bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ratio of von Willebrand factor antigen to ADAMTS13 activity is a useful biomarker for acute‐on‐chronic liver failure development and prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Enomoto Masahide , Takaya Hiroaki , Namisaki Tadashi , Fujinaga Yukihisa , Nishimura Norihisa , Sawada Yasuhiko , Kaji Kosuke , Kawaratani Hideto , Moriya Kei , Akahane Takemi , Inoue Takashi , Matsumoto Masanori , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: December 2021

Aim

Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with a high risk of short‐term mortality after progression to multiple organ failure. A disintegrin‐like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type‐1 motifs 13 (ADAMTS13) is a metalloproteinase that specifically cleaves multimeric von Willebrand factor (VWF). An imbalance between ADAMTS13 enzyme and VWF substrate is associated with liver cirrhosis progression that induces ACLF. This study examined the relationship between ADAMTS13 and VWF and ACLF development to determine whether ADAMTS13 and VWF are useful predictive biomarkers for ACLF development and prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods

The study enrolled 67 patients with Child–Pugh class A and B liver cirrhosis. ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13:AC) and VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The ratio of VWF:Ag to ADAMTS13:AC (VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC) was used to divide patients into two groups according to the classification and regression tree based on Gray model survival analysis.

Results

Compared with patients with Child–Pugh class A liver cirrhosis, class B patients had a higher VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC and a higher risk of ACLF development. Cumulative incidence of ACLF was significantly higher in patients with high (>7.9) versus low (≤7.9) VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC (hazard ratio [HR], 6.50; 95% CI, 2.31–18.29; p < 0.001). Cumulative survival was significantly lower in cirrhotic patients with high versus low VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC (HR 5.11; 95% CI, 1.85–14.14; p = 0.002).

Conclusions

For patients with liver cirrhosis, VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC is associated with functional liver reserve and predicts the development of ACLF and the prognosis.
Development of the HIV360 international core set of outcome measures for adults living with HIV: A consensus process
Authors: Marques‐Gomes João , Salt Matthew J. , Pereira‐Neto Rita , Barteldes Franca S. , Gouveia‐Barros Vera , Carvalho Alexandre , d’Arminio‐Monforte Antonella , De‐la‐Torre‐Rosas Alethse , Harris Amy , Esteves Catarina , Maor Carcom , Mora Cristina , Oliveira Carla , Sousa Cristina , Richman Douglas D. , Martinez Esteban , Cota‐Medeiros Fábio , Gramacho Filipa , Behrens Georg M. N. , Gonçalves Graça , Farinha Helena , Nabais Isabel , Vaz‐Pinto Inês , Sierra‐Madero Juan , Sousa‐Gago Joaquim , Thornhill John , Vera José , Erceg‐Tusek Maja , Tavares Margarida , Vasconcelos Miguel , Fernandes Nuno , Gianotti Nicola , Langebeek Nienke , Anjos Paulo , Couto Raquel , Fernandes Ricardo , Rajasuriar Reena , Serrão Rosário , Watson Shaun , Branco Teresa , Teixeira Tiago , Soriano Vicente
Published: December 2021

Objectives

HIV outcomes centre primarily around clinical markers with limited focus on patient‐reported outcomes. With a global trend towards capturing the outcomes that matter most to patients, there is agreement that standardizing the definition of value in HIV care is key to their incorporation. This study aims to address the lack of routine, standardized data in HIV care.

Methods

An international working group (WG) of 37 experts and patients, and a steering group (SG) of 18 experts were convened from 14 countries. The project team (PT) identified outcomes by conducting a literature review, screening 1979 articles and reviewing the full texts of 547 of these articles. Semi‐structured interviews and advisory groups were performed with the WG, SG and people living with HIV to add to the list of potentially relevant outcomes. The WG voted via a modified Delphi process – informed by six Zoom calls – to establish a core set of outcomes for use in clinical practice.

Results

From 156 identified outcomes, consensus was reached to include three patient‐reported outcomes, four clinician‐reported measures and one administratively reported outcome; standardized measures were included. The WG also reached agreement to measure 22 risk‐adjustment variables. This outcome set can be applied to any person living with HIV aged > 18 years.

Conclusions

Adoption of the HIV360 outcome set will enable healthcare providers to record, compare and integrate standardized metrics across treatment sites to drive quality improvement in HIV care.
The regulatory environment for migrant and women entrepreneurs
Authors: Ozasir‐Kacar Sibel , Essers Caroline
Published: December 2021

This study explores the impact of the underlying assumptions in the regulatory environments of two national contexts, Turkey and the Netherlands, on the entrepreneurship of Turkish women. It uses discourses on gender, ethnicity and entrepreneurship. The results indicate that these regulatory environments are immersed with male gendering ideology and give a secondary position to women and migrant entrepreneurs. Accordingly, women and migrant entrepreneurs are confined by the support provided to them by both governmental and non‐governmental organizations. Turkish women entrepreneurs are restricted in networking; access to institutions; and funding by the programmes, initiatives or regulations that their enterprises receive support from. This study contributes to existing literature on migrant and women entrepreneurship by discursively analysing underlying assumptions regarding these groups in two different national contexts.
Computational fluid dynamics and analytical modeling for predicting effects of airflow temperature and relative humidity on the terminal velocity of agricultural granular materials
Authors: Dousthaghi Mohammad Hadi , Minaei Saeid , Khoshtaghaza Mohammad Hadi
Published: December 2021

This study proposes a methodology based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for predicting the terminal velocity of agricultural granular materials in different airflow conditions that eliminates the need for extensive experiments. Terminal velocities of three seeds, namely chickpea, lentil, and rice, representing spherical, disc, and cylindrical seed shapes, respectively, were measured as a function of airflow temperature and relative humidity (RH) in an open‐circuit vertical wind tunnel. Experiments were carried out using a 3 × 3 factorial design in three replications. Terminal velocities of lentil and rice seeds varied from 4.73 to 5.67 m/s and 4.1 to 4.67 m/s, respectively, at 15–25°C and 20–80% RH. For chickpea seeds, terminal velocities varied from 8.8 to 9.43 m/s at 26–39°C and 20–60% RH. The effects of airflow temperature and RH on the terminal velocity of grains were significant at the 1% level. For all three grains, terminal velocity increased with temperature and RH. CFD‐predicted and theoretically calculated values of terminal velocity were compared with experimental results. Results of the statistical analysis showed that terminal velocities of lentil and chickpea calculated using analytical models were significantly higher than those obtained experimentally, whereas they were lower for rice seeds at the 5% level. The terminal velocity obtained through CFD simulations was in close agreement with the experimental results at the 1% level for lentil, chickpea, and rice seed at 5% level.

Practical applications

One of the impressive factors of optimizing the loss of harvesting of cereals is the terminal velocity and its variation regarding the ambient conditions. Computational fluid dynamics is a validated method that can simulate the phenomenon and help us with a prediction of some characteristics. The results can be a basis for doing so in simulating the transfer of granular material in food processing devices.
PUB22 and PUB23 U‐box E3 ubiquitin ligases negatively regulate 26S proteasome activity under proteotoxic stress conditions
Authors: Ahn Min Yong , Seo Dong Hye , Kim Woo Taek
Published: December 2021

The mechanism regulating proteasomal activity under proteotoxic stress conditions remains unclear. Here, we showed that arsenite‐induced proteotoxic stress resulted in upregulation of Arabidopsis homologous PUB22 and PUB23 U‐box E3 ubiquitin ligases and that pub22pub23 double mutants displayed arsenite‐insensitive seed germination and root growth phenotypes. PUB22/PUB23 downregulated 26S proteasome activity by promoting the dissociation of the 19S regulatory particle from the holo‐proteasome complex, resulting in intracellular accumulation of UbG76V‐GFP, an artificial substrate of the proteasome complex, and insoluble poly‐ubiquitinated proteins. These results suggest that PUB22/PUB23 play a critical role in arsenite‐induced proteotoxic stress response via negative regulation of 26S proteasome integrity.
Plant target of rapamycin signaling network: Complexes, conservations, and specificities
Authors: Liu Yanlin , Xiong Yan
Published: December 2021

Target of rapamycin (TOR) is an evolutionarily conserved protein kinase that functions as a central signaling hub to integrate diverse internal and external cues to precisely orchestrate cellular and organismal physiology. During evolution, TOR both maintains the highly conserved TOR complex compositions, and cellular and molecular functions, but also evolves distinctive roles and strategies to modulate cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, survival, and stress responses in eukaryotes. Here, we review recent discoveries on the plant TOR signaling network. We present an overview of plant TOR complexes, analyze the signaling landscape of the plant TOR signaling network from the upstream signals that regulate plant TOR activation to the downstream effectors involved in various biological processes, and compare their conservation and specificities within different biological contexts. Finally, we summarize the impact of dysregulation of TOR signaling on every stage of plant growth and development, from embryogenesis and seedling growth, to flowering and senescence.
7T versus 3T MRI in the presurgical evaluation of patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Bubrick Ellen J. , Gholipour Taha , Hibert Matthew , Cosgrove G. Rees , Stufflebeam Steven M. , Young Geoffrey S.
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose

MRI has a crucial role in presurgical evaluation of drug‐resistant focal epilepsy patients. Whether and how much 7T MRI further improves presurgical diagnosis compared to standard of care 3T MRI remains to be established. We investigate the added value 7T MRI offers in surgical candidates with remaining clinical uncertainty after 3T MRI.

Methods

7T brain MRI was obtained on sequential patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy undergoing presurgical evaluation at a comprehensive epilepsy center, including patients with and without suspected lesions on standard 3T MRI. Clinical information and 3T images informed the interpretation of 7T images. Detection of a new lesion on 7T or better characterization of a suspected lesion was considered to add value to the presurgical workup.

Results

Interpretable 7T MRI was acquired in 19 patients. 7T MRI identified a lesion relevant to the seizures in three of eight patients (38%) without a lesion on 3T MRI; no lesion in 7/11 patients (64%) with at least one suspected lesion on 3T MRI, contributing to the final classification of all seven as nonlesional; and confirmed and better characterized the lesion suspected at 3T MR in the remaining 4/11 patients.

Conclusions

7T MRI detected new lesions in over a third of 3T MRI nonlesional patients, confirmed and better characterized a 3T suspected lesion in one third of patients, and helped exclude a 3T suspected lesion in the remainder. Our initial experience suggests that 7T MRI adds value to surgical planning by improving detection and characterization of suspected brain lesions in drug‐resistant focal epilepsy patients.
Disturbances in sleep, circadian rhythms and daytime functioning in relation to coronavirus infection and Long‐COVID – A multinational ICOSS study
Authors: Merikanto Ilona , Dauvilliers Yves , Chung Frances , Holzinger Brigitte , De Gennaro Luigi , Wing Yun Kwok , Korman Maria , Partinen Markku ,   2nd ICOSS members
Published: December 2021

This protocol paper describes the second survey produced by the International Covid Sleep Study (ICOSS) group with the aim to examine the associations between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and sleep, sleepiness, and circadian problems as potential predisposing factors for more severe COVID‐19 disease profile and for development of Long‐COVID in the general population. The survey consists of 47 questions on sleep, daytime sleepiness, circadian rhythm, health, mental wellbeing, life habits, and socioeconomic situation before and during the pandemic, and conditional questions to those reporting having had coronavirus infection, being vaccinated, or suffering from particular sleep symptoms or sleep disorders. Surveys will be administered online between May and November 2021 in Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and USA. Data collected by the survey will give valuable information on the open questions regarding COVID‐19 disease risk factors, symptomatology and evolution of Long‐COVID, and on other long‐term consequences related to the pandemic.
Leadership styles' influence on ICU nurses' quality of professional life: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cosentino Chiara , De Luca Enrico , Sulla Francesco , Uccelli Stefano , Sarli Leopoldo , Artioli Giovanna
Published: December 2021

Background

Intensive Care Units are emotionally intense environments where professional autonomy and interprofessional collaboration are essential. Nurses are at high risk of burnout, and the level of compassion satisfaction has a deep impact on the quality of their professional life. Although leadership styles and burnout have been the subject of an extensive body of research, there is an existing gap regarding the relationship between leadership strategies and intensive care nurses' quality of working life and the impact on their compassion satisfaction. Specifically, there is a lack of literature in southern European countries concerning the influence of organizational and cultural contexts.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of nurse managers' leadership styles on Intensive Care Unit nurses' job satisfaction and compassion satisfaction.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

An online set of validated tests was sent to a non‐probabilistic sample of nurses, recruited via the Italian association of intensive care and emergency nursing website. The set of tests consisted of the Empowering Leadership Questionnaire, Compassion Satisfaction Scale, and McCloskey Mueller Satisfaction Scale. Nurses actively working in intensive care and critical care settings were included in this study. ICU managers and leaders were excluded.

Results

308 nurses (response rate 63,2%) completed the questionnaires. Statistical analysis showed that the Leadership dimension of “Showing concern towards the team” had a significant effect on Compassion Satisfaction. In addition, this dimension had an effect on nurses' overall job satisfaction on five out of eight subscales.

Conclusions

Leaders' authentic listening, communication, and participation capabilities have a positive impact on nurses' job and compassion satisfaction. The interest for team well‐being, taking time to discuss team concerns, and working closely with the team affects unpredicted factors like working hours, flexibility in shift scheduling, satisfaction about recognition, and career advancement.

Relevance to clinical practice

Results suggest that nurse managers can draw on/adopt leadership strategies oriented to authentic listening and interaction with the team in order to manage organizational issues, increase nurses’ professional quality of life and prevent burnout.
Post‐operative anorectal manometry in children with Hirschsprung disease: A systematic review
Authors: Evans‐Barns Hannah M. E. , Swannjo Justina B. , Trajanovska Misel , Safe Mark , Hutson John M. , Dinning Phil G. , King Sebastian K.
Published: December 2021

Background

Hirschsprung disease is commonly encountered by pediatric surgeons. Despite advances in the surgical management, these children may experience symptoms of bowel dysfunction throughout adulthood. Anorectal manometry may be used to assess post‐operative anorectal structure and function. This review aimed to consolidate and evaluate the literature pertaining to post‐operative findings of anorectal manometry in children with Hirschsprung disease.

Purpose

(1) Synthesize the available data regarding anorectal motility patterns in children following repair of Hirschsprung disease. (2) Evaluate the reported anorectal manometry protocols.

Data Sources

We performed a systematic review of four databases: Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and PubMed.

Study Selection

This systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA). Studies reporting results of post‐operative anorectal manometry in children with Hirschsprung disease were evaluated for inclusion.

Results

Twenty‐three studies satisfied inclusion criteria, with a combined cohort of 939 patients. Post‐operative anorectal manometry results were reported for 682 children. The majority of included studies were assessed as “poor quality.” Disparate manometry protocols, heterogeneous cohorts, and lack of standardized outcome assessments introduced a risk of outcome reporting bias, limited the comparability of results, and impeded clinical translation of findings.

Conclusions

This systematic review demonstrated the lack of high‐quality evidence underlying the current understanding of post‐operative anorectal motility in children with HD. There was little consistency in reported manometry outcomes between studies. In future work, emphasis must be placed on the application of standardized manometry protocols, cohort reporting, and patient outcome assessments.
Wide complex tachycardia in a patient with non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy: What is the diagnosis?
Authors: Sriram Chenni S. , Gonzalez Mario D.
Published: December 2021

A 55‐year‐old male presented with acute heart failure and incessant wide complex tachycardia resembling an outflow tract ventricular tachycardia. Meticulous analysis of the electrocardiograms established the diagnosis of pre‐excitation with prolonged atrio‐ventricular (A‐V) conduction over a decrementally conducting accessory A‐V pathway. “Linking” between the accessory A‐V pathway and normal A‐V conduction system resulted in sustained maximal pre‐excitation as well as periodic transition to normal A‐V conduction without appreciable change in heart rate. Successful radiofrequency ablation of this unusual accessory A‐V pathway was performed at the aortic‐mitral junction. This ameliorated the mechanical dysynchrony, allowed discontinuation of hemodynamic/inotropic support, and resulted in sustained symptomatic improvement.
New European Resuscitation Council guidelines for pediatric life support and their implications for pediatric anesthesia: An educational article
Authors: Buis Maria L. , Turner Nigel M.
Published: December 2021

In this educational article, we summarize the changes in the new European Resuscitation Council guidelines for Pediatric Life Support, emphasizing the most important aspects for the anesthesiologist. Among these are: the use of two‐thumb‐encircling technique for thorax compressions in infants, 10 ml/kg as the standard volume fluid bolus and ventilation after intubation at an age‐dependent rate. Using a fictitious case, we present a point‐by‐point summary of the changes and briefly mention some of the evidence behind them, referring the reader to the full guidelines for further evidence. We also give a summary of the incidence, causes, challenges, treatment, and prognosis of pediatric cardiac arrest in the operating room.
Two‐step irradiance schedule for condyloma acuminatum and the influencing factors of analgesic effect: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Qiao Shiyun , Qiao Shuyun , Jiang Guan
Published: December 2021

Background

The two‐step irradiance schedule in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging treatment method with a remarkable analgesic effect. We evaluated the influencing factors of pain in condyloma acuminate (CA) treatment with a two‐step irradiance schedule.

Methods

All patients were randomly divided into a two‐step irradiance group and control group. The two‐step irradiance group used 40 mW/cm2 for the first 8min, followed by 80 mW/cm2 for 16 min, while the control group used 80 mW/cm2 for 20 min. The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores and pain‐influencing factors were recorded accordingly.

Results

In the two‐step irradiance and control groups, 64 and 63 patients completed the treatment, respectively. The NRS scores of the two‐step irradiance group were significantly lower than that of the control group (p < .001), with a low fluence rate inducing less pain compared with a high fluence rate (p < .001). Moreover, when the total fluence accumulated to 57.6 J/cm2, the pain experienced by patients reached its peak. The NRS score of the urethral orifice group was the highest, and the male external genitalia group was the lowest. The NRS score was at its lowest in the first session and highest in the second session. There was a linear relationship between pain and wart size. Among these influencing factors, the fluence rate had the greatest impact on pain.

Conclusion

The two‐step irradiance schedule provides better analgesic effects than standard treatment irradiation while showing similar treatment efficacy. Factors that influence pain include high fluence rate, CA at the urethral orifice, second therapy session, wart size, and the interval between CO2 laser and ALA‐PDT.
Association between first and second stage of labour duration and mode of delivery: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lundborg Louise , Åberg Katarina , Sandström Anna , Liu Xingrong , Tilden Ellen , Stephansson Olof , Ahlberg Mia
Published: December 2021

Background

Active first stage of labour duration can widely vary between women. However, the nature of the relationship between the active first stage and second stage of labour duration is sparsely studied.

Objectives

To determine whether active first stage of labour duration (i) influences second stage of labour duration; and (ii) is associated with mode of delivery.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study of 13,379 women primiparous women, with spontaneous start in Stockholm‐Gotland Region, Sweden, between 2008 and 2014. Duration of the active first stage of labour was examined in relation to second‐stage duration using univariate and multivariable quantile regressions, with the first quartile (first stage duration) as the reference. Nonlinearity of associations was tested by restricted cubic splines. Association between active first‐stage duration with mode of delivery was estimated using a multinomial logistic regression based on adjusted odds ratios.

Results

Longer active first stage of labour duration was linearly associated with longer second stage of labour duration until approximately 12 h of active first stage of labour duration. After 12 h, a non‐linear trend is seen, demonstrated by a plateau in the second‐stage duration. In addition, longer active first stage of labour duration was associated with increased occurrence of operative vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.89, 3.89) and caesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio 4.75, 95% CI 3.85, 5.80).

Conclusions

Among primiparous women with spontaneous onset of labour, longer active first stage of labour duration was associated with both longer second stage of labour duration and higher odds of operative delivery. This study contributes with findings, which may inform future discussions regarding how to properly account for second‐stage duration, with applications in obstetric and perinatal epidemiology.
Semiparametric Estimation for Causal Mediation Analysis with Multiple Causally Ordered Mediators
Authors: Zhou Xiang
Published: December 2021

Causal mediation analysis concerns the pathways through which a treatment affects an outcome. While most of the mediation literature focuses on settings with a single mediator, a flourishing line of research has examined settings involving multiple mediators, under which path-specific effects (PSEs) are often of interest. We consider estimation of PSEs when the treatment effect operates through K(≥ 1) causally ordered, possibly multivariate mediators. In this setting, the PSEs for many causal paths are not nonparametrically identified, and we focus on a set of PSEs that are identified under Pearl's nonparametric structural equation model. These PSEs are defined as contrasts between the expectations of 2K+1 potential outcomes and identified via what we call the generalized mediation functional (GMF). We introduce an array of regression-imputation, weighting and ‘hybrid’ estimators, and, in particular, two K + 2-robust and locally semiparametric efficient estimators for the GMF. The latter estimators are well suited to the use of data-adaptive methods for estimating their nuisance functions. We establish the rate conditions required of the nuisance functions for semiparametric efficiency. We also discuss how our framework applies to several estimands that may be of particular interest in empirical applications. The proposed estimators are illustrated with a simulation study and an empirical example.
THE DAWKINS CHALLENGE
Authors: Ruse Michael
Published: December 2021

Richard Dawkins, in his The God Delusion, argued strongly for atheism. Alister McGrath picked up the challenge and argued that Dawkins is wrong and that his arguments are very weak. This article, part of a symposium honoring McGrath looks in detail at the God Delusion, and at two books by McGrath, Dawkins’ God, written before The God Delusion appeared but addressing the arguments of that book, and The Dawkins’ Delusion, co‐authored with his wife Joanna Collicutt McGrath that appeared after The God Delusion. It is argued that the debate is still timely and that sociological factors are extremely important.
Cupping: A Healing Method in West Sumatra (Indonesia) A Semiotic Perspective
Authors: Stark Alexander
Published: December 2021

This article investigates cupping a widespread traditional healing method in West Sumatra. However, the way cupping is used in some areas of the Malay-speaking region is unique in the sense that it uses buffalo horns during the cupping process. The author argues that for the matrilineal society of the Minangkabau in West Sumatra, the buffalo horn has a special connotation as it is crucial in many elements of their culture. By considering a semiotic research approach, the author wants to offer a new perspective on the Minangkabau and their culture. By doing so, the author intends to participate in the discussion about signs and symbols in the field of Minangkabau studies. In qualitative research that comprised fieldwork, traditional healers were observed and interviewed. The peculiar cupping technique was analysed, and a semiotic perspective seemed most fitting. It was detected that the usage of horns contains a specific meaning for the Minangkabau culture.
Inclusion of Individuals With Overweight/Obesity in Physical Activity Settings
Authors: Rukavina Paul Bernard
Published: December 2021

The deleterious effects of weight bias in physical activity spaces for children, adolescents, and adults are well documented. Different types of weight bias occur, and they interact at multiple levels within a person’s ecology, from the messaging of often unattainable sociocultural thin/muscular ideals and physical inequities (e.g., equipment not appropriate for body shapes and sizes) to interpersonal and public discriminatory comments. However, the most damaging is the internalization and application of negative weight-bias stereotypes by those with overweight and obesity to themselves. An imperative for social justice is now; there is great need to advocate for, provide support for, and design inclusive physical activity spaces to reduce weight bias so that all individuals feel welcome, accept their bodies, and are empowered to live a healthy, active lifestyle. To make this a reality, an interdisciplinary and preventive approach is needed to understand bias and how to minimize it in our spaces.
First results of LHAASO
Authors: Liu Ruo-Yu
Published: December 2021

The Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) has recently published the first results, including the discovery of 12 ultrahigh-energy gamma-ray sources (with emission above 100[Formula: see text]TeV) above [Formula: see text] confidence level and a detailed analysis of Crab Nebula. This contribution gives a brief introduction to the LHAASO experiment and its recent discoveries.
Effects of the external magnetic field on the Lense–Thirring precession
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Feroze Tooba
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we study the effects of the external magnetic field on the Lense–Thirring (LT) precession of a test gyroscope attached to an observer in magnetized black hole spacetime. For this, we consider a Kerr–Newman black hole embedded in the external magnetic field. The LT precession of a test gyroscope diverges near the ergosurface and remains finite everywhere outside the ergosurface. It is seen that by increasing the external magnetic field, the LT precession frequency in the region of large [Formula: see text] decreases as [Formula: see text] increases, while the precession frequency in the region of small [Formula: see text] increases as [Formula: see text] increases, whereas it increases with increasing the charge of the black hole. The LT precession of a test gyroscope attached to observers moving along the directions close to the polar axis is greater than that of the observer moving in the equatorial plane.
Bohr Hamiltonian of triaxial nuclei using Morse plus screened Kratzer potentials with the extended Nikiforov–Uvarov method
Authors: Haman Adama S. , Ongodo D. Nga , Zarma A. , Ema’a Ema’a J. M. , Abiama P. Ele , Ben-Bolie G. H.
Published: December 2021

In this work, Bohr Hamiltonian is used to explain the behavior of triaxial nuclei. A new potential, called Morse plus screened Kratzer potential, has been developed for the [Formula: see text]-part with [Formula: see text] fixed at [Formula: see text]. The Extended Nikiforov–Uvarov method involving Confluent Heun functions is used to derive the wave function and energy expression. The electric quadrupole transition rates and energy spectrum of platinum [Formula: see text] are determined and compared with the experimental data and some theoretical results.
Relational Reasoning Using Neural Networks: A Survey
Authors: Pise Anil Audumbar , Vadapalli Hima , Sanders Ian
Published: December 2021

Relational Networks (RN), as one of the most widely used relational reasoning techniques, have achieved great success in many applications such as action and image analysis, speech recognition and text understanding. The use of relational reasoning via RN in neural networks has often been used in recent years. In these instances, RN is composed of various deep learning-based algorithms in simple plug-and-play modules. This is quite advantageous since it circumvents the need for features engineering. This paper surveys the emerging research of deep learning models that make use of RN in tasks such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), Action Recognition, Temporal Relational Reasoning as well as Facial Emotion Recognition (FER). Since, RNs are easy to integrate they have been used in various tasks such as NLP, Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Action Recognition, Image Analysis, Object Detection, Temporal Relational Reasoning, as well as for FER. This is due to the fact that RNs use bidirectional LSTM and CNN to solve relational reasoning problems at character and word level. In this paper a comparative review of all relational reasoning-based RN models using deep learning techniques is presented.
Flutter Analysis of a 3D Box-Wing Aircraft Configuration
Authors: Ghasemikaram Amirhossein , Mazidi Abbas , Fazelzadeh S. Ahmad , Scholz Dieter
Published: December 2021

The aim of this paper is to present a flutter analysis of a 3D Box-Wing Aircraft (BWA) configuration. The box wing structure is considered as consisting of two wings (front and rear wings) connected with a winglet. Plunge and pitch motions are considered for each wing and the winglet is modeled by a longitudinal spring. In order to exert the effect of the wing-joint interactions (bending and torsion coupling), two ends of the spring are located on the gravity centers of the wings tip sections. Wagner unsteady model is used to simulate the aerodynamic force and moment on the wing. The governing equations are extracted via Hamilton’s variational principle. To transform the resulting partial integro-differential governing equations into a set of ordinary differential equations, the assumed modes method is utilized. In order to confirm the aerodynamic model, the flutter results of a clean wing are compared and validated with the previously published results. Also, for the validation, the 3D box wing aircraft configuration flutter results are compared with MSC NASTRAN software and good agreement is observed. The effects of design parameters such as the winglet tension stiffness, the wing sweep and dihedral angles, and the aircraft altitude on the flutter velocity and frequency are investigated. The results reveal that physical and geometrical properties of the front and rear wings and also the winglet design have a significant influence on BWA aeroelastic stability boundary.
A MOLECULAR DYNAMICS STUDY OF NANOWIRE RESONATOR BIO-OBJECT DETECTION
Authors: FALLAHPOUR ROSA , MELNIK RODERICK
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis, carried out by the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, of the vibrations of silicon nanowire (SiNW) resonators, having diverse applications including biological and medical fields. The chosen approach allows us to obtain a better understanding of the nanowire (NW) materials’ characteristics, providing a more detailed insight into the behavior of nanostructures, especially when the topic of interest is relevant to their dynamics, interatomic interactions, and atoms trajectories’ prediction. We first simulate a SiNW to study its frequency of vibrations using MD simulations. Then, we add a molecule of human immunodeficiency virus as an example to investigate the potential of the SiNW resonator for the detection of tiny bio-objects. The developed technique and its application to the detection of tiny objects, such as viruses, are discussed in the context of several key effects pertinent to the design of SiNW.
On the derivative formulas of the rotation minimizing frame in Lorentz–Minkowski 3-space
Authors: Yerli̇kaya Firat , Aydemi̇r İsmai̇l
Published: December 2021

The main intention of this paper is to analyze integrability for the derivative formulas of the rotation minimizing frame in the Lorentz–Minkowski 3-space. As far as we know, no one has yet given a method to study their integrability in the Lorentz–Minkowski 3-space. So, we introduce the coordinate system in order to provide a tool for studying the integrability. As an application, the position vectors of some special curves having an important place in mathematical and physical research are obtained in the natural representation form. Finally, we support our work with examples.
Dynamics in a diffusive predator–prey system with double Allee effect and modified Leslie–Gower scheme
Authors: Li Haixia , Yang Wenbin , Wei Meihua , Wang Aili
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we investigate a diffusive modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey system with double Allee effect on prey. The global existence, uniqueness and a priori bound of positive solutions are determined. The existence and local stability of constant steady–state solutions are analyzed. Next, we induce the nonexistence of nonconstant positive steady–state solutions, which indicates the effect of large diffusivity. Furthermore, we discuss the steady–state bifurcation and the existence of nonconstant positive steady–state solutions by the bifurcation theory. In addition, Hopf bifurcations of the spatially homogeneous and inhomogeneous periodic orbits are studied. Finally, we make some numerical simulations to validate and complement the theoretical analysis. Our results demonstrate that the dynamics of the system with double Allee effect and modified Leslie–Gower scheme are richer and more complex.
Serum folate status among blood donors in south-central China
Authors: Ma Yan , Deng Huan , He Mingdi , Yang Ru , Shen Gang
Published: December 2021

Folate deficiency has been confirmed to be related to various diseases. Unfortunately, there are few reports on the folate status of Chinese adults. This study aims to evaluate the serum folate status of blood donors in south-central China. In this study, 248 blood donors were included. The information on subjects was collected by a brief questionnaire concerning alcohol consumption habits, smoking habits, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity. The serum folate concentration was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The geometric mean serum folate concentration was 13.4[Formula: see text]nmol[Formula: see text]l[Formula: see text] (95% CI, 12.7–14.1). The prevalence of serum folate concentrations below 6.8[Formula: see text]nmol[Formula: see text]l[Formula: see text] was 5.2% (95% CI, 2.5–8.0). There were significant differences in serum folate concentrations with respect to sex (p-values < 0.05), age (p-values < 0.05), fruit and vegetable consumption (p-values < 0.05), and alcohol consumption habits (p-values < 0.05). The concentration of serum folate increased with age (p-values < 0.05) and fruit and vegetable consumption (p-values < 0.05). Individuals with an age of 30 years or younger were nearly 3.5 times as likely as those aged over 30 years to have an insufficient level of serum folate (OR = 3.48; 95% CI: 1.01–11.99). An age of 30 years or younger was a risk factor for folate deficiency. Most blood donors had sufficient serum folate concentrations in south-central China. National surveys of folate status should be implemented in China.
A meta-parameter tuning model to improve the genetic algorithms design of labeling diversity mappers
Authors: Solwa Shaheen , Bamisaye Ayodeji James
Published: December 2021

Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) have recently been applied to Uncoded Space-Time Labeling Diversity (USTLD) systems to produce labeling diversity mappers. However, the most challenging task is choosing the best parameter setting for the EA to create a more ‘optimal’ mapper design. This paper proposes a ‘meta-Genetic Algorithm (GA)’ used to tune hyperparameters for the Labeling Diversity EA. The algorithm is examined on 16, 32 and 64QAM; 32 and 64PSK; 16, 32 and 64APSK and 16APSK constellations that do not show diagonal symmetry. Furthermore, the meta-GA settings and original GA settings are compared in terms of the number of generations taken to converge to a solution. For QAM constellations, the output using the meta-GA settings matched but did not improve with the original settings. However, the number of generations needed to converge to a solution took 120 times less than the number of generations using the original settings. In the 64PSK constellation, a diversity gain of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB was observed while improving on the actual fitness value from 0.0575 to 0.0661. Similarly, with 32APSK constellation, an improvement in fitness value from 0.1457 to 0.1748 was made while showing diversity gains of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB. 64APSK constellation fitness value improved from 0.0708 to 0.0957, and a [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB gain was observed. The most significant improvement was made by the asymmetric 16APSK constellation, with gains of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB and increasing its fitness value three times (0.0981 to 0.3000). A study of the effects of optimizing the GA parameters shows that the number of swaps during crossover [Formula: see text] and the radius [Formula: see text] were the two most important variables to optimize when executing this GA.
Does Momentum Trading Generate Extra Downside Risk?
Authors: Dobrynskaya Victoria
Published: December 2021

Momentum strategies tend to provide low returns during market crashes, and they crash themselves when the market rebounds after significant crashes. This is reflected by positive downside market betas and negative upside market betas of zero-cost momentum portfolios. Such asymmetry in upside and downside risks is unfavorable for investors and requires a risk premium. It arises mechanically because of momentum portfolio rebalancing based on trailing asset performance. The asymmetry in upside and downside risks is a robust unifying feature of momentum portfolios in various geographical and asset markets. The momentum premium can be rationalized within a standard asset-pricing framework, where upside and downside risks are priced differently.
From the Editors
Authors: Stafford Tom , Armstrong Deborah J.
Published: December 2021

Friends, Deb Armstrong and I have reached the culmination of our editorial term, and K.D. Joshi of University of Nevada-Reno has been chosen as the new Editor-in-Chief. Professor Joshi is a long-time contributor, Senior Editor, and thought leader in our parent organization, ACM SIGMIS, and its venerable CPR conference. K.D. has a marvelous vision, superb connections with our ACM SIGMIS CPR constituency, and an operational record second to none. She will be a great leader for continuing the growth trajectory of The DATA BASE for Advances in Information Systems.
The Piggy in the Middle
Authors: Danks Nicholas P.
Published: December 2021

Researchers are becoming cognizant of the value of conducting predictive analysis using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for both the evaluation of overfit and to illustrate the practical value of models. Mediators are a popular mechanism for adding nuance and greater explanatory power to causal models. However, mediators pose a special challenge to generating predictions as they serve a dual role of antecedent and outcome. Solutions for generating predictions from mediated PLS-SEM models have not been suitably explored or documented, nor has there been exploration of whether the added model complexity of such mediators is justified in the light of predictive performance. We address that gap by evaluating methods for generating predictions from mediated models, and propose a simple metric that quantifies the predictive contribution of the mediator (PCM). We conduct Monte Carlo simulations and then apply the methods in an empirical demonstration. We find that there is no simple best solution, but that all three approaches have strengths and weaknesses. Further, the PCM metric performs well to quantify the predictive qualities of the mediator over-and-above the non-mediated alternative. We present guidelines on selecting the most appropriate method and applying PCM for additional evidence to support research conclusions.
Do You Still Trust?
Authors: Bansal Gaurav , Warkentin Merrill
Published: December 2021

Recently, data breaches, especially insider data breaches, have become increasingly common. However, there is a limited amount of research on the factors associated with the decrease in users' trust in response to these events. In this study, social role theory and socioemotional selectivity theory are applied to understand the role of age (younger and older), biological (male and female) and cultural (masculinity and femininity) gender, and the four dimensions of privacy concern-collection, secondary use, unauthorized access, and error-on initial trust and the corresponding decrease in trust associated with the three trust beliefs of ability, benevolence, and integrity. A scenario-based approach is used to focus on a case study of an insider breach. The findings also provide helpful insights into the comparative roles of trust builders (e.g., reputation and design) and trust crashers (e.g., privacy concerns) in the process of trust building and trust decrease in different demographics (e.g., older and younger, males and females) for overall trust and trusting beliefs. Theoretical, managerial, and social implications are discussed.
Enhancing Hybrid OSS Development Through Agile Methods and High Media Synchronicity
Authors: Chengalur-Smith InduShobha , Nevo Saggi , Fitzgerald Brian
Published: December 2021

Open source software (OSS) is increasingly being developed by hybrid teams that consist of a mix of company employees and volunteer developers. While hybrid OSS teams are becoming more prevalent, they also face unique challenges due to the involvement of different constituents. To address those challenges, this paper develops and validates a new organizing model. Specifically, the paper draws on media synchronicity theory (MST) to theorize that hybrid OSS teams would benefit from adopting an organizing model that involves practicing agile methods and using communication tools with multiple symbols sets and high transmission velocity. The paper also extends MST by conceptualizing the theory's key concept of communication convergence as consisting of two distinct dimensions: affective and cognitive convergence. Using primary survey data from hybrid OSS teams, the paper presents empirical evidence that such an organizing model can enhance those teams' affective convergence and cognitive convergence and, in turn, their development productivity and the quality of the software. In addition, the results show that affective convergence has a stronger impact on hybrid OSS teams' performance than cognitive convergence.
The Philosopher's Corner
Authors: Niederman Fred
Published: December 2021

A minimalist view of theory will render it more accessible for a wider range of research questions. More accessible theory will facilitate constant improvement between representations predicting particular relationships among entities of interest in IS and observations of those relationships in practice. This is needed in IS to direct research energy toward knowledge that can lead to more effective and helpful interventions for computing technology stakeholders. The paper also addresses a range of anomalies created by prevailing traditional views of theory, particularly regarding the distinction between theory existence and theory level of support. Discussion includes identifying barriers to conversion to this view of theory as well as criteria for evaluation of proposed new theory.