bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Allogeneic Multiple Myeloma GM-CSF–Secreting Vaccine with Lenalidomide Induces Long-term Immunity and Durable Clinical Responses in Patients in Near Complete Remission
Authors: Biavati Luca , Huff Carol Ann , Ferguson Anna , Sidorski Amy , Stevens M. Amanda , Rudraraju Lakshmi , Zucchinetti Cristina , Ali Syed Abbas , Imus Philip , Gocke Christian B. , Gittelman Rachel M. , Johnson Sarah , Sanders Catherine , Vignali Marissa , Gandhi Anita , Ye Xiaobu , Noonan Kimberly A. , Borrello Ivan
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

This proof-of-principle clinical trial evaluated whether an allogeneic multiple myeloma GM-CSF–secreting vaccine (MM-GVAX) in combination with lenalidomide could deepen the clinical response in patients with multiple myeloma in sustained near complete remission (nCR).

Patients and Methods:

Fifteen patients on lenalidomide were treated with MM-GVAX and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV; Prevnar) at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months.

Results:

Eight patients (53.3%) achieved a true CR. With a median follow-up of 5 years, the median progression-free survival had not been reached, and the median overall survival was 7.8 years from enrollment. MM-GVAX induced clonal T-cell expansion and measurable cytokine responses that persisted up to 7 years in all patients. At baseline, a higher minimal residual disease was predictive of early relapse. After vaccination, a lack of both CD27−DNAM1−CD8+ T cells and antigen-presenting cells was associated with disease progression.

Conclusions:

MM-GVAX, along with lenalidomide, effectively primed durable immunity and resulted in long-term disease control, as suggested by the reappearance of a detectable, fluctuating M-spike without meeting the criteria for clinical relapse. For patients in a nCR, MM-GVAX administration was safe and resulted in prolonged clinical responses.
Real-World Evidence in Support of Oncology Product Registration: A Systematic Review of New Drug Application and Biologics License Application Approvals from 2015–2020
Authors: Arondekar Bhakti , Duh Mei Sheng , Bhak Rachel H. , DerSarkissian Maral , Huynh Lynn , Wang Kelsey , Wojciehowski John , Wu Melody , Wornson Bryon , Niyazov Alexander , Demetri George D.
Published: October 2021

Real-world evidence (RWE) has garnered great interest to support registration of new therapies and label expansions by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Currently, practical insights on the design and analysis of regulatory-grade RWE are lacking. This study aimed to analyze attributes of real-world studies in FDA's decision-making and characteristics of full versus accelerated approvals through a systematic review of oncology product approvals. Oncology approvals from 2015 to 2020 were reviewed from FDA.gov. Applications were screened for inclusion of RWE, and variables related to regulatory designations of the application, pivotal clinical trial, and real-world studies were extracted. FDA feedback was reviewed to identify takeaways and best practices for adequate RWE. Among 133 original and 573 supplemental approvals for oncology, 11 and 2, respectively, included RWE; none predated 2017. All real-world studies were retrospective in nature; the most common data source was chart review, and the most common primary endpoint was overall response rate, as in the pivotal trial. The FDA critiqued the lack of the following: a prespecified study protocol, inclusion/exclusion criteria matching to the trial, comparability of endpoint definitions, methods to minimize confounding and address unmeasured confounding, and plans to handle missing data. All full (versus accelerated) approvals shared the following characteristics: high magnitude of efficacy in the pivotal trial; designations of orphan disease, breakthrough therapy, and priority review; and no advisory committee meeting held. This study found that findings from external control real-world studies complemented efficacy data from single-arm trials in successful oncology product approvals.
Intraperitoneal Pretargeted Radioimmunotherapy for Colorectal Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
Authors: Chandler Christopher S. , Bell Meghan M. , Chung Sebastian K. , Veach Darren R. , Fung Edward K. , Punzalan Blesida , Burnes Vargas Daniela , Patel Mitesh , Xu Hong , Guo Hong-fen , Santich Brian H. , Zanzonico Pat B. , Monette Sébastien , Nash Garrett M. , Cercek Andrea , Jungbluth Achim , Pandit-Taskar Neeta , Cheung Nai Kong V. , Larson Steven M. , Cheal Sarah M.
Published: October 2021

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is considered incurable, and more effective therapies are needed. Herein we test the hypothesis that GPA33-directed intracompartmental pretargeted radioimmunotherapy (PRIT) can cure colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis. Nude mice were implanted intraperitoneally with luciferase-transduced GPA33-expressing SW1222 cells for aggressive peritoneal carcinomatosis (e.g., resected tumor mass 0.369 ± 0.246 g; n = 17 on day 29). For GPA33-PRIT, we administered intraperitoneally a high-affinity anti-GPA33/anti-DOTA bispecific antibody (BsAb), followed by clearing agent (intravenous), and lutetium-177 (Lu-177) or yttrium-86 (Y-86) radiolabeled DOTA-radiohapten (intraperitoneal) for beta/gamma-emitter therapy and PET imaging, respectively. The DOTA-radiohaptens were prepared from S-2-(4-aminobenzyl)-1,4,7, 10-tetraazacyclododecane tetraacetic acid chelate (DOTA-Bn). Efficacy and toxicity of single- versus three-cycle therapy were evaluated in mice 26–27 days post-tumor implantation. Single-cycle treatment ([177Lu]LuDOTA-Bn 111 MBq; tumor dose: 4,992 cGy) significantly prolonged median survival (MS) approximately 2-fold to 84.5 days in comparison with controls (P = 0.007). With three-cycle therapy (once weekly, total 333 MBq; tumor dose: 14,975 cGy), 6/8 (75%) survived long-term (MS > 183 days). Furthermore, for these treated long-term survivors, 1 mouse was completely disease free (microscopic “cure”) at necropsy; the others showed stabilized disease, which was detectable during PET-CT using [86Y]DOTA-Bn. Treatment controls had MS ranging from 42–52.5 days (P < 0.001) and 19/20 mice succumbed to progressive intraperitoneal disease by 69 days. Multi-cycle GPA33 DOTA-PRIT significantly prolongs survival with reversible myelosuppression and no chronic marrow (929 cGy to blood) or kidney (982 cGy) radiotoxicity, with therapeutic indices of 12 for blood and 12 for kidneys. MTD was not reached.
Anastrozole Regulates Fatty Acid Synthase in Breast Cancer
Authors: Cairns Junmei , Ingle James N. , Kalari Krishna R. , Goetz Matthew P. , Weinshilboum Richard M. , Gao Huanyao , Li Hu , Bari Mehrab Ghanat , Wang Liewei
Published: October 2021

Our previous matched case–control study of postmenopausal women with resected early-stage breast cancer revealed that only anastrozole, but not exemestane or letrozole, showed a significant association between the 6-month estrogen concentrations and risk of breast cancer. Anastrozole, but not exemestane or letrozole, is a ligand for estrogen receptor α. The mechanisms of endocrine resistance are heterogenous and with the new mechanism of anastrozole, we have found that treatment of anastrozole maintains fatty acid synthase (FASN) protein level by limiting the ubiquitin-mediated FASN degradation, leading to increased breast cancer cell growth. Mechanistically, anastrozole decreases the guided entry of tail-anchored proteins factor 4 (GET4) expression, resulting in decreased BCL2-associated athanogene cochaperone 6 (BAG6) complex activity, which in turn, prevents RNF126-mediated degradation of FASN. Increased FASN protein level can induce a negative feedback loop mediated by the MAPK pathway. High levels of FASN are associated with poor outcome only in patients with anastrozole-treated breast cancer, but not in patients treated with exemestane or letrozole. Repressing FASN causes regression of breast cancer cell growth. The anastrozole-FASN signaling pathway is eminently targetable in endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
The Synergistic Inhibitory Effect of Combining MK-2206 and AZD 6244 in MARIMO Cells Harboring a Calreticulin Gene Mutation
Authors: Wang Chunqing , Hu Xueting , Wan Yan , Wang Shujin , Qi Kunming , Li Yanjie , Qiao Jianlin , Zeng Lingyu , Li Zhenyu , Fu Chunling , Xu Kailin
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Somatic mutations in the calreticulin (CALR) gene occur in most myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients who lack Janus kinase 2 or thrombopoietin receptor (MPL) mutations, but the molecular pathogenesis of MPN with mutated CALR is unclear, which limited the further treatment for CALR gene mutant patients. Objectives: Previous studies showed that CALR mutations not only activated serine/threonine protein kinase (AKT) in primary mouse bone marrow cells but also mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in MARIMO cells harboring a heterozygous 61-bp deletion in CALR exon 9, which were responsible for mutant CALR cell survival, respectively. Hence, we aimed to initially explore the mechanism of AKT activation and observe the synergistic inhibitory effect of combining AKT (MK-2206) and MAPK kinase (AZD 6244) inhibitors in MARIMO cells. Methods: We detected the expression of phosphorylated AKT in MARIMO cells treated with inhibitors for 24 or 48 h by western blotting and analyzed cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis by flow cytometry. We further examined the synergistic inhibitory effect of combining MK-2206 and AZD 6244 in MARIMO cells using the median effect principle of Chou and Talalay. Results: We found that the AKT was activated in MARIMO cells, and blocking its activity significantly inhibited MARIMO cell growth with downregulation of cyclin D and E, and accelerated cell apoptosis by decreasing Bcl-2 but increasing Bax and cleaved caspase-3 levels in a dose-dependent manner. Further analysis showed that AKT activation was dependent on mammalian target of rapamycin but not on the JAK signaling pathway in MARIMO cells, displaying that inhibition of JAK activity by ruxolitinib (RUX) did not decrease the AKT phosphorylation. Furthermore, the combination of MK-2206 and AZD 6244 produced a significantly synergistic inhibitory effect on MARIMO cells. Conclusions: AKT activation is a feature of MARIMO cells and co-targeting of AKT and MAPKs signaling pathways synergistically inhibits MARIMO cell growth.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Early Gastric Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Xiao Zili , Ji Danian , Li Feng , Li Zhengliang , Bao Zhijun
Published: October 2021

Background: With the development of new technologies such as magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging, endoscopists achieved better accuracy for diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC) in various aspects. However, to master such skill takes substantial effort and could be difficult for inexperienced doctors. Therefore, a novel diagnostic method based on artificial intelligence (AI) was developed and its effectiveness was confirmed in many studies. AI system using convolutional neural network has showed marvelous results in the ongoing trials of computer-aided detection of colorectal polyps. Summary: With AI’s efficient computational power and learning capacities, endoscopists could improve their diagnostic accuracy and avoid the overlooking or over-diagnosis of gastric neoplasm. Several systems have been reported to achieved decent accuracy. Thus, AI-assisted endoscopy showed great potential on more accurate and sensitive ways for early detection, differentiation, and invasion depth prediction of gastric lesions. However, the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety in daily practice remain to be tested. Key messages: This review summarizes the current status of different AI applications in early GC diagnosis. More randomized controlled trails will be needed before AI could be widely put into clinical practice.
Prolactin Reduces Hippocampal Parvalbumin and GABAA Receptor Expression in Female Mice
Authors: Mellado Susana , Moreno-Ruiz Beatriz , Expósito Sara , Fernández Miriam , Martín Eduardo D.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Parvalbumin (PV)-positive cells are strategic elements of neuronal networks capable of influencing memory and learning processes. However, it is not known whether pituitary hormones may be related to PV expression in the hippocampus – a part of the limbic system with important functions in learning and memory. Objective: Since previous studies indicate that prolactin (PRL) plays a significant role in hippocampal-dependent learning and synaptic plasticity, we hypothesized that a rise in PRL levels can modify PV expression in the hippocampus. Methods: We employed biochemical, immunohistochemistry, and densitometry techniques – as well as a behavioural assay – in a hyperprolactinemia model using subcutaneous osmotic pumps in female mice. Results: PRL treatment via osmotic pump induced an increase in PRL receptor (PRLR) expression in most regions of the hippocampus analysed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry methods. Fluorescent densitometry analysis revealed that PV expression decreases in the same layers in the hippocampus following PRL treatment, while double labelling immunostaining indicated close localization of PV and PRLR in PV-positive interneurons. In addition, we found that PRL induced a reduction in the β2/3 subunit of GABAA receptor (GABAAR) expression that was linearly correlated with the reduction in PV expression. This reduction in the β2/3 subunit of GABAAR expression was maintained in trained animals in which PRL treatment improved the learning of a spatial memory task. Conclusions: These data show, for the first time, that an increase in PRL level is associated with changes in key constituent elements of inhibitory circuits in the hippocampus and may be of relevance for the alterations in cognitive function reported in hyperprolactinemia.
Predictors of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement in Severe Mitral Annular Calcification: An Analysis of the Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement in Mitral Annular Calcification Global Registry
Authors: El Sabbagh Abdallah , Al-Hijji Mohammed , Wang Dee Dee , Eleid Mackram , Urena Marina , Himbert Dominique , Chakravarty Tarun , Holzhey David , Pershad Ashish , Fang H. Kenith , Nejjari Mohammed , Zahr Firas , Dvir Danny , Sardar Muhammad Rizwan , Cheema Asim N. , Alnasser Sami , Iyer Vijay , Kaddissi Georges , Webb John , Makkar Raj , Vahanian Alec , O’Neill William , Rihal Charanjit , Guerrero Mayra
Published: October 2021

Background:

Several studies have evaluated preprocedural imaging predictors of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) after transcatheter mitral valve replacement. The patient cohorts in these studies were heterogeneous and included patients with transcatheter mitral valve replacement in failed bioprostheses, annuloplasty rings, and severe mitral annular calcification (MAC). The goal of this study was to evaluate predictors of LVOTO specific to patients undergoing valve-in-MAC.

Methods:

This study included patients with severe MAC who underwent valve-in-MAC and had optimal quality preprocedural multidetector row computed tomography scans eligible for retrospective analysis. Baseline demographic, echocardiographic, and procedural data on these patients were collected. multidetector row computed tomography parameters were analyzed for association with LVOTO, defined as increase in mean LVOT gradient by ≥10 mm Hg with accompanying hemodynamic instability.

Results:

Seventy-one patients with optimal preprocedural computed tomography scans were included in this study (mean age, 72.5±13.5 years), 9 of which developed LVOTO (all female). Baseline mean LVOT area, neo-LVOT area (145.3 versus 270.9 mm
2
;
P
=0.006), indexed neo-LVOT area (90.1 versus 157.4;
P
=0.05), and virtual transcatheter heart valve to septum distance (3.1 versus 6.9 mm;
P
=0.002) were lower in the LVOTO group. Expected % LVOT area reduction was higher in the latter group (58.3 versus 42.7%;
P
=0.008). In the univariable analysis, the baseline mean LVOT area, neo-LVOT area, indexed neo-LVOT area, and valve to septum distance were all significantly associated with LVOTO.

Conclusions:

The systolic mean LVOT area, neo-LVOT area, indexed neo-LVOT, expected percentage LVOT area reduction, and the valve to septum distance were associated with LVOTO after valve-in-MAC.
Impact of Intravascular Ultrasound–Guided Optimal Stent Expansion on 3-Year Hard Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Lee Yong-Joon , Zhang Jun-Jie , Mintz Gary S. , Hong Sung-Jin , Ahn Chul-Min , Kim Jung-Sun , Kim Byeong-Keuk , Ko Young-Guk , Choi Donghoon , Jang Yangsoo , Kan Jing , Pan Tao , Gao Xiaofei , Ge Zhen , Chen Shao-Liang , Hong Myeong-Ki
Published: October 2021

Background:

Although stent underexpansion on intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has been a major predictor for adverse outcomes in previous studies, these studies have primarily focused on angiographic restenosis or repeat revascularization with short-term follow-up. This study sought to evaluate the long-term benefit of different criteria for IVUS-defined optimal stent expansion on hard clinical outcomes.

Methods:

From the pooled data of 2 randomized trials, IVUS-XPL (Impact of Intravascular Ultrasound Guidance on the Outcomes of Xience Prime Stents in Long Lesions) and ULTIMATE (Intravascular Ultrasound Guided Drug Eluting Stents Implantation in All-Comers Coronary Lesions) that compared IVUS- versus angiography-guided drug-eluting stent implantation, a total of 1254 patients with IVUS-guided drug-eluting stent implantation into 1484 long lesions (implanted stent length, ≥28 mm) were included. Different criteria for IVUS-defined optimal stent expansion based on minimum stent area (MSA) as an absolute measure or MSA relative to reference lumen area were applied and validated. The primary end point was composite of cardiac death, target lesion–related myocardial infarction, or stent thrombosis at 3 years.

Results:

The rate of the primary end point was lower in patients with optimal stent expansion versus those without optimal stent expansion according to 3 IVUS-defined optimal stent expansion criteria: MSA >5.5 mm
2
(0.5% versus 2.2%; hazard ratio, 0.21 [95% CI, 0.06–0.75];
P
=0.008), MSA >5.0 mm
2
(0.6% versus 2.6%; hazard ratio, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.09–0.68];
P
=0.003), and MSA/distal reference lumen area >90% (0.5% versus 2.4%; hazard ratio, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.12–0.88];
P
=0.019). Achieving other relative expansion criteria, MSA/distal reference lumen area >100% or 80% or MSA/average reference lumen area >90% or 80%, was not associated with a reduction in hard clinical events.

Conclusions:

In patients undergoing IVUS-guided drug-eluting stent implantation for long lesions, achieving optimal stent expansion of MSA >5.5 mm
2
, >5.0 mm
2
, or MSA/distal reference lumen area >90% was associated with improved long-term hard clinical outcomes.
Revalidation and redescription of Serranus knysnaensis Gilchrist, 1904, (Perciformes: Serranidae) with a new distribution record
Authors: SITHOLE YONELA , HEEMSTRA ELAINE , MWALE MONICA
Published: October 2021

A southwestern Indian Ocean (SWIO) percoid fish Serranus knysnaensis Gilchrist, 1904, was long synonymised with the comber, Serranus cabrilla (Linnaeus, 1758), from the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean and Black Sea. However, when the species was brought out of synonymy by Heemstra & Heemstra (2004), reasons for this decision were not given. This study aims to revalidate the present taxonomic status of S. knysnaensis using morphological and molecular assessments. The two species are distinguished by the number of circumpeduncular scales (26–34 in S. knysnaensis versus 34–38 in S. cabrilla) and total gill rakers (18–22 versus 22–24). Serranus knysnaensis is also distinct from S. novemcinctus Kner, 1864, the other SWIO species of Serranus, based on total gill raker counts (18–22 versus 31–35). Genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA barcode (COI) sequences for 17 Serranus species revealed three closely-related monophyletic clusters corresponding to S. cabrilla, S. novemcinctus and S. knysnaensis that were supported (P <0.001) by species delimitation methods. Even though the genetic distances among the three species were the lowest in the genus (1.60−1.99%), these species may be ecomorphs or lineages that have only recently diverged from each other. These three species also have allopatric distributions and our morphological and molecular data thus confirm that S. knysnaensis is a valid species.
Partisan Identity and Affective Polarization in Presidential Debates
Authors: Park Jihye , Warner Benjamin R. , McKinney Mitchell S. , Kearney Cassandra , Kearney Michael W. , Kim Go-Eun
Published: October 2021

This study presents the results of a quasi-experiment to assess the effects of viewing the live televised general election presidential and vice-presidential campaign debates. We contribute to a growing empirical record on the polarizing effects of campaign debates by testing some contextual variables that have confounded past researchers. Specifically, we use Trump’s aggressive first debate performance as a test-case of polarizing content and compare it with Trump’s second debate performance along with the other 2020 debates. We also test whether, as some have hypothesized, vice-presidential debates are more polarizing. Finally, we consider Biden—a candidate who has been polarizing and depolarizing in his vice-presidential debates, as a candidate-specific source of uncertainty in existing findings. We find further evidence that campaign debates increase ingroup affection—or the extent to which co-partisans reward the ingroup candidate. Conversely, outgroup hostility did not increase even after Trump’s first debate. We conclude that debates may contribute to polarization, but only through ingroup affection, not outgroup animosity.
Incentivizing Environmental Improvements in Supply Chains through Data-Driven Governance
Authors: O’Rourke Dara , Lollo Niklas
Published: October 2021

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Facility Environmental Module (FEM) is one of the world’s most advanced “data-driven governance” initiatives. The FEM represents an important new strategy in the governance of Global Value Chains. This article reports on a multi-year study to evaluate how firms have implemented the FEM, and whether and under what conditions it leads to improvements in factory performance. It finds that while the FEM represents an important step in improving environmental measurement systems, the program currently acts like a “scale without a diet.” Companies are now better able to measure performance, but many have not implemented the mechanisms needed to motivate systematic improvements. This article offers recommendations for how to strengthen data-driven governance systems and explores their implications for managers.
Forced returnee Bangladeshi female migrant domestic workers and their social reintegration experiences
Authors: Chy Muhammad Tareq , Uddin Md. Kamal , Ahmmed Helal Uddin
Published: October 2021

Bangladeshi female migrant domestic workers are often forcefully repatriated from the Middle East before concluding their working tenure due to the various difficulties and challenges they face while working there. However, they face many new challenges in reintegrating with family and society after returning home. This article explores the experiences and challenges faced by forced returnee Bangladeshi female migrant domestic workers during social reintegration. It also examines the experiences of those returned migrant women who were not returned forcibly to provide a better idea of the reintegration. The questions of how and why forced returnee Bangladeshi female migrant domestic workers face challenges and problems in their social reintegration are addressed in this study. This article uses the qualitative techniques of data collection and the analysis is based on an in-depth interview of 28 respondents among different categories of participants. This article finds that the social reintegration experiences of forced returnee female migrant domestic workers are often stressful and difficult due to the issues of changed social perceptions towards them, psychological changes in the returnees themselves, challenges in intimate partnerships, and economic factors in the case of relationship rebuilding with friends, family and society. Finally, the article outlines some policy implications regarding the female migration of Bangladesh.
Waist circumference, hip circumference, arm span, and waist-to-hip ratio high risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Mawaddatina Tazkia , Budihastuti Uki Retno , Rahayu Dwi
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a reproductive problem of women with high prevalence cases accompanied by obesity conditions. Obesity condition can be seen from the size of waist circumference, hip circumference, arm span, and waist-to-hip ratio. This study aims to find out the risk factors between waist circumference size, hip circumference, arm span, and waist-to-hip ratio with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Methods

This research is an analytical observation using a case-control approach conducted at Sekar Fertility Clinic and Poly Obgyn Dr Moewardi General Hospital Surakarta. Subjects were 150 consisting of 75 polycystic ovarian syndrome women and 75 normal fertile women. Sampling techniques used in this study are purposive sampling, researchers doing anthropometric measurements in the form of waist circumference, hip circumference, arm span, and waist-to-hip ratio simultaneously. The results were analyzed using Statistic Product and Service Solution 25.

Results

The results of the study obtained waist circumference with polycystic ovarian syndrome ( b = 3.002; CI 95% = 3.41–123.5; p = 0.001), hip circumference ( b = −2.671; CI 95% = 0.01–0.37; p = 0.002), arm span ( b = 5.318; CI 95% = 32.23–129.58; p < 0.001) and waist-to-hip ratio ( b = 1.761; CI 95% = 1.02–33.01; p = 0.047).

Conclusion

Waist circumference size, hip circumference, arm span, and waist-to-hip ratio correlate to a high risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Arm span is more dominant as an indicator of high risk to polycystic ovarian syndrome compared to waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio.
Tablet Devices in the Classroom: Their Instructional Role with Children on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: Correia Ana-Paula , Halabi Andrea Lynn
Published: October 2021

Understanding the instructional role of tablet devices while teaching a group of learners diagnosed with autism was the purpose of this research study. Five children diagnosed with autism participated in activities involving traditional paper and pencil and tablet devices. Observations and interviews with learners and one teacher were conducted. The case study provided an understanding of the motivational impact tablet devices potentially have on learners on the autism spectrum concerning engagement and participation in learning activities. The study also revealed that technology in general and tablet devices, in particular, are used in the classroom as reward mechanisms and entertaining strategies to seize and retain the learners’ attention to achieve instructional goals.
Writing to Promote Health and Safety Behaviors in Occupational Settings
Authors: Manning D. Thompson
Published: October 2021

Occupational health and safety materials prepared by government and private industry are intended to produce desirable behavioral practices in the workplace, but their authors often lack training in basic principles of attitude and behavior change. A strategy for writing a message which will lead to action - A.C.T.I.R. - is presented based upon the findings of communication and educational research. Written materials incorporating A.C.T.I.R. principles can be effective in promoting health and safety in the workplace especially when combined with other strategies.
Decomposition Methods for Tourism Demand Forecasting: A Comparative Study
Authors: Zhang Chengyuan , Li Mingchen , Sun Shaolong , Tang Ling , Wang Shouyang
Published: October 2021

Decomposition methods are extensively used for processing the complex patterns of tourism demand data. Given tourism demand data’s intrinsic complexity, it is critical to theoretically understand how different decomposition methods provide solutions. However, a comprehensive comparison of decomposition methods in tourism demand forecasting is still lacking. Hence, this study systematically investigates the forecasting performance of decomposition methods in tourism demand. Nine popular decomposition methods and six forecasting methods are employed, and their forecasting performance is compared. With Hong Kong visitor arrivals from eight major sources as a sample, three main conclusions are obtained from empirical results. First, all the decomposition methods generally outperform benchmark at all horizons, in both the level and directional forecasting. Second, decomposition methods can be divided into four categories based on forecasting accuracy. Finally, variational mode decomposition method is consistently superior to other eight decomposition methods and can provide the best forecasts in all cases.
Does the Order of Visiting Destinations Affect Their Recall and Evaluation?
Authors: Zare Samira , Pearce Philip L.
Published: October 2021

Tourists frequently engage in visiting a sequence of cities, sites, and destinations. Previous psychology studies have shown the impact of order on recall and favorability; key concepts are the serial position effect and primacy and recency influences. A field-based natural experiment collected posttrip responses from 179 international tourists to four major Iranian cities. The researchers examined the relationships between the order of visiting the cities, tourists’ recall and judgment. Results from the manipulations revealed there is a relationship (mainly Primacy) between position in the itinerary and their recall. For evaluative judgments, both primacy and recency effects were linked to order of visiting. The work has implications for the presentations of tourism units in a sequence and sharpens the way we use the expression memorable in tourism research.
Model decomposition-based optimal formation control for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Shehzad Khan Muhammad , Su Hao , Tang Gong-You , Zhang Bao-Lin
Published: October 2021

This paper deals with the optimal formation control problem based on model decomposition for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The main contribution of this paper is to integrate the formation control and the trajectory tracking into one unified feedforward control and feedback control framework in an optimal mode. We first establish the dynamic model of the leader-follower UAV formation system, and the communication network topology which only depends on the position information given by the leader. Second, to reduce the complexity of the model, each follower is decomposed into three isolated subsystems. Third, a step-by-step formation controller design scheme decomposed into feedforward control and optimal control of formation control is proposed. Finally, the proposed scheme has been extensively simulated and the results demonstrate the stability and the optimality.
Analysing intra-party power: Swedish selection committees over five decades
Authors: Bolin Niklas , Aylott Nicholas
Published: October 2021

Unlike political parties in many other countries, Swedish ones have not adopted more inclusive methods for choosing their election candidates and party leaders. While the party congress formally selects important party offices, the process is managed, prior to the formal vote, by a selection committee vested with the task of filtering the pool of potential leaders and proposing one of them as the new leader. In this article, we survey the composition of these selection committees over time to investigate the extent to which change has taken place. Specifically, we investigate whether the composition of these powerful committees, which decide who joins the ranks of the country’s political leaders, has developed over time in relation to what prominent theories of intra-party power might lead us to expect. We derive testable expectations from prominent conceptualisations of intra-party power and apply these empirically. Specifically, we study the composition of party selection committees in Sweden over 50 years, 1969–2019. In total, this includes 40 different selection committees and almost 400 individuals. Contrary to conventional wisdom on intra-party power relations, the empirical analysis reveals a surprising degree of stability, raising questions about common claims of general power shifts within parties.
Exploring Taxi Demand Distribution of Comprehensive Land-Use Patterns Using Online Car-Hailing Data and Points of Interest in Chengdu, China
Authors: Yu Weijie , Wang Wei , Hua Xuedong , Wei Xueyan
Published: October 2021

With the rapid advance of urbanization, land-use intensity is increasing, and various land-use forms gather to form comprehensive land-use patterns. Traffic demand shows variability and complexity under comprehensive land-use patterns. Accurate analysis of traffic demand in urban transportation is the key to active traffic control and road guidance. Researchers have widely studied the relationship between traffic demand and land-use patterns, while land-use intensity is ignored when classifying land-use patterns, and the traffic demand distribution in each land-use pattern is not studied specifically. Taxi is a flexible public mode in urban areas, and taxi demand is an important component in analyzing traffic demand and identifying traffic hotspots in cities. This paper explores taxi demand distribution of comprehensive land-use patterns using online car-hailing data and points of interest (POI) in Chengdu, China. The demand-driven traffic analysis zones are developed by clustering origin–destination points of online car-hailing services. Using POI data, comprehensive land-use patterns are classified with land-use forms and land-use intensity. The K-shape algorithm is adopted to extract the typical taxi demand distribution in each comprehensive land-use pattern. Finally, two indicators, total taxi demand (TTD) and taxi demand difference (TDD), are computed and further analyzed. Results show that taxi demand distribution is still differential even under the same land-use pattern. Three land-use patterns whose average hourly taxi demand reaches about 300 vehicles per square kilometer have the largest TTD and most uneven TDD. The findings can support traffic management, land-use combination, and land-use adjustment to avoid concentrated taxi demand and mismatched TDD.
Scheduling of Yard Truck Considering Loading and Unloading Simultaneously in an Underground Container Logistics System
Authors: Gao Yinping , Chang Daofang , Yuan Jun , Liang Chengji
Published: October 2021

With the rapid growth of containers and scarce of land, the underground container logistics system (UCLS) presents a logical alternative for container terminals to better protect the environment and relieve traffic pressure. The operating efficiency of container terminals is one of the competitive edges over other terminals, which requires UCLS to be well integrated with the handling process of the storage yard. In UCLS, yard trucks (YTs) serve different handling points dynamically instead of one fixed handling point, and yard cranes (YCs) perform loading and unloading simultaneously. To minimize the total time of handling all containers in UCLS, the mixed integer programming problem is described and solved using an adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA). The convergence speed and accuracy of AGA are demonstrated by comparison with conventional genetic algorithm (GA). Additionally, AGA and CPLEX are compared with different scale cases. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is superior to CPLEX in resulted solutions and calculation time. A sensitivity analysis is provided to obtain reasonable numbers of YTs for scheduling between handling points and the storage yard in UCLS.
Identifying Subway Passenger Flow under Large-Scale Events Using Symbolic Aggregate Approximation Algorithm
Authors: Huang Hainan , Zhang Rongjie , Xie Chengguang , Li Xiaofeng
Published: October 2021

Various social events, such as holidays, important sporting events, and major celebrations, may result in sudden large-scale passenger flows in certain sections and stations of urban rail transit systems. The sudden inbound passenger flows caused by these events can easily lead to continuous congestion of the subway network, which has a profound impact on the safety, reliability, and stability of a subway system. Because of the large magnitude of swipe data and the high dimensionality of time series, it is difficult to identify the emergence of such large passenger flows. Additionally, the recognition accuracy of the existing identification methods cannot meet the operational monitoring requirements. To address the above-mentioned issues, this paper proposes an optimized symbolic aggregate approximation (SAX) algorithm to identify historical sudden passenger flows caused by large-scale events around subways. Specifically, pre-set cluster types and dynamic time warping (DTW) are proposed to enhance the matching rate. Compared with the K-means method, the proposed method exhibits an average increase of 30% in mining accuracy, and the calculation time is shortened to one-sixteenth of the original value.
Use of Real-Time Traffic and Signal Timing Data in Modeling Occupant Injury Severity at Signalized Intersections
Authors: Kidando Emmanuel , Kitali Angela E. , Kutela Boniphace , Karaer Alican , Ghorbanzadeh Mahyar , Koloushani Mohammadreza , Ozguven Eren E.
Published: October 2021

This study explored the use of real-time traffic events and signal timing data to determine the factors influencing the injury severity of vehicle occupants at intersections. The analysis was based on 3 years (2017–2019) of crash and high-resolution traffic data. The best fit regression was first identified by comparing the conventional regression model and logistic models with random effect. The logistic model with a heavy-tailed distribution random effect best fitted the data set, and it was used in the variable assessment. The model results revealed that about 13.6% of the unobserved heterogeneity comes from site-specific variations, which underlines the need to use the logistic model with a random effect. Among the real-time traffic events and signal-based variables, approach delay and platoon ratio significantly influenced the injury severity of vehicle occupants at 90% Bayesian credible interval. Additionally, the manner of a collision, occupant seat position, number of vehicles involved in a crash, gender, age, lighting condition, and day of the week significantly affected the vehicle occupant injury. The study findings are anticipated to provide valuable insights to transportation agencies for developing countermeasures to mitigate the crash severity risk proactively.
The Rise and Decline of Polish Revisionist Marxist Economics: The Fates of Włodzimierz Brus and the Faculty of Political Economy (University of Warsaw), 1953–1968
Authors: Koryś Piotr , Tymiński Maciej
Published: October 2021

The paper deals with the history of Polish revisionist Marxist political economy, which flourished between 1956 and 1968, mostly in the academic institutions of Warsaw. The fate of Polish revisionism in Marxist economics is presented in parallel to the intellectual biography of Włodzimierz Brus (one of its leaders) and the fate of the Faculty of Political Economy ( Wydział Ekonomii Politycznej [WEP]), which he co-established at the University of Warsaw. The authors compare contemporary documents and existing analyses of the period with memories of Brus’s colleagues and students, collected decades after the events. The authors show that both the relative freedom of expression and academic research and the process of gradual closing of these possibilities were related to the changing balance of power within Party elites.
Effect of preload and shim types on the mechanical properties of composite-aluminium bolted joints
Authors: Yue Xuande , An Luling , Chen Zengtao , Cai Yuebo , Wang Chufan
Published: October 2021

The influence of both preload and the presence of shim types on the mechanical properties of composite-aluminium single-bolt, single-lap joints were studied in this paper. The load-displacement curve and surface strain field of joints in different shim types and preloads were obtained through tensile experiments. A progressive damage model was established using the UMAT subroutine in ABAQUS. A hybrid failure criterion and a linear continuous degradation model were used to describe the progressive damage of composite laminates. The results show that for joints with no shim and for those with various types of shims, the tensile stiffness, peak load and initial damage load could be reduced when the preload is insufficient or too large. Compared with joints with no shims or with peelable fibreglass shims, joints with liquid shims required a larger preload to achieve the best mechanical properties. As the proportion of peelable fibreglass shim increased, the tensile stiffness and peak load continued to increase in joints with a mixed shim of liquid and peelable fiberglass shim. Shims can serve as tension bearings, but have little effect on the initiation and development of bearing failure.
Rise of a bubble through a self-rewetting fluid under the combined influence of gravity-driven convection and Marangoni convection
Authors: Kumari Abha , Tripathi Rajat
Published: October 2021

In this study, the influence of gravity-driven convection and Marangoni convection due to the temperature-dependent surface tension gradient on the rise of an axisymmetric bubble moving in another fluid in a self-rewetting system inside a rectangular tube is studied in the presence and absence of a magnetic field. The axisymmetric bubble (fluid 1) moving in another fluid (fluid 2) is considered immiscible. A two-dimensional cylindrical polar coordinate system has been chosen to present the sketch of the problem. Partial differential equations governing the mentioned flow situations are written and converted into non-dimensional forms and their analytical solutions have been obtained. The deformation in the bubble in the form of its radius and length is simulated. The motion of the droplet is also analysed in the microgravity region by graphing the position of the bubble. The graphical results show that there is a decrease in the contribution of the Marangoni effect and gravitational effect when the magnetic field is increased. In the absence of a magnetic field, the contribution of both the Marangoni effect and gravitational effect decrease on increasing the relative viscosity.
Heat transport mechanism via ion-slip and Hall current in viscoplastic flow along a porous elastic sheet
Authors: Mehmood Rashid , Khan Sehrish , Maraj Ehnber Naheed , Ijaz Shagufta , Rana Siddra
Published: October 2021

Heat transfer phenomena occur in most of the natural as well as engineering or manufacturing production plants. Such significant industrial processes utilize various modes for the transportation of heat and energy. In this veneration, the existing research is an attempt to explore heat transmission in a viscoplastic fluid under thermal radiation in the presence of ion and Hall current. The properties of Hall and ion current have enormous uses, particularly when measured in the presence of heat transferal phenomena with suction and injection. The most relevant examples of such mechanisms are fridge spirals, magnetohydrodynamics accelerators, and control generators. Also, the field of biomechanics under the influence of these characteristics is widely used especially in the flowing of blood and magnetic resonance imaging, which helps in producing magnetic resonance images of the thorax, abdomen, brain, kidney, etc. Furthermore, directed medication transport inside the human body needs a tough and heavy magnetic field. Hence, these vital applications of Hall and ion current cannot be overlooked. Transport phenomena are examined past a porous elastic sheet. The prevailing physical model is adapted as a non-linear system of ordinary differential equations by means of proper similarity alterations. The graphical representation shows the physical implication of all related constraints on the velocity and temperature distribution of viscoplastic fluids. Momentum, as well as thermal boundary thickness, is significantly affected by Hall currents and ion slip parameters in the presence of suction/injection phenomena. The temperature of the fluid rises for Eckert number and radiation parameter and also the skin friction coefficient at the surface rises with the suction parameter. An excellent match of numerical results correctly up to three decimal places are obtained for the limiting case when compared to the already published literature.
Understanding Customer Perception on Sustainable Tourism and Related Practices Using Cluster Analysis: A Study in Indian Context
Authors: Jain Shanu , Sharma Pooja
Published: October 2021

‘Sustainable tourism’ has emerged as an increasingly acceptable phenomenon and is widely recognized as an important factor in making a positive impact on protecting the environment as well as contributing to the economy. Several agencies and organizations worldwide promote sustainable tourism but the adoption and practice amongst the travellers have been seldom explored in the Indian context. This article attempts to identify the class of ‘sustainable tourists’ by identifying their demographic characteristics through the application of K-means cluster analysis. The results depicted that females are likely to be more sustainable than their male counterparts. Apart from that, young, more educated along with those in full-time employment are more likely to exhibit characteristics of a ‘sustainable tourist’. Further, this study is also successful in identifying specific practices in which a ‘sustainable tourist’ is likely to engage themselves. This article provides important implications for a range of stakeholders including tour and travel agencies, hoteliers as well as tourist guides who can reformulate their marketing strategies to include ‘sustainable tourists’ in their efforts to expand their customer base. It will also give useful insights to the administration and other authorities of the tourist destinations to minimize the damage and promote the culture of sustainable tourism.
Role of Microglia and Astrocytes in Spinal Cord Injury Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Miranpuri Gurwattan S. , Bali Parul , Nguyen Justyn , Kim Jason J , Modgil Shweta , Mehra Priya , Buttar Seah , Brown Greta , Yutuc Noemi , Singh Harpreet , Wood Aleksandar , Singh Jagtar , Anand Akshay
Published: October 2021

Background:

Spinal cord injuries incite varying degrees of symptoms in patients, ranging from weakness and incoordination to paralysis. Common amongst spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, neuropathic pain (NP) is a debilitating medical condition. Unfortunately, there remain many clinical impediments in treating NP because there is a lack of understanding regarding the mechanisms behind SCI-induced NP (SCINP). Given that more than 450,000 people in the United States alone suffer from SCI, it is unsatisfactory that current treatments yield poor results in alleviating and treating NP.

In this review, we briefly discussed the models of SCINP along with the mechanisms of NP progression. Further, current treatment modalities are herein explored for SCINP involving pharmacological interventions targeting glia cells and astrocytes.

Key message:

The studies presented in this review provide insight for new directions regarding SCINP alleviation. Given the severity and incapacitating effects of SCINP, it is imperative to study the pathways involved and find new therapeutic targets in coordination with stem cell research, and to develop a new gold-standard in SCINP treatment.