bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hesperidin Induced HePG-2 Cell Apoptosis through ROS-Mediated p53/Bcl-2/Bax and p-mTOR Signaling Pathways
Authors: Pang Yueyin , Wu Qianlong , Zhang Ming , Lai Jia , Chen Danyang , Su Jingyao , Zhu Bing , Zhou Hongmei , Li Yinghua
Published: February 2023

Recently, research showed that one of the most common kinds of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is also the fourth main cause of cancer deaths. In studies regarding chemicals to better treat the disease, hesperidin shows a novel potential in performing anticancer activities, particularly in liver cancer. However, the specific mechanism of hesperidin that causes such activities remains a mystery. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate hesperidin’s effect on cell proliferation and activation of ROS-mediated signaling pathways in HePG-2 cells. Hesperidin shows a significant impact on inhibiting HePG-2 cells’ proliferation through induction of cell apoptosis by Bcl-2, Bax, and p53 pathways. Treating cells with hesperidin in a dose-dependent manner shows a significant increase in the apoptotic cell population (sub-G1). Moreover, Hesperidin’s induction of apoptotic activities shows dependence on ROS (reactive oxygen species) overproduction, further affecting the p-mTOR pathways and leading to DNA damage. Hence, the overall data demonstrate that ROS-mediated signaling pathways exhibit mechanisms that may lead to useful information for interpreting hesperidin-induced hepatocarcinoma cell apoptosis.
Machine Learning in Visible Light Communication System: A Survey
Authors: Saxena Vishal Narain , Dwivedi Vivek K. , Gupta Juhi
Published: February 2023

With the widespread adoption of high bandwidth utilisation, visible light communication (VLC) has emerged as a potential solution to meet the demands for high-speed data communication due to its simultaneous illumination and transmission. However, numerous nonlinear distortions in VLC cause substantial signal processing challenges and diminish the system’s efficacy. VLC communication based on machine learning (ML) approaches provides a greater ability to offset the negative impacts of transceiver nonlinearity. ML is applicable to a variety of VLC challenges, including channel estimation, jitter compensation, position tracking, modulation detection, phase estimation, and security. This study provides a detailed review of several machine learning (ML) algorithms to reduce the design complexity of indoor VLC transmission, as well as ML applications in different design aspects to improve system performance. Furthermore, various applications, challenges, and future research directions based on machine learning algorithms in VLC are addressed.
δ‐Opioid Receptor Activation Inhibits Ferroptosis by Activating the Nrf2 Pathway in MPTP‐Induced Parkinson Disease Models
Authors: Cai Benchi , Zhong Lifan , Liu Yanhui , Xu Qian , Chen Tao
Published: February 2023

Introduction. Recent studies suggest the involvement of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease (PD). δ‐Opioid receptors (DORs) have neuroprotective effects in PD. It is not known whether the neuroprotective effects of DORs in PD are attributable to the inhibition of ferroptosis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of DORs in ferroptosis in MPTP‐induced PD models. Methods. To identify the influence of DORs on ferroptosis in MPTP‐induced PD models, we measured the malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE) levels, analyzed the levels of ferroptosis‐related proteins (GXP4 and SLC7a11) and Nrf2 expression by using western blotting, and assessed mitochondrial dysfunction by using JC‐1 staining and transmission electron microscopy. Results. DOR activation reduced the 4‐HNE and MDA levels, increased the GXP4 and SLC7a11 levels, and ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction in MPTP‐induced PD models. These neuroprotective effects of DORs could be blocked by Nrf2‐siRNA. Thus, the effects of DORs on ferroptosis in PD models were partially controlled by Nrf2, which regulated GXP4 and SLC7a11 synthesis. Conclusion. DORs exert neuroprotective effects in PD models by inhibiting ferroptosis partially via activating the Nrf2 pathway.
Lip Print Recognition Algorithm Based on Convolutional Network
Authors: Zhou Hongcheng
Published: February 2023

Identity information security is faced with various challenges, and the traditional identification technology cannot meet the needs of public security. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore and study new identification technologies. In order to solve the complex image preprocessing problems, difficult feature extraction by artificial design algorithm, and low accuracy of lip print recognition, a method based on the convolutional neural network is proposed, by building a convolutional neural network called LPRNet (Lip Print Recognition Network). The obtained lip print image is inputted into the training recognition model of the network to simplify the lip print image preprocessing. By extracting feature information and sampling operation, the model training parameters are reduced, which overcomes the difficulty of designing a complex algorithm to extract features. By analyzing and comparing the experimental results, a higher recognition rate is obtained, and the validity of the method is verified.
Surface Modification of Polyethylene Separator for Li-Ion Batteries via Imine Formation
Authors: Baek Maga , Yoo Jaeseong , Kim Yunjung , Jang Yong-Jin , Seo Hyungeun , Lee Sung-Min , Jo Hearin , Woo Sang-Gil , Kim Jae-Hun
Published: February 2023

Porous polyethylene (PE) polymer film is a representative material for separators in Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Although PE separators are widely used in commercial LIBs owing to several advantages such as chemical stability, low cost, and good processability, the material still suffers from poor wettability to organic liquid electrolytes and low thermal stability. In this study, a facile surface modification method via the nucleophilic addition of amine in a solution is proposed. To improve the electrolyte wettability and thermal stability of the PE separators, a carbonyl group (C=O) was introduced onto the surface by pretreatment. Then, an imine functional group (R–N=C) was created by the conversion reaction between the carbonyl and amine groups (R-NH2) in a poly(ethylene glycol) bis(amine) solution. By including the formed imine group onto the surface, the surface-modified PE separator exhibited enhanced wettability and thermal stability. The chemical surface treatment transformed the PE separator from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, resulting in the increased ionic conductivity of the electrolyte and rate capability of the cells without any negative effect on the physical and electrochemical properties of the separator.
Potential Mechanisms of Yiqi Jiedu Huayu Decoction in the Treatment of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Based on Network Analysis, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Validation
Authors: Xuan Chen , Ding Weisen , Zhan Ling , Xiong Yanying , Yu Xiao , Cao Wenfu , Luo Yan
Published: February 2023

Background. Diabetic microvascular complications are the main causes of organ dysfunction and even death in diabetic patients. Our previous studies confirmed the beneficial effects of Yiqi Jiedu Huayu Decoction (YJHD) on diabetic cardiomyopathy and diabetic nephropathy. It is not clear whether YJHD can treat multiple diabetic microvascular complications including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and diabetic nephropathy through some common mechanisms. Methods. TCMSP, SymMap, STITCH, Swiss Target Prediction, and SEA databases were used to collect and analyze the components and targets of YJHD. GeneCards, DrugBank, DisGeNET, OMIM, and GEO databases were used to obtain target genes for diabetic retinopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and diabetic nephropathy. The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on the DAVID and STRING platforms. Molecular docking was used to evaluate the binding sites and affinities of compounds and target proteins. Animal experiments were designed to validate the network pharmacology results. Results. Through network pharmacological analysis, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis were identified as key pathological phenotypes for the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications with YJHD. In addition, JNK, p38, and ERK1/2 were predicted as key targets of YJHD in regulating the abovementioned pathological phenotypes. The results of animal experiments showed that YJHD could ameliorate retinal pathological changes of diabetes rats. YJHD can inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation in heart and kidney of diabetic rats. Molecular docking showed strong binding between compounds and JNK, p38, and ERK1/2. Berlambine may play a key role in the treatment process and is considered as a promising regulator of MAPK protein family. The regulatory effects of YJHD on JNK, p38, and ERK1/2 were demonstrated in animal experiments. Conclusions. YJHD may play a therapeutic role in diabetic microvascular complications by regulating oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis. The regulation of JNK, p38, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation may be the key to its therapeutic effect.
Solitary Abdominal Wall Lymph Node Recurrence in Prostate Cancer Patient with Dramatic Prostate-Specific Antigen Decrease following Metastasectomy
Authors: Williams Andrew , Elbakry Amr A. , Trump Tyler , Prisneac Ion , Smolkin Matthew , Zekan David , Salkini Mohamad W.
Published: February 2023

Prostate cancer patients routinely undergo surveillance for recurrence using prostate-specific antigen (PSA). While PSA’s benefit in screening is controversial, its use for detecting recurrence in patients with history of prostate cancer is pivotal. Rising PSAs with the newly advanced prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA PET) can help localize the location of recurrences for better excision and management. Here, we present a 55-year-old with prostate cancer, with initially undetectable postprostatectomy PSA levels, who later presented with a PSA of 3.47 ng/mL. PSMA PET showed isolated uptake in an abdominal wall mass. Pelvic lymphadenectomy and abdominal wall mass excision were performed, confirming a single metastasis in an abdominal wall lymph node. Metastasectomy led to a dramatic drop in PSA to 0.10 ng/mL both postoperatively and on long-term follow-up. Our case illustrates the potential benefit of metastasis-directed therapy in delayed oligometastasis following definitive management of prostate cancer.
A Multitask Sign Language Recognition System Using Commodity Wi-Fi
Authors: Gao Zhongjian , Lee Chien-Cheng , Zheng Lianhui , Zhang Ruige , Xu Xiaofu
Published: February 2023

Wi-Fi sensing for gesture recognition systems is a fascinating and challenging research topic. We propose a multitask sign language recognition framework called Wi-SignFi, which accounts for gestures in the real world associated with various objects, actions, or scenes. The proposed framework comprises a convolutional neural network (CNN) and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) module. It is evaluated on the public SignFi dataset and achieves 98.91%, 86.67%, and 99.99% average gesture recognition accuracies on 276/150 activities, five users, and two environments, respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed gesture recognition method outperforms previous methods. Instead of converting the channel state information (CSI) data of multiple antennas into three-dimensional matrices (i.e., color images) as in the existing literature, we found that the CSI data can be converted into matrices (i.e., grayscale images) by concatenating different channels, allowing the Wi-SignFi model to balance between speed and accuracy. This finding facilitates deploying Wi-SignFi on Nvidia’s Jetson Nano edge embedded devices. We expect this work to promote the integration of Wi-Fi sensing and the Internet of Things (IoT) and improve the quality of life of the deaf community.
Competency Level of Teachers’ Subject Matter Knowledge as a Compulsory for Teaching Secondary School Mathematics: A Case Study on Postgraduate Diploma Trainee
Authors: Denbel Dejene Girma
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this paper is to assess the status of mathematics subject matter knowledge competency of student teachers and show the role of subject matter knowledge in teaching secondary school mathematics. This study involved 70 student teachers attending postgraduate diploma training program of teacher training modality. An achievement test was used to collect the data from the participant. The result has shown that the overall subject matter knowledge competency of the trainee is remarkably low. However, algebra received relatively higher competency with a mean score of 2.2, and mathematics as communication and reasoning competency was considerably lower with a mean score of 0.56. In addition to these, a comparison among subject matter knowledge competency areas identified shows that there is a significant difference between algebra (higher competency) and the remaining 12 selected subject matter knowledge competency areas. This study concluded that student teachers have a deficiency in mathematics subject matter knowledge competency in general and lack uniformity within selected mathematics subject matter knowledge competency areas. Based on the findings, it is recommended that subject matter knowledge is particularly required for secondary school mathematics teaching needed in the teacher training program and the teacher training program needs amendment toward the direct purpose.
Effects of Chemical Reaction and Joule Heating on MHD Generalized Couette Flow between Two Parallel Vertical Porous Plates with Induced Magnetic Field and Newtonian Heating/Cooling
Authors: Mng’ang’a Jumanne
Published: February 2023

In this article, the effects of chemical reaction and Joule heating on MHD generalized Couette flow between two vertical porous plates with induced magnetic field and Newtonian heating/cooling have been investigated. The mathematical model used for the MHD generalized Couette flow takes into account the effect of viscous dissipation. The system of nonlinear partial differential equations governing the flow was solved numerically using the finite difference method. The resulting numerical schemes are simulated in MATLAB to obtain the profiles of the flow variables such as velocity, induced magnetic field, temperature, and concentration profiles graphically. Also, the effects of the flow parameters on the skin‐friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are obtained and discussed numerically through tabular forms. The findings show that an increase in the chemical reaction parameter leads to a decrease in the concentration profiles. Also, increase in the Joule heating parameter and heat generation parameter leads to an increase in the temperature profiles. Induced magnetic field profiles increase with an increase in Reynold’s number. The findings of this study are important due to its application in developing a variety of chemical technologies, including polymer manufacturing, MHD pumps, food processing, chemical catalytic reactors, astronomy, MHD flow meters, and lubrication.
Study on the Impact of Future Climate Change on Extreme Meteorological and Hydrological Elements in the Upper Reaches of the Minjiang River
Authors: Chen Ting , Ye Yao , Yang Kebi , Zhang Xu , Ao Tianqi
Published: February 2023

Global warming increases global average precipitation and evaporation, causing extreme climate and hydrological events to occur frequently. Future changes in temperature, precipitation, and runoff from 2021 to 2050 in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River were analyzed using a distributed hydrological model, the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool), under a future climate scenario. Simultaneously, future variation characteristics of extreme climate hydrological elements in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River were analyzed using extreme climate and runoff indicators. The research shows that the frequency and intensity of the extreme temperature warming index will increase, while those of the extreme temperature cooling index will increase and then weaken in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River under a future climate scenario. The duration of precipitation, the intensity of continuous heavy precipitation, and the frequency of heavy precipitation will increase, whereas the intensity of short-term heavy precipitation and the frequency of heavy precipitation will decrease. However, spatial distribution of flood in the upper reaches is different, and thus flood risk in the upstream source area will still tend to increase. Particular attention should be given to the increase in autumn flood risk in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River.
An Investigation of the Prognostic Role of Genes Related to Lipid Metabolism in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Qian Ling , Zhou Chenyu , Wang Keyi , Li Liuyang , Xia Wenhui , Fan Yuan
Published: February 2023

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has become a prevalent malignancy, and its incidence and mortality rate are increasing worldwide. Accumulating evidence has indicated that lipid metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) are involved in the occurrence and development of HNSCC. This study investigated the latent association of lipid metabolism with HNSCC and established a prognostic signature based on LMRGs. A prognostic risk model composed of eight differentially expressed LMRGs (PHYH, CYP4F8, INMT, ELOVL6, PLPP3, BCHE, TPTE, and STAR) was constructed through The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Then, ELOVL6 expression was validated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is a common type of HNSCC, by immunohistochemical analysis. ELOVL6 expression in the OSCC II/III group was significantly higher than that in the other three groups (normal, dysplasia, and OSCC I), and OSCC patients with high ELOVL6 expression had poorer survival than those with low ELOVL6 expression. In summary, the LMRG-based prognostic feature had prognostic predictive capacity. ELOVL6 may be a potential prognostic factor for HNSCC patients.
Gastric Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in an Adolescent: A Case Report
Authors: Nahhat Fouad , Zabad Kareem , Najjar Hasan , Doyya Modar , Khazeam Nisreen
Published: February 2023

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the 11th most common cancer worldwide and the 4th most common pediatric cancer. The GI tract is the most common extranodal site of NHL, making up about 30–40% of extranodal cases. The median age at diagnosis for gastrointestinal NHL (gNHL) is around 61. On the other hand, gNHL is very rare in the pediatric population. Herein, we report the case of a 15-year-old girl who complained of abdominal pain and vomiting after meals, with severe B symptoms (fever, night chills, and severe weight loss). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a mass in the lesser curvature of the stomach. Subsequent biopsy and immunostaining of the sample confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. CT and PET-CT scans indicated the involvement of mesenteric and lesser omental lymph nodes. Later on, the patient started an R-CHOP chemotherapy regimen. In this report, we aim to shine the light on such a rare disease in this age group.
Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Warfarin in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Chronic Liver Disease: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Lawal Oluwadolapo D. , Aronow Herbert D. , Shobayo Fisayomi , Hume Anne L. , Taveira Tracey H. , Matson Kelly L. , Zhang Yichi , Wen Xuerong
Published: February 2023

Background:

The benefit-risk profile of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared with warfarin, and between DOACs in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic liver disease is unclear.

Methods:

We conducted a new-user, retrospective cohort study of patients with AF and chronic liver disease who were enrolled in a large, US-based administrative database between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2017. We assessed the effectiveness and safety of DOACs (as a class and individually) compared with warfarin, and between DOACs in patients with AF and chronic liver disease. The primary outcomes were hospitalization for ischemic stroke/systemic embolism and hospitalization for major bleeding. Inverse probability treatment weights were used to balance the treatment groups on measured confounders.

Results:

Overall, 10 209 participants were included, with 4421 (43.2%) on warfarin, 2721 (26.7%) apixaban, 2211 (21.7%) rivaroxaban, and 851 (8.3%) dabigatran. The incidence rates per 100 person-years for ischemic stroke/systemic embolism were 2.2, 1.4, 2.6, and 4.4 for DOACs as a class, apixaban, rivaroxaban, and warfarin, respectively. The incidence rates per 100 person-years for major bleeding were 7.9, 6.5, 9.1, and 15.0 for DOACs as a class, apixaban, rivaroxaban, and warfarin, respectively. After inverse probability treatment weights, the risk of hospitalization for ischemic stroke/systemic embolism was significantly lower between DOACs as a class (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64 [95% CI, 0.46–0.90]) or apixaban (HR, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.19–0.82]) compared with warfarin, but not significantly different between rivaroxaban versus warfarin (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.47–1.21]) or rivaroxaban versus apixaban (HR, 1.73 [95% CI, 0.91–3.29]). Compared with warfarin, the risk of hospitalization for major bleeding was lower with DOACs as a class (HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.58–0.82]), apixaban (HR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.46–0.78]), and rivaroxaban (HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.62–1.0]). However, the risk of hospitalization for major bleeding was higher for rivaroxaban versus apixaban (HR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.18–2.14]).

Conclusions:

Among patients with AF and chronic liver disease, DOACs as a class were associated with lower risks of hospitalization for ischemic stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding versus warfarin. However, the incidence of clinical outcomes among patients with AF and chronic liver disease varied between individual DOACs and warfarin, and in head-to-head DOAC comparisons.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Analyses Support a Role of Vitamin D Metabolism in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Xie Yuhan , Acosta Julián N. , Ye Yixuan , Demarais Zachariah S. , Conlon Carolyn J. , Chen Ming , Zhao Hongyu , Falcone Guido J.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a highly heritable trait, and genome-wide association studies have identified several commonly occurring susceptibility risk loci for this condition. However, there are limited data on the contribution of rare genetic variation to IS.

Methods:

We conducted an exome-wide study using whole-exome sequencing data from 152 058 UK Biobank participants, including 1777 IS cases. We performed single-variant analyses for rare variants and gene-based analyses for loss-of-function and deleterious missense rare variants. We validated these results through (1) gene-based testing using summary statistics from MEGASTROKE—a genome-wide association study of IS that included 67 162 IS cases and 454 450 controls, (2) gene-based testing using individual-level data from 1706 IS survivors, including 142 recurrent IS cases, enrolled in the VISP trial (Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention); and (3) gene-based testing against neuroimaging phenotypes related to cerebrovascular disease using summary-level data from 42 310 UK Biobank participants with available magnetic resonance imaging data.

Results:

In single-variant association analyses, none of the evaluated variants were associated with IS at genome-wide significance levels (
P
<5×10
−8
). In the gene-based analysis focused on loss-of-function and deleterious missense variants, rare genetic variation at
CYP2R1
was significantly associated with IS risk (
P
=2.6×10
−6
), exceeding the Bonferroni-corrected threshold for 16 074 tests (
P
<3.1×10
−6
). Validations analyses indicated that
CYP2R1
was associated with IS risk in MEGASTROKE (gene-based test,
P
=0.003), with IS recurrence in the VISP trial (gene-based test,
P
=0.001) and with neuroimaging traits (white matter hyperintensity, mean diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy) in the UK Biobank neuroimaging study (all gene-based tests,
P
<0.05).

Conclusions:

Because
CYP2R1
plays an important role in vitamin D metabolism and existing observational evidence suggests an association between vitamin D levels and cerebrovascular disease, our results support a role of this pathway in the occurrence of IS.
What Do I Know about Severe Weather? The Influence of Weather Knowledge on Protective Action Decisions
Authors: Casteel Mark A.
Published: February 2023

Research has found that people who know the least about a topic are often very overconfident of their knowledge, while those who know the most often underestimate their knowledge. This finding, known as the Dunning–Kruger effect (DKE) has recently been shown to occur in knowledge of severe weather as well. The current study investigated whether being overconfident in one’s knowledge might translate into a tendency to make poorer sheltering decisions when faced with severe weather. Participants took two severe weather quizzes, one of perceived knowledge and one of objective knowledge. Participants also predicted their performance on both quizzes. The participants then saw four wireless emergency tornado warning alerts on a simulated smartphone screen, along with a tornado scenario, and then made two protective action decisions: one about immediately sheltering in place and the other the likelihood they would drive away. The results revealed that the participants did exhibit the DKE: those with the lowest levels of knowledge exhibited the most overconfidence while those with the highest levels of knowledge underestimated their performance. Also, in comparison with individuals with the most knowledge, those with the least knowledge were the most likely to state that they would not shelter immediately and that they would get in their car and drive away. Although more education is needed, the findings suggest a conundrum: those who know the least about severe weather, thinking they know a lot, are probably those individuals least likely to seek out additional education on the topic.

Significance Statement

Tornadoes are common in many states, and the National Weather Service issues tornado warnings in the hopes that individuals will take protective action. Previous research has found that people with low levels of knowledge (such as knowledge of severe weather) are often overconfident of their knowledge. This study explores whether those with low (as compared with high) severe weather knowledge make poorer decisions to a tornado warning. The findings show that those with the lowest knowledge were indeed overconfident and that they were less likely to shelter and more likely to drive away than those with high knowledge. The findings highlight that more severe weather education, although a worthy goal, might be difficult to implement if knowledge confidence is already high.
Educational tracking and social inequalities in long-term labor market outcomes: Six countries in comparison
Authors: Schindler Steffen , Bar-Haim Eyal , Barone Carlo , Fels Birkelund Jesper , Boliver Vikki , Capsada-Munsech Queralt , Erola Jani , Facchini Marta , Feniger Yariv , Heiskala Laura , Herbaut Estelle , Ichou Mathieu , Karlson Kristian Bernt , Kleinert Corinna , Reimer David , Traini Claudia , Triventi Moris , Vallet Louis-André
Published: February 2023

In this country-comparative study, we ask to what extent differentiation in secondary education accounts for the association between social origins and social destinations in adult age. We go beyond the widely applied formal definitions of educational tracking and particularly pay attention to country-specific approaches to educational differentiation. Our main expectation is that once we factor in these particularities, the degree to which educational differentiation accounts for social reproduction is quite similar across countries. Our analyses are based on national individual-level life-course data from six European countries that span from secondary education to occupational maturity. Our findings show that educational differentiation mediates the association between social origins and social destinations to a substantial degree in all countries. However, we still find some differences between countries in the extent to which educational differentiation accounts for social reproduction.
Survival of the Hustlers: The Role of Social Capital for Survival among Street Vendors in Dilla Town, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Anja Alemayehu , Zhang Dunfu
Published: February 2023

This article examines the role that social capital plays in ensuring the survival of street vendors in Dilla Town, Southern Ethiopia. The study employed a qualitative research approach informed by a case study design. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 35 street vendors. In-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and non-participant observations were used as data collection methods. The study revealed that street vendors rely on various forms of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital in their daily life. Such social capital helps them to secure accommodation and food, get suitable vending places, start and expand enterprises, save money, socialize, and maintain social ties. It also helps them to ensure their families’ well-being, mutual protection, and the security of goods. Thus, the study recommends that government agencies and non-governmental organizations should work together to help street vendors through their social networks to improve their socioeconomic conditions.
Tornadic Black Angels: Vodou, Dance, Revolution
Authors: Hall Joshua M.
Published: February 2023

This article explores the history of Vodou from outlawed African dance to revolutionary magic to depoliticized national Haitian religion and popular dance, its present reduction to Diaspora interpersonal healing, and a possible future. My first section, on Kate Ramsey’s The Spirits and the Law: Vodou and Power in Haiti, reveals Vodou as a sociopolitical construction of racist legal oppression of Africana dances rituals, and artistic-political resistance thereto. My second section, on Karen McCarthy Brown’s Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn, a “postmodern ethnography” of intersectional oppressions and Black female Haitian resistance in the Diaspora, foregrounds the figure of Gedelia, a feminist variant on Papa Gede, central Vodou spirit ( lwa) of resurrection and healing. Finally, my last section, on the “observing participant” analyses of Black dance anthropologist Yvonne Daniel’s Dancing Wisdom: Embodied Knowledge in Haitian Vodou, Cuban Yoruba, and Bahian Candomblé, finds a dancing Gedelia in her centering of Oyá, a warrior spirit of storms and death. On this basis, I propose the figure of tornadic black angels as a possible magical tool (in Vodou, a pwen, or “point”) intended to re-spiritualize and thereby re-politicize the secularized and whitewashed social Latin dance called “salsa” for social justice.
The Value of Handgrip Strength and Self-Rated Squat Ability in Predicting Mild Cognitive Impairment: Development and Validation of a Prediction Model
Authors: Xiao Han , Fangfang Hou , Qiong Wang , Shuai Zhou , Jingya Zhang , Xu Lou , Guodong Shen , Yan Zhang
Published: February 2023

Early identification of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is essential to combat worldwide dementia threats. Physical function indicators might be low-cost early markers for cognitive decline. To establish an early identification tool for MCI by combining physical function indicators (upper and lower limb function) via a clinical prediction modeling strategy. A total of 5393 participants aged 60 or older were included in the model. The variables selected for the model included sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral factors, mental status and chronic conditions, upper limb function (handgrip strength), and lower limb function (self-rated squat ability). Two models were developed to test the predictive value of handgrip strength (Model 1) or self-rated squat ability (Model 2) separately, and Model 3 was developed by combining handgrip strength and self-rated squat ability. The 3 models all yielded good discrimination performance (area under the curve values ranged from 0.719 to 0.732). The estimated net reclassification improvement values were 0.3279 and 0.1862 in Model 3 when comparing Model 3 to Model 1 and Model 2, respectively. The integrated discrimination improvement values were estimated as 0.0139 and 0.0128 when comparing Model 3 with Model 1 and Model 2, respectively. The model that contains both upper and lower limb function has better performance in predicting MCI. The final prediction model is expected to assist health workers in early identification of MCI, thus supporting early interventions to reduce future risk of AD, particularly in socioeconomically deprived communities.
The Jharkhand Andolan: A silencing of Muslim voice(s)
Authors: Bhattacharya Abhik
Published: February 2023

The subaltern turn in historiography has changed the way we read history/histories. The omissions and silence(s) that happen at the stage of ‘fact creation’ provide us with a way of looking into how events become facts. Taking cues from the sociological and historical understanding of silencing, this article examines the process through which Muslim voices have been silenced in the historiography of Jharkhand’s statehood movement (the Jharkhand Andolan). While going through the mainstream accounts on this subject, what I encountered was a significant lack of discussion about the Muslim presence in the movement. This lack becomes visible in contrast to the accounts in the vernacular newspapers that recount how Muslims have been an integral part of the statehood struggle. Through personal interviews of Muslim Andolankaris (freedom fighters) conducted during my fieldwork along with the documents collected from their personal archives, I show how the subduing of Muslim voices was enabled by Jharkhand’s political parties and carried over to the common narration of the movement’s formation and history.
Book review: Bharat Jayram Venkat. 2021. At the Limits of Cure
Authors: Kumbhar Kiran
Published: February 2023

Bharat Jayram Venkat. 2021. At the Limits of Cure. Durham: Duke University Press. 304 pp. Figures, bibliography, index. $27.95 (paperback—ISBN: 9781478014720)
Whence karma?
Authors: Bronkhorst Johannes
Published: February 2023

How did the belief in rebirth and karmic retribution come into existence? W. D. Whitney called it ‘one of the most difficult questions in the religious history of India’, and Richard Salomon described it, a century later, as ‘the single greatest problem of Indological studies’. Scholars have proposed textual continuities leading up to texts that give expression to this belief, but questions can be and have been raised about such continuities. Worse, these studies do not deal with the observation made by A. B. Keith almost a century ago, viz., that ‘while the ideas thus recorded are of some value … the importance of transmigration lies precisely in the fact that the doctrine is an ethical system’. The one scholar who fully recognises the importance of ethicisation is Gananath Obeyesekere. Unfortunately, his theory is based on some disputable assumptions, which weaken it, as they weaken Richard Seaford’s theory, which builds on Obeyesekere’s ideas. This article offers an altogether different approach that puts this belief in line with beliefs that accompanied the appearance of social complexity elsewhere in the world.
Book review: Erik de Maaker. 2021. Reworking Culture: Relatedness, Rites, and Resources in Garo Hills, North East India
Authors: Chandra Uday
Published: February 2023

Erik de Maaker. 2021. Reworking Culture: Relatedness, Rites, and Resources in Garo Hills, North East India. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press. 328 pp. Maps, glossary, figures, notes, references, index. ₹1695 (hardback—ISBN: 9788194831693)
Adaptive platoon finite-time control for marine surface vehicles with connectivity preservation and collision avoidance
Authors: Liang Xiaoling , Xu Gang , Wang Ning
Published: February 2023

This paper addresses finite-time platoon formation control scheme for vessel train problem subject to modeling uncertainties and external disturbances. The line-of-sight range and angle constraints are proposed to satisfy the collision avoidance and connectivity maintenance. Barrier Lyapunov function is introduced in the kinematic design such that each vehicle follows its leader within the required distance. To compensate for the uncertain model dynamics, the adaptive scheme is incorporated into the decentralized design to estimate nonlinear functions. Furthermore, a disturbance observer is developed to handle time-varying external disturbances. All closed-loop states are guaranteed bounded by Lyapunov theory, and the errors can be regulated to the small neighborhood around zero in finite time. Finally, simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach with a group of marine surface vessels.
Study on water inrush warning information of coal seam floor fault structure
Authors: Li Siyu , Bian Kai , Han Guilei , Liu Bo , Chen Xi , Sun Hui , Yang Hao , Chang Junbin
Published: February 2023

Water inrush from coal floor is a gradual process from generation, and development to disaster. In this process, the geophysical information received by the rock mass will show measurable characteristics of the sudden, and the occurrence of water inrush is the inevitable reflection of various characteristics of the sudden in the limit state. In order to study the early warning information before water inrush in working face, based on the fluid-solid coupling theory, similar simulation test and FLAC3D simulation were used to reproduce the water inrush process of the floor fracture structure, to clarify the difference of response characteristics of each physical quantity before and after water inrush, and to calculate the weight value of different physical quantities in the water inrush process combined with entropy method. The results show that when the working face is gradually approaching the penetrating fault, the stress at the water inrush position of the floor rock layer decreases sharply, and the step jump change occurs after reaching the minimum peak value. The water flow shows a stable increase–sudden increase process. Water inrush through fault location water flow presents increasing—stability—the changing process of surge, water pressure appears cliff-like drop. In the sub-emergent stage when water inrush is about to occur in the working face, the variation range of stress and water pressure at the position of water inrush is more intense. The increase rate of stress at the position of water inrush in the floor rock layer increases sharply and reaches the peak value in a short time, while the increase rate of water pressure at the position of water inrush through the fault decreases.
“Going-With-The-Flow” or “Getting-Things-Done”: A Folk Model of Intensive Parenting Among Middle-Class Parents
Authors: Klimor Maman Shira , Kaplan Danny , Offer Shira
Published: February 2023

Research on intensive parenting norms still lacks a systematic framework to account for the ways these translate into everyday childcare practices and underlying logics and ideals. Based on in-depth interviews with 42 middle-class Israeli parents, we delineate a folk model of intensive parenting associated with ideals of self-fulfillment. The model comprises two parenting approaches, each differentiated into practices, logics, and cultural discourses. The first approach is characterized by “going-with-the-flow” practices stressing expressive bonding geared toward the child’s desires. It points to a logic of aspiration development grounded in therapeutic discourse. The second approach is associated with practices of “getting-things-done” by “activating” the child to accomplish goals and reflects a logic of capability enhancement grounded in neoliberal discourse. By deconstructing contemporary parenting, we show that therapeutic and neoliberal values converge at the discursive level but are experienced as contradictory in everyday practice, thus accounting for the tensions of intensive parenting.
Modes of Migration City Network Mobilization in the EU and US Multilevel Institutional Systems: The Neglected Role of Politics
Authors: Caponio Tiziana , Pettrachin Andrea
Published: February 2023

The existing literature on the multilevel governance of migration in Europe and on migration federalism in the United States tends to assume that the modes of city network (CN) mobilization can be accounted for by different institutional opportunity structures which favor collaborative relations with higher levels of government and civil society in Europe and more contentions interactions in the United States. However, comparative research on how CNs mobilize in different multilevel systems is scarce and largely focuses on official discourse. To fill this gap, this article conducts an inductive policy frame analysis of the discourse and actions of two CNs—the Working Group on Migration and Integration in Europe and Cities for Action in the United States—and examines official documents they released between 2014 and 2019. We find that the actions of CNs are often decoupled from their discourse and are centered on political advocacy, thus challenging the idea that modes of CN mobilization are shaped by institutional opportunity structures. We propose an alternative understanding of CNs as political actors that adapt their discourse and actions to the multilevel political context in which they operate, i.e., to the political leaning of national governments or to the policy issues at stake.
What is the Metaverse and who seeks to define it? Mapping the site of social construction
Authors: Dolata Mateusz , Schwabe Gerhard
Published: February 2023

The Metaverse has become a buzz-phrase among tech businesses. Facebook’s rebranding to Meta is symptomatic of this. Many firms and other actors are trying to shape visions of the Metaverse, leading to confusion about the term’s meaning. We use social construction of technology (SCOT) theory to disentangle the conflicting notions proposing that what the Metaverse is and will become relies on the collective sensemaking processes. We point out similarities and differences between various concepts presented in the public media and link them to individual actors’ monetary, political, or social motives. We describe the tensions that occur because of the conflicting interests. As the Metaverse is an emerging phenomenon, opportunities exist to reorient it toward humanist values rather than singular interests. However, the complexity of the social processes that shape the Metaverse requires a considerate approach rather than premature conclusions about the Metaverse’s characteristics. The analysis presents the Metaverse as a new, continually evolving sociotechnical phenomenon, and calls for research that explores it as a dynamic, moving target.
US and Dutch Perspectives on the Use of COVID-19 Clinical Prediction Models: Findings from a Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Basile Melissa J. , Helmrich I. R. A. Retel , Park Jinny G. , Polo Jennifer , Rietjens Judith A.C. , van Klaveren David , Zanos Theodoros P. , Nelson Jason , Lingsma Hester F. , Kent David M. , Alsma Jelmer , Verdonschot R. J. C. G. , Hajizadeh Negin
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Clinical prediction models (CPMs) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may support clinical decision making, treatment, and communication. However, attitudes about using CPMs for COVID-19 decision making are unknown.

Methods

Online focus groups and interviews were conducted among health care providers, survivors of COVID-19, and surrogates (i.e., loved ones/surrogate decision makers) in the United States and the Netherlands. Semistructured questions explored experiences about clinical decision making in COVID-19 care and facilitators and barriers for implementing CPMs.

Results

In the United States, we conducted 4 online focus groups with 1) providers and 2) surrogates and survivors of COVID-19 between January 2021 and July 2021. In the Netherlands, we conducted 3 focus groups and 4 individual interviews with 1) providers and 2) surrogates and survivors of COVID-19 between May 2021 and July 2021. Providers expressed concern about CPM validity and the belief that patients may interpret CPM predictions as absolute. They described CPMs as potentially useful for resource allocation, triaging, education, and research. Several surrogates and people who had COVID-19 were not given prognostic estimates but believed this information would have supported and influenced their decision making. A limited number of participants felt the data would not have applied to them and that they or their loved ones may not have survived, as poor prognosis may have suggested withdrawal of treatment.

Conclusions

Many providers had reservations about using CPMs for people with COVID-19 due to concerns about CPM validity and patient-level interpretation of the outcome predictions. However, several people who survived COVID-19 and their surrogates indicated that they would have found this information useful for decision making. Therefore, information provision may be needed to improve provider-level comfort and patient and surrogate understanding of CPMs.

Highlights

While clinical prediction models (CPMs) may provide an objective means of assessing COVID-19 prognosis, provider concerns about CPM validity and the interpretation of CPM predictions may limit their clinical use. Providers felt that CPMs may be most useful for resource allocation, triage, research, or educational purposes for COVID-19. Several survivors of COVID-19 and their surrogates felt that CPMs would have been informative and may have aided them in making COVID-19 treatment decisions, while others felt the data would not have applied to them.
Upward flame spread over discrete thin solids separated by heat-absorbing inert materials
Authors: Cui Wohan , Sharma Ankit , Liao Ya-Ting T
Published: February 2023

Flame spread over discrete solid fuels has been of key research interest in the past few decades. Most studies considered an array of discrete fuels separated by air gaps or heat-insulating inert materials. The effects of heat loss due to the discrete configuration are not well understood. The present study aims to bridge this knowledge gap. A series of experiments are performed using a vertical array of thin discrete fuels separated by heat-absorbing inert materials of different thicknesses. For comparisons, experiments are also performed using discrete fuels separated by air gaps and using continuous fuel. The flame base spread rate is found to be generally higher in discrete fuel than in continuous fuel configurations, due to a reduced fuel load per unit length. It is also found that the air and inert gaps have opposite effects on the solid burning rates. The air gaps break the no-slip boundary, allowing the laterally entrained buoyancy flow (normal to the sample surface) to push the flame closer to the samples. This leads to an enhanced heat flux on the sample surface and an increased solid burning rate. On the other hand, the inert materials retain the flow boundary profile and act as a heat sink during flame spread, thereby reducing the solid burning rate. As the inert thickness increases, flame spread rate and solid burning rate decrease. Based on these observations, an existing model for flame spread rate is updated by incorporating the heat-absorbing effects of the gaps. The correlation is validated using the experimental data.