bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General Decay of the Moore–Gibson–Thompson Equation with Viscoelastic Memory of Type II
Authors: Boulaaras Salah , Choucha Abdelbaki , Scapellato Andrea
Published: March 2022

This study deals with the general decay of solutions of a new class of Moore–Gibson–Thompson equation with respect to the memory kernel of type II. By using the energy method in the Fourier space, we establish the main results.
Elucidating the Novel Mechanism of Ligustrazine in Preventing Postoperative Peritoneal Adhesion Formation
Authors: Yang Lili , Li Zhengjun , Chen Yao , Chen Feiyan , Sun Haopeng , Zhao Min , Chen Yanqi , Wang Yali , Li Wenlin , Zeng Li , Bian Yaoyao
Published: March 2022

Postoperative peritoneal adhesion (PPA) is a major clinical complication after open surgery or laparoscopic procedure. Ligustrazine is the active ingredient extracted from the natural herb Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort, which has promising antiadhesion properties. This study is aimed at revealing the underlying mechanisms of ligustrazine in preventing PPA at molecular and cellular levels. Both rat primary peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) and human PMCs were used for analysis in vitro. Several molecular biological techniques were applied to uncover the potential mechanisms of ligustrazine in preventing PPA. And molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis assay were used to predict the binding sites of ligustrazine with PPARγ. The bioinformatics analysis was further applied to identify the key pathway in the pathogenesis of PPA. Besides, PPA rodent models were prepared and developed to evaluate the novel ligustrazine nanoparticles in vivo. Ligustrazine could significantly suppress hypoxia-induced PMC functions, such as restricting the production of profibrotic cytokines, inhibiting the expression of migration and adhesion-associated molecules, repressing the expression of cytoskeleton proteins, restricting hypoxia-induced PMCs to obtain myofibroblast-like phenotypes, and reversing ECM remodeling and EMT phenotype transitions by activating PPARγ. The antagonist GW9662 of PPARγ could restore the inhibitory effects of ligustrazine on hypoxia-induced PMC functions. The inhibitor KC7F2 of HIF-1α could repress hypoxia-induced PMC functions, and ligustrazine could downregulate the expression of HIF-1α, which could be reversed by GW9662. And the expression of HIF-1α inhibited by ligustrazine was dramatically reversed after transfection with si-SMRT. The results showed that the benefit of ligustrazine on PMC functions is contributed to the activation of PPARγ on the transrepression of HIF-1α in an SMRT-dependent manner. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis tests uncovered that ligustrazine bound directly to PPARγ, and Val 339/Ile 341 residue was critical for the binding of PPARγ to ligustrazine. Besides, we discovered a novel nanoparticle agent with sustained release behavior, drug delivery efficiency, and good tissue penetration in PPA rodent models. Our study unravels a novel mechanism of ligustrazine in preventing PPA. The findings indicated that ligustrazine is a potential strategy for PPA formation and ligustrazine nanoparticles are promising agents for preclinical application.
Image Retrieval Using Different Distance Methods and Color Difference Histogram Descriptor for Human Healthcare
Authors: Chugh Himani , Gupta Sheifali , Garg Meenu , Gupta Deepali , Juneja Sapna , Turabieh Hamza , Na Yogita , Kiros Bitsue Zelalem
Published: March 2022

As multimedia technology is developing and growing these days, the use of an enormous number of images and its datasets is likewise expanding at a quick rate. Such datasets can be utilized for the purpose of image retrieval. This research focuses on extraction of similar images established on its different features for the image retrieval purpose from huge dataset of images. In this paper initially, the query image is searched within the available dataset and, then, the color difference histogram (CDH) descriptor is employed to retrieve the images from database. The basic characteristic of CDH is that it counts the color difference stuck among two distinct labels in the L

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color space. This method is experimented on random images used for various medical purposes. Various unlike features of an image are extracted via different distance methods. The precision rate, recall rate, and F-measure are all used to evaluate the system’s performance. Comparative analysis in terms of F-measure is also made to check for the best distance method used for retrieval of images.
Serum Concentration of CD137 and Tumor Infiltration by M1 Macrophages Predict the Response to Sintilimab plus Bevacizumab Biosimilar in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Zhang Wen , Gong Caifeng , Peng Xuenan , Bi Xinyu , Sun Yongkun , Zhou Jianguo , Wu Fan , Zeng Huiying , Wang Yan , Zhou Hui , Zhao Hong , Cai Jianqiang , Zhou Aiping
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

This study aimed to investigate the biomarkers of sintilimab (anti–PD-1) plus IBI305 (a bevacizumab biosimilar) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as their safety and efficacy.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 50 patients with advanced HCC received sintilimab (200 mg) plus IBI305 (7.5 or 15 mg/kg), treated every 3 weeks in a phase Ib clinical study. We performed baseline serum cytokine analysis using bead-based multiplex immunoassay and multiplex immunofluorescence on tissue specimens to discover novel biomarkers of response to VEGF/PD-1 combination therapy in HCC.

Results:

The overall response rate was 34.0% (17/50). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and the median overall survival were 10.5 and 20.2 months, respectively. The incidence of grade 3 to 5 adverse events was lower in the 7.5 mg/kg (13.8%) than in the 15 mg/kg (28.6%) dose groups. Biomarker analysis showed that the serum CD137 concentration was significantly higher in patients with clinical benefit (CB) than in those without CB (median, 32.8 pg/mL vs. 19.8 pg/mL, P = 0.034). A markedly longer PFS was observed in patients with high CD137 concentrations compared with those with low concentrations (median, 14.2 months vs. 4.1 months, P = 0.001). The higher density of M1 macrophages (CD68+CD163–) in the stroma was also associated with higher efficacy (P = 0.033) and a longer PFS (P = 0.024).

Conclusions:

Sintilimab plus IBI305 was well tolerated and was effective therapy for advanced HCC. Both serum concentrations of CD137 and tumor infiltration of M1 macrophages may serve as potential predictive biomarkers.

See related commentary by Cappuyns and Llovet, p. 3405
Long Non-Coding RNA HCG11 Inhibits Glioma Cells Proliferation and Migration through Decoying miR-590-3p and Up-Regulating CADM2
Authors: Jinyang Ma , Bojuan Lang , Lixin Xue , Wan Ding , Sun Tao
Published: March 2022

Background: Long non-coding RNAs are reportedly endowed with the function of promoting or inhibiting cancer occurrence and development. The emphasis of this study was placed on the effect of lncRNA HLA complex group 11 (HCG11) on glioma progression, as well as its mechanism. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized for detecting HCG11, miR-590-3p, and CAMD2 mRNA expression levels in glioma tissues. Western blot was adopted to examine cell adhesion molecule (CADM2) protein expression. Cell counting kit-8, BrdU, Transwell and wound healing assays were employed for investigating the malignant biological behaviors of glioma cells. RNA immunoprecipitation assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to prove the relationship between miR-590-3p and HCG11, as well as CADM2 and miR-590-3p. Results: HCG11 expression was lower in glioma tissues compared with that in paracancerous tissues, and its expression level was negatively correlated with WHO tumor stage. In addition, compared with in astrocyte cell line, the expression of HCG11 was lower in glioma cells. Functional experiments showed that HCG11 inhibited glioma cells migration and proliferation, while miR-590-3p facilitated these processes. Acting as a competitive endogenous RNA, HCG11 adsorbed miR-590-3p and upregulated the expression of CADM2, the target gene of miR-590-3p. Conclusions: HCG11 suppresses glioma cells proliferation and migration through regulating the miR-590-3p/CADM2 molecular axis.
Predictors of the Development of Major Adverse Cardiac Events following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Azaza Nouha , Baslaib Fahad O. , Al Rishani Akram , Ahmed Mariam , Al-Zainal Jumana , Aboalela Mohamed , Gargousa Marian , Abdalla Geili , Shah Nadim
Published: March 2022

Background: Coronary artery disease remains the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite the growing access to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Data regarding the factors predicting the development of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients undergoing PCI are, however, lacking in the gulf region. In this study, we analyze demographics and risk profile of all patients undergoing PCI in a tertiary cardiovascular center located in Dubai – UAE. In our study, we aimed to analyze the risk profile of all patients undergoing PCI and determine the independent predictors of MACE. Methods: Data were collected prospectively on all patients who underwent PCI in our hospital between September 2017 and September 2018. Patients aged 18 years and above were included in the study and there were no exclusion criteria. The definition of MACE was a composite of death, in-hospital recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), in-hospital target vessel revascularization (TVR), and stroke. The patients’ characteristics, risk factor, and demographics were analyzed to identify the predictors of MACE using logistic regression model which is presented in odds ratio. Results: Data were available for 789 patients. Of these, 741 (94%) were male. The mean age was 52 ± 11 years. Twenty-two (3%) patients died, 7 (1%) had an in-hospital recurrent MI, 6 (1%) had in-hospital TVR, and 1 (0.1%) had a stroke. Of the patients who died, 16 (73%) patients presented with cardiogenic shock. Major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 29 (3.7%) patients. In the multivariable regression model, only cardiogenic shock (odds ratio [OR] = 32.43) and the presence of diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.36) were predictors of MACE. Conclusion: Our study showed that cardiogenic shock and diabetes mellitus are the independent predictors of MACE in patients undergoing PCI.
Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma Immunohistochemistry Labeling in Uveal Melanomas
Authors: Ahmadian Saman S. , Dryden Ian J. , Naranjo Andrea , Toland Angus , Cayrol Romain A. , Born Donald E. , Egbert Peter S. , Brown Ryanne A. , Mruthyunjaya Prithvi , Lin Jonathan H.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, and despite treatment of the primary tumor, approximately 15%–50% of patients will develop metastatic disease. Based on gene expression profiling (GEPs), UM can be categorized as Class 1A (low metastatic risk), Class 1B (intermediate metastatic risk), or Class 2 (high metastatic risk). PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) status is an independent prognostic UM biomarker and a potential target for immunotherapy in metastatic UM. PRAME expression status can be detected in tumors using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). More recently, immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been developed to detect PRAME protein expression. Here, we employed both techniques to evaluate PRAME expression in 18 UM enucleations. Methods: Tumor material from the 18 UM patients who underwent enucleation was collected by fine-needle aspiration before or during enucleation and sent for GEP and PRAME analysis by RT-PCR. Histologic sections from these patients were stained with an anti-PRAME monoclonal antibody. We collected patient demographics and tumor characteristics and included this with our analysis of GEP class, PRAME status by RT-PCR, and PRAME status by IHC. PRAME IHC and RT-PCR results were compared. Results: Twelve males (12/18) and 6 females (6/18) with an average age of 60.6 years underwent enucleation for UM. TNM staging of the UM diagnosed Stage I in 2 patients (2/18), Stage II in 7 patients (7/18), Stage III in 8 patients (8/18), and Stage IV in 1 (1/18). GEP was Class 1A in 6 tumors (6/18), Class 1B in 6 tumors (6/18), and Class 2 in 6 tumors (6/18). PRAME IHC showed diffusely positive labeling of all UM cells in 2/18 enucleations; negative IHC labeling of UM cells in 9/18 enucleations; and IHC labeling of subsets of UM cells in 7/18 enucleations. Eleven of the 17 UMs tested for PRAME by both RT-PCR and IHC had consistent PRAME results. In the remaining 6/17 cases tested by both modalities, PRAME results were discordant between RT-PCR and IHC. Conclusions: We find that PRAME IHC distinguishes PRAME-positive and PRAME-negative UM tumor cells. Interestingly, IHC reveals focal PRAME expression in subsets of tumor cells consistent with tumor heterogeneity. PRAME RT-PCR and IHC provide concordant results in most of our cases. We suggest that discordance in PRAME results could arise from spatial or temporal variation in PRAME expression between tumor cells. Further studies are required to determine the prognostic implications of PRAME IHC in UM.
GF(q) LDPC encoder and decoder FPGA implementation using group shuffled belief propagation algorithm
Authors: Zenkouar Fatima Zahrae , El Alaoui Mustapha , Najah Said
Published: March 2022

This paper presents field programmable gate array (FPGA) exercises of the GF(q) low-density parity-check (LDPC) encoder and interpreter utilizing the group shuffled belief propagation (GSBP) algorithm are presented in this study. For small blocks, non-dual LDPC codes have been shown to have a greater error correction rate than dual codes. The reduction behavior of non-binary LDPC codes over GF (16) (also known as GF(q)-LDPC codes) over the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel has been demonstrated to be close to the Shannon limit and employs a short block length (N=600 bits). At the same time, it also provides a non-binary LDPC (NB-LDPC) code set program. Furthermore, the simplified bubble check treasure event count is implemented through the use of first in first out (FIFO), which is based on an elegant design. The structure of the interpreter and the creation of the residential area he built were planned in very high speed integrated circuit (VHSIC) hardware description language (VHDL) and simulated in MODELSIM 6.5. The combined output of the Cyclone II FPGA is combined with the simulation output.
Open-circuit fault resilient ability multi level inverter with reduced switch count for off grid applications
Authors: Kumar Chillappagari Pavan , Nagaraj Karthick , Rao Airineni Madhukar
Published: March 2022

In a multi-level inverter (MLI), the switching component number effect on volume and reliability is a major concern in on-grid and off-grid applications. The recent trend in MLI, reduced component number of power switches, and capacitors in multi-level inverter topologies have been driven for power conversion. The concept of fault tolerance is not considered in many such configurations; due to this the reliability of the MLI is very low. So now it is a major research concern, to develop a strong fault resilient ability power electronic converter. In this work, a novel configuration of a multilevel inverter with a lower switch count is proposed and analyzed with fault tolerance operation for improvement of reliability. Generally, the fault-tolerant operation is analyzed in only any one of the switches in MLI. But the proposed topology is concerned with multiple switch fault tolerance. Further, the phase disposition pulse width modulation (PDPWM) control scheme is utilized for the operation of the proposed inverter topology. The proposed inverter topology is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink environment under normal and faulty condition; the results are obtained and validated.
Numerical investigation of the performance of AlGaN/GaN/BGaN double-gate double-channel high electron mobility transistor
Authors: Djelti Hamida
Published: March 2022

In this work, we examine the direct-current (DC) behavior and the radio-frequency (RF) performance of both single-gate simple-channel (SGSC), single-gate double-channel (SGDC) and double-gate double-channel (DGDC) AlGaN/GaN/BGaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) with BGaN back-barriers consist of 250 nm gate length. Using Technologie Computer Aided Design (TCAD) Silvaco, our isothermal simulation results reveal that the proposed structure of double-gate double-channel HEMT with BGaN back-barriers (DGDCBB HEMT) increases electron concentration and consequently the saturation drain current, breakdown voltage, the transconductance. On the other hand, decreases the gate leakage current compared to a conventional HEMT and to a double-channel HEMT back-barriers. Furthermore, the proposed double-gate double-channel back-barrier HEMT device shows good cutoff frequency (94 GHz) and a maximum oscillation frequency (170 GHz). These results suggest that double-gate double channel HEMT back-barriers could be useful for high-frequency and high-power microwave applications.
Determination of optimized sleep interval for 10 gigabit-passive optical network using learning intelligence
Authors: M. Zin Affida , Idrus Sevia Mahdaliza , Ismail Nur Asfahani , Ramli Arnidza , Atan Fadila Mohd
Published: March 2022

The overall aim of this project is to investigate the application of a machine learning method in finding the optimized length of asleep time interval (TAS) in a cyclic sleep mechanism (CSM). Since past decade, the implementations of CSM in the optical network unit (ONU) to reduce the energy consumption in 10 gigabit-passive optical network (XG-PON) were extensively researched. However, the newest era sees the emergence of various network traffic with stringent demands that require further improvements on the TAS selection. Since conventional methods utilize complex algorithm, this paper presents the employment of an artificial neural network (ANN) to facilitate ONU to determine the optimized TAS values using learning from past experiences. Prior to simulation, theoretical analysis was done using the M/G/1 queueing system. The ANN was than trained and tested for the XG-PON network for optimal TAS decisions. Results have shown that towards higher network load, a decreasing TAS trend was observed from both methods. A wider TAS range was recorded from the ANN network as compared to the theoretical values. Therefore, these findings will benefit the network operators to have a flexibility measure in determining the optimal TAS values at current network conditions.
A feature selection method based on auto-encoder for internet of things intrusion detection
Authors: Alshudukhi Ahmed Fahad , Jabbar Saif Ahmed , Alshaikhdeeb Basel
Published: March 2022

The evolution in gadgets where various devices have become connected to the internet such as sensors, cameras, smartphones, and others, has led to the emergence of internet-of-things (IoT). As any network, security is the main issue facing IoT. Several studies addressed the intrusion detection task in IoT. The majority of these studies utilized different statistical and bio-inspired feature selection techniques. Deep learning is a family of techniques that demonstrated remarkable performance in the field of classification. The emergence of deep learning techniques has led to configure new neural network architectures that is designed for the feature selection task. This study proposes a deep learning architecture known as auto-encoder (AE) for the task of feature selection in IoT intrusion detection. A benchmark dataset for IoT intrusions has been considered in the experiments. The proposed AE has been carried out for the feature selection task along with a simple neural network (NN) architecture for the classification task. Experimental results showed that the proposed AE showed an accuracy of 99.97% with a false alarm rate (FAR) of 1.0. The comparison against the state of the art proves the efficacy of AE.
Energy saving on IoT using LoRa: a systematic literature review
Authors: Widianto Mochammad Haldi , Ramadhan Arief , Trisetyarso Agung , Abdurachman Edi
Published: March 2022

The development of devices connected to the internet is very significant, encouraging the creation of the internet of things (IoT). With remote systems, IoT is not enough to use in case of internet instability. By using long range (LoRa), IoT systems can now solve this problem. Millions of data make IoT-LoRa have to spend a lot of energy. This paper helps discover where recent studies offer a broad perspective on energy savings using the systematic literature review (SLR). The paper extracted 252 articles from IEEE, ACM, MDPI, Springer, Hindawi, ScienceDirect, and IAES. 44 articles passed the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The article focuses on knowledge about IoT-Lora, energy saving needs, energy saving factors, and the paper demographics. The author synthesizes studies for that purpose on IoT applications using LoRa.
Fuzzy-based MPPT algorithm implementation on FPGA chip for multi-channel photovoltaic system
Authors: Abbes Hanen , Abid Hafedh , Loukil Kais , Abid Mohamed , Toumi Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Microprocessors and microcontrollers are mostly used to control electrical systems. These chips front into problems while monitoring systems that need heavy computing and important processing. Likewise, they fail while handling inputs and outputs speeds, especially with multi-channel photovoltaic (PV) systems. In comparison to a digital signal processor (DSP) and microcontroller implementations, field programmable gate array (FPGA) device is able to integrate a great number of PV channels and to achieve short development time, cost less and more flexible operation. As well, new control algorithms are increasingly complex; using new performing technologies is very motivating. Mainly, FPGA technology is adopted thanks to its ability to control complex applications and intelligent laws. In opposition to traditional controls, fuzzy logic based control presents more efficiency and reliability response for non-linear systems. Therefore, this paper deals with the execution of the fuzzy-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique by the means of the FPGA chip for a multi-channel photovoltaic system. A multi-channel photovoltaic system is designed. Then, the FPGA circuit is investigated to get benefits from this hardware solution. Since software implementation way integrates a limited number of PV panels, hardware implementation is a promising solution that reduces execution time and therefore controls a huge number of photovoltaic channels. Finally, results of simulation of the fuzzy technique implementation on FPGA chip show that the proposed PV system controls more than 4400 channels. Therefore, the system output power is increased and the system profitability is improved.
Acoustic analysis of vocalization and the behavioral response associated to sound production of the nine banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus (Mammalia, Cingulata, Dasypodidae) in an agonistic context
Authors: Costa Fabiana Rodrigues , Moura Pedro Henrique Areco Gomes , Alves-Júnior Sérgio da Rocha , Rosa Patricia Sammarco , Nunes Ivan
Published: March 2022

Although communication capabilities are displayed by many vertebrate groups, some repertoires are poorly known, such as the case of xenarthrans, particularly armadillos, for which vocalization as a source of communicating to others remains poorly understood and relies on punctual reports of sounds. Here we provide the first description of a behavioral response associated with sound emission of two subjects of Dasypus novemcinctus. Both audio and visual registration was performed to subsequent analyses of expressed behaviors and emitted calls, which accounted for 76 vocalizations from a total of eight video recordings randomly collected from 2017 to 2019. Sound is acoustically characterized by both inhale and exhale phases composed of two vocal units, and no harmonic structure was observed. Once the subjects have always produced these vocalizations while cornered and exhibiting defensive behavior against another subject/human disturbance, these vocalizations were termed as distress. Subjects produced a hiss-purr-like sound while trying to avoid contact with another by bowing or lowering their bodies, humping, or even moving elsewhere when sound production ceased. This shows that the sound repertoire of armadillos is still to be unveiled and seems to be much more complex than previously thought.
Taltal de Bosco Cayo Israel. La rebelión como superación del duelo
Authors: Puentes Patricia Henriquez , González Mauricio Ostria
Published: March 2022

Taltal de Bosco Cayo Israel es dramaturgia chilena de temática nortina representativa de uno de los tres rostros culturales del Norte Grande, la ciudad portuaria. En esta obra, como en parte importante de las propuestas escénicas de Cayo referidas a esta zona del país, se ponen en común ciertos imaginarios sobre el norte para denunciar al Estado por sumir en el abandono al otrora tercer puerto más importante de Chile. Los personajes en esta obra, integrantes de un grupo de terapia de intervención de duelo patológico por el suicidio de sus hijos/as y/o nietos/as adolescentes, se rebelan frente a la intención del gobierno de exhumar el cuerpo de sus seres queridos. La rebelión constituye aquí superación del duelo.
Brasil e Chile: uma história comparada de golpes, autoritarismo e democracia
Authors: Aggio Alberto
Published: March 2022

Resumo: O artigo realiza uma análise comparativa da história política do Brasil e do Chile a partir do momento em que ambos os países sofreram rupturas da ordem constitucional democrática, no Brasil, em 1964 e no Chile, em 1973. Inicia com uma discussão a respeito da utilização da comparação nos estudos de história política para definir os parâmetros que orientam a análise comparativa proposta. Apresenta um quadro interpretativo a respeito das conjunturas que precederam os golpes de Estado e, em seguida, discorre sobre as principais características dos regimes autoritários que os sucederam, analisando especialmente as transformações que foram se operando em termos econômicos, sociais e políticos. Segue com a análise dos processos de transição democrática e de seus governos, no Brasil, a partir de 1985, e, no Chile em 1990. Por fim, analisa, comparativamente, o alcance bem como os impasses de ambas as experiências democráticas. Agrega-se também um post-scriptum sobre os acontecimentos ocorridos no Chile a partir de outubro de 2019
A coleção de livros: uma biblioteca na poesia de Luiz Bacellar
Authors: Moura Fadul
Published: March 2022

Este trabalho se dedica à seção de textos intitulada “Poemas dedicados”, inserida em Frauta de barro (1963), livro de Luiz Bacellar. Procura-se pensá-la por meio da metáfora da biblioteca e compreendê-la como exemplo da reunião de alguns autores que compõem o repertório literário do escritor. Partindo das discussões iniciadas por Christian Jacob (2008) sobre a biblioteca e por Ricardo Piglia (1991) sobre a mirada estrábica, objetiva-se esclarecer a perspectiva adotada pelo poeta amazonense. Por fim, analisam-se dois poemas da referida seção, a fim de rastrear em seus textos o modo como dialoga com outros autores.
Males of lined seedeaters suggest the nest site, but do not build the nest
Authors: Ferreira D. de F. , Cunha F.C.R. , Lopes L.E.
Published: March 2022

The breeding biology of members of Sporophila seedeaters is relatively well known. In general, females are solely responsible for nest building, but it is unclear how nest sites are selected. We describe for the first time observations of male displays that ultimately suggest nesting sites to females in lined seedeaters. We compare this behaviour with anecdotal observations gathered from literature and citizen science networks that suggest that this behaviour occurs in other species in the genus.
Place your bets: small prey faces large predators
Authors: Muñoz-Romo Mariana , Cohen Gregg , Page Rachel
Published: March 2022

Interspecific aggression is common between species that live together. We describe such behaviour in a mixed-species bat roost. A single small-bodied (approx. 15 g) frugivorous bat, Carollia perspicillata, aggressively antagonized a group of much larger (approx. 34 g) bats, Trachops cirrhosus, in defence of a roosting site, resulting in the larger T. cirrhosus relinquishing the site. This interaction was striking as T. cirrhosus are known to consume C. perspicillata. The small ‘prey’ individual caused the group of larger ‘predators’ to leave the roosting area by intensely vocalizing, rapidly flapping its wings, hitting the faces of the other bats with its wings, and flinging its body at the other bats. To our knowledge, this type of interspecies agonistic behaviour has never been observed before in bats and highlights the importance of intensively studying behavioural interactions in nature.
An International Law Perspective on the China Coast Guard Law and Its Implications for Maritime Security in East Asia
Authors: Kim Suk Kyoon
Published: March 2022

The newly enacted China Coast Guard Law (CCGL) has been challenged by the international community, especially regional countries in dispute with China over territorial sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction in the East and South China Seas. The disputants declare the provisions of the CCGL are inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The China Coast Guard Law also has significant implications for maritime disputes with regional countries, as well as for maritime security initiatives driven by the United States.
From “Apostle of Japan” to “Apostle of All the Christian World”: The Iconography of St. Francis Xavier and the Global Catholic Church
Authors: Miller Rachel
Published: March 2022

In the years leading up to Francis Xavier’s canonization, hagiographers emphasized the unprecedented nature of his mission to Asia by giving him various appellations that specifically identified the places where he had spread the Gospel during his ministry, such as “the first Apostle to Japan.” However, the 1623 canonization bull introduced new titles for Xavier, including the “Apostle of the Indies,” implying both East and West, as well as the “Apostle to the New People” and “the Apostle of All the Christian World.” This more universalizing view of Xavier would have a strong influence on the development of his iconography in the visual arts. This paper will examine one manifestation of this constructed image of Xavier as a global saint, focusing on early modern paintings, prints, and sculptures of Xavier preaching to representatives of the four continents. This analysis will address the question of whether these continental representatives could be considered allegories of the continents and if so, how they fit into the taxonomies and history of such images. I will also examine how these images shaped viewers’ understanding of Xavier as a universal saint working to unite the four continents of the world in Christianity and bring about the ultimate global triumph of the Catholic Church.
Investigation of the Potential Saturation of Information from Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation Observations with an Observing System Simulation Experiment
Authors: Privé N. C. , Errico R. M. , Akkraoui Amal El
Published: March 2022

The potential impact of large numbers of Global Navigation Satellite System radio occultation (GNSS-RO) observations on numerical weather prediction is investigated using a global observing system simulation experiment (OSSE). The hybrid four-dimensional ensemble variational Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) data assimilation system and Global Earth Observing System (GEOS) model are used to ingest up to 100 000 GNSS-RO soundings per day in addition to the current suite of conventional and radiance data. Analysis quality, forecast skill, and forecast sensitivity to observation impact are examined with differing quantities of additional GNSS-RO profiles. It is found that saturation of information from additional RO soundings has not been reached with 100 000 soundings per day. There are some indications of suboptimal performance of the GSI in handling GNSS-RO observations particularly in the middle- and lower-tropospheric extratropics.
Coronavirus-Associated Coagulopathy After Trauma
Authors: Kirkland Kevin D. , Powers William F. , Acquista Elizabeth , Novosel Timothy J. , Yon James R.
Published: March 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is linked with a hypercoagulable state called COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC). Due to elevated levels of factor VIII and fibrinogen as well as inflammation-linked hyperviscosity of blood, the risk for venous thromboembolism is increased in patients who have CAC. We report the case of a patient with recent COVID-19 infection and no other past medical history who presented after a motorcycle collision with left middle and distal femur fractures, who underwent retrograde intramedullary nailing, and then developed immediate massive bilateral pulmonary emboli. The patient was treated with tissue plasminogen activator administration via bilateral pulmonary artery thrombolysis catheters without improvement, and was then placed on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for subsequent cardiogenic shock. During a 58-day hospital stay, the patient recovered and was discharged with a good long-term prognosis. In this report, we discuss CAC, the role of surgical critical care in the management of the disease, and issues specific to this patient’s disease process and treatment.
The Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills to Predict Adverse Events Post-Discharge
Authors: Grenier Ariane , Viscogliosi Chantal , Delli-Colli Nathalie , Mortenson William Ben , Macleod Heather , Lemieux-Courchesne Annie-Claude , Provencher Véronique
Published: March 2022

Background. The Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (PASS) is a standardized assessment of the ability to perform daily activities. Purposes. This preliminary exploratory study aimed to 1) explore the ability of four PASS tasks to predict adverse events (readmissions and injuries) in older adults following hospitalization; 2) compare PASS's predictive validity to that of a generic tool (SMAF) and OT clinical judgement. Method.Twenty-two older patients were assessed in hospital at discharge and at home one week later. Adverse events were documented for six months post-discharge. Sensitivity and specificity analyses (ROC curves, Fisher's exact tests) were performed. Findings. Two PASS tasks (telephone, medication), the SMAF-Social and OT clinical judgement could identify individuals at risk of readmission (AUC > 0.7; p < 0.05). Implications. Using the PASS to assess more cognitively demanding tasks could be a promising way to predict adverse events after discharge, as a complement to clinical judgment.
Frightened Mandarins: The Adverse Effects of Fighting Corruption on Local Bureaucracy
Authors: Wang Erik H.
Published: March 2022

Canonical theories of bureaucracy demonstrate the need for enhanced monitoring in government hierarchies. I argue that intensive top-down monitoring may reduce the productivity of bureaucrats by frightening them away from the informal practices that they would otherwise rely on when completing daily tasks. Utilizing a unique dataset of sub-provincial inspections in China’s recent anti-corruption campaign, I identify this “chilling effect” by exploiting variation in the timing of inspections from 2012 to 2017. I show that these anti-corruption activities lower the area of land development projects proposed by bureaucrats. Causal mediation analyses with investigation data and original measures of corruption potential reveal that these effects are unlikely driven by reduction of actual corruption. Extension analyses suggest similar consequences on revenue collection and environmental regulation. Although scholars of state-building equate low corruption with effective bureaucracy, these findings present a paradox where intensive state-led efforts to lower corruption may further undermine bureaucrats’ productivity.
Tibetan Nationalism and Cultural Homogenisation in Exile: An Interpretation of Institutions and the Public Sphere
Authors: Coelho Joanna P. , Somayaji Ganesha
Published: March 2022

The 20th century was the century of refugees. Several wars and territorial aggrandisement policies of nascent nation–states were responsible for the exodus of persecuted people across the world. Tibet, an isolated Himalayan nation, lost its freedom and thousands of Tibetans along with their leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled Tibet and took refuge in India after a long walk in the month of March 1959. The exodus has been an example not only of forced de-territorialisation of a people but also of their government. When the traditional Tibetan polity consisting of diverse cultural and regional elements came in contact with the modern democratic political institutions of the host nation–state, attempts are being made to consolidate their diverse identities through homogenising nationalistic programmes. Such attempts are fraught with multiple responses in the institutions and the public sphere among the Tibetan refugees which the article attempts to interpret.
Transitioning Integration: The Case of Regan and the Future of a Paradigm
Authors: Vogel Michael J.
Published: March 2022

This article draws on narrative conventions to present a long-term case study involving a person engaged in a relational psychoanalytic treatment for childhood trauma, gender nonconformity, and religious disenfranchisement. Particular efforts are made to recapitulate Lindbeck’s seminal theological insights with regard to the nature and function of ecclesial doctrines, which are subsequently applied as hermeneutical sensibilities toward various integrative themes and processes emerging within this case study. Furthermore, a number of subordinate perspectives deemed to be coherent within Lindbeck’s superordinate conception of postliberal (or narrative) approaches to theology are privileged throughout this article. These postmodern perspectives are differentiated from more conservative and liberal approaches to theology. Afterward a postliberal theological framework is conceptualized as nesting interdisciplinary insights pertinent to this case study from miscellaneous scholars of relational psychoanalysis, gender and sexuality studies, and postmodern philosophies. Special considerations are given to three nested concepts from these scholars: identities as (co-constructed) soft assemblies; selves as braided and porous; and integrated multiplicity as normative. Auxiliary idioms to include queering, centering, witnessing, and prototyping are also applied at different points in this article. Together these idiomatic concepts are believed to supply viable alternatives to many modern conceptions of essentialism and supplement a postliberal approach to this case study. To be sure, it is suggested throughout this article that forms of modernity are conflated with theological approaches and now require attention from those communities who constitute the integrative paradigm. These points are summarized following this case study, which both reflects critically on the clinician’s subjectivity and renders coherent the clinical process from a postliberal theological framework.
Fallibility Salience Increases Intellectual Humility: Implications for People’s Willingness to Investigate Political Misinformation
Authors: Koetke Jonah , Schumann Karina , Porter Tenelle , Smilo-Morgan Ilse
Published: March 2022

The spread of online political misinformation has ramifications for political polarization, trust in political systems, and the functioning of democracy. In this article, we advance findings on investigative behaviors—actions aimed at determining the veracity of information encountered online—in response to political misinformation. Across three preregistered studies ( N = 889), we find that investigative behaviors increase accuracy discernment of political misinformation (Study 1), that intellectual humility reliably predicts investigative behaviors in this context (Study 2), and test a novel fallibility salience manipulation to increase intellectual humility (Study 3). We discuss the implications of these findings for reducing the impacts of political misinformation.
Reductionism: Friend or Foe of an Integrative Social Psychology?
Authors: MacKinnon Neil J.
Published: March 2022

I begin my address by identifying three vertical directions of reductionism (upward, horizontal, and downward) with ontological (descriptive) and epistemological (explanatory) forms. Following a brief discussion of horizontal reductionism, I deal with upward reductionism in terms of postmodernist thought and its influence on social scientists. In my discussion of downward reductionism, I reject ontological (descriptive) reductionism while embracing a qualified version of epistemological (explanatory) reductionism. While admitting psychological and biological variables to explanation of social phenomena, this qualified version of explanatory reductionism maintains that individual-level variables cannot explain social phenomena without residue because such phenomena have emergent properties. I support my argument by discussing the perceived threat of neuroscience by psychologists and the lesson it holds for sociology and social psychology with respect to employing individual-level explanatory variables. Following a discussion of affect control theory and cultural sociology as examples of the qualified version of explanatory reductionism advanced in this address, I present a model of an integrative social psychology, locating different kinds of reductionism and social psychological theories in this model.
Estrangement Between Siblings in Adulthood: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Blake Lucy , Bland Becca , Rouncefield-Swales Alison
Published: March 2022

Relationships between siblings have been described as the longest lasting an individual can have, yet siblings both can and do become estranged from one another in adulthood. An online survey was disseminated to individuals who had sought support from the charity Stand Alone, which supports individuals who are experiencing family estrangement. Individuals estranged from one full genetic sister and/or brother were asked to describe the relationship in their own words. Open-text responses were thematically analysed from 291 respondents. Family systems were described as being characterised by estrangements, alliances and conflicts; there was variation in the participant’s preferences regarding reconciliation; and most respondents focused on describing their sibling’s challenging or disappointing characteristics and behaviour. The fact that siblings both can and do become estranged challenges commonly held assumptions about family relationships, confirming that they are not necessarily or always life-long, significant or supportive.
Undrained capacity of circular shallow foundations under combined VHMT loading
Authors: He Pengpeng , Newson Tim
Published: March 2022

Wind turbine (WT) foundations are generally subjected to large combined vertical, horizontal, moment, and torsional (VHMT) loads. The available investigations of the ultimate limit states of WT foundations focus predominately on unlimited-tension soil-foundation interfaces that are more appropriate for offshore settings. However, the interfaces for onshore WT foundations are generally unable to resist tensile loads. To address this omission, a zero-tension interface is used to investigate the VHMT failure envelope of circular shallow foundations under undrained soil conditions using finite element analysis. The effects of soil strength heterogeneity and foundation embedment were investigated. The results show that torsional loads reduce the VHM bearing capacity of circular foundations. The foundation embedment is also found to significantly increase the foundation bearing capacity. A full 4-D analytical expression for the VHMT failure envelope has been proposed based on the calculated failure envelopes.
Influence of Fixing Feet in Rear-End Crashes
Authors: Talimian Abbas , Vychytil Jan , Hynčík Luděk
Published: March 2022

Considering occupants’ safety in highly automated vehicles (HAVs) is one of the future trends in mobility. Passengers will not deal with driving the car anymore, as a result of the automated driving system (ADS) application. Seat backs can be reclined by occupants during long trips to provide a comfortable posture. Vehicle collisions will still be possible, regardless of ADSs being used in HAVs, as many cars will still be driven manually. This study follows two objectives. The first is to seek the influence of restricting the body’s feet on a body’s kinematic. The second aim is to investigate and compare the model’s body part injury criteria for upright and reclined seating postures with and without feet fixation. Finite element simulations are performed with a 50th percentile Virthuman model placed on a deformable seat and fastened to the seat by a three-point belt. Outcomes show that, if a body is in an upright posture, fixing models’ feet to the interior causes most injury criteria of body parts to be improved and will lead to safer conditions in comparison with accidents in which the model’s feet are free to move. The exception is the model’s tibiae, whose injury criterion was worsened. On the other hand, if the model is in the reclined position, fixing the model’s feet could improve the neck, abdomen, and knee injury criteria. Meanwhile, femur and tibiae injury criteria noticeably worsen.
Ionic liquid doped solid polymer electrolyte: Synthesis, characterization and applications ICSEM-2021
Authors: Singh Abhimanyu , Sharma Tejas , Dhapola Pawan Singh , Kumar Sushant , Singh Diksha , Nath Gaurav , Singh Vijay , Alheety Mustafa A , Kakroo Sunanda , Singh Pramod K
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we have used polymer polyethylene oxide as a host matrix and novel electrolyte ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide as an dopant to increase ionic mobility. Different characterization techniques like Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, dielectric measurement, Fourier transform, X-ray diffraction, polarized optical microscopy, thermogravinometric analysis were used to identify the electrical, optical, structural and thermal properties. A laboratory scale supercapacitor has been fabricated using optimized solid polymer electrolyte film as an electrolyte and porous carbon derived from corn starch which shows a specific capacitance 13.6 F/g at 50 mV/s scan rate.
Information literacy self-efficacy versus performance: Secondary students
Authors: Spisak Jen R.
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine if secondary students overestimate their information literacy (IL) abilities and if differences exist between their information literacy self-efficacy and performance levels. A sample of 397 secondary students completed the Information Literacy Self-efficacy Scale (ILSES) and the Tool for Real-time Assessment of Information Literacy Skills (TRAILS) to measure their information literacy self-efficacy and performance. Descriptive means were calculated, compared using a t-test, and reported for student information literacy self-efficacy levels according to the ILSES and student information literacy performance levels according to the TRAILS measure. Quantitative analyses showed that all groups overestimated their information literacy abilities. Additional findings were that as self-efficacy increased, so too did performance. However, the discrepancy between self-efficacy and performance increased as self-efficacy increased as well.