bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The history and normative significance of summaria in the Liber extra
Authors: Alexandrowicz Piotr
Published: May 2022

The printed editions of the Liber extra usually contain summaria, which are short summaries added to the source text providing the encapsulated ratio of each chapter. These short additions were mostly overlooked by the canonists and legal historians, and for this reason their history and relevance are not satisfactorily assessed. The study of incunabula shows that summaria were taken mostly from the Commentaria of Niccolò de Tudeschi, however his summaries were usually founded on the earlier commentaries to the Liber extra. Summaria were first introduced to the printed Liber extra in 1489 by Girolamo Chiari in the edition of the Venetian printer Battista Torti. This innovation was immediately adopted by other printers who expressly signalled the addition of summaria to attract the attention of students and other potential purchasers. The other redaction of summaria was prepared by Jean Chappuis for the edition of the Liber extra in 1501, and both redactions were inserted in the editio Romana of 1582, either in the centre or in the margins. Summaria were reiterated in almost all editions starting from the edition of Torti from 1489 up to the edition of Friedberg in 1881. The scarce scholarly accounts on the significance of summaria claim only that they were lacking authoritative value but should be treated as interpretative, didactic or epistemic tools for a better understanding of the Liber extra and accompanying the history of canon law jurisprudence.
An Inconsistent Truth? Reflections on Tucker Ferda’s
Authors: Rollens Sarah E.
Published: May 2022

This article reviews Tucker Ferda’s recent book on the Galilean Crisis Theory, a scholarly theory that holds that Jesus encountered hostility and rejection in Galilee, which spurred significant changes in his mission, including his rather abrupt transition to Jerusalem. This lucid and deftly executed study charts the development of this scholarly theory, before offering its own assessment of Jesus’ mission and its success. With his perceptive assessment of early scholarship, Ferda makes an important contribution to the on-going meta-critical work in historical Jesus studies.
The Galilean Crisis and Jesus Research Past and Present
Authors: Ferda Tucker Samson
Published: May 2022

The author offers a grateful reply to his three respondents before clarifying a few matters and responding to queries. Nothing emerges that would require modifications to the main arguments of the book.
The Old English Translation of the Homiliary of Angers
Authors: Afros Elena
Published: May 2022

Over the past decade, steady progress has been made in identifying the Latin witnesses to the Homiliary of Angers; however, no new copies of its Old English rendition have surfaced. The singular source of information about the vernacular adaptation and dissemination of this important preaching resource in Anglo-Saxon England remains the Taunton Fragment (Taunton, Somerset County Record Office, DD/SAS C/1193/77), two bifolia of unknown origin and uncertain date. The previous discussions, which centered around orthography, morphology, and morphosyntax, determined that the Taunton Fragment is a copy produced towards the end of the Old English period, probably deriving from an Anglian archetype. To complement these findings, the present study focuses on lexis. A close examination of the two layers of the Taunton Fragment’s vocabulary—the lexemes which primarily occur in texts of Anglian origin or exhibiting the influence of Anglian works and the lexemes which typically replace obsolescent lexis in late copies of Old English material—supports the hypothesis that the Old English translation preserved in the Taunton Fragment is a copy descending from an Anglian archetype produced in a scriptorium dominated by the late West-Saxon writing tradition in the second half of the eleventh century.
Advocating for Transgender Immigrants in Detention Centers: Cisnormativity as a Tool for Racialized Social Control
Authors: Kurdyla Victoria
Published: May 2022

Despite public concern over immigration enforcement, little attention has been given to transgender immigrants, who are disproportionately at risk for arrest and deportation. Organizations dedicated to protecting LGBT people’s rights and immigrant rights have been working to address this issue and shape policy decisions to better protect transgender immigrants in detention centers; however, research has not investigated how these organizations frame transgender immigrant detainees and their experience in detention to accomplish their goals. This current study uses a content analysis of public documents spanning 2009–2021 from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Transgender Law Center (TLC) to investigate how two legal advocacy organizations frame the issue of transgender immigrants within detention centers. The ACLU rarely discusses transgender immigrants and thus upholds cisnormativity. When they do discuss transgender immigrants, their transgender identity is referenced as a singular issue in isolation from other facets of their identity. The TLC, on the other hand, frames immigration detention for transgender immigrants as part of a larger web of oppression. Through a comparison of the ACLU and TLC, this study underscores the role of cisnormativity as a tool for racialized social control. Findings highlight the importance of a critical, intersectional approach to immigration advocacy and scholarship that challenges the cisnormative assumptions guiding the current immigration system. Implications for future research and service provision are discussed.
Focus Effects on Immediate and Delayed Recognition of Referents in Samoan
Authors: Calhoun Sasha , Yan Mengzhu , Salanoa Honiara , Taupi Fualuga , Kruse Va’ai Emma
Published: May 2022

This paper looks at the effect of focus-marking on the immediate and delayed recognition of referents in Samoan. Focus-marking on a word can imply the presence of alternatives to that word which are relevant to the interpretation of the utterance. Consistent with this, psycholinguistic evidence is growing that alternatives to focus-marked words are selectively activated in the immediate processing of an utterance and longer term memory. However, most of this research is on Western Germanic languages which primarily use prosodic prominence to mark focus. We explore this in two experiments using immediate and delayed probe recognition tasks in the under-studied language Samoan, which primarily uses syntactic focus-marking. Participants heard short narratives ending in a critical sentence in which the object word was either focused or not, using a cleft-like construction. In the first experiment, probe recognition, alternatives to the object word which were either mentioned or unmentioned in the narrative were responded to more slowly if the object was focus-marked. In the second experiment, delayed recognition, participants were faster to correctly recognize mentioned alternatives, and slower to reject unmentioned, if the object was focus-marked. Both results are consistent with immediate and longer-term activation of focus alternatives. There was no significant effect of focus-marking on recognition of the object word itself.
Learning About the Literacy Practices of Mothers with Refugee Backgrounds
Authors: Cun Aijuan
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore the literacy practices of mothers with refugee backgrounds and the ways that they position themselves in relation to these practices. Data include fieldnotes, interviews, artifacts, and informal conversations. The findings reveal the participants’ family literacy practices within the specific domains of education, family, and community in the United States. The findings also show that the participants had multiple identity positions as cultural experts and parents who provided educational resources for their children. The study has implications for parental involvement in urban schools and for educators practicing in K-12 and adult ESL.
Pregnancy-Related Giant Nasal Mass: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: AlFallaj Rayan , Alsubaie Hemail M. , Almuhawas Fida , Alsaleh Saad
Published: May 2022

Significance Statement: Pregnancy-related giant nasal masses often present a diagnostic challenge and clinical dilemma due to the obvious restrictions in utilizing imaging and general anesthesia during pregnancy. Therefore, we highlight the importance of clinical judgment, especially during pregnancy, and should not disregard certain clinical cues. In addition, we recommend an in-office polypectomy for giant nasal polyps worsening during pregnancy and nasal steroids to optimize their quality of life while avoiding systemic medications or further interventions.
SCC Antigen Concentrations in Fine‐Needle Aspiration Samples to Detect Cervical Lymph Node Metastases: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: van Schaik Jeroen E. , Muller Kobold Anna C. , van der Laan Bernard F.A.M. , van der Vegt Bert , van Hemel Bettien M. , Plaat Boudewijn E.C.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To determine the diagnostic value of measuring squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC‐Ag) and cancer antigen 15‐3 (CA15‐3) concentrations in fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) samples for the detection of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) metastases in cervical lymph nodes.

Study Design

A prospective study with patients consecutively included between November 2018 and May 2021.

Setting

A tertiary head and neck oncologic center.

Methods

Out of 138 patients, SCC‐Ag concentrations were analyzed in 168 FNA cervical lymph node samples and CA15‐3 in 152 samples. Results were compared with FNA cytology (FNAC) or definitive histology to establish sensitivity and specificity rates.

Results

For the detection of cervical SCC lymph node metastases, SCC‐Ag measurement had an 89.4% sensitivity and 79.3% specificity at a cutoff concentration of 0.1 µg/L. Measurement of CA15‐3 concentration in addition to SCC‐Ag concentration did not lead to improved accuracy for the detection of SCC. In histology‐confirmed cases, FNAC had an 80.0% sensitivity and 100% specificity, as opposed to 93.3% and 57.1%, respectively, for SCC‐Ag.

Conclusion

Measurement of SCC‐Ag concentration for detection of SCC lymph node metastases has a sensitivity at least comparable to FNAC and could be used as a relatively cheap screening tool in samples with nondiagnostic or indeterminate FNAC results or when multiple lymph nodes are sampled. However, SCC‐Ag in FNA samples has a lower specificity than FNAC assessed by pathologists experienced in head and neck oncology. Addition of CA15‐3 measurement did not lead to improved accuracy.
Using Social Media for Agenda Setting in Chinese Government’s Communications During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wang Qingning
Published: May 2022

This research provide a case study to analyses how Chinese government’s social-media accounts were used to communicate during the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of agenda-setting. Two most active Chinese government official accounts on Sina Weibo, the most popular Chinese social media platform, are selected as examples. The frequencies and content of postings between December 2019 and May 2020, namely the period of the first outbreak of COVID-19, are analysed. The research argues that Chinese government official accounts frequently posted during this period, and three aspects were most salient in the communication: information regarding the virus, US-China relations during the pandemic, and emotional tributes to public servants. The salience of these aspects contributed to narratives that reinforce Chinese government’s efforts in fighting the pandemic, and enable positive portrayal of government to be more visible in the online public space.
Splenic rupture following lenograstim in post-autologous stem cell transplantation treated with emergency open splenectomy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Markovic Uros , Colarossi Cristina , Iuppa Antonio , Scire Paola , Gorgone Ausilia , Galbo Federica , Amato Gabriella , Moschetti Gaetano
Published: May 2022

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factors (G-CSFs) are the cornerstone of peripheral blood stem cell mobilization and apheresis. However, splenic rupture following G-CSF treatment represents a serious and potentially fatal adverse event. Here, we report the case of a patient in their late 50s with severe pancytopenia post-autologous stem cell transplantation reinfusion suffering from splenic rupture after treatment with lenograstim. We also reviewed the literature describing cases of splenic rupture during G-CSF administration.
Association between CpG island DNA methylation in the promoter region of RELN and positive and negative types of schizophrenia
Authors: Zhou Junjie , Zhou Dajin , Yan Tielun , Chen Weifeng , Xie Hejie , Xiong Yan
Published: May 2022

Objective

To explore the association between CpG island methylation in the promoter region of RELN and positive (type I) and negative (type II) types of schizophrenia, and investigate serum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and myelin basic protein (MBP) in schizophrenia.

Methods

Levels of CpG island methylation in the promoter region of RELN were detected in peripheral blood of patients with schizophrenia (experimental group) and healthy individuals (control group), and serum IL-1β, IL-6, and MBP were measured.

Results

The positive rate of CpG island methylation in the promoter region of RELN was higher in the experimental group than in the control group; however, there were no significant differences between type I and II patients. There were differences in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores and serum IL-1β, IL-6, and MBP between type I and II patients. Furthermore, there were positive correlations between serum IL-1β, IL-6, and MBP and PANSS scores (negative symptoms) in type II patients.

Conclusion

CpG island methylation in the promoter region of RELN was associated with schizophrenia, but not with its clinical type. There may be different pathological mechanisms in type I and II schizophrenia, and type II schizophrenia may be associated with serum IL-1β, IL-6, and MBP.
Gender and Racial Discrimination in the U.S. Music Industry
Authors: Zhen Ying
Published: May 2022

This study summarizes and analyzes the gender and racial discrimination that musicians may face in the music labor market of the United States, with a focus on exploring gender and race interactions’ effects on the economic return of musicians. This study is based on a survey of 1,227 musicians in the United States in 2018, which was conducted by the Music Industry Research Association (MIRA) and the Princeton University Survey Research Center (SRC), in partnership with MusiCares. The survey reveals that females, who make up about one-third of the population of musicians, report experiencing high rates of discrimination and sexual harassment. When considering female musicians, 72% report that they have been discriminated against because of their gender, and 67% report that they have been the victim of sexual harassment; corresponding figures for U.S. women more generally are 28% and 42%, respectively. For non-White musicians, 63% said they faced racial discrimination, as compared to 36% of on-White self-employed workers nationwide who said the same. Although the descriptive statistics suggest that musicians are suffering from both gender and racial discrimination, no initial empirical evidence has been found that this would have a negative impact on musicians’ music-related earnings. The interaction effects between gender and race in both general and specific forms on music-related earnings are studied to further explore the possible effect of gender/racial discrimination on the economic return to musicians’ music-related activities; however, although some race-associated differences have been found, the evidence of racial discrimination on the economic return is not strong.

JEL Classifications: J15, J16, J44, J49
Promoting Survivor Safety in Immigrant Communities: Online Simulation Training for Korean American Faith Leaders
Authors: Choi Y. Joon , Orpinas Pamela , Han Jeong-Yeob , Cho Soon , Li Tong , Kim ChanMin
Published: May 2022

This study examined the efficacy of a short virtual case simulation for Korean American (KA) faith leaders, “Religious Leaders for Healthy Families.” The goal of the program is to increase knowledge about intimate partner violence (IPV) and healthy intimate partner relationships, enhance self-efficacy in IPV prevention and intervention, strengthen attitudes that support their roles on IPV prevention and intervention, increase positive outcome expectations of their actions, and increase behavioral intentions and behaviors on IPV prevention and intervention. KA faith leaders from two large metropolitan areas with a high concentration of KA immigrants were invited to participate in the study ( N=102). Participants completed three online assessments: baseline, a 3-month, and a 6-month follow-up. After the baseline assessment, participants were randomized to either intervention ( n = 53) or control ( n = 49). The intervention consisted of four online simulation modules, each taking approximately 15–20 min to complete. At the 6-month follow-up, faith leaders in the intervention group significantly increased their knowledge and self-efficacy in IPV prevention and intervention compared to the control group. Mean scores for attitudes against IPV and prevention behaviors increased from baseline to the 6-month follow-up for the intervention group more than the control group, but the differences were not statistically significant. “Religious Leaders for Healthy Families” has the potential to reduce disparities in accessing resources and services for immigrant survivors of IPV. With its ease of use, this short, free online intervention has a high potential for uptake among faith leaders. Results are promising, but the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the study, with participants having scarce opportunities to practice the skills learned from the intervention. A larger follow-up study that combines “Religious Leaders for Healthy Families” with a community-wide intervention that targets all community members is warranted to reach more faith leaders and community members.
Vocal-Stress Diary: A Longitudinal Investigation of the Association of Everyday Work Stressors and Human Voice Features
Authors: Langer Markus , König Cornelius J. , Siegel Rudolf , Fredenhagen Therese , Schunck Alexander G. , Hähne Viviane , Baur Tobias
Published: May 2022

The human voice conveys plenty of information about the speaker. A prevalent assumption is that stress-related changes in the human body affect speech production, thus affecting voice features. This suggests that voice data may be an easy-to-capture measure of everyday stress levels and can thus serve as a warning signal of stress-related health consequences. However, previous research is limited (i.e., has induced stress only through artificial tasks or has investigated only short-term or extreme stressors), leaving it open whether everyday work stressors are associated with voice features. Thus, our participants (111 adult working individuals) took part in a 1-week diary study (Sunday until Sunday), in which they provided voice messages and self-report data on daily work stressors. Results showed that work stressors were associated with voice features such as increased speech rate and voice intensity. We discuss theoretical, practical, and ethical implications regarding the voice as an indicator of psychological states.
The Mother-Daughter Relationship and Daughter's Positive Body Image: A Systematic Review
Authors: Goslin Amanda , Koons-Beauchamp Deborah
Published: May 2022

The mother-daughter dyad is a powerful relationship known to impact health and wellbeing of daughters throughout their life. This article examined studies focused on factors associated with daughter's positive body image through the mother-daughter relationship. In this systematic review searches were performed for English-language, peer-reviewed articles and dissertations published between 1955 to 2020 in the following databases: Family Studies Abstracts, ERIC, PsycINFO, PubMED, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. Out of 444 potential records after removing duplicates, four were fully reviewed and synthesized. Study outcomes were analyzed through thematic analysis resulting in three major themes relating to the mother-daughter relationship as a facilitator for daughter's positive body image: (1) maternal role modeling of healthy behaviors; (2) positive body talk and communication; (3) relational connection.
Clinical Significance of Gene Mutations and Polymorphic Variants and their Association with Prostate Cancer Risk in Polish Men
Authors: Heise Marta , Jarzemski Piotr , Nowak Dagmara , Bąk Aneta , Junkiert-Czarnecka Anna , Pilarska-Deltow Maria , Borysiak Maciej , Pilarska Beata , Haus Olga
Published: May 2022

Objectives: We tested the association of germline variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, CDKN2A, CYP1B1, HOXB13, MLH1, NBS1, NOD2 and PALB2 genes, as well as in 8q24 region, with prostate cancer (PC) risk and estimated their impact on disease clinical course, including overall survival time in Polish men with localized PC qualified for radical treatment.

Materials and Methods: DNA of 110 patients with localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy (RP), from each age group and with different stages of the disease. DNA samples of the control group consisted of 111 men, volunteers, without PC (age-matched to study group). Sanger sequencing, AS-PCR, RFLP-PCR, and multiplex-PCR were used for  variants detection.

Results: The percentage of men with ≥1 germline variant was higher in PC group (52.7%) than in healthy men (37.8%) (P = .03). The presence of ≥2 variants was associated with shorter survival than the presence of one or no variant in the PC group (P = .14, trend). The HOXB13 G84E was detected in 2.9% of PC men and in no healthy men (P = .19, trend, OR = 7.21). A CHEK2 truncating mutation (1100delC or IVS2+1G>A) was detected in 2/110 (1.8%) PC patients and in no healthy men (P = .29, OR=5.14). The NBS1 I171V was detected in 2/110 (1.8%) PC patients and in no men from the control group (OR=5.14, P = .29, NS).

Conclusions: We conclude that the presence of more than 2 germline variants was probably associated with shorter survival of patients with localized prostate cancer qualified for radical treatment. The HOXB13 (G84E), CHEK2 (1100delC or IVS2+1G>A) truncating variants and NBS1 (I171V) are associated with PC and hereditary form of the disease. The HOXB13 (G84E) and NOD2 (3020insC) single variants are associated with shorter and CYP1B1 (48CC, 119GG) single genotypes with longer overall survival.
Being connected: Exploring the needs of mothers during the postnatal period in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Penny Robyn A , Hardiman Leah , Toohill Jocelyn
Published: May 2022

This project explored the needs of mothers beyond the immediate postnatal period in Queensland, Australia, for the development of improved models of care. Data were collected through group and individual interviews. A qualitative methodology using thematic analysis captured the experience of 58 participants. Four key themes were generated: Caring for self, Being connected, Getting direction and Having options. Being connected with care providers and peers was highly valued by participants as was having a sense of direction. Having a relationship with a carer who knew them personally throughout pregnancy and postnatal care avoided retelling stories and facilitated information sharing. Relationship-based care enabled mothers to better meet their personal needs necessary to fulfil the parenting role. Yet, many points of disconnect were identified including inconsistencies in information and gaps in care. These findings demonstrate a range of unmet needs, situated within a lack of relational continuity. Maternity and child health professionals, service managers and policy makers must reorient systems by listening, acknowledging and keeping the voice of mothers at the centre of care.
Multi-sensor fusion algorithm in cooperative vehicle-infrastructure system for blind spot warning
Authors: Xiang Chao , Zhang Li , Xie Xiaopo , Zhao Longgang , Ke Xin , Niu Zhendong , Wang Feng
Published: May 2022

With the rapid development of electric vehicles and artificial intelligence technology, the automatic driving industry has entered a rapid development stage. However, there is a risk of traffic accidents due to the blind spot of vision, whether autonomous vehicles or traditional vehicles. In this article, a multi-sensor fusion perception method is proposed, in which the semantic information from the camera and the range information from the LiDAR are fused at the data layer and the LiDAR point cloud containing semantic information is clustered to obtain the type and location information of the objects. Based on the sensor equipments deployed on the roadside, the sensing information processed by the fusion method is sent to the nearby vehicles in real-time through 5G and V2X technology for blind spot early warning, and its feasibility is verified by experiments and simulations. The blind spot warning scheme based on roadside multi-sensor fusion perception proposed in this article has been experimentally verified in the closed park, which can obviously reduce the traffic accidents caused by the blind spot of vision, and is of great significance to improve traffic safety.
Higher number of stent-retriever thrombectomy passes significantly increases risk of mass effect, poor functional outcome, and mortality
Authors: Ringheanu Victor M. , Tekle Wondwossen G. , Preston Laurie , Sarraj Amrou , Hassan Ameer E.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Endovascular treatment (EVT) is a widely proven method to treat patients diagnosed with intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO). Through this method of treatment, it has been hypothesized that a lower number of thrombectomy passes is an indicator of higher rates of modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2B-3 (mTICI) reperfusion and favorable outcomes at 90-days defined as modified Rankin Scale 0-2 (mRS).

Methods

Through the utilization of a prospectively collected endovascular database between 2012-2020, variables such as demographics, co-morbid conditions, intracerebral hemorrhage, mass effect, mortality rate, and good/poor outcomes regarding mTICI score and mRS assessment at 90-days were examined. The outcomes between patients receiving EVT who were treated with < 3 thrombectomy passes or ≥3 passes were compared.

Results

Out of 454 patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy of qualifying intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery occlusion, site of occlusion (ICA, ICA-T M1, and M2/M3), a total of 372 (81.9%) were treated with < 3 passes (average age 70.34 ± 13.75 years, 46.0% women), and 82 (18.1%) were treated with ≥3 passes (average age 70.30 ± 13.72 years, 48.8% women). Significantly higher rates of mass effect (p = 0.043), mRS score 3–6 (p = 0.029), mortality (p = 0.025), and poor reperfusion (p < 0.0001) were noted in patients treated with ≥3 passes.

Conclusion

A higher number of thrombectomy passes, characterized as ≥3 in this study, was associated with significantly worsened patient outcome regarding mRS and mortality. Further research is required to determine whether the number of thrombectomy passes is an accurate predictor of treatment outcome.
Development stages of a semi-autonomous underwater vehicle experiment platform
Authors: Serhat YILMAZ
Published: May 2022

The design of underwater unmanned vehicles is an interdisciplinary study that includes several fields, such as computational fluid dynamics, modeling and control of systems, robotics, image processing, and electronic card design. The operational cost of such vehicles is high because it is dependent on variable fluid properties like salinity and high pressure while its’ mobility must be resistant to environmental conditions such as undersea. The study describes an operating platform, called Lucky Fin, on which the students can develop various control algorithms and can test and extract hydrodynamic parameters of the underwater vehicle. The platform consists of an underwater vehicle and two testing tanks. The control card, the user control program interface, and a manipulator’s arm are designed to be used for a series of control applications such as depth, heading, target tracking, and capturing. The results of several tests are illustrated in this article.
A comparative study of country satisfaction of UAE and Bahrain teachers: The mediating effect of job satisfaction on organizational commitment
Authors: Matherly Laura L , Zhang Yi , Ahmed Balqees
Published: May 2022

Countries increasingly compete for global talent in the education sector to facilitate the transfer of knowledge. This research examines the extent to which the larger, national context, that is, satisfaction with the country, impacts job satisfaction and organizational commitment in a sample of teachers from the UAE and Bahrain. Survey data was collected from 92 teachers. MANOVA was used to compare mean responses between groups and estimate confidence intervals. Hierarchical regression and modeling were used to examine the mediation effect of job satisfaction between country satisfaction and commitment, estimate path coefficients and arrive at a bootstrap confidence interval for the model. The results provide insights into improving individual and organizational outcomes that are important to a nation. This research expands the framework within which job satisfaction and commitment are studied to include the influence of country satisfaction on choices teachers make about where to live and work in a global context.
Adoption of cloud computing as innovation in the organization
Authors: Golightly Lewis , Chang Victor , Xu Qianwen Ariel , Gao Xianghua , Liu Ben SC
Published: May 2022

Over the years, there has been a heavy reliance on cloud computing as IT has innovated through time. In recent times cloud computing has grown monumentally. Many organizations rely on this technology to perform their business as usual and use it as a backbone of their companies' IT infrastructure. This paper investigates the organizational adaptation for cloud computing technology - reviewing case studies from various institutions and companies worldwide to provide a detailed analysis of innovative techniques with cloud computing. We investigate the features and delivery approaches cloud computing offers and the potential challenges and constraints we face when adopting cloud computing into the business setting. We also explore the cybersecurity elements associated with cloud computing, focusing on intrusion detection and prevention and understanding how that can be applied in the cloud. Finally, we investigate the future research directions for cloud computing and expand this paper into further articles with experiments and results.
Pre-styloid parapharyngeal space masses—Tumor margins as a predictor of benign versus malignant histology on pre-operative CT or MRI
Authors: Vargas Nicholas , Assadsangabi Reza , Birkeland Andrew , Bewley Arnaud , Broadhead Kenneth , Morisada Megan , Ivanovic Vladimir
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Evaluate the frequency of benign versus malignant masses within the prestyloid parapharyngeal space (PPS) and determine if tumor margins on preoperative cross-sectional imaging can predict malignancy status.

Materials and Methods

The electronic health record at UC Davis Medical Center was searched for PPS masses surgically resected between 2015 and 2021. Cases located centrally within the prestyloid PPS with confirmed histologic diagnosis were included and separated into either benign or malignant groups. Margins of the tumors were categorized as “well defined” or “infiltrative” on preoperative cross-sectional imaging. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate relationships between malignancy status and tumor margins.

Results

A total of 31 cases met the inclusion criteria. Fourteen separate histologic diagnoses were observed. Benign cases comprised 77% (24/31) and the remaining 23% (7/31) were malignant. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common overall diagnosis at 48% (15/31). Adenoid cystic carcinoma 6% (2/31) was the most common malignant diagnosis. Well-defined tumor margins were seen in 81% (25/31) of cases. A benign diagnosis was found in 96% (24/25) of the cases with well-defined margins. Infiltrative tumor margins were displayed in 19% (6/31) of cases, all were malignant. The sensitivity and specificity of infiltrative tumor margins for malignancy were 85.7% and 100%, respectively. The negative predictive value of infiltrative margins for malignancy was 96%.

Conclusion

Infiltrative tumor margins on preoperative imaging demonstrate high specificity and negative predictive value for malignant histology in prestyloid PPS masses. Margins should therefore be considered when determining clinical management for newly diagnosed PPS tumors.
Social impacts of algorithmic decision-making: A research agenda for the social sciences
Authors: Gerdon Frederic , Bach Ruben L , Kern Christoph , Kreuter Frauke
Published: May 2022

Academic and public debates are increasingly concerned with the question whether and how algorithmic decision-making (ADM) may reinforce social inequality. Most previous research on this topic originates from computer science. The social sciences, however, have huge potentials to contribute to research on social consequences of ADM. Based on a process model of ADM systems, we demonstrate how social sciences may advance the literature on the impacts of ADM on social inequality by uncovering and mitigating biases in training data, by understanding data processing and analysis, as well as by studying social contexts of algorithms in practice. Furthermore, we show that fairness notions need to be evaluated with respect to specific outcomes of ADM systems and with respect to concrete social contexts. Social sciences may evaluate how individuals handle algorithmic decisions in practice and how single decisions aggregate to macro social outcomes. In this overview, we highlight how social sciences can apply their knowledge on social stratification and on substantive domains of ADM applications to advance the understanding of social impacts of ADM.
Toward Health System Recovery in the Aftermath of Ebola Outbreak in Guinea: New Approaches for Improved Knowledge of Target Populations at the Community Level
Authors: Konde Mandy Kader , Kéita Balla Moussa , Massandouno Lansana , Diallo Abdourahamane , Diallo Mamadou , Toure Mamadou Alimou , Amadaye Alkhassim , Camara Alioune , Fode Cisse , Delamou Alexandre , Beavogui Abdoul Habib , Diallo Ndiouga , Ablam Amento , Bah Sow Oumou , Barry Saidou Pathé , Subissi Lorenzo , Standley Claire
Published: May 2022

Background:

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Guinea has been the epicenter of the huge West Africa Ebola outbreak (2014-2016), that impact heavily the health system. Demographic information is one of the most basic data sources for health systems and services delivery, and yet can be very difficult to obtain with any accuracy. The objectives were to contribute among other to: (i) a determination of the catchment area (health coverage area and responsibility) of the Kirikilan health facility (PCM); (ii) geocoded mapping to find out exactly where these populations per sector of Kirikilan neighborhood lives; (iii) an approach for regular and systematic annual demographic follow up of target populations.

Methods:

The study was a 3-year community-based survey with annual follow up of the population within the quartier of Kirikilan in Dubreka Prefecture in Guinea. It was an exhaustive enumeration of the population, sector by sector of the quartier, then there was no sampling size neither estimation.

Results:

In October 2017 as a baseline of the study, the enumeration showed the total population was 8824 persons, 936 compounds, 1435 households, and the breakdown by sub quartier (sector) has been performed. It’s showed the interest of the mapping of the target populations with geo-referenced localization. The annual follow up by demographic enumerus showed a dramatic increase of the size of the population, including strong migration of the evicted population due to urbanization purpose in some districts of Conakry, the capital.

Conclusion:

The study showed the importance of the enumeration and follow up of the target populations, but also of the setting up community data based to improve the district health information system (DHIS 2) in Guinea. The approach has a best practice could be an importunity to improve data sharing, mapping, health quality access, and affordability for a sustainable health toward universal health coverage.
Dynamics of Saudi Arabia–KRG Relations: From 2003 Iraq War to 2017 Referendum and Beyond
Authors: Cengiz Sinem
Published: May 2022

Numerous studies have examined the decades-old Saudi-Iranian rivalry, which has played out in various regional arenas, notably Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and the Gulf. This article explores the place that Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq occupies within this rivalry. As the KRG’s foreign relations have attracted scholarly attention since the late 1990s, the article examines the Saudi Arabia–KRG relations in the post-2003 Iraq War, with a special focus on growing Iranian influence in Iraq. The end of Saddam Hussein’s rule and the subsequent rise of Shiite-dominated governments in Baghdad has shaken the regional balance, bringing out Iran as an influential actor in the Middle East. This laid the foundation for new understandings in the Saudi regional policy as Riyadh emphasized its relations with Iraq and the KRG, which became a crucial factor that can balance and imbalance power in the Middle East. It argues that common concerns for security and relative gains paved the way for a closer relationship between Riyadh and Erbil to counter threats emanating from both Iran and ISIS. Through case-specific information to those interested in Kurdish politics and the Middle East, it not only delves into the driving forces behind Riyadh-Erbil relations but also aims to present the Saudi interpretation of the 2017 Kurdish referendum.
Current advancements and future prospects of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics: a narrative review
Authors: Sanyaolu Adekunle , Okorie Chuku , Marinkovic Aleksandra , Prakash Stephanie , Williams Martina , Haider Nafees , Mangat Jasmine , Hosein Zaheeda , Balendra Vyshnavy , Abbasi Abu Fahad , Desai Priyank , Jain Isha , Utulor Stephen , Abioye Amos
Published: May 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has made a global impact on the daily lives of humanity, devastating health systems, and cataclysmically affecting the world’s economy. Currently, the Standard Public Health Protective practices consist of but are not limited to wearing masks, social distancing, isolating sick and exposed people, and contact tracing. Scientists around the globe undertook swift scientific efforts to develop safe and effective therapeutics and vaccines to combat COVID-19. Presently, as of mid-March 2022, 57.05% of the world population have been fully vaccinated, and 65.3% of the United States of America’s (USA) total population have been fully vaccinated while 76.7% have received at least one dose of the vaccine. This article explores the various vaccines created through modern science and technology, including their safety, efficacy, and mechanism of action. Although the vaccines produced are up to 95.0% efficacious, their efficacy wanes over time, underscoring the need for booster doses. Also, vaccination has not been able to prevent “breakthrough” infections. The limitations of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines indicate that further measures are required to ensure a firm control of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the use of certain therapeutic agents because they have shown remarkable clinical outcomes. Several therapeutic agents for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 include Gilead’s remdesivir, Regeneron’s casirivimab and imdevimab combination, Eli Lilly’s baricitinib and remdesivir combination, Pfizer’s co-packaged nirmatrelvir tablets and ritonavir tablets, and Merck’s molnupiravir capsules. Hence concerted efforts in early and accurate diagnosis, education on the COVID-19 virulence, transmission and preventive measures, global vaccination, and therapeutic agents could bring this COVID-19 pandemic under control across the globe.
The Challenge of the Multinational Corporation to Organization Theory: Contextualizing Theory
Authors: Piekkari Rebecca , Welch Catherine , Westney D. Eleanor
Published: May 2022

Organization scholars have increasingly looked to the multinational corporation (MNC) as a convenient research site for testing and developing general hypotheses applicable to any organization. In this essay, we argue that theorizing about organizational processes in the MNC needs to treat the MNC itself as a research object: that is, to recognize that the complex multidimensionality of the MNC will influence the phenomena under investigation and needs to be incorporated into research design and conceptual framing. To do so requires what we term contextualized explanations: styles of theorizing that view context as constitutive of organizational phenomena. We reanalyse an existing study of identity work in the Carlsberg Group to demonstrate the theoretical insights to be gained from a contextualized approach. Our case analysis illustrates how integrating the MNC into the explanation changes our theoretical understanding of the phenomena being investigated.
How I Do It: Collis Gastroplasty
Authors: Haisley Kelly R. , Underhill Jennifer M.
Published: May 2022

A key principle of hiatal hernia repair is mitigation of tension. While considerable emphasis is placed on the radial tension of the crural closure itself, of equal importance is assuring that axial tension on the esophagus is appropriately addressed. Because of this, esophageal lengthening procedures such as the transabdominal laparoscopic wedge Collis gastroplasty described here have been proposed. Such esophageal lengthening procedures allow for the creation of additional length of tubularized stomach to create a neo-esophagus that will allow for a tension free and appropriately sized fundoplication to be performed.
The Pathogenesis of Hiatal Hernia
Authors: Watson Thomas J. , Ziegler Kathryn M.
Published: May 2022

Hiatal hernia is a common malady and an important contributor to the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Hiatal herniation is thought to result from any of several causes including transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients; congenital or acquired abnormalities in the cellular structure, biochemical composition, or geometry of the hiatus; or esophageal shortening due to fibrosis. Since no single theory explains the development of a hiatal hernia in all cases, or the reasons behind progression of some and not others, the pathogenesis of hiatal herniation likely is multifactorial and varies between individuals. A comprehension of the factors leading to hiatal hernia formation is important to their prevention and correction as well as to an understanding of the pathogenesis of GERD.
Site response of sedimentary basins and other geomorphic provinces in southern California
Authors: Nweke Chukwuebuka C , Stewart Jonathan P , Wang Pengfei , Brandenberg Scott J
Published: May 2022

Ergodic site amplification models for active tectonic regions are conditioned on the time-averaged shear wave velocity in the upper 30 m ( VS30) and the depth to a shear wave velocity isosurface ( zx). The depth components of such models are derived using data from sites within many geomorphic domains. We provide a site amplification model utilizing VS30 and depth, with the depth component conditioned on type of geomorphic province: basins, valleys, and mountain/hills. As with current models, the depth component of our model is centered with respect to the VS30-scaling model using differential depth δzx, taken as the difference between a site-specific depth and a VS30 -conditioned average depth. Using data from southern California, we find that long-period site response for all sites combined exhibits relative de-amplification and amplification for negative and positive differential depths, respectively. Individual provinces exhibit broadly similar trends with depth, but amplification levels are on average stronger in basins such that little relative de-amplification occurs at negative differential depths. Valley and mountain/hill sites have, on average, weaker amplification levels but stronger scaling with δzx. Site-to-site standard deviations vary appreciably across geomorphic provinces, with basins having lower dispersions than mountain/hill sites and the reference ergodic model.
PLAG1 dampens protein synthesis to promote human hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal
Authors: Keyvani Chahi Ava , Belew Muluken S. , Xu Joshua , Chen He Tian Tony , Rentas Stefan , Voisin Veronique , Krivdova Gabriela , Lechman Eric , Marhon Sajid A. , De Carvalho Daniel D. , Dick John E. , Bader Gary D. , Hope Kristin J.
Published: May 2022

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) dormancy is understood as supportive of HSC function and its long-term integrity. Although regulation of stress responses incurred as a result of HSC activation is recognized as important in maintaining stem cell function, little is understood of the preventive machinery present in human HSCs that may serve to resist their activation and promote HSC self-renewal. We demonstrate that the transcription factor PLAG1 is essential for long-term HSC function and, when overexpressed, endows a 15.6-fold enhancement in the frequency of functional HSCs in stimulatory conditions. Genome-wide measures of chromatin occupancy and PLAG1-directed gene expression changes combined with functional measures reveal that PLAG1 dampens protein synthesis, restrains cell growth and division, and enhances survival, with the primitive cell advantages it imparts being attenuated by addition of the potent translation activator, c-MYC. We find PLAG1 capitalizes on multiple regulatory factors to ensure protective diminished protein synthesis including 4EBP1 and translation-targeting miR-127 and does so independently of stress response signaling. Overall, our study identifies PLAG1 as an enforcer of human HSC dormancy and self-renewal through its highly context-specific regulation of protein biosynthesis and classifies PLAG1 among a rare set of bona fide regulators of messenger RNA translation in these cells. Our findings showcase the importance of regulated translation control underlying human HSC physiology, its dysregulation under activating demands, and the potential if its targeting for therapeutic benefit.