bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thoughts about Artifact Badging
Authors: Zilberman Noa , Moore Andrew W.
Published: May 2020

Reproducibility: the extent to which consistent results are obtained when an experiment is repeated, is important as a means to validate experimental results, promote integrity of research, and accelerate follow up work. Commitment to artifact reviewing and badging seeks to promote reproducibility and rank the quality of submitted artifacts.

However, as illustrated in this issue, the current badging scheme, with its focus upon an artifact being reusable, may not identify limitations of architecture, implementation, or evaluation.

We propose that to improve the insight into artifact reproducibility, the depth and nature of artifact evaluation must move beyond simply considering if an artifact is reusable. Artifact evaluation should consider the methods of that evaluation alongside the varying of inputs to that evaluation. To achieve this, we suggest an extension to the scope of artifact badging, and describe both approaches and best practice arising in other communities. We seek to promote conversation and make a call to action intended to strengthen the scientific method within our domain.
Comment on "Datacenter Congestion Control: Identifying what is essential and making it practical" by Aisha Mushtaq, et al, CCR, July 2019
Authors: Roberts James
Published: May 2020

We dispute the authors' claim that SRPT is the crucial factor in achieving good FCT performance in datacenter networks.
Clinical Significance of M1/M2 Macrophages and Related Cytokines in Patients with Spinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Wang Liang , Shang Xiaoqian , Qi Xinwei , Ba Derong , Lv Jie , Zhou Xuan , Wang Hao , Shaxika Nazierhan , Wang Jing , Ma Xiumin
Published: May 2020

Background. Macrophages are important immune cells involved in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection. To further investigate the degree of disease development in patients with spinal tuberculosis (TB), we conducted research on macrophage polarization. Methods. Thirty-six patients with spinal TB and twenty-five healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The specific morphology of tuberculous granuloma in spinal tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The presence and distribution of bacilli were observed by Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining. Macrophage-specific molecule CD68 was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). M1 macrophages play a proinflammatory role, including the specific molecule nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the related cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). M2 macrophages exert anti-inflammatory effects, including the specific molecule CD163 and related cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). The above markers were all detected by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and IHC. Results. Typical tuberculous granuloma was observed in the HE staining of patients with spinal TB. ZN staining showed positive expression of Ag85B around the caseous necrosis tissue and Langerhans multinucleated giant cells. At the same time, IHC results indicated that CD68, iNOS, CD163, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were expressed around the tuberculous granuloma, and their levels were obviously higher in close tissue than in the distant tissue. RT-PCR and ELISA results indicated that IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels of TB patients were also higher than those of the healthy controls. Conclusion. The report here highlights that two types of macrophage polarization (M1 and M2) are present in the tissues and peripheral blood of patients with spinal TB. Macrophages also play proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles. Macrophage polarization is involved in spinal TB infection.
Impedance with Finite-Time Control Scheme for Robot-Environment Interaction
Authors: Hu Heyu , Wang Xiaoqi , Chen Lerui
Published: May 2020

For the robot system with the uncertain model and unknown environment parameters, a control scheme combining impedance and finite time is proposed. In order to obtain accurate force control performance indirectly by using position tracking, the control scheme is divided into two parts: an outer loop for force impedance control and an inner loop for position tracking control. In the outer loop, in order to eliminate the force tracking error quickly, the impedance control based on force is adopted; when the robot contacts with the environment, the satisfactory force tracking performance can be obtained. In the inner loop, the finite-time control method based on the homogeneous system is used. Through this method, the desired virtual trajectory generated by the outer loop can be tracked, and the contact force tracking performance can be obtained indirectly in the direction of force. This method does not need the dynamics model knowledge of the robot system, thus avoiding the online real-time calculation of the inverse dynamics of the robot. The unknown uncertainty and external interference of the system are obtained online by using the time-delay estimation, and the control process is effectively compensated, so the algorithm is simple, the convergence speed is fast, and the practical application is easy. The theory of finite-time stability is used to prove that the closed-loop system is finite-time stable, and the effectiveness of the algorithm is proved by simulations.
Kinetic Modeling Study of the Industrial Sulfur Recovery Process for Operating Condition Optimization
Authors: Huang Shan , Teng Zhaohui , Zhang Lisheng , Zhou Qulan , Li Na
Published: May 2020

Sulfur recovery from acid gas (H2S and CO2), which is contained in fresh natural gas, can bring many economic and environmental benefits, and this topic has been studied for years. Finding an optimal operating condition for the factory is of much importance. In this paper, we built a reactor network analysis model with a detailed mechanism to describe and calculate the process in the sulfur recovery unit. This detailed mechanism included 94 species and 615 elementary reactions. Our model has a more accurate residence time than other existing models. This simulation model was verified with industrial data, and the calculation result was highly consistent with the industrial data and more accurate than other approaches. Then, we used this reactor network analysis model to study the effect of the excess air coefficient, the thermal reactor temperature, and the temperature of cooling water on the sulfur recovery efficiency of a real device in the Puguang gas field. The result showed the excess air coefficient and thermal reactor temperature had a clear impact on sulfur recovery efficiency. After analysis, we got the optimum condition parameters for this device. At last, these parameters were tested in the real sulfur recovery device, and the result was reasonable. Our research provides a way to improve the sulfur recovery process in the industry, and it can be helpful to reduce pollution emissions and improve economic performance.
Analytical Solution of Steady‐State Temperature Field of Single Freezing Pipe under Action of Seepage Field
Authors: Wang Bin , Rong Chuanxin , Cheng Hua , Cai Haibing , Zhang Shiqi
Published: May 2020

To accurately describe the distribution law of the temperature field formed by a single freezing pipe under the action of a seepage field, the shape of the freezing front was simplified using a segmentation‐equivalent method. The analytical solution of the steady‐state temperature field was derived, and the accuracy was verified using a physical model test. Combined with the results of the model test and the calculation results of the analytical solution, the distribution law of the freezing temperature field formed by a single pipe under different seepage velocities was analyzed. It was found that compared with the no flow rate, when the seepage velocity was 3, 6, and 9 m/day, the frozen area was reduced from 17.97 × 104 mm2 to 15.77 × 104, 3.84 × 104, and 3.05 × 104 mm2, respectively. The proportion of frozen area below −5°C increased from 39.43% to 40.19%, 49.84%, and 51.52%, respectively. The average freezing temperature field reduced from −5.78 to −5.86, −7.31, and −7.50°C, respectively. As the seepage velocity increased, the frozen area formed by a single pipe decreased while the proportion of the low‐temperature zone increased and the average temperature of the temperature field decreased.
Moderate Mechanical Stimulation Protects Rats against Osteoarthritis through the Regulation of TRAIL via the NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway
Authors: Yang Yue , Wang Yang , Kong Yawei , Zhang Xiaoning , Zhang He , Feng Xinyuan , Wang Ziyuan , Gao Peng , Yan Mingyue , Bai Lunhao , Li Feng
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to examine exercise-related genes in articular cartilage identified through bioinformatics analysis to dissect the potential signaling pathway involved in mechanical stimulation in osteoarthritis (OA). To this end, we evaluated the GSE74898 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database for exercise-related differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) using the R software package and predicted potential target genes for these miRNAs using miRTarBase. Functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis were performed for these potential DE-miRNA targets. The effects of mechanical stimulation on the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-induced ligand (TRAIL)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor containing protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway were evaluated in articular cartilage and chondrocytes. A total of 394 DE-miRNAs were identified (103 upregulated miRNAs; 291 downregulated miRNAs) in the cartilage of rats following treadmill exercise compared to the cartilage of unexercised control rats. Thus, mechanical stimulation could modulate the TRAIL/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway on OA. Histological and protein analysis demonstrated that moderate-intensity treadmill exercise could ameliorate OA through the downregulation of TRAIL. Furthermore, moderate cyclic tensile strain (CTS) could rescue chondrocytes from the effects of TRAIL via the inhibition of the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and formation of NLRP3. Our findings indicate that moderate mechanical stimulation could ameliorate the degeneration of cartilage and chondrocyte damage through the inhibition of the TRAIL/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.
Graft Copolymerization of Acrylonitrile and Ethyl Acrylate onto Pinus Roxburghii Wood Surface Enhanced Physicochemical Properties and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Kumar Amit , Naushad Mu. , Al-Misned Fahad A. , El-Serehy Hamed A. , Ghfar Ayman A. , Rai Sharma Kulwant , Si Chuanling , Stadler Florian J.
Published: May 2020

As a natural and the most abundant material, wood was used as a scaffold for the grafting of acrylonitrile (AN) and ethyl acrylate (EA) to develop a novel grafted wood. Thus, chemical modification of the wood was carried out by means of grafting. It is clear from the characterization techniques (FTIR, SEM, and XRD) that grafting of acrylonitrile (AN) and ethyl acrylate (EA) was successfully performed on the Pinus roxburghii wood. Monomer and initiator concentration, temperature, time, and pH parameters have been varied to obtain the maximum percent grafting yield. A significant influence was observed on the physicochemical properties, morphological structure, and bacterial resistant nature after the graft copolymerization of AN + EA on the raw wood. This approach of grafting of wood would lead to the construction of a new class of materials with better properties and will also promote innovative consumption of renewable wood.
Function of Adenosine 2A Receptor in High-Fat Diet-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Li Ji , Liu Huan-Qiu , Li Xin-Bai , Yu Wen-Jun , Wang Tao
Published: May 2020

Peripheral diabetic neuropathy (DPN) is a complication observed in up to half of all patients with type 2 diabetes. DPN has also been shown to be associated with obesity. High-fat diet (HFD) affects glucose metabolism, and the impaired glucose tolerance can lead to type 2 diabetes. There is evidence to suggest a role of adenosine 2A receptors (A2ARs) and semaphorin 3A (Sema3a) signaling in DPN. The link between the expression of Sema3a and A2AR in DPN was hypothesized, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the regulation of Sema3a by A2AR in the spinal cord and the functional implications thereof in DPN. We examined the expression of A2ARs and Sema3a, as well as Neuropilin 1 and Plexin A, the coreceptors of Sema3a, in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord of an animal model with HFD-induced diabetes. Our results demonstrate that HFD dysregulates the A2AR-mediated Sema3a expression, with functional implications for the type 2 diabetes-induced peripheral neuropathy. These observations could stimulate clinical studies to improve our understanding on the subject.
Differential Gender-Dependent Patterns of Cardiac Fibrosis and Fibroblast Phenotypes in Aging Mice
Authors: Achkar Angela , Saliba Youakim , Fares Nassim
Published: May 2020

Aging is characterized by physiological changes within the heart leading to fibrosis and dysfunction even in individuals without underlying pathologies. Gender has been shown to influence the characteristics of cardiac aging; however, gender-dependent cardiac fibrosis occurring with age remains largely not elucidated. Thus, broadening our understanding of this phenomenon proves necessary in order to develop novel anti-fibrotic strategies in the elderly. In this study, we aim to characterize cardiac fibrosis and cardiac fibroblast (CF) populations in aged male and female mice. Echocardiography revealed eccentric hypertrophy with left ventricular dilatation in the aged male versus concentric hypertrophy with left posterior wall thickening in the female, with preserved cardiac function in both groups. Reactive fibrosis was evidenced in the myocardium and epicardium of the aged female mice hearts whereas perivascular and replacement ones where present in the male heart. Collagen I was predominant in the aged male heart whereas collagen III was the main component in the female heart. CFs in the aged male heart were mainly recruited from resident PDGFRα+ populations but not derived from epicardium as evidenced by the absence of epicardial progenitor transcription factors Tcf21, Tbx18 and Wt1. Our results present a paradigm for gender-dependent cardiac fibrosis and the origins of CFs with age. This sets forth to revisit cardiac anti-fibrotic management according to the gender in the elderly and to explore novel therapeutic targets.
The Evolution of Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy against HIV-1 Infection: Improvements and Outlook
Authors: Mohamed Hager , Miller Vandana , Jennings Stephen R. , Wigdahl Brian , Krebs Fred C.
Published: May 2020

Dendritic cells (DC) are key phagocytic cells that play crucial roles in both the innate and adaptive immune responses against the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). By processing and presenting pathogen-derived antigens, dendritic cells initiate a directed response against infected cells. They activate the adaptive immune system upon recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on infected cells. During the course of HIV-1 infection, a successful adaptive (cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell) response is necessary for preventing the progression and spread of infection in a variety of cells. Dendritic cells have thus been recognized as a valuable tool in the development of immunotherapeutic approaches and vaccines effective against HIV-1. The advancements in dendritic cell vaccines in cancers have paved the way for applications of this form of immunotherapy to HIV-1 infection. Clinical trials with patients infected with HIV-1 who are well-suppressed by antiretroviral therapy (ART) were recently performed to assess the efficacy of DC vaccines, with the goal of mounting an HIV-1 antigen-specific T-cell response, ideally to clear infection and eliminate the need for long-term ART. This review summarizes and compares methods and efficacies of a number of DC vaccine trials utilizing autologous dendritic cells loaded with HIV-1 antigens. The potential for advancement and novel strategies of improving efficacy of this type of immunotherapy is also discussed.
Improving the Efficiency and Impact of Clinical Research: A Game Changer for 21st Century Neonatology
Authors: Modi Neena
Published: May 2020

Every clinician is aware of the many uncertainties that exist in everyday clinical care. These contribute to variation and inequity in outcomes and pose dangers to patient wellbeing and safety. Evidence generation is still too slow, too expensive, too much left to chance, too ad hoc, and wholly inadequate. Modern technologies can drive faster, more efficient evidence generation and implementation of findings. However, professional and public buy-in are also needed for success; in short, a new conceptual framework aimed at reducing uncertainties effectively, efficiently, and incrementally in clinical practice is required. Currently, much-needed research to reduce practice uncertainties is often never done, or conducted in ways that are inefficient or lack impact. The consequence is poor patient care and abrogation of the cardinal duty of doctors to “first, do no harm.” Research is efficient if high quality, conducted rapidly, at reasonable cost, with minimal burden on investigators and participants. Research has impact if outcomes are incorporated into evidence syntheses, and robust conclusions are implemented into practice without delay. Here, I will discuss ways that build upon modern thinking and new technologies to improve the efficiency and impact of clinical research.
Defining “Haemodynamic Significance” of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Do We Have All the Answers?
Authors: Smith Aisling , EL-Khuffash Afif F.
Published: May 2020

Optimum management of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants remains one of the most debated topics within the field of neonatology. Despite numerous observational studies and over 60 randomized control trials, consensus on PDA management remains elusive. In order to make meaningful progress on the controversial issue of PDA management, several key factors must be thoroughly addressed; namely (1) accurate identification of infants at greatest risk of long-term morbidities from PDA exposure, (2) acceptance that the PDA is not a dichotomous entity and an individualised approach to its management is required for each neonate, (3) international consensus on what constitutes a haemodynamically significant PDA and (4) the incorporation of multi-organ assessment when evaluating the impact a PDA may pose on overall neonatal physiology. This review assesses the evidence base available supporting various therapeutic strategies for PDA, the deficits in our current knowledge on the definition of haemodynamic significance and future directions to pursue in order to more successfully address this contentious subject.
Mapping Physicians’ Experiences with Medicinal Products from Whole Medical Systems: A Descriptive Analysis of the Vademecum of Anthroposophic Medicines
Authors: Hamre Harald Johan , Glockmann Anja , Marti Jakob , Soldner Georg
Published: May 2020

Background: Therapy in whole medical systems involves a large number of medicinal products. One source of knowledge of clinical properties of such products is the experience of therapy providers. A systematic approach to documentation, assessment, and aggregation of physicians’ experiences with anthroposophic medicinal products (AMPs) has been developed: the Vademecum of Anthroposophic Medicines. Material and Methods: The Vademecum contains structured information on AMPs, including therapeutic rationale, indications, and therapy recommendations. The information is based on a 17-item questionnaire of physicians’ therapy experiences, which is peer-reviewed by an interdisciplinary editorial board. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the Vademecum, 4th edition. Results: The Vademecum comprised 799 different AMPs, used for 1,773 indications, based on 2,543 questionnaires submitted by 274 physicians from 19 countries. The 799 AMPs comprised 52.6% of all AMPs marketed in Germany in 2015–2016. The 1,773 indications corresponded to 544 different ICD-10 three-digit codes, amounting to 29.3% (n = 544/1,854) of all three-digit codes. A total of 30.6% (n = 542/1,773) of indications were supported by ≥2 questionnaires. Conclusions: The current Vade­mecum covers more than half of all AMPs, used for more than one fourth of all ICD-10 three-digit codes. The Vademecum approach may be relevant for medicinal products from other whole medical systems.
A BRANQUITUDE DE WHITE FACE AND BLONDE HAIR
Authors: Santos Rodrigo Severo dos
Published: May 2020

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo analisar a performance White Face And Blonde Hair (2012) da artista multidisciplinar Renata Felinto (1978) a partir do conceito de branquitude (BENTO, 2002; FRANKENBERG, 2004; SCHUCMAN, 2012; CARDOSO, 2017). Na performance, a artista se autorrepresenta como uma mulher loira, sedutora e sorridente para questionar os padrões de beleza branco e ocidental impostos como “universais”, e veiculados como naturais pela cultura de massa. O trabalho de Felinto revela como os padrões de beleza que vigoram no Brasil ainda são extremamente eurocêntricos e excludentes estruturando processos contínuos de violência contra às mulheres não brancas e que não estão dentro de um padrão dominante de beleza branca propagado como belo, bom e universal.
A FOTOGRAFIA HOMOERÓTICA AFRICANA DE FANI-KAYODE
Authors: Ferreira Debora Armelin
Published: May 2020

Esta pesquisa busca analisar a produção artística do fotógrafo nigeriano Rotimi Fani-Kayode (1955-1989) que encontrou na fotografia um meio de expressar de forma sensível e transgressora a questão da homossexualidade, trazendo o seu próprio corpo nu como foco central das composições. Por meio da análise de duas de suas obras pretende-se compreender como a arte possibilita abrir caminhos para discussão sobre a questão de gênero nos tempos atuais, principalmente em países em que o número de mortes da população LGBTI+ ainda é alarmante.
Processo de construção das dimensões norteadoras para projetos interativos escolares: a fundamentação na percepção espacial de alunos com restrições visuais
Authors: Kasper Andrea De Aguiar , Pereira Vera Lúcia Duarte do Valle , Vergara Lizandra Garcia Lupi
Published: May 2020

O artigo trata da Percepção Espacial, investigada sob a ótica dos projetos escolares focados nos alunos com restrições visuais do Ensino Fundamental, tendo seus estudos iniciados no curso de Mestrado, culminando na conclusão da Tese de Doutoramento de uma das autoras. Demonstra parte do processo de construção do Sistema Norteador de Projetos Interativos, essencialmente, a estruturação das dimensões norteadoras de um dos seus elementos estruturadores basilares, a Percepção Espacial. Focada nos seus propósitos, a pesquisa foi concretizada, sob um processo sistêmico, em três etapas: Conceitualização, Estruturação e Legitimação, orientadas pelo Design de Interação e aplicação de técnicas de pesquisas, tais como, a Análise de Conteúdo e Análise do Conceito. As Dimensões fundamentadas na percepção multissensorial estão alinhadas à proposta dos Projetos Interativos Escolares, os quais possuem como produto, o espaço físico tratado como sistema de artefatos. A pesquisa observa a importância da Interação Espacial em projetos escolares, propondo resultados que favorecem aos leitores interessados no fenômeno tratado. Contempla pesquisadores e profissionais envolvidos no planejamento dos espaços físicos escolares, observando a PE como diretriz de projetos de escolas que buscam beneficiar à Inclusão Escolar, bem como, aqueles que desejem utilizar a orientação teórica e metodológica desta pesquisa para abordar outros contextos.
Myopa nebulosa sp. nov. and Myopa bozinovici sp. nov. (Diptera: Conopidae): New thick-headed flies from a threatened biodiversity hotspot in central Chile
Authors: BARAHONA-SEGOVIA RODRIGO M. , BARCELÓ MATÍAS
Published: May 2020

Diptera is one of the most speciose groups within Insecta, but there are deep gaps in knowledge of the South American faunas. Conopidae, also known as thick-headed flies, inhabit many habitats around the world, and are particularly diverse in the Neotropical region. Despite this, southern South American species of this group are poorly known and many genera are under-represented in museum collections. Only four Neotropical species of Myopa are known, three from Mexico and one from Chile. In this study we describe two new species: Myopa nebulosa sp. nov. distributed from northern Chile to the Maule region of central Chile, and Myopa bozinovici sp. nov. from Mediterranean ecosystems of central Chile. We also re-describe the conspicuous species Myopa metallica Camras and provide an updated key to all Neotropical species of this genus. The natural history of these species is unknown. Myopa species are not abundant and their habitats may be threatened by land change use.
Two new species of the genus Chironephthya (Octocorallia, Alcyonacea, Nidaliidae, Siphonogorgiinae) from the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: IMAHARA YUKIMITSU , CHAVANICH SUCHANA , VIYAKARN VORANOP , KUSHIDA YUKA , REIMER JAMES D. , FUJITA TOSHIHIKO
Published: May 2020

Two new species of the genus Chironephthya, C. sirindhornae sp. nov. and C. cornigera sp. nov., are described based on three specimens collected from the Gulf of Thailand. Both species are well distinguished from the previously described species of the genus Chironephthya by their colonies consisting of multiple stems that stand upright from a common base, and by a significantly thinner canal wall without large spindles. As a result of phylogenetic analyses using COI, mtMutS, and 28S rDNA sequences of these two species, these three specimens constituted an independent small clade within a large mixed clade of Siphonogorgia and Chironephthya, with the two species slightly different from each other. The discrepancy in the morphology suggested the erection of a new genus to accommodate these species, however, as the subclade was included in a large mixed clade of Siphonogorgia and Chironephthya, we place these species within genus Chironephthya. Our results further highlight the continuing confusion between Siphonogorgia and Chironephthya, and demonstrate the need for taxonomic revision of these genera.
A new genus and species of Anchitrematidae Mehra, 1935 (Digenea: Gorgoderoidea) in a freshwater fish from the River Nile at Qena, Egypt with amendation of the family
Authors: DRONEN NORMAN O. , KARAR YASSER F. M. , BLEND CHARLES K.
Published: May 2020

Museum specimens of a previously unknown species of the Anchitrematidae from a freshwater fish collected from the River Nile at Qena, Egypt were examined. This species is somewhat similar to species of Anchitrema, but was found to have a thick, continuous, shelf-like rim around the periphery of the ventral aspect of the distome, the lateral aspect of the forebody was composed of large internal patches of lightly vacuolated, somewhat glandular cells that formed pad-like structures (pelops-like structures), and it possessed a uterine seminal receptacle; characteristics that previously have not been found in any species in the family. Species currently assigned to Anchitrema or Mujibia (the only two genera in the family) are known only from reptiles and mammals and no species has previously been reported from a freshwater fish. We feel that these differences are sufficient enough to warrant the erection of Piscianchitrema n. gen. and amendation of the family. We support the synonymies of Anchitrema congolense with Anchitrema latum, and Anchitrema lucknowensis with Anchitrema indicum. The current status of species previously described in the family is discussed, and keys to the genera and species of Anchitrema are provided.
Survival in Adversity: Trends in Mortality Among Blacks in the United States, 1900–2010
Authors: Hahn Robert A.
Published: May 2020

The goal of this study was to analyze trends in black age-adjusted mortality rates (AADR) from 1900 through 2010 and to propose explanations. Analyses included a descriptive study of trends in AADR from major causes for blacks and age-specific all-cause mortality at each decade. In 1900, all-cause AADRs were higher for blacks than whites. Over the century, differences decreased substantially. Reductions mortality were greatest among young people, lowest among older adults. Deaths from infectious diseases showed the greatest decrease. Heart disease mortality among blacks increased from 1920 to 1950, then decreased by 2010. For men and women, AADRs for cancer rose to a peak in 1990, then declined. Stroke mortality decreased steadily for males and females. AADRs from unintentional injuries (not including motor vehicle injury) decreased gradually. Despite widespread societal resistance, blacks have made substantial gains in a wide range of social determinants of health, such as civil rights, education, employment, income, and housing. Substantial gains remain to be made.
Examining Belief in a Just World, Religious Worldviews, and Self-Esteem Within the Framework of Terror Management Theory: Mortality Salient and Nonmortality Salient Organizations
Authors: Bulut Meryem B.
Published: May 2020

To sustain their lives has always been the main motivation of all the creatures, especially human beings. Just as there is always beginning of life, there is also an end of it for all living species. Human being is the only species that is aware of their mortality. According to terror management theory (TMT), this awareness causes some sort of anxiety. Human being, by their nature, do not want to be worried and want to cope with the anxiety in different ways. This study aims to test belief in a just world, religious worldviews, and self-esteem within the framework of TMT hypotheses in both mortality salient ( n =  104) and nonmortality salient ( n =  102) organizations. In each organization, half of the participants were reminded about death (experimental condition) and the other half about toothache (control condition). The required data for this study were collected by utilizing Life Satisfaction Scale, The Multidimensional Mortality Awareness Measure, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Belief in a Just World Scale, Self-Esteem Scale, Religious Worldviews Scale, and personal information form. Results indicated that there are no significant differences for self-esteem and religious worldviews between mortality salient and nonmortality salient samples, whereas there are significant mean differences for personal/general belief in a just world. The findings of this study are discussed within the framework of TMT literature.
La spiritualité comme terrain d’entente entre la religion et le sécularisme : une approche ethnographique
Authors: Fedele Anna
Published: May 2020

This article is based on ethnographic research about the intersections of contemporary forms of spirituality and Catholicism in Italy, Spain, France and Portugal and analyses what social actors mean when they say that they are ‘spiritual but not religious’ (SBNR). We need to go beyond this self-description and try to understand why spirituality is increasingly being constructed in opposition to religion and what our informants mean, when they say that they are spiritual. With this approach we discover that spirituality, religion and secularism are not completely distinct categories but mutually constitute each other (Asad, 2003 ; Fedele and Knibbe, 2013, 2020) and that the SBNR are not necessarily unchurched (Fedele, 2013 ; Fedele and Knibbe, 2013 ; Ammerman, 2013a). Through ethnographic examples I show how spirituality represents a safe middle ground between religion and secularism. It offers a lingua franca that allows describing religious experiences in increasingly secularized societies. This spiritual lingua franca is particularly useful when addressing issues related to gender and sexuality because it allows embracing secular values without renouncing to be religious.
Ways to Be Understood: The Ontological Turn and Interpretive Social Science
Authors: Sivado Akos
Published: May 2020

The ontological turn in anthropological methodology, at least in its conceptualization-oriented formulation, aims to turn away from the concepts and objects found within one’s own social setting in order to turn to indigenous conceptualization processes and take a look at “the things (and persons) themselves.” This article aims to unpack what such constant reconceptualization amounts to, arguing that when modified to meet certain objections, the ontological turn could provide important ingredients for an alternative version of interpretive social science—one that wishes to understand social phenomena as human kinds in the vein of Ian Hacking, Sally Haslanger and Ron Mallon.
Children’s Living Arrangements after Marital and Cohabitation Dissolution in Europe
Authors: Zilincikova Zuzana
Published: May 2020

The rapid increase of the number of children being born in cohabitation appears to have an important impact on their lives, since they face a higher risk of parental breakup than children born in wedlock. This article aims to provide a cross-national overview of the living arrangements of children following breakup of cohabiting unions and to investigate whether the post-dissolution living arrangements differ between formerly cohabiting and married families. Analyzing the first wave of Generations and Gender Survey for 9 European countries shows that former cohabiters are not more or less likely to establish shared physical custody of their children than formerly married couples; however, formerly cohabiting fathers are somehow less likely to have sole custody of their children. The lower odds of sole-father custody among former cohabiters are caused by the selection of individuals into cohabiting unions (i.e., different demographic characteristics of cohabiting parents and union duration).
Efficacy of psychedelic treatments on depressive symptoms: A meta-analysis
Authors: Romeo Bruno , Karila Laurent , Martelli Catherine , Benyamina Amine
Published: May 2020

Background:

Psychedelic drugs have shown an efficacy in some psychiatric disorders and have an original mechanism of action with a 5-HT2A agonism.

Aim:

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess by a quantitative analysis the putative efficacy of psychedelic drugs on depressive symptoms and to investigate the kinetic of this efficacy.

Methods:

We searched the MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases through April 2019, without limits on year of publication. Means and standard deviations were extracted to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD). Scores of depressive symptoms were compared with baseline scores at days 7, 14, and 21; weeks 4–5 and 6–8; and months 3 and 6.

Results:

Eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. A significant decrease of depressive symptoms was found from day 1 ( n = 5 studies; SMD = ‒1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): ‒2.33 to ‒0.48, p = 0.003) to 6 months ( n = 4 studies; SMD = ‒1.07, 95% CI: ‒1.44 to ‒0.7, p < 0.001) after psychedelic sessions. No serious adverse effect was reported in all included studies. A transient increase of the heart rate, blood systolic, and diastolic pressure were found after psychedelics compared with placebo.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis shows that psychedelic treatments were safe and could contribute to a rapid improvement of depressive symptoms.
Pharmacological treatment of acute-phase anorexia nervosa: Evidence from randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cassioli Emanuele , Sensi Carolina , Mannucci Edoardo , Ricca Valdo , Rotella Francesco
Published: May 2020

Background:

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is the psychiatric disorder with the highest mortality rate, with a standard mortality ratio of 5.86. Despite the large use of psychotropic drugs in the clinical setting, Food and Drug Administration has not approved any psychoactive treatment for AN.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating psychopharmacological treatment in acute-phase AN.

Methods:

The present paper follows the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. An extensive literature search was performed. All RCTs enrolling patients with acute-phase AN, comparing at least one psychotropic drug with another drug, placebo, treatment-as-usual or no treatment were included. The main outcome was the effect of psychoactive drugs on body mass index (BMI); data on psychopathological outcomes were also collected when available.

Results:

A total of 19 RCTs met all specified criteria. Of these, 11 were excluded from quantitative analyses. Of the eight studies included in the meta-analyses, five reported data on BMI, showing no significant difference between olanzapine and placebo for weight recovery. No significant result was found for AN psychopathology, depressive and anxious symptoms for any of the molecules studied.

Conclusions:

RCTs published in this field display methodological biases, low sample sizes and short follow-up periods. Further research efforts are needed in this field as no evidence has been demonstrated for the use of any psychotropic drug in acute-phase AN neither for weight recovery, nor for comorbid psychiatric symptoms.
Infectious and inflammatory disorders might increase the risk of developing idiopathic intracranial hypertension – a national case-control study
Authors: Sundholm Anna , Burkill Sarah , Waldenlind Elisabet , Bahmanyar Shahram , Nilsson Remahl A Ingela M
Published: May 2020

Objective

To investigate whether conditions causing inflammatory activation are associated with increased risk of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Methods

All newly diagnosed idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients (cases) in Sweden between 2000–2016 were identified using pre-determined algorithms (n = 902) and matched with five controls from the general population and five individuals with an obesity diagnosis (n = 4510) for age, sex, region, and vital status. National health registers provided information on infections, inflammatory disorders and dispensed medications. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Compared to general population controls, the cases had fourfold increased odds of having an infection (odds ratio = 4.3, 95% confidence interval 3.3–5.6), and threefold increased odds of an inflammatory disorder the year prior to idiopathic intracranial hypertension diagnosis (odds ratio = 3.2, 95% confidence interval 2.4–4.3). Organ specific analyses showed that odds were increased for the study diseases in the respiratory organ, kidney organ and gastrointestinal tract, but not for female genital infections. Similar results were found when comparing idiopathic intracranial hypertension with obese controls though the odds ratios were of lower magnitude. Sub-analyses on exposure to anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory drugs confirmed the increased odds ratios for idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that major inflammatory activation may be a risk factor in idiopathic intracranial hypertension development.
Major Determinants of Financial Inclusion: State-Level Evidences from India
Authors: Raichoudhury Ayushi
Published: May 2020

Financial inclusion is one of the essential barometers for all-encompassing growth in any country. Past studies have linked financial inclusion as an economic instrument for inclusive growth. It is therefore imperative to know the determinants of financial inclusion. But to the best of knowledge, studies on the measurement of financial inclusion in a holistic manner are scarce and inconclusive. Adding on, there is still a considerable debate about how socio-economic development impacts financial inclusion. Understanding the link between financial inclusion and socio-economic development at the aggregated level will assist policymakers to devise and employ programmes that will expand financial inclusion, leading to reduction of income equality and poverty. The present article makes a modest attempt to measure financial inclusion in a composite manner through Wroclaw Taxonomic Approach. The paper also seeks to find out if the already apparent major socio-economic predictors of financial inclusion as revealed in the extant literatures are relevant in a panel data framework. The paper finds that the State of Goa tops the list while the State of Nagaland occupies the last position. The econometric analysis utilizing a panel data structure of 28 states of India over four years found that income, infrastructure and employment opportunities are perhaps the most important determinants of financial inclusion. Furthermore, the computed indices can be utilized to track and measure financial inclusion over a period of time and at the micro level. The policymakers should also take into account these facts to improve the financial inclusiveness of any region.
Living models or life modelled? On the use of models in the free energy principle
Authors: van Es Thomas
Published: May 2020

The free energy principle (FEP) is an information-theoretic approach to living systems. FEP characterizes life by living systems’ resistance to the second law of thermodynamics: living systems do not randomly visit the possible states, but actively work to remain within a set of viable states. In FEP, this is modelled mathematically. Yet, the status of these models is typically unclear: are these models employed by organisms or strictly scientific tools of understanding? In this article, I argue for an instrumentalist take on models in FEP. I shall argue that models used as instruments for knowledge by scientists and models as implemented by organisms to navigate the world are being conflated, which leads to erroneous conclusions. I further argue that a realist position is unwarranted. First, it overgenerates models and thus trivializes the notion of modelling. Second, even when the mathematical mechanisms described by FEP are implemented in an organism, they do not constitute a model. They are covariational, not representational in nature, and precede the social practices that have shaped our scientific modelling practice. I finally argue that the above arguments do not affect the instrumentalist position. An instrumentalist approach can further add to conceptual clarity in the FEP literature.
Comparing Autism Symptom Severity Between Children With a Medical Autism Diagnosis and an Autism Special Education Eligibility
Authors: Safer-Lichtenstein Jonathan , McIntyre Laura Lee
Published: May 2020

Rates of children identified as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to increase in both medical and school settings. While procedures for providing a medical diagnosis are relatively consistent throughout the United States, the process for determining special education eligibility under an ASD classification varies by state, with many states adopting looser identification criteria than medical taxonomies. This study included a sample of 73 school-age children with ASD and sought to examine differences in ASD symptom severity, adaptive functioning, and challenging behaviors between those identified in the medical system versus those identified in schools. Results indicate that children identified as having ASD only by their school had less severe clinician-rated ASD symptomatology than children with a medical ASD diagnosis but that caregiver reports of adaptive functioning and challenging behavior did not differ between the two groups. These findings do not appear to have been influenced by demographic factors including caregiver education, household income, or health insurance status. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Seeing the unseen: evidence of kaupapa Māori health interventions
Authors: Rolleston Anna K , Cassim Shemana , Kidd Jacquie , Lawrenson Ross , Keenan Rawiri , Hokowhitu Brendan
Published: May 2020

Māori in Aotearoa have higher incidence, prevalence and mortality from chronic disease. The dominant narrative in Aotearoa about the reasons for Māori ill health neglects to acknowledge the history of colonisation and failures of the health system, alongside the holistic view of health taken by Māori focusing on collective, whānau-based outcomes. In this article, we review health interventions for chronic disease that have a kaupapa Māori philosophical basis. Our findings demonstrate that there is no clear process in health service design, delivery, research and funding that values and understands mātauranga Māori. Western knowledge systems are inadequate for collecting and presenting Māori knowledge. Overall, we highlight that the tension between acknowledging that a “by Māori, for Māori” approach is best, and the difficulty in defining appropriate evidence collection methodology and outcome measures when funders and policy makers continue to require Western-centric interventions is an obstacle to improving Māori health outcomes.
Vibration control of suspension bridge due to vertical ground motions
Authors: Lavasani Seyed Hossein Hosseini , Alizadeh Hamed , Doroudi Rouzbeh , Homami Peyman
Published: May 2020

Suspension bridges due to their long span can experience large displacement response under dynamic loading like earthquakes. Unlike other structures, their vertical vibration may make remarkable difficulty that a control strategy seems to be essential. Tuned mass damper is a passive control system that can be changed to active one by adding an external source producing the active control force called active tuned mass damper. Unlike passive systems, active ones need a controller system affecting the performance of them considerably. In this study, the efficiency of tuned mass damper and active tuned mass damper are investigated in the bridges. Two controllers, fuzzy type 2 and fuzzy type 1, are used to estimate control force of active tuned mass damper. Tuned mass damper’s parameters are optimized under wide range of ground motions. Also, fuzzy type 2 and fuzzy type 1’s parameters are optimized under the influence of three different conditions containing far-field and near-field ground motions and also combination of them. In addition, Lion Pride Optimization Algorithm is selected for optimizing section. Numerical analysis indicates that active tuned mass damper is more effective than tuned mass damper, and also active tuned mass damper does not make any instability matter of concern in active control systems. Furthermore, performance of fuzzy type 2 is better than fuzzy type 1.