bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Mechanical Polishing for Monocrystal SiC Assisted by the Heterogeneous Sono-Fenton Oxidation
Authors: Shi Dong , Yin Tao , Feng Kaiping , Zhao Tianchen
Published: February 2024

The efficient chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) ability of monocrystal SiC determines the development of advanced semiconductor device. In order to improve the ultra-precision polishing efficiency for SiC, a CMP method based on the heterogeneous sono-Fenton oxidation was proposed. The effects of heterogeneous sono-Fenton on SiC surface softening and polishing based on hydroxyl radical oxidation were studied by means of the corrosion and CMP experiments. Utilizing the indentation tester, the ultra depth of field microscope and optical profilometer, the synergistic effects of heterogeneous sono-Fenton method on the improvement of SiC surface softening and polishing performance were revealed. The research results showed that the change rates of SiC hardness and elastic modulus after heterogeneous sono-Fenton corrosion were the highest, which were 0.12 and 0.6, respectively. The depth variation of indentation on SiC after heterogeneous sono-Fenton corrosion was the highest, which was 1.741 μm. Correspondingly, the improvement degree of SiC surface quality after polishing based on the heterogeneous sono-Fenton corrosion was the greatest and the material removal rate was the highest, which were Sa2.94 nm and 0.469 μm h−1, respectively.
Brain atrophy, reduced cerebral perfusion, arterial stiffening, and wall thickening with aging coincide with stimulus-specific changes in fMRI-BOLD responses
Authors: Coverdale Nicole S. , Champagne Allen A. , Allen Matti D. , Tremblay Joshua C. , Ethier Tarrah S. , Fernandez-Ruiz Juan , Marshall Rory A. , MacPherson Rebecca E. K. , Pyke Kyra E. , Cook Douglas J. , Olver T. Dylan
Published: February 2024

Cerebral perfusion was lower in old versus young adults. %Blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) responses to an isometabolic stimulus and gray matter volume were decreased in old versus young adults and associated with arterial stiffening and wall thickening. The increased %BOLD response to a neurometabolic stimulus appeared unaffected by age; however, the old group displayed disinhibition of the default mode network during the stimulus. Thus, age-related alterations in cerebral %BOLD responses were stimulus specific and related to arterial remodeling.
Ulcerative and Spreading Nodular Lesion of Epizootic Lymphangitis in Adult Black Horse in Gondar, Ethiopia: Case Report and Wound Treatment
Authors: Abebaw Balemual
Published: February 2024

An adult male black horse was presented to the UOG veterinary clinic with swelling, discharge, and skin wounds on the chest wall and the right front leg; then, it goes to the lateral and medial hind leg. Inspection and palpation were carried out, and we revealed that the skin was swelled, thickened and hard on clinical examination. There was also nodule rupture, and discharge on the limb and chest skin. Different therapy was applied starting from washing the wound with water-diluted potassium permanganate and then 0.9% NaCl together with paraffin topically placed on the wound. 10% povidone-iodine was also applied by using gauze. Griseofulvin 750 mg/day for one week was given as antifungal therapy orally. The prognosis was poor due to the long incubation period and high resistance of the causative agent.
From Rarity to Recognition: Infantile Botulism and the Broad Spectrum of Differential Diagnoses
Authors: Authement Matthew C. , Jones Brandon M. , Kahoud Robert J. , Ristagno Elizabeth H.
Published: February 2024

This case illustrates a 5‐week‐old girl who presented with decreased activity, decreased feeds, poor suck, weak cry, lethargy, hypotonia, and areflexia. The child was found to have infant botulism. The case demonstrates the importance of a full history and broad differential in an ill‐appearing infant. The differential for an ill‐appearing infant should always include infectious etiologies and may include metabolic disorders, congenital anomalies, nonaccidental trauma, neurologic disorders, and endocrine disorders. The broad differential diagnosis may make rapid diagnosis and treatment for infantile botulism a challenge.
Estimation of Joint Parameters Using Frequency-Based Substructuring Techniques
Authors: Jang Hye-Sook , An Jae-Hyoung , Eun Hee-Chang
Published: February 2024

This study presents frequency-based substructuring (FBS) techniques and an identification method for predicting joint parameters. Two FBS techniques, FBS-1 and FBS-2, were derived by assuming pseudomasses at the joint nodes between adjacent substructures. It is estimated that the main reason for the discrepancy with the analytical FRFs is the difficulty in describing the low-frequency responses owing to the assumed pseudomasses of the substructures. Although the FRF curve based on the FBS-2 technique is very close to the analytical FRF curve up to the first resonance frequency, some inconsistencies occur thereafter. It is analyzed that the FRFs up to the first resonance frequency can be utilized for data expansion methods and system identification techniques. Paying attention to this result, this study also provides an identification method to estimate the joint parameters based on the FRF variation. Its validity is illustrated using a numerical example.
Cadonilimab Combined with Chemotherapy with or without Bevacizumab as First-Line Treatment in Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer (COMPASSION-13): A Phase 2 Study
Authors: Lou Hanmei , Cai Hongbing , Huang Xin , Li Guiling , Wang Li , Liu Fei , Qin Wenjing , Liu Ting , Liu Wei , Wang Zhongmin Maxwell , Li Baiyong , Xia Yu , Wang Jing
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been a potential treatment option for patients with cervical cancer in several clinical studies. We investigated the safety and efficacy of cadonilimab, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4, plus standard therapy for the first-line treatment of R/M CC (recurrent and/or metastatic cervical cancer).

Patients and Methods:

Eligible patients were assigned to 3 cohorts: cohort A-15 (cadonilimab 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks (Q3W) plus chemotherapy), cohort A-10 (cadonilimb 10 mg/kg Q3W plus chemotherapy), and cohort B-10 (cadonilimab 10 mg/kg Q3W plus chemotherapy and bevacizumab). They received the corresponding treatments until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, withdrawal of consent, or investigator decision. The primary objective was safety; the secondary endpoints included objective overall response (ORR), duration of response, disease control rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04868708).

Results:

As of February 13, 2023, treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) occurred in 45 (100.0%) patients. Grade ≥3 TRAEs were reported in 33 (73.3%) patients. Immune-related adverse events (irAE) occurred in 29 (64.4%) patients and grade ≥3 irAEs were observed in 9 (20.0%) patients. Seven (15.6%) of 45 patients permanently discontinued cadonilimab treatment due to TRAEs. One death due to hemorrhagic shock occurred in cohort B-10. Among 44 patients who underwent at least one post-baseline tumor assessment, the ORR was 66.7% in cohort A-15, 68.8% in cohort A-10, 92.3% in cohort B-10, and 79.3% in cohorts A-10 and B-10 combined.

Conclusions:

Cadonilimab combined with standard therapy was acceptable, with encouraging antitumor activity in patients with R/M CC.
Intratumoral TREX1 Induction Promotes Immune Evasion by Limiting Type I IFN
Authors: Toufektchan Eléonore , Dananberg Alexandra , Striepen Josefine , Hickling James H. , Shim Abraham , Chen Yanyang , Nichols Ashley , Duran Paez Mercedes A. , Mohr Lisa , Bakhoum Samuel F. , Maciejowski John
Published: February 2024

Chromosomal instability is a hallmark of human cancer that is associated with aggressive disease characteristics. Chromosome mis-segregations help fuel natural selection, but they risk provoking a cGAS-STING immune response through the accumulation of cytosolic DNA. The mechanisms of how tumors benefit from chromosomal instability while mitigating associated risks, such as enhanced immune surveillance, are poorly understood. Here, we identify cGAS-STING–dependent upregulation of the nuclease TREX1 as an adaptive, negative feedback mechanism that promotes immune evasion through digestion of cytosolic DNA. TREX1 loss diminishes tumor growth, prolongs survival of host animals, increases tumor immune infiltration, and potentiates response to immune checkpoint blockade selectively in tumors capable of mounting a type I IFN response downstream of STING. Together, these data demonstrate that TREX1 induction shields chromosomally unstable tumors from immune surveillance by dampening type I IFN production and suggest that TREX1 inhibitors might be used to selectively target tumors that have retained the inherent ability to mount an IFN response downstream of STING.

See related article by Lim et al., p. 663
Supplemental Figure 5 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Supplemental Figure 5. Aurora kinase inhibition does not affect genomic DNA CpG methylation.
The Role of Regulatory T Cells in Allergic Diseases: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Update 2024
Authors: Martín-Cruz Leticia , Benito-Villalvilla Cristina , Sirvent Sofía , Angelina Alba , Palomares Oscar
Published: February 2024

Background: Allergy represents a major health problem of increasing prevalence worldwide with a high socioeconomic impact. Our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying allergic diseases and their treatments has significantly improved over the last years. The generation of allergen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) is crucial in the induction of healthy immune responses to allergens, preventing the development and worsening of allergic diseases. Summary: In the last decades, intensive research has focused on the study of the molecular mechanisms involved in Treg development and Treg-mediated suppression. These mechanisms are essential for the induction of sustained tolerance by allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) after treatment discontinuation. Compelling experimental evidence demonstrated altered suppressive capacity of Tregs in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, food allergy, or atopic dermatitis, as well as the restoration of their numbers and functionality after successful AIT. Key Message: The better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in Treg generation during allergen tolerance induction might well contribute to the development of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.
Avifauna of four protected areas of Terai-Arc Landscape, India: significant records and a checklist of species
Authors: Shariq Safi  , Tanveer Ahmed  , Junid Nazeer Shah  , Meraj Anwar  , Maurya Kamlesh K.
Published: February 2024

Protected areas (PAs) in Terai-Arc landscape are relatively poorly explored as far as bird communities are concerned. Here we report a checklist and significant records of birds recorded during opportunistic observations and systematic bird surveys in four PAs: Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (2001–2004, 2006, 2008, and 2015); Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (2014–15); Valmiki Tiger Reserve (2014–17), and Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary (2018). We have compiled a checklist of 424 species that includes 358 species in the Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, 306 species in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, 236 species in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, and 128 species in Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary. Most species belong to the Insectivore guild (190 species, 44.8%), while the nectivorous guild was the least represented (10 species, 2.35%). A total of 9% of species in the region were either globally threatened (6 Critically Endangered, 5 Endangered, and 8 Vulnerable) or Near Threatened (19 species). Sightings of species of conservation importance have been discussed.
Erode Ground Gecko Cyrtodactylus speciosus (Beddome, 1870) (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from peri-urban common-lands of Coimbatore, India, with comments on habitat associations
Authors: S.R. Ganesh  , N.A. Swaathi  , Ravindra Usha
Published: February 2024

We report the Erode Ground Gecko Cyrtodactylus speciosus (Beddome, 1870), a rare, hill forest-dwelling species, from two sites in the northern periphery of Coimbatore city. These two sites, viz., Nallusamy checkdam (Site–1) and Sarkar Sama Kulam (Site–2) are lakes with remnant vegetation belts, surrounded by pastures, farmlands, and villages. From 100 hours of observations during a six-month period (April–September 2023) in these two sites, we report 14 sightings of C. speciosus including gravid females, juveniles, and subadults indicating a persistent breeding population. The encounter rate estimates ranged from 5 h (in Nallusamy checkdam; n = 10/50 h) to 12½ h (in Sarkar Sama Kulam; n = 4/50 h), averaging at about 7 h (pooled; n = 14/100 h) to get one sighting of C. speciosus. Our sightings of C. speciosus in peri-urban common lands abutting a city, calls for intensified biodiversity surveys and enhanced protections of such remnant vegetation belts, often presumed to have low or marginalised conservation values.
Unearthing calf burials among Asian Elephants Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 (Mammalia: Proboscidea: Elephantidae) in northern Bengal, India
Authors: Kaswan Parveen , Roy Akashdeep
Published: February 2024

Rampant environmental changes and forest destruction push elephants, both Asian and African, to explore human spaces to fulfil their dietary and ecological requirements and, consequently in shared spaces many ‘novel’ elephant behaviors come into the limelight. Elephant calf burial is reported in African literature but remains absent from the Asian context. We report calf burials by Asian Elephants in the eastern Himalayan floodplains of the northern Bengal landscape. The study area consists of fragmented forests, tea estates, agricultural lands, and military establishments. Tea estates form the majority of elephant corridors, and we explain the burial strategy of elephants in the irrigation drains of tea estates. We present five case reports of calf burials by elephants. We aimed to understand the perimortem strategy and postmortem behavior of the Asian Elephants. The major findings reflect that the carcasses were carried by trunks and legs for a distance before being buried in a ‘legs-upright-position’. We further investigated the underlying reason for calf deaths through postmortem examinations. Direct human intervention was not recorded in any of the five deaths. Through opportunistic observation, digital photography, fieldnotes, and postmortem examination reports, we suggest that the carcasses were buried in an abnormal recumbent style irrespective of the reason for the calf’s death. Through long-term observation, we further report that the elephants in this region clearly avoid the paths where carcasses were buried. We discuss and connect the literature of two distinct elephant species and also compare thanatological studies of other sentient nonhuman species.
Fortune in Exile: William Rotch, 1775–1805
Authors: Crabtree Sarah
Published: February 2024

Three governments in two decades (1775-1795) accused Quaker William Rotch of disloyalty, interpreting his pacifist universalism as political subversion. Yet his merchant vocation also inspired his cosmopolitanism and infuriated his opponents. Both stories are necessary for a full portrait of the man and a complete understanding of the historical moment.
Impatiens longecauda (Balsaminaceae): a new species of long spurred balsam from Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya, India
Authors: SINGH HARSH , KUMAR AASHISH
Published: February 2024

A new species Impatiens longecauda from Gangolihat, Uttarakhand is illustrated and described. The new species is closely allied to I. devendrae and it differs in number of characters in petals, sepal and stamens.
Introduction
Authors: Gabler Hans Walter
Published: February 2024

This introduction reflects on the history of the author’s engagement with the works of James Joyce and explores the significance of each essay to the collection.
Bridging New Observational Capabilities and Process-Level Simulation: Insights into Aerosol Roles in the Earth System
Authors: Mei Fan , Wang Hailong , Zhu Zihua , Zhang Damao , Zhang Qi , Fast Jerome D. , Gustafson William I. , Li Xiang-Yu , Schmid Beat , Niedek Christopher , Tomlinson Jason , Flynn Connor
Published: February 2024

The spatial distribution of ambient aerosol particles significantly impacts aerosol–radiation–cloud interactions, which contribute to the largest uncertainty in global anthropogenic radiative forcing estimations. However, the atmospheric boundary layer and lower free troposphere have not been adequately sampled in terms of spatiotemporal resolution, hindering a comprehensive characterization of various atmospheric processes and impeding our understanding of the Earth system. To address this research data gap, we have leveraged the development of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and advanced measurement techniques to obtain mesoscale spatial data on aerosol microphysical and optical properties around the U.S. Southern Great Plains (SGP) atmospheric observatory. Our study also benefits from state-of-the-art laboratory facilities that include three-dimensional molecular imaging techniques enabled by secondary ion mass spectrometry and nanogram-level chemical composition analysis via micronebulization aerosol mass spectrometry. Through our study, we have developed a framework for observation–modeling integration, enabling an examination of how various assumptions about the organic–inorganic components mixing state, inferred from chemical analysis, affect clouds and radiation in observation-constrained model simulations. By integrating observational constraints (derived from offline chemical analysis of the aerosol surface using collected samples) with in situ UAS observations, we have identified a prominent role of organic-enriched nanometer layers located at the surface of aerosol particles in determining profiles of aerosol optical and hygroscopic properties over the SGP observatory. Furthermore, we have improved the agreement between predicted clouds and ground-based cloud lidar measurements. This UAS–model–laboratory integration exemplifies how these new advanced capabilities can significantly enhance our understanding of aerosol–radiation–cloud interactions.
Anthropogenic Influence on 2022 June Extreme Rainfall over the Pearl River Basin
Authors: Liu Xinru , Jie Hang , Zou Yulin , Liu Shengjun , Hu Yamin , Liu Shuyi , Yang Dangfu , Zhao Liang , He Jian
Published: February 2024

According to HadGEM3 (CMIP6) models, anthropogenic forcing reduced the probability of 2022-like June mean precipitation by about 32% (15%) and increased 5-day rainfall extreme probability by about 1.8 (1.3) times.
Managing Nationalism: Experiments in China
Authors: Quek Kai , Chan Samuel S. H.
Published: February 2024

One of the most urgent problems in politics today is to understand and manage nationalism. In particular, much attention is paid to the dangers of nationalism in China, but to date, there is little causal evidence on whether and how the government can rein in the anti-foreign sentiments of a nationalistic public. We fielded national survey experiments in China to evaluate the persuasion devices used by the government to contain anti-foreign sentiments. Through a novel “question-as-treatment” design, we identified their effectiveness in making citizens more likely to cooperate with a foreign rival at the operational level, even when they did not always change how people felt at the emotional level. The persuasion devices, however, were less effective on highly patriotic citizens, unless it was salient to them that the government was trying to persuade them. These results contribute a first set of causal evidence on whether anti-foreign sentiments can be contained by the Chinese government, and how.
Extending Driver’s Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants: Comparing Perinatal Outcomes Following This Policy Shift
Authors: Moinester Margot , Stanhope Kaitlyn K.
Published: February 2024

Research shows that restrictive immigration policies and practices are associated with poor health, but far less is known about the relationship between inclusive immigration policies and health. Using data from the United States natality files, we estimate associations between state laws granting undocumented immigrants access to driver’s licenses and perinatal outcomes among 4,047,067 singleton births to Mexican and Central American immigrant birthing people (2008–2021). Fitting multivariable log binomial and linear models, we find that the implementation of a license law is associated with improvements in low birthweight and mean birthweight. Replicating these analyses among U.S.-born non-Hispanic White birthing people, we find no association between the implementation of a license law and birthweight. These findings support the hypothesis that states’ extension of legal rights to immigrants improves the health of the next generation.
A multi-layer fabric for high-efficiency solar-driven seawater desalination
Authors: Li Jiugang , Bao Mengzhe , Jin Xinpeng , Zhang Wenlu , He JiaHao , He Chong , Li Wenbin
Published: February 2024

Fiber-based photothermal materials for seawater desalination usage have garnered significant attention owing to their outstanding properties. However, traditional monolayer fabrics are prone to possess inherent inefficiencies such as high thermal dissipation and salt crystallization within the evaporation zone, especially reducing the evaporation efficiency during the long-term seawater desalination. Herein, a novel three-layered three-dimensional (3D) spacer carbon/polyester cotton spacer woven fabric (SWF) evaporator is designed. This SWF material was delineated into three distinct layers: an upper evaporate layer, a foundational water absorption layer, and a central water dedicated to water transition, thermal insulation, and salt crystallization. The rational three-layered 3D architecture guarantees the swift aqueous transition within SWF evaporator, simultaneously curtailing thermal losses from the top layer. The evaporation rate of 3D SWF, with 6 mm interval space, registered at 1.6721 kg · m−2·h−1 under a solar intensity of 1 kW · m−2. Furthermore, under conditions with a solar power of 1 kW · m−2 and a wind velocity of 2 m · s−1, the evaporation efficiency of liquid water from SWF, with a central layer height of 12 mm, culminated at 3.9742 kg · m−2·h−1, which validated its adeptness for the seawater desalination applications. The results of our research are helping to provide for efficient and stable methods of wastewater treatment, desalination, and drinking water collection.
Does Rural Mean not Urban? Reconsidering the Conceptualization and Operationalization of Rural School Districts
Authors: Welsh Richard O.
Published: February 2024

Increasing attention has been paid to rural education policy and research, yet few studies have examined the conceptualization of rural school districts. This study provides a conceptual and empirical examination of the definitions of rural districts. The results illustrate that a common, singular definition of rural is elusive and there is a prevailing notion of rural as “not urban.” Regardless of the operationalization of rurality, there are statistically significant differences across urban and rural districts in terms of their size, complexity, demographic composition, segregation, educational resources, economic structure, economic and social context, and academic and equity-related outcomes. Implications are discussed.
Temporal Motivation Theory: Punctuality Is a Matter of Seconds
Authors: Bok Stephen , Shum James , Lee Maria
Published: February 2024

Time management is essential for strong strategic business planning and marketing campaigns. Having sufficient time to complete essential planning is important, as is the punctuality of meeting deadlines. Temporal Motivation Theory (TMT) explains the relationship between deciding to perform a task and expected incentives, consequences, and the cost of delay. We analyzed the time (in seconds) that business students submitted weekly quizzes before Saturday night deadlines (1,587 quiz submissions). Self-discipline was measured as a student’s self-evaluation of their ability to start tasks promptly. We find that self-discipline, by itself, was associated with lower average quiz scores. However, self-discipline combined with greater punctuality was associated with higher quiz scores. High self-discipline associated with low emotional stability resulted in earlier average quiz submissions, which resulted in higher quiz scores than submitting work closer to deadlines. These results indicate using internal pressure like anxiety to initiate studying and completing schoolwork can lead to better academic performance. Based on TMT, students appear to use deadlines to reverse calculate the amount of time before a consequential deadline. This translates into a form of negative reinforcement (avoidance), as opposed to positive reinforcement for punctuality. Implications for business marketing students and academicians are discussed.
Atlanto-occipital Assimilation an Incidental Cephalometric Finding: Diagnosis and Clinical Implications – A Case Report
Authors: Davis Bibin Joe , Chaudhary Dinesh Chander , Jayan Balakrishnan , Thakur Vivek Kumar , Chopra Sukhbir Singh , Sandhu Guramrit
Published: February 2024

Occipitalization of atlas is an osseous anomaly of the craniovertebral junction, which occurs at the base of the skull in the region of the foramen magnum. It is the fusion of first cervical vertebra with the occipital bone of the skull. A 16-year-old patient reported with chief complaint of irregularly placed teeth. Routine lateral cephalogram assessment revealed the presence of fusion between first cervical vertebrae (C-1) and base of skull. The radiographic investigation revealed the presence of fusion along with the clinical findings of short neck, short face, cleft palate, missing teeth, and pain during neck extension and flexion. Such cases of craniocervical anomaly can cause orthopedic and neurological problems like abnormal posture of head, restricted neck movements, cervical pain, pain in extremities, wasting of muscles, and convulsions. The comprehensive radiographic assessment of all structures visible in cephalogram of orthodontic patient can help in identification of such anomalies and sensitize the patients about symptomatic or asymptomatic condition.
Optimal design of prestressed bolt thread
Authors: Pedersen Niels Leergaard
Published: February 2024

The design of bolt and nut thread comes in many variations, typically the designs are specified in standards like the metric ISO thread. The thread design is important for the connection strength, and bolted connections are used for many applications. In the present paper focus is on the strength of prestressed bolts, that is, where the preload is typically more than 75% of the proof strength. The objective is in the present work to reduce the stress concentration in the thread. The stress is found numerically using a full 3D finite element model, and a simplified 2D axisymmetric model. It is shown that the 2D model is sufficient for evaluating the maximum stress. Applying a symmetric design it is shown that a reduction in the maximum stress in the thread of 14% can be achieved. Allowing for an unsymmetrical thread design the maximum stress is reduced by 33%. With the unsymmetrical design some of the stress reduction is due to a more evenly load distribution along the thread. geometrically, all optimized designs are such that they can be manufactured by the same methods as a standard ISO thread.
Cellular Automata Model for Helping Behavior in Pedestrian Evacuation Based on Fuzzy Theory
Authors: Mao Qinghua , Wang Heng
Published: February 2024

Evacuation accidents have been frequent in recent years, and during evacuation we know that people do not always act selfishly. This study aims to investigate the effect of helping behavior on evacuation efficiency. Through the fuzzy logic reasoning method combined with the cellular automata (CA) model, we investigated the role of helping behavior on evacuation efficiency in different contexts and came up with the following results. Firstly, we found that helping behavior has a positive effect on evacuation efficiency to some extent and can significantly reduce evacuation time. At an average personnel density of approximately 1.38 persons per square meter, individuals involved in helping behavior are able to provide assistance and speed up the evacuation process. However, when the personnel density is too high, helping behavior may instead reduce evacuation efficiency. This may be attributable to the blockage of exits in high-density situations, resulting in a weakening of the synergistic effect of helping behavior. The findings elucidate the dual-edged nature of helping behavior in evacuations and emphasize the importance of strategic planning and crowd management to harness its potential benefits effectively.
Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning for Multi-Lane Freeways Differential Variable Speed Limit Control in Mixed Traffic Environment
Authors: Han Lei , Zhang Lun , Guo Weian
Published: February 2024

In advanced freeway traffic management systems, variable speed limit control (VSLC) is frequently discussed as one of the control measures. However, in a mixed traffic environment where connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) and human-driven vehicles coexist, the existing VSLC strategies for multi-lane freeways have two major shortcomings: the lack of precise control at the individual vehicle level, and the implementation of uniform VSLC across all lanes. This paper proposes a novel differential variable speed limit control (DVSLC) strategy based on multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) in a mixed traffic environment (abbreviated as MARL-DVSLC). The proposed MARL-DVSLC approach utilized a centralized training with decentralized execution paradigm to learn the joint actions of variable speed limit controllers across all lanes, thereby setting different speed limits for each lane. The reward function takes into account the total time spent (TTS) on freeways to improve traffic mobility. Note that MARL-DVSLC disseminates speed limit information to CAVs via infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) communication. The effectiveness of MARL-DVSLC is verified under different simulation scenarios. Moreover, its performance is compared with the feedback-based VSLC method, the DVSLC method based on deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) (abbreviated as DDPG-DVSLC), and the no-control case in relation to performance. The results indicate that the proposed strategy can effectively improve traffic efficiency and reduce the spatiotemporal range of traffic congestion at a 30% penetration rate of CAVs. Compared with the suboptimal DDPG-DVSLC method, the proposed strategy can improve TTS by 12.88% with stable traffic demand and 10.24% with fluctuating traffic demand.
Impact of Speed Limit Enforcement Cameras on Speed Behavior: Naturalistic Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Amancio Eduardo Cesar , Gadda Tatiana Maria Cecy , Corrêa Janine Nicolosi , Bonetti Gabriela da Costa , Oviedo-Trespalacios Oscar , Bastos Jorge Tiago
Published: February 2024

Speeding is widely recognized as a key contributor to the occurrence and severity of road crashes, making studies on speed reduction devices particularly relevant given poor road safety outcomes worldwide. This study investigates the impact of fixed speed cameras on driver behavior and speed reduction in urban arterials using a naturalistic driving study methodology. Data from 13 drivers and 116 trips in Curitiba, Brazil, were analyzed, with a focus on speed cameras placed on arterial roads. Speed data were grouped and analyzed by various categories, including topographic profile, day and week periods, and rain conditions. Mean comparisons were used to compare data sets, revealing an overall speed reduction effect of 0.69 km/h (−1.33%) around the speed camera. The study identified a pattern of punctual speed reduction, known as a “kangaroo jump,” a speed reduction followed by an increase in speed, referred to as the “compensation effect,” and a new pattern characterized by a non-significant speed reduction at the speed camera site followed by an increase in speed, referred to as the “cobra strike effect” because of its curve pattern. The largest speed reductions were observed for flat topographic profiles (−2.98%), daytime travel (−1.58%), and travel on working days (−1.75%) with rain (−1.80%). Conversely, the speed camera had little impact on vehicle speed for uphill topographic profiles, no rain conditions, and travels during weekend.
Influence of Maternal Dietary Pattern on the Pro-Oxidant and Antioxidant Status of Mother’s Own Milk
Authors: Silva Racire Sampaio , Vasconcelos Christiane Mileib , Pessoa Iana Soares , Santos Tamires Cruz dos , Scherer Rodrigo , Endringer Denise Coutinho , Fronza Marcio
Published: February 2024

Background:

Human milk is essential for a child’s best development. However, what a mother eats while breastfeeding can directly influence the composition of mother’s milk.

Research Aim:

This study aimed to assess the antioxidant-oxidant profile of human milk and establish a connection between this profile and the dietary habits of the mothers.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Hospital Infantil e Maternidade Alzir Bernardino Alves (HIMABA), located in the municipality of Vila Velha-ES, Brazil. The sample included 98 participants. All volunteers completed a structured interview and a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Approximately 5–10 ml of colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk were manually collected. The antioxidant activity of human milk was assessed using the colorimetric method for free radical scavenging with 2,2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring lipid peroxidation through malondialdehyde concentration, evaluating advanced oxidation protein products, and assessing total protein content using the Bradford method.

Results:

The antioxidant profile of colostrum was higher than that observed in later phases of milk, whereas pro-oxidants increased in later phases. Maternal dietary patterns influenced the pro-oxidant status of human milk. Participants with a higher daily intake of milk, dairy products, vegetable oils, olive oils, and legumes exhibited lower levels of lipid peroxidation in colostrum, transition milk, and mature milk, respectively.

Conclusions:

Our study highlights the vital role of a balanced maternal diet in shaping the pro-oxidant status of human milk, with implications for infant health.
The Wancho Animation Workshop: Interpreting Local Folklore for Animation in North-East India
Authors: Douglas Tara
Published: February 2024

This article reviews the topic of indigenous knowledge, addressing the ethical and knowledge gaps in Eurocentric education, research, and scholarship based on examples from a participatory media venture in collaboration with people of the Wancho community of North-East India. The objective of the project is to represent the cultural insights that are integral to the local traditions through contemporary media practices and to engage a group of people from various disciplines, outlooks, and ways of life in the decolonization of indigenous representation and media practice.
Reflective Case Study of a Literacy Instructor Teaching English to Refugee Adult Learners
Authors: Larrotta Clarena , Ture Shannon D.
Published: February 2024

The United States has been the global leader resettling refugees since the 1970s; its resettlement program is the largest in the world. The state of Texas has a high number of admissions and longstanding refugee programs which makes it a strategic site for research. This article reports findings of a reflective case study within an open enrollment literacy program in Central Texas. It describes the experiences of a literacy instructor teaching English to refugee adult learners for six years. The research questions guiding the study are: (1) what are the experiences of a literacy instructor teaching English to refugee adult learners? and (2) what can other English language instructors transfer from this reflective case study to their classroom settings when teaching refugee learners? To document the case study, it was important to keep a systematic account of facts and reflection. Thus, the instructor kept a reflective journal for a semester and participated in a series of conversational storytelling interviews to generate data for the study. Thematic analysis procedures guided the data analysis process and allowed for identifying five major themes to report study findings. These are: (1) traumatic stress, (2) classroom dynamics, (3) active listening, (4) flexibility for teaching and learning, and (5) curriculum challenges. Study findings provide examples and narratives that can be useful to practitioners interested in this topic. This article is an invitation to instructors of adult refugee language learners to engage in reflection and become more aware of their teaching practices.
Safety Profile of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Real-World Settings: A Pharmacovigilance Study Based on FDA Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Zhao Yi , Zhang Yuzhou , Yang Lin , Zhang Kanghuai , Li Sha
Published: February 2024

Background:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed agents to treat depression. Considering the growth in antidepressant prescription rates, SSRI-induced adverse events (AEs) need to be comprehensively clarified.

Objective:

This study was to investigate safety profiles and potential AEs associated with SSRIs using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods:

A retrospective pharmacovigilance analysis was conducted using the FAERS database, with Open Vigil 2.1 used for data extraction. The study included cases from the marketing date of each SSRI (ie, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, and sertraline) to April 30, 2023. We employed the reporting odds ratio and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network as analytical tools to assess the association between SSRIs and AEs. The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities was used to standardize the definition of AEs. AE classification was achieved using system organ classes (SOCs).

Results:

Overall, 427 655 AE reports were identified for the 6 SSRIs, primarily associated with 25 SOCs, including psychiatric, nervous system, congenital, familial, genetic, cardiac, and reproductive disorders. Notably, sertraline ( n = 967) and fluvoxamine ( n = 169) exhibited the highest and lowest signal frequencies, respectively. All SSRIs had relatively strong signals related to congenital, psychiatric, and nervous disorders.

Conclusions and relevance:

Most of our findings are consistent with those reported previously, but some AEs were not previously identified. However, AEs attributed to SSRIs remain ambiguous, warranting further validation. Applying data-mining methods to the FAERS database can provide additional insights that can assist in appropriately utilizing SSRIs.
Influencing Factors of Constipation in Elderly Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Implication for Clinical Care
Authors: Wang Meng , Lu Jue , Lu Ziwei , Wang Zhong , Wang Zhuo , Wu Chao
Published: February 2024

Background: Constipation is common in elderly inpatients with intracerebral hemorrhage. This study aimed to construct a model for predicting the risk of constipation in elderly inpatients with intracerebral hemorrhage and to provide reference for formulating targeted intervention measures. Methods: Elderly patients with intracerebral hemorrhage who were treated in the department of Neurosurgery of a third-class hospital in Suzhou from January 2018 to September 2023 were included. Clinical data of patients with and without constipation were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of constipation in elderly patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, and R software was used to construct a line chart model to verify its predictive effect. Results: A total of 504 elderly patients with intracerebral hemorrhage were included. The incidence of constipation in elderly patients with cerebral hemorrhage was 63.9%. Logistic regression analysis showed that GCS score (OR = 1.094, 95%CI: 1.019∼1.174), hypertension (OR = 2.911, 95%CI: 1.797∼4.715), use of dehydrating agent (OR = 3.794, 95%CI: 2.337∼6.158), surgical treatment (OR = 3.986, 95%CI: 2.339∼6.793), use of sedative drugs (OR = 4.212, 95%CI:2.386-7.435), and limb paralysis (OR = 6.313, 95%CI:3.689∼10.803) were the independent risk factors for constipation in elderly patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. The area under the ROC curve of the prediction model was 0.872 (95%CI: 0.8401∼0.9033), the best critical value was 0.705, the sensitivity was 0.748, and the specificity was 0.857. Conclusion: The constipation risk prediction model of elderly patients with cerebral hemorrhage has good differentiation and calibration, which is helpful for health care providers to identify the risk of constipation in elderly patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.
An unusual ophthalmologic finding in a patient with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Aguado-Casanova Víctor , Pérez-García Diana , Orejudo-Rivas Marta , Ramiro-Millán Patricia , Ibañez-Alperte Juan , Calvo-Simon Cristina , Remón Leon
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) is a rare disease due to a severely impaired central control of breathing and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Ophthalmologic abnormalities are common in patients with CCHS and include horizontal strabismus, pupil and iris abnormalities and ptosis. We report a unique case of CCHS in association with monocular elevation deficit (MED) in a boy diagnosed with CCHS at birth.

Case description

We report a case of a boy with a confirmed diagnosis of CCHS (complete sequencing of the paired-like homeobox 2b (PHOX2B) gene) after presenting little respiratory effort and cyanosis at birth. The ophthalmological examination shows an impaired elevation of the left eye, both in adduction and abduction, associated with mild and variable left ptosis. His mother has observed that the left eyelid elevates when the child feeds. A deviation in the primary gaze position or a chin-up position are not present. The funduscopic examination is normal. Given that deviation is limited to upgaze, the ptosis is mild and the patient's age, observation is decided.

Conclusions

Ophthalmologic abnormalities are common in patients with CCHS and include horizontal strabismus, pupil and iris abnormalities and ptosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of MED in association with CCHS. Further studies are needed to determine if an association between MED and CCHS exists or is just a casual finding in this case.
From dissent to cohesion: Immigration policy shift and intra-party dynamics in the Danish Social Democratic Party
Authors: Orhan Suat Alper
Published: February 2024

The high saliency of immigration presented social democratic parties with a strategic quandary on reconciling different values and expectations. Danish Social Democratic Party (S) stood out as it shifted to restrictive policies while achieving intra-party cohesion and avoiding major internal strifes. This article investigates the factors behind S’ immigration shift and intra-party cohesion, focusing on a timeframe between 2005 and 2019 by combining an analysis of S’ immigration policies with insights from 12 interviews with party elites. Comparing varying strategies, ideological inclinations, and support, I explore the intra-party actors’ perceptions, constraining and permissive influences of intra-party dynamics, development and reconstruction of new ideological frameworks and factional alignment. Findings highlight the importance of intra-party dynamics on shifting policies in immigration for social democratic parties, providing further insights on how the S party elite navigated the policy shift while ensuring intra-party cohesion from electoral, ideological and organisational perspectives.
Vibrant Screens: Remote therapy and counselling through the lens of digital materiality
Authors: Kolehmainen Marjo
Published: February 2024

This article analyses the digital screen as a health technology. In particular, the article asks how screens as a part of therapy settings or counselling practices materialise – or fail to materialise – care. The empirical data comprise interviews with therapy and counselling professionals, whose experiences with technology during the COVID-19 pandemic were my original interest. Adopting a sociomaterial approach to technology use, it scrutinises not only how screens are used, but also how screens themselves act and operate. This approach foregrounds the screen as ‘multiple’, complicating a dichotomous understanding between in-person therapy and remote therapy. The article argues that the screen operates in a variety of ways that might either facilitate or degrade care and is an essential part of more-than-human care in digitalised societies. Acknowledging the agential capacities of all matter, the article also conceptualises screens as ‘vibrant matter’.
Supermarket ‘dark jobs’ and rapid grocery delivery: Transformations in labour, technology and logistics
Authors: Kelly Lauren
Published: February 2024

As demand for rapid grocery delivery surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia’s supermarket duopoly set about transforming relations of labour, technology and logistics to secure dominance in the growing sector. I consider the rise of ‘dark jobs’ of the supermarket and what this means for affected workers. My research encompasses in-depth interviews with 17 supermarket workers, including personal shoppers and dark store workers. I also draw upon corporate documents and media statements released during the pandemic, as well as insights gleaned through my work within Australia’s union movement. I argue that the transformations underway result in three major developments. First, the intensification of supermarket work to adhere to the temporal logics of the on-demand economy, enabled by the increasing use of digital devices. Second, the absorption of precarious workers via digital labour platforms into the traditional firm which may undermine existing job security. Third, a blurring distinction between retail and logistical spaces with consequences for union representation that may erode workplace conditions. Taken together, the supermarket becomes a powerful testing ground in which the logics of on-demand platforms are transforming conventional employment settings and practices.