bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Preosteoclast Populations in Obesity-Associated Periodontal Disease
Authors: Kwack K.H. , Zhang L. , Sohn J. , Maglaras V. , Thiyagarajan R. , Kirkwood K.L.
Published: October 2021

Although there is a clear relationship between the degree of obesity and periodontal disease incidence, the mechanisms that underpin the links between these conditions are not completely understood. Understanding that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are expanded during obesity and operate in a context-defined manner, we addressed the potential role of MDSCs to contribute toward obesity-associated periodontal disease. Flow cytometry revealed that in the spleen of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), expansion in monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) significantly increased when compared with mice fed a low-fat diet (LFD). In the osteoclast differentiation assay, M-MDSCs isolated from the bone marrow of HFD-fed mice showed a larger number and area of osteoclasts with a greater number of nuclei. In the M-MDSCs of HFD-fed mice, several osteoclast-related genes were significantly elevated when compared with LFD-fed mice according to a focused transcriptomic platform. In experimental periodontitis, the number and percentage of M-MDSCs were greater, with a significantly larger increase in HFD-fed mice versus LFD-fed mice. In the spleen, the percentage of M-MDSCs was significantly higher in HFD-fed periodontitis-induced (PI) mice than in LFD-PI mice. Alveolar bone volume fraction was significantly reduced in experimental periodontitis and was further decreased in HFD-PI mice as compared with LFD-PI mice. The inflammation score was significantly higher in HFD-PI mice versus LFD-PI mice, with a concomitant increase in TRAP staining for osteoclast number and area in HFD-PI mice over LFD-PI mice. These data support the concept that M-MDSC expansion during obesity to become osteoclasts during periodontitis is related to increased alveolar bone destruction, providing a more detailed mechanistic appreciation of the interconnection between obesity and periodontitis.
Does Power “Spread”? Foucault on the Generalization of Power
Authors: Park Jaeyoon
Published: October 2021

This essay critically analyzes a common metaphor in political theory, which figures the growth of power as a process of “spreading” or “diffusion.” It argues that narratives that cast the generalization of power as a movement of “spreading” often fail to furnish the specific type of historical evidence that they imply, such that these narratives are frequently received as richly suggestive yet ultimately unjustified. This essay develops an alternative way of conceptualizing the generalization of power, one that rests on rigorous yet speculative evidence of the sort that political theorists are best positioned to find: not proof of literal extension or application of existing powers to new domains, but accidental convergences, isomorphisms, and ideal combinations among disparate practices that introduce large powers into the world.

To do this, the essay revisits Foucault’s narrative of the generalization of disciplinary power in modern Western societies, which is perhaps the clearest source for the familiarity of the figure of “spread” in contemporary political theory. It shows that Foucault’s incessant use of the “spread” metaphor naturally invites the dismissive reading that Discipline and Punish received in many quarters, for it implies a historical process that Foucault cannot justify. Yet I argue that in a brief self-criticism, Foucault provides the rudiments for a conception of power’s generalization far more useful and compelling than the metaphoric of “spread.” I suggest that this alternative, if developed, is not just the proper frame for interpreting Foucault’s narrative, but a promising practical resource for contemporary theorists of general powers.
Multi-step network traffic prediction using echo state network with a selective error compensation strategy
Authors: Han Ying , Jing Yuanwei , Dimirovski Georgi M , Zhang Li
Published: October 2021

Communication networks grow exponentially in this globalization era; thus, the network traffic modelling and prediction plays a crucial role in network management and security warning. Solely, the multi-step network traffic prediction may involve greater errors hence worsening prediction performance. To overcome this problem, an optimized echo state network model with selective error compensation is proposed. In the optimized echo state network-based multi-step prediction model, an improved fruit–fly optimization algorithm based on cloud model (named LVCMFOA) is used to select optimum values of four key parameters of the model. The proposed LVCMFOA algorithm uses the levy-flight function to redefine the generation of the fruit–fly population, which can randomly change the search radius and help getting out of a possible local optimal solution and prevent local optimum. To reduce the calculation time but improve the prediction accuracy simultaneously, a sophisticated selective error compensation strategy employing the variable sliding window technology is proposed so as to avoid the error accumulation problem in the multi-step prediction. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by applying it to Henon mapping chaotic series, Mackey–Glass chaotic series and two public network traffic data sets all known in the literature.
Identifying the Roles of Accounting Accruals in Corporate Financial Reporting
Authors: Dutta Sunil , Patatoukas Panos N. , Wang Annika Yu
Published: October 2021

Research in corporate financial reporting identifies two important roles of accounting accruals. First, accruals smooth fluctuations in operating cash flows. Second, accruals allow recognition of losses in an asymmetric timely manner. While these two roles imply different relations between individual accrual components and operating cash flow news, prior research often focuses on the properties of aggregate accruals. We investigate the role of individual accrual components and identify asymmetry in the relation of investment with operating cash flow news as a confounding factor. We show that this investment factor operates through depreciation and amortization accruals, which typically account for the bulk of aggregate accruals. Overall, our article demonstrates the importance of adopting a granular approach to identifying the different roles of individual accrual components.
Symmetric Dimethylarginine Is a Sensitive Biomarker of Glomerular Injury in Rats
Authors: Kohnken Rebecca , Himmel Lauren , Logan Michael , Peterson Richard , Biswas Sabyasachi , Dunn Christina , LeRoy Bruce
Published: October 2021

Glomerular filtration rate is the gold-standard method for assessment of renal function but is rarely performed in routine toxicity studies. Standard serum biomarkers of renal function are insensitive and become elevated only with significant loss of organ function. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a ubiquitous analyte that is freely filtered by the glomerulus and can be detected in serum. It has shown utility for the detection of renal injury in dogs and cats in clinical veterinary practice, but the potential utility of SDMA to detect renal injury in preclinical species or toxicity studies has not been thoroughly investigated. We utilized a well-characterized glomerular toxicant, puromycin aminonucleoside, to induce podocyte injury and subsequent proteinuria in young male Sprague-Dawley rats. At the end of 1 or 2 weeks, blood, urine, and kidney tissue were collected for analysis. One week following a single 50 mg/kg dose, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and albumin mean values were within historical control ranges, while SDMA was increased. Glomerular changes in these animals included periodic acid–Schiff positive globules within podocytes, podocyte hypertrophy by light microscopy, and podocyte degeneration with effacement of foot processes by electron microscopy (EM). Taken together, our data indicate that SDMA may be a useful biomarker for early detection of glomerular toxicities in rats.
Needs and Concerns of Lewy Body Disease Family Caregivers: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Stacy Kelly E. , Perazzo Joseph , Shatz Rhonna , Bakas Tamilyn
Published: October 2021

Lewy body disease (LBD) is a devastating condition with cognitive and physical deficits that pose a challenge to family caregivers. The purpose of this study was to identify the needs and concerns of family caregivers of persons with LBD. A convenience sample of LBD caregivers were interviewed regarding their caregiving needs, concerns, strategies, and advice. A content analysis approach was used to organize data into themes from an existing needs and concerns framework. Findings included the need for more information about the disease, strategies for managing LBD-related emotions and behaviors, support and assistance with physical and instrumental care, and strategies for managing one’s own personal responses to caregiving. Findings highlight the need for a Lewy body specific caregiver assessment tool and future caregiver interventions.
The current state of relationship science: A cross-disciplines review of key themes, theories, researchers and journals
Authors: Sharkey Jennifer A. , Feather Jacqueline S. , Goedeke Sonja
Published: October 2021

This article provides a circumscribed descriptive analysis of the current state of research worldwide related to adult romantic relationship processes and their underlying mechanisms. A scoping review was used to gather data. This yielded 15,418 eligible articles from 1,687 different academic journals. From these, we outline key themes and theories arising in the last seven decades and note the most prolific journals and authors. The study of relational wellbeing has focused on overt behaviors such as communication and commitment, on underlying attitudes and motives such as empathy and contempt, and on substrates and circumstances such as neurobiological functioning and life stressors. The results reveal the strong interdisciplinary research underpinnings of the field of relationship science and show up key influences over its expansion. Results are intended to give an overview of key peer reviewed research that has contributed to the development of current scientific knowledge and theory development in this field.
Spatial proximity as a behavioral marker of relationship dynamics in older adult couples
Authors: Ogolsky Brian G. , Mejia Shannon T. , Chronopoulou Alexandra , Dobson Kiersten , Maniotes Christopher R. , Rice TeKisha M. , Hu Yifan , Theisen Jaclyn C. , Carvalho Manhães Leite Carolina
Published: October 2021

Background: Close relationships in older adulthood are characterized by heightened interdependence, which has implications for health and well-being as partners age together. Purpose: We describe a novel method that uses partners’ spatial proximity to examine the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Research Design: In a sample of 10 older adult couples over a 14-day study period, we linked a continuous measure of partners’ spatial proximity with partners’ heart rates—a physiological marker of arousal. Results: Cross-correlations showed that proximity was consistently associated with each partner’s heart rate, but the magnitude and sequence of the correlation varied from day-to-day, suggesting that the coupling of proximity and heart rate is a dynamic of the interaction, rather than the couple. Additionally, our predictive model showed that all three time-series were necessary for optimal prediction, demonstrating that proximity and partners’ heart rates are dynamically intertwined. Conclusion: Together, these results demonstrate meaningful and predictable variation in couple dynamics at the momentary level that consists of a complex association between physiological and spatial proximity.
Evaluating Risk-Stratified HPV Catch-up Vaccination Strategies: Should We Go beyond Age 26?
Authors: Wang Fan , Jozkowski Kristen N. , Zhang Shengfan
Published: October 2021

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. HPV can cause genital warts and multiple types of cancers in females. HPV vaccination is recommended to youth age 11 or 12 years before sexual initiation to prevent onset of HPV-related diseases. For females who have not been vaccinated previously, catch-up vaccines are recommended through age 26. The extent to which catch-up vaccines are beneficial in terms of disease prevention and cost-effectiveness is questionable given that some women may have been exposed to HPV before receiving the catch-up vaccination. This study aims to examine whether the cutoff age of catch-up vaccination should be determined based on an individual woman’s risk characteristic instead of a one-size-fits-all age 26.

Methods

We developed a microsimulation model to evaluate multiple clinical outcomes of HPV vaccination for different women based on a number of personal attributes. We modeled the impact of HPV vaccination at different ages on every woman and tracked her course of life to estimate the clinical outcomes that resulted from receiving vaccines. As the simulation model is risk stratified, we used extreme gradient boosting to build an HPV risk model estimating every woman’s dynamic HPV risk over time for the lifetime simulation model.

Results

Our study shows that catch-up vaccines still benefit all women after age 26 from the perspective of clinical outcomes. Women facing high risk of HPV infection are expected to gain more health benefits compared with women with low HPV risk.

Conclusions

From a cancer prevention perspective, this study suggests that the catch-up vaccine after age 26 should be deliberately considered.
Risk Stratification in Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Cancer Screening: Intervention Eligibility, Strategy Choice, and Optimality
Authors: O’Mahony James F.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

There is increasing interest in risk-stratified approaches to cancer screening in cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA). Current CEA practice regarding risk stratification is heterogeneous and guidance on the best approach is lacking. This article suggests how stratification in CEA can be improved.

Methods

I use a simple example of a hypothetical screening intervention with 3 potential recipient risk strata. The screening intervention has 6 alternative intensities, each with different costs and effects, all of which vary between strata. I consider a series of alternative stratification approaches, demonstrating the consequences for estimated costs, effects, and the choice of optimal strategy. I supplement this analysis with applied examples from the literature.

Results

Adopting the same screening policy for all strata yields the least efficient strategies, where efficiency is understood as the volume of net health benefit generated across a range of cost-effectiveness threshold values. Basic stratification that withholds screening from lower-risk strata while adopting a common strategy for those screened increases efficiency. Greatest efficiency is achieved when different strata receive separate strategies. While complete optimization can be achieved within a single analysis by considering all possible policy combinations, the resulting number of strategy combinations may be inconveniently large. Optimization with separate strata-specific analyses is simpler and more transparent. Despite this, there can be good reasons to simulate all strata together in a single analysis.

Conclusions

If the benefits of risk stratification are to be fully realized, policy makers need to consider the extent to which stratification is feasible, and modelers need to simulate those choices adequately. It is hoped this analysis will clarify those policy and modeling choices and therefore lead to improved population health outcomes.
Constrained stochastic optimal control with learned importance sampling: A path integral approach
Authors: Carius Jan , Ranftl René , Farshidian Farbod , Hutter Marco
Published: October 2021

Modern robotic systems are expected to operate robustly in partially unknown environments. This article proposes an algorithm capable of controlling a wide range of high-dimensional robotic systems in such challenging scenarios. Our method is based on the path integral formulation of stochastic optimal control, which we extend with constraint-handling capabilities. Under our control law, the optimal input is inferred from a set of stochastic rollouts of the system dynamics. These rollouts are simulated by a physics engine, placing minimal restrictions on the types of systems and environments that can be modeled. Although sampling-based algorithms are typically not suitable for online control, we demonstrate in this work how importance sampling and constraints can be used to effectively curb the sampling complexity and enable real-time control applications. Furthermore, the path integral framework provides a natural way of incorporating existing control architectures as ancillary controllers for shaping the sampling distribution. Our results reveal that even in cases where the ancillary controller would fail, our stochastic control algorithm provides an additional safety and robustness layer. Moreover, in the absence of an existing ancillary controller, our method can be used to train a parametrized importance sampling policy using data from the stochastic rollouts. The algorithm may thereby bootstrap itself by learning an importance sampling policy offline and then refining it to unseen environments during online control. We validate our results on three robotic systems, including hardware experiments on a quadrupedal robot.
Microgrid modeling for contribution to the frequency control of power system
Authors: Ghafouri Alireza
Published: October 2021

Recently, Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are becoming more attractive to supply local loads under the concept of microgrids. These new parts of the power system have basically different dynamics compared with conventional power plants. Most of them are connected to the grid by power electronic interfaces, and their dynamic is determined by their controller. In this paper, the effect of the increased penetration of DERs on the load frequency problem of power systems is studied. The DERs of microgrids in each area are controlled to change their active power at Point of Common Coupling (PCC) after a disturbance in the power system. It is shown that with appropriate control of DERs in microgrids, the frequency deviation of the power system will decrease and the stability margin can be increased.
Foucault against the Foucauldians? On the problem of the neoliberal state
Authors: Maher Henry
Published: October 2021

The survival of neoliberal forms of governance after their apparent repudiation during the Global Financial Crisis is a problem that continues to generate significant scholarly controversy. One of the most influential accounts of the survival of neoliberalism in the crisis draws on Michel Foucault’s The Birth of Biopolitics to claim that states intervening to support financial markets during the crisis was simply the neoliberal system working as expected. Returning to Foucault’s original text, I argue this account constitutes a systematic misreading because it treats Foucault as having developed an instrumentalist theory of the neoliberal state, a possibility Foucault explicitly rejected. I suggest that the reasons that led Foucault to reject an instrumentalist theory of the state remain just as relevant today, and accordingly argue for a return to Foucault’s methodological decision to treat neoliberalism not as a theory of state but as a discourse which constructs a novel bio-political governmentality.
Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Adults’ Experiences With Discrimination and Impacts on Expectations for Long-Term Care: Results of a Survey in the Southern United States
Authors: Dickson Lexus , Bunting Samuel , Nanna Alexis , Taylor Megan , Spencer Mindi , Hein Liam
Published: October 2021

The number of older adults in the United States is projected to increase in coming years, including the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+) older adults requiring long-term care (LTC) services. We conducted an online survey of older LGBTQ+ adults living in the Southern United States between January and March of 2018 to inquire about their anticipation of discrimination in and willingness to utilize LTC services. We found that 78.6% of respondents ( N = 789) anticipated discrimination in LTC. Previous experiences with discrimination, higher educational attainment, and queer/questioning sexual orientation were associated with greater expectation of discrimination. Higher anticipation of discrimination was also associated with a greater preference for utilizing LTC services offered by LGBTQ+ providers or for LGBTQ+ older adults. These findings suggest that LTC staff and researchers may be uniquely positioned to craft outreach and policies to protect LGBTQ+ LTC residents.
Estimation of COVID-19 waste generation and composition in Vietnam for pandemic management
Authors: Nguyen Trang DT , Kawai Kosuke , Nakakubo Toyohiko
Published: October 2021

Despite its initial success in COVID-19 pandemic control, Vietnam faces a growing risk of outbreaks as new infection waves driven by the highly contagious Delta variant surge in the region. In the context of preparedness through waste management, this study estimated the rate and quantity of generation and the composition of COVID-19 waste in Vietnam from the supply of resources and equipment. Over a year under COVID, 1486 t of COVID-19 waste was produced from the treatment of isolated COVID-19 patients (4.64 kg bed−1 day−1), quarantine in medical facilities (3.86 kg bed−1 day−1), centralised quarantine (46.43 g bed−1 day−1), testing (50 g test−1) and vaccination (10.46 g shot−1). Plastic dominated the waste at 76.7%, followed by paper. The additional management of waste from households with persons under quarantine is likely to reduce infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – contaminated waste. Thorough assessment is recommended for the establishment of regional collaboration to secure COVID-19 waste treatment capacity. These findings will support COVID-19 waste planning in Vietnam in association with pandemic scenarios and could be used as a reference by other developing countries for pandemic control.
Effects of online commenter sex cues and news receiver sex on commenter credibility
Authors: Bhandari Manu , Emery Matthew , Scott Sarah , Wolfgang David
Published: October 2021

Online comments can affect news receivers’ news perceptions. But the role of individual online comment sources is still poorly understood. Using Sundar’s TIME (Theory of Interactive Media Effects) theory, this experiment examined the effects of commenter sex cues and news receiver sex on commenter credibility. Commenters with female (vs. male) names were rated higher in source credibility, and female news receivers were generally more likely to rate commenters higher on source credibility. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Sedation and Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Tracheostomy in COVID-19, a Multi-Center Registry
Authors: Kapp Christopher M. , Latifi Ardian , Feller-Kopman David , Atkins Joshua H. , Ben Or Esther , Dibardino David , Haas Andrew R. , Thiboutot Jeffrey , Hutchinson Christoph T.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Patients with COVID-19 ARDS require significant amounts of sedation and analgesic medications which can lead to longer hospital/ICU length of stay, delirium, and has been associated with increased mortality. Tracheostomy has been shown to decrease the amount of sedative, anxiolytic and analgesic medications given to patients. The goal of this study was to assess whether tracheostomy decreased sedation and analgesic medication usage, improved markers of activity level and cognitive function, and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 ARDS.

Study Design and Methods

A retrospective registry of patients with COVID-19 ARDS who underwent tracheostomy creation at the University of Pennsylvania Health System or the Johns Hopkins Hospital from 3/2020 to 12/2020. Patients were grouped into the early (≤14 days, n = 31) or late (15 + days, n = 97) tracheostomy groups and outcome data collected.

Results

128 patients had tracheostomies performed at a mean of 19.4 days, with 66% performed percutaneously at bedside. Mean hourly dose of fentanyl, midazolam, and propofol were all significantly reduced 48-h after tracheostomy: fentanyl (48-h pre-tracheostomy: 94.0 mcg/h, 48-h post-tracheostomy: 64.9 mcg/h, P = .000), midazolam (1.9 mg/h pre vs. 1.2 mg/h post, P = .0012), and propofol (23.3 mcg/kg/h pre vs. 8.4 mcg/kg/h post, P = .0121). There was a significant improvement in mobility score and Glasgow Coma Scale in the 48-h pre- and post-tracheostomy. Comparing the early and late groups, the mean fentanyl dose in the 48-h pre-tracheostomy was significantly higher in the late group than the early group (116.1 mcg/h vs. 35.6 mcg/h, P = .03). ICU length of stay was also shorter in the early group (37.0 vs. 46.2 days, P = .012).

Interpretation

This data supports a reduction in sedative and analgesic medications administered and improvement in cognitive and physical activity in the 48-h period post-tracheostomy in COVID-19 ARDS. Further, early tracheostomy may lead to significant reductions in intravenous opiate medication administration, and ICU LOS.
“Always Know Where the Gun Is”: Service Providers Perceptions of Firearm Access, Violence, and Safety Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lynch Kellie R. , Logan TK
Published: October 2021

Given the heightened risk for fatality and known non-fatal harm firearms pose in abusive situations, it is critical to consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on firearm-related abuse and safety planning—particularly considering the surge in firearm sales in 2020. This study documented the impact of the pandemic on firearm access and violence, advice and safety planning surrounding firearms, and firearm-related abuse tactics through the perspective of victim service providers across the US participants included victim service professionals from both rural ( n = 93) and urban/suburban (i.e., non-rural; n = 78) areas who worked with victims of gender-based violence (i.e., intimate partner abuse and dating violence, child abuse, elder abuse, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking victims). Results revealed that nearly half of participants reported that abusers threatening to shoot victims or others became more frequent since the start of the pandemic, while nearly 30% reported that homicide involving firearms became more frequent during the pandemic. Further, nearly 40% of participants indicated an increase in firearm sales during pandemic—with higher sales in non-rural versus rural areas. Common themes related to safety planning with firearms included advising the victim to contact the system for help, assessing the location of firearms and/or remove the firearms, and leaving the abuser. The results stress the importance for safety planning around firearms when victims are isolated with an abuser at home and potential impact of abuser firearm access on public safety.
Influence of Sociodemographic Characteristics and Inflammation-Related Gene Variants on the Comfort Level of Caregivers of Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Pequeno Daniel Paixão , Viaro Elisângela Godoi , Carron Juliana , Silva Diego Rodrigues , Gaspar Karla Cristina , Lima Carmen Silvia Passos , Lourenço Gustavo Jacob
Published: October 2021

Background: Sociodemographic characteristics and inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1 cytokine receptor type 2 (IL1R2), IL-6, and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells like 2 (TREML2), may influence psychological disorders, including discomfort. Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) determine individual differences for the modulation of cytokines and indicate that genetics may also influence the comfort levels. However, the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, holistic comfort, and the roles played by IL1B rs16944, IL1R2 rs4141134, IL6 rs1800795, and TREML2 rs3747742 SNVs on the comfort levels of family caregivers (FCGs) of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in palliative care (PC) is unknown. Thus, its investigation consisted in the aim of the present study. Methods: A questionnaire was applied to obtain sociodemographic information on 95 FCGs. The genotypes were identified using TaqMan assays. The Holistic Comfort Questionnaire for the Caregiver, which consists of 49 questions, was used to measure comfort levels. Differences between groups were assessed by the t test and linear regression. Results: Employed FCGs ( p  = .04), those youngest ( p  = .04), smokers ( p  = .04), and those with IL1R2 GA or AA genotypes ( p  = .03) presented lower comfort regarding the overall, environmental, sociocultural, and psychospiritual domains, respectively. Conclusions: Employment status, smoking habit, young age, and SNV IL1R2 rs4141134 could influence the comfort levels of FCGs of patients with HNC in PC.
A review of the development trend of adaptive cruise control for ecological driving
Authors: Pan Chaofeng , Huang Aibao , Chen Long , Cai Yingfeng , Chen Liao , Liang Jun , Zhou Weiqi
Published: October 2021

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an important part of the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which aims to improve the user’s driving experience by reducing their manual operation and optimizing the vehicles’ performance such as economy, comfort, and safety. With the gradual maturity of research on ACC, it presents various development trends. Among them, ecological adaptive cruise control (EACC) has great development potential in reducing emissions and improving driving range in internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and electric vehicles (EVs). This paper firstly reviews the components of classic ACC. Then the main design methods, research hotspots, and development trends of EACC for HEVs and EVs are introduced in detail. This paper not only provides a comprehensive analysis of EACC design and application in different type of vehicles but also forecasts the future research direction and trend, expecting to promote the further development of EACC efficiently.
Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth Promote Hair Regeneration in Mouse
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshuang , Lei Tong , Chen Peng , Wang Lei , Wang Jian , Wang Donghui , Guo Wenhuan , Zhou Yabin , Li Quanhai , Du Hongwu
Published: October 2021

Stem cells in different types may interact with each other to maintain homeostasis or growth and the interactions are complicated and extensive. There is increasing evidence that mesenchymal-epithelial interactions in early morphogenesis stages of both tooth and hair follicles show many similarities. In order to explore whether stem cells from one tissue could interact with cells from another tissue, a series of experiments were carried out. Here we successfully extracted and identified stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) of 8–12 years old kids, and then found that SHED could promote hair regeneration in a mouse model. In vitro, SHED shortened the hair regeneration cycle and promoted the proliferation and aggregation of dermal cells. In vivo, when SHED and skin cells of C57 mice were subcutaneously co-transplanted to nude mice, more hair was formed than skin cells without SHED. To further explore the molecular mechanism, epidermal and dermal cells were freshly extracted and co-cultured with SHED. Then several signaling molecules in hair follicle regeneration were detected and we found that the expression of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and Glioma-associated oncogene 1 (Gli1) was up-regulated. It seems that SHED may boost the prosperity of hairs by increase Shh/Gli1 pathway, which brings new perspectives in tissue engineering and damaged tissue repairing.
Investment Performance: Emotional Beasts are Dragging into the Darkness of the Castle
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Bilal Ahmad Raza
Published: October 2021

The study documented the way forwards to sustain investment performance, and answered that why emotional beasts (e.g. small investors) are irrational in managing their investment performance, in Pakistan stock exchange (PSX). For this, reasons and challenges are identified to give solutions by testing the intervening link of non-cognitive individual differences (NCIDs) of small investors between investor’s personality traits and investment performance. Using multi-stage cluster sampling, the responses of small investors (n = 248) were taken and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to draw an inference between constructs. Our result traced mediating role of NCIDs between investor’s personality traits and investment performance. The findings extended the notion that small investors are the emotional investors and emotional disparities in the behavior of small investors are making PSX market conditions as slippery. In return to these inconsistencies, PSX is generating lower rate of return and a weak form of investment efficiency, on regular basis. Therefore, this is important to review and revise PSX’ investment mechanism and offer a sustainable and viable business plan for effective PROI acquisition, enhancing investor base by listing the maximum number of new companies, rigorously teaching and training small investors and updating databases accordingly. Our recommendations would be helpful to uplift the confidence in small investors’, depth in PSX asset base, market efficiency and rational trading. By achieving these proponents in PSX highly guarantees a strong investment performance and to turn the horde of such emotional beasts into a team of rational investors.
Socially Responsible Investing and Sustainable Indices: A Sustainability Agenda
Authors: M. R. Firdaus Khan
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 pandemic has brought climate change and socially responsible investing back to the forefront. Sustainable investing, though well-entrenched in developed countries, is slowly gaining traction in emerging markets. Sustainability indices operate as quality indicators and bridge information gap. This study explores the usefulness of three such indices and offers an autoregressive moving average model on Carbonex series for sustainable investments on Bombay Stock Exchange. However, the model fails to align with the long-term goals of socially responsible investing and the investor community needs to engage with regulators, corporations and rating agencies so that these sustainability indices can better serve their information needs and offer a valid measure of sustainable practices. COVID-19 brings with it the opportunity to ideate and envision innovative approaches to support a carbon-free economic agenda and to design eco-friendly infrastructure, planned urban development and transition to clean energy. Take–make–consume–waste attitude is out and the philosophy of preserve–endure–nurture–bequeath will be the new normal.
Caregiving and Care Receiving Experiences Among Older Chinese Immigrants and Their Home Health Aide
Authors: Yang Kyeongra , Chao Ying-Yu , Zha Peijia , Wang Weiming , Lee Young-Shin
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

There is limited information about how racial and cultural similarities or differences between patient and caregiver may affect quality care. The purpose of this study was to explore caregiving and receiving experiences among older Chinese immigrants and their home health aides by using in-depth interviews in culturally concordant dyads in a community setting.

Methodology:

A purposive sample of 10 dyads of older Chinese immigrants and their home health aides were recruited using a snowball sampling method ( N = 20). All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded for qualitative content analysis.

Results:

The majority of older adults were female ( n = 8) and their average age was 76.8 years. The following themes emerged: companionship and rapport, reconciling the need for care services with the expectations of family, the value of matched gender, language, and ethnic foodculture, assisting with daily routines, and experiencing caregiving burden due to a dual role.

Discussion:

This study elucidated the dynamics between care recipients and their caregivers with shared cultural backgrounds.
“You Do It Through the Grapevine”: A Bourdieusian Analysis of Under-Age Access to Tobacco Among Adolescents From Seven European Cities
Authors: Hewer Rebecca M. F. , Hill Sarah , Amos Amanda ,   SILNE-R consortium
Published: October 2021

Despite efforts to reduce adolescent smoking via minimum age-of-sale legislation, many young people continue to access tobacco through a mix of social and commercial sources. Little is known about the roles of habitus, capital, and social topographies in shaping under-age access to tobacco. This article draws on Bourdieu’s theory of practice and data generated from 56 focus groups with 14- to 19-year-olds across seven European cities to answer the question “via what sources and by what means do adolescents obtain tobacco?” We find that adolescents use a range of personal capitals (social, cultural, and economic) to access tobacco, with the specific constitution and deployment of these capitals varying according to the regularities of different fields. Since adolescents access tobacco via culturally embedded practices, attempts to curtail this access are more likely to be effective if they are multi-pronged, culturally informed, and attuned to the lived experiences of adolescent smokers.
Applicability and Efficiency of a Computerized Adaptive Test for the Washington Assessment of the Risks and Needs of Students
Authors: Demir Cihan , French Brian F.
Published: October 2021

The Washington Assessment of the Risks and Needs of Students (WARNS) is a computer-based assessment created to help courts, schools, and youth service providers determine an adolescent’s risks and needs that may lead to truancy, drop out, or delinquency from school. Users are advised to consider the WARNS total score to work with youth. A total score estimate based on fewer items than the full item set may result in less respondent burden, administration time, and fatigue, while not hindering accurate decisions. This simulation study examined the applicability and efficiency of a computerized adaptive test (CAT) to estimate a WARNS total score under a unidimensional item response theory model. The results demonstrate that the CAT provides an accurate estimate of students’ risks and needs and reduces the number of items administered for each examinee compared with the existing version. Future directions and limitations of CAT development with the WARNS are discussed.
Willingness to Accept Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and its Influencing Factors Using Information–Motivation–Behavior Skills Model: A Cross-Sectional Study of Female College Freshmen in Mainland China
Authors: Si Mingyu , Jiang Yu , Su Xiaoyou , Wang Wenjun , Zhang Xi , Gu Xiaofen , Ma Li , Li Jing , Zhang Shaokai , Ren Zefang , Liu Yuanli , Qiao Youlin
Published: October 2021

Background

This study aimed to assess the awareness and attitudes toward human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among female college freshmen and explore their willingness and associated factors to receive the HPV vaccine based on the information–motivation–behavior skills (IMB) model.

Methods

From February 21 to April 30, 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among female freshmen in seven colleges in mainland China. Socio-demographic characteristics, health-related awareness, knowledge of HPV, motivation, and behavioral skills toward HPV vaccination were assessed using questionnaires. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the influencing factors of willingness to receive the HPV vaccine in the next 6 months.

Results

Among the 3867 students invited to participate in this study, 102 (2.64%) reported having taken the HPV vaccine. Among the unvaccinated participants, 59.89% had previously heard of HPV, and 32.08% were willing to take the HPV vaccine in the next 6 months. Willingness to get the HPV vaccine was associated with sexual experience(s) (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.25–3.08), family or friends with cancer (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04–1.48), having heard of HPV (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.03–1.47), and having actively searched for or having consulted on issues concerning HPV vaccine (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.02–1.45). In the dimensions of the IMB model, “perceived susceptibility” (AOR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.09–1.31), “perceived severity” (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.11–1.39), “subjective norms” (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.75–2.49), and “self-efficacy” (AOR: 2.95, 95% CI: 2.44–3.58) were positively associated with HPV vaccination acceptance, while “perceived barriers” (AOR = .60, 95% CI: .52–.69) negatively affected intention to get HPV vaccination.

Conclusion

HPV vaccination rates and willingness to receive the HPV vaccine in the next 6 months were found to be poor among female college freshmen in mainland China. Having a positive attitude toward HPV vaccination, creating vaccine-friendly social norms, and removing related barriers are important measures to promote HPV immunization.
Appeal of novel cessation intervention approaches among young-adult users of traditional and alternative tobacco products
Authors: Berg Carla J , Romm Katelyn F , Patterson Brooke , Wysota Christina , Abroms Lorien C
Published: October 2021

Significance

Given limited research on young-adult tobacco cessation interventions, we examined preferred tobacco/e-cigarette cessation approaches among young-adult tobacco/e-cigarette users.

Methods

We analyzed Spring 2020 data from a longitudinal study of young adults (ages 18–34) across 6 metropolitan areas (Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, San Diego, and Seattle). We examined tobacco/e-cigarette use and self-reported appeal of various intervention approaches, and regarding technology-based approaches, the appeal of types of technology and intervention functions.

Results

In this sample of past 6-month tobacco/e-cigarette users (Mage = 24.69; 48.4% male; 73.3% White), 59.6% used e-cigarettes, and 48.2% used cigarettes. The most frequently endorsed intervention approach was nicotine replacement therapy (NRT; 72.7%), followed by technology-based programs (70.0%) and oral medications (53.0%). The most frequently endorsed technology-based approach was smartphone apps (85.9%), followed by programs involving text-messaging (62.1%), websites (57.1%), social media (48.4%), and video counseling (41.6%). The most frequently endorsed technology-based program function was behavioral monitoring (68.3%), followed by earning rewards (60.3%). We identified no differences in approach appeal among subcategories of tobacco/e-cigarette users.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the promise of technology-based approaches, particularly apps, and text-messaging for tobacco/e-cigarette cessation, and functions like behavioral monitoring and gamification. Additionally, appropriate and effective NRT use for young-adult tobacco/e-cigarette users warrants further research.
The Waiting Room Assessment to Virtual Emergency Department pathway: Initiating video-based telemedicine in the pediatric emergency department
Authors: Osmanlliu Esli , Gagnon Isabelle , Weber Saskia , Bach Chi Quan , Turnbull Jennifer , Seguin Jade
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented pediatric emergency departments with unique challenges, resulting in a heightened demand for adapted clinical pathways. In response to this need, the Montreal Children's Hospital pediatric emergency department introduced the WAVE (Waiting Room Assessment to Virtual Emergency Department) pathway, a video-based telemedicine pathway for selected non-critical patients, aiming to reduce safety issues related to emergency department overcrowding, while providing timely care to all children presenting and registering at our emergency department. The objective of the WAVE pilot phase was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of telemedicine in our pediatric emergency department, which was previously unfamiliar with this mode of care delivery. During the six-week, three-evening per week deployment, we conducted 18 five-hour telemedicine shifts. In total, 27 patients participated in the WAVE pathway. Results from this pilot phase met four of five a priori feasibility and acceptability criteria. Overall, participating families were satisfied with this novel care pathway and reported no disruptive technological barriers.
Exploring systematic orthographic crosslinguistic similarities to enhance foreign language vocabulary learning
Authors: Hicks Nina Selina
Published: October 2021

This study explores whether middle-school students can exploit explicitly addressed crosslinguistic lexical similarities between German and English to learn vocabulary more efficiently. Across six weeks, 260 Swiss German learners of English as a foreign language (17 classes) completed three vocabulary learning tests (T1, T2 and T3). Additionally, 7 of these 17 classes attended a 90-minute intervention between the first and second test: During a 45-minute introductory lesson students discovered four systematic orthographic correspondence rules (e.g.
 to  as in ship and Schiff), followed by three 15-minute sessions to consolidate their knowledge. The intervention group’s improvement in cognate learning was significantly larger in comparison to the control group. The difference was observed across both test modes and all rules introduced. While learners’ initial English vocabulary size correlated with their overall performance, it did not affect intervention uptake. This suggests that these younger learners benefitted from form-focused instruction, independent of proficiency and type of correspondence.
A ‘crimmigrant ban’? Global mobility, urban (in)security and the changing dynamics of judicial practices
Authors: Di Molfetta Eleonora
Published: October 2021

In the last decades, western countries have developed a set of policies and practices aimed both at crime prevention and social reassurance. Within this trend, the old-fashioned sanction of banishment has regained prominence. Banning orders, in particular, are widely used to remove from public spaces individuals who are deemed a threat to public safety and urban decorum. This article investigates the use of banning orders towards foreign defendants without a valid residence permit in an Italian criminal court. Based on empirical material collected during a one-year period of courtroom ethnography in Turin, this article sheds light on the rationales and objectives behind the use of banning orders. The interviews with courtroom actors reveal how banning orders have lost much of their preventive dimension to become an instrument of socio-urban control towards immigrants. This article invites future research to consider the role that urban management practices might play in the field of global mobility.