bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Genetic Service Function Deployment Management Platform for Edge Computing
Authors: Li David Chunhu , Chen Bo-Hun , Tseng Chia-Wei , Chou Li-Der
Published: October 2020

The various applications of the Internet of Things and the Internet of Vehicles impose high requirements on the network environment, such as bandwidth and delay. To meet low-latency requirements, the concept of mobile edge computing has been introduced. Through virtualisation technology, service providers can rent computation resources from the infrastructure of the network operator, whereas network operators can deploy all kinds of service functions (SFs) to the edge network to reduce network latency. However, how to appropriately deploy SFs to the edge of the network presents a problem. Apart from improving the network efficiency of edge computing service deployment, how to effectively reduce the cost of service deployment is also important to achieve a performance-cost balance. In this paper, we present a novel SF deployment management platform that allows users to dynamically deploy edge computing service applications with the lowest network latency and service deployment costs in edge computing network environments. We describe the platform design and system implementation in detail. The core platform component is an SF deployment simulator that allows users to compare various SF deployment strategies. We also design and implement a genetic algorithm-based service deployment algorithm for edge computing (GSDAE) in network environments. This method can reduce the average network latency for a client who accesses a certain service for multiple tenants that rent computing resources and subsequently reduce the associated SF deployment costs. We evaluate the proposed platform by conducting extensive experiments, and experiment results show that our platform has a practical use for the management and deployment of edge computing applications given its low latency and deployment costs not only in pure edge computing environments but also in mixed edge and cloud computing scenarios.
Sexual Satisfaction in Fully Ambulatory People with Multiple Sclerosis: Does Disability Matter?
Authors: Dobrakowski Pawel , Machowska-Majchrzak Agnieszka , Labuz-Roszak Beata , Niewiadomska Ewa , Pierzchala Krystyna
Published: October 2020

Primary sexual dysfunctions (SD) are a direct result of neurological changes that affect the sexual response. Secondary SD result from the symptoms that do not directly involve nervous pathways to the genital system, such as bladder and bowel problems, fatigue, spasticity, or muscle weakness. Tertiary SD are the result of disability-related psychosocial and cultural issues that can interfere with sexual feelings and experiences. The aim of this study was to assess the sexual satisfaction (SS) in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) without significant mobility impairment and to estimate the influence of SD, the score on the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), lowered mood, and stress coping strategies on SS. Methods. 76 PwMS with the EDSS score<5.0 points were enrolled in the study. The subjects completed the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS), the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSISQ-19), and the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ). Results. The level of SS in PwMS was not significantly lower compared to that of the general population. It correlated with the primary, secondary, and tertiary SD and lowered mood. However, it did not correlate with disability measured by the EDSS. Conclusions. The level of SS in PwMS with the EDSS score below 5.0 points was not significantly lower. SS depended on SD, lowered mood, and stress coping style, and it was not significantly related to the level of disability in patients with the EDDS score below 5.0.
Study on the Evolution Law of Fracture Field in Full‐Mechanized Caving Mining of Double System and Extrathick Coal Seam
Authors: Du Feng , Wang Wenqiang , Li Zhenhua
Published: October 2020

During the full‐mechanized caving mining, the overburden strata in the double system and extrathick coal seam of the Datong mining area are largely damaged. Water and harmful gas in the old goaf may be discharged when overburden fractures evolve to the upper goaf, which poses a major threat to the normal production of the panel. To study the movement of overburden strata and the evolution of fracture field under the full‐mechanized caving mining of the double system and extrathick coal seam, panel 8309 of Tongxin mine was taken as the research object; the evolution rule of fracture field in the full‐mechanized caving mining of the double system and extrathick coal seam was obtained through field measurement and physical similar simulation. The results show the following: (1) the far‐field and near‐field key strata play a decisive role in controlling the fracture evolution of overburden strata. When the far‐field key strata break and the development height of fractures reaches 220.9 m, panel 8309 is connected with the overburden goaf. (2) Based on the “O‐shape circle” theory of mining fracture, with the continuous advance of the panel, the overburden breaks periodically, and a “fracture surface” with a certain angle of 61°–67° can be formed along with the advancing direction of the panel. (3) When the key strata are broken and the development height of fractures reaches the maximum, the fracture surface is formed as the “main fracture surface,” which is the only downward discharge pathway for goaf water and harmful gas. The overall shape fracture surface is “inverted trapezoid” in the upper part and “positive trapezoid” in the lower part. (4) Based on the field measurement of the water level of borehole and the observation of mine pressure, the correctness of the evolution law of the similar simulated fracture field is verified.
Bone Changes in the Condylar Process of the Mandible in Computed Tomography Images and Cephalogram in a Female Patient during a Growth Spurt Treated with a Removable Functional Appliance
Authors: Rzuchowski Grzegorz , Mikulewicz Marcin
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Functional treatment is the type of treatment preferred in young patients with lateral bite because it leads to simultaneous improvement of occlusion and facial profile.Objective. The aim of this study is to assess bone changes within the condylar process of the mandible and to associate them with the changes observed in the analysis of lateral cephalograms and in the patient’s occlusion.Materials and Methods. Cone beam tomography of the temporomandibular joint, lateral radiogram of the skull, was performed at the beginning of treatment and after one year of therapy. Changes in cephalometric radiograms were evaluated by analyzing them and shown by making superimposition and staining layers. For the purpose of assessing bone changes within the condylar process, digital 3D solids of these processes were generated using data from computed tomography.Results. Correction towards Angle’s dental class I, overjet reduction from 8 mm to 3 mm, and improvement of the patient’s profile were obtained. A rotation of the occlusal plane and improvement in an ANB by 1° and in the WITS measurement by 2.7 mm were observed. A growth of the condylar processes “backwards” and “upwards” was also observed, as well as a change of their shape and volume.Conclusions. The obtained results suggest that the patient’s significant improvement in occlusal conditions is due to posterior growth stimulation of the condylar processes of the mandible. The results confirm the validity of using this treatment technique in the case of growing children with complete posterior occlusion.
Houttuynia cordata Extract Ameliorates Bladder Damage and Improves Bladder Symptoms via Anti‐Inflammatory Effect in Rats with Interstitial Cystitis
Authors: Li Wenbiao , Yang Fei , Zhan Hailun , Liu Bolong , Cai Jiarong , Luo Yun , Zhou Xiangfu
Published: October 2020

The mechanism of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) remains unclear to date, but reports showed that bladder inflammation and increasing number of activating mast cells in bladder tissues were common in patients with IC/BPS. Houttuynia cordata is widely used in Chinese traditional medicine, and its function of anti‐inflammation has been proved. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and possible mechanisms of the Houttuynia cordata (HC) extract in the treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). In the current study, a total of 30 adult female rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham group (n = 10), cyclophosphamide + saline (CYP + NS) group (n = 10), and cyclophosphamide + Houttuynia cordata extract (CYP + HC) group (n = 10). The animal model of IC/BPS was induced with cyclophosphamide (75 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection, once every 3 days for 10 days) in the CYP + NS group and CYP + HC group, and sham rats received a volume‐matched injection of saline. After anesthesia with urethane (0.8 g/kg, intraperitoneal injection), intravesical administration of either saline (1 ml) or Houttuynia cordata extract (1 ml, 2 g/ml) was continued once per day for a week in the CYP + NS group and CYP + HC group, respectively. Subsequently, urinary frequency, nociceptive behaviors, cystometry, bladder weight, histological changes, and cytokine (IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α) concentration were evaluated and compared among the three groups. Variables including inflammatory grade, mast cell number, proportion of activated mast cells, bladder weight, cytokine concentration of bladder homogenates, and frequency of urination significantly increased in the CYP + NS group compared with the sham group (P < 0.01) and CYP + HC group (P < 0.01). Besides, compared with the CYP + NS group, longer intercontraction interval, bigger bladder capacity, higher nociceptive threshold, fewer number of mast cells, and lower proportion of activated mast cells were found in the CYP + HC group (P < 0.01). Our study demonstrated that the Houttuynia cordata extract can effectively inhibit mast cell proliferation and activation and downregulate proinflammatory cytokine in a rat model of IC/BPS induced with cyclophosphamide and might be potentially valuable for the treatment of IC/BPS.
Crocetin Alleviates Inflammation in MPTP-Induced Parkinson’s Disease Models through Improving Mitochondrial Functions
Authors: Dong Na , Dong Zhong , Chen Ying , Gu Xiaosu
Published: October 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Crocetin, derived from saffron, exerts multiple pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifatigue, and anticancer effects. However, the effect of crocetin on PD remains unclear. In this study, we designed experiments to investigate the effect of crocetin against MPTP-induced PD models and the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that crocetin treatment attenuates MPTP-induced motor deficits and protects dopaminergic neurons. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that crocetin treatment decreased the expression of inflammatory associated genes and inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, crocetin treatment protected mitochondrial functions against MPP+ induced damage by regulating the mPTP (mitochondrial permeability transition pore) viability in the interaction of ANT (adenine nucleotide translocase) and Cyp D (Cyclophilin D) dependent manner. Therefore, our results demonstrate that crocetin has therapeutic potential in Parkinson’s disease.
Alteridade e raça entre África e Brasil: branquidade e descentramentos nas ciências sociais brasileiras
Authors: Pereira Luena Nascimento Nunes
Published: October 2020

A partir da minha experiência de campo em Angola, busco problematizar a tradicional caracterização da antropologia brasileira - e por extensão das ciências sociais - como feita por “brasileiros” sobre o “Brasil”, refletindo sobre o novo perfil dos cientistas sociais quanto ao pertencimento étnico, racial e de classe que tem se pluralizado nos últimos 20 anos. Esta transformação do perfil dos cientistas sociais desafia a ideia de um “nós antropológico” centrado em uma ideia naciocêntrica que não reconhece sua posição de classe, raça e território, ou seja, branca, de classe média, oriunda ou socializada no sul/sudeste do país. Defendo o descentramento das ciências sociais brasileiras inspirada pelos novos movimentos de descolonização das ciências sociais. Esse descentramento passa pelo reconhecimento e politização da branquidade hegemônica das ciências sociais como condição para sua revisão crítica.
Espera, paciência e resistência: reflexões antropológicas sobre transexualidades, curso da vida e itinerários de acesso à saúde
Authors: Braz Camilo , Almeida Anderson Santos
Published: October 2020

Este trabalho parte de duas investigações realizadas na cidade de Goiânia (Brasil), sobre o tema do acesso à saúde nos marcos do Processo Transexualizador do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), com foco na questão da espera. A primeira delas centrou-se nas narrativas de homens trans e a segunda nas de mulheres trans, acerca de suas trajetórias e dos itinerários terapêuticos implicados na chamada transição de gênero. Nosso argumento é que a espera é uma chave antropológica importante para interpretar tais narrativas. Nosso interesse, assim, é colocar em diálogo elementos etnográficos produzidos nessas investigações, tendo como eixo principal uma discussão em torno das ambivalências e tensões que tais sujeitos estabelecem em relação à espera. Nesse sentido, interessa-nos trazer também elementos de campo a fim de discutir antropologicamente os efeitos que expectativas heteronormativas e cisnormativas acerca do gênero e do curso da vida produzem em seus corpos e em suas vidas.
Racismo, racialización e inmigración: aportaciones desde el enfoque de(s)colonial para el análisis del caso español
Authors: Alcaraz Antonia Olmos
Published: October 2020

A pesar de las constatadas relaciones entre inmigración y racismo, las teorías sobre migraciones aún no han prestado la suficiente importancia al análisis de este como realidad que podría ayudar a entender mejor algunos procesos de exclusión surgidos a la luz de los movimientos migratorios contemporáneos. Este artículo analiza, a partir de una metodología etnográfica llevada a cabo en espacios escolares, la realidad migratoria en España a través del estudio de las lógicas de funcionamiento que presenta el racismo en este contexto. Para ello se rescatan algunas propuestas del enfoque de(s)colonial aplicadas al caso de la población inmigrante marroquí en el país, profundizando en el análisis de los procesos de racialización existentes.
Disputas fraternas e chefia bicéfala: hierarquia e heterarquia no Alto Rio Negro
Authors: Cayón Luis
Published: October 2020

Este artigo identifica a tensão entre hierarquia e heterarquia como um princípio estrutural que opera a favor da multiplicidade, da diferença e da autonomia no contexto dos sistemas regionais e da política-ritual ameríndia. Focando na relação entre dono/chefe de maloca e xamã, à luz das tensões nas relações entre irmãos mais novos/mais velhos, típicas da região do Alto Rio Negro, caracteriza-se a constituição de uma chefia bicéfala, onde ambos especialistas trabalham de forma complementar para atender às diferentes direções envolvidas na política, e os mecanismos que dificultam sua consolidação.
Between “us” and “them”: political subjectivities in the shadows of the 2018 brazilian election
Authors: Klein Charles , Carmo Milena Mateuzi , Tavares Alessandra
Published: October 2020

This article examines political subjectivities, community engagements and voting practices among residents of São Paulo’s Zona Sul peripheries in the three years preceding Brazil’s 2018 presidential election. Building on a 398-person household survey, 46 in-depth interviews, and extensive participation observation over the course of a four-year study, we argue that although most residents of our study communities across the political spectrum are disenchanted with institutional politics, many maintain political engagement through their everyday lives, including activism centered on intersectional identities and state-sponsored violence/genocide. Our discussion combines statistical analysis and auto-ethnographic inflected vignettes and is in dialogue with two common themes present in recent analyses of the Brazilian political landscape: the role of urban periphery voters in the election of Bolsonaro, and the complex connections between moralities and political subjectivities. In conclusion, we reflect on opportunities and challenges for progressive political engagement in the (post)Bolsonaro era.
lugar onde se achar: deslocamentos e rituais entre os Guarani do Chaco boreal paraguaio
Authors: Domínguez María Eugenia
Published: October 2020

Como analisado na literatura etnológica recente, a guerra do Chaco (Bolívia/Paraguai 1932-1935) foi o disparador de uma série de deslocamentos espaciais que reconfiguraram o mapa étnico da região. Este artigo se refere, inicialmente, aos deslocamentos que levaram os Guarani e Isoseño da Bolívia ao Chaco boreal paraguaio e descreve, na sequência, a formação das cinco comunidades guarani que existem atualmente na área. Logo, trata de alguns aspectos da sociabilidade dos Guarani do Chaco boreal paraguaio por meio da reflexão sobre o lugar do ritual na sua história e vida social. Através de uma análise que interpreta o rito – e, com ele, a arte indígena – na sua performatividade, argumenta-se que o ritual opera aqui como um dispositivo fundamental para transformar o espaço chaquenho num lugar guarani.
discurso sobre direitos humanos nos grandes veículos de comunicação: análise semiótica de Veja e CartaCapital
Authors: Kalil Filho Marcos da Veiga
Published: October 2020

A Redemocratização no Brasil, cujo marco fundamental se encontra na Constituição de 1988, não foi capaz de construir um senso comum no qual os Direitos Humanos permeassem o bojo axiológico do cidadão médio brasileiro e o discurso midiático acerca da temática. “Direitos humanos para humanos direitos”. “Bandido bom é bandido morto”. Essas e outras máximas foram cotidianamente propagadas não só nas ruas, mas também em programas de TV e reportagens de jornal. A semiótica discursiva dispõe de amplo instrumental teórico-metodológico por meio do qual as estratégias enunciativas do discurso passional da imprensa de grande circulação podem ser descritas e compreendidas. Nesse condão, peças jornalísticas das revistas CartaCapital e Veja de casos de ampla notoriedade e comoção foram analisadas: o caso João Hélio, de 2007, no Rio de Janeiro, no qual um menino de seis anos morreu arrastado, preso a um carro roubado em movimento; e o caso do rapaz negro e pobre, acusado de furtos na zona sul carioca, torturado por justiceiros de classe média, em 2014. O trabalho pôde constatar, a despeito das diferentes orientações ideológicas, a semelhança na estratégia enunciativa das publicações.
Semiótica das estruturas sociais
Authors: Calil Lucas
Published: October 2020

O prolongado debate sobre o fazer semiótica frente à própria historiografia da disciplina e às demais ciências sociais se vê fragmentado em duas frentes: a primeira é a reorganização da semiótica enquanto profissão e método de análise; a segunda busca desenvolver, a partir da teoria já estabelecida, novos recursos de pesquisa e compreensão dos processos de construção do(s) sentido(s). Parte dessa bifurcação, portanto, a proposta para este artigo, com o entendimento de que há espaço na atual literatura semiótica para uma abordagem sobre as condições gerais anteriores ao ato enunciativo – cujas bases e regulações socioculturais delimitam as estratégias passíveis de reprodução, modificação e potencialização do(s) sentido(s) em sociedade. Em ponte obrigatória com a sociologia, esta proposta de modelo organizacional pressupõe quatro argumentos-chave: a reflexão atualizada de Fontanille (2015) sobre as formas de vida e a estratificação do sentido por reprodução e estabilização, adotada como ponto de partida; a concepção de semiosfera, conforme Lotman (1999); e os procedimentos coletivos de difusão semiótica – as pontes de interlocução entre os grupos sociais –, com base em Granovetter (1973); e de relações de capital, segundo Bourdieu (2015), que alinham as práticas, valores e regimes de crença em desigualdade de poder e propagação.
Graus de concessão: as dinâmicas do inesperado
Authors: Coutinho Mariana de Souza , Mancini Renata
Published: October 2020

Com os desdobramentos da abordagem tensiva, a semiótica se abre para a vetorialização de dicotomias e para uma investida clara no tratamento operacional dos processos. Partindo do próprio cerne dos mecanismos preconizados por essa vertente teórica, o artigo apresenta uma via de acesso à dinamização da oposição entre implicação e concessão, propondo graus de concessão cuja amplitude é demarcada desde a concessão mais tênue possível, que tem como correlato a implicação forte, ou manutenção exata da expectativa criada, até, no outro extremo, ao ápice da quebra de expectativa no “acontecimento”. Trazer esse dinamismo nos possibilita entender melhor as demandas perceptivas de um texto e até mesmo criar desenhos tensivos, medindo o impacto de cada quebra em vista da expectativa criada e do desenvolvimento proposto.
Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Who Receive Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Demonstrate Favorable In‐Hospital Outcomes
Authors: Lee Hwan , Yang Yifeng , Liu Baoqiong , Castro Simon A. , Shi Tiantian
Published: October 2020

Background

Use of inpatient brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with acute ischemic stroke is highly institution dependent and has been associated with increased length and cost of hospital stay. We examined whether inpatient brain MRI in patients with acute ischemic stroke is associated with improved clinical outcomes to justify its resource requirements.

Methods and Results

The National Inpatient Sample database was queried retrospectively to find 94 003 patients who were admitted for acute ischemic stroke and then received inpatient brain MRI between 2012 and 2014. Multivariable regression analysis was performed with respect to a control group to assess for differences in the rates of inpatient mortality and complications, as well as the length and cost of hospital stay based on brain MRI use. Inpatient brain MRI was independently associated with lower rates of inpatient mortality (1.67% versus 3.09%; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.60; 95% CI, 0.53–0.68;
P
<0.001), gastrostomy (2.28% versus 2.89%; adjusted OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.73–0.93;
P
<0.001), and mechanical ventilation (1.97% versus 2.82%; adjusted OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.60–0.77;
P
<0.001). Brain MRI was independently associated with ≈0.32 days (8%) and $1131 (11%) increase in the total length (
P
<0.001) and cost (
P
<0.001) of hospital stay, respectively.

Conclusions

Inpatient brain MRI in patients with acute ischemic stroke is associated with substantial decrease in the rates of inpatient mortality and complications, at the expense of marginally increased length and cost of hospitalization.
Environmental Design and Neighborhood Context: A Multi-level Analysis of Crime at Apartments in Cincinnati Neighborhoods
Authors: Deryol Rustu , Payne Troy
Published: October 2020

The present study examines the role of opportunity on crime counts within the multicontextual opportunity theoretical framework. We used weighted multilevel regression modeling of site observation data from a Cincinnati-based sample of 1003 apartments nested within 228 census block groups. Results indicate that only a couple of environmental design features are associated with crime in the expected direction, and some of these associations are neighborhood-context-dependent. We conclude that the results support the propositions of multicontextual opportunity theory suggesting that neighborhood level factors condition the relationship between micro level opportunity factors and crime. Since there is a scant literature on this topic, more research is needed to see if the findings hold true in other places.
Variations in the Temporal Structure of Sociability across American Cities
Authors: Murthy Dhiraj , O’Brien John D , Gross Alexander , Meyers Nathan
Published: October 2020

Though sociologists have been interested in how temporal patterns of sociability vary in urban contexts, the study of city-level dynamics at short timescales has been challenging historically. Social media and new computational methods provide a solution. Our study clusters cities using sociality as a metric. We collected three months of social media data to investigate variation in the temporal structure of sociability across American cities. We find that cities cluster into three distinct types (‘Coastal’, ‘Transitional’ and ‘Heartland’) and that geographic proximity together with race, education and language associate with this clustering. Specifically, we found that clusters of Blacker cities tend to tweet more per capita, but also that more highly educated cities tend to tweet less per capita. These findings provide evidence that social media may be facilitating new opportunities to empower traditionally marginalized urban groups, a conclusion relevant to #BlackLivesMatter, the George Floyd protests and other social movements.
Two Tales of One City: Fantasy Proneness, Authenticity, and Loyalty of On-Screen Tourism Destinations
Authors: Li ShiNa , Tian Wen (Stella) , Lundberg Christine , Gkritzali Alkmini , Sundström Malin
Published: October 2020

On-screen tourism destinations provide tourists with a mixture of reality and mass-media experience. This study builds a conceptual framework of authenticity evaluating the relationship between fantasy proneness, authenticity, and destination loyalty. It is among the first to compare perceived authenticity of dual images of a destination, both the film location and the story’s setting. Using Game of Thrones and the city of Dubrovnik as a case, it applies a mixed method of interviews followed by a main survey with both closed- and open-ended questions. The primary findings show that the relationship between authenticity of the film location (Dubrovnik) and loyalty is positive, but such relationship is insignificant for the authenticity of the story’s setting (King’s Landing). This investigation enriches our understanding of the complex assessments of authenticity and expands the theory of imagination by evaluating the effects of fantasy proneness on perceived authenticity in the context of on-screen tourism.
Successful resuscitation after hyperkalemic cardiac arrest during liver transplantation by converting veno-venous bypass to veno-arterial ECMO
Authors: Van Hoof Lucas , Rega Filip , Devroe Sarah , Degezelle Karlien , Pirenne Jacques , Neyrinck Arne
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Intraoperative cardiac arrest (ICA) is a feared complication during liver transplantation (LTx), typically occurring during reperfusion. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has been used for post-reperfusion cardiac arrest.

Case report:

We present a case of successful resuscitation after hyperkalemic ICA during the pre-anhepatic phase of a second liver transplantation by converting veno-venous bypass (VVB) to VA-ECMO.

Discussion:

While this technique has been recommended for ICA during reperfusion, it has never been reported during the pre-anhepatic phase. VA-ECMO can be a lifesaving extension to cardiopulmonary resuscitation for ICA during LTx with beneficial neurological outcome by providing perfusion while the cause of ICA is reversed.

Conclusion:

Conversion of VVB to VA-ECMO should be considered in all patients who suffer from ICA during LTx with use of VVB. With VVB installed, conversion to VA-ECMO is fast and effective. If VVB is not used, early VA-ECMO should be considered for ICA.
Circles of Support and Accountability: The Role of Social Relations in Core Member Desistance
Authors: Richards Kelly
Published: October 2020

Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) appear to reduce the sexual recidivism of core members (i.e., individuals convicted of sexual offending). It remains unclear, however, how they do so. While much previous scholarship has hypothesized that the relations between core members and CoSA volunteers promote desistance from sexual offending, there has been no theoretically-informed research that specifically interrogates these relations. This article begins to address this gap by examining the relations formed in and by CoSA through the lens of Donati’s theory of relational reflexivity. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 62 CoSA participants across six CoSA programs located in the USA and Canada, it proffers a new theorization of the role of social relations in core members’ desistance. Findings from the study will enable CoSA practitioners around the globe to explicate and deepen their practice around more rigorous theoretical precepts.
Correlates of Drug Use among Offenders in Some Prisons in Ghana
Authors: Parimah Feikoab , Owusu Jonathan Osei , Solomon Akumun T. , Appiah-Honny Sylvester Anthony
Published: October 2020

Among others, the study sought to find out whether being convicted of the possession of marijuana for personal use for the first time or multiple times, would predict marijuana, and other drug use within the past 30 days. Using a cross-sectional survey, two hundred and fifty three (253) male offenders were conveniently sampled from three prisons in Ghana. The average age of participants was 31.26 (SD = 10.19). It was established that those who had been convicted of the possession of marijuana for personal use for the first time were likely to have used marijuana within the past 30 days (OR = 4.15, 95% CI = 2.00, 8.58), and other drugs within the past 30 days (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.09, 5.47). Also, those who were recidivist robbers were likely to have used other drugs within the past 30 days (OR = 6.63, 95% CI = 2.55, 17.25). These, and other findings are discussed.
Receding Horizon Cooperative Platoon Trajectory Planning on Corridors with Dynamic Traffic Signal
Authors: Liu Meiqi , Hoogendoorn Serge , Wang Meng
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a trajectory control approach using model predictive control is proposed for cooperative (automated) vehicles. This control approach optimizes accelerations of the controlled connected and automated vehicle (CAV) platoon along a corridor with signalized intersections. The objectives of the proposed approach are to maximize the throughput first and optimize comfort, travel delay, and fuel consumption simultaneously after that. The throughput is determined according to the maximal number of CAVs that can pass the intersection during the green phase. Safety is included by penalizing smaller gaps between CAVs in the running cost. The red phase is taken into account as a virtual vehicle at the stop-line during the red time, thus the safe gap penalty with the virtual vehicle causes the first-stopping vehicle to decelerate or even stop facing the red phase. The acceleration and speed are constrained within the upper and lower bounds. The proposed approach is flexible in dealing with platoon merging, splitting, stopping, and queue-discharging characteristics at signalized intersections. Finally, the proposed control approach is verified by simulation under a baseline scenario and four scenarios, which consider signal settings and the anticipation of the red phase. The simulation results demonstrate the benefits of the proposed control approach on fuel savings, compared with the state-of-art approach which used the virtual vehicle term without anticipation. The adjustments of signal parameters in Scenario 3 and Scenario 4 demonstrate the applicability of the control approach under actuated signal control.
Can Active Labour Market Programmes Emulate the Mental Health Benefits of Regular Paid Employment? Longitudinal Evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Wang Senhu , Coutts Adam , Burchell Brendan , Kamerāde Daiga , Balderson Ursula
Published: October 2020

Active Labour Market Programmes (ALMPs), which form important components of employment support policies around the world, have been found to improve mental health and wellbeing of participants. However, it remains unclear how these health effects compare with the effects of different types of employment for men and women. Using 1991–2019 panel data in the UK, we find that unemployed women derive similar mental health benefits from ALMPs compared with employment. Unemployed men also benefit from ALMPs but obtain significantly more health benefits from formal employment. Such benefits are particularly pronounced in full-time, permanent and upper/middle-status jobs. Further analyses reveal that programmes that deliver human capital training have larger mental health benefits than employment assistance ALMPs. These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of the mental health impacts of ALMPs compared with different types of employment, and highlight the need for a more gender-sensitive design in labour market interventions.
Implication of geometrical configuration on heat transfer enhancement in converging minichannel using nanofluid by two phase mixture model: A numerical analysis
Authors: Faizan Md. , Pati Sukumar , Randive Pitamber R
Published: October 2020

In the present study laminar forced convective flow of nanofluid through a converging minichannel is investigated numerically by employing two phase mixture model. The heat transfer enhancement and the corresponding pressure drop are analyzed for the following range of parameters: Reynolds number (700 ≤ Re ≤ 1650), particle volume concentration (0% ≤ ϕ ≤ 4%) and converging angle (θ = 0.029°, 0.043° and 0.05°). The results indicate that there is a considerable increase in pressure drop coupled with enhancement in heat transfer rate with particle loading due to the improvement in the thermal properties of the resulting mixture. The pressure drop in the converging channel increases with the converging angle. The pressure drop augments as high as 2 times by advancing the particle loading from 0% to 4%. The wall temperature decreases appreciably by 34 K and heat transfer coefficient is enhanced by as high as 98% from Re =  700, ϕ = 0% and straight channel to Re =1650, Hout = 2.75mm and ϕ = 4%. The enhancement in heat transfer and corresponding increase in pressure drop as compared to equivalent straight channel is presented by the performance factor, which increases with decrease in converging angle. There is a significant concern of the pumping power with increase in converging angle, volume fraction and Reynolds number.
“This is similar to Vincent Chin”: Intertextuality, referring expressions, and the discursive construction of Asian American activist identities in an online messaging community
Authors: Nguyen Naomee-Minh
Published: October 2020

While the linguistic practices of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have become more widely documented, little is known about how AAPIs discursively create shared political identities, let alone political identities online. In this study, I examine an online messaging community dedicated to AAPI political organizing. Focusing on the discourse of four highly active members of the community, I analyze stance-taking, their uses of what have been called “referring terms” or “referring expressions”, and the intertextual references they make. I show how users establish group values through stance-taking and in-group membership through using specific referring expressions, co-constructing the community’s identity as a marginalized political group. Through intertextual references, users index shared knowledge of cultural texts regarding AAPI activism and political organizing, such as references to recent and past hate crimes, current news, and AAPI non-profit organizations. I demonstrate how these intertextual references reinforce Becker’s notion that social groups’ identities lie in a shared collection of “prior texts.” Furthermore, I contend that the use of intertextual references aligns the community with the political implications and connotations of the references themselves. Through mutual recognition and understanding of shared texts, members create an online community that transcends ethnic and regional boundaries.
Multiple lipid biomarkers record organic matter sources and paleoenvironmental changes in the East China Sea coast over the past 160 years
Authors: Chen Lilei , Li Feng , Liu Jian , He Xingliang
Published: October 2020

The use of lipid biomarkers as paleoenvironmental proxies relies on an accurate assessment of their organic matter (OM) sources. In this study, we analyzed multiple lipids in core sediments recovered from the Zhejiang–Fujian coastal mud area to provide a 160-year record of OM input to the East China Sea (ECS) coastal sediments and to reconstruct paleoenvironmental conditions over this interval. The molecular composition of the samples was characterized by a mixture of natural lipids, particularly those derived from terrestrial vascular plants, marine/riverine plankton and macrophytes, and bacteria. The sources of some lipid components were ambiguous/mixed as they were potentially derived from multiple precursor organisms and because of limitations associated with modern survey techniques. There is evidence that early diagenesis caused the preferential degradation of labile aquatic lipids and that the degradation of terrestrial lipids was more severe when subjected to complex horizontal–vertical transportation processes associated with deposition, resuspension, and redeposition. These processes may have led to an enhanced terrestrial OM signal in the normal ( n)-alkane and n-alkanol records, which is at odds with, for example, those of the n-fatty acids, hopanoids, steranes, and sterols, which suggest a dominant marine OM source. Furthermore, we conclude that the occurrence of multiple sources, selective diagenesis, and test error has led to the distortion of redox and maturity indicators based on evidence from pristane-to-phytane (Pr/Ph) ratios and sterane/hopane indices in century scale. Overall, the phytol record suggests an increase in productivity after the early 20th century. Correspondingly, the diatom lipid biomarker records (based on C25 highly branched isoprenoid alkenes and C18:1ω9 fatty acids) reveal a fluctuating but overall increasing diatom productivity after the early 20th century, which coincides with a decreased proportion of the contribution from diatoms relative to that of total phytoplankton. This is believed to correspond to natural environmental changes, as well as anthropogenic impact.
Embodiment in composition: 4E theoretical considerations and empirical evidence from a case study
Authors: Pohjannoro Ulla
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to theorise on a composer’s corporeality from the point of view of the embodied, enacted, embedded, and extended cognition paradigm, in the light of empirical data that cover the compositional process of creating one particular piece of music. The data include related manuscripts and the composer’s verbal account of those manuscripts. Composition is seen as an interactive coping behaviour and an adaptive process of knowledge acquisition and production in a sonic environment. In this epistemic process, the composer begins working with various kinds of ideas: sounds, timbres, musical structures, experiences, philosophical thoughts. They explicate these intuitive or reflective embodied representations through different kinds of externalisations, such as musical gestures, narratives, visualisation, and finally, musical notation. This study substantiates the way in which embodied, extrabodily, embedded, and enactive processes constitute the cognitive acts of a composer, usually considered as almost purely mental. It shows how musical composition may not only be grounded but also depend on embodied knowledge that the score only partly conveys. In addition to helping composers and performers communicate in real life, the findings may be useful for identifying the different cognitive premises and circumstances that can result in discrepancies between the ways in which they interpret musical notation.
Artists Finding Galleries: Entrepreneurs Gaining Legitimacy in the Art Market
Authors: Kackovic Monika , Wijnberg Nachoem M.
Published: October 2020

In many markets, there are mediators whose public evaluations mark that a new entrepreneur has gained legitimacy. Their decision may be influenced by third-party sources signaling about the entrepreneur. We quantitatively study these micro-level processes in the art market, where the artist is the entrepreneur and the art gallery is the mediator. Our results show that it is not the quantity but the diversity of signaling sources, especially highly credible ones, that influence a mediator’s decision. This allows entrepreneurs full access to the market under the consensus that “proper” legitimacy has been gained. Our conclusions are maintained under alternative analyses.
Distrust in Banks and Fintech Participation: The Case of Peer-to-Peer Lending
Authors: Saiedi Ed , Mohammadi Ali , Broström Anders , Shafi Kourosh
Published: October 2020

What has boosted crowdfunding’s growth? In the case of peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, we highlight the role of consumers’ distrust in banks. We offer evidence that distrust in banks likely triggers individuals to supply funding toward crowdfunding and away from bank deposits. We highlight that a distrust mindset promotes questioning default choices and considering alternatives, and fosters comparisons focusing on dissimilarities. Our findings suggest US states whose residents express greater distrust in banks are more likely to fund P2P loans and, conditional on funding, lend higher amounts. This relationship is more pronounced when funding small loans or borrowers with less banking access.
Postmigratory Perceptions of Female Genital Mutilation: Qualitative Life History Research
Authors: Pastor-Bravo María del Mar , Almansa-Martínez Pilar , Jiménez-Ruiz Ismael
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a practice, in breach of human rights, which currently extends to European countries. Given that migration to a Western country can involve cultural change, the aim of the present study is to explore the experiences and perceptions of sub-Saharan women regarding FGM/C following migration to Spain.

Method

A qualitative exploratory research design utilizing life history methodology was applied. Participants ( n = 24) were recruited until data saturation was reached.

Results

Sub-Saharan women describe their experience of FGM/C. Once in Spain, they begin to demystify the justifications for which FGM/C is practiced and to break the taboo that surrounds the practice.

Discussion

Migration leads individuals to reflect on the traditional practices from their countries of origin. The nursing profession must accompany migrant women throughout their process of change and provide objective information from a position of cultural understanding, avoiding attitudes that might create a sense of revictimization while their resultant health consequences are being attended to.
Midterm Results of Fresh-Frozen Osteochondral Allografting for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Authors: Chu Chung-Hua , Chen Ing-Ho , Yang Kai-Chiang , Wang Chen-Chie
Published: October 2020

Background:

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are relatively common. Following the failure of conservative treatment, many operative options have yielded varied results. In this study, midterm outcomes after fresh-frozen osteochondral allograft transplantation for the treatment of OLT were evaluated.

Methods:

Twenty-five patients (12 women and 13 men) with a mean age 40.4 (range 18-70) years between 2009 and 2014 were enrolled. Of 25 ankles, 3, 13, 4, and 4 were involved with the talus at Raikin zone 3, 4, 6, and 7 as well as one coexisted with zone 4 and 6 lesion. The mean OLT area was 1.82 cm2 (range, 1.1-3.0). The mean follow-up period was 5.5 years (range, 4-9.3). Outcomes evaluation included the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analog scale score, and 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12).

Result:

AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score increased from 74 preoperatively to 94 at 2 years postoperatively ( P < .001) and the SF-12 physical health component scores increased from 32 to 46 points ( P < .001). Incorporation was inspected in all patients in the latest follow-up, and graft subsidence and radiolucency were observed in 2 and 7 cases, respectively, whereas graft collapse and revision OLT graft were not observed. Bone sclerosis was found in 6 of 25 patients.

Conclusion:

With respect to midterm results, fresh, frozen-stored allograft transplantation might be an option in the management of symptomatic OLT.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Early Failures of Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Implant for the Treatment of Hallux Rigidus
Authors: Shimozono Yoshiharu , Hurley Eoghan T. , Kennedy John G.
Published: October 2020

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes following a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel implant in the treatment of hallux rigidus.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study investigating patients treated with a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel implant for hallux rigidus was performed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Foot and Ankle Outcomes Score (FAOS) and visual analog scale (VAS) score at the final follow-up. Plain radiographs were assessed postoperatively. Eleven patients (11 feet) with a mean follow-up of 20.9 months (range, 14-27 months) were included. The mean age was 60.3 years.

Results:

All FAOS subscales showed pre- to postoperative improvements, but there was no statistical significance in all subscales. The mean VAS score showed improvement from 4.1 to 3.0 ( P = .012). On postoperative plain radiographs, implant subsidence was observed 60% (6/10) at 4 weeks after surgery and 90% (9/10) at the final follow-up. Fifty percent (5/10) showed radiologic lucency around the implant. Forty percent (4/10) had erosion of the proximal phalanx of the great toe. Four patients (36%) reported no improvement following surgery at the final follow-up, which were considered as failures. Three patients required additional surgery related to the implants. An additional patient is waiting to revise the implant.

Conclusion:

Our current cohort study demonstrated a high failure rate with the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel implant in patients with hallux rigidus. Significant radiologic subsidence with lysis around the implant, erosion of the proximal phalanx countersurface, and implant wear are harbingers for concern in the long term.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
The role and economics of immunotherapy in solid tumour management
Authors: Worku Dominic Adam , Hewitt Victoria
Published: October 2020

Cancer therapeutics is a rapidly changing field which offers patients the prospect of a better quality of life and cure. Immunotherapy has become a unique approach for select metastatic solid tumours. While initial results do show durable responses in select patients, there are concerns on how best to utilise this expensive resource which can result in costly side effects and in whom the use of biomarkers to stratify patients is still in its infancy. Given the ageing population and extreme challenges on healthcare, economic modelling with regards to immunotherapy is imperative especially now when it is being considered for further cancer types.
Cathepsin F of Teladorsagia circumcincta is a recently evolved cysteine protease
Authors: Sloan Sarah , Jenvey Caitlin , Cairns Callum , Stear Michael
Published: October 2020

Parasitic cysteine proteases are involved in parasite stage transition, invasion of host tissues, nutrient uptake, and immune evasion. The cysteine protease cathepsin F is the most abundant protein produced by fourth-stage larvae (L4) of the nematode Teladorsagia circumcincta, while its transcript is only detectable in L4 and adults. T. circumcincta cathepsin F is a recently evolved cysteine protease that does not fall clearly into either of the cathepsin L or F subfamilies. This protein exhibits characteristics of both cathepsins F and L, and its phylogenetic relationship to its closest homologs is distant, including proteins of closely related nematodes of the same subfamily.