bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Examination of Impact of the Board of Directors’ Capital on Enterprises’ Low-Carbon Sustainable Development
Authors: Liu Lipeng , Liu Xiaoxue , Guo Zihao , Fan Shuangshuang
Published: April 2022

Given the increasingly serious ecological and environmental problems in China, research on enterprises’ low-carbon sustainable development behavior (LCSDB) has become a heated discussion. This is also because enterprises are a primary source of carbon emissions and environmental pollution. From the perspective of the board of directors’ capital (BODC), this study considers empirical evidence from 286 enterprises listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges in China from 2008 to 2016 to examine the BODC’s impact on enterprises’ LCSDB and its mechanisms. A group test is conducted using the enterprise’s property, nature of rights, and region, among other factors, to investigate the heterogeneity of the impact of board capital on enterprises’ LCSDB and its regulatory role. The research indicates (1) an increase in BODC promotes enterprises’ LCSDB. (2) An awareness of social responsibility (AOSR) plays an intermediary role in the relationship between BODC and corporate LCSDB. (3) Media attention enhances the BODC’s role in promoting enterprises’ LCSDB. (4) Government regulatory factors promote the BODC’s positive impact on LCSDB. These findings significantly impact the effectiveness of decision-makers within the company, the governance mechanism to address climate change risks, and the possible connection between corporate governance reform and carbon-related policies.
Countermeasures for the Development of Data Integration of the Internet Ice and Snow Tourism Industry under the Background of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Du Hongbo , Sun Weibo , Jiao Yufeng , Li Jialin , Liu Lei
Published: April 2022

Under the background of “Internet + Ice and Snow Tourism,” the tourism industry has ushered in new development opportunities and external challenges. “Internet + tourism” breeds a new huge tourism market. This new market consists of netizens + purchasing power + purchasing desire. This paper mainly selects the integration of mobile ice and snow tourism and tourism and leisure industry as the main research subject, focusing on the in-depth study of the future development trend of the integration of ice and snow tourism and leisure industry and the mobile Internet industry. The analysis found that the tourism industry in the ice and snow area mainly has the following problems: the division of functional areas is not clear, there is a large gap between service innovation capabilities and industrial demand, and the level of industrial informatization is inconsistent with development goals and the lack of market service credit. On the basis of combining tourism Internet service platform and big data marketing experience, creatively propose to create a new development pattern of “one network, three places and one platform” for ice and snow tourism, promote the “Three New Coverage Projects” of the tourism network, and build a new cross-business cooperation mechanism of “Internet + Tourism”; rely on Internet marketing and publicity measures to enhance the development of tourism service integrity and other countermeasures; use Internet thinking to solve the problems of tourism industry development; and provide suggestions for the innovative development of the tourism industry in the ice and snow regions and the entire autonomous region. The implementation of these countermeasures predicts that the local economy will increase by at least 51.28%, so the development of the “Internet + ice and snow tourism” type industry in combination with the actual situation is not waiting.
Deep Neural Networks for Automatic Flower Species Localization and Recognition
Authors: Abbas Touqeer , Razzaq Abdul , Zia Muhammad Azam , Mumtaz Imran , Saleem Muhammad Asim , Akbar Wasif , Khan Muhammad Ahmad , Akhtar Gulzar , Shivachi Casper Shikali
Published: April 2022

Deep neural networks are efficient methods of recognizing image patterns and have been largely implemented in computer vision applications. Object detection has many applications in computer vision, including face and vehicle detection, video surveillance, and plant leaf detection. An automatic flower identification system over categories is still challenging due to similarities among classes and intraclass variation, so the deep learning model requires more precisely labeled and high-quality data. In this proposed work, an optimized and generalized deep convolutional neural network using Faster-Recurrent Convolutional Neural Network (Faster-RCNN) and Single Short Detector (SSD) is used for detecting, localizing, and classifying flower objects. We prepared 2000 images for various pretrained models, including ResNet 50, ResNet 101, and Inception V2, as well as Mobile Net V2. In this study, 70% of the images were used for training, 25% for validation, and 5% for testing. The experiment demonstrates that the proposed Faster-RCNN model using the transfer learning approach gives an optimum mAP score of 83.3% with 300 and 91.3% with 100 proposals on ten flower classes. In addition, the proposed model could identify, locate, and classify flowers and provide essential details that include flower name, class classification, and multilabeling techniques.
User Experience Practices in Software Startups: A Systematic Mapping Study
Authors: Guerino Guilherme Corredato , de Assumpção Marcos , José da Silva Thiago , Hokkanen Laura , Balancieri Renato , Lapasini Leal Gislaine Camila
Published: April 2022

Software startups work in an uncertain environment with limited resources. Thus, user experience (UX) practices can help startups in their product development process and provide greater chances of survival for these companies. It is necessary to know what UX practices software startups have used, how they are using them, and their effects on the organization. Therefore, this paper aims to present a systematic mapping study (SMS) conducted through search engines and snowballing to identify UX practices used in software startups. The papers’ analysis identified thirty-six UX practices used by startups for product validation, design, and evaluation. However, the most emergent result extracted from the analysis was that only two of these practices were specified for software startups; in contrast, the others could be applied to various company types. In addition, several functions and ways of generating customer value through UX were identified.
Analysis of a Family with Brugada Syndrome and Sudden Cardiac Death Caused by a Novel Mutation of SCN5A
Authors: Zhu Yao-Bin , Zhang Jian-Hui , Ji Yuan-Yuan , Hu Ya-Nan , Wang Han-Lu , Ruan Dan-Dan , Meng Xiao-Rong , Lin Xin-Fu , Luo Jie-Wei , Chen Wei
Published: April 2022

Background. Brugada syndrome is a hereditary cardiac disease associated with mutations in ion channel genes. The clinical features include ventricular fibrillation, syncope, and sudden cardiac death. A family with Brugada syndrome with sudden cardiac death was analyzed to locate the associated mutation in the SCN5A gene. Methods and Results. Three generations of a Han Chinese family with Brugada syndrome were recruited in the study; their clinical phenotype data were collected and DNA samples extracted from the peripheral blood. Next-generation sequencing was carried out in the proband, and candidate genes and mutations were screened using the full exon capture technique. The family members who participated in the survey were tested for possible mutations using Sanger sequencing. Six family members were diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, including four asymptomatic patients. A newly discovered heterozygous mutation in the proband was located in exon 25 of SCN5A (NM_000335.5) at c.4313dup(p.Trp1439ValfsTer32). Among the surviving family members, only those with a Brugada wave on their electrocardiogram carried the c.4313dup(p.Trp1439ValfsTer32) variant. Bioinformatics prediction revealed that the frameshift of the c.4313dup (p.Trp1439ValfsTer32) mutant led to a coding change of 32 amino acids, followed by a stop codon, resulting in a truncated protein product. Conclusion. The newly discovered mutation site c.4313dup(p.Trp1439ValfsTer32) in exon 25 of SCN5A may be the molecular genetic basis of the family with Brugada syndrome.
Endophthalmitis Associated with a Retained Cilium in the Clear Corneal Wound after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Al-khersan Hasenin , Scott Nathan L. , Flynn Jr. Harry W.
Published: April 2022

We report a case of endophthalmitis occurring secondary to a retained cilium in a clear corneal wound after cataract surgery. A 67-year-old female presented to an ophthalmology emergency room with light perception vision in the right eye 5 days after routine cataract surgery. Examination of the right eye demonstrated decreased vision, conjunctival injection, a corneal endoplaque, and anterior chamber fibrin. Additionally, a cilium was visible in the clear corneal incision. A vitreous aspiration and injection of antibiotics and steroid were performed, and the patient underwent a vitrectomy the next day. Intraoperative cultures and culture of the cilium grew Staphylococcus epidermidis. One year after vitrectomy, the patient’s vision recovered to 20/25 in the operated eye. In conclusion, a retained cilium in a clear corneal wound related to cataract surgery, though rare, may result in endophthalmitis. The surgical field should be cleared of cilia on the ocular surface prior to surgery. Proper draping and use of povidone-iodine antisepsis are essential in reducing the risk of endophthalmitis.
Vaccine Hesitancy among Healthcare Providers at the Beginning of a Pandemic: The Case of COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Algabbani Fahad , Alomeir Othman , Alhussayen Mussab , Algabbani Aljoharah
Published: April 2022

Background: Trust in vaccines is a major global health issue. This study aimed to assess vaccine hesitancy among healthcare providers. Methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional survey conducted among healthcare providers in Riyadh between October and November of 2020. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was assessed using eight structured items adapted from the 5Cs. Results: About 34.6% (95% CI: 27.6–42.4%) of participants were willing to vaccinate against COVID-19, and 44% (95% CI: 36.5–51.9%) will recommend the vaccine to their patients. About 45% of participants were neutral regarding vaccine safety, and 40% were neutral regarding vaccine effectiveness. Almost 70% believe that the duration of clinical studies of the COVID-19 vaccines affects their confidence in the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. Those who never hesitated or delayed taking any of the recommended vaccination were more likely to be willing to vaccinate against COVID-19 (OR: 5.46, 95% CI: 2.49–11.98). Conclusions: With the development of COVID-19 vaccines, hesitancy toward vaccines was observed among healthcare providers due to concerns regarding their safety, effectiveness, and rapid development of vaccines. Improving the level of vaccine confidence among healthcare providers is essential to help implement an effective national vaccine program to enhance vaccination uptake among both HCPs and the public during pandemics.
Toward More AEDs in Public Places: An Ambitious National Plan in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsofayan Yousef M. , Alshehri Abduaziz A. , Almakhalas Kharsan M. , Mohamed Mohamed A. , Baljoon Mustafa J. , Alsulami Ali A. , Samkary Yousif J. , Nafea Hassan H. , Alhajjaj Fahad S. , Alowais Jalal M.
Published: April 2022

Background: In light of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the early use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by first responders, when combined with high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, was associated with favorable outcomes. Various health systems must collaborate to overcome the limited availability of AEDs in public places. Summary: This review describes the strategy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030 of installing more AEDs in public places and reinforcing the concept of preserving more lives. Key Messages: The national initiative of installing more AEDs in public places includes (1) an evaluation of current status, (2) the development of a central platform, (3) the provision of training courses and community awareness, (4) the role of e-application, and (5) community engagement.
Geographic distribution patterns of galling insects in a protected area of Atlantic forest (southeast, Brazil)
Authors: Flor Ismael Cividini , Maia Valéria Cid , Carneiro Marco Antônio Alves
Published: April 2022

The present study aimed to increase knowledge about the diversity and factors that determine the distribution of galling insects in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (PNI), Southeast, Brazil. For this, collections were performed in April, August and November 2015 and March 2016. Seventy gall morphotypes were found in 12 families, 32 genera and 61 species of host plants. The richness of galls did not vary with altitude, but increased with the richness of plants. The families and genera of plants with greater species richness harbored a greater number of galling insects. The number of gall morphotypes was higher in the autumn than in the other seasons. The spatial distribution of galling insects was better explained by factors such as floristic richness and species composition than by ecological effects, represented here by altitude. Regarding seasonality, the results indicate that the way resources are temporarily distributed to galling insects depends on factors such as the active growth of host plants, making some periods of the year more conducive to the development of galls.
New species, new records, synonymy, and notes in Eupogonius LeConte (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Desmiphorini)
Authors: Santos-Silva Antonio
Published: April 2022

New records for Eupogonius flavocinctus Bates, 1872, E. boteroi Wappes & Santos-Silva, 2020, E. azteca Martins, Santos-Silva & Galileo, 2015, E. subaeneus Bates, 1872, E. guerrerensis Wappes & Santos-Silva, 2020, and E. arizonensis Knull, 1954 are provided. Eupogonius sonorensis Wappes & Santos-Silva, 2020 is synonymized with E. arizonensis. The synonymy between E. pauper LeConte, 1852 and Eupogonius fraxini Knull, 1918 is commented. Two new species are described: Eupogonius rileyi, from Costa Rica; and E. similis, from Guatemala.
Mammal use of canopy bridges along the Nuevo Xcan-Playa del Carmen highway, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Authors: Hidalgo-Mihart Mircea G. , González-Gallina Alberto , Iglesias-Hernández Jesús A. , Mendoza-Cárdenas Neftali , Pérez-Garduza Freddy , Oliveras de Ita Adán , Chacón-Hernández Andrés , Vázquez-Zúñiga Octavio
Published: April 2022

There are few highways in Mexico that have built canopy bridges as a mitigation strategy for maintaining connectivity of arboreal fauna. Main target species have been primates, both, howler (Alouatta pigra, A. palliata) and spider monkeys (Ateles geofforyi), as well as several other arboreal priority species such as the kinkajou (Potos flavus), the northern tamandua (Tamandua mexicana) and the Mexican hairy porcupine (Sphiggurus mexicanus). The Nuevo Xcan-Playa del Carmen highway built 22 canopy bridges along its 54 km length. All bridges were surveyed using camera traps installed at both ends and after an 8,418 trap/night effort, 10 records of four mammal species were recorded using the canopy bridges: the kinkajou, opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and squirrels (Sciurus deppei and S. yucatanensis). More monitoring is required to properly assess the effectiveness of these mitigation measures, as the need for cost/benefit feedback is necessary to enhance further mitigation in this or other projects. Also, long term monitoring is required for properly assessing the use patterns of species. The current study was shortly after the infrastructure became operational, so it covers the adaptation period for several species but its insufficient to properly assess the current use.
Is Cell Sharing Associated with Wellbeing, Misconduct and Prison Climate? Evidence from a Dutch Study
Authors: van Ginneken Esther F. J. C.
Published: April 2022

Despite international guidelines, it is common practice in many European countries for prisoners to share a cell. In many cases this may be a measure to cope with overcrowding, but in the Netherlands it is a policy measure to reduce costs and flexibly adjust capacity. While the harms of overcrowding are widely recognised, less is known about the effects of cell sharing in non-overcrowded conditions. This study considers the association between cell sharing, wellbeing, misconduct, and prison climate, using data from a national survey study among Dutch prisoners (N = 3408). Findings show that cell sharing is associated with poorer ratings of wellbeing and prison climate, especially for people who prefer a single cell. Prisoners in double cells who do not get along with their cellmate report more misconduct. These findings reinforce recommendations to house people in single cells, unless they prefer otherwise.
From Female Masculinity to Hegemonic Femininity: Evolving Gender Performances of Turkish Women Diplomats
Authors: Süleymanoğlu-Kürüm Rahime , Rumelili Bahar
Published: April 2022

This article analyses the gender performances of Turkish women diplomats through in-depth interviews. Building on Morison and MacLeod’s performance-performativity approach, we highlight the need to take into account the different meanings and significance of gender performances under different political and social conditions. We find that a shift and the diversification of gender performances are under way among Turkish women diplomats, from female masculinity being the dominant form towards hegemonic femininity becoming more common. We note that this change is associated with the increasing valorisation of femininity in diplomacy and the changing priorities of the feminist movement and foreign policy in Turkey. We caution, however, that the enactments of hegemonic femininity are not necessarily empowering women diplomats and may inadvertently provide a basis for undermining the role and status of women in the increasingly anti-feminist political context in Turkey.
The Genesis and Development of Research Ethics Committees in Canada, 1960–1978
Authors: Razumenko Fedir
Published: April 2022

Following World War ii, many medical investigators continued their ambitious experimental interventions as rationalized, rather than justified, trials. In Canada, there were hardly any legally proscriptive or prescriptive instruments to regulate clinical experimentation until the 1960s. What was ethical could rightly be established only in the course of devising clinical research protocols and undertaking the procedures thereof. This paper examines an historical trajectory shaping human-subject research and its regulation in Canada. I argue that public disclosures of human experimentation, court litigation resulting from clinical research, international standardization of regulations on biomedical investigation, and the proliferation of clinical trials induced the evolution of human research ethics and the elaboration of guidelines to regulate it. In this process, Canadian physician-investigators adopted British and American guidelines on the conduct of ethically acceptable clinical research and modified them according to local circumstances. The first research ethics committees emerged at the Canadian university-affiliated teaching hospitals, where the investigative practices revealed and clarified the changing meanings of human research ethics.
Catholic Civil Servants and Social Services: State and Subsidiarity in Italy and France, 1945–1958
Authors: Canepa Giacomo
Published: April 2022

After World War ii, in France and in Italy, a new generation of civil servants in charge of public assistance policies – all coming from Catholic movements – sought to transform the ways in which roles and responsibilities were allocated between State, local councils, private actors, and families. This article focuses on the Italian Amministrazione per gli aiuti internazionali, established in 1945 and headed by deputy Lodovico Montini (brother of the future pope Paul vi), and on the French Direction de la population at the Ministère de la Santé et de la population, created in 1946 and managed by Emmanuel Rain. The analysis will contribute to an explanation of how public assistance, which was deemed to disappear in the face of the emergence of social security, underwent an expansion and how a new welfare regime characterized by a novel form of mixed economy emerged.
Two new species of Butyriboletus from China
Authors: FU HAO-YU , LI TING , FAN LI
Published: April 2022

Butyriboletus brunneoides sp. nov. and Bu. sinoregius sp. nov. are described from Shanxi Province of China based on morphology and molecular work. Butyriboletus brunneoides differs from Bu. brunneus by the small to medium basidiome, smooth pileus, and a thin stipe that develops reddish stains near the base. Butyriboletus sinoregius differs from the European B. regius by a basidiome bluing when bruised and a pileus covered with fine tomentum. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, nrLSU, tef1-α and rpb2 sequences support the taxonomic position of the two new species. Illustrated macro- and micro-descriptions are provided along with a key to the Butyriboletus species from China.
Fluorescence Imaging, Metabolism, and Biodistribution of Biocompatible Carbon Dots Synthesized Using Punica granatum L. Peel
Authors: Zhang Yue , Lu Yu , Zeng Wenhao , Cheng Jinjun , Zhang Meiling , Kong Hui , Qu Huihua , Lu Tao , Zhao Yan
Published: April 2022

In this study, a green, low-cost strategy is reported for the synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) using Punica granatum L. A systematic metabolic analysis and determination of the biodistribution of the nitrogen-doped carbon dots was conducted in vivo in mice. Fluorescence
images of carbon dots in the whole body, in individual organs (kidney, gallbladder, and bladder), and in two cell lines from different tissue sources were observed. The results suggest not only that the carbon dots are fluorescent in solution, as reported previously, but also that they behave
well as contrast agents in live mice. Moreover, metabolic process curves of carbon dots in blood and urine were obtained for the first time. Unlike quantum dots, which can persist in the body for more than 7 days, the carbon dots diffused and were excreted very quickly after injection into
mice; within 3 min, fluorescence could be observed in blood, tissue and urine, indicating the rapid distribution of CDs. The fluorescence faded by approximately 4 h in organs and by approximately 10 h in urine, indicating that the CDs were excreted completely in half a day. Our results on
the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of carbon dots may have great significance for the application of these CDs in drug delivery, as drug targets, and for biological imaging. We also demonstrated that these CDs have good biocompatibility for use in studies of mother-child
barriers and in fluorescence imaging in plants.
Small Molecule Modifications Significantly Increase the Transfection Efficiency of Low-Molecular Polymer
Authors: Cui Pengfei , Ma Jianhe , Zhang Huihui , Qiu Lin , Zhou Shuwen , Wang Cheng , Ni Xinye , Jiang Pengju , Wang Jianhao
Published: April 2022

Gene vectors with high biocompatibility and transfection efficiency are critical for successful gene therapy. PEI 25K (Polyethyleneimine 25K) is a common polymeric gene vector that has been employed as a positive control material in gene transfection studies due to its good performance
in endosome escape. PEI 25K’s indegradability and abundance of positive charges, on the other hand, cause toxicity in cells, limiting its use. In this study, we developed the PEI-ER non-viral vector by adding an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) targeting ligand to low molecular weight PEI
1.8K. These small molecule modifications dramatically improved PEI transfection efficiency while barely interfering with compatibility. PEI-ER/DNA complexes were discovered to enter the cell via caveolin-mediated endocytosis, avoiding destruction in the endosome. We believe that this little
chemical alteration is a simple solution to enhance the efficacy of cationic polymer vectors in gene transport, and it has a lot of medicinal applications.
Research on Orientation of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor with Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) on Regeneration and Recovery of Rats’ Dampened Skeletal Muscle and Expressed Level of Matrix Metalloproteinase
Authors: Jin Bicheng , Zhang Lei , Wang Xiaowei , Jin Dongfang
Published: April 2022

The basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has a special role in improving proliferation and differentiation of fiber cells in growth of muscle. The function of bFGF with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) on regeneration and recovery of rats’ dampened skeletal muscle and expression
of MMPS were studied in our research. The MNPs packed with bFGF were prepared and 95 experimental rats were selected. These 30 rats were equally divided into control group, model group (self-healing without obstruction after model was established), bFGF group (disposed with bFGF packaged with
MNP). The contractility and stress relaxation of rats’ skeletal muscle were observed at the 48th h, 10th, 17th, 24th and 30th days after damage. The remaining 65 rats were divided randomly into control group (5 rats) and experimental group (60 rats intervened with MNPs packaged with
bFGF). The groups were randomly divided into 0.5 h, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d, 4 d, 7 d, 10 d and 14 d according to different executed time. The levels of bFGF and MMPS were detected by HE staining method and immunohistochemical staining. There was a significant declining tendency
of shrinkage stress of muscle in the model, sham-operation, BSA and bFGF groups compared with control group in the second day. The contractility after contusion wound in the regeneration and recovery of rats’ skeletal muscle was effectively alleviated with MNPs packaged with bFGF.
Expression of Matrix Metalloprotein 13 in Injury Model of Articular Chondrocyte in Rabbits and Analysis of Nano-Drug-Loading System
Authors: Yao Yicun , Ye Dongping , Lin Peifen , Miao Haixiong , Liang Weiguo , Dai Libing
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to analyze the application of a responsive nano-drug-loading system in injury model of articular chondrocyte in rabbits, as well as its effect on expression of matrix metalloprotein 13 (MMP13). The nanoprecipitation method was adopted to prepare camptothecin (CPT)-loaded
poly ethylene glycol (PEG)-Poly caprolactone (PCL) and PEG-PCL nanoparticles without CPT. Afterward, the above mentioned nano-drug-loaded system was used to treat an in vitro scratch model of articular chondrocytes. According to different treatment plans, they were divided into groups:
G0 (administered CPT-PEG-PCL nanomedicine), G1 (administered PEG-PCL drug), G2 (saline control), and G3 (healthy control). Results showed that the drug-loading capacity and efficiency of CPT-PEG-PCL was higher than that of PEG-PCL. The levels of type II collagen and hyaluronic acid in G0 was
higher than that in G1 and G2. The levels of type II collagen and hyaluronic acid in G0 were not obviously different from those in G3. The level of MMP13 in G0 was lower than that in G1 and G2 and the level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) in G0 was higher than that in G1
and G2. The proliferation activity of cells in G0 was higher than that in G1 and G2, but there was no obvious difference when compared with G3. In conclusion, CPT-PEG-PCL has stronger long-term circulation capacity and drug-loading efficiency. It can effectively up-regulate the levels of type
II collagen, hyaluronic acid, and TIMP1, as well as reduce the synthesis and secretion of MMP13 and promote the repair of articular cartilage damage.
Impact of WSR-88D Intra-Volume Low-Level Scans on Severe Weather Warning Performance
Authors: Cho John Y. N. , Kurdzo James M. , Bennett Betty J. , Weber Mark E. , Dellicarpini Joseph W. , Loconto Andrew , Frank Hayden
Published: April 2022

The statistical relationship between supplemental adaptive intra-volume low-level scan (SAILS) usage on the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler and National Weather Service severe storm warning performance during 2014–20 is analyzed. Results show statistically significant improvement in severe thunderstorm (SVR), flash flood (FF), and tornado (TOR) warning performance associated with SAILS-on versus SAILS-off. Within the three possible SAILS modes of one (SAILSx1), two (SAILSx2), and three (SAILSx3) additional base scans per volume, for SVR, SAILSx2 and SAILSx3 are associated with better warning performance compared to SAILSx1; for FF and TOR, SAILSx3 is associated with better warning performance relative to SAILSx1 and SAILSx2. Two severe storm cases (one that spawned a tornado, one that did not) are presented where SAILS usage helped forecasters make the correct TOR warning decision, lending real-life credence to the statistical results. Furthermore, a statistical analysis of automated volume scan evaluation and termination effects, parsed by SAILS usage and mode, yield a statistically significant association between volume scan update rate and SVR warning lead time.
Global Markets, Corporate Assurances, and the Legitimacy of State Intervention: Perceptions of Distant Labor and Environmental Problems
Authors: Amengual Matthew , Bartley Tim
Published: April 2022

Collective perceptions of harm and impropriety channel the evolution of capitalism, as shown by research on the moral boundaries of markets. But how are boundaries perceived when harms are distant and observers face competing claims from advocacy organizations and corporations? These conditions are particularly salient in global supply chains, where private voluntary initiatives have been formed to address labor exploitation and environmental degradation. We argue that state intervention is now on the rise and that popular judgments about state intervention carry new insights for the sociology of markets, morality, policy, and globalization. Analyzing data from a conjoint survey experiment, we find that distant labor and environmental problems (e.g., forced labor, natural resource depletion) provoke varied levels of interest in state intervention as well as different justifications for state intervention. We also find an asymmetry of influence by strategic actors: transnational advocacy frames shape judgments to some degree, but they fall flat or backfire among conservatives. Corporate promises of reform reduce the perceived importance of state intervention—across political-ideological divides and regardless of credibility. Moving beyond stylized pro-/anti-trade attitudes, these findings reveal implicit logics of a contested moral field and the legitimacy of state intervention at a formative moment.
Risk Factors for Urgent or Emergent Cholecystectomy Mid-workup for Symptomatic Cholelithiasis
Authors: Dishman Sydney E. , Gunasingha Rathnayaka M.K.D. , Hennrikus William P. , Strahan Brittany H. , Bartel Megan C. , Gosztyla Carolyn E. , Bradley Matthew J.
Published: April 2022

Background

Patients who undergo cholecystectomy often do so for diagnoses related to the sequelae of gallstones. Many patients present acutely, requiring urgent removal due to complications of cholelithiasis. This study aims to characterize the patient population likely to present acutely during ongoing workup for cholelithiasis to better identify those who may benefit from expedited care.

Methods

Medical records of all adult patients who underwent cholecystectomy for indications related to cholelithiasis between 2015 and 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Qualitative data was analyzed using Chi square test and quantitative data was analyzed using independent t-tests.

Results

One hundred and seventy-four cholecystectomies were performed. Overall, 74.2% of the procedures were done electively while 25.8% were done urgently. And 42.2% of patients who underwent acute surgical intervention had evidence of prior workup. Patients requiring urgent intervention during ongoing diagnostic evaluation were more likely to have initially presented to an emergency department (ED) than another provider (68.4% vs 31.3%, P < .001) and had an odds ratio of 4.7 for undergoing acute intervention if they initially presented to the ED. They also tended to be more temporally remote from their initial diagnosis (119 ± 142 vs 74.6 ± 68.2 days, P < .19) relative to those who underwent elective operations.

Discussion

Patients who require urgent intervention during ongoing workup for cholelithiasis have prolonged courses of care and present to the ED more often for initial evaluation when compared to those who undergo elective intervention. These findings suggest that an emphasis on expedited workup of cholelithiasis and early surgical referral may be warranted, especially for those who initially present in the ED.
Spatial Resolution of Micro-Raman Spectroscopy for Particulate Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
Authors: Ryabin Alexander A. , Pelegov Dmitry V.
Published: April 2022

The fast-growing lithium battery industry needs quality control tools. Micro-Raman spectroscopy is a popular technique for structural characterization and can be used for impurity revealing. The problem is that the method resolution can be appropriately quantified for a sample with a simple planar geometry, like a single crystal. Much less studied are powders consisting of particles of irregular shape and sizes close to the wavelengths of the probing laser irradiation. In this work, we have examined a series of single particles of transparent lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) on a Si substrate. This model experiment revealed the significant spread of local optical properties, blocking properties of pores, and abnormal enhancement of Raman response from a bottom Si layer under some of particles. As the result, we can conclude that vertical resolution of micro-Raman spectroscopy for particulate systems with inhomogeneity of shape and structure should be described not quantitative, but qualitative, and the Raman probing of powder samples can be both multilayer and superficial.
Death From COVID-19, Muslim Death Rituals and Disenfranchised Grief – A Patient-Centered Care Perspective
Authors: Gabay Gillie , Tarabeih Mahdi
Published: April 2022

In Islam, religious directives regarding death are derived from the Quran and Islamic tradition, but there is a variety of death rituals and practices, lived by Muslims across contexts and geographies. This narrative study explored the dynamics of death and bereavement resulting from COVID-19 death among religious Muslims in Israel. Narrative interviews were conducted with 32 religious Muslims ages 73–85. Findings suggest several absent death rituals in COVID-19 deaths (i.e., the physical and spiritual purification of the body, the shrouding of the body, the funeral, and the will). Theoretically, this study linked death from COVID-19 with patient-centered care, highlighting disenfranchised grief due to the clash of health authority guidelines with religious death practices. Methodologically, this narrative study voices the perspectives of elder religious Muslims in Israel. Practically, this study suggests ways to implement the cultural perspective in COVID-19 deaths and enable a healthy bereavement process.
Socio-Economic and Cultural Context in the Development of Early Mathematical Competencies: A Comparative Study of Specific Educational Contexts in Chile and Spain
Authors: Aragón Estíbaliz , Cerda Gamal , Pérez Carlos , Aguilar Manuel , Navarro José I.
Published: April 2022

This research presents the findings of a comparative study of mathematical competence among 130 students ( M = 54.08 months; SD = 2.57) from vulnerable school contexts in Chile and the Spanish public school system. The study analyses a set of general and specific domain precursors for which evidence of socioeconomic background exists. Using multivariate regression and discriminant analysis techniques, we calculated similarities and differences between groups by comparing these precursors. Significant differences were found between the Spanish and Chilean groups ( p < .05); however, no differences were observed in non-symbolic comparison and receptive vocabulary. Possible reasons for the existence and extent of these differences are discussed in terms of socio-cultural and educational contexts.
Pomelo-inspired sandwich composites: manufacturing and cushioning property
Authors: Li Ting-Ting , Zhang Chenwei , Wang Hongyang , Shiu Bing-Chiuan , Ren Haitao , Huo Junli , Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: April 2022

Inspired by pomelo peel, this study designs an effective cushioning composite with a novel sandwich structure using a columnar lattice mold and two-step foaming technique. This sandwich composite consists of a polyamide nonwoven fabric (i.e. nonwoven surface) as the surface reinforcement layer and a double-layered spacer fabric as the bottom layer for energy absorbing. The static-compression resistance and dynamic cushioning efficacy of composites are investigated, examining the influences of three parameters (i.e. the areal density of the nonwoven surface and laminating angle and the mesh size of the double-layered spacer fabric). The experimental results show that the static-compression resistance and dynamic cushioning efficacy of the composites decrease when increasing the laminating angle of the spacer fabric and the areal density of the polyamide nonwoven fabric. By contrast, with an increment in mesh size, the compression resistance and cushioning efficacy of the composites first decrease and then increase. N200PUH/L(S5) consists of a 200 g/m2 nonwoven surface and a 0° laminated angle, 5 mm mesh size double-layered spacer fabric, which exhibits a higher cushioning efficacy than the pomelo peel. The acceleration of N200PUH/L (S5) was 39  g at 15 ms, and the acceleration of pomelo peel was 72  g at 7 ms, which were 60.7% and 28.5% lower than that of the blank group, respectively. The sandwich-structured composites are proven to have promising applications for low-velocity cushioning behavior, and this study combines the textile structure and foam technique, offering a perspective of designing cushioning composite sandwiches for future studies.
Psychometric Properties and the Cut-Off Point of the English Version of the Yatt Suicide Attitude Scale
Authors: Ibrahim Norhayati , Che Din Normah , Amit Noh , Ghazali Shazli E. , Mohd Safien Aisyah , Siau Ching Sin
Published: April 2022

Background: The Malay version of the Yatt Suicide Attitude Scale (YSAS) was found to be reliable and valid for use in the Malaysian context. This study aims to validate and determine the cut-off points of the English version of the YSAS for a wider application by English-speaking researchers and practitioners. Methods: The English version of the YSAS, the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), and Kessler’s K10 Psychological Distress Scale were distributed to 527 university students. Factor analysis was employed in the evaluation of its construct validity. The determination of the convergent and concurrent validity was determined by way of a bivariate correlation with the SBQ-R and Kessler’s K10 scales. Cronbach’s alpha and Receiver Operating Characteristic-analysis were also used to measure the internal consistency reliability as well as evaluate the screening properties of the scale. Results: The English YSAS and its ideation and attempt subdomains exhibited a high internal consistency value (>.8). The scale also had a cumulative variance of 76.39% and acceptable convergent and concurrent validity when compared to the SBQ-R and K10. The instrument demonstrated a better specificity in terms of the total score and suicide attempt and a better sensitivity trait on the suicidal ideation score. Conclusion: The English YSAS is a valid and reliable scale to assess suicidality, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt among Malaysian university students.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Face-Mask Use Amid the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic Among Public Transport Drivers in Gondar Town, A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yimenu Dawit Kumilachew , Jejaw Asfaw , Haylu Ehit , Kassahun Semira , Kifle Zemene Demelash
Published: April 2022

Background. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly communicable virus that continues to interrupt livelihoods, predominantly those of low-income segments of society. For the prevention of respiratory infections like the current COVID-19 outbreak, face masks are considered an effective approach.

Objective. This study intended to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of public transport drivers towards face mask use amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Gondar, Ethiopia.

Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 412 public transport drivers in Gondar town from July to September 2021. The study subjects were recruited using a simple random sampling technique after proportionally allocating the sample size from the total number of public transport drivers, and finally, study subjects were selected using the convenience sampling method to select the participant drivers working in Gondar Town. The data were collected by face-to-face interview administered questioners and an on-the-spot observational checklist.

Results. A total of 412 public transport drivers have participated in the study. The mean age of the respondents was 32.75 years (±8.75 years). The majority of the participants were Bajaj drivers 193 (46.84%). Among the responders, 114 (27.67%) of them use radio to gather information about the pandemic and 50 (12.14%) of them had reported being caught by COVID-19. Meanwhile, only 32 (7.77%) were vaccinated against COVID-19. Drivers that had a diploma level of education were found to be 87.7% less knowledgeable than degree holders (AOR .123, 95% CI = .026, .573). Respondents that had good knowledge about COVID-19 and face masks were found to have 1.7 times more positive attitudes than those that had poor knowledge (AOR = 1.728, 95% CI = 1.150, 2.596). drivers whose family members have ever been caught by COVID-19 were found 2 times more likely to use face masks whenever they are working/driving (AOR = 2.173, 95% CI = 1.015, 4.652) than their counterparts.

Conclusion. This study revealed a very low Knowledge, attitude, and practice of face mask use among public transport drivers in Gondar town. Periodic reinforcement and training programs are needed for all public transport drivers in each level for proper understanding and adherence to COVID-19 prevention protocols and the use of face masks.
Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma Showing a Misleading Finding on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Numano Yuki , Nomura Kazuhiro , Sugawara Mitsuru , Hemmi Tomotaka , Suzuki Jun , Kakuta Risako , Katori Yukio
Published: April 2022

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) is the most common benign tumor in sinonasal cavities. Treatment involves excising the whole tumor, so it is essential to evaluate the extent of the tumor by preoperative radiographic findings. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to computed tomography (CT) for determining a tumor’s location as MRI can discern the difference between mucus and IP. We herein report a 51-year-old man with sinonasal IP treated with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Preoperative MRI showed findings resembling a convoluted cerebriform pattern on T2-weighted imaging, but this site was not enhanced by intravenous gadolinium at all. We preoperatively suspected that this site was not part of the tumor but rather the accumulation of mucus, and indeed, we found no tumor at this site when we performed the surgery. This patient is a valuable example of misleading findings of IP on T2-weighted imaging and underscores the importance of contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging to determine the extent of IP.
Enduring COVID-19 lockdowns: Risk versus resilience in parents’ health and family functioning across the pandemic
Authors: Overall Nickola C. , Low Rachel S. T. , Chang Valerie T. , Henderson Annette M. E. , McRae Caitlin S. , Pietromonaco Paula R.
Published: April 2022

Have the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic risked declines in parents’ health and family functioning, or have most parents been resilient and shown no changes in health and family functioning? Assessing average risk versus resilience requires examining how families have fared across the pandemic, beyond the initial months examined in prior investigations. The current research examines changes in parents’ health and functioning over the first 1.5 years of the pandemic. Parents ( N = 272) who had completed general pre-pandemic assessments completed reassessments of psychological/physical health, couple/family functioning, and parenting within two mandatory lockdowns in New Zealand: at the beginning of the pandemic (26 March–28 April 2020) and 17 months later (18 August–21 September 2021). Parents exhibited average declines in psychological/physical health (greater depressive symptoms; reduced well-being, energy and physical health) and in couple/family functioning (reduced commitment and family cohesion; greater problem severity and family chaos). By contrast, there were no average differences in parent-child relationship quality and parenting practices across lockdowns. Declines in health and couple/family functioning occurred irrespective of pre-pandemic health and functioning, but partner support buffered declines in couple/family functioning. The results emphasize that attending to the challenges parents and couples face in the home will be important to mitigate and recover from the impact of the pandemic on parents’ and children’s well-being.
Clinical application value of echocardiography in evaluating left ventricular diastolic function in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Qin Shiyang , Liu Huiling , Cao Xuesong , Zhang Rui
Published: April 2022

Objective

To explore the clinical value of echocardiography in the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE).

Methods

APE patients in our hospital from June 2019 to June 2021 were selected as the observation group. They were divided into low-risk group (19 cases), medium-risk group (16 cases) and high-risk group (15 cases). The non-APE people in our hospital during the same period were selected as the control group. All subjects underwent echocardiography to observe the performance of APE patients under echocardiography. The peak velocity ratio S-wave/D-wave (S/D), early diastolic annular velocity/advanced diastolic annular velocity (Ea/Aa), early filling/early diastolic annular velocity (E/Ea), and early filling/early diastolic annular velocity (E/Ea) were compared with Ar and Vp, respectively; receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the value of echocardiography in evaluating left ventricular diastolic function in patients with APE.

Results

Echocardiography show different manifestations of APE patients. Compared with the control group, S/D, Ea/Aa, and Vp in the observation group were significantly decreased and E/Ea and Ar in the observation group were significantly increased ( p < 0.05). With the increase of risk stratification, S/D, Ea/Aa, and Vp gradually decreased, E/Ea and Ar gradually increased, and the difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, area under curve (AUC), and 95% CI were 89.52%, 65.57%, 72.86%, 80.82%, 75.38%, 0.730, and 0.629–0.831, respectively.

Conclusion

Echocardiography can effectively evaluate left ventricular diastolic function in patients with APE, and there are significant differences in left ventricular diastolic function in different risk stratification, which has important reference value for clinical diagnosis and treatment of APE.