bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 3-Dimensional Multiband Antenna for Vehicular 5G Sub-6 GHz/GNSS/V2X Applications
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmad S. , Yacoub Ahmad M. , Aloi Daniel N.
Published: July 2022

A compact multiband monopole antenna is proposed for vehicular roof top shark-fin applications. The proposed multiband antenna covers 5G sub-6 GHz and LTE bands starting at 617 MHz to 5000 MHz and the higher GNSS band from 1559 to 1606 MHz as well as the V2X band at 5900 MHz. The presented antenna is a three-dimensional monopole antenna with two branches to cover the required bands with compact size to fit inside a roof top shark-fin. The long antenna branch covers the lower cellular frequency band from 617 to 960 MHz, while the short branch covers the higher frequency band from 1559 to 6000 MHz. The presented antenna is mounted on a double-sided FR4 PCB and is feeded through a short cable. The proposed antenna covers multiple frequency bands with compact size (H  x  L  x  W) of 58 × 37 × 17 mm3. The antenna is simulated and optimized, and then, a prototype is fabricated, and its radiation characteristics are measured when mounted on one-meter ground plane and on a vehicle’s roof. The maximum measured linear average gain is 3 dBi at 1900 MHz, and the maximum measured efficiency is 88% at 787 MHz. The active GNSS antenna gain is measured using an LNA with good isolation. A good agreement is achieved between the simulated and measured results when compared in terms of voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), radiation patterns, linear average gain (LAG), and antenna efficiency.
Assessment of Mechanical Properties of Soil-Lime-Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil Blend Using Regression Model for Sustainable Pavement Foundation Construction
Authors: Ezeokpube Gregory C. , Ahaneku Isiguzo Edwin , Alaneme George Uwadiegwu , Attah Imoh Christopher , Etim Roland Kufre , Olaiya Bamidele Charles , Udousoro Iberedem Monday
Published: July 2022

Oil pollution causes deterioration of the physical, chemical, mechanical, and geotechnical characteristics of affected soil leading to loss of soil productivity for engineering purposes. Different stabilization methods serve as a remedy for such soil to regain its loss engineering properties. This study was concerned with the utilization of lime to stabilize crude oil contaminated soil and to investigate its efficacy for soil stabilization. The study also focused on determining the geotechnical properties of crude oil contamination and matching the result with standard specifications established for engineering works. Hydrated lime, expansive clayey soil, contaminated soil, and potable water were the materials used for the experimental investigation. The contaminated soil was treated with 6.5% lime and 0–20% crude oil contaminated materials obtained from oil exploration sites in North-Eastern Nigeria and per standard test method for laboratory evaluation of consistency limits, compaction properties, California bearing ratio (CBR), and microstructural and mineralogical assessments. The experimental results obtained were further tested statistically through one-way ANOVA and F-statistics to establish the source of variation for the geotechnical properties, while multiple linear regression and correlation statistics helped draw the connection between the consistency limits, compaction, and CBR properties of the soil-lime-COCM blend. Results indicated a coefficient of determination of 99.86. The contaminated soil materials were found to show optimal performance at a 5% ratio and 6.5% of lime for civil construction purposes.
Effectiveness and Safety of Acupoint Catgut Embedding for the Treatment of Poststroke Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guo Mao , Le Xie , Qin-yu Wang , Ye Mao , Sheng-qiang Zhou , Yao Xie , Da-hua Wu , Bai-yan Liu
Published: July 2022

Objectives. Acupoint catgut embedding therapy has shown effectiveness in treating functional constipation; however, relevant, high-quality clinical evidence is scarce. This study aimed to systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of acupoint catgut embedding in treating poststroke constipation. Methods. Correlative randomized controlled trials were identified through a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library/Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Internet, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang, and VIP databases from inception until February 2022. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results. Fifteen trials involving 1084 patients were identified. The meta-analysis revealed that the acupoint catgut embedding group was significantly superior to the non-catgut embedding group with regard to the efficacy rate (RR = 1.27, 95% CI (1.19, 1.37),

P
<
0.05

), the first defecation time (MD = −3.08, 95% CI (−4.53, −1.63),

P
<
0.05

), the defecation sensation score (MD = −0.44, 95% CI (−0.61, −0.26),

P
<
0.05

), the degree of difficulty in defecation (MD = −0.73, 95% CI (−1.10, −0.37),

P
<
0.05

), the PAC-QOL scale score (MD = −10.06, 95% CI (−13.47, −6.64),

P
<
0.05

), and the symptom integral (MD = −3.15, 95% CI (−3.60, −2.71),

P
<
0.05

). However, there was no significant difference in the stool property score (MD = 0.06, 95% CI (−0.39, 0.50),

P
>
0.05

) as well as the incidence of adverse reactions (RD = 0.01, 95% CI (−0.01, 0.03),

P
>
0.05

) between the two groups. Conclusions. The results showed that acupoint catgut embedding is probably an effective and safe acupuncture treatment strategy for poststroke constipation. Nevertheless, more rigorously designed, standardized, large-sample, and multicenter randomized controlled designs are warranted to further verify the findings of this study.
Two FCA-Based Methods for Reducing Energy Consumption of Sensor Nodes in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lei Yuxia , Qu Meiyan , Lei Chen , Kong Zhiqiang , Tian Jingying , Wang Shi
Published: July 2022

In the design of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), it is important to reduce energy consumption and extend the service life of the sensors. Selecting one of the minimum sensor combinations (MSCs) that can monitor all areas, while the other MSCs are asleep, can effectively extend the lifetime of WSNs. This paper proposes two algorithms based on Formal Concept Analysis (FCA) for extracting some MSCs, to minimize the energy consumption and meet the coverage requirement. These two methods firstly extract the concept lattice from a monitor-areas context, and then it is simple to extract sensor nodes monitoring the overlapping area from the concept lattice. The algorithms consist of three steps as follows: the first step is to transform sensors and monitoring areas into a context, the second is to extract the concept lattice and implications among areas, and the third is to extract some different MSCs that can monitor all areas. Thus, some strategies are designed to awaken different MSCs to achieve the purpose of reducing energy consumption. Experimental results show that these methods have played a positive effect on extracting different MSCs and extending the lifetime of sensor networks.
SFRP4 Is a Potential Biomarker for the Prognosis and Immunotherapy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yu Pengcheng , He Weiyang , Zhang Yanqiang , Hu Can , Wu Yue , Wang Yi , Bao Zhehan , Xia Yuhang , Zhang Ruolan , Cao Mengxuan , Yuan Li , Cheng Xiangdong , Xu Zhiyuan
Published: July 2022

Purpose. Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) is a member of the SFRP family, which functions as either a tumor suppressor or a prooncogenic factor in distinct tumor types. Our research aimed to explore the expression of SFRP4 in gastric cancer, its prognostic significance, and its relationship with immune cell infiltration. Materials and Methods. Gastric cancer and paracancerous tissue specimens from surgically resected gastric cancer patients were collected to construct tissue microarrays, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of SFRP4, PD-L1, CD3+T, CD4+T, and CD8+T in these microarrays. The differential expression of SFRP4 and its relationship with the immune microenvironment were evaluated using the TIMER and TISIDB databases. Finally, patient survival was assessed. Results. SFRP4 expression was elevated in gastric cancer tissues and linked to a poor prognosis (

P
=
0.021

). The 5-year survival rate for patients with high SFRP4 expression was only 39.81% but reached 60.02% for patients with low SFRP4 expression. Increased SFRP4 expression correlated with high CD8+ T-cell infiltration (

P
=
0.015

) and positive PD-L1 expression (

P
=
0.036

). High SFRP4 expression was an independent predictor of overall survival (

P
=
0.024

in univariable analysis,

P
=
0.011

in multivariable analysis). Using online databases, we found that SFRP4 expression was higher in gastric cancer tissues and substantially was associated with the immune microenvironment. Conclusion. SFRP4 is an oncogenic driver that can predict patient survival time in gastric cancer, as well as an important immune-related factor. SFRP4 may be important for guiding immunotherapy in gastric cancer patients.
Ultrasound Assessment of the Relevance of Liver, Spleen, and Kidney Dimensions with Body Parameters in Adolescents
Authors: Huang Ying , Zheng Yumei , Zhang Cuncheng , Zhong Shigen
Published: July 2022

Objective. Ultrasound is a practical imaging modality for screening and identification of anomalies in the organs. This study used ultrasonography to examine the association between body parameters and dimensions of the normal liver, spleen, and kidney in adolescents based on ultrasound examination results. Methods. A total of 300 junior and senior high school teenagers receiving routine health check-ups in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2021 were included. Their height and weight were measured, and their body surface area (BSA) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. Ultrasound imaging was employed to obtain information such as the length and volume of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and kidney. Besides, the correlation of body parameters such as gender, age, height, weight, BSA, and BMI with visceral dimension was investigated using the Pearson test and multiple regression analysis, respectively. Results. We observed that the abdominal organs of adolescents were enlarged with age. The span and volume of the liver and the length and volume of the right kidney were significantly larger in boys than in girls. The age, BSA, and BMI were positively correlated with the liver span and spleen length, as well as the left and right kidney lengths. Additionally, age, BSA, and BMI were identified as important predictors for dimensions of the spleen, liver, and kidney. Conclusions. Body parameters are notably associated with the dimensions of the liver, spleen, and kidney and could be utilized as predicting factors for the liver, spleen, and kidney dimensions.
Explaining the Effective Factors on Digital Transformation Strategies in the Telecom Industry of Iran Using the Delphi Method
Authors: Aghayari Jamal , Valmohammadi Changiz , Alborzi Mahmood
Published: July 2022

Digital transformation is emerging as the main driver of widespread change in the world around us. The communications industry is at the forefront of this transformation, both as an industry that is witnessing extensive changes in its market environment and as a major driver of digitalization around the world. The use of technology and the achievements of information technology alone will not lead to digital transformation in the organization because digital transformation is something of a strategy. The purpose of the research is exploratory and the type of applied research. The research method is data analysis, integrated, quantitative, and qualitative. The Delphi method has been used to identify the indicators, and the fuzzy DANP technique has been used to prioritize and affect. In this research, components and indicators of digital evolution have been extracted using qualitative content analysis. For this purpose, library studies including books and articles, structured interviews with industry experts, the content presented in domestic and foreign conferences and lectures, and reference models provided by leading organizations in the industry were used. The components and indicators were approved by the Delphi method, and the relationship between the components and the indicators and their ranking was done using the DANP (DEMTEL‐ANP (DANP)) method. In the end, 6 components and 20 indicators were finalized and identified as indicators of high importance.
Buchbesprechung: Günter Kampf - Wissenschaft ist frei. Auch in der Pandemie
Authors: Walach Harald
Published: July 2022

This is a book review of Günter Kampf's book "Wissenschaft ist frei - auch in der Pandemie?". It describes the context, the content and suggests its importance.
Uma introdução à história da embriologia
Authors: Costa Isis Francisco Rolim , Magalhães Gildo
Published: July 2022

Este trabalho apresenta um panorama do desenvolvimento do conceito de embrião desde a Antiguidade até o século XXI. A relevância em se discutir o que seria um embrião se acentua devido às preocupações e implicações éticas, religiosas, culturais e sociais que permeiam os debates a isto relacionados, tais como aborto, fertilização in vitro, uso de células tronco e clonagem. Diante desse cenário, procurou-se discutir sobre como alguns filósofos e pesquisadores consideraram as mudanças relacionadas ao entendimento de embrião ao longo do tempo, um dos temas mais controversos dentro das ciências biológicas.
Estruturas de vídeo sob demanda
Authors: Cazani Júnior Luís Enrique
Published: July 2022

Procura-se, neste trabalho, discutir as videolocadoras, os repositórios virtuais e os serviços de streaming como estruturas de vídeo sob demanda à luz da teoria da estruturação, proposta por Anthony Giddens. Os parâmetros fundamentais da análise permitiram demonstrar como esses mecanismos surgiram e como são mantidos. Além disso, recuperaram-se seus vínculos midiáticos, seja com o cinema, a televisão ou as tecnologias da informação. Concluiu-se que o ideário da flexibilização defendida por um novo meio, o conteúdo inicial (televisivo e cinematográfico), a apropriação indevida, a perda do controle de matrizes e a produção própria são similaridades em seus processos.
A televisão infantil no Brasil e na China: uma perspectiva histórica para além dos modelos ocidentais
Authors: Araujo Mayara , Fiel Arthur Felipe
Published: July 2022

Embora Brasil e China possam parecer muito distantes, existem diversas aproximações que podem ser feitas em relação ao desenvolvimento de seu aparato televisivo. O objetivo deste artigo é investigar o desenvolvimento da televisão infantil nos dois países através de uma perspectiva histórica que se atente para modelos não ocidentais de reflexão. Para isso, realizamos um levantamento bibliográfico que nos auxiliou na resolução da seguinte questão: quais são as similaridades e diferenças na formação de uma televisão infantil no Brasil e na China? A hipótese é que a formação televisiva dos dois países experienciou processos semelhantes em momentos distintos do desenvolvimento de seus projetos de nação mediado pela televisão. Enquanto a China permanece com esse projeto nacional em vigor, o Brasil sofreu diversas rupturas por questões políticas.
Long-Term Outcomes of Perioperative Versus Nonoperative Myocardial Infarction: A Danish Population-Based Cohort Study (2000–2016)
Authors: Korsgaard Søren , Schmidt Morten , Maeng Michael , Jakobsen Lars , Pedersen Lars , Christiansen Christian Fynbo , Sørensen Henrik Toft
Published: July 2022

Background:

Perioperative myocardial infarction is a serious cardiovascular complication of noncardiac surgery. The clinical course of perioperative myocardial infarction, other than all-cause mortality, is largely unknown. We examined long-term fatal and nonfatal outcomes of perioperative myocardial infarction compared with nonoperative myocardial infarction.

Methods:

We conducted a population-based cohort study of first-time myocardial infarction in Denmark from 2000 to 2016. We calculated cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, venous thromboembolism, acute kidney injury, and kidney failure with replacement therapy. We computed 5-year risk ratios adjusted for age, sex, year of diagnosis, educational level, and comorbidities.

Results:

We identified 5068 patients with perioperative myocardial infarction and 137 862 patients with nonoperative myocardial infarction. The 5-year risk of all-cause mortality was 67.5% (95% CI, 66.1%–69.0%) for perioperative myocardial infarction patients and 38.0% (95% CI, 37.7%–38.3%) for nonoperative myocardial infarction patients. The adjusted risk ratio of all-cause mortality was 1.13 (95% CI, 1.11–1.16) at 5 years. After adjustment, we found no association between patients with perioperative myocardial infarction and 5-year cardiac mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, or kidney failure with replacement therapy when compared with nonoperative myocardial infarction patients. Perioperative myocardial infarction patients had a higher relative risk of venous thromboembolism (5-year risk ratio, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.01–1.46]) and acute kidney injury (5-year risk ratio, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.22–1.53]).

Conclusions:

Compared with nonoperative myocardial infarction patients, perioperative myocardial infarction patients had elevated risk of all-cause mortality, venous thromboembolism, and acute kidney failure. In addition to the myocardial infarction component of perioperative myocardial infarction, this poor prognosis seemed associated with the surgery or underlying comorbidities. These findings warrant further research on strategies to reduce the risk of perioperative myocardial infarction and on strategies to manage perioperative myocardial infarction.
Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Admitted to Contemporary Cardiac Intensive Care Units: Insights From the CCCTN Registry
Authors: Fagundes Antonio , Berg David D. , Park Jeong-Gun , Baird-Zars Vivian M. , Newby L. Kristin , Barsness Gregory W. , Miller P. Elliott , van Diepen Sean , Katz Jason N. , Phreaner Nicholas , Roswell Robert O. , Menon Venu , Daniels Lori B. , Morrow David A. , Bohula Erin A. ,   for the CCCTN Investigators
Published: July 2022

Background:

With the improvement in outcomes for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the practice of routine admission to cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) is evolving. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of patients with ACS admitted to contemporary CICUs.

Methods:

Using the CCCTN (Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network) Registry for consecutive medical CICU admissions across 26 advanced CICUs in North America between 2017 and 2020, we identified patients with a primary diagnosis of ACS at CICU admission and compared patient characteristics, resource utilization, and outcomes to patients admitted with a non-ACS diagnosis and across sub-populations of patients with ACS, including by indication for CICU admission.

Results:

Of 10 118 CICU admissions, 29.4% (n=2978) were for a primary diagnosis of ACS, with significant interhospital variability (range, 13.4%–56.6%). Compared with patients admitted with a diagnosis other than ACS, patients with ACS had fewer comorbidities, lower acute severity of illness with less utilization of advanced CICU therapies (41.3% versus 66.1%,
P
<0.0001), and lower CICU mortality (5.4% versus 9.9%,
P
<0.0001). Monitoring alone, without another CICU indication at the time of admission, was the most frequent admission indication in patients with ACS (53.8%); less common indications in patients with ACS included respiratory insufficiency, shock, or the need for vasoactive therapy. Of patients with ACS admitted for monitoring alone, 94.8% did not subsequently require advanced intensive care unit therapies and had a low CICU length of stay (1.5 days [0.9–2.4] versus 2.6 [1.4–5.1],
P
<0.0001) and CICU mortality (0.6% versus 11.0%,
P
<0.0001), compared with patients with ACS with an admission indication beyond monitoring.

Conclusions:

In a registry of tertiary care CICUs, ACS represent ≈1/3 of all admissions with significant variability across hospitals. More than half of the ACS admissions to the CICU were for routine monitoring alone, with a low rate of complications and mortality. This observation highlights an opportunity for prospective studies to refine triage strategies for lower risk patients with ACS.
hapln1
Defines an Epicardial Cell Subpopulation Required for Cardiomyocyte Expansion During Heart Morphogenesis and Regeneration
Authors: Sun Jisheng , Peterson Elizabeth A. , Wang Annabel Z. , Ou Jianhong , Smith Kieko E. , Poss Kenneth D. , Wang Jinhu
Published: July 2022

Background:

Certain nonmammalian species such as zebrafish have an elevated capacity for innate heart regeneration. Understanding how heart regeneration occurs in these contexts can help illuminate cellular and molecular events that can be targets for heart failure prevention or treatment. The epicardium, a mesothelial tissue layer that encompasses the heart, is a dynamic structure that is essential for cardiac regeneration in zebrafish. The extent to which different cell subpopulations or states facilitate heart regeneration requires research attention.

Methods:

To dissect epicardial cell states and associated proregenerative functions, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing and identified 7 epicardial cell clusters in adult zebrafish, 3 of which displayed enhanced cell numbers during regeneration. We identified paralogs of
hapln1
as factors associated with the extracellular matrix and largely expressed in cluster 1. We assessed
HAPLN1
expression in published single-cell RNA sequencing data sets from different stages and injury states of murine and human hearts, and we performed molecular genetics to determine the requirements for
hapln1
-expressing cells and functions of each
hapln1
paralog.

Results:

A particular cluster of epicardial cells had the strongest association with regeneration and was marked by expression of
hapln1a
and
hapln1b
. The
hapln1
paralogs are expressed in epicardial cells that enclose dedifferentiated and proliferating cardiomyocytes during regeneration. Induced genetic depletion of
hapln1
-expressing cells or genetic inactivation of
hapln1b
altered deposition of the key extracellular matrix component hyaluronic acid, disrupted cardiomyocyte proliferation, and inhibited heart regeneration. We also found that
hapln1
-expressing epicardial cells first emerge at the juvenile stage, when they associate with and are required for focused cardiomyocyte expansion events that direct maturation of the ventricular wall.

Conclusions:

Our findings identify a subset of epicardial cells that emerge in postembryonic zebrafish and sponsor regions of active cardiomyogenesis during cardiac growth and regeneration. We provide evidence that, as the heart achieves its mature structure, these cells facilitate hyaluronic acid deposition to support formation of the compact muscle layer of the ventricle. They are also required, along with the function of
hapln1b
paralog, in the production and organization of hyaluronic acid–containing matrix in cardiac injury sites, enabling normal cardiomyocyte proliferation and muscle regeneration.
Interventions in Adults With Repaired Coarctation of the Aorta
Authors: Meidell Blylod Viktor , Rinnström Daniel , Pennlert Johanna , Ostenfeld Ellen , Dellborg Mikael , Sörensson Peder , Christersson Christina , Thilén Ulf , Johansson Bengt
Published: July 2022

Background

Coarctation of the aorta coexists with other cardiac anomalies and has long‐term complications, including recoarctation, which may require intervention after the primary coarctation repair. This study aims to clarify the prevalence of and risk factors for interventions related to the coarctation complex as well as late mortality in a large contemporary patient population.

Methods and Results

The Swedish National Register of Congenital Heart Disease was used, which comprised 683 adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta. Analysis was performed on freedom from intervention thereafter at the coarctation site, aortic valve, left ventricular outflow tract, or ascending aorta. One hundred ninety‐six (29%) patients had at least 1 of these interventions. Estimated freedom from either of these interventions was 60% after 50 years. The risk of undergoing such an intervention was higher among men (hazard ratio, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.2–2.2]). Estimated freedom from another intervention at the coarctation site was 75% after 50 years. In women, there was an increase in interventions at the coarctation site after 45 years. Patients who underwent one of the previously mentioned interventions after the primary coarctation repair had poorer left ventricular function. Eighteen patients (3%) died during follow‐up in the register. The standardized mortality ratio was 2.9 (95% CI, 1.7–4.3).

Conclusions

Interventions are common after coarctation repair. The risk for and time of interventions are affected by sex. Our results have implications for planning follow‐up and giving appropriate medical advice to the growing population of adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta.
Association Between Sleep Microstructure and Incident Hypertension in a Population‐Based Sample: The HypnoLaus Study
Authors: Berger Mathieu , Vakulin Andrew , Hirotsu Camila , Marchi Nicola Andrea , Solelhac Geoffroy , Bayon Virginie , Siclari Francesca , Haba‐Rubio José , Vaucher Julien , Vollenweider Peter , Marques‐Vidal Pedro , Lechat Bastien , Catcheside Peter G. , Eckert Danny J. , Adams Robert J. , Appleton Sarah , Heinzer Raphael
Published: July 2022

Background

Poor sleep quality is associated with increased incident hypertension. However, few studies have investigated the impact of objective sleep structure parameters on hypertension. This study investigated the association between sleep macrostructural and microstructural parameters and incident hypertension in a middle‐ to older‐aged sample.

Methods and Results

Participants from the HypnoLaus population‐based cohort without hypertension at baseline were included. Participants had at‐home polysomnography at baseline, allowing assessment of sleep macrostructure (nonrapid eye movement sleep stages 1, 2, and 3; rapid eye movement sleep stages; and total sleep time) and microstructure including power spectral density of electroencephalogram in nonrapid eye movement sleep and spindles characteristics (density, duration, frequency, amplitude) in nonrapid eye movement sleep stage 2. Associations between sleep macrostructure and microstructure parameters at baseline and incident clinical hypertension over a mean follow‐up of 5.2 years were assessed with multiple‐adjusted logistic regression. A total of 1172 participants (42% men; age 55±10 years) were included. Of these, 198 (17%) developed hypertension. After adjustment for confounders, no sleep macrostructure features were associated with incident hypertension. However, low absolute delta and sigma power were significantly associated with incident hypertension where participants in the lowest quartile of delta and sigma had a 1.69‐fold (95% CI, 1.00–2.89) and 1.72‐fold (95% CI, 1.05–2.82) increased risk of incident hypertension, respectively, versus those in the highest quartile. Lower spindle density (odds ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76–0.99) and amplitude (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.95–1.00) were also associated with higher incident hypertension.

Conclusions

Sleep microstructure is associated with incident hypertension. Slow‐wave activity and sleep spindles, 2 hallmarks of objective sleep continuity and quality, were inversely and consistently associated with incident hypertension. This supports the protective role of sleep continuity in the development of hypertension.
Intensity of and Adherence to Lipid‐Lowering Therapy as Predictors of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Mazhar Faizan , Hjemdahl Paul , Clase Catherine M. , Johnell Kristina , Jernberg Tomas , Sjölander Arvid , Carrero Juan Jesus
Published: July 2022

Background

The effectiveness of lipid‐lowering therapy (LLT) is affected by both intensity and adherence. This study evaluated the associations of LLT intensity, adherence, and the combination of these 2 aspects of LLT management with the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in people with coronary heart disease.

Methods and Results

This is an observational study of all adults who suffered a myocardial infarction or had coronary revascularization during 2012 to 2018 and initiated LLT in Stockholm, Sweden. Study exposures were LLT adherence (proportion of days covered), LLT intensity (expected reduction of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol), and the combined measure of adherence and intensity. At each LLT fill, adherence and intensity during the previous 12 months were calculated. The primary outcomes were MACE (nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke and death); secondary outcomes were low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment and individual components of MACE. We studied 20 490 patients aged 68±11 years, 75% men, mean follow‐up 2.6±1.1 years. Every 10% increase in 1‐year adherence, intensity, or adherence‐adjusted intensity was associated with a lower risk of MACE (hazard ratio [HR], 0.94 [95% CI, 0.93–0.96]; HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.88–0.96]; and HR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.89–0.94], respectively) and higher odds of attaining low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol goals (odds ratio [OR],1.12 [95% CI, 1.10–1.15]; OR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.34–1.51], and OR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.19–1.24], respectively). Among patients with good adherence (≥80%), the risk of MACE was similar with low‐moderate and high‐intensity LLT despite differences in the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment with the treatment intensities. Discontinuation ≥1 year increased the risk markedly (HR,1.66 [95% CI, 1.23–2.22]).

Conclusions

In routine care, good adherence to LLT was associated with the greatest benefit for patients with coronary heart disease. Strategies that improve adherence and use of intensive therapies could substantially reduce cardiovascular risk.
Cat-Poo-Chino and Captive Wildlife: Tourist Perceptions of Balinese Kopi Luwak Agrotourism
Authors: Hooper Jes
Published: July 2022

Kopi luwak, known as the world’s most expensive coffee, is made from coffee beans that have been partially digested by the Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus). This study aims to assess how tourists perceive the inclusion of captive civets within curated Balinese kopi luwak tours by analyzing 3,364 reviews of 25 sites housing live civets, posted to the tourist review platform, TripAdvisor, between October 2011 and March 2020. Overall, reviewers concerned with animal welfare were more likely to leave a negative review. Two emergent themes, encounters with caged animals and encounters with sleeping animals, are explored through a multispecies lens. Civet displays are discussed in relation to passive and true animal encounter, animal dignity, shared suffering, and cognitive dissonance. Although caged practices persist across sites, results also indicate new forms of concealed cruelty as civets are likely sedated to enable photographic souvenirs.
Odù Ifá in Transition: Contemplating Boundary Mechanisms in Discursive and Critical Appreciation of the Ifá Corpus
Authors: Anoba Ibrahim B.
Published: July 2022

Some Ifá priests and scholars have argued that noninitiates should not engage the Odù Ifá corpus. They suggest that such an undertaking could be spiritually dangerous and lead to the corruption of Ifá’s messages that its practitioners have established. This article demonstrates why the Odù Ifá corpus should be open to engagement by noninitiates who are familiar with Òrìṣà logics and the intricacies of the Yorùbá language in purely academic and nonspiritual spaces. Its method is premised on reviewing a particular category of literature on Yorùbá religion, and examining the corpus as an intellectual tradition within the web of cultural globalization.
Is the Church a Place of Solace or Frustration?
Authors: Sarfo Elizabeth Anokyewaa , Salifu Yendork Joana , Kpobi Lily
Published: July 2022

Religion is seen to have both positive and negative impacts on the individual and the society. The present study sought to investigate the impact of neo-prophetic Christianity on the members of neo-prophetic churches in Ghana. Eighty-six congregants of six neo-prophetic churches in Accra and Kumasi were sampled for this study. Methods used in the gathering of data included in-depth interviews, church observations, and focused group discussions. Results indicated that neo-prophetic Christianity has both positive and negative impacts on their members and the society in general. Some of the negative impacts included exploitation by church leaders, discrimination among church members and against other religions, and attribution of spiritual causes to illness and misfortune. The positive impacts of religion included the adoption of good personal values, provision of social support, the use of religious coping, as well as fostering hope and optimism. The implications of these findings are discussed.
From the Ruins of Empire
Authors: Rodriguez Lago José Ramón
Published: July 2022

After Spain lost its overseas territories, Spanish priests increased their presence in Africa. From an analysis of the bibliography and the press of the time as well as of the different documents issued by the nunciature of Madrid, the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith and the Secretariat of State of the Vatican, it is possible to draw some significant conclusions about the evolution of Spanish missions in the Protectorate of Morocco and Spanish Guinea in the four decades which separate the so-called Disaster and the propagandistic myth of the Crusade represented by Francoists – and Africanists – during the Civil War.
Geographic variation in reproductive investment of seven populations of male Brown frog (Rana kukunoris), endemic to the eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yu Tong L. , Li Hai Y. , Chen Bo J. , Chen Peng Z. , Liu Xiang R. , Wang Yu
Published: July 2022

Life-history theory suggests that male anurans living in harsh and unpredictable environmental conditions (e.g., low temperature and/or high seasonality) should decrease reproductive investment because of short periods of activity and poor productivity. Although geographic variations in female life-history traits have been investigated intensively across a wide range of taxa, similar studies in males have been scarce. Here, we examined geographic variation in male testis mass of the brown frog (Rana kukunoris) across seven different altitudes on the eastern Tibetan plateau, and tested the hypothesis that relative size of testis mass should increase with increasing temperature and/or decreasing seasonality. In this study, we found male body condition, age and testis mass did not increase with temperature and temperature seasonality, which do not conform to our previous hypothesis, revealing that differences in temperature and temperature seasonality across populations could not drive the evolution of testis size. However, we found a positive correlation between testis mass and body condition or age when controlling for population and the effect of temperature and temperature seasonality, indicative of a condition-dependent expression of testis size. In addition, a correlation between testis mass and operational sex ratio was not significant, suggesting that male–male competition did not lead to increasing levels of sperm competition.
Wounded in Mission: Where in the World Are You from? Identity and Suffering in Discipleship and Witness
Authors: Velloso Ewell Rosalee
Published: July 2022

This essay examines the missionary calling and character of the people of God. The argument is made that the call to discipleship has significant implications for how Christians understand their identity. To be a disciple means to submit to a kingdom and a way of life that challenge the powers of this world and nationalistic understandings of identity. Discipleship also implies that following Christ entails bearing the wounds of a broken world as a testimony to the work of Christ. The key themes of discipleship, suffering and identity are examined through an analysis of biblical passages in the Gospel of John and some of Paul’s letters.
Missio Dei: Is There Any Common Ground?
Authors: Kjøde Rolf
Published: July 2022

Missio Dei has become a common and valued expression in most wings of the church. To what extent do we mean the same thing when we use this term? This article explores the understanding of the concept missio Dei in contemporary conciliar and evangelical contexts, with special emphasis on The Cape Town Commitment and Together towards Life. Although missio Dei has had a turbulent life with diverse definitions and connected interests in the relatively short time span of the term, there seems to be a growing convergence in its usage. This common ground is primarily connected to the change from an ecclesiocentric to a Trinitarian paradigm of mission and to understanding the kingdom of God as the goal of mission. There are, however, differences in the documents, and these are evident in the relative emphases they give to the centrality of Christ and the role of the Spirit.
What Does J.N. Farquhar Have to Say about Islam?
Authors: Singh David Emmanuel
Published: July 2022

John Nicol Farquhar was a Scottish missionary and orientalist, well-known even today for his ideas on fulfilment theology. Whereas Farquhar’s position on Hinduism vis-a-vis Christianity is still widely discussed, few are aware of what he wrote about Islam. This is because it is assumed that his view of Islam was no different from his view of other religious traditions. This article discusses the question of whether Islam was merely part of Farquhar’s broader conception of religious traditions in their Christ-ward journey. My provisional answer to this question is that while it is true that for Farquhar, Islam was part of the broader context of religions, he also viewed Islam as being distinct from other religious traditions, both mainstream and marginal. His view was that Islam stood alongside Christianity as an ally, as a catalyst of reform in religions, and as such, Islam was not just an object of Christ-ward transformation. In this article, I focus on three of Farquhar’s major writings containing material on Islam, which may not be very well-known to readers and commentators today. It is aimed at theological students and teachers, particularly those interested in the theology of religions and dialogue with Islam, so that they can build on what they already know, and shape their thinking about how to relate to Islam and Muslims as partners, not merely as objects in God’s mission.
A Declaration on the “Russian World” (Russkii Mir) Teaching
Authors: Gallaher Brandon , Kalaitzidis Pantelis
Published: July 2022

On March 13, 2022 (Sunday of Orthodoxy), Orthodox theologians and scholars from around the world issued an unprecedented theological declaration that draws on both the Barmen Declaration (1934) and the Synodikon of Orthodoxy, and is directed against the ethnophyletist and nationalist “Russian world” ideology that serves as the religious underpinning for Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This ideology, fundamentalist in character, was developed by Patriarch Kirill (Gundiaev) of Moscow and both Putin and Patriarch Kirill repeatedly reference it in their active support of the Russian invasion. Having briefly outlined the Russian world ideology, the Declaration identifies the ideology’s main propositions, which are declared “heretical” from an Orthodox theological perspective. By contrast, the Orthodox scholars systematically outline affirmations drawn from Scripture and the Holy Tradition of Orthodox Christianity. Finally, the declaration calls all to be mindful of the theological principles outlined in their decisions in church politics.
Winds of Change in Australian Waters: The Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021
Authors: Goodman Camille
Published: July 2022

The untapped potential of offshore wind is vast, and will be critical in the global transition to renewable energy and carbon neutrality. Although Australia’s waters are home to enough wind energy to cover its entire electricity needs, the lack of a regulatory framework has prevented the establishment of an offshore wind industry. However, with the passage of the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021, there are now significant opportunities for the offshore generation of renewable energy, as well as the transmission of electricity within—and beyond—Australian waters. Framed by consideration of the global and regional context, this paper provides a meaningful perspective on the potential for offshore wind energy in Australia, outlines the new regulatory framework which will enable it to be realised, and highlights key points of contact with contemporary issues of ocean law and policy.
US Communists as Early Social Movement Unionists Circa 1930 to 1956?
Authors: Devinatz Victor G.
Published: July 2022

Through the examination of three recently published volumes, in this review essay I argue that US Communists were “premature social movement unionists” in the quarter century circa 1930 to 1956. US Communists had adopted social movement unionism (smu), which did not officially emerge as an accepted type of trade unionism until the late 1980s/early 1990s, approximately a half century before becoming accepted throughout the world. This demonstrates that US Communists recognized the enormous potential of what trade unionism could achieve beyond the American Federation of Labor’s craft-oriented business unionism and the Industrial Workers of the World’s shopfloor based revolutionary syndicalism. Thus, the Communists’ smu can be interpreted as a precursor to the twenty-first century Bargaining for the Common Good.
Goals, Models, and Practices of International Partnerships in Higher Education: Toward Global Peace and Harmony
Authors: Ma Liwen , Subbiondo Joseph L.
Published: July 2022

This paper is focused on a variety of approaches and paths to increase and advance international education partnerships. It studies methods in general considering their theoretical frameworks as well as their aspirations, goals, and outcomes. It also presents exemplary models currently used in Eastern and Western higher education that are largely applicable to most universities. The paper also notes areas of impact that international education partnerships can have on teaching， learning, and research because of national educational differences, multi-cultural perspectives, and global interconnectedness. In addition, it highlights two exemplary models of international education partnerships at Beijing Normal University. Throughout, the paper references essays included in this special issue as well as elsewhere. The underlying theme in this essay and the special issue is that universities contribute to the integrity of education as well as global peace by increasing, updating, and assessing international education partnerships that facilitate meaningful global interactions and shared learning among faculty, students, and universities.
Netflix Turkey’s Ethos and the Contradictions of Global Streaming Television
Authors: Marcus Matthew
Published: July 2022

The mini-series Ethos (Bir Başkadir), produced by Netflix Turkey, was a critical and social media sensation, distinguished by its narrative and visual sophistication and its explicit engagement with contemporary social, cultural and political tensions. However, considered in light of larger questions about Netflix and streaming television in general, Ethos also provides a meta-commentary on contradictory aspects of streaming television, particularly those discussed by Ramon Lobato in his book Netflix Nations. In particular, Ethos self-consciously calls attention to ways in which it is simultaneously a local and transnational product. It also invites consideration of the divergent expectations and responses of its varied audiences, both in Turkey and abroad.
Independent Quality Assessment of Essential Climate Variables: Lessons Learned from the Copernicus Climate Change Service
Authors: Yang Chunxue , Cagnazzo Chiara , Artale Vincenzo , Buongiorno Nardelli Bruno , Buontempo Carlo , Busatto Jacopo , Caporaso Luca , Cesarini Claudia , Cionni Irene , Coll John , Crezee Bas , Cristofanelli Paolo , de Toma Vincenzo , Essa Yassmin Hesham , Eyring Veronika , Fierli Federico , Grant Luke , Hassler Birgit , Hirschi Martin , Huybrechts Philippe , Le Merle Eva , Leonelli Francesca Elisa , Lin Xia , Madonna Fabio , Mason Evan , Massonnet François , Marcos Marta , Marullo Salvatore , Müller Benjamin , Obregon Andre , Organelli Emanuele , Palacz Artur , Pascual Ananda , Pisano Andrea , Putero Davide , Rana Arun , Sánchez-Román Antonio , Seneviratne Sonia I. , Serva Federico , Storto Andrea , Thiery Wim , Throne Peter , Van Tricht Lander , Verhaegen Yoni , Volpe Gianluca , Santoleri Rosalia
Published: July 2022

If climate services are to lead to effective use of climate information in decision-making to enable the transition to a climate-smart, climate-ready world, then the question of trust in the products and services is of paramount importance. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has been actively grappling with how to build such trust: provision of demonstrably independent assessments of the quality of products, which was deemed an important element in such trust-building processes. C3S provides access to essential climate variables (ECVs) from multiple sources to a broad set of users ranging from scientists to private companies and decision-makers. Here we outline the approach ­undertaken to coherently assess the quality of a suite of observation- and reanalysis-based ECV products covering the atmosphere, ocean, land, and cryosphere. The assessment is based on four pillars: basic data checks, maturity of the datasets, fitness for purpose (scientific use cases and climate studies), and guidance to users. It is undertaken independently by scientific experts and presented alongside the datasets in a fully traceable, replicable, and transparent manner. The methodology deployed is detailed, and example assessments are given. These independent scientific quality assessments are intended to guide users to ensure they use tools and datasets that are fit for purpose to answer their specific needs rather than simply use the first product they alight on. This is the first such effort to develop and apply an assessment framework consistently to all ECVs. Lessons learned and future perspectives are outlined to potentially improve future assessment activities and thus climate services.
Health social work with migrants: Constructing a specialist profession
Authors: Svärd Veronica , Sernbo Elisabet
Published: July 2022

In 2016–2017, a large Swedish hospital introduced a mobile team of asylum social workers to work with asylum-seeking and undocumented patients. Based on interviews with the asylum social workers and the theoretical concepts of jurisdiction and professional discretion, this study explores how they experienced their work and developed their specialist competence and strategies for health social work with migrants. The findings show that they not only relieved staff and supported patients and relatives but also systemised the knowledge about health social work with migrants and created a professional specialty with a socially, rather than medically, defined group of patients.