bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching Design of English Writing Based on UMU
Authors: Bai Xuelian
Published: October 2022

With the development of time, traditional teaching methods cannot meet the needs of education and society for innovative talents. Blended learning conforms to the reform of education and teaching and is becoming the new normal of future education. Blended learning is a kind of teaching mode that integrates face-to-face teaching and online learning after people reflect on online learning to improve the learning effect. This kind of teaching mode that transcends the limitation of time and space brings great convenience to students and teachers. Blended learning can not only satisfy students’ personalized learning style and the independent construction of personalized knowledge but also fully reflect the characteristics of students as cognitive subjects in the learning process. Compared with traditional education, blended learning pays more attention to the perspective of students and creates a truly highly participatory and personalized learning experience for students by using the Internet, mobile technology, and face-to-face teaching, which is the promotion and improvement of classroom teaching. In mixed learning in the Internet age, various online teaching platforms can provide students with diversified learning resources and learning methods. Supported by information technology, the UMU interactive learning platform provides independent learning methods, open learning space, and two-way interaction. The platform has the basic functions of online discussion, uploading and downloading learning resources, and submitting assignments. At the same time, it can be used on the Web and mobile phones to organize classes and interactions at any time. Teachers can create a variety of activities and courses on the platform and can also add interaction in the content link to improve the quality and experience of traditional education through mobile Internet technology.
Using Green IoT as a Development Path of Green Trade Economy for Ecological Sustainable Development
Authors: Li Xin
Published: October 2022

The advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology and its incorporation into the trade economy has altered and improved our way of life and work. However, IoT technologies pose various issues in the green economy, including increased energy consumption, hazardous pollutants, and electronic waste. Therefore, green IoT contributes to a more environmentally friendly atmosphere that is more affordable for the green economy. As a result, it is critical to address tactics and strategies for decreasing pollution threats, traffic waste, resource utilization, energy usage, public safety, living standard, environmental sustainability, and cost management. Apart from these, the continual deepening of the trade economy has accelerated Shandong Province’s rapid economic development, and the province’s broad economic development mode had major negative consequences on the ecological environment. Based on the evolution of international commerce in Shandong Province and the present status of the ecological environment, this study first calculates the province’s carbon emissions using the Kaya identity and derives the regression findings using the Eviews software. It examines the data link between the province’s carbon emissions, energy consumption, and trade by determining the province’s export carbon emissions from various industrial sectors. According to the statistics, the export carbon emissions of Shandong Province’s ferrous metal rolling industry, chemical raw material production sector, and textile industry are relatively high, at 6.764 million tons, 5.502 million tons, and 3.918 million tons, respectively. The carbon emissions from the three industrial sectors mentioned above account for approximately 49% of total carbon emissions, which is a considerable reduction and in line with the concept of green IoT.
Effect Evaluation of Multilevel Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Mechanism Combined with Multimedia Teaching on the Cultivation of Comprehensive Quality of Vocational Students
Authors: Si Jin , He Siming
Published: October 2022

The core goal of higher vocational education is to cultivate students with good professional quality. The employability of college students depends on their professional quality to a large extent. From the perspective of school education, all kinds of higher vocational colleges have entered a new level in practice, but the evaluation of comprehensive quality is still relatively weak. Therefore, in order to enhance the comprehensive ability of higher vocational students and cultivate their excellent comprehensive quality, this paper adopts the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and puts forward the evaluation method of the comprehensive evaluation system of higher vocational students, so as to provide reference for solving the problem of comprehensive quality evaluation. The specific process is as follows: in this paper, a two-level fuzzy mathematical model is established by using fuzzy mathematics theory and multimedia technology. First of all, according to the educational characteristics such as learning interest, psychological quality when encountering difficulties, and the ability to solve problems cooperatively, a set of secondary indicator system reflecting vocational college students is established. With this indicator, quantitative indicators are fuzzified by introducing membership functions, and a single factor evaluation matrix is established. Then, the specific steps are illustrated with examples to realize the qualitative analysis and quantitative evaluation of students’ comprehensive quality. The results show that the new comprehensive quality evaluation method established in this paper has strong practicality and innovation.
Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis of the Potential Biological Mechanisms of Coix Seed against Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sun Yi , Jiang Peishi , Yang Hongjie , Zhang Zhichun , Zhou Yuanda , Li Peng , Zeng Qingsheng , Zhang Xipeng
Published: October 2022

Objective. The aim of this study was to explore the potential biological mechanisms of coix seed in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) based on network pharmacology analysis. Methods. The active components of coix seed and their potential action targets were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP). The disease targets related to CRC were obtained from the DisGeNET database. The intersection targets of the drug targets and disease targets were selected, and a component-target-disease network was built using Cytoscape 3.8.0 tool. A global network of the core target protein interactions was constructed using String database. Biological function analysis and pathway enrichment analysis of core targets were conducted to explore the potential. Results. A total of nine active components were obtained from the TCMSP database corresponding to 37 targets. Further analysis showed that 18 overlapping targets were associated with CRC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was conducted based on the 18 targets and 11 significantly enriched signaling pathways implicated in CRC were identified. Conclusion. The multicomponent and multitarget characteristics of coix seed are preliminarily verified, and the potential biological mechanisms of coix seed in the treatment of CRC are predicted, which provides a theoretical basis for the experimental research.
Clinical Performance of Rapid Antigen Tests for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Emergency Department and Community: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lin Pei-Chin , Chiu Hung-Pin , Cheng Fang-Yi , Chang Chih-Chun , Chu Fang-Yeh
Published: October 2022

Background. Rapid antigen tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection have been authorized for emergency use (EUA); however, the performance has not been fully evaluated in clinical contexts. This study aimed to provide evidence regarding the diagnostic performance of SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests compared with the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test in the emergency department (ED) and community. Methods. Patients who underwent SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests using the VTRUST COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (TD-4531) and real-time RT-PCR on the same day in the ED or community from May 24, 2021, to June 24, 2021, were examined. Results. Paired nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 4022 suspected COVID-19 patients: 800 in the ED and 3222 in the community. Overall, 62 (1.54%) tested positive, 13 tested indeterminate, and 3947 tested negative by real-time RT-PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of the antigen test were 51.61% and 99.44% (overall), 62.50% and 99.61% (ED), and 31.82% and 99.40% (community), respectively. There were 30 false negatives and 22 false positives. Among the false negatives, 16.67% had a cycle threshold (Ct) value of <25. Conclusion. The VTRUST COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test showed comparable specificity as real-time RT-PCR for the ED and community, but the sensitivity was relatively low, especially when the Ct value was >25. This test can be useful for the rapid identification of infected subjects in an epidemic situation.
Epidermolysis Bullosa and Rickets in a 21-Year-Old Female: A Case Report
Authors: Yuniati Renni , Hellmi Rakhma Yanti , Dwijayanti Gema Citra , Astuti Meira Dewi Kusuma , Pals Gerard , Micha Dimitra , Faradz Sultana MH
Published: October 2022

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare genetic diseases that exhibit mechanical fragility of the skin. This condition will result in the occurrence of skin blisters, skin erosions, and skin ulcerations when the skin is subjected to trauma. In this case report, we present a case of EB and multiple skeletal deformities in a 21-year-old female. She came to our clinic with recurrent skin exfoliations and blisters that occurred since she was 4 years old and multiple bones bowing since she was 9 years old. On physical examinations, we found generalized hypopigmentation macule with erythematous skin. There were numerous bullae and crusted lesions, with erosion and excoriations on the lesions. Laboratory examinations identified low vitamin D 25-OH (8.6 ng/mL). Bone densitometry measurement found low bone density, and X-ray examination found osteopenia and bone bowing. Using whole-exome sequencing, no causative pathogenic sequence or copy number variants in the genes associated with Mendelian inherited disorders were detected. The low levels of vitamin D 25-OH may most likely be the main reason for the occurrence of rickets in this patient aside from the genetic disorder.
Post Stroke Mirror Movements Preventing Performance of Bilateral Movements and Activities of Daily Living
Authors: Suzuki Hokuto , Yamamoto Satoshi , Wakatabi Masahiro , Ohtsuka Hiroyuki
Published: October 2022

Mirror movements (MMs) are involuntary synchronous movements of one limb during voluntary movements of the contralateral limb. Generally, MMs after stroke are observed in the unaffected hand during voluntary movements of the affected hand; MMs in the affected hand are comparatively rare. In previous studies, evaluation of MMs in the affected hand was performed using simple unilateral movement tasks, such as tapping or forceful repeated hand closure. However, the impact of MMs of the affected hand on functional tasks, such as activities of daily living (ADLs), has not been reported. We report the rare case of a patient with MMs of the affected hand due to atherothrombotic cerebral infarction of the right postcentral and precentral gyri. An 85-year-old Japanese man presented with left-sided hemiplegia and sensory impairment. MMs were observed in the left (affected) hand during many ADLs and could not be suppressed by the patient’s will even when the examiner verbally instructed the patient to move only the unaffected hand. The patient was aware that his hand moved on its own, but he could not control it. The patient was trained on various types of bilateral coordinated motor exercises for 114 days after the MMs were first identified. However, this did not affect MM occurrence, and the MMs remained at the time of discharge. Future research is necessary to plan long-term interventions for MMs of the affected hand.
Relationship between Tongue Pressure and Salivary Bacteria in the Older Adults Requiring Long-Term Care
Authors: Funahara Madoka , Soutome Sakiko , Sakamoto Yuki , Oyama Haruka , Otsuru Mitsunobu , Umeda Masahiro , Saito Toshiyuki , Nakamichi Atsuko
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Aspiration pneumonia, an important issue for the older adults, is caused by an increase in pathogenic microorganisms in the saliva, aspiration, and weakened host immunity. Recently, decreased tongue pressure has been reported to be associated with dysphagia. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between decreased tongue pressure and the number of bacteria in the saliva of the older adults requiring long-term care. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 95 older adults requiring long-term care in a facility or at home, eating orally, and who could understand the instructions for measuring tongue pressure. Sex, age, slowness, weakness, shrinking, exhaustion, low activity, number of teeth, functional teeth unit, denture use, oral hygiene, tongue coating index, dry mouth, tongue pressure, and number of bacteria in the saliva were examined. Bacterial counts were analyzed by real-time PCR for total bacteria, total streptococci, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Candida albicans. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that poor oral hygiene and decreased tongue pressure were independent risk factors for increased bacteria in the saliva. Decreased tongue pressure is significantly correlated with an increased number of total bacteria and the presence of P. gingivalis. Discussion/Conclusion: Our results suggest that tongue pressure not only maintains the swallowing function but also prevents the increase of bacteria in the saliva of older adults requiring long-term care.
Immunogenicity and Safety of the Spikevax® (Moderna) mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Patients with Primary Humoral Immunodeficiency
Authors: Kralickova Pavlina , Jankovicova Karolina , Sejkorova Ilona , Soucek Ondrej , Koprivova Katerina , Drahosova Marcela , Andrys Ctirad , Krejsek Jan
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Reports on the immunogenicity and efficacy of the Spikevax® vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in immunodeficient patients are still scarce. We aimed to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine in patients with primary humoral immunodeficiency. Methods: We enrolled 46 patients, including 34 patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), 10 patients with unclassified hypogammaglobulinemia (HypoIg), and 2 patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. We collected the blood samples before vaccination (D 0), and 10 days (D +38) and 90 days (D +118) after the second vaccination. Further, we quantified SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell response (QuantiFERON ELISA test), serum anti-RBD IgG, and anti-RBD IgA-specific antibodies (enzyme immunoassay). Results: We found that the vaccination elicited predominantly mild adverse events, comparable to healthy population. Vaccination response negatively correlated with a value of Immune Deficiency and Dysregulation Activity in all measured parameters. D +38, seroconversion for anti-RBD IgG and anti-RBD IgA was observed in 65% and 21% CVID patients, respectively. SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell response was detected in less than 50% of CVID patients. Meanwhile, HypoIg patients had 100%, 90%, and 60% positivity rates for anti-RBD IgG, anti-RBD IgA, and T-cell response, respectively. Three months after the second vaccination, 82% of the responders remained positive for anti-RBD IgG, but only less than 50% remained positive for T-cell activity in CVIDs. Low immunogenicity was observed in patients with lung involvement and/or rituximab treatment history. No SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported within 6 months after the second vaccination. Conclusion: Spikevax® seems to be safe with satisfactory immunogenicity in patients with primary humoral immunodeficiency.
Allergic Sensitization Is Crucial for the Suppressive Role of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Acute Exacerbation of Asthma
Authors: Kama Yuichi , Yamada Yoshiyuki , Koike Takashi , Enseki Mayumi , Hirai Kota , Mochizuki Hiroyuki , Kato Masahiko
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Allergic sensitization is an important factor in the development, severity, and exacerbation of asthma, which is attributed to type 2 (T2) inflammation. Evidence suggests that respiratory bacterial pathogens (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae) exert suppressive effects on airway T2 inflammation. To clarify the role of allergic inflammation in bacterial colonization in asthma based on allergic sensitization, we investigated pharyngeal bacterial colonization, biomarkers (e.g., serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and cytokines/chemokines), and symptoms in the acute exacerbation of childhood asthma. Methods: Pharyngeal samples were collected from 53 children (mean/median age 2.7/2.5 years). Serum levels of total and allergen-specific IgE against aeroallergens, ECP, and 17 cytokines/chemokines were measured. Results: Allergic sensitization was recognized in 62.2% patients. S. pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenzae, and other bacteria were detected in 47.1%, 11.3%, 11.3%, and 30.1% of all patients, respectively. Patients with S. pneumoniae had a significantly shorter duration of wheezing than those without (4.7 ± 3.6 vs. 7.1 ± 3.5 days, p = 0.024). In patients with allergic sensitization, patients with S. pneumoniae had a significantly shorter duration of wheezing than those without (4.0 ± 3.6 vs. 7.7 ± 4.0 days, p = 0.003). Serum total IgE was significantly lower in patients with S. pneumoniae than in those without (81.9 [7.8–894] vs. 287 [4.4–1,840] IU/mL, p = 0.014). Serum ECP was significantly higher (33.1 [2–109] vs. 7.8 [3–35] ng/mL, p = 0.042), and IFN-γ was significantly lower (5.6 [4–10] vs. 16.4 [7–28] pg/mL, p = 0.032) in patients with allergic sensitization than those without. Discussion/Conclusion: Our results suggested that the suppressive effects of S. pneumoniae colonization were observed only in patients with allergic sensitization, wherein serum total IgE, ECP, and IFN-γ may have an important role on acute exacerbation of asthma.
Challenges in noninvasive skin biomarker measurements in daily practice: a longitudinal study on skin surface protein detection by the Transdermal Analysis Patch in pediatric psoriasis
Authors: Schaap Mirjam J. , Bruins Finola M. , van den Brink Noa Johanna Maria , Orro Kadri , Groenewoud Hans M.M. , de Jong Elke M.G.J. , van den Bogaard Ellen H. , Seyger Marieke M.B.
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Skin surface proteins are potential biomarkers in psoriasis and can be measured noninvasively with the Transdermal Analysis Patch (TAP). This study aims to assess markers measured by TAP over time in daily clinical practice, explore their correlation with disease severity in pediatric psoriasis, and compare the TAP and tape stripping detection capability.
Methods: In this prospective observational daily clinical practice study, pediatric psoriasis patients (aged >5 to <18 years) were followed during one year. At each visit, TAPs were applied on lesional (n=2), peri-lesional (n=2), and non-lesional (n=1) sites. Post-lesional skin was sampled if all lesions on the arms, legs, or trunk cleared. Treatment and psoriasis severity data were collected. IL-1RA, hBD-2, IL-1α, IL-8, VEGF, CXCL-1/2, CCL-27, IL-23, hBD-1, IL-22, IL-17A, KLK-5, and IL-4 levels were quantified by spot-ELISA. For the statistical analysis Wilcoxon signed rank tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Spearman correlations were used. Detection capability of the TAP was compared to tape stripping in a separate cohort of adult psoriasis patients.
Results: 32 patients (median age 15.0 years, median PASI 5.2) were followed for a mean of 11.3 (±3.4) months with a total of 104 visits. In lesional skin (n=197), significantly higher IL-1RA, hBD-2, IL-8, VEGF, CXCL-1/2, IL-23, hBD-1, IL-22, CCL-27, and IL-17A levels were found compared to non-lesional skin (n=104), while IL-1α was higher in non-lesional skin. Marker levels were highly variable over time and did not correlate with disease severity measured by PASI or SUM scores. Comparison of the TAP and tape strip detection capability in adult psoriasis patients (n=10) showed that lesional hBD-2, IL1-α, IL-8, and VEGF, and non-lesional IL-1RA, hBD-2, IL-8, and VEGF were more frequently detected in tape extracts than TAPs.
Conclusion: Due to the lack of correlation with clinical disease severity and the current detection capability of the markers measured by TAP in psoriasis, its use in regular practice is still a bridge too far.
Metformin Can Be Safely Used in Patients Exposed to Contrast Media: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qiao Hua , Li Yimin , Xu Bao , Lu Zhiping , Zhang Jing , Meng Danxin , He Shenghu , Huang Jin
Published: October 2022

Background: There have been few studies published on the use of contrast media (CM) in metformin-treated patients. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between metformin and contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). Methods: A comprehensive search of the Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for literature on associations between metformin use and CI-AKI incidence was conducted. The pooled odds ratio (OR), or relative risk, as well as the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), was calculated to assess the relationship between metformin and CI-AKI risk as well as the incidence of lactic acidosis (LA). Results: In total, seven studies met our eligibility criteria on associations between metformin use and CI-AKI incidence, comprising 2,325 individuals, with 279 new cases of CI-AKI exposed to CM. The pooled analysis revealed no statistically significant increase in the risk of CI-AKI development in patients who used metformin continuously (random-effects OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.70–1.90, p = 0.57). No cases of LA that occurred during CM exposure were reported. Conclusion: Metformin can be safely used in patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) during CM exposure.
Cellular Landscapes of Nondiseased Human Cardiac Valves From End-Stage Heart Failure–Explanted Heart
Authors: Shu Songren , Fu Mengxia , Chen Xiao , Zhang Ningning , Zhao Ruojin , Chang Yuan , Cui Hao , Liu Zirui , Wang Xiaohu , Hua Xiumeng , Li Yuan , Wang Xin , Wang Xianqiang , Feng Wei , Song Jiangping
Published: October 2022

Background:

Exploring the mechanisms of valvular heart disease at the cellular level may be useful to identify new therapeutic targets; however, the comprehensive cellular landscape of nondiseased human cardiac valve leaflets remains unclear.

Methods:

The cellular landscapes of nondiseased human cardiac valve leaflets (5 aortic valves, 5 pulmonary valves, 5 tricuspid valves, and 3 mitral valves) from end-stage heart failure patients undergoing heart transplantation were explored using single-cell RNA sequencing. Bioinformatics was used to identify the cell types, describe the cell functions, and investigate cellular developmental trajectories and interactions. Differences among the 4 types of cardiac valves at the cellular level were summarized. Pathological staining was performed to validate the key findings of single-cell RNA sequencing. An integrative analysis of our single-cell data and published genome-wide association study-based and bulk RNA sequencing-based data provided insights into the cell-specific contributions to calcific aortic valve diseases.

Results:

Six cell types were identified among 128 412 cells from nondiseased human cardiac valve leaflets. Valvular interstitial cells were the largest population, followed by myeloid cells, lymphocytes, valvular endothelial cells, mast cells, and myofibroblasts. The 4 types of cardiac valve had distinct cellular compositions. The intercellular communication analysis revealed that valvular interstitial cells were at the center of the communication network. The integrative analysis of our single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed key cellular subpopulations involved in the pathogenesis of calcific aortic valve diseases.

Conclusions:

The cellular landscape differed among the 4 types of nondiseased cardiac valve, which might explain their differences in susceptibility to pathological remodeling and valvular heart disease.
Embrace the Weirdness: Negotiating Values Inscribed into Music Technology
Authors: Lepri Giacomo , McPherson Andrew
Published: October 2022

This article explores the ways specific hardware and software technologies influence the design of musical instruments. We present the outcomes of a compositional game in which music technologists created simple instruments using common sensors and the Pure Data programming language. We identify a clustering of stylistic approaches and design patterns, and we discuss these findings in light of the interactions suggested by the materials provided, as well as makers' technomusical backgrounds. We propose that the design of digital instruments entails a situated negotiation between designer and tools, wherein musicians react to suggestions offered by technology based on their previous experience. Likewise, digital tools themselves may have been designed through a similar situated negotiation, producing a recursive process through which musical values are transferred from the workbench to the instrument. Instead of searching for ostensibly neutral and all-powerful technologies, we might instead embrace and even emphasize the embedded values of our tools, acknowledging their influence on the design of new musical artifacts.
Humanitarian Objects for COVID-19: Face Masks and Shields in the Philippines
Authors: Lim Mathea Melissa , Grayman Jesse Hession
Published: October 2022

Focusing on the Philippines’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this article examines two key objects used to mitigate the widespread transmission of the virus. To answer the research question, “What is the meaning of face masks and shields in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic?” a patchwork ethnography research method was used to triangulate data from a variety of sources, including academic scholarship, mass media, grey literature, and personal experience. Using Tom Scott-Smith’s theoretical interpretation of Karl Marx’s “commodity fetishism” as a framework, the article traces the concealment, transformation, and mystification of face masks and face shields as humanitarian objects , and explores the social, political, and cultural role they play in the lives of Filipinos during the COVID-19 era.
Camouflage in the Streets: Emergency Powers, the Military, and the Philippines’ COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Authors: Hall Rosalie Arcala
Published: October 2022

With emergency powers, President Rodrigo Duterte mobilized and deployed military and police to enforce lockdown measures in Metro Manila and Cebu City. For several months in 2020, the deployed forces ran quarantine control points in borders and city wards, and enforced curfew and liquor bans. This article examines how said deployment affected civilian control by the President and local civil-military dynamics. The heightened visibility of uniformed personnel in these urban spaces, and subsequent arrests and detention of quarantine violators came under heavy criticism. Against the backdrop of ex-military dominated national Inter Agency Task Force for Infectious Diseases (IATF), the militarized lockdown failed to stem the virus’ spread and expanded the military’s reach into civilian domain. Its involvement in law enforcement operations alongside the police poses dangers to local civil-military balance and to democracy. President Duterte’s reliance on the state’s coercive apparatus to carry out the pandemic response enabled him to assert control over local governments and to repress dissent.
Strong-Arming, Weak Steering: Central-Local Relations in the Philippines in the Era of the Pandemic
Authors: Hutchcroft Paul D. , Gera Weena
Published: October 2022

This article examines central-local dynamics in the Philippines in the era of the pandemic, demonstrating that the national government has not provided the type of “central steering” necessary to confront a foe as tenacious as COVID-19. Instead, there is another type of power that emanates from the center – namely the strong-arming of local politicians by President Rodrigo Duterte. While this form of power may help conceal the government’s “weak steering,” and make the president appear to be in control, it does not produce the quality of national-subnational coordination required for effective pandemic response. It is an escalation of Duterte’s earlier approaches, from 2016 to 2019, albeit no longer accompanied with rhetoric supporting local autonomy. Through examination of key elements of the government’s pandemic response, we advance our core argument: strong-arming is no substitute for effective central steering – whether in responding to this crisis or to other crises that may emerge in the future.
Visions and Virtues: The Minhāj al-Tarbiya of the ṭarīqa Karkariyya
Authors: Thibdeau John C.
Published: October 2022

Founded in 2006 by Shaykh Muḥammad Fawzī al-Karkarī as a new branch of the Shādhiliyya, the Karkariyya have grown as an international Sufi order that is distinguished by their multi-colored patchwork robes called the muraqqaʿa and their publication of video testimonials describing experience during spiritual retreats (khalwa). This article examines these practices using ethnographic and textual sources to demonstrate how they are situated within a curriculum of ethical education (minhāj al-tarbiya) aimed at the cultivation of virtuous piety (iḥsān). I show that this ethical education is integral to a program of learning to see (tanwīr) that culminates in visionary experiences (mushāhadāt) and analyze the conceptual dimensions of those visions. In demonstrating the link between tarbiya and tanwīr in the minhāj of the Karkariyya I aim to consider Sufism as a practical ethical tradition linked to philosophical ethics (akhlāq) and proper conduct and comportment (adab).
Tadhkira-yi Ṭāhir Īshān: A Neglected Source on the History of the Naqshbandī Sufi Tradition in Central Asia
Authors: Shanazarova Aziza
Published: October 2022

The present study is intended to introduce and explore a hagiographical compendium known as the Tadhkira-yi Ṭāhir Īshān which was compiled in the middle of the eighteenth century in Khwarazm and Bukhara. Although this work has drawn minimal scholarly attention, it is a critical text for understanding the Naqshbandī history in Central Asia prior to the transformation of the local Sufi communities in the wake of the arrival of the Naqshbandī-Mujaddidī groups in the region.
Breakdown of a Nocturnal Inversion Measured with a Low-Cost Tethersonde System: A High School Student Experiment
Authors: Whiteman David N. , Boateng Kofi , Harbison Sara , Oke Hadijat , Rappaport Audrey , Watson Monique , Ajayi Ayomiposi , Okunuga Oluwafisayo , Forno Ricardo , Andrade Marcos
Published: October 2022

For the past 4 years, four different cohorts of students from the Science and Technology program at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Maryland, have performed their senior research projects at the Howard University Beltsville Research Campus in Beltsville, Maryland. The projects have focused generally on the testing and correction of low-cost sensors and development of instrumentation for use in profiling the lower atmosphere. Specifically, we have developed a low-cost tethersonde system and used it to carry aloft a low-cost instrument that measures particulate matter (PM) as well as a standard radiosonde measuring temperature, pressure, and relative humidity. The low-cost PM sensor was found to provide artificially high values of PM under conditions of elevated relative humidity, likely due to the presence of hygroscopic aerosols. Reference measurements of PM were used to develop a correction technique for the low-cost PM sensor. Profiling measurements of temperature and PM during the breakdown of a nocturnal inversion were performed using the tethersonde system on 30 August 2019. The evolution of temperature during the breakdown of the inversion was studied and compared with model forecasts. The attempt to measure PM during the tethersonde experiment was not successful, we believe, due to the packaging of the low-cost sensor. Future cohorts of students from Eleanor Roosevelt High School students will work on improving the instrumentation and measurements shown here as we continue the collaboration between the Howard University Beltsville Campus and the local school system.
Cloud Climatologies from Global Climate Models—A Comparison of CMIP5 and CMIP6 Models with Satellite Data
Authors: Lauer Axel , Bock Lisa , Hassler Birgit , Schröder Marc , Stengel Martin
Published: October 2022

Simulating clouds with global climate models is challenging as the relevant physics involves many nonlinear processes covering a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. As key components of the hydrological cycle and the climate system, an evaluation of clouds from models used for climate projections is an important prerequisite for assessing the confidence in the results from these models. Here, we compare output from models contributing to phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) with satellite data and with results from their predecessors (CMIP5). We use multiproduct reference datasets to estimate the observational uncertainties associated with different sensors and with internal variability on a per-pixel basis. Selected cloud properties are also analyzed by region and by dynamical regime and thermodynamic conditions. Our results show that for parameters such as total cloud cover, cloud water path, and cloud radiative effect, the CMIP6 multimodel mean performs slightly better than the CMIP5 ensemble mean in terms of mean bias, pattern correlation, and relative root-mean square deviation. The intermodel spread in CMIP6, however, is not reduced compared to CMIP5. Compared with CALIPSO-ICECLOUD data, the CMIP5/6 models overestimate cloud ice, particularly in the lower and middle troposphere, partly due to too high ice fractions for given temperatures. This bias is reduced in the CMIP6 multimodel mean. While many known biases such as an underestimation in cloud cover in stratocumulus regions remain in CMIP6, we find that the CMIP5 problem of too few but too reflective clouds over the Southern Ocean is significantly improved.
Geoffrey Rowell: Historian and Theologian of Anglo-Catholicism
Authors: Morris Jeremy
Published: October 2022

This article evaluates the contribution of Bishop Geoffrey Rowell (1943–2017) to the study of the history and theology of Anglo-Catholicism, by reviewing his published work, from Hell and the Victorians (1974) up to essays published shortly before his death. It argues that, as a historical theologian, his work was significant in assisting the recent rehabilitation of the Oxford Movement leaders as creative theologians, rather than rigid conservatives. His work bypassed other important developments in religious history, however, such as the social history of religion, and thereby marked its own limitations. Rowell's opposition to changes in modern Anglicanism nonetheless coexisted with a conception of the breadth and comprehensiveness of Anglican theology that made him appreciative, like Newman, of the limitations of all attempts at dogmatic definition.
Accelerated Fatigue Model for Predicting Composite Restoration Failure
Authors: Yang B. , Aregawi W. , Chen R. , Zhang L. , Wang Y. , Fok A.S.L.
Published: October 2022

An empirical method is proposed to predict the clinical performance of resin composite dental restorations by using laboratory data derived from simple specimens subjected to chemical degradation and accelerated cyclic fatigue. Three resin composites were used to fill dentin disks (2-mm inner diameter, 5-mm outer diameter, and 2 mm thick) made from bovine incisor roots. The specimens ( n = 30 per group) were aged with different durations of a low-pH challenge (0, 24, and 48 h under pH 4.5) before being subjected to diametral compression with either a monotonically increasing load (fast fracture) or a cyclic load with a continuously increasing amplitude (accelerated fatigue). The data from 1 material were used to establish the relationship between laboratory time (number of cycles) and clinical time to failure (years) via the respective survival probability curves. The temporal relationship was then used to predict the clinical rates of failure for restorations made of the other 2 materials, and the predictions were compared with the clinical data to assess their accuracy. Although there were significant differences in the fast fracture strength among the groups of materials or durations of chemical challenge, fatigue testing was much better at separating the groups. Linear relationships were found between the laboratory and clinical times to failure for the first material ( R2 = 0.90, 0.90, and 0.62 for the 0-, 24-, and 48-h low-pH groups, respectively). The clinical life of restorations made of the other 2 materials was best predicted with data from the 48-h low-pH groups. In conclusion, an accelerated fatigue model was successfully calibrated and applied to predict the clinical failure of resin composite restorations, and the predictions based on data obtained from chemically aged specimens provided the best agreement with clinical data.
Duration of Behavioral Policy Interventions and Incidence of COVID-19 by Social Vulnerability of US Counties, April–December 2020
Authors: Kao Szu-Yu Zoe , Sharpe J. Danielle , Lane Rashon I. , Njai Rashid , McCord Russell F. , Ajiboye Aderonke S. , Ladva Chandresh N. , Vo Linda , Ekwueme Donatus U.
Published: October 2022

Objective:

State-issued behavioral policy interventions (BPIs) can limit community spread of COVID-19, but their effects on COVID-19 transmission may vary by level of social vulnerability in the community. We examined the association between the duration of BPIs and the incidence of COVID-19 across levels of social vulnerability in US counties.

Methods:

We used COVID-19 case counts from USAFacts and policy data on BPIs (face mask mandates, stay-at-home orders, gathering bans) in place from April through December 2020 and the 2018 Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We conducted multilevel linear regression to estimate the associations between duration of each BPI and monthly incidence of COVID-19 (cases per 100 000 population) by SVI quartiles (grouped as low, moderate low, moderate high, and high social vulnerability) for 3141 US counties.

Results:

Having a BPI in place for longer durations (ie, ≥2 months) was associated with lower incidence of COVID-19 compared with having a BPI in place for <1 month. Compared with having no BPI in place or a BPI in place for <1 month, differences in marginal mean monthly incidence of COVID-19 per 100 000 population for a BPI in place for ≥2 months ranged from –4 cases in counties with low SVI to –401 cases in counties with high SVI for face mask mandates, from –31 cases in counties with low SVI to –208 cases in counties with high SVI for stay-at-home orders, and from –227 cases in counties with low SVI to –628 cases in counties with high SVI for gathering bans.

Conclusions:

Establishing COVID-19 prevention measures for longer durations may help reduce COVID-19 transmission, especially in communities with high levels of social vulnerability.
Seeing, Hearing, Serving, and Delighting in LGBTQ+ Youth and Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Douglass Katherine M.
Published: October 2022

Using the theological anthropology of Karl Barth, this article analyzes two congregationally based ministries in Florida, one focused on LGBTQ+ youth and the second focused on ministry with youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Both of these congregations exemplify the mutuality of relationships that Barth claims are present in truly human relationships—ones that do not dehumanize or oppress the other, but rather, delight in them. This happens through the theater ministry of one congregation and the “Red Carpet Affair” in the other. Dolores Williams’s doctrine of sin, which claims sin as invisibilizing and systemic, explains the problematic dynamics of marginalization and proposes the solution—somebodiness, an affirmation of youth as they participate in relationships of mutuality.
Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin Treatment Results in Decreased Proliferation and Differentiation of Human Megakaryocytes but Does Not Inhibit Mature Platelet Function
Authors: Vitsky Allison , Sacaan Aida , Hu Wenyue , Finkelstein Martin , Reagan William
Published: October 2022

Mylotarg (Gemtuzumab ozogamicin [GO]), an antibody drug conjugate comprising a CD33-directed antibody linked to calicheamicin, is approved for use in certain acute myeloid leukemia patients. Following reports of prolonged thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic events in a subset of patients, a detailed series of in vitro and ex vivo studies was performed at the request of regulators, both to look at the effects of GO on platelet production and to determine whether treatment with GO was likely to affect platelet aggregation under a variety of conditions. Treatment with GO resulted in cellular cytotoxicity and/or decreased differentiation during human megakaryocyte development. However, GO did not impair platelet aggregation under the experimental conditions evaluated. Ultimately, the effect of GO on megakaryocyte development observed in our studies was determined to have no impact on the risk-benefit assessment in the intended patient population, as thrombocytopenia is a known side effect of GO, and monitoring of platelet counts in patients is already strongly recommended.
Time-Constrained Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem in Urban E-Commerce Delivery
Authors: Cokyasar Taner , Subramanyam Anirudh , Larson Jeffrey , Stinson Monique , Sahin Olcay
Published: October 2022

Electric vehicle routing problems can be particularly complex when recharging must be performed mid-route. In some applications, such as e-commerce parcel delivery truck routing, however, mid-route recharging may not be necessary because of constraints on vehicle capacities and the maximum allowed time for delivery. In this study, we develop a mixed-integer optimization model that exactly solves such a time-constrained capacitated vehicle routing problem, especially of interest for e-commerce parcel delivery vehicles. We compare our solution method with an existing metaheuristic and carry out exhaustive case studies considering four U.S. cities—Austin, TX; Bloomington, IL; Chicago, IL; and Detroit, MI—and two vehicle types: conventional vehicles and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). In these studies we examine the impact of vehicle capacity, maximum allowed travel time, service time (dwelling time to physically deliver the parcel), and BEV range on system-level performance metrics, including vehicle miles traveled (VMT). We find that the service time followed by the vehicle capacity plays a key role in the performance of our approach. We assume an 80-mi BEV range as a baseline without mid-route recharging. Our results show that the BEV range has a minimal impact on performance metrics because the VMT per vehicle averages around 72 mi. In a case study for shared-economy parcel deliveries, we observe that VMT could be reduced by 38.8% in Austin if service providers were to operate their distribution centers jointly.
Fan-Shaped Model for Generating the Anisotropic Catchment Area of Subway Stations Based on Feeder Taxi Trips
Authors: Liu Shiwei , Deng Yajuan , Hu Xianbiao , Zhou Jiaxing , Chen Jianming
Published: October 2022

The catchment areas of subway stations have always been considered as a circular shape in previous research. Although some studies show the catchment area may be affected by road conditions, public transportation, land use, and other factors, few studies have discussed the shape of the catchment area. This study focuses on analyzing the anisotropy of catchment areas and developing a sound methodology to generate them. Based on taxi global positioning system (GPS) data, this paper first proposes a data mining method to identify feeder taxi trips around subway stations. Then, a fan-shaped model is proposed and applied to Xi’an Metro Line 1 to generate catchment areas. The number and angle of fan areas are determined according to the spatial distribution characteristics of GPS points. Results show that the acceptable distance of the catchment area has significant differences in different directions. The average maximum acceptable distance of one station is 2.31 times the minimum. Furthermore, for feeder taxis, the overlap ratio of the catchment area is very high. Travelers in several places could choose several different stations during the travel. A multiple linear regression model was introduced to find the influencing factors, and the result shows the anisotropy of the catchment area is affected not only by neighboring subway stations, but also by the road network, distance from the city center, and so on.
Outcomes Associated with De-escalation of Antibiotics to Target Positive Cultures when Treating Febrile Neutropenia
Authors: Rainess Rebecca , Campbell Peter , Santamala Jennifer , Kubin Christine J. , Mehta Monica
Published: October 2022

Background: Patients with hematologic malignancies frequently develop febrile neutropenia (FN) and subsequently receive long courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Limited data is available on de-escalation strategies. Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of adult patients with a hematologic malignancy, FN, and positive culture results from June 2017 to June 2020. A conventional group (patients who remained on empiric, broad-spectrum agents) was compared to a de-escalation group (patients whose antibiotic therapy was de-escalated based on culture results). The primary outcome was the incidence of recurrent fever or antibiotic escalation due to infection while neutropenic. Results: Of the 123 patients included, the composite primary outcome occurred in 35.3% in the de-escalation group and 39.3% in the conventional group ( P = .83). For secondary outcomes, median time to recurrent fever was 7 days in the de-escalation group and 7 days in the conventional group ( P = .73). Incidence of Clostridioides difficile was 5.9% in the de-escalation group and 6.7% in the conventional group ( P = 1.00). Development of multidrug resistant pathogens during hospital admission was 20.6% in the de-escalation group and 14.6% in the conventional group ( P = .59). Median length of broad-spectrum antibiotics was 3 days in the de-escalation group and 8 days in the conventional group ( P < .001). All-cause mortality within 30 days was 0 in the de-escalation group and 5.6% in the conventional group ( P = .32). Conclusion: In a small sample of patients with a hematologic malignancy and FN, de-escalating antibiotics based on positive cultures decreased the duration of antibiotic therapy without increasing the rate of antibiotic failure.