bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Civilization and Dispute Resolution in the BRI
Authors: Corne Peter , Zhu Vivien
Published: December 2020

One of the main challenges facing China in executing its Belt and Road Initiative is dealing with the complexities arising from its interactions with disparate cultures, ecosystems, societies and their associated laws and local practices. This article argues that intrinsic to the concept of ecological civilization is its incorporation of a broad set of culturally derived norms and customs that represent an inclusive approach to cultural and ecological diversity. The article advocates the adoption of mediation along the Belt and Road as the primary or ‘first line’ dispute resolution tool, with a third party neutral acting as a mediator. As a ‘facilitative’ rather than an ‘adjudicative’ process, mediation under the guidance of a well-trained mediator can steer the parties to the settlement of a dispute related to the environment and natural resources in a way that is consistent with the principles of ecological civilization while respecting the broader concerns of each participant under their respective ‘living laws’. The article maintains that as a ‘second line’ or alternatively ‘parallel line’ of dispute resolution, arbitration will continue to be critically important for BRI disputes, so measures that will oblige arbitrators to incorporate ecological principles into their deliberations are also recommended.
Review of the genus Shilovia Makarchenko (Diptera: Chironomidae: Diamesinae: Boreoheptagyiini) from the mountains of Central Asia, with morphological description and DNA barcoding of known species
Authors: MAKARCHENKO EUGENYI A.  , SEMENCHENKO ALEXANDER A. , PALATOV DMITRY M.
Published: December 2020

Chironomids of the genus Shilovia Makarchenko (Diamesinae, Boreoheptagyiini) from the mountains of Central Asia are revised using both morphological characters and molecular data. Illustrated descriptions of the adult male Shilovia xinhuawangi sp. nov. from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, S. yakovlevi sp. nov. from East Kazakhstan and redescription of S. rara Makarchenko from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are provided. The result of morphological study is congruent with DNA barcoding analyses using COI sequences. The average K2P interspecific nucleotide distances within S. xinhuawangi sp. nov. and S. yakovlevi sp. nov. are 0.03% and 0.3% respectively. The nucleotide distances between the two new species and S. rara can be considered interspecific. Phylogenetic analysis using Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inferences (BI) support the placement of S. xinhuawangi sp. nov. and S. yakovlevi sp. nov. within the monophyletic genus Shilovia.
The advertisement call of Gastrotheca chrysosticta Laurent, 1976 (Anura: Hemiphractidae)
Authors: AKMENTINS MAURICIO SEBASTIÁN , BOULLHESEN MARTÍN
Published: December 2020

The genus Gastrotheca Fitzinger, 1843 currently harbors 75 species (Frost 2020). These marsupial frogs have a broad latitudinal distribution range in Central and South America, from Costa Rica southward to Argentina (Duellman 2015). The advertisement call features as the pulse structure, call duration, and repetition pulse rate are used by researchers to recognize the species of Gastrotheca (Duellman 2015). The availability of call descriptions is also crucial for recognizing these species with secretive life habits and implementing long-term passive acoustic monitoring programs (Vaira et al. 2011; Akmentins et al. 2014).
New species of Adeonellopsis (Bryozoa: Adeonidae) from southern Zealandia and the western Tasman Sea
Authors: LIOW LEE HSIANG , GORDON DENNIS P.
Published: December 2020

Seven new species of Adeonellopsis MacGillivray, 1886 are described: Adeonellopsis macewindui, A. gracilis (endemic to New Zealand), A. gemina (New Zealand and Norfolk Island shelf), A. tasmanensis (Norfolk Island shelf and Gascoyne Seamount), A. periculosa Norfolk Island shelf) and A. wassi and A. minor (New South Wales shelf). All have flattened staghorn branches, which range in width from 0.8 to 5 mm, depending on species. Based on underwater photos, the largest species, A. macewindui n. sp. forms locally significant habitat on fiord walls and parts of the continental shelf in New Zealand, sometimes in association with A. gemina n. sp.. The latter can survive as isolated fragments that can regenerate from broken ends. Three species have a number of large gonozooids at selected locations on their branches and two of these species have vestigial ooecia in their gonozooids, recorded for the first time in Adeonidae. The remaining four species have among their autozooids only a few zooids that are a little larger, with larger compound spiramina. These are suggested to function as gonozooids, representing the larger end of a size spectrum for reproductive zooids, of which those at the lower end are the same size as autozooids. The encrusting Australian species known as Adeonellopsis baccata (Hutton, 1878) is transferred to Reptadeonella as Reptadeonella baccata n. comb..
Miltochrista jarawa (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosiini), a new species from the Andaman Islands, India
Authors: SINGH NAVNEET , VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , KIRTI JAGBIR SINGH , DATTA HARVINDER SINGH
Published: December 2020

Miltochrista Hübner, [1819] is one of the most species-rich genera of lichen-moths belonging to the Asura/Miltochrista complex and is distributed widely in the Oriental and Palaearctic Regions. A checklist of Miltochrista (sensu lato) was recently published by Volynkin et al. (2019) and included 206 species and 10 subspecies. Four additional species have since been described by Volynkin et al. (2020). But still, the taxonomy of this large and diverse genus is poorly studied and many new species are awaiting descriptions.
A new species and four new records of Stirellus Osborn & Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Stenometopiini) from Pakistan with a revised key to species
Authors: SHAH BISMILLAH , NAVEED HASSAN , DUAN YANI
Published: December 2020

The leafhopper genus Stirellus is reviewed from Pakistan with the description and illustrations of a new species Stirellus pakhtunensis Shah & Duan sp. n. and four new records Stirellus capitatus n. rec., Stirellus indrus n. rec., Stirellus rotundus n. rec., Stirellus rubrolineatus n. rec. A checklist and key for the known species of Stirellus from Pakistan are also given.
Description of a new subspecies of Dodona dipoea Hewitson, [1866] (Lycaenidae: Riodininae) from S.W. Chongqing, China
Authors: XUE GUO-XI , LAI DA-KUN , XU RU-YAN
Published: December 2020

Dodona dipoea pseudokaterina subsp. nov. is described from southwestern Chongqing, China. The wing patterns of the type specimens are similar to those of D. katerina Monastyrskii & Devyatkin, 2000, but the genitalic characters of both sexes show that they belong to D. dipoea Hewitson, [1866]. Adults and genitalia of both sexes of the new subspecies, and adults of the nominate subspecies are illustrated.
Assimilation of the SCATSAR-SWI with SURFEX: Impact of Local Observation Errors in Austria
Authors: Vural Jasmin , Schneider Stefan , Bauer-Marschallinger Bernhard , Haslinger Klaus
Published: December 2020

The proper determination of soil moisture on different scales is important for applications in a variety of fields. We aim to develop a high-level soil moisture product with high temporal and spatial resolution by assimilating the multilayer soil moisture product SCATSAR-SWI (Scatterometer Synthetic Aperture Radar Soil Water Index) into the surface model SURFEX. In addition, we probe the impact of the findings on the numerical weather prediction (NWP) in Austria. The data assimilation system consists of the NWP model AROME and the SURFEX Offline Data Assimilation, which provide atmospheric forcing and soil moisture fields as mutual input. To address the known sensitivity of the employed simplified extended Kalman filter to the specification of errors, we compute the observation error variances of the SCATSAR-SWI locally using Triple Collocation Analysis and implement them into the assimilation system. The verification of the forecasted 2 m temperature and relative humidity against measurements of Austrian weather stations shows that the actual impact of the local error approach on the atmospheric forecast is slightly positive to neutral compared to the standard error approach, depending on the time of the year. The direct verification of the soil moisture analysis against a gridded water balance product reveals a degradation of the unbiased root-mean-square error for small observation errors.
Comment: Disruptions of White Space in Art and Youth Education
Authors: Cummings Roger , Dodds Cummings DeAnna
Published: December 2020

Practitioner/activist comment on the implications of White space in practice, and the value of theories of White space in practice.
White Sanctuaries: White Supremacy, Racism, Space, and Fine Arts in Two Metropolitan Museums
Authors: Domínguez Silvia , Weffer Simón E. , Embrick David G.
Published: December 2020

In this article, we compare two nationally recognized museums located in Chicago and Boston: The Art Institute of Chicago and the Boston Fine Arts Museum. We find that while both museums are colonial projects and White sanctuaries, there are variations in the racial mechanisms in place that help maintain White supremacy. Specifically, we look at three such mechanisms and compare and contrast between the two museums. We contend our findings suggest that while White supremacy is universal in its national (global) depth and breath, place matters. We argue that the physical context of the museums—their location within each city, the lay out of their locations, and the physical space of the museums themselves—help explain this variation. We end with specific implications for our work, centering on how we might dismantle current ideas of high culture (read: White) in favor of museums that are more inclusive, recognize their colonial project histories, and have antiracism in their mission as socially responsible institutions for the cities in which they reside and the people who reside there.
Predicting the Refractive Index of Tissue Models Using Light Scattering Spectroscopy
Authors: Bailey Michelle , Gardner Benjamin , Alunni-Cardinali Martina , Caponi Silvia , Fioretto Daniele , Stone Nick , Palombo Francesca
Published: December 2020

In this work, we report the application of Raman microspectroscopy for analysis of the refractive index of a range of tissue phantoms. Using both a custom-developed setup with visible laser source and a commercial microspectrometer with near infrared laser, we measured the Raman spectra of gelatin hydrogels at various concentrations. By building a calibration curve from measured refractometry data and Raman scattering intensity for different vibrational modes of the hydrogel, we were able to predict the refractive indices of the gels from their Raman spectra. This work highlights the importance of a correlative approach through Brillouin–Raman microspectroscopy for the mechano–chemical analysis of biologically relevant samples.
Framing the Litterbug: Picturing and Policing Public Cleanliness in Mid-Twentieth Century Philadelphia
Authors: Hankins Kristin
Published: December 2020

In early and mid-twentieth century American cities, visual culture announced the emergence of a new category of urban waste: litter. As anti-litter efforts used photography, cartoons, and other images to define litter, they also framed responsibility for its production and removal. This article focuses on the circulation of photographs in mid-twentieth century Philadelphia newspapers to illuminate the central role of visual culture in disciplining city dwellers about the proper relationship with litter and the larger landscape it marred. Early litter photography initially framed women, sanitation workers, and scavengers as primarily responsible for the production of litter. However, the disciplinary gaze sharpened in this set of images rippled outward as litter policing became increasingly formalized and punitive. As photographs defined and policed litter, they also illuminated a changing relationship between the municipal government and urban dwellers, in which residents were increasingly expected to maintain public space through unpaid physical labor and surveillance.
Supporting Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness in a Learning-to-Learn Course: College Students’ Insights Into Effective Instruction
Authors: Hensley Lauren , Sayers Robin , Brady Anna , Cutshall Jessica
Published: December 2020

Autonomy, competence, and relatedness are psychological needs that may be particularly important for instructors to address in learning-to-learn courses, which are designed to support college students’ personal development and academic success. Guided by self-determination theory, in this qualitative study we focused on the learning-to-learn context to understand psychological need satisfaction from the perspectives of college students and in their own words. We analyzed end-of-semester evaluations in 10 sections of a learning-to-learn course offered through an educational psychology program at a large public university. The findings highlighted how instructional features, intellectual experiences, and teaching practices supported autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The 10 themes emerging from the analysis can be used to understand self-determination theory in practice and guide learner-centered instruction.
Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma of Hypopharynx; A Case Report
Authors: Al Nakshabandi Abdulla , Daher Aqil M.
Published: December 2020

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is an aggressive soft-tissue malignancy, notorious for its metastasis to other tissues. A considerable number of cases in the head and neck have been reported but not in the hypopharynx. We describe a 31-year-old man with an incidental finding of a hypopharyngeal mass. Flexible laryngoscopy revealed a fleshy mass 2 × 2 cm2 originating from the left hypopharynx and overlying the epiglottis. Computed tomography scan demonstrated a soft tissue mass in the left wall of the oropharynx measuring about 2.2 × 1.8 cm2, projecting into the hypopharyngeal air space. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a significant thickening of the left hypopharyngeal wall forming a mass lesion occupying the left pyriform sinus and abutting the left aryepiglottic fold. Histopathology indicated that tumor cells were polygonal and epithelioid, with abundant eosinophilic to clear flocculent cytoplasm, eccentric nuclei, and prominent nucleoli. The tumor was positive for smooth muscle actin with rare cells staining for Human Melanoma Black (HMB45). Fluorescence in situ hybridization for transcription factor E3 was also performed and supported the above diagnosis. Our study reports the first case of ASPS in the hypopharynx.
Interparental Conflict, Emotional Insecurity, and Parent–Adolescent Communication
Authors: Mills Abigail L. , Aquino Gabriela A. , Hoegler Sarah , Cummings E. Mark
Published: December 2020

Destructive conflict within the marital relationship has been shown to negatively impact the family system. Exposure to destructive interparental conflict may be particularly detrimental to adolescent development. Destructive interparental conflict is associated with decreased quality of parent–adolescent communication. One potential explanatory mechanism for this relationship is adolescents’ emotional insecurity in the interparental relationship. Exposure to destructive interparental conflict may decrease adolescents’ sense of emotional security. Therefore, this study examined whether emotional insecurity security mediated the relationship between destructive interparental conflict and parent–adolescent communication, based on a longitudinal study on family communication ( N = 225). Path analysis revealed that the relationship between destructive interparental conflict and father–adolescent communication, as well as mother–adolescent communication, was mediated by emotional insecurity. The results provide insight into the consequences that destructive interparental conflict may have for aspects of the parent–adolescent relationship, as well as practical implications for the development of future intervention programs.
Pain Control After Shoulder Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials With a Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Hurley Eoghan T. , Maye Andrew B. , Thompson Kamali , Anil Utkarsh , Resad Sehar , Virk Mandeep , Strauss Eric J. , Alaia Michael J. , Campbell Kirk A.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Shoulder arthroscopy is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures used to treat a variety of conditions, with >500,000 procedures performed each year.

Purpose:

To systematically review the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on pain control after shoulder arthroscopy in the acute postoperative setting and to ascertain the best available evidence in managing pain after shoulder arthroscopy to optimize patient outcomes.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was performed based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies were included if they were RCTs evaluating interventions to reduce postoperative pain after shoulder arthroscopy: nerve blocks, nerve block adjuncts, subacromial injections, patient-controlled analgesia, oral medications, or other modalities. Meta-analyses and network meta-analyses were performed where appropriate.

Results:

Our study included 83 RCTs. Across 40 studies, peripheral nerve blocks were found to significantly reduce postoperative pain and opioid use, but there was no significant difference among the variable nerve blocks in the network meta-analysis. However, continuous interscalene block did have the highest P-score at most time points. Nerve block adjuncts were consistently shown across 18 studies to prolong the nerve block time and reduce pain. Preoperative administration was shown to significantly reduce postoperative pain scores ( P < .05). No benefit was found in any of the studies evaluating subacromial infusions.

Conclusion:

Continuous interscalene block resulted in the lowest pain levels at most time points, although this was not significantly different when compared with the other nerve blocks. Additionally, nerve block adjuncts may prolong the postoperative block time and improve pain control. There is promising evidence for some oral medications and newer modalities to control pain and reduce opioid use. However, we found no evidence to support the use of subacromial infusions or patient-controlled analgesia.
Ethnic Economic Inequality and Fatalities From Terrorism
Authors: Fleming Christopher M. , Manning Matthew , Pham Hien-Thuc , Vorsina Margarita
Published: December 2020

Few studies have explored the influence of horizontal (i.e., among group) inequalities on terrorism, yet it seems plausible that these inequalities may be relevant. Employing data from the Global Terrorism Database and Ethnologue, this article examines the effect of ethnic economic inequality on domestic terrorism for 130 countries over the period 2001 to 2018. We present evidence that higher degrees of ethnic inequality lead to higher numbers of terrorist attacks as well as a higher number of people killed or injured. This positive association between ethnic inequality and terrorism is robust to alternative measures of ethnic inequality, omission of influential countries and regions, the inclusion and exclusion of controls, and alternative estimation strategies. In contrast, countries with high degree of political freedom and high governance quality tend to suffer less from terrorism. Promoting economic equality among ethnic groups, therefore, has the potential to reduce the risk of domestic terrorism. We propose that a critical step towards promoting this equality is to enhance social inclusion. The benefits of increasing social inclusion extend beyond simply reducing the incidence of terrorism and inter-racial violence; creating a socially inclusive society is a social justice imperative and the responsibility of policymakers, social institutions, civil society, and the private sector. It is also consistent with the notion of inclusive economic growth, as championed by organizations such as the OECD and the United Nations Development Program.
Like a Caged Bird: The Coping Strategies of Economically Empowered Women Who Are Victims of Intimate Partner Violence in Bangladesh
Authors: Akhter Rifat , Wilson Janet K. , Haque Syed Emdadul , Ahamed Naim
Published: December 2020

This article identifies coping strategies used by economically empowered Bangladeshi women who are victims of intimate partner violence. Interviews were conducted with 19 employed women who experience abuse at the hands of their husbands and with eight community leaders. A “Cultural Biography” approach was used to determine respondents’ understanding of cultural phenomena and to gain life histories from victims in order to explore coping strategies in response to the harm experienced. Findings indicate that even though these women have access to financial resources due to their employment, many of them cope with the abuse by continuing to live in the home with the abuser because of the stigma surrounding divorce and the lack of laws that would grant them guardianship of the children or access to their property. Others live with family or friends in order to avoid the harassment experienced by divorcees. The few who sought more formal help from community leaders (4 of the 19) experienced pressure to remain in the marriage and, thus, the cycle of abuse continued. Community leaders supported the perceptions of the respondents emphasizing how cultural expectations for women’s role in Bangladesh limit her ability to leave an abusive home, even if she is employed. As presented by Welby’s patriarchal theory, we see that public patriarchy (oppression through norms, laws, and other social forces) supports private patriarchy (where men individually dominate their intimate partner), even for those women who are economically empowered.
Self-affirmation and False Allegations: The Effects on Responses to Disclosures of Sexual Victimization
Authors: Roos Melissa S. de , Jones Daniel N.
Published: December 2020

The rise of the #MeToo movement highlights the prevalence of sexual victimization and gives a voice to victims who may have been silent before. Nevertheless, survivors or victims of sexual violence who come forward may be blamed or not believed. These reactions are evident both with adult and child victims. Further, fears about false accusations of sexual misconduct may negatively impact responses to disclosures. This study aimed to examine gender differences in perceptions toward the #MeToo movement, and the extent to which these translate into a skeptical response to disclosure. Further, we wanted to explore whether proximity to false allegations of sexual violence was linked with more negative responses and whether use of self-affirmations may decrease the likelihood of such a response. Through an online survey ( N = 235) on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, we assessed participants’ exposure to and perceptions of the #MeToo movement. Further, we asked them about their proximity to sexual violence (victimization or perpetration) and to false allegations. Using a threat manipulation (news article about false accusation) and a self-affirmation exercise, we studied the effects of both variables on responses to disclosure. Results indicated that after reading an article about a false accusation, male participants were more likely to blame a victim of childhood sexual abuse and to perceive the abuse as less harmful, compared with female participants. Further, we found that self-affirmation was linked with more supportive responses to a disclosure. These findings highlight the threatening nature of false accusations of sexual violence for men, and how this threat may shape the narrative regarding sexual violence. Opportunities to use self-affirmation to change this narrative to a more supportive one are discussed.
Teacher Preparation in Communication Instruction for Students With Extensive Support Needs
Authors: Pennington Robert C. , Walker Virginia L. , Tapp Melissa C.
Published: December 2020

In this investigation, we surveyed 51 faculty members who were involved in teacher preparation programs in the area of extensive support needs (ESN) across a range of institutions of higher education. We asked participants to respond to questions related to the quality and quantity of program content focused on communication instruction and supports for students with ESN. Overall, findings indicated variability in the quality and quantity of teacher preparation–related communication instruction. In addition, participants described barriers related to teacher preparation in this area.
When Coadministration Cannot Be Avoided: Real World Experience of Direct Acting Antivirals for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Patients on First Generation Anticonvulsants
Authors: Natali Kayla M. , Jimenez Humberto R. , Slim Jihad
Published: December 2020

Background

Coadministration of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and first generation anticonvulsants is currently not recommended due to a drug-drug interaction that could potentially lead to subtherapeutic DAA levels and subsequent treatment failure. Currently, there is limited data evaluating this interaction and timely treatment of HCV infection with DAAs is imperative to prevent liver-related morbidity and mortality.

Methods

A retrospective case series evaluating clinical cure of chronic HCV infection, defined as sustained virologic response (SVR) 12 weeks after completion of DAA therapy, in patients from three inner-city clinics who remained on first generation anticonvulsants during the treatment course.

Results

A total of five patients received standard dose DAAs for treatment of chronic HCV infection while being maintained on first generation anticonvulsants. The most common HCV genotype was 1a (80%), followed by 1b (20%). The majority of patients were treated with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (80%) for eight weeks and one patient was treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for 12 weeks. Anticonvulsant regimens consisted of carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenytoin plus phenobarbital, phenytoin plus levetiracetam, and phenobarbital plus lacosamide. All five patients achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) despite this drug-drug interaction.

Conclusion

Although every effort to prevent concomitant use of DAAs and potent inducers should be made, clinical cure may still be achieved in patients whom cannot avoid this coadministration.
Image acquisition for trolling-mode atomic force microscopy based on dynamical equations of motion
Authors: Sajjadi Mohammadreza , Pishkenari Hossein Nejat , Vossoughi Gholamreza
Published: December 2020

Trolling mode atomic force microscopy (TR-AFM) can considerably reduce the liquid-resonator interaction forces, and hence, has overcome many imaging problems in liquid environments. This mode increases the quality factor (QF) significantly compared with the conventional AFM operation in liquid; therefore, the duration to reach the steady-state periodic motion of the oscillating probe is relatively high. As a result, utilizing conventional imaging techniques, which are based on measuring the amplitude and phase, are significantly slower when compared to our proposed method. This research presents a high-speed scanning technique based on an estimation law to obtain the topography of various samples utilizing a two-degree-of-freedom model of TR-AFM. The effect of the nanoneedle tip horizontal displacement on the estimation process is investigated, and a solution to compensate for its undesirable effect is also presented.
‘Pruning a genius’: marginalia by Richard Dadd
Authors: Tromans Nicholas
Published: December 2020

After falling into mental illness as a young man, the British artist Richard Dadd (1817–86) spent some 20 years as a patient at Bethlem Hospital in London. A rare example of his writings from these years survives in the form of marginalia in a copy of Lectures on Painting and Design by Benjamin Robert Haydon, held in the Morgan Library & Museum in New York. This article presents a transcription of the notes, along with an introduction setting them in the contexts of Dadd’s career and his relationship with the senior staff at Bethlem.
Event-triggered distributed filtering for Markov jump systems over sensor networks
Authors: Zhu Fengzeng , Peng Li , Yang Ruitian
Published: December 2020

This article deals with the distributed filtering problem for a class of discrete-time Markov jump systems over sensor networks. First, in the distributed filtering network, each local filter simultaneously fuses the estimation and measurement from itself and neighboring nodes to achieve the system state estimation. And each sensor intelligent node is embedded with an event-triggered sampling mechanism, which can reduce the computation load or saving limited network bandwidth. Then, we use Bernoulli stochastic variables to describe whether the filtering network can successfully receive the system jump modes. Next, based on the Lyapunov stability theory, we design a distributed filter dependent on partial system modes, which has the exponential stability in mean square and [Formula: see text] performance. Finally, all desired estimator parameters can be obtained by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities. Moreover, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the distributed [Formula: see text] filtering design approach.
Development of novel technological approaches for a reliable crop characterization under changing environmental conditions
Authors: Vergara-Díaz Omar , Kefauver Shawn , Araus José Luis , Aranjuelo Iker
Published: December 2020

The expansion of world population requires the development of new strategies and tools for agriculture. Extensive breeding and agronomic efforts over the past 50 years have been responsible for tripling cereal yields, while advances in grain quality have been less evident. Continuing advances in the techniques available to breeders offer the potential to increase the rate of genetic improvement aiming to develop resilient crop and better (more resource use efficient) varieties. Plant breeders want to be able to phenotype large numbers of lines rapidly and accurately identify the best progeny. For this purpose, different methodological approaches have been proposed to evaluate these traits in the field: (1) proximal (remote) sensing and imaging, (2) laboratory analyses of samples, and (3) lab-based near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy analysis in the harvestable part of the crop. However, near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy-based field evaluation of yield and grain quality is currently a real option. Thus the development of new technological approaches, such as the use of hyperspectral imaging sensors or near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy under field conditions may be critical as a phenotypic approach for efficient breeding as well as in field management of crops. This article reports the description of the CropYQualT-CEC project funded by the H2020-MSCA-RISE program. This project pursues the main objective of generating a common solid knowledge basis within the context of precision agriculture and digital farming. Further, within the project context, the article also provides a case study in which prediction models for total grain protein content, based on the reflectance spectrum of wheat canopies, are presented. Measurements were performed at around anthesis, using a full range near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy field spectrometer. Several models explaining >60% of grain protein variance in field trials illustrate the predictive capacity and robustness of this methodology for inferring grain quality traits well in advance of harvest.
Do Women Directors Impact Financial Outcomes? The Indian Evidence
Authors: Kumar Anil , Nigam Narander Kumar , Singh Kirtivardhan
Published: December 2020

This article investigates the impact of women directors on financial outcomes—return and risk of Indian companies. It applies fixed and random effects Tobit regressions to examine the effect of female directors on financial outcomes (returns and risk) of the firm, controlling promoters’ shareholding, leverage, firm growth and age, board size and board meetings. The study does not find any support to agency and resource dependence theories because the proportion of women directors in most Indian boards is too small to make much impact. However, it has a moderating influence to reduce variations in accounting profits and stock returns. The investors reward also meeting the regulatory quota of woman member on the boards by higher market returns indicating a signalling effect. The study adds an understanding of quota induced women directors’ influence on the firm’s financial outcomes. However, the regulators should be cautious in mandating induction of women members on the boards as they might be inexperienced or lack the needed grounding to effectively influence board processes.
Autophagy and salivary gland cancer: A putative target for salivary gland tumors
Authors: Koustas Evangelos , Sarantis Panagiotis , Theodorakidou Margarita , Karamouzis Michalis V , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: December 2020

Salivary gland carcinomas are a group of heterogeneous tumors of different histological subtypes, presenting relatively low incidence but the entire variable of types. Although novel treatment options for salivary gland carcinomas patients’ outcomes have improved, the treatment of this type of cancer is still not standardized. In addition, a significant number of patients, with a lack of optimal treatment strategies, have reduced survival. In the last two decades, a plethora of evidence pointed to the importance of autophagy, an essential catabolic process of cytoplasmatic component digestion, in cancer. In vitro and in vivo studies highlight the importance of autophagy in salivary gland carcinomas development as a tumor suppressor or promoter mechanism. Despite the potential of autophagy in salivary gland carcinomas development, no therapies are currently available that specifically focus on autophagy modulation in salivary gland carcinomas. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and clinical trials in regard to the interplay between autophagy and the development of salivary gland carcinomas. Autophagy manipulation may be a putative therapeutic strategy for salivary gland carcinomas patients.
In Silico ADME, Metabolism Prediction and Hydrolysis Study of Melatonin Derivatives
Authors: Panyatip Panyada , Nunthaboot Nadtanet , Puthongking Ploenthip
Published: December 2020

Melatonin (MLT) is a well-known pineal hormone possessed with remarkable biological activities. However, its low oral bioavailability and high first-pass metabolism rate are important pharmacokinetics problems. Therefore, 5 MLT derivatives (1-5) were designed and synthesised in our group to solve these problems. In this work, in silico analysis of all synthetic derivatives for pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness parameters were predicted by SwissADME software. The results revealed that all derivatives (1-5) met the requirements for ideal oral bioavailability and CNS drugs. The molecular docking showed that the acetyl-MLT derivative (1) and the un-substitution at N1-position derivative 5 would be substrates of CYP1A2, while the lipophilic substituted N1-position derivatives 2-4 could not be metabolised by CYP1A2. Moreover, all N-amide derivatives (1-4) were hydrolysed and released less than 2.33% MLT after 4-hour incubation in 80% human plasma. It seemed that these derivatives preferred to behave like drugs rather than prodrugs of MLT. These findings confirmed that the addition of bulky groups at the N1-position of the MLT core could prolong the half-life, increase drug absorption and penetrate the blood brain barrier into the CNS.
‘Gillette: The best a beta can get’: Networking hegemonic masculinity in the digital sphere
Authors: Trott Verity Anne
Published: December 2020

On 13 January 2019, Gillette launched a short film on YouTube entitled We Believe as part of a campaign addressing negative behaviour among men that perpetuates toxic masculinity. However, the video was subject to a large backlash with over 1 million downvotes on YouTube and thousands of critical comments accusing Gillette of playing into the ‘feminist agenda’. This article examines the configuration of the backlash, specifically examining the networked properties, structure and key actors of the backlash represented in the comments below the YouTube video to understand how masculinities are (co)produced and reproduced in a post-#MeToo digital sphere. The analysis incorporates social network and thematic analyses of the comments posted under the Gillette YouTube video. The study contributes insight into the structure and configuration of a digitally networked backlash public and identifies how digital tactics are employed by a masculine public to achieve digital hegemony in the networked sphere.
Estimation of latent network flows in bike-sharing systems
Authors: Schneble Marc , Kauermann Göran
Published: December 2020

Estimation of latent network flows is a common problem in statistical network analysis. The typical setting is that we know the margins of the network, that is, in- and outdegrees, but the flows are unobserved. In this article, we develop a mixed regression model to estimate network flows in a bike-sharing network if only the hourly differences of in- and outdegrees at bike stations are known. We also include exogenous covariates such as weather conditions. Two different parameterizations of the model are considered to estimate (a) the whole network flow and (b) the network margins only. The estimation of the model parameters is proposed via an iterative penalized maximum likelihood approach. This is exemplified by modelling network flows in the Vienna bike-sharing system. In order to evaluate our modelling approach, we conduct our analyses exploiting different distributional assumptions while we also respect the provider's interventions appropriately for keeping the estimation error low. Furthermore, a simulation study is conducted to show the performance of the model. For practical purposes, it is crucial to predict when and at which station there is a lack or an excess of bikes. For this application, our model shows to be well suited by providing quite accurate predictions.
The Challenges and Opportunities of Sustaining Academia-Sponsored Community Service Programs for Latinx Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kim Cheryne M. , Silverman Brittany R. , Cortes Claudio
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has widely affected existing academia-sponsored community service initiatives. Little is known about the strategies to sustain these initiatives during a public health crisis and the potential effects on community well-being and education. In this case study, we describe the impact of the pandemic on service partnerships between our medical school and the Latinx community, discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a virtual community service model, and offer solutions and considerations.
These Stories Must Be Told: Preliminary Observations by a Black Scholar Practitioner on Silences in the Archive
Authors: Gladden Shonda Nicole
Published: December 2020

As a scholar practitioner, a trained philosophical theologian, Methodist clergywoman, and social enterprise founder who is conducting oral histories as part of my doctoral internship in the IUPUI Arts and Humanities Institute, my scholarly lens and methodological skills are being defined as I interrogate the COVID-19 archive. In this article I attempt to offer some preliminary reflections on my oral history curation focused on how Black and brown artists and activists, primarily based in Indianapolis, IN, frame their lived experiences of death, dying, mourning, and bereavement in the wake of COVID-19 utilizing critical archival practices: those practices that take seriously the methods of critical race theory, critical gender theory, Womanist, mujerista, and feminist methodologies, to name a few. The COVID-19 archive is a collection of oral histories, stories and artifacts depicting the times in which we are living, through the lenses of storytellers grappling with the pandemics of systemic racism, COVID-19, distrust in government, and various relics representing the idea of the United States of America in 2020, as such, I conclude with a brief exploration of how art emerges as both an outlet for creators and a mode of illumination for consumers.
Outcomes of Supplementary Spring Wire Fixation With Volar Plating for Volar Lunate Facet Fragments in Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Fogel Nathaniel , Shapiro Lauren M. , Roe Allison , Denduluri Sahitya , Richard Marc J. , Kamal Robin N.
Published: December 2020

Background

Intra-articular distal radius fractures with small volar lunate facet fragments can be challenging to address with volar plate fixation alone. Volar locked plating with supplementary spring wire fixation has been previously described in a small series but has not been further described in the literature. We hypothesized that this technique can provide adequate fixation for volar lunate facet fragments smaller than 15 mm in length, which are at risk of displacement.

Methods

We completed a retrospective chart review (2015-2019) of patients who underwent volar locked plating with the addition of supplementary spring wire fixation for intra-articular distal radius fractures with a volar lunate facet fragment (<15 mm). Postoperative radiographs were assessed to evaluate union, evidence of hardware failure, escape of the volar lunate facet fragment, and postoperative volar tilt. Clinical outcome was assessed with wrist flexion/extension, arc of pronosupination, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score ( QuickDASH) scores.

Results

Fifteen patients were identified, of which all went on to fracture union. There were no hardware failures or escape of the volar lunate facet fragment at final follow-up. One patient underwent hardware removal for symptoms of flexor tendon irritation. The mean wrist flexion was 59°, wrist extension was 70°, pronation was 81°, and supination was 76°. The mean QuickDASH score was 18.5. The mean postoperative volar tilt was 3.6°.

Conclusions

Supplementary spring wire fixation with standard volar plating provides stable fixation for lunate facet fragments less than 15 mm. This technique is a safe and reliable alternative to commercially available fragment-specific implants.
Identification of Potential Radiation Responsive Metabolic Biomarkers in Plasma of Rats Exposed to Different Doses of Cobalt-60 Gamma Rays
Authors: Zhao Hua , Xi Cong , Tian Mei , Lu Xue , Cai Tian-Jing , Li Shuang , Tian Xue-Lei , Gao Ling , Liu Hai-Xiang , Liu Ke-Hui , Liu Qing-Jie
Published: December 2020

Metabolomics has great potential to process accessible biofluids through high-throughput and quantitative analysis for radiation biomarker screening. This study focused on the potential radiation responsive metabolites in rat plasma and the dose-response relationships. In the discovery stage, 20 male Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to 0, 1, 3 and 5 Gy of cobalt-60 gamma rays at a dose rate of 1 Gy/min. Plasma samples were collected at 72 h after exposure and analyzed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry based on non-targeted metabolomics. In the verification stage, 50 additional rats were exposed to 0, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 Gy of gamma rays. The concentrations of candidate metabolites were then analyzed using targeted metabolomics methods. Fifteen candidate radiation responsive metabolites were identified as potential radiation metabolite biomarkers. Metabolic pathways, such as linoleic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways, were changed after irradiation. Six radiation responsive metabolites, including LysoPC(20:2), LysoPC(20:3), PC(18:0/22:5), L-palmitoylcarnitine, N-acetylornithine and butyrylcarnitine, had good dose-response relationships ( R 2 > 0.80). The area under the curve of the panel of the 6 radiation responsive metabolites was 0.923. The radiation exposure metabolomics biomarkers and dose-response curves may have potential for rapid dose assessment and triage in nuclear and radiation accidents.
Adaptive pseudo-rigid-body model for generalized cross-spring pivots under combined loads
Authors: Wang Zhongzhou , Sun Haixuan , Wang Bidou , Wang Peng
Published: December 2020

Generalized cross-spring pivots (CSPs) are widely used as revolute joints in precision machinery. However, pseudo-rigid-body (PRB) models cannot capture the parasitic motions of a generalized CSP exactly under combined loads; moreover, the characteristic parameters used in PRB methods must be recomputed using optimization techniques. In this study, we develop two simple and accurate PRB models for generalized CSPs. First, a PRB method for a beam is developed based on the beam constraint model and the instantaneous center model, where the beam is modeled as two rigid links joined at a pivot via a torsion spring. Subsequently, two PRB models of the generalized CSP, comprising a four-bar model for accuracy and a pin-joint model for stiffness, are constructed based on a kinematic analysis using the proposed PRB method. A deflection characteristic analysis is then conducted to determine the relationship between the proposed model and the existing models. Finally, the PRB models for the pivot under the action of combined loads are validated via finite element analysis. The error evaluation indicates that the proposed PRB models are more accurate than the results from existing methods. The PRB models proposed here can be used in parametric design of compliant mechanisms.
Selective adaptation in sentence comprehension: Evidence from event-related brain potentials
Authors: Yano Masataka , Suwazono Shugo , Arao Hiroshi , Yasunaga Daichi , Oishi Hiroaki
Published: December 2020

In this study, two event-related potential experiments were conducted to investigate whether readers adapt their expectations to morphosyntactically (Experiment 1) or semantically (Experiment 2) anomalous sentences when they are repeatedly exposed to them. To address this issue, we experimentally manipulated the probability of occurrence of grammatical sentences and syntactically and semantically anomalous sentences through experiments. For the low probability block, anomalous sentences were presented less frequently than grammatical sentences (with a ratio of 1 to 4), while they were presented as frequently as grammatical sentences in the equal probability block. Experiment 1 revealed a smaller P600 effect for morphosyntactic violations in the equal probability block than in the low probability block. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine how the size of the P600 effect changed as the experiment went along. The results showed that the smaller P600 effect of the equal probability block resulted from an amplitude’s decline in morphosyntactically violated sentences over the course of the experiment, suggesting an adaptation to morphosyntactic violations. In Experiment 2, semantically anomalous sentences elicited a larger N400 effect than their semantically natural counterparts regardless of probability manipulation. Little evidence was found in favour of adaptation to semantic violations in that the processing cost associated with the N400 did not decrease over the course of the experiment. Therefore, a dynamic aspect of language-processing system was demonstrated in this study. We will discuss why the language-processing system shows a selective adaptation to morphosyntactic violations.