bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD155 Promotes the Progression of Cervical Cancer Cells Through AKT/mTOR and NF-κB Pathways
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Ying , Geng Chen , Wang Aihong , Han Sai , You Xuewu , Sun Yu , Zhang Junhua , Lu Wei , Zhang Youzhong
Published: June 2021

Expression of the immunoglobulin superfamily member CD155 was increased in a variety of human malignancies, but the role of CD155 in tumorigenesis and tumor development in cervical cancer has not been elucidated. In this study, immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyses showed that CD155 expression gradually increases with the degree of cervical lesions. In vitro and in vivo, reducing the expression of CD155 inhibited cell proliferation, cell viability and tumor formation and arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. Antibody array-based profiling of protein phosphorylation revealed that CD155 knockdown can inhibited the AKT/mTOR/NF-κB pathway and activated autophagy and apoptosis; the opposite effects were observed upon CD155 has overexpression. We proved that there is an interaction between CD155 and AKT by immunoprecipitation. We further confirmed the mechanism between CD155 and AKT/mTOR/NF-κB through rescue experiments. AKT knockdown reversed the anti-apoptotic effects and activation of the AKT/mTOR/NF-κB pathway induced by CD155 overexpression. Our research demonstrated that CD155 can interact with AKT to form a complex, activates the AKT/mTOR/NF-κB pathway and inhibit autophagy and apoptosis. Thus, CD155 is a potential screening and therapeutic biomarker for cervical cancer.
Keratinocyte Growth Factor 2 Ameliorates UVB-Induced Skin Damage via Activating the AhR/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gao Shuang , Guo Keke , Chen Yu , Zhao Jungang , Jing Rongrong , Wang Lusheng , Li Xuenan , Hu Zhenlin , Xu Nuo , Li Xiaokun
Published: June 2021

Objective: Exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) can cause skin damage through oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) has been shown to reduce the content of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) following UVB exposure, a role that is crucial for the efficient photoprotection of skin. The present study evaluated the photoprotective effect of KGF-2 on UVB-induced skin damage and explored its potential molecular mechanism.

Methods: To evaluate the effect of KGF-2 on UVB-induced damage ex vivo, a human epidermal full-thickness skin equivalent was pretreated without or with KGF-2 and then exposed to UVB and the levels of histopathological changes, DNA damage, inflammation, and apoptosis were then evaluated. The ability of KGF-2 to protect the cells against UVB-inflicted damage and its effect on ROS production, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction were determined in HaCaT cells.

Results: Pretreatment of the epidermis with KGF-2 ameliorated the extent of photodamage. At the cellular level, KGF-2 could attenuate ROS production, apoptosis, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by UVB exposure. KGF-2 could also activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) to trigger the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Conclusion: Taken together, our findings suggested that KGF-2 could ameliorate UVB-induced skin damage through inhibiting apoptosis, reducing oxidative stress, and preventing DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction via regulating AhR/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Pulmonary Edema in COVID-19 Patients: Mechanisms and Treatment Potential
Authors: Cui Xinyu , Chen Wuyue , Zhou Haoyan , Gong Yuan , Zhu Bowen , Lv Xiang , Guo Hongbo , Duan Jinao , Zhou Jing , Marcon Edyta , Ma Hongyue
Published: June 2021

COVID-19 mortality is primarily driven by abnormal alveolar fluid metabolism of the lung, leading to fluid accumulation in the alveolar airspace. This condition is generally referred to as pulmonary edema and is a direct consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. There are multiple potential mechanisms leading to pulmonary edema in severe Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) patients and understanding of those mechanisms may enable proper management of this condition. Here, we provide a perspective on abnormal lung humoral metabolism of pulmonary edema in COVID-19 patients, review the mechanisms by which pulmonary edema may be induced in COVID-19 patients, and propose putative drug targets that may be of use in treating COVID-19. Among the currently pursued therapeutic strategies against COVID-19, little attention has been paid to abnormal lung humoral metabolism. Perplexingly, successful balance of lung humoral metabolism may lead to the reduction of the number of COVID-19 death limiting the possibility of healthcare services with insufficient capacity to provide ventilator-assisted respiration.
Qian Yang Yu Yin Granule Improves Renal Injury of Hypertension by Regulating Metabolic Reprogramming Mediated by HIF-1α/PKM2 Positive Feedback Loop
Authors: Qian Lichao , Ren Shuai , Xu Zhongchi , Zheng Yawei , Wu Lihua , Yang Ying , Wang Yixuan , Li Jie , Yan Shihai , Fang Zhuyuan
Published: June 2021

Protection against hypoxia injury is an important therapeutic strategy for treating hypertensive nephropathy. In this study, the effects of Qian Yang Yu Yin granule (QYYY) on spontaneously hypertensive rats fed with high salt diet and HEK293T cells exposed to hypoxia were investigated. After eight weeks’ treatment of QYYY, blood pressure, serum creatinine, serum cystatin C, blood urea nitrogen, urinary β2-microglobulin, urinary N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, and urinary microalbumin were assessed. The changes of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), glucose transport 1 (GLUT1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), ATP, lactate, pyruvate, and pathology were also assessed in vivo. HEK293T cells pre-treated with QYYY and/or HIF-1α over expressing cells were cultured in a three gas hypoxic incubator chamber (5% CO2, 1% O2, 94% N2) for 12 h and then the expressions of HIF-1α, PKM2, GLUT1, LDH-A, CTGF, TGF-β1, ATP, lactate, and pyruvate were detected. Our results showed that QYYY promoted the indicators of renal inflammation and fibrosis mediated by HIF-1α/PKM2 positive feedback loop in vivo and vitro. Our findings indicated that QYYY treated hypertensive nephropathy by regulating metabolic reprogramming mediated by HIF-1α/PKM2 positive feedback loop.
A Cross-Sectional Survey on Medication Management Practices for Noncommunicable Diseases in Europe During the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ágh Tamás , van Boven Job FM , Wettermark Björn , Menditto Enrica , Pinnock Hilary , Tsiligianni Ioanna , Petrova Guenka , Potočnjak Ines , Kamberi Fatjona , Kardas Przemyslaw ,   European Network to Advance Best practices & technoLogy on medication adherencE (ENABLE)
Published: June 2021

Maintaining healthcare for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, diversion of resources to acute care, and physical distancing restrictions markedly affected management of NCDs. We aimed to assess the medication management practices in place for NCDs during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic across European countries. In December 2020, the European Network to Advance Best practices & technoLogy on medication adherencE (ENABLE) conducted a cross-sectional, web-based survey in 38 European and one non-European countries. Besides descriptive statistics of responses, nonparametric tests and generalized linear models were used to evaluate the impact on available NCD services of the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Fifty-three collaborators from 39 countries completed the survey. In 35 (90%) countries face-to-face primary-care, and out-patient consultations were reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mean ± SD number of available forms of teleconsultation services in the public healthcare system was 3 ± 1.3. Electronic prescriptions were available in 36 (92%) countries. Online ordering and home delivery of prescription medication (avoiding pharmacy visits) were available in 18 (46%) and 26 (67%) countries, respectively. In 20 (51%) countries our respondents were unaware of any national guidelines regarding maintaining medication availability for NCDs, nor advice for patients on how to ensure access to medication and adherence during the pandemic. Our results point to an urgent need for a paradigm shift in NCD-related healthcare services to assure the maintenance of chronic pharmacological treatments during COVID-19 outbreaks, as well as possible future disasters.
Information Flow Between Heart Rhythm, Repolarization, and the Diastolic Interval Series for Healthy Individuals and LQTS1 Patients
Authors: Ozimek Mateusz , Żebrowski Jan J. , Baranowski Rafał
Published: June 2021

Using information theoretic measures, relations between heart rhythm, repolarization in the tissue of the heart, and the diastolic interval time series are analyzed. These processes are a fragment of the cardiovascular physiological network. A comparison is made between the results for 84 (42 women) healthy individuals and 65 (45 women) long QT syndrome type 1 (LQTS1) patients. Self-entropy, transfer entropy, and joint transfer entropy are calculated for the three time series and their combinations. The results for self-entropy indicate the well-known result that regularity of heart rhythm for healthy individuals is larger than that of QT interval series. The flow of information depends on the direction with the flow from the heart rhythm to QT dominating. In LQTS1 patients, however, our results indicate that information flow in the opposite direction may occur—a new result. The information flow from the heart rhythm to QT dominates, which verifies the asymmetry seen by Porta et al. in the variable tilt angle experiment. The amount of new information and self-entropy for LQTS1 patients is smaller than that for healthy individuals. However, information transfers from RR to QT and from DI to QT are larger in the case of LQTS1 patients.
Multiple Domains in the Rhizobial Type III Effector Bel2-5 Determine Symbiotic Efficiency With Soybean
Authors: Ratu Safirah Tasa Nerves , Hirata Atsushi , Kalaw Christian Oliver , Yasuda Michiko , Tabuchi Mitsuaki , Okazaki Shin
Published: June 2021

Bradyrhizobium elkanii utilizes the type III effector Bel2-5 for nodulation in host plants in the absence of Nod factors (NFs). In soybean plants carrying the Rj4 allele, however, Bel2-5 causes restriction of nodulation by triggering immune responses. Bel2-5 shows similarity with XopD of the phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and possesses two internal repeat sequences, two ethylene (ET)-responsive element-binding factor-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motifs, a nuclear localization signal (NLS), and a ubiquitin-like protease (ULP) domain, which are all conserved in XopD except for the repeat domains. By mutational analysis, we revealed that most of the putative domains/motifs in Bel2-5 were essential for both NF-independent nodulation and nodulation restriction in Rj4 soybean. The expression of soybean symbiosis- and defense-related genes was also significantly altered by inoculation with the bel2-5 domain/motif mutants compared with the expression upon inoculation with wild-type B. elkanii, which was mostly consistent with the phenotypic changes of nodulation in host plants. Notably, the functionality of Bel2-5 was mostly correlated with the growth inhibition effect of Bel2-5 expressed in yeast cells. The nodulation phenotypes of the domain-swapped mutants of Bel2-5 and XopD indicated that both the C-terminal ULP domain and upstream region are required for the Bel2-5-dependent nodulation phenotypes. These results suggest that Bel2-5 interacts with and modifies host targets via these multiple domains to execute both NF-independent symbiosis and nodulation restriction in Rj4 soybean.
Gender Differences in Anxiety, Depression, and Nursing Needs Among Isolated Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients
Authors: Li Yifei , Li Juan , Yang Zhen , Zhang Jie , Dong Lili , Wang Fusheng , Zhang Jingping
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study explored gender differences in anxiety, depression, and nursing needs among isolated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, with a particular focus on the influencing factors. The main goal was to elucidate breakthrough points and intervention targets for psychological counseling aimed at the promotion of overall health during isolation treatment.

Methods

A survey was conducted to obtain information about the nursing needs of COVID-19 patients, with mental health assessed via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Participants included 219 isolated COVID-19 patients at a Wuhan module hospital in Hubei province, China.

Results

A total of 216 valid questionnaires were collected (98.63% retrieval rate). Of these participants, 21.76% had anxiety symptoms, while 17.59% had depression symptoms. Colleagues infected with COVID-19 (OR = 3.896, 95%CI: 1.555–9.764, P = 0.004) were the main influencing factors for anxiety symptoms, while marital status (OR = 2.700, 95% CI: 1.033–7.055, P = 0.043) and family members infected with COVID-19 (OR = 2.969, 95% CI: 1.243–7.095, P = 0.014) were the main influencing factors for depression symptoms. As for gender, male patients were generally more prone to depression and anxiety than female patients, especially those who were infected with colleagues. On the other hand, female patients reported greater concerns about safe treatment environments and communication with medical staff.

Conclusion

This study found gender-based differences regarding the factors influencing anxiety and depression in isolated COVID-19 patients, with males reporting a greater general tendency for symptoms. On the other hand, female patients reported greater overall psychological nursing needs than males. Targeted nursing should thus be implemented to address specific psychological characteristics and nursing needs.
Jammin’ the Blues: Experiencing the “Good Life”
Authors: Debrot Ruth A.
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics, attitudes, and perceptions of older musicians who participated regularly in a local blues jam. Six core dimensions of eudaimonic well-being and their conceptual foundations provided a framework for examining the way that music-making contributes to subjective well-being during the lifespan of an individual. The following research questions guided this investigation: (1) In what ways do biographical factors and engagement with music influence the lives of older adult blues/rock musicians who participate in a local blues jam? (2) What implications for subjective well-being with regard to music learning might be used to inform music education practices? Interviews and observations over a 2-month period provided data for understanding how lived experiences impacted personal well-being, and musical growth and development over time. Findings suggested that eudaimonic well-being is the result of active engagement in human activities that are goal-directed and purposeful, and a good life involves the self-realization of individual dispositions and talents over a lifetime. Implications for music education include individualized pedagogical approaches that encourage learners to discover a sense of well-being in and through music.
Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms, Polygenic Risk Score, and Thalamic Development in Children From the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort for Mental Conditions (BHRCS)
Authors: Ravagnani Salto Ana Beatriz , Santoro Marcos L. , Hoexter Marcelo Q. , Jackowski Andrea Parolin , Pan Pedro M. , Rosário Maria Conceição , Belangero Sintia I. , Alvarenga Pedro Gomes , Doretto Victoria Fogaça , Fumo Afonso Mazine Tiago , Batistuzzo Marcelo C. , Macul Ferreira de Barros Pedro , Timpano Kiara R. , Ota Vanessa K. , Rohde Luis Augusto , Miguel Euripedes Constantino , Leckman James F. , Zugman André
Published: June 2021

Background: Thalamic volume measures have been linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents. However, it is unclear if alterations in thalamic volumes occur before or after symptom onset and if there is a relation to the presence of sub-clinical obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS). Here, we explore the relationship between OCS and the rate of thalamic volume change in a cohort of children and youth at high risk to develop a mental disorder. A secondary aim was to determine if there is a relationship between OCS and the individual's OCD polygenic risk score (OCD-PRS) and between the rate of thalamic volume change and the OCD-PRS.

Methods: The sample included 378 children enrolled in the longitudinal Brazilian High-Risk Cohort for Mental Conditions. Participants were assessed for OCS and the symmetrized percent change (SPC) of thalamic volume across two time-points separated by 3 years, along with the OCD-PRS. Zero-altered negative binomial models were used to analyze the relationship between OCS and thalamic SPC. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine the relationship between thalamic SPC and OCD-PRS.

Results: A significant relationship between OCS and the right thalamus SPC (p = 0.042) was found. There was no significant relationship between changes in thalamic volume SPC and OCD-PRS.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that changes in the right thalamic volume over the course of 3 years in children may be associated to OCS. Future studies are needed to confirm these results and further characterize the specific nature of OCS symptoms associated with thalamic volumes.
Problematic Gaming and Sleep: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kristensen Joakim H. , Pallesen Ståle , King Daniel L. , Hysing Mari , Erevik Eilin K.
Published: June 2021

Problematic gaming has been linked to poor sleep outcomes; however, these associations have not yet been synthesized quantitatively. This review employed a meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between problematic gaming and sleep-related outcomes. A search of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar identified a total of 763 studies, including 34 studies (n = 51,901 participants) eligible for inclusion. Papers were included if available in any European language, addressed problematic gaming, contained original data, and provided sufficient data for calculation of effect sizes. Two researchers independently extracted data using pre-defined fields including quality assessment. Sleep-related outcomes were meta-analyzed for sleep parameters that were reported by 5 or more papers. Significant overall effects were found for sleep duration (g = −0.238, 95% CI = −0.364, −0.112), poor sleep quality (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.47, 2.78), daytime sleepiness (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.00, 2.46) and sleep problems (OR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.94, 3.47). Between-study heterogeneity was detected for all meta-analyses. Subgroup analyses showed a higher inverse effect size for adolescent samples compared to adult or non-specific age samples in terms of sleep duration. For daytime sleepiness, a larger effect size was found for studies based on single-item sleep measures compared to multi-item sleep measures. For sleep problems, the subgroup analysis showed the opposite with a higher effect size for studies based on single-item sleep measures than multi-item sleep measures. Across all sleep parameters, problematic gamers consistently reported a more adverse sleep status than non-problematic gamers.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/; record ID: CRD42020158955.
The Development of a Novel, Standards-Based Core Curriculum for Community Facing, Clinic-Based Community Health Workers
Authors: George Sheba , Silva Lucero , Llamas Myra , Ramos Irma , Joe Justin , Mendez Juan , Salazar Rosalva , Tehan Jim , Vasquez Tatiana , Nealy Schetema , Balcazar Hector
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Historically, CHW trainings have been developed to support community-based CHWs. When CHWs have been trained to engage with patients, typically such trainings have been for short term grant funded projects, focusing on a specific health intervention and not for long term, ongoing engagement of CHWs employed in clinical settings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such effort to describe the development of a standards-based training curriculum for clinic-based CHWs using a novel conceptual framework.

Methods: Our conceptual approach for curricular development has several innovative features including: (1) a foundational consultation process with CHW national experts to inform curricular development approach, process and content; (2) utilization of the CHW Consensus Project (C3 Project) to provide curricular standards and guide learning objectives; (3) integration of three key stakeholder group perspectives (patients, healthcare teams, and healthcare systems); (4) use of popular education principles, aiming to foster a collaborative learning process; (5) integration of adult learning principles which build on learners' experiences, culminating in a modified apprenticeship model and (6) collaboration with clinical partners throughout planning and development of the curriculum.

Results: The resulting standards-based curriculum is comprised of 10 modules, which span three areas of focus: (1) Establishing a professional CHW identity and competencies; (2) Outlining the context, processes and key actors in health care settings with whom CHWs will engage; and (3) Identifying the main forces that shape health and health care outcomes of patients/families and communities.

Discussion: We highlight four lessons from our curriculum development process that may help other such efforts. First, curricular development should utilize CHW standards, existing training materials, and community-focused principles to inform curricular content and learning outcomes. Second, curricula should support training delivery using experience-based, participatory approaches, consistent with adult education and popular education principles. Third, training development for clinical settings should also draw from clinical CHW experiences and input. Fourth, curricula should support training for key stakeholders and champions in clinical organizations to improve organizational readiness for integrating CHWs into healthcare teams and health systems. Our results contribute to growing research on effective CHW training methods for clinical settings.
SGLT-2i and Risk of Malignancy in Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Shi Nanjing , Shi Yetan , Xu Jingsi , Si Yuexiu , Yang Tong , Zhang Mengting , Ng Derry Minyao , Li Xiangyuan , Xie Fei
Published: June 2021

Background: Currently, the association between sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i) and malignancy risk has yet to be fully elucidated. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the relationship between SGLT-2i and malignancy risk in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients.

Methods: We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to August 2020 related to T2D patients treated with SGLT-2i vs. placebo or other hypoglycemic agents. The meta-analysis's primary outcome was malignancies' incidence, and the results were evaluated using risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: We reviewed 76 articles (77 RCTs), comprising 45,162 and 43,811 patients in SGLT-2i and control groups, respectively. Compared with the control group, SGLT-2i had no significant association with augmented overall malignancy risk in T2D patients (RR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.97–1.14, P = 0.20), but ertugliflozin may upsurge the risk (RR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.02–3.17, P = 0.04). Compared with active hypoglycemic agents, dapagliflozin may increase (RR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.46–6.43, P = 0.02) and empagliflozin may decrease (RR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.45–0.98, P = 0.04) the malignancy risk. Compared with placebo, empagliflozin may exhibit risk increase (RR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.05–1.49, P = 0.01), primarily in digestive system (RR = 1.48, 95% CI = 0.99–2.21, P = 0.05).

Conclusions: Our results proposed that in diverse comparisons, ertugliflozin and dapagliflozin seemed to increase the malignancy risk in T2D patients. Empagliflozin may cause malignancy risk reduction compared with active hypoglycemic agents but increase overall risk primarily in the digestive system compared with placebo. In short, the relationship between SGLT-2i and malignancy in T2D patients remains unclear.
Innovation Model of China's High-End Equipment Industry: Do Social Capital and Dynamic Capabilities Matter for the COVID-19 Crisis?
Authors: Ai Yuhong , Peng Diyun
Published: June 2021

This paper explores the different model combinations of enterprise innovation in China based on the roles of social capital and dynamic capabilities. We implement Qualitative Comparative Analysis to understand the non-linear asymmetric relationships better. We use the data of 44 Listed Companies in China's high-end equipment manufacturing industry and find that three innovation models (the market-oriented independent innovation, government-supported technological innovation and industry-supported learning innovation models) are valid. Social capital, dynamic capabilities, and intra-industry networks are the main determinants of these innovation models. We also discuss the implications of these innovation dynamics on Chinese enterprises as a way to sustain the economy's high-quality development, including during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
Threshold Effect of the Government Intervention in the Relationship Between Business Cycle and Population Health: Evidence From China
Authors: Chai Kuang-Cheng , Yang Yang , Cui Zhen-Xin , Ou Yang-Lu , Chang Ke-Chiun
Published: June 2021

China is an emerging country, and government intervention is always considered as an important part of the solutions when people facing challenges in China. Under the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic and the global economic downturn, the Chinese government quickly brought the epidemic under control and restored the positive economic growth through strong intervention. Based on the panel data of provincial level in China and the government intervention as the threshold variable, this paper empirically analyzed the non-linear effect of business cycle on population health by using the panel threshold regression model. The empirical results show that the impact of the business cycle on population health is significantly negative, and government intervention has a single threshold effect on the relationship between business cycle and population health. When the government intervention is below the threshold value, the business cycle has a significant negative effect on the improvement of the population health level; when the level of government intervention exceeds the threshold value, the relationship between business cycle and population health becomes significantly positive. To some extent, the conclusions of this paper can guide the formulation and revision of government health policy and help to adjust the direction and intensity of government intervention. The Chinese government and other governments of emerging countries should do more to harness the power of state intervention in their response to the business cycle.
Lifelong Personalization via Gaussian Process Modeling for Long-Term HRI
Authors: Spaulding Samuel , Shen Jocelyn , Park Hae Won , Breazeal Cynthia
Published: June 2021

Across a wide variety of domains, artificial agents that can adapt and personalize to users have potential to improve and transform how social services are provided. Because of the need for personalized interaction data to drive this process, long-term (or longitudinal) interactions between users and agents, which unfold over a series of distinct interaction sessions, have attracted substantial research interest. In recognition of the expanded scope and structure of a long-term interaction, researchers are also adjusting the personalization models and algorithms used, orienting toward “continual learning” methods, which do not assume a stationary modeling target and explicitly account for the temporal context of training data. In parallel, researchers have also studied the effect of “multitask personalization,” an approach in which an agent interacts with users over multiple different tasks contexts throughout the course of a long-term interaction and learns personalized models of a user that aretransferrableacross these tasks. In this paper, we unite these two paradigms under the framework of “Lifelong Personalization,” analyzing the effect of multitask personalization applied to dynamic, non-stationary targets. We extend the multi-task personalization approach to the more complex and realistic scenario of modeling dynamic learners over time, focusing in particular on interactive scenarios in which the modeling agent plays an active role in teaching the student whose knowledge the agent is simultaneously attempting to model. Inspired by the way in which agents use active learning to select new training data based on domain context, we augment a Gaussian Process-based multitask personalization model with a mechanism to actively and continually manage its own training data, allowing a modeling agent to remove or reduce the weight of observed data from its training set, based on interactive context cues. We evaluate this method in a series of simulation experiments comparing different approaches to continual and multitask learning on simulated student data. We expect this method to substantially improve learning in Gaussian Process models in dynamic domains, establishing Gaussian Processes as another flexible modeling tool for Long-term Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Studies.
“I Like it Clean”: Brazilian Waxing and Postfeminist Subjectivity Among South Asian Beauticians in London
Authors: Dutta Nandita
Published: June 2021

Postfeminism is a neoliberal sensibility that locates femininity in the body, thereby imploring women to constantly labor on, monitor and discipline their bodies. This aesthetic labor is presented to women as freely chosen and empowering. Brazilian waxing is exemplary aesthetic labor directed at the self. Academic literature on aesthetic labor in general, and Brazilian waxing in particular, looks at white and middle-class women, as this category of women is considered the putative subject of postfeminism. Little attention is paid to racialized women from the global south who perform aesthetic labor on other women’s bodies in the global north. In this paper, I draw on my ethnographic study of two beauty salons in London run by South Asian women to argue that these South Asian beauticians are postfeminist subjects as well. The aim of challenging the putative subject of postfeminism, using the example of Brazilian waxing, is not merely to include South Asian women in the discourse, but to advance a transnational theorization of postfeminism. Such theorization, I demonstrate, leads to a better understanding of how postfeminism is implicated in global structures of power as well as the affective qualities of postfeminism including intimacy and disgust.
Changes in Training, Lifestyle, Psychological and Demographic Factors, and Associations With Running-Related Injuries During COVID-19
Authors: Holmes Hillary H. , Monaghan Patrick G. , Strunk Kamden K. , Paquette Max R. , Roper Jaimie A.
Published: June 2021

The primary purpose of this study was to examine how the type and magnitude of changes in running behavior, as a consequence of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, influence running-related injuries. Secondarily, we aimed to examine how lifestyle and psychosocial well-being measures may influence running behavior change. An online survey was advertised to individuals over the age of 18 that currently run or have previously participated in running for exercise. The survey questions examined injury history and new injuries sustained during COVID-19 restrictions, as well as changes related to training behavior changes, training environment changes, social behaviors, and psychosocial well-being. Changes reflected differences in running behaviors prior to COVID-19 restrictions (1 month prior to COVID-19 restrictions being imposed) and during COVID-19 restrictions (May 5 to June 10, 2020). A total of 1,035 runners were included in the analysis. Current injuries sustained during COVID-19 occurred in 9.5% of the runners. Injured runners made a greater number of total changes (p = 0.031) as well as training-related (p = 0.042) and environment-related (p = 0.017) changes compared with uninjured runners. A significant relationship was found between injury and those that reported less time to exercise to changes in work environment (p = 0017). This study highlights the multi-dimensional nature of running-related injuries and the need to consider the interaction of multiple changes in running behavior, rather than isolating single factors. Greater understanding of the underlying causes of running-related injuries can help reduce the risk of future injury.
Developing Climate Information Services for Aquaculture in Bangladesh: A Decision Framework for Managing Temperature and Rainfall Variability-Induced Risks
Authors: Hossain Peerzadi Rumana , Amjath-Babu T. S. , Krupnik Timothy J. , Braun Melody , Mohammed Essam Yassin , Phillips Michael
Published: June 2021

Climate information services (CIS) are increasingly in demand to assist farmers in managing risks associated with climate variability and extremes experienced in food production. However, there are significant gaps in the availability and accessibility of these services, especially in aquatic food production in developing countries. In response, this study aims to generate the background knowledge for developing climate information and decision support services tailored for aquaculture farmers in Bangladesh. We surveyed 800 fish-farming households, interviewed 30 key informants, and conducted a systematic literature review to identify climate-sensitive operations and management decisions in aquaculture and to document fish-farmers' awareness of the relationships between climate variability and aquatic food production systems. We also sought to identify the lead time and communication method(s) needed to deploy forecasts effectively and prepare aquaculture farmers to act in response to the forecasts. A fish-farming activity calendar was developed that identified high temperature, cold spell, heavy rainfall, and dry spell events as key climatic phenomena affecting year-round aquaculture operations, including pond preparation and maintenance, fingerling stocking, grow-out management, and harvesting. We also identified five climate-sensitive management decision points and 26 potential advisories in line with specific climate variability to manage induced risks in the day-to-day operations of fish farmers. Finally, the research team developed a decision framework based on the temperature and rainfall thresholds for the grow-out phase of four widely cultivated and economically important fish species in Bangladesh. This innovative decision support approach is to our knowledge the very first endeavor to develop CIS using species-specific temperature and rainfall thresholds to reduce climate risks and ensure resilience capacity for South Asian aquaculture system.
Healthy, Active Aging for People and Dogs
Authors: McCune Sandra , Promislow Daniel
Published: June 2021

Dogs act as companions who provide us with emotional and physical support. Their shorter lifespans compel us to learn about the challenges and gifts of caring for older individuals. Our companion dogs can be exemplars of healthy or unhealthy aging, and sentinels of environmental factors that might increase or decrease our own healthy lifespan. In recent years, the field of aging has emphasized not just lifespan, but healthspan—the period of healthy, active lifespan. This focus on healthy, active aging is reflected in the World Health Organization's current focus on healthy aging for the next decade and the 2016 Healthy Aging in Action initiative in the US. This paper explores the current research into aging in both people and companion dogs, and in particular, how the relationship between older adults and dogs impacts healthy, active aging for both parties. The human-dog relationship faces many challenges as dogs, and people, age. We discuss potential solutions to these challenges, including suggestions for ways to continue contact with dogs if dog ownership is no longer possible for an older person. Future research directions are outlined in order to encourage the building of a stronger evidence base for the role of dogs in the lives of older adults.
Comparison of Two Intergranular Corrosion Tests on EN AW-6016 Sheet Material
Authors: Decker Peer , Zerbin Ines , Marzoli Luisa , Rosefort Marcel
Published: June 2021

Two different intergranular corrosion tests were performed on EN AW-6016 sheet material, an ISO 11846:1995-based test with varying solution amounts and acid concentrations, and a standard test of an automotive company (PV1113, VW-Audi). The average intergranular corrosion depth was determined via optical microscopy. The differences in the intergranular corrosion depths were then discussed with regard to the applicability and quality of the two different test methods. The influence of varying test parameters for ISO 11846:1995 was discussed as well. The determined IGC depths were found to be strongly dependent on the testing parameters, which will therefore have a pronounced influence on the determined IGC susceptibility of a material. In general, ISO 11846:1995 tests resulted in a significantly lower corrosion speed, and the corrosive attack was found to be primarily along grain boundaries.
Nurse Navigators’ Views on Patient and System Factors Associated with Navigation Needs among Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Miller Sally D. , Urquhart Robin , Kephart George , Asada Yukiko , Younis Tallal
Published: June 2021

Coordinating breast cancer treatment is a complex task that can overwhelm patients and their support networks. Though the Cancer Patient Navigator (CPN) program in Nova Scotia (NS) provides professional assistance to patients, certain groups of patients may still face barriers to accessing its services. Employing interviews and a modified Delphi approach with CPN participants, this study sought to identify factors associated with the need for navigation to help better target CPN program referrals among breast cancer patients. Six CPNs were recruited directly through the CPN program manager for interviews and surveys. The CPNs identified 27 different factors, which were divided into 4 categories: sociodemographic, psychological, clinical and health systems. While these patient factors (particularly sociodemographic) are not directly modifiable, awareness of their association with the need for navigation could be used to better target patients with a high need for navigation for referral to CPN services.
Splenosis Mimicking Peritoneal Seeding of Advanced Colon Cancer Can Be Identified by Spleen SPECT/CT and FDG PET/CT
Authors: Lee Ji Young , Song Hee-Sung , Han Jimin
Published: June 2021

This case report demonstrates that Tc-99m labeled heat-damaged red blood cell single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (spleen SPECT/CT) and F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (FDG PET/CT) could noninvasively confirm splenosis mimicking peritoneal seeding of advanced sigmoid colon cancer with hepatic metastases, and played a crucial role in determining the treatment plan.
Multivariate Count Data Models for Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Shapovalova Yuliya , Baştürk Nalan , Eichler Michael
Published: June 2021

Count data appears in many research fields and exhibits certain features that make modeling difficult. Most popular approaches to modeling count data can be classified into observation and parameter-driven models. In this paper, we review two models from these classes: the log-linear multivariate conditional intensity model (also referred to as an integer-valued generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic model) and the non-linear state-space model for count data. We compare these models in terms of forecasting performance on simulated data and two real datasets. In simulations, we consider the case of model misspecification. We find that both models have advantages in different situations, and we discuss the pros and cons of inference for both models in detail.
Water-Spray-Cooled Quasi-Isothermal Compression Method: Water-Spray Flow Improvement
Authors: Jia Guanwei , Nian Xuanwei , Xu Weiqing , Shi Yan , Cai Maolin
Published: June 2021

Water-spray-cooled quasi-isothermal compressed air energy storage aims to avoid heat energy losses from advanced adiabatic compressed-air energy storage (AA-CAES). The compression efficiency increases with injection water spray. However, the energy-generated water spray cannot be ignored. As the air pressure increases, the work done by the piston and the work converted into heat rise gradually in the compression process. Accordingly, the flow rate of the water needed for heat transfer is not a constant with respect to time. To match the rising compression heat, a time sequence of water-spray flow rate is constructed, and the algorithm is designed. Real-time water-spray flow rate is calculated according to the difference between the compression power and heat-transfer power. Compared with the uniform flow rate of water spray, energy consumption from the improved flow rate is reduced.
Lessons from the Past and Challenges for the Future: Inclusive Education for Students with Unique Needs
Authors: Evans William , Gable Robert A. , Habib Amany
Published: June 2021

The school-age population of students is becoming increasingly more culturally and linguistically diverse. There is mounting recognition that English Learners (EL) represent a unique group of students who have special educational and linguistic needs. This article considered the needs of learners with diverse special needs such as (a) learning and behavior challenges and (b) English Learners identified as students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE). We highlighted some potential lessons to be learned from past-to-present efforts to serve students with behavior problems. Selected evidence-based practices were featured that are applicable to learners with special needs, thereby supporting the development of effective inclusive education, especially for students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Influence of Masks Protecting against SARS-CoV-2 on Thermal Comfort
Authors: Zender-Świercz Ewa , Telejko Marek , Galiszewska Beata
Published: June 2021

Due to the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, most countries have tightened their public health policies. One way to limit the spread of the virus is to make mouth and nose cover compulsory in public spaces. The article presents the impact of wearing masks on the perception of thermal comfort. The following masks were analysed: FFP2, cotton, medical, PM2.5, half-face protective shield plastic and full-face protective shield plastic. The research was carried out for two scenarios of an ambient temperature: −20 and 30 °C. A thermal manikin was used for the tests. In the case of when a temperature equals 20 °C, the dry masks increase comfort, both general and local, while wet masks reduce comfort. On the other hand, at 30 °C, only wet masks do not increase discomfort. In addition, moist masks require less heat flux to achieve a certain skin temperature. However, it should be remembered that it is not advisable to wet the masks from the health point of view.
Parametric Study of Pt/C-Catalysed Hydrothermal Decarboxylation of Butyric Acid as a Potential Route for Biopropane Production
Authors: Razaq Iram , Simons Keith E. , Onwudili Jude A.
Published: June 2021

Sustainable fuel-range hydrocarbons can be produced via the catalytic decarboxylation of biomass-derived carboxylic acids without the need for hydrogen addition. In this present study, 5 wt% platinum on carbon (Pt/C) has been found to be an effective catalyst for hydrothermally decarboxylating butyric acid in order to produce mainly propane and carbon dioxide. However, optimisation of the reaction conditions is required to minimise secondary reactions and increase hydrocarbon selectivity towards propane. To do this, reactions using the catalyst with varying parameters such as reaction temperatures, residence times, feedstock loading and bulk catalyst loading were carried out in a batch reactor. The highest yield of propane obtained was 47 wt% (close to the theoretical decarboxylation yield of 50 wt% on butyric acid basis), corresponding to a 96% hydrocarbon selectivity towards propane. The results showed that the optimum parameters to produce the highest yield of propane, from the range investigated, were 0.5 g butyric acid (0.57 M aqueous solution), 1.0 g Pt/C (50 mg Pt content) at 300 °C for 1 h. The reusability of the catalyst was also investigated, which showed little or no loss of catalytic activity after four cycles. This work has shown that Pt/C is a suitable and potentially hydrothermally stable heterogeneous catalyst for making biopropane, a major component of bioLPG, from aqueous butyric acid solutions, which can be sourced from bio-derived feedstocks via acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation.
Microsecond Enhanced Indirect Model Predictive Control for Dynamic Power Management in MMC Units
Authors: Shetgaonkar Ajay , Lekić Aleksandra , Rueda Torres José Luis , Palensky Peter
Published: June 2021

The multi-modular converter (MMC) technology is becoming the preferred option for the increased deployment of variable renewable energy sources (RES) into electrical power systems. MMC is known for its reliability and modularity. The fast adjustment of the MMC’s active/reactive powers, within a few milliseconds, constitutes a major research challenge. The solution to this challenge will allow accelerated integration of RES, without creating undesirable stability issues in the future power system. This paper presents a variant of model predictive control (MPC) for the grid-connected MMC. MPC is defined using a Laguerre function to reduce the computational burden. This is achieved by reducing the number of parameters of the MMC cost function. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed MPC is verified in the real-time digital simulations. Additionally, in this paper, a comparison between an accurate mathematical and real-time simulation (RSCAD) model of an MMC is given. The comparison is done on the level of small-signal disturbance and a Mean Absolute Error (MAE). In the MMC, active and reactive power controls, AC voltage control, output current control, and circulating current controls are implemented, both using PI and MPC controllers. The MPC’s performance is tested by the small and large disturbance in active and reactive powers, both in an offline and online simulation. In addition, a sensitivity study is performed for different variables of MPC in the offline simulation. Results obtained in the simulations show good correspondence between mathematical and real-time analytical models during the transient and steady-state conditions with low MAE. The results also indicate the superiority of the proposed MPC with the stable and fast active/reactive power support in real-time simulation.