bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aging: Change in SIRT1 and Enzymatic Profile Promotes a Decrease in
the Antioxidant Capacity of Resveratrol in Human Leukocytes In Vitro
Authors: Chaves Miriam Martins , Franco Filipe Nogueira , de Cassia Cardoso Luciana , Moura Silva Bárbara Néllita , Rodrigues de Araújo Glaucy
Published: May 2022

Background:

One of the most studied theories about aging comes from the accumulation
of free radical generation, leading to oxidative stress. Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenolic
compound that has been shown to act as an antioxidant in medical practice.

Objective:

To verify the antioxidant action of resveratrol (and its correlation with aging) in leukocytes
from donors of different ages, mainly through the analysis of the three main enzymes of the
antioxidant complex and the analysis of the SIRT1 signaling pathway.

Methods:

Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay was used to evaluate ROS and SIRT1.
Antioxidant enzymes were evaluated by commercial kits. *p<0.05.

Results:

In all age groups, there was a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells stimulated
with RSV. There was a positive correlation between its antioxidant effect and donor age. In
younger individuals (20-39 years old), there was an increase in catalase activity in cells exposed to
RSV. In the older groups (40-59 years old and 60-80 years old), RSV was able to increase the activity
of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Through the
analysis of SIRT1 it was possible to observe a silencing of the pathway in leukocytes treated with
RSV during aging.

Conclusion:

RSV showed antioxidant activity in all age groups, although more pronounced in
younger individuals. One of the mechanisms of action of the RSV is due to the increase in the activity
of antioxidant enzymes, which varies according to the individual's age, especially through the
modulation of important antioxidant pathways.
Progress in the Research of Naturally Occurring Biflavonoids: A Look Through
Authors: Gorai Dilip , Jash Shyamal K. , Kundu Debasish
Published: May 2022

Biflavonoids are dimers of monomeric flavonoids and have reported to
exhibit several pharmacological activities, like anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antienzymatic,
antioxidant, anticancer, anti-Perkinson, anti-ulcer, anti-hypertensive, antidiabetic,
anti-depressant and anti-protozoan. Extensive research work on this important
segment of natural compounds is in progress. In this chapter, we report the progress of
research on natural biflavonoids from the period of 2005 to early 2020; it includes
enlisting newly isolated bioflavonoids from plant sources, biological activities
exhibited by the known as well as new compounds and synthetic strategies developed
for synthesizing such compounds. In this time period, a total of 247 biflavonoids have
been reported either in terms of their first-time appearance or evaluation of their
biological activities or both. Out of the reported 247 biflavonoids, 176 have been
reported as new compounds from natural plant sources. They have been reported to
exhibit a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial
and antiviral, cytotoxic and anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-anoxic,
antioxidant, NO-inhibitory activity, anti-enzymatic, anti-HIV, anti thrombin, antiallergic,
cytoprotective, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory, which have been
discussed in a comprehensive manner. Different synthetic strategies that have been
reported for the synthesis of structurally different biflavonoids are also included. This
chapter cites 177 references.
The behavior of cross-laminated timber and reinforced concrete floors in a multi-story building
Authors:   Department of Building Engineering, Energy Systems, and Sustainability Science, Faculty of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden, et al. Bahrami
Published: May 2022

The behavior of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and reinforced concrete (RC) floors in a multi-story building is investigated in this paper. The load-bearing capacity, fire resistance, and sound insulation characteristics of the floors are the main focus of this research. In order to achieve this goal, a four-story building having RC floors is modeled, analyzed, and designed using the StruSoft FEM-Design software (FEM) following the Eurocodes and Swedish national annex. The building is considered to be in the city of Gävle in Sweden. Then, the RC floors of the building are replaced with the CLT floors, and the same process is done utilizing FEM. The utilization ratios (the ratios of the applied loads to the load-bearing capacities), vertical deflections, weights of the RC and CLT floors, and reaction forces of the buildings are evaluated and compared. The results show that the RC floors meet the deflection requirements well which contributes to the focus on their utilization ratios. The designed RC floors are acceptable from the vertical deflection and utilization ratio perspectives. However, the CLT floors cannot meet the vertical deflection requirements, and thus, need strengthening. The CLT floors are strengthened with supporting timber beams and columns which result in acceptable vertical deflections and utilization ratios. Fire resistance and sound insulation conditions of the RC and CLT floors are assessed by calculations based on the requirements of the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building, and Planning regulations (BBR) as well. The RC floors have the ability to be soundproof and have no difficulties in meeting the fire resistance requirements R60 of BBR. A cross-section is proposed for the CLT floors which can meet the fire resistance requirement R60 and sound insulation requirement C of BBR. The maximum reaction forces of the buildings and total weights of the floors are larger in the case of RC than CLT.
Factors Influencing Clinician Trust in Predictive Clinical Decision Support Systems for In-Hospital Deterioration: Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Schwartz Jessica M , George Maureen , Rossetti Sarah Collins , Dykes Patricia C , Minshall Simon R , Lucas Eugene , Cato Kenrick D
Published: May 2022

Background

Clinician trust in machine learning–based clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) for predicting in-hospital deterioration (a type of predictive CDSS) is essential for adoption. Evidence shows that clinician trust in predictive CDSSs is influenced by perceived understandability and perceived accuracy.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the phenomenon of clinician trust in predictive CDSSs for in-hospital deterioration by confirming and characterizing factors known to influence trust (understandability and accuracy), uncovering and describing other influencing factors, and comparing nurses’ and prescribing providers’ trust in predictive CDSSs.

Methods

We followed a qualitative descriptive methodology conducting directed deductive and inductive content analysis of interview data. Directed deductive analyses were guided by the human-computer trust conceptual framework. Semistructured interviews were conducted with nurses and prescribing providers (physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners) working with a predictive CDSS at 2 hospitals in Mass General Brigham.

Results

A total of 17 clinicians were interviewed. Concepts from the human-computer trust conceptual framework—perceived understandability and perceived technical competence (ie, perceived accuracy)—were found to influence clinician trust in predictive CDSSs for in-hospital deterioration. The concordance between clinicians’ impressions of patients’ clinical status and system predictions influenced clinicians’ perceptions of system accuracy. Understandability was influenced by system explanations, both global and local, as well as training. In total, 3 additional themes emerged from the inductive analysis. The first, perceived actionability, captured the variation in clinicians’ desires for predictive CDSSs to recommend a discrete action. The second, evidence, described the importance of both macro- (scientific) and micro- (anecdotal) evidence for fostering trust. The final theme, equitability, described fairness in system predictions. The findings were largely similar between nurses and prescribing providers.

Conclusions

Although there is a perceived trade-off between machine learning–based CDSS accuracy and understandability, our findings confirm that both are important for fostering clinician trust in predictive CDSSs for in-hospital deterioration. We found that reliance on the predictive CDSS in the clinical workflow may influence clinicians’ requirements for trust. Future research should explore the impact of reliance, the optimal explanation design for enhancing understandability, and the role of perceived actionability in driving trust.
Indoor Temperatures in the 2018 Heat Wave in Quebec, Canada: Exploratory Study Using Ecobee Smart Thermostats
Authors: Oetomo Arlene , Jalali Niloofar , Costa Paula Dornhofer Paro , Morita Plinio Pelegrini
Published: May 2022

Background

Climate change, driven by human activity, is rapidly changing our environment and posing an increased risk to human health. Local governments must adapt their cities and prepare for increased periods of extreme heat and ensure that marginalized populations do not suffer detrimental health outcomes. Heat warnings traditionally rely on outdoor temperature data which may not reflect indoor temperatures experienced by individuals. Smart thermostats could be a novel and highly scalable data source for heat wave monitoring.

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore whether smart thermostats can be used to measure indoor temperature during a heat wave and identify houses experiencing indoor temperatures above 26°C.

Methods

We used secondary data—indoor temperature data recorded by ecobee smart thermostats during the Quebec heat waves of 2018 that claimed 66 lives, outdoor temperature data from Environment Canada weather stations, and indoor temperature data from 768 Quebec households. We performed descriptive statistical analyses to compare indoor temperatures differences between air conditioned and non–air conditioned houses in Montreal, Gatineau, and surrounding areas from June 1 to August 31, 2018.

Results

There were significant differences in indoor temperature between houses with and without air conditioning on both heat wave and non–heat wave days (P<.001). Households without air conditioning consistently recorded daily temperatures above common indoor temperature standards. High indoor temperatures persisted for an average of 4 hours per day in non–air conditioned houses.

Conclusions

Our findings were consistent with current literature on building warming and heat retention during heat waves, which contribute to increased risk of heat-related illnesses. Indoor temperatures can be captured continuously using smart thermostats across a large population. When integrated with local heat health action plans, these data could be used to strengthen existing heat alert response systems and enhance emergency medical service responses.
Factors Influencing Clinician Trust in Predictive Clinical Decision Support Systems for In-Hospital Deterioration: Qualitative Descriptive Study (Preprint)
Authors: Schwartz Jessica M , George Maureen , Rossetti Sarah Collins , Dykes Patricia C , Minshall Simon R , Lucas Eugene , Cato Kenrick D
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Clinician trust in machine learning–based clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) for predicting in-hospital deterioration (a type of predictive CDSS) is essential for adoption. Evidence shows that clinician trust in predictive CDSSs is influenced by perceived understandability and perceived accuracy.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the phenomenon of clinician trust in predictive CDSSs for in-hospital deterioration by confirming and characterizing factors known to influence trust (understandability and accuracy), uncovering and describing other influencing factors, and comparing nurses’ and prescribing providers’ trust in predictive CDSSs.

METHODS

We followed a qualitative descriptive methodology conducting directed deductive and inductive content analysis of interview data. Directed deductive analyses were guided by the human-computer trust conceptual framework. Semistructured interviews were conducted with nurses and prescribing providers (physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners) working with a predictive CDSS at 2 hospitals in Mass General Brigham.

RESULTS

A total of 17 clinicians were interviewed. Concepts from the human-computer trust conceptual framework—perceived understandability and perceived technical competence (ie, perceived accuracy)—were found to influence clinician trust in predictive CDSSs for in-hospital deterioration. The concordance between clinicians’ impressions of patients’ clinical status and system predictions influenced clinicians’ perceptions of system accuracy. Understandability was influenced by system explanations, both global and local, as well as training. In total, 3 additional themes emerged from the inductive analysis. The first, perceived actionability, captured the variation in clinicians’ desires for predictive CDSSs to recommend a discrete action. The second, evidence, described the importance of both macro- (scientific) and micro- (anecdotal) evidence for fostering trust. The final theme, equitability, described fairness in system predictions. The findings were largely similar between nurses and prescribing providers.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is a perceived trade-off between machine learning–based CDSS accuracy and understandability, our findings confirm that both are important for fostering clinician trust in predictive CDSSs for in-hospital deterioration. We found that reliance on the predictive CDSS in the clinical workflow may influence clinicians’ requirements for trust. Future research should explore the impact of reliance, the optimal explanation design for enhancing understandability, and the role of perceived actionability in driving trust.
The Use of Patient-Generated Health Data From Consumer-Grade Mobile Devices in Clinical Workflows: Protocol for a Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Guardado Medina Sharon , Isomursu Minna
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

With the rapid advancement of mobile technology, the scope of mobile health (mHealth) has expanded to include consumer-grade devices such as smartphones and wearable sensors. These solutions have typically been used for fitness purposes; however, due to their ubiquitous capabilities for data collection, they have the potential to bridge information gaps and supplement data from clinical visits. Patient-generated health data (PGHD) can be derived from mHealth solutions and be used by health care professionals (HCPs) as complementary tools in the care process, yet their integration into clinical workflows presents a myriad of challenges. PGHD might be a new and unfamiliar source of information for most HCPs, and the majority of mHealth solutions have not been designed to be used by HCPs as active reviewers. As mHealth solutions become more available and attractive to patients, HCPs may see an increase in the influx of data and related inquiries from their patients. This mismatch in expectations can result in disruptions to clinical workflows and negatively impact patient-clinician relationships. For PGHD to be integrated into clinical workflows, its use should be proven beneficial for both patients and HCPs. However, so far, only limited research has been done on the concrete experiences of HCPs as active reviewers of PGHD from consumer-grade mobile devices.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to systematically guide the review of existing literature to identify what types of PGHD from consumer-grade mobile devices are currently being used by HCPs as complementary tools in the care process.

METHODS

The PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) 2015 was followed for the design of the search, selection, and data synthesis processes. Electronic searches will be done on PubMed, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, and Scopus.

RESULTS

Preliminary searches have been conducted, and previous related systematic and scoping reviews have been found and evaluated. The review is expected to be completed in February 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

This protocol will guide the review of existing literature on the use of PGHD produced by consumer-grade mobile devices. Although there have been previous reviews related to this topic, our proposed approach seeks to understand the specific opinions and experiences of different types of HCPs who are already using PGHD in their clinical practice and the motives for deeming these data useful and worth reviewing. Depending on the studies that will be included, there may be an opportunity to provide a wider understanding of what types of HCPs trust PGHD, despite the possible challenges that its use might convey, potentially contributing with the knowledge to support the design strategies of mHealth tools that could be integrated into clinical workflows.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/39389
Indirect treatment comparison of anifrolumab efficacy versus belimumab in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bruce Ian N , Golam Sarowar , Steenkamp Jason , Wang Pearl , Worthington Evelyn , Desta Barnabas , Psachoulia Konstantina , Erhardt Wilma , Tummala Raj
Published: May 2022

Aim:
Assess the comparative efficacy of anifrolumab 300 mg versus belimumab 10 mg/kg in adults with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) receiving standard therapy.
Patients and methods:
Population-adjusted simulated treatment comparisons (primary analyses) and matching-adjusted indirect comparisons (supporting analyses) were conducted using individual patient data from TULIP-1/TULIP-2 and summary-level data from BLISS-52/BLISS-76.
Results:
Compared with belimumab-treated patients, anifrolumab-treated patients were more than twice as likely to achieve a reduction of four or more points in SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 score (simulated treatment comparison odds ratio: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.16–5.25) and SLE Responder Index-4 response (odds ratio: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.22–5.58) at 52 weeks.
Conclusion:
Patients with moderate-to-severe SLE are more likely to achieve an improvement in disease activity with anifrolumab than with belimumab.
Improving the Reliability of the Cooling Water System of a Marine Diesel Engine: A Case Study of Caterpillar C32 Diesel Engine
Authors: Ojo E. R. , Ujile A. A. , Nkoi B.
Published: May 2022

Abstract: The reliability of a Caterpillar C32 12V marine diesel engine was analyzed in this research using Weibull distribution. The analysis was done with a view to improving the reliability of cooling water system of a marine diesel engine. Weibull parameters such as the Mean Time to Failure (MTTF), Mean Time between Failure (MTBF), Availability, Failure Density of the diesel engine were determined. Data were collected from the maintenance record of a Nigerian Navy Ship logbook for a period of four (4) years. The data were sorted and classified based on sequence of failure and failure time. With this data, key parameters that determine the reliability of the engine were calculated with value of MTBF as 1,279.65hrs, failure rate as ૠ. ૡ × ૚૙ି૝ and operational availability as 0.719. The reliability of the engine was ultimately calculated and was obtained as 95%. The results of the study revealed that the calculated value of failure rate is within the empirical failure rate with the result calculated on the basis of the Weibull distribution for the diesel engine. It is therefore recommended that further studies be carried out to determine the intervals for preventive replacement of the subsystem parts and further study should consider a different method other than Weibull distribution to determine the reliability of the cooling system. Keywords: Diesel engine, Failure rate, Maintenance, Reliability, Weibull distribution
Glass Virtual Try-On
Authors: Anand Piyush , Gupta Raj , Tiwari Nikhil Kumar , Gupta Shilpy
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Virtual try-on is a technology that allows people to virtually check the appearance of accessories, makeup, hairstyle, hair color, clothes and potentially more on themselves. The virtual try-on presents many advantages over real try-on, it speeds up the process providing the possibility to test hundreds of products without the need to reach a physical store. The try-on process is performed on a 3D face reconstructed from the input image allowing the user to see the virtual face and glasses from different viewpoints. The try-on process is fully automated and does not require the user to provide anything else but the picture and name of the glasses frames to test. Keywords: Virtual try-on, Virtual glasses, Augmented reality
Dynamic Design and Analysis of Car Wheel Rim Using FEA Method
Authors: Parihar Yadvendra Pratap Singh , Chakraborty Abhishek
Published: May 2022

Abstract: The wheel rim is one of the most critical components of the vehicle. Therefore, a number tests have to be performed on it do that, it could meet the safety requirement . But physical testing of wheel rim during their devolvement is very costly and time consuming. So finite element analysis has developed as a major tool for analysis purpose. The wheel rim is designed by utilizing SOLIDEDGE software. 3-D model of wheel rim as a IGES file is imported to ANSYS for investigation work. A solver mode in ANSYS programming computes the stresses, deformation, shear stress. Here Car rim with concrete road model has made on Solid rim and simulate by ANSYS software. Through dynamic analysis find out three parameters results like deformation , Stress and Shaer stress.In this study car wheel is running 100 km/hr speed with fully loaded car.then find out variou results and compare results with exiting materials ( Steel material).Find out deformation values for Magnesium Alloy , Aluminium Alloy and Steel S-7 results are respectively like 7.99mm , 8.218 mm, 8.56 mm. here cleared seen that Magnesium Alloy has less deformation value compared to other then material deformation value so it is good for future design consideration. Find out stress values for Magnesium Alloy, Aluminium Alloy and Steel S-7 results are respectively like 102.52 MPa , 153.08 Mpa and 390.9 MPa. here cleared seen that Magnesium Alloy has less deformation value compared to other then material stress value so it is good for future design consideration. Find out shear stress values for Magnesium Alloy, Aluminium Alloy and Steel S-7 results are respectively like 59.12 MPa , 88.378 Mpa and 212.77 MPa. here cleared seen that Magnesium Alloy has less deformation value compared to other then material shear stress value so it is good for future design consideration. Keywords: ANSYS, Solid rim, Stress Analsys, Wheel Rim, Magnesium Alloy, Aluminium, Steel Material
Utilization of Waste Plastic in Manufacturing of Bricks
Authors: Kadhone Yash , Rajput Suryakiran , Deshmukh ushikesh , Narkhede Aadesh , Dhivare Prof. J. A.
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Plastic waste which is increasing day by day becomes eyesore and in turn pollutes the environment, especially in high mountain villages where no garbage collection system exists. A large amount of plastic is being brought into the tourist trekking regions are discarded or burned which leads to the contamination of environment and air. Hence, these waste plastics are to be effectively utilized. Low-density polyethylene bags are cleaned and added with sand at particular percentages to obtain high strength bricks that possess thermal and sound insulation properties to control pollution and to reduce the overall cost of construction; this is one of the best ways to avoid the accumulation of plastic waste which is an on-degradable pollutant. This alternatively saves the quantity of sand/clay that has to be taken away from the precious river beds/mines. The plastic waste is naturally available in surplus quantity and hence the cost factor comes down. Also coloring agents can be added to the mixture to attain desired shades. Hence in this thesis, an attempt is made to study regard the properties of the brick which is manufactured using plastic wastes. The present work deals with the manufacturing and analysis of bricks made with waste plastic (LDPE) and fine aggregates. The bricks produced are light weight, have smooth surface and fine edges, do not have cracks and have high crushing strength and very low water absorption. The bricks are manufactured by heating waste plastic to temperature range of 120 to 150 degree centigrade and mixing sand to the molten plastic.
Predictors of Customer Loyalty in Digital Banking among Indian Youth
Authors: Murugan Dr. R. Thiru , Vidya Prof. Dr. N. Ganga , Sundar Dr. S.
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Loyalty is a highly priced term as the market has one, too many of the same kind mushrooming with a very small variant on the unique selling proposition. This delta variant in the banking industry is called Internet Banking. You could use the same from any geography at any time and on any holiday in any currency. Now this kind of convenience is available in all segments of the service industry globally. All we want to understand is the customer loyalty of the generation born after the introduction of digital banking services in India. This generation never experienced the transition from a train to plane, landline to mobile, automatic to robotic, cash to digicash. The research investigates which factors are essential to build loyalty among these youth and new generation customers using internet banking. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to 328 youth between age 18 and 25 years. They were identified using convenience sampling. The results show that, perceived Ease of use, Attitude, Trust has high impact on Customer loyalty in new generation of Internet banking users. Index Terms: Digital Banking, Customer Loyalty, Structural Equational Modelling
Analysis for Canadian Imports of U.S. Southern States Agricultural Symbols
Authors: Shershin Anthony Connors
Published: May 2022

Analysis for Canadian Imports of U.S. Southern StatesAgricultural Symbols
Electronic Drums: Aboriginal and Native Radio in Canada and the USA
Authors: Etling Laurence
Published: May 2022

Electronic Drums: Aboriginal and Native Radio in Canada and the USA
Networking the North: Cross Border Connections and the New International Circumpolar Geopolitics
Authors: Nicol Heather , Heininen Lassi
Published: May 2022

A new emphasis on human rights, civil society, and regime building, combined with heightened degrees of connectivity, have had a tremendous impact upon the nature and degree of transnationalism within the North. While the development of the United Nations Law of the Sea, a renewed human and indigenous rights agenda, and broadly defined environmental protection regimes have more generally worked to reinforce international if not regional boundaries, in the North the effect has been the creation of a new forum for east-west connectivity. Despite new geopolitical pressures that might launch competitive claims and challenge existing security and sovereignty concerns among North American nations, there remains a strong regional subtext of cooperation. The success or failure of transnational institutions and organizations depends upon the degree to which northern dimension policies can develop a more comprehensive definition of human security within the circumpolar north.
How Ottawa Spends 2009-2010: Economic Upheaval and Political Dysfunction, edited by Allan Maslove
Authors: Bence Robert
Published: May 2022

Book Review: How Ottawa Spends 2009-2010: Economic Upheaval and Political Dysfunction, edited by Allan Maslove, Montreal & Kingston: McGill-Queen's University Press, 2009, 308 pp.
Political Dropouts and the Effects of Participatory Innovations: What Ontario got Wrong and Norway gets Right
Authors: Milner Henry
Published: May 2022

A number of innovations have been introduced to reduce the democratic deficit. I am particularly concerned about the deficit as reflected in the decline in voting at elections among young citizens, and, more widely, the apparent decline in attentiveness to (and, thus, knowledge of) political life. The result is a large number of political dropouts, a phenomenon that tends to be ignored in the literature on alternate forms of political engagement. In a number of democratic countries, a majority can be characterized as political dropouts. I first portray this situation, drawing on comparative, generational indicators of political participation and knowledge. The main part of the paper looks for ways to address this state of events in the form of innovations that aim to promote participation and improve democratic skills what is being done, and needs to be done.
"Are African Canadians Always and Only Marginals and Transients?" The Politics and Poetics of Fanon's Children
Authors: McNeil Daniel
Published: May 2022

Robin Winks's The Blacks in Canada (1971) is advertised as the only historical survey that covers all aspects of the Black experience in Canada, from the introductioon of slavery in 1628 to the first wave of Caribbean immigration in the 1950s and 1960s. However, its depiction of African Canadians as inauthentic Blacks and aberrant Canadians has been critiqued by intellectuals such as George Elliott Clarke. This paper draws on material from the Robin Winks archives at Yale University in order to substantiate Clarke's charges against the small-l liberal, American bias of Winks's account. In doing so, it contends that Clarke can be read as one of 'Frantz Fanon's children', i.e. one of the 'honest intellectuals' born circa 1952 (the first publication of Fanon's Peau noire, masques blancs) and 1961 (the original publication of Fanon's ties Damn
Caribbean Migratory Experiences in Queen Macoomeh's Tales from Icebox Land and Mutabaruka's Poetry
Authors: Mbaye Babacar
Published: May 2022

This essay analyzes the various ways in which Queen Macoomeh's Tales from Icebox Land (2007) and selected poems of Mutabaruka represent the conditions of Caribbean immigrants in either Canada, England, and (or) the United States since the 1960s and 70s. The paper attempts to uncover the subversive, diasporic, and postcolonial qualities of pivotal West Indian literature that mainstream journals and scholars have neglected. In an attempt to reveal the intellectual and resistive nature of such literature, I place the two authors' writings in historical contexts which reveal the multifaceted experiences of expatriate West Indian populations who have fought hard for equality, citizenship, admissibility, and cultural space in Canada, England, and (or) the United States since the middle of the twentieth century.
"West Indianness" as an Ethnographic Presentation of Self in the Field: Black Canadians Across The Border
Authors: Brown Tamara Mose
Published: May 2022

Researchers have shown ethnography to be a communicating tool of a social world under study, thereby educating the reading audience. However, being in the "field" as a researcher who is marked by a race, ethnicity, and nationality presents challenges to the way our participants see the researcher and therefore to the type of data collected about a given social group. Despite this, researchers tend to push this information into the background of their analyses. This paper considers how a Canadian researcher of West Indian background used "West Indianness" in sociological field research as a methodological tool for participant recruitment and the maintenance of insider status while clearly marked as "other" because of national birthplace. This research stems from an ethnography in gentrified Brooklyn, New York from 2004‐2007 with West Indian childcare providers. Results show how the insider/outsider presentaEon of self as a Canadian West Indian accommodated and at times hindered the research process while in the field. This paper explores how ethnographers can incorporate a more nuanced reflexivity of this insider and outsider status and relate it back to the analysis of their work as they re(present) their research.
Party System Change in Québec: Evidence from Recent Elections
Authors: Allan James P. , Vengroff Richard
Published: May 2022

Since the 1990s, provincial elections in Québec have signaled an incremental change in Québec’s party system.  These changes are manifested in increasing voter dealignment and volatility in party support.  In this article we find that these trends largely continued in both the election of 2012, which produced a minority government and in the 2014 election that resulted in a majority government.  Taking a longer--‐term perspective, we examine changes in public opinion, party identification, electoral volatility, and voting behavior in Québec Provincial elections since 1998.  The implications for future government formation and the potential impact on policy are examined.
De la alfabetización científica a la comprensión pública de la ciencia
Authors: Ballesteros-Ballesteros Vladimir , Gallego-Torres Adriana Patricia
Published: May 2022

Este trabajo tiene como propósito fundamental realizar un análisis exhaustivo de la literatura relacionada con la comprensión pública de la ciencia y la alfabetización científica y sus diferentes enfoques a través de publicaciones en revistas especializadas. Lo anterior apunta a sostener que dicha comprensión pública de la ciencia tiene un componente teórico más amplio y claramente definido, y es la evolución de la alfabetización científica, que nació como un modelo curricular orientado, básicamente, a superar el modelo de déficit educativo en Estados Unidos tras el lanzamiento del primer Sputnik por parte de los rusos. Para ello se revisaron cerca de 160 artículos, lo que permitió validar la hipótesis en el sentido que la comprensión pública de la ciencia corresponde a la evolución de un paradigma que trasladó la imagen de los conceptos y procesos científicos necesarios para la toma de decisiones personales en asuntos culturales y necesarios con el fin de favorecer la productividad económica.
Diversidad étnica y territorialidades emergentes en territorios urbanos: contextos de desafío para la Educación Formal Estudio de caso en la ciudad de pereira
Authors: Grueso Vanegas Clara Inés
Published: May 2022

Este libro se deriva de la investigación institucional realizada en un reasentamiento poblacional urbano llamado «Barrio Tokio» de la ciudad de Pereira, caracterizado por estar poblado por familias desplazadas por la violencia a finales del siglo pasado; procedentes de diferentes lugares del territorio nacional, principalmente, del departamento de Chocó, seguido del departamento de Risaralda. Dado su lugar de origen, la población es diversa culturalmente, compuesta por población procedente de comunidades étnicas negras e indígenas y campesinas. Para atender la formación institucional en básica primaria, media y secundaria de la población educativa de las familias reasentadas, el Municipio implementó el centro educativo Jaime Salazar Robledo, localizado en la entrada del reasentamiento, en la vía que del centro de la ciudad posibilita el tránsito hacia su interior. El interés principal de la investigación se centró en comprender la relación entre la diversidad cultural de la población, las territorialidades emergentes y el centro educativo en un territorio urbano formalizado al interior de la ciudad de Pereira.
Double Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial comparing budesonide and saline nasal rinses in the post-operative management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Ahamed Shameer , Samson Divyan , Sundaresan Rajan , Balasubramanya Bhavya , Thomas Regi
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND: Post-operative management of chronic rhinosinusitis is very
crucial for outcomes following surgery, Normal saline nasal irrigation
and steroid spray form the standard treatment of care in this period.
However nasal irrigation may not be adequate and spary is usually
started after 2wks of surgery which in any case does not deliver optimum
dosage of drug to the paranasal sinus mucosa. Budesonide nasal
irrigation in a high-volume low-pressure system could be the solution
for a better outcome. METHODS: A double blinded randomized control trial
with 88 patients in 2 groups of 44 each received normal saline or
Budesonide nasal irrigation (0.5mg in 200ml) twice daily. Patients were
followed up at 2 weeks post-operatively and 3 months, a SNOT 22 and Lund
Kennedy Endoscopic scores were assessed for subjective and objective
assessment. Subset analysis of only CRS patients (55) were done, and
results presented. RESULTS: Patient reported subjective score at 3
months post operatively, SNOT22 was significantly (p<0.0001)
improved with the use of Budesonide irrigation (26.69+/-2.92) as
compared to Normal saline (30.54+/-2.81) and objective assessment score,
LKES was significantly(p=0.0031) better in Budesonide group (4.06+0.74)
in comparison to Normal saline in the saline (4.50+0.67)respectively.
The mean scores 3 months post op visit was significantly lower for both
subjective SNOT(p<0.001) and objective score LKES
(p<0.0001) in Budesonide groups. CONCLUSION: Budesonide nasal
irrigation with positive pressure high volume device has better patient
benefits and wound healing when compared to normal saline irrigation in
the post-operative management of chronic rhinosinusitis.
A New Method for Linear Antenna Array Design
Authors: Wang Yang , Dong Jinming
Published: May 2022

The inherent relation between the linear antenna array and the finite
impulse response filter of digital signal processing is revealed and the
least square linear-phase finite impulse response filter design method
is introduced for the linear antenna array to obtain a similar main lobe
width of uniform linear antenna array but much lower sidelobe level.
Chondroitin sulfate GAG-replenishment therapy and its effect on restoring the barrier function of urothelium in an experimental model for BPS/IC.
Authors: Rozenberg Boy , Ginkel Charlotte van , Janssen Dick , Jansen Kees , Schalken Jack , Heesakkers John
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis
(BPS/IC) has been clinically treated with glycosaminoglycan (GAG)
replenishment therapy. [1, 2] This study was designed to further
understand the physiological mechanism behind chondroitin sulfate (CS)
treatment and to determine the effect of CS-therapy on recovery of
urothelial barrier in an in-vitro chronic injury model. Experimental
Approach In differentiated porcine urothelial cells the functional
barrier was measured by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). A
chronic urothelium was inflicted by multiple protamine instillations
(3/day for 3 days), to approximate BPS/IC urothelium conditions. CS was
instilled afterwards. Recovery of barrier function was followed in time.
Additional analyses were performed for immunohistochemistry for barrier
markers (tight junctions, GAG’s, umbrella cells) and scanning electron
microscopy. Statistics were described by means ± standard error, α =
0.05. Key Results Barrier recovery (TEER) improved significantly with CS
instillations compared to protamine only (T=7, 899.1 [Ω.cm2] versus
589.6 [Ω.cm2], p<0.001, 95% CI -394;-255). This recovery
effect was seen on all three days and resulted in a significantly higher
average TEER value in the CS group after 3 days (2606 Ω.cm2 vs 750.5
Ω.cm2). Immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy showed
decreased barrier markers after protamine treatment and enhanced
recovery of urothelial GAG’s and other barrier markers after therapeutic
instillations. Conclusion and Implications GAG replenishment with CS can
improve recovery of barrier function of chronically damaged urothelium
in-vitro. This preclinical study supports the hypothesis behind the use
of clinical GAG replenishment therapy for patients with a chronically
impaired urothelium.
Assessment of rheological properties of whole blood and plasma in patients with tinnitus - a preliminary study
Authors: Maciejewska Barbara , Marcinkowska-Gapińska Anna , Peeckhaus Agata , Majewska Anna , Kubisz Leszek , Hojan-Jezierska Dorota
Published: May 2022

Objectives: Tinnitus is a sensation of ringing in the ears in the
absence of any physical source in the environment. 15-25% of adults
experience some form of tinnitus. A common cause of tinnitus is noise,
head injury, ototoxic substances, as well as disorders of blood and
blood vessels. Vascular causes include: head - neck tumours, turbulent
blood flow, problems with blood supply and inner ear cell damage. The
aspect of rheology in terms of tinnitus has not been described yet.
Participants: Twelve patients with tinnitus, aged 30 to 74 years. Main
outcome measures: The subjects all underwent audiological and
neurological evaluation. Rheological properties of whole blood and
plasma were assessed as well. The Quemada model was used to describe the
variability of red blood cells shape, as well as their tendency to form
aggregates. Results: Reduced whole blood viscosity in the low shear rate
range is observed in the studied patient group. Conclusion: On the basis
of the experimental study, statistically different results of
hemorheological measurements were observed in the evaluated group in
comparison to a reference group
Bilateral massive pneumonia caused by human metapneumovirus mimicking Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Nabeya Daijiro , Kinjo Takeshi , Kishaba Tomoo , Fujita Jiro
Published: May 2022

Human metapneumovirus can be detected in adult community-acquired
pneumonia. The chest image in this case was too massive to suspect human
metapneumovirus pneumonia and clinically indistinguishable from
Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. This case illustrates the difficulty of
diagnostic imaging and importance of molecular diagnosis to avoid
inappropriate use of antibiotics.
The Effect of Antenatal Corticosteroid Use on Offspring Cardiovascular Function: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sacco Adalina , ASSOCIATE) Emily Cornish (CPD , Marlow Neil , David Anna , Giussani Dino
Published: May 2022

Background Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are recommended in threatened
preterm labour to improve short term neonatal outcome. Preclinical
animal studies suggest detrimental effects of ACS exposure on offspring
cardiac development; their effects in humans are unknown. Objectives To
systematically review the human clinical literature to determine the
effects of ACS on offspring cardiovascular function. Main results
Twenty-six studies including 1921 patients were included, of which most
were cohort studies of mixed quality. The type of ACS exposure,
gestational age at exposure, dose and number of administrations varied
widely. Offspring cardiovascular outcomes were assessed from one day to
36 years postnatally. The most commonly assessed parameter was arterial
blood pressure (18 studies), followed by echocardiography (8 studies),
heart rate (5 studies), electrocardiogram (ECG, 3 studies) and cardiac
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 1 study). There were no clinically
significant effects of ACS exposure on offspring blood pressure.
However, there were insufficient studies assessing cardiac structure and
function using echocardiography or cardiac MRI to be able to determine
an effect. Conclusions Administration of ACS is not associated with
long-term effects on blood pressure in exposed human offspring. The
effects on cardiac structure and other measures of cardiac function were
unclear due to the small number of studies, study heterogeneity and
mixed quality. Given the emerging preclinical evidence of harm following
ACS exposure, there is a need for further research to assess central
cardiac function in human offspring exposed to ACS. Keywords: Antenatal
corticosteroids, ACS, cardiovascular, offspring, blood pressure
Synthesis of ZnS microspheres and their photocatalytic property
Authors: Geng Tao , Chen Mingkang , Li Fajun , Yu Zhiqiang , Gao Wenyu
Published: May 2022

The Zinc sulfide (ZnS) sample was synthesized using Zinc acetate
dihydrate, and thiourea as ingredients by the hydrothermal reaction
without using any dispersants and surfactants were used in the reaction
process. The product composition and morphology were confirmed by XRD
and SEM. The experimental results showed that after hydrothermal
reaction at 150℃ for 8 h, the as-obtained ZnS microspheres diameter was
about 3μm. Then, ZnS microspheres were used as photocatalyst, and the
photocatalytic degradation rate of methylene blue solution reached
91.1% after ultraviolet light irradiation for 150 min.
Improving the Initial Conditions of Hydrological Model with Reanalysis Soil Moisture Data
Authors: Liu Lingxue , Ao Tianqi , Zhou Li
Published: May 2022

The initial conditions (e.g., soil moisture content) of the hydrological
model, which is usually obtained from the warm-up of the hydrological
modeling, significantly impact the simulation efficiency. However,
spending the valuable data in warm-up instead of calibration and
validation is luxurious. In order to improve hydrological simulation
efficiency in the case of no warm-up phase, this paper proposes a
methodology to fill the gap via improving the initial conditions of the
hydrological model using an alternative global soil moisture dataset.
Specifically, three soil moisture (SM) variables of the initial
conditions from the Block-wise use of the TOPMODEL (BTOP) model and
EAR5-Land reanalysis data were adopted and conducted correlation
analysis. Several traditional curve-fitting functions and the
state-of-art technical, long-short term memory (LSTM), were applied to
develop the relationship between BTOP and EAR5-Land SM variables in the
Fuji and Shinano River Basin, Japan. Furthermore, four configured
hydrological simulations evaluated the benefits of the proposed
methodology for improving the initial conditions. As a result, LSTM
outperforms the traditional curve-fitting method in constructing the
relationship between variables in time and space. Moreover, the
hydrological simulation cases using the initial conditions related to
the SM from the ERA5-land performs better than the case without the
warm-up phase, and the simulated discharge process approaches the
“optimal” case with the warm-up phase. It is confirmed that the
proposed methodology helps improve the initial conditions of the
hydrological model using reanalysis soil moisture data.
Analytical representations of the Residence Time Distribution associated with hyporheic exchange beneath dune-like bedforms for different normalized sediment bed depths and groundwater underflow velocities.
Authors: Monofy Ahmed , Boano Fulvio , Grant Stanley
Published: May 2022

The hyporheic exchange below dune-shaped bedforms has a great impact on
the stream environment. One of the most important properties of the
hyporheic zone is the residence time distribution (RTD) of flow paths in
the sediment domain. Here, we evaluate the influence of dimensionless
sediment depths d b * = 2 π d b / λ where λ is the dune wavelength and
different values of dimensionless groundwater underflow values u b *
(similar to dune migration celerity), on the shape of the hyporheic
exchange RTD. Empirical RTDs were generated, over a range of
combinations between d b *     and u b *   values, from numerical
particle tracking experiments in which 10000 particles were released
over a flat domain. These empirical RTDs are represented by different
distributions over the range of d b *     and u b *   . A Fréchet RTD is
the best fit for deep beds ( d b *   >3.2) and negligible
underglow ( u b * <0.1). A LogNormal RTD is often the best
representation for u b * ≤ 0 . 8 , while a Gamma RTD performs better for
larger values of u b * . In general, a LogNormal RTD provides a good
representation of the empirical RTDs in all cases, as it is identified
as either the best or the second-best fitting distribution according to
the Anderson-Darling test. The parameters of these analytical
distributions vary with d b *     and u b * , and this dependence is
graphically represented in this work. These results contribute to our
understanding of the physical and mixing processes underpinning
hyporheic exchange in streams and paves the way for a quick evaluation
of its potential impact on nutrient and contaminant processing (e.g.,
based on the magnitude of the Damköhler number).