bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health care workers’ experiences of workplace incidents that posed a risk of patient and worker injury: a critical incident technique analysis
Authors: Strid Emma Nilsing , Wåhlin Charlotte , Ros Axel , Kvarnström Susanne
Published: May 2021

Background

Health care workers (HCWs) are at high risk of occupational injuries and approximately 10–15% of patients are affected by an adverse event during their hospital stay. There is scarce scientific literature about how HCWs manage these risks in practice and what support they need. This knowledge is needed to improve safety for patients and HCWs. This study explores HCWs’ experiences of workplace incidents that led to injury or posed a risk of patient and worker injury, with focus on HCWs’ emotions and actions.

Methods

This study employed a qualitative design using the critical incident technique. Semi-structured individual interviews were held with 34 HCWs from three regions in Sweden. Data were analysed using inductive category development.

Results

Altogether 71 workplace incidents were reported. The analysis of two dimensions – the emotions HCWs feel and the actions team members and managers take when a workplace incident occurs – yielded two categories each: Anxiety during the incident, Persistent distress after the incident, Team interplay for safety actions and Support and ratification from managers and colleagues. Health care workers risked their own safety and health to provide patient safety. Teamwork and trustful relationships were critical for patient and worker safety. Support and validation from colleagues and managers were important for closure; unsatisfactory manager response and insufficient opportunities to debrief the incident could lead to persistent negative emotions. Participants described insecurity and fear, sadness over being injured at work, and shame and self-regret when the patient or themselves were injured. When the workplace had not taken the expected action, they felt anger and resignation, often turning into long-term distress.

Conclusions

Work situations leading to injury or risk of patient and worker injury are emotionally distressing for HCWs. Team interplay may facilitate safe and dynamic practices and help HCWs overcome negative emotions. Organizational support is imperative for individual closure. For safety in health care, employers need to develop strategies for active management of risks, avoiding injuries and providing support after an injury.
Association between carotid plaque vulnerability and high mobility group box-1 serum levels in a diabetic population
Authors: Biscetti Federico , Tinelli Giovanni , Rando Maria Margherita , Nardella Elisabetta , Cecchini Andrea Leonardo , Angelini Flavia , Straface Giuseppe , Filipponi Marco , Arena Vincenzo , Pitocco Dario , Gasbarrini Antonio , Massetti Massimo , Flex Andrea
Published: May 2021

Background

Carotid atherosclerosis represents one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. In particular, plaque instability contributes to disease progression and stroke incidence. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein involved in promotion and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between HMGB1 serum levels, main inflammatory cytokines, the presence of internal carotid stenosis and unstable plaque in a diabetic population.

Research design and methods

We studied 873 diabetic patients, including 347 patients with internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) who underwent carotid endarterectomy and 526 diabetic patients without internal carotid artery stenosis (WICAS). At baseline, HMGB1 and the main inflammatory cytokines serum levels were evaluated. For ICAS patients, the histological features of carotid plaque were also collected to differentiate them in patients with stable or unstable atherosclerotic lesions.

Results

We found that HMGB1 serum levels, osteoprotegerin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, were significantly higher in diabetic ICAS patients compared to diabetic WICAS patients. Among ICAS patients, individuals with unstable plaque had higher levels of these cytokines, compared to patients with stable plaque. A multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that HMGB1 and osteoprotegerin remained independently associated with unstable plaque in ICAS patients.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that HMGB1 is an independent risk factor for carotid plaque vulnerability in an Italian population with diabetes mellitus, representing a promising biomarker of carotid plaque instability and a possible molecular target to treat unstable carotid plaques and to prevent stroke.
Dynamic changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte subset counts and functions in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma during chemotherapy
Authors: Hou Hongyan , Luo Ying , Tang Guoxing , Zhang Bo , Ouyang Renren , Wang Ting , Huang Min , Wu Shiji , Li Dengju , Wang Feng
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to analyze the lymphocyte subsets, their activities and their dynamic changes during immunochemotherapy in patients newly diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Methods

Patients with DLBCL (n = 33) were included in the present study. Their peripheral lymphocyte subsets, phenotypes and functions were detected using flow cytometry. The dynamic results of lymphocyte activities were available for 18 patients.

Results

Compared with healthy controls (HCs), the counts of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells as well as those NK cells decreased in patients newly diagnosed with DLBCL, mainly attributed to patients with high risk of prognosis assessed by International Prognostic Index (IPI) score. Lymphocyte counts didn’t present significant difference between high risk (IPI scores 3–5) and low risk patients (IPI scores 0–2), but CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells expressed higher levels of CD28 and HLA-DR, respectively, in patients with IPI score ranging from 3 to 5. Patients at high risk harbored higher percentage of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and their CD4+ and CD8+ T cells produced lower levels of IFN-γ, reflecting an impaired cellular immune response. The dynamic changes of lymphocyte numbers and functions during treatment were further investigated. Total counts of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T and NK cells progressively decreased because of the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy and then gradually recovered after six cycles treatment (rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone, R-CHOP). The functions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells recovered by the end of two cycles R-CHOP treatment, although NK cell function was not significantly affected throughout treatment. These results suggest that the counts and functions of lymphocytes are significantly decreased in patients with DLBCL, particularly those of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

Conclusions

The absolute counts and functions of CD4+, CD8+ T cells, which were significantly lower in patients with DLBCL, gradually recovered after effective treatment. Therefore, combined detection of T cell counts and functions are critically important for administering effective personalized immunotherapy as well as for identifying new prognostic markers or DLBCL.
Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum populations in three malaria transmission settings in Madagascar
Authors: Ralinoro Fanomezantsoa , Rakotomanga Tovonahary Angelo , Rakotosaona Rianasoambolanoro , Doll Rakoto Danielle A. , Menard Didier , Jeannoda Victor , Ratsimbasoa Arsene
Published: May 2021

Background

Assessment of the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum parasites from various malaria transmission settings could help to define tailored local strategies for malaria control and elimination. Such assessments are currently scarce in Madagascar. The study presented here aimed to bridge this gap by investigating the genetic diversity of P. falciparum populations in three epidemiological strata (Equatorial, Tropical and Fringes) in Madagascar.

Methods

Two-hundred and sixty-six P. falciparum isolates were obtained from patients with uncomplicated malaria enrolled in clinical drug efficacy studies conducted at health centres in Tsaratanana (Equatorial stratum), Antanimbary (Tropical stratum) and Anjoma Ramartina (Fringes) in 2013 and 2016. Parasite DNA was extracted from blood samples collected before anti-malarial treatment. Plasmodium species were identified by nested PCR targeting the 18 S rRNA gene. The genetic profiles of P. falciparum parasites were defined by allele-specific nested PCR on the polymorphic regions of the msp-1 and msp-2 genes.

Results

Fifty-eight alleles were detected in the P. falciparum samples tested: 18 alleles for msp-1 and 40 for msp-2. K1 (62.9%, 139/221) and FC27 (69.5%, 114/164) were the principal msp-1 and msp-2 allele families detected, although the proportions of the msp-1 and msp-2 alleles varied significantly between sites. Polyclonal infections were more frequent at sites in the Equatorial stratum (69.8%) than at sites in the Tropical stratum (60.5%) or Fringes (58.1%). Population genetics analyses showed that genetic diversity was similar between sites and that parasite flow within sites was limited.

Conclusions

This study provides recent information about the genetic diversity of P. falciparum populations in three transmission strata in Madagascar, and valuable baseline data for further evaluation of the impact of the control measures implemented in Madagascar.
Pcsk9 is associated with severity of coronary artery lesions in male patients with premature myocardial infarction
Authors: Gao Jing , Yang Ya-Nan , Cui Zhuang , Feng Si-Yuan , Ma Jing , Li Chang-Ping , Liu Yin
Published: May 2021

Background

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (Pcsk9) correlated with incidence and prognosis of coronary heart disease. However, it is unclear whether Pcsk9 contributed to coronary artery lesion severity in patients with premature myocardial infarction (PMI). The present study investigated associations between Pcsk9 and coronary artery lesion severity in PMI patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG).

Methods

This prospective cohort study included young men (age ≤ 45 years, n = 332) with acute MI who underwent CAG between January 2017 and July 2019. Serum Pcsk9 levels and clinical characteristics were evaluated. SYNTAX scores (SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with [paclitaxel-eluting] TAXUS stent and cardiac surgery) were calculated to quantify coronary artery lesions.

Results

Serum Pcsk9 levels were positively associated with SYNTAX scores (r = 0.173, P < 0.05). The diagnostic cutoff value of PSCK9 level was 122.9 ng/mL, yielding an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.63, sensitivity 81%, and specificity 40%. Serum Pcsk9, LDL-C, Apob, NT-proBnp, CK level, and diabetes history were independent predictors of high SYNTAX scores (P < 0.05). After stratifying by serum LDL-C level (cutoff = 2.6 mmol/L), medium-high Pcsk9 levels had increased risk of high SYNTAX scores in patients with high LDL-C (P < 0.05), and higher serum Pcsk9 levels had increased risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after adjusting for confounding factors (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Serum Pcsk9 levels correlates with severity of coronary artery lesion in PMI patients and may serve as a biomarker for severity of coronary artery stenosis in this patient population, which may contribute to risk stratification.
Effect of Triton X-100 on the wheat and lettuce growth and contaminant absorption
Authors: Shin Sora , Jho Eun Hea , Park Han Sol
Published: May 2021

This study was set to study the effects of surfactants on crops using Triton X-100, one of widely used surfactants for various purposes including agricultural uses, as a target surfactant. The effects of Triton X-100 on the growth of wheat and lettuce were studied and the germination and shoot growth of wheat were not significantly affected by Triton X-100. With lettuce, the increasing Triton X-100 concentrations tend to negatively affect the growth, possibly due to the absorption of Triton X-100 by lettuce. The average lettuce fresh mass was reduced by 31% when Triton X-100 concentration increased from 0 to 240 mg L−1. This may mean that chemicals dissolved or mobilized by Triton X-100 can be absorbed by lettuce. The Cd mobilization was facilitated with Triton X-100, and the absorption of procymidone in soil by lettuce was greater when Triton X-100 was applied (i.e., 0.18 mg kg−1) than when water was applied (i.e., 0.15 mg kg−1), although they were statistically not different (p-value > 0.05). The average lettuce masses in the presence of residual procymidone in soil and Triton X-100 (16 g) were lower than that of the control soils (20 g), although they were statistically not different (p-value > 0.05). The results suggest that surfactants contained in pesticide formulations can potentially affect crop growth and absorption of other contaminants. Therefore, the residual surfactants and active ingredients in pesticide formulations need to be properly managed to protect the environment and to produce crops free of contaminants.
Feasibility of a blended therapy approach in the treatment of patients with inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Pfister Pierrette Baschung , Knols Ruud H. , de Bie Rob A. , de Bruin Eling D.
Published: May 2021

Background

Inflammatory myopathies (IMs) are a group of rare conditions characterized by proximal and often symmetrical muscle weakness and reduced muscle endurance. The recommended medical treatment is based on corticosteroids in combination with immunosuppressants. This anti-inflammatory therapy serves to inhibit and prevent inflammation but does not influence impaired muscle strength. Exercise, particularly progressive resistance training, plays therefore an important role in IMs management. Blended therapy, a combination of face-to-face treatment and telerehabilitation, may be a powerful therapy option in improving exercise program adherence in these patients.

Methods

The feasibility of a 12-week interactive tablet-based home exercise program combined with face-to-face therapy sessions – a ‘blended therapy’ approach - was evaluated using a quasi-experimental one-group pre-post comparison design. Primary outcomes were recruitment, attrition and adherence rates, plus measures of acceptance (Technology Acceptance Model Questionnaire (TAM)) and satisfaction (satisfaction questionnaire). Secondary outcomes comprised potential effects of the intervention on muscle strength and function, activity limitation, disability and health-related quality of life.

Results

Thirteen of the included 14 participants completed the study without any related adverse events. Mean adherence to exercise program was 84% (range: 25–100%) and participants indicated high acceptance of the intervention with mean TAM scores between 6.1 and 6.5 points. Overall satisfaction with the therapy sessions, the home program, and the technology was good. Approximately half the participants wished for longer training periods and more training sessions per week. There were inconsistent effects on muscle strength, muscle function, activity limitation, disability, and health-related quality of life.

Conclusion

Blended therapy combining the use of an interactive tablet-based resistance training program with face-to-face therapy sessions is feasible and safe and participants` acceptance with this approach was high. Furthermore, results were obtained that might be useful in selecting appropriate assessments and sample sizes in future trials.

Trial registration

NCT03713151.
Comparing medical cannabis use in 5 US states: a retrospective database study
Authors: Mahabir V. Kishan , Smith Christopher S. , Vannabouathong Christopher , Merchant Jamil J. , Garibaldi Alisha L.
Published: May 2021

Background

US states have been adopting their own medical cannabis laws since 1996. There is substantial variability in the medical cannabis programs between states, and these differences have not been thoroughly investigated in the literature. The objective of the study was to compare medical cannabis patient characteristics across five states to identify differences potentially caused by differing policies surrounding condition eligibility.

Methods

We conducted secondary analyses following a retrospective study of a registry database with data from 33 medical cannabis evaluation clinics in the US, owned and operated by CB2 Insights. This study narrowed the dataset to include patients from five states with the largest samples: Massachusetts (n = 27,892), Colorado (n = 16,434), Maine (n = 4591), Connecticut (n = 2643), and Maryland (n = 2403) to conduct an in-depth study of the characteristics of patients accessing medical cannabis in these states, including analysis of variance to compare average ages and number of conditions and chi-squared tests to compare proportions of patient characteristics between states.

Results

Average ages varied between the states, with the youngest average in Connecticut (42.2) and the oldest in Massachusetts (47.0). Males represented approximately 60% of the patients with data on gender in each state. The majority of patients in each state had cannabis experience prior to seeking medical certification. Primary medical conditions varied for each state, with chronic pain, anxiety, and back and neck problems topping the list in varying orders for Massachusetts, Maine, and Maryland. Colorado had 78.7% of patients report chronic pain as their primary condition, and 70.4% of patients in Connecticut reported post-traumatic stress disorder as their primary medical condition.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the significant impact that policy has on patients’ access to medical cannabis in Massachusetts, Colorado, Maine, Connecticut, and Maryland utilizing real-world data. It highlights how qualifications differ between the five states and brings into question the routes through which patients in states with stricter regulations surrounding eligible conditions choose to seek treatment with cannabis. These patients may turn to alternative treatments, or to the illicit or recreational cannabis markets, where permitted.
Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC): Real-World Outcome of Patients From Cancer Institute, Chennai
Authors: Dhanushkodi Manikandan , Sridevi Velusamy , Shanta Viswanathan , Rama Ranganathan , Swaminathan Rajaraman , Selvaluxmy Ganesarajah , Ganesan Trivadi S.
Published: May 2021

PURPOSE

There are sparse data on the outcome of patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). This report is on the prognostic factors and long-term outcome from Cancer Institute, Chennai.

METHODS

This is an analysis of untreated patients with LABC (stages IIIA-C) who were treated from January 2006 to December 2013.

RESULTS

Of the 4,577 patients with breast cancer who were treated, 2,137 patients (47%) with LABC were included for analysis. The median follow-up was 75 months (range, 1-170 months), and 2.3% (n = 49) were lost to follow-up at 5 years. The initial treatment was neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation (NACR) (77%), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (15%), or others (8%). Patients with triple-negative breast cancer had a pathologic complete response (PCR) of 41%. The 10-year overall survival was for stage IIIA (65.1%), stage IIIB (41.2%), and stage IIIC (26.7%). Recurrence of cancer was observed in 27% of patients (local 13% and distant 87%). Multivariate analysis showed that patients with a tumor size > 10 cm (hazard ratio [HR], 2.19; 95% CI, 1.62 to 2.98; P = .001), hormone receptor negativity (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.72; P = .001), treatment modality (neoadjuvant chemotherapy, HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.73; P = .001), lack of PCR (HR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.85 to 3.02; P = .001), and the presence of lymphovascular invasion (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.60 to 2.44; P = .001) had decreased overall survival.

CONCLUSION

NACR was feasible in inoperable LABC and gave satisfactory long-term survival. PCR was significantly higher in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The tumor size > 10 cm was significantly associated with inferior survival. However, this report acknowledges the limitations inherent in experience of management of LABC from a single center.
Sex Dimorphic Changes in Trh Gene Methylation and Thyroid-Axis Response to Energy Demands in Maternally Separated Rats
Authors: Jaimes-Hoy Lorraine , Pérez-Maldonado Adrián , Narváez Bahena Elian , de la Cruz Guarneros Natalia , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Adair , Charli Jean-Louis , Soberón Xavier , Joseph-Bravo Patricia
Published: May 2021

The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis regulates energy balance through the pleiotropic action of thyroid hormones. HPT basal activity and stimulation by cold or voluntary exercise are repressed by previous chronic stress in adults. Maternal separation (MS) modifies HPT basal activity; we thus studied the response of the axis to energy demands and analyzed possible epigenetic changes on Trh promoter. Nonhandled (NH) or MS male Wistar rats were cold exposed 1 h at adulthood; Trh expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentration were increased only in NH rats. Two weeks of voluntary exercise decreased fat mass and increased Trh expression, and thyroid hormones concentration changed proportionally to running distance in NH male rats and MS male rats. Although NH females ran more than MS and much more than males, exercise decreased body weight and fat mass only in NH rats with no change on any parameter of the HPT axis but increased Pomc expression in arcuate-nucleus of NH and Npy in MS females. Overall, the methylation pattern of PVN Trh gene promoter was similar in NH males and females; MS modified methylation of specific CpG sites, a thyroid hormone receptor (THR)-binding site present after the initiation site was hypomethylated in MS males; in MS females, the THR binding site of the proximal promoter (site 4) and 2 sites in the first intron were hypermethylated. Our studies showed that, in a sex-dimorphic manner, MS blunted the responses of HPT axis to energy demands in adult animals and caused methylation changes on Trh promoter that could alter T3 feedback.
Accurate arterial path length estimation for pulse wave velocity calculation in growing children and adolescents
Authors: Witbooi Lee-Roy C. , Page Ben , Pitcher Richard D. , Innes Steve
Published: May 2021

Background: Most adult cardiovascular disease begins in childhood. Given the burgeoning obesity pandemic in children worldwide, there is a need for precise and scalable surveillance methods to detect subclinical cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents. Early detection allows early intervention and intensified primary prevention strategies in affected individuals. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) directly measures arterial wall stiffness, an early feature of atherosclerosis. Calculation of PWV in growing children requires an accurate estimation of the true distance travelled by the aorto-femoral pressure wave, using surface anatomy landmarks. However, a variety of methods are used to estimate this distance, and these have not previously been investigated in growing children and adolescents. We sought to investigate this by comparing true arterial path length measured on computerized tomography (CT) scans, with a variety of estimations based on surface anatomy landmarks.

Methods: Arterial path lengths were measured using multi-planar reformation (MPR) imaging software. These measurements were then compared with the surface anatomy measurements obtained using the same MPR imaging software. The fidelity of a variety of arterial path length estimation methods was tested.

Results: The surface anatomy distance between the suprasternal notch and the angle of the mandible (PWV recording site in the neck), should be adjusted using the formula y=4.791+(1.0534*x). This value subtracted from the unadjusted distance from the suprasternal notch to the umbilicus, through the mid-inguinal crease to the femoral PWV recording site, provides the simplest reliable approximation of true intraluminal distance travelled.

Conclusions: There is high correlation between the surface anatomy distances and the arterial path lengths they represent; however, these are not equal. Most surface anatomy measurements require adjustment using the formulae that we have provided, to accurately estimate the true distance travelled by the pulse wave.
DEVELOPING PANCASILA AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION LEARNING MODEL BASED ON CHARACTER EDUCATION THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
Authors: Wahono Joko , Kusumawati Intan , Bowo Ahmad Nasir Ari
Published: May 2021

Education aims to educate and create the nation's future generation with character. However, problems like brawls, violence, abuse of narcotics, illegal drugs, and promiscuity still occur among students. It becomes the concern of parents and teachers in educating and leading students to develop their character. The teacher is obligated to develop Pancasila and Citizenship Education learning model suitable for students to have good character. Through character education, it hoped that it would produce a sound generation. The educational process that gives birth to the expected character is, of course, gradual. This study aimed to find out Pancasila and Citizenship Education learning model for developing students' character. Research using mixed methods research with data collection, analysis, and mixing both quantitative data and qualitative.  This study used quantitative and qualitative approaches in collecting data through interviews and questionnaires. The results showed that Pancasila and Citizenship Education Learning model based on character education through a comprehensive approach could develop and shape the students' character, such as inculcation, modelling, values facilitation, and skill-building. Through character development, it hoped that good characters expected to form permanently.
Fitting Ideals in Number Theory and Arithmetic
Authors: Greither Cornelius
Published: May 2021

We describe classical and recent results concerning the structure of class groups of number fields as modules over the Galois group. When presenting more modern developments, we can only hint at the much broader context and the very powerful general techniques that are involved, but we endeavour to give complete statements or at least examples where feasible. The timeline goes from a classical result proved in 1890 (Stickelberger’s Theorem) to a recent (2020) breakthrough: the proof of the Brumer-Stark conjecture by Dasgupta and Kakde.
Animal-appropriate housing of ball pythons (Python regius)—Behavior-based evaluation of two types of housing systems
Authors: Hollandt Tina , Baur Markus , Wöhr Anna-Caroline
Published: May 2021

Considering animal welfare, animals should be kept in animal-appropriate and stress-free housing conditions in all circumstances. To assure such conditions, not only basic needs must be met, but also possibilities must be provided that allow animals in captive care to express all species-typical behaviors. Rack housing systems for snakes have become increasingly popular and are widely used; however, from an animal welfare perspective, they are no alternative to furnished terrariums. In this study, we therefore evaluated two types of housing systems for ball pythons (Python regius) by considering the welfare aspect animal behavior. In Part 1 of the study, ball pythons (n= 35) were housed individually in a conventional rack system. The pythons were provided with a hiding place and a water bowl, temperature control was automatic, and the lighting in the room served as indirect illumination. In Part 2 of the study, the same ball pythons, after at least 8 weeks, were housed individually in furnished terrariums. The size of each terrarium was correlated with the body length of each python. The terrariums contained substrate, a hiding place, possibilities for climbing, a water basin for bathing, an elevated basking spot, and living plants. The temperature was controlled automatically, and illumination was provided by a fluorescent tube and a UV lamp. The shown behavior spectrum differed significantly between the two housing systems (p< 0.05). The four behaviors basking, climbing, burrowing, and bathing could only be expressed in the terrarium. Abnormal behaviors that could indicate stereotypies were almost exclusively seen in the rack system. The results show that the housing of ball pythons in a rack system leads to a considerable restriction in species-typical behaviors; thus, the rack system does not meet the requirements for animal-appropriate housing.
Development of artificial intelligence models for well groundwater quality simulation: Different modeling scenarios
Authors: Shiri Naser , Shiri Jalal , Yaseen Zaher Mundher , Kim Sungwon , Chung Il-Moon , Nourani Vahid , Zounemat-Kermani Mohammad
Published: May 2021

Groundwater is one of the most important freshwater resources, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where the annual amounts of precipitation are small with frequent drought durations. Information on qualitative parameters of these valuable resources is very crucial as it might affect its applicability from agricultural, drinking, and industrial aspects. Although geo-statistics methods can provide insight about spatial distribution of quality factors, applications of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models can contribute to produce more accurate results as robust alternative for such a complex geo-science problem. The present research investigates the capacity of several types of AI models for modeling four key water quality variables namely electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), total dissolved solid (TDS) and Sulfate (SO4) using dataset obtained from 90 wells in Tabriz Plain, Iran; assessed by k-fold testing. Two different modeling scenarios were established to make simulations using other quality parameters and the geographical information. The obtained results confirmed the capabilities of the AI models for modeling the well groundwater quality variables. Among all the applied AI models, the developed hybrid support vector machine-firefly algorithm (SVM-FFA) model achieved the best predictability performance for both investigated scenarios. The introduced computer aid methodology provided a reliable technology for groundwater monitoring and assessment.
An extended TDM method under probabilistic interval-valued hesitant fuzzy environment for stock selection
Authors: Noor Qasim , Rashid Tabasam , Husnine Syed Muhammad
Published: May 2021

Generally, in real decision-making, all the pieces of information are used to find the optimal alternatives. However, in many cases, the decision-makers (DMs) only want “how good/bad a thing can become.” One possibility is to classify the alternatives based on minimum (tail) information instead of using all the data to select the optimal options. By considering the opportunity, we first introduce the value at risk (VaR), which is used in the financial field, and the probabilistic interval-valued hesitant fuzzy set (PIVHFS), which is the generalization of the probabilistic hesitant fuzzy set (PHFS). Second, deemed value at risk (DVaR) and reckoned value at risk (RVaR) are proposed to measure the tail information under the probabilistic interval-valued hesitant fuzzy (PIVHF) environment. We proved that RVaR is more suitable than DVaR to differentiate the PIVHFEs with example. After that, a novel complete group decision-making model with PIVHFS is put forward. This study aims to determine the most appropriate alternative using only tail information under the PIVHF environment. Finally, the proposed methods’ practicality and effectiveness are tested using a stock selection example by selecting the ideal stock for four recently enrolled stocks in China. By using the novel group decision-making model under the environment of PIVHFS, we see that the best stock is E4 when the distributors focus on the criteria against 10% certainty degree and E1 is the best against the degree of 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% using the DVaR method. On the other hand when RVaR method is used then the best alternative is E4 and the worst is E2 against the different certainty degrees. Furthermore, a comparative analysis with the existing process is presented under the PHF environment to illustrate the effectiveness of the presented approaches.
Effectiveness of containment strategies and local cognition to control vehicular traffic volume in Dhaka, Bangladesh during COVID-19 pandemic: Use of Google Map based real-time traffic data
Authors: Zafri Niaz Mahmud , Afroj Sadia , Ali Mohammad Ashraf , Hasan Md. Musleh Uddin , Rahman Md. Hamidur
Published: May 2021

Background

To prevent the viral transmission from higher infected to lower infected area, controlling the vehicular traffic, consequently public movement on roads is crucial. Containment strategies and local cognition regarding pandemic might be helpful to control vehicular movement. This study aimed to ascertain the effectiveness of containment strategies and local cognition for controlling traffic volume during COVID-19 pandemic in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Method

Six containment strategies were considered to explore their influence on traffic condition, including declaration of general holiday, closure of educational institution, deployment of force, restriction on religious gathering, closure of commercial activities, and closure of garments factories. Newspaper coverage and public concern about COVID-19 were considered as local cognition in this research. The month of Ramadan as a potential event was also taken into account considering it might have an impact on the overall situation. Average daily journey speed (ADJS) was calculated from real-time traffic data of Google Map to understand the vehicular traffic scenario of Dhaka. A multiple linear regression method was developed to comprehend the findings.

Results

The results showed that among the containment strategies, declaration of general holiday and closure of educational institutions could increase the ADJS significantly, thereby referring to less traffic movement. Besides, local cognition could not significantly affect the traffic condition, although the month of Ramadan could increase the ADJS significantly.

Conclusion

It is expected that these findings would provide new insights into decision-making and help to take appropriate strategies to tackle the future pandemic situation.
Animal listening
Authors: Butler Shane
Published: May 2021

The ‘Elegy on the Nightingale’ is a curious Latin poem of uncertain (but probably post-classical) date and authorship that is transmitted by several medieval manuscripts. It offers a catalogue of animal sounds rich in what linguists call iconicity, and literary scholars, onomatopoeia: to read these verses aloud is to imitate the sounds being described. The poem begins in address to the nightingale of its title, praised for her ability to make music by mimicking all she hears. By the end has the poem itself done the same? For all their playfulness, the verses strike at the heart of our own theoretical commonplaces, starting with the supposed arbitrariness of the sign, always unsettled by such examples, exceptional though they may be. So too did the writing down of non-human sounds preoccupy ancient linguists, who sought to segregate them from language proper. Nevertheless, it is difficult to deny that these sound-words conjure what they name, especially since, in many cases, it is only our ability to match their sounds to animals we can still hear that enables us to know what the poem is saying. What happens to our understanding of the poetic text as a transcription of human speech or song when we take it seriously as a recording of non-human sound? And even more dramatically, what happens to our understanding of human language when we strive (as this poem strives, albeit surreptitiously) to listen with non-human ears? With some help from the animal imaginings of Jakob von Uexküll, this article attempts some preliminary answers.
Throwing one’s voice and speaking for others: Performative vocality and transcription in the Assemblées of the long nineteenth century
Authors: Marionneau Ludovic , Hoegaerts Josephine
Published: May 2021

This article examines the role of the voice in practices of representation in nineteenth-century parliament. It asks how textual representations of vocal practices of political representation can be mobilized for the histories of politics and representation, and how such an enquiry can complicate our understanding of representation as a multifarious practice organized around speech. The article takes a particular case as its point of departure: that of the different Assemblées of nineteenth-century France, its vocal performances and the many practices of transcription, reporting and comment, such as those produced by an increasingly professional class of stenographers, journalists and satirists. Tracing the various ways in which representatives ventriloquized others, and were ventriloquized by different audiences and commentators, it draws attention to the acoustic aspects of parliamentary speech, and of the concept of representation itself. We focus on the representative quality of political vocality itself and also consider the practice of representing political speeches on paper (e.g. as transcripts or by journalists). Finally, and most importantly, we reflect on how the use of such representations could make the MP’s voice present even where his body was not. Thinking about the French case in a wide transnational context, we argue that including extra-linguistic aspects of speech in our analyses of oratory might draw attention to the embodied practices that served to make, imagine or sometimes disrupt beliefs about national belonging – thus delving into understandings of trustworthiness and political effectiveness beyond the particular national framework. Consequently, thinking about speech with and as sound allows us to think beyond the nation or national institutions when examining the practice of modern politics, its development and the continued importance of ventriloquial imaginations and materialities in political speech.
Supporting Primary and Secondary Teachers to Deliver Inclusive Education Educatio
Authors:   University of Newcastle, Duncan Jill , Punch Renée ,   Southern Cross University, Croce Nic ,   University of Newcastle
Published: May 2021

With Australian disability discrimination legislation and educational policy promoting movement toward inclusive education, the building and supporting of inclusive education workforce capability is of paramount importance. This study investigated how principals in Australian primary and secondary educational settings support teachers to provide inclusive education and what these principals perceive to be barriers to supporting the education workforce to deliver inclusive education. The study used an online open- and closed-set survey. The findings demonstrated that principals in educational settings across the government, Catholic and independent sectors and across geographical regions offered largely similar professional learning opportunities to their staff, and expressed similar views about barriers and principals’ roles in supporting their teachers to deliver inclusive education. Participants overwhelmingly reported that their role in building teacher capability was as instructional leaders and brokers of workforce professional learning. There was a strong indication by principals of the need for teachers’ knowledge and skills to be developed and of the need for high quality, effective ongoing professional learning. Participants reported barriers to supporting teachers to deliver inclusive education, most commonly an insufficiency of time, finances, and access. Recommendations for better supporting teachers in primary and secondary settings to deliver inclusive education are made
Die Anderen ge-brauchen
Authors: Kourabas Veronika
Published: May 2021

›Gastarbeit‹ ist keine abgeschlossene Episode der deutschen Migrationsgeschichte, sondern wirkt bis heute nach. In ihrer rassismustheoretischen Analyse entwickelt Veronika Kourabas die heuristischen Konzepte Ge-Brauch und Ver-Brauch, um Rassismus als paradoxes Ungleichheitsverhältnis zu erfassen. ›Gastarbeit‹ wird dadurch als Ge-Brauchsverhältnis greifbar, das Migrationsandere ökonomisch einbezieht, aber über rassistisch vermittelte Diskurse zugleich ausschließt. Mit diesen Ansätzen sowie der Rekonstruktion widerständiger Praktiken wird nicht nur die Analyse und Kritik vergangener, sondern auch gegenwärtig dominanter Diskurse über Flucht und Migration eröffnet.
Governmental Migration Research in Germany
Authors: Kratzer Vinzenz
Published: May 2021

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) is the central executive authority on migration and integration policy in Germany. Vinzenz Kratzer analyses the Federal Office's research output between 2005 and 2015 with a joint perspective of Ethnography and Political Science. In the wake of political reforms after the »paradigm change« around the turn of the millennium, the development of practically relevant knowledge can be traced. While governmental researchers were able to establish themselves in the bureaucracy with some success, they bought this influence with uncontroversial, depoliticized knowledge production, while the production of seemingly politically irrelevant knowledge - most importantly on racism and discrimination - is underdeveloped.
Real time Adaptive Approach for Hidden Targets Shape Identification using through Wall Imaging System
Authors: Kaushal Sandeep , Kumar Bambam , Sharma Prabhat , Singh Dharmendra
Published: May 2021

In Through-wall Imaging (TWI) system, shape-based identification of the hidden target behind the wall made of any dielectric material like brick, cement, concrete, dry plywood, plastic and Teflon, etc. is one of the most challenging tasks. However, it is very important to understand that the performance of TWI systems is limited by the presence of clutter due to the wall and also transmitted frequency range. Therefore, the quality of obtained image is blurred and very difficult to identify the shape of targets. In the present paper, a shape-based image identification technique with the help of a neural network and curve-fitting approach is proposed to overcome the limitation of existing techniques. A real time experimental analysis of TWI has been carried out using the TWI radar system to collect and process the data, with and without targets. The collected data is trained by a neural network for shape identification of targets behind the wall in any orientation and then threshold by a curve-fitting method for smoothing the background. The neural network has been used to train the noisy data i.e. raw data and noise free data i.e. pre-processed data. The shape of hidden targets is identified by using the curve fitting method with the help of trained neural network data and real time data. The results obtained by the developed technique are promising for target identification at any orientation.
Практики поведения пожилых людей, направленные на повышение своего благосостояния, в современном российском обществе
Authors: Щанина Екатерина Владимировна
Published: May 2021

Актуальность исследования обусловлена возрастающей потребностью в решении социально-экономических проблем, связанных с увеличением доли и численности пожилых людей, а также с соответствующими изменениями в социальной структуре российского социума, в системах производства, распределения и потребления, что в итоге влияет на положение всех социальных групп и слоев. Цель исследования — выявить практики поведения пожилых людей, направленные на повышение своего благосостояния. Эмпирическая часть статьи основана на данных авторских межрегиональных исследований, полученных в ходе анкетных опросов пенсионеров — «Направления социальной активности пожилых людей в процессе социальной адаптации» (2018—2019 гг.) и работодателей — «Востребованность представителей старшего поколения на рынке труда (2018 г.). Обобщив теоретико-методологические подходы, рассматривающие социальное поведение пожилых людей в современных условиях, автор типологизирует практики поведения пенсионеров в зависимости от характера социальной активности. На основе проведенных исследований и вторичного анализа их результатов сделаны следующие выводы: во-первых, к числу наиболее распространенных практик, направленных на повышение своего благосостояния, помимо получения пенсии по достижении возраста, относятся трудовая деятельность, финансовое поведение, ведение натурального хозяйства с целью получения дополнительного дохода. Во-вторых, в соответствии с предложенной типологией, 65,9 % пожилых людей выбирают и реализуют активный тип практик поведения, а 34,1% — пассивный. В-третьих, уровень активности пенсионеров неодинаков и определяется количеством одновременно выбранных и реализуемых практик. В-четвертых, выбор и реализация практик поведения пожилых людей, направленных на повышение своего благосостояния, происходят под влиянием как социальной среды, так и личностных характеристик.
Использование стохастических акторно-ориентированных моделей для анализа коэволюции сетей и поведения
Authors: Докука София Владимировна
Published: May 2021

Поведение человека зависит от многих факторов, в том числе и от социального окружения. В течение последних десятилетий активно разрабатывались модели, оценивающие влияние окружения на индивида. В настоящей статье описывается стохастическое акторно-ориентированное моделирование (САОМ), позволяющее тестировать гипотезы, касающиеся структурной эволюции социальных сетей, а также детально анализировать коэволюцию сетей и поведения. В работе описаны теоретико-методологические основания САОМ, приведены требования к дизайну исследований и процедурам сбора данных, рассмотрены спецификация модели и пример коэволюции сети и академических достижений учащихся, отмечены ограничения метода, а также предложены перспективные направления для дальнейшего изучения. Мы указываем, что анализ с использованием САОМ предпочтителен для небольших социальных сетей с низкой ротацией, в частности, организационных подразделений и учебных групп. В статье отмечается, что существующие работы рассматривают преимущественно образовательный контекст и социальные сети молодых людей, что не позволяет сделать выводы о механизмах эволюции социальных связей в общностях иного типа и для представителей других возрастных групп. Также отмечается, что подавляющее большинство исследований реализовано на данных о западных демократических обществах, что свидетельствует о необходимости изучения разнообразных выборок.
Благодарность. Исследование осуществлено в рамках Программы фундаментальных исследований НИУ ВШЭ.
The Role of Societal Change toward Adolescent Suicide in Japan: Phenomenological Analysis on 12 Suicidal Teens Film by Yukihiko Tsutsumi
Authors: Nabila Salma , Ong Susy
Published: May 2021

Suicide cases are still a big challenge for Japan, even though in the 21st century, the government began to pay attention to and follow up on this phenomenon. While Japan's suicide rate among adults is declining, the rate in minors increased, and suicide is the highest cause of death for those under 20. This research reveals the problems and factors around suicidal teens in Japan through twelve characters' stories in 12 Suicidal Teens Film. To understand this film, what meaning that brought to discussion requires interpretation. Paul Ricoeur said that text or work is a dialogue to reveal the dimensions of reality in the phenomenological approach. The suicide motives expressed by 12 teenagers in the film 12 Suicidal Teens could be common. However, there are several factors such as religion, culture, social, even economic trends that could influence teenagers to commit suicide. The result shows that the social changes in Japan put pressure not only on adults but also on the lives of the youth. Also, information that is increasingly easy to obtain by anyone can become a boomerang for society because people can learn from what this information says.
Boundedness of vector-valued sublinear operators on weighted Herz-Morrey spaces with variable exponents
Authors: Wang Shengrong , Xu Jingshi
Published: May 2021

If vector-valued sublinear operators satisfy the size condition and the vector-valued inequality on weighted Lebesgue spaces with variable exponent, then we obtain their boundedness on weighted Herz-Morrey spaces with variable exponents.