bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on the implementation of remote learning: Malaysian students’ struggles and suggestions for improvement
Authors: Abdul Aziz Muhammad Noor , Bukhari Nurliyana , Yusoff Nurahimah Mohd , Ibrahim Yusnidah , Karim Abdul Malek Abdul , Awang Mohd Isha , Shapii Aspalila
Published: January 2023

This study seeks to explore Malaysian undergraduates’ perspectives on the implementation of remote learning in their university during the period of the movement control order (MCO). Since teaching and learning activities have been impacted by the pandemic, it is imperative to consider students’ perspectives on carrying out classes via the online platform as many studies claim that the pandemic has disrupted teaching and learning activities. A total of 1,028 undergraduate students participated in this voluntary study by answering an open-ended survey sent out to their student email addresses during the MCO period that restricted students and lecturers from going to the university. The qualitative responses from the students were critically analyzed for thematic patterns. The four themes emerging from the data provide future teaching and learning plans that should embed self-learning techniques that could aid students if a similar predicament should hit us in the future. Course instructors can use this information to design future lessons that could assist their learners better.
Journey to the south: A case study of a Chinese PhD student in a Malaysian university
Authors: Fei Zhou , Rasli Amran , Kowang Tan Owee , Fei Goh Chin , Koh Hii Puong
Published: January 2023

Recent trends indicate that more mainland China students are selecting Malaysian universities to further their studies based on the push-pull model. This study aims to examine their motivation for further studies as well as the obstacles and problems faced by them in Malaysian universities. A case study has been adopted in this study. A purposive sampling technique was employed to identify the right respondent and data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews. The findings of the research revealed that peer recommendation, comparative advantage, cultural similarity, and self-desire for improvement have a significant influence on the mainland Chinese motivation to further their PhD studies at Malaysian Universities. Existing literature has not paid adequate attention to motivational factors that influence China students to select Malaysian universities to pursue their PhD. Furthermore, this research addressed the shortcoming of classic acculturation models that lacks importance given to how the dominant Malaysian majority can be affected by the acculturation orientations of mainland Chinese students. As such, this paper is an attempt to fill up these gaps. This study provides some practical implications for Malaysian universities with better strategic insight to review their research programs and improve the service quality of their research infrastructure.
Learning loss experience and control motive by Zillennial generation in Indonesia
Authors: Parahita Bagas Narendra , Astutik Dwi , Ghufronudin Ghufronudin , Yuhastina Yuhastina
Published: January 2023

The development of the COVID-19 situation in Indonesia affected particularly education sector in Indonesia significantly when learning loss occurs. The majority of students forced to attend online learning during the pandemic era are Generation Z (Gen Z). Gen Z is viewed as a digital natives group that can adapt quickly to online learning, but independent online learning situations make Gen Z vulnerable to experiencing learning loss. It will be interesting to find out the process of controlling learning loss done by Gen Z as digital natives. This research used a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. The main informant consisted of 32 students selected purposively with the criteria of those born in 2000-2008. Few in-depth interviews were conducted offline and the majority of them are conducted online. The finding of research shows particularly that the experience of Zillennial generation group (cohort) with online learning before the pandemic (Because-motives) and during the pandemic can equip them to control learning loss they feel conscious (In-order-to-motive). Another finding leads to the creation of three Gen Z Typications in online learning during the pandemic time including inconsistent, proactive, learning independence, and desperation Typication. Generation Z group exists as one generation consciously experiencing loss of learning during pandemic incidence. 
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Malaysian and Indonesian educators in tertiary institutions
Authors: Sheng Chew Chiou , Abu Samah Khyrina Airin Fariza , Shahbudin Fadilah Ezlina , Er Fu David Loh , Mulyani Heni , Nugraha Nugraha
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the challenges encountered by educators conducting online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysian and Indonesian higher learning institutions. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to obtain information in this study. The respondents comprised 250 educators from Malaysian and Indonesian higher learning institutions. A self-developed Likert-scale online questionnaire was given to the respondents. The study findings revealed that Malaysian educators faced greater challenges in mental health, time management, and assessments. In comparison, Indonesian educators experienced more challenges in demonstrating compassion to students during online teaching. Educators in both countries encountered poor internet connectivity, lack of interaction and engagement with students, stress, and anxiety. Opportunities created by the COVID-19 pandemic comprise exploring and learning online teaching tools, producing online teaching and learning materials, conducting research, and writing research papers for publication. Recommendations for addressing online teaching challenges and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Circulating Progenitor Cells Are Associated With Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Deterioration: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kanaji Yoshihisa , Ozcan Ilke , Toya Takumi , Gulati Rajiv , Young Melissa , Kakuta Tsunekazu , Lerman Lilach O. , Lerman Amir
Published: January 2023

Background

Mechanisms underlying bioprosthetic valve deterioration are multifactorial and incompletely elucidated. Reparative circulating progenitor cells, and conversely calcification‐associated osteocalcin expressing circulating progenitor cells, have been linked to native aortic valve deterioration. However, their role in bioprosthetic valve deterioration remains elusive. This study sought to evaluate the contribution of different subpopulations of circulating progenitor cells in bioprosthetic valve deterioration.

Methods and Results

This single‐center prospective study enrolled 121 patients who had peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated before bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement and had an echocardiographic follow‐up ≥2 years after the procedure. Using flow cytometry, fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed for the surface markers CD34, CD133, and osteocalcin. Bioprosthetic valve deterioration was evaluated by hemodynamic valve deterioration (HVD) using echocardiography, which was defined as an elevated mean transprosthetic gradient ≥30 mm Hg or at least moderate intraprosthetic regurgitation. Sixteen patients (13.2%) developed HVD during follow‐up for a median of 5.9 years. Patients with HVD showed significantly lower levels of reparative CD34
+
CD133
+
cells and higher levels of osteocalcin‐positive cells than those without HVD (CD34
+
CD133
+
cells: 125 [80, 210] versus 270 [130, 420],
P
=0.002; osteocalcin‐positive cells: 3060 [523, 5528] versus 670 [180, 1930],
P
=0.005 respectively). Decreased level of CD34
+
CD133
+
cells was a significant predictor of HVD (hazard ratio, 0.995 [95% CI, 0.990%–0.999%]).

Conclusions

Circulating levels of CD34
+
CD133
+
cells and osteocalcin‐positive cells were significantly associated with the subsequent occurrence of HVD in patients undergoing bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement. Circulating progenitor cells might play a vital role in the mechanism, risk stratification, and a potential therapeutic target for patients with bioprosthetic valve deterioration.
Lovewear: Haptic Clothing that Allows Intimate Exploration for Movement-Impaired People
Authors: Corti Emanuela , Parati Ivan , Dils Christian
Published: January 2023

People with disabilities often face physical, political, and societal barriers in expressing their sexuality. The lack of inclusivity in the sex toy market does not support an autonomous experience for impaired individuals who cannot operate toys without external assistance. Lovewear is a collaborative art-science project that combines user-centered design principles with soft robotics integrated into textiles. The aim is to offer an autonomous experience through haptic feedback, allowing self-exploration of intimate sensations and sexual pleasure to females with motor impairments. A pillow interface activates an underwear garment: While caressing and touching the pillow, the wearer triggers the underwear’s inflatable i actuators. This transdisciplinary project used a mixed-methods research design; the objective is to promote the embedment of technology into everyday garments, to improve the wearer’s quality of life.
Ceropegia stylesii (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae)—a novel species with rotate flowers from Ngome, South Africa
Authors: HEIDUK ANNEMARIE
Published: January 2023

A novel species of Ceropegia sect. Bowkerianae (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae-Stapeliinae), C. stylesii, is described from Ngome in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This new species is vegetatively similar to C. gerrardii. The rotate non-trapping flowers of C. stylesii superficially appear to be miniature versions of a dark-flowered form of C. gerrardii, with which it is sympatric. Ceropegia stylesii is exceptionally rare with fewer than 10 individuals observed at two localities; its habitat is under anthropogenic threat. Ceropegia stylesii is considered as Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN criteria.
Eschweilera podoaquilae: A new species of Lecythidaceae from northwestern Ecuador
Authors: CORNEJO XAVIER
Published: January 2023

Eschweilera Mart. ex DC. s.l. (1828: 293), a neotropical genus of Lecythidaceae reportedly as ¨taxonomically difficult…¨, comprises ca. 100 species of often tall trees (Mori & Prance 1990, Mori et al. 2017), which is centered in the Guayana floristic region (Guiana Shield + north-central Amazon; Vargas & Dick 2020) in tropical South America, and it is distributed from Veracruz in Mexico to southern Brazil (Mori et al. 1990, 2015, 2017). Nineteen species of Eschweilera have been recorded for Ecuador from sea level up to 3.000 m, in moist to pluvial forests, and several species have not been formally described (Jørgensen & León 1999, Mori & Cornejo 2011), mainly because the insufficient herbarium material or inadequate collections. During herbarium and fieldwork carried out to document species of Lecythidaceae for the Flora of Ecuador (Cornejo & Mori, in prep.), a new species that belongs to the monophyletic Eschweilera integrifolia clade (Mori et al. 2017) has been found. Characters common to species of this clade include an androecial hood with three to four coils, style thick and very short or sometimes absent, and the geographic distribution on the Pacific slope of the Andes. This taxonomic novelty has been studied in the field by the author in two localities of northwestern Ecuador, and it is formally presented here.
Comparing the Anticancer Activities of Green-Synthesized Ginsenoside and Transformed Ginsenoside Nanoconjugates (Ag, Au, and Pt)
Authors: Du Lidong , Zhang Ruoyu , Zhao Lei , Tang Shaojian , Hou Zhaohua , Xue Peng
Published: January 2023

Aim: To assess the anticancer activity of nanoparticles synthesized via a green method using American ginseng (AG). Methods: Stem-leaf saponins from AG (SAG) and heat-transformed stem-leaf saponins from AG (TSAG) were used to synthesize different SAG nanoparticles (SAG-NPs)
and TSAG nanoparticles (TSAG-NPs). The NPs were characterized, and their anticancer activity was assessed in vitro. Results: The NPs, which differed in size (16.69 nm∼253.8 nm), were spherical or polyhedral with a low PDI and good stability. The TSAG-NPs inhibited cancer
cells by inhibiting proliferation, promoting cancer cell apoptosis and directly leading cancer cells to necrosis. The small cell lung cancer cell line (SCLC) NCI-H446 was the most sensitive to the TSAG-AgNPs, with an IC50 value of 20.71±2.38 μg/mL, and the TSAG-AgNPs
inhibited invasiveness and reduced the risk of metastasis. Conclusion: TSAG-AgNPs, selected from many SAG-NPs and TSAG-NPs, are sensitive to SCLC and provide a new approach to the currently limited treatment.
Moringa oleifera-Loaded Nanocomposite Scaffolds Augment Bone Injury Healing in a Rat Model of Critical Sized Bone Defect: A Potential Treatment Strategy for Nursing Care in Fracture Patients
Authors: Fan Qiuhua , Hamidi Sasan
Published: January 2023

Nursing and medical care for facture patients is challenged by several issues such as unavailability of a suitable bone graft, challenges associated with autologous bone graphing, and rejection of the bone graft. In the current study, Moringa oleifera extract was loaded into
chitosan nanoparticles and the resulting delivery system was added into a collagen solution and lyophilized to produce a bioactive bone graft. Various In vitro experiments were performed to characterize the nanocomposite scaffolds and their healing function was evaluated in a rat model
of calvarial defect. In vitro studies showed that the scaffolds protected MG-63 cells against oxidative stress and had a porous microstructure. Histopathological studies showed that the scaffolds loaded with Moringa oleifera extract augmented bone injury healing to a higher extent
than other groups. Furthermore, gene expression studies showed that the rats treated with Moringa oleifera extract-loaded scaffolds had significantly higher tissue expression levels of osteopontin, Osteonectin, collagen type 1, collagen type 2, and VEGFa genes.
Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex-Based Nanoparticles Integrated in Dissolvable Microneedles for Ameliorating Psoriasis-Like Inflammation
Authors: Wang Jing , Chen Yiwen , Li Tingyu , Ren Yingjie , Wang Yifan , Zhang Yue , Hu Li , Zhang Jie , Zhao Yan , Li Zhihong , Yan Cong
Published: January 2023

Psoriasis is a common and highly relapsing skin disease, for which topical treatments are used by approximately 88% of people with psoriasis as their primary therapy. However, in practice, the low convenience and side effects such as skin irritation of current topical treatments limit the application of the therapy. To address these issues, we calcined Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (PCC) to prepare Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex Nanoparticles (PCC-NPs) which were packed into dissolvable microneedles (MNs) for the treatment of psoriasis. In this study, we revealed that the trace amounts of PCCNPs delivered by MNs could exert therapeutic effects therapeutic effects in the affected skin comparable to those of standard drugs, accompanied with the suppressed psoriasis-like inflammation without significant hepatic or renal toxicity or allergic reactions. These results indicate that dissolvable PCC-NPs MNs may serve as an innovative topical therapy for the inhibition of psoriatic inflammation.
Inland Flooding and Rainfall from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee (2011): Coupled Atmosphere–Wave–Ocean Model Simulations and Remote Sensing and In Situ Observations with a Machine Learning Tool
Authors: Kerns Brandon W. , Chen Shuyi S.
Published: January 2023

Inland flooding from landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs) is a major cause of death and damage to property and infrastructure worldwide. The mid-Atlantic region of the United States was devastated by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee during late August–early September 2011, when the two storms produced sequential heavy rainfall and record flooding. Many rivers and streams reached their all-time record discharge to date. This study aims at 1) better understanding and predicting TC rainfall using various observed rainfall products and a high-resolution coupled atmosphere–wave–ocean model, namely, the Unified Wave Interface-Coupled Model (UWIN-CM), 2) characterizing inland flooding using streamflow data, and 3) improving prediction of TC-induced inland flooding using UWIN-CM and a machine learning K-nearest-neighbor (KNN) model. The results show that there is a wide range of uncertainty in satellite and radar–gauge-observed rainfall products in terms of rain-rate distribution and cumulative rainfall over the mid-Atlantic region. UWIN-CM rainfall is closer to the radar–gauge data than satellite data over land. Streamflow in most large rivers (>500 cfs) peaked after Lee, which reflects the sequential rainfall contributions of the two storms. The rainfall–streamflow–discharge response times were dependent on the size of the stream and the peak rain rates. To better predict rainfall and flooding, UWIN-CM and observed rainfall are used with the machine learning KNN regression model for prediction of severity of TC-induced inland flooding hazard. These results demonstrate the value of a stepped approach for rainfall and flood prediction toward a fully coupled atmosphere–ocean–land/hydrology model in the future.
Complication Rates in Osteotome and Drill Techniques in External Auditory Canal Exostoses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Swisher Austin R. , Singh Priyanka , Debbaneh Peter , Rivero Alexander
Published: January 2023

Objectives:

To assess and compare complication rates of symptomatic external auditory canal (EAC) exostoses treated with drill versus osteotome canalplasty.

Databases Reviewed:

PubMed/Medline, OVID, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and standardized bias assessment using the JBI critical appraisal checklist was performed. Studies containing original outcome data on drill and osteotome canalplasty were included. The primary study outcome was complication rates.

Results:

Fifteen studies were included, encompassing 1399 total patients (1788 ears) with 530 and 1258 ears in the osteotome and drill groups, respectively. Ten studies used a drill, 2 used an osteotome, and 3 used both. The most frequently reported complications were tympanic membrane (TM) perforation (osteotome group: 5.3% [95% CI: 1.7%-10.9%]; drill group: 3.8% [1.5%-7.1%]), sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) (0.69% [0.07%-1.9%]; 4.3% [2.2%-7.0%]), and postoperative stenosis (1.1% [0.0005%-4.3%]; 4.1% [1.9%-7.0%]). Use of the osteotome was associated with a lower rate of SNHL ( P < .05) and stenosis ( P < .05), and a higher rate of TM perforation ( P < .05). Heterogeneity of the studies included in the analyzed complications ranged from moderate to high. Level of evidence in the included studies ranged from 2b to 4 and all studies had an overall low risk of bias.

Conclusion:

While an osteotome technique may increase the risk of TM perforation, drill canaloplasty may increase the risk of SNHL and postoperative stenosis in EAC exostectomy. The exact quantity of hearing loss could not be definitively evaluated. Additional research with participant randomization is needed to assess clinical efficacy.

Level of Evidence:

Level 8
Magnetic-Field-Confined Laser Induced Kohl Plasma: Elemental Analysis and Plasma Characterization
Authors: Mushtaq Saba , Siraj Khurram , Abdul Rahim Muhammad Shahzad , Ulhaq Sami , Younas Qaneeta , Asad Waqas , Shahzad Nimra , Latif Anwar
Published: January 2023

In this study, the laser-induced kohl plasma is produced in the vicinity of the transverse magnetic field ( B) of 0.8 T. A Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) pulse laser (λ = 1064 nm, E = 100 mJ, τl = 8 ns) is focused to produce the kohl plasma with and without a B, and the plasma emissions are recorded using a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) spectrometer. The comparison of the emission spectra shows that most of the emission line intensities are reduced due to the field. However, except for a few lines which are enhanced up to three times. However, the plasma parameters such as electron temperature ( T e), electron number density ( N e), and plasma frequency (ʋ p) have been increased. Furthermore, thermal beta (βt) is also estimated analytically, and its value is smaller than one (β < 1) for all samples, which confirmed the evidence of magnetic confinement effects. According to the analysis of the kohl emission spectrum, several elements were detected (Pb, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cr, and Zn), among which lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) may cause chronic health effects like contact dermatitis and neurological diseases. A calibration-free LIBS (CF-LIBS) method is used for the quantitative elemental analysis of the detected elements, which yields Pb as 15–74% and Cr as 3%, which exceed the permissible limit for kohl.
Causes of Parole Revocation Through the Lens of the Youth: A Qualitative Analysis of Potential Factors
Authors: Jones Deborah Kurth , Barnes Christopher , Garcia-Shinagawa Nubia
Published: January 2023

Studies on the experience of reentry following confinement in a correctional facility for youth offenders is limited, and often quantitative. Using qualitative data gathered through structured interviews with 43 youths, this study examined potential risk and protective factors connected with parole revocation. For this sample, the most significant risk factors experienced were related to substance use, failure to receive needed mental health services, and poor relationships and communication with their parole officer. The findings underscore the importance of social support for youth recently released from secure care confinement, and specific examples of actions and approaches that can interfere with youths’ feelings of support are provided. Multiple policy and programming recommendations for the juvenile justice system are offered.
Urban infrastructure patching: Citizen-led solutions to infrastructure ruptures
Authors: Bryson John R , Billing Chloe , Tewdwr-Jones Mark
Published: January 2023

This article explores how citizens respond to ruptures and problems in the places they inhabit by enacting adaptive improvised and incremental urban infrastructure patching. This might relate to citizens deciding to undertake small scale interventions in their communities to develop solutions to problems that are being overlooked by local government; or it might involve a community response to an ongoing systemic place-based problem that formal agencies involved in managing change are not addressing. This paper develops the concept of urban infrastructure patching with reference to conceptual debates and informed by research undertaken in Birmingham, UK. Drawing upon observations, interviews, and collective art projects, citizen-led urban patching is identified as an important urban intervention process that emerges in response to tensions between professional urban policymakers’ ostensive views of a place and the lived experiences of inhabitants. Cities are in a continual process of becoming and this includes the impacts of citizen end-user adaptive and incremental patching to maintain and enhance urban social-material environments. Two distinct contributions are made. First, citizen-end-user urban patching is based on residents’ experiences of perceived or actual ruptures in local urban infrastructure. Secondly, patching in response to ruptures is an individual and collective response. As a collective response, the power of numbers can bring about transformational change in places, but such participatory action is often viewed as challenging existing hegemonic power structures associated with representative democracy, whereas citizen-led responses can serve as a useful and parallel activity to urban government if it is legitimised.
Does Language Matter? Perceptions of the Use of Diversity Training in the Public Sector Workforce
Authors: Barnes Alicia , Grayer Misty
Published: January 2023

This study examines how the public perceives the use of diversity training in public service organizations through the lens of neutral and charged language in a politicized context. This study explores whether framing affects levels of agreement regarding the use of diversity training. Data were collected from a sample of more than 700 undergraduate political science students, and findings indicate that individuals, overall, demonstrate more agreement with the use of diversity training when framed through the lens of neutral language rather than charged language. The data also show that factors such as political ideology, gender, and race are predictors of agreement.
The Precinct of the Dead and Saints for the Nation: The Bolivian National Revolution and Gualberto Villarroel, 1943-1956
Authors: Sierra Luis M.
Published: January 2023

This article focuses on Major Gualberto Villarroel’s dictatorship in Bolivia (1943-1946), his murder, and the reanimation of his memory as a Bolivian national hero by the MNR party or Movimiento Nacionalista Revolucionario (Nationalist Revolutionary Movement). This nationalist party forged out of the crucible of the Chaco War, between Bolivia and Paraguay during 1932-1935, was an important factor in Bolivian politics throughout the twentieth century and initially came to power through an urban insurrection in April 1952. The article specifically uses the case of Gualberto Villarroel to explore why some national heroes are missing from the La Paz cemetery, how the MNR chose to commemorate the Revolution of 1952 and Villarroel’s martyrdom for the MNR in 1946, and how the MNR used those events to colonize urban space, to shape collective memory, and to silence popular historical actors. The MNR’s choice in making Villarroel a martyr required a revision of historical reality.
Immunomodulatory role of glycoRNAs in the brain
Authors: Chokkalla Anil K , Jeong Soomin , Subramanian Shruti , Vemuganti Raghu
Published: January 2023

Glycosylation of lipids and proteins significantly increases the molecular diversity in the brain. Membrane-localized glycoconjugates facilitate critical neuro-immune interactions. Therefore, glycodysregulation is increasingly recognized as a novel hallmark of various acute and chronic neurological diseases. Although RNAs are heavily modified, they are never thought to be substrates for glycosylation due to their inaccessibility to the glycosylation machinery in the Golgi apparatus. The astonishing discovery of cell surface glycoRNAs opened new avenues for glycomedicine. This review highlighted the key features of GlycoRNAs and further discussed their potential immunomodulatory role in the brain, particularly focusing on post-stroke neuroinflammation.
Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of conditioned medium released from human amniotic epithelial stem cells on breast and cervical cancer cells
Authors: Jafari Ameneh , Niknejad Hassan , Rezaei-Tavirani Mostafa , Sarrami-Forooshani Ramin , Gilanchi Samira , Jafari Zahra
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Human amniotic membrane (hAM) and its cells have been proposed for several clinical applications, including cancer therapy. However, reports on the anticancer effects of human amniotic epithelial stem cells-conditioned media (hAECs-CM) are limited. This work aims to evaluate the anticancer effects of hAECs-CM on cervical cancer and breast cancer cell lines in vitro .

Methods

Human term placentas were gained from uncomplicated Cesarean sections from healthy donor women. After amnion peeling from the chorion, its epithelial stem cells were isolated and cultured, and its conditioned medium (CM) was collected for experiments. MTT assay was performed to assess cancer cells viability. Migration rate of cancer cells was examined via wound healing assay. Cell-cycle distribution and apoptosis were determined using flow cytometry.

Results

Based on MTT assay hAECs-CM was cytotoxic against cancerous cell lines in a dose-time-dependent manner. After 48 h of treatment with hAECs-CM pure, the cell viability of breast cancer cells includes MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 reached to 73.2% and 65.5%, respectively. In the same situation, HeLa cervical cancer cell line revealed the lowest viability by 47.3%. The wound-healing assay displayed an incomplete wound closure of scratched MDA-MB-231 cells and significant inhibition of cell migration after hAECs-CM treatment. The results also revealed that hAECs-CM exerted anti-proliferation activity by prompting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of cancer cells. Conclusions: hAECs-CM is a potent candidate for inducing apoptosis and simultaneously inhibition of the proliferation and migration of cancer cells via inhibiting cell cycle blockade.
Neuropsychiatric Symptom Burden across Neurodegenerative Disorders and its Association with Function
Authors: Kapustin Daniel , Zarei Shadi , Wang Wei , Binns Malcolm A. , McLaughlin Paula M. , Abrahao Agessandro , Black Sandra E. , Borrie Michael , Breen David , Casaubon Leanna , Dowlatshahi Dar , Finger Elizabeth , Fischer Corinne E , Frank Andrew , Freedman Morris , Grimes David , Hassan Ayman , Jog Mandar , Kwan Donna , Lang Anthony , Levine Brian , Mandzia Jennifer , Marras Connie , Masellis Mario , Orange Joseph B. , Pasternak Stephen , Peltsch Alicia , Pollock Bruce G. , Rajji Tarek K. , Roberts Angela , Sahlas Demetrios , Saposnik Gustavo , Seitz Dallas , Shoesmith Christen , Southwell Alisia , Steeves Thomas D.L. , Sunderland Kelly , Swartz Richard H , Tan Brian , Tang-Wai David F. , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Troyer Angela , Turnbull John , Zinman Lorne ,   the ONDRI investigators, Kumar Sanjeev
Published: January 2023

Objective

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are prevalent in neurodegenerative disorders, however, their frequency and impact on function across different disorders is not well understood. We compared the frequency and severity of NPS across Alzheimer's disease (AD) (either with mild cognitive impairment or dementia), Cerebrovascular disease (CVD), Parkinson's disease (PD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and explored the association between NPS burden and function.

Methods

We obtained data from Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative (ONDRI) that included following cohorts: AD ( N = 111), CVD ( N = 148), PD ( N = 136), FTD ( N = 50) and ALS ( N = 36). We compared the frequency and severity of individual NPS (assessed by the neuropsychiatric inventory questionnaire) across cohorts using generalized estimating equations and analysis of variance. Second, we assessed the relationship of NPS burden with instrumental (iADLs) and basic (ADLs) activities of living across cohorts using multivariate linear regression while adjusting for relevant demographic and clinical covariates.

Results

Frequency of NPS varied across cohorts (χ2(4) = 34.4, p < .001), with post-hoc tests showing that FTD had the greatest frequency as compared to all other cohorts. The FTD cohort also had the greatest severity of NPS ( H(4) = 34.5, p < .001). Further, there were differences among cohorts in terms of the association between NPS burden and ADLs ( F(4,461) = 3.1, p = 0.02). Post-hoc comparisons suggested that this finding was driven by the FTD group, however, the differences did not remain significant following Bonferroni correction. There were no differences among cohorts in terms of the association between NPS burden and IADLs.

Conclusions

NPS frequency and severity are markedly greater in FTD as compared to other neurodegenerative diseases. Further, NPS burden appears to be associated differently with function across neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting the need for individualized clinical interventions.
Plastic packaging waste in Europe: Addressing methodological challenges in recording and reporting
Authors: Somlai Celia , Bullock Craig , Gallagher John
Published: January 2023

A reliable comparison of European Union (EU) Member States’ reporting of statistics on plastic packaging waste generation, recycling and recovery is necessary if there is to be a fair transition to a circular economy across the EU. It is a priority for there to be an improvement in the quality and validity of these statistics to assess each Member State’s performance in relation to EU targets. This article explores the quality of national reporting based on the two main approaches which are used to calculate packaging waste generation, namely ‘placed on the market’ and ‘waste analysis’. The findings outline how Member States apply a variety of approaches leading to different packaging waste statistics which makes reported data difficult to compare. Often, it is not clear what approach is applied in different counties. Factors such as freeriding, non-compliance and de minimis have represented the primary weaknesses in evaluating and reporting packaging waste statistics as producers have financial incentives for under-reporting. This article highlights the need to inform circular economy strategies by addressing the challenge of comparing data on packaging and plastic packaging waste generation across the EU.
Validation of the Self-Rating of Biological Rhythm Disorder for Adolescents (SBRDA) Scale by Dim Light Melatonin Onset in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Xie Yang , Wu Xiaoyan , Mou Xingyue , Wang Meng , Tao Shuman , Wan Yuhui , Tao Fangbiao
Published: January 2023

Understanding the biological rhythms that influence young adult health is vital because the combination of biological changes and a circadian phase delay lead to young adults being at high risk of circadian misalignment. We have previously established a self-rating of biological rhythm disorder for adolescents (SBRDA). However, we did not externally validate the SBRDA against objective measures of biological rhythms such as dim light melatonin onset (DLMO)—the gold standard of the endogenous circadian phase. The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of SBRDA in identifying individuals with biological rhythm disorders. Our participants were 42 (47.2%) boys and 47 (52.8%) girls with an average age of 18.5 ± 1.2 years. Saliva samples were collected from 4 h before bed time to 2 h after sleep every 60 min in a dim-light (<50 lx) laboratory environment. Biological rhythm parameters were assessed using questionnaires, including SBRDA, MEQ, and MCTQ. The mean DLMO time (h) was 22.2 ± 1.9. The DLMO correlated significantly with the SBRDA score ( r = 0.33, p < 0.001), MEQ score ( r = -0.24, p < 0.05), and MSFsc ( r = 0.26, p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that SBRDA was of diagnostic value for biological rhythm disorder ( p < 0.05). Our observations demonstrate that SBRDA, which is consistent with MEQ and MCTQ, can be used to reflect endogenous circadian rhythm disorders in young adults. Exposure to dim light may activate melatonin secretion and lead to an earlier peak in young adults with biological rhythm disorder.
The Effect of Everyday Moral Sensitivity on Bullying Bystander Behavior: Parallel Mediating Roles of Empathy and Moral Disengagement
Authors: Xie Zhongju , Liu Chuanjun , Teng Zhaojun
Published: January 2023

The higher moral sensitivity to bullying a student has, the more likely they are to help the victim or inhibit bullying rather than ignore it. Research has mainly focused on particular sensitivity to bullying, and it remains unknown whether sensitivity to everyday moral issues functions similarly. The present study aimed to examine the effect of everyday moral sensitivity (EMS) on bullying bystander behaviors. We included a range of school children ( n = 1,655, Grades 3–12, 27.6% girls) in Southwest China. The results show 6.10% have been a victim-only, 0.48% have been a bully-only, 0.85% have been the bullying victim, 92.57% have been neither a bully nor a bullying victim, and 45.86% have observed bullying. Students in lower grades are more likely to be bullied. After controlling for covariates (i.e., gender, grade, and social desirability), EMS is positively associated with positive bystander behaviors. Moreover, empathy and moral disengagement (MD) play a mediating role in the relationship between EMS and positive bystander behaviors. The results reveal two parallel processes of EMS influenced bystander behaviors (i.e., empathy and MD). The findings indicate the possibility of cultivating EMS and highlight the role of morality development in preventing school bullying.
Accelerated durability evaluation of automotive components under multi-channel random loading
Authors: Zhou Yifu , Li He
Published: January 2023

Accelerated durability evaluation aims to quantify the fatigue damage of automotive components in a shorter time. The quality of accelerated editing directly affects the evaluation’s efficiency and accuracy. In this paper, an index-controlled accelerated spectrum editing method is proposed, and the equivalent fatigue damage model of the component is derived. Taking an automotive steering knuckle as the verification object, the proposed accelerated editing method is evaluated from multiple perspectives. The evaluation results show that the proposed method has apparent advantages in compression efficiency, damage consistency, and retaining the frequency domain impact on the component.
Coordinated control strategy for mode switching of power-split hybrid electric bus
Authors: Rong Yang , Weilai Guan , Kunyu Wang , Wei Huang , Junming Huang , Song Zhang
Published: January 2023

In the dynamic process of mode switching of the power-split hybrid electric bus, the vehicle will have longitudinal shock due to the drastic change of the two motors’ torque and the engine’s slow response. To solved this problem, this paper will focus on the process of switching from pure electric mode to hybrid drive mode, considered the operational state changes before and after engine ignition, limited the torque fluctuation transmitted from the front planetary set to the output shaft based on the idea of motor compensation, and calculated the motor compensation torque of the rear planetary set to compensate the torque fluctuation of the output shaft, to reduce the jerk. Firstly, the dynamic models of the transmission system before and after the engine ignition are established, respectively, and then the dynamic torque of the engine is estimated by XGBoost. The estimated value is input into the model predictive controller (MPC) to track the engine speed and calculate the torque fluctuation generated by the front planetary set on the output shaft. Then, according to the estimated value of the engine torque and the predicted value of the engine’s speed, the compensation torque is calculated by the sliding mode controller (SMC). Finally, the vehicle model is built with AVL CRUISE and MATLAB/Simulink software to verify the mode switching control effect of hybrid electric bus under typical urban conditions in China. The results showed that this control strategy significantly reduces the jerk of the mode switching process.
Extra-genital Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections with genetic mutations conferring ciprofloxacin resistance among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru
Authors: Qquellon Jazmin , Vargas Silver K , Eguiluz Maria , Vasquez Francesca , Durand David , Allan-Blitz Lao-Tzu , Konda Kelika A , Ochoa Theresa J , Caceres Carlos F , Klausner Jeffrey D
Published: January 2023

Background

The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections has caused great concern. Ciprofloxacin remains the empiric antimicrobial recommended to treat NG infections in Peru disregarding the susceptibility profile of circulating NG strains. We report the prevalence of individuals infected with NG strains presenting mutations in the gyrA gene that confers ciprofloxacin resistance.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive study assessing extragenital swab samples collected from a cohort of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru. Anal and pharyngeal NG positive swabs for Aptima Combo 2 assay (Hologic Inc., USA) were used for DNA extraction. We performed TaqMan real time PCR assays to detect a point mutation at codon Ser91 of the gyrase A ( gyrA) gene.

Results

From 156 individuals who had at least one positive sample for NG reported by the Aptima assay, 80 individuals had at least one amplified DNA for the gyrA gene. We found that 67 of them (84.0%) were infected with a gyrA-mutated NG strain at the Ser91 codon.

Conclusions

We report a high prevalence of gyrA mutation conferring ciprofloxacin resistance among individuals with extragenital NG infection. Empirical treatment of NG needs to be urgently updated in Peru in concordance with international guidelines.
Exercise Preferences among Men Survivors of Sexual Violence by PTSD and Physical Activity Level: Recommendations for Trauma Informed Practice
Authors: Pebole Michelle M. , Singleton Chelsea R. , Hall Katherine S. , Petruzzello Steven J. , Alston Reginald J. , Gobin Robyn L.
Published: January 2023

This analysis reported interest in exercise programs made for men survivors of sexual violence (SV), preferences for the structure and content of these programs, and comparisons by physical activity level and PTSD status. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 198 men aged 18–65, with a history of SV, in the USA. Most respondents indicated interest in exercise programs for them. Men with PTSD were most interested. Men favored exercising at-home, alone, with a male instructor, 3–4 times per week, at moderate intensity, for 30 mins-1 h. No differences in preferences were found by activity status. Differences by PTSD status were found in location, social environment, instructor gender, intensity, duration, and program length. Top modes were walking, jogging, and biking. Results add new knowledge relevant for integrating exercise into trauma recovery programs.
Special Education Teachers of Color Burnout, Working Conditions, and Recommendations for EBD Research
Authors: Scott LaRon A. , Bettini Elizabeth , Brunsting Nelson
Published: January 2023

This article is in direct response to Garwood’s call to action about burnout and the special education teacher workforce. While Garwood’s call to action is critically needed, we contend that the call is incomplete as it lacks emphasis on factors linking sociocultural identity and burnout. Therefore, in this article, we discuss the significance of elevating sociocultural identity, specifically race and ethnicity, into research about special education teacher burnout. We argue that any research on special education teacher burnout that does not include race and ethnicity is overlooking the racialization of special education teachers’ working conditions, and ultimately is incapable of addressing one of the most pressing issues in the special education field—retaining teachers of color. Recommendations for researchers to address sociocultural identities (i.e., race and ethnicity) in their research, specifically about special education teachers of color teaching students with emotional and behavioral disorders, are addressed.
Human System Integration Framework (HSIF) Activities to Support Human Readiness Levels (HRLs)
Authors: Handley Holly A. H.
Published: January 2023

The Human Readiness Level (HRL) provides a scale to evaluate a system’s readiness for human use. While the HFES/ANSI-400 Standard defines the HRLs, it does not identify a process to generate the data for the HRL determination. It relies on an organization’s policies already in place to support the HRL assessment; however, many organizations do not have a formal Human System Integration (HSI) process. This paper provides practitioners an example of the appropriate data that can be used to address the criteria at each HRL level, based on a mapping of the HRLs to the Human System Integration Framework (HSIF).
Examining the Measurement Invariance of the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI-30) by Sexual Orientation
Authors: Anghel Ella , Mahalik James R. , Harris Michael P.
Published: January 2023

An abbreviated version of the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory, the CMNI-30, was developed with several strengths. However, its measurement invariance across men with different sexual orientations has not been examined in a U.S. sample, so it is unclear whether these different populations understand the items similarly. In addition, no studies have compared conformity to masculinity norms across sexual orientations. This would be important to understand sexual minority men’s experience of masculinity and how it differs from heteronormative masculinity. This article explores the measurement invariance of the CMNI-30 among 882 heterosexual, gay, and bisexual+ men using confirmatory factor analysis, and compares their CMNI-30 subscale scores. Results indicated that the CMNI-30 demonstrated residual invariance between men of different sexual orientations, suggesting that men of different sexual orientations interpreted the items similarly. We also found higher levels of conformity to the masculine norms of Winning, Heterosexual self-presentation, and Power over women among heterosexual men relative to gay and bisexual+ men, and higher levels of Pursuit of status among gay men relative to the other groups. Results provide support for the use of the CMNI-30 in research with men of different sexual orientations.
Student Experiences Reporting Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct to the Title IX Office at a Public State University
Authors: Webermann Aliya R. , Holland Kathryn J. , Murphy Christopher M.
Published: January 2023

Twenty-five survivors completed anonymous surveys about reporting sexual and gender-based misconduct to their public university's Title IX office, including case characteristics, perceptions of the reporting and response process (e.g., helpfulness, respect), and experiences of institutional betrayal and support. Measures and open-ended responses described varied misconduct incidents, reporting behaviors, case outcomes, process issues, and negative process consequences. Additionally, process perceptions correlated with institutional betrayal and support. Findings illuminate how survivors’ Title IX process perceptions relate to experiencing harm or support from larger institutions, and offer insights into developing a Title IX process which maintains student rights and dignity regardless of outcome.