bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing Privacy-Aware IoT Applications for Unregulated Domains
Authors: Alhirabi Nada , Beaumont Stephanie , Rana Omer , Perera Charith
Published: February 2024

Internet of Things (IoT) applications (apps) are challenging to design because of the heterogeneous systems on which they are deployed. IoT devices and apps may collect and analyse sensitive personal data, which is often protected by data privacy laws, some within highly regulated domains such as healthcare. Privacy-by-design (PbD) schemes can be used by developers to consider data privacy at the design stage. However, software developers are not widely adopting these approaches due to difficulties in understanding and interpreting them. There are currently a limited number of tools available for developers to use in this context. We believe that a successful PbD tool should be able to (i) assist developers in addressing privacy requirements in less regulated domains, as well as (ii) help them learn about privacy as they use the tool. The findings of two controlled lab studies are presented, involving 42 developers. We discuss how such a PbD tool can help novice IoT developers comply with privacy laws (e.g., GDPR) and follow privacy guidelines (e.g., privacy patterns). Based on our findings, such tools can help raise awareness of data privacy requirements at design. This increases the likelihood that subsequent designs will be more aware of data privacy requirements.
RFDrive: Tagged Human-Vehicle Interaction for All
Authors: Sun Wei , Srinivasan Kannan
Published: February 2024

Human–vehicle interaction is an important factor for safe driving. The driver needs to interact with the in-vehicle steering wheel and infotainment system properly during driving. Specifically, driving guidelines require the driver to hold the steering wheel at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions. Moreover, the in-vehicle infotainment system should be more adaptive for the driver and front-seat passenger during driving (i.e., the in-vehicle infotainment system should be part and even fully disabled for the driver, whereas the front-seat passenger should be able to enjoy the full in-vehicle infotainment system). However, affordable vehicles are usually designed to achieve basic driving functions without considering safe human–vehicle interactions, which require an add-on, affordable, and ready-to-use human–vehicle interaction monitoring system.

In this article, we present RFDrive, a system that can simultaneously locate the driver’s hand positions on the steering wheel and automate in-vehicle infotainment system touch discrimination for safe driving using commodity passive RFID tags. Since these commodity passive RFID tags are low cost (i.e., around 5 cents per tag), battery free, and are small, like a sticker, our design will enable not only safe driving but is also low cost, which can lead to sustainable solutions. To do so, we attach RFID tags on the steering wheel for the driver’s hand position location and attach RFID tags on the roof of the vehicle’s interior for in-vehicle infotainment system touch discrimination (i.e., differentiating the driver’s infotainment system touch and front-seat passenger’s infotainment system touch). However, the wheel steering will distort the wireless channel-based driver’s hand position location on the steering wheel. Thus, we propose a novel tag ID-based algorithm to locate the driver’s hand position on the steering wheel by harnessing the human body as part of the RFID tag’s antenna. Since the in-vehicle infotainment system touch from the driver or front-seat passenger will affect different RFID tags attached to the roof of the vehicle’s interior, we propose to use the differential amplitude of backscattered signals from all the tags to discriminate in-vehicle infotainment system touch sources. Our experiments show that RFDrive can achieve the average accuracy of 0.98 and 0.98 for in-vehicle touch source discrimination and driver’s hand position location, respectively.
Perspective—A New Viewpoint on the Mechanism of the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Various Transition Metal Electrodes
Authors: Sun Youyi
Published: February 2024

In the research for the catalytic activity of metals, the electronegativity (EN) and valence electronic configuration (VEC) of the atoms of metals have been considered as important factors. By comparing the catalytic activity of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from various metals, we find that metals with high EN and containing two or more accessible partially filled orbitals (PFOs) can support high exchange current density i
0,H(A cm−2) for HER, however, metals with low EN and/or with just one or no PFOs are unable to support high i
0,H values. It is, therefore, concluded that the EN and the PFOs of the atoms of metals plays a decisive role in its catalytic behavior. Here, the EN and the VEC of the atoms of transition metals in relation to the catalytic activation for HER is discussed and a new type of reaction mechanism of HER on various metal electrodes is also suggested.
Electroacupuncture Therapy Effectively Protects the Rat Brain after Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Huang Li , Fan Xuehui , Chen Yao , Lin Heng , Jiang Xiaoqian , Yang Chaoxian
Published: February 2024

Objective. Electroacupuncture (Ea) is a useful complementary and alternative therapy for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the neurobiological basis for the Ea treatment of ICH is still unclear. The primary aim of the present study was to explore whether Ea prevents brain edema, apoptosis, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation in rats after hemorrhagic stroke. Methods. Rats were randomly divided into Sham, Control, and Ea groups. We used modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and gait analysis to estimate neurological function in rats, and PET/CT to assess glucose uptake and the hemorrhagic focus volume. Measurement of the brain water content and TUNEL staining were used to evaluate brain edema and cell apoptosis, respectively. The serum myelin basic protein (MBP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), calcium-binding protein B (S100B), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations were examined with ELISA. The expression levels of the CD68, GALC, Arg-1, iNOS, NR2A, Glu2R, AQP4, MAP2, GFAP, AQP9, Bcl-2, Bax, and Glu proteins around the hematoma were detected via immunohistochemistry staining. Western blot was used to analyze the levels of the AQP4, AQP9, Bax, Bcl-2, iNOS, and Arg-1 proteins. Results. Ea treatment improved neurological function and reduced the hemorrhagic area and brain water content in rats after ICH. The serum concentrations of MBP, NSE, S100B, and TNF-α all decreased significantly in the Ea group compared with the Control group. Expression levels of the Glu, NR2A, AQP4, AQP9, Bax, GFAP, iNOS, and CD68 proteins in brain tissue surrounding the hematoma were obviously suppressed in ICH rats following Ea treatment. Moreover, Ea stimulation increased the levels of the MAP2, GALC, Glu2R, Arg-1, and Bcl-2 proteins, but reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells in rats after ICH. Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that Ea may exert neuroprotective effects by suppressing brain edema, apoptosis, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation.
Prefabricated Zirconia Crowns and Preformed Metal Crowns in the Treatment of Severely Childhood Caries and Anterior Crossbite in a Child with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Deng Shuman , Gao Qi , Zhang Li , Xie Jing , Chen Ying , Peng Xuezhen
Published: February 2024

Crowns have been recommended to treat decayed teeth and rebuild teeth function. The dental management of children with autism is a tremendous challenge for pediatric dentists due to the impaired behaviors and communication disorders. In this context, a 5‐year‐old boy with autism was treated to solve carious lesions under the assistance of general anesthesia. The posterior occlusal function was restored, and the crossbite existing in the primary anterior teeth was approached merely by NuSmile® zirconia crowns (ZCs) rather than orthodontic intervention. We conducted an 18‐month period. Throughout the long‐term follow‐up, the boy’s masticatory efficiency was remarkably improved and the anterior teeth had transferred into the correct position with adequate overbite to maintain the new relationship, thus ameliorating the appearance of tissue on the labial surface and enhancing his quality of life and oral health.
Childbirth Self-Efficacy and Its Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia, 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Simon Tesfahun , Fikadu Kassahun , Afework Bezawit , Alemu Habtamu , Kussia Begetayinoral
Published: February 2024

Background. Childbirth self-efficacy is a pregnant women’s perception of their ability to cope with labor stress. Low childbirth self-efficacy is linked to pain intolerance and poor labor progression, which increase the possibility of operative delivery. However, Ethiopia has limited data. So, the aim of this study was to assess childbirth self-efficacy and its factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public health facilities in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia, in 2023. Objective. To assess childbirth self-efficacy and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public health facilities in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia, in 2023. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 416 women from January 1 to January 30, 2023. A systematic random sampling technique was employed. Data were collected by KoboToolbox through face-to-face interviews using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Modified short-form childbirth self-efficacy inventory was used to score self-efficacy. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 27, was used for data management and analysis. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each variable, and a logistic model was used. Statistical significance was determined at a p value of less than 0.05 and 95% confidence level. Results. A total of 416 pregnant women participated in the study. Two hundred twenty-eight (54.8%) of the pregnant women had low childbirth self-efficacy. Age group in ≤24 years (AOR=3.80, 95% CI: 1.82-8), primigravida (AOR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.10-2.86), unplanned pregnancy (AOR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.02-2.70), poor social support (AOR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.09-4.30), having anxiety (AOR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.10-3.64), having poor knowledge of childbirth (AOR=2.21, 95% CI: 2.09-5.39), and severe fear of childbirth (AOR=6.40, 95% CI: 2.60-9.80) were statistically significant with low childbirth self-efficacy. Conclusions. The magnitude of low childbirth self-efficacy was high in the study area. Being primigravida, unplanned pregnancy, age≤24 years, severe fear of childbirth, anxiety, poor social support, and poor knowledge were significantly associated with low childbirth self-efficacy. Therefore, giving special attention to these factors during antenatal care would be important.
Supplementary Figure S5 from A Large-Scale Meta-Analysis Reveals Positive Feedback between Macrophages and T Cells That Sensitizes Tumors to Immunotherapy
Authors: Yang Jing , Liu Qi , Shyr Yu
Published: February 2024

ROC curves and AUC values for MVP compared to TMBM and EaSleR in the five validation data sets.
Table S10 from R-Loop Accumulation in Spliceosome Mutant Leukemias Confers Sensitivity to PARP1 Inhibition by Triggering Transcription–Replication Conflicts
Authors: Liu Zhiyan Silvia , Sinha Sayantani , Bannister Maxwell , Song Axia , Arriaga-Gomez Erica , McKeeken Alexander J. , Bonner Elizabeth A. , Hanson Benjamin K. , Sarchi Martina , Takashima Kouhei , Zong Dawei , Corral Victor M. , Nguyen Evan , Yoo Jennifer , Chiraphapphaiboon Wannasiri , Leibson Cassandra , McMahon Matthew C. , Rai Sumit , Swisher Elizabeth M. , Sachs Zohar , Chatla Srinivas , Stirewalt Derek L. , Deeg H. Joachim , Skorski Tomasz , Papapetrou Eirini P. , Walter Matthew J. , Graubert Timothy A. , Doulatov Sergei , Lee Stanley C. , Nguyen Hai Dang
Published: February 2024

Alternative splicing analysis of K562 U2AF1-WT and U2AF1-S34F cells
FIGURE 1 from Lingual Denervation Improves the Efficacy of Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas by Downregulating TGFβ Signaling
Authors: Tao Zhuo-Ying , Wang Leilei , Zhu Wang-Yong , Zhang Gao , Su Yu-Xiong
Published: February 2024

LD inhibits tumor growth and improves anti-PD-1 treatment in OSCC mice. A, Experimental procedure of each group. B, Tumors harvested in each group (5–7 mice per group). C, Tumor volumes of each group at the endpoint (**, P < 0.01 vs. MOC1+IgG, respectively; ##,###, P < 0.01. 0.001 vs. MOC1+αPD-1; $, P < 0.05 MOC1+LD+IgG vs. MOC1+LD+αPD-1). D, Body weight changes of mice in each group at the endpoint compared with the weight before MOC1 inoculation (***, P < 0.001 vs. MOC1+IgG; ###, P < 0.001 vs. MOC1+αPD-1). E, Representative hematoxylin and eosin staining images of tumors in each group.
Establishment and Characterization of an Epstein-Barr Virus–positive Cell Line from a Non-keratinizing Differentiated Primary Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Chai Annie Wai Yeeng , Yee Shi Mun , Lee Hui Mei , Abdul Aziz Norazlin , Yee Pei San , Marzuki Marini , Wong Ka Wo , Chiang Alan K.S. , Chow Larry Ka-Yue , Dai Wei , Liu Teng Fei , Tan Lu Ping , Khoo Alan Soo Beng , Lo Kwok Wai , Lim Paul V.H. , Rajadurai Pathmanathan , Lightfoot Howard , Barthorpe Syd , Garnett Mathew J. , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: February 2024

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a cancer that is etiologically associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is endemic in Southern China and Southeast Asia. The scarcity of representative NPC cell lines owing to the frequent loss of EBV episomes following prolonged propagation and compromised authenticity of previous models underscores the critical need for new EBV-positive NPC models. Herein, we describe the establishment of a new EBV-positive NPC cell line, designated NPC268 from a primary non-keratinizing, differentiated NPC tissue. NPC268 can undergo productive lytic reactivation of EBV and is highly tumorigenic in immunodeficient mice. Whole-genome sequencing revealed close similarities with the tissue of origin, including large chromosomal rearrangements, while whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA sequencing demonstrated a hypomethylated genome and enrichment in immune-related pathways, respectively. Drug screening of NPC268 together with six other NPC cell lines using 339 compounds, representing the largest high-throughput drug testing in NPC, revealed biomarkers associated with specific drug classes. NPC268 represents the first and only available EBV-positive non-keratinizing differentiated NPC model, and extensive genomic, methylomic, transcriptomic, and drug response data should facilitate research in EBV and NPC, where current models are limited.

Significance:

NPC268 is the first and only EBV-positive cell line derived from a primary non-keratinizing, differentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma, an understudied but important subtype in Southeast Asian countries. This model adds to the limited number of authentic EBV-positive lines globally that will facilitate mechanistic studies and drug development for NPC.
Single-Cell Transcriptome Reveals Potential Mechanisms for Coronary Artery Lesions in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Chen Yeshi , Yang Minna , Zhang Mingming , Wang Hongmao , Zheng Yang , Sun Rui , Li Xiaohui
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Coronary artery lesions (CALs) are the most common and major complication of Kawasaki disease (KD) in developed countries. However, the underlying immunologic mechanisms of CAL development in KD remain unclear.

METHODS:

Here, we conducted single-cell transcriptome analyses of 212 210 peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from a cross-sectional cohort of 16 children, including 4 patients with KD with CALs, 5 patients with KD without CALs, 4 healthy controls, and 3 febrile controls.

RESULTS:

KD altered the proportion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, including an increasing trend in inflammatory cells (megakaryocytes and monocytes) and a decreasing trend in lymphocytes (eg, CD4
+
T, CD8
+
T, mucosal-associated invariant T, natural killer, and γδ T cells), highlighting the potential presence of lymphopenia phenomenon in KD. Our data indicated the presence of inflammatory cytokine storm in patients with KD with CALs, caused by systemic upregulation of TNFSF13B (tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 13b), CXCL16 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 16), TNFSF10 (tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 10), and IL1RN (interleukin 1 receptor antagonist), mainly produced by monocytes (especially for the Mono_CD14-CD16 cluster) and megakaryocytes. We also found that myeloid cells of patients with KD, particularly in those with CALs, might play a role in vascular injury (eg, increased MMP [matrix metalloproteinase] 9, MMP17, and MMP25) and immune cell recruitment. The immune landscape of patients with KD with CALs was featured by lower exhaustion levels in natural killer cells, a high cytotoxic state in the CD8_Pro cluster, and activation of the complement system in monocytes. Additionally, the activation of B cells was more pronounced in the early stage of KD.

CONCLUSIONS:

Collectively, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the roles of various immune cells and inflammatory cytokine storms in the development of CALs in KD and offers a valuable resource for identifying novel therapeutic targets for patients with KD with CALs.
Microvascular Network Remodeling in the Ischemic Mouse Brain Defined by Light Sheet Microscopy
Authors: Hagemann Nina , Qi Yachao , Mohamud Yusuf Ayan , Li AnRan , Squire Anthony , Tertel Tobias , Giebel Bernd , Ludewig Peter , Spangenberg Philippa , Chen Jianxu , Mosig Axel , Gunzer Matthias , Hermann Dirk M.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Until now, the analysis of microvascular networks in the reperfused ischemic brain has been limited due to tissue transparency challenges.

METHODS:

Using light sheet microscopy, we assessed microvascular network remodeling in the striatum from 3 hours to 56 days post-ischemia in 2 mouse models of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion lasting 20 or 40 minutes, resulting in mild ischemic brain injury or brain infarction, respectively. We also examined the effect of a clinically applicable S1P (sphingosine-1-phosphate) analog, FTY720 (fingolimod), on microvascular network remodeling.

RESULTS:

Over 56 days, we observed progressive microvascular degeneration in the reperfused striatum, that is, the lesion core, which was followed by robust angiogenesis after mild ischemic injury induced by 20-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion. However, more severe ischemic injury elicited by 40-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion resulted in incomplete microvascular remodeling. In both cases, microvascular networks did not return to their preischemic state but displayed a chronically altered pattern characterized by higher branching point density, shorter branches, higher unconnected branch density, and lower tortuosity, indicating enhanced network connectivity. FTY720 effectively increased microvascular length density, branching point density, and volume density in both models, indicating an angiogenic effect of this drug.

CONCLUSIONS:

Utilizing light sheet microscopy together with automated image analysis, we characterized microvascular remodeling in the ischemic lesion core in unprecedented detail. This technology will significantly advance our understanding of microvascular restorative processes and pave the way for novel treatment developments in the stroke field.
An Energy-based Model for Word-level AutoCompletion in Computer-aided Translation
Authors: Yang Cheng , Huang Guoping , Yu Mo , Zhang Zhirui , Li Siheng , Yang Mingming , Shi Shuming , Yang Yujiu , Liu Lemao
Published: February 2024

Word-level AutoCompletion (WLAC) is a rewarding yet challenging task in Computer-aided Translation. Existing work addresses this task through a classification model based on a neural network that maps the hidden vector of the input context into its corresponding label (i.e., the candidate target word is treated as a label). Since the context hidden vector itself does not take the label into account and it is projected to the label through a linear classifier, the model cannot sufficiently leverage valuable information from the source sentence as verified in our experiments, which eventually hinders its overall performance. To alleviate this issue, this work proposes an energy-based model for WLAC, which enables the context hidden vector to capture crucial information from the source sentence. Unfortunately, training and inference suffer from efficiency and effectiveness challenges, therefore we employ three simple yet effective strategies to put our model into practice. Experiments on four standard benchmarks demonstrate that our reranking-based approach achieves substantial improvements (about 6.07%) over the previous state-of-the-art model. Further analyses show that each strategy of our approach contributes to the final performance.1
A review of the subgenera Carinichelonus, Microchelonus, Parachelonus and Stylochelonus of the genus Chelonus Panzer (Braconidae: Cheloninae) with descriptions of twenty-one new species from China
Authors: ZHOU JIN-JIN , ACHTERBERG CORNELIS VAN , TANG PU , CHEN XUE-XIN
Published: February 2024

Three subgenera Microchelonus Szépligeti, 1908 s. str., Parachelonus Tobias, 1995 and Stylochelonus Hellén, 1958 are newly recorded from China, 21 new species, viz., C. (M.) adiazetos sp. nov., C. (M.) aequus sp. nov., C. (M.) brachykeraiatus sp. nov., C. (M.) bullatus sp. nov., C. (M.) clivus sp. nov., C. (M.) crassitibialis sp. nov., C. (M.) cyclotus sp. nov., C. (M.) erugatus sp. nov., C. (M.) illatus sp. nov., C. (M.) leious sp. nov., C. (M.) linzhiensis sp. nov., C. (M.) maculovittatus sp. nov., C. (M.) melanochromus sp. nov., C. (M.) platyetrus sp. nov., C. (M.) recavus sp. nov., C. (M.) ruficorpus sp. nov., C. (M.) scirpophagae sp. nov., C. (M.) staurorhytis sp. nov., C. (P.) hirsutus sp. nov., C. (S.) acaretrus sp. nov., and C. (S.) punctulosus sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Also, eleven species are reported as new to China: C. (M.) alticinctus (Tobias, 1989), C. (M.) alveatus (Tobias, 1989), C. (M.) calcaratus (Tobias, 1989), C. (M.) flagellaris (Tobias, 1989), C. (M.) insidiatrix (Tobias, 1989), C. (M.) milkoi (Tobias, 2003), C. (M.) moskovitus (Tobias, 1997), C. (M.) semilunaris (Tobias, 2000), C. (M.) temporalis (Tobias, 1986), C. (M.) varus (Tobias, 2000) and C. (M.) zaitzevi (Tobias, 1972). Four new combinations are proposed: C. (P.) compressor (Chen & Ji, 2003) comb. nov., C. (P.) macrocorpus (Ji & Chen, 2003) comb. nov., C. (P.) polycolor (Chen & Ji, 2003) comb. nov. and C. (Baculonus) rubriventris (Tobias, 1988) comb. nov. The following new names are proposed: C. (M.) jiae nom. nov. for C. (M.) bimaculatus (Chen & Ji, 2003) and C. (M.) substernatus nom. nov. for C. (M.) tobiasi (Yuldashev, 2011). Microchelonus (Carinichelonus) cavifrons Tobias, 2000 is synonymized with C. (Ca.) tabonus Sonan, 1932. A key to the Chinese species of the subgenus Microchelonus is provided together with keys to the currently known species of the subgenera Carinichelonus, Stylochelonus and Parachelonus.
Co-Constructing Community and Entrepreneurial Identity: How Founders Ascribe Self-Referential Meanings to Entrepreneurship
Authors: Crosina Eliana
Published: February 2024

Drawing on a 2.5-year ethnography of first-time founders in a coworking facility, I shed light on the process by which founders ascribe self-referential meaning to entrepreneurship—that is, how they develop an entrepreneurial identity in situ. I discovered that founders’ use of the coworking space occasioned distinct interaction patterns. Over time, varying interactions played a central role in whether the workspace became a community or remained a mere office space to these founders. Such emergent spatial meanings were coupled with whether founders themselves developed as entrepreneurs or not within their workspace. Founders’ perceptions of the workspace as a community were generally associated with their identifying more as entrepreneurs, while their perceptions of the workspace as an office were usually linked with their identifying less, and even disidentifying, as entrepreneurs. In explaining these dynamics, I contribute to research on identity and space, research on entrepreneurial identity, and broader scholarship on space and interactions in organizations. For first-time founders, the meanings associated with being an entrepreneur can be equivocal, and where they work helps to shape their answers to the questions “What is entrepreneurship to me?” and “Who am I?”
Hope and Grit: How Human-Centered Product Design Enhanced Student Mental Health
Authors: Rochlin Dave
Published: February 2024

Two organizations that focus on tech-based health innovation have partnered to improve the mental health of young adults. In this “tech for good” project, Hopelab and Grit Digital Health worked together to create an app using human-centered product design. With the core needs of users at the forefront, the team developed an app both with and for college students to combat loneliness, a prevalent issue that can lead to other problems such as depression, anxiety, and even dropping out of college. The team also applied systems thinking to address the root causes of this “wicked problem,” resulting in their Nod app, which has improved outcomes for college students. This article is based on the author’s award-winning case study.
An Assessment of the Current Level of Implementation of the Core Elements of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Public Hospitals in Ghana
Authors: Sefah Israel Abebrese , Chetty Sarentha , Yamoah Peter , Godman Brian , Bangalee Varsha
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming a threat to global public health. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) program (ASP) is one of the 5 strategic areas in the Ghana National Action Plan to fight this menace. Assessment of the core elements of ASP in a hospital setting has been identified as a pragmatic way of identifying the barriers and facilitators for its effective implementation. Method: The World Health Organization’s toolkit for assessment of the 7 core elements of ASP in hospitals in low and middle income countries was used for this situational analysis of public hospitals in 2 regions of Ghana. The core elements included leadership commitment, accountability and responsibility, pharmacy expertize, AMS actions and interventions, education and training, and periodic monitoring and surveillance. Data collected using a checklist were imported into STATA version 14 for descriptive and bivariate analyses. Results: 15 public hospitals were assessed with the toolkit. Most of them were primary health care facilities (n = 12, 80.0%), had bed capacities between 100 and 199 beds, less than 50 medical doctors (n = 12, 80.0%), less than 5 pharmacists (n = 10, 66.7%), and between 100 and 199 nurses. Performances in 4 out of the 7 core elements were most deficient and they included leadership commitment, pharmacy expertize, AMS actions (interventions) implemented, monitoring and surveillance of antibiotic use, and bacteria resistance rates. Pharmacist-led ASPs were also found to be associated with their formal training on AMS. Key barriers identified included lack of skilled human resources, lack of available time for AMS-related duties and poor laboratory infrastructure. Conclusion: There was sub-optimal performance for almost all the core elements of ASP in the public hospitals in Ghana hampered mostly by lack of skilled human and financial resources. Pharmacists must be empowered through formal training and certificate programs in infectious disease management and AMS principles and strategies to enhance their contribution toward ASPs in hospitals. The results from this study should encourage nationwide assessment of ASPs across hospital settings in Ghana to better evaluate the level of their implementation and address potential barriers to guide AMS policies and ASP strategy development toward the fight against AMR.
Research on the integrated failure analysis method of safety and security of fieldbus transmitters
Authors: Zhou Xiufang , Xu Aidong , Yan Bingjun , Sun Yue , Chen Wenbo , Yang Jiao
Published: February 2024

Fieldbus transmitters are commonly used in modern industrial productions, particularly in Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS). Safety and security are critical considerations in the design and operation of these transmitters. Previous research has tended to address safety issues and security issues separately, but with the increasing complexity of network technology, it is important to analyze them simultaneously. In this paper, a systematic framework for comprehensively analyzing random failures and cyber-attack failures is proposed. The framework adopts the FMEA-IMEA method, which combines Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Intrusion Modes and Effects Analysis (IMEA), to analyze failure modes and effects of fieldbus transmitters. In addition, by extending Reliability Block Diagrams (RBD), the impact of random failures and cyber-attack failures on fieldbus transmitters is quantitatively determined. At the same time, calculation approach of the residual error rate (RER), Component counting method, and Monte Carlo are used to determine random failure rate and cyber-attack failure rate. Using fieldbus pressure transmitter and fieldbus temperature transmitter as examples, the results demonstrate that security issues can significantly impact the safety integrity level. In fact, the safety integrity level is reduced from SIL3 to SIL1 when cyber-attacks are considered. Compared to existing FMEA, the proposed approach offers a more comprehensive analysis of random failures and cyber-attack failures in fieldbus transmitters.
Analysis of Literacy Content in IEPs of Students With Complex Support Needs
Authors: Zagona Alison L. , Lansey K. R. , Kurth J. A. , Loyless R. , Stevens Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2024

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) should include a summary of the student’s current skills and needs as well as annual goals that support their progress in the general education curriculum; however, IEPs for students with complex support needs may be missing required information. We investigated IEP goals and Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) statements for 112 students with complex support needs in four educational placements to understand (a) similarities and differences in the literacy skills identified in IEP goals, (b) the extent to which students’ IEP goals aligned with the literacy skills identified in their PLAAFPs, and (c) how this alignment differed across placements. Results revealed some students were missing literacy-focused content in their IEP, very few K–2 students had goals focused on early literacy skills, few students in Grades 3 to 6 had expressive writing goals, and IEP goals were inconsistently aligned with PLAAFP statements.
The debt to wisdom
Authors: Kearse Martha Dixon
Published: February 2024

Learning from Dr. Gerald Keown about Hebrew language and Hebrew scriptures left this author in debt, specifically a debt to share the beauty of the messages that can be found in Hebrew scriptures and what they reveal about the nature of God.
“Together Met, Together Bound”: Liturgy and Ecumenism
Authors: Anderson E. Byron (Ron)
Published: February 2024

This presidential address for the 2023 Congress of Societas Liturgica provides an initial exploration of the Congress theme “Liturgy and Ecumenism.” After situating the theme in the context of the history of Societas Liturgica and its continuing commitment to ecumenical dialogue and liturgical practice, it explores recent challenges to the relationship between liturgy and ecumenism. The address then examines three models of this relationship. The first two models, believing together and praying differently, and believing differently and praying together, reflect recent discussions of “reconciled diversity” and the problems that continue from such reconciliation. The third model, believing together and praying together, uses recent discussions of “receptive ecumenism” to explore the ways in which churches might learn from the liturgical and theological gifts of each other .
Which Police Departments Make Black Lives Matter?
Authors: Maranto Robert , Reilly Wilfred , Wolf Patrick J.
Published: February 2024

Black Lives Matter (BLM) has gained support across racial lines and considerable financial backing. Yet it is unclear whether social science has responded with research likely to save Black lives. To encourage more applied research and related public discussion, we rank police departments in the 50 largest U.S. cities by their effectiveness in keeping homicides low and not taking civilian lives, while adjusting for poverty, which makes policing more difficult. We find enormous variation in police performance and offer qualitative evidence that this reflects organizational practices. We conclude with ideas for reform.
“Good Samaritans” and Approaches of Resistance in the Cultural Revolution
Authors: U Eddy
Published: February 2024

Research on the Cultural Revolution focuses on agents of violence and their intentions, activities, and conflicts but pays little attention to resistance to the resulting aggression and oppression. I show that workers, rebels, Red Guards, and others served as “good Samaritans” who thwarted violence against “class enemies” and assuaged their suffering. I draw on studies of resistance and social interaction by James Scott, Michel de Certeau, Erving Goffman, and others. My analysis focuses on the first two years of the Cultural Revolution, when punishments were decentralized and haphazard. I describe four approaches of resistance—“confrontation,” “playacting,” “direct care,” and “deniable care”—based on the transparency of intention and visibility of the good Samaritan’s act. Such acts of resistance reoriented revolutionary justice from an assault on class enemies to their care and protection and served to contingently reknit social bonds as the Cultural Revolution ripped them apart.
Reading Security Imaginaries as Fantasies – Loss, Desire, and Enjoyment in the Military Quest for Explainable AI
Authors: Jacobsen Jeppe T. , Nørgaard Katrine
Published: February 2024

What does the Lacanian notion of fantasy offer to the study of security imaginaries? The article answers this question by introducing a fantasmatic reading strategy illustrated by a case study of the US narrative of ‘technological revolutions of war’ that has recently been fueled by a growing demand for ethical and explainable artificial intelligence in military applications and weapon systems. The article offers a Lacanian comment to the expanding International Relations literature on security imaginaries. It demonstrates how a fantasmatic reading encompasses both a discourse analytical tracing of background understandings employed by many security imaginary scholars and an affective tracing at the margins of discourse that captures the force with which subjects continue to invest in – and patch the constitutive gaps of – a security imaginary. In studying security imaginaries through fantasies, we propose zooming in on three analytical moves: analyzing the continuing construction of a lost utopia in security discourses; following the specific objects of desire that is organized around its own inevitable failure; and locating the mode of enjoyment encountered at the boundaries of the socially acceptable norms.

Concevoir les imaginaires de la sécurité comme des fantasmes : La perte, le désir et la jouissance dans la quête militaire d’une IA explicable
Multi-Intersection Ecological Cooperative Control of a Pure Electric Vehicle Platoon with Dual-Motor Dual-Axis Drive
Authors: Zhou Weiqi , Xu Shiyu , Pan Chaofeng , Liu Qingchao
Published: February 2024

The advent of intelligent transportation system technology has expedited the advancement of eco-driving controls. Research on energy-saving cooperative control of intelligent connected vehicles in intelligent transportation environments is still in need of ongoing refinement. This article proposes a dual-level ecological driving control strategy for a pure electric vehicle platoon with dual-motor dual-axis drive in an urban multi-intersection environment. The upper-level design incorporates optimal platoon speed decision-making based on the nonlinear model predictive control algorithm. The multi-objective optimization function considers three scenarios: energy-optimal, time-optimal, and energy-time-optimal. It also takes into account platoon following control and passing efficiency, ensuring smooth passage through multi-intersections without interruptions. Built on the upper level’s optimal speed design, an energy management strategy is proposed for achieving optimal torque distribution of pure electric vehicles with front and rear independent drives. Finally, the upper and lower levels are jointly simulated in real-time. The results indicate that, compared to the energy-optimal mode, the average passage time decreased by 14.6% and 5.97% in the time-optimal and energy-time-optimal modes, respectively. Under average torque distribution, the time-optimal and energy-time-optimal modes increased the energy consumption of the vehicle platoon by 21.05% and 5.44%, respectively, compared to the energy-optimal mode. Under the optimal torque allocation strategy, the time-optimal and energy-time-optimal modes increased energy consumption by 15.31% and 6.11%, respectively, compared to the energy-optimal mode. In contrast to the average torque allocation strategy, the optimal torque allocation strategy for the dual-motor vehicles reduced energy consumption by 10.18%, 14.44%, and 9.61% in the energy-optimal mode, time-optimal mode and energy-time-optimal mode, respectively.
Distribution of recent benthic Ostracoda around, Appa Island, Gulf of Mannar, India
Authors: Radhakrishnan K. , Hussain S. M. , Prakasheswar P. , Gomathi S.
Published: February 2024

The present work reports the distribution of Ostracoda from the surface sediments around Appa Island in the Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, southeast coast of India. In total, 33 surface sediment and bottom-water samples were collected for this study. In the study area, 34 Ostracoda species belonging to 30 genera, 17 families, 4 superfamilies, 3 suborders, 2 orders and 2 subclasses have been identified. Distribution of species as abundant, common and rare, for every station is being recorded. Among the identified 33 ostracod species, 5 are abundant, 4 are common and the remaining 24 are rare. The total population is higher in the southern part of the island, whereas the northern part of the island has a lower population comparatively. The Ostracoda are indicative of high energy, oxygenated environments in the study area, not conducive for juvenile forms. The ratio of carapaces to open valves of Ostracoda indicates a relatively moderate rate of sedimentation.
Investigating the Roles for Essential Genes in the Regulation of the Circadian Clock in Synechococcus elongatus Using CRISPR Interference
Authors: Boodaghian Nouneh , Park Hyunsook , Cohen Susan E.
Published: February 2024

Circadian rhythms are found widely throughout nature where cyanobacteria are the simplest organisms, in which the molecular details of the clock have been elucidated. Circadian rhythmicity in cyanobacteria is carried out via the KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC core oscillator proteins that keep ~24 h time. A series of input and output proteins—CikA, SasA, and RpaA—regulate the clock by sensing environmental changes and timing rhythmic activities, including global rhythms of gene expression. Our previous work identified a novel set of KaiC-interacting proteins, some of which are encoded by genes that are essential for viability. To understand the relationship of these essential genes to the clock, we applied CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) which utilizes a deactivated Cas9 protein and single-guide RNA (sgRNA) to reduce the expression of target genes but not fully abolish their expression to allow for survival. Eight candidate genes were targeted, and strains were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for reduction of gene expression, and rhythms of gene expression were monitored to analyze circadian phenotypes. Strains with reduced expression of SynPCC7942_0001, dnaN, which encodes for the β-clamp of the replicative DNA polymerase, or SynPCC7942_1081, which likely encodes for a KtrA homolog involved in K+ transport, displayed longer circadian rhythms of gene expression than the wild type. As neither of these proteins have been previously implicated in the circadian clock, these data suggest that diverse cellular processes, DNA replication and K+ transport, can influence the circadian clock and represent new avenues to understand clock function.
A speleothem record of hydroclimate variability in northwestern Madagascar during the mid-late Holocene
Authors: Williams Berry L , Burns Stephen J , Scroxton Nick , Godfrey Laurie R , Tiger Benjamin H , Yellen Brian , Dawson Robin R , Faina Peterson , McGee David , Ranivoharimanana Lovasoa
Published: February 2024

We present a continuous high-resolution precisely dated multiproxy record of hydroclimate variability at Anjohibe cave in northwestern Madagascar using speleothem AB13. The record spans from ~4484 y BP to ~2863 y BP. Stalagmite δ18O, δ13C and Sr/Ca ratios show very similar changes in hydroclimate. The mechanism controlling Sr/Ca changes, however, from prior calcite precipitation to degree of dolomite dissolution at about 4 ky BP. Our record is also in good agreement with previously published speleothem records from the same area. This agreement and multiproxy consensus indicate that AB13 provides a robust record of hydroclimate variability, including a continuous record of hydroclimate variability across the 4.2 ka event. This 4.2 ka event in Madagascar is marked by two distinct periods of drying between ~3900 y BP to 4300 y BP. A dry 4.2 ka event at this Southern Hemisphere site helps limit possible mechanisms for the event, indicating that a meridional shift to the south in the ITCZ is not responsible for the 4.2 ka event. In addition, the 4.2 ka event does not stand out as a unique dry period in our record. The longest and driest period of the record lasted ~300 years with peak dryness at ~3000 y BP. Our record differs significantly from a speleothem record from Rodrigues Island, located ~1800 km to the east of our study area in Madagascar suggesting different climatological controls on northwest Madagascar and more oceanic sites to the east.
Psychographic Profiling of Prospective Organic Skin Care Product Users
Authors: Sharma Radhika , Narang Ritu
Published: February 2024

Global organic skin care market is expected to be valued at ₹159 billion by 2027. Asian countries are the most sought after by organic skin care brands due to increasing preference among women to buy products with safer and greener ingredients. Owing to the potential of organic skin care products in the near future, in the current study we have carried out a psychographic segmentation of women who intend to use organic skin care products. At prima facie, the current study is the first that segments young women who are prospects for the organic skin care industry. This is a pioneering approach to understand the lifestyle of women who use skin care products and are interested in using organic skin care brands. The deductive approach of questionnaire survey method has been adapted to collect the responses from purposive sampling of young Indian women using skin care brands. The data was analysed by applying exploratory factor analysis and K-means cluster analysis. The results revealed that three distinctive psychographic sets of young women namely ‘The Pococurante’, ‘The Trailblazers’ and ‘The Moderates’ are based on nine lifestyle factors. Further, the study also highlights the differences between the psychographic profiles from a marketing point of view. It promises to be beneficial to marketers to incorporate lifestyle as a key factor in the marketing mix of organic skin care brands. Depending on the dominant lifestyle factors in each cluster, unique marketing messages can be curated to attract each cluster towards organic skin care products.
Our Experience with the Use of Vasopressin in Hemodynamic Management of Shock and Outcome of Neonates
Authors: Kanithi Ravishankar , Akula Akhila , Lingaldinna Swapna , Bommidi Navya
Published: February 2024

These retrospective observational data were collected to understand the role of vasopressin in the hemodynamic management of neonates with shock in a tertiary-level NICU over a period of 2 years. This included 28 neonate who received vasopressin for different clinical states with hypotension like septic shock, MAS with PPHN, Sepsis with PPHN, PPHN with CDH, HOCM, and even in end-organ injury (AKI) with sepsis. The response to vasopressin was 78.5% with improved signs of shock. The overall mortality rate was 15%. This is an attempt to understand vasopressin use in very sick neonates. Randomized controlled trials are required for its use as a treatment protocol.
Anxious to Perform: Compositional Effects of Negative Task-Related Emotions in Teams
Authors: Heerdink Marc W. , Homan Astrid C.
Published: February 2024

We investigated how team composition, in terms of members’ emotions about the team tasks ahead, predicts performance on these team tasks. In 45 student teams, a higher average level of anxiety and happiness, but not anger, about the team assignments predicted higher team grades 6 weeks later. We explored potential mediating team processes. These findings contribute to the literature on team affect, which has so far struggled to identify benefits of negative affect in teams: task-related anxiety is linked to better performance of real-world teams. This highlights the importance of studying compositional effects of individual affective states in teams.
Trauma-Informed Care Training in U.S. and Canadian Ob/Gyn Residencies
Authors: DeAndrade Samantha , Pelletier Andrea , Grossman Samara , Lewis-O’Connor Annie , Dutton Caryn , Royce Celeste S. , Bartz Deborah
Published: February 2024

This is a cross-sectional study investigating the prevalence and nature of trauma-informed care (TIC) training in obstetrics and gynecology residency programs. In our sample, 20% of programs had annual TIC training, 53% had less than annual training, and 27% had no training at all. Only 25.3% of respondents were satisfied with their current training in interpersonal trauma and TIC. A lack of facilitators to conduct such training was the primary barrier to implementing TIC. Significant opportunity exists to improve TIC education for Ob/Gyn trainees.
WASH Levels and Associated Human Health Risks in War-Prone West African Countries: A Global Indicators Study (2015 to 2021)
Authors: Aboah Michael
Published: February 2024

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) levels have been shown to have impacts on health. However, the knowledge of WASH levels in war-prone West African countries is limited. The study extracted data (2015-2021) from the Joint Monitoring Programme (WHO/UNICEF), World Bank and Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) to estimate WASH levels in the study countries. Pearson correlation analysis was used to establish the association among the WASH levels. Results showed that women had better access to safe water (56.39%), good sanitation (59.36%) and good hygiene (60.23%) compared to men. The urban population had better access to safe water (57.60%), good sanitation (61.23%), and good hygiene (65.65%) than the rural population. Among the countries under study, Nigeria had the highest access to safe water (36.10%) and good sanitation (24.41%), while Mali had the highest access to good hygiene (27.93%). Pearson correlation analysis showed a strong positive association between safe water and good hygiene ( r = .998), safe water and sanitation ( r = .996) and hygiene and sanitation ( r = .998) at .00 significant levels. Based on the findings, it is recommended that integrated WASH programmes with combined infrastructure development, behaviour change campaigns and community engagement should be encouraged to ensure peaceful and sustainable access to WASH levels.