bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iterative learning control realized using an iteration-varying forgetting factor based on optimal gains
Authors: Dai Baolin , Gong Jun , Li Cuiming , Ning Huifeng
Published: March 2021

Iterative learning control with forgetting factor (ILCFF) is widely used in control engineering. However, choosing the optimal parameters of ILCFF to improve system-output characteristics has been a challenging issue for controller designers. This paper proposes an iterative learning control (ILC) algorithm that involves a variable forgetting factor based on optimal gains for a class of discrete linear time-invariant systems with aperiodic disturbances. The convergence of the algorithm is analyzed, and the necessary and sufficient condition for its convergence is derived in terms of proportional–integral–derivative coefficients. A design method based on optimal gains is established to determine the algorithm coefficients and to accelerate system convergence. Furthermore, the influence of the forgetting factor on both the system-output error and the scope of the proposed algorithm is analyzed. Additionally, the most suitable system type for the application of the forgetting factor is determined. The effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by performing a theoretical analysis and a case-based simulation. The proposed iteration-varying optimal forgetting-factor-based ILC algorithm undergoes fast convergence with a small system-output error. The findings disrupt the conventional view that the use of the forgetting factor increases system-output error. In fact, in a system with small trajectory and increased disturbances, the error induced by the forgetting factor may be smaller than that of the traditional optimal ILC algorithm.
Serving to Help and Helping to Serve: Using Servant Leadership to Influence Beyond Supervisory Relationships
Authors: Kauppila Olli-Pekka , Ehrnrooth Mats , Mäkelä Kristiina , Smale Adam , Sumelius Jennie , Vuorenmaa Hertta
Published: March 2021

This study provides a new perspective on servant leadership research by examining the social influence of the servant leadership of individuals who are not in a supervisory position. Drawing on servant leadership and social learning theories, we examine how the servant leadership of managers in support roles can initiate a social learning process that shapes the leadership style of line managers and thereby influences employee outcomes throughout the organization. To facilitate the integration between servant leadership and social learning theories, we also examine the role of efficacy beliefs in enhancing the effectiveness of the social learning process. Using nested, time-lagged data from 667 store managers, 121 line managers, and 23 human resource managers (i.e., support managers), we find that support managers’ servant leadership positively influences organizational members’ perceptions of overall justice and leader-member exchange through line manager servant leadership. In turn, employees’ favorable perceptions stemming from line manager servant leadership enhance the employees’ organizational commitment and job satisfaction. The results also indicate that high leadership self-efficacy augments line managers’ effectiveness in emulating servant leadership behaviors from support managers and reinforces the indirect effects on organizational members’ favorable perceptions.
The socio-ecological model as a framework for understanding junk food consumption among schoolchildren in Nepal
Authors: Upreti Yadu Ram , Bastien Sheri , Bjønness Birgitte , Devkota Bhimsen
Published: March 2021

Background:

The consumption of industrially processed food, popularly known as junk food, is a growing public health concern worldwide, including in Nepal. Schoolchildren are a vulnerable group and they consume junk food at school.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to examine multi-level determinants of junk food consumption among basic schoolchildren using the socio-ecological model as a framework.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among students ( n = 404), and a self-reported questionnaire was used to collect the data. The chi-square test and logistic regression were applied to analyse the results using SPSS version 26.

Results:

Nearly half (47%) of the students reported that they consumed junk foods at snack time. Important variables for explaining junk food consumption were knowledge of food and nutrition—a micro-level determinant; sharing knowledge of food and nutrition with classmates at school—a meso-level determinant; grade of student—an exo-level determinant; and occupation of parents—a macro-level determinant. However, multivariate analysis found that knowledge of food and nutrition ( p < 0.05), and sharing knowledge of food and nutrition with classmates at school ( p < 0.05) were the significant predictors of junk food consumption.

Conclusions:

Junk food consumption is common among basic-level students in the study schools. Multi-level determinants explain the factors associated with this behaviour, extending from micro to macro as the socio-ecological model asserts. This study points to the need for comprehensive school-based nutrition education that targets multiple levels of influence, focusing on active learning approaches to promote healthy dietary behaviour in students.
Transcriptome analysis reveals sexual disparities in gene expression in rat brain microvessels
Authors: Chandra Partha K , Cikic Sinisa , Baddoo Melody C , Rutkai Ibolya , Guidry Jessie J , Flemington Erik K , Katakam Prasad VG , Busija David W
Published: March 2021

Sex is an important determinant of brain microvessels (MVs) function and susceptibility to cerebrovascular and neurological diseases, but underlying mechanisms are unclear. Using high throughput RNA sequencing analysis, we examined differentially expressed (DE) genes in brain MVs from young, male, and female rats. Bioinformatics analysis of the 23,786 identified genes indicates that 298 (1.2%) genes were DE using False Discovery Rate criteria (FDR; p < 0.05), of which 119 (40%) and 179 (60%) genes were abundantly expressed in male and female MVs, respectively. Nucleic acid binding, enzyme modulator, and transcription factor were the top three DE genes, which were more highly expressed in male than female MVs. Synthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI), biosynthesis of GPI-anchored proteins, steroid and cholesterol synthesis, were the top three significantly enriched canonical pathways in male MVs. In contrast, respiratory chain, ribosome, and 3 ́-UTR-mediated translational regulation were the top three enriched canonical pathways in female MVs. Different gene functions of MVs were validated by proteomic analysis and western blotting. Our novel findings reveal major sex disparities in gene expression and canonical pathways of MVs and these differences provide a foundation to study the underlying mechanisms and consequences of sex-dependent differences in cerebrovascular and other neurological diseases.
A Review of Imaginary Companions and Their Implications for Development
Authors: Armah Annabelle , Landers-Potts Melissa
Published: March 2021

A curious childhood phenomenon that has received relatively little attention in developmental literature is the imaginary companion (IC). Increased recognition of the importance of imaginative play and a desire to stimulate children’s early cognitive development makes ICs a particularly relevant topic. The significant prevalence of ICs in the population has permitted a modest yet diverse range of research investigating the functions, correlates, and implications of ICs for the children that create them. This literature review summarizes some of this research in order to describe the functions and forms that ICs may take, as well as social and personality characteristics of children with ICs. It also examines the role that ICs may serve in cognitive and social development, particularly with respect to children’s acquisition of Theory of Mind. Finally, this article addresses ways to integrate ICs into other aspects of children’s lives, gaps in the existing literature, and potential directions for future research in the field.
Measurement of ocular counter-roll using iris images during binocular fixation and head tilt
Authors: Oh Kwang-Keun , Moon Byeong-Yeon , Cho Hyun Gug , Kim Sang-Yeob , Yu Dong-Sik
Published: March 2021

Objective

To compare the ocular counter-roll (OCR) measured using iris images during binocular fixation and head tilt with OCR measured via fundus photography.

Methods

Fifty-three healthy college students participated in this study. The mean OCR was measured by collection of iris images and fundus images under seven head tilt conditions (0 degrees; 10, 20, and 30 degrees right; and 10, 20, and 30 degrees left). Three iris images (crossed pupil center, pupil center, and pupil periphery) were taken using a slit-lamp biomicroscope with an ophthalmic camera and a half-silvered mirror; fundus images were collected via fundus photography. The mean OCR values were compared between images taken with each method.

Results

No iris images or head tilt conditions revealed any significant differences in mean OCR comparison with fundus images. The mean difference in OCR was smallest, and the correlation was greatest, between the crossed pupil center and fundus images.

Conclusion

A half-silvered mirror and iris images can replace fundus photography for the measurement of OCR.
The effect of play-based occupational therapy on symptoms and participation in daily life activities in children with cancer: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mohammadi Ahmad , Mehraban Afsoon Hassani , Damavandi Shahla Ansari , Zarei Mehdi Alizadeh , Haghani Hamid
Published: March 2021

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the effect of play-based occupational therapy on symptoms and participation in daily life activities in hospitalized children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Method

A total of 25 children (mean age = 9.28 ± 0.95 years, range = 7–12 years) with cancer undergoing chemotherapy were enrolled and randomly assigned to a play-based occupational therapy group ( n = 12) or control group ( n = 13). The intervention group received eight 1-hour play-based occupational therapy sessions, and the control group received traditional occupational therapy services. Participation in daily life activities, therapy-related symptoms, pain, anxiety, and fatigue were evaluated.

Results

Total mean scores of participation in daily life activities in the intervention group in the diversity of activities ( p = 0.001, d = 1.39), intensity of participation ( p = 0.001, d = 1.86), with whom done ( p = 0.005, d = 1.22), enjoyment ( p = 0.003, d = 1.33), and parents’ satisfaction ( p = 0.003, d = 1.33) were significantly higher than the control group. Symptoms decreased in both groups; however, this trend had a significant difference in the intervention group for the therapy-related symptom checklist ( p = 0.001, d = 1.68), pain ( p = 0.001, d = 1.61), anxiety ( p = 0.001, d = 1.58), and fatigue ( p = 0.002, d = 1.39) scores.

Conclusion

A 2-week course of inpatient play-based occupational therapy is an effective approach in the reduction of cancer symptoms, therapy-related symptoms, and the participation facilitation, of children with cancer in daily life activities.
Incidental discovery of endourethral clip migration 10 years after radical prostatectomy: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Symeonidis Evangelos N , Memmos Dimitrios , Langas Georgios , Bouchalakis Athanasios , Baniotis Panagiotis , Savvides Eliophotos , Stefanidis Panagiotis , Mutomba Wilbert F , Dimitriadis Georgios
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Surgical clips (SCs) have been widely used for a variety of surgical procedures over the years. Despite their advantages and proven effectiveness, several clip-related complications have been reported, creating dilemmas as to their optimal use.

Case description:

Herein, we present a rare delayed and incidental discovery of two endourethral metallic SCs in a 77-year-old male seeking treatment for acute renal colic. The patient had undergone open radical retropubic prostatectomy 10 years ago, and had an uneventful postoperative recovery. Computed tomography scan revealed left-sided hydronephrosis secondary to proximal ureteral calculus, as well as SCs at the level of vesico-urethral (VUR) anastomosis. Flexible cystoscopy confirmed the imaging findings, showing two endourethral clips, partly obstructing the VUR. Firstly, a serial wire-guided dilation took place, followed by left ureteral double-J stent placement. Unfortunately, the clips could not be concurrently removed due to their firm attachment to the bladder neck. Hence, our patient was scheduled for transurethral resection of the bladder neck and simultaneous endoscopic clip removal.

Conclusions:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to highlight such a delayed incidental finding, 10 years after open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP), during a JJ stent insertion for obstructive uropathy without previous clip-induced lower urinary tract symptoms. Although rare, physicians should be aware of the potential clip-related complications arising either in the short- or long-term postprostatectomy setting.
Bodies as Arenas of Experimentation: Experiencing Novel Ways of Running
Authors: Gross Toomas
Published: March 2021

Recreational running has been a widely popular form of leisure for half a century, and many countries have experienced a marathon boom in the past decades. In recent years, however, runners have started to run in new ways, often in unconventional settings, and compete in races with various alternative formats. Through an ethnographic approach that builds on in-depth narrative interviews with recreational runners, analysis of runners’ blogs, and participant observation in running events in Estonia, I suggest that as completing a marathon becomes a routine activity, increasingly many dedicated runners turn their bodies into veritable “arenas of experimentation.” Drawing on Zeiler’s concept of bodily “eu-appearance” and Ingold’s concerted approach to movement, perception, and knowledge, and building more generally on Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenological perspective, I argue that such corporeal experimentation is motivated by novel sensorial experiences that lead to a heightened awareness of one’s own body as well as by a pursuit of altered and intensified perceptual awareness of the environment one runs in.
Religion, Cultural Politics, and Public Knowledge
Authors: Apple Michael W.
Published: March 2021

Almost all of the discussions surrounding educational policy focus their attention on particular places, especially various kinds of formal schooling. While this focus is of course crucial, it tends to ignore other educational sites where acts of teaching go on and where challenges to accepted understandings are waged. These include libraries and the topic of this essay, museums. Creating the Creation Museum clearly documents why such sites are worthy of our most serious attention. The book is a substantive contribution in a number of ways. It offers important critical insights about the Museum and its overt role in “advancing a long standing movement goal: advancing the cultural authority of creation science.” It also provides us with an expanded set of methodological tools for engaging in such work.
Generating Financial Resources for Health
Authors: Sein Than
Published: March 2021

The majority of developing countries in Asia have been making reforms to their health systems for decades but have still failed to achieve their targets for universal health coverage (UHC), that is, ensuring that all people obtain the health services they need without suffering financial hardship when paying for them, and the health- and poverty-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Countries in Asia rely on a mixture of healthcare financing sources, such as government general revenue, social health insurance (SHI), external funding, private health insurance and out-of-pocket (OOP) payments. Asian countries generally spend between 1% and 10% of their national GDP on health. There are variations in government investment in health as a proportion of total health expenditure across countries, from 23.4% in Japan to Myanmar’s 4.8%. Many governments in Asia have introduced various types of publicly financed health insurance schemes (SHI). The private sector, in providing healthcare, has expanded rapidly, because many national health systems are not able to cope with rising costs, especially for co-payment, and the increasing demand for services. The introduction of private health insurance has reduced OOP payments and, in the long run, could evolve a broader SHI system. As a result of the low levels of government spending, OOP payments by health consumers constitute a large share of health expenditures, amounting to more than US$0.5 trillion or US$80 per capita annually. Rapid increases in development assistance for health (DAH) since 2000 have resulted in major health gains in the poorest countries, yet DAH levels have stagnated in recent years. DAH must evolve to help accelerate progress toward UHC.
Cleft Care in a Developing Country: An Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes of Patients/Parents of Children With an Orofacial Cleft to Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: daCosta Oluranti Olatokunbo , Isiekwe Ikenna Gerald , Ogbonna Chetachi Mariagoretti
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To assess the knowledge, awareness and attitude to orthodontic treatment of patients and parents of children with orofacial clefts, receiving comprehensive cleft care treatment.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

A major tertiary health care facility in Nigeria, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-araba, Lagos.

Participants:

Patients and parents of children with orofacial clefts receiving comprehnsive cleft care.

Intervention:

Patients and parents of children with orofacial clefts were asked to complete the survey. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used.

Results:

A total of 123 patients participated in the study, 55.3% (68) were females and 44.7% (55) were males. The majority (85.3%, 114) of patients were children aged between 0 and 5 years, while only 7.3% (9) were adults, aged 18 years and above. About one-third (41) of the respondents indicated that they felt “their teeth was not straight.” Although 43.9% (54) reported that they knew that braces could be used to straighten teeth, only 13.8% of the respondents knew who an orthodontist was. Eighty percent (99) indicated that they would be willing to undergo treatment to straighten their teeth or their children/wards’ teeth.

Conclusion:

The majority of parents of children with clefts and adult patients attending the institution’s cleft clinic had limited knowledge of orthodontics and the orthodontic care required for patients with clefts, although they had a positive attitude toward orthodontic treatment. These findings will guide the center in planning patient-centered orthodontic care for patients with clefts while also highlighting areas of importance for patient counseling and education in the orthodontic care for these patients.
Frequency-based decoupling and finite element model updating in vibration of cable–beam systems
Authors: Jalali Mohammad Hadi , Rideout D. Geoff
Published: March 2021

Interactions between cable and structure affect the modal properties of cabled structures such as overhead electricity transmission and distribution line systems. Modal properties of a single in-service pole are difficult to determine. A frequency response function of a pole impacted with a modal hammer will contain information about not only the pole but also the conductors and adjacent poles connected thereby. This article presents a generally applicable method to extract modal properties of a single structural element, within an interacting system of cables and structures, with particular application to electricity poles. A scalable experimental lab-scale pole-line consisting of a cantilever beam and stranded cable and a more complex system consisting of three cantilever beams and a stranded cable are used to validate the method. The frequency response function of a cantilever (“pole”) is predicted by substructural decoupling of measured cable dynamics (known frequency response function matrix) from the measured response of the assembled cable–beam system (known frequency response function matrix). Various amounts of sag can be present in the cable. Comparison of the estimated and directly obtained pole frequency response functions show good agreement, demonstrating that the method can be used in cabled structures to obtain modal properties of an individual structural element with the effects of cables and adjacent structural elements filtered out. A frequency response function–based finite element model updating is then proposed to overcome the practical limitation of accessing some components of the real-world system for mounting sensors. Frequency response functions corresponding to inaccessible points are generated based on the measured frequency response functions corresponding to accessible points. The results verify that the frequency response function–based finite element model updating can be used for substructural decoupling of systems in which some essential points, such as coupling points, are inaccessible for direct frequency response function measurement.
Disentangling the Phenomenology of Mind-Wandering
Authors: Figueiredo Tiago , Mattos Paulo
Published: March 2021

Objective

In the last decade, the research about mind-wandering (MW) significantly improved and allowed us to depth the phenomenology of thoughts. Prototypically, excessive MW was linked with ADHD symptoms. However, many studies have demonstrated the need to relate the type of mind-wandering with specific phenomenological presentations.

Method

Participants ( N = 53; 54.7% male; age range 18–36 years) selfreported the Mind Excessively Wandering Scale (MEWS), and they were investigated for ADHD, impulsivity levels, and anxiety/depressive symptoms.

Results

The exploratory analysis indicated a meaningful correlation between MEWS and anxiety traits and depressive symptoms. There was no significant relationship with ADHD symptoms.

Conclusion

These findings based our discussion about MW’s phenomenology considering the novel classification model based on the consideration of clinical markers such as thoughts’ content.
Applying a dual-Scheimpflug camera to measure tear film thickness
Authors: Keren Shay , Mimouni Michael , McCallum Ewan , Rabina Gilad , Levinger Eliya
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To assess the tear film thickness in healthy individuals by using a dual-Scheimpflug camera and topical 0.1% fluorescein.

Methods:

A prospective study on healthy individuals who underwent a bilateral tomography examination using the GALILEI dual-Scheimpflug with assessments of the thinnest and central corneal thickness (TCT and CCT, respectively), at baseline and 1 min after applying 2 and 4 µl of 0.1% fluorescein (30 min apart) under topical anesthesia with Oxybuprocaine 0.4%. Inclusion criteria were lack of dry eye disease symptoms and exclusion criteria were contact lens usage, eye drops usage, previous refractive surgery or any ocular surgery. All individuals scored zero on the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 62 eyes of 31 participants were included in this study. The mean age was 35.3 ± 10.88 (range 18–62). The mean TCT in was 549.16 µm in the right eye (RE) and 547.84 µm in the left eye (LE). After instillation of 2 µl of 0.1% fluorescein mean TCT increase by 27.84 µm in the RE and by 26.35 µm in the LE. CCT change was 27.58 µm increase in RE and 27.23 µm increase in LE. After instillation of 4 µl of 0.1% fluorescein the mean increase in TCT and CCT were 30.09 and 30.26 µm for OD and 28.33 and 30.15 µm for OS respectively. Comparison between the post instillation of 2 and 4 µl measurements showed no significant differences.

Conclusion:

Combining a dual-Scheimpflug camera and 0.1% fluorescein may serve as a method to assess the pre-corneal tear film.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms as risk factors for retinal venous occlusive disease: A literature review
Authors: Marques Manuel , Alves Francisco , Leitão Miguel , Rodrigues Catarina , Ferreira Joana Tavares
Published: March 2021

The role of polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a theme of discussion since the first reports of RVO in patients with MTHFR C677T mutation and without classic acquired risk factors for retinal vascular disease. The association between MTHFR polymorphisms and RVO has been studied over the last 20 years producing conflicting results. This review aims to summarize the literature concerning the role MTHFR polymorphisms as risk factors for RVO.
Oral Methotrexate Monotherapy for Severe Alopecia Areata: A Single Center Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Kinoshita-Ise Misaki , Sachdeva Muskaan , Martinez-Cabriales Sylvia A. , Shear Neil H. , Lansang Perla
Published: March 2021

Background

Although several therapeutic options have been suggested for alopecia areata (AA), none of them are consistently effective, thus making the management of severe or refractory cases challenging. Several studies have recently reported the usage of methotrexate (MTX) in AA; however, the pure effect of MTX monotherapy remains elusive.

Objective

To evaluate efficacy and safety of oral methotrexate monotherapy for AA.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of AA patients including pediatric cases treated with MTX monotherapy. Their detailed clinical data including original severity of AA, final treatment outcome, the duration until the maximum response, and side effects, were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate if the clinical factors including the duration of current alopecia, age, the presence of body hair loss, and sex were associated with treatment response.

Results

All included patients had severe AA and failed standard therapies. Thirteen out of 15 cases demonstrated improvement during the monotherapy, and all responders demonstrated the maximum response within 1 year. Female patients had significantly better outcomes than male patients. Other factors did not significantly influence on the treatment outcome. None of the patients experienced side effects that were severe enough to terminate the treatment.

Conclusions

Our results support MTX monotherapy as a feasible option for severe AA patients who fail other standard therapies or for whom systemic corticosteroids are contraindicated.
Navigating the ethnic boundary: From ‘in-between’ to plural ethnicities among Thai middle-class migrant women in Hong Kong
Authors: Ng Isabella , Cheung Herbary
Published: March 2021

The article examines the self-ethnic identification of Thai middle-class migrant women in Hong Kong. It looks into how different generations of Thai middle-class migrant women identify themselves differently in the host community. Drawing on a one-year ethnographic study and interviews with 20 participants, we found that the process of self-ethnic identification evolves from in-between ethnicity for the older generation to plural ethnicities for the younger generation. The way they perceive themselves, as we argue, determines how they navigate the ethnic boundaries in the host community. The results suggest that the older generation oscillates between being Thai and Hong Konger whereas the younger generation go beyond the dual ethnic identification and in so doing, they disrupt, transgress, or even subvert the ethnic boundaries set between the Thai and the Hong Kong people in the era of globalization with increasing mobility and the use of information and communication technologies.
MHC Class II Heterozygosity Associated With Attractiveness of Men and Women
Authors: Hakkarainen Terhi J. , Krams Indrikis , Coetzee Vinet , Skrinda Ilona , Kecko Sanita , Krama Tatjana , Ilonen Jorma , Rantala Markus J.
Published: March 2021

The genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), which plays a fundamental role in the immune system, are some of the most diverse genes in vertebrates and have been connected to mate choice in several species, including humans. While studies suggest a positive relationship between MHC diversity and male facial attractiveness, the connection of MHC diversity to other visual traits and female attractiveness is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate further whether MHC heterozygosity, indicating genetic quality, is associated with visual traits affecting mate preferences in humans. In total 74 Latvian men and 49 women were genotyped for several MHC loci and rated for facial and, in men, also body attractiveness. The results indicate a preference for MHC heterozygous female and male faces. However, the initially positive relationship between MHC heterozygosity and facial attractiveness becomes non-significant in females, when controlling for multiple testing, and in males, when age and fat content is taken into account, referring to the importance of adiposity in immune function and thus also attractiveness. Thus overall the effect of MHC heterozygosity on attractiveness seems weak. When considering separate loci, we show that the main gene related to facial attractiveness is the MHC class II DQB1; a gene important also in viral infections and autoimmune diseases. Indeed, in our study, heterozygous individuals are rated significantly more attractive than their homozygous counterparts, only in relation to gene DQB1. This study is the first to indicate a link between DQB1 and attractiveness in humans.
Nitric oxide modulation in neuroinflammation and the role of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liy Pan M , Puzi Nur Nabilah A. , Jose Shinsmon , Vidyadaran Sharmili
Published: March 2021

Nitric oxide is a versatile mediator formed by enzymes called nitric oxide synthases. It has numerous homeostatic functions and important roles in inflammation. Within the inflamed brain, microglia and astrocytes produce large amounts of nitric oxide during inflammation. Excessive nitric oxide causes neuronal toxicity and death and mesenchymal stem cells can be used as an approach to limit the neuronal damage caused by neuroinflammation. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy ameliorates inflammation and neuronal damage in disease models of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neuroinflammatory disorders. Interestingly, we have reported that in vitro, mesenchymal stem cells themselves contribute to a rise in nitric oxide levels through microglial cues. This may be an undesirable effect and highlights a possible need to explore acellular approaches for mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the central nervous system.
miR-31 promotes neural stem cell proliferation and restores motor function after spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Xiao , Gao Yuantao , Tian Feng , Du Ruochen , Yuan Yitong , Li Pengfei , Liu Fang , Wang Chunfang
Published: March 2021

This study aims to examine whether miR-31 promotes endogenous NSC proliferation and be used for spinal cord injury management. In the present study, the morpholino knockdown of miR-31 induced abnormal neuronal apoptosis in zebrafish, resulting in impaired development of the tail. miR-31 agomir transfection in NSCs increased Nestin expression and decreased ChAT and GFAP expression levels. miR-31 induced the proliferation of mouse NSCs by upregulating the Notch signaling pathway, and more NSCs entered G1; Notch was inhibited by miR-31 inactivation. Injection of a miR-31 agomir into mouse models of spinal cord injury could effectively restore motor functions after spinal cord injury, which was achieved by promoting the proliferation of endogenous NSCs. After the injection of a miR-31 agomir in spinal cord injury mice, the expression of Nestin and GFAP increased, while GFAP expression decreased. In conclusion, the zebrafish experiments prove that a lack of miR-31 will block nervous system development. In spinal cord injury mouse models, miR-31 overexpression might promote spinal cord injury repair.
Dual-Task Effects During a Motor-Cognitive Task in Parkinson’s Disease: Patterns of Prioritization and the Influence of Cognitive Status
Authors: Johansson Hanna , Ekman Urban , Rennie Linda , Peterson Daniel S. , Leavy Breiffni , Franzén Erika
Published: March 2021

People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience greater difficulties during dual task (DT) walking compared to healthy controls, but factors explaining the variance in DT costs remain largely unknown. Additionally, as cognitive impairments are common in PD it is important to understand whether cognitive status influences the strategies used during DT paradigms. The study aimed to (1) explore DT costs on gait and cognition during DT walking, (2) investigate factors associated with DT costs, and (3) to investigate to what extent patterns of DT costs and prioritization differed according to cognitive status. A total of 93 people with Parkinson’s disease were examined when walking in single and DT conditions. Information regarding demographics, PD severity, mobility, and cognitive and affective symptoms was collected, and an extensive neuropsychological test battery was used to classify whether participants had mild cognitive impairment (PD MCI) or not (PD non-MCI). Dual task costs were observed across all gait domains except asymmetry. Cognitive status was associated with DT costs on both gait and cognition. Nonmotor experiences of daily living were further associated with DT cost on cognition, and TUG-cog associated with DT cost on gait. People with PD MCI had larger DT costs on gait than PD non-MCI. Strategies differed according to cognitive status, whereby PD MCI used a posture-second strategy, and PD non-MCI used a posture-first strategy. Once verified in future studies, these results can inform clinicians and researchers when tailoring DT training paradigms to the specific characteristics of people with PD.
BCAS: A blockchain-based ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption scheme for cloud data security sharing
Authors: Zuo Yuting , Kang Zhaozhe , Xu Jian , Chen Zhide
Published: March 2021

It is the most important and challenging problem to share the data safely in cloud computing. Some so-called trusted third parties may also infringe users’ data privacy. It is an urgent problem for data owners to share data safely with the designated users rather than the third party or other users. Traditional encryption schemes utilize different keys to produce multiple encrypted copies of the same data for users. It is no longer applicable for cloud data sharing security. Attribute-based encryption can solve above problems, but it needs to rely on trusted third parties to protect the users’ privacy. In this article, in order to address the above problems, we propose a blockchain-based ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption scheme for cloud data secure sharing without relying on any trusted third parties. Blockchain-based ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption scheme can protect the rights and security of data owner. Compared with existing cloud security schemes, the proposed scheme has more advantages in terms of the six aspects: (1) data owners have the authority to decide who can decrypt the data; (2) the operations of users are retained permanently, and all records are tamper-proof; (3) our proposed scheme has the characteristic of “one-to-many” encryption, and data is encrypted only once; (4) our scheme does not rely on any trusted third party; (5) in terms of the discrete logarithm problem and decisional q parallel-bilinear Diffie–Hellman exponent problem, we prove that our proposed scheme is secure; and (6) experiment shows that our proposed scheme is more efficient than the comparative scheme.
Arteriovenous fistula of the clival diploic vein associated with arteriovenous fistula of the posterior condylar canal
Authors: Hirata Koji , Kato Noriyuki , Yamazaki Tomosato , Yasuda Susumu , Shiigai Masanari , Matsumaru Yuji
Published: March 2021

We herein report a rare case of a patient with a clival diploic vein arteriovenous fistula (AVF) associated with a posterior condylar canal AVF and discuss the radiological features of clival diploic vein AVF during decision-making on treatment strategies. A 69-year-old male patient with one-year history of pulsatile tinnitus was evaluated with magnetic resonance angiography, which revealed a dilated venous structure. Digital subtraction angiography revealed AVFs located in the clivus and posterior condylar canal. The clival diploic vein AVF was fed by the right internal maxillary artery and the petrous branch of middle meningeal artery and shed to the posterior condylar canal only through an intraosseous vein in the jugular tubercle. Although a catheter could not be navigated into the venous pouch in the clivus, the AVFs were successfully obliterated by transvenous embolization of the venous pouch in the posterior condylar canal.
Generative multiview inpainting for object removal in large indoor spaces
Authors: Kim Joohyung , Hyeon Janghun , Doh Nakju
Published: March 2021

As interest in image-based rendering increases, the need for multiview inpainting is emerging. Despite of rapid progresses in single-image inpainting based on deep learning approaches, they have no constraint in obtaining color consistency over multiple inpainted images. We target object removal in large-scale indoor spaces and propose a novel pipeline of multiview inpainting to achieve color consistency and boundary consistency in multiple images. The first step of the pipeline is to create color prior information on masks by coloring point clouds from multiple images and projecting the colored point clouds onto the image planes. Next, a generative inpainting network accepts a masked image, a color prior image, imperfect guideline, and two different masks as inputs and yields the refined guideline and inpainted image as outputs. The color prior and guideline input ensure color and boundary consistencies across multiple images. We validate our pipeline on real indoor data sets quantitatively using consistency distance and similarity distance, metrics we defined for comparing results of multiview inpainting and qualitatively.
“I am not a guinea pig”: Parental opportunity hoarding and tracking reform in Germany
Authors: Apple Lana , Debs Mira
Published: March 2021

PISA test data from 2000 to today have shown Germany’s education system is one of the most inequitable within the OECD, with high correlations between student background and achievement outcomes. Scholars have identified the highly differentiated school structure, which tracks students as young as 10 years old, as a central cause. This scholarship has not evaluated why German tracking has proved difficult to reform over the last 20 years, despite evidence of negative outcomes. Using a case study of parents’ actions in Hamburg, this paper employs a discourse analysis of debates surrounding a tracking reform to argue that opportunity hoarding—that is, parents with more social capital maintaining certain advantages through ingrained systems that are theoretically open to all—may contribute to why Germany’s early tracking system persists despite evidence showing that it increases educational inequality. The findings presented have implications for an international discussion of tracking reform and opportunity hoarding.
Integrating Theory in Co-design: An Abductive Approach
Authors: Hurley Erin , Dietrich Timo , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn
Published: March 2021

Co-design empowers people, giving them a voice in social marketing program design; however, approaches have mostly excluded expert knowledge. An abductive approach to co-design allows for inclusion of expert knowledge, providing theoretical guidance while simultaneously investigating user views and ideas extending understanding beyond known effective approaches. We use the seven-step co-design framework and outline how an abductive inference can be applied to co-design. Social cognitive theory constructs were integrated into the seven-step co-design process. The abductive approach to co-design was tested in two co-design sessions involving 40 participants. Findings demonstrate that theory can be successfully integrated into the seven-step co-design process through utilization of theory-mapped activity cards. This article provides guidance on how theory can be incorporated into ideation and insight generation. Limitations and future research recommendations are provided.
Motives for Employees Communicate Positive Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) on Social Network Sites: Exploring Moderating Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Ya , Zhang Jing , Liu Chengchen
Published: March 2021

Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) has received attention from marketing academic society in the last decade. Extant literature explains why consumers spread eWOM in social network sites (SNS), but the motivations of internal employees’ eWOM behavior are not extensively researched. This article aims to explore what factors motivate employees to create positive eWOM in SNS and the moderating variables in the effects of these motivations. Capturing motivations of employees’ positive eWOM behavior in SNS and moderating variables, the hypotheses were proposed by drawing on the literature of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), internal marketing, and consumer eWOM. Responses from a sample of 301 employees were conducted through an online questionnaire survey. The result reveals three job-related motivations and two social-related motivations of employees’ positive eWOM behavior with four moderating variables influencing these relationships in different ways. This study makes theoretical contributions to eWOM literature by integrating consumers’ eWOM and employees’ OCB research, probing into this issue from the internal employees’ perspective. Besides, it provides insightful implications for marketing managers on motivating employees to create positive eWOM in SNS voluntarily.
Trade-offs and inconsistencies of the Russian foreign policy: The case of Eurasia
Authors: Busygina Irina , Filippov Mikhail
Published: March 2021

In this article, we explore the inherent trade-offs and inconsistencies of Russia’s policies toward the post-Soviet space. We argue that attempts to rebuild an image of Russia as a “great power” have actually led to a reduction of Russian influence in the post-Soviet region. The more Russia acted as a “Great Power,” the less credible was its promise to respect the national sovereignty of the former Soviet republics. In 2011, Vladimir Putin declared that during his next term as president, his goal would be to establish a powerful supra-national Eurasian Union capable of becoming one of the poles in a multipolar world. However, Russia’s attempt to force Ukraine to join the Eurasian Union provoked the 2014 crisis. The Ukrainian crisis has de-facto completed the separation of Ukraine and Russia and made successful post-Soviet re-integration around Russia improbable.
Effect of Professional CGM (pCGM) on Glucose Management in Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Primary Care
Authors: Simonson Gregg D. , Bergenstal Richard M. , Johnson Mary L. , Davidson Janet L. , Martens Thomas W.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Little data exists regarding the impact of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in the primary care management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We initiated a quality improvement (QI) project in a large healthcare system to determine the effect of professional CGM (pCGM) on glucose management. We evaluated both an MD and RN/Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Care Model.

Methods:

Participants with T2D for >1 yr., A1C ≥7.0% to <11.0%, managed with any T2D regimen and willing to use pCGM were included. Baseline A1C was collected and participants wore a pCGM (Libre Pro) for up to 2 weeks, followed by a visit with an MD or RN/CDCES to review CGM data including Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) Report. Shared-decision making was used to modify lifestyle and medications. Clinic follow-up in 3 to 6 months included an A1C and, in a subset, a repeat pCGM.

Results:

Sixty-eight participants average age 61.6 years, average duration of T2D 15 years, mean A1C 8.8%, were identified. Pre to post pCGM lowered A1C from 8.8% ± 1.2% to 8.2% ± 1.3% (n=68, P=0.006). The time in range (TIR) and time in hyperglycemia improved along with more hypoglycemia in the subset of 37 participants who wore a second pCGM. Glycemic improvement was due to lifestyle counseling (68% of participants) and intensification of therapy (65% of participants), rather than addition of medications.

Conclusions:

Using pCGM in primary care, with an MD or RN/CDCES Care Model, is effective at lowering A1C, increasing TIR and reducing time in hyperglycemia without necessarily requiring additional medications.
Smartphone mothering and mediated family display: Transnational family practices in a polymedia environment among Indonesian mothers in Hong Kong
Authors: Waruwu Barui K
Published: March 2021

Steady demand for migrant domestic workers from developing countries continues to normalize an intriguing form of geographically dispersed families from which the mothers migrate and become the breadwinners. Despite the distance, migrant mothers remain committed to the preservation of intimacy by utilizing communication media to perform and “display” family practices. Using polymedia and displaying family as theoretical frameworks, this ethnographic study examines how smartphones shape family practices among migrant mothers. Through participant observation and in-depth interviews with 30 Indonesian mothers in Hong Kong, it illustrates how smartphones transform the configuration of mothering practices and power structures underpinning family interaction in the process of mediated family display. Smartphones, as polymedia, enable migrant mothers to assert authority over the display of maternal roles, relationships, and rituals, both materially and discursively. Given that their relationships are experienced almost exclusively via smartphone communication, directing the communication effectively means defining the shape and characteristics of the family. The findings problematize the depiction of migrant mothers as victims of communication technologies, highlighting their authorial privilege when displaying family. This article also presents a critical reflection on mediated family practices by illustrating cases of failed display.