bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lexicographic Goal Programming Model for Bank’s Performance Management
Authors: AlArjani Ali , Alam Teg
Published: November 2021

Any bank’s financial management is essential to preparing the assets and liabilities for multiple goals. In this paper, we develop an optimal bank model for the financial management department in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The lexicographic goal programming model was used to formulate the banks’ performance management. In this study, the six goals of one of the leading banks in Saudi Arabia, namely, maximize asset, minimize liability, maximize equity, maximize operating income, maximize net income, and maximizing total goal achievements in the financial statement, were studied. To illustrate the model, we have focused on Al Rajhi Bank’s financial statements as a case study. The data was obtained from the banks’ financial statements. The outcomes of the study exhibited that all goals were accomplished. This proposed model is dynamic because it will help examine the banks’ financial strengths located in the kingdom. As a result, the proposed model can guide banking firms in making decisions and developing strategies to deal with numerous monetary circumstances.
The Impact of China’s Low-Carbon Initiative on the Location Expansion of International SPA Enterprises
Authors: Zhao Zhaoyang , Ye Chong
Published: November 2021

“Fast fashion” represents a short product life cycle, and international SPA enterprises are therefore criticised as representatives of high energy consumption, pollution, and emissions, which is contrary to China’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality. In the context of China’s shift to a low-carbon economic development model, how should SPA enterprises breakthrough in the face of China’s large-scale market advantage and domestic demand potential? Based on the statistics of 277 prefecture-level cities from 2010 to 2018, this article selects 5 leading international SPA enterprises and uses the difference-in-differences (DID) method to explore the impact of low-carbon initiative on the location expansion of international SPA enterprises. The results suggest that the quantity of location expansions of SPA enterprises in the pilot cities is significantly lower by approximately 0.418 units compared with the nonpilot cities, implying that the low-carbon initiative has a significant inhibitory effect on the location expansion of SPA enterprises. After a series of robustness tests, the conclusion is valid. The results of the heterogeneity test suggest that the suppression effect is mainly found in the subsample of central cities and cities with medium and low levels of economic development. This article proposes that SPA enterprises should reduce their carbon emissions and gradually explore a green and sustainable development path.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Effects on Lipid and Liver Profiles in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rezaei Shahla , Tabrizi Reza , Nowrouzi-Sohrabi Peyman , Jalali Mohammad , Atkin Stephen L. , Al-Rasadi Khalid , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: November 2021

Aims. This meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials assessed the effect of glucose-like peptide-1-receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) on the lipid profile and liver enzymes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Materials and Methods. Randomized placebo-controlled trials investigating GLP-1RA on the lipid profile and liver enzymes in patients with NAFLD were searched in PubMed-Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases (from inception to January 2020). A random-effects model and a generic inverse variance method were used for quantitative data synthesis. Sensitivity analysis was conducted. Weighted random-effects meta-regression was performed on potential confounders on lipid profile and liver enzyme concentrations. Results. 12 studies were identified (12 GLP-1RA arms; 677 subjects) that showed treatment with GLP-1RA reduced alanine transaminase (ALT) concentrations (WMD = −10.14, 95%CI = [−15.84, −0.44],

P
<
0.001

), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (WMD = −11.53, 95%CI = [−15.21,−7.85],

P
<
0.001

), and alaline phosphatase (ALP) (WMD = −8.29, 95%CI = [−11.34, −5.24],

P
<
0.001

). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (WMD = −2.95, 95% CI = [−7.26, 1.37],

P
=
0.18

) was unchanged. GLP-1 therapy did not alter triglycerides (TC) (WMD = −7.07, 95%CI = [−17.51, 3.37],

P
=
0.18

), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = −1.17 (−5.25, 2.91),

P
=
0.57

), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) (WMD = 0.97, 95%CI = [−1.63, 3.58],

P
=
0.46

), or low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (WMD = −1.67, 95%CI = [−10.08, 6.74],

P
=
0.69

) in comparison with controls. Conclusion. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that GLP-1RA treatment significantly reduces liver enzymes in patients with NAFLD, but the lipid profile is unaffected.
Exploring the Medication Pattern of Chinese Medicine for Peptic Ulcer Based on Data Mining
Authors: Li Guigui , Guo Youlei
Published: November 2021

During the last decades, Chinese medicine has been widely used for curing various diseases in the healthcare domain. Based on the databases of medicine wisdom and modern application of prescriptions, we have explored the medication pattern of ancient and modern prescriptions for the treatment of peptic ulcer in various patients. In this paper, we have proposed a neural network model which is based on the time series decomposition and is able to mine and predict the medication pattern of peptic ulcer treatment in Chinese medicine. For this purpose, cumulative distance level method, Mann–Kendall trend analysis, Hurst exponent, and characteristic point methods are used for the trend analysis. Likewise in the proposed model, the wavelet analysis method is used for the periodicity analysis and Mann–Kendall mutation test method along with Pettitt methods is used for mutability analysis. In addition, autocorrelation and unit root methods are utilized to test the random terms. The Chinese herbal formulas (where the main diseases are peptic ulcer, peptic ulcer, cerebral leakage, and cerebral abscess) are collected from the databases of medicine wisdom and modern application of prescriptions. Furthermore, methods of frequency analysis, association rule analysis, and factor analysis are used to evaluate the grouping pattern of prescriptions for peptic ulcer treatment. The error in the proposed scheme between the predicted and the measured values of 87 prescriptions, which involve five Chinese medicines for peptic ulcer and 160 Chinese medicines, obtained from the neural network was 16.79%.
Electroacupuncture Reverses CUMS-Induced Depression-Like Behaviors and LTP Impairment in Hippocampus by Downregulating NR2B and CaMK II Expression
Authors: Jiang Shuo , Shen Zui , Xu Wenlin
Published: November 2021

Objective. Depression is a global mental health problem with high disability rate, which brings a huge disease burden to the world. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to be an effective method for the treatment of depression. However, the mechanism underling the antidepressant effect of EA has not been clearly clarified. The change of synaptic plasticity is the focus in the study of antidepressant mechanism. This study will observe the effect of EA on LTP of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and explore its possible mechanism. Methods. The depression-like behavior rat model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). EA stimulation (Hegu and Taichong) was used to treat the depressed rats. The depression-like behavior of rats was tested by weight measurement, open field test, depression preference test, and novelty suppressed feeding test. Long-term potentiation (LTP) was recorded at CA1 synapses in hippocampal slices by electrophysiological method. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2B (NR2B) and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II) protein levels were examined by using western blot. Results. After the establishment of CUMS-induced depression model, the weight gain rate, sucrose preference rate, line crossing number, and rearing times of rats decreased, and feeding time increased. At the same time, the LTP in hippocampus was impaired, and the expressions of NR2B and CaMK II were upregulated. After EA treatment, the depression-like behavior of rats was improved, the impairment of LTP was reversed, and the expression levels of NR2B and CaMK II protein were downregulated. Conclusion. EA can ameliorate depression-like behaviors by restoring LTP induction, downregulating NR2B and CaMK II expression in CUMS model rats, which might be part of the mechanism of EA antidepressant.
The Survey of Knee Osteoarthritis in the Population over Age 50 Visited in the Health Bus in Kermanshah, Iran
Authors: Shamsi MohammadBagher , Safari Ameneh , Soroush Ali , Safari Yahya
Published: November 2021

Along with an aging population worldwide, knee osteoarthritis (KOA), which is the main cause of musculoskeletal pain and disability in the elderly and decreases the quality of life, is prevalent, and their impact is widespread. This study aimed to evaluate the knee osteoarthritis status among the population over age 50 in Kermanshah, Iran. The research community consisted of the population who has been visited in the health bus in Kermanshah in 2016-2017, of which 589 were chosen by an available sampling method. A WOMAC questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis. The prevalence of knee stiffness rate after sitting, lying down, or resting during the day among women and men were 40.7% and 20.5%, respectively. According to the findings, the highest prevalence rate of knee pain was in subjects with a BMI higher than 30 (31.6%) and BMI 25–30 (24.5%). 39.2% of the subjects never experienced knee pain, 16.6% monthly, 13.4% once a week, 20.4% daily, and 10.4% of them had prolonged knee pain experience. The prevalence of gender-based knee pain was 60.5% among women and 38.6% among men. 30.5% of women and 61.4% of men never experienced knee pain.
Prevalence and Characterization of Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Recovered from Pasteurized Cheese Commercialized in Panama City Markets
Authors: Mejía Fermín , Castro-del Campo Nohelia , García Arleny , Rodríguez Katerine , Cornejo Humberto , Ahumada-Ruiz Sara , Soto-Beltrán Marcela , Castillo Maricela , Querol-Audi Jordi , Chaidez-Quiroz Cristobal , Martínez-Torres Alex O.
Published: November 2021

Foodborne bacteria, with a high degree of antibiotic resistance, play an important role in the morbidity and mortality of gastrointestinal diseases worldwide. Among 250 disease-causing bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major causes of food poisoning, and its resistance to multiple antimicrobials remains of crucial concern. Cheese is often contaminated when proper sanitary procedures are not followed during its production and marketing. This work aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of pasteurized white cheese commercialized in Panama City. Cheese from five different brands sold in local supermarkets were selected to determine the presence of S. aureus as well as its antibiotic resistance profile. The results showed significant contamination of S. aureus with a geometric median sample of 104–107 CFU/g. Four out of five (4/5) cheese brands analyzed presented risk of food poisoning by exceeding the allowed range of consumption with a geometric median sample of 1,8 × 106–1,4 × 107 CFU/g. Fourteen different resistance phenotypes were found. Fifty-five percent (55%) of the analyzed strains were resistant to erythromycin. The data confirm a relatively high prevalence and high levels of S. aureus, most likely originated during handling in Panama City retail markets. Further studies are needed to reduce bacterial contamination and to decrease the risk of food poisoning in the consumption of pasteurized cheese.
EP300 Selectively Controls the Enhancer Landscape of MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma
Authors: Durbin Adam D. , Wang Tingjian , Wimalasena Virangika K. , Zimmerman Mark W. , Li Deyao , Dharia Neekesh V. , Mariani Luca , Shendy Noha A.M. , Nance Stephanie , Patel Anand G. , Shao Ying , Mundada Maya , Maxham Lily , Park Paul M.C. , Sigua Logan H. , Morita Ken , Conway Amy Saur , Robichaud Amanda L. , Perez-Atayde Antonio R. , Bikowitz Melissa J. , Quinn Taylor R. , Wiest Olaf , Easton John , Schönbrunn Ernst , Bulyk Martha L. , Abraham Brian J. , Stegmaier Kimberly , Look A. Thomas , Qi Jun
Published: November 2021

Gene expression is regulated by promoters and enhancers marked by histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac), which is established by the paralogous histone acetyltransferases (HAT) EP300 and CBP. These enzymes display overlapping regulatory roles in untransformed cells, but less characterized roles in cancer cells. We demonstrate that the majority of high-risk pediatric neuroblastoma (NB) depends on EP300, whereas CBP has a limited role. EP300 controls enhancer acetylation by interacting with TFAP2β, a transcription factor member of the lineage-defining transcriptional core regulatory circuitry (CRC) in NB. To disrupt EP300, we developed a proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) compound termed “JQAD1” that selectively targets EP300 for degradation. JQAD1 treatment causes loss of H3K27ac at CRC enhancers and rapid NB apoptosis, with limited toxicity to untransformed cells where CBP may compensate. Furthermore, JQAD1 activity is critically determined by cereblon (CRBN) expression across NB cells.

Significance:

EP300, but not CBP, controls oncogenic CRC-driven transcription in high-risk NB by binding TFAP2β. We developed JQAD1, a CRBN-dependent PROTAC degrader with preferential activity against EP300 and demonstrated its activity in NB. JQAD1 has limited toxicity to untransformed cells and is effective in vivo in a CRBN-dependent manner.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 587
Under-recognition of Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery in the ICU Impedes Early Detection and Prevention
Authors: Schanz Moritz , Schöffski Oliver , Kimmel Martin , Oberacker Tina , Göbel Nora , Franke Ulrich F. W. , Alscher Mark Dominik , Ketteler Markus , Schricker Severin
Published: November 2021

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality; therefore, prevention is important. The aim of this study was to systematically assess AKI incidence after cardiac surgery as documented in clinical routine compared to the real incidence because AKI may be under-recognized in clinical practice. Further, its postoperative management was compared to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) recommendations because recognition and adequate treatment represent the fundamental cornerstone in the prevention and management of AKI. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included n = 100 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The coded incidence of postoperative AKI during intensive care unit stay after surgery was compared to the real AKI incidence. Furthermore, conformity of postoperative parameters with KDIGO recommendations for AKI prevention and management was reviewed. Results: We found a considerable discrepancy between coded and real incidence, and conformity with KDIGO recommendations was found to be relatively low. The coded incidence was significantly lower (n = 12 vs. n = 52, p < 0.05), representing a coding rate of 23.1%. Regarding postoperative management, 90% of all patients had at least 1 episode with mean arterial pressure <65 mm Hg within the first 72 h. Furthermore, regarding other preventive parameters (avoiding hyperglycemia, stopping angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, avoiding contrast media, and nephrotoxic drugs), only 10 patients (20.8%) in the non-AKI group and in 5 (9.6%) subjects in the AKI group had none of all the above potential AKI-promoting factors. Conclusions: AKI recognition in everyday clinical routine seems to be low, especially in lower AKI stages, and the current postoperative management still offers potential for optimization. Possibly, higher AKI awareness and stricter postoperative management could already achieve significant effects in prevention and treatment of AKI.
Innate Immune Training with Bacterial Extracts Enhances Lung Macrophage Recruitment to Protect from Betacoronavirus Infection
Authors: Salzmann Manuel , Haider Patrick , Kaun Christoph , Brekalo Mira , Hartmann Boris , Lengheimer Theresia , Pichler Rebecca , Filip Thomas , Derdak Sophia , Podesser Bruno , Hengstenberg Christian , Speidl Walter S. , Wojta Johann , Plasenzotti Roberto , Hohensinner Philipp J.
Published: November 2021

Training of the innate immune system with orally ingested bacterial extracts was demonstrated to have beneficial effects on infection clearance and disease outcome. The aim of our study was to identify cellular and molecular processes responsible for these immunological benefits. We used a murine coronavirus (MCoV) A59 mouse model treated with the immune activating bacterial extract Broncho-Vaxom (BV) OM-85. Tissue samples were analysed with qPCR, RNA sequencing, histology, and flow cytometry. After BV OM-85 treatment, interstitial macrophages accumulated in lung tissue leading to a faster response of type I interferon (IFN) signalling after MCoV infection resulting in overall lung tissue protection. Moreover, RNA sequencing showed that lung tissue from mice receiving BV OM-85 resembled an intermediate stage between healthy and viral infected lung tissue at day 4, indicating a faster return to normal tissue homoeostasis. The pharmacologic effect was mimicked by adoptively transferring naive lung macrophages into lungs from recipient mice before virus infection. The beneficial effect of BV OM-85 was abolished when inhibiting initial type I IFN signalling. Overall, our data suggest that BV OM-85 enhances lung macrophages allowing for a faster IFN response towards a viral challenge as part of the oral-induced innate immune system training.
Advanced Robotic Surgery: Liver, Pancreas, and Esophagus – The State of the Art?
Authors: Scognamiglio Pasquale , Stüben Björn-Ole , Heumann Asmus , Li Jun , Izbicki Jakob R. , Perez Daniel , Reeh Matthias
Published: November 2021

Background: The trend in performing robotic-assisted operations in visceral surgery has been increasing in the last decade, also reaching the challenging field of hepatic, pancreatic, and esophageal surgery. Nevertheless, solid data about advantages and disadvantages of the robotic approach are still missing. The aim of this review is to analyze the benefit and impact of robotic surgery in the field of hepatic, pancreatic, and esophageal surgery, focusing on the comparison with the conventional laparoscopic or open approach. Summary: The well-known advantages of laparoscopic surgery in comparison to the open approach are also valid for robotic surgery, with the addition of a 3D-view camera, wristed instrumentation, and an ergonomic console. On the other hand, the use of a robotic system leads to longer operating time and higher costs. Randomized controlled trials comparing the robotic approach with the laparoscopic one are still missing. Key Message: Recent meta-analyses show promising results of the usage of robotic systems in advanced surgical procedures, like hepatic, pancreatic, and esophageal resections. Further randomized studies are needed to validate the postulated benefit.
Unicornuate Uterus with Rudimentary Horn as a Rare Etiology of Secondary Dysmenorrhea: A Case Report
Authors: Nagshabandi Zuhdi Khalid , Isaac Bindu , Begum Inshia
Published: November 2021

Congenital uterine anomalies are an uncommon type of female genital malformations caused by abnormal development of müllerian ducts during embryogenesis. Patients with an obstructive uterine anomaly have a higher risk of developing gynecological and obstetric complications that may present at menarche or later in life. We present a case of severe dysmenorrhea in a young teenager caused by obstructive hematometra in a noncommunicating horn of the unicornuate uterus. A differential diagnosis of a possible anomaly was made using 2-dimensional pelvic ultrasonography, which was later confirmed using MRI that revealed an anomalous uterine cavity with a single left-sided cornua communicating with the cervix and a distended right-sided rudimentary horn. She underwent a right salpingectomy with rudimentary horn excision, which was successfully managed laparoscopically. This case emphasizes the importance of physicians being cognizant in identifying patients with uterine anomaly to provide appropriate treatment and prevent adverse reproductive outcomes.
Effective and Safe Treatment of Psoriatic Disease with the Anti-IL-23p19 Biologic Tildrakizumab: Results of a Real-World Prospective Cohort Study in Nonselected Patients
Authors: Drerup Katharina A. , Seemann Claudia , Gerdes Sascha , Mrowietz Ulrich
Published: November 2021

Background: After registration of drugs, evidence about efficacy and safety is solely based on data of phase 2/3 clinical trial programs. A major drawback is the selection of patients following inclusion/exclusion criteria. There is a considerable time and knowledge gap between study and registry data that evaluate real-world evidence (RWE). To close this gap, prospective cohort data are helpful. Objectives: Soon after tildrakizumab, an interleukin 23p19-inhibitor, was registered for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, a prospective single-center cohort study was established to evaluate efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab in daily practice. Methods: Following approval of tildrakizumab, patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis eligible for systemic treatment were included into the Kiel Tildra Cohort (KTC) and followed using routine assessments of efficacy, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), body surface area (BSA), dermatology life quality index (DLQI), itch (visual analog scale), and safety. Data of the KTC were compared to the respective phase 3 clinical trials. Results: The KTC included 150 patients differing substantially from those in the trial program. There was a high rate of previous systemic (87.3%) and biologic (31.8%) therapy and of comorbidity in the KTC as compared to the phase 3 studies. Due to the best practice approach, baseline PASI was lower in the KTC, but DLQI was similar in both groups. At the time of this analysis, 126 patients completed week 28, 92 patients week 52, and 58 patients week 76, respectively. There was a constant improvement in PASI, BSA, DLQI, and itch from baseline until week 76. There was no clinically meaningful laboratory abnormality. Conclusions: Patients treated in routine practice with tildrakizumab differed substantially from the phase 3 studies. Despite systemic pre-treatment and increased comorbidity, tildrakizumab showed comparable efficacy and safety in the KTC. Prospective cohort studies are a suitable tool to generate RWE before registry data become available.
Os enquadramentos da citadinidade: sobre os impactos da prática do skate de rua na cidade de São Paulo
Authors: Machado Giancarlo Marques Carraro
Published: November 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é problematizar como a citadinidade skatista, entendida como uma maneira astuciosa, transgressiva e tática de se fazer a cidade, tem sido enquadrada de forma ambivalente por uma série de agenciamentos políticos e urbanísticos: ora visam combate-la, ora intentam impulsioná-la de modo um tanto estratégico a fim de atender a diversos interesses. Serão consideradas análises situacionais que revelarão os processos que permeiam uma citadinidade que preza pela materialidade da cidade e, não obstante, as relações com eventuais normatizações caras ao empresariamento urbano promovido pela parceria público-privada, a qual é sintomática de políticas de cunho neoliberais. Com efeito, ao tentar compreender como os skatistas fazem a cidade a partir de suas lógicas e vivências concretas, almeja-se desvencilhar as análises de perspectivas essencializantes, em prol de uma investigação centrada em processos que intercalam, embaralham e/ou superpõem diferentes planos, espaços, procedimentos e uma rede de agentes e saberes sociotécnicos.
Entre História e Memória: disputas de narrativa no nacionalismo hindu 1998-2005
Authors: Marson Carla Cristiane de Oliveira , Moreira Quadros Elton
Published: November 2021

O Movimento Nacionalista Hindu, por meio de suas organizações, disputa com historiadores profissionais as narrativas sobre o passado da Índia, ao advogar por uma versão do passado que contribua para a construção de um sentimento de orgulho nacional, destruído, segundo seus adeptos, pela narrativa histórica considerada contrária aos sentimentos religiosos da parcela hindu da sociedade. Políticos ligados ao movimento fomentam o revisionismo historiográfico inspirando-se no hindutva – ideologia etnonacionalista de supremacia da religião e cultura hindu. No presente artigo, buscamos elucidar a dinâmica da disputa de narrativas sobre o passado indiano, assim como as motivações de seus atores, mobilizando, para tanto, o conceito de uso pragmático da memória de Paul Ricoeur.
Dialética e a força da sutileza: Ruy Fausto para além do humanismo e do anti-humanismo
Authors: Hora Leonardo da
Published: November 2021

Por que o tema do humanismo e do anti-humanismo é tão presente na obra de Ruy Fausto, acompanhando do início ao fim o seu percurso intelectual? O objetivo deste artigo é o de analisar tal temática em diversos escritos do autor, com vistas a compreender tamanha relevância. No entanto, mostra-se inviável fazer isso sem abordar ao menos uma parte da enorme variedade de problemas que Fausto discutiu ao longo de seu trabalho, nos campos da lógica, filosofia da história, ontologia, antropologia filosófica, ética e política. Ao fim e ao cabo, o que se descortina é a mais pura expressão da dialética enquanto trama do pensamento crítico que leva a complexidade e a sutileza ao máximo e desmonta, uma a uma, as mais diversas unilateralidades. Com isso, é o próprio campo da crítica dialética que se expandirá para além da crítica marxista do capitalismo.
Inequalities in Income and Education Are Associated With Survival Differences After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Nationwide Observational Study
Authors: Jonsson Martin , Härkönen Juho , Ljungman Petter , Nordberg Per , Ringh Mattias , Hirlekar Geir , Rawshani Araz , Herlitz Johan , Ljung Rickard , Hollenberg Jacob
Published: November 2021

Background:

Despite the acknowledged importance of socioeconomic factors as regards cardiovascular disease onset and survival, the relationship between individual-level socioeconomic factors and survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is not established. Our aim was to investigate whether socioeconomic variables are associated with 30-day survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods:

We linked data from the Swedish Registry for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with individual-level data on socioeconomic factors (ie, educational level and disposable income) from Statistics Sweden. Confounding and mediating variables included demographic factors, comorbidity, and Utstein resuscitation variables. Outcome was 30-day survival. Multiple modified Poisson regression was used for the main analyses.

Results:

A total of 31 373 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring in 2010 to 2017 were included. Crude 30-day survival rates by income quintiles were as follows: Q1 (low), 414/6277 (6.6%); Q2, 339/6276 (5.4%); Q3, 423/6275 (6.7%); Q4, 652/6273 (10.4%); and Q5 (high), 928/6272 (14.8%). In adjusted analysis, the chance of survival by income level followed a gradient-like increase, with a risk ratio of 1.86 (95% CI, 1.65–2.09) in the highest-income quintile versus the lowest. This association remained after adjusting for comorbidity, resuscitation factors, and initial rhythm. A higher educational level was associated with improved 30-day survival, with the risk ratio associated with postsecondary education ≥4 years being 1.51 (95% CI, 1.30–1.74). Survival disparities by income and educational level were observed in both men and women.

Conclusions:

In this nationwide observational study using individual-level socioeconomic data, higher income and higher educational level were associated with better 30-day survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in both sexes.
Repeatability of water loss and gain rates of Plethodon cinereus
Authors: Smith Geoffrey R. , Henry Abhishek V. , Smith Wesley O. , Smith Logan E.
Published: November 2021

Water loss and gain rates of amphibians are important to understanding their ecology, especially for plethodontid salamanders. We report the first estimates of repeatability of relative water loss and gain rates of the two major colour morphs of the Eastern Red-backed Salamander, Plethodon cinereus, in the fall and spring seasons. Repeatability of relative water loss in P. cinereus was >0 in the fall but not in the spring. Repeatability of relative water gain was significant for all salamanders pooled in the fall, and was not repeatable in the spring. There were no apparent differences in repeatability of relative water loss or gain between the two colour morphs. Our results suggest that the repeatability of relative water loss and gain rates varies by season, but not by colour morph.
“Then He Stabbed Me with a Spear”: Aggressive Sacred Images and Interreligious Polemics
Authors: Mitri Monica
Published: November 2021

This paper studies Coptic communal identity in early Islamic Egypt by analyzing two hagiographical narratives from the Christian Copto-Arabic text The History of the Patriarchs of Alexandria. The narratives relate incidents of sacred images that become ‘aggressive’ when they retaliate against insults. Although the relation between religious violence and sacred art has merited much scholarly attention, the focus is usually on humans as the aggressors and sacred art as the victim. The reverse is scarcer, and its rarity means we miss an opportunity to rethink such narratives as communicative modes of rhetoric to be contextually interpreted. Here I argue that these aggressive sacred images were tools of power within a polemic religious discourse aimed at proclaiming divine truth, undergirding it with supernatural power, and ultimately shaping Coptic communal identity around this discourse.
Transnational Corporations and Human Rights
Authors: Gronowska Bożena , Kapelańska-Pręgowska Julia
Published: November 2021

The problem of the different ways transnational corporations (TNCs) are held responsible for their violations of human rights standards has its own, long history. All the academic and legal efforts to date that have sought to clarify the proper grounds for effective remedies for wrongs that have been committed, have however failed to overcome the substantive obstacles and objections. Against such a complicated background the Authors present some reflections regarding the question of whether there is any possibility to take a step forward. Bearing in mind the powerful position of the TNCs, the Authors try to argue that – to some extent – mechanisms connected to State obligations in the field of human rights could be effective, if properly used, in relation to this type of corporate entity. Moreover, the absence of legally binding international rules (i.e. hard law) in the field under discussion is undoubtedly a missing factor for success. The article concludes that as long as the obligations and responsibilities of TNCs are not covered by legally binding and effectively enforced international rules, it will be impossible to cut this “Gordian knot”.
Five species of the family Odiidae (Crustacea: Amphipoda) collected from Japan, with descriptions of a new genus and four new species
Authors: ARIYAMA HIROYUKI
Published: November 2021

Five species of the family Odiidae (Amphipoda), including four new species, are recorded from Japan: Metodius cyanomaculatus sp. nov.; M. leucomaculatus sp. nov.; Postodius albifacies sp. nov.; P. sanguineus sp. nov.; and Antarctodius japonicus Ariyama, 2011. Morphological characters and coloration of these species are described in detail. Metodius gen. nov. is established for the two new species and is characterized by the very short and bare palp of the maxilla 1 and the large gnathopod 2 propodus. Keys to the odiid genera and the Postodius species in the world are provided. The genera can be distinguished from one another by the shapes of maxilla 1, maxilliped, pereopod 7, and telson. The Postodius species differs in the shapes of gnathopod 2, and pereopods 3, 7. Female of A. japonicus is firstly recorded. In this species, the presence of an accessory flagellum and a gill on the coxa 7 is confirmed.
Taxonomic notes on the genus Sinodrepanus Simonis, 1985, with description of the male of S. falsus (Sharp, 1875) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Oniticellini)
Authors: MONTANARO GIULIO
Published: November 2021

The taxonomy of two species of the genus Sinodrepanus Simonis, 1985 (Scarabaeidae: Oniticellini: Drepanocerina) is clarified. The male of Sinodrepanus falsus (Sharp, 1875) is described and illustrated for the first time, while Sinodrepanus exsul (Sharp, 1875), until now considered by most authors a synonym of S. falsus, is recognized as valid species, as already suggested by Simonis (1985). Diagnostic features of the two species are provided, and their distributions are reviewed.
Wind Turbulence over Misaligned Surface Waves and Air–Sea Momentum Flux. Part I: Waves Following and Opposing Wind
Authors: Husain Nyla T. , Hara Tetsu , Sullivan Peter P.
Published: November 2021

Air–sea momentum and scalar fluxes are strongly influenced by the coupling dynamics between turbulent winds and a spectrum of waves. Because direct field observations are difficult, particularly in high winds, many modeling and laboratory studies have aimed to elucidate the impacts of the sea state and other surface wave features on momentum and energy fluxes between wind and waves as well as on the mean wind profile and drag coefficient. Opposing wind is common under transient winds, for example, under tropical cyclones, but few studies have examined its impacts on air–sea fluxes. In this study, we employ a large-eddy simulation for wind blowing over steep sinusoidal waves of varying phase speeds, both following and opposing wind, to investigate impacts on the mean wind profile, drag coefficient, and wave growth/decay rates. The airflow dynamics and impacts rapidly change as the wave age increases for waves following wind. However, there is a rather smooth transition from the slowest waves following wind to the fastest waves opposing wind, with gradual enhancement of a flow perturbation identified by a strong vorticity layer detached from the crest despite the absence of apparent airflow separation. The vorticity layer appears to increase the effective surface roughness and wave form drag (wave attenuation rate) substantially for faster waves opposing wind.

Significance Statement

Surface waves increase friction at the sea surface and modify how wind forces upper-ocean currents and turbulence. Therefore, it is important to include effects of different wave conditions in weather and climate forecasts. We aim to inform more accurate forecasts by investigating wind blowing over waves propagating in the opposite direction using large-eddy simulation. We find that when waves oppose wind, they decay as expected, but also increase the surface friction much more drastically than when waves follow wind. This finding has important implications for how waves opposing wind are represented as a source of surface friction in forecast models.
Understanding African Agency in Peace and Security: Tanzania’s Implementation of “Non-Indifference” in Somalia
Authors: Jaensch Stephanie
Published: November 2021

Against the backdrop of the plurality of agents and contexts, Africa’s peace and security norms have remained contested and open to interpretation in political practice. This article argues that African agents manifest their agencies precisely through their distinct interpretation and implementation of security norms. Based on Tanzania’s rejection to join the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2007, this article zooms into the underlying domestic complexities by focusing in particular on the crucial influence of national identities for the ongoing construction of normative meaning in Africa’s peace and security landscape.
Percutaneous Dilational Tracheostomy at the Epicenter of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Impact on Critical Care Resource Utilization and Early Outcomes
Authors: Krowsoski Leandra , Medina Benjamin D. , DiMaggio Charles , Hong Charles , Moore Samantha , Straznitskas Andrew , Rogers Charmel , Mukherjee Vikramjit , Uppal Amit , Frangos Spiros , Bukur Marko
Published: November 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed New York City hospitals early in the pandemic. Shortages of ventilators and sedatives prompted tracheostomy earlier than recommended by professional societies. This study evaluates the impact of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) in COVID+ patients on critical care capacity.

Methods

This is a single-institution prospective case series of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients undergoing PDT from April 1 to June 4, 2020 at a public tertiary care center.

Results

Fifty-five patients met PDT criteria and underwent PDT at a median of 13 days (IQR 10, 18) from intubation. Patient characteristics are found in Table 1 . Intravenous midazolam, fentanyl, and cisatracurium equivalents were significantly reduced 48 hours post-PDT ( Table 2 ). Thirty-five patients were transferred from the ICU and liberated from the ventilator. Median time from PDT to ventilator liberation and ICU discharge was 10 (IQR 4, 14) and 12 (IQR 8, 17) days, respectively. Decannulation occurred in 45.5% and 52.7% were discharged from acute inpatient care ( Figure 1 ). Median follow-up for the study was 62 days. Four patients had bleeding complications postoperatively and 11 died during the study period. Older age was associated with increased odds of complication (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04, 1.23) and death (OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.05, 1.30). All operators tested negative for COVID-19 during the study period.

Conclusion

These findings suggest COVID-19 patients undergoing tracheostomy within the standard time frame can improve critical care capacity in areas strained by the pandemic with low risk to operators. Long-term outcomes after PDT deserve further study.
The Timing of Prison Sanctions and the Odds of Returning to Prison After Release
Authors: D’Amato Christopher , Silver Ian A. , Wooldredge John , Newsome Jamie
Published: November 2021

A sample of 48,930 inmates was examined to estimate the direct and moderating effect of the timing of prison sanctions on recidivism. Logistic regression models demonstrated that number of sanctions was positively associated with recidivism but timing of an inmate’s last sanction before release did not significantly influence recidivism. However, timing of an inmate’s last sanction moderated the association between number of sanctions and recidivism. This moderation effect suggested that as time between an inmate’s last sanction and release from prison increased, the effect of the total number of sanctions on recidivism decreased in magnitude. The results of this assessment suggest that the number and timing of sanctions matter in explaining the relationship between prison sanctions and recidivism.
Deterring the Drunk Driver: An Examination of Conditional Deterrence and Self-Reported Drunk Driving
Authors: Stringer Richard J.
Published: November 2021

This project uses a representative U.S. population sample and Generalized Structural Equation Modeling (GSEM) to explore the deterrence of driving under the influence (DUI) and it’s moderation by the differential deterrability of problem and non-problem drinkers. As hypothesized, the results indicate that personal and vicarious experiences with punishment and punishment avoidance were significant predictors of punishment certainty and self-reported DUI. Significant heterogeneity in both the formulation of perceived certainty of punishment and the relationship between this perception and DUI also exists between problem and non-problem drinkers. Most notably, certainty of punishment was a more robust negative predictor of DUI offending for problem drinkers, and prior punishment appears to have little effect on perceptions of punishment certainty for problem drinkers.
An Exploratory Study of COVID-19’s Impact on Psychological Distress and Antisocial Behavior Among Justice-Involved Youth
Authors: Reid Joan A. , Chenneville Tiffany , Gardy Sarah M. , Baglivio Michael T.
Published: November 2021

Little is known about how justice-involved youth are coping with stress related to COVID-19. This study examined changes in psychological distress and antisocial behavior indicators among 557 youths on probation who completed two assessments during pre-COVID-19 conditions and two assessments during post-COVID-19 conditions. Drawing from Agnew’s General Strain Theory, the study used multivariate latent growth models to examine: (a) changes in psychological distress and antisocial behavior over time, (b) the associations of the changes, and (c) differences across sex, race, and ethnicity regarding changes in psychological distress. In support of General Strain Theory, results highlight that indicators of psychological distress and antisocial behavior increased during post-COVID-19 conditions when compared to pre-COVID-19 conditions for the full sample and for subsamples of youth categorized by sex, race, and ethnicity.
Digital citizenship among Appalachian middle schoolers: The common sense digital citizenship curriculum
Authors: Brandau Melvina , Dilley Trevor , Schaumleffel Carol , Himawan Lina
Published: November 2021

Background:

Nearly 60% of teenagers in the USA have experienced abusive online behaviour. Identifying effective programmes to address these behaviours and promote digital citizenship is a research priority to reduce the rate of occurrence and consequential harmful effects of abusive online behaviour.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effectiveness of a Digital Citizenship Curriculum in increasing knowledge of digital citizenship and reducing cyberbullying and online aggression among middle-schoolers in an underserved community using a free curriculum.

Method:

Middle-schoolers participated in pilot implementation of a Digital Citizenship Curriculum (DCC) to evaluate its effectiveness in increasing knowledge of digital citizenship and reducing cyberbullying and online aggression. Follow up interviews were conducted to explore participants’ perceptions of the curriculum.

Results:

Participants demonstrated a statistically significant increase in their knowledge of digital citizenship with an increase of 2.96 in the mean score ( p < .001). Paired t-tests by gender demonstrated a significant difference in pre-post assessment mean scores for girls ( p < .001). Post-intervention perceptions indicate the curriculum was positively received and informative.

Conclusion:

Identifying cost-effective and resource-friendly programmes that support social-emotional learning and promote digital citizenship is crucial for underserved populations. Regions such as Appalachian Ohio often lack the resources to fund costly curriculum aimed at online aggression prevention. This study supports the implementation of the DCC and indicates the need for future research on the long-term effects of the curriculum on middle school participants.
Inside Jobs: Salary Setting for Immigrants Crossing Establishment, Organizational, and National Boundaries
Authors: Rissing Ben A. , Lee Kwan
Published: November 2021

Using novel US Department of Labor administrative records, the authors test theoretical mechanisms to account for variation in immigrant workers’ starting salaries following key career transitions. Specifically, they examine differences in the base starting salaries and discretionary starting salary increases above these base starting salaries for 1) same-establishment hires, relative to 2) US-based establishment transfers, 3) international establishment transfers, 4) US-based external hires, and 5) international external hires. In support of the “insider premium” account, findings show that same-establishment hires tend to work in jobs with greater requirements, and thus higher base starting salaries. In partial support of the “outsider premium” account, findings show that US-based external hires receive larger starting salary increases than do same-establishment hires, conditional on the jobs they enter. This said, international external hires receive smaller starting salary increases than do same-establishment hires. Findings reveal distinct mechanisms, acting separately or in tandem, during salary-setting processes.
Re-imagining the SCO’s Geopolitical Expansion: Would It Be a Next SAARC?
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Singh Bawa
Published: November 2021

The SCO is one of the biggest geopolitical groupings in the world. It has provided a forum for its members, particularly, Russia and China, to cooperate on the set goals of the Eurasian re-integration. In contrast, SAARC cannot be termed as a successful organization, given the arch–rivalries between India and Pakistan. However, optimists believe that the geopolitical expansion, having India and Pakistan on board, the SCO would have the potential for economic and strategic cooperation. On the other hand, the evolving Sino-Pak axis vis-à-vis India has generated a view that China has offered an SCO platform to make its South Asia Policy a reality. Hence, an attempt has been made to assess the evolving speculations; will the geopolitical expansion of SCO unfold new opportunities or merely make SCO as another SAARC?
Kinetics of epoxy resin optical characteristics during ultrasonic processing
Authors: Kovaleva Ekaterina G , Savotchenko Sergey E
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the ultrasonic processing of composite based on epoxy resin ED-20 filled by nanoparticle silicon–containing additives PDMS-5 and HDK during its preparation is studied. Changes in optical transmittance spectra of organosilicon gel (PDMS-5+HDK) and of composite ED-20+L-20+(PDMS-5+HDK) are reported. The observed optical transmission changes were modeled from the experimental results. New phenomenological model describing the kinetics of a change in transmittance with ultrasonic processing time of composite is proposed. The nonlinear differential equation of the process is formulated and solved. The solution of equation applies to description of the experimental data of monitoring of transmittance of composite ED-20+L-20+(PDMS-5+HDK) during ultrasonic processing. The nonlinear functions characterized by three plateaus are proposed to describe the experimental data of monitoring of optical properties of organosilicon gel (PDMS-5+HDK) during ultrasonic processing.
Socio-demographic profile of suicidal hanging deaths in Delhi and the National Capital Region – a retrospective study
Authors: Anand Aditya , Kumar Sanjay , Panga Surya Kiran , Ashraf Laiba , Sharma Dibya , Tandon Sarvesh
Published: November 2021

The aim of this retrospective socio-demographic analysis is to identify those at higher risk of suicidal hanging in the region of Delhi and the National Capital Region. All deaths due to suicidal hanging from January 2016 to December 2019 reported in the Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital were included. Suicidal hanging accounted for 2.67% of total autopsied cases; 21–30 years old represented 42.62% of the victims. Male:female ratio was 1.7:1 and 38.37% of cases were from the adjoining areas of Vasant Kunj and Vasant Vihar. Therefore, a preventive strategy should focus concern on young adults, the male sex, and areas of Vasant Kunj and Vasant Vihar.