bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High energy storage properties in Ca0.7La0.2TiO3-modified NaNbO3-based lead-free antiferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Liang Cen , Wang Changyuan , Cao Wenjun , Zhao Hanyu , Li Feng , Wang Chunchang
Published: November 2022

In this work, (1 [Formula: see text])(0.92NaNbO3–0.08BaTiO3)–[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text]La[Formula: see text]TiO3(NNBT – [Formula: see text]CLT) ceramics were successfully designed and prepared by the solid-state reaction method. Investigations on the structure, dielectric, and energy storage properties were performed. The NNBT – 0.25CLT ceramic with orthorhombic phase at room temperature was found to exhibit extremely small grain size and compacted microstructure. A large [Formula: see text] of 3.1 J/cm3and a high [Formula: see text] of 91.5% under the electric field of 360 kV/cm were achieved simultaneously in the sample. In addition, the energy storage performance of the sample exhibits thermal stability over the temperature range of 25–140[Formula: see text]C and the frequency range of 5–500 Hz. The charge and discharge tests reveal that the ceramic shows a large current density [Formula: see text] of 965 A/cm2and power density [Formula: see text] of 154 MW/cm3. This work demonstrates that the NNBT–0.25CLT ceramic is a prospective energy storage material for potential application in the field of pulsed power devices.
DO FIELD PARTNERS ADD VALUE TO CROWDFUNDED MICROFINANCE? AN INDUSTRY APPROACH
Authors: MORO-VISCONTI ROBERTO , RAMBAUD SALVADOR CRUZ , PASCUAL JOAQUÍN LÓPEZ
Published: November 2022

The framework of this study is the field of crowdfunded microfinance that represents a way to scale up financial access, leveraging digital technology applications. A key element of this value chain is the field partner, represented by a local Microfinance Institution (MFI) that intermediates between the crowdfunding platform and the individual borrowers or group of borrowers. In this context, the main objective of this paper is to measure the financial and prosocial contributions of field partners through crowdfunded microloans. Methodologically, this prosocial impact is measured with an innovative approach, by using network theory to describe the supply and value chains that link crowdfunding investors to field partners and, consequently, to micro-borrowers. The main contribution of this study is the introduction of a global indicator able to quantify the increase of the social impact and the financial system of a country, coming from the presence of ESG-compliant crowdfunded microloans.
Analyzing effectiveness of service quality in Tirupattur post office toward postal life insurance (PLI) and rural postal life insurance (RPLI)
Authors: Rasadurai Dakshayini , Raguraman M.
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This paper aims to analyze the effectiveness of service quality provided in Tirupattur Head Post Office toward Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) polices. Service quality is an important element in the management of service. The post office is a very big service-oriented institution. It started its insurance business from 1 February 1884.

Design, methodology, approach: A descriptive research design were used to study the objective such as analyzing the various service quality provided by Postal Insurer and also to find the best service quality, to achieve this the researcher used questionnaire to collect 85 samples using simple random technique from PLI and RPLI policyholders in Tirupattur district. The primary data are analyzed by applying percentage analysis, mean and standard deviation, [Formula: see text]-test and [Formula: see text]-test in SPSS tools.

Finding: A finding of the study shows that postal insurance industry was providing high quality services regarding financial stability accessible location, flexible payments and were providing low quality services regarding online transaction, approaching from the customers point of view, introducing new products. Mean and SD value show positive rating. The [Formula: see text]-test shows the assurance is the best service quality provided by postal insurer among six service quality factors. All the service quality statements are above average level. [Formula: see text]test shows a significant difference of all statement if service quality factors to demographic factors.

Practical implications: This research paper is important for the investors, postal insurer, and post office. Service quality will have positive impact on customer satisfaction that will lead to investment behavior.

Social implications: This study provides awareness to investors about postal insurance, important of service quality to the postal insurer, in the study area and trends-related research for future.

Originality: This study provides a comprehensive review of theories, methods, discussion points, and conclusions of studies on service quality, customer satisfaction, PLI published in selected investment journals over past 20 years.

Research limitations: This study was confined only to Tirupattur Head Post Office and Conclusions drawn may not be applicable to other district post office and, therefore, the findings of this study cannot be generalized.
Improvized implied volatility function and nonparametric approach to unbiased estimation
Authors: Sattar Muhammad Atif , Zhang Hailiang , Kanwal Samra , Gardi Bayar
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this paper is to assess unbiased options pricing predictions via ad hoc Black–Scholes model approaches. This paper investigates a number of technical issues when fitted values of implied volatility from linear regression are plugged into the Black–Scholes model, which leads to biased estimation. First, the study observes that the implied volatility linear regression can yield a negative outcome, which is meaningless. Therefore, a logarithmic transformation is applied to the linear function to ensure that the forecast is positive. Second, the retransformation from log to original metric to fitted values of implied volatility and the nonlinearity of Black–Scholes to implied volatility yields biased forecasts. A smearing technique has been applied in this study to correct this bias. Finally, the smearing estimation method also provides biased results if there is heteroscedasticity in the OLS estimation residuals. This study applies the weighted least square regression technique in order to avoid heteroscedasticity. According to the performance measures such as mean bias (MB), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute relative error, the study concludes that the smearing method is the most effective to correct the bias in ad hoc Black–Scholes approaches as well as that an absolute smile approach is better than a relative smile approach without the smearing technique, but with smearing methods, relative smile performs superior to absolute.
Reliability Assessment and Safety Arguments for Machine Learning Components in System Assurance
Authors: Dong Yi , Huang Wei , Bharti Vibhav , Cox Victoria , Banks Alec , Wang Sen , Zhao Xingyu , Schewe Sven , Huang Xiaowei
Published: November 2022

The increasing use of Machine Learning (ML) components embedded in autonomous systems—so-called Learning-Enabled Systems (LESs)—has resulted in the pressing need to assure their functional safety. As for traditional functional safety, the emerging consensus within both, industry and academia, is to use assurance cases for this purpose. Typically assurance cases support claims of reliability in support of safety, and can be viewed as a structured way of organising arguments and evidence generated from safety analysis and reliability modelling activities. While such assurance activities are traditionally guided by consensus-based standards developed from vast engineering experience, LESs pose new challenges in safety-critical application due to the characteristics and design of ML models. In this article, we first present an overall assurance framework for LESs with an emphasis on quantitative aspects, e.g., breaking down system-level safety targets to component-level requirements and supporting claims stated in reliability metrics. We then introduce a novel model-agnostic Reliability Assessment Model (RAM) for ML classifiers that utilises the operational profile and robustness verification evidence. We discuss the model assumptions and the inherent challenges of assessing ML reliability uncovered by our RAM and propose solutions to practical use. Probabilistic safety argument templates at the lower ML component-level are also developed based on the RAM. Finally, to evaluate and demonstrate our methods, we not only conduct experiments on synthetic/benchmark datasets but also scope our methods with case studies on simulated Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and physical Unmanned Ground Vehicles.
Decoding LoRa Collisions via Parallel Alignment
Authors: Wang Yuting , Zhang Fanhao , Zheng Xiaolong , Liu Liang , Ma Huadong
Published: November 2022

The massive connection of LoRa brings serious collision interference. Existing collision decoding methods cannot effectively deal with the adjacent collisions that occur when the collided symbols are adjacent in the frequency spectrum. The decoding features relied on by the existing methods will be corrupted by adjacent collisions. To address these issues, we propose
Paralign
, which is the first LoRa collision decoder supporting decoding LoRa collisions with confusing symbols via parallel alignment. The key enabling technology behind
Paralign
is tha there is no spectrum leakage with periodic truncation of a chirp.
Paralign
leverages the precise spectrum obtained by aligning the de-chirped periodic signals from each packet in parallel for spectrum filtering and power filtering. To aggregate correlation peaks in different windows of the same symbol,
Paralign
matches the peaks of multiple interfering windows to the interested window based on the time offset between collided packets. Moreover, a periodic truncation method is proposed to address the multiple candidate peak problem caused by side lobes of confusing symbols. We evaluate
Paralign
using USRP N210 in a 20-node network. Experimental results demonstrate that
Paralign
can significantly improve network throughput, which is over 1.46× higher than state-of-the-art methods.
Towards an Integrative View on Design Science Research Genres, Strategies, and Pivotal Concepts in Information Systems Research
Authors: Brendel Alfred Benedikt , Lembcke Tim-Benjamin , Kolbe Lutz M.
Published: November 2022

Design science research (DSR) has been established as an essential part of information systems research. DSR can provide artificial solutions and prescriptive knowledge about how to solve problems relevant to our modern times. However, DSR has been reported to be in a state of "conceptual confusion." Thus, an ongoing and open discourse regarding how to overcome the causes of this confusion has arisen. Several causes and solutions have been proposed, ranging from conceptualizations of contributions, publication schemas, to the formulation of research strategies and genres. Prominently, the persisting confusion frequently leads editors and reviewers to assess the same study's merit substantially differently, depending on the individual editor's and reviewer's understanding of and preferences for DSR. Consequently, publishing DSR studies is challenging. Against this background, we propose DSR focus as a two-dimensional characteristic of a DSR study, comprising the two dimensions "contribution" and "research approach." Furthermore, we present a DSR focus matrix (DSRFM) as a framework and tool to describe the DSR focus of a study and identify relevant seminal work. Following this framework enables a grounded discussion with editors and reviewers, thus preventing diverting understandings and preferences that may skew the assessment of a study. We demonstrate this ability by positioning research strategies, genres, and seminal works within the matrix's quadrants.
Inter-Organizational System Integration
Authors: Chueh-An Lee Neil , Wang Eric T.G. , Grover Varun
Published: November 2022

Manufacturing firms have increasingly relied on inter-organizational systems (IOS) to facilitate inter-firm transactions and integration with suppliers. However, they frequently face various impediments, such as adversarial behaviours and misalignments, when trying to integrate with IOS (i.e., IOS integration or IT/IS integration). Based on the perspectives of mutual adaptation of technology and organization and socio-technical systems, this study develops two compromise constructs critical for IOS integration: inter-firm process compromise and technology compromise. These two compromise constructs, treated as neutral alignment, are proposed to affect the achievement of higher IOS integration. Based on 146 matched-pair samples, the findings demonstrate the importance of technology and inter-firm process compromises in achieving greater IOS integration, which, in turn, enables higher inter-firm dependence and operational performance. This research provides theoretical and practical implications that contribute to our understanding of the role of compromise in facilitating IOS integration. The implications should serve as an important basis for future research in examining IOS integration.
1.2 kV Stepped Oxide Trench Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor with Low Loss for Fast Switching Application
Authors: Vaidya Mahesh , Naugarhiya Alok , Verma Shrish , Mishra Guru Prasad
Published: November 2022

In this article, a gate engineering technique is used in Insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) for fast switching applications. The modification consists of stepped oxide pattern at gate terminal with n-poly layer sandwiched between two p-poly layers. The oxide thickness increases from top to bottom so as to create a stepped structure. The oxide thickness is lesser on channel side and higher on collector side. The less thickness beside the channel increases gate to emitter charges (QGE) by extracting extra charges along the channel. The presence of these extra charges also increases the collector current density resulting reduction in the area specific on-resistance (Ron.A). On the other hand, the higher thickness at the bottom side of gate offers reduction in gate to collector charges (QGC). Furthermore, to elongate the impact of QGC reduction, the low doped p-col region has been facilitated which also play an important role to increase the breakdown voltage by reducing corner electric field. This p-col region creates charge extraction path to swept out charges from the drift region while turn-off event and makes the device to turn-off quickly. The collective improvement in QGE and QGC provides fast switching to the proposed device by improving turn-off time by 63% and also reduces turn-off loss (Eoff) by 55% as compared to the conventional device. Furthermore, the change in the workfunction also provides the reduction of channel peak electric field and offers 10% increment in the BV as compared to the conventional IGBT.
Cardiac effects of renal ischemia
Authors: Dominguez Jesus H. , Xie Danhui , Kelly K. J.
Published: November 2022

Acute kidney injury is common, expensive, and deadly, yet morbidity and mortality are often secondary to remote organ dysfunction. We hypothesized that the effects of renal ischemia would be amplified in the setting of comorbidities. Sustained systemic inflammation and loss of functional myocardium with significantly decreased systolic and diastolic function, apoptotic cell death, and increased collagen and inflammatory cells were found in the heart after renal ischemia in the doxorubicin cardiomyopathy model (vs. renal ischemia alone). Understanding the remote effects of renal ischemia has the potential to improve outcomes in acute kidney injury.
Application of Adaptive Genetic Algorithm in Optimal Scheduling of Aviation Materials
Authors: Shang Jinqiu
Published: November 2022

The maintenance and logistics support of aircraft are critical to the flight safety. The configuration and scheduling of air materials are the basis of maintenance and logistics. This research establishes the model of air material scheduling problem and introduces NSGA-II genetic algorithm with adaptive design to optimize the air material scheduling arrangement. This adaptive design improves the local optimal solution problem of NSGA-II and makes the optimal scheduling of air materials more accurate. In some cases, the improved NSGA-II algorithm is expressed to zero deviation, which is not achieved by other traditional algorithms. The results of this research provide a solution with practical potential for aircraft material scheduling problem, which is significantly superior to traditional methods.
Study of Viability, Storage Stability, and Shelf Life of Probiotic Instant Coffee Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Subsp. plantarum Dad-13 in Vacuum and Nonvacuum Packaging at Different Storage Temperatures
Authors: Jannah Syerina Raihatul , Rahayu Endang Sutriswati , Yanti Rini , Suroto Dian Anggraini , Wikandari Rachma
Published: November 2022

Probiotic coffee is an alternative to processed coffee that is preferred and can improve the balance of intestinal microflora so that it has a positive impact on health. Cell viability of probiotics may decrease during storage. Factors that can affect viability during storage are storage temperature, packaging, oxygen, and water activity. This study is aimed at evaluating the viability, storage stability, and shelf life of the probiotic instant coffee Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Dad-13 in vacuum and nonvacuum aluminium foil packaging and different storage temperatures. This study used a complete randomised design with three replicates of treatments. They were packaged using 90 μm thick aluminium foil in a vacuum and nonvacuum and stored at 4°C and 30°C for 50 days and 37°C for 15 days. Based on the literature, a temperature of 4°C can maintain the viability of probiotics for more than one month, the temperature commonly used to store dry products is room temperature (30°C), so longer storage (50 days) is tried. Meanwhile, to accelerate the prediction of quality degradation, extreme temperatures were used based on the literature that the viability of probiotics decreased drastically after being stored at 37°C for 7 days, then tried for longer storage (15 days). The evaluation of product was carried by sensory testing by comparing commercial instant coffee. The product has been tested for cell viability, water activity, and shelf life. The result showed that the colour attribute was significantly different for all formulations. The bitterness of probiotic instant coffee differed significantly from other formulations. The commercial instant coffee was preferred by panellist in terms of colour and bitterness. The aroma, sweetness, and overall attributes of all formulations were not significantly different. The cell viability in vacuum was higher than nonvacuum treatment, and it was higher in 4°C. However, cell viability for all treatments and during storage was still above 107 log CFU/g. Water activity in probiotic instant coffee with vacuum packaging is lower than in nonvacuum and stored at 4°C lower than in other temperatures. However, all treatments were still below 0.60. The shelf life of products reaches two years when they are stored in vacuum packaging at 4°C while a temperature of 30°C reaches 3 months. So, the panellists accepted probiotic instant coffee, vacuum packaging, and low temperature could maintain viability, stability, and longer shelf life.
The Role of Dietary Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load in Mediating Genetic Susceptibility via MC4R s17782313 Genotypes to Affect Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Apparently Healthy Obese Individuals
Authors: Khodarahmi Mahdieh , Siri Goli , Mohammadi Mohaddeseh , Farhangi Mahdieh Abbasalizad , Aleseidi Samira
Published: November 2022

Background. The association of genetic and dietary factors with occurrence and progression of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome (MetS) has long been addressed but there is a lack of evidence for complex interrelationships, including direct and indirect effects of these variables. Hence, this study is aimed at evaluating the mediating role of glycemic indices in the association of melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) rs17782313 polymorphism, sociodemographic, and psychological factors with the risk of MetS in obese adults using structural equation modeling. Methods. We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of data from 287 apparently healthy adults. Dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) were calculated from a validated 147‐item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). MC4R s17782313 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. Structural equation modeling was used to explore direct and indirect effects of genetic and nongenetic factors on MetS. Results. MC4R gene variant was directly associated with the risk of MetS (B = 0.010; P = 0.023). On the other hand, this variant was found to be indirectly and positively associated with LDL‐C (B = 6.589; P = 0.042) through mediatory effects of GI and GL. Moreover, GI and GL also mediated indirect positive effects of sex and age on LDL‐C (B = 3.970; P ≤ 0.01; B = 0.878; P ≤ 0.01, respectively) and HDL (B = 2.203; P ≤ 0.01; B = 0.129; P ≤ 0.01, respectively). MC4R rs17782313 polymorphism had positive effects on GI (B = 1.577; P ≤ 0.01) and GL (B = 1.235; P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion. Our data may state a hypothesis of the mediating effect of quantity and quality of carbohydrates consumed in relationship between genetic susceptibility to obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors. Further analyses should be carried out in high‐quality cohort studies in order to confirm the findings.
Theoretical Study on Spectrum and Luminescence Mechanism of Indocyanine Green Dye Based on Density Functional Theory (DFT)
Authors: Liu Zhao , Wang Shu-Tao , Hu Yan-Song , You Jia-Rong , Xv Yong-Sheng , Lei Jun-Qiang
Published: November 2022

Indocyanine green is a great near-infrared fluorescence with good luminescent properties and important medical applications. In this paper, the theoretical spectrum and orbital model of its molecular level are established. The two most probable conformations were studied, and their energies, vibrational spectra, UV-Vis absorption spectra, frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO), and energy gaps were obtained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, respectively. This provides a theoretical and design basis for the development of novel dyes similar to indocyanine green dyes and a reference case for improved application methods and synthetic predesign of novel fluorescent dyes.
The Association between Intertwin Difference in First Trimester Crown-Rump Length, Nuchal Translucency, and Birth Weight Discordance in Twin Pregnancies: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ferraro Zachary Michael , Zhang Tinghua , Moretti Felipe , Fung-Kee-Fung Karen
Published: November 2022

Background. Discordant birth weight in twins is linked to poor outcomes and predicting this discrepancy may lead to enhanced screening and surveillance. Our purpose was to quantify the relationship between intertwin nuchal translucency (NT) and crown-rump length (CRL) discordance with birth weight discrepancies ≥ 20%. Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 887 live twin births delivering at a Canadian tertiary care center over a 7-year period who opted for integrated prenatal screening. Categorical data are presented as numbers and percentages, and continuous data are expressed as means and standard deviations. Chi-square tests, Fisher’s Exact tests, or

T

-test were performed as appropriate. We then used published data and receiver operating curves to determine the optimal thresholds for predicting birth weight discordance based on first trimester intertwin NT differences. These values were used in multivariate logistic regression models accounting for known confounders. Results. Roughly 16% of twin pairs exhibited ≥ 20% difference in birth weight. Twin pairs with a CRL discordance greater than 10% have nearly a 4 times greater likelihood of having a birth weight discordance greater than 20% (OR 3.71, CI 2.24-6.14) while controlling for chorionicity, maternal age, gestational age at delivery, maternal body mass index (BMI), and parity. In these models, intertwin NT discordance ≥ 20% (OR 1.16, CI 0.77-1.77) and NT discordance ≥ 14% (OR 1.08, CI 0.73-1.60) were not statistically significant predictors of twin birth weight differences. However, when evaluating the effect of the larger intertwin NT value corresponding to the 95th percentile, an NT difference ≥ 0.9 mm was predictive of birth weight discordance ≥ 20% (OR 2.53, CI 1.21-5.29). Conclusion. Although intertwin CRL and NT discordance measured via ultrasound between 11-14 weeks gestation are related to birth weight discordance, there is uncertainty as to whether twin birth weight differences are related to adverse pregnancy outcomes in this population.
Formulation of Vermicelli Mixed Corn and Rice Flour with Additional Carrageenan and Its Economic Value
Authors: Saeri Moh , Mariyono Joko , Latifah Evy , Khamidah Aniswatul , Yustina Ita , Sugiono Sugiono , Supriadi Khojin , Subagio Herman , Antarlina Sri Satya
Published: November 2022

The study was aimed at obtaining a vermicelli formulation on a mixture of corn and rice flour, adding carrageenan and its economic analysis. The experiment applied a 2-factorial randomized block design, where factor 1 was a mixture of corn and rice flour (5 levels) and factor 2 was carrageenan concentration (5 levels), repeated three times. The data were analyzed using ANOVA provided in SPSS. When there were significant differences, the analysis proceeded with DMRT at a level of 5% to see differences among treatments. The results show that the higher the corn flour and carrageenan concentration, the higher the vermicelli’s ash and fat content. The formulation produces wet vermicelli with a good appearance. The production of vermicelli uses an extruder method. The selected vermicelli formulation was a mixture of 25% corn flour with 75% rice flour and the addition of 0.6% carrageenan. The characteristics of the wet vermicelli are moisture content of 42.84%, ash content of 0.21% on a wet basis (wb), and fat content of 0.43% wb. The organoleptic test of vermicelli was color 3.9 (liked), aroma 3.6 (liked), texture 2.6 (quite soft), taste 3.7 (liked), and general appearance 3.5 (liked). Economically, making vermicelli made of corn and rice flour is profitable because the R/C ratio value is greater than one, which is 2.27. The resulting wet vermicelli resembles wet noodles, large in size and yellow in color, so it can be recommended as gluten-free noodles, suitable for consumption by people with gluten allergies.
Prevalence, Perception and Predictors of Concomitant Herbal Medicine Use among HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Patients in Metekel Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Feyissa Mamo , Gedif Fenta Teferi , Asres Kaleab , Gebremariam Tsige
Published: November 2022

Background. The use of herbal medicine is common in Ethiopia. However, evidence on the extent and predictors of concomitant use of herbal medicine with conventional treatment among HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis patients is limited. Objective. To assess the extent of concomitant use of herbal medicine with conventional therapy and associated factors among HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis patients in Metekel Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2020. HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis patients who visited the health facilities during the study were interviewed face-to-face using a structured and pretested questionnaire. The descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25. A

P

-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results. 412 patients on conventional treatment were included in this study; 355 (86.2%) were HIV patients, and 57 (13.8%) were TB patients. More than half, 217 (52.7%) participants reported using herbal medicine while on conventional therapy. Among those who claimed to have used herbal medicines, 32 (14.7%) received herbal medicine from traditional healers. About four of five herbal users did not disclose their use to their healthcare providers. The type of health facility on follow-up (

P
=
0.03

), disease status (

P
=
0.01

), occupation (

P
=
0.02

), discontinuing ART (

P
=
0.03

), and encountering side (

P
=
0.04

) were the determinant factors for the use of herbal medicine among our study participants. Conclusion. In the Metekel Zone, concomitant consumption of herbal medication is common among HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis patients. Furthermore, most patients did not disclose the healthcare practitioners about their herbal use. Therefore, healthcare practitioners must assess and counsel patients regarding the potential adverse effects and herb-drug interaction to optimize therapy.
Long-Term Resolution of Perifoveal Exudative Vascular Anomalous Complex after Intravitreal Injections of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Torrell-Belzach Nuria , Miere Alexandra , Souied Eric , Cohen Salomon Y.
Published: November 2022

Perifoveal exudative vascular anomalous complex (PEVAC) is a perifoveal aneurysmal vascular lesion found in healthy subjects. A 68-year-old woman was diagnosed with a typical unilateral and unifocal PEVAC lesion after extensive multimodal imaging and was treated with three-monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab. An immediate and complete resolution of the intraretinal fluid was observed. Visual acuity returned to 20/20 without any recurrence of the exudative signs along the 5 years of follow-up. Therefore, an initial anti-VEGF treatment with three-monthly intravitreal injections may be considered as a first-line treatment in PEVAC lesions and may result in long-term preservation of visual acuity.
Eosinophils: A Friend or Foe in Human Health and Diseases
Authors: Syeda Madiha Zahra , Hong Tu , Zhang Chao , Ying Songmin , Shen Huahao
Published: November 2022

Background: Since their discovery, around 150 years, eosinophils research has been a field of changing perspective, and new directions are emerging since then. Summary: Initially, eosinophils were perceived as terminally differentiated cytotoxic effector cells. Clearly, eosinophils are capable of playing functions other than immune responses, which is not surprising given their intricate interactions with pathogens as well as other circulating leukocytes. Attempts to comprehend the eosinophil biology and functions have yielded remarkable insights into their roles in human health and sickness. The use of FDA-approved eosinophils-targeting biologics has provided exciting opportunities to directly explore the contributions of eosinophils in disease etiology in humans. Key Messages: In this review, we will focus on the eosinophils’ lifecycle and discuss the current state of knowledge from mouse models and retrospective human studies demonstrating eosinophils’ roles in the pathogenesis of human diseases such as asthma, cancer, and kidney disorders. Despite three recently approved anti-eosinophil agents, a number of key questions and challenges remain far from settled, thereby generating opportunity to further explore this enigmatic cell. A comprehensive understanding of eosinophils biology and function will surely aid in developing improved therapeutic strategies against eosinophils-associated disorders.
Blood Pressure Responses During Exercise: Physiological Correlates and Clinical Implications
Authors: Nayor Matthew , Gajjar Priya , Murthy Venkatesh L. , Miller Patricia E. , Velagaleti Raghava S. , Larson Martin G. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Lewis Gregory D. , Mitchell Gary F. , Shah Ravi V.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Abnormal blood pressure (BP) responses to exercise can predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but their optimal measurement and definitions are poorly understood. We combined frequently sampled BP during cardiopulmonary exercise testing with vascular stiffness assessment to parse cardiac and vascular components of exercise BP.

Methods:

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing with BP measured every two minutes and resting vascular tonometry were performed in 2858 Framingham Heart Study participants. Linear regression was used to analyze sex-specific exercise BP patterns as a function of arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity) and cardiac-peripheral performance (defined by peak O
2
pulse).

Results:

Our sample was balanced by sex (52% women) with mean age 54±9 years and 47% with hypertension. We observed variability in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and peak O
2
pulse across individuals with clinically defined exercise hypertension (peak systolic BP [SBP] in men ≥210 mm Hg; in women ≥190 mm Hg). Despite similar resting SBP and cardiometabolic profiles, individuals with higher peak O
2
pulse displayed higher peak SBP (
P
≤0.017) alongside higher fitness levels (
P
<0.001), suggesting that high peak exercise SBP in the context of high peak O
2
pulse may in fact be favorable. Although both higher (favorable) O
2
pulse and higher (adverse) arterial stiffness were associated with greater peak SBP (
P
<0.0001 for both), the magnitude of association of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity with peak SBP was higher in women (sex–carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity interaction
P
<0.0001). In sex-specific models, exercise SBP measures accounting for workload (eg, SBP during unloaded exercise, SBP at 75 watts, and SBP/workload slope) were directly associated with the adverse features of greater arterial stiffness and lower peak O
2
pulse.

Conclusions:

Higher peak exercise SBP reflects a complex trade-off between arterial stiffness and cardiac-peripheral performance that differs by sex. Studies of BP responses to exercise accounting for vascular and cardiac physiology may illuminate mechanisms of hypertension and clarify clinical interpretation of exercise BP.
Ranunculus huainingensis and R. lujiangensis (Ranunculaceae), described from Anhui in China, are both synonymous with R. ternatus, a polymorphic eastern Asian species
Authors: FEI WEN-QUN , YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: November 2022

Based on literature survey and critical observations on herbarium specimens (including type material) and living plants in the wild, the variation in the presence or absence of filiform, tuberiferous stolons, shape and division degree of leaflets of basal leaves, shape, vein number and hairiness of sepals, presence or absence of nectary scale of petals, length of styles and shape of carpels are clarified for Ranunculus ternatus (Ranunculaceae), a polymorphic eastern Asian species very widely distributed in central and southeastern China. Ranunculus huainingensis and R. lujiangensis, both described from Anhui province in China, are revealed to lie within the variation range of R. ternatus. We therefore place both R. huainingensis and R. lujiangensis in synonymy with R. ternatus herein.
First report of Cheleocloeon Wuillot & Gillies 1993 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) from the Oriental Region
Authors: SIVARUBAN T. , SRINIVASAN PANDIARAJAN , BARATHY S. , ISACK RAJASEKARAN , KLUGE NIKITA
Published: November 2022

A new species, Cheleocloeon vaigaiensis sp. n., is described from Southern India based on larvae, imagines and subimagines of both sexes associated by rearing. This new Oriental species is most closely related to the Afrotropical species Cheleocloeon clavifolium Kluge 2016. Formerly, the genus Cheleocloeon Wuillot & Gillies 1993 was known only from Africa, Madagascar and Arabia; this is the first report of this genus from the Oriental Region.
Recovering Lost Learning Due to COVID 19: Expanding Enrichment Opportunities in an Urban School District
Authors: Koonce Andrew J.
Published: November 2022

In the midst of the pandemic, this school district made a significant investment with recovery dollars to expand enrichment opportunities in art, music, and physical education for students in their K-8 schools. The hypothesis was increasing the quality and quantity of these opportunities, the school district would increase student engagement, lead to more empathetic and joyful learning environments, and create more time for teacher preparation and collaboration. There were a number of challenges in planning and implementation that district leaders and principals had to overcome in order to see this initiative come to fruition. Early results show some promising trends and anecdotes indicate that students are participating in extracurricular experiences that they never would have been exposed to without these opportunities.
A Pilot Qualitative Case Study of Women's Experiences with Fertility Awareness-Based Methods
Authors: Capotosto Melissa Pérez , Fu Mei R.
Published: November 2022

This pilot qualitative case study was able to elicit rich data enabling a description of how women went through the journey of achieving pregnancy using fertility awareness-based methods. Findings underscore that women preferred using natural ways to detect ovulation and would recommend other women to do so, but with healthcare providers’ guidance. The findings of this case study can serve as a starting point to provide a framework to understand women's experiences of enduring trial and error with multiple fertility awareness-based methods before discovering their effective method. Findings emphasize the importance for healthcare providers to guide women in using fertility awareness-based methods.
Comparative History in Sociological Writings of Max Weber
Authors: Mohanty Rabindra K.
Published: November 2022

There have been several contentions, characterisations and controversies over Max Weber’s treatment of history in his sociological writings both during his lifetime and after him as well. While some contest his contentions, others doubt the type of English translations made of his German writings. There is a need to take stock of and consolidate the sociologically relevant historical writings of Max Weber in proper perspective. The article raises the following two issues: (a) How can the claim be justified that Max Weber is one of the users of the comparative historical approach rather than one belonging to those using the evolutionary historical approach? (b) What are the specialities of his treatment of history in his methodology and substantive works? It is the specific intention of this article to consolidate the historical materials in the sociological writings of Weber so as to reconstruct his comparative historical approach as against positivist evolutionary history.
Non-fragile filtering for delayed semi-Markov jump systems with non-linear perturbation using event-triggered scheme
Authors: Xia Weifeng , Lu Mingjie , Li Zuxin , Li Yongmin
Published: November 2022

This paper studies the non-fragile [Formula: see text] filter design problem for a class of delayed semi-Markov jump systems with non-linear perturbation under event-triggered strategy. By applying the Lyapunov stability theory and matrix integral inequalities, sufficient conditions for the stochastic stability and [Formula: see text] performance of the filtering error system are obtained. Then, a co-design method of the filter parameters and event-triggered matrices is developed. Finally, two simulation results are given to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed scheme.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Compressed Caregiver Training Program to Treat Child Behavior Problems
Authors: Edelstein Matthew L. , Sullivan Alicia , Becraft Jessica L.
Published: November 2022

In an effort to address some of the criticisms of Behavioral Parent Training programs (BPT; high attrition, reliance on caregiver report measures), the current study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and outcome of an intensive behavior treatment program (120-minute sessions for 5 days/week over the course of 2 weeks). Using a changing criterion single case experimental design, 12 children ( M child age = 4.9 years) and their primary caregivers completed the 2-week function-based intervention procedure designed to increase children’s frustration tolerance via a wait training procedure based on the principles of applied behavior analysis. Using both direct observation and standardized measures, results indicated that the treatment was effective in reducing childhood behavior problems, both within and between appointments (Cohen’s ds = 3.2 and 1.37, respectively). Preliminary evidence suggests that a compressed treatment package designed to train caregivers in function-based intervention strategies is feasible and acceptable.
Sibling estrangement in adulthood
Authors: Hank Karsten , Steinbach Anja
Published: November 2022

Whereas interest in adult sibling relationships has been growing, we are not aware of any quantitative studies focusing on sibling estrangement (that is, lack of contact or emotional closeness). This gap in the literature seems unfortunate, because estrangement in close family relationships has been suggested to be momentous for family functioning and individuals’ well-being. Drawing on four waves of the German Family Panel (pairfam; n = 5,729), covering a 6-year observation period, we therefore assess respondents’ estrangement from up to four siblings in adulthood, focusing on the predictive role of core structural parameters of sibling dyads (especially genetic relatedness) and disruptive family events (particularly parental separation/divorce or death). Whereas 28% of respondents in our sample experienced at least one episode of estrangement from any sibling, estrangement occurred multiple times in only 14% of sibling dyads. Moreover, results derived from discrete-time event history models indicate (a) that genetic relatedness is the single most important risk factor, albeit strongly mediated by childhood co-residence, and (b) that sibling relations tend to become more “vulnerable” over the life course, when adverse family events accumulate.
Peripheral neuropathy caused by fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) straw intoxication in cattle and experimental reproduction in sheep and goats
Authors: Moreno Bernardino , Marín Belén , Otero Alicia , García Mirta , Raksa Helen , Guijarro María I. , Climent María , Morales Mariano , Zabala Javier , Loste Juan M. , Acín Cristina , Badiola Juan J.
Published: November 2022

Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) is a legume widely used as a food supplement in humans and less frequently in ruminants. Toxicity has been described sporadically in ruminants grazing mature fenugreek plants or stubble; however, the pathological features are unclear. This report describes a natural outbreak of intoxication in cattle fed fenugreek straw and the experimental reproduction using 8 sheep and 8 goats. Affected cattle presented clinical signs approximately 1 month after consuming the straw and 100 of 400 cattle (25%) were affected, of which 60 of 100 (60%) died or were euthanized. Clinical signs were characterized by proprioceptive positioning defects with abnormal postures and weakness of hindlimbs. Forelimbs were also affected in severely affected animals, and cattle became recumbent. Locomotion was characterized by trembling, and some cattle showed high-stepping movements of their forelimbs and knuckled over in their fetlocks. Experimental intoxication induced clinical signs only in sheep and were similar to cattle, although with signs starting in the forelegs. Gross and microscopic lesions were similar in spontaneous and experimental intoxications. Macroscopic changes corresponded with muscular hemorrhages and edema, mainly surrounding the peripheral nerves. Microscopic examination only demonstrated lesions in the distal peripheral nerves, which included edema, hemorrhages, and Wallerian degeneration. Neurofilament immunohistochemistry revealed altered axon labeling and S100 showed a decrease in myelin intensity and loss of its typical compact arrangement around axons. Biochemical and hematological abnormalities included elevated levels of muscle and liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia. These findings indicate that fenugreek straw induces peripheral neuropathy in cattle and sheep, but not in goats.
Opposing aftereffects between a White male face set and a diverse face set
Authors: Foglia Victoria , Rutherford M.D.
Published: November 2022

Opposing aftereffects have been observed for faces categorized by gender, race, and age. In order to form opposing aftereffects, it appears that the two face sets must be both physically distinct and differ in terms of social meaning. The current study tests whether (1) a face set that is diverse with respect to sex and race can produce a coherent aftereffect and (2) whether this diversity itself is socially meaningful enough to support opposing aftereffects. Participants adapted to a homogenous face set consisting of only White male Republican congressmen and a diverse face set consisting of White, Asian, Black, and Latino male and female Democratic congress members. Opposing aftereffects were observed: participants adapted simultaneously and in opposite directions to the face sets. These results are the first evidence of adaptation to a face set that varies based on race and sex, and the first evidence of diversity being perceived as a socially meaningful category marker.
Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Bikeshare Usage by Rider Membership Status Across Selected U.S. Cities
Authors: Vo Tung , Barbour Natalia , Palaio Lori , Maness Michael
Published: November 2022

Bikesharing is a popular transportation mode for people to commute, for leisurely travel, or for recreation purposes in their daily tasks. Throughout 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on bikeshare usage in the United States. Previous studies show that the pandemic negatively affected bikeshare activity patterns. To examine the effects of the pandemic on bikeshare behavior across membership types, this study investigated trip volume- and trip duration patterns of both members and nonmembers of five bikeshare systems across the United States. The results showed that member ridership significantly decreased throughout the pandemic, but nonmember ridership tended to be stable. It was also found that trip durations increased across both groups throughout the pandemic. Additionally, inferences were made to determine the level of support for a reversion to prepandemic normality as the pandemic progressed and reopening occurred in phases. The findings from this study could benefit bikeshare agencies in developing postpandemic recovery strategies.
Barriers to Enforcing Laws and Support for Restricting Cell Phone Use While Driving among Law Enforcement Officers
Authors: Shoots-Reinhard Brittany , Svensson Hayley , Shihab Mason , Peters Ellen , Zhu Motao
Published: November 2022

Cell phone use while driving (CUWD) is an underreported contributor to crashes in the U.S.A. Although research indicates that the public is at least somewhat aware of its risks, law enforcement officers’ beliefs have been understudied. Officers’ attitudes are important for the following reasons: they influence citation rates; enforcement of the law is necessary to change driver behavior; and officers have experience and knowledge with respect to CUWD that the public may not. Ohio law enforcement officers ( N = 1,549) were recruited via convenience samples from multiple agencies in May 2019. We were primarily interested in officers’ support for legislative strategies and their perceptions of barriers to enforcing the law. We also assessed how they prioritized the enforcement of laws restricting CUWD relative to common automobile offenses, the level of risk they assigned to CUWD, and their estimation of CUWD frequency among Ohio drivers. We found that officers supported stronger enforcement of laws restricting CUWD (i.e., preferring primary to secondary enforcement) and viewed CUWD as risky and prevalent. Officers frequently cited secondary enforcement as an obstacle to enforcing laws restricting CUWD. Officers were less supportive of secondary enforcement in relation to CUWD because it is a less-effective version of regulation; their support for secondary enforcement was even lower if they supported primary enforcement. Drivers and policymakers may need to be educated about the problems secondary enforcement poses for law enforcement and be made aware that officers support stronger enforcement, including primary methods.