The Journal of the Alabama Academy of Science

The status of critical congenital heart defect infant deaths after pulse-oximetry screening mandates

Courtney Nichole Haun — 2022-11-01

In 2013, 29.5% of infants born with non-syndromic critical congenital heart defects were undiagnosed through at least 3 days of life, meaning that these infants with severely low blood-oxygen levels, known as birth asphyxia, were left without needed treatment until they were diagnosed. Previous research has shown that newborn deaths caused by CCHDs dropped by 33% in 8 states after they implemented mandatory pulse-oximetry screenings in the first 24 - 48 hours of life. However, estimates of the potential effects of the expansion of mandatory pulse-oximetry screening throughout all 50 states are unknown, as are the potential effects of mandating other CCHD-detecting measures, such as fetal echocardiograms. This study utilizes data from the Center for Disease Control on infant deaths due to CCHDs to estimate the true effect of the expansion of this mandatory measure in the US. Building from a previous study conducted between 2007 and 2013 (1), this study expands to include data from 2007 - 2019. During this period, results indicated a decline in the early infant death rate due to CCHDs associated with nationwide mandatory screening policy implementations. Concurring with the aforementioned study, mandatory screening was associated with a reduction in CCHD infant deaths.

Simple methods for predicting the size and timing of sunspot cycle 25

Robert M. Wilson — 2022-11-01

This paper describes several simple methods for estimating the main features of an ongoing solar cycle (SC); in particular, its maximum amplitude (RM), ascent duration (ASC), and period (PER). The current ongoing SC25 had its minimum amplitude (Rm) in December 2019, measuring 1.8. At elapsed time t = 24 months (December 2021), smoothed monthly mean sunspot number R measured 55.7. Comparisons of R with the mean values of Fast–rising–Slow–rising and Short–PER–Long–PER cycles strongly suggest that SC25 is best described as being a Slow–rising–Long–PER SC (i.e., Slow–Long), inferring an ASC ≥49 months (i.e., RM occurrence on or after January 2024) and PER ≥131 months (i.e., Rm occurrence for SC26 on or after November 2030). Furthermore, RM >116.4 is expected for SC25 based on the inferred Even–Odd preferential relationship (i.e., during the modern era of sunspot observations SC12–SC24, the Odd–following SC in consecutive Even–Odd cycle pairs has usually had the larger RM, true for 5 of 6 Even–Odd cycle pairs). Slow–Long cycles (i.e., SCs 12, 14, 20, 23, and 24) have an average RM = 132.0 ± 30.6, ASC = 57 ± 7 months and PER = 138 ± 6 months. Based on the overlap of the geomagnetic minimums (i.e., Aam and Apm) in the vicinity of Rm, one estimates RM = 145.7 ± 17.1 for SC25, a value in stark contrast to the panel prediction of RM = 115 peaking in July 2025 ± 8 months. The greatest rate of growth (GRG) in R observed thus far for SC25 is only 5.6 occurring at t = 22 months (October 2021); which, if it holds up, would be the smallest GRG during the modern era (SC12–SC24) and would suggest an RM = 107.6 ± 33.4 and a mean rate of growth (MRG) = 1.7 ± 0.9 for SC25. For comparison, the smallest GRG during SC12–SC24 is 6.5 occurring at t = 39 months associated with SC14, a Slow–Long SC, having RM = 107.1, ASC = 49 months, MRG = 2.09, and PER = 138 months; SC24 had RM = 116.4, ASC = 64 months, GRG = 8.2 at t = 28 months, MRG = 1.78, and PER = 132 months.

Advocating for adherence to a physical activity regimen during pregnancy

Ashley Joiner George — 2022-11-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between support received by pregnant women from their partners and physical activity levels during their pregnancy. 56 pregnant women participated in this study. Women completed a survey detailing demographic information, physical activity levels, and perceived support from their partner, and wore an accelerometer to monitor physical activity for 7-8 days. Participants who reported low overall PA support from their partner were 78% less likely to meet PA recommendations according to self-report, though there was no relationship with step count or rate. Given the findings, education for support networks is recommended.

Connected vehicles cloud computing (CVCC): applications, challenges, and communication models

Antony Winchester — 2022-11-01

If the dream of autonomous vehicles is to be realized, sophisticated computational and communication frameworks must be developed. While it is immediately apparent that such a system must be accurate, it may be less obvious that it must also be very efficient. In this paper, an autonomous vehicle system framework is presented. A case study, prepared to demonstrate the system, is detailed.

Connected Vehicular Cloud Computing (CVCC) is a mobile computing model that substitutes the stationary nodes of traditional cloud computing for mobile nodes attached to vehicles. CVCC architecture involves a one-to-one communication with a Cloud platform. This situation is already efficient for inter-vehicle operations. However, for inter-vehicle events, such a communication system can result in unacceptable delays in response time. To deal with this fact, a parallel system has been proposed.

One such system is the Vehicular Ad-Hoc Network (VANET). The VANET employs sensors and transmitters on vehicles to convey traffic information to stationary roadside units. The roadside units rely on Cloud resources to process the incoming information, and then convey results to affected vehicles within range.

It is proposed that CVCC and VANET could be combined to produce real-time monitoring and smart adjustments for autonomous vehicles in traffic conditions. The data collected by such a system make possible new artifacts and processes for traffic management and public safety. Several proposals are discussed in this paper.

The limitations of the CVCC/VANET system are set out, as well as the limitations of competing systems. Finally, the Least Action Principle (LAP) is introduced. The LAP is proposed for use as a method to simplify the complex communication network required for the safe regulation of autonomous vehicle traffic.

Minutes from the Spring 2022 Executive Committee Meeting

Prakash Sharma — 2022-11-01

Minutes from the Spring 2022 Executive Committee Meeting