bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Inhibition of Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase Reduces Collagen Deposition in Melanoma Tumors and May Improve Immunotherapy Efficacy by Reducing T-cell Exhaustion
Authors: Fukuda Yasunari , Kim Sun-Hee , Bustos Matias A. , Cho Sung-Nam , Roszik Jason , Burks Jared K. , Kim Hong , Hoon Dave S.B. , Grimm Elizabeth A. , Ekmekcioglu Suhendan
Published: July 2023

The arachidonic acid pathway participates in immunosuppression in various types of cancer. Our previous observation detailed that microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase 1 (mPGES-1), an enzyme downstream of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), limited antitumor immunity in melanoma; in addition, genetic depletion of mPGES-1 specifically enhanced immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The current study set out to distinguish the roles of mPGES-1 from those of COX-2 in tumor immunity and determine the potential of mPGES-1 inhibitors for reinforcing immunotherapy in melanoma. Genetic deletion of mPGES-1 showed different profiles of prostaglandin metabolites from that of COX-2 deletion. In our syngeneic mouse model, mPGES-1–deficient cells exhibited similar tumorigenicity to that of COX-2–deficient cells, despite a lower ability to suppress PGE2 synthesis by mPGES-1 depletion, indicating the presence of factors other than PGE2 that are likely to regulate tumor immunity. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that mPGES-1 depletion reduced the expressions of collagen-related genes, which have been found to be associated with immunosuppressive signatures. In our mouse model, collagen was reduced in mPGES-1–deficient tumors, and phenotypic analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes indicated that mPGES-1–deficient tumors had fewer TIM3+ exhausted CD8+ T cells compared with COX-2–deficient tumors. CAY10678, an mPGES-1 inhibitor, was equivalent to celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, in reinforcing anti-PD-1 treatment. Our study indicates that mPGES-1 inhibitors represent a promising adjuvant for immunotherapies in melanoma by reducing collagen deposition and T-cell exhaustion.
Significance:
Collagen is a predominant component of the extracellular matrix that may influence the tumor immune microenvironment for cancer progression. We present here that mPGES-1 has specific roles in regulating tumor immunity, associated with several collagen-related genes and propose that pharmacologic inhibition of mPGES-1 may hold therapeutic promise for improving immune checkpoint–based therapies.
Improving knowledge and attitude towards child marriage prevention among senior high school students
Authors: Meilani Niken , Setiyawati Nanik , Rofi'ah Siti , Sukini Tuti
Published: July 2023

The rate of child marriage worldwide reaches 21%. Indonesia was the 37th country with the second-highest percentage of child marriages in ASEAN. Adolescent knowledge and attitudes affect behavior in child marriages. Therefore, educational media is needed to increase knowledge and form positive attitudes in adolescents related to the maturation of age marriage. This study was to determine the effect of video on the knowledge and attitudes of adolescents about the maturation of age marriage. This research used a quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group design carried out in April-October 2022. The experimental group was given treatment through an educational video and the control group using a pocketbook. High school student was the population. Sampling technique was employed, involving 120 respondents for both groups. The research instrument used was a questionnaire which has been tested. Data analysis using statistical test software. In the video group, the mean difference test results for the level of knowledge were p=0.000 and attitude was p=0.006. In the pocketbook group, the level of knowledge was p=0.003 and attitude was p=0.314. Educational video is an effective method to improve adolescents’ knowledge and attitude about the maturation of age marriage. It can be used to prevent child marriage among adolescents.
The new e-learning adaptation technique based on learner’s learning style and motivation
Authors: Riad Mustapha , Qbadou Mohammed , Aoula Es-Saâdia , Gouraguine Soukaina
Published: July 2023

E-learning has increased in popularity, especially during the COVID-19, due to its numerous advantages that allow learners to study anywhere and anytime. Therefore, recommending a list of the most appropriate learning objects for learners according to their specific needs is a great challenge for adaptive e-learning systems. In an e-learning environment, the optimum adaptive e-learning system is one that can adapt dynamically to the profile of each learner. Within that particular context, various approaches were proposed. In this article, we propose a new adaptation technique based on learner’s learning style and motivation score by using collaborative filtering technique, constrained Pearson correlation coefficient, adjusted cosine measure, and K-nearest neighbor algorithms. The proposed approach is focused on how to develop and construct an effective customized pedagogical learning scenario for learning resources, and improve the accuracy of the adaptation by choosing the most suitable learning objects for learners. Therefore, we used the dataset MovieLens100K containing 943 learners and 1,682 learning objects. Additionally, a few experiments have been conducted to validate the performance of our technique. The results indicate that taking into account the learner’s learning style and motivation score can completely satisfy the customized needs of learners and improves the quality of learning.
Next generation science standards assessment for Java coastal students
Authors: Sarwi Sarwi , Saptono Sigit , Fathonah Siti , Winarto Winarto
Published: July 2023

In the 21st-century, we need a generation who can read and face the challenges of the times. The research aimed to master patterns of science with the next generation science standards (NGSS) standards of junior high school students in north coastal areas of Java Island. The research method is quantitative expose-facto and subjects were 228 students determined by purposive sampling. The students who come from Tegal, Pekalongan, Pati and Demak Regencies north coastal Java Island, Indonesia. The results showed a significant difference between the achievement of students in Tegal, Pekalongan, Pati, and Demak Regencies (p=0.012; ∝=0.05). Based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, there was a significant difference between the groups of students’ achievements in mastery of science oriented NGSS. It can be concluded that the achievement among students from four different regions is quite significant. Students from families with middle and upper economic levels have low achievement but students with low economic levels have high academic achievement.
Resiliência dos profissionais da saúde em tempos da Covid-19: revisão integrativa
Authors: Barros André  Vasconcelos , Oliveira Debora Anacleto de , Mello Deborah Bulegon , Rodrigues Grasiele Costa , Silva João Vitor Goulart da , Martins Kleuber Arias Meireles , Lira Sylas de Oliveira , Macedo Andreia Barcellos Teixeira
Published: July 2023

Objetivo: Identificar os escores ou níveis de resiliência entre profissionais de saúde durante a pandemia de COVID-19 e sua relação com outras variáveis na literatura científica. Métodos: Este estudo apresenta uma revisão integrativa da literatura utilizando as bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Medline via PubMed e Google Acadêmico. Os descritores utilizados foram “Resiliência Psicológica” e “Pessoal de Saúde” com o operador booleano “AND”. A revisão incluiu artigos publicados entre janeiro de 2020 e fevereiro de 2023, que analisaram dados durante o período da pandemia. Resultados: A busca bibliográfica resultou em 410 artigos, dos quais foram selecionadas 16 publicações. Metade dos estudos indicou resiliência moderada entre os profissionais de saúde. Pontuações ou níveis baixos de resiliência correlacionaram-se com sentimentos negativos, como exaustão, exaustão relacionada ao trabalho, depressão, ansiedade, estresse e estresse traumático secundário. Escores altos, por outro lado, correlacionaram-se com sentimentos positivos, como satisfação com compaixão, bem-estar, qualidade de vida, realização profissional e enfrentamento de situações adversas. Conclusão: O estudo foi capaz de identificar níveis de resiliência. Os profissionais de saúde adaptaram-se de forma moderada às situações adversas impostas pela pandemia. Escores altos estão positivamente associados a boas condições de vida e saúde, realização profissional e enfrentamento de situações adversas.
Cardiac Autoantibodies Against Cardiac Troponin I in Post-Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure: Evaluation in a Novel Murine Model and Applications in Therapeutics
Authors: Furusawa Shun , Ikeda Masataka , Ide Tomomi , Kanamura Takuya , Miyamoto Hiroko Deguchi , Abe Ko , Ishimaru Kosei , Watanabe Masatsugu , Tsutsui Yoshitomo , Miyake Ryo , Fujita Satoshi , Tohyama Takeshi , Matsushima Shouji , Baba Yoshihiro , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Cardiac autoantibodies (cAAbs) are involved in the progression of adverse cardiac remodeling in heart failure (HF). However, our understanding of cAAbs in HF is limited owing to the absence of relevant animal models. Herein, we aimed to establish and characterize a murine model of cAAb-positive HF after myocardial infarction (MI), thereby facilitating the development of therapeutics targeting cAAbs in post-MI HF.

METHODS:

MI was induced in BALB/c mice. Plasma cAAbs were evaluated using modified Western blot-based methods. Prognosis, cardiac function, inflammation, and fibrosis were compared between cAAb-positive and cAAb-negative MI mice. Rapamycin was used to inhibit cAAb production.

RESULTS:

Common cAAbs in BALB/c MI mice targeted cTnI (cardiac troponin I). Herein, 71% (24/34) and 44% (12/27) of the male and female MI mice, respectively, were positive for cAAbs against cTnI (cTnIAAb). Germinal centers were formed in the spleens and mediastinal lymph nodes of cTnIAAb-positive MI mice. cTnIAAb-positive MI mice showed progressive cardiac remodeling with a worse prognosis (
P
=0.014, by log-rank test), which was accompanied by cardiac inflammation, compared with that in cTnIAAb-negative MI mice. Rapamycin treatment during the first 7 days after MI suppressed cTnIAAb production (cTnIAAb positivity, 59% [29/49] and 7% [2/28] in MI mice treated with vehicle and rapamycin, respectively;
P
<0.001, by Pearson χ
2
test), consequently improving the survival and ameliorating cardiac inflammation, cardiac remodeling, and HF in MI mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present post-MI HF model may accelerate our understanding of cTnIAAb and support the development of therapeutics against cTnIAAbs in post-MI HF.
Alcohol Intake and Blood Pressure Levels: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Nonexperimental Cohort Studies
Authors: Di Federico Silvia , Filippini Tommaso , Whelton Paul K. , Cecchini Marta , Iamandii Inga , Boriani Giuseppe , Vinceti Marco
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Alcohol consumption may increase blood pressure but the details of the relationship are incomplete, particularly for the association at low levels of alcohol consumption, and no meta-analyses are available for nonexperimental cohort studies.

METHODS:

We performed a systematic search of longitudinal studies in healthy adults that reported on the association between alcohol intake and blood pressure. Our end points were the mean differences over time of systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), plotted according to baseline alcohol intake, by using a dose-response 1-stage meta-analytic methodology.

RESULTS:

Seven studies, with 19 548 participants and a median follow-up of 5.3 years (range, 4–12 years), were included in the analysis. We observed a substantially linear positive association between baseline alcohol intake and changes over time in SBP and DBP, with no suggestion of an exposure-effect threshold. Overall, average SBP was 1.25 and 4.90 mm Hg higher for 12 or 48 grams of daily alcohol consumption, compared with no consumption. The corresponding differences for DBP were 1.14 and 3.10 mm Hg. Subgroup analyses by sex showed an almost linear association between baseline alcohol intake and SBP changes in both men and women, and for DBP in men while in women we identified an inverted
U
-shaped association. Alcohol consumption was positively associated with blood pressure changes in both Asians and North Americans, apart from DBP in the latter group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest the association between alcohol consumption and SBP is direct and linear with no evidence of a threshold for the association, while for DBP the association is modified by sex and geographic location.
Grid Cell Percolation
Authors: Dabaghian Yuri
Published: July 2023

Grid cells play a principal role in enabling cognitive representations of ambient environments. The key property of these cells—the regular arrangement of their firing fields—is commonly viewed as a means for establishing spatial scales or encoding specific locations. However, using grid cells’ spiking outputs for deducing geometric orderliness proves to be a strenuous task due to fairly irregular activation patterns triggered by the animal’s sporadic visits to the grid fields. This article addresses statistical mechanisms enabling emergent regularity of grid cell firing activity from the perspective of percolation theory. Using percolation phenomena for modeling the effect of the rat’s moves through the lattices of firing fields sheds new light on the mechanisms of spatial information processing, spatial learning, path integration, and establishing spatial metrics. It is also shown that physiological parameters required for spiking percolation match the experimental range, including the characteristic 2/3 ratio between the grid fields’ size and the grid spacing, pointing at a biological viability of the approach.
Transfer Learning With Singular Value Decomposition of Multichannel Convolution Matrices
Authors: Yeung Tak Shing Au , Cheung Ka Chun , Ng Michael K. , See Simon , Yip Andy
Published: July 2023

The task of transfer learning using pretrained convolutional neural networks is considered. We propose a convolution-SVD layer to analyze the convolution operators with a singular value decomposition computed in the Fourier domain. Singular vectors extracted from the source domain are transferred to the target domain, whereas the singular values are fine-tuned with a target data set. In this way, dimension reduction is achieved to avoid overfitting, while some flexibility to fine-tune the convolution kernels is maintained. We extend an existing convolution kernel reconstruction algorithm to allow for a reconstruction from an arbitrary set of learned singular values. A generalization bound for a single convolution-SVD layer is devised to show the consistency between training and testing errors. We further introduce a notion of transfer learning gap. We prove that the testing error for a single convolution-SVD layer is bounded in terms of the gap, which motivates us to develop a regularization model with the gap as the regularizer. Numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed model in solving classification problems and the influence of various parameters. In particular, the regularization is shown to yield a significantly higher prediction accuracy.
Unraveling Ambiguity Aversion
Authors: Aydogan Ilke , Berger Loïc , Bosetti Valentina
Published: July 2023

We report the results of two experiments designed to better understand the mechanisms driving decision-making under ambiguity. We elicit individual preferences over different sources of uncertainty, entailing different degrees of complexity, from subjects with different sophistication levels. We show that (1) ambiguity aversion is robust to sophistication, but the strong relationship previously reported between attitudes toward ambiguity and compound risk is not. (2) Ellsberg ambiguity attitude can be partly explained by attitudes toward complexity for less sophisticated subjects only. Overall, regardless of the subject's sophistication level, the main driver of Ellsberg ambiguity attitude is a specific treatment of unknown probabilities.
Tolypocladium rhizomatum sp. nov.: an endophytic species isolated from the rhizome of Polygonatum cyrtonema
Authors: CHEN MING-JUN , HAN YI-REN , HU JIANG-XIN , LIU YU-JUN , HUANG BO
Published: July 2023

Tolypocladium is a diverse group of asexual or sexual fungi within the Ophiocordycipitaceae family, exhibiting a diverse range of hosts, living habits and geographical distribution. In this study, a Tolypocladium strain RCEF6720 was isolated from the rhizome of Polygonatum cyrtonema, collected in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses of multiple loci (ITS, SSU, LSU, TEF1-α and RPB1) indicated that the strain RCEF6720 was clustered with other Tolypocladium species associated with plant habitats, including T. album, T. amazonense, T. endophyticum and T. tropicale. Further study revealed that the strain RCEF6720 was identified as a distinct lineage, separated from T. album. While the strain’s morphological characteristics resemble those of T. album, it is distinguished by longer phialides. Based on the combination of its unique morphological characteristics and phylogenetic placement, the strain is proposed as a new species, named Tolypocladium rhizomatum sp. nov.
The Potential Role of Bering Strait in the Dynamics of Multidecadal Variability in the North Atlantic: An Idealized Model Study
Authors: Yang Xiaoting , Cessi Paola
Published: July 2023

Multidecadal variability on time scales between 20 and 70 years have been observed in the time series of North Atlantic SST. Many mechanisms have been proposed to explain multidecadal variabilities in the Atlantic. Generally, it is the interaction between the meridional overturning circulation (MOC) and North Atlantic surface buoyancy distribution that sustains this variability, with buoyancy anomalies either due to ocean-only processes or to air–sea interactions. In this context, the role of the Arctic Ocean, especially its freshwater flux into the North Atlantic, has been underappreciated. Bering Strait, the only oceanic pathway between the Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Ocean, has been found important in Arctic Ocean freshwater budget and in modulating the time-averaged state and long-term response of the MOC to high-latitude buoyancy forcing anomalies, via freshwater transport between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. In this paper, we use idealized configurations that include a Pacific-like wide basin and an Atlantic-like narrow basin. The two basins are connected both in the south and north to longitudinally periodic channels, representing the Southern Ocean and the Arctic Ocean, respectively. The Pacific-like basin is opened to the north only through a shallow and narrow strait, while the Atlantic-like basin is fully open to the north. With the goal of studying the role of Bering Strait in the multidecadal variability, we find that the freshwater transport from the Bering Strait forms a tongue structure along the western boundary of the narrow basin, which enhances the local horizontal density gradient. The western boundary region becomes unstable to large-scale baroclinic anomalies, giving rise to multidecadal variability.
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy as a Safe Alternative to Whole Breast Radiation for Treatment of Minimally Invasive Breast Cancers: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: King Caroline A. , Shaposhnik Guy , Sayyed Adaah A. , Shoucair Sami , Farha Maen J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) in select populations is a viable alternative to whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT) in the treatment of biopsy-proven localized invasive and non-invasive breast cancer. We aim to assess recurrence and complication rates following IORT in lumpectomy patients at a community hospital in Baltimore City.

Methods

An IRB-approved retrospective cohort study was conducted on consecutive cases of lumpectomy with IORT from 2013 through 2020 by a single surgeon. Patient demographics, tumor and operative characteristics, and complications were retrieved from electronic medical records. Primary outcomes were postoperative complications and local recurrence rates.

Results

The final cohort included 117 patients with mean follow-up time of 2.60 + 1.78 years. Mean age was 69.84 + 8.77 years. Thirty-three (28.21%) of patients developed a seroma. Odds of seroma formation were mildly significant for skin spacing [OR: 1.18, 95% CI: (1.02-1.37)] and balloon fill volume [1.04 (1.00-1.08)], but not for age, BMI, diabetes, former or current smoking status, history of WBRT, tumor size, or balloon size. Three (2.6%) patients had local recurrence. Odds of local recurrence were mildly significant for increased tumor size [1.14 (1.04-1.24)] and not significant for any other covariates.

Conclusions

IORT exposure did not confer higher rates of complications and the local recurrence rate mirrored that of the general population undergoing lumpectomy and WBRT. This study demonstrates the need for equitable treatment options based on individual needs: IORT is a safe alternative to WBRT in certain subpopulations, especially those with physical, social, or personal limitations preventing participation in a 3- to 7-week time commitment of WBRT.
Legal Financial Obligations of Reentering People After Release From Prison: Exploring Predictors of Criminal Justice Debts
Authors: Ostermann Michael
Published: July 2023

Legal financial obligations (LFOs) can complicate the already daunting process of reentry for people that are released from prison. The current study uses data to describe and model how LFOs accrued over criminal careers vary across all people released from state prisons in New Jersey in 2009 and 2010 (n = 21,031). Findings indicate that all but 50 people were sentenced to pay some form of LFO, representing approximately $123 million across 560,908 charges amongst the population. Monetary sanctions significantly varied across many background characteristics at a bivariate level, and a multivariate Poisson model indicates that white people, females, and those with longer criminal histories experience heightened LFO burdens across the criminal career. Future research should explore how mechanisms of debt accrual may vary across criminal justice subgroups and how LFOs might be leveraged by prosecutors during plea negotiations.
Black Faculty Happiness: A Qualitative Ode to Black Faculty Voices, Success, and Retention at Predominantly White Research Universities
Authors: Louis Dave Anthony
Published: July 2023

The author shares counter narratives of eleven Black faculty members employed at predominantly white research universities in the United States focusing on their experiences with happiness within their academic role. The researcher builds the study advancing a more nuanced view of the Black faculty experience. Counter storytelling was specifically used to exhibit Black faculty members’ self-description of happiness while affording them an opportunity to highlight experiences which produced feelings of happiness. This narrative exploration serves as a clarion call to Black faculty to recognize, embrace, and foster components of their academic roles that yield happiness. The author offers university leadership suggestions for the retention of Black faculty and urges for a relentless striving for racially equitable environments.
Enhancing the mechanical performance of notched glass/epoxy composite laminates via hybridisation with thermoplastic fibres
Authors: Selver Erdem , Dalfi Hussein Kommur , Potluri Prasad
Published: July 2023

This study examines empirically and theoretically the open-hole tension and compression characteristics of thermoset composites using hybrid glass/polypropylene and glass/innegra yarns. The Abaqus software, finite element analysis (FEA) has been adopted to predict the tensile and compressive failure loads and damage failure modes for un- and notched samples under tensile and compressive strength tests. The commingling technique was used to create hybrid yarns, which were then transformed into non-crimp preforms before the infusion procedure. It was noticed that the inclusion of thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) and innegra fibres increased the ductility of yarns and composites. Densities of hybrid composites were also reduced by up to 20% when compared to pure glass/epoxy composites. Tensile and open-hole tensile (OHT) test results revealed that hybrid composites are less notch sensitive than glass/epoxy composites due to enhanced composite ductility. For glass composites, having holes resulted in a 41% decrease in tensile strength, compared to reductions of only 25% and 26% for PP and innegra fibre composites, respectively. Further, compression and open-hole compression (OHC) tests presented similar results with OHT tests whilst compressive strength reduction was lower for hybrid composites (10% and 11%) compared to glass/epoxy (28%) ones. The results of the numerical simulation for damage failure modes and tensile and compressive failure loads for un-notch and notched composite laminates are consistent with the experimental findings both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Poet of Life, Life of a Poet: Tom Greening
Authors: Shabahangi Nader Robert , Reynolds Nance
Published: July 2023

Tom Greening’s life was his message. He has given us a gift of his lifetime of poetry to carry with us, to remember and cherish the power of compassion, humor, imagination, and a quiet declaration of our shared humanity. We will miss him.
Damage evolution law and failure mechanism of rock impacted by high-pressure water jet under in-situ stress condition
Authors: Liu Fuwei , Wang Yansen , Song Guoxuan
Published: July 2023

To investigate the real physical mechanism of rock fragmentation subjected to water jet under in-situ stress condition, a numerical model based on the SPH algorithm was established using the rate-dependent constitutive model to simulate the rock-breaking process. First, the damage evolution law of rock impacted by high-pressure water jet under in-situ stress conditions was studied by analyzing the distribution characteristics of the damage field in the dynamic process of water jet impinging. The results showed that the damage field, widths of surface damage, maximum widths of damage and mean depths of damage of rock decreased with the increase of in-situ stress, indicating that the existence of initial in-situ stress had a strong inhibitory effect on rock fragmentation. The attenuation of the maximum widths of damage could be divided into two stages. The mean depths of damage of rock played a leading role in the number of damage elements. Furthermore, on this basis, the real physical mechanism of rock fragmentation subjected to water jet under in-situ stress condition was revealed by analyzing the stress states and damage history variables of the particles in the selected five typical regions. The study showed that the failure type of the upper rock elements in the crushing zone was brittle failure caused by a combination of compressive stress and shear stress with or without in-situ stress. However, the failure mechanisms of rock elements in crack zone were completely different with or without in-situ stress. In the absence of in-situ stress, the failure type of rock impacted by water jet was the coexistence of damage caused by compressive-shear stress and tensile stress, while in the presence of in-situ stress, the failure type of rock impacted by water jet was mainly the damage caused by compressive-shear stress.
Book review: T. K. Oommen, From Bharat to India: An Academic’s Journey
Authors: Pattanaik Nupur
Published: July 2023

T. K. Oommen, From Bharat to India: An Academic’s Journey (South Asia Press, 2022), 145 pp., ₹695 (Paperback), ISBN: 9788195020478.
Immigration and labor shortages: Learning from Japan and the United Kingdom
Authors: Liu-Farrer Gracia , Green Anne E. , Ozgen Ceren , Cole Matthew A.
Published: July 2023

Industrialized countries have increasingly used skill-based selective migration policies to reduce labor and skill shortages. But are these policies effective? This paper uses Japan and the United Kingdom to illustrate how immigration policy and employment, training and labor practices influence labor and skill supply. Until recently, these two countries had different migration policies and labor practices. Yet data shows similar patterns of labor and skill shortage profiles in both countries. This paper draws on empirical research to argue that such outcomes suggest that immigration policies will not alleviate labor and skill shortages unless accompanied by the transformation of employment and training practices.
Emerging port infrastructure and advocacy networks for migrant fishers in Taiwan
Authors: Parhusip Jonathan
Published: July 2023

As the nation with the most significant number of foreign fishers employed in its domestic and distant water fishing industries, Taiwan often comes under scrutiny due to numerous reports of poor working conditions, maltreatment and human rights abuses onboard fishing vessels. During employment, migrant fishers face the constant threat of food shortages on the high seas, lack of drinking water, unpaid salaries, long working hours and other human and labor rights abuses. The fishers’ journey often ends with unilateral contract termination and forced deportation. This paper argues that the opportunity for the migrant fishers to improve their working conditions depends on the social networks and connection to people or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that could offer know-how and resources to advocate for their rights. Focusing on the networking between Stella Maris International Seafarers’ Center in Kaohsiung (also known as Stella Maris Kaohsiung or SMK) and migrant-led organizations in Taiwan, this research note proposes the notion of “port infrastructure” to refer to networked support organization, promotes the rights of fishers, and the improvement of their living and working conditions.
Primary Surgical Management of Laryngeal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Single Institution Case Series
Authors: Gu Yajun , Liu Dingding , Gao Xinyu , Zhou Han , Song Panpan , Qian Xiaoyun
Published: July 2023

Objective: Laryngeal neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare diseases. A single institution retrospective study was done of the outcome of patients with laryngeal NENs who undergo primary surgery as the first treatment modality. Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with laryngeal NENs between 2009 and 2018. Cases were classified by applying the 2022 World Health organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumors (5th edition). Results: Six patients were eligible at our tertiary center: 1 large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), 3 small cell NEC, 1 neuroendocrine tumor grade 1, and 1 neuroendocrine tumor grade 2. All admitted patients received upfront surgeries, including 3 transoral CO2 laser surgeries and 3 total laryngectomies with or without elective neck dissection. Four patients underwent subsequent chemoradiotherapy. Although 3 patients had recurrent disease and distal metastasis, the overall survival was generally improved. Conclusion: According to our institutional experience, upfront surgery in the first-line setting of a multi-modality approach with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy plays a very important role in managing laryngeal NECs, and may confer additional survival benefit in some patients of the large cell carcinoma subgroup.
Low concentration of sodium tetradecyl sulfate and hypertonic glucose solution for the treatment of telangiectasia: A prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Bukina Oksana V , Sinitsyn Aleksandr A , Efremova Oksana I , Pelevin Andrey V
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to compare telangiectasias disappearance after sclerotherapy with hypertonic glucose (HG) and different concentrations of sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS).

Methods

Women aged 18–70 years with telangiectasias were included. The primary efficacy endpoint was telangiectasia disappearance. The clearing of vessels was assessed using a six-point scale (from 0 to 5).

Results

A total of 116 women completed an 8-week follow-up: 31, 27, 25, and 33 were in the HG 75%, STS 0.05%, STS 0.1%, and STS 0.15% groups, respectively. The median score of vein disappearance was significantly lower in the STS 0.05% (3, 0.25–4), STS 0.1% (3, 1.25–4), and STS 0.15% (4, 2–4) groups than in the HG group (4, 3–5) after 56 days, p = .00002.

Conclusion

Sclerotherapy of telangiectasias with 75% HG showed significantly better results than low concentrations of STS.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04132323.
Total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of a hip disorder complicated by autosomal dominant osteopetrosis: a case report
Authors: Wei Congcong , Li Huijie
Published: July 2023

Autosomal dominant osteopetrosis (ADOP) is an extremely rare congenital bone disease. We report a case of a hip disorder in combination with ADOP, which was treated by total hip arthroplasty, resulting in a good recovery and a significant improvement in the patient’s ability to perform daily activities.
Analyzing the Relationships Between Frequency of Leisure Activity Participation and Social Capital
Authors: Luong Trang , Barbour Natalia , Maness Michael
Published: July 2023

Transportation research has focused on gaining a better understanding of how the need to travel is influenced by one’s social capital and relates to participation in various leisure activities. This study postulated that increased participation frequency of social-oriented leisure activities is an expressive outcome and thus mostly affected by expressive resources of social capital. To explore the impacts of social capital on leisure activity behavior—particularly the participation frequency—a refined survey was designed to obtain an extensive collection of leisure activities, social capital measures, as well as mobility and sociodemographic characteristics. The survey included questions to ascertain individuals’ instrumental and expressive social capital through position, resource, and generalized name generators. The 20 activities that were most reported by the survey respondents were examined using a zero-inflated ordered probit model with correlated error terms. Respondents with greater expressive resources participated in social leisure activities more frequently than those with fewer expressive resources. However, this relationship did not hold for the activities of drinking and socializing, attending church, or dining out. In contrast, instrumental social capital had mixed effects (i.e., positive, negative, or insignificant) in relation to the participation frequency of social activities.
Business models for the reuse of construction and demolition waste
Authors: Buchard Martin Visby , Christensen Thomas Budde
Published: July 2023

The construction sector is the largest contributor to waste in Europe. Approximately one-third of all waste originates from construction and demolition. In Europe, most construction and demolition waste (CDW) is recycled as backfilling and only limited amounts of construction materials are reused for their original purpose. There is a current policy push by the European Commission (EC), as well as several EU member states, focused on lifting waste up the European waste hierarchy from recycling to reuse to help preserve resources and reduce the environmental impacts of CDW, which is considered a priority waste stream. This article explores the potential and the barriers to the increased reuse of CDW and describes several business models for reuse based around the intersection between public authorities, waste companies and private companies involved in the construction and demolition sector. The article is empirically based on a study of various reuse schemes operated by waste companies, municipalities and private waste operators in Denmark. Using a mixed-methods approach, in which survey methods are combined with company visits and qualitative interviews, the article analyzes the potential and the barriers to the creation of direct reuse schemes for CDW. Based on the findings from these, four generic business models for the direct reuse and recycling of CDW are synthesized specifically targeting the CDW fractions that are waste managed at public recycling stations. Finally, the article discusses how market conditions, environmental issues and quality can influence emerging reuse schemes.
Influences of thermal crown and wear crown of work roll on strip shape in tandem cold rolling using a novel 3D multi-pass FE model
Authors: Li Lianjie , Xie Haibo , Zhang Tao , Pan Di , Liu Tianwu , Li Xingsheng , Liu Xu , Wang Enrui , Liu Hongqiang , Sun Li , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: July 2023

Thermal crown and wear crown of work roll (TWW) are the main interfering factors of loaded roll gap profile in tandem cold rolling (TCR). However, the effect of TWW on the strip shape is not well understood. This paper presents a quantitative study about the effect of TWW on the strip crown and strip flatness based on a novel 3D multi-pass elastic-plastic finite element (EPFE) model that has been validated by industrial trials in the TCR. The results show that the thermal crown introduces the centre wave and quarter wave, while the wear crown brings in the edge wave and edge-centre coupled wave; the thermal crown has a larger influence efficiency on the quadratic strip shape than the wear crown does, while the wear crown exerts a larger influence efficiency on the quartic strip shape than the thermal crown does. In addition, the influence efficiency of TWW on the strip crown decreases nonlinearly with an increase in strip plastic rigidity from Pass 1 (P1) to Pass 5 (P5). This is the first scientific report on the link between the strip plastic rigidity and the effect of TWW on the strip crown, affording the mathematical models for predicting the influence efficiency of TWW based on the strip plastic rigidity at each pass.
Influence of doping MnCl2 in Ce, Fe and Al lattice on its oxygen storage capacity to use as a synthesis catalyst for reducing emission in IC engine
Authors: Suresh Pelluru , Vijayaragavan Mathanraj
Published: July 2023

A series of MnCl2 catalysts were synthesised in order to study the Ce/Al/Fe ratios and Ce/Al/Fe catalyst as an external effect of morphological support to reduce NO (nitrogen oxide) emission with NH3 while working at low temperatures. When compared to other low-temperature catalysts, the NOx conversion result is also high. The Ce/Al/Fe ratio was 1:1:1 above the MnCl2 catalyst, indicating that the surface acidity is high and that the NH3 side reaction was inhibited. Mould catalysts are commonly used in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reactions because they contain Ce/Al species and have a high oxygen content. The hydrothermal method utilised to make the catalyst in a mould pattern improved the NOx conversion efficiency. During the Quick SCR reaction technique, MnCl2 oxygen levels increased while NO emissions decreased. The NO emission is reduced by almost 26.28% and the other emissions, such as HC and smoke, are reduced by around 4.34% and 15.62%, respectively, compared to HTSO100 and compare to diesel, NO emission reduced around 34.5% whereas other emission like HC and smoke reduced around 8.33% and 16.92%, respectively, which is due to the addition of an MnCl2 + CeCl2 +FeCl2 + AlCl2 in the exhaust without affecting brake thermal efficiency.
Measurement of EDMed surfaces roughness using convolutional neural network
Authors: Kumar Amit , Pradhan Mohan Kumar , Das Raja
Published: July 2023

In addition to dimensions, surface roughness measurement is crucial in every manufacturing. In this study, a trustworthy method for characterising the surface roughness of electrical discharge machined surfaces was developed using a convolutional neural network. Since feature extraction is incorporated into the convolution process of the network, this technique eliminates it. Images of EDMed surfaces were taken using a mobile camera. MATLAB software was used to process a signal vector that was created from the intensity of the picture pixels. A database of specimens with recorded surface roughness values was created. When samples with known surface roughness are given, the proposed technique is a strong contender for real-time surface roughness measurement. The generated predicted values are compared with the measured values acquired from a profilometer using a stylus. The applicability and accuracy of five loss functions are considered before they are chosen and examined for the prediction models. The accuracy and performance of this digital model suggest that it has the capability to assess the surface roughness very well.
Hedonic Consumers’ Privacy in Online Shopping: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ullah G. M. Shafayet , Kumar Sameer , Furuoka Fumitaka
Published: July 2023

The article aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the extant literature on online hedonic consumers’ privacy. Further, the authors attempt to identify a gap in online hedonic consumer behaviour focusing on their privacy. The authors systematically reviewed the extant literature on online hedonic consumers and their various privacy-related issues. The discussion on ‘privacy’, ‘online shopping’, ‘hedonic consumption’ and ‘hedonic-motivation system (HMS)’ elucidated any confusion held by the researchers and readers. This review offered insight into the current status of research in this field and recognized the factor ‘privacy’ as a gap in the existing model of online hedonic consumer behaviour that could be properly explored in further scholarly empirical research. The exclusion of non-English language articles and the lack of inclusion of different kinds of hedonic products or services other than ‘online shopping’ were the limitations of this article. Managers and e-commerce vendors could utilize the findings of this review to address their hedonic consumers’ privacy for the growth of their online businesses. This review lays the groundwork to explore online hedonic consumers’ privacy in detail. To address the gaps identified through this study, the development of a new overarching model of online hedonic consumer behaviour is suggested for future researchers, which might provide a theoretical framework for scholars to further examine the effect of privacy on online hedonic consumers.
Incretin Analogs for Weight Management in Adults Without Diabetes
Authors: Lobkovich Alison , Kale-Pradhan Pramodini , Lipari Melissa
Published: July 2023

Objective:

This is a narrative review of incretin analogs and their effect on weight management in adult without diabetes.

Data Sources:

Randomized controlled trials were identified by English language. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched from inception through June 2023 to identify all pertinent trials reporting outcomes on efficacy and safety search using the terms: tirzepatide, semaglutide, liraglutide, and obesity.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Selected studies were included if the study population was composed of adults without diabetes being treated by glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists or glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 agonists for weight management, and weight loss was assessed as a primary outcome.

Data Synthesis:

Fifteen studies involving 3 pharmacotherapies (liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide) were identified. Efficacy data supporting the use of these agents for weight management were promising when compared to placebo and/or other behavioral therapies. Percent weight loss ranged from 5.7% to 11.8%, 14.9% to 17.4%, and 15% to 20.9% for liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, respectively. Safety data were relatively similar across all trials and identified gastrointestinal adverse effects as most common.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

Glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists are preferred for overweight or obese patients by the American Gastroenterological Association. Future guidelines may address tirzepatides’ place in therapy as new evidence comes forth. Providers should consider patient-specific factors such as cost, adverse effects, drug interactions, and comorbidities when prescribing these agents and provide education regarding the need for concurrent diet and exercise modifications.

Conclusions:

All incretin analogs in this review are superior to placebo when used for weight management in adults without diabetes.
Pure red cell aplasia occurring during ibrutinib therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Wang Lei , Wu Shishou , Yu Guohua , Sui Xiaolong , Chu Xiaoxia , Liu Xiaoqian
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has long been known for its complications related to immune deregulation, of which autoimmune cytopenias (AIC) were frequently reported. Ibrutinib has dramatically changed the overall prognosis of patients with CLL. However, whether ibrutinib can induce or aggravate AIC in CLL patients is still disputable. Here we report a CLL patient with pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) occurring during ibrutinib treatment and review available data to discuss the possible role of ibrutinib in developing AIC.

Case report

A 70-year-old female was diagnosed with CLL with indications to initiate ibrutinib treatment given progressive bulky disease. She was admitted for advanced fatigue on the 14th day of ibrutinib monotherapy. A complete blood count revealed severe anemia of hemoglobin (Hb) 37 g/L and a meager reticulocyte count. After excluding other conditions that could cause anemia, PRCA was diagnosed as a complication of CLL.

Management and outcome

Ibrutinib was discontinued on the day of admission. At the same time, the patient received prednisone and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). Five days later, the Hb did not improve. Cyclosporine A (CsA) was added; IVIg was discontinued, and prednisone was tapered. Ten days later, the Hb had risen to 92 g/L with a high reticulocyte count of 0.279 × 1012/L. The CLL treatment restarted with Zanbrutinib in combination with a low dose of prednisone and CsA. Her CLL was in partial remission by the latest follow-up with an average Hb count.

Discussion

Our case demonstrates a need to evaluate the risk of developing AIC before initiating ibrutinib. For patients with high-risk factors for AIC episodes, the transient addition of other immunosuppressive therapies should be taken into consideration.