bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actions Speak Louder Than Words? The Untapped Potential of V4 Parliaments in EU Affairs
Authors: Borońska-Hryniewiecka Karolina , Grinc Jan
Published: July 2021

This article offers the first ever comparative analysis of the involvement of V4 parliaments in the sphere of European Union (EU) affairs. Its underlying research objective is to determine what conditions V4’s parliamentary participation in various EU-oriented activities such as domestic scrutiny of the government’s EU policy, the political dialogue with the Commission, the Early Warning System for subsidiarity control, and the green card initiative. Based on the actual scrutiny output, parliamentary minutes, and data from questionnaires, we address the questions: (1) To what extent domestic legislatures act as autonomous as opposed to government-supporting actors in these arenas? (2) Do they mostly act as EU veto players, or try to contribute constructively to the EU policy-making process by bringing alternative policy ideas? (3) What are their motivations for engaging in direct dialogue with EU institutions in addition to domestic scrutiny? and (4) How MPs envisage their own EU-oriented roles? While the article reveals that V4 parliaments mostly act as gatekeepers in the sphere of EU affairs, it also casts a new light on the previous literature findings related to the EU-oriented performance of the Czech and Polish lower chambers. We conclude that, generally, V4 parliaments refrain from fully exploiting their relatively strong formal prerogatives in EU affairs—a fact that can be partly explained by the composition of their ruling majorities.
Silesians in the Face of Polish Cultural Dominance
Authors: Szmeja Maria
Published: July 2021

The text attempts to explain Silesian behaviour which results from the cultural dominance of the Polish state. Postcolonial theory facilitates the understanding of Silesian aspirations to emphasise differences from the Polish past and to display the harm they have suffered. The analysis is based on disputable interpretations of events such as the Silesian Uprisings (during 1919–1921) and World War II. The narrative around these differs, an example of invented tradition in both groups: dominant and dominated. Meanwhile, the lack of recognition of the historical and cultural distinctiveness of the region is a source of conflict.
Women in Iranian Kurdistan: Patriarchy and the Quest for Empowerment
Authors: Shakiba Sahar , Ghaderzadeh Omid , Moghadam Valentine M.
Published: July 2021

Informed by sociological standpoint, intersectional, and gender regime theories, we examine perceptions of a diverse sample of Iranian Kurdish women in the city of Sanandaj about their legal status and social positions. We find perceptions of injustice, oppression, male control, and lack of opportunity associated with both the family and broader society. Kurdish women are socially located in structures and institutions of both private and public patriarchy. At the same time, their growing educational attainment and knowledge of possibilities for change enable them not only to articulate grievances but also to aspire to, and sometimes engage in, collective action for women’s rights. By focusing on an under-studied region, this article contributes to the wider literature on Kurdish women, underscores the continued salience of intersectional and standpoint approaches, and expands gender regime theorizing beyond Western cases.
Modeling electro-osmotic flow and thermal transport of Caputo fractional Burgers fluid through a micro-channel
Authors: Abdulhameed Mohammed , Tahiru Adamu Garba , Dauda Gulibur Yakubu
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we construct transient electro-osmotic flow of Burgers’ fluid with Caputo fractional derivative in a micro-channel, where the Poisson–Boltzmann equation described the potential electric field applied along the length of the microchannel. The analytical solution for the component of the velocity profile was obtained, first by applying the Laplace transform combined with the classical method of partial differential equations and, second by applying Laplace transform combined with the finite Fourier sine transform. The exact solution for the component of the temperature was obtained by applying Laplace transform and finite Fourier sine transform. Further, due to the complexity of the derived models of the governing equations for both velocity and temperature, the inverse Laplace transform was obtained with the aid of numerical inversion formula based on Stehfest's algorithms with the help of MATHCAD software. The graphical representations showing the effects of the time, retardation time, electro-kinetic width, and fractional parameters on the velocity of the fluid flow and the effects of time and fractional parameters on the temperature distribution in the micro-channel were presented and analyzed. The results show that the applied electric field, electro-osmotic force, electro-kinetic width, and relaxation time play a vital role on the velocity distribution in the micro-channel. The fractional parameters can be used to regulate both the velocity and temperature in the micro-channel. The study could be used in the design of various biomedical lab-on-chip devices, which could be useful for biomedical diagnosis and analysis.
Design and co-simulation of a nose wheel steering system for a civil aircraft
Authors: Li Dawei , Lin Mingxing , Zhang Tao
Published: July 2021

In order to automate the ground maneuvering of a civil regional aircraft and improve the efficiency of the air transport system, a fly-by-wire nose wheel steering system (NWSS) was designed. A rack and pinion steering mechanism integrated with a single actuator mechanism was proposed. The basic control circuit diagram with integrated test, the electro-hydraulic system diagram, and the mathematical model of the steering system were established and analyzed. A co-simulation model of the system was built to verify the control law. The results show that the properties of the prototype meet the design requirements. Given the importance of the NWSS, the simulation results can be used to optimize the basic design parameters. This methodology can also be used for other types of aircraft.
Temporal typifications as an organizational resource: Experiential knowledge and patient processing at the emergency department
Authors: Wamsiedel Marius
Published: July 2021

The connection between time and power has been studied extensively. A common strategy through which street-level bureaucrats exert power and dominance over their clients consists of imposing protracted waiting and maintaining uncertainty regarding the outcomes of waiting. In this study, I argue that another facet of power in organizations is related to the temporal typification of cases. By exploring the triage work in two emergency departments (EDs), I show that nurses and clerks identify patterns in the temporal distribution of visits and attach clinical and moral meanings to them. The temporal typifications are sense-making devices through which triage workers orient to patients. They form a stock of tacit experiential knowledge that delineates specific expectations about the legitimacy of cases and the worth of patients. These expectations impact the unfolding and structure of triage admission interviews and contribute to the prioritization of cases. The study brings into conversation the sociological literature on time and power with the study of the moral evaluation of patients to examine temporal typifications as an organizational resource in healthcare settings. It contributes to a better understanding of triage workers’ experiential knowledge and the practical accomplishment of moral evaluation in EDs.
Valproic acid Suppresses Breast Cancer Cell Growth Through Triggering Pyruvate Kinase M2 Isoform Mediated Warburg Effect
Authors: Li Zhen , Yang Lina , Zhang Shuai , Song Jiaqi , Sun Huanran , Shan Changliang , Wang Dan , Liu Shuangping
Published: July 2021

Energy metabolism programming is a hallmark of cancer, and serves as a potent target of cancer therapy. Valproic acid (VPA), a broad Class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitor, has been used as a therapeutic agent for cancer. However, the detail mechanism about the potential role of VPA on the Warburg effect in breast cancer remains unclear. In this study, we highlight that VPA significantly attenuates the Warburg effect by decreasing the expression of pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2), leading to inhibited cell proliferation and reduced colony formation in breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Mechanistically, Warburg effect suppression triggered by VPA was mediated by inactivation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation through reduced HDAC1 expression, resulting in suppressing breast cancer growth. In summary, we uncover a novel mechanism of VPA in regulating the Warburg effect which is essential for developing the effective approach in breast cancer therapy.
On the Risk-based Contagion of G7 Banking System and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Matos Paulo , Costa Antonio , da Silva Cristiano
Published: July 2021

We revisit the discussion on banking system contagion by proposing a risk-based empirical analysis during the current pandemic period. We use daily returns on G7 banking sector indices from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019 (pre-pandemic), and from 1 January 2020 to 16 October 2020 (pandemic). Based on the dissimilarities, the pandemic has intensified banking contagion. Frequency-based Granger causality is useful to tell the history of the pass-through of this health crisis across G7 banking sectors. We highlight the increase in the predictive relevance of Italian banking cycles during the pandemic. VaR ratio analysis, considering 21 possible pairwise combinations with the G7 financial indices, suggests a stronger contagion between banking systems. The greatest contagion is evident in the Italian and French banking systems, countries severely affected by deaths by COVID-19, while we find less contagion between Japan and Germany, countries least affected by the first wave of COVID-19.
Khalid Mirza at SECP
Authors: Bashir Mohsin , Sufi Aneka F.
Published: July 2021

The case documents some of the challenges faced by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) between the year 2000 and 2003 and recounts how one leader assumed the role of a change agent in a new organization environment. The case examines the tenure of Khalid Mirza at SECP, and his approach to the emergent challenges, which ultimately left him wondering if his sources of power would continue to stay relevant should he serve another term. In December 1997, the Parliament legislated the SECP Act, 1997 (the Act). It pertained to the constitution and the structure of the Commission and the basis on which the capital market was to be regulated. However, a Parliament Act could not do much on its own. Khalid Mirza, a trained professional but with little background of Pakistan’s public sector, was brought in to implement the reforms. It may be noted that the approaches discussed are not a prescription, and the data presented are not suitable for a discussion on whether SECP became a successful organization. The case focus is primarily on navigating new organizational environments effectively to acquire and maintain power and on offering insights on power tactics as well as overcoming resistance to change.
What forms of socialization lead women to stop cycling during adolescence?
Authors: Sayagh David , Dusong Clément
Published: July 2021

Cycling in public spaces is both a mobility and a physical activity underpinned by considerable issues, but women practice significantly less, particularly during adolescence. A few studies have sought to study this phenomenon but mainly on the basis of social psychology theories. Based on 84 semi-structured biographical interviews conducted in France, this article aims to discuss their findings using gender, mobility and socialization sociology. We first show how a ‘feminine’ socialization to risk taking, body aesthetics, sport, street and mechanics is an obstacle to cycling during adolescence, especially in the working-class environment and all the more so in spatial contexts with strong norms of male appropriation of public space. We then show how the fact of having cyclists in one's social environment and a sporting inclination plays an important role in limiting the risk of abandonment. By highlighting processes of reinforcement of gendered bodily and spatial inclinations, our results shed light on the links between the socio-construction of inequalities in accessing public space and of inequalities in accessing physical activities. Furthermore, they encourage the study of bicycle socialisation in an intersectional way and suggest the interest of studying the links between urban, ecological, health, sport and mobility socialisations.
Fear of Brain Drain: Russian Academic Community on Internationalization of Education
Authors: Lanko Dmitry
Published: July 2021

The emigration of skilled and able workers from Russia markedly increased in the last five years, prompting Russian scholars to reassess the phenomenon of brain drain, its definition, scope, consequences and causes. This article finds that the perceived connection between increasing `brain drain’ from Russia and the internationalization of higher education in Russia has played an important role in recent debates. From an analysis of Russian scholarly articles and transcripts of interviews with Russian educators directly involved in internationalization, this study finds that despite the evident concern amongst the Russian academic community about the nexus between internationalization and brain drain, emigration is still seen as a perfect choice for an individual who is skilled and able. This ambivalent attitude towards `brain drain’ has created a situation where some Russian academics use it to justify their resistance to internationalization assuming a causal relationship between the two, while others, by word and deed, support internationalization as a means of curbing emigration. In the context of controversial educational reforms underway in Russia since the 1990s, such perceptions have helped internationalization survive.
Social Class in Organizations: Entrance, Promotion, and Organizational and Societal Consequences of the Corporate Elite
Authors: Lee Michelle K. , Kish-Gephart Jennifer J. , Mizruchi Mark S. , Palmer Donald A. , Useem Michael
Published: July 2021

Organizational theorists studying executives of large corporations have long theorized that top management is dominated by elites of upper social class background. Organizations reflect the class system in the societies they are situated in by advantaging those of higher social class background. If organizations are perpetuating societal inequality by favoring those from higher social class and positioning them to dictate organizational outcomes, it is important to understand ways to reduce inequality by increasing social class diversity, and theorize on the implications of this diversity for business and society. This article brings together scholars on the forefront of social class research to understand the influence of social class on the corporate elite. The scholars explore the effect of social class in attaining access to the most influential managerial positions, conditions that enable greater diversity, and how the corporate elite can affect firm strategic actions and key societal outcomes.
Fault detection in rotor system by discrete wavelet neural network algorithm
Authors: Babu Rao K , Mallikarjuna Reddy D
Published: July 2021

This study identifies a method for detection of irregularities such as open cracks or grooves on a rotating stepped shaft with multiple discs, based on the wavelet transforms. Cracks are represented as reduction in diameter of shaft (groove) with small width. Single as well as multiple grooves are considered on stepped shaft at locations of stress concentration. Translational or rotational response curves/mode shapes are extracted from finite element analysis of rotors with and without grooves. Discrete and continuous 1D wavelet transforms are applied on resultant response curve or mode shapes. The results show that rotational response curves or mode shapes are more sensitive to shaft cracks and key contributors to identify the location of cracks than translation response curves or mode shapes. Discrete wavelet transforms are accurate enough to locate the groove of smaller size. Effectiveness of detection by wavelets transforms is analysed for single as well as multiple grooves with increase in groove depth. Increase in groove depth can be quantified by increase in wavelet coefficient, and it can be an indicator. White Gaussian noise with low signal-to-noise ratio is added to response curves and analysed for crack location identification. Intelligent techniques such as artificial neural networks are used to quantify the location and depth of crack. Discrete wavelet transforms coefficients are provided as input to the neural network. Feed forward artificial neural networks are trained with Levenberg–Marquardt back propagation algorithm. Trained networks are able to quantify the crack location and depth accurately.
Risk of depression in multiple sclerosis across disease-modifying therapies
Authors: Longinetti Elisa , Frisell Thomas , Englund Simon , Reutfors Johan , Fang Fang , Piehl Fredrik
Published: July 2021

Background:

Depression and use of antidepressants are more common among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to the general population, but the relation of psychiatric comorbidity to use of different disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) is less clear.

Objective:

To determine whether risk of incident depression or antidepressant use differed across DMTs, and to assess whether depression and antidepressants affected risk of DMT discontinuation and MS relapses.

Methods:

We prospectively followed for 8 years a register-based nationwide cohort of 3803 relapsing-remitting MS patients.

Results:

Patients on rituximab had a lower risk of being diagnosed with depression or initiating antidepressants compared with the reference group treated with interferons (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.54–0.96). Patients diagnosed with depression discontinued interferon treatment to a higher extent than patients without depression (HR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.15–1.98), as did patients on fingolimod initiating an antidepressant compared to patients who did not initiate an antidepressant (HR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.04–2.08).

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that the choice of DMT is associated with subsequent risk of depression in MS, but further studies are needed to establish whether there is a causal link. Overall, depression and use of antidepressants displayed limited associations with DMT discontinuation and MS relapse.
Nonlinear effects of board characteristics on China’s hotel firm performance
Authors: Liang Chunmei , Chen Ming-Hsiang , Zhu Di , Kot Hung Wan , Yang Zhandong
Published: July 2021

This study uses dynamic panel regression tests based on the estimation of the system generalized method of moments to examine the effects of board size (BS), board age (BA), and board education (BE) on China’s hotel firm performance (FP). Test results reveal that the effects of BS and BA on hotel FP are nonlinear, but BE has no effect. Specifically, BS has a cubic effect on hotel growth opportunities in terms of Tobin’s Q with turning points equal to 12 and 18, supporting both agency theory and resource dependence theory. Moreover, the impact of BA on hotel growth opportunities is quadratic (inverted U-shaped) with an optimal point of BA at 51, supporting both similarity–attraction theory and human capital theory. Empirical findings suggest that director-owned resources and experience are essential factors in a hotel’s success, providing strategic guidance for the Chinese hotel industry and making a pioneering addition to the hospitality finance literature.
Petro-friends: Foreign ownership of oil and leadership survival
Authors: Lee Chia-yi
Published: July 2021

The resource curse literature shows that natural resources, particularly oil, help regime or leadership survival, but it also suggests that resource-rich countries are prone to civil wars or political instability. This article argues that the ownership structure of the oil sector matters and influences leadership survival. Specifically, foreign ownership of the oil sector raises leaders’ survival prospect and leads to more military interventions aimed to help the leader. Using data on oil ownership and leaders from 1962 to 2006 across 120 developing countries, this article finds that foreign involvement in the oil sector has a negative effect on leadership turnover. Countries with deeper foreign involvement in the oil sector are also more likely to experience military interventions on the side of the leaders. In other words, leaders of oil-producing countries do receive political support when they cooperate with and serve as ‘petro-friends’ to foreign powers.
Novel method for identifying residual prestress force in simply supported concrete girder-bridges
Authors: Bonopera Marco , Chang Kuo-Chun
Published: July 2021

Testing methods are required for estimating prestress losses in Prestressed Concrete (PC) girder-bridges. They mainly include destructive approaches which cause significant damages. Conversely, dynamic nondestructive methods are unsuitable. Given these findings, a novel method for identifying residual prestress force in simply supported PC girder-bridges was implemented. Following the vertical load application in a three-point bending, the method estimates the prestress force by measuring the vertical deflection at a quarter or, alternatively, at the midspan of the PC girder-bridge. The method also requires information regarding its flexural rigidity. Particularly, the initial tangent Young’s modulus must be evaluated by compression tests on cores drilled at its quarter and midspan cross-sections after three-point bending. In absence of the geometric and/or material properties, the flexural rigidity can be estimated according to free vibrations. Secondly, the method comprises a reference solution, or a finite element model of the PC girder-bridge, in which the prestress force is unknown. Thirdly, the measured deflection becomes a parameter of the prestress force identification process. Accurate identifications are obtained when the deflection, under a higher vertical load, was precisely measured and the flexural rigidity was determined using reference solution and initial tangent Young’s modulus. In this article, the novel method was simulated on a simply supported PC beam-bridge subjected to time-dependent prestress losses for ≈9.5 months in the laboratory.
Innovation and risk in an innovative learning environment: A Private Public Partnership in Australia
Authors: Deppeler Joanne , Corrigan Deborah , Macaulay Luke , Aikens Kathleen
Published: July 2021

Across many international contexts, the design and construction of architecturally different school buildings has become a key strategy in providing innovative learning environments designed to prepare students for work and life in the 21st century. Despite the global popularity of this strategy, research has highlighted persistent challenges associated with the transition to, and occupation of innovative learning environments. We explore the nexus between risk and innovation, reporting on data arising from a primary school in Australia, built as part of one state government’s Private Public Partnership initiatives. We apply a conceptual framework for risk and public service innovation and a responsible innovation framework to investigate how the school leaders and the architect understood the educational intentions, values and risks that shaped their school design and to assess users’ perceptions of their new school. Our findings draw attention to how responses to externally driven design innovation in the complex and dynamic environment of a school can create risk and uncertainty for users on multiple levels. We argue that the application of a responsible innovation framework provides a mechanism to highlight limitations in school design processes and opportunities to improve alignment and on-going adaptation of schools for future conditions.
Cultural and linguistic struggles and solidarities of Emirati learners in online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hopkyns Sarah
Published: July 2021

The ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented shifts in higher education worldwide, with some nations more adversely affected than others. Since the onset of the crisis, almost all education abruptly moved to ‘emergency remote teaching and learning’. While the United Arab Emirates has been praised for its swift and effective responses, unique cultural and linguistic dynamics in this region present additional challenges for teaching and learning. This article presents empirical data from a qualitative phenomenological case study investigating female Emirati university students’ ( n = 69) perspectives on the use of video cameras and microphones in online classes. Students’ reflective writing and researcher observations in autumn 2020 revealed discomfort using video cameras and microphones due to a range of cultural and linguistic factors. Such factors include Islamic beliefs relating to modesty, home as a gendered space, noise considerations, concerns about privacy, struggles with language in their English-medium instruction university and fear of judgement from peers. Data are interpreted thematically using intersectionality together with Goffman’s theories of everyday interaction, stigma and relative deprivation, through which complexities of learner identities are explored. Practical suggestions are made on ways to adapt online learning to better suit the cultural and sociolinguistic realities of periphery and Global South contexts. It is argued that greater efforts need to be made toward inclusion of marginalized learners during the COVID-19 period.
Refutation of neoliberal educational policies based on Millian principles
Authors: Honkanen Jaakko , Huttunen Rauno
Published: July 2021

This article attempts to start an in-depth consideration and analysis of modern neoliberal education policy through its philosophical roots. To achieve this, the article considers the ideology and philosophy of the classical liberal philosopher John Stuart Mill and the relationship of his philosophy with the modern-day neoliberalist education policy. The purpose of the article is to discuss the philosophical groundwork that drives Mill’s ideas on the establishment of education and compares it to the philosophical groundwork and implications present in modern neoliberal education policy, and through this begin to assert what neoliberalist education policy is. The paper asserts that while Mill’s version of classical liberalism holds similar views and forms of occurrence with modern neoliberalist policies, in many cases Mill’s philosophical groundwork seems to disagree fundamentally with that of neoliberalism. The study is based on literature detailing both the philosophical as well as polity aspects of both Mill’s ideas and modern neoliberalism from the viewpoint of education, and it presents considerations for the nature of neoliberal education policy and its future analysis.
Quantification and classification in education: What is at stake?
Authors: Nilsen Ann Christin Eklund , Skarpenes Ove
Published: July 2021

Histories of statistics and quantification have demonstrated that systems of statistical knowledge participate in the construction of the objects that are measured. However, the pace, purpose, and scope of quantification in state bureaucracy have expanded greatly over the past decades, fuelled by (neoliberal) societal trends that have given the social phenomenon of quantification a central place in political discussions and in the public sphere. This is particularly the case in the field of education. In this article, we ask what is at stake in state bureaucracy, professional practice, and individual pupils as quantification increasingly permeates the education field. We call for a theoretical renewal in order to understand quantification as a social phenomenon in education. We propose a sociology-of-knowledge approach to the phenomenon, drawing on different theoretical traditions in the sociology of knowledge in France (Alain Desrosières and Laurent Thévenot), England (Barry Barnes and Donald MacKenzie), and Canada (Ian Hacking), and argue that the ongoing quantification practice at different levels of the education system can be understood as cultural processes of self-fulfilling prophecies.
To what extent emotion, cognition and behaviour enhance a student’s engagement: A case study on the MAJA teaching approach
Authors: Husain Matt M.
Published: July 2021

This empirical article problematises student engagement in today’s higher education system. The objective of this research is to stimulate a student’s behavioural, emotional and cognitive engagement. I employed an inclusive, inductive and reflexive approach and used mixed methods for collecting data from 948 volunteer participants. The preliminary findings illustrate that playing soft or lively music for a few minutes before a class as well as contextualising and delivering course content combined with enrolled students’ background, hobbies and preferences can go a long way in stimulating emotional and cognitive engagements. The findings also reveal that offering chair yoga during mid-term and/or final exam periods as well as encouraging students to hydrate can lead to increasing behavioural adjustments and then in attention and engagement. The results are encapsulated in a novel teaching framework, MAJA (meaning fun in Sanskrit) that stands for: (a) music, (b) anonymous class survey, (c) jest, and (d) aliment. The framework illuminates that when students tangibly sense a connection between a safe and comfortable class environment and course content, their participation increases and absenteeism decreases. They also promote student aspirations and accountability that facilitate critical thinking, an imperative learning outcome in higher education.
Vote-by-mail Ballot Rejection and Experience with Mail-in Voting
Authors: Cottrell David , Herron Michael C. , Smith Daniel A.
Published: July 2021

Although most ballots in the United States have historically been cast in-person, Americans are increasingly voting by mail, a trend that accelerated in the 2020 General Election. Mail ballots can be rejected after being cast, and our analysis of the Florida general elections of 2016, 2018, and 2020 shows that voters inexperienced with mail voting disproportionately submit ballots that end up rejected due to (1) late arrival at elections offices or (2) signature defects on return envelopes. Inexperienced mail voters are up to three times more likely to have their ballots rejected compared to experienced mail voters, and this inexperience penalty varies by a voter’s party registration, race/ethnicity, and age. Our findings hold when controlling for additional voter characteristics and geographical fixed effects. The effect of inexperience on the likelihood of vote-by-mail ballot rejection risks exacerbating existing inequities in political representation already faced by younger and racial/ethnic minority voters.
Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cancer Care: An Overview of 5834 Randomized Controlled Trials Published in Chinese
Authors: Lu Chun-Li , Li Xun , Zhou Hong-Mei , Zhang Chi , Yang Ya-Yue , Feng Ru-Li , Long Chao-Jun , Deng Fang-Yuan , Li Jing-Chun , Cao Ze-Ming , Mao Qi-Yuan , Zhu Jin-Pu , Hong Yan-Fei , Huang Shou-Yu , Qiu Jia-Ying , Liu Yi-Xiu , Wang Ying , Yan Yu-Qian , Dong Jia-Min , Luo Yu-Xin , Chen Yun-Meng , Guan Ying-Jie , Wieland Lisa Susan , Robinson Nicola , Liu Jian-Ping
Published: July 2021

Background:

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely integrated into cancer care in China. An overview in 2011 identified 2384 randomized and non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs, non-RCTs) on TCM for cancer published in the Chinese literature. This article summarizes updated evidence of RCTs on TCM for cancer care.

Methods:

We searched 4 main Chinese databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, SinoMed, and Wanfang. RCTs on TCM used in cancer care were analyzed in this bibliometric study.

Results:

Of 5834 RCTs (477 157 cancer patients), only 62 RCTs were indexed in MEDLINE. The top 3 cancers treated were lung, stomach, and breast cancer. About 4752 RCTs (81.45%) tested TCM combined with conventional treatment, and 1082 RCTs (18.55%) used TCM alone for treating symptoms and side-effects. Herbal medicine was the most frequently used TCM modality (5087 RCTs; 87.20%). The most frequently reported outcome was symptom improvement (3712 RCTs; 63.63%) followed by quality of life (2725 RCTs; 46.71%), and biomarkers (2384 RCTs; 40.86%). The majority of RCTs (4051; 69.44%) concluded there were beneficial effects using either TCM alone or TCM plus conventional treatment compared with conventional treatment.

Conclusion:

Substantial randomized trials demonstrated different types/stages of cancer were treated by various TCM modalities, alone or in combination with conventional medicine. Further evaluation on the effects and safety of TCM modalities focusing on outcomes such as quality of life is required.
The Minimally Invasive Treatment of Visceral Artery Pseudoaneurysms: A Retrospective Observational Single Centre Cohort Study on Glue Embolization
Authors: Borghese Ottavia , Ganimede Maria Porzia , Briatico Vangosa Alessandra , Pisani Angelo , Vidali Sofia , Di Stasi Carmine , Burdi Nicola , Semeraro Vittorio
Published: July 2021

Objective

The objective is to report a single centre experience in the embolization of visceral artery pseudoaneurysms with N-butyl-cyanoacrylate-methacryloxy sulfolane (NBCA-MS).

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted on data about all consecutive patients treated for visceral artery pseudoaneurysms in the Interventional Radiology Unit of SS Annunziata Hospital, in Taranto (Italy) between January 2016 and July 2020. Only patients treated with NBCA-MS embolization were included. Clinical and technical outcomes were evaluated during in-hospital stay and at 3-month follow-up by computed angiotomography (CTA).

Results

Among 89 patients undergoing treatment for visceral artery pseudoaneurysm, a total of 58 (65.2%) patients (n = 32, 55.2% men; median age 45.8 years, range: 35–81) treated with NBCA-MS only were enrolled. Pseudoaneurysms were located in the renal artery (n = 18 cases, 31%), in the splenic artery (n = 27, 46.6%), in the intra-parenchymal hepatic artery (n = 3, 5.2%), in the common hepatic artery (n = 4, 6.9%) or in the pancreatic artery (n = 6, 10.3%). N-butyl-cyanoacrylate was diluted 1:1 with Lipiodol ultra-fluid, and mean volume injected was 0.6 ± 0.3 mL (range: 0.2–2.8 mL). Embolization was technically and clinically successful in all patients (n = 58, 100%) with an immediate total thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysm at the completion angiography. No systemic complications were noted in all cases. Five cases (8.6%) of non-target vessel embolization occurred without any clinical complication. No pseudoaneurysm recurrence was detected at the CTA control 1 day postoperatively. In one case (1.7%), a recurrence was detected 4 days after the initial treatment and successfully managed by a repeated NBCA-MS embolization. During the hospital stay, 56 patients recovered well but 2 (3.4%) died from multi-organ failure not related to the embolization. No recurrences were detected at the 3-month postoperative CTA in the remaining patients.

Conclusions

In properly selected patients affected with visceral artery pseudoaneurysms, NBCA-MS represents a definitive and safe embolization agent.
Aortic Endarterectomy for Aortic Occlusive Disease: An Old Operation With a Re-emerging Role
Authors: ELshiekh Ahmed , Varghese Christy , Jaipersad Anthony , Pherwani Arun
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Descending aortic complex atheromatous plaques can cause claudication, critical lower limb ischaemia (CLI), and are an independent risk factor for systemic embolization. Current practice involves dealing with most cases using endovascular techniques. However, open repair remains superior in terms of the patency rates and may be the only valid option in a subgroup of patients who are unsuitable for endovascular treatments. Most of the current data investigating open procedures are now historic. The aim of this study is to determine whether it is a feasible option in the current day practice. Patients and methods: Ten years data from 2010 to 2020 were collected retrospectively from the hospital records. Clinic letters, radiologic scans, operative records and discharge letters were reviewed. Death records were reviewed to identify patients who survived. Results: Ten cases were identified. The average age was 55 and the mean BMI was 29.4. The mean hospital stay in days was 12 (range: 4 to 22). The mean follow-up period was 147 days (range: 30 to 360 days). Four of the patients were TASC B, four were TASC C and two were TASC D. Two cases had to return to theatres. One patient had transient post-op AF and another had transient post-op ileus. One patient was readmitted within 30 days of discharge for urosepsis. All cases are alive to date except one case which only survived three years after procedure. Conclusion: AE is a procedure that should be considered in selected cases where endovascular approach is not feasible. There is a trend towards lower mortality than the historic data available in literature. Larger case series or registry data may be required to accurately estimate the current day mortality and morbidity figures.
An UAV-assisted VANET architecture for intelligent transportation system in smart cities
Authors: Raza Ali , Bukhari Syed Hashim Raza , Aadil Farhan , Iqbal Zeshan
Published: July 2021

Vehicular ad hoc network is a pretty research vibrant area since last decade. It has been successfully used for intelligent transportation system and entertainment purposes for realization of smart cities. However, intermittent connectivity, high routing overhead, inflexible communication infrastructure, unscalable networks, and high packet collision are the key challenges that put hindrances on the wide applications of vehicular ad hoc network. The severity of these challenges become even more intensified when deployed in urban areas. To overcome these hurdles, integrating micro unmanned aerial vehicles with vehicular ad hoc network provides a viable solution. In this article, we proposed an unmanned aerial vehicle–assisted vehicular ad hoc network communication architecture in which unmanned aerial vehicles fly over the deployed area and provide communication services to underlying coverage area. Unmanned aerial vehicle–assisted vehicular ad hoc network avails the advantages of line-of-sight communication, load balancing, flexible, and cost effective deployment. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated against a case study of vehicle collision on highway. Results show that utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles ensures the guaranteed and timely delivery of emergency messages to nearby vehicles so that a safe action can be taken to avoid further damages.
Response: In and Out of the Game, as Usual
Authors: Jones Steven E.
Published: July 2021

In this response article, I revisit the idea of paratext in video games. I start, however, with the example of a book by Tolstoy, and the textual studies work of McKenzie and McGann, in order to make the point that paratextuality has never been limited to Genette’s rigid definition, even in the case of print texts. Video games foreground what has always been the case: the dynamic, volatile, multidirectional nature of paratexts, which can take you into but also out of the enclosure of the main text (or “game itself”) in unexpected ways. Illustrations include Animal Crossing: New Horizons and a mobile sneakerhead game, Aglet.
A new classification and strategies for endovascular treatment of celiac artery aneurysms
Authors: Li Xu , Zhang Wan , Zhou Min , Ding Yong , Wang Yonggang , Xie Tianchen , Zhou Zhenyu , Cai Liang , Shi Zhenyu
Published: July 2021

Background

Endovascular treatment is being increasingly used for celiac artery aneurysms (CAAs), but systematic endovascular treatment strategies have not been defined yet. This study intended to investigate the strategies of endovascular management of CAAs according to a single-center experience.

Methods

Anatomically, CAAs were classified into two types: Type I CAAs located in the main trunk of celiac artery. Type II CAAs located on the branches of the celiac artery. Type I and Type II CAAs can be further divided into two different subtypes according to fusiform (a) or saccular or (b) morphology: type Ia, type Ib, type IIa, and type IIb. Patient demographics, clinical manifestations, aneurysm characteristics, endovascular intervention procedures, and perioperative and follow-up outcomes were reviewed and analyzed.

Results

Between August 2012 and August 2020, 18 consecutive patients (12 men; mean age, 56.8 ± 14.5 years) with CAAs were identified and treated with endovascular procedures. There were seven patients with type Ia, three patients with type Ib, four patients with type IIa, and four patients with type IIb CAAs. One patient died of hemorrhagic shock due to a ruptured aneurysm. Technical success was achieved in 16 patients (88.9%). The mean follow-up period was 51.7 ± 19.4 months. No hepatic or intestinal ischemia or death developed perioperatively or during the follow-up period. No aneurysmal expansion was detected on CTA surveillance, except for one patient who was diagnosed with an endoleak during the follow-up and received reintervention.

Conclusions

The endovascular strategy based on the novel classification of CAAs was safe and effective, with a favorable mid-term clinical outcome.
A Twitter analysis of World Pharmacists Day 2020 images: Sending the wrong messages
Authors: Santarossa Talia M. , Watson Kaitlyn E. , Tsuyuki Ross T.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Pharmacists are often depicted as dispensers of medication as opposed to health professionals who provide patient care. Our objective was to identify how pharmacists’ roles were portrayed in images on Twitter for World Pharmacists Day (WPD) 2020.

Methods:

A qualitative content analysis was undertaken to evaluate the images of pharmacists on WPD. Tweets were included that had a photo or image, used 1 of 5 WPD hashtags and were posted between September 24 and 26, 2020. Thematic analysis was performed independently by 2 investigators. Tweets were categorized into 5 groups: 1) drug distribution roles, 2) patient care roles, 3) no described roles, 4) not professional/unprofessional roles and 5) not relevant. Subgroup analysis was performed for the users who posted the tweets.

Results:

Of the 970 tweets analyzed, only 11% of the overall tweets portrayed the patient care roles of pharmacists, whereas 51% portrayed drug distribution roles and 29% did not describe any particular roles of pharmacists. These proportions were similar between subgroups of tweeters.

Discussion:

WPD is intended to promote and advocate for the pharmacy profession. The results of our study show poor messaging of pharmacists’ roles and reflect a missed opportunity to showcase the full scope of pharmacy practice.

Conclusion:

Based on the images tweeted on WPD 2020, the diversity of pharmacists’ practice as skilled health care practitioners was lost in a sea of tweets portraying pharmacists’ roles in drug distribution. We hope that pharmacists and pharmacy organizations will awaken to this self-induced problem for WPD 2021. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2021;154(5):xx-xx.
Are All “Basic Emotions” Emotions? A Problem for the (Basic) Emotions Construct
Authors: Ortony Andrew
Published: July 2021

Despite decades of challenges to the idea that a small number of emotions enjoys the special status of “basic emotions,” the idea continues to have considerable influence in psychology and beyond. However, different theorists have proposed substantially different lists of basic emotions, which suggests that there exists no stable criterion of basicness. To some extent, the basic-emotions enterprise is bedeviled by an overreliance on English affective terms, but there also lurks a more serious problem—the lack of agreement as to what emotions are. To address this problem, three necessary conditions are proposed as a minimal requirement for a mental state to be an emotion. A detailed analysis of surprise, a widely accepted basic emotion, reveals that surprise violates even this minimal test, raising the possibility that it and perhaps other would-be basic emotions might not be emotions at all. An approach that combines ideas such as undifferentiated affect and cognitive appraisal is briefly proposed as a way of theorizing about emotions that is less dependent on the vagaries of language and incoherent notions of basic emotions. Finally, it is suggested that the perennial question of what an emotion is should be given more serious attention.
A Signal Detection Approach to Understanding the Identification of Fake News
Authors: Batailler Cédric , Brannon Skylar M. , Teas Paul E. , Gawronski Bertram
Published: July 2021

Researchers across many disciplines seek to understand how misinformation spreads with a view toward limiting its impact. One important question in this research is how people determine whether a given piece of news is real or fake. In the current article, we discuss the value of signal detection theory (SDT) in disentangling two distinct aspects in the identification of fake news: (a) ability to accurately distinguish between real news and fake news and (b) response biases to judge news as real or fake regardless of news veracity. The value of SDT for understanding the determinants of fake-news beliefs is illustrated with reanalyses of existing data sets, providing more nuanced insights into how partisan bias, cognitive reflection, and prior exposure influence the identification of fake news. Implications of SDT for the use of source-related information in the identification of fake news, interventions to improve people’s skills in detecting fake news, and the debunking of misinformation are discussed.