bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Unsupervised Transfer Technique Based on Deep Learning Model in Physical Training
Authors: Zhao Quanbin , Wang Hanqi
Published: April 2022

The research purpose is to study the standardization and scientizing of physical training actions. Stacking denoising auto encoder (SDAE), a BiLSTM deep network model (SDAL-DNM) (a kind of training action model), and an unsupervised transfer model are used to deeply study the action problem of physical training. Initially, the physical training action discrimination model adopted here is a combination of stacked noise reduction self-encoder and bidirectional depth network model. Then, this model can collect data for five actions in physical training and further analyze the importance of action standardization for physical training. Afterward, the SDAL-DNM implemented here fully integrates the advantages of SDAE and BiLSTM. Finally, the unsupervised transfer model adopted here is based on SDAL-DNM deep learning (DL). The movement data of the physical training crowd are collected, and then the unsupervised transfer model is trained. According to the movement characteristics of physical training, the data difference between trainers is calculated so that the actions of each trainer can be continuously adapted according to the model, and finally, the benefits of effectively distinguishing the training actions can be achieved. The research shows that before and after unsupervised learning, the average decline of the model used is 1.69%, while the average decline of extreme learning machine (ELM) is 5.5%. The conclusion is that the unsupervised transfer model can improve the discrimination accuracy of physical training actions and provide theoretical support to effectively correct mistakes in physical training actions.
An Energy-Saving Task Scheduling Model via Greedy Strategy under Cloud Environment
Authors: Liu Shuaishuai , Ma Xinyu , Jia Yuanfei , Liu Yue
Published: April 2022

Cloud computing, an emerging computing paradigm, has been widely concerned due to its high scalability and availability. An essential stage of cloud computing is cloud resource management. Currently, the existing research about cloud computing technology has two prevalent disadvantages: high energy consumption and low resource utilization. Considering greedy scheduling is an effective strategy for cloud resource management technology in cloud computing, particularly in improving resource utilization and reducing energy consumption, we consider the heterogeneous characteristics of resources to save energy consumption of datacenter when tasks are the fundamental element of cloud datacenter. Meanwhile, granular computing is a complex problem-solving strategy through a granulation method. Thus, we introduce granular computing theory into cloud task scheduling and propose a greedy scheduling strategy based on different information granules, dividing the tasks into three types (i.e., CPU, memory, and hybrid type). Finally, we assign various scheduling strategies for cloud tasks with different characteristics. All the numerical experiments on the CloudSim platform show that our method has significant effects on energy consumption optimization and is a practical task scheduling algorithm.
Research Progress of Nanomaterial Mechanics for Targeted Treatment of Muscle Strains in Sports Rehabilitation Training
Authors: Huang Fengping
Published: April 2022

More and more people are beginning to recognize the important role of intelligent rehabilitation training equipment in rehabilitation treatment and continue to carry out related researches. The use of intelligent robot technology for rehabilitation treatment has been rapidly developed, and it has achieved rapid progress on a global scale. Especially in some developed countries, this field has also received corresponding attention in some developed cities in China in recent years. Mesoporous nanomaterials have unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. Mesoporous nanomaterials can be combined with chemotherapy drugs to minimize the harm caused by chemotherapy drugs to the human body and improve the therapeutic effect. As a result, the cure rate has been improved, and it has shown deep potential in breast cancer chemotherapy. Fifty breast cancer patients were selected as the research objects and randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group, each with 25 cases. The control group was treated with conventional chemotherapeutics, and the experimental group was treated with molecular targeted therapy to compare the treatment effects of the two groups. Studies have shown that the recurrence rate and the occurrence probability of complications in the experimental group are significantly lower than those in the control group. Molecular targeted therapy for breast cancer has obvious effects, which reduces the recurrence rate of complications or diseases, and is less toxic.
Diagnostic Value of Hcy Combined with Blood Pressure Variability Index in the Severity of Hypertension Complicated with CSVD and Its Correlation with Cognitive Function and CysC Expression
Authors: Liu Qiaoling , Liu Xia , Zhang Xuelian , Zhou Chen
Published: April 2022

This paper explores the diagnostic value of Hcy combined with the blood pressure variability index in the severity of hypertension complicated with CSVD and its correlation with cognitive function and CysC expression. 200 patients with ischemic small cerebral vessels are selected as the research object. According to the MRI findings, they are divided into 48 cases of white matter lesions (WML), 44 cases of lacunar infarction (LI), 44 cases of enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVs), and 46 cases in the mixed group (referring to two or more types of ischemic cerebrovascular disease on imaging). Different cognitive domains of different types of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases are analyzed. The risk factors of cognitive decline in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease are analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. There is an ancestral correlation between serum Hcy and CSVD, which is an independent risk factor for CSVD.
Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis of Gasdermin Family of Glioma
Authors: Zi Huaduan , Tuo Zhan , He Qianyuan , Meng Jingshu , Hu Yan , Li Yan , Yang Kunyu
Published: April 2022

Pyroptosis is a programmed cell death mediated by gasdermins (GSDMs). The prognostic value of pyroptosis-related genes in different tumor types has been gradually demonstrated recently. However, the prognostic impact of GSDMs expression in glioma remains unclear. Here, we present a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of gasdermin family member gene expression, producing a prognostic model for glioma and creating a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. The mRNA expression profiles and clinical information of glioma patients were downloaded from TCGA and CGGA. A risk score based on the gasdermin family was constructed in the TCGA cohort and validated in CGGA. The Jurkat cell was used to verify the relationship between pyroptosis and activation-induced cell death (AICD). We identify a significant association between the expression of GSDMD and GSDME and the glioma stage. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was used to construct a prognostic gene model based on the four prognostic gasdermin family genes (GSDMC, GSDMD, GSDME, and PJVK). This model was able to predict the overall survival of glioma patients with high accuracy. We show that gasdermin family genes are expressed primarily by immune cells, endothelial cells, and neuronal cells in the tumor microenvironment, rather than by malignant tumor cells. T cells were significantly activated in high-risk patients; however, the activation-induced cell death (AICD) pathway was also significantly activated, suggesting widespread expiration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), facilitating tumor progression. We also identify the lncRNA/miR-296-5p/GSDMD regulatory axis as an important player in glioma progression. We have conducted a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis identifying the importance of gasdermin family members in glioma; a prognostic algorithm containing four genes was constructed.
Sex Hormones and Satellite Cell Regulation in Women
Authors: Oxfeldt Mikkel , Dalgaard Line Barner , Farup Jean , Hansen Mette
Published: April 2022

Recent years have seen growing scholarly interest in female physiology in general. Moreover, particular attention has been devoted to how concentrations of female sex hormones vary during the menstrual cycle and menopausal transition and how hormonal contraception and hormonal therapy influence skeletal muscle tissue. While much effort has been paid to macro outcomes, such as muscle function or mass, rather less attention has been paid to mechanistic work that may help explain the underlying mechanism through which sex hormones regulate skeletal muscle tissue. Evidence from animal studies shows a strong relationship between the female sex hormone estrogen and satellite cells (SCs), a population of muscle stem cells involved in skeletal muscle regulation. A few human studies investigating this relationship have been published only recently. Thus, the purpose of this study was to bring an updated review on female sex hormones and their role in SC regulation. First, we describe how SCs regulate skeletal muscle maintenance and repair and introduce sex hormone signaling within the muscle. Second, we present evidence from animal studies elucidating how estrogen deficiency and supplementation influence SCs. Third, we present results from investigations from human trials including women whose concentrations of female hormones differ due to menopause, hormone therapy, hormonal contraceptives, and the menstrual cycle. Finally, we discuss research and methodological recommendations for future studies aiming at elucidating the link between female sex hormones and SCs with respect to aging and training.
Blended Teaching Mode of Higher Vocational English Based on MOOC+SPOC
Authors: Qiu Xuyan
Published: April 2022

Under the wave of education informatization in the past six years, the rapid development of MOOC has greatly promoted the fairness of education and improved the quality of education. However, in the actual English writing learning process, the traditional MOOC mode still has many shortcomings. Based on this, this paper proposes a research on the MOOC+SPOC hybrid higher vocational English teaching mode, by combining the advantages of MOOC and SPOC to improve the shortcomings of the existing online teaching mode. Through the analysis of basic theoretical research, this paper believes that MOOC has the advantages of openness, massive resources, and personalized learning, and the combination with SPOC can fully make up for the deficiencies in teaching evaluation and learning assessment in MOOC mode. Based on the above theories, this paper proposes a reform method of college English writing teaching mode based on MOOC+SPOC. The core of the reform method of the mode is to establish a new teaching goal. The new teaching goal is divided into four systems, which can cultivate students’ learning ability from different dimensions. In the teaching process, the utilization rate of learning resources is improved, and the interaction and feedback mechanism are improved. In order to verify the actual effect of MOOC+SPOC mixed higher vocational English teaching mode, this paper establishes a number of surveys including the investigation and analysis of knowledge internalization and the investigation of improving English writing level. By analyzing the survey data, it can be shown that the methods of this article can be effectively used to enhance students’ learning effectiveness and significantly increase their learning ability and interest in learning.
The Influence of Reducing Disease Activity Score on Cervical Spine Deformity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Veldman Anna B. , Allaart Cornelia F. , Vleggeert-Lankamp Carmen L. A.
Published: April 2022

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause deformity in particularly the craniocervical but also in the lower cervical region. Objectives. The aim of this study is to give an overview of current literature on the association of disease activity score (DAS) and the prevalence and progression of rheumatoid arthritis‐associated cervical spine deformities. Methods. A literature search was done in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science using a sensitive search string combination (Supplemental File). Studies describing the association between DAS and the incidence and progression of atlantoaxial subluxation, vertical subluxation, and subaxial subluxation were selected by predefined selection criteria, and risk of bias was assessed using a Cochrane checklist adjusted for this purpose. Results. Twelve articles were retrieved, and risk of bias on study level was low to moderate. In the eight longitudinal studies, patients demonstrated high DAS at baseline, which decreased upon treatment with medication: cervical deformity at the end of follow‐up was associated with higher DAS values. The four cross‐sectional studies did not demonstrate a straightforward correlation between DAS and cervical deformity. Deformity progression was evaluated in three studies, but no convincing association with DAS was established. Conclusion. A positive association between prevalence of cervical spine deformities and high disease activity was demonstrated, but quality of evidence was low. Progression of cervical deformity in association with DAS control over time is only scarcely studied, and future investigations should focus on halting of deformity progression.
Research on Reconstruction of Basketball Training Action Trajectory Based on Improved K-Means Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Peng Yongwei , Gao Weiyi
Published: April 2022

The automatic capture and analysis of basketball game movements can guide basketball training and provide an effective method for improving the efficiency of basketball training. This paper introduces the research status of clustering methods in the field of trajectory data mining and reconstruction in detail. By analyzing the trajectory data under the constraints of the road network, the spatiotemporal characteristics of the existing trajectory clustering methods, and the deficiencies of the existing trajectory clustering methods, a new trajectory clustering method based on trajectory segmentation and spatiotemporal similarity measurement is implemented. A motion capture and reconstruction method for basketball training based on visual image K-means clustering algorithm is proposed. Multiresolution frame scanning technology is used to collect machine images of basketball training movements, and edge contour processing is performed on the collected high-resolution basketball training movement images. Feature detection uses the three-dimensional model reconstruction method to segment the basketball training action area and combines the irregular triangle network model to realize the machine vision block template matching processing of basketball training actions and capture the basketball training action in the Gaussian fuzzy affine space. In time and feature extraction, wavelet lifting technology is used to identify the ambiguity of basketball training movements, image enhancement technology is used to improve the resolution and adaptability of basketball training movement capture, and machine vision image processing methods are used to achieve basketball training movement capture optimization. The simulation results show that the method has better adaptability and higher feature recognition ability for basketball training motion capture and improves the feature extraction and adaptive capture reconstruction ability of basketball training motion.
Real Time Facial Expression Recognition for Online Lecture
Authors: Wu Haobang
Published: April 2022

In order to better improve online teaching during the epidemic, teachers can adjust the teaching according to the students’ understanding. During the epidemic period, online teaching has become a basic way for teachers to teach. One big problem with online teaching is that the lecturers find it hard to see the students’ facial expressions. According to the study, the students’ facial expressions are essential for the instructor to understand the students’ understanding of the course material. There are some relevant studies on the recognition of human facial expressions. However, most of them did not consider some expressions such as “Enlightened,” “Confused,” or “Bored.” This study helps teachers to improve the quality of teaching by designing a program to provide them with students’ facial expressions. The study, implemented on students’ computers, can capture their faces from a camera, identify some common and useful facial expressions, and send them to lecturers regularly during online lectures. The main research methods used in this paper are as follows: (1) Use the face recognition algorithm provided by OpenCV to capture faces. (2) Train a convolutional neural network model to recognize the expression “Happy,” “Surprised,” “Neutral,” “Enlightened,” “Confusion,” and “Boredom.” (3) Use the message protocol EMQX to transmit the expression information. This study can successfully capture faces, and about 80% accuracy can identify expressions and successfully transmit expression information. This study contains some expressions rarely studied by others and is innovative in the field of facial expression recognition. Datasets, deep learning models, and results are available for other research teams.
Screening of Immune-Related Genes and Predicting the Immunotherapeutic Effects of Formononetin in Breast Cancer: A Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Song Xiaotong , Li Jie
Published: April 2022

Objective. Immunotherapy is a promising breast cancer treatment. Nonetheless, tumor heterogeneity and the interaction between immune cells in the tumor microenvironment limit its effectiveness. Formononetin—extracted from the Chinese medicinal plant Astragalus membranaceus—can inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis and angiogenesis, and reverse multidrug resistance. However, its efficacy and mechanism of action on the immune cells in breast cancer remain unclear. Here, we screened immune-related genes of breast cancer to determine the potential of formononetin as a therapeutic. Methods. GSE103512 and GSE139038 breast cancer microarray data and immune-related gene data were obtained from the GEO and ImmPort databases, respectively, to analyze the differentially expressed immune-related genes (IRGs) in breast cancer tissues compared with normal breast tissues. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed using the STRING database to screen differentially expressed IRGs based on the topological parameters. The Kaplan–Meier test was applied to detect differentially expressed IRGs associated with breast cancer survival, and the interaction of formononetin with differentially expressed IRGs was analyzed using molecular docking. Finally, the relationship between differentially expressed IRGs and breast cancer immune cell infiltration was analyzed using the TIMER2.0 database. Results. A total of 29 differentially expressed IRGs of breast cancer were screened through GEO and ImmPort databases and 10 key differentially expressed IRGs based on the topological parameters from the PPI network. Among these, CXCL12, ESR1, IGF1, and FOS were associated with breast cancer survival. Furthermore, IGF1, ESR1, and CXCL12 were found to have stable binding sites for formononetin. These genes were associated with substantial immune cell infiltration in breast cancer tissues. Conclusion. In conclusion, formononetin may exert antitumor effects by acting on CXCL12, ESR1, and IGF1 and may have a potential synergistic effect with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Environmental Landscape Design Based on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Space Technology
Authors: Wang Weina
Published: April 2022

In order to improve the effect of future environmental landscape design, this study combines artificial intelligence technology and digital space technology to construct an environmental landscape design system. Moreover, this study uses polygons to model external landscape plants instead of modeling the microelement structure of landscape plants and re-polygonize them, which simplifies the model structure of landscape plants and improves computational efficiency. In addition, this study conducts collision detection in the growth of landscape plants to make it more realistic and more efficient and studies and analyzes the digital construction of landscape plants. Finally, after constructing an intelligent system, the effect of the system in this study is verified. Through data analysis, it can be seen that the environmental landscape design system based on artificial intelligence and digital space technology proposed in this study has good digital space structure expression effect and design effect.
Evaluating Organ Donation Decision in ICU Patients’ Families by Analytic Network Process Approach
Authors: Lo Chia-Lun , Chang Hsiao-Yun , Lee Guang-Mao
Published: April 2022

The imbalance between supply and demand for organs has been a global crisis, despite the efforts of transplant coordinators from healthcare institutions to promote donor registration. Because the patient’s family has legal rights over the patient’s remains, they can easily undermine any efforts spent on organ procurement by simply refusing the patient’s consent before death in practice. Most related studies seldom mention the decision-making on organ donation from patients’ families. The objectives of this study are to find what are the priorities of those factors acting as the pillars of organ donation by patients’ families. This study applied the analytic network process (ANP) to the prioritization factors contributing toward the willingness of families to donate organs of intensive care unit patients. The purposive sampling method used structured questionnaires and ANP questionnaires to enroll 180 patients’ families from five intensive care units who met the criteria in the regional teaching hospital of southern Taiwan. Through the ANP analysis, it was found that when family members made organ donation decisions, the weights of the four domains are as follows: psychology—47.6%, externality—20.3%, spirituality—19.7%, and physiology—12.3%. The main decision-making factors that influenced the weighting factors were “attitude” (31.5%), “physician’s experience” (0.88%), “religion” (19.3%), and “organ selection” (31.9%). These results could assist organ donation teams to take the best strategies for persuading people to agree with organ donation and formulating an individual organ donation plan.
Growth Hormone Increases BDNF and mTOR Expression in Specific Brain Regions after Photothrombotic Stroke in Mice
Authors: Sanchez-Bezanilla Sonia , Beard Daniel J. , Hood Rebecca J. , Åberg N. David , Crock Patricia , Walker Frederick R. , Nilsson Michael , Isgaard Jörgen , Ong Lin Kooi
Published: April 2022

Aims. We have shown that growth hormone (GH) treatment poststroke increases neuroplasticity in peri-infarct areas and the hippocampus, improving motor and cognitive outcomes. We aimed to explore the mechanisms of GH treatment by investigating how GH modulates pathways known to induce neuroplasticity, focusing on association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the peri-infarct area, hippocampus, and thalamus. Methods. Recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH) or saline was delivered (0.25 μl/hr, 0.04 mg/day) to mice for 28 days, commencing 48 hours after photothrombotic stroke. Protein levels of pro-BDNF, total-mTOR, phosphorylated-mTOR, total-p70S6K, and phosporylated-p70S6K within the peri-infarct area, hippocampus, and thalamus were evaluated by western blotting at 30 days poststroke. Results. r-hGH treatment significantly increased pro-BDNF in peri-infarct area, hippocampus, and thalamus (

p
<
0.01

). r-hGH treatment significantly increased expression levels of total-mTOR in the peri-infarct area and thalamus (

p
<
0.05

). r-hGH treatment significantly increased expression of total-p70S6K in the hippocampus (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusion. r-hGH increases pro-BDNF within the peri-infarct area and regions that are known to experience secondary neurodegeneration after stroke. Upregulation of total-mTOR protein expression in the peri-infarct and thalamus suggests that this might be a pathway that is involved in the neurorestorative effects previously reported in these animals and warrants further investigation. These findings suggest region-specific mechanisms of action of GH treatment and provide further understanding for how GH treatment promotes neurorestorative effects after stroke.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Radiotherapy
Authors: Jiménez-Cortegana Carlos , Galassi Claudia , Klapp Vanessa , Gabrilovich Dmitry I. , Galluzzi Lorenzo
Published: April 2022

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogeneous population of pathologically activated, mostly immature, myeloid cells that exert robust immunosuppressive functions. MDSCs expand during oncogenesis and have been linked to accelerated disease progression and resistance to treatment in both preclinical tumor models and patients with cancer. Thus, MDSCs stand out as promising targets for the development of novel immunotherapeutic regimens with superior efficacy. Here, we summarize accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence indicating that MDSCs also hamper the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT), as we critically discuss the potential of MDSC-targeting strategies as tools to achieve superior immunotherapeutic tumor control by RT in the clinic.
Usporedba kvalitete života pacijenata s kroničnim ranama u domovima za starije i nemoćne i u ustanovama za zdravstvenu njegu u kući
Authors: Rašo Andrijana , Cindrić Željka , Vižintin Karolina
Published: April 2022

Cilj: Cilj je ovog istraživanja usporediti kvalitetu života pacijenata s kroničnim ranama u domovima za starije i nemoćne i ustanovama za zdravstvenu njegu u kući.
Metode: U uzorak je bilo uključeno 50 pacijenata iz doma za starije i nemoćne osobe te 50 pacijenata koje se njeguju u ustanovama za zdravstvenu njegu u kući, a radi se o namjernom kvotnom uzorku. Kao instrument istraživanja korišten je upitnik Quality of Life with Chronic Wounds – Wound-QoL Questionnaire.
Rezultati: Rezultati su pokazali da kronične rane umjereno negativno djeluju na pojedine aspekte života pacijenta. Smetnje vezane za pojedina područja kva- litete života bile su izraženije kod pacijenata u domovima za starije i nemoćne u odnosu na pacijente u ustanovama za zdravstvenu njegu u kući.
Zaključak: Kvaliteta života statistički je značajno bolja kod pacijenata u ustanovama za zdravstvenu njegu u kući, stoga se preporučuje primjena navedenog oblika zdravstvene njege u odnosu na institucionalnu skrb kad god je to moguće.
Deep Lipidomics in Human Plasma: Cardiometabolic Disease Risk and Effect of Dietary Fat Modulation
Authors: Eichelmann Fabian , Sellem Laury , Wittenbecher Clemens , Jäger Susanne , Kuxhaus Olga , Prada Marcela , Cuadrat Rafael , Jackson Kim G. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Schulze Matthias B.
Published: April 2022

Background:

In blood and tissues, dietary and endogenously generated fatty acids (FAs) occur in free form or as part of complex lipid molecules that collectively represent the lipidome of the respective tissue. We assessed associations of plasma lipids derived from high-resolution lipidomics with incident cardiometabolic diseases and subsequently tested if the identified risk-associated lipids were sensitive to dietary fat modification.

Methods:

The EPIC Potsdam cohort study (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) comprises 27 548 participants recruited within an age range of 35 to 65 years from the general population around Potsdam, Germany. We generated 2 disease-specific case cohorts on the basis of a fixed random subsample (n=1262) and all respective cohort-wide identified incident primary cardiovascular disease (composite of fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke; n=551) and type 2 diabetes (n=775) cases. We estimated the associations of baseline plasma concentrations of 282 class-specific FA abundances (calculated from 940 distinct molecular species across 15 lipid classes) with the outcomes in multivariable-adjusted Cox models. We tested the effect of an isoenergetic dietary fat modification on risk-associated lipids in the DIVAS randomized controlled trial (Dietary Intervention and Vascular Function; n=113). Participants consumed either a diet rich in saturated FAs (control), monounsaturated FAs, or a mixture of monounsaturated and n-6 polyunsaturated FAs for 16 weeks.

Results:

Sixty-nine lipids associated (false discovery rate<0.05) with at least 1 outcome (both, 8; only cardiovascular disease, 49; only type 2 diabetes, 12). In brief, several monoacylglycerols and FA16:0 and FA18:0 in diacylglycerols were associated with both outcomes; cholesteryl esters, free fatty acids, and sphingolipids were largely cardiovascular disease specific; and several (glycero)phospholipids were type 2 diabetes specific. In addition, 19 risk-associated lipids were affected (false discovery rate<0.05) by the diets rich in unsaturated dietary FAs compared with the saturated fat diet (17 in a direction consistent with a potential beneficial effect on long-term cardiometabolic risk). For example, the monounsaturated FA-rich diet decreased diacylglycerol(FA16:0) by 0.4 (95% CI, 0.5–0.3) SD units and increased triacylglycerol(FA22:1) by 0.5 (95% CI, 0.4–0.7) SD units.

Conclusions:

We identified several lipids associated with cardiometabolic disease risk. A subset was beneficially altered by a dietary fat intervention that supports the substitution of dietary saturated FAs with unsaturated FAs as a potential tool for primary disease prevention.
Good Corp, Bad Corp, and the Rise of B Corps: How Market Incumbents’ Diverse Responses Reinvigorate Challengers
Authors: Kim Suntae , Schifeling Todd
Published: April 2022

Social movements challenge incumbents and drive institutional change by introducing market alternatives—new products and organizational forms that embody an alternative institutional logic. Research has shown that in response to market alternatives, incumbents resist through heterogeneous behaviors: incumbents maintain their commitment to the dominant logic, effectively marginalizing challengers, while also ostensibly endorsing the alternative logic and often successfully coopting challengers. Although incumbents’ strategic responses to pioneering market alternatives are well documented, we do not know how their heterogeneous behaviors affect new waves of challenger mobilization and how these mobilizations may differently address the hazards of cooptation and marginalization. We investigate the rise of the B Corp (Certified B Corporation) movement against the backdrop of both ongoing shareholder supremacy and rising corporate social responsibility (CSR) among incumbent corporations. Our multi-method, multi-stage investigation reveals that heterogeneous incumbent behaviors encourage new waves of challenger mobilization by seeding divergent mobilizing frames. This variety can lead to a paradoxical form of mobilization in which challengers dynamically balance the tension between their movements’ focus on expansion and purity, rather than prioritizing one over the other. The B Corp movement demonstrates how achieving this balance may help challengers avoid cooptation or marginalization, sustain their challenge against incumbents, and achieve more-transformative change. For incumbents, our findings show that both resistance to and the ostensible embrace of alternative logics may stave off immediate challenges but can also invigorate future challenges that pose substantive threats to the dominant logic.
Community-Based Work and Participatory Budgeting
Authors: Murphy John W. , Casanova Felicia O.
Published: April 2022

Participatory budgeting (PB) works best if this activity is viewed to be part of a trend that is referred to as community-based work. But this connection is not often made. As a result, many PB projects tend to drift away from their home communities. Although working in communities is thought to be a very practical endeavor, philosophy should not be ignored, particularly if the aim is to be community-based. Some examples are supplied in this paper that illustrate how this community-based philosophy alters, and improves, some traditional phases of PB projects. The overall result is to keep these budgeting projects informed by local knowledge and under community control.
Role of Abdominal Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pregnant Women Presenting With Acute Abdominal Pain
Authors: Marquez Alexa , Wasfie Tarik , Korbitz Holland , Wong Victor , Pearson Eric , Holsinger Hunter , Hella Jennifer , Barber Kimberly
Published: April 2022

Background and Purpose: Abdominal pain during pregnancy is quite common; however, surgical pathology such as acute appendicitis as a cause of such pain is not. Diagnostic tests used in addition to history and physical examination (PE) are ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We elected to find the role of these tests in pregnant patients who presented to our emergency department with acute abdominal pain.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective analysis of 136 pregnant women with acute abdominal pain presented to the emergency department (ED). We reviewed PE, US, MRI, gestational age, comorbid conditions, and length of stay. Statistical analysis was done using student’s t-test and chi-square test. Institutional review board approval was obtained.

Results: Mean age was 26 (±4.6) and the mean gestational age was 24 (±9.9) weeks. Of those patients, there were 81 patients who had an US and MRI performed. The US was positive in 16 patients, while the MRI was positive in 25 patients. Three patients went for appendectomy. The US sensitivity was 0% and specificity 79%. Positive predictive value for US was 0% and negative predictive value was 95%, which was less than 100%. The MRI likelihood ratios were calculated for each test’s clinical application and demonstrated that the US test result was indeterminate for ruling in and for ruling out appendicitis while the MRI allowed for high ability to rule out the disease.

Conclusion: In pregnant women with acute abdominal pain and a positive PE highly suggestive of surgical pathology, US had limited value and patients should proceed to MRI.
The Forces of Ecosystem Evolution
Authors: Holgersson Marcus , Baldwin Carliss Y. , Chesbrough Henry , Bogers Marcel L. A. M.
Published: April 2022

Summary

Ecosystems are the result of a delicate balance between centripetal forces that push economic activities toward integration, and centrifugal forces that pull economic activities out onto the market. Ecosystems evolve when these forces change. For example, technological complementarities—the main source of centripetal force—are dynamic and may be commoditized, generalized, or standardized over time. Management and coordination also change: for example, open innovation practices enable firms to move innovation activities from the in-house R&D lab out into the ecosystem. This article discusses how such dynamics in technologies and management lead to ecosystem evolution.
How was the Canon Formed?
Authors: Lim Timothy H.
Published: April 2022

The Hebrew Bible or Old Testament did not drop down from heaven, as is sometimes believed. It is widely agreed that the canon is the construct of faith communities. But what was the process that led to the formation of the canon? This article discusses what we know about the formation of the canon, addressing assumptions that different readers might have about what constitutes ‘the Bible’. It will show that the Jewish Tanak and Protestant Old Testament have the same collection of books and it is the canon of Pharisaic-Rabbinic Judaism. It was not, and is not, the canon of other faith communities that considered different lists of books as authoritative.
Nehemiah as a Mimic Man under the Achaemenid Empire: A Postcolonial Reading of Nehemiah 5
Authors: Yang Inchol
Published: April 2022

In this article, I argue that Nehemiah obliquely criticizes the Achaemenid Empire’s polity over subaltern societies in Neh 5. I will first explore Homi Bhabha’s main ideas such as stereotypes, ambivalence, mimicry, and hybridity. Then, I will apply his theories to understand Nehemiah as a mimic man. Nehemiah’s hybrid identity as a Persian official and a Jew results in the mimicry of the colonized. The mimicry functions as a mockery against the Achaemenid Empire. Since Nehemiah knows the ethical statements in Darius’ testament in DNb and the Persian kings’ luxurious table, he not only appropriates the Achaemenid imperial ideology, but also criticizes the Achaemenid dynasty’s heavy taxation on the subaltern in Neh 5.
Human papillomavirus vaccine communication materials for young people in English-speaking countries: A content analysis
Authors: Fisher Harriet , Chantler Tracey , Mounier-Jack Sandra , Audrey Suzanne
Published: April 2022

Objective:

To undertake a content analysis of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine communication materials available to young people.

Design:

Content analysis.

Setting:

Majority English-speaking countries.

Methods:

Between March and April 2020, a web engine was utilised to search for and retrieve relevant communication materials. Content analysis was used to describe how the following key issues were covered: (1) side effects, (2) safety, (3) practicalities related to receiving the HPV vaccine and (4) gender-specific information.

Results:

A total of 44 separate communication materials were retrieved, predominantly videos, webpages and leaflets. There was a focus on mild side effects of the vaccine (43.2%), with less frequent reference being made to moderate or serious side effects (22.7%). Reassurance concerning the safety profile of vaccine was communicated by referencing the widespread use of the HPV vaccine (31.8%). Information regarding formal criteria for entry into the vaccination programme emphasised country-specific eligibility criteria (59.1%), the setting in which vaccination was offered (38.6%) and the number of doses required (38.6%). Content intended to improve young people’s experiences of receiving the HPV vaccine was less often provided (22.7%). Gender-specific content usually related to specific HPV-related diseases (52.3%) and/or the availability of cervical cancer screening programmes (52.3%).

Conclusion:

A variety of different communication tools were retrieved encompassing a wide variety of formats and content, reflective of different vaccination programmes and the varied priorities of organisations producing the materials. Findings will inform the co-production of a tailored educational package to improve access to information by populations of young people identified as having lower HPV vaccine uptake.
Students’ experience of a college wellness course
Authors: Ward Alisa , Stedge Hannah , Tischler Dana
Published: April 2022

Background:

Studies show that lifetime wellness courses improve physical self-efficacy, which in turn increases wellness behaviour, specifically an increase in physical activity (PA). Because of this and other factors influencing overall health, it is important to understand the potential impact of health and wellness courses. The literature includes quantitative studies on activities for health promotion, reviews of pedagogical methods for teaching about health and wellness, and on the perceptions of health and wellness courses. Qualitative enquiry allows for a better understanding of general education (GE) health and wellness courses, as well as students’ experience.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to identify perceptions of students taking a college health and wellness course.

Methods:

College students who had completed a GE health and wellness course (autumn 2019) 6 months prior to the beginning of this study participated. Following a pilot study with 3 participants, 12 students from 3 different classes participated. Four individual interviews, 1 focus group with 5 students, and 1 focus group with 3 students took place over Zoom teleconferencing. Data were analysed using an interpretive thematic analytical approach aided by NVivo.

Results:

Five themes were developed from the data, regarding perceptions of the college health and wellness course and its impact on lifestyle choices: (1) improvement in health literacy, (2) healthier mindset and perspectives, (3) healthy relationships, (4) positive lifestyle changes, and (5) strength in numbers. Students experienced mentality shifts and improved their engagement with exercise and food. These improvements in overall well-being led towards actionable changes as many students noted that they reached out to friends and family members for inspiration and accountability.

Discussion:

Findings demonstrate the importance of a GE health and wellness course on overall health and well-being from a qualitative perspective.

Conclusion:

An in-depth understanding of students’ perceptions of health and wellness learned through foundational courses may improve future content delivery and quality. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the perceptions and experiences of students who completed a health and wellness course, showing that their knowledge and actions towards health and wellness improved as a result of the course.
Discrimination and social stigma against people with mental illnesses in Argentina
Authors: Mitelman Mijal , Chirazi Abigail , Schmollgruber Amber , Leiderman Eduardo A
Published: April 2022

Background:

Individuals with mental and neurological illnesses face stigma and discrimination every day. There are only a few studies regarding the degree of discrimination in the comparison between the illnesses, and no recent research has been found in Argentina about this topic.

Aims:

The aim of this research is to study and compare stigma and discrimination toward people with mental illnesses (schizophrenia, substance use disorder, and bipolar disorder) and with neurological disorders (epilepsy) in Argentina, while analyzing the social distance toward them. The level of responsibility attributed to individuals with these disorders were also assessed and compared.

Method:

Individuals from Buenos Aires, Argentina, were surveyed in order to measure the social distance given to people with mental illnesses and a neurological disease. For that purpose a modified version of the Bogardus scale was used, with a sample of 500 individuals contacted online in January 2021.

Results:

Social distance toward people with mental illnesses was higher than those with a neurological disorder (epilepsy). A significant difference was found in the level of responsibility attributed to people with substance use disorder in comparison to the other illnesses. On the contrary, there were no significant differences of discrimination according to age or sex. Finally, the research outcomes showed that people with substance use disorder are the most discriminated against and stigmatized.

Conclusion:

A significant level of discrimination was found against individuals with mental disorders and, specially, toward people with substance use disorder. Moreover, they are perceived as responsible for their disorder. For this reason, anti-stigma campaigns should be directed to end the misconceptions toward the most discriminated groups. More support is needed to counteract the stigmatization and exclusion of individuals with mental and neurological disorders in our society.
Prevalence of smartphone addiction among Asian medical students: A meta-analysis of multinational observational studies
Authors: Zhong Ying , Ma Huan , Liang Yu-Fen , Liao Chang-Ju , Zhang Cui-Cui , Jiang Wen-Jing
Published: April 2022

Background:

High prevalence of smartphone addiction among medical students may contribute to adverse physical and mental health outcomes.

Aim:

To estimate the prevalence of smartphone addiction, and explore the influencing factors and related mental health symptoms of smartphone addiction among Asian medical students.

Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

PubMed (MEDLINE), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE were searched for relevant literature from the inception to September 10, 2021. Using Stata software 11.0, the meta-analysis of prevalence and the influencing factors of smartphone addiction were determined with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

Nineteen articles, published between 2014 and 2019, were included, producing medical student studies from seven different Asian countries. The included studies were conducted in India ( n = 11) and Malaysia ( n = 3), with China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Nepal, and Iran each contributing one study. Among a total of 5,497 medical students, the participants included 3,214 females, of whom 2,181 were medical students with smartphone addiction. The prevalence of smartphone addiction among Asian medical students was 41.93% (95% CI [36.24%, 47.72%]). The influencing factors of smartphone addiction among medical students included gender, duration of smartphone use, smartphone function, and marital status. Ten studies (52.63%) explored related mental health symptoms of smartphone addiction among Asian medical students. Smartphone addiction was positively correlated with poor sleep quality ( r = .17–.31), stress ( r = .30–.40), anxiety, depression, neuroticism, and general health among Asian medical students.

Conclusion:

Smartphone addiction is highly prevalent among Asian medical students. Smartphone addiction may adversely affect mental health, resulting in sleep disturbance, stress, anxiety, depression, and neuroticism. It is necessary to take appropriate precautionary actions and interventions to prevent smartphone overuse among medical students.
Institutional Design, Information Transmission, and Public Opinion: Making the Case for Trade
Authors: Brutger Ryan , Li Siyao
Published: April 2022

Domestic debates about trade have increased the salience of international economic cooperation among the public, raising the question of whether, and how, domestic support can be rallied in support of international trade agreements. We argue that institutional features of trade agreements provide important cues to domestic audiences that shape support, particularly the membership composition and voting rules for multilateral deals. We use two survey experiments to show that the US public is more supportive of trade when it is negotiated with like-minded countries. We also find that the voting rules shape support for trade agreements, but differently across partisan audiences. Republican voters strongly favor the home country having veto power, whereas Democrats prefer agreements with equal voting rules. These differences are largely driven by perceptions of the agreement’s benefit for the nation and the public’s trust of the negotiators and perceived fairness of the rules.