bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Similarity Model Test of Coal Mining under Ordovician Limestone Nappe Aquifer
Authors: Chu Chengcheng
Published: March 2022

Ordovician limestone in North China coalfield has the characteristics of karst fissure development and strong water yield. Coal mines in North China have been threatened by Ordovician limestone water for a long time. Taking the mining of 32 coal seam in the first eastern mining area of Qianyingzi coal mine in Anhui Province in China as the engineering geological prototype, this paper uses the self-developed fluid solid coupling similarity model test device to carry out the similarity model test of overburden stress and pore water pressure response of coal mining under Ordovician limestone nappe aquifer. Based on the variation law of pore water pressure and overburden stress in a stope, it can be seen that the variation law of pore water pressure in confined aquifer is jointly affected by two factors: the vertical distance between the monitoring point and coal seam and the horizontal distance between the monitoring point and DF200 fault. According to the analysis of experimental results, the maximum height of a water flowing fracture zone in the stope is fifteen times the mining thickness. Compared with the theoretical calculation results of empirical formula, the coupling effect of seepage field and stress field and the geological structure characteristics of the stope promote the development of a water flowing fracture zone. The research results of this paper have important theoretical and practical significance not only for the safe mining of Qianyingzi coal mine but also for the safe mining of the coal mine facing the double threat of roof Ordovician limestone confined aquifer and reverse fault.
Legal Text Recognition Using LSTM-CRF Deep Learning Model
Authors: Xu Hesheng , Hu Bin
Published: March 2022

In legal texts, named entity recognition (NER) is researched using deep learning models. First, the bidirectional (Bi)-long short-term memory (LSTM)-conditional random field (CRF) model for studying NER in legal texts is established. Second, different annotation methods are used to compare and analyze the entity recognition effect of the Bi-LSTM-CRF model. Finally, other objective loss functions are set to compare and analyze the entity recognition effect of the Bi-LSTM-CRF model. The research results show that the F1 value of the model trained on the word sequence labeling corpus on the named entity is 88.13%, higher than that of the word sequence labeling corpus. For the two types of entities, place names and organization names, the F1 values obtained by the Bi-LSTM-CRF model using word segmentation are 67.60% and 89.45%, respectively, higher than the F1 values obtained by the model using character segmentation. Therefore, the Bi-LSTM-CRF model using word segmentation is more suitable for recognizing extended entities. The parameter learning result using log-likelihood is better than that using the maximum interval criterion, and it is ideal for the Bi-LSTM-CRF model. This method provides ideas for the research of legal text recognition and has a particular value.
Ribosome Biogenesis: A Central Player in Cancer Metastasis and Therapeutic Resistance
Authors: Elhamamsy Amr R. , Metge Brandon J. , Alsheikh Heba A. , Shevde Lalita A. , Samant Rajeev S.
Published: March 2022

Ribosomes are a complex ensemble of rRNA and ribosomal proteins that function as mRNA translation machines. Ribosome biogenesis is a multistep process that begins in the nucleolus and concludes in the cytoplasm. The process is tightly controlled by multiple checkpoint and surveillance pathways. Perturbations in these checkpoints and pathways can lead to hyperactivation of ribosome biogenesis. Emerging evidence suggests that cancer cells harbor a specialized class of ribosomes (onco-ribosomes) that facilitates the oncogenic translation program, modulates cellular functions, and promotes metabolic rewiring. Mutations in ribosomal proteins, rRNA processing, and ribosome assembly factors result in ribosomopathies that are associated with an increased risk of developing malignancies. Recent studies have linked mutations in ribosomal proteins and aberrant ribosomes with poor prognosis, highlighting ribosome-targeted therapy as a promising approach for treating patients with cancer. Here, we summarize various aspects of dysregulation of ribosome biogenesis and the impact of resultant onco-ribosomes on malignant tumor behavior, therapeutic resistance, and clinical outcome. Ribosome biogenesis is a promising therapeutic target, and understanding the important determinants of this process will allow for improved and perhaps selective therapeutic strategies to target ribosome biosynthesis.
Molecular Characterization ofKRASWild-type Tumors in Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Philip Philip A. , Azar Ibrahim , Xiu Joanne , Hall Michael J. , Hendifar Andrew Eugene , Lou Emil , Hwang Jimmy J. , Gong Jun , Feldman Rebecca , Ellis Michelle , Stafford Phil , Spetzler David , Khushman Moh'd M. , Sohal Davendra , Lockhart A. Craig , Weinberg Benjamin A. , El-Deiry Wafik S. , Marshall John , Shields Anthony F. , Korn W. Michael
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

KRAS mutation (MT) is a major oncogenic driver in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A small subset of PDACs harbor KRAS wild-type (WT). We aim to characterize the molecular profiles of KRAS WT PDAC to uncover new pathogenic drivers and offer targeted treatments.

Experimental Design:

Tumor tissue obtained from surgical or biopsy material was subjected to next-generation DNA/RNA sequencing, microsatellite instability (MSI) and mismatch repair status determination.

Results:

Of the 2,483 patients (male 53.7%, median age 66 years) studied, 266 tumors (10.7%) were KRAS WT. The most frequently mutated gene in KRAS WT PDAC was TP53 (44.5%), followed by BRAF (13.0%). Multiple mutations within the DNA-damage repair (BRCA2, ATM, BAP1, RAD50, FANCE, PALB2), chromatin remodeling (ARID1A, PBRM1, ARID2, KMT2D, KMT2C, SMARCA4, SETD2), and cell-cycle control pathways (CDKN2A, CCND1, CCNE1) were detected frequently. There was no statistically significant difference in PD-L1 expression between KRAS WT (15.8%) and MT (17%) tumors. However, KRAS WT PDAC were more likely to be MSI-high (4.7% vs. 0.7%; P < 0.05), tumor mutational burden–high (4.5% vs. 1%; P < 0.05), and exhibit increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells, and myeloid dendritic cells. KRAS WT PDACs exhibited gene fusions of BRAF (6.6%), FGFR2 (5.2%), ALK (2.6%), RET (1.3%), and NRG1 (1.3%), as well as amplification of FGF3 (3%), ERBB2 (2.2%), FGFR3 (1.8%), NTRK (1.8%), and MET (1.3%). Real-world evidence reveals a survival advantage of KRAS WT patients in overall cohorts as well as in patients treated with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel or 5-FU/oxaliplatin.

Conclusions:

KRAS WT PDAC represents 10.7% of PDAC and is enriched with targetable alterations, including immuno-oncologic markers. Identification of KRAS WT patients in clinical practice may expand therapeutic options in a clinically meaningful manner.
Ewing Sarcoma and Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor of the Thoracic Esophagus: Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Li Jie , Sun Pengfei , Ma Li , Min Xianhua , Ye Binqiang , Zhang Yao , Ta Weiwei , Deng Jiyun , Cao Xiangrong , Dong Chi
Published: March 2022

Ewing sarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (ES/PNETs) are rare tumors that belong to a family of round-cell neuroectodermally derived tumors, and their optimal treatment remains a great challenge. This study presented a case of ES/PNET, arising in the esophagus of a 21-year-old female patient presented with progressive dysphagia. Computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography showed a well-defined, submucosal solid mass in the superthoracic esophagus. The accurate diagnosis after surgery was obtained through immunohistochemistry and genetic studies, namely the CD99 immunopositivity as well as the EWSR1/FLI1 gene rearrangement associated with t(11;22)(q24;q12) in tumor cells. The patient underwent localized tumor resection followed by chemotherapy and chest radiotherapy. The patient is doing well with no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis 18 months after surgery. Although the esophagus is a rare site for ES/pPNET, we can speculate that the treatment protocol of ES/pPNET should include multi-agent chemotherapy, surgery, and local radiotherapy in order to improve the prognosis based on our report.
Today’s Mistakes and Tomorrow’s Wisdom in Endoscopic Treatment and Follow-Up of Barrett’s Esophagus
Authors: Barret Maximilien
Published: March 2022

Background: Endoscopic therapy has replaced esophagectomy for the management of early Barrett’s neoplasia, allowing for the curative treatment of intramucosal adenocarcinoma, dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus (BE), and the prevention of metachronous recurrences. Summary: Endoscopic therapy relies on the resection of any visible lesion, suspicious of harboring cancer, followed by the eradication of the residual BE, potentially harboring dysplastic foci. Currently, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) using the multiband mucosectomy technique is the gold standard for the resection of visible lesions. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is feasible with comparable complication rates to EMR, but longer procedural times. It is still limited to EMR failures or suspected submucosal adenocarcinoma. Eradication of residual BE mainly relies on radiofrequency ablation, with over 90% efficacy in expert centers. Despite initial complete eradication of BE, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia recur in time, justifying prolonged endoscopic surveillance. Key Messages: The first step of the therapeutic endoscopy for BE is a careful diagnostic evaluation, searching for visible(s) lesion(s). EMR is the recommended resection technique for visible lesions. ESD has not demonstrated its superiority on EMR in routine practice. Endoscopic follow-up after Barrett’s eradication therapy is mandatory.
Evaluation of a Transimpedance Matrix Algorithm to Detect Anomalous Cochlear Implant Electrode Position
Authors: Hoppe Ulrich , Brademann Goetz , Stöver Timo , Ramos de Miguel Angel , Cowan Robert , Manrique Manuel , Falcón-González Juan Carlos , Hey Matthias , Baumann Uwe , Huarte Alicia , Liebscher Tim , Bennett Christopher , English Ruth , Neben Nicole , Ramos Macías Angel
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Transimpedance measurements from cochlear implant electrodes have the potential to identify anomalous electrode array placement, such as tip fold-over (TFO) or fold-back, basal electrode kinking, or buckling. Analysing transimpedance may thus replace intraoperative or post-operative radiological imaging to detect any potential misplacements. A transimpedance algorithm was previously developed to detect deviations from a normal electrode position with the aim of intraoperatively detecting TFO. The algorithm had been calibrated on 35 forced, tip folded electrode arrays in six temporal bones to determine the threshold criterion required to achieve a sensitivity of 100%. Our primary objective here was to estimate the specificity of this TFO algorithm in patients, in a prospective study, for a series of electrode arrays shown to be normally inserted by post-operative imaging. Methods: Intracochlear voltages were intraoperatively recorded for 157 ears, using Cochlear’s Custom Sound™ EP 5 electrophysiological software (Cochlear Ltd., Sydney, NSW, Australia), for both Nucleus® CI512 and CI532 electrode arrays. The algorithm analysed the recorded 22 × 22 transimpedance matrix (TIM) and results were displayed as a heatmap intraoperatively, only visible to the technician in the operating theatre. After all clinical data were collected, the algorithm was evaluated on the bench. The algorithm measures the transimpedance gradients and corresponding phase angles (θ) throughout the TIM and calculates the gradient phase range. If this was greater than the predetermined threshold, the algorithm classified the electrode array insertion as having a TFO. Results: Five ears had no intraoperative TIM and four anomalous matrices were identified from heatmaps and removed from the specificity analysis. Using the 148 remaining data sets (n = 103 CI532 and n = 45 CI512), the algorithm had an average specificity of 98.6% (95.80%–99.75%). Conclusion: The algorithm was found to be an effective screening tool for the identification of TFOs. Its specificity was within acceptable levels and resulted in a positive predictive value of 76%, with an estimated incidence of fold-over of 4% in perimodiolar arrays. This would mean 3 out of 4 cases flagged as a fold-over would be correctly identified by the algorithm, with the other being a false positive. The measurements were applied easily in theatre allowing it to be used as a routine clinical tool for confirming correct electrode placement.
Development and Validation of a Clinical Predictive Model for Identifying Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients at Risk for Atrial Fibrillation: The HCM-AF Score
Authors: Carrick Richard T. , Maron Martin S. , Adler Arnon , Wessler Benjamin , Hoss Sara , Chan Raymond H. , Sridharan Aadhavi , Huang Dou , Cooper Craig , Drummond Jennifer , Rakowski Harry , Maron Barry J. , Rowin Ethan J.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), associated with impaired quality of life, risk for embolic stroke, and unpredictable onset. We sought to create a predictive model to identify risk for AF development in HCM.

Methods:

A cohort of 1900 patients with HCM followed for newly diagnosed AF in the Tufts HCM center was used for model development. A cohort of 387 patients from Toronto General Hospital was used for external validation. Data in the development cohort generated the HCM-AF score, a point score to predict AF probability at 2 and 5 years: left atrial dimension (+2 points per 6 mm increase), age at clinical evaluation (+3 points per 10-year increase), age at initial HCM diagnosis (−2 points per 10-year increase), and heart failure symptoms (+3 points if symptomatic).

Results:

The HCM-AF score stratifies risk as low (<1.0%/y; score ≤17), intermediate (1.0-2.0%/y; score 18 to 21), and high risk (>2.0%/y; score ≥22) for AF development for individual patients. Concordance of the HCM-AF score was 0.70 in the development cohort and 0.68 in the external validation cohort. In the development cohort, 17.2% of high-risk patients developed AF (rate 3.4%/y), while only 3.3% of low-risk patients developed AF (rate 0.7%/y) at 5 years (
P
<0.001). Similarly, in the external validation cohort, 13.3% of high-risk patients developed AF (rate 2.7%/y), whereas only 1.1% of low-risk patients developed AF (rate 0.2%/y). The HCM-AF score provided greater predictive power for future AF risk than left atrial dimension alone (concordance of 0.58) and outperformed other non–HCM risk models.

Conclusions:

The HCM-AF score is a novel externally validated predictive tool to identify AF risk in HCM. This score can reliably stratify patients with HCM to risk of newly diagnosed AF and offers the opportunity to inform expectations regarding future clinical course.
One-Year Outcomes and Factors Associated With Mortality Following Acute Myocardial Infarction in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Hertz Julian T. , Sakita Francis M. , Kweka Godfrey L. , Tarimo Tumsifu G. , Goli Sumana , Prattipati Sainikitha , Bettger Janet P. , Thielman Nathan M. , Bloomfield Gerald S.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Little is known about long-term outcomes and uptake of secondary preventative therapies following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods:

Consecutive patients presenting with AMI (as defined by the Fourth Universal Definition of AMI Criteria) to a northern Tanzanian referral hospital were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Follow-up surveys assessing mortality, medication use, and rehospitalization were administered at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following initial presentation, by telephone or in person. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify baseline clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with one-year mortality.

Results:

Of 152 enrolled patients with AMI, 5 were lost to one-year follow-up (96.7% retention rate). Mortality rates were 34.9% (53 of 152 participants) during the initial hospitalization, 48.7% (73 of 150 patients) at 3 months, 52.7% (78 of 148 patients) at 6 months, 55.4% (82 of 148 patients) at 9 months, and 59.9% (88 of 147 patients) at one year. Of 59 patients surviving to one-year follow-up, 43 (72.9%) reported persistent anginal symptoms, 5 (8.5%) were taking an antiplatelet, 8 (13.6%) were taking an antihypertensive, 30 (50.8%) had been rehospitalized, and 7 (11.9%) had ever undergone cardiac catheterization. On multivariate analysis, one-year mortality was associated with lack of secondary education (odds ratio, 0.26 [95% CI, 0.11–0.58];
P
=0.001), lower body mass index (odds ratio, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.82–0.98];
P
=0.015), and higher initial troponin (odds ratio, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.05–1.80];
P
=0.052).

Conclusions:

In northern Tanzania, AMI is associated with high all-cause one-year mortality and use of evidence-based secondary preventative therapies among AMI survivors is low. Interventions are needed to improve AMI care and outcomes.
Early Childhood Growth and Risk of Adult Cerebrovascular Disease: The NFBC1966
Authors: Kivelä Milja , Paananen Markus , Kajantie Eero , Ojaniemi Marja , Nedelec Rozenn , Rusanen Harri , Miettunen Jouko , Rissanen Ina
Published: March 2022

Background:

Low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of adulthood cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Not much is known about effects of early childhood growth. We studied whether the risk of adult CVD is associated with growth or nutritional factors during early childhood.

Methods:

Within the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, 11 991 persons were followed from birth to 52 years of age. CVD diagnoses were extracted from national hospital and death registers with diagnostic coding based on the World Health Organization recommendations. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate associations of childhood growth variables, growth trajectories (by Latent Class Growth Modeling), and nutritional factors with adult CVD, for example, ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. The analyses were adjusted for childhood socioeconomic status and birth weight.

Results:

A total of 453 (3.8%) CVDs were recorded during follow-up. Among females, groups with low early childhood weight and height had an increased risk for adulthood ischemic CVDs, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.97 (95% CI, 1.21–3.20) and 2.05 (CI, 1.11–3.81), respectively. In addition, females with body mass index over 1 SD at body mass index rebound had an increased risk for ischemic CVDs (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.90 [CI, 1.19–3.04]) compared with females with body mass index −1 to +1 SD. These associations were not found among males.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that timing of weight gain during childhood is of significance for development of CVD risk among females.
SURİYELİ MÜLTECİ GÖÇÜ ÖNCESİ VE SONRASI WAGNER KANUNU VE KEYNES HİPOTEZİNİN GEÇERLİLİĞİNİN SINANMASI: TÜRKİYE ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: AKSOY Nagihan , IVRENDİ Mehmet
Published: March 2022

Çalışmanın amacı Suriyeli Mülteci göçünün kamu harcamaları ile ekonomik büyüme arasındaki ilişkinin yönü üzerindeki etkisini Wagner Yasası ve Keynes Hipotezi çerçevesinde analiz etmektir. Çalışmada 2006 ile 2021 dönemine ait aylık verilerle ekonomik büyüme ve kamu harcamaları arasında uzun dönemli ilişkinin varlığı Johansen Eşbütünleşme Testi ve ARDL sınır testi ile sınanmış, Türkiye’de Wagner ve Keynes hipotezinin geçerliliği ise Granger Nedensellik testi ile belirlenmiştir. Analiz dönemleri Türkiye’de 2012 yılının başlarında mülteci akınına uğraması ve bununla birlikte kamu harcamalarında özellikle de sosyal amaçlı transfer harcamalarında ciddi artışlar olmasından dolayı 2006:01-2011:12 ve 2012:01-2021:03 olmak üzere iki döneme ayrılmıştır. Buradaki amaç, sosyal transfer harcamalarındaki artışın ekonomik büyüme ile kamu harcamaları arasındaki ilişki üzerinde etkisini belirlemektir. Yapılan analiz sonucuna üç ayrı dönemde de kamu harcamaları ile büyüme arasında eşbütünleşme ilişkisinin olmadığı tespit edilmiş ve Granger Nedensellik testi sonucunda 2006:01- 2011:12 dönemlerinde Wagner Hipotezi ve Keynes Hipotezi geçersiz iken, 2012:01-2021:03 döneminde her iki hipotezinde geçerli olduğu saptanmıştır.
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS ON ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN QATAR
Authors: ARI Ibrahim , KOÇ Muammer
Published: March 2022

This study examines the short and long-run relationships among economic growth, financial development, investment, and electricity consumption during the period between 1975 and 2018 for Qatar. We conducted the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) cointegration test and Vector Error Correction Model to propose comprehensive policy recommendations. The findings support the validity of the conservation hypothesis for the energy-growth nexus, and thereby energy use reduction has an insignificant impact on the growth. We recommended policies aiming to reduce household energy use and country-wide AC usage. In this regard, financial subsidies in energy and water consumption should be reduced further, even abolished, to lower the waste use of energy and prevent extravagant water use distilled from seawater by natural gas-powered desalination plants. Policymakers should also consider proactive and incentivizing strategies for cooling electricity load control and demand-side management of cooling in summers. This might enable leveling out peaks in electricity use, and hence reduce redundant power generation and cost.
Caught in the ACTS: Defining Abstract Cognitive Task Sequences as an Independent Process
Authors: Desrochers Theresa M. , Ahuja Aarit , Maechler Marvin R. , Shires Jorja , Yusif Rodriguez Nadira , Berryhill Marian E.
Published: March 2022

Cognitive neuroscience currently conflates the study of serial responses (e.g., delay match to sample/nonsample, n-back) with the study of sequential operations. In this essay, our goal is to define and disentangle the latter, termed abstract cognitive task sequences (ACTS). Existing literatures address tasks requiring serial events, including procedural learning of implicit motor responses, statistical learning of predictive relationships, and judgments of attributes. These findings do not describe the behavior and underlying mechanism required to succeed at remembering to evaluate color, then shape; or to multiply, then add. A new literature is needed to characterize these sorts of second-order cognitive demands of studying a sequence of operations. Our second goal is to characterize gaps in knowledge related to ACTS that merit further investigation. In the following sections, we define more precisely what we mean by ACTS and suggest research questions that further investigation would be positioned to address.
Tactics and Pathologies of Party Primaries: A Test for Democratic Consolidation in Tanzania
Authors: Babeiya Edwin
Published: March 2022

Since 1995, political parties in Tanzania have been engaging in electoral processes by fielding candidates for elective posts, mobilizing voters and representing constituencies in decision-making bodies. These processes have obliged political parties to nominate candidates to contest for various seats. The manner in which political parties obtain their candidates varies. In that process, it is only the major parties that conduct competitive intraparty nominations. Using several benchmarks such as membership restrictions, selection methods, ethical conduct, conflict management, support mobilization and voices of ordinary members, this paper reveals several democratic deficits. Some of these include; marginalization of special groups and ordinary members, limited/lack of internal party democracy, presence of dysfunctional party structures, preponderance of unethical practices particularly corruption and lack of effective accountability mechanisms. Primaries in Tanzania are thus far from being an encouraging indicator of democratic consolidation. They are mostly a challenge and a distress to democratic consolidation. Primaries are still far from being platforms for party members and/or public scrutiny and authorization of prospective candidates. Despite popular participation in these primaries, nomination outcomes get determined by political parties’ top leadership. This is the experience for the ruling party and the opposition. Political parties in Tanzania have an obligation of echoing appeals for democratization within their internal structures.
When the Silent Past Gets a Troubling Voice
Authors: Elsherif Nermin
Published: March 2022

This article traces the contemporary (re)interpretations of a 14 minutes of American newsreel footage depicting 1928 Cairo as it circulated through popular Facebook communities dedicated to the nostalgic discourse of Egypt’s ‘good old days’ or ‘al-zaman al-gamīl,’ perceived as an era of morality and proper Egyptianness. Among the several orientalist scenes captured on the footage was a character improvisation perceived to be ‘profane’ by the proponents of this ideal imaginary of the past. Considering online and offline ethnography and discourse analysis of online commentaries, this article examines how nationalism, conspiracy theories, identity politics and post-revolutionary frustrations are discussed through the circulation of representations of the nation’s past. By tracing the pre-and post-digital life of this footage, it presents a case study on how cultural texts acquire meanings as they migrate from one medium to another and how online publics are formed around the (re)circulation and (re)interpretation of these texts.
Protecting Women from Violence in Turkey: The Contentious Decision to Withdrawing from Istanbul Convention
Authors: Apaydin Deniz Tekin
Published: March 2022

The Turkish President formally announced the decision to withdraw from the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul Convention) on 20 March 2021. This announcement drew serious intra-national and international reaction. Despite the critiques and protests, the denunciation of the treaty became legally effective by 01 July 2021. This study aims to shed some light on this development mainly from an international law and constitutional law perspective. In this regard, first, the denunciation from an international treaty in general and the Convention in particular will be given from an international law point of view. Next, the national legal outlook will be presented mainly from a constitutional standpoint. Here particular emphasis will be on the new government system in effect since 2018, and the presidential decrees and presidential decisions as important tools of this system. Finally, the study will demonstrate the current situation and project future possibilities.
Self-assembled platinum-tungsten carbide (Pt-WC)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) electrocatalysts for ethanol electro-oxidation in acid medium
Authors: Ai Tianyu , Zhang Yi , Lu Jinlin , Yin Yansheng
Published: March 2022

The design of a high-performance, durable and low-cost catalyst for direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) applications is an eternal pursuit for researchers in the materials field. In this work, a kind of novel platinum-tungsten carbide (Pt-WC)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) electrocatalyst with different WC loadingsis prepared by self-assembly technology for ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). The electrochemical performance and stability of Pt-WC/MWCNTs electrocatalysts toward EOR are investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The mass activity of Pt-WC0.15/MWCNTs electrocatalyst for EOR is 581.94 mA mg-1Pt, which is 1.33 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C (ETEK). The significant enhancement can be attributed to the more exposed active sites and the synergistic effect between Pt and WC. The Pt-WCx/MWCNTs are a kind of excellent and effective electrocatalyst for EOR, which has a broad application prospect in fuel cells.
Nanomaterial-based gas sensors: A review on experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Yadav Anshul , Sinha Niraj
Published: March 2022

Gas sensors play an essential role in various fields such as public safety, environmental monitoring, medical engineering, food monitoring, pharmaceutical industries and clinical diagnostic, to name a few. The need for miniaturized sensors possessing high sensitivity, time response,
selectivity, reproducibility, durability, and low cost has driven the discovery of nanomaterials-based gas sensing devices due to their inherent properties such as chemical/physical gas adsorption capabilities and high surface-to-volume ratio. Studies in the literature highlight the development
of gas sensors using novel nanomaterials to detect toxic gases. The gas molecules are sensed by the nanomaterial due to adsorption of the gas on the sensor surface, which leads to conductivity change in the nanomaterial. However, the sensing mechanism is quite complicated. Computational studies
help the researchers elucidate the physical understanding behind such a complicated mechanism and aid in developing tailored nanomaterials for gas sensing applications. This review outlines different sensor types and the advantages and disadvantages of each sensor for various applications.
Different nanostructure-based gas sensors and recent studies are discussed elaborately. The contributions made by theoretical and experimental studies in studying the gas sensing applications of nanomaterials are also discussed.
Electronic and optical properties of copper zinc tin sulphide (Cu2ZnSnS4) doped with calcium and barium
Authors: Mlotshwa Thokozane M. , Maluta Nnditshedzeni E. , Kirui Joseph K. , Maphanga Rapela R.
Published: March 2022

Harnessing solar energy with the help of cheaper, more abundant and environmentally-friendly materials is a major research thrust currently. Health hazards emanating from fossil fuel combustion, depletion of nonrenewable sources, global warming and environmental degradation are some
of the push factors towards clean, non-toxic and environmentally friendly methods of producing electrical energy. To harvest solar energy, the Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) semiconductor is currently a foremost candidate, which can supply encouraging amounts of energy. Some of its
advantages are the optical direct band gap and high absorption coefficients. In this study, CZTS is investigated as a material for solar cells using first principles method. Thus, structural, electronic and optical properties of pure CZTS and doped CZTS (1 1 2) surface were investigated using
the DFT as implemented in the CASTEP code. Alkaline earth metals, calcium (Ca) and barium (Ba) were adsorbed on the CZTS (1 1 2) surface using the adsorption locator module. Our results suggest that doping with barium rather than calcium could improve the photocatalytic activity of the device.
Effect of Mg on high temperature softening resistance of Cu–Cr–Fe alloy
Authors: Liang Qiming , Sun Kebin , Hu Haijun , An Zhantao , Liu Jinping , Zhang Xuehui , Zhang Jianbo
Published: March 2022

This paper focuses on researching the softening resistance performance of Mg alloy under high temperature and the evolution of microstructure during high-temperature treatment. The results showed that, compared with Cu-0.39Cr-0.12Fe alloy, Cu-0.38Cr-0.04Fe-0.08Mg alloy has higher resistance
to softening temperature, hardness and conductivity, which were 40 °C, 13 HV, 5% IACS higher than that of Cu-0.39Cr-0.12Fe alloy. Both of the aging precipitated phase of two alloys are nano-Cr phase. Mg can inhibit the growing of nano-Cr phase and the grain recrystallization process significantly.
According to 3DAP analysis, the interface structure of Cr/Mg/Cu is formed, which might be the key factor that results in the excellent softening resistance performance of Cu–Cr–Fe–Mg alloy.
Regeneration of aged transformer oil by adsorption using attapulgite-chitosan composite
Authors: Liu Qing , Dou Peng , Li Chengqian , Shi Yurou , Shen Bin
Published: March 2022

The attapulgite-chitosan (AT-CS) composites were prepared from attapulgite (ATP) and chitosan (CS). The composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Brunner Emmet Teller (BET). There existed interaction between the hydroxyl groups on the surface
of ATP with the oxygen-containing and amino groups of CS. The specific surface area of the AT-CS was higher than that of ATP, increased by 60.47%, which was 189.1272 m2/g. The physico-chemical properties of the regenerated oil after adsorption were found to approach the fresh oil.
Moreover, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to observe that the oxidation by-products in the aged oil were removed by the AT-CS composite, clearly demonstrating the potential of using AT-CS as an adsorbent for transformer oil regeneration.
Study on deodorization effect of nano-attapulgite/CaCO3 carriers
Authors: Zhao Ping , Liu Yuhui , Liu Bing , Yang Heng , Cao Yingying , Zhang Xinguo , Fan Wenguang , Tian Zhenji
Published: March 2022

In this study, in order to develop a new inorganic carrier to adsorb sulfur-containing organic compounds, the nano-attapulgite/CaCO3 carriers were developed with clay, nano-attapulgite, nano-calcium carbonate and silica as raw materials. The best raw material ratio of nano-attapulgite/CaCO3
carriers was optimized by single factor test and response surface experiments, and the deodorization effect of nano-attapulgite/CaCO3 carriers was further verified. The results showed that the optimal ratio of raw matrixes was 9.77 g of clay, 4.15 g of attapulgite, 2.80 g of nano-calcium
carbonate, and 2.08 g of silica. The nano-attapulgite/CaCO3 carriers were prepared by calcining these mixed materials at 800 °C for 4 hours, and the water absorption was up to 31.78%. Besides, the deodorization effect of nano-attapulgite/CaCO3 carriers on fermented
onion odor was as high as 45%, and the deodorization effect on rotten egg odor is up to 30%, indicating that the carrier has a high deodorization effect on sulfur compounds.
Meckel’s Diverticulum, A Rare Presentation in a Neonate
Authors: Honig Jesse , Figueroa Ariel , Castro Rebecca , Lotakis Dimitra , Bamji Mahrukh , Wallack Marc , Cooper Arthur
Published: March 2022

Meckel’s diverticulum is commonly symptomatic the first 2 years of life. Complications associated with Meckel’s diverticulum are due to gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or obstruction. A 5-day-old male presented to the emergency department (ED) with an episode of bright red blood per rectum (BRBPR) associated with emesis. Vital signs were normal and abdomen soft and non-distended. Serial abdominal radiographs progressed to show distention of small bowel and air fluid levels. Operative intervention was undertaken with diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. On exploratory laparotomy, 24 cm of a fibrosed, ischemic closed-loop ileal segment densely adherent to the tip of a Meckel’s diverticulum was identified and resected, followed by primary reanastamosis. Histologic findings confirmed ectopic gastric tissue. Symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum is often secondary to intestinal obstruction and hematochezia, findings which are caused by incarcerated inguinal hernia or ileocolic intussusception. Our patient presented with a closed loop, which has not been previously reported.
Skimmed at the Pump: How COVID-19 Lockdowns Increased Gas Pump Skimming
Authors: Belshaw Scott H. , Nodeland Brooke , Pratt Travis , Piquero Nicole Leeper
Published: March 2022

Few schemes for monetizing stolen credit card data are as bold as the fuel theft scam. Skimming devices embedded inside gas pumps steal credit card data from customers which can be used to engage in any manner of illegal economic activities, however, empirical research on gas pump skimming is virtually non-existent. This study uses data from the State of Texas to examine the patterning of gas pump skimming, focusing on changes in prevalence in the months prior and the year following COVID-19 lockdowns being lifted in June 2020. Our findings suggest that (1) skimmer hits significantly increased after COVID-19 lockdowns and (2) that this “COVID effect” persisted even when controlling for other structural characteristics, including theoretically-relevant factors such as the average price of gas.
American Indians’ Attitudes Toward the Appropriateness of Use of Force by the Police
Authors: Redner-Vera Erica , Wallace Danielle
Published: March 2022

Individuals’ perceptions of law enforcement officers and their actions are important for understanding personal criminality, police legitimacy, and legal cynicism. Race and ethnicity play a role in shaping these perceptions, however little work has been done to understand American Indian perceptions. We employ the General Social Survey to assess how American Indians compare to individuals of other races regarding their approval of police use of force. American Indians are less supportive of police use of force than whites. However, when compared to other people of color, American Indians are more supportive of use of force across five different police-citizen types of encounters. We conclude by examining the importance of considering different racial and ethnic views on legal authority.
The Legacy of Troubled Childhoods: Adverse Childhood Experiences, Sleep, and Delinquency
Authors: Tomlinson Tiffaney A. , Mears Daniel P. , Stults Brian J. , Meldrum Ryan C. , Turanovic Jillian J. , Young Jacob T. N.
Published: March 2022

Scholars have called for greater understanding of the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on later youth development, including research on sleep as a potential contributor to delinquency. This study seeks to extend that work by situating the focus on ACEs and sleep within a life-course perspective, one that examines life events and turning points, the disruptions that they create, and their longer-term consequences for youth. In particular, drawing on a large-scale survey of high school students, we examine whether ACEs influence delinquency and whether this effect is mediated by sleep. We find modest support for the central hypothesis that ACEs contribute to suboptimal sleep and in turn delinquency. Implications for research and policy are discussed.
A Comparative Analysis of Non-Fatal Strangulation Offences: Will the Proposed s. 75A Serious Crime Act 2015 Work for Victims of Domestic Violence and Abuse?
Authors: Bettinson Vanessa
Published: March 2022

This article examines the new offence of Non-fatal Strangulation s. 75A Serious Crime Act 2015, inserted by s. 70 Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and concludes that further re-drafting should be considered. The creation of a specific crime of non-fatal strangulation is an issue previously considered and legislated for by a number of legal jurisdictions and their experiences are a source that England and Wales should have drawn upon to avoid further legislative reform in this area. This has not happened and s. 75A, prompted by the call to better protect victims of domestic violence and abuse, has been drafted in a manner that will limit its ability to achieve this aim. This is evident by the limited language to describe and define the prohibited conduct and the complexity arising from the inclusion of a defence of consent in some circumstances. Given the potential educative function this offence has, these aspects of the new offence are a significant blow to campaigners seeking improvements to the criminal justice response to domestic violence and abuse. This article outlines the relevance of non-fatal strangulation (NFS) to the social problem of domestic violence and abuse and makes the argument that a new specific offence is justified. It then explores from selected legal jurisdictions examples of non-fatal strangulation (NFS) offences to draw out elements that have either assisted or hindered the prosecution of these cases. This comparative approach provides the basis for analysis of the s. 75A offence to determine what challenges it will present to the prosecutorial authorities.
Prevalence and Correlates of Illicit Substance Use Among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Seven Cities Across the United States
Authors: Chassman Stephanie , Barman-Adhikari Anamika , Hsu Hsun-Ta , Ferguson Kristin M. , Narendorf Sarah C. , Maria Diane Santa , Shelton Jama , Petering Robin , Bender Kimberly
Published: March 2022

Background

Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) engage in substantially higher substance use rates than housed young adults. This current study builds on previous research by investigating the prevalence of and salient correlates of illicit substance use across a seven-city sample.

Methods

This study used the Homeless Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (HYRRS) dataset, n=1426 Young adults experiencing homelessness to study patterns and correlates of illicit substance use.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess correlates of substance use. Study site, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, history of suicidal ideation, use of specific substances, and trading sex for drugs were associated with five types of illicit substance use (ecstasy, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, and injection drug use).

Conclusion

Findings indicate that substance use interventions for YAEH must be multifaceted, addressing illicit and multiple substance use, along with the myriad factors associated with substance use among this at-risk group.
Linking Teacher Injustice, Conscientiousness, and Academic Dishonesty via Classroom Connectedness: A Moderated-Mediation Model
Authors: Laeeque Syed Harris , Saeed Muhammad Ali
Published: March 2022

This study extends the general understanding of the antecedents of academic dishonesty by examining what can happen when students are treated unjustly by teachers, a phenomenon referred to as teacher injustice. Based on Conservation of Resources theory (CoRT), the study investigates the mediating role of classroom connectedness and the moderating role of trait conscientiousness in the teacher injustice–academic dishonesty relationship. Self-report data were collected in three waves from Pakistani secondary school students to test the moderated-mediation model. Findings demonstrate that teacher injustice is positively related to academic dishonesty through classroom connectedness and that conscientiousness buffers the negative effects of teacher injustice on classroom connectedness. Given the results, this study suggests certain potentially effective measures to educational institutions to control the incidence of teacher injustice and cultivate conscientiousness in students. It also hopes to inspire future research, and advance education management theory and practice.
Subversive Entrepreneurs: Business Agency and Commodification of Peruvian Higher Education (1992–2012)
Authors: Manky Omar , Dolores Juan
Published: March 2022

Over the past two decades, the sociology of education has addressed the reproduction of inequalities created by for-profit universities in several countries. Despite their contributions, these analyses do not always consider the role of and strategies employed by educational entrepreneurs in social processes. In contrast with approaches that understand the university business as a mere reflection of neoliberal institutionality and those that celebrate profit as the vital element in the renewal of higher education in Latin America an analysis inspired by the literature on social movements and examination of business strategies, institutions, and negotiations in the commodification of Peruvian higher education provides an account of the transformations in the structure of opportunities, resources, and framing processes developed by entrepreneurs during two moments: 1992–2000 and 2001–2012.

En las últimas dos décadas, la sociología de la educación ha abordado la reproducción de las desigualdades generada en varios países por las universidades con fines de lucro. Independientemente de sus aportes, estos análisis no siempre consideran el papel y las estrategias de los emprendedores educativos en los procesos sociales. A diferencia de los enfoques que entienden la empresa universitaria como un mero reflejo de la institucionalidad neoliberal, al igual que aquellos que celebran el lucro como el elemento vital en la renovación de la educación superior en América Latina, un análisis basado en la literatura sobre movimientos sociales de las estrategias empresariales, instituciones, y negociaciones en la mercantilización de la educación superior peruana da cuenta de las transformaciones en la estructura de oportunidades, recursos y procesos delimitantes desarrollados por los empresarios durante dos periodos, 1992–2000 y 2001–2012.
Understanding Local Government Coordination: An Assessment of District Coordination Committees in Nepal
Authors: Bhusal Thaneshwar
Published: March 2022

This observational study of local government coordination brings fresh assessment of institutions and processes of District Coordination Committees (DCCs) in facilitating horizontal coordination across local governments and vertical coordination between federal, provincial, and local governments in Nepal. Necessary qualitative data – observational notes, interview transcripts and selected official publications – were generated based on researcher's two year's professional experience at the DCC in a remote district of Rasuwa in Nepal. Analysis is conducted in line with what John Halligan (2020) has explained as analytical elements of horizontal and vertical coordination. Findings suggest that although DCCs seem less effective local institutions in fostering both horizontal and vertical coordination, they are increasingly providing the most plausible avenues for politicians, administrators, and ordinary people to get together in materialising the constitutional thirst to implement cooperative federalism in Nepal.
New Schools in New York City: Incremental Changes in Transformative Initiatives in the 21st Century
Authors: Hatch Thomas , Corson Jordan , Van Den Berg Sarah Gerth
Published: March 2022

Background:

After the turn of the 21st century in New York City, mayor Michael Bloomberg launched major initiatives to open new small schools and new charter schools as a central piece of a strategy to transform schooling and produce dramatically better results. Although more than 550 new public schools and charter schools were established in New York City between 2003 and 2015, with some increases in graduation rates, the focus on new schools has subsided, many aspects of schooling remain the same, and significant inequities in performance persist.

Purpose/Objective:

This article explores the confluence of factors that help to explain how some new practices emerge even as many aspects of what Tyack and Cuban called the “grammar of schooling” endure.

Design/Analysis:

To achieve this objective, this article undertakes a historical analysis that highlights the intersection among the goals, capacity demands, and values in the new school initiatives, and the needs, existing capabilities, and values of four intermediaries involved in creating new small schools or new charter schools. This analysis looks particularly at the different choices these organizations made about when to connect to and distance themselves from these initiatives (when to “bridge” and “buffer”) and the role those choices played in the extent and nature of their own growth and the evolution of the new schools initiatives.

Findings/Conclusion:

Even with political support and initiatives that were supposed to provide some freedom to innovate outside conventional constraints, these intermediaries had to find ways to fit within the needs, demands, and values of the school system at that time. At the same time, the intersections in the evolution of these organizations and the wider system also help to explain how they were able to influence the evolution of the policy environment, sustain themselves, and create some new practices, products, and services even as the focus on new school creation subsided.