0 to 1,546.0) lower among intervention households compared to the counterfactual. Relative reductions in purchases of fat (57.9 g, 95% CI 22.1 to 93.7), saturated fat (26.4 g, 95% CI 12.4 to 40.4), and sugar (80.7 g, 95% CI 41.4 to 120.1) from HFSS products were also observed. Energy from chocolate and confectionery purchases was 19.4% (317.9 kcal, 95% CI 200.0 to 435.8) lower among intervention households than for the counterfactual, with corresponding relative reductions in fat (13.1 g, 95% CI 7.5 to 18.8), saturated fat (8.7 g, 95% CI 5.7 to 11.7), sugar (41.4 g, 95% CI 27.4 to 55.4), and salt (0.2 g, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.2) purchased from chocolate and confectionery. Relative reductions are in the context of secular increases in HFSS purchases in both the intervention and control areas, so the policy was associated with attenuated growth of HFSS purchases rather than absolute reduction in HFSS purchases. Study limitations include the lack of out-of-home purchases in our analyses and not being able to assess the sustainability of observed changes beyond 44 weeks.

Conclusions
This study finds an association between the implementation of restrictions on outdoor HFSS advertising and relative reductions in energy, sugar, and fat purchased from HFSS products. These findings provide support for policies that restrict HFSS advertising as a tool to reduce purchases of HFSS products.
Neck circumference as a screening measure for identifying NAFLD among a group of academic employees in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Suwimol Sapwarobol , Pisit Tangkijvanich , Anchalee Avihingsanon , Narisorn Kongruttanachok , Jureeporn Jantarapakde , Wiroj Jiamjarasrangsi 
Published: February 2022

Neck circumference (NC) reflects the fat deposition in upper body and has potential to be used as a predictor of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Our objectives were to examine the association of NC with NAFLD prevalence, and to determine the optimal cut-off of NC in identifying the presence of NAFLD among the employees of an academic institution in Bangkok, Thailand. In this cross-sectional study, 635 employees of an academic institution underwent anthropometric measurement and transient elastography following an overnight fast. NAFLD was defined as a CAP value >238 dB.m-1. The NAFLD prevalence in men and women were 66.17% and 46.22%, respectively. The mean NCs for men and women with NAFLD were higher (38.53±0.31 cm and 35.83±0.48 cm, respectively) than those without NAFLD (33.58±0.24 and 31.098±0.14 cm, respectively) (p<0.001). Metabolic markers including age, weight, BMI, NC, WC, WHR, FBS, triglycerides were significantly higher, HDL was significantly lower among participants with NAFLD compared to those without NAFLD (p<0.05). NC was independently associated with NAFLD among women with OR (95%CI) of 1.17 (1.05, 1.32). The optimal cut-offs of NC to predict NAFLD were 37.07 cm (sensitivity: 70.50%; specificity: 68.90%) and 32.07 cm (sensitivity: 70.70%; specificity: 62.10%), respectively for men and women. NC significantly correlated with NAFLD in women. The optimal cut-off points of 32 cm and 37 cm for men and women, which similar to Chinese populations. Therefore, it can be used as a cost-effective tool to predict NAFLD.
Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20210329006)
Is radiographic lumbar spinal stenosis associated with the quality of life?: The Wakayama Spine Study
Authors: Arita Satoshi , Ishimoto Yuyu , Hashizume Hiroshi , Nagata Keiji , Muraki Shigeyuki , Oka Hiroyuki , Takami Masanari , Tsutsui Shunji , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Yukawa Yasutsugu , Akune Toru , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Tanaka Sakae , Nakamura Kozo , Yoshida Munehito , Yoshimura Noriko , Yamada Hiroshi ,   Consortium
Published: February 2022

Objectives
This prospective study aimed to determine the association between radiographic lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and the quality of life (QOL) in the general Japanese population.

Methods
The severity of radiographic LSS was qualitatively graded on axial magnetic resonance images as follows: no stenosis, mild stenosis with ≤1/3 narrowing, moderate stenosis with a narrowing between 1/3 and 2/3, and severe stenosis with > 2/3 narrowing. Patients less than 40 years of age and those who had undergone previous lumbar spine surgery were excluded from the study. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), which includes 10 sections, was used to assess the QOL. One-way analysis of variance was performed to determine the statistical relationship between radiographic LSS and ODI. Further, logistic regression analysis adjusted for gender, age, and body mass index was performed to detect the relationship.

Results
Complete data were available for 907 patients (300 men and 607 women; mean age, 67.3±12.4 years). The prevalence of severe, moderate, and non-mild/non-radiographic were 30%, 48%, and 22%, respectively. In addition, the mean values of ODI in each group were 12.9%, 13.1%, and 11.7%, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in logistic analysis (P = 0.55). In addition, no significant differences in any section of the ODI were observed among the groups. However, severe radiographic LSS was associated with low back pain in the "severe" group as determined by logistic analysis adjusted for gender, age, and body mass index (odds ratio: 1.53, confidence interval: 1.13–2.07) compared with the non-severe group.

Conclusion
In this general population study, severe radiographic LSS was associated with low back pain (LBP), but did not affect ODI.
Incidence and risk factors of glaucoma after surgery for congenital cataract diagnosed under one year of age: Protocol for Korean Nationwide Epidemiological Study for Childhood Glaucoma (KoNEC)
Authors: Choe Sooyeon , Ha Ahnul , Baek Sung Uk , Kim Jin-Soo , Kim Young Kook 
Published: February 2022

Introduction
Congenital cataract (CC) can cause childhood visual impairment, even after CC surgery, due to subsequent occurrence of glaucoma. The post-CC-surgery glaucoma study results vary, due largely to the lack of a sufficient number of population-based cohort studies. This study herein proposed aims to assess the incidence and risk factors of post-CC-surgery glaucoma in a nationwide cohort. The clinico-demographic factors associated with outcomes of post-CC-surgery glaucoma will be investigated as well.

Materials and methods
This population-based, nested case-control study is planned as part of the Korean Nationwide Epidemiological Study for Childhood Glaucoma (KoNEC). Data for a nationwide retrospective cohort representative of the years 2008 to 2018 will be extracted from the National Institutes of Health database, which includes demographic information, diagnoses and medical visits as well as procedures, records of prescriptions, and comorbidities. Among the patients whose first CC diagnosis was made before age 1, only those who underwent surgery for CC will be included in the study. The rate of occurrence of post-CC-surgery glaucoma will be determined based on a Poisson distribution. Also, for cumulative incidence plotting, the Kaplan-Meier method will be used. To identify risk factors for occurrence and poor outcomes of post-CC-surgery glaucoma, we will perform a multivariable regression analysis of matched samples. The detailed patterns of post-CC-surgery glaucoma management will be studied as well.

OSF registration number
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AWTEC.
Visual impairment and psychological distress among adults attending the University of Gondar tertiary eye care and training center, Northwest Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Munaw Minychil Bantihun , Tegegn Melkamu Temeselew 
Published: February 2022

Background
Visual impairment can severely affect the quality of life, with a tremendous negative impact on job performance and socioeconomic status. This substantially affects the psychological status of people with visual impairment.

Objective
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with psychological distress among visually impaired Ethiopian adults attending the University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center.

Methods
A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center in Gondar City, northwest Ethiopia. A total of 206 adults with visual impairment (a presenting VA ≤ 6/18 in at least one eye) and 206 adults with normal vision were included in the study. Psychological distress was measured using a standardized self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20). Chi-square and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. Variables with a P-value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results
The overall prevalence of psychological distress in the study participants was 31.07% (95% CI: 26.2, 35.8). Psychological distress was higher (43.2%; 95% CI: 36.5, 50.5) and statistically differed (p = 0.02) in visually impaired compared to adults with normal vision (18.9%; 95% CI: 14.1, 24.3). Duration of vision loss ≥ 2 years (AOR = 8.70; 95% CI: 2.38, 31.46), sudden loss of vision (AOR = 3.50; 95% CI: 1.10, 18.30), unmarried (AOR = 5.53; 95% CI: 1.66, 18.43), living lonely (AOR = 8.40; 95% CI:1.48, 4.74), College and above educational status (AOR = 2.50; 95% CI:1.47, 10.61), and loss of vision in both eyes (AOR = 1.70; 95% CI: 2.00, 14.10) were variables with a significant association with psychological distress among visually impaired adults.

Conclusion
This study revealed that the prevalence of psychological distress was significantly higher among visually impaired adults than among adults with normal vision. The effect of visual impairment on psychological distress was significantly related to marital status, living arrangements, educational status, duration of vision loss, pattern of vision loss, and laterality of vision loss.