bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TGF-β1 Inhibition of ACE2 Mediated by miRNA Uncovers Novel Mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 Pathogenesis
Authors: Hejenkowska Ewelina D. , Mitash Nilay , Donovan Joshua E. , Chandra Anvita , Bertrand Carol , De Santi Chiara , Greene Catherine M. , Mu Fangping , Swiatecka-Urban Agnieszka
Published: August 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for COVID-19, utilizes receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike glycoprotein to interact with angiotensin (Ang)-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Altering ACE2 levels may affect entry of SARS-CoV-2 and recovery from COVID-19. Decreased cell surface density of ACE2 leads to increased local levels of Ang II and may contribute to mortality resulting from acute lung injury and fibrosis during COVID-19. Studies published early during the COVID-19 pandemic reported that people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) had milder symptoms, compared to people without CF. This finding was attributed to elevated ACE2 levels and/or treatment with the high efficiency CFTR modulators. Subsequent studies did not confirm these findings reporting variable effects of CFTR gene mutations on ACE2 levels. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling is essential during SARS-CoV-2 infection and dominates the chronic immune response in severe COVID-19, leading to pulmonary fibrosis. TGF-β1 is a gene modifier associated with more severe lung disease in PwCF but its effects on the COVID-19 course in PwCF is unknown. To understand whether TGF-β1 affects ACE2 levels in the airway, we examined miRNAs and their gene targets affecting SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in response to TGF-β1. Small RNAseq and micro(mi)RNA profiling identified pathways uniquely affected by TGF-β1, including those associated with SARS-CoV-2 invasion, replication, and the host immune responses. TGF-β1 inhibited ACE2 expression by miR-136-3p and miR-369-5p mediated mechanism in CF and non-CF bronchial epithelial cells. ACE2 levels were higher in two bronchial epithelial cell models expressing the most common CF-causing mutation in CFTR gene F508del, compared to controls without the mutation. After TGF-β1 treatment, ACE2 protein levels were still higher in CF, compared to non-CF cells. TGF-β1 prevented the modulator-mediated rescue of F508del-CFTR function while the modulators did not prevent the TGF-β1 inhibition of ACE2 levels. Finally, TGF-β1 reduced the interaction between ACE2 and the recombinant spike RBD by lowering ACE2 levels and its binding to RBD. Our data demonstrate novel mechanism whereby TGF-β1 inhibition of ACE2 in CF and non-CF bronchial epithelial cells may modulate SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity and COVID-19 severity. By reducing ACE2 levels, TGF-β1 may decrease entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cells while hindering the recovery from COVID-19 due to loss of the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of ACE2. The above outcomes may be modulated by other, miRNA-mediated effects exerted by TGF-β1 on the host immune responses, leading to a complex and yet incompletely understood circuitry.
Quadriláteros inscritíveis, circunscritíveis e bicêntricos: problemas olímpicos
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Linares Juan López
Published: August 2023

Para todo triângulo pode ser construída uma circunferência inscrita e uma circunscrita. O mesmo não acontece para todo quadrilátero. Quando pode ser construída uma circunferência circunscrita, o quadrilátero é chamado de inscritível ou cíclico. Se for possível construir uma circunferência inscrita o quadrilátero é chamado de circunscritível ou tangencial. E nos casos que podem ser construídas as duas circunferências o quadrilátero denomina-se bicêntrico. O entendimento de cada um destes casos ajuda muito na resolução de problemas de olimpíadas. Este material didático foi utilizado durante algumas das aulas do curso ``Geometria Olímpica com GeoGebra'' para professores de Matemática do Ensino Fundamental e Médio de todo o Brasil. O texto conta com 47 figuras que facilitam acompanhar a resolução. Todas têm como complemento links para os gráficos interativos no site do GeoGebra e, vários, a resolução em vídeo do YouTube. A discussão é organizada em três capítulos: Fundamentos; Construções, exercícios e desafios; Problemas de olimpíadas internacionais. O diferencial na utilização do GeoGebra está baseado na disponibilidade gratuita do software, tanto online como aplicativos para computadores e celulares. As construções geométricas podem ser feitas de forma dinâmica, onde exploram-se diversas configurações de um mesmo problema. O GeoGebra serve tanto como calculadora gráfica e numérica, utilizada para a verificação, como ferramenta para a apresentação, passo a passo, de uma demonstração rigorosa. O GeoGebra também convida o leitor a interagir, a pôr as mão na massa.
Exploring Tornadic Debris Signature Hypotheses Using Radar Simulations and Large-Eddy Simulations
Authors: Cross Rachael N. , Bodine David J. , Palmer Robert D. , Griffin Casey , Cheong Boonleng , Torres Sebastian , Fulton Caleb , Lujan Javier , Maruyama Takashi
Published: August 2023

When a tornado lofts debris to the height of the radar beam, a signature known as the tornadic debris signature (TDS) can sometimes be observed on radar. The TDS is a useful signature for operational forecasters because it can confirm the presence of a tornado and provide information about the amount of damage occurring. Since real-time estimates of tornadic intensity do not have a high degree of accuracy, past studies have hypothesized that the TDS could also be an indicator of the strength of a tornado. However, few studies have related the tornadic wind field to TDS characteristics because of the difficulty of obtaining accurate, three-dimensional wind data in tornadoes from radar data. With this in mind, the goals of this study are twofold: 1) to investigate the relationships between polarimetric characteristics of TDSs and the three-dimensional tornadic winds, and 2) to define relationships between polarimetric radar variables and debris characteristics. Simulations are performed using a dual-polarization radar simulator called SimRadar; large-eddy simulations (LESs) of tornadoes; and a single-volume, -matrix-based emulator. Results show that for all simulated debris types increases in horizontal and vertical wind speeds are related to decreases in correlation coefficient and increases in TDS area and height and that, conversely, decreases in horizontal and vertical wind speeds are related to increases in correlation coefficient and decreases in TDS area and height. However, the range of correlation coefficient values varies with debris type, indicating that TDSs that are composed of similar debris types can appear remarkably different on radar in comparison with a TDS with diverse scatterers. Such findings confirm past observational hypotheses and can aid operational forecasters in tornado detection and potentially the categorization of damage severity using radar data.
Practical approaches to the detection of macrotroponin
Authors: Lam Leo , Kyle Campbell
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Macrotroponin is increasingly recognised as a cause of confusion in interpreting high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnI) results. In this study, we sought to evaluate two practical approaches to detecting macrotroponin. These two approaches are PEG precipitation and SVM (support vector machine) analysis to classify discrepancies between hs-cTn assays.

Method

Residual serum and heparin plasma specimens (n = 483) with initially elevated hs-cTnI from hospital and community laboratories were retested on multiple hs-cTn platforms before and after PEG precipitation and Protein A immunoglobulin depletion. SVM analysis was conducted to identify a linear equation that best discriminated specimens with macrotroponin using a combination of results from two different hs-cTn assays.

Findings

The diagnostic performance of PEG precipitation was carried out using Protein A immunoglobulin depletion as the reference comparator. When a cutoff residual activity after PEG precipitation of ≤ 20% was used, this threshold carried a high specificity of 92% (confidence interval 83–98%; n = 189) using the Siemens hs-cTnI Vista assay and 95% specificity (86%–98%; n = 242) using the Abbott hs-cTnI Architect assay. SVM analysis generated a linear equation identifying macrotroponin specimens from results obtained on two hs-cTn assays. This approach can be highly specific, comparable to PEG precipitation when certain assay combinations and concentrations are used.

Conclusion

We describe and identify practical alternatives to detecting macrotroponin. These approaches can be optimised for high specificity, reducing the need for more complex laboratory methods.
Explaining Anti-Asian Xenophobia to Chinese Audience: Coverage of Hate Incidents During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the PRC Press
Authors: Soboleva Elena , Krivokhizh Svetlana , Mavliashina Karina
Published: August 2023

This article explores the Chinese media coverage of anti-Asian hate incidents in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. It sheds light on how xenophobia against Asians has been presented and discussed in the PRC press. Qualitative thematic analysis is used to identify key themes in the coverage of anti-Asian hate incidents in the two CCP-controlled newspapers: People’s Daily and Global Times. This article demonstrates that hate crimes against Asian Americans, an undoubtedly severe and complex problem for US society and politics, provide CCP-controlled media with a convenient opportunity to criticise the Other and focus on issues important to China’s identity. While blaming the discriminatory attitude in the USA towards Asians, the Chinese newspapers also use racialised stereotyping of Asian Americans as a ‘model minority’ and support the idea of Asians being alien to the USA. Remarkably, the Chinese media rarely devote special attention to victims of Chinese origin. Our observations contradict some earlier findings about discursive and reporting practices used in Chinese newspapers, that is, framing of violence and protests and selection of news sources, and showcase that these practices are pretty flexible and can adapt to better fit the particular context.
The power of a look: Tracing webs of power in intimate partner violence through an everyday act
Authors: Protasiuk Ewa , Chatterjee Alicia , Dichter Melissa E
Published: August 2023

The relationship between power, control, and violence defines the experience of intimate partner violence, abuse that occurs within the context of a current or former intimate relationship. Coercive control, including using violence and threats of violence to restrict another’s freedom, is an especially dangerous manifestation of intimate partner violence. In this article, we point to an under-explored modality of power and control as well as resistance to intimate partner violence: the act of looking. Our analysis of interviews with 18 intimate partner violence survivors in the United States identified ‘looking’ as an emergent category in their experiences. We read these mentions of ‘looking’ through select insights from symbolic interactionism, post-structuralism, and postcolonial studies. We argue that acts of looking are everyday mechanisms for both the contestation and the maintenance of power and control in survivors’ lives, highlighting dynamics of intimate partner violence that extend beyond physical violence. Paying attention to everyday forms of interaction like looking helps illuminate the webs of power in which survivors’ intimate relationships are situated, including at the social and institutional levels. Tracing the ‘looks’ of survivors also underscores both the social nature of abusive intimate power and the social embeddedness of survivor healing.
Pth1r Signal in Gli1+ Cells Maintains Postnatal Cranial Base Synchondrosis
Authors: Amano K. , Kitaoka Y. , Kato S. , Fujiwara M. , Okuzaki D. , Aikawa T. , Kogo M. , Iida S.
Published: August 2023

Cranial base synchondroses are the endochondral ossification centers for cranial base growth and thus indispensable for proper skull, brain, and midfacial development. The synchondroses are composed of mirror-image growth plates that are continuously maintained from the embryonic to postnatal stage through chondrocyte differentiation. Several factors, including Pth1r signaling, are known to control fetal synchondrosis development. However, there are currently no reports regarding any role for Pth1r signaling in postnatal cranial base and synchondrosis development. Also, the mesenchymal cells that source Pth1r signaling for synchondroses are not known. Here, we employed an inducible mouse model, a hedgehog-responsive Gli1-CreERT2 driver, focusing on the postnatal study. We performed 2 inducible protocols using Gli1-CreERT2;Tomatofl/+ mice that uncovered distinct patterning of Gli1-positive and Gli1-negative chondrocytes in the synchondrosis cartilage. Moreover, we generated Gli1-CreERT2;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ mice to assess their functions in postnatal synchondrosis and found that the mutants had survived postnatally. The mutant skulls morphologically presented unambiguous phenotypes where we noticed the shortened cranial base and premature synchondrosis closure. Histologically, gradual disorganization in mutant synchondroses caused an uncommon remaining central zone between hypertrophic zones on both sides while the successive differentiation of round, flat, and hypertrophic chondrocytes was observed in control sections. These mutant synchondroses disappeared and were finally replaced by bone. Of note, the mutant fusing synchondroses lost their characteristic patterning of Gli1-positive and Gli1-negative chondrocytes, suggesting that loss of Pth1r signaling alters the distribution of hedgehog-responsive chondrocytes. Moreover, we performed laser microdissection and RNA sequencing to characterize the flat proliferative and round resting chondrocytes where we found flat chondrocytes have a characteristic feature of both chondrocyte proliferation and maturation. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Pth1r signaling in Gli1-positive cells is essential for postnatal development and maintenance in cranial base synchondroses. Our findings will elucidate previously unknown aspects of Pth1r functions in cranial biology and development.
Power relations and persistent low fertility among domestic workers in Latin America
Authors: Castro Torres Andrés F. , Gutierrez-Vazquez Edith Y.
Published: August 2023

Scholarly work on international chains of care have highlighted the stratified nature of reproductive work along the lines of gender, social class, race/ethnicity, and cross-national economic inequalities, particularly with regard to childbearing and childrearing tasks. Immigrant women from the global South are taking rising shares of domestic and care workloads in global North countries. Less attention has been devoted to national contexts, particularly from a quantitative perspective. Using large-scale nationally representative data for Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, this work presents a quantitative assessment of fertility and offspring mortality patterns among live-in domestic workers and their employers ( patronas) during the second half of the 20th century. Our results indicate that the historically low and delayed fertility of live-in domestic workers stems from the confluence of socioeconomic disadvantages throughout their life courses, the everyday mobility constraints they face, the physical control exerted over them by their employers, and the expropriation of their daily and life course time by middle- and upper-class families. These results underline the stratified nature of reproduction in the Latin American context and urge scholars, particularly those working with quantitative data, to re-center research questions around the social mechanisms, including power relations, underpinning unequal living conditions and their consequences for the stratification of reproductive tasks. We use this evidence to argue that the increasingly feminized nature of domestic work and the rising trends of socioeconomic inequalities within and between countries render the examination of intersectionality-defined minorities central for a deeper understanding of family change beyond the Latin American context.
Preparation of self-healing EPDM/ionomer thermoplastic vulcanizates with ionic network for automotive application: Effects of maleic anhydride grafted EPDM as compatibilizer
Authors: Jin Woo Seok , Sahu Pranabesh , Paria Sarbaranjan , Jeong Seongrok , Jeon Jun Ha , Yun Ju-ho , Lee Jae Hyeon , Park Sung Min , Kim Nam Il , Oh Jeong Seok
Published: August 2023

This work evaluates the effects of maleic anhydride grafted ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM-g-MAH) on the processing characteristics, compatibility and mechanical properties of EPDM/Ionomer blends. Dynamic vulcanization process was used to fabricate thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) of different compositions using EPDM polymers and high acid (HA60D) or mid acid (MA60D) containing thermoplastic ionomers. The addition of EPDM-g-MAH in EPDM/Ionomer blends had a predominant role as a compatibilizing agent, which affected the processability and properties of the final material. The tensile properties showed significant improvement with increasing the content of compatibilizer in the vulcanizates. The microscopical analysis of fracture surfaces further supported the heterogeneous nature of the blends and compatibility of the polymer phases. The concept was based on a simple ionic crosslinking reaction between carboxyl groups present in the ionomer and zinc oxide (ZnO), where the formation of reversible Zn2+ covalent crosslinks exhibits the self-healing behavior. The combination of blending and ionic cross-linking improved not only mechanical properties but also improved self-healing performance. The self-healing nature of the TPVs has been identified by scratch resistance test, where the ternary blends (EPDM/Ionomer/EPDM-g-MAH) showed 100% healing efficiency of the scratch surface at 89°C for 24 h.
Mapping the Boundaries of Racetalk: Examining the Experiences of Black Girls in Independent Schools
Authors: Hill Heather , Warren Markita , Jacobs Charlotte E.
Published: August 2023

Background/Context:

An increasing body of literature reveals how systems of racism, sexism, and classism intersect to marginalize Black girls in contexts of schooling. Few studies have explored this topic from the perspectives of Black girls in all-girls independent schools pursuing antiracist school reform.

Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study:

This study examined the experiences of Black girls in all-girls independent schools to understand how they perceived themselves as mapped into or left out of conversations about race in school and society.

Research Design:

The study employed a qualitative research design. A total of 42 middle and high school students participated in a semi-structured focus group interview lasting 60–120 minutes. Interviews were conducted in person and online. Audio-recordings were transcribed for analysis. Data analysis involved a multilayered approach. First, transcriptions of the focus group interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques to identify recurring themes and patterns. A Black Girl Cartography framework was employed to distinguish the spatial and relational aspects of the participants’ experiences and identities. Finally, critical discourse analysis was applied to examine the interplay between power, identity, culture, and spatiality within the participants’ narratives.

Findings/Results:

Data revealed that Black girls were navigating conversations about race across one-on-one, peer group, advisory meeting, classroom-based, and schoolwide interactions, where they perceived themselves to be physically and epistemologically marginalized and/or excluded. We identified dimensions of racetalk that aided in their experience of marginalization and exclusion: (1) placelessness, (2) selflessness, and (3) Blackgirlhoodlessness. Data also revealed that while participants were navigating ideologies, practices, and procedures that threatened their opportunities for development, they were also charting spaces for their individual and collective joy, healing, and racial socialization.

Conclusions/Recommendations:

Implications from these data explore the ways in which all-girls independent schools overlook Black girls’ unique geopolitical locations in schools and society and, in so doing, miss opportunities to nurture their development. This study contributes to a rich understanding of the complex interplay between power, identity, culture, and spatiality that Black girls navigate in schooling and society. We advocate for an application of principles and best practices aligned with culturally relevant and culturally sustaining pedagogies that center the experiences of Black girls. We recommend that schools (1) employ situated and intersectional approaches to antiracist educational reform, (2) center Black girl mattering in schooling, and (3) nurture Black girl self-love, joy, and racial literacy.
Toxicologic Pathology Forum: Considerations Regarding Determination of Adversity for Immunopathology Findings in Nonclinical Toxicology Studies with Immune-Modulating Therapeutics
Authors: Papenfuss Tracey L. , Himmel Lauren , Kuper C. Frieke , Mohanan Sunish , Harleman Johannes , Elmore Susan A.
Published: August 2023

The evaluation of changes in the immune system serves to determine the efficacy and potential immunotoxicologic effects of new products under development. Toxicologic pathologists play critical roles in identifying immune system changes that drive the immunosafety determination. Standard pathology evaluations of therapies and chemicals remain similar; however, biopharmaceutical therapies have moved from simply affecting the immune system to being specifically developed to modify the immune system, which can impact interpretation. Recent explosive growth in immunomodulatory therapies presents a challenge to the toxicologic pathologist, toxicologist, and regulatory reviewer in terms of evaluating the clinical relevance and potential adversity of immune system changes. Beyond the recognition of such changes, there is an increasing expectation to evaluate, describe, and interpret how therapies affect complex immune system pathways for both immunomodulatory therapies and non-immunomodulatory drugs with off-target immunotoxic effects. In this opinion piece, considerations regarding immune system evaluation, the current landscape of immunomodulatory therapies, a brief description of immunotoxicologic (and immunopathologic) endpoints, the importance of integrating such immunosafety data, and relevance to adversity determination are discussed. Importantly, we describe how the current paradigm of determining adversity for immune system changes may be challenging or insufficient and propose a harmonized and flexible approach for assessing adversity.
Primary and secondary leptomeningeal gliomatosis in dogs
Authors: Rissi Daniel R. , Reyes Vicente A. A. , Donovan Taryn A. , Church Molly E. , Howerth Elizabeth W. , Klang Andrea , Woolard Kevin D. , Miller Andrew D.
Published: August 2023

Leptomeningeal gliomatosis (LG) is characterized by extensive dissemination of neoplastic glial cells in the subarachnoid space either without an intraparenchymal glioma (primary LG or PLG) or secondary to an intraparenchymal glioma (secondary LG or SLG). Given the low frequency of LG in human and veterinary medicine, specific diagnostic criteria are lacking. Here, we describe 14 cases of canine LG that were retrospectively identified from 6 academic institutions. The mean age of affected dogs was 7.3 years and over 90% of patients were brachycephalic. Clinical signs were variable and progressive. Relevant magnetic resonance image findings in 7/14 dogs included meningeal enhancement of affected areas and/or intraparenchymal masses. All affected dogs were euthanized because of the poor prognosis. Gross changes were reported in 12/14 cases and consisted mainly of gelatinous leptomeningeal thickening in the brain (6/12 cases) or spinal cord (2/12 cases) and 1 or multiple, gelatinous, gray to red intraparenchymal masses in the brain (6/12 cases). Histologically, all leptomeningeal neoplasms and intraparenchymal gliomas were morphologically consistent with oligodendrogliomas. Widespread nuclear immunolabeling for OLIG2 was observed in all neoplasms. The absence of an intraparenchymal glioma was consistent with PLG in 3 cases. The remaining 11 cases were diagnosed as SLG.
Safer Streets Priority Finder: An Open-Source Tool for Vulnerable Road User Safety Analysis and Prioritization
Authors: Schoner Jessica , Tolford Tara , Putta Theja , Izadi Maryam , Finfer Rachel , Jatres Daniel , Patterson Daniel , Ruley Jennifer , Nigro Jacob , Stickney Robert
Published: August 2023

Vulnerable road user traffic deaths in the United States have increased in number and proportion over the last decade. This growing disparity points to a larger need to prioritize safety for vulnerable road users. Evaluating and predicting vulnerable road user crash risk is a data-intensive and complex process. This study aimed to make safety analysis easier and more accessible by (1) developing a modeling framework with minimal data input needs, (2) converting model outputs into cost equivalents to better link the results to project scoping processes, and (3) building this functionality into an online tool and dashboard. In this paper, we present an approach to modeling vulnerable road user crash risk that uses Bayesian probability updating and Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations to blend an existing published statistical model with simple roadway and crash data inputs, which we built into an online tool and dashboard called the Safer Streets Priority Finder. We applied the tool to crash data from the City of New Orleans and describe its application for roadway safety and transit planning use cases. Overall, in most contexts, we found that this modeling approach performed as well or better than sliding window analysis and traditional high injury networks, as it goes beyond just crash history, thus enabling it to estimate crash risk even when there is no history of crashes. This performance improvement, combined with ease of use, suggests the tool could improve on one of the most common safety analysis approaches used in field of transportation planning.
Exploring the determinants of private healthcare providers’ market power: A performance-based perspective
Authors: Forgione Antonio Fabio , Noto Guido
Published: August 2023

This research focuses on market power in the private healthcare sector. This topic has been poorly explored by the extant literature and the reasons mainly rely on the peculiarities of the sector and the specific market. In fact, health providers’ market power is influenced by multiple factors and by the fact that prices are often regulated by national or regional public authorities. To fill this gap, the article explores the relationship between performance characteristics and health providers’ market power, measured through the Lerner index. The research is based on the analysis of panel data for 437 Italian private healthcare providers over the period 2012–2020. To explore the determinants of health providers’ market power, this research employs System-generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM) estimation models. The results highlight a significant and non-linear relationship between market power and process performance, as well as with gender diversity. Intangible assets are another input variable that has a significant and positive relationship with market power. The study contributes to the identification of the performance characteristics driving health providers’ market power.
A new approach for determining optimum number of cell, cell formation and intra-machine cell layout with considering operation sequence
Authors: Raja Shanmuganantham , Vignesh Krishnan
Published: August 2023

Cellular manufacturing has been effective in implementing Group Technology Philosophy so as to design a manufacturing system. In cellular manufacturing, it is imperative for the machines to be grouped and the parts to be assigned as part families depending on the level of similarity. Several research works have been carried out on the challenges faced in cell formation and their variants. Yet, based on zero-one machine-product occurrence matrix as the study's contribution data, only a small number of researchers have come out with a solution for overcoming feasibility evaluation and cell arrangement problems. An innovative similarity coefficient approach was proposed in the study to integrate feasibility evaluation, cell creation and intra-machine cell layout design by taking operation sequence into account. For tackling the challenges, an efficient heuristic solution has been proposed to use the similarity coefficient. The purpose of this study is to use eigenvalues of the resemblance matrix of coefficient and Kaiser's law to determine the appropriate sum of cells in the machine-product occurrence matrix. It is followed by rearranging the machines as well as the product depending on similarity value. The intra-machine cell layout design depending on flow matrix is attained. In addition, the proposed approach takes into consideration the intercellular movements, backtracking movements, number of operation and voids. The performance of the proposed approach has been assessed with renowned bench mark problem derived from previous literature and the findings have been contrasted to the CASE and CLASS algorithm. From the computational result, it could be inferred that the suggested approach is found to offer better (or) equal solution than the prevailing method. To add more, a real-world industrial case has been suggested to make evident the manner in which the proposed approach functions and the benefits attained by implementing the same.
Experimental and analytical study on insertion force of composite-coated needle in soft tissue material
Authors: Patel Kavi , Hutapea Parsaoran
Published: August 2023

Medical interventions require control over surgical needle insertion to minimize tissue damage and target inaccuracies during percutaneous procedures. The composite coating of the needle using Polydopamine (PDA), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and Activated Carbon (C) has been used to reduce the damaging needle insertion force. This research aims to further understand the interfacial mechanics of coated needle insertion by studying the forces at the needle and tissue interface and developing an analytical insertion force model through a combined experimental and numerical method. The proposed analytical force model is divided into two components: (1) Friction force on the needle shaft, modeled using a modified Karnopp model that includes an elastic force component; (2) Cutting force on the needle tip, modeled using a constant cutting coefficient for a given tissue and insertion speed. In this work, the analytical model was established by incorporating experiments conducted at a reasonable 35 mm insertion depth in tissues. In a bovine kidney with a 35 mm insertion depth, the insertion force evaluated through experimentation and modeling differed by 6.5% for a bare needle and 17.1% for a coated needle. It is important to note that this difference in the analytical insertion force model is anticipated when dealing with real tissues with a highly complex structured tissue. Prediction of the insertion force could potentially be utilized in robotic needle systems for needle control to improve the success of percutaneous procedures.
The Democratic Citizen, Political Plasticity and National Development: A Psychological Perspective
Authors: Moghaddam Fathali M. , Salas-Schweikart Raimundo , Schneider Melanie
Published: August 2023

The global context in which national development is taking place has changed in important ways, including widening and entrenched inequalities, deglobalisation, weakened democracies, more aggressive dictatorships and the rise of authoritarian strongmen in many countries. Within this changed context, we examine the central role of the democratic citizen and political plasticity in national development. Our arguments are supported by reference to empirical psychological studies, as well as applied challenges in national development. We identify the 10 most important psychological characteristics of the democratic citizen. Achieving these characteristics requires change, which we discuss through the concept of political plasticity, how fast, in what ways, and how much political behaviour can (and cannot) be changed. We point out that in some domains political plasticity is very low and changes extremely slowly. We identify a narrative approach as the best path for nurturing democratic citizens, building on the narrative story-telling tradition that is already indigenous to many non-Western societies. The incorporation of a narrative tradition to strengthen democratic citizenship does not require expensive technology or other material resources.
Influence of Big Five Personality Traits on Herding Bias: Delhi-NCR Region
Authors: Kaushik Rohit , Pareek Nishtha
Published: August 2023

Herding is a phenomenon which has become a matter of curiosity among researchers. As herding amplifies the reaction of the retail investors to the developments in the stock market, and researchers are finding an answer to this problem in the personality traits of the investors. With a sample size of 100 respondents, the research took place in Delhi-NCR. Data collection took place with the help of a structural questionnaire. In this process, factor analysis was used to identify key variables, and multiple regression test was conducted to ascertain the association between the two variables. The study concluded that agreeableness and neuroticism were the personality traits which were highly vulnerable to herding bias. The observations of the study were that neuroticism and agreeableness are the two personality traits which are highly vulnerable to the problem of herding in stock market, whereas other personality traits did not share any significant relation with herding bias. The research will be immensely beneficial for the research advisors to develop plans in accordance with personality traits of the upcoming investors to save them from the fluctuations in the stock market.
Future Agendas in Finance in a Post-pandemic World: A Brief Overview
Authors: Datta Divyani
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic created an environment of unprecedented shock among global economies. Prolonged lockdown across countries, national economic downturns and unexpected disruptions of demand and supply cycles created a likeliness towards a phase of slowdown that could last for an uncertain period. The current study is an attempt to investigate the possible post-pandemic implications on selected financial dimensions of an economy. Secondary data have been relied on to highlight the social and economic impact of this pandemic by drawing insights from literature that have been able to foretell or assess the impacts of likely situations of crisis. Major findings of the study are indicative towards the need of fulfilling unmet investments in preparedness against pandemics, the obvious advantages of having pandemics like COVID-19 being covered by insurance, possible long-term shifts in global spending patterns and the importance of financial markets enduring through such uncertainty. Understanding the impacts of past events that might closely parallel the COVID-19 pandemic brings out avenues of future research in this direction and a possibility of supplementing the scant literature available in this area of study.
Assessing Quality in Ready-Mix Concrete Production: A Case Study of B. L. Kashyap and Sons Ltd
Authors: Jaiswal Anand , Singh Teena , Jha Aviral , Ankita Mrs
Published: August 2023

This case study focuses on B. L. Kashyap and Sons Ltd (BLK), a renowned construction company in India, which encountered quality issues in the manufacturing process of ready-mix concrete. A comprehensive analysis utilising quality tools was undertaken to identify the underlying causes of these issues. The study revealed that defects in test and inspection, along with high temperatures during the process, were significant concerns. To address these challenges, the study explores strategies and structural changes that actively involve suppliers, stakeholders, managers, work teams and customers in improving the production process. Emphasising the importance of clearly defining responsibilities, duties and fostering continuous process improvement, this case study provides valuable insights for organisations seeking to enhance quality control and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement.
Towards a Measure of Local Legislative Professionalism
Authors: Cooper Christopher A. , Rimes Heather
Published: August 2023

Municipal policy leadership is shared between managers, city councilors, and mayors, all of whom vary in institutional power and resources across municipalities. Corresponding with their importance, scholars have established consistent measures of professionalism for Mayors and City Managers. Unfortunately, there is no parallel measure of professionalism for city councils. After reviewing the role of councils in local policy leadership and establishing the need for a systematic measure of local legislative professionalism, this paper uses data from over 4,000 municipalities to develop a measure of legislative professionalism for city councils. We demonstrate that considerable variation exists in levels of professionalism among local legislatures and describe the implications of this variation for questions of municipal policy leadership and local legislative representation.
Localized necking and bulging of finitely deformed residually stressed solid cylinder
Authors: Liu Yang , Dorfmann Luis
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we investigate the influence of residual stress on the stability of a solid circular cylinder subject to axial extension. The nonlinear theory of elasticity is used to derive the equations governing the linearized incremental deformations superimposed on a known finitely deformed configuration. Specialized to the neo-Hookean model with residual stress, the bifurcation analysis results in an exact bifurcation condition for zero and periodic modes, based on the Stroh formalism. An expansion technique is adopted to treat singularities in the governing equations. We investigate three loading scenarios, specifically, gradual increase in axial stretch with constant residual stress and gradual increase in residual stress with fixed axial length or fixed axial force. In each case, the zero mode, corresponding to a localized bifurcation, occurs first. An explicit bifurcation condition for the zero mode is derived, which accounts for the effect of geometric dimensions, the residual stress, and the axial elongation on the stability of the solid cylinder. The critical values of the residual stress and the axial force for localized necking or bulging to occur are identified. In particular, we show that a reduction in residual stress delays the onset of localized necking. At constant values of pre-stretch, with [Formula: see text], localized necking occurs at a critical residual stress, whereas localized bulging occurs when [Formula: see text]. We use the Maxwell equal-area rule to characterize the “two-phase” deformation consisting of necked and bulged regions. It is shown that the Maxwell values of stretch identify the radii of the two regions, which are connected by a transition zone that translates along the cylinder. At the completion of “two-phase” deformation, the stretch is again uniform.
The emergence of autolography: the ‘magical’ invocation of images from text through AI
Authors: Chesher Chris , Albarrán-Torres César
Published: August 2023

In mid-2022, AI systems automatically translating text into evocative original images became an internet sensation. People compared it to magic: invoking an uncannily competent artist–magician. We call it ‘autolography’ from the Greek ‘automatos + logos + graphos’ (self + word + drawing). Following a discourse analysis of online publications comparing autolography to magic, we analyse its enthusiastic reception from some and critique from others. We identify historical parallels and divergences between the reception of contemporary autolography and early photography: the reduction or transformation of creative labour, negotiations over intellectual property, the alleged democratisation of visual cultural production, and the association with the Western magical imagination. Both photography and autolography prompted renegotiations of artistic practices, professional identities and intellectual property laws. However, rather than being a mechanical eye on the world, autolography undermines faith in images by invoking digitally uncanny materialisations of floating signifiers from AI models.
Evaluating the long-term effects of cognitive behavioural therapy as an early intervention for at-risk anxiety disorders among preschool children in Asia
Authors: Takahashi Takahito , Ishikawa Shin-ichi , Aiboshi Takahiro , Miyauchi Mai
Published: August 2023

There are few evaluations of early intervention for the prevention of anxiety disorders in East Asia, and those that exist generally evaluate outcomes to a maximum of 6–12 months. The current study evaluated the long-term effect (5 years) of an anxiety prevention program presented to preschool children and their parents in Japan. Participants for the study were 10 inhibited children 5–6 years old and their parents. The parent’s and children’s program comprised group sessions of a cognitive-behavioural program. Parents and teachers completed the anxious/depressed, withdrawn and behavioural inhibition at pre-post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Five years after starting the intervention, participants were invited to a diagnostic interview, Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS) to examine a long-term preventive effect of the intervention. The majority of children showed a reduction in anxious/depressed, behavioral inhibition, and approximately half showed reliable change according to parents' and teachers' reports. Moreover, the results indicated that 9 of the 10 children did not met the diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders. These results suggested that the early intervention had preventive effects because the diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders were not met in the follow-up assessment conducted five years later.
Entrepreneurial orientation and SMEs export performance: The role of social media capital and business network ties
Authors: Mahmoud Mahmoud Abdulai , Gli Deli Dotse , Amoah Dorothy , Tweneboah-Koduah Ernest Yaw
Published: August 2023

Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) theory, the purpose of this research is to examine the influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) export performance with the moderating effect of social media capital and business network ties. A quantitative survey design was employed for this study. Empirical data for this paper were drawn from 369 Ghanaian SME exporting firms, using the purposive sampling technique, and the hypothesized relationships were analyzed using AMOS v.23 in structural equation modeling. The study reveals that export performance of SMEs is principally determined by their EO. In addition, this effect is reinforced by the social media capital and business network ties, exerting a positive moderating role. The paper provides practical implications for SMEs and policymakers on the need to leverage social media capital and business network ties, given their importance to improving export performance, rather than focusing solely on EO.
Lodestar: Supporting rapid prototyping of data science workflows through data-driven analysis recommendations
Authors: Raghunandan Deepthi , Cui Zhe , Krishnan Kartik , Tirfe Segen , Shi Shenzhi , Shrestha Tejaswi Darshan , Battle Leilani , Elmqvist Niklas
Published: August 2023

Keeping abreast of current trends, technologies, and best practices in visualization and data analysis is becoming increasingly difficult, especially for fledgling data scientists. In this paper, we propose lodestar, an interactive computational notebook that allows users to quickly explore and construct new data science workflows by selecting from a list of automated analysis recommendations. We derive our recommendations from directed graphs of known analysis states, with two input sources: one manually curated from online data science tutorials, and another extracted through semi-automatic analysis of a corpus of over 6000 Jupyter notebooks. We validated Lodestar through three separate user studies: first a formative evaluation involving novices learning data science using the tool. We used the feedback from this study to improve the tool. This was followed by a summative study involving both new and returning participants from the formative evaluation to test the efficacy of our improvements. We also engaged professional data scientists in an expert review assessing the utility of the different recommendations. Overall, our results suggest that both novice and professional users find Lodestar useful for rapidly creating data science workflows.
No Place Like Home?
Authors: van Stee Elena G.
Published: August 2023

From privileged dependence to precarious autonomy, students from different class backgrounds understood and experienced parental support differently amid COVID-19 campus closures.
Do People Who Drive Trucks Care About the Environment?
Authors: Kennedy Emily Huddart , Hamdon Carly
Published: August 2023

By adhering to a hierarchy of environmentalism, we lose the chance to understand others’ relationships with the environment and build solidarity in fighting climate change.
Understanding the Durable Myth of the “Irresponsible Pet Owner”
Authors: Guenther Katja M.
Published: August 2023

Ethnographic research in an animal welfare organization challenges common, and harmful, framings of what causes guardians to surrender companion animals.
Childfree in a Family-Friendly Neighborhood
Authors: Neal Zachary P. , Neal Jennifer Watling
Published: August 2023

Zachary P. Neal and Jennifer Watling Neal on preferences and perceptions.