bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Decision‐Making Approach for the Evaluation of Information Security Management under Complex Intuitionistic Fuzzy Set Environment
Authors: Azam Muhammad , Ali Khan Muhammad Sajjad , Yang Shilin
Published: February 2022

Since intuitionistic fuzzy set only deals with uncertainty but not periodicity, therefore to overcome, this situation complex intuitionistic fuzzy set is a better tool that deals with both uncertainty and periodicity. Also, Bonferroni mean operator has the advantage of considering interrelationships between parameters, but it deals with only the crisp data. Recently, to deal with fuzzy data, many extensions of Bonferroni operators have been developed. Motivated by the CIFS and BM operators, in this paper, we proposed some Dombi Bonferroni mean operators to deal with CIF information. Dombi Bonferroni mean operators are special cases of general T‐conorm and T‐norm, which have the advantage of good flexibility with a general parameter. We proposed the complex intuitionistic fuzzy Dombi Bonferroni mean (CIFDBM) operator, complex intuitionistic fuzzy Dombi weighted Bonferroni mean (CIFDWBM) operator, complex intuitionistic fuzzy Dombi geometric Bonferroni mean (CIFDGBM) operator, and complex intuitionistic fuzzy Dombi weighted geometric Bonferroni mean (CIFDWGBM) operator. Some properties of the developed operators are discussed in detail, and different cases are investigated. Moreover, a multicriteria group decision‐making (MCGDM) method is developed based on the proposed aggregation operators. Finally, a numerical example of information security management evaluation is given in order to demonstrate the application and effectiveness of the proposed approach. A comparative study is also conducted in order to show the advantage of the developed method.
New Wenshen Shengjing Decoction Improves Early Embryonic Development by Maintaining Low Levels of H3K4me3 in Sperm
Authors: Zhang Wansheng , Lu Lei , Sun Yanmei , Dong Zhu , Lei Xinyu , Peng Zhendong , Zhang Baoyu , Cao Shiwen , Wang Xuenan , Pan Xiaoyan
Published: February 2022

Background. New Wenshen Shengjing Decoction (NWSSJD), a traditional Chinese compound medicine, has significant effect on spermatogenesis disorder and can significantly improve sperm quality. Many components in NWSSJD can induce epigenetic modifications of different types of cells. It is not yet known whether they can cause epigenetic modifications in sperm or early embryos. Objective. This study investigated the effect of NWSSJD on mouse early embryonic development and its regulation of H3K4me3 in mouse sperm and early embryos. Methods. Spermatogenesis disorder was induced in male mice with CPA (cyclophosphamide). NWSSJD was administrated for 30 days. Then, the male mice were mated with the female mice with superovulation, and the embryo degeneration rate of each stage was calculated. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of H3K4me3 in sperm and embryos at various stages. Western blotting was performed to detect methyltransferase SETD1B expression. The expressions of development‐related genes (OCT-4, NANOG, and CDX2) and apoptosis‐related genes (BCL-2 and p53) were measured with qRT‐PCR. Results. Compared with the CPA group, NWSSJD significantly reduced the H3K4me3 level in sperms, significantly increased the number of normal early embryos (2‐cell embryos, 3‐4‐cell embryos, 8‐16‐cell embryos, and blastocysts) per mouse, and reduced the degeneration rate of the embryos. The expression levels of H3K4me3 and methyltransferase SETD1B in early embryos were significantly elevated by NWSSJD. Additionally, NWSSJD significantly promoted BCL-2 expression, while reducing p53 expression, thus inhibiting embryonic cell apoptosis. Moreover, the expressions of development‐related genes OCT-4 and CDX2 were significantly increased by NWSSJD, but NANOG expression had no significant difference. Conclusion. NWSSJD may promote early embryonic development possibly by maintaining low H3K4me3 levels in sperms and normal H3K4me3 modification in early embryos and by inhibiting embryonic cell apoptosis.
Estimation of Optimal Nasotracheal Tube Insertion Depth in Neonates Based on Fetal Biometric Measurements
Authors: Selter Mariel , Deindl Philipp , Wolf Monika , Herrmann Jochen , Hecher Kurt , Singer Dominique , Ebenebe Chinedu Ulrich
Published: February 2022

Background: Current recommendations for neonatal endotracheal tube (ETT) insertion depths require the knowledge of anthropometric measurements, which are not immediately available in the delivery room setting. Objective: This study aimed to develop recommendations based on prenatally available fetal biometric measurements. Methods: In this retrospective study, the optimal ETT depths for nasotracheal insertion were correlated with fetal demographic and biometric data. Using linear regression analysis, diagrams with best-fit lines and tables for the recommendation of ETT insertion depth based on the prenatally available data were generated. Results: We analyzed optimal nasotracheal ETT insertion depth in 98 neonates (gestational age range: 23.7–42.0 weeks). Linear regression analysis revealed high correlations between fetal measurements and the optimal ETT insertion depth (R2 = 0.712–0.837). Conclusion: We provide recommendations for neonatal nasotracheal ETT insertion depths based on prenatally available data with the potential to facilitate rapid and accurate intubation of neonates.
Shengxuebao Mixture for Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Li Ailin , Wang Haixia , Li Quan , Dong Wenchao , Wang Shuqing , Wang Aiju , Wang Xin , Gu Yuming
Published: February 2022

Objective: Traditional Chinese medicine Shengxuebao Mixture (SXBM) has been approved for treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in China. This study aimed to collect evidence and quantify the effect of SXBM on IDA. Methods: Seven online databases were surveyed up to July 13, 2021. Randomized controlled trials in which SXBM was combined with conventional therapies to treat IDA and compared with placebo or conventional therapies were included in the study. The red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) level, serum ferritin (SF) level, and adverse events rate (AER) were evaluated. Results: A total of 1,108 patients from 8 trials were recruited. SXBM plus conventional therapy increased the Hb level (mean difference [MD] = 13.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.37–17.7, p < 0.00001), RBC count (MD = 0.41, 95% CI 0.19–0.62, p = 0.002), SF level (MD = 6.25, 95% CI 2.88–9.62, p = 0.0003), and AER (risk ratio = 0.56, 95% CI 0.36–0.86; p = 0.008). Conclusions: SXBM combined with conventional treatment seemed to be beneficial for patients with IDA. However, the harmlessness of SXBM was not confirmed due to insufficient trials and low methodological quality. Follow-up clinical studies should be cautiously designed, and more research is needed.
Sexual Violence and Risk of Hypertension in Women in the Nurses’ Health Study II: A 7‐Year Prospective Analysis
Authors: Lawn Rebecca B. , Nishimi Kristen M. , Sumner Jennifer A. , Chibnik Lori B. , Roberts Andrea L. , Kubzansky Laura D. , Rich‐Edwards Janet W. , Koenen Karestan C. , Thurston Rebecca C.
Published: February 2022

Background

Hypertension is a prevalent condition in women and an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite women’s experiences of sexual violence being common, no prospective studies have examined lifetime sexual assault and workplace sexual harassment in relationship to hypertension in large civilian samples with extended follow‐up. Here, we examined whether these experiences were prospectively associated with greater risk of developing hypertension over 7 years.

Methods and Results

Data are from a substudy of the Nurses’ Health Study II and include women free of hypertension at the time of sexual assault and workplace sexual harassment assessment in 2008 (n=33 127). Hypertension was defined as self‐reported doctor diagnosis or initiating antihypertensive medication use, assessed biennially through 2015. We performed Cox proportional hazards regression models to predict time to developing hypertension associated with sexual violence exposure, adjusting for relevant covariates. Over follow‐up, 7096 women developed hypertension. Sexual assault and workplace sexual harassment were prevalent (23% and 12%, respectively; 6% of women experienced both). Compared with women with no exposure, women who experienced both sexual assault and workplace sexual harassment had the highest risk of developing hypertension (hazard ratio [HR], 1.21; 95% CI, 1.09–1.35), followed by women who experienced workplace sexual harassment (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05–1.25) and then by women who experienced sexual assault (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03–1.19), after adjusting for relevant covariates.

Conclusions

Sexual assault and workplace sexual harassment are prospectively associated with greater risk of hypertension. Reducing such violence is important in its own right and may also improve women’s cardiovascular health.
Synopsis of the rare genus Alongatepyris (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae), with description of the first extinct species from Dominican amber
Authors: COLOMBO WESLEY D. , PERKOVSKY EVGENY E. , AZEVEDO CELSO O.
Published: February 2022

Alongatepyris is a South American genus, known only from two species: A. platunissimus and A. ingens. It is a Scleroderminae genus by having the body extremely flattened and the forewing with the first cubital cell very reduced. The first extinct sclerodermine from Dominican amber and first extinct species of Alongatepyris, †A. pedrocai Colombo & Azevedo, sp. nov. is described and illustrated. This species is characterized by having the head elongate, dorsal pronotal area ecarinate and forewing with long 2r-rs&Rs vein. All previously known extant species were analyzed and compared and an updated key for Alongatepyris is also provided. Possible reasons of the absence of strongly flat sclerodermine genera in fossil record outside of the tropical regions are too discussed.
Camchaya bolavenensis (Asteraceae: Vernonieae), a new species from Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos
Authors: NOYORI WATARU , KOMADA NATSUKI , SOULADETH PHETLASY , TAGANE SHUICHIRO
Published: February 2022

A new species Camchaya bolavenensis (Asteraceae: Vernonieae: Centrapalinae) from Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area located in Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos, is described and illustrated. It resembles C. gracilis and C. thailandica in morphology but distinguished by its basally decumbent stem, margin of lamina with distinct (1–)2–3 teeth, 2–4 mm long on each side, invisible secondary veins, and a capitulum with 10–30 of florets.
Trichoglossum benghalense (Geoglossales, Ascomycota) from India: new to science
Authors: CHAKRABORTY NILANJAN , TARAFDER ENTAJ , PAUL ANAMIKA , PALOI SOUMITRA , ACHARYA KRISHNENDU
Published: February 2022

The genus Trichoglossum belongs to the family Geoglossaceae (Geoglossomycetes) and they are traditionally known as earth tongues. The genus is characterized by black or dark brown club-shaped apothecia, inoperculate asci, with prominent hymenial setae, septate paraphyses, and long septate ascospores. Currently, this genus includes more than 20 species all over the world. The present novel species (Trichoglossum benghalense) was recorded from the lower Gangetic plain of India, which indicates its cosmopolitan distribution range. A detailed morphological description supported by a DNA sequence phylogram based on Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian posterior probabilities (BPP) analysis, photo-illustrations, and line drawings are provided for this interesting species. A comparison with allied accepted species is also summarized.
Applications of the Geometry-Sensitive Ensemble Mean for Lake-Effect Snowbands and Other Weather Phenomena
Authors: Seibert Jonathan J. , Greybush Steven J. , Li Jia , Zhang Zhoumin , Zhang Fuqing
Published: February 2022

Ensembles of predictions are critical to modern weather forecasting. However, visualizing ensembles and their means in a useful way remains challenging. Existing methods of creating ensemble means do not recognize the physical structures that humans could identify within the ensemble members; therefore, visualizations for variables such as reflectivity lose important information and are difficult for human forecasters to interpret. In response, the authors create an improved ensemble mean that retains more structural information. The authors examine and expand upon the object-based Geometry-Sensitive Ensemble Mean (GEM) defined by Li and Zhang from a meteorological perspective. The authors apply low-intensity thresholding to WRF-simulated radar reflectivity images of lake-effect snowbands, tropical cyclones, and severe thunderstorms and then process them with the GEM system. Gaussian mixture model–based signatures retain the geometric structure of these phenomena and are used to compute a Wasserstein barycenter as the centroid for the ensemble; D2 clustering is employed to examine different scenarios among the ensemble members. Three types of ensemble mean image are created from the centroid of the ensemble or cluster, which each improve upon the traditional pixel-wise average in different ways, successfully capture aspects of the ensemble members’ structure, and have potential applications for future forecasting efforts. The adjusted best member is a better representative member, the Bayesian posterior mean is an improved structure-based weighted average, and the mixture density mean is an outline of the key structures in the ensemble. Each is shown to improve upon a simple arithmetic mean via quantitative comparison with observations.
The Impact of News Trust and Scandal Knowledge on Political Efficacy
Authors: Haenschen Katherine , Collier Jessica R. , Tedesco John C.
Published: February 2022

The Trump-era political environment in the United States is characterized by changes to our information environment, specifically discourse surrounding so-called "fake news," and knowledge of political scandals. We explore whether news trust or knowledge of Trump administration scandals impact individuals’ levels of internal, information, and external political efficacy. We find significant and surprising relationships between these measures and political efficacy outcomes. Results contribute to our understanding of how political efficacy is responsive to changes in the political environment.
Adult Literacy Education and Reduction of Poverty in Tanzania: A Review of Policies and their Implementation
Authors: Fute Antony , Wan Xiu-lan , Oubibi Mohamed , Bulugu Joseph B.
Published: February 2022

Literacy builds a foundation for further learning and necessitates human capital development that creates a knowledge economy. A clear focus on literacy policies is fundamental in achieving national and international socio-economic targets. In Tanzania, adult literacy growth has been slow, inconsistent, and characterized by regional gaps. A review of policies and practices has revealed several constraints associated with budget allocation and cultural perspectives. We suggest to the governments in the whole developing world to prioritize consistent funding and formulating culture-sensitive policies in ensuring mass literacy, poverty reduction, creation of high productive personnel, and eventually achieve the UNESCO’s Agenda 2030
Weld acoustic emission inspection of structural elements embedded in concrete
Authors: Carrion-Viramontes Francisco J , Hernandez-Figueroa Jorge A , Machorro-Lopez Jose M , Quintana-Rodriguez Juan A , Crespo-Sanchez Saul E , Martinez-Trujano Luis A , Gasca-Zamora Hector M
Published: February 2022

After a catastrophic failure of the weld of the anchoring element of one cable in a stayed bridge, a non-destructive inspection was required to evaluate the weld condition of the 111 remaining anchoring elements to prevent future and similar failures. This examination was quite complicated since the anchoring elements are partially embedded in the reinforced concrete tower, and the weld is fully integrated into the concrete. Considering that direct access to the weld was not possible, acoustic emissions (AE) were a feasible alternative for these inspections. This study describes the inspection method, from laboratory tests simulating actual conditions for calibration to field tests for the method's tuning and evaluation. The AE inspection results are presented, and welds’ condition is classified according to the acoustic energy, measured through a severity index and graded from a zonal intensity plot. Two structural elements were selected for concrete demolition to expose the weld for penetrant and ultrasonic inspections to correlate measurements of the actual condition of the welds and their defect size. Because of the analysis, welds are identified for immediate repair and the rest for AE monitoring to evaluate defect evolution through the increase of the severity index.
Accent and the manifestation of spatialised class structure
Authors: Donnelly Michael , Gamsu Sol , Baratta Alex
Published: February 2022

There is long-standing interest within sociological debate to understand social class inequality spatially. We contribute to this debate by using a spatially differentiated understanding of accent, used here as a ‘window’ to observe the formation of socio-economic difference across space. From a spatial perspective, using the work of Doreen Massey, we draw on a unique multi-sited qualitative dataset, which contains the narratives of over 200 young people (aged 16/17) across 17 UK localities, spanning all nine English regions and the three ‘home’ nations of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It was a purposefully designed sample intended to capture the field of social relations across geographic space. Accent emerged as a signifier of the spatial manifestation in class boundaries and points of socio-economic difference. Diverse groups are complicit in the construction of normative accents, and the ‘othering’ of accents belonging to historically dominated places and regions. We observe here not only spatial differentiation within social class groups, but the ethnic solidarities that emerge as a consequence of marginalisation.
A Small Price to Pay: National Narcissism Predicts Readiness to Sacrifice In-Group Members to Defend the In-Group’s Image
Authors: Gronfeldt Bjarki , Cislak Aleksandra , Sternisko Anni , Eker Irem , Cichocka Aleksandra
Published: February 2022

Collective narcissism is a belief in one’s in-group greatness that is underappreciated by others. Across three studies conducted in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we found that collective narcissism, measured with respect to the national group, was related to support of policies that protect the national image at the expense of in-group members’ health. In Study 1, British national narcissism was related to opposing cooperation with the European Union (EU) on medical equipment. In Study 2, American national narcissism predicted opposition to COVID-19 testing to downplay the number of cases. In Study 3, American national narcissism was related to support for releasing an untested COVID-19 vaccine, to beat other countries to the punch. These relationships were mediated by concern about the country’s reputation. Our studies shed light on collective narcissism as a group-based ego-enhancement strategy in which a strong image of the group is prioritized over members’ well-being.
Validating a Novel Emotional Intelligence Instrument for Resident Physicians
Authors: McCallum R. Steve , Kirkpatrick Baileigh A. , Heidel Robert E. , Rocconi Louis , Price Chelsea N. , Gee Kaylan N. , Lewis James M.
Published: February 2022

To construct and validate a scale of emotional intelligence (EI) for the medical field, n = 80 resident physicians responded to a 69-item self-report measure during the pilot phase of development of the Scale of Emotional Functioning: Medicine (SEF:MED). Based on multiple-phase item and structural analyses, a final 36-item version was created based on data from n = 321 respondent residents. Initially exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the expected three-factor solution as did additional CFA from a second sample of n = 113 participants. Internal consistency reliabilities obtained from the original n = 321 residents for the three SEF:MED subscales of Interpersonal Skills (IS), Emotional Awareness (EA), and Emotional Management (EM) were 0.81, 0.82, and 0.84, respectively. Alphas for the second CFA data set were 0.89, 0.87, and 0.88 for IS, EM, and EA, respectively. In addition, the SEF:MED was validated by comparing it to related measures (i.e., the Profile of Emotional Competence (PEC) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel [MBI-HSS (MP)]); Correlation coefficients between the Total EI composite on the SEF:MED and the PEC global scales ranged from r = 0.64 to 0.68. Finally, correlation coefficients from the Total EI composite on the SEF:MED significantly related to the MBI-HSS (MP) Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), and Personal Accomplishment (PA) scales (r = −0.50, −0.44, and 0.52, respectively). The SEF:MED may provide useful data to physicians and other medical professionals as they consider their own well-being and how it may affect care of their patients.
Hole-drilling method eccentricity error correction using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Wu Jun , Qiang Bin , Liao Xiaoxuan , Huang Yanmei , Yao Changrong , Li Yadong
Published: February 2022

Hole eccentricity is an important error source when residual stress is measured via the hole-drilling method. The conventional ways to correct eccentricity error for hole-drilling residual stress measurement rely on complicated mathematical processes and are difficult to use. To overcome this shortcoming, this paper proposes a method that uses a convolutional neural network to correct for the hole-drilling method eccentricity error. First, the hole-drilling method measurement process in uniform biaxial stress field is simulated via the finite element method. The influence of the eccentric distance, eccentric angle, and stress ratio on the strain measurement error is discussed. Then, a convolutional neural network is trained using simulated data and the hole-drilling method strain measurement error is predicted for arbitrary eccentricity conditions. Finally, the residual stress is corrected by introducing the strain error into its equation. The simulated residual stresses of ten eccentric measurement points in predefined stress fields are corrected using this procedure to conducted numerical tests. The maximum error of simulated stresses decreased from 30.46% to −4.67% after correction. Therefore, the hole eccentricity has a significant influence on the residual stress measurement accuracy of hole-drilling method. The proposed correction method can effectively eliminate this error.
Relationship between bladder outlet obstruction and prostatic indentation, prostatic urethral length, and bladder-prostatic urethral angle
Authors: Yaris Mehmet , Oztekin Cetin Volkan
Published: February 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the relationship between prostatic anatomical factors and pressure flow studies (PFSs).

Methods:

The study was designed with 41 patients. PFS was applied to every patient. The Qmax value and voided volume during uroflowmetry were recorded. The PdetQmax values during PFS were recorded and obstruction indices were calculated. Prostate volume, prostatic indentation, prostatic urethral length, and bladder-prostatic urethral angle were determined by transrectal ultrasonography.

Results:

The mean age of the participants was 66.2 years. The mean maximum flow value was detected as 9.91 ± 4.92 ml/s, and the mean average flow value as 4.89 ± 2.54 ml/s. The mean obstruction index of the patients was found to be 75.27 ± 46.96. There was a positive linear relationship between obstruction index and PSA, prostate volume, prostatic urethral length, and prostatic indentation ( r: 0.341, p: 0.029; r: 0.363, p: 0.020; r: 0.386, p: 0.013; and r: 0.479, p: 0.002, respectively). No significant relationship was found between obstruction index and bladder-prostatic urethral angle.

Conclusion:

Prostatic urethral length and prostatic indentation are associated with the degree of bladder outlet obstruction. Further studies involving a higher number of patients are needed to calculate the accuracy of these parameters.
Against polarization
Authors: Davenport Christian
Published: February 2022

This extension of Christian Davenport's virtual Presidential address to the Peace Science Society International attempts to: (1) identify as well as confront some of the issues that divide the Peace Science community and (2) provide some ideas/actions about what can be done to fix them. The article is as much a reflection on where we have been as it is a call to where we must go.
Carboxyl-functionalized graphene reinforced aromatic polyamide nanocomposites
Authors: Madhad Himanshu V , Vasava Dilip V
Published: February 2022

Carboxyl-functionalized graphene (CG)reinforced aromatic polyamide (PA) nanocomposites (CGPA) were prepared with CG nanofillers (1, 3 and 5 wt.%) by the delamination/adsorption method. PA was synthesized by 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylic acid with aromatic diamine via direct polycondensation reaction. The prepared CGPA nanocomposites were evaluated through Fourier transform infrared techniques (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the melting temperatures (Tm) of CGPA nanocomposites were significantly increased from 289°C to 359°C. The thermal decomposition temperature was improved by ∼13°C with the incorporation of CG nanofiller. CG nanofillers play a significant role in improving the thermal properties of CGPA nanocomposites.
The Post-Soviet School of Critical Marxism (PSSCM): Particular Characteristics, Main Tendencies, and Its Place in the System of Marxist Studies in Post-Soviet Russia
Authors: Barashkova Olga
Published: February 2022

The author characterizes the main stages in the rise of the Post-Soviet School of Critical Marxism (PSSCM) and highlights its most important features, distinguishing it from other tendencies of Marxist thought in Russia. The latter include the orthodox version of Marxism, the social democratic tendency, and the ‘Russophile’ tendency. In contrast to these trends, the PSSCM is oriented toward elaboration of a dialectical materialist methodology; toward development of creative Soviet and world traditions in the study of social alienation and de-alienation; toward the critical use of Marx and his followers’ achievements with the aim of developing the main elements of the ‘Capital’ of the 21st century; and toward studying the prospects for the future ‘realm of freedom’ (Marx) as the dialectical sublation not only of capitalism, but also of the entire system of relations of social alienation in the context of facing the contemporary global problems. A feature of the article is its extensive bibliography of works by Russian Marxists.
Development of a novel autonomous space debris collision avoidance system for uncrewed spacecraft
Authors: Sarkar Mayukh , Barad Shreya , Mohit Ashray , G Malaikannan
Published: February 2022

The objective of the study is to model a system which can effectively prevent the collision between space debris and spacecraft by robust design and algorithms of the system. The location and trajectory of the debris field at each and every instant are tracked with the help of image processing. The Voronoi diagram and Dijkstra’s algorithm are utilized to determine the alternate orbits for the spacecraft in order to avert the collision. The discrete subsystem, namely, orbit determination system, orbit maneuvering system, and reaction control system, is modeled and simulated using the Simulink platform. The collision avoidance system employs the most energy-efficient Hohmann maneuver to find the alternate orbits for spacecraft between circular orbits. The simulation results shown from the present work clearly evidences the effectiveness of collision avoidance. The present collision avoidance system always determines the safe and fuel economic trajectory for spacecraft independent of human interference.
Cutaneous mast cell tumors in 11 miniature pigs: a retrospective study
Authors: Rasche Brittany L. , Mozzachio Kristie , Linder Keith E.
Published: February 2022

Better understanding of mast cell tumors (MCTs) in miniature pigs is needed to guide diagnosis and establish clinical significance. We characterized the gross pathology, histopathology, histochemical staining, and KIT immunoreactivity of cutaneous MCTs in a retrospective descriptive study of 11 miniature pigs ( Sus scrofa domesticus). Tumors were single or multiple papules, small nodules, or plaques. In one pig, lymph nodes and internal organs were affected. Histologically, all MCTs involved the dermis, and some extended to the subcutis (4 of 11) and skeletal muscle (1 of 11). Most tumors were well-demarcated, unencapsulated, nodular or multinodular masses (8 of 11) and fewer were poorly demarcated plaques (3 of 11). Neoplastic cells were often well-differentiated with pale amphophilic-to-eosinophilic faintly granular cytoplasm, occasional binucleation, rare multinucleation, and a low mitotic count (<7 per 10 hpf; 10 of 11). Eosinophils were present in tumors in all cases. Cytoplasmic granules stained most consistently with high-pH (2.5–3) toluidine blue (9 of 10) compared to low-pH (0.5–1) toluidine blue (6 of 9) or Giemsa (7 of 10). KIT immunoreactivity patterns were strong perimembranous (4 of 8), focal perinuclear and stippled cytoplasmic (1 of 8), and diffuse cytoplasmic (3 of 8), and included 1 case that was negative for histochemical stains; hence, KIT is a promising diagnostic marker for MCTs in miniature pigs.
Measuring Memory Lapses and Their Impact on Daily Life: Results From Two Daily Diary Studies
Authors: Mogle Jacqueline , Turner Jennifer R. , Rabin Laura A. , Sliwinski Martin J. , Zhaoyang Ruixue , Hill Nikki L.
Published: February 2022

Memory lapses (e.g., forgetting a medication) are common for most people, yet past methods of assessment relied upon retrospective reports from long recall windows. Recently, researchers have incorporated daily diary methods to capture memory lapse frequency closer to the experience in real-world environments. This study describes the utility of the Daily Memory Lapses Checklist using data from two 14-day diary studies ( Combined Sample = 467; 66% women). Frequency and impact (i.e., irritation and interference) of prospective and retrospective memory lapses were assessed at both individual- and daily levels. Across studies, memory lapses occurred on more than one-third of assessment days. Retrospective lapses were reported more frequently than prospective; however, both lapses had a similar impact. The Daily Memory Lapses Checklist represents a flexible measure that separates the occurrence of a memory lapse from its impact on daily life: metrics that will enhance our understanding of daily experiences of cognitive functioning.
Enhancing stochastic resonance using a reinforcement-learning based method
Authors: Ding Jianpeng , Lei Youming
Published: February 2022

We propose a new method to enhance stochastic resonance based on reinforcement learning , which does not require a priori knowledge of the underlying dynamics. The reward function of the reinforcement learning algorithm is determined by introducing a moving signal-to-noise ratio, which promptly quantifies the ratio of signal power to noise power by updating time series with a fixed length. To maximize the cumulative reward, the reward function can guide the actions to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of systems as largely as possible with the help of the moving signal-to-noise ratio. Since the occurrence of the spike of excitable systems, which requires the systems to evolve for some time, should be considered an important component for the definition of the signal-to-noise ratio, the reward corresponding to the current moment cannot be obtained immediately and this usually results in a delayed reward. The delayed reward may cause the policy of the reinforcement learning algorithm to update with an incompatible reward, which affects the stability and convergence of the algorithm. To overcome this challenge, we devise a technique of double Q-tables, where one Q-table is used to generate actions, and the other is used to correct deviations. In this way, the policy can be updated with a corresponding reward, which ameliorates the stability of the algorithm and accelerates its convergence speed. We show with two illustrative examples, the Fitzhugh–Nagumo and Hindmarsh–Rose models, stochastic resonance is significantly enhanced by the proposed method for two typical types of stochastic resonances, classical stochastic resonance with a weak signal and coherent resonance without weak signals, respectively. We also show the robustness of the proposed method.
Troubling games: Materials, histories, and speculative future worlds for games pedagogy
Authors: Rouse Rebecca , Holloway-Attaway Lissa
Published: February 2022

Games are trouble. As faculty members in a Game Development program we are aware of the troubles. As inside–outsiders, given our status as queer women in the male-dominated Games field, both with interdisciplinary art-tech-humanities backgrounds as opposed to STEM, we are the ones commonly tasked with ‘fixing’ these troubles. This tasking comes to us in the form of both assumptions and requests about our providing particular types of education to others, both faculty and students, as fixes to Game-troubles: teaching the gender module; sitting on an LGBTQ+ committee; advising a particular student who is also outside the more comfortable purview of Games; and so forth. While our labor is often assumed, it is not fully valued, evidenced by the ways in which it is chronically under-resourced. And, given this lack of sustainability, our labor is not effective in the ways we intend. Often, our fixes only serve to a fix ourselves, further cementing us as outsiders. Our fixes are diluted until they become performative gestures, absolving others of the need to act, but changing little else. Acting ‘in a fix’ is something we no longer wish to do. Instead we untangle and re-tangle in a new way, drawing on the work of Feminist New Materialists (Ahmed, 2008; Alaimo, 2016; Alaimo and Hekman, 2008; Barad, 2011; Bennett, 2010; Braidotti, 2013; Coole and Frost, 2010; Dolphijn and Tuin, 2012; Grosz, 1994; Kirby, 1997) to develop imaginative new models for a more just and joyful future Games pedagogy. We share not only our research on this topic, but also invite you into our own intimate experiences of play-making, foregrounding this as knowledge-making too. We offer these crossings between text and context, history and future Ahmed, 2008, memory and fiction as a speculative fabulation for future Games pedagogies.
An exploration of at-risk youths’ resilience within the context of a correctional centre in Eswatini
Authors: Shabangu Sifiso B , Koen Vicki
Published: February 2022

Literature highlights that youth in correctional centres face multiple risk factors which can be buffered by resilience. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of at-risk youth in a juvenile correctional centre in Eswatini regarding their resilience. The participants were purposively sampled and engaged in individual ( n = 41) and group ( n = 25) data collection. Following thematic analysis, the findings revealed four main themes: Understanding of resilience, protective factors to resilience, risk factors to resilience and youth’s recommendations for resilience. This study provides insight into resilience of youth from youth’s perspective that may be useful in rehabilitation or programme development.
‘They are Alone in Their Parenthood’: Parenting Support and (Re)building Community
Authors: Sihvonen Ella
Published: February 2022

This article uniquely contributes to critical discussions about parenting support in contemporary social science research that has examined the recent political and public attention on parenting. The studies highlight the increased attention on individualised parenting support focused on the parent–child relationship. Based on an analysis of 310 family support projects initiated in Finland, this research found that another orientation exists alongside individualised parenting support, which has gained only little attention in recent studies about parenting support. That alternative focuses on a communal parenting support, wherein parenting support is conducted by means of community (re)building. This article summarises how anxiety about parenting overlaps with discussions about community as well as ‘the family decline’, creating a need for community (re)building. In this study, I show how concern within family support projects is harnessed to establish ‘communion’, representing a third category alongside the more common sociological notions of ‘society’ and ‘community’. However, fundamental tensions appear as projects attempt to build community, which I also discuss in this article.
Recent advances in the prevention and management of cytokine release syndrome after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy
Authors: Shi Xiaoxue , Wu Hongfang
Published: February 2022

Adoptive immunotherapy has recently garnered widespread interests owing to the successful application of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy. CAR-T cells are “living drugs” that can live in patients for several years and act as an effective antitumor agent. Over the last few years, five types of CAR-T cells have been approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of hematologic malignancies. Despite their impressive clinical efficacy, the current application of CAR-T cell therapy is restricted by the uncontrollable release of cytokines (cytokine release syndrome and cytokine release syndrome) due to serious treatment-related toxicities resulting from synchronous activation and rapid proliferation of CAR-T cells. CRS is the most common toxicity and its severity can range from low-grade physical symptoms to a high-grade syndrome linked with life-threatening multiple organ dysfunction. Treatment-related deaths from severe CRS have been reported, suggesting the importance of appropriate intervention. Gaining a better understanding of CRS and developing new treatments for CRS are active areas of laboratory and clinical research. Herein, we summarize the current studies on prevention and management of CRS to expand the safety and applicability of CAR-T cell therapy in various malignancies.
Effects on low threshold mechanoreceptors in whisker hair follicles by 5-HT, Cd2+, tetraethylammonium, 4-aminopyridine, and Ba2+
Authors: Sonekatsu Mayumi , Yamada Hiroshi , Nishio Naoko , Gu Jianguo G
Published: February 2022

Low threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) are important for environmental exploration, social interaction, and tactile discrimination. Whisker hair follicles are mechanical sensory organs in non-primate mammals that are functionally equivalent to human fingertips. Several functional types of LTMRs have been identified in rodent whisker hair follicles, including rapidly adapting (RA), slow adapting type 1 (SA1), and slowly adapting type 2 (SA2) LTMRs. Properties of these LTMRs have not been fully characterized. In the present study, we have used pressure-clamped single-fiber recording technique to record impulses of RA, SA1, and SA2 LTMRs in mouse whisker hair follicles, and tested effects of 5-HT, Cd2+, tetraethylammonium (TEA), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), and Ba2+ on the LTMR impulses. We show that 5-HT at 2 mM suppresses SA1 impulses but has no effects on RA and SA2 impulses. Cd2+ at 100 μM suppresses both SA1 and SA2 impulses but has no effects on RA impulses. TEA at 10 mM has no effects on RA and SA1 impulses but increased SA2 impulses. However, TEA at 1 mM and 200 μM decreases SA2 impulses. 4-AP at 1 mM suppresses both SA1 and SA2 impulses but has no effects on RA impulses. Ba2+ at 5 mM increases both RA and SA1 impulses but suppresses SA2 impulses. Collectively, RA, SA1, and SA2 LTMRs show distinct pharmacological properties, suggesting that these LTMRs may use different mechanisms to tune their mechanical signaling.
Epidemiology of post-suboccipital craniotomy headache: A multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Shibata Yasushi , Hatayama Toru , Matsuda Masahide , Yamazaki Tomosato , Komatsu Yoji , Endo Kiyoshi , Akutsu Hiroyoshi
Published: February 2022

The detailed epidemiology and mechanism of post-craniotomy headaches are not well understood. This study aimed to establish the actual clinical incidence and causes of post-craniotomy headaches. Suboccipital craniotomy surgeries performed in six institutions within the five-year study period were included. This study included 311 patients (138 males, 173 female; mean age, 59.3 years old). A total of 145 patients (49%) experienced post-craniotomy headaches. Microvascular decompression surgery, craniectomy and facial spasms were significant risk factors for post-craniotomy headaches. In most cases, the post-craniotomy headaches disappeared within one month; however, some patients suffered from long-term headaches. The craniotomy site and the methods of dura and skull closures should be individually determined for each patient. However, to prevent post-craniotomy headaches, craniotomy, instead of craniectomy, may be considered.
Rejecting instrumental-deterministic CALL: Towards a critical reading of power in online English education
Authors: Smith Michael D
Published: February 2022

As online education expands in the wake of recent global events, concerns over the privileging of dominant languages, cultures and epistemologies gain prominence. Despite the explicit biases and assumptions found within hegemonic learning contexts, however, inquiry within the domain of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) typically manifests via decontextualised interpretations. Consequently, this inquiry aims to contribute to the theoretical expansion of digital education by situating CALL within Feenberg’s critical theory of technology (CTT). In doing so, it intends to answer calls for the engagement of CTT to question instrumental and deterministic accounts of digital English language learning (ELL) and expose the subtle influences that impact the transmission of English within the online space. This inquiry finds that digital ELL obfuscates alternative epistemological and linguistic contexts, with the prevalence of English native speakerism presupposing dominion over subaltern cultures. Practitioners should thus moderate the temptation to draw on ‘euphoric’ conceptualisations of CALL, with specific reference to exaggerated visions of egalitarian participation structures and the across-the-board beneficial impact of digital practices on learner engagement. Finally, not all uses of English hold equal power and status, with graduated degrees of access to technological and linguistic capital driving a circular system of socio-economic reproduction.
Patient experiences in an art-making cancer support group: A qualitative study
Authors: Siak Junpei E , Yong Flora , Tang Jintana , Choo Chih H
Published: February 2022

Background

This hospital-based art-making support group for female adult cancer patients was set up in 2009. Participants meet weekly for art and craft activities, which are facilitated by a psychiatrist. The group is open-ended and participation is voluntary. There are currently around 150 participants in total.

Objectives

This qualitative study explores patient experiences in a hospital-based art-making support group.

Methods

15 semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. The participants were all female, predominantly Chinese Singaporean, and had been diagnosed with either breast cancer or a gynaecological cancer. A constructivist phenomenological research paradigm was adopted. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify, analyse and report patterns in the data.

Results

Three overarching themes and corresponding subthemes were identified: Benefits and challenges of journeying through cancer as a group (supporting one another, maturing relationships, interpersonal conflict, death and illness in the group), increased personal well-being (increased emotional well-being, personal growth and reduced social isolation) and going beyond group-based art-making (value of non-art-making activities, artistic development beyond the group).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that art-making support groups may enhance the emotional, psychological and social well-being of patients with cancer. The group experience has provided participants with emotional, informational and experiential support, though participants cited the need to accept interpersonal conflict and grief over fellow participants’ illness and death. Potential areas for future study include the impact of interpersonal dynamics on cancer support groups, the impact of cultural factors on participants’ interactions and the skills required of group facilitators to manage conflict, grief and anxiety amongst participants.
Language Discordance Between Students and Patients: Impact on Clinical Learning
Authors: Rustandy Felicia , Yann Foo Y , Compton Scott
Published: February 2022

Background

The clinical education of medical students relies on having direct patient experiences, which can be challenging when the patient population speaks multiple languages. In Singapore, students regularly encounter patients with whom they do not speak the same language.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of student–patient language discordance (SPLD) on students’ clinical education experience.

Methods

In this sequential mixed-methods study, medical students who have completed at least 1 year of clinical education at the Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore were asked to complete an online survey to obtain their self-reported language proficiency in local languages, experiences interacting with patients who do not speak English, and perceptions of the impact on clinical learning. A follow-up interview with selected participants was conducted.

Results

Overall, 35.9% of eligible students responded to the survey. Demographic analysis of respondents adequately represented the school’s overall student population. Non-Mandarin-speaking respondents reported that learning medicine in a multilingual environment negatively impacts clinical learning due to significantly more frequent challenges to clerking patients and feeling hindered from learning from doctors due to language barriers. However, no difference was observed in the performance on clinical exams of the three groups. Qualitative interviews uncovered possible reasons for the confounding results and two interrelated themes that highlight clinical learning experiences and challenges in a multilingual environment.

Conclusion

Students perceive SPLD as a hindrance toward their clinical education experience. Follow-up interviews uncovered the quandary of using translators and how language discordance impacts student’s professional identity formation.