bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Motion Tracking Algorithm Based on Image Segmentation Algorithm and Kinect Depth Information
Authors: Wu Zuo
Published: November 2021

Human motion recognition has an important application value in scenarios such as intelligent monitoring and advanced human-computer interaction, and it is an important research direction in the field of computer vision. Traditional human motion recognition algorithms based on two-dimensional cameras are susceptible to changes in light intensity and texture. The advent of depth sensors, especially the Kinect series with good performance and low price released by Microsoft, enables extensive research based on depth information. However, to a large extent, the depth information has not overcome these problems based on two-dimensional images. This article introduces the research background and significance of human motion recognition technology based on depth information, introduces in detail the research methods of human motion recognition algorithms based on depth information at home and abroad, and analyzes their advantages and disadvantages. The public dataset is introduced. Then, based on the depth information, a method of human motion recognition is proposed and optimized. A moving human body image segmentation method based on an improved two-dimensional Otsu method is proposed to solve the problem of inaccurate and slow segmentation of moving human body images using the two-dimensional Otsu method. In the process of constructing the threshold recognition function, this algorithm not only uses the cohesion of the pixels within the class but also considers the maximum variance between the target class and the background class. Then, the quantum particle swarm algorithm is used to find the optimal threshold solution of the threshold recognition function. Finally, the optimal solution is used to achieve accurate and fast image segmentation, which increases the accuracy of human body motion tracking by more than 30%.
In Vivo Antimalarial Activity of Polyalthia longifolia (Annonaceae) Leaf Extract and Assessment of Its Formulated Oral Dosage Forms
Authors: Korsah Samuel , Gbedema Stephen Yao , Bayor Marcel Tunkungmen , Boakye-Gyasi Mariam El , Owusu Frederick William Akuffo , Forkuo Arnold Donkor
Published: November 2021

Plant medicine is commonly employed to treat malaria and other infections in Ghana. However, many of these phytomedicines have not been scientifically investigated to justify their use. This study therefore sought to investigate the antimalarial property of Polyalthia longifolia leaves and to formulate suitable dosage forms for ease of administration. A four-day antiplasmodial suppressive and curative study was conducted on ethanol extract of P. longifolia leaves (PLE) using Plasmodium berghei infected albino mice. Tablet and suspension dosage forms of PLE were formulated and evaluated for quality and stability. Statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

) parasitaemia suppression (61.25%) and cure (58.78%) were achieved at a PLE dose of 100 mg/kg, and increases in hematological indices (

P
<
0.001

) were also observed in the PLE-treated mice as compared to the untreated group. The tablets passed the tests for uniformity of weight, friability (<1%), hardness, disintegration (<15 minutes), and in vitro dissolution (>70% release in 45 minutes). The sedimentation volume, rheology, viscosity, and pH of the formulated suspension were within the official specifications. The dosage forms showed consistency in PLE content (85–105%) and no changes in physicochemical properties over the six months period of stability study. The in vivo antimalarial activity of PLE has been established and oral dosage forms that conformed to Pharmacopoeial standards are formulated for use in the management of malaria.
The Progress of Medical Image Semantic Segmentation Methods for Application in COVID‐19 Detection
Authors: Valizadeh Amin , Shariatee Morteza
Published: November 2021

Image medical semantic segmentation has been employed in various areas, including medical imaging, computer vision, and intelligent transportation. In this study, the method of semantic segmenting images is split into two sections: the method of the deep neural network and previous traditional method. The traditional method and the published dataset for segmentation are reviewed in the first step. The presented aspects, including all‐convolution network, sampling methods, FCN connector with CRF methods, extended convolutional neural network methods, improvements in network structure, pyramid methods, multistage and multifeature methods, supervised methods, semiregulatory methods, and nonregulatory methods, are then thoroughly explored in current methods based on the deep neural network. Finally, a general conclusion on the use of developed advances based on deep neural network concepts in semantic segmentation is presented.
Affective EEG-Based Person Identification Using Channel Attention Convolutional Neural Dense Connection Network
Authors: Zhang Yunxia , Li Xin , Zhao Changming , Zheng Wenyin , Wang Manqing , Zhang Yongqing , Ma Hongjiang , Gao Dongrui
Published: November 2021

In the biometric recognition mode, the use of electroencephalogram (EEG) for biometric recognition has many advantages such as anticounterfeiting and nonsteal ability. Compared with traditional biometrics, EEG biometric recognition is safer and more concealed. Generally, EEG-based biometric recognition is to perform person identification (PI) through EEG signals collected by performing motor imagination and visual evoked tasks. The aim of this paper is to improve the performance of different affective EEG-based PI using a channel attention mechanism of convolutional neural dense connection network (CADCNN net) approach. Channel attention mechanism (CA) is used to handle the channel information from the EEG, while convolutional neural dense connection network (DCNN net) extracts the unique biological characteristics information for PI. The proposed method is evaluated on the state-of-the-art affective data set HEADIT. The results indicate that CADCNN net can perform PI from different affective states and reach up to 95%-96% mean correct recognition rate. This significantly outperformed a random forest (RF) and multilayer perceptron (MLP). We compared our method with the state-of-the-art EEG classifiers and models of EEG biometrics. The results show that the further extraction of the feature matrix is more robust than the direct use of the feature matrix. Moreover, the CADCNN net can effectively and efficiently capture discriminative traits, thus generalizing better over diverse human states.
Analysis of Influencing Factors of Repair Effect after Peripheral Nerve Injury
Authors: Mao Renqun , Wei Zean , Li Wenqing , Zhu Xiaodi , Du Dalian , Xu Wei
Published: November 2021

In order to improve the repair effect after peripheral nerve injury, this paper analyzes the related influencing factors. The regeneration of peripheral nerve includes two continuous and overlapping processes: the acute wound healing period and the axon seeking target tissue period. The complete and effective process of peripheral nerve regeneration includes the sprouting, growth and extension of regenerated axons, and the reconstruction of synaptic connections (neuromuscular junctions) with target organs to realize the reinnervation of nerves and restore function. This process includes three indicators of success in regeneration: structural reconstruction, metabolic regeneration, and functional recovery. In order to improve the repair effect of peripheral nerve injury, relevant influencing factors can be analyzed, and effective improvement of these influencing factors can improve the recovery effect of peripheral nerve injury. Finally, this paper analyzes multiple factors to provide theoretical references for follow-up clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Green Technology Innovation Behavior of Cable Enterprises Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process of Internet of Things
Authors: Xu Xiaowei , Qi Liangqun , Sun Jianyu
Published: November 2021

With the rise of global sustainable development, green technology innovation has also become the focus of academic research. This article aims to conduct research based on the abstract concept of the Internet of Things behavior based on green technology. A matrix is constructed based on the collected sample data to calculate and analyze so as to intuitively grasp the current situation of the entire industry. From the above data calculated according to the fuzzy hierarchy comprehensive evaluation method, it can be seen that the comprehensive score of the green technology innovation behavior of cable companies is 64.261 points, which belong to the left end of the range between 60 and 80 in the rating scale;, in other words, the company’s innovation capability has a certain degree of stability. The degree has just reached a “high” level, and there is still a lot of room for improvement. The efficiency weight (0.3343) score of the enterprise’s benefit distribution mechanism is relatively low at 55.919. For managers of cable companies, green innovation is fundamental, and the awareness of green innovation should be improved to further promote the development of green technology innovation for the entire cable company.
Role of Dexmedetomidine in Early POCD in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Ran Jiao , Bai Xiao , Wang Rurong , Li Xuehan
Published: November 2021

Importance. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) occurs in 6%–53% of elderly patients receiving major surgery and is related to longer hospital stays, increased hospital costs, and 1‐year mortality. An increasing number of studies suggest that using dexmedetomidine (Dex) in critical care units is associated with reduced incidence of delirium. However, perioperative use of Dex for the prevention of POCD has not been well studied. Objective. To evaluate whether a low‐dose perioperative infusion of Dex reduces early POCD. Design. This study was a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial that randomly assigned patients to Dex or saline placebo infused during surgery and patient‐controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) infusion. Patients were assessed for postoperative cognitive decline. Interventions. Dex was infused at a loading dose of 0.5 μg/kg intravenously (15 min after entering the operation room) followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 0.5 μg/kg/h until one‐lung ventilation or artificial pneumothorax ended. Patients in the Dex group received regular PCIA pump with additional dose of Dex (200 μg). Results. In total, 126 patients were randomized, and 102 patients were involved in the result analysis. The incidence of POCD was 36.54% (19/52) in the Dex group and 32.00% (16/50) in the normal saline (NS) group, with no statistic difference. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status‐Modified (TICS‐m) scores at different times. However, the TICS‐m score at 7 days after surgery was significantly lower than that at 30 days in 102 patients (32.93 ± 0.42 vs. 33.92 ± 0.47, P = 0.03). The visual analogue scale scores in the Dex group were significantly lower than those in the NS group 1 day postoperation at rest and activity (2.00 [1.00–3.00] vs. 3.00 [2.00–4.00], P < 0.01; 4.00 [3.00–5.00] vs. 5.00 [4.00–6.00], P < 0.05, respectively). Patients receiving Dex or NS had no statistical difference in activities of daily living (ADLs) scores at 7 and 30 days after surgery, but the ADL score at 30 days after surgery showed a significant reduction compared with that at 7 days (P < 0.01). Patients in the Dex group had a shorter hospital length of stay (15.26 ± 3.77 vs. 17.69 ± 5.09, P = 0.02) and less expenses (52458.71 ± 10649.30 vs. 57269.03 ± 9269.98, P = 0.04) than those in the NS group. Conclusions. Low‐dose Dex in the perioperative period did not reduce the incidence of early POCD in thoracic surgery. However, it relieved postoperative pain, decreased the hospitalization expenses, and shortened the length of stay.
A Rare Metastatic Site of Invasive Lobular Breast Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Husain Sara , Isa Mohamed , Almarzooq Raed
Published: November 2021

Here, we report a case of a 42-year-old female patient with left lobular breast cancer-gastric metastasis (initially misdiagnosed five years ago as an invasive ductal carcinoma) presenting with dyspepsia, weight loss, and persistent vomiting lasting for four weeks. Upper GI endoscopy revealed evidence of linitis plastica, and histological and immunocytochemical analyses of the biopsy confirmed gastric metastasis secondary to invasive lobular breast carcinoma.
Shape Preserving Piecewise KNR Fractional Order Biquadratic

C

2

Spline
Authors: Kirmani Syed Khawar Nadeem , Riaz Muhammad Bilal , Jarad Fahd , Jasim Hayder Natiq , Enver Aytekin
Published: November 2021

In a recent article, a piecewise cubic fractional spline function is developed which produces

C

1

continuity to given data points. In the present paper, an interpolant continuity class

C

2

is preserved which gives visually pleasing piecewise curves. The behavior of the resulting representations is analyzed intrinsically with respect to variation of the shape control parameters t and s. The data points are restricted to be strictly monotonic along real line.
Clothianidin and Thiacloprid Mixture Administration Induces Degenerative Damage in the Dentate Gyrus and Alteration in Short-Term Memory in Rats
Authors: Mora-Gutiérrez Alejandra , Guevara Jorge , Rubio Carmen , Calvillo-Velasco Minerva , Silva-Adaya Daniela , Retana-Márquez Socorro , Espinosa Blanca , Martínez-Valenzuela Carmen , Rubio-Osornio Moisés
Published: November 2021

Neonicotinoids are pesticides that act as agonists of nicotinic receptors for acetylcholine in insects’ central nervous system (CNS). Chronic exposure to neonicotinoids in humans is related to autism, memory loss, and finger tremor. In this article, we evaluate the effect of subchronic oral administration of two neonicotinoids in the same mixture: clothianidin and thiacloprid. Decreasing doses of both pesticides were administered to rats starting from the lethal dose 50 (LD50) reported by the manufacturer. Our results indicate that the administration of three doses of decreasing amounts of LD50 (5/10, 4/10, and 3/10 LD50) resulted in 100% death in all cases. Ten administration times of 2/10 LD50 of the mixture caused only 20% of death cases after twenty-seven days, which was determined as a subchronic administration scheme. The animals administered 2/10 LD50 showed behavioral alterations after the first and second administration. Electrographic studies showed abnormal discharge patterns in the CNS. 72 h after the tenth dose, learning and memory tests were performed in the Morris water maze. Our results revealed significant decreases in permanence at the quadrant and the number of crosses (

P
=
0.0447
,
 
P
=
0.0193

, respectively), which represent alterations in the short-term memory test, but there were no significant changes in a long-term memory test. Likewise, the brains of these animals showed tissue architecture loss, nucleosomal retraction, and a significant increase in the pycnosis of the granular neurons of the dentate gyrus analyzed at 72 h after the last dose (

P
=
0.0125

). Toxic effects and cognitive deterioration that have been found in communities living near contaminated areas are probably related to the agricultural use of neonicotinoids.
Necrotic Uveal Melanoma Mimics Orbital Cellulitis: A Review
Authors: Abdel-Aty Ahmad , Linderman Wendy L. , Kombo Ninani , Sinard John , Pointdujour-Lim Renelle
Published: November 2021

Background: Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, often resulting in painless vision loss. We report a case of necrotic uveal melanoma presenting with orbital inflammation mimicking orbital cellulitis and present a comprehensive review of the literature and tabulation of reported cases. Summary: Our review found 44 published reports of spontaneously necrotic uveal melanoma involving 55 patients. Of these reports, 26 patients (47%) presented with orbital cellulitis. Presenting symptoms of necrotic uveal melanoma with orbital cellulitis included proptosis (82.8%), pain (80.7%), vision loss (61.5%), and restricted extraocular movements (46.2%). Key Messages: Uveal melanoma can rarely mimic orbital cellulitis. Autoinfarction and tumor necrosis causes secondary orbital inflammation. Intraocular malignancy must remain in the differential for patients with orbital inflammation and vision loss.
“We-Diseases” and Dyadic Decision-Making Processes: A Critical Perspective
Authors: Petrocchi Serena , Marzorati Chiara , Masiero Marianna
Published: November 2021

This is a critical perspective paper discussing the theoretical bases and methodological issues regarding dyadic decision-making processes in the oncological domain. Decision-making processes are of a central interest when one partner in a couple has cancer, and patients and partners make decisions together under an interactive and dynamic process. Given that, the attention in research is progressively shifting from patient and partner considered as individuals to a more holistic view of patient-partner considered as a dyad. The consideration of the dyadic nature of the decision-making represents a challenge from a theoretical and methodological point of view. The Interdependence Theory and the Dyadic Model of decision-making provide the theoretical bases to consider, respectively, the interdependence of the dyadic decision-making and the mechanisms affecting the couple-based decision-making. Dyadic processes require also an appropriate data analysis strategy that is discussed in the study as well. Conclusions of the present critical review suggest to develop a new line of research on dyadic decision-making in the oncological domain, testing the Dyadic Model presented in the study and considering the interdependence of the data with appropriate levels of analysis.
Effects of Medium Cutoff Membranes on Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine and Oxidative Marker Levels in Patients with Sepsis Who Developed Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Comoglu Mustafa , Dede Fatih , Yenigun Ezgi Coskun , Topcuoglu Canan , Inan Osman , Sahiner Enes Seyda , Ates Ihsan
Published: November 2021

Introduction: There is insufficient data on the role of the medium cutoff (MCO) membranes in the clearance of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidant radicals in patients with sepsis requiring hemodialysis. Methods: The study consisted of 38 septic patients who developed acute kidney injury (AKI) and who were scheduled to undergo 2 sessions of hemodialysis. Nineteen patients underwent their first dialysis session with the MCO membrane and 19 patients with the high-flux (HF) membrane. In the second session, the membranes were switched. Pro-inflammatory cytokine and oxidative marker levels were measured in blood samples obtained before and after both dialysis sessions. Reduction ratios were compared for the 2 types of hemodialysis membranes. Results: After the first session, there was a greater reduction in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α with the MCO membrane (28.2 ± 21.1 vs. 8.0 ± 6.6, p = 0.001). After the second session, there was a greater reduction in interleukin (IL)-6 (27.8 ± 26.5 vs. 5.9 ± 13.3, p = 0.003) and IL-1β (20.5 ± 21.1 vs. 4.0 ± 6.5, p = 0.004) with the MCO membrane. When the first and second sessions of all 38 patients were compared, the reductions in TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were consistently greater for MCO than HF (p = 0.001, p = 0.006, p < 0.001, respectively). The reductions in total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and myeloperoxidase were not statistically different for the 2 types of dialysis membranes. Conclusions: MCO membrane was superior to HF membrane in the removal of cytokines in septic patients with AKI. However, a similar effect was not observed for oxidative stress markers.
PARK2 Patient Presenting with Dopa-Responsive Dystonia
Authors: Yoshii Fumihito , Aono Koji , Kumazawa Ryuya , Takahashi Wakoh
Published: November 2021

We report a 34-year-old female PARK2 patient presenting with dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD). She noticed difficulty in raising her foot while walking at the age of 24. Her lower limb symptoms were identified as dystonia later, and she was started on Menesit, which resulted in improvement of her symptoms. She was diagnosed as DRD and has been on continuous treatment since then. The specific binding ratio (SBR) of 123I FP-CIT SPECT was significantly lower than those of controls of the same age, but 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy showed a normal heart to mediastinum ratio. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Japanese version, was normal for her age. DRD is an inherited dystonia that typically begins during childhood and may be caused by mutations of the GCH1 (GTP cyclohydrolase), SPR (sepiapterin reductase), or TH (tyrosine hydroxylase) genes. Our patient was diagnosed as PARK2, known as autosomal-recessive juvenile Parkinson’s disease, based on genetic analysis. Although there was no family history of the disease, the decrease in SBR of 123I FP-CIT SPECT enabled us to diagnose PARK2 and to differentiate this from DRD due to other genetic disorders.
Hemolysis in a Patient during Hemodialysis
Authors: Taghavi Maxime , Jacobs Lucas , Kaysi Saleh , Mesquita Maria do Carmo Filomena
Published: November 2021

We report a case of hemolysis during a hemodialysis (HD) session in a 71-year-old man. His end-stage kidney disease is secondary to light-chain amyloidosis with renal involvement. Despite immunosuppressive treatment, his renal function continued to decline, and dialysis had to be initiated. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) was started but that had to be converted to HD because of pleural effusion due to PD fluid leakage. On the event day, the patient presented a respiratory distress 2 h after the initiation of HD. He developed a sudden onset of dyspnea with hypoxemia, associated with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. He also presented chest pain with arterial hypertension. The pre-pump arterial and post-pump pressures were, respectively, 40 and 100 mm Hg, with no machine alarm. The blood color in the circuit changed and became darker, so HD was stopped immediately without blood restitution, and then a blood workup was obtained, and the patient was treated with oxygen therapy, IV methylprednisolone 40 mg, and IV furosemide 100 mg. Tubing checkup performed after the incident showed a kinked arterial tube which led to the suspicion of acute hemolysis. Blood transfusion was therefore urgently ordered, and the patient was immediately transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). Artificial ventilation was required for 4 days, with initial massive blood transfusion. A 24-h treatment with extracorporeal cytokine adsorber CytoSorb® was also performed, followed by the regular HD sessions thrice weekly. Evolution was favorable, and the patient was discharged from the ICU 18 days later.
Frühes Zervixkarzinom: Über das onkologische Outcome nach konservativer OP
Authors: Hamann Moritz
Published: November 2021

Objective: The objective of the ConCerv Trial was to prospectively evaluate the feasibility of conservative surgery in women with early-stage, low-risk cervical cancer. Methods: From April 2010 to March 2019, a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study evaluated conservative surgery in participants from 16 sites in nine countries. Eligibility criteria included: (1) FIGO 2009 stage IA2-IB1 cervical carcinoma; (2) squamous cell (any grade) or adenocarcinoma (grade 1 or 2 only) histology; (3) tumor size <2 cm; (4) no lymphovascular space invasion; (5) depth of invasion <10 mm; (6) negative imaging for metastatic disease; and (7) negative conization margins. Cervical conization was performed to determine eligibility, with one repeat cone permitted. Eligible women desiring fertility preservation underwent a second surgery with pelvic lymph node assessment, consisting of sentinel lymph node biopsy and/or full pelvic lymph node dissection. Those not desiring fertility preservation underwent simple hysterectomy with lymph node assessment. Women who had undergone an ‘inadvertent’ simple hysterectomy with an unexpected post-operative diagnosis of cancer were also eligible if they met the above inclusion criteria and underwent a second surgery with pelvic lymph node dissection only. Results: 100 evaluable patients were enrolled. Median age at surgery was 38 years (range 23–67). Stage was IA2 (33%) and IB1 (67%). Surgery included conization followed by lymph node assessment in 44 women, conization followed by simple hysterectomy with lymph node assessment in 40 women, and inadvertent simple hysterectomy followed by lymph node dissection in 16 women. Positive lymph nodes were noted in 5 patients (5%). Residual disease in the post-conization hysterectomy specimen was noted in 1/40 patients-that is, an immediate failure rate of 2.5%. Median follow-up was 36.3 months (range 0.0–68.3). Three patients developed recurrent disease within 2 years of surgery-that is, a cumulative incidence of 3.5% (95% CI 0.9% to 9.0%). Discussion: Our prospective data show that select patients with early-stage, low-risk cervical carcinoma may be offered conservative surgery.
Soluble Fluoride in Na2FPO3/CaCO3-Based Toothpaste as an Indicator of Systemically Bioavailable Fluoride
Authors: Caldas da Rocha Deborah Rackel , Ricomini Filho Antonio Pedro , Cury Jaime Aparecido
Published: November 2021

Fluoride chemically soluble in toothpaste is an indicator of fluoride bioavailability when the teeth are brushed, and the same should be expected systemically when toothpaste is ingested. A 4-phases study was conducted, in which 8 participants were subjected in each phase to one of the assigned treatment groups: group I: fresh sample of a Na2FPO3/CaCO3 toothpaste with 1,334 μg F/g of total soluble fluoride (TSF) and groups II–IV: aged samples of toothpaste presenting TSF concentrations of 1,128, 808, and 687 μg F/g, respectively. In all phases, the participants ingested an amount of toothpaste equivalent to 70.0 μg F/kg body weight, as total fluoride (TF). Blood was collected before (baseline) and up to 180 min after toothpaste ingestion as indicator of fluoride bioavailability. Total urine (24 h before and 24 h after ingestion) was collected as indicator of absorbed fluoride that was excreted. F concentration in blood plasma and urine was determined with a fluoride ion-specific electrode. The areas under the curve (AUC) of F concentration versus time (AUC = ng F/mL × min) and the peaks of fluoride concentration in blood plasma (Cmax) were calculated. The net amount of fluoride excreted (mg/day) was calculated by subtraction. A significant correlation of the amount (mg) of TSF ingested was found between the AUC (r = 0.76; p < 0.01) and Cmax (r = 0.86; p < 0.01) in plasma, and the fluoride excreted (r = 0.65; p < 0.01). For TF, no statistical correlations were found (p > 0.05). Data suggest that the concentration of TSF found in Na2FPO3/CaCO3-based toothpastes is a useful predictor of how much fluoride will be systemically bioavailable when this type of formulation is ingested.
Copeptin: Utility in Paediatric Patients with Hyponatraemia
Authors: Boal Rachel L. , Hughes James , Matthews Debbie , Johnstone Helen , Boot Christopher , Cheetham Tim D.
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Copeptin concentrations are a useful component of the diagnostic workup of paediatric patients with polyuria and polydipsia, but the value of measuring copeptin in patients with hyponatraemia is less clear. Case Reports: We report 5 children with hyponatraemia in the context of different underlying pathologies. Copeptin concentrations were elevated in 4 cases (13.7, 14.4, 26.1, and 233 pmol/L; reference range 2.4–8.6 pmol/L), suggesting that non-osmoregulated vasopressin release (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone) was the underlying mechanism for low sodium levels. In one of the patients, there was an underlying diagnosis of Schaaf-Yang syndrome (MAGEL2 gene mutation) with a clinical picture suggestive of dysregulated vasopressin production with inappropriately high and then low copeptin release. In one hyponatraemic patient, low copeptin concentrations indicated that non-osmoregulated arginine vasopressin release was not the cause of hyponatraemia and oliguria. Discussion: Copeptin measurement did not influence management acutely but helped to clarify the mechanism leading to hyponatraemia when the result was available. Relatively high and low copeptin concentrations in association with hypo- and hypernatraemia indicate dysregulated vasopressin production in Schaaf-Yang syndrome.
The Psychic Force Serialized
Authors: Hesketh Ian
Published: November 2021

This article considers the way chemist William Crookes utilized the editorship of theQuarterly Journal of Scienceto promote the scientific importance of spirit phenomena. It explores the publishing of Crookes’s series of sensational articles that investigated the ‘Psychic Force’, a purported force of nature that Crookes discovered during experiments with the medium Daniel Dunglas Home. Crookes thus used the platform afforded to him in the journal to describe his experiments and present his evidence within the framework of an orthodox scientific discourse. While Crookes endured much criticism from certain scientific men, the serial format of his investigation meant that he was able to generate a great deal of interest. It also meant that his subsequent articles in the series could respond to critics by adjusting his experiments, overcoming perceived difficulties, and providing his readers with new and exciting details concerning his ongoing investigation as it was being conducted.
Science and Spiritualism in an Irish Context
Authors: McCorristine Shane
Published: November 2021

William Fletcher Barrett (1844–1925) has long been recognised for his key role in the foundation of the Society for Psychical Research in 1882, but this came after years of working as a physicist and psychical researcher between Ireland and Britain, conducting mesmeric experiments, maintaining correspondence, and sharing research ideas at forums like the British Association for the Advancement of Science. This article re-evaluates Barrett’s career by focusing on his networks, projects, and organisations in Ireland. These acted as bridges connecting his work as a teacher of physics with his work as a psychical researcher and investigator of spiritualism. In doing so, this article also contributes to the history of spiritualism in Ireland by demonstrating the rich connections which existed between scientists, intellectuals, and amateur investigators in the area of spiritualism and psychical research.
The Age-Impunity Rhetoric in Trials for Crimes Committed during the Argentinian Genocide (1975–1983)
Authors: Zylberman Lior , Taboada Adriana
Published: November 2021

Since the reopening of the trials for the crimes committed by the last military dictatorship, new aspects have emerged on the scene, one of them being the age-impunity rhetoric. In its visual dimension, we understand this rhetoric to mean the representation of the perpetrators that has been taking shape in recent years, enabling them to be exempted from guilt and responsibility for the crimes committed by virtue of their advanced age. We argue that the visual configures a certain aesthetic that provides a scaffolding for impunity and its naturalization. In order to enter into the construction of this representation, we will put in tension the pair seen-unseen through photographs and editorials in the written press.
Prosecuting Asymmetrically: On Some ‘Preconditions’ of Criminal Liability of Aged Defendants for Atrocities
Authors: Tsinas Konstantinos P.
Published: November 2021

Belated punishment ends up to be nothing more than a ‘mere show#x2019;, Beccaria argues in his Dei Delitti e Delle Pene (1764). The motto remains current with regard to trials of aged defendants for past international atrocities. In such cases, the question arises if the preconditions of criminal liability (Duff, 2001) for aged defendants are properly satisfied. Are aged defendants fully answerable for their atrocities? Based on the idea that a criminal trial is really -except for its nature as a quest of truth and justice- a communicative event between parts, the author argues that there is an important ‘communicative asymmetry’ to be observed in criminal trials against aged defendants for international atrocities, illustrates its dimensions and features and suggests some ways of dealing with it, in order that the trial preserves its pure function as an instance of criminal justice.
A Table Before Me in the Presence of My Enemies: Susan Atkins and the Embodiment of Aging and Frailty on Parole
Authors: Aviram Hadar
Published: November 2021

In this article I rely on 50 years’ worth of parole hearing transcripts in the Manson family cases to argue that, on parole, the embodiment of aging is treated evasively and with hostility by the parole board. The parole board’s difficulty to reconcile the applicant’s youthful and violent past with their aging, frail present, almost always results in a rejection of the embodied present and future—and of parole. Following an explanation of the California parole process, emphasizing the role that time and aging plays in its different stages, I analyze Susan Atkins’ last parole hearing as an example. To show the general implications of the analysis, and its disastrous consequences for public health, I place the argument in the context of California’s covid-19 prison crisis.
On the Border between Urartu and Mannea: Goyje Qalʽeh, an Iron Age Site in Northern Iran
Authors: Someeh Hossein Naseri , Mirzaei Mohammad , Dan Roberto , Vitolo Priscilla
Published: November 2021

Goyje Qalʽeh is located in the city of Maragheh, Iran. This article gives a new presentation of a site that is already known in the literature. The site was occupied in various periods, a circumstance, which demonstrates its importance and strategic location. Of particular significance are its outstanding rock-cut features, such as terraces, stairs, rock-cut chambers, and cisterns, and its geographical position—on the border between Urartu and Mannea—was clearly important. Goyje Qalʽeh is compared with other sites known in the area.
On Sense and Preference
Authors: Fanciullo James
Published: November 2021

Determining the precise nature of the connection between preference, choice, and welfare has arguably been the central project in the field of welfare economics, which aims to offer a proper guide for economists in the making of policy decisions that affect people’s welfare. The two leading approaches here historically – the revealed preference and latent preference approaches – seem equally incapable of so guiding economists. I argue that the deadlock here is due to welfare economists’ failure to recognize a crucial distinction between two senses of “preference.” I analyze and defend these senses of “preference,” and argue that each shares a close connection with just one of choice and welfare. This analysis reveals how economists should conceive of both the connections between “preference,” choice, and welfare, and the proper roles of these concepts in welfare economics. I conclude by showing this analysis to best explain the plausibility of two leading alternative approaches from Hausman and Sugden.
James and Deleuze: Trains and Planes
Authors: Craig Megan
Published: November 2021

This essay examines the relationship between William James’s radical empiricism and Gilles Deleuze’s transcendental empiricism by considering how dominant technologies of locomotion and travel in their respective historical times influenced their thinking and the style of their prose. Highlighting the imagery of trains and ground movement in James and planes and flight in Deleuze, I suggest that each constructs an empiricism that resonates with and reacts to the emerging forms of mass movement in his own time. The essay serves as an invitation to read James and Deleuze together with attention to the aesthetic qualities of their writing and as united in an ongoing project of honing philosophy to the pace of its time.
Island Time in Lockdown: Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Slow Culture and Its Shinto Source
Authors: Quirk Monica Alice
Published: November 2021

This article argues that Animal Crossing: New Horizons embodies the culture of Slowness discovered by many during the covid-19 lockdown in 2020, and that its acclaim points to a future for Slowness in games and, perhaps, in lifestyle more generally. The title will be considered within the context of Radde-Antweiler et al.’s framework of gamevironments, which considers the cultural landscape of a given game based on its technical aspects and its reception among audiences. Through this, the Slowness in the game can be identified. It will subsequently be argued that this Slowness is the result of Shinto presence in the game, as the tradition is largely concerned with the natural environment and mindfulness, contrasting with the values promoted by capitalism and globalisation. Animal Crossing: New Horizons and its popularity point to a growing discontent with the status quo of ‘fast’ living.
Lifelong Spiritual Learning: Religious Older Adults Going Digital
Authors: Okun Sarit , Nimrod Galit
Published: November 2021

This qualitative study sought to explore the role of online religious learning in alleviating distress and enhancing wellbeing in later life. Twenty-six religious Jewish individuals aged 70–96 were personally trained in their homes to use an experimental spiritual learning website. Their experiences were documented for six months via interviews, media ethnographies, and monthly follow-ups. Analysis identified the participants’ initial ambivalent attitudes towards online religious learning, which extended the discussion of cultural barriers to the integration of digital technologies for religious observance and the maintenance of communal boundaries. However, this research group’s experience highlighted the intellectual, social, and emotional benefits garnered by participation in online religious learning in later life. The findings indicate that this informal educational channel may supplement religious praxis and fill the lives of older religious adults with positive rewards and, thereby, improve their psychological and social wellbeing.
Colloquium 2 Saving the Appearances of Plato’s Cave
Authors: Trott Adriel M.
Published: November 2021

This article considers Plato’s view of philosophy depicted in his cave analogy in light of Arendt’s distinction between Socratic and Platonic philosophy. Arendt argues that philosophy functions, for Socrates, in an immanent world, characterized by examining and considering—in addition to refining opinions through persuasion about—the currency of politics, which thereby closely associates philosophy with politics. On her view, Plato makes philosophy transcend politics—the world of opinion—when Socrates fails to persuade the Athenians. The cave analogy seems to support Arendt’s view that Plato disparages the immanent philosophical project she associates with Socrates. I argue that Plato depicts in the cave analogy particular difficulties in judging the assertion of the one who claims to have left, since, in the cave, that assertion becomes an opinion among opinions because it cannot be evaluated with reference to a transcendent truth by those in the cave. As a result, those in the cave cannot discern whether the one claiming to have left has the knowledge required to rule justly or is a tyrant claiming to have such knowledge in order to secure power. I conclude that Plato depicts the cave and its difficulties to invite the reader to engage in a philosophical project of judging for oneself, rather than accepting the rule of another who claims to know.
A Response to Stuart Hall: Towards a Creative Decoding
Authors: Lu Zhenglan
Published: November 2021

The three positions of decodings proposed by communication theorist Stuart Hall have become a starting point for contemporary cultural studies. He insists that receivers of cultural products are not necessarily passive but can be ‘oppositional’. Media scholar John Fiske has further advanced the theory, suggesting that receivers can turn to be ‘producerly’ in their reception of cultural products. The present paper sheds light on the possibility of a more active, even creative position on the part of receivers, particularly in relation to popular songs and other interactive texts. Receivers of cultural products are powerful others to the ‘producing elite’. Jürgen Habermas’s idea of ‘com-subjectivity’ provides a theoretical foundation for the validity and desirability of such ‘creative decoding’.
Reproductive Services and Conscience-Based Refusals in Obstetrics and Gynecology Training
Authors: Kalinowski Kristin , Buskmiller Cara , Ward Donald G.
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Professional bodies such as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recognize the impact of conscience-based decisions. The first time such decisions affect patients and providers is in residency. Our study sought to determine the attitudes of program directors towards various conscience-based refusals in potential applicants to obstetrics and gynecology programs. Method: An eight-question survey was sent to 279 directors of U.S. obstetrics and gynecology residencies in 2019. The survey proposed hypothetical conscientious refusals of common aspects of obstetric and gynecology practice. The survey asked respondents to categorize their reaction to these choices and choose from a list of factors which could modify their reaction. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Results: 97 program directors (35%) responded. A majority of PDs reported that the inability to prescribe or counsel on birth control, to provide methotrexate, to counsel on abortion, or to clearly enumerate refusals was impossible to work around, likely to lower an applicant’s rank, not compatible with training, or not good for patients; collectively, these responses were grouped as “negative reactions” (73–99%). Female program directors had more negative reactions to applicants who refused to prescribe birth control (aOR 15.8, 95% CI 1.7–99.5) and counsel on abortion (aOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.2–10.8). Directors from different locations and program types did not have significantly different responses. A few program directors identified that academic strength could mitigate otherwise negatively-viewed choices. Illustrative comments of directors’ attitudes are provided. Conclusions: Program directors agree that conscientious refusal to participate in certain activities is problematic for obstetrics and gynecology residency. There are very few subjective or regional differences on this stance, and few aspects of an application modify directors’ reactions.
Towards a formal framework for integrated design-optimization and control of mechatronicsystems
Authors: Rahimi Fariba
Published: November 2021

This paper presents work towards a formal framework to support model-based integrated design and optimization of mechatronic products for early-phase conceptual design. This paper describes an integrated design framework through the introduction of its software implementation and a specific use case. The contribution is to introduce mathematical formalism to define the concepts, semantics, computation rules and system architectures of the formal framework. The advantage of the formal definitions is to clearly expose functionality and the limitations of the design framework and facilitate the software implementation. The modelling capability of the framework is enhanced to include non-linear mechatronic components, such as a two degrees-of-freedom arm. Further, an optimal proportional–integral–derivative control component is added to the software library supporting the framework.
Determinants of Successful Nursing Home Accreditation
Authors: Yeh Shu-Chuan , Tsay Shwu-Feng , Wang Wen Chun , Lo Ying-Ying , Shi Hon-Yi
Published: November 2021

Objectives: This study examined the factors associated with better accreditation outcomes among nursing homes. Method: A total of 538 nursing homes in Taiwan were included in this study. Measures included accreditation scores, external factors (household income, Herfindahl–Hirschman Index, old-age dependency ratio, population density, and number of older adult households), organizational factors (hospital-based status, chain-affiliated status, occupancy rate, the number of registered nurses or nurse aides per bed, and bed size), and internal factors (accountability, deficiencies, person-centered care, nursing skills, quality control, and integrated care). Results: Bed size, hospital-based status, accountability, deficiencies, person-centered care, nursing skills, quality control, and integrated care were found to predict accreditation. Conclusion: Among all variables in this study, the quality indicators contributed to the most variation, followed by organizational factors. External environmental factors played a minor role in predicting accreditation. A focus on quality of care would benefit not only the residents of a nursing home but also facilitate its accreditation.
Introduction: Shifting Attention
Authors: Jablonsky Rebecca , Karppi Tero , Seaver Nick
Published: November 2021

In recent years, attention has become a matter of increasing public concern. New digital technologies have transformed human attention materially and discursively, reorganizing perceptual practices and inciting debates about them. The essays in this special issue emerged from a set of panels focused on attention at the 4S conference in New Orleans in 2019. They are all, in various ways, concerned with shifts among attention’s many meanings: between payment and care, instinct and agency, or vulnerability and power. Drawing on Science and Technology Studies (STS) sensibilities, these pieces examine how scientific and technical actors are invested in theorizing and capturing attention, while simultaneously engendering new forms of care, resistance, and critique. At a moment where the attention economy appears to be in transformative crisis, this collection maps a set of incipient directions that ask us to pay attention to not only attention itself but also to the many sociotechnical settings where experts and publics are shifting attention’s meaning and value.
Big data analytics capability and organizational performance measures: The mediating role of business intelligence infrastructure
Authors: Ilmudeen Aboobucker
Published: November 2021

The growing importance of big data has headed enterprises to advance their big data analytics capability to strengthen their firm performance. This study tests how big data capability impact on business intelligence infrastructure to achieve firm performance measures such as operational performance and marketing performance. This study is based on the recent literature on the knowledge-based view, big data capability, IT capability, and business intelligence. The primary survey of 272 responses from Chinese firms’ IT managers and big data analysts are used to uncover the relationship in the proposed model. The finding shows that the big data analytics capability significantly impacts on business intelligence infrastructure that in turn positively impact on operational performance and marketing performance. Further, the business intelligence infrastructure partially mediates between big data analytics capability and operational performance, and fully mediates between big data analytics capability and marketing performance. This research contributes to the information systems literature such as big data analytic capability, business intelligence, and firm performance measures, and thus offers grounds to extend more widespread studies in this field. This study adds to the literature on the theory and practical bases for big data capability and business intelligence infrastructure.