bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Language and the Cerebellum: Structural Connectivity to the Eloquent Brain
Authors: Jobson Katie R. , Hoffman Linda J. , Metoki Athanasia , Popal Haroon , Dick Anthony S. , Reilly Jamie , Olson Ingrid R.
Published: October 2022

Neurobiological models of receptive language have focused on the left-hemisphere perisylvian cortex with the assumption that the cerebellum supports peri-linguistic cognitive processes such as verbal working memory. The goal of this study was to identify language-sensitive regions of the cerebellum then map the structural connectivity profile of these regions. Functional imaging data and diffusion-weighted imaging data from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) were analyzed. We found that (a) working memory, motor activity, and language comprehension activated partially overlapping but mostly unique subregions of the cerebellum; (b) the linguistic portion of the cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit was more extensive than the linguistic portion of the cortico-ponto-cerebellar tract; (c) there was a frontal-lobe bias in the connectivity from the cerebellum to the cerebrum; (d) there was some degree of specificity; and (e) for some cerebellar tracts, individual differences in picture identification ability covaried with fractional anisotropy metrics. These findings yield insights into the structural connectivity of the cerebellum as relates to the uniquely human process of language comprehension.
Getting BART to Ride the Idiomatic Train: Learning to Represent Idiomatic Expressions
Authors: Zeng Ziheng , Bhat Suma
Published: October 2022

Idiomatic expressions (IEs), characterized by their non-compositionality, are an important part of natural language. They have been a classical challenge to NLP, including pre-trained language models that drive today’s state-of-the-art. Prior work has identified deficiencies in their contextualized representation stemming from the underlying compositional paradigm of representation. In this work, we take a first-principles approach to build idiomaticity into BART using an adapter as a lightweight non-compositional language expert trained on idiomatic sentences. The improved capability over baselines (e.g., BART) is seen via intrinsic and extrinsic methods, where idiom embeddings score 0.19 points higher in homogeneity score for embedding clustering, and up to 25% higher sequence accuracy on the idiom processing tasks of IE sense disambiguation and span detection.
Unearthing the diversity of Japanese Magelona (Annelida: Magelonidae); three species new to science, and a redescription of Magelona japonica
Authors: TAYLOR ABBIE , MORTIMER KATE , JIMI NAOTO
Published: October 2022

Whilst seven species of magelonids have been originally described from the North-Western Pacific Ocean, only two have been from Japanese waters. Given the often high diversity of magelonid species within relatively small regions, the number of Japanese Magelona species is likely to be higher. The validity of several recorded species from the region has been additionally called into question, and the urgent need for a review of magelonids of Japan highlighted. Newly collected samples of magelonids have emphasised the presence of three species new to science occurring off Japan, herein described: Magelona alba sp. nov., Magelona armatis sp. nov., and Magelona boninensis sp. nov. A redescription of Magelona japonica is additionally provided, along with notes on a fifth species, which approaches Magelona cornuta. A dichotomous identification key to magelonid species of the North-Western Pacific Ocean, along with a table of characters for all five observed species is provided.
Clinical Significance of Circulating Clonal Plasma Cells Detected by a Novel Microfluidic Chip in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Ouyang Dongfang , Zhang Hanqing , Tang Bin , Park Jaewon , Hu Lina , Hirst Jenny , You Lidan , Li Yonghua
Published: October 2022

Circulating Clonal Plasma cells (cCPCs) in peripheral blood is emerged as an important biomarker in evaluating the Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) status in Multiple myeloma (MM). The elevation of cCPCs is closely related to the recurrence of disease. Comparing to the conventional bone
marrow aspirate, it can be accessed regularly in a noninvasive manner. Over the past decade, microfluidic techniques have been widely explored as a platform to segregate the rare cells in blood with the advantages of easy manipulation and low cost. Recently, we and several other groups have
reported the successful development of cCPCs-specific microfluidic chip. However, there had been no comparative study of the performance of microfluidic chip to currently available clinical MRD prognostic tools, so we used our previously developed microfluidic platform to explore its clinical
utility in comparison with existing methods of Multiparameter Flow Cytometry (MFC) and Serum Protein Electrophoresis analysis. The MRD test results from the 19 MM patients showed 89.47% of overall agreement between MFC and microfluidic chip. Through the monitoring of 2 MM patients before and
after treatment, a similar fluctuation pattern was observed between the cCPCs level detected by microfluidic chip and the paraprotein level detected by Serum Protein Electrophoresis.
Interannual Variability of the Australian Summer Monsoon Sustained through Internal Processes: Wind–Evaporation Feedback, Dynamical Air–Sea Interaction, and Soil Moisture Memory
Authors: Sekizawa Shion , Nakamura Hisashi , Kosaka Yu
Published: October 2022

In northern Australia (NAUS), mean rainfall during the Australian summer monsoon (AUSM) season exhibits distinct interannual variability despite weak influence from tropical sea surface temperature (SST) variability. The present study investigates mechanisms for the strong and persistent rainfall anomalies throughout the AUSM season. When the AUSM is stronger than normal, the low-level monsoonal circulation intensifies in response to the stronger convective activity over NAUS. The intensified surface westerlies over the tropical southeastern Indian Ocean (SEIO) enhance oceanic evaporation locally and downstream moisture transport into NAUS. This wind–evaporation feedback is verified through a moist static energy budget analysis. For this feedback to work effectively, SST cooling due to the stronger AUSM should be weak enough not to suppress the oceanic evaporation in the tropical SEIO. Our mixed layer heat budget analysis based on an ocean model hindcast experiment reveals that anomalous downwelling in the subsurface SEIO, which is induced dynamically by the intensified monsoon westerlies, partially offsets the SST cooling. The land surface evaporation over the continental inland area is also enhanced significantly in the middle and later portions of the monsoon season associated with increased soil moisture, suggesting its memory effect for the persistence of rainfall anomalies. The AUSM variability can therefore be regarded as a self-sustaining internal variability in the atmosphere–ocean–land surface coupled system, rather than just an atmospheric internal variability.

Significance Statement

We aim to understand why summer monsoon rainfall in northern Australia varies markedly from one year to another even under the weak influence of large-scale sea surface temperature fluctuations, such as El Niño/La Niña. Our analyses based mainly on observational datasets reveal that wind-induced changes in oceanic evaporation south of Java significantly modulates the water vapor transport into northern Australia. We also find that ocean dynamics helps this wind–evaporation feedback process and continental soil moisture may act to prolong anomalous rainfall by its memory effect. This study shows the self-sustaining nature of the Australian summer monsoon variability under the atmosphere–ocean–land surface interactions, which deepens our understandings of the monsoon system.
Anthropogenic Influence on Temperature Change in China over the Period 1901–2018
Authors: Yin Hong , Sun Ying
Published: October 2022

Human influence on regional warming since 1901 has received little attention because of limited data during the early period. This study investigates the relative contribution of different external forcings to observed annual, summer, and winter warming in China over the period 1901–2018. First, four observational datasets were compared to validate data representativeness, particularly during the early twentieth century. Observed temperature changes were then compared with outputs from phases 5 and 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5 and CMIP6) based on an optimal fingerprinting method. Generally, both generations of climate models were able to reliably reproduce long-term warming in China over the period 1901–2018; however, they slightly underestimate the amplitude of annual and winter temperature increases. The observed annual warming of 1.54°C from 1901 to 2018 was more rapid than the global mean and was mostly attributable to the anthropogenic forcing signal. The three-signal detection analyses, including greenhouse gas (GHG), anthropogenic aerosol (AA), and natural external (NAT) forcings, indicated the detectable and distinct influence of GHG and AA signals on annual, summer, and winter temperatures during 1901–2018. For annual mean temperature, the GHG and AA contributed to 2.06°C (from 1.58° to 2.54°C) and −0.45°C (from −0.17° to −0.73°C) of observed change, respectively. The GHG signal was detectable from individual CMIP6 models and thus was indicative of the robustness of this influence. While during 1951–2018, GHG and AA were simultaneously detected in the summer temperatures based on the CMIP6 models; here, the AA cooling effects offset approximately 25% of GHG-induced warming.
Intended Response to Tornado Watches among Tennessee Residents
Authors: Burow Daniel , Ellis Kelsey , First Jennifer
Published: October 2022

Tornado watches are issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for tornado formation. Individuals’ responses to a tornado watch may affect their ability to seek shelter before a tornado strikes. Here, survey data of Tennessee residents were used to determine common patterns in intended responses to two tornado watch scenarios: one during daytime, and the other at nighttime. Three common patterns were identified for a daytime watch: doing nothing, seeking information using technology, or seeking shelter and praying for safety. The two patterns for a nighttime watch were either to do nothing or to react actively by seeking further information, seeking shelter, and contacting friends and family. Logistic regressions indicated younger participants, those with prior tornado experience, and those who understood a tornado watch were less likely to intend to seek shelter and pray for safety during the daytime. Older participants and those without strong self-efficacy beliefs were less likely to use technology to find further information. For the nighttime scenario, participants living in east Tennessee and those who believed that bodies of water provide protection from tornadoes were more likely to respond actively, while wealthier participants and those living in single- or multifamily houses were less likely to respond actively. These results show that intended watch response is influenced by many factors, including age, income, and self-efficacy beliefs, as well as knowledge of and experience with tornadoes. In addition, those who do not understand the meaning of a tornado watch may be more likely to seek shelter prematurely.

Significance Statement

We sought to determine common intended responses to tornado watches, a type of alert that indicates conditions are favorable for tornadoes over the next few hours, among the public. We then analyzed which participant characteristics were associated with these common response types. Age, income, housing type, belief in tornado myths, knowledge of watch terminology, and belief that one’s own actions affect tornado survival likelihood were all significantly associated with common response types. These findings are important for forecasters, broadcasters, and others responsible for alerting the public for severe weather. Clarifying tornado watch terminology, dispelling myths, and specifying where those in mobile homes can find shelter are all important strategies for a better-prepared public.
Frum mames : faire la maternité, le genre et la judéité parmi les femmes juives hassidiques de Montréal
Authors: Gaddi Valentina
Published: October 2022

Based on fieldwork observations and interviews, this article offers both a theoretical and methodological reflection on the study of the maternity among Hasidic Jewish women at the crossroads of two approaches. The first considers motherhood from a feminist phenomenological perspective, emphasizing the lived and embodied dimension of the feminine; following Butler and queer theorists, this translates into a vision of motherhood and more broadly of gender, as doing. The second propose to consider Jewishness rather than Judaism, and grasp it as a «lived discursive tradition» in the wake of Talal Asad and the lived religion approach. The preliminary results of my research illustrate the heuristic scope of this framing, highlighting the gendered character of Jewishness and especially underling how doing motherhood, gender and Jewishness is strongly intertwined and displayed through acts of daily care. It is through these gestures, among other things, that these women develop and foster their connection both with the divine and the past and the future of Jewish people.
Promoting healthy eating: The intervening role of health and nutrition-related claims in food advertisements
Authors: Pan Po-Lin , Bhandari Manu , Meng Juan
Published: October 2022

Objective:

Factors contributing to the obesity epidemic have powerful effects on people who are frequently exposed to the extensive advertisement of unhealthy foods. This study aimed to examine how consumers’ attitudes towards health and nutrition-related (HNR) claims in food advertisements affected their healthy food choice (HFC) and how online searching for nutrition information (OSNI) about food products mediated the impact of obesity knowledge on HFC.

Method:

An online survey was conducted using Amazon Mechanical Turk. A total of 897 participants were recruited, with 484 women and 380 men. A moderated mediation analysis using PROCESS was conducted.

Results:

OSNI was found to mediate the impact of obesity knowledge on HFC. The extent to which consumers’ obesity knowledge influenced their HFC depended on consumers’ attitudes towards HNR claims in food advertisements. The direct effect of consumers’ obesity knowledge on their HFC was moderated by their attitudes towards HNR claims in food advertisements.

Conclusion:

Both theoretical and practical insights into the dynamic effects on HFC were identified in response to the use of HNR claims in food advertisements as a persuasive strategy for promoting healthy eating. Healthcare professionals and health educators working to address obesity issues should craft more useful online health and nutrition information for consumers who are considering eating healthier foods. In addition, more helpful HNR claims in food advertisements should be developed so as to promote healthy food products, especially for consumers with limited obesity knowledge.
Studies on the thermal stability of vinyl ester/polyurethane IPNs by gravimetric analysis
Authors: Ranjan Jagesh Kumar , Goswami Sudipta
Published: October 2022

Interpenetrating polymer networks based on vinyl ester resin and polyurethane were synthesized using different blend ratio, for example, 93:7, 90:10, and 80:20 (w/w). The samples were subjected to thermogravimetric analysis under non-isothermal conditions in presence of an inert atmosphere within the temperature range of 303–773K. Determination of distributed activation energy at various stages of degradation process and its implication in the reaction mechanism was investigated by using various isoconversional models and Kissinger’s model fitting approaches. It was observed that IPNs showed higher thermal stability and also possessed higher activation energy for degradation than pure VE in the selected range of temperature when heated at a specific rate.
Chinatown Pastiche: The Chinese Village at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition
Authors: Gow William
Published: October 2022

In 1893, China boycotted the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in protest of the Geary Act, which renewed Chinese exclusion for ten years. In the absence of an official Chinese exhibit, a group of Chinese American merchants drew upon a set of theatrical elements associated with Chinatown tours to construct the Chinese Village attraction. For two decades, Chinatown tours had functioned as a form of aggregate entertainment featuring a set of archetypes—including the Restaurant, the Joss House, the Opium Den—that advanced the idea that Chinatown was a “Yellow Peril” to white Americans. The Chinese Village took this aggregate entertainment and attached a different cultural message, one which promoted the Chinese Village as a nonthreatening experience defined by consumption, surface aesthetics, and theatrical performance. In advancing this message, the Chinese Village contributed to a cultural shift that redefined understandings of Chinese immigrants for much of the next century.
Low-complexity observer–based output-feedback tracking control for a class of nonlinear lower-triangular systems
Authors: Wu Xia , Luo Shibin , Wei Caisheng , Qiu Likuan
Published: October 2022

The tracking control problem for a group of nonlinear lower-triangular systems with multiple uncertainties is investigated in this work. Wherein, a novel performance constraint is first constructed to guarantee the fixed-time convergence of the output tracking error. Subsequently, a linear extended high-gain observer is employed to estimate the system uncertainties including the unmeasured states and the external disturbances. Based on the observer estimations, a novel output-feedback tracking control approach is formulated via using the backstepping technique, to ensure the boundedness of the closed-loop system. Compared with the existing works, the primary advantages of the proposed design are that (1) the problem of "explosion of terms" is avoided by eliminating the need for the derivative of the virtual control signals and (2) without the use of extra auxiliary techniques, the fixed-time convergence can be guaranteed, where the convergence time is independent of the system states and initial conditions. Then, the results about system stability are proved by the theoretical analysis. Moreover, an extension of the proposed approach to multi-input multi-output systems is deduced in this paper to further present its versatility. Finally, two groups of numerical examples are performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Development and Validation of a Clinical Prediction Model to Diagnose Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma Based on Computed Tomography Features and Clinical Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Zengxiao , Yu Longgang , Jiang Jiaxin , Wang Lin , Zhou Shizhe , Hao Dapeng , Jiang Yan
Published: October 2022

Objectives: Sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) is one of the most common benign tumors of the nasal cavity and sinuses and is at risk for recurrence and malignant transformation. It is crucial to precisely predict SNIP before surgery to determine the optimal surgical technique and prevent SNIP recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT) features and SNIP clinical characteristics and to develop and validate a clinically effective nomogram. Methods: Here, 267 patients with SNIP and 273 with unilateral chronic rhinosinusitis with/without nasal polyps were included. Patient’s demographic and clinical characteristics (i.e., gender, age, nasal symptoms, history of sinus surgery, smoking, and alcohol dependence) and CT features (i.e., lobulated/wavy edge, air sign, focal hyperostosis, diffuse hyperostosis, focal osseous erosion, and CT values) were recorded. Independent risk factors were screened using logistic regression analysis. A nomogram model was developed and validated. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that age, facial pain/headache, history of sinus surgery, lobulated/wavy edge, air sign, focal hyperostosis, focal osseous erosion, and CT values were independent predictors of SNIP. A nomogram comprising these 8 independent risk factors was established. The area under the curve (AUC) for the training set was .960 (95% CI, .942–.978) and the AUC for the validation set was .951 (95% CI, .929–.971). Conclusion: The obtained results suggested that the nomogram based on age, facial pain/headache symptoms, history of sinus surgery, and CT characteristics had an excellent diagnostic value for SNIP.
Opening up the black box of family entrepreneurship across generations: A systematic literature review
Authors: Capolupo Paolo , Ardito Lorenzo , Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio , De Massis Alfredo
Published: October 2022

What makes some families more entrepreneurial than others? How are they able to nurture entrepreneurship across generations? These are fundamental questions for family business and entrepreneurship research. In particular, the multigenerational dimension of entrepreneurial families (EFs) and the new family logics that emerge as the family grows may lead to different types of entrepreneurial activities. To shed light on these questions, we conduct a systematic literature review of 90 peer-reviewed articles focusing on the characteristics and behaviours of EFs, family members and their business activities. Specifically, we first identify and categorise the family-related factors characterising EFs across generations. Second, we link the identified factors to different types of entrepreneurial activities pursued as the generations advance, distinguishing two dimensions: mode of organising (internal vs. external), and degree of relatedness (related vs. unrelated). Finally, we highlight the main gaps in the literature and provide a future research agenda.
Experience in management of cesarean scar pregnancy and outcomes in a single center
Authors: Wu Dong-fang , Zhang Hong-xia , He Wen , Liu Xin , Song Hai-man , Yu Teng-fei
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study aimed to describe our experience of managing cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and outcomes depending on ultrasound imaging features.

Methods

A retrospective, cohort observational study was performed on 31 consecutive patients with CSP at 6 to 9 weeks of gestation from April 2015 to January 2021. All patients were evaluated for the residual myometrial thickness (RMT), growth direction of the gestational sac (GS), blood flow, and chorionic parenchyma using ultrasonography. Patients underwent curettage or methotrexate (MTX) combined with curettage in CSP depending on the age of the GS. Blood loss of >500 mL with curettage was considered major bleeding.

Results

Twenty-five (80.6%) patients had successful treatment, and six (19.4%) patients had major bleeding. The incidence of major bleeding was significantly higher in patients with >7 weeks of gestation, types II and III CSP, mixed and exogenous types of the growth direction of the GS, an RMT < 2 mm, and multiple lacunae formation in thickened chorionic parenchyma.

Conclusions

The exogenous and mixed types of the GS, an RMT < 2 mm, and multiple lacunae in thickened chorionic parenchyma may be high-risk factors for major hemorrhage by curettage in CSP.
Relationships of ABO and Rhesus blood groups with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Getawa Solomon , Bayleyegn Biruk , Aynalem Melak , Worku Yilkal Belete , Adane Tiruneh
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been linked to blood type. We aimed to characterize the relationships of the ABO and Rhesus blood groups with T2DM.

Methods

Literature searches were performed using the Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases to identify studies published up to 31 March 2022. The PRISMA guidelines were used for reporting. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using fixed-effects models.

Results

Twenty-six studies of 6870 patients with T2DM and 11,879 controls were identified. Compared with the other ABO groups, people with blood type B were at higher risk of T2DM (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.20–1.41), while group O was associated with a lower risk (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86–0.98). There were no significant associations of T2DM with blood types A or AB, or Rh factor.

Conclusion

Individuals with blood type B are at higher risk of developing T2DM. Therefore, they should be screened for T2DM on a frequent basis and be made aware of the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise for the prevention of obesity and T2DM.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022353945.
SmarTxT: A Natural Language Processing Approach for Efficient Vehicle Defect Investigation
Authors: Francis Jack , Cates Kim , Caldiera Gianluigi
Published: October 2022

The investigation of vehicle defects, which is generally led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the U.S., is critical to the continued trust of the general public in the safety of vehicles. NHTSA routinely receives millions of reports of potential defects, complaints, recalls, and manufacturer communications, which may provide evidence of a new vehicle defect. However, the large quantity and text-based communication make efficiently identifying defect trends difficult for analysts. To accelerate the investigation of defect reports, we introduce a natural language processing (NLP) application that identifies key topics and similar defect reports to assist analysts and investigators. Further, our application is built to provide users with a web interface for interacting with the NLP models. The integration of NLP with current NHTSA datasets provides a method for quickly identifying defect trends in large text-based datasets. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our method, we apply our approach to two publicly available NHTSA datasets, namely the Technical Service Bulletins and Recalls Dataset.
The Effect of Organizational Reputation on Public Employees’ Retention: How to Win the “War for Talent” in Constitutional Autonomous Agencies in Mexico
Authors: Bustos Edgar O.
Published: October 2022

Retaining valuable employees is a critical task for public organizations to present themselves as competent and efficient to their multiple audiences. However, despite the importance of staff mobility dynamics for public organizations, retention is an issue that has not been thoroughly studied in human resource management research. In the case of Mexico, retaining the most valuable staff is becoming more difficult because its public administration is characterized by corruption and patronage. The article argues that reputation sustains a reciprocity exchange between employees and employers, which is reflected in longterm labor relationships. Using a survey of employees of five Constitutional Autonomous Agencies in Mexico, the article shows that having a positive reputation is a crucial factor for public employees when deciding whether to stay or leave their jobs. The findings imply that building and maintaining a positive reputation must be relevant for public managers because of its implications for HRM.
Non-Invasive Vascular Elastography as a One-Step Imaging Technique to Evaluate Early Vascular Changes in Children Compared to B-Mode-Based Intima-Media Thickness Technique : A Validation Study Using Inter- and Intra-Rater Reliability
Authors: Alchourron Emilie , Dubois Josée , Cloutier Guy , Stein Nina , Farhat Ziad , Roy-Cardinal Marie-Hélène , Moretti Jean-Baptiste , Lapierre Chantale , El Jalbout Ramy
Published: October 2022

Background: Childhood obesity is linked to higher adult mortality and morbidity from atherosclerosis. It is primordial to detect at-risk children earlier-on to prevent disease progression. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a subclinical radiological marker for early atherosclerosis. B-mode ultrasound is a known technique to assess IMT, but no gold standard technique exists in children. Non-invasive vascular elastography (NIVE) using speckle statistics is an innovative alternative to evaluate IMT and adds by providing translation, strain and shear strain measurements. Validation studies for both techniques lack in children. Purpose: Validate the reproducibility of the 2 techniques in Canadian children. Methods: We conducted a prospective study where anthropometry, blood pressure, IMT and elastography were measured. Six operators obtained 2 measurements for both carotid arteries using both techniques, for a total of 720 measurements. Inter- and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for each measurement technique and elastography parameters. Results: 30 participants (13.0 ± 1.26 years, 17 girls) were recruited. Twelve were overweight. No significant difference was found in mean IMT between weight groups for either technique ( P = .15 and P = .60). We found excellent inter- (ICC = .98 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): .97; .99]) and intra- (ICC = .90-.93) operator reliability for the B-mode technique, and good inter (ICC = .70 [95% CI: .47; .85]) and intra- (ICC = .71-.91) operator reliability for the NIVE-based technique. Poor reliability was found between techniques (ICC = .30 [95% CI: −.31; .65). For elastography parameters, translation was the most reliable (ICC = .94-.95). Conclusion: IMT measurement is reproducible in children but not between techniques. NIVE gives the advantage of evaluating elastography.
Changes in Harm Perception for E-Cigarettes Among Youth in the United States, 2014–2019
Authors: Namwase Angella Sandra , Gyimah Emmanuel A. , Carothers Bobbi J. , Combs Todd B. , Harris Jenine K.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the trend of harm perception for e-cigarettes and the trend of the association between harm perception for e-cigarettes and for cigarettes among US youth from 2014 to 2019.

Design, setting and subjects

The National Youth Tobacco Survey is an annual, cross-sectional, school-based survey done among youth selected using three-stage probability sampling.

Analysis

Data were drawn from the 2014 to 2019 Surveys. A Multinomial logistic regression model was used to assess the association between harm perception for e-cigarettes and harm perception for cigarettes for each year.

Results

The percentage of youth who perceived e-cigarettes as harmless decreased from 2014 to 2019 (17.2% to 5.8%). From 2015 to 2018, the percentage of smokers who perceived e-cigarettes as a little harmful increased (33.6% to 41.2%). The positive association between harm perception for e-cigarettes and harm perception for cigarettes became stronger with time. In 2014, the odds of perceiving e-cigarettes as harmless relative to very harmful were 19.55 times greater for youth who perceived cigarettes as harmless, compared to those who perceived cigarettes as very harmful (OR = 19.55; 95% CI: 14.19–26.94). These odds increased to 77.65 times in 2019 (OR = 77.65; 95% CI: 41.48–107.85).

Conclusion

This study suggests a stronger relationship between perceived harm of cigarettes and e-cigarettes with time. Interventions to prevent smoking have the potential to change e-cigarette use.
Empowering undergraduates through machine learning
Authors: Urtasun Ainhoa
Published: October 2022

This report describes a teaching experience with undergraduates to approach, in a simple and practical way, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) – general-purpose technologies that are highly demanded in any industry today. The article shows how business undergraduates with no prior experience in coding can use AI and ML to solve business-related problems, particularly human resource management (HRM) problems. AI and ML are powerful technologies that can improve the analytical skills and employability of those who understand them.
Adapted work placement delivery method under COVID-19 towards students’ job preparatory behaviours
Authors: Dewi Rahmatika
Published: October 2022

This study investigated students’ perceptions of an adapted work placement (WP) delivery method due to COVID-19, their intention of finding paid jobs or becoming self-employed and how the intention influenced their job preparatory behaviours (JPB). Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was utilised as a theoretical framework to model the research design. The TPB framework has three constructs – attitude towards behaviour, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control – that lead to students’ intentions with regard to future jobs and, ultimately, behaviours. The study analysed three sets of data from: (i) semi-structured interviews with accounting students, (ii) a semi-structured interview with the head of an accounting department, (iii) document analysis of a WP guidebook. All data were collected from a polytechnic in Indonesia. There were three key findings. In terms of students’ perceptions, the adapted WP programme created disappointment among the students. Beyond this disappointment, the adapted delivery method unexpectedly increased the students’ self-employment intentions. Nonetheless, the intentions did not entirely prompt the students to pursue JPB towards self-employment. This paper provides insights into how higher education institutions might restructure their WP programmes, especially in times of crisis, and provides suggestions for students’ job preparations.
Extended state observer design with fractional order Bode’s ideal cut-off filter in a linear motor motion control system
Authors: Shi Xinxin , Chen YangQuan
Published: October 2022

A desired output tracking motion control scheme of a new type of self-made linear motor is proposed in the presence of parameter uncertainties and external disturbance. An extended state observer is designed with a fractional order Bode’s ideal cut-off filter to suppress the high-frequency measurement noise. Characteristics of the linear motor are analyzed, including its working principle, mathematical model, and mechanical structure. A fractional order Bode’s ideal cut-off filter, a second-order extended state observer, a reference acceleration feedforward control scheme, and a normal proportional–derivative algorithm constitute the linear-motion control system in this article. The effectiveness of the control scheme has been verified by comparative simulations and experimental results. The proposed method is an effective way to obtain desired output tracking control performance in actual motion control engineering.
Resampling-based inferences for compositional regression with application to beef cattle microbiomes
Authors: Lee Sujin , Jung Sungkyu , Lourenco Jeferson , Pringle Dean , Ahn Jeongyoun
Published: October 2022

Gut microbiomes are increasingly found to be associated with many health-related characteristics of humans as well as animals. Regression with compositional microbiomes covariates is commonly used to identify important bacterial taxa that are related to various phenotype responses. Often the dimension of microbiome taxa easily exceeds the number of available samples, which creates a serious challenge in the estimation and inference of the model. The sparse log-contrast regression method is useful for such cases as it can yield a model estimate that depends on only a small number of taxa. However, a formal statistical inference procedure for individual regression coefficients has not been properly established yet. We propose a new estimation and inference procedure for linear regression models with extremely low-sample-sized compositional predictors. Under the compositional log-contrast regression framework, the proposed approach consists of two steps. The first step is to screen relevant predictors by fitting a log-contrast model with a sparse penalty. The screened-in variables are used as predictors in the non-sparse log-contrast model in the second step, where each of the regression coefficients is tested using nonparametric, resampling-based methods such as permutation and bootstrap. The performances of the proposed methods are evaluated by a simulation study, which shows they outperform traditional approaches based on normal assumptions or large sample asymptotics. Application to steer microbiome data successfully identifies key bacterial taxa that are related to important cattle quality measures.
Effects of electroacupuncture on liver function in mice with chronic alcoholic liver injury: visual display by in vivo fluorescence imaging
Authors: Song Xiao-jing , Wang Shu-you , Jia Shu-yong , Wang Guang-jun , Zhang Wei-bo
Published: October 2022

Objective:

Acupuncture can improve the symptoms of alcohol-induced bodily injury and has been accepted by the World Health Organization. In this study, in vivo fluorescence imaging (IVFI) was applied to display and evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on liver function (LF) in mice with chronic alcoholic liver injury (cALI).

Methods:

IVFI of the Cy5.5-galactosylated polylysine (Cy5.5-GP) probe targeting the liver asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) and liver indocyanine green (ICG) clearance was performed to visually evaluate the effect of EA at ST36 and BL18 on liver reserve function and hepatic metabolism in mice with cALI. In addition, changes in ASGPR expression, serum indexes of LF, and hepatic morphology were observed.

Results:

After EA at ST36 and BL18, the ASGPR-targeted fluorescence signals (FS) in the liver increased significantly in cALI mice ( p < 0.05) and exhibited relationships with liver ASGPR expression, liver ICG clearance, liver histology, and serum marker levels of LF in cALI mice undergoing EA intervention.

Conclusions:

As displayed by IVFI, EA at ST36 and BL18 appears to improve liver reserve function and inhibit the development of liver injury in mice with cALI. EA may have potential as a treatment strategy to protect against ALI.
Book review: Shruti Chaudhry. 2021. Moving for Marriage: Inequalities, Intimacy and Women’s Lives in Rural North India
Authors: Mishra Paro
Published: October 2022

Shruti Chaudhry. 2021. Moving for Marriage: Inequalities, Intimacy and Women’s Lives in Rural North India. SUNY Press, 313 pages, $95.00 (Hardback). ISBN 13: 9781438485577
Father’s Perspective on Breast Feeding: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Based Study
Authors: Velmurugan Aparna , Rajendran Prahankumar , Garg Manasi , Mani Manaikandan
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Despite global efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding, the rates in India have been in the sub-optimal range. Higher levels of paternal support and encouragement are linked to better maternal confidence in breastfeeding. This study was aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of fathers of infants towards the importance of breastfeeding practices.

Method

Fathers of infants visiting the Pediatric OPD, were interviewed with a structured, pre-tested questionnaire after obtaining written informed consent. This is a cross-sectional study where 158 fathers were given the questionnaire on knowledge, attitude, and practice about breastfeeding along with the sociodemographic details. The sections of the questionnaire were scored using the five-point Likert scale.

Results

Among the 158 fathers who participated in the study, majority (51%) had moderate scores in knowledge, attitude, and practice about breastfeeding. Around 131 fathers (83%) have not received any counseling about support and their role in breastfeeding and majority (58%) fathers felt the need to get education and training regarding parenting skills. Around 66% of the fathers were aware of the ideal duration of exclusive breastfeeding. About 35% of the fathers were not comfortable letting their wives breastfeed the child in public places. Around 25% of the participants had the idea that breastmilk production is reduced after child delivery through Cesarean section.

Conclusion

Fathers should have active participation during maternal check-ups, delivery, and antenatal counselling. This will help a better bonding and may lead to successful and prolonged breastfeeding. Educating fathers may help in increasing breastfeeding rates and duration.
Rivalry Between the Taliban and ISKP: The Collision of Terror
Authors: Kidwai Saman Ayesha
Published: October 2022

Today, Afghanistan finds itself in the cross hairs of a security vacuum and a near-failed state, where the increasing radicalisation of its populace appears to be an inevitable reality. Despite the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001 by the allied forces, it was able to resurge as a powerful non-state actor from 2006 onwards, under the leadership of Mullah Omar. However, that failed to prevent the emergence of other terrorist groups, like the Islamic State—Khorasan Province (ISKP), whose formation in 2015 heralded the beginning of the ongoing rivalry between the two organisations. Even though tracing their origin to terrorist outfits such as the Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), ISKP terrorists who formed the Khorasan branch of Islamic State (ISIS) consider the Hanafi-based organisations not ‘extremist enough’. Furthermore, the ISKP leaders denigrate the Taliban for their ethno-nationalist ambitions that fail to align with its pan-Islamic and extremist version of Salafist Islam. The ideological conflict, reinforced by resource-based competition and dynamics introduced by other jihadist groups such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and TTP, and the state actors like Pakistan, will continue to worsen the geostrategic and humanitarian crises unfolding in the country, with broad regional implications.
Risk factors for postpartum depression among sexual minority and heterosexual parents
Authors: Huller Harari Liat , Blasbalg Uri , Arnon Shay , Ben-Sheetrit Joseph , Toren Paz
Published: October 2022

Objective

Postpartum depression (PPD), a major depressive episode with postpartum onset, develops in 15% of mothers. Although findings suggest sexual minority parents may be at risk for PPD, research among this population is scarce. We evaluated risk factors for PPD in a sample of sexual minority and heterosexual parents.

Method

Four hundred and twenty seven heterosexual and one hundred and eleven sexual minority parents responded to a questionnaire distributed via social media that included demographics, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.

Results

Sexual minority identity was not associated with increased risk for PPD. Pregnancy had no significant effect on the likelihood for PPD. Social support was negatively and significantly associated with probability for PPD.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that sexual minority parents are not at increased risk for PPD, contrary to previous findings. The parental role, a psychosocial factor, is a more dominant risk factor than pregnancy itself, in the development of PPD.
Teaching Team Science: The Key to Addressing 21st Century Global Challenges
Authors: Love Hannah B. , Cross Jennifer E. , Fosdick Bailey K. , Tofany Elizabeth , Dickmann Ellyn M.
Published: October 2022

To solve complex 21st-century global challenges, universities must prepare students to be competent team members. This article presents results from analysis of data collected at a university in four types of undergraduate sociology classrooms using mixed-methods, including social network analysis, student reflections, and an alumni survey. Results showed that learning is a social process. Compared with traditional lecture, fixed teams, and interacting teams, opportunistic collaboration is the most effective structure in teaching team learning through fostering communication, support, and learning networks. Post-secondary education should endorse opportunistic collaboration learning practices to prepare students for workplace success in a global economy.
Insights into Creating and Managing an Inclusive Neurodiverse Workplace for Positive Outcomes: A Multistaged Theoretical Framework
Authors: Khan Maria Hameed , Grabarski Mirit K. , Ali Muhammad , Buckmaster Stephen
Published: October 2022

Neurodiversity has historically been dismissed and undervalued in management and organizational studies literature. In recent times, there has been a recognition in practitioner forums about the benefits associated with neurodiversity, triggering recruitment drives to hire neurodivergent individuals. However, lack of theoretical frameworks and empirical research on workplace neurodiversity is undermining practice. We address this gap by presenting a multistage theoretical framework of managing neurodiversity premised on (a) creating a neurodiverse workplace through reconfiguring recruitment and selection; (b) fostering an inclusive workplace through careful implementation of development and engagement practices and management of perceptions of reverse discrimination; and (c) capitalizing on the benefits of an inclusive workplace, enhanced by equitable supervision, to achieve improved employee and organizational outcomes. This paper enriches the literature on managing workplace neurodiversity by offering deeper insights into barriers to employment, inclusion in the workplace, and positive outcomes of employment. Our proposed framework, derived by an integration of theories, will help managers effectively manage neurodiversity in the workplace, addressing the associated challenges. Finally, this paper lays a foundation for future research to advance knowledge on managing neurodiversity in organizations.
Free damping vibration of functionally graded porous viscoelastic nonlocal microbeam with thermal effect
Authors: Song HuiDiao , Qing Hai
Published: October 2022

Combining classic Kelvin–Voigt viscoelastic model and two-phase local/nonlocal integral models (TPNIM), two-phase local/nonlocal integral viscoelastic models (TPNIVM) are proposed to study the free thermo-damping vibration of functionally graded porous microbeam with four different porous distribution patterns. The differential governing equations, boundary conditions, and constitutive constraints are formulated. The axial stress due to environmental temperature variation is derived explicitly. Several nominal variables are introduced to simplify the mathematical formulae. Laplace transformation is applied to obtain the explicit expression for bending deflection and moment. On considering the boundary conditions and constitutive constraints, a complex coefficients nonlinear equation is obtained to determine the complex characteristic frequency. A two-step numerical method is proposed to solve the elastic vibration frequency and damping ratio. The influence of nonlocal parameters, porous distribution parameters, and environmental temperature variation on the elastic vibration frequency and damping ratio is investigated numerically for different boundary conditions. The numerical results show that, under different boundary conditions, the compressive thermal stresses lead to the decrease of nominal vibration frequencies, and the increase of critical viscos coefficient and the damping ratio. With the increase of [Formula: see text] and the decrease of [Formula: see text], the damping ratio increases and decrease for strain-driven (εD) and stress-driven (σD) nonlocal models, respectively.