bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between RBC Indices, Anemia, and Obesity-Related Diseases Affected by Body Mass Index in Iranian Kurdish Population: Results from a Cohort Study in Western Iran
Authors: Kohsari Maryam , Moradinazar Mehdi , Rahimi Zohreh , Najafi Farid , Pasdar Yahya , Moradi Atefeh , Shakiba Ebrahim
Published: September 2021

Objective. The relationship between RBC indices and metabolic diseases remains unclear. The association between anemia and obesity is also controversial. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between RBC indices and metabolic diseases caused by obesity and evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on RBC indices on the Ravansar cohort data. Method. For the purpose of this study, 9826 participants aged 35–65 years (5158 females and 4668 males) were recruited in the analyses. A quadratic prediction fit plot investigated the association between RBC indices with BMI and lipid profile. The odds ratio of obesity-related diseases in each quartile category of RBC indices and anemia was estimated using multivariable logistic regression models. Results. Subjects in the fourth quartiles of RBC count, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), and red cell distribution width (RDW) had a higher risk for obesity-related diseases compared to the first quartiles. However, individuals with the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in fourth quartiles had lower ORs of obesity-related diseases. While BMI reduced the effect of RBC count, HCT, HGB, and RDW on the incidence risk of obesity-related disease, it increased the impact of MCV, MCH, and MCHC. There was a negative association between BMI and RBC indices except for RDW. The BMI effect on RBC indices was different in normal and obese individuals. BMI in mild anemia lowered the risk of metabolic diseases, but it increased the risk of metabolic diseases for moderate anemia. Conclusion. A higher risk of obesity-related diseases was observed in the fourth quartiles of RBC count, HCT, HGB, and RDW compared to the first quartiles. However, the incidence risk was lower for MCV, MCH, and MCHC. BMI plays an anemia-type dependent role in the relationship. Consideration should be given to the type of anemia in the relationship between BMI and anemia.
Incidence, Prevalence, and Clinical Epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Arab World: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mosli Mahmoud , Alawadhi Sameer , Hasan Fuad , Abou Rached Antoine , Sanai Faisal , Danese Silvio
Published: September 2021

Objectives: Despite the recent findings of the rising incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Arab countries, there are limited data on the characteristics of IBD patients and the disease course in the Arab world. This systematic review aimed to investigate the incidence and epidemiology of IBD in the Arab world. Material and Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review that utilized a comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Central, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Web of Science from their inception till August 2020. We included cross-sectional, prospective, and retrospective studies that examined the prevalence and/or epidemiological characteristics of IBD in Arab countries. Results: A total of 16 studies that examined IBD in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Oman were included. Generally, the included studies covered the period from the early 1990s to the late 2010s. A total of 1,627 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and 1,588 Crohn’s disease (CD) patients were included in this systematic review. The mean age at diagnosis ranged from 24.13 to 43.6 years in adult cases and from 4.5 to 16 years in pediatric cases. In most of the included studies, the majority of patients were male. The quantitative analysis revealed a pooled incidence rate of 2.33 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–3.4) per 100,000 persons per year for UC in the Arab world. Likewise, the pooled incidence rate for CD in the Arab world was 1.46 (95% CI 1.03–1.89) per 100,000 persons per year. Conclusion: There is a growing incidence of IBD in the Arab world, while IBD patients from Arab countries may present with some different characteristics, compared to their counterparts in Europe.
Endotoxin and Cytokine Sequential Hemoadsorption in Septic Shock and Multi-Organ Failure
Authors: Ruiz-Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Chiscano-Camón Luis , Palmada Clara , Ruiz-Sanmartin Adolf , Pérez-Carrasco Marcos , Larrosa Nieves , González Juan José , Hernández-González Manuel , Ferrer Ricard
Published: September 2021

The mortality of septic shock remains high [Ann Intensive Care. 2017;7:19], so apart from usual therapy based on source control and antibiotics, some patients may need rescue therapies. Blood purification systems may play a role by facilitating the nonspecific removal of inflammatory mediators and microbiological toxins. There are different hemoadsorption systems, we describe in this case report the sequential use of Polymyxin B (PMX) endotoxin-adsorbing column (Toraymixin PMX-20R; Toray, Tokyo, Japan) and Cytosorb® (Cytosorbents Corp., New Jersey, USA).
Perceptions on Genetic and Genome Screening among College Students in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi
Authors: Alsafar Habiba , Islayem Deema , Almansoori Reem , Alnahyan Tahnoon , Alhammadi Abdulla , Haan Raven , Tay Guan
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Genetic testing is playing a greater part in contemporary medical practice. The ability of high throughput and parallel detection of variants that could predict the possibility of developing genetic diseases and to deliver personalized health care for individuals is slowly but most certainly gaining traction. This study was conceived to investigate the knowledge level and degree of awareness among youth in the United Arab Emirates, on the role of genetic testing in society, and the delivery of health care. Methods: Data from individuals were collected, and statistical analyses were performed to assess whether or not there were differences in people’s attitude toward genetic testing, depending on variables such as age, gender, and prior knowledge of genetic testing. Volunteers were recruited at the main campus of Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi via walk-ins to the recruitment desk or via an email which was circulated to both the staff and student population of the university. The survey that was circulated through email was also shared with friends and family, and through social media, to try to capture a larger and more diverse demographic population. Results: Results found that most of the participants were aware of genetic testing and showed a positive attitude toward the technology. However, there was an apparent lack of knowledge and understanding of regarding certain genetic concepts, such as the alternate sources of obtaining genetic information other than blood samples. The mean knowledge score was 6.3 ± 1.9 out of 9, and mean attitude score was 3.6 ± 1.3 out of 6. The main factors that affected knowledge and attitude were gender and prior knowledge of genetic testing. Conclusion: This study used surveys as an effective tool to evaluate the general knowledge of genetic testing of the general public. It is recommended to embed genetic topics in schools and universities to further increase people’s awareness regarding genetic testing.
Bilateral Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy for Essential Tremor
Authors: Fukutome Kenji , Hirabayashi Hidehiro , Osakada Yosuke , Kuga Yoshihiro , Ohnishi Hideyuki
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder in adults. Bilateral symptoms are typical; however, bilateral thalamotomy for essential tremor is associated with a high probability of adverse events. We retrospectively investigated the efficacy and safety of staged bilateral ventral intermediate nucleus thalamotomy for refractory essential tremor using magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound. Methods: We enrolled 5 consecutive patients with refractory essential tremor between September 2016 and March 2020. Patients underwent a second operation at least 1 year after the first operation. The second lesion was created asymmetrically to the first lesion. Results: Mean patient age was 57.6 years, and the mean interval between the 2 operations was 27.8 months. The second lesion center was superior to the first lesion in all patients. The mean baseline, second preoperative, and second postoperative Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor total scores were 63.6, 49.2, and 21.8, respectively. The mean baseline, second preoperative, and second postoperative Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor part C scores were 18.4, 8.2, and 2.6, respectively. One patient had permanent adverse events of slight dysarthria and discomfort in the tongue. No patient experienced dysphagia or cognitive dysfunction after the second operation. Four of the 5 patients were satisfied with the results of the bilateral treatment, including the patient who had permanent adverse events. Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound is an effective method for bilateral thalamotomy when adhering to the following considerations: (1) asymmetrical lesions are created and (2) sufficient interval (>1 year) between operations.
IL-18 (Interleukin-18) Produced by Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Promotes Renal Inflammation and Injury During Deoxycorticosterone/Salt-Induced Hypertension in Mice
Authors: Thomas Jordyn M. , Ling Yeong H. , Huuskes Brooke , Jelinic Maria , Sharma Prerna , Saini Narbada , Ferens Dorota M. , Diep Henry , Krishnan Shalini M. , Kemp-Harper Barbara K. , O’Connor Paul M. , Latz Eicke , Arumugam Thiruma V. , Guzik Tomasz J. , Hickey Michael J. , Mansell Ashley , Sobey Christopher G. , Vinh Antony , Drummond Grant R.
Published: September 2021

IL-18 (interleukin-18) is elevated in hypertensive patients, but its contribution to high blood pressure and end-organ damage is unknown. We examined the role of IL-18 in the development of renal inflammation and injury in a mouse model of low-renin hypertension. Hypertension was induced in male C57BL6/J (WT) and IL-18
−/−
mice by uninephrectomy, deoxycorticosterone acetate (2.4 mg/d, s.c.) and 0.9% drinking saline (1K/DOCA/salt). Normotensive controls received uninephrectomy and placebo (1K/placebo). Blood pressure was measured via tail cuff or radiotelemetry. After 21 days, kidneys were harvested for (immuno)histochemical, quantitative-PCR and flow cytometric analyses of fibrosis, inflammation, and immune cell infiltration. 1K/DOCA/salt-treated WT mice developed hypertension, renal fibrosis, upregulation of proinflammatory genes, and accumulation of CD3
+
T cells in the kidneys. They also displayed increased expression of IL-18 on tubular epithelial cells. IL-18
−/−
mice were profoundly protected from hypertension, renal fibrosis, and inflammation. Bone marrow transplantation between WT and IL-18
−/−
mice revealed that IL-18-deficiency in non-bone marrow-derived cells alone afforded equivalent protection against hypertension and renal injury as global IL-18 deficiency. IL-18 receptor subunits—interleukin-18 receptor 1 and IL-18R accessory protein—were upregulated in kidneys of 1K/DOCA/salt-treated WT mice and localized to T cells and tubular epithelial cells. T cells from kidneys of 1K/DOCA/salt-treated mice produced interferon-γ upon ex vivo stimulation with IL-18, whereas those from 1K/placebo mice did not. In conclusion, IL-18 production by tubular epithelial cells contributes to elevated blood pressure, renal inflammation, and fibrosis in 1K/DOCA/salt-treated mice, highlighting it as a promising therapeutic target for hypertension and kidney disease.
Clinical Score and Machine Learning-Based Model to Predict Diagnosis of Primary Aldosteronism in Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Buffolo Fabrizio , Burrello Jacopo , Burrello Alessio , Heinrich Daniel , Adolf Christian , Müller Lisa Marie , Chen Rusi , Forestiero Vittorio , Sconfienza Elisa , Tetti Martina , Veglio Franco , Williams Tracy Ann , Mulatero Paolo , Monticone Silvia
Published: September 2021

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the cause of arterial hypertension in 4% to 6% of patients, and 30% of patients with PA are affected by unilateral and surgically curable forms. Current guidelines recommend screening for PA ≈50% of patients with hypertension on the basis of individual factors, while some experts suggest screening all patients with hypertension. To define the risk of PA and tailor the diagnostic workup to the individual risk of each patient, we developed a conventional scoring system and supervised machine learning algorithms using a retrospective cohort of 4059 patients with hypertension. On the basis of 6 widely available parameters, we developed a numerical score and 308 machine learning-based models, selecting the one with the highest diagnostic performance. After validation, we obtained high predictive performance with our score (optimized sensitivity of 90.7% for PA and 92.3% for unilateral PA [UPA]). The machine learning-based model provided the highest performance, with an area under the curve of 0.834 for PA and 0.905 for diagnosis of UPA, with optimized sensitivity of 96.6% for PA, and 100.0% for UPA, at validation. The application of the predicting tools allowed the identification of a subgroup of patients with very low risk of PA (0.6% for both models) and null probability of having UPA. In conclusion, this score and the machine learning algorithm can accurately predict the individual pretest probability of PA in patients with hypertension and circumvent screening in up to 32.7% of patients using a machine learning-based model, without omitting patients with surgically curable UPA.
Percutaneous Intracoronary Delivery of Plasma Extracellular Vesicles Protects the Myocardium Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Canis
Authors: Wang Hongyun , Maimaitiaili Rusitanmujiang , Yao Jianhua , Xie Yuling , Qiang Sujing , Hu Fan , Li Xiang , Shi Chao , Jia Peng , Yang Haotian , Wei Meng , Zhao Juan , Zhou Zheng , Xie Jinxin , Jiang Jizong , Cai Haidong , Sluijter Joost P.G. , Xu Yawei , Zhang Yi , Xiao Junjie
Published: September 2021

Plasma circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been utilized as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat ischemic disease through intramyocardial injection (efficient but invasive) or tail vein injection (noninvasive but low cardiac retention). An effective and noninvasive delivery of EVs for future clinical use is necessary. The large animal (canine) model was complemented with a murine ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) model, as well as H9 human embryonic stem cell–induced cardiomyocytes or neonatal rat cardiomyocytes to investigate the effective delivery method and the role of plasma EVs in the IRI model. We further determine the crucial molecule within EVs that confers the cardioprotective role in vivo and in vitro and investigate the efficiency of CHP (cardiac homing peptide)-linked EVs in alleviating IRI. D-SPECT imaging showed that percutaneous intracoronary delivery of EVs reduced infarct extent in dogs. CHP-EVs further reduced IRI-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in mice and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, administration of EVs by percutaneous intracoronary delivery (in dog) and myocardial injection (in mice) just before reperfusion reduced infarct size of IRI by increasing miR-486 levels. miR-486–deleted EVs exacerbated oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation–induced human embryonic stem cell–induced cardiomyocytes and neonatal rat cardiomyocyte apoptosis. EV-miR-486 inhibited the PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten) expression and then promoted AKT (protein kinase B) activation in human embryonic stem cell–induced cardiomyocytes and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, plasma-derived EVs convey miR-486 to the myocardium and attenuated IRI-induced infarction and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. CHP strategy was effective to improve cardiac retention of EVs in mice (in vivo) and dogs (ex vivo).
Epidemiologic and Genetic Associations of Erythropoietin With Blood Pressure, Hypertension, and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Kumar Nitin , Tin Adrienne , Zhao Jing , Brown Michael R. , Lin Zesen , Yang Min-Lee , Zheng Qiwen , Jia Jia , Bielak Lawrence F. , Yu Bing , Boerwinkle Eric , Hunker Kristina L. , Coresh Josef , Chen Y. Eugene , Huo Yong , Kardia Sharon L.R. , Khoriaty Rami , Zhou Xiang , Morrison Alanna C. , Zhang Yan , Ganesh Santhi K.
Published: September 2021

While exogenous administration of recombinant erythropoietin has been associated with increased risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and mortality, it is not known if endogenous circulating erythropoietin level is associated with coronary artery disease and its risk factors. We measured and analyzed epidemiological and genetic associations of circulating plasma erythropoietin levels in 2 population cohorts, from China (N=4329) and the United States (N=3671). In vitro smooth muscle cell responses and in vivo murine studies of erythropoietin exposure were performed. Erythropoietin levels were positively and linearly associated with blood pressure traits and inversely associated with cholesterol levels and red cell indices. Higher erythropoietin level was associated with higher prevalence of hypertension (odds ratio, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.12–1.29],
P
=4.41×10
−7
) and coronary artery disease (odds ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.00–1.34],
P
=0.046). In a discovery stage genetic association study of erythropoietin level, we identified a previously reported locus on chromosome 6 (rs7776054 near
HBS1L-MYB
,
P
=4.86×10
−25
) and a new locus on chromosome 4 (rs172629 near
PDGFRA-KIT
,
P
=2.1×10
−8
), which was independently replicated. Meta-analysis of discovery and replication genetic association results identified a locus on chromosome 22 (rs855791 near
TMPRSS6
,
P
=3.60×10
−9
). Erythropoietin administration, within a physiological range of hematocrit achieved, induced hypertension in vivo and increased contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. In conclusion, endogenous circulating erythropoietin level is influenced by common genetic variation and is associated with blood pressure traits, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Vascular effects of erythropoietin demonstrated in vitro and in vivo support a newly discovered mechanism of hypertension and cardiovascular risk with potential implications for erythropoietic support in the clinic.

Graphic Abstract:

An online graphic abstract is available for this article.
Constructing Strangeness: Exploratory Modeling and Concept Formation
Authors: Borrelli Arianna
Published: September 2021

The notion of exploratory modeling constitutes a powerful heuristic tool for historical-epistemological analysis and especially for studying concept formation. I will show this by means of a case study from the history of particle physics: the formation of the concept of “strangeness” in the early 1950s at the interface of theory and experiment. Strangeness emerged from a broad space of possibilities opened up by exploratory modeling by authors working in communication and competition, and constructing both new questions and new answers. A systematic focus on exploratory modeling also helps compensate a bias towards the “right” developments still often present in historical investigations of theoretical work.
Coping and Co-creation: One Attempt and One Route to Well-Being. Part 1. Conceptual Framework
Authors: Andringa Tjeerd C. , Denham Florence C.
Published: September 2021

Background. All life strives to be well, but not all life is well. This suggests that cognition aimed at improving and protecting well-being might share a common core across all life forms: core cognition Objective. In this first of a two-part theoretical article, we systematically specify the evolutionary core cognition of well-being from the perspective of general living agents. In Part 2 we apply this to identity development and the theoretical approaches to well-being. This first part aims to identify the strategies and conditions for the creation and protection of generalized well-being and describes associated behavioral ontologies. Results. We defined a set of key terms that, together, specify core cognition. This set comprises quite naturally concepts like agency, behavior, need satisfaction, intelligence, authority, power, and wisdom, which are all derived from the defining properties of life. We derived coping and co-creation as two essentially different, but complementary, behavioral ontologies. Coping is for survival and targeted problem solving and aims to end the need for its activation. Co-creation is for thriving and problem prevention and aims to perpetuate its activation. Co-creation can explain the growth of the biosphere. While both strategies are essential, the successful interplay of their strengths leads to the dominance of one of them: co-creation. Absence of success leads to a dominance of coping: a coping-trap and a strong urge to curtail behavioral diversity. We summarize the key terms of core cognition and the ontologies in two tables with defined terms.
Assessment of the Particulate Matter Reduction Potential of Climbing Plants on Green Walls for Air Quality Management
Authors: Jeong Na Ra , Kim Jeong-Hee , Han Seung Won , Kim Jong-Cheol , Kim Woo Young
Published: September 2021

Background and objective To improve air quality, particulate matter (PM) can be reduced using green infrastructure. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the particulate matter reduction potential of climbing plants used for green walls, an element of vertical green infrastructure. Methods A sealed chamber with controlled environmental variables was used to assess the PM reduction level caused by climbing plants. PM concentration in the plant chamber was measured after two and four hours of PM exposure, and the reduction potential was assessed based on the leaf area. Results Compared to the empty chamber (Control), the PM reduction speed per hour was higher in the plant chamber, which confirmed that climbing plants contribute to the reduction of PM in the air. The PM reduction speed immediately after exposure in the plant chamber was high, but this slowed over time. Additionally, PM has been continuously reduced in plants with large leaves. As a result of calculating the particulate matter reduction level based on leaf area, it was found that there was a difference by particle size. Actinidia arguta, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Trachelospermum asiaticum, and Euonymus fortunei var. radicans showed a high reduction effect. The trichomes on the leaf surface of Trachelospermum asiaticum were found to affect PM reduction. Conclusion PM adsorption on the leaf surface is an important factor in reducing its concentration. It was possible to compare different plants by quantifying the amount of PM reduction during a fixed time period. These results can be used as the basic data to select the plant species suitable for urban green walls in terms of PM reduction.
Determining Correlation between Experiences of a Sensory Courtyard and DAS (Depression, Anxiety and Stress)
Authors: Nam Jinvo , Kim Keunho
Published: September 2021

Background and objective There is growing concern about the effects of modern society on mental health, coming with Covid-19-related caveats on depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS). This can be a subject to provide alternative methods which alleviate DAS. In line with this context, sensory gardens are widely acknowledged to stimulate the five major senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell) and can have a significant (positive) impact on mental health. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the effect of these gardens with regard to alleviating DAS - particularly with respect to urban society This is a gab in knowledge how such limits can be addressed. Accordingly, this present study is clearly needed in order to verify if there are any correlations between sensory gardens and (positive) effects on DAS. The aim of this study was therefore to understand current levels of DAS in a high density building with a sensory garden in a courtyard and determine correlations between experiences in the sensory courtyard and levels of DAS. Methods The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was employed to test the level of DAS. Results Additionally, 13 different factors associated with experiences in the building, including the stimulation of the five major senses in the sensory courtyard, were measured to reveal their contribution to mitigating depression, anxiety, and stress. It is noted that the average levels of DAS were 7.91, 7.77 and 9.01 respectively indicating that the mental health of participants requires mental health management. However, results show that factors associated with the sensory courtyard could improve mental health. For example, new social relationships, walking with colleagues, and the stimulation of each of the five major senses in the sensory garden could improve DAS. Conclusion This illustrates that external experiences are more effective at mitigating depression, anxiety, and stress than internal ones. Factor analysis revealed four components: stimulating the five senses; internal and external facilities; internet-based device use; and new social relationships. There was a strong positive correlation between new social relationships and walking with colleagues. There were also strong positive correlations among the stimulation of each of the five senses. In conclusion, there are strong indications that sensory courtyards can help alleviate DAS and should therefore be promoted, particularly in the current Covid-19 situation wherein the physical and mental health of the public at large are threatened. Accordingly, courtyard design should be rethought in light of the relationship between the positive impact of sensory gardens and mental health.
Establishment of the Hohenbergia capitata complex (Bromeliaceae) with notes on leaf anatomy and description of a new endangered species
Authors: CAVALCANTE BRAYAN PAIVA , SILVA KLEBER RESENDE , PEREIRA MAYARA A. , SOUZA EVERTON HILO DE , VERSIEUX LEONARDO M. , MARTINELLI ADRIANA PINHEIRO
Published: September 2021

We here establish the Hohenbergia capitata complex composed of three species endemic to the Atlantic Forest, in the State of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil. When compared with other Hohenbergia species endemic to the Atlantic Forest, the complex is recognized by the small size of the plants (shorter than 1 m tall when flowering), lanceolate leaf blades, inflorescence with main axis short and congested branches, concentrated on the apical portion of the inflorescence (creating a capitulate shape), primary branches short pedunculate (short stipes), basal primary bracts sub-orbicular, large flowers (over 3 cm long) with spatulate petals with a cuspidate apex. Within this complex, we describe H. nidularioides sp. nov., a critically endangered species from the southern coastal region of Bahia, only known from a small fragment of Restinga forest in Una municipality. This species is very similar to H. capitata but differs by the nidular aspect of the inflorescence, which is only short-pedunculate and more or less hidden inside the rosette. In addition to the taxonomic treatment, we provide illustrations, the geographic distribution, taxonomic comments, and anatomical comparison of the species in the H. capitata complex.
Review of the genus Diduga Moore (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae) of Taiwan, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: BAYARSAIKHAN ULZIIJARGAL , HEPPNER JOHN B. , KWON HYUNG-WOOK , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: September 2021

Two new species, Diduga taiwana sp. n. and D.nantouensis sp. n. are described from Taiwan. Illustrations of adults and genitalia of examined species from Taiwan are given.
Heatline and Massline Visualization of Hydromagnetic Double Diffusive Convective Flow of Nanofluid Within a Porous Trapezoidal Cavity
Authors: Saha Bikash C. , Mahapatra T. R. , Pal Dulal
Published: September 2021

Double diffusive convective flow of nanofluid within a porous trapezoidal cavity of various aspect ratios consisting of Al2O3 nanoparticle in the presence of applied magnetic field in the direction perpendicular to the parallel top and bottom walls is analysed.
The side walls of the cavity are maintained at constant temperature and concentration while its horizontal walls are insulated and impermeable. The irregular physical domain of the problem is transformed to a regular unit square computational domain. The governing equations have been solved
by second order of finite difference method (FDM). Based upon numerical predictions, the effects of pertinent parameters such as Rayleigh number, Darcy number, aspect ratio, solid volume fraction and inclination angle on the flow and temperature fields and the heat transfer performance of
the enclosure are examined. It is found that the intensity of heat and mass transfer increases with the increase in the Darcy number and aspect ratio. It is also observed that as the solid volume fraction increases there is increase in the average Nusselt number but reverse effect is observed
on the average Sherwood number.
The Practice of Obtaining a Chest Radiograph in Pediatric Patients Presenting With Their First Episode of Wheezing: A Survey of Resident Physicians
Authors: Patel Nishit H. , Hassoun Ameer , Chao Jennifer H.
Published: September 2021

A chest radiograph (CXR) is not routinely indicated in children presenting with their first episode of wheezing; however, it continues to be overused. A survey was distributed electronically to determine what trainees are taught and their current practice of obtaining a CXR in children presenting with their first episode of wheezing and the factors that influence this practice. Of the 1513 trainees who completed surveys, 35.3% (535/1513) reported that they were taught that pediatric patients presenting with their first episode of wheezing should be evaluated with a CXR. In all, 22.01% (333/1513) indicated that they would always obtain a CXR in these patients, and 13.75% (208/1513) would always obtain a CXR under a certain age (4 weeks to 12 years, median of 2 years). Our study identifies a target audience that would benefit from education to decrease the overuse of CXRs in children.
Bureaucratic Leadership at Ground Level: A Case Study of Block Development Officers in West Bengal (India)
Authors: Nag Debarshi , Farhat Zainab
Published: September 2021

Max Weber coined the term ‘bureaucratic leadership’ to define leadership in government organisations based on a set of predetermined regulations, strict functions and fixed roles under a static hierarchy. Almost all government organisations adhere to these principles including the civil services, but, at the ground level of administration, a rational and workable form has been developed by the civil servants to suit their roles. The post of a Block Development Officer (BDO) in the civil services is assigned to play multiple roles to govern the block effectively. From being a leader who would motivate and facilitate a team of officials in development as well as general administration, a diplomat who would set the right chord with the political functionaries at various levels to settle upon a consensus in every issue, a crisis manager who would rush forward, with limited resources, to face any natural calamity or a serious law and order issue, a strict disciplinarian who would ensure transparency in fiscal matters, an entrepreneur who would motivate the people to become self-reliant with the help of government schemes, a BDO is indeed ‘the cutting edge of administration’. The entire administration depends upon a Block Development Officer to deliver the much needed “public service” to the residents of the Block at all times and under all circumstances. This article is intended to study the practical forms of ‘bureaucratic leadership’ performed by BDOs while discharging their duties efficiently both during crises and in normal circumstances.
Visualizing the Emerging Trends of Acculturation Research: A Bibliometric Analysis From 2000 to 2020
Authors: Peng Renzhong , Zhu Chongguang , Wu Weiping
Published: September 2021

As acculturation research has become more interdisciplinary and dynamic over the last 20 years, it is necessary to explore its emerging trends. We collected 10,039 research articles on acculturation research from 2000 to 2020 from the Web of Science (WoS) database and utilized the CiteSpace tool to visualize emerging trends. During the data analysis, we extracted noun phrases from the abstracts of the retrieved articles to identify clusters, and the log-likelihood ratio (LLR) algorithm was used to generate cluster labels in the co-citation network. Based on the size of the clusters, the five largest clusters were chosen and analyzed: “Asian cultural value,” “Suicide attempt,” “Unhealthy behavior,” “Host country identification,” and “Emerging adulthood”. These findings may help researchers and scholars gain useful insight and explore topics related to the research trends in acculturation.
Fluency-related Temporal Features and Syllable Prominence as Prosodic Proficiency Predictors for Learners of English with Different Language Backgrounds
Authors: Kallio Heini , Suni Antti , Šimko Juraj
Published: September 2021

Prosodic features are important in achieving intelligibility, comprehensibility, and fluency in a second or foreign language (L2). However, research on the assessment of prosody as part of oral proficiency remains scarce. Moreover, the acoustic analysis of L2 prosody has often focused on fluency-related temporal measures, neglecting language-dependent stress features that can be quantified in terms of syllable prominence. Introducing the evaluation of prominence-related measures can be of use in developing both teaching and assessment of L2 speaking skills. In this study we compare temporal measures and syllable prominence estimates as predictors of prosodic proficiency in non-native speakers of English with respect to the speaker’s native language (L1).

The predictive power of temporal and prominence measures was evaluated for utterance-sized samples produced by language learners from four different L1 backgrounds: Czech, Slovak, Polish, and Hungarian. Firstly, the speech samples were assessed using the revised Common European Framework of Reference scale for prosodic features. The assessed speech samples were then analyzed to derive articulation rate and three fluency measures. Syllable-level prominence was estimated by a continuous wavelet transform analysis using combinations of F0, energy, and syllable duration.

The results show that the temporal measures serve as reliable predictors of prosodic proficiency in the L2, with prominence measures providing a small but significant improvement to prosodic proficiency predictions. The predictive power of the individual measures varies both quantitatively and qualitatively depending on the L1 of the speaker. We conclude that the possible effects of the speaker’s L1 on the production of L2 prosody in terms of temporal features as well as syllable prominence deserve more attention in applied research and developing teaching and assessment methods for spoken L2.
Longitudinal Follow-Up of Death Anxiety and Psychophysical-Symptom Experience of Participants in the Silent Mentor Program
Authors: Wong Li Ping , Tan Sik Loo , Alias Haridah , Sia Thiam Eng , Saw Aik
Published: September 2021

This study assessed death anxiety (Death Anxiety Questionnaire, DAQ) and psychophysical- (psychological and physical) symptom experience following cadaveric dissection among the Silent Mentor Program (SMP) participants before thawing (T1), after the suturing, dressing and coffining session (T2), and one month post-program (T3). There was a significant decline in the total DAQ score comparing T1 and T2 ( t = 7.69, p < 0.001) and T2 and T3 ( t = 5.00, p < 0.001) and T1 and T3 (t = 10.80, p < 0.001). There was a significant reduction in total psychological-symptom score comparing T1 and T2 ( t = 4.92, p < 0.001) and between T1 and T3 ( t = 4.85, p < 0.001). However, for the physical-symptom experience, a significant increase in the physical-symptom score between T1 and T2 ( t = –3.25, p = 0.001) was reported but the scores reduced significantly one month after the program (T2–T3; t = 4.12, p < 0.001). The mentoring concept of the SMP program has beneficial effects on improving attitude towards death and psychophysical-symptom experience associated with cadaver dissection.
Dimensions of Death-Related Attitudes in a French-Speaking Sample
Authors: Wittkowski Joachim , Paré Pierre-Marc
Published: September 2021

This study examines the structure of death-related attitudes among French-speaking people. Participants from Canada, Belgium, France, and from Switzerland whose mother tongue was French in an online survey responded to the French adaptation of the item pool of the Multidimensional Orientation Toward Dying and Death Inventory (MODDI; N = 373). Exploratory factor analyses with orthogonal and oblique rotation yielded a 5-factor Fear domain and a 3-factor Acceptance domain, thereby reproducing the a-priori conceptualization. These results are discussed with respect to the issue of universal dimensions of death-related attitudes across cultures.
Encoding Numbers in the Context of Multiple Overlapping Cues: Evidence from a Chinese Finger Number Cognition Study
Authors: Wang Qiangqiang , Ma Lina , Tao Weidong , Wang Zhiwei , Jin Guichun
Published: September 2021

How people encode numbers in the context of multiple overlapping encoded cues remains unclear. In this study, we explored Chinese finger numbers, which contain both a numerical magnitude cue and a left-right hand cue offered by the expressing hand, to investigate the number encoding mechanism in the context of multiple overlapping cues. Chinese finger numbers expressed by the left or right hand were randomly and centrally presented on a computer screen to participants who were asked to perform a hand classification task (Experiment 1), a magnitude classification task (Experiment 2), a parity classification task (Experiment 3) and a magnitude classification or ring classification task (Experiment 4). We discovered (a) only an association effect between the pressed key and the expressing hand in hand classification and parity classification tasks, (b) the SNARC effect only on the magnitude classification task, (c) the association effect between the pressed key and the expressing hand on the larger, Chinese finger number, magnitude classification task in Experiment 2, and (d) the SNARC effect and the association between the pressed key and the expressing hand were reversed on the ring classification task. From these results, we concluded that people can flexibly choose appropriate number encoding cues and how numbers are encoded in the context of multiple overlapping cues depending on (a) which cognition task individuals perform and (b) the character of the numbers involved.
Validation of the Perceived Empathic and Social Self-Efficacy Scale: A Brief Report
Authors: Iwanaga Kanako , Chen Xiangli , Bezyak Jill , Holmes Courtney M. , Dotson-Hutto Caisey , Hall Denise
Published: September 2021

Perceived empathic and social self-efficacy are required to strengthen interpersonal relationships and receive social support, which are crucial for community participation, employment, and job retention of people with disabilities. This study investigated the factor structure and related psychometric properties of an instrument used to measure these two constructs among people with disabilities. Results confirmed the two-factor measurement structure, the Perceived Empathic Self-Efficacy and the Perceived Social Self-Efficacy factors. This scale can be used by rehabilitation professionals to assess vocational rehabilitation (VR) consumers’ perceived levels of empathic and social self-efficacy. It can also be used by researchers as an outcome measure to evaluate the effectiveness of social skills training interventions for VR consumers.
Schools as Refractors: Comparing Summertime and School-Year Skill Inequality Trajectories
Authors: Condron Dennis J. , Downey Douglas B. , Kuhfeld Megan
Published: September 2021

How does schooling affect inequality in students’ academic skills? Studies comparing children’s trajectories during summers and school years provide a provocative way of addressing this question, but the most persuasive seasonal studies (1) focus primarily on skill gaps between social categories (e.g., social class, race/ethnicity), which constitute only a small fraction of overall skill inequality, and (2) are restricted to early grades, making it difficult to know whether the patterns extend into later grades. In this study, we use seasonal comparisons to examine the possibilities that schooling exacerbates, reduces, or reproduces overall skill inequality in math, reading, language use, and science with recent national data on U.S. public school students spanning numerous grade levels from the Northwest Evaluation Association. Our results suggest that schooling has a compensatory effect on inequality in reading, language, and science skills but not math skills. We conclude by discussing the theoretical implications of our findings, possible reasons why the math findings differ from those of other subjects, and discrepant seasonal patterns across national data sets.
Insights into detailed hierarchical puncture-resistance for Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhang Yan , Liang Chunling , Liao Yinchang , Wang Ping , Hu Dongmei
Published: September 2021

Silkworm cocoons illustrate excellent puncture-resistance performance after an insight into their layers while a clear understanding of the correlation between the excellent puncture property and the silk secondary structure is still lacking. Herein, we peeled silkworm cocoon into eight layers, and a combination of examination techniques including scanning electron microscopy, tensile mechanical test, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were applied to figure out the morphologies (surface and cross-section view), mechanical properties, secondary structure, the content of β-sheet, and crystallinity of each layer's fibroin after degumming. The results indicated that the fifth layer offers a higher level of puncture-resistance than the other layers except for the eighth layer. Additionally, a high content level of β-sheet structure and high crystallinity gives rise to the high puncture strength as for hierarchical silk fibers. In general, the new finding holds great potential inspiration for the design of puncture-resistant composites.
The Promise of the Pandemic and the (Becoming) Totus Christus
Authors: Ryliškytė Ligita
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic both causes a profound suffering and holds a promise of new growth. This article argues that the key condition for the possibility of growth is a discerning and creative transformation of evil into good through the diffusion of divine friendship, which takes place in accord with constantly shifting probabilities of the emergent world order. Decisively inaugurated in the Christ event, the redemptive shift in this order is concretely realized in history as the dialectical unification of all things in Christ, the cruciform becoming of the totus Christus.
Changing Christian Interpretations of the Old Testament
Authors: Clifford Richard
Published: September 2021

In first-century CE Judaism, the Scriptures validated Jesus and his message, but later Christians “read back” to Old Testament sources of New Testament texts. Constant alluding to a past document tended to make the document look obsolete and useful only as a source. Can the Old Testament regain its generative power for Christians today? The article sketches the first-century Christian situation, looks at subsequent interpretation, and calls on recent Roman Catholic documents to revise old assumptions.
A posteriori comparisons, repeated instances and urban policy mobilities: What ‘best practices’ leave behind
Authors: Montero Sergio , Baiocchi Gianpaolo
Published: September 2021

Urban studies scholars have engaged in a lively debate on how to reformat comparative methods in the face of critical scrutiny of the discipline’s purported universalism. We share the enthusiasm for a reformatted urban comparativism and, in this paper, we turn to the thorny and more pragmatic question of how to actually carry it out. While traditional comparisons in urban studies have sought to find variation among similar cases by selecting a priori, in this article we propose to compare the findings of different researchers through a posteriori, that is, after the research has been done. We also argue that urban researchers need to focus on urban processes rather than cities; on repeated instances rather than on controlling for difference; and on mid-level abstraction rather than on grand theory or descriptive empirical cases. We put this strategy to work by comparing empirical research previously carried out by the authors on how two Latin American cities became international urban ‘best practices’: Bogotá as a sustainable transport model and Porto Alegre as a model of local participatory budgeting. The comparison highlights the tension between the simplified policy narratives that were mobilised to circulate Bogotá and Porto Alegre as international ‘best practices’ and the broader multi-scalar institutional reforms that these ‘best practice’ narratives have left behind in their global circulations. In doing so, we show the potential of a posteriori comparisons to analyse contemporary global urban dynamics and provide some explicit methodological tactics on how to do comparisons in a more systematic way.
School Alienation Among Adolescents in Switzerland and Luxembourg: The Role of Parent and Peer Supportive Attitudes Toward School and Teacher Autonomy Support
Authors: Morinaj Julia , de Moll Frederick , Hascher Tina , Hadjar Andreas , Grecu Alyssa , Scharf Jan
Published: September 2021

Prior research has shown that socialization agents such as parents, peers, and teachers can play a significant role in adolescents’ educational outcomes, both through direct support or indirectly via supportive attitudes that foster students’ bonding to school and academic motivation. However, less is known about the effects of parent and peer supportive attitudes and teacher autonomy support on unfavorable educational outcomes such as school alienation. This study investigated the role of socialization agents in the development of school alienation among 544 secondary school students in Switzerland and 535 secondary school students in Luxembourg in grades 7 to 9. Results of structural equation modeling showed that the role of socialization agents varies across the school alienation domains and educational contexts, with peers having the most substantial impact on all three domains of alienation in both countries.
Women at Work: A Gender Ideology Perspective
Authors: Krishnaraj Maithreyi
Published: September 2021

Mary E. John and Meena Gopal (Eds.), Women in the World’s Labour—Interdisciplinary and Intersectional Perspectives. Hyderabad: Orient BlackSwan, 2021, 423 pp., ₹995, ISBN 978-81-949258-9-7 (Paperback).
Transformation of Tribal Hinterlands into Urban Spaces in India’s Fifth and Sixth Schedule Areas: Emerging Issues and Contestations
Authors: Xaxa Aashish
Published: September 2021

Extensive literature exists on the way tribal land has been acquired for industrial, irrigation, power and mining projects. However, there is limited research on the procurement of land in the context of urban development which has been spreading in tribal areas. This article explores the modalities and mechanisms through which land is being procured in the context of urban development, specifically with reference to the emerging capital townships of Greater Ranchi and the New Shillong Township which fall in the Fifth and Sixth Schedule areas of the Indian Constitution. Using a comparative perspective, this study examines the implications of such development on affected people especially in the context of their constitutional and legal rights, entitlements, their modes of governance and the way they have been articulating and addressing these issues.