bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PPARα Targeting GDF11 Inhibits Vascular Endothelial Cell Senescence in an Atherosclerosis Model
Authors: Dou Fangfang , Wu Beiling , Chen Jiulin , Liu Te , Yu Zhihua , Chen Chuan
Published: February 2021

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a complex vascular disease that seriously harms the health of the elderly. It is closely related to endothelial cell aging, but the role of senescent cells in atherogenesis remains unclear. Studies have shown that peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) inhibits the development of AS by regulating lipid metabolism. Our previous research showed that PPARα was involved in regulating the repair of damaged vascular endothelial cells. Using molecular biology and cell biology approaches to detect senescent cells in atherosclerosis‐prone apolipoprotein E‐deficient (Apoe-/-) mice, we found that PPARα delayed atherosclerotic plaque formation by inhibiting vascular endothelial cell senescence, which was achieved by regulating the expression of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11). GDF11 levels declined with age in several organs including the myocardium, bone, central nervous system, liver, and spleen in mice and participated in the regulation of aging. Our results showed that PPARα inhibited vascular endothelial cell senescence and apoptosis and promoted vascular endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis by increasing GDF11 production. Taken together, these results demonstrated that PPARα inhibited vascular endothelial cell aging by promoting the expression of the aging‐related protein GDF11, thereby delaying the occurrence of AS.
Properties and Applications of a New Extended Gamma Function Involving Confluent Hypergeometric Function
Authors: Saboor Abdus , Rahman Gauhar , Ali Hazrat , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a new confluent hypergeometric gamma function and an associated confluent hypergeometric Pochhammer symbol are introduced. We discuss some properties, for instance, their different integral representations, derivative formulas, and generating function relations. Different special cases are also considered.
The Application of the Online and Offline Interactive Teaching Method in Clinical Anesthesiology Teaching
Authors: Wang Qian , Huang Congcong , Hu Xiudan , Mei Hongxia
Published: February 2021

Objective. To explore whether better teaching effect can be achieved by applying the online and offline interactive teaching method to clinical anesthesiology teaching. Methods. Sixty-three students in grade three majoring in anesthesiology of Wenzhou Medical University were selected as research objects and randomly divided into 2 groups. The experimental group (32 students) adopted the online and offline interactive teaching method. The control group (31 students) adopted the traditional teaching method. The teaching effect was evaluated by the theoretical test results of the two groups and the survey of students in the experimental group. Results. The score of the theoretical test of students in the experimental group (79.31 ± 4.54) was higher than that of students in the control group (75.61 ± 4.88), and the difference achieved statistical significance

p
<
0.05

. 81.3% of the students think that the interactive teaching method enhances the interest of learning. 90.6% (29/32) of the students in the experimental group hold positive attitude towards the fact that the overall learning effect can be improved by the online and offline interactive teaching method. Conclusions. The online and offline interactive teaching method can not only improve students’ theoretical test results but also help to improve students’ learning participation. Students have given a high score for the evaluation of the online and offline interactive teaching method; good teaching effect has been achieved.
Securing Digital Images through Simple Permutation-Substitution Mechanism in Cloud-Based Smart City Environment
Authors: Alanezi Ahmad , Abd-El-Atty Bassem , Kolivand Hoshang , Abd El-Latif Ahmed A. , Abd El-Rahiem Basma , Sankar Syam , S. Khalifa Hany
Published: February 2021

Data security plays a significant role in data transfer in cloud-based smart cities. Chaotic maps are commonly used in designing modern cryptographic applications, in which one-dimensional (1D) chaotic systems are widely used due to their simple design and low computational complexity. However, 1D chaotic maps suffer from different kinds of attacks because of their chaotic discontinuous ranges and small key-space. To own the benefits of 1D chaotic maps and avoid their drawbacks, the cascading of two integrated 1D chaotic systems has been utilized. In this paper, we report an image cryptosystem for data transfer in cloud-based smart cities using the cascading of Logistic-Chebyshev and Logistic-Sine maps. Logistic-Sine map has been utilized to permute the plain image, and Logistic-Chebyshev map has been used to substitute the permuted image, while the cascading of both integrated maps has been utilized in performing XOR procedure on the substituted image. The security analyses of the suggested approach prove that the encryption mechanism has good efficiency as well as lower encryption time compared with other related algorithms.
Pythagoreanm-Polar Fuzzy Weighted Aggregation Operators and Algorithm for the Investment Strategic Decision Making
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Naeem Khalid , Chinram Ronnason , Iampan Aiyared
Published: February 2021

The role of multipolar uncertain statistics cannot be unheeded while confronting daily life problems on well-founded basis. Fusion (aggregation) of a number of input values in multipolar form into a sole multipolar output value is an essential tool not merely of physics or mathematics but also of widely held problems of economics, commerce and trade, engineering, social sciences, decision-making problems, life sciences, and many more. The problem of aggregation is very wide-ranging and fascinating, in general. We use, in this article, Pythagorean fuzzy numbers (PFNs) in multipolar form to contrive imprecise information. We introduce Pythagoreanm-polar fuzzy weighted averaging (PmFWA), Pythagoreanm-polar fuzzy weighted geometric (PmFWG), symmetric Pythagoreanm-polar fuzzy weighted averaging (SPmFWA), and symmetric Pythagoreanm-polar fuzzy weighted geometric (SPmFWG) operators for aggregating uncertain data. Finally, we present a practical example to illustrate the application of the proposed operators and to demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness towards investment strategic decision making.
Superoxide Dismutase 2 (SOD2) in Vascular Calcification: A Focus on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells, Calcification Pathogenesis, and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Tsai You-Tien , Yeh Hsiang-Yuan , Chao Chia-Ter , Chiang Chih-Kang
Published: February 2021

Vascular calcification (VC) describes the pathophysiological phenotype of calcium apatite deposition within the vascular wall, leading to vascular stiffening and the loss of compliance. VC is never benign; the presence and severity of VC correlate closely with the risk of myocardial events and cardiovascular mortality in multiple at‐risk populations such as patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction involving each of vascular wall constituents (endothelia and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)) aggravates various vascular pathologies, including atherosclerosis and VC. However, few studies address the pathogenic role of mitochondrial dysfunction during the course of VC, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) seem to lie in the pathophysiologic epicenter. Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), through its preferential localization to the mitochondria, stands at the forefront against mitochondrial ROS in VSMCs and thus potentially modifies the probability of VC initiation or progression. In this review, we will provide a literature‐based summary regarding the relationship between SOD2 and VC in the context of VSMCs. Apart from the conventional wisdom of attenuating mitochondrial ROS, SOD2 has been found to affect mitophagy and the formation of the autophagosome, suppress JAK/STAT as well as PI3K/Akt signaling, and retard vascular senescence, all of which underlie the beneficial influences on VC exerted by SOD2. More importantly, we outline the therapeutic potential of a novel SOD2‐targeted strategy for the treatment of VC, including an ever‐expanding list of pharmaceuticals and natural compounds. It is expected that VSMC SOD2 will become an important druggable target for treating VC in the future.
Modal Parameter Identification Based on Hilbert Vibration Decomposition in Vibration Stability of Bridge Structures
Authors: Xia Yingzhi , Li Hui , Fan Zhezhe , Xiao Jiyong
Published: February 2021

Modal parameters are important parameters for the dynamic response analysis of structures. An output‐only modal parameter identification technique based on Hilbert Vibration Decomposition (HVD) is developed herein for structural modal parameter identification to (1) obtain the Free Decay Response (FDR) of a structure through free vibration or ambient vibration tests, (2) decompose the FDR into modal responses using HVD, and (3) calculate the instantaneous frequencies and instantaneous damping ratios of the modal responses to obtain the modal frequencies and modal damping ratios. A series of numerical examples are examined to demonstrate the efficiency and highlight the superiorities of the proposed method relative to the empirical model decomposition‐based (EMD‐based) method. The robustness of the proposed method to noises is also investigated and proved to be positive effect. The proposed method is proved to be efficient in modal parameter identification for both linear and nonlinear systems, with better frequency resolution, and it can be applied to systems with closely spaced modes and low‐energy mode.
A New Mutation of the INSR Gene in a 13‐Year‐Old Girl with Severe Insulin Resistance Syndrome in China
Authors: Jin Jing , Liang Xinxin , Wei Jie , Xu Lingling
Published: February 2021

Background. Mutations in insulin receptor genes can cause severe insulin resistance syndrome. Compared with Rabson‐Mendenhall Syndrome and Donohue’s Syndrome, type A insulin resistance syndrome is generally not serious. The main manifestations in woman with type A insulin resistance syndrome are hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, acanthosis nigricans, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovary. Case Presentation. A 13‐year‐old girl (Han nationality) visited the hospital due to hairiness and acanthosis nigricans. Further examination revealed severe hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, elevated blood glucose, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovary. Analysis of the insulin receptor gene by sequencing showed the presence of a nucleotide change in intron 7 (c. 1610+1G > A). The mutation was a splicing mutation, which can obviously affect the mRNA splicing of the insulin receptor and cause its function loss. The patient was finally diagnosed with type A insulin resistance syndrome. After 2 months of metformin treatment, the patient had spontaneous menstrual cramps and significantly improved acanthosis nigricans and sex hormones. Conclusion. We report for the first time a new splicing mutation on the insulin receptor gene at the 7th intron (c.1610+1G > A), which leads to type A insulin resistance syndrome. In clinically suspected patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, if there are extremely high blood levels of insulin in the blood, genetic testing should be performed to detect insulin receptor gene mutation of type A insulin resistance syndrome.
Anaemia in the Hospitalized Elderly in Tanzania: Prevalence, Severity, and Micronutrient Deficiency Status
Authors: Chamba Clara , Nasser Ahlam , Mawalla William F. , Masamu Upendo , Budodi Lubuva Neema , Tebuka Erius , Magesa Pius
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Anaemia is a common problem in sub-Saharan Africa. While most literature has focused on children, women of childbearing age, and pregnant women, data for the elderly population are relatively scarce. Anaemia exhorts negative consequences to functional ability of elderly patients, both physically and cognitively. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of anaemia, severity, and micronutrient deficiency status in the elderly hospitalized patients in Tanzania. Methods. A total of 156 hospitalized adults aged 60 years and above were enrolled in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to capture sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Blood samples were collected, and a complete blood count, serum cobalamin, serum ferritin, and serum folate levels were measured to assess anaemia and micronutrient deficiency status in all participants who had anaemia. Results. The prevalence of anaemia was 79.5% (124/156) with severe anaemia in 33.9% (42/124) of participants, moderate anaemia in 42.7% (53/124) of participants, and 23.4% (29/124) of all participants had mild anaemia. Micronutrient deficiency was found in 14.5% (18/124) of all participants with anaemia. Combined deficiency (either iron and vitamin B12 deficiency or iron and folate deficiency) was the most common micronutrient deficiency anaemia with a frequency of 33.3% (6/18), followed by isolated iron and folate deficiencies at equal frequency of 27.8% (5/18) and vitamin B12 deficiency at 11.1% (2/18). Conclusion. The prevalence of anaemia in the hospitalized elderly population is high warranting public health attention and mostly present in moderate and severe forms. Micro-nutrient deficiency anaemia is common in this age group and is mostly due to combined micronutrient deficiency.
Uma leitura toponímica para os painéis escultóricos de Fúlvia Gonçalves na Unicamp
Authors: Furegatti Sylvia Helena
Published: February 2021

O projeto Arte no Campus, criado em 1984, instaura o primeiro conjunto de peças escultóricas de caráter público da Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Com ele são criados os painéis de Fúlvia Gonçalves para a fachada do Hospital da Mulher. O passar do tempo reordena esta paisagem e sugere novas camadas de sentido para a combinação arte, entorno urbano e campus universitário. Este artigo propõe atualizar a leitura desta obra evidenciando-lhe os elementos da toponímia.
Foraging behavior and association with mixed flocks by the Critically Endangered Alagoas Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ceciliae (Aves: Passeriformes: Tyrannidae)
Authors: Gussoni Carlos Otávio Araujo , Pongiluppi Tatiana
Published: February 2021

The Alagoas Tyrannulet Phylloscartes ceciliae is a Critically Endangered species with a restricted distribution to the Atlantic Forest of the Pernambuco Endemism Center.  It seems to specialize in using the sally-strike maneuver (68.85%) to catch prey on green foliage (50.82%) and in the air (34.42%).  We calculated a catch rate of 2.93 catches/minute, identified a new food item for this species (caterpillars), and included 12 species in the list of birds recorded in mixed flocks with the species.  Our results show that majority of the prey capture events by Alagoas Tyrannulet occurred inside tree canopies, thus we can infer that this species needs a more advanced stage of forest sucession, with higher trees, emphasizing the urgency for restoration programs in the region.
Faunal diversity of an insular crepuscular cave of Goa, India
Authors: Sail Pratiksha , Borkar Manoj Ramakant , Shaikh Ismat , Pal Archana
Published: February 2021

This study is the first attempt to document troglofaunal diversity of crepuscular cave ecosystem from the state of Goa.  Twelve faunal species (seven invertebrates and five vertebrates) have been documented from an insular crepuscular cave which measures 18.62m in floor length and shows a transition of light and hygrothermal profile between its entrance and dead end.  Absence of primary producers, thermal constancy, high humidity, poor ventilation, and competitive exclusion due to limited food resources restricts the faunal diversity of this cave; though trophic linkages are interesting yet speculative, as is typical of subterranean ecosystem.  Among the macro-invertebrates, cavernicolous Whip Spider is a significant species here; whereas the important vertebrates encountered are the Fungoid frog and the Indian Cricket frog, besides roosts of the Rufous Horseshoe bat.  Eco-energetic subsidy, possibly offered by crickets and bats that regularly feed outside this oligotrophic cave ecosystem is discussed.  The need to document the unique and vulnerable troglofauna of this sensitive ecosystem from the conservation perspective is highlighted.
Life-Time Covariation of Major Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Lind Lars , Sundström Johan , Ärnlöv Johan , Ingelsson Martin , Henry Albert , Lumbers R. Thomas , Lampa Erik
Published: February 2021

Background:

It is known that certain cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are associated, like atrial fibrillation and stroke. However, for other CVDs, the links and temporal trends are less studied. In this longitudinal study, we have investigated temporal epidemiological and genetic associations between different CVDs.

Methods:

The ULSAM (Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men; 2322 men aged 50 years) has been followed for 40 years regarding 4 major CVDs (incident myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation). For the genetic analyses, publicly available data were used.

Results:

Using multistate modeling, significant relationships were seen between pairs of all of the 4 investigated CVDs. However, the risk of obtaining one additional CVD differed substantially both between different CVDs and between their temporal order. The relationship between heart failure and atrial fibrillation showed a high risk ratio (risk ratios, 24–26) regardless of the temporal order. A consistent association was seen also for myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation but with a lower relative risk (risk ratios, 4–5). In contrast, the risk of receiving a diagnosis of heart failure following a myocardial infarction was almost twice as high as for the reverse temporal order (risk ratios, 16 versus 9). Genetic loci linked to traditional risk factors could partly explain the observed associations between the CVDs, but pathway analyses disclosed also other pathophysiological links.

Conclusions:

During 40 years, all of the 4 investigated CVDs were pairwise associated with each other regardless of the temporal order of occurrence, but the risk magnitude differed between different CVDs and their temporal order. Genetic analyses disclosed new pathophysiological links between CVDs.
Zoo-housed female chimpanzee adopts local female-specific tradition upon immigrating into a new group
Authors: Goldsborough Zoë , Webb Christine E. , de Waal Frans B.M. , van Leeuwen Edwin J.C.
Published: February 2021

Wild female chimpanzees typically migrate to a neighbouring community at the onset of sexual maturity, a process that can be dangerous and unpredictable. To mitigate the risk of rejection in the new community, immigrants may employ several behavioural strategies. During the integration of two chimpanzee females at Royal Burgers’ Zoo (Arnhem, The Netherlands) one of the immigrant females rapidly copied a local tradition — the crossed-arm walk — which has been present in the group for over 20 years. She copied the behaviour after meeting only one resident female, and showed the behaviour frequently throughout a 6-month observation period following the introduction. The other immigrant female never adopted the crossed-arm walk, highlighting the variation in behaviour by immigrants upon integration, as well as the potential associated consequences: in a separate observation period 2 years later, the female who copied the local tradition appeared more socially integrated than the other immigrant female.
On the Date of Composition of Additions B and E to LXX Esther
Authors: Domazakis Nikolaos
Published: February 2021

Additions B and E to LXX Esther have been variously dated from the second century BCE to the first century CE. This study links the two Greek Additions, on the one hand, with Philo’s writings through the concept of the “evil-hating justice” and, on the other hand, with the historical persons and events related to the Jewish-Alexandrian conflict of 38-41 CE, and dates their composition or final redaction to the early forties of the first century CE.
Bioluminescent fungus Roridomyces viridiluminus sp. nov. and the first Chinese record of the genus Roridomyces, from Southwestern China
Authors: DAUNER LUCAS A.P. , KARUNARATHNA SAMANTHA C. , TIBPROMMA SAOWALUCK , XU JIANCHU , MORTIMER PETER E.
Published: February 2021

A bioluminescent macrofungus found growing on dead wood in the mountains of Southwest China, Yunnan Province, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, is analyzed and described. Phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal large subunit (LSU) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene regions place the fungus within the genus Roridomyces and confirm it to be a previously undescribed taxon. Morphological features support phylogenetic conclusions and include a glutinous stipe, a light yellowish-brown to beige or white pileus, and luminescent mycelium. Comprehensive descriptions, macro- and microscopic photographs, and phylogenetic trees are provided, as well as a table containing morphology and distribution of all Roridomyces taxa to aid in species identification and comparison. This is the first member of the genus Roridomyces to be identified in China.
The Response of Extratropical Transition of Tropical Cyclones to Climate Change: Quasi-Idealized Numerical Experiments
Authors: Jung Chunyong , Lackmann Gary M.
Published: February 2021

This study uses small ensembles of convection-allowing, quasi-idealized simulations to examine the response of North Atlantic tropical cyclones (TCs) undergoing extratropical transition (ET) to climate change. Using HURDAT2 and ERA5 data over a 40-yr period from 1979 to 2018, we developed storm-relative composite fields for past North Atlantic recurving, oceanic ET events. The quasi-idealized present-day simulations are initialized from these composites and run in an aquaplanet domain. A pseudo–global warming approach is used for future simulations: Thermodynamic changes between late twenty-first century and twentieth century, derived from an ensemble of 20 CMIP5 GCMs under the RCP8.5 scenario, are added to the present-day initial and lateral boundary conditions. The composite-initialized present-day simulations exhibit realistic ET characteristics. Future simulations show greater intensity, heavier precipitation, and stronger downstream midlatitude wave train development relative to the present-day case. Specifically, the future ET event is substantially stronger before ET completion, though the system undergoes less reintensification after ET completion. Reductions in lower-tropospheric baroclinicity associated with Arctic amplification could contribute to this result. The future simulation exhibits 3-hourly ensemble-mean precipitation rate increases ranging from ~23% to ~50%, depending on ET phase and averaging radius. In addition, larger eddy kinetic energy accompanies the future storm, partly created by increased baroclinic conversion, resulting in stronger amplification of downstream energy maxima via intensified ageostrophic geopotential flux convergence and divergence. These results suggest that future TCs undergoing ET could have greater potential to cause high-impact weather in western Europe through both direct and remote processes.
Investigating Long-Term Brow Stabilization by Endotine-Assisted Endoscopic Brow Lift with Concomitant Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
Authors: Perez Paloma Belle , Gunter Anne Elizabeth , Moody Minhee Pak , Vincent Aurora Grace , Perez Christian Rene , Serra Renee Makowski , Hohman Marc Hale
Published: February 2021

Objective:

To determine whether Endotine-assisted endoscopic brow lift with concomitant upper lid blepharoplasty provides long-term brow elevation.

Methods:

Pre- and post-operative photographs from 35 patients who underwent endoscopic brow lift using Endotine Forehead 3 mm implants with concomitant upper lid blepharoplasty were measured to determine changes in brow height with surgery and up to 55 months post-operatively. Photographs of 20 control subjects who did not undergo periorbital surgery and 11 control subjects who underwent upper blepharoplasty without brow lifting were also measured to provide a basis for comparison. Emotrics software was used to perform automated brow height measurements in order to determine elevation and longevity achieved with endoscopic brow lifting in conjunction with upper lid blepharoplasty.

Results:

There was a statistically significant increase in brow height post-operatively, averaging 1.6 mm ( P < .0001, 95% confidence interval 0.95-2.18 mm). Fifty-four percent of patients had follow-up beyond 6 months post-operatively and 40% had follow-up beyond 1 year. Elevation remained stable over time with no statistically significant change across all serial post-operative visits. There was no statistically significant difference in brow elevation based on gender or age, or between right and left sides.

Conclusion:

Endotine-assisted endoscopic brow lift in conjunction with upper lid blepharoplasty provides modest brow elevation and long-term brow fixation as demonstrated by stable post-operative brow height measurements for up to 55 months.
Underwater Time-Gated Standoff Raman Sensor for In Situ Chemical Sensing
Authors: Sharma Shiv K. , Howe Bruce M. , Misra Anupam K. , Rognstad Mark R. , Porter John N. , Acosta-Maeda Tayro E. , Egan Miles J.
Published: February 2021

We describe the fabrication of an underwater time-gated standoff Raman sensor, consisting of a custom Raman spectrometer, custom scanner, and commercial diode-pumped pulsed 532 nm laser all located inside a pressure housing. The Raman sensor was tested in the laboratory with samples in air, a tank containing tap water and seawater, and in the coastal Hawaiian harbor. We demonstrate our new system by presenting standoff Raman spectra of some of the chemicals used in homemade explosive devices and improvised explosive devices, including sulfur, nitrates, chlorates, and perchlorates up to a distance of ∼6 m in seawater and tap water. Finally, the Raman spectra of these hazardous chemicals sealed inside plastic containers submersed in the Hawaiian Harbor water are also presented.
Book review: François Bougon, Inside the Mind of Xi Jinping
Authors: Jacob Jabin T.
Published: February 2021

François Bougon, Inside the Mind of Xi Jinping (Chennai: Context, 2018), pp. 181, ₹599. ISBN: 9789387578760
Book review: Daniel A. Bell and Wang Pei, Just Hierarchy: Why Social Hierarchies Matter for China and the Rest of the World
Authors: Bhoothalingam Ravi
Published: February 2021

Daniel A. Bell and Wang Pei, Just Hierarchy: Why Social Hierarchies Matter for China and the Rest of the World (Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2020), pp. 270, $29.95. ISBN: 9780691200897
Book review: Gregor Benton and Hong Liu, Dear China: Emigrant Letters and Remittances, 1820–1980
Authors: Yadav Rakesh Kumar
Published: February 2021

Gregor Benton and Hong Liu, Dear China: Emigrant Letters and Remittances, 1820–1980 (Oakland, CA: University of California Press, 2018), pp. xiv + 286, $34.95. ISBN: 978052097540
Stacked KNN with hard voting predictive approach to assist hiring process in IT organizations
Authors: Mishra Sushruta , Mallick Pradeep K , Tripathy Hrudaya K , Jena Lambodar , Chae Gyoo-Soo
Published: February 2021

Effective candidates screening is critical for any IT firm as it impacts the future growth and productivity of that firm. Currently majority of these firms follow a manual approach of hiring employees which is more prone to errors and time consuming. Prime purpose of the research is to develop an intelligent predictive model to decide upon candidate’s suitability for an applied It based job. A sample size of 13,168 instances with 19 attributes of job seekers data are used for study. An ensemble predictive meta model approach is presented in the research where a stacked KNN (K-Nearest Neighbours) algorithm combined with hard voting approach is employed. The idea is to use a single unified predictive model in place of separate classification models by considering the predicted class with maximum votes against each class label. The proposed approach comprises two functional modules. ‘Stacked KNN Learner Module’ involves the use of five variants of KNN which include 1-NN, 3-NN, 5-NN, 7-NN and 9-NN. Individual prediction of the job seeker data from these variants of KNN algorithm are input to the ‘Hard Voting Ensemble Predictive unit’ which eventually aggregates majority of predicted class votes determined for each class label to generate the final output predicted class label on basis of maximum votes. The developed ensemble meta model is successfully implemented using python programming language and its performance evaluation is done using various metrics. The implemented model generated a 96.96% prediction accuracy rate. The specificity, sensitivity and f-score value recorded was 96.36%, 96.06% and 96.26% respectively. Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root mean Square Error (RMSE) value observed with our proposed meta model was 0.0048 and 0.0102 respectively. A comparative analysis of the proposed model was done by varying the data sample size and it gave a consistent performance throughout. It was observed that proposed ensemble model gave an impressive 96.96% mean accuracy rate and the overall performance of other variants was consistent. Performance of proposed meta model was also compared with some existing techniques like C.45, CART and K-Means. It outperformed other techniques in terms of accurately predicting the class label of candidates applying for job. This ensemble meta model can be of great help for growing IT firms and assist the organization unit in hiring right and deserving candidates in future. Proposed work can act as a decision making framework in multi sector units with enormous work force to streamline performance appraisal process thereby enabling in hiring right people for right job.
Peritraumatic Reactions Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic Among the Tunisian General Population
Authors: Turki Mariem , Bouattour Wiem , Ellouze Sahar , Charfeddine Fadoua , Messedi Neila , Aribi Lobna , Halouani Najla , Aloulou Jihene
Published: February 2021

This is the first study to explore factors associated with peritraumatic reactions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic among the Tunisian general population. A web-based survey was conducted between 23 March and 5 May 2020, so that 1615 responses were included. We used the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory and Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire. Participants with a medical history, those undergoing compulsory quarantine and those having relatives affected by or dying from COVID-19 were significantly more likely to present higher Peritraumatic Distress Inventory and Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire scores.

Factors associated with higher levels of peritraumatic reactions should be targeted by national programs to prioritize assistance through early psychological interventions.
Performance, Achievement, and Success in Psychological Research: Towards a More Transparent Use of the Still Ambiguous Terminology
Authors: Mašková Ivana , Kučera Dalibor
Published: February 2021

The present study focused on the terms performance, achievement, and success that have often been used in an ambiguous manner in psychological research. The way in which the meaning of the domain-specific constructs referred to with the terms was established for measurement purposes was investigated on a sample of 262 articles that stemmed from 35 randomly selected journals covering the full range of psychological research. The operational definitions of the constructs referred to with the terms performance, achievement, and success were analysed and compared in both inter- and intra-domain fashion. Additionally, we assessed the match among the observed operational definitions and general conceptual definitions available in the extant literature. The results revealed terminology-related issues in educational and occupational research. Within these domains, lack of adherence to the multidimensionality of the constructs of academic performance, academic achievement, academic success, job performance, and career success was identified as a general issue. Further, the tendency to measure job performance via indicators based on self-rating was considered inadequate given the objective nature of the term performance. In educational research, the overlap of the academic performance, academic achievement, and academic success constructs was confirmed, resulting from the tendency to use GPA as a universal indicator of academic outcomes. Based on the present findings, we provided several recommendations in order to encourage future research towards a more transparent way of dealing with the particular constructs referred to with the terms performance, achievement, and success. We suppose the present study may help researchers in the full range of psychological disciplines to add clarity to their own research.
Pronunciation and Task-Based Instruction: Effects of a Classroom Intervention
Authors: Gordon Joshua
Published: February 2021

Explicit pronunciation instruction enhances production of intelligible, comprehensible, and fluent second language (L2) speech. Additionally, task-based instruction (TBI) enhances the production of segmentals and suprasegmentals, and promotes awareness of L2 forms in pronunciation. Since most previous research on TBI in L2 pronunciation learning has been carried out in laboratory settings, it is necessary to investigate how the implementation of tasks that differ in complexity in actual classroom settings could benefit L2 pronunciation learners. This classroom-based study investigated the effects of combining focus on form and TBI in L2 pronunciation instruction in the production of comprehensible, fluent, and L2-accented speech in English-as-a-foreign-language learners. Although the results of the study present modest gains, they make a case for the inclusion of explicit pronunciation instruction and tasks that differ in complexity to help learners develop pronunciation skills. Responding to recent calls for more classroom-based research that demonstrates how pronunciation can be implemented in systematic and principled ways, the results of this study are discussed in terms of implications and pedagogical recommendations for L2 pronunciation teaching and learning.
Book review: Yogesh Snehi. 2019. Spatializing Popular Sufi Shrines in Punjab: Dreams, Memories, Territoriality
Authors: Parciack Ronie
Published: February 2021

Yogesh Snehi. 2019. Spatializing Popular Sufi Shrines in Punjab: Dreams, Memories, Territoriality. London and New York: Routledge. xx + 256 pp. Maps, tables, figures, notes, bibliography, index. £115.00 (hardback).
Young learners’ voices: Towards a learner-centered approach to understanding language assessment literacy
Authors: Butler Yuko Goto , Peng Xiaolin , Lee Jiyoon
Published: February 2021

Language assessment literacy (LAL) has recently gained substantial attention among language educators and other stakeholders. However, existing models focus almost exclusively on teachers, test developers, and administrators, and lack students’ perspectives in their conceptualizations. To address this gap, with this exploratory study we aimed to understand young learners’ LAL. The participants were fourth- and sixth-grade students (ages 9–10 and 11–12, respectively, with 10 participants in each age group) in China. After taking English mock tests, the children participated in individual, semi-structured interviews that covered their understanding of the following: (a) assessment purposes and theories (their knowledge about how assessment works); (b) assessment skills (their views of assessment designs, procedures, and content); and (c) assessment principles (their notion of fairness, cheating, and feedback). The data were analyzed qualitatively in line with current LAL models. The results suggest that the children already had substantial assessment literacy in knowledge, skills, and principles. Although their teachers’ assessment practice remains form-focused, children generally want more communicative-based and diagnostic assessment. They also want more cognitively challenging and enjoyable assessment tasks. Our findings provide solid supporting evidence for the importance of considering students’ perspectives, along with the views of other stakeholders, in order to have a more balanced understanding of LAL.
Diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Raoof Naz , Hoffmann Jan
Published: February 2021

Objective

To review and discuss the clinical presentation and treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Discussion

Visual alterations and headache are the two main symptoms of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, although additional features including cranial nerve palsies, cognitive deficits, olfactory deficits and tinnitus are not uncommon. The headache associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension frequently has a migrainous phenotype. The underlying cause of the disorder has not yet been elucidated. Several hypotheses have been postulated but none of them can explain the full clinical picture. Therapeutic options remain limited, focusing mainly on reduction in body weight and the reduction of CSF production with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Conclusion

The accurate diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is essential as visual deterioration due to papilledema may be irreversible. Given its phenotypic similarity and frequent overlap with chronic migraine it is essential to consider idiopathic intracranial hypertension in the diagnostic workup of chronic headache; in particular, when considering its increasing prevalence. Understanding in detail the pathophysiological mechanisms behind the associated headache would also allow study of current and future therapeutic options in a structured way.
Sepsis Mortality Is high in Patients With Connective Tissue Diseases Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Authors: Krasselt Marco , Baerwald Christoph , Petros Sirak , Seifert Olga
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

Patients with connective tissue diseases (CTD) such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk for infections. This study investigated the outcome and characteristics of CTD patients under intensive care unit (ICU) treatment for sepsis.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted and reviewed all patients with a CTD diagnosis admitted to the ICU of a university hospital for sepsis between 2006 and 2019. Mortality was computed and multivariate logistic regression was used to detect independent risk factors for sepsis mortality. Furthermore, the positive predictive value of ICU scores such as Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was evaluated.

Results:

This study included 44 patients with CTD (mean age 59.8 ± 16.1 years, 68.2% females), most of them with a diagnosed SLE (61.4%) followed by systemic sclerosis (15.9%). 56.8% (n = 25) were treated with immunosuppressives and 81.8% (n = 36) received glucocorticoids. Rituximab was used in 3 patients (6.8%). The hospital mortality of septic CTD patients was high with 40.9%. It was highest among systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients (85.7%). SOFA score and diagnosis of SSc were independently associated with mortality in multivariate logistic regression ( P = 0.004 and 0.03, respectively). The Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II), SOFA and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores were good predictors of sepsis mortality in the investigated cohort (SAPS II AUC 0.772, P = 0.002; SOFA AUC 0.756, P = 0.004; APACHE II AUC 0.741, P = 0.007).

Conclusions:

In-hospital sepsis mortality is high in CTD patients. SSc diagnoses and SOFA were independently associated with mortality. Additionally, common ICU scores were good predictors for mortality.
The effect of composite PHB coating on the biological properties of a magnesium based alloy
Authors: Liang Quan , Ge Shuping , Liu Chenyu , Quan Xuejun , Tan Binbin , Xu Kai , Zou Hanyan
Published: February 2021

Magnesium alloys have been widely investigated as biodegradable cardiovascular temporal implants due to their better mechanical properties and biocompatibility, but the rapid degradation limited its application. In this study, the anodic oxidation-Cu structure was used to improve the adhesive strength and stability between poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and magnesium alloys, and the effects of anodic oxidation magnesium alloys with copper film and PHB film (MACP) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), blood compatibility and antibacterial properties were investigated in this research. As the result, the MACP structure had a stable structure and better corrosion resistance, and significant antibacterial properties. The coating would not affect the original excellent biocompatibility of the magnesium alloy. It was indicated that MACP was a potential surface modification strategy for vascular stents candidate material.
In vivo evaluation of biocompatibility and immune modulation potential of poly(caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(caprolactone)-gelatin hydrogels enriched with nano-hydroxyapatite in the model of mouse
Authors: Alipour Mahdieh , Ashrafihelan Javad , Salehi Roya , Aghazadeh Zahra , Rezabakhsh Aysa , Hassanzadeh Armin , Firouzamandi Masomeh , Heidarzadeh Morteza , Rahbarghazi Reza , Aghazadeh Marziyeh , Saghati Sepideh
Published: February 2021

Biocompatible, biodegradable, and injectable hydrogels are a novel and promising approach for bone regeneration. In this study, poly(caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL), PCL-PEG-PCL-gelatin (Gel), PCL-PEG-PCL-Gel/nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) injectable hydrogels were synthesized and evaluated in a mouse model of subcutaneous transplantation after 14 days. PCL-PEG-PCL-Gel and PCL-PEG-PCL-Gel/nHA hydrogels were fabricated with in situ precipitation method. Structure, intermolecular interaction, and the reaction between the PCL-PEG-PCL, Gel, and nHA were evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR), and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (C-NMR). Fourteen days after subcutaneous injection, the existence of an immune system reaction was investigated using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. Using immunofluorescence imaging, the number of CD68+ cells was determined in the periphery of the hydrogel. The CD8/CD4 lymphocyte ratio was also calculated in blood samples. We monitored the expression of CCL-2, BCL-2, IL-10, and CD31 using real-time PCR assay. The chemical evaluation revealed the successful integration of Gel and nHA to the PCL-PEG-PCL backbone. Histological examination showed the lack of inflammation at the site of injection. No toxicological effects were determined in hepatic and renal tissues. The addition of nHA to the PCL-PEG-PCL-Gel decreased biodegradation time. None of the hydrogels caused statistically significant differences in the number of CD68 cells (p > 0.05). The CD8/CD4 lymphocyte ratio remained unchanged in all groups (p > 0.05). Compared to the PCL-PEG-PCL group, the addition of nHA and Gel increased the expression of CCL-2, BCL-2, IL-10, and CD31 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the current study showed that PCL-PEG-PCL-Gel/nHA hydrogels could be used in in vivo conditions without prominent toxic effects and inflammatory responses.
Abused by the Patriarchy: Male Victims, Masculinity, “Honor”-Based Abuse and Forced Marriages
Authors: Idriss Mohammad Mazher
Published: February 2021

The causes and effects of what is often referred to as “honor”-based violence/abuse (HBV/A) and forced marriages on men and boys is an under-researched field of patriarchal violence. This lack of research has resulted in an imperfect understanding of how and why men become victims of HBV/A and an absence of an effective theoretical framework in which to analyze their experiences. Through an examination of 29 Case Files obtained through a gender-neutral domestic abuse refuge charity in the East Midlands, the United Kingdom, this original research will explore the ways that men, particularly younger males and those who do not conform to cultural norms of masculinity, are harmed by patriarchal structures. In doing so, this article brings to light new data and adds to the patriarchal framework for understanding HBV/A and why it is committed against men. The results of this study reveal that the ways in which HBV/A and forced marriages were presented in the Case Files present both analogies to and distinctions with the infliction of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in similar circumstances. This discovery is important for several reasons: (a) it demonstrates that men and boys are harmed by patriarchy and that patriarchal theories of violence must therefore evolve to better recognize groups of male victims; (b) it provides a typological framework to identify the different types of male victims, the types of abuse and the perpetrators involved, including the involvement of mothers as primary and secondary perpetrators; and (c) that male victims require appropriate intervention and must be taken seriously by state agencies if men are to come forward and disclose abuse.
The Dramatic Impact of Explicit Instruction on Learning to Read in a New Writing System
Authors: Rastle Kathleen , Lally Clare , Davis Matthew H. , Taylor J. S. H.
Published: February 2021

There is profound and long-standing debate over the role of explicit instruction in reading acquisition. In this research, we investigated the impact of teaching regularities in the writing system explicitly rather than relying on learners to discover these regularities through text experience alone. Over 10 days, 48 adults learned to read novel words printed in two artificial writing systems. One group learned spelling-to-sound and spelling-to-meaning regularities solely through experience with the novel words, whereas the other group received a brief session of explicit instruction on these regularities before training commenced. Results showed that virtually all participants who received instruction performed at ceiling on tests that probed generalization of underlying regularities. In contrast, despite up to 18 hr of training on the novel words, less than 25% of discovery learners performed on par with those who received instruction. These findings illustrate the dramatic impact of teaching method on outcomes during reading acquisition.