bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on GPS User Trajectory Analysis and Behavior Prediction Based on Swarm Intelligence Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Guangyong
Published: April 2022

Under the social background of the rapid development of big data, human beings have gradually moved towards a comprehensive digital era, and people have begun to apply digital technology in various fields. Therefore, it is necessary to study methods that can efficiently process big data and solve problems such as data intelligence. Intelligent products and applications that we use everywhere in our lives are changing people’s lives. Among them, location service is one of the important technical supports. No matter which software is opened on the mobile phone, it will prompt us to open location service. Location prediction is an important part of location-based services and plays an indispensable role in the recommendation system and urban resource planning. At present, GPS-based trajectory data is widely concerned in position prediction task. GPS trajectory data belongs to spatiotemporal series data, which not only contains time and position information but also contains abundant context information in trajectory sequence. Most of the traditional position prediction methods focus on the position sequence in GPS trajectory but do not fully mine the context information in the trajectory, which leads to poor prediction results. The intelligent optimization algorithm greatly enriches the optimization technology and provides a feasible solution for those combinatorial optimization problems which are difficult to deal with by traditional optimization technology. GPS trajectory data has the advantages of wide coverage, quick update, easy collection, and low cost, and it also implies abundant road network information. As a result, GPS trajectory data of users has gradually become a new data source for automatic construction of urban road network and has also become a research hotspot of many scholars. In this paper, the idea of swarm intelligence algorithm and swarm intelligence algorithm are used to design and implement a data analysis and behavior prediction system for calculating GPS user trajectory, aiming at solving the shortcomings of existing GPS tracking and positioning.
Deep Learning-Based Multimodal 3 T MRI for the Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hu Yong , Tang Jie , Zhao Shenghao , Li Ye
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the application effect of deep learning model combined with different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences in the evaluation of cartilage injury of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Specifically, an image superresolution algorithm based on an improved multiscale wide residual network model was proposed and compared with the single-shot multibox detector (SSD) algorithm, superresolution convolutional neural network (SRCNN) algorithm, and enhanced deep superresolution (EDSR) algorithm. Meanwhile, 104 patients with KOA diagnosed with cartilage injury were selected as the research subjects and underwent MRI scans, and the diagnostic performance of different MRI sequences was analyzed using arthroscopic results as the gold standard. It was found that the image reconstructed by the model in this study was clear enough, with minimum noise and artifacts, and the overall quality was better than that processed by other algorithms. Arthroscopic analysis found that grade I and grade II lesions concentrated on patella (26) and femoral trochlear (15). In addition to involving the patella and femoral trochlea, grade III and grade IV lesions gradually developed into the medial and lateral articular cartilage. The 3D-DS-WE sequence was found to be the best sequence for diagnosing KOA injury, with high diagnostic accuracy of over 95% in grade IV lesions. The consistency test showed that the 3D-DESS-WE sequence and T2

∗

mapping sequence had a strong consistency with the results of arthroscopy, and the Kappa consistency test values were 0.748 and 0.682, respectively. In conclusion, MRI based on deep learning could clearly show the cartilage lesions of KOA. Of different MRI sequences, 3D-DS-WE sequence and T2

∗

mapping sequence showed the best diagnosis results for different degrees of KOA injury.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound-Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiomics Based Model for Predicting the Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Wang Yong , Feng Guoyan , Wang Jianru , An Peng , Duan Peng , Hu Yan , Ye Yingjian , Li Yang , Qin Ping , Song Ping
Published: April 2022

Objective. This study was aimed at developing a model for predicting postoperative biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) using clinical data-CEUS-MRI radiomics and at verifying its clinical effectiveness. Methods. The clinical imaging data of 159 patients pathologically confirmed with PCa and who underwent radical prostatectomy in Xiangyang No. 1 People’s Hospital and Jiangsu Hospital of Chinese Medicine from March 2016 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the 2-5-year follow-up results, the patients were divided into the biochemical recurrence (BCR) group (

n
=
59

) and the control group (

n
=
100

). The training set and test set were established in the proportion of 7/3; 4 prediction models were established based on the clinical imaging data. In training set, the area under the curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) by R was conducted to compare the efficiency of 4 prediction models, and then, external validation was performed using the test set. Finally, a nomogram tool for predicting BCR was developed. Results. Univariate regression analysis confirmed that the SmallAreaHighGrayLevelEmphasis, RunVariance, Contrast, tumor diameter, clinical T stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, Gleason score, preoperative PSA, treatment method, CEUS-peak intensity (PI), time to peak (TTP), arrival time (AT), and elastography grade were the influencing factors for predicting BCR. In the training set, the AUC of combinatorial model demonstrated the highest efficiency in predicting BCR [AUC: 0.914 (OR 0.0305, 95% CI: 0.854-0.974)] vs. the general clinical data model, the CEUS model, and the MRI radiomics model. The DCA confirmed the largest net benefits of the combinatorial model. The test set validation gave consistent results. The nomogram tool has been well applied clinically. Conclusion. The previous clinical and imaging data alone did not perform well for predicting BCR. Our combinatorial model firstly using clinical data-CEUS-MRI radiomics provided an opportunity for clinical screening of BCR and help improve its prognosis.
Fixed Point Results on Closed Ball in Convex Rectangularb−Metric Spaces and Applications
Authors: Li Chaobo , Cui Yunan , Chen Lili
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the concept of convex rectangularb−metric spaces is introduced as a generalization of both convex metric spaces and rectangularb−metric spaces. The purpose of this study is to indicate a way of generalizing Mann’s iteration algorithm and a series of fixed point results in rectangularb−metric spaces. Furthermore, certain examples are given to support the results. We also study well posedness of fixed point problems of some mappings in convex rectangularb−metric spaces, and an application to the dynamic programming is entrusted to manifest the viability of the obtained results. Our results extend comparable results in the existing literature.
Investigation and Analysis of the Influence of Vegetative Tracheobronchial Foreign Body on Airflow Field
Authors: Bao Yudong , Qu Shengqian , Li Kai
Published: April 2022

The BSL k-ω turbulence model was used to numerically simulate the inspiratory airflow of the airway with foreign bodies using a real CT scan human airway model. The paper selects three foreign bodies with different diameters, three different foreign body positions, and three different breathing intensities, and the FLUENT software is used to perform numerical simulation. This study has found that the increase in the diameter of the foreign body and flow velocity will make the flow structure in the airway more complicated. The airway pressure will increase so that the resistance of breathing will increase, and the shear force will also increase, which hurt the airway. The impact of the foreign body on the left side on the flow structure in the airway is less than that of the foreign body on the right side. The foreign body on the left side causes the pressure drop in the airway to be higher than that on the right side. Moreover, sharp changes in pressure driving force and airway curvature will affect the airflow pattern of the central airway. We concluded that foreign matter has a great influence on the characteristics of the airflow structure, and more research is needed to increase the understanding of the airflow pattern under the condition of foreign matter in the airway, and the research helps doctors avoid the influence of airflow when removing foreign bodies in the airway.
A Machine Learning Approach for the Detection of QRS Complexes in Electrocardiogram (ECG) Using Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) Algorithm
Authors: Rizwan Ali , Priyanga P , Abualsauod Emad H. , Zafrullah Syed Nasrullah , Serbaya Suhail H. , Halifa Awal
Published: April 2022

This study describes a modified approach for the detection of cardiac abnormalities and QRS complexes using machine learning and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. The suggested technique overtakes prevailing approaches in terms of both sensitivity and specificity, with 0.45 percent detection error rate for cardiac irregularities. Moreover, the vector machine classifiers validated the proposed method's superiority by accurately categorising four ECG beat types: normal, LBBBs, RBBBs, and Paced beat. The technique had 96.67 percent accuracy in MLP-BP and 98.39 percent accuracy in support of vector machine classifiers. The results imply that the SVM classifier can play an important role in the analysis of cardiac abnormalities. Furthermore, the SVM classifier also categorises ECG beats using DWT characteristics collected from ECG signals.
Regulation of Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Nrf2 in Kidney Disease: Timing Is Critical
Authors: Zhuang Yuxian , Hu Liue , Wu Yang , Yang Chen , Li Shangmei , Jing Kaipeng , Liu Huafeng
Published: April 2022

Abnormal regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis plays a critical role in the progression of renal disease. Recent studies have shown that activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) has time-dependent protective effects, which can be explained by the differing regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis during the various stages of kidney disease. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms whereby mitochondrial homeostasis is regulated and the nature of the dysregulation of mitochondrial homeostasis in renal disease. In addition, we summarize the dual roles of Nrf2 in kidney disease by discussing the studies that have shown the importance of the timing of its activation in the regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis. This should provide a theoretical basis for therapeutic strategies aimed at activating Nrf2 in kidney disease.
A Low-Code Framework for Complex Crowdsourcing Work Based on Process Modeling
Authors: Xiong Tianhong , Pan Maolin , Yu Yang , Lou Dingjun
Published: April 2022

Crowdsourcing has become a new distributed paradigm, which uses online crowds to solve complex problems. Recently, in order to reduce the development workload and research threshold of crowdsourcing applications, crowdsourcing process modeling is attracting more and more attention. However, complex crowdsourcing processes used for creative and open-ended work have remained out of reach for process modeling, because this type of process usually has a dynamic execution, in which the type, number, and order of tasks and subtasks are often unknown in advance but are determined dynamically at runtime. In this paper, we propose a modeling approach and supporting framework to fill this gap. Specifically, we provide a task model composition to allow task creation on demand, while collaborating on tasks in a tree structure to adapt to the dynamic execution. Moreover, we introduce a set of message communication modes to support data exchange among tasks. Finally, we construct a framework named CrowdModeller to embody this approach. Through two evaluations, we demonstrate its effectiveness.
Antitumor Activity of Lurbinectedin, a Selective Inhibitor of Oncogene Transcription, in Patients with Relapsed Ewing Sarcoma: Results of a Basket Phase II Study
Authors: Subbiah Vivek , Braña Irene , Longhi Alessandra , Boni Valentina , Delord Jean-Pierre , Awada Ahmad , Boudou-Rouquette Pascaline , Sarantopoulos John , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , Elias Anthony , Ratan Ravin , Fernandez Cristian , Kahatt Carmen , Cullell-Young Martin , Siguero Mariano , Zeaiter Ali , Chawla Sant P.
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

Lurbinectedin suppresses the oncogenic transcription factor EWS-FLI1 through relocalization to the nucleolus, and delays tumor growth in mice bearing Ewing sarcoma xenografts. On the basis of this rationale, lurbinectedin was evaluated in patients with relapsed Ewing sarcoma.

Patients and Methods:

This open-label, single-arm, Basket phase II trial included a cohort of 28 treated adult patients with confirmed Ewing sarcoma, measurable disease as per Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) v.1.1, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2, adequate organ function, no central nervous system metastasis, and pretreated with ≤2 chemotherapy lines for metastatic/recurrent disease. Patients received lurbinectedin 3.2 mg/m2 as a 1-hour infusion every 3 weeks. Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) as per RECIST v.1.1. Secondary endpoints included time-to-event parameters and safety profile.

Results:

ORR was 14.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.0%–32.7%], with median duration of response of 4.2 months (95% CI, 2.9–5.5 months). Median progression-free survival was 2.7 months (95% CI, 1.4–4.3 months), clinical benefit rate was 39.3%, and disease control rate was 57.1%. With 39% censoring, median overall survival was 12.0 months (95% CI, 8.5–18.5 months). Most common grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (57%), anemia, thrombocytopenia, and treatment-related febrile neutropenia (14% each). No deaths or discontinuations were due to toxicity.

Conclusions:

Lurbinectedin was active in the treatment of relapsed Ewing sarcoma and had a manageable safety profile. Lurbinectedin could represent a valuable addition to therapies for Ewing sarcoma, and is currently being evaluated in combination with irinotecan in advanced Ewing sarcoma in a phase Ib/II trial.
Patient Acceptability of a Novel Technological Solution (Ambient Intelligent Geriatric Management System) to Prevent Falls in Geriatric and General Medicine Wards: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Dollard Joanne , Hill Keith D. , Wilson Anne , Ranasinghe Damith C. , Lange Kylie , Jones Katherine , Boyle Eileen Mary , Zhou Mengqi , Ng Nicholas , Visvanathan Renuka
Published: April 2022

Introduction: As effective interventions to prevent inpatient falls are lacking, a novel technological intervention was trialed. The Ambient Intelligent Geriatric Management (AmbIGeM) system used wearable sensors that detected and alerted staff of patient movements requiring supervision. While the system did not reduce falls rate, it is important to evaluate the acceptability, usability, and safety of the AmbIGeM system, from the perspectives of patients and informal carers. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study using semistructured interviews, a pre-survey and post-survey. The AmbIGeM clinical trial was conducted in two geriatric evaluation and management units and a general medical ward, in two Australian hospitals, and a subset of participants were recruited. Within 3 days of being admitted to the study wards and enrolling in the trial, 31 participants completed the pre-survey. Prior to discharge (post-intervention), 30 participants completed the post-survey and 27 participants were interviewed. Interview data were thematically analyzed and survey data were descriptively analyzed. Results: Survey and interview participants had an average age of 83 (SD 9) years, 65% were female, and 41% were admitted with a fall. Participants considered the AmbIGeM system a good idea. Most but not all thought the singlet and sensor component as acceptable and comfortable, with no privacy concerns. Participants felt reassured with extra monitoring, although sometimes misunderstood the purpose of AmbIGeM as detecting patient falls. Participants’ acceptability was strongly positive, with median 8+ (0–10 scale) on pre- and post-surveys. Discussion/Conclusion: Patients’ acceptability is important to optimize outcomes. Overall older patients considered the AmbIGeM system as acceptable, usable, and improving safety. The findings will be important to guide refinement of this and other similar technology developments.
Perivascular Adipose Tissue Compensation for Endothelial Dysfunction in the Superior Mesenteric Artery of Female SHRSP.Z-Leprfa/IzmDmcr Rats
Authors: Kagota Satomi , Futokoro Risa , Maruyama-Fumoto Kana , McGuire John J. , Shinozuka Kazumasa
Published: April 2022

Regulation of arterial tone by perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) differs between sexes. In male SHRSP.Z-Leprfa/IzmDmcr rats (SHRSP.ZF), PVAT exerts a compensatory relaxation effect for the loss of endothelium-mediated vasorelaxation, which occurs during the early stages of metabolic syndrome. However, this effect deteriorates by 23 weeks of age. Here, therefore, we compared the effects of PVAT in female and male SHRSP.ZF. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation in superior mesenteric artery without PVAT did not differ between 23-week-old females and males. However, the presence of PVAT enhanced relaxation in 23-week-old females, but not in males. The mRNA levels of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in PVAT did not differ between sexes, but AT1R-associated protein (ATRAP) and apelin levels were higher in females than in males. We observed a positive relationship between differences in artery relaxation with and without PVAT and ATRAP or apelin mRNA levels. In 30-week-old females, PVAT-enhanced relaxation disappeared, and mRNA levels of AT1R increased, while apelin levels decreased compared to 23-week-old females. These results demonstrated that in SHRSP.ZF, PVAT compensation for endothelium dysfunction extended to older ages in females than in males. Apelin and AT1R/ATRAP expression in PVAT may be predictors of favorable effects.
Description of a new species of Eurysthea Thomson (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae)
Authors: Santos-Silva Antonio , Heffern Daniel , Botero Juan Pablo
Published: April 2022

Eurysthea vandenberghei, new species from Nicaragua is described, and E. vandenberghei Santos-Silva, Heffern & Botero, 2021 is considered a nomen nudum.
Competição política e a resposta fiscal para municípios do Brasil
Authors: Teixeira Caroline Reis , Mattos Enlinson
Published: April 2022

Este artigo utiliza a metodologia de regressão em descontinuidade sharp para investigar se competição política afeta alocação dos gastos públicos entre municípios do Brasil. Os dados das eleições de 2004 a 2016 sugerem que o nível de competição política parece ter se alterado ao longo dos ciclos eleitorais, uma vez que encontramos a migração de votos para candidatos mais competitivos menos intensa do que o descrito na literatura (Fujiwara 2011, Chamon et al. 2017). Adicionalmente encontramos evidências de que municípios com eleições mais competitivas reduziram seus gastos administrativos (menos salientes) em anos de eleição.
In-kind transfers in Brazil: household consumption and welfare effects
Authors: Palialol Bruno Toni , Pereda Paula Carvalho
Published: April 2022

O Programa de Alimentação do Trabalhador (PAT) cria incentivos fiscais para firmas fornecerem transferências em produto para mais de 20 milhões de trabalhadores brasileiros. Transferências geralmente são distorcivas quando comparadas a uma transferência monetária, mas isso não é tão claro quando esta última é paga pelo empregador, ficando sujeita à cobrança de impostos sobre a folha de pagamento. Usando escore de propensão, encontramos evidências que famílias pobres beneficiadas pelo PAT consomem de 15,7% a 25,0% mais comida do que se recebessem transferências monetárias. Não há evidências que esse resultado esteja levando o programa a melhorar o estado nutricional dos trabalhadores.
Avaliação do impacto do Prouni na nota Enade dos estudantes
Authors: Becker Kalinca Leia , Mendonça Mario Jorge Cardoso de
Published: April 2022

O objetivo do estudo é analisar o efeito do Programa Universidade para Todos (Prouni) ao longo da distribuição de notas dos alunos no Exame Nacional de Desempenho de Estudantes (Enade) de 2015 a 2017. Para isso, estimou-se o efeito quantílico do tratamento a partir do método proposto por Firpo (2007). Os resultados indicaram que o impacto do Prouni, além de ter sido positivo ao longo de toda a distribuição de notas (principalmente para os alunos que receberam bolsa integral), também foi maior para os alunos que declararam renda familiar de até 3 salários mínimos e para aqueles matriculados em instituições com conceito de qualidade 4 e 5.
Pobreza infantil no Brasil: uma análise multidimensional para o período de 1998 a 2008
Authors: Vieira Cristiéle de Almeida , Favoretto Cássia Kely , Jacinto Paulo de Andrade
Published: April 2022

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a evolução de um Índice de Pobreza Multidimensional Infantil para as Unidades Federativas do Brasil em 1998, 2003 e 2008. Para tanto, foram utilizados os microdados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD) - Suplemento de Saúde e o método Alkire-Foster, considerando as dimensões educação, saúde e padrão de vida. Os resultados mostram que a pobreza infantil reduziu no período de 1998 a 2008 em quase todos os estados do Brasil. Na análise espacial, observou-se que os maiores índices estiveram localizados na região Norte e Nordeste, retratando um caráter de perpetuação regional da pobreza infantil.
A ética protestante e o espírito do capitalismo: preferências quanto ao mercado de trabalho, empreendedorismo e a estrutura familiar no Brasil
Authors: Uhr Daniel de Abreu Pereira , Paula Sílvio da Rosa , Santos Marcus Vinicius Bastos dos , Vieira Luciane Machim , Uhr Júlia Gallego Ziero
Published: April 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é testar se a ética protestante apresenta efeito sobre o comportamento dos brasileiros em duas áreas: (i) mercado de trabalho e empreendedorismo, e (ii) estrutura familiar. Utilizaram-se os microdados do censo demográfico brasileiro de 2010. O censo apresenta um plano amostral complexo, então aplicaram-se três diferentes métodos de estimação com pareamento para amostras complexas. Os resultados mostraram que o tratamento do protestantismo apresentou efeito significativo sobre as variáveis de resultado no sentido proposto por Max Weber.
Should I stay or should I go: escape behaviour of Russell’s vipers, Daboia russelii (Shaw & Nodder, 1797) in India’s agricultural landscapes
Authors: Cyriac Vivek P. , Srinivasa Kiran B. , Kumar Lohith , Martin Gerard
Published: April 2022

Predation exerts a strong selective force on prey, and hence prey species have evolved a multitude of ways to escape predation. One strategy by which many mobile species escape predation is by fleeing when approached by predators. However, fleeing too early can have fitness costs. Thus, optimal escape theory suggests that escape behaviour in prey depends on the risk of being eaten and the fleeing costs. Several studies on mammals, birds and lizards lend support to this hypothesis. However, few studies have explored escape behaviour in snakes. Here, using radio telemetry to track snakes in the field, we study the escape behaviour in Russell’s vipers, a highly venomous and cryptic snake, responsible for the highest number of snakebite deaths in India. We show that escape response, i.e., the decision to stay or flee, was influenced by intrinsic factors such as the snake’s behaviour and body temperature. We also show that the flight initiation distance, the distance at which the snake flees, was mostly determined by habitat selection, i.e., the visibility of the snake and the distance to the nearest cover. Overall, we show that different factors could determine the decision to flee and when to flee. We also highlight how understanding escape response in such highly venomous, medically important yet secretive snakes could potentially help reduce human-snake encounters and mitigate the snakebite crisis.
Still Trust? Some Reflections Over the New EU-UK Arrest Warrant
Authors: Grossio Lorenzo
Published: April 2022

This article discusses whether a recognition mechanism based on a relationship of trust sustains surrender under the EU-UK tca. Having framed the main features of the new judicial cooperation arrangements, the article firstly shows that the EU-UK Arrest Warrant entails a brand-new form of recognition of custodial decisions, labelled as recognition à la carte. Secondly, the article underlines that this form of recognition is grounded on a specific relationship of trust, different from the one governing the afsj, framed as mutual core trust. Finally, the paper discusses the enhanced role of the ECtHR in reviewing the application of the EU-UK Arrest Warrant, thus illustrating why ecj case-law concerning the eaw system could play a major role in shaping the Strasbourg Court’s reasoning.
Conceptualizing Political Illiberalism: A Long Overdue Index of Illiberal Political Values
Authors: Borja Anthony Lawrence A.
Published: April 2022

There is an urgent need to study illiberal political values. However, current efforts have focused on democratic values, democratic support, populist attitudes, and authoritarian values. Consequently, they have missed something older and more fundamental, namely, political illiberalism. Hence, I pave the way for future inquiries by proposing and validating a composite measure built upon a reverse engineering of political illiberalism from existing works on illiberal democracy, political intolerance, and the normative philosophy of political liberalism. Through quantitative psycho-political analysis (i.e., factor analysis, internal reliability tests, and basic descriptive statistics), I posit and dissect an index responding to the limits of existing ones. Overall, I define illiberal political values as a value system constituted by intolerant and leader-centric values tied with anti-institutionalist tendencies.
Responding to Debunking Arguments
Authors: Van Eyghen Hans
Published: April 2022

In this response article, I argue that Launonen’s criticisms either are beyond the scope of my argument in chapter 5 of Arguing from Cognitive Science of Religion or wrongfully presume that evolutionary explanations exhaustively explain religious beliefs. I also criticize Launonen’s claim that arguments in terms of divine design are preferable to arguments in terms of truth-tracking cognitive mechanisms.
The unexpected diversity in Amphora sensu lato (Bacillariophyta) at Sozopol Bay, the western Black Sea
Authors: ZIDAROVA RALITSA , IVANOV PLAMEN , HRISTOVA OGNYANA , DZHUROVA BORYANA , HINEVA ELITSA
Published: April 2022

During a survey of benthic diatoms from the Bulgarian Black Sea coast near the historic town of Sozopol, we found a high diversity of Amphora sensu lato taxa at a single site and on a single type of artificial substratum. A total of 40 taxa from the current genera Amphora, Halamphora, Seminavis and Tetramphora were recognized during light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. We were able to identify with a high degree of certainty only 6 taxa based on the literature, whereas for 19 taxa (or almost 50% of all taxa) we could not find even sufficiently similar species, and they remained unidentified to species level. Many of the species had small valve dimensions. The paper presents all taxa with short morphometric data and microphotographs under LM and SEM, where possible. All taxa are discussed and compared with similar known taxa. The illustrative materials in earlier works from the Black Sea and species descriptions, where such were available, were also consulted. Diversity of Amphora sensu lato in the Black Sea coastal waters seems to be underestimated, whereas some of the past records are uncertain. A discussion on the current state of knowledge of Amphora sensu lato species from the Black Sea is given.
Urospermum ×siljakii (Asteraceae), a new natural homoploid hybrid between U. dalechampii and U. picroides
Authors: HIDALGO ORIANE , BALANT MANICA , PELLICER JAUME
Published: April 2022

N/A
Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Membrane Vesicles Derived from Human Term Placentas
Authors: Fokina Valentina , Patrikeeva Svetlana , Wang Xiaoming , Shah Mansi , Shah Poonam , Russell William K. , Ahmed Mahmoud S. , Rytting Erik , Nanovskaya Tatiana
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to conduct initial characterization of membrane vesicles isolated from human placenta by agitation of villous tissue (apical and basal) as well as vesicles obtained following dual perfusion of placental lobule. The morphology, physical and biological properties
of the isolated vesicles were determined by electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and immunoblotting as well as nanoflow liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry proteomics analysis. CD-1 male mice were used to test the biocompatibility of the vesicles in vivo and assess the
biodistribution of fluorescently labeled apical and perfusion vesicles. The vesicles obtained following placental perfusion and the apical vesicles had Z-average diameters of 199±23 nm and 246±24 nm, respectively, and demonstrated nanocarrier stability, low toxicity, and low
immunogenicity. On the other hand, administration of basal vesicles resulted in animal demise with LD50 of 0.85 μgprotein/g. Both fluorescently labeled apical and perfusion vesicles were detected in the lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen of CD-1 mice within 24
h of administration. However, there were differences in organ distribution of these vesicles over 24 hours time period. These data suggest that placental apical and perfusion vesicles have a potential for further development as biological vehicles for drug delivery.
High Biocompatible Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-Based Nanosensitizer With Magnetic Resonance Imaging Capacity for Tumor Targeted Microwave Hyperthermia and Chemotherapy
Authors: Li Shimei , Zhang Wei , Lan Xudong , Tan Longfei , Chen Xudong , Lv Kong-Peng , Huang Zhongbing , Gou Li , Wan Jing , Meng Xianwei
Published: April 2022

Microwave (MW) hyperthermia has been widely studied in tumor therapy, while the lack of specificity, and the potential toxicity induced by instability or difficulty in degradation of existed MW thermal sensitizers still limits the application. Herein, a new biocompatible Poly(lactic-co-glycolic
acid) (PLGA)-based nanosensitizer of Dtxl-Gd@PLGA-PEG-TPP (DGPPT) with capacities of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and mitochondrial targeting for MW hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy was constructed via a double emulsion solvent evaporation method. The modified TPP significantly enhanced
the specificity of sensitizer for targeting mitochondria, a heat-sensitive energy supply plant in cells. Thus the MW thermal damage induced by the loaded Gd in PLGA nanospheres was also strengthened. Together, the system could also achieve MR imaging due to the existence of Gd. In addition,
the encapsulated Dtxl performed the chemotherapy of inhibiting mitochondrial function for assisting with MW hyperthermia. In vivo experiments demonstrated that PLGA had high biocompatibility that no obvious damage occurred even the dose was up to 200 mg/kg. Meanwhile, DGPPT+MW representing
the combination of mitochondrial targeting and MW hyperthermia-chemotherapy has also been proved to shrink tumor size effectively. This study provides a new direction for building biosafe and multifunctional MW sensitizer with active targeting ability to impede tumor growth.
Application of Biological Composite Materials in the Regeneration of Subchondral Defects and Articular Cartilage in a Synovial Joint: An Experimental Model
Authors: Li Wen , Shu Shijun , Nooraei Aref , Abadifard Erfan , Younus Mustafa D. , Gao Hongwei
Published: April 2022

Objective: Since the benefits of Nano-material usage have been well documented in orthopedic surgery, this study was conducted to explore the effect of polyvinyl alcohol/nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (PVA/n-HA/P66) on repairing of traumatic cartilage defects in rabbit knee
joint. Methods: New Zealand white rabbits were used to make a rabbit knee traumatic cartilage defect animal model. All rabbits were randomly located in three groups. Group-A (PVA/n-HA+PA66 implanted in cartilage defects); Group-B (HA nanospheres implanted in cartilage defects)/Gelatin
sponge composite scaffold); Group-C (only cartilage defect without implant). The repairment of articular cartilage defects and the general observation were studied by using pathological staining and gene expression of collagen using RT-PCR after 12 weeks. Results: After 12 weeks, we
observed a small amount of fibrous tissue growth in group C without soft cell filling. The repaired tissue in group B was stained with immunohistochemical and toluidine blue staining for collagen and type II collagen is positive, but chondrocyte structure is more visible. The relative mRNA
expression of type II collagen was higher in group B in comparison to other groups. The results of the Wakitani score were 5.50±2.59 for group A, 8.83±2.79 for group B, 11.50±1.05 for group C. Results showed no significant difference between group B and C; however, significant
differences were found in the scoring results between groups A and B, and between-group A and C. Conclusion: This study showed the high effectiveness of PVA/n-HA+PA66 in the treatment of cartilage defects through increasing the expression of type II collagen.
Changing gender role declines maize yield, but remittances offset: Findings from migrant households in the central Himalayas, Nepal
Authors: Atreya Kishor , Gartaula Hom
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we investigate the interplay between labor out-migration, changes in gender roles, and their effects on the maize farming system. The paper unravels these interactions using the data collected from 1053 migrant households in the mountains of Nepal. The result shows that household size positively and the number of 17–60-year-old household members negatively influence maize yield. Remittance income and raising farm animals enhanced maize yield. Geography, especially maize farming in the mountains, showed a reduction (25.6%) in yield. The migrants’ wives stated less maize yield (5%) compared to the other household members. In addition to these contextual factors, women's increased participation in the household chores, rearing and caring of farm animals, and community activities significantly compromised maize yield. However, the remittance income offsets the loss. As women's role in agriculture is central, especially in the context of male labor out-migration, gender-transformative approaches to research and development practices would ensure social justice and equitable benefit sharing. Accounting for their choices and preferences in developing and designing agricultural interventions is thus vital for the long-term sustainability of the mountain farming systems.
Female Prisoners, Mental Health, and Contact with Family and Friends
Authors: Celinska Katarzyna , Fanarraga Irina
Published: April 2022

The present study explores the psychological symptoms of 194 female inmates housed in a northeast state prison. Imprisoned women completed Derogatis’ (2001) Brief Symptom Inventory-18 and responded to questions on the frequency of contact with family and friends via phone calls, letters, and visitations. The results showed significant correlations between psychological symptoms and modes of contact. Multiple regression models revealed that certain types of contact with family and friends had a statistically significant impact on the self-reported psychological symptoms of female inmates. Policy implications and recommendations are discussed.
Effect of process parameters on AA6061/Q345 bimetal composite for hot stamping
Authors: Shao YiYu , Peng WenFei , Cao Fei , Oleksandr Moliar , Titov Vyacheslav
Published: April 2022

Hot stamping is an advanced forming process used in automobile lightweight manufacturing, but it has not been used in the manufacture of bimetal composite parts. In this work, based on the hot stamping forming technology and the advantages of bimetal composite in strength, stiffness and corrosion resistance, the finite element simulation theoretical analysis and test on the hot stamping forming of AA6061/Q345 bimetal composite U-shaped parts were performed. The effect of initial temperature, stamping speed, die gap and pressure holding time on forming quality were investigated. The results show that the initial temperature not only affects the temperature distribution of each layer of the bimetal composite after stamping but also affects the deformation resistance during forming. The increasing stamping speed reduces the contact time between the die and plate rising the plate temperature, but the increasing stamping speed also strengthens the stamping hardening effect in the forming process leading to the stress increase. The die gap affects the contact area between the plate and the die. The increasing gap is beneficial to reduce the temperature difference between different layers. However, an excessive die gap also increases the tensile stress in the plate and affects the forming accuracy. With the pressure holding time larger, the temperature of the formed part becomes low, the residual stress releasing causes the stress to be smaller. According to the analysis of tensile and bending mechanical properties, it is indicated that the formed parts prepared by the optimal parameters obtained by numerical simulations have excellent mechanical properties and formability.
“I’ll Take Two Please … Sike”: Paying the Black Tax in Adult Education
Authors: Gnanadass Edith , Privott Daryl R. , Ramdeholl Dianne , Merriweather Lisa R.
Published: April 2022

We live in a society wherein anti-Black racism is pervasive. It infiltrates every aspect of life, including work life spaces. In spite of the recent call for higher education to become antiracist, a tall order for an institution literally and figuratively built on racist attitudes and behaviors, higher education continues to be a cesspool for racism. Literature is replete with stories of the toll working in such environments takes on Black and Brown people. Some have called it “The Black Tax.” Palmer and Walker (2020) riff off of Rochester’s (2018) popularization of the financial “Black Tax” to relate it to psycho-social realities of Black people. Palmer and Walker define it as “the psychological weight or stressor that Black people experience from consciously or unconsciously thinking about how White Americans perceive the social construct of Blackness” (para. 2). Black and Brown adult educators pay this tax multiple times in the course of working in academe and that tax is doubled when they teach subjects that center equity and social justice. This paper will share through dialogic reconstruction multivocal layered accounts of Black and Brown adult educators, each with a different positionality, but all who understand what it means to pay the Black tax in adult education. Working from a critical race lens, the authors engage in a collaborative evocative autoethnography to analyze their experiences with the impact of the Black tax on their role as adult education professors in higher education. We determined the following themes as salient to our Black Tax experience: A sick place, moving the line, bring me a rock, and weaponizing our power. Understanding how anti-Black racism operates is key to adult education as a discipline moving toward its ever-elusive goal of parity and justice and reflecting on its theories and practices that stymie those efforts.
Adaptive fuzzy PID control based on nonlinear disturbance observer for quadrotor
Authors: Ghasemi Ali , Azimi Mohammad M
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the composite control of position and orientation of the quadrotor for tracking purposes are investigated. The quadrotor is an underactuated nonlinear system. So, based on the introduced virtual inputs the quadrotor is transformed into an actuated system. External disturbances and different sources of uncertainty such as input saturation are considered in the dynamic model of the quadrotor. Also, after transform implementation, some complicated terms appear which are considered as other sources of uncertainty. To guarantee the stabilization and tracking goals of the quadrotor in the perturbed model, the composite adaptive fuzzy PID-Like controller is proposed. This controller consists of three parts where the innovation of the paper appears in all terms. The main term is an adaptive fuzzy PID-like controller which able to approximate the coefficients of PID based on the decentralized fuzzy logic. Then, a H∞ compensator based on a modified Riccati-like equation is presented; which can attenuate the fuzzy approximation errors. Also, as the last term of the composite controller, the modified disturbance observer is designed that estimates the uncertainty and disturbance. The experimental result shows that the proposed method leads to resilient stabilization and tracking in comparison with conventional methods.
A comparative study of PODE/gasoline and n-heptane/gasoline in a spark-assisted homogeneous charge compression ignition engine with dual-injection strategies and EGR
Authors: Zhao Tingyu , Xia Chun , Fang Junhua , Zhu Lei , Huang Zhen
Published: April 2022

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) has potential to improve thermal efficiency for gasoline engine due to the similar formation of mixture between HCCI and traditional spark ignition mode. High reactivity fuel combined with gasoline is used to achieve HCCI combustion with a relative low compression ratio. Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (PODE) is a kind of low-carbon fuels with unique molecule structure, which is beneficial for carbon neutral. The intermediate products of PODE are different from those of long-chain alkane such as n-heptane and diesel. In this paper, the difference in spark-assisted HCCI (SA-HCCI) combustion combined with spark ignition and EGR between PODE/gasoline and n-heptane/gasoline under different operating conditions were investigated. The results illustrated that PODE/gasoline was more suitable for SA-HCCI combustion due to the positive relation between thermal efficiency and gasoline percentage, which can significantly improve the thermal efficiency while suppressing knock. Although the cetane number of PODE is greater than the n-heptane, the SA-HCCI combustion was more violent fueled with n-heptane/gasoline than that of PODE/gasoline. Low NOx and PM emissions are achieved for SA-HCCI combustion especially for PODE/gasoline. The advancing spark timing reduced the incomplete combustion and shortened the combustion duration, thus reducing the THC and CO emissions, especially fueled with PODE/gasoline. Although a low EGR rate can slightly improve the THC and CO emissions, violent combustion can be significantly improved. In general, high efficiency and low emissions could be achieved by PODE/gasoline and spark ignition combined with EGR. The brake thermal efficiency for SA-HCCI combustion fueled with PODE/gasoline increased by 30% compared with DISI mode under the same loads.
‘A pain in the buttock’: A case report of gluteal compartment syndrome after robotic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Yang Stephen Su , Anidjar Maurice , Azzam Milène A
Published: April 2022

Acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency that, if unrecognised, leads to tissue and muscle ischaemia, necrosis, multi-organ failure and even death. Gluteal compartment syndrome is a rare type of compartment syndrome that typically occurs as a sequela of trauma, and its presentation may be difficult to recognise. We describe a case of a patient who developed gluteal compartment syndrome following a prolonged renal surgery in lateral decubitus position. Our case report aims to raise clinicians’ awareness to consideration of this rare syndrome in patients presenting with lower extremity or back pain after prolonged surgery.
Female genital prolapse
Authors: Morris Charlotte , Munro Catherine , Navani Manju
Published: April 2022

Female genital prolapse is a common presentation to general practice. Although frequently asymptomatic, genital prolapse causes some women significant, distressing and debilitating symptoms. Discomfort and feeling a ‘lump or bulge’ in the vagina or ‘something coming down’ is the most commonly reported symptom. Urinary and bowel dysfunction, including frequency and incontinence can occur and dyspareunia, change in body image and psychological symptoms are common. All of these can have detrimental effects on a woman’s wellbeing, quality of life and relationships. Multiple treatment strategies exist for prolapse, including reassurance, pelvic floor muscle training, pessary use and surgery. These can be discussed to facilitate a shared decision about the right management strategy with the patient. This article aims to give an overview of female genital prolapse and its management, and to increase knowledge and confidence for management of the condition in primary care.
The Deterioration of Cervical Kyphosis During Neck Flexion after Laminoplasty Affects the Surgical Outcome of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Funaba Masahiro , Imajo Yasuaki , Suzuki Hidenori , Nishida Norihiro , Sakamoto Takuya , Sakai Takashi
Published: April 2022

Study Design

A retrospective single-center study.

Objective

The present study investigated whether postoperative cervical alignment changes, in addition to preoperative patient backgrounds, imaging parameters, and disease severity, affect outcomes 1 year after laminoplasty.

Methods

One hundred and three cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients who underwent laminoplasty were enrolled. Preoperative and postoperative (1-year) Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, cervical alignment, and balance on X-rays were assessed. Patients were classified into 2 groups for a univariate analysis according to the status of the recovery rate (RR) of the JOA score ≥50%. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with good surgical outcomes a.

Results

The mean RR of the JOA score was 47.5% and the loss of cervical lordosis in the neutral position was 5.5°. The univariate analysis revealed slight differences in age, sex, and the duration of disease. Preoperative C2-7 angles were not significantly different. The C2-7 angle during flexion after surgery was significantly smaller in Group F. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, significant factors associated with the status of RR≥50% were a younger age (OR: .75, 95%CI: .59–.96), shorter duration of disease (OR: .94, 95%CI: .89–.99), and a lordotic C2-7 angle during neck flexion after surgery (OR: 1.47, 95%CI: 1.1–1.95).

Conclusion

We retrospectively assessed the surgical outcomes of laminoplasty in 103 CSM cases. In addition to an older age and longer duration of disease, postoperative deteriorations in cervical kyphosis during neck flexion had a negative impact on outcomes.