bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum-to-classical transition and imprints of continuous spontaneous localization in classical bouncing universes
Authors: Stargen D. Jaffino , Sreenath V. , Sriramkumar L.
Published: March 2021

The perturbations in the early universe are generated as a result of the interplay between quantum field theory and gravitation. Since these primordial perturbations lead to the anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background and eventually to the inhomogeneities in the Large Scale Structure (LSS), they provide a unique opportunity to probe issues which are fundamental to our understanding of quantum physics and gravitation. One such fundamental issue that remains to be satisfactorily addressed is the transition of the primordial perturbations from their quantum origins to the LSS which can be characterized completely in terms of classical quantities. Classical bouncing universes provide an alternative to the more conventional inflationary paradigm as they can help overcome the horizon problem in a fashion very similar to inflation. While the problem of the quantum-to-classical transition of the primordial perturbations has been investigated extensively in the context of inflation, we find that there has been a rather limited effort toward studying the issue in classical bouncing universes. In this work, we analyze certain aspects of this problem with the example of tensor perturbations produced in classical matter and near-matter bouncing universes. We investigate the issue mainly from two perspectives. First, we approach the problem by examining the extent of squeezing of a quantum state associated with the tensor perturbations with the help of the Wigner function. Second, we analyze the issue from the perspective of the quantum measurement problem. In particular, we study the effects of wave function collapse, using a phenomenological model known as continuous spontaneous localization, on the tensor power spectra. We conclude with a discussion of results.
Buckling of Two-Directional Functionally Graded Cylindrical Beams Based on a High-Order Cylindrical Beam Model
Authors: Gao Chu-Feng , Pan Ying-Hui , Zhang Wucheng , Rao Jian-Xin , Huang Yong
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a high-order cylindrical beam model, where the shear deformation is taken into account, will be used to analyze the buckling behaviors of the functionally graded cylindrical beams with radially and axially varying material inhomogeneities. The coupled governing equations for buckling of a cylindrical beam under axial compression are derived, which can be translated into a single differential equation by introducing an auxiliary function. The shifted Chebyshev polynomials are used to compute the critical buckling loads for kinds of boundary conditions. By comparing with the three-dimensional solutions for buckling of homogeneous circular beams, the validity of the introduced model is confirmed. Two typical material property distributions defined by the exponential- and power-law are considered. A parametric study is carried out to investigate the effects of material gradient indexes on the critical buckling loads.
States on Residuated Skew Lattices
Authors: Koohnavard R. , Saeid A. Borumand
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we introduce the notion of states and state operators on residuated skew lattices and investigate some related properties of them. The relationships between state operators and states on residuated skew lattices are discussed. We prove that every Bosbach state on a residuated skew lattice is a Riecan state and with an example we show that there is a Riecan state on a residuated skew lattice which is not a Bosbach state. Also, some conditions are given for a Riecan state on residuated skew lattice to be a Bosbach state. We present different types of state residuated skew lattices, like weak, strong, simple, local and state-morphism residuated skew lattices. Any weak state-morphism residuated skew lattice is a strong state residuated skew lattice and converse is true under an extra condition.
Mechanochemical synthesis of Li2OHI with enhanced lithium ionic conductivity
Authors: Jing Yaqi , Yang Runtao , Deng Zhi , Gao Lei , Li Shuai , Zhao Yusheng
Published: March 2021

Lithium hydroxide halides, as a family of lithium-ion conductive materials, have a promising potential on the application of solid state electrolytes. In this work, we have synthesized orthohombic Li2OHI through a facile mechanochemical method. The obtained sample exhibits a higher lithium-ion conductivity than solid sintering, which can be attributed to the high purity and crystallinity obtained from ball milling. Ball milling can avoid the phase segregation of Li2OHI at high temperature and promote the sufficient eutectic reaction of binary system, which can be widely used in the synthesis of other materials with low melting points.
How Will Climate Change Affect Residential Water Demand? Evidence from Hawai‘i Microclimates
Authors: DeMaagd Nathan , Roberts Michael J.
Published: March 2021

The effect that climate change will have on water resource sustainability is gaining international interest, particularly in regions where stocks are strained due to changing climate and increasing populations. Past studies focus mainly on how water availability will be affected by climate change, with little attention paid to how consumer behavior is likely to react. How a changing climate affects water demand could be equally or more important to management solutions as its influence on water supply. In this paper, we analyze the relationship between residential water use and climate on the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu, and apply a variety of climate projections to estimate end-of-century water use. The island is serviced by only one water utility yet has a wide range of consumers and microclimates, which makes it an ideal location for studying these relationships. We find that climate is strongly associated with residential water use in a manner that is likely causal. If the association is causal, our mean estimates imply that residential demand may increase up to 36% island-wide by the end of the century, holding all else the same, depending on the climate model projection. Mean estimates, however, mask a large degree of uncertainty largely due to the wide range of projected climate outcomes. Strategies for offsetting the projected increase in demand are also considered, along with the study’s place in broader literature examining watershed management and consumer welfare.
Green Credit, Financial Ecological Environment, and Investment Efficiency
Authors: Qi Meng
Published: March 2021

This article uses the “Green Credit Guidelines” issued in 2012 as a quasi‐natural experiment, using the statistics of A‐share listed companies from 2008 to 2017, using the PSM‐DID model to examine the effect and mechanism of green credit policies on the investment efficiency of heavily polluting companies, and taking into consideration the heterogeneous influence of the financial ecological environment on the relationship between the two. The research indicates that, after the Green Credit Guidelines were promulgated, the investment efficiency of heavy‐polluting companies has been slightly improved compared with non‐heavy‐polluting companies and that the impact is more obvious in regions with better financial ecological environment. The research conclusions confirm the beneficial effects of the Green Credit Guidelines policy on the prudent investment of companies that cause serious pollution to the environment and improve investment efficiency, a provision of empirical evidence for financial leverage to drive the green economy transformation.
Inhibition of Calcium Oxalate Formation and Antioxidant Activity of Carboxymethylated Poria cocos Polysaccharides
Authors: Li Chuang-Ye , Liu Li , Zhao Yao-Wang , Chen Jia-Yun , Sun Xin-Yuan , Ouyang Jian-Ming
Published: March 2021

Three carboxymethylated Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP‐C1, PCP‐C2, and PCP‐C3) with ‐COOH contents of 6.13%, 10.24%, and 16.22%, respectively, were obtained by carboxymethylation of the original polysaccharide (PCP‐C0), which has a molecular weight of 4 kDa and a carboxyl (‐COOH) content of 2.54%. The structure of the PCP‐Cs was characterized by FT‐IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectra. The four PCP‐Cs exhibited antioxidant activity, and their ability to scavenge radicals (hydroxyl and DPPH) and chelate ferrous ions was positively correlated with the degree of carboxymethylation. As the content of ‐COOH groups in the PCP‐Cs increases, their ability to regulate the growth of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals was enhanced, thus inhibiting the growth of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals and inducing the formation of more calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals. The formed CaOx crystal was more round and blunt, the absolute value of the Zeta potential on the crystal surface increased, and the aggregation between crystals was inhibited. Thermogravimetric analysis curves showed that the proportions of PCP‐C0, PCP‐C1, PCP‐C2, and PCP‐C3 incorporated into the crystal were 20.52%, 15.60%, 10.65%, and 9.78%, respectively, in the presence of 0.4 g/L PCP‐Cs. PCP‐C protection resisted oxidative damages of human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK‐2) caused by oxalate, resulting in increased cell viability and superoxide dismutase activity and decreased reactive oxygen species levels, malondialdehyde content, and 8‐hydroxy‐deoxyguanosine expression. Hence, PCP‐Cs, especially PCP‐C3, can inhibit the formation of CaOx crystals and may have the potential to be an alternative antistone drug.
Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology
Authors: Li Xing , Ao Mingyue , Zhang Chunling , Fan Shunming , Chen Zhimin , Yu Lingying
Published: March 2021

Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (ZRR, the fresh rhizoma of Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is also a traditional spice, widely used around the world. The present paper reviews advances in research relating to the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens. In addition, this review also discusses some significant issues and the potential direction of future research on Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens. More than 100 chemical compounds have been isolated from Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, including gingerols, essential oils, diarylheptanoids, and other compounds. Modern studies have confirmed that Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens has pharmacological effects on the nervous system and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems, as well as antiemetic, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. However, the modern studies of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens are still not complete and more bioactive components and potential pharmacological effects need to be explored in the future. There is no unified standard to evaluate the quality and clinical efficacy of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens. Therefore, we should establish reasonable, accurate, and reliable quality control standards to make better use of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens.
Study on the Influence of Introducing Al Transition Layer on Deuterium Resistance of Al2O3 Coating
Authors: Wang Weijing , Yu Qinghe , Liu Xiaopeng , Hao Lei , Mi Jing , Li Shijie , Li Shuai , Lu Zheng , Li Shanshan , Liu Hao
Published: March 2021

The Al/Al2O3 composite deuterium barrier was deposited on the polished side of 316 L stainless steel by the method of radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. The influence of the introduction of Al transition layer on the deuterium resistance performance of Al2O3 ceramic coating was studied. The field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), the grazing incident X-ray diffraction technique (GIXRD), and the auger electron spectroscopy (AES) were used to analyze the microscopic morphology, phase, and element distribution in the depth direction of the Al/Al2O3 coating, and the gas-driver permeation method was used to measure the deuterium permeation behavior of the coating sample. The results show that Al2O3 is amorphous after annealing at 873 K. Due to the oxidation of the Al transition layer, the connection between the coating and the substrate is tightly connected. Under the combined action of permeation temperature and pressure of 873 K and 80 kPa, the deuterium permeability of Al/Al2O3 coating is

6.35
×

10

−
14

 mol·m-1·s-1·Pa-0.5, which shows that the Al/Al2O3 coating has excellent deuterium permeation resistance. Furthermore, deuterium permeability of the Al/Al2O3 coating was diminished by about 2 orders of magnitude compared with 316 L stainless steel, and it is reduced 2~3 times compared with the single Al2O3 coating sample. The study indicates that the introduction of the Al transition layer can significantly enhance the barrier effect of the Al/Al2O3 coating sample.
Early Gastrointestinal Progression to Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Martorana Federica , Lanzafame Katia , Pavone Giuliana , Motta Lucia , Motta Gianmarco , Inzerilli Nicola , Carciotto Rosaria , Vecchio Giada Maria , Zanghì Antonino Maria , Parra Héctor Josè Soto , Magro Gaetano , Vigneri Paolo
Published: March 2021

Intestinal and pancreatic metastases are rare and often challenging to recognize and manage. Lung cancer patients with enteric involvement usually display poor outcomes. Hyperprogression to immunotherapy represents a concern, even though there is currently no agreement on its exact definition. Gastrointestinal hyperprogression to immune checkpoint inhibitors has not been described so far. In these cases, distinguishing disease-related symptoms from immune-related adverse events may represent a diagnostic conundrum. Here, we report two cases of non-small-cell lung cancer experiencing a rapid pancreatic and colic progression to immunotherapy, respectively. While further investigations to identify biomarkers associated with hyperprogression are warranted, clinicians should be aware of the potential unusual clinical presentations of this phenomenon.
Sepsis due to Actinomyces odontolyticus as a Rare Complication of Neobladder
Authors: Khiatah Bashar , Shah Kalpan , Belikova Anna , Saeed Musab
Published: March 2021

Sepsis due to Actinomyces odontolyticus (A. odontolyticus) is an extremely rare condition that has been reported only a handful of times. In this report, we showcase an 83-year-old male who had a complication of neobladder procedure and developed sepsis due to A. odontolyticus that was successfully treated with a prolonged course of doxycycline.
Diagnostic Accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET/CT and MRI in Predicting the Tumor Response in Locally Advanced Cervical Carcinoma Treated by Chemoradiotherapy: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sanei Sistani Sharareh , Parooie Fateme , Salarzaei Morteza
Published: March 2021

Objective. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET/CT and MRI in predicting the tumor response in locally advanced cervical carcinoma (LACC) treated by chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Method. This meta-analysis has been performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Systematic searches were conducted using PubMed and Embase databases for articles published from January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2020. By using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool, the reviewers assessed the methodological quality scores of the selected studies. We analyzed the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of two diagnostic methods using Meta-DiSc 1.4 and Stata 15. Results. An overall of 15 studies including 1132 patients were included. Sensitivities of PET/CT and MRI were 83.5% and 82.7%, while the corresponding rates for specificities were 77.8% and 68.4%, respectively. The DOR, PLR, and NLR for MRI were 15.140, 2.92, and 22.6. PET/CT had a DOR of 25.21. The PLR and NLR for PET/CT were 4.13 and 0.215, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT for the detection of residual tumor were 86% and 95%, respectively. The corresponding rates for MRI were 73% and 96%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT for the detection of tumor metastases were 97% and 99%, while the corresponding rates for MRI were 31% and 98%, respectively. Conclusion. 18F-FDG PET/CT seemed to have a better overall diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of treatment response to chemoradiotherapy in LACC patients. MRI showed a really poor sensitivity in the detection of metastases, and PET/CT performed significantly better. However, the difference between these two methods in the detection of residual disease was not significant. More studies are needed to be conducted in order to approve that 18F-FDG PET/CT can be a standard option to assess the treatment response.
Integrated Polygenic Tool Substantially Enhances Coronary Artery Disease Prediction
Authors: Riveros-Mckay Fernando , Weale Michael E. , Moore Rachel , Selzam Saskia , Krapohl Eva , Sivley R. Michael , Tarran William A. , Sørensen Peter , Lachapelle Alexander S. , Griffiths Jonathan A. , Saffari Ayden , Deanfield John , Spencer Chris C.A. , Hippisley-Cox Julia , Hunter David J. , O’Sullivan Jack W. , Ashley Euan A. , Plagnol Vincent , Donnelly Peter
Published: March 2021

Background:

There is considerable interest in whether genetic data can be used to improve standard cardiovascular disease risk calculators, as the latter are routinely used in clinical practice to manage preventative treatment.

Methods:

Using the UK Biobank resource, we developed our own polygenic risk score for coronary artery disease (CAD). We used an additional 60 000 UK Biobank individuals to develop an integrated risk tool (IRT) that combined our polygenic risk score with established risk tools (either the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology pooled cohort equations [PCE] or UK QRISK3), and we tested our IRT in an additional, independent set of 186 451 UK Biobank individuals.

Results:

The novel CAD polygenic risk score shows superior predictive power for CAD events, compared with other published polygenic risk scores, and is largely uncorrelated with PCE and QRISK3. When combined with PCE into an IRT, it has superior predictive accuracy. Overall, 10.4% of incident CAD cases were misclassified as low risk by PCE and correctly classified as high risk by the IRT, compared with 4.4% misclassified by the IRT and correctly classified by PCE. The overall net reclassification improvement for the IRT was 5.9% (95% CI, 4.7–7.0). When individuals were stratified into age-by-sex subgroups, the improvement was larger for all subgroups (range, 8.3%–15.4%), with the best performance in 40- to 54-year-old men (15.4% [95% CI, 11.6–19.3]). Comparable results were found using a different risk tool (QRISK3) and also a broader definition of cardiovascular disease. Use of the IRT is estimated to avoid up to 12 000 deaths in the United States over a 5-year period.

Conclusions:

An IRT that includes polygenic risk outperforms current risk stratification tools and offers greater opportunity for early interventions. Given the plummeting costs of genetic tests, future iterations of CAD risk tools would be enhanced with the addition of a person’s polygenic risk.
Personal Autonomy and its Direct Constitutional Limits – a Polish Perspective
Authors: Podkowik Jan
Published: March 2021

The article discusses the concept of personal autonomy as a constitutional fundamental right protected by the Polish Constitution of 1997. Autonomy is not only a constitutional value of an unspecified character but also a right with its own specific normative content. Personal autonomy, also called the right to self-determination, is rooted in natural law. The scope of its constitutional protection is determined and – simultaneously – limited by constitutional standards of an absolute character such as human dignity, non-discrimination, and the like. Autonomy as a constitutional right may be subjected to further restrictions imposed by the legislator in accordance with the principle of proportionality. The legal status of an individual’s right to self determination is thus determined by all the prohibitions and orders resulting directly from the Constitution as well as sub-constitutional statutory provisions which respect the principle of proportionality requirements.
Quantifications of the Secondary Qualities, Heat and Cold, on the Earliest Scales of Thermoscopes
Authors: Heeffer Albrecht
Published: March 2021

While scaled thermoscopes were developed only at the beginning of the seventeenth century, the medical tradition had already started to quantify some secondary qualities towards the end of sixteenth century. However, degrees of heat and cold were only meaningful in connection with Galenic-Aristotelean ontology, consisting of elements, temperaments and degrees of the four humours. The first graduated thermoscopes transformed the prevailing conceptualizations of heat and cold. By delegating some specific senses of heat and cold to an external contrivance, together with the evolution towards a linear numerical scale, these qualities became objectified as observable phenomena. The degree of expansion and compression of air, and later liquid, became an observable measure of temperature and narrowed down the existing conceptualizations of temperature. The paper also discusses the three types of scale that were used in the early thermoscopes between 1610 and 1640.
In the name of human rights: the problematics of EU ethical foreign policy in Africa and elsewhere
Authors: Rutazibwa Olivia Umurerwa
Published: March 2021

This doctoral research project explores avenues to research ethically defined foreign policy differently, i.e. in ways that more systematically account for its counterproductive elements. Building on the specific case of the European Union’s foreign policy in sub-Saharan Africa, embodied by the 2000 Cotonou Agreement and the 2007 Joint Africa-EU Strategy, through four papers and one books review, the study firstly develops the Ethical Intervener Europe analytical framework to account for the embedded problematics in the EU’s ethical foreign policy. Secondly, through an eclectic theoretical approach, the study seeks to theoretically pin-point some alternatives to think about ethical foreign policy and finally, looks to concretize it through its application on the case of relative autonomous peace- and state-building in Somaliland. This research report briefly introduces the different findings and addresses the need for further research in view of a decolonial approach to the study of ethical foreign policy in a context of structural inequality.
L’expression de la modalité en Kirundi. Exploitation d’un corpus électronique
Authors: Mberamihigo Ferdinand
Published: March 2021

The overall goal of this doctoral study was to investigate the different types of modal markers in Kirundi, to describe their syntactic properties and semantic values, and to establish their frequency in the corpus. To this end, we used both an onomasiological and a semasiological approach, in order to identify and describe the different modal markers. The study was based on a corpus of Kirundi, consisting of 1.9 million tokens, which was compiled according to authoritative standards in the domain, taking into account requirements in terms of balance and representativeness. The corpus comprised texts belonging to a number of different genres/topics and was made up of texts extending over a time span of nine decades. Three types of modal markers were identified. The most important is the affix oo , commonly labelled potential or conditional in Kirundi descriptions. It is the most frequent modal marker in the corpus, with the largest semantic scope and the greatest number of modal values. Therefore, it stands as the grammatical morpheme dedicated to the expression of modality in Kirundi. The second type of modal marker is a set of verbs, whose semantic values and frequency vary. Some of them have been grammaticalized to the extent that they act as auxiliaries. Others have not been grammaticalized to this extent. The third category consists of adverbs. This category expresses only one modal category: epistemic modality. This study showed the intertwin¬ing between modal and non-modal categories, by studying elements whose use overlaps with the domain of modality. On this matter, the situation is that directivity is attested as a post-modal value for markers expressing specifically deontic necessity. As regards volition, it is also a post-modal value attested on markers expressing necessity. As for evidentiality, it is closely associated with epistemic modality. This work showed also that within modal markers in Kirundi, intersubjectification and grammaticalization are linked. The study makes a contribution to the description of a semantic category that is generally under-described in Bantu languages. Moreover, through the method of corpus linguistics, it has used an original approach for a language without written tradition, i.e. the approach of studying and exemplifying linguistic phenomena by looking at natural communication, which is different from elicitation. This thesis has illustrated the advantages offered by such a method, as it allows facts to be expressed statistically. This work has also created the possibility of a diachronic analysis of the development of modal markers in Kirundi. Moreover, as this study dealt only with affirmative forms, an extension to the study of the relationship between polarity and modality in Kirundi would allow for a better understanding of the modal category in Kirundi.
7. United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ayish Mohammad
Published: March 2021

Since the formation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 1971, media have been key forces of socioeconomic development and nation building. During the almost fifty years of the UAE’s postindependence history, the UAE media and communications sector has been entrusted by the state with supporting the nation’s political orientations, promoting economic growth, fostering national identity, and strengthening international cooperation. But, while huge investments in this sector have indeed turned the UAE into a global media hub that boasts world-class infrastructure and human talent, an updated media regulation, the Emiratization of the communications sector, and smooth transition into the digital mediascape remain major challenges to address.
12. Yemen
Authors: Al-Shami Abdulrahman M.
Published: March 2021

Throughout history, successive governments in Yemen have realized the importance of the media. Consequently, they have tightened the grip on the media by imposing a monopoly on ownership and by selecting editors-in-chief and other leading positions to ensure complete media control. Thus, media have functioned as a voice for the regime rather than a voice for the public. A slight change has occurred since the Yemeni unification in 1990 in terms of allowing limited ownership and freedom of expression. However, resulting from the long monopoly and mismanagement, media in Yemen are facing huge challenges at the levels of infrastructure, technology, regulation, freedom of expression, training, and professionalism.
17. Algeria
Authors: Layadi Nacer-Eddine
Published: March 2021

This chapter highlights Algeria’s media development, which is shaped by trajectories of French colonialism and a socialist-clientelist regime of governance since the 1960s. The rich history of media is contrasted by major challenges to the media on the political, economic, and professional level.
The MJO-QBO Relationship in a GCM with Stratospheric Nudging
Authors: Martin Zane , Orbe Clara , Wang Shuguang , Sobel Adam
Published: March 2021

Observational studies show a strong connection between the intraseasonal Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO) and the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO): the boreal winter MJO is stronger, more predictable, and has different teleconnections when the QBO in the lower stratosphere is easterly versus westerly. Despite the strength of the observed connection, global climate models do not produce an MJO-QBO link. Here the authors use a current-generation ocean-atmosphere coupled NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies global climate model (Model E2.1) to examine the MJO-QBO link. To represent the QBO with minimal bias, the model zonal mean stratospheric zonal and meridional winds are relaxed to reanalysis fields from 1980-2017. The model troposphere, including the MJO, is allowed to freely evolve. The model with stratospheric nudging captures QBO signals well, including QBO temperature anomalies. However, an ensemble of nudged simulations still lacks an MJO-QBO connection.
How Personal Experience Affects Perception of and Decisions Related to Climate Change: A Psychological View
Authors: Brügger Adrian , Demski Christina , Capstick Stuart
Published: March 2021

The proportion of the world’s population exposed to above-average monthly temperatures has been rising consistently in recent decades and will continue to grow. This and similar trends make it more likely that people will personally experience extreme weather events and seasonal changes related to climate change. A question that follows from this is to what extent experiences may influence climate-related beliefs, attitudes, and the willingness to act. Although research is being done to examine the effects of such experiences, many of these studies have two important shortcomings. First, they propose effects of experiences but remain unclear on the psychological processes that underlie those effects. Second, if they do make assumptions about psychological processes, they do not typically corroborate them with empirical evidence. In other words, a considerable body of research in this field rests on relatively unfounded intuitions. To advance the theoretical understanding of how experiences of climate change could affect the motivation to act on climate change, we introduce a conceptual framework that organizes insights from psychology along three clusters of processes: 1) noticing and remembering, 2) mental representations, and 3) risk processing and decision-making. Within each of these steps, we identify and explicate psychological processes that could occur when people personally experience climate change, and we formulate theory-based, testable hypotheses. By making assumptions explicit and tying them to findings from basic and applied research from psychology, this paper provides a solid basis for future research and for advancing theory.
Protective Factors for Military Veteran Fathers’ Parenting Functioning and Satisfaction
Authors: Karre Jennifer K. , Morgan Nicole R. , Bleser Julia A. , Perkins Daniel F.
Published: March 2021

Employing a strengths-based perspective, this study examined protective factors related to fathers’ positive parenting behaviors and parenting satisfaction. The sample included 3,810 active duty veteran fathers who separated from the active component and had at least one child 18 years and younger. Logistic regression analyses indicated that financial status, health functioning, resilience, social support, positive social functioning with community and friends, and positive social functioning with relatives were all associated with parenting functioning. The interaction of the number of deployments and resilience was related to parenting functioning. Furthermore, health functioning, resilience, social support, positive social functioning with community and friends, and positive social functioning with relatives were associated with parenting satisfaction. Among fathers in a romantic relationship, the interaction of the number of deployments and romantic relationship functioning and the interaction of the number of deployments and romantic relationship satisfaction were both related to parenting functioning and parenting satisfaction.
Intelligent design technology of automobile inspection tool based on 3D MBD model intelligent retrieval
Authors: Cheng Qi , Wang Shuchun , Fang Xifeng
Published: March 2021

The existing process equipment design resource utilization rate in automobile industry is low, so it is urgent to change the design method to improve the design efficiency. This paper proposed a fast design method of process equipment driven by classification retrieval of 3D model-based definition (MBD). Firstly, an information integration 3D model is established to fully express the product information definition and to effectively express the design characteristics of the existing 3D model. Through the classification machine-learning algorithm of 3D MBD model based on Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), the 3D MBD model with similar characteristics to the auto part model to be designed was retrieved from the complex process equipment case database. Secondly, the classification and retrieval of the model are realized, and the process equipment of retrieval association mapping with 3D MBD model is called out. The existing process equipment model is adjusted and modified to complete the rapid design of the process equipment of the product to be designed. Finally, a corresponding process equipment design system was developed and verified through a case study. The application of machine learning to the design of industrial equipment greatly shortens the development cycle of equipment. In the design system, the system learns from engineers, making them understand the design better than engineers. Therefore, it can help any user to quickly design 3D models of complex products.
Policy, fast and slow: Social impact bonds and the differential temporalities of mobile policy
Authors: Grimwood Rebecca , Baker Tom , Humpage Louise , Broom Jacob
Published: March 2021

Governments are increasingly intrigued by the possibility of harnessing the private ‘social investment’ market to finance the delivery of social services. One social investment initiative in particular – Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) – has spread extensively within the global North. This article investigates the transnational mobility of SIBs by exploring the adoption and implementation of SIBs in New Zealand. It considers SIBs as a case of ‘fast policy’, a concept that describes both the increasing rapidity of policymaking and the proliferation of ‘best practice’ policy models. Although the model was adopted relatively quickly in New Zealand, implementation spanned a number of years following various complications and setbacks, echoing experiences in other places. This article seeks to extend conceptions of policy mobility and fast policy by arguing for both fast and slow temporalities of policy movement, contending that while adoption of mobile policies tends to be rapid, implementation can follow a much more gradual pace as they mediate, and are mediated by, local political, institutional and ideological factors.
Chains, trains and automobiles: Medical transport for prisoners in Switzerland
Authors: Haesen Sophie , Merkt Helene , Elger Bernice , Wangmo Tenzin
Published: March 2021

Imprisoned persons are transported for several purposes including transfers to a different prison, legal-procedural reasons such as court hearings, and to receive medical treatments. The availability and acceptability of transportation may limit access to healthcare if health services cannot be provided within the prison grounds. The aim of this article is to examine the conditions of medical transport for older prisoners in Switzerland and to assess whether or not these practices are in line with international recommendations. Interviews with experts working in the prison context and with older prisoners were conducted. Results show that handcuffing practices and space restrictions during medical transport are not adapted to prisoners’ health condition. Older prisoners risk being exposed and humiliated by transport conditions. The reasons for delayed medical transport can be administrative constraints or erroneous medical judgement. Switzerland’s cantonal system results in a variety of regulations for transports, so that cantonal differences, administrative constraints and inappropriate conditions can delay access to necessary healthcare and increase suffering.
Differential Pulley Release in Trigger Finger: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Wu Robin T. , Walker Marc E. , Peck Connor J. , Liu Yuen-Jong , Hetzler Peter , Le Nicole K. , Smetona John , Thomson J. Grant
Published: March 2021

Background:

The palmar aponeurosis or “A0 pulley” may play a role in trigger finger pathology. This study assesses the involvement of the A0 pulley in patients receiving trigger finger release.

Methods:

This single-surgeon, prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted among consenting patients with symptomatic trigger finger. Intraoperative coin toss was used to randomize initial release of either the A0 or A1 pulley. Following release, active flexion and extension of the affected digit were examined. The remaining pulley was then released in sequence, and clinical trigger status was recorded.

Results:

Thirty fingers from 24 patients were released; 17 fingers received A0 release first, and 13 received A1 release. Following initial A0 release, 8 fingers (47%) demonstrated complete resolution of symptoms, 4 (24%) demonstrated improvement but incomplete resolution of triggering, and 5 (29.4%) demonstrated no improvement. Following initial A1 release, 6 fingers (46%) demonstrated complete resolution, 3 (23%) demonstrated improvement but incomplete resolution of triggering, and 4 (31%) demonstrated no improvement. All patients demonstrated complete resolution after surgical release of both sites. Neither initial A1 release nor initial A0 release was statistically associated with complete, incomplete, or failed symptom resolution.

Conclusions:

These data implicate the A0 pulley as the primary cause of 31% to 47% of trigger fingers in our study. Although larger trials are needed to validate these results, our study suggests that release of both A0 and A1 pulleys may offer greater symptom resolution than release of the A1 pulley alone.
Sport- and Gender-Based Differences in Head Impact Exposure and Mechanism in High School Sports
Authors: Huber Colin M. , Patton Declan A. , McDonald Catherine C. , Jain Divya , Simms Katherine , Lallo Valerie A. , Margulies Susan S. , Master Christina L. , Arbogast Kristy B.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Repeated head impacts sustained by athletes have been linked to short-term neurophysiologic deficits; thus, there is growing concern about the number of head impacts sustained in sports. Accurate head impact exposure data obtained via head impact sensors may help identify appropriate strategies across sports and between genders to mitigate repetitive head impacts.

Purpose:

To quantify sport- and gender-based differences in head impact rate and mechanism for adolescents.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

High school female and male varsity soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey (female only) teams were instrumented with headband-mounted impact sensors during games over 2 seasons of soccer and 1 season of basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey. Video review was used to remove false-positive sensor-recorded events, and the head impact rate per athlete-exposure (AE) was calculated. Impact mechanism was categorized as equipment to head, fall, player to head, or head to ball (soccer only).

Results:

Male players had significantly higher head impact rates as compared with female players in soccer (3.08 vs 1.41 impacts/AE; rate ratio, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.8-2.6]), basketball (0.90 vs 0.25; 3.6 [2.6-4.6]), and lacrosse (0.83 vs 0.06; 12.9 [10.1-15.8]). Impact mechanism distributions were similar within sports between boys and girls. In soccer, head to ball represented 78% of impacts, whereas at least 88% in basketball were player-to-player contact.

Conclusion:

Across sports for boys and girls, soccer had the highest impact rate. Male high school soccer, basketball, and lacrosse teams had significantly higher head impact rates than did female teams of the same sport. For girls, basketball had a higher head impact rate than did lacrosse and field hockey, and for boys, basketball had a similar impact rate to lacrosse, a collision sport. Sport differences in the distribution of impact mechanisms create sport-specific targets for reducing head impact exposure.
Evaluation of a Systems-Wide Telebehavioral Health Training Implementation in Response to COVID-19
Authors: Kroll Kristin , Brosig Cheryl , Malkoff Anne , Bice-Urbach Brittany
Published: March 2021

In response to the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, it became important to rapidly train mental health providers to provide telebehavioral health services (TBH) within a pediatric care setting. This study examined the perceived usefulness of various TBH training materials; provider motivation, comfort, and confidence in implementation of TBH services; and perceived benefits and barriers of TBH. After completing various training options and implementing TBH services for 1 month, providers indicated all training materials were helpful, with the recorded webinar being identified as the most helpful resource. This study describes the rapid training of mental health providers in preparation of system-wide TBH services.
The Potential Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Antenatal Care as Perceived by Non-COVID-19 Pregnant Women: Women’s Experience Research Brief
Authors: Patabendige Malitha , Gamage Madhawa M , Jayawardane Asanka
Published: March 2021

We aimed to study the impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the basic antenatal care received during the. A facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted and 62 pregnant women were interviewed. A total of 80.6% of mothers were satisfied with the quality of antenatal care they received, ≥ 7 of 10 on visual analogue scales (VAS). The majority of women were not confident to deliver their baby and 58.1% of women showed ≤ 5 of 10 on VAS. Midwife (90.3%) was the commonest source of information. Internet (1.6%) was a poor source. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of antenatal care was significant, and the findings are useful for the policymakers to plan necessary actions.
vcf2fhir: a utility to convert VCF files into HL7 FHIR format for genomics-EHR integration
Authors: Dolin Robert H. , Gothi Shaileshbhai R. , Boxwala Aziz , Heale Bret S. E. , Husami Ammar , Jones James , Khangar Himanshu , Londhe Shubham , Naeymi-Rad Frank , Rao Soujanya , Rapchak Barbara , Shalaby James , Suraj Varun , Xie Ning , Chamala Srikar , Alterovitz Gil
Published: March 2021

Background

VCF formatted files are the lingua franca of next-generation sequencing, whereas HL7 FHIR is emerging as a standard language for electronic health record interoperability. A growing number of FHIR-based clinical genomics applications are emerging. Here, we describe an open source utility for converting variants from VCF format into HL7 FHIR format.

Results

vcf2fhir converts VCF variants into a FHIR Genomics Diagnostic Report. Conversion translates each VCF row into a corresponding FHIR-formatted variant in the generated report. In scope are simple variants (SNVs, MNVs, Indels), along with zygosity and phase relationships, for autosomes, sex chromosomes, and mitochondrial DNA. Input parameters include VCF file and genome build (‘GRCh37’ or ‘GRCh38’); and optionally a conversion region that indicates the region(s) to convert, a studied region that lists genomic regions studied by the lab, and a non-callable region that lists studied regions deemed uncallable by the lab. Conversion can be limited to a subset of VCF by supplying genomic coordinates of the conversion region(s). If studied and non-callable regions are also supplied, the output FHIR report will include ‘region-studied’ observations that detail which portions of the conversion region were studied, and of those studied regions, which portions were deemed uncallable. We illustrate the vcf2fhir utility via two case studies. The first, 'SMART Cancer Navigator', is a web application that offers clinical decision support by linking patient EHR information to cancerous gene variants. The second, 'Precision Genomics Integration Platform', intersects a patient's FHIR-formatted clinical and genomic data with knowledge bases in order to provide on-demand delivery of contextually relevant genomic findings and recommendations to the EHR.

Conclusions

Experience to date shows that the vcf2fhir utility can be effectively woven into clinically useful genomic-EHR integration pipelines. Additional testing will be a critical step towards the clinical validation of this utility, enabling it to be integrated in a variety of real world data flow scenarios. For now, we propose the use of this utility primarily to accelerate FHIR Genomics understanding and to facilitate experimentation with further integration of genomics data into the EHR.
Protective effects of intracerebroventricular adiponectin against olfactory impairments in an amyloid β1–42 rat model
Authors: Guzmán-Ruiz Mara A. , Herrera-González Amor , Jiménez Adriana , Candelas-Juárez Alan , Quiroga-Lozano Crystal , Castillo-Díaz Claudia , Orta-Salazar Erika , Organista-Juárez Diana , Díaz-Cintra Sofía , Guevara-Guzmán Rosalinda
Published: March 2021

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive impairment that eventually develops into dementia. Amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation is a widely described hallmark in AD, and has been reported to cause olfactory dysfunction, a condition considered an early marker of the disease associated with injuries in the olfactory bulb (OB), the hippocampus (HIPP) and other odor-related cortexes. Adiponectin (APN) is an adipokine with neuroprotective effects. Studies have demonstrated that APN administration decreases Aβ neurotoxicity and Tau hyperphosphorylation in the HIPP, reducing cognitive impairment. However, there are no studies regarding the neuroprotective effects of APN in the olfactory dysfunction observed in the Aβ rat model. The aim of the present study is to determine whether the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) administration of APN prevents the early olfactory dysfunction in an i.c.v Amyloid-beta1–42(Aβ1–42) rat model. Hence, we evaluated olfactory function by using a battery of olfactory tests aimed to assess olfactory memory, discrimination and detection in the Aβ rat model treated with APN. In addition, we determined the number of cells expressing the neuronal nuclei (NeuN), as well as the number of microglial cells by using the ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) marker in the OB and, CA1, CA3, hilus and dentate gyrus (DG) in the HIPP. Finally, we determined Arginase-1 expression in both nuclei through Western blot.

Results

We observed that the i.c.v injection of Aβ decreased olfactory function, which was prevented by the i.c.v administration of APN. In accordance with the olfactory impairment observed in i.c.v Aβ-treated rats, we observed a decrease in NeuN expressing cells in the glomerular layer of the OB, which was also prevented with the i.c.v APN. Furthermore, we observed an increase of Iba-1 cells in CA1, and DG in the HIPP of the Aβ rats, which was prevented by the APN treatment.

Conclusion

The present study describes the olfactory impairment of Aβ treated rats and evidences the protective role that APN plays in the brain, by preventing the olfactory impairment induced by Aβ1–42. These results may lead to APN-based pharmacological therapies aimed to ameliorate AD neurotoxic effects.