bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptions and Practices of International Fascism in Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands, 1930–40
Authors: Kunkeler Celestine S. , Hamre Martin Kristoffer
Published: February 2022

This article explores conceptions of fascism as an international phenomenon as understood by three political parties of the 1930s: Quisling’s Norwegian Nasjonal Samling (NS), Lindholm’s Swedish Nationalsocialistiska Arbetarepartiet (NSAP) and Mussert’s Dutch Nationaal-Socialistische Beweging (NSB). In order to highlight fascist movements’ contributions to fascist internationalism, the article deploys both a comparative and transnational framework, showing up the national differences in their conceptions of international fascism, regional connections and influences, changes over time and the contingencies of transnational contact that affected the practical establishment of international relationships. It is shown that there was an impetus for international cooperation between fascist movements outside of the orbit of fascist regimes, typically sustained by regional affinities as existed among Northern countries and the Low Countries. While often framed by ambitious rhetoric, ultimately the three parties continued to focus on their own national projects rather than deepen international collaboration. Lastly the movements’ different myths of international fascism are compared, constructed for propagandistic ends, all of which broadly fit within the mould of a new European or even global era which saw the rise of fascism and the (hoped for) victory over ideological enemies such as communism and liberalism.
Numerical analyses of axial tension mechanisms of 3D orthogonal woven E-glass/epoxy composites with drilled holes
Authors: Zhu lvtao , xu Fujun , Shen wei
Published: February 2022

As an auspicious composite material, three-dimensional orthogonal woven E-glass/epoxy composites (3DOWC) are associated with drilling processes to assemble the parts for obtaining the desired shape and for the improvement of the component’s quality. This study investigated the axial tensile properties of 3DOWC with 6 mm drilled holes (DH). For comparison, two-dimensional woven E-glass/epoxy laminated composites (2DWC) with the same drilled hole size were also tested. To analyze the effects of holes on the microstructure properties, the ﬁnite element (FE) software ABAQUS/Standard was employed to simulate the tensile properties of composites. Hashin damage criteria were used to predict the failure modes of the composite. The stress and strain curves were obtained to compare the numerical and experimental results at the same load condition. The comparisons illustrated the existence of a good agreement between the experimental and finite element method (FEM) results. In addition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were used to analyze failure modes and fracture mechanisms. Various degradation phenomena were observed especially fiber fracture, matrix cracking, and tow debonding also less delamination was noticed in 3DOWC than 2DWC.
Analysis of GJB2 Gene Mutations in 1330 Deafness Cases of Major Ethnic Groups in Northwest China
Authors: Bian Panpan , Xu Baicheng , Zhao Xiaoyun , Zhu YiMing , Chen Chi , Chen XingJian , Liu Xiaowen , Wang Yanli , Guo Yufen
Published: February 2022

Background: The GJB2 gene is the most common deafness gene, and epidemic characteristics have obvious racial specificity. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence and ethnic specificity of the GJB2 gene in deafness in major ethnic groups in Northwest China, evaluate the value of molecular screening for deafness in minority populations, and explore the strategies and methods for genetic diagnosis. Methods: Ethics approval was obtained to collect 1330 cases of moderate to very severe nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness in northwestern China. The mutation characteristics of ethnic minorities were analyzed and compared with those of 464 patients with nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness among ethnic Han in the northwestern from research group by Sequence Scanner V25.0. Then, we analyzed the ethnic specificity of the mutations. Results: A total of 15 GJB2 sequence changes were detected in 1330 minority patients. The study showed that the allele frequency in Tibetan patients was significantly lower than that in Hui and Dongxiang patients, that in Uygur patients was significantly lower than that in Han and Hui patients, and that in Kazak and Tibetan patients was significantly lower than that in Han patients, and the differences between other ethnic groups were not statistically significant. Each ethnic group has a unique GJB2 gene mutation spectrum, and its hotspot mutation distribution has its own characteristics, with c.235delC, c.109 G > A, c.299-300delAT, and c.35delG being common. Conclusions: It has been confirmed that GJB2 gene mutation has a high prevalence in patients with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss in Northwest China. Each ethnic group has a unique mutation spectrum for the GJB2 gene, which is related to its genetic background. It is necessary to develop a corresponding gene diagnosis strategy according to the hotspot mutations and mutation spectrum of each ethnic group.
Mental Health in the College Classroom: Best Practices for Instructors
Authors: Coleman Max E.
Published: February 2022

Mental health has become a matter of growing concern on college campuses, and the coronavirus has only amplified these trends. Whether high rates of mental health issues were always present on college campuses but went undiagnosed or whether structural and cultural conditions have prompted a true rise in mental illness, the current prevalence of these issues remains troubling. Although counseling centers can play an important role in addressing these issues, instructors are often the first point of contact for students in need. Sociologists of mental health are in a position to offer insights for these instructors and to suggest avenues of response. Drawing on epidemiological evidence and buttressed by guidance from mental health practitioners who work in a college setting, I propose a set of “best practices” for instructors who wish to better support their students’ mental flourishing.
Onodi cell mucocele with cholesterol granuloma is more likely to cause serious optic neuropathy, compared with simple Onodi cell mucocele
Authors: Geng Congli , Tong Qizhe , Wang Yi , Huang Shien , Wang Min , Xing Zhimin , Sun Kunkun
Published: February 2022

Objective

The objective is to describe the clinical features, treatments, and outcomes of a case series of patients with Onodi cell mucocele, with or without cholesterol granuloma (CG).

Material and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of eight patients diagnosed with Onodi cell mucocele at a single tertiary care university hospital in Beijing, China, between January 2017 and September 2020. Data regarding nasal symptoms, ocular symptoms, sinus computed tomography findings, treatments, histopathological results, and clinical outcomes were extracted.

Results

We identified eight patients (six men and two women) of an average age of 48.1 (range, 26–70) years. Four patients presented nasal symptoms. Three patients presented ocular symptoms. Among them, one patient experienced concurrent nasal and ocular symptoms. Two patients were diagnosed based on a physical examination in the absence of nasal or ocular symptoms. All patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. The pathological specimens showed mucocele in four cases and mucocele with CG in the other four cases. Among the four cases with CG, three cases presented with decreased vision. After endoscopic sinus surgery, one patient recovered completely, and two patients showed significant improvement.

Conclusion

If Onodi cell opacity is observed, especially with optic neuropathy, mucocele and CG are important differential diagnoses. The combination of mucocele and CG is more likely to promote bone destruction and cause serious optic neuropathy than simple mucocele. Endoscopic sinus surgery is appropriate. Diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up should be performed by a multidisciplinary team.
Altered functional connectivity during hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Jacob Peter , Nwokolo Munachiso , Cordon Sally M , Macdonald Ian A , Zelaya Fernando O , Amiel Stephanie A , O’Daly Owen , Choudhary Pratik
Published: February 2022

Behavioural responses to hypoglycaemia require coordinated recruitment of broadly distributed networks of interacting brain regions. We investigated hypoglycaemia-related changes in brain connectivity in people without diabetes (ND) and with type 1 diabetes with normal (NAH) or impaired (IAH) hypoglycaemia awareness. Two-step hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemic clamps were performed in 14 ND, 15 NAH and 22 IAH participants. BOLD timeseries were acquired at euglycaemia (5.0 mmol/L) and hypoglycaemia (2.6 mmol/L), with symptom and counter-regulatory hormone measurements. We investigated hypoglycaemia-related connectivity changes using established seed regions for the default mode (DMN), salience (SN) and central executive (CEN) networks and regions whose activity is modulated by hypoglycaemia: the thalamus and right inferior frontal gyrus (RIFG). Hypoglycaemia-induced changes in the DMN, SN and CEN were evident in NAH (all p < 0.05), with no changes in ND or IAH. However, in IAH there was a reduction in connectivity between regions within the RIFG (p = 0.001), not evident in the ND or NAH groups. We conclude that hypoglycaemia induces coordinated recruitment of the DMN and SN in diabetes with preserved hypoglycaemia awareness which is absent in IAH and ND. Changes in connectivity in the RIFG, a region associated with attentional modulation, may be key in impaired hypoglycaemia awareness.
Machine learning based analysis of stroke lesions on mouse tissue sections
Authors: Damigos Gerasimos , Zacharaki Evangelia I , Zerva Nefeli , Pavlopoulos Angelos , Chatzikyrkou Konstantina , Koumenti Argyro , Moustakas Konstantinos , Pantos Constantinos , Mourouzis Iordanis , Lourbopoulos Athanasios
Published: February 2022

An unbiased, automated and reliable method for analysis of brain lesions in tissue after ischemic stroke is missing. Manual infarct volumetry or by threshold-based semi-automated approaches is laborious, and biased to human error or biased by many false -positive and -negative data, respectively. Thereby, we developed a novel machine learning, atlas-based method for fully automated stroke analysis in mouse brain slices stained with 2% Triphenyltetrazolium-chloride (2% TTC), named “StrokeAnalyst”, which runs on a user-friendly graphical interface. StrokeAnalyst registers subject images on a common spatial domain (a novel mouse TTC- brain atlas of 80 average mathematical images), calculates pixel-based, tissue-intensity statistics (z-scores), applies outlier-detection and machine learning (Random-Forest) models to increase accuracy of lesion detection, and produces volumetry data and detailed neuroanatomical information per lesion. We validated StrokeAnalyst in two separate experimental sets using the filament stroke model. StrokeAnalyst detects stroke lesions in a rater-independent and reproducible way, correctly detects hemispheric volumes even in presence of post-stroke edema and significantly minimizes false-positive errors compared to threshold-based approaches (false-positive rate 1.2–2.3%, p < 0.05). It can process scanner-acquired, and even smartphone-captured or pdf-retrieved images. Overall, StrokeAnalyst surpasses all previous TTC-volumetry approaches and increases quality, reproducibility and reliability of stroke detection in relevant preclinical models.
Comparison of three novel radiotracers for GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in non-human primates: (R)-[11C]NR2B-Me, (R)-[18F]of-Me-NB1, and (S)-[18F]of-NB1
Authors: Smart Kelly , Zheng Ming-Qiang , Ahmed Hazem , Fang Hanyi , Xu Yuping , Cai Lisheng , Holden Daniel , Kapinos Michael , Haider Achi , Felchner Zachary , Ropchan Jim R , Tamagnan Gilles , Innis Robert B , Pike Victor W , Ametamey Simon M , Huang Yiyun , Carson Richard E
Published: February 2022

The NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit is a target of interest in neuropsychiatric disorders but to date there is no selective radiotracer available to quantify its availability in vivo. Here we report direct comparisons in non-human primates of three GluN2B-targeting radioligands: (R)-[11C]NR2B-Me, (R)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1, and (S)-[18F]OF-NB1. Plasma free fraction, metabolism, tissue distribution and kinetics, and quantitative kinetic modeling methods and parameters were evaluated in two adult rhesus macaques. Free fraction in plasma was <2% for (R)-[11C]NR2B-Me and (R)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 and higher for (S)-[18F]OF-NB1 (15%). All radiotracers showed good brain uptake and distribution throughout grey matter, with substantial (>68%) blockade across the brain by the GluN2B-targeting drug Co-101,244 (0.25 mg/kg), including in the cerebellum. Time-activity curves were well-fitted by the one-tissue compartment model, with volume of distribution values of 20–40 mL/cm3 for (R)-[11C]NR2B-Me, 8–16 mL/cm3 for (R)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1, and 15–35 mL/cm3 for (S)-[18F]OF-NB1. Estimates of regional non-displaceable binding potential were in the range of 2–3 for (R)-[11C]NR2B-Me and (S)-[18F]-OF-NB1, and 0.5-1 for (R)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1. Altogether, each radiotracer showed an acceptable profile for quantitative imaging of GluN2B. (S)-[18F]OF-NB1 has particularly promising imaging characteristics for potential translation into humans. However, the source of unexpected displaceable binding in the cerebellum for each of these compounds requires further investigation.
Clinical Decision Support with or without Shared Decision Making to Improve Preventive Cancer Care: A Cluster-Randomized Trial
Authors: Elliott Thomas E. , Asche Stephen E. , O’Connor Patrick J. , Dehmer Steven P. , Ekstrom Heidi L. , Truitt Anjali R. , Chrenka Ella A. , Harry Melissa L. , Saman Daniel M. , Allen Clayton I. , Bianco Joseph A. , Freitag Laura A. , Sperl-Hillen JoAnn M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Innovative interventions are needed to address gaps in preventive cancer care, especially in rural areas. This study evaluated the impact of clinical decision support (CDS) with and without shared decision making (SDM) on cancer-screening completion.

Methods

In this 3-arm, parallel-group, cluster-randomized trial conducted at a predominantly rural medical group, 34 primary care clinics were randomized to clinical decision support (CDS), CDS plus shared decision making (CDS+SDM), or usual care (UC). The CDS applied web-based clinical algorithms identifying patients overdue for United States Preventive Services Task Force–recommended preventive cancer care and presented evidence-based recommendations to patients and providers on printouts and on the electronic health record interface. Patients in the CDS+SDM clinic also received shared decision-making tools (SDMTs). The primary outcome was a composite indicator of the proportion of patients overdue for breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer screening at index who were up to date on these 1 y later.

Results

From August 1, 2018, to March 15, 2019, 69,405 patients aged 21 to 74 y had visits at study clinics and 25,198 were overdue for 1 or more cancer screening tests at an index visit. At 12-mo follow-up, 9,543 of these (37.9%) were up to date on the composite endpoint. The adjusted, model-derived percentage of patients up to date was 36.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34.0–39.1) in the UC group, 38.1% (95% CI: 35.5–40.9) in the CDS group, and 34.4% (95% CI: 31.8–37.2) in the CDS+SDM group. For all comparisons, the screening rates were higher than UC in the CDS group and lower than UC in the CDS+SDM group, although these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

The CDS did not significantly increase cancer-screening rates. Exploratory analyses suggest a deeper understanding of how SDM and CDS interact to affect cancer prevention decisions is needed. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02986230, December 6, 2016.
Characteristics and surgical outcomes of patients with atraumatic splenic rupture
Authors: Colak Elif , Ciftci Ahmet Burak
Published: February 2022

Objective

Although rare, late-diagnosed atraumatic splenic rupture (ASR) may result in mortality. We investigated the occurrence of ASR cases at our centre over the previous six years.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study that included all patients who underwent emergency splenectomy due to ASR between January 01, 2015, and January 01, 2021.

Results

Of the 203 patients who underwent splenectomy, 15 met our criteria for ASR. Median age was 55 years (34–90), and 10 (67%) patients were male. Most common pre-existing diseases were diabetes mellitus (6, 40%) and heart valve disease (5, 33%). Ten (67%) patients had splenic rupture due to splenic infarction and abscess. There were two (13%) cases with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and two (13%) cases with lung cancer and spleen metastasis. Median length of hospital stay was 6 days (2–24) and three (20%) patients died in hospital.

Conclusions

Male sex, previous splenic infarctions, haematological malignancies, lung cancer spleen metastases, underlying cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus may increase the risk for ASR. Further prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm our results.
Seized: Performance Autoethnography in the UK Border Force National Museum
Authors: Rowe Cami
Published: February 2022

This article examines representations of border security within public museums, through the example of the UK Border Force National Museum. It begins by discussing the way that international borders are theatrically experienced, and the parallel characteristics of museum spaces. I then suggest the value of performance autoethnography when analysing such phenomena, which arises from the ability to creatively situate personal experience alongside institutional scripts of border control. The article then presents a performance autoethnography that illustrates my experiences within the Border Force Museum. This provides new insights into the theatrical framing of the museum and its effect on visitor interpretations. The article demonstrates that the Border Force Museum replicates the theatricality of border control sites, and thus supports the ordering of bodies into insiders and outsiders; however, creative methods for knowledge production might offer a means of challenging existing border taxonomies, especially when personal experience is circulated through theatrical means.

Seized! L’auto-ethnographie de performance au Musée national des forces frontalières britanniques
Two Decades of Change in Living Arrangements and Health of Middle-Aged and Older Adults in the U.S., 1997–2018
Authors: Lamidi Esther O. , Nash Sue P.
Published: February 2022

Although living arrangements of American adults have changed significantly over the past decades, we know little about changes in the association between living arrangements and health. This study uses pooled data from 1997 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey to examine trends in living arrangements and health among middle-aged (ages 40–64) and older adults (ages 65–84). The results show that increasing share of middle-aged and older adults are living with persons other than their spouses or cohabiting partners, and this living arrangement is increasingly associated with poor health. Co-residence with persons other than spouses or cohabiting partners is particularly related to serious psychological distress among older adult women. Living alone in midlife is increasingly associated with poor health, but there has been little change in health of older adults living alone. The findings call for targeted policies and programs to address the needs of middle-aged and older adults in diverse living arrangements.
Influence of organic loading rate and temperature fluctuation caused by solar energy heating on food waste anaerobic digestion
Authors: Yang Fangyuan , Feng Lei , Zhen Xiaofei
Published: February 2022

Anaerobic digestion, one of the most currently remarkable techniques for biogas production, has provided a method of high organic solid waste disposal. Operating temperature, especially in the winter of northern city, makes biomass degradation less efficient. The microorganisms that take on the role of gas production are greatly affected by temperature. In our study, solar energy was selected for anaerobic digestion and winter was selected as the experimental environment. Anaerobic digestion was performed with solar heating and electric heating separately. Parameters were tested (pH, soluble chemical oxygen demand, total ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids), and microbial structure was monitored. The volume of methane produced was measured over 60 days. The methane yield differed by 15.92% under different conditions. It is clearly shown that methane yield can be improved by a steady temperature environment. Nevertheless, dominant bacteria and microbial structure did not seem to be much different. This study may provide more energy-saving ideas for winter anaerobic digestion projects in northern regions.
Reliability of Computer-Based CBMs Versus Paper/Pencil Administration for Fact and Complex Operations in Mathematics
Authors: VanDerHeyden Amanda M. , Codding Robin , Solomon Benjamin G.
Published: February 2022

Computer-based curriculum-based measurement (CBM) is a relatively common practice, but surprisingly few studies have examined the reliability of computer-based CBM. This study sought to examine the reliability of CBM administered via paper/pencil versus the computer. Twenty-one of 25 students in two third-grade classes ( N = 21) participated in two generalizability studies. The primary facet of interest, format of assessment, was examined for two measures, a fact operation (fact family measure) and a more complex operation (multidigit addition). Researchers administered four alternate forms of each measure under both computer and paper/pencil conditions. Results indicated ideal reliability of measurement within all conditions and results were consistent across assessment formats for the fact operation. However, assessment format explained a large proportion of variance for the more complex skill (multidigit addition). Results indicate a need to consider the reliability of transitioning assessment from paper/pencil to computer-based response on a measure-by-measure basis.
Manufacturing of bio-polyamide 11/basalt thermoplastic laminates by hot compaction: The key-role of matrix rheology
Authors: Vitiello Libera , Papa Ilaria , Lopresto Valentina , Mocerino Davide , Filippone Giovanni , Russo Pietro
Published: February 2022

The rheology of the polymer matrix plays a crucial role in determining the quality of thermoplastic laminates. To highlight this aspect, we prepared laminates based on polyamide 11 (PA11), a bio-based matrix with tricky rheology, and basalt fiber fabrics. The PA11 viscosity rapidly increases over time due to degradation phenomena. Samples were prepared by two procedures differing in terms of duration and intensity of the hot compaction step. Morphological analyses revealed that the fast procedure ensures a better impregnation of the fabrics, with a substantial reduction of the volume of voids (1%, against 9% of the slow procedure). This reflects in considerable increases of the flexural modulus (ca. + 20%) and strength (ca. + 60%) and a significant reduction the extent of impact damage. This study provides useful guidelines for a correct selection of the processing parameters based on the knowledge of the rheological behavior of the polymer matrix.
Confronting the field: Tylor's Anahuac and Victorian thought on human diversity
Authors: Lacroix Chiara
Published: February 2022

Victorian anthropologists have been nicknamed ‘armchair anthropologists’. Yet some of them did set foot in the field. Edward Burnett Tylor's first published work, Anahuac, or Mexico and the Mexicans, Ancient and Modern, described his youthful travels in Mexico. Tylor's confrontation with the ‘field’ revealed significant tensions between the different beliefs and attitudes that Tylor held towards Mexican society. Contrasts between the evidence of Mexico's history (prior to European contact) and the present-day society of the 1850s led Tylor to see both progress and degeneration in Mexico, both ‘authentic’ culture and deep cultural mixture. In order to show that he was capable of uncovering the ‘authentic’ Mexican society, Tylor portrayed himself as a professional traveller-ethnographer, even though he was an anthropological novice. The embodied confrontation with the physical field also created tensions in Tylor's relationship to Mexico. Despite Tylor's mainly ethnocentric vision of foreign societies, his experiences of physically navigating the Mexican land and environment led him towards an empathetic relativism with respect to material culture and social practice. At the same time, his role as a traveller encouraged him to see the field as a fluid entity with no clear boundaries, even as he searched for a bounded and untouched Mexican society amidst cultural mixture. Drawing out the tensions resulting from a Victorian traveller's confrontation with the foreign field allows for a more balanced engagement with the works of these Victorian scholars of human diversity, which have often been portrayed as naively ethnocentric.
T-2 toxin induces articular cartilage damage by increasing the expression of MMP-13 via the TGF-β receptor pathway
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Zhengzheng , He Ying , Liu Yinan , Mi Ge , Chen Jinghong
Published: February 2022

T-2 toxin pre-disposes individuals to osteoarthritis, Kashin–Beck disease (KBD). The major pathological change associated with KBD is the degradation of the articular cartilage matrix. Herein, we investigated the key molecules that regulate T-2 toxin-mediated cartilage degradation. Potential KBD treatments were also investigated. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into the T-2 toxin group and the control group. The T-2 toxin group received 100 ng/g BW/day, whereas the control group received a similar dose of PBS. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and TGF-β receptor I/II (TGF-βRI/II) was analyzed using immunohistochemical staining. C28/I2 chondrocytes were exposed to TGF-βRI/II binding inhibitor (GW788388) for 24 h before incubation in different T-2 toxin concentrations (0, 6, 12, and 24 ng/mL for 72 h). The expression of mRNA for TGF-βRI/II, MMP-13 and proteins for MMP-13, and Smad-2 in chondrocytes were analyzed using RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Safranin O staining revealed that T-2 toxin treatment modulated the expression of articular cartilage matrix. On the other hand, T-2 toxin treatment sharply increased the expression of MMP-13, TGF-βRI, and TGF-βRII in the rat cartilages. Interestingly, blocking the TGF-βRs-smad 2 signaling pathway using GW788388 abrogated the effect of T-2 toxin on upregulating MMP-13 expression. The expression of MMP-13 in chondrocytes induced with T-2 toxin is regulated via the TGF-βRs signaling pathway. As such, inhibiting the expression of TGF-βRs is a potential KBD treatment.
Questioning the Growth Dogma: A Replication Study
Authors: Ben-Hafaïedh Cyrine , Hamelin Anaïs
Published: February 2022

Firm growth is overwhelmingly presented as positive. Policy-makers strongly support it, educators recommend it, and academics commonly use it as a measure of success. While it is demonstrated that high-growth firms contribute disproportionately to job creation and economic growth and that firm growth can be associated with superior outcomes, some scholars strongly caution against the growth-at-all-costs paradigm. Amongst them, Davidsson et al. (2009) notably showed that profitability first rather than growth first is a preferable strategy for achieving high overall performance. We replicate and extend this seminal study to a sample covering close to 40% of all EU small and medium firms. We confirm their results and show that they hold over a longer time span and even exhibit a path dependency-type effect to the initial strategy (growth-oriented or profit-focused). We also show that their results are robust to the use of alternative methodologies. These results have important implications for the theory and practice that we discuss.
Modern Technologies and Gamification in Historical Education
Authors: Moseikina Marina , Toktamysov Saken , Danshina Svetlana
Published: February 2022

Background

The study aims to consider the prospect possibilities of gamification in historical education and its influence on the development of key professional competencies of workers necessary in current condition of humanitarian sphere development.

Methods

An experimental study theoretically substantiates the prospects for the gamification of education on the example of history education, in which 40 students from the Рeoples’ Friendship University of Russia and Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University took part. A pedagogical model of gamified history study has been developed and implemented into a 3-month online learning course “Technology for constructing historical interpretations.” The following technological tools were used to support the implementation of gamified learning: the Academy Learning Management System (LMS), the Facebook social network, social media information resources, augmented and virtual reality technologies. A survey was conducted on the Academy LMS platform, in which students were asked to assess the promising opportunities for the impact of gamified learning on the development of key professional competencies in terms of the degree of influence.

Results

The research results confirmed that the creation of a joint creative and expanded gaming experience leads to the acquisition of practical knowledge and allows learners to acquire skills that are highly relevant for professionals of the 21st century. The students confirmed that educational progress was achieved due to the effective organization of their learning activities, group changeover at the stages of developing historical interpretations, and gamification, which caused a feeling of excitement and qualitatively influenced the desire to achieve the best educational results. Gamified learning allowed educators to keep students' interest in the subject of study.

Conclusions

According to the results of a survey of students at the end of the course, it was concluded that gamification in history education has a positive effect on the evolutionary development of a personality adaptive to the socio-economic conditions of the 21st century. A model of the evolutionary vertical and horizontal development of the personality has been described.
Perceived Therapeutic Self-Care Ability of Patients in Surgical Units: A Multisite Survey
Authors: Zeb Hussan , Younas Ahtisham , Sundus Amara , Iqbal Mubashir , Ishaq Khurram
Published: February 2022

Assessing patients’ therapeutic self-care ability allows nurses to initialize care and implement interventions to enhance their self-care abilities. However, sociocultural beliefs and determinants can affect patients’ self-care practices. This study determined perceived therapeutic self-care ability of patients in surgical units in Pakistan. A survey was conducted using a purposive sample 511 patients admitted to surgical units for at least 24 hours. Data were collected using the Urdu version of Therapeutic Self-Care Measure. The mean self-care ability score was 20.05 ± 4.3. Patients felt more prepared to take their medications, but less prepared to respond to any unforeseeable physical changes. Significant difference was found between self-care ability of male (20.68 ± 4.15) and female (19.18 ± 4.27) ( p < .001) patients. A weak negative correlation was found between patient age and self-care ability ( r = −0.15, p = .001). Self-care ability assessment should be included in routine discharge planning, and nurses should provide more tailored self-care discharge education to surgical patients.
The Relationship Between Treatment Prescription and Standardized Assessment for Youth With Identified Trauma, Behavior Problems, or Substance Use
Authors: Verbist A. Nathan , Winters Andrew M. , Antle Becky F. , Collins-Camargo Crystal
Published: February 2022

The use of standardized assessment in evidence-based practice (EBP) is critical in identifying empirically supported interventions (ESIs); however, the subject has received minimal attention in the literature. In a sample of child welfare involved youth, this study sought to determine whether there was a relationship between dimensions of trauma exposure, emotional/behavioral problems, and substance use problems, as identified in the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment conducted by behavioral health providers, and the type of prescribed ESI. Bivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square tests, and multivariate binary logistic regression results suggest clinicians use assessment information to varying degrees when prescribing an ESI. Close to 90% of the sample was prescribed an ESI intended to address emotional or behavior concerns. Approximately one-fourth of the sample was prescribed a trauma-focused ESI, while substance use-focused ESIs were the least frequently prescribed. As the intensity of assessed trauma-related problems increased, so too did the odds of receiving an ESI intended to address trauma. To a lesser degree, as assessed emotional/behavior problems or substance use issues increased, the probability of being prescribed a related ESI also increased. Implications for practitioners, administrators, policymakers, educators, researchers, and other behavioral health stakeholders are discussed.
The Necessity of Testing Measurement Invariance in Cross-Cultural Research: Potential Bias in Cross-Cultural Comparisons With Individualism– Collectivism Self-Report Scales
Authors: Lacko David , Čeněk Jiří , Točík Jaroslav , Avsec Andreja , Đorđević Vladimir , Genc Ana , Haka Fatjona , Šakotić-Kurbalija Jelena , Mohorić Tamara , Neziri Ibrahim , Subotić Siniša
Published: February 2022

Individualism and collectivism are some of the most widely applied concepts in cultural and cross-cultural research. They are commonly applied by scholars who use arithmetic means or sum indexes of items on a scale to examine the potential similarities and differences in samples from various countries. For many reasons, cross-cultural research implicates numerous methodological and statistical pitfalls. The aim of this article is to summarize some of those pitfalls, particularly the problem of measurement non-invariance, which stems from the different understandings of questionnaire items or even different character of constructs between countries. This potential bias is reduced by latent mean comparisons performed with Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis and the Measurement Invariance procedure within a Structural Equation Modeling framework. These procedures have been neglected by many researchers in the field of cross-cultural psychology, however. In this article, we compare ‘traditional’ (comparison of arithmetic means) and ‘invariant’ (latent mean comparison) approaches and provide necessary R source codes for replications of measurement invariance and latent mean comparisons within other scales. Both approaches are demonstrated with real data gathered on an Independent and Interdependent Self-Scale from 1386 participants across six countries (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Macedonia and Albania). Our results revealed considerable differences between the ‘invariant’ and ‘traditional’ approaches, especially in post-hoc analyses. Since ‘invariant’ results can be considered less biased, this finding suggests that the currently prevalent method of comparing the arithmetic means of cross-cultural scales of individualism and collectivism can potentially cause biased results.
Prognostic and Immunological Role of FAT Family Genes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Feng Zhenxing , Yin Yan , Liu Bin , Zheng Yafang , Shi Dongsheng , Zhang Hong , Qin Jianwen
Published: February 2022

Background

The FAT atypical cadherin 1/2/3/4 (FAT1/2/3/4) has been linked to the occurrence and development of various cancers. However, the prognostic and immunological role of FAT1/2/3/4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been clarified.

Methods

The association of FAT1/2/3/4 mutations with tumor mutation burden (TMB), tumor immunity in the microenvironment, and response to ICIs in NSCLC was investigated. Whole-exome sequencing data of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and an immunotherapy data set comprising mutation and survival data of 75 NSCLC patients were analyzed. Two independent pan-cancer cohorts with large samples were used to validate the prognostic value of FAT1/2/3/4 mutations in immunotherapy.

Results

A high mutation rate of FAT1/2/3/4 (57.3%, 603/1052) was observed in NSCLC patients. TMB was significantly higher in samples with mutated FAT1/2/3/4 compared to samples with wildtype FAT1/2/3/4 ( P < .05). FAT2 mutation was found to be an independent prognostic biomarker in LUAD. FAT1/2/3/4 were aberrantly expressed in LUAD and LUSC, and high FAT2 expression strongly correlated with high PD-L1 levels in LUAD. Moreover, LUAD patients with FAT1 mutations showed significantly high activated dendritic cells infiltration, whereas those with FAT2/3/4 mutations had high infiltration of CD8+ T-cells, M1 macrophages, activated memory CD4+ T-cells, and helper follicular T-cells. It was also observed that FAT1/2/4 mutations were significantly associated with better enhanced objective response and durable clinical benefit, whereas FAT1/2/3 mutations correlated with longer progression-free survival in ICI-treated NSCLC cohort. FAT1/4 mutations were related to better overall survival in pan-cancer patients treated with ICIs.

Conclusions

FAT family genes are potential prognostic and immunological biomarkers and correlate with response to ICIs in NSCLC.
Non-linear modal interactions during rub-impact of a rotating flexible shaft
Authors: Amaroju Kartheek , Vijayan Kiran , Friswell Michael I
Published: February 2022

An understating on interaction between a rotating flexible member and a stationary element has a wide range of industrial applications. The focus of this study was to understand the modal interactions using a conceptual model. The conceptual model of the system consists of multiple disc rotors with a localised conduit. A theoretical model of the system was developed using finite element analysis. An eigenvalue analysis was carried out on the system and a Campbell diagram of the system was developed. The Campbell diagram provided information about the rotor speed wherein synchronization with the whirling modes occur. Further, a reduced order non-linear contact model was developed. A numerical bifurcation analysis with rotor speed as parameter was carried out on the reduced model. Analysis was carried out using randomized initial condition for each rotation speed. During the bifurcation study, certain rotation speed produced a high whirling response at speeds different from the critical speed. The increase in the response was associated with the internal resonance of whirling modes and rotor speed. The participating modes were identified using the Campbell diagram and full spectrum. The results from the theoretical model were validated using an experimental test rig. The identification of these internal resonance rotor speed can be useful in identifying the rotor speed exclusion zone and thereby improves the rotor life.
The Role of Structural Factors in Support-Seeking Among Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Mwanza, Tanzania: Findings From a Qualitative Study
Authors: Selestine Veronica , Harvey Sheila , Mshana Gerry , Kapiga Saidi , Lees Shelley
Published: February 2022

In this qualitative study of women participating in an intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention trial, experiences of IPV and the context that shapes support-seeking were explored through in-depth interviews and focus groups discussions. Decisions to seek support were influenced by a range of factors including fear of further abuse, shame, acceptance of IPV as normal, belief that IPV is a private matter between the couple, economic dependence on male partners, and a poorly responsive legal and justice system. Gender empowerment programs need to intervene at the social, cultural, political, and economic levels that shape justification and meanings attached to IPV and women’s decisions in seeking support.
Attachment Security Priming: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gillath Omri , Karantzas Gery C. , Romano Daniel , Karantzas Kellie M.
Published: February 2022

Attachment security priming has important theoretical and practical implications. We review security priming theory and research and the recent concerns raised regarding priming. We then report the results of a meta-analysis of 120 studies ( N = 18,949) across 97 published and unpublished articles (initial pool was 1,642 articles) investigating the affective, cognitive, and behavioral effects of security priming. A large overall positive effect size ( d = .51, p < .001) was found across all affective, cognitive, and behavioral domains. The largest effect was found for affect-related outcomes ( d =.62, p < .001), followed by behavioral ( d = .44, p < .001), and cognitive ( d = .45, p < .001). Trait attachment anxiety and avoidance moderated the effects of subliminal security priming for behavioral outcomes—security priming effects were larger among people higher on attachment anxiety and avoidance. Assessment of publication bias revealed mixed evidence for the possible presence of asymmetry.
miR-185-5p Represses Cells Growth and Metastasis of Osteosarcoma via Targeting Cathepsin E
Authors: Wu Yue , Zhou Weili , Yang Zhijun , Li Jinping , Jin Yi
Published: February 2022

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant bone tumor characterized by poor prognosis due to its regional invasion and early metastasis. In this study, we aimed to find the role and the underlying mechanism of Cathepsin E (CTSE) in OS growth and metastasis. We found CTSE is upregulated in metastatic OS, rather than in the primary lesion, as confirmed by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis of clinical OS samples. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo experiments illustrated that CTSE promoted both growth and metastasis of OS cells, partially mediated through the modulation of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Bioinformatics analysis predicted that miR-185-5p downregulates CTSE via directly binding to the 3’UTR of CTSE, which was verified by luciferase reporter assay and rescue assays. This study reported for the first time that CTSE is a potential biomarker in OS tumorigenesis and metastasis, providing a promising therapeutic target for OS treatment.
The Blacktown Native Institution as a Living, Embodied Being: Decolonizing Australian First Nations Zones of Trauma Through Creativity
Authors: Andrew Brook , Hibberd Lily
Published: February 2022

In Australia, the trauma of the forced removal, institutionalization, and attempted assimilation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under Stolen Generations policies is rarely publicly memorialized, especially at the children’s homes and missions where these things took place. Darug Nation reclamation of the former site of the Blacktown Native Institution in Western Sydney entails, however, a distinct memorialization of the land as a powerful identity through restoring ceremonial and land care cultural practices that predate invasion. The Darug activation of this place pivots on a powerful Aboriginal ethos of land as “Country”—a living being or spirit. We also contend that this relationship to land is better defined by the expansive term “zone” rather than the colonial, territorial notion of “site.” It is in this context that Darug Traditional Owners, other First Nations artists, and Stolen Generations survivors are generating remarkable artistic, communal, ephemeral, land-based, and performative approaches that empower and restore Darug bonds, with the land of the former institution as a living being.
Locating the threat, rebordering the nation: Gender and Islamophobia in the Swiss Parliament, 2001–2015
Authors: Direnberger Lucia , Banfi Elisa , Eskandari Vista
Published: February 2022

Since 2001, the ‘Islamic threat’ has become increasingly prominent in debates on migration policy, religious affairs and security at the federal level in Switzerland. Supported by the far right-wing parties, the paradigm of the Islamic threat reveals how Islamophobia is gendered and affects Muslim women and men differently. By analysing debates between the Federal Council and Swiss Parliament, this article shows how the Islamic threat shaped the border politics of the Swiss Nation between 2001 and 2015. It reveals how the ruling elite justified the socio-spatial exclusion of Muslims living in a Muslim-minority context. As consequence of the success of the far right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), legal measures have increased with regard to security, protection of Swiss culture and women's rights, and exclusion of Muslims from the boundaries of the Swiss nation.
Twitch, Fish, Pokémon and Plumbers: Game live streaming by nonhuman actors
Authors: Johnson Mark R. , Jackson Nathan J.
Published: February 2022

In this exploratory paper, we consider the phenomenon of gameplay live streaming by nonhumans. The live streaming of games, exemplified by the platform Twitch.tv, has emerged in recent years as a major and growing component of gaming culture. Although previous research has addressed some agential dimensions of streaming, scholarship has yet to examine the unusual phenomenon of watching streams lacking any kind of human agent. Ordinarily a human streamer operates gameplay and directs the flow of conversation, curating the content of the stream and mediating the agency of other participants. Removing the central figure of the human streamer thus creates what we call an ‘agency gap’ to be filled by other users. In this article, we explore different ways this occurs through four case studies involving the broadcast of gameplay by biological and digital nonhumans. These range from random number generators and automated controller inputs, to a live fish with a motion tracker observing its movements around its tank (with these movements then being used to attempt completion of a digital game). Through these case studies, we argue that the absence of a human streamer democratises video game play through ways of experiencing games which were not possible until the emergence of game live streaming. To this end we interrogate when and how nonhuman streamers can also be influenced by the agency of human spectators, and how the stakes of these streams are understood in relation to the game being played and spectator motivation. We further characteristic the distinction between human and nonhuman agencies in terms of affective intentionality. Game streaming allows for an unprecedented visibility of nonhuman play which merits close attention; this paper consequently problematises current understandings of nonhuman play in an era of gameplay streaming, and extends and challenges scholarship in both of these areas.